text:
- About this Journal ·
- Abstracting and Indexing ·
- Advance Access ·
- Aims and Scope ·
- Annual Issues ·
- Article Processing Charges ·
- Articles in Press ·
- Author Guidelines ·
- Bibliographic Information ·
- Citations to this Journal ·
- Contact Information ·
- Editorial Board ·
- Editorial Workflow ·
- Free eTOC Alerts ·
- Publication Ethics ·
- Reviewers Acknowledgment ·
- Submit a Manuscript ·
- Subscription Information ·
- Table of Contents
International Journal of Differential Equations
Volume 2010 (2010), Article ID 846107, 16 pages
On the Selection and Meaning of Variable Order Operators for Dynamic Modeling
School of Engineering, University of California, P.O. Box 2039, Merced, CA 95344, USA
Received 4 August 2009; Accepted 8 October 2009
Academic Editor: Nikolai Leonenko
Copyright © 2010 Lynnette E. S. Ramirez and Carlos F. M. Coimbra. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
We review the application of differential operators of noninteger order to the modeling of dynamic systems. We compare all the definitions of Variable Order (VO) operators recently proposed in literature and select the VO operator that has the desirable property of continuous transition between integer and non-integer order derivatives. We use the selected VO operator to connect the meaning of functional order to the dynamic properties of a viscoelastic oscillator. We conclude that the order of differentiation of a single VO operator that represents the dynamics of a viscoelastic oscillator in stationary motion is a normalized phase shift. The normalization constant is found by taking the difference between the order of the inertial term (2) and the order of the spring term (0) and dividing this difference by the angular phase shift between acceleration and position in radians (), so that the normalization constant is simply.
The integer order differential operators of classical calculus (such as the first or second order derivatives) are familiar to anyone who has an active interest in understanding dynamic systems. These differential operators are used to formulate models that accurately describe the majority of physical phenomena and are ubiquitous in the mathematical description of dynamic behavior. However effective these integer order differential operators are in general, there are more complex systems that are better characterized by dynamic behavior that lies in between the normal integer order description. A case in point is the so-called "viscoelastic" behavior, which has characteristics of both elastic (order zero) and viscous (order one) elements. It is thus natural to assume that differential operators of noninteger order, such as a 0.25, 0.50, or 0.75 would provide a convenient mathematical description to analyze these intermediate behaviors. The study of these noninteger differential operators falls under the general subject of what became known as Fractional Calculus, though the orders studied are not strictly limited to rational numbers.
A further generalization of the concept of noninteger order derivatives that is applicable to more complex systems is that of a derivative of varying order. One can find systems where the order of dynamics associated with each element is a function of time or frequency or position or any derivative of the position vector [1–3]. The objective of this work is to identify the most appropriate definition of a variable-order (VO) operator for modeling dynamic systems and to assign to the order of the derivative a physical meaning that will facilitate the understanding of its use in problems of vibration and control. First, we compare all VO operator definitions recently proposed in literature in order to select a definition that is better suited for modeling purposes. We then use the familiar example of viscoelastic harmonic oscillators to connect the order of the derivative to the dynamic properties of the oscillators.
Unlike ordinary derivatives, noninteger order derivatives are integrodifferential operators with either a power-law (in the case of fractional derivatives) or a variable-exponent (for VO derivatives) kernel. Thus, noninteger derivatives are nonlocal by definition and are ideally suited for modeling systems characterized by nonlocal (or memory-laden) behavior. Multiple definitions for a fractional derivative have been proposed, and there is no straightforward geometric or physical interpretation for the meaning of a fractional derivative, although a few interpretations have been proposed. The subject of Fractional Calculus has developed rapidly, especially since in the last four decades, with quite a few recent books dedicated exclusively to the subject (see, e.g., [4–8]). Some applications that involve fractional derivatives include particle motion at small but finite Reynolds numbers [9–12], viscoelastic constitutive equations [13–16], transport dynamics with anomalous diffusion, and fractional order control systems [4, 18].
The concept of a VO operator is a much more recent development and is less widely-known. The order of the derivative/integral is allowed to vary over the domain of interest, thus they are suitable for modeling systems with evolving dynamics. Such systems include deformation of viscoelastic materials [19–22] and the mechanics of variable viscoelastic oscillators [1, 3]. Similar to the state of affairs in Fractional Calculus, multiple definitions of a VO derivative have been suggested [1, 2, 19, 23, 24], each preferred for different reasons. Since the kernel of the VO operators have a variable-exponent, analytical solutions to VO differential equations (VODEs) are more difficult to obtain, and have not been the focus of much attention. However, numerical solutions for the VODEs that have been formulated with the various VO operators have been developed [1–3]. In addition, rather than seeking a constant or multiple constants for the order of the derivative in the model that would accurately represent the data, in the VO case a function needs to be determined through mathematical and/or physical arguments. Previous applications of VO derivatives have either explicitly chosen the function [1–3] or found an approximation numerically [19, 20, 22]. This complication can be lessened if the functional form of the order is determined through physical arguments as in, where a model based on statistical mechanics was developed to describe the compression of a viscoelastic material.
The aim of this work is to compare the Variable Order operator definitions that have been proposed and to select the operator with the characteristics that are critical for the success of a dynamic model. We compare the various VO operators based on a very simple criteria: the VO operator must return the correct fractional derivative that corresponds to the argument of the functional order. In other words, if the argument is equal to, say,, or, then the function itself (zero-order derivative), the half-derivative, or the first derivative must be returned as the output of the operator. We will see that only two definitions previously proposed satisfy this elementary requirement. Of the two operator definitions that satisfy this property, one is more efficient from the numerical standpoint, and is therefore adopted in the remainder of this work. The appropriate operator then is used to study the somewhat familiar problem of a harmonically forced oscillator with viscoelastic damping. The goal of this second part of this work is to illustrate how a familiar problem in dynamics can be used to understand the meaning of a VO operator, and to understand how the dynamics in this familiar problem is affected by the physical parameters of the system using a VO analysis.
The next section presents an overview of the various VO operator definitions and a brief comparison of the VO operators applied to a harmonic and other bounded function. Subsequent to selecting the operator, we propose a VO model for the harmonically forced oscillator with viscoelastic damping of order () and conduct a stationary analysis that yields a very concrete meaning to the order of the operator.
2. Variable Order Operators
The VO operator definitions that have been proposed are either direct extensions of the fractional calculus definitions or generalizations that arise from Laplace or Fourier transformations. In the direct extension approach, the constant exponent in the fractional operator is replaced with a function. For example, a VO integral is defined in as
When constant, then the -order fractional integral is recovered. Other definitions can be formulated by changing the form of the argument of the exponent to be or and considering the Gamma function under the integral sign [24, 25]:
In the cases above, the lower terminal is set equal to 0, and it is assumed that for. Since (2.3) and (2.4) involve the variable of integration within the exponent, then this implies memory in the order, with the past states having a stronger effect on the order for definition (2.4). Also, the full convolution form of (2.4) enables use of the convolution properties to study the operator.
Similarly, a VO derivative definition can be obtained by directly substituting in the Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative definition valid for :
where. Caputo-type VO operators are defined by taking the derivative of the function under the integrals
where denotes the th integer order derivative of. VO operators based on other fractional derivative definition forms have also been proposed. Samko and Ross introduce a VO operator based on the Marchaud fractional derivative:
Using a different approach, Coimbra begins with the Laplace transform of the Caputo operator to obtain a VO operator definition. Treating as a running parameter and inverting back into the time domain yields the following definition valid for :
Extension of definition (2.9) to values of larger than unity is possible as long as the higher-order derivatives are defined and integrable. Although this definition began with the Laplace transform of the Caputo operator, it is not strictly a Caputo generalization because of the addition of the initial


text:
1. _______, a form of discrimination, occurs when an unqualified man receives a promotion rather than a
qualified female applicant.
A. Disparate impact
B. Desperate measures
C. Minority impact
D. Disparate treatment
2. On the basis of analysis of historical sales, gross margins, turnover, the sizes of product packaging for
each SKU, and the retailer's design criteria, a software can determines the optimal shelf space and location
for each SKU. This describes the process of creating an effective
A. placement plan.
B. merchandise plan.
C. allocation plan.
3. Mercer was getting bored with his job as a sales clerk in the home department until his manager gave
him responsibility for training a new salesperson in his area which he likes to do. This is an example of
A. the unity of command principle.
B. an extrinsic reward.
C. an intrinsic reward.
D. management by objective.
4. Clarissa's department had the worst sales performance in months. She was confident that she had quality
merchandise and satisfied employees, so she should concentrate her efforts on
A. autocratic behaviors.
B. hiring mature employees.
C. task performance behaviors.
D. group maintenance behaviors.
5. The difference between the service aspect and the merchandise aspect of the retail offering is _______
caused by intangibility of service.

source: openbmb/Ultra-FineWeb


text:
Skip to Main Content
We present a UML 1.5 profile named TURTLE (Timed UML and RT-LOTOS Environment) endowed with a formal semantics given in terms of RT-LOTOS. TURTLE relies on UML's extensibility mechanisms to enhance class and activity diagrams. Class diagrams are extended with specialized classes named Tclasses, which communicate and synchronize through gates. Also, associations between Tclasses are attributed by a composition operator (Parallel, Synchro, Invocation, Sequence, or Preemption) which provides them with a formal semantics. TURTLE extends UML activity diagrams with synchronization actions and temporal operators (deterministic delay, nondeterministic delay, time-limited offer, and time-capture). The real-time dimension of TURTLE has been further improved by the addition of two composition operators, periodic and suspend, as well as suspendable delay, latency, and time-limited offer operators at the activity diagram level. Core characteristics of TURLE are supported by TTool - the TURTLE toolkit - which includes a diagram editor, a RT-LOTOS code generator and a result analyzer. The toolkit reuses RTL, a RT-LOTOS validation tool offering debug-oriented simulation and exhaustive analysis. TTool hides RT-LOTOS to the end-user and allows him/her to directly check TURTLE modeling against logical errors and timing inconsistencies. Besides the foundations of the TURTLE profile, this paper also discusses its application in the context of space-based embedded software.


Yes, aspiring is a Scrabble word!
Aspiring is a valid Scrabble word.
Table of Contents
Dictionary definitions of the word 'aspiring'
The meaning of aspiring
2 definitions of the word 'aspiring'.
 1. Desiring or striving for recognition or advancement
 1. Have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal
What Scrabble words can I make with the letters in aspiring?
8 Letter Words
2 Letter Words
2 Anagrams of Aspiring
Anagrams are sometimes called a Word Unscramble
Words that can be created with an extra letter added to aspiring:
Unscramble the letters in aspiring
There are 6 words that can be made by adding another letter to 'aspiring'.
More words that can be made using the letters in aspiring


text:
Types of Lightning Arresters:
There are many styles of lightning arresters generally use. They take issue solely in constructional details however treat a similar principle viz. providing a coffee resistance path for the surges to the bottom. we tend to shall discuss the subsequent styles of lightning arresters :
- Rod gap arrester
- Horn gap arrester
- Multigap arrester
- Expulsion type lightning arrester
- Valve type of lightning arrester
Rod gap arrester:
It is an awfully easy style of the diverter and consists of 2 1·5 cm rods that are bent at right angles with a niche in between. One rod is connected to the road circuit and therefore the different rod is connected to the planet. the gap between gap and material (i.e. distance P) should not be but simple fraction of the gap length in order that the arc might not reach the material and harm it. Generally, the gap length is thus adjusted that breakdown ought to occur at eightieth of spark-over voltage so as to avoid cascading of terribly steep wavefronts across the insulators. The string of insulators for AN overhead line on the bushing of the electrical device has oft a rod gap across it.
- Once the surge is over, the arc within the gap is maintained by the traditional provide voltage, resulting in a short-circuit on the system.
- The rods might soften or get broken thanks to excessive heat created by the arc.
- The climate (e.g. rain, humidity, temperature, etc.) have an effect on the performance of rod gap restraint.
- The polarity of the surge additionally affects the performance of this restraint. thanks to the higher than limitations, the rod gap restraint are barely used as a 'back-up' protection just in case of main arresters.
Horn gap arrester:
The horns square measure, therefore, created that the gap between them bit by bit will increase towards the highest as shown. The horns square measure mounted on ceramic ware insulators. One finish of the horn is connected to the road through a resistance R and choking coil L whereas the opposite finish is effectively grounded. The resistance R helps in limiting the follow current to a little worth. The choking coil is therefore designed that it offers tiny electrical phenomenon at traditional power frequency however an awfully high electrical phenomenon at transient frequency. so the choke doesn't permit the transients to enter the equipment to be protected. The gap between the horns is therefore adjusted that ordinarily provides voltage isn't enough to cause an associated arc across the gap.
At some position of the arc (perhaps position 3), the gap is also too nice for the voltage to keep up the arc. Consequently, the arc is destroyed. the surplus charge on the road is so conducted through the arrester hook to the ground.
- The arc is self-clearing. Therefore, this kind of arrester hook doesn't cause short-circuiting of the system once the surge is over as within the case of rod gap.
- Series resistance helps in limiting the follow current to a little worth. Limitations
- The bridging of the gap by some external agency (e.g. birds) will render the device useless.
- The setting of the horn gap is probably going to alter thanks to corrosion or indentation. This adversely affects the performance of the arrester hook.
- The time of operation is relatively long, say concerning three seconds. insight of the terribly short operative time of recent protecting gear for feeders now is much longer. thanks to the on top of limitations, this kind of arrester hook isn't reliable and might solely be used as a second line of defence just like the rod gap arrester hook.
It consists of a series of gilded (generally alloy of zinc) cylinders insulated from each other and separated by tiny intervals of air gaps. the primary cylinder (i.e. A) within the series is connected to the road and therefore the different to the bottom through a series resistance. The series resistance limits the ability arc. By the inclusion of series resistance, the degree of protection against movement waves is reduced. so as to beat this problem, a number of the gaps (B to C) square measure shunted by a resistance.
Under traditional conditions, the purpose B is at earth potential and therefore the traditional offer voltage is unable to interrupt down the series gaps. On the incidence of overvoltage, the breakdown of series gaps A to B happens. The serious current when breakdown can select the straight – through the trail to earth via the shunted gaps B and C, rather than the choice path through the shunt resistance. once the surge is over, the arcs B to Cleave and any power current following the surge is proscribed by the 2 resistances (shunt resistance and series resistance) that square measure currently nonparallel.
Expulsion type lightning arrester:
It basically consists of a rod gap A A′ asynchronous with a second gap closed at intervals the fiber tube. The gap within the fiber tube is made by 2 electrodes. The higher conductor is connected to the rod cap and therefore the lower conductor to the world. One expulsion constraint is placed underneath every line conductor.
On the incidence of AN overvoltage on the road, the series gap A A′ is spanned ANd an arc is affected between the electrodes within the tube. the warmth of the arc vaporizes a number of the fiber of tube walls, leading to the assembly of neutral gas. In an especially short time, the gas builds up high and is expelled through the lower conductor that is hollow. because the gas leaves the tube violently, it carries away ionizing air around the arc.
- They are not very expensive.
- They are improved form of rod gap arresters as they block the flow of power frequency follow currents.
- They can be easily installed.
- AN expulsion sort constraint will perform AN solely a restricted variety of operations as throughout every operation a number of the fiber material is employed up.
- This kind of constraint can't be mounted in a very piece of closed instrumentality because of the discharge of gases throughout the operation.
- Because of the poor volt/amp characteristic of the constraint, it's not appropriate for the protection of high-priced instrumentality.
Valve type of lightning arrester:
Valve kind arresters incorporate non-linear resistors and square measure extensively used on systems operating at high voltages. shows the assorted elements of a valve kind arrester hook. It consists of 2 assemblies
(i) series spark gaps and
(ii) non-linear electrical device discs serial.
Series Spark gaps:
The spark gap is multiple assemblies consisting of a variety of identical spark gaps serial. every gap consists of 2 electrodes with a set gap spacing. The voltage distribution across the gaps is linearized by suggests that of further resistance components (called grading resistors) across the gaps. The spacing of the series gaps is specified it'll face up to the traditional circuit voltage.
Non-linear Electrical device discs serial:
The non-linear electrical device discs square measure fabricated from Associate in Nursing compounds like Thyrite or Metrosil. These discs square measure connected serially. The non-linear resistors have the property of providing high resistance to current flow once the traditional system voltage is applied, however low resistance to the flow of high-surge currents. In different words, the resistance of those non-linear components decreases with the rise in current through them and vice-versa.
Underneath traditional conditions, the traditional system voltage is meagerly to cause the break-down of the air gap assembly. On the incidence of overvoltage, the breakdown of the series spark gap takes place and also the surge current is conducted to earth via the non-linear resistors. Since the magnitude of surge current is extremely massive, the non-linear components can provide terribly low resistance to the passage of surge. The result's that the surge can speedily visit earth rather than being sent back over the road. once the surge is over, the non-linear resistors assume high resistance to prevent the flow of current.
- They supply terribly effective protection (especially for transformers and cables) against surges.
- They operate terribly speedily taking but a second.
(iii) The impulse quantitative relation is much unity.
(i) they'll fail to visualize the surges of the terribly steep wavefront from reaching the terminal equipment. This necessitates further steps to visualize steep-fronted waves.
(ii) Their performance is adversely laid low with the entry of wetness into the enclosure. This necessitates effective protection of the enclosure in any respect times.
in step with their application, the valve sort arresters area unit classified as
(i) station sort and
(ii) line sort.
The station sort arresters area unit usually used for the protection of vital instrumentation in power stations operative on voltages up to 220 potential unit or higher. the road sort arresters also are used for stations handling voltages up to sixty-six potential units.


ARTWORK > Secret Codewords of the NSA
Woodblock print by Annie Bissett depicting an X with a fingerprint inside
Japanese woodblock (mokuhanga)
6" x 6" (15.24 x 15.24 cm)
XKEYSCORE is a computer system used by the NSA to search and analyze internet data from many sources worldwide, enabling almost unlimited surveillance of anyone anywhere in the world. According to a Glenn Greenwald article in The Guardian, XKeyscore is a sort of custom search engine that allows analysts to search through vast databases containing emails, online chats and the browsing histories of millions of individuals. The data can be sorted by typing in a name, email address, or IP address, or extracted through queries, such as "My target speaks German but is in Pakistan -- how can I find him?"
One of the limitations of XKeyscore is storage. The database only has the capacity to store the massive volume of the data it collects for a few days, so essentially the XKeyscore system is best used for real time tracking of targets. In that short time frame, however, it seems to provide a very accurate digital fingerprint of any designated target in the world.
3 applications of color, with blind emboss
Kochi Kozo paper
edition: 20


text:
sticky cards known as glue boards (shown right). Often used to capture mice and cockroaches, the devices can be purchased at grocery or hardware stores. The best glue traps for capturing brown recluse spiders are flat, like thin pieces of sticky cardboard, without a raised perimeter edge.
The more glue traps used the better -- dozens placed throughout a home will reveal "hot spots" where spiders are most abundant. Traps should be placed in corners and along wall-floor junctures, especially behind furniture and clutter since spiders tend to travel in these areas. Besides being useful for detection, glue traps can capture and kill large numbers of spiders, especially the males, which are more likely to wander into places where people are accidentally bitten. Ongoing eradication efforts can be judged by the number of new spiders collected in traps. Glue traps should be installed before insecticide treatments, as some products will cause spiders to relocate and wander into traps.
Insecticides - Brown recluse infestations will usually warrant the use of insecticides. Some spiders will not be caught in glue traps, especially the adult egg-laying females, which stay hidden more so than male spiders. Insecticides should be applied into cracks, voids, and other areas where spiders are likely to be hiding, attempting to contact as many as possible. Spray, dust and aerosol formulations may be employed. Dust insecticides are particularly effective for treating cracks, such as under baseboards and along sill plates in basements and crawl spaces. Dusts also work well when treating under insulation, within voids of hollow block foundations, and behind light switch and outlet plates to contact spiders traveling along wires from attics. Typical dust insecticides include silica gel (two professional brands are Drione and Tri-Die) and deltamethrin (DeltaDust).
Insecticide sprays can also be effective applied into harborages and along floor/wall junctures, edges of suspended ceilings, and other places where spiders tend to travel. Better spray ingredients include cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin and lambda cyhalothrin, which are contained in such professional insecticide brands as Demon, Tempo, Talstar, Suspend, and Demand. Consumer versions containing similar ingredients include Bayer Advanced Multi-Insect Killer, Spectracide Triazicide, and Ortho Home Defense Max. "Bug bombs" and total-release foggers are seldom effective against these spiders, and should only be considered when treating otherwise inaccessible areas. Treatments can also be made outdoors to help reduce spider entry. Cracks in exterior walls can be treated, and sprays can be applied along the base of foundations and likely entry points with one of the above-mentioned insecticides.
As treatments are being implemented, precautions can be taken to lessen the chance of being bitten. Beds should be moved away from walls, drapes and other furnishings, and skirts and bedspreads removed to break contact with the floor. Shoes and clothing should also be kept off floors, or at least shaken well before wearing. Remove excess clutter and store seldom-used items in plastic storage containers. There may be comfort in knowing that bites are a rare occurrence, even in homes where brown recluses are abundant.
Read more about Brown Recluse Spiders at the Kentucky Critter Files.
CAUTION! Pesticide recommendations in this publication are registered for use in Kentucky, USA ONLY! The use of some products may not be legal in your state or country. Please check with your local county agent or regulatory official before using any pesticide mentioned in this publication.
Of course, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR SAFE USE OF ANY PESTICIDE!

source: HuggingFaceFW/fineweb-edu


Sign In
Gemology Courses
Gemology 011 Introductory Colored Stones
Units: 4 | Class hours: 48 lecture/48 Laboratory | Prerequisite: None
Discover the unique qualities of a dazzling array of colored gemstones, and use our full gemological lab to identify stones from our extensive collection. Learn to use a variety of gemological testing instruments, including the gemological microscope, refractometer, polariscope, dichroscope, specific gravity fluids, interference sphere, spectroscope, Chelsea and other assorted filters, short wave and long wave light, and monochromatic light. Topics covered include:
Defining a mineral and a gemstone
Classification by formation
The 6 crystal systems
Physical properties of colored stones
Specific gravity
Groups, species and varieties
The physics of gemstones
The optical qualities of gemstones
Double refraction
Instructor: Lothar Vallot
Gemology 012 Advanced Colored Stones
Advanced identification, appreciation and evaluation of colored gemstones. Further your understanding of the physical and optical properties of gemstones and achieve mastery of the use of gemological testing equipment to identify an extensive range of natural and synthetic gemstones. Topics covered include:
Color and the transition elements
Absorption spectra
Light phenomena
In-depth information about inclusions
Flame fusion, flux fusion, and other methods of synthesis
Optic Character and sign
Weight estimation
Cutting and polishing
Glass and assembled stones
Pearls and other mineraloids
Wholesale market pricing for major gemstones
Instructor: Lothar Vallot
Gemology 015 Colored Stones & Diamonds Lab
Units: 1 | Class hours: 48 laboratory total | Previous or concurrent enrollment in another Gemology course Recommended
Laboratory experience in testing and identification of colored gemstones and/or full grading of diamonds for clarity, color, cut and carat weight. May be repeated.
Instructor: Lothar Vallot
Gemology 020 Diamonds
Units: 4 | Class hours: 96 laboratory total | Prerequisite: None
Find out what makes a diamond so beautiful and why it enjoys its unique status above all other gemstones. This course offers an opportunity to examine several diamonds in a variety of clarity and color ranges close-up. Learn a full range of diamond grading techniques and how to detect treated diamonds and diamond substitutes. Topics covered include:
Physical properties of a diamond
How they are formed and where they are found
Mining and distribution
Diamond cutting
Assessing clarity
Plotting diamonds
Assessing proportions
Estimating carat weight
Grading mounted diamonds
Assessing color
Evaluating cut
Recutting diamonds
How diamonds are priced
Diamond treatments and their identification
Detecting diamond simulants
Instructor: Elaine Ferrari-Santhon
Gemology 030 Antique and Period Jewelry
Units: 3 | Class hours: 48 lecture total Prerequisite: None
Learn to recognize valuable antique and period jewelry, and become familiar with jewelry styles as far back as the late 18th century. Be able to identify styles, makers, and countries of origin, and accurately assess market value. Topics covered include:
Late Georgian jewelry
Early, mid and late Victorian jewelry
Arts & Crafts jewelry
Art Nouveau jewelry
Edwardian jewelry
Twentieth century fine, costume, and novelty jewelry
American studio artist's jewelry
Contemporary "mainstream" jewelry
Native American Indian and Mexican silver jewelry
Scandinavian jewelry
Instructor: Diana Sanders Cinamon
Gemology 050 Pearls
Units: 3 | Class hours: 48 lecture | Prerequisite: None
Introduction to the history, appreciation, identification and evaluation of natural and cultured pearls. An overview of the world pearl industry and famous pearls. Pearl identification and grading techniques covering the physical and optical properties for judging the luster, surface, shape, color and size of the various types of pearls.
Instructor: Diana Sanders Cinamon


Developing multiethnic youth language in Helsinki
This Chapter is currently unavailable for purchase.
This paper discusses the phenomena of youth language in multiethnic suburbs in Eastern Helsinki. The paper describes how adolescents make use of multiethnic social reality and the linguistic resources of their surroundings, i.e. different languages as well as varieties of Finnish. The possibility of the emergence of new multiethnic youth varieties or styles (Quist 2008) is discussed. The paper is mainly based on a sociolinguistic study conducted in 2002–2004 (Lehtonen 2004) and the data consist of participant observation, recorded interviews and other audio and video recordings. In the data, phenomena such as stylisation and language crossing (Rampton 1995) and a continuum from code-switching to language mixing (Auer 1999) can be observed.
This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address


Resources, Advice & Tips for Covid-19
Read More
Good and Bad Ouija Board Experiences
Ryan Dube
Heart Shaped Planchette On Ouija Board and Candle
There are many people out there who have had some very strange Ouija board experiences. Below, you'll find several examples. It is interesting to note that while some people have negative experiences, other people have some that are positive.
Positive vs. Negative Ouija Board Experiences
The issue regarding whether Ouija boards represent a positive force or a negative force is a debate that has lasted for many years. On the one side, many people believe that Ouija boards serve as a portal or gateway for evil and manipulative forces that seek to negatively influence your life. On the other side, there are people who believe that the Ouija board only serves as a portal to your own psychic abilities and that without your own influence, the board itself has no power. In other words, the board isn't doing the "magic," you are.
Bad Experiences
There are numerous negative and even "demonic" experiences that support the case for the board serving as a tool for evil forces that seek to influence this world. The following are a few prime examples.
An Evil Stench presents a fascinating excerpt from the National Examiner where Robert Stamper told his own story. When he was younger, Robert and his brother experimented with the Ouija board and came in contact with an entity called "Seth". Over the course of the Ouija board experimentation, they asked for supernatural proof that it was real. According to the story, the Ouija board correctly predicted a death a week in the future, it made the house tremor and caused a terrible stench to fill the air. Robert reports that even after getting rid of the Ouija board, the strange tremors would return and a "stench of death" would fill the house.
It Took Over Mom's Life
Another story from comes from a woman named Pam Frost who tells the story about returning home to a mother who had become obsessed with the Ouija board. According to the story, Pam woke up one night to the sound of a party going on downstairs. As she peeked around the corner, she was shocked by the image of her mother sitting in front of the Ouija board that was moving all by itself, and the voices of different people were coming from her mother. Things in the home became so bad that Pam had to move out of the house. This story is told from the unique perspective of a child and parallels the stories of many parents who suffer from addictions of one kind or another.
Get the Boy!
Destination America retells the story of a Reddit user Regnistel. The teenager writes about his frightening experience after having his friend break out her Ouija board. When she refused to participate, he decided to use the board by himself. After some time of using the board with no results, in a typical teenage fashion, he proclaimed that any spirit there but refusing to answer his questions was a coward. He quit and went home, but writes that a week later, he was awakened by a powerful thunderstorm. He lay listening to the thunder and rain, trying to go back to sleep when he heard a voice coming from downstairs whisper, "Get the boy!". The voice was raspy, and he heard it repeat, "Get the boy!" The second time the voice was louder and followed by the slamming of a downstairs door. With no one downstairs and no drafts to cause the door to slam, he was truly freaked out.
Good Experiences
On the other side of the debate, a fair number of personal experiences support the theory that the best Ouija board is either a portal into your own subconscious or psychic abilities, or a temporal doorway to communicate with spirits of people who have passed away. While it is true that some positive Ouija board experiences exist, they are much more difficult to find than the negative ones.
Saved By the Ouija Board
A story from 2006 tells about a woman who received an Ouija board as a gift from her mother when she was a young child. The night before the family was going to head out on a trip to visit her grandparents, they used the board. During the session, the young girl asked the board whether they should leave the house at 10 a.m. as planned. The Ouija board responded by warning the girl and her mother that they should not leave at that time because there would be an accident with a semi caused by a blown tire. The next morning, the family decided to leave five minutes after 10 a.m., and sure enough they just barely avoided an accident when their front tire blew out. Had they been there only a few minutes earlier, they wouldn't have survived.
Max Saves the Girl
One of the best Ouija board stories with a happy ending is found on Thought Catalog and written by Chrissy Stockton. The story is about a teenage girl and a spirit named Max that came through the Ouija board during a sleepover. The girl tired of the Ouija board and along with a couple of other girls retired to another room to conduct tarot readings. Things turned odd when the girls in the other room called out to her saying a spirit named Max was asking about her. It wasn't until Max started revealing secrets about her, such as being abused that she asked her friends to stop. It was a year later when the board was brought out again while she was in the kitchen baking a cake with another girl who had been present the sleepover. The girls in the other room called out to her asking who Max was. She tells how Max is a regular spirit that seems to always be around and a type of self-appointed guardian angel. She claims that he saved her life when he called out her name just as she was about to step into the path of a car and she stopped to turn around.
Statue of an angel in a scary background
Ouija Boards Caution and Warnings
Even if either side of the debate is correct, there is good reason to remain cautious when using such a tool or object with unknown properties. Considering both sides of the argument, there is a lot that is not understood about human psychology and the real nature and power of the subconscious mind. On the flip side, there is also a great deal that remains a mystery about the spiritual level of existence. Therefore, regardless of what answer lies behind the source of information that comes from the Ouija board, the truth is that it remains an object with unknown properties. Carelessly handling such an object would be like a small child handling a loaded gun without understanding the possible consequences. For this reason, it's important to proceed both psychologically and spiritually with caution when laying your fingertips upon this mysterious board.
Was this page useful?
Good and Bad Ouija Board Experiences


SQL*Loader «Prev Next»
Lesson 4 Manipulate tables
Objective Describe enhancements in table management.
Describe Enhancements Table Management
Table management covers a broad area. (Many related subjects are covered in other courses, such as the Oracle PL/SQL Programming courses from this website.) This course covers the enhancements that assist the DBA in handling storage issues for tables. The table below lists the enhancements we will review later in this module.
Relocate a tableThis capability saves time. You can now move a table from one tablespace to another without having to drop and recreate the table. This command reorganizes the table, eliminating unused space and removing chained rows.
Create a temporary tableThis enhancement provides special handling for tables that you used for storing intermediate (temporary) data. Temporary tables don'tget the same backup and recovery treatment as regular tables, which saves overhead time and space.
Drop a columnThis enhancement allows you to remove unwanted columns from a table without completely rebuilding the table. This much-neededenhancement streamlines system maintenance.
The next three lessons expand on each of these enhancements.
The next lesson describes how to relocate a table.
 1. Relocate a table
 2. Create a temporary table
 3. Drop a column
Variable Record Format
INFILE "datafile_name" "var n"
Example 5-4: Loading Data in Variable Record Format
load data
infile 'example.dat' "var 3"
into table example
fields terminated by ',' optionally enclosed by '"'
(col1 char(5),
col2 char(7))
012my,name is,


Reading old handwritten Spanish (Mexican) genealogy records; paleography presents several challenges in deciphering genealogy records. First, even if a person knows how to read Spanish, you must become familiar with a different set of words and abbreviations that were used at the time the record was created. In addition, genealogy records from the eighteenth century and earlier were often had written. This means that you have to be able to decipher different writing styles as well as dealing with misspellings, ink blotches and torn pages. Despite these challenges, with a little bit of time and practice, you will be able to read old handwritten Spanish genealogy records fairly easily and accurately.
Mexican genealogy records tend to fall into two classes: Church records or civil records. Spanish Church genealogy records consist of baptism, marriage, death, confirmation, donation, membership lists and various other genealogy documents; while civil genealogy records consist of birth, marriage, death, protocolos, wills, and census (padron, tax roles, etc). The best records for hispanic ancestry tend to be the church records, because they are the oldest and are among the first genealogy records generated from a new community. They also tend to contain more ancestry information than the civil genealogy records. While the most significant genealogy civil records (birth, marriage and death) were not produced in Mexico until about 1859 or later. Nevertheless, civil records can still be important in your ancestry search. The protocolos and wills can often provide valuable family history (surviving ancestors and relatives, professions, memberships, property owned, etc.) while the census or padron can provide ancestry information about the family members (household members).
Spanish Paleography
Handwritten Spanish genealogy records from the 16th through 18th century tended to have short lines with extended letters and words. Capitalization was used inconsistently and punctuation was rarely used. Individual words in a sentence were frequently connected and words were truncated at the end of a line without any dash to indicate truncation. Some of the most challenging genealogy records to read are the ones with bleed-through from the back of the page. Other problems that you can encounter are chain written genealogy records (where one record ends another immediately begins with no spacing to indicate a new genealogy record), faded or torn pages.
What is Paleography?
Paleography is the study of ancient handwriting independent of language. Its aim is the decipherment and interpretation of these texts which allows a researcher to read works from the past. The paleographer must know the language of the text, the abbreviations used, and the various styles of handwriting.
The main value to a genealogist for developing your skills as a Spanish paleographer is the ability to directly read and interpret original or primary genealogy records. Without this skill a genealogy researcher is often depended on secondary genealogy sources. One could use the analogy of a copy of an original document is not as good as the original document because something is always lost. Secondary genealogy sources will often exclude unique ancestry data that is not contained in every record. This could be in the form of notes in the margin, the Father's profession or title being listed, names that have been lined through on the original genealogy record, etc.
Reading Hispanic Genealogy Records


text:
Setting up Assembly Order management in Dynamics 365 Business Central involves:
- Firstly, open "Assembly Setup" page and fill in the "Number Series" fields accordingly.
- Create your first Assembly Item by changing the "Replenishment" system to "Assembly" and the "Assembly Policy" to "Assemble-to-stock".
- In order to assign the sub-items to the BOM, click on "Assembly BOM" and add the items or resources required to make the Assembly Item.
- You can create a "Purchase Order" and purchase the Assembly Item you created directly and it will increment your inventory readings. However this will not consume the child (sub-items) in the related BOM for that item. In order to increase the Assembly Item inventory and decrease the related BOM items, you need to use the "Assembly Orders" page to create an "Assembly Order" and post it.
- When creating Assembly Orders you can include Items as well as Resources and Machines (a type of resource) based on hourly rates.
- Avoid using "non-inventory" items in BOM because combining Inventory and Non-inventory items on the BOM will be refused by the Assembly Order (an error can prevent you from creating an Assembly Order with a non-inventory Item). If you want to account for fees and charges and would like those tracked just like inventory items, using Resources might be an option (if Item Charges are not fit for your business use-case scenario that is).


text:
Oxford Conference on Zoroastrianism 5-7 July 2010
The Aram Society for Syro-Mesopotamian Studies announces a new series of conferences on the subject of Zoroastrianism. The first, which will be held in Oxford on 5-7 July 2010, aims to study Zoroastrian religion and culture throughout the Levant. The emphasis will be on exploring how Zoroastrianism interacted with Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Gnosticism and ancient Near Eastern non-biblical religions. Cultural interaction is the keynote.
Who is Aram?
Aram takes its name from "Aramaic" -- the Semitic language which was a focal point of ancient Syro-Mesopotamian cultures from the 8th century BC, when it became the official and commercial lingua franca of the Near East,* until the 7th-10th century AD when it was extensively replaced by Arabic following the spread of Islam. Aramaic was influenced at first by Akkadian, then from the 5th century BC by Persian, and from the 3rd century BC onwards by Greek, as well as by Hebrew, especially in Palestine. In the time of Jesus, it was widely spoken (as well as written) throughout the Semitic area and it was, of course, the language of Zenobia and the main tongue of Palmyra. It still survives today (as Syriac and Mandaic), especially for religious rites, in some scattered places.
Aram is not confined solely to Aramaic studies, however, but deals with all the cultures that were influenced by Aramaic civilisation across the greater Syro-Mesopotamian region and the so-called Fertile Crescent -- a great swath of territory over thousands of years.
In fact, as we learn from their website, the Aram Society is building the foundation for the study of continuity between the Aramaic culture and other Syro-Mesopotamian civilisations. Past conferences showed how closely intertwined they are, and that Aramaic civilisation would not have flourished without this intellectual cross-fertilisation. The many connections between the different cultures demonstrate that the Syro-Mesopotamian man** is born out of a process of uninterrupted cultural continuity since the beginning of history.
Zoroastrianism is just one piece of the puzzle along this cultural continuum.
Zenobia and Zoroastrianism
Zenobia has not neglected Zoroastrianism either.
Some background on the tight links between the Sassanian-Persian Zoroastrian religion and the Kings of Kings (Church and state were born of one womb, joined together never to be sundered) is described in Zoroastrian Stuff.
Then, Zenobia told the story of Tansar, the chief 'teaching priest,' and how he restored the true faith after the depredations of Accursed Alexander and his successors, in Zoroastrian Stuff II:
Do not marvel, Tansar says, "at my zeal and ardour for promoting order in the world, that the foundations of the laws of the Faith may be made firm. It is as if I heard the voices [of the spirits of the virtuous dead] uttering praise, and saw the gladness and radiance of their countenances. When we are united we shall speak of what we have done and be glad.And, finally, in Zoroastrian Stuff III, Zenobia covered the astonishing 'autobiography' written on a rock relief by the Chief Magus-Priest, Kirdir, who boasted of having established orthodoxy and persecuted heretics: From the beginning I, Kirdir, have laboured hard for the sake of the gods, rulers, and my own soul.
Cultural Interaction in Oxford
Scholars are invited to submit papers for the Aram Society's 2010 conference.
All queries should be addressed to the conference secretary Dr Shafiq Abouzayd
at the Aram Society for Syro-Mesopotamian Studies,
The Oriental Institute, Oxford University, Pusey Lane, Oxford OX1 2LE, England.
Tel. ++1865-514041. Fax ++1865-516824. Email: _EMAIL_
Dr Abouzayd has kindly confirmed to me that non-specialists interested in the subject will be welcome to attend. I hope to be there.
* Circa 700 BC, the ambassadors of the Assyrian King Sennacherib and the son of the Judaean King Hezekiah negotiated in Aramaic before the walls of Jerusalem when they didn't want to be understood by the population: "Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the [Aramaic] Syrian tongue; for we understand it: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that are on the wall." (2 Kings 18:26). A few hundred years later, it was the language of the people.
** I trust that Aram includes the female sex under the rubric of 'the Syro-Mesopotamian man'.
My note on Aramaic is based on K. Beyer, The Aramaic Language: its distribution and sub-divisions, Göttingen, 1986.
Above: Farashband Fire Tower (Firuzabad, Iran)
Below: Kirdir pictured behind the investiture scene showing Ardashir I, founder of the dynasty, receiving 'Divine Grace' from Hormizd, the highest god. Kirdir salutes both king and god with his right fist and pointed index finger, a sign of respect and obedience. In front of him is a long text, which tells us who he is and something of what he did.


text: Acanthaster planci are red colored echinoderms protected by thorn-like spines. They grow to a diameter up to 40 cm across. They have 12-19 arms extending from their center. These animals do not have a head, and are pentamerically symmetrical about the axis of the mouth. Acanthaster planci have tubed feet, or branched tentacles arranged along each arm that function in gas exchange and food gathering (Schmid, 1998; Perrins and Middleton, 1985; Encyclopedia Britannica, 2000).


text:
Turbocharging is the single most popular method for adding brute power to an engine, but this video shows the manufacturing of a turbocharger is anything but brutal. Instead, the process combines precision machining with ancient methods of metal shaping.
The manufacturing process inside the Turbonetics factory starts with molten aluminum being poured to form the sandcast housings and progresses through exacting CNC processes and unhurried assembly. The human touch is the most notable part of the process: The making of these devices, which spin at 100,000 RPM and help hurl two-ton machines past 200mph, depends largely on the skilled hands of the company's technicians.
(Hat tip to EngineerDIVO at Reddit!)


The Study of Self-image and Shopping Orientation by Female's
성인여성의 자기이미지와 상표이미지 및 쇼핑성향에 관한 연구
 - 류현주 (신라대학교 패션디자인 산업학과) ;
 - 홍금희 (신라대학교 패션디자인 산업학과)
 - Published : 2001.10.01
Cousumers developed self-image through clothing symbolic product for reveal one'self image. When consumers select particular brand of various brand in the market that congruent with one'self image. They have to continue image. In this purpose, the research model was constituted and the questionnaire was made, reviewing preceding studies on self-image, shopping orientation. As for the method of the research, 635 female consumers were the object for the data of this research. The major results of this were as follows: 1. The factor or real self-image was composed of four factors: the refined and deluxe image, casual and simple image, decorous and dressy image, quiet and feminine image. 2. The consumer with real self-image were classified three groups: the group of feminine and dressy image 288 persons, the group of casual image 167 persons and poor image 171 persons. In the consumer's classified real purchasing brand-image the group of feminine and dressy image was given higher score at feminine and refined and deluxe image, the group of casual image was given higher score at casual and active. 3. The factor of shopping orientation was composed of four factors: pleasant, planned, loyal, recreational shopping orientation. The group of feminine and dressy image was given higher score at pleasant and planned shopping orientation, the group of casual image was given lower score loyal and confident shopping orientation than the other group.
 1. 서울대학교 대학원 석사학위논문 소비자의 의복쇼핑성항과 점포애고행동에 관한 연군 김소영
 2. 신라대학교 대학원 석사학위 논문 남성집단의 의복추구혜택에 따른 정보원과 쇼핑성향에 관한 연구 김지현
 3. 서울대학교 대학권 석사학위 논문 의복 소비자의 자기이미지 특성에 따른 제품속성 중요도와 추구혜택 김혜라
 4. 서울대학교 대학원 석사학위 논문 상황적 자기이미지에 위한 의류시장 세분화 오정선
 5. 패션 마케팅 이은영
 6. 서울대학교 대학원 석사학위 논문 상표이미지와 자아이미지에 관한 연구 정근택
 7. 한국의류학회지 v.20 no.1 의복과 자기 이미지 정인희;이은영
 8. 99 바이어가 뽑은 최고의 브랜드 no.167 Text Herald 주간지
 9. Journal of Marketing Research v.6 no.2 Congruence Relationship Between self-Images and Preduct Brand Dolich,I.J.
 10. Journal of Retailing v.58 no.2 Fashion Life, Self-Concept, Shopping Orientation, and Store Patrong: An Integrative Analysis Gutman,J.;Mills,M.K.
 11. Consumer Behavior: Implications for Marketing Strategy(4th ed) v.641 Hawkings,D.L.;Best,P.J;Coney,K.A
 12. The Psychology of Fashion v.10 Mapping the Market for Fashion: Complementarily in Consumer Preference Holbrook,M.B.;Dixon,G.;Solomon,M.R.(ed.)
 13. The Second Skin: An Interdisciplinary Study of Clothing (3rd ed.) Horn,M.J.;Guel,L.M.
 14. Unpulished Doctoral Dissertation University of Arkansas A Multivariate Examination of a Patronage Model: The Impact of Values and Life Styles on Shopping Orientations Howell,R.D.
 15. Advances in Consumer Research v.17 Some Implications for Consumer Self-Concept and Product Symbollism Research Lee,D.H.
 16. Advances in Consumer Reseach v.7 A Sociological Approach to Brand Choice: The Concept of Situational Self Image Schenk,C.T.;Holman,R.H.
 17. Journal of Market Research v.15 no.8 Some Practical considerations in Market Segmentation Shirley,Y.;Leland;Barbara,F.
 18. Clothing and Textiels Research Journal v.1 Proximity of Clothing to Self: Evolution of a Concept Sontag,M.S.;Schlater,J.D.
 19. Fashion: Consumer behavior toward Dress Sproles,G.B.


text:
V-R diagram for spiral galaxies. New insights into the hubble sequence
- Cite this article as:
- Prieto, M., Aguilar, A.C. & García, C. Astrophys Space Sci (1989) 157: 321. doi:10.1007/BF00637348
- 22 Downloads
We examine the relation between the global parameters of spiral galaxies and their morphological type. We have represented the rotational velocityV at a radius of 25 mag arc sec−2 against this radiusR for a sample of 56 galaxies. Different types of galaxies appear separated on this diagram. We have plotted above theV-R diagram isolines of total mass, angular momentum and 'mean surface density' for isolated galaxies with circular motion in centrifugal equilibrium showing: (1) That the parameter that represents the morphological type is the 'mean surface density' or its observational parameterV2/R. (2) From aV-R diagram we can easily see what kinds of correlations we expect to find between the global properties of galaxies and their morphological type. (3) For every morphological type of galaxies there is a critical mass above which there is a change in its dynamical behaviour. Finally, consideringV2/R as representative of the morphological type, we can deduce theoretically the empirical Tully-Fisher relation and the dependence of the slope and the zero point on the morphological type. The separation in 'logV' that we expect to find for different types of galaxies for a constant luminosity is the same order as the experimental errors in the determination of 'logV'. This explains the tight power-law relationship observed between this and the luminosity.


Evan's Awesome A/B Tools (home):
Question: How many subjects are needed for an A/B test?
[ link ]
Baseline conversion rate: %
Minimum Detectable Effect: %
10.2% – 13.2%
The Minimum Detectable Effect is the smallest effect that will be detected (1-β)% of the time.
Conversion rates in the gray area will not be distinguishable from the baseline.
Sample size:
per variation
Statistical power 1−β:
Percent of the time the minimum effect size will be detected, assuming it exists
Significance level α:
Percent of the time a difference will be detected, assuming one does NOT exist
See also: How Not To Run an A/B Test


Airport Management Wildlife
Airport Bird Control – 6 most asked questions and answers
Airport Bird Control is an important issue. Read on to find the most asked questions and answers to them
How Airports keep birds away?
Most airports combine a lot of methods to keep birds away, such as Standing Lasers, Pyrotechnics, Propane Cannons, Visual Effects, Natural Predators (i.e. Falconry), Traps and even adjusting the height of the grass at the airfield.
How does pyrotechnics work at airports to keep birds away?
The key of using pyrotechnics is combining sounds and visual effects to create a stimulus that attracts birds primary instincts. This can be done with a variety of pyrotechnics of varying range, colours, and blasts that can make birds fell that the place is not safe to stay. However, the correct training of bird controllers is also essential. A true specialist knows there is not a "silver bullet" in airport bird control. A complete toolbox and well-trained professionals are needed for a successful Wildlife Control Program.
What is a birdstrike?
Airport bird control plans can avoid birdstrike like this one
Damage to an aeroplane product of a birdstrike.
How often a birdstrike happens?
About 61% of bird strikes with civil aircraft occur during landing phases of flight (descent, approach and landing roll); 36% occur during the take-off run and climb, and the remainder (3%) occur during the en-route phase. (FAA Stats).
Why are birds attracted to airports?
Airports are a wide, open space with a full environment. The attractiveness of vegetation is a balance between food presence, food accessibility, and protection against predators.
 Airport Bird Control Grass
Airfield shows short grass to avoid the presence of birds.
How grass height affects the presence of birds?
Vegetation is a balance between food presence, food accessibility, and protection against predators. And these three factors vary a lot for every bird or animal species.
Food accessibility depends on vegetation height and density. Long, dense vegetation will inhibit most hazardous birds/wildlife from moving around, detecting and accessing the food. In addition, birds/wildlife feeding on seeds will avoid the airport if its vegetation is mowed during the flowering season.
On the other hand, many species prefer to stay in the open space of short vegetation where they have a wide view to see predators well in advance to enable them to flee on time; and safeguard themselves from predators by hiding or fleeing.
Blog User
Leave a comment


Why a Choice Doesn't Feel Like a Choice When Morality Enters the Picture
Skip to content
Explore Our Coronavirus Coverage
Politics & Elections Aug 2, 2018
A new study explains why heroes always say, "I just did what anybody would do."
A person faces a moral choice.
Yevgenia Nayberg
Based on the research of
Maryam Kouchaki
Isaac Smith
Krishna Savani
What makes one person act heroically at a critical moment while another wavers?
Add Insight
to your inbox.
Kellogg's Maryam Kouchaki was struck by stories of people who sprang into action when faced with such a choice—chasing down a mugger, for example—who later said there hadn't been any alternative.
"Even though they did the most amazing thing, it wasn't like they felt that they deliberated. They felt like they had no choice," says Kouchaki, an assistant professor of management and organizations, who studies moral behavior—why we engage in it, why we fail at it, and how we think about it.
It is not just the heroes among us who view moral decisions this way. In fact, new research from Kouchaki and coauthors finds that across cultures, when people view a particular decision as being moral in nature, they don't feel like they are making a choice at all, and they pay less attention to alternative courses of action.
The finding surprised Kouchaki. Given that morality is so important to self-image, she imagined that "when you do something good, you want to take credit for it." And the more you view your moral choices as choices, the more credit you could give yourself.
"Their sense of freedom has been constrained and it has a spillover effect for your actual behavior."
But that is not what she and her coauthors Isaac Smith of Cornell University and Krishna Savani of Nanyang Technological University found. Instead, people "don't try to get credit for their moral choices as much as they potentially could."
It makes a certain kind of sense to Kouchaki. "Morality is all about defining what's right to do," she says. Moral behavior is often viewed as a set of responsibilities and obligations. Think about the words we use for moral behavior, she says, where we often refer to what we "ought" to do.
"You see the link in the language we use," Kouchaki explains.
Morality and Decisions
To explore how people make moral decisions, the researchers devised several related studies. In the first, they recruited 200 online participants and asked them whether they viewed one of four issues (abortion, marijuana use, gun control, or recycling) as moral in nature.
Then, they presented study participants with a scenario in which they had to make a choice related to one of the four issues—for instance, voting on a firearms ban, or accepting a friend's offer to smoke marijuana. Finally, they asked participants to rank, on a scale of one to seven, how constrained they felt in making that choice: "I had to vote yes (or no) on the firearms ban; I didn't have a choice."
It turned out that people who viewed a particular issue as moral experienced a lower sense of choice when making a decision related to that issue, as compared to people who did not view the issue as moral.
The team wanted to make sure this finding was true across cultures and didn't just apply to highly individualistic Americans. So they repeated the same study with 200 online participants from India. Instead of asking about gun control or abortion, they picked an issue that was more culturally specific: eating beef, which is prohibited in many Hindu traditions.
As in the first study, participants were asked if they viewed eating beef as a moral issue. Then they were presented with a scenario in which a friend offered them a beef samosa.
Although the cultural issue was different, the result was just the same: Indians who viewed eating beef as a moral issue experienced a lower sense of choice when deciding whether to accept the offered samosa.
The Effect of Choice Constraint
The researchers next looked at how feeling restrained can affect other aspects of behavior.
They knew from a 2009 study by other researchers that people who feel physically constrained tend to seek variety in other ways. For example, if the aisles of a store are narrow, your purchases will be more varied than if the aisles are roomy. When pressure is put on your autonomy, the thinking goes, you'll try to assert it in other ways.
The researchers wondered whether the psychological constraint of morality might have a similar effect. If you lack a sense of choice in moral decisions, will you seek more variety in other, unrelated decisions?
To test the idea, they repeated the original study, asking participants whether they viewed using marijuana as a moral issue. Then participants were presented with a scenario in which they could accept or refuse a friend's offer to smoke. To measure variety-seeking behavior, the researchers then asked participants to select seven pieces of chocolate from a set of seven different flavors.
The more moral that participants found the issue of marijuana to be—meaning the more constrained they felt in their ability to make a choice—the more variety they sought when picking chocolate.
For Kouchaki, it was further proof that moral decisions don't really feel like choices at all. "Their sense of freedom has been constrained and it has a spillover effect for your actual behavior," she says.
Inside the Decision-Making Process
In the final study, the researchers set out to understand what was happening as people mulled their moral choice. How much and how long did they contemplate their choice? Did they really not contemplate alternative options, or did they only report a sense of constraint after making a decision?
To get inside participants' heads, the researchers used a tool that allowed them to monitor how long participants contemplated each option by recording how long their mouse hovered over each choice on the computer screen.
Participants repeated a study similar to the first one: they were asked whether they considered a particular issue moral, given a scenario about that issue, and then ranked their sense of choice from one to seven.
The team found that participants who viewed an issue as moral hovered for less time on the option they did not choose as they made a decision. This allowed the researchers to rule out the possibility that participants weighed both options equally, but only reported a lower sense of choice later. Rather, viewing a decision as moral seemed to truly influence participants' sense of making a choice.
Moral Choices in the Real World
So why, if people don't view moral choices as choices, do they so often misbehave?
In the real world, it gets complicated, Kouchaki says.
"People might know the right or wrong thing to do," she says. "Still, we may fall for temptation, because there are other competing motivations present that are strong."
On a hectic day, it is much easier to pitch your aluminum can in the trash can next to you than it is to walk to the recycling bin downstairs. There is usually a cost, even a small one, to making the moral choice, and such costs are not generally present in lab studies.
For Kouchaki, the findings were both surprising and, she confesses, a little disappointing.
She had always thought her moral decisions were the result of conscious, deliberate thought, not just reflexive action.
"I wanted to take credit," she says. "But apparently not! This actually proved my intuition was wrong."
Featured Faculty
Associate Professor of Management & Organizations
About the Writer
Susie Allen is a freelance writer in Chicago.
About the Research
Kouchaki, Maryam, I. Smith, and Krishna Savani. Forthcoming. "Does Deciding Among Morally Relevant Options Feel Like Making a Choice? How Morality Constrains People's Sense of Choice." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
Suggested For You
Most Popular
Most Popular Podcasts
More in Politics & Elections


text:
The colors you see depend on a variety visual parameters, including:
- the eye's state of adaptation
- the brightness of the stimuli
- the visual context
Below is a computer rendition of artist Josef Albers demonstration that color appearance does indeed depend on the context in which colors are seen. Look at the "x" in each square…
Do they look different?
Understanding color appearance is necessary in many venture where there is human-computer interaction. As such it is essential to consider color appearance when designing algorithms to solve color problems (e.g. color constancy or color correction). Conversely, purely computational theories are valuable in assessing and directing research into color appearance. For example, algorithms developed for compressing the size of color images provide an intriguing (and perfectly plausible) explanation for various psychophysical experiments.


text:
February is recognized as Black History month across the country -- and yesterday in Williston, that history in this part of the country was discussed.
Assistant History professor Richard Stenberg hosted a forum yesterday on the campus where he presented his research on the role African Americans played in the fur trade at Ft. Union.
He says little is known...but they have discovered there were some key players in the trade.
It is also interesting, that slavery was outlawed here during that time...but that doesn't mean in didn't exist.
(Richard Stenberg - WSC Professor) "Interestingly the Missouri Compromise of 1820 said there would be no slaves in the former territories of the Louisiana Purchase, there were still slaves operating on the Missouri River for example, the steamboats passing right by here en route to places like Fort Union and several of the early managers had slaves that they had on site."


text: Prime purpose of this lecture is to present on Metals and Acids. The products of acid/metal reactions are a salt and hydrogen gas. Some metals are so unreactive that they do not react with dilute acids at all, e.g. copper, silver and gold. Examples of Metals: Magnesium, Iron, Sodium, Calcium etc. Examples of Acids: Hydrochloric acid; Sulphuric acid; Nitric acid; Ethanoic acid etc. The chemical reaction of Metals and Acids: Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen.


Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
Pregnancy Symptom: Food Aversions
Food Aversions
What It Feels Like
Certain foods (and smells) will suddenly illicit a very strong and negative response from you. Foods that you previously enjoyed or that didn't bother you now make you want to leave the room because you can't stand the thought of eating it or smelling it.
Common food aversions include coffee, eggs, poultry, beef, milk and dairy product, and green veggies.
Your food aversions should subside or calm down a bit by the second trimester, but food will probably still taste a bit off for the entire pregnancy due to those hormones.
Why do you become averse to certain types of food?
As your hormone levels change, the chemical content of your blood changes, which is often reflected in your saliva. This causes the taste in your mouth to change so foods will taste different than before.
Your sense of smell also becomes more acute and everyday smells can make you nauseous.
How To Manage Food Aversions
 - Leave the room if the smell or sight of a food is making you sick.
 - Cook with the exhaust fan going.
 - Cooking with a microwave emits less odor.
You don't have to eat foods that you're averse to, but you do need to eat a balanced nutritious meal that makes up for the nutrients you're lacking.
 - Eat tofu, beans, legumes, quinoa, edamame and nuts for protein.
 - Try mashing up meat and putting it into sauces, such as spaghetti.
 - Eat yogurt and cheese instead of milk.
 - Get calcium from leafy greens, orange juice fortified with calcium, sesame seeds, or salmon.
 - Eat carrots and yam, or fresh fruit, instead of green veggies.
There is generally no risk to your baby as long as you eat nutritious food that makes up for the missing nutrients.
Food aversion by Pregnancy Week
Read about other common pregnancy symptoms>>
About this page
MedHelp Health Answers


text:
Its time to replace your paper towels with Un-paper towels!
Sets are 6 towels each approximately 10"x12".
100% cotton flannel.
Machine wash, no softener. Machine or hang dry for longevity.
🐼 Sewn by Prudence, my 7 year old who donates $5.00 from each sale to The world wildlife fund. 🐼
Paper Towel Waste in the United States
In the United States, we use more than 6,500,000 TONS of paper towels every year. That's a lot of trees and a lot of waste.
- According to the EPA, paper and paperboard products make up the largest percentage of all municipal solid waste, at a whopping 25.9 percent.
- To make one ton of paper towels, 17 trees are cut down and 20,000 gallons of water are consumed.
- It would take 51,000 trees planted per day to replace the number of paper towels that are tossed each day.
- Decomposing paper towels in our landfills (remember, more than 13 million pounds per year) produce methane gas. Methane gas is a leading cause of global warming.
- In the U.S. alone, paper towels yield a $6 billion market.


package Graph::Layout::Aesthetic::Force::ParentLeft; use 5.006001; use strict; use warnings; our $VERSION = '0.02'; use base qw(Graph::Layout::Aesthetic::Force); __PACKAGE__->new->register; 1; __END__ =head1 NAME Graph::Layout::Aesthetic::Force::ParentLeft - Try to place parents to the left of their children =head1 SYNOPSIS use Graph::Layout::Aesthetic; $aglo = Graph::Layout::Aesthetic->new($topology); $aglo->add_force("ParentLeft", 1); =head1 DESCRIPTION This module provides an aesthetic force for use by the L. It's normally implicitly loaded by using L. The aesthetic force is that it tries to place parent nodes at least 5 to the left of child nodes. If nodes are placed so that this condition is not fulfilled, the nodes try to move left or right so it will be with a force that's quadratic in how much their distance on the x-axis is wrong. =head1 METHODS This class inherits from L and adds no methods of its own. =head1 EXPORT None. =head1 SEE ALSO L, L =head1 AUTHOR Ton Hospel, _EMAIL_ =head1 COPYRIGHT AND LICENSE Copyright (C) 2004 by Ton Hospel This library is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the same terms as Perl itself, either Perl version 5.6.1 or, at your option, any later version of Perl 5 you may have available. Much of the underlying L code is derived from C code copyrighted by D. Stott Parker, who released it under the GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE (version 1). =cut


Everyone who owns an iPhone (or who has been holding out for an iPhone 3G) is bound to be excited about a lot of the new things the device can finally do, particularly the introduction of third-party applications. But those of us in the web development community have been itching for something further still: good web applications on the iPhone. This means we need a suitable replacement for mouse events. And boy did we get them! Though at first the APIs seem a little sketchy, once you've learned them you should be able to do amazing things in your application.
I'll start with how to set up the iPhone console, since I found it invaluable while testing. Under Settings > Safari > Developer, you can turn it on or off. Simple log, error, and warn functions are provided (as part of the console object), all of which accept a single object.
My quest to understand the API led me to this Apple Developer Connection page that, while providing pretty thorough documentation about what's available, left me a little confused about the details. Also, if you aren't a member of ADC, trying to follow this link will leave you even more confused.
Clearing it Up
Apple introduced two new ideas with this API: touches and gestures. Touches are important for keeping track of how many fingers are on the screen, where they are, and what they're doing. Gestures are important for determining what the user is doing when they have two fingers on the screen and are either pinching, pushing, or rotating them.
When you put a finger down on the screen, it kicks off the lifecycle of touch events. Each time a new finger touches the screen, a new touchstart event happens. As each finger lifts up, a touchend event happen. If, after touching the screen, you move any of your fingers around, touchmove events happen.
We have the following touch events:
 - touchstart: Happens every time a finger is placed on the screen
 - touchend: Happens every time a finger is removed from the screen
 - touchmove: Happens as a finger already placed on the screen is moved across the screen
 - touchcancel: The system can cancel events, but I'm not sure how this can happen. I thought it might happen when you receive something like an SMS during a drag, but I tested that with no success
node.ontouchstart = function(evt){
 console.log(evt.pageX + "/" + evt.pageY);
 // OH NO! These values are blank, this must be a bug
My first mistake was monitoring these events and trying to get location information from the events (pageX, pageY, etc). After consulting the ADC documentation again, I learned about three event lists that come attached to the object. But I wasn't sure what they did, so I went back to testing, logging, and experimenting.
It helped when I figured out the problem the Apple developers were trying to solve. With a mouse, you really only have one point of contact: through the cursor. With your hand, you can keep two fingers held down on the left of the screen while you keep tapping the right side of the screen.
Our event object has a list, and this list contains information for every finger that's currently touching the screen. It also contains two other lists, one which contains only the information for fingers that originated from the same node, and one which contains only the information for fingers that are associated with the current event. These lists are available to every touch event.
We have the following lists:
 - changedTouches: A list of information for every finger involved in the event (see below)
 - When I put a finger down, all three lists will have the same information. It will be in changedTouches because putting the finger down is what caused the event
 - When I put a second finger down, touches will have two items, one for each finger. targetTouches will have two items only if the finger was placed in the same node as the first finger. changedTouches will have the information related to the second finger, because it's what caused the event
 - If I put two fingers down at exactly the same time, it's possible to have two items in changedTouches, one for each finger
 - If I move my fingers, the only list that will change is changedTouches and will contain information related to as many fingers as have moved (at least one).
 - When I lift a finger, it will be removed from touches, targetTouches and will appear in changedTouches since it's what caused the event
 - Removing my last finger will leave touches and targetTouches empty, and changedTouches will contain information for the last finger
Using these lists, I can keep very close tabs on what the user is doing. Imagine creating a(nother) Super Mario clone in JavaScript. I'd be able to tell what direction the user currently has his or her thumb on, while also being able to watch for when the user wants to jump or shoot a fireball.
I've been saying that these lists contain information about the fingers touching the screen. These objects are very similar to what you'd normally see in an event object passed to an event handler A limited set of properties are available in these objects. Following is the full list of properties for these objects:
 - screenX: Relative to the screen
 - screenY: Relative to the screen
 - pageX: Relative to the full page (includes scrolling)
 - pageY: Relative to the full page (includes scrolling)
 - target: Node the touch event originated from
 - identifier: An identifying number, unique to each touch event
For those of you coming from the normal web design world, in a normal mousemove event, the node passed in the target attribute is usually what the mouse is currently over. But in all iPhone touch events, the target is a reference to the originating node.
One of the annoyances of writing web applications for the iPhone has been that even if you set a viewport for your application, dragging your finger around will move the page around. Fortunately, the touchmove's event object has a preventDefault() function (a standard DOM event function) that will make the page stay absolutely still while you move your finger around.
Drag and Drop with the Touch API
We don't have to worry about keeping track of down/up events as we do with mousemove since the only way touchmove is triggered is after touchstart.
node.ontouchmove = function(e){
 if(e.touches.length == 1){ // Only deal with one finger
 var touch = e.touches[0]; // Get the information for finger #1
 var node = touch.target; // Find the node the drag started from
 node.style.position = "absolute";
 node.style.left = touch.pageX + "px";
 node.style.top = touch.pageY + "px";
This was much easier to figure out than the touch API. A gesture event occurs any time two fingers are touching the screen. If either finger lands in the node you've connected any of the gesture handlers (gesturestart, gesturechange, gestureend) to, you'll start receiving the corresponding events.
scale and rotation are the two important keys of this event object. While scale gives you the multiplier the user has pinched or pushed in the gesture (relative to 1), rotation gives you the amount in degrees the user has rotated their fingers.
Resizing and Rotating with the Gestures API
We'll be using WebKit's transform property to rotate the node.
var width = 100, height = 200, rotation = ;
node.ongesturechange = function(e){
 var node = e.target;
 // scale and rotation are relative values,
 node.style.width = (width * e.scale) + "px";
 node.style.height = (height * e.scale) + "px";
 node.style.webkitTransform = "rotate(" + ((rotation + e.rotation) % 360) + "deg)";
node.ongestureend = function(e){
 // Update the values for the next time a gesture happens
 width *= e.scale;
 height *= e.scale;
 rotation = (rotation + e.rotation) % 360;
Some readers might have noticed that a gesture is just a prettier way of looking at touch events. It's completely true, and if you don't handle things properly, you can end up with some odd behavior. Remember to keep track of what's currently happening in a page, as you'll probably want to let one of these two operations "win" when they come in conflict.
In Action
I put together a quick demo:
This is a simple application that showcases the incredible flexibility and power of these APIs. It's a simple gray square that can have its colors and borders restyled, can be dragged around, and can be resized and rotated.
Load _URL_ up on your iPhone and try the following:
 - Keep a finger over one of the colored squares, and put another finger on one of the border squares
 - Try the same thing using two colored squares or two border squares
 - Use one finger to drag the square around the page
 - Pinch and rotate the square
 - Start dragging the square, but put another finger down and turn it into a pinch and rotate. Lift one of your fingers back up, and resume dragging the square around
Can I Do X?
I'm not sure what sort of APIs we'll be able to build on top of what Apple has provided for us. What I do know is that Apple has given us a very well thought out API.
mousedown and mouseup are events we can easily emulate with this new API. mousemove is a beast. First of all, we only


What is the flamenco?
What is the flamenco?Flamenco is a form of dance and music practised in Spain. It evolved over gypsy, Moorish and Latin American influences, the latter being the effect of its colonization of the American continent for four centuries. It combines instrumental music and dance in three settings, namely, small scale cabaret, concerts and theatres. It may use flute or saxophone, or guitars and a dancing pattern that evolved over the centuries. The theatrical presentation is a ballet.
Check Also
Alwar Festival
Alwar Festival in Rajasthan
The charismatic town Alwar is the gateway of Rajasthan. It is also known as the …


text:
Aquatic Warbler project - An introduction to aquatic warbler conservation in Western Pomerania
The Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) is a globally threatened bird species. Around 1900, it was one of the most widespread birds in Central-European fen mires. The population severely decreased as a consequence of wetland drainage. Distinct genetic differences to all other known populations suggest that the remaining birds in Western Pomerania are the last survivors of a separated, presumably large Central European population. Its conservation has high priority, but it is hampered by insufficient knowledge on habitat requirements of the species in Western Pomerania. Additional threats emerge from conflicting land use interests. The coastal sites of the West-Pomeranian population are located around Szczecin bay and consist predominantly of Phragmites australis reeds. The sites in Lower Odra valley are situated on both sides of Odra river and have a mixed vegetation of sedges and grasses with Carex gracilis and Phalaris arundinacea dominating. All current breeding sites in Western Pomerania are being mown. First results of a comparison between sites currently used by Aquatic Warbler and sites recently abandoned show that the latter have a lower water level and a thicker litter layer. A PhD study on Aquatic Warbler habitat requirements and habitat restoration potential in Western Pomerania has recently started. A joint Polish-German EU-LIFE project targeting Aquatic Warbler conservation in Western Pomerania is planned.
Brochure, policy brief,...:


text:
James A. Powell
James S. Cangelosi
Ann Marie Harris
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Utah State University
Logan, Utah 84322-3900
We discuss the use of in-class games to create realistic situations for mathematical modelling. Two games are presented which are appropriate for use in post-calculus settings. The first game reproduces predator-prey oscillations and the second game simulates disease propagation in a mixing population. When used creatively these games encourage students to model realistic data and apply mathematical concepts to understanding the data.
AMS Subject Classifications: 00A06, 00-01, 92-01
Keywords: interdisciplinary mathematics, pedagogy, modelling biological systems.


text:
In the prospectus, proposal, and dissertation there are 10 strategic points that need to be clear, simple, correct, and aligned to ensure the research is doable, valuable, and credible. These points, which provide a guide or vision for the research, are present in almost any research study. The ability to identify these points is one of the first skills required in the creation of a viable doctoral dissertation. In this assignment, you will identify and evaluate 10 strategic points in a published quantitative research study.
Use the following information to ensure successful completion of the assignment:
Review the Wigton dissertation.
Locate and download "Modified 10 Points Template."
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
APA style is not required for this assignment.
You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.
Using the "Modified 10 Points Template," identify each of the 10 strategic points in this quantitative dissertation.
Complete the "Evaluation" section of the template by addressing the following questions (250-500 words) with regard to the 10 strategic points in the study:
Discuss the key points in the literature review and how the author used this section to identify the gap or problem addressed in the study.
Describe the variables under study and how they are a key component in this quantitative research study. You are not expected to understand the differences between variables at this point, but should be able to identify how they inform the problem, purpose, research questions and data collection instruments.
Describe the problem and how it informed the research questions under study.
Describe the quantitative design used and why it is appropriate for the identified problem and research questions. Support your response with a peer-reviewed citation from a research source.
Assess the appropriateness of the instruments used to collect data and answer the research questions as well as to address the stated problem.
Discuss how the problem statement informed the development of the purpose statement in this study.


Creating headers and footers
From Apache OpenOffice Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Inserting headers and footers.
Similarly, to insert a footer, choose Footer.
Fields are covered in detail in Chapter 14 (Working with Fields).
Portrait headers on landscape pages
When you define a header and footer on a landscape page, they will be aligned with the long side of the page. If your landscape pages are going to be inserted between portrait pages, you might want the headers and footers to be on the short sides of the landscape pages, so the final printed product looks like the contents of the landscape pages have been rotated 90 degrees on portrait pages.
You can set up portrait headers and footers on landscape pages by using a trick involving frames. These are a bit tedious to set up, but once you have done so, you can copy and paste them to other landscape pages. There does not appear to be a way to make this part of the landscape page style.
To set up portrait headers and footers on landscape pages:
 1. Calculate the required margins so the text area of the landscape page is the same size as the text area on the portrait pages, taking into account the space for headers and footers on the portrait pages. For example, this book uses the margins shown in the following table. The landscape right and left margins are 1 cm larger than the portrait top and bottom margins, respectively. This difference accounts for the extra space used by the portrait header and footer (0.5 cm for the height of the header or footer and a 0.5 cm gap between the header or footer and the main text).
 2. Portrait page (right page) Landscape page (right page)
 Top margin 1.5 cm Right margin 2.5 cm
 Bottom margin 1.5 cm Left margin 2.5 cm
 Left (inner) margin 2.8 cm Top margin 2.8 cm
 Right (outer) margin 1.8 cm Bottom margin 1.8 cm
 3. Create the landscape page style.
 4. Measure the distance from the upper and left edges of the page to the upper left-hand corner of the space where you want the footer to appear. Measure the width and length of the space the footer will occupy (to match footers on portrait pages).
 5. Measuring the location and size of the footer frame.
 6. In a blank paragraph in the text, type the footer text or insert fields such as the page number or the chapter number and name—to match the footer text and fields on the portrait pages. Assign the Footer style to this paragraph so the typeface, font size, and tab settings match those of the footers on the portrait pages.
 7. Select the text (including the fields) you just entered. Choose Format > Character. On the Character dialog box, choose the Position tab and set Rotation / Scaling to 270 degrees (counterclockwise). Click OK.
 8. Rotating the footer text 270 degrees.
 9. With the text still selected, choose Insert > Frame. In the Frame dialog box, choose the Type tab and enter the width, height, and horizontal and vertical position for the footer.
 10. Defining the size and position of the footer frame.
 11. If your footer has a line above the text, on the Borders page, select a right border and specify the line width and spacing to the frame's contents.
 12. Specifying the border position, line width, and spacing to contents.
 13. Click OK to save these settings. The footer should now appear in the required position and orientation. Repeat these steps (using appropriate measurements) to set up a portrait header on the landscape page.
Personal tools


September's Student Leaders Award winner: The Orientation Leader's Executive Board
The Student Leadership Journey Council (SLJC) recognizes and awards the Orientation Executive Board for their leadership skills and their success with Orientation 2013.
Through hard work and dedication, they strived to provide new students and their families a warm welcome and smooth transition into the Case Western Reserve University community.
Below, several commonly asked questions are answered about the Executive Board based in an interview with faculty mentor Amanda McCarthy.
Question: What is the Orientation Executive Board?
Answer: Orientation Executive Board members are undergraduate students who have served at least one year as an Orientation Leader, Adventure and Parent Leader, or International Student ambassador. They work as a para-professional staff member in the Office of First-Year Experience and Family Programs. The orientation executive board assists professional staff in selecting and training orientation student staff and in orientation program and event development.
Q: Are there different leadership styles within the executive board? Were they more similar or different?
A: According to McCarthy, each member was chosen to bring something different to the board. She noted that everyone responds best to a different leadership style and she kept that in mind while deciding who to hire. McCarthy appreciated that leaders learn and grow from each other and strove to achieve diversity in the group in order to promote this.
Q: Orientation Leaders are known to be especially close, how is that established?
A: McCarthy believes the closeness often seen between orientation leaders comes from the team-building focus of the spring training program and retreats. This focus and goal promotes confidence in the Orientation Leaders, including the EBoard. Even though they are newly selected, the Executive Board members do have extra responsibilities during the training, including facilitating activities and working with office personnel. They are looked upon as experienced leaders and role models by the Orientation Leaders.
Q: What was the biggest challenge for the Executive Board and how was it overcome?
A: To McCarthy, it seems that most years the board faces a similar problem. They do not comprehend what is required of them before they actually begin to do it. She sees the members having difficulties when the realization of their many responsibilities hits them, but she also sees the "light bulb moment" when they each ascertain why they are working so hard. She believes the passion and love they each have for what they are doing pushes them through the tough times and makes all the hard work worth it in the end.
Q: How does being on the board influence the members as leaders?
A: After working with multiple boards, McCarthy is able to observe that the members come from very different backgrounds to work together and become a team that strives for a common goal. She enjoys watching the members hold on to their experience on the board and take with them what they learned, and applying it to their future undertakings.
Edit 15 Oct. 2013, 1:16p: The first answer ("What is the Orientation Executive Board") was changed to better reflect the responsibilities and role of the Orientation Executive Board. -Kyle Patterson, Director of Web & Multimedia