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René Waldeck-RousseauArticle Free Pass
René Waldeck-Rousseau, in full Pierre-marie-rené Waldeck-rousseau (born Dec. 2, 1846, Nantes, France—died Aug. 10, 1904, Corbeil), politician who, as premier of France, settled the Dreyfus Affair. He was also responsible for the legalization of trade unions in France (1884).
A rising conservative lawyer, known for his eloquence and mastery of legal detail, Waldeck-Rousseau was elected a deputy in 1879. In 1881 he became minister of the interior in the Cabinet of Léon Gambetta, one of the founders of the Third Republic, and he filled the same post, under Jules Ferry, from 1883 to 1885. In 1884 he sponsored the Loi Waldeck-Rousseau, which made trade unions legal, though with important restrictions. After another term as deputy (1885–89), he retired to make his fortune at the bar. In 1894, however, he became a senator.
In June 1899, when demonstrations and counterdemonstrations over the Dreyfus Affair threatened public order, Waldeck-Rousseau was asked to form a “government of republican defense.” His Cabinet was based on pro-Dreyfus moderates but included members of both the right and the left, such as Alexandre Millerand, the first Socialist to hold Cabinet office. When a military court persisted in finding Alfred Dreyfus guilty of treason (September 1899), though some of the evidence against him was known to be forged, the government persuaded the president to pardon him in the hope of avoiding further controversy.
The most important measure of the later part of Waldeck-Rousseau’s administration was the Associations Act of July 1901, which abolished all restrictions on the right of association for legal purposes. This freedom was withheld from religious associations, however, because they were directed from abroad. Waldeck-Rousseau personally thought the act too severe to the religious congregations. He resigned because of ill health in June 1902 but emerged from retirement to protest against the interpretation of the law by his successor, the militantly anticlerical Émile Combes, who refused to authorize any religious associations and was responsible for the closing of thousands of Roman Catholic schools.
What made you want to look up "Rene Waldeck-Rousseau"? Please share what surprised you most... | <urn:uuid:67fd9b15-0044-4be2-a567-5fdb3136fe58> | {
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Hittite, 14th-13th century BC
Probably from Anatolia (modern Turkey)
This beautiful figurine of a young Hittite girl is made of ivory. Her hair is drawn back and hangs in a pig-tail down her back. She stands in a formal pose with her hands by her sides. The proportions of the figure, lacking curves, show her youth. The treatment is naturalistic except for the stylized ears and the triangles indicating the knees. The pubic triangle was originally inlaid, and other parts of the ivory may have been covered in precious metal.
The function of the figurine is unknown, but ivory was widely used in the ancient world to decorate furniture The dowel hole in the square base of the figure suggests it was once attached to something.
From around 1650 BC a Hittite king rebuilt Hattusa (modern Bogazköy) and made it his capital. Between about 1400 and 1200 BC the Hittites established one of the great empires of the ancient Near East, extending into western Anatolia and south into Syria. They adopted many of the traditions of Syria and Mesopotamia, including the cuneiform writing system, and vied with the Egyptians for control of the wealthy Canaanite cities on the coast.
D. Collon, Ancient Near Eastern art (London, The British Museum Press, 1995) | <urn:uuid:4a91db8b-9052-4762-a3f1-6ccaf27b61e4> | {
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Get Ready for Fuel Switching
In regions of the country that rely primarily on heating oil or propane for heat, including the Northeast and parts of the Upper Midwest, something pretty surprising has happened over the past six months. The cost of delivered heat from these fuels has risen above that of electricity—even when that electricity is used for electric-resistance heating in baseboard radiators. (For more on comparing fuel costs,.) Electric-resistance heat can sometimes be cheaper than even natural gas, particularly for buildings with old furnaces and leaky, poorly insulated ducts. If a heat pump is used to double or triple the efficiency of electric heating, heating with electricity is almost always cheaper than using natural gas, oil, or propane (though purchasing and installing a heat pump is expensive). Barring a significant price drop for heating oil or propane, and if the price of natural gas keeps rising faster than that of electricity (which is regulated), lots of buildings may be switching from their standard heating fuels to electric heat this coming winter—which could wreak havoc in the utility industry. ... | <urn:uuid:09f62520-5e4c-4ebd-9d83-3ce9fbec9bd5> | {
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Published by Bupa's Health Information Team, October 2011.
This factsheet is for people who are having a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, or who would like information about the procedure.
A bone marrow or stem cell transplant is where stem cells from a person's bone marrow are destroyed and replaced with new ones, either from themselves or from a donor.
You will meet the doctor or nurse carrying out your procedure to discuss your care. It may differ from what is described here as it will be designed to meet your individual needs.
Bone marrow is a spongy substance in the centre of your bones. Your bone marrow contains stem cells, which are a type of cell from which other cells in your body can develop. The stem cells in your bone marrow mature into three types of cells. These are:
The cells are then released into your bloodstream.
Although it's often called a bone marrow transplant, this procedure is really a transplant of your bone marrow stem cells.
If you have a bone marrow transplant, your unhealthy bone marrow will be replaced with healthy stem cells. The healthy stem cells are fed into your blood through a drip and find their way to your bone marrow to make new cells. The stem cells can come from another person (a donor) – this is called an allogeneic transplant. Alternatively the cells can come from your own bone marrow – this is called an autologous treatment. However, this can only happen if the stem cells were removed at a time when they were healthy.
If you have stem cells from another person, they can come from the bone marrow or the blood of the donor. When they come from the blood, this is called peripheral stem cell harvest. If they come from the bone marrow, your donor will usually be a close relative because they are likely to have the best match. After a blood test, your doctor will compare both of your blood cells to see how well they match. This is called tissue typing.
Sometimes, doctors can find a matching donor who isn't related to you through the National Blood Service or a charity, such as the Anthony Nolan Trust.
Stem cells can also come from babies' umbilical cords, although this treatment is only suitable for children and small adults, and is still being tested.
Bone marrow transplantation is used to treat conditions that stop your stem cells working. You may have a bone marrow transplant if:
Doctors usually consider a bone marrow transplant only if other treatments don’t work or aren’t suitable for you.
A bone marrow transplant is a very intensive treatment. Your doctor will take your age and general health into consideration when deciding whether it's right for you. If you’re having a stem cell transplant from a donor, you generally need to be under 55.
Doctors are researching new, alternative treatments to a bone marrow transplant. Mini transplants involve giving a standard dose of chemotherapy because the person isn't fit enough or young enough for a high dose. It's given over five days and then donor stem cells or bone marrow are transplanted. Tandem transplants are when high-dose chemotherapy is given followed by a stem cell transplant, which is then repeated after several weeks or months.
Your doctor and nurse will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after your transplant. This is your opportunity to understand what will happen, and you can help yourself by preparing questions to ask about the risks, benefits and any alternatives to a bone marrow transplant. This will help you to be informed, so you can give your consent for the procedure to go ahead, which you may be asked to do by signing a consent form.
You may need to have chemotherapy, and possibly radiotherapy, before a bone marrow transplant if your cancer or leukaemia isn't in remission. This is because the cancer needs to be at the lowest possible level for a bone marrow transplant to work.
The first step is to collect, or 'harvest', the stem cells. The exact process depends on whether the stem cells are coming from a donor or from you.
Peripheral blood stem cell harvest
You or your donor will be given injections of growth factors for around four days. These help the bone marrow to make lots of stem cells for harvesting. Growth factors can also help your stem cells to make blood cells more quickly to help you recover from the transplant.
Harvesting the stem cells from blood takes three to four hours. You or your donor will lie down on a bed and have a drip connected to each arm, or sometimes an arm and a leg. Blood is taken from one arm and goes through a machine called a cell separator. This separates out the stem cells from the other blood cells. It will keep the stem cells and return any other blood cells to the bloodstream through the drip in the other arm or leg. Sometimes the stem cells are cleaned or 'purged' to kill off any last cancer cells, although this is a new treatment and is still being tested.
The stem cells are then frozen until you have had your high dose of chemotherapy.
Harvesting stem cells directly from the bone marrow
Stem cells can also be harvested by taking them out of the bone marrow through a needle inserted into your own or your donor's pelvic bones, or sometimes breast bone. You will have usually have a general anaesthetic or an epidural before this procedure, and will feel sore for a few days afterwards. If you have a general anaesthetic, it means you will be asleep during the procedure.
You will then have a high dose of chemotherapy to completely destroy your own bone marrow and any remaining cancer cells in your body. This treatment may take several days and can make you feel sick or vomit, and generally unwell. Your doctor or nurse will give you medicines to help relieve this.
A day or more after chemotherapy, your own or your donor's stem cells are fed through a drip into your bloodstream. It will take between two and four weeks before there are enough new stem cells in your bone marrow to start making new blood cells.
While your levels of blood cells are low, you will need blood and platelet transfusions. You will also need to take antibiotics to protect you from infection because of a lack of white blood cells. You may need to stay in hospital until your blood cells have gone back up to a safe level.
Autologous treatment usually causes fewer side-effects than a donor (allogeneic) transplant, because your body is less likely to reject stem cells that have come from your own body.
Donor stem cell transplants are physically and emotionally demanding. You may need to stay in hospital for four to six weeks and you will probably feel very ill for some of the time. You will have your own room to help protect you from infections.
Once the levels of your blood cells have returned to a safe level, you will be able to leave the hospital. You will have regular outpatient appointments afterwards. Your doctor will tell you symptoms to look out for, such as fever, which may be a sign of a complication.
As with every procedure, there are some risks associated with bone marrow transplantation. We have not included the chance of these happening as they are specific to you and differ for every person. Ask your doctor or nurse to explain how these risks apply to you.
Side-effects are the unwanted, but mostly temporary, effects you might get after having the procedure. Straight after a bone marrow transplant, the levels of blood cells in your body will be very low. Side-effects of this include:
Complications are when problems occur during or after the procedure.
One possible complication of receiving bone marrow cells from a donor is graft versus host disease. This happens when the white blood cells of the donor attack the tissues of your body. You will be given medicines to prevent this so usually the symptoms are mild, although in some people they may be more serious.
The new stem cells that have been fed into your blood may not produce enough blood cells. If this happens, you will need another stem cell transplant.
For answers to frequently asked questions on this topic, see FAQs.
For sources and links to further information, see Resources.
The bone marrow is a spongy substance in the centre of your bones. Your bone marrow contains stem cells, which are the most basic kind of blood cell. These stem cells in your bone marrow mature into three types of cells. These are:
The cells are then released into your bloodstream.
Bupa can offer NHS and private patients professional cancer care and support at home including IV and oral chemotherapy via our Chemotherapy at Home Service.
Already a member? Find a Bupa approved cancer unit near you including breast, bowel and gynaecological specialist units.
This information was published by Bupa's Health Information Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition. The content is intended only for general information and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. For more details on how we produce our content and its sources, visit the About our Health Information page.
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America's workplaces are safer now compared to previous years, but some jobs are still more dangerous than others.
According to the most recent results published by the National Census of Fatal Occupation Injuries program conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupations that recorded the highest work-related deaths were fishermen, loggers and pilots.
In 2011, workers in the fishing industry recorded fatal work injuries of 121.2 per 100,000 full-time workers, loggers recorded 102.4 and pilots had 57 fatal work injuries per 100,000 full-time workers.
The national average is listed as 3.5 fatal work injuries per 100,000 full-time workers, a decrease from the previous year's recorded 3.6.
The chart below shows America's deadliest jobs: | <urn:uuid:1339c37b-7104-4cf7-aca4-11a3a656a90a> | {
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by Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
Paper wasps, hornets and yellowjackets are a potential health threat to Kentuckians. Hundreds (perhaps thousands) of people in the United States die each year from allergic reactions to the venom of these insects. Wasps, hornets and yellowjackets are more dangerous and unpredictable than honey bees and should be treated with respect; nests should be eliminated with great care and in a specific manner.
Paper wasps, hornets and yellowjackets construct nests of a paper-like material which is a mixture of finely chewed wood fragments and salivary secretions of the wasps. Paper wasps typically build their umbrella-shaped nests under eaves and ledges. These wasps are not as aggressive as yellowjackets or hornets, and can be eliminated rather easily with a wasp and hornet spray sold at most grocery and hardware stores. These formulations have an added advantage in that they often spray as far as 20 feet.
Treatment of wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets is best performed at night; paper wasps can be eliminated during the daytime provided you do not stand directly below the nest during treatment. Most wasp and hornet sprays cause insects to drop instantly when contacted by the insecticide. Standing directly below a nest increases one's risk of being stung.
Following treatment, wait a day to ensure that the colony is destroyed, then scrape or knock down the nest. This will prevent secondary problems from carpet beetles, ants and other scavenging insects.
Hornets are far more difficult and dangerous to control than paper wasps. The nests resemble a large, inverted tear-drop shaped ball which typically is attached to a tree, bush or side of a building. Hornet nests may contain thousands of wasps which are extremely aggressive when disturbed. The nests are often located out of reach and removal is best accomplished by a professional pest control firm.
A full wasp suit sealed at the wrists, ankles and collar is recommended when disposing of a hornet nest. Treatment can be accomplished by applying a wasp freeze-type, aerosol insecticide or dust formulation (Sevin, or Ficam,) directly into the nest opening. Hornet nests have a single opening, usually toward the bottom, where the wasps enter and exit. It is essential that the paper envelope of the nest not be broken open during treatment or the irritated wasps will scatter in all directions, causing even greater problems.
Following treatment, wait at least a day before removing the nest to ensure that all of the wasps are killed. If hornets continue to be observed, the application may need to be repeated. Experienced pest control operators will sometimes remove a hornet nest which is attached to a branch by slipping a plastic garbage bag over the intact nest and clipping it at the point of attachment. This technique should not be attempted by anyone else and should only be done at night with a wasp suit.
Yellowjackets are another dangerous wasp encountered around homes and buildings. Nests are often located underground in an old rodent burrow, beneath a landscape timber, or in a rock wall or wall of a building.If the nest can be located, it can usually be eliminated by carefully applying a wasp spray insecticide into the nest opening.
Sevin (tm), or Ficam (tm), dust is also very effective provided a handduster or similar type applicator is used to dispense several puffs of the insecticide dust in to the nest opening (an empty, dry liquid detergent bottle, filled no more than halfway with dust and shaken before dispensing works well).
Treatment should be performed late at night after all yellowjackets are in the nest and less active. It's best to pinpoint the nest opening during the daytime so you will remember where to direct your treatment after dark. Approach the nest slowly and do not shine the beam of the flashlight directly into the nest entrance as this may startle the wasps; instead, cast the beam to the side to illuminate the nest indirectly and place the light on the ground rather than in your hand. Similar to hornets, yellowjackets are extremely aggressive when the nest is disturbed. It may be prudent to call a professional pest control company, particularly when access to the nest is difficult.
An Alternative Solution
If the nest is located away from high traffic areas, another option is to wait and do nothing. In Kentucky, wasp, hornet and yellowjacket colonies die off naturally after the weather turns cold, and the paper carton disintegrates over the winter months.
People Who Are Allergic to the Venom
Wasp, hornet and yellowjacket stings can be life-threatening to persons who are allergic to the venom. People who develop hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing or similar symptoms of allergic reaction should seek medical attention immediately. Itching, pain and localized swelling can be somewhat reduced with antihistamines and a cold compress.
CAUTION! Pesticide recommendations in this publication are registered for use in Kentucky, USA ONLY! The use of some products may not be legal in your state or country. Please check with your local county agent or regulatory official before using any pesticide mentioned in this publication.
Of course, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR SAFE USE OF ANY PESTICIDE! | <urn:uuid:2901cc8f-179a-4f0c-8a67-ff4adb28b0db> | {
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Canada and Belgium are two officially multilingual countries with federal political systems. For a great many years, our countries have maintained excellent bilateral relations based on bonds of friendship and trust, as well as the shared values of liberty, democracy, solidarity and tolerance. These bonds were strengthened by Canada’s contribution to the liberation of Belgium in the First and Second World Wars and the major convergences between the foreign policies of our two countries, based on a strong commitment to multilateralism on the basis of international law, the promotion of good governance and the maintenance of strong transatlantic ties.
Canada and Belgium have both deployed troops to Afghanistan in order to support that country's security, governance and development. Both countries are also actively seeking solutions to crises and conflicts, notably in Africa, and the fight against arms build-up and the recruitment of child soldiers. We also collaborate on issues of natural resource development in situations of conflict.
Canada and Belgium cooperate, in particular, in the context of the United Nations (UN), the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Belgium's role in the European Union is another important aspect of our bilateral political dialogue.
In recognition of the importance of strengthening the ties between our two countries and of establishing a "privileged dialogue", the Canadian and Belgian departments of foreign affairs signed a joint declaration on December 16, 1999, concerning the strengthening of bilateral relations.
Belgium and Canada also signed bilateral agreements in the areas of taxation, social security, judicial cooperation on crime, air transportation, reciprocal recognition of drivers’ licences, as well as in scientific, industrial and technological cooperation.
In 2005, Belgium and Canada signed an agreement on youth mobility. The agreement, which came into force January 1, 2007, allows young Belgians to travel to Canada and young Canadians to Belgium, for no more than a year, in order to visit the country and discover its culture while having the opportunity to work there.
The Government of Canada maintains three diplomatic missions in Belgium: the Embassy of Canada to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, the Mission of Canada to the European Union, and the Canadian Joint Delegation to NATO. Canada also has an honorary consul for Flanders. Moreover, the Province of Quebec is represented by the Délégation générale du Québec in Brussels.
In Canada, Belgium is represented by its Embassy in Ottawa and its consulates in Montreal and Toronto; it also has a network of honorary consuls in Halifax, Edmonton, Quebec City, Vancouver and Winnipeg. The three Belgian regions (Walloon Region, Brussels-Capital Region and Flemish Region) have separate economic and trade offices in Montreal and a shared office in Toronto. The Walloon Region and the French community of Belgium also have a delegation in Quebec City.
Canadian exports to Belgium were close to CAD 2.4 billion in 2011. It is important to note that the port of Antwerp is a major point of entry for Canadian goods in Europe. Belgium also serves as a point of entry to Europe as 70% of Belgium’s trade is conducted with its European Union (EU) partners.
In 2011, Canada's imports from Belgium were valued at nearly CAD 1.7 billion.
Bilateral investment is very important for both countries. Canadian investments in Belgium totalled nearly CAD 2.75 billion in 2011, ranking 26th among Canadian direct investment destinations globally. The stock of Belgian direct investment in Canada was worth CAD 4 billion in 2011, making Belgium the 14th largest foreign direct investor in Canada on a global basis. There are over 70 Belgian subsidiaries in Canada and about the same number of Canadian subsidiaries in Belgium.
Canadian and Belgian institutions and companies enjoy collaborative relations in science and technology, mostly based on similar approaches to development and synergies in a range of sectors, including life sciences, microelectronics, environmental and imaging technologies. Numerous cooperative agreements have been signed in this area between the three Belgian regions and the provinces of Quebec, Ontario and Alberta.
For more information on Canada-Belgium trade and investment, please see the following pages. Canadian companies interested in doing business in Belgium should consult the section entitled "Services for Canadian companies.” Belgian companies interested in Canadian business opportunities are invited to consult the section entitled “Services for non-Canadian companies” (information available in French and Dutch).
Cultural relations between Canada and Belgium have grown and diversified over the past 30 years. Belgian programmers frequently host Canadian artists, both Anglophone and Francophone, in the areas of theatre, music, cinema and literature, the visual arts, and dance. Every year, there are several dozen cultural events, featuring individual artists or groups of artists, particularly in contemporary arts, new technologies and new media.
Conversely, many Belgian artists perform in Canada, whether in the plastic arts, music, children’s theatre, and especially dance, as part of festivals or in art centres in major cities (Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver).
Belgian and Canadian universities have been developing cooperative and exchange agreements and relations for many years. About 20 Canadian universities work with Belgian universities in areas as varied as pure sciences, the humanities and social sciences, health, etc.
The North American Studies Centre (CENA) at the Université Libre de Bruxelles is a reference not only in Canadian studies, but also for Belgium’s knowledge of Canada. In Flanders, Studiegenootschap Canada (the Flemish association for Canadian studies) supports teaching and research on Canada by organizing and participating in colloquiums, seminars, courses and publications. The Université de Liège has a Centre for Quebec Studies.
Belgian research centres also cooperate in bilateral or multilateral programs through framework agreements with the European Union. Occasionally, there are even direct collaborations between Belgian centres and Canadian businesses (ex. the Metallurgy Research Centre at the Université de Liège or IMEC, a microelectronics centre affiliated with the University of Leuven (KUL).
* Note: To view the PDF version of a document you may require Acrobat Reader available free of charge from Adobe or other software capable of viewing PDF files. An accessible version of Acrobat Reader, which includes support for screen readers, is also available. Alternatively, you can convert a PDF file to HTML or ASCII text by using one of Adobe’s conversion services. | <urn:uuid:586227b3-3cdb-4d9a-8692-27f6c17bf7ea> | {
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upper house of Tennessee's General Assembly is called the Senate. The state is
divided into 33 senatorial districts, from each of which one senator is elected.
Senators are elected to four-year terms with those from even-numbered districts
being elected in the same general election, and those representing odd-numbered
districts being elected two years later. Thus, about half of the 33 senators are
standing for election at the same time. Re-election to the Senate is constitutionally
permissible, as it is in the House, and there is no limit on the number of terms
a legislator may serve.
To qualify for election to the Senate, one must be 30 years old, a U.S. citizen, a state resident for three years and a resident of the district in which he is elected for one year immediately preceding his election.
The leader of the Senate, or speaker, is also the state's lieutenant governor. The speaker of the Senate is elected by the Senate at each organizational session of the General Assembly. The lieutenant governor stands in immediate succession to the governorship if such is necessary.
Other leaders in the Senate include the speaker pro tem, deputy speaker and the majority and minority leaders, who are the primary spokesmen for their respective parties concerning Senate matters. Two other key Senate officers are the Democratic and Republican caucus chairmen, who preside over meetings of their political parties to consider and formulate party policy.
The Senate has certain powers and obligations that are different from those of the House of Representatives. The Senate is given the power to try impeachment proceedings initiated by the House. Any officer of the state may be impeached, but two-thirds of the Senate must concur before removal from office occurs.
Political makeup of the Senate of the 108th General Assembly is 26 Republicans and 7 Democrats.
The 108th General Assembly will convene on January 8, 2013. | <urn:uuid:b0878b9e-86bc-404c-829c-7adb810ea43e> | {
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The Village of Waterloo, on the Elkhorn and Platte Rivers, was founded by two men: John Logan, who came in 1863 right after his discharge from the Second Nebraska Volunteer Cavalry, and Elias Kelsey, who arrived in 1867. Logan established a post office in 1864, and a school in 1865. Designated a station on the Union Pacific Railroad in 1870, the town's future was assured. Named "Waterloo" [presumably for a battlefield in Belgium], an attempt to incorporate in 1871 failed, as did a second attempt. The third petition in 1883 was successful, by which time an addition had already been made.
History notes "a spectacular train wreck" near Waterloo in 1873, when a $30,000 cargo of fish bound for California fell into the Elkhorn River just east of the town.
For many years Waterloo was the world's largest producer of vine and seed corn. Coy & Sons, started in 1879, became Cornhusker Seed in the 1950s. Other companies were: Emerson Seed, Omaha Elevator, Hively Seed, Hopper Grain, Waldron Seed, Western Seed & Irrigation, Waterloo Elevator and Stimmel Seed. The J.C.Robinson Seed Company was established in 1888 and is still owned and managed by the family. It became the biggest, most prominent, and is the only one at this location today. The largest single vine seed sale occurred in the 1920s when eight railcar-loads of cucumber seeds were shipped.
Some well-known citizens include:
-- William Denton, territorial representative in 1866-67, who later opened one of the first stores in town.
-- Isaac Noyes, state senator from 1892-1900.
-- James Riggs, state senator in 1903.
-- Mabel Wilson (known throughout the state for her knowledge of Nebraska Indians and wild flowers) and her husband, Otto, who were awarded second place in the National Yard and Garden Contest in 1931.
-- Aunt Eckie Teal, a great Christian woman who had no children of her own, raised 15 orphans.
-- An inventor, P.H.Dubois, who patented a horse collar fastener in 1899.
-- John Douglas Pederson, with patents in 1905-06 dealt mostly with slide or pump action and repeating shotguns manufactured by Remington Armory.
-- Hiland Noyes and Richard Fies who invented a bank coin counter.
-- Eugene Jacobson who designed and patented the marsh buggy and muskeg tractor. He also spearheaded research and development of the technology for measuring gasoline and other liquid hydrocarbons for Gulf Oil.
-- Dan Shepherd who invented and patented a telescopic gun sight in 1981, sold as the Shepherd Scope.
Several shootings in the 1880s, and a promotional fight between a bulldog and bobcat in 1889, brought notoriety to the town. As a recreation area, Waterloo had a small excursion boat called "The Swastika," owned by H.A.Simmons. A humorous note in our history is a 1910 ordinance prohibiting barbers from eating onions.
In 1903 the Waterloo Women's Club started our library. Carrie Nation, the Kansas saloon smasher, visited Waterloo in 1908. In 1920 it was reported that 26 women voted.
Governor Franklin D.Roosevelt visited the Sumnick family farm south of Waterloo in 1932. They visited him in Washington when he became president.
A viaduct built over the Union Pacific mainline near Waterloo in 1936 was often called "Cochran Alps," because of the efforts by Governor Robert L.Cochran to have it constructed. It was replaced by a new one in 1986.
Because of its location on two very unpredictable rivers, Waterloo has been ravaged by many floods. A bond issue in 1965 resulted in a levee to help protect the town. Waterloo has a fine fire and rescue department. Chief John Love, after 36 years of service, retired in 1987.
The current population of Waterloo is about 450. While we have lost some businesses, we boast of having more celebrities visit our town than any other community this size in Nebraska. We are justly proud of our fine eating establishments. Stop by and check them out.
By Ralph C.Wilson, 501 Jefferson Street, Waterloo, NE 68069. | <urn:uuid:47934959-3962-4f3d-80be-8ad4089c2dde> | {
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Chapter VI-C. Sacred Vessels
289. Among the requisites for the celebration of Mass, the sacred vessels hold a place of honor, especially the chalice and paten, which are used in presenting, consecrating, and receiving the bread and wine.
290. Vessels should be made from materials that are solid and that in the particular region are regarded as noble. The conference of bishops will be the judge in this matter. But preference is to be given to materials that do not break easily or become unusable.
291. Chalices and other vessels that serve as receptacles for the blood of the Lord are to have a cup of nonabsorbent material. The base may be of any other solid and worthy material.
292. Vessels that serve as receptacles for the eucharistic bread, such as paten, ciborium, pyx, monstrance, etc., may be made of other materials that are prized in the region, for example, ebony or other hard woods, as long as they are suited to sacred use.
293. For the consecration of hosts one rather large paten may properly be used; on it is placed the bread for the priest as well as for the ministers and the faithful.
294. Vessels made from metal should ordinarily be gilded on the inside if the metal is one that rusts; gilding is not necessary if the metal is more precious than gold and does not rust.
295. The artist may fashion the sacred vessels in a shape that is in keeping with the culture of each region, provided each type of vessel is suited to the intended liturgical use.
296. For the blessing or consecration of vessels the rites prescribed in the liturgical books are to be followed. | <urn:uuid:cec7182e-9766-4a03-bf18-e252dce703c5> | {
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More than 1 billion people—one-sixth of the world's population—suffer from one or more Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
NTDs are a group of infectious diseases that are the source of tremendous suffering because of their disfiguring, debilitating, and sometimes deadly impact. They are called neglected because they have been largely wiped out in the more developed parts of the world and persist only in the poorest, most marginalized communities and conflict areas.
Social stigma is a major consequence of NTDs. In addition to causing physical and emotional suffering, these devastating diseases hamper a person's ability to work, keep children out of school, and prevent families and communities from thriving.
Image: Nigerian children at-risk of infection with NTDs. Credit: CDC photo, Sonia Pelletreau. | <urn:uuid:c3d2bf12-86be-4de4-934d-73cf2bfdeed2> | {
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What Can I do to Help Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury?
There are many ways to reduce the chances of sustaining a traumatic brain injury, including:
- Buckling your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt (according to the child's height, weight, and age).
- Rear-facing child safety seat. For the best possible protection, infants and children should be kept in a rear-facing child safety seat, in the back seat buckled with the seat’s harness, until they reach the upper weight or height limits of their particular seat. The weight and height limits on rear-facing child safety seats can accommodate most children through age 2, check the seat’s owner’s manual for details.
- Forward-facing child safety seat. When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (the weight and height limits on rear-facing car seats can accommodate most children through age 2) they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat buckled with the seat’s harness, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of their particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds, many newer seats have higher weight limits-check the seat’s owner’s manual for details).
- Booster seat. Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats (by reaching the upper height and weight limits of their seat), they should ride in belt positioning booster seats. Remember to keep children in the back seat for the best possible protection.
- Seat belts. Children should use booster seats until adult seat belts fit them properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (not the neck). When adult seat belts fit children properly they can use the adult seat belts without booster seats. For the best possible protection keep children in the back seat and use lap-and-shoulder belts.
- All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat. Airbags can kill young children riding in the front seat. Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat or in front of an air bag.
Know the Stages
- Wearing a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
- Never driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Wearing a helmet and making sure your children wear helmets when:
- Riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, or all-terrain vehicle;
- Playing a contact sport, such as football, ice hockey, or boxing;
- Using in-line skates or riding a skateboard;
- Batting and running bases in baseball or softball;
- Riding a horse; or
- Skiing or snowboarding.
- Making living areas safer for seniors, by:
- Removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs and clutter in walkways;
- Using nonslip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors; Installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower;
- Installing handrails on both sides of stairways;
- Improving lighting throughout the home; and
- Maintaining a regular physical activity program, if your doctor agrees, to improve lower body strength and balance.1,2,3
- Making living areas safer for children, by:
- Installing window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows; and
- Using safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around.
- Making sure the surface on your child's playground is made of shock-absorbing material, such as hardwood mulch or sand.4
- Judge JO, Lindsey C, Underwood M, Winsemius D. Balance improvements in older women: effects of exercise training. Physical Therapy 1993;73(4):254–265.
- Lord SR, Caplan GA, Ward JA. Balance, reaction time, and muscle strength in exercising older women: a pilot study. Archives of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation 1993;74(8):837–839.
- Campbell AJ, Robertson MC, Gardner MM, Norton RN, Buchner DM. Falls prevention over 2 years: a randomized controlled trial in women 80 years and older. Age and Aging 1999;28:513–518.
- Mack MG, Sacks JJ, Thompson D. Testing the impact attenuation of loose fill playground surfaces. Injury Prevention 2000;6:141–144. | <urn:uuid:258dab4c-7749-4e3f-943e-cee27d1e429f> | {
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evidence suggests that life originated in extreme environments,
for example, at high temperatures. The National Science
Foundation (NSF) has initiated a program called Life in
the Extreme Environment (LExEn) that is dedicated to finding
new and exciting organisms that live in harsh environments.
The Extreme 2000 research expedition, at hydrothermal vent
sites in the Sea of Cortés, is led by marine scientists
George Luther and Craig Cary from the University of Delaware
and Anna-Louise Reysenbach from Portland State University.
Their chief objective is to make real-time chemical measurements
at the vents using microsensors developed by Dr. Luthers
group, which will guide the microbiologists and molecular
biologists in Dr. Carys and Dr. Reysenbachs
groups in finding organisms that are descendants of early
Chemical Detective Work at the Bottom
of the Sea
hydrothermal vents home to the closest relatives of the
oldest life on Earth? Using special tools housed in a wand
on the sub Alvin, researchers will be testing the
chemistry of vent water in search of microscopic organisms.
The wand houses a thermometer, an apparatus called the
Sipper to collect small water samples, and a super-sensitive
The analyzer is like a sophisticated underwater snooper.
It can be used near the vents and, from its chemical readings,
tell scientists what kind of microbes might live there.
While our food chain is based on energy from the sun, the
suns rays never reach the deep sea. There, organisms
must rely on a different energy source: the chemicals that
rocket out of the vents.
During a previous expedition, the Extreme 2000 scientific
team found that the presence of two compounds hydrogen
sulfide (H2S) and iron monosulfide (FeS) may be an
important indicator of the oldest microscopic vent life.
These compounds react to form the mineral pyrite (fools
gold) and hydrogen gas. The hydrogen provides the
energy that these microbes need to grow.
With the analyzers help, marine scientists may be
able to track down the nearest descendants of the first
life on Earth, and perhaps on other planets.
Europa, one of the moons of Jupiter, is covered in ice.
However, recent findings suggest that portions of the ice
move, which is strong evidence that liquid water lies beneath
the ice. The water may be maintained in its liquid state
by hydrothermal vents. If hydrothermal vents exist on Europa,
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In March 2011, the U.S. computer security company RSA announced that hackers had gained access to security tokens it produces that let millions of government and private-sector employees, including those of defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, connect remotely to their office computers.
Most critical information systems in the United States are operated by the private sector and remain vulnerable to cyber attacks. Newly proposed legislation would require businesses to meet minimum standards of protection, but has raised concerns about regulatory overreach.
Grounded in a realistic assessment of technology, Matthew C. Waxman and Kenneth Anderson outline a practical alternative with which to evaluate the use of autonomous weaponry that incorporates codes of conduct based on traditional legal and ethical principles governing weapons and warfare.
Adam Segal says the recent Chinese cyberattacks on Bloomberg and the New York Timeshighlights both the willingness of Beijing to shape the narrative about China, as well as the vulnerability the top leadership feels about how they are portrayed.
Cyber weapons are different from conventional weapons in that their effects do not directly manifest themselves in the "real world." There are three broad categories of potential effects of cyberattacks: personal, economic, and physical.
Adam Segal, CFR's Maurice R. Greenberg senior fellow for China studies, leads a conversation on U.S.-China relations through the lens of cybersecurity issues, as part of CFR's Academic Conference Call series.
Linda Robinson discusses her recently released Council Special Report, The Future of U.S. Special Operations Forces, which calls for conceptual, institutional, and operational changes to reorient U.S. special operations forces to ensure that they are employed to best effect.
Foreign governments, non-state actors, and criminal networks are targeting the digital networks of the United States with increasing frequency and sophistication. U.S. cybersecurity has made progress, but relies heavily on the private sector to secure infrastructure critical to national security.
Cybersecurity expert Knake recommends the United States use international forums to promote mechanisms that address security concerns in cyberspace while ensuring the Internet remains open for the free exchange of ideas across national boundaries.
The Council on Foreign Relations' David Rockefeller Studies Program—CFR's "think tank"—is home to more than seventy full-time, adjunct, and visiting scholars and practitioners (called "fellows"). Their expertise covers the world's major regions as well as the critical issues shaping today's global agenda. Download the printable CFR Experts Guide. | <urn:uuid:6108796c-68a6-4245-8eb0-08f7ebf1cb28> | {
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An ambulatory electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) records the electrical activity of your heart while you do your usual activities. (Ambulatory means that you are able to walk.) Ambulatory monitors are referred to by several names, including ambulatory electrocardiogram, ambulatory EKG, Holter monitoring, 24-hour EKG, or cardiac event monitoring.
Many heart problems become noticeable only during activity, such as exercise, eating, sex, stress, bowel movements, or even sleeping. A continuous 24-hour recording is more likely to detect any abnormal heartbeats that occur during these activities.
Many people have irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) from time to time. The importance of irregular heartbeats depends on the type of pattern they produce, how often they occur, how long they last, and whether they occur at the same time you have symptoms. Because arrhythmias can occur off and on, it may be hard to record an arrhythmia while you are in the doctor's office.
There are several different types of ambulatory monitors. Your doctor will choose the type that is most appropriate for you and is most likely to help diagnose your heart problem.
Why It Is Done
Ambulatory EKG monitoring is done to:
- Look for and record irregular heartbeats that occur intermittently or during certain activities.
- Find out what is causing chest pain, dizziness, or fainting. These are symptoms of possible heart problems.
- Look for poor blood flow to your heart muscle (ischemia).
- Check to see if treatment for an irregular heartbeat is working.
How To Prepare
Many medicines may change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines you take.
Since an EKG is often used to monitor a preexisting heart condition, such as an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), make sure that your doctor has copies of any previous EKG results.
Take a shower or bath before the discs are put on. You will not be able to get the discs wet during the test. Wear a loose blouse or shirt. Do not wear jewelry or clothes with metal buttons or buckles, because these can interfere with the recording. Women should not wear an underwire bra for the same reason.
If your doctor asks you to keep a symptom and activity diary, be sure you have a method. In this diary, you will record activities and symptoms and the times they occurred. The accuracy and usefulness of your test depend on how carefully you keep this record.
If you are getting a monitor implanted under your skin, you will receive instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form(What is a PDF document?).
How It Is Done
Continuous recorders are the most common type of ambulatory electrocardiogram monitor. This type includes the Holter monitor.
A continuous recorder provides a 24- to 72-hour record of the electrical signals from your heart. A standard EKG monitors only 40 to 50 heartbeats during the brief period you are attached to the machine. A continuous recorder monitors about 100,000 heartbeats in 24 hours and is likely to find any heart problems that happen with activity.
For this test, you wear a lightweight, battery-operated tape recorder (monitor) on a strap over your shoulder or around your waist. The recorder is connected by wires to small metal discs (electrodes) taped to your chest. The electrodes detect the electrical signals from your heart. A clock is connected to the recorder so you can note what time it is when you have any symptoms.
See a picture of a Holter monitor.
You will be fitted with the recorder and electrodes by a technician in a doctor's office or hospital room.
- Several areas on your chest may be shaved and cleaned, and then a small amount of electrode paste or gel will be applied to those areas.
- The electrode pads will then be attached to the skin of your chest, with thin wires connecting the electrodes to the monitor.
- You may be hooked up briefly to a standard EKG machine to ensure that the electrodes are working properly.
While wearing the continuous recorder, you will also be asked to keep a diary of all your activities and symptoms, including the type of activity you were doing and the time your symptoms started. In the diary, write down the exact times when you exercise, climb stairs, eat, urinate, have a bowel movement, have sex, sleep, get emotionally upset, take medicine, or perform other activities. If you have any symptoms of heart problems, such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or palpitations, push the event-marker button on the recorder to mark it and write down the exact time and how long the symptom lasts. For example, you might write: "12:30 p.m. Ate lunch. 1:00 p.m. Argument with boss, had chest tightness for several minutes."
When you sleep, try to stay on your back with the recorder carefully positioned at your side so that the electrodes are not pulled off. If one of the electrodes or lead wires comes loose, a light on the monitor will flash. Press on the center of each electrode to see if you can restore the contact. Call your doctor if one of the electrodes comes off and you can't get it to stay on.
While you are wearing a monitor, try to stay away from magnets, metal detectors, high-voltage areas, garage door openers, microwave ovens, and electric blankets. Do not use an electric toothbrush or shaver. Signals from these types of electronic equipment can sometimes interfere with the recording.
At the end of the recording period (usually 24 to 72 hours), you will return to the doctor's office or hospital to have the electrodes removed, or you may be able to remove the electrodes yourself. You will return the Holter monitor to your doctor's office or hospital. The recorded tape will be read by computer to provide information about your heart rate, the frequency of your heartbeats, and any irregularities.
Your doctor will also look at your records of activities and symptoms and times they occurred. Your doctor will compare the timing of your activities and symptoms with the recorded heart pattern.
Implantable continuous recorders
Another type of continuous recorder can be implanted under the skin of the chest. This recorder can be kept in your chest for more than a year to record the electrical signals from your heart.
Another kind of ambulatory EKG monitoring is the intermittent recorder, which is used when symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm do not occur very often. An intermittent recorder can be used for a longer time than a continuous recorder. The information collected by an intermittent recorder can often be sent over the phone to a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital.
You may be instructed to call your doctor, clinic, or hospital while you are having symptoms or soon after you record your heart rhythm so that the information on the monitor can be analyzed right away.
The procedure for intermittent recording depends on the type of monitor used.
Loop recorder. A loop recorder constantly
records your heartbeats. This recorder lets you indicate when you have symptoms. Loop recorders also save a small amount of
information about how your heart was beating when you pressed the recording
button (presymptom recording). This feature is especially useful for people who
lose consciousness when their heart problems occur and can press the button
only after they wake up.
- Electrodes will be attached to your chest in the same way as a continuous recorder. When you have symptoms, you press a button on the monitor to record your heart rhythm. If you pass out, you should start the recorder as soon as you wake up. Also, be sure a friend or family member knows how to start the recorder if you pass out.
- An implantable form of the loop recorder can be worn for several weeks and may be a good choice for people who have symptoms that occur rarely, such as once every 6 months. It is surgically placed under the skin of the chest. The recorder might automatically start recording when it detects an arrhythmia. Or, you might use a handheld device to start the monitor when symptoms occur.
Event monitor. This small device records your heartbeats only
when symptoms of the heart problem occur. You are not attached to the machine.
There are two types of event monitors.
- One type is worn on the wrist like a watch. When symptoms occur, you press a button to start the EKG recording.
- The other type is a device that you carry where you can reach it easily, such as in your purse or pocket. When symptoms occur, you press the back of the device against your chest and then press a button to start the recording. The back of the device has small metal discs that work like electrodes. These handheld monitors can be very small (some are about the size and shape of a credit card). The event monitor records heart signals only when you are holding it against your chest.
How It Feels
If you have electrodes placed on your skin, the electrode sites may itch slightly during the ambulatory EKG recording, and the skin on your chest may look or feel irritated when the electrodes are removed. The recording unit is very lightweight, so carrying it usually is not uncomfortable.
There is no risk from ambulatory EKG monitoring. The electrodes placed on your skin detect only the electrical signals from your heart. No electricity is sent through your body, and there is no possibility of receiving an electric shock.
An ambulatory electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that records the electrical signals that control your heartbeat while you do your everyday activities.
No abnormal heart rhythms are found in the EKG information collected by the recorder. Your heart rate may go up when you are active and go down when you are sleeping.
Many kinds of irregular heartbeats can be detected by ambulatory monitoring.
The results of ambulatory heart monitoring are compared with your medical history, symptoms, and other test results. You may need to have the test repeated if the results aren't clear.
What Affects the Test
You may not be able to have the test or the results may not be helpful if:
- You do not keep a detailed diary of your daily activities and symptoms. The intermittent recorder will give accurate results only if you remember to start the recorder when symptoms of possible heart problems occur.
- The electrodes are not in the right spot.
Ambulatory heart monitoring is most effective when you are able and willing to carefully follow instructions throughout the monitoring period.
If you tend to pass out from a heart problem, your doctor will choose a monitor that will record these episodes. The continuous recorder and the loop recorder work best for people who pass out when they have symptoms of a heart problem. The loop recorder is not useful if you lose consciousness for more than a few minutes or if you are so confused when you wake up that you are unable to start the recorder.
What To Think About
- Many people have irregular heartbeats from time to time. What this means depends on the type of pattern these heartbeats produce, how often they occur, how long they last, and whether they occur at the same time you have symptoms. Irregular heartbeats that occur at the same time you have other symptoms, such as dizziness or chest pain, may mean that the irregular heartbeats are causing your symptoms.
- Because a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) is safe, inexpensive, and provides valuable information, your doctor will try it first before using an ambulatory monitor to test your heart function. A continuous recorder generally has 5 leads and provides less complete information than a 12-lead EKG. But a continuous recorder is more effective than a standard EKG for evaluating heart symptoms that occur intermittently. For more information, see the topic Electrocardiogram.
Other Places To Get Help
|American Heart Association (AHA)|
|7272 Greenville Avenue|
|Dallas, TX 75231|
Visit the American Heart Association (AHA) website for information on physical activity, diet, and various heart-related conditions. You can search for information on heart disease and stroke, share information with friends and family, and use tools to help you make heart-healthy goals and plans. Contact the AHA to find your nearest local or state AHA group. The AHA provides brochures and information about support groups and community programs, including Mended Hearts, a nationwide organization whose members visit people with heart problems and provide information and support.
|Heart Rhythm Society|
|1400 K Street NW|
|Washington, DC 20005|
The Heart Rhythm Society provides information for patients and the public about heart rhythm problems. The website includes a section that focuses on patient information. This information includes causes, prevention, tests, treatment, and patient stories about heart rhythm problems. You can use the Find a Specialist section of the website to search for a heart rhythm specialist practicing in your area.
|National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)|
|P.O. Box 30105|
|Bethesda, MD 20824-0105|
The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) information center offers information and publications about preventing and treating:
- Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Other Works Consulted
- Chernecky CC, Berger BJ (2008). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 5th ed. St. Louis: Saunders.
- Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
- Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.
|Primary Medical Reviewer||Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology|
|Specialist Medical Reviewer||George Philippides, MD - Cardiology|
|Last Revised||December 9, 2011|
Last Revised: December 9, 2011
Author: Healthwise Staff
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. | <urn:uuid:5e26f290-d228-47d0-aa27-1d4b7ba58516> | {
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|Tests and Services
Inhalation Therapy Instruction
What is a peak flow meter?
A peak flow meter (PFM) is a device used to measure how well your child's asthma is under control. The device measures air flowing out of the lungs, called peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), as a child with asthma forcefully blows into the device. A peak flow meter, when used properly, can reveal narrowing of the airways well in advance of an asthma attack. Used mainly by children with moderate to severe and persistent asthma, peak flow meters can help determine:
Why should a peak flow meter be used?
- when to seek emergency medical care.
- the effectiveness of your child's asthma management and treatment plan.
- when to stop or add medication, as directed by your child's physician.
- what triggers the asthma attack (such as exercise-induced asthma).
The PFM removes a lot of guesswork out of managing your child's asthma. It can provide you, your child's physician, or even the school teachers with information about how open the airways are in your child's lungs.
The PFM can detect small changes in the large airways before your child starts to wheeze. Using a PFM every day will let you know when your child's peak flows are starting to drop. This allows you to make early changes in your child's medication or routine to help prevent your child's asthma symptoms from getting worse. The PFM can also identify the value at which you will need to call your child's physician or go to the emergency room.
How to use a peak flow meter:
What are peak flow zones?
- Use the PFM once daily and whenever your child is experiencing early warning signs. Always use the PFM before taking reliever medication.
- Hold the PFM by the handle.
- Before each use, make sure the pointer is reset to zero.
- Have your child stand up straight. Remove chewing gum or any food from your child's mouth.
- Have your child take a deep breath and put the mouthpiece in his/her mouth. Seal his/her lips and teeth tightly around the mouthpiece.
- Let your child blow out as hard and as fast as he/she can. Remember a fast blast is better than a slow blow.
- Note the number where the pointer has stopped on the scale.
- Reset the pointer to zero.
- Repeat this routine three times. You will know your child has done the technique correctly when the numbers from all three tries are close together.
- Record the highest of the three readings on a graph or in a notebook. Do not average these numbers together. This is called your peak flow.
- Use the peak flow meter once a day. Measure peak flows about the same time each day. A good time might be when your child first wakes up or at bedtime.
Peak flow zones are based on the traffic light concept: red means danger, yellow means caution, and green means safe. These zones are different for each person. Your child's physician will help determine your child's peak flow zones. The three peak flow zones include:
The goal of the peak flow zones is to help recognize when the asthma may start to become uncontrolled.
- Green: This is the GO zone! This zone is from 80 to 100 percent of your child's highest peak flow reading. This is the zone your child should be in every day. This is a signal that air moves well through the large airways and that your child can do the usual activities and go to sleep without trouble. When the peak flow readings are in this zone, your child should:
avoid asthma triggers.
- use controller medications every day.
- use the reliever medications 15 to 20 minutes before exercise if your child has exercise-induced asthma, as directed by your child's physician.
- Yellow: This is the CAUTION or SLOW DOWN zone! This zone is from 50 to 80 percent of your child's highest peak flow reading. This is a clue that the large airways are starting to narrow. Your child may begin to have mild symptoms. Your child may be coughing, feeling tired, feeling short of breath, or feeling like his/her chest is tightening. These symptoms may keep your child from his/her usual activities or from sleeping well. To keep your child's peak flow numbers from getting worse and get your child's asthma back under control, you will need to:
continue to use the controller medication as your child's physician has ordered and avoid asthma triggers.
- use the reliever medication as ordered by your child's physician.
- make sure you are using the proper technique with your child's metered-dose inhaler and spacer.
Red: This is the STOP zone! This zone is less than 50 percent of your child's highest peak flow reading. Readings in this zone are a medical emergency and you will need to get help right away. This means severe narrowing of the large airways has occurred. Your child may now be coughing, very short of breath, wheezing both when breathing in and out, or having retractions. Your child may also have problems walking and talking. Have your child take his/her reliever medication now and call your child's physician.
How is a personal best peak flow measured?
Each child's peak flow zones are based on his/her personal best peak flow number. To establish your child's personal best peak flow, have your child take his/her peak flow measurement each day at the same time for two to three weeks, when the asthma is under control.
After recording your child's peak flow measurements for two to three weeks consistently, your child's physician may also measure the optimum lung function with a spirometer (a device that can check lung function by measuring both the amount of air expelled and how quickly the air was expelled). The spirometer measurement may then be compared with the peak flow meter record to help set up an asthma management and treatment plan.
Your child's personal best peak flow measurement may change over time. Consult your child's physician as to when to check for a new personal best peak flow measurement.
When should a peak flow meter be used?
Peak flow meters should be used regularly to check how well the asthma is being controlled. In addition, the peak flow meter may be a valuable tool during an asthma attack, because it can help determine how well the short-term, quick-relief asthma medication is working. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends measuring lung function during the following times:
The peak flow meter is a tool to help collect information. The key to successful asthma management is communicating this information (the peak flow meter recordings, the severity of your child's symptoms, and the effectiveness of your child's medications) to your child's physician.
- every morning, before taking asthma medications
- during asthma symptoms or an asthma attack
- after taking medication for an asthma attack
- other times as recommended by your child's physician
How can I obtain a peak flow meter?
Consult your child's physician about obtaining a peak flow meter and for step-by-step instructions on how to use the device.
If you are using more than one peak flow meter, be sure they are the same brand.
What are oximeters?
An oximeter is a small machine that measures oxygen saturation (the amount of oxygen) in your child's blood.
To get this measurement, a small sensor (similar to an adhesive bandage) is taped onto your child's finger or toe. When the oximeter is on, a small red light can be seen in the sensor. The sensor is painless and the red light does not get hot.
What is a spirometer?
A spirometer is a device used by your child's physician that assesses lung function. Spirometry, the evaluation of lung function with a spirometer, is one of the simplest, most common pulmonary function tests and may be necessary for any of the following reasons:
After taking a deep breath, your child forcefully breathes out into the spirometer as completely and forcefully as possible. The spirometer measures both the amount of air expelled and how quickly the air was expelled from the lungs. The measurements are recorded by the spirometer.
- to determine how well the lungs receive, hold, and utilize air
- to monitor a lung disease
- to monitor the effectiveness of treatment
- to determine the severity of a lung disease
- to determine whether the lung disease is restrictive (decreased airflow) or obstructive (disruption of airflow)
The normal, healthy values measured by the spirometer for the amount of air exhaled vary from child to child. Your results are compared to the average expected in someone of the same age, height, sex, and race, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). However, if the values fall below 85 percent of the average, it may indicate a lung disease or other airflow obstruction. If a child has abnormal spirometer measurements, he/she may be referred for other lung tests to establish a diagnosis.
Hand-Held Nebulizer Treatments
A nebulizer is a type of inhaler that sprays a fine, liquid mist of medication. This is done through a mask, using oxygen or air under pressure, or an ultrasonic machine (often used by persons who cannot use a metered-dose inhaler, such as infants and young children, and persons with severe asthma). A mouthpiece is connected to a machine via plastic tubing to deliver the medication.
The medications used in nebulizers help your child by loosening the mucus in the lungs so it can be coughed out more easily, and by relaxing the airway muscles so that more air can move in and out of the lungs. Breathing the medication straight into the lungs works better and faster than taking the medication by mouth. Nebulizer treatments take about 15 to 20 minutes to give the medication.
Giving a treatment:
The following steps are recommended when giving a treatment to your child. However, always consult your child's physician for specific instructions.
After each treatment:
Gather supplies needed, including:
- medication to be nebulized
- nebulizer set (nebulizer cup, mouthpiece or mask, tubing to connect to nebulizer machine)
- Find a quiet activity to do while your child sits up for the treatment (i.e., reading a book or playing a quiet game).
- Place the nebulizer on a flat surface (i.e., table or the floor).
- Plug the unit into a wall outlet.
- Connect the air tubing to the nebulizer machine.
- Put the medication into the nebulizer cup and screw the cap on securely.
- Connect the other end of the air tubing to the nebulizer cup.
- Connect the mouthpiece or face mask to the nebulizer cup.
- Turn the machine on.
- Check to make sure a fine mist of medication is coming through the face mask or mouthpiece.
- Place the mouthpiece in the child's mouth with the lips sealed around the mouthpiece.
- Encourage your child to take slow deep breaths in and out of their mouth. The mist should disappear with each breath.
- Place the mask over your child's mouth and nose. The adjustable elastic band may be used to hold the mask in place.
- Encourage your child to take deep breaths in and out for the duration of the treatment.
- Encourage your child to continue slow, deep breaths until all the medication in the nebulizer cup is gone. You may need to tap the sides of the nebulizer cup to ensure all medication is given.
- Turn the nebulizer off.
- If the child's treatment plan orders peak flow measurements, obtain these before the treatment starts and after the treatment is completed.
Notes for parents:
- Disconnect the nebulizer cup from the tubing.
- Open the cup and wash all pieces in a mild dish soap and water. (Do not wash or rinse the tubing.)
- Rinse all pieces.
- Air dry on a clean towel.
- Store the dried nebulizer cup and tubing in a plastic bag.
- Once a week rinse the nebulizer cup in a vinegar/water solution, as directed by you physician, after washing.
- Stay with your child throughout the nebulizer treatment.
- If your child should vomit or have a severe coughing spell during the treatment, stop the treatment, let the child rest for a few minutes, then resume the treatment.
- Check the filter on the nebulizer machine once a week. When it becomes discolored, replace with a new filter.
- Always keep a spare nebulizer kit at home. When you are down to your last two kits, contact your medical equipment company to deliver more.
What medications are commonly used for children with asthma?
The use of medications in children is highly individualized, based on the severity of the child's symptoms, the age of the child, and the ability of the child to take inhaled medications. The following are the most commonly used medications:
Inhalation Therapy Instruction - Departments & Programs - Children's National Medical Center
These medications are used to help open the narrowed lungs and may relieve coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or difficulty in breathing. These are usually considered rescue medications for acute attacks of asthma. Types of bronchodilators are beta-agonists, theophylline, and anticholinergics. These medications come inhaled, in pill form, liquid, or injectables.
The short-acting bronchodilators are used as needed as symptoms occur. Longer acting bronchodilators may be used for maintenance or on a daily basis to help control flare-ups from occurring.
- anti-inflammatory medications
These medications help to decrease the inflammation that is happening in the airways with asthma. These include two types of medications:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
Cromolyn and nedocromil are two types of nonsteroidal medications that are usually inhaled by the child.
These medications can be given in a variety of ways. Some of them are inhaled, while others may be taken as a pill or liquid, or even as an injection. The steroids taken by mouth can have more side effects than those that are inhaled. Inhaled steroids are safe and effective controller medications and should be taken every day. Consult your child's physician about the best choice for your child.
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ADOLESCENT MEDICINE :: Orthopaedic Problems
What is scoliosis?
A normal spine, when viewed from behind, appears straight. However, a spine affected by scoliosis shows evidence of a lateral, or sideways, curvature, and a rotation of the back bones (vertebrae), giving the appearance that the person is leaning to one side. The Scoliosis Research Society defines scoliosis as a curvature of the spine measuring 10 degrees or greater on x-ray.
Scoliosis is a type of spinal deformity and should not be confused with poor posture.
Four common types of curve patterns seen in scoliosis are:
What causes scoliosis?
In most (80 to 85 percent) cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown - a condition called idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis is more common in females than males.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, three to five out of every 1,000 children develop spinal curves that are considered large enough to require treatment.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, in cooperation with the Scoliosis Research Society, describe three different types of scoliosis that can occur in children - congenital (present at birth), neuromuscular, or idiopathic.
Other causes of scoliosis may include:
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
The following are the most common symptoms of scoliosis. However, each adolescent may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Back pain, leg pain, and changes in bowel and bladder habits are not commonly associated with idiopathic scoliosis. A adolescent experiencing these types of symptoms requires further medical evaluation by a physician.
The symptoms of scoliosis may resemble other spinal conditions or deformities, or may be a result of an injury or infection. Always consult your adolescent's physician for a diagnosis.
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
The physician makes the diagnosis of scoliosis with a complete medical history of the adolescent, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The physician obtains a complete prenatal and birth history of the adolescent and asks if other family members are known to have scoliosis. The physician will also ask about developmental milestones since some types of scoliosis can be associated with other neuromuscular disorders. Developmental delays may require further medical evaluation.
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, x-rays (a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film) are the primary diagnostic tool for scoliosis. In establishing a diagnosis of scoliosis, the physician measures the degree of spinal curvature on the x-ray.
The following other diagnostic procedures may be performed for nonidiopathic curvatures, atypical curve patterns, or congenital scoliosis:
Early detection of scoliosis is most important for successful treatment. Pediatricians or family physicians, and even some school programs, routinely look for signs that scoliosis may be present.
Treatment of scoliosis:
Specific treatment of scoliosis will be determined by your adolescent's physician based on:
The goal of treatment is to stop the progression of the curve and prevent deformity. Treatment may include:
According to the Scoliosis Research Society, there is no scientific evidence to show that other methods for treating scoliosis (i.e., manipulation, electrical stimulation, and corrective exercise) prevent the progression of the disease.
Long-term outlook for an adolescent with scoliosis:
The management of scoliosis is individualized for each adolescent depending on his/her age, amount of curvature, and amount of time remaining for skeletal growth. Scoliosis will require frequent examinations by your adolescent's physician to monitor the curve as your adolescent grows and develops. Early detection is important. If left untreated, scoliosis can cause problems with heart and lung function.
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It is important to remember the health information found on this website is for reference only not intended to replace the advice and guidance of your healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.
© Children's Hospital of Orange County | <urn:uuid:3015d518-b751-47a8-8743-524680dab7ad> | {
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The Psychological Meaning of Words: LIWC and Computerized Text Analysis Methods
We are in the midst of a technological revolution whereby, for the first time, researchers can link daily word use to a broad array of real-world behaviors. This article reviews several computerized text analysis methods and describes how Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) was created and validated. LIWC is a transparent text analysis program that counts words in psychologically meaningful categories. Empirical results using LIWC demonstrate its ability to detect meaning in a wide variety of experimental settings, including to show attentional focus, emotionality, social relationships, thinking styles, and individual differences. | <urn:uuid:a57ba38f-4657-4427-be7f-9e545b252154> | {
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The one thing that most people know about Don Carlo Gesualdo, Prince of Venosa, is that in 1590 he caught his wife and her lover in bed together and murdered them both. Indeed, his biography, rather than his music, kept his name alive for a number of centuries and even revived it in the first twentieth-century biography – Heseltine and Gray's Carlo Gesualdo, Prince of Venosa: Musician and Murderer. What is less known, however, is that Gesualdo probably had been aware of the affair for two years. This has led some scholars to speculate that the murder was political, rather than a crime of passion. After his trial (he was acquitted), Gesualdo kept mainly to his estate. Music, heretofore a semi-secret passion (he published a book of madrigals under the name Gioseppe Pilonij), became almost the only thing he cared about. Contemporary writers talk about his "mad passion" for music.
In 1594, Gesualdo visited the court of Ferrara, mainly to sample the music there. He picked up a second wife, Leonora d'Este, niece of Ferrara's duke, an illustrious marriage which rehabilitated him in Italian society. His musical obsessions grew. Poems and musical treatises were dedicated to him. He published a grand total of seven books of madrigals, as well as a great deal of sacred music. As he grew older, severe depression seemed to overcome him, in the end to the point of psychopathy. He also became increasingly ill. Contemporaries describe him as caring for nothing but making music and money. His second marriage proved unhappy, but fortunately not as unhappy as the first. Husband and wife essentially separated.
Musically, Gesualdo is an example of musical Mannerism, seen in such figures as early Monteverdi, Marenzio, and Luzzaschi. The portrayal of emotional extremes – melancholia, tormented love, for example – tends to attract this group. Gesualdo goes to the extreme of the extremes. His dissonance often reaches the border of tonality – and his sadness plumbs ever-blacker depths of self-pity. His counterpoint – unlike Monteverdi's, clumsy and even primitive – often seems to result from noodling around the keyboard. However, one cannot deny the power of his harmonies. A great artist not only discovers new things, he discovers and keeps things that others might reject and makes these discoveries necessary.
Stravinsky, to whom (and to Robert Craft) we owe a large part of the revival of this music, once remarked that musical history would have taken a different course, had composers only followed Gesualdo. As we know, however, composers walked other paths, and this, in Gesualdo's modern rebirth, has allowed him to retain his ability to shock and to surprise. ~ Steve Schwartz | <urn:uuid:4c104e20-e1df-46d5-8867-79e6a399f9ff> | {
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Authorities say they've confirmed that a puppy in southwestern Michigan contracted Eastern equine encephalitis, a potentially deadly viral disease.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan State University's Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health on Wednesday confirmed the case in an 8-week-old Van Buren County puppy.
Officials say it may be the first such case in a dog in Michigan.
Officials say the puppy was euthanized.
The disease is rare but can be deadly among humans.
It's spread by mosquitoes.
It typically affects people, horses and poultry, but also can occur in other mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Health officials say people should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and horses should be vaccinated.
For more information on diseases found in Michigan Click HERE. | <urn:uuid:cb778647-0be8-4a98-9ea4-a4bbd4de9274> | {
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Since African Americans fought for freedom from slavery in the 19th century, many have called for reparations–financial compensation for the years of chattel slavery. Although former slaves were promised 40 acres and a mule to help them rebound from being enslaved, the program was short-lived, and many have been wondering if African Americans–like their Jewish counterparts–would ever see proper compensation for suffering such heinous atrocities in this country.
While we will probably never see financial compensation for slavery, many have argued that blacks in America should receive reparations in the form of a free college education or student loan debt forgiveness, while other still hold fast to the “40 acres and a mule” philosophy and want land.
In June, the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (NCOBRA) is holding a conference to examine why African Americans should still be granted reparations more than 150 years after slavery ended.
“After the passage of the 13Th and 14Th amendments, laws were passed to re-enslave people of African descent through Jim Crow laws. The New Jim Crow is a result of the low-intensity war against the Black community under the guise of a ‘War on Drugs,’ in addition to ongoing discrimination, and an extension of the slavery experience for Black people,” NCOBRA writes.
NCOBRA’s reparations conference takes place in Philadelphia June 22-24.
What are your thoughts on reparations? Do you think African Americans will ever see some form of reparations by the U.S. government? | <urn:uuid:83c02c9c-c84e-47e1-b4bd-75c8e7be2fe7> | {
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The success of a concurrent system depends on well designed hardware, flexible software that controls the hardware, and clear marketing vision. To adapt the changing marketing requirement, hardware and software need to have flexible architectures. This article is focused on software development issues, and discusses concurrency design at application layer as opposed to concurrency inside the Operating System.
Any multi-threaded system can be considered a concurrent system; for example, a lengthy task can be implemented as a background thread so that it will not block the graphical user interface. Here, we are discussing concurrent systems which can be characterized by the following traits:
- System input and output can be clearly identified.
- System internal consists of system resources, such as hardware modules, which are used to process system input and generates system output.
- One or more execution steps are needed for a system input to be processed by system resources and to become a system output.
- The system resources and their relationship are identified by system analysis. The concurrency properties of system resources determine the constraints between execution steps, which ultimately define the system concurrency behavior.
The above description can be illustrated in figure 1. The system consists of three resources: 2 inputs and 2 outputs. Each input needs to go through two steps to become output. Resources 1 and 2 are independent and can be parallel. The output of resources 1 and 2 are the input of resource 3, which is independent of 1 and 2.
Figure 1. A Sample Concurrent System
Most concurrent systems have these design goals:
- Have an easy to understand software architecture so that the desired concurrency can be implemented and verified quickly.
- Have a solid system concurrency kernel to adapt system environmental changes such as inconsistent hardware responses, and still achieve high system reliability.
- Have a good scalable architecture to adapt new requirement changes.
- System concurrency and throughput are well understood by all teams involved in the system specification and design, not just by a few key software engineers. Therefore, the concurrent software should expose how the current system internally works with minimum cost, so that the team communications can be conducted effectively.
- Different system concurrencies can be achieved with different execution configurations without major interruption to the system reliability.
For a complex concurrent system, the design cost to achieve such goals could be very high for inexperienced engineers. Most systems end up with only a few engineers who can understand and maintain the fragile concurrent kernels.
What is needed to meet the concurrent system design goal from a management perspective?
- To have the capability to quickly understand the marketing or hardware concurrency requirement, and to provide a clear road map on how to achieve the desired software system concurrency at an early stage of development, not when delivering the alpha or beta product. This requires the software engineer to have a clear understanding of the system resource concurrency at the very beginning.
- To shorten the cycle of turning the desired concurrency into a real functioning software system.
- To communicate the achievable concurrency goal to other teams frequently, and to adjust the concurrency accordingly based on new marketing input, or new resource constraints improvements or limitations, such as hardware.
The followings are common issues found in a concurrent software design:
- The software team member is not very experienced in concurrency design. Most teams have engineers knowing threads, critical sections, semaphores, and events. But, this usually does not guarantee achieving the design goals listed above.
- The understanding of system concurrency is very slow. The software engineer could not present a full picture of how the system concurrency design is going to be working until the alpha or beta stage. Therefore, nobody will question how the system concurrency is designed since there is no good method to communicate the software design. The engineer usually gives you his/her understanding of the system concurrency on small pieces, which is hard to convince the software team manager or other teams that the software team has fully understood the system and will be able to deliver on schedule.
- The marketing group has a wrong system throughput assumption and commitment at the beginning of a project, with false understanding of the system resource constraints, or the complexity for available engineers to achieve the desired high throughput without sacrificing software system reliability. The marketing group might assume that software engineers could just achieve it, but have no way to verify it during the process until it is too late.
- Almost all designs do not have a clear distinction between the code controlling the system resource operation and the code performing the system resource concurrency. This architecture makes it very hard to enhance upon new concurrency requirements. By simply using a synchronization object, such as a critical section, event, or semaphore from the Operating System, it's almost impossible to perform such a partition without a major investment on the system architecture design. Unfortunately, most applications do not separate the two domains and let one engineer handle all of them, who is already overwhelmed by the concurrency choreography. The software manager usually does not understand the importance of such a design, or they don't have the time to spend on infrastructure building, and just want to see something is beginning to work. The result is that more time will be wasted during debugging and the feature enhancement period.
- The fragile concurrency architecture is hard to understand. It is almost impossible for new engineers to take over the design, except to abandon the old one, and then propose a "better architecture" which usually goes through the same design cycle and delays the schedule. The software manager usually is not aware of the engineer's redesign approach except to accept it, since both the engineer and manager have no choice to improve the old architecture.
- The manager and software engineer mistakenly think that object oriented analysis of the concurrent hardware modules will guarantee a good concurrent software design which delivers a flexible concurrent software architecture. Most OOA just help engineers to identify objects in a system without concurrency analysis, and engineers have to use a synchronization object in the Operating System to address concurrency. If this approach is used, it will not help achieve the concurrent system design goals listed above. Unfortunately, most systems are designed with such approach.
- Engineers begin to experience an unexplained hang, and begin to put a sleep function somewhere to solve weird timing problems, simply because the understanding of system resource concurrency is not complete at the beginning, and the design can not adapt to a different running environment. When switching to different platforms, such as a faster machine, software needs major retest, or a possible overhaul. And the engineer and the manager begin to hide facts from the upper manager. The development cost goes up, and the software always needs major "improvements" to adapt to a new hardware with a newly tuned concurrency, which should not happen if it is well designed at the beginning.
- Typically, the design of a system concurrency is architected by a senior person in a team, and it is very hard for other people to challenge the delicate design. System maintenance and enhancement for the concurrency part is a major issue with such a design approach.
How to Address Those Issues
The cost of making a complex concurrent system flexible and reliable is extremely high for average engineers who simply use the Operating System's critical section, semaphore, event, and thread. To address the above problems, we need to develop a platform to help engineers in modeling a concurrent system with an easily understood object model, communicating the design by a user friendly graphical user interface, and verifying the internal concurrency of the design quickly by simulation.
- A simple concurrent object model is needed. An object oriented analysis method based on the model should be easy to perform.
- An inter-task communication mechanism is provided based on the object model to allow task synchronization.
- A design development toolkit is needed to support the object oriented analysis, and helps software engineers to spend more time on understanding the system concurrency, and system resource controlling during implementation, instead of struggling with multithreaded code that is implemented with Operating System synchronization objects such as critical sections, semaphores, and events.
- The design platform provides a graphic presentation of the system concurrent execution status that helps software engineers to present and to validate a design effectively. Eventually, it will help the whole team, even different groups, to understand the system concurrency internals.
- The object model and its development toolkit allow separation of the code performing system resource concurrency and the code performing system resource control. In figure 1, the code controlling Resource 1 is a resource control domain. The code controlling independent Resources 1 and 2 to operate in parallel is a system resource concurrency domain. This architecture helps the manager to partition the concurrent system design work into two domains so that it can be assigned to different engineers to improve team productivity and product reliability.
Usually, a manager will not offer a resource to implement above the environment to help the design long term, since it is very time consuming and no immediate results can be seen.
JEK Platform is designed to address these issues with the above concurrent system design goals, and makes concurrent problems easier to model for software engineers. JEK SDK automatically turns a modeled application job into a concurrent execution engine. The object model also separates the resource synchronization code and the resource control code, so that the engineer can spend more time understanding system concurrency, instead of dealing with Operating System synchronization objects, which is used by most software engineers. It will also help the engineer to spend more time communicating their understanding of the system concurrency within a team, or with other teams.
Here, two samples are presented (please go to www.jekplatform.com/CodeProjectSamples.htm to get the source code) to demonstrate how the JEK Platform works:
- Sample 1: Philosophers dining problem.
- Sample 2: Automated coffee machine.
Sample 1. Philosophers Dining Problem
The philosophers dining problem is five philosophers sitting around a table doing what they do best: thinking and eating. In the middle of the table is a plate of food, and in between each philosopher is a fork. The philosophers spend most of their time thinking, but when they get hungry, they reach for the two forks next to them and start eating. A philosopher cannot begin eating until he has both forks. When he is done eating, he puts the sticks down and continues thinking.
To solve the problem with JEK Platform, five routes are defined to represent the actions of five philosophers. Each route has two tasks: eat and think. Obviously, eat task of each philosopher's route can not be active at the same time because of resource constraints. A Mutex synchronization resource is used to restrict the eat task of each philosopher. The resource allocation scheduling algorithm in the JEK Kernel has an important feature to avoid a deadlock in this sample: if one philosopher gets a fork and finds another is already taken, it will release the one and notify other tasks in other routes so that other philosopher can continue to eat.
The following diagram, figure 2, illustrates the philosopher dining job execution engine's timing diagram. The application code is pretty simply since it does not need to handle threads and thread synchronization that is handled in the JEK SDK, but simply describes the resources (forks) and tasks (philosophers' actions).
Figure 2. JEK Studio monitors the philosophers dining job execution
In figure 2, JEK Studio GUI has four components illustrated by four yellow bubbles:
- The task matrix presents the application engine internal structure and the real-time execution activity status.
- The task timing diagram presents a more detailed real-time execution status for tasks, which helps developers to understand and to validate concurrent system behavior quickly.
- The activity resource matrix presents real-time task activity resource status.
- The synchronization resource matrix presents real-time task occupy status.
- The task trace window displays log status, which is also saved in a log file.
In JEK Studio, five routes are shown in the task matrix. Its execution is shown in the task execution timing diagram. The four blue bubbles are explained as follows:
- Blue bubble 1. Job execution engine starts to execute job. Philosophers 1 and 4 start to eat.
- Blue bubble 2. Philosophers 3 and 5 start to eat at the same time. Philosophers 1 and 4 start to rest at the same time. The reason that philosopher 3 and 5 can start to eat at the same time is because the application code is configured so that the eat time for all philosophers are the same. The rest times are also the same for all philosophers.
- Blue bubble 3. It's interesting to observe the job execution status after a few loops. Philosophers 1, 2, 4 are resting. Philosophers 3 and 5 are eating. If observed carefully, philosophers 3 and 5 are not starting to eat at the exact same time. Philosophers 1, 2, 4 do not rest at the same time.
- Blue bubble 4. This is another interesting job execution status. Only one philosopher, #2, is eating at this moment. Philosophers 1, 3, 4, 5 are all resting. The reason, the resting times of all philosophers are longer than eating times.
- Another observation is that fairness is not guaranteed for each route. It's unpredictable which philosopher will get a chance to eat next time based on the scheduler used.
- Route starvation is possible. In other words, some philosophers might never get a chance to eat. This is not demonstrated in the graph since the result is random. You can try to start the engine a few times and the results could be different each time.
If not using simulation, it is very hard for a software engineer to answer: if scenarios marked by the blue bubbles 3 and 4 are possible.
Sample 2. Automated Coffee Machine
An automated coffee machine mixes milk, sugar, and coffee into a cup, and serves the cup to customer when it is done.
Figure 3. Coffee machine model analysis
The coffee machine has five robots:
- Platform robot. It holds the coffee cup, so that milk, sugar, and coffee can be poured into it and gets mixed. After the coffee is mixed, it moves the cup with the mixed coffee to a customer.
- Cup robot. It puts an empty cup onto the platform robot.
- Milk robot. It pours milk into the coffee cup on the platform robot.
- Sugar robot. It pours sugar into the coffee cup on the platform robot.
- Coffee robot. It pours coffee into the coffee cup on the platform robot.
Coffee machine operating procedure:
- All robots are in initial positions.
- Cup robot puts an empty cup onto the platform cup.
- Milk robot pours milk into cup.
- Sugar robot pours sugar into cup.
- Step 3 and step 4 can be parallel.
- Coffee robot pours coffee into cup.
- Platform robot moves mixed coffee to customer.
Important operating requirements of the coffee machine are as follows:
- Above operating procedures have to be followed. Otherwise, the robot's positions might be in wrong places, and results in robot damages.
- Milk and sugar need to be poured into the cup before coffee, so that the coffee can be mixed properly without requiring adding a coffee stir robot that increases the complexity of the machine.
To solve the problem with JEK Platform, two routes are defined. One route is designed to control the cup robot and the platform robots. Another route is designed to control milk, sugar, and coffee robots. The reason to define these routes is that the task steps inside each route are sequential. The synchronization resource between routes is the platform robot. For detailed analysis and code, please go to http://www.jekplatform.com/CodeProjectSamples.htm to download the complete JEK Platform and to look for sample section 7: Machine Control.
Figure 4 is the coffee machine execution timing diagram implemented with the JEK SDK and presented with the JEK Studio. X axis is time. Y axis is tasks. A bar is the execution time for a task. Tasks within one route are displayed with one color. Different tasks in one route are displayed with different Y axis values. Multiple bars in the same Y axis represent the same task executed at different times.
Route 1 controlling milk, sugar, and coffee robot (orange color) has three tasks from bottom to top:
- Task1_1: control milk robot to pour milk.
- Task1_2: control sugar robot to pour sugar.
- Task1_3: control coffee robot to pour coffee.
Route 2 controlling cup robot (blue) has two tasks from bottom to top:
- Task2_1: control cup robot to put cup onto platform robot.
- Task2_2: control platform robot to serve mixed coffee to customer.
The six blue bubbles in figure 4 are explained as follows:
- Blue bubble 1. Task2_1 puts a cup onto the platform robot.
- Blue bubble 2. Task1_1 and Task1_2 pour milk and sugar into an empty cup at the same time.
- Blue bubble 3. Task1_2 finishes pouring sugar and Task1_1 is still pouring milk.
- Blue bubble 4. Task1_3 starts pouring coffee.
- Blue bubble 5. Task2_2 controls the platform robot to serve mixed coffee.
- Blue bubble 6. Repeat the same process.
Figure 4. Coffee machine execution status of solution 1
This robot is not very efficient. Route 1 is idle after blue bubble 5. To increase the throughput, another independent platform robot is added to make route 1 as busy as possible. The position of platform robot 1 is different from that of platform robot 2. Therefore, the control code for pouring milk, sugar, and coffee is different in context, but have the same structure. Figure 5 is a new robot diagram.
Figure 5. Platform 2 robot is added
Route 3 (burgundy red color) is added to serve second cup, which is presented as red in figure 6. It has identical tasks as defined in route 2. Since a new platform robot is added, route 2 and 3 are redefined as follows:
Route 2 controlling cup robot (blue) has two tasks:
- Task2_1: control cup robot to put cup onto platform robot 1.
- Task2_2: control platform robot 1 to serve mixed coffee to customer 1.
Route 3 controlling cup robot (burgundy red) has two tasks:
- Task3_1: control cup robot to put cup onto platform robot 2.
- Task3_2: control platform robot 2 to serve mixed coffee to customer 2.
Figure 6. Solution 2 coffee machine has two platform robots
The five blue bubbles in figure 6 are explained as follows.
- Blue bubble 1. Task3_1 puts the cup onto platform robot 2. Both routes 2 and 3 are started at the same time, but only one route can use the cup robot. It is random that route 2 gets the cup robot.
- Blue bubble 2. Task1_1 and Task1_2 pour milk and sugar into an empty cup at the same time after a cup is put on platform robot 2. Note: the execution context of route 2 is platform robot 1 since it has a different location than platform robot 2. In other words, the control code is different when the context is different.
- Blue bubble 3. Task2_1 starts to put a cup on platform robot 1. Coffee robot uses task1_3 to pour coffee into the cup on platform robot 1. Both tasks are started at the same time.
- Blue bubble 4. Platform robot 2 uses task3_2 to serve mixed coffee to customer 2. Task1_1 and Task1_2 pour milk and sugar into an empty cup on platform robot 1. The route 1 execution context (pouring milk, sugar, and coffee into which platform robot) is not visible from the timing diagram. It is only visible from the trace window or log file.
- Blue bubble 5. Task1_3 pours coffee into platform robot 1.
Comparing figures 4 and 6, route 1 is almost busy all the time. Therefore, the throughput of the coffee machine with two platform robots is increased.
But, if looking carefully, the machine with two platform robots can be even faster. The reason is that the coffee robot can serve another platform robot while milk and sugar robots are serving one platform robot, if the time of putting one cup on the platform is shorter than the time of pouring coffee by the coffee robot.
To increase the speed of the coffee machine, an engine design with different route configuration is used. Route 1 represents the actions of serving sugar, milk, and coffee to platform robot 1. Route 2 represents the actions of serving sugar, milk, and coffee to platform robot 2. The design of route 3 and 4 are the same as before. Figure 7 is the timing diagram of a new coffee machine.
Figure 7. New concurrency of higher system throughput for the coffee machine with 2 platform robots
The five blue bubbles in figure 7 are explained as follows:
- Blue bubble 1. Task4_1 puts cup onto platform robot 1.
- Blue bubble 2. Task1_1 and Task1_2 pour milk and sugar into empty cup at the same time to the cup platform robot 1. The cut robot starts to put a cup on platform 2 since it is free at this time.
- Blue bubble 3. Task2_2 starts to add sugar into cup 2 on platform robot 2. The reason that this action can happen is that the sugar robot just finishes adding sugar for cup 1 on platform robot 1. It is also clear that the milk robot is still busy pouring milk into cup 1. Therefore, cup 2 only has sugar for now.
- Blue bubble 4. Task2_1 starts to pour milk into cup 2 since it just finishes pouring milk for cup 1 on platform robot 1. Coffee robot begins to add coffee into cup 1 on platform robot 1.
- Blue bubble 5. Cup robot begins to serve cup 1 to customer since coffee is done for cup 1.
It is obvious that the choreography of this new coffee machine is different from that of the previous coffee machine. It appears to a user that its robots are smarter and works more intelligently since it starts to do the next job more promptly.
The above three samples demonstrate the following:
- It is easy to model and to analyze the concurrency of machine control with the JEK Platform.
- To adapt to a new hardware configuration, the JEK SDK helps achieve new system concurrency with minimum code changes.
- JEK Studio can visually identify system throughput potential quickly so that better throughput can be achieved.
- The samples demonstrated in these solutions have a pretty simple architecture (see downloaded code).
If not using the JEK Platform, can we solve the problem quickly? A few questions are raised here.
- If several teams, such as marketing, hardware, and software, are working on the product, they might stop when solution 2 is working. Do they know that solution 3 is the best solution? Can they figure it out quickly?
- Team members might be satisfied when they see that robots are working in parallel. If it is found that improvements can be made, how much code change is needed from solution 2 to solution 3 if implemented with synchronization objects in the Operating System?
- How much competitiveness a company would gain to have a more efficient and reliable machine?
How to Get the Two Samples
Please go to http://www.jekplatform.com/CodeProjectSamples.htm to download the complete JEK Platform which includes the two samples. | <urn:uuid:e284b760-a01f-49e4-8cf1-71388aedbea7> | {
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The exhibition Voyage on Uncanny Seas, curated by Mark Dion, at the Gallery Diet in Miami, Florida, convenes a collection of visual artists committed to a focused consideration of the Ocean, including works by Brian Booth, David Brooks, Barbara de Vries, Klara Hobza, Pam Longobardi, Katherine McLeod, James Prosek, Alexis Rockman, Dana Sherwood, Juan Valadez, and Bryan Wilson.
Katherine McLeod, "Two Triangles, 2011"
One of the themes that provides a conceptual framework of the exhibition is the occasion of the completion of the decade long Census of Marine Life, the world’s largest scientific collaboration which brought together 2,700 scientists from 80 nations to conduct over 530 expeditions of discovery to develop a comprehensive view of the past, present and future of life in the world’s seas. This resulted in the finding of more that 6000 new species, of which only 1500 have been thus far described. The oceans were affirmed as the site of mega-biodiversity, and animals and plants of uncanny strangeness and wondrous behavior were brought to light. | <urn:uuid:6be813e3-95f7-4291-a60c-95aba97767c3> | {
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The Irian Jaya training RAP was made possible with funding from the Smart Family Foundation, The MacArthur Foundation, and USAID.
Special thanks to CI's Irian Jaya and Indonesia programs, the University of Cenderawasih, the Irian Jaya Environmental Foundation, and Dewan Adat Mamberamo Raya.
Irian Jaya Training Rapid Assessment Program (RAP)
The biological diversity of Irian Jaya is extremely high and unique, but virtually unstudied. To collect biodiversity data to fill this knowledge gap and contribute to conservation planning, CI's RAP program is conducting its second expedition to Irian Jaya. On this expedition they will also conduct a training course for local scientists.
Expert biologists will train Indonesian participants in rapid biodiversity assessment methods for six taxonomic groups. The hands-on training course will lead to an actual scientific survey of birds, insects, freshwater fish, mammals, herpetofauna and vegetation.
Yongsu and the Mamberamo River basin, Irian Jaya, Indonesia
Located in the western portion of the world's highest and largest tropical island, Irian Jaya is considered the last great rainforest wilderness in Indonesia. The province's range of altitudes (from sea level to the highest mountains in the Asia-Pacific region) helps to create an extraordinary array of ecosystems, biodiversity, and endemic species (those species found nowhere else in the world).
This island treasure is at risk, however, from land conversion, which is ascribed to logging, transmigration, plantation agriculture, mining, oil and gas operations, the introduction of alien (non-native) species, and infrastructure projects such as dams and roads.
August 19 - September 15, 2000
From August 19 to August 30, more than 20 participants will take part in the training course. Then six participants will join the expert biologists in the Mamberamo River basin to conduct a rapid biodiversity assessment from September 1-15.
August 19-30, 2000: Yongsu Research Camp
August 31, 2000: Jayapura
September 1-7, 2000: Furu River Site in the Mamberamo River Basin
September 8-15, 2000: Tiri River Site in the Mamberamo River Basin
September 16-18, 2000: Sentani
International Team of Scientists and Indonesian Participants Conservation biologists from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United States will teach participants from Indonesian universities, non-government organizations (NGOs), and government organizations. Meet the team >>
Objectives of the Biological RAP training in Irian Jaya
- To build capacity among Indonesian biologists in methods for rapid biological assessments, in data analysis and in report preparation.
- To collect biological data, which is currently severely lacking, and to build an understanding of ecological processes and biodiversity of Irian Jaya and the Mamberamo River basin specifically.
- To create a framework for further conservation recommendations about the areas surveyed to decision-makers.
- To publish the results and make them available to decision-makers, stakeholders, scientists, and other interested parties.
LEARN MORE: Find more information about RAP training and adventures studying biodiversity. | <urn:uuid:99272340-e892-406e-abfc-fd76cc29f4d4> | {
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Function Sponsored by
Tony O’Lenick explores the difference between germicidal and conditioning quats.
Quat is surfactant jargon for a quaternary ammonium compound. This class of compounds includes nitrogen-containing materials in which the nitrogen has four nonhydrogens surrounding them. Quats by virtue of their fatty group and their cationic group are substantive to hair, skin and cell walls of bacteria. These substrates are fatty in nature and generally have a negative charge, the result of oxidation of sulfur-bearing amino acids.
The nature of the interaction between hair, skin and bacteria cell walls is critical to the function of the quat at the surface. If the quat coats the hair and skin with minimal penetration, it is mild and conditioning. If the quat is made to maximize the disruption of the bacteria cell wall, it will be antimicrobial. | <urn:uuid:1173a735-7a95-49d0-aecb-27c8d992af36> | {
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Jordan Table of Contents
Figure 5. Population of the East Bank by Age and Sex, 1987
Source: Based on information from Jordan, Department of Statistics, Statistical Yearbook, 1987, Amman, 1988, 18.
Figure 6. United Nations Relief and Works Agency Camps in Jordan, 1989
Source: Based on information from United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Jordan.
Official Jordanian statistics gave a 1987 population figure of 2,896,800 for the East Bank. A 1982 population of 2,399,300 thus indicated an annual growth rate of between 3.6 and 4 percent. United Nations statistics projected a peak in the annual growth rate at 4.11 percent in the period from 1990 to 1995, followed by a steady decline to 2.88 percent in 2020.
Rapid development in the provision of health care services during the 1970s and 1980s led to a decline in the crude death rate from 17 per 1,000 population in 1965 to 7 per 1,000 population by 1986 (see Health and Welfare , this ch.). During the same period, the infant mortality rate, a major indicator of a country's development and health status, dropped from 115 to 46 per 1,000 live births. In 1986 life expectancy at birth was sixty-five years (sixty-three for males and sixty-seven for females). The lowered death rate, a high birth rate, and lowered infant mortality rate combined to generate a major demographic problem in the late 1980s. At the end of the decade, more than half Jordan's population was below fifteen years of age (see fig. 5). This situation strained the country's already limited resources, and employment for the burgeoning group of young people became increasingly difficult to provide.
Accurate demographic figures were difficult to compile because of the substantial number of Jordanians residing and working abroad and the continuous flow of West bank Palestinians with Jordanian passports back and forth between the East and West banks. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, about 224,000 people were admitted to UNRWA refugee camps in the East Bank immediately after the June 1967 War. In 1986 UNRWA cited 826,128 registered refugees living on the East Bank, of whom about 205,000 were living in refugee camps.
The exact number of Palestinians living on the East Bank was unknown. Estimates usually ranged from 60 to 70 percent of the total population. Official government statistics did not distinguish between East Bank and West Bank Jordanians (see Palestinians , this ch.).
The government did not have an officially articulated population policy or birth control program. Rather, in 1979 it adopted a "child spacing program" that was designed to improve the health of mother and child, and not specifically to lower the fertility rate. This noninterventionist approach considered family planning to be one component of an integrated maternal-child health and primary health care program. Government clinics and private medical services delivered family planning services upon request and contraceptives were widely available at low cost. In 1987 there were 116 maternal-child health care centers--up from 93 in 1983-- providing prenatal and postnatal care and a wide range of birth control information.
Jordan's high population growth can be attributed primarily to high fertility rates. In 1986 the World Bank (see Glossary) calculated this rate as 6.0 births for each woman over the span of her reproductive years, one of the highest fertility rates in the region. This rate was projected to decline to 4.2 births by the year 2000. The fertility rate varied, however, between women residing in rural and urban areas and according to educational attainment. Educated women tended to marry at a slightly older age than uneducated women, and this delay contributed to a lower fertility rate. Urban women achieved lower fertility rates through modern methods of contraception, particularly the pill. Fertility rates were lowest in Amman, higher in smaller urban areas such as Irbid and Az Zarqa, and highest in rural areas. In rural areas modern contraceptive usage was lower, although breast-feeding, which serves to delay the return of fertility, was extended for a longer period than in the cities. World Bank data indicated that 27 percent of married women of child-bearing age were using contraception in the 1980s.
A woman was expected to have to bear five children, including at least two sons, in fairly rapid succession. Women gained status and security in their marital household by bearing children. According to a study conducted in the early 1980s by Jordanian anthropologists Seteney Shami and Lucine Taminian in a poor, squatter area in Amman, reproductive behavior was subject to several factors. If a woman had given birth to two or more sons, she might begin to space her pregnancies or stop bearing children for a while. Household structure--nuclear, extended, or multiple family--also appeared to be a crucial factor in determining fertility. The presence of other women in a household encouraged women to bear more children to improve their relative position in the household.
The overall population density for the East Bank in 1987 was established at about thirty persons per square kilometer. There was wide regional variation and the rate of urbanization was high. East of Al Mafraq, in an area encompassing almost two-thirds of the country, no towns had a population of more than 10,000. The bulk of Jordan's population was centered in the governorate of Amman and the smaller urban areas of Irbid, As Salt, and Az Zarqa. The 1987 population totals of the eight governorates ranged from 1,203,000 in Amman to 101,000 in the Maan Governorate. According to World Bank figures, about 70 percent of the population lived in urban areas. The nation's capital, Amman, accounted for more than one- third of the total population. Rapid urbanization appeared to be the result of a high fertility rate and rural-urban migration. If urbanization continued at the high annual rate of 4 to 5 percent, it was estimated that by the year 2000, nearly three-fourths of the population could be living in Amman, Az Zarqa, Irbid, As Salt, and Ar Ramtha.
The remainder of the population resided in villages scattered in an uneven pattern throughout Jordan. The nomadic and seminomadic population was very small, at most 2 to 3 percent of the population. The clearest concentrations of villages were in the fertile northwest corner and the Jordan Valley. Village size varied markedly from region to region. At one time, size related to the productive capacity of the surrounding farmland. Larger villages were located in the more fertile, generally irrigated regions where family members could reach their fields with relative ease. While village populations continued to grow, rural-urban migration drained off a steady stream of young men and sometimes whole families. Villages provided little employment for their residents, and agriculture as a way of life had declined precipitously since the 1950s.
Camps of nomadic and seminomadic beduins still existed in the late 1980s. Nomadic tribes were found mainly in the desert area east of a line from Al Mafraq to Maan. The area, about 400 kilometers long and 250 kilometers wide, is known as the badiya (pl., bawaadi, meaning desert or semidesert). Seminomadic beduins were located in the Al Ghawr and near Irbid. These seminomads descended to the Jordan Valley in the winter because of its warm climate and grazing ground for their herds. Traditionally, many of these seminomads also farmed plots of land in the valley. In the summer, they moved their herds up into the hills to avoid the intense heat.
The native inhabitants of the Jordan Valley are known as Al Ghawarna, or people of Al Ghawr. Prior to the June 1967 War, the valley was home to about 60,000 people engaged in agriculture and pastoralism. In 1971 the population had declined to 5,000 as a result of the June 1967 War and the 1970-71 conflict between the Palestinian guerrillas and the Jordanian armed forces (see The Guerrilla Crisis , ch. 1). By 1979, however, the population had reached 85,000 as a result of government development efforts designed to attract people to settle in this area.
Refugee camps emerged in the wake of the Arab-Israeli War of 1948. The original refugee settlements were tent camps, but in most places tents were replaced by rows of galvanized steel, aluminum, and asbestos shelters. There were initially five refugee camps-- Irbid, Az Zarqa, Amman New (Al Wahdat), Al Karamah (later dismantled), and Jabal al Hussein-- but six additional emergency camps were established for refugees from the June 1967 War--Al Hisn, Suf, Jarash, Baqah, Talbiyah, and Marka. Most of the camps were located near major cities in the northwest (see fig. 6).
Data as of December 1989
Jordan Table of Contents | <urn:uuid:07e654a2-7222-4d15-a7ec-7de2f36103e4> | {
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Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary
Places Reflecting America's Diverse Cultures
Explore their Stories in the National Park System
Walnut Canyon National Monument
The rugged terrain in the Flagstaff, Arizona area was home to the Ancestral Puebloans from whom the present day Hopi are descended. Known by their descendants as Hisatsinom, meaning people of long ago, the Hopi ancestors lived in this region for more than 800 years. Although they were not the first to inhabit the Flagstaff area, the Hopi ancestors were the first residents to establish permanent dwellings in a 20-miles long, 400-feet deep, and ¼-mile wide canyon. Walnut Canyon National Monument preserves these cliffside homes, which tell the story of the Ancestral Puebloans of Flagstaff and their influence on Hopi culture today.
Believed to have lived in the Flagstaff area from 600 until 1400 AD, the Hopi ancestors were an innovative people who managed to sustain their community in an arid region. Archeologists named this group of Ancestral Puebloans the Sinagua, meaning without water, to embody their lifestyle and stand as a testament to the culture’s exemplary agricultural skills. Like many Pueblo communities of the American Southwest, the Sinagua employed dry-farming techniques to harvest corn, squash, and beans in volcanic terrain. Otherwise known as the “three sisters,” these crops were drought-resistant and ideal for dry farming, since corn can tolerate the sun and shade its lower growing sister crops, squash and beans, which do not require direct sunlight in order to thrive.
To irrigate these crops in the semi-arid climate, the Sinagua built terraces and small rock check dams that allowed them to conserve rainwater. They also collected water from Walnut Creek, but this source of water was not reliable since the creek did not flow all year. Although the crops grown on the canyon rims provided most of their food, the Sinagua also took advantage of the region’s wild life and natural resources. To add protein to their diet, the Sinagua hunted deer, bighorn sheep, and several smaller animals that lived within and around Walnut Canyon. They also ate wild grapes, berries, yucca, and the Arizona black walnut. Other plants used for food and medicinal purposes grew on the canyon rims, where they cultivated their crops and established the first Sinagua homes.
When the Ancestral Puebloans first settled the region in about 600 AD, the Sinagua people around Flagstaff lived in pithouses and freestanding pueblos scattered along the canyon rims. Eventually, as the community expanded, Sinagua pithouse architecture changed. By the 1100s, the Sinagua were living in alcoves below the canyon rim, where the women constructed unique cliff dwellings still visible throughout the canyon today. Using limestone rocks cemented with golden colored clay, the women formed walls around the eroded limestone caves and reinforced their doorways with wooden beams. Traditionally, they located most of their dwellings in the southern and eastern parts of Walnut Canyon to take advantage of the sunlight, but some were also on the north and west sides for use during warmer periods.
Although the Sinagua only lived in these alcoves for approximately 125 years, the Walnut Canyon cliff dwellings are the most visible ruins of the National Monument’s 232 prehistoric sites. When the Sinagua moved to nearby villages in 1250, they left behind over 80 dwellings with three to four rooms each. Together, the six meters long by three-meter deep enclosures house up to 300 rooms, but only 25 of these cliff dwellings are visible to tourists traveling along the canyon footpaths, since pothunters in the 1880s dynamited the cliff dwellings in search of Sinagua possessions. This resulted in the loss of some Sinagua artifacts, but the surviving cliff dwellings, pithouses, and finds from archeological excavations throughout Flagstaff offer great insight into the Sinagua farming community’s life in Walnut Canyon.
Visitors may begin their tour of Walnut Canyon National Monument at the visitor center, where native artifacts and museum exhibits are on display. The bookstore is also at the visitor center, and in the lobby, visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the canyon and distant mountains. To tour the canyon, visitors can follow the Island and Rim trails, two paved footpaths that begin at the visitor center. The Island Trail is a mile long loop to the Sinagua cliff dwellings, and the Rim Trail is a self-guided tour that takes visitors on a half hour trip along the canyon’s perimeter and through the Ponderosa forest. On the Rim Trail, visitors will also see two canyon overlooks, a pithouse, and other pueblo ruins.Walnut Canyon National Monument also offers two ranger-guided hikes, which require reservations. The Ledge Hike lasts four hours, and the Ranger Cabin Walk is a two-hour hike. Visitors can also picnic in designated areas, but no camping is available in the park. Information on nearby lodging and campgrounds, including the Bonito Campground at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, is available on the Walnut Canyon National Monument website. | <urn:uuid:8f04fb1a-5b07-4aae-85f8-fd190dff096c> | {
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- A group of international algae experts say there are no quick or easy solutions to clear algae from Lake Erie and Grand Lake St. Marys in Ohio.
In the case of Grand Lake St. Marys, it could even take decades.
The Columbus Dispatch (http://bit.ly/WtnmLC ) reports that experts spoke about the algae problem in Ohio's lakes at the EcoSummit 2012 conference this week in Columbus.
Harry Gibbons of, Seattle-based Tetra Tech lumped Grand Lake St. Marys in with other lakes around the world that suffer from summertime blooms of toxic blue-green algae.
The algae are common in most lakes but grow thick feeding on phosphorus from manure, fertilizers and sewage that rains wash into nearby streams.
Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com | <urn:uuid:cd0c7a86-fae8-4a5b-8b0e-892849c5c38c> | {
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- Enter a word for the dictionary definition.
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Nectarine \Nec`tar*ine"\ (n[e^]k`t[~e]r*[=e]n"), n. [Cf. F. nectarine. See Nectar.] (Bot.) A smooth-skinned variety of peach. [1913 Webster] Spanish nectarine, the plumlike fruit of the West Indian tree Chrysobalanus Icaco; -- also called cocoa plum. It is made into a sweet conserve which is largely exported from Cuba. [1913 Webster] | <urn:uuid:8026eb8e-2045-4425-bfb5-1eb355f7472a> | {
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Modern programming languages have little support for writing secure software,
making it all too easy to write programs with exploitable vulnerabilities.
In these lectures, we explore a general technique based on type qualifiers
that allows programmers to write down, in their souce code, their intentions
with respect to security. We will describe how to mechanically verify that
annotated code adheres to the policy.
We will discuss the theoretical foundations and practical implementation issues.
As a particular example, we show how to use type qualifiers to find format-string
vulnerabilities in widely-deployed C programs and to find other security
vulnerabilites in the Linux kernel. we will also look at alias analysis, another
important program analysis problem, and show how a must-alias analysis system
corresponds to a system for statically checking access control.
This series of lectures will discuss the requirements, protocols, and
components of network security software on the Internet. Topics will
include secure tunnels, security for web services, privacy constraints,
design features that create or address DoS threats, and the use of
programmable security tokens in network protocols. The primary emphasis
will be the relationship between models and design, including topics like
the quantification of DoS threats, models for code security in programmable
tokens, strategies for composition and interoperation, and practical
strategies for formal analysis of network protocol designs and software.
In these lectures, we will analyze the security infrastructure in
current, main-stream programming systems and platforms such as
the Java Virtual Machine and Common Language Runtime. We will explain
how byte code verification collaborates with the class loader and
security manager to provide a secure run-time environment.
We will also use theoretical tools to determine what properties
current security systems based on stack inspection have
and provide concrete proposals for improving the infrastructure
for next-generation programming languages and systems. | <urn:uuid:c22fb70a-8efe-41d8-8a5e-de429096e99f> | {
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Cancer patients often eat less food than they did before getting sick as a result of the effects of the disease and the treatments used to fight it. Not surprisingly, though, according to experts at Cancer Treatment Centers of America®(CTCA) cancer-associated malnutrition not only has a negative impact on quality of life, but it also negatively impacts a patients’ response to therapy, increasing the risk of complications and shortening survival time.
Many cancer patients – especially those battling lung, pancreatic, gastric, colon, or head and neck cancer – are susceptible to this significant weight loss as a result of tumor burden causing malnutrition. And the consequences can be serious.
Known medically as cancer cachexia, this severe form of malnutrition is characterized by progressive, involuntary weight loss depleting lean body mass and muscle tissue. Left untreated, patients will eventually waste away.
“Quite simply, the bodies of cancer patients suffering from cachexia are using up calories faster than they are able to take them in,” said Danielle Bach, registered dietician at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Western Regional Medical Center.
Some patients might have fluid building up around the stomach suppressing hunger. Their stomachs feel full sooner, so they stop taking in the amount of food their body really needs. For other patients, taste changes due to medication result in a decreased desire to eat.
“The implications of reduced food intake can have a direct impact on the patients’ overall treatment program,” said Bach.
According to several research studies, losing as little as five percent of a patients’ weight within a one-month period could be a risk to the patients’ ability to tolerate treatment and, therefore, the treatment program should be delayed. Other studies have shown that losing 10 percent of a patients’ overall weight from the date of diagnosis through treatment can also put the patient at risk.
Weight gain isn’t always the goal, however. In hormone sensitive cancers, for instance, like prostate cancer and most types of breast cancer, weight loss helps in the prevention of recurrence.
“Weight loss and weight gain goals are specific for each cancer patient’s case, so weight gain isn’t necessarily recommended for everyone with cancer,” said Bach.
CTCA has several tips to help patients maintain their weight without stuffing themselves full of sugary cookies or decadent holiday chocolates.
• Eating smaller meals more frequently. As long as patients are getting the recommended calories per day, it doesn’t matter how many meals they eat.
• Consider smoothies or nutrition supplement drinks to get the recommended daily calories. Most people don’t feel full as quickly when they are drinking calories versus eating them. Nutrition supplement drinks can also be used as the milk base in smoothies to provide more variety for those experiencing taste fatigue.
• Add nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to desserts, salads, or breads.
• Nut butters or avocado are great to add to smoothies or spread on bread.
• Gravies and sauces can add calories, as well as protein powders, granola, olive oil and vegetable oils.
• Drink water in between meals so that less volume in the stomach is taken up during mealtime, leaving more room for food to be eaten.
“Last but certainly not least, never underestimate the power of exercise,” said Bach. “For any cancer patients that get hungry quickly, I always recommend walking 30 minutes prior to eating a meal as the exercise can help increase their hunger.”
Additional healthy eating tips from Bach and CTCA include the following.
In addition to providing patients with supportive care that includes nutrition guidance, CTCA also provides state-of-the-art technologies and treatment options, naturopathic consultation, acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, occupational therapy and more. | <urn:uuid:a3d01f30-3645-4fcf-8cfb-010089d56b9e> | {
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AMHERST – What was once a sure thing is now not so sure.
With a week to go before Christmas, it’s still too early to tell if the area will have a white or green Christmas.
“The long-term forecast looks warmer than normal,” Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips said. “When it comes down to it it’s going to be touch and go. There’s not anything obvious.
“It’s hard to make a call. Flipping a coin is just as accurate as reading the models on this one.”
Even if some snow falls this week across the central Maritimes, Phillips said there’s no guarantee it’s going to remain until Christmas morning. He said milder weather and rain is forecast for later in the week.
A white Christmas is defined as having two centimetres or more on the ground on Dec. 25.
Last year, Phillips said there were two centimetres of snow on the ground on Christmas, while in 2010 there were eight centimetres.
Historically, he said, the chances of a white Christmas are becoming less.
“There’s something about our winters. They’re not as wintery as they used to be,” he said. “Thirty years ago there was normally about an 80 per cent chance of a white Christmas. Now, it’s more like 65 per cent.”
Phillips said snow depth at Christmas has really dropped. Just 20 years ago, he said, the average depth was 20 cm on Christmas morning. Today, the average is 10 cm.
“What we’re seeing is less snow and more rain. We’re seeing warmer temperatures and winters are just not like they used to be,” Phillips said. “That means a reduced chance of having a white Christmas.”
The loss of a white Christmas, he said, resonates more with Canadians than skinny polar bears and the shrinking ice cap in the north. Climate change is guiding this, he said.
“Even people who hate snow sort of like to have some on Christmas morning. That’s why we should appreciate white Christmases more when we get them because the time is going to come when they become fewer than more,” he said. “We should enjoy it when we get one.” | <urn:uuid:22c5a88f-16e7-4c94-b02a-b19f02125060> | {
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(BPT) - The start of the school year is a time of great anticipation for parents and kids alike. New teachers. New classes. New and old friends. It's a time for fun and learning.
Parents expect schools to be safe havens, but the reality is that children face a host of dangers all day long. Bullying, taunting and teasing are only some of the hazards that kids must deal with it every day at even the best schools in America.
About 30 percent of middle and high school students say they've been bullied. Among high school students, one out of nine teens reported they had been pushed, shoved, tripped or spit upon during the last school year, according to a National Institute of Child Health and Human Development research study.
FindLaw.com, the nation's leading website for free legal information, offers the following tips on how to keep your children safe at school:
* Talk to your kids about school safety. Talk about bullying and make sure your child understands what is and is not acceptable behavior. Also discuss when and how to report bullying.
* Go to the bus stop. If your schedule allows, go to the bus stop with your child and get to know the other kids and parents, along with the bus driver.
* Get to know your kids' teachers. Send your child's teacher an email to introduce yourself and regularly check in on your child's academic and social progress. Learn how his or her teacher approaches bullying and other issues that may distract from the school's learning environment, such as the use of cell phones and iPods.
* Read the school's policy on bullying. Become familiar with school policies about bullying - particularly the protocols for identifying and reporting bullying behavior. Pay careful attention to policies regarding cyberbullying, which can take place outside of school.
* Watch and listen for the cues. Many kids don't want to reveal to their parents that they're being bullied, taunted or teased by other kids. If your child is withdrawn, not doing homework, sick more often than normal or demonstrating other out-of-the-ordinary behavior, talk about what seems to be bothering him or her.
* Know where your kids are at. Sometimes bullying and other unsafe situations take place outside of school grounds, such as at other students' houses. Telling your kids that you want to know where they are and that they need permission to visit a friend's house shows them you care. It also reassures them that they can contact you if they need help.
* Monitor Internet use and texting. Put the home computer in a public place and don't allow your kids to use a computer in their bedroom by themselves.
* Talk to other parents. You may learn that their children also have been bullied or have been involved in activities on and off school grounds that you should be concerned about. You stand a much better chance of obtaining changes and creating a safer environment for your student by acting together rather than alone.
* Put it in writing. If you suspect your child is being bullied or sexually harassed by another student (or a teacher or staff member), ask for a face-to-face meeting with the school's principal. If the principal does not act, hire an attorney and escalate your complaint to the superintendent and school board. Putting your complaint in writing about the specific types of negative behavior affecting your child is necessary if you need to litigate the complaint in court.
* Take appropriate action when bullying becomes assault. If your child is physically assaulted on the bus, in school or on school grounds, contact the local police department, particularly if there is a school liaison officer assigned to the school, about whether a police report or assault charges should be filed. Do not wait to let the school handle the situation.
For more information about how to keep your kids safe at school, visit FindLaw.com. | <urn:uuid:be252f6c-849c-43a6-a09e-a67e38971d3f> | {
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When the process commenced in 1973, negotiations were conducted between the Department of Indian Affairs and the Council for Yukon Indians. The presence of the Government of Yukon was seen as redundant as they had not yet achieved 'responsible' or representative government and were considered an extension of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. By 1979, this had changed, and the Territorial Government had joined the process as a third party. Soon after, the Council for Yukon Indians, the Yukon Association of Non-Status Indians and the Yukon Native Brotherhood amalgamated to form the Council for Yukon Indians. The CYI continued to represent Yukon First Nations in the negotiations process as well as taking on the programs and services delivery, and the political representational role of the two parent organizations. The process was to take up much of the next 20 years until the Umbrella Final Agreement was signed in 1993. | <urn:uuid:b04d94c8-75fd-4393-aa0a-95bf333b85b3> | {
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Invasive species are a natural disaster waiting to happen. In some cases, there is a very real danger to humans, such as the Burmese Python in South Florida. In many cases, the threat to humans is indirect, yet no less important, such as Saltcedar's ability to drain waterways. In all cases, the biggest risk is to wildlife habitats, as invasive species are experts in pushing out native plants and animals.
Especially in the last couple of decades, many invasive species have made headlines, warning the public to watch for and help prevent their spread, from the Emerald Ash Borer to the Zebra Mussel to the Asian Carp. All the while, another species has been stealthily avoiding this radar, spreading to all but three of the mainland states, and keeping mostly out of sight until their local populations grow larger than the available food sources.
Feral hogs are the cockroach of the wilderness, multiplying quickly, highly destructive, disease-carrying, and resilient to control efforts. Conservation and agricultural experts alike are calling for more attention to this mostly silent invader of the nation's woodlands, including those in parts of South Dakota and Nebraska.
"There are only three states that list these things [wild or feral hogs] as game animals," said John Mayer, environmental services manager at the U.S., Department of Energy's Savannah River National Laboratory in Aiken, S.C., and the nation's leading expert in feral hogs. "Typically, these things are listed as an invasive species."
When people think of feral hogs, what comes to mind is the wild hog - usually the Eurasian Wild Boar - which is common in the Southern United States, but the feral hogs that are more likely to cause problems here are domesticated pigs that either escaped or were released into the wild and have adapted to living without human influence. Wild boar and feral pigs also readily breed, creating hybrids that grow larger than the typical wild boar but with the same notorious mean streak.
In South Dakota, there have been reports of a feral pot-bellied pig population at Big Stone Lake on the Minnesota border. Usually kept as a pet, pot-bellied pigs can grow as large as 300 pounds and the males will grow tusks. There is also an incident of a lone feral pig shot near Madison. In Nebraska, both wild-hybrid and feral hogs have been a problem in various central and southern counties.
According to the University of Georgia's National Feral Swine Mapping System, the largest populations of wild or feral hogs are in Texas, California, Florida, Oregon, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Kansas. But wild or feral hogs have been spotted in all of the mainland states except Delaware, Rhode Island, and oddly Wyoming. Wyoming is particularly concerned about feral hogs migrating into the state from the Platte River, but Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's control efforts have so far been adequate. Thirty-six states have verified breeding populations.
"They are so adaptable to environments, from cold Canada to the hot, humid southern forests to downtown cities like Fort Worth [Texas]," Mayer said.
Wild hogs were first introduced to the United States by European settlers, but the rapid spread occurred in the 20th century when zoo stock was sold to wild game ranches in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Ranches in Michigan imported stock from Canada in the 1980s and 1990s. According to Mayer, wild boar is among the most popular big game species in the United States, second only to whitetail deer.
"As we all know, wild boar is hard to hold and these ranches were all leaking wild boar through the fences," Mayer said, adding that by 1990, there were 2 million wild hogs nationwide. "Basically, they're taking over the country."
Feral hogs can quickly get out of hand once they become established in an area. They are gregarious, living in small family groups although groups of 100-plus hogs have been reported if there is easy access to food; aggressive, able to inflict injury or even kill animals and humans in their four-square-mile home range; and opportunistic omnivores, meaning that they eat mostly plants but, at times, animals.
"Basically, if they can get their mouth around it, they will eat it," Mayer said. "They have been known to kill lambs, rummage through garbage cans, and eat sticks. All kinds of objects have been found in their stomachs."
Feral and wild hogs are also prolific breeders, raising two litters of six to 12 piglets a year. They are able to get pregnant as young as three months of age, and to breed again when still nursing a litter.
"You hear in the literature that they can double their population in four months and triple it in a year," Mayer said. "Mathematically that may be possible, but there's a lot more mortality in the wild. Piglets are the most vulnerable. Once they reach two years of age, they're good unless they run across a hunter."
From an agricultural standpoint, they can greatly damage property, particularly crops, and are a harbor to a number of diseases that affect domestic swine and other livestock as well as humans. According to The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation in Ardmore, Okla., feral hogs have been known to carry and transmit:
· Tuberculosis, the same bacteria that infects cattle and humans;
· Anthrax, a soil-borne bacteria that is often fatal if contracted by humans;
· Tularemia, a bacteria that is often transmitted to humans through tick bites or improperly cooked wild game; and | <urn:uuid:e2f8ffc3-9721-426a-9364-42d10931460f> | {
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When a major earthquake strikes, seconds count.
In the devastating 2011 Japan earthquake, a sensor embedded in the ground detected the first signs of movement and immediately sent out an alert at the speed of light. Within seconds, text messages warning of impending shaking went out to roughly 50 million people.
Many people in Tokyo, 200 miles away from the epicenter, knew the quake was coming before they felt the shaking about 30 seconds later. Trains were able to slow down or stop, and not a single car derailed.
FOR THE RECORD:
Earthquake warning system: An article in the Jan. 29 Section A about a proposal to create an earthquake early warning system in California said that a study published in January was the latest to predict a catastrophic quake on the San Andreas fault. The study did not make that prediction, but it did raise the possibility that a quake along that fault line could be large enough to be felt across the entire state.
Join our live video discussion here at 3 p.m. PT
On Monday, a group of California's top geophysicists and seismologists announced an $80-million plan to create a similar earthquake early warning system in California.
It would be the first such network in the United States and marks an ambitious new safety initiative by some of California's top state and federal earthquake experts.
The U.S. is behind Japan as well as Mexico, Taiwan, Turkey and even Romania in creating early alert systems. Last year, residents in Mexico City were warned shortly before the shaking from a 7.4 quake that began near Acapulco arrived.
State Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) is proposing legislation to create the statewide network. California already has hundreds of ground sensors measuring earth movement, but experts said another $80 million is needed to expand and upgrade the monitors. They said the system could be up and running in two years if funding is found.
An early warning system could be particularly beneficial in Southern California, which is at risk of a major temblor on the San Andreas Fault. The San Andreas is located far enough away from metropolitan Los Angeles that officials believe residents would have a one-minute warning of the huge quake.
If a temblor erupted near the Salton Sea, for instance, underground sensors along the San Andreas would send off an alert to points north and west, covering population centers in Los Angeles and San Diego. Experts said this would give time to shut off utilities, prepare emergency response personnel and slow trains.
A study released in January was the latest of many to predict a catastrophic quake on the San Andreas. This report, for the first time, raised the possibility of a mega quake across the entire fault line that would be felt from San Francisco to San Diego.
Padilla said it's time for California to build its own system, adding that $80 million is a bargain compared with the billions of dollars in damage the system could prevent.
"Think of the lives we could save. The injuries we can reduce. And the billions upon billions of damage.... If we can just reduce that by a small percentage, or a fraction, the system would more than pay for itself," Padilla said.
At a demonstration Monday at Caltech, seismologists showed how the system would work. The simulation recreated the 1933 Long Beach quake off the coast of Huntington Beach. A person in Pasadena, 40 miles away, would have about 18 seconds to prepare if an alert was issued.
In the demonstration, scientists showed the earthquake waves moving toward Pasadena from Orange County as an alarm sounded with a computerized voice repeating: "Earthquake! Earthquake! Earthquake!"
Officials said the idea would be for people to install a quake warning program on their computers and mobile devices. If a large earthquake occurred, the warning would take over the screen. Alerts would also be tied to automatic systems that could tell elevators to stop, open firehouse doors and flash notifications on freeways.
The early warning system would build upon the existing California Integrated Seismic Network that produces online maps after quakes showing their epicenter. Officials said California already has almost 1,000 earthquake sensors across the state, but the network needs an additional 200 machines and upgrades to 400 stations for the system to work. | <urn:uuid:eefc8260-d50e-49f4-9972-a24add6d50be> | {
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A study led by researchers at the University of Colorado has determined that the pace of planet warming in the first decade of this century was slowed by volcanic activity, and not by industrial activity in Asia, as was previously believed.
Previous research in 2009 had suggested that an increase in stratospheric aerosols tied to a 60 percent increase in sulfur dioxide emissions over China and India had negated about 25 percent of the global warming that scientists attribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
That cooling effect occurs when sulfur dioxide emissions rise 12 to 20 miles to the stratospheric aerosol layer of the atmosphere. There, chemical reactions create sulfuric acid and water particles that reflect sunlight back into space.
Now, research led by study author Ryan Neely, conducted as part of his doctoral thesis at CU, has shown that global warming from 2000 to 2010 was tamped down by sulfur dioxide from volcanic eruptions, not industrial emissions in China and India, where such activity has greatly increased in recent years.
"It's good to know this is coming from volcanoes; its a natural thing, and it's not something we're doing as a planet," said Neely, who is now a post-doctoral fellow in the advanced study program at the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
The 10-year window addressed by the study did not see massive activity on the scale of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, which erupted in 1991 in the second-largest volcanic event of the 20th century. Still, there was sufficient volcanic activity in the 2000s from the tropics to Alaska that made an impact in the stratosphere.
The new research piggybacks on a 2011 study led by Susan Solomon, a former scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who is now at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which showed that stratospheric aerosols -- without isolating their source -- offset about one-quarter of the greenhouse-effect warming of Earth in the past 10 years.
To determine what was contributing to that, Neely said he realized, "You couldn't do it from observations alone. It's all intermingled, and you can't separate the two sources easily. It was going to take a very specialized model that no one has done before."
CU's Janus supercomputer was pressed into service to conduct seven computer runs, each of them simulating 10 years of atmospheric activity linked to both coal-burning activities in Asia and to volcanic emissions around the world.
Each run required about a week of computer time, utilizing 192 processors, enabling the team to isolate coal-burning pollution in Asia from aerosol contributions tied to volcanic eruptions.
Neely said the work would have taken a single computer about 25 years to complete.
The fact that the emissions from industrial activity on the other side of the planet is not affecting temperature fluctuations tied to particulates in the stratosphere, Neely said, does not mean that all those human-caused emissions are good for the environment.
"A lot of people would take it that way," he said, "but it's bad for other reasons -- for acid rain reasons, and just for putting pollution into the atmosphere, and not to mention all the carbon dioxide they're emitting, when they burn all the coal," he said.
In a news release, study co-author and CU professor Brian Toon said, "The biggest implication here is that scientists need to pay more attention to small and moderate volcanic eruptions, when trying to understand changes in Earth's climate.
"But overall, these eruptions are not going to counter the greenhouse effect. Emissions of volcanic gases go up and down, helping to cool or heat the planet, while greenhouse gas emissions from human activity just continue to go up."
Contact Camera Staff Writer Charlie Brennan at 303-473-1327 or [email protected]. | <urn:uuid:8694d936-0085-4edd-a6e6-c8493988c285> | {
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Landsat, the 40-year-old Earth-observing satellite program jointly managed by the U.S. Geological Survey and NASA, saw its eighth mission launch Monday morning from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
The Landsat Data Continuity Mission was launched atop an Atlas V rocket, built by Centennial-based United Launch Alliance, and includes two scientific instruments, one of which is the Operational Land Imager instrument that was designed and built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies of Boulder.
Since 1972, the Landsat missions have provided a continuous picture of Earth and its natural resources using multispectral imagery that can be used for agricultural, water management, disaster response, scientific and national security purposes.
The OLI will use visible, near infrared and short wave infrared wavelengths to take images of the Earth every 16 days.
Landsat images were recently used by USGS in the Colorado wildfires in the summer of 2012.
The previous mission in the program, Landsat 7, was launched in 1999 and is still in orbit. The 2013 mission — scheduled to observe the Earth from about 400 miles above the ground for five years — is the first time Ball has participated in a Landsat mission.
Kristen Leigh Painter: 303-954-1638, [email protected] or twitter.com/kristenpainter | <urn:uuid:1fdd4bcc-2c91-4306-9be2-ed7f5bebdcdc> | {
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2013
Our country’s cultural richness stems from the many immigrant and native legacies which bind us as one Nation from many peoples. Our strength as a Nation resides in the hearts and minds and spirit of our people, united in preserving freedom and justice, and in our willingness to work hard to earn our own way. Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have contributed enormously through language, the arts, music, literature, science, and medicine, adding their own hopes and dreams, to the countless threads that give color and resilience to the fabric that is America.
Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month commemorates both the arrival of the first immigrant Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, linking our Nation’s east and west coasts. So many Chinese immigrants were instrumental to this uniting of the continent. And so many Asian and Pacific Islander Americans since have likewise served and sacrificed for our country. More than 292,000 of them have defended this Nation. Over 67,000 men and women of Asian and Pacific Islander descent currently serve on duty in our Armed Forces around the world.
America is safer, and our democracy is stronger, because of their service in uniform. These Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, from the first brave immigrants to today’s generation of vibrant Americans, have made positive and lasting contributions to the greater good of our society.
Their impact has been truly significant—from operating small businesses to leading multinational corporations; from teaching in our most rural classrooms to lecturing in our greatest universities; from volunteering to care for the sick and homeless to commanding the formations which defend us, preserving peace in a dangerous world. Asian and Pacific Islander Americans are fully interwoven into every aspect of American life, bringing with them the hopes and dreams to build an ever-greater America.
On behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs, it is a privilege to celebrate the rich histories of all Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, including over 22,000 of our co-workers, during this month which honors their heritage.
Eric K. Shinseki | <urn:uuid:1853f705-6fab-4d03-8bd5-162d9856a034> | {
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What is “Renewable Energy”?
Renewable energy comes from sources that are essentially limitless. Some sources of renewable energy include the wind, the sun, flowing water and the heat of the earth. In addition to being plentiful in supply, many forms of renewable energy yield zero greenhouse gasses, and therefore hold promise not only for our energy future but also for preserving the climate.
Delmarva Power is committed to increasing the amount of renewable energy sources used to generate electricity for its customers. Today, that percentage is small due to the lack of available renewable resources. However, we are committed to seeing that percentage grow – up to 20 percent by 2020 in some states. We recognize that renewable energy has the potential to provide us with cleaner air, a more diverse energy portfolio, and less dependence on foreign fossil fuels.
In the near future, through progressive investment in tested and reliable renewable energy solutions, Delmarva Power aims to reduce its use of fossil fuels as well as the greenhouse gasses that generating energy from them produces, all while keeping energy affordable and dependable for our customers. | <urn:uuid:26e9007e-b7d1-42de-8509-cd5b44689628> | {
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Thai National Marine Parks
An Overview for Thailand Diving
There are presently a total of 26 marine national parks in Thailand, of which 21 are formally legislated, while 5 are in different stages of the process of legislation. The 21 legally-recognised parks cover area about 5,810 km². 4 national parks are proposed for World Heritage status; they are Mu Koh Tarutao, Mu Koh Surin, Mu Koh Similan, all 3 of which are popular Thailand scuba diving destinations, and Phang Nga Bay. All thee parks are located in the Andaman Sea. A part of Mu Koh Phayam has been declared a Biosphere Reserve.
Park Management and Legislation
The overall responsibility for national marine parks in Thailand lies with the Royal Forest Department (RFD). Previously, the National Park Division administered the terrestrial and marine parks. However, following a reorganisation within the Royal Forestry Department (RFD) in 1993 a separate Marine National Park Division (MNPD) became responsible for protection, management and operation of the marine national parks.
The major responsibilities of the MNPD are:
- Implementation of the Thai National Park Act (1961), the National Forest Reserve Act (1964), the Wildlife Reservation Act (1992), Forest Act (1941), Fishery Act (1994) and other relevant laws;
- Application of the principles of marine management in promotion and development of guidelines for conservation of natural resources and rehabilitation of ecosystems and environment;
- Prevention, protection and recommendations regarding natural resources to gain the greatest possible benefits and achieve sustainability according to the principles of national marine park management and government policy; and
- Research of natural resources in the marine national parks and information dissemination to the public, especially children to promote understanding and awareness of the need for protection of natural resources.
While the Natural Resources Conservation Office develops the general policies for the marine national parks, it is the marine national parks themselves that are directly responsible for the administration of parks. At the local park level, the park superintendent, supported by 2 assistants, administer the parks. Ranger teams composed of 1 ranger and 11 temporary workers carry out the day-to-day work. The superintendent reports directly to the director of the MNPD. In accordance to the National Park Act, national park management is supervised by a committee at national level, called the National Park Committee.
The protection and management of the marine national parks requires legislation for implementation and enforcement. The National Park Act is the major legislation regulating the marine national parks. The act covers all land, which has been determined as national parks. It covers areas such as mountains, creeks, swamps, canals, marshes, basins, waterways, lakes, islands and seashore. The law describes the protection of the parks. According to the law, the park flora and fauna is protected, and any trade or transport of species out of the park is not allowed. The act also provides the legislative means to establish a national park. A national park may be declared over any public land where there are natural features or scenic areas that are of interest, to preserve it for the benefit of research, public education and pleasure.
The RFD has a set of criteria for the declaration of a national park area in Thailand:
- The coverage area of park should be not less than 10 km², which is large enough to preserve the ecological process within the area. However, it is also flexible for areas containing valuable or unique resources;
- Those areas that contain high biodiversity or threatened species, scenic areas, geological phenomenon or of historical value;
- Those areas that contain educational value which can provide nature educational opportunities for the public;
- Those areas that are suitable for recreation and ecotourism development.
Normally, the process of establishment of national parks takes at least 2 years and many parks took more than 5 years to establish.
The management of conservation areas is crucial and significant for the national environment and ecological systems. The objectives are to preserve existing flora and fauna for research and educational purposes, recreational purposes such a scuba diving, snorkeling and sailing, and for improved living conditions of the people, since natural resources also help people to generate an income.
The national park management plan is to:
- Be a tool for operation, control and supervision, and be a framework for officials, related agencies such as NGOs, local agencies, and governmental organisations to follow;
- Help develop the efficiency and continuity of management and implementation;
- Be a standard for decision making in problem solving processes and management processes in the national parks;
- Help to develop an educational system, in terms of nature conservation knowledge and awareness for the public;
- Be a framework and directional instrument for natural resource research and study.
Revenues are generated by the parks through the collection of entrance fees, user fees such as for diving, accommodation, fines, fees on tourist vessels anchoring or staying overnight, concession from any private tourist service activities such as food shops, souvenir shops, canoe services etc. Income is transferred into a fund handled by the Revenue National Park Committee in RFD, chaired by the General Director. The committee disburses funds to terrestrial and marine parks. There is a separate budget for the marine national parks. The funds provided by the committee are disbursed to finance park project proposals. These proposals comprise activities in the fields of nature conservation and protection, technical research, and park service provision. Only legally established parks are able to collect fees from any activities within the parks. In the last decade, the amount of parks revenue has risen to approximately 0.35 million US dollars a year.
Benefits of the Marine National Parks
The marine national park system provides both direct and indirect benefits to the Thai society. These protected areas contain diverse and important ecosystems and biological resources. Such habitat as mangrove forests, coral reefs, sea grass beds, soft sediment communities and beaches not only provide a home for many important marine species such as turtles and dugongs, but also form the basis for several subsistence benefits to the local people and contribute to the valuable Thailand dive and tourism industries, research and education.
Over 50 percent of all coral reefs in Thailand are included in existing marine national parks. According to many studies, notably by Phuket Marine Biological Research Centre, the parks' coral reefs are in better condition than those in other areas, although they are not as healthy as they were 10-15 years ago. Such parks, as Mu Koh Surin (which contains the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock),
Mu Koh Similan (which contains the Similan Islands, Koh Bon Island and Koh Tachai),
Mu Koh Lanta (which contains Hin Daeng and Hin Muang) and Mu Koh Chang in the Gulf of Thailand, contain some of the finest coral reefs in the country in term of size, species diversity and condition and these sites are of international significance.
Coral reef areas in marine parks play an important role in the economic development of Thai society. Not only do they offer critical habitat to numerous marine species, which support fisheries activities and provide a significant food source for people, they also generate huge incomes for the country in term of tourism activities. About 70% of total incomes from tourism are generated by marine tourism activities.
Several coastal and marine parks of Thailand were established in order to protect the mangrove habitat which has been declining at an alarming rate throughout Thailand's coastal zone. Only one-6th of about 160,000 hectares of mangrove forests are included in coastal parks. Similar to coral reefs, mangrove forest offer critical habitat to an abundance and variety of marine life, which in turn support fisheries and other traditional activities. The mangrove forest in Ao Phang-Nga, Tarutao, and newly established parks such as Mu Koh Chumphon and Kraburi, have better habitat conditions than the rest. Mangrove forest is also becoming popular with ecotourism for both domestic and international tourists.
Seagrass habitat, another significant coastal habitat for marine life, provides great benefits for people, especially local communities along the coastline. The largest seagrass beds are found in coastal protected areas, particularly along the Andaman Sea coast. Dugong and many other marine species use these areas for feeding.
Other Marine Resources
Most coastal and marine parks in Thailand are either permanent or seasonal habitats for several important marine flora and fauna. The most common species of flora found in park are algae and phytoplankton. Many species of fish mollusks, sponges, worms, crustaceans and echinoderms can be found abundantly in most parks. Some notable species such as dugongs, dolphins and whale sharks appear frequently in some of the parks where their habitats is less disturbed. At least 4 species of sea turtle come to the parks beaches for their annual egg laying. These are important drawcards for divers, and generate large amounts of income for the economy.
Because the coastal area of Thailand is influenced by high intensity monsoon rainfall, most coastal areas and many islands established as marine national parks are carpeted in lush evergreen forest. The forests contain both high diversity and endemic species of flora and fauna.
Scenery and Beaches
Many of the country's most spectacular coastal scenery and beaches, such as Ang Thong and Mu Koh Phi Phi, occur within the boundaries of the coastal and marine national park system. As such, marine national parks serve as prime destinations for millions of domestic and international tourism visitors annually.
Decreasing of Illegal Fishing
Fishing within the marine parks is an important issue and the problem is being addressed. The use of illegal fishing equipment and dynamite fishing has been significantly reduced during the last 5 years. Various local NGOs and people have played a significant role in increasing awareness as well as working hand in hand with park staff for habitat protection.
Another effective factor for decreasing illegal fishing has been the increasing of tourism activities in park areas. This has been experienced in Mu Koh Similan and Mu Koh Surin, where the Thailand dive operators act as a watchdog on these illegal activities, Mu Koh Chang and Mu Koh Samet.
Increasing Public Awareness
Thai society realizes that the most valuable natural resources remain only in its protected areas. Coastal communities have learnt that the loss of coastal habitat, such as mangrove and seagrasses, leads to the loss of their income and livelihoods. Local people play an important role in coastal protection and maintenance. Various local NGOs working with local fishery organisations have played a significant role in increasing awareness among local people about their negative environmental impact.
Increasing of Opportunities for Environmental Education
Most parks, especially the coastal parks encompassed within communities, are required to implement the environmental conservation project as part of their routine work. The target group is Thai school children and local people nearby to the parks. Moreover, Marine National Park Education Centres are also set up specifically for implementing nature education development programmes. Each year at least 300 students and local people will be trained by parks and MNPCs. So far, park areas have played an important role in nature education for school children and students at different levels. Most habitats in parks become an outdoor laboratory for students and teachers. Several areas are frequently used by schools and colleges.
Increasing of Research Opportunities
The high diversity ecosystem and fertile habitats within park areas provide excellent study areas for researchers. Furthermore, the mechanism of park management also encourages researchers to work in the park areas. The protection of parks will ensure that those study areas remain undisturbed.
Increasing of Marine Protected Areas
Both the total area and number of marine national parks has expanded markedly during the past decade, with the trend set to continue expansion.
Current Issues and Challenges
At present, the MNPD faces a number of management challenges.
Fishery activities are considered a central problem in many of the marine national parks, especially for the coastal parks. The conflict between parks and people on marine resource utilisation is increasing. Fishing within the park boundaries is prohibited. It is noted that when it comes to enforcement, this aspect is treated in a flexible way, with some marine national parks even allowing fishing. However, local fishermen in general feel that marine parks put unnecessary constraints on local fishing activities.
The use of illegal and inappropriate fishing gear has negatively impacted the marine national parks environment. Thailand's coast is especially rich in seagrass species with as many as 12 species found. The use of inappropriate fishing gear, including finely woven fishing nets, is very damaging to the seagrass. In this way the habitat for numerous marine animals is destroyed. Moreover, destructive fishing practices can be very damaging to the coral reefs. It is especially the use of explosives and use of fine nets which have negatively impacted upon the coral reefs.
Trawling has also had a very negative impact on marine resources both in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. In particular, the use of push nets and explosives along the shallow coast of Thailand has resulted in the severe decline in fish resources.
The number of tourists coming to Thailand is rapidly growing and this increases the pressure on the marine national parks. 8 of the existing parks have attendances exceeding 100,000 visitors per year. During visitation in parks, tourists will rely on various services and infrastructure provided at the parks, including overnight accommodation, guided boat tours, and other nature interpretation services. Tourism demand for coastal and marine parks is quite high for both the natural resources being used and the tourism infrastructure of the park. Both physical and environmental carrying capacity is being exceeded at several locations, thereby leading to congestion, the deterioration of the nature-oriented recreational experience and resource degradation.
At present, the park management is in a weak position to control the entry of tourists to the marine parks, especially the island parks such as Mu Koh Samet, Mu Koh Chang, and Mu Koh Phi Phi. Consequently, a large number of tourists do not pay entry fees and are unregistered.
The tourism problem also relates to the control of tourist activities within the park. The marine national parks base a zoning system mainly on the terrestrial park model and marine areas of park are not properly zoned. The pressure from tourists is therefore localised to certain sites in the parks, especially coral reefs. This has also resulted in the MNPD having to close reefs that were frequently visited by Thai divers in Mu Koh Similan, such as East of Eden.
The quality of recreational and educational experiences at the marine national parks is not reaching its potential. Several parks are destination for visitors from around the world such as Mu Koh Surin, Mu Koh Similan, Khao Leam Ya, Mu Koh Samet and Mu Koh Chang. But not many park officials are trained in coastal and marine environmental education. The expansion of coastal and offshore island resorts, the extension of cruise ship services to new locations, improved transportation to former remote locations are all expected to have considerable influence on coastal and marine parks and impact on the environment.
Low quality tourist vessels also create an environmental impact on natural habitat, especially coral reefs. Almost all Thai tourist vessels do not have proper storage system for waste water, and sewage is therefore flushed directly into the sea. Oil is commonly released from the tourist boat engines, particularly the boats that are converted from fishing boats. This is polluting the marine environment and thereby threatening the reef.
Marine parks also face problems as a result of land encroachment. The parks have in particular faced problems because people involved in shrimp farming have encroached into the marine protected areas and destroyed mangrove forests and occupied the land. Shrimp farming constitutes a serious problem, threatening the Ao Phang-Nga National Park. (However, in this park the current problem mostly relates to pollution from shrimp farms located in areas neighbouring the park). Several parks, including Hat Nopparat Thara - Mu Koh Phi Phi, Khao Leam Ya and Mu Koh Samet, face serious difficulties because of encroachment and land disputes. The conflicts are ever more complicated due to the high benefits gained from the tourism business in the parks.
The Thai National Park Act is outdated and the law was not developed specifically for marine parks. A key issue is the unresolved problem concerning the open seas. There are still uncertainties about how sea water can be designated as a part of a park. Attempts have been made to interpret 'land' to include the sea bordering islands and seashore. These unresolved legal issues put severe constraints on the national parks' ability to regulate economical and recreational activities in sea areas. The parks have, for example, been unable to properly zone the aquatic areas of the parks. Moreover, neither the National Park Act nor other relevant acts under RFD, including the National Forest Reserve Act or Wildlife Reserves Act, give the parks any legal authority to create buffer zones surrounding the protected areas. The parks are therefore unable to regulate environmentally unfriendly activities taking place in areas neighbouring the parks, including shrimp farms and resort construction.
Management and Capacity Gaps
Besides the legal constraints, there are several other factors that significantly constrain the MNPD to effectively operate and manage its marine national parks. Some of these factors relate directly to capacity constraints within RFD and the MNPD. There are certain financial limitations on park management in Thailand which severely constrain the parks in developing pragmatic annual financial proposals.
The parks face capacity problems with regards to staff skills. The park superintendents and chief assistants all have forestry backgrounds, and they receive only sporadic training related to marine park management. There is a lack of technical and professional skills in areas such as environmental education and interpretation, social science and marine science. Moreover, most park guards are low paid temporary employees. They have no job security and incentives. The performance of the temporary staff is therefore relatively poor.
There are also important challenges concerning data collection and general management of data relating to the natural environments of the parks. Currently the parks lack baseline data and have not developed a uniform system for habitat and biodiversity monitoring.
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More in Outdoors
Careful soil preparation can make the difference between a green, healthy lawn and a poorly grown one. Timing is key — start several weeks before you intend to lay turf or sow seed to give the soil enough time to settle.
gardening fork or spade
Preparation for laying a lawn or sowing grass seed should begin a few weeks before you plan to sow seed or lay turf. Use a fork or spade to turn over the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Remove any weeds or stones.
Leveling is important on small lawn areas, but you may want to leave gentle undulations on large, informal sites because natural contours can look attractive.
Once the soil has been leveled, it should be lightly firmed down to knock out large air pockets and prevent the soil level from dropping too much later. Do this by treading on it with your feet or by using a light roller.
Simple Steps to Success: Lawns and Groundcover © 2012 Dorling Kindersley Limited
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1 image with subject Virginia.
Virginia. ONE OF THE ORIGINAL THIRTEEN POPULATION IN 1860, 1,097,373 WHITES. POPULATION IN 1860, 495,826 SLAVES. NUMBER OF SQUARE MILES, 61,362. From Original Acrostics on All the States and Presidents of the United States, and Various Other Subjects, Religious, Political, and Personal. Illustrated with Portraits of All the Presidents, and Engravings of Various Other Kinds. | <urn:uuid:18f175a4-1f05-445c-b840-0127614113a3> | {
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Microsoft Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012, the latest operating system and Windows makeover, were released in fall 2012. For programmers, many new APIs were included in the features added. Several of the new features focus on the venerable sockets interface, the basic network paradigm first introduced in Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) UNIX in the early 1980s. Sockets still form the basis for networking on all of the major platforms including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
You might want to consider these new Windows socket APIs for your next project when writing new apps or refactoring older applications for Windows. New Windows 8 features for sockets programming are found at both ends of the network spectrum:
- Window Runtime (WinRT) sockets: Used for low-level networking in Windows Store apps.
- High-performance sockets: Used in writing network servers for desktop apps that need low network latency and the highest performance.
- WebSockets: The other new networking APIs are socket-related, at least in name; these are extensions to the HTTP protocols for the creation of a special Web socket that is fully bidirectional once the connection is established, either endpoint can initiate or send packets.
Herein I provide a brief introduction to these new networking socket features available on Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012. The focus will be more on WinRT sockets, since these will appeal to a larger set of developers.
Sockets and Windows
The original Berkeley socket implementation developed in 1983 was very simple, based on the design of UNIX file I/O. A network socket became a special type of file handle. BSD networking functions were basic:
socket (open or create),
connect (for TCP),
close. Several types of sockets were supported including TCP (stream), UDP (datagram), and later UNIX domain sockets. For TCP servers and applications receiving UDP packets, the
listen functions would bind to a network address and listen for incoming packets. For use with UDP, there were the
recvfrom functions. A few other functions were provided for getting and setting socket options, getting a host by name or address; and there were the
poll functions to check on the state of a socket.
With the adoption of Windows Sockets (Winsock) in 1993, Microsoft added support for sockets to Windows. The initial Winsock 1.1 API was relatively modest with calls similar to BSD UNIX plus a number of Windows-specific extension functions. Over time, the Winsock API has grown larger and larger. The current reference documentation for Windows Sockets for desktop apps lists more than 140 functions and 80 structures along with several hundred IOCTLS and socket options. This doesn't include functions used by the Winsock Service Provider Interface (SPI). The existing Winsock API has become very large, complex, and challenging for new users.
The new socket APIs introduced with Windows 8/Windows Server 2012 provide much simpler, stripped-down APIs for sockets programming closer to the spirit of the original BSD sockets.
Windows 8: Two for the Money
Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 introduce a new graphical user interface (GUI) that represents a major redesign of the Windows user experience. The changes are targeted primarily for touch-enabled devices, with tiles used to represent apps and new system navigation features (charms, settings, etc.). On traditional Intel/AMD x86/x64 hardware, Windows 8 can be thought of as an operating system for two different types of apps:
- Windows Store apps: New apps that run on Windows 8 only. These apps are limited to using the WinRT APIs and a few other APIs (some classes from the .NET framework along with a few desktop functions) that are exposed for use by Windows Store apps.
- Windows desktop apps: Traditional Windows apps that provide developers access to all of the Windows APIs except the WinRT APIs (unless the WinRT class has a special
DualApiPartitionAttribute). These represent the traditional applications that ran on Windows 7 and older versions of the OS. If you use new Windows 8 desktop APIs, then the app will only be able to run on Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 or later versions.
On ARM-based hardware (in the original Microsoft Surface tablet, for example), Windows 8 has been stripped down so only Windows Store apps can be installed and used. Windows 8 apps using WinRT are installed by purchasing and downloading them from the Microsoft App Store (many apps are free). Windows and app upgrades are also downloaded and installed from the Microsoft Store. Sideloading apps on these WinRT-based devices is mostly restricted, except when Visual Studio 2012 is installed. Sideloading allows developers to test apps they write before submitting them for publication on the Windows App Store.
(Note: The Windows App Store is not the Microsoft.com online store that sells versions of Windows, Office, other Microsoft software, and some hardware. There is also a separate Windows Phone App Store for purchasing and downloading apps for Windows phones.)
Windows Runtime and Sockets
The WinRT APIs used by Windows Store apps provide a set of managed APIs that are designed for several different languages and presentation schemes:
- C#/VB.NET with XAML: Designed for existing C#/VB.NET developers and others using managed code (Java developers).
- C++ with XAML: Designed for core C++ desktop and COM developers as well as others using similar languages (Objective-C developers).
Developers are free to choose whatever language and presentation they prefer. In fact, the same app can be written in any of these languages. Microsoft provides downloadable samples for Windows Store apps, many of which are implemented in multiple languages for illustration. For example, the downloadable StreamSocket sample and the DatagramSocket sample are implemented in all three language combinations. | <urn:uuid:f80579b0-5235-4f64-af29-9584f19939d8> | {
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Drunk drivers kill. They kill themselves, but more often than not, they kill innocent people, sometimes family, friends, other drivers and their passengers, pedestrians and two-wheeled riders as well.
The death toll across Canada each year is slightly more than 1,000 persons killed by drinking drivers. This is a terrible tragedy, but a significant reduction from the much higher numbers recorded in the preceding decades. Groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) have had an enormous impact on both the public- and private-sector attitudes toward impaired driving. Employers, licensed establishments, clubs, neighbours, friends and even family have a duty to make accommodations to prevent the incidence of impaired driving.
Governments have increased penalties and administrative prohibitions to deter drunk driving in most every jurisdiction in our country. Insurance companies, schools, and many other groups have targeted programs to reduce the occurrence of drunk driving. Individuals planning a social event now must, by law, make arrangements to get people home safely.
But though there have been some reductions in drinking driver crash rates, the problem persists.
Enforcement and punishment are tools used to combat the carnage on our roads caused by drunk drivers. Ninety per cent of the people convicted of driving while intoxicated in the U.S. are repeat offenders. Ten per cent of the population who consume alcohol in the U.S. consume 50 per cent of the alcohol. The same stats likely apply to Canada. It is time to target repeat offenders with the strength of purpose demonstrated by MADD.
When society deems certain bad behaviour to be socially unacceptable, bad behaviour is usually discontinued. A good example of this socially undesirable behaviour, which came to an abrupt end, is the use of the spittoon. Today, no one I know would look for a spittoon to use while at the dinner table -- not because there is a law which forbids the use of a spittoon, but rather since the use of the spittoon has long since become socially unacceptable. Socially, there have been gains made in the last few decades to make drinking and driving unacceptable. Almost everyone understands the problem and wants to be part of the solution.
One social circumstance that I witnessed a few years ago had a profound effect on four families. Four fathers had agreed to take turns taking their hockey-playing offspring, all of elementary school age, to practice very early each Saturday morning. All went well until one of the parents was convicted of impaired driving and given a three-month licence suspension. The convicted driver offered to make up for his absence once the suspension was finished. The offer was declined -- the other parents no longer trusted their friend to drive their kids. The social stigma of an impaired driving conviction had a lasting effect on the relationship of the four men and their families.
Many convicted drivers do not abstain from drinking and driving because of the law. They change their behaviour because of social pressure. Bad behaviour can go the way of the spittoon. Peer pressure is an extremely powerful weapon against drinking drivers. It is the kind of pressure we should all be willing to exert in order to end the senseless slaughter on our roads.
Steve Wallace is a longtime teacher and owner of the Wallace Driving Scool in Victoria.
There I am, in my garage, standing face to fascia with the 2011 Porsche Carrera GTS. I'm gazing intently into its sultry Bi-Xenon headlights. It keenly...
Oh come on, Santa. Surprise the big boy with a big toy this Christmas. How about a Porsche Boxster?Fun to drive takes on new meaning when you slide behind...
Porsche used last week's opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show to take the wraps off its second-generation Boxster roadster and its coupe sibling, the ... | <urn:uuid:c962da01-16c5-4cbc-91d6-18deb2ffe445> | {
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The Best Advice on Children's Products
Brain Blasters Vocabulary Practice Cards
Brain Blasters cards make vocabulary practice easy and accessible. Real-life questions promote research-based practice. Promotes parent involvement. Double-sided cards add value. Self-checking cards allow individual practice. Fun format engages learners. Set of 40 cards offers plenty of practice and learning skills for over 400 vocabulary words. | <urn:uuid:8e8adc48-0ba9-4d31-b64b-c2b0a3fdf924> | {
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There is another reason for men to quit smoking — it can increase risk of death due to prostate cancer by 61%.
In a study made at the Harvard University, data showed that men who smoke up their chances of dying of prostate cancer and recurrence of prostate cancer. In a feature from the Voice of America, researcher Stacy Kenfield said “We looked at the amounts that current smokers were smoking, and we did see an increase in prostate cancer mortality if you smoked more cigarettes.”
Every year, there are 900,000 prostate cancer cases all over the world, and about a quarter of this figure eventually die of the disease.
The study also relates prostate cancer and former smokers. Those who quit for at least ten years before they were diagnosed to have the illness were performing as people who never smoked did.
Kenfield suggests the probable reasons why smokers are more likely to die of this type of cancer. She says the cancer-causing chemicals in cigarettes are to blame as well as hormones that are disrupted by smoking. “Studies have found an association between current smoking and increased testosterone, which is known to stimulate prostate cancer growth. And other studies have shown that nicotine induces angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels.”
It was also observed that smokers have a more dangerous form of prostate cancer than those who do not smoke.Tags: prostate cancer, smoking cancer, smoking prostate cancer, smoking risks | <urn:uuid:01550d17-b437-4f1a-bb64-b733882e8a7e> | {
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Technological Development in Teaching and Learning
23 Feb 2012 10:49
The second day of the NGL Conference opened with a presentation by Charles Crook, Professor at the University of Nottingham, and Docent in Information and Communications Technology.
Professor Charles Crook, University of Nottingham.
He spoke about how the latest technology creates new situations, which in turn lead to new experiences in terms of student learning. The interpersonal dynamic in teaching and learning has changed.
In his presentations, Charles Crook talked about his work examining what actually happens with learning when people use technology and learn alongside others instead of individually. He makes comparisons with earlier ideas within pedagogy, referring to Piaget and Vygotsky.
"There exists an undeniable tension between teaching and learning and technology," he states.
Charles Crook mentions two symptoms of e-learning at institutes of education. One is the many students per teacher and the other is a changed pedagogy. What does it mean to be educated? He has looked at quality in communication and interaction between students in their work. He has also examined the significance of place and students' study environment.
The presentation provided an interesting insight into the research that requires a position alongside the technological developments within the world of teaching. It is important to establish in what ways social situations create new grounds for teaching and learning.
Translation based on the original text by Annette Skogsjö.
Photo by Annette Skogsjö.
NGL på Högskolan Dalarna
Next Generation Learning Conference | <urn:uuid:b0716762-136a-4a0f-bc28-9caf7b502607> | {
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The winter months have been highly variable in terms of precipitation and temperature. One week would bring a winter thaw; the next, a cold spell. Minimum daily temperatures were -45 C or lower in northern Ontario.
Meanwhile, southern Ontario had maximum temperatures above 15 C, and new record highs were set January 11-13, and again on January 29 and 30.
Winter precipitation can be summed up as below-average snowpack conditions coupled with above-average rainfall events. Large rainfall totals were observed across southwest and central areas. In fact, for a number of locations throughout south central Ontario, this was the second-wettest January on record. Snowfall amounts for locations in the typical snowbelts off Georgian Bay were well below average in January and below average in February.
Habitat conditions are rated as fair in south central and southwest areas due to poor frost seal and moderate snowpack conditions. Northern Ontario has variable snowpack conditions but wetland levels appear to be good.
Inland wetlands are still covered in ice and snow, while some Great Lakes coastal zones have a combination of shallow ice cover or open water.
Of greatest concern, water levels are very low throughout the Great Lakes. Levels on lakes Huron and Michigan are the lowest they’ve been since record keeping began in 1918. The lakes are about 1 meter below their long-term average, which is drying out emergent coastal wetlands and revealing extended mudflats. Lakes Superior, Erie and Ontario are not as low but are still well below average for this time of year. The chief cause of these water level declines is a combination of reduced precipitation throughout their watersheds, as well as increased evaporation due to higher ambient temperatures over the last two decades. The short-term result could be poor migratory habitat for waterfowl using the Great Lakes for resting and feeding during their migration northward.
Continue Reading >>
Due to relatively poor ice development throughout the nearshore areas of the Great Lakes, more waterfowl than normal overwintered in the area. | <urn:uuid:1ddfbcfd-0bb1-4fcf-a64f-1dd3d6b13ef8> | {
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The roboter MARS ROVERor also called Bridget should explore the mars planet in 2011. It is 3m x 1,8m large. EADS Astrium is developing the first European Mars rover and it will demonstrate flight and in-situ qualification of key exploration enabling technologies to support the European ambitions for future robotic and human exploration missions. The main technology demonstration objectives are: - Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) of a large payload on the surface of Mars, - surface mobility using a rover with a mobility range of several kilometres, - access to sub-surface using a drill to acquire samples at depths of down to two metres, - autonomous navigation using stereo cameras to map a 3D image of the surrounding terrain, - automatic sample preparation and distribution for analyses of scientific experiments. In parallel, important scientific objectives will be accomplished through a state-of-the art scientific payload.
© EADS 2010 | <urn:uuid:5b0a5e83-b367-4c64-865a-5b2b67234094> | {
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Unprecedented sea-level rise over 20th century pins down future of rising oceans
Sea-level rises from global warming remain one of the big unknowns in the jostling crowd of climate threats. We know that warming water expands - and so coastal communities will be threatened, as the sea swells in response to rising temperatures. But what about the melting of the land-based ice-sheets of Greenland and Antarctica? And the disappearing mountain glaciers of the Rockies and the Andes? How will a warming world spill these frozen waters into the sea, and so back onto our low-lying cities? Those questions are something that climate scientists try to model, but which they still find difficult to predict.
One way to help knock down that uncertainty is to turn to past records of sea-level fluctuations, to see if they can point to the future. Tie these records tightly enough to detailed temperature records, and scientists may get a better grasp on what their models should be showing. That's what a research team, including Penn State's Michael Mann, have done - looking to North Carolina's salt marshes for a fresh insight into the sea-level conundrum. The results are published online in today's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The international team of scientists turned to North Carolina, in part because this area of the world has been geologically quiet for many millennium. Previous sea-level reconstructions are in those parts of the world still on the move - due to tectonic shifts, or where the land is rebounding from the burden of the last Ice Age. That makes deciphering which sea-level changes are down to temperature fluctuations more difficult.
But the marshes off of the US east coast have had a much simpler history - so taking account of the slow resettling of the earth's foundations is much easier here. In order to work out the level of the sea over the last two-thousand years, the team looked at thick slices of muddy sediment in the sheltered waters of the Pamlico Sound. These contain foramnifera, microscopic fossils which can tell scientists the depth of the overlying waters. They were dated accurately using a combination of radiocarbon and pollen sequences.
The results tallied well with other reconstructions, and with local and global tidal gauge records. 'The temperature and sea level reconstructions were determined independently from each other, and yet each shows what we would expect based on the other," said Mann. "Higher temperatures correspond with higher rates of sea level change and vice versa."
The story of sea level changes fitted a reasonably well-known narrative - and emphasized the suddenness of the most recent changes ascribed to man's tinkering with the climate.
From 100 years BC until 950 AD, sea levels held fairly constant, but with the regional warming of the northern hemisphere, known as the Medieval Warming period, sea levels rose by 2 inches per century. That rise halted with the onset of the 'Little Ice Age' when sea-levels fell slightly. But once the industrialization of the 19th century was well underway, the tide turned firmly back to rising sea levels - and dramatically so.
Over the last century, sea-levels rose at the equivalent of 8-inches per century - a rate unprecedented in the 2000 year-old record. The paper concludes "..in North Carolina the mean rate of rise was 2.1 mm/y in response to 20th century warming. This historical rate of rise was greater than any other persistent, century-scale trend during the past 2,100 years,' the researchers report. That can be seen as an ominous pointer to the future for low-lying communities.
Top Image Credit: © Wollwerth Imagery | <urn:uuid:66c1334a-f2a1-4bea-a6b3-481e80977839> | {
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|The Salmon-Challis National Forest covers over 4.3 million acres in east-central Idaho. Included within the boundaries of the Forest is 1.3 million acres of the Frank Church-- River of No Return Wilderness Area, the largest wilderness area in the Continental United States. Rugged and remote, this country offers adventure, solitude and breathtaking scenery. Panoramic vistas highlight travel atop the Continental Divide; northwest-southeast trending mountain ranges culminate in the jagged heights of Mount Borah, Idaho's tallest peak. The sagebrush slopes of the forest are covered with a colorful display of wildflowers in the spring.For over 8,000 years, ancestors of the Shoshone-Bannock people have lived in this region. White settlement began shortly after the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled through the territory in 1805. Initially, fur trappers then miners worked this area. The development of Salmon, Challis, and their surrounding communities followed and by the 1880's were flourishing. Traces of the past can be found throughout the Salmon-Challis National Forest.Most roads within the Salmon-Challis National Forest branch off main highways and turn to gravel or dirt surfaces, with many being suitable for sedans, while others require 4-wheel drive vehicles. Recommended travel precautions are to have a full tank of gas and a good spare tire.Three popular road tours: the Custer Motorway Loop, the Lewis and Clark Backcountry Byway, and the Salmon River Road, take visitors through the Salmon River Mountains, to the crest of the Continental Divide, and along the scenic Salmon River. Visitors will discover historic mining towns and share their history of mining life. Steps can be traced back to the 1805 expedition that changed the West.There is abundant wildlife in The Salmon-Challis National Forest. Species include Rocky Mountain sheep, mountain goat, bald eagles, and river otter, among other wildlife who call the forest home.Known as the "white water capital of the world," the Salmon and Middle Fork Rivers offer adventures to provide a lifetime of memories. Permit applications for the wild section of the Main Salmon River and for the Middle Fork River are available at the North Fork and Middle Fork Range Districts.Nearly 3,292 miles of trails transverse the Salmon-Challis National Forest, almost half of which are located in the Wilderness. Hiking season is generally between April and October, with elevations above 7,500 feet usually clear of snow by July 4. Trails range from moderate to difficult. Many non-wilderness trails are designated for motorized use.Hunting opportunities for deer, elk, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat, black bear, and mountain lion exist on much of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Opportunities for hunting chukar, grouse, and goose are also available.Most streams and lakes on the Salmon-Challis National Forest are home to trout. Steelhead average 4-6 pounds, with and occasional one weighing in at 15-20 pounds. Mackay Reservoir, situated on neighboring Bureau of Land Management land, offers good angling for kokanee salmon. Winter anglers may try their skills at Jimmy Smith and Williams Lake, a 30-minute drive from Salmon.There are a wide variety of opportunities for beginners to advanced downhill skiers and snow boarders within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Williams Creek Summit offers 22 miles of moderate to difficult cross-country ski trails. Copper Mountain allows visitors to practice their backcountry ski skills. Gentler, groomed trails at Chief Joseph Pass on the Idaho-Montana border provide fun for the whole family. Local snowmobile clubs maintain a number of groomed routes on the Ridge Road to the Stanley-Landmark Snowmobile Trail system.There are over 40 campgrounds within the Salmon-Challis National Forest, ranging from primitive to developed. Most campgrounds have at least one wheelchair accessible campsite.|
|Facilities: Salmon-Challis National Forest provides over 40 campgrounds. Most of the campgrounds have restrooms.|
Best Time To Visit: Salmon-Challis National Forest is open year round for a variety of recreational opportunities. Hiking season is generally between April and October, with elevations above 7,500 feet usually clear of snow by July 4. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling is available during the winter months.
Fees: Parking, camping, and/or entrance fees may be charged at some of the recreation sites within Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Accessibility: Most campgrounds have at least one wheelchair accessible campsite. Williams Lake provides wheelchair accessible spots for both fishing and picnicking.
Rules: Recommended travel precautions are to have a full tank of gas and a good spare tire. Check the local fishing, hunting, and fire regulations. Do not leave campfires unattended. Fireworks and explosives are prohibited in the forests. Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation sites. Obey all traffic signs. State traffic laws apply to the Salmon-Challis National Forest unless otherwise specified.
Directions: Salmon-Challis National Forest covers over 4.3 million acres in east-central Idaho. It can be accessed from Arco, Hailey, Challis, and Salmon.
Map: Click here for a map to Salmon-Challis National Forest
Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted to visit Salmon-Challis National Forest. Reservations may be accepted or required for campgrounds and other recreation sites within the forest.
|Salmon-Challis National Forest Supervisor's Office|
|50 Hwy 93 South|
|Salmon, Idaho 83467|
|General: (208) 756-5100| | <urn:uuid:ac728d17-b08b-402e-88b1-f731efe85416> | {
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Critical Analysis of Eve Merriam's Onomatopoeia
Critical Analysis of Eve Merriam's “Onomatopoeia”
“Onomatopoeia” by Eve Merriam allows the reader to enter a world of reality by expressing sounds with the use of vivid words along with graphic imagery. The poem makes the reader envision an old, leaky faucet, dripping droplets of water. It continues to drip one after another, smacking the bottom of a metal sink. Suddenly, after anxiously waiting, the water begins to pour out in full force and flows freely.
“Onomatopoeia” contains several different themes. First, “A healthy dose of reality is needed for fun” (Ruby 136). Absurdity is a very important concept in this poem. It helps brighten up the reading instead of it being dull. The poem is absurd because it goes into full detail to just describe a leaky faucet. For example, it is like writing five pages of instructions for someone just to teach them how to throw a ball. But nevertheless, it is fun without being boring or confusing at all.
Another theme in this poem is language and meaning. Poets often use words that extend beyond their apparent meaning in order to connect to people through as many words as possible. Poetry can become challenging for the poet and the reader when they realize that a word can have more than one connotation. These connotations came about because various cultures use the word differently throughout the years. To a poet with acute hearing, every word sounds like something it represents (Ruby 135). The sounds and the words we use are “intrinsically related” to what they are trying to say (135).
This poem lacks structure and is not very complex at all. But it is still an extremely powerful and interesting poem. As the reader looks at the poem, “the
words drip one by one down the page, occasionally becoming a sputter of smattering drops” (Ruby 136). There is no real rhyme scheme either but many of the words do rhyme such as utter, sputter, and splutter. Out of the twenty-nine words in this poem, twenty-four of them are related by one or more rhyming elements. Merriam uses many literary devices also. The main device she uses... | <urn:uuid:08c22fd9-f904-41df-a2b8-7223939a20dc> | {
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We consider a simple pure substance under hydrostatic conditions
described by the following fundamental equation:
where the extensive variables U, V and N are the internal energy, the volume, and the number of particles respectively, and the intensive variables T, p and are the temperature, the pressure and the chemical potential respectively.
Equation () corresponds to the choice of the variables U, V and N as independent variables of the entropy S(U,V,N). These variables are precisely those which are fixed and determine the macrostate of the members of the Microcanonical Ensemble and consequently S is the relevant potential in this statistical ensemble.
It is useful to define the following quantities: ,
and so that Eq. () can
then be written in the dimensionless form:
In general, for other thermodynamic systems with degrees of freedom, one will have:
where are extensive variables, and the corresponding entropic conjugate variables. Massieu-Planck functions are entropic thermodynamic potentials defined as Legendre transformations of the entropy. In the case of a pure substance, the following (dimensionless) potentials can be formally defined:
The function was first introduced by Massieu , and it is called Massieu's potential. The function was introduced by Planck and is called Planck's. potential.
Given the extensivity of , and using Euler's theorem for
homogeneous functions, it is easy to see that . Therefore
the Legendre transformation of all variables redefines the entropy,
Substituting Eq. () into the differentials of the potentials defined above one gets:
From Eq. () one obtains:
The above equations allow a re-derivation of all the standard thermodynamic equations in terms of , and . For instance, Maxwell relations can be deduced, by imposing that the equations ()-() are exact differentials (equality of crossed derivatives). Moreover, Eq. () is the Gibbs-Duhem equation which states that the complete set of intensive variables of the system are not all independent. On the other hand, the extremal condition of leads us to deduce that , and are homogeneous at equilibrium . | <urn:uuid:f64a9fe0-fb27-407b-891a-d7ab31581e3a> | {
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With solar and wind energies maturing as recognized alternative-power sources, there are other alternatives providing clean power on scales both large and small. These power generators are distinctive in how they create electricity and are a growing business for electrical contractors (ECs) that take note of them.
Biomass is the most commercially established “other” alternative energy. Popularly used to create biofuels, such energy sources are being used for on-site power cogeneration or distributed generation. Biofuel is sustainable, offering carbon-neutral emissions output. A nonfossil-fuel source, its most popular “feedstocks,” as they are called, include wood waste, agricultural residues (straw, manure, grasses) and municipal solid waste. When used to create energy, feedstocks become the fuel for biopower.
Biofuel is certainly not a new idea. Wood was North America’s primary heating source until coal. By the 1950s, electricity and natural gas displaced wood heat. The energy crisis of the 1970s brought new attention, research and new ideas to biomass as an alternative-energy source. By the 1980s, biomass power plants were being built in North America. Today, the Biomass Power Association (BPA) in Portland, Maine, represents 80 biomass power plants in 20 states across the country. Biopower systems are typically direct-fired, co-fired, gasification or modular (transportable).
A growing sector
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) in Texas, a provider of global market intelligence for industrial, heavy manufacturing and energy markets, reports more than $3 billion in U.S. biomass power-generation projects are scheduled to begin construction this year. Research by Biomass Power and Thermal magazine reveals a 20 percent increase in proposed biomass projects going into this year.
The top 10 states with the most operating plants and proposed projects are California (22), Florida (16), New York (14), New Hampshire (14), Maine (11), Michigan (11), Massachusetts (10), Minnesota (9), Pennsylvania (9) and Connecticut (8). In addition, the California Energy Commission has set an ambitious goal to add as much as 2,200 megawatts (MW) of biomass power by 2020, part of that state’s goal to achieve 33 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by that year.
Though biomass currently plays a relatively small role in the U.S. electric power-generation market-—it represents about 10 gigawatts (GW) of electricity generation, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy—the BPA reports biomass supplies more than half of the United States’ renewable electricity. This niche will continue to grow along with other alternative energies, at a pace partially dictated by the price of natural gas. In its Annual Energy Outlook 2011, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects renewables will constitute 14 percent of all electric-power generation, just behind nuclear (17 percent) by 2035. In the U.S. consumption of liquid fuels, biofuels are projected to make up 3 percent.
Success in landfill gas
Though a niche market, ECs are finding competitive work in alternative-power generation. Some contractors have been involved in such work for years. O’Connell Electric Co. Inc., Victor, N.Y., entered the world of landfill gas-to-energy some 20 years ago when it was approached by representatives from a county landfill.
“In New York, landfills are required to flare off the gas they produce or do something with it,” said Tim Ehmann, senior manager for O’Connell Electric. “Some choose to generate electricity, capturing and reprocessing the gas from the landfill.”
Producing wholesale power for utilities is a major application. But there are others, too. Interface, a carpet tile manufacturer based in LaGrange, Ga., uses the city’s landfill gas to supplant its facility’s natural gas usage by 20 percent.
Landfill gas is about 40–60 percent methane, with the remainder being mostly carbon dioxide (CO2). Typical landfill-to-gas projects use compressors, blowers, switchgear, engine controls, gas compression controls, power distribution, lighting and a utility substation. Such operations offer many opportunities for the savvy electrical contractor.
“The gas has to be conditioned before it goes into a generator,” Ehmann said. “There are mechanical concerns and specialty engineering that goes into the gas preparation. Essentially, you collect, pressurize and regulate the gas flow. We needed to partner with specialty engineers to design the mechanics.”
Ehmann said today’s major landfill gas-to-energy customers are larger waste generators, such as Waste Management Inc. That company asserts that its landfill gas projects create enough energy to power 400,000 homes every day and offsets almost 2 million tons of coal per year. Waste Management currently has 110 landfill gas facilities.
“In the last six years, we’ve seen an increase in alternative- energy developers (private or co-op, biomass people) working to install power generators for landfill gas and utilize the carbon credits,” Ehmann said. “They are calling us.”
O’Connell Electric also is performing other biopower work involving large dairy farms. Central Vermont Public Service calls it “cow power.” It has six Vermont farms providing power to the grid that are estimated to produce between 0.78 and 3.5 megawatt--hours of electricity per year. The process is simple. An anaerobic digester creates biogas from dry, processed manure. The biogas fuels a modified natural gas engine-powered generator that, in turn, creates electricity that is fed into the grid. O’Connell Electric is involved in two such projects providing the wiring for the biofuel process and power generators and the interconnections and relay work to the grid. A farm might generate more power than it can use and would then sell the power back to the utility.
“Our work in biogas and landfill gas is really side work for us,” Ehmann said. “It falls in between two existing divisions: line and alternative-energy work. Relay work and power protection and testing are services we provide to pull this project work together. We’ve seen a rebirth in this work, in part due to rates going up and its rediscovery as an alternative-energy green power.”
Ehmann said his company has to compete.
“The electrical interconnection business competition is maybe one in 10 instead of one in 100 for us,” he said. “We have the history, which helps us win the work. We also have our technicians earn their certification in the commissioning of the electrical interconnection (relays and utility’s relay testing). This has helped open the doors for new and repeat business. Ultimately, our customers turn to us to help maintain their systems.”
In New York, landfill gas operations need to be certified through the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), in part, so the operations can properly avoid faults and be able to properly disconnect from the grid at the utility’s request.
Newkirk Electric Associates Inc., based in Muskegon, Mich., also has more than a 20-year history with biomass projects. It also works with dairy farms helping design, power and “interconnect” digester sites for electric power generation and for producing pipeline-grade biogas. It, too, is involved in a number of landfill gas-to-energy projects—55 to date. The company has its own power and controls specialists that allow it to offer project design.
“Biopower represents a very broad customer base, ranging from major utilities and municipal utilities, to paper mills using its industrial paper waste for energy, to farmers using livestock manure,” said Mary Carter, vice president of business development for Newkirk. “There seems to be endless creativity in biomass projects. We just finished a project that used human solid waste, a digester and ethanol to create power for a wastewater treatment plant. We did the electrical work and construction. This technology is evolving.”
A family business now 50 years old, Newkirk Electric started out assisting utilities in their power generation and distribution. It developed a favored reputation. Like O’Connell Electric, their first biomass project was a landfill gas project in the 1980s.
“The majority of our work in biomass is landfill gas, but in the early ’90s, we were the primary EC for two large biomass utility projects,” Carter said. “The 36.2-MW Grayling station burns wood waste from local sawmills and the foresting industry. The 35-MW Genesee Power Station burns up to 700 tons of wood waste each day. The power is tied into the grid to produce energy. Both power stations are owned by the utility.”
Ever the mother of invention, Newkirk Electric is working with Hilarides Dairy in Lindsay, Calif., to design and construct a biogas-upgrading skid that takes a manure digester’s raw biogas and cleans and compresses it for use in natural gas burning vehicles. The dairy’s semi trucks are the first cow-powered trucks in the United States.
“Biopower holds some advantages over solar and wind. It doesn’t have the intermittent power dips and has no need for energy storage,” Carter said. “It is also available 24/7.”
While biopower is a small market for Newkirk Electric, like O’Connell Electric, it is still a key sector for the company and has grown significantly in the past 5 years. The firm does business across the country and has completed projects in 34 states from California to Florida, where Newkirk Electric has an office. The company is currently involved in 10 projects outside Michigan.
“For interested ECs, it depends on what role they want to play in this green-energy work,” Carter said. “If it’s just electrical install, power is power. At the very least, develop partnerships with mechanical contractors. If you want to be an added resource to your customer, you have to develop specialized skills. For us, its electrical controls, switchgear, facility interface, line work, substation design and build, and helping fill out paperwork for the cogeneration connection with the utility. Knowing the behind-the-scenes required to successfully running biomass and landfill gas projects puts you ahead of the pack as go after this work.”
GAVIN is the owner of Gavo Communications, a marketing services firm serving the construction, landscaping and related design industries. He can be reached at [email protected]. | <urn:uuid:41ad99a3-ef6c-47ee-9350-a09ee85b995c> | {
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The West Nile virus
Infectious diseases are creeping in from abroad
IN 1999 crows in New York started dying in unusual numbers. But it took weeks of further clues, including the deaths of two flamingos and a cormorant at the Bronx Zoo, for officials to find the culprit. The West Nile virus had invaded New York. It was the first time the virus had been recorded in the Western hemisphere. Since then, West Nile has reappeared each summer. As of August 29th cases were up 40% from a week earlier, reaching 1,590, with 66 deaths.
Mosquitoes contract the virus when they bite infected birds. Then, with their typical generosity, they give the virus to humans. Eighty per cent show no symptoms. The rest may get a fever, nausea or a rash. About one in 150, however, will develop a serious illness, such as inflammation of the brain.
This year’s outbreak is notable mainly for its scale, and the apprehension that future years will unleash equal havoc. Nearly half of the cases have been in Texas, no stranger to vaguely biblical events. The winter was mild, the spring and summer hot. Throughout the year, it has rained intermittently—in short, ideal conditions for mosquitoes.
The centre of the outbreak is Dallas. By August 15th county leaders had reported some 200 West Nile infections and ten deaths. The mayor declared a state of emergency and authorised aerial spraying—the first time Dallas has done so since 1969, according to the Dallas Morning News. Health officials started fogging, distributing larvicide and bug repellent, and scouting for standing water. Complicating matters, Dallas County also includes 30 or so smaller towns; some were wary of aerial spraying.
West Nile is not the only developing-country disease that has seeped into America. Since 2001 three states have seen outbreaks of dengue fever. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 300,000 people in the United States, overwhelmingly immigrants, are infected with Chagas disease, caught from parasites that feed on the face and are usually found in Central and South America. A CDC survey found that 14% of Americans have been exposed to toxocara, roundworms that often cause no symptoms, but which can damage inner organs and the eye. Worryingly, the CDC found higher rates among those who are poor and black.
A study of Houston observed that West Nile was more common among the homeless. In general, mosquitoes find the poor inviting hosts, explains Peter Hotez of the Baylor College of Medicine. They often live near potholed roads, with standing water, and are less likely to have insect spray and window screens.
By August 29th the number of documented West Nile infections in Dallas had reached 309, and the deaths had crept to 13. In better news, the Dallas city council announced that it had set out five mosquito traps, and that none of the insects it caught carried the virus. If the outbreak is abating, though, it is too soon to be complacent. It will not be the last. | <urn:uuid:7207e3d8-302d-412a-9eed-86acc79d4de1> | {
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EDEN Mekabu is the ruffled, flowering sprout located at the base of the sea vegetable, wakame Undaria pinnatifida just above the root. Mekabu is also known as the sporophyll of the wakame plant. EDEN Wakame grows wild in the environmentally protected Ise (ee-say) Bay, located in the central eastern area of the main island, Honshu. Mekabu has a pleasant, mellow sweet flavor and is highly regarded in Japan and other parts of Asia.
The wakame is hand harvested by fishermen in boats using long bamboo poles with a sickle attached that cuts the wakame loose. As the wakame floats to the surface, the fishermen pull the plants into the boats. After bringing the wakame to shore, the upper wavy fronds are removed and used to make whole dried wakame, like EDEN Wakame, or instant dried flakes, like EDEN Wakame Flakes. The root is removed and the remaining section, mekabu is washed before undergoing a two step drying process using both sun and slow oven drying techniques for several more hours. After sun drying thoroughly, the mekabu is misted with pure water, very finely shredded and then oven dried.
After soaking mekabu is usually seasoned and eaten as is or added to salads, without further cooking or simply added toward the end of cooking for soups. A sticky substance in mekabu, called fucoidan, is believed to be more beneficial to health in raw mekabu. Modern science affirms that fucoidan, a natural complex contained in the viscous and sticky sporophyll of mekabu, is a beneficial polysaccharide that breaks down when the seaweed is cooked. This was determined when studies were performed on the Japanese island of Okinawa, known for it's highest degree of health in Japan. Fucoidan is believed to be of benefit to the immune system as well as digestive and thyroid health. For those using sea salt, sea vegetables are a source of iodine. The FDA says, "Diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of hypertension or high blood pressure, a disease associated with many factors." EDEN Mekabu is very low in sodium, fat free, and cholesterol free.
Mekabu is usually eaten in small amounts, like a condiment, rather than a side dish. One teaspoon (about 1 gram) is sufficient for a serving. To prepare EDEN Mekabu, first soak in hot water to cover for 10 minutes. Drain off the water and cover with cold water for 2 minutes. Then drain off the cold water. The mekabu is now ready to eat as is, with a drop or so of brown rice vinegar and shoyu soy sauce, on top of traditional noodles and broth, cooked rice or nori maki sushi rolls, and in making Japanese style vegetable pickles. When adding to soups, add the soaked mekabu at the very end of cooking, just before serving so as not to cook it. Try it in our Udon and Mekabu Salad in the recipe section. | <urn:uuid:8223ebd7-24d0-4993-a48f-79689edceeba> | {
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There are certain types of people that are just naturally caregivers. These people are generally compassionate, motivating and kindhearted. Nursing is a popular career option for these types of people. For those thinking of becoming a nurse the research process can be quite overwhelming.
Bachelors and Associates Nursing Education
The first step to starting a nursing career starts with the preliminary research. Becoming a nurse requires an advanced education. Although you do not need a college degree to become a nurse, those who have a nursing degree will make more money and have more career options in the future.
There are many options to obtaining a nursing degree. The most common is a Bachelor of Science Nursing which is a 4 year degree at a traditional university. Usually a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree is required for admission to a Masters of Nursing program. By completing a college degree individuals will become a Registered Nurse and will have many career paths they could take. Individuals choosing not to become RN’s can also obtain an Associates Degree from a community college and work taking care of the sick, injured or elderly in special needs programs. Make sure the nursing program is accredited with The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education before enrolling.
Advanced Nursing Education
Licensed Practical Nurses care for the sick, injured and disabled under the direct supervision of physicians and registered nurses. An LPN is responsible for taking basic care, taking vital signs, monitoring equipment and changing dressings. Getting an LPN degree usually takes 1 year and can be found at vocational schools. Some universities offer accelerated programs for students who already have some other degree but wish to pursue nursing. These programs usually last 1.5-2 years in length. There are many advanced degrees as well such as Degree Completion Programs for RNs, Master, Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Programs. Getting a degree is the first step in a meaningful nursing career.
Once you have a degree in nursing there are many different certification programs available to further ones career. Some Registered Nurses are required to complete certification classes on a regular basis to show competence of their job skills. There are no set standards for every hospital or clinic but rather each employer can choose to participate in ongoing training/certification. Online programs do exist and our gaining in popularity due to their reduced cost and time.
It Pays to be a Nurse
A nursing career is one of the most popular and most needed jobs in America. Currently there are more than 100,000 RN openings in the United States. By 2020 there will be a need for 800,000 RNs. The increased need is due to the world living longer and an increase in the geriatric population. Registered Nurses earn an average of $49,840 a year according to the U.S. Department of Labor. With such a need for nurses many hospitals are giving out huge signing bonuses up to $30,000 in some cases. If you enjoy taking care of people it definitely pays to look into nursing. | <urn:uuid:1534dd85-7334-478c-9bf0-e768efefdce5> | {
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Description from Flora of China
Shrubs, shrublets, perennial herbs, or rarely annual herbs or small trees; trichomes typically medifixed (T-shaped), equally to very unequally 2-branched and sometimes crisped, or rarely simple multicellular hairs present with glandular tips. Stipules persistent or caducous. Leaves usually imparipinnate but for some species simple or reduced to 1 leaflet; stipels present or absent; leaflet blades usually opposite but sometimes subopposite or alternate, rarely with glands, margin entire. Racemes axillary; bracts usually caducous. Calyx campanulate or cup-shaped; teeth 5, subequal or abaxial one longer. Corolla usually reddish, sometimes white or yellow; standard usually covered outside with appressed trichomes but occasionally glabrous, base shortly clawed, apex usually obtuse to emarginate and mucronate; wings narrow, base auricled; keel falcate or spatulate, with spur adnate to wings. Stamens 10, diadelphous, only vexillary one free; anthers uniform, basifixed or subbasifixed, sometimes both ends hairy, apex apiculate; pollen 3-colporate. Ovary sessile, with 1 to many ovules; style linear, usually glabrous; stigma capitate. Legume linear, oblong, or ovoid, cylindric or 4-sided in cross section, 2-valved, septate, dehiscent; endocarp often spotted with tannin deposits. Seeds globose to rectangular; hilum small; cotyledons unequal; radicle oblique.
A single collection has been seen from Yunnan of what appears to be an additional species closely related to Indigofera laxiflora Craib (Kew Bull. 1912: 148. 1912), otherwise only known from Thailand.
About 750 species: tropics and subtropics worldwide; 79 species (45 endemic, two introduced) in China.
(Authors: Gao Xinfen (高信芬); Brian D. Schrire) | <urn:uuid:f9ae8c8c-f4c5-438c-91d2-f23cd74d2200> | {
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Blood or body fluids may contain pathogens (germs) that can cause disease. If there is an accident at work involving blood or body fluids, these germs can be spread. The most common and serious bloodborne pathogens are the hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Other bloodborne germs include syphilis and malaria. Once these germs infect you, they can spread to your loved ones. The three bloodborne germs described below are the most common causes of infections in the workplace.
Hepatitis B can cause severe damage to the liver and can even lead to death.
A vaccine is available to help prevent hepatitis B infection. This vaccine is given as several injections over a period of time.
Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C can cause severe damage to the liver and can lead to death.
There is no known vaccine for HCV.
HIV makes it harder for the body to fight infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is a serious illness that can lead to death.
There is no known vaccine for HIV.
How You Could Get Infected at Work
Bloodborne diseases can infect you when:
You help an injured person without using a protective barrier between you and the infected person's blood or body fluids.
An object or surface with infected blood or body fluids on it touches your broken skin.
You smoke, eat, or touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after getting someone else's infected blood or body fluids on your hands.
You are pricked or scratched by a sharp object (such as broken glass) that has infected blood or body fluids on it. | <urn:uuid:2ca0eda3-b9b6-45f7-bed8-9df5ba7377f1> | {
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Open Discovery Space
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- 2016 Apmeklējumu skaits
ODS is the result of collaboration between 51 organisations from 23 countries. The aim is to create a socially-powered, multilingual open learning infrastructure to boost the adaptation of eLearning Resources in Europe.
- To empower stakeholders through a single, integrated access point for eLearning resources from dispersed educational repositories
- To engage stakeholders in the production of meaningful educational activities by using a social-network style multilingual portal, offering eLearning resources as well as services for the production of educational activities;
- To assess the impact of the new educational activities, which could serve as a prototype to be adopted by stakeholders in school education
Upon the completion of this project, Open Discovery Space will have contributed to the modernisation of school education, supported stakeholders in acquiring digital competences, stimulated demand for innovative eLearning resources and engaged teachers and pupils in the development of innovative educational practices. Crucially, this project will strengthen European integration by increasing cooperation across state borders, bringing together different cultures and supporting multi-lingual practices.
More information about the innovative aspects of this project is available on the ODS home page. | <urn:uuid:18aa09eb-77f6-4cd4-b061-668ba81eea1c> | {
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The vas deferens is a narrow, muscular tube that connects the testicles (where sperm is produced) to the urethra. During ejaculation, the sperm flows out of the testicles, through the vas deferens, and into the tube (urethra) that leads outside the body through the penis.
Several glands, such as the prostate gland, add fluid to the sperm along the way.
eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise
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Find out what women really need.
Most Popular Topics
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick, easy,
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including 24 hour, pharmacies | <urn:uuid:bb2ee3ea-fe72-4611-a083-fb5ab88ff81c> | {
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Recently, I had a family member consult me regarding the prescription of medication for her son who has been diagnosed with a "mild form of ADD". The physcian recommended that he be given a low dose of medication to treat his symptoms. Immediately her mother's intuition sparked and she felt that this may not be the best course of action, however, she didn't know what her options were.
Interestingly enough, many physicians may not tell you, but diet plays a huge role in symptomology produced by ADD or ADHD. Many times it is not considered in treatment, but The British Medical Journal stated recently that properly supervised trial eliminating colors and preservatives from the diet of hyperactive children should be considered a part of the STANDARD treatment.
If your child is experiencing symptoms consistent with ADD or ADHD consider the following dietary changes:
1. Eliminate artificial colors and flavors from their diet.
2. Make sure that the child is eating some protein with every meal and
snack. Helps to regulate blood sugar.
3. Eliminate sodas and juices....even natural sugars can cause blood
sugar spikes if the whole fruit is not eaten (the fiber of the fruit
is the important part!).
4. Consider eliminating wheat and gluten from their diet. There are
several links to gluten sensitivity and/or allergy in ADD/ADHD
5. A good quality multivitamin and Omega 3 supplement is a MUST!
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service. | <urn:uuid:9146c104-8a02-406b-a2fb-1ab148afaafd> | {
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Jun 24, 2011 / ENERGY GLOBE Award
Project presentation - "Learning from and with nature"
The rural community of La Soledad in the province of Salsa in northwest Argentina is battling poverty and malnutrition. It is not easy to learn with an empty stomach.
Teachers at the school La Soledad know this as well. Therefore they want to provide food for their pupils. However, the school and its dormitory are quite remote and everything has to be delivered on horseback. The solution is farming as part of the curriculum. Under the title “Learning from Nature” the school became nutritionally self-sufficient.
The school’s own farm now grows fruits, spices and vegetables, raises seedlings and keeps honeybees and livestock (pigs, poultry, rabbits, …). The students also handle processing of the foods together with their teachers and project initiator Ana Trabucco. Other elements of the project include recycling of biowaste as fertilizer and solar energy production.
Thus the children learn by experience how biological systems work and simultaneously create the basis for successful graduation: Regular, balanced school meals have profoundly improved school performance.
More information: www.ciudadaniasolidaria.org | <urn:uuid:0b4f9929-6278-4f17-a4a0-5a8b8bc929fa> | {
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Apr 4, 2012 / ENERGY GLOBE Award
Project presentation - "One Child - One Solarlight"
Electricity is a scarce commodity in Africa. The whole continent spends not more electricity than New York. At night the villages are dark. The only source of light for many children – while they do their homework – is kerosene light, which is expensive, unhealthy and smells. The sun, however, is clean and for free!
The nonprofit organization Solux started the model project „One child, one solar light“ in Ghana to bring light to people who live in darkness. The goal was to supply solar lights to children and their families in off‐grid regions.
The company Solar4Ghana Ltd. was founded to inform children, parents and teachers about the advantages of solar lights. Solux also provides micro credits, so that solar light is affordable to anyone. After one year of the project:
- More than six persons profit from a single solar light.
- The quality of life of 35,000 people has been significantly improved via solar lamps.
- 100% of the users recommend Solux solar lights.
- This model project is transferable to and reproducible in other countries.
More information: www.solar4ghana.com | <urn:uuid:6f850524-efdf-4980-8376-340a7f059486> | {
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Phthalates Action Plan Summary
- What chemicals are addressed in the Action Plan?
- Why is EPA concerned about these chemicals?
- What action is EPA taking?
What chemicals are addressed in the Action Plan?
Eight chemicals are included: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-pentyl phthalate (DnPP), di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP). Phthalates are high production volume chemicals used primarily as plasticizers in polyvinylchloride (PVC) products.
Why is EPA concerned about these chemicals?
EPA is concerned about phthalates because of their toxicity and the evidence of pervasive human and environmental exposure to these chemicals.
Phthalates are used in many industrial and consumer products, many of which pose potentially high exposure. Phthalates have been detected in food and also measured in humans.
Adverse effects on the development of the reproductive system in male laboratory animals are the most sensitive health outcomes from phthalate exposure. Several studies have shown associations between phthalate exposures and human health, although no causal link has been established. Recent scientific attention has focused on whether the cumulative effect of several phthalates may multiply the reproductive effects in the organism exposed.
What action is EPA taking?
On the basis of existing information, EPA included the the following actions in its Action Plan:
- EPA intends to initiate rulemaking in autumn 2010 to add these eight phthalates to the Concern List under TSCA section 5(b)(4) as chemicals that present or may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment.
- EPA also intends to initiate rulemaking in late 2010 to add the six phthalates not already on the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI).
- In preparation for rulemaking in 2012 under TSCA section 6(a), EPA intends to cooperate with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to more fully assess the use, exposure and substitutes for these chemicals. EPA plans to consider the results of the cumulative assessment currently being developed and due to be completed by CPSC in 2012 pursuant to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), as well as the ongoing review of phthalates at FDA and the assessment for EPA’s IRIS program, due to be completed in 2011. These assessments will inform EPA’s decision on future action to address these chemicals. EPA’s potential control measures may include a ban of all or several of these chemicals, as appropriate.
- EPA may consider pursuing additional rulemaking under TSCA section 5(a)(2) in late 2010 or early 2011 to require manufacturers and processors of DnPP to notify EPA before manufacturing or processing DnPP for a significant new use. The most recent Inventory Update Reporting (IUR) data contains no reports of this phthalate being produced or imported into the United States, and thus it is possible that any use of DnPP may be a significant new use.
- EPA intends to conduct a Design for the Environment and Green Chemistry alternatives assessment by 2012. The information developed could be used to encourage industry to move away from phthalates in a non-regulatory setting to expand risk management efforts beyond whatever regulatory action might be taken under TSCA, or it could be used as input to a regulatory action. The alternatives assessment would build upon existing knowledge and would consider exposures to all human subpopulations, including children, as well as environmental exposure.
- August 2011: EPA began the DfE alternatives assessment.
Download the complete Phthalates Action Plan (PDF), 16 pages, 80 KB, About PDF | <urn:uuid:16d37843-86a4-4bfd-ae89-856ecb3610fa> | {
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Writing Workshop - NJ
Wednesday, July 25, 2012 from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM (EDT)
In this class designed for elementary school teachers, we will look at how to use a SMART Board and other technology to facilitate writer’s workshop. During the session we will explore and create interactive mini lessons, look at easy to use observation sheets to track the progress of students (either to be used on an iPad or can be printed out), and then best ways to do sharing time using a document camera. During the session, we will also discuss the writing process and participants will be given resources for final projects students can create using technology | <urn:uuid:685997ec-21e1-47bd-bf10-9377e5aac800> | {
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Armenian literature. The Armenian Church fostered literature, and the principal early works are religious or hagiographical, most of them translations. The first major Armenian literary work is a 5th cent. translation of the Bible; its language became the standard of classical Armenian. Early Mesopotamian influence resulted in Syriac translations (Aphraates and St. Ephraem Syrus). Armenia then turned to the West for literary inspiration, producing translations of many religious works (Athanasius, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory Nazianzen, and John Chrysostom). Among secular works are renderings of Aristotle and of the romance of Alexander. The original writings of the golden age are confined to saints' lives and histories. The 5th-century history of Moses of Khorni contains practically all that is known of pre-Christian Armenia, its folklore and epics. Later historians include Thomas Ardzruni (10th cent.), Matthew of Edessa, who described the Crusades, and Stephanos Orbelian, who wrote of the Mongol hordes (13th cent.). A tradition of nationalistic epic poetry, influenced by Muslim form, emerged; the best-known example is David of Sassoun. The principal figure of the 12th cent. is Catholicos Narses IV, a prelate and poet notable for his literary style. After the decline of Armenian cultural centers in the 14th cent., the literature of Armenians abroad was heavily influenced by their host countries. In 18th-century Constantinople, Mechitar (1676–1749), a monk of the Catholic Armenians, founded a community (the Mechitarists) to cultivate Armenian letters. Their headquarters are now in Venice, and they are the principal Armenian publishers. Anticipated by the late 18th-century folk poetry of Sayat Nova ( = Haroutioum Sayadian), the 19th cent. saw a considerable revival of Armenian letters and the establishment of a modern literary language. The major novelists of the 19th cent. were Khachatur Abovian and Hagop Melik-Agopian (called "Raffi"). The 1915 Turkish massacres sent many Armenian writers (including Hagop Ochagan, Nigoghos Sarafian, and Zareh Vorpuni) into exile, which became the subject of their writing. After the incorporation of part of Armenia into the Soviet Union in 1921 the poet Leguiche Tcharentz and novelist Alexander Bakountz perished in Stalin's purges. Notable writers of the period were the poet Avetik Issahakian and the historical novelist Derenik Demirdjian. More recent figures include the poets Parouyr Sevak, Hovhannes Chiraz, and Hrant Matevosian.
See Z. C. Boyajian, ed., Armenian Legends and Poems (2d ed. 1959); J. Etmekjian, An Anthology of Western Armenian Literature (1980).
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
More on Armenian literature from Fact Monster:
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Asian Literature | <urn:uuid:13a64a47-a3ff-4f0a-b411-060c2e3b239e> | {
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palomino horse, American light horse that, contrary to popular opinion, is not a breed but a color type. The palomino is a characteristic golden, creamy tan, with an almost white mane and tail. White stripes on the face and white stockings are common. This coloring occurs in several breeds of light horse. Palominos were probably first selected for their beautiful color in Spain. They accompanied the conquistadors to the New World, where they were perpetuated by early Mexican horse breeders. They were discovered by Americans in California during the Mexican-American War, and are now popular parade and show horses; fanciers in the United States are trying to establish the palomino as a breed. Palominos have Arabian or Thoroughbred features, stand about 15 hands (60 in./150 cm) high, and weigh about 1,100 lb (500 kg).
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
More on palomino horse from Fact Monster:
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Agriculture: Animals | <urn:uuid:0f956d12-bf92-4c05-a4cb-b6c51dec247a> | {
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Galago - Bush Baby, Tiny African Primate
The galago or bush baby is a small primate which can be found across many countries, mainly in Africa. No one is really sure how the term "bush baby" came to be used but it has been suggested that the name is either due to their appearance or their sharp cry. This species is a very small primate which has an average size of approximately 5 inches (13 cm).
The bush baby has long, fuzzy wool-like fur which can be either a shade of silvery gray or brown. Their ears are very large with four ridges which allow them to bend back easily and wrinkle up. They also have characteristically large eyes. Other interesting characteristics of this species include its advanced hearing, thickened pads on its toes to allow it to cling and climb safely and also its second tongue. This second tongue is situated below their normal tongue and is used specifically in conjunction with their front teeth for grooming. It’s interesting to think the bush baby has evolved to have an actual appendage designed solely for grooming!
The bush baby is especially well known for its amazing jumping abilities. In fact, this species can jump up to 6.6 feet (2 m) in the air and it is believed this is due to elastic energy stored in the tendons of their lower legs. Without these special tendons, they would not be able to jump as high as they can because of their comparatively small size.
Bush babies have a gestation period of between 110 and 130 days. The young are born with their eyes half-closed and for the first few days of their life they cannot move independently. After the first few days of life, the mother will carry the infant round in their mouth and puts it down on branches when it is time to feed.
There are many different subspecies of bush baby including the Rondo bush baby and Dusky bush baby. They can be found all across Africa and they are a really cuddly looking creature. Of course as a wild animal they are very timid and shy but it can’t hurt to look at them! | <urn:uuid:accd6c0b-01a3-4226-acde-a273f288fabd> | {
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Plants yielding fibers have been second only to food plants in their usefulness to humans and their influence on the furthering of civilization. Primitive humans in their attempts to obtain the three most important necessities for life: food, shelter & clothing, focused on plants. Even though animal products were available, some form of clothing was needed that was lighter and cooler than skins and hides. It was easier to obtain from plants such items as bowstrings, nets, snares, etc. Also plant products were available from the leaves, stems and roots of many plants to construct shelter.
Very early on plant fibers have had a more extensive use than silk, wool and other animal fibers. Gradually as humans’ needs multiplied, the use of vegetable fibers increased greatly until presently they continue to be of great importance even after the onset of plastics. It is impossible to estimate the number of species of fiber plants, but over a thousand species of plants have yielded fibers in America alone, and over 800 occur in the Philippines. However, plant fibers of commercial importance ore relatively few, the greater number being native species used locally by primitive peoples in all parts of the world. Their durability often exceeds those of synthetic manufacture, one example being sisal & Manila hemps.
The most prominent fibers of the present are of great antiquity. The cultivation of flax, for example, dates back to the Stone Age of Europe, as discovered in the remains of the Swiss Lake Dwellers. Linen was used in Ancient Egypt and cotton was the ancient national textile of India, being used by all the aboriginal peop0les of the New World as well. Ramie or China grass has been grown in the Orient many thousands of years.
Plastic materials are often used instead of natural products because they cost less and sometimes tend to be more durable. However, natural plant products continue to have some superior attributes and are used when materials are readily available. There are six principal groups of fibers distinguished according to the way in which they are used.
Textile Fibers are the most important in that they are used for fabrics, cordage and netting. To make fabrics and netting flexible fibers are twisted together into thread or yarn and then either spun, knitted, woven or in some other way utilized. Fabrics include cloth for wearing apparel, domestic use, awnings, sails, etc., and also coarser materials such as gunny and burlap. Fabric fibers are all of some commercial value. Netting fibers that are used for hammocks, lace and all forms of nets include many of the commercial fabric fibers and a number of native fibers as well. Both commercial and native fibers are used for cordage. For this the individual fibers are twisted together instead of being woven. Binder Twine, fish lines, hawsers, rope and cables are among the many types.
Brush Fibers are stiff tough fibers including small stems and twigs that are utilized for making brooms and brushes.
Rough Weaving & Plaitling Fibers. Plaits are fibrous, flat and pliable strands that are interlaced to make straw hats, baskets, sandals, chair seats, etc. The most elastic strands are woven together for mattings and the thatched roofs of houses. The supple twigs or woody fibers are for making chairs, baskets and other wickerwork.
Filling Fibers are used for stuffing mattresses, cushions and in upholstery; for caulking seams in boats and in casks and barrels; as stiffening in plaster and as packing material.
Natural Fabrics are usually obtained from tree basts that are extracted from bark in layers or sheets and pounded into rough substitutes for lace or cloth.
Fibers for Paper Manufacture includes textile fibers and wood fibers that are used in either the raw or manufactured state.
A plant cannot be restricted absolutely to any single group because the same fiber may be used for different purposes. Also, a plant may yield more than one kind of fiber. Thus the following discussion includes species that are considered in the group in which they are of the greatest importance.
All fibers are similar in that they are sclerenchyma cells that serve as part of the plant skeleton. They are predominantly long cells with thick walls and small cavities and usually pointed ends. The walls often contain lignin as well as cellulose. Fibers occur singly or in small groups, but they are more apt to form sheets of tissue with the individual cells overlapping and interlocking.
Fibers may occur in almost any part of a plant: stems, leaves, fruits, seeds, etc. The four main types grouped according to their origin include bast fibers, wood fibers, sclerenchyma cells associated with the vascular bundle strands in leaves, and surface fibers that are hair like outgrowths on the seeds of the plants. The term “bast fiber” is subject to criticism, as it gives no indication as to the particular tissue or region in which the fibers occur. It might be preferable to designate those fibers that occur in the outer parts of the stem as cortical fibers, pericyclic fibers or phloem fibers. But “bast” is a term that has been in use for a long time and is so established in commerce that it will be used in this discussion.
Fibers of economic importance occur in many different plant families, especially those from the tropics. Some of the more important families are the Palmaceae, Gramineae, Liliaceae, Musaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Malvaceae, Urticaceae, Linaceae, Moraceae, Tiliaceae, Bromeliaceae, Bombacaceae, and Luguminosae.
These fibers must be long and possess a high tensile strength and cohesiveness with pliability. They must have a fine, uniform, lustrous staple and must be durable and abundantly available. Only a small number of the different kinds of fibers possess these traits and are thus of commercial importance. The principal textile fibers are grouped into three classes: surface fibers, soft fibers and hard fibers, with the last two often referred to as long fibers.
Surface or short fibers include the so-called cottons. The soft fibers are the bast fibers that are found mainly in the pericycle or secondary phloem of dicotyledon stems. Bast fibers are capable of subdivision into very fine flexible strands and are used for the best grades of cordage and fabrics. Included are hemp, jute, flax and ramie.
Hard or mixed fibers are structural elements found mainly in the leaves of many tropical monocots, although they may be found in fruits and stems. They are used for the more coarse textiles. Sisal, abacá, henequén, agaves, coconut and pineapple are examples of plants with hard fibers.
Cotton is one of the greatest of all industrial crops. it is the principal fiber plant as well as one of the oldest and most economical. It was known since ancient times and well before written records. There are references to cotton by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Cotton was found in India before 1,800 B.C. The Hindus were believed to be one of the first people to weave cloth in the Eastern Hemisphere, although reference to Nordic traders of woven goods in North America during the Bronze Age has been made by Fell 1982 (http://faculty.ucr.edu/~legneref/bronze/fell2.htm). Cotton was introduced to Europe by the Arabs who called the plant “qutn.” The plant had several origins because Columbus found it in cultivation in the West Indies, and it was known to the Amerindians of Neotropical America in Pre-Columbian times. Cotton became a commercial crop in the united States after 1787..
Several species of the genus Gossypium provide what we call cotton. The fine fibrous hairs that occur on the seeds constitute the raw material. These hairs are flattened, twisted and tubular. They compose the lint, floss or staple. Their length and other qualities vary with the different varieties. The plant is a perennial shrub or small tree naturally, but under cultivation it is treated as an annual. It branches freely and grows to a height of 4-8 ft. Cotton thrives in sandy soil in humid regions that are near water. This environment is typified in the southern United States and in the river valleys of India and Egypt. Cotton matures in 5-6 months and is ready to harvest soon after.
Hundreds of varieties have been developed from wild ancestors or produced by breeding during the long period of cultivation. Varieties differ in fiber character as well as other morphological features. Cotton is a difficult group to classify and the exact number of species is subject to argument. Cultivated cottons of commercial importance are usually referred to one or another of four species: Gossypium barbadense and G. hirsutum in the Western Hemisphere and G. arboreum and G. herbaceum in the Eastern Hemisphere.
1.--Gossypium barbadense probably originated in tropical South America. The flowers are bright yellow with purple spots. The fruit, or boll, has three valves, and the seeds are fuzzy only at the ends. Two distinct types exist:
Sea-Island Cotton. This type has never been found in the wild as it was already being cultivated at the time of Columbus. It has fine, strong and light cream-colored fibers that are regular in the number and uniformity of the twists and they have a silky appearance. These characteristics are valuable and sea-island cotton was formerly in great demand for the finest textiles, yarns, and lace and spool cotton. Sea-island cotton was brought to the United States from the West Indies in 1785. The finest types were developed on the islands off the South Carolina coast and adjacent mainland. Here strong and firm stables of two inches or more in length were produced. Another form of sea-island cotton was grown along the coast in Georgia to Florida and in the West Indies and South America. This has a staple of 1.5-1.75 in. in length. The yield of sea-island cotton was lower than other kinds of cotton, but this was compensated for by the greater value of the fiber. The boll weevil almost completely eradicated production of sea-island cotton before control measures were discovered.
Egyptian Cotton This cotton is grown in the Nile basin of Egypt where it was introduced from Central America. The plant is similar in appearance to sea-island cotton and is believed to be a hybrid. However, the staple is brown in color and shorter. Its length, strength, and firmness make this cotton suitable for thread, undergarments, hosiery, and fine dress goods. Egyptian cotton was brought to the United States in 1902 as an experimental crop and 10 years later it was recommended to farmers in the semiarid regions that were under irrigation. It was then grown in the western states of California, New Mexico and Arizona. Repeated selection and breeding resulted in the development of new strains of which Pima Cotton is of highest quality.
2.--Gossypium hirsutum is a native American species that was grown by Pre-Columbian civilizations. It is usually called Upland Cotton, and is the easiest and most economical kind of cotton to grow. It constitutes the greater part of the cultivated cotton of the world. The flowers are white or light yellow and unspotted. The bolls are four- or five-valved, and the seeds are covered with fuzz. Upland cotton thrives under a variety of conditions but does best in a sandy soil with abundant moisture during the growing and fruiting season and dryness during the time of boll opening and harvest as well as a temperature of 60-90 deg. Fahrenheit. The northern limit of economic growth is 37 deg. N. Lat. The Cotton Belt of the southern United States grows mostly upland cotton. The fibers are white with a wide range in staple length (5/8ths to 1.3/8ths in.). There are over 1210 named varieties, many of which were developed through breeding experiments. The species probably originated in Guatemala or southern Mexico and spread northward to its present limits in North America. A well-marked variety, often recognized as a distinct species, occurs in the West Indies and along the dry coastal areas of South America as far as Ecuador and Brazil. Another variety occurs in Central America, northward along the Gulf of Mexico to Florida and the Bahamas and in the Greater Antilles.
3.--Gossypium arboreum is the perennial tree cotton of Africa, India and Arabia. It was most likely the first to be used commercially, but production is now confined to India. The staples are coarse and very short (3/8ths to 34 in. long), but they are strong.
4.--Gossypium herbaceum is the principal cotton of Asia. It was grown in Indian in ancient times and continues to be used locally there and in Iran, China and Japan. Its chief use is for fabrics, carpets and blankets and is often blended with wool.
There are additionally several wild species of Gossypium in some tropical and subtropical areas.
Cotton used to be an expensive material because it was difficult to remove the fibers from the seed. The cotton gin developed by Eli Whitney in 1793 changed this situation and a revolution of the industry was started. Cotton then assumed a very prominent position in world commerce. The economics of cotton has had a profound effect on both the producing and purchasing nations. It is well accepted that slavery was perpetuated in America because of this crop.
There are several steps necessary in the preparation of raw cotton fiber in order to prepare it for the textile industry. These operations involve ginning in either a saw-tooth or a roller gin, baling, transporting to the mills, picking to remove any foreign matter and delivers the cotton in a uniform layer, lapping where three layers are combined into one, carding, combing and drawing where the short fibers are extracted and the others straightened and evenly distributed, and finally twisting the fibers into thread.
Cotton is used either by itself or in combination with other fibers in the manufacture of all types of textiles. Unspun cotton is extensively used for stuffing purposes. Treating the fibers with caustic soda, which imparts a high luster and silky appearance, makes Mercerized Cotton. Absorbent Cotton consists of fibers that have been cleaned and from which the oily covering layer has been removed. It is almost pure cellulose and makes up one of the basic raw materials of various cellulose industries.
A noteworthy advance in the cotton industry was the utilization of what were formerly waste products. In the early stages of the industry the cotton seed along with its fuzzy covering of short hairs or linters was discarded. However, all parts of the plant are now conserved to yield products that are valuable. The stalks contain a fiber that can be used to make paper or fuel and the roots possess a crude drug. The seeds are used for oil extraction and for livestock feed. The linters give wadding, stuffing for pads, cushions, pillows, mattress, etc; absorbent cotton; low grade yarn for twine, ropes and carpets; and cellulose. The hulls are also livestock feed; fertilizer; lining oil wells to prevent cave-ins of the sides; as a source of Xylose, a sugar that can be converted into alcohol or various explosives and industrial solvents. The kernels yield an important fatty oil, cottonseed oil; and oil cake and meal are used for fertilizer, livestock feed, and flour and as a dye.
Once the most valuable and useful of fibers, flax gradually became less important as synthetics and cotton assumed more prominent roles. Flax is more durable than cotton and can yield a very fine fabric. The plant has been under cultivation for so long that its point of origin is unknown. It was used by the Swiss Lake Dwellers and was known to the ancient Hebrews and is frequently noted in the Bible. The ancient Egyptians wore linen and used it for the burial cloths. They carved pictures of the flax plant on their tombs. Long before the Christian era the Greek imported flax, and it is believed that the plant was being cultivated prior to 3,000 B.C.
Flax is in the genus Linum that contains several wild species of no economic importance as well as Linum usitatissimum, the source of the commercial fiber. The plant is an annual herb with blue or white flowers and small leaves. It grows to a height of from 1-4 ft. The fibers are formed in the pericycle and are made up of very tough, stringy strands from 1-3 ft. long that are aggregates of many long pointed cells with very thick cellulose walls. Flax does best in soil that is rich in organic matter and moisture and in temperate regions, but it may be grown elsewhere. Preparation of the fibers is a more expensive procedure than for cotton. The crop is harvested and a process known as rippling breaks the stems. The fibers may then be rotted out by submerging the stems in water or by exposing them to dew. During this process called retting and enzyme dissolves the calcium pectate of the middle lamella, which holds the cells together, and frees the fibers. After retting the straw is dried and cleaned and the fibers are completely separated from the other tissues of the stem by an operation known as scutching. Finally the shorter fibers that constitute the tow are separated from the longer fibers. The long fibers are the only ones suited for spinning.
The fibers of flax have great tensile strength, staple length, durability and fineness. They are used in the manufacture of linen cloth and thread, canvas, duck, strong twine, carpets, fish and seine lines, cigarette paper, writing paper and insulating materials. Fibers from the stalks of flax grown for seed are too harsh and brittle for spinning but may be used for other purposes.
The principal production area was Northern Europe, with Russia producing around 70 percent of the world crop. Some of the finest flax is grown in Belgium. The Pilgrims introduced flax into North America and these and other colonists were growing sufficient amount for domestic use until 1900. Flax is a good crop with which to reclaim native soil and for a long time its cultivation was confined to the frontier. Flax is grown for its seed in areas with low rainfall. The seed is used in medicine and as a source of linseed oil.
The term “hemp” is applied loosely to include a number of very different plants and fibers. The true hemp is Cannabis sativa, a plant native to Central and Western Asia but has spread worldwide where it often occurs as a troublesome weed.
The plant is a stout, bushy, branching annual that varies from 5-15 ft in height. It is dioecious with hollow stems and palmate leaves. The best grade of fiber is obtained from male plants. Hemp requires a mild humid climate and a rich loamy soil with an abundance of humus. Calcareous soils are especially suitable.
The fiber is white bast that develops in the pericycle. It is valuable because of its length that varies from 3-15 ft, its strength and great durability. However, it lacks the flexibility and elasticity of flax because of its lignification. Yields are usually high with one acre producing 2-3 tons of stems, 25 percent of which is fibrous material. The plants are harvested and shocked and dried. The fibers are separated from the rest of the bark by retting, either in dew or in water. They are then broken, scutched and hackled. Hemp must be harvested when the male flowers are in full bloom or the fibers are too week or too brittle to be of value.
Hemp is an ancient crop that had been grown in China before 2,000 B.C. It was introduced into Europe around 1,500 B.C. It reached North America in early colonial days and became a viable industry in Kentucky and Wisconsin. By the 21st Century very little of the crop was being grown in North America.
Hemp has been used to make ropes, carpets, twine, and sailcloth, yacht cordage, binder twine, sacks, bags and webbing. The waste and woody fibers of the stem were sometimes used to make paper. The finer grades can be woven into a cloth that resembles coarse linen. The short fibers or tow and ravelings constitute Oakum. This is used for caulking the seams between the plants in shipbuilding, in cooperage and as packing for pumps, engines, etc. In the tropics hemp is grown for its seed, and also for a drug that is gotten from the flowering tops and leaves. The seeds contain oil that is useful in the soap and paint industries as a substitute for linseed oil. The drug, known as Hashish, is a resinous substance that contains several powerful alkaloids. In America this type of hemp is known as Marijuana. Ganja is a specially cultivated and harvested grade of hemp used for smoking and in beverages and candies. It has high resin content.
Jute has been used almost extensively as cotton even though it is much less valuable than either cotton of flax. It is a bast fiber obtained from the secondary phloem of two species of Corchorus of Asia. The best quality is from C. capsularis, a species with round pods that is grown in lowland areas subject to flooding. The plant is a tall, slender, somewhat shrubby annual with yellow flowers that grows to a height of 8-10 ft. It requires a warm climate and a rich, loamy alluvial soil. Fiber from C. olitorius, and upland species with long pods, is somewhat inferior but the two are not separated in commerce.
Harvest occurs within 3-4 months after planting and while the flowers are still in full bloom. The stems are retted in pools or tanks for several days to rot out the softer gummy tissues, and whipping the stems on the surface of the water then loosens the jute, or Gunny, strands. The pale-yellow fibers are very long, from 6-10 ft. in length, and they are very stiff being highly lignified. They have a silky luster. They are produced in abundance, but are not especially strong and they tend to deteriorate when exposed to moisture. Despite these disadvantages they are economical and easily spun. Plastics have replaced many of the products formerly made from jute, however.
Jute has been used mainly for rough weaving into burlap bags, gunnysacks and covers for cotton bales. The fiber is also used for twine, carpets, curtains and coarse cloth. Short fibers and pieces from the lower ends of the stalks make up jute butts that have been used in paper manufacture. India has the largest acreage of jute.
Baehmeria nivea is a perennial, herbaceous or shrubby plant without branches when cultivated. It has slender stalks that reach a height of 3-6 ft. and they bear heart-shaped leaves that are green above and white beneath. The plant is from Asia and was grown in China in ancient times. It requires a fertile, well-drained soil. Several crops per year compensate for a rather low yield, especially in North America.
Fine fibers are obtained from the bast, which are very long, strong and durable. They also have a high degree of luster and would be desirable for textile purposes were it not for difficulties in the extraction and cleaning process. The stems are first immersed in water. The bark is then peeled off and the outer portions and green tissue are scraped off or are removed by oiling or mechanical means. The fibers that remain are heavily coated with gum and require further treatment before they can be used. They make up the China Grass, or Filasse, that is used in the manufacture of grass cloth and other dress goods in Asia. Ramie has been used in Europe for under garments, upholstery, thread and paper. Although it is one of the strongest fibers known, being three times as strong as hemp, ramie has not been generally used because the treatment necessary to remove the fibers is very costly. The development of a simpler process has not increased the use of ramie.
Another variety, Boehmeria nivea var. tenacissima, is sometimes called Rhea. This plant is native to Malaya and resembles ramie except that the leaves are green on both sides. Rhea fiber is included under ramie in industry.
Crotalaria juncea is an important fiber plant in Asia. It has been cultivated since ancient times and there are no known wild ancestors. It is the earliest fiber to be mentioned in Sanskrit writings (Hill 1952). It is a shrubby annual legume from 6-12 ft tall with bright yellow flowers. It is grown primarily in southern India.
Almost all the members of the Malvaceae yield bast fibers that can be used in textiles. Some of the most important are as follows:
China Jute or Indian Mallow (Abutilon theophrasti) is an annual plant that yields a strong, coarse, grayish-white lustrous fiber with characteristics similar to jute. It has been extensively grown in China and was introduced into North America where it can thrive. The fibers have great tensile strength, take dyes readily and are used in China for making rugs and paper.
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is a tall herb that yields a fiber with has over 129 names, among them Deccan, Ambari or Gambo Hemp, Java Jute and Mesta Fiber. It is a substitute for hemp and jute in the manufacture of coarse canvas, gunnysacks, cordage, matting and fishing nets. The plant is adapted to a wide range of climates and soils. Harvest is right after the flowers come into bloom. The fibers are 5-10 ft. long and are usually extracted by retting. Kenaf seed yields up to 20 percent of edible oil on being refined.
Roselle or Rama (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is cultivated in India, Southeastern Asia and some Pacific islands as a substitute for jute and for its edible fruit. The light-brown fibers are silky, soft and lustrous. Roselle is adapted to well-drained fertile soil where there is a 20-in. rainfall. It grows fast and can be harvested 90 days after planting. Retting is accomplished in 10-12 days, and the fibers are easily slipped from the bark. The red fleshy calices and involucels surrounding the young fruits are acid and provide a sour relish. The juice is used for flavoring and in making jellies, jams and wine.
Aramina or Cadillo (Urena lobata) occurs as a weed in most tropical countries. It provides a yellowish-white fiber that is more durable than jute and is used as a substitute in some industries. It has been grown commercially in Cuba, Madagascar, Nigeria, the Congo and Brazil where it is made into coffee sacks.
Other malvaceous species that yield fibers but which are of minor importance include Okra, Hibiscus esculentus, Majagua, Hibiscus tiliaceus, and several species of the genus Sida. Sida acuta is an extremely easy plant to harvest and prepare and the fibers are twice as strong as jute.
The Amerindians used the bast fibers of different plant for their bowstrings, nets, etc. Colorado River Hemp, Sesbania exaltata, was widely used by the western groups, while Indian Hemp, Apocynum cannabinum, and Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, yielded important fibers for eastern groups of Amerindians.
This is a premier cordage material that is obtained from several species of wild plantain or banana. Musa textilis is the principal source. It resembles the true banana but has narrow more tufted leaves and inedible fruits. The plant forms a clump of 12-30 sheathing leafstalks 10-20 ft. high with a crown of spreading leaf blades 3-6 ft long. The fiber is secured from the outer portion of the leafstalks. Mature stalks are cut at the roots and split open lengthwise. The pulp and the fiber strands are removed, and the strands are washed and dried.
Individual fibers are 6-12 ft. long, lustrous and variable in color from white to light ocher. They are light, elastic, stiff and very strong, durable and resistant to both fresh and salt water. Therefore, the main use of abacá has been in the manufacture of high-grade cordage, especially marine cables. Plastic cables are frequently substituted but they are not as easy to manage on ships as true abacá. Other products made from this kind of hemp are binder twine, bagging, strong tissue paper, papier-mâché, wrapping paper and Manila paper for sacks. In Japan Manila hemp was used in making movable partitions in houses. The individual fibers cannot be spun, but strands of fibers are used to make the lustrous cloth known as Sinamay.
Musa textilis has been of commercial importance only in the Philippines although it grows in other Asian countries as well. The plant was known and used by the inhabitants of the region centuries before the arrival of the first European explorers early in the 16th Century. The first shipment was made to North America in 1818. From then until 1918 it was the main export of the Philippines, amounting to over 300-thousand pounds annually (Hill 1952). More recently sugar and sometimes copra have exceeded it in production.
Manila help requires a warm climate, fertile soil, shade, good drainage, abundant moisture and an elevation lower than 3,000 ft. Suckers and rootstalks propagate it. The crop is grown in small fields or on large plantations and matures in 18-36 months.
After several failures, abacá was successfully introduced into the Western Hemisphere in 1925 in Panama, but did not develop into a commercial item. However, with World War II the serious shortages of Manila hemp became a serious threat to the war effort and the United States government financed a project in several Central American countries. Machines for cleaning the leaves were devised and installed, and soon some 26,000 acres were being cultivated that produced 3-million pounds of fiber. At the end of the war the industry was soundly established in Costa Rica.
By the middle of the 20th Century agave fibers were next to cotton in importance in America. By 1952 their value sometimes amounted to over 36 million dollars per year. But due to labor costs and the availability of synthetic alternatives their production declined thereafter. These plants are stemless perennials with basal rosettes of erect fleshy leaves. The leaves contain fibers that are removed either by hand or machine. There are numerous species of local occurrence. They are very drought tolerant and flourish in dry sterile soils. Several kinds of commercial importance are discussed as follows:
Amerindian groups have used this native Mexican species since ancient times. By the mid 20th Century Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula produced most of the crop. The leaves bear spines that make them difficult to handle. The light straw colored fiber is scraped out from the leaf tissue. It is hard, elastic and wiry, measuring 2-5 ft. in length. It was used mainly for binder twine, lariats and durable mats. It is not suited for marine or hoisting cables, as it is heavy and weak. Tablemats constructed from this fiber have a beautiful luster and are resistant to stains. Agave letonae from El Salvador is a related species. Production declined dramatically by the 21st Century.
This is very similar in appearance to henequén but the leaves bear few spines. Native to Mexico and Central America it was cultivated in Hawaii, the East and West Indies and in several parts of Africa. The plant is very drought resistant and will grow where other species fail. Little cultivation is required. The coarse, stiff, light yellow to white fibers are removed, cleaned, dried and packed in bales for shipment. Synthetic fibers also largely replaced sisal by the 21st Century.
In ancient times there were several fibers used in Mexico under the names of Istle, Ixtle or Tampico Fiber. Three species of most importance are Jaumaveistle, Agave funkiana, Tula Istle, A. lecheguilla, and Palma Istle, Samuela carnerosana. Several species of Yucca were also grouped under the category of Istle. The fibers are obtained from immature leaves of wild plants. Although these fibers are shorter than those of sisal and henequén, they are very strong and durable. They were formerly used for brushes and as a cheap substitute for sisal and abacá to make bagging, twine and rope.
Manila Maguey or Cantala, Agave cantala, is a species from Mexico that was introduced into India and Southeastern Asia. It was grown commercially in the Philippines, Java and elsewhere as a substitute for sisal. Mexican Maguey is obtained from different species of Agave and the fibers are valued only locally by the inhabitants of the region in which it grows. It was nevertheless a highly valued plant by Amerindians who used it to make the fermented beverages of Pulque and Mescal.
Leaves of the green aloe, Furcraea gigantea, are the source of Mauritius hemp. The plant is native to tropical America but is grown worldwide, where local inhabitants use its fiber. It has been grown commercially in Mauritius, Madagascar, St. Helena and South Africa, India, Venezuela and Brazil, where it is know as Piteira. The plant resembles an agave but has larger, less rigid leaves and a very long peduncle or flower stalk that can reach of height of 20-40 ft. The fibers are very long, 4-7 ft., and they are white, soft, very flexible and elastic. They are not as strong as sisal and are used either alone or in a mixture for making bags, hammocks, coarse twine and other cordage.
Several other species of Furcraea yield fibers of local importance in tropical America. Included are Fique, Furcraea macrophylla, of Colombia; Cabuya, F. cabuya, of Central America; and Pitre, F. hexapetala, of the West Indies and sometimes called Cuban Hemp.
Also called New Zealand Flax, Phormium tenax is from the leaves of an iris like plant. It is native to wet areas of New Zealand but has been transported throughout the tropics and temperate regions of the world. In North America it serves as an ornamental. The fibers are very long, 3-7 ft. in length, and have a high luster. They are softer and more flexible than abacá and are used mainly for towlines, twine and other forms of cordage and mattings, and sometimes for cloth.
Many species of the genus Sansevieria occur as wild plants in parts of tropical Asia and Africa. These bowstring hemps are herbaceous perennials with basal rosettes of sword like leaves that arise from a creeping rootstalk. The leaves contain a strong white elastic fiber that has been used since ancient times for mats, hammocks, bowstrings and other types of cordage. Wild plants are generally utilized but some species have been cultivated. The fibers are removed by hand or mechanically. Important species include Sansevieria thyrsiflora of tropical Africa, S. roxburghiana of India and S. zeylanica of Sri Lanka. Several species were introduced into North America among which is the Florida Bowstring Hemp, S. longifolia.
This is a term applied to the short, coarse and rough fibers that make up a large part of the husk of coconut fruits, Cocos nucifera. It is the only prominent fiber that is obtained from fruits. Unripe coconuts are soaked in salt water for several months to loosen the fibers. They are then beaten to separate the fibers that are then washed and dried. The product has varied uses. In tropical Asia and Pacific Islands it is the source of Sennit Braid that is used for cables, small cordage and hawsers. Coconut fibers are superior to all others for this purpose because they re very light and elastic and resistant to water. Coir has also been used for brush bristles, doormats, sacks, floor coverings, some textiles, upholstery, and stuffing for the bearings of railroad cars and as a substitute for oakum. Sri Lanka has been the center for commercial production. In Puerto Rico coir was used in horticulture as a substitute for peat.
Pineapple, Ananas comosus, is the source of fibers of great strength and fine qualities. They are shiny white, very durable and flexible and are not harmed by water. When grown for the fiber pineapples are planted closer together and develop longer leaves. The best fibers are gathered from leaves that have not attained their maximum length. Two-year old leaves are usually harvested and the fibers scraped out by hand, which is an expensive process. After drying and combing, the fibers are tied end to end and can be woven. In the Philippines Piña Cloth is one of the most delicate and expensive of fabrics made from these fibers.
Aechmea magdalenae is a plant that resembles pineapple. It is native to the dry alluvial soils from southern Mexico to Ecuador. The long leaves have a fiber of high quality known as Pita Floja or Pita. These fibers are the basis of one of the most ancient and most important native industries in Oaxaca and have also been used in Central America and Colombia. The fibers are 5-8 ft. long, white or light cream colored, lustrous, finer and more flexible than other hard fibers and with a high tensile strength. They are very resistant to salt water so they are used to make fish lines and nets. They are also used for sewing leather.
This fiber is a substitute for jute. It is from Neoglaziovia variegata a bromeliad of the dry, hot arid areas of northeastern Brazil. The leaves yield a soft, flexible, white elastic fiber three times as strong as jute. Caroá is used for rugs, sacks, textiles, cordage, twine and paper.
Brushes, brooms and whisks are made from various vegetable fibers. These fibers need to be strong, stiff and elastic with a high flexibility. Sometimes whole twigs, fine stems or roots are used, or the fibers are secured from leafstalks. Several important brush fibers are as follows:
A few species of palms that grow in tropical America and Africa are the source of brush fibers called commercially Piassava, Piassaba or Bass Fiber. These trees have leaf stalks or leaf sheaths that yield the stiff, coarse, brown or black fibers in making brushes for sweeping large areas such as sidewalks and streets
West African Piassava is obtained from a wine palm, Raphia vinifera that grows in profusion in the tidal bayous and creeks of Liberia and other parts of West Africa. The leafstalks are retted and the bundles beaten. The long fibers are used to make mats and brushes. A wine is fermented from the palm tree sap.
Brazilian Piassava is from two species of palm found in profusion in the lowlands of the Amazon and Orinoco regions. Attalea funifera is the source of Bahia Piassava. The fibers are wiry, stiff and brown and almost like bristles. They are removed from the swollen bases of the leafstalks with an ax. They have been used primarily for street-cleaning machine brushes because the fibers are very durable and retain their resiliency even when wet. Para Piassava fibers are formed on the margins of the leaf petioles of Leopoldinia piassaba. They are used not only for brushes and brooms but also for hats, baskets and ropes.
Some other coarse fibers such as Palmyra and Kittul Fiber are classed as piassava in commerce. Palmyra Fiber is from the Palmyra palm, Borassus flabellifer, of the East Indies. This palm is one of the most useful as all parts of the plant are used for some purpose. The fibers are made into twine, paper, rope and machine brushes. Kittul Fiber is finer, softer and more pliable. It is obtained from the leaf sheaths of the toddy palm, Caryota urens, of Sri Lanka and the East Indies. The black bristles are made into strong ropes or into soft brushes. They also are substitutes for horsehair and oakum.
Cabbage palm, Sabal palmetto, of coastal southeastern North America yields a valuable fiber called Palmetto Fiber. The highest-grade fiber is obtained from young leaf stalks that are still in the bud. Coarser fibers come from mature leaves or the bases of old leaf stalks surrounding the bud. There was one an industry in Florida that processed this fiber for use as a substitute for palmyra in brushes. Palmetto fibers are reddish tan in color and 8-20 in. long. The bud of the palm is edible and the roots contain tannin.
The sorghum, Sorghum vulgare var. technicum, differs from other sorghums by having a panicle with long straight branches. This inflorescence or seed head is the “brush” that is made into brooms. A dwarf variety exists that furnishes fiber for whiskbrooms, while the normal sized variety is used for carpet brooms. Harvest is before the end of flowering season by cutting the stems a few inches below the head. The heads are sorted, threshed and dried. Another species, Spartina spartinae, is a native grass of the southern Coastal Plain from Florida to Mexico that has been used in combination with the sorghum. Brooms often consist of as much as 50 percent Spartina surrounded by broomcorn.
Broomroot or Zacaton, Muhlenbergia macroura, is used to manufacture cheaper brushes. The plant is a grass found from Texas to Central America, especially in the mountainous regions of Mexico. It is a perennial with tufted wiry culms and coarse roots. The roots are the plant part utilized. They are harvested year-round, washed, cleaned and dried. They are then cut from the tops, graded according to quality, length and color and baled for export.
There are relatively few materials that are manufactured for plaited or coarsely woven articles. The raw materials include the rushes, stems of reeds, willows, bamboo, grasses, rattan and leaves and roots. They are used entirely or split. They are woven or twisted together in a simple manner and made into sandals, mats, hats, matting, screens, chair seats, baskets, etc.
In many parts of the Eastern Hemisphere, rice, barley, wheat and rye are grown for the purpose of making braids or straw plaits for hats. The plants are grown close together so that they will have few leaves, and they are harvested before they mature. The stems are split lengthwise before plaiting. The Leghorn Hats and Tuscan Hats of Italy are some of the best of the straw hats.
Panama Hats are made from the leaves of Toquilla, Carludovica palmata, a stem less, palm like plant that grows wild in the forests from southern Mexico to Peru. It has been cultivated in Ecuador and parts of Colombia. The Panama hat industry is concentrated in Ecuador. Young leaves are collected while they are still folded in the bud and treated with hot water. The coarse veins are removed and the plaits are separated and split lengthwise into slender strips that are slowly dried and bleached. They gradually roll inward forming fine cylindrical strands known as Jipijapa. The hats are woven by hand from these strands. About six leaves are necessary to make one hat. The best quality Panama hats are uniform and have a fine texture, are strong, durable and elastic and resistant to water. The Puerto Rican Hats are made from the leaves of the hat palm, Sabal causiarum.
In the Eastern Hemisphere commercial mattings have been made from several rushes, grasses and sedges. Usually the stalks or leaves are used alone, but they may be combined with cotton of hemp. Some of the species utilized are Chinese Mat Grass, Cyperus tegetiformis, and Japanese Mat Rush, Juncus effusus.
The Screw Pines, Pandanus tectorius and P. utilis are important in Southeastern Asia and Oceania for making mats. The leaves of these species are also used for sugar bags, cordage, hats and thatching.
Baskets have been and are continuously being made from an array of plant species worldwide. Roots, stems, leaves and even woody splints have been used. Commercial baskets are usually made from rushes, cereal straw, osiers or willows, and ash or white oak splints. Sweet grass baskets are made from Hierochloe odorata, a common species in lowlands along the coast and Great Lakes. Another important source of basket fiber is the raffia palm, Raffia pedunculata, native to Madagascar. Strips of the lower epidermis of the leaves are the raffia of commerce. The fiber is so soft and silk like that it can be woven. It is especially useful as a tie material for nurseries and gardens.
This includes chair seats, chairs, infant carriages, hampers and other light articles of furniture. Willows, rattan and bamboo are the main plants used.
Rattan is obtained from several species of climbing palms, Calamus spp., that grow in the humid forests of the East Indies and other parts of tropical Asia. The stems of these plants are long, strong, flexible and uniform. They are used either entirely or as splits in Asia for furniture, canes, baskets and other items. A considerable quantity of rattan is exported for making furniture.
Bamboos occur in most tropical areas, but they are especially abundant in the monsoon regions of Eastern Asia. They are the largest of the grasses with woody stems that sometimes reach one foot in diameter and a height of over 10 feet. There are many species in the families Arundinaria, Bambusa, Dendrocalamus, Gigantochloa, Phyllostachys, and other genera. The stems are used for all kinds of construction in areas where these plants grow. Exported bamboo is used in the manufacture of furniture, fishing rods and implements of various kinds. Bamboo splits are made into baskets and brushes.
In the Western Hemisphere bamboos have not been extensively utilized. Guadua angustifolia is a species with very strong culms and has been used in Ecuador to make furniture and in house construction.
Many plant fibers have been used to stuff pillows, cushions, furniture, mattresses, etc. They are also used to caulk the seams of vessels, in the making of staff for buildings, as stiffening for plaster, packing for bulkheads and machine bearings, and for the protection of delicate objects during shipment. Synthetic materials frequently take the place of these long used products, but in some ways they retain some superiority. Surface fibers are commonly used for stuffing because their staples are too short to be spun and thus are not valued in the textile industry. Bast fibers are too costly, and hard fibers are frequently too stiff and coarse. The silk cottons are the most important source for stuffing.
This is the most popular silk cotton and most valuable of all the stuffing substances. Kapok is the floss produced in the pods of the kapok tree, Ceiba pentandra. Originally confined to the American tropics, it is now found worldwide. It is an irregular tree, 50-100 ft. tall, with a buttressed base and weird growth habit. It grows rapidly and begins to bare when only 15 ft. tall. A mature tree can produce more than 600 pods and from 6-10 lbs. of the cottony fibers. Pods are clipped from the branches and opened. The floss is removed and the seeds separated by centrifugal force. The floss is 1/2-1 1/2 in. long and whitish, yellowish or brownish in color. It is very fluffy, light and elastic and is thus an ideal stuffing material for mattresses and pillows. The fibers have a low specific gravity. They are five times more buoyant than cork and are impervious to water. Therefore, kapok is valuable as a filling for life preservers, cushions, portable pontoons, etc. Its low thermal conductivity and its high ability to absorb sound make kapok an excellent material for insulating small refrigerators and for soundproofing rooms. It has also been used for the linings of sleeping bags, gloves for handling dry ice and in the tropics as surgical dressings. Kapok seeds have 45 percent fatty oil that is extracted and used for soap and food.
There are a number of other plants with seed hairs or floss that can be used as a substitute for kapok. The Red Silk Cotton Tree or Simal, Salmalia malabarica, is a very large ornamental tree. It supplies reddish floss known as Indian Kapok that has been important as a stuffing in India for centuries. The White Silk Cotton Tree, Cochlospermum religiosum, yields a fiber of some importance. This handsome tree is native to India but is now widespread in the world tropics. It is also one source of Kadaya Gum.
Madar, Calotropis gigantea, and the related Akund, Calotropis procera, are shrubs native to Southern Asia and Africa that produce a silk of some importance. Although inferior to kapok, this substance is often used in mixtures with kapok.
The Pochotes of Mexico, Ceiba aesculifolia, C. acuminata, etc., yield a silk cotton almost equal to kapok in buoyancy and resiliency. Palo Borracho, Chorisia insignis, and Samohu, Chorisia speciosa, of South America yield large amounts of a glossy, white silk cotton with properties similar to kapok.
<bot183> Pink-flowering Floss Silk Tree [Chorisia speciosa], Concordia, Argentina
All of the milkweeds have silky hairs on their seeds and several species are a source of stuffing materials. Milkweed floss is one of the lightest materials. it is very buoyant and a perfect insulator. It was used during World War II as a substitute for kapok. The pods contain oil and a wax that may have future applications. Some species yield textile fibers. In North America, Asclepias syriaca and A. incarnata produce abundant floss. In the Neotropics, A. curassavica has some value.
There are innumerable plants and fibers that have use as filling materials. Included are cereal straw, cornhusks, Spanish Moss and Crin Végétal.
Spanish Moss, Tillandsia usneoides, is a conspicuous tree epiphyte in Southeastern North America. This is an excellent substitute for horsehair after it is processed. The plant is pulled from the trees with rakes or hooks, or it is collected from the ground or water. It is then fermented in order to rot off the gray outer covering and ginned to remove impurities. The prepared fiber is brown or black, lustrous and very resilient. It has been used in upholstery and for automobile cushions.
Crin Végétal. Chamaerop humilis a dwarf fan palm of Northern Africa and the Mediterranean region in which the leaves have shredded and twisted fibers. These have been used as stuffing material.
Some trees have basts with tough interlacing fibers that can be extracted from the bark in layers or sheets and can then be pounded into rough substitutes for cloth. Tapa Cloth is one of these as it once constituted the main clothing in Polynesia and parts of Eastern Asia. The material is obtained from the bark of the paper mulberry, Broussonetia papyrifera. Strips of bark are peeled from the trunk and the outer coating is scraped away. After soaking in water and cleaning these strips are placed on a hardwood log and pounded with a mallet. Overlapping the edges and beating them together unite the individual strips. The finished product varies according to thickness from muslin like material to one of leather. Tapa cloth is frequently dyed.
Similar bark cloths have been manufactured from different sources since antiquity. In South America the Amerindians used the Tauary, Couratari tauari, and other species of the same genus. In Mozambique the wild fig, Ficus nekbudu, was used as a source of Mutshu Cloth. The Upas Tree, Antiaris toxicaria, of Sri Lanka furnishes a bark cloth. it is also the source of an important poison used with arrows.
Lace Bark is the produce of Lagetta lintearia, a small tree of Jamaica. The inner bark is removed in sheets and can be stretched into a lacelike material with pentagonal meshes. It is suitable as a textile and ornament.
Cuba Bast is from Hibiscus elatus, a small bushy tree of the West Indies. The inner bark is removed in long ribbon-like strips that have been used in millinery and for tying cigars.
The vegetable sponges, Luffa cylindrica and L. acutangula, yield a unique fiber. These are climbing cucumbers of the tropics that bear edible fruits containing a lacy network of stiff curled fibers. This material is extracted by retting in water. After cleaning it is used for making hats, for washing and scouring machinery, in certain types of oil filters and as a substitute for bath sponges. A large amount of this material used to be exported by Japan.
The manufacture of paper requires the use of cellulose present in plant fibers. This subject is discussed under Forest Products
The artificial fibers in use in the textile industry are mostly organic in nature, with synthetic glass fibers being the exception. The organic materials utilized are cellulose, plant and animal proteins, and synthetic resins, such as nylon that is made from soft coal, water and air. The cellulose fibers are discussed under Forest Products, while the protein fibers of only minor importance. Although they have many of the general properties of wool, their low strength when wet is a serious detriment. Soybeans, corn and peanuts are the main plant sources of protein fibers. | <urn:uuid:0cda37a5-d5bc-4830-8ca6-1420cecf6e91> | {
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Best Poems by
great poets : Some of the greatest famous poems by
your favourite poets . . .
Sing of the Banner at Day-Break. by Walt Whitman
O A NEW song, a free song,
Flapping, flapping, flapping, flapping, by sounds, by voices clearer,
By the wind’s voice and that of the drum,
By the banner’s voice, and child’s voice, and sea’s voice, and
Low on the ground and high in the air,
On the ground where father and child stand,
In the upward air where their eyes turn,
Where the banner at day-break is flapping.
Words! book-words! what are you?
Words no more, for hearken and see,
My song is there in the open air—and I must sing,
With the banner and pennant a-flapping.
I’ll weave the chord and twine in,
Man’s desire and babe’s desire—I’ll twine them in, I’ll put in
I’ll put the bayonet’s flashing point—I’ll let bullets and slugs
(As one carrying a symbol and menace, far into the future,
Crying with trumpet voice, Arouse and beware! Beware and arouse!)
I’ll pour the verse with streams of blood, full of volition, full of joy;
Then loosen, launch forth, to go and compete,
With the banner and pennant a-flapping.
Come up here, bard, bard;
Come up here, soul, soul;
Come up here, dear little child,
To fly in the clouds and winds with me, and play with the measureless light.
Father, what is that in the sky beckoning to me with long finger?
And what does it say to me all the while?
Nothing, my babe, you see in the sky;
And nothing at all to you it says. But look you, my babe,
Look at these dazzling things in the houses, and see you the money-shops opening;
And see you the vehicles preparing to crawl along the streets with goods:
These! ah, these! how valued and toil’d for, these!
How envied by all the earth!
Fresh and rosy red, the sun is mounting high;
On floats the sea in distant blue, careering through its channels;
On floats the wind over the breast of the sea, setting in toward land;
The great steady wind from west and west-by-south,
Floating so buoyant, with milk-white foam on the waters.
But I am not the sea, nor the red sun;
I am not the wind, with girlish laughter;
Not the immense wind which strengthens—not the wind which lashes;
Not the spirit that ever lashes its own body to terror and death;
But I am that which unseen comes and sings, sings, sings,
Which babbles in brooks and scoots in showers on the land,
Which the birds know in the woods, mornings and evenings,
And the shore-sands know, and the hissing wave, and that banner and pennant,
Aloft there flapping and flapping.
O father, it is alive—it is full of people—it has children!
O now it seems to me it is talking to its children!
I hear it—it talks to me—O it is wonderful!
O it stretches—it spreads and runs so fast! O my father,
It is so broad, it covers the whole sky!
Cease, cease, my foolish babe,
What you are saying is sorrowful to me—much it displeases me;
Behold with the rest, again I say—behold not banners and pennants aloft;
But the well-prepared pavements behold—and mark the solid-wall’d houses.
BANNER AND PENNANT.
Speak to the child, O bard, out of Manhattan;
(The war is over—yet never over.... out of it, we are born to real life and
Speak to our children all, or north or south of Manhattan,
Where our factory-engines hum, where our miners delve the ground,
Where our hoarse Niagara rumbles, where our prairie-plows are plowing;
Speak, O bard! point this day, leaving all the rest, to us over all—and yet we know
For what are we, mere strips of cloth, profiting nothing,
Only flapping in the wind?
I hear and see not strips of cloth alone;
I hear again the tramp of armies, I hear the challenging sentry;
I hear the jubilant shouts of millions of men—I hear LIBERTY!
I hear the drums beat, and the trumpets yet blowing;
I myself move abroad, swift-rising, flying then;
I use the wings of the land-bird, and use the wings of the sea-bird, and look down as from
I do not deny the precious results of peace—I see populous cities, with wealth
I see numberless farms—I see the farmers working in their fields or barns;
I see mechanics working—I see buildings everywhere founded, going up, or
I see trains of cars swiftly speeding along railroad tracks, drawn by the locomotives;
I see the stores, depots, of Boston, Baltimore, Charleston, New Orleans;
I see far in the west the immense area of grain—I dwell awhile, hovering;
I pass to the lumber forests of the north, and again to the southern plantation, and again
Sweeping the whole, I see the countless profit, the busy gatherings, earned wages;
See the identity formed out of thirty-eight spacious and haughty States (and many more to
See forts on the shores of harbors—see ships sailing in and out;
Then over all, (aye! aye!) my little and lengthen’d pennant, shaped like a sword,
Runs swiftly up, indicating war and defiance—And now the halyards have rais’d
Side of my banner broad and blue—side of my starry banner,
Discarding peace over all the sea and land.
BANNER AND PENNANT.
Yet louder, higher, stronger, bard! yet farther, wider cleave!
No longer let our children deem us riches and peace alone;
We may be terror and carnage, and are so now;
Not now are we any one of these spacious and haughty States, (nor any five, nor ten;)
Nor market nor depot are we, nor money-bank in the city;
But these, and all, and the brown and spreading land, and the mines below, are ours;
And the shores of the sea are ours, and the rivers, great and small;
And the fields they moisten are ours, and the crops and the fruits are ours;
Bays and channels, and ships sailing in and out, are ours—and we over all,
Over the area spread below, the three or four millions of square miles—the capitals,
The forty millions of people—O bard! in life and death supreme,
We, even we, henceforth flaunt out masterful, high up above,
Not for the present alone, for a thousand years, chanting through you,
This song to the soul of one poor little child.
O my father, I like not the houses;
They will never to me be anything—nor do I like money;
But to mount up there I would like, O father dear—that banner I like;
That pennant I would be, and must be.
Child of mine, you fill me with anguish;
To be that pennant would be too fearful;
Little you know what it is this day, and after this day, forever;
It is to gain nothing, but risk and defy everything;
Forward to stand in front of wars—and O, such wars!—what have you to do with
With passions of demons, slaughter, premature death?
Demons and death then I sing;
Put in all, aye all, will I—sword-shaped pennant for war, and banner so broad and
And a pleasure new and extatic, and the prattled yearning of children,
Blent with the sounds of the peaceful land, and the liquid wash of the sea;
And the black ships, fighting on the sea, enveloped in smoke;
And the icy cool of the far, far north, with rustling cedars and pines;
And the whirr of drums, and the sound of soldiers marching, and the hot sun shining south;
And the beech-waves combing over the beach on my eastern shore, and my western shore the
And all between those shores, and my ever running Mississippi, with bends and chutes;
And my Illinois fields, and my Kansas fields, and my fields of Missouri;
The CONTINENT—devoting the whole identity, without reserving an atom,
Pour in! whelm that which asks, which sings, with all, and the yield of all.
BANNER AND PENNANT.
Aye all! for ever, for all!
From sea to sea, north and south, east and west,
(The war is completed, the price is paid, the title is settled beyond recall;)
Fusing and holding, claiming, devouring the whole;
No more with tender lip, nor musical labial sound,
But, out of the night emerging for good, our voice persuasive no more,
Croaking like crows here in the wind.
My limbs, my veins dilate;
The blood of the world has fill’d me full—my theme is clear at last:
—Banner so broad, advancing out of the night, I sing you haughty and resolute;
I burst through where I waited long, too long, deafen’d and blinded;
My sight, my hearing and tongue, are come to me, (a little child taught me;)
I hear from above, O pennant of war, your ironical call and demand;
Insensate! insensate! (yet I at any rate chant you,) O banner!
Not houses of peace indeed are you, nor any nor all their prosperity, (if need be, you
have every one of those houses to destroy them;
You thought not to destroy those valuable houses, standing fast, full of comfort, built
May they stand fast, then? Not an hour, except you, above them and all, stand fast;)
—O banner! not money so precious are you, not farm produce you, nor the material good
Nor excellent stores, nor landed on wharves from the ships;
Not the superb ships, with sail-power or steam-power, fetching and carrying cargoes,
Nor machinery, vehicles, trade, nor revenues,—But you, as henceforth I see you,
Running up out of the night, bringing your cluster of stars, (ever-enlarging stars;)
Divider of day-break you, cutting the air, touch’d by the sun, measuring the sky,
(Passionately seen and yearn’d for by one poor little child,
While others remain busy, or smartly talking, forever teaching thrift, thrift;)
O you up there! O pennant! where you undulate like a snake, hissing so curious,
Out of reach—an idea only—yet furiously fought for, risking bloody
So loved! O you banner leading the day, with stars brought from the night!
Valueless, object of eyes, over all and demanding all—(absolute owner of ALL)—O
I too leave the rest—great as it is, it is nothing—houses, machines are
I see but you, O warlike pennant! O banner so broad, with stripes, I sing you only,
Flapping up there in the wind. | <urn:uuid:b092d726-9acc-4b34-86d9-9b6e8d59fac4> | {
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water rice-based systems and wetlands to mangrove and coastal strips used primarily for fishing.
Much irrigation (mainly rice) is practised in the coastal low-lying areas where drainage is often difficult due to lack of slope.
Assessment of the impacts of the tsunami will address the damage by flooding (duration), erosion, scouring, deposition and salinity in these fragile tropical agro-ecosystems.
This will require mapping the aquatic and agro-ecosystems and diagnosing the physical impact of the tsunami (extent, severity and type).
High resolution global irrigation maps show no irrigation in coastal areas in Aceh and North Sumatra, none or almost none in Thailand's affected areas.
This suggests a concentration of likely effects to irrigated rice production in South-Eastern India, West Coast and the middle of Southern Coast of Sri Lanka. Very roughly, the coastline of the affected areas would be 700 to 800 km in Sri Lanka, 2000 km in Aceh, and 2000 km in South-east India.
Areas of intervention
Assessment of the land and water resources and agriculture-related damages
Appraisal and mapping of the different types, extent and severity of damages
Identification and prioritisation of the types of rehabilitation/intervention (short, medium and long term)
Estimates of the costs of the proposed rehabilitation/interventions | <urn:uuid:dcd0dcc4-97c0-4959-8008-79161c8a9a5c> | {
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- Safe chemical and equipment
- Safe and security
- Always available
- Professional uniforms
There are thousands of varieties of cockroaches, but only about thirty of them can comfortably live with humans. The four main species of pests in the United States are the American, German, Asian, and Oriental cockroaches. (These names have little bearing on origin?the American roach was introduced to the United States from Africa as early as 1625). Roaches vary in size from about 1/2" (German), up to 2" (American). Ironically in America, the species that is most common in homes is the German variety.
German roaches prefer warm, moist environments, particularly kitchens, boiler rooms and heating systems in large buildings. They can swim, fly (although they rarely do), climb smooth surfaces (including the ceiling) easily and hide in inaccessible places. They are brown to dark brown in color and can be found all over the world. This species increases in population at a very rapid rate: a single female and her offspring can produce over 30,000 individuals in a year. This is the roach that roach exterminators are most often called on to eliminate. They are resilient and best able to withstand home roach control products.
The American roach is the species that people find most repulsive. It is the largest of these common species and can easily reach two inches in length. We see these roaches crawling over garbage and other waste, skittering out of sight when the light is turned on, interrupting their feeding activities. They access buildings and contaminate food, shed skin, deposit waste and saliva and create an unpleasant odor when enough gather. They prefer dark, moist, warm areas. American cockroaches are found in basements, boiler rooms, and laundry rooms. The adult American roach is reddish brown in appearance with a pale-brown or yellow band behind the head.
Oriental (or Common) Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches are very dark brown to shiny black in color and roughly an inch to 1 and 1/2 inches in length. They are often thought of as a water bug or black beetle. They have wings but cannot fly. These pests like to live outdoors when the weather is warm, but they move indoors during extremes of heat, cold or drought. They like garbage storage areas, basements and crawl spaces, spaces between the soil and building foundations, the undersides of stoops and sidewalks, landscaping mulches, water meters, basements and their floor drains, and other such moist places. These cockroaches frequently live in floor drains that drain directly outside; these drains are also used as entrances to homes. The Oriental roach prefers starchy food, and builds up populations around garbage cans. They tolerate lower temperature ranges than other roaches and may winter in rock walls or such protected sites. These cockroaches are more sensitive to lack of water than other roaches.
Asian cockroaches are essentially outdoor roaches; their populations are seasonal. They have successfully colonized urban neighborhoods after being introduced into Tampa, Florida. They live outside and gather under fallen leaves and ground cover. They favor shady, moist areas, and swarm under trees. Unlike most roaches, they are attracted to light. Adults fly to lighted windows, doors, yard lights, and parking lot lights at dusk. From these points they often crawl into buildings or fly to indoor room lights. Asian cockroaches begin building up their population in spring, and produce several generations through the summer. They are limited to warm, moist regions and may become a serious problem in areas of the United States Gulf Coast area where temperate climate conditions allow for population increases earlier in the year.
Look at further information we provide about getting rid of roaches, roach extermination, cockroach control, bed bugs, pest control services, termites, common pests, and animal control services, or take a look at our blog for recent news articles about cockroach identification. | <urn:uuid:5dbf0260-5d27-4baa-a89c-356244b30c9f> | {
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Psychology News and Research Briefs Tag Archive:
Parents of ADHD Children Also Taking Medication
Parents of children prescribed drugs to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are more than nine times likely than other parents to also take the drugs, says a study by Medco Health Solutions. Moreover, if one parent and child in the househo...
Continue reading Parents of ADHD Children Also Taking Medication
Improving Tourette's Symptoms with Parent Management Training
A study by researchers at the Yale University School of Nursing shows that using Parent Management Training (PMT) can reduce the symptoms of children with Tourette's Syndrome and chronic tic disorders.
Continue reading Improving Tourette's Symptoms with Parent Management Training
Study: How Childhood Abuse Impacts Adult Interactions
New York University psychologists have shown that adults may have difficulties meeting someone who reminds them of a parent who emotionally or physically abused them as children. In the study, published in the November issue of Personality and Social Psych...
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Fathers Vital to Child Language Development in Dual-Income Homes
A new study shows that in families with two working parents, fathers play a greater role in child language development than do mothers. Researchers videotaped couples interacting with their two-year-old children. Returning a year later, they found that whe...
Continue reading Fathers Vital to Child Language Development in Dual-Income Homes
Parenting-Focused Infotainment Helps Real-Life Families
Reality shows where seasoned professionals help clueless parents learn to discipline and care for their unruly offspring may be more than just fluff entertainment. Watching programs promoting good parenting skills and children's behavioral problems can actu...
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Half of Relationships Suffer After First Child
A study of Australian couples shows that nearly half of couples report a "significant decline" in their relationship after they have children. However, intervention programs that address expectations about being parents and teach communication and conflict ...
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Article: Parents' Jobs Stress Children Too
The average American work week has increased ten hours in the last 30 years and with this jump has come more stress at home--for parent and child alike, scientists reported this week at the annual meeting of the American Psychoanalytic Association. A study...
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Infant Education Helps Depressed Moms
Infants rely on parental interaction for stimulation and healthy development. Unfortunately, that interaction is often interrupted by the post-partum depression which affects about 30 percent of mothers. However, a new Canadian study published in this month...
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Study: Family Stability And Behavior Problems In Children
The twists and turns of parental love lives can have drastic effects on the behavior and academic success of children, particularly where divorce is involved. A new study shows just how important a stable family is to child behavior and achievement, even if...
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One Third Of Child Drinkers Get Booze From Parents
Seventeen percent of children have tried alcohol before they finished grade school, shows a study published in this month's Preventative Medicine. By the end of junior high, that number jumps to 41 percent, the longitudinal survey of 3,709 racially diverse ...
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PsychBriefs: November 25-December 1, 2007
Our weekly wrap-up of news, interesting research, and noteworthy happenings in the worlds of psychiatry, psychology, and social work.
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How Childhood Relationships Affect Expectations About Motherhood
A study of 160 women in the last trimester of their first pregnancy shows a woman's relationship with her parents during early childhood has a substantial impact on her expectations about motherhood.
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This is an archive page containing articles from Psychology Briefs, the FindCounseling.com Blog. | <urn:uuid:5917e95e-a176-4c0e-a7bc-5c22025a5943> | {
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Cuba: Chinese Food and a Festival
Chinese Food in Central and South America
Spring Volume: 2002 Issue: 9(1) page(s): 13, 14, 16, 17, and 20
To understand how Chinese food came to Cuba, a little history is important. Long before Columbus knew anything about Cuba, the native Arawak people had developed a successful civilization. Columbus blundered upon the island in 1492, and by the early 1500's Spain had taken over killing natives and importing Africans as slaves for the sugar cane industry. Spain held firm until 1898 when Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders liberated Cuba. Sadly, the good feelings this engendered between the United States and Cuba soon dissipated. By 1963, things had soured so much that an embargo was imposed.
From 1847 through 1883, one hundred fifty thousand Chinese migrant workers were shipped to Cuban ports to replace freed African slaves and their descendants. The first boatload of Chinese arrived in Havana harbor on June 3, 1847. Immigrants continued to come, from Guangdong, Fujian, Haikou, Macao, and Hong Kong, when it was called Ziang gang. Chinese were brought to Cuba in ships owned by France, Spain, England, North American, Portugal, Holland, Russia, and a handful of other countries. By the 1860's, some thirty thousand Chinese arrived annually. In 1877 immigration peaked at forty thousand men, but had slipped to five thousand by 1970. Only a handful of Chinese move to Cuba these days.
The earliest Chinese immigrants to Cuba lived under worse conditions than the African slaves and thay faced near constant and inhumane exploitation. In another wave, some five thousand Chinese came after attempting to strike it rich in California’s gold rush. Failure to find gold was one reason they left the Pacific Coast. Chinese men had also been victimized by the United States xenophobia; and they were often denounced by Cuba’s first President, Jose Marti. Chinese immigrants were a steady source of cheap labor. They continued entering Cuba through the first decades of the 20th century. They usually settled in urban areas of Cuba and came to be known as hard workers and enterprising traders. Commonly employed at sugar cane plantations, the Chinese men had to either intermarry with African or Creole women, or stay single. Many could not stand the harsh new world and left or committed suicide. Others simply waited it out until their eight-year contracts expired, knowing they could never return to China. Quite a few joined the Cuban liberation movement. They achieved varying ranks in the military and they actively participated in the Cuban War of Emancipation.
During the end of the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries, many Chinese workers gained their freedom and began serious cultural resurgence efforts by forming Chinese associations. These associations provided social infrastructure, cemeteries, drug stores, theaters, homes for aged, banks, newspapers, and more. Chinese people had traditionally created associations delineated by their territory of origin, but the associations in Cuba were free to center around other ties, such as economics, arts, sports, political ideas either public or secret, or the need for national representation. Because the immigrants were nearly always male, most marriages that took place were between a Chinese father and Cuban born mother. Most Cubans learned early to spot the phenotypical diversity among Cuban people of Chinese origin.
By 1980, there were more than four thousand Cantonese living in Cuba, but in 2002, there are only three hundred pure-blooded Chinese Cubans, half living in Havana, and most of them elderly. Major associations not in Havana’s Barrio Chino are spread across Cuba in Santa Clara, Camaguey, Crego de Avila, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantanamo. Still, Chinese blood is highly diffused throughout tens of thousands of Cubans, many of whom are called, in a non-derogatory manner, 'Chino' or 'China.'
Chinese culture continues to permeate many aspects of life in Cuba today. Any libertine knows that music is right up there with rum and cigars as Cuba’s finest products, but many are unaware that Cuba’s traditional music groups use three instruments that were first imported by the Chinese: the cornet, the Chinese box, and a drum Cubans call tambares, the same drum used in the traditional Chinese lion dance. In the visual arts, Wilfredo Lam, arguably Cuba’s most famous international artist, is typically Cuban, in that he has a Cuban mother and a Chinese father, with some African blood as well, presumably on his mother’s side. Like many Cubans, Lam is honest about his mixed ancestry.
Early Chinese settlers introduced, cultivated, and helped assimilate into the Cuban diet a number of new vegetables, including pumpkin, cabbage, long green beans, and cucumber. Indeed, in Havana’s marketplace, Mercado Agropecuario Egido on Avenida de Belgica, the only green beans are the very long Chinese variety often called 'snake beans.' Roughly the size of a one hundred fifty seat outdoor café, it is hard to fathom how Cuba’s main food market has no more than fifty foodstuffs.
It seems that while there is an adequate amount of food to feed Cuba’s eleven million people, there is no overabundance of comestibles and severely curtailed selection. The gleam of Havana as a mid-20th century paradise, the world’s hottest nightspot, and a top cruise ship destination for international jet setters, is gone, nothing more than memories and a faded swizzle stick or two. Lobster is now endangered, a result of slaughter for tourist plates or export for hard currency, yet it is still available. We ate a luscious home-cooked Cuban Lobster Enchilada in a deep and delicate tomato and aji cachucha sauce. Sea turtles have already been eaten into near extinction and rare to see on menus although during the 1970's large tour groups were fed turtle steak regularly.
Restaurants, snack bars, and markets alike might have one, two, three or six offerings on a given day. Small signs are posted in racks that can advertise a maximum of eight items. People wait in long lines for things like fresh bread and newspapers, some only to sell it to those who can afford to pay a little extra not to have to wait in line. We did not see anyone starving but neither did we see any food going to waste. It has been a long time since Cubans have enjoyed the full marketplaces they enjoyed when things were flush. There no longer exists the diverse larder of ingredients needed to ignite Cuba’s rich international culinary heritage, and it has been so long that many people would not know nor recall the proper taste of a given dish. It is sad to see Cuba’s superb culinary tradition wither.
Cuba’s countryside remains gorgeous, breathtaking. Each province boasts natural beauties, perhaps none as spectacular as Pinar Del Rio, where royal palms sway mightily in fertile valleys ringed by craggy, weather-beaten mountain ranges. Cuba has many fruit orchards with trees of Chinese origin, like the Chinese orange, of which nineteen types exist in Cuba. The traditional fruit hawker’s cry of 'Naranjas China dulce' (sweet Chinese oranges) is part of the Cuban oral tradition. Nearly all the fruit we ate, however, was less than good. How can guavas (guayaba), mangos, soursop (guanábana), and papaya (called fruta bomba because 'papaya' has become slang for female anatomy) from a tropical clime taste so unsatisfying--is it a lack of proper care or lack of good fertilizer?
There are two types of Chinese gunip trees now common in Cuba, Oleaginous trees like the Chinese Oil Tree, used in industries, and the Lauraceous species like the Chinese Cinnamon tree which is ornamental, aromatic, and medicinal. Also popular are delicate blue Chinese violets, known as Pensamiento Chino or Chinese thought, the traditional Chinese minimalist symbol of meditation and celestial movement.
Information about the history of Chinese in Cuba is not readily available. For example, the Lonely Planet guidebook to Cuba cites nothing Chinese in its index or map, although it does contain some tidbits corroborating the extensive data gleaned from Chinese Presence in Cuba, a fact, map, and graph-laden brochure prepared by Jesus Guanche Perez. The film: 'Ancestors in the Americas: Coolies, Sailors, Settlers,' a film by Loni Ding, and a small green book Los Chinos en Cuba provide more information, as does Mis Imagenes by Mercedes Crespo Villate. This Cuban Chinese lady writes about the Chinese presence in Cuba, her motivations, and the reasons for Chinese immigration. She discusses Cuban reactions to the pobre culis or poor coolies. The book has information on the Cuban War of Independence from Spain, including lists of Chinese participants, as well as copies of documents, photographs, a bibliography, and it has information about Chinese culture in general.
In his informative brochure, Dr. Perez asks: “What are the reasons why we Cuban people assume this millenary heritage as a patrimony for ourselves” and then answers his own question by talking about China’s 'five virtues' of: Kindness, honesty, decorousness, wisdom, and faithfulness. Perhaps things Chinese quickly intimated themselves into Cuban civilization because both peoples share these universal values of human duty.
Cuba, a nation of mixed ancestry, has developed a 'native' cuisine flavored with foods imported from China, Africa, and places in the Caribbean. Africans brought their traditional starch known as fufu. It is made from plantains. In the 19th century, French coffee planters from Haiti brought Congri Orientale with them, a dish of rice cooked with red kidney beans. In Cuba’s vast Oriente region, black beans are substituted for the red kidneys, and the dish is famously renamed Moros y Christianos, a common dish on every Cuban table, every day, and a distant reminder of their colonists.
The two colors in this typical Cuban platter reference the famous war between the White Christian Spaniards and the Black Moors and can be compared to the racial mix of Cuba itself. History and politics in cuisine? We’re definitely in Cuba now. Today, Havana’s Chinatown is concentrated in an area just west of Cuba’s Capitolio Nacional, which is based on the same architectural plans as the U.S. capitol, except larger and grander. The easiest way to find Chinatown is to start at the famous Malecon, the broad ocean-side boulevard that is the last bit of land between Havana and the United States. Turn south at the intersection of Malecon and Avenida Italia, often called by its older name, Avenida Galiano. Walk about ten blocks until you pass a gated park with tall columns painted with Chinese characters and the Spanish words: Barrio China--Playa las Columnas.
The park’s white columns carry inscriptions such as: Lucky, Happiness, Shi Bo Ping Yan (Peace for You), and Sun Yi Shing Long (May Business Prosper Well). On a sunny Saturday in September the gated park was loaded with Cubans whiling away the afternoon around café tables. There was a birthday party where dozens of swankily dressed celebrants danced elegantly to a sixteen-piece son band that played for hours without a break. There is one bottle of soy, and one menu, with a brief history of Chinese in Cuba, shared among some one hundred customers, most of whom were drinking beer, huffing cigars, and snacking on scoops of pitiful fried rice on paper plates or slices of ham flanked by slices of a pickle on the same plates. The summer Havana atmosphere was thick with the feel of a 1953 Buick four-hole Special.
Barrio China de la Habana, alternately called Miramar, Cayo Hueso, and Chinatown, which first began as a neighborhood with residences and trade, then hostelries, and finally restaurants plying international customers, a huge portico inexplicably incised 'Barri Hino' instead of 'Barrio Chino' on Amistad Avenue was the mark of the Western edge of the twelve-square mile Chinese barrio squared in by San Miguel, Estrella and Belascoain.
As far as tourists know, however, Chinatown’s principal, and shortest, street is a few blocks east. Delineated by a small gate and garish red lanterns Calle Cuchillo, angles off of Italia and Zanja, surrounded by San Nicolas, Rayo, and Dragones. Standing out from the rest of Havana like a bright red persimmon amid dusty potatoes, Calle Cuchillo is a true kitsch extravaganza of Chinese dragons, lanterns and silks. In keeping with the Oriental atmosphere, most of Havana’s pet bird merchants operate in Chinatown. On payday, the small shops are flooded with Cubans buying imported umbrellas, hair supplies, toys and other inexpensive plastic items made in China. Daytime, there is a small food market in a curved alley south of there, but even though it’s Chinatown, the offerings are indistinguishable from those at other Cuban markets. On Saturday nights at eight in the evening, one of the associations hosts a Lion Dance, intended more to draw customers than scare away evil spirits.
Here are ten restaurants on the short and narrow artery called Cuchillo, each with its own tout, usually a Cuban in Chinese costume enticing passersby with the basic menu of Chinese food the world over: soup, egg roll, fried rice, and chop suey. There are plenty of traditional Cuban snacks available through tiny windows in and around Chinatown, just like the New York’s Canal Street where hot dog carts circle around the rice and noodle shops to cater to those who are in Chinatown but can not stomach Chinese food.
We learn more about Cuban Chinese culture, and visit the Casa de Arte y Tradicion China at Calle Salucci 313, between Gervasio and Escobar. This big, largely open-air building serves as the center for many Chinese traditional art forms and also is home to the Grupo Promotor Barrio China de la Havana, a kind of Chamber of Commerce for Cuban Chinese. They can direct you to any and all of the current activities in Cuba’s Chinese community and provide excellent maps and brochures highlighting places like Cementerio Chino de la Habana, a very large Chinese-only cemetery in the heart of Havana.
Currently, there are thirteen Chinese associations in Havana, the principal one being Chung Wah. Other large ones are Say Jo Jon Sociedad Wushu Kungfu and Chueng Shan Society. The Long Sai Li Society, which was founded in 1909 for instruction and recreation and is still housed in a restaurant. It is upstairs and hiding behind intricately etched glass doors. There is also a Chinese language newspaper, the Kwong Wah Po Diario Popular.
Lung Sai Li’s Chinese doorman said he had a Cuban mom, a Cantonese dad, and a Spanish grandma. His family’s favorite dish is whole fish steamed with ginger and scallion. Cuban locals invariably say that soups are their favorite Chinese offerings, with Chicken Chop Suey a close second. Fried Rice with black beans and sliced cabbage and chunks of yucca comes in cajitas (hand-cut grey cardboard takeout boxes). These common takeout snacks can be upgraded to a full meal with a fried pork chop and/or greasy gravy made from bits of fried pork. I thought it was Chinese food, since it was being purveyed in Chinatown, but later learned it was the Cuban staple, Moros y Cristianos, which natives know to be best in and around Cuchillo. The black beans are different than the black Chinese fermented soybean, but the two cuisines do share an affinity for hearty beans, white rice, onions, garlic, and other staples that facilitate culinary fusion. Its apparently a solid foundation for the many Cuban-owned Spanish-Chinese restaurants in New York, Miami, and elsewhere.
Intent on tasting standard Chinese Cuban fare, we headed to the Sociedead Regionalista, Chung Shan’s Los Dos Dragones Restaurante y Bar con Comida China Original which is the Chung Shan Regional Society’s Two Dragons Restaurant and Bar with Original Chinese Food. It was upstairs on Calle Dragones no 311 between Rayo and San Nicolas Streets. The grand dining room had seen more glorious days. President Castro had eaten here in mid-century, and there is a prominently displayed photograph of Fidel and compatriots happily chopsticking an authentic looking Chinese spread, complete with Coca Cola.
Two Dragon’s open kitchen was full of a variety of big cast iron pots and pans but there was only a single wok for use by the three Cuban and two Chinese chefs. Every Cuban diner seemed to be eating soup and fried wontons. We worked our waiter hard until he finally relented and allowed us to order a plate of fairly decent bok choy, instead of chop suey vegetables. Tip Pan Chicken turned out to be quite tasty. A giant, flattened, boneless chicken steak, incorporating both breast and thigh was battered and just barely cooked through. To accommodate the steak-loving Cuban palate, the Golden Fried Fillet was kept whole, rather than chopped as is the Chinese tradition. Mixed Ingredient Fried Rice was drier than it looked and overburdened with handfuls of smoked meats, sickly bean sprouts and scallions. Lacking any hint of the flavor of rice it was, to be fair, sustenance.
Costillitas Ahumadas Estilo Oriental or smoked Oriental-style spare ribs were overdone, their smokiness seemed to derive more from repeated re-heatings than from intentional flavoring. The wontons in the soup were the tastiest thing on the table. These delicate noodle packets bore the telltale marks of hand-rolling, but the broth was thin and the other ingredients proved inconsequential. All told, a meal for four cost twenty-one dollars U.S. with the bok choy plate being surprisingly more expensive than the big chicken dish. Both salt and soy are on the tables, as are Italian toothpicks (carezzadente) in a container featuring an image of a Japanese samurai swordsman.
After the sub-par meal, we headed for one of the last macho fortresses, the Partagas Cigar Factory’s private smoking room, where we made the acquaintance of Orlando Quiroga, a gentlemanly septuagenarian who had just published a book, The Art and Mysticism of Habanos (in Cuba, Cuban cigars are called Habanos). While enjoying a Montecristo Number 4, a perfect afternoon cigar, Mr. Quiroga recalled Chinese influences on his life in Cuba. He spoke about the concepts of Yin and Yang and pointed out the best cigar roller in Cuba who is nicknamed Chinita, (little Chinese girl) even though she is a grown and a rather large Filipina woman.
Mr. Quiroga recalled the day when thousands of Chinese flooded the streets of Havana to celebrate Chiang Kai Shek’s victory. He believes that fried rice is not originally Chinese, and knew about the taste differences between white, yellow, and brown-colored fried rice. Quiroga recalled going to see exotic foreign films in the 1950s at the Chinatown theater called Shanghai, which devolved into a pornographic theater before it closed after the Revolution. There was also a Chinese-only movie theater on Zanja Street. There used to be two traditional Chinese herbal medicine shops, one in Chinatown and the other in the Old Havana neighborhood, catering to non-Chinese clientele. Mr. Quiroga discussed the effectiveness of the Chinese metal balls used to relieve stress, the functional qualities of Tiger Balm salve, and said that Cuban hospitals, which offer some of the world’s finest doctors at bargain prices, still use some Chinese methods. He noted how much Cubans love Chinese clothing, antiques, and knick-knacks, as well as ice cream and other Chinese foods. A true epicure, Quiroga’s favorite Chinese dishes are whole fish, and duck in orange sauce. I wish I had asked Quiroga if he’d ever seen Chinese food outside the Barrio, which we did not. Also wonder what he knows about one of the world’s prettiest and fanciest restaurants, Havana’s Café del Oriente. Though they do not serve any thoroughly Chinese foods, this el sittio del gourmet or 'place for gourmets' is worth a visit for the décor alone. The classy and pricey antique wood and stained-glass establishment is located in La Habana Viejo at Oficios 112, at the corner of Amargura, ([email protected]).
Eschew the Westernized offerings at homogenous Chinatown dives like El Pacifico, La Muralla, and Tong Po Lau, a bodeguita or small food shop which specializes in Comida China Sabor y Magia or 'Chinese food, flavor and magic' and features the Masonic logo on its business card. Instead, head for Havana’s only Chinese restaurant with over one hundred dishes. Called Tien Tan, it is on Cuchillo no 17, between Zanja and san Nicolas, and is open 11 to 11 daily ([email protected]). On the walk through the kitchen to the toilet, the one Chinese chef among nine kitchen workers did not respond to Ni Hao Ma the classic 'Hi, how are you' in Chinese. Even though it is the best of the Barrio, Tien Tan seems typically Cuban in its sullen resolve not to live up to its full potential.
In keeping with the public’s wish to be 'transported' to exotic Asia, Tien Tan is full of tacky Chinese décor mixed with photos of local VIPS. Sandalwood incense is sold and the small pass through window from the kitchen to the dining room plays stereotypical 'ching chong' Chinese music until the orders are picked up. Chefs on break eat fresh spinach and rice with chopsticks while most of the patrons are cradling soup with Chinese porcelain spoons and stabbing at fried wontons with forks.
Easily the most authentic Chinese restaurant in Havana, we plunged into Tien Tan’s fresh spinach which, while slightly immature, was earthy and perfectly cooked with fresh garlic. The rice tasted like it had been reheated a second time but the Seafood Meat Soup had broad flavor developed from long cooking. The multi-layered soup was authentic and complex, but unfortunately the ingredients had been overcooked to achieve the heady broth. A plate of Chinese ravioli was homemade, their perfect skin much better than their lifeless filling. Both the Wonton Soup and the Special Chinese Soups (which appear to be the same except the Special soup has egg and black mushroom) were meals in a bowl. The big soups harbored all the flavors of wonton, just without the wrapper. Pig’s kidney with green onion and hot pepper was tasty but very salty. Fried Noodles with Fish were greasy and plain. A mound of Fried Rice with Meat and Scallions was the same dry starch that has somehow insinuated itself into every Cuban Chinese restaurant.
On a second visit, a Chinese chef from Shanghai helped us order. He suggested a thick and fine hot and sour soup, spicy shrimp, and a plate of mixed Chinese vegetables. Loads of small shrimps fought for space with scallions, red and green peppers and decoratively cut carrots and turnip. The dish was very spicy with la chew jow (Chinese hot pepper oil) but suffered from a distinct lack of ginger flavor. The mixed vegetable dish was equally middle-of-the-road, with overcooked bok choy, string beans, bean sprouts, and tasty little wads of spinach. The waitress, typically Cuban in that she was open to discussing her ancestry with strangers, said her mother’s father was from Guangdong; her father’s mother was half-Spanish and half-Japanese but Cuban by birth. So she happily described herself as having a Japanese head, a Chinese body and a Cuban heart.
The menu from Tien Tan, The Temple of Heaven, Restaurant, has a photo of a group of Chinese-Cubans sitting in front of the restaurant, and claims to be "a genuine restaurant of national flavor. There are more than one hundred different dishes cooked the Chinese way with Chinese seasonings. The special dishes are more delicious cooking by Chinese cookers. Please choose and taste. Wish you are satisfied by our service.” The Chinese, Spanish and English menu poetically translate the Spanish word for appetizer, apertivos as 'Whet the appetite.' All of the platos familiars category, or their 'economic dishes,' are soups. The traditional dairy-free Chinese Congee is mislabeled Cremas Chinas in Spanish but called 'Chinese Thick Soup' in English. The most interesting desert is a Canoa China or 'Chinese Canoe' and consists of an oval-shaped flan filled with ice cream and fruits. The bar features a Mai Tai like drink, 'Coctel Tien Tan' as well as imported Qing Dao and local Tinimes beer. Chop sticks are available, but only on request, and there is a charge for rice and tea.
Tien Tan must be Cuba’s only Chinese location listing specialty items such as frog’s legs, fish balls, and lamb. The most interesting category on the menu, which consists mainly of Cantonese and Shanghai dishes with a few royal Beijing options, is the Solo Reservar column of foods available only by 'subscription,' meaning they must be ordered three days in advance. These offerings include Fried Chicken Integrity with Eight Eatables (treasures); Stewed Meat with red color and sweet; Stewed Pigs--their uppermost part of leg with soy sauce; Sauteed Dofu Chilli Sauce or Sea-foods or Meat and Black Mushroom; Savoury and Crispy Duck; Integrity Duck Soup with orange skin and soy sauce; Stewed Red Duck with sweet sauce special; and Stewed Integrity Duck with Eight Eatables.
On December 7, 2001 The New York Times reported delivery of the first of several planned shipments of goods from the nited States to be purchased by Cuba since embargo was imposed nearly forty years ago. The Cuban government paid thirty million dollars for meat and grain, including fifty-five million pounds of corn, in a purchase made possible by a 2000 Congressional legislation exempting food and medicine from the still-active 1963 trade embargo. John Kavulich II, president of the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, feels this was more of a political than economic purchase, as Cuba could have gotten the same goods for less money and with enhanced delivery from other countries. Since 1963, President Fidel Castro had always insisted that Cuba would not buy 'even a grain of rice' under the stringent terms of the embargo. His country has suffered greatly, blaming the U.S. for shortages in food, milk and medicine. Cuban officials insist that this recent purchase was a one-time emergency measure necessary after this October’s devastating Hurricane Michele destroyed crops and housing. U.S. officials warn agricultural companies that Cuba, which cannot place its famous cigars and rums in the Fifty States, does not have the cash for continued purchases, and feel that the purchase is a sign of Cuba’s severely withered economy. Above all, and contrary to President Bush’s tough stance, Cuba wants the embargo to end.
After the revolution, most upper class Chinese left Cuba for the United States and elsewhere, leaving behind lesser educated Chinese who may be kind and good but do not have modern education or business acumen. Time has marched on, but most things cultural remain mired in pre-1959 torpor. There is no contemporary exchange with China, so Chinese nationals in Cuba are ignorant of China’s current status, and Mainland Chinese thinking is foreign to them. Still, the Cubans have muy respeto los Chineses or much respect for the Chinese. In America, even rich Chinese are somehow considered second-class citizens and poor Chinese are relegated to third or fourth class, but in Cuba even the poor Chinese are considered first class citizens. The utter lack of racism and the ability to talk openly about skin color and race, are two of Cuba’s most endearing characteristics.
Newcomers to New York are incredulous when they hear of Chinese Cuban restaurants, thinking it an improbable combination. No Cuban, however, would have such qualms about two kinds of black beans on one menu. It was only after visiting Cuba that this New Yorker realized that Broadway Cuban-Chinese haunts like La Victoria China were not named after a Chinese gal called Victoria, but rather named in honor of Fidel’s victorious revolution.
There used to be a restaurant on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, the world’s most diverse neighborhood, called La Isla (The Island). They served Chinese, Polynesian, Spanish, Dominican, and other national dishes under one roof. I always thought their name referred to the islands from which their various cuisines originated. After visiting Havana, however, it became clear that all of these cuisines had long ago begun to rub shoulders in one of the world’s most diverse countries, Cuba, known to its natives as, quite simply, La Isla.
In a country with next to no economy, thousands of locals line up for inexpensive treats on Sunday nights in an entire park devoted to selling ice cream. Doctors and teachers are the highest paid citizens, earning no more than twenty or thirty US dollars per month. Socialized education and medicine is first rate in Cuba, but most people will never have enough money to visit other parts of the world. Surely, all Cubans have heard about Chinese food, but most have never experienced its taste. Pilo, an affable and highly motivated high school English teacher from San Diego de Los Banos, a village of three thousand known for medicinal baths and tobacco, summed it up best when he said, with great wonderment in his voice, “I never had the pleasure of eating in a Chinese restaurant. I want to but I cannot. I hear they have this amazing thing called Fried Rice.”
Now that you have read this article, perhaps Flavor and Fortune has enticed you to head for Havana. There could be no better time than May 30th through June 3, 2002, for the Festival Des Chinos De Ultramar, known in English as 'The Fifth Festival Chinese Over The Seas.' Registration is not without its costs. Participants need to shell out US$120.00, their companions pay only US$80:00. This includes: free access to all events, welcome cocktail, lunches, receptions and closing, presentation of Chinese arts and traditions, sight seeing around historical, cultural and amusing places, and free access to the Fair. If anyone does go, Flavor and Fortune wants to hear about your experiences there; I do, too.
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A thorough critique of the genus in Florida, by Florida firebush expert Roger L. Hammer
Butterflies and hummingbirds are constant reminders of why gardeners who live in southern and coastal Central Florida cultivate our native Firebush (Hamelia patens var. patens). This ever-blooming shrub or small tree (to 15′) seems to always have butterflies around the flowers. Hummingbirds, bees, and wasps frequent the flowers as well. As an added bonus, fruit-eating birds such as mockingbirds, catbirds, and blue-headed vireos savor the small purple fruits, and the leaves serve as larval food for the Pluto Sphinx, a hummingbird-like moth that can be seen visiting the blossoms at dusk, or laying eggs on the leaves.
Florida’s native Firebush has many horticultural attributes, but it is decidedly cold sensitive and can only be cultivated successfully outdoors in USDA Zones 10, 11, and the warmer portions of Zone 9. In Zone 8 northward it will be killed in winter, so it is sometimes grown in those colder regions as an annual. The broadly lanceolate leaves are in whorls of 3-4 (typically 3) and are often tinged with red, especially when grown in full sun. The leaves and young stems are covered with appressed (flattened) hairs. Narrow, tubular, orange-red flowers are in terminal and axillary clusters, each flower ranging from 1/2-1″ long and about 1/8″ wide. The flowers can be yellowish when in bud, turning orange after opening, and then orange-red once they are pollinated – but the dominant color on open flowers is typically red, or orange-red.
Hamelia patens var. patens has the widest natural range of any other species in the genus. It occurs from Marion County in Florida south through the Florida Keys, the West Indies, and Mexico into South America. Its distribution in South America is mostly from Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador to Peru, with isolated populations in Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina. It is regarded as one of the most common shrubs in tropical America and is the only member of the genus native to Florida and the Bahamas.
Hamelia is a small genus of 16 species with a mostly tropical American distribution and commemorates French botanist Henri Louis DuHamel de Monceau (1700-1782). The name means “spreading,” alluding to the growth habit.
Sometime in the mid-1980s, a non-native variety of Hamelia patens was introduced into the Florida nursery trade, but, oddly enough, the material came from a botanical garden in Pretoria, South Africa. The plant quickly became popular under the misnomer Hamelia patens ‘African’ or “African Firebush,” and erroneously sold as a Florida native by many nurseries and garden centers throughout the state. Its correct botanical name is Hamelia patens var. glabra, which has a natural range that encompasses extreme southern Mexico through Central America and into northern South America, as well as Trinidad and Tobago. As the name glabra implies, the leaves are glabrous (without hairs) and are whorled in groups of 3-4 (typically 4). The flowers of this variety are mostly yellow with a reddish orange base, often with thin red lines along the outside of the floral tube. By examining the bottom of a leaf through a magnifying lens, small hairs on the veins are visible, but the leaf blade is essentially smooth.
Hamelia patens var. glabra is also sold under the trade name ‘Firefly,’ and this cultivar is advertised as having slightly smaller leaves.
Quite a number of Florida nurseries offer Hamelia patens ‘Compacta’ and there is much confusion involving this cultivar name. Some nurseries offer a variety of Hamelia patens var. patens with a rounded, compact growth form and dark red flowers. All Native LLC offers this form under the trademark name ‘Calusa.’ Other nurseries, both in Florida and on the Internet, offer a compact version of Hamelia patens var. glabra, with its typical orange-based yellow flowers, and refer to it as ‘Compacta’ as well. It is also sold as “Dwarf Firebush,” even though the plant may eventually exceed eight feet in height unless it is pruned. A large number of Florida nurseries also offer Hamelia nodosa as “Dwarf Firebush” but this is nothing more than a botanical synonym of Hamelia patens var. glabra.
Another species that has become popular in the nursery trade is Hamelia cuprea, which is advertised by many Florida nurseries as “Bahama Firebush.” This common name is another misnomer because Hamelia cuprea does not occur in the Bahamas. It is native to Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Cayman Islands. Perhaps “Antillean Firebush” would be a more appropriate common name. This very ornamental small tree (to 20′) has glossy, light green or copper-colored (cuprea means “coppery”) elliptic leaves in whorls of 3, which average 3″ long and 1 1/2″ wide. The bell-shaped yellow flowers are mostly 1-1/4″ long and 3/4″ wide, turning reddish orange with age. The flowers have six thin red longitudinal stripes and six reflexed lobes. Bees frequent the flowers along with occasional hummingbirds and butterflies.
To complicate things even further, Hamelia cuprea hybridizes with Hamelia patens, and the hybrids produce flowers that are intermediate between the two species, resembling Hamelia cuprea in color but are much narrower, measuring about 1-1/4″ long and 1/4″ wide.
At present, no other members of the genus are available commercially in Florida although one Florida nursery currently advertises Hamelia macrantha, but this is likely a misidentification of Hamelia cuprea. However, a quick check on the Internet revealed one other Florida nursery advertising Hamelia macrantha with an accompanying photo of a Hamelia cuprea x Hamelia patens hybrid. True Hamelia macrantha is not known to be in Florida. It is a rainforest species native from Costa Rica south through Panama and Colombia to Ecuador. Its flowers are bell-shaped, wider than Hamelia cuprea, and solid yellow.
Whether or not any of the non-native members of this genus will escape into natural areas in Florida and become a problem for resource managers has yet to be seen. Non-native Hamelia patens var. glabra readily escapes from seed around cultivated specimens and may contaminate the gene pool of Florida’s native Firebush through hybridization, so it appears to be the plant to watch, especially with its increasing popularity as a landscape plant in Florida.
Elias, Thomas. 1976. Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden: A Monograph of the Genus Hamelia (RUBIACEAE); 26(4): 81–144. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York
About the author: Roger Hammer, is a Miami-Dade County naturalist, author, and photographer. He served as Senior Interpretive Naturalist for Miami-Dade County Parks & Recreation Department for 33 years and has a statewide reputation for botanical knowledge. Roger discovered two new orchids in Florida, now listed as endangered species, has received numerous awards and is a frequent invited speaker at plant-related events, including having twice been the opening ceremony speaker for the World Orchid Conference. He is the author of three FalconGuide® reference books: Everglades Wildflowers, Florida Keys Wildflowers, Everglades National Park, and folding laminated wildflower identification cards for Southeastern Florida, Southwestern Florida, and Central Florida. His books and plant ID cards are available at all major bookstores.
And take a class on great plants for Zones 10-11 on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011 in Fort Myers. Click for details and to register. | <urn:uuid:2c69776c-bd27-4b54-a3e7-005412b5e9b4> | {
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Editor’s note: An update from the author has been added to this article on September 20, 2012.
Antarctic sea ice set another record this past week, with the most amount of ice ever recorded on day 256 of the calendar year (September 12 of this leap year). Please, nobody tell the mainstream media or they might have to retract some stories and admit they are misrepresenting scientific data.
National Public Radio (NPR) published an article on its website last month claiming, “Ten years ago, a piece of ice the size of Rhode Island disintegrated and melted in the waters off Antarctica. Two other massive ice shelves along the Antarctic Peninsula had suffered similar fates a few years before. The events became poster children for the effects of global warming. … There’s no question that unusually warm air triggered the final demise of these huge chunks of ice.”
NPR failed to mention anywhere in its article that Antarctic sea ice has been growing since satellites first began measuring the ice 33 years ago and the sea ice has been above the 33-year average throughout 2012.
Indeed, none of the mainstream media are covering this important story. A Google News search of the terms Antarctic, sea ice and record turns up not a single article on the Antarctic sea ice record. Amusingly, page after page of Google News results for Antarctic sea ice record show links to news articles breathlessly spreading fear and warning of calamity because Arctic sea ice recently set a 33-year low.
Sea ice around one pole is shrinking while sea ice around another pole is growing. This sure sounds like a global warming crisis to me.
Update: To provide more perspective on global warming and Antarctica, I would like to update this column with some additional information:
As meteorologist Anthony Watts explains, new data show ice mass is accumulating on the Antarctic continent as well as in the ocean surrounding Antarctica. The new data contradict an assertion by global warming alarmists that the expanding Antarctic sea ice is coming at the expense of a decline in Antarctic continental ice.
The new data also add context to sensationalist media stories about declining ice in small portions of Antarctica, such as portions of West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula (see here, for example). The mainstream media frequently publish stories focusing on ice loss in these two areas, yet the media stories rarely if ever mention that ice is accumulating over the larger area of East Antarctica and that the continent as a whole is gaining snow and ice mass.
Interestingly, a new NASA study finds Antarctica once supported vegetation similar to that of present-day Iceland.
“The southward movements of rain bands associated with a warmer climate in the high-latitude southern hemisphere made the margins of Antarctica less like a polar desert, and more like present-day Iceland,” a co-author of the NASA study reports. | <urn:uuid:75f73a85-e17d-4cf1-8660-2d729640a10a> | {
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At various points along the path toward productive nanosystems for molecular manufacturing it would be useful to be able to calculate the properties and reactions of assemblies of atoms of various sizes. Within the domain of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, such information is supplied by the Schrödinger equation, but this can only be solved analytically for the hydrogen atom and ions with only one electron. For larger atoms and molecules, numerical solutions require compromises between computational feasibility and accuracy. Recent work from researchers at Argonne National Laboratory suggests that machine learning can be an efficient alternative to numerical computations. A hat tip to KurzweilAI.net for pointing to this New Scientist article by Lisa Grossman “Molecules from scratch without the fiendish physics“:
A SUITE of artificial intelligence algorithms may become the ultimate chemistry set. Software can now quickly predict a property of molecules from their theoretical structure. Similar advances should allow chemists to design new molecules on computers instead of by lengthy trial-and-error.
Our physical understanding of the macroscopic world is so good that everything from bridges to aircraft can be designed and tested on a computer. There’s no need to make every possible design to figure out which ones work. Microscopic molecules are a different story. “Basically, we are still doing chemistry like Thomas Edison,” says Anatole von Lilienfeld of Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois.
The chief enemy of computer-aided chemical design is the Schrödinger equation. In theory, this mathematical beast can be solved to give the probability that electrons in an atom or molecule will be in certain positions, giving rise to chemical and physical properties.
But because the equation increases in complexity as more electrons and protons are introduced, exact solutions only exist for the simplest systems: the hydrogen atom, composed of one electron and one proton, and the hydrogen molecule, which has two electrons and two protons. …
The researchers developed a machine learning model to calculate the atomisation energy—the energy of all the bonds holding a molecule together and applied it to a database of 7165 small organic molecules of known structure and atomization energy and containing up to seven atoms of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, plus the number of hydrogen atoms necessary to saturate the bonds. These molecules had atomization energies ranging from 800 to 2000 kcal/mol. The model was trained on a subset of 1000 compounds and then used to calculate the energies of the remaining molecules in the database. The results showed a mean error of only 9.9 kcal/mol, comparable to the accuracy of methods based upon the Schrödinger equation, but the computations were done in milliseconds rather than hours. The authors suggest that extensions of their approach might permit rational molecule design or molecular dynamics calculations of systems of atoms undergoing chemical reactions. | <urn:uuid:73d1cea5-f27a-4547-a5b0-80544b2bc1bf> | {
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Our main goal is keeping kids safe online while encouraging them to be educated and savvy digital citizens. We realize parents and educators everywhere are concerned about how best to keep their children safe online. Below are some helpful tools to get the conversation started and help both adults and kids better understand the best ways to stay safe and secure online.
Information for Parents to help keep their family safe online.
The nature of evolving technology sees the emergence of new trends and behavior among young people and new efforts by government and industry to combat harmful behaviors. FOSI provides periodic information to keep you informed about these issues.
The Global Resource & Information Directory (GRID) provides information on the state of online safety around the world. On an individual country basis it details online safety initiatives, education and legislation along with a family online safety directory.
FOSI provides a directory detailing point of contact, by country, for the reporting of illegal material found on the Internet.
FOSI provides a compendium of websites covering Internet safety arranged by country. | <urn:uuid:38744ad6-51c7-4439-a659-2eb947aee6ec> | {
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August 5, 2008
Taking Play Seriously by Robin Marantz Henig Part VIIII
Koach Karl continues this great article on "Play"…
Bateson, a prominent play scholar who recognizes the quandary posed by equifinality, suggested that play is the best way to reach certain goals. Through play, an individual avoids what he called the lure of ‘‘false endpoints,’’ a problem-solving style more typical of harried adults than of playful youngsters. False endpoints are avoided through play, Bateson wrote, because players are having so much fun that they keep noodling away at a problem and might well arrive at something better than the first, good-enough solution.
But maybe the flexibility hypothesis is itself a false endpoint. Maybe the idea that play is the best route to a whole host of good results — creativity, social agility, overall mental suppleness — is just the first idea scientists landed on, and they were inclined to accept it because it fit so well with their innate ideas about the nature of childhood. This is the view of a small group of play scholars we’ll call the play skeptics. What worries the play skeptics is that most people in the industrialized West — scientists in the field, play advocates and all the rest of us, parents, teachers, doctors, scholars, all the children and all the aging children — have been ensnared by what skeptics call the ‘‘play ethos.’’ By this they mean the reflexive, unexamined belief that play is an unmitigated good with a crucial, though vaguely defined, evolutionary function.
‘‘Play ethos’’ comes from Peter Smith, a psychology professor at the University of London and a leading authority on play’s effect on children’s emotional development. He uses it as a cautionary term, a reminder that most conclusions about play’s adaptive function have so far been based not on scientific evidence but on wishful thinking.
In one of his early experiments, Smith and his colleagues put 3- and 4-year-olds in two different play settings. In one group the children were allowed to play, in whatever way they felt like, with several wooden sticks. In the other group they were shown by an adult ‘‘play tutor’’ how to fit two sticks together to make a longer one. Then the children were given two tasks. First they had to retrieve a marble by connecting two sticks. Both groups performed this task, which Smith called ‘‘direct’’ problem solving, about equally well. Then they had to retrieve a marble that had been pushed farther away, so they could reach it only by connecting three sticks, not just two — what Smith called ‘‘innovative’’ problem solving. The children who had played with the sticks performed this task significantly better than the ones who had been shown how to join together only two sticks.
‘‘At this point I was happy,’’ Smith recalled years later, writing in ‘‘The Future of Play Theory.’’ His findings were taken as evidence that spontaneous free play led to more creative thinking. But then he started to wonder whether he himself had fallen victim to the play ethos.
Check back next week for a continuation of this article on "Play" | <urn:uuid:3a3528b7-344a-4161-8485-faf466936676> | {
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Throughout life there are many times when outside influences change or influence decision-making. The young child has inner motivation to learn and explore, but as he matures, finds outside sources to be a motivating force for development, as well. Along with being a beneficial influence, there are moments when peer pressure can overwhelm a child and lead him down a challenging path. And, peer pressure is a real thing – it is not only observable, but changes the way the brain behaves.
As a young adult, observational learning plays a part in development through observing and then doing. A child sees another child playing a game in a certain way and having success, so the observing child tries the same behavior. Albert Bandura was a leading researcher in this area. His famous bobo doll studies found that the young child is greatly influenced by observing other’s actions. When a child sees something that catches his attention, he retains the information, attempts to reproduce it, and then feels motivated to continue the behavior if it is met with success.
Observational learning and peer pressure are two different things – one being the observing of behaviors and then the child attempting to reproduce them based on a child’s own free will. Peer pressure is the act of one child coercing another to follow suit. Often the behavior being pressured is questionable or taboo, such as smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol.
Peer Pressure and the Brain
Recent studies find that peer pressure influences the way our brains behave, which leads to better understanding about the impact of peer pressure and the developing child. According to studies from Temple University, peer pressure has an effect on brain signals involved in risk and reward department, especially when the teen’s friends are around. Compared to adults in the study, teenagers were much more likely to take risks they would not normally take on their own when with friends. Brain signals were more activated in the reward center of the brain, firing greatest during at risk behaviors.
Peer pressure can be difficult for young adults to deal with, and learning ways to say “no” or avoid pressure-filled situations can become overwhelming. Resisting peer pressure is not just about saying “no,” but how the brain functions. Children that have stronger connections among regions in their frontal lobes, along with other areas of the brain, are better equipped to resist peer pressure. During adolescence, the frontal lobes of the brain develop rapidly, causing axioms in the region to have a coating of fatty myelin, which insulates them and causes the frontal lobes to more effectively communicate with other brain regions. This helps the young adult to develop judgment and self-control needed to resist peer pressure.
Along with the frontal lobes contributing to the brain and peer pressure, other studies find that the prefrontal cortex plays a role in how teens respond to peer pressure. Just as with the previous study, children that were not exposed to peer pressure had greater connectivity within the brain as well as abilities to resist peer pressure.
Working through Peer Pressure
The teenage years are exciting years. The young adult is often going through physical changes due to puberty, adjusting to new friends and educational environments, and learning how to make decisions for themselves. Adults can offer a helping and supportive hand to young adults when dealing with peer pressure by considering the following:
Separation: Understanding that this is a time for the child to separate and learn how to be his own individual is important. It is hard to let go and allow the child to make mistakes for himself, especially when you want to offer input or change plans and actions, but allowing the child to go down his own path is important. As an adult, offering a helping hand if things go awry and being there to offer support is beneficial.
Talk it Out: As an adult, take a firm stand on rules and regulations with your child. Although you cannot control whom your child selects as friends, you can take a stand on your control of your child. Setting specific goals, rules, and limits encourages respect and trust, which must be earned in response. Do not be afraid to start talking with your child early about ways to resist peer pressure. Focus on how it will build your child’s confidence when he learns to say “no” at the right time and reassure him that it can be accomplished without feeling guilty or losing self-confidence.
Stay Involved: Keep family dinner as a priority, make time each week for a family meeting or game time, and plan family outings and vacations regularly. Spending quality time with kids models positive behavior and offers lots of opportunities for discussions about what is happening at school and with friends.
If at any time there are concerns a child is becoming involved in questionable behavior due to peer pressure, ask for help. Understand that involving others in helping a child cope with peer pressure, such as a family doctor, youth advisor, or other trusted friend, does not mean that the adult is not equipped to properly help the child, but that including others in assisting a child, that may be on the brink of heading down the wrong path, is beneficial.
By Sarah Lipoff. Sarah is an art educator and parent. Visit Sarah’s website here.
Read More → | <urn:uuid:4fafe4c1-2dd0-49fd-8b1b-41d1829f7cdf> | {
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Register New Player
Welcome to our world of fun trivia quizzes and quiz games:
Hard Drive Basics
"The hard drive is a critical component in a computer system. This is a quiz on some hard drive trivia. Good luck and enjoy!"
15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit
The first hard disks, created in the 1950s, could be up to 20 inches in diameter. Which company invented the hard disk?
When purchasing a hard disk which of these is generally NOT a specification that would be of concern?
Inside the hard disk drive, where is the data actually stored?
When a user formats a disk, they are generally performing a high-level format which prepares the drive to hold data. When a low-level format is performed, how does it divide the platter?
read and write
bits and bytes
sectors and tracks
kilobytes and megabytes
Which of these is disk interfaces was the precursor to SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)?
Hard drive failure rates are measured with MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures). Which of these failures would be reason to replace your current hard disk?
can't read CDs
An external hard disk is often purchased by the home computer user for backups of the main hard disk (generally installed internally to the computer case). Which of these interfaces is commonly used for this purpose?
Which of these refers to the hard drive circuit board?
During the life of a disk, is it true that defragmentation of the file system can significantly improve performance?
Which of these is NOT known as one of the world's hard disk manufacturers?
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Compiled Nov 03 12 | <urn:uuid:213c5ee0-9293-4907-9172-f093e591ca3b> | {
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Prescribed Fires Burn Hazardous Fuels at Supawna Meadows Grasslands
Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge staff recently used prescribed fire to control hazardous fuels and reduce the chances of wildfire on refuge land.
Fire control officers burned two areas on the refuge February 19th. Refuge managers targeted one burn area because it was covered mostly by phragmites, a tall, reed-like non-native plant that has invaded marshlands and become a fire hazard. The burn will improve wildlife habitat by returning nutrients to the soil as well as open the marsh to native vegetation.
The project was supported by employees and equipment from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, five national wildlife refuges, the Northeast Region's Zone Fire Program and the Service's New Jersey field office. Fish and Wildlife Service staff came from Blackwater, Supawna Meadows, Great Swamp, Wallkill, and Cape May refuges to work on the project.
back to headlines
Back to News Archives | <urn:uuid:4493402a-5837-43dc-a6c8-1ea39e80c548> | {
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On the 28th of June, 1993 Katyusha rockets launched by Hizballah caused injuries and damage in Kiryat Shmonah. On 8-9 July, attacks by Ahmad Jibril's Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - General Council Command (PFLP-GC) and Hizballah caused the deaths of 5 IDF soldiers in the security zone. These events led the Israeli government and IDF to seek a retaliatory operation.
After assessing that a major ground incursion would lead to significant Israeli casualties, an artillery and aerial bombardment plan was adopted with the aim of eradicating the threat posed by Hizballah and Palestinian guerillas. Its secondary goal was to disrupt civilian life and force the population to flee north with the intention of turning civilians against the Hizballah, forcing the Lebanese and Syrian governments into taking steps to curb Hizballah activities.
Between the 25th-31st of July Israel implemented "Operation Accountability", targeting Shi'ite towns and villages of south Lebanon in the heaviest attack since 1982. A cease-fire understanding was eventually brokered by the US, ending the week-long Israeli campaign in Lebanon. An oral agreement was reached whereby Israel agreed to refrain from attacking civilian targets in Lebanon while the Hizballah pledged to stop firing rockets into northern Israel. The agreement only temporarily reduced the intensity of violence. A mutual offensive continued in the subsequent months and years until the IDF was forced to launch another major offensive in April 1996.
|Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list| | <urn:uuid:91d1f800-c577-4be4-a69a-ba11f3309750> | {
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by Doug Mazeffa
Saturday, February 18, 2012
So 2012 is the year for a new car! Or you just love seeing what the car companies are up to. Either way, you're in the right place. Along with safety, fabulous styling and, of course, price, a car's impact on the environment is something most people care about. Since our choice of transportation is second only to our home's energy use in terms of carbon dioxide emissions (which cause that nasty global warming thing) a new car is a great way to cut your footprint if you have to drive (and driving less is the number one best way to cut the carbon).
But every car company tells you theirs is the greenest model EVER! (Likely story.) So how are you supposed to know what's what?
Maybe you've already consulted Greenopia’s Automaker Guide, which breaks it down in terms of which car companies do the best job overall for the planet.
But with the Green Car Guide, we've gotten down to nitty-gritty, looking at the most efficient vehicles that meet our minimum criteria and selecting the best of the best (the good news is that they come in all kinds of price points and styles). Take a look.
How We Did It:
We have collected data for all of the vehicles readily available in the US and applied our own criteria and then did a bunch of math in order to determine which vehicles are the greenest:
-fuel efficiency (simply how many miles to the gallon the vehicle gets).
-which cars were the cleanest burning in both greenhouse gas and smog forming pollutant emissions (we consulted the EPA’s SmartWay vehicle emissions database)
-the automaker’s environmental record. We weighted whether they have a green fleet or if they use some green materials in the production of their cars.
There are numerous hybrids on the market that are not as green as the automakers would lead you to believe. Just being a hybrid does not mean a green vehicle. In fact, coming out of the gate, the hybrid has a larger environmental production burden associated with it (largely because of its battery). The hybrid only becomes greener once it is driven, where it makes up ground with superior mileage and emissions. Toyota estimates that it takes about 12,000 miles before a hybrid and a similar traditional engine car ‘break even’ environmentally (the hybrid is greener from that point on). But, as you can imagine, this breakeven point won’t take place if the hybrid doesn’t get great mileage or if it doesn’t burn cleanly.
Two pleasant surprises were the performances of Audi and Mazda. Both did relatively well in our automaker guide, but they both had a statistically large number of cars that met at least our minimum criteria.
Greenest Cars on the Market:
-Honda Civic Hybrid
-Jetta Clean Diesel
All 3 had incredibly high gas mileage and burned cleanly to boot.
We hope you find this guide useful and recommend it to anyone who is shopping for a new car. Here at Greenopia we are always trying to bring you high quality content that is useful for you to eat, shop, and live green.
Are there ratings you would like to see on our site? (Or just say Hi!) Contact us here.
Photo of Jetta Clean Diesel by Flickr user MeganPru. | <urn:uuid:dbab6603-a9a2-4431-bbc6-4ad71a1267be> | {
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Alfred Music Publishing, in collaboration with Guitars in the Classroom (GITC), proudly presents The Green Songbook uniting environmental education or "eco-sustainability" with K-12 education across the curriculum. The book is authored by Jessica Baron, creator of the popular SmartStart Guitar series, author of Your Musical Child: Inspiring Kids to Play and Sing for Keeps. Jessica is also the founder and executive director of the nationally operating non-profit Guitars in the Classroom.
This is her seventh publication.
The Green Songbook presents popular and fun, inspirational songs about the environment that promote healthy lifestyles and eco-aware choices. Participating songwriters and artists include Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, the Banana Slug String Band, Tom Chapin, and many others. To view the table of contents and find songs you'll want to play, please click the "Contents" link above!
Each chapter in The Green Songbook focuses on an important aspect of greening our planet and our lives- supporting us in our efforts to learn about and bring about real eco-sustainability. The language is child friendly without being simplistic, as these writers have great regard for young people and recognize that the future rests in their hands as well as our own.
These chapter introductions have been written for you by eco-experts and advocates. Starting in Chapter 2, they give you links and recommendations for their hands-down favorite resources and environmental organizations! Just click on each chapter above to see the links and get a feeling for what that chapter has to offer. You'll see a photo of the author and an excerpt from their writings plus a link to following their work and writing, where possible. Andrew Revkin writes for the New York Times online at http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/ so he is easy to follow but Caprice Potter lives in a school life-lab garden 10 months of the year so you'll have to visit her in Santa Cruz, California at Gateway School to see what she's up to. She'll be glad to meet you!
Singer-songwriter Jack Johnson has provided support through his foundation for teacher training with The Green Songbook. His nonprofit organization, the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, established and supported through the profits of his touring act, funds projects in education, music and arts, and eco-sustainability. Jack's partner in love and life is Kim Johnson, and the two of them really are the First Couple of Caring for Mother Earth. Kim as an eco-advocate and parent takes sustainability to heart. She and the staff of the Kokua Hawai'i Foundation sent us additional resources after the book had gone to print. You'll find their helpful additions in the Additional Links section of select chapters.
Every copy of The Green Songbook is printed on 100% recycled paper, continuing Alfred | <urn:uuid:915321e7-9c4b-465d-a103-a6504c12e40f> | {
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With global climate change and rapid urbanization process, rainstorm flood disaster has become major issues and severe challenges faced by human society and economic development. Vulnerability assessment is important basic content of risk assessment, which is a hot point researchof international disaster prevention and mitigation. The authors utilizeda revised SCS model to calculate heavy rain runoff by DEM and the depth of flood inundation for different return periods. Based on six returnperiods o f 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 years, we select Pudong NewArea as case study and apply GIS and remote sensing technology to carry out hazards analysis and vulnerability analysis in th is paper. Base on the grid, we reclassify and draw up the inundation depth maps for different return periods. The data on disaster loss rate of mainstorm inundation in study area was survived and the vulnerability classification for study area was carried out. The obtained results give a reference to assessment of regional disaster and planning of disaster prevention and reduction.
Access Information (e.g. URL, sources, accessibility description, etc.):
JOURNAL OF NATURAL DISASTERS, VOL. 20, NO. 2 APR 2011 | <urn:uuid:a9c5efe0-77f5-47c8-8948-fd8a5427de5a> | {
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Assessing the Impact of a Right to Sanitation on Improving Levels of Access and Quality of Services: Executive Summary
Size: 6 pages (339 kB)
Does formal recognition of a right to sanitation (RTS) increase levels of availability and access to quality, affordable and adaptable sanitation services? This study finds that progress towards these goals seems to be faster in countries that have recognised an RTS. It is highly probable that sanitation services in countries seeking to fulfil an RTS will be more equitable and inclusive than elsewhere. However, attributing successes to a rights approach will require better monitoring and evaluation that includes rights-sensitive indicators. A further finding is that what makes formal recognition meaningful is a participatory approach to working to fulfil rights: citizen-state engagement is crucial.
Internationally accepted rights standards require sanitation to be available, accessible and affordable, of acceptable quality and adaptable. When these rights standards are fulfilled, sanitation services will be fully inclusive and equitable, and will be more likely to be sustainable.
There are trade-offs between reaching the largest number of people (working at scale), and making sure services are inclusive (working towards full scale). Front-loaded, heavy investment is required to work for equitable and inclusive sanitation for all people, including the poorest and most marginalised. However, the economic, social and political benefits of equity approach are beginning to be demonstrated. Other findings include the following:
Formal recognition of an RTS can be an important accelerator if it is combined with political drivers that build an enabling environment and support inclusive implementation. Strong legal and regulatory structures and systems are also needed. These include laws and bye-laws, at all levels, on both technical and social issues (such as inclusion and participation), and systems of redress. Further recommendations include the following:
DFID, 2011, 'Assessing the Impact of a Right to Sanitation on Improving Levels of Access and Quality of Services: Executive Summary', DFID in association with Coffey International Development, London
Organisation: Department for International Development (DFID), http://www.dfid.gov.uk | <urn:uuid:6aeee7ce-cfdc-4dc5-8c46-ce57d89a796f> | {
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The European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS) is the world's biggest scheme for trading greenhouse gas emissions allowances. Launched in 2005, it covers some 11,000 power stations and industrial plants in 30 countries, whose carbon emissions make up almost 50% of Europe's total.
A cap on the total emissions allowed within the scheme is set, and allowances adding up to the cap are provided to the companies regulated by the scheme. The companies are required to measure and report their carbon emissions and to hand in one allowance for each tonne they release. Companies can trade their allowances, providing an incentive for them to reduce their emissions.
The current cap is set to fall by 1.74% annually to achieve a target of reducing emissions in 2020 to 21% below their level in 2005. In June 2011 the price of an allowance was around €16. The trade in permits is worth around $150bn annually, dwarfing other emissions trading schemes (the Clean Development Mechanism market established by the UN is valued at $1.5bn annually).
In a basic sense the ETS has worked. It has set a cap on half of Europe's carbon emissions, which were previously unregulated, and the companies covered by the scheme are no longer free to pollute. Carbon has a price and this influences the economics of burning fossil fuels.
For example, burning coal creates more carbon pollution than burning gas, so coal plant operators need more permits. The higher the price of the permits, the more expensive it is to use coal rather than gas. Power companies choosing how to generate electricity therefore have an extra cost associated with the more polluting options, so they'll choose gas over coal more of the time.
Putting precise numbers on how far the ETS has worked in practice is difficult, as it means estimating what the level of pollution would have been if the ETS was not in place. It is likely, however, that in its first few years, the scheme was responsible for turning an anticipated increase in emissions into a decline of 2.5-5%. One in-depth study analysed background emissions, economic trends and weather patterns, and concluded that between 2005 and 2007 the ETS reduced emissions by 120-300m tonnes, with a best guess of 210m tonnes across Europe.
These are fairly modest gains – especially in the context of rapidly of increasing imports of carbon-intensive goods from China and elsewhere – and although steeper reductions have been set for the third 'phase' of the ETS, which runs from 2013 to 2020, the policy has been heavily criticised and beset with problems, not least of which is the large number of permits expected to be held over from the current phase. Nonetheless, Europe has a price on carbon and a working mechanism to limit and reduce climate pollution, which puts it further ahead than other major regions in the world.
The ultimate climate change FAQ
This editorial is free to reproduce under Creative Commons
This post by The Guardian is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.
Based on a work at guardian.co.uk | <urn:uuid:9914355a-17ef-4061-a5b0-96b5bfb9b4dd> | {
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By Robert Lucke
All winter recreationalists should be aware that weather factors play a big part in avalanche activity in most all mountains. The U.S. Forest Service has some weather related tips.
Wind - Even during clear weather, sustained winds of over 15 mph may cause danger to increase rapidly when loose surface snow is available for transport. Snow plumes from ridges and peaks indicate that snow is being moved onto leeward slopes. This can create dangerous situations. Leeward slopes are dangerous because wind-deposited snows add depth and may create unstable wind slabs. Windward slopes generally have less snow and the snow is compacted and usually more stable toward the leeward slopes.
Storms - A high percentage of all avalanches occur shortly before, during, and after storms. Be extra cautious during these periods.
Rate of Snowfall - Snow falling at one inch per hour or more increases avalanche danger rapidly.
Crystal Types - Observe snow-crystal types by letting them fall on a dark ski mitt or parka sleeve. Small crystals, needles, and pellets often result in more dangerous conditions than the classic star-shaped crystals.
New Snow - Be alert to dangerous conditions with a foot or more of new snow. Remember that new snow depth may vary considerably with slope elevation and aspect.
Old Snow - When snow depth covers natural anchors, such as rocks and brush, new snow layers slide more readily. The nature of the old snow surface is important. For example, cold snow falling on hard refrozen snow, such as rain crusts, may form a weak bond. Also a loose underlying snow level is more dangerous than a compacted one. Check the underlying snow layer with a ski pole, ski, or probe.
Temperature - Cold temperatures will maintain an unstable snowpack while warm temperatures (near or just above freezing) allow for snow settlement and increasing stability. Storms starting with low temperatures and dry snow, followed by rising temperatures, are more likely to cause avalanches. The dry snow at the start forms a poor bond to the old snow surface and has insufficient strength to support the heavier snow deposited late in the storm.
Temperature Inversion - It may be warmer at higher elevation when warm air moves over cold air trapped near the ground. This weather situation can occur in avalanche terrain throughout the Northwest and may produce dangerous and unpredictable changes in local snow stability.
Wet Snow - Rainstorms or spring weather with warm winds and cloudy nights can warm the snow cover. Percolating water may cause wet snow avalanches. Wet snow avalanches are more likely on south slopes and slopes under exposed rocks.
Danger Signs - Old slide paths. Generally, avalanches occur in the same areas. Watch for avalanche paths. Look for pushed-over small trees or trees with limbs broken off. Avoid steep, open gullies and slopes.
Recent Avalanche Activity - If you see new avalanches, suspect dangerous conditions. Beware when snowballs or "cartwheels" roll down the slope.
Sounds and Cracks - If the snow sounds hollow, particularly on a leeward slope, conditions are probably dangerous. If the snow cracks and the snow cracks run, this indicates a slab avalanche danger is high. | <urn:uuid:5ffca333-81cf-4bfa-bd63-f7c162de7ccc> | {
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From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships
A city in Illinois on the Kaskaskia River. Vandalia was the state capital from 1820 to 1839 and today is the seat of Fayette County. The origin of the name is uncertain, but the name probably is derived from the Germanic Vandal tribe. Other explanations of the name hold that it is a latinization of a Dutch family name or that it refers to a small Indian tribe of the early 19th century.
(Slp: t. 614; l. 127'4"; b. 34'6"; dr. 16'6"; cpl. 150; a. 1 8" Sg., 16 32-pdrs.; cl. Boston)
The first Vandalia-an 18-gun sloop-of-war-was laid down at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in 1825, launched in 1828, and commissioned on 6 November of that year, Comdr. John Gallagher in command.
Vandalia left Philadelphia on 16 December 1828, bound for duty with the Brazil Squadron off the eastern seaboard of South America. She remained off the coasts of Brazil and Argentina for the next three years, helping to protect American citizens and mercantile interests during a period of continuing political unrest on the continent of South America. She returned to Norfolk, Va., on 18 December 1831; was decommissioned the next day, and remained inactive until 4 October 1832 when she was recommissioned for service with the West Indies Squadron. Vandalia again put into Norfolk in August 1834 and was decommissioned there on the 24th for major repairs. Recommissioned on the last day of the year, she joined the West Indies Squadron in January 1835 and served with that organization into the summer of 1838 protecting American citizens and property in the West Indies, cooperating with land forces in Florida during the second Seminole Indian War, and helping to suppress the slave trade. After almost three months laid up undergoing repairs from 30 August to 24 November, the ship was reactivated and returned to duty for a year in the Caribbean, ending when her commissioning pennant was again hauled down at Norfolk on 23 November 1839.
Following more than two years on the stocks, the ship was returned to commission on 3 February 1842, joined the newly created Home Squadron in 1842, and performed routine patrol and reconnaissance duties at scattered points as far north as Newfoundland and as far south as the mouth of the Amazon River. During a visit to Haiti in the early spring of 1845, an epidemic of yellow fever broke out in the ship. She returned immediately to Norfolk, was decommissioned on 30 April, and was laid up. During the sloop's period in ordinary which lasted until 1849, she was lengthened by 13 feet in 1848. The renovated Vandalia was recommissioned on 9 August 1849 and joined the Pacific Squadron on 5 September 1849 as that organization was expanding to service the territory which the United States had recently acquired on the Pacific coast. She made several visits to the Hawaiian Islands in 1851 before returning to the New York Navy Yard on 6 October 1852 and going out of commission again on the 14th.
Vandalia's rest ended on Valentine's Day 1853, and the ship soon joined Commodore Matthew C. Perry's East Indies Squadron. She was present at Commodore Perry's historic entrance into Tokyo Bay on 13 February 1854 and in 1855 helped to protect American interests in China during the Taiping Rebellion. Vandalia was decommissioned at the Portsmouth (N.H.) Navy Yard on 30 September 1856 but was recommissioned on 11 November 1857 for duty with the Pacific Squadron. In 1859, the warship rescued survivors of the American clipper ship Wild Wave, wrecked off Oeno and Pitcairn Islands, and conducted an expedition against natives at Waya, Fiji Islands, following the murder of two American citizens. Vandalia returned to the New York Navy Yard early in 1860 and was decommissioned on 6 January of that year but was recommissioned there on 8 November and assigned to duty with the East Indies Squadron
With the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861 Vandalia was called back home and assigned to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron on 31 May for blockade duty off Charleston and Bull's Bay, S.C. There, she captured the schooner Henry Middleton on 21 August and assisted in the capture of the sailing ship Thomas Watson in 15 October. The vessel also participated in the successful amphibious assault upon Roanoke Island, N.C., on 7 and 8 November. This victory closed the supply lines to Confederate-held Norfolk Navy Yard and was largely responsible for the evacuation of that vital naval facility six months later. Vandalia put into New York on 24 November to deliver the officers and crew of the wrecked steamer Governor.
Vandalia soon returned to duty with the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron and was deployed off Tybee Roads Ga., in December. She remained at Tybee until April i862, at which time she was ordered to proceed to the blockade at Wassaw Sound, Ga. The sloop returned to Port Royal, S.C., in June and took up blockade duty off Charleston in July. She served at Port Royal as a guardship in September and was repaired and resupplied there in November. Later that month and in December, she cruised along the outside line of the blockade off Charleston and Port Royal Bay, performing reconnaissance duties as well as giving practical sailing experience to recent Naval Academy graduates. On 12 December, the vessel was ordered north for major structural repairs at New York.
Vandalia was decommissioned at the New York Navy Yard on 4 Februarv 1863 and then sailed for Portsmouth, N.H., on 17 October for use as a receiving and guard ship. She remained at Portsmouth until broken up there sometime between 1870 and 1872. | <urn:uuid:69af217b-d1a5-4d98-924c-eeba2c04e75a> | {
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October 12, 1492 was the day that a sailor on the Pinta sighted land. It wasn't until 1792 that we have a record of the United States celebrating Columbus Day. The celebration was organized by the Society of St. Tammany, also known as the Columbian Order, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Columbus' landing.
According to http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/oct12.html :
The 400th anniversary of the event inspired the first official Columbus Day holiday in the United States. President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation in 1892, “recommending to the people the observance in all their localities of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America…” and describing Columbus as “the pioneer of progress and enlightenment.” Since then, school programs, plays, and community festivities have been organized across the country in celebration of Columbus Day.
Today, Columbus Day is a federal holiday observed on the second Monday of October. | <urn:uuid:a5189d6d-9727-403a-9651-9e0044436aed> | {
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Traction is a form of treatment that uses some type of sustained mechanical pulling force on a part of your body. This force can be continuous or intermittent, which is designed to stretch, separate or realign body parts.
Traction is used to treat certain muscle and bone conditions, for instance fractures, dislocations and muscle spasms, as well as prevent or correct deformities. And the arms, legs, neck, backbone or pelvis are common body areas treated with traction.
Traction treatment is not recommended for everyone, particularly if you suffer from osteomyelitis. Also, because treatment with traction may require a long period of immobility, you may develop:
When traction is correctly administered, treatment results are typically very good. | <urn:uuid:efec8593-009b-48b3-83ee-c46436f6c686> | {
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Alagille syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by liver disease, typical facial features, heart murmurs or defects, vertebral changes, and eye changes as well as a variety of less frequently noted features. Alagille syndrome is also called arteriohepatic dysplasia, cholestasis with peripheral pulmonary stenosis, syndromatic hepatic ductular hypoplasia, and Alagille-Watson syndrome.
Alagille syndrome is a rare condition occurring either sporadically or in an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Approximately 70% of cases are caused by changes in the Jagged1 gene on chromosome 20. However, the diagnosis of Alagille syndrome is based on clinical features and family history. Obtaining medical information about family members can be difficult as some people with Alagille syndrome are so mildly affected or have variable symptoms that the condition may go unrecognized. Prognosis depends on the extent of major organ involvement, especially of the liver, heart, and kidneys. Liver transplantation is needed in some cases. Prenatal testing is available to families in which a genetic change has been identified. The interpretation of this testing is limited by the variability of clinical features, even within the same family. People with the same genetic change can have a wide range of medical problems with varying degrees of severity.
Alagille syndrome occurs sporadically in 15-56% of cases, but has been noted to follow an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance in some families. In
Changes in a gene called the Jagged1 (Jag1) gene on the short arm of chromosome 20 have been shown to be the underlying defect in many patients. The Jag1 gene encodes a cell surface protein that plays a role in the regulation of development. The protein is active in many cell types and directs cells to their proper place in the embryo. Seventy to 75% of Alagille syndrome probands have had an identifiable change within this gene. Of that 70%, 6% have been shown to have a small deletion of a piece of the short arm of chromosome 20 (20p), which includes the Jag1 gene, using a laboratory technique called fluorescent in situ hybridization. There are a variety of other molecular changes in the gene that have been detected by sequencing the gene. Thirty percent of people with the condition do not have an identifiable change in this gene. It is possible that there are other genes that cause the disease in these families.
Alagille syndrome is rare, occurring in one in 70,000-100,000 live births. The condition affects males and females equally. Most patients with Alagille syndrome come to medical attention in the first four months of life with jaundice, an enlarged liver, severe itching of skin, or multiple raised nodular areas on the skin.
One of the most common and most serious symptoms of Alagille syndrome is liver disease. Liver disease occurs in 90-100% of patients and often leads to growth delay or failure as a result of malnutrition. Because there is a reduction in the number of bile ducts in the liver, there are elevated bile acids in the blood and an arrest of bile excretion from the body. This results in jaundice, pruritus (severe skin itching), and xanthomas (raised nodules on the skin, especially at skin creases or areas of friction). Some patients have mild or no liver problems, while others have progressive liver failure.
Heart defects and murmurs have been noted in 85-95% of patients with Alagille syndrome. The most common type of defect is pulmonary artery stenosis, although other types of defects also occur. Many of these defects do not have clinical significance to the patient. However, complex and severe heart defects occur and are one of the more common causes of mortality in patients with Alagille syndrome.
An important diagnostic feature of Alagille syndrome is a particular eye finding called posterior embryotoxon. This is an anterior chamber defect of the eye caused by a prominent, centrally positioned Schwalbe ring. This feature can be seen through a split lamp examination and does not affect vision. Since 56-90% of patients have this or other changes in the eye, including retinal pigmentary changes, an eye examination can aid in diagnosis.
A particular finding called a butterfly vertebra is associated with Alagille syndrome. The term butterfly vertebra refers to the appearance of the space around the vertebrae due to clefting or disruption of formation of a vertebra. There are usually no physical problems associated with this radiological finding. The frequency of butterfly vertebrae in this syndrome is uncertain, with estimates from 33-87% in different studies. Other skeletal malformations are also noted in these patients, such as spina bifida occulta and hemivertebrae. Therefore, radiological examination of the spine may aid in diagnosis.
The occurrence of particular facial features has been noted in 70-95% of patients with Alagille syndrome. The facial features include a prominent forehead, deep-set and widely spaced eyes, a pointed chin, and a straight nose with a bulbous tip. These features are more subjective, but one of the most consistent features of the diagnosis.
Problems with the structure and function of kidneys have been noted with an occurrence of 40-70%. Most often symptoms are mild, but renal disease has caused mortality in severe cases. Mild delays in gross motor function have been noted in 16% of children. Most of these children were those with severe organ disease. Intracranial bleeding has also been noted with increased frequency and is associated with mortality in this syndrome.
The diagnosis of Alagille syndrome is based on clinical features and can be made by the presence of liver disease plus two of the other major features. An ultrasound of the liver can rule out other causes of liver disease and a liver biopsy can determine if there is a reduction in the number of bile ducts. However, this finding occurs in other conditions as well as Alagille syndrome, and the timing of the biopsy is important. Older patients are more likely to have fewer bile ducts than patients under five years of age. An echocardiogram for heart defects, a radiological examination of the spine, blood tests for renal function, an ophthalmologic examination, and an examination of facial features are important diagnostic tools. A careful family history is also important in diagnosis. When a first- or second-degree relative has already been diagnosed with Alagille syndrome, the presence of even one feature of the condition may constitute a diagnosis.
Once a diagnosis has been made in an individual, the parents should undergo an evaluation for subtle features of the condition. If a parent is diagnosed, then evaluation for appropriate extended family members would be offered. A correct diagnosis is important since there are other syndromes that exhibit similar liver disease, heart defects, and eye findings. These syndromes are inherited in different ways, so the recurrence risk for offspring and other family members may be different.
Two different types of testing are used: fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which detects the small percentage of patients who have a deletion of the entire gene; and sequencing, which looks at changes within the gene. Sequencing is not clinically available. New technologies may make gene sequencing for mutations more readily available in the near future. If a genetic change is identified in the family, prenatal testing would be available through chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. However, the interpretation of this testing is difficult since the presence of a gene change does not allow one to predict the severity of the condition or which medical problems may occur.
Treatment and management
Liver transplantation is needed in 15-20% of patients. Other treatments depend on which of the other features of the condition are present and the degree of severity. Repair of heart defects is another surgical treatment needed in some cases.
Prognosis for Alagille syndrome is quite variable and depends on the degree of liver, heart, and kidney disease and the presence of intracranial bleeding. Overall, survival rates are 72-85%. The survival rate of those undergoing liver transplantation is 60-80%. There is currently no method to determine which patients will reach end-stage liver disease.
Jones, Kenneth Lyons. Smith's Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation. 5th ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 1997.
McKusick, Victor. Mendelian Inheritance in Man: A Catalog of Human Genes and Genetic Disorders. 12th ed. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1998.
Scriver, Charles, et al. The Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease. 8th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2001.
Emerick, Karan, et al. "Features of Alagille Syndrome in 92 Patients: Frequency and Relation to Prognosis." Hepatology (1999): 822-828.
Krantz, Ian, et al. "Alagille Syndrome." Journal of Medical Genetics (February 1997): 152-157.
Krantz, Ian, et al. "Clinical and Molecular Genetics of Alagille Syndrome." Current Opinions in Pediatrics (December 1999): 558-563.
Quiros-Tejeira, Ruben, et al. "Variable Morbidity in Alagille Syndrome: A Review of 43 Cases." Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (October 1999): 431-437.
Rand, Elizabeth. "The Genetic Basis of Alagille Syndrome." Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (February 1998): 234-237.
Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Gene Tests: Genetic Testing Resource. <http://www.genetests.org/> (February 20, 2001).
Sonja Rene Eubanks | <urn:uuid:4beefb40-b84c-43b1-a32e-0047329e1479> | {
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When a family receives a heifer, they receive much more than an animal. It’s a gift that provides all of what Heifer calls the seven Ms: Milk, Manure, Muscle, Meat, Money, Materials and Motivation. And those seven things turn into health, houses, education and nutrition.
|Orphans at the Prison Fellowship
Romania Center share a meal.
Maria Moraru (above) is involved in a project called Farmers Feed the Children in Romania. In return for a heifer, 150 project families agreed to not only Pass on the Gift to another family in need, but to also donate a portion of the milk to feed local children. Milk is distributed among 12 children’s hospitals and orphanages. So far, more than 22,000 gallons of milk have been delivered, and more than 5,000 children per year are benefiting from this project. Maria’s cow Americana has produced a total of seven offspring and produces eight to nine gallons of milk a day–plenty to drink, sell and donate.
A cow can produce several gallons of milk a day. That milk provides needed protein for undernourished children or adults sick with diseases like HIV/AIDS. Milk also contains vitamins A, C and D, which help eyesight and bone strength.
Families are taught how to use cow manure as a fertilizer for gardens or crops. Cow manure can add significant amounts of organic material to the soil, improving the overall health of the Earth and producing healthy, vigorous plants.
With gallons of milk a day, families have more than enough to drink. Often, the leftover milk is sold at market to provide extra income for the family, which can pay for food, health care, home improvements and school fees so children get an education.
This holiday season, consider giving the gift of a heifer in honor of your childhood babysitter, who always fixed you chocolate milk before bed. And read more blog posts about how cows have changed the lives of our project participants all over the world.
Photos by David Snyder | <urn:uuid:bd94d801-67c7-4826-8186-3e59a65d3677> | {
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The historic preservation effort that our region richly deserves began to take root several decades ago and continues to grow stronger. This region has a rich architectural heritage, with structures dating from as early as the late 18th Century when this “Overmountain” region was among the first settled beyond the original 13 colonies of the United States and was known, for a time, as the State of Franklin.
The preservation movement arrived here shortly after the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 was passed by Congress. Jonesborough established the first National Register Historic District in Tennessee and, even today, is one of the few communities that has successfully enacted and enforced an ordinance to prevent Demolition by Neglect. Within our region Jonesborough, along with Abingdon, Virginia, provides a premier example of preservation for small communities within the United States. Historic preservation activities in many other communities in our region have also produced impressive results.
Our work is to build upon these past accomplishments and to spread the knowledge gained to others to help further the historic preservation movement. | <urn:uuid:8c31dfbd-c411-4336-a14f-913891a6cdb9> | {
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The Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessments and the Curriculum Supervisors provide instructional leadership to ensure all students are provided with a rigorous curriculum to fulfill and exceed their potential.
Educational goals and objectives set by the Board of Education serve as a framework for the development of academic and intellectual skills, scientific understanding, aesthetic expression, career development and an awareness of the interaction between the individual and society. Hicksville Public School's programs provide for excellence in education in each curriculum area with opportunities for intervention and enrichment.
The instructional programs offered to all students attending Hicksville Public Schools are guided by the Common Core Learning Standards and designed to prepare students for the world into which they will graduate as college and career ready, empowering students to live and work in a changing economy and global society. Development and evaluation of the curriculum is an ongoing process to ensure that students are provided with a seamless program that is consistent, competitive and challenging. Performance objectives are established for each course with flexibliity to allow for individual growth and differentiated methods of instruction. | <urn:uuid:7dd123ec-cb96-4447-aff9-e9def473ae59> | {
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|Central Arizona Highlands|
The Central Arizona Highlands push themselves up in between the dramatic desert landscape of the Sonoran Desert to the south, and the vast Colorado Plateau to the north. This transition zone of ancient, eroded mountains lies like a sash across Arizona, from Kingman in the northwest all the way down to Safford and the Sitgreaves Apache National Forest in the southeast and beyond.
Exploring our trails you will discover a microcosm of the greater Central Arizona Highlands region – ponderosa pine forest, juniper-piyon woodland, chaparral-covered hillsides, a precious shaded creek system, and ancient geologic formations.
This diversity of plant life results in a wonderful richness of wildlife species, offering us all a wealth of opportunities for exploration, discovery, and learning. For more information about all the geologic zones of Arizona, CLICK HERE | <urn:uuid:794f90f0-c33a-40ea-8e57-5fa1e030cfb5> | {
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Everett -- Thumbnail History
HistoryLink.org Essay 7397
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Once called the “City of Smokestacks,” Everett has a long association with industry and labor. Its first beginnings were two Native American settlements at opposite sides of the heavily wooded region, one on the Snohomish River and the other on Port Gardner Bay. Platted in the 1890s and named after the son of an early investor, it soon attracted the attention of East Coast money. Over the next 100 years, Everett would be a formidable logging mill and industrial center. In 2005, Everett numbered 96,000 citizens.
The Port Gardner Peninsula is a point of land bound by the Snohomish River on its east flank and northern tip and by Port Gardner Bay on the west. People have inhabited the Everett Peninsula for more than 10,000 years. In recent centuries, Hibulb (or Hebolb), the principal village of the Snohomish tribe stood at the northwest point of the peninsula. Its location near the mouth of the Snohomish River and next to Port Gardner Bay provided both abundant food and transportation. Other villages were located across the waterways. The Snohomish fortified Hibulb with a stockade made of Western red cedar posts to guard against their local enemies, the Makah, Cowichan, Muckleshoot, and the occasional northern raider.
On June 4, 1792, George Vancouver landed on the beach south of the village and claimed the entire area for the King of England. He named the bay Port Gardner for a member of his party. He apparently did not explore the river. After this first contact with the Snohomish, the next 50 years were quiet until traders with the Hudson’s Bay Company on the Columbia River ventured through in 1824. Hudson's Bay Company records show that they explored the Snohomish River. They named it “Sinnahamis.” Its present name “Snohomish” dates from the U.S. Coastal Survey of 1854 when it was charted.
In 1853, Washington Territory was formed. That same year the first white settlers in what would become Snohomish County established a water-powered sawmill on Tulalip Bay across the water from Hibulb. When the Treaty of 1855 created a reservation there for the Snohomish and other regional Indians, the settlers abandoned the operation and turned it over to the tribes. Gradually groups of white men from Port Gamble, Port Ludlow, Utsaladdy, and other Puget Sound points began to show up on the heavily forested peninsula to cut its giant timbers. They set up small logging camps in places reserved for homesteads.
During the Indian wars that erupted in King and Pierce counties after the treaty signings, the Snohomish area remained peaceful. Enterprising men making plans for a military road between Fort Bellingham and Fort Steilacoom in 1859 stimulated the exploration of the Snohomish River and its valleys. A ferry was planned at the spot where the road would cross the river. When Congress stopped funding the project, some of the young men working on the military road stayed there anyway. E. C. Ferguson claimed his own place and named it Snohomish City (1859). He was first to describe the area near present day Everett as full of trees:
“with their long strings of moss hanging from branches, which nearly shut out the sunlight ... At the time the opening at the head of Steamboat Slough was not more than fifty feet wide" (Dilgard and Riddle).
First Settlers on the Peninsula
Dennis Brigham was the first permanent settler in the area that would become Everett. A carpenter from Worcester, Massachusetts, he came in 1861 the same year Snohomish County was organized. He built a cabin on 160 acres along Port Gardner Bay and lived alone. Cut off from his nearest neighbors by the deep forests, he still had enough contact to gain the name of “Dirty Plate Face.”
In 1863, the area saw increased settlement. Erskine D. Kromer, telegraph operator and lineman for the World Telegraph, took a claim just south of Brigham. When the venture ended he settled down with a Coast Salish wife and raised a family. Leander Bagley and H. A. Taylor opened the first store in the area on the point next to Helbo. Indians pushed out by homesteaders and loggers came by to trade. The store would change ownership several times.
Also in 1863, on the snag-filled Snohomish River, E. D. Smith set up a logging camp at an angled bend in the river. Here the water was deep and an undercutting current kept his log booms against the bank. At the time there were no mills in Snohomish County. Logs were rafted down river and sent to mills around the sound. Everett’s future was foreshadowed when, during that same year, Jacob and David Livingston set up the first steam sawmill in the county near present day Harbor View Park on the bayside. It was a short-lived venture.
Settlement continued, although one early passerby in 1865 wrote that he saw nothing but woods. The settlers were there. Ezra Hatch claimed land in what would become downtown Everett and George Sines claimed land on the riverside. Together with Kromer, they would hold the most valuable holdings in the future city. There were others: Benjamin Young, George and Perrin Preston, J. L. Clark, and William Shears. They lived in simple log cabins scattered around in the woods, but when Bagley sold his share of the store to J. D. Tullis with the right to lease a portion back for a home and shipyard, Everett industry arrived. In 1886 he built the small sloop Rebecca which he sailed throughout the area. Eventually, the Prestons bought out all the shares to the store. George and Perrin Preston with his Snohomish wife Sye-Dah-bo-Deitz or Peggy would give the name Preston Point to the ancient Snohomish center.
Between the 1870 and 1880 census the white population in Snohomish County increased from 400 to 1,387, of which a minimal amount was found on the peninsula. Neil Spithill and his Snohomish wife Anastasia, the daughter of Chief Bonaparte, settled on the river where the peninsula jutted into it like a left-hand thumb. In 1872, Jacob Livingston filed the first townsite (“Western New York”) on Port Gardner Bay not far from his failed sawmill. John Davis settled at Preston Point where 50 acres were diked, and between the Snohomish River and the sloughs crops of oats, hay, hops, wheat, barley potatoes, and fruit began to appear. E. D. Smith continued to expand his logging businesses, employing 150 men. The area’s first postmaster, Smith platted the town of Lowell in 1872. In 1883, the U.S. government began snag-removal and cleared other impediments on the river. With the coming of mechanized lumber and cedar shingle production, several mills located in the area. Smith began construction on his own mill in 1889 the same year Washington became a state.
Booms and Busts
Statehood brought celebration and speculation. Connection to the area via the Seattle and Montana Railway was close at hand, but when James J. Hill announced that his Great Northern Railway would come over the Cascades to Puget Sound, many people thought that meant the railroad would come to the peninsula. There was money to be made.
First came the Rucker Brothers, Wyatt and Bethel and their mother. They bought the old Dennis Brigham homestead property on the bayside in 1890. They built a house and planned to start the townsite of “Port Gardner.” Joining them was William Swalwell and his brother Wellington. The Swalwells picked up a large section of the Spitlhill’s claim on the river covered with a growth of “timber so dense that trees on all sides touched the little cabin” (Roth). Frank Friday, who bought the old Kramer homestead from Kramer's widow added to the real estate mix. This juxtaposition of bayside to riverside settlements set the layout of the future city streets, though the Swalwell’s Landing, as it became known, was separated from the bay by “a mile of second-growth timber, impassable underbrush and a marshy area near the center of the peninsula” (Dilgard and Riddle). Things began to heat up when Tacoma lumberman and land speculator Henry Hewitt Jr. (1840-1918) arrived in the spring of 1890 with $400,000 of his own money, dreaming of a great industrial city.
After learning that one of John D. Rockefeller’s associates, Charles L. Colby (1839-1896), was looking for a site for the American Steel Barge Company of which he was president, Hewitt met with him. He convinced him that the peninsula with its river and bay access offered the perfect location for that and other industrial concerns. Impressed, Colby talked it up with friends and relatives. Once they were on board, Hewitt immediately approached the Ruckers, Friday, and Salwell and enticed them to join him. They transferred half of their holdings, nearly 800 acres, to the syndicate backed with the East Coast money of Rockefeller, Colby, and Colgate Hoyt, a director of the Great Northern Railroad. Hewitt also bargained with E. D. Smith for a paper mill.
In November 1890, the group incorporated the Everett Land Company. They made Hewitt president. For a time they met in offices at E. D. Smith’s boarding house in Lowell. By spring of 1891, the peninsula began to hum as land was cleared for a nail factory, the barge works, a paper mill, and smelter. Five hundred men graded, surveyed, and platted the townsite. Hewitt Avenue, one and half mile long and 100 feet wide, was cut from bay side to riverside. The townsite of stumps became Everett, after the son of Charles Colby.
Over the months, the city of Everett saw astonishing growth. Before the Everett Land Company lots went on sale, Swalwell jumped the gun and began selling his own lots on banks of the Snohomish River in September 1891. He built a large dock for the sternwheel steamer traffic. Dubbed the “cradle of Everett,” Swalwell’s Landing boomed at the riverside foot of Hewitt, at intersection of Chestnut and Pacific. The Pacific/Chestnut community was a wild west town with gambling and prostitution along with the offices of Brown Engineering Company in charge of platting the townsite, "Workingman’s Grocery,” a small shoe store, another grocery store, a tent hotel, meat market, and barber shop. The streets were muck choked, its sidewalks made of thrown down planks. Farther south at Lowell, Smith built a dock for his new paper mill already in production.
On the bayside, the Everett Land Company built a long wharf at 14th Street on which a sawmill was built at the end. They also built an immense warehouse of some 400 feet and a fancy brick hotel, the Monte Cristo, three stories high. By the time the company started selling their residential and commercial property in late 1891, the building frenzy had attracted the nation. “An Army of Men at Work On a Mammoth Establishment,” the headline in the newly established Port Gardner News boasted in September 1891.
By the spring of 1892, Everett resembled a city albeit with stumps. There were frame homes, schools, churches (land provided by the Everett Land Company), and theaters as well as 5,600 citizens, a third of them foreign born (mostly English and Scandinavian) enjoying streetcar service, electricity, streetlights, and telephones. The Everett Land Company won a suit to own the waterfront. The promise of riches in the mines in the Cascades spurred the building of the Everett-Monte Cristo railroad from there to a smelter on the peninsula.
In April 1893, Everett incorporated by election. Then came trouble. In May, the Silver Panic caused a national depression that slammed into Everett. Factories closed down. Banks failed. Wages dropped 60 percent. The railroads either failed or faltered. People left in droves. By 1895, Rockefeller started to withdraw his investments. Hewitt was dismissed from the Everett Land Company. Colby took over. The lack of return on fees nearly bankrupted the city government. The streetlights were turned off. Against this background the town of Snohomish fought the struggling city of Everett over which would be the county seat. Everett finally took the claim away in 1897.
A Second Wind
Everett began to recover in 1899 after Rockefeller's Everett Land Company transferred its holdings to James J. Hill's Everett Improvement Company. The railroad magnate saw benefits for his Great Northern Railroad. He sent 42-year-old John McChesney as his representative. Industrial growth improved. Work continued on dredging the river and the bay. Frederick Weyerhaeuser, neighbor of Hill in St. Paul, Minnesota, came to Everett and founded the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company. He built the world’s largest lumber mill which produced 70 million feet by 1912. David A. Clough and Harry Ramwell formed the American Tugboat Company.
By 1903, the Polk Everett City Directory boasted of 10 sawmills, 12 shingle mils, a paper mill, flouring mill, foundries and machine shops, planing mills, a smelter, an arsenic plant, a refinery, “creosoting” works, a brewer, a sash and door plant, an ice and cold storage plant, and a creamery. Industry employed more than 2,835 men. Telephone subscriptions went from 493 in 1901 to 980 with 23 women employees and eight linemen.
Secret societies as wide ranging as the Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Improved Order of Red Men “meeting at next great camp in the Hunting Grounds of Aberdeen” (Polk) flourished. Times were good.
In 1907, Everett passed the First Class City Charter and boomed after the San Francisco earthquake and fire brought huge orders for Northwest lumber. The city’s own big fire in 1909 destroyed parts of the city, but did not deter future growth. Three years later its population reached three times its size in 1900 -- 25,000. Ninety-five manufacturing plants, “including 11 lumber mills, 16 shingle mills and 17 mills producing both” (Shoreline Historical Survey,) dominated the area.
Unions also dominated the city, making it one of the most unionized in the country. There were 25 unions in all. Of these, the International Shingle Weavers Union of the American Federation of Labor was the strongest. The work they did at shingle mills was dangerous. The bolter used a circular saw with a blade that stood 50 inches in diameter and had three-inch teeth. A man pushed the log toward it at waist height with his knee and hands. Men fell or were pulled into it. Of the 224 people who died in Everett in 1909, 35 were killed in the mills -- almost one a week. Labor unrest grew and strikes threatened.
In 1916, the shingle weaver’s strike culminated in a bloody confrontation at the city dock when two boatloads of Industrial Workers of the World members sailed up from Seattle to demonstrate support of striking shingle mill workers and free speech. Five workers on the steamer Verona and two deputies on the dock were killed. Some 30 others were wounded. The strike ended not long after. This became known as the Everett Massacre.
During World War I, Everett benefited from the demand for lumber, but for the rest of the twentieth century the city saw many down times as it went through a national depression in 1920, the Great Depression, and problems with continual silting in the river channels.
Always a lumber and industrial town, it began to diversify. A Works Progress Administration project in 1936 created Paine Field on 640 acres of land owned by Merrill Ring Logging and the Pope and Talbot Company eight miles southwest of the city. The airfield established aviation and eventually a military presence in the area. The county matched federal dollars.
During World War II the field became a military base. Its name was changed to Paine Field in honor of Lt. Topliff Olin Paine, pioneer aviator from Everett killed in a 1922 Air Mail Service crash. An Army Air Corps unit moved in and stayed for five years. Runways were improved and fueling capabilities added for certain aircraft types. Alaska Airlines started a presence. The military returned during the Korean War (1950-1953) taking over the control tower, but withdrew in 1968. This opened the way for Boeing Corporation. Already owners of acreage north of the airfield, Boeing built the world’s largest building by volume (472 million cubic feet) for their radically new 747 jetliner.
Construction on Naval Station Everett began in November 1987. In January 1994, Navy personnel moved into the completed Fleet Support and Administration buildings and officially began operations. Currently, Everett is home to three frigates, one nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, one destroyer, and a Coast Guard buoy tender. It is the United States Navy’s most modern base.
In 2005, the city of Everett enjoyed growth and revitalization. During the past 20 years, the downtown area has been upgraded and some of the historic structures have been restored. Restaurants, shops, and parks line the bayside of the city. Industrial parks are planned for riverside. A community college and homes stand around Preston Point. Dennis Brigham and E. D. Smith would both be amazed. Henry Hewitt would say that his dream has gone on.
Don Benry, The Lowell Story, (Everett: Lowell Civil Association, 1985), 18-37; David Dilgard, Margaret Riddle and Kristin Ravetz, A Survey of Everett’s Historical Properties (Everett: Everett Public Library and Department of Planning and Community Development, 1996); David Dilgard and Margaret Riddle, Shoreline Historical Survey Report (Everett: Shoreline Master Plan Committee for City of Everett, 1973), 2-28 and 66-73; David Dilgard, Mill Town Footlights (Everett: Everett Public Library, 2001); Lawrence E. O’Donnell, Everett Past and Present (Everett: K & H Printers, 1993), 2-15; Everett City Directory (Seattle: R. L. Polk, 1893), 47-66; Everett City Directory (Seattle: R. L Polk, 1903), 64; Norman H. Clark, Mill Town (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1970); History of Snohomish County, Washington Vols. I and 2 ed. by William Whitfield (Chicago: Pioneer Historical Publishing Company, 1926); The History of Skagit and Snohomish Counties, Washington (Interstate Publishing Company, 1906), 253-258 and 314-331; Elof Norman, The Coffee Chased Us Up Monte Cristo Memories (Seattle: Mountaineers, 1977); "Early History of Snohomish River and Vicinity," Everett Herald, January 14, 1936; Snohomish Eye, September 1893-1894; Advertisements, Everett Herald, December 17, 1891; Snohomish Sun, 1891; Everett Herald December 10, 1891 through 1892; "Puget Sound Paper Mill," Port Gardner News, September 11, 1893; "Local News," The Eye, August 22, 1893; Everett Herald, December 10, 1891; The Snohomish Story: From Ox team to Jet Stream (Snohomish: Snohomish Centennial Association, 1959).
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Hewitt Avenue looking east, Everett
Postcard Courtesy Everett Public Library
Swalwell's Landing, site of newly platted Everett, 1891
Photo by Frank La Roche, Courtesy Everett Public Library (Image No. 1056)
Birdseye view of the Everett Peninsula, ca. 1893
Courtesy City of Smokestacks
William Weahlub of the Tulalip Reservation smoking salmon and roe on the beach, 1906
Photo by Norman Edson, Courtesy UW Special Collections
Great Northern Railway Depot, Everett, 1920s
Clark-Nickerson Lumber Mill, Everett, 1900s
Night, downtown Everett, 1920s
Hewitt Avenue and Commerce Block, Everett, 1914
Hewitt Avenue looking east, Everett, 1920s
Looking west along Hewitt Avenue across Wetmore, Everett, 1920s
Photo by J. A. Juleen, Courtesy Everett Public Library (Neg. Juleen842)
Aerial view of Everett, 1950s
Naval Station Everett, 2004
Courtesy U.S. Navy
Everett, September 28, 2005
HistoryLink.org Photo by Priscilla Long
Everett, September 28, 2005
HistoryLink.org Photo by Priscilla Long | <urn:uuid:55beaadf-2d1a-4ffc-a1ae-baf3ab3594d7> | {
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