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26 June 2013, Rome – Madagascar is in the grips of a largely uncontrolled locust plague and risks a serious food crisis. A large-scale emergency control campaign urgently requires a minimum of $22 million in funding to start in time for the next crop planting season in September. So far, FAO emergency appeals for Madagascar remain severely underfunded.
By September, FAO expects that two-thirds of the country will be infested by locusts.
Some 13 million people’s food security and livelihoods are at stake, or nearly 60 percent of the island’s total population. Nine million of those people are directly dependent on agriculture for food and income.
Sounding the alarm – more loudly
FAO has issued various warnings since August 2012 calling for financial support.
FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva emphasized that prevention and early action are key. “If we don’t act now, the plague could last years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars. This could very well be a last window of opportunity to avert an extended crisis,” he said.
Timely control of the locust upsurge in Madagascar at an early stage would have cost $ 14.5 million in 2011-1012, but FAO only received half the funding necessary. Another campaign had to be launched, but that received barely a quarter of the required funds in 2011/2012.
When the Sahel region experienced a locust upsurge in 2003-2005, the costs of control operations exceeded $ 570 million, in addition to the economic damages in terms of lost crops and food aid.
Preventive control measures normally cost $3.3 million per year for the 10 affected Sahelian countries. So intervening only when the situation reaches a crisis point cost roughly the same as 170 years of prevention.
In order to have all the supplies and personnel in place to mount a wide-scale anti-locust campaign starting in September, funding should be allocated by July. FAO’s locust control programme needs to be fully funded in order to monitor the locust situation throughout the whole contaminated area and to carry out well-targeted aerial control operations. Otherwise, undetected or uncontrolled locust populations will continue to breed and produce more swarms. The plague would therefore last several years, controlling it will be lengthier and more expensive and it will severely affect food security, nutrition and livelihoods.
The complete three-year programme, which is needed to return the locust plague to a recession, requires more than $41.5 million over the next three years.
According to a recent FAO assessment mission on the impact of the current locust plague in Madagascar, in parts of the country rice and maize losses due to the locusts vary from 40 to 70 percent of the crop, with 100 percent losses on certain plots.
A joint Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission, supported by FAO, IFAD and WFP and in close cooperation with the Malagasy Government, is currently on the ground to measure the locust plague’s damages to food security and livelihoods. More detailed data analysis will be available in July, but the resources to start preparation for the field actions have to be available now.
Major impact on food security
According to FAO estimates, there could be losses in rice production of up to 630 000 tonnes, or about 25 percent of total demand for rice in Madagascar. This would severely affect food and nutrition security and livelihoods of the most vulnerable.
Rice is the main staple in the country, where 80 percent of the population lives on less than a dollar per day. One and a half million hectares will need to be treated by aerial spraying during the 2013/2014 campaign.
The three-year FAO programme includes:
- improving the monitoring and analysis of the locust situation;
- large-scale aerial and ground spraying and related training;
- monitoring and mitigating the effect of control operations on health and the environment;
- measuring the impact of anti-locust campaigns and the damages to crops and pasture. | <urn:uuid:997ab248-0f0b-4cec-afb5-03f474efe1f5> | {
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This project was created for the Gold Coast Science fair. It is basically a proximity detector that fires an “Exterminate!” through the speaker and lights up the gun when an intruder comes in it’s way. It was the most popular exhibit at the fair and the next phase will be to make it move!
Firstly if you are too young to know what a Theremin is – head on over to the Wikipedia page to find out more. In a nutshell, the Theremin is a musical instrument that can be played without physical contact by the musician.
The original Theremins used radio antennas but our version is considerably simpler using a simple LDR (light dependent resistor) to detect how close your hand is and change the tone on the speaker accordingly. We also added a battery (using an old camera battery – these things last forever on Arduino projects as they have very high mAh values) and an RGB Led for extra effect. | <urn:uuid:4a48732e-a7b6-44ed-af41-9e9d3bc9c9e2> | {
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1/23/2018—Well, this is a first. NASA reported, and AccuWeather ran a story about the report, that 2017 was the warmest year worldwide without the kind of El Nino event that made 2016 so hot. This is all part of the recent trend that has sent surface temperatures up and has led to 17 of the warmest years ever recorded occurring since 2001. All this is much warmer than the 1951-1980 mean temperature.
It’s global warming. Since ice is melting everywhere, it’s not like we’re being asked to believe something we cannot also see.
The shocking thing is that by this morning, there were 19 comments, all of which denied the report in one way or another.
I’m not naming names, nor criticizing (at the moment). It’s just astounding. But it does show that skepticism about information we don’t agree with is now so deep that it is hard to see how the situation changes.
In order: I don’t believe any information about climate because it is all just politicized. Surface temperatures are manipulated and comparisons with the past are not technically possible. Unadjusted temperatures tell a different story [there must be some statistical technique that NASA uses that is being referenced by several comments]. Plant hardiness zones show that we are only returning to the 1940-1960 period in temperatures and any upward movement is caused by new thermometers installed in the 1970’s. [someone responded critically to that last comment]. 2017 is just a continuing fallout from 2016—temperatures don’t fall precipitously. Anything out of a government agency is a lie to keep tax money coming in. Con artists are always looking for ways to get our money—I did not even have to turn on air conditioning in Minneapolis last year. [that one got another critical comment]. You can’t change weather. Looks like people are waking up and I am going to remain unbiased. Still waiting for palm trees along Lake Michigan. Bullshit. Earlier comparisons are impossible. Just a way to raise taxes. It has been proven that the “data” have been “monkeyed with.” People change stats to suit their agenda. Research shows that all the planets in the solar system are warming—solar cycles. It’s just to establish socialism. Just warming back to Pliocene, when humans were not around. Decades don’t matter compared to 30,000 years. Just a weather anomaly. Politically motivated pseudo science.
Shockingly, this is it. All the comments. And AccuWeather is not a conservative news site. How can policy be made if we can’t agree on the basic facts? This is skepticism as a basic attitude, not as a method to derive truth. I’m not surprised that some people feel this way, but it seems a lot of people feel this way. That means society itself becomes irrational. I don’t mean the comments are all wrong—I mean that whatever is being asserted means to end discussion and is not open.
That quality is not a monopoly of the Right. Where is there openness?
Faith has to operate here for most of us. If the government just lies, there is nothing that can be done, since most of us are in no position to judge any of the data. I certainly am not. Scientists tell me it is getting warmer. They tell me there is liquid water under a moon of Jupiter. I expect scientists to do their best to get it right and other scientists to check. Many Americans have decided that this is not how science works anymore. Now what? | <urn:uuid:cff5028e-6917-4917-a36e-73e50f1943bf> | {
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A measure of force. Watt estimated the “force” of a London
dray-horse, working eight hours a day, at 33,000 foot-pounds (q.v.) per minute. In calculating the horse-power of a steam-engine the
following is the formula:
times A times L times N33,000 deduct 10 for friction.
P, pressure (in lbs.) per sq. inch on the piston.
A, area (in inches) of the piston.
L, length (in feet) of the stroke.
N, number of strokes per minute.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
More on Horse-power from Infoplease:
- Horse-power - Horse-power A measure of force. Watt estimated the “force” of a London dray-horse, ...
- horse: Bibliography - Bibliography See A. Hyland, Equus (1990); E. H. Edwards and C. Geddes, ed., The Complete Horse Book ...
- Galileo Galilei - Biography of Galileo Galilei, The inventor of the astronomical telescope
- Flash Point (Dao huo xian) - Starring Donnie Yen, Louis Koo, Collin Chou, Ray Lui, Bingbing Fan
- Donkey Engine - Donkey Engine (A). A small engine of from two to four horse-power. Source: Dictionary of Phrase and ...
24 X 7
||24 x 7 Tutor Availability
||Unlimited Online Tutoring | <urn:uuid:b743f177-63e9-4f24-bcf9-da73aae5e8c9> | {
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I have never been a huge fan of lengthy introductions to scholarly books. With eleven chapters, this book is long enough as it is. So, instead, I offer this short prologue—with its roots in oral discourse—in hopes that the chapters both stand and speak for themselves. Also, since there are many intertextual and intrachapter paths connecting ideas, genres, and themes, I prefer to let the reader map her own way through the terrain of this text without me laying out a route that is either overdetermined or too pedestrian.
This is a book about texts. It addresses, of course, many other things, but its main goal is to provide some new ways of looking at, thinking about, and making sense of recent American Indian art, literature, and film. It takes as its controlling metaphor the notion of engaged resistance, which I see as a fundamentally indigenous form of aesthetic discourse that engages both Native and American cultural contexts as a mode of resistance against the ubiquitous colonial tendencies of assimilation and erasure. American Indian writers, filmmakers, and artists participate in engaged resistance through creative work and cultural production as a means of defiance but also as a source of connection to tribal ways of telling stories, representing images, and animating the world.
In his now-famous essay "Toward a National Indian Literature: Cultural Authenticity in Nationalism," Acoma writer Simon Ortiz makes a strong case for the importance of creativity and language in American Indian resistance: "It is entirely possible for a people to retain and maintain their lives through the use of any language. There is not a question of authenticity here; rather it is the way that Indian people have creatively responded to forced colonization. And this response has been one of resistance; there is no clearer word for it than resistance" (10; emphasis added). Protecting indigenous identity is inseparable from protecting indigenous cultural values, and, for Ortiz, these have survived in large part because of the ability of Native creative productions like literature and art to resist erasure, bind communities, and articulate a discourse of survivance.
Engaged Resistance: Contemporary American Indian Art, Literature, and Film from Alcatraz to the National Museum of the American Indian is a contextual examination of the many ways that American Indian languages—both visual and verbal—respond to and resist American cultural machineries by framing how Native artists, writers, and filmmakers participate in engaged resistance that engenders and defends Native identities. Since Ortiz articulated the role of language and creativity in Native resistance in 1981, virtually no one in either the academic world or the mainstream press has looked closely and comprehensively across disciplines at the aesthetic texts American Indians have made to "creatively responded to forced colonization." This book seeks to fill that gap.
Three main engines drive Engaged Resistance. First, the book demonstrates that Native-produced texts like poetry, fiction, movies, paintings, and sculpture are fundamental products and processes of American Indian sovereignty. Second, it explores how Native cultural expression comprises a strategy of aesthetic activism fashioned by Natives for both Native and Anglo publics. Third, the study moves across genres, situating Native art, literature, and film in context and in conversation with one another to create a cross-genre discourse of resistance, what I refer to as "indigenous interdisciplinarity." Within these frameworks, Engaged Resistance poses and responds to a new constellation of questions about Native cultural productions, such as: What work does Native aesthetic resistance do? What is the role of resistance in Native cultural identity? To what degree are creative forms of aesthetic activism also ethical stances? What can aesthetic modes of resistance accomplish that legal or political options cannot? How do these cinematic, literary and artistic texts fit within the larger sweep of Native studies? When Native art, literature, and film are read together, what sort of contextual conversations emerge across genres? And why are creative forms of resistance so important to Native peoples?
Part of the project of this book is to expand the notion of resistance beyond mere defiance to include simple notions of strength and substantiality. Résistance in French connotes power, an inability to be torn asunder or ripped apart. The pièce de résistance is the main course of a meal, a prize item, or the most important part of an event. Too often, the discourse of resistance gets pigeonholed as crankiness or recalcitrance, but from a cultural and etymological perspective, resistance is, at its core, about more than rebuttal. It's about ability, capacity, energy, and authority. For me, aesthetic resistance is a demonstration of fortitude and an ultimate form of engagement. My project moves away from considering these issues solely from the vantage point of formal criticism, opting instead to explore the ethical values and ethical strategies of Natives themselves—as embodied in art, film, and literature—whose themes assert survivance, renewal, hope, egalitarianism, autonomy, and engagement. Ultimately, I argue that for these artists, forging their own artistic language is not simply an aesthetic but also an ethic—not merely an idea but an assertion of Indian autonomy.
As Sherman Alexie and others have argued, critical responses to Native American discourse tend to focus on the same themes—the oral tradition, nature, myths, and storytelling. These approaches, while valid, can encourage a perspective of isolation and provincialism in regard to the effects and aspirations of Native texts by relegating Indian creativity to the past. Few scholars address how American Indian texts interact with current mainstream American culture or how they work in the two different (and often antagonistic) worlds of Native and Anglo realities. This project examines provocative Native texts that access both worlds through the door of resistance. It may seem contradictory at first to think of resistance as a door or window, but there is a long history of Native activism that is ameliorative.
More recently, Native writers, artists, and filmmakers have turned that spirit of resistance to realms of creative expression and cultural production in their attempts to contravene Hollywood images; correct incorrect histories; counter decades of captivity, romance, and Wild West novels; refashion public perceptions of Indians; participate in the linguistic coding of American discourse; and reshape the social, geographic, and cultural map of America. "We find it effective to challenge the white man through our use of the mass media," asserts Hock E Aye Vi (Edgar Heap of Birds), "the survival of our people is based upon our use of expressive forms of modern communication. The insurgent messages within these forms must serve as our present-day combative tactics" (I Stand in the Center, 30). As Heap of Birds correctly notes, the new battlefields exist on screens, online, in the media, and—perhaps most importantly—in how the presence and absence of Indians in these spaces gets downloaded onto America's cultural hard drive. This book chronicles examples of engaged resistance that capture the public's imagination, gives a creative language to resistance, and shows how Native texts engage with American culture in order to change it.
Engaged Resistance also foregrounds sites of resistance that confront easy assumptions about Indians, assimilation, and tribal expression, and it discusses indigenous texts that have catalyzed resistance into powerful change, such as the Indian occupation of Alcatraz from 1969 to 1971, and in particular, the poems, paintings, and public documents produced during the occupation. By painting on the exterior walls of prison buildings, riffing on antiquated treaty laws, comparing the decrepit state of the then-defunct Alcatraz to Indian reservations, and writing poems about the justice of Natives' seizing government land, these activists made a profound statement about the sophistication and determination of Native resistance. I argue that Alcatraz marks a movement away from cultural segregation in favor of cultural engagement, enabling Natives to reclaim identity on their own terms. By "cultural segregation," I mean not only reservations but also various other ways of marginalizing Indians and even rendering them invisible or dead. The occupation of Alcatraz enables not only reclamation of identity but also public, visible, rhetorically sophisticated performances of this reclamation for both Native and non-Native audiences.
The various modes of engaged resistance seen in the cultural expressions produced on Alcatraz serve as a microcosm for the rest of the book, not simply as a framing mechanism but also as a model of indigenous interdisciplinarity. While much has been much written about Native fiction, and somewhat less about traditional Native arts, little has been said about recent, edgy Native cultural production. The rest of the book works through myriad genres and a vast array of topics in order to paint in broad strokes a polyvalent portrait of recent American Indian aesthetic resistance. The chapter on Salish artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith's stunning series of paintings of U.S. maps looks at the way Smith uses the iconography and semiology of maps to remind the viewer of land reclamation, broken treaties, name changes, and relocation. Sticking with cartographic metaphors, I also sketch a broad map of the new Native American novel (dating from 2001). This chapter places nine novels in conversation with one another, ultimately suggesting that together they can be a mechanism for preserving nonlinear, historical modes of storytelling, tribalography, and identity formation. In a chapter designed to be particularly pedagogical, I go übertextual and devote the entire space to Leslie Marmon Silko's popular and influential story "Storyteller." I read the story as an example of compositional resistance, and I frame the chapter around how one might teach the theories in the book via Silko's text. If the chapter on the new Native novel is a sweeping macro study, this chapter on "Storyteller" stands as a focused micro study.
I also devote two chapters to poetry, which, as most scholars of Native studies know, gets very little critical attention. In one chapter, I show how three writers (Alexie, Louise Erdrich, and Wendy Rose) use the lyric poem as a modern weapon to combat the colonizing gestures of American media, in particular, visual culture. In another, I argue that American Indian poetic genre bending and genre blending enact what I call compositional resistance. Perhaps the most theoretical piece in the book, this chapter suggests poetic genre is a metanarrative that Indian poets seek to deconstruct through their inventive and irruptive engagement with and resistance to genre. In both chapters, I argue that poetry, usually seen as an abstract or distancing genre, becomes a means of aesthetic activism that asserts cultural sovereignty.
Similarly, in two distinct but complementary chapters, I look at both popular and independent Native films in an attempt to show how recent movies participate in but also subvert standard Hollywood genres and constructs. In one chapter I posit that two nearly opposite films (Naturally Native and Skins) locate resistance in similar places, and in another chapter, I read Alexie's two movies, the wildly popular Smoke Signals and the far less popular The Business of Fancydancing against and through each other by way of Gerald Vizenor's theory of "postindianism." When placed in context, Alexie's two movies offer a balanced and interdependent form of engaged resistance, and when the two film chapters are read together, they provide a brief history of resistance in recent Native film.
In the two final chapters, I focus on art projects—Native public art and the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)—in an attempt to show how dynamic Native aesthetic production asserts claims on "public" space and structures. American Indian public art is an area that has received almost no critical attention, but it is a topic ripe for analysis. Here, I trace the history of public sculptures and statues of Indians—especially on federal lands and buildings—and explore the complicated boundaries of resistance and assimilation these objects indicate. I also draw attention to contravening artists who abrogate flat and facile Indian images. Finally, I return to the beginning by offering a reading of the new NMAI through the lens of the occupation of Alcatraz. The NMAI is replete with art, film, and literary texts and functions as the standard for publicly accessible Native interdisciplinary work. I argue that despite its shortcomings, we can read it as an aesthetic (and activist) text.
This is a book about texts, which also means there are many writers, artists, concepts and genres it does not cover. It is not, for example, a history of Indian resistance (though it positions itself as a kind of history of recent Native aesthetics). It is also not a biography of important Native American figures (though it does, at times, home in on certain artists and writers). It is neither a tribalography nor a study in nationalism (though it contains elements of both of these projects). It is not a monograph of critical theory (though it both pulls from theoretical perspectives and advances its own theories of reading and interpretation). It is also not a book about music, drama, or dance, despite the obvious merits of all three genres. I opt instead to focus on the genres of Native discourse most commonly written and talked about. I look forward to future studies that will do what I have been unable to.
Rather than hitching its wagon to one theoretical horse, Engaged Resistance employs a wide-ranging assortment of critical and theoretical methodologies. Neither Native writers nor Native tribes have ever been particularly wed to monolithic ways of looking at the world. Indian communities have distinguished themselves by making polyvocality, multiplicity, and interactivity part of their ontology. This book takes this synthetic approach to reading and being in the world and applies it to reading and being in these texts—all of which invite the reader or viewer inside. Indeed, it acknowledges that American Indian creative texts are created for an audience. All the texts I write about here intend to be read, digested, enjoyed, discussed, and used. Poems, movies, paintings, and novels are made for people, about people. They are human endeavors. The critical approaches I take in this book try to accentuate that humanity, underscoring not just how Native texts engage American culture but equally (and even more importantly) how they engage Native cultures.
If this book situates Native texts in conversation with one another, it also, at least to some degree, contextualizes my conversation with other writers and critics, some of whom I would like to honor here. First, I want to acknowledge Paula Gunn Allen's notion of the "word warrior," which she deploys in The Sacred Hoop. Though she uses that term more evocatively than prescriptively, her grouping of writers who weaponize words to defend Native self-determination has resonances in these pages. I am also indebted to LeAnne Howe's collative theory of tribalography. For Howe, tribalography is, at its core, interdisciplinary and multigeneric. Combining personal and tribal experiences, she argues, enables her and other Native writers to tell particularly inclusive stories to both Native and non-Native audiences. Two of the Ws—Robert Warrior and Craig Womack—have also informed my approaches. In Warrior's case, his articulation of sovereignty within literary texts is critical to my readings. Similarly, Womack's theory of "Red Stick" criticism ("the assumption that Indian viewpoints cohere, that Indian resistance can be successful . . . that subverting the literary status quo rather then being subverted by it constitutes a meaningful alternative") has influenced how I think about successful forms of resistance (Red on Red, 12). More than once I avail myself of the concept of "reinventing the enemy's language," the title of Joy Harjo and Gloria Bird's fine anthology of Native women's writing, which chronicles how Indian writers have made a new language out of imperialist discourse.
I also talk frequently about survivance, a term given a specifically Native meaning by Gerald Vizenor. It finds its most frequent utilization in the final chapter (on the NMAI), but it works its way into many other chapters as well, especially because of its emphasis on activism, creation, and invention. Lastly, I like talking about the "cultural work" a text does. Coined by Jane Tompkins, the term refers to the actual influence a text has within a context. In order to better understand how a text affects people, Tompkins argues, we must move away from the elite master texts and see literature "as attempts to redefine the social order," because these marginal texts offer better "examples of the way a culture thinks about itself" (Sensational Designs, xi). In these pages I alter her term, stretching it to fit the expanse of nonliterary texts.
A brief word about my own terminology. I often distinguish between "contextual resistance" and "compositional resistance." The former refers to modes of resistance on the thematic level, while the latter denotes resistance on the structural one. By "compositional," I mean how the text is composed: the materials the artist uses, the organization or plot structure of a film or novel, or the inversions of Western poetic genres. Conversely, "contextual resistance" occurs when a text's message indicates defiance, even if its formal qualities do not. A perfect example: many of the poems written during the Alcatraz occupation assert sovereignty, reclamation, even revolution, but are rendered in very traditional rhyme and meter. All of the Native-produced texts I examine here embody one of these forms of resistance—many engage both.
I also use the phrase "aesthetic activism" to describe a manner of political and social activism that finds representation in the artistic realm. Unlike marches, sit-ins, or other forms of physical protest, aesthetic activism implies social action on the plane of artistic discourse, such as poetry, painting, and film.4 Similarly, I ground much of my study in my theory of interdisciplinary activism—a form of aesthetic activity that gains its strength, significance, and synthetic energy from Native cultural expression's embrace of the polyvocal and multigeneric. We see examples on the writerly level in figures like Howe and Alexie, who work across genres but also in larger projects, like the occupation of Alcatraz and the NMAI, that rely on the semiotic, the symbolic, and the literary. As for terms like "Romanticism," "postmodernism," "metanarrative," and "modernism," I intend their standard literary and theoretical definitions. A concept that arises often—perhaps in every chapter—is semiotics. My use of it has roots in its linguistic past, but in general I intend its visual associations—the study of the signifier (the sign) and the signified (the meaning of the sign). One last word on this topic: I use Native American, American Indian, and Native interchangeably, though I evince a preference for "Indian." In this manner, I take my cues from other Indian writers and critics who have paved the way for this study and the putative vocabulary this field.
Also taking a cue from Native structures is the very structure of the book itself. Influenced by the patterns and composition of Native texts, Engaged Resistance is designed to be circular. By this, I mean it can be read in just about any order: from the last chapter to the first, or spiraling out from the middle. Whatever the starting place, the same pattern of generic subject matters will be encountered in the chapters. I like the way the various genres speak to one another this way. Film becomes an entrée to poetry, and fiction an entrée to art. Rather than making the works feel disjointed, this structure, in my eyes at least, augments the ability of Native texts to signify across boundaries, genres, and chapters of American history.
Speaking of history, Engaged Resistance, ultimately, tells a story. It tells a story of creation and defiance, resistance and participation, engagement and survivance. It is a historical narrative. It chronicles creative expression in the era since 1969, when American Indian creative discourse began in robust ways to speak truth to power. As mentioned above, this book never pretends to be a comprehensive historical study, but it does function—both in scope and scale—as a kind of genealogy of Indian aesthetic activism. It focuses a lens on a historical moment to show how that moment has shaped how we see Native cultural production. To this end, I offer a series of detailed snapshots of the diversity of important and innovative work being done by both well-known and lesser-known Native writers, artists, and directors. I want to historicize and contextualize the kinds of conversations that these revolutionary artists are having with the key narratives that compose American and Native American high, popular, and tribal cultures. Unlike histories that purport to show a linear progression of events, this history moves back and forth within time and across genres. Its manner and direction of historicity take their cues from the novelists, winter counts, and mapmakers it describes. This study narrates these histories by attempting to map the healing power of art; the possible interplay among literary, artistic, and cinematic texts; the necessity of creative expression for oppressed peoples; the ecstatic joy of perseverance; the proactive, procreative resistance to colonialism; and the significant contribution of Native artists to the wide record of human achievement.
Well, so much for a short prologue. The good news, though, is that I now get to write in the final sentence of this piece what LeAnne Howe says at the end of many of hers: Whee, that's enough. I can tell you no more today! | <urn:uuid:59b05603-460e-49a6-a7eb-c6324c8702c3> | {
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Summer doesn’t necessarily mean fun in the sun for kids, at least not for poor kids who depend on school meals for most of their nutrition. When school’s out they often end up going hungry. The answer: New Jersey’s summer meals program, which fed nearlyon an average day in July 2016, according to a new report from Advocates for Children in New Jersey.
That’s a good start, but it’s really only a beginning, accounting for nearly 21 percent of the 403,000 children who received free or low-cost school lunch during the academic year. The National Food Research Action Center says communities need to reach 40 percent of low-income kids who eat lunch at school.
Since communities are reimbursed according to number of meals served, New Jersey could collect an estimated $5.7 million dollars annually to feed hungry children during the summer months (according to a preliminary estimate). | <urn:uuid:26cd27e0-d41f-4143-8335-b78646bde377> | {
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Public Alerting Program
When severe weather threatens, Environment Canada is here for you, issuing special alerts that notify those in affected areas so that they can take steps to protect themselves and their property from harm. These public alert bulletins are issued through the media, as well as through the department’s Weatheradio service, and our Weather.gc.ca website.
Type of Alerts
The type of alert used depends on the severity and timing of the event:
- Special Weather Statements are the least urgent type of alert and are issued to let people know that conditions are unusual and could cause concern.
- Advisories are issued for specific weather events (like blowing snow, fog, freezing drizzle and frost) that are less severe, but could still significantly impact Canadians.
- Watches alert you about weather conditions that are favourable for a storm or severe weather, which could cause safety concerns.
- As certainty increases about the path and strength of a storm system, a watch may be upgraded to a Warning, which is an urgent message that severe weather is either occurring or will occur. Warnings are usually issued six to 24 hours in advance, although some severe weather (such as thunderstorms and tornadoes) can occur rapidly, with less than a half hour’s notice.
These alerts are updated regularly so that members of the public can stay on top of a developing situation and take the appropriate action.
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Collecting and storing samples of tumor tissue, blood, and urine from patients with cancer to study in the laboratory may help doctors learn more about changes that occur in DNA and identify biomarkers related to cancer. It may also help the study of cancer in the future.
There are some features of kidney tumors in children that may predict tumor behavior and how patients respond to treatment. The purpose of this Children’s Oncology Group study is to collect, store, and study kidney tumor tissues and blood samples from children with kidney tumors to learn more about the biology of these cancers. This information may be used to tailor the most appropriate therapy for each patient to increase the chance of a good outcome, and for further study to help other patients diagnosed with kidney tumors in the future.
In addition, parents of children with malignant rhabdoid tumors who are enrolled in this study may be asked if they would like to donate a blood sample for genetic analysis. Researchers will see how many children with these cancers have mutations in a gene called INI1, which is related to the development of rhabdoid tumors and may be associated with their behavior. Parents of children found to have INI1 mutations may have their blood tested to see if they, too, have the mutation and had passed it on to the child. | <urn:uuid:96bfaf21-409f-4fc6-a397-10d5ea4ea286> | {
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The human voice is capable of producing many different sounds. Singing out of tune means that the note is unintentionally not being sung in recognition to what is expected. I’m pretty sure most of you have heard some excruciating examples of this in many of the TV talent shows out there.
Ideally the singer should be able to hear the note being played and then replicate the note with their voice without sounding too sharp (above the note) or too flat (below the note). Some people are born with an excellent ear for music, but many of us need to learn and practice before it becomes second nature.
You may have come across the term ‘tone-deaf’ and it has been applied to many people who sing out of tune. Actually it is rare for someone to be tone deaf, so perhaps a more appropriate term would be ‘tone-shy’ in that they can hear the note, but are unable to reproduce the sound they hear. All is not lost if you are ‘tone-shy’ as it is possible with time and commitment to learn this. Access to a musical instrument such as a keyboard or guitar will help. Play a note (one that is comfortable for your range), then try to sing it back to yourself. Slide your voice up or down until you can hit the right note. Get someone to help you, or record your efforts then listen back to yourself. Be critical of your efforts. Are you hitting the right notes? Are you too sharp/too flat? Once you have hit the right note. Try again to see if you can get it. Try to feel where the note is coming from. Once you get the hang of that note, move onto a different note and repeat the process.
Yes it is a bit laborious to begin with, but it will soon become second nature and you will find that you will hit the right notes much quicker.
If you are a more seasoned singer but having some tonal problems, lets look at trying to help solve this. A lot of pitching problems can be sorted fairly easily with regular vocal exercises, and your singing teacher/coach will help you with this. However I’ve tried to explain some main pitch problems.
Is what you are trying to sing beyond your range? If it’s too high or too low, then try singing in a different key. If the notes are within your range, but it’s not a clean sounding note, then lets look a little further.
If it is a high note that you are struggling with, make sure that you have enough air in your lungs. Picture the note in front of you. It is a note not a mountain. Practice that particular phrase quietly over and over again using narrow vowel sounds such as mee or woo until you get it right. Now introduce your lyrics, quietly at first, and then gradually increase your power as you are more confidence with that phrase. Use the consonant of the lyric to help push yourself up, but beware of adding an extra ‘H” to push it further. Eg ‘You’ becoming ‘Yoo-Hoo’.
Is the tone problem occurring in the middle of your range, in that you can sing above and you can sing below, but somewhere in the middle it just isn’t right. This sounds like it could be your break point (passagio) or middle register. You have two main voice registers – chest and head voice. Basically explained it is where the sound resonates. Low pitches tend to be sung in chest voice and high pitches tend to be sung in head voice. Most people may struggle to sing across this middle register without some vocal training, but it can be resolved fairly quickly and will sound as equally as tonal as the chest or head registers.
If it is a low note that you are struggling with, then you may have a problem anchoring your chest voice, especially if you are coming down from a high note. Practice with exercises that take your voice into your low register. Work your song by substituting the lyrics for hard and wide sounds such as car or go
And then when you’ve got it sounding as you want, re-introduce your own lyrics.
These are just a few helpful tips to common pitch problems. It is not meant to substitute for the advice of your own singing teacher/coach who can actually hear what the problem is and correct you accordingly.
Singing In Tune
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By John Richardson
“The pedal-powered machine allowed a single person to spin eight cotton threads at a time rather than just one,” wrote James Grubber in this edition of his Asia Confidential newsletter.
“The spinning jenny, along with the steam engine and better power looms invented later on, transformed manufacturing productivity. Increased mechanisation meant you could do much more with less.”
3D printing might also, according to Chris Anderson in his book, Makers: The New Industrial Revolution, result in another explosion in productivity and a surge in economic growth.
But in the interim, just was the case with the industrial revolution, manufacturing faces huge disruptions.
For instance, Grubber warns that:
1. As everyone had become a blogger today, everyone will become a manufacturer tomorrow. Supply will pour into the space. Every amateur handyman and inventor has the tools to run wild now.
2. Larger manufacturing companies will inevitably lose significant market share. They’ll have to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
3. It will result in an abundance of niche products. Consumers will benefit from this choice, even if there’ll be too much of it!
4. Prices of mid-to-low end manufacturing goods could well come down. They did for newspapers, so why not physical goods?
5. Manufacturing supply chains will see substantial changes. Small producers will want small batches. They’ll also prefer not to hold inventory i.e. manufacturing on demand. And they’ll obviously want to reduce costs, such as transportation.
In a series of later blog posts we will look at what this means for China’s outsourcing growth model, and how 3D printing might also affect other developing economies.
And we will look at how petrochemical producers – those that can be bothered to think beyond the next set of quarterly results – should respond. | <urn:uuid:563fcbb7-8044-4220-8cce-1d14b39a04df> | {
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It's All Relative
Proper humidity levels keep you healthier and more comfortable.
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can do more than heat and cool your home. It can also keep the humidity at a comfortable level in winter and summer. It's a delicate balance: if it's too low, you'll feel the effects of colds, respiratory infections, and asthma more, and some of the furnishings in your home will literally dry out. If it's too high, you'll be uncomfortable but mold and mildew will flourish. They love moisture!
Residential HVAC systems balance temperature and humidity. The best person to design a system appropriate for your climate and your comfort needs is a professional ACCA member contractor. He or she understands the science of your home and applies the principles contained in the ACCA design and technical manuals to the design, selection, and installation of an HVAC system that's right for you.
ACCA manuals are the industry standard, often incorporated into local building codes and endorsed or recommended by the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and equipment manufacturers.
Relative humidity (RH) is the percent of moisture actually in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at that temperature. Cold air can hold less moisture than warm air. At 70°F, air can hold as much as 12 times the amount of moisture as 10°F air. That's why it's usually more humid in the hot summer months.
Most heating systems just heat the air, changing the temperature, not the humidity. Cold air is dry, and forced-air systems and heat pumps pull outside air for heating. When 10°F outside air is heated to 70°F, the humidity level in your home will be the same as the outside air's, around 7%. That's one reason your skin feels dryer, perhaps even chapped, in the winter. So in dry cold climates, you will probably want to add a humidifier to your heating system.
The effects of bacteria, viruses, fungi, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma, and ozone production during the winter can be minimized by higher humidity levels. Studies have shown that wintertime levels of 68°F/60% RH are just as comfortable as 72°F/30% RH; so by increasing the RH and lowering the temperature, you will minimize negative effects while lowering your utility bills.
Because the outside air temperature and RH can change in a short time, even a few hours, a computer-controlled humidifier is probably your best choice. It will automatically adjust for these fluctuations to provide enough moisture for a healthy, comfortable home and minimize or prevent window and cold surface condensation.
Air conditioners pull moisture from the air (HVAC professionals call that “latent heat,” as opposed to “sensible heat,” the temperature) as they cool it, which is one reason you feel better in an air conditioned home. If they didn't, you'd feel cold and clammy instead of cool and comfortable. In particularly hot and humid climates, however, you may need to augment the dehumidifying capacity of your system.
Very high moisture levels give you that “sticky” feeling and may lead to health problems resulting from the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi, dust mites, and mold. Air at 78°F/30% RH provides the same level of comfort as does 74°F/70% RH air. In the summer, turning the thermostat up lowers your utility bills, so dehumidifying can save you money as well as add to your comfort.
Although your air conditioning system or stand-alone dehumidifier is designed to remove moisture and decrease the RH levels in your home, in very humid areas of the country, it may not be capable of lowering the levels below 60% RH. In such cases, your ACCA quality contractor may suggest alternative or additional equipment and control strategies.
It's Your Choice!
The choice is yours: a comfort and health indoor air system, or a furnace/boiler and an air conditioner. Since more than a third of your time is spent in your home, it is important to make the right choice.
© Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association, Inc., www.acca.org. Reprinted with permission | <urn:uuid:24f6073e-b5ae-471a-a413-075aac32012f> | {
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With World AIDS Day approaching December 1, Christian and Muslim leaders met in Nairobi, Kenya to discuss new approaches to the AIDS/HIV epidemic.
Leaders met at the "Doing More, Doing Better: Towards Zero New Infections" conference from Nov. 23 to Nov. 25.
Members of the conference agreed that in order to be fully conquered, AIDS/HIV must be addressed as a medical issue rather than a moral or religious stigma.
UNAIDS Coordinating Board chairman Ana Isabel Nieto told the conference that one-fourth of all HIV support groups are faith-based, according to ENINews.
The Pan-African Christian AIDS Network, for example, seeks to communicate with AIDS victims via Christian churches and organizations based in Africa.
Similarly, the Christian HIV/AIDS Alliance uses a Christian approach to educate others of the disease’s consequences.
"It is not always visible or said; it is silent support that should be recognized," Nieto told those gathered at the conference.
Approaching HIV/AIDS as a medical situation rather than a social r moral stigma relates to the discussion of the United Nations General Assembly panel in June, at which Marie Josee-Jacobs, Minister of Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of Luxembourg, asked: "How can we take HIV out of the shadows if we don’t have the confidence to talk openly about all aspects of the disease, especially with groups affected by it?"
According to UNAIDS statistics, sub-Saharan Africa remains the region most highly-affected by HIV in the world, comprising two-thirds of the 34 million victims infected worldwide.
AIDS/HIV rates have lowered over the past decade, however. UNAIDS shows newly-infected victims dropping from 3.2 million in 2001 to 2.7 million in 2010.
AIDS-related deaths are down 21 percent, their lowest level since 2005.
Religious leaders have previously urged the public to practice abstinence to avoid HIV/AIDS infection. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI said condoms are acceptable in some cases, such as for prostitutes avoiding HIV/AIDS infection.
Condoms reduce the risk of contracting AIDS/HIV by 80-90 percent.
AIDS cases entered the Islamic world in the mid 1980s. Similarly to Catholicism, Islamic countries initially failed to address the AIDS epidemic because it suggested their people engaged in immoral activity, such as pre-marital sex or intravenous drug use.
Although AIDS/HIV carries the stigma of homosexual or sex-worker activity, in actuality the "overwhelming majority" of AIDS infections result from unprotected heterosexual sex, according to the World Health Organization.
The United States will also be participating in World AIDS Day. On Thursday, U.S. President Barack Obama will accompany former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as anti-AIDS activists, in a World AIDS Day panel. | <urn:uuid:bee7b4c1-8345-481d-99ee-81dbf3a97e7e> | {
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Dental Hygienists are licensed clinical specialists who work in general oral health practices helping the young and the old to maintain their nice smiles for a lifetime. Dental Hygienists can also work as educators, researchers, administrators, managers, preventive program developers, consumer advocates, sales and marketing managers and consultants.
Like to Know More About a Career in Dental Hygiene
A dental hygienist is an integral component of the oral health care profession. The dental hygienist provides quality preventive and therapeutic oral health care services to the public. Dental hygienists are also education specialists who inform patients about techniques and oral care products that can improve and maintain oral health.
What do Dental Hygienists do?
Each state has its own specific regulations and the range of services performed by dental hygienists vary from one state to another. Patient care services performed by dental hygienists may include:
- monitoring health care assessments, review of the patient’s health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, taking and recording blood pressure;
- exposing, processing and interpreting dental X-rays;
- removing plaque and calculus (tartar) – soft and hard deposits – from above and below the gumline;
- applying cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants to the teeth;
- teaching patients proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy teeth and gums;
- counseling patients about plaque control and developing individualized at-home oral hygiene programs; and
- counseling patients on the importance of good nutrition for maintaining optimal oral health.
- (option 2)
- perform oral health assessment
- provide nutritional counseling and self-care programs to prevent disease
- examine head, neck and oral regions for disease
- take and process x-rays and perform other diagnostic tests
- provide services that help patients prevent gum diseases and cavities; examples include removing deposits from teeth and applying sealants and fluoride to prevent decay
As noted above dental hygienists are not just in clinical practice. There are many specialized practices that dental hygienists may work in as well as other settings. In addition to those listed above dental hygienists can also provide services in hospitals; managed care organizations; federal, state and municipal health departments; primary and industry; correctional institutions; and private and public centers for pediatric, geriatric and other special needs groups.
How Can I become a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a preventive oral health professional who provides educational, clinical, and therapeutic services to the public. The educational background that is required for a license becomes the foundation for the future.
Before Attending –
Admission requirements and prerequisites vary from college to college but usually include many of the following elements:
- High School diploma or GED
- Minimum age of 18
- High school courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology and English
- College entrance test scores
- depending on the dental hygiene program, prerequisite college courses in chemistry, English, speech, psychology and sociology
Education Foundation –
A dental hygiene education is a minimum of two years but can be as long as four years.
- Two-year programs offer a certificate or associate degree
- Four-year programs offer a baccalaureate degree
- Master’s level programs are offered for those interested in education, research or administration
Dental hygiene curriculum consists of 1,948 clock hours of instruction that includes 600 hours of clinical experience.
- General education courses, including: English, speech, psychology and sociology
- physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, nutrition and Basic science courses, including: general chemistry, anatomy, pharmacology
- Dental science courses, including: dental anatomy, head and neck anatomy, oral embryology, and histology, oral pathology, radiology, periodontology, pain control and dental materials
- Dental hygiene science courses, including: oral health education and preventive counseling, patient management, clinical dental hygiene, community dental health and ethical aspects of dental hygiene practice
- Pre-clinical and supervised clinical instruction
RDH – What does it mean?
A dental hygienist becomes a licensed professional whose accomplishments are recognized by the designation: RDH, Registered Dental Hygienist. Licensure is the strongest form of regulation used today. Licensure is a means of protecting the public from unqualified individuals and unsafe practice. Your state license and RDH credential assure the public and other professionals that you have completed a nationally accredited dental hygiene program, successfully passed a national written examination and a state or regional clinical examination. As licensing requirements vary from state to state, it is necessary to contact each licensing authority individually for its specific application requirements and procedures. Examples of other licensed professionals include nurses, physical therapists, dentists and physicians.
Your RDH designation represents accreditation, trust and a professional credential you have earned and deserve.
Make a Difference
Whether it is a professional beginning or a time for change, the many opportunities of a career in dental hygiene can make a satisfying difference in your life.
Think of the advantages:
- Status of a healthcare professional
- Attractive income potential
- Rewards of keeping people healthy
- Flexible work schedule – full-time or part-time
- Direct patient care
- Variety of professional settings
- Opportunity to work nationwide or abroad
- Pleasant surroundings
- Career potential and stability
Choose A Winning Career
Healthcare is a growing, dynamic field and a career in dental hygiene is your opportunity to make a difference – in other people’s lives and in your own life. This is a career that can give you confidence, diversity, professional status and sense of purpose and accomplishment. Become the professional you seek to be.
Take the first step, Consider a Career in Dental Hygiene… a profession of opportunities.
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Origins 15(1):19-29 (1988).
Related page | IN A FEW WORDS |
The radiocarbon age of organic material in sediments would be expected to increase in a linear relationship with depth of sediment if geologic and geochemical processes have always had the same characteristics as in recent times. The available data on C-14 age profiles indicate that the characteristic relationship is nonlinear in a direction which suggests that the C-14/C-12 ratio was less in the past than it is now.
The relationship between radiocarbon age data and the chronological data in the fifth and eleventh chapters of Genesis has been examined in previous issues of ORIGINS [2:6-18, 58 (1975); 6:30-44 (1979); 7:9-11 (1980)]. The first of these treatments utilized a crude quantitative description of C-14 age versus depth profile shape and concluded that the deeper portions of these profiles are most likely to be concave toward the C-14 age axis, showing less sediment per C-14 time unit than shallower deposits. Such profile shape could be due to an increasing C-14/C-12 ratio in the biosphere during the early (prehistoric) stages of sediment accumulation and peat growth, increasing accumulation rates as sediment and peat features developed, or a combination of these circumstances. The conclusion in the 1975 treatment, that "C-14 ages in the prehistoric range should be expected to be progressively in excess of the real time involved", was strongly supported by the sediment data set of 60 profiles, and mildly supported by the peat data set of 39 profiles.
The purpose of this presentation is to acquaint ORIGINS readers with a more extensive and more rigorous investigation reported in Radiocarbon (Brown 1986). The report in Radiocarbon is based on 170 sediment, 114 peat, and 25 soil profiles. All sediment and peat features that provided the data base for the 1975 report in ORIGINS are included in the data base for the 1986 Radiocarbon report. An attempt was made to include in the 1986 report all C-14 age vs depth profiles that have been reported in the scientific literature up through most of 1984. I am confident that this goal was adequately, though not fully, realized except for the scientific literature that was produced within the U.S.S.R. and its satellite countries.
Each set of C-14 age versus depth data in the recent investigation
was analyzed using cubic regression for a smooth curve representation of the average data
trend. The analysis was limited to profiles which were described by at least 7 data pairs,
with the exception of 3 continental sediment and 2 peat profiles, each of which has 6
well-spaced, precisely determined data points. Profiles for which a cubic regression with
a Coefficient of Determination (CRCD) of at least 0.70 could not be obtained were not
included in the group analysis. Six continental sediment and 5 soil profiles failed to
meet the 0.70 CRCD criterion. Sixteen continental sediment, 5 soil, and 9 peat profiles
that met the 0.70 CRCD criterion were rejected on the basis of clear evidence that the
feature had been disturbed during or since emplacement, or because the data range was too
restricted to establish adequately a representative trend. Of the profiles, 170 sediment,
114 peat, and 25 soil survived these restrictions.
Some readers may question the adequacy of a relatively simple cubic regression (second-order nonlinearity) to represent the raw C-14 age profile data. Table 1 gives the mean CRCD together with the range of this coefficient that includes 67% of the data set.
TABLE 1. Adequacy of Cubic Regression Fit. Coefficient of Determination = 1.0000 represents a "perfect" fit to the C-14 age versus depth data. The ± limits specify the range which includes 67% of the coefficients of determination.
Feature Type Number of Features Mean Coefficient of Determination
± one standard deviation
Deep Ocean Sediment 10 +0.007
Continental Sediment 160 +0.011
Soil 25 +0.017
Peat 114 +0.011
All profiles for which the smooth curve representation was only
mildly curved were fitted with both a cubic regression and a linear regression. If the
linear regression (straight-line fit) gave a lower Standard Error of Estimation than did
the cubic regression, the profile was represented in group analysis by its linear
regression. No deep ocean sediment profiles, 19 continental sediment profiles, one soil
profile, and thirty peat profiles were better represented by a linear regression.
For each profile a plot was made showing the raw conventional C-14 age (5568 year Libby half-life) vs depth data points, the best-fit regression line for the raw data, and the 95% confidence boundaries for the regression line, as illustrated in Figure 1. The slope of the regression line in C-14 years/cm was calculated for 2500-year intervals. If the slope (C-14 years/cm) at either of the extreme data points appeared questionable, the regression line was extrapolated as a straight line of slope compatible with the interior section. (The regression curve fitting process gives the best fit to the input data points, but may yield an incorrect slope of the regression line at the extreme points where there is constraint in only one direction. See Figure 1 for an example.)
FIGURE 1. Peat profile from Beauchêne Island, Falkland Islands (data from Smith and Prince 1985). Dashed adjustment to regression line provides most reasonable estimate of slope and curvature at 2500 14C yr (see also Smith and Clymo 1985).
For each of the four feature types (deep ocean sediment, continental sediment, soil, and peat) the mean regression line slope in C-14 years/cm was determined for intervals of 2500 years. These mean values are represented by vertical bars in Figures 2-5. The filled portion of these bars represents the range within which the respective mean value has a statistical expectation of failing with 67 chances out of 100. The numbers at the top of each bar are the number of profiles in the data represented by the bar. Figures 2-5 represent only data for profile sections bounded by C-14 age determinations, i.e., no data from extrapolated regions are included. The line designated %/cm represents the average increase in C-14 years/cm between adjacent bars.
FIGURE 2. Graphic summary of global slope characteristics of deep ocean sediment profiles.
FIGURE 3. Graphic summary of global slope characteristics of continental sediment profiles.
FIGURE 4. Graphic summary of global slope characteristics of soil profiles.
FIGURE 5. Graphic summary of global slope characteristics of peat profiles.
The data represented in Figures 2-5 clearly establish a global
tendency for C-14 age increment per unit of depth to increase with depth, i.e., for the
C-14 age profile to be concave toward the C-14 age axis, as in Figure 1. The three peat
bog data sets which include 15,000, 17,500, and 20,000 C-14 years are an inadequate sample
for determining global characteristics. Since there are such a large number of samples
over the 0-10,000 C-14 year range, it is most reasonable to conclude that within the
limits of the currently available data an average peat deposit profile should be expected
to be linear. Accordingly, the profile represented in Figure 1 does not represent the most
probable C-14 age versus depth (thickness) relationship for a peat deposit. Several
factors that might affect the shape of a profile are discussed below.
Compaction may be expected to increase the C-14 age span per cm of depth in the lower portion of a deposit and produce a C-14 age profile concave toward the C-14 age axis. If compaction is an adequate explanation for the profiles depicted in Figures 2-4, the average density at profile depths associated with 15,000-year C-14 age must be 3.2, 4.2 and 4.8 times the average density at profile depths associated with 2500-year C-14 age for deep ocean sediment, continental sediment, and soil, respectively (ratio of C-14 years/cm ordinates). Such ratios are unreasonable since they require a sediment density greater than that of either granite or basalt. Furthermore, if compaction is a significant factor, it should be more pronounced among a group of thicker features than among a group of relatively thinner features. The average increase in C-14 years/cm per cm of depth should be greater (correlate positively) for relatively thick features than for relatively thin ones. Table 2 lists the Coefficient of Correlation between average increase per cm in C-14 years/cm and maximum depth for the profiles in the feature types described in Table 1.
TABLE 2. Compaction Analysis. Coefficient of Correlation between average increase per cm in C-14 years/cm and maximum depth for the profile groups described in Table 1.
Feature Type Range of Maximum Depth
Correlation Coefficient Deep Ocean Sediment 14-55 -0.18 Continental Sediment 35-8010 -0.10 Soil 75-285 -0.47 Peat 78-1770 +0.16
The small negative correlation for sediments probably has no
significance. The negative 0.47 correlation for soil profiles indicates that shallower
soil profiles have a distinctly greater tendency to be concave toward the C-14 age axis
than do deeper soil profiles. I have no explanation for a difference between soil and
sediment profiles in this respect. The more positive correlation for peat profiles with
respect to sediment profiles indicates that compaction has been a significant, but not
major, factor in peat accumulations.
Another possible cause of C-14 age profile concavity toward the C-14 age axis is contamination (Nambudiri et al. 1980), providing the degree of contamination by more ancient material progressively decreases with time. While allowance should be made for such possibility at some locations over some periods of time, it does not appear to provide a universally adequate explanation. Contamination by material of greater than contemporary age as a feature builds up by natural processes most reasonably should be negligible, uniform in time, or episodic. A uniform rate of contamination would have no effect on the C-14 age profile shape. Episodic contamination would produce a profile discontinuity that gives data points which do not fit the general profile trend. Such anomalous data are occasionally encountered and are easily recognized.
A universally adequate explanation for the sediment and soil C-14 age profile shape tendency seems to require a progressively increasing C-14/C-12 ratio in the supporting environment and/or progressively more rapid accumulation rates. Considerations relative to a C-14/C-12 ratio increase have been presented earlier (Brown 1979). Dendrochronologic correlations with C-14 age (e.g., Kromer et al. 1986) appear to limit changes in C-14/C-12 ratio to only a minor, rather than a dominant, role. The classical grammatical-historical interpretation of the Hebrew scriptures provides constraints on historical time that disallow the currently accepted dendrochronologic models for time prior to around 2000 B.C. (Hasel 1980a,b), and favor an increasing C-14/C-12 ratio as the dominant factor in sediment and soil C-14 age profile shape tendency. The evidence concerning paleoclimate does not indicate a steadily increasing global trend for sedimentation, erosion, and soil buildup rates throughout the late Pleistocene and early Holocene epochs. This is contrary to the possible explanation that the dominant factor in sediment and soil C-14 age profile shape might be changes in accumulation rate (Hecht 1985). The choice between increasing C-14/C-12 ratio and increasing accumulation rate will depend largely on the relationship between one's confidence in a chronology based on the data in the first eleven chapters of Genesis and his confidence in the models for paleoclimate and dendrochronology that are in vogue.
An additional factor that could produce a C-14 age versus depth profile concave toward the C-14 age axis for peat accumulations is decomposition (Clymo 1984). Decomposition allows organic material to be carried away in solution by percolating water. The older (lower) portions would be more depleted than the younger (upper) portion. Also compaction should be a more significant factor for peat profiles than for sediment and soil profiles. The Correlation Coefficient data in Table 2 is consistent with these considerations. Since the group average profile for peat deposits is essentially linear over at least a 10,000 C-14 year range (Figure 5), the global average peat accumulation profile (excluding the consequences of compaction and decomposition which produce a profile convex toward the depth axis) must be concave toward the depth axis over the same range of time. Such a characteristic specifies declining peat accumulation rates, at least over the early portion of the time covered by the last 10,000 C-14 years.
If the C-14/C-12 ratio increases with time, a C-14 age based on a recent C-14/C-12 ratio will be increasingly greater than the corresponding real-time age. Consequently, an accumulation profile of C-14 age versus depth would be less concave toward the depth axis than the corresponding real-time age versus depth profile, and could be reversed to appear convex, as in Figure 1. Accordingly, the actual decline in a peat accumulation rate could be greater than might be inferred from a C-14 age versus depth profile.
To eliminate an increasing C-14/C-12 ratio as a major factor in producing the profile characteristics displayed in this analysis, it would be necessary to have a world-wide climate trend favoring an increase in average sediment and soil accumulation rates. Since most of the peat bogs described in the literature are located in formerly glaciated areas, it seems to me more reasonable to presume that the global averages of both sediment accumulation rates and peat accumulation rates have declined over at least the early part of the Holocene.
C-14/C-12 Ratio Increase Limit
If there has been a C-14/C-12 ratio increase in the biosphere, is
there a basis for determining a probable value for this increase? Such a determination can
be made if one has appropriate samples of known real-time age, equipment capable of
determining the residual C-14/C-12 ratio in these samples, and techniques for determining
the amount of C-14 contamination in them. Contamination could be due to a mixture of
carbonaceous material older than the real-time age of the sample (C-14/C-12 ratio lower
than the "true" value), or to transfer from contact with younger carbonaceous
material (C-14/C-12 ratio greater than the "true" value).
The data in the first eleven chapters of Genesis specify a major global catastrophic event that occurred within about ±500 years of 5000 years ago. Remains of organisms buried during this catastrophe would now be characterized by 51-58% of the C-14/C-12 ratio that characterized them at death. Since the C-14 in Earth's biosphere is formed by interaction of cosmic ray protons with nitrogen atoms in the upper atmosphere, it is most reasonable to presume that the C-14/C-12 ratio in the pre-flood biosphere was greater than zero, specifically 72-96% greater (since 1/.51 = 1.96 and 1/.58 = 1.72) than that which now characterizes the remains of organisms buried during the Noachian flood.
The Twelfth International Radiocarbon Conference featured reports from seven laboratories on the present capabilities of the nuclear accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) technique for direct counting of C-14 atoms [Radiocarbon 28(2A):177-255 (1986)], the most refined and sensitive technique for C-14 age determination. Table 3 summarizes the C-14 age threshold data in these reports. Since column 4 combines data from seven different laboratories, the numbers given therein should be considered as only rough estimates of what might be expected in any particular laboratory. The meteorite listed in Table 3 would be expected to contain a trace of C-14 formed by spallation reactions with cosmic rays before its entry into Earth's atmosphere.
TABLE 3. AMS Data for "Infinite" C-14 Age Samples. Data from seven laboratories reporting in Radiocarbon 28(2A):177-244. Column four is derived from column three.
Sample Equivalent C-14 Age C-14/C-12 Ratio re 1950 A.D. Standard Excess Over Machine Background Machine Background
without a sample
60,000 - 73,000 .00070 - .00015 Unprocessed Finland Bedrock 63,500 ±2,000 .00046±.00011 0 Unprocessed Meteorite 56,500 ±1,500 .00108±.00020 ca. .00040 Unprocessed Natural Graphite 54,000 - 64,000 .00146 - .00043 .00080 - 0 "Infinite" Age Samples:
anthracite, bone, calcite, graphite, limestone, shell, wood
40,000 - 52,000 .00792 - .00185 .0072 - .0011
Assuming that "infinite" age samples are components of deposits made during the flood episode, and adding 72-96% to estimate C-14 activity at the time of burial/formation, the .0072-.0011 range in column 4 of Table 3 becomes .014-.002, or 1/71-1/500. The 1/71-1/500 range fraction of modern C-14 concentration could be entirely contamination during sample handling and preparation. There is also a possibility that it could be largely residual C-14. If residual C-14 is present, the 1/71-1/500 range probably represents varying proportions of residuum and contamination. From the perspective of a C-14 age model that includes the historical and chronological data in the first eleven chapters of Genesis, one can postulate that since the Noachian flood the biosphere C-14/C-12 ratio has increased more than 70-fold, yet probably less than 500-fold. Modeling considerations for such an increase have been discussed in Brown (1979).
In the opinion of the writer, the extended and more intensive
investigations reported here provide increased credibility for the conclusion offered in
my 1975 treatment, viz., that C-14 ages in the prehistoric range should be expected to be
progressively in excess of the real time involved.
While confidence in the historical and chronological data in the first eleven chapters of Genesis must be based on considerations which are independent of radioisotope-age data and accessible to individuals who are not in a position to understand such data , every effort should be made to develop a composite view (model) which harmonizes the data from these two sources. Those who seek such harmonization on a soundly logical and broad scientific base may find in the quantitative analysis presented here encouragement for assignment of the total range of C-14 dates for plant and animal remains to a 5000-year span of real time since the world cataclysm portrayed in Genesis 7 and 8.
All contents copyright Geoscience Research Institute. All rights reserved.
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For over 70 years, from approximately 1899 to 1970, summer school was a requirement for all civil engineering students at Norwich to gain practical experience in the field. It was a natural extension of Alden Partridge’s “American system” of education. The sessions ranged in length from three to five weeks, and were at various times offered to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
For much of its existence, though, the engineering summer school program was most closely associated with the summer before a student’s junior year, the halfway point of a Norwich education. Students often stayed in tent encampments for the summer. For this reason, the program is sometimes referred to in historical records as “the junior encampment.”
Summer school was a key opportunity for students in the university’s flagship civil engineering program to hone their surveying and drafting skills, essential components of their future careers as engineers. The curriculum was wide-ranging and intensive, designed to breathe life into the theories that were taught in the classroom during the traditional academic year. In the 1930s, for example, senior summer school students conducted a survey and drew up plans and cost estimates for a single large engineering project over the course of a four-week session.
Throughout the 70 years of the engineering summer school’s existence, in addition to valuable experiential learning, many cadets’ fondest memories were formed during the summer encampments. Memory books, photo albums, and memorabilia collections in the Norwich University Archives often depict the fun and good humor that was shared during those waning days of summer. | <urn:uuid:6df15716-0050-43b3-b6dc-e4a70654f450> | {
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Is Smiling Good for You?
By Kate Gardner
Have you ever gotten to the end of the day and realized you barely smiled once? I have. Whether my day has been particularly stressful or I am simply preoccupied, I know there are times when I'm likely to forgo a smile. It just feels like too much work.
I'm far from alone. According to The Journal, children smile 380 times per day, but as adults, we only manage to smile about 20 times per day. Maybe we smile less as adults because of the pressures and responsibilities we face each day. Maybe we have less reason to smile. Maybe we are too busy. Whatever the reason, The Best Brain Possible with Debbie Hampton tells us there are a number of health benefits associated with smiling that might motivate you to work in an extra smile or two!
Humans can smile from the day they are born and doing so is a very social behavior that provides us with social benefits. For starters, smiling makes others regard us in more positive ways. When we smile, people may see us as more attractive, more reliable, and more successful. Smiling is also considered contagious. If someone smiles at you, you are likely to smile back. Smiling at one another creates a connection, however fleeting, to another human being. To be clear, you never owe anyone a smile. But if it works for you, smiling may give you a social boost!
Physical and Mental Health Benefits
The act of smiling has been connected to a number of different physical and mental health benefits. Smiling affects your brain by triggering the release of various neuropeptides and feel-good neurotransmitters. This, in turn, helps you feel more relaxed, less stressed, and more positive. Smiling can also help your immune system function properly, possibly because it helps relax your body. As well, smiling has been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure. Some studies even suggest that people who smile more may live longer!
The next time you find yourself struggling in the middle of a day that hasn't given you much to smile about, stop for a second and see if you can muster one up. Some research suggests that even if it's a fake smile, you can reap the benefits of smiling. Maybe it won't turn your whole day around, but you can feel good knowing you did something for your body and mind.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Tempe, Ariz. | <urn:uuid:c2988d6c-3a04-45b9-a4ab-28f08bba6419> | {
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My joints, particularly knees and feet, ache after sitting on a chair for some time. Why?
I am 51 yrs old, recently diagnosed diabetic. We shifted to NY last year at the end of August from India. This problem has started after coming to the USA.
Your symptoms are very common. Many people, especially those your age, will note joint pain. There are many different causes of your pain which should be evaluated. I would recommend that you see your primary care doctor. This is advisable to rule out bad causes of the pain and then treat the cause of your pain. Firstly, joint pain is very common. This is known as arthralgia. The joint pain is most commonly caused by inflammation, known medically as arthritis. The most common cause of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This is the degeneration of the joints over time secondary to wear and tear. The joints of the knees and feet (weight bearing) are the most commonly effected. Other causes of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus should be ruled out. The other possibility is that this is not joint pain itself but coming from another place. In diabetics, neuropathy -- pain from the nerves -- is quite common. Diabetes damages the nerves and therefore causes pain. There are specific medicines that can help this. Other causes of knee and feet pain is swelling of the soft tissue. This can happen is heart, liver or kidney problems -- all of which are common in diabetes. Talk to your doctor.
This answer is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or (in the United States) 911 immediately. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. Medical professionals who provide responses to health-related questions are intended third party beneficiaries with certain rights under Zocdoc’s Terms of Service. | <urn:uuid:130cb7ca-04fc-4752-9188-220f1d90c6c1> | {
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In the last 40 years, obesity, and in particular child obesity has increased at an alarming rate in the United States.
The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS), which tracked the percent of total daily calories of the range of food groups from 1970-2008, has given us the clues. You can download their Excel spreadsheet here.
If you just look at the differences in Caloric Consumption and the percentages in the daily diet, you will come up with these numbers. I compared the first and last year (1970 and 2008) but you can use the first 5 average and last 5 average and get very close to the same conclusions.
Caloric Consumption change
- Meat, eggs, and nuts +19
- Dairy -10
- Fruit +16
- Vegetables -3
- Flour and cereal products +193
- Added fats and oils and dairy fats +231
- Caloric sweeteners +58
Total increase: 505 Calories (kCal)
- Meat, eggs, and nuts -3.3%
- Dairy -2.7%
- Fruit no change
- Vegetables -1.2%
- Flour and cereal products +3.4%
- Added fats and oils and dairy fats +5.1%
- Caloric sweeteners -1.3%
So, Why am I fat?
This leads me to a single conclusion:
- Increase in portion sizes
- Increase in calories from carbs and fats
- Sedentary lifestyle.
I am sure the physical activity has not increased 25% due to the increase in caloric intake!
And you have to wonder if the fruit and vegetables are as good as they were 40 years ago due to mineral depletion in the soil. Really, how good are greenhouse produce? They sure look nice, in their colour and bug-free bruises. Plus wax. But how do they taste?
So that means you are eating more (bad) carbs and (bad) fat and getting less vitamins and minerals!
How many of you are supplementing with Omega 3 fatty acids? We all eat too much of Omega 6. I get my fair share of olive oil here in Italy (see my previous article on fats)
You can thank the fast food industry and the packaged food industry and all their portable food!
Take a lesson from Alicia Weber… just get off the couch and move! Dance, run , walk, sing, swim, push-ups, pull ups, dips, yoga, Pilates, Frisbee, disc golf, whatever it takes.
Or, preferably, join your local Track and Field Team.
(If you are interested, click on the graphs below to see the dataset from the Excel spreadsheet quoted above) | <urn:uuid:027eca03-7457-4929-9f80-eeabe7cdf357> | {
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Earth Day is an extraordinary reason to get kids outside and compose fun games and earth day activities for them to play. Based on nature, these exercises show kids the magnificence of being outside, help them investigate the normal world, and show significant exercises reusing and thinking about save the planet. Children can be motivated by giving gifts to fathers on earth day and they can take help from 50 gifts ideas for children on earth day. Beside earth day fun games there are a lot of activities of preschoolers and also a huge collection of earth day activities for schools and offices.
Work cart Races
Gap kids into sets for some exemplary work cart hustling fun! In the earth day event that you have two genuine work carts to utilize, the guidelines are sufficiently straightforward: simply have one child from each pair sit inside and let the other push as they race to the end goal.
No work carts? Play the antiquated and make a human push cart. Have one tyke jump staring them in the face and knees, and another lift them by the feet. The two need to function as a group—one with their feet and the other with their hands—to get to the end goal as quick as possible. Children should also aware of the advantages of planting veggies and fruits at home that will show their love towards earth.
Prepared, Set, Recycle!
Reusing is a critical earth day game that children can learn at any age. It’s something that they can put to utilize the remainder of their lives and making a game out of it can make a ton of fun recollections. Earth Day quiz can also be helpful.
To set up this amusement, you should arrange a couple of void canisters and name them for various sorts of recyclables (e.g., glass, plastic, metal, and so on.). Assemble two accumulations of recyclable things that incorporate no less than one thing to fit every classification. You can also give an idea to create a wonderful flower garden and teach them how to plant a flower garden at home and which flowers to grow on this earth day themed “Save our Species”.
Gap players into two groups and give each group one lot of recyclable materials. Have them line up a few feet from the containers.
To play the diversion, have one player from each group select a thing, run it to the containers and drop it into the right one. They should then keep running back and label another player in line who at that point gets the second thing and drops it in a receptacle. This proceeds until the majority of the things have been arranged into the right containers. The primary group to complete successes.
Hopscotch is a basic, customary outside game for the earth day. It, for the most part, requires a bit of chalk and a solid surface on which to draw the board. This variant of the diversion, be that as it may, is enlivened commonly, and along these lines utilizes regular components to shape the board. Earth day quiz for endangered animals and Earth day quiz for ocean and plastic can also be a good game for them.
To begin, have the children gather a cluster of sticks, shakes, and leaves. Help them organize the materials in the example of a hopscotch board. When the board is done, they can utilize a stone to hurl and play hopscotch not surprisingly. Also, tell them 10 things to save the earth.
Earth Day Tic Tac Toe Game
Like the hopscotch diversion, you can utilize a similar technique for characteristic lattice making to make a board for a round of human tic tac toe.
You will require somewhere around 10 individuals to play, so this diversion is best for an expansive gathering, yet grown-ups can participate in the good times. Utilizing your discovered items, make a mammoth tic tac toe board on the yard and separation the gathering into two groups. Every individual turns into a marker, going about as either an “X” or an “O”, contingent upon which group they’re on.
The amusement is a great deal of fun and beyond any doubt to rouse grins from everybody. You can play many rounds, giving a nature-motivated prize to the triumphant group.
There are so many other Ideas to celebrate the world earth day 2109: You can raise earth day slogans and posters with images and you can also plant trees, by taking inspiration from tree quotes, and quotes for trees on Arbor Day. Besides the games, inform them about endangered species and about bees, how to protect and save them. | <urn:uuid:8ca6ee84-9f95-421e-b964-ab51e6743e91> | {
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Covenant.de > Lost Port > Beyond > ...
Protector And Soul Of The Ships
A figurehead is a wooden decoration, which is attached to the forepart of ships, especially to sailing ships. According to superstition of sailors, the figurehead whatches the course of the ship and keeps it from wreck.
The heyday of figureheads began in the 17th century and lasted till the beginning of the 20th century, as the triumphal procession of the steamship began. The figurehead design often beared upon the ships name and the variety was huge: mermaids, lions, eagles and mythical creatures but also warriors, knights (picture), princes or shipowners were popular themes. Forerunners of the figurehead were the dragon heads at the forepart of the Viking's ships, which were intended to frighten the enemy.
There are many legends about figureheads and their supposed deciding role in glamorous naval battles or at the overcoming of long lasting calms. For many sailors the figurehead was the embodiment of the ship in itself, as it were the soul of the ship carrying them and wich they trust in.
In the figurative sense the term "figurehead" is used to describe concrete persons standing for an organisation or interest group. In politics, a figurehead, by metaphor with the carved figurehead at the prow of a sailing ship, is a person who holds an important title or office yet executes little actual power. The word can even refer to a powerless leader who should be exercising full authority, yet is actually being completely controlled by a more powerful figure behind the throne.
In the track "Figurehead" Covenant also uses this metaphor ("I'm the figurehead on the ship of fools") and even adds several other nautical metaphors (e.g. "A beacon for the liars", "I dive to drown"). If Covenant refers to the described expression or directly to the wooden ship decoration is of course left to one's own resources.
Image source: eckart-winkler.de
Information source: wikipedia.de wikipedia.com; | <urn:uuid:6fdfdaa6-f3c4-434d-aeb9-4749a0e1260e> | {
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|Type of plating||Characteristic value||Uses|
|Industrial chromium plating||- In a high-temperature oxidation atmosphere of 400°C, the hardness drops from Hv1,000 to Hv600.||Waste incinerators, heaters, automotive mufflers, boiler parts, glass molds, etc.|
|Nickel plating and nickel-tungsten alloy plating||- Nickel plating is usable even at high temperatures of approximately 300 – 500°C.
- Nickel-tungsten alloy plating is utilized for glass molds subject to continuous use at approximately 600°C.
For details, see the illustration below.
|Electroless nickel plating||- Thermal resistance is up to approximately 200°C.
Ni-B > Ni-P
|Nickel-cadmium dispersed plating||- Used for aircraft engine bolts requiring thermal resistance and corrosion resistance.||Aircraft parts| | <urn:uuid:cf273f5f-0f28-48d0-bca8-ce7bcb6c4797> | {
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Microbiology has been very eye-opening to me in many ways, but especially when it comes to cleaning! Here are some tips on how to keep you and those you love as disease-free as possible:
- Don't use antibacterial soap (surprise!). Over-use of these products leads to a buildup of antimicrobial product in the water supply, which, in turn, selects for those organisms that are resistant to antimicrobials. Handwashing appropriately with regular liquid soap should do the job. In fact, handwashing is by far the very best way to prevent the spread of microbial pathogens. If you need extra germ-killing power, use Purell.
- Follow the directions on your cleaning products. Disinfectants (bleach, lysol, etc.) need to be used at the appropriate concentration and must have time to work. Bleach (10% solution) can kill HIV, but only if it's at 10%, and is given 10 minutes of contact time.
- Clean first, then disinfect. Soap and water mechanically removes dirt, food and lots of bacteria. Often, a disinfectant won't work nearly as well if the surface you are disinfecting is "dirty."
- Get a vacuum with a HEPA filter!!!!! This has made a HUGE difference for us, and now I understand why. Vacuums suck in air, and then that air is recirculated back into your room. Filtering this air through the HEPA filter removes most of the bacteria, cleaning the air you breathe.
- I've seen some vacuums that have a UV light attached to the front. UV light kills lots of bacteria, but it can take up to 60 seconds to kill some species, and it doesn't have very good penetration. It might be worth the cost, but you might have to aim the light at a spot for 15-60 seconds.
- It's true that we need to be exposed to germs in order to build an immune response. However, little kids have very unsophisticated immune systems, and cannot build "memory" like adults can. Do your best to keep your babies and toddlers and preschoolers away from other sickies. Their bodies aren't built to handle it. | <urn:uuid:fcf79d1c-94ad-45ca-b530-c52bf8fe8ead> | {
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Fighting Flies With Flies: An In-Depth Look at the 2016 Screwworm Outbreak Response in Florida
On October 10, 2016, a plane landed in Marathon, in the Florida Keys, with 2,736,000 passengers. They were an army called in from our allies in Panama, sent to swarm the archipelago and defend it from invaders. Of course, the soldiers knew nothing of their mission, nor did any of the ensuing waves of nearly 200 million reinforcements.
They were just flies, after all.
Well, Not Just Any Flies
Until about 10 days earlier, almost no one had seen Cochliomyia hominivorax in the wild in the continental United States in a generation. The eradication of the screwworm fly in the late 1950s has stood as a towering achievement in the history of insect pest management, in no small part because of how devastating C. hominivorax can be. It is decidedly not just any old fly. Mother screwworm flies lay their eggs in open wounds, and the maggots that hatch then gorge on exposed flesh. Wildlife, pets, and even humans can be targets, but the flies’ potential effect on livestock is most substantial; the United States saves an estimated $1.3 billion in damage to livestock every year by keeping the pest at bay.
The flies sent from Panama weren’t just any old flies, either. They were screwworm flies, too, with one crucial difference: They were all sterilized. Pioneered by Edward F. Knipling and Raymond Bushland at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the 1930s, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is simple in concept: Release an overwhelming number of infertile insects (of whatever species is targeted) in an area where a pest species occurs, and they’ll mate with the wild ones but produce no offspring. With sustained releases of sterile specimens, the pest population will eventually crash. Once effective means for mass-rearing and sterilizing screwworm flies (via irradiation in a lab) were developed, the gambit was put into use. Trials began in the early 1950s, and by 1959 the screwworm was eradicated in the southeastern United States. Eventually, all of North America down to the Panama-Columbia border was cleared of C. hominivorax.
Until 2016. On September 30 that year, entomologists Steven Skoda, Pamela Phillips, and John Welch received an email at their posts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Skoda and Phillips at the Agricultural Research Service’s Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, Texas, and Welch at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in College Station). The email came from officials in the Florida Keys, with images of a deer corpse with a rather gruesome head wound infested by suspicious insect larvae. Later that day, a sample that had been sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories was confirmed to be Cochliomyia hominivorax. The screwworm had returned.
Over the ensuing weeks and months, Skoda, Phillips, and Welch led a team of federal, state, local, and international officials in response to the outbreak, which made national headlines that fall. Today, their detailed account of the response effort, along with lessons learned through the experience, is published in the Journal of Medical Entomology. [Editor’s note: The journal article contains a couple images of severely infested wounds on Key deer. Squeamish readers beware.]
In the end, the re-eradication was swift, with the outbreak declared over by the following March. Welch credits that success to preparedness. He and his colleagues were ready to spring into action when that email arrived.
“My first thought,” he says, “was that I needed to be in Florida as soon as possible!”
The Screwworm Factory
Somewhere in the Keys earlier that summer, likely on Big Pine Key, a pair of male Key deer met in a mating-season clash, and one emerged with an injury from the other’s antlers. Unfortunately for the deer, a screwworm fly had made its way back to the Keys somehow—a year and a half later, scientists are still unsure of the origin of the outbreak—and the deer’s injury turned into an infestation.
More screwworm flies emerged after infesting the deer, and they sought out more injured deer, and the cycle grew. By the time the USDA team arrived, 47 Key deer had been euthanized due to severely infested wounds (myiasis), with the first case dating all the way back to early July. Making matters worse, local officials had been disposing of the infested deer in a single outdoor “boneyard.” Third instar screwworms can successfully pupate after leaving a wound on a dead animal, and so the disposal practice “effectively created a ‘screwworm factory’ for fertile flies,” the USDA team recounts.
This was a clear breakdown in intended protocol, which Welch attributed to a lack of on-the-ground awareness, because screwworm hadn’t been seen in so many years. “As the demographics changed with time, subsequent ranchers, farmers, and pet owners had not experienced the devastation that screwworm causes. In this aspect, the Screwworm Eradication Program is a victim of its own success,” he says.
The Response Plan
After the notification, the USDA team set into motion their rapid response plan, elements of which had been in place at the ARS Screwworm Research Unit since at least the 1980s. The Panama – United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm, known by the acronym COPEG, was notified immediately, as were colleagues at Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, USDA-ARS, USDA-APHIS-International Services, and USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services. COPEG is home to the Screwworm Barrier Maintenance Program, a joint effort of the U.S. and Panama through which sterile screwworm flies are continually released to prevent fertile flies from drifting back into North America. It also serves as the primary producer of sterile screwworm flies for outbreak response elsewhere.
Welch and Skoda arrived in Florida on October 3. Phillips followed on October 9. “I felt prepared although a bit overwhelmed,” Phillips says.
None the less, they got to work. The team’s step-by-step process is narrated in fine detail in their account in the Journal of Medical Entomology, but the primary actions over the following days and weeks included:
- A new protocol for disposal and decontamination of infested animals was installed by October 4: freezing in a mobile freezer unit.
- Also by October 4, a mandatory checkpoint was established on Florida’s Overseas Highway to inspect all animals leaving the Keys. It remained in operation until late March, eventually inspecting more than 17,000 animals.
- Fertile screwworm flies were collected (attracted with rotting liver) and identified, and some were shipped to Panama to be tested for mating compatibility with the sterile fly population.
- Locations were scouted and ground release chambers (30 in all), were installed on 13 keys where screwworm flies had been identified, plus Marathon to the east, as a preventive barrier.
- On October 10, the first shipment of COPEG’s sterile flies arrived on the plane from Panama. They came in pupal form, chilled so they wouldn’t emerge until being placed in the ground release chambers.
- Releases of sterile flies, eventually totaling 188.4 million, continued twice weekly until April 25, 2017, though no fertile screwworm flies were found in the Keys after November 7.
For the most part, the process all went according to plan. Collections of fertile screwworm flies showed the population being brought into check in a matter of weeks, and by all indications the outbreak was contained by year’s end. Knipling and Bushland’s sterile insect technique triumphed yet again.
But there was one last surprise, which had the potential to blow the outbreak wide open again just when it seemed to be over. On January 6, a dog with a screwworm infestation was reported in Homestead, Florida, just south of Miami on the mainland. It had been taken to a veterinarian on December 19, but once again not reported immediately. Welch, Skoda, Phillips, and colleagues jumped back into action.
They traveled to Homestead and quickly established ground release chambers for sterile flies, while developing plans for aerial releases from planes. In examining the area where the dog had been housed, they found 19 empty puparia and 13 dead adult screwworms, confirming that at least a small number of fertile flies had emerged into the area. Luckily, the worst-case scenario did not come to pass. No additional fertile screwworm flies were collected over several weeks of monitoring, and the ground releases of sterile flies ended in mid-March. On March 23, 2017, the USDA declared the outbreak eradicated.
It remains unclear how the screwworm made its way back to Florida or where it came from. Genetic analysis of captured specimens has not yet identified similarity with populations of the flies from endemic areas. The USDA team notes that, for future potential outbreaks, “a larger library of genetic ‘fingerprints’ should be developed, so that, if needed, there is a higher probability of determining a region from which and outbreak originated.”
Welch says the lag time in reporting was a major risk factor, though perhaps increased awareness after the 2016 outbreak may help in the future. Skoda adds that prompt reporting from the local level “could be the difference in rapid eradication in a rather small, contained area versus a long, expensive project covering a wider area with the prospect of domestic animal and human infestation.”
Despite those problems, though, Welch rates the outbreak response and re-eradication a clear success, noting it was “a team effort by people and support from international, federal, state, county, and city agencies; non-government agencies; and private individuals.”
But all involved will remain on watch. “Education about and vigilance for screwworm must be continued and improved,” Welch says. “As long as screwworm populations remain, international travel and commerce makes reinfestation of previously eradicated areas and introduction into areas where screwworm never existed a real and present danger.”
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Answer: In general, aromatic plants confuse pests by masking the scent of their host plants. Mints of any kind that are fragrant and suited to your area are fine, but since they are very invasive, should be grown in pots in your vegetable and flower beds. Other aromatic herbs such as garlic, onions, tansy (grow this in pots, too), marigolds, nasturtium, and larkspur. Many of these also attract beneficial insects seeking nectar, especially mints and plants in the carrot family that produce umbrella-shaped blooms (caraway, dill, Queen Ann's Lace). The cayenne I'm familiar with is a hot pepper, which, like other peppers, likes warm temperatures and well-drained, fertile soil, and is a tender annual plant that is killed by frost. The plant itself doesn't deter pests, but the peppers are hot and spicy, and can be pureed and diuted in water to make an insect and animal-repelling spray. Any hot pepper will do, and Burpee offers many options. Your local greenhouse may, too. I didn't find any references that salvia clevelandii is more aromatic or pest repellent than other sage plants, but if it smells strong, I don't see why you couldn't try it. For more information on companion planting, check out Carrots Love Tomatoes, by Louise Riotte and Companion Plants by Philbrick and Gregg.
Q&A Library Searching Tips | <urn:uuid:b55e5de2-a89e-4a73-9b39-3905e0ca3da5> | {
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Feargus O'Sullivan is a contributing writer to CityLab, covering Europe. His writing focuses on housing, gentrification and social change, infrastructure, urban policy, and national cultures. He has previously contributed to The Guardian, The Times, The Financial Times, and Next City, among other publications.
They’re getting shoes, taking shelter in tunnels, and finding other ways to keep cool in the dangerous heat.
Parts of Europe are now so hot that their dogs need to wear shoes to go outside. So says the Zurich police force, at least.
In a summer where much of Europe has seen unusually high temperatures for an unusually long length of time, the police in Switzerland’s largest city have taken to fitting their squad’s German Shepherds with booties—and have urged others to do the same. They have a point: Asphalt in many places has reached egg-frying temperatures that can hurt paw pads, possibly causing damage to dogs that are already hot and bothered as it is. The warning serves as a reminder that, as the blazing summer continues across much of the continent, humans are far from the only ones to struggle.
In the far north of Norway, for example, temperatures have in recent weeks reached as far as 31 Celsius (88 Fahrenheit), a remarkably high level for a largely coastal region straddling the Arctic Circle. Unused to the heat, reindeer and sheep grazing the area have taken to cooling down in dangerous locations: the region’s road tunnels. Herd animals looking for shade not uncommonly wander into Norwegian tunnels in high summer, but this year an occasional phenomenon seems close to being an epidemic. Between the 10th and 31st of July, 44 animals were spotted entering tunnels—places where they run a high risk of being hit by unsuspecting drivers, who don’t stand to do well out of the clash either.
Wild animals are of course quite adaptable to changes of temperature. As this German article notes, for example, German boars regulate their temperatures by moving onto a meatless diet during hot spells, while deer get much of their liquid from their food. Some German animals are still feeling the punch, notably livestock, whose normal sources of fodder have turned dry and stopped growing. Right now, water levels in the country have gone so low that some nuclear power plants have reduced their output, because the rivers they use for cooling just aren’t cool enough.
That’s when the rivers are still there, mind you. Some parts of the River Elbe have shrunk so much that grenades and mines left over from World War Two have become visible for the first time on the now-dry river beds. In the eastern province of Sachsen-Anhalt, there have been 21 recorded instances of unused ordnance being discovered on the newly exposed river bottom in the last five weeks alone. The lack of feed that this extended dry spell has caused means that some farmers are increasingly slaughtering stock rather than buying feed for them. The E.U. has waived rules that require a proportion of pastureland to be left fallow for a time to increase biodiversity, and cow slaughtering in Germany has gone up by 21 percent compared to the same period last year.
Is an end in sight? Luckily for the arctic reindeer, temperatures in Northern Norway have fallen a bit, although only to still-above-average highs of 20 C (68 F). In Iberia, on the other hand, things are heating up, with fears that temperatures could reach a record-breaking 48 C (118.5F) over the weekend. | <urn:uuid:5b348497-0062-4ee7-b66d-9ecdd74232d6> | {
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This is the basic introduction to Matlab. Creation of vectors is included with a few basic operations. Topics include the following: Matlab is a software package that makes it easier for you to enter matrices and vectors, and manipulate them. The interface follows a language that is designed to look a lot like the notation use in linear algebra. In the following tutorial, we will discuss some of the basics of working with vectors. If you are running windows or Mac OSX, you can start matlab by choosing it from the menu. To start matlab on a unix system, open up a unix shell and type the command to start the software: matlab. This will start up the software, and it will wait for you to enter your commands. In the text that follows, any line that starts with two greater than signs (>,>,) is used to denote the matlab command line. This is where you enter your commands. Almost all of Matlab’s basic commands revolve around the use of vectors. A vector is defined by placing a sequence of numbers within square braces: This creates a row vector which has the label “v”. The first entry in the vector is a 3 and the second entry is a 1. Note that matlab printed out a copy of the vector after you hit the enter key. If you do not want to print out the result put a semi-colon at the end of the line: Notice, though, that this always creates a row vector. If you want to create a column vector you need to take the transpose of a row vector. The transpose is defined using an apostrophe (‘): A common task is to create a large vector with numbers that fit a repetitive pattern. Matlab can define a set of numbers with a common increment using colons. For example, to define a vector whose first entry is 1, the second entry is 2, the third is 3, and sequentially through 8, you enter the following: If you wish to use an increment other than one that you have to define the start number, the value of the increment, and the last number. For example, to define a vector that starts with 2 and ends in 4 with steps of 0.25 you enter the following: You can view individual entries in this vector. For example to view the first entry just type in the following: This command prints out entry 1 in the vector. Also notice that a new variable called ans has been created. Any time you perform an action that does not include an assignment matlab will put the label ans on the result. To simplify the creation of large vectors, you can define a vector by specifying the first entry, an increment, and the last entry. Matlab will automatically figure out how many entries you need and their values. For example, to create a vector whose entries are 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8, you can type in the following line: Matlab also keeps track of the last result. In the previous example, a variable ans is created. To look at the transpose of the previous result, enter the following: To be able to keep track of the vectors you create, you can give them names. For example, a row vector v can be created: Note that in the previous example, if you end the line with a semi- colon, the result is not displayed. This will come in handy later when you want to use Matlab to work with very large systems of equations. Matlab will allow you to look at specific parts of the vector. If you want to only look at the first three entries in a vector you can use the same notation you used to create the vector: For the most part Matlab follows the standard notation used in linear algebra. We will see later that there are some extensions to make some operations easier. For now, though, both addition subtraction are defined in the standard way. For example, to define a new vector with the numbers from 0 to -4 in steps of -1 we do the following: Additionally, scalar multiplication is defined in the standard way. Also note that scalar division is defined in a way that is consistent with scalar multiplication: With these definitions linear combinations of vectors can be easily defined and the basic operations combined: You will need to be careful. These operations can only be carried out when the dimensions of the vectors allow it. You will likely get used to seeing the following error message which follows from adding two vectors whose dimensions are different: Matlab Tutorial by Kelly Black is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (2015).Based on a work at http://www.cyclismo.org/tutorial/matlab/. Matlab Tutorial by Kelly Black is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.Based on a work at http://www.cyclismo.org/tutorial/matlab/. Source. | <urn:uuid:3b5b3afb-7e98-4ca9-bb3c-48e5a0f22c8d> | {
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A History of the County of Oxford: Volume 11, Wootton Hundred (Northern Part). Originally published by Victoria County History, London, 1983.
This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.
SANDFORD ST. MARTIN
Sandford St. Martin, (fn. 1) known simply as Sandford until c. 1884 when the suffix, from the church dedication, was added to distinguish it from Sandford on Thames and Dry Sandford (in Abingdon), (fn. 2) lies 14 miles (20 km.) north-west of Oxford and 10 miles (15 km.) south-west of Banbury. It is a long, narrow parish, covering 2,292 a. (977 ha.) and containing two villages, Sandford St. Martin and Ledwell; Grove Ash, the northern end of the parish, contained a third village in the Middle Ages and for much of its history has been a separate township. The parish boundaries for the most part follow field boundaries, although the road from Deddington to Chipping Norton forms part of the short northern boundary, parts of the eastern boundary follow small streams, and part of the southern boundary follows the line of an old road from Great Tew to Wootton. (fn. 3)
The land slopes down from 155 m. in the south-west to 125 m. in the Dorn valley, then rises again to 180 m. in the centre of the parish, near Ledwell. It falls steeply to 100 m. at the Worton brook, which divides Grove Ash from the rest of the parish, and then rises sharply, reaching 165 m. at the Deddington road. The high ground at Ledwell marks the change from the limestone of the Chipping Norton or great oolite series in the south to clay in the north, upper lias clay on the high ground and lower lias clay on the lower ground, giving way to a band of alluvium along the Worton brook. Both the villages lie mainly on the Chipping Norton limestone. (fn. 4)
The northern part of the parish is drained by the Worton brook which flows east into the river Cherwell, the southern by the river Dorn and its tributaries the Cockley brook and the Tyte which flow south-east into the river Glyme. The Cockley brook rises in Ledwell, it or its source presumably being the loud stream or spring which gave the village its name, (fn. 5) and flows east, out of the parish, to join the Dorn in Steeple Barton. The Tyte rises between Sandford and Ledwell and flows west into the Dorn through the artificial lakes in Sandford Park. A spring in Cow ground, north-east of Sandford village, was reputed in the 17th century to cure sores, ulcers, and eye diseases. (fn. 6)
Grove Ash was inclosed in the 16th century, but over much of the rest of the parish the open fields survived until parliamentary inclosure in 1768, farmed from houses in the villages. There are only two outlying farms, Hobbs Hole, built c. 1770, and Flighthill recorded in 1815. (fn. 7) A large park south of Ledwell, Ledwell Park, was created in the 18th century and abandoned in the 19th. In Sandford village, Sandford Park was created in the 18th century and reduced in size early in the 20th. (fn. 8)
Minor roads and footpaths connect Sandford and Ledwell with each other and with neighbouring villages. No major road passes through the parish, but the road from Deddington to Chipping Norton, turnpiked in 1770 and disturnpiked in 1871, runs along its northern edge, and the road from Bicester to Enstone, turnpiked in 17923 and disturnpiked in 1876, (fn. 9) along its southern edge. A road from Banbury to Oxford which ran through the parish in 1691 (fn. 10) was presumably the road through Grove Ash and Sandford village; its southern part was called Old Cow Lane in 1768 when it was the only road respected by both pre- and post-inclosure field boundaries. (fn. 11) It remained the main road from Sandford to Banbury until the early 19th century when the road through Nether Worton assumed equal importance. In 1857 the occupier of Flighthill farm was allowed to divert the southern end of the Grove Ash road away from his land. (fn. 12) By 1886 the road had become a cart track, (fn. 13) and by 1980 it had almost disappeared. In the south of the parish the line of the Bicester-Enstone road was slightly altered after it was turnpiked in 1793. (fn. 14)
Its name implies that there was an early ford in or near Sandford village. (fn. 15) Village tradition asserts that it was on the northern edge of the village, over the Tyte, but there is no evidence to support the belief, and the ford is perhaps more likely to have been at one of the crossing points of the Dorn. By 1279, when the surname 'at bridge' was recorded, (fn. 16) it had presumably been replaced by a bridge. Sandford bridge in the South field, probably on the Woodstock road, was recorded in 1706. (fn. 17) Both it and the bridge at the mill were footbridges c. 1770. (fn. 18) A new bridge was built at the mill in 1842, a cart bridge at Sandford bridge in 1847, an 'arched bridge' over the Tyte in 1840, and a bridge over the Worton brook in 1869. (fn. 19)
In the later 19th century carriers' carts usually ran twice a week to Banbury and once a week to Oxford. (fn. 20) The nearest railway station is Upper Heyford, 4 miles to the east, opened in 1850. (fn. 21) There was a post office in the village by 1847. (fn. 22)
There is no evidence of prehistoric or RomanoBritish settlement in the parish, although concentrations of flint implements have been found near the boundary with Great Tew, and a coin of Valens near the manor house. (fn. 23) Both Sandford and Ledwell were established by 1086 when 39 men, 2 of them serfs, were recorded on the main Sandford manor. (fn. 24) In 1279 there were on that manor 26 unfree and 3 free tenants in Sandford and 14 unfree and 5 free tenants in Ledwell; (fn. 25) the tenants of c. 8 yardlands were not recorded, but the total population of the two villages may have been c. 250. Sandford and Ledwell, like Steeple Barton, apparently suffered badly in the Black Death, and in 1377 only 71 people in Sandford and 31 in Ledwell paid poll tax. (fn. 26) Much of the population loss may have been in Ledwell, where traces of deserted houses and lanes remain north of the village. (fn. 27)
The population had risen by 1641 when 65 men took the protestation oath and 3 refused. (fn. 28) In 1676 there were 178 adults, and vicars estimated the population at c. 70 families in 1738 and c. 85 families in 1768. (fn. 29) The population seems to have declined in the 1770s and 1780s; (fn. 30) in 1801, when it had started to rise again, it was 312, and it rose to 534 in 1831. Almost all the newcomers were agricultural workers, and the increase may have been due partly to a change from pasture to arable farming. Ledwell, away from the domination of the manor house and Sandford Park, probably grew more than Sandford; in 1768 c. 30 per cent of the population of the parish lived in Ledwell, in 1841 c. 40 per cent. The population remained over 500 in 1841 and 1851, but fell thereafter, to 443 in 1891 and to 340 in 1901, and to 254 in 1961. It rose slightly, to 259 in 1971, as new houses were built. (fn. 31)
Grove, Grove Ash, or Welcombe Grove, was first recorded in 1217. (fn. 32) In 1279 there were 16 villeins there, and 34 people paid poll tax in 1377, suggesting that the township was then about the same size as Ledwell. (fn. 33) It was alleged c. 1503 that 10 people had been driven off the land as arable was converted to pasture, but nevertheless 8 men were assessed for subsidy in 1524, compared with 12 in Ledwell. In 1543 only 2 men were assessed, and one of them lived in Chipping Norton. (fn. 34) Three farmhouses survived in the 17th and 18th centuries. One, with a hall, buttery, kitchen, and at least five chambers, was occupied in the earlier 17th century by Edward Rainsford, formerly of Great Tew, but in 1662 it had only three hearths. (fn. 35) Another was often uninhabited and by 1796 had been reduced to a cow shed. (fn. 36) Two houses, Upper and Lower Grove Ash Farm, survived in 1980; Lower Grove Ash seems to have been built originally in the 18th century, Upper Grove Ash in the later 17th century, but both have been much altered. Traces of house platforms remain in the field between the two surviving houses, and a large fish-pond, recorded in 1774, below Upper Grove Ash Farm. (fn. 37)
Sandford village reflects the dominance, from the late 18th century to the early 20th, of the Park and Manor estates. The manor house stands beside the Dorn, hidden from the village street by trees and by a steep fall in the ground, but the Park, on high ground opposite the church, is the most prominent house in the village. Several smaller houses, particularly on the Barton road, are 19th-century estate cottages, but there are also some 17th- and 18th-century limestone rubble cottages with slate roofs, among them the former inn, a slightly larger house on the south side of the Barton road. The village also contains a few substantial 17th- and 18th-century farmhouses, built by prosperous yeomen or gentry. The largest, Brandon Farm on the corner of the Barton and Ledwell roads, has an irregular plan, suggesting that it was built in two stages. The north wing is of the early 17th century and has a panelled room with an overmantel bearing the initials P/IK, presumably for John Parsons, whose family owned the great tithes of the parish, and his wife. (fn. 38) The house was the largest in the village in 1662 when it was taxed on seven hearths. (fn. 39) The south end of the house was largely rebuilt in 1705 and bears the initials of William Parsons and his wife Elizabeth. (fn. 40) Southfield Farm, east of Brandon Farm, is a 17th-century rubble house with stone mullioned windows and a slate roof. Clover Hall, dated 1715 and 1808, the last house in the village on the Barton road, is the only old house in the village of dressed stone.
In the centre of the village is a small triangular green, largely a 19th-century creation, on which is a medieval cross base and shaft, restored and given a new head by G. E. Street in 1856. (fn. 41) In 1927 the former school from Ardley was erected east of the Ledwell road as a village hall. (fn. 42) The only other 20th-century additions to the village are five detached houses and a group of six council houses north of the village.
Ledwell was described as late as 1952 as a tumbledown hamlet of 'patched farmsteads' and 'battered cottages', (fn. 43) but in 1979 the village, largely inhabited by professional people, was well kept and prosperous. The houses lie along a winding street, once the start of a road to Over Worton, and around a small green on which is the village well, removed from its former site higher up the street in the 1920s or 1930s. (fn. 44) Manor Farm, at the entrance to the village, is an imposing, early 18th-century house of ashlar with a Welsh slate roof, its front decorated with pilasters of full height. It may have been built by the Appletree family. (fn. 45) Adjoining the farmhouse on the east are four cottages of similar date. Ledwell House, approached by a drive from the green, appears to have been built in the 17th century as a relatively small house and enlarged in the 18th century and the later 19th. In the later 17th century it belonged to the Lock family; later owners included Vice-Admiral James Sayer (d. 1776) who played a prominent part in the naval campaigns of the Seven Years War, and James Paxton, a noted surgeon and medical writer. (fn. 46) The large house or mansion, Ledwell Park, built on the southern edge of the village in the 17th century, was demolished c. 1800. (fn. 47)
For much of the later 18th century and the early 19th there was one public house in Sandford and one in Ledwell. That in Sandford, successively the Silver Tavern (1774, 1784), Taylor's Arms (17857), and the Crown (from 1788), stood near the manor house gates. It was closed between the 1880 and 1883, according to village tradition by Edward Marshall of the manor house, who objected to a public house so close to his gates. (fn. 48) That in Ledwell, known in the 20th century as the Plough, remained open until the 1960s. (fn. 49)
Sandford wake or feast was kept on the Sunday after St. Martin's day (11 November), and on the Sunday after 22 November from 1752. It survived into the later 19th century. (fn. 50) A small fair at Ledwell, held on 22 July, the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, patron of the medieval chapel, died out in the late 19th century. (fn. 51)
During the Civil War a dispute over a moiety of the mill in Sandford St. Martin village erupted into violence, and one claimant, assisted by soldiers, broke into the premises. (fn. 52) The uncertainty of the times is also demonstrated by the large hoard of coins of James I and Charles I discovered in 1762 in an old outbuilding. (fn. 53)
Manors and other Estates.
In 1086 Adam son of Hubert de Ryes held 14 hides less 1 yardland in Sandford of Odo of Bayeux. (fn. 54) The estate, which included land in Ledwell and Grove Ash, (fn. 55) formed part of Steeple Barton manor until the mid 16th century and was held by the St. Johns, and their successors until it was sold to John Blundell in 1552. At the division of Blundell's lands in 1559 SANDFORD AND LEDWELL was treated as a separate manor (fn. 56) but followed the descent of Steeple Barton, being divided in the early 17th century between Gresham Hogan, who held two thirds, and Gerard Croker, who held one third. (fn. 57) Hogan's share passed with Steeple Barton to his daughter Elizabeth Waller and to her heirs the James family, and was sold in 1726 to Joseph Taylor. At Taylor's death in 1732 Sandford and Ledwell manor was separated from Steeple Barton, being devised to his nephew, another Joseph Taylor. (fn. 58) The younger Joseph died in 1760 and was succeeded in turn by his brother William (d. 1780), and William's sons James (d. 1814) and William (d. 1828). (fn. 59) Joseph did not exercise any manorial rights, and the elder William received no compensation for any at inclosure in 1768, but James appointed gamekeepers and called the estate a manor. (fn. 60) William devised it to his cousin Edward Marshall who had assumed the additional surname Hacker. From Edward Marshall Hacker (d. 1841) the manor passed to his son Edward Marshall (d. 1899), to Edward's son Edward Henry Marshall (d. 1909), and to Edward Henry's son Edward Ralph Marshall who in 1937 sold it to A. J. Edmondson. (fn. 61) Edmondson, created Lord Sandford of Banbury in 1945, gave the manor in 1948 to his son J. C. Edmondson, who sold it in 1957 to Mrs. S. C. Rittson-Thomas. (fn. 62)
The manor house, a much altered 18th-century building, is presumably the house built by Joseph Taylor c. 1715, before he acquired the manor. (fn. 63) The north-west front, of three storeys and five bays with a central pediment, survived in 1979. E. Marshall Hacker added west and east wings, and Edward Marshall made further additions and reversed the main entrance, moving it to the south-east front and making a new drive from the village street. In 1924 the south-east front was enlarged and altered to conform with the Cotswold style of building. (fn. 64)
The other third of the manor remained in the Croker family, descending from Gerard Croker (d. 1577) and Mary Blundell to their son John (d. 1610), to John's son Gerard (d. 1620), and to Gerard's sons John (d. 1629), Gerard (d. 1647), and Henry (d. 1651). (fn. 65) Henry was succeeded by William Croker, younger son of John (d. 1610), who died c. 1653. The manor then descended to his son John (d. by 1666), to John's son William (d. 1709), and William's son Gerard (d. 1733). (fn. 66) Under the terms of Gerard's will it passed to his sisters Anne (d. 1741) and Stuart (d. 1746) Croker, to their nephew Samuel Wilmot (d. 1772), and to Wilmot's daughter Mary Heywood. Mrs. Heywood was succeeded in 1797 by her cousin Samuel Cox (d. 1809) and by his son Samuel Fortnum Cox. (fn. 67) On S. F. Cox's death in 1849 the estate, then known as Sandford Park, was sold to Edwin Guest, master of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, who died in 1880. Guest's widow Anne (d. 1900) devised Sandford Park to her nephew E. F. Chance. The estate was split up in 1920 and 1923. (fn. 68)
Sandford Park is an early 18th-century house, perhaps built by Gerard Croker (d. 1733), to which additions were made on the west side later in the century. The main house has an east front of five bays and a balustraded parapet, and a west front of three bays with venetian windows and central porch. A north wing, added in the early 20th century, was demolished in 1954. (fn. 69) The service quarters and stables north-west and north of the house appear to have been built at various dates in the 19th century. The earlier 18thcentury park lay west of the house and had along its north side a wooded valley with a stream and small lakes, crossed at one point by a sevenarched bridge. Following inclosure in 1768 the park was extended northwards where some clumps of trees survived in 1979. A new entrance was made from the Ledwell road through the extended park and across the bridge over the lakes. Beside the road to the mill is a circular mound ascended by a spiral path; it is of 17thcentury character and may have formed part of the garden of the Crokers' earlier house, taxed on 5 hearths in 1662. (fn. 70)
One hide and 1 yardland in Ledwell belonged in 1086 to the royal, formerly comital, manor of Bloxham and Adderbury. (fn. 71) The estate was probably the 1 hide given to St. George's in the Castle, Oxford, before 1135 which passed with the rest of St. George's endowments to Oseney abbey. (fn. 72) Oseney added 4 yardlands and 140 a. to its holding in 1350 and 1357 by exchange with the justice William Shareshull. (fn. 73) Shareshull had acquired land in Sandford by 1338, and perhaps by 1334 when his brother John Shareshull held land there. (fn. 74) In 1354 he bought a further 140 a. from John le Duddere of Ledwell, who had acquired them from the St. John family. (fn. 75) Oseney abbey retained its property in Sandford and Ledwell until the Dissolution, when it passed to Leonard Chamberlain (fn. 76) and was absorbed into the manor estate.
The property later known as Ledwell Park belonged to Thomas Parsons in 1635. (fn. 77) In 1666 Francis Smith, Lord Carrington, enlarged the estate, and in 1682 lived in the house there. (fn. 78) He sold it in 1685 or 1686 to Richard Brideoak (fn. 79) from whom it passed before 1717 to Henry Scott, earl of Deloraine, son of the duke of Monmouth, who created a park. (fn. 80) He also rebuilt and refurnished the house at a cost of over 9,000. (fn. 81) In 1732 his son Francis, earl of Deloraine, sold Ledwell Park to Sir Robert Dashwood of Northbrook who settled it on his younger son Richard and his wife Elizabeth. (fn. 82) Elizabeth and her second husband Charles Armand Powlett enlarged the park in 1739 and in 1750 bought from William Cartwright of Aynho a further 5 yardlands and several closes bought by his grandfather John Cartwright from William Croker (d. 1709). Elizabeth Powlett died in 1756 and was succeeded by her grandson Charles Vere Dashwood who in 1774 sold the Ledwell property to Mary Heywood. (fn. 83) The house, 'a smart hunting seat', was uninhabited and dilapidated in 1759, and was demolished c. 1800. (fn. 84) A range of 18thcentury outbuildings survives, much altered, as Upper Close Farm; a range of contemporary buildings to the south was probably coachhouses. Some distance to the east is the dovecote, converted into a cottage.
Much of Grove Ash was alienated by the St. Johns and their successors in the later Middle Ages. Richard Page of Nether Worton (d. 1375) held an estate, later 4 yardlands, (fn. 85) which descended with his Nether Worton manor until 1598 when Philip Babington sold it to Richard Fermor of Tusmore, whose descendants sold it in 1716 to the executors of Anthony Keck of Great Tew. (fn. 86)
An estate of c. 2 yardlands sold by the St. Johns to William Dene in the earlier 14th century passed to John Busby of Grove, to another John Busby (d. 1351), to the second John's son Nicholas, and to Nicholas's son John who sold it c. 1416 to Richard Busby and Richard Thurston. (fn. 87) The later descent of that and other small freeholds, such as the 4 yardlands leased by the Chamberlains to Robert Busby in the early 16th century, and sold to him in 1518, (fn. 88) or the estate held by Sir Thomas Englefield (d. 1537), (fn. 89) is obscure, but one or more of them may have been acquired by the lords of Great Tew who held an estate in Grove Ash by 1550. (fn. 90)
By 1537 Richard Andrews of Yarnton held land in Grove Ash; he sold part of it to Brasenose College in 1538 and exchanged the remainder with the Crown in 1541. (fn. 91) The Crown land was leased in the late 16th century to Henry and William Rainsford who assigned the leases to their father Edward Rainsford of Grove Ash (d. 1624). (fn. 92) The freehold was presumably later acquired by the lords of Great Tew.
From 1716 the Great Tew estate owned the whole of Grove Ash except for the c. 48 a. held by Brasenose College. That estate was leased to the owners of Great Tew from 1798 and exchanged with them in 1848 for land in Postcombe in Lewknor. (fn. 93)
The great tithes of Sandford St. Martin formed part of Steeple Barton rectory in the Middle Ages and passed after the Dissolution to John Blundell and his heirs. Richard Champneys acquired two thirds of the tithe of Sandford and in 1602 granted them to Richard Parsons, in whose family they remained until they were commuted for c. 248 a. at inclosure in 1768. Most of the land was sold to Mary Heywood in 1783. (fn. 94) A sixth of the tithe passed from Richard Freston to Gerard Croker who in 1617 sold it to Thomas Giles. Giles settled it on his daughter Alice wife of John Croker (d. by 1662) from whom it descended, with a third of the manor, to Mary Heywood who received c. 52 a. for it at inclosure. (fn. 95) The remaining sixth of the tithe presumably descended with the Hogan share of the manor; it was held at inclosure by William Taylor who received c. 48 a. for it. (fn. 96)
A third of the tithe of Grove Ash was among the endowments of Sandford vicarage. (fn. 97) The remaining two thirds were granted to Oxford cathedral in 1542 and sold in 1546 to Leonard Chamberlain and John Blundell, from whom they passed to Gresham Hogan. (fn. 98) Hogan's successors Thomas and Elizabeth Waller sold them in 1661 to Henry Fermor, from whose family they passed to the owners of Great Tew. When the tithe of Grove Ash was commuted in 1849 the impropriator was M. P. W. Boulton of Great Tew. (fn. 99)
Sandford and Ledwell shared a field system, but Grove Ash was separately cultivated even before its inclosure in the earlier 16th century. In 1310 the arable of Sandford and Ledwell was divided into north and south fields. (fn. 100) By the early 15th century the two-field system had apparently been modified; the demesne had been consolidated and inclosed and an area of c. 50 a. east of Ledwell was described as a field (campus). (fn. 101) Down quarter, Fosthill quarter, Dean quarter, and Beacon quarter were recorded in 1697, but they were only four among ten divisions of varying sizes. (fn. 102) The south field, south of Sandford village, remained, often divided into three parts, and strips in the area north of Ledwell village were identified only by furlong names. (fn. 103) In 1767 the arable was said to be divided among 'several open common fields', and in 1768 there seem to have been four major divisions: North or Lower field north of Ledwell (c. 675 a.), Down quarter in the east (c. 350 a.), Beacon quarter in the west (c. 300 a.), and South field (c. 335 a.). (fn. 104) In practice the arable was presumably divided into more or less flexible groups of furlongs, rather than into fixed fields or quarters.
The demesne, 2 ploughlands in 1279, was still 7 yardlands in the later Middle Ages. (fn. 105) Before 1413 it had been consolidated and inclosed in two Berry fields on either side of the road from Sandford to Ledwell, but in the 16th century it was leased to tenants in yardlands scattered among the furlongs of the Berry fields. (fn. 106)
The parish was well supplied with meadow, as much as 100 a. being recorded in 1086. (fn. 107) In the 16th century some was attached to individual holdings, the rest was lot meadow. (fn. 108) There was also in 1086 pasture 4 furlongs by 3 furlongs, and more had been added by the late 17th century when between a fifth and a quarter of each customary yardland was composed of greensward, mainly leys. (fn. 109) Most of the leys lay in blocks of a furlong or more, almost half of them in the north field. (fn. 110)
In the early 16th century, and presumably in the Middle Ages, Grove Ash was divided into an upper and a lower field. (fn. 111) Its inhabitants had no intercommoning rights in the fields of Sandford and Ledwell. (fn. 112) The township was not named in 1086, but the furlong of spinney and some of the meadow and pasture on Sandford manor were probably there. (fn. 113) If Grove Ash was an early medieval assart, it was well established by 1279 when its tenants were villeins holding ordinary yardlands, mostly by labour services. (fn. 114)
The field names 'flax hill' (1359), 'linland' (flax land, 1413), and oat croft (1686) in Sandford and Ledwell and ryeland (1537) in Grove Ash presumably reflect the more unusual crops grown. (fn. 115) In the 17th century the most common crops were barley, wheat, and peas, with some maslin, which suggests that the normal four-course rotation of (1) wheat or maslin (2) peas, beans, or vetches (3) barley (4) fallow was followed. (fn. 116)
At least two of the three wool producers from an Oxfordshire Sandford, recorded in 1342 (fn. 117) bore the names of Sandford St. Martin families, and in Oseney abbey's bailiwick of Barton, which included Sandford, there were several flocks of c. 200 sheep. (fn. 118) The largest recorded flock in the parish in the 17th century or the early 18th was that of 220 owned by John Parsons in 1702, but several others contained between 90 and 125. (fn. 119) In 1450 the mill with 2 yardlands had rights of pasture for 6 oxen, a bull, and a draught horse; in the 17th century the stint for a yardland seems to have been 4 cows or else 2 cows and 16 sheep. (fn. 120)
In 1086 Adam's estate, with land for 16 ploughteams, supported 3 ploughteams and 2 serfs on the demesne and 13 ploughteams owned by 24 villeins and 13 bordars on the tenants' land. The king's 1 hide and 1 yardland at Ledwell was land for 1 ploughteam, but none was recorded. (fn. 121) In 1279 Adam's estate was held by John of St. John as part of his manor of Steeple Barton. (fn. 122) He held 2 ploughlands in demesne; in Sandford 26 villeins held a total of 27 yardlands and 15 a., individual holdings ranging from 2 yardlands to 3 a., and in Ledwell 13 villeins and a cottar held a total of 18 yardlands, individual holdings ranging from 2 yardlands to yardland. There were only three free tenants in Sandford, two of them holding 2 yardlands each for money rents, and the third holding a yardland for lb. of pepper. In Ledwell five free tenants held a total of 10 yardlands, 4 yardlands of which were held by one man, Henry of Ditchley. The 22 yardlands in Grove Ash were held by 16 villeins who held 2, 1 or 1 yardland each; there were no free tenants, but four of the villeins paid only money rents. All the other villeins on the manor owed services, rents, and customary payments like those of Steeple Barton. There is no record of the tenants or services on Oseney abbey's estate in 1279, but the abbey was still exacting some labour services in 1359 although they had been commuted on the St. John estate before 1353. (fn. 123)
Sandford St. Martin village, although the largest settlement in the parish, has not, for most of its history, been the wealthiest. In 1306 Grove Ash had both the highest average assessment to the subsidy (1s. 3d.) and the largest individual assessment, William Swet's 4s. In 1316 the average assessment in Ledwell and Grove Ash, 3s. 8d., was again higher than the average 2s. 2d. in Sandford, and Joan of Ledwell's 12s. was by far the highest assessment in the parish. In 1327 Ledwell's average assessment of 2s. 11d. was the highest in the parish, and the highest individual assessment was Nicholas le Mayster's 7s. there. (fn. 124) Among those assessed in Grove Ash in 1327, at a slightly below average 2s. 2d., was John Bisseby, presumably an ancestor of the Busby family who were prominent in the parish until the 17th century. The assessments suggest that although there was no resident lord of the manor or other large landowner, several men, among them the descendants of some of the villeins of 1279, were comparatively prosperous, and in the earlier 14th century Henry Stertup, Nicholas son of William of Ledwell, Simon of Ditchley, and John Franklin each bought small freeholds from John of St. John (d. 1322) or from Catherine, relict of his son John. (fn. 125)
In 1524 the highest assessments to the subsidy were those of 2 Ledwell men, Richard Thorpe (6s.) and John Taylor (4s.), but the village also had the highest proportion of men assessed on wages, 6 out of the 12 men assessed. In Sandford 15 men were assessed, 5 of them on wages, the highest assessments being those of John and Thomas Giles, 3s. 6d. each. In Grove Ash too the highest assessment was 3s. 6d. and only 3 of the 8 men assessed were wage labourers. (fn. 126)
In 1550, shortly before the division and consequent disintegration of the manor which covered the whole parish except for Grove Ash, there were 64 yardlands, 32 held by 13 copyholders and 1 freeholder in Sandford, and 32 held by 9 copyholders in Ledwell. In Sandford, John Buller and his son Edmund held the mill and 9 yardlands which had earlier formed three separate holdings, and Richard Giles held 8 yardlands, 6 of which he had only recently bought. In Ledwell, Jane Taylor held 6 yardlands and Richard Andrews 5 yardlands. (fn. 127) Few of the large holdings survived for long; much of the Bullers' property had been dispersed by the early 17th century and in 1614 Richard Andrews held only a cottage and a close. (fn. 128) Thomas Giles held 5 yardlands in 1614 and bought a sixth of the great tithes in 1617; he described himself as a gentleman and was alleged to have left a personal estate of c. 3,000 at his death in 1638. (fn. 129) The Lock and Appletree families survived for longer. Richard Lock held 2 yardlands in Sandford in 1550. (fn. 130) John Lock of Ledwell left goods worth just over 200 at his death in 1612; his son Humphrey held 4 copyhold yardlands in 1614 and Humphrey's son John acquired part of the freehold from Gerard Croker in 1617. (fn. 131) Another John Lock bought part of the freehold of 5 yardlands in Ledwell from William Croker in 1656; his son John acquired the remainder of the freehold in 1723, but by 1727 was heavily in debt to Joseph Taylor to whom he sold much of the property. (fn. 132) Richard Appletree held 3 copyhold yardlands in 1611 and acquired the freehold in 1614. (fn. 133) In 1698 Anthony Appletree of Ledwell seems to have held a substantial estate in the parish, including the mills, and the family were still in Ledwell in 1744; in 1768 they held only yardland and 2 cow commons. (fn. 134) Between 1707 and his death in 1732 Joseph Taylor bought a total of 15 yardlands and several smaller pieces of land, much of it from the Lock family. His nephew and successor, another Joseph Taylor, added a further 3 yardlands bought in 1743 and 1745 from John Appletree. (fn. 135)
In 1413 Oseney abbey inclosed its demesne in the field called Heath and Linland, with the agreement of both its own tenants and those of the manor. (fn. 136) The resulting inclosure, later called Abbot's Heath, was an area of c. 50 a. on the edge of the parish, east of Ledwell. In 1550 the manor estate included four small closes in Sandford and three in Ledwell, as well as Abbot's Heath. (fn. 137) Flighthills Close, north-east of Ledwell, was recorded in 1614, and Berry Close, next to the little Berry field, in 1686. (fn. 138) In 1768, when c. 1,686 a. in Sandford and Ledwell were inclosed by Act of parliament, there were c. 255 a. of old inclosures, including Ledwell Park and Sandford Park. The largest allotment of former open field made under the Act, c. 583 a., was made to William Taylor, lord of the manor, in lieu of a sixth of the great tithes and 25 common and 3 Berry yardlands. Thomas Parsons received c. 386 a. for two thirds of the great tithes and 6 common yardlands; Charles Vere Dashwood of Ledwell Park received c. 197 a., and Mary Heywood of Sandford Park c. 150 a. There was one other allotment of over 100 a., five of between 10 a. and 99 a., and seven under 10 a. (fn. 139)
Grove Ash was inclosed and converted to pasture in the 16th century. Robert Busby, a woolman of Chipping Norton, was accused of turning the men off a ploughland of arable soon after 1503, and by 1543 the hamlet was largely depopulated. (fn. 140) The whole of the Brasenose College estate was inclosed by 1537; the name of one of the closes, Great Steps leynes in 1537 and Great Steps leys in 1556, indicates that it was former arable which had been laid down to grass. In 1538 the college estate comprised c. 10 a. of arable, c. 10 a. of meadow, c. 100 a. of pasture, and c. 2 a. of wood. (fn. 141) In 1659 most of the township was pasture closes, and one farmer's stock included c. 20 fattening cows, 2 or 3 milk cows, and c. 60 sheep. (fn. 142) By the end of the 18th century some pasture had been converted back to arable, and 41 a. out of the 47 a. of the Brasenose College estate was arable, albeit hilly and poor and in a bad state of cultivation. (fn. 143)
In the years after the inclosure of Sandford and Ledwell Mary Heywood enlarged her estate there until in 1789 she paid 42 per cent of the land tax in the parish. (fn. 144) On her death in 1797 most of the estate descended to the Cox family, but Hobbs Hole farm (c. 198 a.) was sold to G. F. Stratton of Great Tew. (fn. 145) In 1815 William Wilson of Over Worton bought 236 a., the later Flighthill farm, from William Taylor. (fn. 146) Throughout the 19th century the parish was divided between the four estates. In 1868 the Park estate comprised c. 700 a., the Manor and the Great Tew estates c. 500 a. each, and Flighthill farm c. 240 a. (fn. 147) Most of the land was leased to tenants, usually in 10 farms, which in 1895 were: Upper Grove Ash (167 a.), Lower Grove Ash (152 a.), and Hobbs Hole farm (206 a.) on the Great Tew estate; Ledwell farm (265 a.) and Manor farm (225 a.) on the manor estate; Southfield farm (91 a.), Brandon farm (282 a.), Tite farm (131 a.), and Park farm (265 a.) on the Park estate, and Flighthill farm (246 a.), owned and farmed by Henry Painter. From 1901 Southfield and Brandon farms were farmed together. (fn. 148)
In 1801 there were c. 875 a. of arable, c. 1409 a. of permanent grass, and c. 24 a. of woodland in the parish. (fn. 149) In 1868 the agriculture was 'chiefly arable', although the five shepherds recorded in 1871 indicate that several farmers also kept sheep. (fn. 150) In 1914 there were c. 600 sheep and c. 200 cattle on the 54 per cent of the land which was permanent grass: the main crops on the arable were wheat (22 per cent of the arable), barley (19 per cent), and oats (10 per cent). (fn. 151) Wheat and barley were still the main crops in 1977, and sheep and cattle were kept. (fn. 152)
One man in Ledwell in 1316 was surnamed tailor and others in Sandford were named weaver, smith, and butcher, all perhaps denoting occupations. (fn. 153) A carpenter, a mason, two weavers, two broadcloth weavers, and two fullers were recorded in the 17th and 18th centuries, and a sieve-maker in the earlier 19th. (fn. 154) In 1841 a commercial traveller, a plasterer, a druggist, and a leather dresser lived in the parish, but over half (57 per cent) of the working population were farmers or farm workers, and that percentage increased to 63 per cent in 1851, to 65 per cent in 1861, and to 61 per cent in 1871. (fn. 155) The land drainer in Ledwell in 1861 should perhaps be included among agricultural workers, and the machinist in the same village in 1871 may have operated the agricultural machinery which had recently been introduced. (fn. 156) Less than half the agricultural labourers were permanently employed on farms in the parish, only 59 out of 147 in 1851, only 58 out of 132 in 1861, but 83 out of 121 in 1871. The chief form of employment after agriculture was domestic service, including coachmen, grooms, and gardeners employed at the Manor and the Park. In 1851 there were 9 glovers in Sandford and 6 in Ledwell, all of them wives or daughters of agricultural labourers; none was recorded in other years, although the industry flourished in the neighbouring parishes of Westcott and Steeple Barton.
There was a mill in Sandford in 1086; in 1279 it was held, with a pasture close and 2 yardlands, by Thomas of the mill, a free tenant of John of St. John. (fn. 157) In 1307 Thomas conveyed the mill and its property to Richard Batyn. (fn. 158) In 1350 William Shareshull the younger granted it to Oseney abbey. (fn. 159) At the Dissolution it passed, with the rest of the abbey's land, to Leonard Chamberlain, and in 1550 it was held of John Blundell by John Buller and his son Edmund. (fn. 160) Another John Buller in 1617 acquired the freehold, and in 1626 he divided the property between his wife Elizabeth and his son John. After a dispute in the 1640s the younger John Buller recovered the whole property. (fn. 161)
In 1698 Anthony Appletree settled both the water mill and a windmill, apparently in Ledwell, on his son Richard. The windmill had gone by 1771 when Richard's grandson, another Richard Appletree, mortgaged the water mill. He sold it in 1772 to John Gardner who in 1780 sold it to Mary Heywood. (fn. 162) After Mrs. Heywood's death in 1797 the mill was sold to Thomas Hollis of Middle Barton who sold it in 1811 to George Andrews of Spelsbury. In 1861 Andrews's grandson George Andrews sold it to Edward Marshall, and the mill remained part of the manor estate until it was sold in 1918. (fn. 163)
The mill and mill house were rebuilt by Oseney abbey's tenants in the late 14th century. (fn. 164) In 1626 it seems to have been a double mill, and it was still described as water corn mills in 1811. (fn. 165) The mill was equipped with modern machinery at the time of its sale in 1918, but the buyer removed it and converted the mill into a private house. (fn. 166)
Part of the mill may have been a fulling mill in the late 16th century and the early 17th, for Richard Buller (d. 1602), presumably one of the family who owned the mills, was a fuller. (fn. 167)
In the Middle Ages tenants of the manor in Sandford St. Martin presumably owed suit to the court in Steeple Barton. In 1279 free tenants owed suit to the hundred court at Wootton. (fn. 168) In the 16th and 17th centuries and the early 18th, courts baron were held for Sandford manor by John Blundell's heirs; the only surviving records are grants of land. (fn. 169) Oseney abbey held a court for its tenants in Sandford, the Bartons, and other neighbouring parishes. The surviving rolls, of the mid 14th century and the late 15th, deal with grants of land and with such offences as allowing animals to stray, leaving the manor without permission, and failing to perform labour services. (fn. 170)
The usual parish officers were elected in the 18th century and the early 19th. In 1842 the vestry agreed to the appointment of a paid constable for Sandford and some of the neighbouring parishes, and in 1881, after 'riotous proceedings' there, a separate constable was appointed for Ledwell. (fn. 171) In 1894 many of the vestry's functions were taken over by the newly formed parish council.
Expenditure on poor relief was c. 126 in 1776, and rose to an average of 179 a year between 1783 and 1785 and to 463 or 1 9s. per head of population in 1803, the second highest rate in the area. It reached a peak of 667 or 1 14s. a head in 1814, an unusual peak year. Expenditure remained high until 1820 but fell to a low point of 398 or 16s. a head in 1821. In 1831 the parish spent a total of 451 or c. 17s. a head of population, rather less than most parishes in the area. (fn. 172)
There were 42 adults on regular out-relief in 1803; the number rose to between 50 and 55 in 1813 and 1814 but fell thereafter to between 20 and 30. There was no workhouse; the 10 spent on rent in 1776 was presumably used to pay paupers' rents. The roundsman system seems to have been in use from 1802 to 1816 or later. In the winter of 1815 at least 20 roundsmen worked for 9 employers. (fn. 173)
After 1834 Sandford St. Martin was included in the Woodstock poor law union. In 1932 it was moved from the Woodstock rural district to the Chipping Norton rural district, and in 1974 was included in West Oxfordshire. (fn. 174)
In the late 12th century Sandford church was a chapel of Steeple Barton. Its status was disputed in 1217 but confirmed as that of a chapel, although it paid all episcopal and archidiaconal dues as a parish church. (fn. 175) It remained officially a chapel throughout the Middle Ages although, as it had an endowed vicarage and a dependent chapel in Ledwell, it was often called a church. After the Reformation it was treated as an independent church. In 1977 the benefice was united with Westcott Barton, Steeple Barton, and Duns Tew. (fn. 176)
Ledwell was also a chapelry of Steeple Barton in the late 12th century. In 1217 it was served from Steeple Barton or Sandford, in 1225 from Sandford, but in 1240 the rector of Great Tew was censured for taking tithes and other dues in the township. (fn. 177)
The advowson followed the descent of Steeple Barton, and in 1559 was divided among John Blundell's coheirs. (fn. 178) Grants of a turn had been made in 1608 and 1610; in 1635 Thomas and Elizabeth Waller held a moiety of the advowson, and for the remainder of the century their descendants presented alternately with the Croker family. (fn. 179) At least three out of the four early 18th-century vicars were presented by the Wallers' successors the Taylors. The descent of the Crokers' share of the advowson is obscure, but at least an interest in it seems to have passed, with the advowson of Steeple Barton, to the duke of Marlborough. (fn. 180) In 1784 a third of the advowson was confirmed to the duke by an agreement reached between James Taylor and Mary Heywood after Mrs. Heywood had claimed it as belonging to her share of the tithes. (fn. 181) The Taylors' two turns passed, with the manor, to the Marshalls in 1828, to Lord Sandford in 1937, and to Mrs. S. C. Rittson-Thomas in 1957. (fn. 182)
A vicarage, comprising the small tithes, 4 a. of land, all obventions, and altar fees, was ordained in 1217 when Oseney abbey appropriated Steeple Barton rectory; a third of the tithes of Grove Ash, assigned for the maintenance of a chaplain at Ledwell, formed part of Sandford vicarage by 1225. (fn. 183) The vicarage was valued at 15s. in 1254 and 7 0s. 4d. in 1535. (fn. 184) By 1635 the glebe had increased to yardland, and in 1675 the living was worth 22 15s. 5d. (fn. 185) Henry Meads (d. 1755) gave 100 for four sermons; his executrix, Anne Roberts, and the vicar, John Blake, gave a further 100, and in 1757 Queen Anne's Bounty met the benefaction with a further 200. In 1761 the 400 was invested in land in Barford St. Michael. (fn. 186) At inclosure in 1768 the vicar received c. 12 a. for glebe and c. 56 a. for tithes. His third of the tithes of Grove Ash had already been commuted for a modus of 20 a year. (fn. 187) In 1814 the living was worth c. 185 net, but in 1831 the average income was only 175 a year; in 1831 the endowments in land were worth 205 a year, fees 2. (fn. 188)
There was a vicarage house on the south side of the church in 1258. (fn. 189) By the late 18th century it was used only as a source of income, the vicar complaining that when he had been forced to spend a night there it had been far too cold. (fn. 190) In 1814 the house was largely rebuilt, and a new wing added. It was further enlarged in 1842 when the original house was demolished and replaced by a square, two-storeyed house of rubble with ashlar quoins and lintels, facing west on the village street; the wing of 1814 remained as servants' quarters and offices. (fn. 191) It was sold in 1975.
At least nine of the later 15th- and early 16thcentury vicars held university degrees, but such men presumably spent much of their time in Oxford. (fn. 192) The vicar c. 1520 was apparently resident, but he was reported to have two women living in his house, and he was also censured for saying mass twice a day. The inhabitants of Grove Ash were criticized for attending Sandford church only four times a year; they presumably went to Ledwell, or perhaps Nether Worton, at other times. (fn. 193) William Medyn of Deddington, by will dated 1499, left 5 6s. 8d. for a chantry for a year in Sandford church, 6 13s. 4d. for a portable breviary for the church, and 3s. 4d. to the vicar. (fn. 194)
The chapel of St. Mary Magdalene in Ledwell, in existence by the late 12th century, was last recorded in 1499 when William Medyn left it 6s. 8d. The surname 'by the graveyard' recorded in Ledwell in 1279 suggests that it had burial rights. (fn. 195) It is thought to have stood in the centre of the village, on the east side of the road which once went to Worton.
The 16th century and the early 17th were marked by a series of short incumbencies. Robert Foster, 15603, had subscribed to the Elizabethan settlement in 1559 as rector of Over Worton. (fn. 196) Tange or Tangind Beale, 156678, died in office bequeathing 6d. to each poor household and 12d. to the parish poor box. (fn. 197) In 1601 the vicar, who held Steeple Barton in plurality, was deprived for adultery. (fn. 198) In 1605 the church was served by a curate, and William Payton, vicar 1618c. 1624, continued his studies, presumably in Oxford, during his incumbency. (fn. 199)
Thomas Belcher, vicar c. 1624c. 1656, retained the living throughout the Civil War, although he was deprived of Westcott Barton, which he had acquired in 1640, in 1646; he was still living in Sandford in 1659. (fn. 200) His successor at Sandford was Hannibal Potter, the deposed president of Trinity College, Oxford, who was appointed in 1658. (fn. 201) In 1663 the vicar was Edward Cockson, vicar of Steeple Barton 16611712; he was succeeded in 1678 by his brother Henry Cockson who held the living until his death in 1695. (fn. 202) He was accused c. 1685 of not catechizing, and in 1694 he was excommunicated for performing an irregular marriage in Great Tew, where he was vicar. (fn. 203)
In 1738 the usual services were morning and evening prayer with one sermon on Sundays; holy communion was administered three times a year, at the great festivals. (fn. 204) By 1768 the number of communion services had risen to four a year, and there were prayers, with Henry Meads's sermons, on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, 1 January, and 5 November, (fn. 205) but otherwise services remained the same throughout the 18th century. Many vicars, notably John Blake, 1750 84, who lived in Warwickshire, and Edward Walker, 17841807, also vicar of Steeple Barton, (fn. 206) were pluralists, and the church was served by curates, often themselves non-resident. (fn. 207) Nevertheless, Sandford seems to have been comparatively well served until 1801 when a group of parishioners complained to the bishop that Walker's curate, who served three other churches, had abandoned weekday services, reduced the number of Sunday services to one in the winter, and ceased to catechize. The trouble may have been exacerbated by ill feeling between the Taylors at the Manor and the Coxes at the Park; although Walker was Taylor's brother-in-law, the objectors were led by James, William, and Catherine Taylor, while the curate's chief supporter was Samuel Cox. The new curate, licensed in 1801 on the bishop's instructions, was the Taylors' cousin Edward Marshall (later Edward Marshall Hacker). (fn. 208) Under him and his brother and successor Nicholas Marshall, both of whom lived in Enstone, church life improved somewhat, the number of communicants rising from 14 in 1802 to c. 20 in 1805 and 1811; the number fell again to c. 15, after Nicholas's departure in 1813. (fn. 209)
William Thorp, vicar 180735, lived in Sandford from 1814, but the living was too poor to support him, and in 1818 he served South Newington as curate, and in 1827 Westcott Barton. (fn. 210) The comparative neglect which Sandford suffered was reflected in Thorp's frequent complaints that many of his parishioners attended other churches or conventicles, or were inclined to Methodism. (fn. 211) Thorp seems to have died in poverty, and Edward Marshall Hacker, who presented himself to the living in 1835, appointed his son Charles as his curate and gave him the use of the vicarage house. (fn. 212)
After Marshall Hacker's death in 1839 there was a vacancy until 1841 when the bishop presented, by lapse, Thomas Curme, the duke of Marlborough's chaplain, who was already serving the church. (fn. 213) Curme was a sincere and staunch Evangelical who increased the number of communion services to one a month and preached twice each Sunday. His ministry was popular in the parish and neighbourhood. In 1851 congregations averaged 210 in the morning and 220 in the afternoon, and in 1854 Curme reported that the church was sometimes full on Sunday evenings. (fn. 214) Curme was antagonistic to the Oxford movement, and the leader of a group of North Oxfordshire clergy opposed to Bishop Wilberforce. The bishop, while considering him a 'man of piety' and 'devout', clearly found him disruptive, and protested strongly at some of his activities, notably his public support in 1848 of a clergyman who had become a nonconformist minister, and his interference in 1853 in Steeple Aston parish. (fn. 215)
On Curme's death in 1884 Edward Marshall presented himself to the living and held it until his death in 1899. (fn. 216) His high church views were a complete contrast to Curme's; he increased the number of communion services to one a week in 1886, and introduced daily prayers. In 1896 he was able to report an increase in the number of communicants. (fn. 217) A further increase was reported by his successor in 1902. (fn. 218)
The church of ST. MARTIN comprises a chancel, aisled and clerestoried nave, west tower, and south porch. The narrow north aisle of three bays was added to the nave in the late 12th or early 13th century. Extensive alterations and additions were made in the mid 13th century when the chancel (demolished in the 19th century) and the south aisle were added; the work may perhaps account for the dedication of the church recorded in 1273. (fn. 219) The surviving chancel arch is particularly striking, being built of alternating light and dark stones. The south aisle was widened in the early 14th century when the vaulted south porch of two storeys was added, and later in that century new windows were inserted in the east walls of the chancel and the tower was built. In the 15th century the clerestory was added and the west tower remodelled.
The tower, porch, and chancel were all presented as out of repair at various times in the later 18th century and the early 19th, and the chancel was repaired by E. Marshall Hacker and S. F. Cox in 1827. (fn. 220) In 1844 and 1845 the church was thoroughly repaired and the interior rearranged. (fn. 221) Further repairs were carried out in 1853, and in 1856 the chancel was rebuilt by G. E. Street at the expense of Edwin Guest; the 14th-century east window was preserved and inserted in the new building. (fn. 222) The windows in the north aisle seem to have been replaced at the same time. (fn. 223)
The 12th-century font with zigzag carving has been roughly shaped to fit a later octagonal base. The 15th-century rood screen survived until the reordering of the interior in 1844, and fragments remained in 1910. (fn. 224) What appears to have been the rood beam was in use in 1979 to support the arms of Elizabeth I on the west wall of the chancel above the arch. Fragments of medieval glass are preserved in the windows of the south aisle, and glass by John Piper was inserted in the east window of the north aisle in 1973 as part of the septcentenary celebrations of the church. (fn. 225)
There are a number of wall plaques, the earliest and one of the most elaborate that to Thomas Giles (d. 1637). On the nave walls are five hatchments: Henry Scott, earl of Deloraine (d. 1730), and his wife Anne (d. 1720), James Sayer (d. 1776), and two members of the Taylor family. In the churchyard is the humpbacked tomb of the earl and countess of Deloraine.
A few papists or dissenters were occasonally reported in the later 17th century and the 18th, (fn. 228) but only the Quakers, who were closely connected with the Quaker community in South Newington, survived long. There was at least one Quaker in the parish in 1663, but no more were reported until 1768. (fn. 229) Between 1784 and 1825 six Quakers from Ledwell were buried at South Newington, five of them members of the Jeffcoat family who moved to Ledwell from South Newington c. 1782. (fn. 230) Four adult members of the family were baptized in 1797. (fn. 231) Joseph Harris, a member of another South Newington Quaker family, farmed at Grove Ash from 1791 to 1801 or later. (fn. 232)
Many Sandford people were said to attend conventicles in neighbouring parishes in 1817, and in 1823 the absentees were identified as Methodists. (fn. 233) A Ranters or Primitive Methodist meeting was occasionally held at a house in Sandford c. 1850, (fn. 234) and in 1854 a chapel was built at Ledwell; it closed c. 1955. (fn. 235)
In the later 18th century there was usually a small school for c. 8 poor children. (fn. 236) It was supported by a charity, presumably that of Henry Meads and Anne Roberts mentioned below. In 1808 there were two schools, attended by c. 20 boys and c. 10 girls. (fn. 237) By 1815 the numbers had risen to c. 40 boys and c. 20 girls, and there was also a Sunday school for 12 girls, established by Mrs. R. Kynaston of Sandford Park, (fn. 238) but in 1818 only 10 boys and 5 girls were at school. (fn. 239) A day school started in 1820 contained 4 boys and 17 girls in 1833, and a further 38 infants, 26 boys, and 34 girls were taught in two infant and two day schools largely supported by Mrs. Perrot of Sandford Park. (fn. 240) The infant school collapsed that year on Mrs. Perrot's departure, and numbers in the day schools fell sharply. In 1834 the only infant school was one in Ledwell for 10 children. (fn. 241)
In 1843 a school for 83 children was built on glebeland north of Sandford village, largely at the expense of E. Marshall, Mrs. Marshall Hacker, and S. F. Cox. A separate room for infants was added c. 1865. The school was supported by subscriptions and children's pence; it received a government grant from 1867. (fn. 242) In 1858 there were 59 children on the roll but average attendance was only 47; there was also an evening school during the winter. (fn. 243) In 1868 a quarter of the children under 10 were habitually absent, and 16 boys under 13 were agricultural labourers. (fn. 244) Average attendance increased from 50 in 1871 to 65 in 1890, but thereafter declined with the decreasing population of the parish. (fn. 245)
There was one certificated teacher in the school in 1858. (fn. 246) In the 1870s the mistress was assisted only by E. Marshall's and the vicar's daughters, who were quite unqualified, and in 1879 the government inspector insisted on the appointment of an assistant teacher. Standards improved in the 1880s, but in the 1890s the school buildings were inadequate, and there was again no qualified assistant. In 1898 the managers were severely rebuked for trying to divert a grant for an assistant teacher to the provision of a water-supply. (fn. 247)
In 1930 the school was reorganized as a junior school, older children going to Steeple Aston. Attendance fell from 28 in 1930 to 17 in 1939, and the school was closed in 1947, the children being transferred to Middle Barton school. In 1979 juniors attended Middle Barton county primary school, seniors Chipping Norton comprehensive. (fn. 248)
Henry Meads (d. 1755) and Anne Roberts (d. 1767) apparently gave money or land for the schooling of eight poor children. (fn. 249) By 1768 the charity comprised c. 6 a. in Barford St. Michael, the profits of which rose from 3 3s. a year before inclosure in 1808 to 6 6s. a year in 1811. The number of children benefiting rose to 10 in 1802 and to 15 in 1833. (fn. 250) After 1842 the money was used to support children at the parish school. Since the school's closure it has been applied to more general educational purposes, notably the church hall and the Sunday school. (fn. 251)
Charities for the poor.
Thomas Giles, by will dated 1637, left 100 to the poor. (fn. 252) Most of the money was lost in the later 17th century and the early 18th, and in 1756 the remaining 20 was invested in land in Westcott Barton. In the 19th century it was used, with the profits of the poor's allotment made under the inclosure award of 1768, to buy coal at Christmas. (fn. 253) It was still so used in 1972, but a Scheme of 1970 authorized relief in cash or kind, in general or particular. (fn. 254)
John Lock (d. 1711) gave 40 for an annual dole of food. The charity was lost c. 1780. (fn. 255)
Henry Meads (d. 1755) and Anne Roberts (d. 1767) provided for an annual dole of bread, as well as for the education of poor children. The dole was still distributed in 1812, but had been lost by 1852. (fn. 256) | <urn:uuid:608219db-c663-4dff-8c73-f3b4c2587212> | {
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Sidewinders vs. worm drive circular saws
What's the difference?
There are two kinds of handheld circular saws, and the difference boils down to the way power from the motor is delivered to the blade. So-called sidewinder saws have the motor either on the left- or right-hand side of the blade, hence the name. Worm-drive saws, on the other hand, transmit power 90º in a way that places the motor behind the blade. This set-up makes for a heavier, narrower saw that also spins blades more slowly because of the gearing-down action. Typical worm-drive saws spin at about 4,400 rpm, compared with almost 6,000 rpm for sidewinders. Slower speed translates into more torque for tougher cuts.
Sidewinder saws are lighter, but the location of the side-mounted motor can make it difficult to see the cut line. Models with blades located to the left of the motor are easier for right-handed users. The opposite is true for lefties. Generally, sidewinder models are favoured in eastern Canada, while carpenters out west tend to choose worm-drive saws more often.
The world’s first handheld circular saw was a worm-drive model made in 1924; the Skil Model 77 that’s still available today is a direct descendent of this first machine. The term worm drive refers to a particular kind of spiral-shaped, internal drive system. For more than 60 years, worm-drive saws were the only non-sidewinder models you could get, so the name became generic. These days, several manufacturers offer gear-drive saws that use hypoid gears; although, the old worm-drive name still gets used. The direct-drive sidewinder saw was invented in 1928 by Porter-Cable engineer Art Emmons as a way to get around patents protecting the gear-drive concept. | <urn:uuid:334c9e0c-8fde-457a-a66f-cc18c59f1f46> | {
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The Val di Fiemme, is situated in the heart of the Western Italian Alps.
Between the 17th and the 18th centuries, the celebrated violin maker Antonio Stradivari used the wood from this red spruce forest for his violins
The first phase in constructing a piano begins by forming the rim, which is made in two layers, internal and external.
The internal rim, which is lower, is made by stacking together 5mm thick lengths of solid maple, which is then bent around special moulds to form its characteristic shape.
The load-bearing frame of the piano is attached to the internal rim, a front cross-piece is applied and a metal joint fitted; the reinforcing bars are then fitted into the joint and connect to various points on the rim.
The bars are made of three lengths of spruce which are glued together in a way to guarantee maximum stability.
The sound board is made by laying several lengths of red spruce, cut from the trunk using the quarter sawn method, side-by-side and gluing them together.
After passing a rigorous selection process the 1cm thick lengths, which are between 8 and 12cm wide, are chosen by the highly specialised Fazioli technicians. | <urn:uuid:10cb53ea-90dc-46c0-b8fb-9ceb66c183ec> | {
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First of all – what IS a carrier oil? A carrier oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant – which is usually the seed, kernel or nut of the plant. Since essential oils are so concentrated and can burn the skin when applied undiluted, essential oils are generally used diluted in a carrier oil base; the term “carrier oil” is derived from the oil’s purpose in carrying the essential oil to the skin.
Just like with essential oils, carrier oils should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to best retard rancidity and extend their shelf life. While it is not really necessary to store carrier oils in amber bottles, a cool location, and maybe even the refrigerator (although not the freezer!) will work well. Some of the oils will solidify in the refrigerator, but can easily be gently warmed and lightly stirred or shaken before use.
While essential oils do not generally become rancid, carrier oils can become rancid over time. Various factors will effect how rapidly that occurs, including how they are stored, how they were extracted, antioxidants added to retard rancidity (T-50, etc.), and the type of oil you are storing. Other means of increasing the shelf life of your carrier oils include:
-Do not keep bottles partially full – This is because the oxygen that lives in the bottle reacts with the oil and starts to oxidize it, causing it to go rancid more quickly. The empty space inside the bottle is the “headspace” and the best way to retard rancidity is to limit the amount of headspace.
-Keep your bottle caps tight – This is for the same reason that you want to avoid keeping bottles partially full; you are trying to keep oxygen out of your carrier oil bottles. Exposure to oxygen will shorten the shelf life of your oils. Plastic bottle lids can crack if overtightened, allowing oxygen in, but closing them tightly enough to keep oxygen out without cracking the lids is always a good idea.
-Don’t contaminate the oil – Another thing that will destroy a carrier oil quickly is exposure to contaminants. This would include unsterilized fingers and measuring equipment, cotton balls, syringes, eye droppers, and the like. It’s generally best to pour a portion of the carrier oil into another container and work with it from there (without reintroducing the excess oil to your storage bottle) than to risk contaminating the original oil in your storage container.
-Also, please remember that oils are flammable and keep them away from heating elements, etc. Many fixed oil purchasers also find it handy to label their carrier oils when they get them with the date purchased and the name of the oil, just in case the original label wears off or becomes unreadable. | <urn:uuid:e084bfbd-467e-4330-b620-4f49f7613a9b> | {
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Stele of the Vultures
| image_caption =Fragment of the Stele of the Vultures
| material =Limestone+
| size =height: width: thickness:
| writing =Sumerian+cuneiform+
| created =Early Dynastic III period (2600–2350 BC)
| discovered =Tello+, Iraq+
| location =Musée du Louvre+, Paris
| id =AO 16 IO9, AO 50, AO 2246, AO 2348
The '''Stele of the Vultures''' is a monument from the Early Dynastic III period (2600–2350 BC) in Mesopotamia+ celebrating a victory of the city-state of Lagash+ over its neighbour Umma+. It shows various battle and religious scenes and is named after the vultures+ that can be seen in one of these scenes. The stele+ was originally carved out of a single slab of limestone+ but only seven fragments are known today. The fragments were found at Tello+ (ancient Girsu) in southern Iraq+ in the late 19th century and are now on display in the Louvre+.
The stele is not complete; only seven fragments are known today. The first three fragments were found during excavations in the early 1880s by the French archaeologist Ernest de Sarzec+ at the archaeological site of Tello+, ancient Girsu, in what is today southern Iraq+. Another three fragments came to light during the excavations of 1888–1889. A seventh fragment that was later determined to be part of the Stele of the Vultures and thought to have come from Tello was acquired on the antiquities market by the British Museum+ in 1898. While two initial requests to hand this fragment over to the Louvre+ were denied by the British Museum, it was eventually given to the Louvre in 1932 so that it could be incorporated in the reconstructed stele together with the other fragments.
The complete monument, as reconstructed and now in display in the Louvre, would have been high, wide and thick and had a rounded top. It was made out of a single slab of limestone+ with carved reliefs on both sides. The stele can be placed in a tradition of mid- to late-third millennium BC southern Mesopotamia+ in which military victories are celebrated on stone monuments. A similar monument is the Victory Stele of Naram-Sin+, created during the Akkadian period+ that followed on the Early Dynastic III period.
The two sides of the stele show distinctly different scenes and have therefore been interpreted as a mythological side and a historical side. The mythological side is divided into two registers. The upper, larger register shows a large male figure holding a mace in his right hand and an ''anzu+'' or lion-headed eagle in his left hand. The ''anzu'' identifies the figure as the god Ningirsu+. Below the ''anzu'' is a large net filled with the bodies of naked men. Behind Ningirsu stands a smaller female figure wearing a horned headband and with maces protruding from her shoulders. These characteristics allow the figure to be identified as the goddess Ninhursag+. The lower, smaller register is very badly preserved but, based on comparisons with contemporary depictions, it has been suggested that it depicted the god Ningirsu standing on a chariot drawn by mythological animals.
The historical side is divided into four horizontal registers. The upper register shows Eannatum+, the ''ensi+'' or ruler of Lagash+, leading a phalanx+ of soldiers into battle, with their defeated enemies trampled below their feet. Flying above them are the vulture+s after which the stele is named, with the severed heads of the enemies of Lagash in their beaks. The second register shows soldiers marching with shouldered spears behind the king, who is riding a chariot and holding a spear. In the third register, a small part of a possibly seated figure can be seen. In front of him, a cow is tethered to a pole while a naked priest standing on a pile of dead animal bodies performs a libation+ ritual on two plants spouting from vases. Left of these scenes is a pile of naked bodies surrounded by skirted workers with baskets on their head. Only a small part of the fourth register has been preserved, showing a hand holding a spear that touches the head of an enemy. Some Sumerologists have proposed reconstructing a caption near the enemy as "Kalbum, King of Kish".
The inscriptions on the stele are badly preserved. They fill the negative spaces in the scenes and run continuously from one side to the other. The text is written in Sumerian+cuneiform script+. From these inscriptions it is known that the stele was commissioned by Eannatum, an ''ensi'' or ruler of Lagash around 2460 BC. On it, he describes a conflict with Umma+ over a tract of agricultural land located between the two city-states. The conflict ends in a battle in which Eannatum, described as the beloved of the god Ningirsu, triumphs over Umma. After the battle, the leader of Umma swears that he will not transgress into the territory of Lagash again upon penalty of divine punishment.
Stele of the Vultures+ The Stele of the Vultures is a monument from the Early Dynastic III period (2600–2350 BC) in Mesopotamia celebrating a victory of the city-state of Lagash over its neighbour Umma. | <urn:uuid:c2a95221-df49-4e3b-b8e4-9c6a7711da3c> | {
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For many years there were some economists who argued that their discipline shouldn’t worry about inequality. Economists, they said, should focus on efficiency and growth, and leave the distribution up to the political world. But a research brief released on Tuesday by the Wall Street ratings agency Standard and Poor’s concludes that growth versus equality is a false choice. The authors argue that while some inequality may be desirable in a market economy — it spurs entrepreneurship and innovation — when those at the top take too large a share of a nation’s output, they tend to bank it rather than spend it. This ultimately hurts consumer demand and slows down economic growth. They also note that “higher levels of income inequality increase political pressures, discouraging trade, investment, and hiring.”The point of the brief that made headlines this week is this: “Our review of the data, as well as a wealth of research on this matter, leads us to conclude that the current level of income inequality in the US is dampening GDP growth, at a time when the world’s biggest economy is struggling to recover from the Great Recession.”
But S&P makes another crucially important argument: Not only does high inequality slow growth over the long-term, but it also makes an economy more prone to a boom-and-bust cycle — it leaves us vulnerable to shocks.
“As income inequality increased before the crisis, less affluent households took on more and more debt to keep up–or, in this case, catch up–with the Joneses,” the analysts write. “Further, when home prices climbed, these households were willing to borrow against their newfound equity–and financial institutions were increasingly willing to help them do so, despite slow income growth. A number of economists have pointed to ways in which this trend may have harmed the US economy.”
After several decades of stagnant wages, most Americans have little or no cushion to get them through a temporary setback. According to a 2013 survey of 1,000 US households by Bankrate.com, 81 percent of American families don’t have enough emergency savings to pay the bills for six months. American households compensated for flat wages first by transitioning from one-earner to two-earners — millions of women joined the workforce. Then we started borrowing. When the recession hit, we were tapped out and deeply in debt. With no economic security — no cushion — we stopped spending money on anything but the essentials, and that contributed to the “output-gap” that persists to this day.
The S&P analysts take a cautious, Wall Street-friendly approach to possible solutions — no “soak the rich” proposals are offered by the ratings agency. They endorse raising the minimum wage but caution against too much government intervention in the economy. They stress the importance of education for decreasing inequality over the long term.
But they do urge lawmakers to do something to address the issue. While stopping short of recommending specific policies to tackle the problem, the authors look favorably at the idea of taxing investment income like ordinary wages and write about a proposal in the California legislature to tie companies’ tax rates to their ratio of CEO-to-worker pay. “In addition to strengthening the quality of economic expansions,” they write, “bringing levels of income inequality under control would improve US economic resilience in the face of potential risks to growth. From a consumer perspective, benefits would extend across income levels, boosting purchasing power among those in the middle and lower levels of the pay scale–while the richest Americans would enjoy increased spending power in a sustained economic expansion.”
You can read the entire research brief at Standard and Poor’s. | <urn:uuid:408d85d6-f1a9-4bd5-ab05-7910787b4e00> | {
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As we know, ball screws are used in automatic machines more and more, especially CNC machines and machining centers. So, correct ball screw could increase precision and production capacity. But, there are so many types, how to choose? Let’s analyze it together.
General speaking, before you select ball screws, you need to consider below conditions firstly: load, feed speed, running mode, screw shaft speed, the stroke length, installation direction(horizontal or vertical), life time, positional accuracy.
2.Preselected ball screw specifications
According to above conditions, accuracy grade of ground ball screw, axle diameter of screw, screw pitch and overall length are preselected.
• Accuracy grade
C0~C10 is JIS standard, general machines use C7/C10, CNC machines use C3/C5, aviation machines use C0/C1, so, the smaller the number, the higher the accuracy.
• Axle diameter
Load decide diameter. Horizontal: the maximum axial load is subjected to acceleration and minimum load during deceleration. Vertical: the maximum axial load is borne when rising, and the minimum load is borne when it falls. Therefore, the smaller of screw’s axle diameter, the allowable axial load of the screw is smaller.
• Screw pitch
The two adjacent threads correspond to the axial distance between the two points on the mother line of the middle diameter cylinder. General, the larger the pitch, the larger the lead. Meanwhile, large lead is suitable for fast moving.
Over all length = stroke length + nut length + safe margin + installation length + connection length + margin
Sometimes, you add protection, such as a sheath, you need to take into account the scaling ratio of the sheath (generally 1:8, the maximum elongation of the sheath divided by 8)
3.Check basic security
• Allowable axial load
The allowable axial load is the load which may possibly cause buckling of the screw axis. The maximum axial load applied to the screw axis must be less than allowable axial load to ensure its security.
• Allowable rotate speed
Ball screw’s rotate speed is according to necessary feed speed and screw pitch, and it must be less than allowable rotate speed.
• Life time
The working life is the total rotation times, time and distance that ball rolling surfaces or any ball get fatigue due to alternating stress, until the balls start to peel off. So, calculate the life time of screw axis could ensure the life time required.
4.Discuss the performance requirements
When ball screw is working, you hope linear ball screw improve the precision of precise positioning and responsiveness, the following confirmation is required.
• Rigidity of the screw axis
The rigidity of the screw system’s each part must be considered.
• Temperature and life time
The tissue of material will change when the ball screw is used for more than 100 degrees or a short period of time but when used in a very high temperature environment. And the basic dynamic load will decrease as the temperature increase. Usually, ball screw is used within -20℃~80℃. When in high temperature environment, the grease must be changed to heat resistant, and check heat-resisting temperature of each part. | <urn:uuid:a9c7a510-9d08-48ef-bf59-9184adb538ef> | {
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[Update Friday a.m., Japan: via NKH World, based on the essential facts below, TEPCO now describes the reactor core in Unit 1 as in "meltdown."
The utility company said on Thursday that most of the fuel rods are likely to have melted and fallen to the bottom of the reactor. Earlier in the day, it found that the coolant water in the reactor is at a level which would completely expose nuclear fuel rods if they were in their normal position.
The company believes the melted fuel has cooled down, judging from the reactor's surface temperature. ]
Ever since the Japan earthquake and tsunami disabled the cooling systems at Units 1-4 of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear plant, each of those units has been suffering significant leaks of radioactive water through various but mostly unconfirmed sources. Those leaks could be in the cooling system pipes, damaged valves and pumps, or even related condenser equipment in adjacent turbine buildings.
More ominous would be leaks from the containment structure or pressure suppression pool, and worst of all would be leaks directly from the reactor vessel that holds the damaged, partially melted fuel core.
News reports this morning are now confirming there is a major leak from a hole, likely “several centimeters” in diameter, in the reactor vessel at Unit 1. The utility, TEPCO, discovered the leak/hole in the reactor vessel after making repairs on a related gauge. From Reuters:
Workers at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant have been pumping water into four of the six reactors on the site to bring their nuclear fuel rods to a “cold shutdown” state by January.
But after repairing a gauge in the No. 1 reactor earlier this week, Tokyo Electric Power Co discovered that the water level in the pressure vessel that contains its uranium fuel rods had dropped about 5 meters (16 ft) below the targeted level to cover the fuel under normal operating conditions.
“There must be a large leak,” Junichi Matsumoto, a general manager at the utility also known as TEPCO, told a news conference.
The Reuters article is not clear about the location of this hole, and authorities may not know. We have reported previously that one theory about the continuing leaks from the Unit 1-3 reactors noted leaks could arise from damage to the seals for one or more of the water injection or steam withdrawal pipes connected directly to the reactor vessel. These occur at various levels on the vessel, relative to the height of the fuel rods. One set, for example, would be about half way down the level of fuel rods, and if a leak at that point were large, it would effectively preclude the operators from maintaining water above that level, leaving the fuel rods partially exposed. In theory, they might be able to inject water faster than it leaked out, but at the time, their makeshift pumping equipment did not have that capacity.
A worse scenario would be that the “hole” was created by melting fuel either damaging the vessel as it fell to the bottom, or worse, burning through the bottom of the pressure vessel. That could mean that both contaminated water and melted fuel could fall through onto the containment structure floor. What Reuters reports, in quoting local officials, doesn’t tell us the answer:
“The fuel pellets likely melted and fell, and in the process may have damaged … the pressure vessel itself and created a hole,” he added.
Since the surface temperature of the pressure vessel has been holding steady between 100 and 120 degrees Celsius, Matsumoto said the effort to cool the melted uranium fuel by pumping in water was working and would continue.
Based on the amount of water that is remaining around the partially melted and collapsed fuel, Matsumoto estimated that the pressure vessel had developed a hole of several centimeters in diameter.
However, this report from NHK World suggest the “hole” is below the bottom of the fuel rods, even though TEPCO doesn’t believe the fuel has melted through the reactor vessel:
The utility had suspected the gauge wasn’t working properly because the water level hasn’t been rising despite pumping in 150 tons of water daily to cool the reactor.
On Thursday morning, it was found that the water level was more than one meter below the bottom of the fuel rods, suggesting a large volume of water is leaking into the containment vessel.
The utility company also believes that the water is leaking from the containment vessel into the reactor building. This is because the estimated volume of water inside the containment vessel appears to be less than what leaked into it from the reactor.
And there’s this from Japan Times:
According to Tepco, the water-level indicators of the pressure vessel had indicated the water surface was about 1.65 meters below the top of the fuel rods. But as of Thursday morning the reading was more than 5 meters below the top. The fuel rods, if undamaged, are only 4.5 meters in height.
[Note: When Japan sources refer to the "contaiment vessel," they mean what I've been calling the "containment structure" that encloses the reactor vessel. See diagram above. They don't mean the reactor vessel that holds the core.]
Since no one can get inside the containment structure or close to the vessel to inspect it, they can only infer how large the hole is based on water injection and leakage rates and temperatures. At this point, it’s not clear whether they’ve just discovered a condition that has been there since the first days, when the core was uncovered and the melting occurred, or whether this is a later hole that is being steadily enlarged by the melted fuel. Either way, it means that keeping the remaining fuel covered is a serious challenge.
Update: the Wall Street Journal has more details confirming the basics of the story. | <urn:uuid:04ede66d-3cc3-4295-a0cc-3f9c95228531> | {
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Oscar Wilde plays a pivotal role in Queer History as a testimony of how same-sex relationships, and in general queer desire, were often met with suspect and hostility in Victorian times.
In February 1895, Wilde was accused by his lover Alfred Douglas’s (also known as Bosie) father, the Marquess of Queensberry of “posing as a sodomite” (biblical term, used as a slur to refer to people who were LGBTQ+).
The Oscar Wilde Temple, curated by Alison M. Gingeras in partnership with Studio Voltaire, is an immersive installation created by New-York based visual artists David McDermott and Peter McGough to celebrate the legacy of the Irish poet and playwright as a ‘pioneer of gay liberation’, whilst memorialising contemporary LGBTQ+ martyrs, and people who have died from AIDS.
McDermott & McGough’s practice has been focused since 1980 on experimenting with performative ‘time machines’, such as restoring a 19th-century townhouse on Manhattan’s Avenue C where they lived as top-hat wearing Victorian gentlemen.
For The Oscar Wilde Temple, the artists draw on the aesthetics and atmosphere of Victorian England through the use of “specially made fabric wall coverings, architectural and decorative details, furnishings and lighting.”
When you enter the gallery, a Victorian former chapel, you feel a sense of safeness and contemplative intimacy. A four-foot statue of Wilde, located at the centre of the room, near two vases and an altar, gives an impression of standing in front of a religious icon.
On the walls, covered in period wallpaper and evoking the voluptuousness of the Aesthetic Movement, are paintings with episodes of Wilde’s life from the arrest to the release from prison, forming a series entitled “The Stations of Reading Gaol” (name of the prison where Wilde had been incarcerated after being convicted for homosexual offences in 1895).
This curatorial choice of putting Wilde and Christ on the same level contributes to create a non-linear and queer historical narrative, which is the distinctive trait of the artists’ practice, as we might see below in the “C.33 A Holy Family”.
The portrait represents the ‘trinity’ of Wilde, his mother Speranza, and lover Bosie in the fashion of altar paintings, surrounded by sunflowers.
Next, the Temple includes a shrine dedicated to people who struggled or died from AIDS, together with a series of portraits of homophobia martyrs, such as Alan Turing and Harvey Milk.
In this post, I would like to focus on the story of footballer Justin Fashanu and teenage African-American Sakia Gunn.
Fashanu (1987-2003) was a London-born professional footballer, who played between 1978 and 1997 (above).
Fashanu’s story enables to reflect on the dangerous effects of media outing: heard of the rumours that a Sunday newspaper intended to publicly expose his homosexuality, Fashanu decided to sell an exclusive to The Sun, which was published on October 22 with the title “£1m Soccer Star: I am Gay.”
Since then Justin received a lot of backlash from football clubs and from the police, which accused him with multiple allegations of sexual assault in the US: the pressure was too much to handle and Fashanu took his life on May 3, 1998.
Fashanu had been considered guilty only because he was open to discuss his sexuality and paved the way for other athletes to come out.
Discussing the inability of getting a fair trial, Fashanu states in his suicidal note: “I realised that I had already been presumed guilty. I don’t want to give any more embarrassment to my friends and family.” The Justin Campaign aims to promote inclusivity in football and to continue Fashanu’s legacy.
Next, the story of 15-year old African American lesbian Sakia Gunn (1987-2003, above) is a testimony of the alarming rate of violence against LGBTQ+ teens: Sakia was stabbed to death in Newark, New Jersey on May 11, 2003 by two men solely for the fact that she and her girlfriends rejected their sexual advances.
It is fundamental to recall the marginalisation given to this story by the media, with only 21 articles compared to the 659 stories about Matthew Shepard, a white college freshman at the University of Wyoming, murdered for his alleged sexual orientation.
Gunn’ story is a powerful example of queer solidarity, as it started a wave of activism in Newark with the creation of Newark Pride Alliance, Sakia Gunn Aggressives & Femmes; and the Palmer B. Carson- PFLAG ‘Sakia Gunn’ Scholarship.
Taken as a whole, the exhibition succeeds in making the audience aware of the continuing inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ communities.
The Oscar Wilde Temple, open until 31 March 2019, can be used for private contemplation as well as a space for marriages, naming ceremonies, vow renewals, and memorials.
The Temple is an entirely safe space for the LGBTQ+ community both to ignite private commemoration and, more fundamentally, to afford a space for LGBTQ+ groups who do not have a fixed home. The Albert Kennedy Trust, a national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, will be running workshops, events, mentoring and professional development for young people who would otherwise be homeless or living in a hostile environment. | <urn:uuid:0ac584a4-dadd-4cbc-a66c-a99e0e4dd21f> | {
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The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest vein in the body. It runs alongside the abdominal aorta, but there are several important differences between their branches and tributaries which make perfect fodder for trick questions in exams! I hope you find this anatomy guide helpful.
The IVC in a nutshell
- The IVC is formed by the union of the right and left common iliac veins.
- It conveys systemic venous blood from the lower limbs and pelvis, the undersurface of the diaphragm and parts of the abdominal wall – it does NOT drain blood from the gut!
- It begins in the abdomen at L5 and ends in the thorax at T8, where it enters the pericardial sac and drains directly into the right atrium of the heart.
- It enters the abdomen through the caval opening of the diaphragm, which is located in its central tendon at vertebral level T8.
- It is accompanied through the caval opening by the terminal branches of the right phrenic nerve.
- The caval opening increases in size during inspiration, which encourages the venous return of blood to the heart through the IVC.
- It is located on the posterior abdominal wall in the retroperitoneal space of the abdomen.
- It descends to the right of the abdominal aorta and the vertebral column.
- Because it is situated to the right of the midline, left-sided veins are longer than their equivalents coming from the right, as they have further to travel. This means that, for example, the left renal vein is longer than the right.
- Running parallel to the IVC on its left-hand side is the aorta and the cisterna chyli.
- Running on its right-hand side is the right sympathetic trunk and right ureter.
- Organs sitting directly in front of the IVC include the liver, duodenum and pancreas.
- It is also crossed anteriorly by the portal triad within the lower free edge of the lesser omentum, the right gonadal artery, and the right common iliac artery.
- Important structures passing behind the IVC include the right renal artery and the azygos vein.
- The normal diameter of the IVC is 1.5-2.5cm – this varies depending on inspiration and expiration and also with the patient’s volume status. A diameter of <1cm indicates hypovolaemia, whereas >2.5cm suggests fluid overload.
- As the central venous pressure is normally very low (5-10mmHg), IVC aneurysms are exceptionally rare. The low pressure instead makes it vulnerable to obstruction, which can be due to internal occlusion by thrombosis or a spreading cancer (“tumour thrombus”), or external compression by an aortic aneurysm, intra-abdominal malignancies, or a heavily pregnant uterus.
- As with the abdominal aorta, trauma to the IVC tends to be catastrophic with rapid exsanguination.
Tributaries of the Inferior Vena Cava
The diagram below summarises the arrangement of the tributaries of the IVC.
There are several key points to take away from this diagram:
- The IVC has:
- 3 anterior visceral tributaries (three hepatic)
- 3 lateral visceral tributaries (suprarenal, renal, gonadal)
- 5 lateral abdominal wall tributaries (inferior phrenic and four lumbar)
- 3 veins of origin (two common iliac and the median sacral)
- The IVC does not drain blood from the gut. This has to pass through the portal vein into the liver, to allow removal of any contaminants and processing of the nutrients. The portal vein is formed by the union of the splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein behind the neck of the pancreas. It travels into the liver as part of the portal triad in the lower free edge of the lesser omentum. Once processed, venous blood passes back into the systemic circulation via the three hepatic veins.
- The upper retrohepatic part of the IVC runs directly behind the liver and is firmly bound to its posterior surface by strong connective tissue attachments.
- The lower part of the IVC runs parallel to the aorta on its right-hand side.
- Unlike the three suprarenal arteries, there is only one suprarenal vein on each side.
- Because the aorta is in the way, the left renal vein has to pass in front of it to get to the IVC. Other veins such as the left suprarenal vein and left gonadal vein also need to get across to the other side, so they join with the left renal vein and get a lift with it across the front of the aorta. The right suprarenal vein and right gonadal vein are already on the correct side of the body, so they can drain directly into the IVC as separate tributaries.
- The left renal vein is a really useful landmark to find if you are given a posterior abdominal wall prosection to label in your exam. It is easy to identify, as it is the only large vein that crosses over the front of the aorta. Once you’ve found it, you have identified vertebral level L1. The coeliac artery and superior mesenteric artery will emerge from the front of the aorta above this point. The gonadal arteries will emerge just below it, and the inferior mesenteric artery will be a little further down. This should allow you to then confidently work out the remaining branches – hooray!
- The gonadal veins (testicular in men and ovarian in women) are situated surprisingly high up in the abdomen, considering that the organs they drain are either dangling in the scrotum or way down in the pelvis. This is because, during early fetal life, the gonads begin to develop up next to the kidneys before migrating downwards to their proper positions. They get their blood supply from where they started, not from where they end up.
- The lumbar veins arise posteriorly and will not be easily visible on most anatomical prosections.
- The fifth lumbar veins on either side drain into the iliolumbar vein, which is a tributary of the internal iliac vein.
Real Anatomy: Radiology
It’s very difficult to find nice images of a normal healthy person’s IVC, as patients generally only have detailed vascular scans if there is something wrong. The image below shows an anatomically normal IVC affected by an obvious disease process, but you should still be able to appreciate the overall arrangement of its branches and its relationships to the other structures in the retroperitoneal space.
Real Anatomy: Surgical
This smashing little video fromHenryFordTVon YouTube shows an IVC thrombectomy procedure to remove a large tumour thrombus from a spreading renal cell carcinoma. It’s done using the incredibly slick da Vinci robotic surgery system, which allows surgeons to perform major operations using minimal access techniques. The retroperitoneal space is opened and the IVC is mobilised by the division of the lumbar veins. The IVC and left renal vein are clamped using Rommel tourniquets. The surgeon then splits open the IVC and carefully removes all the horrible tumour thrombus. The outcome for the patient was fantastic – he went home after 48 hours and had nothing but a few tiny scars.
Mr Avinash Sewpaul
ST8 in HPB & Transplant Surgery
1. Case courtesy of Dr Ian Bickle, Radiopaedia.org, rID: 23860
- Larsen TR, Essad K, Jain SKA, et al; “An incidental mass in the inferior vena cava discovered on echocardiogram“, International Journal of Case Reports and Images 2012;3(12):58–61.
- Netter FH; “Atlas of Human Anatomy, 5th Edition” – Elsevier Saunders 2010. This is, in my opinion, the absolute best anatomy atlas out there. The illustrations are lifelike, extremely accurate and weirdly beautiful. Plus the cover is shiny. It’s worth every penny.
- Santise G, D’Ancona G, Baglini R et al; “Hybrid treatment of inferior vena cava obstruction after orthotopic heart transplantation“, Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery 2010;11:817-819
Interact CardioVasc Thorac Surg 2010;11:817-819
- Sinnatamby CS; “Last’s Anatomy, 12th Edition” – Churchill Livingstone 2011
- Snell RS; “Clinical Anatomy by Regions, 9th Edition” – Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 2011
- Weinberg I; “Inferior vena cava filter thrombosis“‘ Angiologist.com 2011. Available from http://www.angiologist.com/thrombosis-section/inferior-vena-cava-filter-thrombosis/
- Xiao L, Tong J, Shen J; “Endoluminal treatment for venous vascular complications of malignant tumors“, Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 2012;4(2):323-328 | <urn:uuid:e8801fae-a78d-493a-be36-7e9b792830e2> | {
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On Einstein’s Opponents, and Other Crackpots
“This world is a strange madhouse. Currently, every coachman and every waiter is debating whether relativity theory is correct. Belief in this matter depends on political party affiliation.”1 Thus begins a letter by Albert Einstein to his one time close collaborator, mathematician Marcel Grossmann. It was written on 12 September 1920, just some three weeks after Berlin’s Philharmonic Hall had hosted a rambunctious rally at which Einstein had been denounced as a fraud and scientific philistine.
The event, together with the public debate between Einstein and nobelist Philippe Lenard of a month later, constitutes the first apogee of, what has become known as, the anti-relativity movement. Sentiment against relativity had been brewing for some time, in various quarters; one of the speakers at the Berlin event, Ernst Gehrcke, spectroscopist and extra-ordinary professor of physics, had for instance started publishing against the theory already in 1911. However, since the very public announcement of the eclipse results of 1919, opposition against relativity had gained great momentum. These results had confirmed Einstein’s predictions of light bending in the gravitational field of the Sun, and the ensuing publicity had propelled him into the international limelight; clearly, the enormous interest in relativity is manifest in the above letter to Grossmann.
"Essay review of “Einsteins Gegner. Die öffentliche Kontroverse um die Relativitätstheorie in den 1920er Jahren” by Milena Wazeck" by Jeroen van Dongen | <urn:uuid:4d8eaac3-332f-43f7-8c53-3a0b642d918a> | {
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Vetulicolians are a group of Cambrian metazoans whose distinctive bodyplan continues to present a major phylogenetic challenge. Thus, we see vetulicolians assigned to groups as disparate as deuterostomes and ecdysozoans. This divergence of opinions revolves around a strikingly arthropod-like body, but one that also bears complex lateral structures on its anterior section interpreted as pharyngeal openings. Establishing the homology of these structures is central to resolving where vetulicolians sit in metazoan phylogeny.
New material from the Chengjiang Lagerstätte helps to resolve this issue. Here, we demonstrate that these controversial structures comprise grooves with a series of openings. The latter are oval in shape and associated with a complex anatomy consistent with control of their opening and closure. Remains of what we interpret to be a musculature, combined with the capacity for the grooves to contract, indicate vetulicolians possessed a pumping mechanism that could process considerable volumes of seawater. Our observations suggest that food captured in the anterior cavity was transported to dorsal and ventral gutters, which then channeled material to the intestine. This arrangement appears to find no counterpart in any known fossil or extant arthropod (or any other ecdysozoan). Anterior lateral perforations, however, are diagnostic of deuterostomes.
If the evidence is against vetulicolians belonging to one or other group of ecdysozoan, then two phylogenetic options seem to remain. The first is that such features as vetulicolians possess are indicative of either a position among the bilaterians or deuterostomes but apart from the observation that they themselves form a distinctive and recognizable clade current evidence can permit no greater precision as to their phylogenetic placement. We argue that this is too pessimistic a view, and conclude that evidence points towards vetulicolians being members of the stem-group deuterostomes; a group best known as the chordates (amphioxus, tunicates, vertebrates), but also including the ambulacrarians (echinoderms, hemichordates), and xenoturbellids. If the latter, first they demonstrate that these members of the stem group show few similarities to the descendant crown group representatives. Second, of the key innovations that underpinned deuterostome success, the earliest and arguably most seminal was the evolution of openings that define the pharyngeal gill slits of hemichordates (and some extinct echinoderms) and chordates.
Molecular data [1,2] have radically reconfigured many aspects of metazoan phylogeny, and in doing so have effected a renaissance in this area of evolutionary biology that has uncovered many hitherto unsuspected relationships. An unavoidable drawback, however, is that typically the extant forms are highly derived and disparate with the result that the natures of common ancestors are often matters for unconstrained speculation. In principle, however, by providing direct access to members of stem groups of particular phyla (or other major clades), the fossil record can provide insights into the early divergence of major groups and hence the construction of their respective bodyplans . In reality the available fossil record remains problematic, because although in many cases stem-group representatives have proved of great value in documenting the nature of transitional forms, in the Cambrian there is a plethora of seemingly enigmatic taxa. Interpretations of such taxa can be so disparate that it is sometimes questioned whether what is known of these fossils makes them capable of serving any useful phylogenetic role [4,5]. A key area of dissent is the recognition of homologous structures. This, combined with often apparently bizarre combinations of character states, has generated controversy rather than consensus. Despite being widespread and often showing excellent soft-bodied preservation, the enigmatic vetulicolians [6-13] exemplify this difficulty.
This group is united by a distinctive bodyplan. This consists of a prominent anterior unit, ranging from oval to quadrate in shape, and possessing a wide oral opening. Attached to this unit is a segmented tail with a terminal anus. Despite a strikingly arthropod-like arrangement, none of the known taxa (including Vetulicola , Ooedigera , Pomatrum , Xidazoon , Didazoon , Beidazoon , Yuyuanozoon , and Banffia ) has yielded evidence of either molting or convincing remains of cephalic structures and/or jointed limbs. Nevertheless, vetulicolians continue to be compared to ecdysozoans as far flung as the lobopodians , arthropods [6,10,21], and kinorhynchs [7,22,23]. A radical alternative has been to assign them to the deuterostomes, as either members of a stem group [13,16,17,24] or some sort of tunicate [18,25,26]. The crux of the problem revolves around the nature of prominent lateral structures, but to date there is neither agreement as to their original configuration nor function. Identifications range from midgut glands to respiratory organs, but in the latter case interpretations are as disparate as a direct comparison to crustacean branchial chambers [12,20,21,28] as against pharyngeal gill slits [13,16,17,24]. Resolution of this divergence of interpretations would be possible if exquisitely preserved material were available that would allow not only a complete anatomical description but one that can be combined with a plausible functional analysis. Here, we demonstrate that the lateral structures of Vetulicola form an integrated complex and we present evidence for what we interpret to be a series of five unequivocal openings. We further propose that these served to expel seawater from the interior, which previously had been filtered so as to convey food first to dorsal and ventral gutters and ultimately to the posterior gut.
Material of Vetulicola is abundant, but relatively few specimens are sufficiently well preserved and/or orientated so as to reveal all the necessary details. Importantly the anterior unit is usually filled with sediment, which appears to have been introduced post mortem. This, combined with the fact that it can be removed by mechanical preparation, means that in addition to the customary external views, details of the inner configurations are also available. Any interpretation, therefore, depends crucially on the relative orientation and taphonomy of individual specimens. Viewed from the exterior the anterior region of Vetulicola consists of effectively four plate-like units that are covered by a thin membrane. These plates meet along both the dorsal and ventral midlines, but are laterally separated by prominent grooves that extend the entire length on either side. The margins of both grooves are darker in color. We suggest the darker color represents somewhat thicker material that would have served as reinforcement. This feature is most notable at the five semicircular regions (the lappets). Both margins of the groove form an overhang. Below we review evidence that these grooves could expand and it seems likely that this recessed area was composed of more delicate tissue. At both ends of the anterior unit the groove tapers to a fine termination, but the intervening length shows various complexities on both the outer and inner surfaces. Below, we justify why we believe that this region houses perforations that link the interior of the animal to the exterior, and then go on to argue that these are homologous to the canonical pharyngeal gill slits of deuterostomes. We are mindful that observation and interpretation (functional and phylogenetic) need to be kept separate, and thus at this stage reference to gill slits should be taken as a descriptive shorthand.
Viewed from the exterior, the initial length of the groove shows a uniform expansion before abruptly widening in order to accommodate the first opening. This arrangement is effectively repeated another four times before the groove narrows to its final termination at the posterior margin. When viewed from the interior the groove can be seen to stand proud of the surrounding region and this suggests that it was suspended into the anterior cavity, but with expanded areas forming an imbricated array of five pouch-like structures, each one of which then tapers posteriorly (Figure 1A-G). Along the midline of each pouch there is usually a narrow ridge (Additional file 1). The five openings that define the actual gill slits are defined by oval perforations in the body wall. Their association with the lateral grooves results, however, in a more complex anatomy, which can only be resolved in exceptional material that exposes both the internal and external views. Given that the interior of the animal is usually clogged with sediment, this, combined with the fact that the openings had a finite thickness, means that the openings are visible from the interior. Therefore, if the sediment that accumulated in the groove is removed, the relationship between the opening and the surrounding areas becomes more obvious.
Viewed from the interior, each opening is directed anteriorly and so orientated subparallel to the lateral wall (Figures 1A-G and and2G).2G). What is interpreted as the inhalant aperture is surrounded by striated units (Figure (Figure1E),1E), which we propose served as flexible membranes. Viewed from the exterior the shape of the opening is more or less slit-like and typically is filled with sediment (Figure 2A-E; Additional file 1). From this perspective the margins of the aperture form an integral part of the groove, but in contrast to its general smoothness are defined by zones of either folds or dark striations. On the posterior margin of each aperture a transverse ridge with relatively prominent striations occurs (Additional file 1). To the immediate anterior of the aperture an expanded region typically consists of low folds, which impart a characteristic scalloped appearance (Figure 2B,D-F). The closeness of the folds and variation in the width of this region suggest it could contract and so they may have helped to control the size of the opening. Such functioning as a sort of valve is also supported by measurements of the diameter of the opening versus the width of the pouch. Whereas the overall correlation coefficient (r2 = 0.6086 to approximately 0.7532; see Additional files 2 and 3) is consistent with isometric growth, the residuals may represent degrees of apertural dilation.
In specimens where the grooves remain filled with sediment the openings are apparently isolated, but in this aspect they provide details of the region from which the water exited. Typically the lappets obscure the upper and lower margins, but when removed by mechanical preparation the actual apertures (typically these are filled with sediment) have an oval outline. The margin that defines the aperture is irregular and bluntly dentate, while the surrounding area consists of two distinct concentric units that are separated by a narrow dark partition (Figure 2B,D-F; Additional file 1). Both units possess radial fibers, but those of the outer zone seem to be finer and more numerous. In some specimens the inner unit appears to be crumpled and this, together with the dentate margin (Figure 2D-F), suggests that at least partial closure was possible. The common feature of radial fibers surrounding the aperture, whether viewed from the interior or exterior, suggests that these structures defined the apertural walls and most likely served a structural or possibly muscular role. Their dark color may also indicate vascularization.
The demonstration of unequivocal lateral perforations (Figures (Figures1,1, ,2,2, ,3)3) is consistent with water entering the animal via its oral opening and subsequently being expelled along either side of the animal (Figures (Figures2G2G and and3D).3D). Irrespective of whether, as we argue below, the apertures are homologous with the gill slits of deuterostomes, the inferred water flow invites a consideration as to whether the mechanism was effectively passive, relying on currents induced by ciliary action, or forced by active pumping. It is the case that a wide range of suspension-feeding deuterostomes, notably enteropneusts, most urochordates (apart from salps; see below), amphioxus and by implication extinct gill-bearing echinoderms, employed ciliary mechanisms, and this would accord with a consensus that among the deuterostomes the primitive mode of feeding was passive. While this cannot be ruled out for Vetulicola, we suggest that several features of the body of this animal are consistent with a more active mode of water flow. In our view, the most compelling observation revolves around the arrangement of the anterior unit and especially the longitudinal grooves, which we propose played a key role. While evidently having the same composition as the rest of the anterior body wall, the grooves appear to have been more flexible . This is particularly evident from the range of configurations that vary from specimens where the groove is effectively closed (Figure (Figure4A)4A) to others where either margin is widely separated (Additional file 1). In the latter the floor of the groove displays a narrow median depression that anteriorly diverges into a Y shape (Additional file 1); this we presume would have been used to accommodate any extension. Construction of the anterior part of the vetulicolian body as four semi-independent plates with junctions along the dorsal and ventral midlines, combined with dilation of the grooves, would permit expansion of the internal cavity and so allow ingress of seawater. Correspondingly, contraction of the anterior unit would serve to expel the water through the gill slits. Dorsal and ventral sutures , that defined the meeting points of the plates, may also have been zones of relatively weakness and by rotating would have contributed to the expansion and contraction of the anterior unit. We have considered whether any other function for these grooves is more plausible. If, for example, vetulicolians ingested large prey then such dilation might assist capture, but overall the evidence for suspension feeding seems stronger.
A second reason to support the idea of a more dynamic mode of suspension feeding in Vetulicola concerns its overall morphology, which is indicative of relatively active swimming. In principle this too would have assisted with intake of water. The final point, which is less secure, concerns the relatively small size of the apertures as against the inferred capaciousness of the interior cavity (as judged by the sediment infill). While this involves a number of imponderables, the ratio of aperture diameter to interior volume suggests that ciliary flow alone may not have been sufficient to remove the water efficiently.
We suggest that swallowing and the subsequent expulsion of water most likely would have been coordinated, with control of both the size of the oral opening and lateral apertures. If it is accepted that pumping of water was indeed an active process, then the alternating dilation and contraction most likely would have been mediated by a musculature. Exceptionally preserved material reveals a series of longitudinal structures connected by vertical units (Figure 4A,C-E; see also ). Similar, albeit less organized, soft tissues have been tentatively compared to either internal appendages or muscles . The structures described here are provisionally identified as body-wall musculature. We make here the assumption that originally they consisted of horizontal and longitudinal components so that their contractions would determine the volume of the anterior cavity (Figure (Figure4F).4F). Alternative possibilities, not least these structures might represent some part of the filtration unit, certainly merit attention. Nevertheless, the evidence already mentioned in support of a dilatory capacity by the grooves would imply the existence of some sort of antagonistic system. Our reconstruction of this muscular activity, which was possibly assisted by an inherent elasticity of the body wall, provides a working model.
Taxa such as Didazoon, Pomatrum, Ooedigera, Xidazoon and Yuyuanozoon are all characterized by five sets of paired openings located on the anterior section of the body (Additional file 3). New material of Didazoon confirms the earlier supposition that the five external openings, which evidently have a less complex anatomy than that of Vetulicola, are connected to the interior (Figure (Figure3).3). They are, however, directly comparable since in interior aspect the gill slits formed expanded pouch-like structures and as in Vetulicola they also have anteriorly directed inhalant apertures. Plate-like structures associated with these apertures are consistent with controlled closure, while radiating strands adjacent to the aperture suggest the chamber had some contractibility (Figure (Figure3C).3C). In addition, while Didazoon lacks the prominent grooves of Vetulicola, each pouch projects posteriorly as a shallow tube-like structure that imbricates with the succeeding pouch. We suggest that this arrangement represents the precursor of the grooves. Assuming an evolutionary trend among the vetulicolians towards greater motility, then a comparison between Didazoon (and morphologically similar taxa) and Vetulicola suggests that the changes in anatomy, including a well-developed articulatory tail and more complex apertural arrangements, reflect such a transition. Of these various vetulicolians Yuyuanozoon is, however, unusual because behind each aperture there are a series of radiating structures (Figure (Figure5).5). These have been interpreted as external filaments and as such might have served a respiratory role. They are, however, quite distinct from the filamentous structures seen in association with the openings of Vetulicola ( and Additional file 4). Our re-examination suggests that they actually represent narrow grooves located on the interior of the body wall but if they were vascular they could have played an important role in gas exchange.
The primary purpose of the vetulicolian openings appears to have been the expulsion of what must have been voluminous quantities of seawater. Given the inferred capaciousness of the anterior cavity it is possible that at least some gas exchange occurred across the internal membranes. Respiratory exchange might also have occurred across the openings themselves and this would be consistent with their inferred vascularization. In this context, therefore, it seems reasonable to refer to these structures as pharyngeal gill slits. In contrast to the other vetulicolians Vetulicola is interpreted as an active swimmer, principally because of a propulsive tail and compressed cross-section that would have been relatively streamlined and unstable if positioned on the sea floor. However, as with the related taxa Vetulicola we follow previous workers and presume it to have been a suspension feeder. Food interception and collection is thus inferred to be a mucociliary process and is consistent with a spacious pharyngeal cavity that tapered posteriorly towards the opening of the gut (Figure 6F,G). In this scenario once swallowed it seems reasonable to suppose that the seawater was intercepted by a system of internal baffles (most likely ciliated) that served to extract the suspended food particles. This process must have been closely integrated with the expulsion of the seawater through the openings. While the gut is most obvious in the posterior tail (Figure 6H,I), an anterior extension has been identified on the dorsal side (Figure (Figure6F;6F; see also ). Its identification as part of the intestine is, however, unlikely because corresponding boluses also occur on the ventral side (Figure 6A-E). The fact that this arrangement is seen in several vetulicolian taxa, including the relatively distantly related Heteromorphus (Figure (Figure6E),6E), is consistent with this ventral disposition being original. Although no single specimen shows food material on both dorsal and ventral sides, all such examples are extremely rare and may represent moribund animals whose feeding processes were disrupted. In any event, this suggests that once captured, and depending on whether initial interception was either above or below the gill line, food particles were then transported towards either the dorsal or ventral midline. We suggest that these housed gutters that channeled the food towards the more posterior intestine.
With the information now at hand concerning the complex vetulicolian lateral structures (Figure (Figure7)7) it appears that their proposed similarities to any known arthropod respiratory structure, and specifically the branchial chambers of a crustacean [12,20,21,28] are not convincing. Even if one was to argue that vetulicolians were still arthropods it is far from clear how any known arthropod gill or respiratory organ could be transformed into the structures observed in the vetulicolians. Despite the strikingly 'phyllocarid-like' appearance of Vetulicola , the related taxa are much less arthropod like. So too no known bivalved arthropod from the Cambrian provides an obvious link to Vetulicola. Finally, our understanding of Cambrian arthropod phylogeny now seems to be reaching a broad consensus [29,30] and in which none of the vetulicolians could be readily accommodated.
A second possibility is that while it is evident that Vetulicola and related taxa form a coherent clade, broadly united in possessing a bipartite body with the anterior bearing a series of five perforations on either side, their wider relationships among the Metazoa are simply unresolvable. Given that a number of Cambrian groups such as the nectocariids [31,32] and amiskwiids remain in phylogenetic limbo (but see [34,35]), the only option might be to add the vetulicolians to this roster and continue our efforts to find even better preserved material and/or related taxa that might serve to pinpoint their relationships.
There is, however, a third possibility, that is vetulicolians are some sort of deuterostome. The evidence we present of active pharyngeal pumping might invite comparison to advanced members of this clade, but because of the distinctive bodyplan of the vetulicolians we suggest that this functional feature re-evolved in groups such as the gnathosomes with which, apart from the pharyngeal openings, they share no significant features. We prefer to argue that the vetulicolians are members of the stem-group deuterostomes [13,16,17,24]. Crucial in this regard is the interpretation of the laterally located openings, which as pharyngeal gill slits are taken to be diagnostic of the deuterostomes . Other than what at best seem to be remote analogies in the form of the minute anterior pores in the meiofaunal gastrotrichs no phylum appears to possess comparable structures. On the assumption, therefore, that these openings are not convergent, then the deuterostome status of the vetulicolians means that the spacious anterior would be homologous with the pharynx and the lateral perforations are genuine gill slits.
This conclusion invites brief consideration of three inter-related questions: (a) what implications might the proposed homologies of the gill slits have on other features of the vetulicolians in the context of a deuterostome affinity? (b) What bearing do vetulicolians have on our understanding of deuterostome evolution, not least with respect to the chordates, ambulacrarians and xenoturbellids? And (c) what light might other Cambrian deuterostomes throw on the early evolution of this group?
Our aim here is as much to pose these questions as it is to arrive at unequivocal conclusions. Central to any argument is the recognition of homology. Patterson [38,39] crystallized the discussion by proposing that homology might be recognized in terms of similarity, conjunction and most importantly congruence. Similarity stands on the shakiest ground given that while clearly these are lateral perforations located on the anterior, these proposed gill slits find no exact counterpart in any other deuterostome. However, pharyngeal openings show a remarkable diversity within the deuterostomes, not least among some of the extinct echinoderms . Their possession is, however, universally regarded as a synapomorphy of the deuterostomes . In addition, developmental data are consistent with the earliest deuterostome gill slits being derived from endodermal pockets and in principle originally these might have been little more than pores. In the case of Patterson's [38,39] criterion of what he termed conjunction we can at least argue that (a) vetulicolians do not possess any other structures that are more plausibly identified as gill slits, and (b) that their location on the anterior section is consistent with this identification. By congruence Patterson meant a test for homology based 'on the equivalence of homology and synapomorphy' so that the proposed homology is consistent with the other homologies that are employed to define a monophyletic group. First, we can observe that beyond the deuterostomes no other group of metazoans has an array of lateral openings and as noted despite their undoubted homology they still show an enormous range of anatomical configurations. What then of the relationship of this homology to others that might pin down more precisely where vetulicolians fall in the deuterostomes? The range of phylogenetic conclusions that have already been proposed underlie the difficulty in finding other homologies that one might employ in the use of Patterson's criterion of congruence. In the absence of molecular data and the relative unlikelihood of identifying vetulicolian embryos indicating the fate of the blastopore, very few characters serve to unite the deuterostomes as a whole . Elsewhere we have suggested that vetulicolians had an endostyle and a mesodermal endoskeleton , but the evidence is somewhat circumstantial. It is, however, also worth drawing attention to Romer's prescient suggestion that an ancestral form had a bipartite form of a 'somatic' unit with musculature and a 'visceral' component with gill slits. Romer applied this concept to the chordates, but we have argued that his 'dual animal' hypothesis is just as consistent when applied to the vetulicolian bodyplan .
If one accepts vetulicolians as deuterostomes then this leads to the question of their possible relationships to the other major groups within this superclade. As already noted we argue that a position within the stem-group deuterostomes is the best phylogenetic solution, but as is often the case in such problematic animals from the Cambrian the correct identification of homologies is crucial. In this context the case of the putative cephalopod Nectoccaris [31,32,34,35] provides a useful parallel. Thus any attempt to link the vetulicolians to one or other group within either the ambulcrarians or chordates is largely frustrated not only by the paucity of obvious homologies, but in addition evidence for radical reorganization of some bodyplans (notably echinoderms ) as well as both molecular and fossil data that suggest other groups (notably amphioxus) are more or less degenerate. Nowhere is this more evident than in the xenoturbellids (and acoelomorph flatworms) which now appear to be massively simplified deuterostomes (now comprising the Xenocoelomorpha) and the sister group to the ambulacrarians . As such they are uninformative as to either the appearance of the most primitive deuterostomes (let alone bilaterians ) or by implication the putative position of the vetulicolians.
Finally, we can ask as to whether, apart from bona fide chordates and the like [24,45], are there other Cambrian animals that might be informative with respect to early deuterostome evolution? Foremost in this regard are the coeval yunnanozoans, which elsewhere we have argued [16,24,48] provide a link not only between the vetulicolians but possibly also with representatives of the stem-group chordates . As with the vetulicolians their distinctive bodyplan has led to a diversity of opinions as to their exact placement, but a general consensus places them in the deuterostomes [16,20,24,48]. While a key piece of evidence is the series of external filamentous gills, especially in Haikouella , unequivocal evidence of pharyngeal openings in any yunnanozoan appears to be wanting.
The results we report here have a bearing on the yunnanozoans in as much as just as the vetulicolians have been compared to arthropods, so too Bergström agrees with earlier observations [24,49] that yunnanozoans have a segmented cuticular surface, at odds with their interpretation as myomeres . This feature, however, need not equate with either an arthropodan or ecdysozoan relationship; nor do we accept Bergström's interpretation of a specimen described by us earlier as evidence for molting. The evidence for a cuticular surface suggests that at least some members of the stem-group deuterostomes possessed a hardened, albeit non-mineralized, exterior. Elsewhere, a remnant of this feature has been tentatively identified in the stem-group chordate Pikaia .
To conclude, in our view the demonstration that the anterior lateral structures in Vetulicola not only have a complex configuration but also unequivocally include perforations is consistent with this animal and related taxa belonging to the deuterostomes. So too the identification of a capacious pharyngeal cavity lined with ventral and dorsal food grooves is consistent with the deuterostome bodyplan and the likely origin of the lateral openings so as to allow exit of seawater.
Deuterostome disparity, both between and within the xenoturbellids, ambulacrarians and chordates, is considerable. Despite now largely secure molecular phylogenies a stumbling block has been how best to envisage the common ancestor. There seems little evidence to suggest that the vetulicolians can be interpreted as the sister group of any of the major groups of deuterostome. There is, for instance, no evidence that the gill slits emptied into a common atrium or otherwise collected the water and expelled it via a single opening. In this and other respects vetulicolians differ from the tunicates . There is, however, one point of comparison that may be relevant. While nearly all tunicates are suspension feeders, among the pelagic representatives the salps are exceptional in employing a muscular pumping . While this is associated with a form of jet propulsion , the antagonistic system that involves the tunic and the possibility that this pumping system may have originated in the context of filtration invites analogies with Vetulicola. This analogy is, of course, with respect to the dynamics of pumping and given the large and evidently propulsive tail there is no suggestion Vetulicola employed any sort of jet propulsion.
We suggest that despite uncertainties the anatomical evidence presented is consistent with Vetulicola and its allies as being deuterostomes. While aware that the disparity among the crown-group deuterostomes makes comparisons with the vetulicolians problematic, we are unable to identify any character that would secure the place of this Cambrian group within either the ambulcrarians or chordates. We suggest that the vetulicolians are more likely to be members of the stem-group deuterostomes. If our interpretation of the vetulicolians as being among the earliest deuterostomes is correct then this has a number of important implications. First, it is consistent with the suggestion that such ancestral deuterostomes were not sessile, but free-living animals [13,16,54,55] with an expanded pharyngeal cavity. We take this feature, along with five pairs of gill slits and dorsal and ventral feeding gutters, to represent the primitive condition, and is consistent with the supposition that a filter-feeding pharynx had evolved in the last common ancestor of all deuterostomes [36,56,57]. In addition, we conclude that at least in Vetulicola active pharyngeal pumping had evolved, and presumably it arose independently of the system seen in the salps and also more advanced gnathostomes.
Even making allowances for loss and simplification, as well as once popular comparisons (such as the hemichordate stomochord to chordate notochord ) very few anatomical homologies serve to unite all the deuterostomes. In this latter respect the pharyngeal openings are a key character. For example, in his proposal that suspension feeding was a feature to emerge very early in the history of deuterostomes, Cameron remarked how 'Clearly the evolution of slits in the pharynx is one of the most important events in the evolution of the deuterostomes'. In our view their identification in the vetulicolians supports the idea that they helped to open the doors to deuterostome diversification, first in terms of effectiveness of feeding and subsequently efficiency of respiratory exchange . Elaborations in the form of the gill slits in both the ambulacrarians and chordates are marked by convergences , but in their various configurations they presumably helped to contribute to the success of this phylum. So too we see evolutionary innovation in terms of the disposal of the water, such as the subsequent development of an atrium, and arrangement of food grooves to a single ciliated tract either ventrally (enteropneusts) or dorsally (amphioxus and tunicates). Much of subsequent deuterostome evolution appears to have been driven by ecologies that either favored sessility, with the reduction (as in the pterobranchs) or ultimate loss (as in the echinoderms) of gill slits, or increased motility. The latter may have ultimately led to the transformation of the dorsoposterior segmentation seen in the yunnanozoans [24,48] into a myotomal arrangement with the corresponding evolution of the notochord in the chordates . In conclusion, calls that more data be collected to help secure phylogenetic arguments [4,5] can now be met on the basis of exceptional material. On this basis we argue that the vetulicolians provide an important benchmark in the documentation of the emergence of the deuterostomes.
A total of 480 specimens of various vetulicolian taxa (10 species referred to 7 genera), recovered from five localities (Erjie, Sanjie, Jianshan, Tanglipo, and Maotianshan sections) at more or less coeval horizons in the Heilinpu Formation (Lower Cambrian, approximately 520 million years ago), Yunnan, southern China, were prepared and analyzed. About 50 three-dimensionally preserved specimens were 'dissected' to reveal internal anatomy. Details were analyzed using a Zeiss Stemi-2000C microscope (Jena, Germany).
Specimens were reposited in the Early Life Institute (ELI), Northwest University, Xi'an, the Early Life Evolution Laboratory (ELEL), China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China, and the Chengjiang Fauna Museum, Chengjiang Fauna National Geopark, Kunming (CFM), China.
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
QO, DS, SCM and JH contributed to this work equally. All authors participated in analysis of vetulicolian specimens and discussion of results. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Gill structures of Vetulicola rectangulata from Yunnan, China. (A,B) Laterally preserved specimens ELEL-SJ101975A and ELEL-EJ080158A, respectively. (C,D) Close-up images of the boxed area in (A) and interpretative camera lucida drawing, respectively, showing gill openings, lateral groove, groove floor, Y-shaped medial gutters, transverse ridge posterior of the gill pore, lappets, and their spatial arrangement relative to the adjacent plates. (E,F) Close-up images of boxed area in (B) and interpretative camera lucida drawing, respectively, showing dilated lateral groove, groove floor, Y-shaped medial gutters, gill openings, lappets, and their spatial relationship. Abbreviations: Cz, concentric zone that surrounds the gill opening; G1-5, gills 1 to 5; Go, gill opening; La, lappet; Po, gill pouch; Rg, ridge; Se, sediment fill; Tf, trace fossil (unconnected to specimen); Tr, trough; Ys, Y-shaped structure. Scale bars: 1 cm in (A), (B); 5 mm in (C) to (F).
Linear statistics of gill geometry of Vetulicola. (A-E) Linear regression of gill pouch width on gill slit diameter (gills 1 to 5, respectively), measured from 130 well-preserved gills in 37 specimens of Vetulicola rectangulata (data source: Additional file 3) using PAST software , showing the correlation between gill slit diameter and gill pouch width (r: correlation coefficiency).
Morphometrics of vetulicolian gills. Morphometrics of vetulicolian gills given in mm.
Gill filaments in Vetulicola cuneata from Yunnan, China. (A) Laterally preserved specimen ELI-0000216. (B) Close-up image of the boxed area in (A), displaying tufts of filaments lining the surface of the gill pouch (viewed from the exterior). Transverse, slit-like gill opening denoted by arrowhead. Abbreviations: Fi, filaments; G1-5, gills 1 to 5; La, lappet; M, mouth; T, tail; Tr, trough. Scale bars: 1 cm in (A), (B); 5 mm in (C) to (F).
We thank Cheng Meirong, Zhai Juanping, Lei Qianping, and Wang Manyan for help in field and laboratory work. Thanks are also given to Vivien Brown for assistance with manuscript preparation. The four anonymous reviewers provided outstanding and helpful critiques. This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC grant no. 41102012, 41272019, 40802011, 40830208, 40602003, and Shaanxi-2011JZ006); the PhD programs of the Foundation of the Ministry of Education of China (20116101130002); the 111 Project (P201102007); Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (no. 2010ZY07, 2011YXL013, and 2012097); the MOST Special Fund from the State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Northwest University; St John's College, Cambridge and Cowper Reed Fund (SCM). | <urn:uuid:7f1116a7-3101-47ff-83fe-00aa1852bb92> | {
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TICKS - Why should I care?
What are ticks?
- A tick is member of the arachnid (spider) family. It is a small external parasite that lives by feeding on the blood of its hosts (such as dogs and many other mammals, as well as birds)
- There are many different families of ticks, each of which can carry a variety of diseases
- Ticks use their mouthpiece to firmly attach to a host and feed on their blood, and while attached are able to transmit blood-borne pathogens
- Ticks have become much more common in Ontario in the last few years – a) climate change is resulting in warmer and more humid environments favourable to a variety of tick species, b) it is more common nowadays to travel with your pet, and sometimes returning pets bring back non-native tick species, c) we share the environment with a variety of wildlife hosts who sometimes bring ticks with them
Ticks found in Ontario:
- Ixodes Scapularis “Deer tick”
- Rhipicephalus Sanguineus “Brown Dog tick”
- Dermacentor Variabilis “American Dog tick”
Ticks are differentiated by looking at their scutum (or “armor”) and length of mouthpiece
A tick just attached to my dog - should I be worried?
Don’t panic, but the tick should be removed as soon as possible. The longer the tick is attached to your dog, the greater the chance of disease transmission. Typically, it takes 24h for a tick to be transmit a pathogen; however, ticks have been known to pass disease earlier if they attach and start to feed
When a tick is fully engorged (aka - full of blood), any diseases it may contain could be passed to your pet.
What diseases can be passed to my dog?
There are many diseases that are transmitted by ticks, depending on where the ticks live.
The most common tick-borne diseases seen in Ontario are:
- Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) - transmitted by the Deer tick
- Erhlichia (Ehrlichia canis) - transmitted by the Brown Dog tick
- Anaplasma (Anaplasma phagocytophilum) - transmitted by the Deer tick
How can I prevent tick-borne disease in my dog?
- Vaccination against tick-borne disease - ASK US if there is a vaccine we recommend for your pet!
- K9 Advantix II- product applied topically once a month to the skin * caution if you live with cats*
- Bravecto - product given orally once every 3 months
- Nexguard - product given orally once a month
- Routine screening of your animal - have a feel! Ticks can easily pass as a wart if you don’t have a closer look!
ASK US what to look for when checking your pet for ticks - we are happy to help!
- Be aware of tick “hot spots” in your neighbourhood - areas with thick brush or tall grass are the perfect environment for a tick to hide in and hop on to your pet! Also be aware of the tick “hot spots” in Southern Ontario: Point Pelee, Long Point, Prince Edward County, the Thousand Islands, the Toronto Islands and the Rouge River Valley. These areas all have higher than average tick populations, and higher than average incidences of Lyme disease.
Did you know that you should use tick prevention if you travel to warm climates in the winter?
TELL US if you are planning on traveling with your pet(s) outside of Toronto
Did you know that ticks can be active ANY TIME the temperatures are above 4° Celcius?
If your dog spends a lot of time outside, consider tick prevention year round, as most months now have at least a few days above 4°C
How do I remove the tick?
CAREFULLY! It is very important to remove the entire mouthpiece when removing the tick. Leaving the mouthpiece behind can cause a local inflammatory reaction and possibly infection!
ASK US to show you the proper way to remove a tick - we have tools that can help you!
Should I test my dog for tick-borne disease?
YES! Yearly screening for exposure to tick-borne disease can help to ensure your pet is safe. This is especially important if you do not use tick preventives. All we need is a little bit of blood - ASK US if you would like more information on testing for tick borne infections
Did you know... ticks can actually pass disease to you or your family as well? It is very important to screen not only your pets, but yourself too!
Written by Dr. Emily Chris of the Animal Clinic | <urn:uuid:da4bed8f-19b3-4da1-a4dd-f2e6a61b735f> | {
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Because you read this blog, you are no doubt aware that more than half of all Americans do not believe that evolution is a valid scientific explanation for how the world works, but did you know that one-third of all advanced science degrees awarded in America are earned by foreign students? These are just a few of the facts that you’ll learn in the new book, The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science (Houghton Mifflin: NYC; 2007), by science writer, Natalie Angier. The Canon explains the basics of science, starting with the scientific method, probability and measurements, and then it uses these concepts to explain the sciences, moving logically from the smallest to the largest; physics, chemistry, evolutionary and molecular biology, geology and astronomy. Not only does this book cover a lot of ground, but it does so with passion infused with generous amounts of poetic prose — which you rarely find in science writing.
Unfortunately, this 264 page book was inflated by at least 100 pages beyond what is necessary for the topics discussed due to excessively long and convoluted sentences, such as this one;
Evolutionary biologists do argue over the mechanics of evolutionary change, how fast it happens, how to measure the rate of evolutionary change, whether transformations occur gradually and cumulatively, putter and futz, generation after generation, always working to stay ahead by a nose, until, whaddya know, you’re wearing a Chiquita on your beak; or whether long banks of time will pass with nothing much happening, most species maintaining themselves in a comfortable stasis until a crisis strikes — an asteroid hits the Earth, or volcanoes dress the skies in flannel pajamas of sulfur and ash — at which point massive evolutionary changes may arise very quickly. [pp 157-158]
The author also made liberal use of long strings of three-and four syllable words where smaller words would have provided much clearer and cleaner prose. For example, this sentence;
Perhaps nothing underscores carbon’s chemical genius better than the breadth of its packaging options, from the slippery, dark, shavable format of graphite on one extreme, to fossilized starlight on the other — translucent, mesmeric, intransigent diamond, the hardest substance known, save for a human heart grown cold. [pp 134-135]
“[F]ossilized starlight”? Uhh, hrm. ” .. the hardest substance known, save for a human heart grown cold”?? Well, okay.
As I read this book, I was mystified as to the identify of its target audience. Scientists? Other professionals? Literary types? Those few relatively well-educated and well-read people out there? The general public? In short, the author’s prose is a little too sparkling, witty and allusive to be easily readable, and it certainly left me wondering what on earth she was talking about on several occasions — and I am a sophisticated and well-read scientist. In short, I found that her verbal gymnastics distracted from the topic itself, although I think that science is already a wonderful and fascinating topic without all of the flowery hyperbole.
Despite my annoyance, I stuck the book out and found that, between the deluge of witty reparte, it is very enjoyable and educational. In fact, I thought that the chapters on evolutionary and molecular biology nearly redeemed the entire book because they were the best-written and contained the least verbal fluff. Certainly, Angier’s discussion of the difference between a “theory” and a “hypothesis” should be required reading in every science classroom as well as in every church in America. It also contained some interesting facts; it is possible that many people will be surprised to learn that every cell in our bodies, except for mature red blood cells, contains an exact copy of all our DNA. I also appreciated the author’s careful explanation that some portions of our DNA will do one task in a particular cell type while other parts of the DNA have different roles in other cell types.
I have a few suggestions. First, as you probably guessed already, I wish that Angier’s editor had kept her under tighter control during the writing process because her verbal exuberance seems to explode outwards from between the book’s covers, obscuring the subject at times. Additionally, some diagrams, such as examples of scale, an atom, a molecule or two (such as DNA), basic cell structure and a tectonic plate map all would have helped improve the clarity of the book’s message.
In short, some people will definitely enjoy reading this book while others will not.
Natalie Angier writes about biology for the New York Times, for which she won a Pulitzer Prize, an American Association for the Advancement of Science journalism award, and other honors. She is the author of The Beauty of the Beastly, Natural Obsessions and Woman: An Intimate Geography, which was a New York Times bestseller and National Book Award finalist, and was named Best Book of the Year by the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, People Magazine, National Public Radio, the Village Voice, and Publisher’s Weekly, among others. Angier lives with her husband and daughter outside Washington DC. | <urn:uuid:da2122e5-7a23-4531-96c1-fbe76ea642e9> | {
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Nutrition - General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs
Perhaps the most common question pet owners ask their veterinarian is “What should I feed my dog?” Feeding your dog an appropriate amount of a well-balanced diet is vital to its overall health and well-being. To understand how and what to feed your dog, you need to understand what the nutritional requirements of the dog are and how these requirements have developed through the process of biological evolution.
Since dogs are carnivores, doesn’t this mean that they need to eat a diet that is meat based?
As a species, the dog is a member of the scientific order Carnivora, a large group of mammalian animals that share a similar tooth structure. The dietary needs of animals belonging to this order vary. Some members of this group have an absolute requirement for meat in their diet (called obligate or true carnivores), while others can meet their nutrient requirements through eating plant material (herbivores) or a combination of meat and plants (omnivores). Cats are an example of an obligate carnivore, cows are an example of an herbivore, and dogs and humans are two examples of omnivores.
Because of the dietary needs of dogs, both their tooth structure and intestinal tract have become adapted to an omnivorous diet. This means that, under normal circumstances, dogs can meet their nutritional needs by eating a combination of plant and animal foods. The source of the proteins and fats is less important than the quality and digestibility of these essential components of the dog’s diet. Dogs can thrive if they are fed a properly balanced vegetarian diet. However, an all-meat diet would be unbalanced and would not meet all of a dog’s nutritional requirements.
As research into basic and applied nutrition has expanded our knowledge of canine nutrition, we now know that a well-balanced diet must also include an appropriate amount of minerals, vitamins, certain essential amino acids (from proteins), and specific essential fatty acids (from fats). These components are needed to build and maintain tissue and carry out biological reactions, and the necessary amounts vary somewhat with the dog’s stage of life (puppy, adolescent, adult, pregnancy, senior).
Feeding your dog an appropriate amount of a well-balanced diet is vital to its overall health and well-being.
I was told that dogs cannot digest carbohydrates. Is this true?
To meet their energy needs, dogs have evolved to use proteins and fats as their primary energy sources, but they can also use carbohydrates for energy. The fact that the dog’s digestive system produces enzymes that are specific for digesting starches and sugars shows that they are capable of digesting carbohydrates. However, complex carbohydrates such as grains are more digestible when they are cooked.
I have heard that dogs should only eat raw foods and that dogs cannot properly digest cooked foods. Is this true?
Domesticated dogs have adapted over millennia to consumption of diets provided by their human companions, including foods that have been cooked. As mentioned above, dogs can actually digest complex carbohydrates more easily once they have been cooked.
What are the nutritional requirements for dogs?
The six basic nutrients are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. These essential nutrients are required as part of the dog’s regular diet and are involved in all of the basic functions of the body. The minimum dietary requirement has been established for many nutrients. The maximum tolerable amounts of some nutrients are known, and results of toxicity have been established. What is less understood is what may happen over time with marginal deficiencies or excesses.
Nutritional guidelines have been developed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO guidelines are the general basis for the nutritional content of commercial pet foods. Here are some key nutritional guidelines from the 2009 AAFCO guide:
|Nutrient||Growth and Reproduction|| Adult Maintenance |
| Adult Maintenance |
|Copper||7.3 mg/kg||7.3 mg/kg||250 mg/kg|
|Zinc||120 mg/kg||120 mg/kg||1,000 mg/kg|
|Vitamin A||5,000 IU/kg||5,000 IU/kg||250,000 IU/kg|
|Vitamin D||500 IU/kg||500 IU/kg||5,000 IU/kg|
|Vitamin E||50 IU/kg||50 IU/kg||1,000 IU/kg|
|Thiamine||1.0 mg/kg||1.0 mg/kg|
Keep in mind that these are only guidelines; your dog may need more or less based on its individual needs and health status.
What should I look for in a dog food?
The best advice you can receive about feeding your dog is this: Feed your dog the highest-quality food you can afford. The differences between a premium food and budget food aren’t found on the nutrition label; they’re found in the quality and source of ingredients. Two dog foods may each contain 27% protein but be vastly different when it comes to digestibility.
Pet food ingredients are listed by order of weight. Each ingredient is weighed when it is added to the batch of food, and ingredients such as fresh meat contain a lot of water, much of which is lost during processing. This means that a dry diet that lists corn as the first ingredient may be nutritionally superior to one listing meat first.
Select diets with real, recognizable, whole-food ingredients.
To further complicate matters, some nutrients are listed as a “minimum” percentage, while others are listed as a “maximum” percentage, meaning that the batch of food may contain a higher or lower percentage of the ingredient than shown on the label.
The best method to choose a food for your dog is to ask your veterinarian. However, here are some general tips to help you decide what should go into your dog’s food bowl:
1. Select diets with real, recognizable, whole-food ingredients. If the majority of listed ingredients is unfamiliar to you, find another diet.
2. Select a low-calorie diet. Most adult, indoor, spayed or neutered dogs have low energy requirements. Your dog’s diet should contain a relatively small amount of calories per cup—ideally less than 350 calories. If your dog food contains 500 calories per cup and you have a 20-pound dog, the amount you should feed is tiny (and unsatisfying!). Making matters worse, high-calorie foods mean even a few extra kibbles can really pack on the pounds.
How much should I feed?
The ideal method for determining how many calories to feed your dog is to determine what your dog’s lean weight should be and feed according to that weight. Unfortunately, this requires constant monitoring (and weighing) and is not always practical.
Your veterinarian can estimate how many calories your dog needs each day based on its lifestyle and body condition score. The standard formula used for calculating the energy requirements of the average adult dog that lives in the house, receives light daily exercise, and is spayed or neutered is:
30 X Weight in Kg (orpounds divided by 2.2) + 70 = Daily caloric needs
Be aware that few of our dogs are “average,” so this formula is merely a starting point. Most dogs will require fewer calories on a daily basis, while a few will require slightly more. This daily caloric total includes not only your dog’s meals, but also any snacks and treats. If your dog needs to lose weight, your veterinarian will recommend caloric restriction (which is usually 70% to 90% of the calculated amount for weight maintenance).
Be sure to count snacks and treats as part of your dog’s total daily calories.
How often should I feed my dog?
The biological evolution of dogs as hunters has given them specialized digestive and gastrointestinal adaptations that allow them to ingest a large meal followed by up to days of not eating. However, for most pet dogs, feeding once or twice per day is recommended. Many dogs will benefit from eating equally divided meals two to three times per day. Regardless of the feeding schedule you choose, avoid allowing your dog to exercise vigorously after consuming a large meal, especially if your dog eats its food rapidly. This will help minimize problems with bloat, intestinal obstruction, or other serious digestive disorders.
Be sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Is dry or canned food better?
In terms of nutrition and digestibility, there are simply no differences between dry and canned (wet) dog food. You should make your decision based on your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. For dogs that need to consume more water or have certain special dietary needs, canned foods may be a better choice. Otherwise, most dogs will do fine on dry kibble.
Some dry kibble has been specially formulated as dental diets and can mechanically help remove plaque. For further information, see our handout "Dental Disease in Dogs".
Are there any breed differences in nutritional requirements?
In the past several decades, nutritionists and veterinary researchers have identified that there are definite breed variations in metabolism and nutrient requirements. Breeds of dogs that were developed in specific locations, such as Arctic Circle breeds and some of the “water'” breeds, may have adapted to specialized diets that are common in their place of origin. Inbreeding and genetic differences between individuals in each species may result in further need for individualization of the pet’s diet in order to optimize health.
In addition to considering your dog’s breed, you should also consider your dog’s lifestyle. Working pets (hunting dogs, field trial dogs, herding dogs) require different ratios of proteins and fats in their diets than “lap dogs” or sedentary house pets.
What is meant by “life-stage nutrition”?
Dogs have varying nutritional needs during different stages of their lives, and feeding a diet that is formulated for all life stages is not necessarily appropriate. An “all-purpose” dog food may not provide enough nutrients to meet the needs of a growing puppy or a pregnant or nursing mother. Conversely, this same all-purpose diet may provide excessive nutrients to a senior or inactive dog. Feeding your dog according to its stage of life (puppy, adolescent, pregnancy, adult, senior) is now recommended by respected nutritionists to maintain your pet’s overall health and well-being and improve both the quality and the quantity of your dog’s life.
Life-stage feeding for puppies
Early in life, puppies must eat often and lots! They need relatively larger quantities of food because they are growing rapidly and have limited space in their tiny stomachs.
At 6 to 8 weeks of age, they need to be fed about four to six meals a day.
By 6 months, the need for food is decreased because puppies are about 75% of their adult size and can be fed two to three meals a day.
A good-quality puppy food has advantages over adult dog food because it has been specially formulated for a puppy’s demanding nutritional requirements and contains the appropriate amount of calcium. Because of their rapid growth, any nutritional “mistakes” made during puppyhood will have more severe, even irreversible and lifelong, consequences. Because growth is almost complete by 8 to 10 months of age, the average puppy can be switched to “adult” dog food at about 12 months of age.
If you have a large- or giant-breed puppy, one that is going to weigh more than 50 pounds (23 kg) as an adult, or is at-risk for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or other growth abnormalities (for example, Labrador and golden retrievers, German shepherds), you should feed a puppy food specially formulated for “large-breed” puppies. These diets are formulated to contain the optimal ratio of proteins and calcium to moderate rapid bone growth that can lead to joint disorders. Your veterinarian may also recommend a transitional “adolescent” diet for your pet’s “teenage” years.
After weaning, the majority of puppies lose the ability to digest milk sugar (lactose). Therefore, while small amounts may be tolerated, feeding milk can cause intestinal upset and diarrhea because dogs cannot digest it properly.
Life-stage feeding for the older dog
Older dogs, especially those over 7 years of age, will benefit from a diet formulated for their needs. Senior dog diets often have lower calories, higher protein, lower sodium, and fewer carbohydrates. Many also contain ingredients such as prebiotics to maintain healthy intestinal microbial populations, increased omega-3 fatty acids and other antioxidants to combat inflammation, and glucosamine to promote joint health. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about the best food for your senior dog.
What is my take-home message?
Choosing a high-quality food from the hundreds of available brands and formulas can be challenging. The pet nutrition industry is very competitive, and most commercially available foods are very good balanced diets. As your veterinary health-care providers, we can help you select a diet that is backed by scientific principles and research and that meets your pet’s individual needs.
If you have any questions about a particular food, your best source for help is your veterinary hospital. | <urn:uuid:34a667cc-6759-4cb5-93ba-34d8755ed09c> | {
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While emergency response plans are put in place to help both prevent incidents as well as ensuring organisations are better prepared to respond in the event of an incident occurring, it is likely that only some employees will have a good insight into these response procedures and evacuation plans. How the general public will respond to an emergency cannot be predicted, especially without an understanding of the hazards and specialist competency training that would be required.
However, now charities are calling for that gap in knowledge to be partially bridged, by making first aid compulsory in schools. The call has come in response to an inquiry by Lord Kerslake into last year's Manchester Arena terror attack, in which 22 people died.
His report found that even faced with 'genuinely harrowing circumstances', people were trying their best to help, however, just were not knowledgeable enough about the basics of first aid. Some, the report found, were even trying to apply tourniquets and use defibrillators without knowledge of how to do so effectively.
The government has said that it may be possible for all schools to teach first aid. Although this may seem like a good idea, it is a really difficult balancing act between public safety and the workload of teachers and support staff who would have to be trained in First Aid and medical response. It will increase the reach of people who can deliver basic first aid, but it is another task to add to their list of their responsibilities.
A spokeswoman for St John's Ambulance said the report showed greater learning of skills was required: “It is clear that the more people that learn first aid, the greater the chance of survival for casualties caught up in this type of atrocity,” she commented.
The British Red Cross and British Heart Foundation all support the idea, according to BBC News. The charities hope that first aid will become part of the national curriculum.
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CARTOGRAPHIC PROJECTIONS FOR SMALL BODIES OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Maria E. Fleis ([email protected]), Michael M. Borisov ([email protected]),
Michael V. Alexandrovich ([email protected]),
Philip Stooke ([email protected]),
Kira B Shingareva ([email protected])
First, spherical or near-to-spherical models were used for celestial bodies mapping. It was suitable for the Earth, the Moon, Mars and other large bodies. Many small celestial bodies are of quite irregular shape, and their minimum and maximum radii differ by more than ten per cent. Morphographic projection was developed for mapping of such worlds. This projection transfers spatial data directly from physical surface to the map plane and shows the bodieТs shape. A different approach consists of using triaxial ellipsoid as a mathematical surface for primary data transfer from physical surface. Different cartographic projections were devised for this ellipsoid. Triaxial ellipsoid composed projection, devised for the Phobos map, was later used with morphographic projection for the Deimos map.
But some small bodies have essentially regular shape and unusual revolution axis position provided by none of natural physical means. To all appearance, this is the sequence of bodiesТ formation randomness. Eros asteroid has shape near to ellipsoid of revolution, but the proportion between major and minor axes and ellipsoid revolution axis position differ from conventional ones. Revolution axis of ellipsoid is perpendicular to revolution axis of body and Eros could be considered as a triaxial ellipsoid with equal polar and equatorial radii. But an attempt to use triaxial ellipsoid composed projection for Eros map showed that the projection is not suitable for this celestial body. The reason is that major axis is more than twice longer than minor one, so eccentricity, conventionally used as small value in series, is closer to 1 than to zero. Composed projection of УupturnedФ ellipsoid of revolution consising of transverse cylindrical conformal and transverse azimuthal projections is proposed in the report. The formulae of new cylindrical conformal projection and new azimuthal projection are devised for the case of matching ellipsoid revolution axis with major (not minor, as usual) axis of ellipse. Formulae are obtained without approximations and are true even for eccentrisity close to 1. We intend to devise such formulae for equal-area projections. Approximate formulae of equidistant projections need serious revision. Since longitude and latitude for celestial bodies are used to be defined in planetocentric coordinate system, itТs possible to transform datasets from normal to transverse coordinate system using known formulae. Formulae of obtained projections and an application for calculation of rectangular coordinates of point sets will be published in Web. | <urn:uuid:7d5cdf99-dc89-43d6-88cf-cd74bc64188c> | {
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Toronto, May 7 (PTI) Exposure to loud music may be associated with early permanent hearing damage in young people, new research into the ringing-ear condition known as tinnitus has warned.
"Its a growing problem and I think its going to get worse," said Larry Roberts of McMaster University in Canada.
"My personal view is that there is a major public health challenge coming down the road in terms of difficulties with hearing," said Roberts.
The researchers interviewed and performed detailed hearing tests on a group of 170 students between 11 and 17 years old, learning that almost all of them engage in "risky listening habits" - at parties, clubs and on personal listening devices - and that more than a quarter of them are already experiencing persistent tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears that more typically affects people over 50.
Further testing of the same subjects showed that even though they could still hear as well as their peers, those experiencing tinnitus were more likely to have a significantly reduced tolerance for loud noise, a sign of hidden damage to the nerves that are used in processing sound, that can foretell serious hearing impairment later in life.
Roberts said that when the auditory nerves are damaged, brain cells increase their sensitivity to their remaining inputs, which can make ordinary sounds seem louder.
Increased loudness perception is an indication of nerve injury that cannot be detected by the audiogram, the standard clinical test for hearing ability.
Neuroscience research indicates that such "hidden hearing loss" caused by exposure to loud sounds in the early years deepens over the life span, worsening ones hearing ability later in life, researchers said.
"The levels of sound exposure that are quite commonplace in our environment, particularly among youth, appear to be sufficient to produce hidden cochlear injuries. The message is, Protect your ears," said Roberts.
It is common after listening to loud music to experience a ringing in the ears for the next day or so, said Roberts, who collaborated with researchers at the University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine for the study.
More than half the students in the study said it had happened to them.
This brief tinnitus is an early warning sign of vulnerability to the injurious effects of noise exposure, according to Roberts. Testing showed that 28 per cent of the study participants had already developed persistent tinnitus.
The 28 per cent of participants with persistent tinnitus also showed heightened sensitivity to loud sounds, indicating that the neurons that transmit sounds to the brain may have been damaged, said Roberts.
The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports. PTI SAR SAR | <urn:uuid:36ae0968-6c41-4ac8-8621-1f72994e36db> | {
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New Vaccine Offers Long-Term Relief from Seasonal Allergies
A new study finds just six injections over six weeks of an experimental DNA-based vaccine can protect people from seasonal ragweed allergies for at least two years.
The research was carried out at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where investigators tested the vaccine during two fall ragweed seasons in 25 volunteers between the ages of 23 and 60. All were known to suffer from ragweed allergies. Fourteen received the active injections while the remaining 11 received placebo shots. Allergic symptoms were monitored and recorded throughout the test period.
Results showed people who received the active injections experienced a 60 percent reduction in all of their allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itching. The effect was just as strong in year two of the trial as in year one, suggesting the vaccine offers long-term relief.
The investigators now plan to study the vaccine over a longer period to examine its lasting effects in a larger group of patients.
The study was funded by the Immune Tolerance Network, which is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (both components of the National Institutes of Health), and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International. It was published in the Oct. 5 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.
Study Weighs Best Practices for Asthma Management
Asthma action plans have long been touted as a way to help asthma patients better control the condition. But not all asthma action plans are created alike. With some, treatment decisions are guided by daily symptoms. With others, decisions are based on daily peak flow monitoring.
A July report in the Cochrane Library suggests that keeping track of daily symptoms outperforms peak flow monitoring in children. The authors combined results from four major studies comparing daily symptom tracking to peak flow monitoring. Children in the daily symptoms group made 27 percent fewer visits to the emergency department or physician for severe asthma flare ups than those in the peak flow monitoring group.
The authors speculate peak flow monitoring may be less effective in kids because children often have difficulty using the devices, and that could lead to inaccurate measurements.
Asthma Patients Have No Idea When MDI Doses Run Out
A new survey conducted by the Allergy & Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics finds most asthma patients don’t know when their inhalers are out of medication.
The 6.5-minute telephone interview was conducted among a random sample of 500 U.S. families with a member who has asthma. Only 36 percent of bronchodilator users reported having ever been advised of the importance of keeping track of their medication doses. About a fourth of the 342 people who said they used a bronchodilator to treat acute symptoms had experienced an empty inhaler during an acute exacerbation. Among this group of 87, 71 said they considered their inhaler empty only when “absolutely nothing came out.” Seven patients in this group were forced to call 911 for assistance.
The authors believe these results point to the need for all metered-dose inhalers to come equipped with dose counters. The report appeared in the July issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Improper Use of Home Nebulizers May Be Leading to Deaths Among Asthmatics
Inappropriate use of home nebulizers may be leading to unnecessary deaths in asthma patients, report investigators who presented their findings at last fall’s CHEST 2006 conference.
The Michigan State University study looked at all asthma-related deaths in people aged two to 34 that occurred in Michigan between 2002 and 2004. Eighty-six deaths were noted overall; 38 involved children. Researchers obtained medical records for the patients and conducted interviews with family members to determine how nebulizer use or misuse might have figured into the deaths. Among the 52 patients prescribed a home nebulizer at the time of their death, only 30 were using the device regularly and only 19 used it prior to the fatal event.
The researchers note these results suggest many home nebulizers are not being used in accordance with National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines. | <urn:uuid:ef3cd56d-9aa9-487e-8eec-e60e92a1dbca> | {
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After six weeks in the Philippines trawling the ocean floor, canvassing the jungly flanks of volcanoes and diving in coral reefs, scientists believe they have discovered more than 300 species that are new to science. Their research constituted the largest, most comprehensive scientific survey ever conducted in the Philippines, one of the most species-rich places on earth.
The survey, led by the California Academy of Sciences, brought scores of bizarre and unexpected creatures into the annals of life as we know it. It revealed more than 50 kinds of colorful new sea slugs, dozens of spiders and three new lobster relatives that squeeze into crevices rather than carry shells on their backs. The scientists found a shrimp-eating swell shark that lives 2,000 feet under the sea, a starfish that feeds exclusively on sunken driftwood and a cicada whose call sounds like laughter.
For two weeks I shadowed teams of scientists—from seahorse specialists to spider experts—as they surveyed reefs, rain forests and the South China Sea. On a deep-sea vessel, scientists dropped traps and nets to obtain a glimmer of the life that exists in the shadowy depths. They surrounded each haul excitedly as it was deposited on deck, picking through the curious sea life and discarding the garbage that inevitably accompanied it. “To see live stalk crinoids”—feather stars—“come up that I’ve only seen as preserved specimens is like a scientist’s dream world!” said invertebrate zoologist Terrence Gosliner, who led the expedition, one afternoon as he sorted spindly starfish and coral from candy wrappers.
Three new species of deep-sea “bubble snails” that possess fragile, translucent, internal shells arrived in one trawl, along with a snake eel and two new “armored corals” called primnoids, which protect themselves against predatory nibbles from fish by growing large, spiky plates around each soft polyp. Ten-inch-long giant isopods as imagined by science fiction turned up in a trap. “If you saw District 9 I’m sure they modeled the faces of the aliens off these,” said marine biologist Rich Mooi, who studies sea urchins and sand dollars. Later that evening, the catch yielded several two-foot-long, mottled swell sharks that inflate their stomach with water to bulk up and scare off other predators.
“When I watch the trawl come up it’s like a window onto the frontier,” said Mooi. “You start going through this material wondering, ‘What are they doing down there? Are they interacting with each other?’ We’ve seen a very tiny percentage of that sea bottom—three-quarters of the planet is obscured by this endlessly restless mass of water you can’t see through.”
Many of the new species found in the survey had evaded science because of their small size—the 30 new species of barnacles discovered measure just fractions of an inch in length—while others lived in areas rarely visited by humans. A primitive, fernlike plant called a spikemoss was found growing on the precipitous upper slopes of a 6,000-foot volcano. “Our scientific understanding of this part of the world is still in its infancy,” said Gosliner. “For people interested in biodiversity and the distribution of organisms and evolution, the Philippines is a treasure trove.”
Yet it is a gravely imperiled treasure trove. The rate of species extinction in the Philippines is “1,000 times the natural rate,” according to the country’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources, because of deforestation, coastal degradation, unsustainable use of resources, climate change, invasive species and pollution. A recent study by Conservation International found that just 4 percent of the Philippines' forests remained as natural habitat for endemic species, and according to the World Wildlife Fund, destructive commercial fishing has left only 5 percent of coral reefs in the Philippines in excellent condition.
Scientists described the expedition this spring as a kind of emergency response. “We’re living in a burning house,” said Mooi. “In order for firemen to come in and make an effective rescue they need to know who’s in those rooms and what rooms they’re in. When we do biodiversity surveys like this we’re doing nothing less than making a tally of who’s out there, who needs to be paid attention to, and how can we best employ the resources we have to conserve those organisms.”
For years scientists have recognized a 2.2-million-square-mile area around Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines as being home to the world’s highest diversity of marine plants and animals. It’s known as the Coral Triangle and considered the Amazon basin for marine life. The waters harbor 75 percent of the planet's known coral species and 40 percent of its coral reef fish.
In 2005 Kent Carpenter, an ichthyologist at Old Dominion University, identified the core of that diversity. Overlaying global distribution maps for nearly 3,000 marine species, including fishes and corals, sea turtles and invertebrates, Carpenter found that the highest concentration of marine species on the planet existed in the central Philippines. “I fell off my chair—literally—when I saw that,” Carpenter recalled recently. He dubbed the region “the Center of the Center.”
The reasons for this are not entirely understood. The 7,107 islands that make up the Philippine Archipelago constitute the second-largest island chain in the world after Indonesia. The islands converged over millions of years from latitudes as disparate as those of present-day Hong Kong and Borneo, and they may have brought together temperate and tropical fauna that managed to get along in a crowded environment.
Another possible explanation is that the Philippines has a higher concentration of coastline than any country except Norway, providing a lot of habitat. It is also a place where species are evolving more rapidly than elsewhere. Populations become isolated from other populations due to oceanographic features such as swirling currents known as gyres. The populations then diverge genetically and become new species. “The only place on the planet where you have all of the above is in the Central Philippines,” said Carpenter.
A prime location for this diversity is the Verde Island Passage, a busy commercial sea route off Luzon Island, the largest island in the archipelago. During two decades of diving in the Verde Island Passage, Gosliner, the world’s foremost expert in nudibranchs, or sea slugs, has documented more than 800 species, half of them new to science. There are more species of soft corals at just one dive site than in all of the Caribbean. “Every time I go into the water here I see something I’ve never seen before,” he said.
One afternoon, Gosliner emerged from a dive into the shallow water reefs clutching a plastic collection bag that contained two nudibranchs, one colored a bright purple with orange tentacles. “Two new nudis!” he called out. “And the black and electric blue nudibranchs were mating like crazy down there. There were egg masses everywhere. They were having a good ole time.”
Unlike land slugs, nudibranchs have bright colors that advertise toxic chemicals in their skin. These chemicals may have pharmaceutical value, and several are in clinical trials for HIV and cancer drugs. Gosliner explained that the presence of nudibranchs, which feed on a wide variety of sponges and corals, “are a good indication of the health and diversity of the ecosystem.”
The Verde Island Passage ecosystem has faced immense pressures over the past few decades. In the 1970s, Carpenter worked as a Peace Corps volunteer with the Philippines Bureau of Fisheries. “Every 50 feet you’d see a grouper the size of a Volkswagen Bug, big enough to swallow a human being,” he recalls. Today, large predatory fish like sharks are virtually absent. Fishermen now harvest juveniles that haven’t had a chance to reproduce; “it’s at the very level where you can’t get any more fish out of oceans here,” says Carpenter. Destructive fishing methods have devastated the area’s coral. Illegal trade has exacted a further toll; this spring, Filipino officials intercepted a shipment of endangered sea turtles and more than 21,000 pieces of rare black corals bound for mainland Asia, for the jewelry trade.
“There’s a lot of good policies and regulations in place in the country, but the main weakness right now is enforcement,” says Romeo Trono, country director for Conservation International.
The Philippines has more than 1,000 marine protected areas, more than any country in the world, but only a few, Carpenter and other scientists say, are well managed. For 30 years, Apo Island, in the southern Philippines, has been held as a model for community-managed marine reserves. In 1982 a local university suggested the community declare 10 percent of the waters around the island a “no take” zone for fishermen. Initially resistant, the community eventually rallied behind the reserve after seeing how an increase in fish numbers and sizes inside the sanctuary spilled over into the surrounding waters. They established regulations against destructive fishing and a volunteer "marine guard" (called bantay dagat) to patrol the fishing grounds and prevent encroaching from outsiders. User fees from the marine sanctuary generate nearly $120,000 per year, and the tourist industry surged after the marine ecosystem recovered.
“Where marine protected areas have been established and populations of animals and fishes have been allowed to recover, they recover very well and very quickly,” says Gosliner. “The difference between diving in a marine protected area versus an area right next to it is like night and day.”
Over the next several months, California Academy scientists will use microscopes and DNA sequencing to confirm and describe these new species. The species lists and distribution maps created during the expedition, they hope, will help to identify the most important locations for establishing or expanding marine protected areas, as well as areas for reforestation that will reduce erosion and subsequent sedimentation damage to the reefs.
But for the scientists, the survey is just the beginning. “Being able to document the richest and most diverse marine environment on the planet” will help them “get an understanding of what the dimensions of diversity are,” said Gosliner. “We really don’t know the answer to that fundamental question.”
Andy Isaacson is a writer and photographer who lives in Berkeley, California. His reporting was made possible by a grant from Margaret and Will Hearst that funded the expedition. | <urn:uuid:3d8afc30-79b2-425b-9c4a-fcddd3202560> | {
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Newly Discoverd Trojan Makes a Long March
8 Jan 2003
(Source: National Optical Astronomy Observatory)
National Optical Astronomy Observatory
For More Information:
Public Information Officer
National Optical Astronomy Observatory
Phone: 928/774-3358, x232
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: 2:00 a.m. PST, January 8, 2003
RELEASE NO: NOAO 03-02
Astronomers have discovered a small body orbiting the Sun at the distance of Neptune whose orbit makes it the first known member of a long-sought population of objects known as Neptune Trojans.
This small body, known as 2001 QR322, leads Neptune around its orbit in such a way as to maintain -- on average -- approximately equal distance from Neptune and the Sun. As such, it mimics the Trojan asteroids of Jupiter, which orbit the Sun in two clouds approximately 60 degrees ahead of and behind Jupiter. The first Jovian Trojan was discovered in 1906, and approximately 1,560 such objects are known today. However, until the discovery of 2001 QR322, Trojan-like objects associated with other giant planets had not been found.
2001 QR322 was discovered in the course of the Deep Ecliptic Survey, a NASA-funded survey of the outer solar system that uses the National Science Foundation's telescopes at Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, AZ, and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile.
Astronomers from Lowell Observatory, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Hawaii, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory comprise the Deep Ecliptic Survey team.
The team first detected 2001 QR322 on August 21, 2001, in deep digital images taken with the 4-meter Blanco Telescope at Cerro Tololo by Marc Buie, Robert Millis, and Lawrence Wasserman of Lowell Observatory. However, several subsequent observations, made with a variety of telescopes over the past 16 months, coupled with numerical orbit integrations of the trajectory of the asteroid, were required to prove that 2001 QR322 is indeed a Neptune Trojan. The object is estimated to be approximately 230 kilometers (140 miles) in diameter and, like Neptune, requires about 166 years to complete each circuit of its orbit.
"Neptunian Trojans were long suspected to exist and it is gratifying to finally know that they do," says team member Eugene Chiang of the University of California at Berkeley. "The orbit of 2001 QR322 is remarkably stable; projections of its trajectory into the future reveal that it can co-orbit with Neptune for at least billions of years. It is likely that 2001 QR322 is a dynamically pristine object whose orbital eccentricity and inclination have been largely unaltered by processes that afflicted the majority of bodies in the outer solar system."
A graphic that describes the orbit of 2001 QR322 is available.
Kitt Peak and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory are part of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), Inc., under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.
The survey team's research is supported in part by the NASA Planetary Astronomy Program through grants to Lowell Observatory, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Hawaii; by the National Science Foundation through a grant to the University of California at Berkeley; by the Space Telescope Science Institute through grants to University of Pennsylvania and by the University of California at Berkeley; by the University of California at Berkeley through a Faculty Research Award; and by the Friends of Lowell Observatory.
NOTE: Marc Buie, Robert Millis, and Larry Wasserman can be reached at 928/774-3358 or via email at: [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]
Eugene Chiang can be reached at 510/642-2131 or via email at: [email protected]
For more information about the Deep Ecliptic Survey, see: http://www.lowell.edu/Research/DES/
The left-hand panel displays a bird's-eye view of the outer solar system, with the orbits of Jupiter (J), Saturn (S), Uranus (U), and Neptune (N) about the Sun shown schematically. The dark tube of points lying on Neptune's orbit marks the path of the newly discovered Trojan object 2001 QR322, relative to Neptune. The Trojan shuttles back and forth along Neptune's orbit as indicated by the red and green curved arrows. Each full shuttling takes about 10,000 years to complete.
The small inset rectangle at left is magnified in the right-hand panel. When plotted over time, 2001 QR322 traces a local corkscrew pattern. The red curve traces the path of the Trojan as it travels away from Neptune, as indicated by the red arrows. The green curve traces the trajectory of the Trojan as it approaches Neptune. Each full twist of the corkscrew takes about the same time as Neptune takes to revolve around the Sun (166 years).
Image Credit: Deep Ecliptic Survey Team/NOAO/AURA/NSF | <urn:uuid:920feb55-a9be-491d-bb24-89c1f08ed72d> | {
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Engaging, inspiring and challenging pupils through art
Our art and design curriculum aims to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they are taught to be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They begin to show an understanding of how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation and those around the world.
Being situated near Manchester City Centre we are fortunate to have a wealth of museums and galleries on our doorstep. We incorporate visits to galleries into our planning, and also have close links with local artists, to ensure that our children have valuable first hand experiences to aid their learning and understanding of art and design. | <urn:uuid:1a254652-10b8-4500-83c5-dd5ce25acd5c> | {
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The Longitudinal Study of American Youth (LSAY) is a three-cohort two-generation longitudinal study of national samples of public school students in the United States. The two original cohorts consisted of national probability samples of 7th and 10th grade students selected in 1987. These young adults are now 37 to 40 years of age and reside in all 50 states of the U.S. With continued support from the National Science Foundation, the LSAY will launch a new cohort of 7th grade students in the fall of 2014. The new cohort (called Cohort 3) will be exactly one generation younger than the students in the 1987 cohorts, allowing a generational comparison of changes in American family life, schooling, and society. The original cohorts were designed to study the factors related to student interest in science and mathematics, the development of skills in those disciplines, the selection of careers, and the development of sufficient scientific literacy to perform citizenship responsibilities in a democratic society. Cohort 3 will explore the same questions over the next two decades. The first 20 years of LSAY data are available through the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR). | <urn:uuid:5e707a45-9d09-46e5-9925-82c7d962ba2c> | {
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At some point – usually near the end of the month – practically everyone has to face the hard facts of math: Of paying their bills and hoping that somehow, a few positive numbers will carry over into the following four weeks.
In a sense, plants face similar challenges. While they aren't known to do double-entry bookkeeping (the absence of thumbs makes it tough to carry the ones), they do have to adapt to changing environments, and ‘decide’ which limited resources to allocate where, and when. Those choices are of interest to Department of Energy (DOE) scientists, since some plant products can be used as both foods and fuels.
Photo courtesy of Brookhaven National Lab
Scientists at Brookhaven Lab have identified key elements in the biochemical mechanism plants use to limit the production of fatty acids.
Recently, researchers at the Office of Science's Brookhaven National Lab (Brookhaven Lab) took a look at rapeseed, best known as the source of canola oil and meal. Canola oil is popular in the kitchen, but it's also an important industrial feedstock and source of biodiesel fuel. And canola meal – taken from the protein of the plant – is a significant animal feedstock, consumed by cattle, fish and fowl and even racehorses.
So how do rapeseed plants ‘balance the books’ between oil and protein: Between making more of one or the other at a given moment?
That's what Brookhaven Lab scientist Jorg Schwender and his postdoctoral research associate Jordan Hay looked at, using computer modeling (a technique called "in silico", as opposed to in the glass of the lab, in vitro, or in the living critter, in vivo). Specifically, they designed a complex silicon simulation incorporating the nearly 600 chemical reactions that play an important role in the plant's metabolism and seed oil production. They also plugged in information on which reactions happen together, and where they occur in the rapeseed's cells.
The scientists then crunched the numbers, and used the model to see which sets of biochemical steps – catalyzed by cellular machines called enzymes – could have a big impact on the plant's ‘budget,’ leading it to either produce ‘low oil’ seeds and therefore more protein, or ‘high-oil’ seeds and less protein. They found 149 reactions that could affect the production of protein, and another 116 that might impact the production of oil – including a number that hadn't previously been seen as potentially significant.
Image courtesy of Brookhaven National Lab
Developing embryos after being excised from a growing rapeseed plant. The embryos accumulate seed oils which represent the most energy-dense form of biologically stored sunlight, and have great potential as renewable resources for fuel and industrial chemicals.
Why is this significant? After all, aside from horrible Halloween horror movies, plants are rarely a problem for people. But people can manipulate plants through breeding and genetic engineering. And changing cellular machines – by altering plant genes – allows researchers to produce plants that make more of a desired end-product.
That's what the silicon simulation at Brookhaven Lab has done: It's given researchers a better sense of which rapeseed genes to modify in order to produce plants that might yield either more protein or more oil. That, in turn, could show the way to the production of more food and better fuels, which will make for better bottom lines across the board. And that's the Office of Science at work, silicon simulations in service to citizens.
The Department's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information please visit http://science.energy.gov/about. For more information about BNL, please go to: http://www.bnl.gov/world/.
Charles Rousseaux is a Senior Writer in the Office of Science. | <urn:uuid:6e5e98e0-9422-42d9-8ce6-326f5aea6e82> | {
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See also: Literary Awards; Literary Journals; Matilda Berkely or, Family Anecdotes; North Carolina Literature; North Carolina Writers Conference; North Carolina Writers' Network; O. Henry Festival; Poetry; Roanoke-Chowan Group; Sea-Gift.
Part 1: Humanizing History: Pioneers of North Carolina Fiction, Part 2: North Carolina Writers in the Early to Mid-Twentieth Century, Part 3: North Carolina Fiction Comes of Age
Whether by creating historical narratives of important eras and events from the state's past or by portraying the outwardly mundane but emotionally complex realities of small-town, contemporary southern life, North Carolina fiction writers have always been a robust and imaginative voice within American literature. Truly widespread and serious focus on the literature of North Carolina first emerged during the mid-twentieth century, with the publication of three important literary surveys: Walter Spearman's North Carolina Writers (1949, revised in 1953); North Carolina Authors: A Selective Handbook (1952), by the North Carolina English Teachers Association and the North Carolina Library Association; and Literary North Carolina (1970, revised in 1986), by Richard Walser and E. T. Malone Jr. From the founding of numerous literary journals and magazines to the establishment of the annual North Carolina Literary Festival, interest in North Carolina literature, and its fiction in particular, has increased over the decades. General popular and scholarly attention has concentrated on the writings of Civil War-era novelists and poets Charles Waddell Chesnutt and Edwin Wiley Fuller; nineteenth-century historical novelists such as Robert Strange and Calvin Henderson Wiley; early well-known fiction writers such as O. Henry, Wilbur Daniel Steele, and Olive Tilford Dargan; and twentieth-century mass appeal writers such as Thomas Wolfe. From these established icons to still-prolific talents such as Daniel Wallace, Lawrence Naumoff, and Charles Frazier, the state's fiction writers have long since transcended purely regional appeal and become producers of literature that is both brilliantly crafted and highly acclaimed.
Humanizing History: Pioneers of North Carolina Fiction
The first novel written by a resident North Carolinian was Matilda Berkely; or, Family Anecdotes, by Winifred Marshall Gales. Published in Raleigh in 1804, the novel weaves a story of the upper class in Russia and England (Gales had already published a novel in her native England). It was not until 1839, however, that a novel with a North Carolina locale was written. In that year, Robert Strange of Fayetteville, a Virginia native but long-time North Carolina resident, published Eoneguski; or, The Cherokee Chief, based on materials he collected while serving as a judge in western North Carolina. Strange's characters were thin disguises of white settlers or Indians whom he had met or heard about. His Eoneguski is a historical romance in the James Fenimore Cooper tradition, with complex love affairs sharing space with sweeping adventures. Apart from being a potboiler, the novel's secondary, and arguably most valuable function, is as a storehouse of Cherokee legends and customs.
North Carolina's first truly native novelist was the educator Calvin Henderson Wiley, who was born in Guilford County. His Alamance (1847) describes gripping Revolutionary War events in and around Alamance Presbyterian Church, southeast of Greensboro. In Roanoke (1849), Wiley wrote about the eastern North Carolina towns of New Bern and Wilmington, also through the historical lens of the Revolution. At a time when North Carolina was falling behind other states in literature, Wiley's two novels were a conscientious attempt to recreate some of the most vivid but nearly forgotten episodes in North Carolina history.
Writer, abolitionist, and reformer Harriet Jacobs was born a slave in Edenton in 1813. Her life story, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Written by Herself, published under the pseudonym Linda Brent in 1861, influenced northern attitudes toward emancipation during the Civil War, pulled back the curtain on sexual oppression, and cast an equally critical eye on racial oppression. Jacobs, through her carefully crafted narrative and strategic omissions, maintained a safe distance from her work, giving her insular, sometimes lurid text a distinctively novelistic feel.
While Jacobs broke barriers by integrating the literary community, other authors had success in a specific genre. Mary Ann Bryan Mason's A Wreath from the Woods of Carolina (1859) was the first North Carolina book written for young readers. Its ten stories are highly moralistic lessons in which pious children are rewarded and miscreants are punished, usually by death. Mason's novel, Her Church and Her Mother: A Story of Filial Piety (1860), is set in Raleigh's Christ Episcopal Church, where her husband was rector.
Essayist, folklorist, short story writer, and novelist Charles Waddell Chesnutt was the first African American writer to receive widespread serious attention during his lifetime as a literary artist and was considered one of the major fiction writers of his era. Born in Ohio in 1858, Chesnutt spent his childhood and early adulthood in Fayetteville. His best-known book, The Conjure Woman (1899), is a retelling of seven African American slave folktales from the Cape Fear region. Five of the nine stories in The Wife of His Youth and Other Stories of the Color Line (1899) are set in and around Fayetteville, as is the novel The House behind the Cedars (1900). Both works deal with the problems confronting people of mixed race, a topic of increasing prevalence made most famous by James Weldon Johnson's 1912 Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man. Other Chesnutt books, The Marrow of Tradition (1901), based on the Wilmington race riot of 1898, and The Colonel's Dream (1905), set in Reconstruction-era Fayetteville, address the often hopeless situation of blacks in a white society.
Christian Reid of Salisbury was one of nineteenth-century North Carolina's most prolific novelists. The author of 46 books, mostly novels, Reid was representative of the genteel literature of that era. Born Frances Christine Fisher, she chose her pseudonym to delineate the ethical purposes of her writing and to disguise her true identity and gender. In that era it was thought "unladylike" to use one's real name for authorship. Reid's tenth book, The Land of the Sky (1876), a travel novel, created a nickname that has ever since denoted the western mountains of North Carolina.
"Photograph, Accession #: H.1949.15.1." Circa 1920-1940. North Carolina Museum of History.
"Print, Accession #: H.19XX.323.117." 1900. North Carolina Museum of History.
1 January 2006 | McFee, Michael; McFee, Philip; McMillan, Douglas J.; Mitchell, Ted | <urn:uuid:35a50a39-9e1d-485e-8c69-87eb1c100bea> | {
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Mining Publication: Getting Through to Greenhorns: Do Old Training Styles Work with New Miners?
Some segments of the mining industry, especially underground coal, have seen a large influx of inexperienced miners in recent years. It is anticipated that this trend will reach other mining segments over the next 10 years. This paper discusses the training needs of the younger generation of inexperienced workers who have just entered or are soon to enter the mines. Currently, many trainers are of the so-called Baby Boom generation. Can these different age groups learn to communicate across the generation gap? Even trainers who have been highly effective in the past should reassess their training styles and their classroom materials to determine if they are prepared to meet the needs of these new trainees.
Information CircularSeptember - 2002
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20022095
In: Peters R, ed. Strategies for Improving Miners' Training. Pittsburgh, PA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2002-156, Information Circular 9463, 2002 Sep :9-12 | <urn:uuid:724b8737-9878-4a7f-bb35-a16d80621f39> | {
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This interview mostly concerns Douglas Heard's experience of growing up as the child of a black farmer in south Alabama in the 1940s through the 1960s. A considerable amount of time is also spent on remembering his father, Amos Heard, who was a successful black farmer, barber, and mill worker. He offers useful insight into how his father acquired the land for his farm, as well as it remaining within the family. He spends some time on mechanization and the resultant displacement of black sharecroppers from the land in the 1950s. The theme of race relations between the black and white communities is a recurrent theme throughout the interview, whether it regards farming, the army, the Civil Rights Movement, or even employment beginning in the late 1960s. The final third of the interview continues the story of strained racial relations, the younger generations disinterest in farming, and what Mr. Heard considers to be the demise of black farming in the South. Finally, he ends the interview with a short story about racist white coworkers who harassed him while working for Goodrich in the late 1960s. He defined this moment as being a clear moment of change for him in his life. | <urn:uuid:1e6d4ade-67e8-44c4-bbdf-6c669f49bbea> | {
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Out With the Old Gadgets, in With the New: How to Recycle E-waste
If Santa brought you a new phone or tablet this holiday season, or you couldn’t resist the sale price on a 70-inch TV, you might be wondering what to do with your old electronics.
You’re not alone. Overall, Americans get rid of 7 million tons of old electronics – or “e-waste” – each year. That adds up to about 42 pounds per person!
What does e-waste include?
- Desktop or laptop computers
- TVs and computer monitors
- Cell phones, cordless phones, and office phones
- Printers, scanners and fax machines
- CD/DVD/Blu-ray players
- And almost anything else with a battery or cord
But that old flip phone or CD player shouldn’t go in your household trash or recycling – e-waste must be recycled separately. Consumer electronics often contain metals like mercury and lead, which can harm the environment. Proper e-waste recycling safely removes any toxic materials, keeping them out of the waste stream. There are a number of options to consider.
Electronics recycling options
- Donate: Many local charities can make use of working devices. Two national programs include Cell Phones for Soldiers, which provides free airtime minutes to servicemen and women, and the 1Million Project, which helps connect low-income students to the Internet.
- Mail back recycling: Safely dispose of your old electronics without even leaving the house! Simply order a prepaid box, fill it up, and mail your electronics back to Republic Services. Boxes can be ordered through Republic Services’ Electronics Recycling Mail-Back Program.
- Drop off at local collection events: Many local Republic Services facilities collect e-waste throughout the year, especially in the spring and fall – check RepublicServices.com/shop for options. Or search Earth911 or Call2Recycle to find an e-waste drop-off site near you.
There’s another upside to recycling old electronics: the recovery of usable – and valuable – materials. Consumer devices contain gold, silver, copper, glass, and plastics, all of which can be reused. And recycling uses less energy than mining or manufacturing new materials. For example, 1 million properly recycled cell phones can recover 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver and 75 pounds of gold!
Finally, what to do with lithium-ion batteries? Today, lithium-ion batteries power millions of devices, including smartphones, laptops, power tools, and toys. Their compact design makes them ideal for portable devices but leaves little protection for the delicate wiring inside, which can explode if dropped or smashed. Sound far-fetched? In 2017, 65% of waste facility fires in California were caused by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries must be recycled as e-waste – not in household trash or recycling containers.
Want to learn more? Pull out that new tablet or laptop, and check out Republic Services’ electronics recycling programs. Together, we can help preserve our Blue Planet®. | <urn:uuid:8ae2d719-d342-44d1-96fd-1e6bc4878d6e> | {
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Northwestern Colorado is a region of the state of Colorado in the United States of America. It is a diverse area of both red rock mesas and snow capped mountain peaks, as well as the headwaters of the Colorado River. This Rocky Mountains region includes a majority of the state's most popular ski resorts, places like Breckenridge, Aspen and Vail. It is also home to the Western Slope's biggest city, Grand Junction.
Broadly, this region is bounded on the:
Region boundaries in Colorado tend to be somewhat controversial (even in day-to-day life in the state) and are done in an ad-hoc way here. If you're expecting to read about some destination in this article and can't find it, check in the neighboring Front Range, Southwestern Colorado, and even South Central Colorado sections to see if it's covered there.
For a quick list of all Colorado's ski resorts, take a look at Skiing in Colorado.
Normally, this section is reserved for places of scenic natural wonder, as well as geologic interest. Here are a few of the region's highlights:
This area is dominated by its geology. It is fairly evenly divided between some of the highest, snow-covered peaks in the Rockies and the beginning of the sandstone canyon and mesa country that is typical of the high-desert Colorado Plateau. The two biggest geologic features in Northwestern Colorado are the Western Slope of the Continental Divide and the mighty Colorado River, fed by the mountain snow of the Rockies and eventually carving out the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
The mountains are still growing, thrust upwards by a subducting tectonic plate that scientists hypothesize is situated at an odd angle. It explains why Northwestern Colorado is curiously free of any volcanoes similar to the Cascades in Washington and Oregon. (Although there has been volcanic activity in the past, and Northwestern Colorado is dotted with geothermal pools in places like Steamboat Springs and Glenwood Springs). Northwestern Colorado boasts Mount Elbert near Aspen. It rises 14,433 ft (4268m) above sea level and is the highest mountain in the entire Rocky Mountain range.
A geological formation characteristic of the mesa portion of the region are the Bookcliffs that are shown to good advantage around Grand Junction. A legacy of this geology is that the region is famous for its Jurassic-era fossils, found throughout the Morrison Formation. Dinosaur National Monument, along the Utah state line and extending into that state, was formed to preserve the enormous fossil beds found there, which are still yielding remarkable paleontological discoveries. Delta, just south of the region in Southwestern Colorado, as well as Grand Junction have large fossil quarries.
There is an economic divide, as well. Northwestern Colorado is a region of both small, struggling towns and high-end ski resorts (some of the richest and most expensive in the world). The ski resorts are a playground for jet-setting millionaires and billionaires, with multimillion dollar mansions and high costs of living. Outside of these pockets of excess are large rural areas, home to ranches and orchards. Northwestern Colorado is also where Colorado's Wine Country is located, the state's answer to Napa and Sonoma in California. Sizable portions of Northwestern Colorado are public lands owned by either the federal government or the state. So there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, rafting and other forms of recreation.
Between 250 and 1300 AD, the Fremont people were the area’s first inhabitants. Their culture can still be glimpsed today in the many petroglyphs and pictographs they created on canyon walls in the mesa portion of the region. Circa 1500, the Ute nation moved into Northwestern Colorado.
With the conquest of the Aztec Empire in Central America in 1521, the Spanish formed the Viceroyalty of New Spain and claimed a large part of North America for themselves, including a nebulous region around Northwestern Colorado. The borders were not firmly fixed on a map, and the Spanish only managed to settle as far as South Central Colorado.
During the 19th century, the area was very much in dispute with a young nation, the United States. After the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the U.S. claimed all the land south and west of the Arkansas River. Spain declared a large trade zone around its colony of Santa Fé de Nuevo Méjico, a claim the U.S. challenged. In 1806, Zebulon Pike led a U.S. Army expedition into the area, "discovering" Pike's Peak in the process, but Pike never reached as far as Northwestern Colorado. A contingent of Spanish cavalry apprehended and arrested the Pike expedition in South Central Colorado, eventually expelling them from New Spain. The U.S. relinquished its claim on the region as part of the purchase of Florida from Spain with the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819.
In 1821, the Viceroyalty of New Spain successfully revolted, splitting with the Spanish crown. Northwestern Colorado may have become part of Alta California, a province in the new nation of Mexico.
Hoping to develop the area, Mexican officials opened the land up to mountain men, trappers and traders. Between 1821 and 1840, explorer Antoine Robidoux ventured through the region in search of beaver pelts. With this influx of adventurers and speculators came many of the men who would later lead U.S. Army expeditions and Government Surveying parties through the area: Kit Carson, "Pathfinder" John Charles Fremont and Captain John Gunnison.
In 1846, the U.S. Army invaded and defeated Mexico in the Mexican-American War. With the Treaty of Guadalupe y Hidalgo, the U.S. gained control of Northwestern Colorado, as well as California, Nevada, Utah, and portions of Arizona, New Mexico and Wyoming.
In 1849, the Mormons established the Provisional State of Deseret, which included parts of Northwestern Colorado, a claim the U.S. refused to recognize. For the next 20 years, the Mormons refused to settle east of the north-south running Green River.
While the U.S. was busy expanding its territory, the Utes were fighting a rear guard action, with intermittent settler encroachments on their lands. Friction between the Utes and whites over resources was inevitable. In 1868, the U.S. Government and the Ute Indians signed a treaty that designated Northwestern Colorado as part of the Ute reservation. But the area's rivers offered both a reliable source of water and arable land. This was compounded by the discovery of gold and silver in the San Juan Mountains to the south. There was also a missionary spirit amongst the whites, who saw it as a God-driven destiny to convert the nomadic Utes to Christianity and an agrarian way of life. These factors proved to be too great for the settlers to resist.
Determined to turn them into farmers, the head of the government's Indian Agency, Nathan Cook Meeker, approached the Utes with a mixture of arrogance and hostility. He plowed up a Ute horse-racing track to plant a field, and later engaged in a fist fight with the owner of the race track. In 1879, Meeker telegraphed for military assistance, and the Federal government responded with around 200 soldiers to police the area. The situation was handled with mutual mistrust on both sides, and several skirmishes occurred. The crisis culminated with the Utes killing several whites at the Indian Agency (including Meeker) and launching the so-called Ute War. Initially successful, the Utes were forcibly relocated to Utah, and Southwestern Colorado, near Cortez.
The Uncompahgre Reservation was opened to settlers in the fall of 1881. Settlers poured into the area. Towns like Paonia, Grand Junction, Meeker and Craig were rapidly established. For the next 80 years, farming and ranching were the staples of the region's economy. Mining towns like Aspen, Breckenridge and Leadville capitalized on the silver and gold bonanzas.
Post World War Two ushered in an area of unprecedented prosperity for Northwestern Colorado, with the founding of area's modern ski resorts. The second half of the 20th century witnessed the birth of Snowmass Village, Vail, Beaver Creek, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, Vail, and Keystone. Grand Junction grew into a regional hub to service the ski towns, as well as a boom and bust community of uranium and oil shale mining, and natural gas exploration. The population of this region continues to grow as people fall in love with its natural beauty and many recreational opportunities.
The area is largely English-speaking, with a handful of Spanish speaking communities like Minturn near Vail. There is a wide circle of Spanish speaking laborers who are the working class backbone of the mountain resorts, energy, construction and hospitality industries. At the opposite end of the spectrum are Central and South America's moneyed ruling class, who flock to Vail between Christmas and New Year's. See WikiTravel's Spanish phrasebook for more information on how to better engage both groups.
Also, within the ski towns, there are large, developed exchange programs with college-age students from Europe and South America. You will find them running the ski lifts and equipment rental shops, so hearing French, German, and Italian is not uncommon during the ski season. All, however, are required to speak English.
To visit Northwestern Colorado, travelers are going to have fly and/or drive.
Taxi service is also available at the airport.
The following companies offer shuttle/limo service from DIA, Eagle County and Aspen airports.
Amtrak serves Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs with the California Zephyr , which runs daily between Emeryville (in the San Francisco Bay Area) and Chicago. Amtrak and AAA partner to run several Wine Trains between Denver and Grand Junction each spring.
The major artery through the region is Interstate 70. Weather-wise, there are three distinct micro-climates along I-70 in Northwestern Colorado. Conditions are highly variable depending on both the altitude and terrain. The weather can be blizzard conditions on the Eastern Slope of the Continental Divide in South Central Colorado, cloud cover on the Western Slope, and sunny west of Glenwood Canyon near Glenwood Springs.
During the winter, heavy ice and snow are a concern on the mountain passes, which can make driving difficult and slow going. Always check the weather and road conditions before heading out. Even on a clear winter's day, make sure your vehicle's wiper fluid reservoir is full. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) spreads both sand and magnesium chloride on the roads, which makes for an impenetrable, gluey mess on your windshield.
In the summer months, it's not uncommon to see the shoulders of the highways littered with broken-down vehicles that could not handle the steep grades and high altitude air of the Rocky Mountains. If you are venturing from a lower altitude, make sure your car can handle mountain driving. Thinner air means you will be burning more gasoline. Also, with so many steep grades, expect to gear down to avoid unnecessary friction to your brake pads.
During peak times, I-70 can get very crowded and it is not unheard of for a trip from Eagle and Summit Counties to Denver to take 3 hours or more (Allow for 5 from Pitkin County). Peak times are weekend afternoons (2 pm- 6 pm) both in the summer and winter. Plan accordingly and either leave in the morning, or leave after 5 pm in the winter.
The majority of the ski towns offer bus service around the resorts and to the slopes. Grand Junction and Meeker have public transportation, as well.
World class dining is available in all the ski resorts. There are a variety of restaurants available in Grand Junction, as well.
There are trendy bars, brewpubs, as well as honky tonks and a handful of authentic mining-era 19th century saloons. The mountain resorts are famous for their apres-ski nightlife and clubs. | <urn:uuid:e273ef44-19ec-4221-b214-c1f5dd2722ca> | {
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Sound Learning is Listening Books' educational initiative.
The pilot project involved 25 secondary schools in London and 100 individual members across the country. The results confirmed how important it is for children with special educational needs (SENs) and disabilities to have access to the same texts their peers are reading. The resounding results allowed Listening Books to develop and extend its service to schools, and to offer audiobooks that support the National Curriculum and literacy.
Click here to see how audiobooks can benefit the students you work with.
Click here for ideas on how to use Listening Books at your school.
Click here to see the educational audiobooks we stock in our library.
Email the library team to make any suggestions of audiobooks you would like to see in our catalogue.
Click here to see our fantastic range of audiobook titles for children and young people.
We now have a fantastic online library of over 1000 titles so your pupils can listen on the go.
Find out the many ways that using audiobooks at home or school can help students support their studies. | <urn:uuid:6514a2c3-ce5c-4af7-83fa-21c4fe3d87fa> | {
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The world has made significant progress in ensuring more kids live to see adulthood -- just check out the blue bars.
Child mortality has gone down in all but two of 24 causes of death considered in the Global Burden of Disease report by the University of Washington's Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation. A graph by Wired depicts the percentage changes in global deaths of children under age 5 in 1990 and 2013.
As Wired reported, "deaths from a host of diseases, from tetanus (preventable with a vaccine) to malnutrition (preventable with food) are down." The largest declines came from more than 80 percent drops in deaths caused by both tetanus and measles.
Last week, Bill Gates tweeted the graph, saying it tells "a great story."
Although the largest increase in deaths between years were caused by HIV/AIDS -- which went up 80 percent -- there's still reason to be optimistic in the fight against the virus. Peter Hotez, a dean at Baylor College of Medicine who blogged about the study's findings, told Wired that child deaths due to HIV/AIDS went up between the years in the study, but has since declined.
What's more, the "same" is true for malaria -- the other mortality factor that experienced an overall increase on the graph, but is currently declining.
The findings go hand-in-hand with other big picture data tracking global health. In Bill Gates' annual letter published in January, the billionaire philanthropist pointed to United Nations' data that found about one in 10 children died before the age of 5 in 1990 -- in 2013, it was one in 20.
Gates letter predicted that "the lives of people in poor countries will improve faster in the next 15 years than at any other time in history," and increased access to vaccines, proper sanitation and better health systems will be to thank.
"[By 2030,] almost all countries will include vaccines for diarrhea and pneumonia, two of the biggest killers of children, in their immunization programs," Gates wrote. "Better sanitation -- through simple actions like hand-washing as well as innovations like new toilets designed especially for poor places -- will cut the spread of disease dramatically."
To take action on pressing health issues, check out the Global Citizen's widget below. | <urn:uuid:da73d67f-34f9-4cf5-bbb5-dbc8492617cc> | {
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Modern life is causing "major stress" and sleepless nights, according to the results of two surveys.
Stress can cause sleepless nights
More than half of 1,001 people surveyed by life assurance firm CPP said worries about identity theft, terrorism and health risks kept them awake at night.
Climate change and house prices were also found to make people anxious.
A survey of 1,700 people by Travelodge found 3% of adults get the recommended amount of sleep, with stress cited as the main cause of a restless night.
Results from the CPP poll suggests people feel more worried about a range of issues than they did five years ago.
The number one worry was identity theft, followed closely by rising house prices, climate change, NHS cutbacks and terrorist attacks.
Older people seemed to be more laid back than their younger counterparts with just 9% of people aged over 54 admitting to being deeply concerned about social and global problems compared with 15% of 18 to 34-year-olds.
Among the younger respondents to the survey, rising house prices and climbing onto the property ladder was the biggest worry.
And the younger generation were also more concerned with the threat of terrorist attacks.
Dr David Lewis, a cognitive neuropsychologist at The Mind Lab, said many of the things raised as concerns were outside of people's control.
"The results of this survey, confirm that high levels of anxiety are prevalent in modern society.
"People feel themselves to be helpless.
"Societal anxieties have risen sharply in the last five years and the trend looks set to continue."
He added that when people felt under a lot of pressure it lead to sleepless nights which in turn made them less able to cope with events the next day.
The second survey carried out by Travelodge found very few adults get the recommended eight hours sleep a night.
The main reasons listed were stress and long working hours.
More than half said lack of sleep made them feel physically run down and reduced their concentration.
Many also said it made them feel low and depressed.
The survey also reported that Britons are spending £6.7bn a year on quick fix rejuvenating cures, such as coffee and vitamins to help them cope with the effects of a bad night's sleep.
Dr Chris Idzikowski, director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre said the findings showed sleep deprivation was a widespread problem.
"It's not necessarily the worries that wake you up, it's other things, but if you have got nothing else to do in the middle of the night you end up worrying."
He added that some aspects of modern life had affected sleeping patterns, such as less time to fit in sleeping and the brain having to process much more information. | <urn:uuid:1aff6386-83b4-44da-8786-384896d48aab> | {
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Nibiru, a purported large object headed toward Earth, simply put – does not exist. There is no credible evidence – telescopic or otherwise – for this object's existence. There is also no evidence of any kind for its gravitational affects upon bodies in our solar system.
The Mayan calendar does not end in December 2012. Just as the calendar you have on your kitchen wall does not cease to exist after December 31, the Mayan calendar does not cease to exist on December 21, 2012. This date is the end of the Mayan long-count period, but then – just as your calendar begins again on January 1 – another long-count period begins for the Mayan calendar.
There are no credible predictions for worrisome astronomical events in 2012. The activity of the sun is cyclical with a period of roughly 11 years and the time of the next solar maximum is predicted to occur in the period 2010 – 2012. However, the Earth routinely experiences these periods of increased solar activity – for eons – without worrisome effects.
The Earth’s magnetic field, which deflects charged particles from the sun, does reverse polarity on time scales of about 400,000 years but there is no evidence that a reversal, which takes thousands of years to occur, will begin in 2012.
For any claims of disaster or dramatic changes in 2012, the burden of proof is on the people making these claims. Where is the science? Where is the evidence? There is none, and all the passionate, persistent and profitable assertions, whether they are made in books, movies, documentaries or over the Internet, cannot change that simple fact. There is no credible evidence for any of the assertions made in support of unusual events taking place in December 2012. | <urn:uuid:18795079-02cd-4138-8cf4-ac5705a48b10> | {
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Bog bodies, which are also known as bog people, are the naturally preserved human corpses found in the sphagnum bogs in Northern Europe. Unlike most ancient human remains, bog bodies have retained their skin and internal organs due to the unusual conditions of the surrounding area.
These conditions include highly acidic water, low temperature, and a lack of oxygen, combining to preserve but severely tan their skin. Despite the fact that their skin is preserved, their bones are generally not, as the acid in the peat dissolves the calcium phosphate of bone. The German scientist Dr Alfred Dieck catalogued the known existence of over 1,850 northern European bog bodies in 1965.
Most, although not all, of these bodies have been dated to the Iron Age, and many of them show signs of having been killed and deposited in a very similar manner, indicating some sort of ritual element, which many archaeologists believe show that these were the victims of human sacrifice in Iron Age Germanic paganism. Some of the most notable examples of bog bodies include Tollund Man and Grauballe Man from Denmark and Lindow Man from England. | <urn:uuid:58ac9779-4bc6-4eae-9bc4-87456a7ab32e> | {
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3 Tips for Creating Middle School Reading Curriculum
By creating a reading curriculum for middle school students that is challenging, sets high expectations and provides effective instruction, teachers are able to encourage students to strive harder and achieve greater results. Reading curriculum is an important part of English literacy, and teachers need to select materials carefully based on the grade level.
Here are three simple tips that can set the foundation for your middle school reading curriculum.
The only way to create effective reading curriculum for middle school is with a goal. Teachers need to set goals based on the standards and guidelines while keeping in mind the students within the class.
The goal of middle school reading curriculum is to build on the lessons learned in elementary school and extend literary knowledge for improvements in reading and writing skills.
Each school year, teachers need to set goals for the different lesson plans, the entire year and the different categories of learning students are expected to know before standardized testing. The goals should focus on small steps, the intermediate steps and the final expectations that students must meet by the end of the year. By working from smaller to larger goals, teachers can develop effective lesson plans that help students achieve each step.
Set aside time for class discussions
Reading curriculum is not only about the actual skill of reading a book. Teachers need to instruct middle school students in the basics of evaluating the information presented in the book and then work on improving their abilities.
Effective reading programs for middle school students use cooperative learning by breaking students up into groups or providing class discussion. By having students discuss the different ideas in the reading content, teachers are able to encourage the entire class to think about the materials.
Include fun activities
Creating reading curriculum for middle school is not limited to the technical details and lessons. Students are still young enough to enjoy activities that incorporate comprehension and ideas from reading assignments that are designed for fun.
Activities that can help improve student performance, comprehension and evaluation skills can range from finding the poetry in favorite songs to playing card games that are designed around lessons like cause and effect found in literary works.
The goal of middle school reading is to develop new ideas, understand materials after reading and improve on skills that were developed at a younger age. Activities can help improve comprehension, analysis and vocabulary skills.Learn More: Click to view related resources.
- Robert Slavin and Alan Cheung, et al., "All About Adolescent Literacy," Effective Reading Programs for Middle and High Schools: A Best Evidence Synthesis | <urn:uuid:759c210a-a8e5-486d-af9b-4d0abba736b1> | {
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Drought Lets Officials Remove Muck at Florida's Lake Okeechobee To Restore Habitat
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- State water and wildlife managers are taking advantage of an unprecedented drought by removing life-choking muck along Lake Okeechobee's shoreline.
The 500,000 cubic yards of rotted, dead plant life and sediment -- enough to fill Dolphin Stadium from the field to its highest seat -- will be trucked from the lake starting Thursday.
Its removal over several months will return the bottom of the lake along its southwest shoreline to a more natural sandy base and create clearer water and better habitat for plants and wildlife.
Lake Okeechobee is a backup drinking water source for millions in South Florida and the lifeblood of the Everglades. It has dropped to a near record low after a months-long drought experts say is the worst the region has ever seen.
While the drought has led to severe water restrictions across the state, it has presented an opportunity to clean portions of the highly polluted lake, as water levels have dropped enough to expose typically submerged shoreline.
The muck, which has accumulated over the years, is choking life from the lake's shore. It prevents sunlight from reaching the bottom, keeps fish from laying eggs and inhibits plant growth.
Portions of shoreline will soon see the return of wading birds, fish and native plants long smothered by the blanket of muck, which has become more of a dry, soil-like material after baking in the sun, said Don Fox, a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
He said fish breeding attempts have been futile.
"When they try to lay eggs in this muck, they just sink down," Fox said. "There's low oxygen content and they just die."
The initial removal is part of an $11.5 million project that will eventually take out about 3.8 million cubic yards of muck along up to 15 miles of shoreline, he said. It is the largest ever such project at the 730-square-mile body of water, the second-largest natural freshwater lake in the contiguous United States, behind Lake Michigan.
Much of the lake's problems lie in its high phosphorous levels, which cause pollution in estuaries and in the Everglades. The majority of the life-killing nutrient is buried in muck at the lake's center -- about 50,000 tons of it over 300 square miles, experts say.
The project beginning Thursday will remove some of the phosphorous, but state water managers are still devising a plan to get out the rest of it.
"The big benefit will be getting that material off the lake bottom so we can get the plant life back and restore the fisheries habitat," said Susan Gray, deputy executive director of watershed management for the South Florida Water Management District, which is also working on the project. "But when you get the vegetation growing back in the lake, you also get an improved ability for the lake to absorb phosphorous."
Audubon of Florida scientist Paul Gray called the effort a step in the right direction, but noted, "it's not going to save the lake."
"It's still a really good thing," Gray said. "But if the lake would fluctuate normally, we wouldn't have to do this. Mother Nature would fix it."
Lake Okeechobee has suffered from years of dikes, dams and diversions intended for flood control. Its main water source, the Kissimmee River, starting to the north near Orlando, was diverted in the 1960s by the Army Corps of Engineers with a 22-mile canal.
The move flushed massive amounts of water and pollution from urban runoff and agriculture into the lake. The corps is working to restore the river.
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Learning About Firemen
Students explore the job of a fireman. In this career education lesson, students brainstorm what they already know about firemen and take a field trip to a fire station.
3 Views 2 Downloads
On September 11th, both men and women came to the rescue. Here, scholars learn about a woman firefighter who risked her life to help victims on the traumatic day. Pupils discuss how firefighters are often portrayed as men, and that woman...
K - 2nd Social Studies & History CCSS: Designed
Civil Rights in America
Civil Rights in America is the theme of this 2014 packet of materials prepared for Florida's Black History Month studies. Class members examine news reports and images of key civil rights leaders and events during the struggle for equal...
K - 12th Social Studies & History CCSS: Adaptable
Let's Learn About Firefighters!
Young scholars investigate the jobs of firefighters. In this career education lesson, students listen to the book A Day with Firefighters and compare different types of firefighters. Young scholars write and illustrate a sentence about a...
Pre-K - 2nd 21st Century Skills | <urn:uuid:258dd1e8-1ed7-4e23-beb5-bb501e6a2d91> | {
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Eat Insects To Mitigate Deforestation and Climate Change
A new 200-page-reportby the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) urges human society to utilize an often-ignored, protein-rich, and ubiquitous food source: insects. While many in the industrialized west might turn up their noses at the idea of eating insects, already around 2 billion people worldwide eat over 1,900 species of insect, according to the FAO. Expanding insect-eating, the authors argue, may be one way to combat rising food needs, environmental degradation, and climate change.
"It is widely accepted that by 2050 the world will host 9 billion people. To accommodate this number, current food production will need to almost double. Land is scarce and expanding the area devoted to farming is rarely a viable or sustainable option. Oceans are overfished and climate change and related water shortages could have profound implications for food production," the report reads. "To meet the food and nutrition challenges of today—there are nearly 1 billion chronically hungry people worldwide—and tomorrow, what we eat and how we produce it needs to be re-evaluated."
Entomophagy, or insect-eating, may be one possible solution. Eating insects, farming insects, and turning insects into feed for livestock are three ways in which the largely-terrestrial arthropods could mitigate both growing food demand and environmental damage, according to the report. Currently, most insects are eaten directly from the wild or raised in small cottage industries, but the report urges research into scaling up insect farming for food.
"Insects are not harmful to eat, quite the contrary. They are nutritious, they have a lot of protein and are considered a delicacy in many countries," Eva Muller, the Director of FAO’s Forest Economics, Policy and Products Division, said in a statement.
Indeed, the report argues that insects—rich in fats, iron, and zinc, as well as protein—could become a healthy replacement for more mainstream meats, such as beef, chicken, and fish. The environmental benefits are huge: insect-farming would likely produce far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional livestock (for example only a few insect types produce methane). For example, pig farming produces 10-100 times more greenhouse gases per kilogram than raising mealworms.
Insects are also hugely efficient: on average insects require only 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) of food to produce 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of meat, while cattle requires 17.6 pounds (8 kilograms) for the same amount of meat.
Perhaps most importantly insect farming would not require clearing of additional lands, which would undercut greenhouse gas emission due to deforestation, preserve threatened biodiversity, and decrease on-going land conflicts.
Continue Reading at Mongabay.com
Eating Bug via Shutterstock | <urn:uuid:cb64b7d0-bdcc-4b04-939f-68a63230363e> | {
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Saliva May Improve With Age for Flu Protection
FRIDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- Certain proteins in saliva help protect seniors from influenza, according to a new study from China.
The findings improve understanding of why older people are better able to fight off the new strains of bird and swine flu than younger people, said researcher Zheng Li and colleagues.
As well as beginning the process of digesting foods, saliva also contains germ-fighting proteins that form a first-line defense against infections. It was already known that a person's age affects their saliva's levels of certain glycoproteins, which are proteins with a sugar coating that combat disease-causing germs.
In this study, investigators sought to learn more about how age-related differences in these saliva proteins affect people's susceptibility to influenza.
The researchers analyzed saliva samples from 180 men and women of various ages and found that glycoproteins in the saliva of people aged 65 and older were more efficient in binding to influenza viruses than those in children and young adults.
The study was published recently in the Journal of Proteome Research.
The researchers said their findings suggest that saliva testing may help improve understanding, prevention and diagnosis of some age-related diseases.
The U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion explains how to protect yourself from seasonal flu.
SOURCE: Journal of Proteome Research, news release, June 12, 2013
-- Robert Preidt
Any medical or health information included on Pollen.com is provided by IMS Health Incorporated, a non-medical professional organization. Information from external sources included on Pollen.com, including HealthDay News, are the responsibility of the third-party provider and not of IMS Health Incorporated. HealthDay.com is Pollen.com's source for the latest allergy news. | <urn:uuid:4aea24b9-2c18-44f0-9496-1f24f2de6b67> | {
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Monteverdi's Lamento della ninfa is an excellent example of what a lament should be. A lament is always an expression of grief or sorrow and usually over a loss of love. This loss of love may be due to the death of the loved one or betrayal (such is this case). The lament is not a complaint about unhappy or unrequited love, but it is a manifestation of sadness. In most cases, Lamento della ninfa included, the lamenter is tormented simultaneously by the past, present, and future: the memories of what once was, the current pain of loss, and grievances for the future. Monteverdi masterfully manipulates the poetry of Ottavio Rinuccini with music that expresses the emotion of the text. In order to do so, he utilizes compositional techniques both old and new in relation to his time period.
There exist many examples of madrigalisms throughout the piece. Dissonance is used to call attention to sections of text. For example, at measure 11 in part 1 of Non havea Febo ancora, the opening choral section, harsh half step dissonance is implemented upon the text "suo dolor" (English translation - "her sorrow" or "her grief"). The tension of the dissonance mirrors the tension of the description of emotional pain. Without knowledge of the translation of the text, this instance may feel unnaturally abrasive. However, with familiarity of the translation, the method as it is composed can be artistically enjoyed and appreciated.
Another example of madrigalism is at the beginning at measure 8 of part 2 of Non havea Febo ancora. The text depicts: treading aimlessly on flowers and wandering here and there while lamenting on lost love. Monteverdi reinforces this text by having the singers tightly stagger their entrances on fairly disjunct melodies, thus creating a more confused or dazed sound in comparison to the music previously presented. His manner of madrigalism is a bit more complex than most of those introduced during the Renaissance.
Probably the most...
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Are you one of those who enjoy spending time with little kids? Or do you always loved to take up babysitting as a part time or full-time job? If your answer is YES, then choosing your career in early childhood education would be an ideal selection. "Early childhood education" is a very popular and important in present scenario. Early childhood is the time to know children, make them comprehend their own selves and the early childhood education certainly serves this very purpose. Early childhood education can be fundamentally termed as "Learning through play". In present situation, where parents are incapable to give proper time to their children, "learning through play" concept is proving to be more successful than conventional learning. Besides this, obtaining affordable and quality child education especially for children under age 8, is a major worry for many parents. Particularly in recent years with the rise in families with two working parents, the need for early child education has increased in the last decade. The early childhood education programs offered by the kids schools are flowering at tremendous pace. As a result most of these kids schools are now looking for experts with an early childhood education degree. In comparison to other career options available today, the career prospect in early childhood education is gaining world-wide acceptance. An individual who are well trained or have earned an Early Childhood Education Degree can enjoy great and stress-free career. An individual with early childhood degree can search for great careers as faculty for different children schools. The biggest advantage of this career is that, it also offers a pleasant working environment which in turn can make working place a next home. A careful observation shows that these days there are only few trained professionals in early childhood education and so the requirement for well trained early childhood education tutors will increase in coming years. In addition to this, the best thing about the field of early childhood education program is it provides the option to shape and mold the personalities of young children. It helps individuals study more about key communication and interaction skills, as well as in-depth information of child psychology and social behavior. The career prospects for an Early Childhood Education Degree holder are not restricted to kids schools or nursery schools. These trained professionals can get aspiring careers in public and private schools, day care centers and child oriented Head Start programs as well. Moreover, early childhood education degree holders may also choose to open up their own independent business like independent daycare center or teaching facility. Today the greater focus on quality and accountability has emerged as vital factors on child education which is likely to lead further increase in demand for early childhood education degree holder or tutor. Certainly a career opportunity for early childhood education tutors seems brilliant and expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations.
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The US and Japan are preparing to deploy troops to Yonaguni Island, giving rise to two interpretations in Taiwan: either the move is aimed at China or at Taiwan. The former interpretation is based on the traditional view of containment, while the latter predicts that Taiwan will become part of China.
The US is deploying Apache attack helicopters on Yonaguni, and this is alarming. The deployment is not aimed at controlling air space but is a preparation to defend the island and evacuate residents if Taiwan loses air supremacy.
There are plenty of examples from history of one party boosting its rival’s expectations by making concessions that eventually lead to war. Western European tolerance of Nazi Germany is a case in point.
President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) “pro-China, anti-Japan” policy will not ensure long-term security across the Taiwan Strait, and this is the reason for the US military deployment despite the US Department of State’s praise of Ma.
It is crucial to understand international relations. In the West, a complex power map with the US and Britain at its heart has gone unchallenged for decades.
Other countries have their roles in the power structure as well, including Taiwan and South Korea. But given the importance to China and Japan of South Korea and the US bases there, Taiwan falls behind South Korea in the power hierarchy.
Small countries often cannot choose which side they are on. This applies to a certain extent to South Korea, not to mention Taiwan, whose status remains undetermined.
The reality is that if Taiwan is not subordinate to the US, it is subordinate to China. The question is whether Washington wants to maintain the US-Japan alliance or wants to embrace its “natural partner on the Asian mainland.” This is closely related to the competition for influence between Germany and France and between Japan and China.
What does the future hold? Taiwanese are worried and Japanese are confused about Taiwan’s position and even their own. As vanquished nations, Germany and Japan have become the fists of the victors, the US and the UK, by hosting US military bases.
The US’ global position is built on its position as the main constituent of the alliances that won two world wars. If Washington abandons this position, international relations will return to the disorderly 19th century situation, with a lack of focus and chaotic wars.
The US is likely to transform from a superpower with total control to a sovereign leader in charge of global, feudal cooperation. The point of departure for this paradigmatic change is the framework of the existing NATO and US-Japan alliances. This gives us a glimpse of the soft power that the administration of US President Barack Obama has discussed.
The key for two countries wanting to maintain their friendship lies in cultural, economic and military cooperation, such as Taiwan’s cooperation with the US and Japan.
If culture and economy are separated from military cooperation, it could have unforeseen consequences, bringing confusion to the relationship between the US, China and Japan.
One example of this is the government’s push for an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) while trying to maintain the Taiwan Strait median line.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office Director Wang Yi (王毅) has reportedly called for opening the median line and building mutual military trust. This is a consequence of rapid reconciliation and the isolation of culture and the economy over the past year. It will lead to changes to the relationship between the US and Japan. | <urn:uuid:13371f32-71a8-42f2-82cd-145aef67dce2> | {
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Lily - Day
DAYLILY Perennial – Sun/Part Shade
Hemerocallis spp. Ht. 8”-36” Spread 24”-36”
him-er-oh-CALL-us Spacing 18”-24”
HABIT: Foliage like large leafed grass. Many colors, shapes of blooms and height of plants available. Blooms from late May until September. Each bloom lasts only one day but others follow. Blooms range in size from 2”-8” across.
CULTURE: Easy, any well prepared and drained soil. Average water and heavy fertilizer needs. Divide in October or November every few years. Plant from containers year round. Summer flowers, background or accent plant, cut flowers.
USES: Summer flowers, background or accent plant, cut flowers. Delicious edible flowers.
PROBLEMS: Few serious other than aphids in the spring. Ladybugs usually take care of them.
NOTES: Called Poor Man’s Orchid. Plant divisions in the fall. Container plants can actually be planted any time of the year. Native to Europe. China and Japan. Daylilies are a gourmet vegetable. | <urn:uuid:ed9f7d60-42b1-4e38-81ed-7e9a2503d742> | {
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PHP is already popular, used in millions of domains (according to Netcraft), supported by most ISPs and used by household-name Web companies like Yahoo! The upcoming versions of PHP aim to add to this success by introducing new features that make PHP more usable in some cases and more secure in others. Are you ready for PHP V6? If you were upgrading tomorrow, would your scripts execute just fine or would you have work to do? (more…)
Read this nice article at http://iphonetouch.blorge.com/2010/01/01/will-android-kill-the-iphone-in-2010/ (more…)
PHP is a server-side, HTML-embedded, scripting language which gives the user the power to create web pages ‘on the fly’ All the processing of the PHP script is carried out by the server (interpreted line by line), and the user’s browser receives the resulting HTML produced.
Some of the reasons why this has become so widely used are…
- It’s free to use
- It’s open source, and as a result has developed to meet the needs of the web programmer
- There is a large community and knowledge base
- It’s cross platform (it can run on a windows or unix server)
- It’s fast
PHP: Developed in 1994, PHP was an initially an acronym for ‘It has evolved as open source language and has become a widely used language to construct dynamic web pages and is now often referred to as is a programming language specifically designed for building dynamic websites. Personal Home Pages’ Pre Hypertext Processor.
Welcome to Singsys blog. We will discuss almost everything in world related with web design, web applications and related technologies, news and updates. | <urn:uuid:ec008fbf-eaa4-48fe-a743-ec90fccf7784> | {
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One of Excel's greatest strengths is its flexibility. You can change the look of the Excel screen to match the work you're doing. For example, if you've opened several workbooks, you can set your screen so that all of them are visible. If you're working on a complicated project, you can maximize the program and adjust the screen view to magnify your data. Other times you can zoom out to see more of the worksheet. You can even split a large worksheet into separate windows, called panes, to keep you from scrolling back and forth.
If you're working with more than one Excel workbook, jumping back and forth between them becomes tedious very quickly. Instead of viewing one file at a time, you can set Excel to display all the open files on the screen.
When you've opened more than one Excel workbook, click the Window menu and choose Arrange. The Arrange Windows dialog box, shown in Figure 4.8, appears.
Click the option button next to the option you want. The following options are available:
Tiled? The open workbooks are arranged in individual tiles; the more open files, the smaller the individual tiles.
Horizontal? The workbooks are displayed in horizontal strips.
Vertical? The workbooks appear in vertical strips.
Cascade? The workbooks are reduced in size and displayed diagonally. The top workbook is the active one. If you chose this option, you'll need to click in one of the inactive workbooks to bring it to the top.
Click OK to close the Arrange Windows dialog box. The workbooks are arranged on your screen in the view you selected. Figure 4.9 shows a vertical arrangement of three windows.
Each time you open a workbook file, an icon for that file appears on the Windows taskbar. Position your mouse pointer in the taskbar icon to see the full name of the file. Even if you don't arrange the workbooks on your computer screen, you can easily see how many workbook files are open by looking at the taskbar.
Comparing data in two open workbooks and bouncing from one to the other to view the data can be a painstaking task. Instead of examining one file at a time, you can set Excel to display both open files side by side on the screen.
With the two workbooks open, choose Window, Compare Side by Side. Excel displays one workbook in the top half and the other in the bottom half of the Excel window. You also see the Compare Side by Side toolbar, as illustrated in Figure 4.10.
You can scroll simultaneously in both workbooks, but if you want to turn off this feature, click the Synchronous Scrolling button on the Compare Side by Side toolbar. If you want to reset the window position in a workbook, move to the new location in one of the workbooks, and click the Resets Window Position button on the Compare Side by Side toolbar. To return to viewing individual workbooks, click the Break Side by Side button on the Compare Side by Side toolbar.
Change the view of your worksheet by zooming in and out. To change the zoom percentage, click the Zoom button on the Standard toolbar. Choose the size at which you want to view the screen.
The lower the percentage, the more you see of the screen. However, at a low percentage, like 25%, you probably won't be able to read the text. Use the low percentages to examine the look of the screen. If you choose a high percentage, you see less of the total screen, but each cell appears larger.
Another way to adjust the change the zoom percentage is to click the View menu and choose Zoom. The Zoom dialog box, as shown in Figure 4.11, enables you to choose from a variety of magnification levels. The Custom selection allows you to specify a level as low as 10% or as high as 400%.
Figure 4.12 shows data on a worksheet at a magnification level of 200%.
Additionally, you can highlight a block of cells and choose Fit Selection to magnify the block so that its cells all fit in the window. After you adjust the Zoom magnification, you can change it back or switch to a new percentage at any time.
Most times, when you're working in Excel, it's helpful to be able to see the toolbar buttons, the title bar, and other screen elements. However, these elements take up valuable screen real estate and reduce your viewing area. Excel makes it easy to switch to a full-screen view, in which the worksheet, sheet tabs, and menu bar are displayed. You can toggle between full-screen and normal view at any time.
To display the worksheet in full-screen view, click the View menu and choose Full Screen. Your screen should look similar to the one in Figure 4.13.
If you absolutely need to work with a toolbar in full-screen view, open the View menu and click the toolbar you want to display. (Displaying more than one toolbar defeats the purpose of switching to full-screen, so add toolbars sparingly.) To return to normal view, click the Close Full Screen button.
Many large worksheets contain row and column headings that identify the data. However, as you scroll the worksheet, the headings become obscured. Instead of trying to guess which row or column heading matches the current cell, you can freeze the headings into panes. Here's how:
Freeze the top horizontal pane by clicking the row below where you want the split to appear.
Freeze the left vertical pane by clicking the column to the right of where you want the split to appear.
Freeze both the upper and left panes by clicking the cell below and to the right of where you want the split to appear.
Pane? An individual section of a window.
Next, click the Window menu and choose Freeze Panes. Figure 4.14 displays a worksheet window that has been split into panes. The row and column headings remain on the screen as you scroll through the worksheet, enabling you to always know where you are. You can unfreeze the window any time by clicking Window, Unfreeze Panes. | <urn:uuid:786189c8-bc0f-4fda-9673-3f164064def3> | {
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Algae cakes were a health snack made by Ernest Philpott during the 1931 Hill Valley Science Expo. They were made in order to make the consumption of algae more pleasant (due in part to sweetening it up with corn syrup). They didn't catch on and were not being made as of 1986.
Aside from the less than popular taste, eating an algae cake resulted in the person's teeth temporarily turning green. Despite being called cakes, they looked like cookies.
HistoryDuring October 12, Marty obtained some algae cakes at Hill Valley High School from Cue Ball (who ate some that fell off a truck). Despite being the one who made them, Ernest found the taste to be horrible when Marty offered him one.
The next day, Ernest passed out free algae cakes to those attending the Science Expo, except for Marty (who stole a box when Ernest was on stage).
- While a box of the cakes read Oceanic Algae Cakes, Marty McFly read it aloud as Dr. Fringle's Algae Cakes.
- Back to the Future: The Game
Notes and references
- ↑ Ernest Philpott's onstage lecture in Back to the Future: The Game - Episode 5: OUTATIME.
- ↑ Marty mentions that when examining them in Back to the Future: The Game - Episode 4: Double Visions.
- ↑ Citizen Brown was reminded of said chemicals when he consumed an algae cake. | <urn:uuid:36806275-2fb9-4163-85d4-b2a07df352ee> | {
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Newton’s Laws—Activity-Stations Kit
Students investigate inertia, force and acceleration using air pucks, carts and pulleys
and balloon rockets at three activity stations. Students rotate through the stations.
PSWORKS™ Marble Ramp
Calculate instantaneous speed, determine acceleration, explore energy conservation
and projectile motion and compare experimental and theoretical values.
Gyroscope Bicycle Wheel
Twist the handles of the spinning handheld wheel and feel gyroscopic motion. Stand
on a rotational turntable to demonstrate the conservation of angular momentum.
Balloon Cars Challenge—Guided-Inquiry Kit
Groups construct and test balloon-powered car prototypes then use their
knowledge of forces and Newton’s laws to modify their designs to win a challenge.
Trebuchet—Flinn STEM Design Challenge™
Students master the variables that must be optimized for their model trebuchet to
breach enemy walls as they test how height, arm length, counterweight and release
angle determines projectile flight distance.
Friction Blocks—Classroom Set
Students perform hands-on experiments to make generalizations about how the
surface area, weight and texture of objects affect friction.
LEARNING PHYSICS MADE EASIER
Most students find physics difficult. Key
concepts, from Newtonian physics to
the laws of thermodynamics, are clearly
demonstrated with Flinn’s kits and tools.
To learn more, visit www.flinnsci.com/hs.
B. PSWORKS™ Roller Coaster Track
Perform experiments on a roller coaster without leaving the classroom
and explore conservation of energy, potential and kinetic energy and
A. PSWORKS™ Photogate Timer
Easy-to-use timer has five common function modes used in the physical science
classroom and holds 20 data points in memory. | <urn:uuid:1dbcb0cd-3da8-478b-9006-3dbfaa7c192b> | {
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Oxen at Camp Durrell, 1908
Click on the image to zoom. Click and drag your mouse over the image to move it left or right. Use the small navigation window to select the area you wish to zoom on.
This Camp Durrell postcard was sent by a camper to his mother in Dedham, Massachusetts. The team of oxen, Tom and Jerry, were used for chores around the camp.
The oxen were thought to represent the healthy rural life that the camp promoted to perspective campers, who came primarily from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The camp was founded by the YMCAs of Massachusetts and Rhode Island in 1894. | <urn:uuid:10bce8e5-a46e-4a1f-8ce1-34f75a3357d2> | {
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Ever heard of the indoor farm that didn't need any soil? Well, take a look around, because one might be springing up in your neighborhood sometime soon.
There's a new crop of growers in Connecticut who are turning traditional farming on its head by taking plants inside and leaving the dirt at the door. Some are calling it the future of growing.
The current trend for soil-less agriculture is taking two forms. First, there's hydroponics. Plants grow in material such as coconut husks or gravel and get mineral nutrients from irrigation water. Second, there's aquaponics, which introduces fish into the growing system. Fish in tanks produce waste that is then converted into nutrients for the plants. The plants in turn provide a filter for the water that the fish live in.
A key advantage of hydroponics and aquaponics is that fresh produce can be grown where a typical farm would not be possible. Like Bridgeport's East End, for instance. The neighborhood is classified by the United States Department of Agriculture as a food desert, with a significant number of low-income residents living more than a mile from a supermarket.
A huge project is under way to create 80,000 square feet of hydroponic greenhouses as the centerpiece of a 3.4-acre development called Heroes Village Urban Agriculture Center. The $4 million undertaking will employ dozens of military veterans to grow the produce, which will be sold to local businesses and in the Center's retail facility. "It's a win-win for everyone in terms of employment and better food," says Sean Richardson, chief business affairs officer for Heroes Village LLC. "It's super fresh. It's better than organic." Pesticides will not be used and 90 percent of the water in the system will get recycled.
The Bridgeport greenhouses will be launched in the fall and will grow an estimated 800,000 pounds of lettuce, vine crops (such as cherry tomatoes) and speciality herbs annually, Richardson says. Master growers will oversee the farm and UCONN will offer agricultural training and education for workers and the local community. Heroes Village also plans to build a hydroponic farm and restaurant in Newtown, and to redevelop an old factory building in Danbury for the same purpose.
In Meriden, an organization supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities started its own soil-free growing project — with fish tanks — in early 2012. In fact, the aquaponic arrangement at The Arc of Meriden-Wallingford has been so successful that plans are afoot to install a commercial aquaponic system in a 25,000-square-foot building at the site. Currently they grow 36 head of lettuce a week and with the new expansion this will leap to almost 280 per week.
The Arc installed the system to teach its patrons specific skills that may help them get jobs. "They get to experiment with so many different pieces" of the system, for example looking after the fish, cleaning the tanks and planting seedlings, says Pam Fields, executive director of the organization. She says the educational benefits of aquaponics extend to schools too. "It's a great way to give students tools for a future career," she says. One Meriden school is considering introducing an aquaponic system over the summer, she notes.
A boon of this method of cultivation is that grow beds are at waist-high level, says Fields, making them easier to reach than traditional planting in the soil. Another benefit of the aquaponic system is that it's therapeutic. The Arc's greenhouse setup includes a river, a small waterfall and hanging systems near glass walls. "It makes it very relaxing," says Fields.
A major plus of indoor farming is that the growing season is year-round. The Arc's produce — mostly lettuce and basil — is sold at Meriden Farmers Market and at The Arc Eatery, an on-site breakfast and lunch spot. Last year The Arc also supplied lettuce to a diner in Middletown. In the future the organization aims to breed and sell the fish in the tanks, such as tilapia, to restaurants. Koi, which are also typically used in aquaponics, can be sold as decorative fish, Fields says.
Keen gardener and farm owner Rob Torcellini currently has some 60 koi and a few goldfish swimming in his 1,000-gallon tank at Bigelow Brook Farm, in Eastford, some 40 miles east of Hartford. "I stumbled across aquaponics", he says. A couple of years ago he took a friend's advice and added a few fish to his greenhouse water tanks to gobble up mosquitoes. His interest developed from there and he was "easily converted," he says.
Torcellini, northeast region chairman of The Aquaponics Association, has been building his aquaponic growing system and domed greenhouse since his first experiment with goldfish. In April the aquaponics cheerleader opened his greenhouse to the public as part of a nationwide "Tour de Tanks" event; some 250 people visited, among them several traditional farmers. Even in April, the grow beds were "already producing lettuce, tomatoes and all kinds of great things", Torcellini says.
He says one of the chief benefits of aquaponics is that all the water is reused in a closed-loop system, making it popular with growers in places with water restrictions like Arizona and Texas. And while New York and Connecticut don't have the same rainfall issues, "people are now starting to catch onto it," he says.
Aquaponics isn't a new idea. Bill Duesing, organic advocate and executive director of the Connecticut chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association, says he first came across a "very elegant" aquaponic growing system in the 1970s. Still, the organic farmer from Oxford says he's not interested in pursuing this method of cultivation himself because he's leery of the amount of energy consumed and the break in the connection with the land and soil.
Torcellini says the energy costs for his greenhouse and growing system are limited. He spent $800 keeping the temperature of the water in the fish tank between 55 and 60 degrees during the winter, and as for electricity consumption, he says it's "not super-expensive," using only 2.4 kilowatts per day. Solar panels contribute some of the power, he says. Fields, of The Arc, says electricity costs are minimal.
However, Torcellini concedes that start-up costs, including the expense of growing media for the beds, can be a barrier for beginners. He has spent $45,000 on his greenhouse and aquaponic setup, which he describes as "fairly elaborate", though he says a smaller hobbyist system using recycled materials can be constructed for a fraction of the cost.
There is another small challenge, he admits. Even if a gardener wanted to use pesticides for problems such as aphids and white flies, which can still get into greenhouses, they can't because the chemicals get into the water and harm the fish. Plus there's a lot to learn in the early days of setting up a system, for example in balancing the number of fish with the amount of plants.
Still, the beauty of the system is that once it's in full flow, with any initial problems resolved, the workload is much lower than it would be for soil beds; no digging out weeds, for example. "Once you're up and running, there's very little maintenance after that," says Torcellini. "In the long-term there's a lot less labor involved. It's relatively easy to grow this way."
Fields points to an additional advantage: cutting down the environmental cost of transporting fresh produce to urban areas. "It's the future for growing," she says. | <urn:uuid:f9329c98-59f7-4f50-b0af-27929f979fcf> | {
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This month we are going to look at steam traps.
A steam trap’s function is to allow air and condensate to leave the radiators and steam piping and prevent steam from entering the condensate return piping.
There are various types of steam traps in use. For our purposes we are only going to cover the two main types used in steam heating systems.
The most common is the thermostatic radiator trap. Every radiator is equipped with one, with the exception of a one pipe system.
Radiator traps come in two main types – angle and straight way. Both types have similar construction, a body, cap, thermostatic element, and a union tail.
The thermostatic element is the heart of the trap, It expands and contracts with the steam and condensate temperature. When the element is in contact with the steam it expands closing off the exit opening thus preventing the steam from entering the return piping. As the steam is condensed the lower temperature condensate causes the element to contract opening the exit opening allowing the condensate to clear the radiator. As the steam comes in contact with the element the cycle starts over again. This expansion and contraction eventually causes the element to fail.
It can be difficult to determine when an individual trap is leaking, usually the first indication is loss of vacuum, or steam issuing from the condensate tank vent. This happens when an element fails open or the radiator is not heating when the element fails closed.
The second type of trap is the float and thermostatic trap. This trap is used to rapidly remove large amounts of air and condensate and is generally found at the end of the steam mains or on unit heaters.
The operating mechanism consists of a float valve and a thermostatic element. In most cases these traps can be rebuilt.
Repair parts for most steam traps are still available. Call for more details! | <urn:uuid:8cf7f79a-a932-495f-a658-a4a339216a99> | {
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To place a link here contact the webmaster.
The States of Matter
Solid : Liquid : Gas : Plasma
This essay will talk of atoms but everything could be applied to molecules.
In a solid, the atoms (or molecules) are in fixed positions relative to one another. They vibrate but stay in relative position. When the solid is heated the atoms vibrate faster. This causes the solid to grow slightly in size. It is said to expand. All solids expand on heating, especially metals. Railway lines can buckle on hot days because of this expansion.
If the atoms are arranged in a regular sequence, a crystal results. Metals and salts are crystaline. If the atoms are arranged haphazardly the solid is said to be amorphous (Greek for without shape). Glass is a good example of an amorphous solid.
Metals are crystaline because their atoms are arranged in a regular sequence. However, atoms of metals tend to have loose outer electrons. These electrons can move between atoms. This causes the metal to conduct electricity.
In a liquid, the atoms move relative to one another but still stay close together.
Liquids can only exist for a limited temperature range. For example water is a liquid for 100 degrees (Celsius). For most temperatures it is either a solid or a gas. At low pressures, the range of temperature for a liquid to exist is smaller. That is why water boils at less than 100OC at high altitudes. If the pressure is low enough, the liquid phase does not happen. This is further examined by using phase diagrams.
A pure liquid contains only one substance. Most liquids dissolve other substances. The liquid is the solvent and the substance being dissolved is the solute. The resulting mixture is called a solution.
Water is an excellent solvent. Solids (like common salt), other liquids (like alcohol) and gases (like carbon dioxide) can all dissolve in water. They are said to be soluble in water.
Many substances do not dissolve in water. They are said to be insoluble. Oils are usually insoluble in water. When a mixture of oil and water is shaken, the result is an emulsion. If an insoluble solid is mixed with water, the result is called a suspension.
Pure water does not conduct electricity. Many solutions do conduct electricity. Adding salt (sodium chloride) to pure water makes the latter conduct electricity. This is because the salt breaks up into ions. These ions can move and this causes the solution to conduct electricity.
Passing an electric current through a conducting liquid or solution causes the ions to move. This breaks up compounds into their constituent elements, a process called electrolysis.
Atoms in a gas are free to move independently from each other. Because the atoms in a gas are moving at random, the gaseous state is the simplest to describe mathematically. There are three gas laws.
As the temperature increases, the atoms move faster and strike the walls of the container with more force. This manifests itself as an increase in pressure.
As the temperature increases, the atoms move faster and require more space so that they strike the walls of the container with the same net force. The volume increases.
If the volume of a gas is decreased, then the same number of atoms moving at the same speed (because the temperature has not changed) will strike the walls of the container more often. This manifests itself as an increase in pressure.
In this diagram, pressure increases upwards, temperature increases to the right. The triple point is the temperature where the three states (solid, liquid, gas) exist together.
If the pressure is above the triple point the substance behaves as follows: For a given pressure, a substance is a solid at low temperature. As its temperature rises it reaches a point where it turns to a liquid. This is called the melting point. If the liquid's temperature rises further it eventually reaches a temperature where it turns into a gas. This is the boiling point. If the pressure is below the triple point the following happens: The substance is a solid at lower temperatures. When heated the substance changes directly to a gas. This process is called sublimation. This temperature is called the sublimation point.
The melting, boiling and sublimation points of a substance depend on the pressure.
Below is the phase diagram for water.
At atmospheric pressure, water is above its triple point. This means that water has a melting point (0OC) and a boiling point (100OC). At lower pressure, the melting point is slightly higher and the boiling point is a lot less.
In contrast, the phase diagram for carbon dioxide is shown below.
At atmospheric pressure, carbon dioxide is below its triple point. This means that carbon dioxide sublimates. Its sublimation point is -80OC. This is why it is called dry ice.
© 2001, 2009 KryssTal
Thousands of students have passed exams using 642-983 practice exam and TK0-201 exam guide. When you prepare remember FCNSP exam questions along with MB4-640 dumps or MB4-218 lab preparations, you will have training that no one can cater you. | <urn:uuid:1ccd4e2f-f18d-40a7-a67c-0cfdb8bfa339> | {
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The Whipple procedure (pancreatoduodenectomy) is the most common operation to remove pancreatic cancers. The Whipple procedure may also be used to treat some benign pancreatic lesions and cysts and cancers in the bile duct and beginning part of the small intestine (duodenum).
Read more about pancreatic cancer.
The goal of the Whipple procedure (pancreatoduodenectomy) is to remove the head of the pancreas, where most tumors occur. Because the pancreas is so integrated with other organs, the surgeon must also remove the first part of small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder, the end of the common bile duct and sometimes a portion of the stomach. In the reconstruction phase of the operation, the intestine, bile duct and remaining portion of the pancreas are reconnected.
The Whipple procedure is a difficult and demanding operation for both the person undergoing surgery and the surgeon.
A laparoscopic Whipple procedure may be offered to select individuals. The laparoscopic Whipple procedure is performed through six small incisions in the abdominal wall. A laparoscope, a long thin tube with a lighted camera at its tip, is inserted through one incision. The surgeon operates using specially designed surgical instruments placed through the remaining incisions, guided by the laparoscope images shown on a monitor in the operating room.
At Mayo Clinic, laparoscopic Whipple surgery usually takes four to five hours. Most people leave the hospital in four to six days, compared with eight to 10 days for those who have conventional surgery. One month after a laparoscopic Whipple procedure, most people are able to eat normally, and many can return to work and normal activities.
Mayo Clinic researchers are evaluating the laparoscopic approach to see if the benefits found in other minimally invasive surgeries — less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery — also apply in laparoscopic Whipple surgery.
The most common post-surgical complication of pancreatoduodenectomy is leaking of pancreatic juices from the incision. If this occurs, a drain may be inserted through the skin to allow drainage for several weeks after surgery. Weight loss is another frequent complication of the Whipple procedure. Diabetes is a potentially serious concern for some people (a minority) after surgery. In general, although many people do very well after the Whipple procedure, some develop immediate complications that affect their quality of life.
To help ensure an uncomplicated recovery, Mayo Clinic specialists provide nutrition counseling and ongoing supportive care.
- Experience. Mayo Clinic surgeons are among the most experienced in the world in this complex procedure, performing approximately 120 Whipple operations and about 775 pancreatic operations each year.
- Access to latest developments. Mayo Clinic is a leader in advancements of the Whipple procedure to improve recovery, quality of life and cancer outcomes. Mayo Clinic is a leader in the minimally invasive (laparoscopic) approach to the Whipple procedure and is one of the few medical centers offering the laparoscopic approach.
- Teamwork. In Mayo Clinic's multidisciplinary team approach to patient care, you benefit not only from your surgeon's skill but also from the experience and expertise of the entire team involved in caring for you.
- Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, recognizing scientific excellence and a multispecialty approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., is ranked high performing for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.
At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.
Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.
Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.
Why Choose Mayo Clinic
What Sets Mayo Clinic Apart
Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people. In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.
The Whipple procedure is performed by doctors in general surgery. Digestive disease specialists from the Pancreas Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Arizona also participate in evaluation and care.
For appointments or more information, call the Central Appointment Office at 800-446-2279 (toll-free) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, Monday through Friday or complete an online appointment request form.
- U.S. Patients
- International Patients
Mayo Clinic in Florida is experienced in performing pancreatic surgery. Surgeons in general surgery have a national reputation for expertise in performing the Whipple procedure. You are cared for by a multispecialty team that includes specialists in gastroenterology, hematology/oncology, radiation oncology, radiology and other areas, who work closely together to see that you receive optimal care.
For appointments or more information, call the Central Appointment Office at 904-953-0853 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday or complete an online appointment request form.
- U.S. Patients
- International Patients
Surgeons in gastroenterologic and general surgery are among the most experienced in the world in performing the Whipple procedure. Mayo's integrated team of pancreatic cancer specialists — from gastroenterology and hepatology, oncology, radiation oncology, radiology and other areas — meet every day to care for patients.
For appointments or more information, call the Central Appointment Office at 507-538-3270 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday or complete an online appointment request form.
- U.S. Patients
- International Patients
See information on patient services at the three Mayo Clinic locations, including transportation options and lodging.
Surgeons at Mayo Clinic have the largest, single-institution experience with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy, used to remove tumors in the body and tail of the pancreas. Mayo Clinic studies have shown that for most people, laparoscopically surgery results in shorter operating times, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery than does conventional surgery. Mayo Clinic surgeons are now doing research to document the results for laparoscopic Whipple surgery.
Mayo Clinic surgeons are also actively involved in the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center Gastrointestinal (GI) Program, which is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge of cancers affecting the intestinal tract and to improving the quality of life of people affected by these diseases. Research activities focus on eight different disease sites, including the pancreas, bile duct and small bowel.
See a list of publications by Mayo Clinic authors on the Whipple procedure (pancreatoduodenectomy) on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.
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The Rise and Fall of Society/14
The small state can do to Society everything the large State can do, but not so much of it. The tyranny and terrorism of modern communistic overlords is of a kind with the practices of ancient Sparta, and twenty-five centuries before Mr. Roosevelt launched the New Deal, Pericles had something closely resembling it. Sparta and Athens were small aggregations, compared to their modern counterparts, and so there were fewer people to ride herd on; also, because they were less productive, there was less for the bureaucrats to lay their hands on. But the pattern of intervention and confiscation was the same. A State is a State, now as in the past, regardless of the size of its victim, and regardless of ideology affected by its management. It is always at war with Society.
The history of our own political subdivisions—states and cities—is well splattered with instances of "corruption." Our newspaper headlines and our campaign oratory periodically bear witness to the persistence of predatory practices by political management, even in our smaller communities. "Throw the rascals out" is the standard battle cry in our contests for political preferment, indicating that rascality is the regular order. But, when we dig down to the bottom of the rascality, we find some interventionary law that was ushered in with yards of moral fustian. It is the law itself that stimulates the cupidity of the official and his private accomplice. The policeman would not help himself to a banana from the peddler's pushcart if there were no law regulating the pushcart business, and schemes to evade taxes, including bribery, are the inevitable consequence of taxation. Interventionism is the stock in trade of every political establishment, and "corruption" is its corollary.
As an illustrative instance, on a rather grandiose scale, there is the case of the New York City subway system. Originally this railroad was built by entrepreneurs under a franchise granted by the "city fathers." As a condition of the grant, the fare was fixed at five cents. For a while all went well; the company rendered adequate service and paid its bills, including interest on its bonded indebtedness. As the city pulled into its orbit more and more surrounding communities, the company extended its mileage, as required, and in due time the nickel fare did not meet operational costs. The company asked for permission to increase its fare. The people-loving politicians refused the request and the "nickel fare" became a potent campaign issue. From the very beginning there were those who clamored for public ownership and operation, terming the franchise a "giveaway," but they were shouted down as socialists, the bondholders and management being most vociferous in this denunciation. But, when the company defaulted on its interest payments, and the bonds consequently shrank in value, it was the bondholders who asked the city to buy them out; they had no objection to socialism if a profit were involved. Eventually, a "reform" administration, headed by a mayor of pronounced socialistic persuasion, arranged for the purchase of the bonds at a price far beyond the open market quotation. The taxpayers, as usual, paid the bill. Shortly thereafter the subway was "taken out of politics," meaning that the fare was raised to ten and then to fifteen cents, and deficits are now the regular order. The subway system is now a city-owned monopoly, run by bureaucrats, whose prime interest is the perpetuation of their jobs, not railroading.
There was no obvious "corruption" in this operation, but it is known that speculators took a keen interest in the bonds when the prices declined to less than the physical valuation of the property, and that they sold them to the city at a handsome profit; even if no officials were involved in this piece of business (which is assuming that officials are more than human), the fact is that this venture in public railroading compelled the citizens to finance the acquisition, and continues to compel them to meet the operational losses. It was done by a city, not a national, establishment. Indeed, the City of New York has set a pattern for the nationalizing of the railroads of the country: a regulatory body, with power to fix rates and compel unprofitable operation, squeezes the business into bankruptcy, so that the owners are quite willing to sell their property to the taxpayers, and bureaucracy improves its position.
Another case. It does not occur to a small town to set up a department of "weights and measures"; social power soon rides the dishonest merchant out of business, if not out of the community. In a city like New York the same social power is present, but it does not make itself felt with the same expedition because of the multitude of possible victims. A number of complaints suggests an "issue" to the sagacious politician, and a law and a bureau of "weights and measures" come into being. The bureau, however, soon finds itself short of business; it is in competition with social power, which is far more effective in punishing dishonest practices than are the police. But an official body is never daunted by the lack of something to do; its capacity for digging up problems to solve is limited only by the funds at its disposal, and the funds are proportionate to the size and productivity of the taxable population. So, the department of "weights and measures" burgeons into an investigatory body, with power to pry into the malpractices of other political bodies (not itself) and achieves headlines by exposing a few firemen who take off-duty jobs, which is against the law, or exposing some prostitutes whom the police have overlooked. The headlines serve to vindicate the bureau and justify its costs.
These two instances of bureaucratic practice and political intervention in the largest city in the country can be matched, though not on so large a scale, by every city in the country. Where the grazing land is richer, there the politician waxes fatter. It follows therefore that the smaller the community, the more likelihood of confining officials to their legitimate business, that of keeping the peace and dispensing justice cheaply. Conversely, the larger the political unit, the more opportunity for the abuse of political power. If there were any point in working it out, this fact of political science could be reduced to a mathematical formula. More interesting and instructive is the reason for it.
Social power diminishes as political power increases, and political power expands in direct ratio to the size and wealth of the community over which legal authority has been established. To put it another way, the further removed from the purview of those whose behavior he undertakes to canalize, the more attenuated are the social restraints on the politician's proclivity. The reason for this lies in the fact that he is human; his occupation does not free him from the instincts and motivations of all men. In a small community, the prince or the councilman or the sheriff is under the constant surveillance of neighbors, and their opinion of his behavior is not without influence; either the desire to retain their good will or the fear of retribution bears on his official acts. He must live with them, just as a merchant must live with his customers, and social ostracism is too heavy a price to pay for indulging the passion for power which his position generates.
As the community grows this neighborly influence diminishes. Public affairs become too complex for the man preoccupied with the business of living, and his interest in them wanes in proportion; only when he is personally affected by political matters does he become concerned with them. Under the circumstances, the politician is more or less on his own.
A more impelling reason for the attenuation of social power is the splintering of its homogeneity as population grows; group interests replace the common interest and the politician finds himself under a variety of pressures. He is put in the way of acquiring power by the claims and ambitions of the various factions, each of which is willing to barter the common good for its own advantage. The logic of the situation compels him to lean toward those factions which because of their numerical or economic predominance are most promising for his purpose, the accumulation of power. Group pressures, rather than social sanctions, chart his course, and his problem is the selection of allies. Thus, when the king met with strong opposition from the feudal barons he made common cause, for the time being, with the proletariat of the cities, and in our "democratic" time it is standard political procedure for the aspirant to champion the cause of farmers as against the urban population, to court favor with wage earners by promising to despoil capitalists, to form alliances with ethnic, economic, social, and even criminal groups that can "deliver the vote." His release from the social sanctions of the small community makes of him an entrepreneur in power.
His business, however, cannot flourish without resources, and his resources are determined by what he can extract from producers. In the smaller community the producers, being relatively few, can scrutinize his expenditures closely and make their opposition to taxes felt. In the larger community, consisting of a number of self-centered pressure groups, this surveillance of his operations tends to disappear; people are too busy with their private affairs to pay much attention to the complexity of public affairs. The tendency then is to identify public affairs with their own interests or with the interests of the group to which they adhere. Under the circumstances, the political person is able to draw up a convincing bill of particulars which he calls the "need of social services" but which on examination becomes a list of expenditures from which various dominant groups or individuals in the community hope to improve their own circumstances. The opposition to expenditures and taxes is thus weakened, and his opportunity improves.
Every budget is a compromise of interests. Every tax bill, even in the smaller cities, contains a promise to levy with a heavier hand on one group of citizens than another, with the implied intention of favoring some of the citizenry at the expense of others. In the rhetoric of politics there is no more compelling peroration than "ability to pay"; it is compelling because it touches to the quick the very common sin of covetousness, because it appeals to the envy and jealousy that few men are rid of. To be sure, the insinuation of "ability to pay" is that the "poor" will gain something by a "soak the rich" measure; but it is a moot question whether it is the hope of gain or the prospect of bringing the more capable or fortunate down to their own level that makes the "ability to pay" formula so acceptable to the "poor." The class-struggle notion is a most convenient instrument of the State. In the end, of course, only the political establishment profits by the tax formula; its business prospers, while the business of Society, the production of goods and the rendering of services, slows down to the extent of the exactions.
The zenith of political aspirations is attained when the revenues at his command rid the politician of the restraint of social sanctions. Having the wherewithal to operate in his own sphere, he can lift himself above Society and assume the role of statesmanship; that is, he can assume a capacity for improving the "general good," as he sees it, uninhibited by the limitations and foibles of those who must pay the bill. His economic independence induces the conviction that he has acquired a consciousness of collective aspirations, which is more than the sum of the myopic and individualistic aspirations of Tom, Dick, and Harry; he knows what is for their own good better than they do. He lives in a world of his own, in which Tom, Dick, and Harry exist only as means, not as persons. Social sanctions diminish in importance as taxation increases. And taxation increases, both in amount and in variety, as population and production increase. The incidence of taxation in our own cities is illustrative; in the beginning, real-estate values bore the entire brunt; now, in our larger cities, sales taxes, pay-roll taxes, poll taxes, occupancy taxes, liquor taxes, and a variety of licenses, fees, and fines are included in the fiscal structure. Each levy rides in on the wings of "necessary government expenses," with the decision as to what are necessary expenses resting with the managing bureaucracy. Often the occasion for the levy disappears, but the levy does not; as when interest on bonds continues to be a drain on the community long after the road or the schoolhouse which was the excuse for the issue is abandoned.
The historic urgency of political establishments for centralization, for the expansion of cities and the creation of nations, with which imperialistic ventures must be included, thus becomes meaningful. The wider the area of control the weaker the resistance of social pressures; the larger the population under control the more taxpayers to contribute to the political coffers. Centralization is the setting up of a protective distance between State and Society, of the insulation of the State from social sanctions. In a village the citizenry have an immediate influence on political behavior; when the village is incorporated into the City of Chicago, this influence tends to evaporate, particularly its impact on taxation practices.
Realization of the dangers of centralization, of the divorcement of political power from social control, gave rise to the idea of constitutionalism. A constitution undertakes to define the scope of political power, to delimit the functions the State may assume, as a condition for public support. It is a contractual agreement. But it is a matter of record that no State has long abided by the terms of the agreement; its inherent compulsion toward the acquisition of power cannot be inhibited by law. The best example of this is the life story of the American Constitution. It originated in the convention that a State is inherently incapable of containing its urge for power, and the writers not only defined and limited the scope of the new State but also provided for a system of "checks and balances" that presumably would prevent its getting out of bounds. It specifically provided that all powers not enumerated would remain with the state establishments—a clear recognition of the historic fact that political power is less virulent the nearer its wielders are to the ruled. This novel idea of states' rights, of the division of authority, was intended as a block to centralization. It had the additional effect of setting up competition between the states, so that if a political establishment undertook to put disabilities on its citizens, one could escape them by moving across the border to another state. Besides these "checks and balances" and the doctrine of imperium in imperio, there was the further formidable barrier to centralization in the carefully circumscribed authority to levy taxes.
Despite all this, the American State has been able to circumvent the terms of the bargain of 1789; by legal interpretation and amendment it has achieved centralization as effectively as other establishments have done by force. When we compare the intent of the "founding fathers"—and taking into consideration the social pressures that bore upon this intent—with the present state of political affairs, we can say that the original constitution has been in fact replaced by something quite different. Basically, the intent was to provide a form of political institution that would hold inviolate the immunities of person, property, and mind. The immunity of person went by the boards when military conscription was instituted as a national policy, and national policy was interpreted as an obligation to use these troops in the wars of foreign nations; this was not contemplated in 1789. The immunity of property was abolished by the Sixteenth Amendment, which, by asserting the prior lien of the State on the earnings of citizens, virtually denies them the right of private ownership; with this right gone, the right to life becomes academic. The immunity of mind has been violated by more subtle but no less effective means, which the proceeds of income taxation made available: by the establishment of a vast propaganda machine for the channeling of thought in favor of State ventures, including the distortion of facts as to its operations; by the subvention, with favors, of news-vending and opinion-influencing publications; by the subsidization of educational institutions and educators.
If the carefully constructed constitution of 1789 has not been able to contain the power-grabbing proclivities of the federal establishment, it is reasonable to conclude that no body of laws can accomplish that purpose. The key to centralization, to the consolidation of conquest, is taxation. All things considered, the Sixteenth Amendment made a shambles of the constitution of which it is ostensibly only a part. It gave the Executive branch the means of undermining the independence of Congress (which was supposed to hold it in check), for with the vast funds at its disposal it is able to purchase compliance from the legislative branch and to suppress opposition. It made possible the virtual liquidation of the autonomy of the states, first by sapping their sources of revenue and then by bringing them into line with subventions; the doctrine of states' rights has thus lost all meaning. It provided political authority with capital enough to venture into the market place as manufacturer, distributor, financier, publisher, farmer, physician, employer, to the disadvantage of private entrepreneurs. It set the State up as the largest eleemosynary institution in the history of the world. And along with all these interventionary measures came the vast bureaucracy dedicated to the perpetuation and extension of these interventions. Thus, one change in the constitution did away with its original character.
Within their respective areas, the state establishments (which are likewise under constitutional limitations) and the cities (which operate under charters from their states) have emulated the federal authority. Increases in their population were followed with correspondingly increased productivity and the appearance of abundances, which invited political raids on the market place. The proceeds of such forays, always adorned with a social purpose, enhanced political power. And social power diminished. This is a truism culled from the ages, that social power and political power are always in conflict, that the poverty of the one is the opulence of the other, that one thrives on predation, the other on production. The relationship is like that of the scales of a balance, which no parliamentary device can alter.
It follows that political authority is not containable by contract. No constitutional constriction ever invented has succeeded in keeping the political person within his appointed sphere, that of maintaining the peace within Society, of effecting equity between producers, of assuring each member that his rights shall not be invaded by another. Some other instrument of control is necessary if Society is not to be periodically swallowed up by the State. | <urn:uuid:c759b49e-8a87-4209-a965-2586a5dccf6e> | {
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Dengue Fever in India
04 March 2013
Dengue fever is a growing concern in India. In 2012, 247 deaths were recorded as a result of dengue fever nationwide.
Latest data on disease prevalence released by the Health Ministry shows a significant rise in the incidence of dengue fever from 18 860 cases in 2011, to 49 606 in year 2012.
Around 1700 dengue cases were reported from Delhi in 2012.
Advice for Travellers
India is a popular tourist destination and travellers should be aware of the risk of dengue fever. Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by covering up with clothing, the use of bite avoidance measures such as repellent and bed nets is advised. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer term stays. | <urn:uuid:cec56b3f-1f86-4cf0-8456-717120369364> | {
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You know not to get between a grizzly and her cub, or to corner a raccoon, or scare a skunk, because you’ve heard what will happen if you do (and it’s probably going to be painful…or smelly).
But Tanzanian wildlife have developed some pretty strange defensive moves over time. If you threaten these creatures, they won’t just attack, they’ll:
1.) Circle the Wagons–African Buffalo
The African buffalo’s massive size—it can grow up to 2000 pounds!—and the nearly impenetrable bone-shield formed by its fused-base horns are its best defenses against predators (including people; rifle bullets often don’t penetrate the African buffalo’s bony skull). That’s why, when threatened, African buffalo will form a circle around the young, horns out, and essentially dare predators to attack.
Seeing as it often takes multiple predators to bring down even a single adult African buffalo, it’s a fair bet that few animals attempt to break through the buffalo shield-wall.
2.) Play (Poisonous) Dress Up–African Crested Rat
Müllerian mimicry is an adaptation in which two lethal species mimic the appearance of one another, doubling the chance that predators get the “back off” message. Along with Batesian mimicry—where non-toxic species copy specific markings and colorations of lethal counterparts—it’s usually seen in insects or reptiles, but you rarely find either in mammals.
Except, of course, for the African crested rat, a species that, when threatened, puffs up into a dead-ringer for the crested porcupine (whose danger to predators is obvious).
Predators should take the warning seriously; crested rats often rub their (not-very-pointy) hairs in toxins from the poison-arrow tree, making them an even more dangerous meal than their spiky look-alikes.
Is it a porcupine or a rat?
“Lophiomys imhausi” by Kevin Deacon – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons – http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lophiomys_imhausi.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Lophiomys_imhausi.jpg
3.) Learn Karate–Savannah Hare
Rabbits and hares aren’t exactly known for their “fight” response to danger, and like most of its cousins, the savannah hare’s primary defense mechanisms are running away (with as many evasive maneuvers as possible) and cowering in fear, hoping not to be seen. Occasionally, though, a hare will use its long back legs to kick around smaller predators. Maybe it’s not that they can’t fight, it’s that they’ve been trained to use their art only as a last resort…
“Ethiopian Highland Hare (Lepus starcki) in grass” by jtkerb – Ethiopian Highland Hare (Lepus starcki)Uploaded by Richard001. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons – http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ethiopian_Highland_Hare_(Lepus_starcki)_in_grass.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Ethiopian_Highland_Hare_(Lepus_starcki)_in_grass.jpg
Hippos don’t have to worry too much about predators; they’re massive, they’re armed to (or is it with?) their 6 ½ pound teeth, and they can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour when aggravated. So oftentimes, rather than engage a threat, hippos simply crack open their jaws—which can extend up to 150°—and flash their serious dental daggers. Unsurprisingly, that’s often enough to neutralize the situation.
5.) Armor-Plate Yourself in Razor Blades
One look at a pangolin tells you it plays great defense. Covered in keratin scales, this insectivore’s best tactic is to roll into a ball and simply become impenetrable.
But some predators just won’t take “no way in” for an answer, which is why the pangolin’s scales aren’t just hard, they’re razor-sharp. Controlled with powerful musculature, anything trapped between a pangolin’s scales can be sliced to shreds.
And to add insult to injury, pangolin can emit skunk-like sprays from glands near their tails. Probably it’s just better to stay on these guys’ good side… | <urn:uuid:52b74df0-abf9-4b34-be20-47b66afe736e> | {
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Yesterday I attended a presentation by Mary Ann Dickinson from the Alliance for Water Efficiency. The topic was "How to save water for the future" and her presentation touched on 10 trends in water usage. The presentation made me want to read more about water resources and conservation. Based on the fact that many states are already experiencing drought and that 40 out of 50 our states anticipate a water shortage by 2013, a "no-brainer" approach to improving this situation is striving for water use efficiency.
Some scary numbers:
The EPA estimates that our water infrastructure will require 533 Billion dollars to maintain and upgrade by the year 2020. The recent stimulus package (787 Billion) only budgets 6 Billion for water infrastructure and 2 Billion approved for drinking water. Yikes!
If one considers that the population almost doubled from 1950 to 2000 and the current population is expected to grow by 20% by 2030 (as per census projections) it is easy to see increased stresses on the water infrastructure.
So what can we do?
Promote awareness about water resources:
First, most Americans are unaware that the country has water shortage issues or considers how to be more water conscious. The average water use for an American is about 100 gallons of water per day per person. By comparison, the average Australian's water usage is 36 gallons per day per person. (Australia has been in drought conditions for the past 12 years and their education about drought has changed their attitude and behavior about conserving water and has resulted in a reduced per capita consumption of water.)
Save money and make an immediate impact on water resources by implementing a conservation program:
Implementing a conservation program is much more cost effective than upgrading and building new infrastructure. New infrastructure is built to meet peak demand which may only be needed 5 or 6 days per year. An easier way to make a bigger impact in a shorter period of time is by implementing a conservation plan.
Educate consumers about water efficient appliances, fixtures and water saving methods:
WaterSense is a new program sponsored by the EPA and promotes high efficiency water appliances such as toilets, shower heads, lawn irrigation equipment. These appliances are proven to have a 20% increased efficiency.
Monitor unmanaged residential outdoor water usage. This is a big one because lawn watering accounts for about 30% of residential water usage. EPA keeps a list of WaterSense partners by state that are certified in water-efficient irrigation technology and techniques. Did you know? Watering your lawn 7 times a week for 30 minutes each time will use 113 gallons of water per week or 452 gallons of water per month. Calculate your water usage here.
Charge more for water: Water is too cheap. Some communities such as Marin County, California (a community that has been in and anticipates long term drought) is imposing a multi-tiered pricing based on water usage. (Here is the rate chart) Starting on May 5, 2009, water used for basic living will be charged at a small increase, while water used for discretionary purposes will be subject to a larger increase. The funds raised by the increase will be used to update the delivery system and improve system efficiencies.
Native Plants are the way to go:
Consider planting plants that are native to your geographical area. They are well suited to grow in your area and most times will require less water. Here is a link to a chart of plants native to Westchester County, NY. (I personally think this is the coolest brochure - it even details the wildlife value for each native plant!)
The Domino effect: Use less water, reduce energy costs and reduce carbon foot print.
It is important to note that Water usage and Energy consumption are related. By maximizing residential and commercial usage efficiency, we reduce water usage, which reduces energy used to treat water, which in turn reduces energy bills, which ultimately reduces our carbon footprint. Also important to consider is timing water treatment to take advantage of cheaper off-peak energy costs.
Other methods to reduce water usage include: promoting green building practices, harvesting rain water and implementing gray water systems.
Since more severe water shortages are anticipated across the country in the near future, it is important that we promote and implement water saving techniques and technologies now. Most of the above opportunities are low cost to implement and will have an immediate and measurable impact on our water resources. | <urn:uuid:c1f54f00-5dbf-403f-8c66-5133f665c27e> | {
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WASHINGTON – When Phyllis Levine’s son was just 8 years old, he told her that he wanted to die.
The statement came one night two years ago while the two were sitting in his room getting ready for bed. It had been a particularly hard day at his Rockville, Md., public school. The taunting was relentless and merciless, Levine says. Her son was at his breaking point.
“As a parent, all I could do was comfort him,” she says. “He was very depressed, had very low self-esteem and felt very unworthy.”
She tried to calm him down. She offered soothing words, but they sounded hollow even to her.
“It’s very hard to hear this from your child,” Levine says.
“What more do you say — ‘It will get better?’ You know it will get better. You’re a grown-up, but kids live in the here and now.”
Those responsible for bullying are also at higher risk for drug addiction, violent behavior and academic problems, the CDC says.
As a result of his bullying, Levine’s son missed six days of school last year, she says. Nationwide, approximately 160,000 children miss classes every day out of fear or discomfort, the CDC reports.
“If students don’t feel safe, they can’t learn,” says Montgomery County Public Schools spokesman Dana Tofig.
While the school district cannot comment on specific cases, Tofig did say in a previous interview with WTOP that MCPS has adopted a comprehensive approach to curbing school violence and bullying. The district partners with agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services and outside groups like Rockin’ the Rage and Gaithersburg-based Identity.
Students also are taught the skills needed for conflict resolution.
“In the past, a kid that was bullied by another kid might not say anything,” Tofig says. “We want kids to know that if you see something, you have to say something.”
FCPS also collaborates with the county’s office of Neighborhood and Community Services to ensure that consistent messages about bullying are integrated into youth-serving activities. It offers a prevention kit for educators and families unsure of how to address the issue.
But despite growing awareness of bullying, many officials say taking a zero-tolerance approach, instead of teaching students how to better interact with their peers, actually hurts kids.
D.C. Public Schools created a task force in 2012 to curb bullying. The committee required that any agency serving minors, including public schools, recreation centers and government agencies, implement policy changes by Sept. 15.
“The only thing we have seen work is prevention,” says Suzanne Greenfield, director of the city’s Bullying Prevention Program. “Bullying is a behavior. We want to replace the behavior with a more positive approach.”
This includes identifying kids who could become easy prey for bullies.
“Oftentimes, kids will pick on or isolate or bully kids that they see as vulnerable, and you find out why those students are vulnerable and help build those skills to cope with negative behavior,” Greenfield says.
Levine’s son, now 10, could fall into this category. He has a neurological disorder that makes him appear clumsy, and he is also very sensitive emotionally, Levine says. His differences make him a prime target for bullies at school.
After hearing her son’s painful confession of wanting to die, Levine “became a thorn in the school’s side.” She says she called the principal, showed up at school and demanded disciplinary action be taken against the culprits.
As he continued to struggle with his classmates, Levine encouraged her son to be more forceful against his aggressors.
“Everyone was telling him that it was time to stand up for himself even if he gets in trouble for it,” she says. ” But my son is not somebody who can stand the thought of harming another.”
He did try to stand up for himself by reporting an incident to the principal. When the culprits found out, they threatened to stab her son, she says.
Eventually, a contract was signed between certain students and Levine’s son stating that they would stay away from each other. Levine also switched her son out of regular before- and after-school programs he shared with some of the bullies. As the school year ended, things were looking up for the new academic year.
Levine remains angry that her son’s tormenters were not punished by school officials. She says that in three years of bullying, none of the kids received any disciplinary action.
But punishing bullies does not always solve the bigger problem, Greenfield says.
“Pushing kids out of school does not change their behavior, it just helps them disengage from the school community where they could be learning something positive,” she says.
“If you really want to address the behavior, you’re going to have to do something more sophisticated.”
One program aiming for such an approach is Welcoming Schools, which offers lesson plans and school resources for teachers and officials to implement in the classroom. It recommends role-playing with students and includes talking points to discuss with kids.
The project, developed in conjunction with the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, recently debuted a film — “What Can We Do? Bias, Bullying, and Bystanders” — aimed at helping educators tackle the uncomfortable issue of bullying.
“Teachers want practical tools they can use to figure out how to have challenging conversations in the classrooms,” says Welcoming Schools director Kim Westheimer.
She suggests taking a proactive approach. Engaging parents and communicating with students is just one small piece of the larger puzzle.
The first step, Westheimer says, is to talk about what bullying looks like. It can include something as seemingly benign as excluding certain kids from activities or something more aggressive, like physical violence. Bullying is behavior that continues over time or is so severe that it elicits fear, she says.
“It’s important to realize that not every fight or conflict is bullying,” she says.
At the same time, parents and educators should never minimize bullying.
“Children are aware of so much more than adults give them credit for,” she says. “The vast majority of students know bullying is wrong, but don’t know how to stop it.”
Set an example and participate in anti-bullying programs.
Levine has noticed a marked change in her son since the bullying started. She describes him as inherently kind and loving.
“But at the same time he has, in the past year, developed a rage that at times I don’t know how to deal with,” she says.
At her most desperate, Levine considered switching her son to a different school. She looked at three options, but says two of them had worse bullying problems, according to a Montgomery County online reporting system that keeps track of violent and nonviolent incidents.
Eventually, her son was put into therapy. The first year seemed productive, but he later started coming home more and more depressed. Levine canceled those sessions and decided to take her chances.
Now that a new year has started, some of the problems seem to have taken care of themselves, Levine says. Some of the bullies changed schools or moved away. Those who remain were put into different classes than her son.
But while her son seems to be a little stronger, the effects of years of torment are still evident, Levine says.
“He is still not a part of things. He is still the child that during recess is by himself,” she says. “It hurts. He deals with it because it’s better than the alternative.”
Levine and her son have not conquered their ordeals, but she does offer some advice to parents who are struggling with similar problems:
“Be a thorn in the side of the school,” she says. “Yes, comfort your child and say all those sweet and tender words, but be a pain for the school.”
She also encourages educators to bring in experts and speakers to address students before situations worsen.
“They have to teach about it,” she says. “They have to talk about it.”
See the video below for tips on how to tackle bullying: | <urn:uuid:77fca652-6229-41ae-9ac1-f1cd568e781a> | {
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Current plan underestimates impacts to water and wildlife
By Bob Berwyn
FRISCO — As currently spelled out, Denver Water’s plan to divert more water from the headwaters of the Colorado River will result in unacceptable impacts to wildlife and other resources on publicly owned national forest lands, the U.S. Forest Service wrote in a June 9 comment letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Forest Service also wrote that the creation of a pool of environmental water in an expanded Gross Reservoir doesn’t compensate for the loss of two acres of wetlands and 1.5 miles of stream habitat that will be lost as a result of the expansion.
The Denver Water plan would divert more water from the already hammered Fraser River Basin in Grand County and divert it through the Moffat Tunnel into Gross Reservoir to help balance water supplies in the northern and southern parts of the utility’s service area and at least partly address a significant supply shortage that’s expected get worse in the next couple of decades.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must decide whether to issue a permit for the project after recently completing a massive environmental impact study. The Forest Service letter came as a public comment on that study, along with similar letters from other jurisdictions expressing similar concerns.
Along with other entities, the Forest Service also expressed concern about the short time frame for commenting on the environmental impact study.
“The majority of the impacts from the proposed project would occur on National Forest System (NFS) land within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, the Pike National Forest and the White River National Forest,” the Forest Service wrote.
The Forest Service comment letter is the best way to get a feel for how widespread and pervasive the impacts from the proposed diversions would be without adequate mitigation. Some streams that already on the verge of ecological collapse would probably go under if the current version of the plan is implemented, the agency wrote.
For example, the Corps’s final study doesn’t include nearly enough information of fish getting caught at diversion points or other mechanical facilities along the streams. The Forest Service also took issue with the Corps’ conclusion that the project would cause only minor impacts to aquatic habitat.
Detailed Forest Service comments on stream hydrology also suggest that the Corps may have downplayed impacts of de-watering streams completely — especially the effects on groundwater hydrology. | <urn:uuid:0b2138d3-5747-4d2e-b54e-c318f38cc946> | {
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This guide to writing research papers is designed for my digital media classes at the University of Washington, Department of Communication.
In general, the papers I assign are theoretical inquiries, not primary research. Theories predict or explain behavior or events. In order to write an exemplary paper, you will need to examine all sides of an issue or problem. In the process, you should research and analyze the literature on your topic. At the end of your journey, you will develop your conclusion based upon the theories and literature you choose to include in your paper. To be effective, your conclusion must be supported by the evidence you have presented.
- The Proposal – Identifying A Topic
- Conducting A Literature Review – Reviewing Sources
- Writing the First Draft
- Revising the Draft
- Polishing the Paper
- Citing Your Work
- The Bibliography
Sources used in preparing this tutorial:
Lester, J.D and Lester, Jr., J.D. (2003.) Principles of Writing Research Papers. New York: Longman/Pearson Education.
Markman, R.H, Markman, P.T, andn Waddel, M.L. (1994.) 10 Steps in Writing the Research Paper, 5th ed. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series.
Spatt, B. (2003.) Writing from Sources, 6th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s. | <urn:uuid:f56ce9d3-fdbb-4804-9f12-ec7868ef774e> | {
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As many as half of those struggling with drug and alcohol addictions also have some form of mood disorder or mental illness. When this occurs, a dual diagnosis treatment center is often necessary.
Dual diagnosis refers to the combination of a serious addiction, like alcoholism or meth addiction, and a mood disorder, such as clinical depression or bipolar disorder. The two often go hand-in-hand and worsen each other. For example, if depression brings on heavy drinking, the guilt and shame of drinking heavily may spur more depression and bring on an endless downward spiral.
How a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center Can Be Helpful
Realizing that you or a loved one has a dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder is not a bad thing. In fact, these diagnoses can often reveal what caused an addiction to form in the first place. This, in turn, can help individuals release some of the shame that may accompany their addiction.
Before the 1990s, having co-occurring disorders was unheard of. If someone had symptoms of both a mental health or mood disorder and an addiction, professionals would recognize mental health issues as symptoms of the addiction. As it turns out, addiction is generally more of a symptom of a mental health disorder. As such, if an individual only received addiction treatment, the mental health issues would lie dormant. Even if nominal progress is made with the addiction, the mental health issues will inevitably show up again.
Today, dual diagnoses solve this problem and help individuals recover fully from both diagnoses. They can help the individual and their counselors decide on and develop an individualized treatment plan. Of course, this must be done at a quality addiction treatment center like Steps to Recovery.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center at Steps to Recovery
Even though a dual diagnosis treatment center is now common to find, many rehab centers fail to see the importance of treating both issues. At Steps to Recovery, we offer numerous services that target co-occurring disorders such as:
- Substance use disorder
- Depression treatment program
- Anxiety Treatment program
- PTSD treatment program
- Eating disorder treatment program
Even if you have received treatment in the past that failed to help you recover, it’s not time to give up hope. At Steps to Recovery, we have helped hundreds of individuals create individualized treatment plans that help them fully recover, even if this is their second, third or tenth time in a recovery program.
To accomplish this, we offer a unique two-phase treatment. A partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program makes up the first phase. During this time, drug and alcohol counseling in various forms, daily goal making, and a 12 step rehab program helps our clients get their bearings and create a solid foundation of treatment. Phase two expands on life skills, deals with triggers and cravings and helps clients create short-term sobriety goals. From there, individuals will create long-term goals, and sober living and aftercare become the focus.
Helping a Loved One With an Addiction
At Steps to Recovery, we believe that including family members are key to success for our clients. If you are a family member and are willing to participate, we have numerous services that can help you help your family member who is struggling with addiction.
In the same vein, these services will also help you as you cope with the situation. Family counseling services at Steps to Recovery include:
- Regularly schedules family support group sessions
- Family attended process groups
- Regular updates for families and inclusive treatment planning
- Family-oriented sessions with the client’s personal counselor
- Aftercare program support and resources for families
Contact Steps to Recovery Today
At Steps to Recovery, we abide by three core principles that help us provide optimal treatment to our clients: authenticity, connection, and integrity. These are the principles that helped us found our treatment center, and they continue to help us to provide excellent service every day for our clients.
Are you ready to take charge of your addiction at Steps to Recovery? One of our confidential and knowledgeable service reps can speak with you as soon as today. And the sooner you act, the more quickly you can get started on your path toward recovery. Contact Steps to Recovery at 866-488-8684 to learn more and leave your life of addiction behind. | <urn:uuid:42380a2e-8398-4da7-804d-62b6caf6130a> | {
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World Food Programme
Food and agricultural experts say more than half a million Mozambicans face shortages unless an estimated 70,000 mt of emergency relief aid is secured.
Despite some progress in improving nutrition among the world's poor, improvements have failed to keep pace with the overall climate of global economic growth, according to a new United Nations report.
While HIV decimates African populations, hunger is exacerbated as more small farmers fall prey to the disease. When HIV/AIDS first began its silent, deadly and unrelenting spread through the poor countries of the world, we at the World Food Programme (WFP), like many in the humanitarian community, tended to view the phenomenon as a medical crisis that had little to do with hunger and food aid. No longer. The WFP now finds itself on the frontlines of this crisis, grappling with a destructive phenomenon that has killed millions of people and rendered millions more virtually helpless and dependent on international food aid. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the southern region of Africa, where half of the continent's 30 million HIV/AIDS cases are found. This year the region became a case study as the epicentre of a cataclysmic confluence of disasters - HIV/AIDS and potential famine. More ominously, the HIV/AIDS crisis is planting the seeds of future famines that could imperil many millions more lives. To date, more than seven million farmers have died as a result of HIV/AIDS, most of them women who make up four-fifths of the agricultural workforce. Not only has this resulted in lower food production, but it has also severely weakened the principal pillar of traditional African family healthcare in countries where infection rates vary anywhere from 15 percent to as high as 35 percent of the population. Across the region, the growing patches of untilled farmland that blight the landscape are an eloquent testament of the widespread hunger and dangers that may lie ahead. Frequently, if fields are tended at all, it is by weak grandparents whose fragile last years have been weighed down by the urgent need to feed growing numbers of orphaned grandchildren. During a recent trip to southern Africa, I met a lone grandmother who was desperately trying to care for 18 children. And this from a meagre plot of land that, until the crisis, used to feed only one or two mouths. To witness the plight of those directly or indirectly affected by the AIDS crisis is to be confronted with a problem so vast it seems to defy solution. Take for example the 14-year-old orphan I met who had suddenly found herself single-handedly caring for her six younger brothers and sisters. Buckling under the weight of enormous responsibilities, as well as the effects of hunger and stunting, she looked half her age yet had been deprived of the most innocent of rights -to a childhood. And like 11 million other children orphaned by AIDS in Africa, this child faced additional threats to her survival. The reality is that even if she is lucky enough to have a plot of land, she will never be as productive as her parents. Not only are children at a physical disadvantage, but also more importantly, because their parents are no longer alive, they have lost their connection to rural traditions that for centuries have been the key to the transfer of knowledge and survival. How should we respond? It goes without saying that the billions of dollars allocated to HIV/AIDS treatment by donor countries (including the generous $15 billion just announced by United States President George Bush) is indeed encouraging. But the haunting truth is that under current conditions, especially in poor countries, the crisis is unlikely to be solved by medical means alone. For one thing, antiretroviral drugs are unlikely to be effective if the user lacks basic nutrition, as is frequently the case in many poor countries. Furthermore, there simply isn't enough financial aid available right now to fund drug treatment for all the millions of people living with HIV/AIDS. Recent estimates indicate that only five percent of those who are HIV-positive have access to drugs, and most of these are in the developed world. Even the lucky few in poor countries who receive free drugs often find their bodies worn down by lack of food and malnutrition, which in turn increases susceptibility to infection. It is clear that in the absence of a medical solution, many of those in poor countries will be in urgent need of basic food aid to survive. So too will many of their children. It's estimated that by the year 2010, 25 million children will have lost one or both of their parents to AIDS: a potentially enormous caseload. What we didn't appreciate at first, and what many in the developed world are beginning to realise, is that all of these people constitute a long-term hunger crisis of enormous proportions and a major challenge to the humanitarian community. We must also confront some extremely hard choices. In the absence of sufficient free drugs to treat those suffering from AIDS or those currently infected who may develop full-blown symptoms of the disease, we will still have to find ways to keep them alive and productive. We cannot allow the shortage or absence of drugs to become a reason for doing nothing. Unfortunately, until now, efforts to address the HIV/AIDS issue in many poor countries have not worked and a major refocusing of effort is needed. As a minimum first step, we must ensure that those living with HIV/AIDS receive basic nutrition that enables them to survive and care for their families as long as possible. We must create the conditions for an effective medical solution, and short of this, to at least prolong life. What has now become clear to us at the WFP is that food is the first line of defence against HIV/AIDS. Peter Piot, the executive director of UNAIDS, who has asked many African HIV/AIDS carriers about their priorities, said: their answer was clear and unanimous. Not care, not drugs for treatment, not stigma, but food. The WFP now distributes a food ration that takes into account the increased energy, protein, and micronutrient requirements of those with HIV/AIDS. Not only does it help to keep HIV/AIDS-infected parents alive longer, but it also gives them time to raise their children properly and to provide them with the necessary life skills to survive, if not prosper. Improved nutrition can also help prevent transmission of the virus from mothers to babies. Furthermore, by simply feeding hungry people, they are less likely to resort to high-risk survival strategies, such as exchanging sex for food or cash. If the new variant HIV/AIDS hunger crisis is to be overcome, we in the international community will have to start with basics, especially in an environment of extremely limited resources. Until the financial means are found to provide medical treatment for all, it's imperative to at least ensure that the needy receive enough food to survive. ( Source: The Sunday Independent, 6 July, 2003).
Southern Africa still requires substantial aid for at least 6.2 million people, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and Food Agricultural Organisation (FAO) warned on Thursday. This was despite increased agricultural output, with the region having produced about two-thirds of its basic food requirements this year. The region's agricultural sector was still very dependent on rain; there were also major macro-economic issues and policy constraints hampering efforts to get food to everyone needing it in Southern Africa. ZIMBABWE FACES ACUTE SHORTAGES This was evident in the situation faced by Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe faces acute food shortages, with some 5.5 million people in need of food aid. Food production in Zimbabwe has fallen by more than 50 percent, measured against a five-year average, due mostly to the current social, economic and political situation and the effects of drought, the FAO/WFP statement noted. IMPACT OF HIV/AIDS The impact of HIV/AIDS in the region had exacerbated the food security crisis. We have 4 million orphans in this region and we have noticed an escalation of child-headed households and households headed by grandparents, usually a single grandparent, Lewis noted. The most productive segment of the population is dying ... people between the ages of 15 and 49, Lewis added. Women, because of their role as primary providers in the majority of households, were doubly affected by the disease. REGIONAL OUTLOOK The FAO's Henri Josserand said the big difference from last year is that some countries have done well - Zambia and Malawi and even Mozambique, have all produced quite a lot of food. But production at the national level does not mean that everyone will have adequate access to food. Meanwhile, Malawi's crop production had improved significantly since the widespread food shortages in 2002. This year it managed to produce, or has in reserve, about 2.3 million mt of cereals, leaving a national shortfall of 90,000 mt, WFP and FAO found. In Zambia, cereal production was estimated at 1.16 million mt, about double the output of 2002. Cereal production in the region increased from 5.4 million mt in 2001/02 to 6.4 million mt this year. But some areas in Swaziland and Lesotho continued to face shortages, the agencies noted. REGIONAL NEED The Southern African Development Community (SADC) deputy executive secretary, Albert Muchunga, said it was forecast that 6.2 million people would require food aid in 2003/04 - a significant decrease from the more than 15 million people aid agencies said needed food aid to survive at the height of the past year's food security crisis. AVOIDING CHRONIC FOOD SHORTAGES Lewis noted that the Consolidated Appeal for Southern Africa would be launched in July. This would outline strategies and interventions planned by agencies to meet the need in the region. The challenge that lay ahead was integrating emergency relief programming with longer-term developmental goals.(Source: Integrated Regional Information Network, PLUSNEWS, 12 June 2003 ) | <urn:uuid:f7f00204-9eb3-47d9-96cf-65d7976df0ff> | {
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Over deze norm
1.1 This guide covers basic considerations, criteria, principles and recommendations that should be helpful when developing, utilizing, or assessing PCR-specific protocols for the amplification and detection or identification of mycobacterial nucleic acids. This guide is not a specific protocol for the detection of specific mycobacteria. It is intended to provide information that will assist the user in obtaining high quality and reliable data. The guide is closely related to and should be used concurrently with the general PCR Guide E 1873.
1.2 This guide has been developed for use in any molecular biology or biotechnology laboratory. It may be useful for the detection of mycobacteria in clinical, diagnostic laboratories.
1.3 This guide does not cover details of the various methods such as gel electrophoresis that can be utilized to help identify PCR-amplified mycobacterial nucleic acid sequences, and it does not cover details of instrument calibration.
1.4 This guide does not cover specific variations of the basic PCR or RT-PCR technology (for example, quantitative PCR, multiplex PCR and in situ PCR), and it does not cover details of instrument calibration.
|Engelse titel||Standard Guide for Detection of Nucleic Acids of the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex and Other Pathogenic Mycobacteria by the Polymerase Chain Reaction Technique| | <urn:uuid:21e27382-d6df-4562-aac3-be2cbd124b67> | {
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At this time, the United States was at war with the ussr and as such, any support provided by Castro would prove to be dangerous to the established businesses in America. It was found that, in general, ectoparasite species were not segregated across body parts of a host. MA: Cambridge University Press, 2008. Copyright, copyright: Cambridge University Press 2012, corresponding author *Corresponding author: Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Jacob Blaustein eric zolovs thesis Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, 84990 Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel. However, he also presents a different side to Batistas reign which was mainly covered with corruption, brutality and governmental inefficiencies. Word Count: 670, e: Conclusion, in summary, as presented from the data collected above, the cooperation between Batista and the United States government played a critical role in influencing his downfall and Castros rise to power. In Proceedings of the icom Waterlogged Wood Working Group Conference, edited.
However, Wise counters this argument by placing emphasis on the role of the US government in supporting and promoting Batistas regime. Get ready to read (4 participation matters (3). According to Doma-Nguez and Dominguez, while, Batista garnered the support of international countries, Castro sought to take over Cuba through the citizens. However, after the US government withdrew its support, eric zolovs thesis international businesses began to collapse. The video below explores the program and competition, featuring a few of the graduate students who participated, the events big winner Vallari and the organizers who helped to put a little language to their big ideas. However, as the world got involved with Cuban politics and the society became aware of the corruption and oppression of Batistas government, it became important for the United States, along with other international countries to dissolve their relationship with Batista. We're all counting on you. Additionally, Batista ensured that his people were well catered for and that his countrys economy improved significantly. Van der Mescht, Luther Khokhlova, Irina. The author further points out how important Batistas reign was in shaping Cuba as a nation and establishing its national image for the entire world to see. Type of paper, academic level. As a result, Batistas power subsided in the country, an aspect that contributed to the increase in Castros influence over the society.
I will identify how the United States assisted Batista in his political reign. Subject area EssayTerm PaperResearch PaperCourseworkBook ReportBook ReviewMovie ReviewDissertationThesisThesis ProposalResearch ProposalDissertation Chapter - AbstractDissertation Chapter - Introduction ChapterDissertation Chapter - Literature ReviewDissertation Chapter - MethodologyDissertation Chapter - ResultsDissertation Chapter - DiscussionDissertation Services - EditingDissertation Services - Services - Admission EssayAdmission Services - Scholarship. The US policymakers assessed the situation from their end and evaluated the most effective solution to dealing with Castro, who was proving to be a radical and had a negative influence on the country on both the political and economic fronts. As a result, it was easier for the revolutionaries to influence the public and gain enough support to take over the political government of the country. While the foreign countries had a significant contribution to Batistas loss of power, it is also notable that Batistas actions and how he governed the country also affected his failure. However, its main limitation revolves around the fact that it provides an account of events from the perspective of the US government rather than that of the Cuban society. Thesis competition, or 3MT as it is also known, challenges graduate students to present their dissertation findings to an audience in 180 seconds. Due to Batistas dependence on foreign support rather than local support, it was difficult for him to gain the publics support in his attempts to retain his power. Showing professors at, stony Brook University (suny edit in Enter Your DepartmentAdapted AquaticsAfrican StudiesAtmospheric Oceanic EngineeringBusinessChemical EngineeringClassical Medieval StudiesCognitive LiteratureComputer ScienceCriminal JusticeCulinary ArtsCultural Analysis TheoryDesignEcology Evolutionary StudiesEuropean StudiesFilmFinanceFine ArtsHealth ScienceInternational StudiesItalianItalian American EducationPhysics AstronomyPolitical ScienceProfessional ScienceSocial Operations MgmtTheaterWomen's StudiesWriting 0 professors found Most. Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
New Brunswick, N J: Rutgers University Press, 2006. Eberhardt, Ayelén Guglielmone, Alberto. Cahill makes the case that eric zolovs thesis much that was valuable from previous civilizations was saved by Irish scribes. Latin America and the United States. (2 extra credit (1 gives good feedback (1 accessible outside class (1). A Method for Wood Preservation Using Arigal. The key objective is to identify the main role that the political relationship that Batista had with the United States played in influencing his downfall, and Castros rise to power. Castro effectively presented this change through his words and influence over the public.
Word Count: 211, b: Summary of Evidence, at the beginning of Batistas reign, he sought the assistance of the United States in an attempt to gain political stability in his country and to seek support international support. Furthermore, he lost the publics support by manufacturing votes in two of the countrys elections. We asked (a) whether an individual ectoparasite species prefers certain parts of the body of its host and, if yes, whether these preferences overlap among ectoparasite species; (b) whether ectoparasite species composition differs among different parts of a host's body; and (c) whether co-occurrences. Thats exactly what 15 Stony Brook University graduate students did last month eric zolovs thesis as part of a program sponsored by the Graduate Student Organization, the Career Center and the Graduate School and supported by The Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science. Percentage excludes ratings added prior to 05/25/16. Distribution pattern and number of ticks on lizards. Tough grader (3 respected (3 so many papers (2 skip class? The source also"s political analysts who predicted the dominance of the revolutionaries, due to Batistas departure from the country and the unpredictable nature of the revolution. This was mainly highlighted by how the rich people in the country continued to be rich at the expense of the common citizens. As a result, it was difficult for the United States to maintain their grounds with regards to Batista and they were forced to withdraw their support for the leader. As the country was faced with a revolution from Fidel Castro, it became critical for the United States to get involved and ensure that Castro was overthrown as president. A Peoples Choice Award was shared by Vallari, Trimber and Pratik Kumar, PhD candidate in Chemistry. Journal of Contemporary History (2003 147-162.
Maritime archaeology thesis, pergamon Press, New York. Additionally, he won over other political leaders in the country by highlighting the inefficiency of the existent government, brutality, and corruption, which were synonymous with Batistas government. The document presents a clear and credible account of events that were taking place in Cuba at the time, and as such, it functions as a suitable source for this research. Their tools: their words, their knowledge and a single PowerPoint slide. Learning how to share your insight and analysis of that work briefly, powerfully and creatively. Log In Log In / Sign. Martes, Mara Celeste Torres-Ros, Mnica and Longo, Ana. The Elements of Archaeological Conservation.
Word Count: 208, f: List of sources. Mutations are like the "rusting" of the genome; a gradual degrading process with almost all mutations being near neutral in nature and almost always destructive. According to his data, the author explains that Batista established his reign as a dictatorial leader and he promoted those who surrounded him. Argote-Freyre effectively highlights the extent of this influence and how it contributed to him remaining in power for the seven years of dictatorship. Additionally, it was difficult for Cuba to establish a market where it could export its products due eric zolovs thesis to the shattered ties with the western countries. Caring (1 inspirational (1) 15 Student Ratings 0 Professor Notes, add your notes, class. The document Foreign Relations of the United States, 19581960by the US Government presents an account of why the United States provided military aid to Cuba during the revolution and why it supported Batistas regime.
Among the eric zolovs thesis key objectives of the coaches from the nationally renowned Alda Center was to show the students how to make their message vivid and engaging while still communicating the essential points. All Rights Reserved). It also highlights the military causes that were behind the failure of Batistas regime, focusing mainly on his dependence on international support. Goff, LEE and matthee, sonja 2015. They were also afraid that he would intend to attack and undermine Americas investments in Cuba, an aspect that would have affected Americas economy.
The author clearly supports Batistas actions, particularly in his first reign as president. Ads can be annoying, but they allow us to provide you this resource for free. On the other hand, Castro chose to influence Cuban citizens and appeal to their need for redemption from the oppressive ruler. Art Architecture Dance Design Analysis Drama Movies Music Paintings and Media Advertising Communication Strategies Journalism Public RelationsCreative writingEconomics Accounting Case Study Company Analysis E-Commerce Finance Investment Logistics TradeEducation Application Essay Education Theories Pedagogy Teacher's African-American Studies American History Asian Studies Canadian Studies East European Studies Holocaust Latin-American Studies Native-American Studies West European StudiesLaw Criminology Legal IssuesLinguisticsLiterature American Literature Antique Literature Asian Literature English Literature Shakespeare and Health Alternative Medicine Healthcare Nursing Nutrition Pharmacology SportNature Agricultural Studies Anthropology Astronomy Environmental Issues Geography SciencePsychologyReligion and TheologySociologyTechnology Aeronautics Aviation Computer Science Internet IT Management Web DesignTourism. Natural infestation of Hydrochoerus eric zolovs thesis hydrochaeris by Amblyomma dubitatum ticks. The absolution of history: Uses of the past in Castros Cuba. Additionally, I will highlight the impact of the policies on local citizens of the country, and how Castro exploited this opportunity to gain the support of the public in overthrowing Batista. Whats arguably as important as spending years researching, developing and writing a dissertation? Castro was considered to be a charismatic leader who appealed to the fear of the public with regards to the invasion of the west in their land. All across Latin America, Batista had a lot of influence on different countries and their presidents. For the purpose of this analysis, this book proved to be beneficial in providing a suitable background highlighting the relationship between Cuba and other foreign countries which include the United States, the United Kingdom (which provided military support for.
Remind Me Later Rate Now Note Deleted Your note has been deleted. Overall Quality.2, tags for this Professor, see how other students describe this professor. Comment 350 characters left, this field is required. He also highlights the impact that the US government had on Cuba as a country, particularly with regards to its internal policies and politics. Ever since Batistas regime came to power in 1952, the US government had been in his support. Matthew Melucci, related Posts, alda Center. He points out how he was able to help Cubas economy and build its citizens both socially and economically. Another threat presented by Castro eric zolovs thesis revolved around his association with the Soviet Union.
While these evaluations differ among different departments or universities the criteria is pretty much the same and may include the following: Emphasis is mainly placed the skill with which you have used the research methods to obtain scientifically presented findings as well as masterfully draw. Close We see that youre using AdBlock. My reason behind choosing this topic revolves mainly around the role that Cubas eric zolovs thesis political history has had to play in the development of the country especially with regards to its international relations with other countries. Submitted data becomes the property. Are you sure you want to delete this note? Contents, a: Plan of the investigation. The National Interest (2002 int. Hope you had a good semester. Infracommunity dynamics of chiggers (Trombiculidae) parasitic on a rodent. Choosing the right professor isn't easy!
This was mainly due to the fact that he had established a censorship policy in the country, which, at this point, worked to his disadvantage. However, he managed to compensate for this through his economic relationships with America and other countries in Latin America. Basic Methods of Conserving Underwater Archaeological Material Culture. All through this period, Castro was strongly establishing his reign and gathering eric zolovs thesis enough military support for his revolution. The United States influenced the internal politics of the country, and supported the reign of Batista. Information pertaining to this research will be collected from primary data sources, which include autobiographies, political documents, and historical reviews.
The Reduction of Lead. This field is required. The prizes awarded eric zolovs thesis at the event, held on March 31 at the Charles. By clicking the 'Submit' button, I acknowledge that I have read and agreed to the Rate My Professors. The distribution of digenean metacercariae within bream (Abramis brama) gill apparatus: preferences, co-occurrence and interactions lemkau karin mit thesis statement of parasites. Describes the online version of Comprehensive Dissertation Index as it is searchable through the dialog system. If you use an ad blocker, we're not getting that revenue that helps keep m up and running. Define thesis statement in an essay. Holden, Robert., and, eric, zolov. His detailed scientific analysis is fairly readable for the average person but should be required reading for any scientist. Eric zolov, associate Professor (Ph. D., University of Chicago, 1995) Curriculum vitae Office: SBS N-331 Email: eric. | <urn:uuid:a8bc9fee-570a-4473-aff5-60504fb0b582> | {
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NIST/Industry Developed Temperature Tracking Device for Packages May Have Climate Metrology Applications
From NIST Tech Beat: June 7, 2011
Contact: Mark Esser
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers are working to reduce the uncertainty associated with climate-change measurements using a mobile temperature-sensing technology made for tracking delicate or perishable, high-value packages in transit. Developed by international shipper FedEx and tested with help from NIST, the device connects to cell phone networks to provide users with near real-time information on the package’s precise location, temperature, humidity, pressure, acceleration, elevation and exposure to light.
Historically, package tracking has provided information to customers about a package’s route and anticipated delivery date and time. Seeking to provide customers with more information on the “vital signs” of their shipments, the company approached NIST about the feasibility of achieving accurate temperature measurements in a mobile device.
“The primary function of the device is to monitor temperature-sensitive materials such as medicines and vaccines, tissues, organs, blood, etc.,” says Greg Strouse, leader of NIST’s Temperature and Humidity Group. “We tested the beta units when they were transmitting information and when they were simply recording it, and we found that the devices create heat when transmitting, which throws off the measurement. To fix that, we developed performance data and an algorithm that kicks in to correct the temperature measurement when the device is actively communicating.”
Once all the kinks were ironed out, Strouse and his group worked with the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), a NIST service that tests and accredits independent testing laboratories, to help the company find a capable, independent lab to test the devices en masse.
The result was a palm-sized device that a customer can place inside a package. The customer can monitor the transit of their package in real time through a Web-based interface. A GPS receiver in the device provides location information, and the device sends updates on its status wherever it can get a cell phone signal. It even monitors the shipments while aboard airplanes and transmits the data upon landing.
Accurate to within 0.02 degrees Celsius and able to send and store data for up to 30 days, the technology lent itself quite easily to another NIST project focused on measurements for climate change. The device’s connectivity and accuracy make it ideal for monitoring surface air temperature, which climate scientists often use to evaluate the performance of their models.
“Because continuous measurement can be more informative than daily minimum and maximum temperature observations, we’re looking into the potential for using these devices as prototype weather stations and comparing their results with the analog and digital style instruments used for weather observations,” says Strouse. “Our goals are to better understand and quantify the measurement uncertainty of both the historical analog and current digital measurement systems as well as improving the science base for metrology used in surface air temperature measurements.”
NIST is planning to station three of the devices at locations around the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Md. The group intends to also erect a tower to mount one of the devices to better understand 3-D temperature gradient mapping strategies near the surface. | <urn:uuid:cb4291fd-eca0-453d-be73-effe64e75bce> | {
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The standard model of particle physics is the best theory currently available to answer the question 'What is the world made of?'. Understandably, the final theory is very complicated and mathematical. However, the basic idea is straightforward. All matter is ultimately made from 12 elementary particles, which interact through four fundamental forces.
Atoms and Molecules
As almost everybody knows, matter is made from atoms, which stick together to form molecules. Simple substances such as air and water are made from simple molecules containing only two or three atoms. More complicated substances, such as mammoths and scientists, are made from more complicated molecules such as proteins and DNA, and contain millions of atoms, which stick together to make cells, tissue, fur and brains. There are around a hundred different types of atom (known as elements), from hydrogen to uranium, catalogued by chemists in the periodic table.
But what are atoms made from? Although for a long time thought to be fundamental, indivisible particles, early 20th Century studies showed that atoms were made up of smaller particles: protons, neutrons and electrons. Protons and neutrons stick together in a tiny point called the nucleus, which is orbited by electrons1. The hydrogen atom is a single proton orbited by a single electron, whereas a uranium atom has nearly a hundred protons, neutrons and electrons.
Electrons will readily jump from atom to atom, allowing all sorts of interesting chemistry and electronics. However, the protons and neutrons remain stuck together in the nucleus except in nuclear reactions. Nuclear fission occurs when an unstable heavy nucleus (such as uranium) splits into two; this process drives nuclear power stations and atomic weapons. Nuclear fusion occurs when two light nuclei fuse together to form a heavier atom; this energy fuels stars. Unstable or radioactive nuclei may also decay and emit particles due to various processes in the nucleus.
But what are protons, neutrons and electrons made from?
Fundamental Particles of Matter
To answer this question we leave the world of biologists, chemists, and atomic and nuclear physicists, and enter the realm of particle physicists and the standard model of particle physics. Electrons are believed to be fundamental point-like particles with no further constituents. They are a member of a class of particles called leptons. However, protons and neutrons are both made from smaller particles called quarks. There are six different types of quark, which are believed to be fundamental. Only two of these, however, are needed to explain protons and neutrons. The proton is made from two up quarks and one down quark; the neutron consists of one up and two down quarks.
Every part of the universe that we see during our everyday lives can be explained with only these particles. If we look further, however, we realise there must be a lot more. Accordingly, physicists soon realised that in order to explain the radioactive decay of some atoms there must be another particle, as decaying atoms did not appear to conserve energy - a requirement for all physical processes. It was proposed in 1931 that another particle, called the neutrino, was produced in the decay process and carried away some of the energy. Neutrinos are very light and hardly ever interact with ordinary matter. They were not directly detected until 1956.
More exotic particles have also been found in rays of particles, called cosmic rays, which hit the Earth from outer space. These include muons and pions. Unlike the electron or proton, these are unstable particles and decay to electrons or protons2. Antiparticles such as positrons (an anti-electron) are also found in cosmic rays.
When physicists built the first particle accelerators, they discovered hundreds of new particles. They soon guessed that not all of these were elementary - although it took much of the 20th Century studying these particles to determine which are fundamental and which are made up of smaller particles, and how they all interact with each other. The standard model is the theory they devised. The model was developed mainly around 1960 to 1980, and was extensively tested in high energy experiments at the end of the century.
In the standard model, matter is made up of two classes of elementary particles: leptons, which include electrons, muons and neutrinos; and quarks, which come in six varieties and stick together in twos or threes to form heavier particles such as protons, neutrons and pions. To make things a little more complicated, antimatter theory predicts each of these particles has a corresponding antiparticle with the same mass, but opposite electric charge and other properties.
Fermions and Bosons
The standard model does not just explain matter. It also explains the forces of nature. Both matter and forces are explained using particles. All these particles fit into two categories: fermions and bosons. Fermions are the quarks and leptons that make up matter; bosons include the photon and other particles associated with forces.
Whether a particle is a fermion or a boson is determined by its spin. Spin is a fundamental property that particles possess, in the same way that they have a certain mass or electric charge. Spin is the intrinsic angular momentum of an object. You can picture a particle as a spinning ball, although as fundamental particles are point-like, this is not really true. The spin of a particle is measured in units of 1.06×10−34kgm2/s (a value known as the Dirac constant). Bosons have zero or integer spin (ie, 0, 1, 2... multiplied by the Dirac constant), fermions have half integer spin (ie, 1/2, 3/2, 5/2... multiplied by the Dirac constant).
This apparently minor difference has a large effect on the way particles behave. Fermions are only created in particle-antiparticle pairs; they are the fundamental particles of matter. Bosons can be created and destroyed much more easily; they act as force carriers which mediate the interactions between particles.
The cause of this different behaviour is rather complex, and still not entirely understood. It is due to quantum mechanics. Fermions obey the Pauli Exclusion Principle, which only allows one particle in each quantum state. Bosons do not obey the Exclusion Principle, so any number can occupy the same quantum state.
The fermion/boson distinction does not only apply to elementary particles. Particles made up of fermions (such as atoms) can act either as fermions or bosons. Particles of matter acting as bosons can create a great many interesting phenomena at low temperatures, such as Bose-Einstein condensation, and superconductivity.
The table below lists all the fermions in the standard model. (The range of names is due to the varying imagination of physicists.)
|e - electron||μ - muon||τ - tau||u - up quark||s - strange quark||t - top quark|
|νe - electron neutrino||νμ - muon neutrino||ντ - tau neutrino||d - down quark||c - charm quark||b - bottom quark|
There are two classes of fermion: leptons and quarks. Both contain six particles in three generations. The first generation contains the most common particles: electrons, and up and down quarks. Higher generations contain heavier particles, are only produced in high energy processes3 and quickly decay to lighter particles.
Leptons include the familiar electron, as well as the muon and tau, which are basically heavier unstable versions of the electron. Each of these particles also has a corresponding neutrino.
Quarks, Baryons and Mesons
Although quarks are fundamental particles, nobody has ever detected a solitary quark. They only exist as part of other particles. Quarks can bind together to form particles in two ways. Baryons consist of three quarks (or three antiquarks) bound together, such as the proton (up-up-down), the neutron (up-down-down) or the Ω- (strange-strange-strange). Mesons consist of a quark-antiquark pair such as a pion, which comes in three forms: up-antidown, down-antiup, and a mixture of up-antiup and down-antidown.
The fermions act as building blocks for larger particles and ultimately everyday matter. However, the standard model also contains bosons to explain the fundamental forces of nature.
The great success of the standard model is that it explains how fundamental particles interact with each other. Particles interact by four fundamental forces: gravity, electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force and the weak nuclear force.
All the forces work by exchanging an additional force particle between the particles which experience the force. For example, the electromagnetic force is mediated by the photon, and an electron can emit a photon which is then absorbed by another electron. The photons themselves are electromagnetic waves - light.
Equivalent force carrier particles exist for the other forces. The strong force is mediated by gluons; the weak forces by three particles known as W+, W-, and Z04. Gravity is presumably mediated by a graviton - although a successful theory for quantum gravity has yet to be written, so this remains an open question.
|Electromagnetic||γ - photon|
|Weak nuclear||W+, W-, Z0|
|Strong nuclear||g - gluon|
Although gravity is the most obvious force in everyday life, it is not explained by the standard model. This is not a problem when studying microscopic particles, however, as it is incredibly weak compared to the other forces. We only notice its effect because it is always attractive and has an infinite range.
Electromagnetism is the force between electrically charged particles. It causes electrons to stick to atoms, and determines the behaviour of atoms and molecules. Although electromagnetism has an infinite range and is much stronger than gravity, it plays a smaller role at large scales as it can be both attractive and repulsive5. The two contributions usually cancel each other out, unless we can separate a lot of charged particles - but this takes a lot of energy.
The strong nuclear force is what holds the nucleus of an atom together. As the nucleus contains only protons (with positive charge) and neutrons (with zero charge), the electromagnetic force would cause it to fly apart. However, the much stronger strong force holds them together. Unlike gravity and electromagnetism, the strong force has a very short range, so it plays no role in larger scale objects.
Another unique property of the strong force between two particles is that its strength increases as they move apart (while they are still within its range). In contrast the strength of the electromagnetic or gravitational force decreases with distance. This explains one of the properties of quarks: they are only ever seen within another particle (eg, within protons, neutrons or pions). In fact, nobody has ever seen a lone quark or managed to isolate one. This is because as we try to separate two quarks, the force pulling them together increases, so an ever-increasing amount of energy is needed to continue pulling them apart. Eventually there is enough energy present to create a quark-antiquark pair out of the vacuum, and the two original quarks separate - now as quark-antiquark particles.
The weak nuclear force was the last fundamental force to be identified. It was introduced to explain the radioactive decay of atoms in which a neutron changes to a proton and emits an electron and an antineutrino (or a positron and a neutrino). Electrons and neutrinos (and other leptons) are not affected by the strong force, so an additional force was needed to explain this process. The weak force also has a very small range.
Unification of the Forces
It is believed that in the incredibly high energy conditions of the Big Bang, there was a single superforce governing all particle interactions. As the universe cooled, this force split into the four 'fundamental' forces listed above. Therefore, at high enough energies the particle interactions for the different forces should behave the same, and the different forces are really just low energy manifestations of a single force.
It is an ultimate goal of particle physics to produce a theory of a superforce, which also explains all four forces seen at low energies. Developing this 'theory of everything' is an enormous challenge, and it is unlikely to be achieved for a long time. The standard model takes a first step, however, and includes electroweak theory, which unifies the electromagnetic and weak nuclear forces.
Testing the Standard Model
As theoretical physicists were developing the standard model, the experimentalists were designing and building new experiments to test their ideas. So far every experiment test of the standard model has confirmed the predictions of the theory.
Scattering electrons off protons has confirmed that they are made up of quarks. Colliding particles and antiparticles at high energies has produced all the particles listed in the tables above (the top quark, the heaviest and last to be discovered, was found in 1994). The values of physical constants have been measured and found to match the predicted values - sometimes to a ridiculous number of decimal places.
There are still some areas of the standard model which have not been fully tested. Neutrinos are not fully understood, with one theory suggesting that they can change from one type to the other (this still has to be tested). The standard model may be able to explain CP violation - the asymmetry between matter and antimatter - believed to explain why the universe is made solely of the former, but this is not yet confirmed. And there is one missing particle - the Higgs.
The Higgs mechanism is a theory which explains the masses of particles. The idea is that the particles acquire mass as they move through the Higgs field. This is a vital part of the standard model as without it the theory suggests all particles would be massless. To prove this theory experiments are trying to detect the Higgs Boson - a quanta of the Higgs field. This, the final piece of the standard model, will probably be discovered in a few years.
Despite all its successes, nobody believes that the standard model is the final theory of particle physics. It is generally believed to be part of a final theory which unifies all the forces. Apart from being more elegant, this unification is required by cosmology theories to explain how the universe evolved from the big bang to today. There are a great many untested theories of physics beyond the standard model. Some, such as supersymmetry, will probably reach the experimental stage soon. Others, such as string theories are more speculative. It is possible that a grand unified theory of the strong, weak and electromagnetic forces may be achieved in a few decades. However, taming gravity may well take much longer, and is the ultimate challenge for theoretical physicists (and something experimentalists don't even talk about). It defeated Faraday, Einstein and many other scientists. One thing is certain, though: there will be a lot of work for scientists for a long time to come.
Since particle physicists are ultimately paid by taxpayers, they're always happy to explain to the general public how interesting and important their field of study is. Here are a few websites which do this:
The Particle Adventure - An excellent site explaining the standard model in eight languages.
Related BBC Links
Find out about the Large Hadron Collider.
Does the Higgs boson really exist?
Learn about the mystery of the missing solar neutrinos. | <urn:uuid:32495051-12a1-40e5-a22b-b56fc394a599> | {
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SAVANNAH — Divers scanning the Savannah River recovered part of a Civil War Confederate ironclad ship earlier this week.
U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers crews retrieved the 64 square-foot top portion of the CSS Georgia on Tuesday. The section, known as the casemate, was a protective shell that covered the ship and could be seen from above water.
The ship was recovered ahead of the planned expansion of the Savannah harbor, which is awaiting congressional funding, officials said.
The recovered portion of the ship will be taken to Texas A&M University, Army Corps of Engineers archaeologist Julie Morgan told the Savannah Morning News.
“Tuesday’s retrieval will play a major role in creating a research design to effectively remove the CSS Georgia before expanding the shipping channel along this stretch of the Savannah River,” Morgan said. “It took a dedicated team working in some very tough conditions to bring this piece to the surface.”
Portions of the ship sit near Fort Jackson and archaeologist Stephen James told WSAV-TV that the ship was built in 1862.
“She was underpowered so she basically sat out opposite Fort Jackson as a gun battery, between the fort and the iron clad ram, she protected the city from Union naval forces,” James told the station. “It never fired a shot. When Sherman’s army took the city she was scuttled just before the city was taken and abandoned.”
Julie Morgan, a staff archeologist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District, stands next to a 5,000-pound piece of the CSS Georgia, a Civil War ironclad scuttled in the Savannah River in 1864. Removing the remains of the CSS Georgia is an environmental mitigation feature as part of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, a plan to deepen the Savannah shipping channel from 42 feet to 47 feet. (AP Photo/US Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District, Jason O’Kane)×
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There is no doubt that plants suffer from human encroachment, not the least because we can destroy in a matter of minutes what has taken decades to grow, as in Sydney recently where an avenue of hundred-year-old figs was chopped down simply for a wider street. But British nature writer and biographer of Gilbert White Richard Mabey’s new book, The Cabaret of Plants, celebrates the tenacity and resourcefulness of plants, something that we perhaps miss in our urban environment where, as Mabey points out, we labour under the delusion that we control plants. He laments that in our tendency to see plants as either food or decoration we have lost the very Victorian trait of marvelling at the structural and mechanical wonder of plants. The book is a rich lode of botanical tidbits, focusing on a particular species in each chapter, from swampy, tidal marsh plants to orchids and giant waterlilies and boab trees that rose in Madagascar and eventually made their way to Australia. He also points out that plants upset our ideas of what is living and dead and healthy and sick, suggesting that signs of ageing are not signs of disease, and that the capacity of a seed to lie dormant for decades or centuries throws into confusion our ideas of what constitutes a ‘living’ thing. Or ‘things’ – as he points out when discussing clonal colonies of trees that can be classed as many or one organism depending on what definition you are using. | <urn:uuid:6f3fa667-7715-451a-9126-72eb2abc7649> | {
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Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas
Swearingen, J., K. Reshetiloff, B. Slattery, and S.
Zwicker. 2002. Plant Invaders of
Sawtooth oak, a tree native to eastern Asia, is popular for use in street tree plantings due to its interesting foliage and fruits (acorns). It spreads by seed that is produced in large numbers and has been found in recent years to be escaping from plantings to become invasive in wild areas, displacing native plants. Because of this, land managers recommend against the use of sawtooth oak and suggest instead that landscapers use native oaks, of which there are many species to choose.
Prevention and Control
|Bargeron, C.T., D.J. Moorhead, G.K. Douce, R.C. Reardon & A.E. Miller |
(Tech. Coordinators). 2003. Invasive Plants of the Eastern U.S.:
Identification and Control. USDA Forest Service - Forest Health
Technology Enterprise Team. Morgantown, WV USA. FHTET-2003-08. | <urn:uuid:ecb2b43b-58a7-4e1f-931c-860987060c44> | {
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LAWRENCE — This year for spring break, students in Andrew Short’s KU entomology course won’t be headed to the beaches of Cancun or South Padre Island. Instead, they’ll head to the jungles of Suriname, a country many people would struggle to find on a map.
Located on the northeastern coast of South America, Suriname is home to dense tropical forests. It is crisscrossed by rocky rivers, roads that grow narrow until they dead-end, gold mining, and animal and plant species that are still new to science.
Research expeditions to document species of insects, birds, reptiles, fish and mammals in Suriname have caught the interest of writers such as Richard Conniff, who recently joined Short and a full team of scientists in Suriname for an article published this month in Smithsonian magazine.
For several years, KU students have been participating in Suriname entomology field expeditions with Short, who is curator of entomology at the KU Biodiversity Institute and associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. In 2015, Short received a $700,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to fund the research into understanding more about the evolution, distribution and habitats of aquatic insects, and to bring undergraduate and graduate students into the program.
Students participating in the course and expeditions learn various methods of trapping and collecting insects, whether they are in aquatic habitats, terrestrial, flying through the air, or even inhabiting the pools of water trapped by plants at the base of their leaves.
Not all students who go on Biodiversity Institute expeditions are studying biology. Alumni Tom and Jann Rudkin of Los Gatos, California, have provided funds for students pursing degrees such as journalism, illustration, photography and textile arts to experience research expeditions alongside scientific staff and students who are pursing degrees in biology.
In 2016, Gabriel O’Connor, a KU junior majoring in film studies, went on the Biodiversity Institute expedition to Suriname. He created two film projects from the experience: one focuses on the research conducted by Andrew Short and the team of students in Suriname. The other, a longer film, distilled Gabriel’s personal experience with the Suriname trip.
This year, as Andrew prepares to head back to Suriname, he is hoping to track down a few species that are known, but little has been studied about the habitats they occupy.
“The surrounding region of this year’s field site has been impacted by gold mining, so I’m also interested to see how that has affected the local fauna,” Short said.
Suriname isn’t the only country on Short’s research list. He was recently selected as a 2017-2018 Fulbright Scholar to Brazil, where he will work extensively with colleagues at the National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA) in Manaus to expand the geographic scope of his research over the next two years.
Five undergraduate entomology students will go on the expedition to Suriname: Miranda Blanchard of Lawrence; Ben Johnson of Wichita; Shannon Pelkey of De Soto and Alex Kohlenberg and Tanner Myers, both of Louisburg. They will be joined by Stephen Baca, a KU graduate student studying entomology, as well as several students and faculty from the National University of Suriname.
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Who Gets a Voice Problem?
A well-functioning voice is an essential tool for one third of the work force. Anyone can get a problem with their voice through a combination of circumstances. Teachers, singers (bathroom, through to heavy metal and opera), lecturers, fitness instructors and call centre operators are the most common occupational groups seen in a voice clinic.
Even people who don’t speak a lot can have a voice problem if their voice technique is not efficient, if they continue to talk or sing whilst suffering from viral laryngitis or a cold, if they shout or need to talk over high noise levels or if they are under stress. Talking over high levels of noise in pubs, night clubs and at sporting events can make your voice more vulnerable and can damage your vocal folds.
Very few people know how to use their voice optimally. A voice problem may develop if they are placed in a position or job where they are required to speak for long periods of time over background noise or if they become stressed. It may not be a matter of just how much someone talks but more the way they do it!
Some voice problems are caused by mechanical problems or muscle weakness within the larynx rather than from overuse, stress or poor technique. This muscle weakness can occur as part of the aging process and many older people who have weak voices benefit from voice therapy. Vocal weakness also occurs as a result of paralysis of a vocal fold caused by damage to the nerve that causes the vocal folds to vibrate or other neurological problems. Nerves that operate the vocal folds can be affected by viral infections. | <urn:uuid:b1c39ed9-54e7-4c45-9b0a-74cb404727b8> | {
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In our last post, we started a series on SubMonitor. By way of a quick review, SubMonitor is one of the three types of overloads used for 3-phase submersible installations. The three types are heaters, adjustable solid state, and electronic. SubMonitor falls into the last category and although SubMonitor is classified as an electronic overload, it offers far more than simple overload protection. In the next few weeks we’ll take a look at all the capabilities and flexibility SubMonitor offers.
All overloads for Franklin submersible motors must be Class 10 Quick Trip. This means they must take the motor off-line within 10 seconds of the motor reaching five times service factor amps. Overloads must also be ambient compensated, meaning they must trip consistently at the same overload value regardless of the ambient temperature. Ambient compensated overloads must always be used when the motor and the overloads are in different locations and therefore at potentially different temperatures. In the case of a submersible installation, the overloads are in the panel above ground and the motor is obviously submerged underwater. As a result, they will be at different temperatures and hence the need for ambient compensation.
One way to illustrate the trip characteristics of overloads in general and to show how SubMonitor is different is via a time trip curve. This curve provides a visual of the characteristics of overloads, the multiples of normal current needed to trip the overload, and the time in seconds it takes for the overload to trip at different amounts of excessive current.
This is one of the places SubMonitor stands apart from other types of overloads. As you can see on the curve, other types of overloads trip at different times depending on the overload condition, whereas the SubMonitor always trips in less than three seconds. The faster a device trips, the more likely the motor will survive.
So what conditions cause SubMonitor to take action to protect the motor? Any one of the conditions below will cause SubMonitor to take the motor off-line:
– Over voltage – Phase imbalance
– Under voltage – High current
– Low current – Rapid cycling
One of the most important conditions that SubMonitor protects against is high and low voltage. All Franklin Electric submersible motors are designed to operate at plus or minus 10% of their nameplate voltage. If the voltage exceeds those limits, the motor can be damaged. SubMonitor continuously monitors the voltage and takes the motor off-line if those limits are exceeded. So, in the case of a 460 V motor, SubMonitor will take the motor off-line within three seconds if the voltage drops below 414 V or exceeds 506 V. SubMonitor will keep the motor off-line for one minute, and then attempt a restart. If the voltage has returned to within 10% of nameplate, the motor is restarted. If not, SubMonitor will keep the motor off-line and attempt two more restarts. If after three attempts the voltage is still outside 10% of the nameplate voltage, SubMonitor will keep the motor off-line until it’s manually reset.
It’s important to note that plus and minus 10% are the default settings. That is, no action is required to establish the settings above. However, when needed, SubMonitor offers a great deal of flexibility for custom installations.
Using the “DETAILED SETUP” option, the undervoltage setting can be programmed from 80% to 90% of the nameplate voltage. The off time between attempted restarts can also be adjusted from 1 to 15 minutes. And the number of restart attempts can be adjusted from 0 to 10.
In terms of overvoltage, the default setting of 110% can be overridden and adjusted to between 110% and 120% of nameplate voltage. Just like the undervoltage, the off time between restarts and the number of restarts allowed can be adjusted to between 1 to 15 minutes and from 0 to 10.
As you can see, SubMonitor offers flexibility unavailable in other types of overloads. Using the default settings that are already in the unit, it can be a “plug and play” device or highly customized for a specific installation. We’ll touch more on these system abilities in our upcoming posts.
If you have questions about protecting a system from adversity, our Technical Service Hotline is ready and available with information to help you in the field. Give them a call at 800.348.2420 or email [email protected]. | <urn:uuid:25fe751d-60d7-4ed2-8b9e-8b98525d8369> | {
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A: ASCII – The American Standard Code for Information Interchange is a character encoding system which represents standard text characters as well as a number of terminal control characters used to transmit information.B: BCDR – Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery systems describe an organisation’s preparation for unforeseen risks to continued operations and IT systems to prevent data loss.C: Choose & Book – The national electronic referral and booking system which allows patients to choose and select their preference of when and where they receive their initial Oupatient appointment online or by telephone. It can also be used by all healthcare professionals.D: Data Warehouse – A database holding vast amounts of raw data which are used for analysis and reporting purposes of all aspects of patient information. This data has to be actively managed and collated ready for use.E: EPR – The Electronic Patient Record for a patient, also known as Electronic Health Record (EHR) or Computerised Patient Record. This this an electronic record of a number of key patient demographics in conjunction with assessment, appointment, clinical note, equipment, documentation and discharge information.F: FOI – The Freedom of Information Act aims to make information held by public authorities more accessible to the public and allows individuals and companies to request a wide variety of material.G: GPSoC – GP Systems of Choice is a scheme through which the NHS will fund the provision of GP clinical IT systems in England.H: HL7 – Health Level 7 develop a set of international healthcare interoperability standards. The HL7 language standard created by the organisation provides a platform for the sharing and exchange of information between different healthcare systems.I: Informatics – The science of processing data. Within health and social care, it is used to refer to the processing of data on patients and clients through IT systems.K: KSF – The NHS Knowledge Skills Framework is a development tool which contributes to decisions about pay progression for staff. It is made up of 30 dimensions which form the main components of the framework.L: LSP – Local Service Providers act as “integrators” to ensure that local systems meet national standards and that they facilitate data flow between the local and national systems.M: MPI – The Master Patient Index is a database that maintains a unique index (or identifier) for every patient registered at a health care organization.N: N3 – The New National Network, a private broadband network linking NHS sites in England and Scotland run by BT.O: Open Source Software – A form of collaboratively developed, freely available software or application which describes a more open, networked and user generated way of developing ideas and projects.P: PAS – Patient Administration System records all key patient demographics and can also be responsible for tracking and scheduling Outpatient appointments.Q: QIPP – The Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) programme which attempts to engage and transform NHS services to improve patient care whilst delivering efficiency savings.R: RTT – “Referral to Treatment” target which defines the maximum wait that an individual should experience for an initial appointment following referral to acute Outpatient services. This was abolished as a formal measure but still exists as a target for Trusts to exceed no longer than an 18 week wait.S: Spine – A central database of all Summary Care Records which is available to all NHS staff nationwide. This forms part of the Care Records Service.T: Telehealth – Healthcare supported through use of telecommunications. This can comprise multiple mobile technologies, and allow staff to remotely access and add to patient records for community and domiciliary care or use video-conferencing.U: UKChip – The UK Council for Health Informatics Professions which enable information to be collected, managed, used and shared safely to support the delivery of healthcare and promote health.V: VDI – Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is the practice of hosting a desktop operating system within a virtual machine (VM) running on a hosted, centralized or remote server.X: XML – Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a set of rules for encoding documents into machine-readable form.
patient demographics,master patient index,healthcare,IT,terminology,EPR,software,Therapies,health | <urn:uuid:2acddf76-a9c3-4e8d-8a01-c3aec8e92208> | {
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PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
JET PROPULSION LABORATORY
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
PASADENA, CALIF. 91109. TELEPHONE (818) 354-5011
FOR RELEASE WITH VIDEOCASSETTE FRI. AUG. 26, 1988
Image-processing scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., have used digital animation techniques to produce three-dimensional, whirlwind tour of Earth, flying the viewer over, under and through the cloudtops in the atmosphere of our planet.
The production, called "Earth: The Movie," was constructed from satellite data and digital elevation maps of Earth to show how clouds form and influence weather as they move across the planet's surface. From vantage point made possible only by computer, "Earth: The Movie" also allows the viewer to see Earth's cloudtops in three dimensions -- all over the world.
The data visualization techniques developed to produce "Earth: The Movie" represent powerful new tools that scientists will use to study the complex relationships between Earth's topography, atmosphere, ocean, and biosphere.
"Earth: The Movie" was created by Jeffrey R. Hall, Kevin J. Hussey and Robert A. Mortensen of the Digital Image Animation Lab (DIAL) of JPL's Image Processing Laboratory, in cooperation with atmospheric scientists Dr. Moustafa Chahine of JPL and Dr. Joel Susskind of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
The data displayed in the production were derived from the High-Resolution Infrared Sounder-2 and Microwave Sounding Unit on NASA's Nimbus 7, an Earth-observing satellite launched on Oct. 24, 1978. The data show the monthly average cloud cover for December 1978 and the daily cloud cover from Dec. 31, 1978 to Feb. 4, 1979.
The production represents 9 gigabytes (9 billion bytes) of information. Cyber 205 supercomputer at the Goddard Space Flight Center was used to preprocess the data. The data were then processed at JPL by two mainframe computers executing 4 million instructions per second over 18.4 days.
"Earth: The Movie" was produced by JPL for the Office of Space Science and Applications.
##### 8/26/88 #1205MBM PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE JET PROPULSION LABORATORY CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION PASADENA, CALIF. 91109. TELEPHONE (818) 354-5011 NARRATION:
"EARTH: THE MOVIE"
A study of the Earth's climate must take into account the crucial role played by clouds. Besides delivering life-giving rain to the land, clouds help maintain proper balance in the global climate. The following digital animation combines satellite cloud data and Earth elevation data from maps to demonstrate how atmospheric scientists and visualization specialists team up to perform climatic research. The clouds were derived from infrared and microwave satellite instrument data using supercomputer. Part One: Rectangular projection of Earth's surface and clouds.
At first glance, clouds may appear chaotic, but closer observation reveals semblance of order. Recognizable patterns show how air moves up and down while circulating around the globe. The varied features of the Earth's surface (portrayed here by color) as well as prevailing winds, have distinct effects on the formation and distribution of clouds. Computer animation to visualize clouds provides unique insight into the structure and dynamics of global weather systems. Part Two: Three-dimensional flight over the world.
Now, as we add the third dimension to both the Earth's surface and the clouds, we can see the relationship between cloud-tops and the Earth's topography. The cloudtop elevations were also derived from satellite data. The vertical dimensions have been exaggerated twenty times to enhance comparison. - Our flight takes us along the west coast of Africa. - Flying north of Scandinavia, we see Europe, then quickly cross the North Atlantic and drop below the cloud-tops off the eastern United States. - We look west into the Amazon basin of South America. - We circle Cape Horn and view the Andes mountains up close. - Central America passes below as we view North America. - Diving below the clouds in the mid-Atlantic, we fly over the Mediterranean. - Turkey passes to our right as we fly across the Caspian Sea into the southern Soviet Union. - China, and now Japan, are below us. - Southeast Asia and Australia are seen as we head for the Himalayas and Indian subcontinent. - The Middle East and Africa complete our journey. Part Three: Spherical projection of Earth showing daily cloud activity over the Pacific Ocean.
The atmosphere can be considered gigantic solar powered engine which controls our daily weather. The Pacific Ocean, shown here, covers nearly half the Earth. It is themajor storehouse of energy and source of water vapor for the planet.
This is the winter season in the northern hemisphere and we can observe the course of numerous storms, one after the other, approaching North America from the Gulf of Alaska. Part Four: Spherical projection of Earth showing daily cloud activity over the Atlantic Ocean.
Note the belt of clouds near the equator as we rotate the Earth to observe the opposite hemisphere. This belt provides the moisture necessary to sustain the equatorial rain forests of the Congo basin in Central Africa and the Amazon in South America.
North Africa, dominated by the Sahara, is characterized by its lack of clouds. Near the top of this hemisphere we can also observe winter storms move with regularity across the North Atlantic and Europe. Conclusion
The data visualization techniques developed to produce "Earth: The Movie" represent powerful new tools that scientists will use to study our complex global environment. | <urn:uuid:b9076a2c-7fc2-4b8b-826a-63695c515215> | {
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What makes human beings different from all other species in the world? We have the ability to reason. When a crime occurs, we attempt to collect data from the past in trying to solve the crime. When there is a car accident, we try to recreate the accident in trying to solve who was at fault. We attempt to find the cause of the effect. Yet when it comes to suffering and obstacles that we face, we refuse to believe that these could be caused by our past actions. We often blame others for our sufferings. Why is it so difficult to believe in causality?
Many of us have a difficulty finding fault within. It is difficult to admit that we have sinned. How has an innocent child sinned? Why do I suffer when I know I have been generous and good? Why do the evil prosper, is there no causality for them? These are the questions that may obscure the understanding of causality.
The answer to understanding causality may be reincarnation. Many of the effects may not sprout until our next lives. But why would God place a shield separating the cause and effect? If God would punish immediately after the evil action, the person would not perpetrate further evil due to fear. The fear of retribution will prevent the evil action. It is like a tyrant who rules his people. Fear prevents his people from committing crimes; the actions do not come from the heart.
When people are able to understand causality, they will realize that the removal of evil (greed, arrogance, and self love) will bring forth joy in the future. Suffering and obstacles are a result of our past actions. If we confront them and accept them without blaming others, we can bring forth joy in the future. Causality gives everyone the opportunity to have joy in the future. But without understanding causality, these suffering or obstacles can continue to bring upon our negative responses of evil (greed, arrogance, and self love). The evil responses will by the principle of causality bring upon suffering in our next lives, and the cycle of suffering continues in the world. In one of our sacred books, there is a quote about the sufferings and joys in the world:
Look at how causality (suffering or joy) is working in the world, and you will see the journey (cause) taken before. January 30, 1892 Instructions (Osashizu)
Many of us see suffering and joy but we do not understand their cause. | <urn:uuid:e91070fb-0ca8-4135-9898-41ad70bf9a10> | {
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