The TES reports on a project that uses robots to help children in hospital take part in lessons and return to school has received funding from the UK Department for Education.
TES says "The robot-based project will be led by medical AP provider Hospital and Outreach Education, backed by £544,143 of government money.
Under the scheme, 90 "tele-visual" robots will be placed in schools and AP providers around the country to allow virtual lessons.
The robot, called AV1, acts as an avatar for children with long-term illnesses so they can take part in class and communicate with friends.
Controlling the robot remotely via an iPad, the child can see and hear their teacher and classmates, rotating the robot's head to get a 360-degree view of the class.
In my previous post I reported on the second transnational meeting of our EU-funded project TACCLE4-CPD and our efforts to develop tools and concepts for continuing professional development of teachers and trainers. As has been the case with earlier TACCLE projects, we focus on integrating the use of digital tools and web resources to pedagogic approaches. In my previous post reported on the meeting itself and on our progress in adjusting our work program and the partners' activities to each other. With this post I want to take a closer look at one of the tasks – mapping and analysing current policies – and what it requires from us (the German partners) working in the field of vocational education and training (VET). Below I try to give an overview on the role of regulative frameworks, innovation programmes and R&D initiatives in this context.
When discussing the role of educational policies, colleagues from other countries tend to refer to the "National Curriculum" as a key instrument and its implementation as the central process. This doesn't apply to Germany. Since the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany (and after the German unification) the regulative powers have been given to the Federal States (Länder), not to the Federal Government (Bund). Thus, there are 16 autonomous Federal States deciding their own curriculum frameworks – with some level of mutual adjustment in the Standing conference of cultural ministers (KMK). Yet, the differences between larger states (like Bavaria and Lower Saxony) and the city states (like Hamburg and Bremen) can be considerable.
When it comes to the field of vocational education and training (VET), there are further complications in the picture. For the dual system of apprenticeship (the mainstream model), the regulative powers have been divided. The Federal Government (Bund) has the power to regulate the workplace-based training, whilst the Federal States (Länder) are responsible for the school-based education. Furthermore, the intermediate training centres (überbetriebliche Ausbildunsstätten) that support training in the construction sector and in the craft trades are managed by the umbrella organisations of the respective industries and trades.
In the light of the above, tracing the policy processes at the level of regulatory frameworks reminds me of putting together a jigsaw puzzle with numerous pieces.
Whilst the Federal Government (Bund) doesn't have the regulative powers in (shool-based) education, there is a growing consensus that Federal funding is needed to promote digitisation and digital competence throughout the society – including the education and training system. For this purpose the key instruments are the Federal innovation programmes – such as the ones promoting the use of digital media in VET (DiMeBB and DiMeBB2). This funding includes R&D projects in which education and training providers work together with service providers and supporting researchers.
Parallel to this, the Federal Government has provided special funding to promote digitisation and digital competences in the intermediate training centres. This funding is allocated partly to support the updating and upgrading of equipment and partly for supporting the staff training.
This reminds me of putting together a mosaic when all the pieces are not (yet) available.
In the light of the above it is worthwhile to pay attention on specific measures and initiatives in a local/regional context or in domain-specific training. These may influence heavily the 'implementation realities' in digitisation and in the acquisition of digital competences. Also, it is worthwhile to pay attention to the impact of earlier R&D activities – inasmuch as they may have had a sustainable impact on the education and training cultures. Here I can refer to the long-term engagement of ITB in introducing Project Management training in schools (in particular in Bremen and the neighbourhood). In a similar way we need to pay attention to the use of the Learning Toolbox (LTB) as a digital toolset to support vocational learning and organisational knowledge sharing.
All this reminds me of describing changing facets of a caleidoscope.
I think this is enough to illustrate, how complex these mapping and analysing exercises may be. However, the formulation that we agreed – "Policies looking for (appropriate) practices; Practices and initiatives looking for policy support" – is helpful. In this spirit I find it easy to continue our work with this task.
Now we had our second project meeting and we were able to see, how we can bring our activities with different educational sectors and with different "Intellectual Outputs" together. As I had mentioned in my previous blog, the earlier TACCLE projects had been working with general education – with primary and (lower) secondary schools. In our project some partners continue the work with focus on these educational sectors whilst others bring into project insights from adult education (AE) and vocational education and training (VET). In our kick-off meeting we had a first look at the work program and on the starting points of different partners. Now we were having reports on activities of different partners – both concerning the fieldwork and the conceptual work. In this way we were able to take further steps in adjusting our activities to each other and in including different contributions to the Intellectual Outputs. Below I will firstly discuss the progress with our work program and then some specific issues from perspective of the German team and of the VET sector.
Analyses of current policies to promote digitisation and digital competences: With the activity reports we were caught with the contrast between countries that have centralised educational policies (driven by the National Curriculum) and others with more fragmented power structures and policy processes. This led us to a brief debate on what is merely 'local/regional' and what counts as 'policies'. With a little help of mindmaps and diagrams from other project we found a good formulation for streamlining our mapping and analyses: "Policies looking for appropriate practices – innovative practices and R&D initiatives looking for policy support". In this way we could provide a European group picture without giving too much emphasis on explaining different policy contexts and instead draw attention to the 'implementation realities'.
Developing a tool for quality assurance: In this context the responsible partner informed of their ongoing qualitative study with schools participating in the eTwinning programme. This triggered a discussion, whether other partners should replicate a similar study or not. However, in the course of discussion we noted that the study is shaping a matrix for analysing quality issues and in this way contributing to the project.
Developing a Route Map for promoting digital competences and Planning tools for institutional managers: In this context the responsible partner presented earlier versions of such Route Maps. They had been successfully implemented in earlier TACCLE projects and in national follow-up activities. Another partner presented a somewhat simplified and more condensed version (developed in another predecessor project) that could be taken as a basis of the planning tool. We agreed to merge the tasks and work with both variants of the tools.
I guess this is enough as reporting on our meeting. We had several other points to discuss in the meeting. I will get back to them in due time. In my next post I will discuss the mapping and analysing of policies from the German perspective and with emphasis on the VET sector.
In my previous post I wrote down some memories of the so-called Pontydysgu Studio in Bremen, now that that 'studio' has been closed and the Pontydysgu activities are continued mainly in Wales (Pontydysgu Ltd) and in Spain (Pontydysgu SL). With that post I tried to give an overview on the work with multimedia (in general) and as a part of our joint projects. With this post I want to give the floor to key actors of Pontydysgu – Jenny Hughes and Graham Attwell. In the year 2012 I made some video interviews for my project of that time. In the interviews with Jenny and Graham I asked them to tell what they had learned in some of their key projects and how these lessons could be taken further to possible successor projects.
Among the Pontydysgu-led or -supported projects the series of TACCLE projects is a clear success story. It started with the first TACCLE project (Teachers' Aids on Creating Content for Learning Environments) that prepared an E-learning handbook for teachers classroom teachers. In the Taccle2 project the work was differentiated to address different subject areas and alongside them the primary education teachers. In the Taccle3 the emphasis on teaching programming and coding for school children. And the (so far) newest project Taccle4 focuses on developing materials and media to support continuing professional development of teachers and trainers in different educational sectors. The following two interviews were recorded already in 2012, so the it was not quite clear, in what order the successor projects would come up, but the vision was clear – this work merits to be continued.
In the videos above Jenny discussed a clear continuum of projects and a training and learning strategy that was developed further in the successive steps. In this respect the interviews with Graham were somewhat different. Firstly, they covered a longer period and a wider range of projects in which very different experiences could be made. Secondly, in the latter videos they focused on comparing the predecessor projects with the forthcoming Learning Layers project. Therefore, I have selected the two latest videos for this post – the discussion on the immediate predecessor project and the shift of emphasis to the new project. Here it is worthwhile to note what challenges Graham brought into discussion and how he expected us to meet the challenges.
I think this is enough of these highlights. To me, both sets of videos have very timely messages for our current projects. I Jenny's case we are talking of the Taccle4 project to support continuing professional development of teachers and trainers. In Graham's case we are talking about the successor activities of the Learning Layers project and its construction pilot – now that we can build upon the Learning Toolbox (LTB) that was developed in the project. Yet, the message – that we have to meet the challenges of the construction sector partners in their complexity – is very valid. And at the same time we have to be able to address these needs by customising the LTB and by complementary measures – training, introduction of additional software solutions and by participative co-design processes. This work is still going on.
At the end of November we had the kick-off meeting of the new Erasmus Plus project "TACCLE 4 – CPD" hosted by ITB at the University of Bremen. This project is a new kind of follow-up of a series of projects with the brand name 'TACCLE'. So, let us firstly have a look at the development of these projects.
TACCLE 1 took the pioneering task to prepare a handbook as "Teachers' aids for creating content for e-learning". The result was a generic handbook that informed of basic web tools and online learning resources and equipped teachers to use them.
TACCLE 2 shifted the emphasis to work with online handbooks that were targeted for teachers in different subject areas as well as to primary school teachers.
These projects were also supported by specific TACCLE courses funded by the Comenius and Grundtvig programmes.
TACCLE 3 shifted the emphasis to teaching programming and coding for school children and worked mainly with the project website.
Looking back, the earlier TACCLE projects have been successful and even more the TACCLE courses. This had created a demand for courses, workshops etc. based on the projects and their materials. This gave rise to a new project that focuses on practitioners who are developing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiatives for teachers and trainers in different educational sectors. From this point of view the TACCLE 4 – CPD project was shaped to draw upon the prior experiences and to expand the work from school-based education to other educational sectors – Adult Education (AE) and Vocational Education and Training. From this perspective the project was based on a limited number of partner organisations, some of which had been involved in the previous ones and some bringing new countries and/or educational sectors into the picture.
In the designed project ProBauKo and in a prior feasibility study the ITB team and the LTB developers have explored the possibility to link the use of LTB to company-specific knowledge processes and learning opportunities.
In the TACCLE 4 – CPD project we have to see, how to link these working perspectives (and the role of vocational schools) to the way in which the TACCLE projects have supported training of teachers and trainers. I am looking forward to an interesting period of work.
I think this is enough of this effort at the moment. As I have indicated above. I need to do some work with the three papers to make the mutual relations more transparent and to fill some gaps. And I need to tackle the issue of sustainability and transferability of innovations – just as it emerged in the follow-up phase after the end of the project. But let us take one step at a time amd next steps afterwards.
In my previous blog I started a series of posts to wrap up my experiences in the European Conference on Educational Research (ECER 2017) that took place last week in Copenhagen. I presented a thematic overview and a working agenda to explore different aspects that came up in the sessions I attended. With this post I give insights into my own presentation.
This year all my conference presentations focus on revisiting and reconceptualising our experience with the Learning Layers project and its Construction pilot. In particular I want to highlight the particular role of our "Begleitforschung" (Accompanying research) approach in the complex projects. Initially I had planned to write three parallel research papers and to present them in three successive conferences (see my post of April "Revisiting the Learning Layers experience – A "ToDo List" for forthcoming conferences"). I could partly implement it by preparing the first paper for the Stockholm International VET Conference in May – with emphasis on Accompanying research as promoter of action-oriented learning (Handlungsorientiertes Lernen). Then, I could prepare a second paper that I intended to present in the Rostock International VET Conference one week before the ECER. In this paper the main emphasis was given on revisiting the theme 'work process knowledge' and linking it to newer innovation agendas – in particular to "Industry 4.0". However, then – due to intervening factors – I neither had the chance to present this paper in Rostock nor to prepare a third paper for ECER. Thus, I had to postpone my work with the methodological development of Accompanying research in the Learning Layers project (compared with prior approaches in pilot projects and innovation programmes).
As has been the case with some other presentations, I had to give some background information, how the Learning Layers project was shaped and how the two sectoral pilots (in Healthcare and Construction) worked. Then I had to give insights into the change in the design idea – from digitising learning resources to shaping of the Learning Toolbox (LTB) and to different iterations. Finally, I had to to draw attention to the complementary relations between co-design workshops, multimedia training and pilot testing with digital tools. Mostly, these activities were carried out in the training centre Bau-ABC of the North-German construction industries and trades. Here, the key achievement was the introduction of the LTB as a digital toolset to support (trade-specific) training and learning in Bau-ABC.
But I also managed to give insights into the follow-up activities that promote company-specific applications of the LTB (as contributions to overarching management of work-related knowledge processes) and similar uses of LTB in continuing vocational training (as support for integrative curriculum development and learning approaches). In addition, one follow-up process is shaping integrative approaches to 'health and safety' in construction sector. All these processes are taking further steps to reach real work contexts and users in work organisations.
In the light of the above it was worthwhile recapitulating, what we had learned from studying the legacy of the "Work process knowledge network" of the years 1997 -2004. In particular it was important to compare the views on the role of VET and informal learning in promoting the acquisition of work process knowledge. Furthermore, it was important to take on board the recent analyses on three generations of innovation programmes in working life ('Humanisation of work', 'Learning organisations' and 'Industry 4.0'). With the emerging innovation agenda 'Industry 4.0' I explored the recent analyses of German sociologists and educationalists on the general frontiers in the debates (techno-centric v.s. socio-technical approaches) and efforts to develop spaces and facilities for learning within work processes or to shape complementary learning spaces.
I think this is enough for a brief introduction. The long version of my paper is available on ResearchGate (see 'Begleitforschung' as contributor to digitisation in vocational education and training (VET) for construction sector – Linking 'work process knowledge' to 'Industry 4.0'. The short version will be published in the proceedings of the Rostock conference (see the forthcoming conference proceedings). And my PowerPoint presentation will be published on the website of the VETNET network (see the Vetnetsite/2017 Copenhagen Presentations).
Concerning the feedback that I got, I note that the issue 'scientific status of accompanying research' has been discussed recently when the research work of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) in Germany has been evaluated. Indeed, I need to continue my work with this theme and inform myself the points made in this evaluation.
In my next posts I will discuss some key themes that were discussed in several sessions.
Last Friday (19th of May) I visited a workshop hosted by my ITB colleagues for yet another follow-up activity of our EU-funded Learning Layers (LL) project. This time the German-funded DigiProB project had a workshop on preparing digital tools for continuing vocational training (CVT) in the construction sector. The participants (in addition to my ITB colleagues) were training managers from the training centre Bau-ABC, guest lecturers of their CVT schemes and the software developer supporting the project. I have had several encounters with the DigiProB project but this time I could witness that the participants were making progress in shaping digital tools to support their training activities. But let us first recapitulate what the project is about and what it tries to achieve.
b) Subject-based curriculum framework vs. action-oriented learning goals: The main pedagogic challenge for developing the above mentioned CVT schemes was the tension between the subject-based curriculum contents and the action-oriented learning goals. Thus, the presence training is based on subject areas covered by guest lecturers that have been invited as subject specialists (e.g. for construction processes, construction techniques and personal management). Yet, a central role in the curriculum has been given for complex learning tasks and an integrative project report.
c) Providing support for self-organised learning by dispersed part-time lecturers: A further challenge was the fact that the lecturers were recruited individually to cover their subject areas during the course period. Thus, they did not have a collective responsibility on promoting the participants' learning beyond the course period. Yet, the lecturers were interested in providing further support inasmuch as they possibly could. Therefore, they were interested in working with digital tools for themselves and for their participants.
1. Working on two tracks to develop digital tools: Already at an early phase the working group took the course to two-track development of digital tools: a developmental platform for lecturers and a user-interface for participants. In this way the group avoided the risk of rushing to a 'one-size-fits-all' or 'one-design-fits-all' in introducing digital tools. For the moment the group is working primarily with the developmental platform to shape an integrative project that serves as a model for shaping further projects (and complex learning tasks). The shaping of user-interfaces can draw upon the progress with the work with this platform.
3. Working towards project-related and integrative learning goals: In general the digital learning platforms tend to shape such learning environments with reference to (atomistic) content areas and (atomistic) learning goals. The working group took a course towards project-oriented and integrative learning goals. In this respect the lecturers maintained the curriculum document and its main learning areas (construction techniques, construction processes and personal management) as reference points. Yet, instead of proceeding to a patchwork-like layout of learning units, the group insisted on keeping the projects and sub-projects transparent on the platform. Furthermore, the group insisted on formulating such learning goals that link the above mentioned learning areas to each other.
I guess this is enough of the main themes of the workshop. In addition, some lecturers presented their own ideas on specific apps (to be found on the learning platform H5P) as support for individual learning. Others introduced ideas for serious games that could be used in the context of these training schemes. Altogether, these ideas envisaged to support the self-organised informal learning of CVT participants (before or after the limited course periods).
Furthermore, the process in the working group reminded me of the Multimedia training schemes that were implemented during the Learning Layers project in Bau-ABC. This working group was going through a similar learning process as the voluntary Bau-ABC trainers in the earlier phase of Multimedia training. However, the Bau-ABC trainers could focus on the project-based learning periods and vocational learning tasks in their trades – and use their blogs as repositories for training materials. They were not challenged to develop integrated projects. For the working group in the DigiProB project it was essential to bring different content areas together in an integrative project – in order to make progress with shaping digital tools for the CVT schemes. Just as it was in the Learning Layers project, it is important that this pioneering group makes progress with the model project – then to be able to share experiences and know-how with other colleagues.
Finally, the process reminds me also of the introduction of the Learning Toolbox in the apprentice training in Bau-ABC (as a user-interface for vocational learners to support work process-oriented learning). Just as in the Learning Layers project, the shaping of user-interfaces for the CVT participants needs to draw upon the pedagogic idea that are being developed by the DigiProB working group – then to be put into practice in the CVT schemes. From this perspective the earlier work in the shaping of the Learning Toolbox (for the apprentice training) serves as an advanced preparatory phase for the user-interfaces to be developed for the CVT participants.
I think this is enough of this DigiProB workshop. To me the participation as a visitor was a rich learning experience. And here I mean both regarding the development process of the DigiProB working group (as such) and the general picture of the learning Layers follow-up activities in construction sector (altogether). We (ITB and our partners) are building on the legacy of the Learning Layers project and its construction pilot. And we see new tasks and opportunities coming into picture.
One month ago I wrote the third post on follow-up activities of our completed EU-funded project Learning Layers (LL). In the three posts I informed on our initiative on digital media in the area of 'health and safety' (Arbeitssicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz). Before the Easter break I had had two meetings with full-time trainers (Lehrwerkmeister) of the training centre Bau-ABC. I reported on the starting points of the initiative, some positive surprises and some challenges to modify the approach already after the first two meetings. Then we had a few weeks' break due to the Easter holidays and the major conference and trade fair Bohrtechniktage (the former Brunnenbauertage) on Bau-ABC premises in Rostrup.
Our first conclusion was about the way we should go further with the mapping of key contents for training of apprentices regarding the theme 'health and safety' (Arbeitssicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz). So far we had collected all kinds of exemplary documents – both overarching documents for all construction trades and specific documents for particular trades and risk situations. From now on we set ourselves the task to identify key content areas and key documents that function well in apprentice training. As a next step we asked the trainers (Lehrwerkmeister) in different trades to identify such content areas and documents in their trades. (Josh Dreyer already presented his favourites for machine- and metal techniques.) Based on the proposals from different trades we will gather a collection of key contents/documents in domain-specific folders in Google Drive.
Based on the above presented approach Thomas and Josh proposed that the trainers from different trades should agree on common core contents (and standard presentation) for the entire field of health and safety. Here they also emphasised the role of visualisations and the use of standard symbols as means to draw attention to the central messages.
Our third conclusion was related to the use of videos. Here I referred to the positive role of the Bau-ABC videos produced by Bau-ABC staff for the Learning Layers project (on possible uses of 'Learning Toolbox' in training and at work). Therefore, I proposed that we should produce similar videos when we have made progress in selecting the key contents (for different trades) and the common core contents (for all trades). However, here Thomas and Josh emphasised that we should try to develop a similar collection of exemplary videos that are available in the net.
Our fourth conclusion was that we should firstly use the moodle 'course' that I had created for the theme 'health and safety in construction work' as a platform to present the results of the above mentioned tasks. Then, in addition to this, we should present briefly other software solutions to be used in the training – such as the Learning Toolbox that was developed in the Learning Layers.
Our final conclusion was that we should try to identify some simple exemplary cases to demonstrate the use of digital media in learning units (Bau-ABC training projects) and learning designs (modes of implementing them). Here, we should be looking for ways to continue their development with funded projects. Also, in this respect we should be looking at such innovations like serious games that focus on health and safety in construction work.
I think this is enough on the results of our meeting. Thomas Weerts has sent out a group message to Bau-ABC trainers responsible for training in health and safety to collect their proposals for key contents and documents. After the meeting I had a discussion with Melanie Campbell who emphasised the need for similar mapping exercise with focus on the training of Spanish apprentices in Germany (supported by the project Mobipro-EU). We will get back to these issues in a short while.
It just happened so that I had little chance to blog during the April month. Obviously this is due to the fact that I and my colleagues are still in a transition from our EU-funded Learning Layers (LL) project to successor activities. And as I have written in my previous posts, these follow-up activities need quite a lot of time for preparation – they are not merely continuation of the LL activities. I have experienced this in my initiative with the trainers (Lehrwerkmeister) of the training centre Bau-ABC on the theme 'health and safety' – it needs more groundwork than I expected. My ITB colleagues have experienced this in the ongoing projects and funding bids with partly new application partners and priority themes. However, we are not through with the key themes of the Learning Layers' Construction pilot – although we have finished the final reporting quite some time ago. Now, we have a chance to revisit the project experience and draw conceptual and methodological conclusions of our work in the Construction pilot. And I have booked myself in to three conferences to have a closer look at our achievements and how review them from a conceptual point of view. Below I give brief insights into the conference papers that I am preparing at the moment.
The series of conferences starts with the traditional Spring conference of Stockholm University – organised on a ferry that cruises from Stockholm to Finland (the Åland island) and back. For this conference I am preparing a paper on the theme "Begleitforschung as mediator between action-oriented learning and digital change: On the role of accompanying research and training interventions in the Learning Layers Construction pilot".
With this paper I am trying to give picture on our contribution as 'accompanying researchers' (Begleitforscher) in the Learning Layers' Construction pilot – with a special emphasis of the pedagogic development of vocational training when introducing digital media. Here I make comparisons to some earlier cases of accompanying research in German pilot projects (Modellversuche) that focused on vocational schools and emphasised self-organised learning when introducing new curricular framneworks and digital media.
The next milestone is the second international 'Crossing Boundaries …' conference (two years after the first one), now organised by the University of Rostock. For this conference I am preparing a paper on a similar theme: 'Begleitforschung in the context of digital transformation in vocational education and training (VET): Linking work process knowledge to Industry 4.0'.
With this paper I try to follow the thread that leads from the earlier 'Humanisation of Work' (HdA) and 'Work and Technology' (AuT) programmes (with pilot projects supported by accompanying research) to present date. Here the German and European research on 'acquisitition of work process knowledge' and on 'social shaping of work, technology and organisations' played a major role. Concerning the newer research I will explore some cases of 'shaping-oriented' (gestaltungsorientiert) projects that focus on 'Industry 4.0' as parallel cases to Learning Layers.
The third milestone is the annual European Conference on Educational Research (ECER) in Copenhagen – directly after the above mentioned conference in Rostock. For this conference I am preparing a paper on yet another similar theme 'Begleitforschung revisited – Reflections on the role of accompanying research in the Learning Layers project, Construction pilot (2012 -2016)'.
This paper takes a closer look at the in-built methodological tension in accompanying research – what role is to be given on practical support for the developmental activities and what role for conceptual knowledge development beyond the particular case. Here the paper revisits the methodological self -reflection within German Begleitforschung in the 1990s and examines the process of Learning Layers' Construction pilot with reference to frameworks and distinctions of that time – taking into account the conclusions of the two earlier papers.
I think this is enough content for a 'ToDo-List'. Luckily enough, I am already making progress with all of them. However, there is that much reflection and rethinking involved that this work is not mere reporting in the same way as preparing 'deliverables' for the review panel. Therefore I am not intending to prepare a series of blogs to cover the papers in the same way as before. Each paper and conference is a case of its own and I need to take time in between. Moreover, with each conference we have different arrangements for publishing and therefore I need to find out what are the policies regarding 'pre-publishing' individual papers. But we shall see – time passes quickly and the first conference is already in the coming month. So, I will get back to these papers very soon.


2 Lazy 2 Run? We're Biking it for Blood Cancer!
On Sunday 31 August a group of not so elite athletes from the Gene and Cell Therapy group will be taking part in the London Bikeathon 2014 to raise funds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.
The 2 Lazy 2 Run CC will be cycling 52 miles – that's more than a marathon, no mean feet given that many of them haven't cycled for some time. No wonder they're not running!
The money raised will go towards supporting Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research who are the UK's leading charity dedicated to improving the lives of patients with all types of blood cancer including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research first started research into blood cancers in 1960 and your support means they can continue their ground-breaking research, which benefits patients today – and in the future.
The eye is an object of great beauty as shown by the Ophthalmologist in their July/August 2014 issue. This month's issue features a photo essay called The Art of the Eyes and includes examples of the work from a number research labs capturing the complex and beautiful detail of the eye and its cells. The essay includes images of embryonic stem-cell-derived photoreceptors produced by our own Dr Colin Chu and Dr Anai Gonzales-Cordero, who's work graces the cover (pictured).
It is with great sadness today that we remember and pay tribute to our collaborator Dr Yoshiki Sasai.
Yoshiki was a world leading stem cell researcher and Deputy Director of the Riken Center for Developmental Biology in Kobe, Japan.
Through his hard work and dedication over many years, Yoshiki made an enormous contribuution to the field of regenerative medicine, which remain as a lasting testament to an accomplished scientist.
We will remember Yoshiki fondly and with respect and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.
Fun and Learning Had by All at the BSGCT Public Engagement Day!
Last week, Fri 7 March, was the public engagement day of the British Society for Gene and Cell Therapy (BSGCT) at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Dr Tassos Georgiadis, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology has been on the board of the BSGCT since 2012 and chairs the public engagement sub-committee. The day provided the public with an opportunity to hear from a prestigious panel of scientists working at the forefront of gene and stem cell research as well as an opportunity for students to learn more about what it means to be a scientist.
As well as getting to hear about cutting edge research there was the opportunity for attendees to meet, discuss and debate with scientists, patients, journalists and clinicians around the impact that research into genetic and stem cell therapies has for society.
It was extremely engaging to watch the public as well as GCSE and A-Level students grill the speakers with some highly challenging questions around the technology and ethics behind gene and stem cell therapies. And Adam Pearson, a Patron of Genetic Disorders UK, gave a really enjoyable and honest account of his own experience of living with a genetic condition and the need to ensure that researchers and clinicians keep the person and not the disease at the forefront of their mind.
Our congratulations go out to everyone involved, for a truly fantastic and inspiring event!
The Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology will be holding their own public engagement day on 5 July 2014 for people with age-related macular degeneration (funded by the NIHR BRC Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust, the Macular Society and by a grant from the Wellcome Trust).
You will have the opportunity to share your experiences of AMD with charities, researchers and healthcare professionals. You will hear first-hand the progress being made in world-leading research into gene and stem cell therapies for AMD and other forms of macular degeneration and have a chance to discuss the focus for future research to enable us to further support the needs and aspirations of people living with AMD.
Check back at the end of March 2014 for information on how to register to attend.
A new type of viral vector has been developed using an innovative research technique, by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. The new virus shows great promise as a tool for delivering genes to the eye, because it has the potential to deliver genes to the retina when injected into the gel of the eye (called the vitreous), whereas current eye gene therapy vectors have to be injected under the retina using a more invasive approach in order to reach the target cells. The new vector was reported in the media as a 'wonder jab' that could 'cure blindness in 15 minutes,' but a closer examination of its effectiveness shows there is a long way to go before such a vector could be effective in the clinic.
While the new vector was shown to deliver genes very efficiently to the light sensitive photoreceptor cells and supporting RPE cells in the mouse eye when injected into the vitreous gel, experiments in non-human primates suggest that there might be further barriers to overcome before the new vector can be considered for use in clinical trials.
The new virus is based on the same adeno-associated virus (AAV) that we are using in our clinical trial of gene therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) – in this study David Schaffer and colleagues took the most commonly-used type of AAV and altered it in a number of ways. They were looking to develop a virus that would deliver genes to the light sensitive photoreceptor cells at the back of the eye after an injection into the vitreous jelly at the front of the eye.
The approach they took was to introduce variation into the protein coat of AAV – which is what determines the type of cell the virus delivers genes to, and how efficiently it does so. They did this by introducing a random protein sequence into the virus coat, or by shuffling protein sequences with other types of AAV. The investigators injected these randomly-altered AAV particles, and a week later harvested cells that the vector had successfully delivered DNA to (which Dr. Schaffer's team could identify as the gene being delivered was for green fluorescent protein, GFP). This allowed the team to see which of the new variants could deliver genes to cells in the eye – by repeating the process, the team identified the most efficient AAV variant. This process of directed evolution – selecting randomly-altered viruses for their ability to deliver genes to cells in the retina – produced dozens of new AAVs capable of targeting photoreceptor cells. Dr. Schaffer's team used one variant for further testing in models of sight loss.
The new AAV – called 7m8 –efficiently delivered DNA to all cell types in the mouse retina when injected into the vitreous gel. When engineered to deliver therapeutic genes, it also restored vision in mouse models of retinoschisis and of LCA – inherited conditions caused by mutations in the Rsh1 and RPE65 genes respectively.
Dr. Schaffer's team then used the new 7m8 vector in monkey eyes, to test how well it could deliver genes to a non-human primate retina following an injection into the front of the eye. Here, they saw that whilst the new virus could deliver the GFP gene to some photoreceptor cells, the vector was not nearly as efficient in monkey as in mouse. There was patchy gene delivery, suggesting that photoreceptor cells in the monkey eye, which has many features in common with the human eye, are harder to reach following injection into the vitreous gel – even when using the new type of vector.
The aim of this research was to develop a new type of AAV – using directed evolution to generate lots of variations and selecting the best one – that could deliver genes to the retina using a less invasive approach that would be faster and less risky than the sub-retinal surgery that is currently used. Dr Schaffer's vector appears to be the most efficient way of delivering genes to the mouse retina when injected into the vitreous, an approach that has been tried with less efficiency by other labs in previous studies. If this new vector can be further modified to be efficient in larger eyes that resemble the human eye, then it has promise for clinical application – but it is far from the 'wonder jab' that it was reported to be by some in the media. It is an improved tool to deliver genes, but in itself the new vector can't be considered a treatment. We'll need to watch this space, as further research is required to see if this tool can lead to more effective treatments.
A number of recent media stories have highlighted two studies examining the link between long-term use of aspirin and the risk of developing the "wet" form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Because some of the headlines are misleading, we would urge you to consider the following details about the studies and the advice that follows.
In a study published last December in the Journal of the American Medical Association, specialists at the University of Wisconsin followed the vision of nearly 5000 patients over a period of fifteen years. They found that those who were prescribed daily aspirin to protect against heart disease were more likely to develop the "wet" form of AMD (in which the growth of new blood vessels damages the retina) than those who didn't take aspirin. However, the risk of developing wet AMD rose from around 1-in-100 to just over 1-in-60 – which is a small difference in a rare risk.
A study from the University of Sydney, published in January 2013 in the separate journal JAMA Internal Medicine, showed that 4% of people who did not take aspirin regularly developed wet AMD, whilst 9% of those who took aspirin daily for ten years developed the condition.
While these studies suggest an association between long-term aspirin use and increased risk of AMD, they do not tell us whether any relationship is causative. Previous studies looking at the link between aspirin and AMD have been inconclusive. There is not yet enough evidence to know whether the increased risk of wet AMD is caused by aspirin itself or by other health factors for which aspirin is used.


text:
<?php

declare(strict_types = 1);

namespace Unicity\Locale {

	use \Unicity\Locale;

	/**
	 * This class represents a language.
	 *
	 * @access public
	 * @class
	 * @package Locale
	 *
	 * @see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ISO_639-1_codes
	 */
	class Language extends Locale\Country {

		/**
		 * This variable stores the language.
		 *
		 * @access protected
		 * @var array
		 */
		protected $language;

		/**
		 * This constructor initializes the class with the specified values.
		 *
		 * @access public
		 * @param string $language                                  the language to be encapsulated
		 * @param string $country                                   the country to be encapsulated
		 */
		public function __construct($language, $country = null) {
			parent::__construct($country);
			$this->language = $language; // TODO add logic to lookup language codes
		}

		/**
		 * This destructor ensures that any resources are properly disposed.
		 *
		 * @access public
		 */
		public function __destruct() {
			parent::__destruct();
			unset($this->language);
		}

		/**
		 * This method returns the 2-letter language code as defined in ISO 639-1.
		 *
		 * @access public
		 * @return string                                           the language code
		 *
		 * @see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ISO_639-1_codes
		 */
		public function getLanguageISOAlpha2() {
			return $this->language['LanguageAlpha2'];
		}

		/**
		 * This method returns the 3-letter language code as defined in ISO 639-2/3.
		 *
		 * @access public
		 * @return string                                           the language code
		 *
		 * @see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ISO_639-2_codes
		 */
		public function getLanguageISOAlpha3() {
			return $this->language['LanguageAlpha3'];
		}

		/**
		 * This method returns the language's name.
		 *
		 * @access public
		 * @return string                                           the language's name
		 */
		public function getLanguageName() {
			return $this->language['LanguageName'];
		}

		/**
		 * This method returns the 2-letter language code as defined in ISO 639-1, plus the 2-letter
		 * country code as defined in ISO 3166 (if available).
		 *
		 * @access public
		 * @return string                                           the language code
		 */
		public function __toString() {
			$language_alpha2 = $this->language['LanguageAlpha2'];
			if ($language_alpha2 !== null) {
				$country_alpha2 = $this->country['CountryAlpha2'];
				return ($country_alpha2 !== null)
					? $language_alpha2 . '-' . $country_alpha2
					: $language_alpha2;
			}
			return '';
		}

	}

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Crosby Leads Resurgent Penguins To Game 4 Win Over Senators
Filed Under:Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist and the resurgent Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Ottawa Senators 3-2 on Friday night to even the Eastern Conference finals at 2-2.
Crosby had only one point as the defending champion Penguins dropped two of the first three, leading to questions about his health following a jarring concussion in the second round.
Matt Murray made 22 saves in his first start of the playoffs after Marc-Andre Fleury was chased in the first period Wednesday night in the Penguins' 5-1 loss in Game 3. Brian Dumoulin and Olli Maatta added goals to help Pittsburgh take a 3-0 lead midway through the second period.
Clarke MacArthur and Tom Pyatt scored for Ottawa.
Game 5 is Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Starting for the first time in more than six weeks, Murray made a strong stop on Mike Hoffman less than two minutes into the game and denied Viktor Stalberg on a pair of follow-up opportunities. The goalie made maybe his best stop on Derick Brassard's backhander, kicking the shot away with his right pad.
Fleury started the first 15 games for Pittsburgh with Murray mostly sidelined by injury.
Pittsburgh opened the scoring with 46 seconds left in the first period when Maatta went down the left side and fired a short-side shot past on Anderson. Crosby set up the play.
Pittsburgh's already battered defense took another blow late in the first when Bobby Ryan hit Chad Ruhwedel. Ian Cole immediately throttled Ryan, as Ruhwedel was down on the ice. Ryan somehow escaped a charging penalty on the play, and Cole drew the only call for roughing.
The Pens are already without Kris Letang, who is done for the playoffs, and Justin Schultz, who missed the last two games with an upper-body injury.
Crosby's brilliance showed up again midway through the second on a power play after Jean-Gabriel Pageau ripped off the Pittsburgh star's helmet in a scrum around the net.
Crosby stationed himself right on the doorstep to Anderson's left, his right leg hugging the post for support. That didn't allow him to score on the initial setup from Jake Guentzel, but helped him to bang in the follow-up for the 2-0 lead. Guentzel had two assists.
Dumoulin made it 3-0 less than four minutes later with a shot from the left point that caromed in off Ottawa defenseman Dion Phaneuf's skate.
Ottawa had mostly neutralized the high-powered Penguins in the first three games, holding them to just three goals — a mark they equaled in less than 32 minutes of Game 4. Pittsburgh seemed to find more speed, got more shots in tight and capitalized on opportunities around the net.
Following that initial flurry in the first, the Senators had little going right until the last two minutes of the second when Ryan found MacArthur with a crafty backdoor pass for Ottawa's first goal.
The Sens pulled within one with five minutes left when Pyatt got a skate on Erik Karlsson's already-deflected point shot.
(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


MOSCOW, November 10. /TASS/. Russia's Energiya Rocket and Space Corporation plans to cooperate with the US Boeing in manufacturing docking assemblies under the Deep Space Gateway (DSG) international program to create a near-Moon station, the company told TASS on Friday.
"For several years now, the Energiya Rocket and Space Corporation and Boeing have been jointly considering various concepts of creating the near-Moon infrastructure to support their national agencies under the DSG program. Besides, our companies are expected to cooperate in the manufacture of docking assemblies for their use in the program of flights to the DSG and interact during the integration of DSG elements and the program as a whole," the press office said.
Russia's State Space Corporation Roscosmos and NASA signed a joint statement in Adelaide (Australia) in late September 2017 as part of the international astronautical congress, which reflects the partners' intention to work jointly on implementing space exploration initiatives.
The two sides intend to prepare creation of a crew-tended near-Moon station.


Yellow is a warm color. Imagine a meadow bathed in yellow sunshine or a cozy room lit by candlelight. Yellow is associated with joy, cheerfulness, youth, optimism, and playfulness. But like the hundreds of yellow tints and shades that exist, there are lots of yellow meanings that range from positive to negative.
Because of yellow's cheery playfulness, it's a common color in toys, apparel and other products made for tots. School buses are traditionally yellow, and because yellow is a primary color, many children's toys and learning products are red, blue, and yellow.
Yellow is also associated with the tropics because of abundant sunshine plus tropical fruits like banana, pineapple and plantain. These meanings help explain why yellow is commonly associated with leisure and recreation products. By contrast, you won't find a lot of guys wearing yellow business suits to the office.
Because bright yellow is easy to see, it's often used in hazard signs, typically alternating with black or red stripes. To ensure high visibility in a sea of traffic, taxis are traditionally yellow.
In nature, black and yellow stripes can mean "danger. " Think bees, yellow jackets and certain wasps. More negative connotations of the color yellow include phrases like "yellow-bellied" and "yellow streak" (cowardly), as well as sickness and disease like yellow fever (and the yellow-green someone's face may appear during sickness).
On the color wheel, yellow is located directly opposite the color purple, making the two colors complementary. While you won't see yellow and purple together often outside of adventurous fashion choices, it is a popular color combination for sports teams, like the LSU Tigers.
Yellow is analogous (closest on the color wheel) to the colors green and orange.
If you have a serious product, there are likely better choices for your business than yellow. But it could be dandy if you are marketing your brand to parents and small children, or selling products or services into the leisure industries – especially if there's a tropical angle to what you do. Be sure to select a tint or shade of yellow that is visually appealing. Most people are repelled by dingy yellows, but respond well to sunny or lemony hues!


The I2C Bus 14.10.2010 HAW - Arduino 1 Introduction The I2C-bus is a de facto world standard that is now implemented in over 1000 different ICs manufactured by more than 50 companies.... This is because a system has to be built to accommodate a maximum bus capacitance of 400pF to meet rise time requirements listed in the I 2 C bus specification (Rev. 6 � 4 April 2014).
4/01/2016�� That's totally normal, I?C bus length is limited by the bus capacitance. I?C protocol was not really deployed for long-distance communication. I suggest you to take a look at the I?C-bus specification (I attached a manual about it).... 22/03/2015�� Most hardware problems with I2C come from having too much capacitance on the bus. It leads to either: - rising edges on SCL become too slow, which means the signal spends a lot of time around the receiver's 0/1 threshold.
I2C Bus The I2C bus (formally written with a superscript, as I 2 C) is a short-distance serial bus designed for use on a circuit board, but it can also be used between two (or more) closely-spaced microcontroller systems, such as Arduinos, with some care.
So if your I2C bus, with all the PCB capacitance and pin capacitance added together, winds up with a capacitance large enough, it will work to prevent the rapid changing of a voltage level on that bus, and suddenly you can�t make those quick snaps from logic low to logic high as cleanly as necessary.
Confirm if all bus timing requirement are satisfied. Confirm if their is adequate delay after every write cycle (5 mS) Confirm is bus capacitance falls under permissible limit of I2C (400 pF - Theoretically).


text:
Q: String? is not convertible to 'NSString' I'm following an Apple WatchKit course on Udemy, in which I create an currency conversion type app. The following syntax works for the gentleman in the video, but gives me an error:
func parser(parser: NSXMLParser, foundCharacters string: String?) {
....

currencyConversions[getCurrency] = (string as NSString).doubleValue

He states that we need to first convert this object into an NSString, and then convert it into a double. However, I get the following error:
String? is not convertible to 'NSString'
Perhaps he's using a newer version of Swift/Xcode? How can I fix this?

A: This works with Xcode 6.4 and Xcode 7.1.1:
Since s is an Optional String, you need to safely unwrap it before casting it as an NSString.  Use the nil coalescing operator ?? to do that:
currencyConversions[getCurrency] = ((string ?? "") as NSString).doubleValue

A: NSString has a constructor that composes it from an ordinary string. Try calling it from NSString(string!), and hopefully then it should work!

A: You need to unwrap the string object before casting it. Do not forget to check for nil  value for optional object before unwrapping.
if (string != nil){
   currencyConversions[getCurrency] = (string! as NSString).doubleValue
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Nepal Gemstones
108 Malachite beads strung together by Buddhist craftsmen and women in Nepal, as has been their tradition for many hundreds of years. At one place in the West Cooney Hills of Wyoming, I found billions of carats of a gemstone known as kyanite. Gemstone # KYNEP5 Name: Kyanite Locality: Nepal Weight: 1. Become a member. Established in 1998, registered under the Company Act of Government of Nepal, Global Exposition & Management Services Pvt. Price Guide for Top Gem Quality Natural Burma Ruby Gemstones and Ceylon Rubies - AwesomeGems. Because kyanite comes in a range of hues from light to dark, it is easy to select a ring which will be a good fit for your recipient's preference. Kyanite is a gem that sometimes shows a sapphire-like blue, but a medium blue is more typical. Collect 10 nights get 1 free*. Ever wonder which countries export the most gems? (excludes diamonds and unworked or synthetic precious stones). We sell authentic and the best quality Rudraksha beads of Nepal, Indonesian and Indian origin. It makes for a wonderful conversational piece. A prominent Canadian aid worker convicted of sexually assaulting children in Nepal has been jailed for 16 years, one of his lawyers said on Monday. International Gemstone Pavilion. Tropical jungle, rivers, hills, frozen valleys and the mighty Himalayas mixed together with the cultural diversity of people make Nepal a go-to destination. This will allow you to make the most of your account with personalization, plus get access to commenting tools, exclusive games, the chance to. PM Gems is a top Gemstones Supplier that have a diverse range of valuable rare gemstones for sale. Aquamarine is best known for its range of blue hues and it's part of the emerald (beryl) family. Historically precious and semi-precious stones and gems have been used in Nepal by the royals and elites. Nepal is known all over the world as a first class adventure destination, yet besides adventure travel up in the mountains, Nepal has a lot to offer in terms of cultural, traditional and diversity for the intrepid travellers. Explore by gemstone or by style - each bracelet is handmade with pride and attention to detail. According to Vedic astrology, lucky gemstones can be fixed for an individual based on several methods, of which the one based on Moon sign is the most prevalent. A prominent Canadian aid worker convicted of sexually assaulting children in Nepal has been jailed for 16 years, one of his lawyers said on Monday. Buy Free Fire Diamonds now in Nepal. Nepal Art shop offers thousand of designs for Pendants which is 925 sterling silver jewellery. 38 Types of Blue Gemstones for Jewelry Blue gemstones make a smart, edgy jewelry, bright and possibly avant-garde. It is located within the Khumbu area at 3,440 metres at its low point, populating the sides of a hill. Ron LeBlanc and his team travel to the Himalayan nation of Nepal. (8 February 2013) by pioneer business person of gem and jewellery business. What are semi-precious stones? A semi-precious stone is also known as a gem or gemstone (also a jewel, a gem, a precious stone), which is a portion of mineral, which, in refined and cut form, is used to create jewelry or other embellishments. A comfortable proof is the crown that our kings used to wear , also we can see many Gods statuies with various kinds of stones attached on them. Soaring above Nepal. UN Women kindly acknowledges the collaboration and support provided by the Community of Evaluators and CMS for supporting the !ve researchers' presentations at the Second Evaluation Conclave on Feb 26 – March 1, 2013, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Established in 2060, Mangsir 11, Nepal Gem and Jewellery Asssociation (NEGJA) has been registered in the Kathmandu district administration office as a non-profit organization (NGO) under Association & Organization Registration Act 2034 BS. Due to government banned Gemstones export still a dream in Nepal KATHMANDU: There has been zero progress in creating facilities for the value addition of gemstones in Nepal even five years after the government banned the export of the precious and semi-precious stones. Gemstone are one of the most beautiful and exotic minerals with elegant appearance and color. Malachite is a deep green opaque gemstone with parallel bands and concentric rings, g More Malachite is a deep green opaque gemstone with parallel bands and concentric rings, giving it a unique appearance. Next thing you know, I applied for a month-long leave to vacation in the mountain nation of Nepal. GEM-FLASH Firmware Support Area. The top supplying countries are India, Nepal, and China (Mainland), which supply 38%, 33%, and 28% of gemstones nepal respectively. Ruby is defined to be red. At one place in the West Cooney Hills of Wyoming, I found billions of carats of a gemstone known as kyanite. Kyanite is a beautiful, unique gemstone. E-Mail; Coordinator Ms Jyotsna Shrestha: EC member, FNCCI (Nepal Gem and Jewellery Association) 9851067559: [email protected] yahoo. Christal LK Designs. Payments accepted through eSewa, Khalti, IMEPay, Bank Transfer and Cash Collection. , companies promoted by 24 reputed jewellers of Nepal, to promote Nepalese Gems & Jewellery to Nepalese and export market. Today, we will visit Bhaktapur city, known as Nepal's Cultural Gem. , we shifted all our senior classes as well as the boarding sector to our own complex spread over 110 ropanies of land situated at Khumaltar, Dhapakhel, Lalitpur. We only deal in Pure and Natural products. Scale Grade Description Division US Grade 80. Blue Kyanite gemstones at mineralminers. The top supplying countries are India, Nepal, and China (Mainland), which supply 38%, 33%, and 28% of gemstones nepal respectively. Girls Educational and Mentoring Services' (GEMS) mission is to empower young women, ages 12-24, who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and develop to their full potential. All other hues of the gem species corundum are called sapphire. Free shipping and wholesale pricing available. Published in. GEMS School Dhapakhel, Lalitpur P. However, recent finds of very high quality kyanite in Nepal are changing the perceptions of this gem. For more information on rubies from these and other parts of the world, see our article on identifying the origins of rubies and. Due to government banned Gemstones export still a dream in Nepal KATHMANDU: There has been zero progress in creating facilities for the value addition of gemstones in Nepal even five years after the government banned the export of the precious and semi-precious stones. How can I be Successful in Gemstone Business? Gemstones are one of the oldest businesses in the world. E-mail address. Backpacking Nepal can be made an even more unique experience if you hitchhike! Hitchhiking in Nepal is incredibly easy and believe it or not, incredibly common. DROPS Nepal. Price Guide for Top Gem Quality Natural Ceylon and Burma Blue Sapphire Loose Gemstones - AwesomeGems. A single stone can flash every color of the spectrum with an intensity and quality of color that can surpass the "fire" of diamond. Click on the pictures below to jump to those categories: New Additions! Click on the picture below to the view the newest additions to our website. GEMS (Graded English Medium School) was established in 1984 A. Get in touch and see how we can help you propel your company toward exponential growth. Though these gems are used in making fine jewelry, they are also used for healing self, improving self-confidence and gaining success in life. These Malas have all been Blessed and are as used by Buddhist and Hindu Practitioners worldwide. 'Lotus Gems is the organization through which Tulku Karma Sangpo enacts all of his activities to bring temporal and spiritualbenefit to sentient beings both in the Himalayan region of Nepal, and throughout the world. we will have a lot of opportunities to experience the real life of mountain people. Therefore, the probability of finding a fine quality natural, deep red Star ruby is even lower. I) Certified Color Gemstones. E-Mail; Coordinator Ms Jyotsna Shrestha: EC member, FNCCI (Nepal Gem and Jewellery Association) 9851067559: [email protected] yahoo. com, we offer researched guidance to those interested in the energies and healing properties of gemstones. , companies promoted by 24 reputed jewellers of Nepal, to promote Nepalese Gems & Jewellery to Nepalese and export market. Any gemstones that is not a diamond, ruby, emerald or sapphire is a semi-precious gemstone. Binod Basnet Secretary (Charter President) of Generation for Environmental Management (GEM Nepal) Nepal Nonprofit Organization Management. Nepal is known all over the world as a first class adventure destination, yet besides adventure travel up in the mountains, Nepal has a lot to offer in terms of cultural, traditional and diversity for the intrepid travellers. GEMS has always been at the forefront of education in Nepal. 108 Malachite beads strung together by Buddhist craftsmen and women in Nepal, as has been their tradition for many hundreds of years. Mobbed by monkeys and soaring above the city on a lofty hilltop, the 'Monkey Temple' is a fascinating jumble of Buddhist and Hindu iconography. Sep 23, 2011 · Gem quality distinct multihued tourmaline (elbaite) of Hyakule and Phakuwa; pink, bright green, light orange sometimes with repeated color banding, olive green with amber colored core are known from Hyakule, Eastern Nepal. From under-the-radar establishments to off-the-beaten-path hotspots, OpenTable has found the top 25 hidden-gem restaurants in KAYAK's most popular destinations around the world. Over 150 necklace and wrist bracelet malas designs avaialble to buy. We have varieties of design silver Pendants can be develop in different stones such as turquoise, coral, lapis, garnet, malachite and others as per your requirements. Tushita means heaven in ancient Nepali language. Abstract: In the early 1970s, geologist and gemologist Dr. com user account below. Are you looking to improve your current entity management practices to help improve corporate governance processes and reduce compliance issues?. In the mineral different physico-chemical properties were found in the species belonging to different generations such as in tourmaline, garnets, pyroxene, amphibole, apatite, baryte, disthene mica, rutile, zircon, monazite, chalcopyrite arsenopyrite, staurolite wollastonite etc. View the new collection!. About 30% of these are silver jewelry, 28% are rings, and 26% are semi-precious stone crafts. Over time, gem dealers have come to rely on skylight for their gem buying. UN Women kindly acknowledges the collaboration and support provided by the Community of Evaluators and CMS for supporting the !ve researchers' presentations at the Second Evaluation Conclave on Feb 26 – March 1, 2013, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Gemstones Of Nepal March 11, 2014 July 8, 2016 "We have over 10,000 rivers in Nepal, with the collective power to generate enough hydro-power for the whole of Nepal and then some- but we don't have the power stations built to harness it, so we continue to import electricity from India!". Due to its timeless appeal and limited supply, blue sapphire commands a premium price in the market. GN Columnist Sushil Thapa Writes) 2018: Disappointing Year for Nepal Football (Sr Columnist Sushil Thapa Writes. Jan 09, 2016 · Gems of Nepal include the attractions, food and experience that truly bewitched the writer. 2 of 5 on SchoolMyKids. We hope you will find out something about KUHS and the KUHS community from the website. At a press meet organized by Nepal Gem and Jewelry "I immediately said yes to take part in the jewelry event in Nepal as both Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon arrives in Nepal for a : To participate in a Jewelry Fashion show by Nepal Gem and Jewelry Association, Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon has arrived in Kathmandu. Mobbed by monkeys and soaring above the city on a lofty hilltop, the 'Monkey Temple' is a fascinating jumble of Buddhist and Hindu iconography. Hence, a universal lighting standard is needed in the gem trade as a whole, so that one gemstone always has the same color appearance to everybody, everywhere, anytime. Initially, classes from Nursery to grade III were offered. Rudra Centre offers 100% natural, non-heated or treated, jyotish quality gemstones in various carats. com, The Largest E-commerce Site in Bangladesh ☰. Aran 65% Wool, 35% Alpaca 82 yards / 50 grams. 57 mm Price per Carat: SOLD Price For Stone: SOLD : Cut: Freeform Trillion Color: Deep Sapphire Blue Clarity: Eye Clean Cut by Us: No Availability: sold. Sapphire is among the most precious gemstones in the world. Factory show: More than 15 years Synthetic gemstone manufacturer. Please use the image as a reference only. 00 Strand of Small Heat Treated Brown Quartz Beads $75. Jul 27, 2009 · 12 Indians among 26 held in Nepal gem scandal. we will have a lot of opportunities to experience the real life of mountain people. Nepal Art shop offers thousand of designs for Pendants which is 925 sterling silver jewellery. Amazing cocktails and wonderful breakfast spread. It is an authorized national level organization of Gem and jewellery business person. Star ruby is a rare variety of ruby gemstone which is available in a very limited amount. Samunnat Nepal is located 540 km east of Kathmandu, the capital city, so distance is also a major factor in trying to get their goods overseas in a timely manner. Gemstoneuniverse is the leading brand in precious natural colored astrological gemstones and has an unmatched record of servicing patrons, interested in implementing planetary gem therapy across the globe with the "finest gemstones, prompt and efficient service from consultations to craftsmanship, hassle free doorstep product delivery and most. One and half tala, 20ft pitched road with purbamohoda Tole-chyaudada Further info:gan. Nepal Jewelry is an exclusive brand, an initiative from Nepal Sunchandi company Pvt. See the countries section below for a detailed list of gemstones produced by each country or see gemstones listed by their gem localities. Nepal lies in the center of the 2,500 km Himalayan belt, which has favorable geography for various mines and minerals. In fact, so important are the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, they're referred to as the Triratna, or the Triple Gem of Buddhism. Shop LC supplies gem lovers with premium Himalayan kyanite gemstone jewelry. In this video you can magnificant view which you have never seen before all credit to video owner. GEMS Jumeirah Primary School hosted a royal guest, H. Aran 65% Wool, 35% Alpaca 82 yards / 50 grams. Buy original Rudraksha beads, Gemstones, Yantra online from Rudraksha-Gemstones. Unique things to do, private tours & home dinners — Withlocals Be carried away by a charming Italian on a Vespa - Rome, Italy Book unique private tours and activities with locals worldwide. In addition, the color of kyanite typically not consistent throughout the crystal and can appear to be blotchy or in streaks. AstroKapoor is known worldwide as the best Gems and associated product seller and exporter. Buy Clash of Clans Gems now in Nepal. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NEPAL Sterling Gemstones Earrings at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!. 54 carats Size: 8. , companies promoted by 24 reputed jewellers of Nepal, to promote Nepalese Gems & Jewellery to Nepalese and export market. Gemstone # KYNEP5 Name: Kyanite Locality: Nepal Weight: 1. International Schools in Nepal You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Nepal with fee information. 'Lotus Gems is the organization through which Tulku Karma Sangpo enacts all of his activities to bring temporal and spiritualbenefit to sentient beings both in the Himalayan region of Nepal, and throughout the world. A prominent Canadian aid worker convicted of sexually assaulting children in Nepal has been jailed for 16 years, one of his lawyers said on Monday. Gem and lapidary club listings of the United States of America. In the mineral different physico-chemical properties were found in the species belonging to different generations such as in tourmaline, garnets, pyroxene, amphibole, apatite, baryte, disthene mica, rutile, zircon, monazite, chalcopyrite arsenopyrite, staurolite wollastonite etc. com user account below. GEM is a full-service, international, award-winning communications and marketing agency. GEMS School was established in 1984 in Sanepa, Lalitpur with 78 students and 25 staff members. 1" wide & comes with a 4 page COLOR BROCHURE and is presented in a SILK BAG. Nephrite jade is an ornamental stone used in carvings, beads, or cabochon cut gemstones. The name "kyanite" comes from the Greek "kyanos", meaning "blue," the common colour of the species. Bone: Bone is a traditional material used in malas in both Nepal and Tibet. ClassicGems. Ever wonder which countries export the most gems? (excludes diamonds and unworked or synthetic precious stones). Free shipping and wholesale pricing available. You can also purchase natural gem stones in Nepal. Nepal Gem and Jewellery Expo 2011. Kyanite is a beautiful, unique gemstone. See the countries section below for a detailed list of gemstones produced by each country or see gemstones listed by their gem localities. (North Carolina, Connecticut, and Maine). Nepal lies in the center of the 2,500 km Himalayan belt, which has favorable geography for various mines and minerals. Gemstone Export, Gemstone Export India , Indian Arrowheads, Indian Rough Stones, Gemstone rough, Fashions Jewellery, Arrowheads Necklaces, Arrowheads Pendants, New Age Shop, Wholesale Agate Arrowheads, Gemstone Export, Gemstone Export Khambhat, Agate Exporter, Gemstone Exporter- Gemstoneexport. The ancient city of Bhaktapur is located around 8 miles east of Kathmandu and is Nepal's third largest city. 38 Types of Blue Gemstones for Jewelry Blue gemstones make a smart, edgy jewelry, bright and possibly avant-garde. Be aware that damage from the earthquake has affected travel in many areas. Apart from its appearance which is distinct and marked by chatoyancy , its metaphysical powers and properties have always fascinated human beings. Blue Kyanite gemstones at mineralminers. at Sanepa, Lalitpur, and in 2000 A. Gem Flooring is an international brand, now in Nepal, brought to you by Fashion Furnishing Pvt. 00 Necklace of Gorgeous Faceted Sapphire Gemstones $598. Tushita-Nepal is an ideal yoga retreat resort in Pokhara Valley for self realization / spiritual awakening- in the bosom of mighty Himalayas. Later in the year 2000, it shifted its senior classes and boarding sector to Khumaltar, Dhapakhel in Lalitpur which covers around one hundred and ten ropanies of land. The incredible, multifaceted collection of Leibish & Co. Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, bordered to the North by China and South, East and West by India. 44 BARLEY. com: your on-line link direct to the mines and lapidary shops for natural color blue kyanite faceted gemstones and genuine blue kyanite cabochon gemstones, including rare collector gemstones of extra large size faceted blue kyanite as well as extra fine quality blue kyanite gemstones. DROPS Nepal. Location: Nepal. Samunnat Nepal is located 540 km east of Kathmandu, the capital city, so distance is also a major factor in trying to get their goods overseas in a timely manner. Ron LeBlanc and his team travel to the Himalayan nation of Nepal. , companies promoted by 24 reputed jewellers of Nepal, to promote Nepalese Gems & Jewellery to Nepalese and export market. With almost 83% of its territory in mountainous regions, Nepal is a developing country with vast natural resources including water, minerals, forests, and a myriad of agricultural products and medicinal and aromatic plans. "It can be a good source of income for the underprivileged and women folk,†argues Dr Upadhyay. Gemstoneuniverse is the leading brand in precious natural colored astrological gemstones and has an unmatched record of servicing patrons, interested in implementing planetary gem therapy across the globe with the "finest gemstones, prompt and efficient service from consultations to craftsmanship, hassle free doorstep product delivery and most. See the list, which also shows each exporter's percentage of global gems exports within parenthesis. In this video you can magnificant view which you have never seen before all credit to video owner. The top supplying countries are India, Nepal, and China (Mainland), which supply 38%, 33%, and 28% of gemstones nepal respectively. net contains detailed information on 724 different types of gems. Shop over 116,000 beads and jewelry making supplies including Blues gemstone Beads. Adventure activity and researching in some thing makes me feel proud of something. I) Certified Color Gemstones. Tropical jungle, rivers, hills, frozen valleys and the mighty Himalayas mixed together with the cultural diversity of people make Nepal a go-to destination. Lhasa is known as one of the 4 locations where the finest quality Tibetan Turquoise is sourced, the others being Ngari-Khorsum, Draya and Derge. As the name suggests, Tushita-Nepal is amidst the nature; magnificent Himalayas just in front, emerald blue lake, lush green forest rich in flora and fauna. com, we offer researched guidance to those interested in the energies and healing properties of gemstones. Some Nepali Rough Gemstone. View More Works →. We offer wide collection of crafts from Nepal. Our wide selection is elegible for free shipping and free returns. and Kathmandu Bullion company Pvt. Conclusion: Light Offerings To the Triple Gems (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha). Travelling to Lalitpur, Nepal? Its geographical coordinates are 27° 40′ 43″ N, 085° 18′ 58″ E. We take an intersectional feminist, anti-oppressive, arts-based, and peer-to-peer approach in our work. Today, we will visit Bhaktapur city, known as Nepal's Cultural Gem. 1618 01 5275111. Contact GEM. The semi-precious stones are genuine; all settings are sterling. 'Lotus Gems is the organization through which Tulku Karma Sangpo enacts all of his activities to bring temporal and spiritualbenefit to sentient beings both in the Himalayan region of Nepal, and throughout the world. Rudraksha Beads help in Disease Health Rudraksha Benefits Health power. Now it is one of the leaders in the fair trade fashion industry and employs over 200 female artisans in Nepal. Don Bosco Institute of Engineering & Technology under Nepal Don Bosco Society is Owned and operated by the Salesians of Don Bosco, an NGO rendering education and social service in 136 countries of the world. Sapphire is among the most precious gemstones in the world. The ancient origin of the Nine Gems—called Navaratna in Sanskrit, Hindi, Nepali, Kannada, Burmese, and Indonesian, Navarathinam in Tamil, Navarathnalu in Telugu, Navarathnam in Malayalam, Navaratna in Singhalese, Nawaratna in Malay, and Nawarat or Noppharat in Thai—has proved impossible to trace. All jewelry is Fairtrade produced in Nepal. Get fast shipping, free design ideas and an ironclad guarantee at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. Rudra Centre offers 100% natural, non-heated or treated, jyotish quality gemstones in various carats. Read customer reviews on Himalayan Gems™ Jewelry and get TV showtimes for Himalayan Gems™. Online directory of indian jewellery suppliers, jewellery wholesalers & jewellery suppliers. 60 percent in 1993 and a record low of 0. Laxmi Narayan International is ISO 9001:2015 certified supplier of original and Lab Certified Gemstones, Shaligram & Rudraksh (3rd party independent ISO certified, Govt Approved lab of international repute). Since 1983 Himalayan Gems has been providing Sterling Silver set with Semi-Precious Gemstones to consumers across North America. Nov 07, 2016 · Nepal Earthquake: Clean Water Initiative by Thang 7 November 2016 0 Comment Accompanied by the ongoing development of society, tackling the problem poverty is always cared. This large vintage conch-shell pendant was handcrafted in Nepal with the Tibetan jewelry symbolism of the 3-Jewels of Buddhism. Shop over 116,000 beads and jewelry making supplies including Blues gemstone Beads. Soaltee Crown Plaza, Ktm ,Nepal. Jul 27, 2009 · 12 Indians among 26 held in Nepal gem scandal. Get the best deal for Nepal Oval Loose Gemstones from the largest online selection at eBay. Jan 09, 2016 · Gems of Nepal include the attractions, food and experience that truly bewitched the writer. High-grade sapphires are only found in a few locations in the U. Now this is a very good example why people miss so many gemstones. Calling a gemstone semi-precious does not mean it is less valuable than precious gemstones. Apart from its appearance which is distinct and marked by chatoyancy , its metaphysical powers and properties have always fascinated human beings. Dark Smoky Tourmaline. To proclaim devotion to these three things is to be a Buddhist. CODE GEMS FAO Code or Calculation FAO FOOD G GC 640 BARLEY 44+45+46+48 Barley+Pot Barley+Barley, pearled+Barley Flour and grits Calculated Int. Indeed, there are very few alternatives to the deep blue of sapphire. The picture is awesome. Nepal is a mine of precious stones, and if tapped well, it spells opportunities galore. Himalayan country Nepal is very rich in mines and minerals. Most of the time, the value of a gemstone is based upon supply. Nov 07, 2016 · Nepal Earthquake: Clean Water Initiative by Thang 7 November 2016 0 Comment Accompanied by the ongoing development of society, tackling the problem poverty is always cared. I) Certified Color Gemstones. However, recent finds of very high quality kyanite in Nepal are changing the perceptions of this gem. We have good customers in Nepal, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Our majestic mountains are the mines of gemstones. nepal 1 rupees nd 1991 p 37 superb gem unc pmg 67 epq The actual note may have a different serial number, signatures and prefixs. We have a variety of Gemstone - including both Precious and Semi-precious, Rudraksha, Crystals, Rosaries, Deities and other associated products. Handcrafted spiritual jewelry, made in Nepal. Despite the most sought varieties of quartz like citrine, amethyst, rose quartz, agates, ametrine, chrysoprase, onyx and rutilated quartz, there are many other varieties available too. Apart from its appearance which is distinct and marked by chatoyancy , its metaphysical powers and properties have always fascinated human beings. No matter what you're looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Doing Something Better for the Community. Panchakanya Jewellers - Maitidevi, kathmandu, Kathmandu, Nepal 977 - Rated 4. Get more details of indian jewellery manufacturers, indian jewellery wholesalers, diamond jewelry suppliers, fashion jewelry suppliers, artificial jewelry suppliers, gold jewellery suppliers. Dive Into Fall: Gem Art of the Taj Mahal, Fancy White and Black Diamonds, and Unique Inclusions in Thai Corundum Duncan Pay, Editor-in-Chief An overview of the Fall 2019 Gems & Gemology content. International Schools in Nepal You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Nepal with fee information. GEMS is listed in the World's largest and most authoritative dictionary database of abbreviations and acronyms GEMS - What does GEMS stand for? The Free Dictionary. Gemstones Nepal,Oval 8*10mm,D-champagne Cz Precious Stone , Find Complete Details about Gemstones Nepal,Oval 8*10mm,D-champagne Cz Precious Stone,Gemstone Nepal,Precious Stone,Cz Precious Stone from Loose Gemstone Supplier or Manufacturer-Wuzhou Yuying Gems Co. This powerful metal promotes friendship, love and inner goodness. Special thanks t. we will have a lot of opportunities to experience the real life of mountain people. 57 mm Price per Carat: SOLD Price For Stone: SOLD : Cut: Freeform Trillion Color: Deep Sapphire Blue Clarity: Eye Clean Cut by Us: No Availability: sold. Traditional Kyanite sources of gem crystals include Brazil, Cambodia, Burma (Myanmar), Switzerland, Russia, Kenya, and the U. The semi-precious stones are genuine; all settings are sterling. Featured Gem Blue Zircon, April '11 Newsletter. Canyoning in Nepal Pokhara is one of the hidden gems along white waterfalls, formed among the gorges, that are perfect for freshwater thrill seekers. CODE GEMS FAO Code or Calculation FAO FOOD G GC 640 BARLEY 44+45+46+48 Barley+Pot Barley+Barley, pearled+Barley Flour and grits Calculated Int. Shop over 116,000 beads and jewelry making supplies including Blues gemstone Beads. Buy Clash of Clans Gems now in Nepal. Buy original Rudraksha beads, Gemstones, Yantra online from Rudraksha-Gemstones. Tushita-Nepal is an ideal yoga retreat resort in Pokhara Valley for self realization / spiritual awakening- in the bosom of mighty Himalayas. The largest assortment of handmade jewelry with gemstones. GDP Annual Growth Rate in Nepal averaged 4. Unfortunately, India is known for its infamous gem scams, and even those who aren't looking to buy gemstones get fooled into purchasing them to make money. Gems of Venice also finds inspiration in the ancient secrets of the Pala d'Oro, and follows the long Venetian tradition of seeking out exceptional gemstones from the far corners of the earth. All other hues of the gem species corundum are called sapphire. In 2017, world gems exports were US$9. This necklace is a exquisite display of Nepali handicraft. Hand-picked from a vast array of floor covering solutions from all over the world, including laminate flooring, automobile flooring, sports flooring, vinyl planks & heavy-duty hospital flooring products. , we shifted all our senior classes as well as the boarding sector to our own complex spread over 110 ropanies of land situated at Khumaltar, Dhapakhel, Lalitpur. Human Development Data (1990-2017) Select data by dimension, indicator, year and/or country to see a dynamic interactive visualization of the data (represented as line for trends, or bar for single years). com Make Offer - 1. Apart from its appearance which is distinct and marked by chatoyancy , its metaphysical powers and properties have always fascinated human beings. E-mail address. Managed by: Inquiry Media Pvt. Click to buy now!. Nepal lies in the central part of the Great Himalayan Belt. GEM Motto You can do things to improve the environment. Tropical jungle, rivers, hills, frozen valleys and the mighty Himalayas mixed together with the cultural diversity of people make Nepal a go-to destination. Gem: Available in red, clear, soft pink, blue, gold, black, or green Lamp shade: Available in any fabric from the KOKET Textiles collection or COM * Optional finishes may be subject to upcharge; available upon request. Don Bosco Institute of Engineering & Technology under Nepal Don Bosco Society is Owned and operated by the Salesians of Don Bosco, an NGO rendering education and social service in 136 countries of the world. Published in. Buy loose gemstones, precious and semi precious gemstones, rubies, diamonds. Read 2 genuine guest reviews for Hotel Lotus Gems. Developing Nepal, Promoting Tourism and Helping to save Forgotten Lost Children of Nepal HIMALAYAN PRECIOUS CRYSTAL GEMS - Nepal Mission Gemstones are so fascinating! their colors properties, myths, and legends are diverse and fascinating. We offer wide collection of crafts from Nepal. The faculty comprises of senior professors heading each department. Natural Blue Kyanite Gemstone - Nepal. Today, it offers classes from grade one to ten under high school system with expansion of tertiary education on the same premises. GEMS Jumeirah Primary School hosted a royal guest, H. One of the rarest gemstones in the Feldspar group, Tibetanite is also known as Tibetan Andesine or Tibetan Sunstone. Kyanite deposits can be found in many locations around the world. A GEM SET TURBAN CROWN NEPAL, CIRCA 1900 In cloth set with pearls, coloured glass, diamonds, emeralds and rubies; with silver badge bearing the coat of arms of Nepal in the centre and an inscription in devanagari script; mounted with bird of paradise feathers. Travelling to Lalitpur, Nepal? Its geographical coordinates are 27° 40′ 43″ N, 085° 18′ 58″ E. Best shop for Government(G. The mine in Kali Gandaki began commercial mining operations 1991. Get fast shipping, free design ideas and an ironclad guarantee at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. Oct 15, 2011 · Gemstone by Christelle Nihoul. Bone: Bone is a traditional material used in malas in both Nepal and Tibet. 5 Sterling silver. Apr 25, 2015 · On April 25, 2015, a 7. and Kathmandu Bullion company Pvt. 54 carats Size: 8. Nepal is home to some of the most spectacular treks in the world. Read customer reviews on Himalayan Gems™ Jewelry and get TV showtimes for Himalayan Gems™. Kyanite is a beautiful, unique gemstone. Dark Smoky Tourmaline. Abstract: In the early 1970s, geologist and gemologist Dr. Established in 2003, Nepal Gem and Jewellery Association has played a significant role in institutionalizing the Nepali Gem and Jewelry industry by unifying the businessmen working in this sector, promoting export, raising job opportunities, and providing quality service to the customers. Please use the image as a reference only. However, with the recent find of fine quality kyanite in Nepal, interest in this unusual gemstone is on the rise. I was utterly fed up with work and surroundings, and desperately wanted to escape my mundane life. The potential of gemstones in Nepal seems very good if we have the skilled labours on the gemstones so that we can compete with the quality exported by India. Soaltee Crown Plaza, Ktm ,Nepal. Established in 2060, Mangsir 11, Nepal Gem and Jewellery Asssociation (NEGJA) has been registered in the Kathmandu district administration office as a non-profit organization (NGO) under Association & Organization Registration Act 2034 BS. You searched for: gemstone nepal! Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind products and gifts related to your search. Gem traders often leave their offices to make purchases (there are exceptions!) and can not be expected to pack around their favorite light source wherever they go. (North Carolina, Connecticut, and Maine). Top Ten Benefits of Cats Eye Stone | Cats eye metaphysical properties The cat's eye gemstone is quite an intriguing gem. Gemstone # KYNEP5 Name: Kyanite Locality: Nepal Weight: 1. com is one of the world's leading portals to geology and earth science news and information for rocks, minerals, gemstones, energy, volcanoes, earthquakes, careers, geologic hazards, and more. Best shop for Government(G. Call 9803885793 for inquiries. GEM is a full-service, international, award-winning communications and marketing agency. Although Asia has historically been the major producer of ruby gems, there are many other sources including the United States, Australia, and, most recently, Africa. Traditional Kyanite sources of gem crystals include Brazil, Cambodia, Burma (Myanmar), Switzerland, Russia, Kenya, and the U. I was utterly fed up with work and surroundings, and desperately wanted to escape my mundane life. No matter what you're looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Rudra Centre offers 100% natural, non-heated or treated, jyotish quality gemstones in various carats. Dark Smoky Tourmaline. Though these gems are used in making fine jewelry, they are also used for healing self, improving self-confidence and gaining success in life. | Jul 27, 2009, 22:34 IST. Therefore, one needs to consider factors like its origin, color, clarity and cut to find the best piece within the considered budget. Contact GEM. Nepal is now one of the best Kyanite Sources. Our wide selection is elegible for free shipping and free returns. As one of the founding members of the Fair Trade Federation, Aid Through Trade was started in 1993 by a former Peace Corps Volunteer. Hundreds of people explore the state each year in search of crystals, semiprecious gems, gold, and other minerals.


The Content Corner: Will You Read This Entire Post?
Deep down we've always known that people only read a small portion of any content shared online. In many ways that can't be fixed but there are ways to help people read more or at least scan better.
There was a book I loved as a child that featured the Sesame Street character Grover, titled The Monster at the End of this Book, where Grover keeps warning the reader to stop turning pages because there is going to be a scary monster at the end. This of course has the opposite effect as the reader is made more and more curious and is turning the pages faster and faster. In the end, (spoiler alert) Grover is the monster, but I wonder if the book was a blog post, how many readers would have never found out? Do we have to resort to narrative tricks or cliffhangers to help drive our readers to the end of our content? Well, sort of.
As far back as 2008 (and I still use this quote often), Jakob Nielsen broke our hearts by pointing out that people read about 20% of all Web content. This was only shortly after the launch of the first iPhone and the smartphone revolution that certainly reduced this amount even further. In fact, more recent studies have found content viewed via mobile social media apps is processed faster than the same content via desktop. Mobile news feed content can be retained after only .25 seconds of exposure according to research by Fors-Marsh, an applied research company. Yes, one quarter of a second is now a baseline unit of measure for content consumption!
So what are some of the reasons no one is paying close attention to our labors of love?
How do we find a way to grab their attention in a quarter of a second and then hold it for the 4-5 minutes it will take them to read our article?
When I say we don't, I don't mean we throw up our hands and become Luddites. But we do have to accept the limited attention spans of a majority of today's content consumers and work with it as best as possible.
When you think about it, a large influence on how we write for the Web was Nielsen's 20% estimate that crystallized how people's reading habits changed as the medium shifted online.
Chunking most commonly relates to breaking content into smaller and easier-to-scan portions. This is especially important and is an area where I think we can all do better when it comes to paragraphs.
We need to balance the original purpose of a paragraph (a section expressing one point or idea) with the scanning habits of readers and start strategically breaking up paragraphs (or chunking). I frequently review my posts for a sense of how they read narratively, but I also should step back more often and review how they scan.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses chunking, bullets, headings, and bold text to effectively convey critical information as part of their See Something, Say Something program.
The "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign respects citizens' privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties by emphasizing behavior, rather than appearance, in identifying suspicious activity.
Public safety is everyone's responsibility. If you see suspicious activity, report it to local law enforcement or a person of authority.
And let's be honest, getting some users to quickly scan our content is going to be the best possible outcome. As Neil Patel points out, we are writing content that really hits a specific audience and the interested people (our prime audience) will read a majority of what we're writing. We just have to remember the basics of writing for the Web and the scanners out there, but also realize that there is a dedicated audience that will read what you are writing as long as it is consistently shown to be worth the time they invest.
Patel and many others stress the importance of making sure every post or piece of content is focused solely on helping a user solve a problem. And I agree that a great deal of your content needs to be developed with that in mind, though I guess at times I fail to practice what I preach.
Variance is allowed on platforms such as a blog where you not only provide answers or guidance or expertise, but you do it with a certain voice and style. Readers may connect with the combination of your personality and the issues you share and discuss. Those who scan may not care about your pithy remarks or thin, geekish veneer, but others will be drawn to whatever helps you stand out.
When I discuss topics like this I wonder if our own concern for voice or style is all that separates us from the algorithms or from creating Web content with no narrative structure but just chunks of information stripped to its most basic and digestible form. This seems like my idea of efficient content gone haywire and breaks the balance of creating content for the scanner and the dedicated reader.
Did you make it this far? If so, I hope it was worth your while and hopefully you can strike that balance between straightforward content that is scannable, but is also rich enough to attract and maintain a more invested reader base. Always think about stripping away 80% of anything you post and look at whether or not what's left gets your main point across. If it doesn't, revisit the techniques shared here. See if you can improve your summary or key points—or just keep warning people about the monster at the end of your post.
You've just finished reading the latest article from our Monday column, The Content Corner. This column focuses on helping solve the main content issues facing federal digital professionals, including producing enough content and making that content engaging.