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Damco has introduced a carbon footprint tracker called the Supply Chain Carbon Dashboard. The new tracker is designed to help customers execute their carbon strategies by providing a graphical representation of the carbon emissions associated with their supply chains. According to Damco (the new combined brand of A.P. Moller-Maersk Group's logistics divisions), the dashboard displays carbon emissions on a detailed level—for example, by transportation mode or by product. The tracker allows the user to identify carbon hotspots within the supply chain, while at the same time generating genuine cost-saving opportunities.

https://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/39639-supply-chain-carbon-dashboard

Appreciation at Workplace: Empower You and Your Team Recently, I interacted with an old colleague who had shared his experience of working for a Fintech company as a Senior Manager for over 7 years. During his tenure, he led multiple projects with his team but believed that he was not appreciated enough for his efforts. Are his feelings justified in expecting appreciation for doing what he was appointed to do? I face these questions when I hear or read about the topic of appreciation, why should team members be appreciated if they have only fulfilled their responsibilities? If team members complete a task they are supposed to complete on time and of the quality specified, why should they be appreciated for doing precisely that? Have the proponents of psychology at the workplace not overhyped this concept of appreciation? I find psychologists and trainers use pages to write, and days to train potential leaders advising to appreciate team members regularly. They discovered that it is one of the most powerful motivators and drivers of action at the workplace, with a direct impact on work results and employee engagement. The Pandemic and The Great Resignation are believed to have forced organisations to dive deeper and study the behaviours of employees that have led to such distorting repercussions. Taking this into consideration, it is believed that they have realised the importance of ministering a strong tradition of expressing gratitude and appreciation in the system, which was not earlier paid much attention to. To gain more clarity, I searched for information to help me understand, “why should a team member be appreciated”. And Google flooded me with the mantras of engagement, high performance, feeling valued, improved self-worth and resultant business benefits. I am almost convinced with the above notions, but the question then is, how can I strengthen my viewpoint and learn how to appreciate better? To answer that, I found some practical tips that will help me in developing the art of appreciating better. Here’s how it goes: 1. Practice appreciation by starting with yourself Reflecting upon yourself is an important factor in manoeuvring through the journey of self appreciation. A person who cannot appreciate themselves also cannot appreciate others. It all starts with you. Rewarding yourself, spending time doing what you love, or something as simple as celebrating small accomplishments will help you appreciate the greatness within you and, in turn, others. When you appreciate yourself, you experience joy within, which is the same feeling that others feel when they are appreciated. Imagine having the power to share that feeling of happiness with others. Doesn’t it feel great? Additionally, finding new opportunities and ways to praise your employees’ tenure, hitting a milestone, extra efforts or overcoming major hurdles blends in naturally with your style. 2. Increase your level of optimism Gratitude is associated with optimism and has been determined that grateful people are happier, less stressed and tend to be more positive in nature. Workplace optimism helps one to look beyond negative outcomes and focus on goal-oriented behaviours. It drives you to engage in reinforcing the importance of the future vision in order to achieve goals. Employers play a key role in facilitating an environment that allows employees to thrive in optimism. Having a positive approach to employees helps in being more empathetic and reducing aggression. When workplace optimism is present, employees are inclined to believe in the possibility rather than idolising problems. 3. Appreciation is not equal to recognition These two terms may have been used interchangeably, but in reality; they are way different. Sometimes, leaders are not entirely aware of how to appreciate and often compensate for their behaviours by providing recognition. Understanding that appreciating is intrinsically linked to attaching value to the person and is fundamentally different from recognising them, which is related to job performance, will help one gain more clarity and appreciate better. Appreciating employees gives them a sense of pride. Knowing that they add value to the organisation helps in facilitating the much-needed qualities in today’s world like overcoming setbacks/failures and enhancing resilience to bounce back from highly stressful situations. 4. Learn the language of appreciation Admittedly, most of us express our gratitude to others in our own language, not theirs. Learning their language helps in establishing a connection that can lead to higher engagement among employees and exhibits a sense of belonging to the team or organisation. Identify and use the language of appreciation valued by the employee by observing their behaviours and actively listening while interacting, as it may waver from person to person. Leaders should also consider how generational differences and operating remotely can affect employees’ needs and styles of receiving praise. Understand and customise your way for every employee for the best results! Learn this trick and allow yourself to express your gratitude in the most effective way possible! 5. Becoming intentional in appreciating Do you really appreciate others just for the sake of doing so or have you thought of serving a greater purpose? Being deliberate in your approach means understanding the intention, the role of the individual and the purpose for expressing gratitude. Intentional appreciation increases your ability to fully engage your team and should be imbibed as a part of your leadership style. The simple act of expressing genuine gratitude provokes us to feel grateful and helps us in dealing with negativity in ways that strengthen and empower us. It only takes a few minutes a day to look around and appreciate the little things in life. Appreciating self and others helps in refocusing on what one has instead of what one lacks. With my findings, I can only provide the first step toward mastering the art of appreciation. The rest is all on you. What does it mean if you’re not appreciative of yourself, others, and the little things around you? How else do you feel content?

https://www.namanhr.com/blog/appreciation-at-workplace-empower-you-and-your-team/

It’s that time of year. School is getting out, vacations are around the corner, and the flow of parish life is changing. You and your staff might be a bit worn out after Lent, Easter and First Communions. This is a great time to ask yourself: what can I do to boost morale and genuine appreciation for my team? Every PLT member, staff member, and volunteer is a human being who longs to be seen and supported both in their role and in their broader life. If you need some ideas on how to bridge this gap and build stronger trust and morale among your team, here are 5 great ideas to get you started. - Holy Hour and Happy Hour: Spend an hour with your team in prayer. Then, enjoy a beverage and some snacks and share with one another how God is moving in your lives. Be sure to go first as the leader and share vulnerably to set the tone for the rest of your team. - Best Staff Meeting Ever: Surprise your team by canceling an upcoming staff meeting. Instead, use the time to treat them to lunch or a fun outing. During this time, tee up some meaningful ways for your team to connect over conversation or recreation. - Prayers of Thanksgiving: Gather your team to celebrate the ways that God has worked among your team and the broader parish this year. Discuss the ways you have seen him moving and invite team members to offer prayers of gratitude for fellow staff/volunteers who have impacted their lives this year. - One on One Encouragement: Take time to meet with each of your direct reports one on one. Use this as a time to offer specific affirmation and praise as well as address areas for improvement. To make these meetings have a high impact, watch our recent webinar on Managing Others with Confidence. - Team Movie Night: Gather your team to watch a spiritually enriching movie or show, such as The Chosen or The Search. Create space afterwards for sharing reflections and convictions. We hope you find these ideas useful! We’re praying for you and your team this week.

https://amazingparish.org/5-ways-to-boost-staff-morale-and-trust-this-summer/

We’re talking all about the importance of socializing and cultivating relationships on Episode 086 of Productivity Paradox this week. And I know what you’re probably thinking, Socializing? What does that have to do with boosting productivity? As it turns out… a lot! Friendships and making connections are important when it comes to maintaining happiness and well-being, both in our personal lives and at work. In fact, if you look at Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, you’ll see that Love and Belonging are an essential foundation for who you are and your feelings of security! So today, I want to take just a little bit of time and share just three ways in which you can cultivate happiness, boost productivity, and strengthen your relationship with your coworkers in the process… because a strong, connected team is a happy team, and often that makes all the difference when it comes to our satisfaction in the workplace. Let’s jump in! Before we can really bond with anyone, it’s necessary that we first let them know that we are interested in getting together and making that connection in the first place… right? When you can, make a solid effort to get together with your coworkers after office hours or even before, during or after meetings. This could be as simple as inviting your coworkers out for a drink or a meal to celebrate the end of another week at the office, ordering in or going out for lunch and asking your team if they would like to join… or simply spending a few moments in the morning greeting your coworkers and asking them how things are going. Any way that you can show your coworkers that you are interested in learning more about who they are will inevitably encourage them to do the same, strengthening your connection and allowing your relationship at work to flourish. I talk about the importance of delegation often… and it rings true when it comes to simply building bigger, better bonds with our coworkers! One sure way to connect with coworkers is to look for areas in which we can collaborate with them. Have a big project coming up? Create a priority list with the steps that you need to take to make sure the project will come to fruition and seek out areas in which you can ask for your coworkers’ advice or help in completing the project. Taking an interest in your coworkers’ strengths and inviting them to collaborate with you not only eases some of the stress you may feel as you scramble to get everything done… but it also shows your coworkers that you recognize them for the hard-working individuals that they are, and that you appreciate them! And let’s be honest, a little appreciation goes a long way when it comes to building relationships at work. The next time you’re looking to connect with a coworker? Collaborate! Just like you might enjoy a little recognition from your boss or higher-ups, I can assure you that your coworkers love being acknowledged for a job well done, too. Even when we aren’t in leadership positions, we can still give credit where credit is due when it comes to our coworkers… and I want to encourage you to give it a try! The next time you’re looking to strengthen your connection to a coworker, try sending them an email of appreciation – or posting a note on their desk… You can talk about what it is that wowed you about their work or simply offer a few words of encouragement to keep the positive momentum going. Any way that you can show your coworkers that you see them and that you appreciate having them on your team will inevitably send a message that you care and that you are open to fostering a positive work relationship in the future. ——————————— How about you? What are some of the ways that you like to strengthen the bonds with your coworkers? Share your tips for making easy connections in the comments below… And tune in to Episode 086 this week to learn how socializing lends itself to greater productivity at work and at home.

https://ppx.inkwellpress.com/blog/3-easy-ways-to-connect-with-your-coworkers/

Boundless Leadership: 3 ways to boost morale and break down barriers to engagement Engagement and interpersonal relationships form the core focus of my work with teams. I’m obsessed with dissolving barriers to workplace results and relationships. Morale is often a casualty of things gone wrong. A workshop participant asked, ‘is there anything I should or should not do when it comes to encouraging positive workplace morale?’ Let’s look at an example to tease out the solution. Consider one of your workplace first day stories. Do you remember what it was like arriving in to a new workplace? What happened in your first interactions? Were they inspiring? Energising? Or cold and depressing? In my experience, how you start is how you go on. And in this we discover the secrets of morale. My first day at Outward Bound Australia was hugely enjoyable. It started the night before where I was met by some staff and had drinks at a pub. This was my first night in a new country, and I was already making friends. My new colleague drove me from Canberra out to Tharwa and was gracious enough to let me know about some of the day to day rituals, starting with the morning meeting. Here I met my tribe. I knew they were a tribe because of the uniform: shirts and jackets with the Outward Bound logo, people wearing outdoor fleece jackets, jeans, and hiking boots. I was introduced and welcomed publicly to the community, given a tour, shown my accommodation, and given my gear: all emblazoned by the OB logo. I was so excited to get a pack of my own with that logo! I felt proud to wear it from the start. Everywhere there was a sense of hustle. Energy, enthusiasm, and an open curiosity about who I was and where I came from. In short, I felt embraced. I felt SAFE. Chances are your first day was not at all like this. I find many organisations do a pretty poor job of welcoming people in a genuine and authentic way. And morale is in check from the beginning. If we tease out what does not work, we find the secret to boundless morale. 1. Belonging We are hard wired as tribal animals to seek belonging and safety in a tribe. It’s an early development stage that stays with us and is a primal requirement for security. Here’s what not to do: not being ready for the first day (computer, work space, induction plan), treating the new person as an inconvenience to be squeezed in between meetings, not asking how they are feeling, where they came from what they are looking forward to and what experience they can contribute. Not making a big deal, or any deal at all about the new team member. Not explaining who’s who at the zoo, what’s important to each stakeholder, and what core projects they are working on. 2. Meaning A sure sign of poor morale is when individuals have a uni-focal perspective on “what’s in it for me”. This usually results from the belonging needs not being addressed and people default into survival mode. By focusing on meaning and purpose greater than the individual contribution, and feeling the link between individual contribution and higher purpose, some of the tension from self protection eases. It’s protective energy versus expansive energy. 3. Gaming Work is meant to be enjoyable! How is the ‘game’ of your work? What rules are you playing by? Are they clear and agreed? Or are there some outdated rules that are clunky? What systems create friction rather than flow? Frustration instead of fun? How do you know if you’re winning the game of work? Is progress visible and meaningful? What prize do you get when you ‘win’ at work? How often do you celebrate wins and winning? Cleaning up the game of work is a very pragmatic way to boost morale. Just make things easier, simpler, and more fun. Many leaders let morale take care of itself. This is a huge mistake. When we cultivate morale deliberately, we clean up blocks to boundless success. What do you need to improve, let go of, or incorporate to manage morale better?

https://www.zoerouth.com/news/nw5pz663wzeyxedzgc6g3wckpb8fdn

By: Goldfish Consulting 10-19-2015 Keywords: Gratitude, thank you Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation for what one has— the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Studies show that we can deliberately cultivate gratitude - increasing our well-being and happiness. In addition, gratefulness—and especially expression of it to others—is associated with increased energy, optimism, and empathy. People who approach life with a sense of gratitude are always aware of what’s wonderful in their lives. When things don’t go as planned, people who are grateful can put failure into perspective. But what about gratitude at work? Why should anyone thank you for just doing your job and why should you ever thank your colleagues for doing what they’re paid to do? We say “thank you” to acknowledge the good things we get from other people, especially when they give out of the goodness of their hearts. At work we tend to refrain from doing so. It’s not that people don’t crave gratitude at work, both giving and receiving. Hearing “thank you” at work makes us feel good and motivated. Saying “thank you” to colleagues “makes us feel happier and more fulfilled. Many members of staff suppress gratitude at work. Why? It may be because in theory, no one gives away anything at work; every exchange is fundamentally economic. You don’t deliver that report to your boss at three o’clock sharp out of the goodness of your heart, but because that is what you’re being paid to do. Your “thanks” is a paycheck. Fail to do what you’re “asked,” and you may not see another one. The need for a paycheck is only one of the motivations we bring to work. We don’t just work for money. We also work for respect, for a sense of accomplishment, for a feeling of purpose. We invest ourselves and our emotions into our jobs, and work affects our emotional states. “Thank you” doesn’t cost a cent, and it has measurably beneficial effects. “Thank you” from a manager or supervisor gives staff a strong sense of both self-worth and self-efficacy. Expression of gratitude has a spillover effect: Individuals become more trusting with each other, and more likely to help each other out. Building a culture of gratitude at work is not easy, but worth it. Here are 4 research-tested tips for fostering gratitude at work: 1. Start at the top Employees need to hear “thank you” from the boss first. That’s because expressing gratitude can make some people feel unsafe, particularly in a workplace with a history of ingratitude. It’s up to the people with power to clearly, consistently, and authentically say “thank you” in both public and private settings. 2. Thank the people who never get thanked Every organisation has high-profile employees that take all the glory. But what about support staff who makes it all happen behind the scenes? Thanking those who do thankless work is crucial. Public appreciation makes their contributions visible and thus broadens everyone’s understanding of how the organisation functions—and needless to say, it improves morale and increases trust. 3. Aim for quality, not quantity Forcing people to be grateful doesn’t work. The key is to create times and spaces that encourages the spontaneous expression of gratitude. When you are specific about the benefits of a person, action, or thing, it increases your own appreciation—and it tells a person that you are paying attention, rather than just going through the motions. 4. Provide many opportunities for gratitude When people are thanked for their work, they are more likely to increase their helping behavior and to provide help to others. But not everyone likes to be thanked—or likes to say “thank you”—in public. They may be shy or genuinely modest. The key is to create many different kinds of opportunities for gratitude. Gratitude feels wonderful. It’s like a warm emotional light, shining within you to banish negative self-destructive emotions. To read more, go to: http://www.goldfish-consulting.co.za/blog/did-you-say-%E2%80%9Cthank-you%E2%80%9D-today http://www.goldfish-consulting.co.za Email Print this page Share Utilizing information gathered from assessments previously done, conducting additional assessments appropriate for the question being asked, and at times re-doing an assessment that has become invalid over time, are all ways in which we can ensure the best ROI for our assessments. Perhaps spending just that little more time with the candidate, providing support and understanding is what will make the difference in your clients’ ability to effectively manage talent, and create a humane culture in the organisation. In a survey by the American Management Association (Fortune), more than half of participating large US companies said they had lost so many talented people that their ability to compete had been “severely damaged”. Here are six specific skills that you as a leader need to develop to help manage your own behaviour: Team members cannot be seen as problems to be solved but as real people who need to be understood. The manager’s influence on a team is greater than the influence of the organisation. This is the reason that various teams within one organisation can experience widely different energies. The mechanistic model of thinking may have given the West technological advancement but it has also led to a consistent disregard for any non-measurable concepts such as energy and the human spirit. It is important to create work environments that are humane, challenging and rewarding, where people feel passionate and energised by their work. The concept of energy can be seen as a valuable tool to assist in a deeper understanding of how companies can reach their full potential. Organisations that are able to learn from their experiences, and to change the way that they function, generate energy. Adapting their internal structures ensures that they meet their strategic objectives. The ability to create positive energy within an organisation is the key to a productive and successful company. Authors in the field of leadership, such as Stephen Covey, recognize the existence of life dimensions. The PiPL model of leadership identifies six life dimensions, namely: spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and work/financial. It is finding balance between these six life dimensions that is regarded as essential. As Western scientific thinking has not previously acknowledged the existence of energy fields, there is limited research done in this area. More recently, Western scientists are directing their attention toward the study of these previously unrecognized structures and they are now finding their eventual validation with the evolution of subtle-energy technologies with can measure their existence and functions. For now we are still largely dependent on Eastern thinking to explain concepts such as It is vital to have the knowledge and practical skills to create an energised team that will yield benefits for the individual, the team and ultimately the organisation as a whole, as the positive energy of the team spills over to the organisation To motivate your team, you as the manager have to meet your team’s emotional needs. This leads to positive energy and motivation. Each team member has the need to: 1. Acquire 2. Bond 3. Comprehend All living organisms are made up of energy. This perspective gives us a new foundation on which to study living organisms, including man. Energy comes and goes in an organisation. This gives an organisation its unique character and plays a role in its ability to be successful. As a manager, your own behaviour and attitudes have a great influence on the mood and energy of the team, and ultimately the organisation. There are 3 levels of energy in an organisation: Create your free Hotfrog business profile Follow Hotfrog on: Share on:

http://www.hotfrog.co.za/business/wc/simons-town-cape-town/goldfish-consulting/did-you-say-thank-you-today-204232

The importance of communication in the workplace cannot be emphasized enough. It serves as a medium for fostering trust and strengthening relationships between the various stakeholders at the workplace. Vital interpersonal communication skills are considered one of the most desirable soft skills in your resume. This article looks at the different types of communication useful in the workplace and how to sharpen your communication skills for winning at work. Communication skills in the workplace are essential for effective team management and team building. It also allows the employees to express themselves in a better manner, promoting a culture of innovation. Good communication skills can help stakeholders inefficient conflict management and relationship building. If you want to empower your colleagues, you need to be a strong communicator. Lastly, stronger communication skills help in creating a clearer and more streamlined workflow. This has a direct impact on the overall environment at work and also enhances employee productivity. That’s why it is essential to understand the various forms of communication and master your communication skills. In the workplace, there are four types of communication styles: Out of the different forms of communication styles, verbal communication is the most common one. There are two forms of verbal communication: written and oral communication. Many consider written communication as a distinct type of communication. There are four types of verbal communication: Intrapersonal: Conversations that we may have with ourselves, where we are both the sender and recipient of a message. Interpersonal: One-on-one conversation with another person. Small group communication: Conversations involving more than two people, such as team meetings. Public communication: This involves an individual addressing a large gathering of people, such as at a press conference or a conference. There are various channels of relaying verbal communication -- you can do it in person, through a phone call, video conferencing, or even a presentation. Strong verbal communication is the secret to maintaining excellent relationships in the workplace. When employers use effective verbal communication while conversing with the employees, they feel secure and increase job satisfaction. Employees with strong verbal communication skills are more confident about sharing new ideas and expressing opinions, creating a direct impact in the workplace. Needless to say, out of the different forms of communication, verbal communication is an essential one. Here’s how you can develop the skill: Unless we are willing to listen, we cannot really communicate with anyone. Ensure that the speaker has your full attention, maintains eye contact with the speaker, and makes sure not to get distracted by everything else around you. Try not to think of how you will respond to the speaker or interrupt the speaker in the middle. Among the 4 types of communication styles, nonverbal communication accounts for 93 percent of workplace communication. Put merely, nonverbal communication refers to communication using nonverbal cues such as eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, and smiles. Body language plays a critical role in workplace communication. That’s why strong nonverbal communication is regarded as a desirable skill. Used correctly, nonverbal communication can boost employee morale and create a positive environment at work. Similarly, having a hint of smile, occasionally nodding, and maintaining steady eye contact are other ways of communicating nonverbally. For instance, you are in a team meeting and notice that a team member is speaking too fast and stammering due to performance anxiety. You can nod gently to can support such a colleague and encourage him or her to speak confidently. Nonverbal communication is one of the types of communication to make yourself heard. If you want to sharpen your nonverbal communication skill, here is what you should do: The next one on our list of different forms of communication is written communication. This style uses written words to communicate a message. There are various types of written communication, such as emails, memos, letters, brochures, and blogs. Regardless of your industry, strong written communication skills are desirable. It helps in building trust and integrity in the workplace. When face to face communication is not possible, written communication is the best way to convey your message. If you want to master this type of communication, here’s what you can consider doing: The final one on our list of 4 types of communication style is visual communication. This style utilizes various graphics for effectively relaying the information to the audience. Examples of graphics include photographs, infographics, charts, and social media creatives. As a form of communication, visual communication is beneficial. Given our shrinking attention span, visual communication provides a distraction-proof medium for the content. It also makes it easier for the audience to retain the content. Using appropriate verbal cues also enhances the comprehension ability of the audience. Here’s what you can do to master this style of communication: Based on workplace conversations, communication style can be further sub-divided. The different forms of communication are: Formal communication: This type of communication is from the top management to various departments and employees within the organization. There is a pre-determined structure or procedure to carry out such communication. Townhall meetings or annual general meetings of your company are good examples of formal communication. The most significant advantage of formal communication is the orderly flow of information. It also provides absolute clarity about the responsibilities of various stakeholders. Here’s how you can strengthen this type of communication: Informal communication: This type of communication doesn’t follow any established structure. It is more focused on interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Catching up on your travel plans or exchanging notes about the latest book you read are all examples of informal communication. This type of communication skill can help to foster a sense of belongingness for all and boost employee morale. When everyone at a workplace can freely converse with each other, it also improves productivity. Here’s what you can you do to sharpen this form of communication: Mastering different forms of communication styles can help you perform better at the workplace. Here’s how you can use them to be successful: The importance of honing your communication skills cannot be stressed enough if you want to be a successful professional. Working on various types of communication skills can help you to maintain relationships in the workplace. How well you communicate also has a direct impact on your performance, efficiency, and overall reputation. That’s why understanding the forms of communication and taking the necessary steps to develop them is non-negotiable -- especially given that we are living through a pandemic that has made communication with everyone more critical than ever.

https://www.interviewkickstart.com/career-advice/understanding-types-of-communication

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) makes an excellent format for teambuilding, as it is designed to avoid blame and restore morale by reminding participants what they have achieved and what motivates them, putting them in a better frame of mind to work together to create new ideas for solving problems and improving performance. It can be very rewarding for a team to work through the 5D cycle, each stage building on the one before. A day (or slightly less than a day) gives enough time to really go into some depth, reaffirm bonds within the team, and build morale and confidence. For the day to run smoothly, it’s important to choose the affirmative topic for the inquiry – the Definition stage of the model – carefully. Often, some variation of ‘How do we work together more effectively?’ will work well. In the Discovery stage, having team members interview each other to unearth stories of when they have experienced or participated in exceptionally good examples of the topic can help to remind interviewees of their own worth, and that there are times – often forgotten in the hurly-burly of day-to-day work – when the team can work exceptionally well together. The interviewers often also feel inspired as they hear stories that resonate with their own experience and values. To get the maximum value from the Discovery stage, have people who don’t normally work closely together interview each other. Interviewing across different responsibilities or levels of management can build understanding and appreciation of the contribution and viewpoints of people in different roles. In the Dream stage, team members co-construct a vision of their desired future as a team. This can be a opportunity for people to loosen up and have fun as they create a presentation of their vision, using words, collage or even, on occasion, poetry, ‘living sculpture’ or song. For the Design stage, it works well if you take specific aspects of the Dream – whichever elements the team feels most motivated to work on – and let the team use adapted fishbone diagrams to identify tasks, structures and relationships that need to be in place to translate into an action plan. Finally, for the Delivery stage, team members can make requests, offer to help other team members with their needs, and make commitments to take specific actions or take responsibility for ensuring that something happens. On 16th September the Occupational Health Department embarked on a team building event with inspiring results! The team were introduced to ‘Appreciative Inquiry’ which is a process that works by acknowledging and building on what is good and what works well, instead of focusing on the negative. Often we focus on what our problems are and as a result we tend to magnify those problems, which only contribute to a downward spiral of feeling helpless and hopeless. With Appreciative Inquiry we get to reconnect with what we love about work and when we are at our best, resulting in people feeling inspired to take action and creating more positivity in the workplace. By the end of the session the group were left feeling inspired with realistic actions that were genuinely created and owned by them. With a lot of laughter and a lot of no-nonsense talk about what needs to happen, the group now have to build on the momentum of the day and they certainly seemed ready to! Appreciative interviews with new teams You can use appreciative interviews, without going through the entire AI process, to help a new team to get to know and trust each other quickly, so they can start working effectively together. Having team members do appreciative interviews with each other around a topic like ‘How do we work together effectively as a team?’ will encourage them to open up to each other. The appreciative interview format helps participants to move from defensiveness and advocacy to openness and learning, and builds understanding between people in different roles. It also gives an opportunity to gain ideas about effective teamwork from the various participants’ previous teams.

http://vault.stormify.co.uk/topics/8h3LFxpr7fAV53A7.html

The “Intangible Meetings” are intended as presentations and on-stage dialogues that survey, analyse and debate aspects of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), offering a multi-vocal and interdisciplinary perspective. Find info on the conditions to participate here. See the analytical programme of the conference here. Download the analytical time specific programme here: Intangible Meetings Agenda The programme explores the emerging landscape of ICH in research and applied knowledge, with a focus on the European and Balkan region. The Intangible Meetings bring together cultural workers, theorists, artists and technologists, with the aim to consolidate contemporary definitions of ICH, its conceptual framework, art and creative practices, as well as examine new technological approaches along with existing and potential digitalities of ICH. ICH designates the immaterial forms of everyday culture and is also denominated as “Living Heritage”, including inherited, intetemporal traditions as well as current urban and rural manifestations that are incorporated into contemporary expression. Up until now, ICH can be discerned in five domains, Oral Tradition and Expression, Performing Arts, Social Practices and Festive Events, Knowledge and Practices, and Traditional Craftmanship. Communities, local cultures and generic memory can be considered the linchpin for the emergence of ICH, nevertheless ICH is transmitted, remediated, curated, utilized and safeguarded through a complex actors’ network and a wide participatory system. The ephemeral, multi-versioned and performative actualities of ICH pose theoretical and technological challenges for its documentation, sustainment and re-enactment. They extend to more interdisciplinary practices and reinforce immersive modes of experiencing them, exposing also the potential to new forms of representation and institutionalization, like virtual museums. The Intangible Meetings include but also go beyond the following themes:

https://bowb.org/talks-workshops/intangible-meetings-text/

The European Commission highlights the diversity of cultural heritage that comes in many shapes and forms: - tangible heritage (buildings, monuments, artefacts, clothing, artwork, books, machines, historic towns, archaeological sites); - intangible heritage (practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills, also languages and oral traditions, performing arts, social practices and traditional craftsmanship); - natural heritage (landscapes, flora and fauna); - digital heritage (resources such as digital art or animation, also digitalised texts, images, videos, and other records). The EYCH 2018 programme in Slovenia The European Year of Cultural Heritage cultural events were launched on 3 December 2017 with This Merry Day of Culture events. In April 2018 the Cultural Bazaar, an annual event that stimulates arts & cultural education was focused on cultural heritage. The Republic of Slovenia proposed the proclamation of World Bee Day to the United Nations, and on 20 May 2018 the first the World Bee Day was celebrated in Slovenia and worldwide. The European Cultural Heritage Days and the Cultural Heritage Week took place in September 2018, organised by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia. After the EYCH wrap-up events around This Merry Day of Culture on 3 December 2018, the National Conference on Arts and Culture Education in Cultural Heritage is organised in Ljubljana. A few central events were complemented with countless events organized by museums, galleries and other cultural institutions and non-governmental organisations to encourage active dialogue about the role of cultural heritage in the future. The EU supported project REFRESH The REFRESH cooperation project led by the Slovene Association of Historic Towns got the Creative Europe support related to the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018. During the "Refresh heritage weeks" young artists "refreshed" the selected 8 cultural heritage sites (Iasi (RO), Cellino Attanasio (IT), Murcia (ES), in Ptuj and Novo mesto in Slovenia). In June young artists created new dance and video works in Novo mesto, in July the Art Stays, International Festival of Contemporary Art in Ptuj hosted a group of visual artists and exhibited their new site specific works, in September musical workshops took place in italy and Romania. Ambassadors The spirit of the European Cultural Heritage Year 2018 in Slovenia is promoted and personified by its ambassadors, Igor Saksida, the university professor of literature history, and Rok Terkaj – Trkaj, a rap artist. Their book and music album Kla Kla klasika (Cla Cla Classics) mint new rhymes from classical Slovene poetry in contemporary hip-hop rhythms. Cultural heritage on Culture.si portal The portal Culture.si presents the field of Heritage in three sections: Intangible heritage, Monuments & sites and Museums, complemented with the Libraries and Archives, while the field of Arts is divided into the 9 disciplines that present contemporary creation, from Architecture and Design, via Music, Theatre and Literature to the New media and Visual arts. The documentation of the contemporary artistic practices in Slovenia in the Culture.si Photo Gallery has become part of the Europeana.eu portal, next to the images related to monuments, museums, or intangible heritage. Eurobarometer on Europeans and cultural heritage The first EU-wide survey on the topic of Cultural Heritage was conducted to assesses the attitudes and opinions of people in the EU on cultural heritage. Below you can find the link to the online version.

https://www.culture.si/en/European_Year_of_Cultural_Heritage_2018

In 2012 the UNESCO World Heritage Convention celebrates its 40th Anniversary. Here a reminder of how it all began and some of the purposes and philosophies behind the Convention and the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Constitution of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation was established in the wake of the Second World War in London on the 16th November 1945 with the purpose ‘…to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science and culture….’ (UNESCO, 1945). Angkor Wat temple, Cambodia (Photo: Jan Haenraets, 2010). The relocation and reassembling of Abu Simbel, Egypt (Photo: Unesco, 1982). UNESCO’s World Heritage programme began to take form in the 1960’s. As it is often the case, sometimes real threats are necessary to open our eyes. Likewise, it was in 1959 that the governments of Egypt and Sudan finally realised that without international assistance, the great monuments in Nubia and Philae could not be rescued from permanent loss by inundation, as a result of the construction of the Aswan High Dam. They eventually turned to UNESCO for help and consequently on 8 March 1960 UNESCO’s first campaign to save our common heritage was launched (UNESCO, 1982: 57). The campaign sparked the initiatives for developing the concept of a World Heritage Convention. The White House Conference on International Co-operation in the USA in 1965 proposed an idea for a ‘world heritage trust’ (Slatyer, 1984: 8) and after the UNESCO General Conference in 1970, first drafts for a convention were prepared by The World Conservation Union (IUCN) and UNESCO. Ultimately, the Convention was adopted in 1972 (UNESCO, 1972). The ‘Convention for the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage’ was adopted at the UNESCO General Conference on the 16th November 1972. It acknowledges that world heritage should not only be protected for our own present well being, but for the benefit of future generations as well. Its philosophy that it is not just everyone’s right to enjoy the heritage, but even more a common duty and responsibility to protect it, is a major achievement. The World Heritage Committee is the main body in charge of the implementation of the Convention. The ‘Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention’ are the most important working tools for the World Heritage Committee and States Parties. The first version of the Guidelines was elaborated in 1977 and has been revised and edited several times. Nourlangie Aboriginal Rock Art, Kakadu National Park, Australia (Photo: Jan Haenraets, 2012). Ait-Ben-Haddou, Morocco (Photo: Jan Haenraets, 2009). By signing the Convention countries agree to co-operate in the protection of the heritage and to conserve the sites located within their borders. They declare as well that these sites belong to the whole of mankind. Some heritage sites are of outstanding universal value to humanity and can be seen as ‘the best possible examples’ (anon. 2000b). UNESCO encourages countries to sign the Convention and to nominate such sites for inclusion on the World Heritage List. The USA was the first country to sign the Convention on 7 November 1973. To date 161 countries have ratified or accepted the Convention. The first World Heritage Committee was elected in 1976. The Committee’s main activities concern the World Heritage List, the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger and the World Heritage Fund. The Operational Guidelines were created as a working tool for the implementation of the Convention. Halong Bay, Vietnam (Photo: Jan Haenraets, 2011). Western Ghats, India (Photo: Jan Haenraets, 2005). In evaluating the nominated properties for inclusion on the World Heritage List the Committee is assisted by three advisory bodies. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) prepares recommendations for the evaluation of natural properties, while the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) evaluates cultural properties. The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) assists in restoration projects and training in the field of cultural properties. In 1978, UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention became operational with the inscription of the first twelve properties on the World Heritage List, after which the Convention became a valuable and popular instrument in the protection of the cultural and natural heritage. There is still doubt about its legal strength and its universal value remains questionable. was held in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, from 24 June to 6 July 2012. On the 4oth Anniversary of the World Heritage Convention the Committee added twenty-six new properties to the World Heritage List. The List now includes 745 cultural, 187 natural and 29 mixed properties, across 157 State Parties (UNESCO, 2012b). Bhaktapur, Nepal (Photo: Jan Haenraets, 2011). When we take today a look at the World Heritage List it can still be said that these properties are not yet fully representative of the ‘best possible examples’. UNESCO acknowledges that there is still work to do and since 1994, has launched the Global Strategy for a Representative, Balanced and Credible World Heritage List (UNESCO, 2012c). The strategy has as its objective ‘…to broaden the definition of World Heritage to better reflect the full spectrum of our world’s cultural and natural treasures…’ (UNESCO, 2012c). Kakadu National Park, Australia (Photo: Jan Haenraets, 2012). As a result new categories for World Heritage properties have been created. The annual new entries to the List reflect this and we have seen for instance properties being put forward in categories such as cultural landscapes, itineraries, coastal-marine and small-island sites, deserts and industrial heritage. Within the context of representing the full spectrum of heritage, UNESCO also developed a stronger emphasis on intangible cultural heritage, and programmes that are seperate from the UNESCO World Heritage List. Under the Intangible Cultural Heritage programme by UNESCO, they compile the ‘The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ and ‘The Register of best safeguarding practices’. There is also a ‘List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding’. The intangible cultural heritage programme recognises for instance ‘oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts.’ (UNESCO, 2014) expressions, knowledge skills, craftsmanship and practices. An extensive variety of expressions are meant by this, amongst which rituals, festive events, oral traditions or performing arts (UNESCO, 2012d). Closely linked to this is also the UNESCO project around the Memory of the World that was launched in 1992 and which lists documentary heritage (UNESCO, 2012e). When a property gets listed under the World Heritage List, this however does not always guarantee that the sites will be satisfactorily safeguarded. While the Convention is often described as one of the most universal international legal instruments for the protection of cultural heritage, it is nevertheless also at times described as an instrument without ‘teeth’ (Westrik, 1998: 47). To address some of these issues UNESCO has also started to compile a List of World Heritage in Danger. In 2012 thirty-eight properties were included on this list (UNESCO, 2012f). Brasilia, Brazil (Photo: Jan Haenraets, 2005). It can be said that the World Heritage Convention and the World Heritage List have been hugely successful and influential. Heritage protection, conservation and awareness about our natural and cultural roots have made much progress over these past forty years. Most importantly, the activities by UNESCO continue to contribute towards ‘building Peace in the minds of men and women’ peace and collaboration among nations More importantly, the activities by UNESCO continue to contribute towards ‘building Peace in the minds of men and women’ peace and collaboration among nations (UNESCO, 2012h). Slatyer, R. (1984). ‘The origin and development of the World Heritage Convention’, Monumentum, The international Journal of Architectural Conservation, Special Issue 1984: 3-1. UNESCO (1982). Save our common Heritage, UNESCO (Paris). UNESCO (2012a). ‘State Parties: Ratification Status’, http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties. UNESCO (2012b). ‘World Heritage List’, http://whc.unesco.org/en/list. UNESCO (2012c). ‘Global Strategy’, http://whc.unesco.org/en/globalstrategy. UNESCO (2012d). ‘Glossary: Intangible Heritage’, http://whc.unesco.org/en/glossary/. UNESCO (2012e). ‘Memory of the World’, http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/flagship-project-activities/memory-of-the-world/homepage/. UNESCO (2012f). ‘World Heritage in Danger’, http://whc.unesco.org/en/danger. UNESCO (2012h). ‘ UNESCO Building Peace in the minds of men and women’, http://www.unesco.org/new/en/. UNESCO (2014). ‘UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage’, http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/home. United Nations (2012). ‘Members States of the United Nations’, http://www.un.org/en/members/index.shtml. Westrik, H. (1998). ‘The usefulness of World Heritage Criteria for evaluating cultural landscapes, unpublished MA dissertation, University of York (York).

http://explearth.org/unesco-world-heritage-convention/

The National Museum of Singapore (NMS) – in collaboration with the Maybank Foundation – is holding an open call for artists to submit videos exploring the theme of intangible cultural heritage. According to the NMS, cultural heritage can be broken down into eight main categories – social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, oral traditions and expressions, food, traditional crafts and performing arts. The NMS is conducting an open call this year from April 19 to May 18 in order to commission a series of video-based artworks to showcase on the museum’s LED wall. Four proposals will be selected and each will be awarded a commission of $37,500 to produce the video they’ve proposed. The selected videos are tentatively scheduled to be showcased around November, 2022 for a period of three months, according to the NMS. The open call invites artists and all creative people from Singapore and Southeast Asia to submit proposals that respond to the theme of intangible cultural heritage, according to an NMS press release. In this second open call, NMS hopes to invite Cambodian artists and creatives to produce video-based works contemplating the theme of Intangible Cultural Heritage. These works should be new works produced specifically for the NMS LED wall. According to the NMS, in developing their video-based presentations on the intangible cultural heritage theme, artists are invited to view and respond to the NMS collections that can be accessed via this link: https://bit.ly/NMS_Collections As part of this open call, artists are invited to reference and take inspiration from the National Collection. Pech Song’s oil on canvas titled 7 January Victory Day, which has been used in propaganda by five successive – and opposing – political regimes in Cambodia. It’s style is more or less the “Socialist realism” aesthetic pioneered by the USSR and Maoist China for their propaganda efforts. It has the obligatory crowds of cheering proletarians and a later version 7 January 1979-1984 adds workers, soldiers and farmers striking heroic poses front and centre as they gaze off into the distance together. “The original work was reproduced on billboards around Cambodia and has been lost. This version was reproduced by the artist based on a photograph documenting the original work,” according to the NMS National collection notes. Another Cambodian artist is You Khin's work at NGS as another piece of Cambodian art that can be found in Singapore. You Khin’s oil on canvas painting Untitled (The Chinese Man Eats the Cambodian Soup) is one of several by Cambodian artists in the National Gallery of Singapore (NGS). Khin’s painting was dated April 17, 1975 – the first day the Khmer Rouge gained control of Phnom Penh – which took place just after Khin had left for France. He would not return to Cambodia until 2003. You Khin (b. 1947 and d. 2009) is the only well-documented Cambodian artist active before the Khmer Rouge took power who continued his career during and after that period. He left the country just before the fall of Phnom Penh. He used a cubist-like style of semi-abstraction in his paintings depicting urban scenes with a focus on migrants and poverty as their subject matter, according to the NMS collection website. The NMS also offers examples that would be considered valid topics for exploration in the videos submitted: Indian dance and Malay dance forms, food heritage such as hawker culture, the making of popiah, events such as Silat, Chingay and Easter, traditional craftsmanship such as peranakan beadwork and embroidery and bodies of folk knowledge such as traditional Chinese medicine. Another example given by the NMS is the making of Malay ketupat, which is similar to Cambodia’s Num Kantom and are basically rice cakes wrapped in coconut leaves. The cake is traditionally used as a form of offering in religious ceremonies in the Malay world and the name ketupat is believed to be derived from the Javanese words ngakulepat, which means “admitting one’s mistakes.” Ketupat is often served as a celebratory food that is commonly enjoyed by families during the Hari Raya celebrations in Singapore along with a variety of other dishes. NMS noted that this list is nowhere near exhaustive since the artist’s interpretation of what is intangible cultural heritage could probably be stretched to cover just about anything as long as they did it creatively and thoughtfully. The second open call period is in progress now until May 18, 2022 and the newly commissioned works are expected to be showcased at the end of 2022. The evaluation criteria being used by the judges will try to measure three things: The merit of the proposal (40 per cent), the impact of the proposal (30 per cent) and the project’s planning and management (30 per cent). More information on this opportunity for artists is available at these websites:

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/lifestyle-arts-culture/singapores-national-museum-holding-regional-open-call-culture-videos

The capital of the Persian Empire. There is no single word answer to the commonly asked question. What was the Persian Empire capital? During the history of the Persian Empire, five cities served as the royal capital. The first was Pasargadae, built by Cyrus to commemorate his victory over the Medes. It was remote and impractical as an administrative capital. Babylon was rebuilt by Cyrus as a royal capital for his use when affairs brought him to Mesopotamia. In 2700 BC, the first dynasty created the Elamite kingdom (non-Semitic) in western Persia with capital in Susa. From very humble beginnings arose the city of Susa – the Shushan of the Bible – a city which has a place among the very oldest in the world, for it flourished, with many strange vicissitudes, from about 4000 B.C. until about A.D. 650. Darius moved the empire’s administration to Susa, the old Elamite capital, perhaps for efficiency. At last, in 640 B.C., Ashurbanipal, better known as Sardanapalus, who had completed the forging of the Assyrian nation into a vast military machine, decided to utilize it in suppressing Susa. His successes are recorded in the low reliefs for his palace at Nineveh. And now ranged on the walls of the British Museum. In 1340 BC, King Untash-Napirisha of Elam founded a new capital at Chogha Zanbil. In 710 BC, Daiukku found the new capital of the Medians/Persians at Hakmataneh/Ecbatana (Hamadan). The extreme summer heat of Susa drove the Persian court first to the higher altitudes of Ecbatana, the old Median capital in the Zagros Mountains. The Persian Empire dominated Mesopotamia from 612-330 BC. The Achaemenid Persians of central Iran ruled an empire which comprised Iran, Mesopotamia, Syria, Egypt, and parts of Asia Minor and India. Their ceremonial capital was Persepolis in southern Iran founded by King Darius the Great. In 520 BC Darius began building the greatest of the Persian capitals at Persepolis. Construction of Persepolis was interrupted for long periods and was not completed nearly 200 years later when the city was sacked and burned to the ground by Alexander. In 559 BC, Cyrus Achaemenian unified Elam and moved the capital of the Achaemenids to Susa. Alexander’s army landed in Asia Minor in 334 BC. His armies quickly swept through Lydia, Phoenicia, and Egypt, before defeating all the troops of Darius III at Issus and capturing the capital at Susa.

http://persianempires.com/capital-of-the-persian-empire.html

On This Day 539 BC – Cyrus the Great (founder of Persian Empire) entered the capital of Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to their land. Cyrus II of Persia (Old Persian: 𐎤𐎢𐎽𐎢𐏁 Kūruš; New Persian: کوروش Kuruš; Hebrew: כורש, Modern: Kōréš, Tiberian: Kōréš; c. 600–530 BC), commonly known as Cyrus the Great and also called Cyrus the Elder by the Greeks, was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, the first Persian Empire. Under his rule, the empire embraced all the previous civilized states of the ancient Near East, expanded vastly and eventually conquered most of Southwest Asia and much of Central Asia and the Caucasus. From the Mediterranean Sea and Hellespont in the west to the Indus River in the east, Cyrus the Great created the largest empire the world had yet seen. Under his successors, the empire eventually stretched at its maximum extent from parts of the Balkans (Bulgaria-Paeonia and Thrace-Macedonia) and Eastern Europe proper in the west, to the Indus Valley in the east. His regal titles in full were The Great King, King of Persia, King of Anshan, King of Media, King of Babylon, King of Sumer and Akkad, and King of the Four Corners of the World. The Nabonidus Chronicle notes the change in his title from simply “King of Anshan”, a city, to “King of Persia”. Assyriologist François Vallat wrote that “When Astyages marched against Cyrus, Cyrus is called ‘King of Anshan’, but when Cyrus crosses the Tigris on his way to Lydia, he is ‘King of Persia’. The coup therefore took place between these two events.” The reign of Cyrus the Great lasted c. 30 years. Cyrus built his empire by first conquering the Median Empire, then the Lydian Empire, and eventually the Neo-Babylonian Empire. He led an expedition into Central Asia, which resulted in major campaigns that were described as having brought “into subjection every nation without exception”. Cyrus did not venture into Egypt, and was alleged to have died in battle, fighting the Massagetae along the Syr Darya in December 530 BC. He was succeeded by his son, Cambyses II, who managed to conquer Egypt, Nubia, and Cyrenaica during his short rule. Cyrus the Great respected the customs and religions of the lands he conquered. This became a very successful model for centralized administration and establishing a government working to the advantage and profit of its subjects. In fact, the administration of the empire through satraps and the vital principle of forming a government at Pasargadae were the works of Cyrus. What is sometimes referred to as the Edict of Restoration (actually two edicts) described in the Bible as being made by Cyrus the Great left a lasting legacy on the Jewish religion, where, because of his policies in Babylonia, he is referred to by the Jewish Bible as messiah (lit. “His anointed one”) (Isaiah 45:1), and is the only non-Jewish figure in the Bible to be called so. Cyrus the Great is also well recognized for his achievements in human rights, politics, and military strategy, as well as his influence on both Eastern and Western civilizations. Having originated from Persis, roughly corresponding to the modern Iranian province of Fars, Cyrus has played a crucial role in defining the national identity of modern Iran. The Achaemenid influence in the ancient world eventually would extend as far as Athens, where upper-class Athenians adopted aspects of the culture of the ruling class of Achaemenid Persian as their own. In the 1970s, the last Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi identified his famous proclamation inscribed onto the Cyrus Cylinder as the oldest known declaration of human rights, and the Cylinder has since been popularized as such. This view has been criticized by some historians as a misunderstanding of the Cylinder’s generic nature as a traditional statement that new monarchs make at the beginning of their reign. Born On This Day 1808 – Caterina Scarpellini, Italian astronomer and meteorologist (d. 1873) Caterina Scarpellini (29 October 1808 – 28 November 1873), was an Italian astronomer and meteorologist. Life She was born in Foligno on 29 October 1808, Scarpellini moved to Rome at the age of 18. She was an assistant to her uncle, who was the director of the Roman Campidoglio Observatory. She was a corresponding member of the Accademia dei Georgofili in Florence. She discovered a comet on 1 April 1854 and established a meteorological station in Rome in 1856. In 1872 she was honored by the Italian government for her work; she died 28 November the following year. One of the craters of Venus is named after her. FYI By Andrew Liszewski: Halloween’s Extra Spooky With Michael Jackson’s Thriller Played On Outdated Zombie Technology By Justin T. Westbrook: People Are Out There Drifting Horses By Adam Clark Estes: DJI Made a New Sort of Super Drone By Frida Garza: Doctor Won’t Face Jail Time For Dyeing Patient’s Vagina Purple as a ‘Joke’ By Ryan F. Mandelbaum: Australian Cops Perform CPR on Drowning Kangaroo By Rocky Parker: Blog Profiles: Road Trip Blogs By Associated Press: School to remove name from library over eugenics link Ozy.com The Daily Dose October 29, 2018: How Trump’s Straight Talk Is Changing the World, From Renegade General to VP-Elect, He’s Brazil’s Military Champion Hamilton Mourão, vice presidential pick of Brazil’s newly elected far-right president, is an engine for the military’s growing political influence, He Is Racing Against Time to Save the Philippines’ Ancient Script, 5 Flashback How the 2000 Election Helped Create the Voter Purging Issues We Face Today and more -> Atlas Obscura: Grave in Space No human has ever flown closer to Pluto than Clyde Tombaugh did in 2015, 18 years after his death. That’s fitting, because he was also the first person to lay eyes on it, Columbo in Budapest The American television character is memorialized in the unlikely locale of Budapest. Here’s why. More -> Glacier Hub Roundup: Citizens Tracking Glaciers, Seismic Noise, and Holocene Glaciers and more -> Ideas Painted Therapy Hometalker Nashua, NH: DIY Gutter Garden By Hometalk Highlights: 16 Creative Ways To Upcycle Pallets Here’s our summer roundup of projects featuring everyone’s favorite DIY scrap material – wood pallets! By Hometalk Highlights: 19 Fantastic Techniques for Faux Stained Glass Food coloring, glue, and dye, oh my!

http://instagatrix.com/fyi-october-29-2018/

Forgotten Empire: The World of Ancient Persia, eds. John Curtis and Nigel Tallis. Berkeley Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2005. The following material is a summary of the contents on page 13. Pictures shown below are not from the book. The Empire’s Peak Under the Reign of King Darius (522-486 BC) The imperial domination of the Persians underwent its first serious crisis during the two years immediately following the death of Cambyses: 522 to 520 BC. A member of the priestly class of the Medes (now known as Gaumata) usurped the throne, seizing power in Persia and legitimizing his right to rule by taking the name Smerdis who was a son of Cyrus the Great. A Persian by the name of Darius also linked himself to the royal line and launched a counter attack and removed the threat within just 7 months. After subjugating Gaumata, however, Darius and his generals had to spend the next year taking up arms against a series of revolts within the Empire. Darius was able to dominate the opposing armies and take control of the empire. To commemorate his victories and make an example of those who would rebel against the King, he ordered the construction of a relief with trilingual inscription on the cliff at Bisitun in Media. The relief depicted Gaumata lying on his back under the foot of King Darius. Behind Gaumata are a line of the rebellious kings whom Darius had overcome, each bound to each other by a chord that passed around their necks. All of them are paraded in front of their triumphant conqueror. Not only did Darius stamp out these revolts, he expanded his empire in Central Asia by overthrowing King Skunkha (also later added to the Bisitun relief, depicted on the extreme right) and by annexing the Indus valley to the empire by 518 BC. Although the empire faced its first crisis at the beginning of Darius’ reign, the Persian empire reached its peak under the reign of Darius. At one point the empire was so vast, and the Persian army so strong, that while Darius’ generals led a campaign against Cyrenaica in North Africa, Darius led armies into Europe conquering the western coast of the Euxine Sea (the Black Sea) pursuing the Scythian armies beyond the River Danube (Istros). After this campaign Darius left a strong army in Europe and charged them to annex Thrace and Macedonia. Darius’ empire was beyond anything the ancient world had seen; it was unparalleled by any empire or kingdom to this point in history. The revolt of the Greek cities of Asia Minor in 499-493 BC did not spoil Darius’s track record. What we term the first Persian War cannot simply be reduced to the defeat at Marathon in 490 BC, since another consequence was the subjugation of the Aegean islands. By this date the empire extended from the Indus to the Balkans (13). ::: Ancient Persian Imperial History :: A Summary :: pt 1 Forgotten Empire: The World of Ancient Persia, eds. John Curtis and Nigel Tallis. Berkeley Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2005. The following summary comes from the material on page 12. Because Classical texts have little to say about the Persians until the heroic origins of the empire’s founder Cyrus the Great (557-530 bc) who became king of Persia around 557 bc, the origins of the Persian people remains shrouded in mystery. Cyrus descended from a line of kings who ruled the country of Anshan east of the Persian Gulf. The kings of Anshan had close ties with the kings of Susa, another great city between Anshan and Babylonia (east of Babylonia and northwest of Anshan), and maintained a cultural and political relationship with the Medes whose heartland was caught between the Persians and Babylonia (northeast of Babylonia and northwest of the Persians). Cyrus conquered The Median Empire (625-550 bc) around 550 bc before going on to subjugate the kingdom of Lydia and Asia Minor around 546 bc, and finally the Babylonian king Nabonidus around 539 bc. After his conquest of Babylonia, Cyrus authorized the Jewish Community to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple of Yahweh and expanded his kingdom to the northeast as far as Bactria-Sogdiana, establishing forts along the left bank of the River Jaxartes which would be regarded as the northern border of the empire. Cyrus disappeared during this campaign and was buried at Pasargadae in the heart of the Persian empire. By the time of his death, Cyrus had expanded a once small kingdom of Persia into a dominant empire that encompassed most of the Ancient Middle East, although Egypt was still left as the last large independent kingdom of the Middle East. Pharaonic Egypt was soon conquered by Cyrus’ son and successor—Cambyses (530-522 bc), although Cambyses died on his way back from his victory in Egypt. In next post we will discuss the Empire’s first major setback.

https://theophilogue.com/tag/ancient-persian-history/

Declared herself pharaoh of New Kingdom of Egypt around 1472 BC because her stepson was a young child. She spent her reign encouraging trade rather than waging war. Nile flows in what direction? North Nineveh (NIHN-uh-vuh) King Sennacherb who had burned Babylon established Assyria's capital along the Tigris River here. It also was home to one of the ancient world's largest libraries. Nebuchadnezzar (NEHB-uh_kuhd-NEHZ-uhr) Chaldean king who restored Babylon around 600 B.C. Cyrus Persian king who was a military genius who controlled an empire spanning 2000 miles around 550 B.C. Cambyses Son of Cyrus who expanded the Persian Empire by conquering Egypt. Darius Persian king who governed an empire that spanned 2,500 was known for his administration and governing by dividing it into 20 provinces. Satrap (SAY-trap) A governor who ruled locally over a province within the Persian Empire. Royal Road Famous road that connected Susa in Persia to Sardis in Anatolia. Zoroaster (ZAWR-oh-AS-tuhr) Persian prophet who lived around 600 B.C. who taught belief in one god (Ahura Mazda) who will judge everyone based on how well he or she fought the battle for good. Teaching called Zoroastrinianism. Confucius Chinese scholar who had a deep desire to restore order and moral living of earlier times to Chinese society. Philosophy centered on five basic relationships. Filial piety Respect for their parents and ancestors. Laozi (low-dzuh) Chinese philosopher who taught about the significance of the natural order around 6th century B.C. Daoism Chinese ethical system whose belief that the natural order involves relations among all living things. Universal force is called the Dao, meaning the Way, guides all things. Legalism Was founded by Hanfeizi and Li Si that believes a highly efficient and powerful government with punishments are key to maintaining social order. Ying and Yang Two powers that represent the natural rhythms of life. Yin is cold and dark. Yang is warm and bright. Qin Dynasty Replaced Zhou Dynasty. Shi Huangdi Qin ruler in 221 BC who became the First Emperor and unified China through legalist governing principles. Autocracy a government that has unlimited power and uses it in an arbitrary manner. Great Wall of China Defensive wall built by peasants to discourage attacks.

https://quizlet.com/26885985/chapter-4-first-age-of-empires-flash-cards/

Iranianempires that ruled over the Iranian plateau, the original Persian homeland, and beyond in Western Asia, Central Asiaand the Caucasus. The most widespread entity considered to have been a Persian Empire was the Achaemenid Empire(550–330 BC) under Darius and Xerxes (or Xerkes) — famous in antiquity as the foe of the classical Greek states (See Greco-Persian Wars) — a united Persian kingdom that originated in the region now known as Pars province (Fars province) of Iran. It was formed under Cyrus the Great, who took over the empire of the Medes, and conquered much of the Middle East, including the territories of the Babylonians, Assyrians, the Phoenicians, and the Lydians. Cambyses, Son of Cyrus the Great, continued his conquests by conquering Egypt. The Achaemenid Persian Empire was ended by Alexander the Great. However, the Persian Empire arose again during the Parthian and Sassanid Empires of Iranfollowed by Iranianpost-islimic Empires like Safavids, up to modern day Iran. Most of the successive states in Greater Iranprior to March 1935 are collectively called the "Persian Empire" by Western historians. Virtually all the successor empires of Persia were major regional and some major international powersin their day. =History= Median Empire (728 BC-559 BC) Infobox Former Country native_name = conventional_long_name = Median Empire common_name = Media continent = Asia region = Near East country = era = Classical Antiquity status = status_text = empire = government_type = |year_start = 728 BC year_end = 559 BC year_exile_start = year_exile_end = event_start = Deioces date_start = event_end = Cyrus the Great date_end = event1 = date_event1 = event2 = date_event2 = event3 = date_event3 = event4 = date_event4 = event_pre = date_pre = event_post = date_post = p1 = Neo-Assyrian Empire flag_p1 = image_p1 = p2 = flag_p2 = p3 = flag_p3 = p4 = flag_p4 = p5 = flag_p5 = s1 = Achaemenid Empire flag_s1 = image_s1 = s2 = flag_s2 = s3 = flag_s3 = s4 = flag_s4 = s5 = flag_s5 = flag_type = symbol = symbol_type = image_map_caption = Median Empire, ca. 600 BC capital = Ecbatana capital_exile = latd= |latm= |latNS= |longd= |longm= |longEW= national_motto = national_anthem = common_languages = religion = Zoroastrianism, possibly also Proto-Indo-Iranian religion currency = leader1 = leader2 = leader3 = leader4 = year_leader1 = year_leader2 = year_leader3 = year_leader4 = title_leader = King representative1 = representative2 = representative3 = representative4 = year_representative1 = year_representative2 = year_representative3 = year_representative4 = title_representative = deputy1 = deputy2 = deputy3 = deputy4 = year_deputy1 = year_deputy2 = year_deputy3 = year_deputy4 = title_deputy = legislature = house1 = type_house1 = house2 = type_house2 = stat_year1 = stat_area1 = stat_pop1 = stat_year2 = stat_area2 = stat_pop2 = stat_year3 = stat_area3 = stat_pop3 = stat_year4 = stat_area4 = stat_pop4 = stat_year5 = stat_area5 = stat_pop5 = footnotes = The Medes are credited with the foundation of the first Iranian empire, the largest of its day until Cyrus the Great established a unified Iranian empire of the Medes and Persians, often referred to as the Achaemenid Persian Empire, by defeating his grandfather and overlord, Astyages the shah of Media. The Median capital was Ecbatana, the modern day Iranian city of Hamedan. Ectbatana was preserved as one of the capital cities of the Achaemenid Empire, which succeeded the Median Empire. According to Herodotus, the conquests of Cyaxares the Mede were preceded by a Scythian invasion and domination lasting twenty-eight years (under Madius the Scythian, 653-625 BC). The Mede tribes seem to have come into immediate conflict with a settled state to the West known as Mannae, allied with Assyria. Assyrian inscriptions state that the early Mede rulers, who had attempted rebellions against the Assyrians in the time of Esarhaddon and Assur-bani-pal, were allied with chieftains of the "Ashguza" (Scythians) and other tribes - who had come from the northern shore of the Black Seaand invaded Armeniaand Asia Minor; and "Jeremiah" and "Zephaniah" in the Old Testament agree with Herodotus that a massive invasion of Syriaand Philistiaby northern barbarians took place in 626 BC. The state of Mannae was finally conquered and assimilated by the Medes in the year 616 BC. In 612 BC, Cyaxares conquered Urartu, and with the alliance of Nabopolassarthe Chaldean, succeeded in destroying the Assyrian capital, Nineveh; and by 606 BC, the remaining vestiges of Assyrian control. From then on, the Mede king ruled over much of Iran, Assyria and northern Mesopotamia, Armenia and Cappadocia. His power was very dangerous to his neighbors, and the exiled Jews expected the destruction of Babyloniaby the Medes (Isaiah 13, 14m 21; Jerem. 1, 51.). When Cyaxares attacked Lydia, the kings of Ciliciaand Babylonintervened and negotiated a peace in 585 BC, whereby the Halyswas established as the Medes' frontier with Lydia. Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon married a daughter of Cyaxares, and an equilibrium of the great powers was maintained until the rise of the Persians under Cyrus. Median Kings were: * Deioces(Old Iranian *Dahyu-ka) 727-675 B.C. [ R. Schmitt, DEIOCES in Encyclopedia Iranica [http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/v7f2/v7f288.html] ] * Phraortes(Old Iranian *Fravarti) 674-653 * Madius(Scythian Rule) 652-625 * Cyaxares(Old Iranian *Uvaxštra) 624-585 [I.M. Diakonoff, “Media” in Cambridge History of Iran 2 ] * Astyages(Old Iranian *Ršti-vêga) 589-549 [I.M. Diakonoff, “Media” in Cambridge History of Iran 2 ] Modern research by a professor of Assyriology, Robert Rollinger, has questioned the Median empire and its sphere of influence, proposing for example that it did not control the Assyrian heartland. [ [http://www.achemenet.com/ressources/souspresse/annonces/Rollinger-Iran.pdf Robert Rollinger, The Median “Empire”, the End of Urartu and Cyrus’ the Great Campaign in 547 B.C. (Nabonidus Chronicle II 16)] ] Achaemenid Empire (550 BC–330 BC) The earliest known record of the Persians comes from an Assyrian inscription from c. 844 BC that calls them the "Parsu" (Parsuaš, Parsumaš) [Cite book edition = 2 publisher = Cambridge University Press isbn = 0521228042 pages = 15 last = Hammond first = N. G. L. coauthors = M. Ostwald others = John Boardman, D. M. Lewis (eds.) title = The Cambridge Ancient History Set: The Cambridge Ancient History Volume 4: Persia, Greece and the Western Mediterranean, c.525-479 BC: Persia, Greece and ... C.525-479 B.C. Ed.J.Boardman, Etc v. 4 date = 1988-11-24] and mentions them in the region of Lake Urmiaalongside another group, the "Mādāyu" ( Medes).cite web first= last= authorlink= author=Parpola, Simo coauthors= title=Assyrian Identity in Ancient Times and Today url=http://www.aina.org/articles/assyrianidentity.pdf format=PDF work= Assyriology publisher= Journal of Assyrian Academic Studies id= pages=3 page= date= accessdate= quote=Ethnonyms like Arbāyu "Arab", Mādāyu "Mede", Muşurāyu "Egyptian", and Urarţāyu "Urartian" are from the late eighth century on frequently borne by fully Assyrianized, affluent individuals in high positions. ] For the next two centuries, the Persians and Medes were at times tributary to the Assyrians. The region of Parsuash was annexed by Sargon of Assyria around 719 BC. Eventually the Medes came to rule an independent Median Empire, and the Persians were subject to them. The Achaemenids were the first to create a centralized state in Persia, founded by Achaemenes("Haxamaniš"), chieftain of the Persians around 700 BC. Around 653 BC, the Medes came under the domination of the Scythians, and Teispes(Cišpiš), the son of Achaemenes, seems to have led the nomadic Persians to settle in southern Iran around this time — eventually establishing the first organized Persian statein the important region of Anšan as the Elamite kingdom was permanently destroyed by the Assyrian ruler Ashurbanipal(640 BC). The kingdom of Anšan and its successors continued to use Elamiteas an official language for quite some time after this, although the new dynasts spoke Persian, an Indo-Iranian tongue. Teispes' descendants may have branched off into two lines, one line ruling in Anshan, while the other ruled the rest of Persia. Cyrus II the Great(Kuruš) united the separate kingdoms around 559 BC. At this time, the Persians were still tributary to the Median Empire ruled by Astyages. Cyrus rallied the Persians together, and in 550 BC defeated the forces of Astyages, who was then captured by his own nobles and turned over to the triumphant Cyrus, now Shahof a unified Persian kingdom. As Persia assumed control over the rest of Media and their large empire, Cyrus led the united Medes and Persians to still more conquest. He took Lydiain Asia Minor, and carried his arms eastward into central Asia. Finally in 539 BC, Cyrus marched triumphantly into the ancient city of Babylon. After this victory, he set the standards of a benevolent conqueror by issuing the Cyrus Cylinder, the first charter of human rights. Cyrus was killed in 530 BC during a battle against the Massagetaeor Sakas. Cyrus's son, Cambyses II(Kambūjiya), annexed Egyptto the Achaemenid Empire. The empire then reached its greatest extent under Darius I (Dāryavuš). He led conquering armies into the Indus Rivervalley and into Thracein Europe. A punitive raid against Greecewas halted at the Battle of Marathon. A larger invasion by his son, Xerxes I(Xšayārša), would have initial success at the Battle of Thermopylae. Following the destruction of his navy at the Battle of Salamis, Xerxes would withdraw most of his forces from Greece. The remnant of his army in Greece commanded by General Mardoniuswas ultimately defeated at the Battle of Plataeain 479 BC. Darius divided his realm into twenty-three satrapies (provinces) supervised by satraps, or governors, many of whom had personal ties to the Shah. He instituted a systematic tribute to tax each province. He took the advanced postal systemof the Assyrians and expanded it. Also taken from the Assyrians was the usage of secret agents of the king, known as the King's Eyes and Ears, keeping him informed.Fact|date=August 2008 Darius improved the famous Royal Roadand other ancient trade routes, thereby connecting far reaches of the empire. He may have moved the administration center from Fars itself to Susa, near Babylon and closer to the center of the realm. The Persians allowed local cultures to survive, following the precedent set by Cyrus the Great. This was not only good for the empire's subjects, but ultimately benefited the Achaemenids, because the conquered peoples felt no need to revolt. It may have been during the Achaemenid period that Zoroastrianismreached South-Western Iran, where it came to be accepted by the rulers and through them became a defining element of Persian culture. The religion was not only accompanied by a formalization of the concepts and divinities of the traditional (Indo-)Iranian pantheon, but also introduced several novel ideas, including that of free will, which is arguably Zoroaster's greatest contribution to religious philosophy. Under the patronage of the Achaemenid kings, and later as the "de-facto" religion of the state, Zoroastrianism would reach all corners of the empire. In turn, Zoroastrianism would be subject to the first syncretic influences, in particular from the Semitic lands to the west, from which the divinities of the religion would gain astral and planetary aspects and from where the temple cult originates. It was also during the Achaemenid era that the sacerdotal Magiwould exert their influence on the religion, introducing many of the practices that are today identified as typically Zoroastrian, but also introducing doctrinal modifications that are today considered to be revocations of the original teachings of the prophet. The Achaemenid Empire united people and kingdoms from every major civilization in south West Asia and North East Africa. Parthian Empire (250 BC–AD 226) Its rulers, the Arsacid dynasty, belonged to an Iranian tribe that had settled there during the time of Alexander. They declared their independence from the Seleucids in 238 BC, but their attempts to unify Iran were thwarted until after the advent of Mithridates I to the Parthian throne in about 170 BC. The Parthian Confederacy shared a border with Rome along the upper Euphrates River. The two polities became major rivals, especially over control of Armenia. Heavily-armoured Parthian cavalry ( cataphracts) supported by mounted archers proved a match for Roman legions, as in the Battle of Carrhaein which the Parthian General Surenadefeated Marcus Licinius Crassusof Rome. Wars were very frequent, with Mesopotamiaserving as the battleground. During the Parthian period, Hellenistic customs partially gave way to a resurgence of Iranian culture. However, the area lacked political unity, and the vassalary structure that the Arsacids had adopted from the Seleucids left the Parthians in a constant state of war with one seceding vassal or the other. By the 1st century BC, Parthia was decentralized, ruled by feudalnobles. Wars with Romans to the west and the KushanEmpire to the northeast drained the country's resources. Parthia, now impoverished and without any hope of recovering its lost territories, was demoralized. The kings had to give more concessions to the nobility, and the vassal kings sometimes refused to obey. Parthia's last ruler Artabanus IV had an initial success in putting together the crumbling state. However, the fate of the Arsacid Dynasty was doomed when in AD 224, the Persian vassal king Ardashir revolted. Two years later, he took Ctesiphon, and this time, it meant the end of Parthia. It also meant the beginning of the second Persian Empire, ruled by the Sassanid kings. Sassanids were from the province of Persis, native to the first Persian Empire, the Achaemenids. Sassanid Empire (226–651) The Sassanid Empire or Sassanian Dynasty ( _fa. ساسانیان, pronounced|sɒsɒnijɒn) is the name used for the fourth imperial Iranian dynasty, and the second Persian Empire(226–651). The Sassanid dynasty was founded by Ardashir Iafter defeating the last Parthian (Arsacid) king, Artabanus IV(PerB|اردوان "Ardavan") and ended when the last Sassanid Shahanshah("King of Kings"), Yazdegerd III(632–651), lost a 14-year struggle to drive out the early Islamic Caliphate, the first of the Islamicempires. Ardashir Iled a rebellion against the Parthian Confederacy in an attempt to revive the glory of the previous empire and to legitimize the Hellenized form of Zoroastrianismpractised in southwestern Iran. In two years he was the Shahof a new Persian Empire. The Sassanid dynasty (also Sassanian, named for Ardashir's grandfather) was the first dynasty native to the Pars province since the Achaemenids; thus they saw themselves as the successors of Darius and Cyrus. They pursued an aggressive expansionist policy. They recovered much of the eastern lands that the Kushans had taken in the Parthian period. The Sassanids continued to make war against Rome; a Persian army even captured the Roman EmperorValerian in 260. The Sassanid Empire, unlike Parthia, was a highly centralized state. The people were rigidly organized into a caste system: Priests, Soldiers, Scribes, and Commoners. Zoroastrianism was finally made the official state religion, and spread outside Persia proper and out into the provinces. There was sporadic persecution of other religions. The Eastern Orthodox Churchwas particularly persecuted, but this was in part due to its ties to the Roman Empire. The Nestorian Christian church was tolerated and sometimes even favored by the Sassanids. The wars and religious control that had fueled the Sassanid Empire's early successes eventually contributed to its decline. The eastern regions were conquered by the White Hunsin the late 5th century. Adherents of a radical religious sect, the Mazdakites, revolted around the same time. Khosrau I was able to recover his empire and expand into the Christian countries of Antiochand Yemen. Between 605 and 629, Sassanids successfully annexed Levant and Roman Egyptand pushed into Anatolia. However, a subsequent war with the Romans utterly destroyed the empire. In the course of the protracted conflict, Sassinid armies reached Constantinople, but could not defeat the Byzantines there. Meanwhile, the Byzantine Emperor Heracliushad successfully outflanked the Persian armies in Asia Minor and attacked the empire from the rear while the main Iranian army along with its top Eran Spahbods were far from battlefields. This resulted in a crushing defeat for Sassanids in Northern Mesopotamia. The Sassanids had to give up all their conquered lands and retreat. Following the advent of Islam and collapse of Sassanid Empire, Persians came under the subjection of Arab rulers for almost two centuries before native Persian dynasties could gradually drive them out. In this period a number of small and numerically inferior Arab tribes migrated to inland Iran. [Zarinkoob, pp. 355-357] Also some Turkic tribes settled in Persia between the 9th and 12th centuries. [Zarinkoob, pp. 461, 519] In time these peoples were integrated into numerous Persian populations and adopted Persian cultureand language while Persians retained their culture with minimal influence from outside. [Zarinkoob, p. 899] Conquest of Persia by Muslims The explosive growth of the Arab Caliphatecoincided with the chaos caused by the defeat of Sassanids in wars with the Byzantine Empire. Most of the country was conquered between 643 and 650 with the Battle of Nihawandmarking the total collapse of the Sassanids. [A Short History of Syriac Literature By William Wright. pg 44] Yazdgerd III, the last Sassanid emperor, died ten years after he lost his empire to the newly-formed MuslimCaliphate. He tried to recover some of what he lost with the help of the Turks, but they were easily defeated by Muslim armies. Then he sought the aid of the Chinese Tang dynasty. However, the Chinese help did not avail and Arab muslimsultimately defeated the Chinese forces in the battle of Talas, a century after Yazdgerd's death. The Umayyads would rule Persia for a hundred years. The Arab conquest dramatically changed life in Persia. Arabic became the new lingua franca, Islam eventually replaced Zoroastrianism, and mosques were built. In 750 the Umayyads were ousted from power by the Abbasiddynasty. By that time, Persians had come to play an important role in the bureaucracy of the empire. [ISBN 1-84212-011-5] The caliph Al-Ma'mun, whose mother was Persian, moved his capital away from Arab lands into Mervin eastern Iran. amanid Persian Empire In 819, Samanids carved out a semi-independent state in eastern Persiato become the first native Iranianrulers after the Arabic conquest. Despite having roots in Zoroastrianism theocratic nobility, they embraced Islamand propagated the religion deep into the heart of Central Asia. They made Samarqand, Bukharaand Herattheir capitals and revived the Persian languageand culture. The Samanid rulers displayed tolerance toward religious minorities as Zoroastrianclerics compiled and authored major religious texts, such as the Denkard, in Pahlavi. It was approximately during this age, when the poet Firdawsifinished the Shahnameh, an epic poem retelling the history of the Iranian kings. This epic was completed by AD 1008. affarid Persian Empire Ya'qub, the founder of Saffarid dynasty, seized control of the Seistan region, conquering all of modern-day eastern Iranand Afghanistanand parts of Pakistan. Using their capital (Zaranj) as base for an aggressive expansion eastwards and westwards, they overthrew the Tahirid Persian dynasty and annexed Khorasanin 873.By the time of Ya'qub's death, he had conquered Kabul Valley, Sind, Tocharistan, Makran( Baluchistan), Kerman, Fars, Khorasan, and nearly reaching Baghdadbut then suffered defeat. [Britannica, [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9064714 Saffarid dynasty] ] Buwayhid Persian Empire In 913, western Persiawas conquered by the " Buwayhid", a Deylamite Persiantribal confederation from the shores of the Caspian Sea. Buyidswere a Shī‘ah Iranian [ [http://www.iranica.com/newsite/index.isc?Article=http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/unicode/v4f6/v4f6a015.html] ] [ [http://www.iranica.com/articles/v7/v7f4/v7f408.html Encyclopedia Iranica: DEYLAMITES] ] dynasty which founded a confederation that controlled most of modern-day Iranand Iraqin the 10th and 11th centuries. They made the city of Shiraz (In the Pars Provinceof Iran) their capital. The Buwayhids destroyed Islam's former territorial unity. Rather than a province of a united Muslim empire, Iranbecame one nation in an increasingly diverse and cultured Islamic world. Turco-Persian rule (1037–1219) The Muslim world was shaken again in 1037 with the invasion of the Seljuk Turksfrom the northeast. The Seljuks created a very large Middle Eastern empire. The Seljuks built the fabulous Friday Mosque in the city of Isfahan. The famous Persian mathematician and poet, Omar Khayyám, wrote his "Rubaiyat" during Seljuk times. In the early 13th century the Seljuks lost control of Persia to another group of Turks from Khwarezmia, near the Aral Sea. The Shahs of the Khwarezmid Empirelater ruled. Mongols and their successors (1219–1500) In 1218, Genghis Khansent ambassadors and merchants to the city of Otrar, on the northeastern confines of the Khwarizm shahdom. The governor of Otrar had these envoys executed. Genghis attacked Otrar in 1219, Samarkandand other cities of the northeast. Genghis' grandson, Hulagu Khan, finished the invasions that Genghis had begun when he defeated Khwarzim Empire, Baghdad, and much of the rest of the Middle Eastfrom 1255 to 1258. Persia temporarily became the Ilkhanate, a division of the vast Mongol Empire. In 1295, after Ilkhan Mahmud Ghazanconverted to Islam, he forced Mongols in Persia to convert Islam. The Ilkhans patronized the arts and learning in the fine tradition of Iranian Islam; indeed, they helped to repair much of the damage of the Mongol conquests. In 1335, the death of Abu Sa'id, the last well-recognized Ilkhan, spelled the end of the Ilkhanate. Though Arpa Ke'unwas declared Ilkhan his authority was disputed and the Ilkhanate was splintered into a number of small states. This left Persia vulnerable to conquest at the hands of Timur the Lameor Tamerlane, a Central Asian conqueror seeking to revive the Mongol Empire. He ordered the attack of Persia beginning around 1370 and robbed the region until his death in 1405. Timur is known for his brutality; in Isfahan, for instance, he was responsible for the murder of 70,000 people so that he could build towers with their skullsFact|date=January 2008. He conquered a wide area and made his own city of Samarkand rich, but he failed to forge a lasting empire. The Persian Empire was essentially in ruins. For the next hundred years Persia was not a unified state. It was ruled for a while by descendants of Timur, called the Timurid emirs. Toward the end of the 15th century, Persia was taken over by the Emirate of the White Sheep Turkmen("Ak Koyunlu"). But there was little unity and none of the sophistication that had defined Iran during the glory days of Islam. Safavid Persian Empire (1500–1722) The Safavid Dynastyhailed from the town of Ardabilin the region of Azarbaijan. The Safavid Shah Ismail Ioverthrew the White Sheep (Akkoyunlu) Turkish rulers of Persia to found a new native Persian empire. Ismail expanded Persia to include all of present-day Azerbaijan, Iran, and Iraq, plus much of Afghanistan. Ismail's expansion was halted by the Ottoman Empireat the Battle of Chaldiranin 1514, and war with the Ottomans became a fact of life in Safavid Iran. Safavid Persia was a violent and chaotic state for the next seventy years, but in 1588 Shah Abbas I of Safavidascended to the throne and instituted a cultural and political renaissance. He moved his capital to Isfahan, which quickly became one of the most important cultural centers in the Islamic world. He made peace with the Ottomans. He reformed the army, drove the Uzbeksout of Iran and into modern-day Uzbekistan, and (with English help) recaptured the island of Hormuzfrom the Portuguese. Abdur Razzaq was the Persian ambassador to Calicut, India, and wrote vividly of his experiences there. [cite web url=http://india_resource.tripod.com/Europetrade.html title=European Domination of the Indian Ocean Trade publisher= accessdate=2007-01-10] The Safavids were followers of Shi'aIslam, and under them Persia (Iran) became the largest Shi'acountry in the Muslim world, a position Iran still holds today. Under the Safavids Persia enjoyed its last period as a major imperial power. In 1639, a final border was agreed upon with the Ottoman Empire with the Treaty of Qasr-e Shirin; which delineates the border between the Republic of Turkeyand Iran and also that of between Iraq and Iran, today. Persia and Europe (1722–1914) In 1722, the Safavid state collapsed. That year saw the first European invasion of Persia since the time of Heraclius: Peter the Great, Emperor of Imperial Russia, invaded from the northwest as part of a bid to dominate central Asia. Ottoman forces accompanied the Russians, successfully laying siege to Isfahan. The Russians conquered the city of Baku and its surroundings. The Turks also gained territory. However, the Safavids were severely weakened, and that same year (1722), the Afghans launched a bloody battle in response to the Safavids' attempts on trying to forcefully convert them from Sunnito Shi'asect of Islam. The last Safavid shah was executed, and the dynasty came to an end. The Persian empire experienced a temporary revival under Nader Shahin the 1730s and 1740s. Nadir checked the advances of the Russians and defeated the Afghans, later recaptured all of Afghanistan. He also launched successful campaigns against the nomadic khanates of Central Asia, and the Arabs of Oman. He also recaptured the territories lost to the Ottomans and invaded the Ottoman Empire. In 1739, he attacked and looted Delhi, the capital of MoghulIndia. When Nadir Shah was assassinated, the empire was ruled by the Zand dynasty. Iran was left unprepared for the worldwide expansion of European colonial empires in the late 18th century and throughout the 19th century. Persia found relative stability in the Qajar dynasty, ruling from 1779 to 1925, but lost hope to compete with the new industrial powers of Europe; Persia found itself sandwiched between the growing Russian Empire in Central Asiaand the expanding British Empirein India. Each carved out pieces from the Persian empire that became Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Georgia and Uzbekistanamongst other previous provinces. Although Persia was never directly invaded, it gradually became economically dependent on Europe. The Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907 formalised Russian and British spheres of influence over the north and south of the country, respectively, where Britain and Russia each created a " sphere of influence", where the colonial power had the final "say" on economic matters. At the same time Mozzafar-al-Dinshah had granted a concession to William Knox D'Arcy, later the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, to explore and work the newly-discovered oil fields at Masjid Soleimanin southwest Persia, which started production in 1914. Winston Churchill, as First Sea Lordto the British Admiralty, oversaw the conversion of the Royal Navyto oil-fired battleships and partially nationalized it prior to the start of war. A small Anglo-Persian force was garrisoned there to protect the field from some hostile tribal factions. World War I and the interbellum (1914–1935) Persia was drawn into the periphery of World War Ibecause of its strategic position between Afghanistanand the warring Ottoman, Russian, and British Empires. In 1914 Britain sent a military force to Mesopotamiato deny the Ottomans access to the Persian oilfields. The German Empireretaliated on behalf of its ally by spreading a rumour that Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germanyhad converted to Islam, and sent agents through Iran to attack the oil fields and raise a Jihadagainst British rule in India. Most of those German agents were captured by Persian, British and Russian troops who were sent to patrol the Afghan border, and the rebellion faded away. This was followed by a German attempt, to abduct Ahmad Shah Qajar. This was foiled at the last moment. In 1916 the fighting between Russian and Ottoman forces to the north of the country had spilled down into Persia; Russia gained the advantage until most of her armies collapsed in the wake of the Russian Revolution of 1917. This left the Caucasusunprotected, and the Caucasian and Persian civilians starving after years of war and deprivation. In 1918 a small force of 400 British troops under General Dunstervillemoved into the Trans-Caucasus from Persia in a bid to encourage local resistance to German and Ottoman armies who were about to invade the Bakuoilfields. Although they later withdrew back into Persia, they did succeed in delaying the Turks access to the oil almost until the Armistice. In addition, the expedition’s supplies were used to avert a major famine in the region, and a camp for 30,000 displaced refugees was created near the Mesopotamian frontier. In 1919, northern Persia was occupied by the British General William Edmund Ironsideto enforce the Turkish Armisticeconditions and assist General Dunstervilleand Colonel Bicherakhovcontain Bolshevikinfluence (of Mirza Kuchak Khan) in the north. Britain also took tighter control over the increasingly lucrative oil fields. In 1925, Reza Shah Pahlaviseized power from the Qajars and established the new Pahlavi dynasty, the last Persian monarchy before the establishment of the Islamic Republic. However, Britain and the Soviet Unionremained the influential powers in Persia into the early years of the Cold War. On March 21, 1935, "Iran" was officially accepted as the new name of the country. After Persian scholars' protests to this decision on the grounds that it represented a break with their classical past and seemed to be unduly influenced by the "Aryan" propaganda from Nazi Germany. In 1953 Mohammad Reza Shah announced both names "Iran" and "Persia" could be used.. ignificance of history of Persia The role of Persia (Iran) in history is highly significant; In fact, the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegelconsidered the ancient Persians to be "the first historic people" and stated thus: "In Persia first arises that light which shines itself and illuminates what is around...The principle of development begins with the history of Persia; this constitutes therefore the beginning of history". [ Georg Hegelin " The Philosophy of History", (trans.) J. Sibree, Buffalo, 1991, p.173] And Richard Nelson Fryefurther verifies::"Few nations in the world present more of a justification for the study of history than Iran." [ Richard Nelson Fryein "The Golden Age of Persia".] Timeline Persia in fiction * The Persian Empire is the seat of power for the sultan Shahryar, husband of Scheherazadein the "1001 Nights" — though the tales themselves span from China to the Middle East and even parts of North Africa. * " Prince of Persia" is a puzzle and action-based video game series set in a mythological version of Ancient Persia. * The historical fantasy" The Dragon of the Ishtar Gate" by L. Sprague de Campis set in Babylon during the last few years of Xerxes Ireign. * The historical novel"Creation" by Gore Vidal, about a Persian diplomat who travels the known world studying religious beliefs on behalf of Darius the Great. * The " Prince of Nothing" books by R. Scott Bakker, set in a fictional land that draws influence from Hellenistic Greece, Scythia, and the Persian Empire. * " Gates of Fire", by Steven Pressfieldand 300 by Frank Miller, about the Battle of Thermopylae. * Mary Renault's second book in her trilogy on Alexander the Great. " The Persian Boy", narrated by Bagoas set during Alexander the Great's reign of Persia. * Robert E. Howard's short story " The Shadow of the Vulture", featuring Red Sonya, is set in the Safavid Dynasty, as she seeks vengeance on an Ottoman sultan. It was published in "The Magic Carpet Magazine", a magazine that was known for their stories set in the Orient. * " Godless Man", by Paul Doherty - An historical mystery, set during the reign of Alexander the Great (who is also a major character). Telamon, friend and physician of Alexander, must unravel the threatening murders by a high-ranking Persian spy only known as "the Centaur". Second part of a trilogy. * "" by Tommy Tenney, tells the story of Esther, Queen of Persia. * " Gardens of Light" by Amin Maalouf * "" by Samuel K. Nweeya * The Sassanid Persian Empire was featured as the ally of Byzantiumin the jointly written six book long Bellisarius Sagaby David Drakeand Eric Flint. * The Battle of Thermopylae, part of the Persian invasion of Greecein 480 BC, is dramatically retold in Frank Miller's comic book(and subsequent film) 300 and features such historical figures as Persian King Xerxes Iand Spartan King Leonidas I. * " Jamshid and the Lost Mountain of Light" by Howard Lee- A children's book which draws heavily from Persian mythology * Historical fiction " Roxana Romance" by A. J. Cave chronicles the life of Roxana, wife of Alexander the Great, after the fall of the imperial Achaemenids. See also * Iran * Greater Iran * History of Iran * Geography of Iran * Aryan * Persian people * Persian culture * Persianization * Science in Persia * List of kings of Persia * List of Iranian scientists * List of monarchies * Capitals of Persia * Prince of Persia(video game) * Wildlife of Iran References * Stronach, David "Darius at Pasargadae: A Neglected Source for the History of Early Persia," Topoi * Abdolhossein Zarinkoob, "Ruzgaran: tarikh-i Iran az aghz ta saqut saltnat Pahlvi" Sukhan, 1999. ISBN 964-6961-11-8 * Ali Akbar Sarfaraz, Bahman Firuzmandi "Mad, Hakhamanishi, Ashkani, Sasani", Marlik, 1996. ISBN 964-90495-1-7 * Daniel, Elton, "The History of Iran", Greenwood Press, 2001 * [http://www.iranchamber.com/history/historic_periods.php Iran Chamber Society (History of Iran)] Notes Further reading *Bailey, Harold (ed.) "The Cambridge History of Iran", Cambridge University Press 1993, Cambridge. ISBN 0-521-45148-5 *Wiesehofer, Josef: "Ancient Persia" *J. E Curtis and N. Tallis: "Forgotten Empire: The World of Ancient Persia" * Pierre Briant: "From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire", Eisenbrauns: 2002, ISBN 978-1-57506-0310 * Richard N. Frye: "The Heritage of Persia" * A.T. Olmstead: "History of the Persian Empire" * Lindsay Allen: "The Persian Empire" * J.M. Cook: "The Persian Empire" * Tom Holland: "Persian Fire: The First World Empire and the Battle for the West" * Amini Sam: "Pictorial History of Iran: Ancient Persia Before Islam 15000 B.C.-625 A.D." * "Timelife Persians: Masters of the Empire (Lost Civilizations)" * "Houchang Nahavandi, The Last Shah of Iran - Fatal Countdown of a Great Patriot betrayed by the Free World, a Great Country whose fault was Success, Aquilion, 2005," ISBN 1-904997-03-1 * Farrokh, Kaveh: "Shadows in the Desert: Ancient Persia at War", Osprey: 2007, ISBN 978-1-84603-108-3 * Brosius, Maria: "The Persians: An Introduction", Routledge:2006, ISBN 978-0-41532-090-0 External links * [http://www.farsmovie.com/eng/index.htm Iran, The Forgotten Glory - Documentary Film About Ancient Persia (Achaemenids & Sassanids)] * [http://www.collage.ws/gallery01.html Persia’s collage] * [http://www.spentaproductions.com/cyruspreview.htm In Search of Cyrus the Great: Spenta Productions - a Documentary Movie about Cyrus the Great] * [http://www.jazirehdanesh.com/find.php?item=1.601.897.en Persian Innovations] * [http://www.iraninfo.dk/iranske-dokumentar-film-iranian-documentaries/persepolis-recreated-filmen-om-genskabelse-af-perse.html Persepolis Recreated - Reconstruction of Persepolis MOVIE DOCUMENTARY] * [http://www.chn.ir/en Iran’s Cultural Heritage News Agency (CHN)] * [http://ancientneareast.tripod.com/Persia.html The History of the Ancient Near East] * [http://fax.libs.uga.edu/DS272xB4/ Persia] , by S.G.W. Benjamin, 1891 * [http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/asbook05.html Ancient History Sourcebook: Persia] * [http://www.persiandna.com/history.htm PersianDNA] History of the Great Persian Empire and the Ancient Zoroastrian Religion. * [http://www.ichodoc.ir/ Iran Cultural Heritage Organization Documentation Center] (Persian) * [http://www.to-miras.ir/ Iran Cultural Heritage Organization Technical Office for Preservation and Restoration] (Persian) * [http://www.rcccr.org/ Iran Research Center for Conservation of Cultural Relics] * [http://www.chn.ir/ Iran Cultural Heritage News Agency] (Recommended) * [http://persepolistablets.blogspot.com/ Persepolis Fortification Archive Project] * [http://www.persepolis.ir/ Persepolis Official website] * [http://www.persiansarenotarabs.com/ Persians Are Not Arabs] * [http://oi.uchicago.edu/OI/MUS/PA/IRAN/PAAI/PAAI.html Oriental Institute Photographic Archives] (Nearly 1,000 archaeological photographs of Persepolis and Ancient Persia) * [http://www.payvand.com/news/06/mar/1212.html Publication of Old Maps of Persia (Iran) in The Netherlands] * [http://www.irantravel.biz/ Iran Cultural, Natural and Historical Attractions] * "Persian Wars", [http://www.isidore-of-seville.com/herodotus/10.html Herodotus on the Web] . * "Weaponry of Ancient Persian Armies", [http://www.farhangiran.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=5&id=38&Itemid=62 "Farhang-e Iran"] . Wikimedia Foundation. 2010. Look at other dictionaries:

https://enwiki.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enwiki/31463

Facts About Persian Empire From movies, to video games, to music, to history and even fictional stories you most likely have heard of Persia or the Persian empire, it is an incredibly popular place in human history. Interestingly, not many people know that Persia or the Persian Empire was(rather is) a real place wit real people. The place known as Persia parts of present day Iran(Yes, the famous middle eastern country you know of today). A lot in human history could be traced back to Persia, the name actually means Land of the Pers or Persis people. Most people never knew Persia is a real place because they’ve only heard of it from video games and movies that they begin to associate the place with fiction as being a fictional place. This wrong impression and many more is what we aim to correct with the collection of facts about Persian empire compiled in this article. In these list of Persian facts, we would cover virtually all important aspect of the Persian empire that should expose anyone who reads this to information and facts about the ancient Persian empire, the Persian people as well as the present day Persia. This is so you know where to look towards when discussing about Persia or the Persian empire. Without wasting any of time let’s delve into the huge compilation of facts about Persia and Persian empire. Persian Facts You Never Knew - Persia is among the oldest inhabited regions in the world. Archaeological studies suggest that human inhabited that region as far back as 100,000 years to the Paleolithic Age with semi-permanent (most likely hunting) settlements established before 10,000 BC. Currently, it is a region of southwestern Asia, situated in what is now present-day Iran and parts of Iraq. - The name Persia itself, has been as the final form of several name variations. Previously, it had been known as Persis, or alternatively as Pārs, Parsa, or, today, Fārs. - The Persian Empire is the name given to a series of dynasties centered in Persia that spanned several centuries—from the 6th century BC to the twentieth century AD. - With time, the name Persia became the generic name for the entire Iranian plateau, courtesy of the ancient Greeks and other peoples. - The Persian city of Susa (modern-day Shushan), which was first part of Elam, was founded in 4395 BC, making it one of the world’s oldest cities. - The Persian Empire emerged under the leadership of Cyrus II, who conquered the neighboring Median Empire ruled by his grandfather. From then on Cyrus was called the “shah,” or king, of Persia. Eventually he was known as Cyrus the Great. Cyrus was unlike other emperors because he showed mercy toward the cities and kingdoms he conquered. - Cyrus’s relative Darius I (known as Darius the Great) took the throne after him and built the empire to its greatest height. Darius recognized that such a large area needed to be properly structured and organized in order to function efficiently. - The Iron Age dynasty, or the Achaemenid Empire, was the World Trade Center of its time – a global hub of culture, religion, science, art and technology for more than 2 centuries prior to its defeat by Alexander the Great. - Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BC). It is situated in the plains of Marvdasht, encircled by southern Zagros mountains of Iran. The earliest remains of Persepolis date back to 515 BC. It exemplifies the Achaemenid style of architecture. UNESCO declared the ruins of Persepolis a World Heritage Site in 1979. - The Persian Empire lasted from approximately 559 BC to 331 BC. Actually, there have been several ‘Persian empires’ – with their boundaries changing over time. In general, though, the core of the Persian empires spanned across modern-day Iran and Iraq, even stretching into parts of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, among other countries. - Altogether, the Persian empire was larger than any previous empire in history, spanning a total of 5.5 million km² (equivalent to 2.1 million square miles). In addition, historians estimate that, at the height of its powers, the Persian Empire controlled a world-record 44% of the world’s population! - The Persians were the first to establish regular communication routes between Africa, Asia and Europe. They also built many new roads and developed the world’s first postal service. - During Achaemenid’s Empire, the Persians created various kind of art including metalwork, rock carvings, weaving and architecture. As the Persian Empire expanded, they encompassed other artistic centers of early civilization, a new style was formed with influences from these sources. - The Cyrus Cylinder is an ancient Persian clay cylinder, now broken into several pieces, on which is written a declaration in Akkadian cuneiform script in the name of Cyrus the Great. It dates from the 6th century BC, and was discovered in the ruins of Babylon in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) in 1879. It was created following the Persian conquest of Babylon in 539 BC, following the conquest of the Neo-Babylonian Empire by Cyrus, and its incorporation into his Persian Empire. - The Oxus Treasure, a set of Persian valuable artefacts, is a collection of about 180 surviving pieces of metalwork in gold and silver, most of which are relatively small; and around 200 coins dating to the Achaemenid Persian period. They were found by the Oxus river about 1877–1880. - According to Greek historian Herodotus, the Persians usually had large birthday feasts, featuring varieties of desserts – which they often criticized the Greeks for not including in their own meals. - Herodotus also mentions a rather alarming fact: The Persians were lovers of wine, and even used it even to give advice. So, they would discuss important affairs when drunk, and only decide, when sober the next day, whether to act on, or abandon, the decision. - Persia’s official religion was Zoroastrianism. Although there are no clearly Old Persian religious texts, their royal inscriptions contain religious exhortations, prayers, and references. - The Greco-Persian Wars hold a high place in modern ‘pop culture,’ having been re-enacted in the blockbuster 300 movie and comics franchise. Herodotus describes the armored Persian horsemen and their deathly chariots as being invincible, and a terror to all whom they faced. - Despite its military prowess, the Persian Empire began its steady descent from prominence under Xerxes, Darius’s son. His resoundingly unsuccessful campaign to invade Greece depleted the royal treasury. Yet, he remained a reckless spender upon returning home – until, finally, Persia was conquered by Alexander the Great in 334 BC. - Himself an admirer of Persia’s founder Cyrus the Great, Alexander introduced a number of Persian customs into Macedonian culture and ensured that respect for the Persian Kings was implemented within his empire. Despite the disintegration of the Persian Empire, its culture thrived for hundreds of years, eventually restoring its power by the 2nd Century BC. - The people the region have traditionally called their country Iran, “Land of the Aryans.” That name was officially adopted in 1935. - The Persian cat is a long-haired breed of cat characterized by its round face and short muzzle. It is called “Persian” because it was exported Persia. The Persian cat is one of the oldest cat breeds and can been seen depicted in hieroglyphics as early as 1684 BC. History of Persia is an important part of human history because it is one of the first known and recorded inhabited place on earth, and it is still populated till date(remember Iran is Persia). There’s only so many facts that could be covered in the list of Persian facts collected up above, some other facts about Persian empire most people do not know about would be attended to by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about Persia and Persian empire. Persian Empire FAQ - Where was Persia? Persia occupied parts of western Asia. The area known as Persia is in present day Iran in the middle east. - What is Persia known for? Persia is known for being one of the oldest inhabited places in the world. It is one of the oldest inhabited places that is still populated till date. - What was unique about ancient Persia? The unique things about ancient Persia includes the intricate metal works, artistic works, spices, architectural works, culture and a lot more. - How old is Persia? Persia is estimated to be over 100,000 years old. Being one of the oldest inhabited places on earth, it makes sense that Persia is that old. - What did the Persians invent? Algebra was invented by the Persians several thousand years ago. - What was the religion in Persia? The religion in Persia was Zoroastrian faith, this religion became the official religion of Persia in the year 650 BCE. - Who did Persia conquer? The Persians were great warriors that conquered a lot of empires like the Medes, Lydians, Neo-Babylonians, and eventually, the Egyptians. - How long did the Persian Empire last? The Persian empire lasted for 200 years after the death of Darius III in the year 330 BC. Darius III was killed by Alexander the Great. - What was ancient Persia called? Ancient Persia was called Achaemenid. - Did Persia invent chess? No, Persia did not invent chess. The history of chess is linked back to ancient India where it actually originates from. Chess is said to have been invented in the year 500 AD. - Who is Persia today? Persia today is modern day Iran. The country only started to be called Iran in the year 1935. Prior to that, it used to be known as Persia. - What is Persian Empire known for? The Persian empire is known for building trade routes connecting Africa, Asia and Europe. - How big was the Persian Empire? The Persian empire was estimated to be Two million square miles. At the height of the empire, it has 50 million people.

https://funfactoday.com/places/facts-about-persian-empire/

Rug Origin - Handmade Persian Kashmar carpet with an outstanding design and superb colours. The carpet is representing power of the Persian kings and Persian cultures. The Central Medallion of the carpet is representing Cyrus The Great and famous Persian Poet Saddi Shirazi. The Persian Empire was founded by Cyrus the Great who conquered Babylon in 536 BC. The Persian Empire succeeded the Babylonian Empire and it was Cyrus, who issued the famous decree for the Jews to return to their homeland to rebuild their Temple. Under Darius the second Temple of Zerubbabel was completed; and under Xerxes, or Ahasuerus, the events recorded in the Book of Esther in the Bible happened; under Artaxerxes the Jewish state was reformed by Ezra, and the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt by Nehemiah. The capital of the Persian Empire was Shushan.

https://shop.thamesorientalcarpets.co.uk/products/persian-kashmar-carpet-outstanding-pictorial-design-superb-colour-13-x-10-ft

The pancreas is really two glands that are intimately mixed together into one organ. The bulk of the pancreas is composed of “exocrine” cells that produce enzymes to help with the digestion of food. These exocrine cells release their enzymes into a series of progressively larger tubes (called ducts) that eventually join together to form the main pancreatic duct. The main pancreatic duct runs the length of the pancreas and drains the fluid produced by the exocrine cells into the duodenum, the first part of the small bowel. The second functional component of the pancreas is the "endocrine" pancreas. The endocrine pancreas is composed of small islands of cells, called the islets of Langerhans. These endocrine cells don’t release their secretions into the pancreatic ducts, instead they release hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, into the blood stream, and these hormones in turn help control blood sugar (glucose) levels. |Acinar cells| Acinar cells are the exocrine (exo=outward) cells of the pancreas that produce and transport enzymes that are passed into the duodenum where they assist in the digestion of food. |Islets of Langerhans||The islets of Langerhans are the endocrine (endo= within) cells of the pancreas that produce and secrete hormones such as insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. The pancreatic hormones, insulin and glucagon, work together to maintain the proper level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Blood sugar is used by the body for energy.| An understanding of the two functional components of the pancreas is important for two reasons. First, as they grow large tumors of the pancreas will interfere with both of these important bodily functions. When tumors block the exocrine system, patients can develop pancreatitis and pain from the abnormal release of digestive enzymes into the substance of the pancreas instead of into the bowel, and they can develop digestive problems, such as diarrhea, from the incomplete digestion of food. When tumors destroy the endocrine function of the pancreas, patients can develop sugar diabetes (abnormally high blood sugar levels). The second reason that the two functional components of the pancreas are important to understand is that tumors can arise in either component. The vast majority of tumors of the pancreas arise in the exocrine part and these cancers look like pancreatic ducts under the microscope. These tumors are therefore called "ductal adenocarcinomas," or simply "adenocarcinoma," or even more simply "pancreatic cancer." Less commonly, tumors arise from the endocrine component of the pancreas and these endocrine tumors are called "pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors," or "islet cell tumors" for short. The pancreas is an integral part of the digestive system, and the flow of the digestive system is often altered during the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer. Therefore it is helpful to review the normal flow of food and the flow of digestive enzymes of the pancreas before reading about surgical treatment. Food is carried from the mouth to the stomach by the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that descends from the mouth down into the abdomen. In the abdomen, the esophagus empties into the stomach where digestive acids made by the stomach break down the food. From the stomach, the partially digested food flows directly into the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. It is here in the duodenum that bile from the liver and digestive enzymes from the pancreas enter the digestive system. The duodenum then leads to the other parts of the small bowel, the jejunum and ileum, where further digestion of food takes place. The ileum then empties into the large bowel (also known as the large intestine), and finally completely digestive material passes out of the body through the anus. Bile is important to understand because the flow of bile is often blocked by pancreatic cancers, and because the flow of bile is altered during surgery for pancreatic cancer. Bile is a greenish-yellow fluid that aids in the digestion of fats in food. After being produced by cells in the liver, the bile travels down through the bile ducts which merge with the cystic duct from the gallbladder to form the common bile duct. The gallbladder stores extra bile until needed. The common bile duct then passes through the head of the pancreas and joins the pancreatic duct to form the ampulla of Vater which then empties into the duodenum. The flow of bile is indicated by the green arrows. Understanding that the tube (duct) carrying bile from the liver passes through the pancreas on its way to the intestine, helps us understand why some people with pancreatic cancer develop jaundice (an abnormal yellowing of the skin and eyes). Pancreatic cancers in the head of the pancreas (the bile duct passes through the head of the pancreas) can block the bile duct and in so doing can block the flow of bile out of the liver. The bile backs up and causes jaundice. Instead of carrying bile, the pancreatic duct carries the fluid containing the digestive enzymes produced by the acinar cells (exocrine cells) of the pancreas. The main pancreatic duct is normally only one-sixteenth of an inch in diameter and it has many small side branches. The main pancreatic duct merges with the bile duct in the head of the pancreas to form the ampulla of Vater (a widening of the duct just before it enters the duodenum). Just as was true for bile, the flow of pancreatic fluid is often blocked by tumors of the pancreas, and altered by pancreatic surgery. The flow of pancreatic fluid is indicated by the dark yellow arrow.

http://www.path.jhu.edu/pancreas/BasicOverview3.php?area=ba

Flashcards in WEEK 5 Deck (33) Loading flashcards... 1 GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM - GI system responsible for breakdown of ingested food, preparing this matter for uptake by body, providing water and eliminating waste - The organs are (in the order in which contents passes through them) Mouth, Pharynx, Oesophagus, Stomach, Small intestine, Large intestine - Accessory organs vital to GI system function→ salivary glands, liver, gallbladder and pancreas 2 DIGESTIVE FUNCTIONS - Main digestive processes performed by the digestive system are: - Ingestion of food (food enters the lumen of the GI tract, usually via the mouth) - Propulsion of food and wastes from the mouth towards the anus - Secretion of mucus, water and enzymes - Mechanical digestion of food particles (physical breakdown of food into smaller particles) - Chemical digestion of food particles (chemical breakdown of food into smaller particles) - Absorption of digested food from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream - Elimination of waste products by defecation 3 4 LAYERS OF THE GI TRACT: Serosa Outermost layer of connective tissue that supports the tract 4 4 LAYERS OF THE GI TRACT: Submucosa Contains connective tissue and larger blood vessels as well as nerves and secretory glands 5 4 LAYERS OF THE GI TRACT: Mucosa (Made up of 3 layers) Mucous epithelium - Simple columnar epithelium, lines the lumen and is therefore in direct contact with food - Scattered amongst layer are goblet cells→ secrete mucus that lubricates during food passage Lamina Propria - Consists of connective tissue and provides capillaries to the epithelial layer Muscularis Mucosae - Contains smooth muscle and sometimes glands 6 4 LAYERS OF THE GI TRACT: Muscularis (2 layers) - Inner layer of muscle orientated around the circumference of the tract - Outer layer of longitudinal muscle 7 BILIRUBIN - By product of broken down RBC→ haemoglobin in RBC breaks into haem and globin→ bilirubin product of haem breakdown - Bound to albumin and transported to liver via bloodstream→ then released in bile by liver to intestine - In intestine; processed by bacteria converting to urobilirubin (excreted in faeces; gives faeces brown colour) - Bilirubin is a pigment; makes bile green/black, large amounts tinges skin and eyes yellow in jaundice 8 COMMON SYMPTOMS OF GIS DISORDERS: - Pain → location - Loss of appetite/ vomiting - Diarrhoea/ Constipation - Maldigestion/ Malabsorption → malnutrition 9 ACID ENVIRONMENT OF STOMACH - pH = 2 - Activating pepsinogen - Denatures proteins and kills bacteria - Gastric mucosal barrier → Protective layer of mucus and bicarbonate 10 GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX (GERD) DESCRIPTION - Reflux of chyme from the stomach into the oesophagus - The oesophageal mucosa is repeatedly exposed to acids and enzymes (pepsin) in the chyme 11 GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX (GERD) CAUSE - Increased abdominal pressure→ vomiting, coughing, lifting, bending - Delayed gastric emptying→ peptic ulcers, narrowing of pyloric sphincter 12 GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX (GERD) DIAGNOSIS - Heartburn→ important differentiating from other causes of chest pain (e.g. MI) - Regurgitation of acid chyme - Upper abdominal pain within 1 hour of eating - Endoscopy - Inflammatory responses - Oedema, Tissue fragility, Erosion, Fibrosis and thickening may develop→ May develop into reflux esophagitis 13 GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX (GERD) TREATMENT - Antacids to neutralise gastric contents (6 weeks) - Smooth muscle stimulants to increase rate of gastric emptying - Surgery may be necessary to narrow the gastroesophageal sphincter 14 PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE - Exposure to acid-pepsin secretions: a break or ulceration in the protective mucosal lining - Superficial ulcers (erosion) erode only the mucosa - True ulcers erode through the muscularis mucosae, or even deeper into submucosa or muscularis and can - Damage blood vessels causing haemorrhage - Perforate the gastrointestinal wall - 2 common types: duodenal, gastric Risk factors - Long term use of NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen) - Helicobacter (H.) pylori infection of the gastric &/or duodenal mucosa- most common - Alcohol or Smoking - Traumatic events (e.g. burns, stroke) 15 DUODENAL ULCERS: DESCRIPTION - The most common type of peptic ulcer→ Most common in men and age group 20-50 - Primary defect: hypersecretion of acid & pepsin from the stomach 16 DUODENAL ULCERS: CAUSES - Infection with H. pylori, can be transmitted from person to person through close contact and exposure to vomit - Long term use of NSAIDs - Irregular meal pattern 17 DUODENAL ULCERS: SYMPTOMS - Chronic intermittent pain in the epigastric area - Empty stomach pain: 2-3 hours after eating or in the middle of the night - “Pain- food relief” pattern: ingestion of food antacids relieves the pain - If asymptomatic, the first sign may be a haemorrhage or perforation - Bleeding from duodenal ulcers causes haematemesis (brown) or melena (black stool) - Often periods of remission followed by exacerbation 18 DUODENAL ULCERS: TREATMENT - Triple therapy - Antibiotics to kill H. pylori - Acid suppressors- proton inhibitors - Stomach protectors - H. pylori can be transmitted from person to person through close contact and exposure to vomit 19 GASTRIC ULCERS (STOMACH ULCERS) - Primary defect is the increased permeability of the gastric mucosa to hydrogen ions - Occurs equally in males and females between 55-65 - Major causes are the same as duodenal ulcers Symptoms - Epigastric pain occurs immediately after eating - Usually chronic - Can progress to cancer 20 THE PANCREAS - Exocrine pancreas→ releases digestive juices through a duct→ to the duodenum - Endocrine pancreas→ releases hormones into the blood 21 ACUTE PANCREATITIS: DESCRIPTION - Life threatening - Common cause→ gallstone or beer BBQ (alcohol and fatty food) - Sudden and severe inflammatory reaction - Escape of activated pancreatic enzymes: autodigestion of the pancreas 22 ACUTE PANCREATITIS: SYMPTOMS - Severe pain: Upper left abdominal pain ; radiates to the back - Inflammation→ - Fever, nausea and vomiting,

https://www.brainscape.com/flashcards/week-5-7230544/packs/11736543

UK - Three meat levy bodies have jointly commissioned a new project to pave the way for a sustainability framework for livestock production in Great Britain. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) have appointed ADAS to deliver the £29,000 project, which will report early next year. The work is in line with the Scottish Climate Change Plan proposals and the UK Committee on Climate Change’s progress report, which make significant demands on the farming sector to reduce its climate change impact. While the project anticipates increased pressure on the livestock sector to demonstrate its sustainability credentials in future – especially in light of the focus on public goods in the Agriculture Bill – it also seeks to highlight the positives of the UK’s predominately grass-fed system. A number of countries have mechanisms for reporting the progress of their agricultural supply chain in terms of environmental impacts, including Australia and Ireland. The project will include analysis of existing sustainability frameworks globally and assessment of their relevance to British livestock production. It will identify the key components of these frameworks – such as greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and animal welfare – and the metrics associated with them to measure the current sustainability of beef and lamb production, track progress and compare with global competitors. The project’s outcomes will include recommendations on how a sustainability framework might better operate in Britain, as a first step towards putting beef and lamb supply chains in a position to actively promote their environmental credentials. Sarah Baker, AHDB Strategic Insight Manager, said: "To date, discussion has focused on the potential negative impacts of livestock on the wider environment but we want to highlight the positives of livestock production to the environment and landscape, alongside social and economic benefits. "This project is a critical first step towards the eventual development of a sustainability framework, so we can accurately measure the current and future impacts of livestock production in Great Britain." John Richards, HCC Industry Development and Relations Manager, said: "Our largely grass-fed and low-intensity livestock systems have a positive story to tell in terms of their environmental credentials. Understandably, the modern consumer demands food which impacts as little as possible on emissions and climate change, so this project will enable us to measure this accurately and have a well-evidenced case." Stuart Ashworth, Director of Economic Services, Quality Meat Scotland, said: "Sustainability credentials are increasingly being used to position product in a competitive market place. This project seeks to build a framework that will enable us to present the many positive contributions those involved in producing Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb make to sustainable ethical food production systems, while at the same time seeking to benchmark with global competitors." The work was financed from the £2 million fund of AHDB red meat levies ring-fenced for collaborative projects which is managed by Britain’s three meat levy bodies – AHDB, HCC and QMS. The fund is an interim arrangement while a long-term solution is sought on the issue of levies being collected at point of slaughter in England for animals, which have been reared in Scotland or Wales.

https://www.thecattlesite.com/news/53527/important-step-towards-measuring-managing-monitoring-beef-lambs-environmental-credentials/

This thesis shows that there are reasons for placing some trust in the possibilities of aligning business goals and environmental goals, as well as in the possibilities of increasing eco-efficiency through technological development. The possibilities, although not unlimited, are not utilised to their full potential. For the function of exploring and exploiting such possibilities further, there are also reasons for placing some hope in the development of analytical tools, based on the merging of environmental economics with economics of technology and innovations. The environmental movement takes an interest both in the avoidance of negative impact and in the promotion of activity with positive long-term effect. However, resource refinement and production of performance potential for the future is hardly an explicit environ-mental priority today. In a long-term perspective this may be critical, because all activities have some negative effect and an activity that contributes to system improvement for the future normally requires more extensive present activity than a short-term solution. The thesis contains a case study showing that Ericsson Mobile's successful product develop-ment, in business terms, involves a remarkable product development, also in environmental terms. The analysed quotient, between the performance of the mobile phone and the loss of battery metal, illustrates the development of eco-efficiency. Compared to today's hesitation surrounding the possibility of an improvement factor of 4 or 10, it is interesting to note that the results of this case study show a relative improvement of the eco-efficiency by a factor in the order of magnitude of 4000, in the ten year period from 1988 to 1998. This result illustrates how a reduction of the battery weight has resulted in improve-ments of both the phone's usefulness and its environmental load. The exact value is, however, uncertain, among other things due to the uncertainty of the analyses as well as of the relevance of the environmental valuation of the metals, but the order of magnitude of the estimated improvement is interesting. Still, it is important to note that this level of improvement factor hardly can be regarded as generally applicable. It is normally more difficult to change established technologies, e.g. in relation to production of food and houses. The long-term sustainable system should enable profitability in activities that contribute a positive net effect to the total resource potential. However, the sustainability challenge contains a basic conceptual problem in that it has been difficult to under-stand the interrelation between society's general development goals and the environmental aspects of the sustainable development goal. It is a main conclusion that there is a need of further interdisciplinary research on how to use environmental information in business development to handle the sustainability challenge. Contact Eija Hyttinen at frteh@fy.chalmers.se Reine Karlsson Department of Physical Resource Theory, School of Environmental Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology and Göteborg University Karl-Erik Eriksson, Physical Resoruce Theory, Bengt Steen, Technical Environmental Planning and Ove Granstrand, Industrial Management and Economics.

https://is4ie.org/resources/dissertations/739

Commentators and campaigners must avoid the mistake of making an environmental scapegoat of agriculture when it comes to climate change, according to the Irish Cooperative Organisation Society (ICOS). President of ICOS, Michael Spellman, outlined this key message at the 124th annual general meeting (AGM) of the organisation in Killenard, Co. Laois, this morning, Thursday, June 6. The annual meeting of Irish dairy, agrifood and mart leaders marks the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the co-operative movement in Ireland in 1894 and it was also addressed by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed, recognising the occasion. Speaking at the event, Spellman said: “The agriculture sector obviously has much to contribute to sustainability, has already made major strides in this requirement, and is playing its part in working towards a low carbon future, relative to the essential and far-reaching benefits which this vital source of food production brings to our society and the economy.” “We are also deeply aware that the environment and climate change is a lifetime challenge that affects a global population with the potential for truly catastrophic outcomes for nature and humanity if our international political, economic and industry leaders do not act in concert together to address the totality of issues involved. “In simple terms, all sectors of the economy are emitting too many greenhouse gasses. We must dramatically reduce those emissions in the short time we have left to create climate change reversal. “In Ireland, given that we have almost no heavy industry and related sectors, our emissions from agriculture form a higher than average proportion of total emissions. However, we produce food with a significantly lower environmental footprint than most of our international competitors. That must be recognised by everyone interested in this agenda. Spellman underlined the importance of not driving away food production from Ireland, only to have it produced elsewhere with higher emissions. However, he noted: “Nevertheless, we cannot, and nor do we wish to, escape our commitments to reduce our total emissions from agriculture.” The president referenced the Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve Report emissions reduction plan. “There are no quick fixes when it comes to mitigation from agriculture as methane and nitrous oxide are biological emissions. “However, the adoption of EBI (Economic Breeding Index), improved nitrogen use efficiency, uptake of protected urea measures, use of low emission spreading equipment, greater use of milk recording and extending the grazing season are all examples of practical measures that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. The critical message to farmers is that there is also a strong correlation between the uptake of these carbon efficiency measures and farm level profitability. Praising the Irish pasture-based grazing and dairy production model, Spellman said that performance must be further enhanced with improvements in animal welfare, biodiversity maintenance, and water quality and usage. He also highlighted the benefits of anaerobic digestion, both environmentally and economically, calling for “meaningful support from the Government to maximise the potential of AD biogas in Ireland”. “We should be proud of, and defend our industry, and its existing sustainability credentials built on the family farming model. “We have nothing to be ashamed of. We are the custodians of the rural environment, and we do that job well, while producing the most nutritious, safest, pasture-based beef and dairy in the world. “Last year, we ranked 2nd out of 113 countries worldwide in the Global Food Security Index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit. “We can always do better, but our policy makers cannot allow this hugely strong and valuable position to be eroded by failing to devise a sensible and effective response to our environmental commitments.” Concluding, Spellman said: “It is 125 years since this great movement was founded with the inaugural meeting of the IAOS (Irish Agricultural Organisation Society) in April 1894. The movement was borne out of a period of turbulence in rural Ireland, with the rural economy on its knees following from the long-term repercussions of the Great Famine.

https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/climate-change-campaigners-must-avoid-making-scapegoat-of-agriculture/

UNC Lineberger researchers help map the cancer genome, generate key insights UNC Lineberger researchers led two major projects to mark the finale of The Cancer Genome Atlas project, which was backed by the National Cancer Institute and National Human Genome Research Institute. In an international, multi-institution effort to map the genetic and molecular changes in cancer, University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers played leadership roles for major studies that suggest multiple new classification systems for cancer. UNC Lineberger researchers led two major projects to mark the finale of The Cancer Genome Atlas project, which was backed by the National Cancer Institute and National Human Genome Research Institute, and were involved in gene expression analysis since the beginning. “UNC Lineberger played a pivotal role in the TCGA project since its beginnings in 2006, including serving as the site for gene expression profiling and analysis throughout the lifetime of this prominent national project,” said UNC Lineberger’s Charles M. Perou, PhD, the May Goldman Shaw Distinguished Professor in Molecular Oncology, a professor of genetics, and the co-leader of UNC Lineberger’s efforts in TCGA. “These final studies that are now being released represent the culmination of more than a decade’s worth of work, and are based upon the cumulative findings coming from 10,000 different human tumors.” D. Neil Hayes, MD, MPH, formerly of UNC Lineberger and now at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s West Cancer Center, said the project has shown that genetic sequencing, like other technological advances in medicine, evolves over time. First, scientists had to wrestle with the technology itself, and then interpret the findings. Eventually, the findings transition into common clinical practice. Ultimately, he said the TCGA project reflects that cancer is a disease of DNA. “Every cancer cell has some DNA abnormality, and we now have the ability to assess this directly for the first time,” said Hayes, who is the Van Vleet Endowed Professor in the Division of Medical Oncology. “A direct assessment of the broken DNA of cancer will likely be a key step on the path to the treatment of many patients. The exact path may be different depending on the particular abnormalities in different diseases. Efforts such as the pan-cancer analysis are key papers in deciphering these abnormalities to translate into patient care.” One of the major culminating efforts of TCGA Network researchers was an analysis of thousands of tumors to classify them according to their immune responses. Using genomic analysis, the researchers evaluated many distinct immune system features of a tumor at once, and were able to identify large groups of tumors that shared common immune cell features that were also shown to predict patient outcomes. Benjamin Vincent, MD, UNC Lineberger member and assistant professor in the UNC School of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, was co-corresponding author of the study published in the journal Immunity. The study was one of 27 papers that were published the week of April 2 as part of the finale of TCGA. The project involved a collaboration by several hundred researchers, a major financial investment by the National Cancer Institute and National Human Genome Research Institute, and more than a decade’s worth of effort. The researchers intend to leverage the findings to conduct further studies to see if the subtype groupings are linked with outcomes for treatments that use the immune system to fight cancer, as well as to identify biomarkers to help identify patients who will respond to other types of cancer treatments including chemotherapeutics. “The biggest surprise to me from this effort was that there were a finite number of subtypes of cancer that span multiple tissue types,” Vincent said. “UNC Lineberger investigators are working to translate these findings into prospective clinical trials, and cutting-edge biomarker development.” UNC Lineberger’s Katherine Hoadley, PhD, assistant professor in the UNC School of Medicine Department of Genetics, was lead and co-corresponding author of a study that analyzed 10,000 tumors, across 33 different human cancer types (i.e. breast, lung, colon, ovary). The researchers, who identified an expanded classification for cancers based on their genetic and genomic alterations, reported in the journal Cell that many tumors are very similar to each other based on these molecular features that reflect the cell type of origin, in some cases beyond similarities based upon a common anatomic location. As a whole, TCGA has helped create a dictionary of alterations in cancers that other researchers can use to aid future efforts to better understand individual tumor types, the function of specific mutations, and other types of genetic abnormalities seen in cancer, Hoadley said. The data is publicly available, and next to data from the Human Genome Project, the TCGA data likely represent the most widely utilized human genomic resource. “Having this catalogue of alterations in cancer will help guide future research, it will lead to a better understanding of how these alterations, and relates to outcomes for patients, which is why we made this data publicly available,” Hoadley said. “The work of Dr. Hoadley and her colleagues on tumor subtypes, and of Dr. Vincent and colleagues on immune system-based subtypes, each represent a new classification system that is likely to make an impact in the cancer clinic,” Perou said.

http://unclineberger.org/news/mapping-cancer-genome

An impressive number of fundamental advances in our understanding of cancer have occurred over the past several decades. One of the most profound is the realization that cancer is a disease of the genome, driven by a wide array of changes in DNA—some in the germline and affecting all cells of the body, but most occurring in individual cells during life (so-called “somatic mutations”). As the technology for sequencing cancer genomes has advanced, we are learning that virtually all cancers carry a unique set of mutations. Most are DNA copying errors of no significance (we call those “passengers”), but a few of them occur in genes that regulate cell growth and contribute causatively to the cancer (we call those “drivers”). We are now learning that it may be far more important for treating cancer to figure out what driver mutations are present in a patient’s tumor than to identify in which organ it arose. And, as a new study shows, this approach even appears to have potential to help cancer’s littlest victims. Using genomic technology to analyze both tumor and blood samples from a large number of children who’d been newly diagnosed with cancer, an NIH-funded research team uncovered genetic clues with the potential to refine diagnosis, identify inherited cancer susceptibility, or guide treatment for nearly 40 percent of the children . The potential driver mutations spanned a broad spectrum of genes previously implicated not only in pediatric cancers, but also in adult cancers. The views, opinions and positions expressed by these authors and blogs are theirs and do not necessarily represent that of the Bioethics Research Library and Kennedy Institute of Ethics or Georgetown University.

https://bioethics.georgetown.edu/2016/02/study-shows-dna-sequencing-brings-greater-precision-to-childhood-cancer/

, Melloni GEM* , Gulhan DC , Park PJ** , Haigis KM** . The origins and genetic interactions of KRAS mutations are allele- and tissue-specific [Internet]. Nature Communications 2021;12(1808) Publisher's Version Abstract Mutational activation of KRAS promotes the initiation and progression of cancers, especially in the colorectum, pancreas, lung, and blood plasma, with varying prevalence of specific activating missense mutations. Although epidemiological studies connect specific alleles to clinical outcomes, the mechanisms underlying the distinct clinical characteristics of mutant KRAS alleles are unclear. Here, we analyze 13,492 samples from these four tumor types to examine allele- and tissue-specific genetic properties associated with oncogenic KRAS mutations. The prevalence of known mutagenic mechanisms partially explains the observed spectrum of KRAS activating mutations. However, there are substantial differences between the observed and predicted frequencies for many alleles, suggesting that biological selection underlies the tissue-specific frequencies of mutant alleles. Consistent with experimental studies that have identified distinct signaling properties associated with each mutant form of KRAS, our genetic analysis reveals that each KRAS allele is associated with a distinct tissuespecific comutation network. Moreover, we identify tissue-specific genetic dependencies associated with specific mutant KRAS alleles. Overall, this analysis demonstrates that the genetic interactions of oncogenic KRAS mutations are allele- and tissue-specific, underscoring the complexity that drives their clinical consequences. 2020 Färkkliä A, Gulhan DC , Casado J, Jacobson CA, Nguyen H, Kochupurakkal B, Maliga Z, Yapp C, Chen Y-A, Schapiro D, Zhou Y, Graham JR, Dezube BJ, Munster P, Santagata S, Garcia E, Rodig S, Lako A, Chowdhury D, Shapiro GI, Matulonis UA, Park PJ , Hautaniemi S, Sorger PK, Swisher EM, D'Andrea AD, Konstantinopoulos PA . Immunogenomic profiling determines responses to combined PARP and PD-1 inhibition in ovarian cancer [Internet]. Nature Communications 2020;11(1):1459. Publisher's Version Abstract Combined PARP and immune checkpoint inhibition has yielded encouraging results in ovarian cancer, but predictive biomarkers are lacking. We performed immunogenomic profiling and highly multiplexed single-cell imaging on tumor samples from patients enrolled in a Phase I/II trial of niraparib and pembrolizumab in ovarian cancer ( NCT02657889 ). We identify two determinants of response; mutational signature 3 reflecting defective homologous recombination DNA repair, and positive immune score as a surrogate of interferon-primed exhausted CD8 + T-cells in the tumor microenvironment. Presence of one or both features associates with an improved outcome while concurrent absence yields no responses. Single-cell spatial analysis reveals prominent interactions of exhausted CD8 + T-cells and PD-L1 + macrophages and PD-L1 + tumor cells as mechanistic determinants of response. Furthermore, spatial analysis of two extreme responders shows differential clustering of exhausted CD8 + T-cells with PD-L1 + macrophages in the first, and exhausted CD8 + T-cells with cancer cells harboring genomic PD-L1 and PD-L2 amplification in the second. Sieverling L, Hong C, Koser SD, Ginsbach P, Kleinheinz K, Hutter B, Braun DM, Cortés-Ciriano I , Xi R, Kabbe R, Park PJ , Eils R, Schlesner M, Group PCAWGSVW, Brors B, Rippe K, Jones DTW, Feuerbach L, Consortium PCAWG . Genomic footprints of activated telomere maintenance mechanisms in cancer [Internet]. Nature Communications 2020;11(733) Publisher's Version Abstract Cancers require telomere maintenance mechanisms for unlimited replicative potential. They achieve this through TERT activation or alternative telomere lengthening associated with ATRX or DAXX loss. Here, as part of the ICGC/TCGA Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) Consortium, we dissect whole-genome sequencing data of over 2500 matched tumor-control samples from 36 different tumor types aggregated within the ICGC/TCGA Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) Consortium to characterize the genomic footprints of these mechanisms. While the telomere content of tumors with ATRX or DAXX mutations (ATRX/DAXX trunc ) is increased, tumors with TERT modifications show a moderate decrease of telomere content. One quarter of all tumor samples contain somatic integrations of telomeric sequences into non-telomeric DNA. This fraction is increased to 80% prevalence in ATRX/DAXX trunc tumors, which carry an aberrant telomere variant repeat (TVR) distribution as another genomic marker. The latter feature includes enrichment or depletion of the previously undescribed singleton TVRs TTCGGG and TTTGGG, respectively. Our systematic analysis provides new insight into the recurrent genomic alterations associated with telomere maintenance mechanisms in cancer. 2019 Luquette JL , Bohrson CL , Sherman M , Park PJ . Identification of somatic mutations in single cell DNA sequencing data using a spatial model of allelic imbalance . Nature Communications 2019;10(1):3908. Abstract Recent advances in single cell technology have enabled dissection of cellular heterogeneity in great detail. However, analysis of single cell DNA sequencing data remains challenging due to bias and artifacts that arise during DNA extraction and whole-genome amplification, including allelic imbalance and dropout. Here, we present a framework for statistical estimation of allele-specific amplification imbalance at any given position in single cell whole-genome sequencing data by utilizing the allele frequencies of heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms in the neighborhood. The resulting allelic imbalance profile is critical for determining whether the variant allele fraction of an observed mutation is consistent with the expected fraction for a true variant. This method, implemented in SCAN-SNV (Single Cell ANalysis of SNVs), substantially improves the identification of somatic variants in single cells. Our allele balance framework is broadly applicable to genotype analysis of any variant type in any data that might exhibit allelic imbalance. Wang X, Wang S , Troisi EC, Howard TP, Haswell JR, Wolf BK, Hawk WH, Ramos P, Oberlick EM, Tzvetkov EP, Vazquez F, Hahn WC, Park PJ** , Roberts CWM** . BRD9 defines a SWI/SNF sub-complex and constitutes a specific vulnerability in malignant rhabdoid tumors . Nature Communications 2019; Abstract Bromodomain-containing protein 9 (BRD9) is a recently identified subunit of SWI/SNF(BAF) chromatin remodeling complexes, yet its function is poorly understood. Here, using a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen, we show that BRD9 is a specific vulnerability in pediatric malignant rhabdoid tumors (RTs), which are driven by inactivation of the SMARCB1 subunit of SWI/SNF. We find that BRD9 exists in a unique SWI/SNF sub-complex that lacks SMARCB1, which has been considered a core subunit. While SMARCB1-containing SWI/SNF complexes are bound preferentially at enhancers, we show that BRD9-containing complexes exist at both promoters and enhancers. Mechanistically, we show that SMARCB1 loss causes increased BRD9 incorporation into SWI/SNF thus providing insight into BRD9 vulnerability in RTs. Underlying the dependency, while its bromodomain is dispensable, the DUF3512 domain of BRD9 is essential for SWI/SNF integrity in the absence of SMARCB1. Collectively, our results reveal a BRD9-containing SWI/SNF subcomplex is required for the survival of SMARCB1 -mutant RTs.

https://compbio.hms.harvard.edu/publications/journal/nature-communications

Tweet this page! pubmed > TP53 > 4 3 Comprehensive genomic profiling of Brazilian non-small cell lung cancer patients (GBOT 0118/LACOG0418). The aim of this study was to carry out a descriptive analysis of the somatic genetic profile and co-occurring mutations of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples from patients tested with comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP). This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with NSCLC from 2013 to 2018 in Brazil and whose samples were submitted to CGP (FoundationOne or FoundationACT) using either tumor or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from plasma. We recovered 513 CGP results from patients, 457 (89.1%) of which were from tumors and 56 (10.9%) from plasma. The median age of patients was 64 years old, of which 51.6% were males. TP53 mutations were identified in 53.6% of tumor samples, KRAS mutations in 24.2%, EGFR activating mutations were detected in 22.5%, STK11 mutations in 11.6%, PIK3CA mutations in 8.8%, ALK rearrangements in 5.4%, BRAF mutations in 5.2%, and ERBB2 alterations in 4.9%. The most commonly comutated gene was TP53 . TP53 p.R337H was observed in 4.3% of samples and was associated with somatic mutations in EGFR and ERBB2 (P < 0.00001). Tumor mutational burden (TMB) analysis was available for 80.5% of samples tested, and 5.5% of samples had high TMB (≥ 20 mutations/Mb). In conclusion, this retrospective analysis of genomic data from NSCLC patients obtained by CGP showed that common abnormalities such as EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements had similar frequency to those previously described by other groups using others strategies. Additionally, our data confirm an association between TP53 p.R337H, supposedly germline in nature, and somatic mutations in genes of the HER family. SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY: This is the first report of the prevalence of driver mutations in Brazilian NSCLC patients using comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP). The frequency of the most common driver mutations in this population was similar to that previously described in Brazil. TP53 was the most commonly comutated gene across samples. TP53 p.R337H was associated with somatic mutations in EGFR and ERBB2. Most samples had low TMB; only 5.5% of samples had high TMB. Publication Date: 2020-12-15 Journal: Thoracic cancer Molecular Guided Treatments in Gynecologic Oncology: Analysis of a Real-World Precision Cancer Medicine Platform. Advanced gynecologic cancers have a poor prognosis and constitute a major challenge for adequate treatment strategies. By analyzing and targeting molecular alterations, molecular guided treatments may be a viable option for the treatment of advanced gynecologic cancers. In this single-center, real-world retrospective analysis of our platform for precision cancer medicine (PCM), we describe the molecular profiling of 72 patients diagnosed with different types of advanced gynecologic malignancies. Tumor samples of the patients were examined by next-generation sequencing panel and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In total, we identified 209 genetic aberrations in 72 patients. The ten most frequent alterations were TP53 (n = 42, 20%), KRAS (n = 14, 6.6%), PIK3CA (n = 11, 5.2%), PIK3R1 (n = 9, 4.3%), ATR (n = 8, 3.8%), PTEN (n = 8, 3.8%), BRCA1 (n = 6, 2.8%), NF1 (n = 4, 1.9%), NOTCH1 (n = 4, 1.9%), and POLE (n = 4, 1.9%), which account for more than half of all molecular alterations (52.6%). In 21 (29.1%) patients only one mutation could be detected, and 44 (61.1%) patients had more than one mutation. No molecular alterations were detected in seven (9.7%) patients. IHC detected expression of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin and epidermal growth factor receptor in 58 (80.6%) and 53 (73.6%) patients, respectively. In over two thirds (n = 49, 68.1%), a targeted therapy was suggested, based on the identified genetic aberrations. The most frequently recommended specific treatment was the combination of everolimus with exemestane (n = 18, 25 %). Based on our observations, it seems that PCM might be a feasible approach for advanced gynecologic cancers with limited treatment options. Nowadays molecular profiling of advanced gynecologic malignancies is feasible in the clinical routine. A molecular portrait should be done for every patient with an advanced therapy-refractory gynecologic malignancy to offer molecular-based treatment concepts. Publication Date: 2020-05-06 Journal: The oncologist Next generation sequencing identifies novel potential actionable mutations for grade I meningioma treatment. Meningiomas are common brain tumors that arise from the meningeal membranes that envelope the brain and spinal cord. The World Health Organization classifies these tumors into three histopathological grades. Because of tumor recurrence, treating meningiomas may be challenging even in well-differentiated grade I (GI) neoplasms. Indeed, around 5% of completely resected GI meningiomas relapse within 5 years. Therefore, identifying driver mutations in GI meningiomas through next generation sequencing (NGS) assays is paramount. The aim of this study was to validate the use of the 50-gene AmpliSeq Hotspot Cancer Panel v2 to identify the mutational status of 23 GI meningioma, namely, 12 non recurrent and 11 recurrent. In 18 out of the 23 GI meningiomas analyzed, we identified at least one gene mutation (78.2%). The most frequently mutated genes were c-kit (39.1%), ATM (26.1%), TP53 (26.1%), EGFR (26.1%), STK11 (21.7%), NRAS (17.4%), SMAD4 (13%), FGFR3 (13%), and PTPN11 (13%); less frequent mutations were SMARCB1 (8.7%), FLT3 (8.7%), KRAS (8.7%), FBWX7 (8.7%), ABL1 (8.7%), ERBB2 (8.7%), IDH1 (8.7%), BRAF (8.7%), MET (8.7%), HRAS (4.3%), RB1 (4.3%), CTNNB1 (4.3%), PIK3CA (4.3%), VHL (4.3%), KDR (4.3%), APC (4.3%), NOTCH1 (4.3%), JAK3 (4.3%), and SRC (4.3%). To our knowledge, mutations in all of these genes, except for TP53 , STK11, SMARCB1, PIK3CA, VHL, and BRAF, have never been described before in meningiomas. Hence, these findings demonstrate the viability of NGS to detect new genetic alterations in GI meningiomas. Equally important, this technology enabled us to detect possible novel actionable mutations not previously associated with GI and for which selective inhibitors already exist. Publication Date: 2019-12-25 Journal: Histology and histopathology Blood-Based Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of Appendiceal Cancers. Appendiceal cancers (ACs) are rare. The genomic landscape of ACs has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to confirm the feasibility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in ACs and characterize common genomic alterations. Molecular alterations in 372 plasma samples from 303 patients with AC using clinical-grade NGS of ctDNA (Guardant360) across multiple institutions were evaluated. Test detects single nucleotide variants in 54-73 genes, copy number amplifications, fusions, and indels in selected genes. A total of 303 patients with AC were evaluated, of which 169 (56%) were female. Median age was 56.8 (25-83) years. ctDNA NGS testing was performed on 372 plasma samples; 48 patients had testing performed twice, 9 patients had testing performed three times, and 1 patient had testing performed four times. Genomic alterations were defined in 207 (n = 207/372, 55.6%) samples, and 288 alterations were identified excluding variants of uncertain significance and synonymous mutations. Alterations were identified in at least one sample from 184 patients; TP53 -associated genes (n = 71, 38.6%), KRAS (n = 33, 17.9%), APC (n = 14, 7.6%), EGFR (n = 12, 6.5%), BRAF (n = 11, 5.9%), NF1 (n = 10, 5.4%), MYC (n = 9, 4.9%), GNAS (n = 8, 4.3%), MET (n = 6, 3.3%), PIK3CA (n = 5, 2.7%), and ATM (n = 5, 2.7%). Other low-frequency but clinically relevant genomic alterations were as follows: AR (n = 4, 2.2%), TERT (n = 4, 2.2%), ERBB2 (n = 4, 2.2%), SMAD4 (n = 3, 1.6%), CDK4 (n = 2, 1.1%), NRAS (n = 2, 1.1%), FGFR1 (n = 2, 1.1%), FGFR2 (n = 2, 1.1%), PTEN (n = 2, 1.1%), RB1 (n = 2, 1.1%), and CDK6, CDKN2A, BRCA1, BRCA2, JAK2, IDH2, MAPK, NTRK1, CDH1, ARID1A, and PDGFRA (n = 1, 0.5%). Evaluation of ctDNA is feasible among patients with AC. The frequency of genomic alterations is similar to that previously reported in tissue NGS. Liquid biopsies are not invasive and can provide personalized options for targeted therapies in patients with AC. The complexity of appendiceal cancer and its unique genomic characteristics suggest that customized combination therapy may be required for many patients. Theoretically, as more oncogenic pathways are discovered and more targeted therapies are approved, customized treatment based on the patient's unique molecular profile will lead to personalized care and improve patient outcomes. Liquid biopsies are noninvasive, cost-effective, and promising methods that provide patients with access to personalized treatment.

http://topicforest.com/search?query=_4%203&dataset_name=../data/web_content/pubmed/TP53/ingestion_run_at_2021_08_28__20_48_32/&isbreadcrumb=true

The study reported that the most common single-nucleotide substitution/deletion mutations in favorable histology Wilms tumors occur within SIX1/2, and microRNA processing genes DGCR8 and DROSHA. SIX and miRNAPG mutations were reported to be associated with RAS activation. Genomic profiling and analysis of patients with precursor B-cell ALL and those with Ph-like ALL showed that the genomic alterations that characterized Ph-like ALL might be amenable to inhibition with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. TARGET investigators used whole-exome, genome and transcriptome sequencing to determine the spectrum of somatic mutation in high-risk neuroblastoma. Tyrosine kinome sequencing of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a report from the Children's Oncology Group TARGET Project. Sequencing the tyrosine kinome and downstream signaling genes in high-risk pediatric ALL cases showed no somatic mutations aside from JAK mutations and 1 FLT3 mutation. The molecular genetic makeup of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study reported that alterations of the lymphoid transcription factor gene IKZF1 (IKAROS) are associated with a high risk of treatment failure in B-ALL and approximately 20% of B-ALL cases have genetic alterations that activate kinase signaling. Several of the novel alterations induced cancerous phenotypes in cell lines and mouse xenograft models and demonstrated sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Stratifying ALL patients may improve clinical outcomes through the use of therapies targeted to the specific genetic alteration. Outcomes for children and adolescents with cancer: challenges for the twenty-first century. Leaders from the NCI Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) and the Children’s Oncology Group provided an overview of the most current childhood cancer statistics.

https://ocg.cancer.gov/programs/target/publications?page=2

Cancer genome sequencing studies reveal that cancer result in large part from the accumulation of genetic alterations. The progression of premalignant cells is an evolutionary process in which genomic instability provides the fundamental driving force for genetic diversity. Thus, the overall goal of my laboratory is to apply the basic knowledge of genome maintenance mechanisms to cancer prevention and therapy. More specifically, recent work in my laboratory explores the following directions. - Identify genetic alterations in the DNA repair network that occur at early stage of carcinogenesis We aim to investigate the novel functions of chromatin remodeling complex SWI/SNF, human nucleases/helicases DNA2 and mutational enzyme APOBEC3B in promoting tumorigenesis by both in vitro and in vivo studies, which may lead to identification of new strategies for early detection and intervention. - Discover novel agents targeting the DNA repair network by genetic and chemical approaches We aim to utilize chemical screening and bioinformatics’ tools as our drug-discovery platforms to systematically identify chemical compounds that target the DNA repair network. We will determine whether the modulation of specific DNA repair pathways would lead a synthetic lethality interaction in premalignant cells with hyperactive DNA replication and with BRCA- and mismatch repair-deficiency. These candidate compounds will be tested for their cancer preventive and therapeutic effects. - Develop systems biology approaches to understand the dynamics of the DNA repair network in tumor evolution We aim to utilize network-based mathematical modeling and molecular biology approaches to understand and target the DNA repair network. These new interdisciplinary approaches will offer a revolutionary conceptual framework to determine the compound effect of the DNA repair network rather than focusing on an individual repair gene’s function in tumorigenesis.

https://gsbs.uth.edu/directory/profile?id=51beb44b-6179-4d96-bdd3-878c4de2042e

This article is brought to you by Plastics News. Bisphenol A has been removed from California’s list of harmful chemicals, at least for the time being. A California judge granted a preliminary injunction Friday in the American Chemistry Council’s case against a division of the state’s Environmental Protection Agency. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment had quietly announced its decision to include the controversial polycarbonate component on the so-called Proposition 65 list on April 11. But ACC asked the courts to freeze the listing until after a decision in its pending lawsuit, filed against OEHHA in Sacramento County Superior Court on March 15. ACC’s lawsuit says the new attempt to get BPA on the Prop 65 list — using a different mechanism but the same scientific studies — amounts to circumventing the state’s scientific process by allowing administrative staff to override the scientific panel’s 2009 decision. For the full article please refer to the Plastics News link above.

https://www.nexreg.com/apr-24-us-judge-removes-bpa-from-californias-prop-65-list

Washington, D.C. — Today rulings were issued in both West Virginia and the U.S. District Court demonstrating the need for Environmental Protection Agency standards that are based on the overwhelming scientific consensus that pollution from mountaintop removal coal mining and coal waste disposal threatens Appalachian streams. Today the West Virginia Environmental Quality Board ruled that the state’s Clean Water Act permit for a mountaintop removal mine, Patriot Mining Company’s New Hill West mine, is unlawful because it does not limit harmful pollution that degrades water quality. Also today the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in the coal industry case challenging a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance document meant to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act and protect Appalachian communities from extreme mountaintop removal mining pollution. This court found that, to protect Appalachian streams from the harm caused by mining pollution, EPA should have issued a formal regulation instead of a guidance document. On these grounds, the court vacated the EPA’s conductivity guidance. The West Virginia Environmental Quality Board decision demonstrates that the science is clear and stricter permits are necessary to protect Appalachian waterways from coal mining pollution, including very high levels of conductivity and total dissolved solids that harm aquatic life. The EPA relied on these same studies to support its final guidance, and although the federal court ruled against the guidance, nothing in its decision questioned the scientific consensus behind the guidance. The federal court ruling also does not affect the West Virginia Environmental Quality Board decision. In July 2011, the EPA issued this final guidance following its own two extensive peer-reviewed scientific reports, as well as multiple independent peer-reviewed scientific reports, that all found that mountaintop removal mines create lasting, irreparable harm to streams and water quality. In light of these scientific reports, EPA issued the guidance to assist its staff in meeting longstanding and well established requirements of the Clean Water Act. This final guidance also came after the EPA’s consideration of 60,000 public comments. Sierra Club and Appalachian Mountain Advocates won the case in front of the West Virginia Environmental Quality Board. In the federal case, the Sierra Club, Coal River Mountain Watch (WV), Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition (WV), West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards (VA), and Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment (TN) — represented by Earthjustice and the Appalachian Mountain Advocates — opposed this coal mining industry lawsuit as intervenors in support of EPA’s effort to follow the Clean Water Act, consider the latest science, and protect America’s waters from destruction. The following are their statements: "Our people's health and the survival of our communities depend on strong enforcement of the laws and regulations intended to protect us from pollution. Since the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection chooses instead to enable unfettered pollution from mountaintop removal, we must rely on the U.S. EPA. It is a victory to see the state environmental quality board affirm fundamental requirements of the Clean Water Act. Because the science is clear on what we need to do to protect our waters, we hope that today’s court decision does not weaken EPA's resolve to protect us from mountaintop removal, which is increasingly linked to deadly human health problems."

http://www.kftc.org/press/releases/two-water-cases-citizens-win-wv-epa-rebuffed-federal-court

Empowering Wind-Farm Development in Ontario: Dixon v MOE As wind farms become an increasingly common sight in Ontario’s rural communities, disputes among residents and green-energy developers are likely to occur with ever-greater frequency. In the past two years, the Environmental Review Tribunal (“ERT”) has heard a number of complaints regarding the approval of wind-farm projects by the Ministry of the Environment. In this post, I will look at a recent Ontario Superior Court of Justice (“ONSC”) divisional court decision—Dixon v Director, Ministry of the Environment, 2014 ONSC 7404—endorsing three ERT review hearings allowing wind-turbine developments to go ahead. The court ultimately shot down a constitutional challenge that, if successful, would have had a massive impact on the province’s burgeoning green-energy sector. Background The case before the ONSC involves a trio of wind-farm developments in Huron and Bruce counties. The appellants in each case are residents opposing the construction and operation of wind turbines near their properties, in part on the grounds that the developments pose a threat to human health. The appellants argued that the MOE’s approval of the projects was “constitutionally flawed” (para 7) and that the ERT hearings were procedurally unfair. In particular, the appellants contended that, as a matter of law, the ERT erred in failing to find that provisions of the Environmental Protection Act, RSO 1990, c E19 [EPA], pertaining to the protection of human health are constitutionally invalid. The EPA provisions at issue were s. 142.1(3)—which limits ERT hearings to instances in which serious harms to human health are being alleged—and s. 145.2.1(2)—which places the onus on the complainant to prove that a renewable-energy development will cause “serious harm to human health,” a standard the appellants claimed was “impossibly high to achieve as a practical matter” (para 45). Among other remedies, the appellants sought a declaration from the court that “the harms associated with living in close proximity to industrial wind turbines are sufficient to engage section 7 of the Charter” (para 8). Analysis In their complaint before the ERT, the appellants attempted to show that the construction and operation of the wind farms would have adverse health effects, that this deprivation was “state-imposed” (para 48), and that the correct threshold for establishing a s. 7 Charter claim is proof of physical harm that is “non-trivial and clinically significant” (para 49). Additionally, the appellants submitted in their factum that “the imposition of a standard that requires claimants to prove ‘serious harm’ is arbitrary and grossly disproportionate to the interest at stake” and that “the ‘precautionary principle’ should be included as a tenet of fundamental justice” (para 52). The ONSC accepted that there was “sufficient causal connection” (para 55) between government (which granted licences to the private firms that wished to build and operate the wind farms) and the alleged harm to warrant consideration of a Charter claim. However, the court held that the ERT correctly rejected the substance of the appellants’ constitutional argument. Firstly, the ONSC found that the statutory language cited above “closely tracks the jurisprudential requirement that in order to establish a violation of security of the person a claimant must demonstrate ‘serious’ harm” (para 60). Secondly, the court found that the statutory test does not depart from the “consensus scientific view” (para 66) about the impact of wind turbines on human health. Finally, the court rejected the appellants’ motion for leave to adduce fresh evidence. The latter decision is crucial in light of the evolving science (or at least the proliferation of scientific studies) regarding the impact of wind turbines and low-frequency sound on human health. Notably, in an earlier ERT hearing, a Health Canada scientist involved in a study on wind turbines appeared as a witness for one of the appellants. In the case currently under consideration, the ONSC allowed the appellants to file the preliminary summary of the study (which had subsequently been released) “for the limited purpose of assessing the constitutional validity, or reasonableness, of the statutory harm test contained in [the EPA]” (para 82). Ultimately, this study failed to support the appellants’ position, as it “expressly disclaim[ed] that its results permit drawing any conclusions about causality” between wind turbines and human health (para 87). Conclusion Arguably, the most intriguing aspect of this case is the way scientific (and quasi-scientific) evidence was used in an attempt to establish a Charter claim, given the complexity of the issues and the multitude of competing claims. In support of their cause, the appellants adduced evidence from a variety of lay and expert witnesses, including their own testimony and that of specialists (such as acousticians and government officials) and so-called “post-turbine witnesses” (i.e., people in the province who have lived near wind turbines and complained of health problems). Ultimately, the ERT (and the ONSC, which affirmed its decisions) concluded that the appellants failed to discharge the evidentiary burden of establishing a causative link between wind turbines and serious harms to human health. However, the issue of green-energy development in rural communities remains a live one. It will be interesting to see what novel legal arguments or fresh scientific evidence is put forward by landowners who find themselves in opposition to an unwelcome neighbour.

https://www.thecourt.ca/empowering-wind-farm-development-in-ontario-dixon-v-moe/

Learning and memory during aggression in Drosophila: handling affects aggression and the formation of a "loser" effect. Short and long-lasting behavioral consequences of agonistic encounters between male Drosophila melanogaster. Learning and memory associated with aggression in Drosophila melanogaster. Handling alters aggression and "loser" effect formation in Drosophila melanogaster. Regulation of aggression by obesity-linked genes TfAP-2 and Twz through octopamine signaling in Drosophila. Tailless and Atrophin control Drosophila aggression by regulating neuropeptide signalling in the pars intercerebralis. Learning and memory in Drosophila: behavior, genetics, and neural systems. Self-structuring properties of dominance hierarchies a new perspective.

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Learning-and-memory-during-aggression-in-handling-a-Trannoy-Kravitz/3034ed6ee974fcb29b6983ced229a61f8108864c

The following is an excerpt from Live Empowered! by Dr. Julie Lopez, founder of The Viva Center. Common Misconceptions about Brain-Based Therapy There are many misconceptions about brain-based therapy. However, as is often the case, hearing about these approaches to treatment and actually experiencing them are two different things. The following are the three most common misconceptions my clients have shared. Misconception #1: You Have To Be Able to Pinpoint and Recall Distressing Events to Reprogram Neural Networks In the past, people have felt like they have to know the story of their distress in order to get over it. They may have thought that without intellectually knowing the data, they could never heal from it. Today, we know that is not the case based on the work of Sandra Paulsen and her extensive studies of implicit memory. You don’t have to know the facts of your story to be able to reprogram the symptoms or the outcomes. You don’t have to know the facts of your symptoms’ origins, and you don’t have to do the analysis. The code in your implicit memory system can be changed without the need to understand it or analyze it. This reality is a golden ticket for those without access to their history. It also saves countless hours and dollars in treatment understanding this truth. Although an intellectual understanding can be very grounding, it is not required to heal or make changes in daily performance or well-being. Misconception #2: In Order for Trauma to Be Healed, It Must Be Relived and Retold Countless clients have said they were initially reluctant to work on traumatic experiences of any kind because they didn’t want to relive the disappointments, heartaches, or terrors of their lives, especially considering how hard they had worked day in and day out to forget about those unfortunate circumstances. Most clients had consciously or unconsciously made pacts with themselves not to dwell on what couldn’t be changed. With brain- or body-based therapeutic approaches, it is not necessary to relive overwhelming experiences in order to heal from them. Although there may be parts of experiences that are recalled in the process, it is not necessary for reprogramming. Brain- and body-based therapies do not operate on linear recounting or recall. During a session, you may experience a flash of memory from time to time, but that’s temporary. The work takes place primarily within your neural networks. The experience is different for everyone, but any memories tend to go by in a fast, nonsensical way—a far cry from having to relive a painful experience. Misconception #3: Everyone’s Experience Is the Same Our neural networks are fascinatingly complex systems, each as unique to the individual as their fingerprints. Because of the complex processes in which these networks are laid, the experience and delivery of brain-based therapy is different from person to person and leads to different outcomes. Practitioners can see the difference in these client experiences with brain- or body-based therapeutic work firsthand. Some clients exhibit some form of outward sign of processing: changes in breathing, physical tics, or uncontrollable laughing, shaking, or rocking. Sometimes, the experience doesn’t bring about a physical response at all. Clients sometimes report more visual processing or a series of sounds or feelings. Whatever the case for the client, the general protocols of how the treatments are administered by the practitioner remain the same and ultimately bring about desired outcomes. How Brain-Based Therapy Works Brain-based therapy is a rich and growing field. As one might expect when working with neural networks, each methodology is a nuanced, complicated process. However, it’s also client-directed. Regardless of methodology, practitioners at my center use the following high-level framework to guide their process. Step #1: Develop Rapport and Trust for the Process The cornerstone for effective therapeutic work is in developing both connection and safety within the relationship. I don’t mean general trust, but rather that type of feeling that comes from deeply understanding on every level (especially subconsciously) that you are in good hands. This is a foundation for doing this direct work with implicit memory, and the time it takes to establish it can vary from person to person. For example, if a client has had negative experiences with trust in general, the process can be longer than for a person who has had close, consistent, and dependable people in their lives. Step #2: Understand the Lay of the Land Understanding a person’s general history and life experiences is very important in this type of delicate work—both for the client and for the practitioner. Ideally, when working nonverbally, a client has internal resources that can be called upon should unknown pockets of experience come up. Remember that this is not a linear process. It is also not verbal. The clinician needs to be aware of a client’s abilities and limitations when it comes to tolerating distress and negotiating overwhelming terrain. Sometimes in this part of the process, the clinician will decide that it is in the best service of the work to take time to build internal and external resources for the client. Internal resources are things like health practices—exercise, meditation, nutrition, and sleep routines—as well as simple at-home therapeutic techniques to teach the client how to help their system grow in its ability to regulate. External resources are supports like online support forums, books, people, groups, and community to build a client’s options for help and well-being outside of themselves. Step #3: Identify the Problem When people want to change something, they often speak in terms of their lives and what they want to accomplish. “Instead of missing that promotion because I’m not getting high ratings from the people I manage, I want to be rated better and do things that will make me a better manager.” Or “I am really trying to take my company to a new level, and I need to improve my discipline and ability to focus.” Or “I would be happier if, instead of waking up five times a night, I could sleep through the night.” Or “Instead of pushing my partner away, I would like to be intimate with them.” We look at the situation that the client wants to manifest or change and work together to discover how any core messaging or functioning in their implicit memory could be sabotaging whatever it is they’re trying to accomplish. These core beliefs are the entry points to get into the implicit memory networks—the encoded experiences and fears that send messages such as “I’m going to die,” “I’m not safe,” “I’m disgusting,” or “I’m a failure.” Please note that oftentimes when the targeted networks were formed from preconscious, preverbal material, we may be using body sensations as the entry vehicle. For example, one client of mine presented with OCD symptoms around clothing order in her closet. She’d had some experiences before she was two years old that ended up being responsible for her extreme distress when things were out of order (in her idea of things). She did not remember those early years of her life as an infant/toddler when her parents took her out of their war-torn country. She didn’t recall even her first years in relative safety as a refugee. But the precipitant to the hours she would spend aligning her hangers in her closet and making sure each clothing item was properly oriented and in order of color, style, and season, her body had very stark sensations. Her stomach would be in knots. Sometimes, she would develop a specific type of piercing headache. These bodily experiences became our entry point into the implicit memory network associated with her extreme need for order. Usually, these encoded messages don’t manifest consciously. For instance, a woman may shower every day, contribute to the well-being of the planet, and engage in healthy relationships with friends and partners. However, encoded deep in her neural pathways is the idea that she is disgusting and worthless—an idea that has plagued her unconscious since a difficult experience she had as a young girl. For the most part, she can get by just fine even with this encoded message, but one day, it might sabotage an important goal or relationship. For instance, she might hold herself back from submitting a large, high-dollar proposal, or she might think twice about applying to speak on a big stage. To her, the foot dragging seems illogical. She wants to do these things, but the encoded messages in her neural networks are driving the show without her conscious consent or intellectual understanding. Step #4: Access the Hidden Control Panel Once a client has shared as much information as they can, we can then be better equipped to find the more sensor data that is likely an indicator of what codes may be in the hidden panel related to the therapeutic goal. This hidden panel rarely operates in the conscious mind, but because it’s always running in the background, it can dramatically impact a person’s mood, physical well-being, and ability to perform in their life. The specifics of the entry point don’t matter as much as the fact that there is an entry point. That said, certain entry points for different therapeutic approaches are contraindicated. If someone says they have a history of migraines, for instance, a practitioner will want more information before proceeding. What is their medical history? Is the client on any medications, and do they have any allergies? Do they have a history of anything more serious, such as seizures? Depending on the answers, a practitioner may choose not to use EMDR, instead electing to use a method of bilateral stimulation that will be tactile rather than visual or choosing Brainspotting or Neurofeedback. Step #5: Reprogram the Network Once we have tapped into a client’s hidden control panel, we can make profound changes in the ways they experience their daily lives. Often, the strongest core beliefs result from early childhood experiences, a fact that was reinforced for me time and again during my work at the rape crisis center. Although each client’s story was unique, involving different people, scenarios, and disappointments, the more stories I heard, the more apparent it became to me that the earlier the experience, the deeper the impact. A horrifying experience such as rape, for instance, is traumatic at any age. However, the earlier the trauma, the more far-reaching implications it can have into different areas of a person’s life. Early experiences create important building blocks in our internal quest to thrive in our lives. Subsequent experiences then build on what is already known by the brain. Adding to this, the earlier the experience, the more it tends to be spread out across various neural networks—and the more complicated it can be for clients to reprocess and reprogram the experience. This step involves utilizing information already available to the client, as well as experiences that the client has had that have given contradictory data to their system, especially data in the service of their goals. During this time period, no matter the therapeutic approach, more adaptive data is discovered, installed, and reprogrammed into the implicit memory system so that a new code consistent with supporting the client’s goals are the new default belief. Step #6: Make Any Follow-Up Behavioral Changes Needed Again, no matter the brain- or body-based approach being used, once there is a new set point for functioning, any new behaviors that are necessary to accomplish that original goal must be incorporated. Different than before, now there is not data in the implicit memory serving to derail progress. For the client who came in saying she wanted to get better performance ratings at work and thereby not be passed by for the next promotion, she would now find it much easier to implement any communications adjustments, relationship improvements, or visibility practices toward that stated goal. Just because someone’s implicit memory has been rewired, it does not mean that they suddenly have the modeling, practice, and conditioning needed to be their own best advocate. This final step is about working this behavioral aspect of any desired change. To learn more about brain-based therapies, check out Dr. Julie’s book, Live Empowered: Rewire Your Brain’s Implicit Memory to Succeed in Business, Love, and Life. To schedule an appointment for EMDR, Brainspotting, or Neurofeedback at The Viva Center, click here.

https://www.vivapartnership.com/optimal-living/brain-based-therapy-101/

Calcyon regulates activity-dependent internalization of α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate (AMPA) glutamate receptors and long-term depression of excitatory synapses. Elevated levels of calcyon are consistently observed in brains from schizophrenic patients, and the calcyon gene is associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Executive function deficits are common to both disorders, and at least for schizophrenia, the etiology appears to involve both heritable and neurodevelopmental factors. Here, we show with calcyon-overexpressing Cal OE transgenic mice that lifelong calcyon upregulation impairs executive functions including response inhibition and working memory, without producing learning and memory deficits in general. As response inhibition and working memory, as well as the underlying neural circuitry, continue to mature into early adulthood, we functionally silenced the transgene during postnatal days 28-49, a period corresponding to adolescence. Remarkably, the response inhibition and working memory deficits including perseverative behavior were absent in adult CalOE mice with the transgene silenced in adolescence. Suppressing the calcyon transgene in adulthood only partially rescued the deficits, suggesting calcyon upregulation in adolescence irreversibly alters development of neural circuits supporting mature response inhibition and working memory. Brain regional immunoblots revealed a prominent downregulation of AMPA GluR1 subunits in hippocampus and GluR2/3 subunits in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the CalOE mice. Silencing the transgene in adolescence prevented the decrease in hippocampal GluR1, further implicating altered fronto-hippocampal connectivity in the executive function deficits observed in the CalOE mice. Treatments that mitigate the effects of high levels of calcyon during adolescence could preempt adult deficits in executive functions in individuals at risk for serious mental illness.

https://augusta.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/calcyon-upregulation-in-adolescence-impairs-response-inhibition-a

Abstract: We introduce a radical new approach to endowing neural networks with access to long-term and large-scale memory. Architecting networks with internal multigrid structure and connectivity, while distributing memory cells alongside computation throughout this topology, we observe that coherent memory subsystems emerge as a result of training. Our design both drastically differs from and is far simpler than prior efforts, such as the recently proposed Differentiable Neural Computer (DNC), which uses intricately crafted controllers to connect neural networks to external memory banks. Our hierarchical spatial organization, parameterized convolutionally, permits efficient instantiation of large-capacity memories. Our multigrid topology provides short internal routing pathways, allowing convolutional networks to efficiently approximate the behavior of fully connected networks. Such networks have an implicit capacity for internal attention; augmented with memory, they learn to read and write specific memory locations in a dynamic data-dependent manner. We demonstrate these capabilities on synthetic exploration and mapping tasks, where our network is able to self-organize and retain long-term memory for trajectories of thousands of time steps, outperforming the DNC. On tasks without any notion of spatial geometry: sorting, associative recall, and question answering, our design functions as a truly generic memory and yields excellent results. Submission historyFrom: Tri Huynh [view email] [v1] Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:10:01 UTC (720 KB) [v2] Wed, 25 Sep 2019 21:18:45 UTC (816 KB) [v3] Thu, 27 Feb 2020 22:26:05 UTC (1,119 KB) Full-text links: Download: (license) Current browse context:

https://arxiv.org/abs/1906.05948

The freshwater habitats of semi-aquatic carnivores in Europe have undergone substantial alterations due to regulation and construction of artificial watercourses. We compared seasonal estimates of otter Lutra lutra food composition with concomitantly collected data on fish availability and otter holt location in a strongly human-modified ecosystem comprising the upper stretches of the Wieprz-Krzna Canal, the longest artificial waterway in Poland, and an associated regulated river. Concrete lining of the canal, extreme water level variation and regular vegetation clearance to enhance water flow substantially limited otter food and shelter resources, yet the canal offered attractive habitats for some fish and hibernating amphibians, while otter resting sites were available at the closely adjacent river. The taxonomic composition of fish in the otter diet, reconstructed based on faecal analysis, was largely reflected in electrofishing catches. Fish communities in our study area were numerically dominated by small-sized species and otters fed on very small fish (median seasonal total lengths: 46-54 mm). Either the smaller fish in the population were taken or prey sizes did not differ from those available. The significant contribution of amphibians and waterbirds to otter diet (seasonally 41-75% in terms of biomass) indicated poor fish supplies for otters in the canal-river system. High trophic diversity, compared to other otter studies in temperate climatic conditions, indicates that otters facing unstable food conditions exhibit great flexibility in their diet, which may facilitate colonisation of anthropogenic, depauperate environments. Otter occurrence provides little opportunity for conflict with human economic interests in ecosystems that are highly managed for purposes other than fish production. Since anthropogenic habitats are typically poor in some resources, such as shelter structures, their suitability for otters can be enhanced by ensuring good connectivity with nearby less-disturbed habitats, where the necessary resources can be supplemented. You have requested a machine translation of selected content from our databases. This functionality is provided solely for your convenience and is in no way intended to replace human translation. Neither BioOne nor the owners and publishers of the content make, and they explicitly disclaim, any express or implied representations or warranties of any kind, including, without limitation, representations and warranties as to the functionality of the translation feature or the accuracy or completeness of the translations. Translations are not retained in our system. Your use of this feature and the translations is subject to all use restrictions contained in the Terms and Conditions of Use of the BioOne website.

https://bioone.org/journals/wildlife-biology/volume-19/issue-4/12-104/Resource-availability-and-use-by-Eurasian-otters-Lutra-lutra-in/10.2981/12-104.short

Ecology: The study of a how organisms relate to their environment. That which follows was inspired by a lecture series presented by: Dr. Alan D. Thornhill, Biologist May 17-19, 2002 at the Quaker Retreat Center Richmond, Indiana Table of Contents: ABC's of Life Biological Controls of Growth Resource Use (K) (My sincere apologies to all biologists/ecologists for the over-simplifications contained below) ABC's of Life Return to Table of Contents Over time, assuming that resources (food) are available, the intrinsic nature of any population -- from alligators to humans to zebras -- is to grow! Surpluses and increases in food availability allow populations to grow at exponential rates. Biological Controls of Growth In naturally occurring systems (not human-made), food availability does not continually increase over time. Biological events (environmental resistance) occur that allow a population to stabilize and be in balance with food availability. Biological Controls of Growth fall into three basic categories of Environmental Resistance: The impact of a abiotic events are measured in terms of both frequency and duration. Event Event Frequency Duration of System Recovery (Environmental Impact) Branch Fall in Forest High Frequency Short Recovery Volcano Eruption Low Frequency Long Recovery 2) Biotic (biological) factors that contribute to limiting a population size include examples such as: Disease, Resource Availability, Predators, Competitors. Environmental resistance creates a continuum or gradient for a population within the environmental system. Resource Use (K) A population in balance with its environment can be sustained for an indefinate period of time. The size of the population for a particular species is expressed in terms of K. K is the carrying capacity of an environment for a specific species. Resources are not evenly distributed across the surface of the earth. Certain temperate geographical regions can produce food predictably year round. Other regions have volatile environments and abundant food supplies are not predictable. K in the United States of America is very large relative to other regions of the earth due to large swaths of arable land. For thousands of years, these areas were home to tall praries which produced an extremely thick horizon of organic material compared to the rest of the world. By way of comparison KUSA is very large when contrasted with KChile -- where nearly 1/3 of the country is desert. K values of all regions (land and seas) added together equal KGlobal In a given year, weather conditions may be such that there is an abundance of ground cover. This ground cover equates to a surplus of hare food eventually resulting in a gradual increase in the hare population. It happens that one of the lynx preferred food is the hare. With the increase in hare population it can be expected that after a brief time-lag, the lynx population will begin to increase in response to the availability of surplus lynx food. The hare population will not become excessive as the lynx will pick off the largest, fattest, slowest -- pregnant -- hare. Over time, the hare population will fluctuate via factors other than predation -- such as weather. What of the lynx population that is dependant upon the availability of hare for its survival? What happens to the lynx when the hare population decreases? There will be a slight time-lag and the Lynx population will begin decreasing. Lynx will be spending more time running and chancing prey and not as much time producing off-spring. Females will abort pregnancies under stress (not even knowing they were pregnant). This is how biology works. There will not be massive starvation among the lynx population. There will be Lynx getting skinny and not reproducing...not by choice...but by biology. There are an abundance of biological mechanisms that slow and arrest population growth before starvation among a population occurs.

http://myearthwatchexperience.com/Essential%20Ecology.htm

Can you imagine finding success in every venture that you pursue? You can, and you will. Granted, it is seldom easy, but it is simple. Almost any pursuit can be mastered by utilizing the following simple, eight-step process. 1. Dream! Your dreams set the stage for your accomplishments. That’s why it is so important to dream big! At the point of allowing yourself to dream, do not allow any limits to your thoughts. Simply dream. Write down your dreams and review them. Consciously think about how you would feel when each of your dreams becomes reality. Your brain does not make a determination between dreams and reality so it believes all that it stores. Believe that your dreams will come true. See them in your mind as reality! Be expectant. Anticipate success. 2. Establish your desired goals. Write them down. This is where you go to work on your dreams. You cannot hit a target that you cannot see. In the same manner, you will find it difficult to achieve a goal that you haven’t identified and written down. Your brain immediately goes to work, sifting through its cumulative records and all your memories, to construct a strategy for achieving those goals. Review these written goals frequently, especially before sleeping and immediately upon rising in the morning. Encourage yourself to stay focused upon the goals you select. In the absence of your written goals, your brain will go to work on something of its own choosing, perhaps even a plan inspired from a television show. Remember, your mind does not discriminate between fact and fantasy. 3. Layout your plan (in writing) to achieve your goals. Identify, in detail, the steps necessary to achieve each of your goals. Be certain to include anticipated obstacles and your intentions for dealing with each of them. Lay out a timetable listing each step and each obstacle relative to your successful achievement of your goal. 4. Take massive action. Be persistent. Never quit. Now that you have identified what it will take and what stands in your way towards achieving your goals, identify the action steps necessary. Be very specific in determining the actions necessary for each stage and obstacle. Write everything down. Now it is time to get busy. The best plans imaginable are impotent without action, lots of action. Do not ever consider quitting as an option. Be persistent. Adopt an attitude that you will not allow yourself to be denied. 5. Pay particular attention to what is working and what is not. “I can’t do much about the wind, but I can adjust my sails” is an old saying that proves especially useful here. Take action. Work smart and hard. Notice what is working for you? In the same manner, what is not? It makes little sense to keep pursuing a line of action that is of little value or becomes counter productive. Be smart. Keep alert. 6. Make necessary adjustments to your plan and strategy. Go back to step 4. Make necessary adjustments to your action strategy on a continuous basis. Always be paying attention to your plan and your relative position on your timeline. Your plan is an effective strategy towards achieving your goals and your dreams only to the extent that you have designed it to work for you. As you make alterations, take massive action again and monitor all aspects of your plan continuously. 7. When your goal is achieved, be thankful. Then bathe in the warmth of your success. Take time to enjoy the wonderful culmination of your plan. Paying attention to this process will enable you to know precisely when you have achieved your goal! Demonstrate an attitude of gratitude. Be thankful for your abilities, your persistence and those who have been of help to you. Enjoy your success. Enjoy the feelings that fill your mind. Remember them. Allow this euphoria to motivate you for your next achievement. 8. Set new goals and begin the process again. Now that you have tasted success, start the whole process over again with another goal or dream, this time with even more positive expectancy than the first. This simple, eight-step strategy has been proven again and again over time by thousands of people from all walks of life and circumstances. There is no mention of the word “if” anywhere in this strategy, only “when.” Adopt this simple yet powerful strategy and make it your own. It will produce the results you have only dreamed of thus far.

https://positivearticles.com/your-8-step-strategy-for-success/

The Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America (Corrona), one of the largest real-world prospective data sets for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), has expanded to include datasets for other autoimmune diseases, including gout, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriatic arthritis/spondyloarthropathy, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis. Leslie R. Harrold, chief scientific officer at Corrona LLC, explained that the “goal is to gain a deeper understanding of patterns of care, effectiveness and safety outcomes in autoimmune diseases.” Since 2011, over 430 abstracts at medical conferences and 144 manuscripts were created using data collected through Corrona. Read the full article to understand how this data is used in assessing treatment effectiveness and safety of medications: https://www.healio.com/rheumatology/rheumatoid-arthritis/news/online/%7B426b1f70-8ddd-4e9b-9f4c-5249fa43f437%7D/corrona-leveraging-big-data-for-improved-patient-outcomes DADOS allows clinicians to monitor their patients’ progress and adjust their treatment plans as necessary, and can also prospectively collect data to power research initiatives.

https://www.dadosproject.com/2019/10/how-big-data-improves-patient-outcomes/

You can do this via the website http://my.thetruthspy.com or use SMS commands. On the website, login to your account > open page Cell info > adjust TheTruthSpy parameters as you want > Save. The new settings will be applied to TheTruthSpy on the target phone in the next sync. With SMS commands: you need to set a monitor number first, then use this monitor number to send SMS commands to the target phone number. Then, based on your need, you can choose suitable command in the List of SMS remote control commands part of the user guide document...

https://support.thetruthspy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115003125494-How-to-activate-TheTruthSpy-features-without-touching-the-target-phone-

Be active on vaccines! The event organized last 28 of February by Active Citizenship Network at the European Parliament took place in a very favorable European context for vaccination: the European Commission on-going public consultation on strengthening the cooperation against vaccine preventable diseases and the motion for resolution on vaccine hesitancy in the European Parliament. The event hosted a well-attended panel discussion that brought together MEPs, the Deputy Director General DG SANTE, the European Health Parliament, WHO Europe, leading national public health and vaccinology experts (from Ireland and Italy), NGOs and patients’ organisation. A strong engagement by all stakeholders to tackle issue of low vaccination coverage and equity in access to vaccination was demonstrated. Key discussion topics included: - The need for strong political commitment to immunisation as priority and partnerships being pivotal in achieving high regional vaccination coverage rates - The need to reinforce life-course vaccination, from both a public health and economic perspective - The need for individual electronic immunisation records to monitor vaccination coverage rates, at national and European level - The recent Italian achievement introducing with thenew Life-course immunisation calendar aligning the scientific world and healthcare practitioners and proposing the most complete immunisation programme in Europe. Reminders on the benefits of vaccination were provided covering: - Childhood, adolescent and adult immunisation - The role of healthcare professionals - Reduction of Antimicrobial resistance - Contribution to healthcare system sustainability The European Commission is actively working to tackle the issue of low vaccination coverage in Europe. It recently launched a policy initiative to support Countries of the European Union in strengthening vaccination coverage, which will be presented by the end of April or beginning of May. This initiative aims to strengthen cooperation across the EU and coordination among Member States, create EU added value and bring industry and stakeholders together to enhance vaccine policy. In particular, this initiative would i) foster alignment of vaccination schedules across the EU; ii) tackle vaccine hesitancy; iii) strengthen vaccine research and supply; and iv) generate equitable access to vaccines, reaching out to the most vulnerable. To ensure this is in tune with the aspirations of EU citizens, the Commission has launched an Open Public Consultation on this initiative. This is a unique opportunity the European Commission is providing to all stakeholders to express their opinions and ideas in order to reach this goal. We strongly believe that vaccination is a right and an extraordinary instrument of public health, which must be known, valued, disseminated and used well in the interest of individuals and the community. Due to their cross-border nature and the challenges to national vaccination programmes, there is need for common EU action and more coordinated approaches to limit the spread of epidemics and cross border diseases. There is clear added-value to strengthen cooperation among all relevant actors at EU level, including health authorities, vaccine industry, research and innovation, healthcare sector and others. Thanks to our event we have also remembered the decisive role of the civic society, citizens organizations and advocacy groups in this challenge. In line with our involvement in the Technical Advisory Group of the ECDC-European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and keeping in mind the WHO Europe Vision of an “European region free of vaccine-preventable diseases, where all countries provide equitable access to high quality, safe, affordable vaccines and immunization services throughout the life course”, Active Citizenship Network confirms its commitment to increase the vaccine coverage and to promote a culture of life-course vaccination, bringing together civic society organizations and patient advocacy groups, public and private bodies. It will organize a European training seminar opened to leaders of civic and patients associations and a public debate event in the European Parliament to foster the dialogue on the ways to implement the policy initiative launched by the Commission . The only way to overcome the considerable challenges that vaccination programs are facing is to be more active on vaccines!

http://activecitizenship.net/patients-rights/22-gallery/260-be-active-on-vaccines.html

Koppers continued to advance our Sustainability strategy in 2020 through our focus on our Purpose: “Protecting What Matters. Preserving the Future.” Over the course of the year, we placed considerable emphasis on strengthening our Sustainability governance structure and developing forward-looking Sustainability goals across our business functions. We are honored to be in service of something bigger than ourselves, and our decision-making will be driven by the greater role we can play in impacting our world for the better. That’s why for us, Sustainability is about operating our business in a way that ensures we are taking care of our people and communities, fostering an inclusive and innovative workplace, being a good steward of the environment, and contributing beneficial products to society for generations to come. Doing what’s right is the only true way we can earn the opportunity to remain in business, offering value — in all its forms — to our employees and our external stakeholders. Koppers Sustainability strategy is ultimately overseen by the Board of Directors and its Sustainability Committee, chaired by Sharon Feng, Ph.D. Through the Committee, the Board assesses Koppers Sustainability policies, programs and performance by reviewing management practices and results. Significant legislative, regulatory and social trends around Sustainability are also monitored by the Committee. The Committee meets regularly with Koppers Executive Officers and managers responsible for Sustainability management to discuss the latest Sustainability developments. The Koppers Leadership Council, composed of the Company’s executive leaders, oversees our Sustainability strategy. Koppers Chief Sustainability Officer, Leslie Hyde, sits on the Leadership Council and drives Koppers global Sustainability strategy through the Council and Koppers Sustainability Leadership Team, which sets the strategic direction for Sustainability and is supported by two groups: the Steering Committee and the FAST Teams. The Steering Committee manages the day-to-day execution of Koppers Sustainability strategy. Bringing together leaders from Koppers Zero Harm, Culture & Engagement, Operations, Sales, Communications and Logistics functions, the Committee’s structure reflects our comprehensive approach to Sustainability. Koppers Sustainability Steering Committee connects leaders from across the Company to help execute our Sustainability strategy through three primary areas of responsibility: oversight; reporting; and continuous improvement. The Committee carries out its responsibilities through five subcommittees: Advocacy; Benchmarking; Communication; Data & Metrics; and Education. While the subcommittees’ specific tasks vary, they are united in their work to realize Koppers Sustainability strategy and goals. Each subcommittee develops, implements and maintains various Sustainability support systems, programs and initiatives. Subcommittee leaders meet frequently with the Steering Committee and among themselves to discuss Sustainability-related developments, as they arise. The subcommittees also support Koppers FAST Teams and assist them in setting Koppers Sustainability goals and executing them. Koppers established the FAST Teams in 2020 to advance our Sustainability goal-setting efforts and ensure a grassroots approach to creating meaningful change across the Company. To ensure the widest impact possible, each Team focuses on developing goals for a specific material-focus area of our business. In early 2020, we completed a materiality assessment, which identified 13 material topics that shape our Sustainability strategy. The materiality assessment evaluated a diverse slate of Sustainability-related topics covering environmental, social and governance issues. To guide the assessment, we evaluated various sources and frameworks, including: the American Chemistry Council Responsible Care® guidelines, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Chemical Sector Roadmap for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) standards for the Chemical and Building Materials & Construction industries. The American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® Guiding Principles are a foundational element of our Sustainability strategy. As a Responsible Care® signatory, we are committed to improving our environmental, health, safety and security performance across our facilities, processes and products. Upon completion of the materiality assessment, we shared the results with our senior leaders for validation and determined our final 13 material topics. We further divided our 13 topics into three Sustainability pillars to define our Sustainability strategy and guide our progress. We continue to leverage the materiality assessment’s results and our material topics to refine our Sustainability strategy and develop our goals. Koppers Materiality Process Koppers Material Topics Throughout 2020, Koppers established our first Sustainability goals to connect our purpose of “Protecting What Matters. Preserving the Future.” to the achievement of our Sustainability Vision of being in the service of something bigger in our world. We established 10 FAST Teams, each tailored to a specific material focus area of our business, to spearhead the development of our Sustainability goals. Based on the FAST Teams’ material focus area, leaders from applicable Koppers business functions were chosen to lead each Team and guide a cross-functional group of employees with related experience. To direct the Teams’ efforts, Koppers Sustainability Steering Committee prioritized 10 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for which Koppers could make the greatest impact. The Teams began their work with training sessions on the SDGs to familiarize themselves with their history and purpose. Additionally, the Teams participated in training on environmental, social and governance factors and how they can impact their own work and Koppers. Each Team focused on one or more of the prioritized SDGs, depending on their focus area, to develop actionable goals aligned with the objectives of the SDGs. During goal development, each Team evaluated Koppers current activities and proposed future opportunities and potential metrics to guide their work. The Teams also developed their goals to be consistent with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). In addition to their goals work, the Teams also serve as Koppers subject-matter experts on their focus SDGs. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being Goal 4: Quality Education Goal 5: Gender Equality Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production Goal 13: Climate Action Goal 15: Life on Land We recognize the importance of engaging with our internal and external stakeholders in order to ensure the success of our Sustainability strategy and our business. We value our stakeholders’ perspectives and use their feedback to shape our actions. Our approach to stakeholder engagement ensures frequent and transparent communication with our employees, customers, trade associations, suppliers, investors, regulators and communities. We strive to develop strong connections with stakeholders in the communities where we operate and live through proactive communication from our local representatives. Through our stakeholder connections, we share updates on our local facilities to inform stakeholders of our operations and any developments that might impact them. We encourage our stakeholders to share any question, observation, concern or idea with us and to the extent possible, we address all raised matters. Our facilities often partner with local first responders to conduct exercises for potential emergencies that might arise on our premises, including fires and hazardous material spills. Our local exercises help ensure both our employees and first responders are knowledgeable about and prepared for emergency events, thereby increasing safety for all stakeholders. Our Carbon Materials and Chemicals facility in Mayfield, New South Wales, Australia, recently expanded its community engagement efforts with the creation of a Community Reference Group (CRG). Open to anyone within the local community, the CRG holds quarterly meetings to inform the public about the facility’s activities and to gather constructive feedback to enhance community relations. Meeting discussions cover safety moments, general updates about operations at Koppers and the Mayfield facility and questions from community members. The facility governs the CRG’s community engagement through its Community Charter, which outlines its aims and sets guidelines for its engagement activities. The facility supplements its CRG engagements with local community newsletters that circulate both in print and electronically to more than 4,000 local residents. Published two to three times a year, the newsletters discuss the facility’s ongoing improvement projects, local charity and NGO partnerships, and involvement in legal and regulatory matters. The newsletters also spotlight facility employees and their roles and local involvement in “Meet the team” features. Local community members commended the Mayfield facility’s community engagement efforts and the increased transparency they bring to important topics. Koppers engages with a wide range of organizations that share our values. Our engagement with industry and trade associations, among others, informs us of key developments and viewpoints of major industry participants, including regulators and product safety groups. Our external engagement also enables us to connect and communicate with our industry peers to share best practices for safety and sustainability. In 2020, Koppers employees were active in the following external organizations:

http://www.koppers.com/sustainability-report-2020/sustainability_strategy.html

According to the Astronomers at the University of California, Irvine, there are probably tens of millions of the enigmatic, dark objects in the Milky Way far more than expected. To discover how black holes pervade the universe, they conducted a cosmic theory inventory of sorts to calculate and categorize stellar-remnant black holes. Scientists actually began their research after knowing that the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO, had detected ripples in the space-time continuum. Those ripples were created by the distant collision of two black holes, that has the size of 30 suns. James Bullock, co-author of the study said, “We think we’ve shown that there are as many as 100 million black holes pervade the universe.” “The detection of gravitational waves was a huge deal. It was a confirmation of a key prediction of Einstein’s general theory of relativity. But then we looked closer at the astrophysics of the actual result, a merger of two 30-solar-mass black holes. That was simply astounding and had us asking, ‘How common are black holes of this size, and how often do they merge?’” “We assumed that the most stellar-remnant black holes will be about the same mass as our sun. To see proof of two dark gaps of such amazing magnitude at long last meeting up in a destructive crash had a few space experts scratching their heads.” This theoretical investigation interprets the gravitational wave detection through the lens of what is known about galaxy formation. This also forms a framework for understanding future occurrences. To reveal insight into resulting marvels, scientists tried to discover how frequently black holes created in pairs, how regularly they consolidation, and to what extent it takes. larger galaxies have many metal-rich stars, whereas little smaller person worlds are overwhelmed by enormous stars of low metallicity. Stars that consists heavier components, similar to our sun, shed a ton of that mass over their lives. But when it comes to the time for one to end everything in a supernova, there isn’t as significantly matter left to crumple in on itself, bringing about a lower-mass dark gap. Big stars with low metal content don’t shed as much of their mass over time, so when one of them dies, almost all of its mass will wind up in the black hole. Bullock said, “We have a pretty good understanding of the overall population of stars in the universe and their mass distribution as they’re born, so we can tell how many black holes should have formed with 100 solar masses versus 10 solar masses. We were able to work out how many big black holes should exist, and it ended up being in the millions– much more than I anticipated.” “We show that only 0.1 to 1 percent of the black holes formed have to merge to explain what LIGO saw. Of course, the black holes have to get close enough to merge in a reasonable time, which is an open problem.” Anticipating many more gravitation wave detections could allow astronomers to determine if black holes collide mostly in giant galaxies.

https://www.techexplorist.com/uci-celestial-census-indicates-that-black-holes-pervade-the-universe/

HERstory celebrates amazing women! The exhibit showcased “A Celebration of Strong Women,” curated by Susanne Miller Jones. 84 artists from seven countries created tributes to women well known to us, as well as those who worked behind the scenes, through the art of quilting. Lovely quilts celebrate strong women who cracked glass ceilings and those who made discoveries. Women who shook the world by breaking into fields previously reserved for men are commemorated, as are those who were the first to do something before any man. The quilts within this exhibit honor athletes, authors, artists, aviators and astronauts, business leaders, educators, entertainers, mathematicians, scientists, writers and world leaders. Throughout history, women struggled to have a voice and we won that right in 1920, the right to vote. The HERstory exhibit celebrates the amazing things that women everywhere have accomplished in the past and present. The HERstory book, HERstory Quilts: A Celebration of Strong Women by Susanne Miller Jones, is available from Schiffer in the museum’s gift shop.

https://quiltmuseum.org/the-quilters-spot/exhibits/herstory/

Historic sports equipment and sportswear, photographs from a variety of sporting events - the Latvian Sports Museum offers extensive information on the greatest personalities in Latvian sports and the history of sports in Latvia, spanning several centuries. Latvian Sports Museum is located in an ancient building in Riga's Old Town, the first collection of museum exhibits was provided by Voldemārs Šimdbergs who bequeathed around 10,000 unique historic items to the museum. The museum's exhibition includes various medals, cups, prizes, lapel pins, documents, photographs, posters, sport equipment and sportswear, audio and video materials and periodicals dating back to the second half of the 19th century until today. While in the museum, note the medals awarded to cyclists and track and field athletes at the turn of the 19th century - they may well be considered works of art! On the other hand, the sports equipment and sportswear offer a look back on not just the history of sports but also the history of fashion, telling the visitors about the evolution of sportswear. The museum also houses a library that includes books and materials on sports statistics, sport education, history of various sports, biographies, chess and draughts. Museum visitors can also have a shot at some of the sports: those who feel physically fit may try a cliff wall, whilst others can play a board game. One of the aspects of the museum's work is the creation of photography exhibitions about sports, the museum also organises thematic events on key sporting events and the most outstanding athletes who have made a profound contribution to the history of Latvian sports.

https://www.liveriga.com/en/1699-latvian-sports-museum/

Family Activity weekend, a fun but factual look at the importance of oil and coal in the UK's energy, transport and materials cycle. Techfest is an annual, month long series of talks, lectures, industrial visits and school activities, which aims to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and mathematics to primary and secondary schools as well as the wider generally public. The centre piece Family activity Weekend, held on 13/14th September, showcased over 30 companies, agencies, universities and other professional bodies with hands on activity and general information about the work of engineers and scientists. This was the first time the MIS has presented at the event, and the information was positively received. In fact, planning has already started for Techfest 2009. thanks are due to all the MIS members who helped out and to the Scottish Mining Museum for loan of exhibits.

https://www.iom3.org/oil-gas-division/news/2009/jan/16/black-stuff

The Woods Hole Post Office has long been the center of the community. When Postman Roger Gamache retires, he takes many secrets with him. This is a look at the town from the other side of the mail slot. Music by Roger’s own Big Band ‘Stage Door Canteen’ contributes a swinging soundtrack. Film Details Director: Kristin Alexander Writer: Kristin Alexander Year of Release: 2011 Running Time: 12 New England Connection: Kristin Alexander lives in Woods Hole, and the film is about one aspect of the town. The main character Roger studied music at Berkley College, and has worked in Woods Hole for 20 years. Director(s) Bio:: Kristin Alexander is a documentary filmmaker. Her recent films share the lives of people who dedicate themselves to making positive change, transforming the world around them, if not the world itself. Kristin’s work with ecological designer Dr. John Todd is currently showcased at the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York City in the National Design Triennial: Why Design Now? 2010-2011. With a litany of short films to her name, Kristin’s work has received nationwide attention. Her 2009 short film, Green Eco-Machine screened in festivals across the country, from her place of residence in Woods Hole, Massachusetts to the Eco-Focus Film Festival in Athens, Georgia, where Green Eco-Machine garnered an award for ‘Most Creative Use of Cinema to Highlight Environmental Innovators.’ The film has screened in festivals from NYC to LA, and is currently being shown in college courses in the U.S. and Brazil. Local education includes film studies at Massachusetts College of Art, and many workshops by New England filmmakers. She has collaborated on several documentaries, dramatic features and multi-media productions. She is currently in post-production on her documentary film called Trusting Rain. In addition to cinematography and editing skills, Kristin has a Masters Degree as Nurse Practitioner. Further information may be found at http://www.middlewaymedia.com.

https://newenglandfilm.com/festival_film/2011/02543

In 1972 when his Queens contemporaries were doing little more than getting high and putting in an occasional appearance at an anti-war demonstration, John Zorn, who may have been doing his share of the same, nonetheless composed a Canon to Stravinksy, in memoriam. He was 19, and already on the road to putting his imprimatur on avant garde music. That piece had its Chicago World Premiere at the International Contemporary Ensemble’s tribute performance at the Museum of Contemporary Art the other night, accompanied by five other pieces before a cameo and memorable performance by Zorn himself on saxophone with Tyshawn Sorey on drums. Not falling into any neat box of classical or jazz, Zorn’s treat performance at the end showcased what he seems to do best--- tweezing distinct sounds from instruments as they are worked in new ways. You can hear pizzicato in many scores but in the experienced hands of the ICE strings (Erik Carlson, violin; Kyle Ambrust, viola; Michael Nicholas, cello) you seem to hear it done right for the first time. Canons, dissonance, irregular rhythms and most of all music for dramatic effects such as in the eeriness of “Walpurgisnacht, A Witches Sabbath in three movements” and the percussion, clarinet and flute windstorms of “the tempest, a masque” are the calling cards of Zorn’s now four decades and counting of work. Zorn spoke of his work as merely squiggles to bring out the best in the talented artists he writes for. The music itself belies this notion. These are mainly tone poems that capture themes of Zorn’s time—our time. Performances are ephemeral. His music would take up its fair share of defining musical culture of the past half century or so in an imagined time capsule archive. The Museum of Contemporary Art is one of several museums in the U.S. that have showcased Zorn’s work and ICE is one of many contemporary groups that look to Zorn for inspiration, if not definition. If you have interest in keeping up with what is happening on the cutting edge of contemporary music the Museum of Contemporary Art seemingly has a commitment to make such a center of their music programming. ICE will return in early 2014 as will eighth blackbird. For information on upcoming concerts visit the Museum of Contemporary Art website or call 312.397.4010.

http://www.lasplash.com/publish/Music_107/mca-s-john-zorn-tribute-by-ice-review-celebrating-john-zorn-in-his-60th-year.php

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum, heralded by The New York Times and Architectural Digest, was supposed to open its doors to Colorado Springs this month. However due to coronavirus concerns, the grand opening and VIP events scheduled for May 28-31 were postponed and the museum’s public opening, set for May 21-22, was likely to be delayed. When the $88 million, 60,000-square foot, state-of-the-art facility on the southwest side of downtown does open, CEO Christopher Liedel wants it to be a “place for celebration.” Previously Liedel served for nearly six years as president of Smithsonian Enterprises. He officially stepped into the Olympic and Paralympic museum role on May 15, 2018. He spoke to The Gazette about his experience, elements of the museum and a shifting but promising future.* Will there be special events to coincide with the opening? What we’re doing right now - and I guess the whole community is doing it - as we prepare to open, we’re going to be working with the community leadership in terms of both the county and the city office to look at the appropriate date to open, and look at when’s the appropriate time to celebrate. We had plans to do a bigger opening. It’s going to be really dictated by social distancing and safety concerns. Are you still planning to open in May as of right now? We basically have put that on hold. We are waiting to see. We don’t really have a definitive time that we will open. Again, it’s going to be predicated by a lot of the conditions. We were fortunate, unlike a lot of our other community businesses and organizations, to have not ramped up yet for opening. We want to be a place of celebration for the community when it comes out of this current situation. You were the president of Smithsonian Enterprises, and before that, at the National Geographic for 16 years. How did your experiences there inform the ones with this new museum? Having the experience of National Geographic and Smithsonian has really culminated in a great balance of the world-renowned photographers and writers of National Geographic and the scientists at the Smithsonian. (It’s similar), in a way, to our athletes in that they’re among the world’s best. Understanding how to look at those individuals and know that the museum isn’t about the what and the where, but it’s really about the how and the why. It’s taking that story from what you may be able to find on your own to really giving you a more in-depth experience. We really tried to make that come alive in the content. If you knew nothing about this museum and walked in for the first time - what would you gravitate toward, or be most interested in? The museum was designed to sort of let you tell us what your interests are. Our RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology allows you to customize that experience. If your interest is swimming, track and field and hockey, those would then be put into your RFID information and as you walk through the museum, the content that you find interesting would be populated. ... Our goal was that regardless of who you were, if you had a relative who was an Olympic or Paralympic athlete, there’d be at least a place where you could go to see their story, learn about them and find out where they’re from. We have over 12,000 athletes identified on an individual basis. So if your Uncle Joe was a water polo player in the 1960s, you’d be able to find him in the museum. … I want every kid that comes in to be able to see that there was an athlete that didn’t grow up too far away from them. What interests me the most? We have a couple of iconic exhibits. One of them is the torches and then the other is our complete collection of Olympic medals, as well as one of the most complete collections of Paralympic medals. Can you describe the acquisition of the Olympic torches? Will they ever be lit again? They will not be lit again, more out of honoring the tradition. … The torch relay started in 1936. It was really part of the German Third Reich wanting to sort of show the Aryan race sort of elevated. Have it start in ancient Olympia and run the path to Berlin. But it became a gesture of goodwill from every Games after that. The torches are very unique in the sense that each game has them, so we have the Paralympics too. It was a collection that was put together by the Gordy Crawford family and it’s part of the Crawford Family U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Archives. It was part of his personal collection that he donated. … He was also the benefactor who donated the medals. We help oversee a group in town called the Young Champions Ambassadors. It was started when we became sister city to ancient Olympia as part of Olympic City USA. And we had two representatives of this group go over for the lighting of the Tokyo torch back in the middle of March. They literally were part of the first group that runs from the torch lighting out, and within like 24 hours they shut down the relay. So I have those two torches as well that are available that were actually lit and used. We’ll be one of the few that has lit torches as part of the museum. They won’t be lit now. What was your reaction to the Tokyo Games being canceled? I was very disappointed for those athletes that have had to deal with the delay. … For these athletes to have hope deferred, it was saddening to know that so many have dedicated to the museum. In an odd way, we do benefit from the delay. We put so much effort into building the quality of this content to make it the most up-to-date, the best in the world, and the most current. (Now) we don’t have a Games coming two months later that we have to rush and update aspects to the museum again. We’ll have a year from opening that we’re the most up-do-date and current museum and we’ll be able to thoughtfully design out and plan to add new content. We’ll get to see for six months to a year what people are liking about the museum and how to augment that with the new content from Tokyo. How important is it to bring athletes featured in the museum back to museum? Athletes have been involved with this museum since its inception and the original design by the architects, all the way through designing galleries to go through. We do content review with them. We do extensive design elements to make sure that the authenticity and accuracy is there. So we’ve been very fortunate to do a lot. … Our goal is to have a large group of athletes working with us and for us and we plan to make sure that (athletes are) members here, that they can come and enjoy and be there. We definitely want to have a way to have them come and visit. One of the things we’re even looking to do with our guest services is to have athletes be tour guides through the museum. We are trying to coordinate a number of those who may be hopefuls or are recently in between Games. It’s their museum, we’re just the stewards of it. It’s our job, but it’s their legacy.

https://gazette.com/premium/q-a-christopher-liedel-ceo-of-the-u-s-olympic-and-paralympic-museum/article_0e7d266e-8f64-11ea-b34d-77ed6a6bbd88.html

Photographer captures city's evolving nature Organized by Shanghai Jiushi Art Museum and Shanghai Charity Foundation, a “Splendid Journey, Beauty and Love” by Yu Huiwen is currently underway at Jiushi Art Museum through the end of February. Yu, a member of Chinese Photographers’ Association, prefers to focus her lens on Shanghai’s urban development. The 63 pictures showcased at the exhibition are selected from photographs captured over the past decade. Yu has a gift for shooting from a unique angle with brilliant colors to reflect the vicissitudes of the city. The artist also excels in slide-lighting and back-lighting, to render a dramatic aura. One of the highlights of the exhibition is the swift use of lighting in the lamp box behind her photos. The different layers of brilliant hues in her photographs unwittingly give a strong texture similar to an oil canvas. If visitors look closely, they can see a refraction of light when they move from one direction to another, giving an unexpected visual experience. As one of the founders of the Shanghai Charity Foundation, Yu has been engaged in the philanthropic activities for many years. She has donated her works to promote philanthropy to aid orphans, street children, widows, widowers and the disabled.

https://www.shine.cn/feature/art-culture/2101314117/

Our speakers for this panel session are specialists in developing and undertaking new research to uncover and make accessible queer rural stories. Norena Shopland will discuss how rural heritage organisations can utilise her research to showcase a queer reading of the local landscape, while Joe Jukes touches upon understanding of the word ‘queer’ and how it can provide a different approach to telling marginalised stories, whilst pushing for change. Tim Allsop collects life stories of rural queer people and mediates them through technology, theatre, and film. This session is hosted by Rachael Thomas, curator and conservator, based in Inverness. Image: Queer Constellations, MERL Tim Allsop is an actor, writer, and director. After studying History at Balliol College, Oxford, Timothy trained as an actor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Tim holds an MA in Creative Fiction from Royal Holloway. His plays include Open (co-written with Chris Adams) and fiction work includes The Smog, along with various short story publications. He is co-leading the Queer Rural Connections Project, writing the original play based on real life interviews, and directing the live theatre production and film. The film is currently being screened in film festivals. @TimothyCAllsop1 Sally Dix is an Audience Development Officer at the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket, Suffolk. She has worked on various projects that have helped to engage audiences with LGBTQ+ history. In the summer, Sally curated ‘Dining with Pride’, a temporary exhibition exploring the lives, loves and achievements of a number of people from the LGBTQ+ community in Suffolk; past and present. The museum also worked alongside Timothy Allsop to host multiple performances of ‘The Stars Are Brighter Here’, a play exploring LGBTQ+ rural lives in the countryside. Joe Jukes (they/them) is a PhD researcher at the Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, University of Brighton. Joe's research concerns rural queer experiences, relations and emotions, asking how we might think about the countryside's LGBTQ+ communities differently. Joe has presented their research for the Arts and Humanities Research Council, at the Media, Communications and Cultural Studies Association, and has written for CPRE - The countryside charity. They also curated the exhibition Queer Constellations at the Museum of English Rural Life, which showcased 8 artists from across UK and Ireland. @jsdjukes Norena Shopland is an author/historian specialising in the history of sexual orientation and gender identity, particularly in reference to Wales. Her book Forbidden Lives: LGBT stories from Wales (Seren Books, 2017) is the first completely historical work on Welsh sexual orientation and gender identity. Queering Glamorgan and A Practical Guide to Searching LGBTQIA Historical Records (Routledge, 2020) have become very popular as toolkits to aid people doing original research. Shopland’s latest book A History of Women in Men’s Clothes: from cross-dressing to empowerment (Pen and Sword Books, 2021) looks at thousands of individuals who cross-dressed, cross-worked, and cross-lived as men. @NorenaShopland Rachael Thomas is a museum curator and conservator, based in Inverness, who has worked with collections across the Highlands of Scotland. Most recently this has included time as Assistant Curator at Auchindrain Township in Argyll, and as Project Conservator during Gairloch Museum’s award-winning reinterpretation. Her areas of interest include the material culture of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers, and the interior decorations, fixtures and fittings of Scotland’s vernacular buildings. She is secretary of the Rural Museums Network. @rachaelthomasconservation (Instagram) Date and time Location Online event Organiser Rural Museums Network (Subject Specialist Network) Organiser of Telling the Stories of Rural LGBTQ+ Lives The Rural Museums Network is for rural life collections everywhere and the people who look after them. In addition to events and activities, the Network operates a web-based discussion group, which is a great place to exchange information and to look for answers. The collective knowledge and expertise of the network is one of its key strengths, and there aren’t many questions that go unanswered, or mystery objects that remain unidentified!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/telling-the-stories-of-rural-lgbtq-lives-tickets-178088747237?aff=erelexpmlt

In an amazing feat of fitness and determination, Marisa Murphy-Guerrero of CrossFit San Pedro Town managed to claim the top spot in the Masters 35+ Category at Unleash Your Fitness (UYF). Guatemala’s largest international fitness competition was held in Guatemala City, and tested athletes of various age groups in both strength and gymnastic skills. Murphy-Guerrero, currently deemed “the second-fittest woman in Belize” according to the 2020 CrossFit Opens, managed to triumph in her Masters 35+ Category, taking the top spot after two days of extreme challenges. From running a 5K to executing a variety of skills like rope climbs, wall balls, burpees, and lifts, athletes showcased their talents and left it all on the field. Congratulations to Marisa Murphy-Guerrero, mother of three, coach at CrossFit San Pedro Town, and all-around beastie! We are so proud of you and your incredible accomplishments!

https://www.sanpedrosun.com/sports/2019/11/29/marisa-murphy-guerrero-wins-unleash-your-fitness-masters-35-challenge-in-guatemala/

A provocative encounter, the Museum of Lost Childhoods gives child welfare professionals a deeper understanding of the foster youth experience – from grief and trauma, to resiliency and success. Our traveling museum was developed by youth and is comprised of donated artifacts, art, and digital media, along with a display card about each item. The contents are organized in contiguous displays, guiding the child welfare professional on a journey from “Lost Childhoods” to “Foster Youth Empowerment.” You may be surprised by the artifacts that youth have chosen to save and share, which speaks volumes to the lasting impact of foster care. Like all other Y.O.U.T.H. Training Project programs, the Museum is built on the principles of positive youth development. By experiencing the Museum, you will see how youth can heal and grow with supportive relationships, collaborative decision-making, respect, maturity, and age. History The Museums of Lost Childhoods & Foster Youth Empowerment were created in the process of developing curriculum for our full-day Child Welfare Supervisor training. The museums were displayed throughout the day as an integral component of the training curriculum. In their original training context, the museums were presented one at a time. The Museum of Lost Childhoods was displayed for the first half of the day, and the Museum of Foster Youth Empowerment for the second half of the day. This proved to be a logistical challenge, so we began presenting both museums simultaneously for the duration of the training, sequencing them intentionally so the Museum of Lost Childhoods would be viewed before the Museum of Foster Youth Empowerment. This form of presentation has proved to be very powerful, and we are currently assessing the museums as a possible stand-alone traveling exhibit. Summary The Museums of Lost Childhoods and Foster Youth Empowerment are a collection of artifacts of foster youth culture. Many of these artifacts are actual items from former foster youth’s lives, contributed to the museum in hopes of making an impact on the Child Welfare System. The items are showcased on risers or in cases, displayed on black tablecloths. Each artifact is accompanied by a description of the item in the context of foster care, as well as the experience of the person who contributed it. The artifacts in the Museum of Lost Childhoods include such items as empty bottles of medical prescriptions, a sanitary napkin made of toilet paper stapled together, and a hospital gown a youth was required to wear while living in a psychiatric facility. The Museum of Foster Youth Empowerment includes such items as a youth’s journal, pictures of a youth’s current family, and a display of college graduation items. Sample slideshow of the museum [PDF] For information about bringing the Museum of Lost Childhoods to your organization, training program, or event, please email us.

https://youthtrainingproject.org/museum

This week Grant, Banting House NHSC Curator, and I had the opportunity to participate in an Experiential Tourism workshop. A group of approximately fifteen professionals from around Southern Ontario had gathered to learn how to become coaches in creating experiential opportunities in the tourism industry and we acted as their test subjects. The group spent the morning learning the theory behind this coaching and in the afternoon had the opportunity to put this knowledge into action. We started the afternoon by conducting a fifteen minute tour of Banting House NHSC , which was no easy feat! Most of the participants had never been to the museum and knew very little about Banting’s life prior to this visit. After this quick tour we reconvened at The Root Cellar, a local business, to see the coaching in practice. Grant sat with his back turned to the audience while Melissa De Luca from Tourism London coached him through a meeting to figure out potential experiential opportunities at the museum. The rest of the group was tasked to look for techniques and behavior showcased by both Melissa and Grant which was discussed later. After this meeting was completed, Grant was able to turn around to face the group and everyone discussed their ideas for potential opportunities. Creative ideas that ranged from theatre performances, paint demos, innovation workshops, 100th anniversary events and more were shared among the group. It was fascinating to see how a group of people who knew little about the museum only an hour before were now able to share such unique ideas. I took lots of notes during this discussion so that we could refer back to these ideas later. Overall, it was a meaningful experience that not only gave Banting House a variety of avenues to pursue, but also taught me lessons in the value of creating safe spaces where people can share ideas and inviting community members to participate in brainstorming sessions. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in the process and we’ll keep you updated on how we decide to integrate experiential tourism into the museum! What experiential opportunities would you like to see at Banting House NHSC? This post was written by Rachel Delle Palme, Graduate Research Assistant at Banting House NHSC. Rachel is currently completing her M.A. in Public History at Western University.

https://bantinghousenhs.ca/2019/02/08/experiential-tourism-workshop/

The Waste Museum VR is an immersive video tour developed as a part of the Clean City project, a campaign to promote waste management and increase awareness about the importance of properly disposing of trash. The video tour was designed to be an educational and engaging experience that would allow guests to learn about waste management in an interactive way. The tour was created using virtual reality technology and took guests on a virtual tour of the Waste Museum, an interactive exhibit that showcased the history of waste management, the impact of improper trash disposal on the environment, and a walk through the “From Waste to Art” museum. As guests made their way through the museum, they were guided by a virtual tour guide who provided information and insights about the various exhibits and displays. Overall, the Waste Museum VR immersive video tour was a successful campaign that helped to promote the importance of waste management.

https://customar.tech/en/opennews/39.html

Museum devotes room to portraits of heroic Vietnamese mothers The Southern Women’s Museum in Ho Chi Minh City on November 1 inaugurated a room dedicated to heroic Vietnamese mothers in the southern region, with 70 portraits and 60 objects on display. Visitors at the room dedicated to heroic Vietnamese mothers. (Photo: NDO/Manh Hao) Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports, said the launch of the room demonstrates people’s sentiments to and respect for the heroic mothers who contributed greatly to the nation’s revolutionary cause. Using smart-museum technology, the room has vividly captured images of the mothers during their past struggle for national independence and reunification, said the museum’s Director Nguyen Thi Tham. On this occasion, the museum also showcased 150 big-bellied jars from ethnic minority groups in the Central Highlands region, which have been collected over the past 20 years. Last July, HCM City presented the title of Heroic Vietnamese Mother to 44 women on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the Wounded and Fallen Soldiers' Day (July 27, 2018), for their sacrifices towards national independence and reunification. The city currently has around 5,500 Heroic Vietnamese Mothers./.

https://news.baolongan.vn/museum-devotes-room-to-portraits-of-heroic-vietnamese-mothers-a65371.html

The Palace Museum will hold a special exhibition starting Jan. 6, 2019 to celebrate the 2019 Chinese New Year, according to a press release Friday. A total of 885 antiques will be showcased in a vast exhibition area. The exhibition is set to break the museum's records by exhibiting the largest number of antiques from the museum's collections. The former record is currently held by the 1935 International Exhibition of Chinese Art in London, where 735 antiques from the museum were showcased. "The exhibition will not only present the visitors with antique collections, but will also allow the audience to immerse themselves in the cultural atmosphere of ancient China," said Shan Jixiang, curator of the museum. During the exhibition, the museum will be embellished with traditional Chinese New Year decorations such as Spring Festival couplets and lanterns.

http://www.ecns.cn/news/culture/2018-12-21/detail-ifzaxhck8716120.shtml

Now that a jury has passed judgment on Jerry Sandusky based on the evidence they reviewed, I thought it would be instructive to take an in-depth look at some of the more well-documented aspects of this case, because they so clearly illustrate how character-impaired individuals engage in the enterprise many have termed “impression-management.” Impression management is manipulation for the primary purpose of getting someone to form and hold a favorable impression of your character, as opposed to revealing the kind of person you really are. For a long time, many – especially mental health professionals – viewed most of the behaviors associated with we now call impression management as a person’s unconscious effort to keep from their conscious awareness aspects of themselves that they recognize would invite the disapproval of others or which even they regard as unacceptable to the more ideal image they want to hold of themselves. But impression management is really the very conscious and deliberate attempt to blind others to aspects of one’s true character, and almost always for some practical purpose. Sandusky and his attorney Joe Amendola granted TV journalist Bob Costas an interview, which was a remarkable example of impression management. I have reviewed this interview several times, focusing on key aspects of it as well as other statements made by Sandusky both in the days preceding the trial and following the conviction, and I couldn’t help but want to comment on a few striking things. Almost everyone is familiar with Sandusky’s seemingly odd reply to one of Costas’ questions, one that directly addressed his sexual interests. Now, for starters, let me say that I have interviewed and assessed thousands of different characters, including literally hundreds of sexual offenders, and I have never met a person who didn’t know fully and consciously exactlywhat excites or interests them sexually. And I think most of us intuitively know the truth of this, which is why Sandusky’s verbal and non-verbal response to Costas’ question is so remarkable. The question itself couldn’t have been more straightforward or simple: Costas: “Are you sexually attracted to young boys, to underage boys?” But Sandusky’s verbal response as well as his non-verbal behavior is nowhere near as simple or straightforward: Sandusky: “Am I sexually attracted to underage boys?” Sandusky responds in a manner suggesting that the question is possibly “loaded” (with innuendo, and could possibly be misinterpreted), or that he’s not sure he heard it or understands it correctly, and restates it as a question that needs further clarification. Costas replies only “yes,” asserting that the question he asked is exactly the question he wishes answered, and the reply is: Sandusky: “Sexually attracted,… you know…, I….. I enjoy young people. I…., I love to be around them. I,… I,… but no I’m not sexually attracted to young boys.” Now it’s not rocket science to know that a simple “no” would have sufficed here. But Sandusky can’t help himself, because so much of the preceding part of the interview has been devoted to impression management, so he implies – both verbally and non-verbally – that it’s perfectly fair to say that he is “attracted” to young people, though not in a sexual way. He also implies (in several parts of the interview) that he begrudgingly accepts the fact that some folks have simply “misinterpreted” his actions, which are only really rooted in affection, as the actions of one trying to satisfy a deviant sexual urge (interestingly, he does not display the kind of righteous indignation most folks would display upon being asked such an indicting question). And what most folks who have seen the Costas interview don’t know, is that immediately prior to this truly awkward moment in the interview, Costas had asked some other questions of Sandusky, and that Sandusky’s answers to to those questions were even more revealing and suggestive, but the most telltale parts were edited out before the interview aired on TV. But given the statements he had already made, Sandusky probably realized he would need to engage in some “damage control” in his subsequent responses. The earlier questions and answers went like this: Costas: “But you’re a man who by his own admission has showered with young boys – highly inappropriate – who has continually put himself in the presence of young boys – volunteer high school coach, volunteer at a small local college, – even after — you were largely disassociated from Penn States. Multiple reports of you getting into bed with young boys who stayed at your house in a room in the basement. How do you account for these things? And if you’re not a pedophile, then what are you? Sandusky: Well, I’m a person that has taken a strong interest. I’m a very passionate person in terms of trying to make a difference in the lives of some young people. I worked very hard to try to connect with them. To make them feel good about themselves. To — be something significant in their lives. Maybe this gets misinterpreted, has gotten depending on … — I know a lot of young people where it hasn’t. I have worked with many, many young people where there has been no misinterpretation of my actions and I have made a very significant difference in their lives. Costas: But isn’t what you’re just describing the classic M.O. of many pedophiles? And that is that they gain the trust of young people, they don’t necessarily abuse every young person. There were hundreds, if not thousands of young boys you came into contact with, but there are allegations that at least eight of them were victimized. Many people believe there are more to come. So it’s entirely possible that you could’ve helped young boy A in some way that was not objectionable while horribly taking advantage of young boy B, C, D, and E. Isn’t that possible? Sandusky: Well — you might think that. I don’t know. (LAUGHS) In terms of — my relationship with so many, many young people. I would — I would guess that there are many young people who would come forward. Many more young people who would come forward and say that my methods and — and what I had done for them made a very positive impact on their life. And I didn’t go around seeking out every young person for sexual needs that I’ve helped. There are many that I didn’t have — I hardly had any contact with who I have helped in many, many ways.” To summarize the aforementioned and a large part of the interview, Sandusky continually tries to make the case that one could say that he is attracted to young persons, but not in a sexual way. He also acknowledges that he engages in behaviors and “methods” that some might have “misinterpreted” but that many others did not misinterpret. Still, he “slips” and says that there were many young persons with whom he did not have “contact” and that it would not be fair to say that he went around seeking every young person for sexual needs. What neither the interviewer or Sandusky ever really comes back to or focuses on is why anyone who really cares about children, his own reputation, the reputation of the institution he represents (especially in light his full awareness that many of his actions have been “misinterpreted” in a seriously malevolent way in the past), would ever again put himself in a position to have his behavior “misinterpreted” again. And the reason that question doesn’t get the attention it deserves is likely because of the interviewer’s unconscious response to Sandusky’s efforts at impression management. There is so much more that can be learned from this case, but it would take many posts to explore all the issues. For example, I could write several posts just on the popularly-held but erroneous notion that most pedophiles really believe they are just showing love to their victims. But it’s very important to recognize a few well-established facts: 1) not all individuals who molest children are pedophiles; 2) not all pedophiles or individuals that have an unusual attraction to young persons, sexually molest them (i.e. some individuals recognize their deviant inclinations, are cognizant of the socially unacceptable character of those inclinations and the damage acting upon them could inflict on others, and, accordingly, in good conscience do not permit themselves to gratify their impulses at the expense of a child); and 3) character-impaired individuals know all to well what their intentions and motivations really are but do their best to conceal these from others through the manipulative technique known as “impression management.” The careful word-parsing that has always been present in this case will likely rear its ugly head in the future. From the beginning, Sandusky (as well as his attorney) has always been careful to insist that he “didn’t do the things they said [he] did.” This is the manipulator’s code for: “Not everything they said I did is true, and I can prove that, so therefore you should write my accusers off as liars even though I know I did plenty that I knew was wrong and that testifies to my deviancy.” But, as I outline in my book Character Disturbance, trying to escape guilt or blame on a “technicality” is one of the disturbed character’s favorite tactics. And should that tactic prove effective in upcoming appeals (i.e. should the defense show conclusively that some claims of the victims were either exaggerated or cannot be supported) it would be a travesty indeed. For my part, I’ll be keeping a close watch on this case, because there’s so much that can still be learned from it.

https://www.drgeorgesimon.com/manipulation-by-word-parsing-lessons-from-the-sandusky-case/

Conversation is fundamental to all human interaction (networking included, of course). We’ve all met people who tell you all about themselves in response to your questions but never return the compliment by asking about you. Not your favourite person, I’m sure. In business, as in everyday social encounters. Intuitively, we may know that people who don’t ask questions, who don’t actively engage with us are less likeable than those who do. Now I’ve come across some recent research with confirms this. In a nutshell, the authors (five Harvard academics) found that “people who ask more questions, particularly follow-up questions, are better liked by their conversation partners”. This seems, to me at least, pretty obvious. But clearly that’s not the case for everybody since the researchers also found that “despite the persistent and beneficial effects of asking questions, people do not anticipate that question-asking increases interpersonal liking.” In more detail, the authors suggest that there are two main goals of any conversation: information exchange and impression management. In both cases, their rigorous academic studies found that asking questions influences both, positively. But a couple of words of caution. Firstly, this positive impact excludes people who fire questions at you in order (consciously or unconsciously) to avoid revealing anything about themselves. To keep the ball rolling, we need to both ask and answer questions, show and interest and reveal something of ourselves. Or, as I often say in workshops, be both interested and interesting. Finally, a personal anecdote, which demonstrates that asking the right (or at least not the wrong) question is important. While at business school, I was turned down for a job with a management consultancy. When I asked for some feedback, I was told that I was doing really well until I asked what hours I would be expected to work. As far as they were concerned, they were looking for total dedication. I wasn’t prepared to offer that, so maybe ‘all’s well that ends well’. I wouldn’t have fit in well with that work culture, and they gathered that from the question I asked.

https://www.manadvan.com/asking-questions-can-get-you-a-better-job/?doing_wp_cron=1674782310.8540070056915283203125

People management issues: Robert Mandeya RECENTLY, in one of the WhatsApp group which I follow, a heated debate erupted over whether success was a preserve of the academically gifted. The debate was sparked by the posting on the group of some candidates’ results in last year Advanced and Ordinary level examinations. In one of the transcripts posted, a candidate had four As at O’ Level whilst on the other the candidate had 15 As at O’ level. Apparently, these candidates were from the same school. Coming from a teaching background myself, I was so impressed by these results until one comment on the group jolted my attention and got me thinking long and hard. The comment read something like this: “This is good but only a handful from this school is in managerial positions. They are taught to pass, not critical thinking. In any day, I would prefer someone from a different school.” It prompted me to write an article on “critical thinking”, which I shared on this column a couple of weeks ago. From the said article, there were some responses from followers of this column on the distinction between critical thinking and social intelligence. I will attempt in this installment to share a few insights on social versus academic intelligence. Social, academic intelligence Ronald E Reggio, a psychologist, says “intelligence, or IQ, is largely what you are born with. Genetics play a large part. Social intelligence (SI), on the other hand, is mostly learned. SI develops from experience with people and learning from success and failure in social settings. It is more commonly referred to as “tact,” “common sense,” or “street smarts.” While the two are conceptually distinct but overlapping constructs, professor Abletor Sedofia from the University of Ghana further posits that “Academic excellence is overrated,” adding that “being top of your class does not necessarily guarantee that you will make more money than everybody else.” Sedofia, drawing from his experience in university education, goes on to elaborate his point, saying, “The best graduating Law student does not necessarily become the best lawyer. The fact is life requires more than the ability to understand a concept or memorise it and reproduce it in an exam.” I found this view quite profound, but he does not end there. He further argues that, while school rewards people for their memory, life rewards people for their imagination. Consequently, school rewards caution, whereas life rewards daring. In the same vein, school hails those who live by the rules, whereas life exalts those who break the rules and set new ones. So does Sedofia mean people should not study hard in school? Oh no, they should. But do not sacrifice everything on the altar of first class. Do not limit yourself to the classroom. Do something practical. In other words, social skills or social intelligence is critical in one’s success in life — be it in business leadership and or corporate leadership. Not only that, but even in political and national leadership. Social intelligence key elements Verbal Fluency and Conversational Skills—You can easily spot someone with lots of SI at a party or social gathering because he or she knows how to “work the room.” The highly-socially intelligent person can carry on conversations with a wide variety of people, and is tactful and appropriate in what is said. Combined, these represent what are called “social expressiveness skills”. l Knowledge of social roles, rules, and scripts — Socially intelligent individuals learn how to play various social roles. They are also well-versed in the informal rules, or “norms,” that govern social interaction. In other words, they “know how to play the game” of social interaction. As a result, they come off as socially sophisticated and wise. l Effective listening skills — Socially intelligent persons are great listeners. As a result, others come away from an interaction with an SI person feeling as if they had a good “connection” with him or her. l Understanding what makes other people tick — Great people watchers, individuals high in social intelligence attune themselves to what others are saying, and how they are behaving, in order to try to “read” what the other person is thinking or feeling. Understanding emotions is part of emotional intelligence, and social intelligence and emotional intelligence are correlated — people who are especially skilled are high on both. Role playing and social self-efficacy — The socially intelligent person knows how to play different social roles, allowing him or her to feel comfortable with all types of people. As a result, the SI individual feels socially self-confident and effective — what psychologists call “social self-efficacy”. Impression management skills — Persons with SI are concerned with the impression they are making on others. They engage in what I call the “Dangerous art of impression management,” which is a delicate balance between managing and controlling the image you portray to others and being reasonably “authentic” and letting others see the true self. This is perhaps the most complex element of social intelligence. Developing social intelligence It takes effort and hard work. Begin by paying more attention to the social world around you. Work on becoming a better speaker or conversationalist. Networking organisations, or speaking groups, such as Toastmasters, are good at helping develop basic communication skills. Work on becoming a more effective listener, through what is called “active listening” where you reflect back what you believe the speaker said in order to ensure clear understanding. Most importantly, study social situations and your own behaviour. Learn from your social successes and failures. I will give some more specific SI exercises in future installments. The point here is, whatever the case, think less of becoming an excellent student but think more of becoming an excellent person. Start a business and fail, that is a better entrepreneurship, join or start a club, contest an election and lose; it will teach you something, attend a seminar, read books outside the scope of your course, do something you believe in, I can go on and on, but the thing is, make the world your classroom! Mandeya is an executive coach, trainer in human capital development and corporate education, a certified leadership and professional development practitioner and founder of the Leadership Institute for Research and Development (LiRD). — robert@lird.co.zw, info@lird.co.zw or +263 772 466 925.

https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2019/03/01/social-academic-intelligence-leadership/

Merkl-Davies, Doris (2007) The obfuscation hypothesis re-examined : analyzing impression management in corporate narrative report documents. PhD thesis, Prifysgol Bangor University. | Text | Signed Declaration Merkl-Davies.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Download (23kB) | | | Text | 438833.pdf Download (33MB) | Preview Abstract This thesis empirically investigates the use of impression management in the narrative sections of the annual reports of UK listed companies. Impression management is examined by testing the obfuscation hypothesis which claims that firms with poor performance have a tendency to obfuscate negative organisational outcomes. For this purpose, the thesis provides an assessment of the extent to which reading difficulty and self-presentational dissimulation are associated with the disclosure of favourable or unfavourable results ('good/bad news') in annual financial statements, conditional on a firm's size and sector of operations. Impression management has previously been studied in the context of agency theory explanations of managerial and investor behaviour. This study contributes to the understanding of impression management in a corporate reporting context by first reviewing relevant theoretical work in behavioural finance, social psychology, and linguistics. Social psychology provides additional insights into the managerial motivation to engage in impression management, the circumstances fostering managerial impression management, and preferred managerial strategies. Behavioural finance offers insights into the effectiveness of impression management. Research in linguistics and social psychology provides the basis for developing new methodologies for measuring impression management in corporate narrative documents which overcome the validity problems inherent in conventional measures. Three new methodologies are introduced. The first develops cohesion-based measures of reading difficulty that focus on grammatical devices within and between sentences, including the number and density of cohesive ties and the proportion of new and given information (MMAX2). The second methodology provides multiple cohesionbased measures of readability, as applied in web-based readability scoring (CohMetrix). The third methodology measures impression management in the form of selfpresentational dissimulation (i.e. portraying a public image of firm performance and prospects inconsistent with a managerial view of firm performance and prospects), using linguistic markers which include word count, self-reference, reference to others, the use of emotion words, and cognitive complexity. The empirical analysis that is reported in this thesis is based on a sample that is balanced across industrial sectors and representative of the size distribution of firms. Results show firm size and not 'good/bad news' to be the determining factor in reading difficulty. Although the main effects model shows 'bad news' to be directly related to reading difficulty, this association is no longer significant when 'good/bad news' is interacted with firm size. Results suggest that large firms are more likely to produce corporate narrative documents which are less cohesive (and thus more difficult to read) than small firms. This is not interpreted as impression management, but as an indication that firms might tailor their corporate narrative documents to the reading strategies of their target readership groups. Thus, large firms seem to cater to the needs of high-knowledge readers (professional investors or readers largely familiar with the infom1ation content of the chairman's report), and small firms to the needs of low-knowledge readers (individual investors or readers largely unfamiliar with the information content of the chairman's report). Results regarding impression management in the form of self-presentational dissimulation suggest that the linguistic markers are not indicative of impression management in the form of selfpresentational dissimulation, but of other psychological issues.

http://e.bangor.ac.uk/4398/

Some people trust their first impressions about a person’s character because they believe these judgments are generally correct. Other people do not judge a person’s character quickly because they believe first impressions are often wrong. Compare these two attitudes. Which attitude do you agree with? Support your choice with specific examples. (311 Words, 17 Sentences, 4 Paragraphs, Band 9) Some people think that first impression about a person is the most correct. However, other people disagree and believe that first impression is often wrong. From my everyday experience and observation I can stand that the first impression about a person is very often incorrect. In the following paragraphs I will list my reasons to support my answer. First of all, when people meet for the first time they often do not have time to get to know each other or even have a conversation. So, sometimes all they remember is how they looked. Personally, I often myself judge a person by his or her external appearance. Fortunately, I many times made sure of the incorrectness of my judgments. For example, when I met my future husband for the first time he made an impression of frown and not talkative person and, frankly speaking, I did not like him at all. We did not have a chance to talk, but his cloth and manners gave me that impression. However, after we were introduced to each other and had a long talk I changed my opinion about him. He happened to be a very sensitive and kind person. Second of all, I believe that the true impression about a person can be made only after people spent at least a few weeks with each other and were in different situations including extreme and danger ones. I think that a person shows his or her internal characteristics when in danger. Moreover, some people, especially celebrities, tend to hide their weaknesses and not attractive sides in order to please an audience. In conclusion, I believe that first impression is very often wrong. I must confess that I unconsciously judge a person by his or her first appearance but I tell my self that this is subject to change and try to keep my opinion with me. (NB: Follow the above writing structure for getting higher IELTS band score in the examination. This sample answer can be an example of good writing out of many possible approaches.) Related IELTS Resources Take a practice test to find out what is your current weakness in terms of IELTS scale and allow more time to improve your weak spots. The following IELTS resources will help you to develop your skills faster:

https://www.ieltsscore.com/ielts-writing-task-2-judge-a-person/

Article overview: - People underestimate how well others like them. - Those who are shy rate themselves the lowest. - Simple tricks can help improve your "first impression". Research states most underestimate their first impression Even the most confident of us occasionally feel uncomfortable in social situations, especially when meeting people for the first time or trying to make a good impression on Zoom. If you sometimes move away from these encounters and feel that you are not your usual charming self and the other person may not have liked you very much, you are hardly alone. However, new research suggests that you may be a little too tough on yourself because you probably made a better impression than you think. The study, conducted at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, found that people usually underestimate how well someone else likes them after talking to them. These results are based on several experiments that involved either short-term conversations between people who were first introduced or long-term when the residents of the dormitory met during their freshman year of study. In an experiment, the subjects were placed in situations where they got to know someone and had a conversation. They were then asked to rate how good they were at the conversation and assign a rating to the person they spoke to. In some versions of the study the conversations were shorter and in others longer, sometimes providing topics for discussion but not in other cases. However, in all of these different cases, participants remained constant and gave the person they were speaking to a higher rating for sympathy than they did themselves. Shy people rate themselves poorly in social situations Unsurprisingly, those volunteers with shy personality types were most likely to rate themselves poorly compared to their interviewer. However, it wasn't just the shy volunteers who made themselves feel this way, but it was a phenomenon that occurred to all personalities – even the most sociable. Hence, it seems we are all likely to be guilty of judging ourselves more strictly than others when it comes to conversational skills, at least sometimes. Why do we tend to criticize ourselves so much more than those we speak to? Part of the problem is that most of us are so focused on what we are saying or about to say next that we cannot clearly see how the other person is reacting. In addition, we have a very human way of mentally reproducing a conversation when it is over. This generally leads to us analyzing all the missteps we have made while speaking and internally criticizing every little detail. We seldom take the side of another conversation apart to that extent. All of these can lead to social trouble if you take it too far. If you regularly feel that you like the people you talk to more than you do, you can withdraw from interactions, narrow your social circle, and develop anxiety when even the simplest conversations arise. The good news is that being aware of how the knowledge we gained from the results of this study can help us realize that we are all in the same situation and the chances are that others will like you more, than you thought. How to improve your first impression or your first meeting There are also many ways to combat your fear of failing that first meeting. Prepare a little in advance so you have some ideas for topics to talk about and can avoid that awkward silence. If you feel nervous, relax with a few minutes of deep breathing or meditating before a new social encounter. Don't be afraid to smile either, as people generally respond well to people who are in a good mood, and studies have even shown that happiness is contagious. With zoom, good lighting and a clear connection can help. Another strategy is to focus fully on the other person – everyone loves to talk to a good listener who can really hear what they're saying and ask relevant questions from time to time. A 2012 study at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts found that brain scans confirm how much people love to talk about themselves. So let the other person take the lead, and you're almost guaranteed to make a great first impression. And make extra effort to hear the other person's name clearly and to block it when introducing it. Then use their name when you speak to them. As Dale Carnegie said, "a person's name is the cutest sound," and they appreciate people who use it when speaking to them.

https://www.medinews.info/you-make-a-better-first-impression-than-you-realize/

The number of people using technology, such as phones, Zoom and Skype, to consult with doctors has jumped during the COVID-19 pandemic, new research has shown. Telemedicine is the use of technology by a medical practitioner to provide healthcare services to patients. According to research commissioned by the Medical Council, just 4% of the population had used telemedicine in March of this year. However by October, this had jumped to 21% - a five-fold increase. The research included a survey of 1,016 adults in March, followed by a survey of 992 adults in late October. Among those who have used telemedicine, 80% said they were satisfied with the service they had used and 55% said they are likely to use it more often in the future. Some 21% said they are unlikely to use it in the future. Many are using the service for repeat prescriptions as GP appointments may be unavailable at the time they want. While 50% said telemedicine is more convenient for them, only around 33% feel that it meets their care needs. However, around 25% said that telemedicine allowed them to connect with doctors that they would not have been able to access otherwise. According to the president of the Medical Council, Dr Rita Doyle, these findings show that Irish patients "have adapted and changed their behaviours in light of the challenges faced by the pandemic". "Doctors have also had to rapidly adapt to meet the care needs of their patients, with doctors around the country going above and beyond the norm in such a difficult time for the country." "The significantly high rates of satisfaction levels among those who have had a telemedicine consultation, along with many doctors who are new themselves to the provision of care via telemedicine, reflects very positively on the professionalism and dedication of doctors in Ireland," Dr Doyle commented. In response to the higher number of patients availing of telemedicine, the Medical Council has produced a guide to help patients understand what is involved in such a consultation. It explains how these consultations work, what patients can expect and what they can do in preparation for the consultation to help ensure the doctor can provide the appropriate care. According to Medical Council member and chairperson of the council's Working Group on Telemedicine, Paul Harkin, the booklet answers key questions that patients may have. "For many patients, and doctors too, the shift to delivering patient care via telemedicine came almost overnight. It has been a learning curve for both doctors and patients alike, and although it will never replace a face-to-face consultation, telemedicine will play a greater role in the delivery of patient care in various formats going into the future," he added. The guide can be accessed here. Discussions on this topic are now closed.

http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?id=27561

Tex Med. 2013;109(6):16-22. By Crystal Zuzek Associate Editor Technology can improve patient care, but it's no substitute for face-to-face patient exams. No one knows that better than Douglas Curran, MD. When a concerned mother contacted him about her teenaged daughter's bladder infection, he simply could have called in a prescription. But when he realized he hadn't seen the girl in quite some time, Dr. Curran insisted on examining her in person. "I noticed right away that my patient had put on a considerable amount of weight. When I examined her, I realized she was in labor. Her mother had no idea." The Athens family physician says this experience illustrates the need to examine patients in person and the value of an established patient-physician relationship. "Physicians can't rely on the telephone or the Internet in every situation," said Dr. Curran, a member of the Texas Medical Association Board of Trustees. Like other physicians, Dr. Curran believes a physician's relationship with a patient is a sacred connection that fosters trust. Evolving technology, however, challenges them to communicate and consult with patients electronically without fragmenting the relationships or compromising patient safety. The emerging practice of telemedicine allows physicians to consult with patients over the telephone, through live Internet chats, with a webcam, or by other electronic means. Physicians and lawmakers are examining telemedicine's ability to expand patient access to care via technology while ensuring safe, high-quality health care. TMA physicians testified on several telemedicine bills in this year's session of the Texas Legislature. TMA worked to make sure the bills guarantee appropriate care and that telemedicine practitioners comply with Texas Medical Board (TMB) rules. TMB's telemedicine rules cite a physical examination as a minimum criterion for establishing a patient-physician relationship. They say distant site providers who use telemedicine must establish a proper patient-physician relationship that at a minimum includes: TMB rules define a distant site provider as a Texas-licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse "who is supervised by and has delegated authority from a licensed Texas physician, who uses telemedicine to provide health care services to a patient in Texas." They also stipulate that an online or telephonic evaluation solely by questionnaire does not constitute an acceptable standard of care. Read TMB's rules and frequently asked questions online. Norman Chenven, MD, Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) founder and chief executive officer, is a consultant to Teladoc, a telemedicine company that has done business in Texas since 2005. He says telemedicine's enhanced access to care inevitably can and should improve quality of care and should help lower costs. "I believe the greatest benefit of telemedicine will occur in chronic disease management. Telemedicine makes it easier for patients to manage their own care under the guidance of a physician," he said. Telemedicine should be allowed to evolve without being buried under a mountain of regulations, Dr. Chenven says. "The standard of care placed on physicians who practice telemedicine doesn't change. If a phone conversation with a patient is inadequate, the physician can use good judgment to provide another option for care. We need to trust that physicians know what they're doing in the realm of telemedicine and not create rules that make it more difficult for doctors to treat their patients," Dr. Chenven said. Telemedicine in the Courts TMB Executive Director Mari Robinson says TMB amended its telemedicine rules in 2010. She says the rules, in part, provide additional safeguards that help ensure virtual physician consultations don't neglect the physical examination. When TMB revised the rules, it received input from several interested parties, including TMA, the Texas Hospital Association, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and companies that provide telemedicine services. Teladoc uses physicians to treat patients over the phone or via secure online video, although Teladoc does not conduct video consultations in Texas. According to Teladoc's website, www.teladoc.com, contracted physicians treat common medical conditions such as sinus problems, respiratory infections, allergies, urinary tract infections, cold and flu symptoms, and other nonemergency illnesses. In Teladoc's comments on the proposed board rules, the company objected to provisions about distant site providers who perform telemedicine services somewhere other than an established medical site. They require distant site providers to "see the patient one time in a face-to-face visit before providing telemedicine medical care." (The rules define a patient site presenter or telepresenter as "the individual at the patient site who introduces the patient to the distant site provider for examination, and to whom the distant site provider may delegate tasks and activities.") The rules also say distant site providers can see patients "without an initial face-face to visit, provided the patient has received an in-person evaluation by another physician who has referred the patient for additional care and the referral is documented in the medical record." Teladoc contends telemedicine physicians can use many other generally accepted means to provide medical services that meet the standard of care. The company's examples included use of health records, questions and answers between the patient and physician using interactive media to determine a patient's medical condition, and lab tests. The medical board disagreed with Teladoc's comments. In 2011, Nancy Leshikar, TMB general counsel, sent Teladoc a letter saying the board does not believe Texas physicians can rely on Teladoc's statement that it complies with TMB rules if they choose to participate in Teladoc's program. She added that "any representation you [Teladoc] make regarding Teladoc's program being in conformance with the TMB's rules will be directly and firmly refuted by the board." Teladoc then sued TMB and sought an injunction to prevent it from enforcing its interpretation of the rules that require a face-to-face meeting before a physician can diagnose or treat a patient. The company's lawsuit says Texas-licensed physicians affiliated with Teladoc have access to a patient's electronic health record (EHR) and do not use a questionnaire to conduct telephone consultations. "The Teladoc physician … evaluates each patient individually based on his or her reported symptoms and the responses to questions asked by the physician during the consultation," the lawsuit says. Teladoc says its physicians do not prescribe controlled substances, and at the end of telephone consultations, patients can share findings with their primary care physician or they can give Teladoc physicians permission to transmit the information from the consultation to their primary care physician. Teladoc maintains that TMB rules don't "require an in-person physical examination in all circumstances before a physician may prescribe medication to a patient." It asked Travis County District Judge Amy Clark Meachum to declare the board's interpretation of the rules invalid and inapplicable to Teladoc. Teladoc said TMB's rules are "fatal" to its business in Texas. However, Judge Meachum ruled in favor of TMB last fall, prompting Teladoc to appeal. Matt Dow, an Austin attorney representing Teladoc, said the company believes the law is on its side and "is confident that it will be successful on appeal." He said Judge Meachum's order prohibits TMB from enforcing the regulations during the appeal, thus "Teladoc continues to serve the members of its health plan and employer customers in Texas." Ms. Robinson couldn't comment on Teladoc's business practices pending the appeal. She did, however, stress that physicians must establish a relationship with patients before using telemedicine or the telephone. "If a physician has never seen a patient, has no relationship with a patient, and tries to treat that patient over the phone for the first time, that's going to be a problem. That physician has never conducted an exam of the patient and has no medical records for the patient. That type of setup isn't conducive to making an appropriate medical diagnosis and violates the board's rules," she said. Relationship Necessary Telemedicine can be especially valuable to patients living in rural and underserved parts of Texas. Regardless of location, Dr. Curran stresses the need for an established patient-doctor relationship before providing care via technology. "I know every single one of my patients I treat using telemedicine," he said. "Many of these patients I've known for decades. I frankly don't know how any physician could provide high-quality care over the phone to a patient the physician does not know or has not seen in person." Physicians who violate TMB telemedicine rules face penalties ranging from a fine to having their licenses suspended or revoked, depending on the facts in the case. Ms. Robinson says the board can't quantify the number of telemedicine complaints it receives or issue a data report for telemedicine-related complaints. She did highlight a formal complaint TMB filed with the State Office of Administrative Hearings in July 2011. The board's complaint states a physician licensed in Pennsylvania and Texas violated telemedicine rules, engaged in nontherapeutic prescribing, prescribed drugs without first establishing a proper professional relationship with a patient, and failed to maintain adequate patient medical records. The complaint stems from the physician's treatment of a 1-year-old patient in September 2010. Teladoc directed the patient's mother to the physician, who the board says had no established relationship with the child, hadn't examined the patient, and hadn't reviewed the patient's medical records. The complaint says the physician determined over the phone that the child had an upper respiratory infection and prescribed an insufficient dosage of Amoxil. According to documentation, the patient' temperature reached 104 degrees the day after taking the medication. The board asked the administrative law judge to conduct a hearing and issue a proposal for decision. At press time, the case was pending. Telemedicine in the Legislature Lawmakers filed several bills on telemedicine this session. Dr. Curran says legislators' interest in telemedicine reflects their desire to expand access to care to patients in all parts of Texas. "As more people acquire health insurance and if Medicaid coverage is expanded, the state is going to have to explore ways of connecting more patients with physicians," he said. House Bill 2017 by Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo) would require insurance companies to pay physicians for after-hours telephone consultations. Thomas Kim, MD, an Austin internist and psychiatrist, testified for the bill on behalf of TMA. Dr. Kim uses telemedicine in his practice and develops and evaluates telemedicine technologies. He told House Insurance Committee members that technology can improve access to care and quality and reduce costs. Typically, insurance companies pay vendors to provide insured patients with access to the vendors' physicians for after-hours care via phone. This arrangement often means local physicians – who don't have contracts with the vendors – are not paid for these phone consultations. Disallowing payment for telephone consultations provided by local physicians is counter to TMA's mission to improve the health of all Texans. "Advances in technology, including broadband Internet, smart devices, and social media, have created an extraordinary level of connectedness. But even with the growing number of ways to share, message, or connect, the telephone continues to serve as an important way to communicate with one another, including health care service delivery," he told the committee. Like many physicians, Dr. Kim relies on the telephone in caring for his patients. The nature of his calls can vary from simple medication questions to exploring whether a patient should go to the emergency department. He says being available by phone ensures support for his patients in challenging circumstances. Without telephone support, Dr. Kim testified, "patient care can suffer in terms of rising costs and diminished quality of care." Dr. Kim recounted for the legislature instances in which telephone consultations improved patient care and contained health care costs. In one situation, Dr. Kim worked with members of his health care team by phone to evaluate a patient in a juvenile detention center who had voiced suicidal thoughts. Dr. Kim was out of town but was able to determine over the phone that his patient was upset and not suicidal, avoiding a costly visit to the emergency department. "By establishing parity for telephone consultation payment, all parties involved can realize value. Avoidable costs are removed from the system, patient satisfaction improves by lowering the access bar, quality of care rises with improved patient engagement, and community practices become more sustainable and potentially more effective," he said. Dr. Chenven echoes the need to ensure physicians receive payment for phone consultations. "Physicians who provide continuity of care via phone consultation should be paid for their time and the infrastructure costs. It doesn't make sense to have physicians spend hours on the phone caring for patients and not getting paid for it." Howard Marcus, MD, an internist at ARC and a consultant to Teladoc, says the primary challenge facing physicians who practice telemedicine is an economic one. "We don't get paid unless we see the patient in person. If third-party payers compensated telephone and email consultations, we could provide health care more efficiently and at lower cost for that subset of health care issues that do not require a hands-on physical examination," Dr. Marcus said. He adds that the failure to compensate physicians for these services undermines the viability of primary care practices while driving up the cost of care. The House Insurance Committee also heard testimony on House Bill 1806 by Rep. John Smithee (R-Amarillo). Dr. Curran testified on the bill on behalf of TMA and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians (TAFP). Dr. Curran cited TMA's concerns with the bill as originally drafted: TMA supports TMB's telemedicine medical services rules. Dr. Curran told the committee the TMB telemedicine rules "are comprehensive and were adopted after thorough stakeholder input." He added they "address the requirement of a prior patient-physician relationship, protection of privacy, adoption of protocols to prevent fraud and abuse, the use of a patient site presenter, and the delegation of tasks and activities to a patient site presenter during a patient encounter." TMA presented the following amendments to HB 1806 to help ensure patient safety and high-quality care: Dr. Curran concluded his testimony by saying TMA and TAFP are willing to work with the committee to develop a substitute to HB 1806 that ensures telemedicine services allow safe access to care for more Texas patients. Bruce Moskow, MD, an Austin emergency physician, testified on Senate Bill 830 by Sen. Charles Schwertner, MD (R-Georgetown), on behalf of TMA and the Texas College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Moskow said the bill would preclude the Texas Department of State Health Services from "requiring the physical presence or physical availability of a physician" capable of rendering critical care services at a Level IV trauma facility. As drafted, SB 830 would allow telemedicine to replace the on-site physician in the trauma teams in Level IV trauma centers in counties of 50,000 or fewer residents. At press time, SB 830, HB 1806, and HB 2017 were pending in their respective committees. For updated information on these and other bills, visit the TMA website. Telemedicine's Potential Dr. Curran says telemedicine can be particularly effective in consulting with specialists. He works as a hospitalist at East Texas Medical Center. During a shift, one of his medical partners' patients came into the emergency department. The disoriented man, who'd recently had surgery to remove a benign brain tumor, had been in an automobile accident. Dr. Curran ordered a computed tomography (CT) scan, which showed a swelling where the tumor was removed. He called the patient's neurosurgeon 60 miles away, and they both examined the CT scan using an EHR system. "Working together, we decided to start the patient on medication and admit him to the hospital. Using technology, we were able to avoid transferring the patient, saving the system a great deal of money and ensuring quality, safe care. That's telemedicine at its best," Dr. Curran said. Sidney Ontai, MD, a Plainview family physician and member of the TMA Ad Hoc Committee on Health Information Technology, has used telemedicine since 2001. He uses videoconferencing technology to care for established patients 60 miles away in the small towns of Turkey, Earth, and Hart. "I see the same kinds of patients there for the same problems that I see in my garden-variety family practice. The patients themselves tend to present more for urgent care problems, but I do some chronic disease management, as well. My model has always been to have the telemedicine visit be the same as a regular face-to-face visit," he said. Dr. Ontai's telemedicine clinics have full-time medical assistants, certified nursing assistants, and registered nurses who are distant site presenters. They check patients' vital signs, take photos, and perform lab tests. "The fact is my documentation is actually better in the telemedicine clinic. When I look into a patient's ear or auscultate their heart, my distant site presenter takes a picture of the otoscope image, and a digital file of the image is stored permanently in the patient's record," he said. Ms. Robinson says telemedicine is full of opportunity for physicians who embrace technology to facilitate patient care. "When telemedicine is practiced in alignment with board rules, it provides a great way for physicians to reach patients who do not have access to care. It's also a good way to connect patients in remote parts of the state to specialists," she said. Crystal Zuzek can be reached by telephone at (800) 880-1300, ext. 1385, or (512) 370-1385; by fax at (512) 370-1629; or by email. SIDEBAR TMA Online Communication Policy TMA has long-standing policy covering online communication between physicians and patients and guidelines for fee-based online consultations. It urges physicians to develop written electronic patient communication procedures on avoiding emergency use, protecting patient medical information, appropriate expectations for response times, hours of operation, patient-identifying information that should be used in all communication, types of transactions that will be permitted electronically, and quality oversight. The policy also recommends conducting online patient-physician communications over a secure network, with provisions for authentication and encryption. The physician is responsible for taking reasonable steps to authenticate the identity of correspondents in an electronic communication and to ensure the recipient is authorized to receive the information. In addition, TMA established guidelines for fee-based online consultations, defined as clinical consultations "provided by a physician to a patient using the Internet or other electronic communications network in which the physician expects payment for the service." To read "Guidelines for Electronic Communications (Email) with Patients" from the Texas Medical Board and the Texas Medical Liability Trust, visit www.texmed.org/HealthIT, scroll down, and click on E-Communication. June 2013 Texas Medicine ContentsTexas Medicine Main Page May 13, 2016 What could a TMA Membership mean for you, your practice, and your patients Telemedicine Expanding access and payment for telemedicine services is a Texas Medical Association priority this session, and a bill that would improve physicians’ ability to serve their own patients electronically is making steady progress. Read More In a rural Texas town where one-third of the patients admitted to the local hospital have no insurance, Athens family physician Douglas Curran, MD, does all he can to keep women like Rose (not her real name) out of the hospital. If we are to save critical access hospitals in Texas for those who desperately need them, we must do better at supporting those who keep people out of the hospital with telemedicine policies that do not handcuff contracted physicians. To be clear, I would be delighted if the payers would pay a covered service delivered via telemedicine with parity, but I would be satisfied if payers simply allowed physicians to explore telemedicine options without risking their contract and negatively impacting their entire panel of patients.

https://www.texmed.org/Template.aspx?id=27307

Will this be the year that doctors in Florida are able to practice medicine using video conferencing? We’ll soon find out. Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, has introduced SB 478, a bill that would authorize virtual medical visits in the state. Efforts by Joyner to pass similar measures have failed over the years, but Joyner is optimistic that 2015 will be different. She told Government Technology in an email that controversial items have been left out of this year’s legislation. One sticking point has been compensation. Sam Miller, spokesman for the Florida Insurance Council, told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that insurers don’t want the state to require them to pay doctors the same rates for telemedicine visits as they do for face-to-face exams. Consequently, Joyner removed language last month from SB 478 that would have required Medicaid to pay equal rates of reimbursement. When asked by Government Technology if reimbursement differences might dissuade providers from offering telemedicine visits, Joyner replied that payment for services remains a negotiation between the individual providers and the insurance payers. The practice of meeting with doctors over the Internet for minor ailments has gained popularity in the last decade, particularly as broadband connectivity has expanded. Prisons are experimenting with virtual medical appointments for inmates and virtual medical kiosks have been installed in municipal buildings to help local government employees better manage their sick hours. But even though many experts say better technology and an influx of care-seekers stemming from the Affordable Care Act’s insurance mandate will help telemedicine flourish, it still faces a number of challenges. Cross-state licensure is one of the bigger hurdles. In a 2012 interview withGovernment Technology, Greg Billings, executive director of the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law, said only 12 states had licensing procedures that let physicians give direct care to patients in other states through telehealth. In addition, just 12 states deemed electronic exams to met the standard of a face-to-face medical appointment, allowing physicians to prescribe medications. Doctors practicing telemedicine and prescribing to patients in the other 38 states could be in violation of state law, he said. When contacted to update those numbers, Billings told Government Technology that his group no longer tracks the information because of the rapid rate in change among states. “Medical boards are acting and state legislatures (e.g. Florida) are in full-swing on telemedicine,” Billings wrote. “Changes are being made by the moment. And more importantly, often you need to have talked to the medical board to determine the true position [in a state].” SB 478 currently is in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Joyner says the measure has a “wide range of support” to move forward, including endorsements from the Florida Medical Association, the Orlando-based Florida Hospital group, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

http://www.broadbandillinois.org/news/558

This post may contain affiliate links for products I recommend. If you click a link and buy something I may receive some compensation. This does not change the price you would pay. Latest video release regarding Coronavirus. Watch this “Coronavirus: The doctors helping save lives in two countries – BBC News” video below: A group of British Pakistani doctors are using new technology, and what they’ve learnt from fighting coronavirus in the UK – to help their counterparts in Pakistan who are trying to tackle the disease. Using telemedicine portals they’ve been holding patient consultations, and even virtual intensive care rounds. There have been around 240,000 cases, and close to 5,000 deaths from…..(read more) The Coming Pandemic Documentary Alternate Health Remedies Alternate Health Remedies Different Health Ideas 15 Minute Manifestation is about making a positive impact to the lives of people.

https://virushealthprotection.com/coronavirus-the-doctors-helping-save-lives-in-two-countries-bbc-news/

In the fall of 2013, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation launched a project of implementing innovative information technologies at medical institutions in the Donetsk Oblast to reduce the time and distance separating Ukrainian patients from modern and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Four tuberculosis dispensaries (specialized treatment centers) in the Donetsk Oblast (in Kramatorsk, Mariupol, Shakhtarsk and Horlivka) received a telecommunications system connecting them with Donetsk Regional Tuberculosis Clinic (DOCTO). Using this system, DOCTO specialists held online consultations, prescribed and corrected treatment schemes for patients with drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis. During online conferences, doctors read the patients’ medical history, communicated with their attending physicians, asked questions about the course of treatment to patients themselves who were unable to come to Donetsk for a personal consultation. It resulted in a more effective and better-quality treatment, and helped reduce expenses of doctors and patients. A systemic approach to the use of telemedicine in the field of phthisiology was developed as part of this project. A system was built, which helped not only consult the patients but also handle numerous administrative matters. Thanks to Telemedicine project, doctors held over 1000 consultations for patients with drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis.

https://akhmetovfoundation.org/en/project/proekt-telemedytsyna

Cybermedicine is the use of the Internet to deliver medical services, such as medical consultations and drug prescriptions. It is the successor to telemedicine, wherein doctors would consult and treat patients remotely via telephone or fax. Cybermedicine is already being used in small projects where images are transmitted from a primary care setting to a medical specialist, who comments on the case and suggests which intervention might benefit the patient. A field that lends itself to this approach is dermatology, where images of an eruption are communicated to a hospital specialist who determines if referral is necessary. The field has also expanded to include online “ask the doctor” services that allow patients direct, paid access to consultations (with varying degrees of depth) with medical professionals (examples include Bundoo.com, Teladoc, and Ask The Doctor). A Cyber Doctor, known in the UK as a Cyber Physician, is a medical professional who does consultation via the internet, treating virtual patients, who may never meet face to face. This is a new area of medicine which has been utilized by the armed forces and teaching hospitals offering online consultation to patients before making their decision to travel for unique medical treatment only offered at a particular medical facility. - April 16, 2021 at 6:21 am #122Connect administratorKeymaster - - AuthorPosts You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

https://platform.plumpdesign.net/groups/cybermedicine/forum/topic/cybermedicine/

The curators, on the occasion of the World Day of Disability, have gathered together contributions, reflections, projects and workshops presented to offer an interdisciplinary reflection on the theme of disability and inclusion, beginning with "Unimc for Inclusion", a week rich in meetings on the theme of inclusion held at the University of Macerata. The authoritative contributions of scholars from diverse disciplinary fields, allow readers to retrace the theme of inclusion from different theoretical research perspectives, reconstructing an interesting corollary of reflections and operational paths ranging from special pedagogy, general pedagogy, psychology, social robotics, virtual reality, economics, law, literature, philosophy, art, etc. It is due of this approach that the text is particularly pertinent to teachers, educators and pedagogues in active service and in training, not least because of the range of workshop proposals and transferable experiences in school contexts and in day and residential centres. Inclusion --- Disability --- Special Pedagogy --- Inclusive educational contexts --- Good inclusive practices --- Inclusion Tests Choose an application Conceived on the occasion of the first edition of "Unimc for Inclusion", an initiative promoted by the University of Macerata, the volume intends to propose, in a single collective work, theoretical coordinates and operational trajectories applicable in plural contexts, including training whether they are educational, aggregated or residential. The paradigm of inclusion is therefore investigated on the basis of its declinations, as well as multiple perspectives of research, through a variety of thematic insights. Implementation challenges, laboratory proposals and design hypotheses that come to life in the text, offering the reader practical ideas for reflection and experimentation with an inclusive character. For these reasons, this book is particularly recommended to pedagogues, teachers and educators, both in training and in service, because in their profession they are constantly called upon to engage in "inclusion tests".

https://doabooks.org/doab?func=search&addFilter=utpub:%22FrancoAngeli%22&template=&query=au%3A%22Giaconi%2C%20Catia%22&fromYear=&uiLanguage=en&toYear=&filter=year%3A%222019%22

“She looks like me!” exclaimed 6 year old Anisha excitedly, on first seeing the character Rocket in Rocket Says Look Up. “This is my favourite book now!” That is the power or representation in books. Positive Representation Every child should have the right and the opportunity to see themselves and their lives represented in the pages of a book. Those living in a single parent family, with black or brown skin, who identify as LGBTQ+, that have a disability, or experiencing food poverty – all should feel represented by both characters, storylines and information in the books they read. Well written and illustrated books, break down stereotypes and provide powerful representation for children. They can also help the reader see the world from a different perspective and begin to understand lives that are different from their own, becoming empathetic citizens. Reflecting Realities The 2022 CLPE Reflecting Realities report showed that… - Children’s books featuring a minority ethnic character has increased from 4% in 2017 to 20% in 2021 - However, 33.9% of Primary School age children in England are from a minority ethnic background but only 9% of books published featured a main character of a minority ethnic background. How do your shelves stack up against these statistics? Books as Windows and Mirrors In her 1990 paper “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors,” Rudine Sims-Bishop outlines the importance of books representing and reflecting the world: “Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange… However, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of a larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books.” How can our home and school libraries offer these windows and mirrors opportunities for all children and through all genres? Creating an inclusive school library 1. Complete a comprehensive audit of your shelves and remove any books that are offensive, inaccurate or offer racist or overtly ableist views of the world. 2. Pupil voice is powerful. Ask children to help choose new titles. Look through catalogues and publishers’ pages together. What appeals to them? What reflects their lives, families and experiences? Which books show characters and themes that broaden their understanding of the world? 3. Seek out information from ‘own voices’ authors, illustrators and reviewers who have lived experience and an authentic voice to help find publishers creating representative and inclusive books. 4. Take a critical look at the teaching curriculum and add diverse texts at its heart. Ensure history, science, art and wider curriculum subjects give a broad and representative view of the world and that literature and teaching in these areas reflects this. 5. Use the positive impact of online or in person author or poet visits to show all children that everyone can be a writer and a reader. 6. Use the library as a safe and inclusive space to celebrate differences and as a positive space for all to learn from and in. Representation matters Seeing yourself represented in a book can turn a child on to reading and make them feel seen and their life experiences validated. However, misrepresentation through stereotyping or feeling omitted from texts can have the opposite effect and turn them off books, as they seek authentic experiences in other ways. We have a responsibility to follow the research and use reading for pleasure to develop wellbeing, confidence, pride and achievement so all children can ‘Look Up’ onto their school’s shelves and see themselves in their stories, just like Anisha. Esther Brown is a Primary School teacher and book blogger in the UK – @mrsbrownsbookbox on Instagram. She is passionate about children’s literature, school libraries and giving as many children as possible the chance to become life-long readers.

https://mariadismondy.com/2023/01/23/creating-inclusive-bookshelves-why-diversity-matters/

The example of Jesus’ welcoming all people remains at the heart of our community. We celebrate your identity as a gift from God. We are committed to being an inclusive and accepting place for all people, with no exceptions. As an extension of that, we are inclusive of diverse perspectives, worship experiences, and ideas. Latino, African, Asian, European . . . our congregation includes a diverse array of cultural identities and origins. Being part of this community means getting to share your own culture and experience others. Our diverse identities and traditions breathe a vibrant life into our worship, conversations, events, and ministry. Our congregation includes people of all sexual orientations, all gender identities, and all economic, marital, and legal statuses. We value our Lutheran tradition, but we are open to new ways of doing things. We include people of all lifestyles and backgounds, and strive to listen without judgment to each other’s beliefs and unbeliefs. Whether serving our community through a monthly food pantry and community lunch, reaching out to the wider world through various global ministry initiatives, or working toward social justice through supportive resources and advocacy -- we are committed to putting our faith into action, serving the world, and making an impact. We invite you to live as part of a diverse and dynamic Christian community. We pray you will feel support and love here that will make a profound difference in your life. Individual communities of faith, such as Advent, can each shed a particular light on what it means to be Christian in today’s world. Our gospel message is of worship and service, lived out in a community of faith. From feeding the hungry to being open to all sorts of worship experiences, from welcoming people of many different lifestyles to listening without judgment to each other’s beliefs and unbeliefs, from supporting each other in prayer to searching out ways to further the cause of economic and political justice, we are a community. Come and live life as part of a Christian community. The support and love you receive here may make all the difference in how you live your life.

https://www.adventnyc.org/our-congregation

We are saddened by the passing of Benoit Mandelbrot, a mathematician who not only spurred a remarkable advance in science, he also captured the general imagination. Mandelbrot realized that the length one finds for a crinkly curve like a coastline depends on the tool used to measure it. A shorter ruler can catch more of the twists and folds of the curve, making the total observed length longer. In principle, Mandelbrot saw, an infinitely crinkly coastline could pack an infinite perimeter into a finite area of space. Such a curve, characterized not by its length but rather by its roughness, Mandelbrot called a fractal. An idealized fractal shape looks the same whether seen from a distance or close up: each part resembles the whole. No matter how much one zooms in on a piece of a fractal, one finds the same kind of irregular shape, never a smooth curve. This failure to obtain smoothness undermines basic assumptions of calculus and thus forces scientists to turn to new mathematical tools. The idea behind abstract fractals had been discussed before, but Mandelbrot brought fractals into the study of the real world. Mandelbrot was born in Warsaw in 1924. His family fled Poland to escape the rising Nazi threat, and he was educated in France. His most famous work took place while he was employed on IBM's research staff. Mandelbrot died on 14 October 2010 of pancreatic cancer, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Benoit's concept of fractals is fundamental to the science of complex systems. He was a giant---his height is difficult to measure.

https://necsi.edu/benoit-mandelbrot-1924-2010

An astonishing instance of mathematical anticipation has recently come to light, showing that a monk discovered a complex formula centuries earlier than previously thought. The Mandelbrot set is one of those dizzying fractal shapes that have come to symbolize the modern science of chaos theory. Like all such shapes, it is indefinitely convoluted and has arcs giving rise to smaller arcs and flares branching into smaller flares. Oriented vertically, it can be viewed as a star, and it is this way of seeing the set that leads to what is probably one of the most arresting discoveries in the history of mathematics. In his wonderfully multitudinous Web site, The Apothecary’s Drawer (see Web link, left), Roy Girvan, an English science writer and Web designer, tells the story of a retired mathematics professor traveling in Germany who was shocked to see in a medieval religious manuscript a nativity scene with a Star of Bethlehem in the unmistakable shape of the Mandelbrot set. Bill Gates in the Dead Sea Scrolls The professor, Bob Schipke, confessed to being stunned. “It was like finding a picture of Bill Gates in the Dead Sea Scrolls. The title page named the copyist as Udo of Aachen, and I just had to find out more about this guy.” After investigation, Schipke discovered that this 13th century monk, previously known only for his poetry and essays, had discovered the simple secret for the generation of the Mandelbrot set 700 years before Benoit Mandelbrot! Happily, some of Udo’s notebooks have survived, and Schipke found that the genius monk wrote knowledgeably about the notion of probability. He also discovered that the monk had discovered a method for estimating the value of pi that had previously been thought to have been first employed by 18th century naturalist Comte de Buffon. But Udo of Aachen’s most staggering feat is the construction of the Mandelbrot set, which involves the multiplication of complex numbers. These are numbers of the form a + bi, where a and b are what we normally think of as real numbers, and i, a so- called imaginary number, is the square root of -1. Spiritual, Profane and Complex Incredibly these numbers would not become a part of mathematical practice for another 500 years, but Udo of Aachen wrote of the intertwined spiritual and profane parts of all entities, including numbers, and through some scrim of theological reasoning, he concluded that the product of two purely profane numbers was a negative spiritual number, just as i² = -1. In this way Udo derived rules for dealing with profane/spiritual numbers that were essentially identical to those used today for manipulating complex numbers. Using these rules, more theology (a number multiplied by itself is somehow the analogue of spiritual reflection), and repeatedly substituting complex numbers into the expression z² + c to determine their “fate” eventually led Udo of Aachen to the Mandelbrot set. Prof. Schipke, with the help of historian Antje Eberhardt at the University of Munich, wrote up his findings on Udo in the March 1999 issue of the Harvard Journal of Historical Mathematics. Few Comparable Finds But despite the prestige of the publication, the discovery has not received the attention it warrants, and this may be one reason that Ray Girvan has so beautifully told the story on his web site and is certainly why I am publicizing it here. Not since the Piltdown-Sokal Theorem was discovered to have first been proved in 1907 by a provincial Russian electrical engineer, and not in 1979 by Piltdown and Sokal as originally had been thought, has the date of a first proof been so misjudged. There is only one case of misattribution in the history of mathematics that is of comparable magnitude. The famous triangular array of numbers discovered by Pascal in the 17th century was anticipated five centuries before him by the Chinese mathematician Chia Hsien. Even this example, however, is trumped by the 700 year differential between Udo’s and Mandelbrot’s discovery. Professor of mathematics at Temple University, John Allen Paulos is the author of several best-selling books, including Innumeracy and A Mathematician Reads the Newspaper. His Who’s Counting? column on ABCNEWS.com appears on the first day of every month.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/WhosCounting/story?id=98615&page=1

Fractals occupy a weird place in math. They’re these abstract windows into the quantum realm, sitting somewhere in between two and three dimensions and claiming to prove that the UK coastline is infinitely long even though any map will show you that it isn’t … and yet they’re also surprisingly practical. Take the Mandelbrot set, for example: You’ve likely seen this pattern before, but have you ever wondered what it actually means? Despite its psychedelic presentation, the Mandelbrot set has a deep connection to the world around us – and it’s all down to a family of mathematical equations collectively known as the logistic map. What is the logistic map? The logistic map is famous in math circles. It originated back in the first half of the 19th century as a way to model population dynamics, but it’s evolved into one of the best examples of how random chaos can arise from what looks like a simple starting point. Mathematically, it looks like this: In English, that says “you get the next number in the sequence by multiplying the current number by some constant r and one minus itself,” and so … actually, you know what – maybe it’ll be easier with an example. Let’s choose as our starting point x0 = 1/2 (we’ll always choose a value between zero and one for our starting point, and 1/2 is nice and central) and we’ll set the value of r to be [spinning roulette wheel] 3. Then the map will give us On the other hand, if we set r = 2.5 we get And if we increase r up to 3.5 we have Remember, the logistic map started as a way to model population dynamics, and that’s a pretty good way of thinking about what’s going on here. Let’s suppose we’re modeling how a colony of rabbits changes over time: then the logistic map tells us that how many bunnies we have tomorrow depends on how many we have today together with the reproduction rate of the population – how fast they, ahem, make new bunnies. The more bunnies we have, the more there are to reproduce, so we multiply the reproduction rate by the number of bunnies in the current population, xn. But if there are too many bunnies, the food will run out, and some will be forced to leave (or starve). That’s where the (1 - xn) comes from – it reflects the fact that there’s only so many bunnies that can live on one hill before they simply become too successful for their own good. The logistic map, despite being quite simple on the surface, gives us a surprisingly good prediction of observed population dynamics in the real world. In other words, the graphs above were obtained using pure math, but under the right circumstances (specifically those relating to bunny thirst) they would look very similar to real-world data on bunny populations. Ok great, but what does this have to do with the Mandelbrot set? Well, forget about the x values and think of the logistic map as a function of r. It doesn’t take long before you start to see some strange behavior going on. Let’s start at r = 0. Between zero and one, the logistic map is doomed to fizzle out to nothing. The picture changes when r reaches one. Between one and three, the logistic map will take you to a particular value, regardless of what you chose as your starting point. Sometimes it’ll get there fast, sometimes slowly, and sometimes it’ll wiggle around a bit before it gets there, but it’ll always end up at the same point (which for the nerds in the audience is equal to 1-1/r). But at r = 3, something interesting happens: the logistic map starts to oscillate. Basically, the values you get start to jump between two fixed points. This continues until you get to r ? 3.44949 (in exact form, r = 1 + ?6), when you start to see four fixed points. Then at r ? 3.54409, it happens again, and then again and again with the number of values in the chain doubling each time. This continues until you reach the magic number: r ? 3.56995, which is when everything kind of … breaks. Now for the incredibly cool part: if we plot a graph of r against xn, letting xn increase, we get this: Which, if we let n shoot off to infinity, looks like this (called the bifurcation diagram for the logistic map): And that, friends, is the Mandelbrot set. No, seriously. See, the Mandelbrot set is also governed by a recurrence relation – that is, a rule that gives the next number in a sequence by doing something to the number you’re at. For the logistic map, remember, the recurrence relation is But for the Mandelbrot set, it’s Now, here’s where things get a bit technical. It may sound obvious, but we’ll say it anyway: the logistic map is a map, but the Mandelbrot set is a set. Mind-blowing, we know. But that difference is crucial because it means that they’re telling us two very different – almost completely opposite – pieces of information. While the logistic map asks you for some starting values and gives you back oscillations (if you’re lucky), the Mandelbrot set instead says “we only want oscillations from this recurrence relation – which starting values are going to give us them?” Let’s look at an example again, to help us understand: let’s take z0 = 0 and c = 1. Then we find The sequence gets larger and larger without bound, so c = 1 isn’t part of the Mandelbrot set. On the other hand, if we leave z0 = 0 and set c = -1, we get The values oscillate between 0 and -1 – so c = -1 is part of the Mandelbrot set. Get it? Well, we won’t go into detail, but take our word for it: if you plot out on a diagram all the complex numbers c that give a bounded sequence from the recurrence relation, you get this: But what if we want more information than that? What if we want to know not just which values oscillate, but how they oscillate? Well, that’s where the magic happens. See, you may have noticed earlier that we described the Mandelbrot set as a set of complex numbers. If you don’t know what they are, don’t worry – they’re basically just a way of extending the number line to include values that can square to negative numbers. But their main feature is that they are two-dimensional – not a point on a number line, but somewhere in a graph. But that means that a function or recurrence relation which is applied to complex numbers can’t give a nice two-dimensional graph like the bifurcation diagram we saw earlier – the horizontal “axis” is actually a plane. Instead, we have to turn the diagram on its side, and when we do that, we see something literally awesome. The logistic map! And this isn’t just some graphical jiggery-pokery – you can get from one to the other using cold hard math if you really want to. Remarkably, the points at which the logistic map splits correspond to the boundary of the Mandelbrot set where it crosses the real line – you can even see the area of logistical chaos represented by the Mandelbrot set’s “needle”. But the Mandelbrot set isn’t only the logistic map – that’s just the bit that lies along the real axis. So while the main cardioid – the biggest, heart-shaped section of the Mandelbrot fractal – corresponds to the unique part of the logistic map and the main bulb – the second-largest piece of the fractal – corresponds to the part of the map that oscillates between two values, and so on down to four, eight, 16, and so on, there are also parts of the Mandelbrot set that aren’t represented at all by the logistic map. Parts like the biggest bulb sitting on top of the main cardioid – values in this section oscillate three times. Slightly to the left of that is a bulb that contains values that oscillate five times. In fact, you can pick any positive whole number you like, and somewhere in the Mandelbrot set you can find values that oscillate exactly that many times. The Mandelbrot set has a whole host of awesome qualities, many of which can be seen in this epic Veritasium video, but its connection to the logistic map is arguably one of the most fascinating – if only because it encapsulates so much of what makes math awesome. Let's face it: in what other scientific field could you take a group of horny bunnies and come up with something as abstract and beautiful as the Mandelbrot set?

https://www.iflscience.com/what-do-horny-bunnies-and-psychedelic-fractals-have-in-common-the-logistic-map-60710

While many therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals welcomed the recent adoption of mental health parity law in the United States, there were those who suspected that the law’s introduction would become a significant burden for policyholders, tax payers, and others involved in fronting the costs of treatment. This week, however, The Washington Times has published a letter from the head of the group Mental Health America, a letter which argues for the good financial sense of mental health parity and which may help many people gain a better understanding of therapy and other types of modernly available care. The letter notes that while some critics have suggested that anyone can be arbitrarily diagnosed with a mental health concern, not all issues require treatment, and many can be addressed in a cost-effective manner. Moreover, the letter points to the fact that if left unchecked, some mental health concerns may cost the nation significantly more money over the long-term as associated side-effects demand medical attention and work absenteeism climbs. Treating mental health concerns early and with meaningful care, the letter points out, is often the least expensive option, a notion supported by Congressional Budget Office projections which expected a raise of less than one percent nationally for premiums. Common misunderstandings about the potential severity of mental health concerns and dire need for psychotherapy and other types of treatment for some clients is bound to experience a decline as the world reacts to a startlingly high rate of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other issues among citizens of every background and age-–even among modern adolescents. The Times’ recent letter may help make mental health parity a more accepted part of this decline. © Copyright 2010 by By John Smith, therapist in Bellingham, Washington. All Rights Reserved. Permission to publish granted to GoodTherapy.org. The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the preceding article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.

https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/mental-health-parity-criticisms/

Six Lies You Might Believe About Therapy Debunking misconceptions that may be holding you back from seeking help. Posted Apr 15, 2018 Therapy is helpful for anyone experiencing mental health symptoms. Yet, there is a lot of misinformation out there about the process that you may hear and believe. These stereotypes, misconceptions, and lies can be monstrous obstacles inhibiting people from seeking the help they may need. I’ve tackled some of the following misconceptions with clients throughout various stages of their journeys, but I’ve also heard some of these statements from family, friends, students, and strangers. This list isn’t all-encompassing by any means, but it’s an attempt to debunk false ideas that may hinder you or a loved one from seeking help. I can’t speak for all mental health professionals, but I hope that sharing my perspective will help tear away some of the stigma around mental health care. 1. “All therapy is the same.” While there may be familiar elements in the first few sessions—like discussing confidentiality and explaining your concerns—therapy varies from one session to another and from one clinician to another. Even between two psychotherapists trained at the same institution and using the same theoretical approach, there are many variables that can cause them to be different, such as an area of expertise, personality, personal experiences, etc. Along those lines, you may be change over time, if your course of therapy is in months or years. Since you are the main factor, if you have changed, your therapeutic experience is likely to change as well. 2. “Just talking about my problems won’t do anything.” On the surface, this can be true—and yet psychotherapy isn’t just talking. Therapists are trained in the art of language, and with your goals in mind, clinicians can have intentional discussions around your concerns. If you’re in therapy and it seems like you’re just talking, you may not be detecting the carefully crafted conversation allowing you to discuss key elements of your presenting problem, brainstorm solutions, and create a plan. If the conversation feels effortless, this may be due to an excellent therapeutic bond. Such rapport is critical in fostering the ability to grow in therapy. Nevertheless, if therapy feels like chatting with a friend and nothing more, and you're not seeing growth over time, it’s possible that your selected helper isn’t the right fit for your therapeutic goals. 3. “I already have a good support system. Therapy won’t add any value.” Social support is definitely an influential aspect of mental health. I spend a lot of time helping clients create support systems. But therapy doesn’t end once we build those connections. Our loved ones are not trained professionals. Psychotherapists are specifically trained in the art of listening, problem-solving, and displaying nonjudgmental, unbiased attitudes. Perhaps your loved one is a therapist. But due to the difficulty of being unbiased and balanced, therapists should not provide services to their loved ones. Therefore, even if you have a psychotherapist in your life, they really shouldn’t be serving in that role for you. On the other hand, such handy professionals can be excellent resources if you’re seeking a referral. 4. “Therapy is for crazy people.” This cringe-worthy statement is riddled with stigma, but it’s also the most common misconception I hear about therapy. Our image of therapy is so skewed: Needing mental health care does not mean someone is “crazy"; it means they are brave enough to ask for help when they need it. Society’s perception of those who seek mental-health care often involves images of someone who lacks the capacity to think clearly, hold a job, live independently, be a loving parent or partner, and so on. Yes, individuals dealing with those concerns are in therapy—but so are thousands of others who don’t fit that picture. This distinct, black-and-white, “functioning versus non-functioning” view of mental health care can cause real symptoms to go unchecked, often making things worse. Just because a person is “fully functioning,” doesn’t mean they can’t also grow in therapy. 5. “Therapists only tell people what to do.” The truth is that a good therapist will often avoid giving advice, as they are obligated to honor and foster your independence. This may vary based on different therapists’ expertise and methodology, therapy is typically a collaborative process. A skilled psychotherapist will help you learn how to make decisions for yourself, so you don’t have to come to depend on them to give you direction during challenging situations. They will help you build on your strengths and keep you moving in the right direction. 6. “I’ll be forced to take medication.” There are different types of mental health professionals. If you’re thinking you'll be prescribed medication, odds are you are thinking about a psychiatrist. Talk therapy can be provided by psychologists, counselors, and/or social workers. Depending on the presenting problem, a psychiatrist might indeed become a helpful part of your journey, but for many diagnoses, talk therapy may serve as the primary treatment method. Whether medication is necessary depends on your presenting concern and its severity—and incorporating medication into your treatment plan is a conversation you will have with your therapist. If you have concerns about any medication, you should feel encouraged to share and explore them within your therapeutic setting. These misconceptions show the strength of stigma. If you or a loved one believes any of them, consider learning more about therapy and mental health. To get people the help they need, we need to talk openly and honestly about therapy and challenge notions like these that act as dangerous barriers to care. If you’re considering seeking therapy, the Psychology Today directory may be a helpful tool to find the right practitioner for you.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/modern-mentality/201804/six-lies-you-might-believe-about-therapy

Architectural project managers oversee all aspects of the design and construction process of a building project, from developing and reviewing building plans to making sure a project meets environmental and zoning standards. An architectural project manager must usually hold a professional degree, such as a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), which typically takes five years to complete. In addition, new employees to this field must complete a period of supervised training before taking the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) for state licensure. Someone who enjoys construction, design, project planning, and management may find this to be an interesting career field. We are looking for a detail-oriented Architectural Engineer to be responsible for the evaluation and design of building projects. The Architectural Engineer is responsible for working with internal departments and external parties on building and design projects, ensuring the structural and functional integrity of building structures and systems, and identifying and solving design flaws. A successful Architectural Engineer is meticulous, detail-oriented, and able to work well in a team. You should be analytical, have excellent time management skill, and the ability to find effective solutions to fit with the project's timeline, budget, and objectives. Architectural Engineer Responsibilities: · Designing, analyzing, and altering plans, prototypes or structures. · Ensuring building plans, prototypes, and structures are operating safely, efficiently, and reliably. · Assisting team members with project objectives, budgets, and timelines. · Establishing project goals. · Identifying and solving problems in building plans, prototypes, and structures. · Ensuring building systems are functional, reliable, and safe. · Participating in site visits. · Testing and evaluating building systems to find problems and improvements. · Reading, interpreting, and explaining complex technical documents. · Consulting with clients on building projects. · Adheres with all Qatar regulations and laws pertaining to this and related fields.

https://www.qatarliving.com/jobs/smart-move/architectural-engineer

A Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for recruiting new volunteers, receiving volunteer applications and reviewing them to identify the best fit for each applicant. A volunteer coordinator conducts the Volunteer Orientation in both English and Spanish as well as develops and maintains volunteer training materials. A Volunteer Coordinator promotes volunteer opportunities and conveys the Baja Dogs mission and purpose to the public. Additionally, the person in this role maintains and updates our database concerning each volunteer’s skills, abilities, contact information, and schedule. Locations: - La Paz, BCS, Mexico Key Responsibilities: We need a detail-oriented and focused Volunteer Coordinator to be responsible for our database of volunteers and volunteer opportunities. The Volunteer Coordinator’s responsibilities include recruiting and training new volunteers, keeping a database of volunteer information and skills, matching volunteers to opportunities that suit their skills, keeping volunteers informed, and conveying the Baja Dogs mission to the public. A successful Volunteer Coordinator should be meticulous about keeping records and passionate about volunteer work. You should uphold the values of Baja Dogs while ensuring the comfort of our volunteers in their positions. Ideally, our Volunteer Coordinator should be bilingual as our volunteers span 3 countries and speak 2 languages. Other responsibilities include: - Recruiting, training, and supervising new volunteers. - Collecting volunteer information, availability, and skills, and maintaining this information in the Baja Dogs database. - Using marketing tools such as outreach programs and e-mails to recruit new volunteers. - Keeping new and existing volunteers informed about things going on in Baja Dogs as well as volunteer opportunities. - Matching volunteers to opportunities that suit their skill sets, and ensuring they understand their responsibilities and receive the proper training. - Developing and organizing training materials. - Conducting New Volunteer Orientation training routinely. - Keeping schedules and records of volunteers’ work. - Preparing codes of conduct and operating procedures. - Ensuring the Baja Dog purpose is conveyed to the public. - Promote budgetary compliance to preserve resources. Training: - Baja Dogs La Paz Volunteer Orientation - On-the-job training Qualifications: - Knowledge in volunteering and recruitment. - Working knowledge of databases. - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. - Excellent organization and team building skills. - Ability to develop curriculum and training materials, including online training. - An understanding of the Baja Dogs various volunteer roles and mission. - Ability to lead and guide volunteers. - English and Spanish – extremely valuable. - Cultural sensitivity. Time Commitment:

https://bajadogslapaz.org/volunteer-position/volunteer-coordinator/

This job is 100% remote. To apply to this jobs please enter below information: We are looking for a detail-oriented Proofreader to join our team. You must be proficient in basic and advanced grammar rules and understand how they are used within our style guides. Our ideal candidate is meticulous in reviewing copy, noting errors such as punctuation, spelling, and word usage, and knows how to check statements for accuracy or potential plagiarism. You must communicate effectively with the writers and other staff to ensure documents meet all company guidelines.

https://www.atlasdiy.org/proofreader-remote/

IMPORTANT: Only one document attachment is allowed on your application. If employer has requested multiple items, please combine all pages into one document before attaching / uploading. General Information Job title: Butler Job location: State College, PA 16803 United States Requisition code: Date posted: 10/10/2017 Job type: Full-Time Compensation: Excellent salary commensurate with experience and benefits available. Job Category: Butler Job Description Great opportunity for right candidate. Excellent compensation – live onsite or live offsite. Seeking a proactive, responsible, organized and detail-oriented professional to assist with the service, coordination, management, and maintenance of private residence in State College, PA. The position is full-time, with live-in potential, and the candidate should expect to work on average, 5 1/2 days per week. Occasionally up to 7 days a week is needed. However, the candidate will receive significant compensating time off and more around the employer’s busy travel schedule. The ideal candidate will thrive in an unstructured environment on his / her own as well as with others. This individual will organize all aspects of the employer’s daily house life. Having a keen eye is important to preserve the aesthetic of the residence, fine furnishings and care for fine clothing. This individual will be a motivated self-starter and who is hard working, smart, organized and prepared to make a difference. The candidate must have excellent time management and task prioritization skills in order to efficiently assist with the running of the residence. Responsibilities for the role include but are not limited to: • Demonstrating a hands-on approach to daily house maintenance • Ensuring the residence is in pristine readiness condition at all times • Packing and unpacking for the principals trips with a checklist to ensure all items are packed and replenished to be ready for next trip • Meticulous attention to food purchases as specified by the employer • Provide formal and informal cooking services or assisting the chef • Ensuring the proper care fine clothing / wardrobe and furnishings • Additional Butler responsibilities as requested by the principal • Overseeing grounds and exterior of the estate • Shopping for supplies / groceries Job Requirements Requirements: • Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal as well as computer proficiency • 5 + years related experience working in a similar role for a private estate or family preferred • Exceptional organizational skills and dedication to responsibilities; above and beyond attitude • Polished, poised, and professional; strong time management skills and task prioritization • Incredibly hands-on approach to household management • Comfortable and confident working fast-paced environment where the discretion and confidentiality are required • Willing to ask questions and receive guidance when needed • Exceptional eye for detail and organizational skills (Job number:

https://www.jobboard.estatejobs.com/JobSeeker/JobDetail.aspx?abbr=ESTATE&jn=3665343&stats=y

Our investigators are highly qualified, trustworthy and reliable. Our daily business as an “economic and private detective agency” is shaped by high quality service by providing our clients with valuable advice and help. We employ specialists with special police, military and intelligence service backgrounds.The results of our detective operations always comply with legal systems. Our clients include individuals, lawyers and industrial customers. Our evaluation should document and substantiate reasonable suspicion of a civil or criminal nature (e.g.: mobbing, stalking, intrusion of privacy, disregard of patent law, company theft and sabotage, environmental offences, marriage lawsuit and many more). During the initial interview our detective team will identify the challenges and assess the important information and evidence. They will conduct the meticulous preservation of evidence through the observation of legitimate practice to provide information and search results. These can be used as legal evidence for prosecution or defence cases.

https://campus-security.at/en/investigation-detective-services.html

Strong and meticulous individual with deep understanding of logistic industry warehouses. Proficient in ordering, receipting, stocking, turn ins, accountability, safeguarding and record-keeping, with commitment to maintaining efficiency for long hours. Proven history of employing the "Command Supply Discipline Program" to sustain and improve daily operations of any organization. Detail-oriented Logistician with nine years of industry experience. Expert in property accountability with training in Microsoft Office and supply procurement. Resourceful and punctual worker skilled in "outside the box " problem solving and streamlining processes for increased productivity. Productive stock management professional with strong background ensuring proper and timely shelving of a wide variety of items to include hazardous materials.(HAZMAT) Effective at maintaining store appearance in alignment with corporate policies, procedures, standards and regulations. Equipped with history of success working in offices, warehouses, stockrooms, outdoors and other storage facilities. | || | Currently enrolled. Resumes, and other information uploaded or provided by the user, are considered User Content governed by our Terms & Conditions. As such, it is not owned by us, and it is the user who retains ownership over such content.

https://www.livecareer.com/resume-search/r/unit-supply-sergeant-9560632f2a47477eb8163e44ecfbc2df

The detective report is increasingly being used as evidence in ongoing cases. In family law, business law or in matters related to matter governed by the Hague Convention. Arrangements made by a professional third party may prove to be crucial and often augment the evidence in the process. Performing detective services is a fully legal activity, described in the Act of 6 July 2001 on detective services. (Journal of Laws of 2017, item 556) (“Detective Services Act”), which states that it consists in obtaining, processing and acquiring information about persons or objects. Detective, according to Art. 13 of the Detective Services Act is required to produce a written report or a title report and hand it over to the employer. The report, as set out in the Act, should include a description of the facts of the case under investigation, the date of commencement and termination of activities, and the scope and conduct of the actions taken. The evaluation of the legality of the report as evidence is based on both procedural and substantive law. A number of restrictions have been imposed on a detective, for example, he must have a license, he can only provide services on the basis of an agreement with a person involved in a particular case, his services are subject to freedom of establishment. During doing activities, he must act within the limits of the law – ethical principles and due diligence apply. He can make a documentary photograph only during the day, in a public place, and it is forbidden to use illegal means of obtaining information, such as eavesdropping. He cannot violate applicable laws and freedoms nor is it permitted to use methods reserved for law enforcement or special services, such as the Police. Regulations of the protection of personal data also apply. Proof of the report is admissible by the competent court, but court may refuse to admit them on the basis of their origin, e.g. if evidence has been found in violation of the law. It is treated as evidence from a private document, and according to the Supreme Court ruling of 30 June 2004, “evidence from a private document is an independent means of proof which the court judges in accordance with the principles set out in Article. 233 § 1 c.p.c. “(IV CK 474/03). It is also possible to appoint a detective as a witness, but it is important to remember that a detective is required to keep a secret about the source of the information or the circumstances of the case and release him from such secrecy can only be based on the principles stated in the Code of Criminal Procedure.

https://www.kg-legal.eu/info/cross-border-cases/the-evidence-from-the-detective-report-in-civilian-aspects-of-abroad-child-abduction-signed-at-the-hague-convention-of-25-october-1980-hague-convention/

In the last installment, we explored how a shooting investigation would look using common InfoSec paradigms. Before we jump into how law enforcement would approach that same case, let’s examine how facts evolve from simply being data to being evidence that supports an investigative strategy, and proves a case beyond the shadow of a doubt. First Detective Lesson On the way to my first crime scene as a new homicide detective I asked my senior partner what it was I needed to focus on and what I needed to document. He simply said “everything”. At the time I thought that was a good answer; I would be diligent and document everything I saw. Forty-eight hours later it was the dumbest answer I had ever heard, but he was right. Focusing on the Right Facts Facts are funny things, particularly in the midst of a complex criminal investigation. Not all facts or data observed have a bearing on the case at hand. Some cases have too few facts, these become “cold cases.” Conversely, too much data and you can potentially develop an investigative strategy built on a false or irrelevant facts. You might have a great case with great evidence, but there is only one piece of evidence missing and that piece is so important that without it you can’t “prove” the case. Just because it’s a fact, doesn’t mean it’s useful fact. Just because its related, doesn’t mean its pertinent. At some point you will have to narrow your scope and create an investigative strategy that is supported by the emerging fact pattern, which must only contain facts of evidentiary value. This requires using the right facts, not any and all facts just because they exist. Fact Progression In a long and complicated case, losing situational awareness of which facts are simply data and which facts are of evidentiary value, will result in documenting and presenting conflicting evidence in court. It’s okay early on in a case to develop an incorrect investigative strategy, but once you realize it is incorrect, every effort must be made to now disprove what you were once attempting to prove. It helps to define what a fact may or may not be. Facts should be viewed as merely being data. Every case has some data to sort through, some relevant and some not, but by relying on previously established facts and assuming some investigative risk by using assumptions that support your investigative strategy, you can narrow down what facts you should focus on. Early on in an investigation you don’t know which facts will prove useful, hence the need to document “everything”. The goal is to work through the investigative process and produce a fact pattern that only contains facts of evidentiary value. The assumptions you used along the way will have either been validated as facts or proven false. Before a fact becomes evidence it must pass through the process of being a lead or a clue. This is where we first start to consider if a fact may be of evidentiary value. The life span of a lead is determined by the amount of investigative effort required to prove that it is, or is not, relevant to the case and if it is of evidentiary value. A fact may be true, but have no bearing on your case. For example, the sidewalk on which the crime occurred was made of cement. This may be factual, but it does nothing to prove the suspect shot the victim. You need not prove every fact either; if the crime occurred in daylight, there is no need to prove the sun came up that day. Sometimes you will need to prove a fact is false. It is not uncommon for a homicide detective to put an inordinate amount of time into disproving a fact. For example, facts that present themselves as “common sense” don’t always align with the truth. It must be clear to a jury that although this particular “fact” makes sense, it is does not illustrate the truth. In the end, leads that are proven to be relevant and factually supportive of your investigative strategy become evidence. Evidence Evolves to Incidents As you gather more and more evidence typically a pattern will develop; If A is true, then B is true, which means C is connected to D and D proves that X committed the crime. Evidence can be allusive and arbitrary, but usually evidentiary facts will group themselves into a series of incidents. For example, there was an incident in the bar prior to the incident in the parking lot, which lead to an incident involving cars in the intersection which lead to the final incident at the gas station in which the victim was stabbed. Grouping these facts into their respective incidents allows you to work multiple aspects of a case at once, which facilitates being able to quickly close a case. For example, if a witness from the car in the intersection incident contacts you and wants to provide facts of evidentiary value, do you ask them to call back later because you are currently only focusing on the parking lot incident? Of course not. By grouping your evidence you can more effectively multi task, focus your investigative effort more broadly and maintain situational awareness on all aspects of the case . This will facilitate getting bad guys off the streets in a timely manner, but more importantly it will allow you to quickly identify if your suspect is on a crime spree. Incidents to Crime Sprees The sooner you develop the evidence you need to identify your bad guy or threat, the sooner you can stop him. This holds true for both criminal investigations and InfoSec. Case resolution is always important, but becomes even more important when your bad guy is actively committing additional crimes. For a homicide detective, speedy case resolution can literally save lives when the suspect is a serial killer. For InfoSec time is clearly of the essence as well. The key difference between a series of incidents and a crime spree is that each incident within a crime spree is crime. It could be the same crime over and over again (serial murder) or a case in which the suspect commits a bank robbery, steals a getaway car, kidnaps a hostage, and ultimately commits a murder. Link analysis and link charts are great tools for maintaining situational awareness in such cases. Understanding and labeling your facts correctly and maintaining situational awareness of your developing fact pattern will provide clarity and effective resolution in most any environment, including information security. In the next installment, we’ll look at how law enforcement handles evidence. This is part 3 of a 5 post series. To read the other posts, please see the links below:

https://www.witfoo.com/law-enforcement/detectives-investigation-infosec-part-3-evolution-facts/

One wet, windswept November morning, a field on a desolate farm gives up the dismembered bones of eleven women... Their skeletons bear the marks of a meticulous butcher. The bodies date back to 1915. All were likely skinned alive. But then a young woman goes missing, and her remains, the bones carefully stripped and arranged in an arcane patterns, are discovered on the same farm. With the crimes of the past echoing in the present, D.S. Katie Maguire must solve a decades-old murder steeped in ancient legend... before this terrifying killer strikes again. APPLE BOOKS REVIEW A century-old Irish mystery spices up a hardy police procedure for this riveting crime novel. Detective Katie Maguire has long been hardened to violent murders but something about this case is different—it happened in 1915. When the dismembered bones of 11 women are discovered in an unmarked grave it’s of little interest to police but strong-willed Maguire is determined the mysterious victims receive justice. Carefully, Maguire is able to piece together the blood-curdling truth behind the crimes. First in a series from horror author Graham Masterton, it’s a genuinely gripping introduction to a complex and strong female lead we’re excited to meet again.

https://books.apple.com/us/book/white-bones/id1043577260?mt=11&ct=tlusite&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Recipient : * Required fields or Cancel Warning: Last items in stock! Availability date: Valérie Dupont, through meticulous study of the civilisations preceding ours, by analysing the social, religious and spiritual conventions which prevailed over the centuries, introduces us to the women who, at so many times and in so many places, played a positive role, despite their names now being overlooked or forgotten. They defended crucial values by drawing on peace and respect, values towards which our modern world must turn to negotiate its way out of the storm in which it finds itself.

https://www.drc.fr/gb/rosicrucian-research/450-feminin-actif-feminin-solaire-9782914226103.html

This is book number 4 in the A Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch Novel series. Description “A masterpiece”—LAPD detective Renée Ballard must join forces with Harry Bosch to find justice in a city scarred by fear and social unrest after a methodical killer strikes on New Year’s Eve (Publishers Weekly). There’s chaos in Hollywood at the end of the New Year’s Eve countdown. Working her graveyard shift, LAPD detective Renée Ballard waits out the traditional rain of lead as hundreds of revelers shoot their guns into the air. Only minutes after midnight, Ballard is called to a scene where a hardworking auto shop owner has been fatally hit by a bullet in the middle of a crowded street party. Ballard quickly concludes that the deadly bullet could not have fallen from the sky and that it is linked to another unsolved murder—a case at one time worked by Detective Harry Bosch. At the same time, Ballard hunts a fiendish pair of serial rapists, the Midnight Men, who have been terrorizing women and leaving no trace. Determined to solve both cases, Ballard feels like she is constantly running uphill in a police department indelibly changed by the pandemic and recent social unrest. It is a department so hampered by inertia and low morale that Ballard must go outside to the one detective she can count on: Harry Bosch. But as the two inexorable detectives work together to find out where old and new cases intersect, they must constantly look over their shoulders. The brutal predators they are tracking are ready to kill to keep their secrets hidden. Unfolding with unstoppable drive and nail-biting intrigue, The Dark Hours shows that “relentless on their own, Ballard’s and Bosch’s combined skills…could be combustible” (Los Angeles Times). About the Author Michael Connelly is the author of thirty-five previous novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Law of Innocence,Fair Warning, and The Night Fire. His books, which include the Harry Bosch series, the Lincoln Lawyer series, and the Renée Ballard series, have sold more than eighty million copies worldwide. Connelly is a former newspaper reporter who has won numerous awards for his journalism and his novels. He is the executive producer of Bosch, starring Titus Welliver, and the creator and host of the podcasts Murder Book and The Wonderland Murders. He spends his time in California and Florida. Praise For… “One of this month’s best thrillers… Ballard and Bosch are a great combination as they work in and around a police force that Ballard believes too often aims to ‘protect and serve the image instead of the citizens.’”—Richard Lipez, Washington Post “Outstanding… Connelly is the most consistently superior living crime fiction author. The Dark Hours just reinforces that.”—Oline H. Cogdill, South Florida Sun Sentinel “Extraordinary… [Connelly] is one of the best in the business at writing about investigations and creating intense suspense, but the relationship between Ballard and Bosch—a professional friendship that grows out of two brilliant minds dedicated to the same difficult but important work—is the cherry on top.”—Collette Bancroft, Tampa Bay Times “Connelly is sharp as ever... his stories always manage to explore another piece of the city’s soul."—Crimereads “A masterpiece… Meticulous about actual police procedure, Connelly makes the fundamentals of detective work engrossing while providing plenty of suspense and action.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review) "The fourth Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch novel is the best yet… Ballard has evolved into one of crime fiction's richest, most complex characters.”—Bill Ott, Booklist (starred review) “Stellar… no one who follows Ballard and Bosch to the end will be disappointed. A bracing test of the maxim that “the department always comes first. The department always wins.”—Kirkus Reviews STOCK AVAILABILITY The online inventory display is updated every 4 hours. If you wish to check the actual in store stock, please call 337-2681 or 1-800-295-BOOK (2665) during store hours.

https://www.prairielightsbooks.com/book/9780316485647

19 May Seeking Assistant Community Manager (San Diego) San Diego based Community Association Management Company is currently seeking an intelligent, industrious, take-charge Assistant Community Manager who will provide superior client service in a professional office environment. The perfect candidate will be positive, articulate, well organized, energetic, resourceful and detail-oriented with a “can do” attitude. Our philosophy is simple — we aim to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations and provide value through superior work product, sound advice and exceptional service.You must have excellent office management and computer skills, and be able to gracefully juggle many different time-critical tasks at the same time. Essential functions of the job: • Assist clients with problem resolution • Interact with vendors who provide services to clients and their respective communities • Generate newsletters • Attend evening Board meetings & take minutes • Prepare and organize correspondence and other documentation • Telephone and visitor reception • Other administrative duties as assigned Required qualifications, skills and abilities: • At least three year’s administrative experience (community association administrative assistant experience is a plus) • Excellent customer service skills • Must present a positive and professional image for the organization • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Experience with Microsoft Office products • High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidential information • Applicant must be a self-starter, resourceful, takes initiative • Highly organized and efficiency-minded with excellent time management skills • Able to multi-task and adjust to constantly changing priorities • Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy • Ability to work well under pressure • Type 50 — 65 wpm Company Benefits include:

https://www.waltersmanagement.com/community-insights/seeking-administrative-assistant-san-diego/

Police say divers have uncovered an item "crucial" to the ongoing Robyn Mercer murder investigation during a search of an Oxshott lake. Under Surrey Police instruction, an expert dive team from Specialist Group International (SGI) started scouring Littleheath Common lake on Tuesday (October 18). Ms Mercer's body was found in the driveway of her Walton Road home in West Molesey at around 8am on March 14 this year. Police said the mother-of-two, a 50-year-old antiques dealer originally from South Africa, had been hit around the head with an axe or machete. Surrey Police said SGI recovered an item on Wednesday (October 19) "which could prove significant" to the investigation along with other items of interest. Detective Inspector Paddy Mayers said: “The items recovered are all potentially significant but clearly one of the recovered items may be crucial to the investigation. “It is too early to say of how much importance they may prove to be and there remains a sizeable section of the pond still to be searched. “Any retrieved objects will be thoroughly examined forensically to assess how or what importance they could have to the operation.” DI Mayers added Surrey officers would continue to work "relentlessly" to bring those responsible for Ms Mercer’s murder to justice. “I’m again urging anyone who has information which has not already been shared with police to come forward,” he added. “Please think of Robyn’s two children and the distress that they continue to face.” Surrey Police confirmed the length of the search has been extended and divers are set to remain at the lake until "at least" Friday (October 21). Speaking on Tuesday, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Rymarz, who is leading the investigation, was coy on the precise reason police were targeting the Oxshott lake, and what they were hoping to find. “We are here in order to recover evidence relating to the offence,” he said. “For operationally reasons I can’t go into details on why we’re specifically at this lake, but you can see from the dive activity that’s going on that we’re treating the search very seriously. “It’s a very thorough search and hopefully it will demonstrate our ongoing commitment to finding the people or person responsible for Robyn’s murder.” The lake is approximately 150 metres by 300 metres, or five acres, with large detached houses lining the northern end and a public footpath bordering the southern part. SGI was concentrating on the southern area of the lake, an area approximately 20 metres from the water’s edge. Two divers were in the water at any one time, while an inflatable rib boat patrolled the lake using advanced scanning equipment. DCI Rymarz said: “We’re very fortunate, we’ve got specialists who are here to assist the police and this is what they do. It’s going to be a very meticulous search and their safety is of paramount importance. “The operation will take as long as it needs to take to search the areas that I have given them as parameters.” Family 'very upset' Lead investigating officer DCI Rymarz added Ms Mercer’s family were being informed of the activity. “We’re in regular contact with them, and they’re just hopeful that we will be in a position, at some stage, to bring Robyn’s killers to justice,” he said. “The family has been very supportive of the enquiries that we are doing but they are obviously very upset, Robyn had a very close family.” Last month, DCI Rymarz featured on a BBC Crimewatch appeal. He said a dog walker seen on CCTV the night before the attack had been located and spoken to, but two people crossing Walton Road the same evening are yet to be identified. Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey Police on 101 quoting Operation Zebu or call Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. - A 53-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been released without charge. - A 26-year-old man from West Molesey arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and murder and on conspiracy to pervert the course of justice has been re-bailed until December 16. - A 26-year-old man from West Molesey arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and murder has been re-bailed until December 16. - Two women from Oxshott, aged 45 and 20, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice have been re-bailed until December 16.

https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/robyn-mercer-murder-investigation-divers-12055859

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Ever wonder how much wind it takes to knock you over? Well there is actually a mathematical equation we can use to calculate the wind speed needed to move objects and people. That equation is wind equals the square root of 195 times weight over area of object in square feet. Brings you back to your algebra days, right? Lets look at a maple leaf. Using the formula, it only takes a wind of 3 mph to move a maple leaf. A trash can with trash in it weighting 37 pounds could be moved by a 28 mph wind. An average person could be moved by a 67 mph wind, and an average car can be moved by a 90 mph wind. Isn't it great how math can help us with so many questions? SEE MORE: Weather: Like It or Not! How much wind does it take to move an object or person? WEATHER: Like It or Not!

https://abc7chicago.com/wind-lesson-math-physics-equation/10621626/

Back Off The Throttle In South Dakota For Rally As the officials do every year, South Dakota's speed limit is going to drop as motorcyclists start to make their way to the state for the rally. The South Dakota Department of Transportation is dropping speed limits around Sturgis before the motorcycle festival begins, and these limits will remain in effect throughout the entire Sturgis rally. The speed limit on Interstate 90 from Exit 55 in Rapid City to Exit 30 in Sturgis will be 65 mph and this begins Thursday, August 2nd. Other speed limited changes will include- • Highway 34, from 45 mph to 35 mph from Blanche Street in Sturgis east 3.8 miles, going to the Buffalo Chip Campgrounds. • Highway 79 speed limit will be reduced from 65 mph to 45 mph from the junction of Highway 34 north 1.75 miles near the Iron Horse. You'll notice many South Dakota State Troopers in and around Sturgis, especially on the interstate between Rapid City and Sturgis. They are consistently shooting speed radar and looking for dangerous drivers. You may be surprised to know, from my experience at rally, the police are looking for drivers in cars who are following too close, speeding or distracted drivers. Many of the accidents seem to occur when drivers of automobiles are distracted or trying to weave through the motorcyclist. If you're riding a motorcycle and acting the fool, speeding excessively or driving aggressively on your motorcycle, you can expect to spend time with a South Dakota trooper. You will definitely notice a show of force during the 10 days of rally. The temporary speed limits will be in effect until Sunday, Aug. 12.

https://us1033.com/back-off-the-throttle-in-south-dakota-for-rally/

As the officials do every year, South Dakota's speed limit is going to drop as motorcyclists start to make their way to the state for the rally. The South Dakota Department of Transportation is dropping speed limits around Sturgis before the motorcycle festival begins, and these limits will remain in effect throughout the entire Sturgis rally. The speed limit on Interstate 90 from Exit 55 in Rapid City to Exit 30 in Sturgis will be 65 mph and this begins Thursday, August 2nd. • Highway 34, from 45 mph to 35 mph from Blanche Street in Sturgis east 3.8 miles, going to the Buffalo Chip Campgrounds. • Highway 79 speed limit will be reduced from 65 mph to 45 mph from the junction of Highway 34 north 1.75 miles near the Iron Horse. You'll notice many South Dakota State Troopers in and around Sturgis, especially on the interstate between Rapid City and Sturgis. They are consistently shooting speed radar and looking for dangerous drivers. You may be surprised to know, from my experience at rally, the police are looking for drivers in cars who are following too close, speeding or distracted drivers. Many of the accidents seem to occur when drivers of automobiles are distracted or trying to weave through the motorcyclist. If you're riding a motorcycle and acting the fool, speeding excessively or driving aggressively on your motorcycle, you can expect to spend time with a South Dakota trooper. You will definitely notice a show of force during the 10 days of rally. The temporary speed limits will be in effect until Sunday, Aug. 12.

https://cool987fm.com/back-off-the-throttle-in-south-dakota-for-rally/

Search: Links Friends FAQ Home : EcoVantage Catalog : Weather Instrumentation : Wind Speed Indicators : Wind Speed Indicator Vigilant Scale Doubler Cat. No. i-WPIVSD Weight 2 lbs Includes 60' cable, wind speed sensor and mounting hardware. Wind Speed readings up to 200 MPH (322 km/h) Records High Gust, even if you're not there to witness it Does not rely on any external power source Wind speed will continue to register during power failures Solid Brass case Speed: +/-3% Full Scale & Mid Scale Case: 6.5" O.D. x 2.75" Deep Dial: 4.75" Diameter Power: Self-powered by rooftop sensor Vigilant Manual (307.8 KB) Mounting Masts & Brackets (3.07 MB) Model:

https://ecovantageenergy.com/catalog/items/item5230.html

So you have been planning to try yachting for too long already, and there is no way to delay it anymore. If you already have a yacht, good for you. But what do all these “fresh gale”, “moderate breeze”, and “violent storm” mean? These terms were created and described by navy officer Beaufort in a special scale. Today the Beaufort scale is no longer used, because there are modern and more objective tools for meteorological measurements, like anemometers and the Doppler radars. However, you can still come across it in weather forecasts, especially for sailing, and weather warnings. For some people, this scale is still a working scale. It is also may be still used for estimating wind characteristics over a large sea when there are no other wind instruments. In this article, we’re going to learn about the Beaufort scale and its appliance. But first let's start with the wind, its harms, and benefits. The air in the atmosphere moves from high to low pressure due to the change of temperature. The wind is the result of this movement. Wind speed is the distance covered in a particular time. Wind speed affects aviation, sailing, construction, as well as some outdoor activities. It means that before unwrapping your kite, you have to check the wind forecast first. The traditional tool used for measuring wind speed is called an anemometer. It consists of a vertical pillar and three or four concave cups. These cups capture the movement of air flows, and that’s how we get data about wind speed. There is also an alternative ultrasonic wind sensor that has no moving parts and measures wind speed using high-frequency sound. Wind speed is measured in meter per second (m/s), miles per hour (mph), kilometers per hour (kph). These units are common. There are also knots and beauforts — units commonly used in the sea. Photo: pablo-garcia-saldana / unsplash The Beaufort wild scale relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land. In other words, wind speed and strength are not measured by specific instruments, but by human visual observation. The scale was used before the advent of modern wind instruments. Some interesting facts about the scale's history: Since that time, different people have made different changes to the Beaufort scale. For instance, in the 20th century, the measures were altered to improve its utility for meteorologists. The formula for calculating wind on the Beaufort wind force scale is the following: v = 0.836 B3/2 m/s. Where: For example, Beaufort scale 8 is equivalent to 20 m/s wind speed, wind force 10 on the Beaufort scale is related to 27 m/s, a hurricane on the Beaufort scale is equal to 33 m/s and more, and the Beaufort scale 0 means calm water surface looking like a mirror. Photo: max-poschau / unsplash If you have exact data about wind speed, you can connect it with the Beaufort scale number using the following chart, where you see Beaufort number from 0 to 12 and wind description in the beginning, then — water and land conditions. Wind speed: < 0.5 m/s (< 1 mph). Wave height: 0 m (0 ft). Sea: water surface is smooth, looks like a mirror. Land: no wind, smoke rises vertically. Wind speed: 0.5–1.5 m/s (1–3 mph). Wave height: 0–0.3 m (0–1 ft). Sea: scaly ripples on the water, no foam crests. Land: you can define the direction of the smoke, but it is shown by its drift, not wind vanes. Wind speed: 1.6–3.3 m/s (4–7 mph). Wave height: 0.3–0.6 m (1–2 ft). Sea: small wavelets, glassy crests don’t break. Land: you can feel the wind on skin, leaves on the trees rustle. Wind speed: 3.4–5.5 m/s (8–12 mph). Wave height: 0.6–1.2 m (2–4 ft). Sea: large wavelets, crests start to break, scattered white horses may be seen. Land: leaves constantly move, flag waves. Wind speed: 5.5–7.9 m/s (13–18 mph). Wave height: 1–2 m (3.5–6 ft). Sea: small waves becoming longer, numerous whitecaps. Land: paper and leaves are scattered. Wind speed: 8–10.7 m/s (19–24 mph). Wave height: 2–3 m (6–10 ft). Sea: moderate waves taking longer form, many whitecaps, some spray. Land: small trees sway, whitecaps form on waves. Wind speed: 10.8–13.8 m/s (25–31 mph). Wave height: 3–4 m (9–13 ft). Sea: larger waves, whitecaps common, more spray. Land: Umbrellas are hard to use, large branches on trees move. Wind speed: 13.9–17.1 m/s (32–38 mph). Wave height: 4–5.5 m (13–19 ft). Sea: sea heaps up, large waves, white foam streaks off breakers. Land: Trees sway, walking in the wind is difficult. Wind speed: 17.2–20.7 m/s (39–46 mph). Wave height: 5.5–7.5 m (18–25 ft). Sea: moderately high waves, edges of crests begin to break into spindrift. Land: Twigs and branches break off of trees. Wind speed: 20.8–24.4 m/s (47–54 mph). Wave height: 7–10 m (23–32 ft). Sea: high waves, crests roll over. Foam is blown along the wind direction. Large amounts of spray may reduce visibility. Land: roof tiles blow off buildings. Wind speed: 24.5–28.4 m/s (55–63 mph). Wave height: 9–12.5 m (29–41 ft). Sea: very high waves with overhanging crests. White appearance in the sea. Large amounts of airborne spray. Land: trees are uprooted. Wind speed: 28.5–32.6 m/s (64–72 mph). Wave height: 11.5–16 m (37–52 ft). Sea: exceptionally high waves that can hide small and medium ships to view. Water covered with long white patches of foam. Land: widespread damage to vegetation and buildings, nearly no visibility at sea. Wind speed: ≥ 32.7 m/s (≥ 73 mph). Wave height: ≥ 14 m (≥ 46 ft). Sea: completely white with driving spray; visibility very seriously affected. Land: widespread destruction. Photo: kelly-sikkema / unsplash Remember reading "the Beaufort scale is not an exact scale"? As we already know, it is based on visual and subjective observation, that’s why in different countries people still alter it to make it more useful for their particular region and specific weather conditions. For example: Windy.app is a wind application, so the wind data is the main weather data. You can find it everywhere in the app, we even did the math — there are 35 different ways, of which the two main ones are: 1. On the wind map, where you can see a general wind pattern for the entire world or any point on the map — just click on the screen: 2. On a specific spot, where there is more data and it is more detailed. Sports also have weather profiles for specific sports: 3. On the Home screen: to see a Weather widget like this for all of your favorite spots, activate it go to the Main menu bar > Settings > Units > Favorite spots. Finally, to see wind speed and strength on the Beaufort scale, from the Home screen, go to the same Units screen: Now all wind data throughout the app will be displayed in beauforts rather than in meters in seconds and other values. To remove it, go back to the Settings. Don't forget that you can see Wind speed map of the world right on this website. Text: Irina Artemova, an author from Saint Petersburg, Russia, and Bali, Indonesia. Her favorite sports are surfing and yoga. Cover photo: austin-neill / unsplash.

https://windy.app/blog/wind-speed-beaufort-scale.html

George Best Belfast City Airport was buffeted by a gust of wind measuring nearly 60 miles per hour last year. The Met Office has issued a weather warning for 40-50 mph in Northern Ireland for today and tomorrow - rising to 60 to 70 mph in the Irish Sea. The windiest day for George Best Belfast City Airport last year was February 12. The wind speed got up to 41.0 mph that day, with one gust of wind measuring 59 mph, according to figures from the website Weather Underground. Wind speeds at Belfast City Airport 37.9mph 9.3mph 55.9mph Belfast International Airport reported the strongest gust of wind at 55.9 mph. Belfast was fairly blustery last year compared to many other places around Britain. On an average day the wind blew at 9.9 mph at Belfast City Airport. MORE: That was on a par with Cardiff and a higher average wind speed than Newcastle, Birmingham and London Heathrow. The quietest day was November 26, when the wind blew at an average speed of just 1.9 mph.

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/george-best-belfast-city-airport-9368357

Subject: F6) How accurate are the forecasts from the National Hurricane Center? Contributed by Chris Landsea and Miles Lawrence The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues an official forecast, every six hours, of the center position, maximum one-minute surface (10 meter [33 ft] elevation) wind speed (intensity), and radii of the 34 knot (39 mph,63 kph), 50 knot (58 mph,92 kph), and 64 knot (74 mph,117 kph) wind speeds in four quadrants (northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest) surrounding the cyclone. The NHC has been issuing predictions for the forecast periods of 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours since 1964. Forecasts for 12 and 24 hours were first issued in 1954. In 2003, the forecasts were extended and now include 96 and 120 hours. All official forecast are verified by comparison with the "best track", a set of six-hour center positions and maximum wind speed values, that represents the official NHC estimate of the location and intensity of a tropical cyclone. A best track is prepared for every tropical cyclone, after the fact, using all available data. Fig. 1Yearly-average (1989-2016) official track forecast errors for 24-, 48-, 72-, 96-, and 120-hours, Atlantic basin, excluding depressions. Straight lines are linear trend lines with all yearly-averages weighted equally. The official track error data includes all official forecasts issued since 1954. NHC's official track errors have averaged in the last few years about 85 nmi (100 st. miles,160 km) at 24 hr, 140 nmi (160 st. miles,260 km) at 48 hr and 200 nmi (230 st. miles,370 km) at 72 hr. One can see that NHC has even done better than these numbers during 2003. Forecasts are now also issued at 4 and 5 days lead time and these are likely to have an average error of about 250 nmi (290 st. miles,460 km) and 300 nmi (350 st. miles, 550 km), respectively. These are average errors so, of course, individual predictions may be substantially better or worse. It is to the National Hurricane Center's credit (and NOAA in general) that these predictions have gotten so much better in the last few decades, due to a combintation of more accurate numerical models, more observations over the open ocean, and a better understanding of the physics of hurricane movement. Today a 3 day forecast is as accurate as those issued for a 2 day prediction in the late 1980s. Fig.2 Yearly-average official intensity (1990-2016) forecast errors for 24-, 48-, 72-, 96-, and 120-hours, Atlantic basin, excluding depressions. Straight lines are linear trend lines with all yearly-averages weighted equally. NHC's wind intensity errors have averaged recently about 9 kt (10 mph,17 kph) at a 24 hr forecast, 15 kt (17 mph,28 kph) at a 48 hr forecast, and 19 kt (22 mph,35 kph) at a 72 hr forecast. The 4 and 5 day predictions should average about 21 kt (24 mph,39 kph) and 22 kt (25 mph,41 kph). (One comparison of the ability of the long-range forecasts is to consider that a simple prediction of a constant value of 60 kt (70 mph,110 kph) gives an error of about 23 kt (26 mph,43 kph), so forecasts with errors close to this value have little to no skill.) One does see that the intensity forecasts have improved somewhat at 1 and 2 day predictions - 48 hr forecasts today have errors that are 20% smaller than they were in the mid-1970s. However, the improvements are much slower than in the track predictions and the 3 day forecasts of intensity have not gotten substantially better at all. Much work still remains to better understand and predict wind intensity changes in tropical storms and hurricanes. Tropical cyclone size (that is, the radius of high winds) has been been forecasted by NHC for several years, though the first quantitative verifications have been provided just recently. These suggest that the errors in predicting the radius of gale force winds (34 kt,39 mph,63 kph) averages about 20 nmi (25 st. miles,35 km) at a 24 hr forecast, about 25 nmi (30 st. miles,45 km) at a 48 hr forecast, and about 30 nmi (35 st. miles,55 km) at a 72 hr forecast.

https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/F6.html

Message Board Thread - "Wind effects on temperature" Back to Threads | Back to Forums Title By Posted On Wind effects on temperature deaton 7/31/2006 Does anyone have a simple table on wind speed effects on outdoor electrical connections? Re:Wind effects on temperature electricpete 7/31/2006 For wind above 3 mph: dTcorrected = dTmeasured * WCF WCF = 0.7022*mph^(0.4442) ~ 0.7 * sqrt(mph) All correlations of this type are approximate. Above 10 or 15 mph you really shouldn't trust any correlation. Re:Wind effects on temperature Doctir bob 7/31/2006 I did some research on this to get a handle on wind speed correction. I used various power settings on a simulated hot spot. I got different correction factors for every power setting. This means to correct for wind speed with any degree of confidence, you need to know the power dissipation. But if you know that, you know how bad the problem is. Use any correction factor including the one shown with a great deal of caution. Our experience is that wind is a significant, exponential cooling event and even a 3 mph wind can cut the temperature rise in half. See attached graphs.

https://www.infraredtraining.com/community/boards/thread/3977/index.html