text:
Westfield State University's Pathways to Excellence raises a record $203,000
CONTACT: Troy Watkins
twatkins@westfield.ma.edu
Westfield—The fifth annual Pathways to Excellence fundraiser for Westfield State University and the Westfield State Foundation, held earlier this month, raised $203,000 to support students.
"This year's event was our most successful yet," said Dr. Erica Broman, executive director of the Foundation and Westfield State University vice president of Institutional Advancement. "This will allow us to make the state university internship incentive match for this year and to add additional student scholarships to our endowment."
Westfield State University President Ramon Torrecilha, Ph.D., thanked the attendees for their loyal support of the annual fundraising event. "Your gifts support the worthwhile cause of public higher education and they are directly invested into student success," he said.
Attendees were entertained and engaged by student presentations and performances. More than 150 students and faculty participate, including musical groups such as the University's Chamber Chorale, Percussion Ensemble, and Faculty Jazz Ensemble; selections from the Theatre Arts Program's spring production of "Urinetown," and three original 10-minute theatre performances. In addition, the creative works of students were displayed throughout the evening, supplemented by interactive demonstrations of mediums, including printmaking, 3D printing, and the pottery wheel.
"As chair of the Westfield State Foundation Board, I have been fortunate to participate in many of the Pathways events," said James Leahy. "This one was particularly special, due to its focus on the arts and its host facility, the University's Catherine Dower Performing and Fine Arts Center, named for one of our most esteemed educators and philanthropists."
Westfield Bank was the premier sponsor of the event. Platinum sponsors included Baystate Health (Noble), Berkshire Bank and The Washington Center. Specialty Bolt and Screw, and Westfield Electroplating were Diamond sponsors, and Comcast Cable/Xfinity was a Gold sponsor.
Silver sponsors included Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Baystate Dental, Commercial Distributing, Dietz & Company Architects, and Six Flags, while Bronze sponsors were Advance Manufacturing Co. Inc., Columbia Manufacturing, PeoplesBank, Wassman Audio & Visual and the Westfield State Alumni Association.
This year's event co-chairs were Carlos and University Trustee Madeline Landrau; University Trustee representative on the Westfield Foundation Board Kevin Queenin '70 and his wife, Barbara '70; and Jim McGowan '92, president of the University's Alumni Association, and his wife, Julie.
PHOTO: Theatre students perform at Westfield State University's Pathways to Excellence fundraising event, held May 11 at the Catherine Dower Performing and Fine Arts Center.
Founded in 1839 by Horace Mann, Westfield State University is an education leader committed to providing every generation of students with a learning experience built on its founding principle as the first public co-educational college in America to offer an education without barrier to race, gender or economic status. This spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies that creates a vital community of engaged learners who become confident, capable individuals prepared for leadership and service to society.
For more information about Westfield State University, visit www.westfield.ma.edu, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/westfieldstate, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WestfieldStateUniversity.


text:
Who makes KME fire trucks?
1 Who makes KME fire trucks?
2 Where are KME fire trucks made?
3 What is a pumper in firefighting?
4 Where are Rosenbauer fire trucks built?
5 Who bought KME Fire Apparatus?
6 Who builds fire trucks in the US?
7 What is the largest manufacturer of fire equipment in the world?
8 What is the difference between a pumper and a tanker?
9 What do firefighters call their trucks?
10 How much does a Rosenbauer cost?
11 Who is the largest fire truck manufacturer?
12 Why did Mack stop making fire trucks?
REV Group, Inc.
After 70-years as a family-owned business, KME has been sold to the parent company of E-ONE. REV Group, Inc. ("REV Group"), a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicles for commercial, fire and emergency and recreation markets, announced the acquisition of Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. ("KME" or the "Company").
Where are KME fire trucks made?
Facilities. KME's main operations are in Nesquehoning, but it also operates a manufacturing facility in Roanoke, Virginia, where KME aerials are built.
What is a pumper in firefighting?
Pumper fire apparatus The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) states that a pumper is "[a] fire apparatus with a permanently mounted fire pump of at least 750 gpm (3000 L/min) capacity, water tank, and hose body whose primary purpose is to combat structural and associated fires."
Where are Rosenbauer fire trucks built?
Leonding, Austria
The Rosenbauer Group is one of the world's three largest manufacturers of fire-service vehicles and firefighting equipment, based in Leonding, Austria.
Who bought KME Fire Apparatus?
(April 11, 2016) – REV Group, Inc. ("REV Group"), a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicles for commercial, fire & emergency and recreation markets, announced today the acquisition of Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. ("KME" or the "Company").
Who builds fire trucks in the US?
Table 1 – Top fire truck manufacturers in the USA on Thomasnet.com
Spartan Motors Charlotte, MI 1000+
E-One, Inc. Ocala, FL 500-999
Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. Holden, LA 200-499
Marion Body Works, Inc. Marion, WI 200-499
What is the largest manufacturer of fire equipment in the world?
Pierce Manufacturing is a U.S. company based in Appleton, Wisconsin that manufactures customized fire and rescue apparatus and a wholly owned subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation. Pierce was acquired by Oshkosh in 1996 and is currently the largest fire apparatus company in the world.
What is the difference between a pumper and a tanker?
The main difference between a custom pumper and a tanker/tender is the amount of water it carries. Some tanker/tenders are straight water haulers with small pumps on them, while others are designed more as first-out pieces, carrying enough equipment to function as Class A pumpers.
What do firefighters call their trucks?
A fire engine (also known in some places as a fire truck or fire lorry) is a road vehicle (usually a truck) that functions as a firefighting apparatus.
How much does a Rosenbauer cost?
Over a million dollars for a light duty fire rescue vehicles does sound excessive, but fire trucks in general already cost a lot. New similar vehicles to the combination of rescue and pumper of the Rosenbauer electric truck are $500,000 and up, with even years-old used versions going for $200,000.
Who is the largest fire truck manufacturer?
Why did Mack stop making fire trucks?
The MC and MR series were introduced in 1978, and the Renault-built MS Midliner in 1981. In 1983, Mack sent a letter to its sales force and distributors directing them to stop accepting orders for complete fire apparatus. Full apparatus production wound down in 1984, and the CF and R were discontinued in 1990.
Who is No 1 ranked ODI batsman?
Is Candace Daniel still with CTV News Barrie?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Among all triangles ABC with same perimeter and same base AB, which has bigger area? I proved that the isosceles triangle has bigger area, using Heron's formula.
But, I couldn't prove this fact:
Given two triangles ABC and ABC' with same perimeter, if $|\overline{AC}-\overline{BC}|<|\overline{AC'}-\overline{BC'}|$, then the area of ABC is bigger than ABC'.
Sketch of the solution:
I tried to show that $(p-b)(p-c)>(p-d)(p-e)$, where $b=\overline{BC}, c=\overline{AC}$ and $d=\overline{BC'}, e=\overline{AC'}$, to use Heron's formula, but I can't get anywhere from that. I also used the fact that $b+c=d+e$, since the two triangles have the same perimeter and the same side AB.

A: The maximum area is attained by the isosceles triangle. A proof without words:

For the second part, exploit the convexity/concavity of hyperbolas (loci such that a difference of distances is constant) and ellipses (loci such that a sum of distances is constant).

A: As it was already noted, the third vertex,
$C$ is located on an ellipse.

Let $|BC|=a,\ |AC|=b,\ |AB|=c$ be the sides of $\triangle ABC$,
and let $|OP|=u,\ |OQ|=v$ be
the  semi-major and semi-minor axis of the ellipse, respectively.
Due to the symmetry, we can consider only the I quadrant of the ellipse.
Following the cosine rule,
\begin{align}
a^2&=b^2+c^2-2bc\cos\alpha
,\\
b^2&=a^2+c^2-2ac\cos\beta
,\\
2(b^2-a^2)&=2bc\cos\alpha-2ac\cos\beta
,\\
b-a&=\frac{c}{a+b}(b\cos\alpha-a\cos\beta)
\\
&=
\frac{c}{a+b}(|AH|-|BH|)
=
\frac{2\,c}{a+b}|OH|
=
\frac{2\,c}{a+b}x
.
\\
\text{Since }
\frac{2\,c}{a+b}&=\mathrm{const},
\quad
b-a\sim x
.
\end{align}
Also, the area of $\triangle ABC$ is directly proportional to its height,
that is, $[ABC]\sim y$.
Expression for the point $C=(x,y)$ on the elliptic arc $PQ$
in terms of parameter $\theta\in(0,\tfrac\pi2)$ gives
\begin{align}
x(\theta)&=u\cos\theta
,\\
y(\theta)&=v\sin\theta
,\\
x'(\theta)&=-u\sin\theta<0\quad \forall\theta\in(0,\tfrac\pi2)
,\\
y'(\theta)&=v\cos\theta>0\quad \forall\theta\in(0,\tfrac\pi2)
,
\end{align}
so, smaller $x$ is equivalent to bigger $y$
and the smaller the side difference,
the bigger the area.

A: Well, I don't know if this is appropriate answer, but here it goes. $C$ and $C'$ must lie on a the same ellipse since we have:
$$AC+BC = AC'+BC'$$
Imagine this ellipse is with focuses $A$ and $B$ on x-axis. Since  $|\overline{AC}-\overline{BC}|<|\overline{AC'}-\overline{BC'}|$ the triangle is ''more'' isosceles then $ABC'$. So $ABC$ has bigger altitude on $AB$ then $ABC'$ does and thus the conclusion.

A: Using the Heron formula we obtain that the areas of $ABC$ and $ABC'$are respectively $S$ and $S'$. Suppose $H$ and $H'$are the heights relative to the $AB$ side. Write
$$S= \frac{AB * H}{2} \,\,\,\ \textrm{and}\,\,\,\ S'= \frac{AB * H'}{2}.$$
Use the hypothesis and the fact that $AC'+BC'=AC+BC$

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Q: Why doesn't 'post__not_in' work with 'cat'? When I write 'cat' => '45', then post__not_in does not work, if you remove cat, then everything works without problems. I would be grateful for your help
$args = array(
       'posts_per_page' => 20,
       'post__not_in' => array(7403,7404,7405),
       'cat' => '45',
  'meta_query' => array(
     array(
        'key' => 'главный_кр',
        'value' => 'да'
    )
));

$query = new WP_Query( $args );


Most of transition models are proposed for modelling of the bypass transition common in the internal aerodynamics especially in turbomachinery where free stream turbulence is the dominant parameter affecting the transition onset. Free-stream turbulence level in the external aerodynamics is usually noticeably lower and so the natural transition often occurs in flows around airfoils. The transition model with the algebraic equation for the intermittency coefficient proposed originally by Straka and Příhoda  for the bypass transition was modified for modelling of the transition at low free-stream turbulence. The modification is carried out using experimental data of Schubauer and Skramstad . Further, the three-equation k-kL-ω model proposed by Walters and Cokljat  was used for the modelling of the transition at low free-stream turbulence. Both models were tested by means of the incompressible flow around airfoils at moderate and very low free-stream turbulence.


text:
FEATURES FILM INTERVIEWS NEWS
Animals United
Since mankind can't be relied upon to take care of the Earth, a group of computer-animated critters band together to fix things themselves in "Animals United." But instead of worrying about nuclear disarmament as they did in Erich Kastner's 1949 children's book, "The Animals' Conference," these furry policy-makers have pollution and climate change on the agenda. The first stereoscopic toon produced in Germany, this spirited 3D pic has already proved its international appeal, earning more than $44 million before expanding to either China or the U.S., but would take hefty promotion to sustain that kind of business on American screens.
Though produced for a fraction of the budget most Hollywood studio-animated efforts cost, "Animals United" looks slick enough to sit alongside such global hits as "Ice Age" and "Madagascar" — a sign that writing, rather than technology, will ultimately determine which talking-animal toons succeed in the market. Sadly, scribes Oliver Huzly and Reinhard Klooss haven't put nearly the same level of care into their script that a company like Pixar does, serving up just enough to entertain the kids without offering much in the way of originality or surprises along the way.
Borrowing heavily without necessarily imitating earlier pics outright, co-helmers Klooss and Holger Tappe have clearly embraced the reigning tendency of creating an ensemble of highly stylized, Tex Avery-like characters and placing them in lush, photorealistic environments. "Animals United" opens by dropping in on a series of trouble spots around the world: An oil spill endangers centuries-old tortoises Winston and Winifred (voiced by Jim Broadbent and Vanessa Redgrave); melting ice sends Sushi the polar bear (Bella Hudson) floating out to sea; and an Australian litterbug sparks a wildfire that drives out kangaroo Toby (Jason Donovan), koala Ken (Oliver Green) and gaseous Tasmanian devil Smiley (Pete Zarustica) from their home.
Displaced from their natural habitats, these animals resurface in Africa's Kalahari Desert, where a savanna full of chatty mammals — ranging from unlikely meerkat leader Billy (gratingly nasal James Corden) to a hairdressing orangutan — are dealing with a water crisis. While the script may be heavy-handed about the callousness with which man treats his natural surroundings, it's certainly consistent with recent headlines. But "Animals United's" human antagonists aren't limited to greedy capitalists; they also include a delegation of insincere environmental experts who turn up at the resource-hogging resort that dammed up the animals' water supply.
Read the full story here >>


text:
Read, View & Listen
Library 2 Go
Authors & Reading Lists
Brookings-Harbor High School Yearbook Archive
Check it Out Newsletter
Grand Re-Opening (5/2/2022)
Renovation 2021
Coastline Library Network
Book & Gift Donations
Friends of the Chetco Library
General Reference & Articles (25)
Health & Lifestyle (11)
Students - All Ages (11)
Kids/Children (7)
Law & Government (6)
Students - High School (6)
Computers & Technology (5)
Students - Middle School (5)
Jobs & Career (4)
Music & Art (4)
News & Newspapers (3)
Spanish/Español (2)
All | # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
There are currently 54 names in this directory
Quickly access articles from a database of scholarly journals and other trusted periodicals. Best for academic research.
Access current and authoritative periodical content covering agriculture and its related fields.
Answer the age-old question, 'What do I read next?' Search and match reading interests to books, authors, genres, or topics.
Compare global economies, countries, and industries with in-depth analysis on over 400,000 companies.
Business Insights: Global
Compare global economies, countries, and industries with in-depth analysis on over 400,000
Chilton Library
Search the most authoritative automotive repair information available to car owners.
Coastline Library Catalog
Search for and place holds on materials at the library.
Communications and Mass Media
Search millions of articles covering all aspects of communications, including advertising, public relations, and more.
Access leading business and technical publications in the computer, telecommunications, and electronics industries.
Comprehensive periodical content for researchers studying law, law enforcement, forensic science, terrorism, and more.
Find a variety of information from major cooking and nutrition magazines as well as key reference titles.
Diversity Studies
Access a range of periodical content to explore cultural differences, contributions, and influences in the global community.
Economics & Theory
Discover content useful for starting a business, marketing a product, developing policy, analyzing
Educator's Reference Complete
Gain insight on issues in administration, funding, and policy. Best for educators, administrators, and education students.
Introduce elementary students to database searching with resources featuring age-appropriate, curriculum-related content.
Entrepreneurship (Gale Business)
Learn how to start, finance, or manage your small business.
Entrepreneurship (Gale OneFile)
Learn how to start, finance, or manage your small business. Includes sample business plans, how to guides, articles, and more.
Understand environmental issues that affect people globally through topic overviews, journals, news, and multimedia content.
Environmental Studies and Policy
Investigate environmental issues with diverse perspectives from the scientific community, policymakers, and corporate interests.
Search millions of articles about drama, music, art history, and filmmaking. Diverse resource for serious fine arts students.
Gardening and Horticulture
Find millions of articles on the practical and scientific aspects of horticulture studies. For all horticultural enthusiasts.
Discover balanced coverage of topics related to gender studies, family and marital issues, and more.
General OneFile
Access general interest magazines and key serials in a single resource. Best for general research.
Find up-to-date information on a range of health care topics. Best for students, researchers, and health care professionals.
Search a full range of health-related issues, from current disease and disorder information to alternative medical practices.
High School (Gale in Context)
High School Edition (Gale OneFile)
Search magazines, journals, newspapers, and reference on a range of topics. Best for middle- and high-school students.
Search home improvement topics such as architectural techniques, tool and material selection, zoning requirements, and more.
With hoopla and a valid library card, patrons can borrow, instantly stream, and download ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and more. Simple to access and use, with no waiting and no hassles.
Discover well-rounded coverage of both the historical and current state of affairs in the hospitality and tourism industries.
Access articles covering all aspects of managing and maintaining information and technology. Updated daily.
Informe Académico
Search across full-text Spanish- and Portuguese-language scholarly journals and magazines from and about Latin America.
Discover information about physical and intellectual asset protection, from individuals to multinational corporations.
LearningExpress Library offers online practice tests, skills-building for math, reading, and writing, computer skills tutorials, e-books and career development tools.
LegalTrac
Search index of prestigious and comprehensive legal content. Endorsed by the The American Association of Law Libraries.
Library2Go
Borrow free ebooks and audiobooks from our Library2Go collection using the Libby app by OverDrive.
LitFinder
Access literary works and authors throughout history, including full-text poems, plays, short stories, speeches, and more.
Mango is an adaptive, personalized language-learning experience. Lessons on more than 70 languages, including English as a Second Language (ESL)!
Explore the most-studied topics including cultures, government, people, history, literature, and more.
Explore amazing adventures in science, nature, culture, archaeology, and space. Best for children aged 6-14.
Access major U.S. and international newspapers online to search articles instantly by title, headline, date, or other fields.
Nursing and Allied Health
Research full-text titles cited in CINAHL and other resources to support specialized care, treatment, and patient management.
Opposing Viewpoints
Find overviews, news, and opinions on hundreds of today's important social issues.
Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine
Access academic journals and magazines covering the fields of physical therapy, physical fitness, and sports medicine.
Pop Culture Studies
Access scholarly journals and magazines that both analyze and contribute to popular culture.
Access the most searched magazines across Gale OneFile focusing on current events, sports, science, and health issues.
Find authoritative periodical content supporting research in all fields of psychology.
Access information on the latest developments across a range of scientific disciplines. Updated daily.
U.S. History (Gale in Context)
Uncover information on hundreds of the most significant people, events, and topics in U.S. history from a variety of sources.
U.S. History (Gale OneFile)
Search balanced coverage of events in U.S. history. Best for novice historians and academic researchers. Updated daily.
Vocations and Careers
Research a vocation, find an appropriate institution of learning, and get assistance on job searches and maintaining a career.
Gain valuable insight into conflicts and their causes, impact, and perception on a global scale.
Access balanced coverage of events in world history and scholarly work being established in the field.
General Reference and Articles
Students - All Ages
There are currently 8 names in this directory
There is currently 1 name in this directory beginning with the letter D.
Students - High School
Students - Middle School
405 Alder St, Brookings, OR 97415
Email: contact@chetcolibrary.org
© 2023 Chetco Community Public Library | Brookings, Oregon.


text:
A 14225 Alisahamilton (ideiglenes jelöléssel 1999 XZ49) a Naprendszer kisbolygóövében található aszteroida. A LINEAR projekt keretében fedezték fel 1999. december 7-én.

Kapcsolódó szócikkek
 Kisbolygók listája (14001–14500)

Jegyzetek

A Naprendszer kisbolygói

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The new player is an update of WD's TV Live streaming media player. It includes the ability to access Spotify's streaming music service to the wide array of streaming services supported by its predecessor, including Netflix, HuluPlus, Pandora, YouTube and DailyMotion.
The player connects via 10/100 Ethernet or 802.11b/g/n wireless and supports up to 1080p / 24fps content. Media connections include HDMI, composite video and SPDIF digital audio outputs.
Front and rear USB 2.0 ports allow USB drives, digital cameras or any device that device that supports Picture Transfer Protocol to connect for display. Content can also be displayed from networked and cloud storage and any networked Windows or MacOS computer.
Spotify features include the ability to create and manage Spotify playlists, share songs to Spotify friends, see and subscribe to friends' playlists via their Spotify profiles and share tracks by sending songs directly to other Spotify users' inboxes.
The new WD TV Live (WDBHG70000NBK) is available now for $99.99 MSRP. New firmware to add Spotify to other WD TV Live players is also available for free download. Spotify service is available in eight countries: USA, UK, Sweden, Finland, Norway, France, The Netherlands and Spain.


Urinary incontinence describes any accidental or involuntary loss of urine, this can be connected to bladder disorders, the muscle structure of the pelvic floor and for many other contributing factors. It affects around 5% of the total population, in varying degrees of severity, and as many as one in three people over the age of 65. Despite it being a problem suffered by both men and women of all ages, it is often treated as a 'taboo' subject and kept secret by those affected.
As urinary inco can happen suddenly it can be difficult for the people affected to lead an active lifestyle. Some activities make the problem worse while others, by their very nature, take participants beyond easy reach of a toilet. This can result in people withdrawing from social situations.
Fortunately, this doesn't need to be the case.
Before we talk about how the people affected can help themselves, it's worth remembering why it is so important to manage the condition correctly.
Understanding the effects of continence problems.
Urinary tract infections. Due to incomplete emptying, bacteria and other germs multiply in the bladder and migrate further through the ureters to the kidneys, resulting in severe renal disorders and damage.
Emotional stress. People often feel ashamed of the disorder and are uncomfortable about discussing it. It can put a strain on everyday life with frequent toilet breaks having to be meticulously planned.
Diet. Follow a wholesome diet with plenty of easily digestible, high fibre foods such as wholemeal bread, oats, raw fruit and vegetables. Yoghurt and kefir are useful additions to your daily diet as they support your natural intestinal flora. Regulate your digestion by taking enough time for eating and avoiding excessive pushing during defecation.
Avoid drinking fruit and vegetable juices, black tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages as these lead to increased urination and, therefore, act as irritants to the bladder.
Routine. You can "accustom" your bladder to empty at fixed times, with specific intervals. Over time it adapts itself exactly to this rhythm and "forgets" the urge between these times. Begin your bladder train by going to the toilet during the day exactly every two hours for two weeks. With support the bladder can be retrained to hold urine more effectively, the result is the bladder holds more urine and the number of times it is emptied is reduced. Gradually you can increase the intervals between the planned trips to the toilet.
Exercise. Regular exercise is very important and can actually improve symptoms. Choose activities that don't exert great pressure on the abdominal cavity and pelvic floor. Walking, swimming, dancing and cycling are ideal. Yoga can have multiple benefits. As well as helping to reduce anxiety, it focuses on posture and includes exercises to strengthen the pelvis and pelvic floor.
From a practical perspective it's a good idea to make a list of all the situations where you pass urine involuntarily (maybe when sneezing or coughing) and practice pre-emptive behaviours such as tensing the pelvic floor before the triggering moment, exhaling and keeping your back as straight as possible. Regular practice can lead to automatic contraction of the pelvic floor in trigger situations.
Similarly, practice regular relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation and include activities in your daily life that reduce anxiety and bring you pleasure.
There are also small changes you can make around your home to make toileting easier. For example, ensure your toilet is easy to access and is the right height for you. Attach handles to the wall next to the toilet if necessary.
Think too about your wardrobe. Whenever possible wear clothes that can be opened quickly: skirts, trousers and dresses with zip or Velcro® are ideal. Choose materials that are permeable to air, absorbent and easy to wash. If relevant, loose fitting clothes make it easier to empty urine bags or change pads.
As well as making lifestyle changes, an important aspect in managing urinary incontinence is finding the most appropriate, absorbent product. High quality products, worn discreetly in the underwear, allow you a reliable and discrete disposal of urine, protecting your skin and preventing noise and odours.
Your choice of product depends on the severity and frequency of your condition and should be adapted to exactly meet your needs.


The Emir of Qatar, His Highness Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, arrived in Rwanda on Sunday, leading a hig..
Thousands of people have protested in Morocco's capital Rabat, demanding the release of 42 activists..
Polls are open in what promises to be a high-stakes election for Israel, with 13-year incumbent PM B..
Increased support for public-private partnerships is deepening inequality[hhmc] The World Bank has b..
Easter Sunday, in Christian teaching tradition began with a frightening shock. The resurrection.Jesu..
QNA -Washington Minister of Finance HE Ali Shareef al Emadi has inaugurated The Conrad Washington, ..
By Saad Sayeed | Reuters[hhmc] [contfnewc] ISLAMABAD: Facebook has removed 103 pages, groups and ac..


All you need is 4 ingredients and 3 minutes of your time... candles and valentines mood setting music and a person to share them with - optional!
This delicious fudge heart recipe was created by instagram blogger @misstuffcookie - so we all have her to thank for this quick & simple but completely indulgent sugar free recipe.
4. Remove and share with your loved ones!


Crown (House of Halos) and dress (Rocky Gathercole).
RIGHT: Shoulder Piece (Rocky Gathercole), dress (Albert Andrada), tulle (stylist's own).
Shoulder Piece (Rocky Gathercole), dress (Albert Andrada), tulle (stylist's own).
LEFT: Cape (For The Stars Fashion House), dress (Topshop).


text:
The Flash: "Cause and XS" Review Taylor Cole Rating: 3.0 out of 5
The Flash: "Cause and XS" Review
Posted By: Taylor Coleon: February 12, 2019 In: Tags: CW, TheFlash1 Comment
Title: The Flash: "Cause and XS" Review
Release Date: February 12th, 2019
Network: The CW
Genre: Superhero, Drama, Action
This episode of The Flash had Nora West-Allen go through the same scenario over and over again for the span of 60 minutes. Sounds really familiar for some reason.
Oh, yeah that's right. This is what we've been doing as the viewers for the last five or so episodes (maybe even longer). It's getting to the point where I can map out the general outline for each week of The Flash. Team Flash finds an overly complicated way to stop Cicada. Cicada puts them in a deadly situation. Team Flash gets the upper hand on Cicada. And then, by some stroke of divine intervention, Cicada manages to escape with his dagger. Just…what? Was there nobody in the writers' room who realized how many times they've done this?
All this is made worse due to my personal feelings on the big bad this year. I'm not going to fully get into it here but if you want a short summary, here's what I said last week:
"He's probably the worst main villain the series has had so far. He's a boring character with little personality and for some reason, talks like a villain from the Joel Schumacher Batman movies. Which is extremely disappointing because I feel that, if done right, Cicada could have been amazing." – Taylor Cole, an expert at absolutely nothing
I may just use that quote until his capture/death because I don't see my feelings on the character changing anytime soon.
Like I said last week, the main story will continue to drag The Flash down until it moves on from Cicada. "Cause and XS" just echo those sentiments for me. Cicada is a freaking magician at this point, popping up wherever the story demands it. His code is starting to fall apart as well. He doesn't kill Joe or Barry because they are parents but he's willing to murder two innocent mothers? Iris doesn't even have any meta-powers. It's just hard to find the effort to power through this arc.
I loved the premise of this episode. It borrows from films like Groundhog Day and, more recently, Happy Death Day. I expected this to be Nora's "Enter Flashtime" episode and other than the Cicada business, it delivered in that respect. Her unique powers were put on display and she was great here. Yet again, Jessica Parker Kennedy proves why she's an amazing actor. You see her slowly unravel into desperation over the course of 52 attempts to save her family. I'm sure some will scoff here, thinking that Nora's hesitation to tell the team what's going on is another example of poor writing. I actually didn't see it that way. I figured Eobard Thawne has pretty much taken the role of her mentor in the future and she's probably just following what he would want her to do. Remember, in season one, Eobard didn't want Barry telling the team about traveling back in time due to the ripple effects it could cause. I think this was just some sort of callback to that.
Speaking of callbacks, I was grinning ear-to-ear as Barry was giving his lecture to Nora about the ramifications of time-travel. This, I believe, was line-for-line what Jay told Barry back in season three after Flashpoint. While we don't know if her time-travel escapades this episode will be integral to the main story going forward, Barry's words seemed to strike a chord with Nora, putting some doubts into her partnership with the Reverse-Flash.
I feel like I say this every two or three weeks but, Tom Cavanagh deserves more recognition. The dude has about a minute to leave an impression on this episode as Eobard and he somehow delivers. Not only that but, I think I'm starting to like Sherloque now. I'm not sure if this is due to me getting used to the accent, last week's episode, or Cavanagh's performance. But, this Sherlock Holmes knockoff is growing on me.
The stuff with Cisco and Kamilla was extremely hit or miss. I either was laughing at Cisco's dumb wardrobe/Déjà vu or cringing at the awkwardness of the situation, hoping to get back to Nora's dilemma. By the end, I had become invested and the two finally shared a cool scene together, making the entire story worth watching. There have been rumors over the past week stating Carlos Valdes, who plays Cisco, will leave the show after this season. He's been absent in a few episodes already. With the meta-cure complete and a new love interest, I can totally buy him riding off into the sunset without his powers after they defeat Cicada.
Another issue I could see people having with "Cause and XS" is the lack of The Flash. I see where they're coming from. It is his show after all. Nora West-Allen is a major character and I think the writers just want to make sure she's developed properly. "Cause and XS" and "The Flash and Furious" were solid episodes despite not having the scarlet speedster in the spotlight. Also, "Cause and XS" just wouldn't have worked if Barry was there to help out Nora.
However, when you look at what Arrow has been doing with developing Oliver Queen this season, you wish The Flash put the same amount of care and effort into Barry. It's a mixed bag that The Flash will have to get right soon.
Verdict: The Flash delivers another solid episode with "Cause and XS". Just like last week, the main story once again creates a situation where our heroes look like fools and Cicada escapes. This is a predictable formula that is growing more and more tiring by the episode. Despite all of that, Nora's Groundhog Day scenario and Cisco's 50+ first dates proved to be entertaining enough to save the episode.
The Flash: "Cause and XS" Review
After Iris lands in serious danger, Nora races to save her mother. Barry puts the finishing touches on the metahuman cure, leaving Cisco with a rare night off so he decides to take Kamilla on a date. (Via IMDB)
Nora's Groundhog Day/Happy Death Day scenario
Jessica Parker Kennedy's performance
Cisco's side-story fumbled at times but came together strong at the end
Barry's speech about time-travel
Sherloque Wells as a character
Although it was fine for this specific episode, Barry is beginning to feel like a side-character in his own show
It appears that Carlos Valdes may seriously be leaving the show
Avid gamer and placeholder of what is now the worst selfie of all time. Mostly an Xbox/PS4 player but I have been known to destroy friendships in Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Tags: CWTheFlash
Activision Blizzard Lays Off Hundreds of Employees
Masters of the Universe Movie Production Date and Location Revealed
DICE 2016: Fallout 4 Crowned Game of the Year
Pokemon GO Update Could Include New Pokemon
HBO Officially Reveals Premiere Date for Game of Thrones Season 8
E3 2015: Hitman Details Revealed at PC Gaming Show


Inkjet ink and printer manufacturer InkTec has announced that it will introduce its new Jetrix LXi8 LED-UV flatbed printer to the market at FESPA 2017.
The high-speed device is a step into the volume production market for the traditionally entry- and mid-level machine manufacturer with the hope that it will become InkTec's flagship printer.
The 3.2m-wide machine can run at speeds of up to 205sqm/hr and uses InkTec's latest generation LED-UV ink. The LXi8 is also fitted with the latest generation Konica Minolta printheads and has a top print resolution of 1,080 x 720dpi.
Users will also be able to print on media up to 100mm thick and as large as 3,200mm x 2,030mm. Other features include automatic head cleaning, zonal vacuum system with automated pin registration for quick and accurate media placement and a dedicated Jetrix Graphical User Interface.
"The Lxi8 is ideal for applications including short-term outdoor signage, clear film window graphics, interior decoration, furniture decoration, industrial applications, industrial keypads, spot varnishing and wood prints and runs at up to 205sq m/hr," InkTec product manager Yoonki Lee commented.
Powered by the Jetrix Graphical User Interface, the LXi8 features a zonal vacuum system with automated pin registration, automatic head cleaning and according to InkTec head of national sales, Ben Woodruff, its LED curing system results in a level of energy efficiency that will produce real cost savings.
"This is our first production printer and it takes us into a new area of the market where we can start to win business with bigger companies in volume production," he said.
Aside from the LXi8, Inktec will showcase its latest inks, including additions to its eco-solvent range for Mimaki and Roland printers: EcoNova Aurora and Maple.
The EcoNova inks do not need colour profile and can switch over from Roland Eco-sol Max3 and Mimaki SS21, BS4 inks. Moreover, InkTec said this ink offers a wide colour gamut, excellent scratch resistance and alcohol resistance so users can achieve the same results in comparison with original inks.
In addition, InkTec will be showing off its latest media, including a new latex media developed specifically for HP latex printers. The solution is available in satin and gloss finishes and is very competitive on price.
"Lots of visitors come to visit FESPA shows throughout the world, so FESPA 2017 is one of the most important exhibition for InkTec to introduce our new technology," concluded Lee.
Industry members that are keen to learn more about the latest printing solutions from InkTec can visit the manufacturer on the stand C20 in the Hall B5 at FESPA 2017.
For more information on the event, the companies that will exhibit and to sign up to attend as a visitor, please visit: www.fespa2017.com. Delegates can save 70€ entry fee to the exhibition by registering via the website and quoting reference code: FESG702. Discover how a visit to FESPA 2017 can benefit your business and register today.


When U.S. journalist Barrett Brown was slapped with a potential 105-year jail sentence stemming from his reporting relating to the hacker group Anonymous, it raised eyebrows about how exactly could he be facing such a stiff penalty for his involvement.
Brown had a career that spanned across both the fields of investigative journalism and online activism. He co-wrote a book in 2007 and has penned articles for Vanity Fair, The Guardian, and the Huffington Post. He then became known as an unofficial spokesman for Anonymous following his articles in support of the group.
Through Project PM, Brown began in 2011 to analyze the files of private global intelligence firms such as HBGary, which had been hacked by Anonymous and had thousands of its internal emails made public. Brown and others with Project PM began to analyze five million disclosed emails from Stratfor, another private firm hacked by Anonymous. Although not involved in the direct hacking of these companies, Brown posted links to the files on the Project PM site for others to access.
Federal investigation into Brown began shortly after he publicized the Stratfor files, which had also contained credit card information from the company's clients. On March 6, 2012, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) raided Brown's house and took away his laptop and other belongings.
Brown later uploaded a series of videos to YouTube describing his arrest and treatment while in detention. In one expletive-filled video where he refers to one of the participating FBI agents, Brown states that he will "ruin his life." Brown also talks about fearing for his life from the Zetas, the Mexican drug cartel gang.
The aftermath from the videos spurred the FBI to again raid both Brown's and his mother's house in Dallas, Texas in Sept. 2012. At the time of Brown's arrest, he had been chatting in an online forum. The commotion and yelling between Brown and the federal agents can be heard in the audio recording of the chat room session.
Brown was indicted on Oct. 3, 2012 on three charges relating to his video threats against the FBI agent. On Dec. 14, 2012, he received 12 additional federal charges related to the Stratfor hack and the company's credit card information. Two counts of obstruction of justice were filed against him on Jan. 23, 2013 stemming from the Sept. 2012 raid.
Media observers and other journalists have criticized the charges against Brown as excessive. Some see issue with the charges against Brown and his posting of the Stratfor documents as criminalizing the process of linking and pasting to other websites.
"The documents to which he linked contained all sorts of other information that he wanted to investigate and write about, including Straftor's client list. There are countless legitimate reasons to link to those documents, particularly for a journalist. That this extremely dubious allegation now forms the crux of the [government's] case against him reveals what a persecution this actually is," wrote The Guardian's Glenn Greenwald in his article about the Brown case.
The maximum number of years in potential jail time from these counts – 17 in total – equal to 105 years. In comparison, Anonymous member Jeremy Hammond would serve only up to 10 years in prison for his role as the actual hacker in the Stratfor leak.
Reporters Without Borders pointed out that Brown was not the actual hacker in any of his reporting.
"Above all, Barrett was an investigative journalist who was merely doing his professional duty by looking into the Stratfor emails, an affair of public interest," said Reporters Without Borders Secretary Christophe Deloire.
Brown's trial is expected to start in September 2013.


text:
Pulisic: Players Ready For Competition (Sky Sports)
Christian Pulisic says the Chelsea squad are ready to compete with any new signings the club make in January.
Chelsea are able to strengthen in the January window with their FIFA transfer ban having been lifted on appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Head coach Frank Lampard though says the club will only add players he believes can fit his blueprint for the Stamford Bridge club's future.
Pulisic arrived from Borussia Dortmund in the summer and insisted Chelsea's current players would welcome extra competition for places should the club dip into the transfer market this month.
"It is normal that teams look to improve and and if players do come in there is competition, that is how it goes," said Pulisic.
"So we'll be ready for that and hopefully we'll have players that come in and want to help us."
The USA forward says he needs to be more clinical in front of goal after Chelsea failed to see out their match with Brighton on New Year's Day.
Cesar Azpilicueta tapped Chelsea into an early lead and Lampard's men dominated the first hour, only to slip off the pace in the closing stages.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh conjured a stunning overhead kick for the hosts, who could even have claimed the win late on, leaving Pulisic pulling no punches on Chelsea's room for improvement.
"We said at half time that we had the chance to kill the game and we just weren't able to," said Pulisic.
"We couldn't get the goal and in the end they found an unbelievable goal.
"So now it is about doing a bit more to keep going, attack and create chances and just have that killer instinct. Just a little bit of that, we are missing that.
"I can do better with that as well. Just being more clinical in the final third, finding the right pass or shot and scoring the goals. That's both mental and technical.
"After we scored the first goal it was just about continuing and just not stopping there, making it two or three and putting the game to bed.
"We've had troubles with that this year and then in the end, they fought until the end, scored a great goal and that is how it goes."


text:
What is a infraction notice?
04/21/2021 By Bonita Savage Popular lifehacks
An infraction is the violation of an administrative regulation, an ordinance, a municipal code, and, in some jurisdictions, a provincial/state or local traffic rule. In most cases an infraction isn't considered a criminal offence but treated as a civil offence.
What is the meaning for infraction?
An infraction is usually the breaking of a law, rule, or agreement. So a nation charged with an infraction of an international treaty will usually have to pay a penalty. In Federal law, an infraction is even smaller than a misdemeanor, and the only penalty is a fine.
What is meaning of infraction in law?
Infraction has multiple legal meanings. Generally it refers to violations or infringements; or breach of statutes, contracts, or obligations. Although it is considered an offense in the criminal justice system, it is among the most minor offenses.
How is a simple sentence used in an infraction?
Infraction in a Sentence ?
One more infraction and Jason will be suspended from school.
My mother became angry when my sister refused to apologize for her infraction.
Although Susan is now a nun, in her younger days she was once arrested for a minor infraction.
What to do if you receive a notice of violation?
Don't ignore the NOV. These letters can look like junk mail – they're definitely not.
Evaluate the NOV. Does it properly identify the company?
Understand who the plaintiff's attorney.
Consider reaching out to the Attorney General's office.
Consider putting warnings on the products.
Consider testing the product.
Is infraction a minor violation?
Infractions are minor crimes , sometimes called petty crimes or summary offenses, punishable usually by a fine, rather than jail time. Typically, infractions are local crimes related to traffic, parking or noise violations, building code violations, and littering.
What is a violation notice?
A violation notice is something that is received by those people who have violated certain terms and conditions, some of which might be in accordance with the law. These are issued in the event that one manages to observe or has discovered any instances of violation. A good example would be handing out…
Can You appeal an infraction?
To file the notice of appeal in an infraction case, you must bring or mail the original notice of appeal to the clerk of the trial court in which you were convicted of the infraction. It is a good idea to bring or mail an extra copy to the clerk and ask the clerk to stamp it to show that the original has been filed.
Is homework a good or bad thing?
Can I retrieve deleted items in Blackboard?


You may wish to view other businesses in our Restaurants or Fast Food Restaurants categories. To do so click the links above. For a map and driving directions to 3635 S Big Bend Blvd in St Louis please scroll down and click the link under the map to "View Larger Map". Please click on the "Claim your free listing now" image on the left of this page if you are the business owner. If you feel we have miscategorized McDonald's and they shouldn't be in the Fast Food Restaurants category, please click the "New Category" button below. Feel free to contact McDonald's at (314) 644-5633, or why not visit their location at 3635 S Big Bend Blvd in St Louis?


A different way to spend a few days in a comfortable and romantic. One of the most attractive corners of Granada, in an incomparable natural environment. You get to meet a Farmhouse built on a rock surrounded by lush vegetation. On an impressive cliff, overlooking the river giving Velillos, Granada and Sierra Nevada. Bed in Villa de Moclín, where we can offer complete rest from all kinds of outdoor activities, in an idyllic setting in real contact with nature. The house has two floors, where you will find all the comfort and charm of a place with an Arab touch that will not forget. On the first floor you have the common rooms and bedrooms and up to the second you will be surprised with its comfortable and sunny terrace and private pool. From your private pool upstairs you get one of the most beautiful snapshots of Sierra Nevada. The house is located in a beautiful, well connected and very close to natural: Granada, Alhambra, Airport, ... to 25 minutes. Montefrio, Alcalá la Real, 15 minutes. Costa Tropical, 1 hour. Sierra Nevada, 40 minutes.
For the price stated, We initially thought it was to good to be true... stunning views, ample space on the balcony with shower and Jacuzzi and loads of seating space.
The bedrooms were comfy and one had a shower inside.. the open plan kitchen with lounge was lovely and had a nice North African theme to it, almost authentic style which really made us feel at home..
Very rare for a holiday rental to feel like home but this place done exactly that, the perfect place to unwind.
Amazing views, quirky house in a beautiful, quiet town.
Lovely house, wonderful terrace, delicious wine, olives and olive oil left for us. In January the house was cosy with the wood burning stove and you can use the heating system first thing in the morning.
Encantado de haber tenido unos huéspedes asi.
Muchas gracias por el detalle que me a dejado.
The property was a real find and the location and views were breathtaking, Antonio was great with a wonderful welcome pack, he was always on hand if you wanted or also not, if you wanted to escape. The castle which is lit up at weekends behind the villa is beautiful.
I would advise you get a car as the trip out to see Granada and the Alambrah is fantastic and the carvings in the stone will take your breath away. Although the villa is in a valley the soft swoosh of the wind is enough for you to take stock of this stunning place.
Take binoculars as you may be lucky enough to see birds of prey and huge mountain goats with their young.
This was probably one of the best locations I have visited for a rural sanctuary.
Muchas gracias Sam y John por el cuidado y limpeza que habeis tenido en la casa, sin duda habeis sido unos huéspedes exepcionales.
Seguiremos trabajando para que otros huéspedes que elijan nuestra casa para sus vacaciones tenga las misma sensaciones que habeis tenido vosotros y puedan difrutar del entorno que la casa ofrece.
De nuevo muchas gracias por todo y por haber sido unos huéspedes tan simpaticos, cercanos, amables y por supuesto los recomiendo.
Un cordial saludo y ojala nos volvamos a ver, estaremos a vuestra disposición.
Home full of character, with stunning views for a peaceful break.
Amazing property..........beautifully decorated, exceptionally clean and comfortable.
Unfortunately we were not able to enjoy the beautiful roof terrace with its private pool and inviting garden furniture because of the rain but we were able to enjoy the breathtaking views !
Wonderful weekend despite the wet weather although it actually stopped raining the entire four hours it took us to trek the awesome 'sendero'.
Antonio is the perfect host, welcoming and courteous and ready with a glass of the local wine for our arrival.


The Allwinner A10s is a Cortex-A8 of 55nm with Mali400 GPU and Cedar Engine VPU.
The A10s is a cheaper version of the A10 which lacks SATA-controller, as it is primarily targeted towards HDMI plug PC.
Olimex blog: "Cortex A8 in TQFP? sure Allwinner A13"
This page was last modified on 7 February 2018, at 17:32.
This page has been accessed 29,367 times.


text:
To Each Her Own Cinephilia; Or How I Failed to Connect to Silver Screen Fiend
March 19, 2015 March 19, 2015 ~ cinecurator	~ Leave a comment
I finished reading Patton Oswalt's second memoir, Silver Screen Fiend, days ago but I've been struggling to find something to say about it ever since. That's when it hit me: my not having much to say is indicative of how I feel about this book. It's neither good nor bad. It's mostly just underwhelming. As a film fanatic myself, I was very excited to read the newly released Fiend, whose subtitle is Learning About Life from an Addiction to Film. I thought it would offer me insights into how I might balance my career ambitions (whatever those are) with my chronic hunger to watch and analyze films and TV shows. Instead, Oswalt leaves it until the last chapter to bestow wisdom on this topic: "Movies—the truly great ones (and sometimes the truly bad)—should be a drop in the overall fuel formula for your life. A fuel that should include sex and love and food and movement and friendships and your own work. All of it, feeding the engine. But the engine of your life should be your life" (161, emphasis in original). I already knew all that. Thanks, Patton. What's worse, he comes to the realization that the Movies have taken over his life only once The Phantom Menace profoundly disappoints him, and you know how I feel about Star Wars and George Lucas. At least I have never seen a film so terrible that it shook the very foundation upon which my cinephilia is built: I will never stop consuming films, because I want to better understand what effects they have on our lives, on our cultures.
Silver Screen Fiend briefly recounts the four years between 1995 and 1999 when he obsessively attended film screenings at the New Beverly Cinema and other repertory theaters playing classic films, in the hopes that feeding his addiction as much as possible would make him a (great) film director someday. At the same time, he also became a member of the alternative comedy scene in Los Angeles, and he wrote for MADtv for a short spell before the producers finally realized that his lackluster skits just weren't cutting it. I'm not being harsh. Here is Oswalt himself on the subject of his being fired: "It also didn't help that my writing at the time was so fashionably half-assed. I hadn't even developed my distaste for typos, which made all the sketches I turned in look like I'd written them while being chased by Turkish assassins on a drifting steamboat" (133-4). There are amusing if not exactly laugh-out-loud funny scenes sprinkled throughout, such as his experience shooting Down Periscope (his debut film role, which also earned him a SAG card) and the legal trouble he and his friends faced when they tried to stage a table reading of Jerry Lewis's controversial, never-publicly-shown Holocaust drama The Day the Clown Cried. What they wound up performing turned out to be a creative collaborative success: a series of sketches about their not being able to perform the screenplay itself due to a producer's issuance of a cease-and-desist letter.
Although I could relate to his experience as a cinephile—and in particular, a desire to see films in the theater as part of an audience—I couldn't connect with him in the way that I wanted to (that is, to learn about life through an addiction to film). The book itself starts in an off-putting way: he writes as if he is in conversation with the reader, who is either a friend or an acquaintance, outside the New Beverly, someone he "bulldoze[s] right over… and keep[s] gabbing" away about Billy Wilder's Sunset Boulevard and Ace in the Hole. I get it; his mind runs sixty miles an hour when you get him started on a film about which he feels really passionate. The problem is that throughout most of the book, he mainly just mentions film titles, ones that appear in the handwritten and poorly duplicated calendar that begins most chapters. Occasionally, he reminds the reader that he uses five film encyclopedias to keep track of what classics he should see, and he marks each entry with a note in the margin describing how and when he saw a particular film. An appendix at the back of the book lists all of the films he saw between May 20, 1995 and May 20, 1999. It's 33 pages long and quite impressive, but ultimately not very useful. What am I supposed to get out of it? In addition to a decades-old film stub collection, I've kept a film journal for almost ten years as well as an alphabetical index of its contents. I can't imagine that anyone else would ever want to look at such a document or the information it contains. (I started journaling and indexing as a way to keep tabs on what I've not only seen but written about as well.) So scanning the wide assortment of titles listed in his appendix, all I could think was, for example, "Ooh! I wonder what he thought of Trainspotting."
Actor, stand up comic, and author Patton Oswalt.
Oswalt's film addiction and comedy scene shenanigans are probably given equal "screen time" in the slim volume, but his stories about the latter were more exuberant, filled with more personalities. I think I know why this is, and it's not because he's a lazy writer. (If anything, he may be too energetic, especially when it comes to philosophizing about Vincent van Gogh's creative genius, from which Oswalt draws great and sometimes confusing inspiration.) It is because, as he implies throughout, it is sometimes difficult for a rabid film fanatic to translate her enthusiasm for a film in a way that someone not as interested in it will understand and appreciate. In the chapter "You Can, Unfortunately, Go Home Again," he writes about meeting a high school friend for a movie while they were both home for Thanksgiving in 1996. Sitting down to the Bruce Willis western Last Man Standing, he geeks out about how the "movie is based on [Dashiell Hammett's] Red Harvest, but it got there by way of [A] Fistful of Dollars and Yojimbo" (120). This fun fact lodges itself in his companion's brain so deeply that Oswalt ruins the experience of watching Last Man Standing for the man, because he thinks he's seen a version of a samurai film. Although I don't condone binge drinking, this may be the best description Oswalt offers to illuminate the divide between people like us and people like his friend:
Movies, to him [meaning his old high school buddy] and the majority of the planet, are an enhancement to a life. The way a glass of wine complements a dinner. I'm the other way around. I'm the kind of person who eats a few bites of food so that my stomach can handle the full bottle of wine I'm about to drink. (122)
Owing to my gigantic sweet tooth, allow me to paraphrase this treatise using a dessert analogy instead. Some people I know don't eat dessert or only do so on rare occasions, whereas I always eat dinner in order to have dessert. Since I'm in a confessional mood, I will also admit that sometimes I forgo dinner altogether and dash straight to dessert.
Early on in Silver Screen Fiend, Oswalt defines the film subculture he belongs to as one consisting of "sprocket fiends," those who dwell in the "subterranean dimension" of repertory theaters, who travel through space and time at the will of a director and his/her vision (7-8). I learned on my first or second day in the Cinema Studies department at NYU that the rest of the Tisch School of the Arts referred to us as moles, because once we burrowed in the ground we were content to stay in the dark. Like Oswalt, I love the sound of celluloid passing through a projector. It makes me feel alive. That's why the "First Epilogue," written as a tribute to the owner and manager of the New Beverly Cinema, Sherman Torgan (to whom the book is also dedicated), is the best part. In it, Oswalt shows off his classic film knowledge in a highly imaginative and dexterous manner: he curates a 30-day festival of films that were never made but will hopefully entertain Sherman in the great beyond. If only Hal Ashby could have wrangled John Belushi and Richard Pryor for an adaptation of John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces. I especially love the quick mention that a young Frances McDormand, one of my favorites, costars as Myrna Minkoff and is, in a word, "Sublime" (172).
March 10, 2015 May 11, 2015 ~ cinecurator	~ Leave a comment
Viewed March 5, 2015
Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014) came and went late last summer in limited release, but I don't recall it ever coming to a theater near me. Which is just as well, because it is horrible. Ostensibly a comedy, the biggest laugh that the film story elicits occurs when a French woman struggles to pronounce the word "happiness." The titular character, though embodied by Simon Pegg (one of my favorites), and all those who surround him are so criminally underdeveloped that it is difficult to care much about anyone in the film except in a more theoretical way that the filmmakers don't support. What's worse, the representation of the bored British psychiatrist's journey around the world to find out what makes people happy paints multiple far-flung cultures in broad, caricatured brushstrokes. There is virtually no cultural specificity in any of the places that he visits, and when director and co-writer Peter Chelsom and crew attempt to add critical dissections of serious impediments to people's general health and well-being in these places, these issues are wiped under the rug, never to be disturbed again. In case you are new to Hector and the Search for Happiness, be warned that I am going to spoil it now. And while you're at it, take a peek at the film's trailer to see how much potential the filmmakers wasted.
I have not read the original source novel by French psychiatrist François Lelord, but apparently its raison d'être is to educate a general readership about the psychology of happiness and to offer tips on finding it in everyday life. This explains why, after almost every interaction with someone throughout his international adventure, Hector jots down in his journal maxims such as "Happiness is knowing you're alive" and "Happiness is not always knowing the full story." These words are scrawled across the screen in order to keep a running tally of all the lessons learned, as if the film is a PowerPoint lecture. Hector also fills the pages of his notebook, which sexy and domineering girlfriend Clara (Rosamund Pike) gifted him upon his departure, with cutesy doodles of what his childish imagination encounters abroad. The main lesson he must learn is that losing Clara, even though she smothers him with a routine (always the same breakfast; she clips his toenails and packs his bag), would make him really unhappy. That's right: he goes on this purportedly life-changing adventure only to realize that he likes his life just as it is. Although the couple's Skype conversations widen the chasm between them more and more throughout, as the film drags on, there is never any doubt as to the fate of their relationship.
And this is why Hector's first stop in "China" is so perplexing. He never gives any reason as to why he starts there (and isn't it the tiny kingdom of Bhutan that is regularly cited as the happiest place on earth?) or what he is going to do once he arrives. But Hector doesn't need a plan when he has filthy rich businessman Stellan Skarsgård to act as his guide in an unnamed Shanghai. It truly boggles the mind as to why Skarsgård's Edward, so annoyed by Hector on the plane ride over from London, would take the ridiculous man under his wing and show him a good time. For, unbeknownst to Hector, Edward has secured the services of a prostitute named Ying Li (Ming Zhao) to keep Hector company in the nightclub and beyond. Although Clara gave Hector permission to fool around while on his trip, he winds up falling asleep before Ying Li can even get into the bed. At lunch the next day, believing he's falling in love, Hector discovers the truth when her pimp whisks her away. Hector tries to do the honorable thing and stand up to him, but, despite calling her john "nice," Ying Li hits Hector on the head and rides away. She doesn't want his help. So in one fell swoop, Hector goes from ruminating that perhaps happiness is being in love with two women at the same time to realizing that he's happier not knowing Ying Li's full story. I never expected the film to engage the topics of prostitution and sexual tourism in Shanghai, but since the filmmakers did, I find it morally reprehensible that Hector, a psychiatrist, would find it so easy to disengage. It's not as if Ying Li was happy to see her pimp, to return to her life as a sexually exploited woman. She seemed confused as to how she felt about Hector, as if wondering whether or not he could provide an escape. I wouldn't have wanted to see a film about a white male tourist "saving" a Chinese prostitute. Nevertheless, I didn't like how the experience of falling for a woman, no matter her profession, had exactly no consequences on Hector's outlook other than admitting he rather just be ignorant of the circumstances of her life.
Hector (Simon Pegg) and Ying Li (Ming Zhao) get up close and personal. Image courtesy of Relativity Media.
But it only gets worse. From Shanghai, Hector treks through the Himalayas to a remote Buddhist monastery. No one mentions the place by name, but it is easy to assume that he has entered Tibet, to seek the advice of Togo Igawa's Old Monk (the filmmakers couldn't even give him a name), who mainly just speaks in rhetorical loop-de-loops to help Hector arrive at the lesson that always avoiding things that make you unhappy is no surefire way to attain long-lasting happiness. He spends all of five minutes there, without ever contemplating how the Chinese government's suppression of Tibetan statehood might affect the happiness of the people living and working there.
Then he moves on to "Africa." I found this section the most offensive, beginning with the filmmakers' failure to name a more specific region or country. Perhaps they left the place intentionally unidentified so as to not incur the wrath of people and governments of a particular place or area. But this lack of cultural specificity effectually purports that Hector's "Africa" stands in for a whole continent, dominated by warlords foreign-born and native alike, backward villagers who travel with their chickens on prop planes, and "Western" organizations that provide humanitarian aid. In fact, Hector spends two weeks helping his medical school friend Michael (Barry Atsma) at the clinic he runs with his African boyfriend. Embarrassingly, it takes him a full two weeks to recognize that Michael and Marcel (Anthony Oseyemi) are romantically involved, coming to the delightful conclusion that "Happiness is when you are loved for who you are." Unfortunately, just as Michael's work is merely the conduit through which Hector can explore "Africa," the former's sexual relationship with Marcel exists purely as a way for Hector to learn this widely shared belief. Hector doesn't seem to care about the challenges that the mixed-race, homosexual couple—his friends—must face in this setting. And nor do the filmmakers.
You wouldn't know it from this photo, but Michael (Barry Atsma), Hector (Pegg), and Marcel (Anthony Oseyemi) are cruising in a war-torn "Africa." Image courtesy of Relativity Media.
Hector continuously acts the fool, and he even comes to the aid of a local warlord named Diego Baresco (Jean Reno). Despite warnings from Michael and Marcel about warlords in the area, Hector proves his goodness to Baresco, who suspects him of working for an international peace-keeping outfit that swoops in only to leave before seeing their work through. Hector reviews the prescriptions that Baresco's beloved wife takes and makes revisions to her regime, thereby instilling some peace of mind in Baresco. They get drunk together, and on his ride back to the clinic, Hector fails to recognize that his taxi cab has been hijacked by two armed rebels, because all black men look the same to him. He's soon taken hostage, destined to rot in a cell with one rat as his friend. It's unclear as to how long he is held captive, and of course we have no idea what the rebels seek to accomplish with their violent acts. We're just supposed to accept this, because isn't that what happens in Africa? According to this film, white European and American tourists go missing all the time and are swept into guerrilla warfare. Hector uses Baresco's pen to negotiate his release, for his captors fear retribution from Hector's powerful "friend." They abandon Hector on a country road, and "Happiness is knowing you're alive" is emblazoned on the screen. Yes, absolutely, but did we need such an extreme scenario to demonstrate this? Especially since nothing becomes of it? Hector doesn't suffer any post-traumatic stress, and we never witness Michael's or Marcel's worry over Hector's abduction. Before moving on to Los Angeles to meet his former med school flame Agnes (Toni Collette), Hector experiences the gloriousness of sweet potato stew, which a baby-swaddling woman on the prop plane promised to prepare for him once they landed safely in "Africa." It's supposed to be physically and emotionally fulfilling, but we viewers never see it. The filmmakers can't even commit to showing us a traditional "African" dish.
Having survived being held hostage by an indistinguishable "African" rebel group, Hector celebrates by cooking sweet potato stew with local women. Image courtesy of Relativity Media.
In Los Angeles, Hector takes part in Professor Coreman's (Christopher Plummer) neuroscience study to map emotions such as happiness, sadness, and fear across different parts of the brain. After breaking up with Clara over the phone because his traveling to Los Angeles has finally signaled for the couple that Hector still longs for Agnes, Hector exhibits all three emotions in the scanner, lighting up Coreman's screen with a rainbow of colors that the professor has assigned to each emotional state. Is this the payoff we're supposed to receive from Hector and the Search for Happiness? What makes Hector special is his ability to feel happiness, sadness, and fear at the same time when recalling a wide range of events in his life? Having been rebuffed by Agnes, a happily married psychologist with a third child on the way, Hector determines that he must get back to London to be with Clara. As I said before, they live happily ever after. He's more emotionally available and compassionate towards his patients, and Clara finally realizes that, yes, she wants to have a baby with Hector.
What and whom they always wanted. Clara (Rosamund Pike) and Hector finally tie the knot. Image courtesy of Relativity Media and MovieStillsDB.com.
The one bright spot in this mess is the chemistry between Simon Pegg and Rosamund Pike. Although their relationship isn't exactly desirable (she takes great pride in clipping his toe nails!), they have an appealing, silly rapport in scenes where they interact in person. In fact, most of their exchanges occur over video conferencing calls. Notably, Hector and the Search for Happiness may be implying that staying connected through this kind of technology is no substitute for human contact (when Hector tries to tell her that he'd been kidnapped, she fails to register the gravity of the situation). Even phone conversations do not go well between them. There is simply a lack of communication between the lovers, and isn't that a definite sign of their incompatibility? Clara cannot make up her mind regarding Hector's up and leaving her for an indeterminate period of time. Hector needs to leave the person he loves in order to realize that happiness lies in a life made with her. This is not an earth-shattering revelation, especially since we watch him come to this conclusion under the most ridiculous of circumstances. As I said before, I am a huge fan of Pegg's, and it was disappointing to see him attached to such bone-headed and culturally insensitive material. I wonder what attracted him to it in the first place: Hector's childhood love of The Adventures of Tin Tin, maybe? Then again, shooting a film about happiness around the world does sound really exciting. If only the film wasn't so concerned with checking off the lessons in the original source novel and instead let the characters interact with each other in more plausible, organic ways.


text:
Home About us Editorial board Ahead of print Browse Articles Search Submit article Instructions Subscribe Contacts Login
Previous article Browse articles Next article
J Res Med Sci 2020, 25:29
Effect of donepezil and memantine on improvement of cognitive function in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Marjan Oustad1, Mohamadreza Najafi1, Jafar Mehvari1, Amin Rastgoo2, Zahrasadat Mortazavi1, Mitra Rahiminejad1
1 Department of Neurology, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Neurosurgeon, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Kangan, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
Date of Submission 04-May-2019
Date of Decision 28-Aug-2019
Date of Acceptance 18-Dec-2019
Date of Web Publication 18-Mar-2020
Dr. Mohamadreza Najafi
Department of Neurology, Al.Zahra Hospital, Isfahan
DOI: 10.4103/jrms.JRMS_209_19
Background: Cognitive impairment is a common complication of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of donepezil and memantine on improving the cognitive function of patients with TLE. Materials and Methods: In a clinical trial study, 70 patients with TLE were divided into two groups of 35 each: 10 mg doses of donepezil ( first group) and memantine (second group) were applied for 16 weeks. The level of cognitive function of patients in both groups before and after treatment was determined using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Results: The mean score of MoCA before and after intervention was 23.55 ± 3.67 and 26.09 ± 2.5, respectively, in the group treated with memantine, and the mean score of intervention was significantly improved (P < 0.001). In the group treated with donepezil, the score before and after the operation was 23.87 ± 3.18 and 24.35 ± 2.17, respectively, and no significant difference was observed in this group (P = 0.38). Conclusion: Hence, memantine was better than donepezil in the improvement of cognitive impairment in patients with TLE.
Keywords: Cognitive impairment, donepezil, memantine, temporal lobe epilepsy
Oustad M, Najafi M, Mehvari J, Rastgoo A, Mortazavi Z, Rahiminejad M. Effect of donepezil and memantine on improvement of cognitive function in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. J Res Med Sci 2020;25:29
Oustad M, Najafi M, Mehvari J, Rastgoo A, Mortazavi Z, Rahiminejad M. Effect of donepezil and memantine on improvement of cognitive function in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. J Res Med Sci [serial online] 2020 [cited 2021 Jan 19];25:29. Available from: https://www.jmsjournal.net/text.asp?2020/25/1/29/280924
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, which from the neurophysiology point of view is equivalent to abnormal electrical charge and discharge of the brain. Epilepsy is reported in various forms and is categorized in different ways in terms of etiology and clinical symptoms, and its temporal type occurs with a series of mental, behavioral, cognitive, and motor disorders.[1] Loss of consciousness, amnesia, cognitive impairment, and emotional changes are common symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE),[2] and based on the results of the recent researches, the most common neuropsychological effect of epilepsy is memory impairment, which can be associated with other disorders such as vocabulary and recognition.[3],[4]
Cognitive impairment is one of the common problems of patients with TLE, as approximately 70% of patients with TLE having known problems with memory function.[4] Because the temporal lobe plays a role in the formation of memory, TLE communication with memory impairment is also acceptable, and this has been proven in various studies.[5] Lack of memory performance in the form of TLE is related to the memory-related brain structure, such as the hippocampus, which is directly involved in seizure activity. TLE may also interfere with neurophysiological memory tests, which measures the ability to recall new information within 30 min.[6],[7] Studies have shown that patients with temporal lobe seizures are at high risk for cognitive problems.[8],[9] Other factors associated with cognitive impairment include the duration of epilepsy, the onset of the disease, the frequency of seizures, and the history of recent head injury and the use of anticonvulsants.[10],[11] According to some studies, the two drugs, donepezil and memantine, are effective in improving daily function, behavioral function, cognitive function, and overall clinical conditions.[12],[13]
Memantine is a proprietary and noncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor with a mild-to-moderate tendency. Memantine is more abundant in the regions of the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex, which are involved in recognition, learning, and memory.[14] Glutamate or glutamic acid is resulted in long-term strength of NMDA receptor. Increasing levels of glutamate are associated with the progression of neurotoxicity, suggesting the beneficial effect of memantine on blocking the negative effects of increasing glutamate levels. Memantine is well tolerated and its side effects are very rare and include dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, hallucinations, and nausea that can be eliminated after a dose reduction or drug discontinuation.[15]
Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that reduces the breakdown of synaptic acetylcholine, enhances its ability to stimulate postsynaptic receptors, and enhances the normal pattern of acetylcholine release in the brain.[16] Donepezil is prescribed in the countries of Europe and Japan during the moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease and in the United States at all stages.[17] Studies have shown that donepezil improves cognitive and neuropsychiatric performance and reduces the economic burden of nursing need. In patients with Alzheimer's disease, the use of this drug in comparison with placebo has improved general and cognitive function.[18],[19] Many studies have shown the efficacious results of the use of memantine and donepezil to improve memory in Alzheimer's disease,[20],[21] but studies on the effects of this drug in patients with epilepsy are limited. Therefore, due to the high prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients with epilepsy and the necessity of its treatment, this study was conducted to compare the effects of memantine and donepezil on improvement of cognitive function in patients with TLE.
This was a randomized clinical trial performed in Al-Zahra and Kashani Hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, during 2017–2018. Based on the observation, electroencephalogram (EEG) findings and neuroimaging patients with TLE referring to the outpatient clinic were enrolled in the study. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Isfahan Medical Sciences and was approved in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial (IRCT20180113038344N1).
The inclusion criteria included patients with TLE that was diagnosed by a neurologist, absence of other neurological diseases other than epilepsy, with age more than 18 years and <55 years old, the history of failing treatment of improving cognitive function, and willingness to participate in the study. Furthermore, patients with mental retardation and progressive neurological disease did not meet inclusion criteria. Furthermore, allergy to memantine or donepezil drugs, the onset of any side effects associated with the use of these drugs, and the lack of satisfaction to continue the study at any time of the study were considered as exclusion criteria.
TLE was diagnosed by a history of characteristic partial seizure symptoms. The diagnosis was confirmed by the capture of a typical episode during EEG or video-EEG, with epileptiform activity over one or both temporal regions.
The sampling method was convenience–nonrandom, and the patients were admitted to the clinic if they were eligible. All patients had informed consent for entering into the study.
All patients were examined by a neurological assistant, and a biography of the patient was obtained including demographic information (name, age, sex, education, and marital status) and information about the disease (when the disease began and drugs). All of this information was recorded in a special form to the patient.
Patients were randomly allocated into two groups using random allocation software; the first group was treated with donepezil. The drug was started at a dose of 5 mg, and after 4 weeks, if the patient tolerated, it was increased to 10 mg daily and the total dose of the drug was administered to patients for 16 weeks.
In the second group, memantine was started at a dose of 5 mg daily, and in case of patient tolerance, it increased to 10 mg after a week, and in this group, the duration of treatment was 16 weeks.
The data collection tool was a memory and cognitive function questionnaire of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) that all patients were asked to complete the questionnaire before intervention. This questionnaire is in fact a tool for evaluating mild cognitive impairment with a maximum score of 30. The questionnaire consists of eight parts of the visuospatial/executive, memory, attention, naming, abstraction, language, delayed recall, and orientation, giving each section a separate score. The short-term memory recall section is included 5 points about learning and recall words, visuospatial abilities are included 3 points about clock-drawing task and one point about cube copy, executive function is included 4 points about alternation task adapted, attention, concentration and working memory is included one point about target detection, 3 points about subtraction task, and one point about digits forward and backward, language is included three item about naming task and repeating of two complex sentence (2 points) and a fluency task and finally orientation to time and place is included 6 points. Validity and reliability of this questionnaire have been confirmed in various studies previously.[22] The cognitive impairment was considered MoCA score below 26.
During the 1st and 2nd months of intervention, the patient was contacted by regular telephone conversation and asked for the occurrence of possible complications. In case of complications, the patient was treated with a medical treatment.
After completing the drug (16 weeks), all patients were called out to the outpatient clinic of Al-Zahra Hospital and the questionnaire for measuring memory and cognitive function of MoCA was completed again by the patients.
The sample size of the study was 35 individuals in each group according to the sample size formula for the comparison of the meanings with a 95% confidence level, 80% test power, the standard deviation of cognitive impairment score which was found to be about 1.17 in other studies and the least significant difference between the two groups which was considered as 0.8. All patients' information was entered into SPSS version 25 (IBM, New York, United States) and analyzed by Chi-square test (to compare frequency values of variables between groups), t-test (to compare mean values of variables between groups), and paired samples test (to compare mean values of variable before and after intervention) and a significant level of P < 0.05 was considered.
Seventy patients with TLE were studied in the two groups of 35 each receiving donepezil and memantine. During the study, six patients were excluded due to lack of referring, two from the memantine group and four from the doping group, and the data were analyzed on 33 patients receiving memantine and 31 patients receiving donepezil [Figure 1].
Figure 1: Consort diagram of patients in each step of the study
There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographic and baseline variables including age and sex distribution and education level [Table 1].
Table 1: Distribution of the age, sex, and level of education of the two groups
The mean total scores of MoCA before and after intervention in the memantine group were 23.55 ± 3.67 and 26.09 ± 2.5, respectively. The mean score of MoCA in the memantine group was significantly improved (P < 0.001). In the donepezil group, the total scores before and after intervention were 23.87 ± 3.18 and 24.35 ± 2.17, respectively, and the changing of total score in the donepezil group was not statistically significant (P = 0.38). There was no significant difference between the two groups based on total score before intervention (P = 0.71), but the mean total score after intervention in the memantine group was significantly higher than the donepezil group (P = 0.004) and the difference of changing the score in the memantine group was significantly higher than the donepezil group (P = 0.001).
Compared to the results of the study before intervention, of 64 patients, 51 (79.7%) had cognitive impairment (score <26), of which 27 were from the memantine group and 24 from the donepezil group (81.8% vs. 77.4%), but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.66). In the interventional part, the number of patients with cognitive impairment was 32 (50%), of which 11 were from the memantine group and 21 from the donepezil group (33.3% vs. 67.7%), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.006).
Before intervention, there was no significant difference between groups based on the scores of visuospatial/executive, language, naming, attention, abstraction, delayed recall, and orientation to time and place (P > 0.05).
The study of MoCA test showed that in the memantine group, scores of language, visuospatial/executive, and orientation to time and place significantly increased (P < 0.05) and the scores of attention and delayed recall in the memantine group significantly decreased after intervention (P < 0.05). However, the changing scores of abstraction and naming in the memantine group after intervention was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In the donepezil group, the score of abstraction was significantly increased after intervention (P = 0.03), but the changing scores of visuospatial/executive, language, naming, attention, delayed recall, and orientation to time and place were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). After intervention, the mean score of orientation to time and place in the memantine group was significantly higher than the donepezil group (P = 0.023), but there was no significant difference between groups based on visuospatial/executive, language, naming, attention, abstraction, and delayed recall (P > 0.05) [Table 2].
Table 2: Mean and standard deviation of Montreal Cognitive Test score in both groups before and after intervention
Studies and experiments have shown that epileptic seizures have an effect on memory and cognitive function. Patients with epilepsy have complained of cognitive and memory problems. According to the results of our study, the prevalence of cognitive impairment was 79.7% in the preinterventional study, which is higher than Olshansky's finding (54%).[7]
The results of our study showed that memantine was effective on improving cognitive impairment in patients with TLE. With 16 weeks of treatment with memantine, the prevalence of memory impairment decreased from 81.8% to 33.3%, whereas in the treatment group with donepezil, the prevalence of cognitive impairment decreased from 77.4% to 67.7%, which was less than the memantine group. The results of a study by Leeman-Markowski et al. have shown that the use of memantine leads to memory impairment in patients with epilepsy.[12]
Various studies on the use of memantine have shown that treatment with memantine improves the overall cognitive and functional relationships and has beneficial effects on agitation and aggressive behaviors.[13]
Based on the results of our study, memantine therapy relatively improved cognitive impairment in terms of attention, visuospatial/executive, language, delayed recall, and orientation to time and place, whereas treatment with donepezil only improves the abstraction, and in other areas, no significant difference was observed. On the other hand, cognitive impairment is commonly found in Alzheimer's disease. The most studies have been conducted on the effects of the two drugs in Alzheimer's patients, few studies have been done on the effect of these two drugs on the treatment of cognitive impairment in patients with TLE according to these limited studies, it has been shown that memantine is effective on improving daily function, behavioral function, cognitive function and clinical conditions of patients. Memantine is a noncompetitive NMDA antagonist and reduces some of the behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and has a significant impact on general, functional, and cognitive conditions of patients.[21] The use of donepezil and memantine combination for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's has recently been investigated. A group of studies have reported that it reduces the cognitive and functional decline and delays the need for a nurse at home.[20] Some studies have shown the effective results in the use of memantine in improving memory in Alzheimer's disease.[21] The mechanism and effectiveness of antidementive drugs in other patient groups (dementia, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis) may be similar to patients with epilepsy.[23]
In a study performed in 2016, Marimuthu et al. reported that once-daily memantine (10 mg) treatment significantly improved cognition, memory, and quality of life in epileptic patients with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment and was found to have a favorable safety profile.[24] In our study, the result was in line with this study because memantine was effective on improvement of memory and cognitive. The mechanism and effectiveness of antidementive drugs in other patient groups (dementia, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis) may be similar to patients with epilepsy. There are limited studies that have looked at these drugs in patients with epilepsy, and these studies have not provided enough evidence to generalize the entire population of the disease.
Study limitations
This is a clinical trial study on a small number of cases which may lead to imprecise estimation of findings. Furthermore, lack of comparison group pushed us just to describe findings. Furthermore, lack of blindness was considered a limitation in this study.
According to the results of this study, evidence of the efficacy of memantine in improving cognitive impairment was found in MoCA tests in patients with TLE. However, despite subjective changes in the improvement of cognitive impairment, there was no evidence that donepezil was effective in improving cognitive impairment in MoCA test. At the same time, further studies are recommended in this area.
The present article is derived partly from the results of thesis on specialty in the field of neurology, sponsored by the Research Deputy of the Faculty of Medicine of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Therefore, the authors of the article praise and appreciate their efforts.
This study was supported by Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. This design was registered in Research Faculty of Medical School of Isfahan by code 395112.
Mehvari J, Zare M, Andami R, Ghadimi K, Tabrizi N. Ictal and interictal electroencephalography of mesial and lateral temporal lobe epilepsy: A comparative study. Caspian J Neurol Sci 2017;4:222-30.
Rafiee Zadeh A, Askari M, Azadani NN, Ataei A, Ghadimi K, Tavoosi N, et al. Mechanism and adverse effects of multiple sclerosis drugs: A review article. Part 1. Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol 2019;11:95-104.
Rafiee Zadeh A, Ghadimi K, Ataei A, Askari M, Sheikhinia N, Tavoosi N, et al. Mechanism and adverse effects of multiple sclerosis drugs: A review article. Part 2. Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol 2019;11:105-14.
Elger CE, Helmstaedter C, Kurthen M. Chronic epilepsy and cognition. Lancet Neurol 2004;3:663-72.
Helmstaedter C. Effects of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy on memory functions. In: Arzimanoglou A, Aldenkamp A, Cross H, Lassonde M, editors. Cognitive Dysfunction in Children with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Progress in Epileptic Disorders Series; London: John Libbey; 2005. p. 13-30.
Eskin SB, Hermanson S. Nutrition labeling at fast-food and other chain restaurants. Issue Brief (Public Policy Inst (Am Assoc Retired Pers)). 2004 Jul;(IB71):1-6.
Olshansky SJ, Passaro DJ, Hershow RC, Layden J, Carnes BA, Brody J, et al. A potential decline in life expectancy in the United States in the 21st century. N Engl J Med 2005;352:1138-45.
Bäckhed F, Ley RE, Sonnenburg JL, Peterson DA, Gordon JI. Host-bacterial mutualism in the human intestine. Science 2005;307:1915-20.
Eckburg PB, Bik EM, Bernstein CN, Purdom E, Dethlefsen L, Sargent M, et al. Diversity of the human intestinal microbial flora. Science 2005;308:1635-8.
Lay C, Doré J, Rigottier-Gois L. Separation of bacteria of the Clostridium leptum subgroup from the human colonic microbiota by fluorescence-activated cell sorting or group-specific PCR using 16S rRNA gene oligonucleotides. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2007;60:513-20.
Ley RE, Bäckhed F, Turnbaugh P, Lozupone CA, Knight RD, Gordon JI. Obesity alters gut microbial ecology. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005;102:11070-5.
Leeman-Markowski BA, Meador KJ, Moo LR, Cole AJ, Hoch DB, Garcia E, et al. Does memantine improve memory in subjects with focal-onset epilepsy and memory dysfunction? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Epilepsy Behav 2018;88:315-24.
Fisher RS, Bortz JJ, Blum DE, Duncan B, Burke H. A pilot study of donepezil for memory problems in epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2001;2:330-4.
Reisberg B, Doody R, Stöffler A, Schmitt F, Ferris S, Möbius HJ, et al. Memantine in moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease. N Engl J Med 2003;348:1333-41.
Cabuk B, Etus V, Bozkurt SU, Sav A, Ceylan S. Neuroprotective effect of memantine on hippocampal neurons in infantile rat hydrocephalus. Turk Neurosurg 2011;21:352-8.
Cummings JL. Cholinesterase inhibitors: A new class of psychotropic compounds. Am J Psychiatry 2000;157:4-15.
Courtney C, Farrell D, Gray R, Hills R, Lynch L, Sellwood E, et al. Long-term donepezil treatment in 565 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD2000): Randomised double-blind trial. Lancet 2004;363:2105-15.
Aarsland D, Laake K, Larsen JP, Janvin C. Donepezil for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease: A randomised controlled study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2002;72:708-12.
Petersen RC, Thomas RG, Grundman M, Bennett D, Doody R, Ferris S, et al. Vitamin E and donepezil for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment. N Engl J Med 2005;352:2379-88.
Koola MM, Nikiforuk A, Pillai A, Parsaik AK. Galantamine-memantine combination superior to donepezil-memantine combination in Alzheimer's disease: Critical dissection with an emphasis on kynurenic acid and mismatch negativity. J Geriatr Care Res 2018;5:57-67.
Ridha BH, Crutch S, Cutler D, Frost C, Knight W, Barker S, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial of DONepezil in posterior cortical atrophy due to underlying Alzheimer's Disease: DONIPAD study. Alzheimers Res Ther 2018;10:44.
Wong A, Xiong YY, Kwan PW, Chan AY, Lam WW, Wang K, et al. The validity, reliability and clinical utility of the Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) in patients with cerebral small vessel disease. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2009;28:81-7.
Durães F, Pinto M, Sousa E. Old drugs as new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018;11. pii: E44.
Marimuthu P, Varadarajan S, Krishnan M, Shanmugam S, Kunjuraman G, Ravinder JR, et al. Evaluating the efficacy of memantine on improving cognitive functions in epileptic patients receiving anti-epileptic drugs: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial (Phase IIIb pilot study). Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2016;19:344-50.
Oustad M
Najafi M
Mehvari J
Rastgoo A
Mortazavi Z
Rahiminejad M
© Journal of Research in Medical Sciences | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
Online since 9th February, 2015


JAKE OWEN GARNERS SEVENTH NO.1 SINGLE WITH "I WAS JACK (YOU WERE DIANE)"
Jake Owen's hit single "I Was Jack (You Were Diane)" holds the No. 1 spot this week on Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase country airplay charts. The song is the fastest rising single of Owen's career and his seventh No. 1 hit. It is his first single release for Big Loud Records and currently has over 25 million streams.
Big Loud Records and America's favorite light lager Bud Light are pleased to announce "LIVE AT THE DIVE," a special partnership with Country star Jake Owen.
JAKE OWEN RELEASES NEW SINGLE "I WAS JACK (YOU WERE DIANE)"
This morning, Jake Owen unveiled his unforgettable new single, "I Was Jack (You Were Diane)," reuniting him with producer Joey Moi.
JAKE ANNOUNCES SALT LIFE PARTNERSHIP!
Jake is the newest team member of leading lifestyle brand, Salt Life! He joins professional fishermen, divers, and surfers in promoting the brand through various sponsorships and events.
Just in time for summer! Jake Owen released his new single, "Real Life," and it is available now everywhere!


You may have noticed that we've added a Google site search box in the header of every forum page (and also in the footer on the website). This site is very well indexed by Google, and although the search facility built into the forum software does have some advantages, for most people we think that the ability of Google to include short search terms (eg NIP, or M42), produce faster results, and provide always-on availability will more than make up for this.
Another advantage of this is that by pushing most of the search load onto Google we hope to be able to leave built-in search functions like Find Member's Topics/Posts switched on permanently.
You don't need to put "pepipoo" in the search box, as it only returns results from PePiPoo anyway.
The existing search facility remains available to BB&G members, as Google can't index the member-only forums.


Credit card payments are handled by PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to purchase a membership; you may use the "guest" option to pay with your credit card without signing up. Please include your email address and a phone number so we can contact you if we have a question about your membership.
Dues paid to the Friends, a section 501(c)(3) organization, are deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes. You will receive a receipt by mail acknowledging your donation. Please include your address if you would like a receipt.
Download the Friends of the Library Membership form if you would prefer to join by mailing in a check.