text:
The impact of cosmetics on the ocular surface
Every now and again, I find myself confronted with a light bulb moment. In professional terms, this is usually when it dawns on me that I have been completely underestimating something that I encounter regularly in clinic or with patients, but until that moment have not really spent any quality time speculating on the whys and wherefores. One such time in my career of great significance took place around 10 years ago when I first learned of the impact of Demodex spp and its influence upon the health of the ocular adnexa (figure 1). The can of worms (or mites in this case) that opened as I read that first CET article on the subject astounded me and, I can honestly say, my practice has never been the same since.
Recently, I have experienced another such lightbulb moment.
Figure 1: Demodex mite on an eyelash
Why an interest in cosmetics in eye care practice?
As an optometrist and dry eye specialist, I have long since been aware, if only on a very superficial level, of the issues with cosmetics and make-up causing irritation to existing dry eye patients (myself included) and contact lens wearers. This can result in poor tolerance or a flare-up of symptoms or both when eye make-up is applied. I have also seen numerous examples of caked layers of make-up on lids, pigment embedded in tarsal plates and floating debris in the tear films of determined wearers, enough to put you off your mid-morning chocolate chip cookie.
My general stance, until recently, was to offer standard general advice about inserting contact lenses before make-up application and ensuring all make-up was thoroughly removed at the end of each day, possibly forming part of a wider eyelid hygiene regime. In more recent years, I have also advised the use of lid hygiene products for blepharitis as a dual-purpose make-up remover. I did, however, stop short of telling patients to stop wearing make-up: that is like telling patients to stop wearing clothes. With no obvious alternative, it is definitely a non-starter. Besides which, I felt that a significant percentage of my dry eye patients were fairly self-selecting and ditched their make-up when it became too much of a burden, able to recognise when it was clearly adding to their dry eye symptoms.
Looking further into our current understanding of the issues with standard make-up, what I have learned so far has genuinely shocked me. My aim for this article, therefore, is to outline the current issues, highlight what we know, and suggest what we should be considering on a daily basis when offering advice about cosmetic use by our patients.
Firstly, why should we even consider cosmetics?
Most of us have almost certainly not given cosmetics use in our patients much thought and are unlikely to be routinely asking questions during our consultations about patient's current periocular cosmetic habits.
A recent study,1 however, highlighted that the prevalence of dry eye disease among women who used eye cosmetics was over 70%, much higher than the 5% to 50% among the general population.2 In addition, approximately 25% of participants using eye make-up rarely removed it before sleep. This was shown to be a further significant risk factor in the severity of dry eye. Given these figures, the impact of cosmetic products is something eye care practitioners cannot afford to ignore any more.
What are cosmetics?
Cosmetics come in all forms, though they are generally considered products that are rubbed, poured, sprinkled on, and or sprayed on the body and face to 'beautify' oneself. The use of cosmetics, by both men and women, has been around since ancient Egyptian times. Back then, cosmetics were used for a variety of reasons; to enhance beauty, to imitate the gods, for health, to protect the skin from the sun, and even to ward off evil spirits.
Nowadays, the cosmetics that patients use on and around their eyes are not required to meet the same type of regulatory standards as ophthalmic pharmaceutical products, despite consisting of a wide range of chemicals, many of which are known not to be inert.
On average, women use 12 personal care products a day, exposing themselves to 168 chemical ingredients. Men use six, exposing themselves to 85 unique chemicals. The average age at which girls start to use cosmetics is around 12 years of age.
What ingredients are in cosmetics?
As a practitioner, we encounter many different forms of agents and ingredients that we regularly recommend or prescribe to our patients, such as contact lens care solutions and ocular lubricants. However, apart from the headline recognisable ingredients, I admit that most other constituents are a bit of mystery to me. This is yet more true for the ingredients of cosmetics. The list is usually so long, and in such small print, that it is a wonder that anyone ever bothers to read it (figure 2). The problem with this, to put it bluntly, is that they are not all safe to be used near the eyes.
Figure 2: The ingredient lists on many cosmetics are often both extensive and difficult to read
This less than satisfactory situation has been allowed to continue, despite evidence of harmful effects from some constituents, because cosmetics lack the more stringent regulation required of medicines. As a result, certain ingredients in cosmetics and anti-ageing products have been identified as belonging to the following harmful classifications:
Carcinogens
Reproductive toxins
Why do cosmetics irritate dry eyes?
Cosmetics and anti-ageing treatments used on and around the thin, and therefore easily penetrated, skin of the eyelids can, unfortunately, have an impact on the ocular surface. This impact may cause a number of adverse effects and may:
Disrupt hormones
Stress the ocular surface
Increase the inflammation-inducing evaporative load of patients with ocular surface disease
Irritate the cornea and conjunctiva
Cause meibomian gland dysfunction and contribute to meibomian gland loss
Contaminate the tear film
Create tear film instability
Promote demodex infestation
Cause or exacerbate dry eye disease
Take, for example, benzalkonium chloride. This is a preservative and antimicrobial agent widely known among the eye care professionals as an ingredient that causes insult to the ocular surface.2 It is also authorised by the European Union for use in cosmetic products at maximum concentrations of 0.1% (1 mg/ml).4 This concentration is 20,000 times greater than that found to be toxic to human corneal, conjunctival and meibomian gland epithelial cells.
Other preservatives widely used in cosmetic products are formaldehyde (FA)-releasing compounds. According to Harvard Medical School research, the approved limit in cosmetics for FA-releasing compounds is some 740 to 2,000 times higher than the concentration shown to be toxic to human corneal, conjunctival and meibomian gland epithelial cells.5
It is now accepted that dry eye disease persists and progresses as a vicious circle, one fuelled by a number of factors. Figure 3 shows various points of this circle where cosmetics can exacerbate the situation.
Figure 3: The vicious cycle of dry eye disease and the key points that can be influenced by cosmetics (red arrows)
What cosmetic ingredients should we encourage patients to avoid?
It is way beyond the scope of this article to list all the chemicals in cosmetics that might be worth avoiding, and this list is ever-growing as further research into adverse effects is undertaken. Interestingly, the US only bans 11 chemicals for use in the formulation of cosmetics, while the EU (and formerly the UK) bans more than 1,300. While this does make our job as eye care professionals rather difficult when patients ask for succinct and efficient advice, it is, at least, possible to provide information about some of the worst culprits. Table 1 lists 10 key ingredients to avoid, but remember that this is by no means an exhaustive list.
Table 1: Ten cosmetic ingredients known to cause damage to the ocular surface and adnexa
It is worth noting the inclusion of terpinen-4-ol in this list, a key ingredient in many cosmetic tea tree oil-based products. It is also found in lid cleansers specifically designed to treat Demodex blepharitis as it has proved to be effective in killing demodex mites present on lash follicles. However, the ingredient has also been shown to cause a toxic effect on meibomian gland epithelial cells in vitro.5, 13 Because of this, it is always best to look at the overall risk-to-benefit ratio for any individual with a need to control their Demodex population, as well as to consider the appropriate minimum frequency and duration of use for each patient individually.
Anti-ageing and anti-acne products
A significant number of anti-ageing products, and anti-acne creams, that are widely available in many countries contain retinol, also known as vitamin A or all-trans retinoic acid. Indeed, you may have some in your own bathroom cabinet at home. Retinol is obtained in the diet from plant or animal sources. Retinoic acid is the most active biological form of vitamin A while retinyl palmitate is the major storage form of vitamin A in the skin.
Retinol is found primarily in anti-wrinkle creams while another variant, called isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid), is sold as Roaccutane; a common anti-acne cream. Retinoic acid is known to have a direct and significant damaging effect on meibomian glands.12 Indeed, it is not uncommon in my dry eye clinic to see younger patients who have been on isotretinoin to have significant gland loss at very young ages.
When we consider our own daily lives, most of us have many bad habits, perhaps more than we would ever want to admit in public, usually stemming from lack of time, ignorance or simply laziness. This is evident on a daily basis in my dry eye clinic, where patients frequently confess to practices that make my toes curl.
There are a number of typical bad habits to look out for regarding eye make-up use. These include:
Sleeping in eye make-up
Sharing eye make-up
Not replacing eye make-up regularly; mascara tubes can harbour a multiplicity of pathogens (figure 4). Many women keep their mascara for six to 12 months or more and, worse still, have been known to spit in the tube or add tap water to prolong use of the product.
Waterline (the inner eyelid margin) application of eyeliner
Figure 4: Mascara tubes can harbour a multiplicity of pathogens
The term waterline is not a medical, anatomical label but a description coined by the fashion industry to describe the gap posterior to the eyelashes to the mucocutaneous junction along the lid margin at the point where the tears end and where the meibomian gland openings are to be found. Despite centuries of well-meaning advice to avoid using eyeliner along this zone, many wearers still persist in applying liner onto this area for some perceived improved cosmetic effect, whether real or otherwise. The concern about doing so hinges upon the potential for cosmetic product to enter the tears and onto the ocular surface to cause an adverse response.
A small but elegant study to verify the truth behind the risk of using eyeliner on the waterline was carried out by researchers from Cardiff and Waterloo Universities.19 The aim was to compare how much material from a conventional pencil eyeliner, applied to the periocular skin along one of two different locations, would subsequently migrate and contaminate the tear film. The two locations chosen were the waterline, the space behind the lash line, and the periorbital skin immediately anterior to the lash line (figure 5). The level of contamination was assessed by counting the number of glitter particles seen in the tears on slit lamp examination.
Figure 5: (a) Eyeliner applied anterior to the lash line. (b) The so-called waterline, as delineated by the red marker. Note that, several days after removal of eyeliner, particles of cosmetic can still be seen in this region
The results clearly supported the view that 'eyeliner migrates most readily and maximally contaminates the tear film when applied posterior to the lash line.' The study concluded that 'it would be beneficial to advise patients to reserve the application of eyeliner pencils to anterior to the lash line… People who wear contact lenses are most likely to notice some problems. If they have eyeliner stuck to their lenses, increasing deposits might cause vision disruption as the lens becomes cloudier.'
It is worth directly addressing these common make-up misdemeanours. This can serve as a good starting point in encouraging your patients to adopt better cosmetic health practice.
Starting the conversation about make-up with your patients
Most practitioners do not have time to chat with patients. Nor do they have the specialised background in biochemistry that would be needed to analyse all the listed ingredients in any cosmetic product. Sometimes, instead, the easiest way is to infuse some humour into the conversation about hygiene practices. For example:
'Do you remove eye make-up before going to bed, or wake up with panda eyes in the morning?'
'Waterline eyeliner or mascara is like water-boarding the meibomian glands.'
'How often do you replace your mascara? Remember, bugs are having sex on your eyelashes.'
Admittedly, I will tend to only scratch the surface of this topic in a normal eye examination at best. But, during my dedicated dry eye work ups, a 'current cosmetics review' is now an essential part of my routine battery of baseline questions and assessments.
Contact Lens Wear and Cosmetics
There is obviously a significant number of contact lens wearers who also wear make-up. Often the two modalities go hand-in-hand as there is a beauty enhancing element given over to both sides of this equation. As practitioners, we need to be aware that introducing make-up to a contact lens-wearing eye also carries with it some risk.
Mascara and microplastics, such as the glitter in eyeshadow, can be both mechanically and chemically irritating if they flake into the tear film. These flakes can become trapped under soft or rigid corneal contact lenses. Pigments used in eye make-up might not be water-soluble and so can become lodged under a lens and potentially damage the ocular surface or cause corneal abrasions.20
Are Permanent Cosmetic Enhancements Better Than Daily Cosmetic Products?
A not uncommon question from patients in my dry eye clinic is whether it is better to use more permanent or semi-permanent solutions instead of daily make-up. Such treatments include eyelash tinting, eyelash extensions or growth serums. The recent obsession on social media for extra-long lashes does not help in this regard.
Sadly, this is another area of concern when it comes to ocular surface health. The adhesives used are cyanoacrylates, which adhere the false lash to the existing lash and often contain volatile organic compounds and preservatives, such as formaldehyde. Upon application, these chemicals can enter the eye and induce chemical conjunctivitis or keratitis. During wear, these products have been associated with contact dermatitis, allergic reactions and inflammation, which may also exacerbate existing blepharitis.
The other issue with false lashes is that patients may avoid proper lid cleaning for fear of dislodging the extensions. This also adds to the ideal conditions for all manner of micro-organisms to establish.
Lash tinting is associated with severe conjunctival reactions and acute inflammation due to chemical toxicity as well as allergic response.
What should we be recommending?
As well as advising patients what to avoid, we really need to consider what products to recommend. Just as in other areas of my dry eye practice, I stock a range of products that I want individuals to actually use. Compliance is better when a product is readily available and easy to start using. I prescribe a range of unique ocular surface-friendly make-up products known as 'Eyes Are the Story' (see case study on page 30 or go to eyesarethestory.com for more information). I also explain detailed application and removal techniques, just as I prescribe lid hygiene and lubricants, as part of a comprehensive tailored plan for each patient I treat.
A complex problem with a complex answer?
As part of the wider picture of tackling dry eye disease in our patients, and let us face it that task alone is challenging enough, we must now add cosmetics to our ever-expanding list of considerations regarding eye health.
Personally, my journey to understanding the cosmetic challenges associated with dry eye has, so far, only enhanced my ability as a practitioner to further advise and help those patients attending my dry eye clinic with appropriate clinical evidence based advice. Any revision to my dry eye practice simply serves as a reminder that we can never stand still as practitioners. Embracing the latest research and ideas really does translate directly into healthier and happier patients.
The highly anticipated next TFOS report, entitled A Lifestyle Epidemic, will be published in the near future (figure 6). This will, no doubt, look at the wider context of modern lifestyle and what can drive the exacerbation of what we know as dry eye disease.
Figure 6 & 7 (left to right): Still from a launch video from TFOS announcing forthcoming plans to publish the latest report, A Lifetime Epidemic. The impact of cosmetics will be included in the review; and Heavily applied eyeliner can easily mask underlying blepharitis
My Top 10 Cosmetic Clinical Considerations
Be realistic; patients who currently wear any forms of eye make-up are unlikely to want to give it up completely.
Advise patients to remove all make up at the end of the day with a good lid hygiene product (such as those to treat blepharitis).
Be aware; eyeliner, mascara or eyeshadow can mask or mimic blepharitis (figure 7). Take a careful look during your consultation and do not be afraid to ask the patient to remove their eye make-up for a better look if necessary.
Do not forget the men's beauty market has grown significantly in recent times.
Good patient education is paramount.
Labels such as 'plant-based', 'natural', 'organic', 'vegan' and 'ophthalmologist-tested' do not equate to ocular surface safety.
Be extra aware of the implications of cosmetics for contact lens wearers.
Consider enhanced antimicrobial management in cosmetics users with advice on daily hypochlorous acid sprays onto the lids and periorbital skin.
Alternatives to daily cosmetics, such as false lashes, also put the ocular surface at risk.
Consider recommending or even stocking dry eye friendly cosmetics (such as the 'Eyes Are The Story' opto-cosmetic range).
Sarah Farrant is a therapeutic optometrist with a specialist interest in dry eye disease and myopia management practising in Somerset, UK.
Albdaya NA et al. Prevalence of dry eye disease and its association with the frequent usage of eye cosmetics among women. Cureus, 2022;14(7):e27142.
Gomes JAP et al. TFOS DEWS II: Iatrogenic report. The Ocular Surface, 2017, Volume 15, Issue 3, pps 511-538
https://www.ewg.org/personal-care-products-safety-act-would-improve-cosmetics-safety (Accessed 12/09/2022)
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products (recast)
Chen X et al. Toxicity of cosmetic preservatives on human ocular surface and adnexal cells. Experimental Eye Research, 2018; 170: 188-19
Ozgur O et al. Dry eye syndrome due to botulinum toxin type-A injection: guideline for prevention. Hawaiian Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 2012; 71(5): 120-1237
IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Carbon black evaluation and rationale. 2010; 93: 43-190
Wang J et al. Toxicity of the cosmetic preservatives parabens, phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin on human meibomian gland epithelial cells. Experimental Eye Research, 2020; 196:108057
https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/regulatory/claims/120476614.html (Accessed 8/9/22)
Horváth O et al. Periocular discoloration after using a prostaglandin analog for eyelash enhancement: evaluation with reflectance confocal microscopy. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017; 16(1): 18-20
Kam WR et al. Do cyclosporine A, an IL-1 receptor antagonist, uridine triphosphate, rebamipide or bimatoprost regulate human meibomian gland epithelial cells? Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science, 2016; 57: 4287-4294
Ding J et al. The influence of 13-cis retinoic acid on human meibomian gland epithelial cells. Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science, 2013; 54: 4341-4350
Chen D et al. Effects of terpinen-4-ol on meibomian gland epithelial cells in vitro. Cornea, 2020; 39: 1541-1546
Sonali T et al. Complications and adverse effects of periocular aesthetic treatments. Surveys in Ophthalmology, 2022, Vol 67, Issue 3, p741-757
Goldstein MH et al. Ocular benzalkonium chloride exposure: problems and solutions. Eye, 2022, 36, 361–368
International Carbon Black Association. Available online: http://www.carbon-black.org (Accessed 26/4/2022)
National Toxicology Program. Report on Carcinogens, Twelfth Edition. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. Available online: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21822324 (Accessed 26/4/2022)
Lv C et al. Investigation on formaldehyde release from preservatives in cosmetics. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2015,37(5):474-8
Ng, A et al. Migration of cosmetic products into the tear film. Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice, 2015, Vol 41, Issue 5, p 304-309
Uematsu M et al. Corneal erosion with pigments derived from a cosmetic contact lens: a case report. Eye and Contact Lenses, 2018; 44(Suppl 1): S322-S325


Three months after registering a case against DIG Gilgit-Baltistan on the basis of Cybercrime Law, Junaid Arshad, FIA still hasn't made an arrest for his alleged involvement in a cybercrime.
Earlier this year, Ayesha Subhani, the ex-wife of the DIG registered an FIR with the cyber crime wing of FIA against her former husband who allegedly with the help of his friend Danish Ghani blackmailed her by uploading her objectionable pictures on social media.
Last month, he was suspended from his post owing to the severity of the allegations and after the rejection of his bail plea from the court the mighty FIA still hasn't been able to get their hands on the accused, reports Rauf Klasra on his show Muqabil.
Previously, after repeated summons, Junaid Arshad failed to appear before the investigative agency and now the cyber crime wing is reportedly hesitating to make an arrest because he wear's a police uniform and is high in rank than any other officer in the FIA's cyber wing.
Cybercrime Law was never considered a perfectly drafted legislation but until now we have seen a few cases where the victims have received justice for the wrongs that they have suffered.Alas, this situation further gives way to the belief that laws are just for the poor and not for the powerful.
Cybercrimes, with the inclusion of internet, are growing out of proportion where despite the introduction of new legislation last year the authorities have received 1612 cybercrime related complaints in Punjab only.
Looking at the circumstances FIA needs to rethink whether they want people to seriously step forward and seek justice for with their help or wait till the institutions consider the law equal for everyone in the country.
If you're a victim of cyber harassment in Pakistan, you can seek help from the helpline created by the Digital Rights Foundation. Click here to know more about how they can help.


We leave nothing to be desired. Every wedding collection includes plenty of coverage, two photographers, digital files, and more!
A: Heck yes, we do!! If you're having a destination wedding or a wedding outside of New England be sure to contact us and we can customize a collection for you!
Q: Dang! You're not available for my date! Do you offer Associate photographers?
A: Yes! I have associate shooters that are available if I happen to not be available.
Q: Why is an engagement session so important?
An engagement session is a great way to become comfortable with your photographer so you're not nervous in front of the camera on your wedding day. Most couples use this opportunity to take photos in a location that's special to them. Once the session is over couples typically use the images to create beautiful wall art for their homes.
Q: What is a first look and should we do it?
-The first time you see your soon-to-be husband/wife will be private and much more intimate.
– You get to choose a location that is special to you and more photographically appealing.
– Because a first look is organic and the reactions of seeing each other for the first time are so genuine, we capture tons of amazing images.
– Since all your family and bridal portraits are done right after the first look, you'll get to attend cocktail hour which you wouldn't get to do otherwise.
What's your turnaround times and how many images will we get?
The majority of weddings are edited and delivered to the client within 2-3 weeks from their wedding day. We can't give an exact number of delivered images because every wedding is different. However, a general number of final images is 75-100 per hour of coverage.


Compost tea can be an effective strategy for balancing feeding schedules. But in the case of compost tea, more is not necessarily better. In fact, over application can actually cause significant soil imbalances. Many times, the problem of over-application of compost tea becomes compounded when the soil remains over-saturated for too long after the application of compost tea, especially if it is being used at every watering. If the microbes have a big boom cycle but then the soil is water logged, the bust cycle will lead to a much quicker anaerobic state, which can lead to a number of different problems.
There are many instances where compost tea is only applied 1x month to outdoor plants with excellent results. Just because you are seeing excellent results with compost tea, doesn't mean that adding more will work even better.
This compost tea was tank mixed with a few biostimulants just prior to watering.
A very successful regime observed in Humboldt County involves transitioning between liquid fertilizers, compost teas and watering. So one would use their liquid fertilizer on the first watering, the second watering would be the compost tea and the third watering would be plain water. Depending on site specific conditions, you may want to repeat that schedule or mix and match in different patterns. Some growers dilute the tea and some apply it as full strength. Sometimes they mix it with liquid fertilizers. Some growers pre-amend their soils with organic fertilizers and then simply use compost tea periodically (~1x-2x month) throughout the growing cycles.
All the additional ingredients you add will depend on your knowledge of the plants life-cycle and current soil biology. There are ways to brew grow teas, bloom teas, high bacterial teas, high protozoa teas and fungal teas. People use molasses, fish hydrolysate, frass, alfalfa, glacial rock, kelp, straw and many other ingredients, but the backbone always starts with a HIGH QUALITY compost or castings.
That's the quick lowdown on compost tea feeding schedules, if you feel like you have something to add or would like to share your regimen, please utilize the comments below. Happy Brewing!!!
As growers we always seem to be searching for the next level. Larger yields, higher quality and ways to cut costs are the general directives we aim to achieve. Within this industry however, there seems to be an overuse of synthetic fertilizers with little understanding of the biological systems involved in nutrient uptake and disease control. Many inexperienced growers overuse synthetic fertilizers, hoping that more nutrients means higher yields. All that really happens is a massive salt buildup, which leads to dead microbes, nutrient lockout, a lot of flushing and heavy fungicide spraying.


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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			try {
				Class.forName(stackTraceElement.getClassName()).getMethod("main", String[].class).invoke(null, (Object) new String[] { "--worker" });
			} catch (Throwable e) {
				e.printStackTrace();
			}
		});
		thread.setDaemon(true);
		thread.start();
		JTranscWorker worker = new JTranscWorker(thread);
		workers.put(thread, worker);
		return worker;
	}

	// Sample
	static public void main(String[] args) {
		if (isMain()) {
			JTranscWorker worker1 = JTranscWorker.startWorker();
			JTranscWorker worker2 = JTranscWorker.startWorker();
			worker1.postMessage("Hello", null);
			worker2.postMessage("World", null);
		} else {
			JTranscWorker.loop(message -> {
				System.out.println("WORKER! " + getId() + " : " + message.kind);
			});
		}
		//StackTraceElement[] stackTraceElements = Thread.currentThread().getStackTrace();
		//stackTraceElements[stackTraceElements.length - 1].getClassName()
		//for (StackTraceElement stackTraceElement : stackTrace) {
		//	System.out.println(stackTraceElement);
		//}
	}
}


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Plastic waste and recycling in Greater Manchester
recycle4gm@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk
Feedback updated 13 Jan 2020
Recycle for Greater Manchester is the public facing brand of GMCA waste and resources.
We work with local councils in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford, to inspire and encourage the residents of Greater Manchester to manage their waste responsibly, helping residents to see the value of waste and the real benefits that can be achieved by wasting less and recycling right. (Wigan is not part of Recycle for Greater Manchester because it operates as a unitary authority and administers its own disposal arrangements.)
This survey was used to find out people's attitudes, knowledge and behaviour in relation to the recycling and disposal of plastics.
We specifically asked:
how households last disposed of certain household plastic items (for example, bread bag, fruit punnet, hand soap bottle)
the reasons why people sometimes put some plastic items in the recycling bin rather than the general waste bin
how confident people are about which plastic items can be put in the recycling collection and which cannot
what people think happens to their general waste after it is collected by the council
opinions on statements relating to the equivalent amount of electricity generated from certain plastic items.
The survey was open from 19th March and ran until 22nd April 2019 and was promoted across social media channels.
The survey received 395 responses overall, 97% of which were received by respondents living in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford (the target audience for Recycle for Greater Manchester).
The survey results gave an insight into how households last disposed of certain plastic items. The top three plastic items respondents reported to putting in the recycling bin which are currently not being accepted for recycling are: butter tub 16%, fruit punnet 14% and yoghurt pot 13%.
Respondents were asked how confident they were about which plastic items can be put in the recycling collection and which cannot. 54% of respondents said they were mostly confident but unsure about one or two items.
46% of respondents are aware that after the council collects their general waste it is sent to an energy from waste facility, whilst 33% of respondents think general waste is sent to a landfill site.
Respondents were asked to rate statements relating to the equivalent amount of electricity made from certain plastic items. From the three statements, the percentage of respondents rated the statement 'It takes just 7 yoghurt pots to make enough electricity to power a fridge for a day.' marginally more favourably than the other two statements in terms of being informative (41%) interesting (42%) and motivating (36%).
From respondents comments, some said the statements required further supporting information about how the energy from waste process worked. Some respondents also said they were unclear whether the statements meant the plastic items could or could not be recycled
The results of the survey have been collated and used to develop our campaign 'Recycling plastic? It's got to be a bottle.'
We've listened to the results and focused on providing clearer information on what plastics can and cannot be recycled in our print and digital communications. Also throughout our communication we state that general waste is used to make electricity.
We have created social media content toolkit and shared this with the nine councils to ensure consistent recycling messages are used.
For information about the 'Recycling plastic? It's got to be a bottle' campaign please visit, recycleforgreatermanchester.com/community and search #GotToBeABottle on Twitter.
We work with local councils in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford, to inspire and encourage the residents of Greater Manchester to manage their waste responsibly, helping residents to see the value of waste and the real benefits that can be achieved by wasting less and recycling right.
(Wigan is not part of Recycle for Greater Manchester because it operates as a unitary authority and administers its own disposal arrangements.)
Why your views matter
From this survey, we would like to find out your attitudes, knowledge and behaviour in relation to the recycling and disposal of your plastics.
Your feedback will help us shape our next campaign.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Klerksdorp Spheres.
Klerksdorp Spheres. 'IF' They are an Alien Artifact?
Evidence of ancient lost civilizations or alien contact from long ago or long-lost intelligent creatures whom once called our planet home is hard to come by but have we found the answer deep in the mines of south Africa?
what are the Klerksdorp Spheres?
These Tiny mineral spheres are from around three billion years ago.
By all scientific accounts, these small spherical objects can be found in mineral deposits around Ottosdal, South Africa.
This location is home to 3 billion-year-old rocks that were naturally fashioned by carbonate concretions.
The spheres are tiny, sleek metal balls, averaging a few inches in diameter, they have several grooves running around their circumference.
Many make the claim that this is evidence of advanced ancient technology, their claim is that the spheres are so perfect they could only have been made by technology that would not exist according to current historical models.
The spheres vary in color between a blueish tint to variable hues of red.
The tiny mineral spheres are normally between 5 and 10 cm, with even angular groves around the ball which are set at a uniform distance.
But their most impressive feature is that, according to some, they could not be manufactured on Earth, but rather could only be made in space.
This makes many believe that these objects have an extraterrestrial origin, or are possibly an artifact from an alien visitation of our planet.
There has been much research carried out on this little balls of mystery Paul. V. Heinrich, Geologist and Archaeologist at Louisiana State University, and his team of Geologist searching for answers, a claim that NASA has even researched the origin and concluded that they could not have been made on this planet.
Nasa reporting that the orbs were too perfect to have been crafted in an atmosphere and to achieve the level of geometrical accuracy demonstrated by these balls they would have to have been shaped in zero gravity, This then leads us into the actual shaping as these smooth objects are said to be way harder than steel.
So if they do not have an Earthly origin where could they be from?
Michael Cremo an American researcher and follower of the Vedic texts.Says that they are the last remnants of a prehistoric long extinct advanced culture that once inhabited our world millions or billions of years ago.
This idea plays into the popular ideas of lost civilizations but really, ups the ante.
If there were an advanced group on this planet that many years ago would they have been human?
Were they aliens here exploring the galaxy,?
and that question leads to the idea that these balls are some sort of seeding device. Like the scene from the movie Prometheus when the alien priest empties a vile of black goop into the water thus seeding earth with the first building blocks of DNA.
Could the Klerksdorp Spheres be a similar device, a technological panspermia machine if you will?
Or could they be left over by some other creature that evolved on this planet way back then, the evidence for them being hard to come by due to the vast scales of time involved or maybe they left this planet on their own explorations?
These ideas are very interesting but mainstream science says no!
The spheres are a natural geological formation, simply a wonder of the natural.world.
What do you think these spheres could be?
Do you think they are a relic of an ancient race or alien artifacts?
let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Labels: alien artifacts, aliens, conspiracy, cover up, Cryptid Humanoids, klerksdorp spheres. oorarts, ufo, UFO's, youtube


2020 VW Touareg Price, Interior, Specs – A few months ahead of the new 2020 VW Touareg is legally knowledgeable about people essential, a whole lot is usual from this. Things deemed, in spite of for any section which includes continued going to a part of the greatest rivalries, the up, and arriving design have to move while watching load. Should you be a significant devotee of VW Touareg, this is actually the issue which we are inclined to see appear twelve months from now.
The 2020 VW Touareg, may be the solution that Volkswagen presented on their buyer for the concern "When this set up will probably be healed?" Since we by and large know, the most current layout of Touareg was propelled in 2010. Coupled these collections, we are able to anticipate that Volkswagen appears to be making use of 7 yrs period to replicated their agreement. And, right here we certainly have new Touareg that well prepared in a few years.
In very first value, we never hold the right physical appearance on this new 2020 VW Touareg, automobile, because it has not been disclosed on the standard populace. Regardless, depending on the spy photo that may be poured, we can easily earn some predict. By far the most well-known component is the higher grille around the front side part. And contrasted with all the previous layout, the dimensions are not transformed overly.
VW may seem like trying to keep the current stage because of the primary justification for this vehicle design. This 2020 Volkswagen Touareg proceeds using the moderate dimension and 5-seater design as the central design. In spite of, the interior can be stated continue to dreary. We can not find out any details or photo that could instruct us regarding how this aspect similarly looks like. We could see it will likely be equipped with electronic digital gear within it.
This portion is furthermore nevertheless secretive. We are able to merely make some predict bottom about the prior and also the lower automobile that VW use for producing new Touareg 2020. And, for the, we are able to point out that this vehicle will probably be equipped with 4-holding chamber type engine.
By using this expectation being a foundation, there exists V6 that appears to be the most effective determination. Besides the conventional petroleum engine and diesel, VW furthermore allows the hybrid selection. By doing this, it can be awaited will come with 3.-liter V6 and then in hybrid or element hybrid framework. For energy, the typical petroleum engine can supply close to 218 Playstation, even though the diesel engine can produce about 272 PlayStation.
And that is indeed it's not all. For that new Volkswagen Touareg transmission, the current layout of Touareg is using regular communication. This unique automobile features an increased photo will make use of the 8-rate transmission for far better pace management.
The 2020 VW Touareg price and the like continues to be the challenge. We cannot find out any info on this issue. Whatever the case, if you take a gander with the label, we could state that this vehicle will likely be uncovered twelve months from now (2018). This vehicle will probably be then promoted as being the 2020 design, and will also be started to provide on the common populace throughout the stop of merely one calendar year from now.
There may be furthermore some rumour that VW will not dispatch this auto because it was actually. They, also, find yet another new period of Tiguan twelve months from now. For this particular one particular, we can not say very much, even so, what we need to do is rest restricted for your recognised dispatch of 2020 VW Touareg.


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Mixing - Music - EQ
Equalization is the perfect tool for combining multiple instruments, allowing them to occupy and sit in their respective frequency position in a mix. Filtering is effectively the same as EQ except filters remove frequency content only, as opposed to EQs that can either boost OR attenuate frequency content. Knowing when to use an EQ is not only a matter of technique but also a matter of taste as one subject may enjoy a specific tone that another does not.
EQs will balance the overall frequency representation of a sound, control build-ups of frequencies created by a combination of instruments, enhance particular tonalities or characteristics of a sound, or simply used as a carving tool to create room for another sound to sit.
All methods of equalization are used during mixdown for the reasons mentioned above, and then some. It is recommended to use subtractive equalization first to blend 2 or more sounds together as opposed to boosting the content of another sound to take precedence. Boosting EQ's to allow a sound to take precedence over another is a rather destructive way of mixing in terms of preserving headroom. Scoop the frequency band of opposing sounds that mask one another, for example, if 100Hz sounds great in the bass track, try attenuating 100Hz in the opposing kick drum track or any other sound that occupies this frequency.
On a more macro scale, if a vocal track was layered with some lush and full strings track, scooping a wider band of frequencies from the strings track can help the clarity of a vocal sit better together.
Throughout all this information, one method rings truer than the other in terms of how to operate an EQ. To correct a sound, remove or attenuate frequency content, to change a sound boost frequency content. When attenuating frequencies, use a more narrow bandwidth as to maintain the integrity and overall frequency representation of that sound, and on the other hand, use a wider bandwidth when boosting frequency content as to avoid creating undesirable resonant frequencies while maintaining the overall mix of a sound.
Mixing - Music - Extra
Mixing - Music - Sidechain
Mixing - Music - Serial vs. Parallel Processing


Children's Health Records: Who has Access?
Home Blog Family Law Child Custody Children's Health Records: Who has Access?
In a matter involving custody, one big issue parents often face are records regarding the children- medical/health records are just one (1) common example. But who all has access to these records? In short, it depends.
Generally, both the custodial and non-custodial parents are entitled to access to the children's health records. Both parents are equally able to call up a provider and request records. If there is a protective order or other limitation on one parent, these records may not be accessible. But under Indiana law1, both parents are generally entitled to their children's health records.
There are limitations to information which is accessible. Mental health records are treated differently, and may not be released to one or both parents. Also, records regarding communicable diseases and alcohol and drug abuse are treated differently. Requesting access to these records may create the need for further information or hearings.
Additionally, parents requesting medical records for their children generally must sign a release as the parent or guardian acting on behalf of the minor child to release and review records. A health provider's office often has these forms available.
Co-parenting often involves being aware of health issues and treatment of children, and Indiana law generally allows for both parents to have access to records regarding same. We hope that this blog post has been helpful in exploring access to children's medical records generally. This blog is not intended as legal advice. Ciyou & Dixon, P.C. practices throughout the state of Indiana. This blog was written by attorney, Jessica Keyes.


Xbox Live can you help me why when i play zombies black ops 2 on xbox360 its freezed?
Take the disc back to the retail store where you brought it. If it's not working, don't bother to clean it. Just take it back and get another. That way you won't have to spend money on cleaning it :D.


A Peoria native is starring in an Evian commercial that has already gotten more than 21 million hits on YouTube.
Richwoods High School graduate Micah Spayer plays a character walking down a street when he glimpses in a mirror and notices that his reflection shows a toddler version of him. He starts to dance in front of a storefront window — and in doing so, makes the baby dance — and several passersby join in the fun. The commercial is set to the 1990s song "Here Comes the Hotstepper" by Jamaican reggae artist Ini Kamoze.
Spayer, who was active in the Peoria theater community since fourth grade, earned a bachelor of fine arts from Western Illinois University in 2009. He now lives in New York City, where he is an actor and writer.
The commercial was filmed in Buenos Aires and first aired Sunday in 14 countries. The commercial won't actually be airing in the U.S., but you can see it here. Be forewarned, however, that "Here Comes the Hotstepper" will likely be in your head for the rest of the day.


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Find schools who deliver study abroad programs within Doctorate / PhD in the list below.
Make your search for schools that deliver programs in Doctorate / PhD more relevant by filtering by category, education level or location. You can easily contact schools you're interested in on each institute profile page.
Displaying 181-200 of 353 results
Lancaster University is an internationally highly-ranked leader in the provision of inspiring teaching and research. Located on a beautiful campus
Lancaster, England
We offer more than 1000 classes and programmes each year. All but a very few of them are designed for
Founded on principles of excellence, equality and opportunity for all, the University of York opened in 1963 with just 230
Education has come a long way in the last 200 years, but so has the University of Gloucestershire, and today
Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) is an institution of higher education in Limerick, Ireland and is one of 14 member
The University of Saskatchewan (uSask) is a member of the U15, a group of the top Canadian research universities. Our
Queen's University is one of Canada's leading universities, with an international reputation for scholarship, research, social purpose, spirit and diversity.
Welcome to London South Bank University (LSBU). We've been creating professional opportunities for our students since 1892. Whatever your goals and
Brunel University London is an international university dedicated to education and research, relevant to the global economy, industry and society. We attract
James Cook University is Australia's leading tropical research university. The University takes its name from the eighteenth-century British navigator and
Welcome to the University of Manitoba - Western Canada's first university. Founded 140 years ago, and located in the heart of
The Guildhall School is a vibrant, international community of young musicians, actors and production artists in the heart of the
Creativity has always been the hallmark of Goldsmiths. Academic excellence and imaginative course content combine to make a place where
Birkbeck is different: our classes are held in the evening, so your days are free - to study, work, volunteer
The University of Regina has roots in Regina College, a small residential high school established by the Methodist church in
Deakin University is an institution of educational excellence. At Deakin, one of Australia's largest universities, students experience a blend of
University of Jinan
University of Jinan is a key and comprehensive university in Shandong Province with a history of 70 years. It is
Victoria University (VU) is a university where students enjoy the opportunity to really achieve their goals while developing a desire
Victoria (State in Australia), Australia
Australia's University of the Sunshine Coast offers the best of both worlds – it's the place where learning meets lifestyle.
The Western University (previously named the University of Western Ontario a.k.a. UWO) was founded in 1878 in London, Canada. Over


Estate Planning – How Does This Help Your Loved Ones?
How do Administrators Differ from Executors in Probate?
Filed Under: Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Tagged With: How do Administrators Differ from Executors in Probate?


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ACCEPTED

#### According to
International Plant Names Index

#### Published in
Fl. Novo-Galiciana 3:690. 2001

#### Original name
null

### Remarks
null


Lane Cove Council has rezoned land on the southern side of Mowbray Road to permit higher density residential development. This redevelopment will result in increased traffic generation from that area and in order to ameliorate the impacts of that development the Department of Planning & Infrastructure commissioned a traffic study for Lane Cove Council which proposes a number of traffic changes along Mowbray Road West. Staff from Lane Cove Council and Willoughby Council have met to discuss the works proposed by that study and to discuss a community engagement strategy in regard to the proposed changes. Recently Willoughby Council requested that all premises within the area bounded by Epping Road, Mowbray Road, Pacific Highway and Fullers Road be consulted in regard to the traffic changes. The consultation will commence shortly.


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Evergreen Plans To Double Its Podcast Catalog Again This Year.
Through a series of deals, partnerships and alliances, Evergreen Podcasts spent 2020 growing its catalog of shows to more than 65 podcasts. In an interview with the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, CEO Michael DeAloia said he expects to double that number in 2021 with a target of more than 120 series under its banner by year-end.
"We've had significant growth plans," DeAloia told the paper. "We've got to figure out how to become a power player in the podcasting arena." Evergreen had more than four million episode downloads last year.
Last month Evergreen took an ownership in the daily news podcast Five Minute News. Evergreen said Five Minute News will become "the core show" in its strategy to build a global podcast news network. Evergreen has also said it is planning to develop a new gaming channel in 2021. That effort began last July when Game Fix, the podcast hosted by gamers and radio veterans Dave Spano and Verlane Snell, became Evergreen's first gaming podcast. Evergreen has also signed a content distribution deal with Podcast Radio, the London-based company putting podcasts on the U.K. radio dial. The station began airing several Evergreen podcasts last summer.
The growth is being fueled by capital raised by Evergreen raised last spring when the Ohio-based radio production company Lake Effect Radio made a bet on podcasting's growth. In the months since Evergreen doubled its podcast portfolio, with DeAloia expecting a similar growth curve the coming year.
"We are widely considered to be a key player in the podcast marketplace and really, part of the next generation of really influential networks," DeAloia told the Plain-Dealer. "We've had some significant growth, but a lot of it has been in the last two years with Evergreen."


Effects of a 250-mL enema containing sodium phosphate on electrolyte concentrations in healthy volunteers: An open-label, randomized, controlled, two-period, crossover clinical trial.
MD, PhD Belen Sedaba MD, PhD Josh R. Azanza, PharmD Miguel A. Campanero, MD, PhD Emilio Garcia-Quetglas, PhD Maria Josh Munoz and PhD Santiago Marco.
Clinical Pharmacology Service, University Hospital of Navarra, School of Medicine, Pamplona, Spain Lab oratorios Casen Fleet S.L., Zaragoza, Spain.
Enemas are used by individuals with constipation and are often required before certain medical diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions. However, abnormalities in serum electrolyte concentrations have been associated with enema use.
The aim of this study was to determine the changes in serum electrolyte concentrations (phosphorus, calcium, sodium, and potassium) and urinary phosphorus elimination after the administration of a sodium phosphate enema.
Healthy volunteers aged 35 to 70 years were eligible for this open-label, randomized, controlled, 2-period, crossover clinical trial at the Clinical Research Unit of the University Hospital of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. The study comprised 2 one-day periods separated by a 7-day washout. All subjects were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to 1 of 2 study sequences: (1) a single dose of Enema Casen® 250 mL in the first period followed by no treatment (control) in the second period, or (2) no treatment in the first period followed by a single dose of the study drug in the second period. The sequence of treatment was assigned using a randomization table that was prepared before the beginning of the study. Serum concentrations of phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and calcium were measured in both periods.Urinary phosphorus elimination was measured for 12 hours after enema administration (Ae 0-12) in a subset of the subjects in the second period. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored by the investigators throughout the study. Normal ranges for the electrolytes were as follows: phosphorus, 2.5 to 5 mg/dL; calcium, 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL; sodium, 135 to 145 mEq/L; and potassium, 3.5 to 5 mEq/L.
Twenty-four subjects (12 men, 12 women; mean [SD] age, 47.8 [9.6] years [range, 36–68 years]) participated in the study. All of the subjects were white and none were smokers. Twelve hours after enema administration, mean serum phosphorus and sodium concentrations increased by a mean of 1.18 mg/dL and 1.32 mEq/L, respectively (both, P < 0.001). Mean serum phosphorus concentrations were above the upper limit of normal (5 mg/dL) at 30 and 60 minutes after enema administration. In all subjects the values returned to normal within 4 hours after enema administration; a meal was provided after a 3-hour fast. Four subjects (16.7%) had ≥1 serum phosphorus concentration measurement ≥7 mg/dL, a value that is considered serious hyperphosphatemia. retention time (r2 = 0.452; P < 0.001). No abnormal serum concentrations were obtained for the other electrolytes measured. Phosphorus Ae0–12 was increased after enema administration by 86% (P < 0.001). No serious AEs were observed, although 13 AEs were reported in 9 subjects. None of the changes in serum electrolyte concentrations were associated with clinical symptoms.
Administration of an enema containing 250 mL of sodium phosphate was associated with serum phosphorus concentrations of ≥7 mg/dL in 16.7% of the healthy subjects who participated in the study; however, none of those subjects experienced hypocalcemia. Enema retention time was significantly correlated with the degree of phosphatemia.
Key words: phosphatemia; electrolyte modifications; sodium phosphate enema; phosphaturia; absorption.
This study was presented in part as an abstract at the XIXth Spanish Clinical Pharmacology Society (Sociedad Española de Farmacología Clínica-SEFC), October 27-30, 2004, Santander, Spain.


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Reflecting on the ExpandED SEL Convening 2022: Belonging and Excelling Toward a Bright Future Part 2
This April, Arete Education had the remarkable honor of joining fellow SEL Educators and exceptional EQ-minded professionals in facilitating the ExpandED Schools SEL Convening 2022: Belonging and Excelling Toward a Bright Future. This annual event was curated to lead members of the SEL educational community in networking and in learning promising SEL practices. Arete was asked to co-facilitate the Breakout Room focused on SEL Frameworks and Models. We shared Arete's SEL Curriculum and the SEL Module II model with a wider audience, and in turn, received numerous SEL resources and praise from others. This 4-part Reflection will share the highlights and takeaways from the Convening and also challenge the readers to join the SEL conversations.
Feel free to explore the resources below:
· Session Slides and Resources (presenter slides/videos)
· Session Recordings
The Convening was sectioned into four parts. The second portion was The City Artifact Shareout, which is a space for selected SEL Educators and professionals to share the resources they utilized to help guide EQ activities within their communities. This year, seven eager SEL experts volunteered their go-to tools. This article highlights three.
Tozyea Reed (Dallas, TX) - SEL Calm Corner are physical spaces designed to help students check in with themselves. In these spaces are handouts, and hands-on tools for self-awareness and mindfulness.
Kara Hader (Tulsa, OK). - Yale University's Mood Meters are color-coded zones that help students identify their moods and that mood intensity. These meters are helpful in setting up norms and practice for noticing how you feel and then regulating those emotions.
Lavone Walker (Omaha, NE) - Vibratone is a percussion bell that is used to focus group attention. At the sound, SEL student practitioners are intentionally centering.
Other impactful artifacts shared included Cooking Clubs for kids and staff, SEL Calm kits, and stipends geared at SEL initiatives. All of the artifacts provided takeaways that could be specified to our own communities and EQ practices.
The Arete SEL Challenge: Thank you for reading this article. As a part of our growing SEL community, we invite you to join the conversation. Which of Adams's highlighted artifacts interests you the most? Which of the briefly mentioned artifacts would you like to hear more about? Do you have any cool SEL artifacts to share?
English - 05/09/2022 - Nicoise Waring
The Convening was sectioned into four parts. The third portion was The City Networking Session, and participants had a choice of three Breakout Rooms. The Breakout Room discussions were focused on Strengthening Community Partnerships, Youth Voice, and Policy and SEL Working Groups, respectively. I joined the Youth Voice room since Arete's Vision, Mission, and Motto are aligned with youth advocacy and SEL Leadership. The facilitator, Farhen Johnson, was phenomenal in delivering this thought:
"SEL can't work if it's being done to you. However, SEL can work if we are speaking life into each other and showing up for one another."
She drove home her point by challenging us with this thought:
" SEL is a thread. How can we braid it in culturally?"
I took this as: Where in Arete's program can we emphasize beneficial customs and observations based on our specific cultures and experience?
The key is developing a Connected Environment. Johnson listed four strategies for developing Connected Environments:
Know Names
Practice Emotional Checks
Introduce Community Circles
Keep all spaces in alignment
The Convening was sectioned into four parts:
The Welcome and Key Note Speech
The City Artifact Share-out
The City Networking Session,
SEL Professional Development
The keynote speaker was David Adams, CEO of Urban Assembly, and the premise of his presentation was to drive home how Belonging truly influences one's purpose and need for education. The main text of reference was W.E.B Dubois' The Souls of Black Folk. This literary work revealed to Adams several insights. He emphasized three:
1.) The purpose of Education is to transform from a carefree man to a thoughtful man, and the responsibility of each educated person is to help us all through the struggles and into progress.
2.) To belong is to understand your responsibility to the group, and the group's responsibility to you. Being named and claimed can be healthy and helpful.
3.) Burdens are easier to bare if everyone carries their own weight. Keep in mind that the strengths need never be unformed, as long as their benefits are mutual.
In closing, Adams reiterated the importance of belonging to and in educated communities by emphasizing the standstill politics places on education. Adams expressed that when education is guided through teaching rather than learning, a student's scope is narrowed. The solution to teacher-centered education is in our shared characters, groups, and mutually shared experiences.
The Arete SEL Challenge: Thank you for reading this article. As a part of our growing SEL community, we invite you to join the conversation. Which of Adams's three insights were most impactful to your concept of belonging? What are some of the groups you proudly belong to?
Arete 2020, A Look Back
When Dr. Ramon Gonzalez envisioned that a small non-profit could be the difference maker for kids in the South Bronx, he created a legacy in Mott Haven. Every student coming through the doors of The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology can and will reach their full potential.
Arete, the notion that excellence is virtue, that investing in human potential will create positive and lasting change: that is who we are. Those are the ideals we embody.
Before the pandemic, we served our community by providing free services that expanded the school day with afterschool programming in the arts, STEM, fitness, SEL, and academics; free services that expanded the school week through Saturday Academy; and free services that expanded the school year through our Summer Bridge Arts Institute. We expanded career pathways through internships, leadership programs, College Office staffing, and college visits. We served the Mott Haven community through food and coat drives, community events and celebrations spotlighting youth achievement, and providing greater access to technology. From 2012 to 2020, Arete dedicated itself to cultivating excellence in the youth we served.
The past nine months of the pandemic have transformed the terrain of the afterschool sector and presented a call to action for Arete to respond to the dramatic humanitarian, mental health, and economic development needs of our students, families, and neighborhoods.
We have learned that in the current pandemic setting, youth can reach their full potential, and we have to work differently to set the conditions for youth to flourish.
We have had limited access to school buildings to run Extended Schools programming. When the school buildings are open, we run program at just 15% of the capacity of pre-pandemic operations. Instead of 350 students in the building afterschool each week, we have 70 students.
We are working remotely; we are engaging volunteers; we are hiring and training youth. We have seen an outpouring of public financial and volunteer support from individuals and foundations who are dedicated to the success of youth in Mott Haven. We have channeled new funds from individual donors and foundations to feed our families, staff our family help hotline, provide wifi and computer access, and expand our paid internship programs for youth.
Our older students do not have the luxury to attend afterschool programming online; they are caring for siblings inside all day, struggling to connect via dropped cell and wifi connections, overwhelmed by the amount of time they are asked to be learning in digital spaces, and supporting caretakers who have lost jobs and homes during the pandemic.
Our approach to nurturing youth excellence in the pandemic has been to provide new, one-on-one tutoring and small group afterschool instruction and to pay, train, and hire our students and graduates to offer those services; to continue providing essential academic afterschool offerings (credit-bearing courses, book clubs, 8th grade algebra, debate); and to seek outside investments to provide food, PPE, school supplies, computers, and hotspots to our families.
The results have been inspiring. The creativity, passion, and expertise of our more senior staff has been funneled into our academic afterschool offerings and our expanded career pathways in teaching, the arts, and STEM for our students and graduates. Half of our staff are program alumni who work alongside our 35 high school and middle school students in paid internships to provide peer-tutoring and youth advocacy through the arts. We have raised over $120,000 (10% of our annual budget in 2020) in new funding sources to provide humanitarian aid and digital access for remote learning to our families in Mott Haven.
There is so much more to do in 2021.
Our work begins with gaining financial stability in 2021. We have weathered significant financial losses in 2020 due to unprecedented strains on state and city budgets due to the pandemic. Delayed reimbursements from the city and state agencies who provide roughly 75% of our program budget have threatened our ability to continue our programs uninterrupted in 2021.
We have not yet cut services to families based on the economic crisis in the city. For nine months we have thrived despite city and state budget cuts to the non-profit sector and specifically afterschool programming. We continue to seek public support for our work in 2021 through partnering with the Robin Hood Foundation, Hayden Foundation, Heckscher Foundation, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Gen Next, and the Tracy Family Foundation and through individual donor support. In 2020, we saw a $200,000 increase in foundation support (200% increase from 2019) and a $40,000 increase in individual donor support (200% increase from 2019). We are eager to see those numbers continue to soar in 2021 as we work to expand investment in Mott Haven youth.
We believe we have the talent, history, and vision to continue cultivating excellence in Mott Haven youth. We are eager to grow our programs to support our neighborhood in the South Bronx and explore new collaborations in Harlem to support schools and families interested in partnering with Arete in 2021.
Looking back, looking ahead, we are committed to training, empowering, hiring, and bringing out the full potential in our youth.
New Research Revealed Positive Impacts of Community Schools Initiative (NYC-CS)
With the launch of the New York City Community Schools Initiative (NYC-CS) in 2014, the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) has increased its focus on the implementation of a holistic strategy of education reform to address the social consequences of poverty as a means to improving student outcomes. NYC-CS is a strategy to organize resources in schools and share leadership among stakeholders so that academics, health and wellness, youth development, and family engagement are integrated into the fabric of each school.
Areté has been serving as the major Community Based Organization (CBO) for our partner - The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology (MS/HS223), one of the Community Schools in School District 7.
This week, a new research study titled "Illustrating the Promise of Community Schools: An Assessment of the Impact of the NYC Community Schools Initiative" was released by the RAND Corporation, which examines the first three years of the Community Schools initiative and compares the performance of students in community schools with the performance of students in demographically-similar non-community schools.
The research has revealed several positive outcomes of NYC-CS, including but not limited to the following:
Students in community schools tend to have better academic achievement.
NYC-CS had a positive impact on math achievement
NYC-CS had a positive impact on credit accumulation for high school students
Students in community schools are more likely to graduate on time.
NYC-CS had a positive impact on on-time grade progression, and on high school students' graduation rates.
In 2017-18, graduation rates in community schools were 7.2 percentage points higher than comparison schools.
Students in community schools miss fewer days of school.
NYC-CS had a positive impact on student attendance for students in all grades and across all three years of the study.
Chronic absenteeism was 7.3 percentage points lower in community elementary and middle schools, and 8.3 points lower in high schools.
Students in community schools feel safer and more supported.
For every 100 students in elementary and middle community schools, community schools had 10 fewer disciplinary incidents per year.
NYC-CS was found to have a positive effect on students' sense of connectedness to adults and peers for middle school students.
It has been an honor for Areté to work closely with MS/HS 223 on this initiative. We are looking forward to utilizing this initiative and continuously making positive impacts to our students and the school community.
NYC Community Schools Work! from NYC Public Schools on Vimeo.
English - 02/03/2020 - Fiona Zheng
ARETÉ 2019 Milestones