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Old dogs are the best dogs. Puppies, like babies, get more attention, but it's the old dogs who really embody the traits of what I love about the species; they are the most loyal, loving, and soulful…they are the sweetest and most comfortable.
I am an old dog. I initially shied away from attaching that moniker to myself, but it's true. And when I think about the behaviors of old dogs, I realize they are my behaviors, and the aforementioned traits could also be applied to me. And that was pleasing to me.
For the first time in years, my mom spent the day at my house yesterday, and it was so wonderful to have her. She is a REALLY old dog and likely would not appreciate being called so. Part of the time yesterday was spent showing Mom new dog tricks – her dog, Zoe, has recently become a part of my family as Mom can no longer accommodate a pet where she's living – and I have been working to teach Zoe new habits and behaviors.
I began my mindfulness journey at roughly the same time Zoe arrived in our household. Coincidentally, Zoe and I have both learned new tricks over the past few weeks.
The first two techniques remained the same for Zoe and me – it was the third step that had to be redefined to fit my life. There was never a chance I would reward myself with the Newman's heart-shaped peanut butter dog treats Zoe loves so much, even if peanut butter is my Desert Island Food. And I was mindful to abstain from treating myself with human food as well – this was my NEW trick journey, after all.
By the way, Mom was amazed at all of Zoe's new tricks, and when I actually contemplated the broad scope of my own altered behaviors (my new tricks), I was pretty in awe of mine as well!
It wasn't always easy to remember my commitment on how to treat myself and initially I landed on the gaps (no one said it was easy to teach an old dog new tricks, did they?). However, I was able to recognize and replace my self-criticisms with facts and compassion.
One of the best factors that contributed to the success of my new tricks experiment was a trusted mentor and friend's lack of judgement, and her largesse in holding me able to create and complete the best version of my desired behavior changes that I can manage in each moment and within my own circumstances.
I realized recently that treating myself in a meaningful way is a process, a "trick" if you will, that I will need to repeat over and over until it becomes something I naturally do without thinking – sort of like when my other dog, Moses, starts rolling over before I actually give the command. He already knows what to do – and someday soon, so will I.
This entry was posted in Behavior, Choice, compassion, Self-talk and tagged behavior, choice, compassion, self-care on April 27, 2017 by SimpleIntentions.
The term 'vicious cycle' has always peaked my linguistic interest, both attracting and repelling me. I find more and more that there is a callous reality to the phrase that exists in my day to day world. It reflects a biological concept I learned in high school – a social translation of positive feedback. To pull straight from the textbook (since I got a C in that class), this process is characterized by "the enhancement or amplification of an effect by its own influence on the process that gives rise to it". In other words, it's a system or cycle that intensifies by creating a stimulus which triggers an effect that causes more stimulus which triggers a greater effect and so on.
In biology, positive and negative don't translate to good and bad. Positive feedback just means that a cycle continues to grow by feeding and stimulating itself until it reaches its peak. An example in nature is the process of childbirth: a laboring mother releases the hormone oxytocin which stimulates contractions which causes more oxytocin to be released until the baby is born.
Recently, I can't help but apply the concept of positive feedback to social systems around me. When cycles, whether internal thought patterns, workplace practices or societal systems, feed on themselves, enhancing and amplifying in the process, it can make a good thing better and a bad thing worse.
How then do we break out of a cycle that's not serving us personally or that isn't serving a certain group or society as a whole? This question can feel daunting on the best of days. A sense of helplessness may swell at the thought of how to incite change in an unhealthy system, especially when it has been in place for a long time. Luckily, the first step is relatively simple.
I believe, truly, that the first and I'd argue most important step towards changing a cycle is to simply be aware. Really, just that. When we cultivate awareness around what unhealthy cycles or systems are around us, we start to shine a light on them, however dim that light might feel at first. This may be as simple as keeping up with current events, reading the written works of someone who inspires you, or asking your hard-working co-worker how she's feeling with the never ending long hours. Collect data on the impact of the system in question – who does it negatively impact? Who does it positively impact? Do the benefits outweigh the cons? There's no action to take – simply become aware of what cycles are around you and if they benefit or harm you, and if they benefit or harm others.
Once a basic awareness foundation is laid, the next step is to expand it. Go beyond the effect of the cycle and determine what your part is in the system or cycle in question. Acknowledge, without judgement, the ways in which you might feed the cycle. Did you give a shout out to your co-worker who's been working 12 hour days at your last meeting? Explore all corners openly and honestly – and recognize that the cycle may very well be needed right now. Perhaps this is the busiest time of the year and long work days are currently needed. Just maintain awareness. If 6 months go by and the norm is still a 60-hour work week for your team, it's time to reassess if this is a system that is still serving you and is still serving the whole.
To stress a point, creating awareness does not mean to blame (others or self). The purpose here is to become acutely (maybe uncomfortably) aware of what the cycle is, who the cycle impacts, and how we personally fit in the cycle. With that knowledge in place, we can make an informed decision on how to proceed to the next step. This step is still simple but at last requires some action: simply, to make a choice. It's time to choose to either continue moving with the cycle or to make a new choice, even if small, that may help disrupt it. Perhaps in the next team meeting, you still give your co-worker a shout out for her hard work – and then start a discussion around team capacity and how to create sustainable success going forward. The smallest of choices may inspire others to do the same, creating its own positive feedback system – one whose results are more desirable.
Positive feedback in nature is extremely important and many of our social systems are incredibly needed. But it is up to us to determine when an internal thought cycle is damaging. When a workplace system is no longer sustainable. When an ingrained societal cycle is, well, vicious. And when it is not. It is up to us to first cultivate our awareness and shine a light on an unhealthy system. Something as small as that may start its own domino effect – and eventually break the cycle.
This entry was posted in Awareness, Behavior, Choice, Consciousness and tagged awareness, behavior, choice, Cycles on April 3, 2017 by SimpleIntentions.
I was left speechless… and then I realized that, in my hurry, I was not allowing space for things to happen – both in the present coaching conversation and across my life.
I began to become aware that whenever I ran errands, the speed of my pace was incredibly fast. It was as if I thought someone was trying to catch me, and I had to prevent that from happening. I started taking an inventory of the speed in all areas of my life: work (not leaving even a minute to pause, because, I would say to myself, that is what they pay me for. To work!); gym (jumping, non-stop, from one exercise to the next); personal time (fragmented and inconsistent).
It was as if I was watching a movie of my life, with the same ending time and time again – one where I was racing to complete the "shoulds" in my life. I was so afraid of what could happen to me if I allowed space and put my guard down, that I suddenly was aware that I had become my own prisoner. That realization came as quite a shock, but, however uncomfortable, it was also a relief to understand. I knew the power was in me and the choice was mine to change my movie, to change my life.
I knew I needed a shift, so, little by little, I started to gain awareness on the choices I was making and how I was living my life, allowing space for things to flow, letting go of the need to control. It wasn't easy at first, because old habits and conditioned behaviors always find a backdoor to let their way in, but, with enhanced awareness, you can catch them… and tell them they are not welcome anymore.
It is incredible all the things we can perceive when we slow down the pace. We notice other people´s expressions, recognize the feelings they are experiencing; witness a full range of colors previously unnoticed; become aware of the clouds reflecting on the glass buildings; hear the unspoken words; even hear the sound of our own breathing.
Now that I have slowed down, I am conscious of the camera recording my movie. I've finally slowed down enough to create the space to fully see myself and my actions. And I know that my movie is continuing to change as I become more aware, more connected with every slow, deliberate step I take.
This entry was posted in Awareness, Behavior, Choice, Habits and tagged awareness, choice, Slowing Down on March 10, 2017 by SimpleIntentions.


text:
import requests

from urllib.parse import urlencode, urljoin
from collections import namedtuple

from .exceptions import BankIdError

Token = namedtuple('Token', ['access_token', 'refresh_token', 'expires_in', 'token_type'])

class BaseBankIdClient(object):
    """
    Base BankID client class, which contains common functionality for all BankID providers.
    Constructor expects a `client_id` and `client_secret` for all providers. Some providers may introduce
    additional arguments. Optionally following keyword arguments may be provided:
        authorization_base_url: URL to be used for authorization grant step
        api_base_url: Base URL for the API requests not related to authorization step

    Public methods may raise `BankIdError` exception for specific BankID errors.
    """

    default_authorization_base_url = NotImplemented
    default_api_base_url = NotImplemented
    token_endpoint = NotImplemented

    def __init__(self, client_id, client_secret, **kwargs):
        self.client_id = client_id
        self.client_secret = client_secret
        self.authorization_base_url = kwargs.get('authorization_base_url', self.default_authorization_base_url)
        self.api_base_url = kwargs.get('api_base_url', self.default_api_base_url)

    def authorization_url(self, redirect_url):
        """
        Returns authorization grant step URL with `redirect_url` encoded into it to be returned to after auth.
        """
        args = (
            ('client_id', self.client_id),
            ('redirect_uri', redirect_url),
            ('response_type', 'code'),
        )
        return '{}?{}'.format(self.authorization_base_url, urlencode(args))

    def retrieve_access_token(self, code, redirect_url):
        """
        Returns `Token` instance with OAuth2 access and refresh tokens obtained by the given `code`.
        `redirect_url` MUST match the one used for `authorization_url`.
        """
        response = requests.post(urljoin(self.api_base_url, self.token_endpoint), data={
            'code': code,
            'client_id': self.client_id,
            'client_secret': self._client_secret(code),
            'redirect_uri': redirect_url,
            'grant_type': 'authorization_code'
        })
        if response.status_code == requests.codes.ok:
            data = response.json()
            return Token(data['access_token'], data['refresh_token'], data['expires_in'], data['token_type'])
        else:
            self._handle_errors(response)

    def refresh_access_token(self, token):
        """
        Refreshes the OAuth2 access token and returns a new one.
        Note: can be used only once for a new token. Refreshed token does not contain a `refresh_token` anymore.
        """
        assert token.refresh_token is not None
        response = requests.post(urljoin(self.api_base_url, self.token_endpoint), data={
            'client_id': self.client_id,
            'client_secret': self._client_secret(token.refresh_token),
            'refresh_token': token.refresh_token,
            'grant_type': 'refresh_token'
        })
        if response.status_code == requests.codes.ok:
            data = response.json()
            return Token(data['access_token'], None, data['expires_in'], data['token_type'])
        else:
            self._handle_errors(response)

    def user_info(self, token, declaration):
        """
        Calls the BankID provider to obtain the user information by given `token` and fields `declaration`.
        """
        raise NotImplementedError

    def _client_secret(self, code):
        return self.client_secret

    def _handle_errors(self, response):
        try:
            error = response.json()
            raise BankIdError(error.get('error'), error.get('error_description'))
        except ValueError:
            raise BankIdError(code=response.status_code, description='Unknown error')

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
In addition, one in 10 small businesses went viral on TikTok organically, according to a new survey from Capterra.
A new survey from Capterra, an online marketplace for the enterprise software industry, found that 78% of small businesses that run ads on TikTok have already realized a positive return on investment—the majority within just six months.
That success rate has led 52% of survey respondents to say they plan to spend more money on the immensely popular social media platform in 2023. Only 18% of businesses not currently using TikTok say they have concerns over its data practices, according to Capterra's TikTok Marketing Survey.
Capterra says:
Let's get this out of the way first: TikTok has its drawbacks. For one thing, its ad business has been affected by the same global digital ad slowdown currently plaguing its peers. Furthermore, TikTok has been criticized for circulating COVID-19 misinformation and is under scrutiny by government officials and lawmakers due to its data practices. In December 2022, a bipartisan group of legislators introduced bills in both houses of Congress to ban TikTok in the U.S.
Despite all that, TikTok is skyrocketing in popularity among advertisers, and SMBs should strongly consider getting on board. If your competitors aren't yet on TikTok, that likely won't last.
TikTok marketing yields undeniable power, especially with Gen Z. More and more consumers are turning to TikTok search over Google to find their next local boutique or restaurant. With Google and Meta's advertising dominance fading, TikTok is becoming more advantageous for small and midsize businesses. In fact, one in ten surveyed businesses has gone viral on TikTok organically, indicating a level playing field that's not dominated by large-name brands.
TikTok helps mitigate choice paralysis by giving users immersive, vertical videos that take them inside a business instantly, rather than sifting through text-heavy review sites like Google or Yelp.
The survey found that more than three-quarters of small businesses that use TikTok post organic content, while less than two-thirds run ads on the platform—some only use TikTok to discover trends or keep an eye on their competitors. Among businesses that post both organic and sponsored content, 72% say organic TikTok content is extremely valuable to their company's overall marketing performance, while 55% say the same for ads.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
English (pdf)
SAMJ: South African Medical Journal
Print version ISSN 0256-9574
SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. vol.104 n.10 Pretoria Oct. 2014
Quality assurance in diabetic retinal screening in South Africa
S CookI; R T StaffII; K A GoatmanIII; J A OlsonIV
IMB BCh, FCS (Ophth) (SA). The Eye Centre, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa, and Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Umtata, Eastern Cape, South Africa
IIPhD. Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Scotland, UK
IIIPhD. School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
IVMD, FRCPE, FRCOphth; and the Scottish Diabetic Retinopathy Screening collaborative. School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. Retinal Screening, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Scotland, UK
BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an important biomarker for microvascular disease and blindness. Digital fundus photography is a cost-effective way of screening for DR. Access to DR screening is difficult for many South Africans with diabetes.
OBJECTIVE: To perform external quality assurance (EQA) on graders registered in the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa DR screening programme.
METHODS: Graders registered on the South African (SA) Diabetic Register website were invited to participate in the study. The Scottish EQA software system was used to enable on-line grading of 100 retinal photographs. Expert National Health Service graders provided the consensus expert grading for the image set.
RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-one participants completed the EQA process, including nine ophthalmologists, 243 optometrists, and nine other graders. A wide range of outcomes were demonstrated, with a mean sensitivity of 0.905 (range 0.286 - 1.000) and mean specificity of 0.507 (0.000 - 0.935). The mean diagnostic odds ratio was calculated to be 12.3 (range 0.147 - 148.2).
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first quality assurance study conducted with SA healthcare professionals. The outcomes are of interest to all stakeholders dealing with the diabetes epidemic. The disparity in grader performance indicates room for improvement. The results demonstrate a high referral rate to ophthalmology, suggesting that on average graders are performing safely, but with a high number of inappropriate referrals.
The incidence of diabetes is increasing globally. Africa is no exception: the number of adults with diabetes is expected to almost double by 2030 to 23.9 million.[1] Diabetes is clearly becoming a pressing public health problem for Africa, for which effective interventions are required in the near future to avert the anticipated health burden. One such intervention is the introduction of a diabetic retinal screening programme for the early detection of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and the prevention of blindness.
Studies estimating the impact of screening programmes in Europe have concluded that they achieved worthwhile health gains and substantial reductions in the incidence of new blindness due to DR.[2,3] The introduction of a European-style screening programme in the African context is unlikely in the near future. However, raising current screening expertise and fully exploiting the available technology has the potential for significant health gains.
DR screening in South Africa (SA) is done on an ad hoc and opportunistic basis by a spectrum of healthcare providers. These providers have invested in fundus camera technology capable of producing high-resolution retinal images. This technology is key to established screening programmes, and is core technology for national screening approaches elsewhere. The ability to acquire and record high-quality retinal images is, however, only the first step: effective interpretation is essential to any screening process. How that screening expertise is disseminated and maintained is a challenge for national and professional bodies that wish to address the increasing health burden.
The Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA) has developed a framework for a national Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme that can accommodate the many sectors in the healthcare environment. This includes traditional teaching methods such as lecturing and publication. A key part of this framework is a quality assurance process that will encourage ongoing learning and the monitoring of performance.
The Scottish External Quality Assurance (EQA) process is an internet-based assessment tool for the Scottish Diabetic Retinopathy Screening collaborative. The programme has been in place since 2007. It includes a compulsory twice-yearly procedure that involves all screeners working for the National Health Service in Scotland. Once completed and assessed, feature-based feedback is given to individual screeners and the lead person responsible at each screening site. The process involves each screener grading 100 retinal images. These grades are compared with a reference standard generated from the consensus of the expert graders, who are experienced ophthalmologists with a high level of proficiency in assessing retinal images. Longitudinal analysis of screener performance has shown that it significantly improves performance for all grades of screener.[4] It has enabled the service to assess individual screeners and sites, to identify strengths and weaknesses, and to improve quality.
Using this software, the current study assessed the performance of volunteer screeners in SA, by comparison with a group of expert graders from the Scottish service. We aimed to assess the feasibility of the EQA process in SA; to compare the performance of screening groups; and to identify potential improvements in the screening practice of individuals with a view to future personal and group feedback and training.
Screener recruitment
The Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme was advertised and promoted by a variety of means: conference presentations, personal contact, posters, and publications in the SAMJ and the Diabetic Register website (www.diabeticregister.co.za). The Diabetic Register is a closed user group site for healthcare professionals. Individuals who expressed an interest were invited to participate in the EQA process. The minimum requirements to take part in the study were access to the internet, an e-mail account, and an occupation with the requirement or opportunity for retinal screening. Those who indicated interest were sent a link to a web-based survey to establish their professional characteristics, e.g. post type, experience and workload (www.surveymonkey.com/s/B6B3BNC). Once the survey had been completed, a further link was sent explaining how to access the EQA site and carry out the EQA process. The site was open for data collection between November 2013 and January 2014. Technical support in grading was provided by a dedicated employee of the Eye Centre in East London, Eastern Cape, SA. Queries that could not be resolved locally were dealt with by the EQA experts in Scotland.
Running in parallel to this process, expert graders from the Scottish diabetic retinal screening service were asked to participate so as to provide an external consensus reference standard. These graders have all been part of the screening service for more than 5 years, have been tested regularly via the EQA process, have significant screening workloads, and have been shown to be high and consistent performers.
Image selection
The retinal images used in this study were selected by one of the authors (SC). Anonymised images were selected from the Eye Centre fundus photo database. There was no preselection for quality or level of retinopathy.
The EQA process
The EQA web-based software closely matches the feature-based grading system used in Scotland. The interface (Fig. 1) is compatible with all popular web browsers and consists of an image display on the left, together with controls for contrast, brightness, zoom and red-free colour display, a ruler for measuring the size of features, and a feature grading panel on the right-hand side. The number of times these controls were used was recorded for each screener, along with the time taken for grading all the images. Each grader was presented with the images in a different random order. Screeners were also allowed to use a 'sandbox' feature that enabled them to become familiar with the system by grading example images prior to grading the test images.
The software implements the Scottish grading scheme (http://www.ndrs-wp.scot.nhs.uk), summarised in Table 1. The retinopathy grades are derived automatically from the features the grader selects. There are eight possible grading outcomes: four of these outcomes require referral (M2, R3, R4 and R6), and two indicate more frequent review with a 6-month interval (M1 and R2). The remaining two categories (R0 and R1) result in re-screening in 12 months.
The promotion process generated interest from 398 individuals. These individuals accessed the survey site, filled in the questionnaire and gave permission for their data to be used. Two hundred and sixty-one participants gave all the information requested, and went on to register on the EQA site and complete the process. The characteristics of this group are shown in Table 2.
The nine expert graders achieved a consensus on the grading of 90 out of the 100 images. The responses to these images by each participant were used to assess the participant's performance. According to the expert external screeners, the 90 images were classified as follows: R0 - 22, R1 - 38, Ml -2, R2 - 0, R6 - 2, M2 - 13, R3 - 4, R4 - 9.
Fig. 2 shows the sensitivity and specificity of each participant in a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) diagram. Each circle represents a single participant. The squares represent the performance of the external expert graders. All graders were assessed using the consensus grades as the reference standard. The top left-hand corner indicates the best screener performance. The expert graders are shown as dark blue squares. The SA graders are represented as lighter blue circles. Note that the expert graders would be expected to perform better, as they each contributed to the standard.
There is a significant variation in the performance across all graders. For example, at one extreme, a grader detects just over 20% of cases, which would normally be referred to an eye clinic for ophthalmology assessment; while at the other, two graders have 0% specificity - i.e. they are sending everyone to the eye clinic. Table 3 shows the agreement (or lack thereof) between the participants and the external expert screeners. This table shows how images of each grade were graded: the grades along the top show the most serious retinopathy or maculopathy grade according to the standard. The leading diagonal (in bold italics) indicates exact agreement between the standard and the graders. Note that none of the images had a consensus grading of R2 (observable retinopathy) or R6 (technical failure, unassessable image). The bottom left-hand corner (in bold) indicates 'overgrading' according to the standard, and the top right-hand corner (in italics) indicates 'under-grading' of referable images. The numbers at the end of the rows and columns show the total number of grades in that row or column.
In general, these findings indicate a lack of specificity in those screeners who took part. The participating group was heterogeneous, with a range of experience, occupations and workloads. The following estimates of the performance for each group were calculated: the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) (Table 2). A comparison of the performance using the Metadisc software[5] found that the optometrist performance was inferior to the other two groups. Those who considered themselves experienced screeners performed better than the competent and the novice screeners. No difference was found to be associated with either the number of years of screening or workload.
In order to examine differences in screener behaviour, we ranked the participants in terms of performance (DOR) and divided them into three groups: low performers (DOR≤10.12, n=87), medium performers (10.12<DOR≤22.24, n=87) and high performers (22.24>DOR, n=87). Table 4 shows the time taken and the mean use of the red filter, the zoom and the ruler by each of these performance groups. The use of these tools by the external expert reference group is also included for comparison. Differences between the groups were tested using a oneway analysis of variance and a post hoc Tukey approach. It is clear from this table that the expert reference group took less time and used the tools more. In addition, within the tested groups, the more the tools were used the better the performance.
DR has been identified as a valuable biomarker for systemic risk of microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. With the publication of the Atherosclerosis Risk Study findings by Wong et al.[6] and the subsequent publication of the findings of the Japanese Diabetes Complications Study,[7] there has been a new appreciation of the importance of detecting any retinopathy. These studies demonstrated a significantly (approximately two times) increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke in the study groups. This has changed the emphasis of screening for DR from a blindness prevention initiative (detection of advanced retinopathy) to a primary healthcare initiative (detection of any retinopathy). The importance of a biomarker for systemic complications at primary healthcare level cannot be overstated, particularly in a resource-poor setting. DR provides such characteristics.
There has been a general decline in the provision of screening by GPs in SA. This is because GPs only have ready access to direct ophthalmoscopy, a technology that has low sensitivity,[8] even in the best hands, and is unpopular with patients because it requires the pupils to be dilated. In the ophthalmic world, fundus photography has transformed the ability to detect disease as well as creating a permanent digital record. Fundus photography rather than direct ophthalmoscopy will therefore probably become the standard of care for DR. Patient-friendly, good-quality fundus photography relies on image acquisition utilising non-mydriatic cameras. These are capitalintensive items that have not been available on a widespread basis in SA.
The OSSA DR programme has strived to lower the barriers to access to screening opportunities for people living with diabetes. OSSA has endorsed the use of nonophthalmologist graders to try to cope with the burden of disease. There is a widespread appreciation of the value of non-medical personnel as graders. These graders need the backing of a robust, scientific-quality assurance system. This initiative, coupled with optometrist interest, has seen the introduction of many new cameras into the SA healthcare market. A key public health issue has been to establish a responsible way of implementing quality assurance, encouraging participation and ongoing learning. Fundus photo screening is a new discipline in SA. This means that there is a wide range of levels of competence. A system of accreditation was required. This needed to be on an ongoing basis rather than a once-off pass/fail scenario. The system should encourage improvement over time. The Scottish EQA system has demonstrated these characteristics in the Scottish Diabetic Retinopathy Screening collaborative.
The Scottish Retinopathy Grading System was chosen for implementation in SA because of its simple, hierarchical grading of retinopathy characteristics. Simplicity and clear cut-offs for referrals are vital for management of DR. The inclusion of R2 with more frequent review at screening (primary) level is important for the public sector eye clinics, which are already swamped with blindness prevention work. The Scottish system and algorithm for referral has been moderated for the SA scenario to increase safety. The modifications are that any maculopathy (M1 or M2) is to be referred to ophthalmology, and the concept of systemic risk has been incorporated into the algorithm. This is particularly important in SA, where levels of control of diabetes and hypertension are generally very poor. The risk calculator developed by Prof. Einar Steffanson (www.risk.is) has been introduced for use in Africa (www.riskafrica. co.za). This enables non-medical graders to calculate risk and modify the review period for poor control.
The outcomes were significantly better for the ophthalmologist group than for the optometrist group. More experienced graders had higher scores than those with less time since qualifying and a lower level of perceived experience. No significant difference was noted in outcome between the different daily workload groups. The wide range of performance across the groups was larger than that observed in the first Scottish EQA in 2008.[4] It is expected that this will be reduced and overall performance be improved over repeated EQAs, as happened in Scotland.
Safety of non-ophthalmologist graders was a concern. The results show that this group tended to over-refer rather than under-refer. This was reassuring from a safety point of view, but it does mean that more cases than necessary would have been referred. Specificity will be the key aspect of training initiatives in order to address this. Furthermore, 12.6% of cases that should have been referred were not (compared with 4.6% calculated from the Scottish 2010 EQA round).
The time taken to complete the task was similar between the different performance groups. Use of the tools increased with performance, with the high-performance group making the most use of the red-free filter, zoom and ruler controls. After the EQA process was completed, individual feedback and results were given anonymously to each participant. The individual was able to see his or her outcome relative to the peer group. Our plan is to repeat this process on an annual basis, encouraging new participants and monitoring performance. This system is thought to be ideal for the SA environment, where many graders possess their own cameras and would respond better to a peer group-driven incentive to improve rather than an absolute pass/fail outcome.
This study has a number of weaknesses that should be addressed in future work. Not all grading groups were present in our test set. When selected, the imaging mix was thought to contain examples of all possible outcomes. However, consensus was not reached by the expert graders, so grade R2 was not represented in the study set. It is difficult to assess experience and training as a predictor of performance. One would expect the more experienced and better trained to have superior performance, as we have crudely shown in Table 2. However, a better, more refined assessment of these factors will inform where educational efforts could best be focused. In general, our sample is a self-selected group who have expressed an interest; how these findings can be applied to the broader population performing such screening processes is unclear, although we have no reason to expect that our sample is not representative.
The process was well supported by participants and was able to demonstrate safety and areas of weakness that require training. The next SA EQA is scheduled to run in November 2014.
Acknowledgements. The authors thank all the participants for their time and interest and the members of the Scottish Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Collaborative who acted as the external standard: Alison Bow, Anne Fairley, Anne Sinclair, Brian Power, Mohan Varikkara, Saileela Hanumanthu, Sonia Zachariah, Usha Zamvar and William Wykes.
1. Shaw JE, Sicree RA, Zimmet PZ. Global estimates of the prevalence of diabetes for 2010 and 2030. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2010;87(1):4-14. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2009.10.007] [ Links ]
2. Backlund L, Algvere P, Rosenqvist U. New blindness in diabetes reduced by more than one-third in Stockholm County. Diabet Med 1997;14(9):732-740. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1096-9136(199709)14:9<732::AID-DIA474>3.0.CO;2-J] [ Links ]
3. Ryder R. Screening for diabetic retinopathy in the 21st century. Diabet Med 1998;15(9):721-722. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1096-9136(199809)15:9<721::AID-DIA694>3.0.CO;2-B] [ Links ]
4. Go atm an KA, Philip S, Fleming AD, et aL External quality assurance for image grading in the Scottish Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme. Diabet Med 2012;29(6):776-783. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-5491.2011.03504.x] [ Links ]
5. Zamora J, Abraira V, Muriel A, et aL A software for meta-analysis of test accuracy data. BMC Med Res Methodol 2006;6:31. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-6-31] [ Links ]
6. Wong T, Klein R, Sharrett A, et al Diabetic retinopathy and risk of ischemic stroke: The atherosclerosis risk in communities study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2004;45(Suppl 2):U617-U617. [ Links ]
7. Kawasaki R, Tanaka S, Tanakas AS, et al.; Japan Diabetes Complications Study Group. Ophthalmology 2013;120(3):574-582. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2012.08.029. [ Links ]
8. Harding SP, Broadbent DM, Neoh C, White MC, Vora J. Sensitivity and specificity of photography and direct ophthalmoscopy in screening for sight threatening eye disease: The Liverpool Diabetic Eye Study. BMJ 1995;311(7013):1131-1135. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.311.7013.1131] [ Links ]
9. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Research Group. Grading diabetic retinopathy from stereoscopic color fundus photographs - an extension of the modified Airlie House classification: ETDRS Report Number 10. Ophthalmology 1991;98(5):786-806. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0161-6420(13)38012-9] [ Links ]
S Cook
(dr@eyecentre.co.za)
Accepted 20 August 2014
Block F, Castle Walk Corporate Park, Nossob Street, Erasmuskloof Ext. 3,,
Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA, 0181,
publishing@hmpg.co.za


text:
Global Director of Engagement & Communications
The Global Steering Group for Impact Investment is a bold organisation with an ambition to make impact investment mainstream in order that this becomes a key tool in addressing fundamental environmental and social challenges around the world on an unprecedented scale. We are small, nimble, ambitious and truly global. Based in London, and with staff in New Delhi and Paris, the GSG is chaired by Sir Ronald Cohen and brings together leaders from the worlds of business, finance, philanthropy and NGOs.
The Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG)
The Global Steering Group for Impact Investment is now hiring a Global Director of Engagement & Communications to devise and deliver an ambitious and focused engagement strategy to build on the current growth of impact investment.
You will be a dynamic influencer with extensive experience of building and leading innovative engagement and communications efforts that are both global and local in nature, speaking to stakeholders in a clear language and with relevant messages. You have devised successful campaigns, and have used your exceptional communication skills to translate complex concepts into clear and compelling messages. With exceptional leadership qualities, you thrive in an entrepreneurial environment, and are now looking to use your highly developed strategic abilities and expertise to achieve meaningful growth within the Impact Investment sector.
To learn more about this unique opportunity and to find out how to apply, please see the Appointment Brief on the Prospectus website which can be reached by clicking on the Apply button
Closing date: 8 April midnight UK time
Preliminary interviews:15 April – 6 May
GSG interviews:13 - 15 May
GSG Leadership Meeting: 20 - 21 May
GSG final interviews: 24 May
Please note only applications from those with a current right to work in the UK will be considered.
Interim Development Director
Head of Corporate Communications
£60,000 - 70,000pa
Interim Commercial Director
Senior Management Full Time jobs in London (Central)


text:
DOCUMENTS OF WEST INDIAN HISTORY, by Eric Williams
Click the button below to add the DOCUMENTS OF WEST INDIAN HISTORY, by Eric Williams to your wish list.
Dr. Eric Williams was Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 1961 until his death in 1981. He built his reputation as a historian as Professor of Political and Social Science at Howard University, before turning to active politic, founding the People's National movement and leading Trinidad and Tobago to independence in 1962. His other books include History of the People of Trinidad and Tobago; British Historians and the West Indies; Inward Hunger--the Education of a Primer Minister; From Columbus to Castro--the History of the Caribbean 1492-1969; The Negro in the Caribbean; Capitalism and Slavery. Dr. Williams left behind a tremendous legacy of his writings for the people of the Caribbean. His writings remain relevant today no only for the Caribbean but the entire world.
History, A & B Publishers Group
DOCUMENTS OF WEST INDIAN HISTORY by Dr.Eric Williams and Edward Scoble
EARLY ACHEBE, by Bernth Lindfors
EARLY BLACK SOUTH AFRICAN WRITING IN ENGLISH, Bernth Lindfors
DOWNFALL OF AN EMPEROR: Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and the Derg's Creeping Coup, by Michael Ghebrenegus Haile (HARDCOVER)


Biohazard contaminants should be considered very dangerous as they can pose a serious health risk. Sewer backups and flood water are two common biohazard scenarios that can affect homes and businesses. SERVPRO of Saginaw has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore this type of contamination.
Is it safe to stay in the house?
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences.
Flood water can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants.
Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.
Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
Don't use television or other household appliances.
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.
Biohazards like flood water or sewer backups should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Saginaw has water damage restoration specialists and has specific training and expertise to safely remediate biohazard contaminants.
A dirty HVAC system can circulate dust, dirt, allergens, odors and other contaminates.
Protect and extend the life of your carpet and upholstery with routine, professional cleaning.
Sewer backups may contain viruses, bacteria, and microbes and should be handled by a professional.


text:
Development consents and extraneous documents: the devil is in the detail
Planning, infrastructure and environment Property
In brief - In may be necessary to consider the source material on which a development consent was granted
If the terms of a development consent are unclear or ambiguous, a government authority or the Court on appeal may take into account reference material which is not identified in the development consent itself. This can have significant impacts on the commercial value of the consent.
Consent granted for a quarry
In 1979 a development consent was granted by Cessnock City Council for a quarry and associated infrastructure at a property at Allandale, NSW. The consent provided no conditions defining the precise size and location of the quarry within the confines of the property, although it did provide detailed conditions regulating the operation and construction of the quarry and the associated buildings and infrastructure.
Accompanying the original development application was a letter with further details - specifically, that the proposed maximum area for quarrying activities would be 40 hectares "as indicated in the diagram." The accompanying diagram contained a circle, with a notation stating a proposed quarrying area of 40 hectares.
Compulsory acquisition of the property by NSW Roads and Maritime Services
The NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) subsequently acquired the property via compulsory acquisition. The applicants - the dispossessed land owner and the lessee - argued for a property valuation based on an entitlement to relatively unlimited quarrying activities. RMS argued for a valuation based on quarrying activities limited to 40 hectares.
Should the development consent be considered on its own?
The primary issue for the Court in Quarry Products (Newcastle) Pty Limited and Allandale Blue Metal Pty Limited v Roads & Maritime Services (No.3) [2012] NSWLEC 57 was whether, in the absence of specific conditions dealing with scale, geographic location and volumetric limits of the quarry, it was possible to be guided by the documents accompanying the original development application, lodged 33 years earlier.
The applicants argued that the consent was complete and must be read and interpreted on its face. RMS argued that it was not possible to understand what development was approved by the terms of the consent alone and that it was necessary to consider the development application documents.
Decision of the Land and Environment Court
The decision may be summarised as follows:
When determining what has been approved, you primarily interpret the document constituting the approval. If the terms of the consent are clear, you may not look at extraneous documents to qualify or contradict the consent.
Where a development consent incorporates the development application or other documents expressly or by necessary implication, these documents may be relied upon to interpret the consent. This reliance extends only to the extent that these documents are actually incorporated into the consent.
The express incorporation of extraneous documents into a consent requires more than mere passing reference, but instead the use of words that would inform a "reasonable reader" that the other documents form part of the consent.
The incorporation of extraneous documents by way of "necessary implication" arises where the terms of the consent are not clear and are ambiguous.
Development consent could not be interpreted on its own
The Court found that the consent could not properly be construed alone, as it did not include "necessary and important details", such as the size and location of the quarry. These details were contained in the original development application documents, specifically the letter and the indicative plan.
The Court was satisfied that these documents were incorporated into the consent expressly (by virtue of the planning regime at the time) and also by "necessary implication" in order to rectify the ambiguity.
Implications of the Quarry Products decision
This decision raises two important issues. First, a development consent which is unclear or ambiguous in its terms or scope will not necessarily be construed liberally or expansively to the benefit of the landowner by government authorities or the Court on appeal.
Secondly, if there is any uncertainty in the terms of a development consent, it is necessary to consider the source material on which the consent was granted, irrespective of how many years the consent has been operational.
Obtaining an easement over the land of an uncooperative neighbour under section 88K
Seeking a court order imposing the easement if negotiations do not succeed
Checklist: What should your legal and physical due diligence involve?
What should your legal and physical due diligence involve?
Todd Neal Partner


The modern lifestyle has evolved in rhythm with the digital age, but the modern beverage business hasn't kept up. That's why, at BevNET Live Summer 2019, Iris Nova Founder & CEO Zak Normandin, will discuss technological solutions that beverage companies can use to gain an edge in the industry.
Iris Nova, the parent company of DIRTY LEMON and The Drug Store, has become a leader as a tech-enabled beverage company, launching on Instagram and capitalizing on connected shoppers by communicating the way they do — through texting. Normandin, meanwhile, has continued to disrupt the way CPG businesses launch, create and communicate. As an expert food and beverage product designer, he has reinvented the traditional retailing model by utilizing direct-to-consumer SMS-based ordering and delivery. DIRTY LEMON, a line of functional premium beverages, and The Drug Store, a cashierless retail concept based on the honor system, allow consumers to purchase beverages or ask questions by simply sending a text. This model has opened the door to a personalized two-way conversation, allowing for rapid product innovation, testing and feedback.
Focused on the way people, brands and technology interact, Normandin will look at both Iris Nova and outside businesses to show how technology can allow brands to overcome disconnects in marketing, sales, distribution, and other areas of the industry.
Joining him on stage will be two dozen more top speakers from the beverage industry, including Mike Repole, the co-founder of Bodyarmor and Vitaminwater, and Orion Melehen and Aaron Hinde, the co-founders of LifeAid. Also on the program are networking and sampling opportunities, such as the Beverage School startup session on June 11, and the New Beverage Showdown pitch competition.
Early registration savings end next week on Friday, April 26th! Register now to save $200 per ticket.


Warm water relaxes your body so you can get more in tune with it. Aqua Yoga & Dance is a Thursday afternoon, social event so you can explore moving in water to relax, stretch, and strengthen. Space is limited to the first few people each week. Subsequent guests can use their tickets for the following Thursday event. Bookmark this page to reference updates.
Space is limited to the first few who sign up each time.
Also, this is a social club, not a class.
Euphoric Sunday Morning Butterfly Kisses Vinyasa Flow!


text:
function Agendamento() {

  var clazz = {

    para: function(consulta) {
      var umDiaEmMillisegundo = 1000 * 60 * 60 * 24;
      var vindeDiasEmMillisegundos = umDiaEmMillisegundo * 20;

      var novaData = new Date(consulta.getData().getTime() + vindeDiasEmMillisegundos);
      while(novaData.getDay() == 0 || novaData.getDay() == 6) {
        novaData = new Date(novaData.getTime() + umDiaEmMillisegundo);
      }

      var novaConsulta = new Consulta(consulta.getNome(), consulta.getProcedimentos(), consulta.isParticular(), true, novaData);
      return novaConsulta;
    }

  };

  return clazz;

}


A topic you need to bring up when working with a provider of IT support in Suffolk is whether your backups will be available when you need them to be in case of a downtime, especially an unexpected one. Of course, the answer should be yes— and that's what you'll get when you ask the question. But how exactly can they assure you that? Is there a way to know?
To ensure backups work when they need to, your provider and you should do rigorous testing. You should test if they automatically go up in case of a disaster, if they quickly restore lost data, if they shorten outages, and if they retain all information without loss of any kind.
A successful backup feedback just means the data has been backed up with no major problems. But is it the right data? To make sure you're backing up the data you actually want, your provider should use a solution that backs up all or most files unless you choose not to. If there's anything you want to exclude, you have to specifically choose those folders, ensuring that everything important is saved by default.
Backing up files is not as simple as clicking on a button. That's not how it is at all (though it would be great if it were). Even user-friendly solutions can be confusing to navigate, especially when you don't have much experience in data restoration. It's best for an expert to handle it, such as a provider of IT support in Suffolk.
Start with some photos to see how good your backups are. Because photos are visual, it takes only a few glances or so to determine if there's any loss in quality. Sometimes, it takes just one look! Text files are a different matter. You'll have to at least skim through them to see if there's anything missing. But if the initial test works fine, check a few random files to see if it still works just as well with other file formats.
Although it's not quite feasible to test all possible cases, covering the most probable ones will help you prepare for emergencies. This, try out different scenarios and see how your backups behave in each one. Is there data loss? If yes, is it partial or full? Is it loss in terms of quality or quantity? Does it affect multiple files or a chunk of one? Both automatic and manual testing methods are beneficial in disaster preparedness.
For a reliable and trusted provider of IT support in Suffolk, we at Total Technology Solutions are happy to help. We offer a broad range of services— one of the broadest in the industry, in fact. One of our specialties is ensuring business continuity regardless of the emergency. Contact us today for more information on our services.


Here's the thing about change—it happens.
In the world we live in, it not only happens, but it happens rapidly, constantly, and dramatically. The truth is, in terms of externally actuated change, there's not a lot we can do about it other than decide how we will choose to engage and dance with it.
All too often, we perceive change as a threat. It disrupts our flow, asks us to adopt and master new practices, and leaves the door open to uncertainties that we are not so certain we can effectively manage.
We find ourselves in a competitive environment that thrives on continuous and disruptive innovation. And, innovation is change. If we resist and retrench, opportunities are lost and horizons of possibility restricted. If we develop our capacity to see and engage with change as a gateway to innovation, we open to a world of infinite possibility.
Curiously enough, this pull between protecting what is and extending toward continuous innovation defines a push-pull dynamic that parallels the core dilemma we described in our lives outside work—we are drawn to change, and we are resistant to change.
Keep this pull in mind, during whatever changes you might be undergoing!


text:
package org.apache.geode.internal.cache.execute;

import static org.apache.geode.cache.RegionShortcut.PARTITION;
import static org.apache.geode.cache.RegionShortcut.REPLICATE;
import static org.apache.geode.distributed.ConfigurationProperties.LOCATORS;
import static org.apache.geode.distributed.ConfigurationProperties.MCAST_PORT;
import static org.apache.geode.distributed.ConfigurationProperties.SERIALIZABLE_OBJECT_FILTER;
import static org.apache.geode.util.internal.UncheckedUtils.uncheckedCast;
import static org.assertj.core.api.Assertions.assertThat;

import java.util.Collection;
import java.util.HashSet;
import java.util.Properties;
import java.util.Set;
import java.util.function.Function;

import org.junit.After;
import org.junit.Before;
import org.junit.Test;
import org.junit.experimental.categories.Category;

import org.apache.geode.cache.CacheFactory;
import org.apache.geode.cache.Region;
import org.apache.geode.cache.execute.FunctionContext;
import org.apache.geode.cache.execute.RegionFunctionContext;
import org.apache.geode.cache.execute.ResultCollector;
import org.apache.geode.cache.partition.PartitionRegionHelper;
import org.apache.geode.distributed.internal.DistributionManager;
import org.apache.geode.distributed.internal.LonerDistributionManager;
import org.apache.geode.internal.cache.InternalCache;
import org.apache.geode.internal.cache.execute.util.TypedFunctionService;
import org.apache.geode.test.junit.categories.FunctionServiceTest;

/**
 * This tests make sure that, in case of LonerDistributedSystem we don't get ClassCast Exception.
 * Just making sure that the function executed on lonerDistributedSystem.
 *
 * <p>
 * Regression test for bug: If invoked from LonerDistributedSystem, FunctionService.onMembers()
 * throws ClassCastException
 */
@Category(FunctionServiceTest.class)
@SuppressWarnings("serial")
public class FunctionExecutionOnLonerRegressionTest {

  private InternalCache cache;

  private Set<String> keysForGet;
  private Set<String> expectedValues;

  @Before
  public void setUp() {
    cache = (InternalCache) new CacheFactory(getDistributedSystemProperties()).create();
  }

  @After
  public void tearDown() {
    cache.close();
  }

  @Test
  public void precondition_isLonerDistributionManager() {
    DistributionManager distributionManager = cache.getDistributionManager();

    assertThat(distributionManager).isInstanceOf(LonerDistributionManager.class);
  }

  @Test
  public void executeFunctionOnLonerWithPartitionedRegionShouldNotThrowClassCastException() {
    Region<String, String> region = cache
        .<String, String>createRegionFactory(PARTITION)
        .create("region");

    populateRegion(region);

    ResultCollector<Collection<String>, Collection<String>> resultCollector = TypedFunctionService
        .<Void, Collection<String>, Collection<String>>onRegion(region)
        .withFilter(keysForGet)
        .execute(new TestFunction(DataSetSupplier.PARTITIONED));

    assertThat(resultCollector.getResult())
        .containsExactlyInAnyOrder(expectedValues.toArray(new String[0]));
  }

  @Test
  public void executeFunctionOnLonerWithReplicateRegionShouldNotThrowClassCastException() {
    Region<String, String> region = cache
        .<String, String>createRegionFactory(REPLICATE)
        .create("region");

    populateRegion(region);

    ResultCollector<Collection<String>, Collection<String>> resultCollector = TypedFunctionService
        .<Void, Collection<String>, Collection<String>>onRegion(region)
        .withFilter(keysForGet)
        .execute(new TestFunction(DataSetSupplier.REPLICATE));

    assertThat(resultCollector.getResult())
        .containsExactlyInAnyOrder(expectedValues.toArray(new String[0]));
  }

  private Properties getDistributedSystemProperties() {
    Properties config = new Properties();
    config.setProperty(MCAST_PORT, "0");
    config.setProperty(LOCATORS, "");
    config.setProperty(SERIALIZABLE_OBJECT_FILTER,
        "org.apache.geode.test.junit.rules.**;org.apache.geode.internal.cache.execute.**;org.apache.geode.internal.cache.functions.**;org.apache.geode.test.dunit.**");
    return config;
  }

  private void populateRegion(Region<String, String> region) {
    keysForGet = new HashSet<>();
    expectedValues = new HashSet<>();

    for (int i = 0; i < 20; i++) {
      String key = "KEY_" + i;
      String value = "VALUE_" + i;

      region.put(key, value);

      if (i == 4 || i == 7 || i == 9) {
        keysForGet.add(key);
        expectedValues.add(value);
      }
    }
  }

  private enum DataSetSupplier {
    PARTITIONED(PartitionRegionHelper::getLocalDataForContext),
    REPLICATE(RegionFunctionContext::getDataSet);

    private final Function<RegionFunctionContext, Region<String, String>> dataSet;

    DataSetSupplier(Function<RegionFunctionContext, Region<String, String>> dataSet) {

      this.dataSet = dataSet;
    }

    Region<String, String> dataSet(RegionFunctionContext context) {
      return dataSet.apply(context);
    }
  }

  private static class TestFunction implements org.apache.geode.cache.execute.Function<String> {

    private final DataSetSupplier dataSetSupplier;

    private TestFunction(DataSetSupplier dataSetSupplier) {
      this.dataSetSupplier = dataSetSupplier;
    }

    @Override
    public void execute(FunctionContext<String> context) {
      RegionFunctionContext regionFunctionContext = (RegionFunctionContext) context;
      Set<String> keys = uncheckedCast(regionFunctionContext.getFilter());
      String lastKey = keys.iterator().next();
      keys.remove(lastKey);

      Region<String, String> region = dataSetSupplier.dataSet(regionFunctionContext);

      for (String key : keys) {
        context.getResultSender().sendResult(region.get(key));
      }

      context.getResultSender().lastResult(region.get(lastKey));
    }

    @Override
    public String getId() {
      return getClass().getName();
    }
  }
}


Backed by a team of highly diligent & dexterous professionals, we are offering a reliable set of Cooling Tower Construction services to the clients. Offered cooling towers are designed & developed by our civil engineers in accordance with the international construction standards. Also, while executing construction work our professionals follow international industrial standards for construction. To attain the utmost satisfaction of the clients, we render offered services keeping clients specific requirements in mind. Further, to meet the exact requirements of the customers, we execute all the undertaken projects keeping their requirements in mind.
We have attained proficiency in rendering a wide set of Ground Water Storage Construction services. Clients acclaim our services for their reliable, flexible, personalized approach and on-time completion. Furthermore, our professionals dexterously design these buildings, keeping in mind the needs of various sugar mill entrepreneurs, who store water in their setup. We ensure that the tank is constructed using finest grade construction material and advanced technology, further ensuring its designing in accordance with the international quality standards.
We hold vast experience and in-depth knowledge of this domain, which enables us to offer reliable construction services of Treatment Plants. Bestowed by a team of highly experienced civil engineers, we construct water treatment plants in accordance with the international quality standards and norms. In this, we offer Water Treatment Plant Construction and Effluent Treatment Plant services.
We are counted among the renowned service providers who execute unmatched Machine Foundation Work. The services that we render are executed as per the defined industry standards and norms, ensuring proper functioning of the heavy duty industries. Machine Foundation Work, Machine Foundation Construction and Pile Foundation are the projects that can be proficiently handled by us. All the services that we render are carried forward by a pool of sedulous professionals who ensure that these meet clients' industry specific requirements.
With the support of knowledgeable professionals and engineers, we have been able to provide services related to Residential Building Construction to our most valued clients. The buildings we construct are designed and made under the guidance of civil engineers who execute the projects as per prevailing industry standards. Entire area is used in a justified manner while constructing a multistory building. Moreover, it the duty of our professionals to provide essential amenities to the residents, thus making their living easy and comfortable.
Our organization is engaged in undertaking Commercial Building Construction works. The showrooms we construct are uniquely designed as per the prevailing industry trends and norms, suiting preferred choices of the patrons. Assisted by a pool of knowledgeable architects, we possess ability to bring clients' vision into reality. In addition to this, we ensure that premium-grade material is used during the execution process, which is sourced from trusted market vendors.


It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our Mom, Lois Cooper (Wheaton) on July 11, 2018, at the Oyster Harbour Seniors Community.
Lois was predeceased by her parents Chauncey Wheaton and Nancy Perny Pennell. She is survived by her husband, Bruce; sons, Drew and Jeff (Sandra Lauscher); 3 grandchildren, Sheila (Doug), Cassandra, Anastasia; and 3 great grandchildren Carys, Dylan, Hunter. Lois and Bruce would have been married 62 years on August 25, 2018. Lois was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan.
She had 2 brothers, Norman Ward Wheaton (passed June 1954) and Ellis Gordon Wheaton. Lois worked as a Home Economics Teacher for a while. The rest of the time Lois was a stay-at- home mom. She loved gardening and weaving. Lois also did a lot of volunteer work for different organizations in Ladysmith. She always found the good in everyone. The greatest job of all was being our Mom and Grandma.
The family would like to extend their profound thanks to the Oyster Harbour Seniors Community staff, to Dr. Kennedy and Claire, and all the other doctors and nurses who cared for mom.
Special thanks to mom's friends and family who came to see mom before her journey to heaven.


The University of Georgia Quizbowl team will be hosting our Third Classic City Classic on the campus of the University of Georgia on Saturday, December 6th.
My name is Tim Boughey and I will be serving as Tournament Director. Questions will be house written and should be around the difficulty of last year's spring tournament. The distribution is basically typical mACF (albeit with some computational math thrown in), questions should be around 4-5 lines long, and we're definitely up for mirroring these questions anywhere else that needs a fresh set. Chris Chiego, Jonathan Okon and Steven Hanley will be serving as our main editors for this house written tournament.
Teams 150+ miles away should contact us about possible travel discounts.
To register, simply send us an email at uga.quizbowl@gmail.com with your school's name, contact info, number of teams, and number of buzzers/workers. If you have any other questions, please feel free to send us an email as well.
Thanks for your interest in the earlier October date. We look forward to having a large turnout this year.
I have listed teams that have e-mailed concrete confirmations for this tournament.
Please e-mail uga.quizbowl@uga.edu if you are attending and not on this list.
LOCATION/TIME: The Fifth floor of the Journalism Building, where we usually host, with registration from 8:45 to 9:15 and play beginning as close to 9:30 as possible.
DIRECTIONS: Athens can be a kind of confusing place to navigate around, so here are instructions for teams once you get on the Perimeter Loop (SR 10) that circles Athens. If you're coming from the West (SR 316) or South (US 129), take the loop to the EAST (right) until you get to the College Station Rd. exit and turn left onto College Station Rd. If you're coming from the North (US 441, from I-85), take the loop to the SOUTHEAST (left) until you get to College Station Rd. and take the exit to the right onto College Station rd. Once on College Station Rd., cross the railroad tracks and take a right onto East Campus Road. Follow East Campus past the stadium and up a hill; just past the crest of the hill, turn left onto Hooper Rd. and then take an immediate right into the parking lot (the gates will be up since it's Saturday). Park here and you have the best access to the center of campus. The large brick building immediately adjacent to the lot is Psychology; keep walking past Psychology (away from East Campus Rd.) and the next big building (which is partially attached to Psychology) is Journalism.
Last edited by Esane on Tue Dec 02, 2008 11:35 am, edited 2 times in total.
Does this mean it is not V and JV, just varsity? Is there a possibility of cancellation?
jburnsOHS wrote: Does this mean it is not V and JV, just varsity? Is there a possibility of cancellation?
There are schools bringing JV and Varsity teams. What we usually do for our Winter tournament is have a general round robin format and then for the playoffs we seed into JV and Varsity brackets.
I doubt there will be a cancellation.Confirmations have also been slower due to the Thanksgiving holiday. I am continuously updating the field information.
Will you keep with the general round robin if you have more than 8-10 teams, or move to 2 divisions and bracketed playoffs?
Isn't getting the ability to play more questions and learn more something good? In fact, I think I'm going to say that if you have a format that maximizes that while still fairly determining a winner, then that format should be given priority over formats that don't do that but still fairly determine a winner.
I'm with Charlie. First priority should be getting as many rounds used as possible. (Of course, it's possible that you'll need tiebreaker packets at various point, but every packet should be used in some capacity).
Agreed Charlie. (BTW, good luck against Oklahoma this weekend - y'all will need it.) Playing more quiz bowl is, of course, preferable to playing less quiz bowl, but that is not what I was asking about or arguing for. I asked how the playoffs were going to work based on the number of teams in attendance and how many rounds of questions they had to use.
I disagree with your statement Andrew - the first priority of any good tournament is not to use the most packets; it should be to fairly determine the winner - there are myriad ways to accomplish this feat, but it is the most basic task of any tournament of quality. If you use 9 rounds to fairly determine which team is the winner, then you have accomplished your main goal. If it takes you 12 packets, so be it. The point is, determine the winner in fair manner - the number of packets used should never take precedent over this single point.
If there are 10 or fewer teams at UGA and a complete round robin is played with one team running the table, that team should be the winner - clearly they were the best if they went undefeated against all the other teams. You don't need to play more rounds to figure that out, do you? If there is a tie, then you look at head-to-head. Whoever won the head-to-head match is the winner.
Right, I agree wholly with the point that you shouldn't create a bizarre, potentially unfair format just to make sure everyone plays all the packets you wrote. If you have 12 packets but the only way to fairly determine the winner given the number of teams you have involves 10 or 11 packets, then so be it, you now have some backup packets in case of emergency and some leftovers for teams to practice on in the future. However, if your alternatives are a format that fairly determines the winner after 7 rounds and a format that fairly determines the winner after 10 rounds (and you have the packets), I would always pick the 10 round option (I'm just using arbitrary numbers here).
elrountree wrote: If there are 10 or fewer teams at UGA and a complete round robin is played with one team running the table, that team should be the winner - clearly they were the best if they went undefeated against all the other teams. You don't need to play more rounds to figure that out, do you? If there is a tie, then you look at head-to-head. Whoever won the head-to-head match is the winner.
Um, this is inherently not fair. In a full round robin, if there is a tie, you use PPG. PPG has a sample size of all games, while head-to-head has a sample size of one game. Which one is more fair?
Yeah, a tournament should certainly try to be fair first. I should actually listen to what I write!
The argument you're making here is dogmatic and unsupported. It also happens to be badly wrong: head-to-head is not inherently unfair. The conventional wisdom is that head-to-head is less fair than a differential statistic with a large sample size. While that's an argument that I buy (and, actually, one that I had a hand in framing in this context) it's not necessarily the case: all else equal, head-to-head is more predictive, but is subject to greater fluctuation due to smaller sample size, while something like PPG differential has a much lower fluctuation, but is less predictive. Consequently, unless I've missed something (which I doubt) nobody has any basis for telling a tournament to necessarily not use head-to-head in the way you're attempting to.
PS: To head off an argument that I suspect will follow, using PPG differential is double-counting every game, which is no less or more fair in-and-of itself than double counting a single game.
PPS: Actually, someone should measure the accuracy of these tiebreakers. Tournament have multiple matchups often enough that we should be able to. Anyone interested?
Well argued Mike - your knowledge of statistical analysis is far better than mine.
I had a mental lapse and mentioned a double round-robin, Elliott. What I meant to say was that we would play a single round-robin and then reseed for possible playoffs if necessary between JV and Varsity teams. We certainly will have enough question to accommodate tie-breakers and playoff rounds if necessary.
elrountree wrote: Will you keep with the general round robin if you have more than 8-10 teams, or move to 2 divisions and bracketed playoffs?
And, I agree. We all enjoy quiz bowl, but a double round-robin would be a bit much in terms a sheer time taken. We do however, have enough questions to field any teams above 10 who might happen to show up without confirming before-hand; And, we have everything taken care of in terms of logistically setting up matches for any field size we might encounter.
There's just so many anti-head-to-head arguments to choose from, that's it's not necessary to bring them all up in every thread where it's proposed. Here's one I'll mention today: head-to-head rewards losing to the inferior team.
Team B lost to an 8-2 team that's not even good enough to be in the tie. Should we punish Team A for suffering its one loss to Team B, who is clearly better than Team C by our win-loss metric, and reward Team B for losing to someone who has 2 losses instead of losing to its equal opponent? No, we shouldn't.
The use of win-loss record alone has produced a tie. The W-L performance, or a section thereof, cannot be called up again to break the tie. We must either go to some other statistic (PPG) or play the tie off.
Of course we'll go along with whatever you guys decide for Saturday, BUT puhlease do NOT subject us to any matches past a true round robin. (I am assuming a small field of no more than 10 teams.) Elliott is right and our Georgia tradition is to use head-to-head as tiebreaker #1 and points as tiebreaker #2 in a true round robin situation.
Ah, everyone seems to have forgotten that tradition is always correct. Silly us!
Rob Carson means that at some level the explanation for every action must be reducible to the form that the preconditions for its manifestations must have tended to enhance the reproduction of the actor's ancestors.
Thanks for your "helpful" commentary. It is always good to know that a person or two in MInnesota care about what we do in Georgia.
I will say that the debate about head-to-head versus ppg in round robin tiebreakers was argued vociferously many years ago in Georgia. Over time, we gained a consensus that head-to-head was preferrable. It was the same with pyramidal tossups here.
Admin: User was banned for this post for 2 days for making a "you can't understand things because you're from a different region" non-argument, which is explicitly forbidden by the rules.
You're "welcome"! I care about promoting good quizbowl everywhere.
jrbarry wrote: I will say that the debate about head-to-head versus ppg in round robin tiebreakers was argued vociferously many years ago in Georgia.
The problem is that while your idea of head to head being superior could be valid, the way it's established is not. Just because something was decided in the 1980s (or 70s, or 60s, etc.) does not make it right or wrong. If you want to enter into a discussion of head-to-head vs. total ppg vs. other tiebreakers*, please do so while using reasoning that defends the ideas of head-to-head tiebreakers rather than the decision process that lead to the establishment of head-to-head tiebreakers as the status quo in Georgia "back in the day".
*Which I truly hope you do, because I think seeing your ideas side by side with others will help educate those who are fairly undecided on it, such as myself.
Edit: Also, yes, it's not entirely uncommon for people to care about the quality and state of quiz bowl outside of their immediate area!
I'm just sorry that I had a momentary lapse of judgment by typing "double round-robin" and sparking this whole debate. I think everyone will be pleased with the content and format of the tournament.
jrbarry wrote: Thanks for your "helpful" commentary. It is always good to know that a person or two in MInnesota care about what we do in Georgia.
No, no; thanks for your "helpful" "commentary!" It's good to know that this Illinoisan won't have to deal with your arguments for a couple days!
Thanks for the clarification. We certainly want to play the rounds you guys have taken the time to produce (as long as that results in a winner determined in a fair manner.) For instance, if we play a single round-robin and Team A is 9-0 while Team B is 8-1, I do not see the point in playing more games just for the sake of playing more games - you can name Team A the winner and you will hear no complaints from us (or anyone else at the tournament for that matter).
In your hypothetical Team A-D scenario, Teams C and D are immediately taken out of the discussion of determining the winner as they lost 2 and 3 times more games, respectively, as Team A and B. Once you are down to 2 teams, head-to-head is a fair determiner of who should be declared the winner. Thus, Team B would be declared the winner as they defeated Team A. However, since you mentioned a playoff in your scenario to break the tie - and assuming the tournament has another round or two of questions - I am guessing you would only include Teams A and B in the playoff, correct? If you did, would you play a single game tie-breaker, or give Team B a 1 game advantage even though they have the same record as Team A? Of course,if your hypothetical scenario had a 3-team tie at 9-1, and each 9-1 team had beaten the other 9-1 team, you could certainly use PPG or some other metric to break the tie, and you would be fair in doing so.
We greatly appreciate your insights. Thanks!
elrountree wrote: Once you are down to 2 teams, head-to-head is a fair determiner of who should be declared the winner. Thus, Team B would be declared the winner as they defeated Team A.
Well, I think you've missed Matt's argument here: he's saying that head-to-head seems unfair because, in his scenario (which happens all the time,) it rewards Team B for having lost to the apparently softer team rather than the harder one, and effectively places the entire outcome of the tournament on a game between a contending team and a non-contending one, both of which which are unreasonable and undesirable. However, one can present a congruent argument against using something like PPG differential instead of head-to-head: supposing Team A holds a PPG differential over Team B, the PPG differential then rewards Team A for playing well against apparently softer teams and nearly ignores the fact of Team A's having lost to the other best team, which is irrational, too. We can get away from this by using PPB differential, which is opponent-independent to a high degree of approximation, but that introduces other problems, for example that PPB is probably a weaker correlate to actual game performance. So, there's no theoretically perfect tiebreaker: one can present arguments of about equal strength against any of them*.
Anyway, the upshot of all this, I think, is that any such tiebreaker isn't really fair for declaring a champion or kicking someone out of the playoffs or something; you should use a playoff game to figure that out. Obviously, if you don't want to or can't and your field doesn't care, I can't make you, but it's clear that's what's right.
*I've started this thread to see if we can't figure out which common tiebreaker is the best using actual data. We'll see if that project makes any headway; you're welcome to contribute any data you might have.
Do we have a field update coming, or are the 8 teams you have already posted going to be the final field? Also, given all the discussion on this thread about round-robins, playoffs, tie-breakers, etc., have y'all determined a final schedule for the tournament? If so, could you let me know? (If you prefer to email me directly, my email address is below.) Thanks!
This is still the most up to date, confirmed team list. Although, we are still accepting confirmations and/or signups for any teams that don't appear here.
elrountree wrote: Also, given all the discussion on this thread about round-robins, playoffs, tie-breakers, etc., have y'all determined a final schedule for the tournament? If so, could you let me know?
It will most likely be the single round-robin with PPG as a tie breaker. Like I said before, we have enough space and questions to accommodate just about anything.
Partial results I heard from Chattahoochee: CHS A going undefeated with Brookwood taking second and CHS B losing to those teams for, presumably, third.
I also had a CHS player wondering if stats were kept and will be posted, as individual stats were apparently kept during the tournament but no prizes/acknowledgements were doled out.
AdamL wrote: Any update on this?
Results will be posted. We're having a bit of a problem with our webspace at the moment.
We also have individual stats to post. I should have those up by tomorrow depending on our webspace situation.


text:
Return to: Naval Air Facility Atsugi
Return to: Commander, Navy Region Japan
Safety-Navy Occupational Safety and Health (NAVOSH), POV SOFA Licensing, Explosives Safety
About Fleet & Family Readiness
Atsugi Ombudsman
Housing & Lodging
Boarding Kennel
Liberty Programs
MWR Events
FFSC Support Services
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR)
HSM 51 Change of Command Ceremony
Exceptional Care for Exceptional Family Members
Hidden Challenges at Camp Fuji
Change of Command Ceremony at HSM-77
Built to Scare: Seabees' Mess Hosts Haunted House
FOOD, FUN, FITNESS: MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION
Road Tax Collection 2019
Cherry Blossom Viewing
Month of the Military Child Parade 2019
Captain Lloyd B. Mack Interview
Spring Fest 2019
A cake cutting ceremony in NAF Atsugi
An Interview with NAFA's New Command Master Chief, Command Master Chief, Daniel J. Irwin
Your New Financial Manager
AIMD Atsugi Sailor Awarded CPPA of the Year
NAF Atsugi holds WWI armistice centennial ceremony
Made fit to lead: Atsugi Certifies New Command Fitness Leaders
Waste Water Treatment Plant Tour
Military Working Dog Training
Laying the Keel: Atsugi Kicks off Sailor 360
NAF Atsugi holds National American Indian Heritage Month ceremony
Terao Elementary School Visit
Friendship Through Sports
7th Fleet Band at Ayase International Festival
NAF Atsugi K9 Teams Conduct Joint Training
NAF Atsugi participates in JMSDF Mochi-Tsuki event
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE: NAF ATSUGI PROMOTES EARTH WEEK
More Than Just Family Photos
An Interview with NAFA's New Executive Officer, Commander David A. Orlosky
HSM-51 PHOTEX
In front of the grave of Captain Thomas: The strong bond between JMSDF and USN
SPRINGFEST
NAF Atsugi holds 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
VCNO & MCPON Visit NAF Atsugi
8th Annual Tomodachi Bowl
Retreat from stress: Mini-vacations through CREDO
In fron of the grave of Captain Thomas: The strong bond between JMSDF and USN
Change of Command held at Commander Task Force 72 / Commander Fleet Air Western Pacific
Naval Air Facility Atsugi > News > In fron of the grave of Captain Thomas: The strong bond between JMSDF and USN
Captain Lloyd B. "Chilly" Mack, USN
Commander David A. Orlosky, USN
CMDCM Daniel J. Irwin, USN
Commander Fleet Air Western Pacific
CVW-5
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Navy Gateway Inns and Suites
Must Know Information
Story and photos courtesy JMSDF Rear ADM. Akira Saito
On the afternoon of Nov. 9th, 2018, it is a fine and serene autumn day at the El Camino Memorial in San Diego. On a small hill located approximately 15 km north of San Diego, lies the grave of the late Marshall F. Thompson, who served as a Commanding Officer of USS Walke, decommissioned in 1974.
I have been wishing to pay a visit to his grave since I read an article about the heartwarming story of Ms. Mitoko Yamachi's interaction with USS Walke crew in Sasebo 67 years ago. Her parents died when the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, after which she was orphaned at the age of 8 and adopted by her uncle in Sasebo. She was a junior high school student when USS Walke entered Sasebo for repair after striking an enemy floating mine 60 miles off the coast of Korea in June 1951, which resulted in 26 dead and 40 injured. During the repair period, Captain Thompson, then Commanding Officer of USS Walke borrowed a playground next to the dock.
Playing baseball and interacting with junior high school students healed their mental damage. In addition, several crew members such as Captain Thompson volunteered themselves to teach English during the conversation class. After the USS Walke crew members learned about Mitoko's background as an "atomic bomb orphan", they went out of their way to donate some pocket money to present her with scholarship money. The money was entrusted to a bank and sent to her over the following 5 years. Thanks to their financial support, she was able to go high school and went to the Red Cross nursing school in Tokyo. After graduation from the nursing school, she served as a nurse to contribute to society until her retirement in 1996.
In the pre-digital communication age, they lost touch after several moves on each side. But on a day in March 1993, Ms. Yamachi received a letter from a Japanese-American lady living in San Diego. The letter said that Captain Thompson was looking for Ms. Yamachi. In fact, Ms. Yamachi had sent many letters to Captain Thompson, but they came back marked "address unknown". In the meantime, Captain Thompson made various efforts to obtain her address such as inquiring at the Japan Consulate in the U.S. Eventually, thanks to support by the Japanese-American woman Captain Thompson met by chance in a park in San Diego, he succeeded in sending a letter to her.
In August of the year she received letter, she and her husband visited San Diego and enjoyed an emotional reunion with Captain Thompson and the old Walke crew members. That's when she, for the first time, learned that in June 1951, Walke had struck an enemy floating mine off the coast of Korea, leaving 26 dead and 40 injured, that the crew overcame their PTSD through playing baseball and other interactions with her junior high school classmates.
In his interviews with media, Captain Thompson said, "We did not help Mitoko by paying for her scholarship. In fact, she is the one who helped us. She had been orphaned and yet, she was always there to cheer up the dispirited officers with a smile."
Since then, she and her husband attend the Walke reunion every year. JMSDF invited Captain Thompson to the JMSDF training ship Kashima when the ship called on the San Diego port in 1999 and 2000. This October, I had a precious opportunity to make a presentation to USN reservists and introduce this heartwarming story to them. The JMSDF and USN have overcome many challenges and have fostered a strong friendship.
Sixty seven years ago, the USS Walke crew members gave a hand to a junior high school student, and a similar "gene" has been passed down through the US Navy to this day. As you are well aware, the "gene" was demonstrated in Operation Tomodachi, conducted after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. I renewed my feeling that the spirit of mutual support is the very foundation of the Japan-U.S. alliance. As the epitaph on Captain Thompson's grave is "He will live in our hearts forever", so the goodwill of Captain Thompson and USS Walke crew members lives in our Japanese hearts all the time.
Lastly, I would like to extend my appreciation to the personnel of the Japan Embassy in the U.S. and other people who provided enormous support for my visit to Captain Thompson's grave.
PSC 477 BOX 9
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When performing layer 2 bridging the Barracuda CloudGen Firewall will be completely transparent to the user. The interface is not assigned an IP address and can not be directly contacted by the user in the bridged networks. Traffic passing through the layer 2 bridge will retain it's original MAC address with the bridge acting as a proxy ARP in the middle. Since the bridged network interface do not have an IP address you will need to use a separate interface to locally administer the Barracuda CloudGen Firewall. You can define multiple bridging groups on one interface. Traffic between the interface groups is forwarded on layer 3. Define a pass and a broad-multicast access rule for each bridge interface group.
The bridge can only be used for IPv4 based protocols.
Propagation List – Enter the propagation interface or IP address(es). For more information, see How to Create a Broad-Multicast Access Rule.


The Apple iPhone 6S will be unveiled on September 9!
You are here: GeekSays Technology News » Apple » iPhone News » The Apple iPhone 6S will be unveiled on September 9!
Finally, they did it. Today, Apple started sending media invites for their special event, scheduled for September 9 and taking place at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, in San Francisco. Of course, the main attraction will be the manufacturer's new smartphone, the iPhone 6S, but it seems that these guys will have way more to show.
Could this be Apple's biggest event?
The location is a very interesting pick, as it can host way more people – 7000 – than the regular venues used by Apple to host its events, the Yerba Buena Center or the Cupertino Flint Center.
Using the tagline "Hey Siri, give us a hint.", the invites are…well, hinting to the fact that Apple's voice assistant will play a very important role in the launch event. According to Apple Insider, beside the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, we might see the new Apple TV, with Siri integrated, and a redesigned controller, with a touchpad. But we're way more interested in the smartphone, right? Right.
One of the most interesting features of the new iPhone will definitely be Force Touch, the pressure-sensitive input method, already used by two of the company's device, the Apple Watch and the new MacBook.
Besides this, there have been a lot of rumors lately about the new iPhones will finally make the jump to 2 GB of RAM, alongside the Apple A9 processor. Also, the phone will be lighter, since the material used for manufacturing them will be a new aluminum alloy, containing zinc.
Finally, both the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus could feature a 12 MP camera, able to shoot 4K videos, while the front-facing snapper is rumored to team up with a flash, for the ultimate selfie.
Of course, we cannot forget about the new color option, rose gold, which will extend the portfolio to four models, alongside the space gray, white and gold.
So, who's planning to get the new iPhone 6S or 6S Plus, as soon as they're going to make their debut?


The Mid-Career Network encompasses a community of experienced educational leaders, distinguished faculty, and associated colleagues.
Ryan Kelly, Cohort 13, is Head of School at Carrollwood Day School in Florida.
Christine Roman, of Cohort 14, is Founding Principal and Director of Academics at Cristo Rey Dallas High School.
Terri Harpster, Cohort 12, is Principal of Myers Elementary School in the Bellwood-Antis School District of Pennsylvania.
Jesse Nickelson, Cohort 7, is Director of Youth and Community Initiatives at The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Linda Grobman, of Cohort 4, is the Chief Academic Officer of Nobel Learning Communities.
Riggins, a graduate from Cohort 12, is Principal of Hendley Elementary School in the District of Columbia Public Schools.
Tennant, from Cohort 2, is Principal and Deputy CEO of Boys' Latin of Philadelphia.