Healthcare IT Interoperability, EHR interoperability, Hospital Interoperability
Claims Management News
Why Payers Should Improve Cost Transparency for Consumers
To find out how the lack of data and cost transparency is affecting the health insurance industry, spoke with Joel Ario.
The health insurance industry could benefit from greater cost transparency, as it could bring new methods for lowering healthcare spending and create a more competitive market among providers. Federal and state regulators aiming at reducing healthcare spending would benefit from creating new legislation focused on improving cost transparency.
Cost-Sharing Health Insurance Plans
One report called Liberating Data to Enable Healthcare Market Transparency: A Guide for Regulators and Policy Makers outlined that, despite the reforms and provisions of the Affordable Care Act, consumers are still not receiving enough data and cost transparency when it comes to their health insurance options.
For instance, many are still lost on their cost-sharing options, out-of-pocket costs, provider networks, premium spending, and prescription drug access. To learn more about this report and find out how the lack of data and cost transparency is affecting the health insurance industry, spoke with Joel Ario, author of the report, former Director of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Managing Director at Manatt Health. Katherine Hempstead, Senior Adviser to the Vice President of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, also joined in on the exclusive interview.
"What are the benefits in the plans that are offered? What is the cost sharing structure? What's in the formularies and provider directories?" Ario spoke about some of the transparency issues relevant to consumer decisions. "When consumers are making choices between plans, they need to have as much information as possible." What steps can health payers and federal regulators take to improve cost transparency for the average consumer?
Joel Ario: "The first step is that the regulators would make available this data that allows the consumer to understand what their cost-sharing responsibilities would be under different health plan choices. Making this data available, which CMS has started to do and has done a good job at taking data about the types of plans that are offered on the marketplaces and making it available through standardized data templates and through public use files that make that data easier to use by researchers and other people who want to use that data to understand trends and help consumers understand their options."
"Our paper talks about how that's a part of the data but really, a lot of individuals still purchase off-exchange rather than on-exchange so state regulators should do the same as federal regulators in terms of making this information available about benefit plans and cost-sharing structures."
"Then, what happens next is that foundations and others interested in this can build on that regulatory data. If the regulators do their job right, then a foundation like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation can build on that to help the consumer."
Katherine Hempstead: "A big focus of our work has been to try to make the individual direct to consumer insurance market more efficient and better serve consumers by making people be able to compare the plans head to head. We've funded the creation of this data set that has a lot of cost-sharing information for all 50 states for the plans on the ACA marketplace."
"We're going to release it on Friday and it's going to have an Excel version and a machine-readable file that people can download for research purposes. It's called Hicks compare. It's something that was now done ever since the market opened, but in the first year, it was only silver plans. We're reissuing 2015 and putting in 2016 for bronze, silver, and gold health plans."
"The idea is for people to be able to really analyze what's going on in the market and compare the plans and also for people to use that information to help make decision-support tools for consumers so that they can make the best choices when they're shopping for a plan." What are the most important topics outlined in your roadmap that health insurers should pay attention to?
Joel Ario: "I think that the four dimensions to the plan that are important to the consumer include what benefits are covered. Those are fairly standardized by essential health benefits, but they do vary some by state."
"The second issue that varies quite a bit is what kind of cost-sharing applies. There's a big difference between buying a bronze plan where you could pay more than a $5,000 deductible and buying a richer plan where you'd pay a much smaller deductible."
"The third and fourth dimensions, which are getting a lot of attention under the ACA, are the formularies and how to really understand the formulary structure. This can be quite complicated with different tiers of cost-sharing and different utilization management restrictions. Unpacking that and understanding how the formularies work and which plans cover prescription drugs and how much cost-sharing does a consumer have - those sorts of questions are very important."
"Finally, what probably gets the most attention these days, the provider directories and trying to understand my choices with a lot more narrow network products out
there. How do I understand whether the plan covers my doctor and whether I want a plan that's maybe a little cheaper and has a narrow network or do I still want a more traditional, broad network type of plan. Information about that dimensions of plans. All of that is critical to the consumer."
Katherine Hempstead: "I think plans have made a lot of progress. Whether it's the providers that make it complicated, payers are starting to realize it's not really adequate for carriers to act like they're not able to tell consumers whether providers are in their network or not. Consumers increasingly are feeling like they have a right to know that and they're even starting to not react well when it changes in a year."
"I think that it's been an adjustment for carriers but I do see a lot of progress." Why is cost transparency important for the health insurance industry? How does it benefit health insurers?
Katherine Hempstead: "A lot of the all-payer claims databases that a lot of carriers don't want to participate in, but one of the things that they do is that they can shine a light on high negotiated provider prices. By putting that information out there, it can actually help negotiate more competitive networks. Even though they tend to resist participating in these things, they can also be the biggest beneficiaries."
Joel Ario: "A second dimension of this is, as consumers do have what the carriers like to call 'more skin in the game,' so higher cost sharing, then I think it's incumbent on the carriers then to be explaining a lot more about how that works and disclose a lot more about pricing in the marketplace so that consumers can actually be intelligent purchasers."
"It doesn't do a whole lot of good to say 'We want you to pay a higher share of the bill through cost-sharing but we're not going to provide much information about how much your cost-sharing is going to be.'"
"An example of where you see this now is mostly in the federal and state exchanges. They have what's called a total out-of-pocket cost calculator so that when you're comparing a few plans, you're not only seeing what the premium is for the plan but you see an estimate of what your out-of-pocket spending would be on that plan. If you're a traditional user or if you entered more data, then there could be an estimate that's based on your particular usage patterns."
"The more consumers are expected to share in cost through cost-sharing, the more they're going to want good transparency around what those costs may be to them." What are the biggest challenges that health payers face when it comes to cost and data transparency? Are there any solutions to these problems?
Katherine Hempstead: "It depends on the market segment. I definitely think that most carriers would still probably say out-of-network issues in most states and provider high-negotiated rates, provider prices, and, of course, pharmaceutical prices are some of their biggest and most difficult cost items to control."
Joel Ario: "I do think that consumer education is an important part of this as well. The consumers that are not used to having a lot of cost-sharing and, therefore, aren't very well educated about what deductibles mean and what copayments mean. Increasingly, you want improvements in consumer literacy, which take not just data being available but, more importantly, consumer tools of the sort that you see on these web pages that help people sort through their options and understand them and help them become more literate consumers."
Continue to site...


text:
- of or resembling a tooth; toothlike.
Origin of odontoid
Examples from the Web for odontoid
Historical Examples of odontoid
The first vertebra has nothing of the nature of an odontoid process.The Vertebrate Skeleton
Sidney H. Reynolds
The odontoid process of the axis is still more concave than in Poebrotherium, but not spout-like as in existing forms.
The odontoid process of the axis vertebra is somewhat cheese-taster shaped, as in recent Artiodactyles.
Odontoid process of second vertebra semi-cylindrical; skull with a sagittal crest; and the condyle of the lower jaw rounded.
Change of form of the odontoid process of the second or axis vertebrae from a cone to a hollow half-cylinder.
- of or relating to the odontoid process
- Shaped like a tooth.
- Of or relating to the odontoid process.

source: openbmb/Ultra-FineWeb


text:
Introduction to Boatbuilding
A one-week primer on building small boats.
Note: These are six-day courses ending Saturday afternoon.
There are many individuals out there who have decided that they would like to build their very own boat but don't know how to get started. Many first-time builders have run into problems understanding the process of what to do first and, as a result, soon get intimidated and the idea loses momentum. Bill Thomas and John Karbott, noted boatbuilders and teachers, invite anyone interested in wooden boats and woodworking to join them in either of these two six-day courses focusing on the skills and techniques used in basic boatbuilding. No prior boatbuilding experience is required; simply a desire to learn. If you want to build a good-looking, simple sailing skiff, Bill or John can help you get started and guide you through the step-by-step procedures to taking on and completing such a project on your own.
Bill has chosen one of Iain Oughtred's lovely designs, the Skerrieskiff 17, as the boat students will construct during his course. This beach cruiser offers a great compromise between rowing and sailing qualities. We will be building a rowing version during the course. Using traditional boatbuilding methods, she is built of marine plywood over a strongback and moulds. John Karbott's students will build two of his handsome 12 ½′ semi-dory skiffs combining marine plywood, white oak, and Northern white cedar. Both classes will start with understanding boat plans and lofting and proceed through scarfing, framing, planking, and interior joinerwork. As with any one-week building schedule, there will be plenty for students to do as we finish the boats.
As both skiffs take shape through each week, Bill and John will lead discussions in small-craft design, selecting a suitable design for the amateur builder, setting up a one-man shop, proper hand and power tool usage, and much more. Whether you have a hankering for traditional skiff construction like the Skerrieskiff 17 or the 12 ½′ Semi-dory skiff or are simply looking for a perfect introduction to wooden boat construction, you will thoroughly enjoy either of these weeks.

source: HuggingFaceFW/fineweb-edu


An Introduction To Infrared (IR) Photography
without comments
Infrared (IR) photography allows you to turn a simple shot into an other-worldly scene. Plants and trees turn bright white, while skies and water darken considerably.
summertime blues infrared image
summertime blues by mugley on flickr (licensed CC-BY-SA)
The sun puts out a lot of infrared light, as well as visible light. By using a camera that is sensitive to infrared and a filter that blocks the visible light, we end up with an infrared photo.
We are not talking about taking photos with cameras that are sensitive to infrared heat radiation, like police helicopters use to find people hiding at night. But rather, photos taken using what is technically termed as near infrared light. This infrared light is reflected from objects, just like visible light, but we can't see it.
Since we can't see infrared light, the world in infrared looks very different. Most plants and trees reflect a lot of infrared light, which is why they look so bright in infrared photos. Water and the sky does not reflect much infrared light, and so they appear much darker.
To take an infrared photo, you'll need a camera that is sensitive to infrared light, and a filter that passes infrared light while blocking visible light.
Cameras suitable for infrared photography
Nearly all digital cameras come with a built-in infrared blocking filter. However, on some older models, this filter was not very strong, and so still let through some infrared light.
You can test if your camera is sensitive to infrared light by taking a photo while pointing a TV remote at the camera lens. TV remotes use an infrared LED to send an infrared signal to the TV. So by pressing a button on the remote while pointing it at the camera, the remote will emit infrared light.
Take the photo in a dark spot, so it will be clear if the camera is picking up infrared light from the TV remote.
Photo of a TV remote with a button on the remote pressed and pointed at the camera
The camera that took this photo is clearly sensitive to IR light as it has picked up the light from the TV remote's infrared LED
If your camera is not sensitive to infrared light, you can purchase infrared cameras, or have an existing camera modified to shoot infrared. A well known company that converts existing cameras to infrared is Life Pixel. The cost of conversion is around $250.
You can find cameras already converted to infrared for sale on eBay, for example from the seller Digital Landscapes. Alternatively, you can purchase an old camera that has not been converted, but is still sensitive to infrared light. Popular cameras are the Nikon D70 and some of the old Sony Cybershot models.
Sigma DSLRs are particularly suitable for infrared photography, as they feature a user removable infrared cut filter. The camera can easily be converted back to a normal camera by just putting the infrared cut filter back again.
Converted IR vs. Full spectrum vs. IR sensitive
There are some differences between a camera that is sensitive to infrared light, one that has been converted specially for infrared photography, and one that is a full spectrum camera.
Full spectrum cameras
A full spectrum camera is one that has no blocking filters installed, and so captures ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light. This means it can be used for ultraviolet photography, normal (visible light) photography, and infrared photography when used with the appropriate filter.
Black plastic wrapped haybales in infrared
Black plastic wrapped haybales in infrared by David Kennard Photography
But you need to fit the correct filter to the front of the camera's lens to block the wavelengths of light you don't want to capture, while passing the wavelengths of light you do want to capture. So for capturing infrared photographs, you would need to purchase an infrared filter, and mount it in front of the camera's lens.
The main problem with this is that there is an additional expense of the infrared filter. If the camera uses a through the lens optical viewfinder (most DSLRs), then you won't be able to see anything through the viewfinder with an infrared filter attached.
Converted infrared cameras
With a converted infrared camera, the infrared cut filter which is normally attached in front of the sensor, is removed. In its place is put a visible light cut and infrared pass filter.
Color infrared photo taken with a infrared converted digital camera.
Iridescent. by digitalpimp. on flickr (licensed CC-BY-ND)
The benefit of this is that you don't need to use any additional infrared filters in front of the camera's lens, as the filter is already installed in the camera. For cameras with through the lens optical viewfinders, it means the viewfinder is not affected at all. So you can still see through the viewfinder as you did before.
The disadvantage is that you can't change the filter. (We'll come on to different strengths of infrared filter a bit later). The camera becomes a permanent infrared camera, and can't be used for anything else.
Infrared sensitive cameras
Infrared sensitive cameras are those that have an infrared cut filter installed, but the filter isn't very strong and still lets some infrared light through. They are not modified in any way.
The disadvantage of these cameras is that because they have the infrared cut filter still installed, they are not as sensitive to infrared light as a full spectrum or converted infrared camera. You will need to use longer shutter speeds to gather enough light, and probably require a tripod.
Photo taken with a camera sensitive to infrared light and an infrared filter
The other problem is the same as with full spectrum cameras - you need to attach an infrared filter to the front of the lens to record infrared photos. This means that you can't see through the viewfinder with an IR filter attached when using a camera with a through the lens optical viewfinder.
The good point is that the camera can be used as a normal camera with no extra filters needed. If you already have a camera that is sensitive to infrared light, this is the cheapest way to get into infrared photography since it only requires an infrared filter.
Infrared filter types
Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, and is measured by its wavelength in nanometers. Visible light is around 400 nm (purple) to 750 nm (red). Cameras sensitive to infrared light are normally sensitive to light up to around a wavelength of 1000 nm.
For capturing infrared photographs, there are filters that have various cut-off points. Some filters capture only infrared light (above 750 nm), while others capture some visible and infrared light. Those that pass infrared light only cannot capture any color (since we can't see infrared), so are used to produce black and white images.
Infrared filters that let through some visible red light as well can be used to produce false color infrared photos. This is usually done by swapping the red and blue channels of a photo using photo editing software.
Probably the most popular filters for infrared photography are those that cut visible light below 720 nm. This produces a photo captured with a portion of visible red light, but mostly infrared light. An example of an infrared filter that cuts visible light below 720 nm is the Hoya R72 filter.
Photo taken with a Hitech Infrared filter, blocking light with a wavelength below 720 nm
A red 25A filter cuts light with a wavelength shorter than 580 nm. This produces images with more visible red color, which allows for stronger colors in the captured image.
Photo taken with 25A Red filter, blocking light with a wavelength below 580 nm
A pure infrared filter, like the B+W 093 blocks all visible light. These filters typically only transmit light with a wavelength longer than 800-900 nm. Because they capture no color information, they are good for strong black and white infrared photos.
Photo taken with a Lee infrared filter, blocking light with a wavelength below approx 780 nm
What makes a good infrared photograph?
The same guidelines that apply to standard photography also apply to infrared photography. Look for a good composition, and make sure your subject is clear.
There are some differences though. The contrast between subjects can be quite different in infrared. Plants by water can create a strong contrast (white foliage against dark water). Clouds also really pop out against the dark sky in infrared photos.
For this reason, shots of rivers and lakes can work very well in infrared. Sunny days where fluffy clouds float across the sky are also very good for infrared photography.
Fluffy clouds against a blue sky, great for infrared photography
Reach by Kyle May on flickr (licensed CC-BY)
Unlike normal photography, sunrise and sunset are not particularly special (they're not bad either though). Shooting during the harsh light of the middle of the day is fine for infrared photography.
Infrared photos of people can also be quite interesting. Skin takes on a much paler tone, with very little color.
Group IR portrait!
Group IR portrait! by Mad Wraith on flickr (licensed CC-BY)
How to process a false color infrared photo
An infrared photo that includes some color information will normally appear quite red. To create a false color infrared photo, with a blue sky, you can switch the blue and red channels. This process is described in the video below:
Switching the color channels relies on the Channel Mixer tool. This is included with most image editing software, but is missing from Photoshop Elements. If you use Photoshop Elements, you will need to download and install the Channel Mixer as an add-on. It can be downloaded for free as part of Grant's Tools from the Photoshop Elements and more website.
Infrared photography may not be to everyone's taste, but it does give you a chance to show the world in a different light (literally). If you want to give it a try without spending on a converted camera, I would suggest


text:
Origin: earlier Turkey-cock, term orig. applied to the guinea fowl, sometimes imported through Turkey and for a time identified with the Am fowl
See turkey in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun pl. tur·keys
Origin: After Turkey
Origin: from a confusion with the guinea fowl, once believed to have originated in Turkish territory.
See turkey in Ologies
1. the political doctrines and achievements of Kemal Ataturk (_PHONE_), Turkish general and statesman.
2. support of or adherence to Ataturk. —Kemalist, n., adj.
an obsession with Turkey and things Turkish.
Learn more about turkey


Rural property sales and lending set for technology disruption
Rural property sales and lending set for technology disruption
DAS chief executive Anthony Willmott.
DAS chief executive Anthony Willmott.
A new digital platform from CSIRO-backed start-up for farm buyers and investors is the start of a new era in rural real estate.
The slow start of a digital revolution is underway for rural real estate owners, with new technology from CSIRO bringing artificial intelligence to rural property sales, financial lending and public payments for landscape management.
To commercialise its new technology CSIRO has partnered with start-up company DAS to launch the the Rural Intelligence Platform, a subscription service that essentially uses modelling and machine learning to provide insights into a range of land values.
The platform uses satellite imagery to assess and monitor rural land all over the country, with modelling developed by CSIRO to detect changes over time in the images.
The artificial intelligence in the platform provides a risk rating for drought, frost, heat stress for livestock and so on. It can also monitor development of infrastructure on a property.
The platform uses satellite imagery, climate information and Australia's digital soil map to track paddocks and their performance over time. It draws on publicly-available data to assess productivity, water access, yield, land use, crop type, rainfall and drought impact.
It could enable investors to assess property values, or by financial institutions to calculate the risk rating for loans to farmers, or even to monitor the outcomes for schemes where farmers get paid for things like soil carbon capture or revegetation.
CSIRO Agriculture and Food deputy director Dr Michael Robertson said it was unlikely investors, buyers and other users would rely solely on the platform, and traditional know-how, agronomy and other tools would be used as well.
He explained that machine learning is one the platform's key components.
The platform's proprietary model, dubbed the automated valuation model, makes mathematical estimations through machine learning to calculate the sale value of a farm.
"We've used historical sale value of farms and lined that up with the features of a farm, such as location, soil, climate, land use, production performance. Throw those into a computer and we can see which variable predict sale prices," Mr Robertson said.
"We tested the accuracy of the model against actual sale prices and found its 90pc accurate, which is the same as the models for urban real estate, and that's about as accurate as any machine learning can get."
The platform could also be used by government or carbon reduction schemes to calculate payments for ecosystems services like soil carbon capture or re-vegetation.
"We've already had conversations with the market about the potential for this tool to support carbon sequestration or or greenhouse gas reduction schemes," Mr Robertson said.
"We've also spoken to government about using it to target drought assistance, assessing needs down to a property-by property level."
Screenshot from the DAS platform.
Screenshot from the DAS platform.
Australian Farm Institute executive director Richard Heath said while he was advocating for ecosystem services, technology like the Rural Intelligence Platform would be needed to measure land management outcomes.
"There are a lot of policy changes needed in Australia before we see the sorts of ecosystem-farm schemes like there are in Europe," Mr Heath said.
"But if those programs did eventuate in Australia then this is the sort of platform needed to demonstrate outcomes to get payments or funding."
Mr Heath said it was critical platforms such as DAS use good quality data.
"There is caveat over how good the data being collected is. If the platform is using erroneous information, or not truly reflecting the state on the ground, that could lead to negative sustainability outcomes."
Mr Robertson said the platform was targeted at investors and buyers, not farm managers. However, it creates an opportunity to build trust between farmers and financial institutions by creating objective performance-measuring data.
"This platform is not designed for agronomic management, there are other tools for that," Mr Robertson said.
"However, DAS and CSIRO are hoping to identify a business model to provide farmers access to the platform."
Mr Heath said it is critical that technology like the Rural Intelligence Platform is accessible to all users to ensure the insights are not harnessed to favour lenders, buyers or even sellers over other parties.
Farm owners could look at this nervously, if it is used by funders and affects their willingness to lend and/or impose sustainability metrics on farms.
"It can and should be equal access and democratic so everyone gets access to it. Farmers need to make sure they use this data to their advantage, as well as other players," Mr Heath said.
Melbourne-based DAS secured $4.25 million in funding from CSIRO, Ruralco and private investors.
"Digital agriculture is far more than just on-farm technology, it's also about improving off-farm decision making and this platform lays the foundation," said DAS chief executive Anthony Willmott.
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unified credit
(redirected from Unified Credits)
Unified Credit
In the United States, a tax credit on estates and large gifts. The unified credit is exceptionally large so that most people will not need to pay federal taxes on their estates and large gifts. For example, the unified credit on an estate is usually around $1 million, meaning that the estate has to be worth more than that in order to be subject to the estate tax.
unified credit
A credit used against federal taxes due on estates and large gifts. Under current law, the unified credit is sufficient to offset taxes on values of approximately $1 million in estates and large gifts. Thus, the combination of estate value and large gifts must exceed $1 million during a person's lifetime before any taxes must be paid to the federal government.
References in periodicals archive?
Therefore, the distinction is that the subtraction at item 2 for gift tax is a "tentative tax" (before any offset for unified credit), whereas item 2 of estate tax is the actual amount payable (after all unified credits have been used).
They may have an estate well above the unified credits allowed by the IRS.
While naming a trust as beneficiary provides for efficient use of a couple's unified credits, it generally results in three income tax disadvantages.
The above charts demonstrate that either Jim's 401(k) or Sally's 403(b) must be used to shelter both unified credits.
The marital and prorated unified credits discussed above may also be used to minimize or eliminate the U.
The above charts demonstrate that either Jim's 401k or Sally's 403b must be used to shelter both unified credits.
The taxpayers also tendered as evidence a fax informing their accountant that they had funded SFLP II and requesting advice as to the percentage of partnership interests they should transfer to the children to maximize use of the gift tax annual exclusion and applicable unified credits.
21] Third, the premiums would exhaust their unused unified credits and result in high taxable gifts in later years, thereby further increasing their out-of-pocket costs in the future.
17) The donees must reflect the deemed gift of the lapsed withdrawal right on a gift tax return, reducing their unified credits.
Taxpayers often sought to capitalize on their use of unified credits, through varied means.
Today, in assisting these same clients with estate planning, practitioners are confronted with some rather intriguing dilemmas when trying to achieve various tax objectives: [] Fully utilizing unified credits.
The fact that qualified disclaimers are now possible for joint tenancies with right of survivorship and some tenancies by the entirety is good news for clients who may otherwise find themselves taking unused unified credits to their graves.
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text:
Low Cost Card Deck of Safe Coping Skills (English) - 112 cards; can play as game
The Seeking Safety card deck can be used as a game or to help remember the skills. It has 112 cards: 84 safe coping skills, 24 quotations, and 3 exercises. An ideas card offers various ways to play the game for groups and/or individuals. You can also make up your own games. The cards are professionally designed, with each type of card color coded (peach = relationship skills, blue = action skills, purple = quotations, etc.). The cards offer a fun way to learn and practice the ideas from Seeking Safety, and can be used with both adults and adolescents. This card deck is lower cost because it is missing the instruction card, but you can download that here. Also the colors are very slightly off, but the card deck is still totally fine! The low-cost card deck is available in English only but if you would like the Spanish deck or the regular English deck you can get those.


text:
American City Politics
Routledge – 2006 – 118 pages
This book begins with an introductory outline of the structure of the city politics of the United States. There is a study of the city in the federal system, including the politics of feudal aid. This is followed by four case studies: the political roles of mayor, manager, boss and adminstrator-entrepreneur in the city.
Madgwick concludes with some comparative reflections indicating the significance of this study for British local government.
This book was first published in 1970.
1. The city in the USA
2. The structure of city politics
3. The city in the federal system
4. Four political roles
Emeritus Professor of Politics at Oxford Brookes.


text:
Definition of Shock, primary
Shock, primary: Sudden loss of blood pressure resulting in shock due to pain, fear, and other reactions experienced immediately after a severe injury.Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
Drug Medical Dictionary of Terms by Letter
Medical Dictionary Term:
Find out what women really need.


text:
Neurons growing in a cell culture
These time lapse animations use phase contrast microscopy to show neural stem cells in a nutrient medium for 4 hours. They reveal the dynamic growth and recycling of dendrites and synapses as neurons establish relationships with each other. The social behavior of these cells creates the incredible properties of the mind and brain.
Credit: University of Victoria Medical Sciences


Retrieve metadata for files specified via path or via file id.
If the files are specified via path, the returned dribble will include a path column. To add path information to any dribble that lacks it, use drive_reveal(), e.g., drive_reveal(d, "path"). If you want to list the contents of a folder, use drive_ls(). For general searching, use drive_find().
If you want to get a file via path and it's not necessarily on your My Drive, you may need to specify the shared_drive or corpus arguments to search other collections of items. Read more about shared drives.
 path = NULL,
 id = NULL,
 shared_drive = NULL,
 corpus = NULL,
 verbose = deprecated(),
 team_drive = deprecated()
Character vector of path(s) to get. Use a trailing slash to indicate explicitly that a path is a folder, which can disambiguate if there is a file of the same name (yes this is possible on Drive!). If path appears to contain Drive URLs or is explicitly marked with as_id(), it is treated as if it was provided via the id argument.
Character vector of Drive file ids or URLs (it is first processed with as_id()). If both path and id are non-NULL, id is silently ignored.
Anything that identifies one specific shared drive: its name, its id or URL marked with as_id(), or a dribble. The value provided to shared_drive is pre-processed with as_shared_drive(). Read more about shared drives.
Character, specifying which collections of items to search. Relevant to those who work with shared drives and/or Google Workspace domains. If specified, must be one of "user", "drive" (requires that shared_drive also be specified), "allDrives", or "domain". Read more about shared drives.
[Deprecated] This logical argument to individual googledrive functions is deprecated. To globally suppress googledrive messaging, use options(googledrive_quiet = TRUE) (the default behaviour is to emit informational messages). To suppress messaging in a more limited way, use the helpers local_drive_quiet() or with_drive_quiet().
[Deprecated] Google Drive and the Drive API have replaced Team Drives with shared drives.
Special considerations for paths
See also
Wraps the files.get endpoint and, if you specify files by name or path, also calls files.list:
# get info about your "My Drive" root folder
#> # A dribble: 1 x 4
#> name path id drive_resource
#>
#> 1 My Drive ~/ 0AO_RMaBzcP63Uk9PVA
# the API reserves the file id "root" for your root folder
drive_get(id = "root")
#> # A dribble: 1 x 3
#> name id drive_resource
#> *
#> 1 My Drive 0AO_RMaBzcP63Uk9PVA
#> # A dribble: 1 x 4
#> name path id drive_resource
if (FALSE) {
# The examples below are indicative of correct syntax.
# But note these will generally result in an error or a
# 0-row dribble, unless you replace the inputs with paths
# or file ids that exist in your Drive.
# multiple names
drive_get(c("abc", "def"))
# multiple names, one of which must be a folder
drive_get(c("abc", "def/"))
# query by file id(s)
drive_get(id = "abcdefgeh123456789")
drive_get(id = c("abcdefgh123456789", "jklmnopq123456789"))
# apply to a browser URL for, e.g., a Google Sheet
my_url <- ""
drive_get(id = my_url)
# access the shared drive named "foo"
# shared_drive params must be specified if getting by path
foo <- shared_drive_get("foo")
drive_get(c("this.jpg", "that-file"), shared_drive = foo)
# shared_drive params are not necessary if getting by id
# search all shared drives and other files user has accessed
drive_get(c("this.jpg", "that-file"), corpus = "allDrives")


text:
For the past 7 years,
This instructable will cover the technique of making masks using this method: from plastilin to plaster, as well as explain some of the artistic thinking behind the process.
As well as providing a general approach for anyone wanting to do their own project using this method, we provide 2 examples (our own work of Halloween 2009) of masks made using this process, detailing the differences in approach that were taken.
The masks we created this year:
DainiusGB: The Joker Thug mask
Aurimasmb: The Ogre mask
So - get out your trusty vaseline, and get ready to create your own high-quality Halloween mask!
Step 1: Preparation
Using a base mass for support, we created a mold from plastilin (a high-end modeling dough) for the shape of the mask. Next, we applied wet plaster of paris gauze/bandage in strips over the mold. Once dry, we removed this plaster shape, trimmed it, pierced eye, nose, and strap attachment holes, smoothed the surface and painted it. For some final touches, hair or other details are applied to the mask, as well as any padding for comfort.
Here are some materials that you'll be needing:
Base mass - This could be anything from a head-shaped rock to a bowl - its purpose is to provide the basic shape on which to apply plastiline and mold the face of your mask. Instead of using wollops of plastiline to fill in empty skull space, use this to do the work for you. Fortunately for us this year, we had access to life-sized, perfectly proportionately correct models of the human heads, complete with nice stands to work on (a plaster head used for academic drawing). Previously I have used whatever I could find lying around the house - bowls, vases, even lobster buoys from the beach. The point is - it has to be about the size of your head.
A plastic bag/wrap/sheet - This is very useful when dealing with getting your plastiline off your base mass and keeping your art teacher's plaster head clean.
Tape - Use this to tape the plastic to your base mass.
2 or more kg of Plastiline - This is one of the most precious artistic materials in existence. It does not need to cure, is infinitely reusable, and actually becomes more malleable when being used because of heat generated by your hands.
Plaster of Paris bandages/gauze or (not recommended) newspapers and papier mache liquid (flour, water.) Plaster bandages can be found at the trusty art store.
Paints or markers for painting and detailing your mask. Its up to you how you want to paint or color your mask - we used acrylic paints.
A bowl of water To dip the plaster bandages into when plastering.
Some tools to work the Plastiline (my personal favorite is a butter knife, knicked from the kitchen)
Hair dryer - Used to help the wet plaster dry.
Handtowel or cloth of some kind - Used to soak up excess moisture during plaster process.
Clear laquer - for making a shiny smooth effect on the mask. The unsmoothed plaster surface can be very rough and bumpy, making it difficult to paint well. Also, if you want a metallic effect, If you spray paint the smoothed mask silver or gold it can look almost like metal.
Hot glue gun - To attach softeners on the inside of the mask or for attaching the bicycle helmet strap.


Are Horses And Ponies Separate Species
Paul Gonzalez
- Thursday, 29 October, 2020
- 74 min read
Both horses and ponies are of the same species (Equus Catullus) and come from the exact same family tree. However, ponies stay small their whole life, maturing more quickly than horses.
horse horsemanship
(Source: _URL_)
Some differences between horses and ponies may not be as easy to spot as the size. They can be quite wily, which is why it's sometimes easier to find a quiet horse for a child than a reliable pony.
They can pull or carry heavy loads with more strength than a horse, relative to their size. Their coats tend to grow thicker in the winter, which often doesn't shed out until the hottest days of summer.
They begin to grow back their thick coats as soon as the days start to shorten. They are heavier boned and shorter legged in proportion to their bodies compared to horses.
ponies horses usborne beginners wild
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In fact, it's very easy to overfeed a pony, which makes them more prone to founder and laminates than horses. While some horses can be 'hard keepers' most ponies are the extreme opposite, apparently putting on weight just looking at the grass on the other side of the fence.
In general, you can ride them, drive them, and most importantly, pamper them like spoiled pets. Horses and ponies alike have shaped human society, letting people make agricultural and industrial advancements and helping civilizations wage wars and.
As any barn rat will tell you, the main difference between a horse and a pony is height. An equine that measures 14 hands, 2 inches at the withers (the ridge between their shoulder blades) is considered a horse, whereas those that fall below this threshold are known as ponies.
But despite the strict height distinction, how people refer to certain horses and ponies is a bit fluid. Minis were essentially designed to resemble their much-larger counterparts, just drastically smaller, as if they'd been shrunk in the evolutionary dryer.
The Icelandic Horse averages a height of 13 to 14 hands and has a heftier build. As The Horse Rider's Journal reports, the Manipur Pony of India was considered the original polo breed.
mating horses spain field brown sunny horse andalucian shutterstock pic
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A person may call their horse a pony in the same way the owner of a full-grown dog may refer to their pooch as a puppy, but it's a term of affection rather than an acknowledgment of age. A popular belief among many non-horse people and beginner equestrians is that ponies are baby horses, which is not true today.
A pony measures 14 hands and 2 inches at the withers (the bump that is between the neck and back)or shorter, whereas taller than that height is considered a horse. Here is a video that also explains a bit about the difference between horses and ponies.
I mentioned above that horses and ponies are measured in hands which is equivalent to 4 inches, from the withers down to the ground. As well as whether they are conditioned and trained to carry themselves in a way that puts more weight onto their hind end lifts the front end, causing the withers to become taller and the horse/pony more uphill over time.
When you go to measure the horse/ ponies height make sure the horse is standing square and on level ground. Affiliate Disclosure: These links to horse.com are affiliate links, so if you click through and end up making a purchase I will earn some coffee money.
Another thing to note is that a horse/pony full-grown height occurs when fully mature. Horses and ponies mature at different rates so it depends on the equine.
birth separated animals wild safe horse give
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Though ponies and horses are generally determined by height, there are exceptions to this rule. There are breeds that are considered horses or ponies that don't always follow the height rule.
But some people still debate whether to determine a horse or pony by height or breed. There are those that would argue and say that Arabian should be considered a pony based on the height.
There are several theories as to why the breed registry calls them horses, such as how much weight they can carry, their bone structure and personality. Other horse breeds that can be at pony height include Fjords, Morgans, Mustangs, Paints, Appaloosas.
Ponies that are well-trained are often great mounts for new and experienced child. They are closer to the ground in the event of a fall, whereas if a child fell off a horse which is much taller injuries could be worse.
Small adults also benefit from riding ponies, which may be more proportionate for there size. It is easier to get on, again less of a fall and the shorter rider is more able to effectively communicate the riding aids than on a horse that may be too big for them.
horses ponies
(Source: bellasvitas.blogspot.com)
Horses tend to be the choice of some upper-level competitions like show jumping, dressage, and evening. But there have been some pony-sized competitors, like Teddy with Karen O' Conner who competed evening internationally and was only just over 14.1 hands.
Before going over the common differences between horse and pony proportions, remember there are exceptions. A ponies head is often shorter in proportion to their body compared to a horse sized head which is usually longer in proportion to their body.
Ponies tend to have thicker bones than horses. Horses are commonly seen as more docile, quiet, willing and easier to work with.
Ponies are commonly seen as more clever, stubborn, cheeky and sometimes need more experienced riders. Ponies tend to have more playful and affectionate personalities compared to horses.
However, the horse and ponies behaviors and temperament can be affected from breeding, age, training, work load, handling, type, feed, care, daily routines and other factors. This also includes how heavy and thick boned the horse or pony is.
ponies horse pony horses types colours markings shetland basics facts pets4homes teach basic children fun information
(Source: imgarcade.com)
" Ponies reach a mature age and experience a shorter and less rapid growth curve than larger horse breeds." Kentucky Equine Research Usually horses / ponies will mature first and then their bone density, tendons, ligaments, and muscles after.
How fast a horse or pony grows typically depends on: Through AGE RANGE OF HORSE/PONY MATURITY Small Pony/ Miniature3-4 overlarge/Drafty Pony4-6 gearshift Horse5-6 yearsWarmblood6-8 aircraft Horse6-9 years Just like small dogs tend to live longer lives than bigger dogs, it is similar with horses and ponies.
However, there are horses that live long lives and have longer riding careers due to quality care and good genetics, it's just not typical. However, many of the pony breeds commonly have strong, hardy feet.
Whereas there are horse breeds that tend to have good feet there are also quite a few horse breeds that tend to have issues with hoof quality, cracking, crumbling, particular prone, sore-footed, thin soles, seedy toe or white line disease, etc. It is common for horses to have thinner manes and tails than ponies.
Horses tend to be able to carry and pull more weight than ponies because they are bigger and heavier. Compared to horses ponies usually have a much slower metabolism known as an easy keeper.
horses penguin herd lost horse touching nose adopt separated moment frosty beak crofts fed spotted sarah scene three she
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Ever heard the saying "a horse that gets fat on air?" Ponies should get enough hay or grass and most will only need a vitamin supplement with no grain or a very small amount of grain. One problem with ponies being such easy keepers is that they are prone to foundering from eating feed that is too rich or too much food including rich grass.
Horses tend to need more hay and grain-based on their work levels, age, and unique metabolism. Equine Cushing's disease's medical term is pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (Paid).
This gland creates hormones in response to signals from the brain. Other symptoms include drinking and peeing a lot, losing weight, sleepiness, increased sweating.
It is believed ponies may have this because of natural selection in the wild. "The longer period of domestication of the horse may have precluded natural selection against poor healing because the wounded horse was/is tended to by man.
Yes in some cases a horse can be considered a pony when they fall under 14.3 hands. Horse and ponies by breed have different characteristics, and personalities.
horse horses truck shows pickup head animals dragging colorado animal disturbing zebras fox flash un charged pair facts imagen imagenes
(Source: animalia-life.com)
Aside from breeds, horses, and ponies, the main differentiation is by height. Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A) the smallest Welsh type Welsh Pony of riding type (Section B) the more refined slightly taller than Section A. Welsh Pony of Cob Type (Section C)- Small and stocky type Welsh Cob (Section D), the tallest type sometimes ridden by adults.
In order to reduce the risk of producing a foal that the mare could have problems giving birth to its better to use a male pony and female horse. This is more likely to result in a foal that isn't


Category:Giorgi Saakadze
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Giorgi Saakadze (c. 1570–1629) was a Georgian politician and military commander who played an important but contradictory role in the politics of the early 17th-century Georgia. He was also known as Grand Mouravi (დიდი მოურავი, didi mouravi) in Georgia, Mūrāv-Beg in Iran and Maghraw-Bek in the Ottoman Empire for having served as a mouravi (appointed royal official which can be rendered by seneschal or bailiff) of Tbilisi.


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Top 10 surnames factsSurnames quiz
In which country are the following surnames very common: "unbeatable", "rock", "iron", "falcon", "steel" and "thunderbolt"?
Turkey. These warrior-like surnames are at positions 2-7. The most common surname in Turkey is Öztürk, meaning "pure Turk".
Where was Leonardo da Vinci born?
In Vinci. Leonardo da Vinci was born on 15 April 1452, in a farmhouse about 3 kilometers from the town of Vinci, near Florence. His full name was "Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci", which means "Leonardo, son of Piero, of Vinci".
In which European country does the most common surname come from the word for "priest"?
In Romania. Such an occupational surname could have been passed to following generations only in areas dominated by the Orthodox church, where priests are allowed to marry and have children. Popescu is the most common surname in Romania.
Which surname is very common among Thais?
None. There are no common Thai surnames. Surnames were largely introduced to Thai culture only by the 1913 Surname Act. Under Thai law, only one family can use any given surname: any two people of the same surname must be related, and it is very rare for two people to share the same full name.
In which country, all of the ten most common surnames are occupational (like Smith)?
Germany. Top 10 surnames in Germany are: Müller (miller), Schmidt (blacksmith), Schneider (tailor), Fischer (fisher), Meyer (farmer), Weber (weaver), Schulz (constable), Wagner (wainwright), Becker (baker) and Hoffmann (man of the court).
What is the most common surname in Vietnam?
Nguyen. Approximately forty percent of Vietnamese people have this surname. Many events in Vietnamese history contributed to the name's prominence. The Nguyễn Dynasty awarded many people the surname Nguyễn during their rule, and many criminals also changed their surname to Nguyễn to avoid prosecution.
What does the common Arabic name (or surname) 'Abdullah' literally mean?
"servant of God". Abdullah or Abdallah is built from the Arabic words Abd (servant) and Allah. Since both Torah and Christian Bible use word 'Allah' for God in their Arabic translations, the name Abdullah is also common among Jews and Christians living in the Arab countries.
What is Barack Obama's Middle name?
Hussein. Barack Hussein Obama II is named after his father, Barack Hussein Obama, Sr. Hussein is a commonly given Arabic name which is the diminutive of Hassan, meaning "good", "handsome" or "beautiful". Hussein is also a surname of the royal family in Jordan.
What was the birth name of Bob Dylan?
Robert Allen Zimmerman. Bob Dylan was born as Robert Allen Zimmerman in 1941 in a Jewish family in Duluth, Minnesota. He adopted the stage name "Bob Dylan" influenced by poems by Dylan Thomas. In August 1962 he legally changed his name to Robert Dylan.


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GEL is a dynamically scoped language. We will explain what this means below. That is, normal variables and functions are dynamically scoped. The exception are parameter variables, which are always global.
Like most programming languages, GEL has different types
of variables. Normally when a variable is defined in a function,
it is visible from that function and from all functions that are
called (all higher contexts). For example, suppose a function
f defines a variable
and then calls function g. Then
function g can reference
a. But once f returns,
a goes out of scope.
For example, the following code will print out 5.
The function g cannot be called on the
top level (outside f as
will not be defined).
function f() = (a:=5; g()); function g() = print(a); f();
If you define a variable inside a function it will override any variables defined in calling functions. For example, we modify the above code and write:
function f() = (a:=5; g()); function g() = print(a); a:=10; f();
ato 5 inside f does not change the value of
aat the top (global) level, so if you now check the value of
ait will still be 10.
Function arguments are exactly like variables defined inside the function, except that they are initialized with the value that was passed to the function. Other than this point, they are treated just like all other variables defined inside the function.
Functions are treated exactly like variables. Hence you can locally redefine functions. Normally (on the top level) you cannot redefine protected variables and functions. But locally you can do this. Consider the following session:
genius> function f(x) = sin(x)^2 = ('(x)=(sin(x)^2)) genius> function f(x) = sin(x)^2 = ('(x)=(sin(x)^2)) genius> function g(x) = ((function sin(x)=x^10);f(x)) = ('(x)=((sin:=('(x)=(x^10)));f(x))) genius> g(10) = 1e20
Functions and variables defined at the top level are
considered global. They are visible from anywhere. As we
said the following function f
will not change the value of
a to 5.
a=6; function f() = (a:=5); f();
ato the value 3 you could call:
The set function always sets the toplevel global. There is no way to set a local variable in some function from a subroutine. If this is required, must use passing by reference.
So to recap in a more technical language: Genius operates with different numbered contexts. The top level is the context 0 (zero). Whenever a function is entered, the context is raised, and when the function returns the context is lowered. A function or a variable is always visible from all higher numbered contexts. When a variable was defined in a lower numbered context, then setting this variable has the effect of creating a new local variable in the current context number and this variable will now be visible from all higher numbered contexts.
There are also true local variables, which are not seen from anywhere but the current context. Also when returning functions by value it may reference variables not visible from higher context and this may be a problem. See the sections True Local Variables and Returning Functions.


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柔軟な弾性表面を持つ円柱表面に発生する進行波 : 進行波の発生メカニズムと円柱表面の剥離流れの関係 Traveling Wave Occurring on the Surface of Elasto-Flexible Cylinder : Relationship between Wave Traveling Mechanism and Separated Flow on the Circular Cylinder
It is important to understand an interaction between deformable surface and flow field surrounding it. In order to clarify this interaction, we had made some detailed experiments using several kinds of cylinder models having elasto-flexible surface in uniform water flow, and had found that on the surface were excited three different kinds of traveling waves, i. e. a continuously occurring wave, a periodically occurring wave and a randomly occurring wave. The present experiments were made to elucidate the mechanism of the wave generation and its propagation. The results showed that a relative frequency of the wave generation to that of the Karman vortex pair emission was linearly proportional to the power of 2/3 of the Reynolds number. This dependency is similar to the dependency of the wave propagation speed of Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in free shear layer on the Reynolds number. The traveling velocities of the waves were found to be about 65% of the main flow velocities regardless of the model diameter. Small vortices observed in the vicinity of the wave were found to move with same velocities as the wave propagating velocities. The velocity distribution in the shear layer of the separated flow around the cylinder was measured. The velocity at the inflexion point of the distribution was found to be same as the wave propagation velocity and the moving velocity of the small vortices. We concluded from the above results that the traveling waves were generated by the flow instability of the shear layer in the separated flow around the cylinder.
- 日本機械学會論文集. B編 = Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. B
日本機械学會論文集. B編 = Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. B 69(687), 2431-2437, 2003-11-25


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The Impact of the Chinese Exchange Policy on Foreign Trade
with the European Union
The aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of the Chinese foreign exchange policy on foreign trade with the European Union. After describing the importance of the exchange rate in an open economy and some of the methodologies employed to calculate its equilibrium value, we examine whether the Chinese competitiveness is due to the existence of misalignment (undervaluation) of its exchange rate, or rather, to other sources of competitiveness. For this purpose, we use a Vector Error Correction (VEC) model to estimate a long-run exports equation. The empirical results indicate that over the past few years, Chinese exports have benefited from an 'unfair' competitive advantage resulting from the manipulation of its currency value.


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OP07 Sensory impairments and mortality in older british community-dwelling men: a 10-year follow-up study
 1. AEM Liljas1,
 2. SG Wannamethee1,
 3. PH Whincup2,
 4. O Papacosta1,
 5. K Walters1,
 6. S Iliffe1,
 7. LT Lennon1,
 8. LA Carvalho3,
 9. SE Ramsay1
 2. 2Population Health Research Centre, St George's, University of London, London, UK
Background Sensory impairment is common in old age and associated with morbidity. However few studies have investigated the impact of sensory impairment on long-term cause-specific mortality risks in older adults. We explored the association between impairments in hearing and vision and the risk of mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-causes over 10 years.
Methods A socioeconomically representative cohort of 3981 men from 24 British towns was followed up from 2003 to 2013. Hearing impairment was defined by self-reported data on hearing aid use and ability to follow television at a volume acceptable to others and categorised into: could hear (no hearing impairment), could hear with aid, could not hear and no aid, and could not hear despite aid. Vision impairment was defined as not being able to recognise a friend across a road. Dual sensory impairment was defined as reporting poor vision and any of the three groups of hearing impairment. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for mortality.
Results During follow-up, 1463 deaths including 308 CHD deaths and 408 CVD deaths occurred. Men who reported not being able to hear and not using a hearing aid had increased risks of all-cause mortality (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01, 1.40) and CVD mortality (age-adjusted HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.02, 1.85). Vision impairment (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.31, 2.13) and dual sensory impairment (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.35, 2.65) were also associated with all-cause mortality, but not with CVD mortality. Only the association of vision impairment with all-cause mortality remained significant after adjustment for social class, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, diabetes and prevalent CVD. Sensory impairments were not associated with CHD mortality.
Conclusion Older men with hearing impairment, vision impairment and dual sensory impairment have an increased risk of all-cause mortality over 10 years. Hearing impaired older men also have an increased risk of CVD mortality. Our findings suggest that the associations between hearing impairment and mortality are explained by social class and behavioural factors, while vision impairment appears to be independently associated with all-cause mortality. Further research is warranted on the possible mechanisms of mortality in visually impaired older adults.
 - ageing
 - mortality
 - sensory impairments
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text:
- Historic Sites
George C. Marshall Museum
The museum dedicated to the life of General George C. Marshall also houses many of his papers in the research library.
This museum profiles one of the 20th century's greatest military and diplomatic leaders through exhibits related to the Marshall Era (_PHONE_). Marshall led the Allied military through World War II and organized the European Recovery Program (Marshall Plan), which rebuilt Europe when the war was over. The general's papers are housed in the research library.


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EXPENSE REPORTING POLICY
Expense Reporting Requires Compliance
With ExpenseVisor, each business expense report can incorporate it's own set of expense reporting policy compliance statements. You can also incorporate company guidelines and your complete travel and entertainment expense reporting handbook online and have it available online for each employee.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) is part of current business for U.S. public corporations. Compliance is essential to maintaining shareholder confidence and avoiding penalties. In the U.S. SOX is the most important corporate governance and disclosure legislation in over 70 years.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act mandates company management must demonstrate that adequate internal controls exist to ensure compliance in the accuracy of all financial reporting.
How Does ExpenseVisor Help With Expense Policy Compliance?
ExpenseVisor helps regulatory expense reporting policy requirements and reduces your risk of fraud by detecting many erroneous expense entries.
ExpenseVisor does not allow exact duplicate expense reports and exact duplicate expense items are rejected even if entered on different reports.
When ExpenseVisor'sniffs out' similar expense items, users are alerted. If they believe the item is legitimate and submit it for payment, the system will alert your accounting department of the duplication for their review.
Optimized Expense Reporting
The ExpenseVisor experience provides the following as well as options and customizations:
- Mobile and Desktop
- Simplified and intuitive user interface
- Unlimited accounts, projects, vendors, etc
- Receipt imaging via mobile app
- Credit card pre-population
- Currency conversion
- Automated approval paths
- Management reports and graphs
- Business rules for policy enforcement
- Automatic notifications via external emails
- Built-in audit trails
- Seamless integration
How Does ExpenseVisor Limit Risk, Improve Accountability?
ExpenseVisor provides you with the following expense reporting policy benefits and controls:
- Expense allocations based on defaults or option.
- Expense types selected from pre-defined list.
- Automated audit trail of every expense report.
- Expense controlled by spending limits and rules.
- Automatically prompts and requires expense detail.
- Pre-allocation of corporate credit card expenses.
- Requires/allows comments for each expense item.
- Automatically checks for duplicated expenses.
- Receipt rules can be set per expense type.
- Allows for authorized proxy submitters and approvers.
- All corporate policies are highlighted at entry.
- Automated email to approvers and originators.
- Aging parameters alert approvers to timely approvals.
- Optional pre-authorized trip or expense approval.
- Expense reports flagged if rules violated.
- Flexible approval path allows for correct approval routing.
- Expense policies are configurable and easily customized.
- Seamless integration into 3rd party software.
- Expense charged correctly to G/L and business unit.
- Restricts users from selecting incorrect expense types.
- Provides complete history of every expense.
- Flags spending violations.
- Reduces duplicated or mis-allocated expense.
- Capture expense simply and correctly.
- Documents any exceptions to travel policy.
- Prevents reimbursements for duplicated expenses.
- Requires users to certify and include receipts.
- Audit trail records all proxy transactions.
- Ensures users are aware of potential policy violations.
- Reduces processing time and workflow.
- Eliminates slow approval and processing.
- Assures expenses are pre-approved before they occur.
- Approvers act on rules violations.
- Approval paths meet your corporate criteria.
- System customizes to your spending policies.
- Eliminates duplicated work and reduces error.


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Lesson in history at fashion show
Published: Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 9:36 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 9:36 a.m.
Unable to swim and hamstrung by corsets, three times as many women than men drowned as the Titanic sank into the ocean.
As a result, a sea of change in women's fashion occurred, according to the narrators of the First Centennial Titanic Fashion Luncheon on Feb. 24 at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez.
Wearing a tea dress as worn by the character Rose in the movie "Titanic," seamstress Tracie L. Arnold, along with Lisa Hiller of Brandon-based Past & Present Creations, told a rapt audience how the Titanic disaster was a pivotal point in women's fashion.
"Dresses prior to this time were created by men," Arnold said.
After the sinking of the Titanic, women started to take control of what they wore, explaining "I'll look pretty but on my own terms," Hiller said.
Pointing to a pin-striped day outfit, Arnold called it "Hobble Style," explaining that the skirt prevented women from walking in strides.
"You would walk but at a hobble," she said.
Two cosmetic industry giants were among those who died on the Titanic. Up until that time, arsenic and lead were makeup ingredients. That practice ended after the ship sank, Arnold said.
As the women spoke, first about production aspects of creating all of the dresses the character Rose wore in the movie, then why women wore the clothing, it became evident fashion was a reflection of how society viewed women and their role. More than a fashion show, it became a discussion about the economics of making a young woman marketable for marriage.
Women ate tapeworms to lose weight and laced themselves tightly to form an 18-inch waist; anything wider was considered matronly. Corsets shifted organs to form a "wasp waist."
"I never thought women's rights were tied into fashion. I thought it was very interesting," Els Vinhage of Bradenton said.
Adding dimension to the show, Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez was built as a schoolhouse in 1912, the same year as the sinking of the Titanic. At each seat, luncheon patrons were assigned a female survivor of the Titanic, often with a photograph telling her age during the journey, ticket number and price paid, lifeboat number and other salient information.
Most of the female survivors were well-to-do. Edith Graham, the wife of W.T. Graham, founder of Dixie Cup Co., was assisted to lifeboat No. 3 by Washington Roebling and Howard B. Case. Both men stayed aboard and went down with the ship.
Not limited to the Edwardian or Titanic period of fashion, Past & Present Creations also exhibits Victorian and Civil War clothing styles. The women presented a performance for the Catholic Women's Association of Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles Catholic Church in Bradenton.
"They know their history," association President Diane Clark said.
At the Civil War show at the church, Clark learned that hoop skirts were outlawed after too many women were caught up in flames when sparks from fires hit their dresses.
"They talked about that day and age, and it was very well-received," Clark said.
The audience in Cortez was equally enthusiastic with a question-and-answer period following the show.
"I learned how lucky we are now," Robin McDonald of Cortez said.
Church donates $40,000 to elementary school
Members and guests contributed more than $40,000 in offerings during Christmas Eve services at Harvest United Methodist Church.
Church representatives will present a check for $40,660 at 3:15 p.m. today to Samoset Elementary staff and children at the school.
The money will be used to buy items to meet basic needs of the children and to allow every child to buy a book each semester to enrich his or her reading experiences.
"Our business partners at Harvest United Methodist have made real the proverb that 'It takes a community, or village, to raise a child,'" Assistant Principal Mike Kelley said in a statement. "They have become a part of our community by donating not only their resources, but also their time."
Since Christmas Eve, more than 40 Harvest members signed up to become volunteer mentors.
Samoset students look forward to weekly visits with church volunteers, including Pastor Steve Price, who reads to kindergarten students. Ninety-eight percent of the children at the school qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.
Harvest began its ministry at Samoset in 2011. The Lakewood Ranch church started the Pack-A-Sack program. Sacks of food are sent home each week with 100 chronically hungry students. The program also provides meals to Samoset families during extended school holidays. A food pantry is available to parents experiencing temporary hardships.
For more information, call Kim Dalglish, Harvest's Samoset coordinator, at _PHONE_. People interested in donating to the school can call Kelley or Principal Pat Stream at _PHONE_.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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My hashcode function for string is as follows
I am following cs61 b lectures online and I dont quite follow when Prof.Jonathan on what would happen if instead of _PHONE_ we would use a value that is no relatively prime with 127. I understand the simple case where he uses 127 instead of _PHONE_ but what if it was a simple multiple of 127? How would it "bias" the hashvalue? How does the bias depend on the common factor "x"? Can anyone suggest me the reason?


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Feed ingredients and forages can be nutritionally volatile, creating significant starch variation in a dairy ration. As producers and their advisors meet in the conference room (or kitchen), the conversation should lead to a better understanding of this volatility, and how managing it can greatly improve the efficiency of a ration.
By Kevin Leahy
The stability of a herd's ration directly affects milk production stability and efficiency. Here are some questions dairy producers should consider when evaluating ration consistency, and discuss with their herd nutritionist to consider options to improve the consistency.
1) What are some of the causes of nutritional volatility in a ration?
Nutritional volatility in a ration can be caused by a number of things. Some of the main causes can be a change in the type of feed ingredients being used, the harvest/storage/fermentation of forages included, and even the genetics of the forage crop. Often, these variations can be extreme even within the same bunker or truckload of feed, further adding to the volatility. Forage and feedstuff starch digestibility can vary greatly in both the speed of which it is digested, and where – specifically – in the digestive tract it is broken down. The key is knowing how to manage these differences to reduce negative "volatile" effects.
Consider factors that could change content within a ration. Ask your nutritionist if more frequent tests of ration content would be beneficial.
2) Are there signs that might indicate there is a challenge in a particular ration?
Yes, there can be many signs of trouble. The real challenge is realizing that it is in the ration, and doing so soon enough to avoid a train-wreck. One of the more common, short-term signs may include abnormal fluctuations in herd production – especially in butterfat composition of the milk. Longer-term effects might cause reduced reproductive performance. Unfortunately, the latter often occurs long after the problem began.
Carefully review milk component and production fluctuations and work with your nutritionist to evaluate how these may align with forage input changes in the ration.
3) What options are there for measuring starch content of a ration?
Measuring starch content in a ration has been an important step for nutritionists to evaluate inputs to a ration. Measuring crude – or total tract starch digestibility – can be done very effectively by sending feed samples in to a laboratory. These tests indicate the total amount of starch digested in the rumen and the lower gastrointestinal tract. More recently, we have gained technology allowing a nutritionist to test and balance starch content digested specifically in the rumen.
Ask your nutritionist for the latest insight and advice on various starch measurements.
4) How should test results and insights be used?
Knowing the starch content and expected speed of digestibility in the rumen is important, because of the potential effect on rumen parameters. For example, pH and the digestibility of other nutrients – and the resulting effect on milk production and component yield – can help guide ration balancing decisions that will allow for more optimal nutrient management. This may even help identify ways ration ingredient costs can be reduced or substituted with less expensive inputs, without sacrificing the nutrition needs for production goals.
Spend time with your nutritionist carefully evaluating your herd performance goals, and how ration changes might help achieve them – while still improving economic efficiency.
5) What can a producer expect as a result of more precisely managed starch?
When rations can be calculated to maintain optimum starch digestibility, improved feed efficiency and stable milk production can be more easily attained. From an efficiency perspective, rations can be developed that maximize production without wasting expensive starch sources, like corn. Or, alternative, less-costly feed ingredient options can be considered if you know what their digestible rumen starch might be, and how the ration consistency can be maintained.
Explore your options for various feed ingredients to help reduce ration cost. Working closely with your nutritionist to better understand rumen starch digestibility might help identify alternative, convenient and less-costly options that would allow you to maximize production goals and further minimize feed costs.
- Kevin Leahy is technical services manager for Calibrate™ technologies. Contact him via phone at 877-595-1361or e-mail: _EMAIL_.
Miss a 2010 Conversation?
Find these 'Conservations' columns at _URL_.
- January: Direct-fed microbials
- February: Lagoon management
- March: Corn silage quality
- April: BVD management
- May: Heifer management
- June: Udder health
- July: Pregnancy detection
- August: A TMR audit
- September: Transition cow nutrition and management
- October: Alfalfa seed selection
- November: Energy status at transition


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Table Of Contents
1. Meaning Of Positive Group Behaviour
2. Characteristics Of Positive Group Behaviours
3. Benefits Of Positive Group Behaviours
Meaning Of Positive Group Behaviour In Social Studies
This is a group behaviour that is acceptable by the society. It is behavioural outcome that is generally accepted and motivating to a greater number of the population. This behavioural outcome is in conformity with the rules and regulations that govern the society or country.
Positive group behaviour is productive, inspiring and affective because it comes from the correct thinking and feeling of the cream of the people in the society. Positive group behaviour is an antidote to many social ills ravaging the country today.
Constructive or positive group behaviours are those actions from groups of people who are bound together by some common interests or professions; who embark on activities to influence government policies to their own advantage and their society.
It may be in support or rejection of a particular policy or law that will be harmful or counter-productive to the society. These bodies exhibit constructive behaviours: the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Union of Teachers, Nigeria Labour Congress, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Market Women Associations, etc. These are good examples of groups who mean well for the nation.
They hardly can engage in destructive actions likely to disrupt the smooth running of the government or society. Their actions are rational.
They return to reason whenever they see that their demand is not yielding positive effects.
Characteristics Of Positive Group Behaviour
1. They exist to promote the common good of the masses and not to take over the running of the government.
2. The source of their income remains levies, donations, and dues. They can get financial support from members of the society who appreciate their activities.
3. They are well-organized. Their leadership is carefully tested, selected and approved.
4. They accept membership only from those who possess the requisite criteria.
5. They have body of knowledgeable experts who can relate with people from all walks of life – religion, military, civilian, economy, traditional institutions, etc.
Ways Through Which Constructive Group Behaviours Can Be Carried Out In Society
This is the approach used by the organized bodies to explain in details, the merits and demerits of a particular issue which they project. Through lobbying, they persuade those that matter in the society to accept their proposals for their own good and that of the society.
2. Strikes, Lock-outs And Boycotts
Organized groups like NBA, TUC, NUT, ASUU, NLC, etc, use strikes, lockouts and boycotts to press home demands. In attempts to avoid the great damage that may result from long strikes, the governments or owners of an organization may agree to the terms of agitation.
3. Publicity Campaigns
Social groups such as CAN, NUT, ASUU, NLC, etc, organize extensive campaigns through meetings, rallies, house-to-house visits, posters, hand-bills stickers, conferences, flyers, etc, to reach the people and attract their support or sympathy in order to get their intentions achieved.
4. Use Of Mass Media
Positive groups use advertisements and sponsored programmes on the radio, television and newspapers to convince the entire public about their products, intentions, etc, and urge them to accept.
Positive groups write open petitions to the appropriate quarters or persons to inform them of what is wrong and suggest constructive remedies to them.
6. Peaceful Demonstrations
Positive groups use peaceful demonstrations to press-home their demands, rights, and other intentions. They can march out in the streets, carrying placards stating their demands, and calling for support from the public.
Benefits Of Positive Group Behaviours
There are so many benefits in positive group behaviours. They among others include:
This is the pleasant feeling that is shared in friendly relationship. Positive group behaviours encourage this in companionship. This pleasant feeling include love, or affection. The family, social clubs, sports competitions, etc, have much of these pleasant feelings.
Through companionship, good social behaviours are taught and learnt. Members learn social obligations, rights, laws, duties and other forms of acceptable conducts.
They also learn how to tolerate, how to resolve conflicts through counselling and reprimands.
2. Survival And Security
Several skills are provided by positive groups for the survival of their members and others. They encourage their members and others to acquire quality skills that can fetch them better incomes.
They provide first-hand information for further training through part-time studies, evening programmes, sandwich and seminars/workshops.
Organized groups like NUT, NUJ, NBA, NLC, etc, etc., intervene anytime their members are attacked by individuals, groups or government.
There is security in the employment offered to their members. They make them to know the rules and regulations, rights, and privileges that could engage them to secure their jobs. Job security promotes positive behaviour in human relationship.
3. Affiliation And Status
Positive behaviours from groups and organizations develop dignified connections. Attachment to civil society, religious organizations, political parties give organizational connections that are rewarding to the individual with them. Important status or positions also come from positive groups.
This is because social groups recruit members based on well-defined criteria. People who qualify to become members enjoy social status which has obligations and rewards.
Organized groups help to secure good positions for their members in politics, church at national and international levels.
4. There Are Power And Control From Positive Group Behaviour
Positive group behaviours have the ability of enforcing decisions and compelling obedience from other people.
Basically, the exercise of power is always seen in the hands of those endowed with the ability of handling the human and material resources to reward and punish the people as they deem fit.
5. Positive Group Behaviours Develop Achievable Goals In Their Members
As members struggle to attain these goals, they acquire strengths that spur them into more action and achievement. Successful completion of tasks or projects, is a plus in the individual and his society.


Source code for SNP
import types
import configuration as conf
from pyGenoObjectBases import *
import rabaDB.fields as rf
# from tools import UsefulFunctions as uf
"""General guidelines for SNP classes:
-All classes must inherit from SNP_INDEL
-All classes name must end with SNP
-A SNP_INDELs must have at least chromosomeNumber, setName, species, start and ref filled in order to be inserted into sequences
-User can define an alias for the alt field (snp_indel alleles) to indicate the default field from wich to extract alleles
[docs]def getSNPSetsList() : """Return the names of all imported snp sets""" import rabaDB.filters as rfilt f = rfilt.RabaQuery(SNPMaster) names = [] for g in f.iterRun() : names.append(g.setName) return names
[docs]class SNPMaster(Raba) : 'This object keeps track of SNP sets and their types' _raba_namespace = conf.pyGeno_RABA_NAMESPACE species = rf.Primitive() SNPType = rf.Primitive() setName = rf.Primitive() _raba_uniques = [('setName',)] def _curate(self) : self.species = self.species.lower() self.setName = self.setName.lower()
[docs]class SNP_INDEL(Raba) : "All SNPs should inherit from me. The name of the class must end with SNP" _raba_namespace = conf.pyGeno_RABA_NAMESPACE _raba_abstract = True # not saved in db species = rf.Primitive() setName = rf.Primitive() chromosomeNumber = rf.Primitive() start = rf.Primitive() end = rf.Primitive() ref = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ SNP_INDEL must have a field alt. This variable allows you to set an alias for it. Chamging the alias does not impact the schema altAlias = 'alt' def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs) : pass def __getattribute__(self, k) : if k == 'alt' : cls = Raba.__getattribute__(self, '__class__') return Raba.__getattribute__(self, cls.altAlias) return Raba.__getattribute__(self, k) def __setattr__(self, k, v) : if k == 'alt' : cls = Raba.__getattribute__(self, '__class__') Raba.__setattr__(self, cls.altAlias, v) Raba.__setattr__(self, k, v) def _curate(self) : self.species = self.species.lower() _USER_ def ensureGlobalIndex(cls, fields) : cls.ensureIndex(fields) def __repr__(self) : return "%s> chr: %s, start: %s, end: %s, alt: %s, ref: %s" %(self.__class__.__name__, self.chromosomeNumber, self.start, self.end, self.alleles, self.ref)
[docs]class CasavaSNP(SNP_INDEL) : "A SNP of Casava" _raba_namespace = conf.pyGeno_RABA_NAMESPACE alleles = rf.Primitive() bcalls_used = rf.Primitive() bcalls_filt = rf.Primitive() QSNP = rf.Primitive() Qmax_gt = rf.Primitive() max_gt_poly_site = rf.Primitive() Qmax_gt_poly_site = rf.Primitive() A_used = rf.Primitive() C_used = rf.Primitive() G_used = rf.Primitive() T_used = rf.Primitive() altAlias = 'alleles'
[docs]class AgnosticSNP(SNP_INDEL) : """This is a generic SNPs/Indels format that you can easily make from the result of any SNP caller. AgnosticSNP files are tab delimited files such as: chromosomeNumber uniqueId start end ref alleles quality caller Y _PHONE_ _PHONE_ T AG 30 TopHat Y 2 _PHONE_ _PHONE_ - AG 28 TopHat Y 3 _PHONE_ _PHONE_ TT - 10 TopHat All positions must be 0 based The '-' indicates a deletion or an insertion. Collumn order has no importance. """ _raba_namespace = conf.pyGeno_RABA_NAMESPACE alleles = rf.Primitive() quality = rf.Primitive() caller = rf.Primitive() uniqueId = rf.Primitive() # polymorphism id altAlias = 'alleles' def __repr__(self) : return "AgnosticSNP> start: %s, end: %s, quality: %s, caller %s, alt: %s, ref: %s" %(self.start, self.end, self.quality, self.caller, self.alleles, self.ref)
[docs]class dbSNPSNP(SNP_INDEL) : "This class is for SNPs from dbSNP. Feel free to uncomment the fields that you need" _raba_namespace = conf.pyGeno_RABA_NAMESPACE # To add/remove a field comment/uncomentd it. Beware, adding or removing a field results in a significant overhead the first time you relaunch pyGeno. You may have to delete and reimport some snps sets. #####RSPOS = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ position reported in already saved into field start RS = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ ID (i.e. rs number) ALT = rf.Primitive() RV = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ orientation is reversed _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ Property. Documentation is at _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ each of gene symbol:gene id. The gene symbol and id are delimited by a colon (:) and each pair is delimited by a vertical bar (|) dbSNPBuildID = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ dbSNP Build for RS _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ Allele Origin: 0 - unspecified, 1 - Germline, 2 - Somatic, 3 - Both _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ Suspect Reason Codes (may be more than one value added together) 0 - unspecified, 1 - Paralog, 2 - byEST, 4 - oldAlign, 8 - Para_EST, 16 - 1kg_failed, 1024 - other _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_, 00 - unmapped, 1 - weight 1, 2 - weight 2, 3 - weight 3 or more VC = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ Class PM = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ is Precious(Clinical,Pubmed Cited) _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ Third Party Annotation(TPA) (currently rs from PHARMGKB who will give phenotype data) _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ exist to PubMed Central article _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ 3D structure - SNP3D table _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ SubmitterLinkOut - From SNP->SubSNP->Batch.link_out _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ non-synonymous frameshift A coding region variation where one allele in the set changes all downstream amino acids. FxnClass = 44 _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ non-synonymous missense A coding region variation where one allele in the set changes protein peptide. FxnClass = 42 _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ non-synonymous nonsense A coding region variation where one allele in the set changes to STOP codon (TER). FxnClass = 41 _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ reference A coding region variation where one allele in the set is identical to the reference sequence. FxnCode = 8 _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ synonymous A coding region variation where one allele in the set does not change the encoded amino acid. FxnCode = 3 _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ 3' UTR Location is in an untranslated region (UTR). FxnCode = 53 _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ 5' UTR Location is in an untranslated region (UTR). FxnCode = 55 _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ acceptor splice site FxnCode = 73 _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ donor splice-site FxnCode = 75 _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ Intron FxnCode = 6 _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ 3' gene region FxnCode = 13 _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ 5' gene region FxnCode = 15 _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ other variant with exactly the same set of mapped positions on NCBI refernce assembly. _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ Assembly conflict. This is for weight 1 and 2 variant that maps to different chromosomes on different assemblies. _TAG_ = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ Assembly specific. This is set if the variant only maps to one assembly MUT = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ mutation (journal citation, explicit fact): a low frequency variation that is cited in journal and other reputable sources VLD = rf.Primitive() _TAG_ Validated. This bit is set if the variant has 2+ minor allele count based on frequency or genotype data. G5A = rf.Primitive() #>5% minor allele frequency in each and all populations G5 = rf.Primitive() #>5% minor allele frequency in 1+ populations _TAG_ = rf


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This trail, called "Shvil Emek HaMayaanot" in Hebrew, winds through the Jordan Valley and surrounding areas. One end is in Beit She'an, the other on Mt. Gilboa near Kibbutz Merav. The route forms a rough loop which passes above the Jordan Valley and through Nahal Issachar and Nahal Tavor, then heads down to the valley and follows the river for some time.
It runs through numerous nature reserves and past plenty of springs, but the majority of it is through cultivated land which isn't particularly amenable to hiking. It's intended, instead, to connect interesting sites for short walks, and some of its sections, such as walking along the Jordan River Nature Reserve, or descending Mt. Gilboa to the hot springs of Gan HaShlosha, make for very good day hikes.
- 120 km
- 6-8 days to through-hike (though it's not intended for this)
- Most of its parts are not too far from towns, bus stops and highways
- Well-marked using the same system as the Jesus Trail – orange and white blazes, or orange dots above previously-existing trail blazes, and shown as a solid orange line on SPNI map #3


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American Voices full program information
The American Voices (AV) project, a pilot program developed by the NYC Department of Education (NYCDOE) and funded by American Express, provides dynamic instructional units of study and resources that stimulate and support student learning about the social and cultural history of 20th-Century America through the lens of theater.
The AV Program goals are to:
- Create and disseminate six rigorous units of study addressing the NY State Standards for Social Studies as well as the NYCDOE Theater Blueprint. AV units illuminate six historical decades (1920s-60s) in conjunction with great American plays to be understood as artifacts of America's cultural heritage.
- Provide NYC middle and high school students with opportunities to learn about the social and cultural context of American history as well as the historical implications of great American plays. Encourage students to think globally about historical concepts by showing them how art can reflect life and vice-versa.
- Provide teachers at same school with professional development and opportunity to team-teach so they may appreciate their subject matter in a larger context. American Voices facilitators visit and observe teachers utilizing AV materials, providing constructive feedback.
- Encourage teachers to become active teachers and thus engage students as active learners, utilizing theatrical techniques such as role playing, playwriting, songwriting, design, etc. to communicate understanding.
- Supply schools with American Voices Kits containing resources for historical context and to teach the plays. Kits include DVDs and full scripts of select plays, CDs of period contemporary music and musicals as well as samples of historical source materials.
These are the corresponding lesson plans and assessments as well as the full program introduction and evaluations.


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Multigigahertz TSPC circuits in deep submicron CMOS
Publikation/Tidskrift/Serie: Physica Scripta
Three circuits, two dividers and one accumulator, using the true single phase clocking (TSPC) technique were constructed in a partially scaled 0.1 µm CMOS process. In the paper, the device model and the circuit design are described, and simulation and measurement results are given. Multigigahertz working frequencies are demonstrated at a circuit level by the combination of advanced CMOS technology and circuit technique.
- Technology and Engineering
- ISSN: 0031-8949


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A variety of materials stability tests have been completed for the stainless steel lined PVC UV-Tube, with mixed results. Concerns about PVC degradation under UV light initially led to the lining of the tube with stainless steel, and have subsequently led to the search for new material options. Even with the lining, with extended UV exposure of stagnant water, some by-products are produced at detectable levels (most likely due to the exposed end caps). The levels, however, are well below levels that would lead to a person to consume a daily dose above the US Environmental Protection Agencys reference daily oral dose (see table 1). Serious concerns about unlined PVC and maybe ABS
Although many researchers have investigated the effects of UV-A and UV-B from sunlight on various materials, less is know about the affects of UV-C (shorter wavelength UV radiation) used in water disinfection. To ensure that UV-Tubes do not produce harmful disinfection by-products, we conduct the following tests to simulate possible household operating conditions. The inlet and outlet water samples were analyzed by an outside laboratory for metals and 72 common volatile organic compounds (VOCs):
|o||Flow through: The water passes through the tube at a minimal flow rate.|
|o||Overnight test: The tube is left on for 16 hours with stagnant water. Then the flow is turned on and the first outlet water is collected.|
|o||Vacation test: The tube is left on for 8 days with stagnant water. Then the flow is turned on and the first outlet water was collected.|
|o||Total Evaporation: The tube is left on for 35 days with stagnant water, which eventually evaporates. Then the flow is turned on and the first outlet water is collected.|
|UV Exposure||pH||Temp (°C)||Absorbance (cm-1)||Acetone (µg/L)||Bromomethane (µg/L)||2-butanone (µg/L)||Chloromethane (µg/L)|
|US EPA Ref Dose||1,000||14||6,000||NA|
|Flow-Through (0.35 L/min)||9 min||7.8||21.1||0.194||0||0||0||0|
|Total Evaporation||35 day||--||--||--||250||0||9.0||0.51|
Note: Oral Reference Dose (RfD) is an estimate of the acceptable daily exposure made by the Integrated Risk Information System. The RfD is given in mg/lg-day, we have converted to µg/L by assuming a 50 kg person consuming 5 liters of water daily (EPA, 2003). Samples were analyzed for 72 Purgeable Organic Compounds forllowing EPA Method 524.2. All compounds not listed were non detect in all sampes.
Although even the highest levels are well below the EPA reference dose for a 50 kg person drinking 5 liters of water a day, anecdotal evidence suggests there is still a taste and odor problem when stagnant water is subjected to long exposures in the stainless steel lined UV-Tube. Confident that by-product levels were too low to cause any health consequences, we began using the stainless steel lined tube to disinfect tap our own tap water during our trip to Cuernavaca in January 2003. We noticed that after 12 hours of exposure, the water coming out of the UV-Tube had a significant taste and odor of plastic. PVC is, therefore, not the most ideal material for a UV-Tube.
However, because of its worldwide availability, low cost, interconnecting parts, and workability, we believe that PVC is still an appropriate option for some users. To mediate both the problem of generating by-products and the problem of taste and odor, we have modified the instructions for using the stainless lined PVC version of the UV-Tube. Instead of leaving it on 24 hours a day and taking water whenever it is needed, users will be instructed to turn the UV-Tube on only once or twice a day to disinfect water. After use it will be drained and turned off. In tests conducted with flowing water, no by-products, taste or odors were detected, and we used this method for disinfecting our own drinking water during the Cuernavaca trip.


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A car is considered antique by the Antique Automobile Club of America if it is 25 years old or older, so a 1970 pickup truck would be considered an antique. U.S. Customs rules also consider a car that is 25 years old or older to be classic or antique.Continue Reading
U.S. Customs dates a car's age from its date of manufacture. For an item other than a car to be considered antique, U.S. Customs requires the item to be over 100 years old.
The term "antique" generally refers to any older collectible item. The term originated from a French word. The term "vintage" suggests a particular year or era of production, and is often used in combination with that era, such as "a vintage 1950s chair" or "a vintage 1958 teapot." The term "vintage" is used much more loosely than "antique" in the collectibles trade. The term vintage also comes from the French, and was originally applied to wine ("vin" in French) to denote the year of its production. A wine's vintage is always attached to the year of its production, such as a 1988 Bordeaux. In classifying a 1970 pickup truck, it is correct to use the word "antique," although "vintage 1970 pickup truck" is also accurate.Learn more about Car Makes & Models


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Robust Real-Time Optimization of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack
On-line control and optimization can improve the eﬃciency of fuel cell systems whilst simultaneously ensuring that the operation remains within a safe region. Also, fuel cells are subject to frequent variations in their power demand. This paper investigates the real-time optimization (RTO) of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack. An optimization problem maximizing the efficiency subject to operating constraints is deﬁned. Due to inevitable model inaccuracies, the open-loop implementation of optimal inputs evaluated oﬀ-line may be suboptimal, or worse, infeasible. Infeasibility can be avoided by controlling the constrained quantities. However, the constraints that determine optimal operation might switch with varying power demand, thus requiring a change in the regulator structure.
Record created on 2009-09-04, modified on 2016-08-08