Ways Of Boosting Mental Clarity.
Having the right state of mind is something that is very essential. We should be able to do all that we can to make sure that we are always in the right state of mind all the time. This has the effect of making sure that we can be able to see the things in their right state all the time. There are some of the well-known practices that we can be able to carry out to make sure that we are in the right state of mind all the time.
We can be able to achieve the state of right mind by being able to have a relaxed mind. This means that we are stress-free all the time. Doing some of the things that seem less stressful to us can help us to achieve this. We should also make sure that we o not engage in some of the risky activities.
We can also be able to make sure that we are in the right clarity of mind by being able to take in the right kind of diet. This means that we are able to take in the right kind of nutrients that is helpful to our brain. The diet or the kind of nutrients that we take should be able to help boost our brain functioning to some extent. We should, therefore, seek the right kind of people that can be able to advise us accordingly.
Some of the diets that are commonly known are the oils. The oils, especially from some animals like the fish, are known to have the best nutrients which are needed to boost the brain capacity and functioning by man. KETOMCT is one of the nutrients that we can be able to use when getting the right way to boost our brains. The KETOMCT is used worldwide and is known for its effectiveness. We should make sure that we find the right kind of people that can be able to supply us with the right kind of KETOMCT.
We should always be able to find the right kind of suppliers that we need to be able to find the right kind of products that we need. This will also help to ensure that the KETOMCT that we need is the right kind. We can be able to visit the brain specialist to be able to determine whether our brain is the right state or not. This will have the effect of us knowing that our brains are functioning in the right way. This will also help us to assess the effectiveness of the KETOMCT. We should see to it that we involve ourselves in the kind of activities that has less adverse effect on our brains.


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Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture, and Social Justice
Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture & Social Justice/Études critiques sur le genre, la culture, et la justice sociale, formerly Atlantis: A Women's Studies Journal / Revue d'etudes sur les femmes is a scholarly research journal devoted to critical work in a variety of formats that reflects current scholarship and approaches to the discipline of Women's and Gender Studies. It incorporates a diversity of feminist, anti-racist and critical identity, intersectional, transnational, and cultural studies approaches to a wide range of contemporary issues, topics, and knowledges. Atlantis is dedicated to the ongoing growth of knowledge in the field of Women's and Gender Studies, as well as to critical reflections on the field itself.
Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture & Social Justice/Études critiques sur le genre, la culture, et la justice sociale was established in 1975 at Acadia University, Nova Scotia, Canada. In 1980, the journal became a publication of Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. The journal has been published continuously for over 30 years, first in print and, since 2011, as a digital publication.
Atlantis is published twice a year and only considers previously unpublished materials (i.e. not currently in the public domain, either in print or electronic form). It accepts submissions in both English and French.
Language (Other):
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http://www.msvu.ca/atlantis
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Please note that competitors in this sport are REQUIRED to register at the Main Accreditation Center (MAC) and receive their accreditation no later than the day before the competition begins.
COMPETITOR'S MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Prior to or during Host Registration, ALL competitors MUST submit a Medical Release, signed by a licensed physician and based on a physical exam conducted within six (6) months of competition. This release may take the form of a doctor's note stating the entrant's fitness to compete in a contact sport.


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Home > Penken Battle 2017 – Results
Penken Battle 2017 – Results
/ Midia Hadjixenofontos
Freeskiers and snowboarders from 14 European nations gathered together in the Advanced Line of the Vans Penken Park and they gave the crowd an experience they will always remember. Penken Battle 2017 will go down in the history of the QParks Tour as an extremely bold freestyle and shredding fiesta!
© Patrick Steiner
The Down Tube and Down Rail obstacles in the upper section of the Advanced Line, designed by park designer Oriol Rosell and shaped by his crew, left the riders very satisfied with the obstacles of the competition and gave them freedom to express themselves creatively whilst shredding the slopes. The spectators had the opportunity to see a series bold yet solid moves like the Cab 900 Nosegrab (snowboard) and the Cork 9 (freeski), performed by some of the future's most promising riders.
Belgian snowboarder Lorenzo Peeters was the overall winner in the Men's category, winning the top prize as well as valuable points for the WSPL Ranking of the World Snowboard Tour. This was Peeter's second consecutive win and he is now leading the overall ranking with 200 Tour Points. The Belgian also won the Best Trick award with a Cab 900 Nose in the finals. The Austrian riders Felix Widnig and Moritz Asmuess finished in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. In the Women's category, Lea Baumschlag from Austria finished in 1st, followed by Djolie Ectors (BEL) and Jenny Gregori (ITA). The Slovenian riders Jan Vogrin and Bono Karlj Kos were in first and second place of the Grom's category respectively, followed by Nico Winkler from Austria in third.
In the freeski Men's Category, Johannes Rohrmoser from Austria finished in first place, followed by his fellow-Austrians Manu Gander and Michael Tschallener. Rohrmoser also won the Best Trick with a Switch Left Cork 9 Blunt. Lara Wolf (AUT) impressed with her performance and finished on the top of the podium in the Women's Category, with Thea Fenwick (GBR) and Lisi Gram (AUT) in 2nd and 3rd. A bunch of three Austrian Groms were the winners of the Grom's category. Daniel Bacher impressed with a Blindside Surface Switchup and a Leftside Cork 3 and finished in first place, leaving behind the brothers Michl and Elias Wechner in 2nd and 3rd place.
Tanja Warmuth
/ Austria
Canada Olympic Park, Calgary
/ Alberta Canada
Canada Olympic Park is also known as Pascapoo Ski Hill and is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Park is situated in western Calgary, south of the Trans-Canada Highway, north of the community of Cougar Ridge and west of Bowness. The Park is functioned by WinSport Canada and invites all those people who want to have fun and enjoy themselves in all fields.
West Pier, Brighton
/ South East England United Kingdom
East Sussex is located in the south of England. The county enchants visitors with its scenic coastline, historic towns, and unspoilt landscapes. But that is not all, East Sussex also provides a great number of recreational activities for visitors and locals alike.


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What is the latest idiom?
at the latest No later than. For example, We have to be in New York by Monday at the latest. This idiom was first recorded in 1884.
What are some uncommon Idioms?
Here are 18 unusual idioms from around the world….Contents
Stop ironing my head!
Are you still riding the goat?
Walk around in hot porridge.
Emit smoke from seven orifices.
Have other cats to whip.
God bless you and may your mustache grow like brushwood.
Have the cockroach.
Live like a maggot in bacon.
What are some popular Idioms examples?
Common English idioms & expressions
It's a piece of cake It's easy by itself
It's raining cats and dogs It's raining hard by itself
Kill two birds with one stone Get two things done with a single action by itself
Let the cat out of the bag Give away a secret as part of a sentence
What is the most popular idiom?
The most common English idioms
Beat around the bush Avoid saying what you mean, usually because it is uncomfortable
Better late than never Better to arrive late than not to come at all
Bite the bullet To get something over with because it is inevitable
Break a leg Good luck
How do you say most late?
"Most late" does in fact mean "latest". Both express the superlative of "late". Though awkward, it is possible to say "the most late you should pay that bill is the 31st of this month". It's only awkward because "most late" is a verbose phrase that isn't used much, since the direct superlative "latest" is available.
What is the rarest idiom?
rare (or scarce) as hen's teeth As hens do not possess teeth, the implication is that something is rare to the point of non-existence. The phrase was originally a US colloquialism, dating from the mid 19th century.
What is a synonyms of late?
last-minute, slow, fresh, recent, old, once, past, previous, sometime, slowly, belatedly, tardily, backward, behind, behindhand, behind time, belated, blown, delayed, dilatory.
Is late too synonym?
tardy (adjective) untimely (adjective) other relevant words (noun) other synonyms.
An idiom is a phrase with a non-literal or literal meaning. Here is a list of 71 daily use idioms with meaning and sentences. It is not a difficult problem.
How many idioms and phrases are there in this article?
In this article, candidates will get a list of more than 300 Idioms and Phrases that are frequently asked in the examinations. Along with it, candidates will be able to download the Idioms and Phrases PDF, which contains more than 300 important idioms and phrases with their meanings.
What are the most commonly used English idioms?
A List of the most commonly used English idioms A hot potato Caught between two stools Speak of an issue which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed A penny for your thoughts Costs an arm and a leg A way of asking what someone is thinking
Why idioms and phrases are important for competitive exams?
Idioms and Phrases form an important part of the English section of various competitive exams such as SSC exams, RRB exams, Bank exams and other Government exams. Candidates can easily fetch a good score in the English section if they are aware of important idioms and phrases, along with their meanings.


Alright, I'll admit it: the title to this piece is a bit dramatic.
With that being said, however, there is some accuracy to it nonetheless.
In the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft the Cowboys made a statement about the football team they want to be. A statement which they've been making during just about every draft since selecting tackle Tyron Smith in the first round of the 2011 draft. A statement confirmed by the selection of running back Ezekiel Elliott and furthered this year when Dallas decided to bring in offensive lineman Connor Williams with the aforementioned second round pick.
The Cowboys identity, at least what they want to be their identity, is a run first, ball control, smash-mouth offense. Though I believe some of what the Cowboys want to be is antiquated, there is no question that it has worked for them in the past (see: 2014, 2016).
This identity failed in 2017, in large part because of the departure of left guard Ronald Leary through free agency and injuries to left tackle Tyron Smith. The Cowboys didn't have the depth to replace these players when needed, and the whole offense suffered greatly.
Now Dallas looks to insert Connor Williams at left guard, hoping to improve on the play of Jonathan Martin and Chaz Green a year ago. Williams fits the mold of a plug-and-play rookie lineman, but as with any rookie there will be growing pains.
How Connor Williams works through these early struggles, and how he improves upon them throughout the season, will play a vital role in the overall success of the 2018 Dallas Cowboys.
Williams' performance, primarily his ability to work as one with All Pros Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick, will not only impact the running game, but also put the mind of third year quarterback Dak Prescott at ease.
After the debacle in Atlanta last season, Prescott was clearly shaken up, and didn't look the same when standing in the pocket. Reassuring that he has the protection needed to stand tall and deliver as a quarterback is, of course, of the upmost importance to the team's success.
If Prescott cannot improve on his 2017 campaign, the 2018 Cowboys likely have no chance. But in order for Prescott to see those improvements, rookie Connor Williams will need to fit seamlessly.


Thanks to The Broke and the Bookish for hosting such an amazing feature every week! Today we're looking at authors and books that we're thankful for. I do love Thanksgiving, as it seems to make people more aware of the cool stuff in our lives. It's always nice to give thanks.
I've chosen today to write about the authors whose books have made me particularly happy over the past year.
One of my favourite books that I've read in 2012 so far (and the year is nearly over!) is Serpahina by Rachel Hartman. I love the fantasy world that was created, I loved the characters. I really loved falling into this story and being completely immersed in it for awhile. Dragons! It was exciting.
Seraphina is Rachel Hartman's debut book, and I'm hoping that we'll be seeing plenty more books from her and soon.
I also read another debut book, this time by Tanya Byrne and it too is another favourite of the year. The book? Heart-Shaped Bruise. In the past week it's been nominated for a gazillion awards and things, so clearly it is not just me who is smitten with this beautifully written book about a girl in a young offenders institution telling her story of revenge.
I eagerly await anything else by Tanya Byrne!
Not only am I thankful to have read the gorgeous and emotional stories by Cat Clarke that are already published - Entangled and Torn - but I am thankful that it is not too long now to wait to read Cat's latest book, Undone. I am very excited!
I read Torn this past year and I loved it. It made me feel all the things. I love the very flawed characters and the bad decisions being made. I felt guilty and anxious and mixed up inside right along with the characters. I love that about Cat Clarke's books, that I'm dragged into the story so completely.
Oh I do adore Julie Kagawa! The Iron Fey series is incredible, a series of books that really made me change my mind about fairies. But this past year I've read The Immortal Rules and also The Lost Prince, both of which I loved.
Before reading The Immortal Rules I was feeling a little bit weary of vampires, but again, Ms Kagawa changed my mind about them and made me excited once more. And I do love spin-off series. While I am less enamoured so far of this new series following Meghan's little brother, I will still wait anxiously for the next book in the series!
I am such a fan of Sara Zarr's. Last year I did my best to catch up with her backlist and I really loved that. With every new Sara Zarr book I've read, I whip myself into a frenzy for a new book! So I was very happy to read her latest, How To Save A Life this past year and I loved it.
I go on such a rollercoaster of emotions reading a book by Sara Zarr! I love how in How to Save a Life I really changed my mind about how I felt about both of the main characters by the end.
I really loved Amy and Roger's Epic Detour when I read it a few years ago. And while I was curious about Second Chance Summer, I wasn't DYING to read it. I was thinking it was going to be a light-hearted summer romance and I would read it and feel happy inside and then move on.
Oh, how wrong I was. The first half of the book was just as I thought it would be. And then it reached a certain point and my heart just broke. By the end of it, I was a sobbing mess and Morgan Matson was added to my list of favourite authors.
Courtney Summers is one of my favourite authors and I'm always thankful for her books! Especially Some Girls Are which ripped my heart out and had be uncontrollably crying for most of that reading experience. It was a good thing, I swear.
This year, I read her This Is Not a Test about a group of teenagers stuck in a high school with zombies all around them. While it isn't as wonderful-amazing as her contemporary novels, I still very much enjoyed it. And I will always look forward to her new books!
I didn't read any book by Melina Marchetta for the first time this year, but it just felt wrong to write a list of authors I'm thankful for and not include her! Melina Marchetta IS my favourite author. Books like Saving Francesca, The Piper's Son and Jellicoe Road made me think and feel and cry.
I still have Finnikin of the Rock to read and I'm sure that I will get to it sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, I love Jonah Griggs.
I do love a book by Jennifer Echols. She writes some amazing contemporary romances. I read two of her YA love stories this year - Such A Rush and The One That I Want. Neither one of them quite hit the highs of Going Too Far, but I still felt that tension and that pull on my heartstrings in both of them.
Especially Such a Rush. There's so much painful longing going on there as the main character is blackmailed into dating one brother when it's been the other brother that she's been crushing on for YEARS. What an awkward, fantastic situation to read about.
I love Cath Crowley! Graffiti Moon has to be the most beautiful book ever! And based on the strength of that gorgeous novel, I went out and bought A Little Wanting Song and finally got around to reading it this past year.
I really loved the dual-narrative of two very different girls and I was still surprised how emotionally invested I became in their wants and their feelings. A Little Wanting Song was such a fantastic book, about friendship and family and figuring stuff out. I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to read more from Cath Crowley!
Those are the authors that I'm especially thankful for this year! Which authors are you thankful for?
Graffiti Moon is such a poetic book isn't it?! I totally loved it but I haven't read anything else from the author. I'll need to fix that!
I'm thankful fr Cassandra Clare. She is the pied piper and I'll follow her anywhere.
Graffiti Moon is just absolute beauty in written form. I really love it so.
Cassandra Clare really should have been on my list too, why is she not on my list? I read both Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince by her this year and I FELL IN LOVE.
Erm? I've read both, but I wouldn't put either series or author on my 'authors I'm thankful for' list?
So many amazing authors on this list! The only ones I haven't read are Marchetta and Hartman, but I have Jellicoe Road on my shelf!
Oh Sophie. I cannot believe that you haven't yet read anything by Melina Marchetta! I don't usually choose a Number One Favourite Above Everyone Else, but Melina Marchetta really is my number one favourite author.
She really is, isn't she?!
Oh your comment made me laugh :) What are you doing with your life?! .. but wait, you haven't read ANY of the other authors? Whoa.
I am so desperate to read Rachel Hartman! And when I went into the bookstore to buy it, it was sold out!!! I have it on request at the library too. It sounds so fantastic, dragons and music, a lovely fantasy. I'm so glad you enjoyed it as much as everyone else who has read it so far this year.
Your authors have made you so happy, love this post!
Second Chance Summer had me in tears for the last 40 pages! I was a mess! Also READ FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK. NOW!
I was a mess. It was an ugly crying situation. And yes, I know *hangs head* I really need to read Finnikin of the Rock!
What a great idea for a post. I personally only read Sara Zarr and Courtney Summers for the first time this year and am now hooked on their writing. My YAcker secret santa sent me Seraphina for Christmas so I'm VERY excited about discovering Rachel Hartman too!


VITAE is consulting on the Condordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
The consultation presents a ten-year opportunity to shape the revisions that are needed to ensure the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers remains fit for the future. The Concordat can make a real difference in improving the environment and career development for researchers and is important in helping develop the pipeline of talent and ensuring the UK maintains its leading position in research and innovation.
The AGCAS Research Students and Research Staff Task Group have provided a draft response to the consultation. Members are invited to input on this response. Please send comments and feedback on the consultation questions to our Governance and Communications Officer by 3 January 2019.
Alternatively, members can provide individual responses.
To further inform the revision of the Concordat and in parallel with the survey, members of the Concordat Strategy Group are hosting a series of sector consultation events in Bristol, London and Edinburgh during December. Find out more and register your interest.


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\section{Alternative Testing Methods}
\subsection{Introduction}
It is integral to expand testing capabilities to manage the further spread of COVID-19. Along with this expansion, there is a need for developing alternative strategies to identify and isolate asymptomatic and presymptomatic individuals. Efficient pipelines for specimen collection and analysis are crucial.

A variety of factors must be considered when selecting a COVID-19 test including cost, accuracy, availability, dissemination, and speed of testing results. Depending on the use case, each of these factors might be weighted in a different manner. There is an increase in alternative testing methods as emergency use authorizations have been provided by the FDA, enabling multiple community-level testing strategies to control COVID-19.

\subsection{Pool Testing}
In pooled tests, several samples are mixed together in a batch in order to test specimens from multiple individuals simultaneously. This allows for greater testing capabilities without using more resources. In this process there is an increased chance of positive sample dilution, potentially decreasing test sensitivity. According to FDA guidelines, test performance following the pooling of samples should have a positive predictive agreement (PPA) of greater than 85\% when compared with tests run on individual samples \cite{8}.  This type of testing substantially reduces the costs of testing and is a faster method for testing multiple individuals. This enables estimations of COVID-19 prevalence in group settings such as institutions or communities. The ideal use case for these tests is in the setting of relatively sparse COVID-19 positivity/low prevalence \cite{13,15}.

\subsection{Wastewater Testing}
Experiences with other viral diseases have shown that monitoring wastewater enables effective surveillance of COVID-19 by tracing pathogen levels in sewage. This can effectively show the presence of pathogens in an entire community, providing a sensitive signal to detect whether the transmission is increasing or declining.

Wastewater testing could have many benefits with regards to the detection of COVID-19 as it is cost-effective to survey the dynamics of communities. Other forms of epidemiological indicator biases are effectively avoided and it enables the collection of data even from people who don't have access to healthcare.

After excretion in feces, the virus collects in municipal wastewater channels. Monitoring of this wastewater at treatment plants can be achieved by detecting viral RNA.
\section{Discussion and Conclusion}
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rapidly grow in the United States and across the world, new testing methodologies will continually be developed. In this early draft, we present a detailed review of the clinical landscape of COVID-19 testing and establish the metrics by which future tests might be measured and understood. Test sensitivity is only one factor that must be considered in combination with a test's cost, speed, diagnostic potential,

Using this framework, we describe the current mainline diagnostic and serological testing methodologies available as well as their relative advantages and use cases. Further, we extend our analysis to novel, unconventional, and alternative methods of testing, which could reduce the time and cost involved to obtain results.

We also discuss the potential privacy concerns relevant to current testing approaches. Given the tradeoffs between benefits vs harms of testing, the landscape remains open to new testing strategies, especially those that minimize the risk to an individual's privacy. New testing methods and tools, such as STOPCovid and Cosware, might be used to supplement current COVID-19 testing strategies while maintaining user privacy.

\section{Effect of the Testings}

\subsection{Quarantine}
Generally, an individual takes a COVID-19 test because they are either showing symptoms of the virus, or due to mandated workspace regulations. Until test results are received, the individual must stay isolated. If an individual receives a negative result from a lower sensitivity point-of-care or home test, it is recommended that they seek another negative result via RT-PCR if infection is still suspected. During quarantine, the patient should keep away from others, wear a face covering, follow strict hand-hygiene, and make an effort to utilize different utensils, instruments and tools from other members of his/her household \cite{30}.

In case of an emergent need for the patient to break quarantine, they should maintain at least 6 feet distance from others. In addition, caretakers and family members exposed to an individual with COVID-19 should follow similar guidelines (including testing, quarantine, and preventive techniques).

\subsection{Privacy}
COVID-19 testing practices involve the collection and distribution of a significant amount of personal information. Often an individual's name, race, location, travel history, and past health records are collected. This dependence on sensitive patient data provides many potential privacy concerns related to COVID-19 testing. For example:
\begin{enumerate}
    \item To schedule a test, a user has to share their name, email, phone number, ethnicity, country of birth, and recent travel history. Although it differs based on the testing site and country, this personally identifiable information often sits on web servers or in handwritten forms at testing campsites.
    \item Some private testing companies collect extensive user information about the user despite its irrelevance to COVID-19 testing. This can vary significantly between testing sites and countries. The use of anonymous randomized identifiers can reduce these risks.
    \item Contact tracing is the single public health intervention that has been most effective in identifying potentially infected individuals. These efforts often neglect thorough safeguards of individual privacy.
    \item COVID-19 results are often conveyed to users on websites that require no more than name and birthdate to look up the results, an obvious privacy concern.
\end{enumerate}

The privacy breaches outlined above can form the basis for more significant invasions of patient privacy \cite{27}, allowing disingenuous parties to track patient schedules, economic status, and social contacts. The potential misuse of this information can dramatically impact patient safety and well-being.

\subsection{Communication}
Testing and contact tracing remains crucial to the public health workforce around the world in identifying, assessing, and managing individuals to contain the spread of COVID-19. But for many people, coming forward to get tested and revealing the personal information of friends, family, and close associates remains a challenge due to privacy reasons. The COVID-19 upsurge has given rise to discriminatory behaviors towards anyone discerned to have been in contact with the virus \cite{30}. This social stigma discourages individuals from receiving COVID-19 tests, adding another layer of complexity to public health policies and data collection efforts surrounding the pandemic.

\subsection{Economy}
The impact of COVID-19 on the economy has been significant. Due to COVID-19, several small and large-scale businesses have been negatively affected. The virulent and rapid spread of COVID-19 has required many organizations to change their work and marketing strategies. Small case businesses have been most significantly affected \cite{5}. 43\% of businesses were temporarily shut down in earlier stages of the pandemic, and the employment rate dropped down by 40\% in the United States. This has raised questions about the financial stability of small businesses as many have needed to acquire additional debts, temporarily cut down or furlough their workforce, and ultimately shut down in many cases. A recent analysis \cite{6} has provided 3 potential future economic scenarios in the setting of COVID-19: global economic slowdown, global recession, or a quick reformation of the economy. The last relies upon the implementation of public policies including widespread testing, mandated face coverings, social distancing, and new sanitization standards in order to facilitate a return to normalcy for the economy. In scenarios in which transmission of the virus cannot be curbed, economic slowdowns and recessions are far more likely.
\section{Future possibilities for Testing}

Researchers are in the preliminary phases of exploring multiple novel methods, focused on improving the accuracy, speed, cost and complexity of COVID-19 tests. One such initiative based on various biological innovations is STOPCovid \cite{21}, working to offer rapid at-home tests with simpler kits. Researchers are also exploring testing methods that leverage machine learning to detect COVID-19 from signals such as cough noises, lung and respiratory performance, and vocal cord strength \cite{18}. These methods have the potential to substantially simplify the testing process, allowing for increased accessibility and mass population testing.

\section{Introduction}
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as a novel type of coronavirus after the outbreak in the Wuhan region of China in late 2019. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19, the disease caused by this RNA virus, as a pandemic. COVID-19 is a disease with a relatively high transmission rate, and is spread primarily by person-to-person contact through respiratory droplets. As of November 5th 2020, COVID-19 has led to more than 48 million cases and 1 million deaths globally. Diagnosis of COVID-19 among patients involves testing through laboratory testing, clinical examination and diagnostics (X-ray, Chest-CT and others). Early positive test identification enables isolation of infected patients in order to reduce transmission \cite{30}. Notably, a large group of individuals identified as infected with SARS-CoV-2 are asymptomatic. This suggests the necessity for frequent testing of all individuals in a population, which in turn requires more cost efficient and rapid testing platforms .

Presently, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays are the most widely used method of COVID-19 detection. RT-PCR identifies the existence of viral RNA in biological specimens from patients \cite{36}. In RT-PCR testing the most time-consuming steps are purification of RNA and reverse transcription. Because it detects viral RNA, RT-PCR is extremely sensitive and specific for SARS-CoV-2 infection detection. Rapid antigen tests are another common form of testing in the setting of COVID-19, and detect viral proteins in patient samples. These tests are much cheaper, faster, and more convenient than RT-PCR tests, but are generally less sensitive. Although less sensitive, antigen tests can be used to identify the most infected patients in the affected region to control the spread of COVID-19 \cite{38}.

In this early draft, our goal is to address the current scenario of  COVID-19 testing methodologies and summarize the implementation, cost and production estimates, and finally effects on different sectors of society of these tests. Relevant related work in surveys, comparative studies and methods to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis is discussed in the Related Work section. We then move to an in-depth discussion of the various current testing methods stratified by molecular, serological and alternative/unconventional approaches in the Native Methodologies in Clinical Testing section. We further dive deeper to understand the implications of testing and the impacts it has on privacy, communication, the economy, etc. in the Effect of Testing section.

\begin{figure}[!ht]
    \includegraphics[width=1\linewidth]{images/activity_feeling_guide.png}
    \centering
    \caption{Symptom profiles and patient behaviours appropriate for various COVID-19 testing methodologies.
    }
    \label{fig:activity_feeling_guide}
\end{figure}

\section{Native Methodologies of Clinical Testing}

\subsection{Need for Testing}

Given that many people infected with COVID-19 continue to be asymptomatic and potential carriers of the virus, testing plays a crucial role in identifying these individuals to prevent further spread through contact tracing and isolation. Testing can be carried out to identify infected cases, most importantly helping to identify individuals who are infected and isolate them. With the availability of numerous testing practices, there are many methods with different analytical performances in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Because viral load is often correlated with the probability of a test, patients with an early infection may often not be detected. After 3-4 days following infection, there is an exponential increase in viral load, generally seeming to result in symptom development. These can range from mild infection to adverse and serious events involving lung disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and other non-pulmonary manifestations.

\subsection{Diagnostic Tests}
Testing for SARS-CoV-2 can be largely classified into two broad categories: diagnostic testing attempts to identify viral presence, whereas antibody/serological tests identify the immune response generated to the virus \cite{10}.

The gold standard method for diagnostic testing involves the use of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RT-PCR tests identify viral genomic material from human samples typically taken from the nasopharyngeal cavity, throat, saliva, and so on.  Specimens obtained from patients must therefore be sent to centralized laboratories for storage and testing \cite{14,15}. The results of these tests can be obtained in a few hours after specimens arrive at the laboratory, but the total turnaround time to patients is often between 3-7 days. The test is highly sensitive and specific in nature and is generally the gold standard at the moment.  Reliable methods of evaluating the objective accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of RT-PCR tests have not been developed, but it is assumed that in ideal laboratory conditions these tests are able to detect SARS-CoV-2 genetic material with high degrees of sensitivity and specificity \cite{17, 26, 29, 31}.

\begin{figure}[!ht]
    \includegraphics[width=1\linewidth]{images/rt_pcr_diagram.png}
    \centering
    \caption{Steps in the RT-PCR test: a) A patient specimen is obtained (commonly through nasopharyngeal swab) b) viral RNA is retrieved and c) reverse transcription is used to create complimentary DNA (cDNA). d) DNA primers are then affixed to cDNA and are used for amplification. Fluorescence is created following degradation of specialized DNA probes which increase as copies of the viral cDNA are made. e) Once the detected fluorescence level crosses a threshold, a positive test is identified (waiting for permission) \cite{39}.}
    \label{fig:rt_pcr_diagram}
\end{figure}

Rapid Antigen Detection Tests (RADT) is a rapid way of testing to detect the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 in a point-of-care setting. These tests identify the presence of virus-specific proteins (antigens) in collected specimens from patients. Specimens are generally collected from the same regions as those used for RT-PCR (nasopharyngeal, nasal, throat, etc), but testing can be done in a rapid manner and is often done on-site rather than at specialized laboratories [25]. Specimens are analyzed via immunological assays for viral particles and can be done in many non-specialized laboratory settings. Results for RADT can be obtained as quickly as 30-60 minutes, but the sensitivity of these tests is generally lower than RT-PCR (84-97\% when compared with RT-PCR results). However, these tests are considered very specific (90-98\% when compared with RT-PCR). Because of this, a patient testing positive by RADT will generally be considered to be infected with the virus whereas a patient testing negative may be referred to an RT-PCR test if there is suspicion of infection. Due to their speed and cost-effectiveness, RADT can be used in point-of-care settings (doctors, hospitals) and can also be used as a public health intervention for rapid detection and estimation of disease burden in a community setting.

\begin{figure}[!ht]
    \includegraphics[width=1\linewidth]{images/radt_diagram.png}
    \centering
    \caption{Diagram briefly describing the function of medical diagnostic dipsticks (waiting for permission) \cite{40}.}
    \label{fig:radt_diagram}
\end{figure}

Lateral flow assay (LFA) antigen tests are another example of rapid point-of-care testing. The test analyzes plasma, blood, or other patient samples and is capable of detecting viral antigen. These tests do not require laboratory analysis and can be performed in any clinical setting. These tests have relatively low sensitivities but are both fast and cost-effective. Due to these reasons, these sometimes serve as an alternative and a useful tool in identifying the prevalence of COVID-19 spread in a community \cite{14}.

\begin{figure}[!ht]
    \includegraphics[width=1\linewidth]{images/lfa_strip_architecture.png}
    \centering
    \caption{LFA Strip architecture where the analyte is detected in the test line, and red control line indicates the test was performed (waiting for permission)  \cite{41}.}
    \label{fig:lfa_strip_diagram}
\end{figure}

The RT-PCR test employs the amplification of small amounts of viral RNA particles in patient specimens. \textbf{Cycle Thresholding} (CT)  \cite{23} is the concept of amplifying the virus 'x' number of times, where 'x' can be any number in order to understand the viral concentration (viral load). Lower CT values mean that fewer amplification cycles were required to detect viral RNA, indicating that the patient sample had a high viral load. Alternatively, high CT Values indicate that the viral load is comparatively low and hence additional amplifications are required for detection.There is no definite threshold for clearing the individual for the risk of spreading the virus. Some research has indicated that CT values can be correlated to infectivity, with higher values indicating a lower chance that a person might transmit COVID-19. CT values also differ based on parameters such as age, gender, the prevalence of comorbidities, or concurrent infection \cite{24}.

\begin{figure}[!ht]
    \includegraphics[width=1\linewidth]{images/rt-pcr_amplication_cycles.png}
    \centering
    \caption{Stages for RT-PCR Post Run Analysis (waiting for permission) \cite{23}.}
    \label{fig:lfa1_strip_diagram}
\end{figure}

\textbf{Rethinking the Test Sensitivity}: When considering the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various diagnostic COVID-19 tests approved by the FDA for emergency use, it is important to understand the intended use case of the test. Mina et al. \cite{1}, suggests that low sensitivity, low price tests such as LFA antigen tests might most effectively be used in public health scenarios in which the desired outcome is outbreak suppression. By testing each individual in a community daily with these tests, Mina et al., argues that patients with high viral loads (and therefore potentially higher infectivity) will be immediately recognized by low sensitivity tests and can then be quarantined to prevent disease spread. While this does seem to be an attractive testing policy for reducing outbreaks, it relies on an increased understanding into the relationship between viral load, infectivity, and symptom manifestation in the setting of COVID-19. Further, it is likely that this testing paradigm would still need to be supplemented by higher sensitivity testing in vulnerable populations where even low viral load COVID-19 infection could result in severe outcomes.

\begin{figure}[!ht]
    \includegraphics[width=1\linewidth]{images/virus_kinetics.png}
    \centering
    \caption{Virus Kinetics within the Individual (waiting for permission) \cite{1}}
    \label{fig:virus_kinetics}
\end{figure}

\subsection{Antibody Tests}
Antibody tests are done after recovery from COVID-19 to check whether a patient has developed immunity to COVID-19 through measurements of IgM or IgG antibodies against the virus. Antibodies are a physiological immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection, and their presence might indicate that an individual has recently been infected with the virus or has developed long term immunity to the same. The information provided by antibody testing is highly variable from patient to patient and depends significantly on when the test was acquired relative to infection with SARS-CoV-2. Antibody responses can take up to weeks to be detectable following viral infection, and some patients might not have detectable levels despite a previous infection. Alternatively, there is evidence that positive test results can be observed for patients without recent SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the presence of antibodies to similar viruses. These tests are not meant to be diagnostic in nature. Instead, antibody testing is often done to determine whether an individual had previously been infected by SARS-CoV-2. This can be useful in the setting of determining eligible plasma donors for COVID-19 treatments, or in other similar scenarios  \cite{11, 17, 34}.

\begin{figure*}[t!]
\resizebox{\textwidth}{!}{
    \includegraphics[]{images/comparison_table.pdf}
    }
    \centering
    \caption{Comparison between Native Testing Methodologies}
    \label{fig:comparison_table}
\end{figure*}

\begin{figure}[!ht]
    \includegraphics[width = 1\linewidth]{images/testing_comparison.png}
    \centering
    \caption{Comparative Analysis Between Native Testing Methodologies}
    \label{fig:my_label}

\end{figure}

\subsection{Current Scenario of Testing}
Testing guidelines have varied over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, generally dependent on the availability of tests. Initially, testing supply shortages in the United States necessitated strict rationing of testing kits to only those who are sick and mandating that individuals be recommended by a physician in order to receive a test. Currently, the CDC recommends that individuals with symptoms of infection, recent contact with someone with COVID-19, or a recommendation from a healthcare provider be tested for infection with SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, workplaces require essential workers and other non-essential workers to have repeat COVID-19 tests before arriving at their workplace. Molecular tests including RT-PCR are recommended for diagnosis of COVID-19, as these are known to provide the most specific and sensitive results.

Errors in testing can have dramatic effects. False-negative results might delay the quarantine of an individual, increasing the likelihood of disease spread. False-positive results might cause undue stress for a patient and cause loss of access to economic, social, and personal support in lieu of quarantine. It is important to note that comparative analysis between the various testing methodologies with respect to their accuracy, false negative rate and costing are not completely dependable since there are many players in the market who manufacture the testing kits to be used for the process and also the inherent disparity that can be observed in the laboratory vs clinical performance of a test.

Home test kits are a recent development and are becoming increasingly prevalent. The majority of home tests collect samples of either saliva (in a collection tube) or nasal swabs (through cotton swabs). Using these kits, an individual can ship their samples to testing labs directly from their house. After the sample is received by the lab, results are typically delivered within 48-72 hours  \cite{12}. Although these tests generally suffer from lower accuracies than RT-PCR, they are attractive due to their convenience and relatively low price point.

There remains a need to develop strict guidelines for social distancing and mobility including use of PPE and masks when visiting public places.

\subsection{Activity-Feeling Guide}

Getting tested is not a binary decision. There are many decisions that need to be made for uninformed user-specific guidance, such as an Activity-Feeling Matrix, which is a helpful tool. It is important to promote low friction home tests for low-stakes situations and drive behavior to optimal risk-anxiety levels.

For example, depending on the individual's level of activity (i.e. work from home vs working in the community) level and frequency of tests might vary in terms of intensity and follow up. There can be an observed shift from the less accurate tests such as home tests to the far more accurate ones like the RT-PCR if an individual wishes to attend social functions or has a need for travel.

\subsection{Assessment of Risks and Incident Prevention}
Risk management is a highly understood field, and well-established strategies make use of multi-layer interventions in order to prevent undesirable outcomes.

\begin{figure}[!ht]
    \includegraphics[width=1\linewidth]{images/risks.jpg}
    \centering
    \caption{Swiss cheese model of process safety (waiting for permission)  \cite{42}}
    \label{fig:risks}
\end{figure}

This same approach can be adopted in the setting of COVID-19, in which multiple interventions can be simultaneously leveraged to reduce disease spread. These strategies might include maintaining social distancing practices, employing effective ventilation systems in buildings, wearing masks, washing and sanitizing hands at regular intervals, having quicker and efficient testing procedures, and improved contact tracing procedures in order to quickly contain outbreaks of the disease. Further, strict follow-up of individuals who are either quarantined due to positive test or exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual remains crucial for successful reduction in the burden of COVID-19.

\begin{figure}[!ht]
    \includegraphics[width=1\linewidth]{images/swiss_cheese.jpg}
    \centering
    \caption{Swiss Cheese Respiratory Virus Pandemic Defense (Swiss Cheese Respiratory Virus Pandemic Defense) (waiting for permission) \cite{43}}
    \label{fig:swiss_cheese}
\end{figure}

\section{Related Work}

\begin{figure}
    \includegraphics[width=1\linewidth]{images/serial_interval_distribution.png}
    \centering
    \caption{Estimated serial interval distribution (top left), inferred infectiousness profile (top right) and assumed incubation period (bottom middle) of COVID-19 (waiting for permission) \cite{44}}
    \label{fig:serial_interval_distribution}
\end{figure}

\begin{figure}
    \includegraphics[width=1\linewidth]{images/human_to_human_transmission.png}
    \centering
    \caption{Human to Human Transmission: Temporal dynamics in viral shedding and transmission of COVID-19 (waiting for permission) \cite{44}}
    \label{fig:human_to_human_transmission}
\end{figure}

Fig 1 elaborates on temporal patterns of viral shedding in 94 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and modeled COVID-19 infectiousness profiles from a separate sample of 77 infector–infectee transmission pairs. They observed the highest viral load in throat swabs at the time of symptom onset, and inferred that infectiousness peaked on or before symptom onset. The authors have estimated that 44\% (95\% confidence interval, 30–57\%) of secondary cases were infected during the index cases' presymptomatic stage, in settings with substantial household clustering, active case finding and quarantine outside the home. Disease control measures should be adjusted to account for probable substantial presymptomatic transmission \cite{44}.

Tang Wi et al. discusses the current landscape of COVID-19 in different windows, namely pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical. The pre-analytical window discusses the importance of collecting the right specimen at the right time in COVID-19 infection. The analytical window seeks to weigh the relative advantages of different testing approaches including RT-PCR and antigen tests. Finally the post-analytical landscape discusses how tests might be understood with relevant molecular or serological  bottlenecks. Our paper aims to go further in providing a comprehensive analysis of both the various tests available as well as their relative advantages in different use cases. We also discuss various secondary and alternative testing methods in addition to serological approaches \cite{16}.

Mina et al. examines the current  testing scenario to explain the flaws in the current testing landscape. They primarily claim that the more accurate RT-PCR tests used may be primarily detecting non-infectious individuals with low viral loads. Mina et al. also suggests that a low sensitivity test done at more frequent intervals might be more efficient in understanding viral spread than limited, high sensitivity tests might be able to do \cite{1}.

Marac et al. does a comprehensive review on molecular and serological tests and also talks about the need to upscale in-vitro diagnostic assays.  The paper also shows that these different tests could help inform healthcare providers and policy makers, especially in understanding the efficacy of tests and in making efficient policy decisions \cite{32}.

Ngyun, T Thanha discusses the AI methods that are made to understand and fight against the ongoing pandemic. The paper is a survey of methods in image analysis, text understanding and information extraction, data analytics, IoT, etc.. An overview of the relevant data sources and a description of 13 sub groups of problems where AI and relevant methods can potentially be useful are also presented \cite{18}.

\section{Unconventional Testing Methodologies}

\subsection{COVID-19 and Animals}
In most research works related to healthcare and medicine animals are very essential segment of the cycle, especially in zoonotic viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. However, thorough testing on animals has not been performed yet; only a few species (such as ferrets, dogs, birds, cats, hamsters and minks) have shown to be susceptible to the virus. Preliminary research has shown high interspecies transmission rates in ferrets, cats, and golden hamsters, but significantly lower rates in dogs. Furthermore, animals such as ducks, chickens, mice and pigs do not seem to be able to contract or transmit the virus\cite{35}. Further experiments can be performed in these species to understand the mechanisms by which other animals might recover from infection, potentially informing treatment development for humans\cite{22}.

\subsection{Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)}
Researchers from the Journal of Science Translational Medicine proposed the use of a technique called reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)\cite{2} carried out at a constant temperature with a different set of reagents than those used in RT-PCR. Here, simple equipment like plate scanners with spectrophotometric quantification, mobile phone cameras, copy machines, or office scanners can be used for immunofluorescent detection. Expensive special equipment such as thermal cyclers with real-time fluorescence measurements is not required for an RT-LAMP assay to perform, because within 30 minutes after the start of incubation (at 65°C), positive samples can be determined by a color change from red to yellow\cite{14,17}.

This testing is less sensitive than a quantitative RT-PCR, however, it could be beneficial in the testing of large groups of people because of its potential to be a simple, scalable, and broadly applicable testing method.

\subsection{SalivaDirect}
SalivaDirect is a testing method that relies on a similar molecular process as RT-PCR. Compared to RT-PCR, this method is less expensive and places less stress on the supply chain. In addition, RT-PCR requires a trained person to collect nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs, not only adding a logistical barrier, but also putting the performer at risk of getting infected. Saliva samples are easier to collect and less uncomfortable, encouraging people to get tested frequently. However, saliva tests were found to have lower sensitivity than a nasopharyngeal swab test\cite{37}.

\subsection{LamPORE}
LamPORE combines barcoded multi-target amplification, real-time nanopore sequencing, and 15-minute barcode library preparation\cite{3}. It enables a larger number of samples to be rapidly tested/screened for the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Starting with extracted RNA, results for 12-96 samples can be obtained in less than 2 hours\cite{2}.

This method not only fits both large-scale and small-scale laboratory environments, but can also potentially analyze thousands of samples daily using a single instrument. LamPORE is dependent on up-to-date workflow, including automatic handling of all samples and an amalgamation with the information management systems of the laboratory.

\section*{Acknowledgements}
We are grateful to Riyanka Roy Choudhury, CodeX Fellow, Stanford University, Adam Berrey, CEO of PathCheck Foundation, Dr. Brooke Struck, Research Director at The Decision Lab, Canada and Vinay Gidwaney, Entrepreneur and Advisor, PathCheck Foundation for their assistance in discussions, support and guidance in writing of this paper.

\begin{comment}

\section*{References}

Please number citations consecutively within brackets \cite{b1}. The
sentence punctuation follows the bracket \cite{b2}. Refer simply to the reference
number, as in \cite{b3}---do not use ``Ref. \cite{b3}'' or ``reference \cite{b3}'' except at
the beginning of a sentence: ``Reference \cite{b3} was the first $\ldots$''

Number footnotes separately in superscripts. Place the actual footnote at
the bottom of the column in which it was cited. Do not put footnotes in the
abstract or reference list. Use letters for table footnotes.

Unless there are six authors or more give all authors' names; do not use
``et al.''. Papers that have not been published, even if they have been
submitted for publication, should be cited as ``unpublished'' \cite{b4}. Papers
that have been accepted for publication should be cited as ``in press'' \cite{b5}.
Capitalize only the first word in a paper title, except for proper nouns and
element symbols.

For papers published in translation journals, please give the English
citation first, followed by the original foreign-language citation \cite{b6}.
\end{comment}

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A note from our Textile Restoration Dept.
Hang out with us this summer!
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I saw a question recently in the new AQA textbooks that got me very excited. The reason is that it is low entry. All these style questions can be solved with simple trial and error and some basic simplifying of ratio.
However, life is made a lot easier if you use normal techniques for dividing into a ratio. It is a real puzzle question which tests deep understanding of the work, whilst also offering an opportunity to at least have a go in some way. If this is the way GCSE's are going, then I can't wait!
You are doing really good job. I've bookmarked you for further amazing content.
Keep it up mates.Bakery Boxes, wedding boxes and cardboard Box Dividers are really good products.


Benefits include: Network and collaboration opportunities; and promoting careers in STEM for women.
Note: Visit the AWIS website to join. Email your receipt to studentaffairs@apus.edu.
If you are currently a member of AWIS, your group is active on Facebook. For assistance connecting with this group, email studentaffairs@apus.edu.
If you are looking to utilize your leadership skills, check out the current open leadership positions with the AWIS.
If you are a student in our STEM program or a related field, you are eligible for membership. Membership will be actively sought during the months of May & December.
For questions on eligibility criteria or general information, email the chapter executive council at apus.awis@gmail.com.


Most people pair their wine with food but we pair our wine with books. Join us each week as we discuss various literary topics, a book of the month and of course a wine!
Join us as we talk about our latest book of the month, The Paris Secret. We get to see Michele be a working mom first hand. We also discuss our favorite Paris books and experiences.


text:
Sign up for my newsletter for hot-off-the-presses updates on books and giveaways!
Pen Pal Project
Chapters Indigo
Book Club Guide
Better Luck Next Time
A laugh-out-loud generational family comedy for those of us who have survived siblings, children, parents, and marriage
It isn't easy being related to a feminist icon, especially when she's celebrating the greatest moment of her storied career.
Just ask the daughters of Lydia Hennessey, who could have it all if only they'd stop self-destructing. Mariana, the eldest, is on the verge of throwing away a distinguished reputation in journalism, along with her marriage. Nina, the middle daughter, has returned from a medical mission overseas as a changed woman but won't discuss it with anyone. And Beata, the youngest, has a hostile teenaged son who just discovered the existence of a father who didn't know about him either. Meanwhile, their cousin Zoe is making divorce look like a death-match, while her brother Zack is grappling with the fallout from his popular television dramedy, based far too closely on Lydia herself.
It might be easier to find their paths if they could step out of Lydia's shadow—but the biggest women's march in history is underway, and Lydia and her family are at the centre of it.
Over the course of an eventful year, the Hennessey children contend with the big struggles of midlife: aging parents, raging teens, crumbling marriages and bodies, new loves and the choice between playing it safe or taking life-altering risks. And as they inch toward a new definition of happiness, they might even persuade their parents—and themselves—that they're all grown up.
A hilarious, astute, and wonderfully heartwarming tale of a family juggling the complexities of divorce, independence, love, and loss. . . . Altogether a gem of a book. I loved it!
— Jennifer Robson, internationally bestselling author of The Gown
Compulsively readable and very, very funny. Better Luck Next Time is that rare novel that manages to capture the extraordinary in everyday life.
—Uzma Jalaluddin, author of Ayesha at Last
Kate Hilton has crafted a novel that will make you belly laugh, tug at your heartstrings, and fall in love with the Hennessey-Goldstein families.
—Karma Brown, bestselling author of The Life Lucy Knew
Hilton's voice shines in this highly relatable exploration of women's resilience in the face of betrayal and family strife.
—K.A.Tucker, internationally bestselling author of The Simple Wild
The wry, funny, and relatable family drama is a delicious comfort not unlike binging on your favourite show. It is exactly what we need right now.
—Laurie Petrou, author of Love, Heather
"A hilarious, captivating novel … If you've ever been part of a family, or wished perhaps you weren't, you'll adore this tender, wise novel about the ways that love imprisons and liberates."
—Elizabeth Renzetti, author of Shrewed
A funny and charming exploration of modern love and family.
—Kerry Clare, author of Mitzi Bytes
© 2022 Kate Hilton. Site design by Clockpunk Studios.


The School of the Americas at Fort Benning, Ga., has trained thousands of Latin American soldiers, many of whom have been implicated in the killings, disappearances and massacres that have afflicted the region for decades. Since 1990, the School of the Americas Watch, founded by the Rev. Roy Bourgeois, has led the struggle to close the school, leading huge marches outside its walls. Now SOA Watch has taken its message to South America.
The time is ripe for upping the ante. In May, Congress will vote on HR 1217, a bill introduced by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) and co-sponsored by 120 congresspersons, which would cut funding for the school. SOA Watch is organizing three days of education, rallies and congressional lobbying starting April 23 in Washington.
Since 1946, the SOA has produced 60,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to high military rank in their countries, and many of whom have been associated with crimes against humanity. The Pentagon released a SOA training manual in 1996 that outlines methods for torture, extortion and execution.
As the delegation traveled, e-mail reports from Lisa Sullivan and postings on the SOA Watch web site documented their success.
The trip concluded in Argentina. "Yesterday [March 27]," Sullivan writes, "the three SOA Watch activists and the head of the Mothers of the Disappeared met with the defense minister, Nilda Garré, whose husband was disappeared during the repression in Argentina. Minister Garré agreed that after the one Argentine soldier currently at the SOA finishes his classes, no more Argentine soldiers will be sent to the School of the Americas.


text:
Why this musician got the signatures from unused suicide notes tattooed on his arm.
Alicia Barrón
Students often hand Robb Nash their suicide notes after they hear him speak.
Nash considers it part of his life's mission to help teens contemplating suicide, mostly because he knows all too well what these kids are going through.
After a horrific car accident at the age of 17 in which he was initially pronounced dead on arrival before being resuscitated at the hospital, he too no longer wanted to live. The accident quickly ended any chance he had at a sports career, and he didn't have enough formal education to land an office job.
Image by Robb Nash, used with permission.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people 10 to 24 years old in Canada. The Canadian Mental Health Association found that 24% of deaths among 15- to 24-year-olds in Canada are the result of suicide.
Nash, who is a musician by trade, now travels Canada giving presentations to students to help them find meaning and purpose in their lives.
He walked away from a recording deal he had scored with his band, Live on Arrival, to perform his songs and spread his anti-suicide message full-time instead.
He does an average of 150 shows a year where he talks openly with kids about suicide prevention, using his own life experiences as examples.
Nash guesses there's at least one student in each of the schools he visits who desperately needs to hear his message. That's a lot of kids whose lives he can help save just by letting them know they're not alone.
It's at the end of these presentations that students often hand him their unused suicide notes — a gesture that symbolically allows them to rid themselves of their suicidal thoughts.
Nash believes it's their way of saying, "I won't be needing that anymore."
"We can help people discover their gifts, rather than focus on their failings. We can help them learn not just to survive, but to lead a life of significance," he says. "I don't want others to have to go through a near-death experience like I did ... before they learn to live!"
Depression looks different for different people, but a common sentiment Nash hears from students is that they're told they're too "sensitive," a stigma he says we need to remove.
Nash encourages his audiences to embrace their feelings and not feel ashamed of them.
Even if you don't personally have depression, statistics show that it's incredibly likely that you know someone who does. It's important to not only recognize the symptoms of depression in yourself but to be able to identify them in friends and loved ones who may need help.
Recently, Nash took 120 of the signatures from suicide notes he's received to a tattoo parlor, where he had the signatures turned into a piece of wearable art.
Nash's tattooed arm is now a visual aid to his presentations, showing the students he's speaking to that if all of those other kids can unburden themselves of their suicidal thoughts, those listening in the crowd can too.
It's also important to understand someone who suffers from depression can't be cured with a motivational talk or a kind gesture. It's an ongoing struggle, but the most generous thing you can do for yourself and to others is to be kind.
His tattoo is a powerful reminder that while depression can feel incredibly lonely, you're never alone.
While speaking with Nash, there's an overwhelming sense he's the type of person who wears his heart on his sleeve, and now he's got 120 tattooed signatures there to prove it.
canada suicide teens suicide prevention robb nash


text:
Q: Does retagging increment the edit count towards community wiki status? Why I'm Asking
Based on this question, it looks like questions are converted to community wikis when 5 different people edit the post. However, when you retag a question, it also shows as having been edited by the tagger.
What I'm Asking
It remains unclear to me whether retagging increments the edit count towards community wiki status. Does a retag count as an edit for this purpose?
Related Feature Request
If retagging counts as an edit, it probably shouldn't. Miscategorizations, or categorizations that change over time as tags (and tag usage) evolve, are not the same thing as active community maintenance of a living document.
If they are treated separately, it might be useful if retagging was shown as retagged rather than edited on the question. This would avoid confusion, and make the last action more obvious to people reading the question.

A: You're making several distinct suggestions, but I definitely agree with the suggestion to show 'retagged by ...' instead of 'edited by ...'. Now I often feel compelled to leave a comment saying that I retagged the question.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Pragmatic General Multicast (PGM) is a reliable multicast transport protocol for applications that require ordered or unordered, duplicate- free, multicast data delivery from multiple sources to multiple receivers. PGM guarantees that a receiver in the group either receives all data packets from transmissions and repairs, or is able to detect unrecoverable data packet loss. PGM is specifically intended as a workable solution for multicast applications with basic reliability requirements. Its central design goal is simplicity of operation with due regard for scalability and network efficiency. This memo defines an Experimental Protocol for the Internet community.