May 25, 2017
Galápagos Island Coffee: Why Altitude Isn't Everything
Welcome to the Galápagos Islands. 13 major islands, 6 smaller islands, and numerous islets that are full of unique biodiversity, some of which you canút find anywhere else in the world. It's such a unique island and it should defintely be on your bucket list. Flight details are very easy to find so it should be easy to plan your trip!
And while coffee may not be a plant exclusive to the Galápogos Islands, something about it here is unusual. It's widely accepted that coffee grown at higher altitudes is better quality â€" especially when it's close to the equator, like this archipelago is. Yet specialty-grade coffee is grown at surprisingly low altitudes here, from 200 to 300 m.a.s.l.
So I spoke to Wilson Gonzalez of Productora de Café Galápagos to find out more about coffee in the Galápagos Islands â€" and why altitude isn't always an indicator of quality.
Lee este artÃculo en EspaÃ±ol: Café de la Isla Galápagos: Por Qué la Altitud No lo es Todo
Coffee trees growing under shade on the Galápagos Islands. Credit: Expigo
What Does Altitude Have to Do With Coffee Quality?
Although coffee grows in hot climates, coffee grown at cooler temperatures will often be better quality. This is because the beans will ripen more slowly, developing more sugars and complexity as they do so.
Generally speaking, the higher the altitude, the cooler the temperature. However, this will vary depending on the country's latitude. The farther it is from the equator, the cooler the temperature usually becomes.
For this reason, a coffee grown at a lower altitude in Hawaii could have more sweetness than a higher altitude Venezuelan (or it could not â€" there are many factors that affect sweetness, including plant species/variety, production and processing methods, and roasting/brewing).
High-altitude coffee is also known as hard beans, or dense coffee, and it will affect how the beans need to be roasted. While roasters, baristas, and consumers all see high altitude as a sign of good coffee, it can result in decreased yields for producers.
SEE ASLO: Why Does Altitude Matter? Part II â€" A VIDEO Guide
So, given that the Galapágos Islands sit on the equator, why do they break the rules?
Galapagos Islands. Credit: with modifications by Michiel1972 via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain
Coffee Production on The Galápagos Islands
First of all, a quick overview of coffee production on these islands: Wilson tells me that, around 135 years ago, the first coffee seeds were brought here from French colonies in the Caribbean (stopping in Panama along the way). These were Bourbon seeds, and Bourbon remains the main variety grown on these islands today.
Other varieties were introduced 40â€"50 years ago by emigrants from the Loja Province of Ecuador: Caturra, Typica, CatuaÃ, Sachimorâ€¦ You'll mostly find these these on Santa Cruz Island.
Wilson Gonzalez checks coffee trees. Credit: Expigo
Harvesting & Processing
The main producing islands are San CristÃ³bal and Santa Cruz; more than 90% of the archipelago's population lives on these islands. As of such, they account for 80% of the archipelago's coffee.
William tells me that most of the coffee is also hand-picked, and the vast majority is washed processed, with dry processing accounting for the rest.
What's more, the Galápagos Islands are one of those few regions with two coffee harvests a year: February to March and November to December. This is thanks to the Humboldt current.
Expigo's coffee mill on the Galápagos Islands. Credit: Expigo
Sea Currents & Altitude
The Galápagos Islands sit on the equator, meaning there's intense sunshine from 6am to 6pm, with little variation throughout the year. Add to that low altitude, and you'd expect poor-quality coffee.
Yet although the islands receive intense sun, they don't receive intense heat. In fact, William describes the climate as similar to what you'd expect at 1,200â€"1,300 m.a.s.l. Even in the hottest months, the temperature rarely reaches above 30/31Â°C. And in July to September, the dry season, it can drop below 20Â°C.
William explains that this because of the Humboldt Current. A low-salinity ocean current, it flows north along the west coast of South America from the Southern Cone up to northern Peru and out to the Galapágos Islands. It brings with it cool marine breezes that bring down land temperature.
This is part of the reason why low-altitude coffee from the Galápagos Islands can taste and roast like high-altitude coffee from other parts of the Americas.
Coffee trees growing on the Galápagos Islands. Credit: Expigo
What Does Coffee From The Galápagos Islands Taste Like?
William tells me that coffee from the Galápagos Islands is typically sweet, with a caramel flavor, medium body, high aroma, and nice acidity.
Part of the reason for this delicious profile is the unique microclimate, with the cool sea breezes and ocean current. It can also be attributed to the varieties; for example, Bourbon tends to be sweet. Then there's the careful processing and production methods.
Soil quality is another key aspect: the Galápagos Islands were created from the frequent eruption of volcanoes over time. The layering of these â€" at the time, underwater â€" volcanoes built up until they emerged from the ocean. Volcanic soil is rich in nutrients, such as nitrogen, which is particularly important for growing and harvesting coffee.
If you were to look at the low altitude of the Galápagos Islands, and their position on the equator, it would be easy to write them off as a bad region for coffee production. Yet many factors influence coffee quality: altitude, yes, but also ocean/air currents, geographic location, local microclimates, soil, processing, and more.
Whether it's from Brazil or Ecuador, it's important to always look at range of information available about a coffee. Or, even better, judge for yourself based on how it tastes in the cup.
Perfect Daily Grind


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Fresh poppy seeds
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a short-lived perennial herb. It is the sole species of the genus Anethum, though classified by some botanists in a related genus as Peucedanum graveolens (L.) C.B.Clarke.
It grows to 40–60 cm (16–24 in), with slender stems and alternate, finely divided, softly delicate leaves 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) long. The ultimate leaf divisions are 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) broad, slightly broader than the similar leaves of fennel, which are threadlike, less than 1 mm (0.039 in) broad, but harder in texture. The flowers are white to yellow, in small umbels 2–9 cm (0.79–3.5 in) diameter. The seeds are 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long and 1 mm (0.039 in) thick, and straight to slightly curved with a longitudinally ridged surface.

source: openbmb/Ultra-FineWeb


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Most living organisms are never preserved, in fact only a small number of species are preserved as fossils. Many are preserved due to the presence of hard body parts but few are preserved with only soft parts.
Fossils which have been preserved in certain conditions may have both the hard parts such as bones preserved along with their soft tissues such as organs and skin. The location at which these exceptionally well preserved fossils are preserved is known as a lagerstätten.
One of the most famous lagerstätten is the Burgess Shale in Canada which was first discovered in 1909. The fossils here are Cambrian (505 million years old) in age. The Silurian (425 million years old) Wenlock Series in the UK is also a noted lagerstätten in the Herefordshire section of the unit. Here three dimensional body fossils have been found. Within the collection at Dudley Museum & Art Gallery there is a soft bodied worm which was preserved within the Much Wenlock Limestone Formation from the Wrens Nest, Dudley. Another local site is the Coseley lagerstätten, containing Carboniferous plant remains. Other internationally important sites include the Chengjiang Shale's in China which are 525 million years old (Early Cambrian) and Mazon Creek in Illinois, USA which is 300 million years old (Carboniferous). They are found all over the world with these few sites been the most famous.
There are two types of lagerstätten, concentration and conservation. Concentration lagerstätten are when large quantities of hard parts have been preserved. A good example of this is a bone bed. Conservation lagerstätten are exceptionally well preserved organisms which have had their soft and hard parts preserved, they usually form a mould or a cast. The conservation lagerstätten have been very useful in the study of evolution.

source: HuggingFaceFW/fineweb-edu


text: Résumé : Decision-making impairment is found in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including suicidal behavior, and has been shown to be modulated by genes. On the other hand, early trauma have/has been associated with poor mental health outcome in adulthood, in interaction with genetic factors, possibly through sustained alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of childhood trauma and its interaction with HPA-axis related genes on decision-making abilities in adulthood among a sample of suicide attempters. The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) was used to assess decision-making in 218 patients with a history of suicide attempt. Participant fulfilled the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire to report traumatic childhood experiences. Patients were genotyped for single-nucleotide polymorphisms within CRHR1 and CRHR2 genes. Patients with a history of sexual abuse had significantly lower IGT scores than non-sexually abused individuals. Polymorphisms within CRHR1 and CRHR2 genes interacted with both childhood sexual abuse and emotional neglect to influence IGT performance. In conclusion, childhood sexual abuse and emotional neglect may have long-term effects on decision-making through an interaction with key HPA axis genes. Even if these results need to be replicated in other sample, impaired decision-making may thus be the dimension through which child maltreatment, in interaction with HPA axis related genes, may have a sustained negative impact on adult mental health.


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To accomplish a Six Sigma level, a production process must generate less than 3.44 defects per 1,000,000 opportunities, as shown in the table below:
To identify if the capability of the process is relative to the specifications of that process, Process Sigma rating should be computed. To compute for the process sigma rating, we have to determine the total number of defects, total number of opportunities, and defect rate.
How to calculate it yourself… the simple explanation
A defect is anything outside of customer's requirement. An opportunity on the other hand is the total number of the probability for a failing. Based on the Process Sigma Table, Six Sigma rating should have 99.99966% yield. Yield is the percentage of products or services without defects. That is like one wrong drug prescription in twenty-five years. As a business strategy improved sigma rating results in improved process or product, reduced cost and greater customer satisfaction.
Click to gain access to Six Sigma Calculator excel template for a quick evaluation to determine the total number of defects, total number of opportunities, and defect rate.


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Multiscale Tuning of Interfaces and Surfaces for Energy Applications (MISE) is a £2.1 million EPSRC networking Centre in partnership between four UK universities: St Andrews, Edinburgh, Bath and Birmingham.
The core research programme will address topics relating to optimisation of interface structures, morphologies and compositions to enhance performance, longevity and value. This will be acheived through collaborative working and networking between partners. The centre aims to identify synergies between the other EPSRC Centres of Advanced Materials for Energy Generation and Transmission at the Universities of Edinburgh, Centre for Advanced Materials for Renewable Energy Generation (CAMREG), Cambridge, Centre for Advanced Materials for Integrated Energy Systems (CAM-IES), Newcastle, North East Centre for Energy Materials (NECEM), University College London, Joint University-Industry Consortium for Energy (Materials) and Devices (JUICED) and Oxford, Materials Research Hub for Energy Conversion, Capture, and Storage, together with our University partners, industry and stakeholder groups.
Global warming and the finite nature of fossil fuels conspire to present one of the greatest threats to humankind in the 21st century. If we are to maintain our technological society and leave a planet fit for our grandchildren, we must develop fundamentally different ways of generating, storing and transmitting energy. Not only is this a great challenge for Society, it also represents a tremendous opportunity for business. Meeting this challenge will require innovative new approaches and careful nurturing of the translation of this research to Industrial Development. Energy Materials research is the key enabler for these new technologies.
Energy Materials are those that are directly involved in the baseline conversion and storage processes for many energy technologies. They are a highly exciting area of research underpinning many of the key areas of emerging technologies. Most importantly, the enabling materials science, solid state chemistry, physics, theory, characterisation and processing technologies are easily translated between topics and much is to be gained from the transfer of concepts or materials between topics. Key future technologies reliant upon Energy Materials research that is addressed by the Core members of this project and their anticipated application domains are:
Batteries for Transport – Whilst lithium-ion battery electric vehicles are already an attractive market-ready technology, the rate of adoption will be restricted by their power, range and load carrying capability. New battery materials and concepts need to be developed, increasing capacity and lifetime, lowering cost, improving safety, recharging and sustainability of the components, e.g. by reducing cobalt content.
Batteries for Load-levelling – For large scale energy storage the current lithium-ion and high temperature sodium batteries are only applicable at moderate scales and short timescales. There are major challenges to be addressed, viz. greatly reducing the cost, improving the volumetric energy density and sustainability of materials. All this needs to be achieved whilst ensuring safe operation and good power performance.
New Battery Technologies – Lithium-air and lithium-sulphur secondary batteries hold considerable promise for both transport and stationary applications, but still require much R&D to deliver commercial success. Along with technologies such as magnesium and aluminium secondary batteries, they are key future technologies that, whilst further from market, promise to be genuinely disruptive.
Low Cost Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) – This technology offers the high efficiency conversion of a wide range of fuels to electricity at a range of scales. The technology has just reached market in distributed power generation and micro-CHP in California and Japan respectively. The key challenges are cost reduction, understanding and addressing durability, improving efficiency and fuel utilisation.
Fuel Flexible SOFCs (e.g. Biogas) – A key attribute of SOFCs is their ability to utilise complex fuels; a key challenge is to extend this flexibility further to logistic fuels such as LPG, diesel and biofuels such as biogas and glycerol. The main challenges are sulphur and redox tolerance and coking resistance.
Reversible Fuel Cells – Offer much higher storage capacities than current batteries and have the potential to store multi-MWhrs over periods of weeks. Efficiency can be greatly enhanced through good thermal management. There are significant challenges in designing the system and introducing balanced stores to optimise capacity and cycle efficiency.
Direct Carbon Fuel Cells – Carbon in the form of coal, biochars and pyrolysis waste represents a series of major energy resources that are currently converted to electrical energy at low efficiency by combustion methods. Direct carbon fuel cells are a radical new technology that promise to double conversion efficiency and hence greatly reduce CO2 emissions. The technology needs to be scaled up, durability achieved and appropriate carbon delivery mechanisms developed.
High Temperature Polymer Fuel Cells – Polymer fuel cells are currently being utilised in many transport demonstrations and are close to initial commercial deployment. A significant energy loss factor relates to the forced cooling of the systems. Much cheaper and simpler air cooling technologies can be introduced if operation can be achieved above 150oC.
Novel Solar Cells – Nanocomposite and organic solar cells offer good low cost alternatives to conventional silicon and GaAs based photovoltaics. Organic solar cells also offer excellent mechanical flexibility and have the potential to be integrated into a wide range of structures or even onto clothing. Key challenges are maximising conversion efficiency and achieving durable solutions.
Organic Optoelectronics – These offer excellent processability and are lightweight. There is great potential for integrating energy efficient devices such as LEDs into household, workplace and vehicular devices.
Photoelectrochemical Conversion – As opposed to photovoltaic actions, it is possible to irradiate semiconductors with sunlight to produce chemicals and fuels. This can be hydrogen from water splitting or hydrocarbons from CO2 reduction. An alternative approach that has clear applications utilises sunlight to decompose waste materials or activate biomass with hydrogen produced as a by-product.
Hydrogen from Steam Electrolysis – High temperature steam electrolysis utilises internal and/external heat to convert steam to hydrogen and is deliverable at >100 kW scale; however, much work needs to be done to optimise long term durability, responsiveness and reduce cost.
Fuels Produced via Electrolysis – Power to gas is an emerging technology and co-electrolysis of CO2 and H2O is an extremely promising approach that combines storage of excess intermittent energy with carbon dioxide capture. This produces syngas (CO + H2), an industrially important feedstock that can be reacted via the Fischer Tropsch process to form hydrocarbons such as diesel.
Electrochemical Production of Ammonia – Small scale production of ammonia for use as a fertiliser or fuel, e.g. on farms, is very attractive. An important approach that requires further improvement is via the electro-reduction of nitrogen.
Biomass Conversion – The thermal conversion of biomass to chars over catalysts, also known as pyrolysis, yields a number of valuable chemicals as well as a char ideally suited for use in direct carbon fuel cells. Mastering the overall process thermodynamics, optimises the efficiency and cost proposition. The extension of this concept leads to the idea of a bio refinery; which would produce high-value chemicals.
Waste Utilisation – A related concept is the utilisation of waste from bioenergy conversion such as glycerol from biodiesel, biogas from anaerobic digestion or even more efficient conversion of biofuels in fuel cells.
Higher Temperature Conventional Energy Production – Significant improvements in materials temperature capability are needed to realise increases in efficiency and reductions in costs, pollution and noise via the enhanced ability to withstand hostile aero-thermo-chemical environments and severe stresses.
Energy Harvesting – The harvesting of environmental energy sources such as mechanical vibration and thermal waste requires the development of optimised non-toxic functional materials and processes for the manufacture of cost effective and reliable devices.


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We often wish to compare the survival experience of two (or more) groups of individuals. For example, the table shows survival times of 51 adult patients with recurrent malignant gliomas1 tabulated by type of tumour and indicating whether the patient had died or was still alive at analysis—that is, their survival time was censored.2 As the figure shows, the survival curves differ, but is this sufficient to conclude that in the population patients with anaplastic astrocytoma have worse survival than patients with glioblastoma?
We could compute survival curves3 for each group and compare the proportions surviving at any specific time. The weakness of this approach is that it does not provide a comparison of the total survival experience of the two groups, but rather gives a comparison at some arbitrary time point(s). In the figure the difference in survival is greater at some times than others and eventually becomes zero. We describe here the logrank test, the most popular method of comparing the survival of groups, which takes the whole follow up period into account. It has the considerable advantage that it does not require us to know anything about the shape of the survival curve or the distribution of survival times.
The logrank test is used to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference between the populations in the probability of an event (here a death) at any time point. The analysis is based on the times of events (here deaths). For each such time we calculate the observed number of deaths in each group and the number expected if there were in reality no difference between the groups. The first death was in week 6, when one patient in group 1 died. At the start of this week, there were 51 subjects alive in total, so the risk of death in this week was 1/51. There were 20 patients in group 1, so, if the null hypothesis were true, the expected number of deaths in group 1 is 20 × 1/51 = 0.39. Likewise, in group 2 the expected number of deaths is 31 × 1/51 = 0.61. The second event occurred in week 10, when there were two deaths. There were now 19 and 31 patients at risk (alive) in the two groups, one having died in week 6, so the probability of death in week 10 was 2/50. The expected numbers of deaths were 19 × 2/50 = 0.76 and 31 × 2/50 = 1.24 respectively.
The same calculations are performed each time an event occurs. If a survival time is censored, that individual is considered to be at risk of dying in the week of the censoring but not in subsequent weeks. This way of handling censored observations is the same as for the Kaplan-Meier survival curve.3
From the calculations for each time of death, the total numbers of expected deaths were 22.48 in group 1 and 19.52 in group 2, and the observed numbers of deaths were 14 and 28. We can now use a χ2 test of the null hypothesis. The test statistic is the sum of (O - E)2/E for each group, where O and E are the totals of the observed and expected events. Here (14 - 22.48)2 / 22.48 + (28 - 19.52)2 / 19.52 = 6.88. The degrees of freedom are the number of groups minus one, i.e. 2 - 1 = 1. From a table of the χ2 distribution we get P < 0.01, so that the difference between the groups is statistically significant. There is a different method of calculating the test statistic,4 but we prefer this approach as it extends easily to several groups. It is also possible to test for a trend in survival across ordered groups.4 Although we have shown how the calculation is made, we strongly recommend the use of statistical software.
The logrank test is based on the same assumptions as the Kaplan Meier survival curve3—namely, that censoring is unrelated to prognosis, the survival probabilities are the same for subjects recruited early and late in the study, and the events happened at the times specified. Deviations from these assumptions matter most if they are satisfied differently in the groups being compared, for example if censoring is more likely in one group than another.
The logrank test is most likely to detect a difference between groups when the risk of an event is consistently greater for one group than another. It is unlikely to detect a difference when survival curves cross, as can happen when comparing a medical with a surgical intervention. When analysing survival data, the survival curves should always be plotted.
Because the logrank test is purely a test of significance it cannot provide an estimate of the size of the difference between the groups or a confidence interval. For these we must make some assumptions about the data. Common methods use the hazard ratio, including the Cox proportional hazards model, which we shall describe in a future Statistics Note.


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1. Moby-Dick features several characters who seem insane. How does insanity relate to this story? How do these characters contrast with one another?
Ishmael describes Ahab as mad in his narration, and it does indeed seem mad to try to fight the forces of nature or God. However, some of the other characters in the novel whom Ishmael labels insane—notably Pip and Gabriel—might be viewed as wise rather than crazy, thus calling into question the possibility of making a clear distinction between sanity and insanity. Gabriel, the prophet figure aboard the Jeroboam, behaves irrationally and makes a number of ridiculous-sounding predictions. If viewed in a certain light, however, his prophecies sound not like silly attempts to foresee the future but like cleverly phrased efforts to effect change aboard his ship. Gabriel's prophecies are aimed at gaining the crew just treatment from the ship's officers and at avoiding the danger that will come from trying to hunt Moby Dick. Like Ahab, he manipulates the crew's superstitions and religious beliefs in order to gather support. But whereas Ahab's obsession is monomaniacal and selfish, Gabriel's "madness" is a response to irrational and unjust behavior on the part of those who control his ship.
2. Ishmael frequently refers to the relationships between men in terms normally used to describe heterosexual romantic relationships. What is the literal and symbolic importance of homoeroticism in Moby-Dick?
Ishmael and Queequeg are depicted in bed together several times and are frequently described as "married" or "wedded" to each other. When they wake in the Spouter-Inn, Queequeg has his arms around Ishmael in a seemingly conjugal embrace. Melville uses the vocabulary of love and marriage to suggest the strength and closeness of the bonds between men at sea. Marriage is one of the institutions upon which society on land is organized, but there are no women aboard the Pequod. Instead, the crew develops a bond based on mutual dependence: they need each other to stay alive and are thus literally "wedded" to one another. In the absence of other relationships, they become everything to one another—metaphorical parents, siblings, best friends, and lovers. The replacement of heterosexual relationships, so central to conventional society, with homoerotic ones also signals a rejection of other aspects of life on land, such as racism, economic stratification, and limited opportunities for social mobility. Queequeg, for example, is taken aboard the Pequod for his expert marksmanship, despite his nonwhite skin.
3. Describe the playlike scenes interspersed throughout Moby-Dick. What is the function of these scenes? In what ways do they differ from the rest of the narrative?
These scenes fall into two major categories: dramatic dialogues among several characters and soliloquies from a single character, often Ahab. The latter capture moments that Ishmael, the narrator, could not possibly have witnessed. Ahab must maintain his composure and certainty in front of his crew; it is only in private that he can express doubt or regret. These scenes are used to build dramatic tension, as they would in a play: Ahab senses the approach of catastrophe, which his soliloquies communicate to the reader by voicing his feeling of doom. The dialogue scenes frequently alternate with chapters that contain digressions from the plot. (Ishmael's measurements of the whale's skeleton, for example.) In this context, they become very suspenseful, as the plot is advanced purely through the authentic-seeming speech interactions of the sailors. Finally, by hearkening back to well-known dramatic works, these dramatic scenes also remind the reader of Moby-Dick's thematic connections to tragic drama, particularly Shakespeare.
1. Why does Ishmael include so many digressions in his narrative? Why does he draw on so many other disciplines (geology, art, biology)? Choose one of these digressions (the chapter on "Cetology," for example) and discuss the ways in which it comments on the main narrative.
2. Describe Ishmael's method of narration. Is he reliable or unreliable as a narrator? Why is he the one to tell this story? What would the narrative have been like if Ahab were the narrator?
3. How is the concept of fate used to organize the narrative? Does fate justify Ahab's actions? What is the relationship between fate and prophecy? What does fate have to do with religion, particularly Christianity?
4. Explain some of the biblical references in Moby-Dick. How does Melville use the Bible as a literary model and as a source for thematic material?


What Voltage Can Cause Harm?
Is voltage or current more dangerous?
How much voltage is in a human body?
What does being struck by lightning feel like?
Can an electric shock kill you later?
Add a little more current and the nerve damage and ventricular fibrillation, causing a nonfunctioning heart, makes death likely. … Of course, an electrical shock can kill you, but the result of an arc flash can be even more horrific.
Which is dangerous AC or DC?
How many amps is a 120 volt?
20 AmpsVolts = Watts / Amps 2400 Watts / 20 Amps = 120 Volts. 2400 Watts / 10 Amps = 240 Volts.
Can the human body produce electricity?
How many volts are in a lightning strike?
How many volts are in a police taser?
50,000 voltsA police taser typically peaks at 50,000 volts, and by the time it reaches your skin it's only around 1,200 volts… Not even close to a million volts.
What kills current or voltage?
If the voltage presented no danger, no one would ever print and display signs saying: DANGER—HIGH VOLTAGE! The principle that "current kills" is essentially correct. It is electric current that burns tissue, freezes muscles, and fibrillates hearts.
Is it 110 or 120?
The important difference is the amount of potential energy, or voltage, the socket is able to supply to the device plugged into it. The most common electrical outlet in any home is a 110 volt. Sometimes you may hear 110 volt plugs referred to as 120 volt. Do not be confused by this; think of them as one and the same.
Can a human brain power a light bulb?
What voltage is dangerous for humans?
Can a 120 volts kill you?
Can 240 volts kill you?
How many volts can you feel?
The human body feels a shock when the voltage is higher than about 3,500 volts. Walking over a carpet can generate 35,000 volts.
Are humans AC or DC?
The minimum current a human can feel depends on the current type (AC or DC) and frequency. A person can feel at least 1 mA of AC at 50-60 Hz, while at least 5 mA for DC. The current may, if it is high enough, cause tissue damage or fibrillation which leads to cardiac arrest.
Is a lightning bolt 1.21 gigawatts?
This is the amount of power created by… 1 1/2 Nuclear reactors at 800 MW each would generate this much power. … 1 Lighting strike would generate this much power. Power levels of lightning strikes vary greatly but 1.21 gigawatts is within their range.
How many amps is a Taser?


Metamorphism: Pressure-Temperature-time paths
Pressure-Temperature-time paths
This post is in the middle of a series on metamorphism.
Concepts such as metamorphic facies or grade all allow us to link a metamorphic rock to a particular set of conditions, under which it was metamorphosed. This is a simplification, of course. Hold a piece of schist in your hand: we know that it was once sediment at the earth's surface and we also know it got back to the earth's surface again, to catch a geologist's roving eye. It's been on a journey. Calling it a greenschist facies rock tells us about a single point on its journey, but not the whole picture. Being romantic souls, geologists often refer to this journey as the rock's Pressure-Temperature-time path, or P-T-t path. Pressure and temperature are the things we can measure, because we understand how they affect metamorphic reactions.
So how can we discover more about the journey, what is a typical journey and why do concepts such as grade still make sense?
How to create a P-T-t path
Metamorphic rocks are complicated. Take this beauty from Connemara, Ireland:
Thin section of Connemara schist
Thin section of Connemara schist, field of view is 14mm across
The big gray lumps are garnet, the orange stuff is biotite. The big area a third of the way from the right is a sheaf of muscovite, containing yellow staurolite. These minerals tell us its an amphibolite grade rock. Some investigations of mineral chemistry could allow us to quantify that a bit more and put a big cross onto a plot of Pressure and Temperature, representing peak conditions.
There is more information to had from this rock, though. A transect through the garnet would show that the Mn, Fe, Mg and Ca values vary systematically from the core of the garnet to the edge. We know that the garnet would have started small and grown bigger, so the values from the core are earlier than the ones at the rim. The garnet therefore contains a trace of the journey the rock has been on. Often we can infer that the conditions were of lower pressure and temperature when the garnet started growing. So, we can draw an arrow up and along towards our cross marking peak conditions. This arrow we call the prograde path, the portion of the journey before the most extreme conditions.
Look at the lowest big garnet, see the greenish patch just above it? (OK, maybe not, but it is very clear down the microscope). The green is a patch of chlorite, which is associated more with greenschist conditions. Is this another part of the prograde path? No, as the chlorite can be seen as patches within biotite, showing that it grew later. The chlorite is part of the retrograde path, another line we can draw going from the peak conditions back to the surface. We have drawn a P-T-t path.
This is a simple example but I hope it illustrates the general point. The best sorts of rocks for determining P-T-t paths have more dramatic features in them, such as pseudomorphs, where minerals have gone, but their shape remains, or mineral coronas, where a whole new retrograde mineral assemblage was created around the edges of the peak minerals. Also, different samples within a package of rock may preserve different peak assemblages. Put these together and a thorough may allow us to build up a more detailed view of the P-T-t path shared by a package of rocks.
Some types of P-T-t path
Geologists have been creating quantitative P-T-t paths for some time now. What do they look like?
In the roots of ancient (or even active) mountains, Barrovian metamorphism is characteristic.
Schematic P-T-t paths for Barrovian metamorphism
Schematic P-T-t paths for Barrovian metamorphism
I've taken a standard diagram of metamorphic facies and drawn on roughly some typical P-T-t paths. The upper red line is the prograde path, the lower the retrograde. Different rocks reach different peak temperatures, varying from lower grade greenschist rocks up to granulite facies gneisses. This is pattern seen in Scotland and if you read my earlier post, you might think of the lowest temperature loop as the Laphroaig one, the highest as the Macallan.
Rather nicely, if you use mathematical models to predict what happens if you form mountain belts by thrusting rocks sheets over and over, you predict very similar P-T-t paths. Initially pressure is increased faster than temperature, eventually, perhaps because thrusting ceases, the line flattens off as temperature increases (thrusting buries cooler rocks). Eventually a maximum temperature is reached, which is likely where the peak assemblage is formed, as many metamorphic reactions are most sensitive to temperature increases.
Different rocks are buried to different depths, and reach higher or lower grade but they all follow a similar type of P-T-t path. So via modelling based on geophysics, we can now link observations in the field to a tectonic mechanism and explain multiple pieces of evidence. This is proper science.
What of subduction zones, where rocks are thrust down to great depth?
P-T-t paths characteristic of subduction
P-T-t paths characteristic of subduction
Compared to rocks in mountain zones, subduction zone rocks are buried and returned to the surface before they have a chance to heat up. One remarkable aspect is how deep some of these rocks go. In the 1990s, the recognition of the quartz pseudomorph coesite in continental eclogitic rocks from China and Norway demonstrated that they had been buried to extraordinary depths (>70km). This is literally off the scale of the diagram above (* see below). In Norway these rocks are found just below large extensional faults and shear-zones that have sheared sediments on their top surface. The contact is not a sedimentary one, the rocks were exhumed all the way to the surface by tectonic processes. This is a reminder that the retrograde path is not necessarily just a record of slow erosional unroofing, but can have drama and excitement too.
Why is grade still a useful concept?
All metamorphic rocks are unstable; leave them in the rain long enough and they will turn into sediments. Their journey is never ending, but always controlled by their physical conditions, and often by the presence of water.
My example schist above shows a little evidence for the retrograde path, but is dominated by the minerals that grew when it was at its hottest. The concept of metastability is key here. Diamonds don't grow at the surface and so 'aren't stable'. The carbon atoms would 'like' to be in the form of graphite, (or to put it another way, this would minimise their Gibb's free energy). But they are tightly packed into a crystalline lattice and, even on someone's finger, quite cold. So, at surface conditions, they are metastable.
The peak assemblage minerals in my example schist are like this. They were metastable all the way down the retrograde path. It takes energy to initiate reactions and in a cooling rock, this tends not to happen.
Also my sample schist was likely quite dry as it cooled. Water is very important in metamorphic reactions as a participant in many important metamorphic reactions (those involving devolatilisation). It also is a solvent and can be a catalyst for metamorphic reactions. Atoms can zip around in the fluid phase and so are more likely to find places they prefer, compared to having to diffuse through mineral lattices.
Eclogites are often found as pods within lower grade (blue/greenschist) rocks. Compared with Barrovian rocks, retrogression is more important. This may be because they still contain a lot of water, also the retrograde path passes through more pressure-sensitive reactions. In comparison, a high-grade Barrovian rock has little water left and many of the reactions it is passing through require the addition of water. The retrograde path is therefore much less obvious in the rock.
So now you know. P-T-t does not mean a cup of Darjeeling made from Irish bog water** but instead a reminder that the lump of schist in your hand has been places you'll never go.
Note * Depth relates to pressure depending on the density of the rock, as the weight of the rock above is providing the pressure. It varies, but 0.25 kbar per km is a good rule of thumb so top of the diagram (20kbar) is about 80km depth. Note that as well as showing the Pressure-temperature diagram in different ways (sometimes with pressure increasing downwards), the units can also vary. The diagram above has kbar, which is kilobars, which is 1000 bars. A bar is 100,000 pascals and is about the pressure of the air you're breathing. A pascal is a Newton per square meter and is the pukka SI unit for pressure. Therefore we should use pascals (Pa), but since the pressures we are dealing with are so high, we need a billion of them, written GPa for giga-Pascal. A kbar is 100,000,000 Pascals and so 0.1 of a GPa. So a more properly labelled version of the graph above would have 2GPa at the top. Aren't you glad I left this bit to the end so you could ignore it?
Note ** "peaty tea


Monday, December 1, 2008
Euphemisms and Misnomers
At a gathering recently, mentioning someone's wake that was upcoming, a friend blurted out, "Doesn't that term come from the superstition that someone could "wake" up, having been mispronounced dead?" As the supposed expert on death lore, all turned to me for the answer...which I really didn't know. Thus, a post was born. I thought we could look at some common phrases we use and find out what's really behind it all.
Let's start with the Wake Ceremony. This is a time before the burial that friends and family gather. Originally in the home of the deceased, though now often in funeral homes and churches. Although sometimes only a viewing, it is often a mixture of mourning and celebrating the life of the deceased. Why do we call it a "Wake"? The word derives from anglo-saxon origins meaning "to watch or keep vigil". It was important to have someone with the body, partly to protect from animals and other pests, as preservation methods weren't like they were today. As for this idea that "wake" derived from a belief that someone might wake up - NOT TRUE.
This idea of being mispronounced dead must be widley prevalent, with the belief that the term Dead Ringer comes from a string attached to a bell placed on a corpses foot or wrist that would ring if the person was really alive. This is another misnomer and is NOT TRUE. Dead Ringer is used to mean "exact duplicate", but what's the root of the words? Ringer was first used in the late 1800s to describe a horse used as a substitute to fool bookies and throw races. As for the word dead, well it does have more meanings than the cessation of life. Another meaning for dead is exact or precise, as in "he's a dead shot". So in this case the word dead ringer literally means exact duplicate.
Along those lines, people often think that the term Graveyard Shift comes from people actually sitting aroung waiting for one of those bells to ring indicating someone was buried alive. Again, NOT TRUE. There were caretakers for the grave sights, but their watchfulness was for grave robbers.
Here's an interesting one; Kick the Bucket. This is often thought to have roots from the idea that someone would stand on a bucket to hang themselves and need to kick the bucket out of the way at the end. NOT TRUE. The word bucket actually used to mean beam or yoke, to carry items/animals. In fact, when animals were hung to slaughter, the wood frame used was called the bucket. Often as the animals died, in their final spasm they'd quite litterally "kick the bucket".
Ever wonder about Six Feet Under? Well this one is TRUE. We often use the phrase as a synonym for death. Most believe it comes from the practice of burying people six feet underground. But where did it orginate from? It seems like this one came from the time of the plague. The Lord Mayor of London set rules with the outbreak of the plague in 1665, stipulating that bodies must be burried six feet underground to reduce the spread of disease. Is this still true today? Absolutly not. Each state sets it's own rules now on minimum depth to bury. For example, in California, you only need 18 inches of dirt.
Let's conclude with the Tombstone. I was surprised to find that many believe the origin of the tombstone came from a fear of spirts/ghosts. In order to weigh the soul or ghost down, heavy stone markers were used...leading to the modern day tombstone. Sorry to say, this is NOT TRUE. The idea of marking a grave with stone actually appears early in the bible. In the very first book, Genesis 35:20, Jacob erects a memorial to his deceased wife in the form of a pillar. This idea of honoring the deceased with a marker of some sort in quite ancient and prevelent in most societies.
If you know of more quirky lore, please share. Otherwise it's up to us to set the story straight when we hear these urban legends.
4 Responses to "Euphemisms and Misnomers"
Anonymous said...
December 8, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Wow, Amy, I guess I'm not alone in having people inch away from me at cocktail parties. Well looky this! It's time to freshen this drink!
Thanks for the new small talk fodder. Just in time for the holidays, too. : )
Christine Okon said...
December 16, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Hi, While searching for online instructions on how to make a feather headpiece for a costume, I came across the fascinating custom of "Feather Death Crowns" which were found inside down feather pillows on which a person died. See for an example. Families that found the crown knew that their dearly beloved was on his or her way to heaven.
Christian Sinclair said...
December 16, 2008 at 7:49 PM
Here is the link on Feather Death Crowns from ChrisO in clickable form.
Thanks for posting the info here ChrisO.
JerseyRN said...
March 16, 2011 at 11:53 PM


text:
Week 2 PPC Agenda
The Prioritizing Play Conference is almost upon us an I can't wait to share all of our amazing speakers and their topics! Check out what we've cooked up for week 2:
Relating to Play as a Spatial Justice Issue:
Case Study with Kelsey Langley of KOOP Adventure Play:
Using my love language of story sharing, I'll open each week's content with a short story of play from my playwork experience that highlights the work we're about to dive into and sets the tone for where we're headed during the week.
Alex Cote, Playworker:
Stories from a children's garden, an adventure playground, and a school playground about how adults can make more room for children's play by thinking creatively about how people read space. Why weeds are valuable, clutter is freeing, and you have more space than you think you do.
Wendy Russell, Researcher, University of Gloucestershire
Rules for re-enchanting our relationship with play: an introduction to critical cartography. Critical cartography is all about mapping and mapping is all about space. This presentation looks at using mappings to think differently about how space works and therefore about how we as adults can work to create the conditions that support play. Seeing space as 'produced' rather than as a neutral container for action highlights the power issues in this production; that's why this approach is one that sees playing as an issue of spatial justice.
Mischelle Brown, Humans2Nature:
Popping Up adventure play in unusual, unexpected and wild spaces exploring the opportunities for spatial justice in child's play.
Suzanna Law & Morgan Leichter-Saxby, Pop-Up Adventure Play:
In an interview with Morgan and Zan, they share about their namesake model that is used around the world and how it might help you in your own setting. We chat through an array of topics centered around claiming space for children and play in a variety of settings including materials and considerations to make along the way.
Sign up here! We start on September 19!


Extermination order
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - View original article
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An Extermination order is an order given by a government sanctioning mass removal or death. The term is often associated with genocide.
Extermination orders were issued in conjunction with the following events:
Extermination orders can also include:


Proposal #3456: Add FilePath -> String decoder
Johan Tibell johan.tibell at
Wed Aug 26 04:38:30 EDT 2009
Hi Judah,
A few comments:
- I would spell 'filePathToString' as just 'toString' and use the
module system to provide a namespace (i.e. stick it in
- A function that takes the encoding as a parameter instead of
fetching it from the current locale seems more useful. However,
creating such a function is a bit problematic since passing an
explicit encoding doesn't really make sense on Windows where a path is
already represented as Unicode. Perhaps the only solution is to have
System.FilePath.Posix.toString and System.FilePath.Windows.toString
with different type signatures.
- As long as FilePath is just a type synonym the function is unsafe as
it's equivalent to decodeWithCurrentLocale :: String -> IO String
which fails if the argument string is actually used to store Unicode
data (rather than bytes stored as code points < 256). This is probably
intentional but it might be worth mentioning it in the Haddock
More information about the Libraries mailing list


text:
Authors: Marchal-Crespo, Laura; Tsangaridis, Panagiotis; Obwegeser, David; Maggioni, Serena; Riener, Robert
Robotic algorithms that augment movement errors have been proposed as promising training strategies to enhance motor learning and neurorehabilitation. However, most research effort has focused on rehabilitation of upper limbs, probably because large movement errors are especially dangerous during gait training, as they might result in stumbling and falling. Furthermore, systematic large movement errors might limit the participants* motivation during training. In this study, we investigated the effect of training with novel error modulating strategies, which guarantee a safe training environment, on motivation and learning of a modified asymmetric gait pattern. Thirty healthy young participants walked in the exoskeletal robotic system Lokomat while performing a foot target-tracking task, which required an increased hip and knee flexion in the dominant leg. Learning the asymmetric gait pattern with three different strategies was evaluated: (i) No disturbance: no robot disturbance/guidance was applied, (ii) haptic error amplification: unsafe and discouraging large errors were limited with haptic guidance, while haptic error amplification enhanced awareness of small errors relevant for learning, and (iii) visual error amplification: visually observed errors were amplified in a virtual reality environment. We also evaluated whether increasing the movement variability during training by adding randomly varying haptic disturbances on top of the other training strategies further enhances learning. We analyzed participants* motor performance and self-reported intrinsic motivation before, during and after training. We found that training with the novel haptic error amplification strategy did not hamper motor adaptation and enhanced transfer of the practiced asymmetric gait pattern to free walking. Training with visual error amplification, on the other hand, increased errors during training and hampered motor learning. Participants who trained with visual error amplification also reported a reduced perceived competence. Adding haptic disturbance increased the movement variability during training, but did not have a significant effect on motor adaptation, probably because training with haptic disturbance on top of visual and haptic error amplification decreased the participants* feelings of competence. The proposed novel haptic error modulating controller that amplifies small task-relevant errors while limiting large errors outperformed visual error augmentation and might provide a promising framework to improve robotic gait training outcomes in neurological patients.
- Published in: Frontiers Neuroscience (Volume: 13)
- DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00061
- Date: 2019


text:
Bielefeld University is one of Germany's strongest research universities within a focussed spectrum of transdisciplinary fields encompassing not only the humanities and social sciences but also the natural and technological sciences. One confirmation of this is given by the Excellence Initiative with which the German federal and state governments are promoting top-level research in Germany. Bielefeld University has been hosting a Centre of Excellence on Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC) and a Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) since 2007. CITEC is receiving 6.5 million Euros a year; BGHS more than one million. Following the first two phases (2006 and 2007) of this the most renowned and strongly funded research programme, these two institutions contribute to making Bielefeld one of the successful universities. It ranks third place in North Rhine-Westphalia.CITEC - Cognitive Interaction Technology
Technology that understands
The vision guiding scientists working at CITEC is to build technology that understands. Future machines should adapt to human beings rather than - as before - human beings having to adapt to machines. And these range from everyday tools to robots. Machines have to meet the basic preconditions of interacting naturally with human beings and adapting their abilities flexibly to changing surroundings. These are the basic principles, and pioneering research on cognitive interaction technology is the necessary way to achieve this. One aspect is the search for the fundamental architectural principles of cognitive interaction between human beings and machines. This challenge can only by met through interdisciplinary cooperation between the greatest range of different disciplines. CITEC brings together scientists working in the Faculties of Biology, Linguistics and Literary Studies, Physics, Psychology and Sports Science, and Technology.
Individuality, creativity and personal initiative - at the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology these attributes are strongly emphasized. 160 doctoral candidates of history and sociology study and research here together under one roof. They profit from the broad thematic variety BGHS has to offer. The staging of media potrayals, social changes, and historical and political processes of change are some of their main research fields. However, uncommon dissertation intentions are also welcome here at BGHS. For example, the relationship between the church and dancing or the functions and symbolism of tattoos.
The graduate school considers itself as a researching community of doctoral candidates and professors. That is also what the bottom-up principle stands for, which emphasizes personal initiative and codetermination of the doctoral candidates. They organize workshops and conferences of their own and have an influence on the content of teaching. This is how a culture of creativity and exchange is established, in which young scientists can lay solid groundstones for their future careers.
In the third phase of the Excellence Initiative in which the German federal and state governments are promoting science and research at German universities, Bielefeld University has won through to the second review stage with a proposed Cluster of Excellence drafted predominantly by sociologists and historians. A final decision was reached in June 2012.


text:
TN 29 (05-01)
GN 00305.105 Accidental Death
A. Policy — accidental death
An accidental death is a death: (1) resulting directly from bodily injuries, independent of all other causes, which were received solely by violent, external and accidental means; and (2) occurring within 3 months after the day on which the injuries were received.
2. Death Certificate
A death certificate generally indicates the cause of death; i.e., natural, accidental, homicide, or suicide. However, entries on the death certificate are not necessarily controlling. Evidence may establish that the cause of death was misclassified or that the circumstances of the particular case justify a finding that the death was accidental.
3. Issues and Resolutions
To decide whether the NH's death meets the statutory requirement of accidental death for purposes of excepting a mother/father, widow(er) or stepchild from the 9-month duration of relationship requirement, address and resolve the following issues. The issues and guidelines for their resolution are:
a. Issue #1
Did the deceased worker receive "bodily injury" through "violent, external, and accidental means"?
b. Resolution #1
A "bodily injury" occurs whenever the outside force or cause affects the body sufficiently to interfere with its normal function.
The cause of the bodily injury is:
"external" if it originated outside the body. An external force can include an injury suffered due to weather conditions or exertion.
NOTE: By exertion we mean an activity that involves at least moderate effort for the average person. Routine activities, e.g., standing, do not constitute exertion for purposes of finding accidental death. Circumstances which more readily lend themselves to a favorable finding of accidental death include:
an unexpected heart attack occurs during moderate exertion;
an unforeseen event negates the voluntary nature of an activity, e.g., an exercise machine breaks down while exercising;
some unintended, unexpected, and unforeseen result occurs during exertion, e.g., a fall or slip while running; or
a crisis or sudden peril requires strenuous exertion.
"violent" if it is a force, however slight. The injury does not have to be inflicted by a blow or physical contact with something outside the body. NOTE: If the external force is determined to be exertion, the requirement of "violent" is met; and
"accidental" if the result is unforeseeable or unexpected.
c. Issue #2
Did the deceased lose his/her life as a direct result of the accidental bodily injury…independent of all other causes? That is, did the deceased die solely through violent, external, and accidental means?
d. Resolution #2
The resolution involves the concept of proximate or primary cause of death which is defined and analyzed below with guidelines for its application.
The proximate or primary cause of death is either: (1) the direct cause of death; or (2) the initiating event in an unbroken chain of events, each causing the next, that leads to and ultimately causes death.
The pivotal question is: "But for this accidental injury, would the deceased have died at this particular time?
SSA must determine the cause of death in the context of the statutory requirements. Use of the term "accident" on the death certificate does not compel a finding of accidental death under the Act.
Where a pre-existing disease exists, SSA must decide which factor (the accidental injury or the pre-existing disease) was primarily responsible for causing death at the particular time that death occurred. A preexisting disease (or illness) does not, necessarily, preclude a finding that the accidental injury was the proximate cause of death.
In deciding whether the injury or the disease is the proximate cause of death, SSA must determine which is the more substantial contributing factor. The injury is the proximate cause of death if the medical evidence "to a reasonable degree of certainty" shows that pre-existing conditions were under control at the time of the accident, even if they were active and capable of ultimately causing death. That is, the disease was not the direct or concurring cause of death.
In conjunction with the above discussion, use the following guidelines for determining the proximate cause.
If an accident causes or initiates a disease or infirmity from which death results, consider the accident to be the sole cause of the fatality.
If the worker has a disease or infirmity, which is not, in and of itself, expected to endanger life, and an accident aggravates it to fatal proportions, consider the accident to be the sole cause of the fatality.
If the worker had an active, progressive disease, which, in and of itself, could have caused death more than 9 months after the date of the marriage, and an accident aggravated it so that death resulted before 9 months of marriage elapsed, consider the accident to be the sole cause of the fatality.
If the worker had an active progressive disease, which in and of itself, was expected to cause death before 9 months after the date of the marriage, and an accident aggravated it so that the death resulted at a particular time, do not consider the accident to be the sole cause of death.
If the worker has an active progressive disease which, in and of itself, was expected to cause death before 9 months after the date of marriage and an accident initiates an unrelated disease or infirmity directly causing death, do not consider the accident to be the sole cause of death.
If as a direct result of an accidental bodily injury the worker was unable to maintain his/her own life and therefore, placed on life support, consider the accidental injury, not the termination of the life support pursuant to a living will, to be the sole cause of death. A living will, also called an advance directive or advance medical directive, may be oral or written.
4. Credible Evidence Rule
If after obtaining all available evidence there is still doubt about whether the death was accidental, or more than one conclusion is possible, but there is:
credible evidence to support a finding of accidental death; and
no evidence of a sham marriage, exempt the widow(er) or stepchild from the 9-month duration of relationship requirement.
B. Procedure — accidental death
1. Development -- Exception
If the death certificate shows accidental death, assume that it was independent of other causes unless the death certificate clearly indicates that an ordinarily fatal illness was a contributing factor or unless other facts in the case indicate that death may not have been caused solely by the accident. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, assume that the worker was reasonably expected to live 9 months.
2. Development — All Other Cases
Thoroughly develop all cases involving allegations of accidental death not excepted in GN 00305.105B.1. while recognizing the sensitive nature of the development. This includes obtaining a death certificate in all cases, see GN 00305.105A.2., as well as hospital, doctor's, and, in the case of a homicide, police or coroner records and any other pertinent information and statements; e.g., a newspaper account of the death.
Of significant probative value, except in the case of a homicide, is a statement from the NH's treating physician about the NH's condition prior to the accident, including any pre-existing disease (or illness), the status of the disease and its future impact on the NH's health. If the claimant alleges that the accident resulted from surgery, request the treating physician's assessment of the risk and the NH's likelihood of recovery.
3. Development -- Center for Disability
Contact the staff physicians in your RO's Center for Disability Programs if you need assistance with medical evidence or findings obtained in alleged accidental death cases. Limit your contacts to requests to:
Translate unfamiliar medical jargon or terminology;
Provide guidance about what assumptions the factfinder can draw from the medical evidence submitted; and
Explain or clarify the content of a piece of evidence.
4. Development -- Special Focus
In addition to the death certificate, obtain full information as to the worker's mental condition immediately before death. This includes eyewitness accounts, expert medical findings, and lay opinions based on factual observations.
Death by suicide is not accidental if the act of suicide was an intentional and voluntary act. Death by suicide is accidental only if at the time of death the deceased was so mentally impaired/ill as to be incapable of acting intentionally or voluntarily. The mere fact that an individual committed suicide does not automatically permit a finding of accidental death. To establish accidental death by suicide, the development must show that:
the worker's reasoning facilities were so impaired that he/she did not realize that this act would naturally and probably result in death; or
the worker was acting under a delusion which overpowered his/her understanding and will.
In addition to the death certificate, obtain the police or coroner reports. Death by homicide is not accidental if it resulted from an assault or other gross provocation initiated by the deceased.
If there was action by the decedent that might be considered a provocation, the controlling factor is whether the deceased could have reasonably expected that the incident would result in death. Thus, even where an individual is an aggressor, if he/she could not reasonably anticipate bodily injury resulting in death at the hands of another, the death is accidental.
Prepare an informal special determination in all awards and disallowances using the RPOC screen. Briefly describe the evidence requested, the evidence received, sequentially what events occurred, and your analysis that led you to accept or reject the allegation of accidental death.
C. Examples — accidental death
1. Example 1 — Preexisting Disease Which Is Under Control
The NH was anesthetized for dental surgery, had a stroke, and died 3 days later due to complications from the stroke. The


text: Place a sheet of paper on a flat desk. Assume that the magnetic field is coming perpendicularly out of the paper. Three particles are traveling diagonally from the left bottom edge to the right top edge. Particle 1 is deflected upwards, Particle 2's motion is not affected and Particle 3 is deflected downwards. What can you say about the charges on the particles?


text:
Propagation in Cylindrical Inset Dielectric Guide Structures
The inset dielectric guide (IDG) is just a rectangular groove filled with dielectric, which retains many of the advantages of dielectric guides, without fabrication and loss problems. Quasi-planar IDGs are attractive for applications in microwave and millimeter-wave frequency ranges, as they can be used as low loss and low cost transmission lines, directional couplers, nonreciprocal phase shifters, antennas and other devices. In this paper we address circular IDG-type structures, investigating hybrid wave propagation in single microslot lines loaded with semi-circular dielectric cylinders. The analysis is based on systems of singular integral-integrodifferential equations of the first kind. The proposed algorithms are rapidly convergent, yielding very accurate results for the propagation constants and for the modal equivalent magnetic currents of the principal as well as the higher-order modes.
KeywordsPropagation Constant High Order Mode Magnetic Current Perfect Electric Conductor Moment Method Basis
This work is co-funded by the European Social Fund (ΕΚΤ) with 75% and National Resources (Greek Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs) with 25% under the ΕΠΕΑΕΚ project "Archimedes – Support of Research Groups in TEI of Crete – 2.2.-7 – Smart antenna study and design using techniques of computational electromagnetics and pilot development and operation of a digital audio broadcasting station at Chania (SMART-DAB)".
Also, the author would like to thank Prof. John L. Tsalamengas and Ass. Prof. George Fikioris, of the National Technical University of Athens, for their helpful discussions and insightful comments.
- 7.Vardiambasis IO, Tsalamengas JL, Fikioris JG (1998) Hybrid wave propagation in microslot lines loaded with dielectric semi-cylinders. In: 1998 URSI International Symposium on Electromagnetic Theory Proceedings 1:163–165Google Scholar


text:
by Staff Writers
Durham NC (SPX) Nov 23, 2011
If you're a snack-sized squid or octopus living in the ocean zone where the last bit of daylight gives way, having some control over your reflection could be a matter of life and death.
Most predators cruising 600 to 1,000 meters below the surface spot the silhouette of their prey against the light background above them. But others use searchlights mounted on their heads.
Being transparent and a little bit reflective is a good defense against the silhouette-spotters, but it would be deadly against the "headlight fish," says Duke postdoctoral researcher Sarah Zylinski.
Transparency is the default state of both Japetella heathi, a bulbous, short-armed, 3-inch octopus, and Onychoteuthis banksii, a 5-inch squid found at these depths. Viewed from below against the light background, these animals are as invisible as they can be. Their eyes and guts, which are impossible to make clear, are instead reflective.
But when hit with a flash of bluish light like that produced by headlight fish, they turn on skin pigments, called chromatophores, to become red in the blink of an eye.
During ship-board experiments over the Peru-Chile trench in 2010, Zylinski shined blue-filtered LED light on specimens of both creatures to watch them rapidly go from clear to opaque.
When the light was removed, they immediately reverted to transparent. On a second research cruise in 2011 in the Sea of Cortez, Zylinski measured the reflectivity of the octopuses and found they reflected twice as much light in their transparent state as in the opaque state.
Zylinski experimented with 15 to 20 different species of cephalopod pulled up from the deep by the research ships, but only these two responded to the blue light.
"I went through several things I thought would stimulate behaviors," she says. Shallow-water cephalopods (squid, ocotopi and cuttlefish) will change their body patterns for a shadow or shape passing overhead, but these deeper water animals don't, Zylinski says.
The animals could be seen tracking the movements of probes around them, but it was only the light that made them switch on the their pigments.
Zylinski next would like to investigate the link between transparency and habitat depth for the Japetella octopus.
"Smaller young animals are found higher in the water column and have fewer chromatophores, so they are more reliant on transparency, which makes sense because there won't be predators using searchlights there," Zylinski says.
But the mature adults have a higher density of chromatophores making them potentially more opaque and they can be found in deeper waters (below 800 meters) where bioluminescence becomes the dominant light source.
"Mesopelagic Cephalopods Switch Between Transparency and Pigmentation to Optimize Camouflage in the Deep," Sarah Zylinski and Sonke Johnsen. Current Biology 21, Nov. 22, 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2011.10.014
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Tuna fishing countries vow to protect shark
Istanbul (AFP) Nov 19, 2011
Countries involved in bluefin tuna fishing have decided to do more to protect a species of shark against collateral killing, environmental groups said Saturday. Elizabeth Griffin Wilson of the Oceana group said the 48-state International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) had ruled that tuna fishermen who find a silky shark in their nets must put it back in the sea.... read more
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Learning Activities symbol - light bulb image
Chapter One – Fort Yukon
Learning Activities
4 Handouts
Activity 1 - Vocabulary
remnants descriptive beaten capture
overgrowth language eerie languid
Learners look these words up and use them in sentences to show the meaning of the word (Handout 1).
Activity 2 – Chapter Questions
Questions: p. 16-18
 1. What event does Velma remember from her childhood? Getting up at 6am and going with her dad in their Evinrude boat to check the fish nets.
 2. Where and when was Velma born? Fort Yukon, Alaska, 1960.
 3. What was happening at that time with young Native men? They were beginning to rally for their rights in Alaska.
 4. What certificate do tourists get when they go to Fort Yukon? A certificate that they have crossed the Arctic Circle.
 5. How many kids did women raise in those days? From ten to thirteen children or around a dozen.


Get The Answers: Keeping your employees focused and happy
By Gill South, Suzanne Hall
Add a comment
Suzanne Hall is the creator of online HR tool BE Intent. Photo / Supplied
In small businesses, staff get to know each other and their problems very well. This can require some delicate handling on the part of the business owner but there is support out there for them.
What sorts of challenges do employers face keeping their employees motivated and focused at work?
Imagine Sally X. She hasn't slept well because she and her husband have argued about whether they can afford their insurance or not and she's really worried. The work hours of both have been cut down and one of the children has a school trip coming up that costs $100. Sally gets up feeling tired and argues with one of the kids about eating breakfast.
She arrives at work with her head full and a sense of anxiety. She sits down at her desk knowing that she has reports due and customers to call who are overdue paying their account, and it will be another day of hard conversations with people who are in the same situation she is. It's just another hard day and it's difficult to "get into the right head space". Knowing that she needs to put a "happy" face on, looking enthusiastic has become second nature.
It takes a few hours to get into her work and stop thinking about all her worries. This is a common scenario for many staff. Their productivity is suffering and motivation is difficult.
What happens to people's emotions in a working day? How can this distract them?
Our research on more than 8000 people across 12 industry sectors shows that 42 per cent of people are tired when they arrive at work, 16 per cent angry, 18 per cent confused. So many teams are starting the day already in a difficult emotional state. When people are under constant pressure this reduces their ability to communicate and make medium and long-term decisions. It impacts on the ability to problem-solve and communicate with both co-workers and customers.
What sorts of methods do you recommend to help staff engagement?
Educating staff in understanding that small 15 to 30-second breaks, joyful interactions and allowing the brain a change in focus for even half a minute each hour, can increase focus for the next 20 to 30 minutes.
We've developed a cloud-based program that combines positive "intents", exercises and e-training, so Sally X arrives at work, logs into her computer and gets asked "How do you need to feel today?" Sally has primed her brain to focus on solutions by this simple method. Then, through the tool, she can customise her own solutions, choosing a range of topics for personal and professional development that embed and bring "front of mind" what she needs for that day, every day. She gets positive reinforcement throughout the day, and feels more loyalty to her company because it understands that she has life issues that prey on her mind throughout the day.
Can this be used for small businesses of all kinds?
The companies most interested in using BE Intent are ones that are already in the Best Place to Work category, companies such as OMD and Fisher & Paykel Finance. The great thing about cloud computing and personalised service is that it doesn't matter if you have 10 staff or 100,000.
We can't get people away from their computers so use it as a tool to connect them to their own health and well-being as well as understanding their state of mind and feeling that they are in control of it.
- NZ Herald
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B2/C1 Where Babies are From Page3
Watch the video until 00:27.
 - What do you think of the doctor's explanation?
 - How do you think the girl will react?
Continue watching the video and then answer the following questions:
 - What does this scene show us about telling the truth / making up stories to explain things to children?
 - How does the girl incorporate what she knows from experience with what she's been told by her daddy?
 - Do you think this mix of reality and imagination is a good or bad thing? Would it make any difference if an adult expressed the same ideas? If you think so, why?
12 3 45


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Research Strategy: Working to Australian MS Research Strengths
MS Research Australia implements an informed scientific agenda to accelerate advances that will prevent, better treat and ultimately cure multiple sclerosis.
The MS Research Australia scientific agenda focuses on funding research that will increase our understanding of the biology driving MS and how to stop MS from triggering the disease, causing further damage and how to repair existing damage that can reverse disability. This is a medium to long-term strategy. It requires extensive funding, collaboration and coordination.
In the short term, MS Research Australia funds clinical research that measures the benefits of alternative symptom management approaches. Social research through the Australian MS Longitudinal Study measures the physical, social and economic impact of MS on Australians for advocacy and service development purposes.
MS Research Australia Research Strategy Overview
- What triggers MS? Can we prevent the onset of MS?
- What biology is driving MS? How can we stop it?
- Can existing neural damage be repaired or replaced?
To address these significant unknowns, MS Research Australia invests in five research streams. Funding in these streams includes both investigator-driven applications and 'platform' funding (see a summary in the table, and more detailed information below):
|Research Stream||MS Research Australia Funded Research|
|1. Social and Applied Research||
|2. Genetics and Epidemiology|
|3. Immunology and Virology||
|5. Clinical Trials|
How MS Research Australia Identifies High Quality Research
MS Research Australia identifies significant MS research in two ways; the first is via an annual peer-review process, the second is by proactively identifying, coordinating and funding major collaborative projects called 'Platforms'.
1. Supporting Serendipitous Discoveries
Each year MS Research Australia initiates a rigorous international peer-review process to identify high quality MS research to fund. Annually MS Research Australia will fund approximately $2million in projects and capacity-building grants including fellowships and scholarships.
MS Research Australia grants give scientists an opportunity to focus on generating new insights that inform our understanding of the disease. Capacity building is an investment in the future of MS research by creating opportunities for early career researchers to gain scientific training, to learn from leading MS experts and nurture a commitment to cure MS. These early career researchers are the next generation of MS experts.
For more information on:
2. PLATFORMS: Proactively Accelerating Blue Sky Research
Platforms represent a major investment in infrastructure or a collaboration that will accelerate MS research activity. MS Research Australia acts as a catalyst for blue sky research. We work with researchers to undertake the research that other funding agencies consider 'too risky' to fund but has the potential to yield the greatest outcomes for People with MS.
With guidance from the broader scientific and health professional community, MS Research Australia establishes and maintains national collaborations to address scientific questions that no one researcher could solve in isolation.
Currently, MS Research Australia has several Platforms underway including:
- MSRA Gene Bank and ANZgene Consortium
- MSRA Brain Bank
- MSRA Clinical Trials Network
- Australian MS Longitudinal Study
- Proteomics Collaboration
- PrevANZ - vitamin D MS Prevention Trial
In developing a Platform, MS Research Australia consults with as many relevant Australian and international researchers as possible.
This ensures that we only fund Platforms that:
- complement the world-wide research effort without duplication,
- fund a highly focused initiative with clear goals and timeframes,
- and identify potential obstacles early and solutions to overcome them quickly.
MS Research Australia's research approach has changed the way MS researchers can do MS research in Australia.


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Find Roku IP address without remote
Nowadays, it is very difficult to find a single person, who is keen to video streaming devices and do not use Roku. The Roku is one of the most popular video streaming devices which are used by the billions of users across the globe. Roku is very well known for its top-rated streaming features that make it different from the other devices. One can use the features of Roku after connecting it to the internet.
For any issue Contact Roku Customer Service
Despite these features users also confront numerous technical issues. Most of the users face difficulties to find the IP address of their Roku device without Roku remote. Are you facing similar situations? Then don't worry about that. Read this article very carefully and go through the below instructions.
Roku device, should be using a private IP address that falls within one of the following ranges:
CAN'T FIND ROKU DEVICE
If you connecting Roku device "Make sure that your Roku device is powered on and connected to your WiFi network" message on the device selection screen in the Roku app if your Roku device was not able detected over your network.
- First, go to network setup to ensure your Roku device is visible ("awake") on your home network.
- Now Go to Settings > Network from your Roku device
(Settings >Network > Repeat guided setup from an original Roku device).
- When you successfully checked your connection, tap "Try Again" in the Roku mobile app.
- If it's not working, exit from the Roku app, turning your phone's (or tablet's) Wi-Fi off and on and now re-entering the app.
- Most important, confirm that your Roku device is on the same network as your phone.
- Now switch on your phone, then open Settings and check your network's IP address.
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Your network name and write down the number next to "IP Address." Your IP address will be a four-part number (e.g. 220.127.116.11).
- Now, check the IP address of your Roku device. If you have a Roku TV, go to Settings > System > About. For all other Roku devices, go to Settings > About from your Roku device (Settings > Player info from original Roku device). Write down the number next to "IP Address."
- The first three of four numbers of the IP address of your phone and your Roku device should match (e.g. 192.168.0 from IP address 192.168.0.101). If these numbers don't match, then it's mean Roku device and phone are not on the same network.
If the IP address numbers match, you can connect manually by entering the IP address of your Roku device in the Roku app. Tap "Connect Manually" in the mobile app and follow directions.
If the IP address numbers don't match then it's simply mean your Roku device and phone are not on the same network, now try the following steps:
- Sometimes Roku device is connected via Wi-Fi, but not your wi-fi it's accidentally connected to a neighbor's Wi-Fi network.
- If Roku device is connected via Ethernet, then connect it wirelessly to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. For that Go through Wi-Fi setup on your Roku device by clicking Settings > Network. Have your network password ready.
- If you are using a combination cable modem/wireless router, try adding a separate wireless router to your network and connecting your Roku device and phone to it.
- If multiple wireless routers in your home must check that your Roku device and phone are connected to the same router (same SSID).
If the app still doesn't show your Roku device, then powering down your Roku device, phone, and router. Restart all 3 devices, and wait for 3 minutes, then launch the Roku app again.
Steps to find Roku IP address without remote:
- Step 1:- First of all, go to the Chrome Web Store.
- Step 2:- Now type Remoku into the search bar and then tap on the first link.
- Step 3:- Tap on the + Add to Chrome icon and then Remoku will start downloading.
- Step 4:- Now install it on your Google Chrome browser and then you have to see the R icon which is available at the top right corner.
- Step 5:- After that, tap on the Settings to find the Roku on your network.
- Step 6:- Now you have to see the two choices and then choose scanning option which will find your Roku IP address automatically.
After applying the following steps, you can easily find your Roku IP address. Sometimes, if you are not capable of finding your Roku IP address with the help of above-mentioned steps, then contact Roku support team and get reliable assistance from the technical experts.
Roku IP Address Issue
Roku IP address not supported
Roku IP address no remote
Roku IP address all zeros
Roku IP address problems
Roku IP address on box
Roku IP address not found
Roku IP address conflict
Roku IP address where to find
Roku IP address by serial number
Roku IP address lookup
Roku experts are very talented and they can fix all your problems within a short span of time. One can obtain this support by making a voice call, online chat, and email. So don't waste your time and contact with these experts immediately to fix your problems. This support is available at 24/7 hours for the every user.


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Now you have come to the page, Choose variable. This page give you the oportunity to select which variables and values you want to display in your result of the table. A variable is a property of a statistical unit. The page is divided into several boxes, one for each variable, where you can select values by click to highlight one or more values. It always starts with the statistics variable which is the main value counted in the table.
Navigating with keyboard and screenreader. Select multiple object in row: SHIFT+arrow down/up. To select a single value in the listbox: Windows:Hold Ctrl + arrow down. Then release Ctrl and press space. Repeat. Mac:CMD+arrow down/up. Then release CMD and press spacebar. Repeat. (Works only in Chrome, not in Safari). To exit listbox with values selected, press TAB-key.
Number of selected data cells are:
(maximum number allowed is 300 000)
Number of selected cells exceeds the maximum allowed 300 000


text:
Roger Kamien (born in 1934) is a retired professor emeritus of musicology in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. He was born in Paris, and was raised in America. He is the author of the book Music: An Appreciation, which is intended to show students the basics and the importance of music. It is considered essentially a textbook because its use mostly in colleges (and sometimes in high schools). It is published by McGraw-Hill and provides learners with information on how to understand classical and modern music.
Kamien taught at Queens College, New York. He developed the concept of the listening outline, which he incorporated into the first edition of Music: An Appreciation and which he has refined and enhanced in every subsequent edition. This is a text intended for students of all levels and backgrounds. The latest version is the eighth (ISBN 9780073265452). It contains a multimedia CD-ROM and histories of jazz, rock, and classical music and details of the composition of an orchestra.
He is the editor of the widely used series Norton Scores, and the author of numerous academic articles on musicology.
Reviews of his books:
- Music: An Appreciation.
- Music Educators Journal Nov 2001 v88 p69
- Teaching Music August 1998 v6 p44
- Norton Scores. (Book Review)
- Library Journal Sept 1, 1972 p2712
- Opera News Oct 12, 1968 p30
- Library Journal Oct 1, 1968 p3564
- The New York Times Book Review Sept 8, 1968 p22


the humidifier at least 10ft away from your electronics and other devices with PCB)
 5. 5
 Elevate the humidifier at least 2ft from the ground to ensure better humidification.
 6. 6
 Do not place the unit near the window curtains or walls. Give at least 10 inches gap for proper humidification.
Maintain a Constant Room Temperature
Apart from properly humidifying your room for home electronic protection, having a fitting temperature is also important.
You must maintain the constant room temperature and avoid switching the temperatures often as it may trigger condensation (like turning the air condition on and off).
Remember that changing temperatures trigger positive and negative impacts on your home electronics. Different electronic devices can withstand different temperatures too.
The most ideal room temperatures, particularly for electronics during the winter, is 68°F during daytime and 62°F during night time. These temperatures are perfect for your comfort, your electronics, and your electricity bill.
A humidifier does not cause any form of damages to your electronic devices but moisture can. Having low or high air moisture indoors can trigger electrical reactions inside the device's components like static discharges and short circuits.
There are both positive and negative effects of a humidifier to your electronics and you need to be sensitive enough to learn how to deal with humidity while protecting your gadgets at home.
You have to consider a lot of factors in fact, you have to understand the conductivity levels of your devices and how sensitive they are to electrostatic discharges.
Low humidity levels cause dry air and produce static electricity. If your electronics are exposed to dry air in a long time, it will cause electrostatic discharges and later on damage your device such as power failure.
On the other hand, electronic devices exposed to high humidity levels more than 70-85% are more dangerous. Prolonged exposure can cause component failure and worst, even corrosion.
Overall, we are talking about humidity here which is the main culprit why your gadgets tend to fail over time.
It all boils down to maintaining a well-balanced indoor humidity at all times. I suggest that you keep your indoor humidity levels between 40-60% throughout the winter season to balance everything, your health, comfort, and of course your electronics.


Bipartisan US Congressional Delegation Visits India, Meets PM Modi
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Prime Minister Modi signs the visitors' book at the White House last year. [Image: US Embassy New Delhi].
A bipartisan US congressional delegation called on Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Tuesday. The 26 congressional members were welcomed by the Prime Minister who lauded the visit as a good sign for the continued growth of bilateral ties between the two countries under the new US administration. He reflected positively on his phone conversation with US President Donald Trump early this month in which the two leaders emphasized their shared commitment to further strengthen defense and economic ties.
During the meeting with the US congressional delegation, Prime Minister Modi shared his hope to further strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties between India and the US. He highlighted the benefits that Indian talent brings to the US economy and culture, and encouraged the facilitation of the movement of skilled workers.
In 2015, US imports from India totaled $45 billion while exports to India totaled $21 billion. California's exports alone totaled $4.6 billion making it the top state exporter to India. Major exports to India include precious stones, machinery, aircraft, and optic and medical equipment. The main imports from India include diamonds, textiles, oil, organic chemicals, agricultural products, and textiles.
As of 2015 there were 3.6 million Indian-Americans in the US. California, New York, New Jersey, and Texas accommodate the highest number of Indian-Americans. Concentrated areas of Indian Americans exist within these states. Indian-Americans in Edison, N.J., for example, made up 28% of the population in 2010. Indians in the West Santa Clara Census County Division in California made up 11% of the population.
Indian students studying in the US contributed $5.22 billion to the US economy over a 5 year period. India was the second highest country of origin of international students in the US following China with 100,270 students enrolled. Texas has the highest number of Indian students with approximately 10,000 enrolling in Texan universities per year. Of the Indian students in the US, 66% of Indian students study STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) fields.


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Winter Trout Spawn
The scene is a trout angler's dream come true. Or nightmare of the highest order. All around this corner of the Manchester trout hatchery, 2-pound, 3-pound…7 and 8-pound rainbow trout splash in holding tanks. Glistening, colorful…but with no room to flip a fly or redworm.
"We're spawning rainbow trout today," explains Randy Mack, DNR hatchery technician, as he and two co-workers wrestle 40 female trout (the big ones) and a similar number of smaller males inside the Manchester hatchery.
Longtime hatchery technician Kenny Linderwell 'trays' the fertilized eggs and sets them into place along the wall. A constant flow of 52 degree water washes over them for about 30 days. The water quantity and quality here have meant a trout hatchery has been on the premises for more than a century.
"We normally spawn enough to produce about 250,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout," explains Mack. "In the wild, rainbow trout in Iowa reproduce very poorly. We spawn them here and raise them for a year and a half, until they are ready to stock."
At some point in 2014, these now fertilized eggs will be half-pound rainbow trout, released into about 50 northeast Iowa streams or – increasingly - into urban lakes around Iowa.
Selective breeding over the years has produced a trout timetable. In October, brook trout are ready to give up their eggs. Iowa's only native trout, they are spawned streamside on South Pine Creek in Winneshiek County. Eggs are brought back to the hatchery to hatch and grow. As they are stocked, they do better in certain streams and overall, are harder to catch than the angler friendly Shasta strain rainbow trout. About 50,000 brookies are stocked each year.
By November, brown trout are spawned. Brood trout are brought from French Creek to the hatchery. They will be raised until fingerling sized, then released to grow wild in several dozen stretches of streams throughout northeast Iowa, supplementing earlier generations of brown trout.
Through December and January, rainbow trout—the backbone of Iowa's program—are ready to spawn. Once a week, crews check outdoor raceways for ripe female brood stock. Back inside, they firmly massage slimy trout bellies to produce a steady stream of golden eggs, to be fertilized, trayed and hatched.
The eggs hatch into sac fry and are switched to indoor raceways in the hatchery. As they consume their yolks, they swim up and learn to feed on commercial pellets; until loaded for the truck ride to a nearby stream. From there, they fend for themselves…or go home in the coolers of 40,000 plus trout anglers.
That number has grown over the years. First sold in 1962, fewer than 22,000 trout stamps were out there in 1970. The number rose slowly and, in 2010, first topped 40,000. Over 43,000 were sold in 2011; boosted in large part by late fall to early spring urban trout stockings.
That cold weather stocking program, rose from just three urban ponds 25 years ago to 16 quarries, ponds and small lakes this winter, brings trout to city anglers. They can fish locally, and if the urge strikes….use that good-for-the-year trout fee to head to northeast Iowa in the spring, summer or fall. In the meantime, several thousand people who might never have fished for—or tasted—trout are hooked.


text: Oral tranexamic acid is taken as a tablet or capsule by mouth. It works systemically to address melasma by reducing melanin production throughout the body. Oral tranexamic acid medications, such as The Spot Pill, are especially useful for individuals with widespread or stubborn melasma that is challenging to treat with topical agents alone. Oral tranexamic acid can also be used during scheduled breaks from hydroquinone. While generally safe and well-tolerated, it may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as a history of blood clots.