Pregnant women should be encouraged to take flu vaccines, according to researchers at the University of Western Australia, who demonstrated that flu vaccines reduce the risk of hospital stays due to respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, by more than half.
The research study, “Effectiveness of seasonal trivalent influenza vaccination against hospital-attended acute respiratory infections in pregnant women: A retrospective cohort study,” was published in the journal Vaccine.
Among pregnant women, almost a third of hospital admissions for respiratory infections are for influenza, according to Annette Regan, project officer at the Western Australia Health Department and the researcher who led the study as part of her Ph.D. thesis.
“They are more than five times as likely as non-pregnant women in the same age group to end up in hospital [when they get the flu],” Regan said in a press release.
Also, the mortality rates due to respiratory infections are highest in pregnant women than in any other group of patients. “They are more likely to get these really, really bad infections, and that can be bad not only for the Mum but also for the baby,” Regan said.
In the study, Regan and colleagues compared the outcomes of 3,007 vaccinated pregnant women with those of 31,694 unvaccinated pregnant women. Women who got the vaccine received it during their pregnancy: 17.5 percent in the first trimester, 62.1 percent in the second trimester, and 20.3 percent in the last trimester.
Pregnant women who did not get the flu vaccine were found to be three times more likely to visit a hospital emergency department for an acute respiratory infection, including influenza, pneumonia, or bronchitis.
Although only 8.7 percent of women were vaccinated in this study, Regan said that in the last three years the immunization rates have greatly improved. “We’ve just come up with estimates for 2015 … and we were really pleased to see that it’s increased to 60 percent,” she said.
“Obviously we’d like to see it get a lot higher than that because of all these benefits that we’re seeing associated with vaccination — we’d love to see almost 100 percent of pregnant women get vaccinated,” Regan added.
This is the first population-based study demonstrating that flu vaccines can have a protective effect in preventing hospital admissions due to respiratory infections in pregnant women. It is noteworthy that the flu vaccine is safe in any pregnancy trimester.
Scientists also believe that some antibodies can cross the placenta and protect the baby in its first six months of life, supporting the theory that pregnant women should be encouraged by their doctors to get vaccinated.
“Flu season is imminent; we know it’s going to start in the next couple of weeks,” Regan said. “This would be a good time if you haven’t had a flu vaccine yet to book in with your [general practitioner] or your clinic or your obstetrician.”


These weeds are very limited in their distribution across the state and are Priority 1A and 1B species on the Montana noxious weed list.
Preventing further invasion of these species is critical, and starts with learning how to identify them, knowing where they might grow and what to do if and when plants are found. These publications will help you with these important tasks.
The knotweed complex is made up of Japanese knotweed, Giant knotweed, Himalayan knotweed, and Bohemian knotweed (Polygonum spp.) (publication EB0196). They are perennial, rhizomatous plants resembling bamboo with hollow stems and rapid, aggressive growth habits. Native to Asia, they were introduced to the United States in the late 1800s, predominantly as ornamentals. Members of the knotweed complex can outcompete existing vegetation to form dense monocultures, and they are difficult to control once established. Management options are discussed in detail in the new publication.
Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) (publication EB0201) is a non-native aquatic weed resembling a large sedge that grows along lake shores, slow moving rivers, and wetlands. It was first recorded in Flathead Lake in 1964 and has since spread to reservoirs and river systems in northwestern Montana. Prolific growth along irrigation ditches reduces water availability, and formation of dense stands around shorelines and docks inhibits recreational activities like boating, fishing and swimming. Learn how to identify flowering rush and learn exactly where it is growing in Montana in the new publication.
Scotch broom (Cytisis scoparius L.) (publication EB0202) is a highly invasive perennial shrub. It can be recognized by its bright yellow flowers, clover-like leaves, and shrubby growth habit. This species was introduced to the United States in the 1850's to control soil erosion and as a landscape ornamental. Scotch broom is currently limited to a couple counties in northwestern Montana, but is widely distributed in Oregon, Washington, and California.
Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) (publication MT201101AG) is an annual forb in the same genus as spotted knapweed. Rosettes resemble dandelions with deeply-lobed leaves. Bright yellow flowers grow singly at the ends of one to five feet tall stems. When in bud, and during or after flowering, this plant is easy to recognize due to spines up to one inch long that protrude from the flower base. Yellow starthistle causes chewing disease in horses, a potentially lethal condition. Learn more about this plant and its threat to horses in the new publication.
These new publications will help Montanans prevent the spread of these noxious weeds by reporting new infestations to their local weed district and properly managing existing infestations. Publications can be downloaded or ordered through MSU Extension publications, online at http://www.msuextension.org/store/ or by calling (406) 994-3273; or by sending an email to firstname.lastname@example.org.
Jane Mangold, Extension Invasive Plant Specialist, (406) 994-5513 or email@example.com


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- The representation of grammatical categories in the brain
Trends in Cognitive Sciences, Volume 7, Issue 5, 1 May 2003, Pages 201-206
Kevin Shapiro and Alfonso Caramazza
AbstractLanguage relies on the rule-based combination of words with different grammatical properties, such as nouns and verbs. Yet most research on the problem of word retrieval has focused on the production of concrete nouns, leaving open a crucial question: how is knowledge about different grammatical categories represented in the brain, and what components of the language production system make use of it? Drawing on evidence from neuropsychology, electrophysiology and neuroimaging, we argue that information about a word's grammatical category might be represented independently of its meaning at the levels of word form and morphological computation.
Abstract | Full Text | PDF (730 kb)
- Evidence for a grammar-specific deficit in children
Current Biology, Volume 8, Issue 23, 19 November 1998, Pages 1253-1258
Heather K.J. van der Lely, Stuart Rosen and Alastair McClelland
SummaryBackground: Specific language impairment (SLI) is a disorder in which language acquisition is impaired in an otherwise normally developing child. SLI affects around 7% of children. The existence of a purely grammatical form of SLI has become extremely controversial because it points to the existence and innateness of a putative grammatical subsystem in the brain. Some researchers dispute the existence of a purely grammatical form of SLI. They hypothesise that SLI in children is caused by deficits in auditory and/or general cognitive processing, or social factors. There are also claims that the cognitive abilities of people with SLI have not yet been sufficiently characterised to substantiate the existence of SLI in a pure grammatical form.Results: We present a case study of a boy, known as AZ, with SLI. To investigate the claim for a primary grammatical impairment, we distinguish between grammatical abilities, non-grammatical language abilities and non-verbal cognitive abilities. We investigated AZ's abilities in each of these areas. AZ performed normally on auditory and cognitive tasks, yet exhibited severe grammatical impairments. This is evidence for a developmental grammatical deficit that cannot be explained as a by-product of retardation or auditory difficulties.Conclusions: The case of AZ provides evidence supporting the existence of a genetically determined, specialised mechanism that is necessary for the normal development of human language.
Summary | Full Text | PDF (73 kb)
- Early Setting of Grammatical Processing in the Bilingual Brain
Neuron, Volume 37, Issue 1, 9 January 2003, Pages 159-170
Isabell Wartenburger, Hauke R. Heekeren, Jubin Abutalebi, Stefano F. Cappa, Arno Villringer and Daniela Perani
SummaryThe existence of a “critical period” for language acquisition is controversial. Bilingual subjects with variable age of acquisition (AOA) and proficiency level (PL) constitute a suitable model to study this issue. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the effects of AOA and PL on neural correlates of grammatical and semantic judgments in Italian-German bilinguals who learned the second language at different ages and had different proficiency levels. While the pattern of brain activity for semantic judgment was largely dependent on PL, AOA mainly affected the cortical representation of grammatical processes. These findings support the view that both AOA and PL affect the neural substrates of second language processing, with a differential effect on grammar and semantics.
Summary | Full Text | PDF (416 kb)
Copyright © 2007 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.
Trends in Cognitive Sciences, Volume 11, Issue 9, 373-378, 1 September 2007
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Universal moral grammar: a critical appraisal
1 Laboratoire de Sciences Cognitives et Psycholinguistique, Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, Département d’Etudes Cognitives, Ecole Normale Supérieure,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Pavillon jardin, 29 rue d’Ulm, F-75005 Paris, France
2 Maternité Port-Royal, Faculté de Médecine Port Royal-Cochin, APHP, Université René Descartes, 123 boulevard de Port-Royal, F75014 Paris, France
3 Institut Jean Nicod, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, Département d’Etudes Cognitives, Ecole Normale Supérieure,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Pavillon jardin, 29 rue d’Ulm, F-75005 Paris, France
A new framework for the study of the human moral faculty is currently receiving much attention: the so-called ‘universal moral grammar’ framework. It is based on an intriguing analogy, first pointed out by Rawls, between the study of the human moral sense and Chomsky's research program into the human language faculty. To assess UMG, we ask: is moral competence modular? Does it have an underlying hierarchical grammatical structure? Does moral diversity rest on culture-dependant parameters? We review the evidence and argue that formal grammatical concepts are of limited value for the study of moral judgments, moral development and moral diversity.


Fruit Fly Trap
Helping Nebraskans enhance their lives through research-based education.
Managing Fruit Flies: Make Your Own Trap
by Barb Ogg, Extension Educator
If you bring garden produce into your kitchen, you may get fruit flies. Fruit flies are tiny, honey-colored flies with reddish eyes. They breed in overly ripe vegetables and fruit.
Once inside, fruit flies will emerge from your vegetables and will lay eggs on fruit on the counter, in food debris in your garbage disposal or garbage can. They can also breed in a rotted potato or onion. Do you recycle cans? Liquid from pop, beer or wine can produce fruit flies.
Fruit flies are attracted to processes associated with fermentation and breed in decaying fruits and vegetables. In the fermentation process, yeasts act on sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. Researchers at University of California-Berkeley found fruit flies are actually attracted to the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) released during the fermentation process, not the alcohol.
The key to managing fruit flies is to locate and eliminate breeding sources. Once you do this, it can still take a couple weeks to get rid of all the flies that will eventually die a natural death. To speed this up, try using a simple, inexpensive fruit fly trap. What attractant should you use? We know fermenting liquids will attract fruit flies, but most of us don't want to brew beer or ferment fruit in our kitchen just to get rid of flies. Instead, use yeast.
Simple Yeast Trap for Fruit Flies
1. Use a one-pint glass jar. Add 1/4 - 1/3 cup of warm (not boiling) water. Sprinkle a package of activated dry yeast over the water. Add one teaspoon of sugar to activate the yeast. Swirl the yeast liquid. In a few minutes, the sugar will cause the yeast to foam and expand and start producing CO 2 .
2. Take a small plastic bag (like a sandwich Baggie®) and place over the mouth of the jar with one corner reaching into the jar.
3. Poke a small hole (no more than 1/8-inch diameter) in the corner of the bag with a pencil.
4. Secure the bag around the rim with a rubber band or canning ring.
This trap will immediately begin attracting flies, which will crawl down the plastic, through the hole and into the jar. Once captured, most of them will be unable to find their way back out. Fruit flies tend to be active during the daytime, so make sure your trap is on the counter during the day.
Some captured female fruit flies will lay eggs, which hatch into maggots. These maggots will feed on the yeast liquid in the bottom of the jar. At 77 degrees F, it will take about one week for fruit flies to develop through three maggot stages, pupate and produce a second generation of adult flies. (At 70 degrees F, this life cycle will take about 10 days.) Once they are mature, the maggots will crawl up the inside of the jar to pupate. At this point, it will take less than a day for them to emerge.
Most of these second generation flies will be unable to find their way out of the trap, but to prevent any escapees, you may want to dump the contents of the yeast trap and clean out the jar to kill the larvae. Dumping the trap one week after you initially made the trap should be soon enough. If you dump the contents in the sink, flush the pipe with water for a minute to make sure larvae are flushed into the sewer system. If you still have fruit flies, you'll need to make a new yeast trap.
If the flies you have don't seem to be interested in the trap, you may have a different species of fly and will need to consult with someone (like your local extension educator) who can identify your flies.
People who have used these traps have been amazed at how fast they work.
The information on this Web site is valid for residents of southeastern Nebraska. It may or may not apply in your area. If you live outside southeastern Nebraska, visit your local Extension office
Contact InformationUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lancaster County
Web site: lancaster.unl.edu
444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln, NE 68528 | 402-441-7180


Electrical drives/motors that are operated in hazardous areas must be built and engineered so that they cannot become an ignition source. This applies not only to normal operating and starting, but also in case of faults, for example at stalled rotor.
The specified temperature limits for hot surfaces as a potential source of ignition have for ignition protection types:
- Flameproof enclosures “d” (Transfer of an explosion to the outside excluded) and
- Pressurized enclosures “p” (Ex-atmosphere is kept away from the source of ignition)
to be complied with only on the outside of the enclosure.
Due to the lag in temperature changes of the motor housing, short-term temperature rise of the windings over the limit temperature of the temperature class are with these ignition protection types regarded as non-critical from an explosion protection viewpoint.
In contrast, with a motor of ignition protection type Increased Safety “e” (suppression of sparks and high temperatures), exceeding the limit temperature of the corresponding temperature class, for which the motor is foreseen, inside the motor even short-term is not permissible.
Table 1 – Limit temperatures of electrical machines of ignition protection type “e” with insulation material class F.
|Limit temperatures (°C)|
IEC/EN 60079-14, Tab.1
|Maximum surface temperature|
EN 50014. Tab.1; IEC/EN 60079-14 Tab.1
|Windings class F continuously|
EEx e, EN 50019, Tab. 3
|Winding class F at end of tE|
EN 50019, Tab. 3
NOT COLORED = determined by the temperature class of the gas
COLORED = determined by the temperature class (isolation class) of the windings
In theory this signifies a doubling of the windings life span and serves to increase safety, also resulting however in a reduction of the power output compared with the standard values for a motor of the same size.
The permissible limit temperature of a winding in an electrical machine of ignition protection type Increased Safety “e” depends, on the one hand, on the temperature class from the explosion protection viewpoint and, on the other, on the insulation material class of the winding.
Table 2 shows the relevant limit values for motors of isolation class F.
If another insulation material is used, these values change according to the temperature class of the insulation material (Table 2).
Table 2 – Limit temperatures of motors of ignition protection type “e” and “d” in relation to the insulation material class of the windings
|Limit temperatures (°C)|
|„d“, Continuous service||115||120||145||165|
|„e“, Continuous service||105||110||130||155|
|„e“, at the end of the tE-time||175||185||210||235|
With respect to the temperature rise characteristics of an electrical machine, two operating statuses should be taken into account: continuous duty and stalled rotor motor.
At continuous duty under full load the machine slowly heats up and after several hours, depending on its size, reaches its steady-state temperature. At the highest permissible ambient temperature, this steady-state temperature may not exceed the limit temperature of the insulation material class nor of the temperature class.
In the schematically presented example of the heating characteristics of a machine of insulation material class F in Figure 1, neither the permitted limit of temperature class T4 nor that of insulation material class F are exceeded once the steady-state temperature has been reached. The second operating case should be considered as more critical. It occurs if the rotor of the 3-phase asynchronous motor becomes stalled after running at service temperature.
The current that then flows is several times higher than the rated current and causes the temperature of the rotor and stator windings to rise rapidly.
A monitoring device must disconnect the machine from the supply within the heating time tE, i.e. the time for the limit temperature of the windings to be reached. The heating time tE is the time after which the permissible temperature is reached with a stalled rotor condition starting from service temperature. It is a characteristic quantity of the motor.
As the selected example of a motor with stalled rotor in Figure 1 shows, the limit temperatures of the temperature class for applications T4 and T3 determine the tE-time.
If however the machine is intended for hazardous areas of temperature class T2 (or T 1), the thermal limit is determined by the short-term permissible limit temperature of isolation material class F of 210 °C.
With explosion protection type Increased Safety “e” this particularly requires connection to a correctly selected and adjusted overload protective device.
Resource: Allen Bradley – Low Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear


Here are some ideas that you could try during the Easter holidays. We have posted the same activity ideas on all the class home learning pages so that siblings, parents and carers can work on them together.
You do not have to do them all! Maybe ask each person in your family to write down their favourite four activities on separate pieces of paper, put them in a bowl or a jar and pick one out each day.
If you manage to do some of the activities, then please take photos and post them on your child's Tapestry account - we would love to see them.
Be happy, be kind and stay safe everybody!


The inventions that make our lives easier in the office may cause health problems with continued exposure to the environment created by these machines. Most photocopiers use a technique called xerography that sends a positive electric charge to a drum inside the machine that imprints an image on the drum. Paper then is passed through the drum creating an image. The process creates heat, discharges particles into the air and can emit ultraviolet radiation into the local environment.
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Photocopiers emit ozone into the air, which is the main reason you should not sit next to a copier at work. Fitting an activated carbon filter to the exhaust manifold in the copier can trap ozone before it gets into the office, but proper maintenance of the filter is necessary to reduce ozone levels. Ozone gives off a distinct odor that you might recognize if you have ever been in a lightning storm. High levels of ozone and continued exposure can cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract.
According to a report issued by the North Carolina Department of Labor, copy machines can contribute to indoor air pollution. Contaminants include methyl alcohol from spirit duplicators, ammonia and acetic acid from blueprint copiers and ozone from photocopiers. Powder from toner used in dry copiers can escape from the copier and get into the air. These contaminants can cause issues for healthy people and can prove especially harmful to people with respiratory problems. The most common symptoms include coughing and sneezing. Some toners contain carcinogenic properties that could negatively affect your health.
During the process of creating copies, both visible and ultraviolet light emits from the lamp in a photocopier. In most instances, the ultraviolet light doesn't go beyond the glass plate in the copier. Closing the lid while making copies reduces the risk of exposure to ultraviolet light. While not considered harmful, ultraviolet light emitted from machines may cause eyestrain if you continually look at the light while making copies.
Ventilation and Noise
Using a dedicated copy room with adequate ventilation reduces the amount of contaminants in the air and improves indoor air quality. Copiers produce noise and can raise the temperature of a room, which can increase stress on nearby workers. When possible, you should avoid sitting next to a copier. Don't place copiers in a carpeted room, because dust and pollutants are trapped in the fibers. Use a HEPA air filter or exhaust system to remove contaminants from the air and provide enough space around the machine to allow for proper dissipation of heat.


Lightweight tool for unsafe depths - Frahm sediment sampler
MBT, MacArtney Germany, supplies equipment for sampling the surface sedimentation.
The Frahm sediment sampler is a special device for fine sand testing at sea, in ports or in inland waters. It combines features like a small, compact height and a low weight with high efficiency and is thus suitable for smaller boat applications in shallow water areas.
The sediment sampler was developed by Andreas Frahm of the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW). In 2012, application for a patent was submitted and the production outsourced to MBT GmbH, MacArtney Germany, Kiel, which manufactures and distributes the equipment.
With the Frahm sediment sampler, short cores of up to 80, 100, and also 120 cm in length can be "pulled". Thus, the technology closes a gap between multicorer and gravity. The gravity consists of one single steel tube, which goes to water depths down to 18 m through the massive sediment by means of weights made from massive lead disks. For the investigation of the upper sediment layer including soil water, multicorers (MUC) are used.
Assuming that the cores of the MUC have a maximum length of 40 cm, a range of up to 20 cm is always lost in this type of sampling. It is precisely the complete overlap that is important for continuous historical reconstruction. The quality of the specimens has been increased by a longer spike (up to 1 m) with a larger diameter (10 cm) and the previously unsafe depth is now covered by a core. The weights being arranged appropriately, sampling of the soil water is also possible.
The greatest advantage, however, lies in the uncomplicated handling of the Frahm sediment sampler. With a weight of 36 kg and the slim shape two persons will be able to operate it from a boat with small bars and winches. Therefore, sediment tests are possible in shallow water areas, in port basins or river streams which are otherwise difficult to access. Likewise, this unit is available to expert activities by private engineering companies.
The development of the Frahm sediment sampler entails several advantages. On more than ten expeditions by the IOW geologists on the large German research vessels into the Chinese Sea it has become a standard instrument. Thus, a wider customer portfolio has appeared in relation to the Frahm sediment sampler far beyond pure marine geology. In addition, owing to its efficient and economical design, the sediment sampler represents a price segment being far below the solutions so far available in the market.
For further information please contact Andreas Reikowski.


How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
This medication belongs to a group of medications known as vaccines. It is used to prevent influenza (the flu). Influenza is a common viral illness caused by 2 types of virus: influenza A and influenza B.
Each year, different strains (new, slightly different versions of the virus) appear. Scientists predict which strains will be most likely for the coming year, and then these strains are used to make up the year's influenza vaccine. Each year's influenza vaccine contains 3 virus strains that are likely to circulate in Canada in the coming winter. The vaccine only provides protection against the strains of flu virus used to prepare the vaccine.
The vaccine increases a person's defenses against the influenza virus. It works by introducing very small amounts of parts of the virus into the body. This is enough to stimulate the production of antibodies (cells designed to attack that particular virus), which will remain in the body ready to attack that same virus in the future. The vaccine is used to prevent influenza for adults who want to reduce their chances of getting the flu.
Although the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends annual vaccination for the majority of the population, this particular vaccine is not recommended for people under 18 years of age.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
July 3, 2015
Intanza is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of this vaccine depends on your age. Adults between the ages of 18 and 59 receive a dose of 9 µg of each type of virus. Adults 60 years and older receive a dose of 15 µg of each type of strain. The influenza vaccine is given once a year, usually in October or November, as an intradermal (into the skin) injection, usually in the upper arm. It is given by a health care professional.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important this medication be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive intradermal influenza vaccine, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
This medication is stored in the refrigerator and should be kept out of the reach of children. It should be protected from light and not allowed to freeze.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
You should not receive this vaccine if you:
- are allergic to any ingredients of this medication
- are allergic to eggs
This medication is not intended to be given to anyone under 18 years of age.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- aches or pains in muscles
- fever or shivering
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- tenderness, redness, or a hard lump at the injection site
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- excessive fatigue
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., swollen face or throat, hives, or difficulty breathing)
Be sure to mention any side effect to your doctor, as it may mean that you are allergic to the vaccine. If so, it would not be safe for you to have more doses of the same type of vaccine.
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Allergic reactions: Rarely, this vaccine may cause severe allergic reactions. For this reason, your doctor may ask you to stay in the office for about 30 minutes after having the vaccine so that you can get medical care if you experience an allergic reaction. If you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives; trouble breathing or swallowing; or swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue), get medical attention immediately.
Fever: A doctor may decide to delay this vaccine if the person receiving the vaccine has an acute infection or fever. Mild infections without fever, such as colds, usually do not require delay of the vaccine.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS): Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a neurological disorder, has been rarely reported after this vaccine is given. If you experience any weakness or tingling in the legs, arms, or upper body, contact your doctor. Most people recover fully from GBS.
Immune problems: As with any vaccine, when used for people with weakened immune systems, intradermal influenza vaccine may not create enough of an antibody response to protect against infections caused by these viruses. Also, this vaccine may not be effective for people receiving immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., some medications used to treat cancer or for transplant recipients).
Protection: This vaccine can only protect against the types of virus specific to this vaccine and, as with other vaccines, may not provide 100% protection for everyone who receives the vaccine.
Pregnancy: If you are or may become pregnant while receiving this medication, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this vaccine. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends influenza vaccination for healthy pregnant women.
Breast-feeding: If you are breast-feeding while receiving this medication, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this vaccine. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends influenza vaccination for healthy breast-feeding women.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under the age of 18 years.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between intradermal influenza vaccine and any of the following:
- anticancer medications (e.g., carboplatin, doxorubicin, irinotecan, vincristine)
- antiviral agents (e.g., amantadine, oseltamivir, ribavirin, zanamivir)
- corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone, prednisolone)
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Intanza


Standard Level - 4 daysview dates and locations
Comprehensive Verilog is a 4-day training course teaching the application of the Verilog® Hardware Description Language for FPGA and ASIC design. The syllabus covers the Verilog language, coding for register transfer level (RTL) synthesis, developing test fixtures, and using Verilog tools in the FPGA or ASIC design flows. For those interested in FPGA design or prototyping, depending on your choice of FPGA vendor and course venue, we can teach you the complete design flow from writing Verilog source code down to programming a physical FPGA demo board.
Doulos is an independent company, enabling delegates to receive the benefit of objective tuition while learning in the context of their chosen tool and methodology. Leading tools supported by this course include:
The course includes specific lab support for tool sets from the leading FPGA vendors including the vendor's native simulation and place-and-route tools.
The tool options available on a specific scheduled course may vary. Preferences can be selected in the booking process. Or please contact Doulos to discuss specific requirements.
Who should attend?
- Engineers about to embark on their first Verilog design project
- Engineers who have already acquired some practical experience in the use of Verilog, but wish to consolidate and extend their knowledge within a formal training environment using the tools of their choice.
What will you learn?
- How Verilog fits into the FPGA or ASIC design flow
- How to use the Verilog language for hardware design and logic synthesis
- How to write thorough Verilog text fixtures to verify your designs
- How to avoid common mistakes when coding Verilog for synthesis
- How to use the specific Verilog tool flow you will be using on your project for simulation, synthesis, and where appropriate, FPGA P&R.
Pre-requisitesDelegates should have a good working knowledge of digital hardware design, or have attended Essential Digital Design Techniques (or equivalent). No previous Verilog knowledge is required.
Doulos Course materials are renowned as the most comprehensive and user friendly available. Their style, content and coverage is unique in the HDL training world and has made them sought after resources in their own right. Course fees include:
- Fully indexed course notes creating a complete reference manual
- Workbook full of practical examples to help you apply your knowledge
- Doulos Golden Reference Guide for Verilog language, syntax, semantics and tips
- Tool tour guides (to support the tools and technologies used on the course).
Structure and Content
Introduction to VerilogWhat is Verilog? • Scope of Verilog • Design flow for ASICs, CPLDs and FPGAs • Introduction to synthesis • Synchronous design • Timing constraints • Verilog books and internet resources
ModulesModules & ports • Continuous assignments • Wire assignments • Comments • Names • Nets and strengths • Design hierarchy • Module instances • Primitive instances • Text fixtures • $monitor • Initial blocks • Variables
Nets and ValuesPrimitives • Wire assignments • Net types • Drive strengths • Logic values • Vectors • Numbers • Truncation • Signed numbers
Formatting, Timescale and AlwaysOutput formatting • Timescales • Always blocks • $stop and $finish • Using wires and registers correctly
Always BlocksRTL always blocks • Event control • Combinational logic sensitivity • If statements • Begin-end • Incomplete assignment and latches • FPGAs and latches • Unknown and don’t care • Conditional operator • Tristates
Procedural StatementsCase • casez • casex • full_case • parellel_case • For, repeat, while and forever loops • integers • Self-disabling blocks • Combinational logic synthesis
Clocks and FlipflopsSynthesising flip-flops & latches • Avoiding simulation race hazards • Nonblocking assignments • Asynchronous & synchronous resets • Clock enables • Synthesizable always templates • RTL synthesis technology • Inferring flip-flops • Making best use of RTL synthesis
Operators and ParametersBitwise, reduction, logical and equality operators • Part selects • Concatenation & replication • Shift registers • Conditional compilation • include • Parameters • localparam • Hierarchical names
FSM SynthesisState transition diagrams • State machine architectures • FSM timing • Coding FSMs in Verilog • State encoding • One-hot state machines • Unreachable states & safe design practices
Arithmetic and SynthesisArithmetic operators and their synthesis • Vector arithmetic • Bit-length of expressions • Signed and unsigned values • Adder architectures • WYSIWYG arithmetic synthesis • Arithmetic optimization • Resource sharing
Tasks, Functions and MemoriesTasks • Task argument passing • Static vs automatic storage • Synthesis of tasks • Functions • Verilog memories • RAM modelling and synthesis • Inference vs instantiation • $readmemb and $readmemh • generate for/if/case •
File I/OWriting to files • $display • $strobe • $write • $monitor • Opening a closing files • File descriptors • Reading from files • $fscanf • Raw file I/O • $fgets • $fgetc • $fseek • $ftell
Functional SimulationDesign flow through to P&R • Gate-level simulation • Back annotation using SDF.• PLD and ASIC design flow • Verilog libraries • Command-line options • Test benches • Comparing actual vs expected outputs • Behavioural modelling
Behavioural VerilogAlgorithmic coding • real • event control • wait • Named events • Fork & join • External disable • Intra-assignment timing controls • Overcoming clock skew • Continuous procedural assignment • defparam • Hierarchical names
Specialised TopicsStructural Verilog • Using built-in primitives • Gate, net & path delays • Specify blocks • State-dependent delays • Pulse rejection • Cell library modelling • library • liblist • config • The Verilog PLI • PLI applications • PLI routines • The PLI in practice • The VPI
SystemVerilogOverview of SystemVerilog • Status of SystemVerilog • RTL enhancements • Interfaces • Assertions • Testbenches • C interface
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Part or all of this entry has been imported from the 1913 edition of Webster’s Dictionary, which is now free of copyright and hence in the public domain. The imported definitions may be significantly out of date, and any more recent senses may be completely missing.
From Middle English custume, from Anglo-Norman custume, from Old French coustume, from Vulgar Latin *cōnsuētūmen, from Latin cōnsuētūdinem, accusative singular of cōnsuētūdō (“custom, habit”), from cōnsuēscō (“accustom, habituate”), from con- (“with”) + suēscō (“become used or accustomed”), inchoative form of sueō (“I am accustomed”), perhaps from suus (“one's own, his own”); see consuetude. Displaced native Middle English wune, wone (“custom, habit, practice”) (from Old English wuna (“custom, habit, practice, rite”)), Middle English side, sid (“custom”) (from Old English sidu, sido (“custom, note, manner”)), Middle English cure (“custom, choice, preference”) (from Old English cyre (“choice, choosing, free will”)).
custom (plural customs)
- Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; usage; method of doing, living or behaving.
- Habitual buying of goods; practice of frequenting, as a shop, manufactory, etc., for making purchases or giving orders; business support.
- Let him have your custom, but not your votes. - Joseph Addison.
- (law) Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent; usage. See Usage, and Prescription.
- Usage is a fact. Custom is a law. There can be no custom without usage, though there may be usage without custom. Wharton.
- (obsolete) Familiar acquaintance; familiarity.
- Age can not wither her, nor custom stale Her infinite variety. Shakespeare
- The customary toll, tax, or tribute.
- Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom. Rom. xiii. 7.
- created under particular specifications, specialized, unique, custom-made
custom (not comparable)
- made in a different way from usual, specially to fit one's needs
- My feet are as big as powerboats, so I need custom shoes.
- (obsolete, transitive) To make familiar; to accustom.
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Gray to this entry?)
- (obsolete, transitive) To supply with customers.
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Francis Bacon to this entry?)
- (obsolete, transitive) To pay the customs of.
- (obsolete, intransitive) To have a custom.
- On a bridge he custometh to fight. Edmund Spenser.


centuries the great countries of Europe had not yet attained to real national unity; Hungary, under her kings Louis the Great and Matthias Hunyadi, took the lead in that respect. Every European people has its own special gift. Greece and Italy have the gift of art; Rome has law England political liberty and the power of planting colonies; Germany has metaphysics and scientific method; while France is distinguished by good taste. Hungary's endowment was a strong sense of nationality, that is to say, the desire to found and to maintain a state which knitted the people into an organic whole. Simultaneously with the growth of the national spirit, and lending it strong support, arose the nation's literature. Henceforth Hungarian life and literature developed in perfect sympathy with one another, and kept pace so accurately together that, in the middle of the nineteenth century, when new aims opened before the people, and an ardent patriotism enthusiastically welcomed the new ideals of democracy, the nation's literature attained its zenith.
The principal motive of Hungarian poetry is to foster the national idea in the hearts of the people. That powerful racial element is revealed in the efforts of the Hungarians to found a strong and enduring kingdom, and in their continual struggles on behalf of their rights and unity. Their first epic poet, Sebastian Tinódi, wrote his Rhymed Chronicles after the battle of Mohács (1526), one of the greatest catastrophes known to history. What could his lays recount, save the downfall of his country, and her desperate struggles for existence? Valentine Balassa, the most noteworthy Hungarian poet of the sixteenth century, lived at the time when England saw the wrecks of the Invincible Armada floating on the


Fast-forward to World War Two, and the 159th are now the Algonquin Regiment, mobilized in 1940, shipping overseas in 1943.
And they got their baptism of fire during the fighting to close the Falaise Gap.
The Algonquin Regiment’s Major George Cassidy describes the German retreat up the Falaise Road, the lines of German prisoners like “ huge grey caterpillars undulating over the hills … (as) far as the eye could see lay the Valley of Desolation, palled in smoke from a thousand fires, alive with the stench of dead and burning flesh. Through the valley and beyond it, back along the battered road to Caen, the eye of the imagination could see once more the dust-laden air, shimmering in the August sun, and in that dust, swimming up to face us again, the shapes of those we had had to leave behind?”
As the heat of August gave way to the rains of autumn, the Algonquins headed to the waterlogged Scheldt.


Some Blood Pressure Drugs May Stave Off Dementia
TUESDAY Jan. 12, 2010 -- Blood pressure drugs that block the protein angiotensin appear to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, a new study finds.
"We think it [angiotensin] is one of the most important factors determining healthy blood vessels and also acts in the brain to help neurons to be a little more resilient," said Dr. Benjamin Wolozin, a professor of pharmacology and neurology at Boston University and senior author of a report on the findings, published online Jan. 13 in BMJ.
That report describes a study of more than 819,000 U.S. veterans, nearly all men, that found that those taking blood pressure medications that block cell receptors for angiotensin had a lower risk for dementia than those taking other cardiovascular medicines.
A similar but smaller protective effect was found for a related drug, lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), which blocks production of the active form of angiotensin.
Angiotensin causes blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure. It is produced when enzymes act to convert a precursor molecule, angiotensinogen. Lisinopril is a member of a drug family called ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. Other examples of ACE inhibitors are benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec) and ramipril (Altace).
Reducing angiotensin production by giving ACE inhibitors can lower blood pressure. The same effect can be achieved with drugs that block the cell receptors through which angiotensin acts. Called angiotensin receptor blockers, these drugs have a greater protective effect against dementia than ACE inhibitors, the study found. Such drugs include candesartan (Atacand), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar) and valsartan (Diovan).
In the study, men taking an angiotensin receptor blocker had a 24 percent lower incidence of dementia than those taking other cardiovascular drugs. The risk was 19 percent lower for men taking ACE inhibitors. The risk was nearly halved for those taking both angiotensin-targeting drugs.
In men with Alzheimer's disease, use of an angiotensin receptor blocker reduced admission to nursing homes by half. Combined angiotensin medication therapy reduced nursing home admissions by two-thirds.
Wolozin said that it's not clear why the drugs would have a beneficial effect on the brain, but improved blood flow probably plays a role.
"If you get no blood to the brain, you're not going to think well," he said. "Also, in brain cells there is more than one kind of angiotensin receptor. By blocking bad receptors, you are left with the good ones so that helps neurons become more resilient."
But the evidence is not sufficient to support routine use of angiotensin receptor blockers to prevent Alzheimer's disease, Wolozin said. The new report describes an observational study, one that lacks the strict controls that are needed for convincing proof.
"Any study like this is hypothesis-generating," he said. "You only know for sure when you have done clinical prospective trials."
His advice for anyone considering angiotensin receptors blockers to reduce dementia risk: "They should consult with their physicians." There are potential hazards, such as too-low blood pressure that can lead to damaging falls, Wolozin said.
Caution was urged by Dr. Richard B. Lipton, vice chairman of neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, who has done work on the genetics of Alzheimer's disease.
The angiotensin hypothesis makes sense, Lipton said, because improved blood flow to the brain helps nerve cells and reduces formation of Alzheimer's-related amyloid protein.
But there have been a number of observational studies implicating various molecules, including estrogens, in dementia, he said. "The sequence is that when you do the randomized trial, you don't get the same effect," Lipton said.
On the other hand, such randomized trials usually include people who are close to having Alzheimer's disease, and "it could be different if you gave the drugs earlier," Lipton said.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more on blood pressure medications.
Posted: January 2010


Flashcards in Ch. 7 - Production + Growth Deck (29):
Two Facts about income and growth around the world...
Fact 1: vast differences in living standards around the world
Fact 2: great variation in growth rates across countries
B/c of great variance of growth b/w countries...
not necessarily poor forever (Signapore)
richer can be over-taken by faster growing countries
avergae Q of G+S per worker per hour
real GDP = Q of output produced
quantity of labour
when workers are productive real GDP is high and so are incomes (t/f)
What determines productivity + growth rates? (4 things)
1. level of technology
2. physical capital per worker
3. human capital per worker
4. natural resources per worker
Physical Capital is...
-stock of equipment + structures for G+S production (depicted as K)
Human Capital is...
-knowledge/skills per worker from education, training , experience, etc. (depicted as H)
Natural Resources are...
inputs into production from nature; some countries richer than others (depicted as N)
Technological Knowledge is...
societal understanding of best way to produce G+S (eg. assembly lines) (depicted A)
Production Function for productivity + factors is... (formula)
y = AF (L , K , H, N)
productivity = technology x inputs to produce output (labour, physical capital, human capital, natural resources)
incr. K can boost production (t/f). it is called...
true, called investment.
incr investment is a tradeoff b/w _______ + _____ consumption. B/c more capital = fewer consumption goods (due to ___)
current; future; scarcity
Diminishing returns to capital is...
(low K gains is _____ country; high K gains is_____ country)
as K rises, production and standard of living rise, but incr. is much higher when little amount of K to begin with, otherwise it is very minimal.
Catch Up Effect
-lower countries having faster growth rates b/c of minimal K (physical capital) invested already. What is invested helps significantly.
To raise K/L gov't can encourage... (2)
1. foreign direct investment (owned + operated by foreign)
2. foreign portfolio investment (owned foreign, operated by local)
-returns flow back to foreign investor.
-best when a poor country can't save enough to "jump start"
To increase productivity.... (2)
1. Human Investment
2. Respect for Property Rights
human Investment incr productivity b/c...
-education makes workers more effective
-health: healthy workers are more productive
Respect for property rights helps productivity b/c...
-there is less investment w/ political instability, corrupt police, or ineffective courts (why invest if its not safe?)
Free trade types: (2)
-which more successful?
1. inward oriented policies (avoiding foreign investment)
-generally a fail
2. outward oriented policies (promote integration into world market)
Technological progress is the main reason living standards rise over time (t/f)
-knowledge is a public good (shared freely)
How do gov'ts encourage technological progress?
patent laws, tax incentives, research grants, etc
Population Growth Effects on Economy (3)
1. Stretch Natural Resources
2. Diluting the Capital Stock
3. Promote Technology Progress
Pop Growth Stretches Natural Resources is...
a Malthus argument; did not account for technological progress and production growth so not as much of a factor
Pop growth Dilutes Capital Stock b/c...
bigger population = higher labour = lower K/L (capital/worker)
-human capital effects: more kids = larger education system strain
Pop. Growth Promotes Technological Progress by...
more ppl = more discoveries (more scientists, engineers, inventors, etc)
-scarcer resources = higher prices = larger incentive to find alternatives


How to draw a fox face? We will try to answer this question right now. To do this, we have prepared for you a convenient short drawing lesson, which consists of nine easy steps.
With this drawing tutorial on how to draw a fox face, you can portray absolutely any fox head. There are many varieties of foxes in the world, but their appearance and general body structure, and anatomy are very similar.
So, we start a guide on how to draw a fox face. We see in front of us an example of a portrait. Do you think that artists only paint portraits of people? In fact, animal portraits are also very cool and effective.
First, let’s draw a large oval, which is located in the very center of the sheet. Then we draw two intersecting lines. A vertical line is needed for facial symmetry, and a horizontal line is needed to indicate the location of the eyes.
As you know foxes have excellent hearing, so foxes need large, sensitive ears. Now let’s draw the outlines of these ears. These ears look like two triangles with rounded corners. And also draw two oblique lines that are located at the bottom of the head. This will outline the basic outlines of the neck.
To make our fox face drawing more lively, let’s create the outlines of the facial features. In order to outline the eyes, we will use the auxiliary horizontal line in the center of the oval. Let’s draw two small arcs that are localized above this line. Now let’s sketch out the narrow nose of our fox.
In this step, we will continue working with the eyes. Close the two arcs from the previous step and form two small ovals on the horizontal line. Also, don’t forget to add a pair of pupils. As you remember, the expression and direction of gaze depend on the location of the pupils.
It’s time to finish the work on the lower part of the face. Let’s add some more details to the nose and mouth of our fox. Add the outlines of the cheeks, which are formed by short lines that look like strokes. Then we will draw in more detail the nose, which resembles a mushroom. And at the end of this step, we will depict a wide arc, localized under the nose.
As you know, the fox has a very thick, warm fur that keeps it warm on winter evenings. We will not be able to draw this fur in very detail, but we will try to delineate this fur, using short, clear strokes, as in our sample.
We are nearing the end of our guide on how to draw a fox. And in this step, we will remove the extra guidelines from the previous steps. After that, we can add some more shading in order to depict the fur of this fox and draw a mustache.
Shadows make any lesson more realistic and complete. Therefore, let’s add small shadows that are localized on the inside of the ears, in the eyes, and on the nose. Also, do not forget about the large areas of the neck and cheeks.
If you followed the correct sequence of steps and followed all our advice, you will end up with something like the fox face drawing created by the artists of Drawingforall.net.
We hope this tutorial about drawing a fox face was really helpful to you. At least we tried very hard to create something like this. If you find any mistakes in our tutorial, please write to us about it.


Relatively recently, based on genetic evidence, this family has been expanded to include groups not originally considered to be within the family. The treatment below represents the older view of the family.
In the older view the family consisted of 3 genera and 270 species[smith] of both annual and perennial herbs. The leaves are mostly basal, usually situated alternately around a short distance of stem. The leaf veins are essentially parallel, and the leaf stem’s base at least partly surrounds the floral stem and there are no stipules.1
To investigate the structure of the flower heads and individual flowers within that structure, a hand lens is nearly a necessity and a microscope would be better.
The flowers are arranged in dense clusters at the end of the stem that holds them. They bloom from the bottom upward. The individual flowers are usually bisexual, and radially symmetrical.2 The stamens, petals and sepals are attached below the ovary, making the ovary superior to the other floral parts.
One of the characteristics that helps identify this family is that generally, but not always, the major floral parts (petals, stamens, sepals) come in sets of 4.
The calyx consists of 4 united membranous sepals and is tubular. These might be hard to identify as consisting of four parts and may show up as 4 points on an otherwise united tubular structure. There are four united membranous papery petals and there are generally 4 stamens,( rarely 2) and in both situations they are attached to the petals. The anthers (pollen producing structures) are placed on long filaments that extend beyond the petals of the flower.
The female part (pistil) of the flower consists of 2, more rarely 1 or 4 closely united carpels3 that form a long style that terminates in a head-like stigma. The ovary is located above the attachment point of the petals (superior position), and the place where the seeds develop (placenta) is located at the center of the ovary at the juncture of the generally 2 chambers (locules).
The fruits are either a capsule that opens by a line that runs around the fruit or a hardened single seeded structure with no obvious means of opening (a nut) that is surrounded by the persistent calyx.4
The seeds are often mucilaginous (covered with a sticky substance).
In the field look for plants with basal rosettes of linear-veined leaves with a slender to pencil thick accumulation of nondescript papery flowers that are densely packed above a short or long leafless stem. The individual flower opens from the bottom upward.
The family is of little economic importance. Several species are weeds often found in more or less uncared for lawns and one (Plantago psyllium) is a source of seeds used to make psyllium which is used to combat both constipation and mild diarrhea. Some claim that it is also one of the few laxatives that does not promote flatulence, but my search of the web suggests this is certainly not always the case. My advice: look before you leap!
The family consists largely of weedy plants. There are two genera, Plantago and Littorella (a similar but aquatic plant).
Baumgardt, John P. 1982. How to Identify Flowering Plant Families. Timber Press. Portland, Oregan.
Smith, James P. 1977. Vascular Plant Families. Mad River Press Inc., Eureka, Ca.
Narrow-leaved plantain, ribgrass, English plantain, ripple grass, buckthorn
Scientific name: Plantago lanceolata
Synonyms: Plantago altissima
Origin: The species is one of North America’s many introductions and is thought to be from Eurasia.
Plant description: While many references describe the plant as a perennial, the USDA Plants Website indicates that it can act as an annual, a biennial or as a perennial. As a biennial or perennial, it arises from a persistent fibrous root system. The leaves are an elongated lanceolate to elliptic shape and are usually somewhat ascending and range between being hairless to having long, soft, shaggy hairs. They are often twisted and curled and usually range in length between 5 to 25 cm (~2 to 9.8 in) and in width between 1 to 2.5 cm (~0.39 to 0.98in) and possess 3-5 prominent parallel veins in the leaf blade, and at their base, clasp the stem to which the inflorescence is attached. The central floral stem ranges


This entry originally appeared on our online encyclopedia, InnerPedia.org here: http://www.innerpedia.org/index.php?title=Shakai
Shakai (שדי) is one of the Names of God.
Shakai appears numerous times in the Bible. Often it is translated as “the Almighty.”
Shakai and Foundation
Its first appearance is in context of the covenant of circumcision God made with Abraham<ref name=”genesis”>Genesis 17:1
Since the covenant of circumcision is performed on the male sexual organ, which corresopnds with the sefirah of foundation, the Name Shakai corresponds to foundation as well.
Meaning of Shakai
The sages interpret the Name Shakai as a mnemonic for the phrase, “By which He said to His world: ‘Enough'”<ref name=”chagigah1”>Chagigah 12a</ref> (שֶׁאָמָר לְעוֹלָמוֹ דַי). Thus the Name Shakai represents God’s power to limit Creation’s natural tendency to expand endlessly.
While God’s essential Name, Havayah, is often associated with revealed miracles which defy nature and its laws, the Name Shakai is associated with concealed miracles, which change the course of nature while remaining enclothed within it. The above power to limit the inertia of endless expanse is the classic example of such a concealed miracle.
An additional reading of Shakai by the sages is, “By which His Divinity is sufficient for each and every creature.” This refers to God’s power to make His Divinity conscious and accessible to every one of His creatures, regardless of their spiritual state or their place in the hierarchy of Creation.
As the sefirah of foundation is always personified by the figure of the tzadik (in each generation), he himself is the ideal model of Divinity entering into a visibly finite realm (his own body and consciousness), thus enabling him to serve as a figurative lighthouse of Divinity, revealing to the world the continuum of God’s concealed miracles and thereby rectifying world consciousness by constructively bounding nature’s tendency toward entropy.
Shakai and Kel
The Name Shakai often appears together with the Name Kel as Kel Shakai. This is the Name by which God revealed Himself and His providence to the patriarchs, as He said to Moses before visiting upon Egypt the revealed miracles of the Ten Plagues: “And I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob by Kel Shakai; but by My Name Havayah, I was not known to them.”<ref name=”exodus1”>Exodus 6:3</ref> In other words, the patriarchs followed God even though they did not experience His capacity to overwhelm nature as in the Ten Plagues.
The sum of these two names together is 345 = 314 31, the value of Moses’ name.
This implies that God revealed Himself to the patriarchs enclothed in the spiritual soul root of Moses, who was destined to redeem their children from exile and bestow upon them God’s ultimate gift, the Torah.
Shakai and Pi
In Kabbalah (see the beginning of the Gra’s commentary on Sefer Yetzirah), the secret of the continuum of concealed miracles enclothed within nature relates to the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter (commonly referred to as pi).
The sages usually approximate pi as 3. The juxtaposition of (the numerical values of) God’s two Names Kel Shakai (seen to follow the number 3) alludes to the only true way to represent the “transcendent number” pi (a concealed miracle of number theory), namely as an infinite progression whose limit is pi: 3, 3.1 (Kel ), 3.14 (Shakai)… (we here see that the power to limit, inherent in the Name Shakai, also implies the ability to reach the finite limit of a process which can only be represented as an infinite progression of finite terms).<ref name=”pi”>See in length in our article, “The Story of Pi: part 1” and “part 2.”</ref>
Shakai and the patriarchs
Under the Atbash transformation, the Name Shakai becomes בקם. These three letters are the three final letters of the names of the patriarchs:
- Abraham’s final letter is ם
- Isaac’s final letter is ק
- Jacob’s final letter is ב
God embodied the power of His Name (Almighty) in the seal, i.e., the final letters of the Patriarchs. The seal represents the sefirah of foundation, which is referred to as God’s “seal of truth.”
The common seal of the three patriarchs is the soul of Joseph the tzadik (Jacob’s son). Joseph is considered an embodiment of Jacob’s spiritual power to give birth to all rectified children, the tribes of Israel and all their progeny forever. Joseph is also the archetypal soul of foundation.
The At-bash transformation of Shakai is the final letters of the patriarch’s names in reverse chronological order (from Jacob to Abraham). This alludes to a verse in which the patriarchs are listed in reverse chronological order, “And I shall remember for you My covenant with Jacob, and even My covenant with Isaac, and even My covenant with Abraham I shall remember, and I shall remember the land.”<ref name=”leviticus1”>Leviticus 26:42</ref> This verse appears at the conclusion of the curses in the book of Leviticus. Not only is this verse a promise of the ultimate good and blessing destined for the Jewish people (in the merit of the patriarchs and God’s covenant with them), but it also serves to sweeten all of the proceeding curses by revealing that in truth they are all concealed blessings.
This is the power of the true tzadik, the power of yesod and the Name Shakai, the power to transform apparent curse to revealed blessing. This is God’s saying to the created realm (which appears to be far removed from Him), the apparent curse of this “world of deceit”–“enough!” This is the revelation of the continuum of the concealed miracles within nature and the manifestation of God’s Divinity being sufficient for each and every of His creatures.
The filling of Shakai is שין דלת יוד, whose gematria is 814. which = 314 (Shakai) plus 500 (its “pregnant” part). 500 = pru urevu, “be fruitful and multiply,” the first “great” commandment of the Torah, the commandment of yesod, given to Adam on the day of his creation, the sixth day, which corresponds to the sefirah of yesod.
814 = 22 times 37. The sefirah of yesod is referred to as the ot, “sign” or “letter” (the sign of the Divine covenant in the flesh of man is called the ot brit kodesh, “the holy sign of the covenant”). It contains the potential of all the 22 powers inherent in the 22 letters of the alef-beit (just as the 22 independent chromosomes in the seed of man [the 23rd uniting with that of the opposite sex to determine the sex of the offspring]), all of which derive from the amorphous “vapor” (hevel = 37) of creation, as explained in Kabbalah.


Word of the Week
As part of our School Self Evaluation process, we are focusing on the development of oral language and vocabulary in the school for the school year 2013/2014. Every week at assembly, we have a word of the week for the whole school. The children have to try and use this word in as many ways as they can in school and at home. The children also try to come up with other ways of saying the word. In the children’s classes, they also have a Word of the Day which is given out to the children by their teachers every morning. The following is a list of our Words of the Week, see how many different ways you can use them!


Contrary to the mainstream narrative, it was neither Ghandi nor Jinnah who liberated india. Harpal Brar, author of ‘Inquilab Zindabad! India’s liberation struggle’, gives an inspiring and eye-opening introduction to the true history of India’s Liberation from British colonial rule.
Harpal outlines the rise of the Ghadar Party – named after the 1857 war of independence, which the British referred to contemptuously as a ‘Ghadar’, or ‘muntiny’.
But this was no mere case of insubordination in the ranks; as Marx and also some prominent imperialists noted at the time and subsequently, it was a full-blown anti-colonial war for national independence.
When Indian’s began to avail themselves of their perceived right – as loyal British Citizens – to travel to other ‘commonwealth’ countries, in particular those with a predominantly white population, they found that their rights within the racist hierarchy of the British empire were severely curtailed.
Striving to overcome immigration laws designed to impede their progress, a group of Punjabis chartered a ship and travelled to Vancouver. They were dismayed to find themselves greeted by hostile port authorities who declased war on them, fired upon them and eventually mobilised a warship to force them to turn back.
Upon reaching Calcutta, they were threatened with arrest and the British colonial police opened fire upon then at budge budge.
The national outrage of the Budge Budge Massacre proved the fuse that awakened the revolutionary spirit of the indian people, who swelled the ranks of the Ghadar (Mutiny) Party.
The Ghadarites sought to make common cause with other colonial poeples struggling for national liberation, notably the oppressed peoples of Ireland, Egypt, China, and Mexico.
In particular, the Early Ghadarites, despite forming their party among exiles, and operating from the heartlands of US imperialism (although they had branches throughout Asia and the Americas) strove to establish contact with the Bolsheviks in Russia, who inspired the workers of all countries with their own liberation struggle.
The Ghadarites were particularly impressed by the revolutionary publication and annulment, by the Bolsheviks, of oppressive treaties of that the Tsars had made with the British, French, American and German imperialists, and over which the blood-bath of WW1 had raged.
The revolutionary emancipation of the Russian workers, and their liberation Tsarist colonial peoples and surfs, was a signal to all colonial peoples, and the Ghadarites fostered a deep bond with the creators of the October Revolution.
Among the achievements of members of the Ghadar party, were the translation of Lenin’s pamphlets “appeal to the village poor”, and “Imperialism, the highest stage of capitalism”.
Many of their activists travelled to the USSR, and were educated in the “university of the toilers of east”, before journeying home, to India, to take up the cudgels of struggle.
They played a leading role in the formation of the national, cultural, institutions, the liberation struggle, and above all, were among the key founders of the communist movement of modern India.
In a very real sense the great internationalism of the Ghadarites can be seen through their relationship with the Revolutionary Russain masses, and teh Bolshevil party.
This is a key part of Inda’s national history that is carefully hidden both buy the British and the Indian bourgeoisie, who seek instead to drown the great narrative of India’s history in a sea of ennervating “ghandi-ji ism.”
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What is big data?
Chancellor George Osborne has announced government funding for a new Alan Turing Institute with the aim of putting UK universities at the centre of the so-called “big data” phenomenon.
So what is big data and why does the government believe it is so important to the UK?
Digital systems run on digital data. This is the threads of ‘1s’ and ‘0s’ which flash around the electronic circuits in your computer, phone or car.
Electronics devices not only use data to operate, they also create data. Some devices are massive data producers, such as test systems, car analytics and even the large hadron collider.
Consider the amount of digital data produced by a car diagnostics system. These are the readouts displayed in tables and graphs on a computer. Now imagine how much diagnostic data is being produced by the systems monitoring a telephone network or a power station.
Data is not just created by physical processes in a car or power station. It is produced by the conceptual processes of an IT network.
This is the large amounts of data derived from corporate enterprise applications, such as ERM, CRM, and HR, and IT data such as events, logs, and inventories.
Then there is all the data being created on social media, this includes ‘selfie’ pictures, as photographs and videos posted on a website add significant amounts of data to the “big data” pool.
We are now getting an idea why the computer industry has added the prefix “big” to the data being created by electronics systems.
There is a mind-bogglingly large amount of data being created. One number I have seen quoted is 2.5 exabytes (2.5×1018) of data created each day.
The next question is what do we do with this data? It is only useful is it can be stored and analysed in a meaningful and practical way.
Networks of servers, these referred to as “the cloud”, are being created to store and analyse all these exabytes of data.
Storing the large amounts of data the world is creating will require new high capacity storage techniques.
For example, scientists at the University of Southampton have experimentally demonstrated a digital data recording process which they say will allow data storage up to 360Tbyte on a single optical disc with “practically unlimited lifetime”.
The biggest challenge is processing and analysing the data, and this will require massively parallel processing systems and efficient software algorithms which will run on them.
This is where the research work at the Turing Institute will be focused. Alan Turing was the father of computing not from a hardware stand point, but he invented the mathematical algorithms and rules which have become the basis of today’s computing processes.
Software engineers are adapting these processes for the world of big data, a world that did not exist when Turning was doing his ground-breaking research during World War II.
Today big data is big business and the government probably has an eye on the prize with its plans for the ‘big data’ research institute.
Big data is also important because it is an element in other business and lifestyle changing technologies, such as social media, mobile communications, personal healthcare and the internet-of-things.Tags: Alan Turing


As the happiness of a future life is the great object of religion, we may hear without surprise or scandal that the introduction, or at least the abuse of Christianity, had some influence on the decline and fall of the Roman empire.
The clergy successfully preached the doctrines of patience and pusillanimity; the active virtues of society were discouraged; and the last remains of military spirit were buried in the cloister: a large portion of public and private wealth was consecrated to the specious demands of charity and devotion; and the soldiers' pay was lavished on the useless multitudes of both sexes who could only plead the merits of abstinence and chastity.
Faith, zeal, curiosity, and more earthly passions of malice and ambition, kindled the flame of theological discord; the church, and even the state, were distracted by religious factions, whose conflicts were sometimes bloody and always implacable; the attention of the emperors was diverted from camps to synods; the Roman world was oppressed by a new species of tyranny; and the persecuted sects became the secret enemies of their country. [...]
If the decline of the Roman empire was hastened by the conversion of Constantine, his victorious religion broke the violence of the fall, and mollified the ferocious temper of the conquerors.Edward Gibbons, "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," Chapter 39.
Many twenty-first century atheists decry the negative influences of Christianity. But, very few anticlerically inclined people these days would offer some of the criticisms that Edward Gibbons did, e.g. that it encouraged people to be more patient, that it promoted charity, that it made people less ambitious, and that spending on religion cut into the defense budget. These days those are the aspects of Christianity that are either praised or decried as being under emphasized (e.g. in criticism of the "prosperity gospel"). The "civic virtues" that Gibbons extols, are political values one might expect to hear from Tea Party Republicans these days, although targeted at the evils of "big government" rather than Christianity.
His criticisms are basically criticisms on Christianity from the political right, as opposed to the political left, that have been dampened in modern times by the steadfast alliance that has emerged between conservatives and conservative denominations within Christianity These alliance are present both in the United States and in Europe. They are, however, absent in Asia, where Christianity tends to be associated with liberal political forces or is politically neutral.


Readiness Courses in Literacy & Math
SREB Readiness Courses help underprepared students succeed in high school and postsecondary studies. SREB developed the courses, with input from state leaders and master teachers, to improve student skills and understanding in literacy and mathematics.
SREB offers two sets of courses, to prepare students at two different levels.
Ready for College
Literacy Ready: Ready for reading in all disciplines
Math Ready: Ready for college-level math


We love to grow organic green onions also known as scallions. Green onions are commonly found vegetables in a farmer’s market or grocery store. They can be served raw to add a crisp bite to a variety of dishes including salads, can be caramelized to sweetness and can also be cooked to add a spicy flavour that blends with almost any dish.
Also known as scallions, green onions are native to Asia and staple in a well-stocked kitchen. They offer a variety of nutritional benefits and small amounts of calories and hence make a healthful addition to every person’s diet.
A cup of green onions contains 19 calories, 4 grams of total carbs and small amounts of fat and protein. Green onions also supply more than 65 grams of water and 1.3 grams of dietary fiber. The dietary fiber in green onions encourages healthy digestion and the carbs give energy that your tissues require for proper functioning.
Nutritionists advise people to add green onions to their diet because their fiber and water help to fill them up thereby keeping their weight in check.
Green onions are loaded with carotenoids such as vitamin A, zeaxanthin and lutein that are beneficial to your eyes. For instance, vitamin A promotes good eyesight particularly in low light, and both zeaxanthin and lutein work together to maintain the health of your eyes. Consumption of green onions regularly fights macular degeneration and also protects your cells from getting damaged.
According to research, one cup of green onions is loaded with 609 micrograms and 2,840 international units of zeaxanthin and lutein which make nearly 95% of the recommended vitamin A daily intake for adult males and the entire daily intake for an adult female.
Green onions contain vitamins C and K, both of which play an important role in keeping your skeleton healthy. For instance, vitamin C helps you to efficiently synthesize collagen for the strength of your bones, and also, it acts as antioxidants and offers protection to your tissues from damage.
Vitamin K, on the other hand, allows your body to utilize calcium needed to preserve bone density and most importantly, it controls blood clotting. One cup of green onions contains 10 milligrams of vitamin C and 111 micrograms of vitamin K.
Eating more green onions
We add green onions to our salads because its flavour works miracles in enhancing our appetite. The health benefits associated with green onions are quite impressive and for us green onion makes a healthful addition to our plant-based food, nourishing our taste buds and the body cells.
Categories: Organic Farming, Organic Green Onion, Organic Green Onions
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For businesses, data privacy and protection has become an important aspect of everyday operations. Data breaches, such as those seen in the news at large companies including Target and Equifax, can result in costly regulatory compliance requirements and damage to a brand’s reputation. Businesses that wish to adopt data protection “best practices” need to be aware of the software their company uses and how that software could contribute to a disaster such as a data breach. A lack of proper policies and procedures governing the use and maintenance of software products can lead to serious consequences down the line.
First, what is Open Source Software?
Open Source Software is the byproduct of a movement in the software development community that wants software development to be an open and collaborative process. Anyone can access and edit the source code for open source software—source code is the text used by software developers to create and edit a program. Most commercial software products (or “proprietary software”) do not allow users to access or edit the software’s source code. Consumers that purchase a proprietary software product are usually required to sign or electronically “accept” a license stating that they will not copy, edit, or perform any other restricted actions to the software. For example, think of purchasing Microsoft Office (a proprietary software product), and the long list of restrictions in the license a user must accept in order to use the program. In contrast, open source software products usually have less restrictive licenses, and many open source software programs are free to use.
Open source software is usually free? That sounds great!
Open source software does have many benefits: it is often free to download, users can modify the software to fit their particular needs, and an extensive community of developers work on open source software programs. Many people use open source software without even knowing it, including popular programs such as WordPress and Mozilla Firefox. The open source community works to monitor for any hackers and attempts to quickly fix and update open source software programs, but even this is not enough to mitigate all threats.
So, there are risks associated with using Open Source Software?
Yes. A misconception exists that since open source software is usually free, that there are no strings attached to using such software. In reality, open source software requires quite a bit of maintenance.
- Users need to monitor for announcements about security-related issues or updates to their open source software products. Open source software users who do not understand this responsibility, or who ignore notices and updates, make themselves vulnerable to hackers.
- Because of the open and collaborative nature of open source software, the source code is available to the public. This means that hackers can access the code and make malicious changes, or a well meaning developer can make a mistake for a hacker to exploit.
- Users need to understand the open source software’s licenses and comply with any requirements. Failing to comply with an open source license can result in a lawsuit.
- Open source software typically does not offer warranties or indemnification, any legal risk associated with using the open source software product traces back to the user himself.
Are there any examples of open source software leading to a data privacy or security issue?
Yes. A hacker can wreak havoc regardless of the type of software. The significant difference is that a company using open source software is responsible for vigilantly checking for any issues with the software and making fixes themselves. A company using proprietary software company, however, has accept to customer support and security updates. Equifax’s historic 2017 data breach was traced back to a vulnerability in open source software they used. Equifax saw the notice about the software’s vulnerability and information about how to fix it, but left the problem unresolved for too long. Hackers noticed the open source software had not been updated and took advantage of this vulnerability to access the personal information (including social security numbers and addresses) of over 150 million U.S. citizens.
What can be done to mitigate the risks of using open source software?
Open source software can be a great resource for businesses, but it needs to be used properly. Hiring employees who understand all the requirements and risks associated with using open source software can be expensive, but a lawsuit or security issue like a data breach could be even more costly. Businesses who use open source software should have policies and procedures that require all open source software usage to be tracked, all notices and updates to be monitored, any relevant changes or updates to be made correctly and quickly, and for all license requirements to be complied with. At Gavin Law, our attorneys can help users understand licenses and license requirements as well as draft these crucial policies and procedures for employees.


Vienna: the Carmelite quarter, part of the 2nd District
In the 17th century the Viennese Jews were resettled outside the town walls to a ghetto that was gradually absorbed into Vienna and named after a Carmelite church in the area. The high proportion of Jews in the population remained until shortly before World War 2. During the 1980s the quarter participated in urban regeneration programs. After the collapse of the Warsaw Pact in 1989, there was an influx of Jews and people of other cultures from eastern and southeastern Europe. Today the population is quite mixed. The quarter lies near the centre of Vienna, is easy to reach and yet reasonably quiet. It has become a popular area in Vienna.
NY Times "A Viennese District Is Reborn", 02.06.2010


Investigation into the post-mortem transport of benthic foraminifera
Thesis or dissertation
- © 2011 Angela Kelham. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright holder.
Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction using foraminifera relies on the assumption that assemblages reflect the ecological conditions at the time of deposition. However, the distribution of taxa can be greatly affected by transport and reworking of tests. This is particularly important in high energy environments such as submarine canyon and fan systems, which are major pathways for sediment transported from the continental shelf to the abyssal plain. Traditionally, these assemblages have been abandoned as hopelessly taphonomically corrupted, but it is possible that these assemblages contain useful hydraulic information. This project aims to develop the fundamental concepts needed to extract this information, via a series of classical particle hydraulics experiments on empty tests in static water and unidirectional currents. Hyaline foraminifera have been selected for these experiments, as they are the most abundant tests found in shelf and upper-slope environments and consequently are most likely taxa to be entrained into gravity flows.
Static water experiments have shown that settling velocities are significantly different between taxa, meaning that assemblages are likely to fractionate according to species during transportation. Settling velocities range from 0.01 to 0.06 ms-1 with larger specimens falling faster than smaller ones. Elphidium crispum exhibited the fastest average settling velocity of 0.03 ms-1 while Planorbulina mediterranensis fell with the lowest average settling velocity of 0.01 ms-1. The occurrence of spatial separation of taxa within a single flow is directly tested using a flume where a spatially waning turbidity current is simulated by a saline density flow. Results show that the slowly settling tests such as P. mediterranensis and Cibicides lobatulus remain suspended in the current for longer, and are thus transported further than more rapidly settling taxa such as E. cripsum and Ammonia beccarii.
The experiments have shown that there are significant statistical differences in settling velocity of foraminiferal species and this does result in significantly distinct travelling distances between species in a turbidite. This information is related to the oceanic environment in the Gulf of Cadiz. The signal of fractionation is then identified in core data from Trinidad supplied by Ichron showing that useful assemblage data can be extracted to interpret the depositional environment.
- Department of Geography, The University of Hull
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E-Business (e Business) – Definitions and Ways to Create it Better #business #at #home
There are many definitions of e-business, for example we can defines e-business as any net business activity that transforms internal and external relationships to create value and exploit market opportunities driven by new rules of the connected economy. actually the word e means electronic so it means business via electronic channels as website, social networks and emails. Therefore e-commerce is result of e business.
First of all, look at the word e-business, it includes from two words 1- e 2- business so we can define it electronic business however, it is more than an absolute state of a company and it targets the market opportunities of conducting business under new electronic channels. which revolve around the Internet.
e-business communications in markets
e Business Range
This is an acknowledgement that e business comes in many forms and can be implemented to a very small or a large degree. It is also an acknowledgement that the Internet is an essential component of an e-business strategy. Laudon and Laudon s (2002) definition of e-business, as the use of the Internet and other digital technology for organizational communication, coordination and the management of the firm, encompasses these different adaptations. In the broadest possible terms, however, e-business is an electronic way of doing business. The fact that the value proposition of e-business includes the creation of new market opportunities through electronic channels, should not be ignored as these electronically channeled market opportunities enable companies to lower transaction costs, reduce delivery times, improve customer services, and add convenience.
This site is concerned with the implementation of e-business in the construction industry. In this context, e-business is defined broadly as the conduct of construction business by electronic means.
This fits with broad definitions of the term e-commerce exemplified by the definitions below:
- The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD): The electronic exchange of information that support and govern commercial activities including organizational management, commercial management, commercial negotiations and contracts, legal and regulatory frameworks, financial settlement arrangements and taxation (OECD,1999).
- Learnthat. e-Commerce is not just about buying and selling online, but also includes all forms of business activities that are conducted over the Internet (e.g. the business-to-business flow of information between companies or within a company, communication between businesses, online advertising, etc.).
- Kalakota and Whinston: e-Commerce at its grass root level can be described as an electronic method of doing business, typically over the Internet. Broadly defined, however, eCommerce is a modern business methodology that addresses the needs of organizations, merchants and consumers to cut costs while improving the quality of goods and services, and increasing the speed of service delivery .
Thus, the term, e-business, as used in this site should not be considered synonymous with narrow definitions of e-commerce as the process of buying and selling goods and services online.


Our community’s foundation is predicated upon all of us being aware of the amount and types of foods we consume.
We discuss what we eat, compare and contrast our experiences and issues about diet, fats, the consumption of fruits and vegetables, and so much more.
But do we watch what we don’t eat?
The New York Times recently featured a study that highlighted the enormous amount of food that’s wasted, just in the USA alone.
In 1995, Americans wasted 96.4 billion pounds of edible food. This figure includes individual consumers, grocery stores, restaurants, cafeterias and other commercial users. For a family of four that equates to almost 122 pounds per month of food, that could have been eaten.
The following is an example how much a family of four--based on the eight food groups—wasted:
In this day and age of rising food prices, it just doesn’t pay to be so wasteful—not that it ever did to be frank.
Indeed, most of the food shown here was probably gathered directly from the food industry, but still the question remains, how much food does each of us waste?
In another example of wasting food
Jonathan, at Wasted Food, is talking about an experiment performed at Virginia Tech:
Students at Virginia Tech recently tried a social experiment to measure food waste by students. In order to shed light on this issue they are comparing the use of using trays v not using trays.
The experiment includes measuring the amount of food wasted by students that use their cafeteria trays that fit multiple plates v the use of single plates without the trays.
Most commissaries on college campus’ offer “all-you-can-eat” for the students.
The first part of the study has been posted, which concludes that each student wastes about a half pound of edible waste per meal, a staggering statistic.
Most universities have a sizable enrollment so you can do the math.
Jonathan is keeping us in suspense and waiting to tell his readers what the results of the “trayless” experiment were. I’ll post the results as soon as he posts them.
How much food do you waste? What can you do to eliminate waste in your kitchen or dining room?
What you don’t eat is as important as what you do eat, because
After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!
Photo courtesy of jbloom
Source: United States Department of Agriculture; Census Bureau


Businesses and individuals around the globe have felt the sting of cyber intruders who attack organizational networks with relative impunity. Some attacks only deface a website, while others result in significant embarrassment or financial loss. While it is almost impossible to stop some attacks, it is important for organizations to recognize the difference between passive attacks and active attacks -- and the surprising risks of passive attacks.
The motive for an attack depends on the attacker. A teenager with too much time on his hands may be just playing around to see what he can do without getting caught. On the other hand, an experienced cyber criminal may be looking for user credentials or credit card information that he can steal and sell to others for illegal use. The motive determines to some degree the degree of impact on the organization and its reputation.
A passive attack involves someone listening in on telecommunications exchanges or passively recording computer activity. An example of the former is an attacker sniffing network traffic using a protocol analyzer or some other packet capturing software. The attacker finds a way to plug into the network and begins capturing traffic for later analysis. Other attackers rely on keyloggers, usually as a Trojan horse in a "free download," to record keystrokes such as user IDs and passwords. The goal, regardless of the method, is just to listen and record the data passing through. The passive attack itself is not harmful, per se, but the information gathered during the session could be extremely damaging.
Active attacks on computers involve using information gathered during a passive attack, such as user IDs and passwords, or an outright attack using technological "blunt instruments." Such instruments include password crackers, denial-of-service attacks, email phishing attacks, worms and other malware attacks. In an active attack, the attacker is out to bring a website down, steal information or even destroy computing equipment. As network administrators install defenses against existing attack tools, hackers develop more sophisticated tools and the game of technology leapfrog continues.
Any individual or organization with an Internet connection should deploy a set of defenses that includes an Internet firewall, intrusion prevention systems, spam filters and personal firewalls at the very least. Network and security administrators should automate log analysis to spot attacks in progress or trends that indicate attempted intrusions. For instance, a number of failed login attempts might indicate that someone is attempting to guess a password and gain unauthorized network access. Failure to take measures to prevent attacks is an abdication of responsibility on the part of network and security administrators. Fortunately, most people in these positions are well aware of the risks and have taken solid measures to prevent their networks and computers from attack.
User Education for Business
Many attacks rely on a person to do something, such as open an email or click on a link, so one of the best security defenses is a security-aware workforce. Companies should train employees how to handle a suspicious email, how to avoid suspicious Web sites and how to detect a virus or worm attack in progress. Technology is good, but a well-trained group of employees can provide a high level of protection -- and employees who aren't trained can be your business' Achilles Heel.