text:
Supreme Court Clarifies Burden of Proof for Religious Accommodation and Disparate-Treatment Claims
by Michelle M. McGeogh
The U.S. Supreme Court sided with the EEOC today and clarified the standard for religious accommodation and disparate-treatment claims under Title VII. The Court ruled that an applicant can advance a disparate-treatment claim by showing that an employer's belief that she needed a religious accommodation was a motivating factor in the employer's decision against hiring her.
The ruling stems from a lawsuit brought by the EEOC on behalf of Samantha Elauf against Abercrombie & Fitch Stores, Inc. Ms. Elauf applied for a position at Abercrombie, and consistent with her Muslim faith, wore a headscarf to the interview. She did not discuss the headscarf during the interview, and the interviewer did not ask about her headscarf, assuming that she wore it for religious reasons. Ms. Elauf was ultimately denied employment because wearing a headscarf violated Abercrombie's "Look Policy" that prohibited "caps."
Abercrombie argued that it did not violate federal law when it refused to hire Ms. Elauf because the company did not have "actual knowledge" of her religion because she never informed Abercrombie that she wore a headscarf for religious reasons and never requested an accommodation for that practice. Abercrombie asserted that an applicant should have the burden for affirmatively notifying the company of her religious practice and requesting an accommodation. Abercrombie further argued that its "no caps" policy was neutral on its face and that enforcement of a neutral policy cannot constitute intentional discrimination under Title VII.
The Supreme Court, in an 8-to-1 decision, rejected Abercrombie's arguments. The Court unequivocally held that an applicant does not need to establish that an employer had actual knowledge of the need for an accommodation to state a claim. Rather, The Court determined that the employer's motive for failing to hire was the touchstone for determining whether a valid claim for disparate-treatment discrimination existed. The Supreme Court was clear that "[a]n employer may not make an applicant's religious practice, confirmed or otherwise, a factor in employment decisions." The Supreme Court also rejected Abercrombie's argument that enforcement of a neutral policy like its "no caps" policy cannot be intentional discrimination. Specifically, the Court held that "[Title VII does not] limit disparate-treatment claims to only those employer policies that treat religious practices less favorably than similar secular practices. Rather, it gives them favored treatment, affirmatively obligating employers not 'to fail or refuse to hire or discharge any individual . . . because of such individual's' 'religious observance and practice.'" This ruling stands in contrast to the Supreme Court's recent pregnancy-discrimination ruling (summarized in our March 2015 alert) wherein the Court held that pregnant employees would not be given "most-favored-nation" status.
While the Supreme Court's ruling was decided with the context of a religious accommodation case, it may have broader implications for Title VII claims generally. Employers may take several steps now to achieve maximum compliance with the Court's ruling:
Reexamine and reevaluate their hiring process to ensure that improper factors are not being considered in the hiring process;
Review and reevaluate accommodation policies to ensure compliance with various standards that apply to religious, pregnancy, and disability claims; and
Review grooming and dress policies to ensure that they comply with an employer's duty to provide religious accommodations.
Attorneys in Ballard Spahr LLP's Labor and Employment Group are experienced in providing advice to employers on how to navigate the interview process. For more information, please contact Michelle M. McGeogh at 410.528.5661 or mcgeoghm@ballardspahr.com.
Michelle M. McGeogh


Sunday, February 17 will mark the triumphant return to downtown Hollywood, after a 10-year hiatus, of Vintage South Florida, an all-day event celebrating the History, Architecture and Entertainment of the region.
For the event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the CRA is working closely with three partner organizations: the Hollywood Historical Society, the Hollywood Women's Club, and the City of Hollywood Records and Archives Division.
As in the prior events, Vintage South Florida in Hollywood will be honoring individuals who have made great contributions to the community. This year, they will be honoring three: Dr. Joan Mickelson of the Hollywood Historical Society; Henry Graham of Liberia Economic & Social Development Inc.; and Bob Giacin, former chairman of the South Broward Park District (SBPD), who was instrumental in the building of TY Park, CB Smith Park, and others.
The family-friendly event will feature live entertainment — both on a stage at Tyler and 20th and strolling through the crowd — a classic car show, and an antiques and collectibles market coordinated by the same vendor who puts on the market at Lincoln Road, historical exhibits and a lot more.
In addition, there will be a vintage car show, pin-up girls, and an old-time military component. Art theatre Cinema Paradiso will be showing vintage era films, and there will be speeches at a Chautauqua tent manned by the Hollywood Historical Society outside of Melina's Lingerie shop next to the theatre.
The Historical Society will also be selling their famous Bathtub Gin, while the Women's Club will be hosting their another edition of their authentic Speakeasy. Food and drinks will be available at these stands and of course at all the local restaurants and bars. One of the goals of the event is to support the organizations and to benefit the downtown Hollywood business community by introducing new patrons to their businesses.
For the event, Hollywood Boulevard will be closed to vehicular traffic between 19th and 21st Avenues, as will be 20th Avenue between Tyler and Hollywood. Garage parking will be available at 251 S. 20 Ave and 251 N. 19 Ave.
For further information on Vintage South Florida in Downtown Hollywood, visit www.FloridasHollywood.org/Vintage or call the CRA on 954 924 2980.


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Meeting goals doesn't just happen. It takes planning and good organization tools to get there. Below are my five favorite tools for planning and working toward my goals.
This one seems obvious but there are a lot of different calendars you can use. I like to use a small calendar that has a monthly view and then a daily view. It's also small enough to keep in my purse so that I can refer to it when there isn't wifi to access my phone.
You don't have to spend big bucks on a calendar if you don't want to. There are tons of free printable layouts available with a simple Google search. The important thing, as always, is to find a calendar system that works for you.
I also recommend using an electronic or web-based calendar of some sort. It doesn't have to necessarily be Google. I use Google calendar because my work, small business, and personal email accounts are all through Google Suite, and I sync each account's calendar. I also have a Google calendar app on my smartphone that I can use on the go (if there is wifi).
Bullet journals can feel overwhelming when you first start learning about them. So many bullet journalists are highly creative and artist in the way to set up their journals. Your journal does not necessarily have to be highly artist. You can use a simple bullet journal system. My own bullet journal is really simple, but I credit my bullet journal for my ability to stay on track with everything I'm trying to accomplish.
Toggl is an app that allows you to track how you are using your time. You can break your work sessions down to clients and then specific projects for clients. Using this app allows me to keep tabs on how much time I'm spending on different areas to make sure I'm not neglecting anything. I don't micromanage my time with this. For example, I don't track things like brushing my teeth or non-work time in general. I keep the categories large like "teaching" which encompasses a lot of different activities. I've found that if I try to get too specific with my categories, I spend more time managing the app than working and then it becomes counterproductive.
The tomato time is a website and app you can use to break up your work time with break time. This is typically called the Pomodoro technique and I like to do 45 minutes of work followed by 15 minute breaks. You can set the time for any chunk of time which means you can easily make this method work for you however you need it to.
So, that's it! Five tools to help you with planning, organizing and time management. If you use any of these tools, let me know how they go for you.


text:
The effectiveness of the Allen Carr smoking cessation training in companies tested in a quasi-experimental design
Arie Dijkstra1,
Rixt Zuidema2,
Diederick Vos3 &
Marike van Kalken4
The Allen Carr training (ACt) is a popular one-session smoking cessation group training that is provided by licensed organizations that have the permission to use the Allen Carr method. However, few data are available on the effectiveness of the training.
In a quasi-experimental design the effects of the existing practice of providing the ACt to smokers (n = 124) in companies on abstinence, were compared to changes in abstinence in a cohort of similar smokers in the general population (n = 161). To increase comparability of the smokers in both conditions, smokers in the control condition were matched on the group level on baseline characteristics (fourteen variables) to the smokers in the ACt. The main outcome measure was self-reported continuous abstinence after 13 months, which was validated using a CO measurement in the Act condition.
Logistic regression analyses showed that when baseline characteristics were comparable, significantly more responding smokers were continuously abstinent in the ACt condition compared to the control condition, Exp(B) = 6.52 (41.1% and 9.6%, respectively). The all-cases analysis was also significant, Exp(B) = 5.09 (31.5% and 8.3%, respectively).
Smokers following the ACt in their company were about 6 times more likely to be abstinent, assessed after 13 months, compared to similar smokers in the general population. Although smokers in both conditions did not differ significantly on 14 variables that might be related to cessation success, the quasi-experimental design allows no definite conclusion about the effectiveness of the ACt. Still, these data support the provision of the ACt in companies.
Allen Carr's "Easyway to Stop Smoking training" (ACt) is an one-session smoking cessation group training that is provided by licensed organizations that have the permission to use the Allen Carr method. The method also has been published widely in book form. The Allen Carr website states they have: "… sold over 10 million stop smoking books in 57 countries in more than 38 languages […] Every year Allen Carr's Easyway To Stop Smoking Clinics and online quit smoking programmes cure over 50,000 smokers. There are stop smoking seminars in more than 150 cities in over 45 countries worldwide" [1] In the Netherlands, the licensee holder of the ACt primarily provides the training through companies, exposing about 1,500 smokers to it each year.
However, few data are available on the effectiveness of the training. Only percentages of abstinence from cohorts of smokers who followed the training are published. One study [2] reported that of 357 smokers exposed to the ACt in a company, at least 40% reported point-prevalence abstinence after 12 months, while in the cohort study [3] (N = 510) 51% of the smokers reported abstinence about 3 three years after the ACt. Two other studies in AC smoking cessation clinics reported percentages abstinence up to 26% [4]. Thus, although the ACt seems widely used, very limited evidence is available with regard to its effectiveness.
The best scientific design to test whether the ACt method incorporates effective ingredients is the RCT. For example, recruited smokers might be randomly assigned to an ACt condition or to a no-intervention control condition. However, this is not always possible. In the present study we aimed to assess whether providing the ACt to smokers in companies is effective in stimulating abstinence from smoking. This implies that the test of effectiveness must be conducted within the setting of the companies, taking into account the demands and desires of companies that join the study. For example, once companies are interested in the ACt, they want to be certain that they can offer the ACt to their smokers, and they find it less desirable to let their smokers be randomized or to be randomized as a (department of) a company to the ACt condition or a control condition. Therefore, we tested the ACt in companies in a quasi-experiment [5]. In a quasi-experiment the practice of the ACt is monitored and the changes are compared to the changes in an independently recruited cohort of smokers, implying that no randomization took place. Therefore, the quality of such a quasi-experimental design primarily depends on the baseline similarity on relevant variables of the participants in the ACt group and those in the control group. Therefore, in the present study, the most important demographic variables (e.g., age, gender), smoking behavior related variables (e.g., FTND), and psychological variables (motivation to quit, self-efficacy) were assessed at pretest to test and shape the similarity.
The composition of the control group further determines the exact research question the quasi-experiment will address. In the present study of ACt in companies, an independent control group might be recruited from other (similar) companies but also from the general population. When the control group is recruited from other companies, the design will show whether it is fruitful to expose smokers in companies "to the ACt". When the control group is recruited from the general population, the design will show whether it is fruitful to expose smokers "in companies to the ACt". Thus, in this case the treatment package is "ACt in companies". This is what the present study is about: A quasi-experiment in which smoking employees in companies are exposed to the ACt, while their abstinence rate assessed after 13 months is compared to that of baseline-matched smokers recruited from the general population.
The company "Bewegen Werkt" [Exercise Works] markets the ACt in companies. Participants in the experimental group were recruited between January 2011 and May 2012 through companies that decided to purchase the ACt for their smoking employees. Smokers could follow the training for free. Smokers were first informed by their Human Resource department about an informative session preceding the actual ACt that was going to take place. This informative session was about the ACt but it was also mentioned that some scientific measurements would take place. At the end of this session interested smokers could leave their contact information. They were then assigned to an ACt trainer who was given access to the e-mail addresses of the smokers. These addresses were used by the researchers to approach the smokers about two weeks before the ACt was given. This e-mail emphasized that their participation in the study was voluntary and that they could withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. In the e-mail the (three) measurements were announced. About one week after they received this information e-mail, another e- mail with the link to the baseline (pretest) on-line questionnaire (T1) was sent.
Participants in the control group were recruited between January 2011 and April 2012 through general mass-media and social media throughout the Netherlands. Advertisements, presented to over 100 regional newspapers (no records were kept on actual ad placements) and to social media, invited smokers "who wanted to quit" to join a study on smoking and smoking cessation that would consist of filling out three times an on-line questionnaire. Interested smokers could e-mail to the address mentioned in the advertisement and they were subsequently sent an information e-mail with the same information as the smokers in the experimental group received. One week after that, an e-mail with the link to the baseline on-line questionnaire (T1) was sent.
Via an informed consent option in the online questionnaire, participants gave their permission for participation. Participants in both conditions were not informed about the existence of the other condition, only about their own condition. Between January 2011 and May 2013 we sent three times an e-mail with a link to an online questionnaire. The baseline questionnaire (T1) was sent about one week before the ACt started. The follow-up questionnaires were sent 2 weeks after the training took place (T2) and 13 months after T2 (T3). In the control group, smokers received the T2 and T3 on-line questionnaires, 2 weeks and 14 months after T1, respectively. Except for the T1 measurement in the experimental group, three reminder e-mails were sent concerning each measurement: One after three days, one after a week and the final one after two weeks. To schedule the CO-measurement, the participants in the experimental condition who reported on T3 to be abstinent were contacted. It was tried to schedule the CO-measurement within three weeks after the participants filled in the T3 questionnaire.
Financial compensation was offered to lower dropout rates. Participants were informed in the first e-mail that they would earn 12.50 euros when they filled in the T1 measurement and another 20 euros when they would complete the study by also filling out the T3 measurement. In the mail on scheduling the CO-measurement, participants were also informed that they would receive 20 euros, whatever the result of the test was. The research was approved by the Ethical Committee Psychology of the University of Groningen.
Allen Carr's Easyway to Stop Smoking training
The ACt consisted of a one-meeting training including 5 to 8 smokers led by a trainer who was an ex-smoker. Trainers are trained to provide the ACt, following a loosely protocolled scheme in which they provide the trainees subsequently with different questions and answers (the Allen Carr manual containing the protocol has not been made publicly available by the license holder). When analyzing the content of the training, the following working mechanisms can be recognized: The core of the argument to quit smoking is that smoking tobacco has no real benefits; it is only smoking away withdrawal symptoms in an addicted body. From this premise it follows that when the body is no longer addicted, smoking has no beneficial effects whatsoever. This core idea is repeated in different words using different analogues. Beliefs and experiences of the trainees regarding the benefits of smoking are restructured and challenged against the background of this notion. The aim is to make the smokers completely endorse the core idea, thereby fundamentally changing their perspective on their smoking behavior, including reappraising their past experiences with smoking. This restructuring of the beliefs on the benefits of smoking can be conceptualized as an expectancy challenge, as is applied to lower alcohol consumption in several studies [6–8]. In smoking cessation, very few data are available on the effects of expectancy challenge [9, 10]. Besides the expectancy challenge, other potential working mechanisms can be recognized in the ACt. One effect of lowering the perceived benefits of smoking is that the task of smoking cessation becomes easier. This may lead to a relative increase in self-efficacy expectations, which is a reliable predictor of abstinence [11, 12]. Furthermore, the trainer always is an ex-smoker, which makes him a model. In addition, the group process may support a climate of change. Importantly, in the ACt protocol there is no explicit room for motivating the trainees to quit. From the protocol and from observation it seems that the only motivating information in the training comes from the positive feelings that are associated with no longer feeling addicted and having to smoke, and taking control over one's life. Thus, the ACt does not try to motivate smokers to quit, it rather tries to lower the motivation to smoke.
After the training, participants were in the opportunity to call their trainer by telephone for support to stay abstinent. Furthermore, they could visit a follow-up training (on their own initiative) for free in the year after their training. As this was part of the package of the ACt, no data were gathered on the use of these facilities.
Biochemical validation
To validate the self-reported abstinence, a CO-measurement was conducted among respondents who indicated to be abstinent at T3. These T3 respondents were contacted by mail to make an appointment. The researchers would visit the company site and conduct the CO- measurement. This measurement was protocolled to take place in a sitting position, in a private room after the T3 abstinence was verified again by self-report. When the CO-measurement indicated a higher than expected CO-level, some additional questions were asked to check the reasons for the high level. The CO-level was considered to verify the report of abstinence when it was below 10 ppm, and when it was 10 ppm or higher it was considered to falsify the abstinence [13]. The CO-measure apparatus was the piCO + Smokerlyzer®. Before the measurements started, the apparatus was calibrated by the company from which it was purchased.
The baseline questionnaire consisted of different chapters. Firstly, demographics were assessed: gender, age, and level of education. Secondly, smoking behavior was assessed with a question on the number of cigarettes smoked a day, and another five questions that together comprise the FTND test. [14] Thirdly, the baseline questionnaire contained measures regarding the psychology of smoking and quitting smoking: The pros of quitting, the pros of smoking and self-efficacy expectations.
The pros of quitting assess the motivation to quit. They refer to the reasons for smokers to quit and because they are related to personally valued outcomes they provide the energizing power that underlies behavior change. The pros of quitting were assessed using four short scales of each three items on the following topics: The expectations concerning positive long-term physical consequences of quitting (e.g., "Quitting lowers my risk for lung cancer"), expectations concerning positive short-term physical consequences of quitting (e.g., "Quitting increases my physical stamina"), expectations concerning positive social consequences of quitting (e.g., "Quitting makes me a better model for others"), and expectations concerning the positive self-evaluative consequences of quitting (e.g., "Quitting makes me feel better about myself"). The scales were shown to be robust predictors of future quit attempts (during 9, 7, and 6 months intervals) in three independent samples of smokers [14]. The items were in the following format: "Quitting smoking [leads to the positive consequence] ....", and could be scored from "not sure" or "not expecting a certain outcome" (0) to a "strong expectation of the outcome" (3). The mean item scores were used as the scale scores. The Cronbach's α's of the four scales were .88, .64, .71, and .69, respectively.
The pros of smoking assess the motivation to smoke or the level of "psychological addiction". They refer to the reasons to smoke; the expectation that smoking will have specific valued effects. The pros of smoking were assessed using a 9 item scale on the cognitive functions of smoking, such as weight regulation, relaxation, and coping with anger, and a 5 item scale on the positive affective experiences of smoking, for example, satisfying, likable and pleasant. The items of the first scale were validated in earlier studies [15, 16]. The second scale was developed for this study. The items were in the following format: "Smoking helps to/Smoking is to me ....", and could be scored on a 5-point scale with the options: "completely disagree" (1), "disagree a little" (2), "not disagree/not agree" (3), "agree a little" (4), "completely agree" (5). The mean item scores were used as the scale scores (Cognitive pros α = .80; affective pros α = .82).
Self-efficacy expectations assess the confidence smokers have that they are able to remain abstinent. This confidence determines the effort and persistence smokers invest in their smoking cessation. Self-efficacy expectations were assessed using three short scales that were validated in earlier studies [17, 18]. The items assessed the level of confidence of each participant in his or her ability to refrain from smoking in emotional ("When you feel angry"), social ("When you are offered a cigarette"), and habitual ("After diner") situations. All items were measured on a 7-point scale and could be scored from "not at all sure I am able to" (-3) to "very sure I am able to" (+3). The mean item scores were used as the scale scores. The α's of the three scales were .92, .87, and .86, respectively.
Because we do not report data from the first posttest questionnaire (T2) that was administered three weeks after the first one, this measurement will not be presented here.
The second posttest questionnaire (T3) was administered 14 months after the pretest and it assessed smoking behavior since the ACt (in the experimental group) or since the first posttest (in the control group). In the experimental group, self-report abstinence was assessed with two subsequent questions. The first abstinence question was: "Did you quit smoking immediately after the ACt?" The answering categories were: "Yes, and I still do not smoke"; "Yes, but later I started smoking again"; "No"; "I do not remember". When respondents chose the first option, they were assumed to be continuous abstinent according to their self-report. When respondents in the experimental group chose another option, they were routed to the second abstinence question: "Have you been smoking since the second measurement about 13 months ago (even one cigarette)?", "Yes"/"No". In the control group this question was the primary abstinence question. Respondents who answered "No" were considered continuous abstinent according to their self-report. Respondents who answered this question with "Yes" were asked subsequent questions on their smoking behavior during the past 13 months.
The use of smoking cessation support since the second measurement (which was administered three weeks after the baseline measurement) was assessed with one categorical question: Respondents could score one category from the following six: 1. nicotine replacement/pharmacological support of any kind; 2. (individual) counseling/coaching (including e.g. acupuncture or support from the GP); 3. self-help materials; 4. nicotine replacement/pharmacological support and coaching; 5. none of the above; 6. all of the above.
Response and attrition
In the experimental group a total of 137 smokers in 15 companies in 19 training groups were trained. Of these smokers who were all invited to join the study, 124 filled in the T1 measurement. Of these T1 respondents, 95 also filled in the T3 measurement. Of the 183 smokers in the control group who expressed interest to join the study, 161 filled in the T1 measurement. Of these T1 respondents, 137 also filled in the T3 measurement (see Figure 1).
The attrition figures in the two conditions in the quasiexperimental design.
Thus, the baseline questionnaire was filled in by 285 smokers (124 in the ACt condition, 161 in the control condition). Of these smokers, 232 also provided long term data (81.4%), leaving 95 in the ACt condition (76.6%) and 137 in the control condition (85%). A Chi-square test on these drop out percentages showed a trend towards a significant difference (Pearson's Chi-square p = .068).
In an attrition analysis, smokers who did not fill in the T3 questionnaire (drop outs) were compared to those who did fill in the T3 measurement on 14 variables: gender, level of education, age, number of cigarettes smoked a day, FTND score, the pros of quitting (four scales), the pros of smoking (two scales), and self-efficacy (three scales). Univariate analyses of variance on the continuous variables showed that those who dropped out, firstly, scored significantly higher on physical dependence (FTND), F(283,1) = 4.71, p = .031; respondents M = 3.83 (SD = 2.28) versus drop outs M = 4.59 (2.3). Secondly, drop outs scored significantly lower on self-efficacy in social situations, F(282,1) = 3.99, p = .047; respondents M = 4.31 (SD = 1.36) versus drop outs M = 3.89 (1.32). For the two categorical variables, gender and level of education, the Chi-square analyses showed that drop outs did not differ significantly from respondents.
Smoking cessation support
Of the 208 respondents who answered the T3 question about smoking cessation support since the second measurement, 20 stated to have used nicotine replacement/pharmacological support of any kind, 11 had received counseling/coaching, 5 used self-help materials, 1 reported to have used all types of support, 4 reported to have received the combination of nicotine replacement/pharmacological support and counseling/coaching or self-help, and 167 indicated to not have used any of support. To check whether the respondents in the Act condition and the control condition differed in the support they had received, the categories were recoded into one dichotomous variable: no support (n = 167) versus any support (n = 40). A Chi-square analysis showed that that the difference was significant, X[2] (1, N = 208) = 13.15, p < .001: 7.9% of the respondents in the Act condition received support, against 28% in the control condition. In the Act condition, only 2 respondents used nicotine replacement/pharmacological support.
Analyses in respondents
Comparability and matching in respondents
The baseline comparability of respondents in the Act condition and the control condition was tested using the above 14 variables that could be related to smoking abstinence. Using univariate analyses (ANOVA for continuous variables and Chi-square for categorical variables), there were significant differences only on the affective pros of smoking, F(224,1) = 5.44, p = .021, and on self-efficacy with regard to social situations, F(224,1) = 5.81, p = .017: Smokers in the ACt condition scored higher on the affective pros (ACt condition M = 3.87 (SD = 0.76); control condition 3.61 (SD (0.89)), and higher on the measure of self-efficacy (ACt condition M = 4.56 (SD = 1.28); control condition M = 4.13 (SD (1.4)). Thus, smokers in the control condition were less psychologically dependent but had also less confidence that they would be able to quit smoking.
To increase the comparability of the conditions, a matching procedure was applied in which the 10% respondents with the most extreme scores were removed from the control condition, leading to the following decision. To increase the mean affective dependence of the control condition, the smokers with the lowest 10% scores on the affective pros were removed. In addition, to increase the mean level of confidence, the smokers with the lowest 10% scores on the affective pros were removed. This left 114 respondents in the control condition (against the 95 in the ACt condition). After this selection the univariate analyses were run again. Now there were no significant differences left among the continuous variables, with the smallest p-value being .14, and the multivariate analysis including all continuous baseline variables together showing a F-value below 1 and a p-value of .80. Also with regard to the two categorical variables (level of education and gender), the condition did not differ significantly (p-values > .11). The conclusion is that smokers in the ACt condition and the control condition are similar now and are comparable (Table 1).
Table 1 Baseline comparability of the smokers in the ACt condition and in the control condition after applying the matching procedure in respondents
Main analyses in respondents
The smokers in the ACt condition (n = 95) and the above selected smokers in the control condition (n = 114) were included in the main analyses of testing the difference between both conditions on the self-reported continuous abstinence after 13 months. The percentages of smokers reporting continuous abstinence were 41.1% in the ACt condition and 9.6% in the control condition. To test whether this difference was significant, a logistic regression analysis with condition as the central predictor and continuous abstinence as dependent variable was conducted. This analysis showed that in the ACt condition significantly more smokers were abstinent, Exp(B) = 6.52, 95% CI 3.1-13.72; p < .001. To further ascertain that the 14 variables that were used to compare the conditions on were not responsible for the significance, the same analysis was run in the same matched selection, now controlling for these 14 variables. The effect of condition remained significant, Exp(B) = 9, 95% CI 3.67-22.07; p < .001.
All-cases analyses
Comparability and matching
In the all-cases analyses, all drop outs were considered to not be abstinent at T3 [19]. This led to percentages of abstinence in the ACt condition (n = 124) of 31.5% and in the control condition (n = 161) of 7.5%. Next, the baseline comparability of the smokers in both conditions in this sample was investigated. When comparing both conditions on the 14 variables it seemed that smokers in the control condition scored significantly higher on affective pros of smoking, and significantly lower on self-efficacy in social situations, as well as on social pros of quitting. To increase the comparability of the control condition, the smokers with the lowest 10% scores on the affective pros, social self-efficacy and social pros were removed, leaving 121 T1 smokers in the control condition. The percentage of abstinence in the ACt condition remained 31.5%, against 8.3% in the control condition.
Main analyses all-cases
The logistic regression analysis with condition as the central predictor and continuous abstinence as dependent variable shows that in the ACt significantly more smokers were abstinent, Exp(B) = 5.09, 95% CI 2.41-10.78; p < .001. To ascertain that the above variables in the comparability analyses were not responsible for the significance, the same analysis was run in the same matched selection, now controlling for these variables. The effect of condition remained significant, Exp(B) = 5.78, 95% CI 2.5-13.38; p < .001.
CO-validated results
Of the 95 smokers in the ACt condition, 39 reported continuous abstinence at T3. The aim was to verify these self-reports with a CO-validation measure. The actual validation procedure took place between 1 and 4 weeks after the self-report of abstinence. We were able to conduct the validation procedure in 30 of the 39 self-reported abstinent respondents in the ACt. Of the nine missing, three could not be contacted because they were on holiday, three could not be scheduled at a work location that we visited (for example, because they drove a truck and had no office), two did not respond to our e-mails or telephone calls, and one reported that he started smoking again after the self-report of abstinence some weeks ago.
Of the 30 that followed the validation procedure, one person reported right beforehand to have started to smoke again after the self-report of abstinence some weeks ago. In the remaining 29 respondents, all CO-scores were 7 ppm or lower: two respondents had a CO level of 7 ppm, three had a level of 6 ppm, and all others had levels of 5 ppm and lower. Thus, in these 29 respondents who (still) claimed abstinence, abstinence was verified using the cut-off point of 10 ppm.
Main analyses CO validated abstinence
The above reported logistic regression analyses to test the differences in proportions of abstinent smokers were now repeated in the matched groups of respondents while treating the 9 self-reported abstinent respondents who could not be CO validated as smokers (ACt condition n = 95; control condition = 114). Thus, for this purpose their self-report of abstinence was considered to be false.
Analyses in the respondents now showed 31.6% abstainers in the ACt condition and 9.6% in the control condition, while the logistic regression analysis showed that the difference was significant, Exp(B) = 4.73, 95% CI 2–11.19; p < .001. The all-cases analysis now showed percentages abstinence in the ACt and the control condition (ACt condition n = 124; control condition = 161) of 24.2% and 7.5%, respectively. The logistic regression analysis still showed a significant difference, Exp(B) = 3.81, 95% CI 1.72-8.47; p = .001. Including the covariates in these logistic regression analyses did not change the levels of significances.
The present quasi-experimental design showed whether it is fruitful to expose smokers "in companies to the ACt". Thus, the treatment package of "ACt in companies" was tested. All statistical analyses on the differences between both conditions on the percentages of self-reported continuous abstinence were significant, even the most conservative. The percentage continuous abstinence in the ACt condition ranged from 24.2% to 41.1% depending on the assumptions and on the selections of participants, and ranged from 7.5% to 9.6% in the control condition. When the Exp(B) is interpreted as an Odds Ratio, smokers following the ACt in their company were about 6 times more likely to have quit smoking after 13 months compared to similar smokers in the general population.
The value of the results crucially depends on the comparability of the smokers in both conditions. When the smokers were not similar, differences in smoking cessation might be caused by these existing differences and not by the ACt. To study comparability, we included three types of variables that might be relevant for smoking cessation: Demographic variables, smoking behavior, and psychological determinants of smoking cessation. The main analyses were significant when these variables were taken into account. Therefore, the next question is: "Did we miss any differences between the smokers in both conditions that might be responsible for the effect?". In other words, is it plausible that one or more not detected differences between the smokers in the conditions can explain the differences in percentages abstainers?
Not all possible smoking and quitting history variables were assessed. The number of past quit attempts and the duration of the longest quit attempt were not assessed although they are related to smoking cessation success [20]. However, one pathway through which past behavior influences future behavior is through shaping people's perception regarding the behavior [21]. The most important perceptions regarding smoking cessation were taken into account in our study in the pros of smoking, the pros of quitting and self-efficacy. A measure of smoking history that was not assessed was the number of years smoked, as a proxy of the duration of the experience with smoking. However, because most smokers start to smoke regularly between the ages of 14 and 18 [22–24], age and number of years smoked are strongly associated. Therefore, statistically controlling for age should have largely controlled for the number of years smoked. Also, the age of starting to smoke was not assessed. A large survey among youngsters [25] suggests that those who start at younger age are more likely to become regular and heavy smokers. However, we argue that in our analyses regularity and heaviness of smoking was taken into account by the measures of number of cigarettes smoked a day and the FTND scores. All in all, it cannot be completely ruled out here that differences between the conditions in smoking history and quitting history influenced the results.
A psychological variable that was not included was the intention to quit: It may have been that smokers in the ACt and the control group differed in intention to quit. We omitted intention for the following reason: Within the context of the ACt being offered to smokers in companies, with its resulting constraints, the pretest measurement could only be conducted in the ACt participants after they were informed that they would actually join the ACt. This anticipation especially would have biased assessments of the readiness or intention to quit, disturbing the actual comparability with the control group. However, we did assess the motivation to quit with a well validated measure (with the pros of quitting scales) that includes different aspects of the motivation and that is probably not susceptible to such a bias (i.e., smokers are not expected to see more positive effects of quitting when they know they would join the ACt). The conditions were similar on this baseline measure.
In conclusion, the most relevant variables were taken into account in comparing the similarity of the ACt smokers and the smokers in the control condition, and we think that it is plausible that the most obvious difference between the conditions that is designed and expected to lead to abstinence - the ACt - is responsible for the large or robust differences in percentage of abstinence. Moreover, almost 30% of the respondents in the control condition indicated to have received smoking cessation support, including nicotine replacement, coaching or self-help materials. This suggests that smokers in the control condition were also engaged in quitting, and were not only interested in joining research or receiving the financial rewards. However, we cannot rule out that having agreed to attend a specific smoking cessation intervention (i.e., the ACt) has contributed to the outcomes in the ACt condition. Thus, some uncertainty remains about the similarity and, therefore, about the effectiveness of the ACt.
It is unclear what exactly may have caused the smokers to quit in the ACt. It is plausible that the one-session expectancy challenge, which comprises the core of the ACt, caused smokers to quit: The expectancy challenge has been shown to have change potential in lowering alcohol use [6–8]. However, other aspects of the package of "ACt in companies" that might be responsible for the effects are the training taking place: 1) in a company context and; 2) in groups. With regard to the latter, a recent (uncontrolled) study on the effects of a one-session large group smoking cessation intervention of different content - cognitive behavior therapy plus pharmacotherapy advice - showed promising results [26]. This suggests that the one-session format can be sufficient to induce change. Future studies might dismantle the treatment package that was tested in the present study.
One relevant shortcoming of the CO-validation is that it only can reliably assess smoking during the past 24 hours, while the self-reported continuous abstinence that it was supposed to validate referred to having refrained from smoking for over a year. Future studies might want to further validate such long term continuous abstinence self-reports, although at present there is no ideal way to do so.
It is plausible that the differences in percentages abstainers in the conditions can be attributed to the ACt provided in companies. Moreover, in our view it is less plausible that the large or robust differences can be explained by factors we did not assess. In addition, the expectancy challenge strategy that comprises the main ingredient of the ACt has been shown to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption, strongly suggesting that it has potential to induce behavior change. In conclusion, the present study reveals relevant clues that providing smokers with the package of ACt in companies can be an effective smoking cessation strategy, although uncertainties inherent to the quasi-experimental design remain.
Allen Carr training
RCT:
Randomized Controlled Trial.
Allen Carr's Easyway How to stop smoking and still enjoy life?. 2013, Available from: http://allencarr.com/
Hutter HP, Moshammer H, Neuberger M: Smoking cessation at the workplace: 1 year success of short seminars. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2006, 79: 42-48. 10.1007/s00420-005-0034-y. doi:10.1007/s00420-005-0034-y
Moshammer H, Neuberger M: Long term success of short smoking cessation seminars supported by occupational health care. Addict Behav. 2007, 32: 1486-1493. 10.1016/j.addbeh.2006.10.002. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2006.10.002
Foulds J: Brief evaluation of the "Easy Way To Stop Smoking" Clinic, Raynes Park. 1996, London: St George's Hospital Medical School, 1-7.
Campbell DT, Stanley JC: Experimental And Quasi-Experimental Designs For Research. 1963, Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company
Darkes J, Goldman MS: Expectancy challenge and drinking reduction: experimental evidence for a mediational process. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1993, 61: 344-353. doi:10.1037//0022-006X.61.2.344
Darkes J, Goldman MS: Expectancy challenge and drinking reduction: Process and structure in the alcohol expectancy network. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 1998, 6: 64-76. doi:10.1037//1064-1297.6.1.64
Wood MD, Capone C, Laforge R, Erisckson DJ, Brand NH: Brief motivational intervention and alcohol expectancy challenge with heavy drinking college students: A randomized factorial study. Addict Behav. 2007, 32: 2509-2528. 10.1016/j.addbeh.2007.06.018. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2007.06.018
Copeland A, Brandon T: Testing the causal role of expectancies in smoking motivation and behavior. Addict Behav. 2000, 2: 445-449. doi:10.1016/S0306-4603(99)00003-9
Dijkstra A, Conijn B, De Vries H: A match-mismatch test of a stage model in tobacco smoking. Addiction. 2006, 101: 1035-1043. 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01419.x. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01419.x
Gwaltney CJ, Metrik J, Kahler CW, Shiffman S: Self-efficacy and smoking cessation: A meta-analysis. Psychol Addict Behav. 2009, 23: 56-66. doi:10.1037/a0013529
Dijkstra A, Borland R: Residual outcome expectations and relapse in ex-smokers. Health Psychol. 2003, 22: 340-346. doi:10.1037/0278-6133.22.4.340
Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Subcommittee on Biochemical Verification: Biochemical verification of tobacco use and cessation. Nicotine Tob Res. 2002, 4: 149-159. 10.1080/14622200210123581. doi:10.1080/14622200210123581
Heatherton TF, Kozlowski LT, Frecker RC, Fagerström KO: The Fagerström test for nicotine dependence: a revision of the Fagerström tolerance questionnaire. Br J Addict. 1991, 86: 1119-1127. 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1991.tb01879.x. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.1991.tb01879.x
Dijkstra A, Buunk AP: (2008). Self-evaluative emotions and expectations of self-evaluative emotions in health behavior change. Br J Soc Ps. 2008, 19: 119-137. doi:10.1348/014466607X216133
Dijkstra A, Tromp D, Conijn B: Stage-specific psychological determinants of stage transition. Br J Health Psychol. 2003, 8: 423-437. 10.1348/135910703770238284. doi:10.1348/135910703770238284
Dijkstra A, De Vries H: Self-efficacy with regard to different tasks in smoking cessation. Psychol Health. 2000, 15: 501-511. 10.1080/08870440008402009. doi:10.1080/08870440008402009
Mudde AN, Kok GJ, Strecher VJ: Self-efficacy as a predictor for the cessation of smoking: Methodological issues and implications for smoking cessation programs. Psychol Health. 1995, 10: 353-367. 10.1080/08870449508401956. doi:10.1080/08870449508401956
West R, Hajek P, Stead LS, Stapleton J: Outcome criteria in smoking cessation trials: proposal for a common standard. Addict. 299-303. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2004.00995.x
Vangeli E, Stapleton J, Smit ES, Borland R, West R: Predictors of attempts to stop smoking and their success in adult general population samples: A systematic review. Addiction. 2011, 106: 2110-2121. 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03565.x. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03565.x
Ouellette JA, Wood W: Habit and Intention in Everyday Life: The Multiple Processes by Which Past Behavior Predicts Future Behavior. Psychol Bull. 1998, 124: 54-74. doi:10.1037//0033-2909.124.1.54
Baron-Epel O, Messika AH: Factors associated with age of smoking initiation in adult populations from different ethnic backgrounds. Eur J Public Health. 2004, 14: 301-305. 10.1093/eurpub/14.3.301. doi:10.1093/eurpub/14.3.301
Everett SA, Warren CW, Sharp D, Kann L, Husten CG, Crossett LS: Initiation of cigarette smoking behavior among U.S. high school students. Prev Med. 1999, 29: 327-333. 10.1006/pmed.1999.0560. doi:10.1006/pmed.1999.0560
STIVORO – voor een rookvrije toekomst: Roken, de harde feiten: Jeugd 2012. Den Haag: STIVORO – voor een rookvrije toekomst. 2012, Beschikbaar via: http://stivoro.nl/wp-content/uploads/2012/docs/factsheets/jongeren/Fact%20sheet%20RJM%202012.pdf
Escobedo LG, Marcus SE, Holtzman D, Giovino GA: Sports Participation, Age at Smoking Initiation, and the Risk of Smoking Among US High School Students. JAMA. 1993, 269: 1391-1395. 10.1001/jama.1993.03500110059035.
Gould SG, Watters T: Are single-session smoking cessation groups a feasible option for rural Australia? Outcomes from a pilot study. J Smok Cess. 2014, FirstView, 1–6. doi:10.1017/jsc.2014.4
University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712, TS, Groningen, The Netherlands
Arie Dijkstra
University of Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Rixt Zuidema
Jobsites Inc., Amsterdam, Amsterdam, UK
Diederick Vos
Bewegen Werkt Holding B.V., Enschede, The Netherlands
Marike van Kalken
Search for Arie Dijkstra in:
Search for Rixt Zuidema in:
Search for Diederick Vos in:
Search for Marike van Kalken in:
Correspondence to Arie Dijkstra.
Funding for this study, about €10.000, was provided equally by the University of Groningen (staff payment) and Bewegen Werkt Holding B.V. (participant fees and travel expenses). Bewegen Werkt Holding B.V. is the Dutch licensee holder of "Allen Carr's Easyway to Stop Smoking".
Author MvK is employed by Bewegen Werkt Holding B.V. which is the Dutch license holder of the Allen Carr training that has been tested. Author DV has received a small monthly traineeship fee from Bewegen Werkt Holding B.V. during his involvement in de study development. Author AD has received one bottle of red wine (<10$) for giving a presentation for professionals, organized by Bewegen Werkt Holding B.V. Besides the above, the authors declare that they have not been payed or rewarded by the license holder.
AD supervised study development, execution and reporting. DV participated in the development and organization of the study and the study measures and was responsible for the baseline and short-term data gathering. RZ participated in the follow-up measurement design and conducted the CO measurements, and was responsible for the long-term data-gathering. MvK was involved in the organization of the study. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Dijkstra, A., Zuidema, R., Vos, D. et al. The effectiveness of the Allen Carr smoking cessation training in companies tested in a quasi-experimental design. BMC Public Health 14, 952 (2014) doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-952
Quasi-experimental
CO validation

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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text:
Q: Why does JavaScript's `function.call` have to be called explicitly? I have a string, "  test ". It's a really ugly string, so let's trim it.
"  test ".trim() returns "test". Nice!
Now let's try to do it with that string as an argument.
String.prototype.trim.call("  test ") also returns "test". Nice again!
Oh, that means I can use String.prototype.trim.call to map an array of ugly strings by their trimmed counterparts, right?
["  test "].map(String.prototype.trim.call) does not return ["test"].
It throws TypeError: undefined is not a function.
Why is this not allowed?

A: All function call methods are the same function value:
> String.prototype.trim.call === Function.prototype.call
true

> String.prototype.trim.call === alert.call
true

The function to be called is passed to Function.prototype.call as its this value. The this value for a function call varies depending on how the call is made:
f();             // calls f with this === undefined
x.f();           // calls x.f with this === x
x['f']();        // same as previous
f.call(y);       // calls f with this === y
f.apply(y, []);  // same as previous

When referencing a function in all cases that aren't calls, there is no this value involved.
const f = x.f;   // no association with x is maintained
x();             // calls f with this === undefined

So, when you pass String.prototype.trim.call to Array#map, you're passing the function Function.prototype.call, with no relationship to String.prototype.trim. Array#map then calls it with the thisArg given as the second argument (undefined, since you only passed one argument). Function.prototype.call calls the this value it was given, as it does, and fails because it can't call undefined.
The code is fixable by passing the correct value of this as thisArg:
["  test "].map(String.prototype.trim.call, String.prototype.trim)

Pretty verbose, huh? You can abuse the fact that all methods from prototypes are equal to make it shorter (Set being a built-in function with a short name):
["  test "].map(Set.call, ''.trim)

but even that's no shorter than the usual, readable way:
["  test "].map(x => x.trim())

which has the bonus of not forwarding unexpected arguments.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


It is well known that children learn by imitating those around them. This is evidenced to best effect when they confidently say a word or phrase in company that you uttered in an unguarded moment and really regret! As we grow older, we continue to mimic those around us that we admire; whether it be trying to perfect the exact style of our favourite footballers kick, or fix our hair just like that actor. We copy behaviours too, particularly of those we admire; perhaps celebrities, teachers, friends, managers or parents. If we thought about it, all of us could admit to imitating others at times, modelling ourselves on someone we aspire to be like.
Have you ever considered that others might be modelling themselves on you?
If you hold a position of influence, whether as a parent, a leader or friend, chances are high that others are watching your behaviour and imitating it. Does that thought make you feel honoured, or are you squirming a little? Those of us in leadership positions need to be particularly aware that if we behave in a certain way, some of those following us will assume that we're condoning that behaviour, that it is acceptable, and therefore okay for them to do as well.
If you hold a position of influence, chances are high that others are watching your behaviour and imitating it.
What behaviours might they see in you that you might wish them not to copy? Is there a pervading culture that has a negative effect on your group? Perhaps it is gossip, negativity, busyness or bickering. Now take a good, honest look at yourself and ask whether you have any part in perpetuating this. Maybe you don't, but if you realise you do, now is the time to own that responsibility and begin to address it with the Lord's help.
Sometimes, it might be necessary to openly share your error and seek forgiveness. By doing this you encourage others to follow your example of confession and humility and you can then begin the process of change as a group. Don't let your pride get in the way of this. In Philippians 2, Paul points us to the example of Jesus' humility, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." We are all broken people, and as leaders we need to climb down from the pedestals society places us on.
Be encouraged – this also presents a great opportunity, because people will also imitate your good habits! By modelling the behaviour you want to see, you have the potential to be a massive influence on the culture of the group you lead, whether in your community, family, work place or church.
So what do you long to see change in your context? Would you love to see more kindness shown? Be more kind. Do you wish your group shared more openly about their struggles? Be willing to be vulnerable and open with them about yours. Do you wish your team grumbled less? Choose to find things to be thankful for in each situation you encounter and share these thoughts with your team. Do you have a team of worn out workers? Model rest and Sabbath for them, set boundaries for your own work or ministry and you will empower them to do the same. If you work yourself into the ground, many will feel the same is expected of them.
Can we confidently encourage those we lead to follow our example? We can only do this if we are continually spending time understanding and following the example of Christ, modelling our character on His.


It's Always a Sunny Day When Madeline Robin Comes to Play... Bronte Carmichael Talks "Christopher Robin"
Kids should be allowed to be kids and enjoy the freedom of unstructured imaginative play. That's a message that I've spoken of often, and it's one that's placed firmly at the heart of Disney's Christopher Robin. In that film, Christopher (Ewan McGregor) has grown up, and as a father himself, he's forgotten about the importance and magic of play. For his daughter, Madeline (Bronte Carmichael), childhood is headed in a bleaker direction until some familiar characters from The Hundred Acre Wood arrive, reminding Christopher of what once was and what still could be. In Los Angeles last week, I had a chance to meet with the 11-year-old actress inhabiting the role of Madeline to discuss the experience of joining Winnie the Pooh and friends for their first live-action adventure. Already a professional actor with a bright career ahead of her, how does Bronte play?
Going into the World Premiere of Disney's Christopher Robin on The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank Monday night, I was in the unique position that I'd actually already done something that much of the cast and crew had not - I'd seen the film in a private screening with my group the night before. Now, writing this review a day prior to its theatrical release, I'm eager to see it again with my family - a prospect that I was already looking forward to before seeing it, and am even more excited about having seen it twice already. Christopher Robin isn't necessarily the film that you might think that it is. Indeed, young Christopher isn't really that young anymore, and yes - the residents of The Hundred Acre Wood do set out to help him (as seen in the trailers), but that's not the point. Christopher Robin is a film about family - specifically about being present and aware of all that is good around us. As I tweeted upon exiting the theater, Christopher Robin is a film that will make you rethink your life, and it's also about something that's very dear to me... the importance of play.
Hello, Christopher Robin: Ewan McGregor, Family and a Very-Loved "Silly Old Bear"
It's a sunny afternoon in Beverly Hills as I enter the Montage, immediately complimented by a member of the house staff for the Marvel t-shirt peeking out from beneath my Red Kap button-down. I take off my sunglasses and head for the staircase, en route to a meeting on the second floor with a man whom I've never met, but one whose work I've been enjoying ever since I rented a copy of Danny Boyle's Shallow Grave on VHS from a Hogan's Video store in Davenport, Iowa back in 1995 or so. Taking a seat at the table for a roundtable interview (I feel compelled to point out that in reality, the table was rectangular), I placed my Funko Pop! Vinyl Winnie the Pooh near the head seat just in time for Ewan McGregor to pull up a chair to discuss his title role in Disney's Christopher Robin.
The Walt Disney Studios lot in sunny Burbank, California is a magical place as-is... a place where the power of imagination has been harnessed to shape and realize timeless stories that will continue to inspire audiences until the end of time. But on Monday night, something truly unique happened as that magic manifested itself in new ways. To celebrate the release of Disney's Christopher Robin, the lot was transformed into a wondrous place that had not only been ripped from the pages, but had leaped from the screen. For the World Premiere and red carpet, cast, crew and invited guests were welcomed not just onto the Studio lot, but into The Hundred Acre Wood.


text:
Holbeck eller Holbæk kan syfta på:

 Holbeck, Lincolnshire – i Lincolnshire, England
 Holbeck, Nottinghamshire – en ort och civil parish i Nottinghamshire, England
 Holbeck, Tyskland – en ort i Nuthe-Urstromtal, Tyskland
 Holbeck, West Yorkshire – en ort i West Yorkshire, England
 Holbeck Island – en ö i Ontario, Kanada

 Holbæks kommun – en kommun i Region Själland i Danmark
 Holbæk – en stad i Holbæks kommun, Danmark
 Holbæk Fjord – en vik i Danmark
 Holbæk, Midtjylland – en ort i Norddjurs, Mittjylland, Danmark
 Holbæks län – ett tidigare danskt län –1662

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


13-year-old Mythical Beast Filmed in Canadian Wilderness?
Was an unknown 'humanoid creature' spotted stalking a moose in Gaspésie, Québec, Canada, or is this shaky video another poor quality Internet hoax?
What appears as a six-foot "faceless," hitherto unrecorded human-like creature, was filmed "stalking a moose" and sensationalist publications are claiming the video has "sparked worldwide panic" as the identity of the beast baffled millions of viewers after going viral on the Internet.
Filmed by local resident Audrée Tanguay Fréchette, the beast appears to be lurking behind a feeding moose in the isolated Canadian wilderness and this classically badly focused video shows a faint, pale, human sized figure moving behind the moose. Many viewers have speculated that it appears to "walk on its hindlegs like a human, and could be the legendary Rake monster," comparable to Bigfoot and the Yeti, according to a report in The Express .
A Sighting of the Canadian Rake?
The legendary "Rake" is described as a "brutal, savage, humanoid creature with canine characteristics," although it has never savaged any human, never mind "brutally." Many claim it attacks without provocation using its "long, blade-like fingers" to pull apart its victims.
The Express reported that the video has been viewed online "more than 102,000 times" and social media viewers have provided a host of possible explanations for the sighting, responding to the filmmaker's question: "Looking at the video I saw this strange shape at the back left. Can someone tell me what it is?"
In response one commentator wrote: "That looks like the Rake type creature stalking that moose" but skeptics, however, claimed that the footage was "misleading" and suggested that the "creature" was no more than a "speck on the car window". But this does not argue why the creature apparently moves in the footage. I can help with that though.
In my 20's I studied photography and video communications in the Glasgow College of Building and Printing. Since, I have conducted numerous still photography exhibitions and have filmed hundreds of hours of documentary video footage. On many occasions I have discovered my own "Rake monsters" in that such "appearances" are caused by a well understood occurrence which all photographers know about.
A tiny speck of dust on a lens can sometimes appear to take on monster proportions, and what is more, because they are sometimes so close to the lens, moving the camera as much as a few millimeters causes the spec to "appear" to move several feet in video footage. A good way to recreate this effect is to hold your finger up against your nose in your living room. Now close one eye and look at the finger. When you move your finger a few millimeters, notice how it covers and reveals what appears to be several feet against the wall.
This effect is also apparent when a subject is close to the lens and moves it a few inches to the left or right, sometimes covering or revealing entire mountains on the horizon. Although thousands of people believe this terrible quality video does indeed capture the legendary Rake monster, before believing a word they say, you would be well served to know a few facts about it, which lead to the total demystification of this beast.
Are mummified remains of unidentified creature proof of the mythological Kappa?
"Here's what we've got so far: Humanoid, about six feet tall when standing, but usually crouches and walks on all fours. It has very pale skin. The face is blank. As in, no nose, no mouth... Usually seen in front yards in suburban areas. Usually just watches the observer, but will stand up and attack if approached. When it attacks, a mouth opens up, as if a hinged skull that opens at the chin. Reveals many tiny, but dull teeth.
But even with these clear modern origins, to many, the Rake monster will always be real and will no doubt evolve, over time, into another Bigfoot or Yeti.
I saw the original version of this video and it looked real. This video has been shopped to look like a speck of dust.
Sorry, not a speck on the lens in this case. The camera is constantly moving but the "creature" only moves sporadically.


text: rake db:drop db:create db:migrate


In this part we will look at questions related to few other topics.
If you want to be malware analyst then you must have experience with reversing a software. To reverse a software you must be familiar with reading and debugging assembly instructions. The questions in this topic can be of two type, either what some instruction do( for example shr instruction) or some intel x86 assembly concept. Since mostly the instructions name give hint what they do and they are easy to look over internet, interviewer most of the time ask about concept used in Intel x86 or x64.
1) What is difference between "mov" and "lea" instruction?
Lets understand this with a example.
Suppose value in ebx is 0x400000. Then mov will go to address 0x400000 and copy 4 byte of data present their to eax register.Whereas lea will copy the address 0x400000 into eax. So, after the execution of each instruction value of eax in each case will be (assuming at memory 0x400000 contain is 30).
For definition mov copy the data from rm32 to destination (mov dest rm32) and lea(load effective address) will copy the address to destination (mov dest rm32).
2) What are different calling conventions?
Variant: What is difference between stdcall and cdecl calling convention?
This is one of the most asked question in assembly.
In Stdcall arguments of a function is pushed in stack from right-to-left. And cleaning of stack is done by callee( who has been called) function.
In Cdecl arguments of a function is pushed in stack from left-to-right. And cleaning of stack is done by caller( who is calling) function.Check here for more info on this.
3) What calling convention you generally find in Windows C++ programs?
Windows program by default use StdCall but inside your IDE or compiler you have option to change the default convention.
4) What is xor instruction do? Where it is used mostly in x86/64?
xor is mostly used in intel x86/64 to set a register value to 0. For example xor eax, eax will 0 the eax register.
Also xor eax, eax prefer over mov eax, 0 because of performance reason.
5) What is the difference between "cmp" and "test" instructions?
In cmp the comparison is performed by subtracting the second operand from the first operand and then setting the status flags in the same manner as the sub instruction.
Test computes the bit-wise logical and of first operand (source 1 operand) and the second operand (source 2 operand) and sets the SF, ZF, and PF status flags according to the result.
In short, cmp does the subtraction while test does the bitwise AND.
6) What is x86 function prologue? Is it necessary to have those instruction in a programs function?
push ebp   //push the previous base pointer onto the stack.
No, It is not necessary to have function prologue. It is just used by compiler for convention and security purposes.
Since malware analyst job contain static code analysis/ reverse engineering, you must have basic understanding of C programming. Other language experience may require based on the profile you are applying for.
You may have to face any type of questions related to C programming, so you must be ready for that. The questions in C are wide but I will suggest to have a decent understanding of pointers in c. Other then that I am adding few questions that I have faced and think may be related to reversing C program.
1) What is difference between structure and union?
You can have different variables inside a structure and you are allowed to set value for each variable.Also memory allocated to that structure is sum of all the variables memory.
In union you can only set value of one variable at a time from all the variable present in union. Setting value for other variable will replace the value of first variable since there is one memory space allocated for whole union( which is equal to size of variable with maximum size) .
It is important to know difference between structure and union since it is used at lots of places in PE header.
2) Question related to memory allocation.
You may asked questions about how much memory int variable take or int b takes etc.
3) Questions related to pointers.
4) How does malloc works?
Variant: How does dynamic memory/heap allocators works?
Malloc or any other custom memory allocator provide dynamic memory space from heap. In backend these allocators use brk/sbrk(default mem allocator) system call in linux and and VirtualAlloc api call in case of Windows. Modern memory allocator are wrapper around these default allocators. We use malloc just because it manage memory more efficiently.
When you allocate memory chunk through malloc it uses brk to allocate memory chunk and then stores the chunk meta information (like chunk size, address of next chunk etc.) at the starting of each chunk. Beside that it maintain linked lists of free chunks to speed up allocation. Whenever you do free(mymem), the mymem chunk get added to free chunks linked list. If you use mymem2 = malloc(100) to allocate 100 bytes for mymem2, malloc look at free chunk list if any chunk of more then 100 bytes is free. If he found a free chunk then it gives that memory to mymem2 and remove it from free mem list. Otherwise if it fail to find chunk of more then 100 bytes then it uses brk to allocate a new memory. You can learn more about this here.
5) What will happen when we do free(mymem)? Is the data you store at mymem chunk also get deleted?
As already mentioned, free(mem) will just add that chunk to free memory link list. The data still remain there.
These scenario also cause some exploit conditions like "use after free".
Operating systems concepts or questions related to "how to archive specific task in windows" are frequently asked in interview. There are very vast amount of questions in this topic but I am covering some of them that I have faced.
1) How much memory is allocated to windows kernel?
Windows kernel is modular so the amount of memory allocated to it with respect to userspace may depend on the current state of system. But as answer you can tell 1:3 memory is allocated to kernel and userspace, means out of 4 GB, 1GB for kernel space and 3 GB for user space.
Variant: When a dll (ex ntdll.dll) is used by two different processes, both the processes get different address of the dll. Why it is so?
In modern operating systems such as Windows, applications and many system processes always reference memory by using virtual memory addresses. Virtual memory addresses are automatically translated to real (RAM) addresses by the hardware. Only core parts of the operating system kernel bypass this address translation and use real memory addresses directly. Click here for more info.
When two programs need one dll, the dll get loaded at a particular physical memory address. Then it get mapped to both processes memory space at different virtual memory address.
3) How to view Windows registry?
In the Start Menu, either in the Run Box or the Search box, type "regedit" and press Enter.
4) How to see running tasks through cmd?
You can use the "TASKLIST" command to display a list of currently-running tasks.
Dynamic analysis is a major part of malware analysis process. But I am little shocked to find out that interviewers doesn't ask much about this.
1) When you get a malware sample, how you proceed with it?
My answer to this question may differ with yours as it depend on different analyst, how they proceed with initial analysis. But you need to start with behavior analysis then dynamic analysis and at last static analysis or debugging.
First I load the program in CFF explorer to look for sections and imports of the image(also some general properties of image). Section name gives idea if default sections are touched or not. Or present of any new uncommon section may support the presence of packers.Then imports will give an idea what the program might upto. For example, import of RegOpenKey function give you hint that there maybe modification with registry happening.
Then I load the program in DetectitEasy tool. There I look for entropy of different sections. High entropy(above 7) might result to packed code or encryption of that section.
As a part of dynamic analysis I first start process explorer, ProcMon(Process monitor) and Rohitab api monitor in background and then run the malware.
We always run the sample in virtual enviornmnet( like virtual box) not on our main production system.
Process explorer will show what new processes and services are started by the program. Procmon will give logs of all the system activity that the malware has done like file system, Registry, process, thread and DLL activity in real-time. And api monitor will show the sequence of api calls done by the malware.
Then I load the program in IDA pro for static analysis( looking for strings present, assembly code) and ollydbg for debugging.
Also, it is better to include use of sysinternal suite in your answer because it really is the swiss army knife for dynamic analysis.
2) What is the entropy of sections? What idea you get with the high entropy of a section?
In general entropy show randomness. For a section entropy value show how random data is at that particular section.
High entropy show that the section is obfuscate or compressed or packed.
We will look at more question on this topic and few other topics on next part.


text:
International Classification of Non-tariff Measures - 2019 version
UN Symbol: UNCTAD/DITC/TAB/2019/5
ISBN: 978-92-1-112952-6
eISBN: 978-92-1-004200-0
Sales No: E.19.II.D.14
Order from UN Publications
Full Report ( 2424.20 KB )
Non-tariff measures are generally defined as "policy measures other than ordinary customs tariffs that can potentially have an economic effect on international trade in goods, changing quantities traded, or prices or both."
Since this definition is broad, a detailed classification is necessary to better identify and distinguish among the various forms of non-tariff measures.
This edition of the International Classification of Non-tariff Measures is a revision of the 2012 version
The MAST group, which discussed and proposed this classification, is composed of the following organizations:
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
To address the growing complexities of international trade, the MAST group, other experts and government officials refined the 2012 version from 2015–2018. The group revised existing chapters A to I and chapter P and worked on the definition and taxonomy of the classification for chapters J to O, which lacked a disaggregated taxonomy. The MAST group created six open working groups to address the following areas:
General issues: chapters A to I and chapter P; working group chaired by UNCTAD
Post-sales services and distribution restrictions: chapters J and K; working group chaired by the World Bank
Subsidies: chapter L; working group chaired by WTO
Government procurement: chapter M; working group chaired by OECD
Intellectual property: chapter N; working group chaired by UNCTAD
Rules of origin: chapter O; working group chaired by the International Trade Centre
The groups interacted regularly, and progress was presented annually to a wider audience at the UNCTAD Non-tariff Measures Week and MAST meeting, as well as at other trade and regulator meetings. The revised version was adopted by all working groups in 2018/2019.
The work on the chapter dealing with government procurement coincided with efforts by OECD on the development of a taxonomy of measures affecting government procurement as part of its own work programme. Given the commonalities between the projects of the MAST group and those relating to the OECD government procurement classification, both groups worked together closely to develop a government procurement taxonomy.
The World Intellectual Property Organization contributed to the chapter on intellectual property, and the World Customs Organization, to the chapter on rules of origin.
International Classification of Non-tariff Measures - 2019 version (UNCTAD/DITC/TAB/2019/5)
29 Aug 2019, 2424.2 KB


How do you make a sandwich without bread? If it seems impossible, it's because it is. Your kitchen will need a new gluten-free staple, starting with a bread-maker. Here is a basic recipe to get started with. 3 eggs 2 cups white rice flour 1 ½ cup buttermilk ½ cup soy flour 1/3 cup cornstarch ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup honey 1 tbsp xanthan gum 1 tbsp cider vinegar 1 tbsp active dry yeast 1 tsp salt I. Before mixing ingredients, check the instructions on your bread machine. Add ingredients in order according to your device. Select the sweet dough cycle. II. Wait 5 minutes, then examine the dough. Add rice flour or water to reach the desired texture. Let the bread machine finish the cycle. III. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes then remove from pan.
A perfect match for lean strips of chicken, brown rice, and a bowl of vitamin-rich vegetables, it would be sad to see a gluten-free diet without teriyaki sauce. If you are not lucky enough to live by a store that provides it, here is how to make your own. 1 ½ cups cold water ¾ cup brown sugar ½ cup gluten-free soy sauce 3 tbsp corn starch 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp sesame oil I. Mix all ingredients together in a room-temperature sauce pan. II. Slowly warm over the stove. Stir continuously to prevent burning. III. Pour warm sauce over your favorite dish. Serve warm.
Bad news, your favorite low-fat, all natural garden burgers probably have gluten in them. It can be tough to make burgers that stick together without some sort of flour, but a food wizard managed to figure it out. The recipe will take a little time, but it's worth it in the end. 1 eggplant 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 small red onion 1 poblano pepper 1 egg (optional) 5 garlic cloves 3 cups canned black beans 1 cup unsalted ground cashews ¼ cup barbecue sauce 3 tbsp masa 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp black pepper For the full recipe, go to Natural Comfort Kitchen: https://goo.gl/1kHmwq.


I am honored to deliver the Keynote Address at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Foundation's 8th Annual Research Symposium on October 22, 2018, in Orlando, FL.
The 8th Annual Research Symposium is held prior to this year's AMCP 2018 NEXUS – "Preparing For the Next Generation of Care", and it will identify the biggest changes and potential disruptors facing health care today. The Symposium will present new findings from the Foundation's ongoing research initiative, benchmarking the health services landscape around managed care pharmacy. Speakers and attendees will focus on emerging trends related to drug pricing and spending; innovative and curative therapies; health coverage; big data and health IT; industry consolidation; and health care public policy.
If you are interested in attending, please take a minute to register! I hope to see you at the Symposium!


text:
Where to Stream Port Authority?
Mirza Aaqib Beg
Directed and written by Danielle Lessovitz, 'Port Authority' is an American-French drama film that explores conflicts that emanate from a struggle with sexual identity and preferences, which has become quite relevant in the modern-day setting. Starring Fionn Whitehead, Leyna Bloom, and McCaul Lombardi, it weaves a memorable story that touches upon crucial social-political topics through the lens of a curious and conflicted straight man. Interested in learning more about the film's premise or where it can be streamed? You have come to the right place. Here's everything you need to know.
What is Port Authority About?
Paul, a young white man, is clueless when he gets thrown out of his house in central Pennsylvania. Unaware of what he wants from life, the twenty-year-old Midwesterner goes to New York City looking for answers. There, in the town's dizzying central station, Paul lays his eyes on Wye for the first time, and a brief encounter with her changes his life in unthinkable ways. Attracted to her confidence, he gets closer to Wye over time and the two fall in love. However, Paul is unaware that her significant other is a trans woman, which begins to affect him when he finally learns more about her.
His previous perceptions are challenged, and he realizes that he can no longer turn his back on such matters. It marks the beginning of Paul's journey to reconcile his views on important contemporary issues like sexual identity, but his enlightenment doesn't come naturally. He has to wrestle with his old beliefs and the overwhelming conservative outlook, which is a bit dogmatic towards ordinary people like Wye. The drama film beautifully captures the complex conflict and encourages the acceptance of people of all colors and preferences. In case the premise sounds interesting to you, and you wish to watch the drama film, here's all the streaming information that you may need.
Is Port Authority on Netflix?
Netflix subscribers will have to look for other alternatives as 'Port Authority' is not available on the platform as of now. People with a subscription can alternatively watch other similar movies like 'Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List,' 'The Feels,' 'The Boys in the Band' or 'Ride or Die.'
Is Port Authority on Hulu?
'Port Authority' is not accessible on Hulu. Subscribers who are looking for other movies on the platform can stream 'Beach Rats.'
Is Port Authority on Amazon Prime?
'Port Authority' is available on Amazon Prime as video-on-demand. You can catch it here. Also, Prime subscribers can instead watch 'The Last Year' or 'Tatted Souls The Movie.'
Where to Watch Port Authority Online?
You can watch 'Port Authority' on Spectrum. The drama film is also available on VOD platforms such as Redbox, Vudu, Google Play, Microsoft Store, and FandangoNow. Popular video-on-demand platforms like iTunes and are expected to include 'Port Authority' in their catalog in the near future.
How to Stream Port Authority for Free?
Since the movie is only available on VOD and live-streaming platforms as of now, it is not possible to stream it for free.
Read More: Best LGBT Movies


With so much of information available online, you might sometimes experience information overload. However, if you want some tech news then you must visit tech blogs regularly. They are the absolute choice when it comes to technological news. These blogs are credible sources of information and you can trust the information that is published on them. There are many good tech blogs that are offering quality and informative content to the readers. The bloggers who write the blogs are experienced writers.
Majority of the people surf the net as it a fastest, economical as well as a convenient option to seek information. Since technology is ever evolving, tech blogs and tech news have become a fad. Technology was one such sector that continued to thrive even during the recession days. Therefore, the demand for these blogs is continues to grow. Since everyday new innovations are evolving and new products are coming in the market, these blogs help to cater to the needs of tech fans. It is estimated that hundreds of tech blogs are added online daily.
You will find a wide range of information on them. Some of the most common sections that you will find them are breaking news, latest tech trends, products and technology reviews etc. Even the tech products manufacturing companies rely a lot on these blogs to promote their products and brand. The ads are placed on various strategic locations on the web pages of these blogs and they offer good publicity. Some blogs also take advantage by integrating their blogs with the various popular social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook.
So, if you are looking for some hot new tech updates then these blogs are one stop destination for you. From latest devices to latest virus updates to latest mobile phones, you will find everything on them. You can also check and compare the prices of various electronic devices on some of them.


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Tag: Simon Pegg
Simon Pegg has A Fantastic Fear of Everything
Simon Pegg's paranoid horror-comedy A Fantastic Fear of Everything has just been handed a VOD release of January 7th before it heads into its limited theatrical run on February 7th. With its new release date comes a new trailer that paints a dreamlike atmosphere for the Crispian Mills-directed feature film and it looks pretty damn interesting.
Get annihilated with the first trailer for Edgar Wright's The World's End!
By now I'm sure most of you have seen this but for those of you unlucky enough to miss the trailer for Edgar Wright's The World's End, read on! Here it is, a trailer for Edgar Wright's The World's End starring his partners in crime Nick Frost and Simon Pegg and it looks like an absolute […]
A new photo from Edgar Wright's The World's End arrives in style
March 26, 2013 .Reading time 1 minute.
Just because I know you guys are as excited for Edgar Wright's The World's End as I am, here's another new still from the film for you to gander at. With the film's new release date of August 23rd expect to see a lot more from this flick in the coming months. There's way too much […]
'The World's End' happening much sooner than we thought
Normally we get release date changes that put the film further out of reach but according to Box Office Mojo we'll be able to see Edgar Wright's The World's End much sooner than expected. The film was originally scheduled for a release in the US on October 25th but has now changed to August 23rd. The weekend […]
Drink Up Some New Stills For Edgar Wright's 'The World's End'
Thanks to Empire we got a couple of new stills for Edgar Wright's upcoming doomsday film, The World's End, which will finish out the unofficial "Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy" with Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz being the first of the series. Wright is currently shooting the film in the UK and will be distributed […]
First Look at Edgar Wright's 'The World's End'
Yesterday we got a great look at Seth Rogen's end of the world flick This is The End , and what better timing for Edgar Wright to show off his upcoming apocalyptic film starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in The World's End. Wright is currently shooting the film in the UK and will be distributed […]