text:
Purple glittery snowflakes – this great educational app is only $.99!! Snowflake Station for the iPad helps kids discover the beauty of symmetry – a key concept in math, science, art, & architecture. The app has 3 sections: Trace a Flake, Creation Station, and Make it Snow. Trace a Flake includes step-by-step instructions for cutting 36 different snowflakes/other symmetrical shapes. In the Creation Station, kids create their own flakes/shapes. There are six different folds, 10 different colored paper, and 10 different colors of glitter to choose from. Kids make "cuts" with their fingers. The tape button works as an undo button. Kids can monitor their progress in the upper left hand corner of the cutting board. Creations can be saved to use in the "Make it Snow" section of the app which does exactly that! Kids use their creations to make it snow in a photo of their choosing. They can use the iPad's camera to take a picture or use an already saved photo from the camera roll. There are also 10 winter scenes included in the app. Another option in this app is the ability to set up a Juddly (a safe, secure email) account for your child to share his/her creations with you. Very creative & very fun – all while learning about symmetry. 🙂
Common Core Standards:
- 1.G.3 – Partition a shape into four equal shares, describe the shares using the words halves, fourths, and quarters, and use the phrases half of, fourth of, and quarter of. Describe the whole as two of, or four of the shares. Understand for these examples that decomposing into more equal shares creates smaller shares.
- 4.G.3. Recognize a line of symmetry for a two-dimensional figure as a line across the figure such that the figure can be folded along the line into matching parts. Identify line-symmetric figures and draw lines of symmetry.
Not only does this app meet CCSS in math, it can also be used in creative writing – The Day It Snowed Orange, Alien Invasion, etc. What a great educational app!


Three Ideas for Recruiting Non-Profit Volunteers
KPM non-profit header link to blog.
02 May Three Ideas for Recruiting Non-Profit Volunteers
Most charitable non-profits have a never-ending need for volunteers. Finding new ones can be time-consuming, and volunteer searches are not always successful. Here are three recruitment ideas that can help.
 1. Look nearby
Is your non-profit familiar to businesses, residents, and schools in the surrounding community? People often are drawn to volunteer because they learn of a worthwhile organization that is located close to where they live or work.
Make the effort to get to know your neighbors by performing an inventory of the surrounding area. Perhaps there is a large apartment building you have never paid much attention to. Consider the people who live there to be potential volunteers. Likewise, if there is an office building nearby, learn about the businesses that occupy it. Their employees might have skills, such as website design or bookkeeping experience, that perfectly match your volunteer opportunities.
Once you have identified some good outreach targets, mail or hand-deliver literature introducing your non-profit as a neighbor and describing your needs. Consider inviting your neighbors to a celebration or informational open house at your offices.
 1. Fine-tune your pitch
By making your pitches as informative and compelling as possible, you are more likely to inspire potential volunteers to action. Specifically, explain the:
 - Types of volunteer jobs currently available
 - Skills most in demand
 - Times when volunteers are needed
 - Rewards and challenges your volunteers might experience
When possible, incorporate photographs of volunteers at work along with their testimonials. Also, make it easy for people to take the next step by including your contact information or directing them to your website for an application.
 1. Reach out to your network
Develop a system for keeping those closest to your organization — major donors, board members, and active volunteers — informed of your volunteer needs. These individuals often are influential in their communities, so a request from them is more likely to gain attention. They may even frame a request for assistance in the form of a challenge, with the solicitor being the first to volunteer their time or funds, of course.
Remain in pursuit
No matter how precise or thorough your initial recruiting efforts, remember that one-time or sporadic efforts are insufficient to attract a steady supply of volunteers. To get the resources you need, make volunteer recruitment a continuous process that draws on several strategies.


Because a function has only one parameter, the following is legal:
val pair = (3, 5);
max pair;
(The value 5 is returned.)
It doesn't hurt to use a tuple of length 1 in place of a single parameter; the following are equivalent definitions:
fun score x = if x < 0 then 0 else x;
fun score (x) = if x < 0 then 0 else x;
Functions that don't use their parameter must still have one; they can be given the unit as the parameter:
fun tab () = print "\t";
Mutually recursive functions
Functions must be defined before they are used. To define mutually recursive functions, use fun...and...and.... The following example (to return every other element of a list) is from Elements of ML Programming by Jeffrey D. Ullman:
 take (L) =
 if L = nil then nil
 else hd(L) :: skip(tl(L))
 skip (L) =
 if L = nil then nil
 else take(tl(L)) ;
Local variables in functions
It is sometimes convenient to declare local variables and functions using For example,
fun circleData (radius) =
 val pi = 3._PHONE_;
 val circumference = two * pi * radius;
 fun area radius = pi * radius * radius
 (circumference, area (radius))
Patterns in functions
Functions can use patterns in their arguments. Examples:
fun length (nil) = 0
| length (x :: xs) = 1 + length xs;
fun member (X, nil) = false
| member (X, x::xs) =
 if (X = x)
 then true
 else member (X, xs) ;
Patterns can also be used in rules, which have the form
pattern => expression
A match expression consists of one or more rules separated by vertical bars:
pattern1 => expression1 | pattern2 => expression2 |...
As noted above, the usual form of a function definition is
fun = ;
but an alternate form, using matches, is
val rec = fn ;
(The rec stands for "recursive" and may be omitted for nonrecursive functions.) As an example, here is an alternate definition for length:
val rec length = fn
 nil => 0
| x::xs => 1 + length xs;
Anonymous functions
Matches can also be used to define nonrecursive anonymous functions:
(fn x => x + 1) 3
(Result is 4.) Anonymous functions cannot be recursive because, being anonymous, they have no name by which you can call them.
Polymorphic functions
In other languages, "polymorphic" means that you have two or more functions with the same name; in ML it means that a single function can handle more than one type of parameter.
An example of a built-in polymorphic function is the list function hd; it returns the first element of any type of list.
ML functions that you write will be polymorphic if they contain only polymorphic functions and operators. For example, the following function to reverse the two components of a 2-tuple is polymorphic:
fun revPair (x, y) = (y, x);
To write a polymorphic function, you need to avoid arithmetic operators (because ML needs to tell whether the arithmetic is integer or floating point), the inequality comparisons <, <=, >, >=, string concatenation, boolean operators, and type conversion operators. You can use: the list operators hd, tl, ::, @, and brackets and commas, along with the constant nil; parentheses and commas to form tuples, along with #1, #2, and so on; and equality tests = and <>.
Higher-order functions
A higher-order function is one which takes a function (or a function-containing structure) as an argument, or produces a function (or function-containing structure) as its result, or both. For example,
- fun try (a, x) = a x;
> val try = fn : ('a -> 'b) * 'a -> 'b
try (hd, [1,2,3]);
> val it = 1 : int
try (tl, [1,2,3]);
> val it = [2, 3] : int list
Notice in particular the type returned when try is defined. It is a function whose argument is a pair: the first element of the pair is a function of type ('a -> 'b), the second element is a suitable type for that function, 'a, and the result type is the result type of the function, 'b.
To use an infix operator as a function, precede it by the word op. For example, op + (3,5) is the same as 3+5. Hence,
- try (op +, (3, 5));
> val it = 8 : int
Curried functions
A curried function is a higher-order function that takes an argument and produces as result a new function with that argument embedded in the function. For example,
- fun incr x y = x + y;
> val incr = fn : int -> int -> int
incr 5 3;
> val it = 8 : int
(incr 5) 3;
> val it = 8 : int
val incr5 = incr 5;
> val incr5 = fn : int -> int
incr5 3;
> val it = 8 : int
Notice the way the function incr is defined, as if it had two blank-separated arguments. Also notice that when the function is applied, the implicit parenthesization is that of the function and the usual one argument. Finally, notice the way incr5 is defined, as a value rather than as a function.
map is a curried function that takes a function that applies to one thing of type 'a and produces a function that applies to a list 'a. For example,
- round 3.75;
> val it = 4 : int
map round [2.7, 3.1, 3.8, 9.4, 6.5];
> val it = [3, 3, 4, 9, 6] : int list
(map round) [2.7, 3.1, 3.8, 9.4, 6.5];
The function List.filter takes a boolean test and returns a function that will extract from a list those elements that pass the test.
- List.filter (fn x => x > 0) [3, 0, 2, ~5, ~8, 4];
> val it = [3, 2, 4] : int list
(To be continued)


Defamatory Job Reference from Former Employer?
Defamatory Job ReferenceIs your former employer going to decimate any chance you have for future employment with a defamatory job reference? Let's say that you left your previous job under less than favorable circumstances. Obviously, you need to find a new job, and any potential employer is going to want a list of previous work experience, including the last place you worked.
Verifying Work History With Your Former Employer
Your current application is likely going to undergo scrutiny that includes some investigation into previous job performance. Supervisors are legally allowed to share both positive and negative information about a former employee if it is done correctly under the legal doctrine of "qualified privilege." That means, among other things, that information must be shared in good faith; it must be based on facts, not suspicions, suppositions, or generalizations.
A defamatory job reference occurs during background checks when information shared is not necessary for the inquirer to have, especially regarding reasons for resignations or terminations. There are legal doctrines for individuals who provide a reference, and if a former employer goes outside those guidelines, you may have grounds for a defamatory job reference libel suit. A good labor law attorney can help you to determine the validity of your case. Here are some general guidelines:
Relevance: Information shared must be directly related to questions asked and pertinent to the position being applied for. If you were formerly a classroom teacher with horrible classroom management, and are now applying in for a sales position, you ability to control children is not relevant.
Critical to job performance: Minor issues that did not have a serious impact on job performance need not be shared with a potential employer. If applying for an accounting position, and serious calculation errors were a problem in the previous position, by all means, that is information that should be shared. On the other hand, if you had a disheveled desk but produced flawless accounting reports, the desk issue would be unimportant to relay.
Truthfulness: Accurate statements about observable behavior are appropriate; generalizations or personal musings about those behaviors are not. Your former employer may legitimately share a record or excessive tardiness; drawing a conclusion that you are lazy is another matter.
Information shared must be job-related: Information about your marriage or other non-work issues is inappropriate.
Proper manner of dissemination: Information should always be provided in a proper setting and manner. Chatting at the water cooler in the office where unauthorized ears are lurking would be problematic. Discretion is the bottom line. If it is lacking, the potential for a legal remedy arises.
Defamatory Job Reference? Next Steps
If your reputation is harmed and you are brought into disrepute, you may have been defamed. The criteria for defamation includes that those statements made about you were either false, or made with malice; the statements were slanderous (made verbally) or libelous (made in written form) to a third party; and the statements damaged your reputation or character.
If you suspect a former employer of defamation, your best recourse is to have an experienced labor attorney working for you. Contact our ethical and knowledgeable team at Beck Law P.C., for a confidential consultation today.


Losing sleep over jail conditions - Taipei Times
Thu, Sep 19, 2013 - Page 8 News List
Losing sleep over jail conditions
By Liu Kung-chung 劉孔中
Normal sleep is affected by many factors, such as the body's physiological, psychological and biological rhythms, and is also directly affected by environmental and climatological factors. Having an appropriate mattress and bedding can help eliminate a lot of the fatigue produced during the day and improve the quality of one's sleep.
The most important component in ensuring a good night's sleep is the bed. When selecting a bed, one should give careful consideration to its length and width, if it is smooth and flat, as well as whether it gives good support and is comfortable.
The bed's height is also important, but there is no consensus on what constitutes the ideal height. In principle, it should be at least 40cm high, but even if the number is agreed upon, there is still the issue of how to define it.
Some people think the height should be defined as the distance from the top bedding cover to the floor, and that it should be between 46cm and 50cm. The reason for this is that the ideal height of a chair is 40cm and when a person sits on the bed, they compress the mattress, thereby reducing the bed's height to about 40cm.
Furthermore, it is critical to have a bed that is raised off the floor because Taiwan is very humid and mattresses easily absorb moisture. In addition, dust, dirt, hair and other material on the floor attract bacteria, which are stirred up into the air as people walk around. Anyone who sleeps directly on the floor can inhale this dust, which will have a pejorative effect on their health.
These reasons firmly establish the physical and psychological importance of sleeping in a bed that is raised above the ground, which is why the US' Standards on the Treatment of Prisoners approved by the American Bar Association in 2010 states that "[c]orrectional authorities should provide each prisoner, at a minimum, with a bed and mattress off the floor."
By contrast, Taiwan's prisons do not provide prisoners with beds, subjecting them to even worse sleeping conditions than those experienced by their counterparts in China.
In 2011, China announced article 28 of its prison building standard, which stipulated the size and height of prison beds.
According to this article, inmates' beds should not be narrower than 80cm. It further states that bunk beds must not be in a room with a ceiling lower than 3.4m, single beds must be in rooms with a height of more than 2.8m. If there are cells on both sides of a corridor in the prison dormitories, the corridor must be at least 2.4m wide, and if there are cells on only one side, the corridor must be at least 2m wide, the article says. It also requires that the window-to-floor ratio not be less than 1:7.
Even in Japan — a country that is more densely populated than Taiwan — inmates receive far more humane treatment than in Taiwan. Japanese prisons provide 4.125m2 of dormitory space per person and 6.6m2 of individual cell space. In comparison, dormitory space in the US is approx. 2.75m2 per prisoner, while individual cell space is 7.39m2.
China has even higher standards. The average communal space per prisoner in medium-security prisons is 21.41m2, 21.16m2 and 20.96m2 in small, medium and large insitutitions respectively. In small and medium-sized high-security prisons, the space per prisoner is 27.09m2 and 26.80m2 respectively.
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text:
A Microcentrifuge is one of the most important equipment in a laboratory. This could be hospital laboratory a healthcare clinic or even a research laboratory. It has a vast number of applications and if considering to buy one you need to make sure you get the right type that meets your requirements.
A Microcentrifuge has a lot of features and the cost of microcentrifuge and availability will depend on the features you select. Thus to make sure you select the right set of features for your device there are a few factors mentioned in this article that you should consider.
The speed at which the Microcentrifuge spins is of utmost importance thus this needs to be noted. Since the revolutions per minute of the device will vary in each device you need to have a set range of requirements prior to actually purchasing the device.
- The Microcentrifuge should also have the right set of programmable features to meet your needs. The speed of the Microcentrifuge depends a lot on the type of sample that you wish to analyse. All samples have a set duration and speed that is required to be set of them.
- It is important to note that the g-force and RCF are more important than the speed while selecting a Microcentrifuge.
- It is possible to substitute the duration for the speed. For example if you are unable to set the desired speed on your Microcentrifuge device due to some reason or the other it is possible to lengthen the duration in order to achieve the desired result.
Temperature Sensitive Samples:
Microcentrifuges are of two different kinds; in the sense that one is refrigerated and the other is non-refrigerated. As the name suggests the refrigerated one will keep the sample placed inside very cool throughout the process thus preventing any damage to be caused to the sample.
Some of them offer additional features like last run memory or over speed running, etc. The perfect example of an industry where a refrigerated Microcentrifuge is required is the Medical Industry and especially the pathology department. If you have even been to the pathology laboratory you would have noticed that they all have cold storages used to store the blood necessary for patients. It is necessary to store blood in a cold storage in order for it to be used in blood transfusions. Again, the same thing applies while running tests on a blood sample as well. It is necessary to keep the temperature of the blood low while performing tests on it. Thus the refrigerated Microcentrifuge is perfect for this application.
Tube for Samples:
- The tubes used in the Microcentrifuge to fill the sample are of great importance as well.
- The tubes could be either glass or plastic, besides which the size also varies.
- For example those devices that are used in research labs have tubes that have very small capacity.
- The size really depends on the size allowed by your Microcentrifuge device.
If you do have a large Microcentrifuge you will usually have the option of using larger test tubes. In addition to which if you need to analyses larger samples you will need bigger test tubes for the sample.
- The brush-less motor is popular and is considered almost maintenance free; thus is the one you should consider opting for.
- It is recommended that you use a brush-less motor for just about every minor requirement.
- The brushless motor is the one to use for blood banks, chemical laboratories and just about any industry you can think off.
- As far the bowl is concerned it would be best to opt for a stainless steel bowl ensuring easy clean out.
Some of the Microcentrifuge devices also sport a nice digital display that shows the status, time and speed. This can also be something you might want to consider.
After sales service is also important; maybe not as important as the Microcentrifuge device itself though.
Opting for a used Microcentrifuge:
Often these Microcentrifuge devices get rejected by a laboratory due to some minor defect. These devices that are thus obtained are fixed by trained technicians and refurbished; after which they function more or less as new.
- You do have the option of opting for buying such devices if the budget is a constraint.
- Such devices can also be considered reliable and a good alternative to a new one since usually parts warranty is offered.
- At times you may end up with a very good quality product by paying half the price of a new one if not lesser. One of the popular places to purchase a used Microcentrifuge is ebay.com for example, which is a global website.
The microcentrifuge specification tends to vary from device to device but here is the specifications of a Centrifuge device; which can act as a reference as to what to expect.
- 8 Place closed rotor for 1.5/2.0 ml micro tubes (Rotor capacity)
- 6000/2000g -> Maximum RPM/RCF(g) (Rotor)
- Digital Display
- Noise level of < 55db
- 1 – 25 minutes and infinite mode (Duration settings)
- Dimension (w x d x h) of 162 mm x 157 mm x 115 mm
- Reduction adapters for 0.2 / 0.4 ml micro-tubes (Rotor and Adapter)
Cost of Microcentrifuge:
In order to make you aware of what features to expect in what price range a sample guide has been provided below with three different centrifuges and their price range.
- Price range Rs 7000 to Rs. 9000: For this price range you could expect to be able to purchase a centrifuge with capacity of 4 tubes, each of 15ml with swing out head. The maximum RPM to expect would be in the range of 3100RPM, while the maximum R.C.F would be in the range of 1750g.
- Price range Rs 20,000 to Rs 22000: For this price range it is possible to expect a centrifuge with 12 capillary tubes. The maximum speed would be up to 12000 RPM. The duration settings can range from 0 to 60 minutes.
- Price range Rs 21,000 to Rs 23000: This is a higher price range and you can expect a higher specifications centrifuge for the price. It would be possible for you to obtain a centrifuge with about 24 capillary tubes in this price range. The speed would be approximately up to 12000 RPM and duration 0 to 60 minutes. In addition to which you can expect features like electrical lock and speed regulators.

source: openbmb/Ultra-FineWeb


| by John A. | No comments
What is the meaning of group identity?
What is the meaning of group identity?
Group identity refers to a person's sense of belonging to a particular group. At its core, the concept describes social influence within a group. On the other hand, students can identify with a group created to conduct experiments in an animal learning laboratory course.
What are the four parts of a person's identity?
What gives a person their identity?
How does belonging shape our identity?
What does God say about identity?
What does God see when he looks at me?
Now when God sees you, He sees His righteousness (see Romans 3:21-22 and 2 Corinthians 5:21). Not because of our perfection; but because of His grace and willingness to call us out of sin and see us as "blameless".
How does the Lord speak to us?
What is God's greatest desire?
God's greatest desire is to know and save us.
What does the Bible say about I am that I am?
Its context is the encounter of the burning bush (Exodus 3:14): Moses asks what he is to say to the Israelites when they ask what God ['Elohiym] has sent him to them, and YHWH replies, "I am who I am", adding, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I am has sent me to you.


text:
DCS is a research practice, that challenges the role of digital processes within architecture, particularly the frequent disconnect between computational design strategies and material practice. The ubiquity of digital modeling tools—and over the last decade, fabrication tools—has rendered material logics largely an afterthought. The work of the studio attempts to synthesize computation, fabrication, and material practice into a mutually supportive framework in which drivers and constraints between the various facets of a project can inform the design process. The capacity to move fluidly between design, analysis, simulation, machine programming, and finally fabrication is at the core of the research practice.
David Costanza is the director and lead designer of DCS as well as the Technology Fellow at Rice University School of Architecture. Through practice and teaching, his research addresses the emerging digital and technical advancements reshaping the discipline. The work aims to establish a dialogue between representation, computational design tools, digital manufacturing, and the innovative use of building materials. David Costanza is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he received a Masters of Architecture with a concentration in Computation (MArch) and a Master's of Science in Architecture Building Technology (SMArchS BT).


text:
- Academic Timetable
- Assignment Deadline & Feedback Release Timetable
- Exam Dates
- Programme Handbooks & Key Documents
- Assessment Regulations and Policies
- Referencing and Plagiarism
- Extensions and Deferment
- Interruption of Studies, Withdrawal from Study, Changing Study Mode or Programmet
- CNELM Policies, Procedures and Handbooks
- Office Hours and Contact Details
- Confirmed, Published Results & Conferred Awards
- Teaching, Learning Styles and Contracts
- Resource Administrator: David Lee
This area contains key clinical documentation for those student completing the Nutritional Therapy Practice Diploma (NTPD).
UPDATED 2019! This module aims to introduce students to the necessity of becoming research-orientated and to think critically about nutritional science in preparation for a range of future careers. Nutrition is a farreaching and complex field of science with a range of external influences impacting on the integrity and consistency of information available not only to scientists and researchers but to the general public.
This course assumes only a general familiarity with maths and numbers as they are used in that are used in everyday life. The sections will lead you through some fundamental maths principles that are supportive for general understanding of maths and particularly statistics. The later sections will introduce you to mathematical principles that are most directly relevant for the science and nutrition courses at CNELM.


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Laryngeal Cleft
Every child has a breathing tube starting at the nose and mouth and extending into the lungs. He or she also has a feeding tube just behind the breathing tube that brings food and liquid to the stomach. If there is a connection at the very top of these two tubes, we call this a laryngeal cleft. If the connection is in the middle of these two tubes, we call this a fistula.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Laryngeal clefts begin at the very top of the two tubes. Imagine a zipper unzipping, and you can understand how deep clefts can be. If the zipper unzips only to the level of the vocal cords, then it is a type 1 cleft. If the zipper unzips all the way down so there is a connection all the way down the two pipes, this is a type 4 cleft.
Type 2,3, and 4 clefts require surgical repair so that the child does not continue to aspirate (a condition in which food or liquid is trapped in the lungs) and develop chronic lung problems. Some children with type 1 clefts eventually outgrow them, so if they can managed on thickened feeds and are not getting pneumonia, often we wait until they are 2 or 3 before making a decision whether or not to operate.
laryngeal cleft classification
The image above shows a popularized grading system for classifying the degree of severity of laryngeal cleft.
laryngeal cleft
Laryngeal Cleft: This photograph represents a child with laryngeal cleft before surgery.
post op
Postoperative Laryngeal Cleft: This photograph represents a child with laryngeal cleft after surgical repair.
For more information about laryngeal cleft, please speak with your child's physician.


text: Researchers in the Interactive Systems Group at UTEP have been using a research tool called Didi for some time now. It was originally designed to be easily adaptable. This tool has proven to be adaptable as it has been changed by different researchers to suit particular needs. As a result, multiple versions of the program exist. In addition to this, the tool only works in Linux and has grown quite a bit. To solve these problems, the different versions could have been consolidated into one program and modified to produce a version that worked on other platforms, or another program could be customized instead. In order to make an informed decision about which alternative was more feasible, research was conducted on a potential replacement candidate called Wavesurfer. This paper briefly describes Didi, Wavesurfer, the initial modifications to Wavesurfer, and possible future modifications to Wavesurfer.


text: Nikhil is examining the interaction between large-scale fluctuations in buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis) fruit production and the nutritional, population, and movement dynamics of grizzly bears in Alberta. Buffaloberries are a critical component of the diet of bears during the late-summer period prior to hibernation, but fruit crops can vary dramatically among years and habitats. Little is known about the environmental variables that regulate buffaloberry fruiting and the effects of intraand inter-annual variation in fruit production on the health, habitat use and demography of grizzly bears. Nikhil will investigate these spatial-temporal interactions using biochemical and traditional monitoring methods, as well as shrub manipulations and exclosure experiments to examine fruiting dynamics and interspecific competition for berries. He is also interested in how these resource pulse-consumer dynamics may relate to incidences of human-bear conflict.


What is the origin of lead poisoning in birds of prey in the United Kingdom?
 The United Kingdom provides new scientific evidence of the origin and incidence of lead (Pb) poisoning as a threat to the conservation of birds of prey
 There is growing scientific evidence that lead (Pb) poisoning is a threat to the conservation of birds of prey. Studies carried out in several locations in Europe and North America also show that the use of Pb ammunition in hunting activities is a significant risk factor. The thing is that birds of prey with scavenging habits or that prey on game species can be exposed to very high levels of this toxic metal when Pb shotgun pellets or fragments of shot or Pb-based bullets embedded in tissue are ingested after they kill or scavenge from shot game animals.
 However, the incidence of this threat to the conservation of birds of prey and its origin are little known in many regions of the world, including the United Kingdom (UK). For this reason, researchers from a dozen scientific institutions, including the Research Group in Wildlife Toxicology of the Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC – CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), have used the Eurasian buzzard (Buteo buteo) as study model to evaluate the risk posed by Pb poisoning for the conservation of birds of prey in the UK, as well as to determine its origin.
 The Eurasian buzzard (Buteo buteo) has been identified as one of the most useful sentinel species for environmental pollution biomonitoring at a pan-European scale, making it ideal for evaluating the impact of Pb poisoning on raptors as a whole.
 To carry out this work, the scientists studied a total of 220 specimens of Eurasian buzzard found dead or dying in the wild in the UK throughout the period between 2007 and 2018. For each specimen, they analyzed the liver levels of Pb in the liver (indicator of a relatively recent and high exposure) and in bones (indicator of prolonged exposure over time).
 They also analyzed the stable isotope composition of Pb from buzzard livers and compared it with that of Pb from the types of shotgun ammunition most widely-used in the UK. These isotopes are like the "fingerprint" of the origin of chemical elements, thus its study is very useful to determine the potential origin of the Pb accumulated in the internal tissues of an animal.
 Graphical abstract of the research work.
 Results show that 3% of individuals had liver Pb levels corresponding to severe exposure, whereas 4% had bone Pb levels associated with lethal intoxication. The Pb accumulation in the liver of buzzards varied markedly among years and showed a consistent tendency to increase substantially within years throughout the UK hunting season for game birds.
 The resemblance of the stable isotope composition of Pb from buzzard livers to that of Pb from the ammunition most commonly used in the UK for small game hunting increased markedly with increasing Pb concentration in the liver. In this regard, stable isotope results were consistent with almost 60% of the mass of Pb in livers of all of the buzzards sampled being derived from shotgun pellets. This percentage was 89% for the individuals with concentrations indicating severe exposure to Pb.
 This research work provides further evidence that accidental ingestion of Pb ammunition remnants, through the consumption of game birds and mammals shot using Pb shotgun pellets, is likely to be associated with the lethal and sublethal effects of the Pb intoxication suffered by raptors with scavenging habits or that prey upon game species.
 The scientific publication of this research is available at:


Secrets to habit change
How Is Doing a Crossword Puzzle Like Changing a Habit?
Want to change a habit? Here are 7 ways crossword puzzles can help.
Habit-change tool or just for fun?
I have a habit of doing the New York Times crossword puzzle most days of the week. Even if there were no benefits beyond the activity itself, I would still indulge in it. Let's face it, I'm a word nerd.
But lately I've been noticing how this pleasant activity teaches a set of attitudes that is actually useful for successful habit change. Here are seven ways a crossword puzzle can provide the attitude adjustment that will help you change a habit:
1. First do no harm. We acquire our hurtful habits because they regulate our moods. Automatic eating, smoking, procrastinating—these mindless activities put us in a trance state that dulls the sharp pain of a harsh reality. Crosswords likewise put us in a trance state—I call it "Letterland"—but one that is more like "flow"—a state of being so immersed in what you are doing that the rest of the world falls away. Flow activities, like knitting, sketching, writing, running, or gardening, give your mind a break from boredom, pain, or worry while either doing you no harm or actively doing you good. Compared to a bad habit, these activities cost you little and benefit you a lot.
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2. Take a break—the answer will come. Recent research suggests that taking a break can restore your willpower. When it comes to crosswords, taking a short break can restore your brainpower, enabling you to see a mistake or find an answer. It's amazing how solvable a crossword problem can be once you've stepped away from it and returned. For a small, daily "aha" experience, do a crossword.
3. You get better with directed practice. With practice, you pick up a bit of crosswordese—those dumb words that you only see in puzzles. After a while, certain words become old, quirky friends. You recognize the animals that populate many puzzles—the eels, emus, and ants, for three—or the vowel-laden actors that take their bows again and again—Alda, Uma, and Asner.
4. "Seeing the light"—i.e., correcting your mistakes—can be the most rewarding part of doing the puzzle. Making errors in the crossword grid can be frustrating and annoying. But the more you do puzzles, the more fun it is to track down your errors and correct them. Satisfying! Likewise, when you relapse as you try to change a habit, you can gradually adopt the attitude of, "OK, what can I learn from this?" You correct, you change, you move on. Psychologists would say you are developing a "growth mindset," the belief that your IQ and skills are not fixed at birth but can be cultivated throughout life.
5. You know more than you think you know. It's awesome when an answer pops up from somewhere deep in your unconscious. "I didn't even know I knew that!" you think. Sometimes even one letter can poke a neuron embedded deep within your brain and you magically get it.
6. Small steps get a big job done. At first, a hard puzzle may seem impossible. But word by word, step by step, you fill in the grid and complete the puzzle. Learning to chip away at a crossword is like using small steps to chip away at a bad habit. Little by little, you cut down on cigarettes, increase your walking program, or eat healthier.
7. Sometimes you need help. The NYT Saturday puzzle is usually too challenging for me. My partner and I have created a ritual of passing it back and forth until it's done. OK, sometimes we cheat and use Google, The Great and Powerful, for an answer. At other times we "go to Rex," solver extraordinaire Rex Parker. Like a hard puzzle, a habit, too, can often be best changed in tandem or with the help of an outside expert.
Of course doing crosswords, like any human activity, can spiral out of control. I once knew someone who avoided work by doing puzzle after puzzle after puzzle. For her, crosswords were like those potato chips--"You can't eat just one." But most of us can stop after one crossword. So, if you are searching for an enjoyable way to keep your mind flexible and open, try a crossword! You may find yourself learning life lessons that can help you change a habit.
So, what's a 10-letter word for "attitude adjustment?" I would answer: "Crosswords."
If you enjoyed this blog, you might like finding out how using willpower can be fun here or these other unusual self-care strategies from Dr. Alice Boyes.
(c) Meg Selig
Meg Selig is the author of Changepower! 37 Secrets to Habit Change Success (Routledge, 2009). For updates and tidbits on habit change and challenge, follow her on Facebook or Twitter.
Dweck, C. Mindset (Ballantine, 2006).
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where the system would be opt-out, and to expand this nationally if the Government decides to do so. While this may be a convenient mechanism, we note that it is important that the trials are evaluated and that the lessons learnt in relation to privacy are taken into account and any necessary changes implemented.
Before any decision to adopt opt-out nationally, we recommend that the Department arrange for an independent privacy impact assessment (PIA) to evaluate and address privacy risks identified during the trial. The Department should also conduct further PIAs as circumstances change, for example if new functionality is added to the system, information is to be handled for additional purposes, or significant amendments to legislation are made. We would appreciate the opportunity to comment on these PIAs.
Opting out in trial regions
An opt-out system raises issues relating to capacity and pseudonymous records.
Issues surrounding the ability of minors and adults who lack capacity to opt-out of having, and controlling, their record would need to be carefully considered under an opt-out system. The discussion paper indicates that the System Operator would verify that representatives who opt-out such individuals have the authority to act on their behalf. However, if such individuals are not opted-out, there are questions around who will be notified when their record is created, and how the System Operator will determine who their authorised representative(s) will be.
Other issues that may need to be considered include how the System Operator will determine that an individual lacks capacity, or whether they have fluctuating capacity; how minors will be informed of their right to take control of their record once they turn 14, and informed of their right to set up restricted access controls and remove documents. Additionally, there are differences between state and territory law as to when minors are capable of consenting to health issues (that is, when they become a 'mature minor'), which may raise complexities. In considering these authorised representative issues, the Department of Health could also consider whether any of these matters need to be addressed in legislation.
In relation to pseudonymous records, the discussion paper does not advise how consumers who may wish to obtain such a record would do so under an opt-out system. Also it is not clear how consumers who have already registered for a pseudonymous record would be impacted under an opt-out system, for example if an identified record would automatically be created for them.
We recommend that consumers be informed of the availability of pseudonymous records through the opt-out notifications, and be given sufficient time to register for a pseudonymous IHI before any new records are created. We also recommend that consumers who have already registered for a pseudonymous record be notified about how they will be affected if the system becomes opt-out.
Opt-out transition in trial areas
The OAIC supports the proposal for a staged process to opting-out, where consumers are given a two month period to opt-out, and a further time period when they can set access controls before healthcare providers can access their records.
The discussion paper refers to a proposed mechanism 'allowing some changes to this timing if necessary'. It is unclear whether this mechanism would just allow the entire opt-out trial period to be brought forward or pushed back, or whether it might also allow the timeframes for each stage to be shortened. Given the privacy impacts of an opt-out approach and the importance of effective and wide-reaching communication, we consider that it is important to have sufficient time frames to allow individuals to make informed decisions.
The discussion paper indicates that it will be impractical for the System Operator to obtain consent to the collection and handling of the health information of those individuals who do not opt out of the PCEHR system. Instead, it is proposed that the legislation will authorise healthcare provider organisations to upload records.
While the System Operator may no longer obtain consumers' express consent to participate (as the registration of individual and uploading of records in the system will be authorised by law), to mitigate the privacy impacts and give individuals choice and control, the System Operator nevertheless should try to obtain consumers' implied consent, by giving them adequate opportunity to opt-out of the system. The awareness and education campaign foreshadowed in the discussion paper is critical to this. Consumers should be provided with effective communication about the system and their right to opt-out, including satisfying the following criteria:
individuals need to be provided with sufficient information about the eHealth system and their options, and a sufficient opportunity to opt-out
the option to opt-out should be clearly and prominently presented
it should be likely that consumers have received and read the information about the PCEHR system, the option to opt-out, and how to do so
consumers should be given information that clearly explains the implications of not opting-out. This information should also clearly explain the personal controls available to them
the material should be accessible, written in plain English and should take into account the needs of consumers with special needs, such as individuals from a non-English speaking background and disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals.
In addition, consumers should be provided with a simple and easy means of opting-out and the ability to do this via different channels.
We support the proposal that consumers will continue to be able to restrict access to their PCEHR via the access controls and to request that specific documents not be uploaded. It is important that consumers retain this right to request that certain documents are not uploaded to their record and we suggest that the obligation on healthcare providers to act in accordance with such a direction should be included in the legislation.
Inclusion of Medicare information
The discussion paper suggests that it is impractical for the System Operator to obtain the consent of all individuals in trial areas who do not opt out. Therefore, it is proposed that in place of consent, for those who do not choose to opt-out, the legislation would authorise up to two years of historical Medicare data to be uploaded, unless the consumer chooses to stop this. The consumer may also subsequently remove this data. The discussion paper proposes that the Chief Executive of Medicare would have the discretion not to upload or make Medicare data available, for example in relation to children aged between 14 and 18.
Medicare automatically uploading data by default without the consumer's express consent could result in information being shared when the consumer would prefer that it is not. Therefore, we recommend that the awareness campaign clearly inform consumers that this will occur and that this information may include details that indicate diagnosed conditions and illnesses. Additionally, we would welcome clarification on when Medicare will exercise its discretion not to include the data.
Secondary use of information
The discussion paper indicates that there are no proposed changes to how information in the system can be used for secondary purposes.
The System Operator currently has the function under s 15(ma) of the PCEHR Act to prepare and provide de‑identified data for research or public health purposes. The discussion paper indicates that information in the PCEHR system is not currently used for this purpose, but as the volume of information grows, proposed processes, systems and protections for this to occur will be consulted on and implemented.
The discussion paper suggests that consumers may also provide consent for a researcher to collect and use the information in their PCEHR. We note that only registered 'participants' are permitted to access the PCEHR system. We would welcome clarification on how researchers could practically collect information from PCEHRs.
Registering individuals in opt-out trials
It is unclear from the discussion paper what will happen to the personal information of trial participants at the end of the opt-out period, if the Government decides not to adopt an opt-out system nationally. Will the records of those individuals be destroyed? If not, would the information in those records be effectively removed, but still retained for the standard retention period (proposed in the discussion paper to become 30 years after the consumer's death or 130 years from their date of birth if the former is unknown)?
The OAIC recommends the Department of Health consider these issues and ensure that the legislation clearly defines what will happen to the information in such circumstances. We also recommend that trial participants be notified about what will happen to their personal information if the opt-out approach is not extended beyond the trial sites.
Registering healthcare providers in opt-out trials
The discussion paper indicates that under the trials, education and training services will be made available for healthcare provider organisations, to encourage them to use the PCEHR system. We recommend that these education and training services include information about healthcare providers' privacy obligations under the system. The OAIC can assist with this.
3.4 Obligations of parties
3.4.1 Obligation to enter into participation agreement
The discussion paper proposes that healthcare provider organisations, contracted service providers, repository operators and portal operators will no longer be required to enter into participation agreements. Where necessary, PCEHR system requirements currently outlined in the participation agreements would be transferred into the legislation.
The OAIC supports transferring key obligations from participation agreements to legislation. However, including these obligations in legislation rather than an agreement may reduce the awareness of these obligations among some participants. We therefore think it is important that these participants are informed of their obligations in an alternative way, such as through a registration booklet or other guidance.
Data breach notifications
The OAIC currently has the role of receiving breach notifications from registered repository operators, registered portal operators and the System Operator, and can seek a civil penalty if a registered repository operator or registered portal operator does not report a notifiable data breach.
We generally support the extension of data breach notification provisions to healthcare provider organisations and contracted service providers, and amendments to ensure consistency and clarity in the operation of the provisions. Establishing effective mandatory data breach notification provisions can provide a strong incentive for participants in the PCEHR system to establish and maintain appropriate information handling practices and data security protections.
The existing data breach notification provisions require registered repository operators, registered portal operators and the System Operator to report all notifiable data breaches which directly involved, may have involved, or may involve them. There is currently no 'threshold


Source: NASA
Comments Threshold
RE: Just what we need
By US56 on 2/27/2013 11:25:59 AM, Rating: 2
Bolden's statement seems to suggest that they are establishing something analogous to DARPA within the DoD but in all likelihood it's just another funding channel to let the bureaucratic fun and games continue and give the appearance that they are doing something while not accomplishing much. The U.S. manned space program went off the rails during the Nixon administration. They shoved von Braun aside because he objected too strenuously to the premature termination of Project Apollo, a political embarrassment to the administration, and then made himself a further annoyance when he backed an alternative to the clunky/kludgie Space Shuttle vehicle architecture which ended up killing two astronaut crews and destroying two $1B+ orbiters. That architecture was essentially designed by an economist working as a consultant to the OMB in the Nixon administration using unrealistic flight rate predictions provided by NASA because they felt that a reusable orbiter was the logical next step and gamed the process to get what they thought was right. It would most likely have worked out much better had they built the system not originally conceived by von Braun and associates at Marshall but strongly backed by them.
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Peale's dolphin
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Peale's dolphin
Lagenorhynchus australis.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Subclass: Eutheria
Order: Cetacea
Suborder: Odontoceti
Family: Delphinidae
Genus: Lagenorhynchus
Species: L. australis
Binomial name
Lagenorhynchus australis
(Peale, 1848)
Cetacea range map Black-chinned Dolphin.PNG
Peale's dolphin range
Peale's dolphin (Lagenorhynchus australis) is a small dolphin found in the waters around Tierra del Fuego at the foot of South America. It is also commonly known as the black-chinned dolphin or even Peale's black-chinned dolphin. However, since Rice's work [2] Peale's dolphin has been adopted as the standard common name.
Though it is traditionally placed in the genus Lagenorhynchus, recent molecular analyses indicate Peale's dolphin is actually more closely related to the dolphins of the genus Cephalorhynchus. If true, this would mean this species must either be transferred to Cephalorhynchus or be given a new genus of its own. An alternate genus proposed for this species (as well as the Pacific white-sided dolphin and dusky dolphin is Sagmatias.[3] Some behavioral and morphological data support moving Peal's dolphin to Cephalorhynchus. According to Schevill & Watkins 1971, Peale's dolphin and the Cephalorhynchus species are the only dolphins that do not whistle. Peale's dolphin also shares with several Cephalorhynchus species the possession of a distinct white "armpit" marking behind the pectoral fin.
Physical description[edit]
Peale's dolphin
Peale's dolphin is of typical size in its family — about 1 m in length at birth and 2.1 m (6.9 ft) when fully mature. Its adult weight is about 115 kg. It has a dark-grey face and chin. The back is largely black with a single off-white stripe running curving and thickened as it runs down the back on each side. The belly is white. Conspicuously, also a white patch occurs under just behind each flippers. These are known as the "armpits". The flanks also have a large white-grey patch above the flipper. The dorsal fin is large for this size cetacean and distinctively falcated. The flippers themselves are small and pointed. The tail fin, too, has pointed tips, as well as a notch at its middle.
The species looks similar to the dusky dolphin when viewed at a distance, and may be confused with it.
Population and distribution[edit]
Peale's dolphin is endemic to the coastal waters around southern South America. On the Pacific side, they have been seen as far north as Valdivia, Chile at 38°S. On the Atlantic side, sightings typically diminish at about 44°S — near Golfo San Jorge, Argentina. In the south, they have been seen at almost 60°S — well into the Drake Passage.
They are often found in areas of fast-moving waters, such as entrances to channels and narrows, as well as close to shore in safe areas such as bays.
The total population is unknown, but is thought to be locally common.
Peale's dolphins congregate in small groups — usually about five in number, and sometimes up to 20. On rare occasions in summer and autumn, much larger groups have been recorded (100 individuals). A typical pattern is for the group to move in a line parallel to the shore. They usually swim slowly, but are prone to bursts of activity.
Peale's dolphins' propensity for moving over only small areas, and staying close to shore, has rendered them vulnerable to interference by man. During the 1970s and '80s, Chilean fisherman killed and used thousands of Peale's dolphins for crab bait each year. This practice has decreased, but not been made illegal.
In Argentina, Peale's dolphins have been reported becoming trapped in gill nets, but the extent of this is not known. Conservation groups such as the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society demand further research be made into this species.
The Peale's dolphin or black-chinned dolphin is listed on Appendix II[4] of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). It is listed on Appendix II[4] as it has an unfavourable conservation status or would benefit significantly from international co-operation organised by tailored agreements.[5]
See also[edit]
 2. ^ "Marine Mammals of the World. Systematics and Distribution", by Dale W. Rice (1998). Published by the Society of Marine Mammalogy as Special Publication No. 4
 3. ^ Shirihai, H. and Jarrett, B. (2006). Whales, Dolphins and Other Marine Mammals of the World. Princeton Field Guides. pp. 205–207. ISBN 9780691127569.
 5. ^ Convention on Migratory Species page on the Peale's dolphin / Black-chinned dolphin


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How Long Do 2032 Batteries Last in Storage?
IntroductionWhen it comes to storing 2032 batteries, it's important to know how long they can last without being used. Whether you're stocking up for future use or simply want to ensure your batteries are still functional when you need them, understanding their shelf life is essential. In this article, we'll explore how long 2032 batteries can last in storage and provide some tips for maximizing their lifespan.
Factors Affecting Shelf Life
Battery QualityThe quality of the 2032 batteries you purchase can significantly impact their shelf life. Higher quality batteries are often designed to have a longer storage life, so it's important to invest in reputable brands to ensure they remain functional for as long as possible.
Storage ConditionsHow you store your 2032 batteries can also affect their longevity. It's best to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Exposure to heat and humidity can reduce the shelf life of the batteries, so proper storage is key to maximizing their lifespan.
Initial ChargeThe initial charge of the 2032 batteries at the time of purchase can also impact their shelf life. If they were already partially discharged when you bought them, their storage life may be shorter compared to fully charged batteries.
Typical Shelf LifeOn average, 2032 batteries can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years in storage, depending on the factors mentioned above. Higher quality batteries stored under optimal conditions can potentially last closer to the 10-year mark, while lower quality batteries or those exposed to poor storage conditions may only last a few years.
Tips for Maximizing Shelf Life
Invest in Quality BatteriesTo ensure your 2032 batteries have a longer shelf life, it's best to invest in high-quality brands known for their durability and longevity.
Proper StorageAs mentioned earlier, storing your batteries in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures and sunlight can help maximize their shelf life.
Check Expiration DatesBefore purchasing 2032 batteries, check for expiration dates to ensure you're getting the freshest possible stock. This can help guarantee that the batteries have the longest possible shelf life before use.
Keep Them ChargedIf possible, periodically check and recharge stored 2032 batteries to maintain their charge and prevent them from fully discharging over time.
Dispose of Old BatteriesIf you come across old 2032 batteries that have been sitting in storage for an extended period, it's best to dispose of them and replace them with fresh ones to ensure reliable performance.
In conclusion, 2032 batteries can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years in storage, depending on various factors such as battery quality, storage conditions, and initial charge. By investing in quality batteries, storing them properly, and periodically checking their charge, you can maximize their shelf life and ensure they remain functional when you need them.


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What does BTA stand for?
BTA stands for Behavioral Targeting Advertising
This definition appears rarely and is found in the following Acronym Finder categories:
- Business, finance, etc.
See other definitions of BTA
We have 165 other meanings of BTA in our Acronym Attic
- Basic Transport Allowance (travel)
- Basic Travelers Allowance
- Bass Tab Archive
- Bata (SIL code, Nigeria)
- Bath Teachers Association
- Bâtiment et Techniques d'Armor (French construction company)
- Bâtiment Technique Artisanal (French construction company)
- Battle Training Assembly
- Be There Aloha
- Be There Always


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Jaw - broken or dislocated
A broken jaw is a break in the jaw bone. A dislocated jaw means the lower part of the jaw has moved out of its normal position at one or both joints where the jaw bone connects to the skull (temporomandibular joints).
Dislocated jaw; Fractured jaw; Broken jaw; TMJ dislocation
A broken or dislocated jaw usually heals completely after treatment. However, the jaw may become dislocated again in the future.
Complications may include:
The most common cause of a broken or dislocated jaw is injury to the face. This may be due to:
- Industrial accident
- Motor vehicle accident
- Recreational or sports injury
Symptoms of a dislocated jaw include:
- Bite that feels "off" or crooked
- Difficulty speaking
- Drooling because of inability to close the mouth
- Inability to close the mouth
- Jaw that may protrude forward
- Pain in the face or jaw, located in front of the ear on the affected side, and gets worse with movement
- Teeth that do not line up properly
Symptoms of a fractured (broken) jaw include:
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Difficulty opening the mouth widely
- Facial bruising
- Facial swelling
- Jaw stiffness
- Jaw tenderness or pain, worse with biting or chewing
- Loose or damaged teeth
- Lump or abnormal appearance of the cheek or jaw
- Numbness of the face (particularly the lower lip)
- Very limited movement of the jaw (with severe fracture)
A broken or dislocated jaw requires immediate medical attention because of the risk of breathing problems or significant bleeding. Call your local emergency number (such as 911) or local hospital for further advice.
Hold the jaw gently in place with your hands while traveling to the emergency room. A bandage may also be wrapped over the top of the head and under the jaw. However, such a bandage should be easily removable in case you need to vomit.
If breathing problems or heavy bleeding occurs, or if there is severe facial swelling, a tube may be placed into your airways to help you breathe.
If the jaw is dislocated, the health care provider may be able to place it back into the correct position using the thumbs. Numbing medications (anesthetics) and muscle relaxants may be needed to relax the strong jaw muscles.
The jaw may need to be stabilized. This usually involves bandaging the jaw to keep the mouth from opening widely. In some cases, surgery may be needed to do this, particularly if repeated jaw dislocations occur.
After dislocating your jaw, you should not open your mouth widely for at least 6 weeks. Support your jaw with one or both hands when yawning and sneezing.
Temporarily bandaging the jaw (around the top of the head) to prevent it from moving may help reduce pain.
The specific treatment for a fractured jaw depends on how badly the bone is broken. If you have a minor fracture, you may only need pain medicines and to follow a soft or liquid diet for a while.
Surgery is often needed for moderate to severe fractures. The jaw may be wired to the teeth of the opposite jaw to improve stability. Jaw wires are usually left in place for 6 - 8 weeks. Small rubber bands (elastics) are used to hold the teeth together. After a few weeks, some of the elastics are removed to allow motion and reduce joint stiffness.
If the jaw is wired, you can only drink liquids or eat very soft foods. Have blunt scissors readily available to cut the elastics in the event of vomiting or choking. If the wires must be cut, consult a health care provider promptly so they can be replaced.
Do NOT attempt to correct the position of the jaw.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
A broken or dislocated jaw requires immediate medical attention. Emergency symptoms include difficulty breathing or heavy bleeding.
Safe practices in work, sports, and recreation, such as wearing a proper helmet when playing football, may prevent some accidental injuries to the face or jaw.
Herrmann HJ. Wilderness dentistry and management of facial injuries. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 26.
Kellman RM. Maxillofacial trauma. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:chap 23.
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

source: HuggingFaceFW/fineweb-edu


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For Anime Model Eyes
2D Eyes Focus
2D eyes focus is suitable for the model which is using fully textured on eyes area.
- Unity 3D
- 3D model which only use a texture for each eyes. Example: (Eye texture)
+Open your ready model and Export using FBX. :
+Import the model into Unity. Make sure the size in Unity is proper scale 1, 1, 1
+Import the custom package of "2D Eyes Focus'
+Add Xeno Eye Iris Focus Component on 3D model inspector
+Set 'Head Model' or any model which have Eyes Material on it
+For the "Eye Level" you need to create child GameObject on your model.
+Make sure the axis of Z (Blue) is aligned with your model facing.
+Now you can rename your 'GameObject' with 'EyeLevel. And now make the head bone as its parent
+Now set the transform position of 'Eye Level' to all 0, 0, 0.
Probably you want to set your rotation to 80, 270, 0. But make sure your 'Eye Level' z-axis is facing same direction with your model face.
+Now you can drag the 'Eye level' into the empty slot of Eye level in 2d eye focus inspector
+'Target' Empty slot is the target for the iris to focus/tracking/follow around. It's up to you what kind of target you want to use.
If you want to use script and change the target in real-time, use this method to call:
var NewTarget : Transform;
var EyeFocusScript : XenoEyeIrisFocus;
EyeFocusScript.Target = NewTarget;
+Eye Setting drop down to setting the eyes. It's all explanatory in the inspector
Have a nice trying 🙂


text:
You are asking a question in The Seafarer
If your question concerns another topic, please post it here
Tips for Getting a Great Answer Fast
Popular QuestionsSee all »
- In "The Seafarer," what causes the Seafarer to keep returning to the sea?
- Why does the seafarer choose a life at sea in spite of its hardships in "The Seafarer"? For example, like the feelings he expresses...
- Comparison What would be the comparison between "The Seafarer" by Ezra Pound and "If Winter Comes" by A.S.M. Hutchinson?
- In "The Seafarer", what kind of "seafaring" does the poet advocate?


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28 February 2012 | EN | FR
Kenaf belongs to the cotton family
[OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO] Researchers from Burkina Faso and France have developed a low-cost construction material made of clay and sand mixed with fibres from the kenaf plant.
Kenaf is member of the cotton family, and its fibres are already widely used in Burkina Faso to make bags and ropes, as well as other products typically made from wood, like paper.
Jacob Sanou, of the Farako-Ba research station of Bobo-Dioulasso, in Burkina Faso, says he was inspired to try using kenaf to make building materials by the flax plant, which Europeans have used in a wide range of products including clothing, paper and industrial products.
Sanou joined forces with two specialists in composite materials based in France — Philippe Blanchart, from the National School of Industrial Ceramics at the University of Limoges, and Moussa Gomina, a Burkinabé researcher at the University of Caen.
They developed a kenaf composite material that is cheaper and stronger than ordinary building materials, and provides excellent insulation in the hot climate, as well as blocking out sound.
The team studied kenaf farming practices and found that the plant has no detrimental effect on soil quality, and even without fertiliser, average yields are around four tonnes per hectare, making it a potentially valuable and environmentally sustainable crop.
The work paves the way for rural farming communities to build comfortable, affordable homes for themselves and their families without damaging the environment, Sanou told SciDev.Net.
"Our study suggests that kenaf has good potential as a building material," he said, adding that more research is needed to determine its commercial viability.
Burkina Faso's minister in charge of scientific research and innovation, Gnissa Konaté, said the work is of considerable interest to the government, which has recently prioritised the building sector and eco-materials under its latest research policy.
Konaté added that the country's climate poses challenges for conventional building materials.
"Construction with cement is not adapted to the warm climatic conditions of Burkina Faso," he said.
"Cement stores heat, so buildings which are made from this material consume more energy due to their reliance on air conditioners. Combining kenaf with local clay was an unexpected success, which the authorities are willing to seize in order to stir up the building sector in Burkina Faso."
Further laboratory studies will be carried out at the University of Ougadougou and civil engineering colleges, says Sadou.
solarentrep ( SPW Ecojustice Center | United States of America )
28 February 2012
I am a grower of kenaf and would like to invite those interested in having people join with me in growing kenaf in Belize. I will be joining with Bill Loftus to put on a 12 day workshop on growing, harvesting, processing and using kenaf in Williston, Florida in September 2012. I will be joint venturing with Ecologic Technology Institute to put on a kenaf workshop in Atlanta, Georgia in August 2012. If you want to know more about kenaf join the kenaf community on facebook _URL_
Z. Osman ( Sudan )
29 February 2012
This is fantastic work. We are also working on Kenaf in Sudan and we are able to successfuly cultivate it. Our aim is to manufacture biocomposites using thermoset adhesives. If you publish a paper on your work, please send me copy. Very interested to know your findings.
Assocaite prof. Zeinab Osman
E mail: _EMAIL_
J Botha ( South Africa )
5 March 2012
I would like an email address for kenaf workshops. _EMAIL_
All SciDev.Net material is free to reproduce providing that the source and author are appropriately credited. For further details see Creative Commons.


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Ludwig von Mises
The Task and Scope of
the Science of Human Action
I. The Nature and Development of the Social Sciences
6. The Logical Character of the Universally Valid Science of Human Action
The science of human action that strives for universally valid knowledge is the theoretical system whose hitherto best elaborated branch is economics, In all of its branches this science is a priori, not empirical. Like logic and mathematics, it is not derived from experience; it is prior to experience. It is, as it were, the logic of action and deed.
Human thought serves human life and action. It is not absolute thought, but the forethought directed toward projected acts and the afterthought that reflects upon acts done. Hence, in the last analysis, logic and the universally valid science of human action are one and the same. If we separate them, so as to contrast logic and practice, we must show at what point their paths diverge and where the special province of the science of action is to be found.
One of the tasks with which thought must cope in order to fulfill its function is that of comprehending the conditions under which human action takes place. To treat these in their concrete detail is the work of the natural sciences and, in a certain sense, also of history and the other historical sciences. Our science, on the other hand, disregarding the accidental, considers only the essential. Its goal is the comprehension of the universal, and its procedure is formal and axiomatic. It views action and the conditions under which action takes place not in their concrete form, as we encounter them in everyday life, nor in their actual setting, as we view them in each of the sciences of nature and of history, but as formal constructions that enable us to grasp the patterns of human action in their purity.
Only experience makes it possible for us to know the particular conditions of action in their concrete form. Only experience can teach us that there are lions and microbes and that their existence can present definite problems to acting man; and it would be absurd, without experience, to indulge in speculations about the existence or nonexistence of some legendary beast. The existence of the external world is given through experience; and if we pursue definite plans, only experience can teach us how we must act vis-?-vis the external world in concrete situations.
However, what we know about our action under given conditions is derived not from experience, but from reason. What we know about the fundamental categories of action?action, economizing, preferring, the relationship of means and ends, and everything else that, together with these, constitutes the system of human action?is not derived from experience. We conceive all this from within, just as we conceive logical and mathematical truths, a priori, without reference to any experience. Nor could experience ever lead anyone to the knowledge of these things if he did not comprehend them from within himself.
As an a priori category the principle of action is on a par with the principle of causality. It is present in all knowledge of any conduct that goes beyond an unconscious reaction. "In the beginning was the deed." In our view the concept of man is, above all else, also the concept of the being who acts. Our consciousness is that of an ego which is capable of acting and does act. The fact that our deeds are intentional makes them actions. Our thinking about men and their conduct, and our conduct toward men and toward our surroundings in general, presuppose the category of action.
Nevertheless, we are quite incapable of thinking of this fundamental category and the system deduced from it without also thinking, at the same time, of the universal prerequisites of human action. For example, we are unable to grasp the concept of economic action and of economy without implying in our thought the concept of economic quantity relations and the concept of an economic good. Only experience can teach us whether or not these concepts are applicable to anything in the conditions under which our life must actually be lived. Only experience tells us that not all things in the external world are free goods. However, it is not experience, but reason, which is prior to experience, that tells us what is a free and what is an economic good.
Consequently, it would be possible to construct, by the use of the axiomatic method, a universal praxeology so general that its system would embrace not only all the patterns of action in the world that we actually encounter, but also patterns of action in worlds whose conditions are purely imaginary and do not correspond to any experience. A theory of money would still be meaningful even if throughout history there had never been any indirect exchange. That such a theory would have no practical importance in a world that did not use money would in no way detract from the truth of its statements. Because we study science for the sake of real life?and, it should be remembered, the desire for pure knowledge for its own sake is also a part of life?and not as a form of mental gymnastics, we generally do not mind forgoing the gratification that could be offered by a perfect, comprehensive system of the axioms of human action, a system so universal that it would comprise all thinkable categories of the conditions of action. Instead, we are satisfied with the less universal system that refers to the conditions given in the world of experience.
Nevertheless, this reference to experience in no way changes the aprioristic character of our knowledge. In this connection, experience is of absolutely no concern to our thinking. All that we owe to experience is the demarcation of those problems that we consider with interest from problems that we wish to leave aside because they are uninteresting from the point of view of our desire for knowledge. Hence, experience by no means always refers to the existence or nonexistence of the conditions of action, but often only to the presence of an interest in the treatment of a problem. In experience there is no socialist community; nevertheless, the investigation of the economy of such a community is a problem that in our age arouses the greatest of interest.
A theory of action could conceivably be constructed on the assumption that men lacked the possibility of understanding one another by means of symbols, or on the assumption that men?immortal and eternally young?were indifferent in every respect to the passage of time and therefore did not consider it in their action. The axioms of the theory could conceivably be framed in such universal terms as to embrace these and all other possibilities; and it would be conceivable to draw up a formal praxeological system patterned after the science of logic or the science built upon the axioms of, for example, Hilbertian geometry. We forgo these possibilities because conditions that do not correspond to those we encounter in our action interest us only in so far as thinking through their implications in imaginary constructions enables us to further our knowledge of action under given conditions.
The method actually employed by economists in the treatment of their problems can be seen with particular clarity in the case of the problem of imputation. Conceivably it would be possible to formulate the theory of the appraisement and pricing of the factors of production (goods of higher order, producers' goods) in the broadest generality so that, for one thing, we would work only with an unqualified concept, viz., means of production. We could then elaborate the theory in such a way that the three factors of production that are enumerated in the customary presentation would appear as special cases. But we proceed differently. We do not bother to furnish a universal imputation theory of the means of production as such, but proceed immediately to the treatment of the three categories of means of production: land, labor, and capital. This practice is altogether warranted by the object of our investigation, of which we must never lose sight.
However, the renunciation of axiomatic universality and precision also conceals many dangers, and it has not always been possible to avoid them. It is not only the Marxist theory of classes that has failed to grasp the categorial character of each of these specific groups of factors of production. To be sure, it was noted that the peculiarity of land as a factor of production lies in the difference in the usefulness of individual pieces of land from the point of view of the goals of action; the theory of ground rent never lost sight of the fact that land is appraised differently according to its quality and location. However, the theory of wages did overlook the fact that labor too is of different quality and intensity and that on the market there is never a supply of or a demand for "labor" as such, but only a supply of and a demand for labor of a definite kind. Even after this fact was recognized, an attempt was made to evade its consequences by assuming that what forms the bulk of the supply and is chiefly in demand is unskilled labor and that it is permissible to ignore, as quantitatively negligible, skilled, "higher" labor. The theory of wages would have been spared many errors had it been kept in mind what function the special treatment of labor in the theory of distribution is called upon to fulfill and at what point it becomes necessary to speak no longer simply of labor, but of labor of a definite quality that is offered or sought at a given time in a given place. It was still more difficult for the theory of capital to free itself of the idea of abstract capital, where the categorial difference between land, labor, and capital is no longer in question, but where the appraisement of definite capital goods, supplied or demanded in a definite place at a definite time, is to be considered. Likewise in the theory of distribution and in the theory of imputation, it was not easy to shake off the influence of the universalist view.
Our science deals with the forms and patterns of action under the various categories of its conditions


text:
HOW TO DO THINGS WITH "VALUES": A CROSS-LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE MEANINGS AND FUNCTIONS OF A CORE CONCEPT ON TWITTER
Keywords:values, twitter, cross-cultural, politics, discourse
AbstractThe term _values_ is prominent in political discourse. Yet its ubiquity is matched by its vagueness, especially when considering usage among different cultures. Twitter provides a promising venue for exploring the contested political discourse surrounding this term. In this paper, we study the use of the term values on Twitter across different language communities. We ask: _what meanings do users ascribe to the term "values"?_ and _what are the social and political discursive functions of the term?_ For both questions, we will explore cross-cultural similarities and differences. We compiled a corpus of around 15 million tweets containing the term _values_ from 2019-2021 in English, German, Italian, Japanese, and Korean. We use two complementary methods for analyzing the data: 1) a big-data computational analysis, finding the most prominent terms co-occurring with and phrases containing the term _values_; 2) a systematic content analysis of a smaller subset of the corpus. *Preliminary Results of English and Japanese tweets suggest* fundamental differences in how the two languages frame _values_: while the term in English appears mainly in a partisan political context, Japanese usage is far more personal and apolitical. In the English corpus, the term is often invoked in politically motivated rhetorical attacks, often alleging hypocrisy. In the Japanese corpus, tweeters use the term to promote a societal norm of respecting others' values and to discuss generational gaps. Our analysis demonstrates the potential of Twitter-based research for unpacking the meanings and functions of this core concept, across cultures.
How to Cite
Green, A., Shibuya, Y., Trillo, T., Mizoroki, S., Scharlach, R., Hallinan, B., … Shifman, L. (2023). HOW TO DO THINGS WITH "VALUES": A CROSS-LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE MEANINGS AND FUNCTIONS OF A CORE CONCEPT ON TWITTER. AoIR Selected Papers of Internet Research, 2022. _URL_


text:
Michael Thomas SadlerArticle Free Pass
Michael Thomas Sadler, (born Jan. 3, 1780, Snelston, Derbyshire, Eng.—died July 29, 1835, Belfast, Ulster, Ire.), radical politician, philanthropic businessman, and leader of the factory reform movement in England, who was a forerunner of the reformers from the working class whose activities (from the late 1830s) became known as Chartism.
An importer of Irish linens in Leeds, Yorkshire, Sadler served as a Tory member of the House of Commons in 1829–30 and again in 1831–32, and then, in December 1832, sought a new parliamentary seat created for Leeds. Although he received considerable working class support, he was defeated by the historian Thomas Babington (later Baron) Macaulay, who had criticized Sadler's Law of Population (1830), a massive treatise attacking the pessimistic theories of the economist-demographer Thomas Robert Malthus.
Sadler attracted the votes of the Leeds labourers because he advocated government intervention to regulate factory conditions in general and children's working hours in particular. He led the movement in the House of Commons for a 10-hour daily limit on factory work by persons under 18. In 1831 he introduced a factory reform bill, inspired in part by the reformer Richard Oastler, and subsequently acted as chairman of the committee to which it was referred. This large group (37 members eventually) met more than 40 times and examined many witnesses. Among these were children who had been crippled in factory accidents; numerous adult workers, some of whom were discharged for having testified; and several noted physicians, all of whom favoured a shorter working day and other reforms. The Factory Act of 1833, passed after Sadler had left Parliament, restricted the working day in textile mills to 12 hours for persons aged 13 through 17, and 8 hours for those aged 9 through 12.
Sadler's health was fatally impaired by his strenuous work with the committee. His friend Anthony Ashley Cooper, Lord Ashley (afterward 7th earl of Shaftesbury), succeeded him as parliamentary leader of the labour reform movement.
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Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage
Language: Old English
Origin: lif
life S1 W1 plural lives
time somebody is alive
[uncountable and countable] the period of time when someone is alive:
Learning goes on throughout life.
You have your whole life ahead of you.
in somebody's life
For the first time in my life I was happy.
I've never been so embarrassed in my life!
I've known John all my life (=since I was born).
His main aim in life was to have fun.
It was one of the best days of my life.
The accident scarred him for life (=for the rest of his life).
She knew she'd feel guilty for the rest of her life.
Raj spent his life caring for others.
Bonington spent his entire adult life in France.
We don't know much about the poet's early life (=when he was young).
Poor diet can lead to a whole range of diseases in later life (=when you are older).
She married late in life (=when she was fairly old).
He's a life member (=continuing until he dies) of the club.
state of being alive
[uncountable and countable] the state of being alive:
The right to life is the most basic of human rights.
The riots presented a considerable risk to life and property.
Danny was a cheerful little boy who loved life.
A seatbelt could save your life.
Two firefighters risked their lives to save the children.
Thousands lost their lives (=died) in the earthquake.
He has risked life and limb (=has done very dangerous things) to photograph some of the world's most dangerous animals.
He owes his life to (=he is still alive because of) the prompt action of a neighbour.
take your (own) life (=deliberately kill yourself)
There's no evidence that she intended to take her own life.
take somebody's life (=kill someone)
No-one has the right to take another's life.
be fighting for your life (=be so ill or injured that you might die)
A resident was fighting for his life yesterday, having escaped the blaze.
give your life/lay down your life (=die in order to save other people or because of a strong belief)
He gave his life for the cause of freedom
take your life in your (own) hands (=put yourself in a very dangerous situation)
You take your life in your hands every time you cross this road.
way somebody lives
lead/live/have a..... life
The operation should enable Bobby to lead a normal life.
She just wanted to live a quiet life.
Having a baby changes your life completely.
The family moved to Australia to start a new life.
Ken's whole life revolved around surfing (=that was the main interest and purpose of his life).
You shouldn't let your boyfriend rule your life (=control and affect everything you do).
My grandmother had a hard life (=a life full of problems).
She's led a very sheltered life (=a life in which you have been protected from unpleasant things).
a life of crime/poverty/misery etc
He had been drawn into a life of crime.
particular situation/job
[uncountable and countable]
a) the experiences, activities, and ways of living that are typical of being in a particular job, situation, society etc:
Why do so few women enter political life?
the British way of life
city/country/village etc life
Noise has become one of the main pollutants of modern city life.
army/student/college etc life
He missed the routine of army life.
Are you enjoying married life?
b) the time in your life when you are doing a particular job, are in a particular situation etc
somebody's life as something
Now a celebrity chef, he rarely talks about his life as an army cook.
Sara admits to having affairs throughout her married life.
Most of his working life was spent in the shipyards.
social/personal/sex etc life
the activities in your life relating to your friends, your family, sex etc:
I don't need advice about my love life.
traditional views of family life
Children need a caring and happy home life.
human existence
[uncountable] human existence, considered as a variety of experiences and activities:
My Aunt Julia had very little experience of life.
Life has a way of changing the best of plans.
For some people, religion gives life a meaning.
daily/everyday life
the frustrations and disappointments of everyday life
I try to see the funny side of life.
time when something exists/works
[countable usually singular]
a) the period of time during which something happens or exists
life of
The issues will not be resolved during the life of the present parliament.
start/begin/come to life as something
The building began life as a monastery.
b) the period of time during which something is still good enough to use
life of
What's the average life of a passenger aircraft?
Careful use can extend the life of your washing machine.
shelf life
living things
a) the quality of being alive that people, animals, plants etc have and that objects and dead things do not have:
Ben felt her neck for a pulse or any other sign of life.
In the springtime, everything comes to life again.
b) living things, such as people, animals, or plants:
Is there life on other planets?
human/animal/plant/bird etc life
The island is rich in bird life.
be somebody's (whole) life
to be the most important thing or person to someone:
Music is Laura's whole life.
life and death
also life or death used for emphasizing that a situation, decision etc is extremely urgent and important, especially because someone is at risk of dying:
Don't call me unless it's a matter of life and death.
a life or death decision
A doctor's job involves life and death situations.
[countable] a chance in a game, especially a computer game, in which you can be defeated or do something wrong and can still continue playing:
He's up to level five and still has three lives left.
[uncountable] activity or movement:
The house was quiet and there was no sign of life.
She was always so cheerful and full of life.
[uncountable] a quality of being interesting or exciting:
Try to put some life into your writing.
The game really came to life after a magnificent goal from Beckham.
A gifted teacher can really bring literature to life for his or her students.
come to life/roar into life/splutter into life etc
to suddenly start working:
Finally the car spluttered into life.
make life difficult/easier etc
to make it difficult, easier etc to do something:
Surely computers are supposed to make life easier, not more complicated!
make life difficult/easier etc for
Why make life difficult for yourself?
the life and soul of the party
British English the life of the party American English someone who enjoys social occasions and is fun and exciting to be with
life and limb
formal your life and physical health - used especially when this is threatened in some way:
She risks life and limb every day in her job as an undercover investigator.
get a life!
spoken used to tell someone that you think they are boring and should find more exciting things to do:
You guys should just stop moaning and get a life!
that's life
also such is life spoken used to say that something is disappointing but you have to accept it:
Oh well, that's life!
life's a bitch
spoken not polite used to say that bad things happen in life
this is the life
spoken used when you are relaxing and doing something you enjoy:
Ah, this is the life! Lying on the beach, sipping cool drinks.
the shock/surprise/game etc of somebody's life
the biggest shock or surprise, the best game etc that someone has ever had:
I had the surprise of my life when I saw John standing there.
➔ have the time of your life
at time1 (41)
how's life?
spoken used to ask someone if they are well, what they have been doing etc:
Hi Bob! How's life?
How's life been with you?
life goes on
spoken used to say that you must continue to live a normal life even when something sad or disappointing has happened:
We both miss him, but life goes on.
a life of its own
a) if something has a life of its own, it seems to move or work by itself:
The ball seemed to have acquired a life of its own.
b) if something has a life of its own, it exists and develops without depending on other things:
Slowly but surely, the project is taking on a life of its own.
cannot for the life of me
spoken used to say that you cannot remember or understand something even when you try hard:
I couldn't for the life of me remember his name.
life's too short
spoken used to say that you should not waste time doing something or worrying about something:
Forget about it. Life's too short.
life's too short for
Life's too short for moping about.
life's too short to do something
Life's too short to bear grudges.
not on your life
spoken used as a reply to a question or suggestion to say that you definitely will not do something:
'Are you going to go and work for him then?' 'Not on your life!'
the woman/man/girl etc in your life
the woman or man you are married to or are having a relationship with - used especially in advertisements:
This is the ideal gift for the man in your life.
[uncountable]


text:
As they scrub the smeared ink from their wrists yet again, left-handed people must sometimes wonder what the point of all this is. Why do we have a dominant hand, anyway? However arbitrary it seems, we're not alone in favoring one side over the other—there are all kinds of animals with a preferred paw, claw, or swimming direction. Now flying birds have flapped into the club. In at least one species, birds tend to veer one direction over the other when faced with an obstacle. More than just a pointless impediment to scissors use, "handedness" in birds might keep their flocks flying. The birds in question are budgerigars, or budgies. Better known to Americans as ordinary pet parakeets, in Australia these birds travel the desert and scrubland in dense flocks. University of Queensland neuroscientist Mandyam Srinivasan says that flying this way without crashing isn't a trivial task. "Whilst landing on a tree, for example, it would be important to find a clear path," he says, "as well as avoid collisions with other birds." To study how flying budgies avoid obstacles, Srinivasan and his colleagues brought a group of birds into the lab. One at a time, the birds flew through a tunnel. Halfway down the tunnel their path was blocked by a cloth wall with two vertical slits; they had to choose one to fly through. Between the gaps was a sliding panel that let the scientists shrink one gap while widening the other. When the panel was perfectly centered, the birds saw two 5-centimeter gaps in the wall. While they made this flight again and again, the researchers shifted the center panel one centimeter at a time, so that the birds encountered gaps ranging from 0 to 10 centimeters. (To get through a narrow space, budgerigars tuck in their wings and make themselves into bullets.) In all, each bird made more than 100 flights down the tunnel. The scientists recorded how often each bird chose the left or the right gap to fly through. "Unfortunately, we had access to only five birds at the time of our initial study," Srinivasan notes. When one gap was much wider than the other, the birds usually picked the wider gap and the easier flight. But when the gaps were even or nearly even, four out of five birds showed a clear preference for the left or the right. Even though his study was limited to (almost literally) a handful of birds, "We are confident that our observation of individually varying biases is correct," Srinivasan says. In another recent study, he tested a larger number of budgerigars and found that they had strong preferences for the left or right when choosing a branch to perch on. Some studies with other bird species have shown that individuals prefer their right or left foot for picking up food or scratching their beaks. But Srinivasan is focusing on flight, and landing from flight, because he thinks it's where a right or left bias might actually help birds. The budgies in his study were an equal mix of righties and lefties. If a whole flock were evenly split between leftand right-swervers, this could make the tasks of flying through vegetation or landing on tree branches more efficient. For comparison, imagine the chaos in a fast-moving flock whose birds can't make up their minds, and veer from left to right as they approach a tree. Actually, you don't have to imagine—Srinivasan modeled this problem mathematically. He found that if a whole flock of budgerigars were passing through the barrier at once, their optimal strategy would be to have a mix of left-biased and right-biased birds, and for some birds' biases to be stronger than others'. It may be the case, Srinivasan speculates, that having a right or left bias is common in birds of many species. This strategy could help all kinds of flocks to fly well. "This has never been explored previously," he says; "we are just beginning to scratch the surface." Meanwhile, picking a side means the vibrant budgerigars can find a landing place without scratching each other's eyes out.
Image: by Jim Bendon (via Flickr)
Bhagavatula, P., Claudianos, C., Ibbotson, M., & Srinivasan, M. (2014). Behavioral Lateralization and Optimal Route Choice in Flying Budgerigars PLoS Computational Biology, 10 (3) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi._PHONE_