Flowers are beautiful creation and they just have that magic in them to make a person feel good. It also makes a beautiful gift to convey your feelings and warmth for a person. It also has the power to spread a positive energy in a space or room. However, their uses extend beyond these.
There are different varieties of flowers and there are many shapes and colours of it too. Here is a brief explanation of few flowers and their uses.
Jasmine is known for it amusing fragrance. They are seen to bloom in summer and during the fall. It can be grown in almost any soil , the only condition being good supply of water. It is mainly seen to grow in the warmer regions around the world.
When it comes to purpose, with its beautiful fragrance , it is used mainly in perfumes , soaps and shampoos. Jasmine tea is also much famous.
When it comes to Asian countries like India and Sri Lanka, it is used as an accessory by women , mainly for adorning it in their hair.
It is also used for making garlands or for decoration purposes. Another use of jasmine that may not be known is that it can be used medicinally to treat cancer , ring worm or tapeworm infections or used as a calming agent.
Another beautiful variety of flower, loved by almost everyone for its simplistic beauty and poise. There are over a 100 species of roses and thousands of cultivars and they vary in shape, size and colour. Most of its species are found in Asia and some in Europe, North America and North western Africa.
Rose flower is usually known to an ornamental variety of flower but its uses extend beyond this image. They can be grown to beautify your gardens or cut and displayed for commercial purposes.
The flower is also used to extract rose oil to provide its fragrance in perfumes as well as soaps. Rose hips maybe used for making jams and marmalades or even in certain cosmetic products.
Rose water can also be made from the flower that can be used in perfumes, for cooking, in beauty products or for religious purposes.
Rose or rosewater are very much used in Persian, Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines specially in sweet dishes or for garnish. The flower is actually widely used in cooking as the petals or leaves are used to flavour tea or in desserts and ice creams.
A concentrated syrup is also known to be extracted from the flower which is generally used to make squash. It is also used to make rose creams, a traditional English confectionary which is rose flavoured fondant covered with chocolate and topped with a crystallised rose petal.
Big and beautiful , sunflower is actually an inflorescence of hundreds and thousands of tiny florets arranged together making it a false flower. The flower needs full exposure to the sun and grows best in fertile, moist, well drained soil with a lot of mulch. It is the state flower of Kansas.
When it comes to uses, every part of the flower and the plant is useful in one way or the other. Sunflower oil is widely used. Other than cooking, these oil can be used in soaps, lubricants or in candles.
The seeds, rich in vitamin A,B and E, calcium, nitrogen and iron, are also much known to be edible, cooked or raw. It is also used to make flour for cakes and breads. Sunflower petals are edible as well and is also used to make also natural dye. The stalk of it is used to make paper and clothes.
Medicinally, sunflower oil can be used to relieve skin problems like haemorrhoids and ulcers. The roots which have the power to clean up radiations from soil and water, can also be used to treat snakebites and spider bites.
The leaves are also medicinal as it helps relieve fever, lung ailments and diarrhoea when made into tea.
Lavandula or lavender is native to the Old World and is seen to grow in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to Southeast India.
It is mainly used to extract essential oils from it which can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics and topical applications. It is also widely used as an ornamental flower and also for landscaping purposes.
It is also widely used for culinary purposes with its fragrant and slightly sweet flavour. It could make a condiment and maybe used in salads and dressing. A very little amount of it would do the job. It can be used on cakes or in desserts and are also occasionally found in teas.
The flower also has some medicinal purposes as well. It is used with chamomile in aromatherapy. It has also been studied to eliminate anxiety and sleep related troubles. Also lavender honey, extracted from bees feeding on the flowers' nectar, is said to heal uninfected wounds.
These are just few among the many varieties of plants that inhabit the earth and each one of them has numerous uses to offer us. A flower that you thought could only adorn your garden maybe helpful for various other uses.


Aren't you tired yet of commercial items all the same, with a term fixed by the companies?
Wouldn't you prefer have something unique and personalized upon you?
MadeinItalyfor.me offers the opportunity to buy Italian handicraft online, without intermediaries directly from the workshops of the whole Italy. With products of all types and materials, in a safe manner, with transport trackable, fast and insured, as well as attention to the environment and to the made in Italy 100%, verified by us.
Purchase of Italian handmade artifacts directly from the manufacturer, with guarantee 100% of madeinitaly.
Home delivery with tracking of the shipment. Couriers UPS and SDA.
Possibility to comment the information and discuss issues related to the topics covered by the blog.
Discover the most beautiful exhibitions and events for handicraft that are held in Italy by month and place.
Opportunity to learn about regional typical peculiarities and spreading the Italian culture.
Management of purchases and invoices with historical user.
Possibility of customized requests and small customizations during the purchase with a special box.
MadeinItalyfor.me is an aggregator for the category of Italian craftsmanship of all types and is very simple and safe to make purchases from anywhere in the world through the PayPall system that secures your online transactions and allows the use of different types of payment.
You must register to access to the e-commerce section and at all the services offered.
Choose an artifact or a craftsman that interests you particularly through the portal.
Once selected, you can add it to your favorites to evaluate a future purchase or promote it.
Once decided the purchase, you can easily add it to your shopping basket that will report cost and shipping expenses.
In case of customization request you can order without paying and wait for the cost estimate.
Once chosen the object or confirmed the preventive, the payment will initiate the process of purchase of the artifact.
You can receive the item at home or withdraw it in one of the workshops of our affiliated nearest to you.
You can follow the transport via the shipping link that will be sent after purchase.
For purchases, are in force the rules and the right of withdrawal, in the manner and within the period prescribed by Italian law articles. 64-67 (Exercise of the right of withdrawal) of Legislative Decree 206/2005 (Consumer Code) that, pursuant to art. 53 co. 1 letter. a) of Legislative Decree 203/2006 are reported below. You have the right to withdraw without any penalty and without specifying the reason within the term of ten working days, except as provided in Article 65, paragraphs 3, 4 and 5. Warning: custom objects for the final customers don't enjoy that right because specially commissioned and no longer salable.
The service is free and has no additional cost to the one that appears in the shopping basket for Italian and European buyers; in some foreign countries, however, the user will have to bear the customs duties. The user buys directly from the workshop and unlike to go personally by the craftsman, he pays the shipping costs, probably less than the cost of a round trip.


Tad and Michael have mediated over 700 cases, so they have experience in virtually all subjects. They also draw on their broad practice backgrounds. Some of the most common areas in which they have practiced and mediated are listed below.
Arbitration. Both Tad and Michael have served as arbitrators in numerous cases, including construction, divorce, real estate and commercial disputes.
Business. We have mediated litigated cases and helped businesses mediate solutions to avoid litigation.
Construction. Michael served as general counsel for Engelberth Construction, and Michael and Tad represented numerous other constrution companies, professionals, lenders and owners in construction disputes. A substantial part of Michael's mediation practice is devoted to construction disputes. Michael was listed in Best Lawyers in America 2009 in the Construction Law category.
Divorce. Tad and Michael regularly mediate divorce cases. Divorce lawyers retain them to deal with high asset, complex financial issues and cases involving intense emotional conflict.
Education. Tad and Michael have represented educators and school districts. Michael has been general counsel to the Vermont Principals' Association for over twenty years, and serves on his local school board. Tad has served as hearing officer in numerous education disputes, and both Tad and Michael have mediated education disputes.
Employment. Michael and Tad litigated on behalf of both employers and employees, and have each mediated numerous employment cases. They recognize and deal with the difficult emotional dynamic that is common to most employment disputes.
Environmental and Permitting. Michael and Tad represented developers, municipalites and neighbors in state and federal envrionmental disputes. Their mediation practice has covered a range of environmental disputes, including permitting, toxic torts, and enforcement actions. Tad and Michael both serve on the Vermont Environmental Court's Advisory Panel on Mediation. Tad and Michael both served on municipal land use boards.
Insurance Coverage. Tad and Michael litigated coverage issues, and have mediated coverage issues.
Intellectual Property. Michael has mediated intellectual property cases involving Vermont and national firms.
Labor. Michael has represented both labor and management in collective bargaining, including educators, school boards, the Granite Cutters Association (an independent labor union), and served as Vermont Chief Labor Negotiator between 2003 and 2010.
Municipal-Government. Tad and Michael have represented selectboards, zoning boards, and those dealing with municipal government on an array of subjects. Tad and Michael frequently mediate cases involving governmental entities.
Negotiation. Tad and Michael have represented parties in all types of negotiations, ranging from private disputes to complex commercial transactions. Tad and Michael are called on to provide support in a variety of negotiations.
Real Estate. Tad and Michael have represented developers, owners and lenders in a wide range of real estate transactions and disputes. Tad and Michael have mediated many litigation and pre-litigation real estate disputes, including numerous community association cases.
Personal Injury--Wrongful Death. Michael and Tad have represented plaintiffs, defendants and insurance carriers in personal injury and wrongful death cases. A substantial portion of their mediation practice is comprised of personal injury and wrongful death actions.
Probate, Trusts and Estates. Tad and Michael have mediated and litigated a range of probate, trust and estate disputes. They are sensitive the the challenges posed by intra-family dynamics.
Professional Liability. Michael and Tad have mediated cases involving medical, legal, design and other professionals.
Public Utility. Michael served as Vermont Public Advocate and represented both consumers and utilities in his private practice.


The following questions and answers are suitable for members within the CARE Sections.
What are my options if I want (or need) to stop paying into my Scheme.
In order to stop paying into the Scheme, you must opt out. If you opt out, you are no longer covered by death in service benefits, and you will not build up any additional pension during the period you are opted out.
If you do decide to opt out, there may be several options available to you, including transferring your benefits to another registered scheme, leaving them deferred in the Scheme or claiming a refund on your contributions if you've been a member for less than two years.
Your Member guide will explain more about the options available to you. You can find a copy of this in the Active members section of this site and following the links to the correct information for your type of membership.
I transferred to CARE, are my Final Salary benefits protected?
Many MPs will find that they have two sets of PCPF benefit.
As well as building up benefits in the new CARE scheme, these MPs will have final salary benefits that continue to be governed under the old rules and benefit from the following protections.
Your final salary benefits will continue to be calculated with reference to your future final pensionable salary.
On your death, your spouse/partner/civil partner will still receive 5/8ths of the value of your final salary pension (as well as a proportion of your CARE benefits).
Any dependent children would receive pensions in respect of your final salary pension (as well as a proportion of your CARE benefits).
If you are contributing to Added Years before you move into the CARE scheme, you can continue contributing to this contract while a member of the CARE scheme.
Your final salary benefits are payable from age 65, as long as you are no longer a serving MP.
On retirement you are able to exchange some of your final salary pension for a tax-free lump sum, using the age related factors from the old rules.
What is my Normal Retirement Age (NRA)?
The Normal Retirement Age for members of a CARE Scheme matches the current State Pension Age.
State Pension Ages are currently under review but you can use the calculator on the GOV.uk website to work out your State Pension Age.
Your membership provides valuable benefits, the most important of which is a pension for life.
You will build up CARE credits of your pensionable salary in each year you are a contributing member. Together, these credits will form your pension.
How do I tell the Trustees who my chosen beneficiaries are?
Please complete a Death benefit nomination form to inform the Trustees who you'd like to receive any payments that may be due.
You can find a downloadable copy of the Death benefit nomination form for your type of membership in the Forms section.
Can I purchase additional pension?
You can buy Added Pension to increase your overall future benefits. It is important to note that you can only apply to buy Added Pension once a year, either in April or within one month of joining the Scheme.
You could pay for this either by making monthly contributions or a lump-sum payment.
You can learn more about this topic in your Member guide. You can find a copy of this in the Active members section of this site by following the links to the correct information for your type of membership.
Can I transfer other pension benefits into my Section?
If you have pension benefits from previous providers or employers, you may be able to transfer these into the Scheme if your previous scheme was classed as a UK registered pension scheme. This will buy additional CARE credits (units of Scheme membership), which will be calculated at the date the transfer is received by the Scheme, in accordance with guidance from the Government Actuary's Department.
You can learn more about this topic in your Member guide. You can find a copy of this in the Active members section of this site and following the links to the correct information for your type of membership.
What is an Effective Pension Age?
You can reduce your Normal Retirement Age (NRA) by up to three years to a revised Effective Pension Age, by paying additional contributions to the Scheme, provided this does not take your NRA below 65.
It is important to note that you can only apply to do this once a year, either in April or within a month of joining the Scheme.
What is an Early Retirement Reduction Waiver?
If you decide to retire before your Normal Retirement Age or purchased Effective Pension Age, your pension will be reduced because it is being paid early.
You have the option at retirement to apply to make a one-off payment so your retirement benefits are not reduced. The Scheme administrator will calculate the cost of this, if requested, and the payment must be settled before your pension is calculated.
Please send all requests for information about your pension entitlement to RPMI, which has been appointed by the Trustees to administer the Scheme.
Can I arrange a meeting to discuss my pension?
What if I get divorced or dissolve a civil partnership?
If you face divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, your pension is likely to be considered along with your other assets when financial settlements are worked out.
A court order can be made to transfer part of the value of your benefits as part of the divorce or dissolution proceedings. If this is the case, it would mean your benefits will reduce to provide benefits for your ex-spouse or ex-civil partner. Any order made by the court must be applied to your pension benefits.


We want to buy Cosmetics & Skincare Products.
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We want to buy Beauty Products.
interested in all types of products you have.
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We are looking for Brand Cosmetics.
Would like to establish communication.


A city man was wounded in a shooting early Saturday morning, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office.
Police received report of a shooting victim inside an apartment in the area of 12th Avenue between Carroll Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard at around 4:13 a.m.
A 26-year-old victim was rushed to St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center for treatment. Authorities said the victim was treated for a gunshot wound and released.
At this time, the location of the shooting is unknown, authorities said.
12th Avenue between Carroll Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard….why doesn't that surprise me?


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Documentary on Chinese immigrant experience rings true today
The Chiu family -- Edwin Chiu, Charles Chiu, Caliya Chiu and Baldwin Chiu -- visiting the grave of Charles Chiu's father, KC Lou, for the first time in Cleveland, Mississippi. The documentary short "Finding Cleveland," connecting Charles Chiu's search for his father to immigrant issues, will be shown in April at Naper Settlement. Courtesy of the Chiu family
By Emma Vodick
Naper Settlement
Posted3/23/2017 12:02 PM
The award-winning documentary short "Finding Cleveland: A Documentary Film Where Far East Meets Deep South" will make a stop at Naper Settlement in early April as part of a national tour. Naperville is one of only two Chicago-area locations to see the movie.
"Finding Cleveland," by husband-and-wife filmmakers Baldwin Chiu and Larissa Lam, follows Charles Chiu, left behind in China as a baby, on his search for the father he never knew. With his family, Chiu ventures on an emotional journey to Cleveland, Mississippi, where he finds familial roots and a part of American history that is little told.
To be shown at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, the 13-minute film speaks to the importance of knowing one's history and the role museums play in preserving and sharing the past.
After the showing, a panel featuring the filmmakers, museum experts and historians will discuss its themes.
Admission is free, but seating is limited. Reservations are recommended. For information, visit napersettlement.org or call (630) 420-6010.
"What started out as a quest to discover our family history led to our discovery of the racism that existed in the pre-Civil Rights South amid the Chinese Exclusion Act," Baldwin Chiu said. "This film documents the resolve of the early Chinese immigrants to overcome the challenges of the time."
The issues facing the Chinese in the Mississippi Delta in the early- to mid-1900s still exist for immigrants and the Chinese in America today. "Finding Cleveland" sparks conversation about what we can learn from the past to bring more understanding into today's society.
"The film and the issues that it presents are important pieces of history that echo through time and are particularly relevant today," said Donna Sack, Naper Settlement's vice president for community engagement and audience.
"We are so glad that Naperville resident Esther Wong brought the story to our attention. Through her connections to the filmmakers, Naper Settlement, along with a showing in Chinatown, are the only locations to debut the film in the Chicago metropolitan area."
Larissa Lam is an award-winning singer/songwriter. She composed the musical score for the film and performs regularly across the country. Chiu is also a rap artist who performs as Only Won.
What: "Finding Cleveland: A Documentary Film Where Far East Meets Deep South" screening and panel discussion
When: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Where: Naper Settlement, 623 S. Webster St., Naperville
Reservations: (630) 429-6010 or napersettlement.org
Click here to sign up for the Naperville Newsletter

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


When I left my hotel this morning, the city of Cajamarca looked like any other city in Peru with lots of hustle and bustle, but little to draw my attention, so I decided to check out somewhere else for the day. I took a bus to the next town called Baños del Inca and was immediately impressed. It was only fifteen minutes from the center of Cajamarca, yet here was a small, clean, and quiet town that would be a quaint place to visit even without its main attraction, the hot springs.
When I arrived at the hot springs, the guy at the information desk recommended bathing in the Imperiales room, which was the biggest one available. I took him up on the offer and bought my ticket. Walking into the hot springs grounds was like stepping back in time. The steam-filled air that surrounded me, the people walking around in robes, the quiet atmosphere, and the flower gardens made me feel like I was in ancient Rome about to embark on an act of hedonism.
Soon I was lead into the imperial room, which, unlike most hot springs in Peru, was a private chamber. There was a large tub the size of a Jacuzzi that had just been emptied and cleaned. I turned a lever to release the flow of practically boiling water, stripped naked, and eased my way in. The therapeutic experience made me forget all my troubles. Before long, the hot water became unbearable and I had to put some cold water in the tub for balance. I left the imperial room sweaty, but relaxed from head to toe.
When my sweating subsided, I took a walk around the park grounds. There were several large pools of water bubbling straight from the earth that were said to be between seventy-one and seventy-eight degrees Celsius, many rooms with private baths, a half-sized Olympic swimming pool, massage parlors, and even bungalows that could sleep four people with twenty-four hour access to the hot springs for $60. Still, my price of $2 for the imperial room and the bus fare from and to the city was well worth the hassle.
I just read an article called Getting in Touch With My Inner Patrician and thought you might be interested. Here is the link: http://1000daysbetween.com/2007/09/getting-in-touch-with-my-inner-patrician/ Enjoy!


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Certificates in Religious Studies
Global Religious Literacy
The Department for the Study of Religion offers a basic certificate in global religious literacy, which allows students to explore various religious traditions. Students completing the certificate program will attain:
A basic understanding of the beliefs, central texts (where applicable), contemporary manifestations, history, and practices of several of the world's religious traditions as they arose out of and continue to be shaped by particular cultural, historical, and social contexts.
The ability to discern and explore the religious dimensions of cultural, political, social, and expressions across time and place.
The certificate requires completion of 15 units to include Religious Studies 103 and 12 units selected from Religious Studies 320, 325, 328, 335, 338, 341, 345, 352, or 357. Students must obtain a grade of C (2.0) or better in each of the certificate courses. Courses in the certificate may be used towards the major but may not be used towards the religious studies minor.
Students may obtain a certificate in global religious literacy without majoring in religious studies. To register in the certificate program, contact the department.
Indian Religions, Cultures, and Traditions
The Department for the Study of Religion offers a basic certificate in Indian religions, cultures, and traditions. The certificate requires 15 units to include Religious Studies 339 and 12 units selected from Religious Studies 315, 338, 352, 357, 379, or Philosophy 565.
Students must obtain a grade of C (2.0) or better in each of the certificate courses. Courses in the certificate may be used toward the major but may not be used towards the religious studies minor. Students may obtain a certificate in Indian religions, cultures, and traditions without majoring in religious studies. To register in the certificate program, contact the department.
If you need further information or have any questions, please contact the classics adviser or visit any of the links below.
Professor Drew Thomases
Office: AL-672 | Phone: (619) 594-2723
Important Links: Class Schedule | SDSU General Catalog | Major Academic Plan
Last Updated Nov 20, 2020


I started my hygiene career at Southern IL University in Carbondale and have been with Fox Valley Dental since 2002. I am very fortunate to work with such an awesome dental team. Patients are my top priority. I enjoy making lasting relationships with them.
I come from a very large Ukranian family. I love to spend time with my daughters and husband. I especially enjoy traveling, movies and occasionally a little gardening. Summer is my favorite season, but winter gives me a chance to catch up on a few good books and hockey games. My family bonds have made me the person I am and given me the personality to make my patients feel like family.


text:
D. Midthun
Moderator of
MS 24 - CT Screening: Minimize Harm/Cost and Risk Assessment (ID 42)
Type: Mini Symposium
Moderators:D. Midthun, J.H. Pedersen
Coordinates: 9/09/2015, 14:15 - 15:45, Four Seasons Ballroom F3+F4
MS24.01 - Definition of Positive Cases and False Positives (ID 1954)
14:15 - 15:45 | Author(s): D.F. Yankelevitz
With the ever increasing acceptance of CT screening the need to now minimize harms becomes even greater. One of the harms which occurs with the greatest frequency are "false positives" as they can lead to unnecessary additional work up, sometimes invasive, added cost, and cause anxiety for the person being screened. The term "false positive" is somewhat confusing and is defined differently by different groups. In the computer aided diagnosis domain, it refers to a finding that does not represent a nodule and is mistakenly labelled by the computer to represent nodule. Most frequently this is a blood vessel. Thus, positive results are nodules (often described as actionable based on a size criteria) and false positives are findings not representing nodules. In the clinical domain, when interpreting a CT scan, a positive finding is something that meets a specified definition to be considered a positive result. A positive finding is not something that is inherent to the image but requires certain criteria to be met. Thus, a nodule by itself is not necessarily a positive finding, but must meet certain criteria to be considered positive. Typically it is a non-calcified nodule of a specific size. Thus, in the National Lung Screening Trial the cutoff was at 4 mm, while in I-ELCAP it was at 5 mm for non-calcified nodules. Given a positive result, the confusion now occurs in terms of whether the nodule actually turns out to be a cancer or not. Some prefer to call these cases "false positive" even though they are truly nodules and positive in the sense that they meet the definition of positive based on the CT criteria. Others merely refer to the rate at which positive results occur considering them all positive regardless of their final disposition with the view that imaging does not determine malignancy. Regardless of the linguistics and their potential for causing some confusion, the main concern is to limit the excess amount of work up on those cases which are not cancer. This can be accomplished primarily in two ways. First, to be certain that the population being screened is at high risk for cancer, and secondly, to identify those criteria most associated with cancer and use that in the definition of a positive result. By far, the most dominant of those criteria is size defined either volumetrically or by diameter. An important consideration when defining size cutoffs for positive results, is that the frequency of nodules decreases with increasing size, and the frequency of cancer increases with increasing size. Also, with increasing size of the cancer, the chance for cure decreases. The extent to which all this occurs is not fully known and has many additional considerations. As a start however, and especially in the era of increased scanner resolution, the frequency of positive results would approach 100% if the size criteria is made small enough and the overwhelming majority would be benign. One approach to determining an optimal size criteria is to perform a sensitivity analysis on a screening population balancing the positive rate against what might be considered an acceptable "miss" rate. Using the I-ELCAP database, the frequency of positive results in the baseline round using the 5 mm size cutoff for positive result (any parenchymal, solid or part-solid, noncalcified nodule ≥5.0 mm) was 16% (3396/21 136). When alternative threshold values of 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 mm were used, the frequencies of positive results were 10.2% (95% CI, 9.8% to 10.6%), 7.1% (CI, 6.7% to 7.4%), 5.1% (CI, 4.8% to 5.4%), and 4.0% (CI, 3.7% to 4.2%), respectively. Use of these alternative definitions would have reduced the work-up by 36%, 56%, 68%, and 75%, respectively. Concomitantly, lung cancer diagnostics would have been delayed by at most 9 months for 0%, 5.0% (CI, 1.1% to 9.0%), 5.9% (CI, 1.7 to 10.1%), and 6.7% (CI, 2.2% to 11.2%) of the cases of cancer, respectively. This type of analysis was also performed on the NLST data which using their 4 mm size cutoff had reported a 26.6% positive rate on baseline. The frequency of positive results using the definition of a positive result of any parenchymal, solid or part-solid, noncalcified nodule of 5.0 mm or larger was 15.8%. Using alternative thresholds of 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0 mm, the frequencies of positive results were 10.5% (2700 of 25 813, 7.2% , 5.3% , and 4.1% , respectively, and the corresponding proportional reduction in additional CT scans would have been 33.8% , 54.7% , 66.6% , and 73.8% , respectively. Concomitantly, the proportion of lung cancer diagnoses determined within the first 12 months would be delayed up to 9 months for 0.9% (two of 232), 2.6% (six of 232), 6.0% (14 of 232), and 9.9% (23 of 232) of the patients, respectively. The use of the 6 mm size threshold has now gained widespread acceptance in the context of screening having been endorsed by the NCCN, Lung-Rads and I-ELCAP. Nevertheless, it must still be recognized that the tradeoff is the delay in diagnosis of some small cancers for an additional nine months when the next annual screen would occur. While these cancers are unlikely to substantially change in size, the potential for progression is still present and this is the main consideration in balancing against the decrease in positive rate. While size does remain the dominant feature in defining a positive result in this high risk population, there are other approaches that consider additional features of the nodules that also have prognostic significance and may be useful in defining positive results.
MS24.02 - Computer Assisted Lung Cancer Screening: Automated CT Image Analysis (ID 1955)
14:15 - 15:45 | Author(s): A. Reeves, Y. Xie
With the advent of lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose chest CT images, the attention for computer aided tools advances from proof of concept and validation studies to clinical utility. Computer aided image-based diagnosis tools (CAD) for LCS on the initial CT have a primary objective of improved decision making for follow up actions. There are four roles for CAD tools in this context: nodule detection, nodule characterization, nodule growth-rate measurement for malignancy status, and companion diagnostics. The special low-dose CT scan acquired as the primary test in LCS is of lower quality than a traditional clinical CT scan and, consequently, presents a higher challenge to computer analysis methods. Computer aided nodule detection systems address the critical screening task of identifying pulmonary nodules in low-dose CT images. These systems typically identify the location of nodule candidates in the CT images. In general, they detect small sphere like high intensity image regions that correspond to the most common and important finding in LCS. Their performance is related to size and most evaluations are focused on nodules of 4-5 mm or larger. For smaller nodules the false positive rate is much higher. The first of such systems received FDA approval in 2004. There has been significant technology improvement since then with sensitivities in research systems higher than 90% reported in 2007 [1]. In 2012 Zhao et al [2] reported on a study using commercial software on 400 randomly selected cases from the NELSON study. They found that the CAD system could obtain 96.7% sensitivity on nodules greater than 50 mm[3] (4.6 mm) with only 1.9 false positives per scan. In contrast, the double reading achieved 78.1% sensitivity. While the benefit of using computer detection for LCS has been clearly demonstrated and good commercial products are available, there has been little adoption of these methods in recent LCS studies. The second area in which the computer may by useful is in analyzing the images of pulmonary nodule candidates especially with respect to the critical issue of malignant or benign. The classical approach here is to generate some diagnostic features from the appearance of the nodule images and to perform classification from these to determine malignancy. A number of research studies have shown encouraging results; however, these studies have either used non-screening nodules and images, which have a vastly larger size and higher quality or did not separate out the contribution of nodule size, which is highly predictive of malignancy in LCS populations, from the other image features. A recent study [3] has shown that after compensating for size, for LCS CT images, the other image features provide only a moderate amount of additional information. This information is insufficient for a diagnosis by itself but may be used to refine follow up decisions. The measurement of nodule growth rate from two or more CT scans has been shown to be highly predictive of nodule malignancy status [4]. Since at least a second scan is required this method should be considered as a follow up procedure among other clinical follow up methods. The main barrier to clinical implementation of this method is that it requires the computing of the difference of the two CT scans, which is highly dependent on the geometric image quality of each scan. Unfortunately, there exists no agency or process by which this quality is monitored or measured on current scanners and without any scanner calibration imprecise results may occur. Correct use of this method requires careful attention to details. CT scans acquired for LCS also image other critical organs that are at risk for the screening population. Companion diagnostics refers to computer analysis for conditions other than lung cancer from the periodic LCS CT images. Conceptually, this is similar to a blood test where additional conditions may be evaluated from a single patient interaction. Therefore, the automatic risk factor assessment of these additional regions provides additional benefit without requiring additional imaging for the LCS population. Work in this area is still at an early stage. Research targets for automated evaluation reported in the literature include: lung (emphysema and COPD), cardiac (coronary artery calcium, aorta profile and calcium), breast (density assessment), and bone (vertebral body density evaluation). Computer aided methods will inevitably make major contributions to increasing the efficiency and benefit of LCS as they transition from research prototypes to clinical practice. More sophisticated computer algorithms and modern machine learning techniques will greatly improve CAD performance; however, such methods require very large training image datasets. Research studies to date typically involve 100 images examples or less; future algorithm development can greatly benefit by the millions of images that will be acquired with LCS practice. References [1] Enquobahrie A A, Reeves A P, Yankelevitz D F and Henschke C I, "Automated Detection of Small Pulmonary Nodules in Whole Lung CT Scans", Acad Radiol, 14(5): 579-593, 2007. [2] Zhao Y, de Bock G H, Vliegenthart R, van Klaveren R J, Wang Y, Bogoni L, de Jong P A, Mali W P, van Ooijen P M A and Oudkerk M, "Performance of computer-aided detection of pulmonary nodules in low-dose CT: comparison with double reading by nodule volume", Eur Radiol, 22(10): 2076-2084, 2012. [3] Reeves A P, Xie Y and Jirapatnakul A, "Automated pulmonary nodule CT image characterization in lung cancer screening", IJCARS, doi: 10.1007/s11548-015-1245-7, 2015. [4] Reeves A P, "Measurement of Change in Size of Lung Nodules". In Li Q, Nishikawa R M (ed) Computer-Aided Detection and Diagnosis in Medical Imaging, Taylor & Francis, Chapter 11, 2015.
MS24.03 - Role of PET Scan in Workup of Nodules (ID 1956)
14:15 - 15:45 | Author(s): U. Pastorino
Effective screening programs should detect all cancers and reduce as much as possible the probability of false-positive results, not representing malignant disease. In lung cancer screening, false-positive low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) results are even more crucial than in other fields, because of the magnitude of risks and costs related to invasive diagnostic examinations, and the need of potentially harmful surgical procedures. Long-term follow-up of nodules ≤ 5 mm at baseline CT has proven that these nodules don't require additional workup, but for non-calcified nodules between 5 and 10 mm, surveillance of growth is mandatory to identify the relatively few malignant lesions. With the NLST diagnostic algorithm, based on diameter measurement, 24% of subjects had a positive LDCT but 96% of them proved to be false positives, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of only 3.6% at baseline, 2.4 first repeat and 5.2% at second repeat [1,2]. On the contrary, the diagnostic algorithm of Nelson trial, based on the automated assessment of 3D volumetry and doubling time, obtained a 36% PPV and a 99.9% negative predictive value (NPV) [3]. However, in the Nelson trial, where positron emission tomography (PET) was not included in the diagnostic algorithm, the frequency of invasive procedures for benign disease proved to be quite high (27%), and similar to the one observed in NLST trial (24%) [4]. Large meta-analyses have demonstrated the clinical value of PET in the differential diagnosis of undetermined pulmonary nodules detected by spiral CT, with a sensitivity rate of 96-97%, a specificity of 78-82% [5], and accuracy rate reaching 92% with the CT/PET fusion machine [6]. In 2000, our pilot study in Milan was the first screening protocol to include selective use of PET in the diagnostic algorhitm, thus showing that PET may be helpful in the management of CT detected nodules ≥ 7 mm. In the first five years of screening, PET was applied to only 1.4% of spiral CTs, with an overall sensitivity rate of 94%, specificity of 82%, and an accuracy rate of 88% [7,8]. In the Milan pilot trial, the cumulative frequency of surgical procedures for benign disease at 5 years was 15%. The MILD randomized trial has obtained similar results, in terms of frequency and diagnostic accuracy. From 2005 to 2015, a total of 113 PET were applied to 2376 individuals and 12,314 LDCTs, representing 4.8% of all screened individuals in 10 years, and 0.93% of all LDCTs. Excluding lung cancer cases, where PET would have been applied later for staging purposes, the true excess of PET examinations for screening purposes only reached a total 33 exams (1.4% of subjects, 0.3% of LDCTs). The sensitivity rate was 85%, specificity 80%, accuracy 83%, PPV 89% and NPV 74%. Of interest, only 3 patients underwent pulmonary resection for benign disease, out of 66 surgical procedures (5%) performed in the MILD trial. Such a low benign resection rate, is not only due to selective use of PET, but also to the active surveillance programme applied to non-solid lesions in the MILD trial. Beyond differential diagnosis, PET may play a role in prediction of outcome, and identification of indolent lung cancer. We have demonstrated in a previous paper, based on 34 lung cancer patients from the first pilot trial, that PET-SUV value can accurately predict long term survival and identify individuals with 100% 5-year survival [9]. In the MILD trial we have confirmed the value of metabolic profile as a predictor of outcome. The following figure illustrates the 5-year survival of 95 patients, from pilot and MILD trials. Figure 1 The possibility to combine metabolic profile with other biomarkers, such as circulating miRNAs [10], to identify indolent disease will require future investigations, to improve performance and reduce over-diagnosis of LDCT screening. 1 Aberle DR, Adams AM, Berg CD, et al. The National Lung Screening Trial Research Team (2011). Reduced lung-cancer mortality with low-dose computed tomographic screening. N Engl J Med 365:395-409. 2 Aberle DR, DeMello S, Berg CD, et al. (2013) Results of the Two Incidence Screenings in the National Lung Screening Trial. N Engl J Med 369:920-31. 3 van Klaveren RJ, Oudkerk M, Prokop M, et al. (2009) Management of lung nodules detected by volume CT scanning. N Engl J Med 361:2221-9. 4 Kramer BS, Berg CD, Aberle DR, Prorok PC. Lung cancer screening with low-dose helical CT: results from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). J Med Screen. 2011;18:109-111. 5 M.K. Gould, C.C. Maclean, W.G. Kuschner, et a. l(2001). Owens, Accuracy of positron emission tomography for diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and mass lesions: a meta-analysis. JAMA 285: 914–924. 6 Kim SK, Allen-Auerbach M, Goldin J, et al. (2007) Accuracy of PET/CT in characterization of solitary pulmonary lesions. J Nucl Med 48:214–220. 7 Pastorino U (2010) Lung Cancer Screening. British Journal of Cancer 102: 1681–1686 8 Veronesi G, Bellomi M, Veronesi U, et al. (2007) Role of positron emission tomography scanning in the management of lung nodules detected at baseline computed tomography screening. Ann Thorac Surg 84:959-66 9 Pastorino U, Landoni C, Marchianò A, et al. (2009) Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake measured by positron emission tomography (PET) and standardised uptake value (SUV) predicts long-term survival of CT screening-detected lung cancer in heavy smokers. J Thor Oncol 11:1352-6 10. Sozzi G, Boeri M, Rossi M, et al: Clinical utility of a plasma-based miRNA signature classifier within computed tomography lung cancer screening: A correlative MILD trial study. J Clin Oncol 32:768-773, 2014
MS24.04 - Biomarkers in Selection for CT Screening/Management of Nodules (ID 1957)
14:15 - 15:45 | Author(s): H.I. Pass
The complexity of biomarker discovery is amplified by the multitude of platforms on which the biomarker is discovered (mutational sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), copy-number variation (CNV) of chromosomes, immunohistochemistry, epigenetics including methylation studies, or microRNA ), and by the material used (tissue, plasma, serum, urine, breath, sputum, effusion). The aim is to define these biomarkers in a way whereby their use is contingent on maximal accuracy, which depends on the ability of biomarker researchers to not only put forth markers with the greatest sensitivity and specificity, but also to be able to validate these biomarkers in a methodologic algorithm that will satisfy regulatory bodies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States as well as other agencies abroad. This lecture will concentrate on novel biomarkers for lung cancer being investigated by the Lung Group and industrial members of the Early Detection Research Network. These biomarkers include autoantibodies, MRM proteomics, micro and lncRNAs, SomaMers, and airway transcriptomics.
MTE 26 - Multidisciplinary Approach to a Comprehensive CT Screening Program (Ticketed Session) (ID 78)
Type: Meet the Expert (Ticketed Session)
Track: Community Practice
Coordinates: 9/09/2015, 07:00 - 08:00, 109
MTE26.01 - Multidisciplinary Approach to a Comprehensive CT Screening Program (ID 2013)
07:00 - 08:00 | Author(s): D. Midthun
The National Lung Screening Trial results provided convincing evidence to the US Preventive services Task Force (USPSTF) to give a B recommendation (same as mammography) to screening high-risk individuals with low-dose CT (LDCT) in 2013.[1,2] In response in 2015 the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS) determined payment for screening those age 55 to 77 with the same smoking requirements.[3] So how is the medical community supposed to implement screening? At this point it appears easier to come up with the questions than the answers and it is unclear if there will be additional large randomized studies to guide the process. Programs will have similar elements with yet with features reflective of local needs and resources. In the US much of this process is being dictated by CMS and the American College of Radiology (ACR) which will maintain the registry through which reimbursement by CMS has been approved. As of July, this registry has not been set up and reimbursement by CMS is promised but not being done. As the NLST is the only randomized control trial to show benefit, whether international adoption occurs remains to be seen. Policy statements are available to help identify the key components and implementation strategies for a CT screening program.[4,5] A multidisciplinary committee that meets regularly consisting of pulmonology, radiology, primary care, thoracic surgery, interventional radiology, and medical and radiation oncology is important to facilitate LDCT screening, and evaluation and treatment of screening results. The inclusion of each of these disciplines helps to assure the patient has a complete complement of options regarding diagnosis and treatment and also limits the implementation of screening to systems with the needed expertise available. Having dedicated secretarial and administrative support is as important to a program's success. Who to screen? The simplest answer is to screen those for whom benefit has been shown, namely those fitting the NLST criteria: age 55-74 with a 30 pk-year history of smoking and either current smokers or those who have quit within 15 years.[1] But it should be more complicated that as there are many patients at equivalent or higher risk who don't fit the NLST criteria. There are several guidelines published and they all differ. USPSTF recommends ages 55 to 80 (and is so mandated within the Affordable Care Act), CMS is reimbursing for those age 55 to 77 (in medicare or medicaid), the National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) additionally recommends screening for those age > 50 with a 20 pack-year history and one additional risk factor such as COPD, family history of lung cancer, occupational exposure to carcinogens, and significant radon exposure.[6] Similarly the American Association of Thoracic Surgery recommends screening for those ages 55-79 within the NSLT smoking criteria as well as those > age 50 with a > 20 pk-year history and a cumulative risk of > 5% over 5 years.[7] At present the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends against LDCT screening.[8] Our program is recommending screening based on risk rather than reimbursement and, as a consequence, in additional to those who meet USPSTF criteria, recommends screening to those who have equivalent or higher risk using the PLCO~2012~ model.[9] Exclusion criteria should be similar between programs and based on the NLST.[1] Shared Decision Making. The USPSTF recommendation includes a shared decision making process (not recommended for breast cancer screening); this is also mandated by CMS as an identifiable visit with specific components: eligibility, absence of signs or symptoms of lung cancer, benefits and harms of screening, follow-up diagnostic testing, over-diagnosis, false positive rate, radiation exposure; importance of adherence to annual screening, impact of comorbidities, willingness to undergo treatment; and the importance cigarette smoking abstinence or cessation.[3] We mandate tobacco cessation counseling for current smokers prior to screening in an attempt to make clear that cessation is more lifesaving than screening. In the NLST there were 16 deaths within 60 days of an invasive procedure and only 10 of those had cancer; patients need to know process of screening can be fatal.[1] Radiology, results and Data collection. The ACR and Society of Thoracic Radiology have identified specifications for a LDCT and the registry requires that those technical parameters be met.[10] A structured reporting system is desired yet unfortunately the ACR registry requires that LungRADS be used which is not consistent with evidence based guidelines, is ambiguous, and is not aimed at patient communication. Nodule Evaluation. An optimal nodule evaluation algorhythm is yet to be determined, and since patient preference is to be weighed, no one fit will size all. Doing the CT scan is the easy part; follow-up is imperative - a dedicated registry is mandatory in this regard. Many raise concerns about the false positives of CT screening; within the NLST (positive defined as > 4mm) false positives were 96%. The 4 mm nodule has a likelihood of lung cancer of less than 1%. Should we call it a positive with that probability? The reality is that the vast majority of nodules found by CT screening need no additional evaluation other than CT follow-up – most with the next annual scan. We are recommending PET or biopsy (depending on the circumstances) only for nodules 1cm or greater and that eliminates immediate evaluation for 95% of the participants. But we don't call a 6 mm nodule negative; it exists and needs follow-up – a key is to provide accurate information to the patient and their provider as to the likelihood of malignancy. Our program is responsible for the evaluation and followup of findings in a desire to favorably the tip the balance of benefit versus harms. People don't die from false positives, but they can die from their evaluation. Nodule evaluation should be done by those who do it every day; we don't feel this is appropriate for the primary provider and perhaps why the AAFP rejects LDCT screening. A multidisciplinary tumor/nodule board can help share the decision making, cross fertilize, and facilitate care for those who need treatment. 1. Aberle DR, Adams AM, Berg CD, et al. National Lung Screening Trial Research Team. Reduced lung-cancer mortality with low-dose computed tomographic screening. N Engl J Med 2011;365: 395–409. 2. Moyer VA. Screening for lung cancer: U.S. Preventive services task force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med 2014;160:330-338. 3. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Decision memo for screening for lung cancer with low dose computed tomography (ldct) (cag-00439n) 2015. Available from: http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-decision-memo.aspx?NCAId=274&NcaName=Screening+for+Lung+Cancer+with+Low+Dose+Computed+Tomography+(LDCT)&MEDCACId=68&IsPopup=y&bc=AAAAAAAAAgAAAA%3d%3d&. 4. Mazzone P, Powell CA, Arenberg D et al. Components necessary for high-quality lung cancer screening: American College of Chest Physicians and American Thoracic Society Policy Statement. Chest. 2015;147:295-303. 5. Wiener RS, Gould MK, Arenberg D, et al. Official American Thoracic Society / American College of Chest Physicians Policy Statement: Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening Programs with Low-Dose Computed Tomography in Clinical Practice. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2015; in press. 6. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Nccn clinical practice guidelines in oncology (nccn guidelines) - lung cancer screening, version 1.2015. 2014. Available from: http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/lung_screening.pdf. 7. Jaklitsch MT, Jacobson FL, Austin JH, et al. The american association for thoracic surgery guidelines for lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography scans for lung cancer survivors and other high-risk groups. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2012;144:33-38. 8. American Academy of Family Physicians Policy Statement available from: http://www.aafp.org/patient-care/clinical-recommendations/all/lung-cancer.html 9. Kazerooni EA, Austin JH, Black WC, et al. Acr-str practice parameter for the performance and reporting of lung cancer screening thoracic computed tomography (CT): 2014 (resolution 4). J Thorac Imaging 2014;29:310-316. 10. Tammemagi MC, Katki HA, Hocking WG, et al. Selection criteria for lung-cancer screening. N Engl J Med 2013;368:728-736.
ORAL 23 - Prevention and Cancer Risk (ID 121)
Type: Oral Session
Track: Prevention and Tobacco Control
Moderators:N. Hanna, J. Jassem
ORAL23.01 - A Randomized Phase IIb Trial of Myo-Inositol in Smokers with Bronchial Dysplasia (ID 856)
Previous preclinical studies and a phase I clinical trial suggested myo-inositol may be a safe and effective lung cancer chemopreventive agent. We conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, phase IIb study to determine the chemopreventive effects of myo-inositol in smokers with bronchial dysplasia.
Smokers with ≥1 site of dysplasia identified by autofluorescence bronchoscopy-directed biopsy were randomly assigned to receive oral placebo or myo-inositol, 9 g once/day for two weeks, and then twice/day for 6 months. The primary endpoint was change in dysplasia rate after six months of intervention on a per participant basis. Other trial endpoints reported herein include Ki-67 labeling index and pro-inflammatory, oxidant/anti-oxidant biomarker levels in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL).
Seventy four (n=38 myo-inositol, n=36 placebo) participants with a baseline and 6-month bronchoscopy were included in all efficacy analyses. The complete response and the progressive disease rates were 26.3% versus 13.9% and 47.4% versus 33.3%, respectively, in the myo-inositol and placebo arms (p=0.76). The mean percent change in Ki67 labeling index in bronchial biopsies with dysplasia was -22.8% and -6.2%, respectively, in the myo-inositol and placebo arms (p=0.34). Compared with placebo, myo-inositol intervention significantly reduced IL-6 levels in BAL over 6 months (p=0.03) and had borderline significant effects on BAL myeloperoxidase (p= 0.06) level.
The heterogeneous response to myo-inositol suggests a targeted therapy approach based on molecular alterations is needed in future clinical trials to determine the efficacy of myo-inositol as a chemopreventive agent.


There are a number of Scholarships available to students who are studying a Higher Degree Research (HDR) or Honours Course at the University of New England.
All Scholarship Applicants must currently be enrolled in a Higher Degree Research course, or have had submitted a Candidature Application for a HDR Course, unless otherwise stated.
Many Australian universities, charitable organisations, companies and research institutes offer grants and scholarships. For information on these schemes, please consult the Hobsons Scholarship Search Database.
Alternatively, you can view a list of other scholarship opportunities.
For more information regarding HDR Scholarships, please visit the Contact Us page.


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Q: Tool to generate parametric equations I'm looking for a tool that allows me to create shapes (along the lines of a rendering application) which will also generate the parametric equations of the various shapes.
I need to use it for some Java3D work I've been doing. Normal shapes (spheres, boxes etc.) are easy, Java3D has built in types for them. However, when it came to creating non standard shapes (in particular curved surfaces) I find myself using graph paper to sketch, and then manually putting a large number of point into a point array.
Surely there is an easier way?

A: When I'm fitting data, I use splines and Bezier curves to help me generate curved lines and surfaces.  They can work in as many dimensions as you required, so perhaps they'd be useful to you as well?

A: You can use java3D's triangulator to get a shape from those points.
http://download.java.net/media/java3d/javadoc/1.3.2/com/sun/j3d/utils/geometry/Triangulator.html

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


An insurance code is a set of all the auto insurance laws, rules and regulations put into a single collection. The supervision of these laws is the primary responsibility of the departments of insurance in conjunction with the law enforcement authorities charged with maintain law and order in society. You will need to understand the laws pertaining to your state because there are laws that are common in some states but in others, they may differ a little. For example, the laws concerning minimum liability insurance may be the same in some states but very different in others.
Take Texas for example, the minimum liability insurance for injuring or killing one person stands at $30,000, for injuring or killing more than one person stands at $60,000 and for property damage is $25,000. In other states e.g. California and Pennsylvania the minimum liability insurance are the same and stand at $15,000 for death of injury to one person, $30,000 for death or injury to more than one person and $5,000 for property damage.
In most states, no matter the difference in the minimum liability insurance requirements, the law is clear on the need for every motorist or car owner to have financial responsibility in the event they are to be held responsible for causing a car crash and have to pay for the damage to property of cover the medical bills of the innocent driver. This is commonly done by buying cheap car insurance from a reliable and reputable car insurance carrier that is licensed to operate in your respective state.
Another way is to simply deposit a predetermined amount of money with the local DMV that will be held by them and be used to cover for the costs incurred should you cause an accident. In this case, the DMV will issue a certificate to the effect that you are indeed financially responsible if you cause an accident. Also, you may get yourself a certificate of self insurance from your local DMV if you have a large fleet of vehicles in your possession, usually twenty five or more vehicles.
You are required by law to always carry proof that you have such financial responsibility at any one time and failure to do so may land you in serious trouble with the authorities. In case you are self insured or have deposited an amount with the DMV, county judge or county comptroller, then the certificate issued will act as your proof. In case you take the option most common to Americans of purchasing auto insurance from a good insurer, then an insurance card will be your proof. Always carry it with you in case a law enforcement officer pulls you over and asks for it.
Compare car insurance policies and rates from different auto insurers in your state today by entering your zip code in the space provided at the start of this page. You do not want to be caught unaware and on the wrong side of the law. The consequences are dire.
Auto Insurance And SR-22s: Why Is It Important?
Auto Insurance Laws - What Do You Need To Do In Case Of An Accident?
How Can An Uninsured Drivers Get Cheap Car Insurance?
Statutes of Limitation for Car Insurance Claims.
What Is Collision For Auto Insurance Laws?


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Chess Video Games
Mahjong Games
Download Mystery Games
Shanghai Games
Virtua Chess
a game by Microprose
See also: Chess Video Games, Download Sport Games
It's Hardly The Sort of thing you would expect to set the world afire with, now is it? I mean, c'mon... to be brutally honest, no-one in their right mind is going to go any particular shade of bananas over a chess game, regardless of how mind-bogglingly intelligent it might be. Well, Titus is convinced that this chess game is going to be different. Not only does Virtua Chess have the obligatory hyper intelligent, pan-dimensional brain box. which can out-think a brainy person at ten paces, but it also has a rather snazzy list of features hidden up its sleeves.
So what's so special?
Now, it goes without saying that any new "heavy" chess game is going to be a bit on the good side. The French team responsible for this particular "heavy" chess game is totally convinced that it can out-think Oiessmusttr 4000 without breaking into a sweat, and the AI is more than a match for Kasparov's Gambit. Not at all bad when you consider that both of these products are more than capable of giving Grand Masters a run for their money. Aside from this, though. Virtua Chess offers network play (something that seems to be standard issue on all games these days), a variety of different chess piece designs. some fancy Silicon Graphics rendered cut-scenes, full svga support up to and including 1.024x768 in 256 colours, and finally the "Virtua" bit.
You have to admit that having the word "Virtua" and "Chess" linked together is a little unusual, but in this case I have to admit that it is appropriate. You see, as we as the very nicely presented traditional tw dimensional board, the game also features; a three-dimensional polygon-generated board, which can be moved and zoomed to any position that you desire. What is rather impressive, though, is that this board can be on screen in a window at the same time as the two-dimensional board and a number of other windows containin information, including moves, a clock, pieces taken and all manner of other information. Pretty impressive... especially when all of the windows are updated simultaneously.
So why has Titus opted to launch the next phase of its development with a chess title : then? Well, according to Titus' PR managei Simon Jones "Titus isn't afraid to fill in thd gaps that other software houses wouldn't necessarily look at. Virtua Chess is a very strong title in its field, and although you wouldn't expect it to have massive appeal in the computer games market, we have had a lot of interest from the hard-core chess mob."
Expect to see Virtua Chess on cd-rom in the next couple of mont hs, with a Windows version following in the summer.
Download Virtua Chess
Viewing games 1 to 11
Battle Chess
Chessmaster 10th Edition
Complete Chess System
Kasparov's Gambit
LoveChess: Age of Egypt
National Lampoon's Chess Maniac 5 Billion and 1
Online Chess Kingdoms
Power Chess
Star Wars Chess
Virtual Chess 64
Virtual Kasparov


Search for your match in the Hoosier State and find online personals in Indiana. Whether you're looking to online dating as your matchmaker for love or just for a date or two, Match.com can help you meet your match. If you want to search outside Flora, Indiana click the appropriate state and the appropriate city you live in. Make it personal! Don't forget to upload your personal photo to your free, Flora personals ad today.


Hi, I am interested in your 2004 Porsche 911 Coupe (stock #PB8263) listed on Autotrader for $39,994. I'd like to get more information about this vehicle and confirm its availability.
Porsche South Bay is pleased to offer this exceptional example of the last and best version of the second generation 996 the 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 40th Anniversary coupe. Finished in the 40th s exclusive color combination of GT Silver Metallic over Dark Grey full leather interior this 911 is one of the most striking examples of this generation. All of the 1963 40th Anniversary 911 s produced were equipped with X51 Power Kit making 345 HP, turbo cooling updates, sport suspension, limited slip differential, turbo style front fascia, GT3 side skirts, 8 & 10 inch 5 spoke polished finish alloys making them one of the mot potent 911 s of the time. This example has benefitted from extensive recent service including new clutch, IMS bearing & RMS, front radiators and new tires. Consistent Paint meter readings and the presence of all original chassis decals, painted in place fender and hinge bolts reinforce our opinion that this is a completely original, unmolested example. The accident free Carfax and Autocheck reports support the low mileage and excellent overall condition with consistent documented dealer service and progression of mileage. If you are looking for an accident and paintwork free, collector quality, low mileage, well serviced 40th Anniversary coupe your search is over! Contact Carl Tofflemire our Classic Ops Director to arrange an inspection and test drive.
6-Speed Manual with Overdrive 3.6L H6 SMPI DOHC Clean CARFAX.18 x 8 Front & 18 x 10 Rear Polished Alloy Wheels, Power moonroof, Rear Window Wiper.Recent Arrival! 18/26 City/Highway MPGCall, email or come in to find out more about this and other pre-owned Porsches at Porsche South Bay, a 2016 Premier Porsche Dealer!


I just bought a ROAM2 and have been recording videos at 1080P/30 and also 720P/30 and 720P/60. When I open up Premiere Pro CS6 I am unsure which options to choose for file import: CAPTURE FORMAT: DV? HDV? PRESETS: ARRI? DV - NTSC? Digital SLR? HDV? or any one of the many other choices?
I have videos that are approximately 30 minutes. I would like to clip a 1-2 minute segment using the "Awesome" function and have been able to do so and 'share' to my Contour account. Is there a way to export the clipped segment from StoryTeller or my Contour account so that I am able to open it using QuickTime, Windows Media Player, etc?
Playing Contour HD video on iPad2??
How do you play Contour HD video on an iPad2??
None of my files will play from my countour GPS. I have tried Quicktime, VLC, and Storyteller, both on contour and mac. Quicktime says something about the codec, and contour says there was an error loading the movie. I am very frustrated as I have alot of great footage that can't be refilmed, and I have tried everything.
i cant seem to figure out how to search the site for videos, i.e. heavenly,deep powder,trees,etc. you used to be able to do this but ill be damned if i can figure it out now. thanks in advance.


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Tim Richards - Future Resume Ltd
Tim has worked in the IT and recruitment sector for over 30 years. In 1990, he joined Bond International Software, a company that specialises in recruitment software. Bond grew quickly, and in 1997, Tim became the European CEO and PLC board director as the company floated on the London Stock Exchange.
Over the next 20 years, Bond continued to grow both organically and through the acquisition of competitors and companies in closely linked vertical markets. By the end of 2017, Bond had expanded into HR and Payroll Software and Services; their annual turnover was in excess of £40m and they employed over 500 people in 14 offices around the world.
David Royston-Lee - Future Resume Ltd
MSc, BSc, CPsychol, AFBPsS, MCIPD, MAREBT
David's career began in recruitment from which he eventually became Secretary General of the Institute of Employment Consultants. Whilst there, he devised the first examinations in recruitment practice and interviewing.
Later, he joined KPMG, initially as a management consultant working on mergers and acquisitions, and then moving on to head up the first practice specialising in career management services.
From there, David progressed to Ogilvy and Mather (the advertising agency) as their first Human Resources Director, and to the Communication Advertising & Marketing Foundation as Chief Executive. As well as working for Future Resume David advises senior leaders across the world to attract and retain the best talent in their respective industries and delivers programmes at IMD the internationally renowned Swiss Business School as a Senior Executive Coach.
A Chartered Psychologist, and Freeman of The City of London, David is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, the Association of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and the English Speaking Union. He is also a Founder Member of the Association of Business Psychologists.
David is the co-author of the UK's best selling book on personal branding, "Brand You" and author of an alternative way for students to find the right job "How to Win from the Start" plus the self-explanatory, "Career Repair Kit".
To find out more about David, please visit his website: David Royston-Lee.
The birth of Future Resume
Two long-time professionals in the recruitment industry, Tim and David met in 2017 where they discussed the challenges facing employers and job seekers today. After years of helping senior executives find the right next job, David had decided that the biggest obstacle for them in actually getting a job was, ironically, their CVs which restricted them to 'more of the same'. CVs were also of no real use to those starting out in the world of work and those returning to work and wanting something new.
During his career, Tim has provided recruitment software to some of the world's largest agencies.
"The majority of recruitment is done by feeding CV's into a database and then performing a keyword search to match candidates past skills to current vacancies. It's an inefficient and outdated process". – Tim Richards.
As a result of that first, and subsequent meetings, Future Resume was born.
Find out more about how you can recruit better with Future Resume.
CVs had always been at the centre of an old-fashioned recruitment process - an outdated relic of a career-for-life era. My work with people looking for a fulfilling job led to developing a questionnaire which would aid both the candidate and recruiter to identify the right 'fit' to go beyond the past experience and look at what people can offer in the future


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Biden Links Civics and CRT, Model Civics Bills, and More on Texas
David Randall
The "Existential" Crisis in Higher Education
The president of Syracuse analyzes the existentialism of h......
South Dakota's Education of Our Children: Stand up and Speak out
South Dakota's new proposed standard for social studies......
Self-Censorship, "Don't Say Gay," and a New Oklahoma Civics Bill
This week, Florida is yet again in the news, the Partisanshi......
Resolute is the Civics Alliance's newsletter, informing you about the most urgent issues in civics education. Above all, Resolute will provide information about federal and state legislation that seeks to impose action civics, or to preserve traditional civics.
Subscribe to Resolute
Biden Administration Links Civics and Critical Race Theory
On April 19 the Biden Education Department released "Proposed Priorities," a set of rules that, if approved, would cement radically racist instruction into the nation's schools.
The document sets priorities for grants in American Civics and History programs, and calls for public comment by May 19. Applicants for the grants must "take into account systemic marginalization, biases, inequities and discriminatory policy and practice in American history."
The announcement quotes Biden's Executive Order 13985, which claims to advance "racial equity" but which foments racial discord instead. According to Biden's E.O. "Our country faces … crises" such as "the unbearable human costs of systemic racism." This is a contrived problem that invites a contrived, government solution: "Our Nation deserves an ambitious whole-of-government equity agenda."
American civics education is at the center of that agenda. Starting with the false premise of "systemic racism, the "Proposed Priorities" rationalize preferences in grant money for anti-Americanism. With alluring terms such as "information literacy," and "culturally responsive," the document promotes unserious, pernicious and debunked myths such as the New York Times 1619 Project. In 2019, the Times advanced the idea that America's true founding principle was slavery. It built pseudo-pedagogies including "anti-racism," Ibram X. Kendi's attempt to explain that all variations in racial-group outcomes are caused by racism. The anti-racist solution to present and past discrimination is not equal rights, but more discrimination. As Kendi explains in How To Be An Anti-Racist:
The only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination. The only remedy to present discrimination is future discrimination.
1619-ism and Kendi-ism deny that freedom is a genuine American ideal, and derogate the importance of individual merit and hard work. According to these twin ideologies, America is thoroughly a land of racial oppression and exploitation.
The National Association of Scholars and the Civics Alliance have submitted a joint public comment opposing this rule. We urge members of the Civics Alliance to submit their own public comments as well.
The new Proposed Rule ensures that the proposed Civics Secures Democracy Act will subsidize programs that forward a radical, identity politics version of action civics. Civics Alliance members' public information efforts should take account of the effects of the Biden Administration's Proposed Rule.
Model Civics Bills
NAS has drafted five model civics bills, intended for the states rather than the federal government, for the use of citizens and policymakers pursuing civics reforms. These five bills provide actionable legislative language for large parts of the Civics Alliance's Curriculum Statement.
The Partisanship Out of Civics Act, drafted by Stanley Kurtz, removes service learning, activism, advocacy, and Critical Race Theory from K-12 history, government, civics, and social studies classes.
The Classroom Teaching Act prohibits state support for service-learning.
The Civics Literacy Act requires high school students, as a condition of graduation, to pass the U.S. Civics Test given to immigrants who wish to be naturalized.
The Civics Course Act establishes a K-12 civics course, specifying that each school district should craft its own curriculum.
The American History Act establishes an American History and American Government general education requirement for state public universities.
Grassroots groups can now use these five model civics bills both to inform the public what substantive civics education reform should look like and to inform policymakers how precisely they might enact civics education reform.
Civics Alliance members should get in touch with David Randall ([email protected]) with suggestions for how to improve these model bills.
Continuing Priorities: Texas
Stanley Kurtz writes eloquently in "Civics Shutdown in Texas" about the fierce action civics battle in Texas.
Texas is target number one in the Left's play to turn the red states blue with a radicalized version of "civics." ... Several civics bills have been introduced into the Texas Legislature and they run the gamut from 1) a bill that would impose leftist political indoctrination patterned on the Illinois and Massachusetts models on Texas; 2) stealth bills that would do the same over time; 3) a bill that would do no immediate harm but would offer no protections against the encroachments of action civics; 4) bills that would encourage civics, properly understood, while also protecting against the abuses represented by action civics and critical race theory.
Bills opposing action civics include:
H. B. No. 3979 and H. B. No. 4093: These identical bills are based on the model "Partisanship Out of Civics Act," published on the National Association of Scholars' website. These bills include the same promotion of traditional civics contained in S. B. 2026, as well as an explicit ban on action civics. These bills also contain an element that isn't in the Partisanship Out of Civics Act—a ban of the intellectual components of Critical Race Theory from public school curricula. NAS believes our public schools and our republic will benefit from such a ban, although we are agnostic as to the tactical question of whether such a reform should be combined with a ban of action civics or introduced as a stand-alone bill.
H. B. Nos. 3979 and 4093 offer the strongest legislative promotion of traditional civics and bar to action civics.
Public Information Highlight: Thomas Lindsay
Civics Alliance member Thomas Lindsay, Distinguished Senior Fellow of Higher Education and Constitutional Studies, Texas Public Policy Foundation, gave very able testimony to the Texas House of Representatives about action civics, traditional civics, and American history. We recommend this video to Civics Alliance members considering how to give public testimony in favor of traditional civics.
Public Action
We encourage Civics Alliance members to inform the public and policymakers about the stakes and consequences of action civics bills, particularly those in your home states.
David Randall is Director of Research at the National Association of Scholars.
Image: US Department of Education, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain
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