Probability distributions in SciPy
Here are some notes on how to work with probability distributions using the SciPy numerical library for Python.
Functions related to probability distributions are located in scipy.stats. The general pattern is
scipy.stats..
There are 81 supported continuous distribution families and 12 discrete distribution families. Some distributions have obvious names: gamma, cauchy, t, f, etc. The only possible surprise is that all distributions begin with a lower-case letter, even those corresponding to a proper name (e.g. Cauchy). Other distribution names are less obvious: expon for the exponential, chi2 for chi-squared distribution, etc.
Each distribution supports several functions. The density and cumulative distribution functions are pdf and cdf respectively. (Discrete distributions use pmf rather than pdf.) One surprise here is that the inverse CDF function is called ppf for "percentage point function." I'd never heard that terminology and would have expected something like "quantile."
Example: scipy.stats.beta.cdf(0.1, 2, 3) evaluates the CDF of a beta(2, 3) random variable at 0.1.
Random values are generated using rvs which takes an optional size argument. The size is set to 1 by default.
Example: scipy.stats.norm.rvs(2, 3) generates a random sample from a normal (Gaussian) random variable with mean 2 and standard deviation 3. The function call scipy.stats.norm.rvs(2, 3, size = 10) returns an array of 10 samples from the same distribution.
The command line help() facility does not document the distribution parameterizations, but the external documentation does. Most distributions are parameterized in terms of location and scale. This means, for example, that the exponential distribution is parameterized in terms of its mean, not its rate. Somewhat surprisingly, the exponential distribution has a location parameter. This means, for example, that scipy.stats.expon.pdf(x, 7) evaluates at x the PDF of an exponential distribution with location 7. This is not what I expected. I assumed there would be no location parameter and that the second argument, 7, would be the mean (scale). Instead, the location was set to 7 and the scale was left at its default value 1. Writing scipy.stats.expon.pdf(x, scale=7) would have given the expected result because the default location value is 0.
SciPy also provides constructors for objects representing random variables.
Example: x = scipy.stats.norm(3, 1); x.cdf(2.7) returns the same value as scipy.stats.norm.cdf(2.7, 3, 1).
Constructing objects representing random variables encapsulates the differences between distributions in the constructors. For example, some distributions take more parameters than others and so their object constructors require more arguments. But once a distribution object is created, its PDF, for example, can be called with a single argument. This makes it easier to write code that takes a general distribution object as an argument.
Related posts:
Numerical computing in IronPython with IronClad
Stand-alone error function erf(x)
11 thoughts on "Probability distributions in SciPy
 1. The python help() facility does not do the right thing (not sure why) but ipython does:
 In [4]: scipy.stats.norm?
 gives the same as the html docs.
 2. A good step in the right direction…
 It would be good John if you could expand more on certain use cases. i.e. if one have a sample space of X as list [], then what steps one should take to calculate the mean and standard deviation.
 From that moment onwards, your article provides a clear way forward to get PDF/CDF probabilities..
 3. Omer: If you just want to compute sample mean and sample standard deviation, you could use the functions scipy.stats.mean and scipy.stats.std. But if you want to fit parameters for non-normal distributions, look at the fit method on the distribution you're using to describe your data.
 4. If I understood correct; scipy.stats.mean and scipy.stats.std will be sample's mean and standard deviation but this is not normal distribution yet. right? Because in your examples you are referring to scipy.stats.norm.*?
 I suppose normal-distribution mean/std.deviation could be calculated through these functions: scipy.stats.norm.mean and scipy.stats.norm.std.
 Probably it would be best I guess to first fit the sample set to a distribution and get a mean/std.deviation for it. If this could be the right approach then, would fit function will return a distribution type object which one can use for mean, std and probability?
 5. Actually, I just realized what is going on with python help(). The distributions are class instances, and their docstrings are updated at import time to be instance-specific. IPython is smart enough to then do the right thing, the Python interpreter is not – it just displays the class docstring.
 6. Omer: You can calculate the sample mean and sample variance no matter what distribution your data comes from. However, if your data comes from a normal distribution, the sample mean and sample variance are the best estimators for the population parameters in a technical sense.
 Does it look like your data follow a normal distribution? If not, what kind of distribution do they follow? That seems to be the first thing to settle. If you have questions as to the appropriate distribution for your data, perhaps we should continue this discussion via email. See the "About" tab at the top for my contact info.
 7. I've been meaning to see how stat packages organize their distribution families. I thought it would be exactly this, but didn't want to be hasty. Thanks so much, now I know the right way to proceed in my application!
 8. Thanks for the quick tutorial!
 What if I would like to generate a distribution from data?
 I have a plot, number of particles vs energy. I would like to get the pdf, cdf and ppf out of it. How would you do that?
 9. Fitting a distribution to data is a more subtle question. First of all, you have to decide exactly what you mean. Do you want to what well-known distribution fits your data? (See this post.) That's somewhat of a historical question because it's limiting the search to distributions that other people have given names to. Why should your data have such a distribution?
 If you want to be more empirical about fitting your data, you have to decide how much smoothing you want. If you do no smoothing, then the histogram of your data is the PDF, and it's cumulative sum is the CDF. But that's not usually what people have in mind. "Kernel smoothing" is the technical term for fitting a smooth density to data.
 In any case, you have choices to make, so it's not as simple as finding "the" PDF.
 10. Dear John, thank you so much for your comments. I would like to clarify my question
 My data consists of electron counts vs energy, that is n(E). It is a smooth distribution already, but not feasible for any well-known distribution. In fact, the pdf is actually:
 pdf = n(E) / N (N the integral of n(E) in the whole region)
 Now, I should run some simulations, so I need to generate m particles in such a distribution.
 The problem is that I can't use 'scipy.distribution.rvs()', since that distribution is not included.
 Would you have any thoughts on how to proceed?
Comments are closed.


Settlement reached in George Michael's estate
In October last year, news broke that the late George Michael's partner of four years, Kenny Goss, was purportedly bringing a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (the 1975 Act) for reasonable financial provision. This was due to him having been excluded from George's will. It was reported that Kenny was claiming £15,000 per month maintenance from George's £100 million estate. It is also reported that a settlement has just been reached in respect of this claim.
This is a good opportunity to run back through the requirements for a 1975 Act claim and how they may be applied in this scenario.
Once you get over the hurdle of the deceased being domiciled in England and Wales, there is a limited group of people who can bring a claim under the 1975 Act. These are:
 1. A spouse or civil partner;
 2. A former spouse or civil partner;
 3. A child of the deceased (including adult children);
 4. Any person who was treated as a child of the deceased;
 5. Any person who was being maintained immediately by the deceased immediately prior to the deceased's death; and
 6. A cohabitee of the deceased.
As George and Kenny's relationship ended in some time ago (more than two years prior to George's death), the claim most likely would have been brought under category (e). This is where Kenny would have claimed that he was being maintained by George immediately prior to George's death.
The court, in the scenario of a dependant being maintained, considers what sum is reasonably required for the person's maintenance. That figure can be capitalised (turned into a lump sum) and housing provision could be ordered.
There are also strict time limits to bring a claim. Claims under the 1975 Act should be brought within six months of the grant of probate being issued.
As the settlement was confidential, we simply do not know what was agreed or how the timings would have worked given that the grant of probate was issued in May 2019. But it does highlight how freedom of testamentary disposition (the freedom to leave your estate to whomever you choose) is not clear cut. Claims under the 1975 Act are very common and we regularly advise upon them; whether advising the person not sufficiently provided for, the executor of the estate or the beneficiaries who would be affected as a result of the claim.


text:
- Prayer and Worship
- Beliefs and Teachings
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The Tent Cloth. 1The tabernacle itself you shall make out of ten sheets* woven of fine linen twined and of violet, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim embroidered on them.a 2The length of each shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width four cubits; all the sheets shall be of the same size. 3Five of the sheets are to be joined one to another; and the same for the other five. 4Make loops of violet yarn along the edge of the end sheet in one set, and the same along the edge of the end sheet in the other set. 5Make fifty loops along the edge of the end sheet in the first set, and fifty loops along the edge of the corresponding sheet in the second set, and so placed that the loops are directly opposite each other. 6Then make fifty clasps of gold and join the two sets of sheets, so that the tabernacle forms one whole.
7Also make sheets woven of goat hair for a tent* over the tabernacle. Make eleven such sheets; 8the length of each shall be thirty cubits, and the width four cubits: all eleven sheets shall be of the same size. 9Join five of the sheets into one set, and the other six sheets into another set. Use the sixth sheet double at the front of the tent.* 10Make fifty loops along the edge of the end sheet in one set, and fifty loops along the edge of the end sheet in the second set. 11Also make fifty bronze clasps and put them into the loops, to join the tent into one whole. 12There will be an extra half sheet of tent covering, which shall be allowed to hang down over the rear of the tabernacle. 13Likewise, the sheets of the tent will have an extra cubit's length to be left hanging down on either side of the tabernacle to cover it. 14Over the tent itself make a covering of rams' skins dyed red, and above that, a covering of tahash skins.
The Framework. 15b You shall make frames for the tabernacle, acacia-wood uprights. 16The length of each frame is to be ten cubits, and its width one and a half cubits. 17Each frame shall have two arms* joined one to another; so you are to make all the frames of the tabernacle. 18Make the frames of the tabernacle as follows: twenty frames on the south side, 19with forty silver pedestals under the twenty frames, two pedestals under each frame for its two arms; 20twenty frames on the other side of the tabernacle, the north side, 21with their forty silver pedestals, two pedestals under each frame. 22At the rear of the tabernacle, to the west, six frames, 23and two frames for the corners of the tabernacle, at its rear. 24These two shall be double at the bottom, and likewise double at the top, to the first ring. That is how both corner frames are to be made. 25Thus, there shall be eight frames, with their sixteen silver pedestals, two pedestals under each frame. 26Also make bars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 27five for those on the other side, and five for those at the rear, to the west. 28The center bar, at the middle of the frames, shall reach across from end to end. 29Plate the frames with gold, and make gold rings on them as holders for the bars, which are also to be plated with gold. 30You shall set up the tabernacle according to its plan, which you were shown on the mountain.
The Veils. 31You shall make a veil woven of violet, purple, and scarlet yarn,c and of fine linen twined, with cherubim embroidered on it.d 32It is to be hung on four gold-plated columns of acacia wood, which shall have gold hooks* and shall rest on four silver pedestals. 33Hang the veil from clasps. The ark of the covenant you shall bring inside, behind this veil which divides the holy place from the holy of holies. 34Set the cover on the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies.
35Outside the veil you shall place the table and the menorah, the latter on the south side of the tabernacle, opposite the table, which is to be put on the north side. 36For the entrance of the tent make a variegated* curtain of violet, purple, and scarlet yarn and of fine linen twined. 37Make five columns of acacia wood for this curtain; plate them with gold, with their hooks of gold; and cast five bronze pedestals for them.
* [26:1] Sheets: strips of tapestry, woven of white linen, the colored threads being used for the cherubim which were embroidered on them. These sheets were stretched across the top of the tabernacle to form a roof, their free ends hanging down inside the framework that formed the walls.
* [26:7] Tent: the cloth made of sheets of goat hair to cover the tabernacle.
* [26:17] Arms: lit., "hands." According to some, they served as "tongue and groove" to mortise the structural elements; according to others, they were pegs that fitted into sockets in the pedestals.
* [26:32] Hooks: probably placed near the tops of the columns, to hold the rope from which the veils and curtains hung.
* [26:36] Variegated: without definite designs such as the cherubim on the inner veil.
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From the Editor
Drescher: Journalists killed at record clip
_EMAIL_ 30, 2012
They call it the Death Watch. The International Press Institute, which is based in Austria, for 15 years has tracked the number of professional journalists around the world killed on the job.
With a month to go in 2012, the institute says 123 journalists have been killed this year. That breaks the old, grisly record of 110 who died in 2009.
Journalists sometimes die while traveling or covering combat. But the vast majority killed this year were targeted for death, said Naomi Hunt, senior press freedom adviser for the institute.
"It is widely accepted that journalist killings continue because the killers get away with it and gangs, armed militias and terrorist organizations and individual criminals all enjoy broad impunity," Hunt said via email. "Journalists are at the most risk in countries where the government is unwilling or unable to put a stop to the killings."
Controlling information flow
When journalists are murdered, Hunt said, it is often to kill a story or "to control the flow of information and the flow of spin." This can cause other journalists to stop doing their jobs. For example, in some parts of Mexico where drug violence is rampant, several newspapers no longer cover crime stories for fear of retaliation.
The reported rise in journalist deaths comes as overall war deaths have declined.
It might not seem like it – because of better communication and increased war reporting – but war deaths have declined steeply, according to a 2011 article in Foreign Policy magazine by Joshua S. Goldstein, professor emeritus of international relations at American University.
The last decade has seen fewer war deaths than in any decade of the last 100 years, Goldstein reported. During the Cold War (1950 to 1989), war-related violence caused 180,000 deaths a year. In the last decade, about 55,000 people a year were killed during war. If you factor in the growing global population, that decline is even sharper.
"Far from being an age of killer anarchy, the 20 years since the Cold War ended have been an era of rapid progress toward peace," Goldstein wrote.
But there hasn't been a corresponding decline in the deaths of journalists. About 55 journalists a year were killed from 2000 to 2002. Since 2009, more than a 100 journalists a year have died.
Technology changes views
Perhaps as technology has improved and the amount of information has increased, the terrorists, thugs, drug runners and corrupt governments have become more desperate to stop reports about who they are and what they do. It's also possible that improvements to communications technology means the International Press Institute is getting a more accurate tally of the deaths.
This year, the three most deadly countries for journalists are:
- Syria, 36 deaths (about 30 percent of journalist deaths worldwide). In its deadly civil war, both sides are fighting not just for territory but for local and international opinion.
- Somalia, 16 deaths. The battle between an Islamist insurgent group and a fragile government has created lawlessness throughout this country in eastern Africa.
- Mexico, seven deaths. Journalists are vulnerable to attacks from drug cartels or corrupt public officials beholden to the cartels.
Democracies almost never go to war with each other. Political scientists Bruce Russett (Yale) and John Oneal (Alabama) say democracy, trade and membership in international organizations contribute to peace. A thriving community of journalists strengthens democracy. Which is why the bad guys want journalists dead.
Drescher: _PHONE_ or On Twitter _USER_
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What is the correct spelling for AEGUE?
This word (Aegue) may be misspelled. Below you can find the suggested words which we believe are the correct spellings for what you were searching for. If you click on the links, you can find more information about these words.
Correct spellings for AEGUE
- ag Take off your goold specs, Ag ; let's see your Dimmycratic phiz out and out!
- age The stone age with them is half a thousand years in the past." It's hell when you're an orphan at a early age This impressionable stage, no love breeds rage – I Must Stand by ice-t
- ago It's over ten years ago since it happened. Where she lies low: I planted daisies there a year ago – Goblin Market by Christina Georgina Rossetti
- ague The old man was seized with a violent trembling; he shook as if he had a shivering fit of the ague, and shot fiery wrathful looks at poor Antonio.
- argue The fact is here, and we have no time to argue or quarrel.
- Argued Moreover, he argued: "If it is correct to say: Sanctification, or renewal by the Holy Spirit, is necessary to salvation, then it cannot be false to say: Good works are necessary to salvation, since it is certain and cannot be gainsaid that sanctification and renewal do not and cannot exist without good works."
- Aggie "Not yet," protested Aggie, "not just yet."

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text:
From Series: "Words in Red: Seven Last Sayings from the Cross"
Join us as we explore the final words spoken by Jesus Christ before his death. Each of the seven sayings offers profound insight into the character and heart of Jesus, highlighting his love, forgiveness, and concern for humanity. In your Bible, the words of Christ are often marked red, not only to set them apart, but also because of the red blood he shed for you. Let's delve deeper into the significance of these powerful words and their relevance to our lives today.


Nano Research
Article Title
Highly efficient and multidimensional extraction of targets from complex matrices using aptamer-driven recognition
aptamer, adsorbent, selectivity, separation, extraction
ABSTRACT Adsorbents are widely employed in both fundamental and applied research areas such as separation technology, biotechnology, and environmental science. Selectivity and reusability are two most important requirements for adsorbents. Aptamers exhibit perfect selectivity and easy regeneration, which make them uniquely effective adsorption materials. Herein, we have rationally designed novel aptamer-based adsorbents and investigated their performance in extraction/ separation of targets from an aqueous solution. These adsorbents can selectively extract targets from complicated sample matrices containing background compounds. Moreover, they can also be easily recycled without a significant loss of adsorption capacity. Notably, the adsorbents did not affect the activity of isolated biological samples, revealing their potential for the purification/separation of biomolecules. Composite adsorbents were constructed using aptamer-based adsorbents and a porous polymer, displaying highly efficient target separation from aqueous solution. Finally, separation columns were constructed, and targets in the aqueous solution were efficiently separated by these columns. The aptamerbased adsorbents described here exhibit great promise for potential applications in separation technology, biotechnology, and environment-related areas.
Graphical Abstract
Tsinghua University Press


text:
Importing Data from Relational Database
R has certain limitation regarding the processing of extremely large dataset and doesn't support concurrent access to data. A Relational Database Management System on the other hand is capable of providing fast access to selected portions of the big data, and can provide concurrent access from multiple users running on various hosts. There are various R packages that can be used to communicate with RDBMS, each with a different level of abstraction. Some of these packages have the functionality of copying entire data frames to and from databases. Some of the packages available on CRAN for importing data from Relational Database are:
- RSQLite (This packages is used for bundled DBMS SQLite)
- RJDBC (This package uses Java and can connect to any DBMS with a JDBC driver)
- RMongo (This is an R interface for Java Client with MongoDB)
RMySQL package is an interface to MySQL DBMS. The current version of this package requires DBI package to be pre-installed.
The function dbDriver("MySQL") returns the database connection manager object, which can be followed up by functions like dbConnect and dbDisconnect to open a database connection and close the connection, respectively. Packages such as RSQLite, RPostgreSQL and ROracle needs to be installed before working on these DBMS using their respective call functions, dbDriver("SQLite"), dbDriver("RPostgreSQL"), dbDriver("Oracle").
Learn Data Science by working on interesting Data Science Projects
- dbGetQuery sends the queries and fetches results as the data frame.
- dbSendQuery only sends the query and returns an object of class inheriting from "DBIResult", this object of class can be used to fetch the required result.
- dbClearResult removes the result from cache memory.
- fetch returns few or all rows that were asked in query. The output of fetch function is a list.
- dbHasCompleted is used to check is all the rows are retrieved.
- dbReadTable and dbWriteTable functions are used to read and write the tables in Database from an R data frame.
>library(RMySQL) >connection <-dbConnect(dbDriver("MySQL"), dbname = "Test_Database") ## Assuming that we are using MySQL tables for DBMS >dbListTables(connection) ##Loading a data frame into database >data(Sample_Data) >dbWriteTable(connection, "Column1", Sample_Data, overwrite=True) ## To read the Column1 of in the database >dbReadTable(connection, "Column1") ## Selecting from the loaded table as a query >dbGetQuery(Connection, paste(Row_Name, Variable_Name, Condition))
RODBC package provides an interface to database sources supporting on ODBC interface. This package is widely used because it needs the same R code to import data from different database system. RODBC package works on OS X, Windows and Unix/Linux across most of the database systems such as, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL.
- odbcConnect and obdcDriverConnect functions are used to open a database connection.
- odbcGetInfo function will provide details about the client and server.
- odbcClose function is used to close the database connection.
- sqlSave function saves the R data frame in argument into the database table.
- sqlFetch does the opposite, by saving the database table into an R data frame.
- sqlQuery is used to send an SQL query to the database, which returns an R data frame.
In the example mentioned below, we are using a PostgreSQL with an ODBC driver.
>library(RODBC) >connection <- odbcConnect("Sample_Database", uid="Name", case="tolower") >data(Sample_Data) >sqlSave(connection, Sample_Data, rowname="Row1", addPK=TRUE) >rm(Sample_Data) >sqlQuery(connection, "Select_Column, Condition")
Importing Data from Non-Relational Database
R also has packages that support non-relational database for data import.
- rhbase is used for Hadoop Distributed File System
- RCassandra is used for Cassandra Database system
- Rmongodb is used for MongoDB.
>Library(rmongodb) >SampleDatabase <- "Test_Database" >MyMongoDB <- mongo.create(db=SampleDatabase) ## To insert a list >mongo.insert(MyMongoDB, "Test_Database.Column1", list.name)


text:
SONAR (an acronym for SOund Navigation And Ranging) is a technique that uses sound waves to navigate, communicate or detect other objects underwater.
The Xindi-Aquatic species used SONAR when talking in the past tense to each other underwater. (ENT: "The Council")
- RADAR; a similar technique that utilizes radio waves projected through the air.
- LIDAR; a similar technique that utilizes light waves projected through space.


text:
Are we more likely to notice arousing things, or just more likely to remember them?.
Last week we discussed two experiments in a report by Adam Anderson about how the phenomenon of attentional blink is modified when the task includes arousing words. Perhaps not surprisingly, we're more likely to notice arousing words like "ejaculate" or "foreplay" in a rapidly presented sequence than neutral words like "plane" or "clock."
But Anderson wasn't finished — he wanted to explain why this phenomenon occurs. Are we more likely to remember arousing words after the fact? Or are arousing words inherently more able to attract our attention? So, Anderson reversed the attentional blink task. As before, participants were shown a rapidly flashed sequence of words, appearing randomly in different colors. The task was to identify two words displayed in different colors from the rest: a first word displayed in white, and a second green word. The white "word" was always a sequence of digits (00000000000, 55555555555), and the second word was a neutral word (mirror, surplus). However, all the other words in the sequence were randomly chosen from either a set of arousing or neutral words. Given this massive distraction, how accurate were participants at identifying the words?
Overall, compared to previous experiments, they were much less accurate — and when the distractors were arousing, performance was consistently worse than for neutral distractors. Given that in both cases, participants are not being asked to remember the arousing words, this result suggests that the diminished attentional blink associated with arousing words is not due to arousing words being more memorable, but because they are more likely to attract our attention in the first place.
But perhaps when we see an arousing word, we direct more attention to it because we exclude other objects from our attention. Seen this way, attention is a matter of different inputs competing for our mind's limited processing resources. Perhaps arousing words are simply those that are better able to use these resources. The other possibility is that attention overall is improved when we are aroused. To try to differentiate between these possibilities, Anderson designed another experiment. As in previous experiments, participants were asked to identify two words, one displayed in white and a second in green, among a rapidly presented list of distractor words in black. This time, participants were encouraged to identify the first word (actually either a sequence of Xs or Os) as rapidly as possible. The second word was either an arousing or a neutral word. The basic results were the same as in other tests: for neutral words, an attentional blink occurred for about 400 milliseconds after the first word, and for arousing words, this blink was diminished. But I want to focus in on another set of results, which compare reaction time for the first word with accuracy on the second word:
Participants who had the fastest reaction times to the first word (in quartile 1) were also the most accurate at identifying the second word. However, when viewing arousing words, accuracy remained relatively high regardless of reaction time. With neutral second words, accuracy diminished as response time decreased. This result too suggests that arousing words aren't merely more memorable than neutral words — they're better at attracting our attention in the first place. Even more interesting is how quickly this effect occurs. Anderson switched between arousing and neutral words between each trial of the experiment. So the arousing words aren't simply increasing our overall attentive state, they're intrinsically more noticeable.
If these words increased our overall ability, we should see some increase in attention to non-arousing words. Instead attending to these words appears to be a spur-of-the-moment thing: we notice them when they're there; we don't notice other words under similar circumstances.
What does this suggest about the attention system overall? While it's certainly an indepent system of the mind (we still attend to new things even while doing something else), it's also linked into other systems. Emotion, as shown in Anderson's work, has a critical link to attention. Unraveling how these different systems interact with each other will become a critical part of the study of cognition in the future.
Anderson, A.K. (2005). Affective influences on the attentional dynamics supporting awareness. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 134(2), 258-281.


text:
Researchers in the field of psychology have found that one of the best ways to make an important decision, such as choosing a university to attend or a business to invest in, involves the utilization of a decision worksheet. Psychologists who study optimization compare the actual decisions made by people to theoretical ideal decisions to see how similar they are. Proponents of the worksheet procedure believe that it will yield optimal, that is, the best decisions. Although there are several variations on the exact format that worksheets can take, they are all similar in their essential aspects. Worksheets require defining the problem in a clear and concise way and then listing all possible solutions to the problem. Next, the pertinent considerations that will be affected by each decision are listed, and the relative importance of each consideration or consequence is determined. Each consideration is assigned a numerical value to reflect its relative importance. A decision is mathematically calculated by adding these values together. The alternative with the highest number of points emerges as the best decision.
Since most important problems are multifaceted, there are several alternatives to choose from, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. One of the benefits of a pencil and paper decision-making procedure is that it permits people to deal with more variables than their minds can generally comprehend and remember. On the average, people can keep about seven ideas in their minds at once. A worksheet can be especially useful when the decision involves a large number of variables with complex relationships. A realistic example for many college students is the question "What sill I do after graduation?" A graduate might seek a position that offers specialized training, pursue an advanced degree, or travel abroad for a year.
A decision-making worksheet begins with a succinct statement of the problem that will also help to narrow it. It is important to be clear about the distinction between long range and immediate goals because long-range goals often involve a different decision than short range ones. Focusing on long-range goals, a graduating student might revise the question above to "What will I do after graduation that will lead to successful career?"
What does the passage mainly discuss?
A．A method to assist in making complex decisions.
B．A comparison of actual decisions and ideal decisions.
C．Research on how people make decisions.
D．Differences between long-range and short-range decision making.


text: Ignatius Insight Scoop: A spectacular discovery was recently made in the Bavarian State Library, in the process of cataloguing the Greek manuscripts from the collection of Johann Jakob Fuggers. While cataloguing a manuscript, Philologist Marina Molin Pradel identified numerous texts of sermons on the Psalms by Origen of Alexandria (AD 185 – 253/54), the most important theologian of the early Christian church before Augustine–sermons which until now had not been known in the original. The importance of this find cannot be overestimated. The attribution to Origen was confirmed, with the highest degree of certainty, by internationally recognised Origen expert Lorenzo Perrone from the University of Bologna. Read more here.


Is it Worth Breaking Your Mortgage?
Interest rates are at an all-time low and many people have rates that are above 3%.
Those people are legitimately asking whether it is worth breaking their mortgage. They want to realize the savings associated with a lower rate. Most people decide to break their mortgages based on their sentiments. They focus on penalties involved instead of basing their decisions on facts.
When paying debt off through a mortgage, the improvement in cash flow usually justifies the costs incurred to break the mortgage. If you have a mortgage broker, they will assist you in making these calculations.
Below are steps that you can follow to determine if it is worth breaking your mortgage to save money from a rate reduction.
 1. Contact your existing mortgage company to obtain your accurate mortgage balance.
 2. Establish what the penalty will be to break the mortgage.
 3. Find out what discharge fees to expect.
Add Step 1's three costs together. Calculate the following for a 5 year term at the remaining amortization period:
 1. New mortgage payment
 2. The balance after 5 years at the new interest rate
Evaluate the savings.
From the above information there are four ways to determine whether it is worth the costs of breaking your mortgage:
 1. Cash Flow:
 Calculate the difference between your current mortgage payment and the potential new mortgage payment. Make sure there is a cash flow improvement. Multiply the cash flow improvement with the months remaining in the existing term. This total amount should be more or equal to the costs you incurred to break the mortgage.
 2. Mortgage Balance:
 You don't know what interest rates would be at the end of your existing term. Thus you need to assume that interest rates would stay at least the same for your existing mortgage, for the next 5 years. Then calculate what your mortgage balance would be at the end of a five year term, without the costs added. If your mortgage balance at the new rate and the costs added is lower than what your existing mortgage would be at the end of a five year term, then it justifies you breaking your mortgage.
 3. Improved Amortization:
 Calculate the amortization period of the new mortgage with the costs added, but at your existing payment. This should reduce your amortization period over what it would be at a new payment. The months saved over your previous amortization, multiplied by the monthly payment constitutes your savings. This should provide you with justification to break your mortgage. It is also worthwhile to calculate what your mortgage balance would be at the end of the term if you kept your payment the same. It should be lower than what it would be if rates stayed the same for the current mortgage.
 4. Risk Protection:
 Despite the results above, some people might want to lock in a lower rate anyway. This is because of concerns about interest rate increases. The security of another 5 years at a very low rate, would supersede any reasonable costs incurred by breaking the mortgage.
From the above it can be seen that it is very important to have the right mortgage that can be broken with reasonable penalties. Lenders don't calculate their penalties the same at all. As a result, there are many people paying much more than they should be for their mortgages. They cannot break their mortgages because of the unreasonable penalties.
83% of Canadians do end up breaking their mortgages before their term matures. We want to make sure that you have the right mortgage to begin with. It might not necessarily be the lowest rate. Set an appointment with us so that we may assist you in planning the best mortgage. We can give you the power of becoming mortgage free, faster.


Automated Index Partition Rebuilds
This post provides an example of a stored procedure which A) identifies the last two partitions of an Azure Synapse Analytics SQL pool table (which uses the columnstore index (default)) and B) rebuilds the index for these two partitions. Additionally, a sample PowerShell-based Azure Automation runbook is included for scheduling the execution of this procedure.
This post follows up on the previous post regarding a Power BI template to be used to analyze the health or quality of a columnstore index. For example, the template shared may help you find that the last one or two partitions such as partition numbers 39 and 40 out of 40 partitions may have many open (uncompressed) and/or not-optimized rowgroups. The cause of these low quality partitions could be that recent and ongoing data processing events are impacting these partitions (inserts,updates). Perhaps partitions 39 and 40 refer to the current and prior month for example.
Why Automate Index Rebuilds?
Large fact tables in data warehouses containing hundreds of millions or billions of rows are processed incrementally. For example, a nightly data warehouse load/processing job may impact only the last 15 days of data whereas older data does not change. Queries accessing the partitions for this recent data, such as Power BI in DirectQuery storage mode, will perform better if the indexes for the given partitions are rebuilt/optimized. Additionally, automating the index rebuilds avoids the manual work of periodically finding partitions to rebuild and running rebuild scripts.
*The relatively rare scenarios in which all historical data or large parts of it need to be reloaded or processed would still require a one-time rebuild of all the partitions impacted.
Index Partition Rebuild Procedure
A (.sql) file containing a sample stored procedure as well as a (.ps1) file containing the sample Azure Automation runbook script are available on my GitHub repository.
The stored procedure contains the following logic:
 1. Retrieve the last (maximum) partition number and the one prior (-1) containing rowgroups and store these integer values as variables
 - A query against the sys.pdw_nodes_column_store_row_groups catalog view and other system views is filtered for a particular schema and table name is used to retrieve these values.
 - Retrieving from the row groups system view ensures that the partitions retrieved have row groups (data)
 - If you were to query sys.partitions, you would retrieve the latest/highest partition numbers for the table but these may reflect future time frames and thus not contain data
 2. Unicode string variables are defined and set to contain two ALTER INDEX SQL statements, one for each partition
 - Notice that the integer variables containing the partition numbers is cast to nvarchar(3) within the concatenation of three strings. Without this data type conversion, there would be a type conversion error.
 - A unicode string is required (N'…..') for the sp_executesql system procedure
 3. The sp_executesql system procedure is used to execute the two ALTER INDEX SQL statements
Why dynamic SQL?
The ALTER INDEX statement requires the partition number to be a positive integer literal. Therefore, you can't simply pass in a variable (or an expression that casts this variable to a different type) to an ALTER INDEX statement. The dynamic SQL approach addresses this requirement by building up an ALTER INDEX SQL statement containing the partition number as though it was a normal, hand-entered SQL statement.
Additionally, dynamic SQL leaves open the potential for greater reusability as described in the next section.
More dynamic and reusable?
In the example shared, the name of the schema and table are hard coded into the stored procedure. You could make the procedure more flexible and reusable by parameterizing the names of the table and schema. With these two parameters defined and required as part of the procedure, you could have several small scripts which simply call the procedure with different parameter values reflecting different tables rather than having multiple procedures with each procedure dedicated to one table.
The decision (one or many procedures) may be driven by how many large fact tables you need this for. If you only need to automate the index rebuilds for 2-3 tables, procedures dedicated to a single table or one one procedure which rebuilds partitions for all 2-3 tables may be sufficient.
Beyond the partition numbers containing rowgroups, you could modify the system view query to retrieve the partition numbers containing the highest percentage of open or not-optimized rowgroups. With this more advanced logic, you'd know that your index rebuilds are constantly targeting partitions that would benefit the most from a rebuild. You could go further with conditional (IF..ELSE) logic that first determines if a partition actually needs to be rebuilt and only then rebuild the partition if this is the case.
Azure Automation Runbook
There are several tools available for scheduling and orchestrating the SQL stored procedure. Probably the most common tool in Azure Synapse environments is Azure Data Factory (ADF). Within an ADF pipeline, the Store Procedure Activity could be executed following regular data loading and processing activities. If ADF pipelines are used to load the Syanpse SQL pool, this integrated approach would generally be preferable.
If data warehousing and other Azure environment processes are being handled via Azure Automation runbooks, scheduling runbooks which call the SQL procedure may make sense too. The example for this post contains the following three steps:
 1. Retrieve the values for four automation variables
 - This includes the server, database, SQL user and password
 2. Two PowerShell SqlClient objects are defined – a SQL connection and a SQL command
 - The connection object is essentially just a standard connection string that references the variables from Step #1
 - The command object is based on both a SQLQuery variable containing the EXECUTE statement as well the connection object.
 - Setting the CommandTimeout property to 0 ensures the command will wait to execute indefinitely. The default is 30 seconds.
 3. The connection is opened and the SQL command is executed
 - With the stored procedure executed, the connection is closed
Wrapping Up
Thanks for visiting Insight Quest. If automatically rebuilding the indexes for certain partitions of your tables is relevant to you, I hope this post was useful. With healthy/optimized indexes being automatically maintained, users can get more value out of the data via greater performance and teams responsible for maintaining the data warehouse can focus on other value added activities.
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Overview of Map Builder¶
Map Builder is a tool to create maps. Map Builder's maps are more advanced than those simply created within the Map tab of a published dataset because you can overlay as many datasets as you want in the same map, creating different data layers. This specificity thus makes these maps great for enriching your data by crossing them together. You can also group your layers and edit their descriptions and titles in order to obtain and share a map finely designed to meet specific needs and purposes.
Map Builder has 2 modes:
- Edition, to create and configure your map to define what it will look like to the final map viewers
- Preview, to see what your map looks like to the final map viewers
Map Builder, in Edition mode, is also split into 3 parts:
- the layer editing area
- the Map Builder menu
- the interactive, multi-layered map
Overview of the layer editing area of Map Builder¶
The layer editing area is located on the right-hand side of your page, right next to the map. Through this part of Map Builder, you can create a multiple layers map.
If you haven't started creating your map, you will only see a link, Add a dataset to this map, to add your first dataset and thus start the creation of your first map. Afterward, this section will display:
- all your added datasets
- Edit, a link to access the visualization configuration options of the related dataset
- Add a dataset to this map, a link to add a new dataset to your map


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What are the Good Faith Efforts?
The Good Faith Efforts are required methods implored by all EPA financial assistance agreement recipients to ensure that all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) have the opportunity to compete for procurements funded by EPA financial assistance dollars. The Six Good Faith Efforts Are:
- Ensure DBEs are made aware of contracting opportunities to the fullest extent practicable through outreach and recruitment activities. For Indian Tribal, state and local government recipients, this will include placing DBEs on solicitation lists and soliciting them whenever they are potential sources.
- Make information on forthcoming opportunities available to DBEs and arrange time frames for contracts and establish delivery schedules, where the requirements permit, in a way that encourages and facilitates participation by DBEs in the competitive process. This includes, whenever possible, posting solicitations for bids or proposals for a minimum of 30 calendar days before the bid or proposal closing date.
- Consider in the contracting process whether firms competing for large contracts could subcontract with DBEs. For Indian Tribal, state and local government recipients, this will include dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by DBEs in the competitive process.
- Encourage contracting with a consortium of DBEs when a contract is too large for one of these firms to handle individually.
- Use the services and assistance of the Small Business Administration (SBE) and the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce.
- If the prime contractor awards subcontracts, require the prime contractor to take the above steps.
ATTENTION GRANT RECIPIENTS|
Documentation of your efforts to implement the good faith efforts in your procurements is the key to a successful program!


drug addiction
Can you identify drug paraphernalia?
Use of drugs usually requires some kind of equipment to get the drug into the body. This equipment is known as drug paraphernalia.
It can be as simple as a rolled up banknote or as complex as spoons, scales, hypodermics and lighters. Other things which may come under the heading of paraphernalia are clothing with hidden drug compartments and drug logos.
Here are the main ways drugs are introduced into the body.
Snorting. As the mucus membranes of the nose lining provide a quick access route to the body, many drugs are sniffed or snorted. These are in the form of a powder such as with methamphetamine and cocaine. Drugs which are produced in crystal form are often crushed, for example with a credit card, before they are used. The powder is lined up on a mirror or any flat surface,drug paraphernalia formed into a line with a card or razor blade, and then sniffed through any type of tube such as a rolled up banknote, cut up drinking straw or plastic pen case. The powder often causes severe stinging and irritation of the nose and eventually results in damage to the cartilage.
Injecting. For drugs that can be dissolved in water such as heroin, they are drawn up into a hypodermic syringe and injected usually into a vein but sometimes into a muscle or under the skin. Drug paraphernalia for a heroin user will most often contain a small spoon or bit of kitchen foil, a vial of water, a tuft of cotton to act as a filter, the heroin powder, and a lighter. The heroin is measured into the spoon and water added.
drug paraphernalia
It is heated with a lighter to dissolve the heroin, and then drawn up through the cotton into the syringe and injected. Needle marks may often be seen on the arms and legs of a user, and eventually the veins break down and become useless. As the use progresses, the user has to find more and more veins until eventually they resort to veins in their necks, toes, fingers or anywhere they can get in.
Some drugs, meth for example, can be used in many different ways including simply adding to food or drink so no actual drug paraphernalia is needed. Coffee is an option as it helps to mask the bitter taste. Injected it is prepared much the same way as heroin above except that it does not need to be heated to dissolve, as it is water soluble. Some liquids such as LSD are dripped onto blotting paper and eaten.
Smoking. Drugs which are smoked can also be used in various ways. Marijuana can be rolled as a cigarette and smoked (known as a joint) or it can be packed into the middle of a cigar which has been hollowed out and this is known as a blunt. Pipes are a common way of smoking marijuana and are legally sold as 'tobacco' pipes and not drug paraphernalia. Small metal filters sold for sink faucets are often used as a filter inside a pipe. A bong, which is type of pipe filled with water is also another common way to smoke marijuana. Bongs are sold as being for tobacco use only.
roach clips
Various things are used to hold the last part of a marijuana joint. Sometimes tweezers or surgical forceps, or a small metal electric clip with some kind of heat proof handle is used. Cigarettes can be dipped into various substances such as PCP and smoked.
Other drugs come in crystal form and have to be heated to a high temperature to release fumes which are then inhaled. Crystal meth and crack cocaine can be smoked in this way using a glass pipe. A glass pipe can be as simple as a glass tube with one end sealed leaving a small air hole, or as complex as a hand-blown glass pipe often in an array of colors, made for smoking. The crystals are dropped into the bottom of the tube, heat applied and the fumes inhaled. Pieces of a copper scouring pad are used to rest the crystal on, inside the pipe.
Huffing or inhaling of a chemical can be done from bits of rag soaked in the chemical. Aerosol cans of whipped cream are used for the nitrous oxide they contain, or this gas can also be inhaled from a balloon or from a cut off soda bottle or disposable cup.
Rave paraphernalia. MDMA otherwise known as ecstasy enhances all the senses. Menthol chest rub is used to enhance breathing and it may be used inside a disposable mask. Flashing lights or light sticks are used to give each other light shows. Small battery massagers are used for the sensation they produce. Ecstasy will cause tooth grinding so mouth guards, lollipops or pacifiers may be used to reduce the effect.
Drug clothing. Many items of clothing are now produced with hidden compartments for holding drugs. Inside the band of hats, in the side of sneakers, in the inside leg seam in pants or shorts or in the hem. Clothing with logos or motifs indicating drug use is common especially among the Rave crowd.
Have you found something that looks like drug paraphernalia but you are not sure?
You may contact me and give me a description of the item(s) and I will attempt to get an identification for you. This is a free service and you are not obligated to buy anything or use my coaching service.
I have noticed a big increase in the number of questions I am getting regarding possible drug paraphernalia, and many of these are queries about odd things, i.e. plastic tube, bent spoons, tea balls, washers, rolls of foil etc.
As I usually explain when I reply, drug addicts are an inventive lot! Things are often used to (a) Make it look like the item is NOT drug related, or (b) Find a new way to use the drug or substance.
It is hard for me to keep up with all the creative ways things are used. So, if you have a question about an odd finding, don't hesitate to contact me but also remember that if you think drugs may be being used, then observing the possible user is often a better way to determine if this is true.
You can check out my information on drug addiction signs to become more familiar with what to look out for.
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The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences consists of eight academic disciplines, viz. Economics, English (Language and Literature), Linguistics, Political Science, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology and History & Archeology. The department offers courses for students at B Tech, MA and PhD level.
At the BTech level, the courses in English are aimed at exposing students to Literature and Culture, Cognition and Social issues. Courses also help students in developing communication and language skills.
Apart from the introductory courses, Philosophy syllabi center around discourses on Science and Philosophy, Studies on Consciousness, Applied areas of Philosophy like Critical thinking, Applied ethics and Philosophy of Technology.
The courses in Economics focus not only on economic theory but also on its application centering around business, environment, entrepreneurship, financial system, etc. The courses intend to broaden students' understanding of the application of economic tools in domestic and global situations besides finding the correlation between technology and overall economic development.
Psychology syllabi are designed to provide basic insight into the rudiments of Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and Organizational Behaviour in modern Management Studies.
Sociology attempts to sensitize students with paradoxical issues innate in societies. It also aims towards developing 'sociological imagination' in contemporary and traditional aspects of Indian Society and the global world order. Sociology of Cyberspace is an innovative course exploring the political economy and cultural politics of cyberspace.
The courses in History and Archaeology promise to be an intellectual practice discussing major cultural issues providing students a bridge between the technological world and society. Courses are designed to broaden students' perspective on cultural ecology, India's colonial past and its scientific tradition.
MA in Development Studies
MA in Development Studies is a multidisciplinary programme and is designed to provide an understanding of various perspectives of development issues, through rigorous course works and guided research. The perspectives are drawn from different disciplines of the Humanities and Social Sciences. The complex challenges of global development issues make significant demand on those working in government bodies, aid agencies, NGOs and policy and research institutes. Creative development professionals are a requirement in order to meet these challenges today. The Masters programme in Development Studies will provide a thorough grounding in development issues and concepts to prospective candidates.
The programme aims to :
- Develop interdisciplinary understanding of the complex factors which influence the effectiveness of planned development interventions.
- Help understanding theory and methodological issues for policy analysis and research.
- Strengthen professional competence in the design, planning and management of development interventions by applying theory and methods creatively within practical settings.
Coming from different backgrounds, students who would complete the programme can expect to:
- Understand the main development concepts, theories and issues in their contemporary context and apply this knowledge in their professional work.
- Engage in an informed and critical way with people from diverse backgrounds concerned with development issues.
- Approach development problems with knowledge and develop an inter-disciplinary approach to identify solutions to different development issues confronting our society.


East Asia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
For other uses, see East Asia (disambiguation).
East Asia
Location of East Asia
States and territories
Capital cities
Major cities
Area[note 1]
 - Total 11,839,074 km2 (4,571,092 sq mi)
Population [note 2]
 - Total 1,601,709,712
 - Density 140/km2 (350/sq mi)
Time zone
 - UTC +7:00 (Western Mongolia)
 - UTC +8:00 (Rest of Mongolia, China, Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong)
 - UTC +8:30 (North Korea)
 - UTC +9:00 (Japan and South Korea)
Languages and language families
East Asia
Chinese name
Simplified Chinese 东亚/东亚细亚
Traditional Chinese 東亞/東亞細亞
Vietnamese name
Vietnamese alphabet Đông Á
Korean name
Hangul 동아시아/동아세아/동아
Hanja 東아시아/東亞細亞/東亞
Mongolian name
Mongolian Зүүн Ази
ᠵᠡᠭᠦᠨ ᠠᠽᠢ
Japanese name
Kanji 東亜細亜（東アジア）/東亜
Kana ひがしアジア/とうあ
Kyūjitai 東亞細亞/東亞
Russian name
Russian Восточная Азия
Romanization Vostochnaja Azija
East Asia is the eastern subregion of the Asian continent, which can be defined in either geographical[1] or ethno-cultural[2] terms. Geographically and geopolitically, it covers about 12,000,000 km2 (4,600,000 sq mi), or about 28% of the Asian continent, about 15% bigger than the area of Europe.
More than 1.5 billion people, about 38% of the population of Asia and 22% or over one fifth of all the people in the world, live in East Asia. Although the coastal and rivery areas of the region form one of the world's most populated places, the population in Mongolia and Western China, both landlocked areas, is very sparsely distributed, with Mongolia having the lowest population density of a sovereign state. The overall population density of the region is 133 inhabitants per square kilometre (340/sq mi), about three times the world average of 45/km2 (120/sq mi).
Historically, societies in East Asia have been part of the Chinese cultural sphere, and East Asian vocabulary and scripts are often derived from Classical Chinese and Chinese script. Major religions include Buddhism (mostly Mahayana), Confucianism or Neo-Confucianism, Taoism, Chinese folk religion in China and Taiwan, Shinto in Japan, Shamanism and Christianity in Korea. Shamanism is also prevalent in Mongolia and other indigenous populations of northern East Asia.[3][4] The Chinese Calendar is the root from which many other East Asian calendars are derived.
Main article: History of East Asia
Chinese Dynasties dominated the region in matters of culture, trade, and exploration as well as militarily for a very long time. There are records of tributes sent overseas from the early kingdoms of Korea and Japan. There were also considerable levels of cultural and religious exchange between the Chinese and other regional Dynasties and Kingdoms.
As connections began to strengthen with the Western world, China's power began to diminish. Around the same time, Japan solidified itself as a nation state. Throughout WWII, Korea, Republic of China, northeastern and eastern part of China, and Vietnam all fell under Japanese control. Following Japan's defeat in the war, the Korean peninsula became independent, while Taiwan returned to be part of the Republic of China after the WWII.
United Nations Statistics Division[edit]
East Asia map of Köppen climate classification.
UNSD geoscheme for Asia based on statistic convenience rather than implying any assumption regarding political or other affiliation of countries or territories:[5]
 East Asia
The UNSD definition of East Asia is based on statistical convenience,[5] but also other common definitions of East Asia contain the entirety of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Republic of China, Mongolia, Japan, North Korea and South Korea.[note 3][1][6]
Culturally, China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam are commonly seen as being encompassed by cultural East Asia (East Asian cultural sphere).[2][7][8][9]
Alternative definitions[edit]
There are mixed debates around the world whether these countries or regions should be considered in East Asia or not.
In business and economics, "East Asia" has sometimes been used to refer to a wide geographical area covering ten Southeast Asian countries in ASEAN, People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.[note 3] However, in this context, the term "Far East" is often more appropriate which covers ASEAN countries and the countries in East Asia. However, being a Eurocentric term, Far East describes the region's geographical position in relation to Europe rather than its location within Asia. Alternatively, the term "Asia Pacific Region" is often used in describing East Asia, Southeast Asia as well as Oceania.
Observers preferring a broader definition of "East Asia" often use the term Northeast Asia to refer to the greater China area, Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan, with Southeast Asia covering the ten ASEAN countries. This usage, which is seen in economic and diplomatic discussions, is at odds with the historical meanings of both "East Asia" and "Northeast Asia".[10][11][12] The Council on Foreign Relations defines Northeast Asia as Japan and Korea.[13]
Territory and region data[edit]
Country or region Area km² Population Population density
per km²
HDI (2015) Capital
 China 9,640,011 1,373,000,000 138 0.727 Beijing
 Hong Kong 1,104 7,298,600 6,390 0.912 Hong Kong
 Japan 377,930 126,890,000 337 0.891 Tokyo
 Macau 30 642,900 18,662 0.892 Macau
 Mongolia 1,564,100 3,041,648 2 0.698 Ulaanbaatar
 North Korea 120,538 25,155,000 198 0.595 Pyongyang
 South Korea 100,210 51,482,816 500 0.898 Seoul
 Taiwan 36,188 23,468,748 639 0.884 Taipei
Main article: Economy of East Asia
The economy of East Asia is one of the most successful, developed and high-tech economies of the world, being home to some of the world's largest, most technologically advanced and most prosperous economies such as the industrialized developed countries of South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Japan. While the military and economic superpower of China is projected to soon become the largest economy in the world surpassing the United States of America. Major positive factors have ranged from favorable political-legal environments for industry and commerce, through abundant natural resources of various kinds, to plentiful supplies of relatively low-cost, skilled and adaptable labor.[citation needed]
In modern societies, a high level of structural differentiation, functional specialization, and autonomy of the economic system from government is a major contributor to industrial-commercial growth and prosperity. Currently in East Asia, trading systems are relatively open; and zero or low duties on imports of consumer and capital goods etc. have considerably helped stimulate cost-efficiency and change. Free and flexible labor and other markets are other important factors making for high levels of business-economic performance. East Asian populations have demonstrated highly positive work ethics. There are relatively large and fast-growing markets for consumer goods and services of all kinds.[citation needed]
Country or region GDP nominal
millions of USD (2015)[14]
GDP nominal per capita
USD (2015)[14][15]
millions of USD (2015)[14]
GDP PPP per capita
USD (2015)[14]
 China 11,384,763 8,280 19,509,983 14,189
 Hong Kong 307,790 42,096 414,481 56,689
 Japan 4,116,242 32,480 4,842,395 38,210
 Macau 51,753 91,376 80,744 142,599
 Mongolia 12,409 4,179 36,429 12,268
 North Korea 11,516 583 40,000 1,800
 South Korea 1,392,952 27,512 1,849,398 36,528
 Taiwan 518,816 22,082 1,113,792 47,407
The culture of East Asia has been influenced by the civilisation of China. East Asia, as well as Vietnam, share a Confucian ethical philosophy, Buddhism, political and legal structures, and historically a common writing system.[16] The relationship between China and East Asia has been compared to the historical influence of Greco-Roman civilisation on Europe.[16]
Major cities and towns[edit]
Main article: Cities of East Asia
Pass of the


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Invention Has Potential to Create Virtual Worlds for Gaming, Automotive, Robotics, VR
Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems, NVIDIA introduced groundbreaking AI research that enables developers for the first time to render entirely synthetic, interactive 3D environments using a model trained on real-world videos.
Company researchers used a neural network to render synthetic 3D environments in real time. Currently, every object in a virtual world needs to be modeled individually, which is expensive and time consuming. In contrast, the NVIDIA research uses models automatically learned from real video to render objects such as buildings, trees and vehicles.
Also Read: Ogury Appoints Cédric Carbone as CTO
The technology offers the potential to quickly create virtual worlds for gaming, automotive, architecture, robotics or virtual reality. The network can, for example, generate interactive scenes based on real-world locations or show consumers dancing like their favorite pop stars.
"NVIDIA has been inventing new ways to generate interactive graphics for 25 years, and this is the first time we can do so with a neural network," said Bryan Catanzaro, vice president of Applied Deep Learning Research at NVIDIA, who led the team developing this work. "Neural networks — specifically generative models — will change how graphics are created. This will enable developers to create new scenes at a fraction of the traditional cost."
The result of the research is a simple driving game that allows participants to navigate an urban scene. All content is rendered interactively using a neural network that transforms sketches of a 3D world produced by a traditional graphics engine into video. This interactive demo will be shown at the NeurIPS 2018 conference in Montreal.
The generative neural network learned to model the appearance of the world, including lighting, materials and their dynamics. Since the scene is fully synthetically generated, it can be easily edited to remove, modify or add objects.
"The capability to model and recreate the dynamics of our visual world is essential to building intelligent agents," the researchers wrote in their paper. "Apart from purely scientific interests, learning to synthesize continuous visual experiences has a wide range of applications in computer vision, robotics, and computer graphics," the researchers explained.
Recommended Read: Marketing Technology Bulletin Covering the Week Gone By


A lot of thesaurus - A little bit dictionary
Overview of verb judge
1. judge -- (determine the result of (a competition))
2. evaluate, pass judgment, judge -- (form a critical opinion of; "I cannot judge some works of modern art"; "How do you evaluate this grant proposal?" "We shouldn't pass judgment on other people")
4. pronounce, label, judge -- (pronounce judgment on; "They labeled him unfit to work here")
5. judge, adjudicate, try -- (put on trial or hear a case and sit as the judge at the trial of; "The football star was tried for the murder of his wife"; "The judge tried both father and son in separate trials")


Justine Ashbee, abstract hand drawing
Justine Ashbee is an American artist creating large scale free-form sharpie drawings. These drawings are executed purely by hand, using paint pens. Each form grow organically, in an intuitive flow, while maintaining delicate, elegant precision. Much like zen calligraphy, Justine Ashbee's amorphous lines are improvisational, and intuitively composed, where the physicality and the mark making become one.
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text:
It is no secret that social media is an essential channel for expressing opinions and sharing facts. Depicted through visual representations and the written word, the world works fundamentally through online channels, without which we would be thrown back into a rudimentary and non-progressive lifestyle.
There are over 7,000 rare diseases described, affecting about 20-30 million people in the U.S. alone, according to the NIH. While each condition has its specificities, there are common challenges in the rare disease space, such as finding patients and leveraging centers of excellence and referral networks. This article discusses such challenges and how partnering with SAI's subject matter experts can help overcome them.
Medical conference coverage requires both knowledge of the therapeutic area and the ability to synthesize key points from several individual sessions into nuanced, meaningful intelligence. At SAI, we compile the pertinent data presented at the conference, provide key takeaways from relevant presentations, and include meaningful summaries coupled with insights from KOLs and prominent experts in the field.


Talent Acquisition vs Recruiting: What's the Difference?
When it comes to bringing on new hires, the process may look a little different than ever before. Video and phone conversations are taking over in-person interviews as the new norm. Now more than ever it is important to stay up to date with your current recruiting practices. With many individuals currently looking for new opportunities, understanding the difference between talent acquisition and recruiting could make a difference in who you bring on to fill current vacancies.
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In this week's blog, we will uncover the difference between talent acquisition and recruitment so that you can determine which best fits your company's hiring needs.
Defining Talent Acquisition
Talent Acquisition is a continuous and proactive process that is geared toward focused competencies (i.e. knowledge, skills and behaviors) for a long-term fit, broad systems, and networking. The process is cyclical and revolves around building relationships, anticipating your future hiring needs and creating a pool of candidates from those relationships.
This approach involves planning and strategy since you need to establish a solid understanding on what your workplace will need now and in the future. Looking at your company through a wider lens will allow you to understand the inner workings of your company and the skills and experiences that each position requires for success.
What is Recruitment?
While Talent Acquisition is an ongoing approach, recruitment is more of a reactive, linear process. Recruitment is often seen as reactive because a position is vacant and someone must be recruited to fill it; typically, very quickly. The process is usually streamlined by the human resources or management team and it primarily involves searching for, evaluating and hiring experienced people to fill the vacancy.
But What's the Difference?
Recruitment focuses more on a tactical process for an immediate problem whereas talent acquisition is a holistic strategy that a company uses to find specialists, leaders and other future top talent based on the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed within your company. Recruitment focuses on the now and talent acquisition focuses on the long term.
Which Should Your Company Use?
When deciding between talent acquisition and recruitment, you obviously will need both from time to time based on the urgency and position. Yet, for most roles, there should be a clear strategy, network, and targeted system in place to ensure you are adding the "right person to the bus" vs. just filling a role.
Talent Acquisition vs Recruiting: What's the Difference?


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Governor of Indiana
December 5, 1822-February 12, 1825
Artist: Samuel Burtis Baker, American, _PHONE_
oil on canvas, 32 3/16 x 26 5/16 (81.7 x 66.8)
WILLIAM HENDRICKS, born in Pennsylvania, was educated in a common school, read law, and was admitted to the bar in Cincinnati. In 1812 he came to Madison, Indiana Territory, where he practiced law and established the Eagle, the second newspaper published in Indiana. After only a few years in Madison he was elected to the territorial house of representatives and was secretary of the Indiana Constitutional Convention in 1816. A Democratic-Republican, Hendricks won election in August, 1816, as the first state representative to Congress from Indiana and was re-elected twice to this office.
Hendricks, running unopposed, was elected governor in 1822. It was during this term of office that the capital was moved from Corydon to Indianapolis. Hendricks resigned in 1825 upon election to the United States Senate. Re-elected to the Senate in 1830, Hendricks served until 1837, having been defeated for re-election by Oliver H. Smith in 1836. After twenty-one years in public office, he returned to Madison to practice law and manage his large estate.
Smith and Hendricks were friends, and Smith remembers him: "He had a smile on his face and a warm shake of the hand for all he met. He was not of the very first order of talents, but made all up by his plain, practical, good sense. He never attempted to speak upon subjects he did not understand." He was about six feet tall and had red hair and blue eyes. His nephew, Thomas A. Hendricks was elected governor of Indiana in 1873.
Source: Peat, Wilbur D. Portraits and Painters of the Governors of Indiana _PHONE_. Revised, edited and with new entries by Diane Gail Lazarus, Indianapolis Museum of Art. Biographies of the governors by Lana Ruegamer, Indiana Historical Society. Indianapolis: Indiana Historical Society and Indianapolis Museum of Art, 1978.


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A path created with the Pen tool does not become an image element until you stroke or fill it. The Fill Path command fills a path with pixels using a specified color, a state of the image, a pattern, or a fill layer.
Fill a path using the current Fill Path settings
1. Select the path in the Paths panel.
2. Click the Fill Path button at the bottom of the Paths panel.
or you can
Fill a path and specify options
- Select the path in the Paths panel.
Fill the path:
(Windows) or Option-click (Mac OS) the Fill Path button at the
bottom of the Paths panel.
Alt-drag (Windows) or Option-drag (Mac OS) the path to the Fill Path
Choose Fill Path from the Paths panel menu. If the selected path is
a path component, this command changes to Fill Subpath.
For Use, choose the contents for the fill.
- Specify an opacity for the fill. To make the fill
more transparent, use a low percentage. A setting of 100% makes the
Choose a blending mode for the fill. The Mode list includes a Clear mode that lets you
erase to transparency. You must be working in a layer other than the
background to use this option.
Choose Preserve Transparency to limit the fill to layer areas that
Select a Rendering option:
Feather Radius: Defines how far inside and outside the selection
border the feather edge extends. Enter a value in pixels.
Anti-aliased: Creates a finer transition between the pixels in the
selection and the surrounding pixels by partially filling the edge
pixels of the selection.


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fundamental rights include:
Inmates have the right to access adequate medical care, including mental health services. The prison is responsible for providing appropriate treatment and ensuring that inmates receive necessary medications and medical attention.
Northern State Prison must maintain a safe and secure environment for all inmates. This includes protection from harm by other inmates or staff and ensuring that living conditions meet basic sanitation standards.
Inmates have the right to legal representation and access to legal resources, such as a law library or assistance from an attorney. This ensures that they can defend themselves in court proceedings and seek recourse for violations of their rights.
Freedom of Religion
Inmates are entitled to practice their religion within the confines of the facility, provided it does not pose a threat to security or the well-being of others. This includes access to religious texts and the ability to participate in religious services.
Inmates have the right to due process when faced with disciplinary actions or allegations of misconduct. This includes the opportunity to present their case, call witnesses, and appeal any decisions.
Grievance Procedures at Northern State Prison
If an inmate believes that their rights have been violated, they have the right to file a grievance or complaint. The grievance process at Northern State Prison is designed to ensure that inmates have a fair and structured way to address their concerns. To file a grievance, inmates must follow these steps:
Inmates should first attempt to resolve the issue informally by discussing the matter with the staff member involved or their immediate supervisor. This step encourages open communication and problem-solving without resorting to formal grievance procedures.
If the issue cannot be resolved informally, inmates can file a formal grievance. This typically involves submitting a written form to the appropriate department within the facility. The form should clearly state the issue, the inmate's desired resolution, and any relevant supporting evidence.
Review and Investigation
Once the grievance has been submitted, the facility will review the complaint and conduct an investigation if necessary. The inmate may be interviewed, and any relevant witnesses or evidence will be considered. The facility will then issue a decision on the grievance.
If the inmate is not satisfied with the outcome of their grievance, they have the right to appeal the decision. This involves submitting a written appeal to a higher authority within the prison system, who will review the case and issue a final determination.
Understanding inmate rights and the grievance procedures at Northern State Prison is crucial for ensuring the fair treatment of incarcerated individuals. By being aware of these rights and the proper procedures for filing a grievance, inmates and their advocates can work together to address concerns and protect the well-being of those in the prison system. This comprehensive guide aims to provide the necessary information to navigate the complex world of inmate rights and grievance procedures effectively.
Family and Friends Support Resources
Supporting a loved one in prison can be challenging, and various organizations and services are available to help family members cope with this difficult time. Maintaining healthy relationships with inmates requires open communication, empathy, and patience. Coping strategies and self-care are essential for family members to manage the emotional toll of having a loved one incarcerated.
When a loved one is incarcerated at Northern State Prison (NSP) in Newark, New Jersey, it can be a challenging and emotional experience for family members and friends. We aim to provide information on available support resources for those who are navigating the complex and often overwhelming world of having a loved one in prison.
Understanding the Importance of Support
Support is crucial for family members and friends who have a loved one incarcerated at NSP. It not only helps maintain relationships but also positively impacts the inmates' well-being and rehabilitation. By offering emotional, financial, and logistical support, you can help your loved one navigate the difficulties of their incarceration and set the stage for a successful reintegration upon release.
Organizations and Services for Family Members
Various organizations and services are available to help family members cope with having a loved one at NSP. These resources provide information, emotional support, and assistance in navigating the prison system. Some noteworthy organizations include:
Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM)
FAMM advocates for fair and effective criminal justice policies, offering support and resources to families affected by incarceration. They provide information on sentencing laws, individual cases, and opportunities to get involved in advocacy efforts.
National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated (NRCCFI)
NRCCFI offers resources and support for children and families affected by incarceration. They provide information on maintaining family connections, navigating the legal system, and finding local programs and services.
This faith-based organization focuses on providing support and resources to inmates, their families, and communities affected by crime and incarceration. Prison Fellowship offers programs such as Angel Tree, which provides holiday gifts to children of incarcerated parents, and resources for families to help maintain relationships and offer support during and after incarceration.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Relationships with Inmates:
To maintain a healthy relationship with your loved one at NSP, consider the following tips:
- Keep communication open and honest: Regularly communicate with your loved one through phone calls, emails, and letters. Share updates about your life and encourage them to do the same.
- Visit regularly: Visiting your loved one in person can provide emotional support and help maintain a strong connection. Be sure to follow NSP's visitation guidelines and stay updated on any changes in their policies.
- Be patient and understanding: Incarceration can be a difficult experience for both inmates and their loved ones. Practice empathy and patience, understanding that your loved one may be experiencing a range of emotions during their time at NSP.
Coping Strategies and Self-Care for Family Members
Taking care of yourself is essential when supporting a loved one at NSP. Consider the following coping strategies and self-care tips:
Join a local support group, connect with others in a similar situation, or seek professional counseling to help process your emotions and navigate the challenges of having a loved one in prison.
Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that having a loved one incarcerated can be a difficult and emotionally draining experience. Allow yourself the space to process your feelings.
Establish healthy boundaries in your relationship with your incarcerated loved one. Communicate your needs and be mindful of your emotional well-being.
Engage in self-care
Prioritize activities that help you recharge and maintain your mental and emotional health, such as exercise, spending time with friends, and engaging in hobbies. Supporting a loved one at Northern State Prison requires patience, understanding, and a strong network of resources. By taking advantage of available support organizations and services, maintaining healthy relationships, and practicing self-care, you can help your loved one navigate their incarceration and prepare for a successful reintegration into society upon release. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and countless others have faced similar challenges. Stay informed, seek support, and maintain open communication with your loved one, as these are essential elements for ensuring a positive outcome for everyone involved.
Release and Reintegration
When an inmate is eligible for parole, they must go through a review process to determine their suitability for release. Reentry programs and resources are available to help inmates transition back into society successfully. These may include employment assistance, housing support, and access to counseling services. As a family member or friend, you can support your loved one during this critical period by offering encouragement, guidance, and a stable environment for their return.
Transitioning from incarceration back into society can be a challenging and complex process. The support and resources available to individuals released from Northern State Prison play a critical role in their successful reintegration. We will give an in-depth look at the parole process, reentry programs and resources, and tips for supporting a loved one during their reintegration journey.
The Parole Process at Northern State Prison
The parole process at Northern State Prison begins when an inmate becomes eligible for release based on their sentence and demonstrated progress during incarceration. The New Jersey State Parole Board assesses each case and considers factors such as the inmate's behavior while incarcerated, participation in rehabilitation programs, and any potential risk to public safety.
Inmates eligible for parole are required to attend a parole hearing, where they present their case and explain how they have addressed the issues that led to their incarceration. Family members and friends may submit letters of support or attend the hearing, depending on the specific circumstances. If the parole board grants parole, the inmate will be released under supervision and required to comply with certain conditions, such as reporting to a parole officer, maintaining employment, and avoiding criminal activities.
Reentry Programs and Resources
Northern State Prison recognizes the importance of providing support to inmates as they prepare for release. The facility offers a variety of reentry programs and resources designed to address the challenges that individuals may face upon returning to society. These programs include:
Northern State Prison partners with local organizations and employers to help individuals secure stable employment upon release. Job readiness workshops and vocational training programs are available to provide inmates with the skills necessary to succeed in the job market.
Finding stable housing is a crucial component of successful reintegration. Northern State Prison works with local housing agencies and nonprofit organizations to help released individuals find affordable, safe housing options.
Returning to society can be an emotionally challenging process, and Northern State Prison offers access to counseling services for individuals who need support in managing their emotions, relationships, and personal growth.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment
Continuity of care is essential for individuals with substance abuse or mental health issues. Northern State Prison collaborates with community-based treatment providers to ensure that released individuals have access to the necessary resources to maintain their sobriety and mental well-being.
Tips for Supporting a Loved One During Reintegration
Family and friends play a vital role in the successful reintegration of a loved one returning from incarceration. Here are some tips on how to offer support during this critical period:
- Be patient and understanding
Recognize that reintegration is a process that takes time and effort. Your loved one may face challenges and


Where, as the light travels from left to right: R is positive for a convex surface. The lens formula is applicable to both types of lenses - convex and concave. Draw the ray diagram and find the position, size and nature of the image formed. Thick lens (−) (−) n 1 = refractive index outside of the lens. However, if the equation provides a negative focal length, then the lens is a diverging, not converging. Figure 1. n 2 = refractive index of the lens itself (inside the lens). The refraction at a spherical surface. These lenses have negligible thickness. other sign conventions are sometimes used in the literature. Equation (10) is the familiar thin lens formula. It can also be used to calculate image distance for both real and virtual images. Refraction by a thick lens The general problem of refraction by a thick lens is solved by applying the equation for the refraction at one surface to each surface in turn. Convex lenses and the lens equation. Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions: Define lens formula. Only valid if the focal length is much greater than the thickness of the lens. If the equation provides a negative image distance, then the image formed is virtual and on the same side as the object. Lens 2 Lab Report Magnetic Fields Lab Report Electromagnetic fields 2 Lab Report Preview text Experiment 7: Lens March 24, 2016 Callais 2 I. Lens formula is applicable for convex as well as concave lenses. R is negative for a concave surface. The Lens Equation An image formed by a convex lens is described by the lens equation 1 u + 1 v = 1 f where uis the distance of the object from the lens; vis the distance of the image from the lens and fis the focal length, i.e., the distance of the focus from the lens. Convex lenses and the lens equation; Examples using lens equation; Concave lenses ; Feedback. An object 5 cm high is held 25 cm away from a converging lens of focal length 20 cm. V is the vertex. The ray transfer equation thus becomes: ) = (),... f = focal length of lens where f > 0 for convex/positive (converging) lens. F u f v object image N.B. The lens formula is applicable both in convex lenses and concave lenses. R 1 = Radius of curvature of First surface. Consider a convex lens with an optical center O. Though we derived it for a real image formed by a convex lens, the formula is valid for both convex as well as concave lenses and for both real and virtual images. Is lens formula applicable only for convex lens? In an exam, the lens equation may be used in a whole host of questions. Let F be the principle focus and f be the focal length. We can use the lens equation that we have previously seen to find the principal focal point. The formula is as follows: \(\frac{1}{v}-\frac{1}{u}=\frac{1}{f}\) Lens Formula Derivation. PURPOSE The purpose of the experiment is to validate the lens equation by measuring the image distance from a fixed focal length and the object distance from the thin lenses for both a single and double lens combination.


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New evidence from a group of American researchers points to drastically increased risks for prescription…
Negative Outlook on Past Increases Risk for Substance Abuse
New findings from an American research team indicate that the amount and type of emphasis you place on the past, present or future can significantly influence your chances of experiencing diagnosable substance problems or other harmful outcomes of substance use.
The vast majority of adults dedicate certain amounts of time to thinking about the past, living in the present or planning for the future. In a study published in May 2015 in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, researchers from Florida State University examined the impact that your typical time perspective may have on your chances of developing drug or alcohol problems or otherwise experiencing substance-related harm. These researchers identified two specific time perspectives associated with increased exposure to drugor alcohol-related issues.
There are five basic time perspectives, according to theories put forth by a number of psychologists: past positive, past negative, present hedonistic, present fatalistic and future. People with a primarily past-negative time orientation tend to focus on bad things that happened to them in the past and thereby continue to be negatively impacted by their past experiences. People with a primarily past-positive time orientation have a pleasant or nostalgic perspective on the past and use this perspective to support a generally mentally healthy present. People with a present-hedonistic time orientation have prominent impulsive tendencies that drive them to prioritize current pleasurable experiences over other factors. People with a present-fatalistic time orientation feel locked into a largely unpleasant present and see no real chance of changing their circumstances. People with a future-oriented time perspective look forward to the future, make plans for their future goals and take steps to realize those plans.
The average person views life through all five time perspectives at least occasionally. The predominant one or two perspectives for any given individual can have a considerable impact on his or her daily experiences and mental and physical health and well-being. The founders of time perspective theory believe that certain time orientations substantially increase the odds that a person will consume alcohol in risky amounts, misuse mind-altering prescription medications and/or consume illicit or illegal drugs.
Substance-related harm is a short-term and long-term concept. Forms of harm commonly associated with short-term substance use include alcohol poisoning and other forms of overdose, motor vehicle crashes and other potentially fatal accidents, physical assault participation or victimization and sexual assault participation or victimization. The onset of diagnosable substance use disorder (substance addiction and/or non-addicted substance abuse) is one of the primary harms associated with relatively long-term substance intake; common subtypes of this condition include alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, cannabis use disorder and stimulant use disorder. Chronic, habitual intake of various substances can also lead to serious and possibly fatal damage in essentially all major organs and organ systems, including the cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) system, the kidneys, the liver and the lungs.
Which Perspectives Increase Substance Risks?
In the study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, the Florida State University researchers used a project involving 531 adults to help determine the impact that time perspective has on the odds of developing diagnosable substance problems or experiencing some other form of substance-related harm. The researchers specifically focused their attention on the effects of a past-negative time perspective and a present-hedonistic time perspective. In addition to considering the independent influence of these perspectives, they explored the interactive effects of a past-negative orientation and a present-hedonistic orientation. The researchers undertook their project, in part, because previous research efforts had centered on time perspectives in relation to baseline substance use, not time perspectives in relation to level of exposure to substance-related harm.
After completing their analysis, the researchers concluded that adults with a present-hedonistic time perspective have substantially increased chances of being exposed to some sort of shortor long-term substance-related harm. They came to the same conclusion with regard to a past-negative time perspective. When the researchers examined the interaction between the two time perspectives, they concluded that the risks for substance-related harm increase in adults who have both a past-negative orientation and a present-hedonistic orientation.
The study's authors believe that a negative outlook on the past may increase the chances that an individual will take part in impulsive, pleasure-focused behavior in the present. Such a chain of mental events helps explain how a past-negative time perspective and a present-hedonistic time perspective combine to increase substance-related risk.