Many achievements have been made in experimental studies of hydrocarbon migration in the clastic reservoir. On the other hand, few migration experiments have been reported in the carbonate reservoir simulation realm. This article is a tentative experimental study on hydrocarbon migration and accumulation in the carbonate reservoir, which is a complex media that includes a pore system and fracture system. This microcosmic experiment simulates oil-water displacement using a real core model. Plentiful seepage phenomena were observed in the microcosmic experiments. Three kinds of pathways were found in the plane: parall elpathway, oblique-cross pathway and network pathway. Three types of flow were found: continuous flow, sectioning flow and their combination. Three driving fronts were found in the experiment: piston front, encircle front and impulse front. All these vary with many factors such as fluid pressure, oil saturation, fissure configuration and wettability, and these factors affect each other. The results show that the relation between the fluid pressure and volume of flow is a complex segmenting correlation, instead of a simple positive correlation like the pipe flow that follows Darcy s law. The relation between fluid pressure and the speed of flow also follows the same correlation. Speed of flow relates to the angle and width of the fissure. Speed of flow in the wide fissure that has an acute angle with the pressure gradient is faster than that in a narrow fissure with a high angle with the pressure gradient.
Groundwater potential zones were demarcated with the help of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The study area is composed rocks of Archaean age and charnockite dominated over others. The parameters considered for identifying the groundwater potential zone of geology slope, drainage density, geomorphic units and lineament density were generated using the resource sat (IRS P6 LISS IV MX) data and survey of India (SOI) toposheets of scale 1:50000 and integrated them with an inverse distance weighted (IDW) model based on GIS data to identify the groundwater potential of the study area. Suitable weightage factors were assigned for each category of these parameters. For the various geomorphic units, weightage factors were assigned based on their capability to store ground-water. This procedure was repeated for all the other layers and resultant layers were reclassified. The reclassified layers were then combined to demarcate zones as very good, good, moderate, low, and poor. This groundwater potentiality information could be used for effective identification of suitable locations for extraction of potable water for rural populations.
A morphologically more diverse assemblage of Longfengshaniaceae has been found in the uppermost Ediacaran (Sinian) Jiucheng Member, Yuhucun Formation at Jinning and Jiangchuan, eastern Yunnan, South China. A majority of them are different from the Longfengshania found in the Neoproterozoic Changlongshan Formation, Yanshan Mountain area, North China and the Little Dal Group, North America. They are mainly characterized by a more varied, often thallus-like appearance with no branches, such as oval, pyriform, spindle, shovel, heart, ribbon and balloon shapes, and more sturdy stalk-like projection (stipe) with a smooth connection on the basal part of the thallus. In addition, they appear to have a remarkable attaching organ of lanceolate, shuttle-like or short stem-like structure at the base of the stipe. Six distinct morphological taxa are recognized, including one new genus, two new species and three conformis species. The characteristics of the family and the genus Longfengshania are further discussed in this paper. The new discoveries of these carbonaceous macrofossils identified as Longfengshaniaceae algae on the basis of the diagnostic forms and anastomosis patterns of their thalli and stipes demonstrate that an important evolutionary radiation of metaphytes took place in the last Ediacaran stage. The flourishing of the benthonic thallophytes attached to the substrate from eastern Yunnan and considered to be photosynthetic alga probably provided continuous nutritional habitats for the explosion and diversification of the Early Cambrian Chengjiang biota .
With the widespread adoption of location-aware technology, obtaining long-sequence, massive and high-accuracy spatiotemporal trajectory data of individuals has become increasingly popular in various geographic studies. Trajectory data of taxis, one of the most widely used inner-city travel modes, contain rich information about both road network traffic and travel behavior of passengers. Such data can be used to study the microscopic activity patterns of individuals as well as the macro system of urban spatial structures. This paper focuses on trajectories obtained from GPS-enabled taxis and their applications for mining urban commuting patterns. A novel approach is proposed to discover spatiotemporal patterns of household travel from the taxi trajectory dataset with a large number of point locations. The approach involves three critical steps: spatial clustering of taxi origin-destination (OD) based on urban traffic grids to discover potentially meaningful places, identifying threshold values from statistics of the OD clusters to extract urban jobs-housing structures, and visualization of analytic results to understand the spatial distribution and temporal trends of the revealed urban structures and implied household commuting behavior. A case study with a taxi trajectory dataset in Shanghai, China is presented to demonstrate and evaluate the proposed method.
A simple and accurate method to estimate evapotranspiration (ET) is essential for dynamic monitoring of the Earth system at a large scale. In this paper, we developed an artificial neural network (ANN) model forced by remote sensing and AmeriFlux data to estimate ET. First, the ANN was trained with ET measurements made at 13 AmeriFlux sites and land surface products derived from satellite remotely sensed data (normalized difference vegetation index, land surface temperature and surface net radiation) for the period 2002–2006. ET estimated with the ANN was then validated by ET observed at five AmeriFlux sites during the same period. The validation sites covered five different vegetation types and were not involved in the ANN training. The coefficient of determination (R2) value for comparison between estimated and measured ET was 0.77, the root-mean-square error was 0.62 mm/d, and the mean residual was -0.28. The simple model developed in this paper captured the seasonal and interannual variation features of ET on the whole. However, the accuracy of estimated ET depended on the vegetation types, among which estimated ET showed the best result for deciduous broadleaf forest compared to the other four vegetation types.
The massive Ulva (U.) prolifera bloom in the Yellow Sea was first observed and reported in summer of 2008. After that, the green tide event occurred every year and influenced coastal areas of Jiangsu and Shandong provinces of China. Satellite remote sensing plays an important role in monitoring the floating macroalgae. In this paper, U. prolifera patches are detected from quasi-synchronous satellite images with different spatial resolution, i.e., Aqua MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), HJ-1A/B (China Small Satellite Constellation for Environment and Disaster Monitoring and Forecasting), CCD (Charge-Coupled Device), Landsat 8 OLI (Operational Land Imager), and ENVISAT (Environmental Satellite) ASAR (Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar) images. Two comparative experiments are performed to explore the U. prolifera monitoring abilities by different data using detection methods such as NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) with different thresholds. Results demonstrate that spatial resolution is an important factor affecting the extracted area of the floating macroalgae. Due to the complexity of Case II sea water characteristics in the Yellow Sea, a fixed threshold NDVI method is not suitable for U. prolifera monitoring. A method with adaptive ability in time and space, e.g., the threshold selection method proposed by Otsu (1979), is needed here to obtain accurate information on the floating macroalgae.
The long-term field experiment data at four representative agro-meteorological stations, together with a crop simulation model, were used to disentangle the contributions of climate change, variety renewal, and fertilization management to rice yield change in the past three decades. We found that during 1981–2009 varieties renewal increased rice yield by 16%–52%, management improvement increased yield by 0–16%, and the contributions of climate change to rice yield varied from -16% to 10%. Varieties renewal and management improvement offset the negative impacts of climate change on rice production. Among the major climate variables, decreases in solar radiation reduced rice yield on average by 0.1% per year. The impact of temperature change had an explicit spatial pattern. It increased yield by 0.04%–0.4% per year for single rice at Xinbin and Ganyu station and for late rice at Tongcheng station, by contrast reduced yield by 0.2%–0.4% per year for single rice at Mianyang station and early rice at Tongcheng station. During 1981–2009, rice varieties renewal was characterized by increases in thermal requirements, grain number per spike and harvest index. The new varieties were less sensitive to climate change than old ones. The development of high thermal requirements, high yield potential and heat tolerant rice varieties, together with improvement of agronomic management, should be encouraged to meet the challenges of climate change and increasing food demand in future.
The Baiyun Sag, located in the deep-water area of the northern South China Sea, is the largest and deepest subbasin in the Pearl River Mouth Basin and one of the most important hydrocarbon-accumulation depression areas in China. Thermal history is widely thought to be of great importance in oil and gas potential assessment of a basin as it controls the timing of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion from the source rock. In order to unravel the paleo-heat flow of the Baiyun Sag, we first analyzed tectonic subsidence of 55 pseudo-wells constructed based on newly interpreted seismic profiles, along with three drilled wells. We then carried out thermal modeling using the multi-stage finite stretching method and calibrated the results using collected present-day vitrinite reflectance data and temperature data. Results indicate that the first and second heating of the Baiyun Sag after 49 Ma ceased at 33.9 Ma and 23 Ma. Reconstructed average basal paleo-heat flow values at the end of the rifting periods are ~57.7–86.2 mW/m2 and ~66.7–97.3 mW/m2, respectively. Following the last heating period at 23 Ma, the study area has undergone a persistent thermal attenuation phase, and basal heat flow has cooled down to ~64.0–79.2 mW/m2 at present.
The Ivo River Basin of south-eastern Nigeria is a water scarce and mining region, which suffers from water scarcity. The influence of mining activities on the quality of the Ivo River and its capacity for community water supply was investigated. Also the efficacy of TDS-Eh graph in explaining water quality was presented. Results indicated that the TDS-Eh graph highlights subtle chemical relationships which control water quality and provide a simple but generic pollution index for rapid water quality assessment. It was also discovered that the Ivo River could become an adequate alternative to groundwater as a source of rural water supply in the study area with an estimated average daily discharge of 6726000 L and a rural population of less than 200000 persons. The Ivo River meets the WHO drinking water standards in 20 physico-chemical water quality parameters (pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, salinity, TDS, Eh, alkalinity, chloride, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, lead and cadmium) analyzed and can therefore (with little treatment) provide up to 133.4% of average community water demand and 83.8% of maximum community water demand. The impact of mining on Ivo River quality was found to have been moderated by the presence of carbonate rocks which may have enhanced the precipitation of heavy metals from the river.
Heavy metal concentrations in surface water and sediments collected from Honghu Lake in Hubei Province, China were analyzed, and ecological risks were evaluated according to the sediment quality guidelines. The results showed that the average concentrations of heavy metals in surface water were ranked as: As>Zn>Cu>Cr>Pb>Ni>Cd>Hg. In comparison with results reported in other rivers and the background values, The Honghu Lake was polluted by As, Cr, Pb, Cu and Ni. Most of metals might be mainly from fertilizers, industrial effluent and domestic wastewater around the lake. Heavy metals concentrations were relatively higher in the inlet area than in other areas. Negative correlations were observed between most heavy metals and pH, while a significant positive correlation was present between Zn, Cd and Pb. In the sediment core, Cu, Zn, Cr and Ni showed a decreasing trend while Cd present an increasing trend. The decrease of As, Cu, Zn, Cr and Ni in the 1990s might due to the flood event in 1998. The analysis of ecological risk assessment based on sediment quality guidelines suggested that heavy metals in most sediments from the Honghu Lake had moderate toxicity, with Cr being the highest priority pollutant.
Regarding the importance of watersheds in arid and semi-arid regions, it is necessary to better protect water supplies such as dam reservoirs. The most efficient way of conserving water sources is to apply proper management to decrease erosion and sedimentation. The first step of this process is to be aware of sediment yield (Qs)/production and identify erosive zones in upper reach of reservoirs. The present study aims to evaluate Qs and production in Pacific Southwest Inter-Agency Committee (PSIAC) and modified PSIAC (MPSIAC) models by using satellite data, GIS analysis, and field observations. According to the results, the study area can be categorized into five erosive classes: very high, high, moderate, low and negligible. The east part of the watershed is slightly eroded due to its hard surface geology and relatively flat topography characteristics, while the northern and southern parts of the basin are highly eroded because of the high erodibility potential of soil and intensive cultivation of the area. A comparison of the output maps from PSIAC and MPSIAC models showed that the calculated Qs in most parts correspond well in both models and with field observations. The results of regression between main determining factors (surface geology, soil, topography and land cover) and Qs derived from each model indicated moderate to strong correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.436-0.996 to 0.893-0.998) after PSIAC and MPSIAC models, respectively.
Net primary productivity (NPP) is an important component of the terrestrial carbon cycle. Accurately mapping the spatial-temporal variations of NPP in China is crucial for global carbon cycling study. In this study the process-based Boreal Ecosystem Productivity Simulator (BEPS) was employed to study the changes of NPP in China's ecosystems for the period from 2000 to 2010. The BEPS model was first validated using gross primary productivity (GPP) measured at typical flux sites and forest NPP measured at different regions. Then it was driven with leaf area index (LAI) inversed from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) reflectance and land cover products and meteorological data interpolated from observations at 753 national basic meteorological stations to simulate NPP at daily time steps and a spatial resolution of 500 m from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2010. Validations show that BEPS is able to capture the seasonal variations of tower-based GPP and the spatial variability of forest NPP in different regions of China. Estimated national total of annual NPP varied from 2.63 to 2.84 Pg C·yr-1, averaging 2.74 Pg C·yr-1 during the study period. Simulated terrestrial NPP shows spatial patterns decreasing from the east to the west and from the south to the north, in association with land cover types and climate. South-west China makes the largest contribution to the national total of NPP while NPP in the North-west account for only 3.97% of the national total. During the recent 11 years, the temporal changes of NPP were heterogamous. NPP increased in 63.8% of China's landmass, mainly in areas north of the Yangtze River and decreased in most areas of southern China, owing to the low temperature freezing in early 2008 and the severe drought in late 2009.
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) causes severe contamination to passive and active microwave sensing observations and corresponding retrieval products. RFI signals should be detected and filtered before applying the microwave data to retrieval and data assimilation. It is difficult to detect RFI over land surfaces covered by snow because of the scattering effect of snow surface. The double principal component analysis (DPCA) method is adopted in this study, and its ability in identifying RFI signals in AMSR-E data over snow covered regions is investigated. Results show that the DPCA method can detect RFI signals effectively in spite of the impact of snow scattering, and the detected RFI signals persistent over time. Compared to other methods, such as PCA and normalized PCA, DPCA is more robust and suitable for operational application.
Short-term predictions of potential impacts from accidental release of various radionuclides at nuclear power plants are acutely needed, especially after the Fukushima accident in Japan. An integrated modeling system that provides expert services to assess the consequences of accidental or intentional releases of radioactive materials to the atmosphere has received wide attention. These scenarios can be initiated either by accident due to human, software, or mechanical failures, or from intentional acts such as sabotage and radiological dispersal devices. Stringent action might be required just minutes after the occurrence of accidental or intentional release. To fulfill the basic functions of emergency preparedness and response systems, previous studies seldom consider the suitability of air pollutant dispersion models or the connectivity between source term, dispersion, and exposure assessment models in a holistic context for decision support. Therefore, the Gaussian plume and puff models, which are only suitable for illustrating neutral air pollutants in flat terrain conditional to limited meteorological situations, are frequently used to predict the impact from accidental release of industrial sources. In situations with complex terrain or special meteorological conditions, the proposing emergency response actions might be questionable and even intractable to decision-makers responsible for maintaining public health and environmental quality. This study is a preliminary effort to integrate the source term, dispersion, and exposure assessment models into a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) to tackle the complex issues for short-term emergency response planning and risk assessment at nuclear power plants. Through a series model screening procedures, we found that the diagnostic (objective) wind field model with the aid of sufficient on-site meteorological monitoring data was the most applicable model to promptly address the trend of local wind field patterns. However, most of the hazardous materials being released into the environment from nuclear power plants are not neutral pollutants, so the particle and multi-segment puff models can be regarded as the most suitable models to incorporate into the output of the diagnostic wind field model in a modern emergency preparedness and response system. The proposed SDSS illustrates the state-of-the-art system design based on the situation of complex terrain in South Taiwan. This system design of SDSS with 3-dimensional animation capability using a tailored source term model in connection with ArcView? Geographical Information System map layers and remote sensing images is useful for meeting the design goal of nuclear power plants located in complex terrain.
Many studies have been carried out using vehicle trajectory to analyze traffic conditions, for instance, identifying traffic congestion. However, there is a lack of a systematic study on the appropriate number of probe vehicles and their sampling interval in order to identify traffic congestion accurately. Moreover, most of related studies ignore the streaming feature of trajectory data. This paper first represents a novel method of identifying traffic congestion considering the stream feature of vehicle trajectories. Instead of processing the whole data stream, a series of snapshots are extracted. Congested road segments can be identified by analyzing the clusters' evolution among a series of adjacent snapshots. We then calculated a series of parameters and their corresponding congestion identification accuracy. The results have implications for related probe vehicle deployment and traffic analysis; for example, when 5% of probe vehicles are available, 85% identification accuracy can be reached if the sampling time interval is 10 s.
Anthropogenic activities in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) have caused a deterioration of groundwater quality over the past twenty years as a result of rapid urbanization and industrial development. In this study, the hydrochemical characteristics, quality, and sources of heavy metals in the groundwater of the PRD were investigated. Twenty-five groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), δ18O, δ2H, major ions, and heavy metals. The groundwater was slightly acidic and presented TDS values that ranged from 35.5 to 8,779.3 mg·L?1. The concentrations of the major ions followed the order Cl->HCO3->Na+>SO42->NO3->NH4+>Ca2+>K+>Mg2+>Fe2+/3+>Al3+. Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Na-K-HCO3 were the predominant types of facies, and the chemical composition of the groundwater was primarily controlled by chemical weathering of the basement rocks, by mixing of freshwater and seawater and by anthropogenic activities. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI) indicated that 64% of the samples were in the low category, 16% were in the medium category and 20% were in the high category, providing further evidence that this groundwater is unsuitable for drinking. Lead, arsenic, and manganese were mainly sourced from landfill leachate; cadmium from landfill leachate and agricultural wastes; mercury from the discharge of leachate associated with mining activities and agricultural wastes; and chromium primarily from industrial wastes. According to the irrigation water quality indicators, the groundwater in the PRD can be used for irrigation in most farmland without strong negative impacts. However, approximately 9 million people in the Guangdong Province are at risk due to the consumption of untreated water. Therefore, we suggest that treating the groundwater to achieve safer levels is necessary.
The impact of neotectonic activity on drainage system has been studied in a large alluvial fan in the eastern Himalayan piedmont area between the Mal River and the Murti River. Two distinct E–W lineaments passing through this area had been identified by Nakata (1972, 1989) as active faults. The northern lineament manifested as Matiali scarp and the southern one manifested as Chalsa scarp represent the ramp anticlines over two blind faults, probably the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT), respectively. The fan surface is folded into two antiforms with a synform in between. These folds are interpreted as fault propagation folds over the two north dipping blind thrusts. Two lineaments trending NNE–SSW and nearly N–S, respectively, are identified, and parts of present day courses of the Murti and Neora Rivers follow them. These lineaments are named as Murti and Neora lineaments and are interpreted to represent a conjugate set of normal faults. The rivers have changed their courses by the influence of these normal faults along the Murti and Neora lineaments and their profiles show knick points where they cross E–W thrusts. The overall drainage pattern is changed from radial pattern in north of the Matiali scarp to a subparallel one in south due to these conjugate normal faults. The interfluve area between these two rivers is uplifted as a result of vertical movements on the above mentioned faults. Four major terraces and some minor terraces are present along the major river valleys and these are formed due to episodic upliftment of the ground and subsequent downcutting of the rivers. The uppermost terrace shows a northerly slope north of the Chalsa scarp as a result of folding mentioned above. But rivers on this terrace form incised channels keeping their flow southerly suggesting that they are antecedent to the folding and their downcutting kept pace with the tectonism.
The success of precision agriculture (PA) depends strongly upon an efficient and accurate method for in-field soil property determination. This information is critical for farmers to calculate the proper amount of inputs for best crop performance and least environmental effect. Grid sampling, as a traditional way to explore in-field soil variation, is no longer considered appropriate since it is labor intensive, time consuming and lacks spatial exhaustiveness. Remote sensing (RS) provides a new tool for PA information gathering and has advantages of low cost, rapidity, and relatively high spatial resolution. Great progress has been made in utilizing RS for in-field soil property determination. In this article, recent publications on the subject of RS of soil properties in PA are reviewed. It was found that a large array of agriculturally-important soil properties (including textures, organic and inorganic carbon content, macro- and micro-nutrients, moisture content, cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity, pH, and iron) were quantified with RS successfully to the various extents. The applications varied from laboratory-analysis of soil samples with a bench-top spectrometer to field-scale soil mapping with satellite hyper-spectral imagery. The visible and near-infrared regions are most commonly used to infer soil properties, with the ultraviolet, mid-infrared, and thermal-infrared regions have been used occasionally. In terms of data analysis, MLR, PCR, and PLSR are three techniques most widely used. Limitations and possibilities of using RS for agricultural soil property characterization were also identified in this article.
Palaeochannels are deposits of unconsolidated sediments or semi-consolidated sedimentary rocks deposited in ancient, currently inactive river and stream channel systems. It is distinct from the overbank deposits of currently active river channels, including ephemeral water courses which do not regularly flow. We have introduced a spectral characteristics-based palaeochannel information extraction model from SPOT-5 imagery with special time phase, which has been built by virtue of an analysis of remote sensing mechanism and spectral characteristics of the palaeochannel, combined with its distinction from the spatial distribution and spectral features of currently active river channels, also with the establishment of remote sensing judging features of the palaeochannel in remote sensing image. This model follows the process of supervised classification → farmland masking and primary component analysis → underground palaeochannel information extraction → information combination → palaeochannel system image. The Zhegao River Valley in the east of Chaohu Lake was selected as a study area, and SPOT-5 imagery was used as a source of data. The result was satisfactory when this method has been successfully applied to extract the palaeochannel information, which can provide good reference for regional remote sensing archeology and neotectonic research. However, the applicability of this method needs to be tested further in other areas as the spatial characteristics and spectral response of palaeochannel might be different.
Tectonic movements formed several unconformities in the north-west margin of the Junggar basin. Based on data of outcrop, core, and samples, the unconformity is a structural body whose formation associates with weathering, leaching, and onlap. At the same time, the structural body may be divided into three layers, including upper layer, mid layer, and lower layer. The upper layer with good primary porosity serves as the hydrocarbon migration system, and also accumulates the hydrocarbon. The mid layer with compactness and ductility can play a role as cap rock, the strength of which increases with depth. The lower layer with good secondary porosity due to weathering and leaching can form the stratigraphic truncation traps. A typical stratigraphic reservoir lying in the unconformity between the Jurassic and Triassic in the north-west margin of the Junggar basin was meticulously analyzed in order to reveal the key controlling factors. The results showed that the hydrocarbon distribution in the stratigraphic onlap reservoirs was controlled by the onlap line, the hydrocarbon distribution in the stratigraphic truncation reservoirs was confined by the truncation line, and the mid layer acted as the key sealing rock. So a conclusion was drawn that "two lines (onlap line and truncation line) and a body(unconformity structural body)" control the formation and distribution of stratigraphic reservoirs.
Select Pricing strategies in inelastic energy markets: can we use less if we can't extract more?
Limited supply of nonrenewable energy resources under growing energy demand creates a situation when a marginal change in the quantity supplied or demanded causes non-marginal swings in price levels. The situation is worsened by the fact that we are currently running out of cheap energy resources at the global scale while adaptation to climate change requires extra energy costs. It is often argued that technology and alternative energy will be a solution. However, alternative energy infrastructure also requires additional energy investments, which can further increase the gap between energy demand and supply. This paper presents an explorative model that demonstrates that a smooth transition from an oil-based economy to alternative energy sources is possible only if it is started well in advance while fossil resources are still abundant. Later the transition looks much more dramatic and it becomes risky to rely entirely on technological solutions. It becomes increasingly likely that in addition to technological solutions that can increase supply we will need to find ways to decrease demand and consumption. We further argue that market mechanisms can be just as powerful tools to curb demand as they have traditionally been for stimulating consumption. We observe that individuals who consume more energy resources benefit at the expense of those who consume less, effectively imposing price externalities on the latters. We suggest two transparent and flexible methods of pricing that attempt to eliminate price externalities on energy resources. Such pricing schemes stimulate less consumption and can smooth the transition to renewable energy.
Seventy-eight species and forms of testate amoebae were identified from 29 freshwater and soil habitats in three territories of China (Shandong and Hubei Provinces). Most abundant species from the genera Plagiopyxis, Centropyxis and Trinema represent the globally-distributed and eurybiont group of testate amoebae. The species richness was observed to be the lowest (7–12 species per biotope) in sandy sediments of the Yangtze River, but considerably higher (20–30 taxa) in soil environment. In the range of terrestrial habitats, the most remote communities from Laoshan Mountain in Shandong Province, China manifested the highest difference from others. On the other hand, communities originated in the most distant from industrial center places (Guifeng Mountain in Hubei Province, China) possess the most peculiar species composition including specific Gondwanian taxa (e.g. Nebela bigibbosa). In sum, the results obtained provide the evidence that the community complexity and specificity reduce in the places located within areas that are highly populated and intensively visited by humans.
Industrial symbiosis is the quintessential characteristic of an eco-industrial park. To divide parks into different types, previous studies mostly focused on qualitative judgments, and failed to use metrics to conduct quantitative research on the internal structural or functional characteristics of a park. To analyze a park's structural attributes, a range of metrics from network analysis have been applied, but few researchers have compared two or more symbioses using multiple metrics. In this study, we used two metrics (density and network degree centralization) to compare the degrees of completeness and dependence of eight diverse but representative industrial symbiosis networks. Through the combination of the two metrics, we divided the networks into three types: weak completeness, and two forms of strong completeness, namely "anchor tenant" mutualism and "equality-oriented" mutualism. The results showed that the networks with a weak degree of completeness were sparse and had few connections among nodes; for "anchor tenant" mutualism, the degree of completeness was relatively high, but the affiliated members were too dependent on core members; and the members in "equality-oriented" mutualism had equal roles, with diverse and flexible symbiotic paths. These results revealed some of the systems' internal structure and how different structures influenced the exchanges of materials, energy, and knowledge among members of a system, thereby providing insights into threats that may destabilize the network. Based on this analysis, we provide examples of the advantages and effectiveness of recent improvement projects in a typical Chinese eco-industrial park (Shandong Lubei).
Urban green volume is an important indicator for analyzing urban vegetation structure, ecological evaluation, and green-economic estimation. This paper proposes an object-based method for automated estimation of urban green volume combining three-dimensional (3D) information from airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data and vegetation information from high resolution remotely sensed images through a case study of the Lujiazui region, Shanghai, China. High resolution airborne near-infrared photographs are used for identifying the urban vegetation distribution. Airborne LiDAR data offer the possibility to extract individual trees and to measure the attributes of trees, such as tree height and crown diameter. In this study, individual trees and grassland are identified as the independent objects of urban vegetation, and the urban green volume is computed as the sum of two broad portions: individual trees volume and grassland volume. The method consists of following steps: generating and filtering the normalized digital surface model (nDSM), extracting the nDSM of urban vegetation based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), locating the local maxima points, segmenting the vegetation objects of individual tree crowns and grassland, and calculating the urban green volume of each vegetation object. The results show the quantity and distribution characteristics of urban green volume in the Lujiazui region, and provide valuable parameters for urban green planning and management. It is also concluded from this paper that the integrated application of LiDAR data and image data presents an effective way to estimate urban green volume.
This study investigates the testate amoeba communities of a large peatland in Central China. The ecology and seasonal variability of testate amoeba communities were studied during 2009–2010. Investigation of environmental controls using ordination showed that the relationship between testate amoeba communities and depth to water table (DWT) and pH are extremely weak. The small proportion of variance explained by water table depth here (only 1.9% in the full data) shows that the hydrological control is weaker than we expected in this peatland, and weaker than any study we are aware of using a similar methodology. Attempts to develop species-environment (transfer function) models or identify indicator species for future palaeoecological studies were unsuccessful. Previous large-scale studies of peatland testate amoeba ecology have been largely restricted to Europe and North America and results have been relatively consistent among studies. Our results contrast with this consensus and suggest that at least in minerotrophic peatlands in China testate amoeba communities may be primarily controlled by different environmental variables. In China, testate amoebae have been relatively little studied but may prove to be valuable for a variety of applications in palaeoecology and biomonitoring and much further work is required.
Urban underlying surface has been greatly changed with rapid urbanization, considered to be one of the major causes for the destruction of urban natural hydrological processes. This has imposed a huge challenge for stormwater management in cities. There has been a shift from gray water management to green stormwater management thinking. The green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is regarded as an effective and cost-efficient stormwater management eco-landscape approach. China's GSI practice and the development of its theoretical framework are still in the initial stage. This paper presents an innovative framework for stormwater management, integrating green stormwater infrastructure and landscape security patterns on a regional scale based on an urban master plan. The core concept of green stormwater infrastructure eco-planning is to form an interconnected GSI network (i.e., stormwater management landscape security pattern) which consists of the location, portion, size, layout, and structure of GSI so as to efficiently safeguard natural hydrological processes. Shanghai Lingang New City, a satellite new town of Shanghai, China was selected as a case study for GSI studies. Simulation analyses of hydrological processes were carried out to identify the critical significant landscape nodes in the high-priority watersheds for stormwater management. GSI should be planned and implemented in these identified landscape nodes. The comprehensive stormwater management landscape security pattern of Shanghai Lingang New City is designed with consideration of flood control, stormwater control, runoff reduction, water quality protection, and rainwater utilization objectives which could provide guidelines for smart growth and sustainable development of this city.
The Ishiagu area is a water scarce region and has played host to mining activities for more than four decades. Mining-related activities have become a threat to potable water supply in the area. This paper is an attempt to show the extent of this threat and in particular, investigate the regional groundwater occurrence and flow pattern based on GPS, water well and geological data. This basin-wide model can be used for further groundwater assessment, pollution control and contaminant management. Groundwater occurs between 2.4 and 9 m in the Lekwesi-Lokpaukwu area; 1.5–3.7 m in the Ndi-Ugbugbor-Ayaragu axis and 1.2–4.6 m in the Ishiagu area. Recharge areas include the Leru-Amaubiri-Lekwesi sandstone hills and the Ihetutu-Ugwuajirija mine field. While the ultimate sink of contamiants is the Ivo River system, other discharge axis is the Ishiagu-Ayaragu axis and the Ogwor Ndi-Ugbugbor zone. An unconfined and a confined (>10) circulation groundwater system was inferred, and flow model reveals that a large part of Ishiag-Ayaragu and Ndi-Ugbugbor part of the study area suffer polluted recharge from the Pb/Zn mining area. Groundwater was also subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis and the existence of 3–4 hydrological regimes, which revealed: Unpolluted recharge areas, areas affected by polluted recharge, a deep water and shallow water circulation and mine effluents.
To understand the diversity of culturable fungi in soil at alpine sites, Rhododendron fruticosa shrubland, Salix cupularis fruticosa shrubland, and Dasiphoru fruticosa shrubland of the Eastern Qilian Mountains were selected to investigate. Three methods, including traditional culturing, rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis, and economical efficiency analysis, were carried out to estimate the diversity of soil culturable fungi of these three alpine shrublands. A total of 35 strains of culturable fungi were cultured by dilution plate technique and were analyzed by rDNA ITS sequence. The diversity indices such as species abundance (S), Shannon–Wiener index (H), Simpson dominance index (D), and Pielou evenness index (J) of Rhododendron fruticosa shrubland, Salix cupularis fruticosa shrubland, and Dasiphoru fruticosa shrubland were ranged between 16 and 17, 2.66–2.71, 0.92, 0.95–0.97 respectively. The results showed that the diversity of soil fungi were abundant in these three types of alpine shrub grasslands, while further study should be done to explore their potential value.
Crop phenology retrieval in the double-cropping area of China is of great significance in crop yield estimation and water management under the influences of global change. In this study, rice phenology in Jiangsu Province, China was extracted from multi-temporal MODIS NDVI using frequency-based analysis. Pure MODIS pixels of rice were selected with the help of TM images. Discrete Fourier Transformation (DFT), Discrete Wavelet Transformation (DWT), and Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) were performed to decompose time series into components of different frequencies. Rice phenology in the double-cropping area is mainly located on the last 2 IMFs of EMD and the first 2?3 frequencies of DFT and DWT. Compared with DFT and DWT, EMD is limited to fewer frequencies. Multi-temporal MODIS NDVI data combined with frequency-based analysis can retrieve rice phenology dates with on average 79% valid estimates. The sorting result for effective estimations from different methods is DWT (85%)>EMD (80%)>DFT (74%). Planting date (88%) is easier to estimate than harvesting date (70%). Rice planting date is easily affected by the former cropping mode within the same year in a double-cropping region. This study sheds light on understanding crop phenology dynamics in the frequency domain of multi-temporal MODIS data.
Advances of positioning and wireless communication technologies make it possible to collect a large number of trajectory data of moving vehicles in a fast and convenient fashion. The data can be applied to various fields such as traffic study. In this paper, we attempt to derive average delay of traffic flow around intersections and verify the results with changes of time. The intersection zone is delineated first. Positioning points geographically located within this zone are selected, and then outliers are removed. Turn trips are extracted from selected trajectory data. Each trip, physically consisting of time-series positioning points, is identified with entry road segment and turning direction, i.e. target road segment. Turn trips are grouped into different categories according to their time attributes. Then, delay of each trip during a turn is calculated with its recorded speed. Delays of all trips in the same period of time are plotted to observe the change pattern of traffic conditions. Compared to conventional approaches, the proposed method can be applied to those intersections without fixed data collection devices such as loop detectors since a large number of trajectory data can always provide a more complete spatio-temporal picture of a road network. With respect to data availability, taxi trajectory data and an intersection in Shanghai are employed to test the proposed methodology. Results demonstrate its applicability.


Dr Francis Macnab's current practice in psychology focuses on increasing resilience and life satisfaction to Australia's aged and ageing individuals. He specialises in coping with the stresses and anxieties of ageing and helping people 55 - 85+ become more adaptive in their later years.
His books have been translated into six languages.
Presided over the Cairnmillar Institute as it developed to be an accredited body for awarding Masters Degrees in clinical psychology counselling and psychotherapy.
Honorary doctorates from Aberdeen and RMIT universities.


text:
18 2019 November thodat
Apple Iphone Event: Were The Rumors True?
There have been numerous rumors bordering the Apple Apple iphone event. The vast majority of them dealt right with the predicted iPhones – the recommended 5S and 5C. A whole lot of intriguing suggestions and speculations had been proposed and expressed – from the most obvious to individuals unlikely to occur. The keynote alone was not groundbreaking – at the very least this sort of was the preliminary effect. Every thing we noticed there was envisioned, with a tiny exception. Now we'd like to direct you by means of the roundup of rumors that had been circulating around the net. Let us see which of them arrived correct and which were left powering.
Sure: two iPhones
Just as it was envisioned, formally named Iphone 5S and Apple iphone 5C. The former has the design and style of its predecessor, whilst the latter has comparable specs. Equally will shortly be launched with iOS seven aboard. In truth, the total keynote is about these two products. Even the approaching iOS 7 was talked about just to dietary supplement the story.
NO: Apple iphone 5C is a low cost Iphone
If when compared to 5S, it truly is a price range Apple iphone covered with polycarbonate shell. But it is not so inexpensive as several of us envisioned. It's somewhat more affordable than the flasghip, however its cost is substantial (deal-totally free: $549 for 16GB, $649 for 32GB). To evaluate, prices of the 5S are $a hundred greater respectively. It really is cheaper but not cheap.
Sure: Apple iphone 5C comes in shades
Leaked images showed us the truth. We have five colours: white, yellow, environmentally friendly, blue, pink. No purple or purple. This is exactly what Apple hinted at by the tagline 'This ought to brighten your day'. Nokia located this alternative resembling the selection of shades that the Lumia family members gives and took an exciting jab at Apple on Twitter.
Yes: Iphone 5S goes gold
There is last but not least the 3rd colour for the large-stop smartphone – champagne (or call it gold). What is actually liked about this selection, there is no excessive glitter like in Vertu phones, almost everything is coloured with simplicity and class.
NO: 128GB choice
Sadly for tunes enthusiasts and motion picture followers, there is certainly nonetheless no selection of doubling the greatest Apple iphone capacity. At least music enthusiasts who carry their whole tunes libraries in the pocket, even now can have their classic iPods.
Indeed: Ee iPhone Unlock of the most widely talked about features launched in the new iPhones. It occupies the residence button behind a layer of sapphire crystal. The total characteristic is known as Touch ID and it allows customers to unlock the mobile phone without getting into passcodes.
NO: NFC
Though it succeeded to elevate some interest in the internet, In close proximity to Area Communication continues to be a specialized niche concept that nonetheless does not acquire much practical use and importance. At least for Apple.
Of course: next-era chip
The 5S introduces A7 which helps make it, as claimed by Apple, five moments faster than Apple iphone 5 and 40 moments more rapidly than the really 1st Apple iphone. It is accompanied by an additional chip – so-called 'motion coprocessor' M7. Most of other improvements in the 5S are evolution rather than revolution, just like it was among Iphone four and 4S.
NO: a new iPad? An iPad mini with Retina show? A new iPod? Probably iWatch?
None. The event was solely devoted to the new iPhones. Every thing that Apple is potentially planning to display, will get there later on this year. iWatch, which has never been confirmed yet, should not be anticipated before than 2014 (if it ever comes).
NO: anything we didn't count on
Perhaps there was just one pleasurable reward that was not predictable (nicely, other than Elvis Costello): 5 paid apps by Apple are totally free for the new Iphone buyers – the iWork suite (Pages, Numbers, Keynote), iPhoto and iMovie. We can only ponder regardless of whether Apple has something else to show us. If it has, we have to hold out for the next keynote. Now let us bide our time ready for the launch of iOS 7 on September eighteen.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Take advantage of the many recreational opportunities Indiana County offers. There are plenty of activities in every season for you to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of the County.
Indiana County Parks & Trails is a park system based on the County's natural resources. There are 2,700 acres of parks, natural areas, and historic sites, plus an extensive regional trail system.
Facilites and activities are available year-round, including an extensive environmental education program series. The County Parks and Trails offer the chance to play, relax, improve health and fitness, and explore the natural world. See the map below for locations and trails.
Blue Spruce Park is the headquarters of Indiana County Parks & Trails. It encompasses over 650 acres of land, which includes six miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails, pavilions and lodges, playgrounds and a 12-acre lake open to trout fishing.
Vistors to the park can also visit the Master Gardener's Trial Garden to see the lastest floral and plant selections from the Penn State Gardener's Selct program, as well as explore the area for premier bird watching.
Located in southern Indiana County east of Blairsville, Pine Ridge Park is the third largest park in the county system. Its 635 acres include hiking trails, pavilions and lodge, playgrounds, and fishing along Tom's Run.
It is also home to a 9-hole disc golf course and a lodge, which is available for rentals and frequently used for reunions, meetings, weddings and receptions and other various social gatherings.
Tucked back in the woods, Buttermilk Falls features a 45-foot waterfall and scenic woodland. At one time, it was owned by Fred McFeely, the grandfather of Fred Rogers of the children's television show Mister Roger's Neighborhood. Fred Rogers recalls often visiting the waterfalls as a child. The site also includes a small picnic shelter and one-mile loop trail.
The 48 acre park was donated to Indiana County in 1995 by Keystone Conemaugh Group and has been set aside to protect unique and natural plant and animal communities.
Despite being the smallest of the Indiana County Parks at only 2 acres, Memorial Park, located in the heart of the Indiana Borough, is full of history. The park sits on what was once a church cemetery, and during the Civil War the site was used as a hiding spot for those traveling on the Underground Railroad. During the summer months, concerts are held at the park's bandstand.


The Cosmetic Surgical Art Center serves residents from all over Maricopa County. We have many patients from Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Ahwatukee, Gilbert and Scottsdale. For the convenience of patients visiting Dr. Marouk at the Cosmetic Surgical Art Center from those locations, we've included driving directions. Click your city to find the fastest route to our offices!


text:
Tear Down Africa's Walls
For much of 2017, two of Africa's biggest economies, Nigeria and South Africa, have struggled. Nigeria is only just stuttering out of a recession, while South Africa's economy has just returned to stability following several quarters of turbulence. Against this background, there is a need to ponder the implications of such periods of economic turbulence for entrepreneurs in these countries.
I have always said that Africa is the business frontier of the future, the market that holds out the most promise for investors. However, in Nigeria, where the bulk of my business takes place, I have watched entrepreneurs struggle since our economy took a dip. I have seen promising businesses closed down. Some of these could have survived if there were avenues for entrepreneurs from different African states to exchange ideas and collaborate.
As an entrepreneur that operates a real estate business in Nigeria and South Africa, I have never found a more important moment to reflect on my own experience, and to highlight how a transnational collaborative platform can offer entrepreneurs from these two African economic powerhouses an opportunity for substantive engagement.
READ MORE: How Tech Can Close The Gap In Africa
I have come to appreciate the peculiarities of the Nigerian and South African business environments, with each presenting their own challenges and opportunities.
In Nigeria, I have to rely on wealthy individuals to pay the full sum on any of my buildings. Yet, in South Africa, anyone with a good credit rating can acquire a payment plan and get backing from a financial institution.
In Nigeria, the challenge of not having a reliable and standardized database system and inability of banks to offer a payment plan for clients makes it harder to trade a property. It also means that more Nigerians were willing to pay a full once-off sum.
The downside, however, is that when there is slow growth in the economy, fewer people buy properties. With a payment plan, there could be adjustments that allow them to continue the financing, or in the worst-case scenario where they cannot make payments, the bank repossesses. Either way, the entrepreneur's business is never in serious jeopardy.
I feel that many businesses in Nigeria would've survived the country's economic stutters if opportunities for a payment plan existed. Invictus Real Estate, for example, has like many other Nigerian businesses suffered the pinch of the time. The company had to rely on its energy offering, Invictus Energy, to weather the storm.
READ MORE: Why Nigeria Needs A New National Carrier
Meanwhile, uncertainties about the South African economy have led to a lack of confidence from entrepreneurs to start new ventures. But there is no entrepreneurship if one isn't prepared to take some risks. What these periods of economic volatility emphasize is the need for a platform for entrepreneurs to cross-pollinate ideas and enrich each other's perspective.
The transnational entrepreneurship collaboration would set the agenda for a promising Rwandan entrepreneur to learn about the resilience of their Nigerian counterpart; the Nigerian entrepreneur would be able to tap into the experience of their South African colleagues in attracting venture capitalists, and so on. Each would bring their knowledge, experiences and expertise to bear. With this, there is an opportunity for important ideas to be shared and joint ventures to happen. The Forbes Under 30 Summit in Israel in April introduced me to forward thinking young entrepreneurs. One in particular was interested in doing business in Nigeria, and we discussed establishing a joint venture. Unfortunately, we discovered that the Nigerian Central Bank had imposed restrictions on outbound dollar transactions, making it difficult for foreign firms to repatriate their profits.
This could have proven an end to our project until I suggested that there might be a way to establish the venture with my company in South Africa. But, if I had no registered company in South Africa, wouldn't it have been an opportunity to pitch the venture with a South African who would also take into account my own interest? This would be some of the opportunities a transnational entrepreneurial collaboration would create.
The time to create a transnational collaborative platform for African entrepreneurs, one that provides a guided approach for sustained collaboration, is now.
This transnational collaboration would guarantee a broadening and enriching of the imagination of the African entrepreneur. It would free the African entrepreneur from the shackles of borders, time and space. It would redefine business for the African entrepreneur. – Written by Obinwanne Okeke
Related Topics:AfricaEconomyNigeriareal estateRwandaSouth Africatransnational collaborative platform
First Peace, Then Progress
Change The Rules And Be Rewarded
Enabling Healing For Rape Survivors
Nigeria Needs A More Effective Sanitation Strategy Here Are Some Ideas:
Nigeria Hits Oil Majors With Billions In Back Taxes
World Will Improve Where It Matters Most In 2019
Ravaged by Ebola and War, Congo Named Most Neglected Crisis of 2018
Twists And Turns Of Nigeria's Election Campaign Trail
Cryptocurrency for Africans
George Gordon is on a quest to revolutionize the financial system. The director of Africa Master Blockchain Company talks digital currencies, blind risks and board games.
What is this new African cryptocurrency you are offering?
Where the majority of current digital currencies are based on speculative models, AfriUnion Coin (AUC) and the AfriNational Tokens (ANT)are designed for a transactional purpose allowing international payments, remittances, foreign direct investment as well as day-to-day transactions at local retail stores and other outlets. While the option for speculative trade is available with AUC, the focus is not around that.
Each African country will have a specially-designed ANT which will allow users to pay for goods and services and bills easily through completely digital means without requiring any bank account. AUC and ANT will be fully interchangeable to one another and there will be no fees for the user.
It's the natural next step for digital finance from mobile banking which most Africans are accustomed to. The ability to freely have the power to send and receive money locally and internationally will allow the freedom of choice and spending power many Africans don't have currently.
What is your own investment philosophy?
I am a gambler! I believe in taking risks and putting things on the line. That being said, blind risk or whimsical guesses don't get you very far. Always acquire enough information to understand to a reasonable level what the thing you are planning on investing is or how it works and then trust your instinct and gut feel.
What advice would you give entrepreneurs wanting to invest in blockchain?
First, do some research in terms of what the blockchain technology is being applied for or created in terms of its application to an industry or project. Thereafter, check the white paper for the design of the platform as well as its functionality and applicability to what it is trying to achieve. If it aligns with your personal investment rules, then go for it,however, remember that blockchain is continuously evolving and thus you need to explore outside the usual and standard.
First cash-less, now card-less. What is the future of online banking?
If we are looking into what is currently science fiction, I would say the future is digital contact lenses that will be able to connect you to all your social media accounts, internet, news as well as make payments by just looking at QR codes or specialized barcodes to approve and accept payments.
Now, realistically we are not far off from such innovation and technology, but for the time being, I think the next step is scanning of QR codes at retailers and having the transaction automated from your wallet to the retailers digitally.
What is your most prized investment and why?
My mind. I believe that the work I have put into developing my mind, and continue to do so every day, is the number one investment that I have ever done. It allows me to look at things in a unique perspective as well as provides me with the tools to push boundaries and create new opportunities.
Money, success, fame? Which is most important to you?
I would have to say success… because it is most likely going to bring the other two as well, right? But success in the form of starting something and letting it grow and succeed and knowing that something new exists because of your efforts.
What do you spend your money on mostly?
Board games. I love board games and believe it's a fantastic way to expand your mind as well as have fun with friends.
King Price CEO On Why He Invested On Insurance
Gypseenia Lion
King Price Insurance's CEO Gideon Galloway, who built an insurance company in South Africa worth over $226 million in six years, talks investments, industry trends and how self-driving cars will change the entire car insurance landscape.
Offering The American Dream
Ancillar Mangena
Gar Lippincott and Daniel Ryan of Atlantic American Partners were in South Africa recently looking for high-net-worth individuals wanting to invest in the US.
It's a warm spring day in September, and Gar Lippincott and Daniel Ryan have just arrived in South Africa. It is Lippincott's first time in the country, and he is jet-lagged.
A little over two months ago, he was booked to fly here from the United States (US) but was turned back at immigration.
"At Atlanta airport, the lady looked at Daniel's visa and let him through and she looked at my visa and she said 'I am afraid you can't get on the plane because you have to have a blank page on your passport'. I said 'I have three blank pages' and she said 'no, it's supposed to be the one that says visa on it'. She said it's the rules in South Africa so I had to sadly go back home… now when I was coming, I was told that's not an issue anymore so I am happy they have made traveling into the country easier," says Lippincott.
With a brand-new passport, he's here with Ryan looking for people who want to invest in the US in exchange for a green card.
Lippincott, the Managing Partner of Atlantic American Partners, says he has always been keen on South Africa for its growth opportunities and prospects.
"From what I understand, the things that are causing short-term decline in the economy in South Africa are set up to provide long-term growth and hopefully people will understand this," he says. Ryan, the company's Managing Director of Emerging Markets – Africa, agrees: "I lived in Malawi for 12 years and South Africa is still considered the shining one throughout the continent. Even with all the problems, everyone still wants to come here because of the opportunities."
According to an AfrAsia Bank report, South Africa comes second to Mauritius in boasting the highest number of high-net-worth individuals.
These are the kind of people Ryan and Lippincott target through their work at Atlantic American Partners. The company has real estate investors and professional private equity fund managers that manage money for banks, insurance companies, and pension funds. In addition, they help people get US green cards and ultimately US citizenship through the US government's EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program.
"Basically we look for people who want to move to the United States and we help them do so legally by investing and the nice thing is, with our program, they are also able to get a nice return on investment," he says.
According to Lippincott, for a $500,000 investment that creates 10 jobs for American workers, you could get a green card in about two years and be a US citizen in about six or seven years. "Twenty seven countries have an investor visa program but with most of them, it's essentially a fee you pay, or you need to be actively engaged in the day-to-day operation of a business. For example, you invest $1.5 million in Australia, but you need to hire employees and generate a certain amount of revenue. One of the biggest advantages with our program is you actually invest the $500,000 into a fund. We act as a trustee of that money and within five to seven years, they get that money back with a bit of return on investment and you are a permanent citizen in the US."
Atlantic American Partners invests the money in real estate developments like hotels, apartments and student accommodation.
"What's nice about the program is it doesn't only cover the investor; it covers the spouse and children under 21. Our biggest family was a Hungarian family with seven children so they got nine green cards for $500,000," says Lippincott.
The company says it has had positive response in South Africa. "Two months ago, we were here and we had scheduled six presentations for 100 people and we ended up speaking to 450 people. Most were business people, people worried about the economy, people worried about the political future of South Africa and people concerned about the education future of their children," says Ryan.
According to Lippincott, despite the news of the clampdown on immigration, the US economy is booming and will perish without immigration. In the era of Donald Trump and his anti-immigrant views, that's heartening news indeed.


This MINI MINUS includes one 35mm Figure Foam Tray half-size.
Foam tray with c-slot design. The slots have a conical footprint. The dimensions of the foam tray with 20 slots is the same as that of the foam mat with 16 slots. We have space-saving rearranged the slots. The conical cut-out shape provides extra space for your miniatures.


text:
Park Junghwan Wins 13th Maxim Cup
Tuesday March 6, 2012
On March 5, 2012, Park Junghwan 9P defeated Choi Cheolhan 9P to take the 13th Maxim Cup two games to zero. The Maxim Cup is a 9 dan only invitational tournament in Korea. Like last year, the finals took place at the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage listed Jeju Island. It seems that reporters make a habit of giving the players a hard time at the Maxim Cup finals. Last year, Lee Changho was asked how he felt about losing his dominance over the Go world. This time, Choi was in the hot seat and got grilled about his upcoming wedding. Park was not spared either. Asked about his disappointing first round loss in the 4th BC Card Cup, where he started as one of the favorites, Park said that hopefully with this win, his performance will improve in future tournaments. Both games featured creative openings, followed by hard fighting.
Jingning; based on her original article Park Junghwan wins 13th Maxim Cup at Go Game Guru.
Photo: Park Junghwan 9P.
Categories: World
Tags: Choi Cheolhan, Maxim Cup, Park Junghwan


text:
Call for Submissions for Special Theme Issue
Revisioning the Practicum Experience
in TESOL Teacher Education
April 15, 2015: Proposed submission abstract deadline (mandatory)
July 1, 2015: Full manuscript submission deadline
Special Theme Issue Guest Editors
Priya Abeywickrama, David Olsher, Maricel G. Santos
To signal your intention to submit a full manuscript, please email a title (maximum 12 words), an abstract (maximum 300 words), and author contact information to cj2015@sfsu.edu by April 15, 2015. Abstract submission is mandatory. Full submissions will be due July 1, 2015. All submissions for the special issue will go through the normal peer-review process, with no guarantee of acceptance. All submissions must follow conventions specified in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), policies regarding prohibition of multiple submissions and duplicate publication, and other requirements for submission to The CATESOL Journal as noted in Information for Authors.
Theme of Special Issue
Revisioning the Practicum Experience in TESOL Teacher Education
The practicum experience is a ubiquitous component of TESOL teacher education programs, although the content, design, and duration of practicum courses may vary across teacher-education contexts. With the emergence of new theories and research on teacher cognition and teacher identity, along with the increasing globalization of language teacher education, our expectations for the practicum experience in a teacher's professional training are also shifting. These expectations reflect beliefs in the capacity of the practicum experience to fuel and transform teacher growth. This special issue aims to promote dialogue and reflection about the practicum experience as a professional activity in its own right, worthy of greater attention in our professional discussions and literature.
This special issue of The CATESOL Journal welcomes research articles, scholarly essays, and other more innovative kinds of professional writing that address the centrality of the practicum experience in TESOL teacher education. Themes and topics of interest include but are not limited to:
Innovative approaches to practicum course designs, such as the integration of service learning, or the use of technology in support of teacher practice
Empirical studies of teacher growth in the context of practicum experiences
The moral, sociopolitical dimensions of the practicum experiences
Perspectives from mentor teachers, reflecting on the challenges and successes of supporting teacher growth
Perspectives from teachers who are enrolled in teacher-education programs or have recently graduated, reflecting on their practicum experiences, including the role of reflection, the development of teacher competence and confidence, the pivotal experiences that contributed to teacher growth.
The following article types will be considered for submission:
Feature articles (25-30 pages, double-spaced, including bibliography): These articles may focus on theory, research, pedagogy, and/or educational policy. Feature articles should show evidence of rigorous scholarship, make an original contribution to the field of TESOL, contain ample references, and provide readers with insights that they can generalize to their own educational settings. More details about research-based articles can be found in Information for Authors.
Perspectives from the classroom (7-10 pages, double-spaced, including bibliography): These articles are meant to showcase the perspectives of student-teachers (at the undergraduate and graduate level), mentor teachers, practicum supervisors, and English language learners who are directly involved in the practicum experience. These articles should be grounded in the author's own experience, which may be informed by theory and research. Submissions ideally contain a detailed narrative that highlights the particulars of a practicum context and the author's reflective insights.
Reviews of books and other published materials (up to 4 pages): Please see Journal Book Review Guidelines for more details.
Please send all submissions and inquiries to the guest editors:
Priya Abeywickrama, David Olsher, and Maricel G. Santos
English Department, San Francisco State University
Email: cj2015@sfsu.edu
Search the Journal
In the Current Issue: Volume 31.1
Academic Prereading Activity Menus
Developing Autonomous Self-Editors
How (Not) to Teach Vocabulary
In-Class Expectations Versus Realities
Keeping Language in Mind
Leaps of Faith: Cuyacuma's ESL BOOST Program
The Write Aid for ELLs
US Undergraduate Students' Perceptions of ITAs
ADVOCACY, LEADERSHIP, AND TEACHER EDUCATION
Community Leadership Development
Educating Students of Refugee Backgrounds
© 2021 The CATESOL Journal | Powered by WordPress


text:
Home SEC Filings AMC NETWORKS INC. (NASDAQ:AMCX) Files An 8-K Entry into a Material Definitive...
AMC NETWORKS INC. (NASDAQ:AMCX) Files An 8-K Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
Item 1.01 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant Amendment and Restatement of the Credit Facility
On July28, 2017, AMC Networks Inc. ("AMC Networks") entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") among AMC Networks and its subsidiary, AMC Network Entertainment LLC ("AMC Network Entertainment"), as the initial borrowers (the "Initial Borrowers"), certain of AMC Networks' subsidiaries, as restricted subsidiaries, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and an L/C Issuer, Bank of America, N.A., as an L/C Issuer and the lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement amends and restates AMC Networks' prior credit agreement dated December16, 2013 (the "First A&R Credit Agreement") in its entirety.
The Credit Agreement provides the Initial Borrowers with senior secured credit facilities consisting of (a)a $750 million Term Loan A Facility (the "Term Loan A Facility") used by AMC Networks to retire the outstanding Term Loan A Facility under the First A&R Credit Agreement after giving effect to the approximate $400 million payment from the proceeds of the issuance of $800 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due August1, 2025 (the "4.75% Notes due 2025") described below and (b)a $500 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility") that was not drawn upon initially.
Under the Credit Agreement, the maturity date of the Term Loan A Facility was extended to July 2023 and the maturity date of the Revolving Facility was extended to July 2022.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a floating rate, which at the option of the Initial Borrowers may be either (a)a base rate plus an additional rate ranging from 0.25% to 1.25%per annum (determined based on a cash flow ratio) (the "Base Rate"), or (b)a Eurodollar rate plus an additional rate ranging from 1.25% to 2.25%per annum (determined based on a cash flow ratio) (the "Eurodollar Rate"), provided that for the six month period following the closing date, the additional rate used in calculating both floating rates will be (i)0.50%per annum for borrowings bearing the Base Rate, and (ii)1.50%per annum for borrowings bearing the Eurodollar Rate.
The Credit Agreement requires the Initial Borrowers to pay a commitment fee of between 0.25% and 0.50% (determined based on a cash flow ratio) in respect of the average daily unused commitments under the Revolving Facility. The Initial Borrowers also are required to pay customary letter of credit fees, as well as fronting fees, to banks that issue letters of credit to the Credit Agreement.
All obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Initial Borrowers' existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries in accordance with the Credit Agreement. All obligations under the Credit Agreement, including the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by certain assets of the Initial Borrowers and certain of their subsidiaries.
The Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants applicable to AMC Networks, AMC Network Entertainment and AMC Networks' restricted subsidiaries. These include restrictions on AMC Networks' and its restricted subsidiaries' ability to incur indebtedness, make investments in entities that are not "Restricted Subsidiaries" (as defined in the Credit Agreement), place liens on assets, dispose of assets, enter into certain affiliate transactions and make certain restricted payments, including restrictions on AMC Networks' ability to pay dividends on its common stock. The Credit Agreement also requires the Initial Borrowers to comply with the following financial covenants: (i)a maximum ratio of net debt to annual adjusted operating income (each defined in the Credit Agreement) of 6.00:1 initially and decreasing in steps down to 5.00:1 on and after January1, 2022, subject to increase (not to exceed 6.00:1) if AMC Networks consummates any leveraging acquisition; and (ii)a minimum ratio of annual adjusted operating income to annual total interest expense (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of 2.50:1.
The Credit Agreement has been filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and the description of the Credit Agreement contained herein is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Credit Agreement, which is incorporated into these Items 1.01 and 2.03 by reference.
Item 1.01 Other Events
On July28, 2017, AMC Networks issued, and certain of AMC Networks' subsidiaries (hereinafter, the "Guarantors") guaranteed, the 4.75% Notes due 2025 in a registered public offering to an Underwriting Agreement, dated July19, 2017, among AMC Networks, the Guarantors, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as representative of the underwriters named in Schedule I thereto (the "Underwriting Agreement"). AMC Networks used approximately $400 million of the net proceeds to repay loans under the Term Loan A Facility under the Credit Facility and to pay fees and expenses related to the issuance. The remaining proceeds will be used for
general corporate purposes. The 4.75% Notes due 2025 were registered by AMC Networks under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No.333-210340). A copy of the Underwriting Agreement is attached as Exhibit 1.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
The 4.75% Notes due 2025 were issued to an indenture, dated as of March30, 2016 (the "Base Indenture"), as amended by the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July28, 2017, among AMC Networks, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (the "Second Supplemental Indenture").
The 4.75% Notes due 2025 will bear interest at a rate of 4.75%per annum and mature on August1, 2025. Interest will be payable semiannually on February1 and August1 of each year, commencing on February1, 2018. The 4.75% Notes due 2025 are AMC Networks' general senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of AMC Networks' and the Guarantors' existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, but will be effectively subordinated to all of AMC Networks' and the Guarantors' existing and future secured indebtedness, including all borrowings and guarantees under the Credit Facility, to the extent of the assets securing that indebtedness.
On or after August1, 2021, AMC Networks may redeem the 4.75% Notes due 2025, at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve month period beginning on August1 of the years indicated below:
102.375 %
2023 and thereafter
In addition to the optional redemption of the 4.75% Notes due 2025 described above, at any time prior to August1, 2020, AMC Networks may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4.75% Notes due 2025 at a redemption price equal to 104.750% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, using the net proceeds of certain equity offerings.
Finally, at any time prior to August1, 2021, AMC Networks may redeem the 4.75% Notes due 2025, at its option in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 50% of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed plus the "Applicable Premium" calculated as described in the Second Supplemental Indenture at the rate of T+50 basis points, and accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.
The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Underwriting Agreement, the Base Indenture and the Second Supplemental Indenture and Form of Notes thereto, which are attached as Exhibits 1.1, 4.1 and 4.2 hereto, respectively.
Item 1.01 Exhibits
Underwriting Agreement, dated as of July19, 2017, among AMC Networks, the Guarantors and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as representative of the underwriters named in Schedule I thereto.
Indenture, dated as of March30, 2016, among AMC Networks, as issuer, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July28, 2017 to the Indenture, dated as of March30, 2016, among AMC Networks, as issuer, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Form of Notes
Opinion of Sullivan& Cromwell LLP.
Opinion of Jones Walker LLP.
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July28, 2017, among AMC Networks and its subsidiary, AMC Network Entertainment LLC, as the initial borrowers, certain of AMC Networks' subsidiaries, as restricted subsidiaries, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and an L/C Issuer and the lenders party thereto.
Consent of Sullivan& Cromwell LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
Consent of Jones Walker LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2).
AMC Networks Inc. Exhibit
EX-1.1 2 d435389dex11.htm EX-1.1 EX-1.1 Exhibit 1.1 EXECUTION VERSION AMC NETWORKS INC. (a Delaware corporation) $800,…
About AMC NETWORKS INC. (NASDAQ:AMCX)
AMC Networks Inc. is a holding company, which conducts all of its operations through its subsidiaries. The Company owns and operates entertainment businesses and assets. The Company operates through two segments: National Networks, and International and Other. The National Networks segment principally includes activities of its programming businesses, which include its programming networks distributed in the United States and Canada. The International and Other segment principally includes AMC Networks International (AMCNI), the Company's international programming businesses consisting of a portfolio of channels in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Asia and Africa; IFC Films, the Company's independent film distribution business; AMCNI- DMC, the broadcast solutions unit of certain networks of AMCNI and third-party networks, and various developing online content distribution initiatives.
AMC Networks Inc.
AMCX
NASDAQ:AMCX
CommScope, Inc. (NASDAQ:COMM) has coverage initiated with a Buy rating and $40.00 price target


Walnut Pond is a family-friendly practice, providing high-quality dental care for patients of all ages. Drs. Victoria Uryniak and Carson Ferris-Zeolla offer treatments in children's dentistry to detect issues early on and to prevent and fight cavities. Since 2008, we have been serving Annandale, NJ and the surrounding communities of High Bridge, Union, Oldwick, Franklin, Clinton, and Lebanon. We take pride in helping young people develop healthy oral habits for a lifetime of benefits.
Many people wrongly assume that baby teeth are not all that important. On the contrary, primary teeth serve a number of purposes, including proper chewing function and appropriate speech development. They also "hold space" until the adult teeth erupt in the future.
The American Dental Association recommends that your child have his or her first dental visit by their first birthday, or when their very first tooth erupts. Significant dental development occurs before children reach their teenage years. Therefore, routine dental examinations play an important role in predictable long-term oral health. If problems are diagnosed at a young age, conditions can be treated in a much less-invasive manner. If developing issues are left untreated, they can worsen over time, resulting in more extensive procedures in the future.
A valuable preventative treatment, dental sealants are placed to reduce the occurrence of tooth decay on the back teeth. Because premolars and molars sometimes have deep grooves on the chewing surfaces, it can be difficult to reach these areas effectively with a toothbrush. Sealants form a protective shield over the teeth, and are applied by painting an ultra-thin layer of plastic into the grooves and depressions.
Sugary and starchy foods can lead to acidity in the mouth. This acid erodes enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to decay. Fluoride treatments effectively remineralize enamel and strengthen the teeth, making them more resilient to cavities. This simple preventative treatment can be performed at routine dental visits.
Regular dental examinations and cleanings maximize your child's oral health and instill excellent hygiene habits at a young age. During a routine visit, our doctors will perform a thorough evaluation of the teeth, gums, and surrounding structures. Your child's teeth will be cleaned by one of our hygienists to help keep plaque and bacteria at bay. These appointments can be set at intervals recommended by our doctors to help keep your child's smile bright and healthy.
Develop an Oral Hygiene Regimen: Proper brushing and flossing habits are vital for excellent oral health. Our team can help your child develop an at-home routine for healthy teeth and gums that will last for years to come.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition is important for good oral health, as well as your child's overall wellbeing. While it is not necessary to completely eliminate sugary or acidic foods, reducing them can help protect the enamel and keep your child's smile healthy.
Attend Dental Visits Faithfully: Once our doctors determine a cleaning schedule for your child, it is important to keep those appointments. While most young patients require dental cleanings approximately every six months, children at high risk for cavities may necessitate more frequent visits.
To learn more about children's dentistry at Walnut Pond, or to schedule an appointment, reach out to one of our team members. You can call our office at (908) 200-7007 or contact us online.


North Korea is dismantling nuclear site, but is this first step towards denuclearisation or Pyongyang's bid to hide evidence?
Seoul: Satellite imagery shows North Korea dismantling facilities at its nuclear test site, but experts say the images can't reveal whether it is the first step towards full denuclearisation, or an attempt to cloak nuclear capabilities from outside observers.
North Korea's intentions were thrown further into doubt on Wednesday, when it abruptly announced it may "reconsider" meeting with US President Donald Trump in June if the United States continues to insist on unilateral denuclearisation.
Commercial satellite imagery — including photos taken by Planet Labs as recently as 14 May — show North Korea removing some structures around its nuclear test site at Punggye-ri, experts say.
Among the facilities that appear to have been razed are an engineering office, as well as buildings housing the air compressor used to pump air into the tunnels where the bombs were detonated, said non-proliferation expert Frank Pabian.
"This is entirely in keeping with the official North Korean news report that 'technical measures' associated with the shutdown were underway," Pabian said.
North Korea has said it plans to use explosives to collapse the tunnels; "completely" block up the tunnel entrances; and remove observation facilities, research institutes and guard structures.
A limited number of foreign media have been invited to view the ceremonial closure of the site, but so far no international inspectors, leading some experts to suspect that North Korea is seeking to hide details of its nuclear capabilities.
In a statement on Wednesday, North Korea's first vice-minister of foreign affairs Kim Kye Gwan sharply criticised American officials — especially national security adviser John Bolton — for suggesting that Libya could be a template for denuclearising North Korea.
Bolton has proposed Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un make a deal similar to the one that led to components of Libya's nuclear program being shipped to the United States in 2004.
In 2011, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was captured and killed by rebel forces backed by a NATO air campaign.
While the technical aspects of a North Korea deal could mirror some aspects of the Libya effort, Pyongyang has a much more advanced weapons programme and Gaddafi's fate is not encouraging, Andreas Persbo, the executive director of VERTIC, a London think tank that focuses on disarmament verification and implementation, said in a recent interview.
"Libya is a horrible example to make out of that perspective because of course the North Koreans have their own teams advising Kim Jong-un on what this meant, and they will highlight the fact that this is not a good solution for North Korea," he said.
North Korea appears instead to be proposing a longer-term general commitment to "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," which could take years even under the best circumstances, experts say.
LaFoy said North Korea's actions so far are "not necessarily nefarious," but that it does raise some "red flags" about complete permanent denuclearisation.
"That imagery tells us the site appears to be in the process of decommissioning," he said. "But, we can't yet tell if it is going to be closed for years or something that can ultimately be reversed in a few weeks or months," he added.
1North Korea is dismantling nuclear site, but is this first step towards denuclearisation or Pyongyang's bid to hide evidence?