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Comparative international approaches to establishing identity in undocumented asylum seekers
Reports | 11 April 2018
This working paper looks at international practices for establishing identity in undocumented asylum seekers and argues there is scope for Australia and its regional partners to develop an internationally accepted standard of identity document
Kristian Hollins
A definition of identity
The Australian context
Methods of establishing identity
Identity anchor: A Multipass
Identity is a fundamental part of the obligations assessments of asylum seekers: the reasons for persecution are inherently linked to the individual's identity. However, the nature of forced migration means that many will not have access to such documentation, as demonstrated by the Australian experience. Still, there is no global consensus on how to establish identity in undocumented asylum seekers. This working paper assesses some of the measures taken internationally to address this, and proposes a multilateral data capture and sharing arrangement to assist in establishing a consistent and traceable identity profile and to support the verification of asylum seekers' claims for protection.
In 2016 the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that forced displacement from conflict or persecution was at an all-time global high and that the trend was increasing. A total of 65.3 million people were displaced as at the end of 2015, an almost 10 per cent increase from the previous year.[1]
What frequently complicates the effort to protect vulnerable people is their lack of verifiable identity. Whether due to failures of government in their country of origin, the need to flee without supporting documentation, or the destruction of such supporting information, those most in need of protection are often those with the most limited access to documentation that verifies their identity to an administrative standard.
For states in receipt of asylum seekers,[2] the challenge of verifying identity is well known, and most states have developed legislative and procedural requirements to meet it. Yet there is no recognised international consensus about how to best establish an individual's identity.[3]
While identity plays a critical role in establishing an asylum seeker's claims for protection, it also plays a critical role in their onward migration options and settlement opportunities. Given the increase in persons displaced by conflict and persecution in recent years, there is a need for international cooperation on the best methods for establishing identity in asylum seekers, as well as on internationally recognised standards for documentation. There is also a need for agreements on sharing data. Australia is well positioned to drive the implementation of regional and global data sharing networks.
Identity operates in a unique context in the international protection regime. The concept of identity is only briefly acknowledged in the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (Articles 27 and 28 relate to issuing identity papers and travel documents), and not at all in its 1967 Protocol.[4] While the most recent UNHCR Handbook for determining refugee status notes that those seeking protection may "have arrived with the barest necessities and very frequently even without personal documents", there are no guidelines for establishing identity in asylum seekers.[5] It has been left to individual assessing states to develop their own processes, procedures, and legislative guidance.
It might seem a simple question: what constitutes a migrant's identity? While a contemporary approach to identity in Western democracies involves proof of personal information such as name and date of birth, identity has a much broader meaning in the context of assessing protection claims and can include country of nationality or habitual residence,[6] citizenship, ethnic group, language, and religious sub-sect. Every element of an individual's experience can contribute to their cumulative identity in distinguishing them from others.
No two countries have the same definition of what constitutes identity for the purposes of migration. Some countries have legally established definitions, while others have practical or policy-based definitions. In practice, these policy-based definitions represent a more open approach to defining identity, allowing for consideration of the numerous characteristics that determine an individual's identity.
In Australia, the National Identity Proofing Guidelines, established by the Attorney-General's Department, defines identity as "... some combination of characteristics or attributes that allow a person to be uniquely distinguished from others within a specific context".[7] Under section 91W of the Migration Act 1958, the Minister may request an asylum seeker produce "documentary evidence of the applicant's identity, nationality or citizenship". There is, however, a third pillar in establishing identity: 'narrative'.
The Department of Home Affairs (the Department) relies on a system that establishes a migrant's identity by exploring the 'three pillars of identity', regardless of whether they are applying for protection or more regular migration pathways. The three pillars are: biometrics (physical attributes); documentation; and narrative. The narrative pillar comprises both objective data points such as nationality and ethnicity and subjective material including family composition, schooling, employment and training, or travel history.
None of these pillars can, in isolation, account for identity. Biometrics provide useful physical reference points for differentiating one individual from another. Genuine documentation provides the endorsement of the issuing country that the bearer is as named. However, it is the narrative — the accumulation of life experiences unique to the individual — that provides context to the other pillars.
In combination, these pillars allow for a comprehensive picture of an asylum seeker's identity to be built from often incomplete data. Yet as the case studies in this paper show, a range of complex factors can cloud that picture. This in turn can inhibit the Department's confidence in the identity that has been claimed. The Department uses an increasing scale to categorise their level of confidence in a protection applicant's claimed identity.
Identity as claimed
The unverified identity of the applicant as claimed to Australian authorities.
Identity supported
Applicant's claimed identity is supported by a combination of the three pillars of identity (narrative, biometrics, documentation).
Identity confirmed
Genuine identity document produced and no adverse information around identity.[8]
On 25 March 2015, the Australian Parliament passed the Migration Amendment (Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2014. Among other changes, the bill created grounds to refuse a protection visa application when an applicant refuses or fails to establish their identity, nationality or citizenship. A few months earlier in December 2014, Parliament passed the Migration and Maritime Powers Legislation Amendment (Resolving the Asylum Legacy Caseload) Act 2014, which codified the Australian interpretation of protection obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention into Australian domestic law.
Both pieces of legislation arose from concerns over the scope of existing legislation to meet the evolving challenges of the asylum seeker caseload. Delays in processing of asylum seekers who had arrived on or after 13 August 2012 led to a backlog of over 25 000 claims.[9]
Significantly, the Protection and Other Measures Bill included amendments relating to the provision of documentary evidence of identity, nationality or citizenship for the purposes of a protection visa application. Schedule 1 amended section 91W (Evidence of identity and bogus documents) of the Migration Act 1958and inserted section 91WA (Providing bogus documents or destroying identity documents) to the Act, establishing the mandatory refusal of a protection visa to an applicant who:
refuses or fails to provide evidence of identity, nationality or citizenship when requested to do so;
provides a bogus document in response to such a request or provides bogus documents for the purposes of their application; or
destroys or disposes of documentary evidence of identity, nationality, or citizenship, or causes such evidence to be destroyed or disposed of.
The refusal power had the broad caveat of not applying in circumstances where the applicant has a reasonable explanation and either produces documentary evidence of their identity, nationality or citizenship or has taken reasonable steps to provide such evidence.
The legislative changes coincided with, and were likely in response to, a series of challenges presented by undocumented asylum seekers arriving in Australia claiming protection. These challenges include: weak governance in the country of origin; complex ethnic interactions and statelessness; document destruction; security risk; and integrity of documents.
Weak governance
In cases of forced displacement, the predominant challenge for states in receipt of asylum seekers is the temporary or structurally weak oversight of government administration in the country of origin. Consequently, in many cases asylum seekers are unable to obtain documents to the standards required by the assessing country. This is exacerbated by confusing identity scenarios brought about by porous frontiers and weak border management. One example is the Hazara population of Afghanistan.
The Hazara ethnic minority has a long history of persecution due to their Shia faith. In Afghanistan they are easily identifiable as a result of their Asiatic features and their use of the Persian dialect of Hazaragi. Hazaras have often fled to neighbouring countries: in 2015, the UNHCR estimated there were 2.7 million Afghan refugees registered in Pakistan and Iran,[10] and the unregistered population is unknown.
At least four decades of such border-hopping means some people who are technically Afghan nationals were born and raised outside of that country: Hazaras, for example, have been present in Pakistan for several generations. Afghans are known to move easily between states for security or economic opportunity. This limits their access to even arbitrary and poorly secured certificates of identity from their country of origin, while in some cases allowing them to build a number of documents from a country they reside in illegally. Similarly, some claiming status as an Afghan Hazara may indeed be Pakistani or Iranian, raising issues not only of identity but also of effective protection.
Hazaras have traditionally formed a significant proportion of Afghan asylum seekers arriving in Australia. Of particular concern to Australia are Pakistani citizens claiming to be Afghan. In Afghanistan the most prevalent identity document is a taskeracertificate, one page outlining basic narrative details such as name, date of birth and birthplace alongside a photograph. The format is non-standard and lacks any modern security features. A signature and stamp are often affixed by a local elder as an endorsement.[11] Further, a taskeracertificate is often accepted for preparing official documents, including Afghan passports.
The ease with which bogus Afghan documentation can be obtained — in either Afghanistan or Pakistan — makes it difficult to either verify or refute a claimed identity.[12] A 2011 report by the US Embassy in Kabul noted that "Most, if not all, Afghan documents are ripe for fraud ... they remain handwritten, usually unsealed and quite commonly do not contain true information".[13]
Perhaps unsurprisingly, applicants who list Afghanistan as their country of origin demonstrate high rates of fraudulent behaviours compared to other cohorts.[14] However, this is not necessarily representative of active attempts to deceive Australian authorities, but rather an indicator of how easily fraudulent documents can be obtained in Afghanistan as well the prevalence and normality of fraudulent documents.[15] It highlights the difficulty for asylum seekers in understanding what a bogus, non-genuine, or fraudulent document is, and what is required by Australian authorities and why.
Complex ethnic interactions and statelessness
In the case of some persecuted peoples, racial and ethnic identity is complex and difficult to distinguish. This is perhaps best exemplified by the case of the Rohingya in Myanmar. Generally, Myanmar has a complex system of identity interaction, involving elements of race and ethnicity, religion, language, and geographic location. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Country Information Report for Myanmar notes "different members of the same family may identify as belonging to different races, and the officially recognised race or religion may be different to how they self-identify".[16] Added to this are the comparable narrative and ethno-linguistic traits between the Rohingya of Rakhine state in Myanmar and Southern Bengalis.
The Rohingya are not recognised as citizens of Myanmar, despite residing in Rakhine for several generations. They lack citizenship documentation and face severe restrictions on freedom of movement, access to health care and education, and are the target of systematic extortion and harassment.
In the past, Rohingya have been issued documents of identity; however, these do not qualify as evidence of their citizenship. The Temporary Registration Cards issued in the mid-1990s were deemed invalid and removed from the populace. The mid-2015 'turquoise card' for identity verification required participants to list their nationality as 'Bengali', clouding the veracity of their use as identity documents.
The uptake of such documents has been limited and the majority of Rohingya remain undocumented or improperly documented with compromised information. When Rohingya asylum seekers arrive in Australia, they cannot provide documentary evidence of identity. Further, those who fraudulently seek protection, for example citizens of Myanmar or Bangladesh or Bengali-speaking Indians, may dispose of their documents to obfuscate their identity.
Document destruction
Not all asylum seekers who arrive in Australia have such difficulties as the Rohingya in obtaining or retaining official forms of documentation. In some cases, asylum seekers admit to having destroyed their documents for a range of reasons, usually because they were advised to do so by people smugglers. Most often, this occurs en route to the asylum seeker's final destination. In some cases asylum seekers have been found to have purposely destroyed or disposed of documentation in an effort to cloud the opportunities for their return (in most cases a country in receipt of a failed asylum seeker requires a confirmed identity before accepting their return).[17]
Destruction of documents is not confined to any single cohort of undocumented arrivals, but rather covers the range of asylum seekers coming to Australia. Some asylum seekers have reported to the Department that they flew to their Indonesian staging point before boarding boats to Australia, having either destroyed their travel documents before arrival or claiming to have travelled on a bogus document.
In these cases, there is an added complexity in establishing identity. If asylum seekers knowingly destroyed their documents or offered their official documents up for destruction by smugglers, they may fall under the refusal clauses established under the Protection and Other Measures Bill. If they claim to have travelled on a bogus document, this must be explored to ensure there has not been an active attempt to defraud the protection system.
The destruction or disposal of documents is not a comprehensive indication of fraud, and those who eradicate evidence of their identity may still have recognisable claims under the legislation. However, such actions may indicate an attempt to obfuscate and complicate the identification process.
Given the current international environment and the threat of terrorism, asylum seekers have assumed a national security profile. Chaotic and unmanaged border crossings offer opportunities for all transnational threats to spread. A lack of verifiable identity documents increases exposure to such risk and raises suspicion in the receiving community.
This is perhaps best exemplified by the Pashtun ethnic group. Pashtuns are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan and the second-largest in Pakistan. Pashtuns are adherents of Sunni Islam, and the most significant insurgent groups in the conflict in Afghanistan, including the Taliban, are predominantly Pashtun.
Many Pashtuns who have arrived in Australia have claimed their place of birth or habitual residence to be the volatile Afghan provinces of Khost and Paktia, which border Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas. These provinces are known for a consistently high level of insurgent activity and weak border management that has led to their use as a thoroughfare for insurgents seeking temporary sanctuary.
However, there is country information that indicates the Pashtuns have faced persecution by the Afghan insurgency, particularly on the basis of imputed political support for the Western forces.[18] Given the ongoing nature of the conflict in Afghanistan, there is a belief in the asylum seeker community that Pashtuns are more likely to be granted refugee status if they claim to be Afghan nationals, rather than Pakistanis.
Ethnic allegiances in Afghanistan are such that there has always been the possibility that Pashtun asylum seekers could have been supporters or members of the Taliban or other insurgent groups. Equally, having resided in areas where they were likely to have direct dealings with such groups, it must be considered that they may well face a greater chance of being persecuted. Identification of such individuals can therefore be as much about protecting the Australian community as protecting the individual from persecution in their home country.
Speaking in 2017, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Volker Türk noted the parity between security and refugee protection:
"Good practice also involves cooperation between the asylum authorities and the security and intelligence services. Both have a role to play in identifying persons who may fall within the scope of an exclusion clause or who otherwise require appropriate measures to ensure the security of the host country and its community … Cooperation between different services needs to be based on a clear understanding of the special situation of refugees and asylum-seekers."[19]
Consideration of security is an important part of bolstering public confidence in the border management system. Although there is no evidence of a causal relationship between refugees and terrorism in Australia. Director-General of Security Duncan Lewis noted the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation's concern over individuals is invoked "when there is a matter of security concerned".[20] Understandably, most states prefer that non-citizens released into their communities are not a threat to public safety. Such considerations may also affect whether the applicant meets the exclusion clauses in the Migration Act 1958 relating to committing a serious crime (section 5H(2)[21] and section 36(2C)[22]) or the security risk criteria for grant of a visa (section 36(1B)[23] and section 36(1C)[24]).
In accordance with Articles 27 and 28 of the 1951 Refugee Convention, many countries and organisations issue their own documents of identity or registration. For example, the Department issues Immicards, which document the current migration status of visa holders. Other examples include Red Cross Cards, UNHCR letters of registration, and IOM cards.
However, these documents are often issued with only superficial, if any, investigation of identity, with self-reported assertions often taken at face value. As they are not intended as an official identity document, the threshold for issuing such documents is lower. Rather than act as an anchor point for a verifiable identity profile, these documents often perpetuate the cycle of inaccuracy, contributing to the problem of multiple, unverified, or unsubstantiated identity. For example, a temporary document issued with incorrect details could be used to obtain other, more readily accepted documents, such as local driving licences, or social security cards, or even bills and bank account statements issued in that claimed name. This, in turn, establishes further narrative information in support of the applicant's unverified identity. In lieu of official and verifiable identity documents officials often rely on unofficial documentation which uses a consistent identity.
In response to these challenges, the international community has developed methods of establishing the identity of undocumented asylum seekers. These methods, which rely on a similar foundation to the 'three pillars' model of identity verification and build confidence in a claimed identity, include: supportive legislation; narrative interview; biometric capture; document examination; and social media mapping and analysis.
Supportive legislation
A 2013 European Migration Network study on establishing identity for international protection notes that:
"Rather than presenting valid identity documents, applicants tend to declare their identity. When third-country nationals do present identity documents, there are often difficulties in assessing authenticity, due to the presentation of false documents and claims of multiple identities. Moreover, there are attempts to mislead authorities and/or a lack of cooperation of the applicant, which not only impedes the assessment of an application for international protection but may also severely obstruct implementation of a return decision in cases when the asylum application is rejected."[25]
As noted above, neither the Refugee Convention and its Protocol nor the UNHCR Handbook for determining refugee status offer guidance on establishing identity of undocumented asylum seekers. Rather, individual states have developed their own bodies of legislation to support officials in meeting the challenges posed by lack of documentation.
For example, section 106 of the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act includes a specific, mandatory requirement to consider a claimant's lack of documents to establish identity in assessing a claim for refugee protection:
"The Refugee Protection Division must take into account, with respect to the credibility of a claimant, whether the claimant possesses acceptable documentation establishing identity, and if not, whether they have provided a reasonable explanation for the lack of documentation or have taken reasonable steps to obtain the documentation."
This is bolstered by Rule 11 of the Refugee Protection Division Rules, which stipulates that the asylum seeker "must provide acceptable documents establishing identity and other elements of the claim. A claimant who does not provide acceptable documents must explain why they were not provided and what steps were taken to obtain them."
The Canadian legislation and regulations provide powers relating to findings of general credibility where an applicant lacks documentation and cannot explain why. Legislation in Australia as well as many other jurisdictions now takes a similar approach, with the onus of proof being on the applicant to provide evidence to establish their claimed identity.
Alongside biometric photographs, narrative interviews are the most common method used to establish identity in undocumented asylum seekers. In cases where an asylum seeker is unable to provide documentation in support of their identity, detailed interviews are conducted regarding their claimed identity in order to establish the credibility of their claims. These interviews are often lengthy and require significant research and preparation time.
A study by the European Migration Network indicates the importance of interviews to establishing identity: conducting interviews with applicants for protection is mandatory or standard practice in 24 European Union member states and Norway. The exception to this trend is Poland, where conducting an interview is optional.[26]
The benefit of narrative interviews is they can be conducted in almost any location globally and do not require significant technological resources. A method of recording data and an interpreter are the minimum practical requirements. Consequently, this method is often used in cases of extreme migration pressure on border systems, including the emergencies seen in Iraq and Syria. Though resource-intensive, interviews offer the most comprehensive method to confidently arrive at an identity finding in undocumented or improperly documented asylum seekers.
Biometric capture
The Swedish Migration Board (SMB) is responsible for establishing identity in the approximately 90 per cent of applicants for international protection who do not present a passport at the time of their application.[27] The SMB relies heavily on the results of fingerprint scans to locate data sources that may assist in establishing identity.
"By searching fingerprints through national and European databases we can see if the applicant has applied for a visa in another country, if the applicant has applied for international protection in another Schengen state or if the applicant has previously applied for international protection in Sweden. The sources can in turn be used to establish identity."[28]
While biometrics are the easiest and most reliable method of identifying an individual, it requires that individual's identifiers to have previously been entered in a database alongside narrative or biographical data, and may further require data-sharing arrangements in place for authorities to access. States in the European Migration Network have access to the EuroDac (European Dactyloscopy) fingerprint database to assist in identifying asylum seekers and irregular border crossers. Further, the European Commission has legislation in place to support such capture and data-sharing arrangements. For a country like Sweden, which is rarely a country of first asylum, access to these biometric databases is extremely valuable.
However, transit and registration through a third-party country with more recognised systems of population and identity verification does not exclude the possibility of identity obfuscation and, given the lack of integrity measures in place during periods of high-flow irregular migration may also contribute to the problem.
Document examination is vital to immigration, and specialised document examination officers provide technical skill in the verification of identity documents. Some countries have also established 'centres of excellence' to further refine and progress this skill set. The Norwegian ID Centre is one such organisation.
Between 2007 and 2011, Norway experienced an average rate of 94 per cent of protection applicants who were undocumented at the time of lodging their application.[29] The Norwegian ID Centre reported the misuse of 996 documents by 821 persons in 2016. Various national ID cards, passports, and driving licences made up 70 per cent of the misused documents, of which a third were ID cards.[30]
In line with increased intakes from Iraq and Syria, the Centre also noted that 25 per cent of all persons reported were from Iraq while 15 per cent claimed to be from Syria. Importantly, the Centre identified that approximately 40 per cent of misused documents were from European Union or European Free Trade Association member countries.[31]
Document examination such as that by the Norwegian ID Centre allows for statistical analysis, risk profile generation by country cohort, and a targeted response to fraud and misuse of documents.
Also of note is the SMB's approach to document examination. It recognises that measures used to establish identity in the absence of credible documentation and/or biometric matching are resource-intensive, and does not prolong the handling time for applicants from certain countries where credible documentation cannot or is unlikely to be produced, for example Somalia, Afghanistan, and other countries with inadequate population registration systems.[32]
Social network mapping and analysis
Recent leaps in portability and cheap production of technology have played a role in the proliferation of social media, which can assist authorities in establishing identity. A social media profile often includes data consistent with that required to establish identity: name, age and date of birth, gender, country of origin, religion, political preference, familial relations, and even migration pathways. It can therefore be a useful tool in establishing the credibility of asylum seeker claimed persecution as well as claimed identity.
Social networking analysis can indicate connections between actors and have a secondary effect regarding identification of other asylum seekers and cohorts. The rise of social media networks has facilitated this process for authorities by replacing traditional, resource-intensive observation and mapping processes with more efficient (though still time-consuming) desktop analysis.[33]
Australia's national framework and procedural methodology for establishing identity is aligned with countries experiencing a similar level of undocumented arrivals as well as with international best practice.
The instruments found in section 91 of the Migration Act 1958place the onus of proof for establishing identity on applicants themselves, and reflect international trends towards refuting untested claims of identity. The legislation could be more effective by establishing an 'anchor'[34] for that individual's identity at the start of the asylum seeking process. This would give asylum seekers without adequate documentation the opportunity to establish a consistent identity foundation in the first instance.
With an appropriate legislative framework and regulatory practice in place, there is scope for Australia and our regional partners to collaborate on ensuring asylum seekers arriving in Australia have an identity anchor established as early as possible in their migration pathway, even if they are undocumented. This can be achieved through the development of an internationally accepted standard of identity document — such as a Multipass — which commences at the point of first interaction with officials and contains as much verifiable data as possible. The Multipass is then connected to that individual through a combination of finger, palm, and iris scan. The asylum seeker's claimed identity at Multipass enrolment becomes an anchor point that can be used for establishing identity as part of the asylum process, as well as for onward migration and other settlement options.
Biometric identity management and the Asia-Pacific
Recording and retrieving biometric data such as iris scans, fingerprints, and facial features is one method of ensuring a more stable identity anchor. It is an area already being explored by the international community as an accurate way of verifying identity. Although many countries, including Australia, take some biometric information from asylum seekers as part of their application for protection status, the real benefit is in the comparison of such inputs to existing databases and the linked information they contain.
In accordance with its 2010 Policy on Biometrics in Refugee Registration and Verification Processes, the UNHCR notes that biometrics should be used as part of identity management to ensure that refugees' personal identities cannot be lost, registered multiple times, or stolen.[35] In February 2015 it completed development of a new Biometric Identity Management System (BIMS). The BIMS project was developed in conjunction with corporate partners and built on the UNHCR's successful use of biometrics across a number of its global operations.
The aim of the BIMS project was to link easily captured biometric data to refugee registration data in order to anchor an individual refugee's claimed identity with a verifiable and easily checked source of biometric identity data. The pilot program was field tested in a range of UNHCR operations in India, Thailand, and Chad, among others. As at mid-2017, the program had been rolled out to 26 UNHCR field operations, and deployment is ongoing.[36]
The system comprises a single global database of captured identity data that is verified through a biometric anchor. When someone is registered on the system, BIMS searches the database to ensure they have not been registered previously, and will alert the operator and cease enrolment if that biometric datapoint (that is, an individual's iris or fingerprint scans) already exists. BIMS plays an active role in addressing identity fraud and scenarios of multiple identity. The system takes an average of five seconds to identify a refugee when two identifiers — consisting of fingerprints or iris scans, or a combination of the two — are presented.
Enrolments take three to five minutes, depending on the level of data being captured. Aside from biometrics, the system also captures core data sets including name, parents' names, date of birth, gender, country of origin, and previous residential address, but can also include religion, education, and occupation.[37]
The system allows for anchoring the asylum seeker's claimed identity as close as possible to their first interaction with the organisation, and provides a portable, easily searchable reference point for all further interactions, including determination of refugee status. In this way, the system helps provide increased integrity in the asylum seeker's identity and persecution claims history.
The UNHCR is also working with international partners to explore the viability of BIMS to contribute to resettlement through its humanitarian program. However, what is required is the development of a similar type of model for Australia's Permanent and Temporary Protection Visa systems.
A similar system to BIMS could be developed in the Asia-Pacific region to enrol, document, and create identity anchors for irregular migrants.
Given Australia's existing legal provisions for such biometric collection measures under section 257A of the Migration Act 1958,[38] it would be well placed to lead the region in the development of such identity efforts.
There are a number of benefits and challenges of a Multipass system.
Onward mobility and refugee agency
In Australia, a protection visa grants residency rights, either permanent or temporary, to the recipient in the country of issuance, but does not always lead to citizenship conferral or the ability to travel.
An internationally or regionally recognised Multipass would confer some state protections on the visa holder for the purposes of travel and, importantly, state endorsement of the bearer's identity, all without conferring citizenship of the issuing state. Where existing travel documents (non-passports) compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization have limited acceptance among some states, a key function of a Multipass must be its multilateral acceptance as an identity and limited travel document.
The ability for a recognised refugee to travel within the Asia-Pacific for work offers agency to those who require protection but still have skills, knowledge, and labour to utilise, and connects these irregular migrants with regular migration pathways into the future. In essence, this would recategorise their emergency migration from a passive journey into an active one.
While many state's issue identity and travel documents in line with their obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention, Convention Travel Documents (CTD) do not provide for international mobility in lieu of a national passport. In theory, for example, a refugee with a CTD should be able to immigrate "to Canada as a refugee from Afghanistan living in Iran".[39] In practice, however, CTDs are difficult to obtain and not widely accepted by states as travel documents.
Many states hinder the ability of refugees and asylum seekers not only to seek protection, but also their access to onward migration and the opportunities such migration brings. A Multipass system could support access to existing legal migration outcomes. In the case of Australia and our region, offering refugees mutual access to legal migration channels facilitates skilled and unskilled labour movement and connects refugees with opportunities.[40]
But the many benefits of verifiable identity in the long or short term start with early, comprehensive registration. Standardised and digitised registration containing both biometric and biographical data would simplify many later processes including applying for visas, the issuance of identity documents, and security screening.[41]
A Multipass system could also assist with returning asylum seekers who are found not to be owed protection. The returns process requires a high standard of identity assuredness and the acceptance of the first country, usually through issuance of a travel document. A Multipass system could support returning countries in establishing the identity of unfounded asylum applicants, and in engaging the returns process.
International norms and protection of labour migrants
Arguably the single largest challenge to the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol is the lack of unanimous acceptance among members of the United Nations. As noted by Koser in 2015:
"The often cited statement that there are no signatory countries lying between some of the main origin countries for asylum seekers in Australia (Afghanistan, Iran, Sri Lanka) and Australia itself is not quite true (Cambodia, China, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines are all signatories to the 1951 Convention, as are some of the Pacific islands). However, it is true that none of the major transit countries for these asylum seekers — India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand — are signatories."[42]
Koser argues that rather than a significant hindrance, this provides an opportunity for Australia to take the lead in shaping an asylum system that these neighbours would be willing to endorse and implement.[43]
Given these migrants would already have recognised identity credentials and residency rights in a Multipass 'member country', there would likely be a decreased risk of exploitation of migrant workers and would build on existing mechanisms protecting labour migrants. Such measures would also bolster the integrity of border management and security in the region.
A Multipass identity document is not, in itself, revolutionary. Most governments with control of such administrative systems issue documents and certificates of identity, many of which include biometric data. What would make the Multipass proposal successful where others are limited is in the sharing of data between states and multinational organisations. The challenge this presents is also why such a proposal has likely not yet been implemented.
The sharing of identity data between states is a complex issue. Concerns about privacy, integrity of data storage, longevity, corruption, and identity theft are all significant considerations for any such proposal. While such considerations are under discussion through the Bali Process sub-committee on Biometric Data Sharing for Identity Verification,[44] the current discussions operate under a limited scope.
The concept of sharing personal identifier data across international borders also raises complex legal and ethical issues. These must be addressed for public confidence in the integrity of the Multipass proposal. Alongside foremost concerns about privacy and the use and storage of personal data there is also function 'creep' — the gradual increased scope for the use of data beyond the purpose for which it was originally intended.[45] Such concerns are valid; however, given Australia's strong legislative and judicial system and privacy laws, as well as our key position in multilateral organisations that would implement any such system (such as the Bali Process), this is a concern that could be overcome.
A founding consideration of any such Multipass system must be the protection of information and of individual privacy, especially when considering the sensitivities around claims for protection. Australian management of personal information is protected by the Privacy Act 1988, in particular the Australian Privacy Principles (APP) contained in section 1 of the Act. More specifically, the APPs place increased weight on the protection of 'sensitive information' such as biometric information, but also race and ethnicity, political opinions, religious beliefs, and sexual orientation[46] — the very information that the Multipass system would seek to capture.
While the scope and depth of the data-sharing arrangement would be more significant under the system, Australia already has legislative provisions in place to protect data captured through immigration processes. It also has data-sharing arrangements for immigration purposes with specific international partners.
The Five Country Conference (FCC) is an international immigration arrangement allowing for the sharing of data between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The agreement uses fingerprint searches to request biodata from other partner organisations. The arrangement is governed by a set of agreed principles: if a country receives a request and finds no match in their database, the fingerprint is destroyed; no information is shared unless a fingerprint is matched; and member countries do not share the personal data of their own citizens.[47]
Using these systems as a foundation for best practice management of private, personal, and sensitive data-sharing would allow for the development of a secure and durable multilateral data-sharing arrangement.
The establishment of identity in an asylum seeker has both administrative and operational value. A verifiable identity can significantly contribute to an individual's claims for protection, for example by establishing a profile or reason for persecution. Alternatively, a lack of documentary evidence for the identity of an asylum seeker is not considered a valid ground to reject their application.[48]
Faced with unprecedented levels of undocumented asylum seekers, Australia's legislative, regulatory and administrative practices of establishing identity meet with the standards found in other processing countries internationally. Australia could reinforce this legislative framework and practical endeavours through a regionally accepted approach to the enrolment, verification, and documentation of identity in asylum seekers as early as possible in the migration process.
Doing so through the realisation of proposals such as a Multipass system will not only benefit Australia through expedited asylum processing, but through processing integrity, and migration and permanency outcomes for asylum seekers and refugees. A focus on establishing identity will help Australia to better offer protection to more people in need.
This working paper series is part of the Lowy Institute's Migration and Border Policy Project, which aims to produce independent research and analysis on the challenges and opportunities raised by the movement of people and goods across Australia's borders. The Project is supported by the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs. The views expressed in this working paper are entirely the author's own and not those of the Lowy Institute for International Policy, the Department of Home Affairs or the Australian Government.
Kristian Hollins is a Protection Visa Case Officer at the Department of Home Affairs. He completed a fellowship with the Lowy Institute in 2017.
[1] UNHCR, "Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2015", 14 June 2016, https://s3.amazonaws.com/unhcrsharedmedia/2016/2016-06-20-global-trends/....
[2] For the purposes of this paper, the term 'asylum seeker' refers to those people travelling outside their country of residence but who have not yet been recognised as engaging protection obligations; 'refugee' refers to someone who has been found to be owed protection and granted the corresponding visa; and 'migrant' is a broad term used to describe all people travelling outside their country of origin in order to resettle, whether through an irregular method or through the regular process of the settling country.
[3] Kathleen Newland, "New Approaches to Refugee Crises in the 21st Century: The Role of the International Community", Migration Policy Institute Policy Brief, October 2016, http://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/new-approaches-refugee-crises-21....
[4] UNHCR, Convention and Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, December 2010, http://www.unhcr.org/3b66c2aa10.
[5] UNHCR, Handbook and Guidelines on Procedures and Criteria for Determining Refugee Status under the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, December 2011, 38, http://www.unhcr.org/3d58e13b4.pdf.
[6] Country of nationality is the country of a person's citizenship or country in which the person is deemed a national. Country of habitual residence refers to the state in which a person has consistently lived regardless of whether they are deemed a citizen or national.
[7] Attorney-General's Department, National Identity Proofing Guidelines, 2016, 7, https://www.ag.gov.au/RightsAndProtections/IdentitySecurity/Documents/Na....
[8] Note, citizenship applications require a confirmed identity.
[9] Australian Human Rights Commission, "Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Human Rights — Snapshot Report", October 2013, http://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/asylum-seekers-refugees-and-h....
[10] UNHCR, "Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2015".
[11] Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, "Afghanistan: Issuance of 'Taskera' (Tazkira) Inside or Outside of Afghanistan; Information Contained in the Document during the Taliban and post-Taliban Period", 18 December 2007, AFG102680.E, http://www.refworld.org/docid/47d6543dc.html.
[13] US Embassy, Kabul, "A Guide to Afghan Documents", June 2011, 3, https://wikileaks.org/gifiles/attach/10/10776_US%20Embassy%20Kab.pdf.
[14] Richard Baker and Nick McKenzie, "Afghan Applications 90 per cent Flawed", 6 August 2014, http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/afghan-applications-90-per-cent-flawed-20140806-3d8yz.html.
[15] Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, "DFAT Country Information Report: Afghanistan", 18 September 2017, http://dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/Documents/country-information-report-afghanistan.pdf.
[16] Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, "DFAT Country Information Report: Myanmar", 10 January 2017, http://dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/Documents/country-information-r....
[17] Paul Maley, "Lost at Sea: 37 of 3237 Boatpeople had Passports", The Australian, 30 January 2012, http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/immigration/lost-at-sea-37-of-3237-boatpeople-had-passports/news-story/7763efcc30d7368386ef6aa034662f04.
[18] Nushin Arbabzadah, "Pashtuns Caught in Another Proxy War", The Guardian, 5 May 2009, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/may/04/afghanistan-pashtu....
[19] Volker Türk, "Open Briefing to United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee", 5 April 2017, http://www.unhcr.org/en-au/admin/dipstatements/58e35b317/open-briefing-united-nations-security-council-counter-terrorism-committee.html.
[20] Commonwealth of Australia, Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, Estimates, 25 May 2017, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/committees/estimate/2bf64e84-7744-4cff-a503-a6b0ca159860/toc_pdf/Legal%20and%20Constitutional%20Affairs%20Legislation%20Committee_2017_05_25_5046_Official.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22duncan%20lewis%22.
[21] Section 5H(1) of the Migration Act 1958 sets out the substantive meaning of 'refugee'; however, that section is qualified by operation of the exclusions clause in section 5H(2) which provides that section 5H(1) does not apply if the Minister has serious reasons for considering that an applicant: has committed a crime against peace, a war crime or a crime against humanity, as defined by international instruments prescribed by the regulations; or has committed a serious non-political crime before entering Australia; or has been guilty of acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
[22] Section 36(2C) of the Migration Act 1958 provides that a person will be taken not to satisfy the complementary protection criterion if the Minister has serious reasons for considering that the applicant: has committed a crime against peace, a war crime or a crime against humanity, as defined by international instruments prescribed by the regulations; has committed a serious non-political crime before entering Australia; or has been guilty of acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations; or the Minister considers, on reasonable grounds, that the non-citizen: is a danger to Australia's security; or is a danger to the Australian community, having been convicted by a final judgment of a particularly serious crime (including a crime that consists of the commission of a serious Australian offence or serious foreign offence).
[23] An adverse assessment issued by ASIO.
[24] Danger to Australia's security or the Australian community.
[25] European Migration Network, "Establishing Identity for International Protection: Challenges and Practices Synthesis Report", 20 February 2013, 4, https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/net....
[27] European Migration Network, "Establishing Identity for International Protection: Challenges and Practices — National Contribution from Sweden", 10 October 2012, 1, https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/networks/european_migration_network/reports/docs/emn-studies/establishing-identity/26.sweden_national_report_establishing_identity_for_international_protection_final_10oct2012_en.pdf.
[29] European Migration Network, "Establishing Identity for International Protection: Challenges and Practices Synthesis Report", 25.
[30] Norwegian ID Centre, "Misuse of ID Documents 2016", 29 May 2017, https://www.nidsenter.no/en/news/news-archive/2017/5/misuse-of-id-docume....
[32] European Migration Network, "Establishing Identity for International Protection: Challenges and Practices — National Contribution from Sweden", 3.
[33] European Migration Network, "Establishing Identity for International Protection: Challenges and Practices — National Contribution from Norway", April 2017, https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/networks/european_migration_network/reports/docs/emn-studies/establishing-identity/28._norway_national_report_establishing_identity_for_international_protection_final_dec2012_en.pdf.
[34] For the purposes of this paper, an 'identity anchor' is defined as the first verifiable identity details officially stored by authorities and matched to biometrics. It forms the starting point for asylum seekers to present a consistent identity to authorities and reduces the risk of multiple or unverifiable identities.
[35] UNHCR, "Biometric Identity Management System", 2015, http://www.unhcr.org/550c304c9.pdf.
[36] Tamas Almos, Associate Registration Officer, Biometrics, UNHCR Copenhagen, interview with the author, 11 May 2017.
[38] Section 257A of the Migration Act 1958 states that a person may be required to provide personal identifiers as defined under section 5A(1)–(3), including fingerprints, facial images, and iris scans.
[39] Katy Long and Sarah Rosengaertner, "Protection through Mobility: Opening Labor and Study Migration Channels to Refugees", Migration Policy Institute Report, October 2016, 9, https://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/protection-through-mobility-ope....
[40] Katy Long, "From Refugee to Migrant? Labor Mobility's Protection Potential", Migration Policy Institute Report, May 2015, 2, https://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/refugee-migrant-labor-mobilitys-protection-potential.
[41] Newland, "New Approaches to Refugee Crises in the 21st Century: The Role of the International Community", 7.
[42] Khalid Koser, Australia and the 1951 Refugee Convention, Lowy Institute Analysis, 30 April 2015, https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/australia-and-1951-refugee-convention.
[44] Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, Policy Framework for the Regional Biometric Data Exchange Solution, December 2015, http://www.baliprocess.net/regional-support-office/regional-biometric-data-exchange-solution/.
[45] Anna Lodinová, "Application of Biometrics as a Means of Refugee Registration: Focusing on UNHCR's Strategy", Development, Environment and Foresight 2, No 2 (2016), 91–100.
[46] Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, "Australian Privacy Principles" (accessed 28 March 2018), https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy-law/privacy-act/australian-privacy-principles.
[47] New Zealand Immigration, "Biometric information", accessed 28 March 2018, https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/policy-and-law/identity-information-management/how-biometric-information-is-used.
[48] European Migration Network, "Establishing Identity for International Protection: Challenges and Practices Synthesis Report".
Expanding Horizons: Indonesia's Regional Engagement in the Indo-Pacific Era
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Club Features
U16 Boys and U18 Men Sign Off With Wins - Junior Wrap - 16/17th March 2019
Only two teams were in action in Ipswich's junior programme this weekend as the NBL's Junior divisions reach the end of their regular season.
Ipswich U18 Men finished with a win but were disappointed not to make the playoffs (Photo; Nick Winter)
The Under-18 Men secured an 83-57 win at Southend Rockets.
In what turned out to be the final game of the season with East Herts Royals having forfeited next weekend's fixture, Noel Lambert's side were determined to finish the season on a high.
Southend's visit to Copleston earlier in the season had seen a poor display by Ipswich lead to a loss, but this fixture was a polar opposite with Ipswich moving the ball well, spreading the court and regularly breaking the press.
"Very pleased with that performance and it is a just way for some of these players to end their time with IBC," said Coach Lambert. "Notable mentions to Emmanuel Onwuka for a solid all-round performance, earning good court minutes, and Matt Naylor for a much improved defensive display."
All four quarters were competitively played but Ipswich took their chances better and performed well as a team.
Unfortunately this game was slightly marred with Troy Huggins receiving a facial injury.
Onwuka led the team with 22 points, while Jacob Morgan added 18. Naylor and Matt Spurling finished with 11 apiece.
The Under-16 Boys also finished the season with an away victory, winning 63-54 over Chelmsford Lions. The final score line did not reflect how dominant Ipswich were through the early stages of the game, with Chelmsford reducing the arrears late on.
A balanced scoring effort from Seb Mobee, Harry Syrett and Joe Winder led Ipswich U16 Boys to a winning finish (Photo: Nick Winter)
"This was an excellent way to finish what ultimately has been a disappointing season," said Coach Adam Robinson. "Some of the offensive basketball we played today leaves us questioning what could have been this year."
Ipswich will watch the post-season from the sidelines after missing out on a play-off berth.
Seb Mobee top-scored with 16 points. Joe Winder chipped in with 14 and Harry Syrett had 13. All three will move up to the Under-18s next season.
Ipswich's Under-14 Boys and Girls have reached the post-season, with games due to be played on Saturday 30th March. Fixtures are yet to be confirmed.
IBC 2020/2021 Club Trials Announced
Esther Little Verbally Commits to Gonzaga University
Ipswich U18 Women Win National Cup

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Home » Sports Channel » 2009 Track and Field Rules Changes
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From the National Federation of High School Athletic Associations
2009 Track and Field Rules Changes
The National Federation of State High School Associations has made the following changes to its track and field rules for 2009:
3-9-2 Specifies that for gun starts only a closed barreled starter's pistol may be used by the starter.
Rationale: It is not appropriate to use a live weapon at an educational event and in most cases state law prohibits firearms on school grounds and school events. The starter's pistol is adequate to produce the desired result for the starting of a race.
3-9-6 When fully automatic timing (FAT) is used, timing shall be recorded in one one-hundredths of a second and all ties for place finishes and/or determining qualifiers for a subsequent round shall be broken by using timing to one one-thousandths of a second if the system allows.
Rationale: Fully automated timing is considered accurate and reliable enough to use 1/100th to break ties and advance competitors to subsequent rounds of competition and is therefore reliable and accurate enough to break ties to determine final places or lane assignments.
3-9-9 (new) Indoor and outdoor meets using fully automatic timing (FAT) may be started by a .32 or .22 caliber starter's pistol (closed barrel) or electronic, gunless devise for record purposes.
Rationale: The FAT systems do not require the noise of a .32 caliber, and a .22 caliber is clearly heard by competitors and provides adequate smoke for manual timing.
6-4-9c, 6-5-9c A competitor in the throwing events may enter and exit the circle without a foul providing it occurs within the time allowed for the trial and before the competitor starts his/her attempt beginning with the pause.
Rationale: The competitor should be able to exit the circle and return to dry his/her hands, clean his/her shoes, wipe off the throwing implement etc. without penalty providing the throw is completed within the allotted time which begins when the competitor is called "up."
7-4-11, 7-5-18 Deletes the option for the event judge to place a cloth marker on the crossbar for sighting purposes.
Rationale: The current crossbars are of a bright contrasting color which no longer present a sighting problem for competitors and therefore the use of the cloth is no longer in use for competition.
7-5-3 (new) Visible etchings which appear on poles shall not meet the requirement of the manufacturer's pole rating appearing on the pole in a contrasting color.
Rationale: Most poles have an etching on the pole which is a code to the manufacturer. This code most frequently does not correspond to the proper weight rating for the pole. The rating appearing as the mark in contrasting color is established by the manufacturer is clearly visible and serves only this purpose. The requirement is for purposes of risk minimization and should be adhered to strictly.
7-5-29 Clarifies the original intent to permit a competitor in the pole vault to abort the approach and in stopping plant the pole and momentum causes his/her feet to leave the ground without being considered a foul. It is a foul if a vaulter leaves the ground in an attempt and fails to clear the crossbar.
Rationale: The change in 7-5-29 last year by the committee was not intended to allow a vaulter to abort a vault but rather to have the opportunity to stop and abort the approach. However, the language was not clear and as written allowed a vaulter to abort a vault. This change clearly reflects the original intent of the committee to abort only the approach and have the opportunity to restart the approach. This exception is appropriate for the high school vaulter.
Source: National Federation of High School Athletic Associations. © NFHS
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Track and Field Events


Nuku'alofa: A massive quake of magnitude 8.2 struck in the Pacific Ocean close to Fiji and Tonga on Sunday but it was so deep that it was not expected to cause any damage, the US Geological Survey said.
The quake was 560 kilometres below the Earth which would have dampened the shaking at the surface.
The epicenter was located 270 kilometres east of Levuka in Fiji and 443 kilometres west of Neiafu in Tonga.


Completely different experience to the ones that have complained.
I have found the Levorg STi Sport (not a real STi) that I picked up last week to be a complete and refined vehicle. It seems those complaining did not take one for a proper test drive as all these things would have been obvious when test driving.
The Bluetooth works perfectly for me. No issues with connectivity or sound quality. Even in the middle of a call when I walk up to the car, get in, start, it switches over to hands free perfectly. Complaining about a one-step process to shut down but a two-step process to open seems funny to me.
It's correct that you have to retract the external mirrors manually, however, if you switch off the engine before you do this it's actually very simple to turn on the accessories to move the mirrors. In any case I retract the mirrors just 1% of the time if that. You do not need to start the car to move the mirrors.
If I need to open all doors I press the fob twice and it opens all doors always. It's not that hard. Even without using the fob, if you press the passenger door handle it opens all doors which is perfect to throw stuff in the front and assist my three year old getting in the car.
On the weekend I went for a blast on the Old Pacific Hwy. For those familiar with this stretch of road, it has a combination of fast and slow bends, long and short straights, some smooth sections, some rough sections and a number of bumps and dips throughout. Not once did the suspension crash, hit the bump stops, or skittle across corrugated sections. It only inspired more confidence the more I pushed. 19 years ago I owned a Version 6 STi so I know what a car with similar DNA should be able to achieve at pace on that piece of road.
I agree that it has some excellent intelligent drive features, I also enjoy the various camera positions available, it has excellent performance and the CVT is what all other CVTs should be. I took it for a thorough test drive prior to purchase and I am a very happy new owner.
Further, if you're after an SUV with SUV suspension so that you don't need to slow down for speed humps, then the Levorg is not the car for you. The Levorg has firm suspension which has been tuned for handling.
I expect Subaru to make completely finished and refined vehicles. The Liberty Wagon of 2005-2009 era was one of the best cars they produced when it came to luxury, comfort and drive. After destroying this category with the ex-IGA, I was excited when they released the Levorg. I came back to the brand after a long absence. During the test drive, I was impressed with the intelligent drive system, the luxury of the interior and the responsiveness of the engine. I placed my order and waited 5 months for the build and delivery from Japan.
The Levorg is a beautiful car, however, Subaru have failed to deliver on the most BASIC of driver convenience features!
BLUETOOTH - easily the worst bluetooth system of any car I have come across! It barely passes the most basic test. Every person on the other end complains that they cannot hear me, there is significant background noise, that the line is very poor and that they can only make out every few words. This is regardless of whether I am parked, driving or idling. It is completely useless for use when driving. For the record, my phone carrier is Telstra and I often have full signal so the issue is with the bluetooth system. The voice command part of this system is also atrocious and rarely if ever works. It also takes about 10 mins to initialise.
Push Button Start/stop - when turning off the engine, using the "Stop Engine" button, the car completely shuts down! This means that if you are on a phone call, the bluetooth system shuts down. If the windscreen wipers are on, they stop immediately (even if they are in the middle of the windscreen! Whatever happened to a two step process to shut down the car (like every other car on the market)??
Retracting side mirrors - can only be used when the car is ON. So if you park and turn off the engine, you can't use them. You have to start the car (or at least TRY to put it in accessory mode) press the retract button - wait until they fully retract - because if the car is turned off in the middle of this process they will stop whenever they are in the retraction process - and then turn the car off. This is so frustrating that you will never use this feature.
Two Step Locking System - This is by far the most frustrating non working feature of this car. Unlock the car by pressing the remote button once and it opens the driver side door only. Press it 17,659 more times to unlock the rest of the car. Oh but wait! We have keyless entry! The "smart" door handle on the driver's side door allows you to unlock your door, and your door only, by touching it (when the key is nearby - i.e. in your pocket). If you want to open the rest of the doors (Subaru assume that their drivers are rarely with other passengers) you have to manually unlock their doors using the unlock button on the inside of the driver's door. Unlike most other cars in the market that you simply, press the drivers door handle twice to unlock the passengers doors.
No Android Auto/car Play Connectivity - almost every car has this feature nowadays. Subaru has its own MIRRORLINK system (which isn't available/supported in Australia) but good news! It comes pre-installed with Pandora!! Oh, yeah, right! Pandora hasn't existed in Australia since 2017. NB - I was delivered the car in April 2018. The only connectivity is via bluetooth (see Bluetooth section for how well this system works)!
SUSPENSION - other reviewers have mentioned this so I won't add more but simply echo their complaints. The suspension is sub par for Australian roads.
In short, Subaru have delivered an aesthetically beautiful car, with very intelligent drive features (Adaptive cruise control, lane assist, safety cameras...etc but they neglected to give the driver the most basic of convenience features. The Levorg is certainly NOT "All for the Driver".
Luxury, Sporty... in a Wagon!!
The car is incredible to drive, for a wagon. The handling is fantastic and has many similarities to that of its predecessor (liberty wagon/wrx wagon). The turbocharged engine has plenty of oomph, however with the additional weight they could have made the STI the same 221kw motor as the WRX. The stock tyres are quite noisy and are not great in corners. The motor is quiet and all safety features are quite easy to use. The interior is luxurious. The seats are comfortable and quite adjustable. The dash and instruments are neat and easy to use, however the steering wheel is overcrowded with buttons.
Took delivery of one of the first GTS spec B Levorgs that arrived in Aus mid June 2016. Wife and i were excited about taking delivery after waiting some 9 months for car to be released and to arrive. Almost immediately noticed the poor suspension setup, particularly front. Way too soft and continually bottomed out on its internal bump stops on even the most minor bumps and road undulations.Hit a big bump and look out! Rear end also way too soft and wallowed around significantly. Dangeous & terrible to drive.
Reported to Subaru Australia on numerous occassions whom continually denied there was a problem with vehicles suspension system knowing full well that there was an issue also being alerted to it by many owners. (A long story in itself although had a win of sorts with them eventually).
Could not continue to drive the vehicle with the factory fitted Bilstein system as it was just too dangerous. Ended up replacing the vehicles entire suspension system only a few months after vehicles purchase with a far superior after market system albeit at our own cost which we were not happy about after paying so much money for a brand new car. Nobody should have to do this with a brand new car... Very dissapointed with Subaru Australia.
Overall i love this vehicle, ample power from the 2.0L turbo, ok fuel economy, spacious for my family and looks great. Only issue i have is the suspension which is not good enough. Driving in country areas where the roads are not flat at times the car feels like its about to bottom out. There has been times drinks have spilt due to how bumpy it gets. subaru australia has given me the usual response and no real help.
I have the base GT version (in Australia) and it is just like a wagon version of a WRX. Great handling and the ride is as expected... that is not soft, but it is not hard. Saying that though, the ride height is too low for rough dirt roads, othewise it's ok. Driving position is good and the seats are better for me than in the Forester.
The front and rear overhang has to be consideredwhen negotiating gutters and vehicle ferries. Haven't run up enough kms yet to consider pushing the car, but even on moderate throttle, it goes as expected.
The CVT is great and when using manual mode, the ratios are fixed for each gear (8 speeds in S# mode which is great, but usually use I mode around town. Hardly ever use manual mode in town, but do use the paddles which forces manual mode for a short time. Little engine braking when selecting lower gears.
The interior is Subaru standard, which is good, unusually I have an intermittent buzzing in the dash on the left when its been in the such for a while (or on a 34C day) - leaving it until next service. Good sized boot area (but it wouldn't fit a 100 litre wheelbarrow already assembled! What's the world coming to.
Definitely do not like the 6 months service period is Australia.... certainly a rip off, when everywhere else it is 12 months. ie: 6 months or 12500km intervals.
The adaptive cruise control is great, but not as good as my 2014 Forester. It does not slow down the vehicle as much when going downhill as the Forester. However combined with the auto, the cruise control is just great for everyday driving, especially on the highway. Leave it at 100 and let the car in front slow you down (but back off if it doesn't). It's saved my licence a couple of times....reduces the urge to go just that little bit over.
One thing I do notice is that the software seems to be running slower than the Forester. You put your hand inside the door handle pause and then pull to open the door. On the Forester there is just no delay.
Great space inside for the size of the vehicle and for those who criticize the number of controls on the steering wheel, they are great and convenient so get over it. I like the adjustable steering for both distance and height. I definitely do not miss having a gps inbuilt. They are too expensive to update, when a phone or tablet do the same job at no cost. (I have found that Here We Go (android) is the best where there is no phone signal).
I reckon the led lights around the headlights are a much too dim and so I always run with the lights on. Don't like the space saver spare, especially when driving long distances. Will replace it with a full size wheel and tyre before going any long trip. Can't imagine having to drive a few hundred km at slow speed. I would like HID or LED high beam, but it's ok for normal driving.
As for reliability, I have never had anything go wrong with any of my Subarus period (well anything that wasn't caused by me) and that includes a lot of driving outback and in the centre.
I am considering a rear HD sway bar just because I have always installed them. Certainly has made a difference in the past, but the handling for ordinary driving so far has me wondering whether I should bother.
The fuel consumption so far has been 11.9 l/100km overall, but that is only around town and short trips under 25km. On the flat at 100km/h it's usually doing about 10.5 (according to the readout).
Took my time before biting the bullet and got myself a true all round performer. Family car when they are in it and performance when not. Best of both worlds for me. Has most of the high tech goodies, which still lets me drive the way I want to and not baby me. I can get plenty of heads turning for its good looks. My pearl white the pick of colours, truly highlighting each of the edgy muscular lines along the body. Fuel wise I am looking at around 10-11l/100kms. Push it hard and you might see it go up to 14l. Suspensions are bit bouncy for my like, coming from a corolla. Audio/speaker system demands an upgrade, rest very happy with the purchase. Lets see how it goes over the next 5 year warranty period.
Nice quality build, plenty of space without going SUV.
I have been driving my new Levorg for a month now. I left a Mercedes A200 CDI due to lack of space and guts for my needs. The Levorg has both these attributes - so tick! The interior is stylishly put together (although no ergonomic soft shapes here) and the exterior is a bit like the face on Kryten from Red Dwarf.....where a smooth round out would do, we throw in another angle. Overall the exterior is easy on the eye, bonnet scoop could have been omitted.
Anyway, the Subaru dealership did not have samples of interior colours to choose from - nor exterior colours! Therefore, my Pearl interior should have been described as silver, not off-white. It is silver. As in shiny silver. real leather though - not the Mercedes pleather.
It handles well in flooded suburban roads, tows the trailer to the tip - fine; lights and wipers turn off and on automatically (gratefully) BUT no rear sensors for reverse. The 'eye' system will warn for cars approaching from left or right of your rear end (good for parking in shopping centres) but won't see the post directly behind you.
The GPS is far superior to the Mercedes Harmon Kardon.
Big downside: the audio. I don't know if the penchant for treble known in Asian cultures is the problem, (total lack of midi and bass) or the speaker position or both.The weak volume control (do I really need to go full revolutions to get it up??) or just poor hardware? Changing the sound to preset 'Jazz' 'Pop' etc doesn't help. I think it is stuck in 'Library'.
I have had my Levorg for 18 months now.
I have had to have the battery replaced, which kooked up the windows, so back we went. The windows were re-configured (why didn't they do that when they changed the battery?) and I left with the total audio/visual system crashed out. I returned today to have the system replaced (I have the bluetooth, GPS, radio all back now) but it leaves me wondering if the warranty is going to run out before the problems end.
Pathetic sound system. GPS updates require a trip to the dealer. The only door (most inconveniently) that doesn't unlock by the sensor is the driver side rear door. The very door I go to all the time to put my bag in, and every time I'm annoyed that I have to either find the remote, or open the driver's door to flip the unlock button. Yeah - I know - first world problem. But yep, I live in the first world, and I paid a lot of money for this car.
How do i do better fuel economy?
You get better fuel economy by not planting the foot on the accelerator! The Levorg goes pretty quick when you ask it - but watch the fuel gauge go down with it! I have found when traveling long distances on the most expensive fuel, I can get down to 6.8 litres per 100k, using cruise control.
Yes. GT-S has firmer shock absorber than the GT. It is firmer in ride.


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Sundance 2012 Review: BONES BRIGADE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
ReviewMovie Sundance about 7 years ago by Joey Paur
Due to my lack of research preparing for the Sundance Film Festival, Bones Brigade: An Autobiography wasn't even on my radar. When I first saw the title I wasn't even sure if it was the "Bones Brigade" skateboarding team that I grew up knowing, reading about, and watching. Then when I saw that it was directed by Stacy Peralta I knew that it was, and I was excited as hell to see it!
The Bones Brigade is a skateboarding team that was organized by 70's skateboarding legend Stacy Peralta in the early 80's. He set out to start his own team of skaters, gathered together a group of no-name kids that had a deep passion for skateboarding, and mentored them to the top. This team produced some of the greatest, most legendary skateboarders of all time including Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Tommy Guerrero, Mike McGill, Lance Mountain, and Rodney Mullen, who I admired as a kid growing up in the 80's. These guys took skateboarding to a whole new level of awesomeness, brought the sport into the mainstream, and turned it into a booming business that they could make a ton of money from. For example, Hawk was pulling in $20K a month right out of high school. These were the people that invented modern skateboarding as we know it, and everything we know today, including all of the tricks and the language of the sport.
This documentary is my favorite film from the festival so far. Peralta is a hell of a great filmmaker who is behind several of my other favorite docs such as Riding Giants, Dog Town and the Z Boys, and Crips and Bloods: Made In America. This is also my kind of thing. I have a deep love for film, but I also have a love of surfing and skateboarding because that's what I grew up with; that's what I grew up doing. I love that culture and lifestyle, and it's a lifestyle that I still live to this day. I don't think I'll ever grow out of it. I knew all about these guys growing up. I read the skateboarding magazines. I witnessed the sport changing. It was an amazing time in history to live through. It was awesome to be a fan at that time, and it's so cool to see what was accomplished by these talented individuals.
This film gives the audience an intimate look into each of the lives of the main figures involved with the Bone Brigade. Growing up I use to think these guys lived perfect lives and were invincible, but this doc reveals that they weren't. They were people just like you and me that had to deal with overcoming their own issues. They are human, and I was able relate with almost all of them, especially for the fact that my way of thinking is unconventional just like them, and my life is driven by the passion for the things I love. I immersed myself and my talents into things that other people might feel is a waste of time, but I do it anyway. I've always pushed forward and worked on doing what I love to do. That's just what you do when your passionate about something, when it's in your blood what can you do other than what you love?
There was a lot of drama, humor, and great information packed into this film. It was loaded with some radical skateboarding footage from the 80's and early 90's, including some of the first footage of groundbreaking tricks like the Olie. It also has these wonderful deep personal interviews with most of the men that led the world into this skateboarding revolution. I loved seeing and hearing the stories of how the Bones Brigade actually came together and seeing each individual personality come to life for me on the big screen. All of these years that I followed these skaters who I respected, I never knew what they were really like, and who they really were until now. There is an amazing mix of wonderful personalities here, all of which you can help but love and respect. Watching the film was an incredible experience for me.
Any fan of Skateboarding is going to love the hell out of this film. Even if you're not into skating it's a fantastically fascinating documentary that's a must see for all of you.
Here's the Synopsis:
Today skateboarding is omnipresent. Take a walk down any street in any town, and you are destined to see someone riding a skateboard. Well, it wasn't always like that. In the early '80s, skateboarding was fading away until Stacy Peralta brought a profoundly talented group of outsiders together and dubbed them the Bones Brigade. This documentary chronicles their epic rise, using awesome archival footage and moving first-person accounts from Brigade members Steve Caballero, Tommy Guerrero, Tony Hawk, Mike McGill, Lance Mountain, and Rodney Mullen, among others. Through passion, drive, creativity, and a surprising sense of teamwork, they revitalized the sport and influenced generations to come.
Peralta brings his fourth documentary to the Festival and continues to display an uncanny knack for fusing style and substance in his films. BONES BRIGADE works on a number of levels and will blow the minds of anyone who grew up emulating these guys, but it also resonates for anyone who ever found a family or a purpose in an unexpected place.
Sundance 2010 Review: THE RUNAWAYS
Sundance 2012 Review: WRONG - Hilariously Insane!
Sundance 2012 Review: ARBITRAGE
BONES BRIGADE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY Film Clip
Sundance 2012 Review: EXCISION - Most Disturbing Film at Sundance
Venkman's Top 10 Favorite Sundance 2012 Films


With Seattle's only virtual-reality Golf Club, you can hit the links without having to leave the hotel. Our virtual golf simulator features more than 50 courses from around the world, including the Old Course at St. Andrews, Pinehurst No. 2 and Pebble Beach.
Play for longest drive or swing the wrenches on one of our 52 competition courses while you enjoy seasonal beer tastings featuring a rotating selection of local breweries.


Arend Louw's Limbo denotes an intermediate state, something transitional. It's a world where you are caught between two stages and it's unclear what will happen next.
Most scenes Arend paint are in limbo, an intermediate state that will change as soon as the sun sets, or as soon as a building is demolished or a open field is changed into a concrete jungle, a fleeting moment, but transitioning.
Most of his paintings are forgotten or ignored places, sometimes very remote, with his focus on seeing something beautiful in them.
In each painting there is something that intrigues Arend, something that resonates with his soul. The shape of the buildings, the colours of the sky or the contrast the shadows bring to the landscape so often seen, these are the things that mesmerize Arend, and what he paints.
Arend was born in 1983, grew up in the Cape and finished a degree in Theology in Wellington. He always had a keen interest in art but it was only in Wellington that he started working in oils. In 2012, after many years of painting and exploring in oils he decided to paint full time. He moved from Bloemfontein, where he was working in an art gallery, to the West Coast where he now lives on their family farm.
Arend had no formal art training which enabled him to develop his own specific style. Artists that inspire him are Clare Menck, Brahm van Zyl and the late Walter Meyer. He works from photographs he takes himself and in a palette he created himself.
His signature palette reflects a specific light that he captures, a light that makes the most mundane building or landscape explode with colour, a light that brings out the richness in a simple tar road and casts long shadows on old farm buildings. A rich light, usually referred to as the golden hour, although it actually lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes.


SKU: MC534. Category: Sold Items.
The dialis signed: Le Palace Royale. Has handpainted side panels & dial. Bezel of dial & pendulum are surrounded by rhinestones. Champleve is an enamelling technique in the decorative arts, or an object made by that process, in which troughs or cells are carved into the surface of a metal object, and filled with vitreous enamel. The piece is then fired until the enamel melts, and when cooled the surface of the object is polished. Champleve is distinguished from the similar technique of cloisonne in which the troughs are created by soldering flat metal strips to the surface of the object. The difference between the techniques is analogous to the wood wrking technique of intarsia or marquetry.


Without Stand (WxHxD) 38.5" x 22.6" x 3.2"
With Stand (WxHxD) 38.5" x 24.2" x 7.4"
Shipping (WxHxD) 41.7" x 26.0" x 6.0"
Sharp picture responsive apps and great overall value. Didnt plan on buying a LG until seeing it at Sams and it was on sale. Also liked the fact it has both WIFI and an Ethernet port.
Its a good easy to use TV. Its got most features you needed. It performs well on high resolution tv sources. Have to say this is a good value purchase. Only two thinks I think to improve: 1. The tv doesnt support to mirror iOS devices to tv but support windows devices 2. TV control app is not user friendly and functions dont play well.
Bought this LG a month ago what a great tv.It has a super clear picture and easy to set up.Was a fantastic sale price at BJs.Sound from speakers are very good eliminated the sound bar we had.
I just purchased a LG 43 LED TV to use in my new apartment. First I was surprised how light weight it is but very pleased with the color and graphics.
I needed a new tv and decided to move up to 4k. What a great choice. I am thrilled with the picture even for old bw movies. This is a great tv.
satisfied with the results after several weeks. will know more in time.
Great color and people look completely natural.
Really like this TV. Quality of product is why we bought LG.
After having my tv for about three weeks here are a few ups and downs. The ups are: great picture and sound. The picture is super clear and the sound is also clean. The downs are: you cant see the picture clearly when standing to the side. Also if its sunny or if the tv is near a window the reflection is horrible. I think a anti reflective screen would fix this. I also think the remote could use lighted buttons. Trying to navigate the remote with no household lights on is kind of a task. These are simply fixable issues by the LG team. Over all for the value its a great tv.
Nice TV. Love it. Great picture sound and light weight.
The picture is great. Had a little trouble getting it programed to my Dish box. A written instruction manual would really help.
Bought this for my grandsons birthday. 4K picture is awesome. TV shows and video games are excellent. I made a great purchase.
I bought it about three 3 weeks ago and I am still learning the features but enjoying it also.
About 95 of the TV I watch is OTA of my local network affiliates. As compared to About 95 of the TV I watch is OTA of my local network affiliates. As compared to some other TVs this LG appears to have a much more sensitive tuner. I live about 40 miles from the transmitters and this LG pulls in all of my local network affiliates with no pixelation even on stormy days. I tried another brand of TV before I bought this LG and had problems pulling in a good signal with the exact same antenna setup. Needless to say I returned the other TV to the store and got this LG. Another good thing Ive noticed about this LG TV is that there is hardly any lag when switching between live TV and the streaming apps. It also turns on fast and remembers the last channel or app that was on before it was powered off. The WebOS is clean and intuitive to use. Unlike some other smart OSs like Glamazon Fire there are no wall to wall ads for Glamazon which are sickening to say the least. I wish I had bought this LG first thing but Im sure glad I ended up with it.
Awesome TV. Set up was so easy.
I bought this last month and I am very happy with the picture quality ease of use of all the apps.
Pretty good for the price. Good quality. Really like the picture.
I bought this about 2 weeks ago no issues. Hooked up pretty easy to Wi-Fi and cable. Downloaded updates fast and have been enjoying it since.
I am very pleased with my LG television. Set up was quick and easy. It has great Smart tv features. The picture quality is excellent. I made a great choice.
I replaced an old tv and while its a good tv I am disappointed with the picture definition and the base.
A high quality product from a high quality company. Excellent picture and sound. Could not be happier with this purchase.
Purchased to replace a 10 yr old 40 Samsung that stopped accepting input through HDMI ports. 4K picture quality much better than prior 1080P Samsung.
A very good TV but. . .
The TV is very good with almost 3D qualities. I wish that it had better picture quality beyond straight on viewing. The biggest problem is with the lack of adequate documentation for its use. I have downloaded the usets manual and it is woifully inadequate.
TV did not work upon arrival.
TV was delivered. When plugged in it had sound but no picture. Sent back for replacement. Replacement has not arrived as yet.
I bought this tv about 2 weeks ago and couldnt be happier. Crisp clear picture and works with all of my streaming services and PC.
Bought two LG televisions about 2 weeks ago. This is the best purchase I have made in a while. I went from 3 remotes to one remote now that is awesome.
I bought this in February I set it up this month I love it every single day since I bought it.
This is my first 4K TV from LG and I love it. This picture quality is clear and sharp looking. Nice videos it shows from other video sources.
I bought it 2 weeks ago and its perfect for watching tv in my room.
I love Lg tvsI have two and have bought both my sons Lg tvs.TGYhaey are the only onmes for me.
I bought this recently and I am very pleased with the quality of this product.


text:
Toronto, Canada, November 14, 2022 – Datametrex AI Limited (the "Company" or "Datametrex'') (TSXV: DM) (FSE: D4G) (OTCQB: DTMXF) is pleased to announce that further to the news release on October 12, 2022, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Datametrex Electric Vehicle Solutions ("DM EVS"), has officially commenced its highly anticipated roadside assistance Mobile Charging Vehicle ("MCV") in British Columbia and has started servicing EV consumers on film and production sites in B.C. Two (2) MCV's are currently on the road for its charging services with many more scheduled to be deployed by the end of this year.
Based on the Company's existing relationship with the film and production industry from COVID-19 testing, the land and expand strategy was successfully executed to diversify its product offerings to the Company's clientele list and offer EV charging services on set during DM EVS' first roll out.
The Guardian reports that consumers seem to be slowly growing on EVs. In fact, even global leaders, such as Joe Biden believe EV adaption can potentially help climate change. As part of his plan to address the climate crisis, Joe Biden announced a big push for the adoption of EVs. Last August, the president said he wanted half of all vehicle sales in the US to be electric by 2030. (Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/sep/28/us-electric-vehicle-charging-stations)
Justin Trudeau is also aligned with EV adaption as he announced to bring a new world-leading facility to Ontario to produce essential components of electric vehicle batteries and brought in the "2030 Emissions Reduction Plan" which is aimed to improve a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change, promote EV and cleaner air for Canadians. Trudeau is also developing a regulated sales mandate so that 100 per cent of new passenger vehicles sold in Canada will be zero emission and electric by 2035. (Source: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2022/03/29/delivering-clean-air-and-strong-economy-canadians)
With EV's gaining North American popularity, EV charging seems to be in high demand which will allow DM EVS to expand its EV solutions in Canada to help create a difference in climate change and air pollution.
"We are thrilled to have our road side mobile charging vehicles being used on set in the film and production industry! This is yet again another example of the land and expand strategy being implemented to bring great return to the Company. DM EVS plans to expand and install its EV chargers throughout Vancouver this new year in an effort to make Canada more green. Leaders throughout Canada and the U.S are passionate about bringing a larger focus to EV, not just for the benefits of being fuel efficient, but because of the outcomes EV can serve on climate change and air-quality. We are truly excited to expand our Company into the EV space and look forward to sharing more developments on this soon," said Marshall Gunter, CEO of the Company.
DM EVS is trailblazing the electric vehicle (EV) industry with its leading-edge mobile charging units and proprietary mobile application. DM EVS provides solutions for drivers facing electric vehicle charging issues with its mobile charging unit which includes 24/7 roadside assistance, quick charging on the go, and preventing potential delays and issues in the future with its AI technology. The fixed AC charging system uses power resources efficiently through the dynamic load balancing function using Bluetooth technology, significantly improving cost and time to charge. DM EVS is the exclusive Canadian partner of EVAR (Electric Vehicle Advanced Recharging Inc.), a spin-off company from Samsung Electronics C-Lab.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.


text:
You are here: Home / Student Support / Advising / Fellowship Advising / List of Fellowships / NIH Graduate Partnerships Program
NIH Graduate Partnerships Program
Provides support for prospective Ph.D. students in biomedical disciplines to research at 15 NIH/University partnerships, including Oxford and Cambridge.
The Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) on the campuses of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides the opportunity for Ph.D. students in biomedical disciplines to do their dissertation research training at the premier biomedical research center in the world. Students come to the NIH laboratories after admission into one of the fifteen established NIH/University Partnerships or through individual agreements between a university faculty member and an NIH scientist after completing Ph.D. coursework and examination requirements.
SEE ALSO: Goldwater Scholarship, Hertz Fellowship, DOD Graduate Fellowships, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, DHS Graduate Fellowship
Applicants should exhibit:
Proven success in research;
Strong recommendations;
Academic excellence;
High GRE scores.
For the Institutional Partnerships program applicants must:
Possess an undergraduate degree by the time he/she matriculates;
Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident immigration status;
Submit both the university application and the GPP application. Each university program has an individual deadline. Please check the website for a list of application deadlines.
For the Individual Partnerships program applicants must:
Have completed all required coursework in a Ph.D. program;
Submit a letter from department/program chairperson giving permission to perform part or all of the dissertation research at NIH;
Complete the GPP application for Current Ph.D. students;
Identify an NIH Investigator for a host laboratory;
If a non-U.S. citizen, apply for the appropriate visa.
Graduate students who have applied to and are now enrolled in NIH-University partnership programs receive an NIH Intramural Research Training Award for stipend, health benefits and tuition support as needed. Students with less than one year of graduate education or training completed upon activation of the award will receive a $25,400 stipend their first year; a $27,000 stipend their second year; a $28,400 stipend their third year; a $30,200 stipend their fourth year; and a $31,400 stipend their fifth year. Current Ph.D. graduate students typically come to the NIH during their second or third year of graduate training. Financial support for stipend, health benefits, and/or tuition, may come from either the graduate university, the NIH Investigator from which the dissertation research is being performed, or a combination.
The NIH-University partnership programs award is renewable up to five years based on the student's progress toward their degree.


text:
'use strict';

var assert = require('assert');
var sharp = require('../../index');

var defaultConcurrency = sharp.concurrency();

describe('Utilities', function() {

  describe('Cache', function() {
    it('Can be disabled', function() {
      var cache = sharp.cache(0, 0);
      assert.strictEqual(0, cache.memory);
      assert.strictEqual(0, cache.items);
    });
    it('Can be set to a maximum of 50MB and 500 items', function() {
      var cache = sharp.cache(50, 500);
      assert.strictEqual(50, cache.memory);
      assert.strictEqual(500, cache.items);
    });
    it('Ignores invalid values', function() {
      sharp.cache(50, 500);
      var cache = sharp.cache('spoons');
      assert.strictEqual(50, cache.memory);
      assert.strictEqual(500, cache.items);
    });
  });

  describe('Concurrency', function() {
    it('Can be set to use 16 threads', function() {
      sharp.concurrency(16);
      assert.strictEqual(16, sharp.concurrency());
    });
    it('Can be reset to default', function() {
      sharp.concurrency(0);
      assert.strictEqual(defaultConcurrency, sharp.concurrency());
    });
    it('Ignores invalid values', function() {
      sharp.concurrency(0);
      sharp.concurrency('spoons');
      assert.strictEqual(defaultConcurrency, sharp.concurrency());
    });
  });

  describe('Counters', function() {
    it('Have zero value at rest', function() {
      var counters = sharp.counters();
      assert.strictEqual(0, counters.queue);
      assert.strictEqual(0, counters.process);
    });
  });

});

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


My family consists of my husband Glen and our three adult children. Glen retired from Lutheran ministry in 2016 and since then has filled his time managing our home and dog Panda, playing accordion in the Irish Band "Contae Lach", and working part-time at O'Reilly's Auto Parts.
Our oldest son Joel is a registered nurse living and working in St. Paul, second son Daniel is an all-purpose outdoorsman in Telluride, Colorado, and daughter Hannah works as a children's theatre education program coordinator in Austin, Texas.
Glen and I like to hike at Lake Herman State Park with Panda, travel, read, and watch episodes of "The Office" and "Parks & Rec" on a continuous loop.
What is your favorite type of reading?