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SAINT AUGUSTINE: FEEDING HIS SOUL Kim's dramatic painting of St. Augustine captures one of history's greatest spiritual giants, as he studies and searches the Holy Scriptures. Born in North Africa, in what today is Algeria, he lived in the 4th century during one of the most spiritually turbulent periods of church history. The church at that time was plagued with theological confusion and a number of heresies. It was a sovereign God who brought Augustine to prominence, like Queen Esther in the Old Testament, ”for such a time as this”! (Esther 4:14) Augustine had a godly mother, Monica, and a pagan father, Patricius, an influential city official, who trusted Christ for salvation on his deathbed. In his early days, Augustine sowed his wild oats and lived a very immoral and godless life. But he had a praying mother, who never gave up on her wayward son and never stopped believing that God would change his life. By the grace of God, and in answer to prayer, Augustine was gloriously converted and plucked from the slave market of sin. His commitment was real, the dramatic change in his life very evident, and he quickly became a servant of God, a student of the Scriptures, a soldier of the cross, and one of the greatest theologians in church history. At the ripe age of seventy-six he succumbed to a fatal illness and went to heaven. But, ’he being dead yet speaks’. Remarkably, Augustine still lives on today through his writings! His most famous work, ’The Confessions of Augustine’ is still a classic 17 centuries after it was first penned. He wrote this book just thirteen years after his conversion to Christ. It was the result of long hours of study. Augustine is still revered today and will always be remembered as a great Church Father, a great theologian, and a great champion for truth. Above all, he is remembered as a great man of God, whose life was changed forever when he embraced the message of Scripture. Jesus said, ’And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). Once Augustine grasped the enormity of his sin and the greatness of God's grace, he humbly and reverently bowed his knee and professed Christ as his Lord and Saviour. May Augustine's Saviour be your Saviour too! As Augustine discovered, ’But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God’ (John 1:12). If a dog can demonstrate such affection, then surely greater is the joy, excitement, and anticipation of the Christian who daily watches for the Master’s soon return! The apostle John was very old and ready to die. Since his first encounter with Christ in Galilee many years earlier, he never lost the thrill of watching for the Saviour. In spite of the fact that he was very old, very tired, and ready to die and go to heaven, he expressed the deepest yearning of his heart at the close of the Book of Revelation. In response to Jesus promise, “Surely I am coming quickly“, the watching servant, John, cried out in love for His Master, “Amen, come Lord Jesus” (Rev.22:20). Are you ready for Christ’s imminent return? Are you ready and watching? Have you been born again? Have you the certainty that all your sins are forgiven and cleansed by the blood of Jesus? It is possible to have peace with God. Now! The Bible says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found” (Isa.55:6). If you seek Him you will discover that He is gracious and merciful. Mt. 19:25 asks the question, “Who then can be saved?” Praise God the answer is simple; you can be saved! How? ”Trust in the Lord will all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). Only those who ‘lean’ on Christ for salvation will be found watching for the Master when He returns in great power and great glory. Archived: Inspirational Thoughts

Research scientist Thomas Watson, the Director of Omega Motor Corporation, declares that the Newtonian concept of magnetism is incorrect, and that that we live in a magnetic rather than a gravitational field. An insightful comment he made on our segment Sea Level Basics prompted us to explore the role of magnetism in climate change. Thomas Watson is the author of A Fresh Approach to Magnetism, a book that challenges the concepts of gravity and magnetism as described by Isaac Newton and presents a groundbreaking new model of the interrelationships between the magnetic fields of the sun, the moon, and the earth. He also defines a new paradigm for understanding climate and weather in his book Climate Change: Explained By Magnetism and a new paper titled Why We Are Experiencing Global Warming. Join us as we discuss new concepts in magnetism and their implications for science education, climate science, and free energy technology. - A Conversation with Felix Cavaliere Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Singer/Songwriter - Mother’s Day 2022 – A Storytelling Extravaganza - Tales From Europe and The Power of Waiting - Important Update from Kim Greenhouse - Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez – Why Steve Jobs Really Died - James Turk – Pop Goes The Money Bubble - Walter Burien – Hidden Budgets in Every State in America - George Swanson – Living, Breathing Buildings It’s Rainmaking Time!® owns the exclusive copyright and trademark for all segments. We reserve the right to remove any or all content from the public domain for any reason at any time. Segments that have been removed from the archive may not be legally distributed by anyone.

Genomic Stress and ASR™ (Advanced Stress Relief™) Stress is a common cause of inflammation, which is the culprit for most diseases, including asthma, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and more. Within the human genome is all the information required to live. Genomic stress in the form of simple mutations or SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms), when identified and then modulated or relieved, can help biochemically mediate stress and; thereby reduce inflammation and oppose disease. The SHOW Method uses ASR™ to address Genomic Stress: I have developed the SHOW Method to accomplish just that. The process starts by finding and determining unknown and subconscious stress factors and modulating those stressors at the functional level. This unique method strives to detect specific allergies and sensitivities, even infections in order to energetically harmonize them. The SHOW Method also studies genes which can help pinpoint and predict errors within the DNA that may cause metabolic stress (such as food allergies) triggering inflammation. All auto-immune conditions i.e. are various expressions of inflammation. Metabolism, the process that helps digest food and operate the immune system, is governed by the DNA and affected by the environment. The environment is everything the body has to deal with, from the weather to what we put in our mouth. Metabolism is also largely influenced by epigenetics, and therefor alterations in gene expressions that do not involve changes to the DNA sequence. ASR and The SHOW Method strive to harmonize and improve metabolic functions through applying very specific, innate frequencies. These frequencies are innate to nutrients, toxins, pathogens, even genes. Feedback treatments are applied through these subtle frequencies and combinations of frequencies. Cells and DNA: Life is orchestrated at the cellular level, and 100 trillion cells work continuously to keep us alive. Each cell contains the entire DNA in its nucleus, and all the cells communicate with each other intensely to coordinate the biochemistry of life. The average human has more than 20 thousand imperfections in the genetic operating code, the DNA. These imperfections are the most serious stress people must address because it impairs our ability to detox efficiently, metabolize nutrition perfectly, handle physical stress easily, manage psychological stress effortlessly and eliminate viruses and pathogens quickly. Cellular communications equals energy: The SHOW Method enables people to listen to their body’s cellular communications and pick up on the quirks within. It then strives to put together an effective modulatory feedback to harmonize epigenetic expression of metabolic errors caused by mutations. Software is helpful in plowing through the sheer number of possible quirks, issues and metabolic errors present in a person’s genome. The IMAET System is an ASR™ biofeedback device I developed, to assist in managing these databases. The IMAET helps manage the thousands of proteins and stressors which need to be analyzed and harmonized to overcome inflammation and pain. Each nutrient is managed by a gene, or more often, a set of genes. For example, MTHFR is a gene which methylates Folate, also called Folic Acid and Vitamin B9. Methylation is the biochemical activation of genes. In this case it activates Folate, a very important B Vitamin. A SNP in this gene is quite common and it has consequences on multiple levels, from heart disease to anxiety. The SHOW Method attempts to harmonize such genomic inadequacies by delivering a harmonizing energy treatment. Addressing metabolism at such a specific level is new and exciting. And from my clinical experience quite successful. It makes one realize just how imperfect we are. Tens of thousands of imperfections. But, on the other hand, it also makes one realize just how much potential we have. Relying on drugs for health from the cradle on, is not harmonious and runs contrary to evolution (or God). The health statistics and health insurance premiums are proof of that policy. Instead, we need to address this reality (of genomic imperfection) very early in life. The earlier the better. Our young children need this approach most urgently, for a healthy life, independent from drugs. Our genes are designed to repair themselves constantly, just like all other tissues in the body. We can support this natural process with an energetic, harmonizing approach. More in line with teaching the body better function and more independence, rather than overpowering it’s weaknesses and creating more dependence. Empowering the genome with harmony. And best of all, these improvements in genomic harmony are heritable. ASR™ (Advanced Stress Relief™) has the definition and precision to be very helpful in this endeavor.

Althofen, Austria/althofen214Previous | Home | Next To the right is a mantle, used in Coleman lanterns, impregnated with thorium oxide, which is a very efficient refractory material. Until the beginning of the 21st century, thorium-impregnated mantles could be found in the U.S.; now this radioactive material has been substituted by yttrium and cerium. The incadescent gas mantle was arguably the most important discovery of Welsbach, because it gave light to millions. Its patent taken out in 1885.

Developmental Disabilities Guide The Arc of Indiana advocates for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families. Learn more about developmental disabilities by reviewing the Developmental Disabilities Definition. The Developmental Checklist provides information on what a child may typically be doing between the ages of birth to five. If your child is not meeting “developmental milestones” trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek help. The sooner a child’s disability is identified, the sooner families can get the information they need to help their child reach his or her full potential.

Doctors urge patients to take serious approach to antibiotics Resistance to antibiotics is a growing challenge for doctors across the globe, who are grappling with the problem and urging greater awareness of how the drugs work and why they should not be abused. In Gibraltar, where antibiotic use is above the EU average, doctors are following suit. A multi-professional antimicrobial stewardship team has been set up in Gibraltar to deal with this issue and one of the key focuses includes education and public awareness. It can take over a year for the body’s gut flora to return to normal after just one course of a common antibiotic. Dr Nicholas Cortes, a Consultant Medical Microbiologist at the GHA, said antibiotics should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. “We have and continue to undertake work locally to understand our prescribing practices and benchmark against other countries,” Dr Cortes said. “Local data suggest that historically our prescribing per head of population has been higher than the EU average.” “We are auditing our practice and feeding this back to local prescribers. We have put in place interventions such as antibiotic guidelines.” “In early 2018 we completed, for the first time ever, a full set of GHA antibiotic guidelines for all ages for patients in both primary care and hospital, developed from evidence based international guidelines and accessible via a free APP for our doctors.” “We are also developing tests that can be performed there and then in the consulting room to support doctors in making decisions as to whether antibiotics are indicated or not.”

The populations around the world are aging and have increasingly complex health needs. As a result of recent medical advancements, the US life expectancy as of 2022 is 79.05 and is rising steadily at a rate of 0.08% annually. In the coming decade, more individuals are expected to live longer lives. Now, with more patients, pathologists would have to go over more information on each patient. Even though much of their work is repetitive, most radiologists and pathologists are overworking because there is a high demand for what they do, and there is a global shortage of qualified resources, especially in developing countries. In a nutshell, these supporting healthcare departments are facing major challenges, such as: - Lack of skilled pathologists. - Inaccurate or lack of information. - Delayed turnaround time. AI in Radiology and Pathology The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging, including but not limited to image processing and interpretation, is one of the most promising areas of healthcare innovation. (1) Faster results: It is obvious that by leveraging artificial intelligence in medical imaging, physicians can identify and escalate conditions much faster. In a recent study, machine learning algorithms were found to be potentially faster and more accurate than 11 pathologists in a simulated setting. (2) Precision: Physicians can use precision medicine to provide a personalized treatment approach that specifically targets the illness in a short period of time. Tulane University researchers discovered that AI could detect and diagnose colorectal cancer as well as or even better than pathologists by analyzing tissue scans. To improve precision, medicine AI can be used in medical imaging. For example, according to Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology which states that in comparison to the opinions of the first or sole radiologists, the AI system led to an absolute reduction in the rates of false-positive and false-negative detection of biopsy-confirmed breast cancers of 1.2% and 2.7% in the UK test set and 5.7% and 9.4% in the US dataset, respectively. 3) Eliminates subjectivity: Pathology, as it is currently practised, is very subjective. Only about 60% of the time would two highly skilled pathologists evaluate the same slide. This approach eliminates subjectivity in favor of sophisticated, quantitative measurements that will improve patient outcomes. Physicians can use precision medicine to provide a personalized treatment approach that specifically targets the illness in a short period of time. Challenges of AI in Radiology and Pathology We've seen how artificial intelligence can help with medical imaging, but now we'll look at the challenges of artificial intelligence in medical imaging. Privacy: Radiological data sharing is required among multiple institutions to minimize healthcare disparities and to have complete and diverse data. Consequently, data security and patient privacy become a major challenge. Using innovative ways for data annotation: Manual annotation of radiological images remains a significant bottleneck in the translation of advanced AI algorithms into clinically useful systems. Manual labelling and annotation processes in radiology AI systems are typically expensive and time-consuming. As a result, developing efficient, automated labelling and annotation methods to generate high-quality training and testing data for radiology AI research and application become critical. Hardware limitations: Large image file sizes necessitate a significant amount of storage space and backup capability in both on-premises and cloud environments. Furthermore, deep machine learning solutions, when applied to pathology image analysis, rely heavily on graphics processing units. Only by developing and evolving all the related elements in a network into a robust system can we increase computing capacity and reduce turn-around time. Standardization and normalization: Variations in brightness, intensity disparity, average color, and boundary intensity settings during scanning can all result in unreliable raw data and inaccurate results. A single noise in big data can cause misclassification and change the slide prediction, resulting in many false positives or negatives. Therefore, the protocols and systemic quality controls must be standardized to reduce system and random errors caused by different instruments. Lack of high-quality datasets: Given that the amount of data used to train the Machine Learning system determines the accuracy of the prediction or judgement of the output, a large amount of high-quality data is required to train the model. Modern problems require modern solutions Various companies have created platforms to address the above challenges of AI in radiology. Healthcare organizations have successfully introduced software solutions that enable developers to create automated healthcare workflows by building and deploying medical imaging applications. They have also demonstrated significant potential to provide value to organizations looking to leverage AI to enable large-scale deep learning for medical imaging. This includes imaging workflow, 3D images processing pipeline using shared memory, and improving clinical workflows across cardiology specialities and modalities to maximize efficiency. Here are a few examples: Nvidia: It is an American multinational technology company that has introduced Clara for Medical imaging, which accelerates a typical imaging workflow that begins with data labelling. The solution then moves on to creating AI models, developing applications that include one or more AI models, and finally deploying them at a single institution or across multiple institutions. NVIDIA AI-Assisted Annotation (AIAA) with Deep Grow enables fast labelling of CT and MRI data with a few clicks on an area of interest and in a few slices. AIAA accelerates image labelling, which can be a time-consuming and tedious task prone to human error. GE Healthcare: SIGNA Hero, SIGNA Artist Evo, Revolution Apex platform, Allia Platform, and AMX Navigate are some of the new AI-powered, automated, and data-driven solutions developed by GE Healthcare to help encourage greater diagnostic confidence, ease the burden of care, and improve workflow for healthcare systems globally. IBM Watson: On every release, IBM Watson collaborates closely with 4ways to improve turnaround times, improve its reporting system, increase service robustness for customers, assist in improving service delivery for customers, support teleradiology partners, and its internal IT support team with a more scalable solution. Philips Healthcare: The company has created a solid platform that focuses on patient management, image acquisition, image interpretation, and reporting. The future looks bright; it appears that the quote has inspired everyone, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then you know better, do better” by Maya Angelou. Whatever solution one may implement, we know that technologies will come and go, but keeping a beam focus on the value that we are creating allows us to deliver with focused efforts. More importantly, it fosters patient trust and satisfaction because they understand that we are inspired not just by technological capabilities or business imperatives, but by a larger vision of providing patient care. (Author is Microbiologist Certified infection control Auditor, Kidney Hospital Srinagar. Email: Jkakroo@gmail.com)

Isaiah himself could only have authored chapters 1 to 39, called First Isaiah Biblical scholars mostly agree that the book of Isaiah contains distinct works of at least three men from three separate periods. Isaiah himself could only have authored chapters 1 to 39, called First Isaiah, Proto-Isaiah, and the historical Isaiah. Chapters 40 to 55, called Second Isaiah and Deutero-Isaiah, were written by a person living in Babylonia during late exilic times. Chapters 56 to 66, called Third Isaiah and Trito-Isaiah, were written by an individual living in postexilic Jerusalem. The identities of Second and Third Isaiah are not known. First Isaiah had an unusually long ministry that reportedly started in the last year of the reign of Uzziah of Judah, which would have been about 739 BCE, and lasted through three additional Judean kings, traditionally until 687, the last year of the reign of Hezekiah. The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of JudahIsaiah 1:1 He counseled and castigated the kings, priests, and people for their sins, usually to no avail. First Isaiah gave prophecies that were sometimes straightforward but oftentimes complex with deep theological perplexities. Consider the statement For unto us a child is bornIsaiah 9:6 It has been traditionally believed that Jesus was that child and the prophecies associated with the child would be fulfilled by Him. It was not until recently in religious history, though, with the benefit of hindsight, that it became apparent that Isaiah 9:6‒7 was mostly fulfilled by the Bahá’í Dispensation. The phrase “For unto us a child is born” introduces one of the best known, most quoted, passages from First Isaiah. They are commemorated in George Frederick Handel’s oratorio masterpiece, Messiah. An eventual future will dissipate the gloom because then God will honor the Galilee of the nations, by Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan9:1, NIV War will be no more because Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire9:5, NIV How and why will this happen? For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9:6‒7, emphasis added Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this Partial fulfillment and greater fulfillment of biblical prophecy We now come to the interesting concept of partial fulfillment and greater fulfillment of biblical prophecy. The two verses of Isaiah 9:6–7 were partially fulfilled through Jesus, who was a descendant of David and sat on the spiritual throne of David. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said in an address given during His tour in the United States in 1912: He was seated upon the throne of David, but His sovereignty was neither Napoleonic sovereignty nor the vanishing dominion of a Pharaoh. The Christ Kingdom was everlasting, eternal in the heaven of the divine Will.‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, 199–200. Jesus denied any claim to temporal authority when He said, My kingdom is not of this worldJohn 18:36, NIV His name was not the everlasting Father; He referred to Himself as the Son. Rather than being known as Counsellor, Jesus was often called Rabbi, or teacher. Jesus made no claim to be the Prince of Peace, saying instead, Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a swordMatt. 10:34 Jesus also never undertook the burden of government but deflected questions about the Roman government with the response, Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’sMatt: 22:21 There is a greater fulfillment of the above two verses through Bahá’u’lláh for many reasons. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá referred to Isaiah 9:7 and the Lord of Hosts when He wrote about Bahá’u’lláh’s arrival to the prison in Akka. When Bahá’u’lláh arrived at this prison in the Holy Land, discerning souls were awakened to the fact that the prophecies which God had voiced through the tongue of His Prophets two or three thousand years before had been realized and that His promises had been fulfilled, for He had revealed unto certain prophets and announced unto the Holy Land that the Lord of Hosts would be manifested therein.‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, no. 9.15, 37, emphasis added Bahá’u’lláh wrote a tablet to Pope Pius IX in which first He touched upon the missions of John the Baptist and Jesus. Then He focused on these Days of cleansing with the water of life at the hands of His loving providenceand identified Himself as the Father and the Comforter as follows: We sent forth him who was named John to baptize you with water, that your bodies might be cleansed for the appearance of the Messiah. He, in turn, purified you with the fire of love and the water of the spirit in anticipation of these Days whereon the All-Merciful hath purposed to cleanse you with the water of life at the hands of His loving providence. This is the Father foretold by Isaiah, and the Comforter concerning Whom the Spirit [Jesus] had covenanted with you. Open your eyes, O concourse of bishops, that ye may behold your Lord seated upon the Throne of might and glory.Bahá’u’lláh, Suríh of the Temple (Pope Pius IX), The Summons of the Lord of Hosts, no. 122, 63, emphasis added In addition, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá referred to Bahá’u’lláh as the Prince of Peace when He wrote about the eventuality and inevitability of universal peace: The Sun of Truth hath risen above the horizon of this world and cast down its bounty of guidance. Eternal grace is never interrupted, and a fruit of that everlasting grace is universal peace. Rest thou assured that in this era of the spirit, the Kingdom of Peace will raise up its tabernacle on the summits of the world, and the commandments of the Prince of Peace will so dominate the arteries and nerves of every people as to draw into His sheltering shade all the nations on earth. From springs of love and truth and unity will the true Shepherd give His sheep to drink.‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, no. 201, 257–58, emphasis added The renowned scholar William Sears pondered Isaiah 9:6–7 and came to the following conclusions: 1. The government was upon the shoulder of Bahá’u’lláh. His Writings established local, national, and international institutions to preserve His faith, and to protect the human rights of mankind.William Sears, Thief in the Night, 150–51. 2. His name could be called the Counsellor, for his laws established the principle of “consultation” for each of these governing institutions. 3. As Christ was called the Son, in like manner, I found that Bahá’u’lláh was called the Father. His mission was that of a Father: to gather together the human family into one household, the planet. To unite the nations, races, and religions was the purpose of his coming, Bahá’u’lláh declared. He was the Father of all religions, races, and peoples, with complete equality. 4. Unlike Christ, Bahá’u’lláh’s mission was to bring peace. His whole purpose was to establish universal peace. He was a Prince of Peace. 5. There was indeed an increase in the kingdom of Bahá’u’lláh. It has spread from the day of its birth … to all parts of the world. First Isaiah also said, A little child shall lead them?Isaiah 11:6 Who was the little child? Keep reading the First Isaiah series! First Isaiah – “For unto us a child is born” — Article No. 1 of 5 in a series. Additonal articles to be posted. To learn all about the preexilic prophets, read volume 2 of The Coming of the Glory. Biblical quotations are from the King James Version unless otherwise noted. The initials NIV stand for the New International Version.

Analysis of data from 16 groups of COVID-19 patients suggest ‘silent’ carriers may exacerbate efforts to stop spread of the disease. An extraordinary percentage of people infected by the virus behind the ongoing deadly COVID-19 pandemic—up to 45 percent—are people who never show symptoms of the disease, according to the results of a Scripps Research analysis of public datasets on asymptomatic infections. The findings, recently published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggest that asymptomatic infections may have played a significant role in the early and ongoing spread of COVID-19 and highlight the need for expansive testing and contact tracing to mitigate the pandemic. “The silent spread of the virus makes it all the more challenging to control,” says Eric Topol, MD, founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and professor of Molecular Medicine at Scripps Research. “Our review really highlights the importance of testing. It’s clear that with such a high asymptomatic rate, we need to cast a very wide net, otherwise the virus will continue to evade us.” Together with behavioral scientist Daniel Oran, Topol collected information from testing studies on 16 diverse cohorts from around the world. These datasets—gathered via keyword searches of PubMed, bioRxiv, and medRxiv, as well as Google searches of relevant news reports—included data on nursing home residents, cruise ship passengers, prison inmates, and various other groups. “What virtually all of them had in common was that a very large proportion of infected individuals had no symptoms,” says Oran. “Among more than 3,000 prison inmates in four states who tested positive for the coronavirus, the figure was astronomical: 96 percent asymptomatic.” The review further suggests that asymptomatic individuals are able to transmit the virus for an extended period of time, perhaps longer than 14 days. The viral loads are very similar in people with or without symptoms, but it remains unclear whether their infectiousness is of the same magnitude. To resolve that issue, we’ll need large-scale studies that include sufficient numbers of asymptomatic people. The authors also conclude that the absence of symptoms may not imply an absence of harm. CT scans conducted on 54 percent of 76 asymptomatic individuals on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, appear to show significant subclinical lung abnormalities raising the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 infection impacting lung function that might not be immediately apparent. The scientists say further research is needed to confirm the potential significance of this finding. The authors also acknowledge that the lack of longitudinal data makes distinguishing between asymptomatic and presymptomatic individuals difficult. An asymptomatic individual is someone who is infected with SARS-CoV-2, but never develops symptoms of COVID-19, while a presymptomatic person is similarly infected, but will eventually develop symptoms. Longitudinal testing, which refers to repeated testing of individuals over time, would help differentiate between the two. “Our estimate of 40 to 45 percent asymptomatic means that, if you’re unlucky enough to get infected, the probability is almost a flip of a coin on whether you’re going to have symptoms. So to protect others, we think that wearing a mask makes a lot of sense,” Oran concludes. Reference: “Prevalence of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Narrative Review” by Daniel P. Oran, AM and Eric J. Topol, MD, 3 June 2020, Annals of Internal Medicine.

Hello techies, welcome back to Techatronic. Have you ever seen the blinking lights that are used by the DJs at parties? These lights are connected with the sound system and blink with the flow of the music. Do you want to make these kinds of lights by yourself using basic electronic components? well if yes then follow the given procedure carefully. In this article, we are going to teach you that how music reactive led can be made using two BC547 transistors. A detailed explanation of the project is given below. You can also check more such interesting projects on IoT and basic electronics. music reactive led Working In this circuit, we use a condenser mic for taking the input and the output will be obtained at the collector pin of the first transistor. When the mic receives loud audio signals then the current at the output collector pin which we connected with the negative of LEDs also goes high and for low audio signals, the output current is also small. So the brightness of the LEDs completely depends on the input sound signals. The condenser mic which we used is not much sensitive so you have to put the sound source near the mic. You can also check the cell phone signal jammer circuit made by us. - Two BC547 transistors - Connecting wires and a breadboard - 1 uF capacitor - Condenser mic - LEDs of different colors - resistors of 100K ohm, 1M ohm - 9 volts battery music reactive led Circuit Diagram Take two BC547 transistors and connect their emitter pins with each other and then with the negative rail. Connect the base pin of the first transistor with the collector pin of the second transistor. Take some LEDs and connect them in parallel with each other. Then attach the collector pin of the first transistor to the common negative pin of all the LEDs. Join a 100K ohm resistor between the base pin of the first transistor and the positive rail as shown above. Attach a 1M ohm resistor between the base pin of the second transistor and the positive rail. Take a 1 uF capacitor, connect its negative leg with the base pin of the second transistor and the positive leg with the positive leg of the condenser mic. Connect a 100K ohm resistor between the positive rail and the positive leg of the mic. Join the common anode of the LEDs with the positive rail. Attach the negative leg of the mic with the negative rail as shown in the diagram. music reactive led strip Before testing please make sure that all the connections are correct and tight. Then connect a 9 volts battery with the circuit. Play some music on your smartphone and enjoy the flashing lights. We hope that you liked this project and try to make it once. While making this project if you are facing any difficulties then ping us in the comments section below. Also, do check out our tutorials on Arduino and Raspberry Pi.

by Brian Shilhavy Editor, Health Impact News Pretty much every country on earth today has a flag representing that country, and children are taught from the earliest ages, usually through public or religious education, to respect and honor that flag, often by saluting it. In the United States just about every school for children, whether public or private, teaches their students to “Pledge Allegiance” to the flag of the United States of America, while holding their hand over their heart. Here is the Pledge in its modern day form: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The original Pledge of Allegiance was written by a 37-year-old Baptist Christian Minister named Francis Bellamy in 1892. I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic, for which it stands,—one nation, indivisible—with liberty and justice for all. By not specifying to which flag or which republic allegiance was being pledged, Bellamy suggested that his pledge could be used by any country, as well as the United States. (Source.) The original salute used in reciting the pledge, the “Bellamy salute,” looked like this: Both the Pledge of Allegiance and the salute to the flag have undergone changes over time. When World War II broke out, many people noticed that the salute American children were using for the American flag was the same salute that Germans under Hitler, and Italians under Mussolini, started using, and the Bellamy salute fell out of favor in the U.S. because it was considered “too fascist.” In 1942, Congress amended the Flag Code and President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed it into law specifying that the Pledge should “be rendered by standing with the right hand over the heart,” as it is today. In its 1940 Gobitis decision (310 US 586), the Supreme Court ruled that schools can compel students to recite the Pledge. In 1954 Congress added the phrase “under God” to the text. In 1943, the Supreme Court overturned Gobitis and ruled in its Barnette decision (319 US 624) that school children could not be forced to recite the Pledge as a part of their school day routine. (Source.) This strong national tradition which was started by Christians is still a strong national and religious tradition practiced today, and to refuse to salute the American flag or treat it with disrespect is to be accused of not being a “patriot” and even go against Christian values. Many Christian Churches, for example, have the flag standing next to the cross. So why am I spending time writing about this today? Because our country is as divided as ever, placing people into groups and labeling them so everyone can keep fighting each other rather than fighting the Globalists who are dead-set on enslaving us and murdering us, and the label “Patriot” is a classification I see every single day in my newsfeed, mainly among the Christian Right and Trump supporters. The term “patriot” today can pretty much be weaponized against anyone who disagrees with the narrative of the day that the State wants one to believe and obey, which today includes obeying all COVID-19 restrictions, and being a “good patriot” and getting the “vaccine” to protect everyone else. For the Christian Right, displaying the flag on national holidays like the 4th of July and Memorial Day is the “Christian” thing to do, and failing to do so is seen as a moral failure. But I absolutely REFUSE to pledge my allegiance to the American flag, not for political reasons, but because to do so is IDOLTARY. The English word “allegiance” as defined by the Miriam-Webster dictionary is this: Definition of allegiance 1 a: the obligation of a feudal vassal to his liege lord b (1): the fidelity owed by a subject or citizen to a sovereign or government // I pledge allegiance to my country. (2): the obligation of an alien to the government under which the alien resides 2: devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause // allegiance to a political party The famous “Ten Commandments” given to Moses after the Israelites left Egypt and their slavery starts out with two very specific commandments: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. (Exodus 20:2-5) The flag of any nation is very clearly an “image,” and to worship or “pledge allegiance” to that image and the nation it represents is very clearly idolatry. My allegiance belongs to one person only, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who said: Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.” Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 10:34-39) There just is no room for “patriotism” for one who has given up everything this life has to offer in exchange for following and serving Jesus Christ. When you no longer have any attachments to this life that the Satanic Globalists can threaten you with, they no longer have any power over you. Because the worst thing they can do is kill you, if God allows it, and when you learn to recognize how evil this world and this life is, you will welcome death when it comes, understanding that the best is yet to come. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalms 118:6) Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:51-58)

A study of the health records of 3.4 million Swedes between the ages of 40 and 80 has found dog ownership leads to lower levels of cardio-vascular disease (heart) in single person households and death from all causes in the general population. In Sweden, every person carries a unique personal identity number. Every visit to a hospital is recorded in national databases. Even dog ownership registration has been mandatory in Sweden since 2001. Researchers can access this data after identifying information is deleted. Associate Professor Tove Fall of the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Sweden and his team studied whether being registered as a dog-owner was associated with cardiovascular disease or death from any cause over a 12 year period. People with previous signs of heart disease were excluded from the study. The results showed that single dog owners had a 33 per cent lower risk of death from all causes and 11 per cent lower risk of heart attacks compared to single non-owners. Dog-owners in multi-person households also had lower risk of death but less so than in single households. Dr Ben Milbourn, senior lecturer in occupational therapy at Curtin University said he believes pet ownership is good for an owner’s mental health. “Having to look after a pet puts structure in your life. They need cleaning and feeding. Dogs bring routine and adds meaning and purpose to your life. “It is easy to put off taking exercise on your own, but harder to put it off if your dog demands a walk.” Dogs also increase social interaction. “When walking with a dog you make connections with people; you become an instant member of the community,” he said. “The benefits of pet ownership depend on the person, their environment and other circumstances. For example an older a person who experiences decreased mobility, may want to think twice about owning a larger dog that requires long walks every day. “Ask yourself is it worth the risk as you age? My aunt in her 90s has been a dog owner all her life. When her last dog died she adopted a plastic dog and looks after it in the same way as the real dog.” Professor Fall speculated that the direct effects of dog ownership on health is by alleviating psychosocial stress factors, such as social isolation, depression and loneliness that have been linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality. Just patting a pet can ease stress and reduce your blood pressure. “A very interesting finding in our study was that dog ownership was especially prominent as a protective factor in persons living alone, which is a group reported previously to be at higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death than those living in a multi-person household. “Perhaps a dog may stand in as an important family member in the single households. Other explanations include an increased well-being and social contacts or effects of the dog on the bacterial microbiome of the owner,” says Professor Fall. The study was published in Scientific Reports in November 2017. Ed’s note; Many retirement villages are now pet friendly.

Germany intends to invest €100 million annually into the research of hydrogen technologies. This could be the business of the future, as well as the country’s next top export. However, the future of green gas is still extremely shaky. Daniel Eck reports. A world powered by hydrogen sounds beautiful. This would mean no carbon emissions, no coal and no oil – and our planet is full of it. “We are now starting the next stage of the energy transition,” said Federal Economics Minister Peter Altmaier (CDU) in Berlin last Thursday (18 July). In so-called “real laboratories” he is eager to investigate how hydrogen can be used on a large scale as an energy carrier in the heat market, the transport sector and industry. The project will cost the ministry €100 million each year, and results should already be seen by 2020. Germany wants to be a global leader in the development of hydrogen technologies, according to Altmaier. “It is now a matter of increasing the potential of industrial policy,” Altmaier said. In the future, when the EU member states decarbonise at an increased rate, hydrogen technologies will become Germany’s next top export- it could be a billion-dollar business. Meanwhile, the German government has announced that it will develop a hydrogen strategy by the end of the year. The strategy has been welcomed by the environment ministry, which has already presented an “Action Programme for Electricity-Based Fuels”. Also on 18 July, six Green MPs drafted a position paper on hydrogen production – and expressed their unequivocal support for the first time. Companies produce their hydrogen No matter how much water is available in the world, the production of emission-free hydrogen gas has been a challenge for researchers for years. Because on our planet, hydrogen does not occur as pure, unbound gas. Hydrogen is traditionally produced by natural gas, a fossil fuel. This method of production releases a lot of CO2 – around seven to nine thousand kilogrammes per tonne of hydrogen produced. But there is an environmentally-friendly alternative: power-to-gas is the name given to the process in which water is broken down into components made of oxygen and hydrogen by electrolysis. In a second step, the hydrogen can even be processed into synthetic natural gas, petrol, diesel or kerosene, which are then regarded as E-fuels. Also, in this step, carbon needs to be added once more. For the gas industry, this type of hydrogen production represents a general-purpose solution to break away from carbon. Synthetic gas could be used for heating as well as in the transport sector, especially for heavy-duty, air and sea transport. So far, submarines and rockets, in particular, have been powered by hydrogen. Other industries also want to benefit from the environmentally-friendly production of hydrogen. Steel producer ThyssenKrupp, for example, plans to become carbon-neutral by 2050. “By 2050, we can reduce our steel-production-related emissions by 80%,” said Thyssenkrupp’s board member Donatus Kaufmann. Salzgitter AG is also experimenting with gas but is not yet using it in its day-to-day business. “Technologically, however, there is a lot to suggest that it works,” said Alexander Redenius, project manager at Salzgitter AG. And Shell ITM Power is currently building the world’s largest hydrogen electrolysis plant in the German city of Wesseling on the Rhine. It should start operating in 2020 and produce 1,300 tons of hydrogen per year. Politically dependent on Morocco or Saudi Arabia? However, the industry is still a long way from efficiently using hydrogen. During electrolysis, almost a third of the energy is lost, while in an additional conversion to methane or other fuels, half the energy is being wasted. The Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems said that renewable energies could by no means meet the high demand for electricity. In Germany, it would be impossible to build enough wind turbines and solar parks to operate enough electrolysis plants to fuel the domestic industry. “We will have to import hydrogen from other regions of the world where there is enough space, sun and wind,” Ingrid Nestle, the Green MP and Green Party spokesperson on energy policy, told EURACTIV. In 2050, Germany would have to import up to 750 terawatt-hours of synthetic gas and liquid fuels. This would be the case if domestic hydrogen production were to remain as expensive and inefficient as it has been until now, according to the German Energy Agency. Some experts find this questionable because it could create a political dependence on countries such as Saudi Arabia, the Emirates or Morocco. The transport and feeding of hydrogen into the natural gas network also poses significant problems because this gas is not compatible with the existing natural gas pipelines of the heating network. Although hydrogen can be added to a certain extent, even under laboratory conditions, only about 30% can be achieved. Tests in the UK have shown that the network can be adapted by retrofitting. “However, we cannot have a national approach in this case. Our gas system is embedded in Europe since other EU member states depend on us not sealing off or changing our gas pipelines,” said Stefan Stückrad, scientific director at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS). Competition from fossil fuels Given the considerable technical and economic challenges, hydrogen is unlikely to be able to compete with fossil fuels, including natural gas, and oil so quickly. Hydrogen is still too expensive and demand for it too low. “This is a chicken-and-egg problem: to operate electrolysis on a large scale, there needs to be sufficient demand for hydrogen. And vice-versa, demand only increases when the corresponding technology is available to supply affordable hydrogen,” said Stückrad. Green spokesperson Ingrid Nestle, therefore, called on the state to support power-to-gas technologies. For example, levies and charges on electricity should be reformed in favour of green hydrogen. “We need a reasonable price for CO2. It is the only way to ensure fossil fuels are unattractive compared to hydrogen,” Nestle said. To make electricity-intensive electrolysis cheaper, she proposes to make surplus electricity available for hydrogen production at a very low cost. So far, power plants have been throttled down. Other politics and business experts also mention this idea and even the German economics ministry sees potential in such a proposal. A bill that does not add up However, hydrogen is only part of the solution, according to Nestle. Investing in hydrogen technology without changing the industry, heating and transport sector “is a calculation that does not work”. Relying only on green gas would be negligent as long as technical questions remain open, according to Nestle. The EU also sees it this way. “Although hydrogen is not a miracle solution, it could be the energy transition’s missing link,” Tudor Constantinescu, an energy advisor at the European Commission, told an event organised by EURACTIV. With a view to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and launching the planned gas package in 2020, the Commission does not want to commit itself to a fixed quota for fossil-free gas. It wants all options to be kept open, despite the lobby association Eurogas, for example, demanding the implementation of such a fixed quota. If emission-free hydrogen catches on, it will take years before it can be used on a large scale. Until then, bridge technologies should be useful. One of them is methane cracking, which makes it possible to produce hydrogen without releasing CO2 emissions as before. The substance is bound in solid coal and can be further processed, for example into activated carbon or in the construction sector. However, the process is also based on fossil gas after all. The technology could nevertheless help create a market for hydrogen, according to Stefan Stückrad, who spent five years researching this technology. “Because in the best case, if we want to keep warming below two degrees, this inevitably means that we also have to break away from natural gas,” Stückrad said. This article has been republished from EURACTIV.

What is "Tech Neck"? “Tech Neck” or “Text Neck” is a change in your posture that results from extended time staring down at your phone. In a typical case, the shoulders are elevated, the head is jutted forward, and the neck is extended and curved down. The average American spends over 4 hours per day interacting with their phone or tablet. Most pay no attention to their posture while scrolling through Tik Tok or swiping right on Chad. The Muscles Involved in Tech Neck The average human head weighs between 10 and 12 pounds, despite what the kid in Jerry MacGuire says. This weight is optimally balanced on the spine when your neck is in a neutral position. When you stretch your neck forward and look down, gravity increases the weight load on your neck and shoulder muscles to nearly double. The primary muscle that is affected by this position is the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) that connects your sternum to your clavicle and the back of your skull. This is the muscle that you can easily see when you turn your head to the left or right. If only that were the only muscle that can develop pain and fatigue from unending hours on YouTube on a 7-inch screen! Tech neck also affects: - Cervical Flexors – small muscles responsible for keeping all your cervical vertebrae in line and flexible. Tension in these muscles often leads to headaches. - Erector Spinae (ES) – A group of three muscles that runs along the length of your spine, connecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae. These muscles help the spine lengthen and rotate and when they tire, fight to keep your head up. - Shoulder Blade Retractors – Several muscles that help hold the shoulder blades back and keep the chest open. When these muscles, such as the trapezius and rhomboids, weaken, the shoulders tend to hunch forward and round the back. - Anterior Neck Muscles – the scalenes and anterior cervical extensors can fatigue during long periods of neck extension. - Pectoralis Major and Minor – Rounded and hunched shoulders cause these muscles to shorten, closing the chest. Be Careful, or You'll Get Stuck That Way Your body likes its routines. Without intervention your muscles will become conditioned to maintain the posture that it holds for the longest period of time. What this means is that eventually your neck will only feel “comfortable” if you’ve got your chin jutted out and pointed down. It will feel “unnatural” to roll your shoulders back into their proper relaxed position. This can ultimately result in a condition called “Upper Crossed Syndrome.” Tech Neck: Massage Can Help Deep tissue massage and myofascial release techniques can combat the effects of tech neck. Isolated stretching exercises combined with regular massage therapy can help your body “reset” its normal, natural posture.

This subject identifies the concepts of the theory behind the application of information system and technologies. This subject also provides an overview of the skills applying software such as Excel and Access in providing solutions to temporary issues within an organisation. The aim of this unit is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to optimise their current and future skills use in Information Technology (IT) and grasp new opportunities as the technology develops. Teaching and Learning Strategy The teaching and learning strategies to achieve the unit outcomes will be a combination of computer lab sessions providing application of theory to realistic problems and self-study. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of information systems in business and other type of organisation. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required and appropriate to the discipline of study. Understand and utilise information data for formal and informal decisions. Demonstrate an understanding of the key elements and components of information system. Exams will take place in weeks 12 & 13. Please refer to the official Exam Timetable for further information. Assessment Tasks 2 and 3 – (Practical Exams – Excel and Access) These examinations will assess the student’s ability to solve business problems using software applications. In these examinations, students will be provided with some business problems and they will use their Access and Excel knowledge to solve them. Attending tutorial classes will help them to prepare for these examinations. Assessment Tasks 1 and 4 Online quiz and final examination will assess the student’s understanding on Fundamentals of Information Systems concepts. Examinations will consist of multiple choice and/or descriptive type questions. Tutorials will be held each week in the labs at scheduled tutorial times. Attendance at the tutorial classes is compulsory and the tutor will keep a record of the attendance each week. No marks will be awarded for tutorial work however it will greatly assist the students to successfully complete their assessment tasks.

The Role of Telehealth in the Medical Response to Natural Disasters In January 2023, California faced record-breaking precipitation which put additional strain on an already overburdened health care system. The advantages of using telehealth during natural disasters are presented by Brendan Carr, MD, Associate Dean of Healthcare Delivery Innovation at Jefferson (Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University), and Nicole Lurie, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, authors of a 2018 JAMA Intern Medicine publication. Here, Dr. Carr provides a vision for what disaster relief could look like if telehealth were implemented and also discusses some of the barriers to implementation. Q: How is telehealth used today? While telehealth programs originally developed in rural areas, which often lack health facilities or specialists, it has grown to improve delivery of care in any medical setting, regardless of geography. Examples of telehealth now include emailing your doctor, video-chatting for follow-up visits or even urgent care, remote consultation with a specialist, and mental health screening and care. Though hands-on care cannot be replaced, telehealth provides options when a clinician cannot be physically present with a patient, or even when a visit is not required to get the right care. The treatment of acute stroke patients is a well-known example of particularly valuable telehealth – emergency departments without stroke neurologists can arrange rapid virtual consultation in order to make decisions about clot busting drugs so that optimal treatment can be delivered as quickly as possible. Similar remote access to specialists has improved outcomes for patients in intensive care units, has been used to improve care of Zika patients in Puerto Rico, and provided mental health care to patients suffering from the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) have substantial telehealth portfolios and have both announced expansions to their current telehealth systems that will take place this year. Q: How can telehealth improve disaster response? During and after a disaster, local hospitals and clinics can become overwhelmed with a massive influx of patients. In these situations, telehealth can aid clinicians on the ground to facilitate more rapid evaluation, diagnosis, and communication with patients. With remote access to subspecialists, clinicians have ready access to information that will help them stabilize, triage, and effectively treat patients with highly acute conditions. Using their own personal devices (smartphone or computer), patients in need of less intensive and immediate care can directly access providers without traveling to an already crowded hospital. Easy access to care is especially important for averting long-term mental health issues, which are rarely addressed during disaster response. Telehealth can also aid in near real time provider-to-provider education of post-disaster medical problems, such as skin conditions and infectious disease. All of these efforts can save lives and improve health outcomes for patients and the community. Apart from direct benefits to patients and clinicians, telehealth can significantly lower disaster response costs because remote clinicians do not need to be transported, fed, or housed. Q: What are the barriers to using telehealth during a disaster? The biggest barriers to using telehealth during a disaster are administrative and reimbursement issues. While access to electricity and internet or cell service is a barrier to telehealth in many settings, during a disaster, specialized equipment with satellite connection and batteries can be used effectively to keep on-site clinicians connected to telehealth resources. (Though limited access to electricity and internet is a barrier to patient-initiated telehealth.) Administrative barriers such as patient confidentiality, data security, licensing of telehealth providers, and reimbursement from insurance companies and disaster funds cannot be addressed with technology alone and require a coordinated effort across key stakeholders. Ideally, information about disaster-related healthcare visits could be transmitted to the patient’s regular healthcare team after the crisis in a smooth and secure manner. Q: How can communities prepare for using telehealth in a disaster situation? Few disaster response mechanisms work when if they are implemented for the first time during the crisis. It’s important for communities to assess their local services that may be overwhelmed during a disaster and determine exactly how telehealth could aid those services. Bolstering or expanding technology resources with an eye to using telehealth will put valuable tools in place, but communities can also identify existing technology that can be used or repurposed for telehealth during a disaster. Most importantly, communities must work with health insurers, NGOs, and federal disaster relief agencies to figure out how telehealth services will be used during a disaster.

African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Pauli Murray House The Pauli Murray House in Durham, North Carolina was the home of Pauli Murray (1910-1985), an African American member of the LGBTQ community, a Civil Rights and Women’s Rights activist, the author of work that Thurgood Marshall called the “Bible for Civil Rights law”, a lawyer, the first female African American Episcopal priest, and an Episcopal saint. In her adult life she was a professional nomad, living in over fifty different places in her pursuit of education and employment. Murray’s formative years were her childhood years, living with her grandfather, grandmother and aunt at what is now called the Pauli Murray House. Pauli Murray was an important and well-known figure in the significant social movements of the twentieth century, but her legacy has been forgotten. She should be restored to her rightful place in American history, with her work continuing as the greatest tribute to her. The Pauli Murray House is a small and simple house, but in such a modest home, a giant of a figure in American history was nurtured. The Pauli Murray house was built ca. 1898 by Murray’s grandfather, Robert Fitzgerald, who was a Union Civil War veteran. Murray was a descendant of both slaves and slave holders. Her grandparents and aunt stressed the importance of education. Murray graduated from Hunter College, and then took a law degree at Howard Law School, having been denied admission to the University of North Carolina because of her race. She later applied to Harvard Law School’s Graduate Program, but admission was denied because of her gender. She achieved her Masters of Law degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Her involvement and leadership with organizations working for social justice brought her into contact with such influential individuals as President Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt (a long- time friend), Betty Freidan, and President John F. Kennedy, who appointed her to his President’s Commission on the Status of Women. She was a co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW), worked for the Fellowship of Reconciliation, the NAACP, and many other civil rights groups. Her most important contribution to the law is her book, States’ Laws on Race and Color (1951) which Thurgood Marshall called the Bible of Civil Rights law. “Pauli Murray was decades ahead of her time. We want to nurture the next generation of Pauli Murrays.”Barbara Lau, The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice - Rehabilitate the Pauli Murray House as the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice - Raise public awareness of the significance of Pauli Murray and her work Rehabilitate the Pauli Murray House as the headquarters of the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice, carrying on Pauli Murray’s civil rights work. Support our work to save places that matter.Donate Stay connected with us via email. Sign up today. Join us in protecting and restoring places where significant African American history happened.Learn More

Remember the fanny pack? The fad from the 1980s of wearing a pack around your waist as an alternative to carrying a purse but could be worn by men as well took over many people’s good fashion sense. Sometimes these fanny packs were made in bright neon colors and prints. International Fanny Pack Day aims to use this fun fashion accessory to shine a light on a serious social issue, helping the hungry. History of International Fanny Pack Day Nick Yates created International Fanny Pack Day in 2007. The desire to create this holiday came out of a random encounter he had with a homeless man after a Christmas party. At the party, he had received a fruitcake and a fanny pack as gag gifts. Thinking it wouldn’t hurt, he strapped on the fanny pack and put the fruitcake inside (you could put many things in those fanny packs!) and set off for the bus stop. When he was on the way to the bus stop, a homeless man teased him about the fanny pack. Mr. Yates then gave the man the fruitcake and continued on his way, though reportedly the man was not overly thrilled with the cake! This got him to thinking that there could be a connection between the fanny pack and helping the hungry. He would go on to get into contact with food banks to get the movement started. He continued to hand out food while wearing the fanny pack. The idea took off and had been celebrated in over seven countries. How to celebrate International Fanny Pack Day Hunger is a problem throughout the world. It doesn’t matter how advanced or wealthy a country is, there always seems to be a part of society that just cannot get what they need. Nick Yates created something out of a gag gift that has helped countless people. Celebrate International Fanny Pack Day by digging yours out of the back of the closet and fill it up with food to pass out in your community. Mr. Yates gathered his friends with him when he was trying to make a difference. Use that example and gather yours to make a difference in your community. Even if you don’t wear the fanny pack, look around your community for where help is needed. Food pantries, homeless shelters, community centers and schools are places that are always looking for help in feeding the hungry. There are many ways to get involved. You can volunteer your time to help deliver food, or serve meals. You can organize a food drive to help food pantries. You can team up with other volunteers throughout the community to help find the people who are at risk of going hungry. A shockingly large percentage of people who are hungry are children. Thanks to Nick Yates and his famous fanny pack, there is a day to poke fun at past fashion and help those in need. Strap on your fanny pack and help make a difference in someone’s life!

Greenhouse Farming: Helpful Tips for Successful Greenhouse Farming Greenhouse Farming is the process of cultivating crops and vegetables in a controlled ecosystem know as a Greenhouse. Growing crops in a greenhouse is a practice that actually enables the farmer to increase crop yield and work efficiency by providing optimal conditions for plants to produce maximally. Greenhouse farming globally has been hailed for allowing crops to grow without the stress from diseases, pests, and extreme weather, therefore, improving the yield and quality of farm-fresh produce. In Kenya, greenhouse farming is increasingly becoming popular in different parts of the country. The popularity of this farming method can also be attributed to the dependence on agriculture as a serious investment for those who want to make money. But lack of correct information, improper installation, and poor management have brought huge losses to many farmers. It is not uncommon to find a greenhouse that tore apart in less than 6 months of setting it up. Many people rush to invest in greenhouse projects without doing enough research and end up losing their entire investment. Research has shown the most profitable crops to grow in a greenhouse are: - Kales and spinach Why Soil Testing is Important for Greenhouse Soil testing will help a farmer decide what inputs (fertilizers) their soil needs and just how much of it to use. The current usual practice is that most farmers merely use fertilizer based on what they assume their soil needs without carrying out an actual evaluation of their soil. This results in unwise investments through buying the wrong inputs composition (fertilizers), unneeded inputs (plant foods), and also over-utilizing them which subsequently leads to fill with air ranch expenses, minimized yields, and profitability. A soil test will certainly make sure that they use the proper inputs (fertilizers) as well as in the best quantities for their certain plants and also soil. Soil testing is the analysis of a soil sample to identify nutrition content, make-up, as well as various other attributes such as acidity or pH level. Soil analysis which is an essential part of successful key greenhouse farming will save the farmers money and also help them enhance their yields by approximately three times. Healthy well-balanced soil is additionally the basis for high-generating crops which will certainly, in turn, earn the farmer even more cash. When you know what is in your soil through a soil test, you will certainly be able to recognize what is missing out on in relation to minerals and nutrients and also what you require to add into your soil to fix it. For example, different plants need different nutrients and different pH’s to do well. It is also vital to note that due to soil testing, a farmer’s threat of crop failing is considerably reduced. Factors to Consider Before Starting Greenhouse Farming. Here are a few things to consider before setting up a greenhouse: Do thorough research. Find a lot of information about greenhouse management. Get to know the challenges and benefits of starting greenhouse farming. Make an effort to visit farmers who have been doing greenhouse and get advice Get to know the cost of setting up the greenhouse. There are several types of greenhouse designs. You can do a wooden or metallic greenhouse. Metallic greenhouses are more expensive compared to wooden greenhouses. There is another cost you need to factor in like; drip lines, water tank, polythene covering, cost of installation, and inputs like fertilizers and seeds. Choose the Crop Wisely. To make the most profit from the greenhouse, do research on crops not usually available during certain times of the year as you can produce fresh vegetables out of season. Also, consider crops that are resistant to diseases and pests. Choose a crop that has a ready market. Get to know Water Source Water is key and you should ensure sufficient supply. Get to plan for your key water source to sustain drip irrigation in and out of the season. You may need Customer support. This is extremely important. There is a learning curve in the greenhouse which you can gain from attending training, farm visits, and having your own agronomists You need to learn fresh crop ideas and management of disease and pests. Do Soil test As mentioned earlier, this an important factor. You need to establish your soil fertility in order to know the right fertilizers you need to apply therefore saving you on the cost of buying unnecessary fertilizers. The market for the Produce This seems like a no-brainer but is crucial. Before growing any crop in the greenhouse, you need to know where, when, and who will purchase your produce. Don’t start growing your crops blindly as this will leave you a frustrated farmer. Advantages of Greenhouse Farming. There are several advantages of growing crops using greenhouses. We highlight some below: Increased Crop Productivity One of the key advantages of greenhouse farming is increased production. By planting in greenhouses, the crops are under optimal conditions that will ensure the good development of the crops. This will therefore make it possible to increase yield by as much as 33% with greenhouse cultivation. It feels great to know that a profit is secure, doesn’t it? When a farmer chooses to grow in greenhouses, the risk is minimized in the face of possible random problems, such as pests, extreme weather like drought, hailstones, etc. Little space needed You need a small space to set up the greenhouse. A standard is about 7 Metres by 15 Metres long. Shorten Growth Period Greenhouse farming can shorten the growing period by about 25%. Let’s take an example, if the normal growing period of some of your crops is 90 days under open-field, they will take only 60 days in the greenhouse. This means greenhouse farming enables the farmer to produce much more within a year and make more money. Crops grown in greenhouses are much cleaner compared to those grown in the open that have scratches, hence lowering their market value. Pest & Disease Control Crop pest remains to be the greatest threats to any crop. In greenhouse farming, however, the farmer has huge control over the pest. A good well-designed greenhouse makes it much easier to control pests and diseases. This is because the crops are isolated from the environment and pests can’t get access to the greenhouse. This is how the pest is controlled. With good hygiene in the greenhouse, diseases as well are kept at bay. Efficiency & Ease of Operations Efficiency is about using available resources in the right amount and in the right way to reap maximumly and get the best results. In greenhouses farming, the farmer is able to easily track the use of resources like fertilizers, seeds, water, and even time. Farmers are also able to monitor the growth of the crops as well as able to apply necessary fertilizers at each stage of plant growth. In most advanced greenhouses, they have automatic irrigation systems that can work on its, therefore, can save on time and money. Greenhouse farming saves on labor as one person can work on many greenhouses unlike in the open field that may require a large workforce. Crops Grown All Year Round Most outdoor farming activities usually depend on the weather and the environment. So, you can only plant crops during the rainy season and in the recent past, the rain has remained to be very unpredictable. This has therefore affected agriculture in general. In greenhouse farming, however, the weather is 100% controlled. The farmer, therefore, is able to plant crops all year round without worrying about heavy rains is or temperatures allowing them to protect their crops from adverse weather effects. Greenhouse farming gives you the power to create the necessary conditions that suit your choice of crops. Challenges of Greenhouse Farming Cost of Setting Up a Green House Setting up a greenhouse might be expensive for many farmers but the benefits that can be realized make it worth it as an investment. For a small-scale farmer, it is advisable to start small to save on capital. Pests & Disease Control One of the major greenhouse farming is the management of pests and diseases. Pests and diseases will depend on the type of crops in the structure. Some diseases and pests are quite adamant and are very difficult if not impossible to get rid of them completely. Lack of Quality Water Sources Availability of water in many parts of the country is a challenge. Many farmers have this challenge and getting water from any source could bring more problems. It could be chlorinated, saline, or contaminated with diseases like bacterial wilt hence risking the crops in the greenhouse. Contaminated water is common in areas where farmers in sources of water plant crops like potatoes, tomatoes, and water flowing downstream are collected by farmers for greenhouse farming. This introduces bacterial wilt in greenhouse tomato. Soil Fertility Loss Loss of Soil fertility is a common problem because most farmers plant one crop continuously without crop rotation. The soils when used continuously with the same crop will have a buildup of diseases, especially bacterial wilt. The problem can be solved by rotating crops, e.g growing onions after harvesting tomatoes. Another way is to replace greenhouse soil by bringing quality soil from outside. You can also adopt the technology of growing crops in pots or soil-less cultures. A Complete Guide to Greenhouse Tomato Farming Production of Greenhouse Tomatoes Traditionally, the production of tomatoes in Kenya used to happen almost 100% in open fields. But things have changed with the adoption of greenhouses by a group of modern farmers seeking to increase crop production. Amiran, the pioneer greenhouse company played a big role in this by making greenhouses mass and accessible to the everyday farmer as opposed to the trend before where greenhouses were the preserve of big corporate farmers. Greenhouse farming of tomatoes has advantages over open-field farming in terms of the longer production period, reduction in pests and disease risk, and better management of resources. On the other hand there without proper management greenhouse farming could lead to losses. That notwithstanding, much of tomato production in the country happens in the open fields. This is because greenhouse farming despite its advantages is a relatively capital-intensive venture. Kshs. 70,000 and above is that is required to set up and farm on a standard 8 meters by 15 meters greenhouse is still out of reach for many small farmers. Advantages of Greenhouse Farming Over Open Field Farming - Longer production period – Tomatoes can be harvested for 6 to 8 months - Provides Ideal production environment hence high yield - Gives high-quality produce - Shorter maturity period – On average tomato varieties grown in greenhouses mature within 60– 70 days as compared to 75 to 90 for outdoor varieties. - Reduced risk of pests and diseases. - With greenhouse, Market timing is possible - Better management of resources for example through drip irrigation - Better use of land – Using greenhouse technology a small piece of land can be leveraged in such a way that several crops are grown Although by and large tomato farming looks lucrative with the high demand and billion shillings value, the reality is that growing tomatoes is a high-risk venture and not always as smooth as it may look or as some have portrayed it. Reasons why it is a high-risk venture : - Because of diseases and pests. Some of which are resistant to pesticides. - Because of unpredictable weather conditions, e.g. too much rain, extremely low or high temperatures, and the like. - Tomatoes are highly perishable products, and thus have to get to the market within a reasonable time otherwise they get spoilt. Thus, if harvest prices are depressed, a farmer without cold storage facilities can’t store the produce for sale in the future when prices are favorable. - Prices are volatile. There is no pool of information good enough to help correctly predict price trends. For instance, a farmer using the previous year’s trend can say, January tomato prices are usually great. But then there could be more farmers like him all aiming for January and come to the start of the year the market is flooded with tomatoes and prices are comes down. Diseases & Pests: In a way, tomatoes are fragile creatures susceptible to a number of diseases and pests that can destroy the whole crop within a short while. Even before the coming of Tuta Absoluta to Kenya diseases and pests have killed the dreams of many farmers. Sometimes not even pesticides are of help. As a tomato farmer, you should be real to this, and be extra keen in monitoring your crops and consulting professionals in case of anything you are not sure of. (Download the Complete Guide below for diseases and Pests analysis)

The General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, meeting in Paris from 17 October to 23 November 1974, at its eighteenth session, Mindful of the responsibility incumbent on States to achieve through education the aims set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitution of UNESCO, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Conventions for the Protection of Victims of War of 12 August 1949, in order to promote international understanding, co-operation and peace and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, Reaffirming the responsibility, which is incumbent on UNESCO to encourage and support in Member States any activity designed to ensure the education of all for the advancement of justice, freedom, human rights and peace, Noting nevertheless that the activity of UNESCO and of its Member States sometimes has an impact only on a small minority of the steadily growing numbers of schoolchildren, students, young people and adults continuing their education, and educators, and that the curricula and methods of international education are not always attuned to the needs and aspire actions of the participating young people and adults, Noting moreover that in a number of cases there is still a wide disparity between proclaimed ideals, declared intentions and the actual situation, Having decided at its seventeenth session, that this education should be the subject of a recommendation to Member States, Adopts this nineteenth day of November 1974, the present recommendation. The General Conference recommends that Member States should apply the following provisions by taking whatever legislative or other steps may be required in conformity with the constitutional practice of each State to give effect within their respective territories to the principles set forth' in this recommendation. The General Conference recommends that Member States bring this recommendation to the attention of the authorities, departments or bodies responsible for school education, higher education and out-of-school education, of the various organizations carrying out educational work among young people and adults such as student and youth movements, associations of pupils' parents, teachers' unions and other interested parties. The General Conference recommends that Member States submit to it, by dates and in the form to be decided upon by the Conference, reports concerning the action taken by them in pursuance of this recommendation. I. Significance of terms 1. For the purposes of this recommendation: (a) The word `education' implies the entire process of social life by means of which individuals and social groups learn to develop consciously within, and for the benefit of, the national and international communities, the whole of theirs personal capacities, attitudes, aptitudes and knowledge. This process is ~not limited to any specific activities. (b) The terms `international understanding', `co-operation' and `peace' are to, be considered as an indivisible whole based on the principle of friendly relations between peoples and States having different social and political systems and on the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. In the text of this recommendation, the different connotations of these terms are sometimes gathered together in a concise expression, `international education'. (c) `Human rights' and `fundamental freedoms' are those defined in the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and on Civil and Political Rights. 2. This recommendation applies to all stages and forms of education. III. Guiding principles 3. Education should be infused with the aims and purposes set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitution of UNESCO and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, particularly Article 26, paragraph 2, of the last-named, which states: `Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.' 4. In order to enable every person to contribute actively to the fulfillment-of the aims referred to in paragraph 3, and promote international solidarity and co-operation, which are necessary in solving the world problems affecting the individuals' and communities' life and exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms, the following objectives should be regarded as major guiding principles of educational policy: (a) An international dimension and a global perspective in education at all levels and in all its forms; (b) Understanding and respect for all peoples, their cultures, civilizations, values and ways of life, including domestic ethnic cultures and cultures of other nations; (c) Awareness of the increasing global interdependence between peoples and nations; (d) Abilities to communicate with others; (e) Awareness not only of the rights but also of the duties incumbent upon individuals, social groups and nations towards each other; (f) Understanding - of the necessity for international solidarity and cooperation; (g) Readiness on the part of the individual to participate in solving the problems of his community, his country and the world at large. 5. Combining learning, training, information and action, international education should further the appropriate intellectual and emotional development of the individual. It should develop a sense of social responsibility and of solidarity with less privileged groups and should lead to observance of the principles of equality in everyday conduct. It should also help to develop qualities, aptitudes and abilities which enable the individual to acquire a critical understanding of problems at the national and the international level; to understand and explain facts, opinions and ideas; to work in a group; to accept and participate in free discussions; to observe the elementary rules of procedure applicable to any discussion; and to base value judgments and decisions on a rational analysis of relevant facts and factors. 6. Education should stress the inadmissibility of recourse to war for purposes of expansion, aggression and domination, or to the use of force and violence for purposes of repression, and should bring every person to understand and assume his or her responsibilities for the maintenance of peace. It should contribute to international understanding and strengthening of world peace and to the activities in the struggle against colonialism and neo-colonialism in all their forms and manifestations, and against all forms and varieties of racialism, fascism, and apartheid as well as other ideologies which breed national and racial hatred and which are contrary to the purposes of this recommendation. IV. National policy, planning and administration 7. Each Member State should formulate and apply national policies aimed at increasing the efficacy of education in all its forms and strengthening its contribution to international understanding and co-operation, to the maintenance and development of a just peace, to the establishment of social justice, to respect for and application of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to the eradication of the prejudices, misconceptions, inequalities and all forms of injustice which hinder the achievement of these aims. 8. Member States should in collaboration with the National Commissions take steps to ensure co-operation between ministries and departments and co-ordination of their efforts to plan and carry out concerted programmes of action in international education. 9. Member States should provide, consistent with their constitutional provisions, the financial, administrative, material and moral support necessary to implement this recommendation. V. Particular aspects of learning, training and action Ethical and civic aspects 10. Member States should take appropriate steps to strengthen and develop in the processes of learning and training, attitudes and behavior based on recognition of the equality and necessary interdependence of nations and peoples. 11. Member States should take steps to ensure that the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination become an integral part of the developing personality of each child, adolescent, young person or adult by applying these principles in the daily conduct of education at each level and in all its forms, thus enabling each individual to contribute personally to the regeneration and extension of education in the direction indicated. 12. Member States should urge educators, in collaboration with pupils, parents, the organizations concerned and the community, to use methods which appeal to the creative imagination of children and adolescents and to their social activities and thereby to prepare them to exercise their rights and freedoms while recognizing and respecting the rights of others and to perform their social duties. 13. Member States should promote, at every stage of education, an active civic training which will enable every person to gain a knowledge of the method of operation and the work of public institutions, whether local, national or inter-national, to become acquainted with the procedures for solving fundamental problems; and to participate in the cultural life of the community and in public affairs. Wherever possible, this participation should increasingly link education and action to solve problems at the local, national and international levels. 14. Education should include critical analysis of the historical and contemporary factors of an economic and political nature underlying the contradictions and tensions between countries, together with study of ways of overcoming these contradictions, which are the real impediments to understanding, true international co-operation and the development of world peace. 15. Education should emphasize the true interests of peoples and their incompatibility with the interests of monopolistic groups holding economic and political power, which practice exploitation and foment war. 16. Student participation in the organization of studies and of the educational establishment they are attending should itself be considered a factor in civic education and an important element in international education. 17. Member States should promote, at various stages and in various types of education, study of different cultures, their reciprocal influences, their perspectives and ways of life, in order to encourage mutual appreciation of the differences between them. Such study should, among other things, give due importance to the teaching of foreign languages, civilizations and cultural heritage as a means of promoting international and inter-cultural understanding. Study of the major problems of mankind 18. Education should be directed both towards the eradication of conditions which perpetuate and aggravate major problems affecting human survival and well-being-inequality, injustice, international relations based on the use of force-and towards measures of international co-operation likely to help solve them. Education which in this respect must necessarily be of an interdisciplinary nature should relate to such problems as: (a) equality of rights of peoples, and the right of peoples to self-determination; (b) the maintenance of peace; different types of war and their causes and effects; disarmament; the inadmissibility of using science and technology for warlike purposes and their use for the purposes of peace and progress; the nature and effect of economic, cultural and political relations between countries and the importance of international law for these relations, particularly for the maintenance of peace; (c) action to ensure the exercise and observance of human rights, including those of refugees; racialism and its eradication; the fight against discrimination in its various forms; (d) economic growth and social development and their relation to social justice; colonialism and decolonization; ways and means of assisting developing countries; the struggle against illiteracy; the campaign against disease and famine; the fight for a better quality of life and the highest attainable standard of health; population growth and related questions; (e) the use, management and conservation of natural resources, pollution of the environment; (f) preservation of the cultural heritage of mankind; (g) the role and methods of action of the United Nations system in efforts to solve such problems and possibilities for strengthening and furthering its action. 19. Steps should be taken to develop the study of those sciences and disciplines, which are directly related to the exercise of the increasingly varied duties and responsibilities involved in international relations. 20. Member States should encourage educational authorities and educators to give education planned in accordance with this recommendation an interdisciplinary, problem-oriented content adapted to the complexity of the issues involved in the application of human rights and in international co-operation, and in itself illustrating the ideas of reciprocal influence, mutual support -and solidarity. Such programmes should be based on adequate research, experimentation and the identification of specific educational objectives. 21. Member States should endeavour to ensure that international educational activity is granted special attention and resources when it is carried out in situations involving particularly delicate or explosive social problems in relations, for example, where there are obvious inequalities in opportunities for access to education. VI. Action in various sectors of education 22. Increased efforts should be made to develop and infuse an international and inter-cultural dimension at all stages and in all forms of education. 23. Member States should take advantage of the experience of the Associated Schools which carry out, with UNESCO’s help, programmes of international education. Those concerned with Associated Schools in Member States should strengthen and renew their efforts to extend the programme to other educational institutions and work towards the general application of its results. In other Member States, similar action should be undertaken as soon as possible. The experience of other educational institutions which have carried out successful programmes of international education should also be studied and disseminated. 24. As pre-school education develops, Member States should encourage in it activities which correspond to the purposes of the recommendation because fundamental attitudes, such as, for example, attitudes on race, are often formed in the pre-school years. In this respect, the attitude of parents should be deemed to be an essential factor for the education of children, and the adult education referred to in paragraph 30 should pay special attention to the preparation of parents for their role in pre-school education. The first school should be designed and organized as a social environment having its own character and value, in which various situations, including games, will enable children to become aware of their rights, to assert themselves freely while accepting their responsibilities, and to improve and extend through direct experience their sense of belonging to larger and larger communities-the family, the school, then the local, national and world communities. 25. Member States should urge the authorities-concerned, as well as teachers and students, to re-examine periodically how post-secondary and university education should be improved so that it-may contribute more fully to the attainment of the objectives of this recommendation. 26. Higher education should comprise civic training and learning activities for all students that will sharpen their knowledge of the major problems, which they should help to solve, provide them with possibilities for direct and continuous action aimed at the solution of those problems, and improve their sense of international co-operation. 27. As post-secondary educational establishments, particularly universities, serve growing numbers of people, they should carry out programmes of international education as part of their broadened function in lifelong education and should in all teaching adopt a global approach. Using all means of communication available to them, they should provide opportunities, facilities for learning and activities adapted to people's real interests, problems and aspirations. 28. In order to develop the study and practice of international co-operation, post-secondary educational establishments should systematically take advantage of the forms of international action inherent in their role, such as visits from foreign professors and students and professional co-operation between professors and research teams in different countries. In particular, studies and experimental work should be carried out on the linguistic, social, emotional and cultural obstacles, tensions, attitudes and actions which affect both foreign students and host establishments. 29. Every stage of specialized vocational training should include training to enable students to understand their role and the role of their professions in developing their society, furthering international co-operation, maintaining and developing peace, and to assume their role actively as early as possible. 30. Whatever the aims and forms of out-of-school education, including adult education, they should be based on the following considerations: (a) as far as possible a global approach should be applied in all out-of-school education programmes, which should comprise the appropriate moral, civic, cultural, scientific and technical elements of international education; (b) all the parties concerned should combine efforts to adapt and use the mass media of communication, self-education, and inter-active learning, and such institutions as museums and public libraries to convey relevant knowledge to the individual, to foster in him or her favorable attitudes and a willingness to take positive action, and to spread knowledge and understanding of the educational campaigns and programmes planned in accordance with the objectives of this recommendation; (c) the parties concerned, whether public or private, should endeavour to take advantage of favorable situations and opportunities, such as the social and cultural activities of youth centers and clubs, cultural centers, community centers or trade unions, youth gatherings and festivals, sporting events, contacts with foreign visitors, students or immigrants and exchanges of persons in general. 31. Steps should be taken to assist the establishment and development of such organizations as student and teacher associations for the United Nations, international relations clubs and UNESCO Clubs, which should be associated with the preparation and implementation of co-ordinated programmes of international education. 32. Member States should endeavour to ensure that, at each stage of school and out-of-school education, activities directed towards the objectives of this recommendation be co-ordinated and form a coherent whole within the curricula for the different levels and types of education, learning and training. The principles of co-operation and association which are inherent in this recommendation should be applied in all educational activities. VII. Teacher preparation 33. Member States should constantly improve the ways and means of preparing and certifying teachers and other educational personnel for their role in pursuing the objectives of this recommendation and should, to this end: (a) provide teachers with motivations for their subsequent work: commitment to the ethics of human rights and to the aim of changing society, so that human rights are applied in practice; a grasp of the fundamental unity of mankind; ability to instill appreciation of the riches which the diversity of cultures can bestow on every individual, group or nation; (b) provide basic interdisciplinary knowledge of world problems and the problems of international co-operation, through, among other means, work to solve these problems; (c) prepare teachers themselves to take an active part in devising programmes of international education and educational equipment and materials, taking into account the aspirations of pupils and working in close collaboration with them; (d) comprise experiments in the use of active methods of education and training in at least elementary techniques of evaluation, particularly those applicable to the social behavior and attitudes of children, adolescents and adults ; (e) develop aptitudes and skills such as a desire and ability to make educational innovations and to continue his or her training; experience in teamwork and in interdisciplinary studies; knowledge of group dynamics; and the ability to create favorable opportunities and take advantage of them ; (f) include the study of experiments in international education, especially innovative experiments carried out in other countries, and provide those concerned, to the fullest possible extent, with opportunities for making direct contact with foreign teachers. 34. Member States should provide those concerned with direction, supervision or guidance-for instance, inspectors, educational advisers, principals of teacher-training colleges and organizers of, educational activities for young people and adults-with training, information and advice enabling them to help teachers work towards the objectives of this recommendation, taking into account the aspirations of young people with regard to international problems and new educational methods that are likely to improve prospects for fulfilling these aspirations. For these purposes, seminars or refresher courses relating to international and inter-cultural education should be organized to bring together authorities and teachers; other seminars or courses might permit supervisory personnel and teachers to meet with other groups concerned such as parents, students, and teachers' associations. Since there must be a gradual but profound change in the role of education, the results of experiments for the remodelling of structures and- hierarchical relations in educational establishments should be reflected in training, information and advice. 35. Member States should endeavour to ensure that any programme of further training for teachers in service or for personnel responsible for direction includes components of international education and opportunities to compare the results of their experiences in international education. 36. Member States should encourage and facilitate educational study and refresher courses abroad, particularly by-awarding fellowships, and should encourage recognition of such courses as part of the regular process of initial training, appointment, refresher training and promotion of teachers. 37. Member States should organize or assist bilateral exchanges of teachers at all levels of education. VIII. Educational equipment and materials 38. Member States should increase their efforts to facilitate the renewal, pro-duction, dissemination and exchange of equipment and materials for international education, giving special consideration to the fact that in many countries pupils and students receive most of their knowledge about international affairs through the mass media outside the school. To meet the needs expressed by those concerned with international education, efforts should be concentrated on overcoming the lack of teaching aids and on improving their quality. Action should be on the following lines: (a) appropriate and constructive use should be made of the entire range of equipment and aids available, from textbooks to television, and of the new educational technology; (b) there should be a component of special mass media education in teaching to help the pupils to select and analyse the information conveyed by mass media ; (c) a global approach, comprising the introduction of international components, serving as a framework for presenting local and national aspects of different subjects and illustrating the scientific and cultural history of mankind, should be employed in textbooks and all other aids to learning, with due regard to the value of the visual arts and music as factors conducive to understanding between different cultures; (d) written and audio-visual materials of an interdisciplinary nature. illustrating the major problems confronting mankind and showing in each case the need for international co-operation and its practical form should be prepared in the language or languages of instruction of the country with the aid of information supplied by the United Nations, UNESCO and other Specialized Agencies; (e) documents and other materials illustrating the culture and the way of life of each country, the chief problems with which it is faced, and its participation in activities of world-wide concern should be prepared and communicated to other countries. 39. Member States should promote appropriate measures to ensure that educational aids, especially textbooks, are free from elements liable to give rise to misunderstanding, mistrust, racialist reactions, contempt or hatred with regard to other groups or peoples. Materials should provide a broad background of knowledge, which will help learners to evaluate information and ideas disseminated through the mass media that seem to run counter to the aims of this recommendation. 40. According to its needs and possibilities, each Member State should establish or help to establish one or more documentation centers offering written and audio-visual material devised according to the objectives of this recommendation and adapted to the different forms and stages of education. These centers should be designed to foster the reform of international education, especially by developing and disseminating innovative ideas and materials, and should also organize and facilitate exchanges of information with other countries. IX. Research and experimentation 41. Member States should stimulate and support research on the foundations, guiding principles, means of implementation and effects of international education and on innovations and experimental activities in this field, such as those taking place in the Associated Schools. This action calls for collaboration by universities, research bodies and centers, teacher-training institutions, adult education training centers and appropriate non-governmental organizations. 42. Member States should take appropriate steps to ensure that teachers and the various authorities concerned build international education on a sound psychological and sociological basis by applying the results of research carried out in each country on the formation and development of favorable or unfavorable attitudes and behavior, on attitude- change, on the interaction of personality development and education and on the positive or negative effects of educational activity. A substantial part of this research-should be devoted to the aspirations of young people concerning international problems and relations. X. International co-operation 43. Member States should consider international co-operation a responsibility in developing international education. In the implementation of this recommendation they should refrain from intervening in matters, which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any State in accordance with the United Nations Charter. By their own actions, they should demonstrate that implementing this recommendation is itself an exercise in international understanding and co-operation. They should, for example, organize, or help the appropriate authorities and non-governmental organizations to organize, an increasing number of international meetings and study sessions on international education; strengthen their programmes for the reception of foreign students, research workers, teachers and educators belonging to workers' associations and adult education associations; promote reciprocal visits by schoolchildren, and student and teacher exchanges; extend and intensify exchanges of information on cultures and ways of life; arrange for the translation or adaptation and dissemination of information and suggestions coming from other countries. 44. Member States should encourage the co-operation between their Associated Schools and those of other countries with the help of UNESCO in order to promote mutual benefits by expanding their experiences in a wider international perspective. 45. Member States should encourage wider exchanges of textbooks, especially history and geography textbooks, and should, where appropriate, take measures, by concluding, if possible, bilateral and multilateral agreements, for the reciprocal study and revision of textbooks and other educational materials in order to ensure that they are accurate, balanced, up to date and unprejudiced and will enhance mutual knowledge and understanding between different peoples. The foregoing is the authentic text of the Recommendation duly adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization during its eighteenth session, which was held in Paris and declared closed the twenty-third day of November 1974. IN FAITH WHEREOF we have appended our signatures this twenty-fifth day of November 1974. The President of the General Conference

Make Your Apple User-Friendly Karen Goeller McCullough With an Apple II and a disk drive, you can use this versatile utility program to create menus that call other programs – or you can merge it with your own multifunction programs to create an effective master menu. If you have an Apple II with Applesoft BASIC and at least one disk drive, this handy utility can save time and prevent confusion by generating menu programs. All you do is tell the program the number of options on your menu and their names. From that information a BASIC program is generated which presents a nicely formatted display of the options, allows the entry of a selection, and checks it for validity. The figure shows a sample menu created using "Menu Generator." You simply add the code to tell the program where to go after the option has been selected. The Menu program can be used on its own to call other programs, or it can be merged into your own programs using the renumber and merge options in the "Renumber" program on the System Master diskette. <1> INITIALIZE DATA DISKETTE <2> SET UP NEW FILE <3> ADD ENTRIES TO FILE <4> CHANGE ENTRIES ON FILE <5> DELETE ENTRIES ON FILE <6> PRINT MAILING LIST <7> PRINT MAILING LABELS <8> EXIT FROM SYSTEM Menu Generator uses an Apple DOS feature to create a program as a text file and then EXEC it. The EXEC command treats a text file as a series of commands that are executed just as though they had been entered from the keyboard. Delayed execution commands (those that have line numbers in front of them) are saved in memory to await a RUN command. (For more information on EXEC files, see pages 75–79 of the DOS Manual.) The EXEC command lets you write a BASIC program that will produce another BASIC program which can be immediately EXECed into memory and RUN, or SAVEd to disk as a program file. Menu Generator is an example of how this feature can be used for almost unlimited program generation. In the Menu Generator program, lines 10-50 initialize the screen and variables. Line 100 sends us to line 1000 to begin processing. Lines 200 and 250 are subroutines that clear either a part of the screen (200) or a given line V (250). These are placed close to the beginning of the program to speed execution. Lines 1000-1060 input the number of options desired on the menu. A string variable is used to input the number, and lines 1030-1040 scan the input string for valid numeric characters (ASCII 48-57). If an invalid character is detected, a flag (E) is set. The flag is then tested in line 1050, and, if true, execution is returned to the input statement at 1020. This may seem a cumbersome process, since using a numeric variable would obviate the need for lines 1030-1050. However, in applications where an attractive screen format is important, this routine avoids the ?REENTER statement which appears if you try to enter a nonnumeric character into a numeric variable. The options to appear on the menu are entered in lines 1070-1200. The array OP$ holds the option names, and the array element number also functions as the option number. For example, if option number 1 on the menu is to be INITIALIZE DATA DISKS, then that will be the contents of OP$(1). After all the options are entered and checked for length of less than 30 characters, the program checks to see if changes are desired (1210–1420). Beginning at line 2000, the text file which builds the program is created. The text file is opened in lines 2010-2040, and the first line is printed at 2045. Since the EXEC command itself does not clear the program currently in memory, the first line of the exec file issues an FP command, which prevents the EXECed program from overlaying the calling program. The POKE 34,24 in lines 2047 and 1420 prevents the screen from scrolling and the cursor from bouncing around while the EXEC file is being processed. |Menu Generator Variable List |-yes or no answerninput |-holds a single character for error checking |-return + control-D (CHR$ (13) + CHR$ (4)) |-horizontal print location |-counter tor FOR/NEXT loops |-length of longest option |-temporarily holds length of each option |-number of options on menu |-number of options (input string) |-option number to change |-option number to change (input string) |-option number selected on menu |-array holding option names |-quote mark (CHR$ (34)) |-vertical print location Creating The New Program The beginning of the new program being created (the menu program itself) is at line 2050. Lines 2050–2220 actually write the menu program, beginning with the header which will be lines 10–30 in the new program (lines 2050–2070 in the creating program). The variable N is set equal to the number of options, and the array OP$ is DIMed to N in line 40 (2080). The array OP$ is loaded with the option names in line 50 (2090), and line 2110 of the creating program causes the OP$ array to be printed as the DATA statement of line 70 of the new program. The length of the longest option line is found in line 2120; this information is used to calculate the horizontal positioning in line 2140. The same line also calculates the vertical positioning using the number of options (N). After displaying the menu options, the program asks for the selection to be input. Input and validation procedures (2180–2220) are the same as those used for the option number input in the creating program. Line 2220 is the end of the delayed execution part of the text file, and it remains in memory while the EXEC function continues to the last two lines of the text file. Line 3010 causes the program which has been LOADed into memory from the text file to be SAVEd to disk as a program file called MENU-PROGRAM, and the next line causes it to be RUN. Printing of the text file is concluded by line 3040, which CLOSEs the text file. The last line of the program issues the DOS EXEC command, which executes the text file. You now have the menu program SAVEd on disk and displayed on the screen, ready to make any modifications you might wish.

Lecture Demonstration Packages (LDPs) contain information about short (~3-5 minutes) practical demonstrations to be carried out within a lecture, aimed at illustrating a particular point or two within a Materials Science course. They are designed as a resource for Lecturers. They include a video showing the demonstration being performed, as well as background information about preparation, safety aspects, scientific context etc. This LDP shows how cooling of bi-material strips with liquid nitrogen generates curvature. It involves the relationship between the curvature of a bimaterial strip, the stiffness and thermal expansivities of the materials from which it is made, and the temperature change undergone. This LDP looks at crack propagation in inflated balloons. It covers the basics of fracture, stress Fields in Internally Pressurised Cylinders and the Griffith Treatment of the Energetics of Crack Propagation. This LDP is centred on tin cry phenomenon, the characteristic sound heard when a bar of tin is bent. It is based on twinning, which is common in structures of low crystallographic symmetry. A NiTi shape memory alloy is experimentally observed during deformation and consequent heating. It also includes a general explanation of the Shape Memory Effect phenomenon and its ?training? process. This practical introduces the effect of work hardening in polycrystal metals, in the form of bending a copper rod. To understand work hardening in the copper bar, it is necessary to understand the creation of dislocations, their gliding and interactions.

What is entrepreneurship? Entrepreneurship is the process of establishing a business or several businesses in order to profit from its development and growth. However, as a minimal entrepreneurship definition, it is too narrow. The more contemporary entrepreneurship definition is also about changing the world by addressing major issues. For example, implementing the social change or developing an innovative product that challenges the status quo of how we live our lives on a daily basis are both examples of this. What the term entrepreneurship doesn’t explain is that it’s what individuals do to take control of their career and goals and pursue them in the direction they want. It’s all about making your own way in life. There are no bosses to get in the way, no restricting schedules, and no one holding you back. Entrepreneurs are free to take the initial step toward making the world a better place for everyone in it, including themselves.

International Women's Day 2021 A song by Glen Tomasetti © Glen Tomasetti 1969. Tune "All Among The Wool” Original Version in Australian Tradition Sung here by Helen Oxenham OAM with Sandi McMenamin on vocals/piano for International Women’s Day 2021. Glenys Ann Tomasetti (1929–2003), known as Glen Tomasetti, was a Melbourne singer-songwriter, author and political activist. During the 1960s she appeared weekly on Australian commercial television, performing satirical political songs. She became a household name in 1967 after refusing to pay a portion of her taxes in protest against Australia's involvement in the war in Vietnam. She was also an esteemed novelist and poet. Many of Tomasetti's songs dealt with feminism and the situation of Australian women. Perhaps the best known is "Don't Be Too Polite, Girls", a call for equal pay and a feminist call-to-arms. Sung to the tune of a classic 19th century Australian shearing ballad ("All Among The Wool, Boys"), it was inspired by the first ruling on equal pay in Australia, a 1969 Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration ruling that granted equal pay to only 18% of Australian women. The song is still in use in demonstrations in Australia and has been widely used in films and as a theme song for women's radio and International Women's Day celebrations. It was still being sung by the Melbourne Trade Union Choir at the time of Tomasetti's death in 2003.

Green Hope Foundation recognizes the critical importance of mangroves in fighting climate change. Hence, we focus on educating people about mangrove conservation through our sustainability academies, with our mangrove restoration projects ranging from conducting cleanups to mass plantations. So far, we have planted more than 31,000 mangroves and restored over 3000 sq. km of mangrove ecosystems. Sustainability Academies on Mangrove Conservation At Green Hope Foundation, we believe that planting trees is the simplest, yet most effective way to mitigate climate change. That is why we have planted over one million indigenous fruit trees globally, particularly with children and women in vulnerable communities, to empower them to become changemakers, thereby ensuring feminist climate justice. Just Transition to 100% Renewable Energy We are driving the just transition to 100% clean and renewable energy using solar energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a climate-smart society. Click below to read more about our work on renewable energy.

When The Chinese University of Hong Kong was founded in 1963, Chinese studies became the flagship program of the university. As China’s artistic legacy and material culture were central to understanding Chinese civilization, the university’s first Vice-Chancellor Prof. Choh-ming Li had the vision to build a university museum that would provide a platform for learning from cultural relics. Towards that end, the late philanthropist Dr. J.S. Lee of Bei Shan Tang provided critical guidance and support, and the duo recruited the Oxford-educated James Watt, who, at the time, was serving as a curator at the City Hall Museum and Art Gallery (later Hong Kong Museum of Art), to direct the museum. Designed by I.M. Pei at the behest of Dr. Lee, the centrally located museum opened in fall 1971 in the heart of the main campus, next to the university administrative building and university library. To this date, it is rare to find a museum that occupies a comparably central position in a university. The location of the Art Museum (then known as the Art Gallery) speaks volume of its value to the founding members of the university and their expectation of the museum. The newly built museum with a storage facility paved the way for developing the collection. With limited resources, the museum’s original strategy was to acquire two types of objects: 1) specimens including shards and fragments for teaching and 2) objects that had special value for research purposes. A category of objects that attracted the attention of scholars for centuries but which remained affordable was rubbings. The rubbing Huashan Temple Stele was one of the earliest acquisitions, and it has been among the museum’s most prized masterpieces ever since (1973.0678). In 1973, the same year when Huashan Temple Stele was acquired, the collection of Jen Yu-wen became available, and it was deemed highly desirable for the new museum. Jen was a historian who worked for the Nationalist government during the Republican period. His interests, network and academic training allowed him to assemble a coherent collection of over a thousand works with particular strengths in Ming and Qing paintings by Guangdong painters and representative works by the Lingnan school founders, including over one hundred works by Gao Jianfu (1973.0611 and 1973.0831). To keep the collection intact, Jen was willing to sell it at a great concession, thereby making a substantial donation to the museum. Having long known the significance of the collection, Prof. Watt took advantage of this opportunity and raised necessary funds with Dr. Lee to acquire the entire collection, which formed the core of the university collection. The Jen Yu-wen collection remains a treasure trove for scholars to explore various themes and topics of Chinese art and history. Moreover, the presence of this initial collection also prompted the establishment of a conservation studio to remount paintings and calligraphy. During the early years of the Art Museum, when the collection was modest in quantity, significant effort was made to acquire slides and photographs of artworks, as well as books and catalogues from various museums worldwide. If the 1970s represented the museum’s early phase of establishing a strong foundation, then the ensuing two decades can be regarded as the developmental phase that earned the museum widespread recognition and admiration. The post-Cultural Revolution period and China’s open-door policy created strong interests among national museums to collaborate with institutions outside of mainland China. As early as 1981, the Art Museum collaborated with the Guangdong Museum and the Guangzhou Municipal Art Gallery to organize several exhibitions on paintings and excavated relics, and by 1984, the Art Museum became the first museum in Hong Kong to partner with the Palace Museum, which lent a hundred masterpieces by renowned Yangzhou artists to be displayed at the Art Museum. Collaborations with mainland museums have multiplied ever since. Meanwhile, the support base of the museum widened. In 1981, Dr. Lee founded the “Friends of the Art Museum” to engage a wider audience and galvanize community support. Members of “the Friends” served as volunteers and docents, and raised considerable sums to support educational programs, art acquisitions, as well as grants and scholarships for students. A bronze basin from the late Spring and Autumn to the early Warring States period, a 6th-century votive stele, a Yuan blue-and-white charger and a 17th-century coromandel lacquer screen are among important acquisitions made possible by the Friends’ support (1993.0354, 1991.0141, 1985.0121, and 2001.0660). Similarly, local collectors have been highly supportive to the Art Museum. While it would be impossible to list all the names of the donors in this article, it is worth mentioning that Dr. Lee took the lead to build the museum’s collection, donating both masterpieces from his personal—Bei Shan Tang—collection, as well as providing funds for the museum to acquire additional works. Almost half of the museum’s collection was donated by Dr. Lee. Poems and Letters in Running Script by Ni Zan, Fruits and Flowers by Shitao, and Bamboo and Rocks by Zheng Banqiao (1996.0121, 1996.0068, 1973.0676) are among key works that have upgraded and enriched the collection, allowing the museum to provide and awe students and visitors alike with a full artistic experience and pure pleasure. Comprehensive collections such as ancient seals and Yixing teapots rival that of nationally and internationally acclaimed institutions (1990.0065 and 1983.0034). Simply put, Dr. Lee is not only credited for founding the university museum, but he also put it on the map, and despite all his contributions, he insisted on keeping a low profile. Other contributors to the Art Museum are passionate and specialized collectors who are regarded as experts in the field of their collecting interests. Often, their collections raise and elucidate questions regarding artistic development, technology, manufacturing methods, patronage, and cultural interactions. Therefore, exhibitions which featured local collections tended to be thematic, which differed from ‘vanity shows’ seen elsewhere. Through these constructive collaborations with learned collectors, the exhibition program of the Art Museum became a haven for scholarship and education. By the same token, the diversity of our collection also means that some exhibitions and their accompanying catalogues become a standard, if not the first and only, reference in their respective fields. It is through this eclectic and exploratory exhibition program that the Art Museum is distinguished from other museums. Acquisitions of great artistic and historical importance were made possible by supportive donors: a Ming huanghuali chair, a large blue-and-white vase with ten thousand shou characters, a landscape by Wu Li, a famille rose-decorated dish, an altar vase made under the supervision of Tang Ying (1990.0027, 1999.0611, 1999.0113, 1988.0103, and 2000.0083) are just a few examples. The fact that the Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong is presently regarded as one of the best university museums in greater China can be credited to the exemplary leadership of the museum’s former directors James Watt, Mayching Kao, Peter Lam and Jenny So. Together with patrons and community partners, notably the Bei Shan Tang Foundation, the former directors of the Art Museum developed the museum’s rich collection of over 16,000 works that make up the collection today. Since 1971, the museum has made it easy to teach with works of art, curated diverse exhibitions, published erudite and bilingual catalogues, organized symposia regularly, and most recently, instituted a museum professional exchange program. In the short span of four decades, the Art Museum has had an incredibly strong impact on the academic community. Given the increase of local interests in the arts and rapid development of museums worldwide, the Art Museum recognizes the need to adapt to the evolving art scene that is simultaneously a site of creation, dialogue, and entertainment while keeping track of its core mission in art education. The Art Museum will continue to be committed to advancing scholarship and enriching the collection.

New York City has five hundred miles of coastline, yet we tend to forget that the shores along the Hudson River used to be a working waterfront. In the early 20th century, there were many factories, warehouses, and distribution facilities along the Hudson, and battle ships docked on the Upper West Side until the 1950s. Of course, construction of new buildings, including such major architectural landmarks as the future home of the Whitney Museum and the Freedom Tower, will continue well into the future. Last week, we joined Openhousenewyork for an architectural cruise up the Hudson River narrated by Tom Mellins, architectural historian and curator, and Bill Miller, maritime historian and author, where we learned a host of facts and fun stories about notable architecture along the Hudson. Here are thirteen of the most interesting and “untapped” buildings, bridges and landmarks. 1. Starrett-Lehigh Building The Starrett-Lehigh Building was constructed in 1930-31 as a joint venture of the Starrett real estate interests and Lehigh Valley Railroad. Its alternating stripes of brickwork and steel strip windows gave the building a modern edge at the time, and many European architects looked to it as a model. Originally, the building’s ground floor included a rail yard where trains and trucks could unload cargo. It had manufacturing, storage, packing and distribution facilities. It received landmark status in 1986 and is part of the West Chelsea Historic District. 2. Pier 76 Pier 76 currently serves as a tow pound operated by the NYPD, but plans are underway to transform it into a park if the city can find an appropriate place to move the tow pound. Development at Pier 76–which, according to our guides, is slated to become a shopping mall–is part of the current debate about how to repair and sustain the piers on Hudson River Park that are deteriorating and struggling financially. 3. Normandy Apartments Built in 1938 and designed by the esteemed architect Emery Roth, the Normandy is a great example of pre-War residential architecture. The Italian-inspired towers at the top of the building hide a pair of water tanks that supply the building with running water. At the time, the most valuable property in Manhattan was on Park Avenue, far from the noise and stench of the working waterfront, but the Normandy was built as a luxury apartment complex on Riverside Drive and attracted famous residents. Its name was supposedly taken from the French oceanliner, the SS Normandie, which was seized by the U.S. during WWII and sunk in the Hudson River. 4. Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument The Manhattan Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Monument is inspired by the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens. It was built to commemorate Union Army soldiers and sailors who served in the American Civil War. Located at West 89th Street and Riverside Drive, it was designed by the Stoughton brothers and remains a relic of the City Beautiful Movement. When the first stone was laid in 1900, Theodore Roosevelt (then governor) officiated the ceremony. The monument was landmarked in 1976. 5. Riverside Church & Grant’s Tomb These two architectural focal points at the southern edge of Harlem seem straight out of Europe. Riverside Church was constructed by John D. Rockefeller and Grant’s Tomb was built as a mausoleum to house General Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia. Unlike the churches in Europe, Riverside Church was constructed with steel, and only “wears Gothic clothes,” according to Mellins and Miller. Grant’s Tomb was originally envisioned with a grand staircase leading down to the Hudson River, but the plans were never realized. 6. Riverside Drive Viaduct & the West Side Highway The viaduct that runs along Riverside Drive from Tiemann Place to 135th Street was built in 1900 to connect Manhattanville and Washington Heights. As our guides explained, back in the first half of the twentieth century, people used to go for joyrides on Sundays up and down the Hudson, though that seems like a strange idea to us now. This is why the West Side Highway was built directly overlooking the river. The elevated steel viaduct was inspired by the City Beautiful movement and was highly praised as a marriage of form and function. At the northern end of the viaduct is a historic Greek temple-inspired building that now houses Manhattan Mini Storage. 7. George Washington Bridge Before the George Washington Bridge was built, spanning the river to join New York City and New Jersey remained a major challenge to architects. Construction on the steel bridge began in 1927 and in 1931 it received its first traffic. It was considered a marvel of engineering at the time, as it spanned twice the length of any other suspension bridge to date. Our guides told us that originally, the design called for covering the steel towers in concrete, but when funds ran short, the architects left the steel exposed. At the foot of the bridge, you can see the Little Red Lighthouse, which was saved thanks to a 1942 children’s book. 8. Residences by Jean Nouvel Our guides compared the facade of Jean Nouvel’s residences at 100 11th Avenue to a Mondrian painting, and it’s easy to see why. The intricate geometric pattern is a striking feature of the waterfront along the Hudson and the different shades of glass shimmer, reflecting the water. When it was unveiled in 2010, the New York Times hailed it as a winning combination of grit and glamour, and it certainly adds to Chelsea’s high end status. Check out photos of the spare million dollar interiors on Curbed. 9. Frank Gehry’s IAC Building Just south of Jean Nouvel’s residences sits Frank Gehry’s IAC Building, which has often been likened to a ship setting sail and was featured in our article about Nautical Architecture in New York City. It is an excellent example of the way an architect like Gehry takes inspiration from the building’s surroundings when designing. Just behind the IAC Building, you can see the Met Life Tower, which was inspired by the San Marco Campanile in Venice, another city that lives and breathes on the water. 10. Pier 57 Abandoned for almost a decade, Pier 57 will soon see a new life as a commercial center and art space with restaurant offerings and spaces for film screenings. The whole three-acre complex will be built out of shipping containers by Young Woo & Associates, who also built Brooklyn’s Dekalb Market out of repurposed shipping containers. The new Pier 57 is set to open in 2015. 11. The New Whitney Museum Another major architectural project set to open in 2015 along the Hudson is the future site of the Whitney Museum in the Meatpacking District. The new Whitney was designed by Renzo Piano to cooperate with the surroundings, including the southern end of the High Line, and enhance the Meatpacking District’s reputation for world class architecture. When it opens, it will be the largest column-free art space in New York City. 12. Palazzo Chupi The bright pink building rising high and standing out against the others is the Palazzo Chupi, designed by artist Julian Schnabel. Named for his wife, whose nickname is Chupi, the building is inspired by Venetian architecture. It was built on top of old stables and consists of five condos, Schnabel’s studio, exhibition space, garage, pool and sauna. Check out photos of the interior here. 13. 1 World Trade Center We recently got an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the Freedom Tower’s construction site and is it certainly commanding as seen from the Hudson. At the symbolic height of 1,776 feet tall with a 480 foot tall spire, the Freedom Tower will be the tallest building in the Western hemisphere, as our guides pointed out. Located on the site of the former World Trade Center towers, the new World Trade Center will consist of five skyscrapers that will be constructed as the demand for office space rises. It will also be the site of a new 9/11 Museum. We’re especially excited to see the breaking up of the former “superblock” in favor of walkable human-scaled blocks that fit with Jane Jacobs’ urban planning tenets. Its grand size and shape contribute to the beauty of Lower Manhattan’s waterfront. Next, check out 10 of NYC’s Most Important Architectural Sites on the East River. Get in touch with the author @lauraitzkowitz.

5 Most Fascinating Prehistoric Cave Paintings Altamira Cave Paintings: As Picasso famously exclaimed, “after Altamira, all is decadence.” The caves of Altamira are located near Santilliana del Mar in Cantabria, Northern Spain. Maria de Santuola, daughter of a hunter named Modesto Cubillas, discovered the paintings of Altamira in 1879. They were of such astounding quality and so well preserved that specialists doubted their authenticity at first. At the beginning of the 20th. century, they were finally accepted as authentic work after similar remains from the stone age were discovered in the area. However, the cave paintings of Altamira remain the most exceptional evidence of Magdalénian culture. Chauvet Cave Paintings: The Chauvet cave is located in the Ardèche département in southern France. It became famous in 1994 after a trio of speleologists found that its walls were richly decorated with Paleolithic artwork contained the fossilized remains of many animals, and that the floor preserved the footprints of animals and humans. It appears to have been occupied by humans during two distinct periods: the Aurignacian and the Gravettian. Magura Cave Paintings: The Magura cave is in the Northwest of Bulgaria. The paintings in the Magura cave represent dancing women, dancing and hunting men, disguised men, large variety of animals, suns, stars, instruments of labour, and plants. The Solar calendar from The Late Eneolith and some later additions, made during The Early Bronze age are quite accurate. Some of the images are very complex compositions and hint about the diversity of ideas in a world extremely rich in intellectual and spiritual aspect. Cosquer Cave Paintings: The Cosquer cave is located in the Calanque de Morgiou near Marseille, France. This cave, the entrance of which is located underwater, was discovered by Henri Cosquer in 1991. Today the cave can be accessed through a 175-meter long tunnel, the entrance of which is located 37 meters under sea level. There is proof of two different phases of occupation within the cave. Older drawings of hand stencils and other related motifs; Newer drawings of signs and animal drawings representing both “classical” animals such as bisons, ibexes, and horses but also marine animals such as seals and what appear to be auks and jellyfish. Font de Gaume Cave Paintings: Prehistoric people living in the Dordogne Valley first settled in the mouth of Font de Gaume around 25,000 BC. In 1901, Denis Peyrony, a school teacher from Les Eyzies, discovered the paintings inside Font de Gaume. The cave’s most famous painting, a frieze of five bison was discovered accidentally in 1966 while scientists were cleaning the cave. The paintings in Font de Gaume include depictions of more than 80 bison, approximately 40 horse depictions, and more than 20 mammoth depictions. Information from Oddee.com

Among Americans, heart disease is the leading cause of death. Someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States. While the statistics on heart disease are frightening, heart disease is generally preventable for those who do not have pre-existing heart conditions. That said, there are challenges and several risk factors that cannot be changed, including family history, gender, or age. Additionally, some people do not have access to heart-healthy foods and others do not have the opportunity to see a doctor and obtain information about your current health status. For the most part, the average person can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease with simple lifestyle changes, like the nine steps detailed here. The health tips don’t end here. See tips for help you stop drinking alcohol, a dietary supplement that also helps sleep and the The best foods to lower blood pressure.. 1. Take a daily walk Decades of research support cardiovascular exercise as a first defense against heart disease. Walking is an easy and simple way to get cardiovascular exercise, and you can do it virtually anywhere outdoors or indoors with a treadmill. Studies show that walking can prevent the risk of heart disease despite being a less intense modality than other forms of cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, jogging or cycling. Further, research suggests that more people follow a walking plan over time compared to other types of exercise, making walking more effective in the long term (no exercise is effective if you don’t continue it). You always can make your walk more intense if you want to improve your health even more. Related: The best treadmill for 2022 2. Strength train several times a week Most research on heart health and exercise has focused on aerobic exercise such as walking. An emerging body of research points to resistance training as another way to reduce the risk of heart disease. In fact, a study 2018 found that lifting weights for less than an hour a week could reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by up to 70%, independent of aerobic exercise, making these results even more significant. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, this profound effect probably has something to do with the way weight lifting changes body composition. Lifting weights helps you build muscle and lose fat. Excess body fat is a main risk factor for heart diseaseso any exercise that helps you reduce body fat is helpful. You don’t need a gym or stylish outfit to begin strength training. Bodyweight exerciseslike air squats, push-ups, and lunges, provide the same strengthening benefits at home. 3. Eat heart-healthy foods Many delicious foods have a direct link to better heart health. In general, a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats from nuts, seeds, fish, and oils promotes heart health. If you don’t have access to fresh produce, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables work just as well (just be aware of your salt intake when eating canned foods). 4. Limit foods linked to heart disease On the other hand, several foods have direct links to heart disease. To reduce your risk of heart disease, limit foods high in fat and sugar, such as chips and store-bought desserts. Highly processed foods, including most fast food, processed meats (think hot dogs and cold cuts), and boxed snacks like Twinkies and crackers, also contain heart-damaging ingredients. Specifically, look for trans fats (hydrogenated oils) and high-fructose corn syrup, two common key ingredients that are not good for your heart. Trans fats increase “bad” fats cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, while high fructose corn syrup is a Driver of several heart disease risk factors. and comorbidities. Side note: Don’t be afraid of saturated fats alone, as they Research has debunked the myth. that saturated fat alone causes heart disease. Many healthy foods, such as avocados and cheese, contain saturated fat. Processed foods are usually high in saturated fat, but even more so are trans fats and refined carbohydrates search for 5. Quit smoking By now it is common knowledge that smoking is simply bad for your health. Your heart is no exception. According to the Food and Drug Administration, cigarette smoking is a main cause of cardiovascular diseaseincluding heart attacks and strokes. Smoking harms your cardiovascular system in some ways: Causes plaque buildup in the arteries, changes blood chemistry, thickens it, and permanently damages the heart muscle and blood vessels. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that even an occasional cigarette can cause substantial damage. 6. Limit alcohol consumption We’re not here to tell you that you can’t enjoy your favorite cocktail or have a cold one on game day, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the consequences of overindulgence. alcohol consumption. Drinking too much is generally bad for all of the body’s systems. When it comes specifically to heart health, alcohol has been linked to various cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. The exact ratios vary greatly depending on the amount and pattern of consumption. The American Heart Association maintains that drinking in moderation is fine, but once you exceed that mark (one drink per day for women and two for men), things get worse. Plus, the link between red wine and heart health Isn’t everything so clear?. 7. Keep stress levels low More research is needed to understand exactly how stress contributes to heart disease, but scientists have observed a link between stress and heart health. To begin with, high levels of chronic stress can trigger unhealthy coping habits, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or eating a lot of foods high in fat or sugar. Stress also undermines the body’s ability to rest and sleep. Researchers have even identified a specific and unusual type of heart attack called takotsubo cardiomyopathyalso know as Stress cardiomyopathy and “broken heart syndrome.” This condition has been linked to emotional trauma, but many patients with this condition have without identifiable cause. Don’t underestimate the impact of stress on your heart. While stress is unavoidable and unavoidable at times, it helps to have a handful of stress relief tactics to rely on in times of extreme pressure. 8. Prioritize sleep If there was a miracle drug, it would probably be sleep, closely followed by exercise. Scientists have positioned sleep deprivation as a risk factor for heart disease due to the inverse relationships between sleep duration and cardiovascular diseases: it seems that the less sleep one gets, the greater the risk of suffering cardiovascular events. Insomnia and sleep apnea have also been linked to heart diseaseand the duration and quality of sleep appear to have a direct effect on blood pressure. Indirectly, lack of sleep makes people make worse food decisions and Lack of motivation to exercise.which increase the risk of heart disease. Read more: Why you should skip your workout if you didn’t get enough sleep 9. Consult your doctor and stay up to date with your medical records. If you can, schedule an annual checkup with your doctor to make sure everything is in order. Getting a blood test that checks your cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and other important health markers can help you keep a close eye on your heart health. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, call the nearest urgent care or walk-in clinic to see if it offers basic blood tests. At least, control your blood pressure with a monitor at home It gives you an indication of how you are doing. Keep track of your health records so you can identify any changes or patterns over time. If any signs of heart disease arise, do not fear ask your doctor any questions. Make sure you understand what the numbers mean, what changes you might need to make in your lifestyle, and whether you will need any medications. Being an advocate for your own health will take you far. Do you want more health tips? Read here how to naturally cure an upset stomach, 8 tips to help you quit smoking and How 15 minutes a day can make you fitter.

Email deliverability is an essential thing to consider when sending emails from domains. Reverse DNS (rDNS) is an essential piece in ensuring successful email deliverability. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what rDNS is, what can happen if it’s not used and its benefits. Definition of Reverse DNS (rDNS) and its relevance to email deliverability Reverse DNS (rDNS) is an essential component of successful email deliverability. It refers to the process of resolving an IP address into a domain name. When an email is sent, the recipient’s server will perform an rDNS lookup for the sending server to check the validity of the sending domain. If the sending domain does not have a valid PTR record, the email may be marked as spam or blocked completely. Furthermore, having a valid Pointer record helps to ensure that emails from a given domain can safely be delivered to their intended recipients. For this reason, it is important to properly configure PTR records for domains being used to send emails in order to ensure seamless email delivery. What Can Happen if rDNS is Not Used? If Reverse DNS (rDNS) is not implemented properly, it can have serious consequences for email deliverability. Without a valid PTR record, your domain name is much more likely to end up in the recipient’s junk or spam folder. This will significantly decrease the overall success rate of your email campaigns. Additionally, emails sent without a valid PTR record may not arrive at all, resulting in lost leads and customers. Additionally, using a domain without a proper Pointer record can result in damage to a company’s reputation. Receiving agents may flag the domain as suspicious or a potential source of malicious content. As a result, recipients may become hesitant to open emails from unknown domains and may even blacklist them, leading to further problems down the line. It is therefore highly advisable that companies always ensure that their domains have valid PTR records in order to maintain their reputation and optimize their email deliverability. Benefits of Using rDNS - Increased Email Deliverability: Having a valid PTR record allows email hosting services to verify that an email is from an authorized domain. This reduces the likelihood of the email being marked as spam or rejected, resulting in higher levels of email deliverability. - Improved Sender Reputation: Having a valid PTR record increases the chances of the email being successfully delivered, thus improving the sender’s reputation. Additionally, it may also increase the chances of a recipient trusting the content of an email, ensuring that messages are actually read instead of deleted. - Enhanced Security: Having a valid PTR record ensures that all emails sent from the domain don’t get flagged as spam or malicious content. This helps in providing better security against phishing attacks and other malicious activities. It also reduces the number of false positives and increases the chances of a domain being actively monitored by receiving agents. In conclusion, Reverse DNS (rDNS) is an integral part of email deliverability. Properly configured PTR records are vital to ensure seamless email delivery, enhanced security, improved sender reputation and increased email deliverability. Organizations should make it a priority to ensure that their domains have valid PTR records in order to increase their success of sending emails.

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Program at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre is part of a provincial program designed to help reduce the risk of serious RSV disease by educating families about the illness and providing prevention strategies to reduce the risk of infection. RSV is a very common virus that infects the lungs and airways. It is most common in infants and young children but can affect any one at any age. What we do Our team identifies babies and children who are at high-risk of developing complications from RSV infection. The identified babies and children will then receive a monthly injection, December through April, to decrease the risk of RSV infection. The injection is called Palivizumab (synagis). It is an antibody that helps to reduce severity of breathing issues caused by RSV. This injection is not a vaccine. Your child can still become infected with RSV after the injections. If your child does become infected, symptoms may not be as severe as if the injections were not given. Our team provides support and education to families and health-care professionals about RSV disease and provides prevention strategies on how to reduce risk of infection from the virus. Who we see Our multidisciplinary team works together to identify patients who needs RSV prophylaxis. These children would be at high risk of developing severe complications from contracting RSV. Babies and children at much higher risk of developing serious complications from RSV disease include: - Premature babies born less than 30 weeks gestation. - Children less than two years old with chronic lung disease. - Children less than two years old with congenital heart disease. - Babies living in isolated or remote northern communities born less than 36 weeks gestation. - Other children at risk as determined by a health provider. A letter from health-care professional providing medical justification for request is required. Requests are reviewed on an individual basis. Within the Eastern Health region, patients who qualify for RSV Prophylaxis will receive monthly Palivizumab injections during the RSV season, provided through the Janeway Medical Day Care team. Qualifying patients living outside the Eastern Health Region can receive Palivizumab through a family doctor, pediatrician or nurse practitioner. Our team is comprised of the following health-care professionals: - Provincial nurse coordinators - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Infection controls - Family practice physicians How to access this service Access to the Provincial RSV Program is by referral only. Referrals can be made to the program through Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, by family physicians and/or other specialists that provide care to your child. See referrals. If your baby or child is eligible for the RSV program, you will be contacted by the provincial nurse coordinator prior to the start of the RSV season, usually November or early December. The nurse will provide education on RSV and measures used to reduce risk of infection from RSV. The nurse will also inform you at what facility your baby or child’s injection will take place. If the appointment is in Medical Daycare at the Janeway Children’s Rehabilitation Centre, a list of your appointments for all four clinic visits will be mailed out to you prior to your first appointment. Appointments outside of the Janeway Children’s Rehabilitation Centre will be arranged through the facility where the service will take place. Where we are Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre 3rd floor (3J314) 300 Prince Philip Drive St. John’s, NL Hours of operation Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. All appointments outside the metro region are made in consultation with the facility where the child will be receiving the service. How to reach us Telephone: 709-777- 4403 Frequently asked questions What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus, a very common virus that infects the lungs and airways. It is most common in infants and young children but can affect any one at any age. RSV infections most often occur during cold weather. The peak season in Canada usually lasts from November to April. RSV usually causes mild symptoms but in premature babies and children who are under the age of two (2) with certain lung conditions or congenital heart disease, it can cause serious breathing problems. Symptoms of RSV can include: - Runny nose - Other cold like symptoms RSV is very contagious. This virus is very common in crowded living areas and daycares. It can be spread by physical contact such as kissing, touching or shaking hands with an infected person. RSV can also be spread through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs and can live on surfaces for many hours. Can I reduce the risk of my child getting RSV? There are ways to reduce your baby’s or child’s risk of infection from RSV: - Wash hands with warm water and soap or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, hand rinse before touching a baby or small child. - If you have a cold or fever, gently hug instead of kissing your child or baby. - Keep away from your immediate household if you have cold symptoms or a fever. - Try to avoid large crowds or gatherings, such as birthday parties and malls. - Do not smoke around your baby or child, and ban smoking from inside your home. Are there side effects to the Palivizumab (synagis) injection? After your baby or child receives the injection, you will be asked to wait 15 minutes to make sure that there are no severe reactions. The following are normal reactions you may see after the Palivizumab (synagis) injection: - Swelling and/or redness at the injection site. - Fever (temperature above 38.5 C or higher) for 1-2 days after the injection. - A small painless lump at the injection site that may take up to 1-2 weeks to disappear. What you can do after your injection: - Dress your baby or child in loose, light clothing. - Give them plenty of fluids to drink. - If fever occurs, give a fever reducing medication. - Apply a cool, damp cloth to the injection site. Severe side effects are extremely rare. If your child develops swelling around the face, lips or throat, develops severe itching, has difficulty breathing, becomes extremely drowsy or unresponsive and/or develops hives/rash, this may indicate that your baby or child is having an anaphylactic reaction and you should immediately call 911. *Always report unexpected reactions to your health-care provider* Can my child have Palivizumab (synagis) injection after receiving an immunization? Yes, Palivizumab (synagis) does not interfere with immunizations and can be administered at the same time as vaccines. My child has a cold. Can my child still receive the Palivizumab (Synagis) injection? If your baby or child is having cold-like symptoms and or is unwell, please contact your health-care provider prior to coming to a clinic. A mild febrile illness such as mild upper respiratory infection is not usually a reason to delay the injection of Palivizumab (synagis). However, a moderate or severe acute infection or febrile illness may be reason to delay receiving a Palivizumab (synagis) injection. Your baby/child will be assessed by the health-care team prior to receiving the injection. What number do I call to cancel or change my child’s appointment? The RSV clinic appointments are only booked on specific days and times. It is recommended, if possible, that you attend your baby’s or child’s appointment on the day and time provided. - For the Janeway Children’s Rehabilitation Centre: if you are unable to make the appointment, please call the nurse coordinator at 709-777-4403 or Medical Day care at 709-777-4332. - For outside the metro region: Please contact the facility where your baby’s or child’s appointment has been arranged. See a list of facilities here.

While it may seem harmless to us, holding urine for a long time can cause inflammation and cause kidney problems. The kidneys are the organs that are in charge of working around the clock to filter waste that travels through the bloodstream. It is estimated that they filter about 190 liters of blood per day and that of these they eliminate two liters of water and toxins. They also play a very important role in the production of some hormones and, in turn, are essential for regulating blood pressure . However, like other organs in the body, their functions can be impaired due to the development of certain diseases and excessive accumulation of waste. The problem is that many ignore the treatments needed to keep the kidneys healthy and, in fact, adopt some habits that compromise their health. The most worrying aspect is that every day they suffer a significant deterioration which, even if it is not perceived at first, ends up reducing their quality of life. For this reason, today we want to dedicate this space to 6 habits that, in some way, damage the health of the kidneys. 1. Insufficient water consumption Insufficient water consumption is one of the factors that most affects the appearance of kidney and urinary tract problems. This vital liquid is essential for an excellent detoxification process and, together with the kidneys, is in charge of removing toxins present in the blood. Dehydration can lead to the formation of kidney stones and, in turn, increases the risk of infections and inflammatory problems. - Drink between 6 and 8 glasses of water a day. - Increase your consumption of water-rich fruits and vegetables. - Ingest healthy drinks like tea or fruity waters. 2. Excessive ingestion of salt Although for many it is a harmless habit, the truth is that the accumulation of sodium in the body can cause severe renal and cardiovascular imbalances . Eating foods with high salt content is a direct cause of high blood pressure and water retention. These conditions are associated with poor functioning of the kidneys which, hampered by excess sodium, reduce its ability to remove excess minerals through urine. - Replace refined table salt with Himalayan or sea salt . - Avoid taking more than 3 grams of salt per day (half a tablespoon). - Look for healthier alternatives to flavor your dishes, such as spices. 3. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages Although the main effects of alcoholic beverages occur in the liver, the kidneys are also affected by the toxins they contain. The habitual and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol can cause kidney failure and severe tissue damage. Moderate or avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, including red wine. 4. Ingestion of red meat Although red meat contains some nutrients that are good for the body, consuming it in large quantities can promote the development of metabolic and kidney problems. The excess of proteins and fats increases the work of the excretory organs and, as a result, reduces their ability to eliminate toxins. On the other hand, these are foods with high levels of purines which, once assimilated by the body, turn into uric acid . This substance gradually accumulates in the tissues and can cause chronic conditions such as kidney stones and gout. - Consume a maximum of two portions of meat per week - Replace red meat with healthier options like chicken, fish, or turkey. 5. Retain urine Retaining urine is a very dangerous habit that, although it seems to have no negative effects at first, produces inflammation and kidney problems. Although in some cases it is not possible to go to the bathroom immediately, the ideal is to do it as soon as possible, to avoid consequences for the system. Holding urine for a long time and frequently increases the pressure in the urinary passages and damages the kidneys and bladder. - Go to the bathroom as soon as your body asks. - Avoid consuming excessive fluids when you don’t have a bathroom nearby. 6. Abuse of analgesics Analgesic drugs reduce many common pains, but unfortunately, they cause side effects when taken in excess . Their chemical compounds must be metabolized in the body and, many times, cause kidney and liver difficulties. - Minimize the consumption of analgesic drugs. - Whenever possible, replace these medications with natural remedies such as infusions. Do you identify any of these practices? If so, try to correct them as soon as possible to prevent kidney problems.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month Driver distraction is a contributing factor in many crashes. In Louisiana, 678 people were killed in 2021 because of some distraction either inside or outside the vehicle, and another 23,089 people suffered a serious injury. While the specific type of distraction is underreported, we know that 11 people died in crashes involving a handheld mobile phone or other electronic device, and 1,011 more people were seriously injured. Although cell phone use and texting are two of the most common distractions, any activity that takes a driver's mind off of the task of driving, hands off of the steering wheel, or eyes off of the road is considered a distraction. Many states and local jurisdictions are passing laws that prohibit these behaviors. Louisiana has enacted legislation that bans texting for all drivers, hands-free usage in school zones, and no cell phone usage (unless hands-free) for drivers holding a Class "E" learner's license or intermediate license. A study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that 6 out of 10 teen crashes involve driver distraction and more than half of teen drivers reported using a cell phone while driving and more than 1 in 4 reported typing or sending a text message while driving in the past 30 days.

Mindfulness for Parents Mindfulness for Parents By Ilana D. Rosenberg, Ph.D. Mindfulness is a buzz word lately in popular culture, but what does it mean and how can it possibly be applied to parents who are super-busy juggling children, working, scheduling play dates and afterschool activities and the demands of every day living like food shopping, commuting, exercising or even just brushing your teeth? Well actually finding just a little bit of time to practice mindfulness can make a big difference in how you feel and how you go about your day. • Watching your thoughts. • Being in the present moment and accepting whatever arises without judgment. • Knowing that the only time you ever have is NOW (and this was true 5 minutes ago and will continue to be true 5 minutes from now). • Focusing on what you are doing (e.g. just brushing your teeth or snuggling with your child) and not the 60,000 thoughts per day (that’s an actual scientific number) running through your head. • Noticing your thoughts and not getting stuck in your head or letting them happen automatically. • Accepting that there is suffering eases suffering and wishing things that you can’t change were different increases suffering. That doesn’t mean not to take action; you should, but if there is nothing you can do about something then accept it as if you chose it because to do otherwise makes you suffer even more. Right now take one moment to try an experiment: Watch the next thought that your brain will generate. Watch it like a cat watching a mouse hole. That is mindfulness. • Presence is the way of being with someone. For example, in psychotherapy, the practitioner is empathic of the other’s experience. So too, being truly present to your children is important. It is quite difficult because usually as parents we are sheparding them from activity to another: do your homework, eat dinner, and brush your teeth. But taking time to be with, talk to, and hang out with your child is invaluable to both of you. Mindfulness tends to involve slowing down breathing because that activates the vagus nerve, which activates the relaxation response. One cannot have a calm mind with a tense body and vice versa. You can change the mind by changing the body. Try the following tips to increase calm, especially when your child is upset. • Attune your breathing to your child’s breathing rhythm. • Tone of voice, facial expressions, body language & caring helps activates the parasympathetic nervous system (which activates calm), so when your child looks to you for reassurance when scared and gets it, they physiologically feel calmer. • Music can activate the relaxation response. Try it the next time your child is upset. • Ask your child (this is for younger kids only) to blow out birthday candles on your fingers corresponding to how old they will be on their next birthday. • Teach your child that when faced with a problem, the first step is always to get calm and think about how they are feeling. Mindfulness tips for you: (you can do these anytime: on the train, when you take a bathroom break at work, at your desk or when your child is screaming in your face for a lollipop or to watch Dora for the 15th time that day): • Focus on your breath and slow your breath by counting to 4. Inhale to the count of 4 and exhale to the count of 4. • Notice one breathe filling your chest and stomach with air, notice when you can’t take in any more air and the sensation of your breath leaving your body. • Relax your face, hands, and forehead. • Exhale longer then you inhale. • Inhale through your mouth as if you are breathing through a straw. Focus on the cool air entering your body. Hold your breath for several seconds and exhale slowly through the nose. • Feel your feet touching the floor. Notice the pressure, temperature and sensations. Notice the places of contact between your body and the chair, your back, and the back of your legs. For mothers with babies: • Notice the feeling of your baby in your arms • Notice your baby’s facial expression. How does he/she feel? Some Suggestions for further information • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) videos on YouTube by Jon Kabbat Zinn • Calm.com – a great website that you can plug into for a 2, 5 10 or 20 minute session of guided mindfulness • Any book by Daniel Siegel • The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle • Calming the Emotional Storm by Sheri Van Dzik Dr. Ilana Rosenberg is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Scarsdale, NY. She works with children, teens and adults. She first studied mindfulness at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center in Boston for 2 years. She continues to bring mindfulness skills into her clinical work. Her goal as a therapist is to help people feel less alone and to feel safe with their feelings.

Have you ever noticed that some dogs have beautifully pigmented noses, while others have faded ones? It's not just a random quirk; this phenomenon can be intriguing, and even a little mysterious. In this blog post, we'll explore the loss of pigmentation in a dog's nose and uncover the fascinating world of "snow nose" and "Dudley nose." We'll also discover which breeds are more susceptible to these nasal pigmentation changes and why they target our furry friends. The Colorful Cast of Canines: Breeds with Pigmentation Changes Nasal pigmentation changes are observed in various dog breeds, showcasing the intriguing diversity of our furry friends. Among these breeds, the Afghan Hound, with its majestic appearance, may experience fading pigmentation in its elegant elongated nose. Similarly, the Samoyed and Siberian Husky, both known for their striking appearances and wintry coats, might exhibit alterations in their nose coloration. Yellow Labs, White German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Poodles in their various sizes and styles, Doberman Pinschers with their sleek stature, and Irish Setters with their fiery red coats are also among the breeds that can undergo fluctuations in their nasal pigmentation. These peculiar and charming changes in their nose colors add yet another layer of uniqueness to these beloved breeds, making each individual dog even more special. Snow Nose: The Winter Wonderland of Dog Noses Snow nose, also known as "winter nose" or "hypopigmentation," is a curious occurrence in which a dog's nose pigmentation fades during colder months and returns to its normal color in the warmer seasons. Imagine your pup's nose going from black to pink and then back again – it's like a magical winter transformation! The underlying causes of snow nose are not entirely understood, but it is believed to be linked to temperature and sunlight. Some theories suggest that reduced exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light during the winter months may cause the nose to lose pigmentation. Additionally, genetics may play a role in determining which dogs are more susceptible to snow nose. So, if your pups' nose appears paler during the cold winter months, don't worry; it's just a case of snow nose, and it's completely harmless! Dudley Nose: A Gentle Fade to Pink Dudley nose, sometimes referred to as "pink nose" or "liver nose," is another intriguing phenomenon where a dog's nose gradually loses its pigmentation, turning from black to pink or brown. Unlike snow nose, Dudley nose is permanent and not influenced by seasonal changes. The underlying causes of Dudley nose are often linked to genetics. Some breeds are more predisposed to this condition, and it is usually more common in lighter-coated dogs, such as the Yellow Labrador Retriever or the Irish Setter. It is believed that the genes responsible for pigmentation in the nose are not fully active in dogs with Dudley nose. The fascinating aspect of Dudley nose is that it can occur in dogs of any age, not just in older canines, making it a unique and interesting characteristic. Do I Need to Treat My Dog’s Nose Color Changes? The good news is that these shifts in nasal pigmentation are generally harmless and don't interfere with your furry companion's keen sense of smell, the nose’s cobbled texture, or the surface moisture on your dog’s nose. While the change in color might catch your eye, it doesn't impact your dog's overall health or well-being. However, it's essential to be aware that a lack of pigment can make your dog's nose more susceptible to the sun's harmful UV rays. To protect their sensitive snouts from sunburn, especially in breeds with lighter noses, it's a great idea to consider using a dog-friendly sunscreen when spending time outdoors. Daily Dog Grooming Care: Maintaining your pet's hygiene is a breeze with a selection of specialized dog grooming products. To keep your dog's facial folds and wrinkles clean, Squishface Wrinkle Wipes are a convenient and mess-free option, offering a quick solution for busy pet parents. They help in the fight against bacteria, yeast, and fungus all while excluding any potential irritants that may affect your pup. Wrinkle Paste (for short-haired breeds) and Tear Stain Paste (for long-haired breeds) go beyond ordinary pet grooming products by forming a water-repellent barrier that helps shield sensitive areas from moisture and irritants. Infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and coconut oil, these specialized pastes not only combat skin issues but also provide a soothing touch to keep your furry friend's skin healthy and comfortable. Don't forget about your furry friend's ears – a crucial part of their overall health. Ear Wipes make the task of cleaning ears easy and stress-free, ensuring that your pet stays comfortable and infection-free. With these grooming essentials, you can pamper your pet with the care they deserve. The Bottom Line: In conclusion, the loss of pigmentation in a dog's nose can be a source of curiosity and intrigue for pet owners. While some breeds are more prone to these changes, it's essential to remember that it can affect any dog, regardless of age or breed. Snow nose, with its seasonal whimsy, and Dudley nose, the permanent transformation, add to the vast array of canine diversity. The next time you see a Siberian Husky with a slightly lighter nose in the winter, or a Yellow Labrador Retriever with a charming pink nose, you'll know the fascinating reasons behind these quirky nasal changes. Embrace the uniqueness of your furry friend's nose and love them just the way they are!

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t hear someone using the application of the soundproofing term incorrectly. Sometimes they miss use the definition itself and almost always they confuse the methodologies available to deal with real soundproofing issues that are inherent in the definition. Lets define the term soundproofing and then examine current methodologies for dealing with genuine soundproofing issues. The actual definition of soundproofing deals with sound pressure and reducing that sound pressure between the source that is generating the actual sound pressure. Lets use the example of a garbage truck emptying the large container of trash into its back section. You are in your apartment next to the garbage truck. Following the definition, you want to reduce the sound pressure levels between you and the truck. If a motorcycle goes by and generates a pressure wave of a certain frequency and that wave travels to your house, it will be heard and possibly felt depending on the frequency generated by the motorcycle. American bike manufacturers produce the pressure waves of greatest intensity. Pressure reduction can also be defined and the term soundproofing applied inside of a room. In a room where we live our lives, hopefully only part of our lives, we have another soundproofing example. We want to reduce the sound pressure between the source and the receiver. If we have a listening room, home theater, or professional recording studio environment, we want to reduce the pressure between our low frequency drivers and our room. The speakers generate low frequency energy which is injected into our rooms and depending on our room size, will produce resonant distortions within the room. These distortions color the audible part of the signal for both playback and recording purposes. How To Sound Proof How do we reduce sound pressure, so that we can actually apply the term soundproofing? We can first increase the distance between ourselves and the source of the high pressure waves. We could move to another apartment away from the garbage receptacle or we could leave the apartment complex and move to another one with the knowledge learned from the last apartment. We could move away from streets that have motorcycles on them and through traffic of any nature. We could use noise barriers to disrupt the signal path between us and the source. This is where barrier or sound isolation technologies come into play. Noise barriers reflect or absorb some of this unwanted sound pressure. We could add barrier technology to our apartment on the walls and ceiling which is between us and the garbage truck. This would create a barrier that would disrupt the signal path between us and the source. We could do the same to our home by building barrier technology between the house and the road where sound pressure generating traffic exists. Barrier technology and its costs must be weighed against the sound pressure levels one is trying to avoid. Inside Our Rooms Inside our rooms, we can use damping structures to absorb excess sound pressure energy. This is a different methodology than barrier technology. In barrier technology, we are using reflection to reduce sound pressure transmission between the source and receiver. When sound pressure strikes the barrier, part of it is reflected off the barrier. With damping technologies we are using absorption. Remember from our basic physical science courses that only three things happen to sound pressure. It is absorbed, reflected, or diffused. With damping technologies, we convert the existing sound pressure energy from the electromechanical energy generated by our loudspeakers to heat through the process of absorption. Open celled and closed cell acoustic foams use this process for middle and high frequencies. Low frequency absorbers also use this technique for lower frequency wavelengths. Noise cancellation technologies can attack the soundproofing issue at the source itself if you will. Using sophisticated electronic signal generator, one can cancel certain unwanted sound pressures electronically by introducing an inverted wave form of the noise and thus producing noise cancellation. Noise cancellation headphones are an example of this electronic sound pressure reducing technology. Soundproofing is all about reducing sound pressure from source to receiver. We can use noise barriers or damping technologies depending on the particular soundproofing problems we are faced with. We can use damping processes such as sound absorption technologies within a room to reduce sound pressure levels at our listening or monitoring positions. We can build barrier technologies in our control rooms to keep street traffic noise from entering our mixes. Soundproofing deals with noise from outside and inside our rooms. Different soundproofing methods are used to deal with different soundproofing issues. We don’t want to put acoustic foam on our apartment walls which is a damping soundproofing process to stop the pressure waves generated from the garbage truck. This soundproofing issue would require that we use barrier technology. Better yet, just move away.

An unprecedented case at Boston Children's Hospital shows that it's possible to do something that's never been done before: identify a patient's unique mutation, design a customized drug to bypass it, manufacture and test the drug, and obtain permission from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin treating the patient -- all in less than one year. The team, led by neurologist and genetics researcher Timothy Yu, MD, PhD, reported the case and single-patient clinical trial in the New England Journal of Medicine, published online October 9. One of the unique things about this trial is that, due to clinical urgency, we were starting a first-in-human trial with a drug that had only been tested in our patient's cells in a dish. What was also unique is that we have a drug that is targeted to a mutation seen to this date only in one patient." The patient, Mila, now 8, was diagnosed with Batten disease in December, 2016. Batten is a rare, devastating neurodegenerative disorder of lysosomal storage that progresses rapidly and is ultimately fatal. No treatments exist for CLN7 Batten disease, the type of Batten disease Mila has. Moreover, Mila's form of CLN7 Batten is caused by a mutation unique to her. First concerns about Mila began at age 3 when her right foot began to turn inward. At age 4, she began pulling books close to her face, and at age 5, she began to stumble. Things then took a rapid turn for the worse. When first seen at Boston Children's Hospital at age 6, she had become blind, was starting to have seizures, lost virtually all her speech and showed general neurologic and developmental regression. However, she was still alert, happy, able to eat pureed foods, responded to favorite songs, books, and people, and could stand, walk and climb stairs with assistance. Dark matter and jumping genes: Finding the mutation CLN7 Batten disease is recessive, meaning that those affected inherit a bad copy of the CLN7 gene from each parent. One of Mila's mutations (from her father) was readily identified in her CLN7 gene. But the mutation from her mother could not be found. Mila's mother, Julia Vitarello, reached out on Facebook, looking for a research lab willing to do whole genome sequencing (WGS), and do it quickly. The post eventually reached Yu's wife (also a physician) in January 2017. Serendipitously, Yu's lab specializes in WGS and finding unusual mutations, and decided to take the case. In April, 2017, Yu and his colleagues pinpointed the mutation, which only became apparent on examining the raw data. The mutation occurred in the "dark matter" of the genome -- affecting a regulatory piece of DNA that controls splicing of the CLN7 gene. More unusual, it consisted of a "jumping gene" - a rogue piece of DNA known as a retrotransposon that inserted itself into the genome, altering how the splicing machinery read CLN7 and causing an abnormal, truncated protein to be made. Designing a custom drug Yu and colleagues designed a series of antisense oligonucleotide drugs to attempt to bypass Mila's unique mutation. They consisted of short pieces of synthetic genetic code whose sequence of bases complements that of the retrotransposon. They were designed to home in on the CLN7 gene and act as a band-aid, covering up the malfunctioning genetic code so that the CLN7 gene could be read normally. By September, 2017, Yu's team had showed that several of their candidate oligonucleotide drugs could repair the splicing defect in Mila's CLN7 gene. In October, 2017, they showed that the drugs also corrected the lysosomal abnormalities in Mila's cells. They named their best candidate milasen. They identified contract research organizations that assisted with manufacturing milasen and conducting safety testing in animals. "n of 1" trial begins In January, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration granted permission to test milasen as a Single-Patient Compassionate-Use Investigational New Drug. An "n of 1" (single-patient) clinical trial in Mila began January 31 - just eight months after her genomic diagnosis. From January to May, roughly every two weeks, Mila received a total of nine escalating doses of milasen, which was given intrathecally (via spinal injection) to target it to the brain. Since then, she has received maintenance treatments every two to three months, starting in August 2018. Mila's disease was progressing quickly in the months leading up to treatment, it has slowed or stabilized since treatment began. Her seizure frequency has decreased from about 30 seizures daily to 5-10 per day, and seizure duration decreased from 1-2 minutes to typically a few seconds each. Implications for the future The creation of milasen, in less than a year, could signal the beginning of a revolution in how genetic conditions are treated. "Everyone knows that the future of precision medicine in pediatrics is developing treatments for kids one at a time, the way this work has done," says Christopher A. Walsh, MD, PhD, chief of the Division of Genetics at Boston Children's Hospital. But until now no one had a real-life case where everything lined up in a way to allow them to do it." Boston Children's hopes to learn from Yu's process for developing milasen -- from diagnosis to synthesis and treatment -- so that in the future similar cases might be addressed here and elsewhere, one patient at a time. Many other cases might also eventually be treatable with oligonucleotides, Yu believes. He and Mila's mother recently met with the FDA to discuss a new regulatory model for offering custom antisense oligonucleotide treatments for patients with rare or seemingly one-of-a-kind conditions. However, many questions and obstacles remain to be addressed before widespread adoption of this approach. "There are whole categories of diseases with populations too small to attract industry effort," Yu says. "But in the hospital where research is a major focus, we can go one step, one patient at a time. I think that some of the most exciting parts in science are when you try to do something new, when there isn't a recipe."

A study of 148,000 pregnancies has deduced the ideal pregnancy gap - that is, the time between giving birth and conceiving again. The fertile phase of the menstrual cycle is the time you can conceive or become pregnant. As one dominant egg matures in an ovary, it releases the hormone oestrogen, with levels starting to rise in the woman's body during the days leading up to ovulation (releasing the egg). Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPK) are readily available in a range of stores and are designed to help you predict when you are going to ovulate and therefore when you are fertile. Join us as we take a look at the two types of OPK's available, how they work, and how much value they will add to your journey to conception. There are many reasons couples delay starting a family, but advancing age does have an impact on both partners' fertility - in fact, it is the single biggest factor affecting the chance to conceive and carry a healthy baby to full term. We take a look at the range of factors that over time cause a decline in fertility and getting pregnant. Just like most other major decisions in life, pregnancy is something that benefits from some careful planning. To provide the best care for both yourself and your baby, being well-informed and prepared can make the experience much more enjoyable. Join us as we take a look at things to consider before you start trying to get pregnant. If you are trying for a baby, there are some things you might like to incorporate into your sex life to hopefully help things along a bit. Find out ways you might be able to tip the odds in your favour - but remember that taking a good few months to conceive is normal.

Understanding Different Plywood Board Types OSD and CDX plywood are both commonly found on construction sites, because builders and contractors rely on both types of plywood to get the job done. Each of these materials has its own unique properties and qualities, and so each is used in specific applications. Depending on where you are planning to use each sheet of plywood, you will likely end up using both types of plywood if you are planning to build a new home. You may also require both types if you are planning a new addition, especially if that addition has both floors and exterior walls. OSD plywood (which is also commonly known as OSB or oriented strand board) is produced by binding wood chips together with a mix of glue and resin. The mixture is then cast and baked to produce a plywood-like sheet. Because OSD does not use costly veneers it is as much as half the price of regular plywood. OSD also tends to have better waterproof characteristics, since the glue and resin make the wood chips impervious to moisture that can seep in between the plies of standard plywood. This means that OSD is the perfect choice for applications such as exterior wall sheathing and roofing. CDX plywood is produced by gluing together sheets of veneer, with each layer being glued the opposite grain to the one below it. The result is a wooden sheet that is proportionally as strong as steel, without the weight that comes along with concrete or steel. Because of this strength, CDX plywood is the most popular choice for interior flooring; CDX plywood will stand up to many years of use and abuse without warping or breaking. CDX plywood itself is actually not a grade name. Furthermore it stands for a combination of various plywood grades. CDX stands for: “C” = one side of the board is C grades, which is the average surface quality. “D” = the other side of the board is D grades, which might show some little holes “X” = stands for the type of glue used to hold the board together. In this case X stands for Exposure to Moisture (but NOT water or weather resistant!). As shown above, the grade determines the name of the plywood. Which leads to all sorts of other variations, such as: ADX plywood : one side extremly high end finish, while the other side might be used for the invisible side. Can be exposed to moisture. AAX, ABX plywood or ACX plywood are therefore variations of the above. Most of these type of plywood’s are used for interior boat construction. ( Note for maritime and boat construction special high resistant plywood types are used). The Main Differences Between The Two Plywood Board Types CDX plywood is classified as an “exposure” type of sheathing rather than an “exterior.” This means that CDX plywood should only be used inside or on surfaces that will not be exposed to water once the building process is complete. Because of its chemical properties, however, OSD boards, if marked “Exterior” are perfect for exterior applications and resist oven rain over a longer period of time. Another difference between the two plywood board typs is appearance: if you are looking for a wood grain, choose CDX, since OSD plywood is generally flat on one side and rough on the other. To sum it up, make sure you use the right type of plywood for the correct application. Make sure you get the proper EXTERIOR marking if you intent to use either OSD and CDX plywoods for permanent outside weather resistent construction.

Oral health problems are conditions typically brought on by poor oral hygiene. You can usually prevent them by adopting good oral hygiene habits. Maintaining good oral health also helps you sustain good overall health, as your oral health affects your general health and well-being. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and scheduling routine visits to your dentist help to protect your oral hygiene. At Lee Dental, our skilled dentists, Julie Lee, DDS, and Clyde Lee, DDS, provide personalized care to children and adults in and around Frisco, Texas. Learn more about how to prevent oral health problems. What are common oral health problems? Common signs of poor oral health include: - Mouth sores - Receding gums - Bad breath - Loose teeth - Bleeding gums - Tooth decay Left untreated, oral health problems can lead to other health problems, such as heart disease. How can you prevent oral health problems? Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent many oral health problems. Here are four ways to protect your oral health: Brush and floss daily As a rule, you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day for optimal oral hygiene. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. And don’t skip your tongue. People often forget to brush their tongues, but doing so helps prevent oral health problems, especially bad breath. Daily use of an antibacterial mouthwash can keep the harmful bacteria that cause many oral health problems at bay. Mouthwash also targets plaque buildup that leads to cavities. Cut down on sugary drinks You’ve probably heard this many times, but consuming sugary and acidic drinks with processed sugars can increase your risk of oral health problems. The sugar can stay in your mouth for long periods, resulting in cavities and other oral health problems. Drinking a lot of water and rinsing your mouth after consuming a sugary drink (or food) can help.. Eliminate bad habits Smoking and drinking alcohol in excess can cause and aggravate oral health problems. Smoking, for example, is one of the most common causes of gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting smoking and quitting or reducing drinking alcohol are two things you can do to boost your oral and overall health. Visit your dentist regularly One of the most important ways to prevent oral health problems is to schedule routine visits for dental checkups. Generally, you should see the dentist once every six months. However, if you’re prone to oral health problems, they may advise you to visit more often. Living with oral health problems can be uncomfortable, often painful, and affect your quality of life. No matter the oral health problem, we have a solution for you at Lee Dental. Get started today by making an appointment online or calling 972-712-9000.

PURFORD GREEN PRIMARY SCHOOL Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) For a variety of reasons some children may experience difficulty in their learning and may have Special Educational Needs at any given time. They may need extra help in a range of areas. For example: - reading, writing, number work - understanding, processing and retaining information - expressing themselves or understanding what others say - making friends or relating to adults - following the behaviour policy in school - organising themselves - sensory needs; visual; hearing impairment or physical needs. - Emotional needs The school has a policy for children with Special Educational Needs/Disabilities and a SEN/D information report that follows. The SEN/D Code of Practice underpins these documents and can be found on the website. - The majority of children will have their special needs met in class, through strategies and approaches that are planned and differentiated for them, at the appropriate level. This may include additional resources, smaller group teaching or targeted support at appropriate times from an adult. - Sometimes, with parental permission, it is necessary to seek the advice of the Specialist Services to support the following areas; Cognition and Learning, Speech Language and Communication (including Autism), Physical and Sensory (hearing impairments (HI), visual impairments (VI) and physical and neurological impairments (PNI)), Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH). School have access to an Inclusion Partner and the Educational Psychologist (EP) service who may also work with your child. Occasionally we also need to contact outside agencies such as; CAMHs, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists Their advice will help the school in planning appropriately and providing the best resources for your child. - Most children have their needs met at the level of SEND Support. A very small number of children may have more complex and long lasting difficulties for which the Local Authority may agree an Educational Health Care Plan. This describes all your child’s special educational needs and the special help your child will receive. We will involve you fully in all aspects of your child’s progress and development at school. We will talk to you at the earliest stages if we think your child may have special educational needs of any kind. We also encourage you to speak to your child’s teacher if you are concerned about any aspects of your child’s learning or behaviour. Individual One Plan Any child identified as having a Special Educational Need and Disability (SEND) will be placed on the school SEND register and a One Plan or Pupil Passport will be drafted. Class teachers facilitate these, but they are overseen by the school Inclusion Leader. A Pupil Passport will state your child’s needs and the overall provision they require in order to reach their potential. The One Plan is more detailed and will set their outcomes and targets. It also details the support your child needs. When a Pupil Passport or a One Plan is needed, you will be invited to meet with your child’s teacher and, in some instances, the Inclusion Leader (INCO) to discuss your child’s plan. These processes help to share the views of the child, parents, and the school. We find that with the help and co-operation of parents and carers, and with everyone working together, the majority of children make great progress. In some instances, if either yourself or the school think there may be an underlying medical condition (such as Autism or ADHD) that could need investigating, we can support with referrals to the Child Development Centre. Special Physical Needs We moved into our current school building in April 2012 which is all on one level for wheelchair access. We also have disabled toilet facilities within the school building. For children with limited mobility requiring a wheelchair, who need to come to school by car, there is a disabled parking space with ramp access to the main doors. Distress Management Plan (DMP) If the learning difficulties arise from a child’s behaviour and social emotional needs, a Distress Management Plan (DMP) will be put in place. This usually includes the support of the Learning Mentor. The school highly values the Emotional Wellbeing of all children. In addition to in class support, the school provide Learning Mentor support for children who may have particular behavioural or emotional needs. Support is provided wherever it is needed throughout the day: this may be in class or during break and lunchtimes. For children who have a higher level of Emotional Needs we may talk with parents about referring them to the school’s independent counselling service, Harbour Counselling. For children with the highest level of Emotional Needs, we will liaise with parents and refer to West Essex Child and Adolescent Mental Health service (CAMHs)). Working with parents You have a vital role in supporting your child's education, so we listen carefully to your views and to the wishes of your child. If you have any concerns about the support in place for your child, first talk to your child’s class teacher. This is the most effective way of working out any misunderstandings. It is important that parents work with the school as much as they can. You can also speak with the School Inclusion Leader, Assistant Inclusion Leader or Head Teacher if you need to. You may also find it useful to talk to other parents through your local Families in Focus service, or to link up with local and national voluntary organisations and parents' groups. More information about these services can be found on Essex Local Offer: Essex County Council: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) | Essex Local Offer Essex local authority has a duty to provide information, advice, and support for parents of children with SEN and will have details of local services. Alternatively this information can also be found through the SEND Information and Advice Service (SENDIASS). Essex SEND - Information, Advice and Support Service (essexsendiass.co.uk) Most SENDIASS services should offer you: - access to a confidential telephone helpline - impartial information and advice around SEN issues - support in preparing for and attending meetings - help in filling in forms and writing letters/reports - contact details for other statutory and voluntary services - links to local parent support groups and forums - the chance to submit your views, which will help inform and influence local policy and practice - training opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact us. Mrs Kim Littlechild - email@example.com

The term guardian refers to somebody who cares for an incapacitated person, known as a ward, in all or most personal matters. This could include simple things like what the ward will eat and wear, and it can cover more important decisions, like where the ward lives and what type of medical treatment he or she receives. The guardian must also make any decision about the ward’s rehabilitation, training and education. A person who controls somebody else’s finances is a conservator of the estate. The conservator keeps track of all of the protected person’s assets and pays all reasonable living and education expenses in a way that fits with the estate and the person’s station. The state can name a conservator for an estate without finding the protected person incompetent, meaning he or she can still vote, marry and even make a will unless a court order states that the person is not fit to do so. The court can assign a temporary guardian or conservator in emergency situations where the person or estate would suffer imminent harm without one. It will only allow this person the specific powers necessary to prevent the harm, and this generally does not exceed 60 days. These powers end either when the period ends or when the court appoints a general guardian or conservator. An attorney may be able to help plan for a guardianship as part of the estate planning process. This can ensure that the guardian knows exactly how to handle whatever situations arise without needing to guess at what the ward would want. It also allows the person to nominate somebody as the guardian so that it can be somebody who is familiar with the person’s wishes. Source: Minnesota Judicial Branch, “CONSERVATORSHIP AND GUARDIANSHIP IN MINNESOTA“, October 30, 2014

Understanding Headaches and Light Sensitivity Headaches can be debilitating, and for some individuals, exposure to light can worsen the intensity and duration of their headaches. Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, is a common symptom experienced by those who suffer from migraines, tension headaches, and other types of headaches. The relationship between light and headaches is complex. Certain wavelengths of light, especially blue and bright white light, have been found to trigger or exacerbate headaches in susceptible individuals. On the other hand, specific colors of light have shown potential in providing relief and reducing the severity of headaches. To understand why light worsens headaches, it is important to consider the impact of light on the brain. Light enters through the eyes and stimulates the optic nerve, which sends signals to the brain’s thalamus and hypothalamus. These brain regions are involved in regulating pain perception, sleep-wake cycles, and other bodily functions that can influence headaches. Light sensitivity, or photophobia, can cause discomfort and intensify headaches due to the overstimulation or disruption of these brain processes. people with headaches often experience visual disturbances, such as aura or sensitivity to flickering lights, which can further exacerbate their symptoms. Although light sensitivity and headaches are subjective experiences that vary from person to person, certain colors of light have been found to be more soothing and beneficial for headache relief. Warm colors, such as red and orange, are known for their calming and relaxing effects, while cool colors, such as blue and green, have been associated with a sense of tranquility and reduced pain perception. Understanding the effects of different colored lights on headaches and considering personal factors can help individuals select the most suitable lighting environment for headache relief. Adjusting lighting intensity, using light filters or tinted glasses, and limiting exposure to bright screens and devices are other strategies that can be employed to manage light sensitivity and reduce headache symptoms. Understanding Headaches and Light Sensitivity Headaches and light sensitivity are interconnected. Headaches are a neurological condition that can cause pain in the head and neck. Along with headaches, individuals may experience light sensitivity, also known as photophobia. It is crucial to comprehend the relationship between headaches and light sensitivity in order to effectively manage the associated symptoms. Light sensitivity is commonly observed in certain types of headaches, such as migraines and tension headaches. Migraine headaches are characterized by intense pain, nausea, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. In fact, specific types of lighting can trigger migraines. On the other hand, tension headaches, which are often caused by muscle tension and stress, can also result in sensitivity to bright lights. To minimize these triggers and alleviate symptoms, it is recommended to create a dark and quiet environment. This may involve various measures like dimming lights, utilizing blackout curtains, wearing sunglasses indoors, and reducing screen exposure. It is important to note that blue light emitted by electronic devices can be particularly problematic. Therefore, employing blue light filters and glasses can be beneficial in managing light sensitivity symptoms. In cases of frequent or severe headaches accompanied by light sensitivity, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of these symptoms and provide appropriate treatment options accordingly. How Does Light Impact Headaches? How Does Light Impact Headaches? Light has a significant impact on headaches. Bright lights, particularly fluorescent lights, can trigger or exacerbate headaches in many individuals. To alleviate symptoms, it is advisable to avoid these types of lights. Whenever possible, it is recommended to use soft, natural lighting. Natural light, such as sunlight, has been found to reduce the severity of headaches in some people. The color of light can also play a role in headaches. Warm colors like orange and yellow have a calming effect and may help ease head pain. On the other hand, cooler colors like blue and green can be more stimulating and potentially worsen headaches for certain individuals. Exploring different lighting conditions and colors can be beneficial in identifying the most suitable options for each person. It is important to consider personal preferences and sensitivities in relation to light and its impact on headaches. Why Does Light Worsen Headaches? Light can worsen headaches for several reasons. One of the main reasons is that bright light triggers migraines in susceptible individuals. The intensity of the light overstimulates the brain, which in turn leads to headaches. Certain types of light, such as fluorescent or flickering lights, can also cause eyestrain and fatigue, contributing further to headaches. Another factor that worsens headaches is the sensitivity of the eyes during a headache episode. Many people experience photophobia, which is an increased sensitivity to light, during a headache. This sensitivity amplifies the pain and discomfort associated with the headache. In addition, excessive exposure to blue light from electronic devices can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to headaches. Blue light interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This disruption leads to sleep disturbances and can trigger headaches. It’s important to note that experiences with light sensitivity and its impact on headaches can vary. Some individuals find relief by reducing exposure to bright lights, while others find certain colored lights or specific lighting conditions to be soothing. Experimenting with different lighting environments and seeking professional advice can help individuals better manage their headaches. How Does Light Sensitivity Affect Headaches? Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, affects headaches. Exposure to bright lights can worsen and intensify headaches for individuals who are sensitive to light. This occurs because bright lights stimulate the nerves in the eyes, which then send signals to the brain that can trigger or worsen headaches. The close link between photophobia and headaches can be attributed to the connection of the nerve pathways responsible for pain perception to the visual pathways. People with light sensitivity find bright, harsh lights like fluorescent or glaring sunlight particularly problematic. These lights can overwhelm the sensory system and increase discomfort. To create a headache-friendly environment, it is important for individuals experiencing headaches to reduce their exposure to bright lights and opt for softer, dimmer lighting. When dealing with light sensitivity and headaches, here’s a pro-tip: wearing sunglasses or using glasses with blue-light filters can help minimize the impact of bright lights. Additionally, adjusting the display settings on electronic devices to reduce screen brightness can also be beneficial. What Color Lights Help with Headaches? Looking for relief from headaches? Dive into the fascinating world of color lights and their impact on headache management. From the calming effects of warm colors to the invigorating properties of cool hues, this section explores the role that different colored lights play in soothing headaches. Get ready to discover how specific color spectrums can potentially alleviate your discomfort and bring you closer to a pain-free existence. Say goodbye to those throbbing temples as we delve into the enlightening realm of colored lights for headache relief! The Role of Warm Colors Warm colors, such as red, orange, and yellow, play a significant role in relieving headaches. These colors have a calming effect on the mind and body, releasing natural painkillers called endorphins that can alleviate headache symptoms. Incorporating warm-colored lighting can create a warm and cozy environment, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels, which is important for managing headaches. In addition to relieving symptoms, warm colors can also enhance sleep quality. Lack of sleep can trigger or worsen headaches, so using warm-colored lights in the bedroom can create a conducive sleep environment. This can lead to better rest and potentially reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. It’s essential to note that individual preferences may vary when it comes to the effect of warm colors on headaches. While some individuals may find warm colors more soothing, others may prefer cool colors. It’s crucial to experiment with different colors to find what works best for personal relief. The Role of Cool Colors The brain experiences relaxation when exposed to cool colors, such as blue, green, and purple. These cool colors have a calming and soothing effect, which can help alleviate the pain associated with headaches. By incorporating cool-colored lighting or accessories into your surroundings, you can create a headache-friendly environment that promotes comfort and relaxation during headache episodes. It is crucial to consider individual preferences and the severity of the headache when using cool colors as a strategy for headache relief. Effects of Different Colored Lights on Headaches The effects of different colored lights on headaches are as follows: – Warm Colors (e.g., red, orange, yellow): Can exacerbate headaches in certain individuals due to their stimulating and energizing properties. – Cool Colors (e.g., blue, green, purple): Generally induce a calming effect on headaches, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. – White Light: Can be too bright and intense, potentially triggering or intensifying headaches in light-sensitive individuals. – Soft or Dim Lighting: Creates a soothing ambiance that can alleviate the severity of headaches for some individuals. – Colored Lighting Therapy: Some studies suggest that specific colors, such as green or amber, used in light therapy may alleviate migraine symptoms and reduce the frequency of headaches. It is important to consider that the impact of colored lights on headaches can vary from person to person. Individual preferences and sensitivities should be taken into account when selecting lighting for headache relief. Consulting with a healthcare professional and experimenting with different colors can help determine the most effective options for each individual. Fact: Research has demonstrated that green light therapy has been successful in reducing the intensity and frequency of migraines in some individuals. Color Selection for Headache Relief When it comes to finding relief from headaches, the color of lights can play a significant role. In this section, we’ll explore the art of color selection for headache relief. We’ll take a deep dive into the personal factors to consider when choosing colors and how they can affect our well-being. We’ll uncover the secrets of creating a headache-friendly environment using colored lights. Get ready to discover how the right colors can make a difference in reducing headaches and promoting overall comfort. Personal Factors to Consider in Color Selection Personal factors to consider in color selection for headache relief with lights include: - Each person has different sensitivities to colors. Pay attention to how specific colors affect your headaches and choose accordingly. - Personal preference for certain colors can play a role in headache relief. Some individuals find comfort in warm colors like yellow or orange, while others prefer cool colors like blue or green. - The intensity of the light can also impact headache relief. Some people find dimmer lights more soothing, while others prefer brighter lights. - Consider the setting in which you will use the colored lights. For example, a calming blue light might be preferred for a relaxing evening, while a vibrant green light may be more suitable for energetic daytime activities. - If you plan to use colored lights for a long time, choose colors that are comfortable and do not cause eye strain or fatigue. By considering these personal factors, you can create a headache-friendly environment that meets your individual needs and preferences. Creating a Headache-Friendly Environment with Colored Lights To create a headache-friendly environment with colored lights, follow these steps: - Choose warm-colored lights: Red, orange, and yellow are soothing and relaxing colors. They reduce stress and promote a calm atmosphere. - Avoid bright and harsh lights: Bright lights, especially blue or white ones, can worsen headaches. Use dimmer lighting to create a more comfortable environment. - Use indirect lighting: Instead of shining lights directly at your face, try using diffuse or indirect lighting. This prevents glare and reduces eye strain. - Experiment with colored light filters: Light filters and tinted glasses can reduce sensitivity to certain colors. Consult a healthcare professional to determine helpful colors for your specific migraine triggers or symptoms. - Consider adjustable lighting systems: Invest in lighting systems that allow you to adjust the color and intensity. This flexibility tailors the lighting to your needs and preferences. True story: Sarah, a chronic migraine sufferer, struggled with finding relief from her frequent headaches. She decided to create a headache-friendly environment by incorporating warm-colored lights in her home. She replaced the bright, white lights with softer, yellow-toned bulbs and installed adjustable lighting systems. Sarah noticed a significant improvement in the frequency and severity of her headaches. The warm colors and gentle lighting created a more soothing and relaxed atmosphere, reducing her overall headache symptoms. Other Light-related Strategies for Headache Relief In our search for headache relief, exploring light-related strategies can be a game-changer. In this section, we’ll dive into a range of approaches that go beyond simply changing the color of lights. From adjusting lighting intensity to using light filters or tinted glasses, and even limiting exposure to bright screens and devices, we’ll explore various techniques that offer potential relief. So, let’s shed some light on these alternative solutions and discover how they can help ease those throbbing headaches. Adjusting Lighting Intensity When it comes to reducing headaches, one effective approach is adjusting lighting intensity. By following these steps, you can find relief: 1. Dimming the lights: Lowering the intensity of the light can help reduce eye strain and minimize triggers for headaches. 2. Utilizing adjustable lighting: Opt for lamps or fixtures with settings that allow you to control the brightness and intensity as needed. 3. Experimenting with different light sources: Consider using floor lamps or table lamps to achieve a softer and more comfortable illumination. 4. Adding task lighting: Directing light to specific areas can help reduce the overall intensity in the room. 5. Making use of natural light: Opening curtains or blinds to let in natural light creates a softer and more soothing environment. Pro-tip: If adjusting lighting intensity alone doesn’t provide sufficient relief, you may want to combine it with other strategies such as using light filters or tinted glasses for a more comprehensive approach to headache relief. Using Light Filters or Tinted Glasses Using light filters or tinted glasses can effectively alleviate headaches caused by light sensitivity. By reducing the intensity and glare of light, these filters or glasses create a more comfortable experience for individuals with light sensitivity. The specific wavelengths of light that can trigger headaches are effectively blocked by the filters used in light filters or tinted glasses. These filters can be personalized to cater to the specific color spectrum that triggers an individual’s headaches. To ensure the optimal tint and intensity for your needs, it is recommended to consult with an eye care professional when using light filters or tinted glasses. With their expertise, they can help determine the most suitable color and level of light filtering that will provide the most relief. For consistent relief and prevention of headaches, it is advisable to consistently wear light filters or tinted glasses in bright environments. This practice will help maintain a comfortable environment for your eyes and minimize the chances of triggering a headache. Remember, incorporating the use of light filters or tinted glasses is an effective way to manage and mitigate light sensitivity related headaches. Limiting Exposure to Bright Screens and Devices - Reduce screen time: Limit time spent using bright screens and devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. Take regular breaks and engage in other activities to rest your eyes. - Adjust screen brightness: Lower screen brightness settings to minimize strain on your eyes and potentially lessen headaches. - Use blue light filters: Install blue light filter apps or use blue light blocking glasses to reduce blue light emitted by screens. Blue light disrupts sleep patterns and can contribute to headaches. - Opt for dark mode: Switch to dark mode or use dark backgrounds on devices, especially at night or in low-light conditions, to reduce brightness and potentially alleviate headaches. - Consider screen distance: Maintain a comfortable viewing distance from screens. Avoid holding devices too close or sitting too close to computer screens to reduce eye strain and potential headache triggers. The awareness of screen time’s potential impact on health has grown significantly in recent years. With the rise of technology and widespread screen use in our daily lives, limiting exposure to bright screens and devices has become increasingly important. Researchers have found a correlation between excessive screen time and various health issues, including headaches. By reducing screen time, adjusting brightness settings, using blue light filters, opting for dark mode, and maintaining a comfortable screen distance, individuals can mitigate potential negative effects on their well-being. Prioritizing screen-free activities and creating a healthy balance between technology and personal wellness is crucial.

Many charities assume they are safe from cybercrime since they don't have valuable assets. While charities may not be cash-rich, they do hold personal and sensitive data, the exposure of which could damage their reputation and affect their ability to raise funds in the future. Charities also rely on the public's trust that their donations go to a worthy cause and losing that trust can have a devastating impact on their future operations. Unfortunately, almost half of charities have weak cybersecurity protocols, making them an easy target. During the pandemic, over a third of charities in the region have been targeted by cyber-attacks, showcasing how important it is to have the correct cybersecurity protocols in place. What is phishing and how does it affect me? The most popular type of cyber-attack in 2022 was phishing attacks. Phishing is a cybercrime in which a target or targets are contacted by email, telephone, or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, banking and credit card details, and passwords. According to recent research: 1 in 3 employees are likely to click the links in phishing emails 1 in 8 employees are likely to share information requested in a phishing email and finally Over 45% of employees click emails they consider being suspicious “just in case it’s important”. We all know that email phishing attacks are continuing to increase in complexity and frequency year over year. Hackers are employing more effective technology and methods, constantly honing their skills at crafting email campaigns that appear legitimate and safe. You might have heard of phishing, vishing, smishing, quishing, spear phishing, whaling, but all the names mean is that there are a lot of different ways that a cyber-criminal is going to try and trick you. Criminals use all communication methods, so if a new method comes out, you can be sure a criminal will be there trying to exploit it. And these criminals are experts in getting us to act in the way they want, whether that is clicking a link or downloading an attachment. How could my charity be targeted? Criminals are constantly on the lookout for personal and sensitive information that they can use to create convincing phishing messages. For charities, it's essential to know what information about your organization is publicly available and how it could be used to lure unsuspecting victims into a phishing scam. For instance, if you received an email that contained your charity's username and password, would you believe it to be genuine? Unfortunately, usernames and passwords are just one of many things that could be known about your organization, including your IP address, physical address, and phone number. Cybercriminals can obtain this information from data breaches and use it to craft a convincing phishing email. Moreover, criminals can use any recent announcements made by your charity to create a fake domain name that looks similar to the legitimate one. For example, if your charity has just announced a new partnership with a support service called "charitysupport.com” a criminal might create a fake domain called "ch4ritysupport.com" to trick people into thinking it's legitimate. Another common tactic used by cybercriminals is to create a sense of urgency or importance in their phishing emails. They might use headlines like "New Government Standards Required for All Charities - Find Out More Here!" to trick people into clicking on a link or downloading a malicious attachment. If a message contains any of the following, really think before you click: Urgency “you must do this now” – here the attacker is trying to induce you to panic so that you don’t question the action being asked of you Authority – messages appearing to come from a boss, colleague, or company you engage with regularly, or with information they shouldn’t have unless they are genuine (your IP address for example) Mimicry – attackers send messages that exploit your daily habits such as “please review your calendar entry – click here” Curiosity – enticing you with something like “breaking news” What can you do? Educate your staff and volunteers about the risks and best practices for identifying and avoiding phishing scams. All phishing depends on an element of social engineering or interaction with a person, so you really need to make staff engagement and upskilling a priority. The ECRC has affordable student services who can deliver a bespoke training session tailored to your organisation and the risks it faces. Contact us to find out more. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication and strong passwords to help prevent cybercriminals from accessing sensitive data. Have a plan in place to deal with phishing attempts and successful attacks. Make sure your staff know how to report an attack and don’t put barriers in place to reporting, such as disciplinary action. Phishing attacks can be very sophisticated and extremely difficult to guard against but making sure you know how and when an attack has taken place means that you can react in the right way. You really don’t want a staff member too scared to report a successful phishing attack and letting an attacker have an extended period of time in your systems. Make sure you report all phishing attacks to email@example.com. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have created an enterprise Outlook add-in for staff to be able to report email phishing directly from their email box. The NCSC will the actively seek to disrupt the criminals sending these messages, protecting you from them as well as the wider community By staying vigilant, educating staff and volunteers, and implementing robust cybersecurity measures, you can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to a phishing scam and protect your charity's valuable data. Here at the centre, we would recommend that you consider Join our community today as one of our growing number of free core members. You will be supported through implementing the changes you need to make to protect your organisation. Consider how you can help your own supply chain – it would be great if you could look at promoting the centre on our behalf. Have a look at our referral scheme to see how referring another school into the centre could benefit you. Take a look at our range of affordable student services, all which could be used by your organisation to make yourself more cyber resilient. Reporting a live cyber-attack 24/7 If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber-attack (in progress), please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reporting a cyber-attack which isn't ongoing Please report online to Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report cybercrime online at any time using the online reporting tool, which will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened. Action Fraud advisors can also provide the help, support, and advice you need. Alternatively, you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (textphone 0300 123 2050). Report a phishing attack If you suspect a phishing attack, please report it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Services (SERS) set up by the NCSC at: firstname.lastname@example.org Text messages can be forwarded to 7726

The quality of performing one’s duty thoroughly or taking one’s obligations to others seriously with absolute sincereness is understood as conscientiousness. Other characteristics that are parts of conscientiousness are integrity, honesty, fidelity, justice, and saintliness. Being conscientious is one of the most critical personality traits that not only play a significant role in personal well being but also is quite crucial in familial and social wellness. In the words of Robert Green “Bob” Ingersoll who was an American writer and orator during the Golden Age of Free Thought- “If there is any God, there is only one way to please him, and that is by a conscientious discharge of your obligations to your fellow men.” In this post, we will dive deep into the world of consciousness to understand what it is and how you can incorporate the characteristics of a conscientious person. Table of Contents Conscientiousness in Personality Test Theories According to the Big Five Personality Test Traits, there are five traits of people that decide the overall personality of individuals. All five features include- All the things altogether conclude the behaviour, consciousness, discipline, and mindset of a particular individual. Research on the personality trait proved that these are fundamentally important to decide about a person. Openness demonstrates a person’s challenging authority and its open-mindedness. Conscientiousness is about organizing ability and self-disciplined characteristics of the individual. Extraversion checks social well being and the outgoing thing. Agreeableness indicates a person’s friendly and courteous manners. Lastly, the stability and balance of a person are decided by Neuroticism. These personality traits help in judging a person through their behaviour and how they manage things they are responsible for doing and accomplishing. People need to balance everything for living a good life. Neither too much, nor too less- Living a balanced life is excellent for your health and longevity. Stress and aggression can make your life dull and depressed; try to be organized and disciplined. And for that, you must know about conscientiousness and other traits. Conscientiousness is quite crucial in ensuring the self-discipline in an individual. The highly conscientious person will be a kind of a perfectionist, compulsive and workaholic. Let us unfold some of the critical layers of a conscientious individual in the next section- What is Conscientiousness? As discussed above, conscientiousness is related to self-discipline, and the people who have high conscientiousness are more organized, hard-working and goal-oriented. They don’t believe in making quick decisions; instead, they focus on taking the time and organizing things by following a schedule. And not only this, consciousness includes responsibility, reliability, and self-control. Impulse control and self-regulation are also associated with conscientiousness. Behavioural Patterns of High & Low Levels of Conscientiousness Low and high level of conscientiousness, both are bad when exceeding the normal range. People with high conscientiousness are more inclined towards perfecting themselves. They work according to a pre-planned schedule and do not believe in taking instant decisions. When people are busy in their world by improving themselves, they are at less risk of stress. Also, this urge to attaining perfection can be a nightmare sometimes. Meanwhile, when people are at their low conscientiousness, they believe in spontaneity and flexibility. They go beyond the comfort zone and think out of the box. But similar to high consciousness, it can be not very good for well-being. When people don’t worry about discipline, they are careless and unreliable. They take an instant decision because they do not have the time to think and plan anything. So both have pros and cons. Therefore, it is recommended that people should be in a healthy range of conscientiousness. Maintaining a proper balance of conscientiousness is essential for having a proper lifestyle where things are channelizing thought self-management in a reliable and result-driven manner. Now, in the next section, we will have a look upon the different traits that conscientious people incorporate- Traits of Conscientiousness As conscientiousness is one of the characteristics of the Big five Personality Test Traits, there are sub-traits of it as well. Six sub traits that play a crucial role in deciding the conscientiousness of an individual are- These are the deciding factor of the level of conscientiousness. Let us now understand these sub traits in a more detailed manner. Dutifulness– When a person is self-disciplined; it is self-evident that s/he is dutiful towards their work. People often take it lightly but being devoted to the associated tasks and responsibilities is crucial. Any person who takes their work lightly isn’t going to succeed in life. So, being dutiful is very important for a conscientious person. Cautiousness– Cautiousness is when a person is attentive and aware of a danger that is coming from any side. And the cautious person will always take the precautionary measure, so s/he knows if there is something wrong. So, if a person is at the right level of conscientiousness, s/he will be cautious towards the surrounding. This trait enables a conscientious individual to adeptly complete its duties without being failed because of some impediments. Self-discipline– Discipline is about being organized and concerned about rules. Also, a person who is more into creating a routine and strictly following them, then s/he can be considered a self-disciplined person. Discipline isn’t only a thing at work but in your own life. If a person is self-disciplined, s/he will be more attentive and care about her/his career. Discipline is directly proportional to self-management and goal accomplishments. Self-efficacy– One of the highest levels of conscientiousness is when a person achieves self-efficacy. Being modest and dealing with prospective situations will make a person attain this level. Not everyone can be this because the disciplined person isn’t very social because s/he is lost in her/his world. But if someone attains it, it is an achievement. Albert Bandura, a Canadian-American psychologist once said- “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.” Achievement Striving– Setting a particular goal and then fixing your mind to achieve it ensures achievement striving, which is quite significant for conscientiousness. A person who doesn’t deviate from his/her path and follows his/her aspirations is achievement-striving. And this is indeed important for a person to be goal-oriented. Orderliness – A person who is well-organized, systematic and regular is someone who has an excellent score of conscientiousness. Diligence and cleanliness both are essential factors for having orderly behaviour. All are associated with each other. Factors influencing Conscientiousness Conscientiousness varies from person to person and from time to time. A person exactly can’t have the same level of conscientiousness as the other, nor must it be constant for a specific person. It is said that the society, surrounding and mental ability is the factor that influences conscientiousness. It was surveyed that those children whose parents were affectionate towards them had a high level of conscientiousness. And those children whose parents lived away were more in a stressful situation and had low conscientiousness. The value of love and respect is very much associated with the brain, and that affects a person’s consciousness. Also, the structure brain was responsible for the change in the conscientiousness of individuals. People were also affected by peer pressure and because of society. Also, one’s way of handling any situation has been a prominent factor that influences conscientiousness. Final Thoughts about Conscientiousness! Conscientiousness can be considered as an ingredient of success. When a person has a right level of conscientiousness, s/he feels sensible, organized, well maintained, goal-oriented and cautious. But when this level increases, a person tries to attain the level of perfection. And it can be not very helpful at times when a person can’t achieve his/her goals he/she feels betrayed. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the level of conscientiousness. Don’t degrade its level; you will be careless, don’t even increase it to being perfect. Maintain a moderate level that is more of a benefit to you. How important do you consider the conscientiousness of an individual in achieving success in life? Do you have conscientiousness? What traits of a conscientious person do you incorporate? Tell us about your thoughts about the concepts of conscientiousness in the comments below. Liked this post? Check out the complete series on Personal Development

As concerns about climate change and other ecological challenges have intensified, the concept of sustainability has never been more important for companies, individuals and governments around the world. In this context, effective sustainability communication is crucial for future success.. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the topic of sustainability communication, its role in business practices and the best strategies for coming across as effective and credible. Keep reading! Table of Contents - What is sustainability communication? - Why is it important to communicate sustainability at corporate level? - The 4 pillars of sustainability communication - Strategies for effective sustainability communication - Sustainability communication: avoid greenwashing and greenhushing - Reports to provide evidence of sustainability communication - AWorld: the platform to support sustainability communication What is sustainability communication? Sustainability communication is a strategy that companies implement once they have integrated sustainability into their operations and strategic activities, and which involves conveying sustainability initiatives, goals and results to a diverse range of stakeholders. Sustainability communication, however, is not just about publicizing a company’s efforts, but about embedding environmental and social values into the very fabric of the organization and its narrative. This ensures that a company’s sustainable strategies are transparent, understood and appreciated by all stakeholders, from employees to consumers, from investors to the community at large. Sustainability communication is a tool for companies to show their commitment to a sustainable future and to differentiate themselves in a market that increasingly values corporate responsibility. Why is it important to communicate sustainability at corporate level? Sustainability communication has gained significant importance for companies due to four key factors: Responding to growing consumer demand Today’s consumers are increasingly aware of and concerned about environmental and social issues and thus, companies are called upon to demonstrate their commitment to these values. Effective communication of sustainability efforts builds trust and credibility with customers, enhancing reputation and brand loyalty. Involve and motivate employees It is not just about external communication; within the company, sustainability communication plays a key role in engaging and motivating employees, promoting a culture of sustainability. This also helps to attract and retain talent willing to work for responsible and conscious companies. Comply with global environmental regulations Efforts to communicate sustainability allows companies to comply with increasing regulatory requirements and stay ahead in a competitive market. It is an essential tool for companies to demonstrate their commitment to having a positive impact on society and the environment, thus aligning their goals with the broader goals of sustainable development. Meeting investors’ expectations Investors have also begun to evaluate companies based on their sustainability policies and practices, in addition to their financial performance. Clear and transparent communication of sustainability efforts helps reassure investors that the company is well positioned for the future, mitigating risks and capitalizing on sustainability-related opportunities. This is particularly relevant in a context of growing interest in socially responsible investing (SRI) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. The 4 pillars of sustainability communication Successful sustainability communication is based on four fundamental pillars: authenticity, transparency, involvement and consistency. These are not mere buzzwords, but concrete strategies that guide towards effective communication. Authenticity: companies must align the messages they convey about sustainability with actual practices. This means that when a company claims to have reduced its carbon footprint, it must have verifiable actions and policies to back up this claim. Authenticity is about ensuring that any sustainability claim is supported by real, tangible efforts and that the company’s values are consistently reflected in its actions, policies and decisions. Transparency: companies must openly share detailed information about sustainability initiatives, including successes and failures. It means providing stakeholders with access to data and reporting that clearly illustrate the environmental and social impact of the company’s activities. Transparency also includes admitting the challenges faced in implementing sustainable practices and what the company is doing to overcome them. Engagement: effective sustainability communication is interactive. This means that it involves the active involvement of stakeholders – employees, customers, investors and communities – in sustainability initiatives. Engagement can take many forms, such as interactive digital platforms for feedback, community sustainability programmes, employee-led green initiatives or customer surveys on sustainability practices. This pillar is about creating a two-way conversation in which stakeholders feel heard and involved in the company’s sustainability journey. Consistency: sustainability communication must be regular and continuous. It is not enough to announce a major sustainability initiative once and then remain silent. Consistent communication involves regular updates on progress, challenges and future plans. It means integrating sustainability messages into all aspects of corporate communication, from annual reports to social media posts, ensuring that the company’s commitment to sustainability remains a visible and integral part of its brand identity. Strategies for effective sustainability communication Implementing effective sustainability communication requires an approach that combines authenticity, clarity, personalisation and visual storytelling. Here are some strategies to help avoid the most common pitfalls: Integrating sustainability with corporate brand identity Sustainability initiatives should be a natural extension of the corporate brand, not an isolated element. This means ensuring that initiatives align seamlessly with core brand values and communications, creating a cohesive narrative that reflects the essence of the company. Clarity and simplicity of the message It is crucial to clearly define the scope and depth of the communication. It is advisable to avoid over-complicating messages and instead focus on conveying sustainability initiatives in a direct and easily understood manner. Personalization and relatability in storytelling Sustainability stories must be short and, at the same time, relatable. This means that communication must be personalized so that it resonates with the audience’s experiences and emotions, making the sustainability journey something they can connect with on a personal level. Using images to simplify complex concepts It is advisable to use visual elements to make complex sustainability concepts more understandable, such as infographics, graphs and images, which effectively communicate data and ideas in an engaging and accessible way. Commitment to honesty It is crucial to be honest and transparent in sustainability communication, sharing truthful and verified information about sustainability initiatives and results. Communication tailored to different audiences There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainability communication. Different segments of a company’s audience may be engaged through different channels and respond to different types of messages. It is important to understand where different audiences are most active and what kind of content resonates with them, and then tailor the communication strategy accordingly. Sustainability communication: avoid greenwashing and greenhushing In the field of sustainability communication, companies often find themselves navigating between two conflicting challenges: greenwashing and greenhushing. Greenwashing, a term born of deceptive practices, occurs when companies exaggerate or falsify their sustainability credentials. It consists of a superficial representation of environmental friendliness, often without substantive actions to back it up. This approach has come under increasing scrutiny as consumers and stakeholders have become more environmentally conscious. On the other hand, there is the less discussed but equally significant problem of greenhushing. This phenomenon occurs when companies, despite having made genuine progress in the field of sustainability, choose to downplay or even keep quiet about their achievements. The reasons behind greenhushing are numerous. Companies, for example, may fear that their efforts are not comprehensive enough to be publicized or they may view their sustainability strategies as a competitive secret to be kept hidden. However, greenhushing can be counterproductive. By not communicating their real sustainability efforts, companies miss the opportunity to position themselves as leaders in the sustainable market. This silence can lead to decreased consumer confidence, reduced investor interest and a lack of employee engagement. It is therefore essential that companies strike the right balance. Avoiding both greenwashing and greenhushing, companies should aim for honest and transparent communication about their sustainability journey. Reports to provide evidence of sustainability communication Providing evidence of sustainability communication is as important as the communication itself. And this is precisely where effective reporting comes in, offering tangible proof of the company’s commitment to sustainability. These reports should be comprehensive and describe not only successes, but also challenges and areas for improvement. They should follow global standards and frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure credibility and comparability. Sustainability reports should be clear, honest and transparent, and provide stakeholders with a true picture of the company’s sustainability efforts. They must include measurable data and indicators, case studies and stories that show the company’s impact. Furthermore, these reports must be accessible and designed not only for experts but for all stakeholders, including customers, employees and the general public. AWorld: the platform to support sustainability communication AWorld is a revolutionary platform that enables companies to significantly improve their sustainability communication process. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools and capabilities that enable companies to effectively monitor, measure and communicate their sustainability efforts. With AWorld, companies can engage their stakeholders more effectively and interactively, showing their sustainability efforts in a tangible and relatable way. The platform provides access to engaging content, tracks sustainability metrics and promotes stakeholder engagement. But that’s not all: it also offers insights and analysis, helping companies understand the impact of their communications and continuously improve their strategies. AWorld is more than just a tool: it is a partner in a company’s sustainability journey, providing the support and resources needed to communicate effectively, inspire action and make a difference in the world. Discover AWorld.

Social Capital Model This entails the network of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling the society to function effectively. It is a form of economic and cultural capital in which social networks are central, transactions are marked by reciprocity, trust, and cooperation, and market agents produce goods and services not mainly for profit, but for a common good. Social capital has been used to explain the improved performance of diverse groups, the growth of entrepreneurial firms, hands-on managerial by all the developers, enhanced supply chain relations, value derived from strategic alliances, and communities well-being. This is essentially the reason why the Sacco’s were started, to help each member with the collective money raised.

The Government Environment Agency has announced plans to develop Teddington weir in order produce ‘green power’. Weirs are created to manage water levels and reduce flood risk but environmental activists say can also be used to generate energy and help tackle climate change and help reduce the impact of energy crises. Teddington has one of three weirs (out of a total of 44) on the Thames that is being considering by the Environment Agency to harness the power of the river using the renewable energy source of hydropower wherever it is feasible. Although only generating power on a small-scale, these pilot schemes will provide good case studies for larger scale future developments. Another scheme at Romney Weir at Windsor is planned to be operational by the end of this year. The EA won’t develop these sites itself but instead offer the work out to tender for developers to submit plans. Photo: Jacques De Molay

TFT-LCDs / OLEDs What is the LCD? An LCD, or Liquid Crystal Display, is a type of screen that is used in many computers, TVs, and cell phones. LCDs are very thin but are actually composed of several layers. Those layers include two polarized panels, with a liquid crystal solution between them. Light is projected through the layer of liquid crystals and is colorized, which produces the visible image. The liquid crystals do no emit light themselves, so LCDs require a backlight. Two types of LCDs are primarily found in cell phones: TFT (thin-film transistor) and IPS (in-plane-switching). TFT LCDs use the thin-film transistor technology to improve image quality, while IPS-LCDs improve on the viewing angles and power consumption of TFT LCDs. What kind of LCDs we can supply? - TN/HTN LCD - STN/FSTN LCD - TFT LCD Modules What is TFT-LCD (also known as called Thin Film Transistor)? TFT stands for Thin Film Transistor and is a type of technology used to improve the image quality of an LCD. Each pixel on a TFT-LCD has its own transistor on the glass itself, which offers more control over the images and colors that it renders. While TFT-LCDs can deliver sharp images, they also tend to offer relatively poor viewing angles, meaning they look best when viewed head-on. If you view a TFT-LCD from the side, it can be difficult to see. What is OLED? OLED, or Organic Light-Emitting Diode, displays are able to deliver sharper and brighter images than LCDs, while also using less power. Unlike an LCD, which requires a backlight, OLED screens can emit their own light. This allows OLED screens to display brighter, sharper images and text, and to offer better viewing angles. It also means that OLED screens are thinner and consume less power than their LCD counterparts. OLED screens also offer faster refresh rates than LCDs, so they can deliver smoother video playback. But there are a few drawbacks to OLED displays. For one, the organic materials used to make them have a more limited lifetime than the components of other display types. OLED screens also have the potential to be more easily damaged by water or other liquids. Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED) is a flat-screen display technology that surpasses the (Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). Its characteristics include thin, light, small, intricate, sensitive, bright colors, and power-saving. In the near future, television screens as thin as paper, and scroll-type e-paper will no longer be dreams. - Self-lighting, no backlight required module and color filter - Light and thin (<2mm) - Simple structure, high durability, low cost - Low starting power (3 ~ 9V) and power-saving - Free Viewing Angle, bright and distinct screen from anywhere - High brightness - Good luminance (16 lm/W) - High contrast (>10, 000:1) - Excellent picture quality in both dark view and bright view - Fast response speed (10μs) - Full color capability - Large size possible - Flexibility (plastic base is used) - Broad range of usable temperatures: -40℃~85℃ OLED Manufacturing Process: What is the Definition of AMOLED Display (also known as Active-Matrix OLED)? AMOLED is the abbreviation for Active-Matrix OLED. AMOLED displays actually pair part of a traditional TFT display with an OLED display. This allows them to offer faster response times than regular OLED displays, which can be prone to ghosting when displaying fast-moving images. AMOLED displays also offer greater power savings than traditional OLED displays. Like traditional OLED displays, though, AMOLED displays may have a more limited lifetime, because of the organic materials used to make them. Also, when viewed in direct sunlight, the images on an AMOLED display are not as bright as what you'd see on an LCD.

Tips, Tricks & Tales from the SESA Beverage Lab There’s no doubt that this country has much to offer and that there are countless ways to be thankful no matter how rough life is or has been especially this year. Being aware of what we have becomes more meaningful when we realize the inequities that are so ingrained. There’s still so much more we have to learn and improve so that more people can have more to be thankful for daily. We have a great deal of wrong to understand and rebuild and to start we invite you to take a moment to reflect and consider how you think about Thanksgiving. The inequities here in the United States are deeply ingrained in this country's history. In some parts of this nation there have been efforts to change and teach the more true and honest history of this country however it’s only making a small dent. There is much more to be shared and spread. With awareness there is a better chance of building stronger communities just like those which once thrived on these lands. Environment and Community Today we face challenges around the globe because we have not taken care of our environment. Many Native nations have a foundational belief that as long as humans are respectful of the natural world, it will provide for us. Traditionally Native nations place a high value on social relationships and community. When it came to the idea of community - it was not just the people that had a role - the animals, plants and nature were all integrated. Their way of life was interwoven with nature and each other and together the ecosystems in which they lived provided and sustained their communities and in turn their collective well being. Health of Native Communities The United States Government has had a direct impact on the destruction of the physical and mental health of native communities and it started with the genocide which started hundreds of years ago and still continues quietly today. The United States government put into place systems with the goal of eventually killing off Native nations. A few of the tactics that were the slow deterioration of the nations included and are not limited to removing native nations off their lands, punishing people for their cultural practices, and forcing them to work away from their home. This was not a system of assimilation and development that was for the better, these practices eventually helped dismantle the foundation of their well being. Although some nations have been more successful in rebuilding their culture to some degree most communities did not survive and the rest still struggle today. These stories and struggles should not be erased and forgotten for they shape the foundations of our traditions we carry on today and they need repair and support from all of us. Reshaping how we build community Around the globe, communities are forming and rebuilding on multiple levels this year. Many new connections are unfortunately being built upon the tragic foundation of inequities that have been heightened this year. With too many people in the communities most affected by these unjust systems passing daily there is no doubt that When we come up on the other side of the struggles we face today with the pandemic of 2020 we will need to remain connected. We will need more people to join the efforts to bridge the gaps so that we can build a stronger tomorrow. Remembrance and Thanks In the years to come think about what you will incorporate into Thanksgiving. Perhaps remembrance and acknowledgement of the more complete history of the Native nations shall contribute to your choices, greater giving and respect for others, and longer lists of gratitude. Here are a few articles for reference that we recommend as you continue your journey to connect with the historical relevance of Thanksgiving. An authentic look at Thanksgiving Understanding Thanksgiving in a socially responsible way What does Thanksgiving mean to Native Americans Wampanoag Native Amercians on Thanksgiving

Walking along the fortification, the impressive Gymnasium appears at some point; it is wonderfully preserved until today. The Gymnasium and the Stadium constitute a unity since they belong to a unified architectural plan. A space with three Doric stoas (colonnades) is where adolescents exercised. Between the colonnades is the area of the Palaestra (wrestling arena) a peristyle atrium of the Doric style of 30 meters, where they warmed up and fought. Artefacts of the Hellenistic period were found here. Exercise was part of a broader education that, moreover, had a political character. A kind of school that shaped citizens. The adolescents were taught the secrets of the community. They studied for three years following the stages of initiation during their teenage years: first they became warriors, then men and next, worthy citizens. In the Gymnasium they studied and were recorded in the male registry according to the tribe they belong to. Vast lists of adolescents in columns name the future citizens to be. Something like a class list. The teenagers that would be lucky enough to follow this schooling were those of aristocratic origin and free citizens; freed slaves would serve them. "Metics" (foreigners) and slaves played a secondary role. On its columns marks of their engraved names and of the games "pessi" and tabula they played at recess are evident. The next monument is burial building 2 – that is how it was named during excavation. It has a double chamber and a colonnade, probably a mausoleum and one of the most important burial monuments in Greece. Its chambers are of great dimensions: 4.70 x 5.40 m and it has a Doric colonnade (14.50 m length x 3.80 m width) bearing ten Doric columns. Also, marble sarcophagi and fragments. In the colonnade, four pits with remnants of cremated infants were unearthed, such a macabre sight. Grave goods and pottery, lamps with relief decoration and carbonized fruit: pomegranate, wheat, raisins. A strange burial custom, firstly because the infants were cremated and secondly, because their remains were kept outside, at the colonnade, in other words not inside the burial chambers. A burial monument commemorates deceased infants through the ashes and indeed next to the Gymnasium. What glorified death, of which important family were they members to earn such a conspicuous position? Nonetheless, the same chambers became areas of burial and residence during the early years of Christianity. Thus, the use of the monuments by the Christian inhabitants, probably answers the question.

Insights from seller and consumer surveys and an in-store assessment Hosted by: Canadian Council on Invasive Species Presented by: Chelsey Blanke and Tina Fitzgerald, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Global trade is responsible for invasive species introductions and spread worldwide. In recent years, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources worked to assess risks associated with trades and activities that rely on the movement and possession of live organisms, including the pet, horticulture, food, bait, and biological supply trades. A workshop and surveys of businesses and hobbyists, and an in-store assessment of the availability of invasive species at Minnesota aquarium shops and live seafood markets have provided a better understanding of present-day risks associated with trade pathways for invasive species in the state. Most businesses and hobbyists are generally concerned about and assume responsibility for preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species. Continuing to learn about attitudes, behaviors, barriers, motivators and communication preferences of people involved in trade pathways is essential to developing successful initiatives that truly promote the adoption and consistent practice of desirable invasive species prevention behaviors. There is also a particular need for ongoing education and collaboration with stakeholders, efforts to address sale of invasive species online, and increased coordination with law enforcement.

About 8 million species share this very planet Earth with us. Have you ever wondered, when birds Twitter or chirp, when cats meow, when cows moo, and when chicken cluck, what actually they say, what message they pass? They are living beings after all and in order to survive they must communicate and understand each other. But how can this understanding prevail in inter-species or specifically concerning humans, how can we understand what our co-species say and vice-versa? can AI help us talk to animals? Sounds produced by animals, their transmission, and reception have been studied for many decades and the study is known as Bioacoustics, but now a group in California, that is known as the Earth Species Project has gone many steps ahead. ESP a non-profit established in 2017 has set up a complete laboratory, to process the sounds produced by animals. The technology working behind is the form of Artificial Intelligence. It’s just that someone like Aza Raskin who is the founder of this non-profit group has given thought to expand our understanding of our relationship with animals. When earlier there are just some guesses and speculations about the behavior of animals. With such initiatives being established, it’s not wrong to say that, such speculations can be confirmed and the bond with the co-species can be reformed and reaffirmed, dialects can be many, but the understanding unites them all. Have you ever wondered to understand some foreign language and that too without a dictionary? But how can this help us to understand what animals say and how can AI help us talk to animals, to the contrary, this is what is being done in Bioacoustics, where the graphical representation of sounds is produced with the help of artificial intelligence, this is further processed to understand the behavioral patterns and prepare the categories for different moods and emotions. The graphical representation will form some shape of the sound fed and these shapes will determine the categories where the sound pieces will go into, that category will reflect, what they mean or stand for. How Can AI Help Us Talk To Animals? Earth species project has taken many particular species into consideration to understand the sounds they produce. The aim is wide, which will lately cover the sounds produced by many plants also. But to start, they are studying some animal species only. Animals have forced us, humans, decades ago, to study the repeated sounds produced by them, repetitions have given some sense, otherwise, had it been just any way, the sounds would have been different all the time. Technology has earlier helped us humans to understand what animals mean when they make certain sounds repeatedly, but again the studies were not convincing enough and we as humans don’t have any other option rather than believing. Some studies somehow proved to be right, and practices based on them are to date adopted to train animals. Now, it’s time for the studies to outreach and explore the unexplored and provide humankind with some substantial conclusions, which can help many inter-species to interact in a better way adopted. Artificial intelligence has always been a topic under question since its arrival. Some believe it could be fatal, but the majority of researchers and scientists say that it is fatal, but only if not used wisely, it’s prepared by humans, and humans are its masters and always will be. Ranging from driving cars to writing complex codes to creating excel formulas, AI has been a darling for many, but can this help in this scenario in particular, can AI help us talk to animals? After the launch of GPT-4, many great AI researchers are fascinated with the potential it holds. It just relies on the prompts fed and later can do wonders for us. This technology only waits for the master in command to unleash it, then see the magic it does, no coder has thought in the best of their dreams that, codes will be auto-generated one day, and that too with zero bugs. Can AI help us talk to animals, is merely a task, which just needs to be designed and processed and the master behind should know how to command it in order to get this done. Soon, we expect and if research reports are to be believed, the inter-species interactions can happen, and that too in a well-designed and clear and subtle way. Can AI Help Us Talk To Animals- Challenges AI research scientists associated with labs or groups like ESP have shown some concerns about the data which is collected and processed. Animal tags or Bio-loggers, are tied to animals or birds, to collect their sound patterns, behavioral pattern, and motion pattern. These recorded logs are further processed to understand the messages passed with every movement or motion attached. Scientists working on this have shown concerns that the logs collected are not always in sufficient quantity or sometimes they are limited to some specific species only. This makes it difficult for them to understand the sound patterns and with such short language models, it gives challenges to machine learning. On the contrary, many other scientists from the ESP group also say that this is just the beginning phase and everything is just being tested and later if donors like the co-founder of LinkedIn, Reid Hoffman keep vesting their trust in our research, then wonders will be done soon. As being in the very early stage of its program and research, only some particular species have been considered and are recorded or followed up. Whereas the core concept which is to make the conversation or interaction happen between every other species faces challenges with only special data available, which limits the research and hinders progress. The researchers are almost millions are steps gone into this research and are providing positive outcomes, which actually is shaping the whole idea in actual. It might take time, as other species don’t understand our concern at the first place and may try to escape and but it is being dealt with, gradually, but once the interaction happens, we can have our chance to explain! This one is a real challenge in itself, which is giving many tough times to researchers spending time on this idea of AI helping us to talk to animals. The term cocktail here actually means, noise. When in a jungle or maybe in a zoo, it always happens many animals and birds start chatting all at once and that too all together, which makes it tough to understand or determine the sound of different animals, and hence tagging them becomes almost impossible. Devices have been developed to come over this, but they even fail many times and cant cope-up. Many different patterns recorded from last many days with a particular species, suddenly get mixed with other unwanted sounds and processing becomes difficult. However, experts are working tirelessly to eradicate such challenges, as the journey is long and they can’t afford to spend time on such issues which is slowing them to proceed further. Benjamin Hoffman is a senior AI scientist, associated with Earth Species Project. He is specifically working on the project of an endangered species which is a Hawaiian Crow. This Crow lives in captivity and projects are underway to reintroduce this species to nature. The idea behind this project is to understand the behavior of such species when they realize that they are on the verge of extinction. Do they even realize that? do they pass messages to other species to save them? and what actually causes them to reduce in number and what kills them and why do they extinct? This is something very crucial, if scientist succeeds in this particular project then we as humans can really help many other endangered species, long before we realize that they are going low in numbers. This could be of great help to nature and its balances and cycles will be maintained. Somehow ideas like can AI help us talk to animals could be revolutionary, it’s not only about making the most of the technology, it’s about making the best of the technology. Coming across some news or update like, can AI help us talk to animals, sometimes gives many thoughts. How some few fellows really care about nature around us. They might know the fatal consequences if, we start believing that nature is to us, and soon instead of believing in such false scenarios, they try to utilize the technologies like AI to understand what nature wants to pass to us, what if nature really wants to interact and tell us about the other hidden treasures in its bowels, what if nature really at first place wants to inform about the approach of any calamity, do we have enough intelligence to understand the messages or just speculations and then debates followed, it is still time and maybe technologies like AI is born for a reason and specifically the questions like, can AI help us talk to animals gives way to the questions followed, can AI help us know about an approaching earthquake? Please leave us a comment in the comments section below, your words can only make us better!

The results of the excavations were numerous artifacts, from majestic cities that reflect the glory of the Great Silk Road, to various archaeological finds in places located in territories from the Tien Shan mountains to the “roof of the world”, the Pamirs. Dan Zhihao, deputy director of the Xinjiang Institute of Archeology and Cultural Relics, said that with the support of nine institutes and universities in China, 91 archaeological excavation programs have been launched across Xinjiang since 2018. The programs include more than 20 objects, whose Ages range from the Paleolithic to the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). In the past five years, four of them in Xinjiang have been included in annual lists of China’s top 10 archaeological finds. “We have learned a lot from exploring urban ruins, tombs, lighthouses, temples, caves, former mining areas and other sites. This invaluable heritage gives us a clearer understanding of the social development of Xinjiang,” Dan said. “Archaeological discoveries have provided important evidence that “the central dynasties of ancient China ruled the Xinjiang region, thus strengthening national unity.” In Jimsar County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, excavations of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) city of Beiting continue, revealing the true meaning of the ancient commercial center. In 2014, these ruins, formerly known as Bishbalik, were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Silk Road: Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor Route Network project. Guo Wu, a researcher at the Institute of Archeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and director of the excavations, said Beiting was the largest ancient city on the northern slopes of the Tien Shan during the period from the 7th to the 14th centuries. By excavating Beiting city gates, Buddhist temples, roads and canals, archaeologists were able to reconstruct the city’s layout and determine its special political status in northern Xinjiang. During the Tang dynasty, a protectorate was founded in Beiting, which became the center of effective administration of the northern part of the Tien Shan region. It ensured the stability and prosperity of the Silk Road. “The new findings show that the central dynasty introduced a system of government in the city,” Guo said. Thus, in 2021, ceramic fragments with the hieroglyphs “Bei Tian Si”, which means “temple of compassion”, were found at the excavation site. These findings suggest that even remote areas like Beiting were not neglected during the formation of the national administrative system. Archaeological research in Xinjiang began in the early 20th century. The ruins of the shrines indicate that the construction and design methods are very similar to those used in the construction of their counterparts on the plains of central China. According to Guo Wu, the scale of the ruins discovered is consistent with historical evidence that Tang rulers spent much of their wealth and effort protecting the “gateway to the West.” Hundreds of documents and letters covering political, economic, cultural and religious topics were discovered at the Kiyak-Kuduk signal towers site, one of China’s top ten archaeological discoveries in 2021. These discoveries provide new insight into the Tang dynasty in the region. The exhibition at the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum features brocades from the Han Dynasty. Photo: Lu Xu / for China Daily Archaeological research in Xinjiang began in the early 20th century, when numerous foreign researchers arrived in the region. The activities of these foreign expeditions gave rise to much controversy, as a large number of valuable artifacts, documents and frescoes were subsequently taken abroad. At the same time, this made it possible to attract the attention of scientists around the world to the study of the ancient civilizations of Xinjiang. Now, according to Dan Zhihao, foreign experts, like 100 years ago, try to learn about the latest discoveries, exchange experiences and propose new ideas. The finds discovered in the Beiting area in Jimsar County (Xinjiang) indicate the important role of the city in the stability and prosperity of the Silk Road. Photo: Wang Kaihao/China Daily In the 1990s, foreign experts, mainly Japanese, actively participated in joint excavations in Xinjiang. Thus, during an investigation in Minfeng County, Khotan District, the famous Han Dynasty brocade was found with the embroidered inscription: “Five planets arose in the east, bringing benefits to the central lands.” However, Dang emphasizes that after a series of important archaeological discoveries have been made in Xinjiang, scientists need to explore other places, including outside China, to build a more complete picture of the cultural connections derived from the material evidence. On November 12, Dan and staff from the Xinjiang Institute of Archeology and Cultural Relics made their first official visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to search for sites for joint archaeological excavations in these countries. “By participating in foreign projects and obtaining primary source materials, we can fully guarantee that our voice will be heard around the world,” Dan concluded.

Be Fertilizer-Free for Manatees Nutrient pollution in Florida’s waterways is a critical problem, fueling repeated harmful algal blooms in coastal waters. In the Indian River Lagoon, a critical manatee habitat, such harmful algal blooms have destroyed native seagrass, resulting in the deaths by starvation of hundreds of manatees. In 2023, there were over 550 recorded manatee deaths in Florida, on top of the record number recorded in 2021 of 1,101, followed by 800 recorded manatee deaths in 2022. The situation remains dire because human caused nutrient pollution remains much too high. Together, we can protect these critical habitats for manatees, other aquatic life, and for our own future generations by reducing human sources of pollution such as fertilizers, improperly-treated sewage, leaking septic systems, and stormwater runoff. While Save the Manatee Club works with our partners to strengthen policies that protect water quality, the individual actions of each Florida resident can make a big difference for the health of our waterways. Do your part: take the pledge to be Fertilizer-Free for Manatees! Take the Pledge! I pledge to be Fertilizer-Free for Manatees by: - Avoiding fertilizer use on my lawn and landscape - Conserving water by irrigating my lawn only when necessary - Keeping grass clippings out of streets, waterbodies, and swales - Learning about Florida-Friendly Landscaping to protect waterways Household Tips for Protecting Manatees AVOID FERTILIZER USE ON YOUR LAWN AND LANDSCAPE Excess fertilizer presents a hazard to our waterways and in turn, our manatees. Fertilizer that is not taken up by plants runs off your property and into our waterways, creating algal blooms that kill seagrasses and harm manatees. Most established landscapes do not need fertilizer at all. If you suspect your lawn needs to be fertilized, get a soil test first. Your local Extension office can help. Many counties and municipalities prohibit fertilizer use during Florida’s rainy season. Click here to learn more about your local fertilizer ordinances. An algae bloom in the Indian River Lagoon. Did you know that more than half of our monthly water use is from irrigation and that many lawn issues (such as dollar weed and grass fungus) are caused by overwatering? Save your lawn and your money by cutting down on irrigation. Install a rain sensor or watch the weather and only turn on your system on when needed. KEEP GRASS AND YARD DEBRIS OUT OF WATERWAYS, SWALES AND STREETS Grass clippings contain nitrogen and phosphorus that can contribute to algal blooms in a similar way to fertilizers. Instead, keep them on your lawn and recycle those nutrients back into your soil. FOLLOW FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING PRACTICES WHEREVER POSSIBLE Florida Yards and Neighborhoods is a program aimed at helping Floridians have beautiful lawns while still protecting our waterways. It is based on 9 principles that can be used on any yard, large or small. See how they can be used in yours.

Peripheral neuropathy in Downtown Brooklyn & Lower Manhattan The peripheral nervous system has the function of connecting the nerves from the brain and the spinal cord, or from the central nervous system to the rest of the body, which includes the arms, the hands, the legs, the feet, the internal organs, as well as the mouth and the face. Such nerves have the function of sending signals regarding physical sensations back to the brain. Peripheral neuropathy is considered to be a disorder that happens in cases where the nerves malfunction due to damage to them. This can damage the way that the nerves function normally. They might also send signals of pain if there is nothing causing pain or if they don’t send a pain signal even in cases where you’re suffering damage. This can be the case due to an infection, due to an inherited disorder, due to an injury, or a systemic illness. It is a disorder that is very uncomfortable, however, treatments for it can be very helpful. One of the most important factors in treating peripheral neuropathy is finding out whether a serious underlying condition is causing it. Out of 100 different types of peripheral neuropathy, each presents itself with unique symptoms and comes with a specific treatment option. Peripheral neuropathy is classified by the type of nerve that is damaged. For example. Mononeuropathy is a condition where only one nerve is damaged. Polyneuropathy, on the other hand, is a disorder that leads to damage of multiple nerves and is also more common. What symptoms does peripheral neuropathy lead to? Three types of peripheral nerves include autonomic nerves, motor nerves, and sensory nerves. The sensory nerves connect to the skin, motor nerves to the muscles, while autonomic nerves connect to the internal organs. Peripheral neuropathy can affect either one of these groups or all three at the same time. Tingling in the feet and hands, a feeling as if you’re wearing a sock or tight glove, a sharp and stabbing pain, diarrhea, constipation, digestive difficulty, sexual dysfunction, thinning of the skin, a weak and heavy feeling in the arms or legs, regularly dropping things from the hands, a shocking sensation or a buzzing sensation, a drop in blood pressure or excessive sweating are all symptoms of this condition. All these symptoms can however also be an indicator of another condition. What causes peripheral neuropathy? Those who have a family member that has suffered from peripheral neuropathy are also at a higher chance of also developing the disorder. There are however several other underlying conditions or factors which might lead to this condition. For example, nerve-damaged caused by diabetes is considered to be one of the most common types of neuropathy. It leads to pain, numbness, and a loss of sensation in the extremities. Some factors increase the risk of suffering from it, such as having diabetes, having high blood pressure, being overweight, and at the age of over 40. Other chronic conditions that might lead to nerve damage include hypothyroidism, kidney disorders, diseases that cause chronic inflammation, or a deficiency of vitamins E, B-1, B-6, and B-12, which are vitamins that are essential to the functioning of the nerves and nerve health. Physical trauma is also one of the most common causes of injuries to the nerves. It can include car accidents, fractures, and falls. Inactivity or holding one position for too long can also lead to neuropathy. If there is increased pressure on the median nerve, which is the nerve in the wrist that supplies the movement to the hand, can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. It is one of the most common types of peripheral neuropathy. Alcohol can also have a toxic effect on the nerve tissue, as well as putting people with severe alcoholism at a higher risk of peripheral neuropathy. Exposure to toxic chemicals such as solvents, insecticides, and glue, through chemical abuse or in the workplace, can also lead to nerve damage. Being exposed to heavy metals such as mercury and lead can also lead to this condition. There are also several viruses and bacteria which can begin attacking the nerve issue. Some viruses include the Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex, or varicella-zoster virus. A bacterial infection such as HIV or AIDS and Lyme disease can also cause peripheral neuropathy. Some autoimmune conditions can increase the risk of suffering from peripheral neuropathy, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The nerves can also be damaged by certain medications, such as medications that are used to treat cancer, some blood pressure medications, drugs that are used to fight bacterial infections, and anticonvulsants, which are taken to treat seizures. Dr. Raval is very kind and explains everything in layman’s terms, which is super helpful. Thanks so much, guys! 🙂 “PLEASANT AND PROFESSIONAL” Best doctor visit I ever had. Staff was pleasant and the doctor was very pleasant and professional. Took his time and answered all my questions. How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed? Your doctor will first perform a physical exam and ask you about your medical history. If your doctor still needs further testing to diagnose the condition, you might need to get an MRI or CT scan, a blood test, or a nerve biopsy. Electromyography can also be used to show issues with how the body functions in sending nerve signals to the muscles. During a nerve conduction study, the doctor will place electrodes on the skin. It is a procedure that might be considered slightly uncomfortable, however afterward it shouldn’t hurt. How is peripheral neuropathy treated? Treating peripheral neuropathy depends on what is the underlying factor that is causing it. In cases where diabetes is the cause, it is important to make certain changes, so that the blood glucose is controlled. In cases where vitamin deficiency is the cause of the problem, it is important to correct that deficiency. There are a lot of treatments that can bring relief and can help you to go back to your regular activities. In most cases, a combination of treatments can work best. there are also a lot of over-the-counter pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, that can help to control moderate pain. If you take such medications in excess, however, it can affect the function of the liver and stomach. Prescription pain medications can also help to control the pain that this condition leads to. This also includes antidepressants, antiepileptic medicines, and narcotics. The doctor might also use different medical treatments to help you control the symptoms of this condition. Plasmapheresis is a blood transfusion that can remove antibodies that might irritate you from the bloodstream. Although transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation doesn’t work in all cases, there are a lot of people who can profit from it as a drug-free therapy. Some patients profit from using ergonomic casts and splints as this can help especially if the neuropathy affects the hands, arms, legs, and feet. Such casts can help and provide support for the area of the body that is hurting. In addition to all such medical treatments, there are a lot of self-care options that can help, such as yoga, meditation, chiropractic care, massages, and acupuncture. Moderate and regular exercise can also help as it lessens discomfort. If you are someone who drinks and smokes, it is important to cut back or stop altogether, as both tobacco and alcohol can trigger nerve pain only further. Quitting smoking and drinking is also a way of preventing peripheral neuropathy, as well as following a healthy diet and exercising regularly and moderately.

Have you experienced sudden weight gain or loss? Do you experience brain fog, hair loss, chills or sweats? They may be caused by this common, yet frequently overlooked condition. Thyroid disorders are more common that heart disease and diabetes, yet up to 60 per cent of people with them are unaware. Thyroid disorders affect around 14 per cent of older Australians. Your thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits at the base of your neck. It secretes hormones that influence nearly all of your organs and helps to regulate your metabolism. When something goes wrong with your thyroid gland, it can affect your entire body. Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid secretes too many hormones. The side-effects of this condition include increased sweating, weight loss, anxiety, raised heart rate and more regular bowel movements. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid secretes too few hormones. The side-effects of this condition include fatigue, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin, mood swings and depression. As we get older, our thyroid gland is more likely to become underactive rather than overactive. Hence, hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder in Australia. There are two types of hypothyroidism: - Primary hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland becomes diseased, meaning it is unable to produce sufficient hormones for your body. - Secondary hypothyroidism occurs when your pituitary gland isn’t sufficiently stimulating your thyroid, meaning it doesn’t produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have a number of possible causes, including a diet that is low is iodine, thyroid surgery, radio-iodine therapy and medications. Primary hypothyroidism is often caused by an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This condition is caused when your own antibodies attack your thyroid gland. It is also known to cause a condition known as goitre, a swelling and enlargement of the thyroid gland. Thyroid disease is most commonly developed by people who are over the age of 60, have a family history of thyroid disease or an autoimmune disease. Women are five to eight times more likely to have thyroid problems than men. One in every eight women will develop a thyroid disorder at some stage in their life. These disorders may be frequently undiagnosed, in part because some of the symptoms are already common among at-risk groups. For example, some of the most common side-effects of a thyroid disorder include sweats, chills and fluctuations in weight, which are also common side-effects of menopause. Despite the serious side-effects, thyroid problems can usually be treated quite easily with medication. In order to be diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, you will need to consult your GP. Blood tests will be taken to monitor hormone levels, and further testing may be required to determine the origin of the problem. Other thyroid conditions are also on the rise. A study found that over the last 10 years thyroid cancer cases have increased by 84 per cent in women and 48 per cent in men. Do you have a thyroid disorder? Would you find it difficult to detect these disorders given their wide range of symptoms? If you enjoy our content, don’t keep it to yourself. Share our free eNews with your friends and encourage them to sign up. Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.

|Antigen-specific CD8+ T cell expansion, contraction and generation of memory phenotype by recombinant viral vectors. (Rollier, CS; Reyes-Sandoval, A. et al. Curr. Opin. Immunol. 23(3):377. 2011) |Visualisation of P. berghei malaria parasites expressing the reporter gene mCherry (red). Sporozoites are shown on the top panel and schizonts growing in hepatocytes at various times post infection (p.i.) are shown at the lower panel. Photos were taken using fluorescence microscopy. |Photomicrograph showing the midgut of an Anopheles mosquito infected with a transgenic Plasmodium parasite expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). When a mosquito ingests blood of an infected organism, the parasite's gametes fertilize and travel to the midgut epithelium where they form structures known as oocysts (green structures in the micrograph). Inside every oocyst, thousands of sporozoites develop to subsequently travel to the salivary glands, ready to be injected during the next blood meal taken by the mosquito. The fluorescent image in the middle permits a better visualization of the oocysts than the one obtained using light microscopy left. Photo taken by PhD student Ahmed Salman and R.A. Amar Lall. The fight against malaria is becoming of central importance in the global health agenda since the initial commitment by the WHO in 1969 to eradicate this disease. Such momentum has been driven by the growing appreciation of the humanitarian and economic problem, novel tools to fight this disease and an increased access to funding organisations. Of the two malaria parasites with the greatest prevalence, Plasmodium vivax is the most difficult to eliminate from endemic areas because of its ability to remain dormant as hypnozoites in the liver of an infected person for weeks, months or years to later reactivate and continue with the transmission cycle. The presence of a parasite with the ability to hide for years constitutes a formidable challenge to its elimination from densely populated areas of Asia and Latin America, where it threatens nearly 40% of the human population and is responsible of approximately 132 to 391 million cases of malaria with an overall cost of around US$ 1.2-4.0 billion per year. There is currently no licensed vaccine for malaria and vaccine development for P. vivax has been particularly a slow process with only two candidates reaching clinical trials and yielding modest results. Fortunately, modern tools and techniques will permit faster progression towards the development of novel vaccine candidates. In recent years, I have contributed to the development of one of the leading vaccine candidates for P. falciparum malaria that targets the parasite at the liver, where it stops and multiplies before entering the blood (pre-erythrocytic or liver-stage vaccines). This strategy uses novel recombinant viral vectors (ChAd63 and Modified Vaccinia Ankara, MVA) expressing the recombinant antigen TRAP. By exploiting their extraordinary ability to stimulate both arms of the adaptive immune response –antibodies and T cells-, we can elicit immune responses able to provide outstanding protection in a sporozoite challenge that mimics the infection process by which a mosquito inoculates parasites into a mammalian host. My research contributed to the understanding of mechanisms responsible for the extraordinary protective efficacy of recombinant viral vectors, laying the basis for their optimal use as malaria vaccines, including the following examples: - First description of a single vaccination with chimpanzee adenoviral vectors and its ability to induce complete, sterile protection against a sporozoite challenge using the P. berghei malaria parasite (Eur J Immunol, 2008). - Demonstration that Ad-MVA prime-boost vaccination regimens elicit long-term protection against malaria and enhance functionality of CD8+ T cells (Infect Immun, 2010). - Identification of correlates of protection for T-cell-inducing vaccines in pre-erythrocytic malaria (Infect Immun, 2010; J Immunol, 2011). - Demonstration of the potential of viral-vectored vaccination for pre-erythrocytic malaria in nonhuman primates and humans (Vaccine, 2010; J Infect Dis, 2012). - Various methods to enhance the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of viral vectors against malaria (Mol Ther, 2012; PLoS One, 2012). My ongoing research focuses on the development of a novel malaria vaccine against P. vivax using recombinant viral vectors expressing pre-erythrocytic antigens. Through the support of the Wellcome Trust, I will aim to develop and investigate the following: - A novel P. vivax vaccine using recombinant viral vectors expressing pre-erythrocytic antigens. - Development of novel transgenic P. berghei parasites expressing P. vivax transgenes that would permit assessment of new vaccine candidates. - The ability of viral-vectored vaccines to target the hypnozoites from P. vivax. - Design, production and purification of proteins from P. vivax to be used for research and vaccine development. An additional research interest consists on the development of vaccines for dengue using recombinant viral vectors. A bioinformatic prediction of antigen presentation from SARS-CoV-2 spike protein revealed a theoretical correlation of HLA-DRB1*01 with COVID-19 fatality in Mexican population: An ecological approach. Romero-López JP. et al, (2021), Journal of medical virology, 93, 2029 - 2038 Importance of the Immunodominant CD8+ T Cell Epitope of Plasmodium berghei Circumsporozoite Protein in Parasite- and Vaccine-Induced Protection. Gibbins MP. et al, (2020), Infection and immunity, 88 Low immunogenicity of malaria pre-erythrocytic stages can be overcome by vaccination Müller K. et al, (2020) Chikungunya E2 Protein Produced in E. coli and HEK293-T Cells-Comparison of Their Performances in ELISA. Bagno FF. et al, (2020), Viruses, 12 Recombinant Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite surface protein allelic variants: antibody recognition by individuals from three communities in the Brazilian Amazon. Soares IF. et al, (2020), Scientific reports, 10

Keywords are misleading, because they’re not really ‘keys’: they are just the normal, plain language words an author uses to describe his or her text, or words that appear in the title, abstract and elsewhere. Nonetheless, Keywords are a useful and necessary part of searching. New words for emerging technologies, diseases or abstract concepts are not recognized by databases. You need to use a keyword to find them. For example: in 2014 a new strain of the flu virus was identified in Asia, the bovine viral diarrhea virus. Articles on BVDV exist in MEDLINE, but the database only recognizes them by looking at keywords. To search by a keyword type in the word you want and type and add '.mp.'; this tells the database that you want it to search for this particular keyword in many places. Keywords are very useful, but using them can be a lot of work. If you want to see every article available on a topic, you will need to think of every synonym that an author could possibly use. A perfectly innocent word like migraine has 35 synonyms in MEDLINE. Some of these might be obscure to the non expert. Migraines could be referred to using a less specific term, such as 'sick headache', or by older terms such as a 'status migrainosus', or by a very specific term for one aspect of the disease, such as 'Alice in Wonderland syndrome'. Homonyms, too, are a problem. While depression seems perfectly concrete, a keyword search will also find articles on Cortical Spreading Depression, economic crises, and even compressions in CPR. You will have to look for all possible synonyms Keywords may identify a lot of citations that have nothing to do with your topic Searching by keyword may help you find what your looking for quickly Keyword searching allows you to find articles on topics not yet recognized by MEDLINE

Eggs, which are thought to be one of the oldest foods that man has ever known, have always played an important part in the lives and health of humans ever since the beginning of time. These tasty morsels are not only loaded with protein but also serve as the foundation for some of the most delicious breakfast foods and culinary additions, such as mayonnaise, which is the most ideal condiment for sandwiches. The purpose of celebrating these delightful little packages of deliciousness and the incredibly important role that eggs play in the day-to-day lives of humans all over the world on World Egg Day is to draw attention to the significance of eggs in people’s lives. An Overview of the History of World Egg Day When most people think of eggs, they picture the white or brown-shelled emissions that come from the common chicken. However, eggs can come in a variety of colours and shapes. The image that immediately comes to mind when someone mentions the word “egg” is that of a chicken egg, which is widely known to hold a miniature treasure in the form of a golden yolk and to have the potential to develop into so many different things that it pushes the limits of the human imagination. But these are not the only kinds of eggs that people find valuable; for example, caviar is considered to be a sign of wealth in its own right. Think about that for a second. Naturally, these are the eggs that have been laid by a variety of fish, and World Egg Day is a celebration of their significance as well. Eggs have been revered across many different cultures for a wide variety of reasons, including those that are religious and those that are decorative. The history of the egg extends far beyond the realm of gastronomy alone. Eggs have been seen as a symbol of fertility and a representation of life, renewal, and rebirth in a wide variety of cultures all over the world. The celebration of World Egg Day should serve as a timely prompt to investigate the passageways of history and the roles that eggs have played in those settings. It’s time to start getting into the celebratory spirit for World Egg Day! How to Celebrate the International Day of the Egg Participating in the activities surrounding the celebration of World Egg Day can turn into an exciting journey when it comes to commemorating everything that has to do with eggs. Put some of these suggestions for commemorating the occasion into practice: Devour a Dish That Consists of Eggs The best way to kick off the festivities for World Egg Day is with a heaping helping of eggs scrambled with bacon, which is widely regarded as the perfect pairing for eggs. That unassuming plate of eggs will be elevated to an entirely new level of scrumptiousness with the addition of just a touch of salt, pepper, and cheese. Putting together a sandwich for lunch on a slice of egg bread, which is incredible in its own right, is a fantastic idea that you should consider putting into action. What about the meat in the middle of the sandwich? Egg salad is the obvious choice here, considering the circumstances. A few hard-boiled eggs, some mayonnaise, some mustard, and some chopped dill pickle relish are all you need to make it. Discover Some Interesting Facts Regarding Eggs. On this special day, known as World Egg Day, it is a good idea to brush up on some fun facts and anecdotes that you can then share with your various coworkers, neighbours, friends, or members of your family. They’ll be blown away by one-of-a-kind and fascinating tidbits of information like the following: The breed is the primary factor in determining egg colour. There is no relationship between the colour of the egg and its freshness, flavour, or nutritional value in any way. In point of fact, the colour of the egg is strictly determined by the breed of the hen, and this colour corresponds to the colour of the earlobe on the hen! Eggs have a Significant Impact on Chefs’ Hats. Some people aren’t aware that in the not-too-distant past, the significance of the number of pleats in a chef’s hat was connected to the number of different ways that the chef was able to cook an egg. This is something that some people aren’t aware of. Achieving 100 pleats was the pinnacle of success and a sign of true honour in this project. Consuming eggs that have been cooked is preferable. It is a common misconception that consuming raw eggs can assist in the process of muscle building; however, this is not the case. It is only possible to digest about half of the proteins found in a raw egg. The body is able to digest more than 90 per cent of the protein after it has been cooked. Use your imagination with some ostrich eggs. There is a great deal of potential to be found in a carefully drained ostrich egg for those who have an artistic bent; one could even make a lamp out of such an egg! People from all over the world are encouraged to investigate the myriad of opportunities that lie within eggs on World Egg Day. Bonus: Egg Freshness Tips Are you sure those eggs are still good to eat? The best way to determine whether or not something is fresh is to put an egg into a glass of water and observe its reaction. If it is fresh, it will sink to the bottom. If it is buoyant? It is most likely very old. Eggs that have a cloudy white indicate that they were recently laid. The majority of eggs that are purchased from supermarkets have been stored for a longer period of time, so it is likely that their purported “whites” are actually colourless and clear in appearance. However, you shouldn’t eat them if the “whites” are any colour besides cloudy white or transparent. Otherwise, they can still be safely consumed.

Eating more whole grains is associated with up to 15% lower mortality—particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality, according to a large new long-term study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study also found that bran, a component of whole grain foods, was associated with similar beneficial effects. Bran intake was linked with up to 6% lower overall mortality and up to 20% lower CVD-related mortality. The study appears online January 5, 2015 in JAMA Internal Medicine. “This study further endorses the current dietary guidelines that promote whole grains as one of the major healthful foods for prevention of major chronic diseases,” said Qi Sun, assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and senior author of the study. Although eating more whole grains has been previously associated with a lower risk of major chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and CVD, until now there had been limited evidence regarding whole grains’ link with mortality. HSPH researchers and colleagues looked at data from more than 74,000 women from the Nurses’ Health Study and more than 43,000 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study who filled out questionnaires about their diet every two or four years from the mid-1980s to 2010.

The flexible budget allows estimates for expected expenses for costs that may fluctuate, such as utilities. Using this budgeting process is more effective since it provides a realistic outlook on the projected budget. The following flexible budget reveals the expected aggregate expense levels. In reality, supporting flexible budget documents would resemble the comprehensive budget documents portrayed in the prior chapter. Such comprehensive documents would provide the information necessary to manage the smallest of operating details that must be adjusted as production volumes fluctuate. It perhaps goes without saying that computers are extremely helpful in preparing budget information that is easily flexed for changes in volume. Indeed, even the preparation of the very simple illustrative information for Mooster’s Dairy was aided by an electronic spreadsheet. Businesses save millions of dollars in accounting time by relying on computers to aid budget preparation. This budget can be re-casted on the basis of the activity levels. In case of a business which carries their entire work with the help of laborers. FLEXIBLE BUDGETS, DIRECT-COST VARIANCES, Flexible budgeting is an important tool for most small businesses. Learn how it can help your business respond to the ups and downs of the marketplace. It may be tricky to analyze the variances of cost, as the nature of all the expenses may not be the same. Prediction can be highly volatile as it depends upon factors of production which are beyond managerial controls. The preparation of a flexible budget requires skilled workers. The level of activity depends upon the availability of such a factor of production. It helps establish the variability of cost factors at different levels of activity. The market share variance is favorable indicating that the company increased its percentage of the market. Static versus Flexible Budgets This is because the fixed expenses don’t change irrespective of the activity level and the semi-variable expenses do change but not in proportion to the activity level. Only the purely variable expenses vary proportionately with the activity level. What is budget period? The intervals of time into which a period of assistance (project period) is divided for budgetary and funding purposes. Budget periods are usually 12 months long but may be shorter or longer, if appropriate. Sometimes referred to as the Budget Year. The flexible budget at first appears to be an excellent way to resolve many of the difficulties inherent in a static budget. However, there are also a number of serious issues with it, which we address below. Selected information may also be shared with a business’s suppliers and customers via electronic data interchange. The net result is that the supply chain is immediately adjusted to https://wave-accounting.net/ match raw material orders to actual production needs, thereby eliminating billions of dollars of raw material waste and scrap. Suppose the budget was set up with the expectation that sales would be $200,000 per month and labor cost was budgeted at $50,000 per month, or 25 percent of sales. It can help in sales, costs, and profit calculation at different levels of operating capacity. Flexible Budget Reports Flexible budgets have distinct advantages over static budgets. After you get used to flexible budgets, they will become one of your favorite management tools. A flexible budgeting approach is more realistic and practical than a static budget. It provides flexible targets for management with achievable 7 4 Prepare Flexible Budgets results. You should perform a flexible budgeting variance analysis for each activity to gain valuable information on discrepancies in planning and operations. Budgeting is how a company plans for future production cycles. The initial estimate or static budget is a necessary part of planning. Over time, though, your actual production, sales, and revenue will change. These changes can be due to variations such as changing inventory costs, supply chain concerns, and market conditions. You would then take your static, or master, budget and adjust the numbers based on your actual revenue. In brief, a flexible budget is a budget that distinguishes the behavior of fixed and variable cost that changes. And changes that happen with the level of activity attained, or change in the revenue or other variable factors.

Visionaries of the Technology Revolution Alan Turing is renown as the father of the Information Revolution. He conceived the Universal Computing machine that would replicate the human mind, the start of Artificial Intelligence. Thomas Watson was the founder of IBM and led it to become the dominant player in computing. Bill Gates was the cofounder of Microsoft, who saw the commercial advantages of being the dominant operating software owner. Gordon Moore was the cofounder of Intel, the leading company in the growth of the computer chip. He expounded Moore”s Law that in its final form stated that the number of transistors on a computer chip would double every two years, Increasing the speed of computer processing and decreasing the cost of it exponentially for decades. Steve Jobs was the two time leader of Apple Computers. Among other things, he foresaw the popularity of the Personal Computer, the Smartphone and the Laptop, leading Apple Computer to dominant positions in in those successive fields. Geoffrey Hinton is the leading developer of Deep Learning, the ability of computers to mimic the brain power of the human Neural Networl reasoning system. Mike Lazaridis was the founder of Research-In-Motion, now Blackberry, the company that first developed the Smartphone for business users.

What types of foot and leg injuries do kids’ regularly suffer with? Some of the most commonly seen injuries in kids are: - Heel pain (Sever’s disease) - Shin pain - Knee pain - Calf pain - Arch pain - Ball of foot pain - Growing pains These injuries, especially heel pain, can stop a child playing their favourite sport in their tracks. As a podiatrist I’ve seen kids grab onto walls to support their walking or be carried into appointments by parents because they can’t walk at all. As well as being debilitating, foot and leg conditions can be frustrating for kids who love to be active, or love their sport. Injuries often happen at the worst times, and hit hardest for those who miss out on hard-fought finals. Pain is the body’s warning mechanism to alert us that something is wrong or needs attention. The source of pain can range from training issues, technique errors, and unsuitable footwear, to common problems with biomechanics and foot posture, which can underpin many foot and leg injuries. A classic example is a painful knee that tracks inwards due to the feet rolling in. Not all injuries present in the same way. Low level niggling pain often recurs with activity or during particular sports or movements. Dull aching pain can be accumulative and persistent (chronic), intensifying as time goes on. Sharp pain can be very disruptive, putting an end to participation in sports and sometimes even basic daily activity. Pain affects kids across a wide age range, with their ability to cope determined by their age/maturity, type of pain, chronicity (how long they’ve had it), ambitions, and support network. Being informed and proactive as parents give our kids the best chance of prevention and recovery before pain progresses. If active kids in your life could benefit from knowing more about foot health and how to prevent and manage foot and leg injuries, please share this information. Together we can get this information to where it’s needed most and make a difference. Stay tuned for part 3 of Foot & Leg Injuries in Kids – What causes foot and leg injuries.

At HomeQuestionsAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge. A toilet fill valve is located in the tank portion of a toilet and controls the water flowing into the tank. Attached to the float mechanism, the toilet fill valve is activated when the float begins to drop in the tank. Once the water reaches its predetermined full level, the toilet fill valve closes and halts the flow of water into the toilet tank. Made of plastic, the toilet fill valve is not subject to corrosion or rust; however, scale as well as mineral build-up from hard water can occasionally render the valve inoperable. Most in-bowl toilet-cleaning chemicals can prevent this build-up and keep the toilet fill valve in working condition for years. Proper float adjustment is critical for long toilet fill valve life, as most broken fill valves are due to improperly functioning floats. The fill valve is located in the toilet tank directly above the incoming water line. In order to replace the fill valve, the water must first be turned off at the water line. With the water off, the toilet can be flushed and drained of its water supply. This will provide ample dry room to remove the toilet fill valve and replace it with another valve. It is a wise decision for users to replace the float and flapper mechanism at the same time to prevent having to drain the system again at a later date. Once the fill valve is replaced, the water can once again be turned on. The float must be set to turn the water off as it reaches the full level. Typically, the float can be adjusted by bending the metal rod that attaches it to the fill valve. To turn the water flow off, the float ball must be bent down toward the water. This will cause the fill valve to close sooner; conversely, bending the rod upward will allow the water to flow longer before tripping the fill valve and shutting off the flow. A properly-operating toilet fill valve will be silent once the tank has reached its full water level. Any noise or sound coming from the tank is an indication that water is continuing to flow out of the fill valve. Typically, a minor adjustment to the float arm will correct this problem. Other reasons that the fill valve may continue to allow water to flow into the tank are sticking flapper valves or an incorrectly-adjusted flushing arm chain. To cure this problem, users should make certain that the chain is letting the flapper valve close completely.

The 4G LTE boosters are very powerful compared to the 4G and the 3G signal booster; they can amplify the signal to large areas like schools, office buildings, and supermarkets. The booster is so strong that it has no limit to the number of phones it can boost at a given time; hence it can boost and repeat the signal to mobile phones all around the area. The 4G mobile signal boosters work like the 4g booster and are dependent on three main parts for their proper functioning. Let’s examine the function of each component so you understand how it relays the signal to phones and boosts them over a large area. The external antenna is called so because it is always located outside the building to collect the incoming mobile phone signals from the cell phone tower and send back signals from the phones to the cell phone tower. The 4G LTE mobile signals are very strong and travel fast; however, they have trouble penetrating walls, glass, and trees in some cases. Because of the blockage, the phones receive a very weak signal. The External antenna picks up the 4G LTE outside the building, where it is stronger, and sends it to the amplifier. The 4G LTE amplifier works as a transformer that steps up the 4G LTE signal (either from the internal or external antenna). The signal travels to the amplifier through coaxial cables, which have shallow signal loss over short distances. Once the incoming or outgoing signal has been amplified, it sends to the relevant antenna for rebroadcasting. The amplifier increases the signal strength to cover a large area and increase its signal strength. On average, a 4G LTE booster increases signal strength by 73 dB to 120 dB and covers at least 250m2 The internal antenna is the device that relays the 4G LTE signal to the phones in the building. The antenna also receives signals from all the phone in a home and send the signal to the amplifier. There are two main designs of the internal antenna. The panel antenna is designed for use in a single office or home office (SOHO) as it sent signals 45 degrees to 75-degree while the dome antenna is designed for use in large spaces and can send signals at 360 degrees for use in large spaces or buildings. The 4G LTE signal booster helps phones get the strongest network boost for better phone call quality and fast internet speeds. It has a high amplification capacity and can serve an unlimited number of people. The booster works best due to the use of digital rather than analog signal boosting.

Today we are delighted to feature another guest post, this time by our dear friend and colleague, Gail Engebretson. We’ve known Gail for more than forty years. She taught Juliana how to play the violin and worked with us in France for many years. She’s really part of the family. Gail probably has more hands-on knowledge and practical experience teaching music to children and using music to develop the brain than just about anyone on the planet. Gail Engebretson graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1974 with a BA in Music Education. She received special training in the Suzuki violin method and studied with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in Japan. In 1976, Gail began training in Human Development at the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia. There she designed music programs for young children and babies. Gail later developed music and violin programs in California, Wisconsin, and Washington. She currently lives in the Seattle area where she teaches music and violin to a bunch of really lucky kids. Gail also volunteers her time in an after-school string program in a native American community. In addition to her music and teaching career, Gail is a life coach and a published author. Music to Grow the Brain What does music have to do with brain development? Many people believe music, musical instruction and learning an instrument are nice but not very important – certainly not something crucial in a child’s development or critical to maintain in our school’s curriculums. But most people have not considered music as a way to enhance brain development in a child. Music is a language, a very complex language. Music has pitch and tone and rhythm. It has texture and form. Learning to play a musical instrument requires fine-tuned listening skills, spatial awareness, tactile awareness, manual dexterity, and physical coordination. The brain is made up of billions of neurons and as these neurons become stimulated they make new connections – synapses. If they receive stimulation and are used they become stronger. If they are not used, they die. One of the three main pathways into the brain is the auditory pathway. This pathway is strengthened and grown every time a child listens to music. Listening to classical music, which has a more complex musical structure, uses even more neurons and creates more connections in the developing brain. There have been numerous studies done in recent years about music and the impact it has on children’s mental, physical and even psychological growth. When the brain is processing music, both the right and left hemispheres of the brain light up. It shows activity in the auditory, visual, cognitive, spatial and motor systems of the brain. Research has shown that classical music primes the brain to solve spatial problems faster. Children with music training have scored better in math and verbal skills. Stimulating the brain through music enables a child to have better listening skills. They are able to differentiate pitches and sounds. This helps in language development and later, reading development. Even a little bit of music training can make a difference in a child’s listening abilities later in life. There’s a window of opportunity for creating the greatest impact through music. This window exists between the ages of two and ten. This is also when the greatest growth of language and the parts of the brain responsible for language are occurring. It makes perfect sense that music has its greatest impact then. So what can you do as a parent to enhance your child’s brain development using music? Here are eight simple but powerful suggestions: - Put music on in your child’s environment, especially classical music, starting as early as possible – even in utero - Encourage singing – sing to your child and with your child (even if you don’t have the greatest voice). - Teach your child song games that involve movement such as “Pat-a-Cake” and “Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes”. - Have your child move to music, dance, clap or bang out the rhythm of the music – help them make that physical and kinesthetic connection. - Start your child on a musical instrument such as violin or piano as soon as you feel they’re ready, preferably around age three or four. - The Suzuki Method is an ideal place to start. - Use music to teach numbers and letters or other information. We remember song lyrics! - Encourage your schools to maintain music classes, singing, string programs and band programs. It’s very important to keep all music activities fun and enjoyable for your child. Music is a wonderful thing when it’s not being forced on a child. Many of us have gone through music lessons that became excruciating. Keep the bigger picture in mind – you’re not out to make master musicians but rather, happy, smart and capable children.

Average rating by users: Author of Resource: Sis. Nurana Institute: Safar Academy Resource Type: Generic Activity/Games Time Resource will take: 30 minutes What equipment or Preparation do I need for the activity? Words from word bank Describe the Resource: GUESS THE KEY WORD OR PHRASE Great revision game for the end of term/before exams or after finishing a topic. HOW DO YOU PLAY? 1. Students are put into two teams, Team A and Team B 2. Team A selects a person for the first round. 3. The words from the word bank in the attachment are cut out, folded up and placed in a hat/box 4. Team A picks out a random word from the word bank. 5. The selected student from Team A stands at the front and the key word is written above their head on the whiteboard 5. Team A have 2 minutes to describe the key term/event or individuals name to their team member without using the word itself. 6. The student from Team A has to try and guess the word in this time limit. If its a phrase, as long as the student gets the main aspect, the answer will be accepted. (Judge’s discretion) 7. If they get it right it’s 2 points 8. If they get it wrong it’s 0 points 9. Next round – Team B selects a person and the game continues until all words in the word bank are used. WANT TO MAKE THE GAME MORE CHALLENGING?? See the attachment on ways to make each round more challenging for stronger teams or higher ability students! Or simply to make each round more exciting!

By 2050, ten billion people are expected to live on our planet. Two billion more than currently, within three decades. This is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Your students have the knowledge and skills to come up with solutions to this enormous challenge. To provide support in the classroom, we offer various teaching materials. Do you challenge them to come up with these solutions? The Global Challenge was developed by the World Food Prize Foundation. It is an assignment whereby students delve into a country and the people who live there. Then, under the guidance of their own teacher, they choose a theme within the world food issue that they will be researching. The end product is a workpiece of three to five pages. We can provide a starting workshop from Wageningen University & Research, for example with the use of a Global Guest or playing the world food game. Students who have completed the Global Challenge can participate in the Wageningen Youth Institute 2022 on Thursday, March 17. They then enter discussions with each other and experts and participate in the further program of the day including excursions and lectures. Students can sign up for this themselves. The Global Challenge is very suitable for Global Citizen schools and in geography lessons, but certainly also for other subjects. Contact us via the contact form on this website to find out the possibilities for you. Junior Consultancy Training In this assignment you will work in a group as a consultancy. You receive an assignment from an expert from Wageningen University & Research about food waste (Case Food waste) and about meat substitutes (Case Ideal Burger). You conduct research and you advise the expert. Junior Consultancy Training Food waste Other Teaching materials Global Guest is a program whereby students from Wageningen University & Research from all over the world give guest lessons to students. In this way students get better insight into international developments and daily life in other cultures and countries. A Global Guest gives the opportunity to treat global themes with an expert from the relevant area, country or continent. A Global Guest can also be used for teaching a language. World Food Game In the World Food Game: Fruit for everyone! Students discover how food is distributed among the world's population. By talking to each other, students learn about the distribution issue, the availability of food, food waste and related topics of choice.

A study (Jago et al, 2023) led by the University of Bristol finds that by summer 2022, 41% of children aged 10 and 11 were meeting the national recommended guidelines of 60 minutes of physical activity a day. However, while this is an improvement on the immediate post-Covid levels, it still means that the majority of children are falling short. The findings are similiar to Sport England research in December, which concluded that only 47% of children aged 5 to 16 meet the 60 minute guideline, with a further 23% completing 30 to 59 minutes a day (Sport England, 2022). The University of Bristol researchers are particularly concerned after discovering that children are more sedentary during the week since public lockdown restrictions lifted – spending an extra 13 minutes on average daily being inactive according to the findings. Register now, read forever Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content. Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday Already have an account? Sign in here

Regression – the widespread term in such fields of science as psychology, psychiatry, mathematics, economy and reflecting processes of the return movement or development. The esoterics and popular psychology use regression methods for a travel on antecedents or the embodiments. Regression in psychology The small child, accumulating experience of interaction with the world around and other people, investigates communications and reactions in response to the actions and manipulations – so are fixed the certain patterns of behavior helping the child to receive the desirable, or not to be punished for some offense. Regression – the protection mechanism used by the person already being, in an adult state, at the time of alarm or frustration with which he cannot cope and sinks down on earlier, unripe reactions of behavior characteristic of the small child. Examples of regression: - at emergence in family of one more child – the senior, as a result of jealousy in every possible way tries to return to himself attention (he too still small or helpless, complains, is capricious); - care in a disease - manipulation of close people; - jamming of problems (reminiscence when the crying child is given candy instead of understanding the reasons of crying and to help the child to cope with the arisen problem). The regressive psychology studies mental processes of emergence of conditions of regress. Return to children's reactions is characteristic of all people and is explained by the fact that at the unconscious level there is an experience of the fact that the child is punished less or if to apply emotional blackmail: to begin to cry, take offense, to go into a hysterics – it is possible to receive the desirable. Such interdisciplinary sciences as psychiatry and psychology use regressive technicians for return of the person to the last injuring events to erase a trauma or to rewrite the vital scenario. Regression in antecedents – a popular method of self-knowledge among the people who are engaged in self-development, practicing yoga and fond of Hinduism. The science denies what unconscious the person stores information on the last embodiments and does not admit the fact of reincarnation. Regressive hypnosis the changed condition of mental processes during which gipnolog can inspire in the person anything, for example, that it: - in other time; - on the unknown planet; - makes any actions. Regressive hypnosis unlike regressions in antecedents, is method of impact on the person, with a research objective of his past, for a solution or disposal of fear which reasons are not realized and have roots in the past of the patient, is more often in the childhood. Skilled gipnoterapevt has to own methods of regressive therapy, 80% of work of a gipnolog are connected with regression in the past. For the ordinary person the regressing represents something unreal and fantastic, but the science explains it more prosy and process is closely connected with psychophysiological properties of a human body. Regressive hypnosis – a condition of consciousness at which it stays in a trance and the trance is a habitual phenomenon for the person, in it it stays several times during the day. All avtomatizm (habitual actions), whether it be washing of ware, circulation along the same route – are made by the person in a condition of a trance when the brain works with frequency of 7 - 14 Hz (alpha rhythm). Gipnoterapevt enters the patient into a condition of a trance and accompanies the person on his travel to that place or an event where there was a trauma and there is reset of the scenario in more positive key. Success of regressive therapy depends on the following factors: - immersion speeds; - gipnabelnost of the person (only 30% of people possess high degree of a gipnabelnost, with the others additional methods on removal of protection and mistrust are necessary); - time during which the person is capable to be in a trance. Regressive hypnotherapy can be applied with success and in self-hypnosis. Conscious immersion by the person of in a certain event the taking place in the past. Important points of self-hypnosis: - application technician of the consecutive movement of eyes or countdown; - initial concentration on insignificant details of an event; - involvement of all sense organs; - experience of the event and forming of other, positive chain; - exit from a condition of a trance and the analysis of the event. Regression – the psychological protection peculiar to human mentality. The kickback to unripe forms of response to a stress is an unconscious mechanism, but sometimes and manipulation to which infantile persons, in which arsenal, only such behavior promoting achievement of the desirable resort. Regressive frustration are already a complex of the syndromes characteristic of the personality who is in neurosis or having a psychiatric disease (schizophrenia, psychoses, weak-mindedness). Types of regressive frustration: - violation of skills of neatness (enuresis, enkoprez); - disorders of psychomotility (crawling instead of walking, rocking, walking on socks); - behavioural violations are expressed in full or partial loss of skills of self-service (the patient eats with hands, swallows food without chewing, cannot independently put on). Regression in medicine Types of the regressions existing in medical science: - Logistic regression – statistics method allowing to predict approach, features of course, an outcome of any given disease, percent of the diseased. - Age regression – degradation of the personality with gradual loss of knowledge and skills. - Regression of a disease – a phase of a disease at which there is a recession of symptoms and return to normal functioning of an organism. Degradation and regression closely interconnected processes observed at a serious somatic and mental illness. Degradation represents process of disintegration of the personality, loss own I that leads to regression – to the primitive forms of reaction characteristic of children's age. The diseases provoking age regression: - alcoholism, drug addiction; - Alzheimer's disease; - senile dementia (marasmus stage); - multiple sclerosis. Regression in economy The concept of regression found application and in the economic sphere. The regressive kickback in economy, is shown as return to the former, become obsolete once methods, externally it is shown by decline and stagnation of economic processes. The regression and correlation analysis – the method helping to count profit, factors influencing decrease or increase in the outputs.

What do the various emissions scenarios published by the IPCC really mean? Is the worst-case RCP8.5 scenario “bollox,” as some have asserted, or it useful? Are we already doomed to experience seven feet of sea level rise and five degrees Celsius of warming globally, or is there still a chance that we can limit warming to two degrees? And if so…how likely is it that we can hit that target? How much can our energy transition efforts, both now and in the foreseeable future, do to mitigate that warming? Should our scenarios err on the side of being too extreme to account for unknown feedback effects and tipping points that may come in the future, or should we try to be as accurate as possible with our modeling, given the available data and scientific tools? In this 11th part of our miniseries on climate science, we attempt to answer these questions and help our listeners sort out the various perspectives, from the tame to the apocalyptic, that feature in the current debates about our climate future. We hope that it will leave you with a much better understanding of what the climate scenarios really mean, how likely they are, and what the actual trajectory of climate change might be. We’re not out of the woods by any means, but our prospects may be better than you think! View all parts of The Energy Transition Show mini-series on climate at: https://energytransitionshow.com/climatescience Geek rating: 9

The top of the blade when the knife is viewed properly, point to the left, handle to the right. The sharp corner at the handle end of the blade back that sticks above the handle when the knife is closed and seems to threaten to rip a hole in the pocket. If this is not sharp it will not look good when open. In pen knives this was solved by using “sunk joints”. See more information and a diagram here. Heavy 16th Century sabre. A shoulder belt or sling for carrying a sword. A heavy nylon type material used for gun cases and knife pouches. Balloon (Handle Shape) Swell Center and round at both ends Barehead (Handle style) Bolster at the blade end only - Should be Bare Butt A design that is not less than 150 years old. This was an inexpensive knife usually made with iron bolster and liners, always a one or two blade jack knife with longer than normal bolsters (2.5 times that of a simple jack); today barlow knives are usually made in keeping with each firms standard quality and are much sought after by collectors. The combined tool and weapon of the Moros of the southern Philippines. The Barong has a leaf shaped blade of about 15 inches by three inches wide that curves to the point and to the handle on both the edge and the back. Barong image attribution link. A knife with a Cap Lifter and a Corkscrew. A sword hilt that entirely covers the hand with connecting bars from guard to pommel, best known of these is the Scot's Broadsword, less well known is the Venetian Schiavonia. A knife, sword or spike intended to be fastened to the end of the barrel of a rifle or musket. The first bayonets were called plug bayonets because the handle was plugged into the barrel. Bayonets were very important when the firearm was single shot, much less important with fully automatic weapons. The earliest bayonet was the so-called Plug Bayonette which was a large dagger with a small pommel that "Plugged into the barrel of the musket changing it into a pike. An axe with the lower part of the edge hanging below the principle part of the head as does a goose wing ax. Many of the northern Germanic peoples used axes of this type both for felling trees and for fighting. Beaver Tail (Handle Shape) A very broad handle. The Belly of a knife blade is the part of the edge that transitions from a straight line up into the point. It is the curve along the blade. Formed in 1976 to produce knives designed by Blackie Collins who died in 2011. Big Nut (Handle/Blade Configuration) 5 blades in a Peanut style configuration. Bob Loveless and I tried this steel in the 1970s and found that it was a very superior knife steel but that it was really more trouble than it was worth. Bob continued to use it from time to time, I never used it again. 1.15 Carbon, 0.50 Manganese, 14.5 Chromium, 1.20 Vanadium, 4.0 Molybedenum. A coating put on military knife blades to kill all reflection. The correct term is "Black Lip Mother of Pearl". This is very rare and probably the most expensive of all mother of pearls. One who forges a blade to shape. I hate to tell you this, because this term really sells knives, there is no such thing as a blood groove and there is no sucking action that will hang up a knife in a victims body. The term is "Fuller"; this is a groove that lightens the blade without sacrificing the too much strength. The word is Spanish but has come to mean a large jungle knife used in the Philippines. Pictured is a discontinued Jungle Bolo by Benchmade. It has a larger point to shift the weight forward for heavier chopping. The metal material at the blade end of knife handle; today these are usually of nickel silver or a mild stainless steel. In older less expensive knives they were often made of iron or mild steel. This is CPM-S30V as heat treated by Paul Bos. Currently used only by Buck Knives. There is no single historical shape, but today it is thought to be a blade shaped very much like the Buck 120 blade. A large knife with a blade that might range from 6 to 14 inches; the original had a blade that was probably 9 inches long with a sturdy guard projecting from both the top and bottom of the knife between blade and handle. Invented by Rezin Bowie and made famous by his brother James, who died at the Alamo. The man who made the Bowie knife famous, The knife was actually designed by his brother Rezin. Bow Tie, AKA Fish Tail (Handle Shape) Has a fixed guard top and bottom as part of the bolster. A low cost, simple, one blade slip joint knife. A company started by Al Buck whose father had taught him to make knives. Al started in his garage and in the 1960s incorporated and began to make production knives. These are really nice people who make good quality knives. The knives of a special 420HC and better stainless have developed a reputation for being difficult to sharpen, if you sharpen them on ceramic or diamonds you will never have any problem. Blade designed for removing a bud and implanting it elsewhere A metal, stag or plastic fixture at the pommel (the end away from the blade) end of a knife handle. Butter Bean (Handle Shape) A small version of a canoe.

Source: Burlig, Knittel, Rapson, Reguant, Wolfram, Machine Learning From Schools About Energy Efficiency, September 2017 Energy efficiency is often considered low-hanging fruit for climate policy. Thought to reduce carbon emissions and save money at the same time—who could argue against it? And to date, market forces have identified plenty of attractive opportunities to reduce the amount of energy consumed per unit of GDP. That’s a big part of why energy demand growth has slowed in many developed markets. Yet major forecasters like the International Energy Agency (IEA) are counting on efficiency programs to play an even larger role in the future, accounting for a third or more of the needed reductions in global carbon emissions by 2040. But will government and utility-backed programs deliver? A number of recent studies suggest that programs will need to be far more robustly designed, or they will likely fall short of their ambitious goals. In the latest such study, EPIC’s Fiona Burlig and colleagues at MIT, UC Berkeley, UC Davis and Northwestern analyzed a government program to increase building efficiency in K-12 schools in California. They found that while the energy efficiency upgrades lowered energy consumption at the average school by 3 percent, the schools saved only 24 percent of what was originally projected. According to the researchers, a school that invested $400,000 in upgrades, expecting that it would recoup its investment in the form of lower energy bills in 4 years, might never see the investment pay off. This isn’t the only study that came out this year that showed actual savings from energy efficiency investments are far less than projected. Another study, by EPIC’s Michael Greenstone and his colleague Hunt Allcott from NYU, looked at more than 100,000 households that participated in a large, federally-funded stimulus program in Wisconsin. They found the investments there saved only about 58 percent of what was promised, but that a handful of program reforms could lead to far better outcomes. By: Fiona Burlig, Christopher Knittel (MIT), David Rapson (UC Davis), Mar Reguant (Northwestern), and Catherine Wolfram (UC Berkeley)

Today, our food production system brings quality food to the tables of European citizens. Food which is safe, tasty, diverse, and affordable. Europe’s bountiful agricultural system ensures that our continent is a major player in the global food market. We export and import all kinds of agricultural products, providing employment and support to millions of farmers in Europe and around the world. However, we also recognise that our food production system, although efficient, is being challenged to be more sustainable. Agriculture needs resources – fuel, pesticides, fertilizers, water – which society is asking us to reduce to mitigate the overall impact of food production on our planet. This is an essential, but complex debate. There are a great many factors in play and it is often tempting just to oversimplify the debate by stripping it down to meeting a set of targets - isolated targets that many hope hold all the answers. But addressing one target in isolation, while ignoring all the other factors necessary to grow food, is arbitrary and does not provide a sustainable path for this complex transition. It all boils down to a few fundamental questions. Is it possible for pesticides use to be reduced while remaining productive and competitive? Yes, it is. Should it be a mandatory, fixed target? No. Do the exiting EU regulations provide sufficient support to our industry to enable the required transition in the food systems? No. It’s all about the farmers’ toolbox Our industry has made it a priority to invest in a variety of complementary tools that reduce famers’ reliance on pesticides and offer them solutions to increase the sustainability of their farms. Our job is certainly not yet completed. On the contrary, we are continuing to invest billions of euros to make progress along a number of promising avenues, offering ever more innovative solutions to farmers. Today, the farmers’ toolbox is full of new and innovative products, such as biopesticides which are much more selective in their targets and which have a much greener profile than older equivalent products. Also included are new, sustainable chemicals derived from nature, which can be used in organic farming as well as in integrated pest management strategies. There are high-tech precision applications, which enable the delivery of the minimum amount of crop protection, in precisely the right place at exactly the right time. And there are new genomic techniques, which enable farmers to farm in difficult conditions, or to use less chemicals, or even to improve crop yield and quality. We are already seeing how new technologies like digital farming are shrinking agriculture’s ecological footprint. The latest harmonised risk indicator shows a trend of pesticide reduction use and risk of 21%. This proves that we are on the right track. Our industry is making these investments because we believe in the future of agriculture. Moreover, by embracing the latest agricultural innovations and solutions, it will be possible to produce food for everyone - in Europe and further afield - in a more sustainable, less impactful way. But here in Europe, we need to foster this innovation and encourage these developments. We need more coherence between the legislative pieces The current Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation (SUR) proposal obliges each Member State to reach mandatory reduction targets in pesticide use and risk. But this target takes no account of the fact that nearly 50% of all applications for solutions or alternatives have been stuck in the EU regulatory pipeline since 2011. Currently, it takes more than 10 years for any alternative solution to arrive on the market – that is way beyond any target or deadline set by the SUR. Farmers simply cannot wait that long. Pests and diseases certainly don’t. Innovative biopesticides also face hurdles in their registration process, with no dedicated guidance documents – and the EU has only recently provided adapted requirements for publication of microorganisms. But where are the dedicated pathways for biochemicals, or peptides etc? As in most industries, new substances or new applications always have a more favourable profile than existing ones. We acknowledge that developing new regulatory requirements takes time – but the current excessive time-lag is causing innovation to stall. Even on the digital side, progress is painfully slow. Farmers today are facing many economic challenges, while at the same time being hindered by the often very limited availability of high-speed internet in rural areas while they also have to cope with the complexity of the European regulatory regimes. In a nutshell, the agri-food industry has been set a huge global challenge - to transform the food production system and make it more sustainable, less resource intensive, but to a large extent, more productive. And we are being asked to meet this challenge with one hand tied behind our back. Can we really ask European farmers to achieve this ambition with fewer pesticides including newer or better ones – on fewer advanced seeds, and no access to complementary digital options? Targets alone are not the solution Reducing the impact of farming must not mean limiting the solutions available to farmers. Instead, it must embrace the rapid emergence of new and better solutions, adapting farming practices and using technologies to farm using fewer resources. Arbitrary targets are not the solution. We need regulatory transition pathways. Our industry supports the ambitions of the European Green Deal. We are doing that by investing in sustainable solutions to protect crops. One thing that won’t change in the future, however, is the presence of pests, weeds, and diseases. They won’t just go away. Opinion by Olivier de Matos, Director General of CropLife Europe

On July 1, 2017, India implemented the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to streamline the complicated tax structure, remove cascading taxes, extend the revenue base, improve compliance, and make business easier. GST’s influence on the Indian economy’s competitiveness, especially in foreign commerce, is a critical characteristic. GST competitiveness refers to India’s ability to create and sell products and services at cheaper costs and higher quality than domestic and foreign competitors. GST competitiveness is determined by variables like productivity, innovation, infrastructure, human capital, and institutions. GST competition has a huge influence on the Indian economy since it affects manufacturing costs and efficiency, product pricing and quality, as well as trade incentives and possibilities. We shall investigate how GST impacts India’s competitiveness by influencing exports and imports as well as the entire economy. In terms of exports, GST eliminates cascading taxes, making Indian goods more inexpensive and competitive worldwide. The installation of the GST resulted in an increase in the pace of export growth. In terms of imports, GST reduces the cost of importing capital goods, allowing Indian businesses to modernize and increase production. Overall, GST benefits the Indian economy. GST unifies the domestic market by reducing inter-state trade obstacles, allowing for economies of scale. The simpler tax system decreases the burden of compliance and corruption. Transparent regulations and processes make conducting business easier. Thus, GST boosts India’s competitiveness and global trade status via a variety of avenues. GST’s Positive Impact on the Indian Economy The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India has had a number of beneficial economic consequences. To start with, GST has simplified the formerly complex tax system by integrating many indirect taxes, such as excise, sales, and tax on services, into a single tax scheme. Firms’ regulatory and administrative duties have been reduced as a result. Under GST, there is no longer a need for multiple registrations, returns, and compliances across different states. Businesses now need to deal with only one tax with a few slabs, one administration, and one system of tax compliance. Second, since it is based on the principle of tax on value addition, GST has decreased the cascading impact of taxes. Instead of charging the entire value of the good, tax is now only levied on the value added at each stage of the production chain. This has reduced the hidden tax burden on both producers and consumers. Studies estimate GST to reduce the tax burden on manufacturers by 25-30%. Because of the centralized tax procedures, tight e-way bill standards, and the IT network, GST has enhanced compliance with tax laws. Small businesses and traders that used to do business in cash are now included in the formal economy. It has broadened the tax base and raised income. GST collections crossed Rs 1 lakh crore for the third month in a row in Jan 2020, indicating improved compliance. |Biodiesel that is sold to the oil marketing companies |Granting of National Permit to goods carriages |‘Keytruda’ drug for the treatment of cancer |Services on AFC Women’s Asia Cup Table: Top 4 items where GST has been reduced GST has boosted inter-state trade by eliminating state barriers and entry taxes. Seamless input tax credits and the movement of goods across states have enabled the creation of a common national market. This has expanded business opportunities and aided the Make in India initiative. Moreover, GST has enhanced the competitiveness of Indian products in international markets. Exports are nowadays zero-rated, and imports and exports are now faster due to reduced procedures. This has provided a boost to the export sector. Finally, owing to efficiency improvements, uniform taxes, and lower compliance costs, GST is predicted to increase GDP growth by 1-2%. NCAER estimates the long-term GDP effect of GST to be between 0.9 and 1.7 percent. As a result of tax simplification, lower tax burden, greater compliance, common market access, competitiveness in exports, and overall efficiency improvements, GST has had a favorable influence on the Indian economy. The Adverse Effects of GST on the Indian Economy The implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India has been a major tax reform, but it has also had some negative impacts on the Indian economy. GST has resulted in significant income shortages for both the federal and state governments. Actual tax collections have consistently been lower than early forecasts due to decreased rates, deductions, tax evasion, and an economic slump. This has disrupted government finances and impacted budgetary allocations for development programs and welfare schemes. To compensate states for revenue losses, the central government had promised 14% annual growth in GST revenue for five years. However, even this compensation has not been fully met, leading to disputes between centers and states over GST revenue sharing. GST has also created inflationary pressures in the economy. The increased tax burden on essential goods and services has impacted household budgets and consumption. Removal of exemptions and higher tax rates have increased costs for businesses, which have been passed on to consumers through higher prices. This has particularly affected lower-income groups who spend a greater share of income on essentials. There has also been a differential sectoral impact. Export-oriented sectors like manufacturing, textiles, and leather have benefited from input tax credits, while sectors like real estate, healthcare, and small traders have been adversely affected due to higher compliance burdens and costs. Unorganized enterprises and small businesses have suffered from complex procedures, higher costs, and loss of informal supply chains. The agriculture sector continues to remain outside the GST ambit. This uneven impact has created distortions across economic sectors. Thus, while GST has created a common market and eased inter-state movement of goods, its implementation has faced considerable challenges. Teething troubles in technology, frequent changes in rates and processes, revenue uncertainties, and sectoral impacts have created economic disruptions. Addressing these negatives through policy reforms, administrative streamlining, and effective IT systems can help realize the full potential benefits of GST for the economy. GST Impаct on Indiаn Exports Exports are crucial for India’s economy, generating foreign exchange earnings, employment, and economic growth. In 2019-20, India’s exports of goods and services totaled USD 493.2 billion, nearly 19% of GDP. However, India’s global export share remains low at around 2%. High logistics costs, complex regulations, and limited manufacturing success impede exports. The GST aims to boost export competitiveness by easing the tax burden and compliance process while leveling the playing field globally. |Basic Custom Duty |Foreign Trade Policy Table: Taxes that might not subsume after GST The reforms seek to maximize exports’ potential to drive growth. However, India must continue to solve fundamental issues like infrastructure and trade obstacles. Targeted policies to support key export industries and streamline procedures can further boost overseas shipments. With strategic efforts, India can raise its export performance and integrate deeper into global value chains. GST Impаct on Indiаn Imports India relies heavily on imports to meet its requirements for essential commodities, industrial products, investment products, and consumer goods. In the year 2019-20, India’s imports were $598.6 billion, making up nearly 22.5% of GDP. Conversely, imports face high tariffs, non-tariff barriers, currency rate instability, and trade deficits. The GST, or Goods and Services Tax, adopted in 2017 is projected to have a variety of consequences on imports. GST has streamlined India’s complicated indirect tax system, perhaps facilitating imports. However, increasing GST rates on certain imported commodities might raise expenses for local enterprises. Overall, GST aims to create a unified market, which could boost the competitiveness of Indian and foreign companies. The adoption of GST has altered India’s indirect tax structure. This historic change has provided various advantages to exporters, including zero-rating exports, eliminating CVD and SAD, utilizing transaction value for valuation, and simplifying compliance. These policies have decreased the tax burden, improved cash flow, and increased the worldwide competitiveness of Indian exports. However, GST has had a detrimental influence on imports. Imports are taxable under GST rather than IGST, with different tax rates, and importers are unable to claim ITC on BCD, along with additional surcharges. This raises import costs and diminishes competitiveness. While GST has enhanced exports via simplicity and reduced taxes, the additional burden on imports is harmful. The overall impact on Indian economic competitiveness varies by commodity and service, but GST has been a turning point in the simplification of indirect taxes. How does the implementation of GST impact the Indian economy? The introduction of GST has brought about a positive transformation in the Indian economy. By replacing numerous indirect taxes, it has simplified the tax structure, leading to enhanced compliance, a reduction in tax evasion, and an overall increase in government revenue. How can MSMEs be supported under GST? Some ways in which MSMEs can be supported under GST are – introducing a simple quarterly return filing system, increasing threshold exemption limit, organizing training programs for MSMEs to adapt to GST, providing incentives to MSMEs for compliance, rationalizing and reducing tax rates on goods commonly used by MSME sector, setting up a GST helpline to resolve issues faced by MSMEs. Do businesses in India experience varying effects due to GST? Indeed, the impact of GST differs among businesses based on their size and type. Larger enterprises benefit from reduced cascading taxes, whereas smaller businesses may initially face challenges in adapting. Nevertheless, the system as a whole promotes transparency and a more uniform tax structure. What can be done to improve the GST compliance? Using technology for quicker refunds and having strict penalties can improve compliance in India. One can also set up dedicated awareness programs to educate everyone on GST processes. Does GST present any challenges to the economy? Yes, implementing GST does pave the way for certain issues. Businesses are required to adapt to this change while technologies must be ready to work towards new compliance. These can cause some problems in the implementation of GST. Does GST contribute to the growth of India economically? GST contributes significantly to the economic growth of India. It improves efficiency and lowers the overall manufacturing costs. You can also get an easier movement of products and services among states. How does GST impact Indian businesses? GST has aided businesses in decreasing their tax compliance costs by implementing a simplified online registration and tax payment system. Because of fewer state border regulations, interstate delivery of commodities has become speedier. GST is predicted to have a good long-term effect by expanding the formal economy and tax collections. How does GST affect the economy’s pricing levels? GST implementation saw a slight increase in inflation. However, over the longer term, GST is expected to have an overall moderating impact on price levels. Removal of the cascading effect of taxes would bring down prices if the benefit is passed to consumers. A widening tax base and improved compliance would also add to downward pressure on prices. However, upside risks remain – like increasing GST rates at times of low revenue collections. What are some of the challenges still faced in GST implementation? Some challenges in GST implementation are – complex filing procedures, especially for SMEs, multiple returns filing requirements, delays in tax refunds affecting business cash flows, lack of robust compliance mechanism, frequent changes in tax structure impacting supply chains, technical glitches affecting filings, need for training tax administrators and educating businesses. What is the road ahead for GST in India? The road ahead for GST involves – expanding the tax base to more sectors like petrol, power, and real estate, simplifying tax slabs and rate structure, linking Aadhar with GST registration, improving compliance monitoring through invoice matching, enhancing the capacity of GST Network portal, coordination between center and states on rate rationalization, faster resolution on key issues like taxing cryptocurrencies, e-commerce transactions, etc.

Summary and Analysis Whereas the first two stories of this novel are tied together by the pranks and the childish games of Bayard and Ringo, the third story introduces the concept which will ultimately cause the death of Granny, Miss Rosa. The Sartoris house has been burned; the Sartoris mules, the family's silverware, and two blacks have been taken (confiscated or stolen) by the Yankees, and Granny, Bayard, and Ringo set out on a long journey to recover these properties. In the process, Granny is given a document signed by a Yankee general which will ultimately become the instrument responsible for her death. The concept of whether something is borrowed or stolen or confiscated is intertwined with many of the actions in this story. The horses which they are driving, for example, are "borrowed," and this story and the next one, "Riposte in Tertio," deal with Granny's "borrowing" — requisitioning illegally — and using Yankee mules (many of which have been confiscated from the southerners) in order to help the poor, struggling people in Granny's own Yoknapatawpha County. In conjunction with the above, Faulkner attempts in this story an almost impossible task. He wants to communicate and convey a sense of the horrors and the chaos caused by the war. He wants to show the destruction and confusion that accompany the various aspects of the war. Furthermore, he wants to show the huge, homeless masses of black people, who have just been given their freedom, wandering aimlessly around the countryside, looking for the fabled River Jordan of biblical tales. At the same time, he shows us the burned houses throughout the land and the destroyed railroad tracks. He shows us a bridge being blown up by the Yankees, regardless of the potential deaths of many black people whom the Yankees are supposedly fighting to free. In other words, the story captures the horrors attendant on any war and the various effects which it wreaks on large groups of people and on individual members of society. The total effect of the story is that of disunity and confusion. And yet, all of these serious episodes are narrated through the eyes of a young boy who does not see the literal horrors of war; instead, he sees more often than not the humorous aspects of his and Granny's and Ringo's adventures in a war-torn countryside. "Raid" is divided into three parts, and each part further develops Granny's concept of honor and her allegiance to the values of the old South, which will influence most of her actions. In the first section, Granny will not allow Ringo and Bayard to use the "borrowed" horses to go into town to Mrs. Compson's to borrow her hat, her parasol, and her hand mirror. Yet in terms of the entire story and the story that follows, she will "borrow" about two hundred and forty-eight (the exact number might be a few more or a few less) horses and mules from the Yankees — and sell them back to the Yankees — so that she can "borrow" them back again. The reader must keep in mind that at the beginning of this story, the Sartoris mansion has been burned to the ground and that most of the black slaves have wandered off to unknown places. There is absolute disorder and chaos upon the land, and the borrowing of the mules becomes more acceptable in this world turned upside down, this new world of disorder. Granny cannot understand how the continuing, needless destruction by the Yankees and the burning of the Sartoris mansion is going to help the enemy win the war. The Yankees' logic is unfathomable. Yet she decides that she must endure even in this chaos — having no house to live in, having no food, and very little money. She must begin again, and, thus, she and Bayard decide to go and live in the slave quarters, which were not burned and are now largely empty. In addition, Granny has a goal: to repossess the Sartoris things that were needlessly taken; for that reason, she and Bayard and Ringo set out for Alabama, where her sister, Louisa, lives and where Colonel Dick, the gentlemanly Yankee officer, is stationed. He is the officer who intervened at the end of "Ambuscade"; Granny considers him a "gentleman," regardless of which side of the war he is fighting on. She believes that because he is a gentleman, he will replace her stolen property. The purpose, then, of this journey is to retrieve the trunk of silverware, the Sartoris' two mules (Old Hundred and Tinney) and the Sartoris' two black slaves (Loosh and Philadelphy); however, by a fluke of misunderstanding, Granny returns home with far more than she hoped for, or bargained for. Actually, in terms of the first section of this story, the motivation for the trip to Alabama is never given, and it is only later in the story that we are able to conclude that Granny knew that Colonel Dick was stationed in that region. Returning to the narrative, we read that after some six days on the road, Granny and the boys have passed so many burned houses and so much gruesome destruction that they know they are following the path of General Sherman, a Yankee general who is systematically and maniacally destroying everything that lies in his path. Later, Granny even blames him for leading all of the blacks to what they believe is the River Jordan. As was noted, it is on this sixth day that a large group of vagabond blacks passes the wagon during the night. One black woman, carrying a baby, falls behind, and Granny stops the wagon. She hears the black woman say that she "couldn't keep up . . . and they went off and left me." Granny tries to make her go back "home," but is unsuccessful; she then asks if the woman's husband is with the group. Finally, she offers to let the black woman ride in the wagon, but later the black woman wants to get off the wagon. Ringo tells Granny that the woman thinks that she has found the group of blacks she is looking for — even though they can't see them. Ringo also says that he is sure that the black woman will "lose um again tonight." It is ironic in this scene and in others like it that throughout the novel Granny will act as though she is a great humanitarian, when, in fact, she considers the blacks to be no more or no less than slaves. She will share her food with them, give them rides, money, or help of any nature, but, at the same time, she will remain a lady of "the old order," one who cannot understand the concept of a black person desiring anything other than serving his white master. Several times, she tells the blacks to "go back home," not realizing how empty her advice is. For the blacks, now that they are free, what — and where — is "home"? To Granny, "home" means the plantations where they worked for their white owners. In each encounter with a black, Granny asks, "Who do you belong to?" Therefore, as a representative of "the old order" of the South, she is, in one sense, a humanitarian, yet she is, at the same time, totally incapable of understanding the causes which motivated the Civil War itself, and she contents herself, instead, with helping the individual, unfortunate human beings she encounters — black or white — to survive in a time of destruction and chaos. After the sixth day of their journey, Granny and the boys go past a graveyard, and Bayard sees the town of Hawkhurst, where Granny's sister lives. This is the place where Bayard had earlier seen the railroad, a mysterious marvel which Ringo has never seen. (This fact, for a while, makes Bayard superior to Ringo.) As soon as they approach Louisa's house, they see Bayard's ten-year-old cousin, Denny, whose house has also been burned and who is now living in the slave quarters with his mother and with his sister, Drusilla. Immediately, Denny wants to take Bayard and Ringo to the railroad and show them what happened: the railroad ties were dug up and burned in a heap, and the steel rails were pried up and wrapped around trees. The scene is unreal to Ringo; anticipating the chance to actually see a railroad and a locomotive, he is crushed when his dreams are suddenly shattered; finding the rails torn up, wrapped around trees, or gone altogether, Ringo's reaction reemphasizes on a simple level the contrast between the child's view of war and, on the other hand, the horrible destructive acts of war. For the boys, their simple dreams of might and magic, embodied in the locomotive and its shining steel tracks, have been destroyed. Yet in the larger sense, the destruction of the railroad represents the destruction of the entire southern culture — that is, for the members of "the old order," the war is rapidly becoming a lost cause. While they are looking at the ruins of the railroad, Denny's sister, Drusilla, rides up on her prized horse, Bobolink. During the evening, Denny tells how Drusilla saved the horse from the Yankees. When they were going to take Bobolink by force, she put a pistol to the horse's head and told the Yankees, "I can't shoot you all, because I haven't enough bullets, and it wouldn't do any good anyway; but I won't need but one shot for the horse, and which shall it be?" After this confrontation, the Yankees let Drusilla keep the horse. That night at the slave quarters, Drusilla tells them all about the night movement of the blacks and that the blacks believe that the river not far away is their chance for freedom; to the blacks, the river is like the River Jordan and, therefore, synonymous with freedom, salvation, and eternal happiness. Later in the night, the family goes outside and listens to the blacks pass by. Drusilla expresses her concern over their welfare. Aunt Louisa feels that "we cannot be responsible" for the fate of the blacks. If there are now thousands of them swarming about the river and on the bridge — which the Yankees plan to blow up — Aunt Louisa believes that "the Yankees brought it on themselves; let them pay the price." But Drusilla disagrees: "Those Negroes are not Yankees." Once again, this is a part of Faulkner's double structure of the novel, emphasizing the double standards that inform its entirety. Drusilla and Granny consider the blacks to be southerners, and Granny wants to protect and help them, but as we will see in "Skirmish at Sartoris," the blacks must ultimately remain blacks — that is, they can expect no rights even if, in theory, they are free. Later, for example, they cannot vote, even though they have been declared to be "free." Drusilla, who lost her fiancé in the war, is totally committed to the war effort. At bedtime, she tells Bayard that she no longer sleeps: "Why not stay awake now? Who wants to sleep now, with so much happening, so much to see? Living used to be dull, you see. Stupid." Drusilla then makes one of the most fantastic and incredible requests that any southern woman of that time might imagine: she tells Bayard, "When you go back home and see Uncle John, ask him to let me come there and ride with his troop. Tell him I can ride, and maybe I can learn to shoot." (Even though she calls Colonel Sartoris "Uncle John," there is no blood kinship between the two.) Significantly, Drusilla, who is introduced in this story, will become one of Faulkner's strongest, most determined women and one of the most fierce defenders of "the old order" of the South. From the time we learn that her fiancé was killed at Shiloh until Denny tells the story of her defying the Yankees, threatening to kill her horse Bobolink rather than let them take it, we see a woman who does not need or require sleep, one who spurns the ordinary things that ladies are expected to do and asserts her own brand of individualism. When she introduces the idea that she wants to ride with the soldiers — a thing unheard of in that society or virtually any other society in that time — we are prepared for a woman of strong principles. Historically, however, war has always been the business of men, not of women, and Faulkner further emphasizes the universality of the idea of war's being for men when he writes that "old men have been telling young men and boys about wars and fighting before they discovered how to write it down." In this passage, he is, of course, referring to the oldest piece of literature in Western civilization — Homer's Iliad, which deals with men in war. Consequently, Drusilla's desire to go ride with her "Uncle John" (he is later referred to by Drusilla as Cousin John in "Skirmish at Sartoris") has to be viewed as an act that transcends all regional customs since the beginning of time; this unheard of, shocking request sets her apart from all the other women in the novel. This request also prepares the reader for Drusilla's unusual role later in both "Skirmish at Sartoris" and "An Odor of Verbena." The following day, Granny, Bayard, and Ringo leave with Drusilla to cross the river before the bridge is blown up in order to reach Colonel Dick, but there are such swarms of blacks converged around the river that, in the confusion of the crossing, the wagon is upset, and the horses are drowned. The entire narration of the river-crossing emphasizes once again the absolute confusion associated with the war and its destructive power. The Yankees are determined to blow up the bridge — regardless of how many blacks are on it or anywhere near it. Significantly, Granny is almost killed; in fact, there is so much chaos and confusion that Faulkner's narrative takes on added dramatic emphasis because it parallels the chaos he writes about. Using Bayard as his narrator, Faulkner is able to make us unsure what is actually happening, and, therefore, the end of the second section of this story becomes an attempt to capture the utter confusion of one single episode associated with the total chaos of the war. In the final section of the story, after the Yankees have helped recover the wagon from the river and have given Granny and the boys two of their own horses, Granny insists upon being taken to see Colonel Dick. Once there, Granny is promised that her property will be returned, along with the blacks taken from her. Describing the lost property, Granny's southern speech confuses the Yankees; she describes the two mules, the two blacks, and the chest of silver, and the comparison of her description with the orderly's written requisition is the source of a rich vein of humor in the story. "Loosh" becomes "loose"; "Philadelphy" becomes a city; "Old Hundred," the mule, becomes one hundred mules, and "Tenny" becomes ten mules, making some one hundred and ten mules. Ultimately, the orderly thinks that Granny means, besides the one hundred and ten mules, one hundred and ten blacks and, in addition, ten chests of silver. Granny is also supplied with sufficient food to expedite her passage home — food, it should be noted, which she willingly shares with all of the blacks. When they are stopped by a cavalry of Yankee troops, Granny shows them the requisition papers; the officer mistakenly thinks that she has not been supplied with enough mules, and so he gives her forty-seven more mules. Ironically, Granny wants to acquire the extra mules so that none of the blacks will have to walk. Thus, again we have the ironic double vision of a woman who is willing to deceive for humanitarian reasons so as to ease the immediate pain of people she would permanently define as slaves. And throughout it all, Granny is determined to have her own way. Ringo expresses a key statement concerning her character. He says, "And don't yawl worry about Granny. She 'cide what she want and then she kneel down about ten seconds and tell God what she aim to do, and then she git up and do hit. And them that don't like hit can git outen the way or git trompled." This quality is the key to her greatness and, ultimately, the cause of her death when she confronts Grumby (the leader of a group of depraved renegades) against the advice of everyone. In the final scene of the story, we have another example of the double values that have operated throughout the story. It was all right to take one hundred and ten mules because the piece of paper requisitioned that many mules and because many of the mules were stolen from southerners in the first place. Yet, since Granny and the boys eventually have one hundred and twenty-two mules, instead of one hundred and ten mules, illegally obtained, they must all kneel down and pray. Basically, however, this story emphasizes the mass confusion caused by the war, and this confusion is best depicted in the river scene where the blacks are wandering around lost, without any direction to their lives. The blacks have seen their masters' houses burned by the Yankees and they have heard that they are free; blindly, they now try to correlate these events with the River Jordan and salvation. As a result, we realize that untold numbers of them are fleeing into the (unnamed) river, drowning in their attempt to find the "promised land." The values of the entire South are reversed in this wartime story. In any war, the innocent suffer, of course. Here, Granny and the others wonder about the needless destruction and the needless loss of life which they witness; at the same time, both Granny and Drusilla are concerned for, and are very protective of, the blacks. Yet neither of them ever conceives of the blacks as being anything other than slaves.

Fundamental Math for Data Science Build the mathematical skills you need to work in data science. Includes Probability, Descriptive Statistics, Linear Regression, Matrix Algebra, Calculus, Hypothesis Testing, and more. Time to completeAverage based on combined completion rates — individual pacing in lessons, projects, and quizzes may vary12 hours Certificate of completionYes About this skill path Data scientists use math as well as coding to create and understand analytics. Whether you want to understand the language of analytics, produce your own analyses, or even build the skills to do machine learning, this Skill Path targets the fundamental math you will need. Learn probability, statistics, linear algebra, and calculus as they are applied to real-world data analysis! Skills you'll gain - Speak the language of data science - Perform hypothesis tests - Use code to do mathematics Syllabus8 units • 16 lessons • 8 projects • 9 quizzes Welcome to Fundamental Math for Data Science Overview of material in the Fundamental Math for Data Science Skill Path Learn how to summarize quantitative variables categorical variables in Python using numerical summary statistics. Learn the fundamentals of probability by investigating random events. Learn about hypothesis testing and implement binomial and one-sample t-tests in Python. Learn about linear algebra and how to perform operations with matrices and vectors. Learn about calculus and how to analyze functions using limits and derivatives. Final Problem Set Assess your knowledge with a final problem set. Projects in this skill path Heart Disease Research Part IInvestigate risk factors for heart disease using descriptive statistics and hypothesis tests. Image Transformations with NumPyUse NumPy and linear algebra knowledge to do fun image transformations! Limit Definition of the Derivative ExplorationExplore the limit definition of the derivative using Python. Reviews from learners - The progress I have made since starting to use codecademy is immense! I can study for short periods or long periods at my own convenience - mostly late in the evenings.ChrisCodecademy Learner @ USA - I felt like I learned months in a week. I love how Codecademy uses learning by practice and gives great challenges to help the learner to understand a new concept and subject.RodrigoCodecademy Learner @ UK - Brilliant learning experience. Very interactive. Literally a game changer if you're learning on your own.John-AndrewCodecademy Learner @ USA Our learners work at Skill paths help you level-up Get a specialized skillWant to level up at work? Gain a practical, real-world skill that you can use right away to stand out at your job. Get step-by-step guidanceWe guide you through exactly where to start and what to learn next to build a new skill. Get there quicklyWe’ve hand-picked the content in each Skill Path to fast-track your journey and help you gain a new skill in just a few months. Ready to learn a new skill?Get started on Fundamental Math for Data Science with a free Codecademy account. Looking for something else? Related courses and paths - Free course ProbabilityLearn the fundamentals of probability and how to quantify and visualize uncertainty.4 hours - Career path Data Scientist: Machine Learning SpecialistMachine Learning Data Scientists solve problems at scale, make predictions, find patterns, and more! They use Python, SQL, and algorithms.Includes 27 CoursesWith Professional Certification90 hours - Free course Learn the Basics of Programming with CodecademyThis course is for new programmers who aren't sure what they want to learn about. Take this course to jumpstart your learning journey!1 hour Browse more topics - Python4,529,956 learners enrolled - Data Science5,784,044 learners enrolled - Math87,616 learners enrolled - Code Foundations13,212,883 learners enrolled - For Business9,748,895 learners enrolled - Computer Science7,437,922 learners enrolled - Web Development6,873,620 learners enrolled - Cloud Computing4,095,913 learners enrolled - Data Analytics3,896,552 learners enrolled What's included in skill paths Practice ProjectsGuided projects that help you solidify the skills and concepts you're learning. AssessmentsAuto-graded quizzes and immediate feedback help you reinforce your skills as you learn. Certificate of CompletionEarn a document to prove you've completed a course or path that you can share with your network.

What about cookies? Cookies are a very important method for maintaining state on the Web. "State" in this case refers to an application's ability to work interactively with a user, remembering all data since the application started, and differentiating between users and their individual data sets. A good analogy would be a laundry cleaner's shop. You drop something off, and get a ticket. When you return with the ticket, you get your clothes back. If you don't have the ticket, then the laundry man doesn't know which clothes are yours. In fact, he won't be able to tell whether you are there to pick up clothes, or a brand new customer. As such, the ticket is critical to maintaining state between you and the laundry man. Unfortunately, HTTP is a "stateless" protocol. This means that each visit to a site (or even clicks within a site) is seen by the server as the first visit by the user. In essence, the server "forgets" everything after each request, unless it can somehow mark a visitor (that is, hand him a "laundry ticket") to help it remember. Cookies can accomplish this. Cookies have brought personalization, commerce, and convenience to the internet, legitimizing it as a place for business. What is a cookie? A cookie is a text-only string that gets entered into the memory of your browser and can be stored on your computer. Cookies and StampFrancisco.com While our site can be used without cookies as long as you browse the shopping and art gallery sections, they significantly add to the shopping experience and we suggest, at least while on our site, you keep them turned on. Are cookies a threat to my privacy? The sad truth is that revealing any kind of personal information opens the door for that information to be spread. Consider the growing trend of technology conveniences in our lives. We use "frequent buyer" cards at supermarkets and gas stations. We place electronic tags on our cars to pay tolls faster and easier. We let banks pay our bills for us automatically each month without checks. While each of these technologies (and others like them) have made our lives more convenient, each time we use them exposes us to a loss of privacy. Stores know what foods you eat. Gas stations know how much you spend on gas per fill-up. Turnpike operators know how fast you drive on their highways. Banks know how you spend your money each month. It's the same with cookies. In fact, one may argue that cookies in the long-run will be less damaging to privacy efforts than those technologies described above. If you're going to single-out cookies as your sole vulnerability to personal privacy, you should re-examine how you live your daily life.

What is operating cash flow and its significance? Operating cash flow (OCF) delineates a company's capability to generate cash from its day-to-day business activities. This metric is derived by subtracting a company's capital expenditures from its operating cash inflows. It serves as a crucial gauge of a company's financial well-being, showcasing the cash amount it can generate from routine operations. How to calculate operating cash flow effectively Determining operating cash flow involves subtracting capital expenditures from operating income, showcasing a company's capacity to generate cash to cover expenses and invest in new endeavors. Reasons for utilizing operating cash flow Operating cash flow is a fundamental metric for evaluating a company's financial health, highlighting the cash generated from its operational activities. This metric showcases the available cash for bill payments, operational funding, and gauges the company's cash generation potential. Understanding the limitations of operating cash flow While operating cash flow (OCF) provides insights into a company's ongoing cash generation, it presents limitations. Notably, it does not account for non-operational cash flows, changes in working capital, cash from discontinued operations, and can be affected by accounting choices. Illustrative examples of operating cash flow Operating cash flow exemplifies cash sourced from a company's regular business operations, encompassing revenue from goods, services, receivables, payables, inventory, debt payments, and capital expenditures. Differentiating operating cash flow from free cash flow Operating cash flow (OCF) represents cash generated from a company's core operations, whereas free cash flow (FCF) signifies the leftover cash post-expense payments, including capital expenditures. FCF denotes the cash available to the company's shareholders, differing from OCF, which focuses on core operations' cash flow.

In an ever changing technological world it is important to us that we ensure our pupils are kept safe when accessing the internet. At Heartwood CE VC Primary and Nursery School we embrace the positive effects that technology can have upon our learning but ensure that the risks when using the internet are minimised and monitored to ensure that all our pupils are kept safe. e-Safety is promoted in our school through the use of a Safer Internet Day, e-Safety posters in all computing areas and the teaching of e-Safety as part of our PSHE learning. e-Safety is also taught through our Computing curriculum (a breakdown of this for each year group is detailed below). A full printed copies of our policies are available on request. Emily McMillen, Headteacher and DSL, is the school's designated Online Safety lead. If you are unsure of how to keep your child safe online then the links below have several handy hints and tips, as well as fun and informative videos and games that teach children how to stay safe when accessing the internet.

The Stained Glass Windows The first beautiful window visible upon entering the nave is the ASCENSION window directly over the altar. It was first in Trinity Church, moved to the former chapel of Holy Comforter, restored and placed in its present location when this edifice was erected in 1953. The window shows Jesus ascending with arms beckoning the heavily burdened to come to Him for rest. Peter, James, John and a fourth disciple watch as the cloud takes Jesus into the heavens. This French-made window presents a restful invitation to each worshipper and reminds the worshipper that Jesus is the only way to the Father. The dedicatory scroll states that it was given in memory of Helen Streety Carman. On the Gospel side of the nave nearest the altar begins the windows of the Holy Spirit. The first is the PENTECOST window given by Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Mayer and Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Kennington as a memorial to Thomas F. Russell and Estella Moss. The window shows the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a Dove upon the young church on the Day of Pentecost. They were filled with the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire touched them. Jesus promised before His Ascension that they would be baptized in the Holy Spirit and be given power to witness of His redemption to all the world. This window tells the story of the Holy Spirit's life-changing power still available to the church in our day. One of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit listed by Saint Paul in 1 Corinthians 12, is a word of wisdom. The WISDOM window, given by Laura A. Osborne and in memory of Helen J. Murphy, shows St. Augustine, the first Archbishop of England, baptizing King Ethlebert. God gave to Augustine wisdom to enter England at a time when the country was falling away from the Christian faith. A religious division had greatly hampered the witness of the Gospel. Because of the Christian influence of Queen Bertha, Ethlebert welcomed Augustine, was converted and was the first Christian monarch in England. During the dark ages the Venerable Bede was one of the few who kept alive the knowledge of Scripture. Known as a great church historian, Saint Bede also devoted himself to the study of scripture and teaching those who hungered for knowledge of God. His biblical writings were used by many of his contemporaries and immediate successors, and his works caused Pope Leo XIII to bestow upon him the title "Doctor of the Church." The window of KNOWLEDGE as a gift of the Holy Spirit shows the Venerable Bede surrounded by some of his students as he teaches them the Word of God. . This window is given in memory of W. J. and Helen Noblit, Marguerite McAdam, Henry and Elizabeth Rohling, Francis Penn, Barbara Jean Southwick and Rosa Crabtree. The people of Holy Comforter greatly loved the Rev. A. R. Eldon Garrett, the third rector and under whose ministry the present building was erected. When his successor, the Rev. Robert Benjamin Hall, planned the windows of the nave, it was right that a window be given in loving memory of Father Garrett. During a time of personal need, in the first world war, Father Garrett vowed to never turn away any person in need and sought to minister by faith to those who came to Holy Comforter for help. It was, therefore, proper that the FAITH window should memorialize the man who by faith led the congregation in building one of the most beautiful churches in the south. Saint Roch is the figure seen in the window. He was a French monk who lived in the early part of the fourteenth century. During a plague outbreak, Roch cured many people with the sign of the cross and through prayer. Later he himself fell victim to the plague but refused to take up space in a hospital bed. He retreated to the forest. Miraculously a dog came daily to Saint Roch bringing him food and he survived his sickness. His faith in God's care for himself and others is the reason he was selected for the FAITH window. Not planned, but to the surprise of the Holy Comforter who gave the window, the dog looks exactly like Father Garrett's pet. Lourdes has become known as a shrine of healing in the modern world and it is the scene for the HEALING window. What is unique about this window, located at the rear of the nave on the Epistle side, is the testimony it bears by its very presence. The entire cost of the window came from people who were healed following prayers at the altar of Holy Comforter. The window speaks of God's healing power and his faithfulness to hear the prayers of His faithful people. The top part of this window recognizes that Helen Keller was a modern day miracle. The story of this great lady and Anne Sullivan whom the Lord used to reach this child is told by the MIRACLE window. This window was given by people who received the baptism in the Holy Spirit in this parish. They have the realization of the power of God as attested by John The Baptist in each gospel and confirmed by Jesus prior to the Ascension. Jesus still Baptizes people with the Holy Spirit and a few of those who have come to know the power of the Lord in their lives, as did the early church, have given this window. Three great men of our time are shown in the window depicting the gift of the Spirit through PROPHECY. Oral Roberts, whose healing ministry kept before the world the Pentecostal power of God, is shown at the top of this window. The middle frame shows the Rev. Samuel Shoemaker, late rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh whose ministry gave support to the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous, Anglican Fellowship of Prayer, Pittsburgh Experiment and small group meetings. Father Shoemaker was to charismatic renewal as John The Baptist to preparing the way for the coming of Jesus. In the bottom frame is Evangelist Billy Graham, whose ministry has led thousands to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. This window is given in memory of Sarah H. Brodie by her sons. The DISCERNING OF SPIRITS window shows Saint Joan of Arc with manifestations of spirits in the upper corner of the window. We today need the power of the Holy Spirit to enable our distinguishing between evil spirits who seek to destroy the works of God and true messengers of God seeking to lead and aid us in our Christian pilgrimage. The window is given in memory of Lewis C. and Edna B. Slesnick, parents of Donald Slesnick. The trifold window in the balcony is given by Henry and Laura Carlson and primarily tells of the birth of Jesus. In the center panel is the Holy Family flanked on either side by those who came to welcome the birth of the Saviour in Bethlehem. The top section of the left panel shows the cross and a chalice with a Host. On the right panel is a crown of thorns. The center panel shows a city at the top and the Jordan River. While it is primarily the NATIVITY window, other aspects of our Lord's life are depicted in this window. In the narthex is the last of our windows. The bottom half of this window is very old and it came from Trinity Church. Apparently it was part of a much older and larger window or windows. It contains the words of Jesus bidding those who would rest to come to Him. This panel bears the memorial name of Henry Graham Branscombe of Croydon, England. The other panel simply shows mother and child and the words "Feed My Sheep." It is given in memory of Eugenia Dearborn of Coconut Grove. The upper section is the continuation of the Holy Spirit windows. It is a colorful display of flaming tongues acknowledging the manifestations of SPEAKING IN TONGUES and INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES. It compliments the bottom half in that the strange words spoken and heard on the day of Pentecost, spoke of the marvelous works of God in Christ Jesus that edified both speakers and hearers of tongues. Man searches for the rest in his spirit and the Holy Spirit leads us into that rest in Jesus Christ. He seeks to edify us that we may be a light to others who need the feeding of God's Word. This upper panel is a gift from Mrs. R. E. R. E. Kennington.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: March 2023 Mental health includes how you think, feel, and act. It can fall on a spectrum and vary for each person. You may have questions about mental health conditions, treatment options, and resources. Keep reading for a list of common questions and answers about mental health conditions.1 How do I decide if I might have a mental health condition? Only professionals in the fields of psychology, counseling, social work, psychiatry, and medicine can diagnose a mental health condition. Online screening tools or opinions from friends and family are not enough to diagnose a mental health condition.1 You may be uncomfortable or fear talking about your mental health with your doctor. However, it is important to discuss your concerns and symptoms so you can get the help you need. What kind of services are there, and who should I see? There are a variety of services for mental health conditions. Mental health professionals have many different specialties and serve many different communities. The first step for most people is to find a therapist who they feel comfortable working with. Are there support groups in my area? How do I find them? Support groups are nonprofessional organizations that offer spaces for people to come together for peer support. There are many different support groups available for mental health conditions.2 Resources that offer specific support topics include:2-4 Will my insurance cover mental health services? Though laws have been made that mandate mental health insurance coverage, there are still things you need to keep in mind. Differences in costs, limits, and coverage still exist. The best way to learn about your coverage, as well as professionals in your network, is to call the customer service number of your insurance company. You also can look up your policy benefits online.5 Other resources that offer insurance support include:6-9 - Medicaid and Medicare offer mental health benefits. - Tricare for active duty military members, has mental health coverage. - The US Department of Health and Human Services offers an online resource that can help you find out more about coverage. Are there services specifically for the LGBTQ+ community? Health disparity is a term used to explain differences in health between groups of people. The LGBTQ+ community has a long history of health disparities. Because of this, many professionals are now trained to work with the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community.10 There are many resources that can direct you to an affirming mental health specialist in your area. Some of these resources are:10-12 - A guide to LGBTQ+ mental health resources from Pride - LGBTQ+ resources from the National Alliance for Mental Health - LGBTQ+ resources for young people from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Are mental health professionals trained to work with someone who looks like me? Mental health providers are trained in working with diverse cultures, races, and ethnicities. Some also identify as or specialize in serving specific cultural groups. There may be barriers that need to be discussed with your mental health professional to bridge any differences in understanding each other.13 If you feel that a professional cannot meet your needs, find another one. Consider asking for a referral from your doctor or someone you trust. You may also contact your insurance company for other providers in your area. Or you can visit the Inclusive Therapists website to find someone who specializes in your identity group. I would prefer not to talk to my doctor about my mental health. Are there other options? Though doctors are trained to diagnose and treat many mental health conditions, some people want to start somewhere else. Talking to your doctor may feel awkward or scary. But mental health is just as important as physical health. Your doctor can help you get the treatment you need, find resources, and come up with a plan for your mental health. One option is to speak with your insurance company about therapists or counselors in your area. Another option is to ask your doctor for a mental health referral without saying why you are seeking it. A third option is using online mental health resources to find care in your area. Can mental health drugs help me? Some people successfully manage mental health conditions without prescription drugs. But some disorders or severe cases may require medicine. Combining psychotherapy with medicine can be an effective approach.14 There are many different medicines used to treat mental health conditions. Talk to your doctor about any medicine you may be taking or want to take.14

Remote Learning (What Is It good For?) New research suggests: absolutely nothing. Last year I had the privilege to sit in on some high school classes in Fairfax County, Virginia, as part of a mid-career community college program I was in. In normal times, this process would’ve taken place in an actual classroom. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this instead took the form of sitting in on a “remote learning” session. This learning lasted for approximately a day, before the entire system went down and students didn’t have another class for weeks. Mind you, this was in one of the richest counties in the United States. If that’s what the situation was like in such a prosperous place, just imagine what remote learning was like in poorer districts, with more students who lack access to good Internet services or computers, who may be sitting at home in a chaotic environment. It’s not hard to imagine that students in those sorts of circumstances aren’t getting a quality education at all. But we don’t have to just imagine what happened in this scenario because large portions of the world have been living it. A team of researchers recently looked at the impact of school closures in the Netherlands, a relatively equitable place with a a brief lockdown and widespread high-quality Internet access. By every measure, this should have been one of the least harmful examples of remote learning in the world. Yet the researchers found that students didn’t fare very well: In this study, we have addressed this question with uniquely rich data on primary school students in The Netherlands. There is clear evidence that students are learning less during lockdown than in a typical year. These losses are evident throughout the age range we study and across all of the three subject areas: math, spelling, and reading. The size of these effects is on the order of 3 percentile points or 0.08 SD, but students from disadvantaged homes are disproportionately affected. Among less-educated households, the size of the learning slide is up to 60% larger than in the general population. […] Using the larger benchmark, a treatment effect of 3.16 percentiles would translate into 3.16/0.40 = 7.9 wk of lost learning—nearly exactly the same period that schools in The Netherlands remained closed. Using the smaller benchmark, learning loss exceeds the period of school closures (3.16/0.30 = 10.5 wk), implying that students regressed during this time. Basically, there was no real learning during the remote learning period. Students slid backwards, with students from disadvantaged homes faring the worst. I reached out to one of the researchers, Per Engzell of Nuffield College at Oxford, to ask him how these results relate to the United States. Does this study have implications for what we did here in this country? “There is no reason to think that the Netherlands were hit particularly hard in this respect and every reason to think that the impact of the pandemic on students' learning will be larger in the US context,” he told me. Pointing to large inequalities across the United States, he noted that there will be a lot of variation in outcomes across our country, but that this would also mean that parts of our population probably had it much worse than the Netherlands. “So while there will be schools and students that coped excellently with remote learning in the US, the conditions are likely to be more unequal and the most disadvantaged populations will face losses many times larger than those we uncovered,” Engzell concluded. With the rapid distribution of vaccinations, more and more schools are returning to in-person learning for students. Hopefully by the fall, we’ll see in-person learning from coast to coast (although that’s not yet a done deal). In a country where virtually everything becomes a partisan issue eventually, the issue of school openings became bitterly partisan, with most districts in right-leaning states like Texas and Florida only briefly closing their schools, while most districts in large blue states like California shuttered their schools for a prolonged period of time. If you trust the research, the districts that kept students at home are likely to see more “learning loss,” where students fell behind their normal trajectories of learning. Because the issue of school openings became so polarized, with Democrats (and many teachers unions) on one side and Republicans and conservative activists on the others, it naturally follows that learning loss, too has been politicized. The Washington Post’s Valerie Strauss, a left-wing education writer, is boosting advocates who argue “there is no such thing as learning loss.” A New York Times ran a reported piece with the following headline: “Does It Hurt Children to Measure Pandemic Learning Loss?” In that piece, we get this bit of conspiratorial ideation: Jesse Hagopian, a Seattle high school teacher and writer, said testing to measure the impact of the pandemic misses what students have learned outside of physical classrooms during a year of overlapping crises in health, politics and police violence. “They are learning about how our society works, how racism is used to divide,” he said. “They are learning about the failure of government to respond to the pandemic.” Mr. Hagopian said he believed that “learning loss” research was being used to “prop up the multi-billion-dollar industry of standardized testing” and “rush educators back into classrooms before it’s safe to do so.” Oh, so the problem isn’t so much that the best tools we have show that students simply weren’t learning very well over the past year, but the problem is that we found this out — something that only serves the Big Test kingpins. Look, there are no easy answers when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the best research we have shows that schools haven’t been a big source of spread, it’s also true that keeping schools closed does reduce the risk of teachers falling ill to this virus. The question is: are those risks big enough to keep schools closed? By attacking the science of measuring learning loss and denying the science that shows very little spread in schools, we are hobbling our ability to measure policy tradeoffs. Please help support our work by subscribing to INQUIRE. Get access to subscriber-only posts and more for $6 a month or $60 a year.

The Power of Augmented Reality: How AR is Revolutionizing the World of Interactive Applications Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a powerful tool that allows users to interact with digital objects and experiences in the real world. This article will explore the power of augmented reality, including its applications in gaming, education, and marketing. Augmented reality has revolutionized the gaming industry by creating immersive and interactive experiences for players. Games like Pokemon Go have become incredibly popular by using AR technology to create a game where players hunt down virtual creatures in real-world environments. This has made gaming more engaging and accessible, as players can now enjoy their favorite games in new and exciting ways. AR is also being used in education to enhance the learning experience for students. For example, AR can be used to create interactive textbooks that allow students to explore digital models of historical events or scientific concepts. This can help students visualize and understand complex ideas more easily. Augmented reality has also become a powerful tool in marketing. Brands like IKEA have used AR technology to allow customers to see how furniture would look in their homes before they buy it. This has increased customer satisfaction and helped reduce return rates. In conclusion, augmented reality is a powerful tool that is changing the way we interact with digital objects and experiences. It is being used in gaming, education, and marketing to create immersive and engaging experiences for users. With the continued development of AR technology, we can expect to see even more exciting applications in the future. What is augmented reality (AR)? AR is a technology that superimposes digital objects onto real-world environments. How does augmented reality work? AR works by using sensors and cameras on a device to track the user’s location in the real world, then overlaying digital information onto that environment. What are some examples of augmented reality applications? Some examples of augmented reality applications include games like Pokemon Go, interactive textbooks, and virtual product demonstrations.

Today, we live in a world where digital experiences are in the driving seat for nearly every aspect of our lives. From businesses to government services, people are increasingly reliant on digital channels to get what they need and make lives easier. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in the volume of data produced globally. Studies predict that, by 2025, nearly463exabytes of data will be generated daily. The biggest takeaway from this data generation scenario is that this very same data is leveraged for accurate decision-making by businesses as well as other entities. While analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc., are ways that drill deep into piles of data to uncover hidden insights and possibilities, the real mastermind behind the success of such large-scale data initiatives is data science. Datascienceisresponsibleforkeepinganysetofactionabledatareadyforanalysisand processing. The role of data scientists has become a critical part of nearly every major business in all sectors. Together with other technology leaders, data scientists work to build new working models for the large gamut of data collected from across an organization’s operational domain. Data science has been around for quite some time now, and organizations are seeking ways to utilizedata science as a key enabler of success and ROI in their business initiatives. So how does the future look for data science? Let us explore some of the top trends and predictions: Over the last couple of years, and especially since generative AI technology like ChatGPT became a hot topic of interest, there has been widespread fear that machines will take over several jobs. While ethical implications and economic concerns associated with job losses are more likely to prevent or slow down a massive workforce transformation, it is certain that severaljobroleswillundergoaseriesoftransformationstoampuptheskill quotient. Datascientists, too, will experience a partofthistransitionalordealastheymayhaveto acquaint themselves with powerful AI-powered tools that can build data models faster and more efficiently than when done manually. Of course, the oversight needed is still a critical area wheredata scientists can exert their dominance, as most AI algorithms that work on data modeling are still in their learning stage. With industries like weather and banking being reliant on prediction models developed with core data science principles, the window for errors is non-existent. In that light, it might take a while before AI can significantly contribute to the core sophisticated functions. But it sure is invaluable in complementing data scientists’ workflow. In the next decade or so, we will surely witness a massive shift in the way computing power is considered for any kind of analytical initiatives courtesy of quantum computing becoming mainstream. Today, data scientists can build effective data models only through limited sequential matching of scenarios and data patterns. In other words, if a couple of inputs must be run across different scenarios for modeling, it should be done one by one. With quantum computing, however, it becomes possible to run them all parallelly without worrying about the performance of the underlying computing infrastructure. The key takeaway here is that, with near unlimited computing power, data scientists can build larger, more expensive, and more powerful models that can be leveraged to build state-of-the-art digital solutions powered by analytics run through these models. Traditionally, data scientists worked on translating complex business workflows and transactional processes into accurate data models that can be used for automation and analytics-driven decision-making. However, building data models is no longer the main ingredient of successful analytics initiatives. The quest is to operationalize these proven models across the business at the earliest opportunity to prevent any competitive loss in the market. Once these models are implemented, the next attempt will be to scale them. Adding on to the previous point, the secret behind successful data science initiatives is the ability of data scientists to accurately identify which data needs to be where and how it should be processed. Today, all these activities are somewhat automated and handled through no-code and low-code applications. Even businesses with very less technical-focused employees can build extensive data models and scale them to meet the needs of modern problems. Infact,Gartnerpredictsthat,by2026,about80%oflow-codeuserswill bedevelopersworkingfromoutsidetheformalITdepartments.Thisisa critical development for the data science space, as it’s directly associated democratization of resources and capabilities. For data scientists, the future is highly dependent on how efficient their cloud provider is. From data migration to modern-era no-code and low-code tools, there is a rising dependence on SaaS applications and platforms that can cater to the needs of people hooked to their digital universe. Besides, the evolving capabilities of cloud platforms that can accommodate data engineering, ML engineering, data analytics, business intelligence, AI governance, etc., make way for enterprises to leverage the cloud for their rigorous data science initiatives. As you can see, the future of data science is bright, as there are several areas where data science can be applied to bring about transformational changes. However, managing the entire transition to cloud and other emerging technologies is a critical task that necessitates maximum care and supervision. This is whereRubiscape can become the key game changer. Get in touch with us to know how we can help supercharge your data science programs.

We have been celebrating the Queens Platinum Jubilee. We learnt lots of different facts about Queen Elizabeth and recorded what we had learnt in our Literacy books. We made our very own crowns and had a street party! We took part in the The Queens Queen Canopy and planted a pear tree! We had so much fun at Forest School! We learnt how to be safe in the forest and around the fire. We noticed different plants and talked about the ones that may hurt us such as nettles, we played lots of games and even had marshmallows around the fire! We have been using the microscope to investigate different surfaces and talk about the texture. Is it spikey? Is it hairy? Is it smooth? We have had lots of fun exploring different seeds, materials and even different body parts such as our skin, our ears and even our scabs! It was very interesting.

Dental Advices Provided to you by: Brite Medical Center Wondering what your lymph nodes have done for you lately? Considering collagen drinks and supplements? Navigating middle school is tough: How parents can help Is online gambling harming you? Preventable liver disease is rising: What you eat — and avoid — counts Fall shots: Who’s most vulnerable to RSV, COVID, and the flu? Got immunity? Thank your thymus Easy ways to shop for healthful, cost-conscious foods When — and how — should you be screened for colon cancer? 7 organs or glands you may do just fine without Image: © Thomas_EyeDesign/Getty Images For decades, researchers have probed the link between gum disease and cardiovascular health. Gum disease begins when the sticky, bacteria-laden film dentists refer to as plaque builds up around teeth. A completely different type of plaque — made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in blood — can build up inside arteries. Known as atherosclerosis, this fatty plaque is the hallmark of coronary artery disease. People with gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event. But there may not be a direct connection. Many people with heart disease have healthy gums, and not everyone with gum disease develops heart problems. Shared risk factors, such as smoking or an unhealthy diet, may explain the association. Still there’s a growing suspicion that gum disease may be an independent risk factor for heart disease. “Periodontal disease increases the body’s burden of inflammation,” says periodontist Dr. Hatice Hasturk of the Harvard-affiliated Forsyth Institute, a not-for-profit research organization focused on oral health. Acute inflammation — which involves an outpouring of immune cells that attack irritants and microbial invaders — fosters healing over the short term. But long-term (chronic) inflammation is a key contributor to many health problems, especially atherosclerosis. Quelling chronic inflammation has become a keen focus of medical research in recent years. Preliminary research by Dr. Hasturk and colleagues suggests that unique compounds called resolvins show promise for treating inflammation-associated diseases such as periodontitis and atherosclerosis (see “A topical liquid that helps resolve artery inflammation?”). To explore the connections between oral and heart health, Dr. Hasturk and her colleagues used rabbits fed cholesterol-rich diets as a model to mimic human heart disease. Some of the rabbits were then infected with bacteria known to cause periodontal disease. Those rabbits developed atherosclerotic plaques that were less stable (and therefore more likely to cause a heart attack) and also had higher blood levels of inflammation than the rabbits that had not been exposed to the gum disease bacteria. Next, the researchers treated the rabbits with an oral topical liquid that contained resolvins, which are molecules derived from omega-3 fatty acids believed to help quell inflammation. The treatment not only prevented periodontal disease in the infected rabbits, but also lowered inflammation and atherosclerosis. The findings highlight the potential connection between the two conditions, says Dr. Alpdogan Kantarci, a colleague of Dr. Hasturk’s at the Forsyth Institute who was involved in the research. “If you can control one type of inflammation, you might be able to control another,” he says. A study testing a related compound called lipoxin in people with gum disease is currently under way. To date, there’s no proof that treating gum disease will prevent cardiovascular disease or its complications. But the connection is compelling enough that dentists (and many doctors) say it’s yet another reason to be vigilant about preventing gum disease in the first place. Daily toothbrushing and flossing can prevent and even reverse an early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. If your dentist says you have gingivitis, ask for a brushing and flossing demonstration to make sure you’re doing both correctly, says Dr. Hasturk. Many people don’t spend enough time or care when brushing (the recommended duration is two minutes). Flossing sweeps away the sticky film between teeth that leads to plaque buildup. Twice-yearly cleanings by a dentist or hygienist are also advisable. Left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease (see “Signs of gum disease”). The gums become loose around the root of the tooth, creating a gum pocket that gradually deepens. Eventually, the infection and inflammation can cause the tooth to loosen and possibly fall out. Any of these signs can be a clue that you have periodontal disease: swollen, red, or tender gums gums that bleed easily pus between the teeth and gums buildup of hard brown deposits along the gum line loose teeth or teeth that are moving apart changes in the way dental appliances fit. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Please enable cookies to submit © 2023 Harvard Health Publishing® of The President and Fellows of Harvard College Thanks for visiting. Don’t miss your FREE gift. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more. Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss…from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. BONUS! Sign up now and get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Book Your Appontment with Our Dental Team Now: Call: +97444147405

This urban dwelling sits on a 145-meter-long site, with 22 townhouses with 44 residential units. It lives up to passive house standards. The implemented energy concept even enables compliance with a net-positive energy house standard, meaning it produces more energy than it demands. This is possible thanks to the design of the building envelope in passive house standard, the use of geothermal probes for heating and cooling, a biogas CHP, heat recovery from waste water, and a photovoltaic system that covers 80% of the resident’s electricity demand. The project was completed by a construction group and includes community facilities such as gardens, common room with guest bed and e-bikes that can be used by all. Facts and Data - Building materials were selected with the aim of avoiding harmful ingredients. Indoor air measurements, among other things, were carried out for quality assurance. - On an unusually narrow, 145-meter-long construction site in Hamburg, 22 townhouses with 44 residential units were built to the passive house standard. - Constructed by ARGE MUDLAFF & OTTE / Studio Witt / MoRe Architekten. - Federal Award ENVIRONMENT & BUILDING 2020: Award winner category residential buildings

Breast cancer is classified into several categories based on where it begins in the breast, how far it has grown or spread, and how it behaves. The type of breast cancer you have will help you and your doctor choose the best treatment choices for you. Breast cancer is classified into several categories based on where it begins to form in the breast, how much it has grown or spread, and specific characteristics that determine how the disease behaves. The type of breast cancer you have will help you and your doctor choose the best treatment choices for you from oncology hospitals in Hyderabad. In addition, you may read about the many forms of breast cancer in oncology hospitals in Hyderabad, molecular subtypes of breast cancer, and male breast cancer here. DCIS is the most frequent noninvasive breast cancer, with around 60,000 new cases identified each year in the United States. One out of every five new instances of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma in situ. Breast cancer of this type is non-invasive, also known as intraductal carcinoma or stage 0 cancer. During DCIS, malignant and aberrant cells, such as the lymph nodes, do not spread from the ducts to neighboring breast tissue or externally, such as the lymph nodes. DCIS is classified into different subgroups based on the appearance of the tumor. Some subtypes are micropapillary, papillary, solid, cribriform, and comedo. Ductal carcinoma can sometimes progress to invasive cancer. It may then spread to other regions of the body, such as the bones and distant organs, a process known as metastasis. The Cancerous cells spread through the lymph system (part of the immune system) or the circulation. According to the American Cancer Society, invasive ductal carcinoma accounts for about eight out of ten breast cancers. Surgery is usually the initial line of therapy for IDC. This therapy aims to remove cancer from the breast by a lumpectomy or mastectomy. This type of breast cancer is aggressive, lacking additional HER2 proteins and testing negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors. Invasive breast cancers with triple-negative results account for approximately 12% of all cases in a cancer treatment hospital in Hyderabad. LCIS is not technically cancer but rather an alteration in the breast. Tens of thousands of small clusters of lobules generate breast milk in the breast. Inside these lobules, cancer-like cells may proliferate. LCIS tends to stay put and not spread. However, because LCIS increases your risk of invasive breast cancer, your care team may wish to watch you in order to treat any changes as soon as possible. Inflammatory breast cancer is an uncommon and deadly form of invasive breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer accounts for around 1% of all breast cancers in the United States. The Invasive type of breast cancer which immediately spreads to other parts of the body, such as the liver, bones, lungs, or brain, is known as metastatic breast cancer. Breast cancer can reappear in another section of the body months or years after treatment (this is known as a metastatic recurrence), but some patients are first diagnosed with it. Surgery and radiation therapy are localized treatments available at oncology hospitals in Hyderabad for invasive lobular carcinoma and systemic treatments. No matter what type of treatment a patient undergoes, it is important to keep a positive attitude. It is the positive energy within the patient that can lead to the success of any treatment.

With climate change, we have increasingly seen mild winters. The resulting early awakening of the beginning of the vegetative phase can be severely compromised by late spring night frosts. These phenomena risk compromising all the seasonal product from the start, nullifying the constant and long work of wine producers. When the vines resume their life cycle, the freezing point would freeze the water contained in the plant tissues, shoots, buds and roots, so this phenomenon could have serious consequences even in the long term. Spring frosts are particularly harmful when night temperatures, especially at the bottom of the valley, in the absence of wind, drop well below zero degrees. It therefore becomes essential for growers to seek solutions to save crops from this harmful natural disaster. The most common solution, especially beyond the Alps, is the ancestral one of fires between the rows that can be made in various ways: with dry and green wood, with damp straw, with small stoves, or with lanterns. In an attempt to raise the temperature by a few degrees at ground level, the winemakers go to the vineyards at night and light the fires previously prepared, at a distance of 60cm from the plant every 10 / 15m. It is not so much the heat that saves the sprouts but above all the smoke that slowly invades the entire vineyard, slightly raising the temperature. It's hard work that farmers do all night, feeding the fires continuously until morning, obviously hoping that effort will save the crop. A more ecological but less economical method is the one used in Bordeaux and Valais in Switzerland, where producers have been installing gigantic fans in the vineyards for some years now. With this system, the hot air, which at night tends to rise upwards, mixes with the cold one below, increasing the temperature on the ground; however, this method is not very effective below -2 °. Another way to combat the cold are irrigation systems capable of forming an ice cap over the vines, preserving them from the most intense colds. Without a shadow of a doubt, the fires method is the most spectacular, with thousands of lights shining along the rows of vines, the night seems to be celebrating, but if all this does not work it is a tragedy. Many neighboring winemakers of crops share the effort in an experience that demonstrates the passion and attachment for their work. At the first light of dawn, early risers will be able to enjoy rare images, glimpsing faint fires that slowly go out and a mist of smoke scattered among the rolling hills. A fantastic show that tastes of ancient, with techniques handed down from generation to generation.

A water tightness test is a procedure that is used to determine if a water-holding vessel is free of leaks. Water tightness testing includes three main steps: filling the vessel(s) with water, monitoring and measuring the water level of the vessel(s) over a prolonged period of time, and analyzing the measurements and observations recorded during the test. Depending on the results and how they are interpreted, the contractor may be required to complete repairs on the vessel(s) and conduct the test a second time. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) provides guidance on how concrete structures should be water tested as well as the expected results. All language pertaining to water tightness testing is found in Section 350.1-10 of the ACI code. The ACI is adamant that any water tightness testing must be conducted prior to the vessel(s) receiving any type of finish, sealant, or waterproofing. This may seem like a backwards methodology; however, concrete, by nature, should be watertight. Therefore, it must be tested prior to receiving any type of coating or finishing layer. The pool finish should be thought of as a secondary means of water containment, with the first being the natural characteristics of concrete. In theory, a plaster finish, waterproofing membrane, or any other form of finish, may temporarily hide or cover imperfections in the concrete vessel(s). Hidden imperfections may become exposed over time and begin to leak. The water tightness test is a procedure that occurs over a minimum of six days. It is important that the concrete vessel has cured for at least 28 days prior to the test taking place. Once the concrete has cured and gained sufficient strength, it is ready to be tested. It is essential that all penetrations through the concrete vessel(s), such has drains, lights and inlets, be thoroughly sealed off before the test is conducted. Once all penetrations have been sealed and the shell has cured, the contractor can begin the test. The vessel(s) is expected to lose water through concrete absorption during the first few days of the test. Concrete is porous by nature, and will soak up water. It is unknown how long this will take or how much water will be absorbed, so the contractor is advised to monitor and refill the vessel(s) over the first three days. After three days or whenever the water absorption has stopped, whichever comes first, the contractor may begin taking down measured recordings. The contractor must take measurements of the vessel(s) water level(s) every 12 hours over a span of three days. It is essential that the recording process remain consistent throughout the test to generate accurate results. After three days of recording, the results shall be compiled and analyzed to determine if the water loss meets or exceeds allowable levels. Evaporation and precipitation can greatly affect the results of a water tightness test, and must be considered in the test calculations. The contractor shall fill a restrained, calibrated, open container with water and allow the container to float within the concrete vessel(s) during the testing period. The open container will be used to measure evaporation and precipitation throughout the test. Every time the contractor measures the water levels of the concrete vessel(s), they must also measure the water levels of the open container(s). The water loss or gain seen in the open container(s) is a direct result of evaporation or precipitation and should be used to analyze the concrete vessel(s) recordings. For example, if the open container is measured at ¼” below the starting measurement after 12 hours, and the concrete vessel is observed at ½” below its starting measurement, we can attribute ¼” of water loss in the concrete vessel to evaporation. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the remaining ¼” of water loss seen in the concrete vessel in those 12 hours is the actual water that was lost due to issues with the concrete vessel. Water tightness testing is one of the few, if not the only, surefire ways of determining whether a concrete vessel has been built watertight. It is important to understand the time, money, and resources needed to conduct a proper water tightness test. Each test typically takes at least one week, requires thousands, if not millions, of gallons of water, and adds to the overall project cost. While the test requirements seem immense, they guarantee the concrete vessel will be watertight once complete. If the vessel is not tested, and experiences leaks over years of use, the cost and time needed to fix any damage related to the leaks could be much greater than the initial cost of testing the vessel. Counsil-Hunsaker believes that every concrete vessel should be tested for water tightness to verify the quality of the build and to certify its longevity.

Mobile phones and online technologies are frequently used by perpetrators of domestic and family violence to coerce, control and restrict the freedoms of victims and survivors. In Australia, there are two leading agencies working to reduce this kind of technology-enabled abuse: WESNET and the eSafety Commissioner. Both provide training for advocates and practitioners, as well as resources for victims and survivors. WESNET also provides replacement phones. Their work – and the “safety work” of people experiencing violence – is made more difficult by tech products and services that treat user safety as an afterthought. Platforms and the tech industry can do a lot to reduce harm by building in user safety from the earliest stages of product design. At present, major tech companies often design and manage devices and digital media without considering user vulnerabilities. Until 2020, Google allowed spyware and stalkerware – software designed to be covertly installed on a phone to monitor and record photos, videos, texts, calls and other information – to be freely advertised on its platform. It banned the ads amidst mounting evidence that this kind of software is used to enact intimate partner violence. In April 2021 Apple released coin-sized tiles called AirTags intended to help people keep track of belongings via Bluetooth signals. After they were criticised as presenting a serious security risk by enabling stalking of intimate partners, Apple updated the devices to make them beep at random intervals if they were away from the owner’s phone. Facebook’s new smart glasses have also sparked privacy concerns, like Snapchat’s Spectacles and Google Glass before them. The glasses contain cameras and microphones that enable (potentially covert) recording. Facebook did consult groups such as the US National Network to End Domestic Violence in an effort to “innovate responsibly”, though there are still concerns about how the glasses might be used. Recognising user realities and threat Traditional ideas of cybersecurity are focused on “stranger threats”. However, to reduce and combat digital domestic and family violence we need an “intimate threat” model. Partners and family can compel others to provide access to devices. They may be linked to online accounts or able to guess passwords, based on their intimate knowledge of the owner. In this context, technologies that enable surveillance and recording can be used to constrain and threaten victims and survivors in alarming ways, in everyday life. Understanding and seeking to alleviate risk posed by abusers requires platforms and industry to think proactively about how technologies may be co-opted or weaponised. Safety by Design The eSafety Commissioner’s Safety by Design initiative aims to make user safety a priority in the design, development and deployment of online products and services. The initiative revolves around three basic principles. The first is that service providers are responsible for making user safety the number one priority. This means platforms and other companies work to anticipate how their products may facilitate, increase or encourage harm. In this way the burden of safety will not fall solely on the user. The second is that users should have power and autonomy to make decisions in their own best interest. Platforms and services should engage in meaningful consultation with users, including diverse and at-risk groups, to ensure their features and functions are accessible and helpful to all. The third principle is transparency and accountability about operations and published safety objectives is essential. This also helps users to address safety concerns. There is growing support for these principles among tech companies. Last year IBM published its own guide to “coercive control resistant design”. Effective approaches must also acknowledge how intersecting or overlapping forms of structural or systemic oppression shape an individual’s experience of technology and can deepen social inequalities. To realise the goals of safety by design or coercive control resistant design, we will need to review not only the policies but also the actual practices of platforms and industry, as they emerge. How tech can improve eSafety has produced Safety by Design assessment tools to improve and innovate based on good practice and evidence-informed resources and templates. Platforms and industry have a key role to play in addressing the impacts of domestic and family violence through design. They can and should do more in this space.

How does a robot feel? It can’t feel emotions, but it can feel the world around it. We humans are naturally pretty good at feeling heat, pressure or vibration on our skin. With a robot this gets a little more complicated. Our Cyber Valley Public Engagement Manager Rebecca Beiter wanted to know how a robot gets a sense of touch. For the podcast “Direktdurchwahl” she talked to the expert Katherine J. Kuchenbecker. Kuchenbecker leads the Haptic Intelligence Department at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart. I would like you to concentrate on your hands. What do you feel right now? Actually, my hands are a little bit cold because it's winter. But beyond that, the sensations in my hands are most fascinating to me when I bring my hands into contact with objects in the world. Our hands are exquisitely sensitive to all kinds of different mechanical information and motions. Through our hands we accomplish just about everything we do in the world, whether it's picking up a glass of water, typing on a keyboard, driving a car, or hugging a loved one. All that physical interaction with the world passes through our sense of touch. When talking about the sense of touch, about “haptics”, what exactly do we talk about? I usually divide haptics into two main categories. The first category is about what you feel with your skin. Skin has little cells, mechanoreceptors, pain receptors and more that measure and detect what's happening, for example if the air is cooling or something is pressing, hurting, vibrating, or shifting back and forth. All those sensations are flowing through your peripheral nervous system up to your brain. And in the same way that all the little parts of an image are put together, your brain is making sense of this constant stream of different tactile sensations. The other half of haptics is more about motion: Where is your body in space? If you curl your hand around, say a spoon, you feel its smoothness, coldness and edges against your skin. But how are your fingers shaped around it? Knowing the pose of your hand helps you interpret what your skin feels. These two categories of touch work together to both give you control over your body to accomplish what you want and help you understand the things that you're touching and doing in the world. If we build a robot with today’s technology, would its sense of touch be as good as that of a human? Definitely not. There are huge limitations. Most robots, whether it's a robot in a factory or a robot helping in a hospital, have almost no sense of touch. They have cameras and can see the world around them, and maybe they have other sensors, a network connection, access to data. Often the robot knows about its own body pose, but it almost never has skin. That's because it's very expensive and difficult to fabricate artificial skin to make it both sensitive and robust. When things touch each other, they tend to get damaged, especially if they have little wires. And you do not only measure if something is touching you and where, but the vibrations, the transients, and the changes, like texture sliding over your skin. All of that happens really fast. So, we need a lot of measurements every second; it is not easy to fit that in the skin of a robot! But if the human skin is already better than anything we can build right now, why should we build it? Humans can do many jobs, but some jobs are dangerous, for example a disaster rescue, with radiation, or tasks deep under the ocean. And perhaps a human can do a task once, but if you're going to do it thousands of times, this might be harmful and not the most stimulating or interesting job for humans. My father is a surgeon, and over his entire lifetime, his wrists and hands have started hurting because he's done repetitive motions. Robots tend to be good at that. So where could we use a robot to help? And can we automate pieces of the workflow? But still, in my systems, a human is usually in control of what's happening. When you're at a party, how do you briefly explain to someone - who is not a scientist - what you are doing? Sometimes I give an example. Some people have seen in the press some of the projects we've done. For example, HuggieBot, a robot that can give good hugs to humans. Photo of HuggieBot; Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems Why should it do that? Creating an artificial system that simulates or replicates this interaction is highly beneficial. Hugs calm you down. They lower your stress, decrease your cortisol levels, and increase your oxytocin. During the pandemic we had to physically distance from our loved ones, but physical contact is a natural human need. By creating a hugging robot and adjusting how it behaves, we can test which factors are truly important. We varied how it physically reacted: We programed it to let go as soon as you let go, so it respects your wishes. We programed the robot also to proactively squeeze you gently. It was amazing to see how positively people responded then; they felt like the robot really cared about them. So, do we want robots to touch us as human-like as possible and or do we want a new way of interacting with machines, so we are not that much emotionally connected to something without feelings or emotions? Most of us have never hugged a robot before. This is the first robot of its kind, and I think you really have to try it to understand what it's like. In our studies, people actually hug much longer, like 20 seconds, whereas a typical hug with a friend is only two or three seconds long. We compared that to hugging a human. Many people mentioned feeling guilty about the actress we had hired to hug them. They said that she might feel uncomfortable at how long they would want to hug. With a robot, you don't have that. You don't have to worry about how the robot feels. Haptic interaction is one way to interact with a robot. But you can also use speech, for example. Isn't it easier to just make the robot react to what you're saying it should do? It seems counterintuitive to humans because we're all so good at tasks like chopping up a carrot. But it is actually much easier for a robot to hear you say “robot, please chop the carrot” versus actually physically chopping the carrot. First, you have a dangerous thing, a knife. And a carrot is a natural material that is different every time. We have not yet mastered haptic intelligence nearly to the level of understanding speech. A robot can also look at the world and better understand what it's seeing compared to touching things or manipulating objects in the world. When I looked at your department’s research areas at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and saw that one area was “understanding tactile contact”, I was actually a little bit surprised. I thought we already understand what touch is. Yes, we take our sense of touch for granted. Even think about how clumsy you become if your hand goes to sleep or if the dentist applies an anesthetic locally. You almost cannot talk or drink because you don't have this feedback of how your body is moving, which is tightly connected to how you activate your muscles. I guess touch is an under-appreciated sense because we're all so good at it through practice. Babies and children gain this experience through direct practice, and it takes years. I mean, I would not trust my four-year-old niece to chop a carrot. How would you describe your department “Haptic Intelligence”, at the intersection of robotics and machine learning? That's close. We use machine learning in many aspects of our work, but I might say we're at the intersection of robotics and human-computer interaction. We're also trying to do curiosity-driven fundamental research to give some insights about how the human sense of touch works. So where does the artificial intelligence come in? AI and machine learning are used for interpreting the signals. Let’s say I have a sensor on a robot, a fingertip sensor. There's some transformation which is often nonlinear and complicated. That's where the pattern recognition capabilities of machine learning really help. I chose the name of my department to be “Haptic Intelligence” because I believe that to create intelligent robot systems, we need not only the software side, but also improvements on the physical side. If someone wants to work in the field of tactile intelligence, what should they study? You should always follow your heart. Try a few things early in your career. If you know someone who's a computer scientist, ask them what they do. I think I could have been very happy as a computer scientist or as an electrical or a biomedical engineer. All of my degrees are in mechanical engineering, but I took a lot of classes in these other disciplines. A professor at Stanford used to tell us that we should try to be shaped like the letter “T”: broad, but then specialized in one area. You need to be able to speak to the other experts in relevant areas, so you can really build complex systems that are not only mechanical, but also involve electronics and a computer program. To me, it's very meaningful to create these integrated systems. It's complicated, it's tricky, but it's also fascinating. The interview has been edited and shortened for the written version. You can hear the longer version in the Cyber Valley Podcast Direktdurchwahl, Episode 06. Further information about the topic can be found here. Graphic representation of a robot. Graphic: Cyber Valley / Beiter

This explicit, systematic and multisensory instruction, that is the Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham (O-G) approach, prepares educators to successfully provide reading instruction to all students and targeted instruction to struggling readers including those who have dyslexia. Upon completing this course participants will have acquired the skills necessary to fully implement this data driven solution for teaching reading and the early foundations of writing to all students. This course provides participants with the skills they need to master the fundamentals of reading instruction —phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and develop the early foundations for writing. Educators implementing the Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham approach with fidelity are observing consistent and significant growth in spoken and written language for all their students. This course is suitable for all including teachers, speech pathologists, teachers assistants, parents, etc. Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham Advanced Morphology is a one day training course that is designed to provide educators with strategies to enhance the higher level literacy skills of students with special emphasis on morphology for developing, decoding, encoding and vocabulary development.

Navigating using tools like a map, compass, and GPS is essential for anyone who wants to pursue outdoor activities. Any responsible Wayfinder will only brave the wilderness with navigational backups, too. For instance, they'll bring a compass, a GPS unit, and a spare compass in case their main one gets lost or malfunctions. Using natural locational reference points is a traditional means of staying on track in the backcountry. The surest would be the celestial bodies, particularly the stars and the sun. Celestial navigation is a method of finding your location using the sun, moon, and stars. This can be helpful for sailors and hikers, backpackers, and hunters who are out in the wilderness without any resources except themselves. In this post, Wild Life Outdoor Adventure will discuss how to navigate using the stars in such a situation. The tips shared here are presented for somebody navigating north of the tropics, even though, in many cases, they can also be used in both equatorial and southern latitudes: Take Clues from the Sun The sun is a powerful tool that can be used to help determine direction. In the Northern Hemisphere, you should know that the sun will be in the southern sky during the day. This means that the south will be to your left if you are facing the sun. In the Southern Hemisphere, on the other hand, the sun will be in the northern sky, so if you are facing the sun, the north will be to your left. Understand the Bearings of Sunrise and Sunset In the northern hemisphere, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. However, the specific bearing of sunrise and sunset varies throughout the year. For instance, the sun rises and sets more to the north in summer, while in the winter, the sun tends to rise and set more to the south. By understanding the bearings of sunrise and sunset, you could better orient yourself in relation to the sun. Finding North-South Using Shadows In the northern hemisphere, the sun will always be in the south during the daytime. This means that your shadow will always be cast to the north if you are facing the sun. You can use this information to find the north-south by simply finding the direction of your shadow. To do this, start by finding a clear, open area where you can see the sun and your shadow. Then, look at the position of your shadow and mentally draw a line from the base of your shadow up to the sun. This line will point directly north-south. Way-finding Through Other Stars In the Northern Hemisphere, Polaris, or the North Star, can be used to find your way at night. This star is located near the North Celestial Pole, making it easy to find if you know where to look. There are different ways to spot Polaris. One way is to look for the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper. Ursa Minor contains Polaris, so if you can find this constellation, you can find Polaris. Another way to find Polaris is to look for the constellation Cassiopeia. Cassiopeia is found on the opposite side of the North Celestial Pole from Ursa Minor, so if you can find one, you can find the other. Once you have found Polaris, you can use it to find your way. If you are lost, simply find Polaris and orient yourself in the direction that it is pointing. You will then be facing north and can use other landmarks to orient yourself. If you love the wild outdoors, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with natural navigation. This will help you find your way if you ever get lost, and it's a fun skill to have. You can use various techniques, such as finding your course by the stars or using the sun and shadows. Practice these techniques so you'll be prepared if you ever need to use them for real. When you are knowledgeable about natural navigation, you can enjoy your outdoor adventures more and worry less about getting lost. Wild Life Outdoor Adventure brings you some of the best outdoor kits with the best tools for exploration and navigation. Subscribe to ouroutdoor adventure boxes today!

Hygeia is known as the goddess of good health. She is the daughter and attendant of the medicine-god Asklepios (Asclepius). Hygeia is also seen as a companion of the goddess Aphrodite. She is seen as the personification of health, cleanliness, and sanitation. Greek Mythology Symbols Greek mythology remains one of the most popular and epic mythologies in existence today. For centuries, Greek tales and tragedies have enchanted the world and this continues to be the case. Greek mythologies revolve around gods, heroes, and rituals that the ancient Greek followed and most of these were considered to be true. These myths explained many elements of the natural and physical world and phenomena that were in existence. These myths also had some more somber tales and legends that were meant to serve as warnings of what could befall those who fall suit to more negative personality traits. These myths also served as a connection to religion in ancient Greece. These fables explained how gods originated, their lives, afterlife and other elements of living. And ultimately, the myths also served as a reminder of the past-ancestors, wars, and exploration. These myths have been immortalized in the literature and arts of many different regions, leading to its continuing popularity. Roman Mythology is based on Greek Mythology for this reason we added a Roman name translation to a large number of gods and goddesses.

First United Nations resolution to tackle preventable sight loss passes4 August 2021 London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine https://lshtm.ac.uk/themes/custom/lshtm/images/lshtm-logo-black.png The International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH) based at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine joins the eye health community in celebrating the passing of the first United Nations resolution on preventable sight loss. All 193 countries of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously adopted the resolution today, which sets eye health goals for members to achieve by 2030. The resolution follows the publication of the Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health in February 2021, which highlighted that there are 1.1 billion people living with preventable sight loss worldwide. It also showed that improving eye health is essential to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development goals (SDGs). This latest resolution recognises the effect of reduced eye health on many of the major SDGs, including those pertaining to poverty, employment and sustainability, and also calls on targets for eye care to be included within the SDGs themselves. Professor Matthew Burton, Director of ICEH and co-chair of the Commission said: “Evidence has shown that vision impairment leads to detrimental effects for health, wellbeing, and economic development. This is despite the fact that 90% of vision loss could be prevented or treated with existing, highly cost-effective interventions. This resolution takes an important step by acknowledging that improved eye health can accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Today’s agreement is essential for the hundreds of millions needlessly living with treatable vision loss, paving the way for real action on eye health for the future.” Research from the Commission showed that vision loss costs the global economy $411 billion, which this new resolution seeks to address, creating expectations for international financial institutions and donors to provide targeted finances, especially to support low- and middle-income countries in tackling preventable sight loss. The resolution further acknowledges key areas related to eye health, including healthy ageing, disability and gender equity, with the agreement calling for the United Nations to incorporate eye health into all its projects, including through Unicef and UN-Women. Professor Burton added: “It has been estimated that without urgent action 1.8 billion people will be living with untreated vision impairment by 2050. This new resolution provides a framework for improvement globally, but continued commitment by governments and international institutions is needed to ensure access to care for all.” Our postgraduate taught courses provide health practitioners, clinicians, policy-makers, scientists and recent graduates with a world-class qualification in public and global health. If you are coming to LSHTM to study an intensive master's degree or distance learning programme (PG Cert, PG Dip, MSc or individual modules) starting in 2024, you may be eligible for a 5% discount on your tuition fees. These fee reduction schemes are available for a limited time only.

Geohistory - Rocks from Volcanic Islands Period Geosites / Ama Town This spring is said to have been named in the Nara Period (710–794) by the famous buddhist priest Gyoki. It is designated as one of the Top 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters of Japan. Producing an impressive 400 tonnes of water daily, this spring has never once dried up. In the past it was used as the source for a small-scale water supply system, although today it is used for agriculture.

Disability Awareness Training increases awareness and understanding of disability in the workplace. It is designed to equip organisations and individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to create an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. Government employment data has shown that the disability employment rate has fallen over recent years despite non-disabled employment rates rising. Because of this pattern, the disability employment gap is now at its widest since 2018. This has been made worse by the fact that more disabled people are leaving work each year than moving in. Research conducted by the disability charity Scope provides context for this trend. People with a disability are approximately twice as likely to leave employment than those without a disability. Scope’s investigation found discrimination and a lack of reasonable adjustments to be two leading causes of employees with a disability leaving work. Disability Awareness Training explains how to tackle discrimination and promote empathy and inclusion in your workplace. It also outlines how employers can make reasonable adjustments for their workers with disabilities, ensuring they can succeed in their roles. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must provide a safe and accessible work environment for all employees. This duty requires employers to understand and consider the needs of their employees with disabilities when identifying and minimising workplace risks. The Equality Act 2010 creates legal safeguards for disabled individuals and mandates employers to promote inclusivity and equality within their workplaces. Specific duties include: - Following inclusive hiring practices - Making reasonable adjustments to support employees with disabilities - Ensure all employees have equal opportunities for promotion or development - Address any disability-related concerns or complaints Disability Awareness Training explores these legal duties and gives users an understanding of disability in the workplace and how to comply with relevant legislation.