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Freedom Kicks - D.C. United, Champions League and MLS links for Wednesday, August 26, 2015
It's a Wednesday, and I'm on vacation. But I love you, so here are some links to get you over the hump.
By Adam M Taylor@the_amt Aug 26, 2015, 7:30am EDT
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Could somebody remind me why I would volunteer to stand in on Freedom Kicks while on vacation with my toddler in the far away land of red hots and deep dish? While I await your answers, onto the links.
First up, the customary recap roundup of D.C. United's 3-0 win over Montego Bay United in CONCACAF Champions League play, including our own Steven Streff, Pablo Maurer for the league website and the Post's Steven Goff. For a second there, I was really, really sure that "Michael Farfan to Miguel Aguilar" would just keep happening for all the goals in ConcaChamps. Alas, Kofi Opare and Conor Doyle had to push their way into the spotlight, too.
The leak of the new USSF badge earlier this month set off some mixed reactions, but I think most of us think the update is at least better than what it's replacing. If this tweet turns out to be a thing, though - which, it's a blury tweeted image and should probably be assumed fake until and unless it's corroborated - I think the response to the new away kit will be decidedly more negative.
Looks like the rumored crest change is legit. A friend with some connections at USSF said this is new away jersey pic.twitter.com/fAV1aD3FNM
— Jonathan Slape (@thexhorde) August 26, 2015
... and in a shock update before today's Freedom Kicks could even publish, it's a fake! Who could have seen that coming?
I'll tweet it directly again so you all can see. Lets kill this rumor, its a fake based on a WorldSoccerShop item pic.twitter.com/KMcmEJtW18
— Todo Sobre Camisetas (@EleteTSC) August 26, 2015
This item is admittedly more than a week old, but if you haven't read Bill Connelly's longform look at how Bayern became the best-run soccer club in the world, you really need to fix that oversight. Pronto.
A player wasting time by throwing himself off a stretcher certainly won't win any converts to our game, but it is pretty hilarious. Especially the guy from the other team who litterally can't so much that he runs out of the frame, arms flailing. He can't so much that he must. It's a new level of cannot heretofore unseen on these shores.
Our final substantive link this morning comes from the Great White North, where time operates differently such that Kekuta Manneh - who seems to have been in the league since the Vancouver Whitecaps were founded as an NASL team back in the 70s - is somehow only 20 years old. The speedster's growth curve is starting to catch up with his quick feet, which is exciting to watch if a bit harrowing for teams that have to play Vancouver more than once a year. (Shoutout to my homies out West in KC.)
And since I am in the Windy City, I'll leave you with an unparallelled ode to Chicago from the seminal Serengeti. Please to enjoy.
Welcome to your open thread for the day. Take it where you will.


Despite his family's generations-old ban on music, young Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Hector (Gael García Bernal), the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.
Previous articleWhat is your everyday super power?


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Q: duplicates items in array, then show only one of each in tableview in swift Straight to the point : I have a struct of quotes:
struct Quote {
    var category: String
    var text: string
}

then,
struct QuoteBrain {
    let quote = [
        Quote(category: "Friends", text: "blablabla"),
        Quote(category: "Friends", text: "Blobloblo"),
        Quote(category: "Love", text: "Love U Sooooooo"),
        etc...
    ]
}

I want in my tableView to show category but only once... in this case there will be only 2 categories.
and then when you select a category, i want to show all the quotes related to this category...
Can someone help me?
Thanks everyone

A: Just use a Set:
let categories = Set(quote.map { $0.category })

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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2012 NFL Week 14 Preview: Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders
It's a tale of two seasons when you look at the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders heading into their primetime matchup Thursday night on the NFL Network.
The Broncos are riding high after winning their seventh straight game and clinching the AFC West for a second-consecutive year last week. As for the Raiders, things aren't quite as rosy. It's been another forgetful season for the silver-and-black. Oakland has lost its last five games to drop to 3-8 and see their playoff hopes erased for a 10th straight season.
Denver is a 10.5-point favorite over the Raiders, according to this week's NFL odds. The over/under is listed at 48.5 points. These two teams met earlier this year and it was no match. On Sept. 30 in Denver, the Broncos blitzed the Raiders 37-6.
Broncos' quarterback Peyton Manning has to be licking his chops thinking about facing the dreadful defensive unit of the Raiders. According to NFL.com, Oakland has allowed 31.3 points a game this season—more than any other team in the league. The Raiders are equally atrocious against the run (130.4 yards a game, 28th) and the pass (256.5 yards a game, 25th).
In the season's first matchup, Manning torched the Raiders by going 30 of 38 for 338 yards and three touchdowns.
On the other side of the ball, things don't look much better for the Raiders. Quarterback Carson Palmer has had a decent enough season, but Oakland has been hamstrung by the inability to run the ball with any consistency. The Raiders rank 29th in the NFL in rushing with just 82.8 yards a game.
They will face a Denver defensive unit that ranks third in the NFL with just 308.2 yards a game allowed.
Oakland appears to have mailed it in this season and, given the discrepancy in production on both sides of the ball, this one could turn ugly quickly. Look for Denver, which has the incentive of playing for a better a playoff seed, to jump out early in this one and cruise to the cover.
Houston Rockets to retire Yao Ming's jersey but is he worthy?
Schiano's Young Bucs Go On the Offensive
The perils of wagering with a small-time bookie
Mark Wiebe reminds us golf is a four-letter word (video)
Hardened times in the Western Conference; the Beard flies south for the winter
Greg Schiano and the Buccaneers long for the days of replacement refs
SportsChump talks golf etiquette, Vol. 1: Playing Through
2012 NFL Week 2 Preview: Atlanta Falcons vs. Denver Broncos
2012 NFL Week 17 Preview: Raiders-Chargers, Broncos-Chiefs
2012 NFL Week 13 Preview: Chiefs, Broncos, Chargers, Raiders
2012 NFL Week 10 Preview: Chargers, Raiders, Broncos, Chiefs
2012 NFL Week 11 Preview: Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers, Broncos
2012 NFL Week 14 Thursday Night Football Breakdown: Broncos vs. Raiders
2012 Week NFL 9 Preview: Broncos vs. Bengals, Buccaneers vs. Raiders
2012 NFL Week 9 Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Oakland Raiders

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


About one-third of dementia cases could be prevented if a person's lifestyle factors such as diabetes and hypertension are managed, according to a new report presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in London.
Furthermore, the report identifies ways to treat dementia without using medications that are typically prescribed. The report is a collaborative effort of 24 experts from around the globe who reviewed existing research regarding the prevention and treatment of dementia. It highlights nine specific risk factors (as seen in the infographic below) that increase the chances of developing Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
The rate of new cases of dementia could drop by as much as 20 percent if all of the following are addressed: increasing education from a young age, managing hearing loss, and taking care of hypertension and obesity in midlife, the report states. Additionally, even more cases could be reduced if certain lifestyle factors in late life are addressed, such as treating depression and being more social.
"The potential magnitude of the effect on dementia of reducing these risk factors is larger than we could ever imagine the effect that current, experimental medications could have," Schneider said. "Mitigating risk factors provides us a powerful way to reduce the global burden of dementia."
About 47 million people worldwide currently live with dementia and this number is expected to nearly triple by the year 2050, according to the World Health Organization. Dementia is a broad term that includes diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. Depending on the stage of disease, treatments typically involve therapies and medications. But, in the new report, the authors warn against specific drugs and note that other types of interventions may be more effective.
"Antipsychotic drugs are commonly used to treat agitation and aggression, but there is substantial concern about these drugs because of an increased risk of death, cardiovascular adverse events and infections, not to mention excessive sedation," Schneider said.


The Twisted Cherry Derby Wood Cane is a lightweight, yet sturdy, walking cane that is fashioned from cherry and accented with our distinctive twist. The finished cane is an attractive walking aid that boasts both utility and style. Cherry is a distinctive wood that offers lightweight handling, strength, and flexibility. Each cane also comes with a rubber tip for a secure grip on most surfaces. Like all of our finely crafted walking sticks and canes, the Twisted Cherry Derby Wood Cane is made in the USA by our skilled craftsmen using the highest quality wood and time-tested methods.
WELL BUILT AND FINE FINISH, THANKS BRAZOS!
I have bought a number of similar canes from Brazos. This cherry cane is very good looking. However, because of the oval shape of the shaft the handle is thinner than the others I use. This makes the handle feel lighter. I have large hands and a larger heavier handle feels better.


In determining aftercare news coverage for its various platforms, including the distribution of press releases, BloodHorse uses accreditation by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as an important barometer of an organization's integrity and credibility because TAA's extensive accreditation requirements include a detailed application process and on-site inspections.
This standard had not been in place for BloodHorse blogs when "Hangin' With Haskin" published its feature about Dina Alborano's I Care I Help organization but will be going forward. This standard along with serious concerns raised recently about the I Care I Help organization and discussions with author Steve Haskin factored into the decision to remove this blog entry from BloodHorse.com archives.
BloodHorse will not categorically dismiss a positive feature on an unaccredited organization recognizing that such programs may be doing valuable work, but these organizations will face greater scrutiny. The industry has in place a system to ensure the quality of aftercare programs and BloodHorse will use those resources in its editorial decisions.
BloodHorse is committed to thoughtful, thorough, and responsible news coverage of all aftercare-related issues and rescue organizations and will be covering the I Care I Help situation as it develops.
"Somehow this situation has gotten completely out of hand between these two factions (I Care I Help and the National Thoroughbred Welfare Organization).
"I just don't understand this because everyone is trying to do good, everybody is working for a common cause, and now it has become too ugly and hostile and counterproductive. I don't get involved in Dina's rescue affairs. She has always indicated to me that all she wants to do is rescue animals, especially horses. I also wrote the first story on NTWO and fully support what they do, and I think what Maggi Moss does is terrific.


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Your health, your family or your job?
ACLU of Northern California
From ACLU of Northern California <[email protected]>
Subject Your health, your family or your job?
Date June 6, 2020 4:00 PM
CA workers should not have to make impossible choices between their paychecks and their health.
Friend –
The California economy is the largest in the United States and the sixth-largest in the world. Our state's incredible economic engine depends on working people with families who depend on them as well.
But COVID-19 has exposed the failings of our state's worker protection laws. Most Californians are allowed only three sick days per year, which leaves many workers – disproportionately women, people of color and immigrants – unable to take the time they need to care for themselves and their families.
Without paid sick leave, people are less likely to see a healthcare provider when they fall ill and more likely to go to work contagious. Inadequate sick leave risks the health of our community and undermines the health of our economy.
Take Action <[link removed]>
California must ensure that all our frontline workers can take the leave they need without jeopardizing their livelihood. More than 65 percent of families with incomes below $35,000 have no access to paid sick leave, and less than 1 percent of workers earning less than $20,000 utilize paid family leave programs. Many are afraid that taking leave will cost them their jobs – 40 percent of California workers are ineligible for job-protected family leave simply because they work for an employer with fewer than 50 employees.
Together, the governor's paid family leave budget proposal and AB 3216 (Kalra) will permit all Californian workers to take job-protected leave, regardless of the size of their employer. This will allow our frontline workers to care for themselves, a new baby, sick family members, or family members who are home because of a school closure. AB 3216 will also provide 7 additional days (for a total of 10 days) of paid sick leave to all California workers during a state of public health emergency, and it will provide people in industries impacted heavily by COVID-19 the right to return to work.
Californians should not have to make a choice between their paychecks and caring for themselves and their families. AB 3216 provides strong job protections for workers who need to take leave – strengthening health outcomes and easing economic stress for individuals and their families and communities. California needs to take action to ensure a healthy workforce and to foster a strong economic recovery for all.
Tell your legislators to vote YES on AB 3216 and the paid family leave budget proposal. <[link removed]>
Thanks for sticking with us,
Abdi Soltani
Executive Director, ACLU of Northern California
Donate Now <[link removed]>
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Home > World Cup Betting News > Maradona's Advice: France versus Peru World Cup Betting
Maradona's Advice: France versus Peru World Cup Betting
January 2, 2018 by Richard Maine
Living legend and greatest soccer player in the history of the sport Diego Armando 'Manos: The Hands of Fate' Maradona is aware of Peru's long World Cup betting odds against France. Therefore, he cracked the following egg of wisdom: "If Peru wants to play in a different way to France, it does not work. The best thing that Latinos can have is to show their own identity, when they are on the court, to touch the subtle ball, something that a European will never be able to do." Huh? That doesn't actually make a lick of sense. Maybe something was lost in translation? Nope, it wasn't.
21 June 2018 20:00 YEKT (UTC+5)
Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg
Peru head coach Ricardo Gareca is Maradona's fellow countryman so perhaps he at least got the gist of it. Meanwhile, the Peruvian Football Federation is shopping for friendly matches with European opponents. "We have many proposals for friendly matches, the professors are evaluating them, there are more proposals than we could imagine, they are against European teams," Federation president Edwin Oviedo told Peruvian newspaper La República. "There are several proposals, Portugal is one of them, at this point I prefer that the technical command and the management of the teams evaluate and determine which is the most convenient." Portugal would certainly be a close approximation to what a World Cup betting matchup with France would be like. In the meantime, Oviedo has announced friendly matches against fellow Croatia and Iceland in the United States.
Over in France, head coach Didier Deschamps has more strikers than he knows what to do with. Paris St Germain's Kylian Mbappe will probably make his World Cup debut while Olivier Giroud also seems to be a lock as does his Arsenal teammate Alexandre Lacazette. On the other hand, Anthony Martial and Kingsley Coman might end up watching the World Cup (but not betting on the World Cup) from their respective living rooms. In the midfield, Chelsea's N'Golo Kante and Manchester United's Paul Pogba provide the team's backbone. Things aren't as nifty on defense, though. Benjamin Mendy's injury has cast a pall over that whole area.
"We don't manage to control the situation throughout a game, and we didn't manage control throughout the qualifying campaign," Deschamps said. "We did not really hurt our opponents. It's important that we learn to do that. We have a lot of ambition but if we look at the other nations, there are two in Europe [Portugal and Germany] who are ahead of us, and one in South America [Brazil]." All things considered, Martial and Coman might miss the World Cup. Peru's captain and historical leading scorer Paolo Guerrero will definitely miss it. FIFA suspended Guerrero for 12 months after he tested positive for cocaine. Now that's a situation in which you do want Maradona's expert advice. According to FIFA, Guerrero failed a drug test following Peru's 0-0 draw with Argentina in a World Cup qualifier on October 5th. He was suspended provisionally on November 3rd, which now counts as the start date for the 12-month ban. Guerrero has 32 goals in 86 international appearances with Peru, whose World Cup betting odds just got a little longer.
A-salami-I-lik'em: Nigeria-Argentina World Cup Betting
Going Down Under: Australia-Denmark World Cup Betting


A variety of Belgian artists with abstract work are represented in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp (KMSKA). On the one hand, it deals with the artists who choose for the abstract as a means of expression in the 1920's between the two World Wars. On the other hand, it concerns artist that only did so after 1945. The KMSKA only acquired work some decades removed from the date of origin of the abstract movements in Belgium.
After the First World War, the guiding principles of the Pure Plasticism find an entrance into Antwerp in 1918 and in Brussels in 1922. It was a regional form of Constructivism, a tendency that gained a form in the post-war years in Europe between the two World Wars. With the painter Jozef Peeters, advocate and theoretician of Pure Plasticism and the Modern Art circle, Antwerp was a lively and important centre for the development and promotion of these artistic trends. Nonetheless, only just in the 1960's and later did the KMSKA acquire abstract compositions by Jozef Peeters, Victor Servranckx, Edmond Van Dooren, Jos Léonard and Jan Kiemeneij, who partially or wholly, respond to the principles of Pure Plasticism.
The reason for the non-acquisition of pieces during the uprising and growth of Pure Plasticism was probably twofold. The museum only acquired modern art that was exhibited at the Triennial exhibitions of Antwerp and selected by a specially organised committee for this purpose. From this principle, the museum did not deviate from post-World War Two. As such, Pure Plasticism did not gain access to the official institutions. As a consequence, the exhibition, in the context of the Second Congress for Modern Art in Antwerp, and organised by the eponymous Antwerp Circle, through the collective protest of the professors of the Academy of Antwerp, does not take place in the main hall of the museum. When the writer, exhibitions' creator and journalist Jozef Muls (1882 - 1961), who was Chairman in 1920 of the First Congress for Modern Art, becomes appointed Adjunct-Conservator of the museum in 1926, Pure Plasticism has already passed its zenith. As the editor of the publication Vlaamsche Arbeid, Muls primarily admits the texts of lectures on modern literature.
After the Second World War, the stance of the museum world towards contemporary art changes. Various European museums, such as the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and the Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven, chose for the display and following of modern art that per definition is continuously in flux. In 1959, Head Conservator Walther Vanbeselaere strives for a similar policy. He formulates his mission statements at the moment that Antwerp is an internationally appreciated centre for the avant-garde. In the vision of a full-fledged activity around modern art, beginning from the 1960's, the KMSKA exhibits and purchases work by Belgian artists, who with their research, experiments and plastic forms of expression fit in amongst the various, new tendencies in European art after 1945.
A diversity of the tendencies result in new forms of abstraction such as informal art, monochromatic and achromatic, action painting, lyrical abstract, constructivism, kinetic art, and assemblage. The majority of acquisitions primarily occur on the occasion of the following exhibitions: 1947/1967 Kontrasten: schilderkunst in België/ Contrasts: painting in Belgium (1968), G-58 Hessenhuis (1973), Zero internationaal Antwerpen (1979-1980) and Informele kunst in België en Nederland, 1955-1960: parallel in de Nederlandstalige literatuur/ Informal art in Belgium and the Netherlands, 1955-1960: parallel to Dutch-language literature (1984).


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The Borel-Boccaccio Type 3000, also known as Borel C2, was a two-seat fighter designed and built in France to a 1918 C2 specification.

Design and development
In 1918 Borel responded to two specifications for fighter aircraft, one single seat with provision for a rear gunner and another two-seater. Two almost identical designs emerged to meet these specifications, the Borel C1 and Borel C2.

Borel C1
The C1 was  designed with two fixed synchronised machine-guns, or a single machine-gun with a  cannon firing through the propeller boss. Two additional machine-guns were also proposed, fired by a second crewman seated behind the pilot, known as a single-seat protégé, which mirrored the C2 specification. Development of the sole C1 was abandoned with the armistice in favour of the almost identical C2.

Borel C2 / Borel-Boccaccio Type 3000
The C2 was a two-seat fighter very similar to the C1 but with a gun ring in a separate cockpit behind the pilot and a revised cabane strut arrangement. The two-bay biplane wings had moderate stagger and were attached to the lower fuselage longerons and to the upper longerons with cabane struts under the centre section. Power was supplied by a  Hispano-Suiza 8Fb driving a 2-bladed wooden propeller with a large spinner. The wooden fuselage was covered in fabric and housed two jettisonable fuel tanks and, initially, a ventral radiator for the closely cowled Hispano-Suiza 8Fb and fixed  Vickers machine-gun. Provision for two cameras was made under the pilots seat and the rear gunner had two  guns on a T.O.3 gun ring.

Testing of the Type 3000 revealed that the aircraft met the armament requirements of the specification and that the structure had a load factor of seven (could withstand 7g). Modifications included replacing the ventral radiator with two Lamblin radiators mounted on the undercarriage legs, shortened exhaust manifolds and an extra strut supporting the tailplane. Despite exceeding the performance requirements the Type 3000 was not ordered for production due to the SPAD S.XX, beating Borel to the post, having been flown and tested in 1918.

Specifications (Type 3000 / C2)

References

1910s French fighter aircraft
Aircraft first flown in 1919
Biplanes
Borel aircraft

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Preclinical Biochemistry: Fat Mobilization, β-Oxidation and Ketone Body Metabolism
Fats or fatty acids represent an important energy source for the human body. Thus, intake, storage, and degradation have to be strictly regulated. Fatty acid synthesis is also possible, which is of little significance in industrial countries but is vital for a body with too little fat intake.
Fat Mobilization
Fatty Acid Degradation and β-oxidation
Ketone Body Metabolism
Fatty Acid Synthesis
Popular Questions in Exams Concerning Fat Mobilization, β-oxidation, and Ketone Body Metabolism
Are you more of a visual learner? Check out our online video lectures and start your biochemistry course now for free!
Image : "Omega 3 fatty acids tablets" by Bicanski. License: Public Domain
For the human body to function in the long term, it is important that excessive energy sources (like fatty acids) are stored after food intake in order to be degraded in phases of hunger or at increased need for energy, i.e., during sport. For fatty acids, the storage form is triacylglycerol (TAG).
Image: "Three-dimensional representations of several fatty acids" by Lojban. License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Storage degradation
The fatty acids are stored in the adipocytes as triglycerides and can be degraded at the same location, if needed.
Image: " Line of a fat triglyceride (Strichformel eines Fett-Triglycerides)" by Wolfgang Schaefer. License: Public Domain.
After triacylglycerides are degraded to fatty acids and glycerol, the free fatty acids can further be used for energy extraction. While the TAGs are degraded in the cytosol of the cells, fatty acid degradation and oxidative energy extraction occur in the mitochondria, the so-called powerhouses of the cells.
Before the process begins, however, the fatty acids have to be imported into the mitochondria. Small fatty acids with less than 10 C atoms can probably diffuse freely through the mitochondrial membrane, whereas larger fatty acids need transport enzymes.
Fatty acid import into the mitochondria
Before fatty acids can pass the mitochondrial membrane, they are activated with the coenzyme A (CoA), thus forming Acyl-CoA. This reaction is catalyzed by Acyl-CoA-synthetase, consuming ATP.
Carnitine acyltransferase I (or carnitine palmitoyl transferase I) transfers the acyl group to carnitine. Acylcarnitine forms, releasing CoA.
Translocase can transport the resulting acylcarnitine into the mitochondrion matrix via the mitochondrial membrane, in exchange for carnitine.
In the matrix, there is a second transferase, the carnitine acyltransferase II, which again transfers the acyl group to CoA. Thus, carnitine is free and can be used for another exchange with acylcarnitine for the translocase.
β-oxidation
In the mitochondrial matrix, acyl-CoA can be further broken down to acetyl-CoA. This degradation is performed via a metabolic cycle called β-oxidation, since the oxidation occurs at a β-carbon atom.
Acyl-CoA is oxidized to enoyl-CoA under the conversion of FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) to FADH2. This reaction is catalyzed by acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase.
Then, enoyl-CoA is hydrated to hydroxyacyl-CoA via enoyl-CoA-hydratase.
At this point, the second oxidation reaction occurs: Hydroxyacyl-CoA is oxidized to ketoacyl-CoA via hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase. During this process, NAD+ is converted to NADH and H+.
A ketothiolase catalyzes the next reaction. This happens as the thiol group of another CoA molecule is transferred to the ketoacyl-CoA. Thus, acetyl-CoA is split off and an acyl-CoA that is now shorter by two carbon atoms remains. The latter can enter another oxidation cycle.
Even and saturated fatty acids
Even and saturated fatty acids can be completely degraded to acetyl-CoA via the four steps of β-oxidation mentioned above. This is the simplest form of degradation. The same scheme also occurs in the degradation of uneven or unsaturated fatty acids. However, further intermediate steps and enzymes are necessary.
Uneven fatty acids
At first, uneven fatty acids are oxidized just like the even fatty acids, according to the four steps mentioned above. This continues until the point where propionyl-CoA remains after acetyl-CoA has been split off in the last step. Via several additional steps, it can be converted into succinyl-CoA, which then enters the citric acid cycle.
Under ATP consumption and via the propionyl-CoA-carboxylase, propionyl-CoA is carboxylated to methylmalonyl-CoA in the form of the D-isomer.
The D-isomer of methylmalonyl-CoA is epimerized to its L-isomer.
The L-methylmalonyl-CoA is converted to succinyl-CoA via a mutase. This last step is vitamin B12-dependant since it is an intramolecular rearrangement.
Unsaturated fatty acids
Unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds, which frequently occur in the cis-configuration. They need special enzymes to be degraded. β-oxidation of an unsaturated fatty acid begins just like it does with even fatty acids until the cycle reaches the double bond. An isomerase converts the cis-double bond into a trans-double bond so that the enoyl-CoA hydratase can continue the normal cycle of β-oxidation.
For the degradation of multiple unsaturated fatty acids, reductases are also needed, since molecules with two double bonds cannot simply be degraded. These reductases are able to form single bonds under NADPH consumption so that multiple unsaturated fatty acids can be degraded via β-oxidation.
In one oxidation cycle, acetyl-CoA, FADH2, and NADH and H+ form as mentioned above. However, 2 ATPs are used to regenerate AMP to ATP for the activation of the fatty acids in the cytosol.
For example, the degradation of C16 palmitic acid results in 7 oxidation cycles. This means that 8 acetyl-CoA, 7 FADH2, and 7 NADH and H+ form. Acetyl-CoA is further processed in the citric acid cycle, while NADH is further utilized in the respiratory chain. One mole palmitic acid eventually leads to 106 moles ATP.
The acetyl-CoA resulting from the degradation of the fatty acids, would, at one point, enter the citric acid cycle. In order for this to happen, acetyl-CoA has to be bound to oxaloacetate. Oxaloacetate forms as a product of glycolysis. If the number of carbohydrates that are taken in is insufficient, or if oxaloacetate is used for gluconeogenesis in the state of hunger, an imbalance of acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate develops.
As a result, acetyl-CoA cannot enter the citric acid cycle. Thus, in this situation, it is converted into the so-called ketone bodies, which consist of acetoacetate, D-3-hydroxybutyrate and acetone. You can read how ketone body synthesis proceeds, and which tissues rely on it.
In most situations – at least in the industrial countries – the body can cover its need for fats via food intake. Still, the synthesis of fatty acids out of acetyl-CoA is possible. In contrast to the fatty acid degradation, the synthesis occurs in the cytosol, so Acetyl-CoA has to be transported from the mitochondrion to the cytosol.
This takes place via the citrate-malate-shuttle: Acetyl-CoA is transferred to oxaloacetate, resulting in citrate. In exchange with a molecule of malate, it is transported into the cytosol via the mitochondrial membrane.
Fatty acid synthase
In the cytosol, the fatty acids are synthesized by an enzymatic complex, the fatty acid synthase. It is a homodimer enzyme with two identical subunits, each of which has several domains with catalytic centers.
Each subunit has two exposed SH-groups, which are located centrally and peripherally of the U-shaped protein complex. The central SH-group is a functional group of phosphopantetheine. It is anchored in the acyl-carrier-protein (ACP) and serves the temporary fixation of intermediate products and the malonyl groups during fatty acid synthesis.
The peripheral SH-group is at the amino-terminal domain of the subunits. It accommodates the intermediate products of fatty acid synthesis, while the central SH-group binds a new malonyl group.
Steps of synthesis
Under ATP consumption, acetyl-CoA is converted to malonyl-CoA via acetyl-CoA-carboxylase, which contains biotin. In an intermediate step, biotin-enzyme forms, whose activated CO2 group is transferred to acetyl-CoA, so that malonyl-CoA forms. This reaction is irreversible and serves as a pacemaker reaction of fatty acid synthesis.
For the elongation of the chain, acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA are bound to the acyl-carrier-protein (ACP). Thus, acetyl-ACP and malonyl-ACP form. This step is catalyzed by acetyl-transacylase and malonyl-transacylase.
Acetyl-ACP and malonyl-ACP are then condensed in a reaction that is catalyzed by β-ketoacylsynthase. Thus, acetoacetyl-ACP forms.
With the help of NADPH as a reduction equivalent, acetoacetyl-ACP is reduced to D-3-hydroxybutyryl-ACP.
The next reaction is catalyzed by 3-hydroxy acyl-dehydratase. Crotonyl-ACP forms as water is split off from D-3-hydroxybutyryl-ACP. Thus, this step realizes the process of dehydration.
With the help of enoyl-reductase, crotonyl-ACP is converted to butyryl-ACP. This reaction is a reduction which uses NADPH as reduction equivalent. Hereby, the first round of the elongation is terminated.
For further elongation of the chain, steps 3-6 are repeated: condensation, reduction, dehydration, reduction. Butyryl-ACP is condensed with malonyl-CoA to ketoacyl-ACP. Eventually, it is provided for the next elongation as acyl-ACP with six carbon atoms.
A frequent result of fatty acid synthesis is a chain of 16 carbon atoms. A thioesterase can split the ACP off from C16-acyl-ACP, resulting in palmitate and ACP. In order to elongate the chains to more than 16 carbon atoms, further C2-units of malonyl-CoA molecules are attached to the chain. This reaction is catalyzed in the cytosol by enzymes, which are located in the endoplasmatic reticulum.
Synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids
The above-mentioned steps of fatty acid synthesis only lead to the elongation of the chain. The insertion of double bonds depends on other enzymes, which are located at the endoplasmatic reticulum.
This reaction requires NADH and O2. The complex of catalyzing enzymes contains a cytochrome-reductase, the heme-iron cytochrome b5, and a desaturase. The latter accepts O2 and transfers it to the fatty acid and H+. NADH provides electrons for the O2-binding to the fatty acid. At first, these electrons are transferred to the cytochrome-reductase.
If the oxygen molecule binds to the fatty acid chain, a double bond forms in the fatty acid, whereby water is split off. Mammals cannot insert double bond further distally than the ninth carbon atom since they lack the appropriate enzymes.
The synthesis of one palmitate requires 8 molecules of acetyl-CoA, 7 ATP, 14 NADPH, and 6 H+ ions. Besides palmitate, 14 NADP+, 8 CoA, 6 water molecules, 7 ADP and 7 Pi form.
Regulation mechanisms
Fatty acid synthesis is regulated via influencing the key enzyme of the synthesis, acetyl-CoA-carboxylase. This enzyme is activated by citrate (substrate) and inhibited by acyl-CoA compounds (products).
Malonyl-CoA inhibits carnitine-acyltransferase I, which catalyzes the step determining the speed of fatty acid degradation. This prevents the simultaneous synthesis and degradation of fatty acids.
The hormones adrenalin, glucagon and insulin have an effect over the fatty acid synthesis. Adrenalin and glucagon lead to phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA-ß-carboxylase, which inhibits it. Insulin activates the enzyme since it mediates dephosphorylation. Thus, insulin has an antagonistic effect concerning adrenalin and glucagon.
Increased occurrence of AMP, which is considered a hunger signal, leads to phosphorylation via an AMP-activated protein kinase and, thus, to inactivation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase.
Carnitine deficiency
Depending on the severity, a carnitine deficiency presents itself as muscle cramps or states of weakness and can even lead to death. One sign is muscle weakness after long strain when the muscle relies on long-chain fatty acids as an energy source. These fatty acids, however, cannot be transported into the mitochondria for utilization due to the carnitine deficiency.
Ketonuria
The term ketonuria or acetonuria means the presence of ketone bodies in the urine. This can be an expression of several causes, which can also occur in healthy people in longer catabolic situations. Examples are long fasting, fever or continuous physical strain. Generally, metabolic diseases like diabetes mellitus have to be excluded.
1. Carnitine deficiency most likely leads to…
…decreased degradation of short- and medium-chain fatty acids.
…increased degradation of long-chain fatty acids.
…increased degradation of short- and medium-chain fatty acids.
…decreased degradation of long-chain fatty acids.
…weakness at the slightest kind of movement.
2. If a lot of malonyl-CoA is present…
…degradation of fatty acids is increased.
…carnitine-acyl-transferase I is stimulated.
…acetyl-CoA carboxylase is inhibited.
…fatty acid degradation is inhibited.
…fatty acid synthesis is inhibited.
3. Which sequence concerning fatty acid synthesis is correct?
Condensation, reduction, dehydration, reduction
Condensation, reduction, reduction, dehydration
Condensation, dehydration, reduction, reduction
Reduction, dehydration, condensation, reduction
Dehydration, condensation, reduction, reduction
Fukao, T., & Henry Stewart Talks (Firm). (2007). Inborn Errors of Ketone Body Metabolism. London: Henry Stewart Talks.
MOBILIZATION OF DEPOT FAT. (2009). Nutrition Reviews, 13(7), 207-209. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.1955.tb03484.x
Pathways of nutritional biochemistry: Fatty acid oxidation. (1991). The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 2(4), 185. doi:10.1016/0955-2863(91)90014-v
Ward, C. (2015). Ketone body metabolism (revision number 19). Diapedia. doi:10.14496/dia.51040851169.19
Correct answers: 1D, 2D, 3A


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The Bradenton Juice were a short-lived minor league baseball team based in Bradenton, Florida in 2007. The team's name came from a "Name the Team" contest that included over 100 suggestions for the ball club. The club played in the South Coast League. The Juice's home game were held at Robert C. Wynn Baseball Field, which is located on the campus of Manatee Community College, now State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota. However the Juice were no longer permitted to use the field after just four home games into the season.

Juice games were broadcast on WSRQ 1220AM radio in Sarasota/Bradenton, FL.

During the Juice's lone season, pitcher Brian Gartley went 10-3 with 96 strikeouts to win the Most Outstanding Pitcher award. On March 31, 2008, the League office issued an announcement that it was suspending operations as of April 1, citing an inability to close on a large amount of debt. While the statement claimed that it planned to resume operations in 2009, however the league never returned. The Juice dissolved with the league, as a result.

2007 season

References

Defunct minor league baseball teams
2007 establishments in Florida
2007 disestablishments in Florida
Baseball teams established in 2007
Sports in Bradenton, Florida
South Coast League teams
Baseball teams disestablished in 2007
Defunct independent baseball league teams
Defunct baseball teams in Florida


Published: Feb. 28, 2018 at 04:52 p.m.
New York Jets running back Matt Forte has announced his retirement after 10 NFL seasons. Take a look at photos of Matt Forte through the years.
Running back Matt Forte, of Tulane, waits to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008.
Running back Matt Forte, #22 of the Chicago Bears, runs with the football during the Chicago Bears Rookie Camp inside The Walter Payton Center at Halas Hall on May 2, 2008 in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Running back Matt Forte addresses the media during the Chicago Bears Rookie Camp inside The Walter Payton Center at Halas Hall on May 2, 2008 in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte dances into the end zone on a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008. The Bears won 48-41.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte during the 2008 NFL Players Association Rookie Premiere at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on May 17, 2008 in Los Angeles.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (far left) of the Baltimore Ravens poses with the Pepsi Rookie of the Year after winning the award as he stands with (left to right) Matt Forte, Chris Johnson, Matt Ryan, Steve Slaton and Evan Longoria of the Tampa Rays during Super Bowl XLIII Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year Press Conference held at the Super Bowl XLIII Media Center in the Tampa Convention Center on January 29, 2009 in Tampa, Florida.
Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears talks to the media during the "2008 Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year Press Conference" held at the Super Bowl XLIII Media Center in the Tampa Convention Center on January 29, 2009 in Tampa, Florida.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates after his touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009. Chicago won 48-24.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) hurdles a defender during an NFL game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 in Chicago. The Bears won the game, 19-14.
Chicago Bears teammates defensive back Corey Graham (21), defensive end Julius Peppers (90), running back Matt Forte (22), and cornerback Charles Tillman (33) pose with Hawaiian models Aureana Tseu, left, and U'ilani LaBoy, during the NFC team photos at the NFL Pro Bowl, Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 in Kapolei, Hawaii.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) is tackled by New England Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich (50) and cornerback Devin McCourty (32) in the first half an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte throws out the first pitch before the Tampa Bay Rays-Chicago White Sox baseball game in Chicago, Saturday, April 9, 2011.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) of Team Rice runs against Team Sanders during the 2014 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on Sunday, January 26, 2014, in Honolulu.
Chicago Bears' Matt Forte (22) reacts after running for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22), quarterback Jay Cutler (6) and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) wait for their introduction before an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in Chicago.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) looks on as he watches the action on the field from the sidelines during a Week 1 NFL preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins in Chicago, Illinois on Thursday, August 13, 2015. The Bears defeated the Dolphins 27-10.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte arrives at the 3rd Annual NFL Honors awards show at Radio City Music Hall on February 1, 2014 in New York, NY.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte reaches up to fans fans after an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Chicago. Forte, a two-time Pro Bowl running back announced on Instagram Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, morning that the team informed him this week they will not offer him a contract for next season.
In this Nov. 22, 2015, Chicago Bears coach John Fox, left, talks to running back Matt Forte on the field before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Chicago. The Bears play the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016.
New York Jets running back Matt Forte during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Nov. 17, 2016.
New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) breaks away from Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) on the run in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, in Cleveland.
New York Jets Matt Forte takes questions from fans as part a of fan forum during a NFL football training camp in Florham Park, N.J., Monday, July 31, 2017.
New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) runs during the NFL Football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 9th, 2016 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
New York Jets running back Matt Forte runs past Atlanta Falcons' Deion Jones during an NFL football game at MetLife Stadium in E. Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017.
New York Jets' Matt Forte, right, celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J.
New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) looks up from the sideline with his helmet off during a NFL Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, October 17, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won the game 28-3.


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Applicant Disclosure Is Good for Officials
If Ontario or Mississauga required broad applicant disclosure, Mississauga's mayor would not be in court this week arguing that she didn't know that her son had invested in a huge hotel and convention center deal. According to an article yesterday on the 680 News Radio site, she has been alleged to have voted with a conflict, and could be forced to resign as mayor.
The mayor has said in her defense that she didn't read a crucial document containing her son's name, because she didn't have her reading glasses. She has to plead ignorance, something that, of course, she cannot prove. Had her son been required to disclose that his mother was the mayor, she would have been alerted and she could have withdrawn. Had she not withdrawn, there would be no need for a trial.
Applicant disclosure is good for local government officials. It protects them from being in the position of the Mississauga mayor, fighting for their careers and explaining that their children never call.
Discretionary Funds
A report from the South Carolina Ethics Commission about council funds in Greenwood County (attached; see below) shows once again that discretion is not the better part of valor when it comes to government ethics.
In 2008, the council set up two sorts of discretionary funds. One paid council members a set monthly rate for expenses, rather than paying expenses as requested. With a set rate, no proof of expenditure needed to be shown. This cries for abuse.
Four of the nine council members refused to accept these funds. This is to their credit. However, it does not appear that any of them told the public or the state ethics commission about the council's decision, which was made in a committee meeting without minutes, and hidden in budget language that would not alert the public or the press about what had been decided. This is not to their credit. It is not enough to refuse to go along with ethical misconduct.
The other sort of discretionary funds were accepted by all the council members. These "council funds" consisted of $10,000.00
for each council district per year, with no restrictions other than they had to be expended for a "county purpose." The term "county purpose" was not defined. And "no public accountability was established to allow the public any knowledge of and/or comment on the expenditures." The money could go to individuals or organizations with which the council members had a relationship. The council members could use the funds to reimburse themselves for expenditures they had made, allowing them to give the money to a nonprofit and take a tax deduction for a contribution from the county.
The state EC investigation report called this system "inherently flawed." Here is its recommendation:
A simple remedy to this dilemma would be to make the funds available to council as a whole, allow interested groups to apply for funds and make presentations to council to justify their request in a public forum, and then council as a whole could vote on which groups qualify and how much they should receive. This would remove any speculation of conflict or special interest on the part of any individual council member.
How to Get an Ethics Fine Paid
Ethics commissions often find it hard to get ethics fines paid. Here's one way. According to a Huffington Post yesterday, an Illinois transportation department deputy director was fined $3,000 for campaigning while he was supposed to be doing his work. A seat on the Cook County Commission opened up when its occupant was convicted of tax fraud, and the former deputy director applied to be appointed to the seat (and he was). So earlier this week he paid his fine.
So here's the way to get ethics fines paid. Every official who is fined by an ethics commission, and does not pay within 60 days, should be shortlisted for a powerful or lucrative position, for which he is required to pay his fine. The problem is that, occasionally, a fine shirker will have to be given the position, or otherwise they'll catch on.
City Related, Complaints/ Investigations/Hearings, Conflicts, Disclosure, Enforcement/Penalties, Ethics Reports, Family Members/Nepotism, Misuse of Office/Special , Nonprofits/Charities, Recusal/Withdrawal, States and Municipal Ethics
SC council funds 0413.pdf 0 bytes
Nudging and Government Ethics
The Perfect Justification for Unethical Conduct
Model Code - Introduction
Three Personal Myths That Hamper Our Ethical Decision-Making, and a Fool-ish Solution
Problems with an IG Approach to Local Government Ethics
Political Activity on the Job


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Posted on December 2, 2022 January 24, 2023 by Hemlata Maheshwari by Hemlata Maheshwari in Intranet
What is an Extranet?
An organization's intranet includes an extranet. A network of communication that uses TCP/IP, or the Internet Protocol. Give your company's intranet-regulated access to your clients, customers, and other companies. In other words, a private network that securely allows authorized third parties access to a company's internal data and operations without allowing access to the full network. Users require this network's IDs, passwords, and other authentication methods.
A company's extranet is a private network that it uses to grant authorized access to business data or activities to partners, customers, and other businesses (such as suppliers, vendors, and partners).
An extranet could be viewed as an extension or component of an organization's intranet if it takes the form of an externally accessible website or platform. This is because data kept on an extranet is frequently only available on the internal network. Users outside the firm can access information on the extranet, but access is restricted and limited to authorized users only.
An online store can communicate with its suppliers and retailers using an extranet network.
International firms use an extranet network to handle project information, communicate with other organizations, and manage client information.
Through the university's extranet network, students can access an e-learning platform.
Extranet Lockout:
Security teams can protect users via extranet lockout from brute-force attacks on finding a threat. In this situation, Active Directory Federation Services, for instance, can stop malicious users from accessing the extranet. Administrators can retrieve details about lockout events from the security audit log.
How to set up an extranet:
An intranet of an organization is set up as a Virtual Private Network since it is subject to security issues due to the use of the internet to connect external users to it. A VPN helps ensure the security of your network on a shared network, such as the internet. Data is transferred via the internet protocol (IP) and the transmission control protocol (TCP).
When a VPN is utilized, the TCP/IP protocol, which is used to transfer data in the extranet, is given an additional layer of protection, assuring secure transactions based on the Internet Protocol Security Architecture (IPsec) protocol.
An organization may additionally take the next two steps to increase the security of its intranet:
Firewall: It limits access by unauthorized users to the extranet.
Passwords: Additionally, it stops authorized users from viewing the data kept on the server, including company personnel.
Intranet vs. Extranet:
Extranet Use Cases:
Electronic data interchange for the exchange of enormous amounts of data.
Distribute your product catalog just to wholesalers.
Collaboration with other businesses on collaborative development initiatives.
Joint creation and application of training initiatives with other businesses.
The company's management of online banking services for its affiliated institutions.
Exclusive communication with partner businesses on matters of mutual interest.
Advantages with Extranet:
Improved engagement and communication: Extranets provide a platform for sharing important information pertinent to all stakeholders, making announcements, or sharing critical updates. This tactic may lead to greater involvement and participation from the personnel and external partners.
Improved efficiency: Startups and businesses of all kinds routinely work together with various outside partners and vendors to develop goods and complete tasks. An extranet can be used to manage these workflows.
Improved collaboration and knowledge sharing: Before introducing well-known team collaboration software like Asana, Trello, and Jira, businesses primarily relied on extranets and intranets to improve communication. This technique made real-time updates and seamless document sharing possible while working with a confidential project or business data in a secure environment.
Disadvantages with Extranet:
Invest: Creating and maintaining an extranet may require a lot of time and resources. The cost includes the price of on-premises hardware and software and the wages paid to information technology staff who create and maintain it. A business that needs more resources to develop and manage an extranet may not find it the best option. Some of these upfront expenditures may be reduced for extranets that are run or hosted in the cloud, such as Microsoft SharePoint.
Security to Data: When using an extranet, security measures must be taken. Unauthorized individuals may access sensitive data if security measures are insufficient. This could lead to the loss of confidential knowledge and competitive advantage. Therefore, internal specialists who can lessen the risk of data leakage are best suited to maintain extranets.
Dependency: The Intranet is necessary for outsiders since they cannot get information otherwise.
Less Interaction: When there is a less face-to-face interaction between customers, business partners, suppliers, etc., relationship building suffers.
Key Issues to Consider:
Remember this after granting trading partners access to your company's data. What they anticipate it to be is:
Constantly safe
The usability and security of an extranet are key factors in determining its success. Extranet users should be specifically identified, and access should be restricted using rigorous authentication processes and security measures.
Large resources are also required to keep the content of the extranet accurate and current.
SharePoint On Premise vs Online – Which is better??


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The development of China's military might at sea has been particularly quick and impressive in recent years. Beyond nearby seas, Beijing is now dispatching its forces more frequently in the broader Indo-Pacific waters, yet also in Europe's neighbourhood and the Atlantic Basin, also potentially via the Arctic route. Taken together, the fast-paced development of China's naval capabilities, its military build-up in the South China Sea, its first base in Djibouti, the prospects for other such developments and the expansion of exclusionary A2/AD capabilities over adjacent seas are all diffusing the image of a more assertive military posture in line with consistent geopolitical aspirations and claims, which are often stated to be inherently detrimental to established, i.e. U.S., interests and the ability of the United States to underwrite stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Beyond U.S.-centric depictions and analyses, current developments in China's naval modernisation certainly raise a broad range of policy issues regarding the country's strategic positioning as well as its objectives and growing aspirations within the patterns of regional and global geopolitics. Important questions also remain about what is at stake when we speak of China's naval modernisation. How, and to what extent, if any, does it pose a challenge to the freedom of navigation in Asia-Pacific and the global ocean? What does it mean for European maritime states and the future of shipping along vital intercontinental sea lanes? How to respond at best to growing risks and uncertainties?
In order to assess those critical issues for maritime security and the changing balance of power in Asia, we will be pleased to welcome Professor Peter Roberts, Director of the Military Sciences research group at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), United Kingdom, and Dr Collin Koh Swee Lean, Senior Research Fellow for the China Programme of the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies, based in Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Research line: Eurasia
©2015 Ivan T.
Online evening conference
China's New Naval Power:
A Challenge to the Freedom of Navigation
in Asia-Pacific?
Professor Peter ROBERTS
Doctor Collin KOH SWEE LEAN
Moderator: Nicolas GOSSET
25 March 2021, 17:00 – 18:30
> From 16:00 – Registration –
connection to online conference
> 17:00 – Conference and Q & A
Conference videos:
> Professor Peter ROBERTS
> Doctor Collin KOH SWEE LEAN


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when technology is a part of the whole!
These are my accounts of technology and the technical communities around them. My "whole" includes software industry news, internet marketing, social media, blogging and interesting websites.
Microsoft Acquires Winternals/ Sysinternals
Microsoft has acquired Winternals and that is an extremely useful acquisition! I have always wondered on why doesn't MS acquire such companies with great products and integrate them in the Windows suite.. this will greatly enhance the value of the operating system to the users.
News on acquisition:
http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20060718\ACQPRN200607181100PR_NEWS_B_NWT_SF_SFTU040.htm
Mark Russinovich wrote about this in his blog today too: http://www.sysinternals.com/Blog/
Solving the multi-platform challenge in mobile devices
The writing is on the wall is clear with mobile devices becoming mainstream business devices. In addition to the current workhorse – the PC, consumers and businesses are adopting internet connected smartphones and tablets in record numbers. The path for mobile device enablement for businesses is fragmented and full of challenging decisions. This starts from mobile application landscape being multi-platform and multi-resolution. While Android uses Java, iOS uses Objective-C, Windows Phones use .NET. Natively hitting all of these environments requires one to build multiple versions of an app and to learn multiple technology platforms. New challenges also open up with the client devices in deliver visualizations and touch enablement. How to work with multi-platform challenge Fortunately there exists a solution to this madness in HTML 5. This stack takes advantage of browser based technologies and hence can run on all of the major mobile platforms as well as desktop platforms. However, th
My family genealogy : Kurmi
The Rig Veda, refered to an Aryan people living in the highlands of Pamir in Central Asia. Almost 1000 years later, the Aryans migrated in three different directions. One journeyed towards present-day Iran, another towards Europe, and through Afghanistan. Those Aryans who settled in Punjab became a very happy and prosperous people. They organized themselves around a caste syatem that described four specific functions of the community. The Kshatriyas of that system were the protectors of the land. However, in peace time many of their members framed the land and raised cattle. These people, named Kurmi Kshatriyas, eventually migrated to the fertile land of Ganga and Jamuna, eventually reaching Bihar and Bengal. From 600 BC to 200 BC, the kings of Iran and Greece repeatedly attacked Punjab, forcing most of the Kurmi Kshatriyas (also known as the Kurmis) to flee even further south to Gujarat in Vadnagar and Charator in the Kheda district. Around 1400 AD, the ruler of Gujarat granted the
Community Star Discussions and Future
In my continuing discussion with Community Stars across the country, I had a discussion today with Sadashiv. Though he works out of chennai and was here for a short trip, he found time today to discuss the opportunities for Community Star program to improve on. Some of thoughts we generated out of the discussion are as follows: 1. Community Stars are disengaged 'cause of lack of communication with them from MS. Better communication channels need to be developed. 2. Award experience and delivery of the Community Star benefits leave a lot to be desired. 3. Community Stars feel that MS is not laying enough importance on Community Stars and do not value their contributions much. More information needs to flow to CSs. From our end, we are doing the following: 1. Launch an extranet portal exclusively for Community Stars. We will host issue submission on this site. Also, we will share opportunities via this site e.g. beta opportunities 2. Re-launch the Community Star distributi
Abhishek Kant
Microsoft Photosynth
Windows Live Mail Desktop BETA
Office Developer Webcasts
Do you need a Live QnA invite?
MSN Spaces about to be reborn as Live Spaces
DotNetNuke - How to make Site Performance ROCKING!!
Exchange Server 2007 BETA 2
HyperThreading and SQL Server 2005
Microsoft debuts new User Interface for its website
MVP Webcasts
How to backup DNS Server
MS Virtual PC is FREE
BACK FROM HIATUS!
MEDC06 Hands-on-labs live on MSDN Library
indibloggies
indimms


Aakriti Vastus is a premier well-planned residential property located on sector 107, Gurgaon. Aakriti Vastus comprises of skilfully designed 3 and 4 Bhk apartments with large balconies for the best views. The property incorporates many amenities like yoga, aerobics lounge, squash court, badminton court, volleyball court, gymnasium, basketball court, rainwater harvesting, Wi-Fi, jogging track and musical fountain in the premises. The property is situated on the Dwarka Expressway to offer excellent connectivity and accessibility. It is nearby to the proposed metro lane and Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The property is intelligently designed with abundant natural light & air circulation to have an optimum utilization of space for comfortable living. Aakriti Vastus is surrounded by several established residential areas, shopping malls, hospitals and educational institutions for all your needs.


Premier League match preview. Possible Lineups, Team News, Stats – Arsenal vs Crystal Palace. Referee: Andre Marriner, Stream Guide: Watch Live.
Arsene Wenger has ten players to concern with ahead of this game.
Santi Cazorla, Mathieu Debuchy and Yaya Sanogo are all confirmed to miss this clash.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Kieran Gibbs and Theo Walcott are all doubtful through injuries.
Skhodran Mustafi is back in training after missing several games for the Gunners, he might be given further time to recover fully.
Chuba Akpom is also back after his long term injury, he is not match fit at the moment.
Aaron Ramsey is fully fit and could be featuring in this game.
Olivier Giroud may keep his place in the starting eleven after impressive game against West Brom on Monday.
New manager Sam Allardyce will be having several problems ahead of this game. Damien Delaney is out through suspension. Ezekiel Fryers is expected to fill his place.
While James Tomkins and Pape Souare are out through injury.
Joe Ledley and James McArthur are both doubtful for this game.
Loic Remy has returned to training but is not ready for first team action.
Arsenal have won five of their last six games against Crystal Palace.
Both the sides have lost two of their last four Premier League games.
Crystal Palace have won only one of their last 12 games in Premier League.
Arsenal have won their last three home league games.
Arsenal 3 – 1 Crystal Palace, easy game for the home side.
Alexis Sanchez to score to opener.
Arsenal will dominate the game.
Palace will score a goal on set piece.


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That's not totally true, but Alexandra DuPont's review of the Revenge of the Sith DVD is almost enough to convince you that the movie's pretty good. A sample:
But in Sith, McDiarmid also gets to lay out a coherent philosophy to Anakin during one of their many confrontations. "Anakin, if one is to understand the great mystery, one must study all its aspects, not just the dogmatic, narrow view of the Jedi," he says, quite sensibly (in a line that may well have been script-doctored by Tom Stoppard, if the rumors are true). "If you wish to become a complete and wise leader, you must embrace a larger view of the Force. "
You know, who wouldn't get behind that?
Please notice that I keep bringing up the non-action bits as fine moments in the film. Given what's come before, do please note how incredible that is. One of my favorite scenes is the one where Palps begins working his seductive magic on Anakin in an opera house. It's like something out of The Godfather — and McDiarmid (who was suffering from some sort of laryngeal infection when they shot this scene, and used it) knows precisely how much fun to have with every melodramatic syllable.
(Nor is this the only blatant Coppola reference in the film; there's a moment where a grim-faced Yoda is talking to Anakin in front of some closed shades, with sunlight slatting the wee Jedi Master's face in chiaroscuro, and I half-expected Yoda to mutter "Fuckin' Saigon.")
I also love that Anakin is caught by both pride and a lie. He wants to learn the Dark Side of the Force to give Padme eternal life, but he's also fooled by Palpatine into believing there's a genuine Jedi conspiracy against the Chancellor. When Anakin bursts into the room at one crucial moment, all he sees is Mace Windu holding a lightsaber to an unarmed Palpatine's throat — and after what follows, no one really gets a chance to dissuade him from the notion that Mace was about to assassinate the man who runs the galaxy. For all I know, when he meets Obi-Wan again on the Death Star a couple of decades later, Anakin still thinks the Jedi hatched a plot to kill his boss. The overall sense is of a set of tumblers clicking into place, locking Anakin into his destiny. It's surprisingly tidy, and kind of merciless.
If only Sith had been a good as this review.
Posted by Jonathan V. Last at 12:26 PM
http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2682141
Steven Den Beste said...
How about an Ewok Gun?
Maybe I'm crazy, but I basically liked Sith. It wasn't brilliant or anything, but it was a far better way to spend 2 hours than, say, Phantom Menace.
Then again, Serenity completely dusts it.
I thought that Sith an extraordinary morality play. The physical degeneration of both Palpatine and Aniken as the story progressed brought to mind Chaucer while the turning of Aniken to the dark side reminiscent of a medieval passion play.
I know, I know...the dialogue sucked at times. But the story was brilliant and Aniken's trasnformation - which could have been an absolute disaster given the limited acting skills of Hayden - was one of the more remarkable events in the history of film.
Think of it...Everyone in the audience knew what was going to happen! What an awesome challenge for Lucas and the fact that he carried it off is something I don't see him getting much credit for.


June being mid-year is considered the ideal time for a business assessment but it is also a busy time. Somehow we are not quite ready to evaluate what we are still in the middle of working on. However, there is August when the pace of life and business seems to naturally slow down; providing the perfect opportunity to with morning coffee in hand carve out a few undistracted hours in which to review your business.
First, take stock of everything you have accomplished since January. Big or small, hit or miss every step made a difference and should be acknowledged.
Is there is an area where you need to cut expenses?
Check the annual and monthly fees you are paying out. Are you still using the service and getting value?
Do you need to look at a new revenue stream?
Next, move onto a client audit for service-based business or if you are selling product(s)an analysis of your customer's experience.
Is your company running smoothly?
Evaluating staff away from the office allows for greater objectivity.
Look at your support team – IT, legal and financial. Are they meeting your needs? Have they grown with the business? and most importantly Do they have an eye to your future growth?
Finally, some small but important items you might forget about include; security measures such as changing passwords and unsubscribe from emails and newsletters that are going unread.
Your marketing, branding and business plans are big assessments. Unless the above reviews reveal a serious problem I recommend to clients these three are best worked on in January. Each of those plans should be designed and written in such a way that allows for you as the business owner to re-evaluate and alter course quickly and efficiently as your year progresses.
August is also a good time to examine your daily routine; to see if personal habits are sabotaging your business efforts. Today's successful entrepreneurs are embracing a healthy lifestyle, getting up early and scheduling the time to stay up-to-date within their industry through reading and research.
Once all that is done you can enjoy the rest of your summer secure in the knowledge your business is ready for September.


On the 13th of Hunting 2010, 'something special for our Loyal Users,' was announced, which left many people wondering, what is it? Was it going to be allowed for loyal users to have a fifth pet? Or perhaps loyal users were going to get to unconvert a Neopet? Or maybe even an extra Secret Laboratory Zap was going to be made available? Well, it turned out to be none of these, but something no one had thought of: a special shop available for loyal users of three years that stocks a variety of items, including rarity 99 items. This has lead to the comparison of the Almost Abandoned Attic to the Igloo Garage Sale. But what is truly the best: the Attic or Igloo?
In the darkest depths of the Haunted Woods, past the Gypsy Camp, lies Neovia, a previously cursed city. In Neovia, owned by a Ghost Aisha, lies the Almost Abandoned Attic, which is covered in skulls and cobwebs and contains the goodies.
On the other hand, up on the coldest point of Terror Mountain is a small igloo, where Mika and Carassa, two cheery blue and yellow Chias, live. For the past few years now, they have been wanting to move somewhere warmer, but first they have to sell their items, which means they must have had an unimaginable amount of items in the beginning.
This is one of the biggest perks of the Almost Abandoned Attic over the Igloo garage Sale: its items. The Attic had been known to stock a wide selection of items, including Draik Eggs (even four times at once during one restock!), A Grey Faerie Doll, numerous amounts of Morphing Potions and even a Bony Grarrl Club. Along with these items, include even more items, which may or may not be unbuyable, such as plushies, clothes, furniture and a different array of foods.
Sadly, on the other hand, the Igloo's items aren't quite as glamourous or expensive. The majority of the items that stock are low rarity and, well, to put it bluntly, junk. However, there may be some items that can make you a few thousand neopoints profit. There are several items in the Igloo that can gain you several thousand neopoints, however, and may even be unbuyable, such as Gift bags, Piñatas and Bags of Peanuts, which are all fairly easy to sell items.
In the Attic, the items go fast. As in blink and you may miss it fast. Due to the large volume of users in the Attic, compared to the small amount of items, it is no wonder why the items go so quickly. Seriously, don't spend time browsing around the Attic, deciding what item to buy. You won't get any items like that, even junky ones! So in the Attic I have one tip: just click the first thing you see! Even if it is junk the first time, you may get something better in the long run, such as the items mentioned above, if you just stay in the same place.
The Igloo's items, however, go at a rather leisurely pace, well, compared to the Attic, that is. Some items may go quicker than others, such as the goodies mentioned above, but in general the items go much slower for several reasons. One reason is because of the quantity of items that restock. In the Attic, items stock in ones, twos, threes, and sometimes fours, but the Igloo goes into overload and stocks some items in ones, while others stock in the early, mid or late tens or sometimes even in twenties. The second reason is the fact that some of the items that stock are junk, so not many people will be interested in buying them. I mean, who would want to buy items that generate a loss!
Both the Attic and the Igloo are available to a different range of people. The Attic is only available to loyal users, users who have an account over three years old (thirty six months). This joins with other perks loyal users are allowed to have, such as an increase in the number of monthly transfers and special neotitles. While it may be frustrating for users who are only a few days, weeks or months away from turning thirty six months, the wait will be worth it, especially if you managed to buy an unbuyable straight away! The Igloo, though, is available to everyone, so young and old accounts can browse through the sale to their hearts' content.
This is another big difference between the Attic and the Igloo. The Attic's items can restock from a few hundred neopoints to a whopping 700,000 neopoints, thanks to a Lost Desert Draik Egg. And who knows, maybe there is another item, waiting to restock for even more than 700,000 neopoints. So if you are in the Attic, make sure you have plenty of neopoints on hand; you don't want to risk missing a bargain because you didn't have enough neopoints! The Igloo items stock for a much lower price compared to the Attic, ranging from a few neopoints to just over 1,000 neopoints.
There is a limit in both the Attic and the Igloo on how much you can buy. In the Attic there is a maximum of five items allowed to be bought a day. The Igloo, on the other hand, has a ten item a day rule. More items equal more profit! However, it also has an extra rule of only being able to buy one item each minute, something which the Attic does not have, meaning in the Attic you may be able to buy two items in one restock, if you are fast enough!
Overall, it really depends on whether you think the Almost Abandoned Attic or the Igloo Garage Sale is best. If you don't mind being scared, have plenty of neopoints on hand, and are quick, then the Attic is the one for you. If, on the other hand, you prefer small bargains, but aren't the quickest person in the world, then the Igloo is the place for you!
Thank you for reading, and happy buying wherever you choose to go!


Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions is currently recruiting a Materials Technician or Technologist to join our team in Prince George, British Columbia. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates looking to develop their career and experience in the engineering and construction field. The position will support the Certified Civil Engineering Laboratory (concrete, aggregate, soil, asphalt) by conducting field and laboratory testing services within South Central BC. Key Responsibilities: Responsibilities will include conducting tests on asphalt, concrete, aggregate and soil in both laboratory and field environments. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for: - Providing high quality work that meets the client's expectations - Contributing to achieving high client satisfaction - Following Wood's Project Review, Ethics and Safety Policies - Preparing of field and laboratory reports and data entry - Providing technical support to geotechnical investigations, geotechnical instrumentation, and geotechnical sampling, as required, which may include conducting field visits/investigations - Sample collection, site monitoring, and data entry This position requires local and regional travel and occasional out-of-town assignments up to three weeks in duration. Assignments will at times be in remote areas and under physically demanding conditions. Work will often be outdoors and on active construction sites. Light to moderate lifting will be required.
Wood Environment & Infrastructure is currently recruiting a Materials Testing Intern to join our team in Prince George, British Columbia. This is a maximum eight (8) month term position and most suitable for college students in civil, geological, or geotechnical related fields, and is an excellent opportunity for candidates looking to develop their career and experience in the engineering and construction field. The position will support the Certified Civil Engineering Laboratory (concrete, aggregate, soil, asphalt) by conducting field and laboratory testing services within South Central BC. Key Responsibilities: Responsibilities will include conducting tests on asphalt, concrete, aggregate and soil in both laboratory and field environments. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for: - Providing high quality work that meets the client's expectations - Contributing to achieving high client satisfaction - Following Wood's Project Review, Ethics and Safety Policies - Preparing of field and laboratory reports and data entry - Providing technical support to geotechnical investigations, geotechnical instrumentation, and geotechnical sampling, as required, which may include conducting field visits/investigations - Sample collection, site monitoring, and data entry This position requires local and regional travel and occasional out-of-town assignments up to three weeks in duration. Assignments will at times be in remote areas and under physically demanding conditions. Work will often be outdoors and on active construction sites. Light to moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds) will be required.
Wood Environment & Infrastructure is currently recruiting a Materials Testing Intern to join our team in Kamloops, British Columbia. This is a maximum eight (8) month term position and most suitable for college students in civil, geological, or geotechnical related fields, and is an excellent opportunity for candidates looking to develop their career and experience in the engineering and construction field. The position will support the Certified Civil Engineering Laboratory (concrete, aggregate, soil, asphalt) by conducting field and laboratory testing services within South Central BC. Key Responsibilities: Responsibilities will include conducting tests on asphalt, concrete, aggregate and soil in both laboratory and field environments. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for: - Providing high quality work that meets the client's expectations - Contributing to achieving high client satisfaction - Following Wood's Project Review, Ethics and Safety Policies - Preparing of field and laboratory reports and data entry - Providing technical support to geotechnical investigations, geotechnical instrumentation, and geotechnical sampling, as required, which may include conducting field visits/investigations - Sample collection, site monitoring, and data entry This position requires local and regional travel and occasional out-of-town assignments up to three weeks in duration. Assignments will at times be in remote areas and under physically demanding conditions. Work will often be outdoors and on active construction sites. Light to moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds) will be required.
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions is currently recruiting a Materials Technician or Technologist to join our team in Kamloops, British Columbia. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates looking to develop their career and experience in the engineering and construction field. The position will support the Certified Civil Engineering Laboratory (concrete, aggregate, soil, asphalt) by conducting field and laboratory testing services within South Central BC. Key Responsibilities: Responsibilities will include conducting tests on asphalt, concrete, aggregate and soil in both laboratory and field environments. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for: - Providing high quality work that meets the client's expectations - Contributing to achieving high client satisfaction - Following Wood's Project Review, Ethics and Safety Policies - Preparing of field and laboratory reports and data entry - Providing technical support to geotechnical investigations, geotechnical instrumentation, and geotechnical sampling, as required, which may include conducting field visits/investigations - Sample collection, site monitoring, and data entry This position requires local and regional travel and occasional out-of-town assignments up to three weeks in duration. Assignments will at times be in remote areas and under physically demanding conditions. Work will often be outdoors and on active construction sites. Light to moderate lifting will be required.
Location: Voisey's Bay Mine Site, Labrador Wood is currently recruiting for two Major Shutdown Planner / Schedulers to work on a major shutdown at the Voisey's Bay Mine Site. Schedule will be 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off at the Voisey's Bay Mine Site, reporting to the senior planner. These two positions will start immediately and continue until the end of August 2019. Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to: - Delivering planning and scheduling services in a safe, timely and cost-effective manner, in support of a major maintenance shutdown in the summer of 2019. - Maintaining planning control structures in alignment with the approved project Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). - Development of detailed execution schedule for maintenance and capital activities in Primavera or MS Project. - Developing, updating, and maintaining plans to Project Engineers, Project Managers, and Clients. - Analyzing and communicating schedule impacts of changes. - Monitoring overall project progress status, achievement of major milestones, and project performance in relation to the baseline. - Providing recommendations in order to facilitate strategic decisions and identify critical path within the plan, providing corrective action to mitigate potential risks within the schedule.


text:
Sylvan Terrace
A discreet little stairway on St. Nicholas Avenue leads to a quaint and unexpected cobblestone street of 19th century wooden rowhouses.
djprybyl/Flickr (Creative Commons)
The pathway stretching towards the Morris-Jumel mansion samanthachong (Atlas Obscura user)
The doorway of one of the apartments samanthachong (Atlas Obscura user)
Kristine Paulus (Creative Commons)
Jules Antonio (Creative Commons)
Sylvan Terrace with the Morris-Jumel Mansion at the far end. NationalEclipse (Atlas Obscura User)
Salim Virji (Creative Commons)
Now a residential street and popular film set location, Sylvan Terrace was originally the carriage drive of the 18th century Morris-Jumel Mansion estate. When the estate's property was divided and sold off in the 1800s, 20 wooden houses designed by Gilbert R. Robinson, Jr. were built along the drive in 1882 and rented to laborers and working class civil servants.
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After World War II, aluminum and asphalt became an exterior home decorating fad, and the vintage façades of the rowhouses were covered in shiny gray metal. By the 1960s, the houses were in shambles, the overhangs were removed, the street was paved over, and many of the detail-oriented charms of the place were seemingly gone forever.
In 1970, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated Sylvan Terrace and the surrounding neighborhood as a historic district and the houses were renovated as part of a federal community development funding program. Unsatisfied with the work and upkeep, Sylvan Terrace residents took home improvement into their own hands.
The houses are now painted in similar shades of yellow, with green shutters and brown windowsills, to preserve uniformity. The doorways vary in height, giving the terrace a quirky look. Remnants of the aluminum siding can still be seen if you peek into the backyards.
Sylvan Terrace is a easy and quick side-visit when touring the Morris-Jumel Mansion.
m michelleferlito
http://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/09/realestate/streetscapes-sylvan-terrace-restoration-leaves-a-lot-of-unhappy-homeowners.html
http://www.scoutingny.com/?p=4426
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In just a few short years, David Ojika has earned a remarkable share of recognition from industry leaders in artificial intelligence: a recent Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from the University of Florida, he is a recipient of the Intel Code Modernization Fellowship award and a veteran of several internships at Intel, where he researched near-memory accelerators and heterogeneous computing platforms. As an intern for Microsoft Research, he researched field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) alongside the Project Catapult (Brainwave) founding team at Microsoft. Most recently he was a senior consultant for Dell EMC's advanced server infrastructure and AI group.
Ojika's awards are too numerous to mention, and his wide-ranging research and development interests encompass systems research, focusing on deep learning platforms and architectures for large-scale, distributed data analytics – and making AI more accessible.
As a freshly minted Ph.D., what would you like to do?
I would like to establish strong partnership between industry and academia, particularly in applied AI. My aspiration is that AI can be more democratized in science disciplines and be made more accessible to faculty and students who are from varied academic disciplines, not just engineering and computer science alone.
What are you doing as a research associate at University of Florida?
I direct a team of Ph.D. and graduate students on the research and performance benchmarking of end-to-end deep learning algorithms and applications on heterogeneous platforms (CPU+GPU+FPGA). Traditional CPU-based sequential processing no longer meets the requirements of compute-intensive, low-latency AI workloads. Our research aims at understanding the compute, I/O and memory bottlenecks of these workloads with respect to sets of desperate hardware architectures. I helped formulate an industry-university collaboration involving members from Intel, Dell, Berkeley National Lab, CERN OpenLab and the NSF Center of Space High Performance and Resilient Computing (SHREC). This partnership has resulted in published papers, as well as internship placement for minority students.
What are your other interests right now?
I'm currently focusing on systems and infrastructure for distributed AI (DAI). I think DAI is a challenging - but really interesting - topic because it uniquely encompasses AI in more practical contexts with respect to systems and applications. I am most passionate about seeing AI run fast and efficiently with purpose-built AI hardware such as FPGAs – while making AI more scalably accessible to non-AI developers. Another area of interest is edge computing. Last year, one of my projects involved an edge-to-cloud architecture for accelerated convolutional neural networks (CNNs) on the edge, which allowed real-time stream processing directly at the data source, mitigating the processing latency involved with a cloud-only approach. I believe in years to come, as edge computing and IoT become mainstream, more organizations will largely embrace this sort of edge-to-cloud, DAI computing style.
Tell us about your involvement with CERN.
During my time as a doctoral student, I had the opportunity to serve as an affiliate at the European Center for Nuclear Research, or CERN, from 2014 to 2018. As deep learning has gained so much prominence in data analysis, in the fall of 2017 I received a joint UF-CERN sponsorship to spend a month in Switzerland at CERN, working with physicists and other scientists to investigate ways of applying deep learning algorithms to the data analysis pipeline of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at CERN. Through this effort, I was awarded a one-year fellowship by Intel to support my Ph.D. studies and develop deep learning applications that are optimized for high-performance processors, specifically the Intel® Xeon Phi™ processors formerly known as Knights Landing. This work led to a paper that was published at PEARC (formally Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment, or XSEDE), research grants by Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure, and acceptance to the 2018 KNL Hackathon at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
You're also a mentor as well as a researcher. Tell us more about that.
I have a passion for mentoring. In the past few years, I have been fortunate to mentor over 20 students on a one-on-one basis. Many of these students come from very diverse backgrounds – ethnicity, gender, age group, etc. Through close mentorship and technical advising on class projects, several of the students and I have had joint publications and participation in student competitions, one of which was the highly popular ImageNet* image recognition competition in which my students (under the name GatorVision) were invited to the ImageNet 2015 challenge in Chile after emerging top 10 in Places2 subcategory of the challenge. Prior to this, I had the great opportunity of being University of Florida's Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Ambassador, Intel® Student Ambassador for AI, and XSEDE Student Champion. Within these roles, I had the responsibility of being the voice of the student community in various academic and professional activities, as well as being an advocate on high-performance computing (HPC) and AI-related activities.
One of my personal goals is to present STEM-focused opportunities to those who are underrepresented in the academy. I was super excited to learn at the recently concluded Supercomputing conference that my mentees had won the first-ever Dell EMC AI challenge after they initially emerged as finalist. In December, I will lead a team of 3 graduate students to Berkeley National lab as part of the Sustainable Research Pathways (SHI) scholarship that was recently awarded to our team at the University of Florida. This scholarship event will provide further opportunities for collaborating with Berkeley's Computing Sciences group, and provide a 10-week summer internship opportunity at Berkeley lab for these graduate students.
How have you benefited from your relationship with Intel?
My Intel internship exposed me to a broad range of hardware and software systems, and that exposure enabled me to advance my Ph.D. studies. It prompted me to continue collaborating as an Intel® Student Ambassador, helping build an AI community at the University of Florida. I've also been able to share my work through articles and Intel sponsored events. Since completing my Ph.D. work, I've moved from the Ambassador program to the Intel® Software Innovator program.
At Intel® AI DevCon (Intel® AIDC) in May, I gave a presentation on Fast Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Inference in Resource-Constrained Environments. I presented comparative performance of image classification algorithms using FPGAs from Intel that accelerated existing and emerging CNN architectures.
At Spark Summit 2017, I gave a talk Speeding Up Spark* with Data Compression on Intel® Xeon® Processors and FPGAs. I explained how the overall processing time is improved by orders of magnitude, especially for large-scale systems, when FPGA's take on the compute-heavy, compression tasks and free up the CPU for other work.
In the article, Solving Latency Challenge in End-to-End Deep Learning Applications, I explain how I use Intel® Movidius™ Myriad™ 2 technology for specialized vision processing at the edge. The process of training CNNs can be greatly enhanced in the cloud, but at the expense of introducing latency which may lead to lagging inference performance in edge devices. My research shows that leveraging specialized, low-power VPUs at the edge simplified the CNN/end-application integration.
In my latest and ongoing work, I presented SCAIGATE: Science Gateway for Scientific Computing with Artificial Intelligence and Reconfigurable Architectures at Gateways 2018. The goal of SCAIGATE is to democratize access to FPGAs and AI in scientific computing and related applications, allowing reduced developer effort, customization, and increased performance efficiency all while simplifying ease-of-use in scientific applications.


Since it is possible to run TX on Android since it's unity, where can I get it? I really want to try it out on Android and help with anything I can. Can we get a link?
There is no android client for the game as of yet. The game is currently in closed beta phase. I think developers are actively working to port the game to Android / IOS as they released some info about this in earlier Tanki Online V-LOGS, but i think currently their priority is to polish the game play on PC/MAC/LINUX.
I don't think that there will be an android version for Tanki X.


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Franklin Video Productions offers several packages and a number of options to make planning your special event easier. All packages include: free initial consultation, use of state of the art production and post-production equipment, and veterans of the event videography business to make sure the video is done correctly and artistically.
At FVP we are committed to making you our happiest client. This means we will work with you to give you the video you have envisioned, and not something else. We don't like surprises. By working with your coordinator and other vendors we can make the event work very smoothly. Our back-up camera is loaded with a tape and battery at every event �just incase.� We also have one of the fastest turn around times in the industry.
Get more for your wedding! Don't forget to mention ChossonKallah.com when visiting Franklin Video Productions.