text:
/ Letters to Credit Unions and Other Guidance
COVID-19 Fraud Schemes
RISK ALERT
NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION
1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Letter No
20-RISK-02
20-RISK-02 / August 2020
Federally Insured Credit Unions
Subj
Dear Boards of Directors and Chief Executive Officers:
The NCUA Board is issuing this alert to inform credit unions about the risk of fraud associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Those committing fraud often attempt to take advantage of opportunities made possible through new or expanded large government programs arising from emergency situations, such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
The CARES Act provides many ways for financial institutions to work with members impacted by the pandemic.1 This alert describes increased risks associated with routine operations, outlines red flags associated with common fraud schemes in major CARES Act programs, provides references and avenues to report fraud or misconduct to the most appropriate authorities2, and also provides member education resources.
Financial Institution Fraud
New account fraud, identity theft, cybersecurity risks,3 imposter and money mule schemes (opens new window), and mobile banking application fraud (opens new window) are on the rise as a result of the opportunities related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Fraudsters are particularly motivated to attempt these schemes because of the predominately virtual environment, and the significant shift towards remote access. Fraudsters are increasingly seeking opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities in financial institutions' remote access systems and customer-facing processes.
Information about evolving fraud trends associated with the pandemic are being released by many different federal agencies as they are identified. We encourage credit unions to monitor the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (opens new window) (FinCEN), the FBI's Internet Crimes Complaint Center (opens new window), the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) IdentitfyTheft.gov (opens new window), the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (opens new window), and other websites maintained by agencies mentioned in this alert to remain vigilant and aware of the rapidly changing nature of these schemes.
Small Business Administration Loan Fraud
The Small Business Administration (opens new window) (SBA) is currently providing relief to small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (opens new window) (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (opens new window) (EIDL).4 The PPP was designed to provide payroll financial relief for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA may forgive PPP loans if employee retention and eligible expense criteria are met. The SBA estimates that, as of July 2020, more than 70 percent of U.S. small businesses have been supported by the PPP.
The EIDL program was designed to provide working capital (such as fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and certain eligible expenses) for businesses. While credit unions are not directly part of the application process, they can experience fraud related to it. A credit union may receive advances based on EIDL applications that do not have to be paid back, or see EIDL proceeds deposited into an account.
The most common red flags in these SBA programs include:
PPP applications with manipulated or fraudulent supporting documentation.
PPP applications in different names that contain nearly identical application information and supporting documentation, and originate from the same Internet Protocol (IP) address.
Fake businesses established during the pandemic that do not have an internet presence, and have minor differences between names on the application documents and public business registration documents.
Existing accounts may have a consistently low balance with no history of business payroll expenses.
New accounts created for the sole purpose of applying or receiving SBA funds. These accounts do not reflect any previous business-related transaction activity, and funds are quickly transferred after receiving loan advances or proceeds.
After loan advances or proceeds are deposited into an account, funds are immediately withdrawn in cash, wired out, transferred to an investment account, used to purchase luxury assets not associated with typical business-related expenses, or used to start an entirely new business.
Report fraud suspected through these or other SBA programs to the SBA Office of the Inspector General (SBA OIG) (opens new window).
Guidance on reporting ongoing PPP loans, how to cancel PPP loans, and additional information on fees paid to lenders is provided in SBA Procedural Notice 5000-20036 (opens new window). The SBA OIG has also published a lender alert (opens new window) regarding EIDL and how to return funds.
Business Tax Credits Fraud
The CARES Act allows businesses to take an Employee Retention Credit (opens new window) though business tax credits from the IRS. This credit is designed to encourage employers to keep employees on payroll through a refundable tax credit of 50 percent for up to $10,000 in qualified wages, which is paid to an employee by an eligible employer experiencing economic hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act also authorizes an additional Credit for Sick and Family Leave (opens new window) for employers that pay these wage types.
Employers eligible for both tax credits can request an advance of the credits. These advances are paid by U.S. Treasury paper checks, and may reference "IRS Form 7200 refund" on the memo line. Businesses must complete an IRS Form 7200 (opens new window) to receive advance payments of the CARES Act tax credits, and checks can be issued as frequently as an employer would have payroll expenses, such as every two weeks.
The most common red flags associated with these tax credits include:
U.S. Treasury check deposits while receiving loan proceeds from SBA programs. Businesses are only allowed to take advantage of the Employee Retention Credit or the PPP program. They may not take advantage of both programs.
Inflated wages or numbers of employees to increase the amount of tax credits or advances received through a U.S. Treasury check.
U.S. Treasury check deposits into accounts with no indication of business or payroll activity.
U.S. Treasury check deposits used to pay personal expenses.
Report fraud suspected through these business tax credits to IRS Criminal Investigation (opens new window).
The CARES Act provides additional unemployment insurance funding (opens new window) for eligible individuals through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program (FPUC), and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program. It also provides guidance to state unemployment insurance programs on administration and eligibility criteria.
The PUA program provides benefits for eligible individuals who do not typically qualify for unemployment insurance benefits through state or federal programs, such as self-employment or while looking for part-time employment. The FPUC program provided an additional $600 per week in compensation for individuals collecting certain unemployment insurance benefits5, and the PEUC program allows individuals that have exhausted current unemployment insurance benefits to receive an additional 13 weeks of compensation. Unemployment insurance benefits can be disbursed using different mechanisms, such as debit cards or direct deposits. Risks and fraud schemes can vary significantly based on inherent risks posed by the particular mechanism used to receive the funds.
The most common red flags associated with these programs include:
An account receiving unemployment insurance benefits from another state without a reasonable explanation, or from multiple other states other than where the individual resides.
An account receiving unemployment insurance benefits on behalf of multiple individuals.
New or established accounts are opened, but they lack transactional activity. Then they are suddenly used to collect unemployment insurance benefits.
Imposter schemes (opens new window), where a fraudster poses as an official entity to defraud victims, such as obtaining personally identifiable information to fraudulently file for unemployment insurance benefits.
Money mules (opens new window), where an individual knowingly or unknowingly obtains money on behalf of, or at the direction of, someone else to improperly obtain unemployment insurance benefits.
Report fraud suspected in unemployment insurance benefits to the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General (opens new window).
Credit unions should contact the respective federal agencies described in this alert to report fraud, and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) through FinCEN, as appropriate. Credit unions should include the type of fraud and/or name of the scam or scheme (for example, imposter scam or money mule scheme) in the appropriate field of the SAR. Including other detailed information, such as the potentially affected programs, common methodologies, identities, and IP addresses can significantly enhance law enforcement's ability to detect and respond to CARES Act related frauds.
The NCUA will continue to issue updated information as it becomes available. If you suspect credit union employees, officers, or volunteers have engaged in fraud in connection with these or other programs, contact the NCUA's Fraud Hotline at 800.827.9650. You can also provide this information to your NCUA regional office or state supervisory authority, along with any questions. Allegations provided to the NCUA Fraud Hotline or the NCUA regional offices will also be reported to the NCUA OIG.
Credit union members may also be vulnerable to the risks of fraud associated with the pandemic. Federal agencies such as the IRS (opens new window) and FTC (opens new window) warn consumers to guard against financial scams related to COVID-19.
Credit unions are encouraged to share fraud prevention and financial literacy resources with their members. If you have questions about NCUA's financial literacy resources, please contact the NCUA's Office of Consumer Financial Protection at 703.518.1140.
Rodney E. Hood
1 See NCUA Letter of Credit Unions, 20-CU-13, Working with Borrowers Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic and NCUA's webpage Coronavirus (COVID-19): Information for Federally Insured Credit Unions and Members.
2 The program information and red flags in this risk alert are not intended to be comprehensive. Credit unions should familiarize themselves and coordinate with relevant individual government agencies for guidance, purpose, eligibility limits, restrictions, extensions, specifications, or other programs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
3 See NCUA Risk Alert, 20-RISK-01, Cybersecurity Considerations for Remote Work.
4 See NCUA Letter of Credit Unions, 20-CU-06, Small Business Administration Loan Programs to Help Small Businesses and Members During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
5 This program recently ended but could be modified or extended by Congress.


text:
No charges for man who threw catfish on ice in Stanley Cup Game 1
By: Justin Thompson-Gee Facebook | Twitter
Posted: May 31, 2017 2:22 PM CST
(KDKA) PITTSBURGH – Charges against a man who threw a catfish on the ice during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final will be withdrawn.
During the second period, 36-year-old Jacob Waddell launched a dead catfish onto the ice following a stoppage in play.
Waddell was escorted from the building immediately. Tuesday, he was charged with disrupting the hockey game, disorderly conduct, and using the dead catfish to commit the other two crimes.
Wednesday, District Attorney Spokesman Mike Manko said the charges will be withdrawn.
"Having reviewed the affidavit involving Mr. Waddell as well as the television coverage of the incident, District Attorney Zappala has made the determination that the actions of Mr. Waddell do not rise to the level of criminal charges. As such, the three charges filed against Mr. Waddell will be withdrawn in a timely manner," Manko said in a statement.
Previously, Waddell admitted to being the catfish hurler and explained how he did it.
"I drove it up there. Drove with my wife, my family up there, had it in a cooler, sprayed it down with cologne. I had two pairs of underwear on. I had regular underwear on, and I had compression shorts on, and I slid it between the two, and walked right in," said Waddell.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: How to map custom ideavim keybinds to only normal mode? In ideavim normal mode, I would like to switch between my tabs and splitters similarly to how it is in the firefox extension vimium. My current solution has been to use caps lock if I wanted to type those letters in capitol.
My intended behavior is:

*

*Select next/previous tab:

*

*Pycharm keybind: "Alt + right/left"

*Intended ideavim normal mode keybind: "Shift + k/j"

*Select next/previous splitter:

*

*Pycharm keybind: "Alt + ./,"

*Intended ideavim normal mode keybind: "Shift + l/h"

Currently this is my unsuccessful code for it in .ideavimrc. Any ideas on what might be going wrong?
nmap <S-j> <M-Left>
nmap <S-k> <M-Right>
nmap <M-.> <S-l>
nmap <M-,> <S-h>

let g:ideavim_custom_mappings = 1

A: It's not possible to bind a vim shortcut to the IntelliJ IDEA shortcut when using IdeaVIM and you need to bind action for it. , but you could try the below instead which works and better:
nmap <S-j> <action>(PreviousTab)
nmap <S-k> <action>(NextTab)
nmap <M-.> <action>(NextSplitter)
nmap <M-,> <action>(PrevSplitter)

You could see all the action list via :actionlist.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


January 14, 2017 | By Addison Mitchelle | Filed in: Hunting Game.
Do you love to hunt? you can challenge yourself to hunt something bigger. Start by catching the bigger animal like deer. What you have to do is prepare everything first and try to hunt it. In this case, if you want to get the deer, you can try to prepare deer hunting gear and get it simply.
Prepare everything on your bag pack and do not forget to make the list. check one by one based on our list here or if you want to add more than these things, you can put on your bag pack. You need to know the direction and it is compass. if you bring it, you will know the direction.
You cannot use only your GPS on your smartphone. It is because of everything is nothing when you cannot use it in emergency situation. catch the deer in the forest might become the place without signal. Therefore, you will need compass as the most important thing to bring and as your deer hunting gear.
You also need the light rope. Even if you do not know yet about what you have to do with the rope, you will need it unpredictably. You have to remember that everything is possible to happen during your hunting time. you can catch and use the light rope as the trap to catch your hunt. What are you waiting for to start? Try to learn to use the rope as the deer hunting gear.
if you are human and you are a hunter, you should consider many things that may happen during your hunting time. You cannot hide your body is not a machine, so that your body need what commonly human need.
You should prepare your blanket a Deer Hunting gear is not difficult to get around your City you can and make sure What you get it in high quality What are you you still can browse from your smartphone and check the availability of it on some of online Stores. another thing you have to Consider about the deer habitat. you also have to know the habit of the deer will be there is wake up in the evening? can you get there when you hunt it in the evening?
You can not forget to bring mineral water as your compensation of your time. it is not a funny thing if you get dehydration when You hunt any deer. you have to put your personal necessities on your Deer Hunting gear. Is there any another think you have to Consider anymore? Is there always something news about hunting? It is good If you can learn from The Expert about hunting the deer. You can't stop prepare your gun.
Do you think you need more than only a shot? you can collect Mini information about the direct and learn how to treat it and catch it. when you want to catch the deer it is good for you to bring your friends with you. it is because the working is better to do together. Meaning unpredictable can be happened during your hunting Time. dear for what you have to do is preparing everything carefully and make sure You Are Not Alone. Please do not forget to bring any flashlight. Deer Hunting gear is something gear is very well during your mind.
How about getting The Second Hand of the gear? you will get something better If you now Where where to get the best quality of it. will you try to get the Second Hand of it? If you think you can get it, you can check discount from one Store Just Another Store. What are you waiting for now? you can start your Journey today and be ready for your new experience in hunting Time.
Do you sing you night waterproof clothes? you maybe need it. It is the time for you to learn many things from your new experience in hunting the deer. Do you love to get wet or just full of your wet? It is good for you to describe everything about your deer hunting gear. Check its availability of your need today and the deer is yours now.


Good news travels fast: employees who have been treated fairly and with kindness—from start to separation—have the potential to be ardent ambassadors of a company or nonprofit organization. The same holds true, of course, with volunteers. Volunteers who had fun and were fulfilled serving your mission will share that experience with potential donors and future volunteers.
Efficient onboarding: the time to onboard a brand-new volunteer is arguably longer than the time and resources required to bring a returning volunteer up to speed. Returning volunteers don't have to be sold on your mission, and they are likely to remember key values and policies as well.
Don't Skimp on Safety: Although a returning volunteer has already heard your safety speech, the importance of your mission and the wellbeing of everyone at your agency warrants taking the time to reiterate key safety messages. Express appreciation for a returning volunteer's valuable know-how, and emphasize what's changed and why since their last period of service.
Don't Assume a Stale Skill Set: another benefit of boomerang employees touted in "The Alumni Advantage," is new skills and fresh perspective acquired while away. Ask returning volunteers about their experiences since leaving your nonprofit the first time, and show appreciation for those skills when matching the boomerang volunteer to a new role.
Ask and Invite the Volunteer to Tell: remember to ask a returning volunteer why they chose to return to service at your nonprofit, instead of seeking service opportunities elsewhere. Invite the volunteer to tell their story to current and prospective volunteers, perhaps in a social media spotlight or as a volunteer team lead who helps onboard and supervise other volunteers.
Keep in Touch: over the years we've counseled many nonprofit leaders to take the high road when negotiating or celebrating the departure of any staff member or volunteer. Every former team member is either a potential crusader for your cause—or a person who might poison the well of your volunteer pool. "The Alumni Advantage" reminded me that stellar leadership teams do more than taking the high road: they strive to stay in touch with former staff. The article cites the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Junior Achievement America as examples of nonprofits that foster familial alumni networks. While some private companies have deeper pockets to fund alum activities, consider cost effective ways to send the message that you still care about former staffers. Invite them to holiday gatherings, to sign up for your mailing list, and use a calling tree to say hello from time to time. Alumni in positions of influence can potentially align their organizations and social spheres in support of your mission.
Use Gentle Candor: of course not every former employee or volunteer is eligible to rejoin your workforce. The best course is to be truthful with departing staff, so they don't labor under the false impression that they are welcome back in the same or a different position. But that doesn't mean disconnecting entirely. A former volunteer may not have been a good match for a service role, but could be a dedicated and generous donor. When an ineligible volunteer asks to return, use gentle candor. Don't string along a would-be boomerang volunteer and turn them into a mission detractor in the process.
Melanie Lockwood Herman is Executive Director of the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. She welcomes your comments and calls about managing volunteer risk and reward at Melanie@nonprofitrisk.org, or 703.777.3504.


Participative field labs. We lead staff teams through a project applying the Kafka Method to a real, relevant problem for their organisation. As well as being exposed to practical techniques, staff are engaged in reflective learning at key stages through the project. With practice, staff become able to apply to Kafka Method with less and less external support.
Organisational development projects. The purpose of OD projects is to increase the capacity of an organisation to recognise and tackle bureaucratic dysfunction. We coach small groups of employees firstly to identify problems caused by the organisation itself. We then help them to experiment safely to resolve or reduce the problem.
Simulation games: the Kafka Brigade has designed a number of simulation games which are used in our teaching. A Kafkaesque problem is presented to the participants; each participant is given a role and asked to work on the problem; after the role-play the Kafka Brigade helps the participants to analyse the game: what happened? Why? What happened as a result? Crucially, we then help participants to translate their learning back to their own work.


It's official: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are getting their own TV movie. Lifetime announced the news Sunday (January 14) at the 2018 winter TCA press tour.
The movie, which has begun casting, will chronicle the couple's romance. Entitled Harry & Meghan: The Royal Love Story, the film will document everything from how the couple was introduced by mutual friends to the media frenzy surrounding their relationship and eventual engagement, which was announced in November. Additionally, it will touch on Markle's life as a divorced American actress.
Though the film has no release date as of yet, it's safe to assume it will premiere before the Royal Wedding, which is slated for May 19, 2018. After all, William & Kate: The Movie, a film about the build-up to the wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, debuted just 11 days before their big day in 2011.


A small oasis of green out in Shanghai's wild west, aka Hongqiao, the New Hongqiao Centre Garden is an off-the-beaten path treasure and probably a blessing for those in the area looking for a bit of tranquility in which to take advantage of the sunlight. It's all based around a central lake and is great for that nature-in-the-heart-of-the-city vibe; you still can't escape the views of skyscrapers from inside, but they take on a different feel when viewed from a picnic blanket, wine in hand.
One to hit if you want a picnic that's less "relaxing getaway" and more "take in the local culture", which might not be everyone's idea of fun but has a lot to recommend it. Fuxing Park lies in the heart of Xuhui and as such is usually packed with local families flying kites, ayi dance troupes and old dudes practicing tai chi. The parks crowded pathways surround expanses of grass that, if you can find a space, provide a chance to relax and absorb a real taste of downtown Shanghai. Which wine will make even better, obviously. It's nice and easy to get to as well. Head to Xintiandi metro station, go east down Fuxing Lu and you're there in minutes.
This one is kind of like Fuxing Park in the sense that it's in the thick of a busy area and has the bustling atmosphere to match. But, like Fuxing Park, this is part of the fun and gives it a real community feel; you'll often catch live traditional Chinese music being played here, and the park has a particularly family-friendly feel to it too. Better for a day out with the kids than for a romantic summer date, then, but it's still a great place to spend a summer afternoon. This one has it's own metro station named after it on Lines 2,3 and 4, so there's no excuse for not finding it.


21st Century Skills: Is the King Naked?
Most would agree that marketing is key. Ratings rule in sports, entertainment, business, mass media, and in education. If a person, idea, program, or device is not marketed well, he, she, or it doesn't exist. But, how many would claim that educators need marketing skills? One skill that many of us ignore when discussing 21st century skills for educators is marketing.
Teachers need to learn about effective marketing strategies. If educators lack the skills to market educational ideas and products, they will be taken over by the business world and mass media. If educators don't know how to market scholary-based educational content, no one will know about it. There's a great deal of layman-based content that is getting a great deal of popularity. No one cares whether a program or content is relevant or not as long as it has ratings.
Is popularity an indication of reality? The current popularity of Massive Open Online Courses or MOOCs and the Khan Academy are examples of popularity overriding reality. For example, educators are ignored when they express the mistakes made in the Math videos created by Mr. Khan. They are attacked for criticizing the content or the procedures used to solve Math problems or pointing to a mistake in any of the Khan videos. However, does popularity make things right? Shouldn't we listen to Math experts?
Is learning through listening or watching videos the future? If so, how is it different from the past? Technology may have changed how the information is transmitted, but the method is the same. It's easy to place content on the Internet by sharing it in the Khan Academy or on MOOCs from prestigious universities through great programs that make money. But where is the human element? Where is creativity? Where are higher order thinking skills? Isn't this just another way of promoting passive learning to ensure that the future generations will stay dumb?
My personal example, is WizIQ. I had tried various live online classes such as Interwise, Elluminate, Webex, Webtogo, Adobe Connect before WizIQ came into my life in 2007. I have never looked back. WizIQ is clearly the best virtual classroom program around, but has not caught on as you would expect because people seem to go with the flow regardless of whether the product is good or bad.
People use web technologies because of the ratings they receive. It's almost like the story of the Naked King. No one seems to care whether the information is correct or not or whether the program is of the best quality or not. If lots of people use the content or the program, it must be great. This is the dumbing effect of passive learning we promote with the videos on Khan Academy and the MOOCs.
What do educational TV, MOOCs, and the Khan Academy have in common? They are all based on traditional passive learning methods and on reaching the masses. Is this what we want to promote? If we cannot fight marketing of conformity, let's try to teach educators about marketing so they can make a difference and bring us to a future that is based on reality and the truth. Let's promote creativity, let go of conformity and traditional passive learning, and find ways of solving and resolving world problems collaboratively.
The public needs to be educated on what is valid information and what is not. Educators' new role is to market and get the ratings they deserve. So, let's educate educators on how to market research-based content and effective learning programs so that we don't stay dumb.
Is the King Naked? Based on "The Emperor's New Clothes", a Danish fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen and first published in 1837 (Wikipedia).
What's so exciting about MOOCs is the potential for interactive learning. It never occurred to me that they were based on "traditional passive learning methods." With how active learners are in social media, it is difficult to imagine MOOCs succeeding in the future if they are based simply on watching a lecture and answering questions about it. The BEST MOOCs will be on WizIQ!


There's a movement that is growing in Australia - a movement of hopeful followers of Jesus beginning to walk as one - fueled by the knowledge that God is actively working in creation to reconcile and heal our broken world.
Sell TEAR's Useful Gifts either online or set up a stall in your church or community. These gifts genuinely help people facing poverty transform their lives.
Run a shop in your church or community.
Our church resources are designed for members and leaders to learn more about God's work of justice and take action towards a just and compassionate world.
Share TEAR's latest video and small group bible study resource with your community. Download it here.
A great resource for small groups, directly engages some of the key discipleship challenges of our time.
A small group guide designed to enable your group to reflect on the subjects of poverty and inequality and how as Christians we can respond through best practice development approaches.
We love to support churches as they express their love for God through justice and compassion. Contact us today to find out more about our church partnership program and speakers and activities available for your service, workshop or camp.


Join Deanna as she goes step-by-step through the process of creating her signature floral designs. She'll start with the fundamentals of choosing floral and foliage specimens, design structures, her approach to color theory and her sources for the most spectacular blooms. She walks you through the process of creating centerpieces from the empty vessel to placing the last stem. Learn at your own pace, when and where choose.


text:
ILL and ESRF Colloquium
Friday 6 December 2019 at 14.00 in Chadwick Amphitheatre
Prof. Arnaud Desmedt
Groupe Spectroscopie Moléculaire
ISM UMR5255 CNRS
University Bordeaux, France
arnaud.desmedt@remove-this.u-bordeaux.fr
Gas hydrates are ice-like systems made of a network of hydrogen-bonded water molecules (forming host cages) that is stabilized by the presence of foreign guest molecules [1]. The natural existence of large quantities of hydrocarbon hydrates in deep oceans and permafrost is certainly at the origin of numerous applications in areas such as energy, geophysics sciences and innovative technologies [2]. Their hypothetical occurrence in extraterrestrial objects (planets, comets and planetesimal) is also the subject of numerous researches in astrophysics [3]. At a fundamental level, their nanostructuration confers on these materials specific properties (e.g. molecular selectivity, transport properties) for which the host-guest interactions play a key role [4,5]. These interactions occur on a broad timescale and thus require the use of a multi-technique approach (Neutron scattering, Raman, NMR, Classical and ab-initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations). The presentation will review recent results obtained on the physical chemistry of clathrate hydrates towards two main issues - for which neutron scattering brings significant contributions: gas selectivity and structural metastability on one hand, and super-protonic conduction on the other hand.
Recent theoretical works suggest that the nitrogen depletion observed on the Jupiter family comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko might be due to preferential encapsulation of carbon monoxide with respect to nitrogen inside mixed gas hydrate [6]. The presentation will report the first experimental investigations of such a preferential trapping, together with unusual structural metastability, as revealed by means of Raman scattering, Neutron diffraction and Quantum Mechanics calculations in various mixed gas (CO, CO2, N2) hydrates [7-13].
In addition to gaseous species, clathrate hydrates may encapsulate strong acids. Such supramolecular assembly leads to generate super-protonic conductors (i.e. with protonic conduction of the order of 0.1S/cm) [14]. Quasi-elastic neutron scattering is a unique technique for disentangling the proton transport mechanism involved in such ice-like systems [15,16]. This issue will be reviewed by outlining the contributions of Neutron scattering together with complementary techniques such as ab-initio Molecular Dynamics, Raman imaging or pulsed-field gradient proton NMR. Moreover, new opportunities in the area of energy (electrochemical energy production [17] and hydrogen storage [18-20]) are offered thanks to the strong acidic character of clathrate hydrates. These points will be outlined.
[1] E. D. Sloan and C. A. Koh, Clathrate Hydrates of natural gases, Taylor & Francis-CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 3rd edn, 2008.
[2] L. Ruffine, D. Broseta, A. Desmedt, Eds, Gas Hydrates 2: Geoscience Issues and Potential Industrial Applications, Wiley: London (2018).
[3] e.g. G. Tobie et al, Nature 2006, 440, P.61 // Nature 2015, 519, p.162.
[4] D. Broseta, L. Ruffine, A. Desmedt, Eds, Gas hydrates 1: Fundamentals, Characterization and Modeling, Wiley: London (2017)
[5] A. Desmedt, et al. Eur. Phys. J. Special Topics 213 (2012) 103-127
[6] S. Lectez, et al, Astrophys. J. Lett., 2015, 805: L1.
[7] C. Petuya, et al, J. Phys. Chem. C 121(25) (2017) 13798–13802.
[8] C. Petuya, et al, J. Phys. Chem. C 122(1) (2018) 566 –573.
[9] C. Petuya, et al, Crystals 8 (2018) 145(1-13).
[10] C. Petuya, et al, Chem. Comm. 54 (2018) 4290-4293.
[11] C. Petuya, et al, J. Phys. Chem. C 123(8) (2019) 4871-4878.
[12] C. Petuya, et al, J. Chem. Phys. 150(18) (2019) 184705.
[13] C. Métais, et al, in preparation.
[14] J. Cha, et al. J. Phys. Chem. C 2008, 112, 13332−13335.
[15] L. Bedouret, et al, J. Phys. Chem. B 118 (2014) 13357−13364.
[16] A. Desmedt, et al, Solid State Ionics, 252 (2013) 19-25
[17] S. Desplanche et al, article in preparation // A. Desmedt, S. Desplanche et al, Patent FR 18 53886 (2018).
[18] E. Pefoute, et al, J. Phys. Chem. C 116(32) (2012) 16823
[19] A. Desmedt, et al, J. Phys. Chem. C 119 (2015) 8904-8911
[20] T.T. Nguyen, et al, in preparation.
ILL Colloquium
Thursday 28 November 2019 at 14.00 in Seminar Room ILL 4, 1st floor
Prof. Robert Mc Greevy
Director of ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
Science & Technology Facilities Council
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Didcot OX11 0QX
2019 is a watershed year for neutrons in Europe, with the closure of three facilities. It is not only timely, but necessary, to take a hard look at the future role of neutrons and our neutron facilities. The success of the past 50 years does not imply relevance for the next 50. How do we ensure capability to address the evolving scientific challenges as well as capacity to support a viable but less expert user community, over an increasingly broad range of science, and all within a finite budget? How do we best distribute that budget across the neutron source(s), the instruments, sample environment and software/data to maximise our impact, and what is the impact we are trying to maximise? How do we address societal concerns such as security or environmental sustainability? Will artificial intelligence help us or is it just a distraction?
In this colloquium I will take a (hopefully) thought provoking look at these questions – and more. All opinions expressed will be solely my own and do not represent the views or opinions of my employer!
ILL - ESRF COLLOQUIUM
Friday 15 november at 14.00 in Chadwick Amphitheatre
Dr. Anders MADSEN
European XFEL
anders.madsen@remove-this.xfel.eu
The European XFEL (EuXFEL) is the world's most powerful hard X-ray laser since its inauguration in 2017. In the talk, I will discuss the science goals of the MID station at EuXFEL as well as the beamline design and scientific instrumentation. The design work started in 2011 with first beam received in Dec 2018 and a round of early experiments conducted in 2019. MID focuses on the use of extremely short, intense, and coherent hard X-ray beams that EuXFEL can produce to investigate dynamics processes in materials by imaging and scattering. Results of the commissioning and early science results will be presented. In 2020 the capabilities of the MID station will be further enhanced to include femtosecond optical lasers for pump-probe experiments as well as an X-ray split-delay line for speckle visibility studies of ultrafast dynamics.
Friday 8 November at 14.00 in Chadwick Amphitheatre
Dr Yoshie OTAKE
Neutron Beam Technology Team Team Leader
RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics (RAP)
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, 315-0198, Japan
Neutron Application Facilities building
yotake@remove-this.riken.jp
Neutron beam has high penetration power for such metals as iron and steel, aluminum and so on, and high sensitivities for such light elements as hydrogen, boron, lithium, while it interacts with nucleus. Until now, neutron beam can only be used at such large facilities as SNS in US, J-PARC in Japan, ILL in France, and so on. Now strong requests for the non-destructive quantitative analysis on-site for such bulk samples as iron deformed plate with some mm thickness, and for the development of Nano-materials in the universities, companies are increasing.
RIKEN Accelerator-driven compact neutron source, RANS, has been operated since 2013[1], with 7MeV proton with beryllium target.
There are two major goals of RANS research and development. One is to establish a popular compact neutron system of floor-standing type for industrial use as a non-destructive analysis equipment. Another goal is to invent a novel transportable compact neutron system for the preventive maintenance of large scale construction such as a bridge.
There are more than six kinds of instruments, and neutron measurements are available with RANS. The low energy transmission imaging, neutron diffractometer [2], small angle scattering instruments, fast neutron transmission imaging [3], fast neutron reflected imaging [4], neutron induced prompt gamma-ray analysis and neutron activation analysis are available with RANS. As an example of the results, neutron diffraction technique for the measurement of retained austenite volume fraction has been newly developed by using RANS, which allows us to perform the "on-site" measurement with the accuracy of 1%. Retained austenite is one of the key factors that dominate the mechanical properties of an advanced high strength steel sheet. Neutron beam has an important advantage in its large penetration depth which enables the measurement of bulk-average quantities. The developed measurement technique has a possibility to utilize the above advantages of neutron beam by installing the compact neutron source in laboratories.
For further compact neutron system, RANS-II with 2.49 MeV proton linac starts generating neutron. The neutron applications with RANS will be discussed in detail.
[reference]
[1] Y.Otake, "A Compact Proton Linac Neutron Source at RIKEN", "Applications of Laser-Driven Particle Acceleration" eds. Paul Bolton, et al. (2018) Chapter 19 pp.291-314 CRC Press
[2] Y. Ikeda, et al. "Prospect for application of compact accelerator-based neutron source to neutron engineering diffraction", Nucl. Instr. Meth. An 833(2016) pp 61-67
[3] Y. Seki et al. "Fast neutron transmission imaging of the interior of large-scale concrete structures using a newly developed pixel-type detector", Nucl Inst. Methods Phys Res A 870 (2017) pp. 148-155
[4] Y. Ikeda, et al. "Nondestructive measurement for water and voids in concrete with compact neutron source", Plasma and Fusion Research Vol.13(2018) pp.2406005-1-5
ILL Colloquium: MLZ – present status and vision 2030
Friday 20 September at 14.00 in Chadwick Aphitheatre
Prof. Dr. Peter Müller-Buschbaum 1,2
1 Technische Universität München, Physik-Department, Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle Materialien,
James-Franck-Str. 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
2 Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Technische Universität München,
Lichtenbergstr. 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
E-mail: muellerb@remove-this.ph.tum.de
The Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) is a leading center for cutting-edge research with neutrons and positrons, offering a unique suite of high-performance neutron scattering instruments. The MLZ represents the cooperation between the Technische Universität München (TUM) and three research centres of the Helmholtz Association, namely Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG) and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB, inactive partner) to exploit the scientific use of the Forschungs-Neutronenquelle Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) in Garching near Munich. The MLZ relies on a network of strong partners such as the FRM II, the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS), the German Engineering Materials Science Centre (GEMS) at HZG as well as 10 different German universities and institutes of the Max-Planck-Society.
The present status of MLZ and future vision 2030 will be presented. Our recently formulated road map identifies the main scientific drivers for research at MLZ, the present status for the key scientific areas, and the consequential science driven development of instrumentation and services offered to the users.
With selected scientific highlights, the possibilities of neutron-based research will be briefly illustrated.
ILL Colloquium: Scientific Babel: English, German, and the Fall of Polyglot Natural Science.
Friday 12 July at 14.00 a.m. in Chadwick Amphitheatre
Prof. Michael D Gordin
Rosengarten Professor of Modern and Contemporary History
Director, Society of Fellows in the Liberal Arts
Princeton University, USA
www.michaelgordin.com
Communication, especially publication, in the natural sciences today takes place almost exclusively in English. This phenomenon is relatively recent, with a strong shift toward monoglot natural science taking place roughly half a century ago. This talk offers an account of the transformation of communication in the natural sciences from a primarily trilingual situation in 1850 (English, French, and German) to a bilingual situation after the Second World War (English primary, Russian secondary), to the monoglot system of today. In particular, the significant and sudden decline of German, due to political upheaval during the twentieth century (especially the First World War) and cultural processes within the scientific community, was the primary condition for the transformation of a polyglot linguistic system in the natural sciences to a monoglot one.
ILL and ESRF Colloquium: Bionic Hearing: The Science and the Experience
Tuesday 4 June at 11.00 am in Chadwick Amphitheatre
Prof. Ian Shipsey
Henry Moseley Centenary Professor of Physics
Head, Department of Physics
ian.shipsey@physics.ox.ac.uk
Cochlear implants are the first device to successfully restore neural function. They have instigated a popular but controversial revolution in the treatment of deafness, and they serve as a model for research in neuroscience and biomedical engineering. After a visual tour of the physiology of natural hearing the function of cochlear implants will be described in the context of electrical engineering, psychophysics, clinical evaluation, and my own personal experience.
The audience will have the opportunity to experience speech and music heard through a cochlear implant. The social implications of cochlear implantation and the future outlook for auditory prostheses will also be discussed.
Ian Shipsey is a particle physicist, and a Professor of Physics at Oxford University. He has been profoundly deaf since 1989. In 2002 he heard the voice of his daughter for the first time, and his wife's voice for the first time in thirteen years thanks to a cochlear implant.
The presentation will be at the level of Scientific American.
ILL – ESRF Colloquium: Spatial and Temporal CryoEM of Soft Molecular Assemblies and other Colloids
Friday 8 February at 2.00 pm in Chadwick Amphitheatre, ILL 4
Prof Dganit Danino
Biotechnology and Food engineering and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute,
Technion-Israel Institute of Technology,
Haifa, 32000, Israel.
email CryoEM@Technion.ac.il
"The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2017 was awarded for the development of cryoelectron microscopy, which both simplifies and improves the imaging of Biomolecules".
For nearly 20 years we use this powerful tool to unfold structure-function property relations of molecular assemblies, soft nanostructures and colloids, of natural and synthetic building blocks. Our work focuses on resolving complex structures and dynamic processes, using the unique ability of cryo-EM to simultaneously disclose coexisting structures, capture infrequent and short-lived intermediates, and directly illuminate fine structural details at ~1nm resolution, all at the hydrated state. Recent cutting edge improvements e.g., in detection by direct detectors, in optics through phase plates and in software, provide higher resolution, clearer and more precise structural, spatial, temporal and quantitative data.
We will discuss past, current and prospect application of cryo-EM to soft materials and colloids [1]. Specific examples will include complete analysis of micellar systems [2] including first presentation of their spatial organization achieved through cryo-electron tomography (CryoET), time-resolution investigations e.g., of 1-dimensional ribbons and nanotubes [3], lipid-nanoparticles and lipid-nucleic acid structures [4-6], and protein-membrane complexes. In line with the research in the EPN campus, we will emphasize the synergy between CryoEM and scattering, as well as the strength in combining morphological and high-resolution CryoEM for resolving biological and nanomedical questions.
[1] Danino, Curr Opin Colloid In (2012) 17, 316–329;
[2] Danino et al., J Phys Chem Lett (2016) 7, 1434–1439;
[3] Danino and Egelman, Curr Opin Colloid In (2018) 34, 100-113;
[4] Michel et al., Angew Chem (2014) 3, 12441-12445;
[5] Dahlman et al., Nature Nanotechnology (2014) 9, 648-655;
[6] Dong et al., Nano Letters (2016) 16, 842-848;
Presentation (pdf - 34 Mi)


My presentation featured Global Green's work to green schools in Los Angeles and New Orleans, and I also shared news of the launch of our Green School Makeover Competition, the result of a partnership with Pureology. The Green School Makeover Competition is open to K-12 schools across the country and will award the winning school $65,000 for the opportunity to green its facilities. But more importantly, the Competition is designed to educate and raise awareness about the many benefits of green schools (among them higher student test scores, lower absentee levels) and expand the constituency for green schools.
The remainder of the week in DC was spent in meetings with national education organizations, all of whom we hope to engage as partners in our effort. Although most of these groups do not have environmental or greening as a primary focus, all of them have already begun to consider the benefits of green schools and in some cases have taken steps to incorporate green school issues into their agendas. Global Green is looking forward to working with these potential partners and making green schools the norm rather than the exception. Learn more about our Green Schools Initiative and Makeover Competition.
To download Mary's presentation for Good Jobs, Green Jobs, click here.


text:
Manhattan's Implosions
Matt Welch | From the January 2015 issue
Imagine the best elements of the hit AMC series Mad Men: the attention to period detail of a forgotten America, workplace/managerial jujitsu, hot ladies kissing (sometimes each other!), and a secret so profound that it eventually eats away at the lives of all the major characters. Now transfer that rich, soapy context to…World War II-era Los Alamos?
A little-viewed but increasingly praised drama airing on WGN transplants TV's 21st-century storytelling model to the desperate race to build the first atomic bomb. Manhattan, whose first season closed with a flourish in October, conveys the patriotic urgency and almost Prisoner-like paranoia of the Manhattan Project, particularly the dysfunction plaguing the underdog implosion research group, led by a character portrayed by a riveting John Benjamin Hickey. By focusing on the unpredictable compromises and shortcuts great scientists flirted with, the show becomes a meditation on the elusiveness of integrity and a cautionary reminder that war is hell on the homefront, too.
This article originally appeared in print under the headline "Manhattan's Implosions".
NEXT: Best of 2014: Killer or Artist? Why Rap is on Trial.
Matt Welch is an editor at large at Reason.
CultureTelevision


Next message: Ron Hunsinger: "Re: prime numbers and African artifact"
Previous message: Daniel Kian Mc Kiernan: "Re: prime numbers and African artifact"
Next in thread: Ron Hunsinger: "Re: prime numbers and African artifact"
> : >> "A piece of bone found in Africa and dated at around 8,500 B.C.
> : >>the numbers 11, 13, 17, and 19, all of which are prime numbers ..."
prime number, since all other even numbers are divisible by 2.
implemented with pebbles. You lay out a whole lot of pebbles in a row.
5th pebble...and so on until you've removed all you can.
even the most primitive peoples to stumble on it, as the above "game"


These blue flash labradorite gemstone hoop earrings measure 20mm in diameter with a 5mm stone, weighs 2 grams each and are set in 18K rose gold vermeil.
Please note the rose gold vermeil refers to 18K gold plated onto solid sterling silver (2.5 microns thick). Each gemstone is genuine and unique so you may receive a stone that is slightly different in color.
*Gold Version Shown On Model.


text:
Home Technology The world's first humanoid robot that got admission in a school
The world's first humanoid robot that got admission in a school
TOKYO: In Japan a human-shaped robot has been admitted in a college which is capable of showing human emotions and feelings. It is named as 'Pepper'. A Japanese Company 'Softbank Robotics' has developed this 'Pepper' which has the specialization in developing humanoid robots. 'Pepper' has been admitted
A Japanese Company 'Softbank Robotics' has developed this 'Pepper' which has the specialization in developing humanoid robots. 'Pepper' has been admitted at Waseda Sushi High School that is situated near the City of Fukushima. Earlier to it, Pepper Robot was being used to welcome people. This Robot has sensors, camera, and other devices and it is 4 feet tall and weighs 62 pounds. The interesting thing of it is that if human.
This Robot has sensors, camera, and other devices and it is 4 feet tall and weighs 62 pounds. The interesting thing of it is that if the human tells it jokes, it gets happy and listen words of love very carefully.
In addition, it is capable to learn things speedily. When it got admission in school, it said to its owners that I will try my best. Earlier to it, Pepper has been used in a phone store for giving answers to customers while not a single person was working in that store.
The cost of this robot is between 1000 to 1600 Dollars and it can speak Japanese and English as well as. It understands 80% of the conversation. This robot is making friends in the school rapidly. Pepper also helps these student friends of the school. It also lets them know robotic and English. Do not forget that Pepper is the world's first humanoid robot that got admission in the school.
The cost of this robot is between 1000 to 1600 Dollars and it can speak Japanese and English as well as. It understands 80% of the conversation. This robot is making friends in the school rapidly.
Pepper also helps these student friends of the school. It also lets them know robotic and English.
Do not forget that Pepper is the world's first humanoid robot that got admission in the school.
Previous articleHow to save your iPhone from date bug and hackers easily
Next article Difference between iPhone Dual-Core and Android Octa-Core processors
https://howtogeeek.com/
Best Cloud Computing services
How does the new Google Pixel phone compare with iPhone 7? Is it worth a switch from iPhone to Pixel?
Fedora 25 Alpha Officially Released, Now Running Wayland By Default
Google Firebase — Now Code Android, iOS, And Web Apps Easily3
Can you bet who are the highest paid people in tech?
The Google Pixel XL versus the iPhone 7 Plus. Price: $769 each Speed: The iPhone is twice as fast in single core mode, and about 50% faster...
How to save battery power of Laptops up to 50%
Docoss X1 the inexpensive Smartphone in only 888
How to lock browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Opera or Safari easily
How to find lost phone through Google
How to delete Facebook search history


The Sublimated T Shirt is an ideal leisure accessory for all club members. It is produced using 100% polyester with all design and badge details sublimated into the fabric to give a soft and comfortable feel Fully personalised with the Grench logo across the chest.
Our Lycra Leg Warmers may not be the most sophisticated product, but are perfect for those cold chills. They're easy enough to store in your jersey pocket when they're not wanted too.


text:
Iconic news photographs of 1960s on view in exhibition at Worcester Art Museum
Joseph Louw, South African, about 1945-2004, The Death of Martin Luther King, Jr., Lorraine Hotel, Memphis, April 4, 1968, Gelatin silver print, gift of David Davis, 2011.148
WORCESTER, MASS.- Worcester Art Museum announces its major fall exhibition, Kennedy to Kent State: Images of a Generation, opened September 29 and on view through February 3, 2013. The exhibition features some of the most powerful and provocative American photographs of the 1960s.
The photographs chronicle world events during the turbulent decade of the 1960s. From disturbing assassinations, the Vietnam War, antiwar protests, the thrill of space exploration, and the lightheartedness of pop culture, this exhibition represents a range of human emotion. The photographs are from the museum's permanent collection. The photographs were originally collected by David Davis, as a way to recall and reflect his memories of the era.
The photographs also reveal the activities of news gathering and publishing in the 1960s. Many are vintage wirephotos or file photographs from newspaper and magazine archives. These were used in editing, layout, and as camera art for the creation of printing plates. In the 1990s, when news outlets transformed their imaging libraries to digital formats, these objects were discarded or released onto the market. Many of the prints were stamped or inscribed on the back with a record of each use, and in this way they reveal their own history, and carry powerful qualities as artifacts.
"The Worcester Art Museum was among the very first American museums to exhibit photographs as works of fine art," said Matthias Waschek, director. "In 1961, coincidentally the time that the Kennedy to Kent State era began, we established a curatorial department of photography and began building a permanent collection. These holdings now represent a survey of the history of photography in the United States in its fascinating variety. To the post-Baby Boomer generations, this exhibition has the power to awaken them to the correlation between their present lives and the not-so-distant past."
Kennedy to Kent State: Images of a Generation was organized by David Acton, curator of prints, drawings, and photographs at the Worcester Art Museum. He has organized nearly 100 exhibitions at the museum, and published extensively on Old Master, American prints and drawings, and the history of photography. Notable among his exhibition catalogues are A Spectrum of Innovation: Color in American Printmaking 1890-1960, The Stamp of Impulse: Abstract Expressionist Prints, and Photography at the Worcester Art Museum: Keeping Shadows.
"Then, as now, pictures were the medium by which most people experienced the wider world," said Acton. "Photographs created a common experience, plotting a historical arc of embracing familiarity. Kennedy to Kent State presents a selection of these pictures, providing a glimpse of that turbulent time. Many of the images transcend reportage. In their momentary imagery, refined compositions, and humanity, they attain the stature of true works of art."
In 2000, David Davis founded the Schoolhouse Center for Art and Design, home to the Driskel Gallery of Photography, and the Silas Kenyon Gallery of Regional Art in Provincetown, Massachusetts. When Davis acquired the famous Vietnam photographs by Nick Ut and Eddie Adams, he began his 12-year project to collect a survey of the iconic images by which Americans experienced a transformative period of their history.
"I wished to do something that I have not seen before," said Davis, "to present a kind of storyboard of the 1960s. From the time I entered my teen years until that of my college graduation, there were assassinations, an unpopular war, a trip to the moon and the rise of the protest movement and counterculture. It was a confusing, unsettling, exciting, and 'far out' time to grow up."
The Scuderie del Quirinale opens exhibition by the greatest Dutch painter of the 17th century
Exhibition presents 100 paintings by Paul Klee from the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen Collection
Getty Research Institute acquires photographs by Swiss filmmaker and photographer Eva Sulzer
"The Ecstasy of Colour: Munch, Matisse and the Expressionists" at Museum Folkwang
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston debuts new gallery showcasing gems and jewelry of the ancient Mediterranean
Large bronze figural work by Francisco Zuniga could fetch $250,000 at Elite Decorative Arts Auction
MOSS: An auction of art and design at Phillips de Pury & Company features Frank Stella's Brit (Q-6)
First solo exhibition of world-renowned French artist Bernar Venet opens in Singapore
Recent work by artist Hughie O'Donoghue on view at Abbot Hall in Cumbria
fotofever: An innovative photography showcase begins its European journey in Brussels
Material Culture to rekindle 'Spirits of Reincarnation Brothers and Sisters' with Oct. 14 auction
Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney on view at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers
Modern Art Oxford provides a platform for emerging contemporary artists
Stormie Mills to be honoured with a Cullen Street Art Suite
First US solo exhibition of Dominican artist Jorge Pineda opens at Hunter College East Harlem Art Gallery
"Negotiating this world: Contemporary Australian Art" at the National Gallery of Victoria
British artist Simon Martin's new exhibition "UR Feeling" opens at Camden Arts Centre
Sarah Vanderlip: Winner of the Marjorie Schiele Prize exhibits at the Cincinnati Art Museum


Are you having trouble with writing essays? You don't know where to start and how to write a great paper on a given topic? Don't worry; many students around the globe are facing the same conundrum. The truth is that some paper can be quite difficult to write. However, if you choose the proper structure and follow a few simple steps, you will quickly become a master at writing papers. Truth be told, the steps to writing an essay and doing a good job are not difficult at all. However, let's start with the way you should organize your paper.
When it comes to writing papers, the best structure you can choose is the five paragraph essay. This is a very flexible format that you can use for almost any kind of paper. There are five paragraphs you need to create: an introduction, three paragraphs for the body of the essay, and a conclusion. There can be more than three body paragraphs, if necessary. Focus on creating an excellent introduction that will captivate the attention of your readers and will introduce the topic. Also, the conclusion should summarize all your writing and contain a call to action. Learning this structure is the first of the few steps of writing an essay.
Select the topic of the paper and come up with a great thesis statement. Pick something that will pique the interest of your readers and will make them want to learn more.
Do the research and create an outline with your findings. Use all the important ideas to write the outline.
Write the first draft and focus just on writing. Expand on each one of the ideas in the outline and forget about proofreading and editing.
Edit your work and create the final version of the paper. Don't be afraid to cut out unessential sections or ideas. Also, make sure everything is explained properly and that all the relevant information is there. This is one of the most important essay writing steps.
Perform one more round of editing to polish your writing and then do two rounds of proofreading.
Proofreading is very important because the final paper should be free of any kind of typos and spelling or grammar errors. Otherwise, if you are bad at detecting mistakes, you can find help here. Your top grade depends on it!


NEWLY REFRESHED PRICE! $650,000!!! MOTIVATED SELLERS ALL REASONABLE OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED!!!Stunning, one-of-a kind, custom, Mediterranean Colonial with breathtaking, panoramic VIEWS, perfect for watching the four seasons unfold. With dynamic upgrades and a delightful private setting this sophisticated home is located on a premier 3 acre piece of property. A distinguished home with every upgrade and every feature. Gracing your home with high end luxury, granite keystones flank the entry and windows. A soaring 21' entry with charming interior balcony, Bavarian Rosewood floors, arched doorways and handcrafted wrought iron railings allows you to greet your guests in style. Boasting a massive granite island, the chef's kitchen is the heart of this captivating home, featuring a distinctive tumbled brick backsplash, Viking stove and Bosch dishwasher. The dramatic dining room floor is a one-of-a-kind marvel made of tiles from Turkey. Four bedrooms on the homes upper level include the luxurious master suite boasting a spacious sitting area, perfect for viewing the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets this area is known for. A delightful loft on the second floor is the perfect place for an office, den, or sitting area. The 3rd floor boasts a great all-purpose bonus room with balcony. Another place in which to enjoy the sweeping views. A massive granite patio just off the kitchen and living room is the perfect place for entertaining in style. Custom retreat, built with timeless elegance.
They say location is everything. Well!, this home sits at the highest point in North Ridge Estates. Shortly, you'll be able to sit on your patio in the back yard and enjoy the tranquility of what will soon be a beautiful golf course. This 3/4 bedroom home offers a first floor master suite with master bath and 2 walk in closets. First floor laundry room. A chefs kitchen and Butlers pantry. Center island with built-in gas cooktop. Custom built-in Lynx audio and sound system. 4th bedroom is unfinished, however, it offers an opportunity to make it anything of your choice. Game room, office or simply a bedroom. Come see this absolutely beautiful home today!
Welcome to Brookfield Ct with high end new construction homes on a 1+ acre lots! It's very rare to find new construction in Southington on lots this large and this is the last one! This house is on the cul-de-sac and will be a gorgeous Craftsman style colonial with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, hardwood floors on 1st & second floors, 9' ceilings on the 1st floor, and more. Plenty of time to customize this house or bring your own plans! Aerial photos are of the street and lot where house will be built. Super convenient location close to the highway as well as many shops and restaurants while tucked away in a high end residential neighborhood with low traffic.
Why build new when you can purchase the perfect home in truly LIKE NEW condition and move in NOW?! Here's your opportunity to live in desirable North Ridge Estates Development in Southington! This Custom Built, Open Layout Colonial has a Unique Modern Feel with SO MANY UPGRADES throughout and on Prime Culdesac Lot! Gorgeous Two Story Foyer Opens into Living Rm, Dining Area, Great Room/Family Rm w Beautiful Floor to Ceiling Stone Gas FP, 4 Separate Sliders Opening from Every Room on Main Level Allow for Fantastic Entertaining Flow & Loads of Natural Light! Beautiful Eat In Kitchen w Upgraded Stainless Appl incl 2 sinks, Double Ovens, Large Island w Gas Cooktop & Commercial Grade Hood, Loads of Cabinets w pullouts, Granite, Two Decks Lead to Yard w View of Pond, 1st Floor Master Ensuite with Walk In Closet and Luxurious Bath Features Double Sink Vanity with Honed Granite, High End Maxx Jacuzzi Air Tub & Walk In Shower, Upstairs 3 More Bedrooms Including Extra Large One that could also be BONUS Room with Skylights, Closets, and Upgraded Electrical and HVAC for Crafting, Woodworking, Computer Work Needs, etc. Full Unfinished Walkout Basement already has its own heating zone and ready to be finished! So many extras have been thought of including Upgraded Electrical, High End Fixtures, Extra Insulation, Automated Thermostats, & Underground Sprink Sys, Alarm, C/A, City Water, Natural Gas, Recently Staged, Minutes to Highways,GREAT COMMUTER LOCALE!
Make this beautiful custom built colonial your new home! Tucked onto a quiet cul-de-sac on over an acre, this home with it's grand 2 story foyer entrance, curved oak staircase and high ceilings is an amazing venue for homeowners and guests alike. Entertain in the formal living room or relax with family and friends by the fire in the oversized yet cozy family room. Enjoy the open floor plan of the bright eat-in kitchen with center isle, granite countertops and refurbished cabinets while serving meals in the dining room with fireplace, cherry cabinets and wet bar. Neutral colors throughout make it a decorators dream! Keep yourself toasty warm on cold winter mornings with the heated floor and steam shower in the master bath. All this with easy access to ESPN, I-84 and I-691.
"North Ridge Estates" Beautiful subdivision with only 12 lots left. This will be our newest model under construction, it will have 5' x9' Front Portico with Procell decking and 8" columns, Upgrated Cabinets with Granite countertops in Kitchen, French doors to 1st floor study, Mudroom with Deacons Bench, French paneling in Dining Room ,Study, Foyer and Stairway, Tray ceiling in Master Bedroom, Tiled shower with dual shower Heads, Shower doors included, Double sinks in Main Bath and Master Baths. A lot of Hardwood floors included in this price. Agent/Related. Commission to be Paid on Original Purchase price and shall not include any ADDENDUMS.
Enjoy the golf course views and the tranquil natural surroundings at this magnificent colonial home that has is all, a first floor in-law or aupair suite and first floor office for starters. The main living space contains an open kitchen, living rm, dining rm, fireplaced family rm, office & 2nd entrance to the in-law or aupair suite & laundry room, with hardwood floors; 2nd floor has three bedrooms (master inclusive) 3 walk-in closets & 2 full baths. Other features include a 3 car garage, oversize patio, overlooking the golf course, and on a cul-de-sac. A must see. Ez access to i-84 and other access highways and espn and multiple shopping areas and restaurants. A membership to hawk's nest golf course is included.
"North Ridge Estates" 94 Lots only 12 left, still time to build on these beautiful homesites. This Home can be built on Lots 18,38,50 & 55 for this price, all other remaining lots will be at $539,900. Our Home of Distinction is ready to view Open Sunday 1-3 pm. This Colonial has 9' ceilings on first floor, fancy moldings in Dining Room, Tray ceiling in Master Bedroom, tiled shower and more. your plans or ours. Agent/related.
"North Ridge Estates" 94 beautiful lots withl mountain views, 14 lots left. This home can be built for this price on lots 18,38,50 & 55, all others lots left will be at $539,900. Look for our new model, the Home of Distinction ready to view and open every Sunday 1to 3 p.m. This ranch has procell porch, 2 dormers and cultured stone on front, cathedral ceiling in family room, sitting area and tray ceiling in master bathroom and more included. Agent/Related.
"North Ridge" 94 beautiful lots with mountain views, 14 lots left. This home is $499,900 on Lots 18,38,50 or 55. Price for same house on other remaining lots will be $509,900. Standard features on this home include granite in kitchen, fancy moldings in dining room, Tray ceiling in master bedroom, tiled shower and more included. Agent/Related. 6 other plans to choose from, 1 ranch plan. This plan is the greenbrier and it has a 2 story family room.
Price to sell! Unique Southington Colonial located in beautiful Clipper Estates. The first floor has a bright open floor plan. There is an over sized family room with a 16 foot cathedral ceiling and lovely marble fireplace. The home has an open marble foyer. Crown molding, hardwood floors, a formal dining room, perfect for entertaining. The large eat-in kitchen has an island with high end appliances. The laundry is located on the first floor. Master BR suite features Jacuzzi tub. There are 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. Lovely space with large deck for outdoor entertaining. There are thermal pane windows and a newer heating/hot water system. Schedule your showing today!
Spectacular Colonial set on 1.69 acres on cul de sac. Updated throughout and ready for the new owners to make it their own. With many features and "extras" this home is a must see! Large master bedroom with walk in closet and full bath with jetted tub, conveniently located office on first floor, bonus room with its own entrance from front of home and from rear deck that features vaulted ceilings and fireplace, formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room, 3 season room in rear that connects to deck and sprawling pool area, and great large eat in kitchen with island. In-law offers full bath & kitchen and is located over garage and connects to bonus room & deck and can be used as media/theatre room, game room, office, and more! Pool area and backyard are fenced and private and offer amazing flow with deck, lower level, 3 season room, bonus room, and in-law. Many updates and upgrades and home has been well maintained. This amazing home is priced to sell and must been seen.....ASAP!
Looking for new construction without the wait? Come see this beautiful and light filled 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath colonial on a large corner lot in a cul-de-sac neighborhood of a new subdivision. Enter into this open floor plan through the attached 3 car garage and directly into the tiled mudroom. Move on into the kitchen that includes granite countertops, breakfast island, stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors then continue on to the vaulted ceiling living room with slider door and gas fireplace. Enjoy dinner parties in the dining room complete with crown molding and farmhouse lighting. Upstairs you'll find the master bedroom with trey ceiling, walk in closet, sitting area and double sink granite topped vanity. Three other spacious bedrooms as well as an additional double sinked bathroom complete this floor. Attention to detail and true craftsmanship are found throughout. Come see this home and be in in time to enjoy spring relaxing by your stone fire pit on your paver patio.


text:
Q: ¿Cómo puedo operar los números introducidos en un  directamente en Javascript? Lo que pretendo es coger los números de un <input> y posteriormente operarlos directamente desde JavaScript:
Si por ejemplo en el  <input> se introduce ((2+2)/4)*3 que la respuesta sea: 3

Solución basándome en las respuestas recibidas e concluido la siguiente solución a la pregunta:
Javascript:
function calc() {

    //Coger el valor del input
    var value = document.getElementById("value").value;

    //Operar los datos recogidos
    var operation = eval(value);

        //Mostrar el resultado
        alert(operation);
}

HTML:
<body>
    <input id="value" type="number">
    <button id="calculate" onclick="calc()">Calculate</button>
</body>

A: Podrías recoger el valor directamente del input y usar la función eval.
var tuInput = document.getElementById("tuInput");
var operacion = tuInput.value;
var suma = eval(operacion);

A: Puedes usar el constructor Function:

var sumar = document.getElementById("sumar").value;
console.log(new Function('return ' + sumar)());
<input type="text" id="sumar" value="(2+2)/2">


The Federal Court of Canada recently confirmed the PSAC's alternation victory by dismissing Treasury Board's application.
In February 2014, the Federal Court heard an application for judicial review brought forward by Treasury Board challenging the alternation policy grievance decision issued by the Public Service Labour Relations Board (PSLRB), which was in favour of PSAC.
The court rejected Treasury Board's argument that employees about to lose their jobs had limited rights when it comes to alternation. The PSAC successfully argued that Treasury Board's view made no sense and directly violated the key WFAA objective of maximizing employment opportunities for affected employees.
This decision confirms PSAC's policy grievance and strengthens the employer's obligation to establish an effective alternation system.
Treasury Board now must take responsibility for its failure on alternation and immediately ensure all departments respect the collective agreement.
The PSAC will continue to make sure that employees who wish to find an alternate have been given every possible opportunity to do so under the terms of the collective agreement.
This entry was posted in Uncategorized on 2014/07/28 by Admin Staff.


text:
1999 HL9 (asteroide 33534) é um asteroide da cintura principal. Possui uma excentricidade de 0.13979400 e uma inclinação de 1.54806º.

Este asteroide foi descoberto no dia 17 de abril de 1999 por LINEAR em Socorro.

Ver também

 Lista de asteroides
 Asteroide da cintura principal

Ligações externas

Asteroides da cintura principal
Objetos astronômicos descobertos em 1999

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


WASHINGTON - U.S. intelligence chiefs are sounding alarms about an ever more perilous future for the United States, one in which the country is in danger of seeing its influence wane, its allies waiver and key adversaries team up to erode norms that once kept the country safe and the world more stable.
Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, along with the leaders of five other top intelligence agencies, delivered the grim assessment Tuesday, unveiling their annual worldwide threats report for lawmakers on the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Coats described the challenges facing the U.S. as a "toxic mix," combing the exploits of the "big four" – Russia, China, North Korea and Iran – and of non-state actors such as terrorists and criminal networks, and factors such as rapidly advancing technology, climate change and migration.
"It is increasingly a challenge to prioritize which threats are of greatest importance," Coats said, sharing testimony that often and repeatedly contradicted past assertions by U.S. President Donald Trump.
"We face significant changes in the domestic and global environment that has resulted in an increasingly complex and uncertain world and we must be ready. We must be ready," he added.
Driving many of the concerns, according to intelligence officials, is a growing alliance between Russia and China competing against the U.S. not just for military and technological superiority, but for global influence.
"China and Russia are more aligned than at any point since the mid-1950s," the report warns.
That relationship is only likely to strengthen as both Moscow and Beijing attempt to take advantage of what they see as a growing U.S. unilateralism, it added.
Officials say that is already playing out in Europe where both countries find openings, as traditional U.S. allies question Washington's role and consider new partnerships.
The threat assessment, while not mentioning the Trump administration's focus on "America First" policies or its repeated criticism of alliances like NATO, cautions that many of these U.S. allies are already "seeking greater independence from Washington in response to their perceptions of changing U.S. policies on security and trade."
At the same time, China and Russia appear to be benefiting from different approaches.
Beijing is trying to win influence by selling would-be partners "a distinctly Chinese fusion of strongman autocracy and a form of Western-style capitalism as a development model and implicit alternative to democratic values and institutions," Coats said.
In contrast, Coats warned Russia is using weapons sales, private security firms and energy deals with some success across the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.
The intelligence chiefs also broke with Trump over North Korea less than a month after the president touted what he called an "incredible" meeting with North Korean nuclear envoy Kim Yong Chol.
"We have made a lot of progress, as far as denuclearization is concerned," Trump said at the time.
But Coats is skeptical that Pyongyang will ever give up its entire nuclear arsenal, pointing to "activity that is inconsistent with full denuclearization."
CIA Director Gina Haspel also said that despite indications North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "is trying to navigate a path toward some kind of better future," his calculations on the need for nuclear weapons do not seem to have changed.
"The regime is committed to developing a long-range nuclear armed missile that would pose a direct threat to the United States," she told lawmakers.
And while North Korea has not conducted a nuclear test in more than a year, Defense Intelligence Agency Director Gen. Robert Ashley likewise warned there is no reason to relax.
"They showed a capability to have an ICBM function," Ashley said, pointing to older missile tests. "The capabilities and threat that existed a year ago are still there."
The U.S. intelligence community also expressed caution about the president's willingness to declare the demise of the Islamic State terror group.
The IS caliphate, Coats said, has been defeated, reduced to just a "couple of little villages" in Syria. But he said underestimating the group's resolve would be a mistake.
"ISIS is intent on resurging and still commands thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria," Coats said, using an acronym for the group.
"ISIS will continue to be a threat to the United States, and we're going to have to continue … to keep our eyes on that and our interest in the realization that this terrorism threat is going to continue for some time."
U.S. intelligence analysts also appear to split with Trump over Iran and its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
"At the moment, technically, they are in compliance," Haspel said of the 2015 deal between Iran and world powers meant to prevent Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons.
The U.S. withdrew from the agreement last May, after Trump decried it as "defective to its core," arguing that it would allow Iran to get economic relief and still have a path to nuclear weapons.
But for now, U.S. intelligence officials say Tehran is at least a year away from being able to produce a nuclear warhead, though they caution that with new U.S. and European sanctions, their willingness to stick with the agreement may be waning.
"We do see them debating amongst themselves as they've failed to realize the economic benefits they hoped for from the deal," Haspel added.
At the same time, Coats said intelligence analysts expect Iran to put greater pressure on the U.S. in the Middle East, with Iranian-backed Shia militias likely to pose a growing threat to U.S. troops in Iraq.
Coats and the other intelligence chiefs warned lawmakers that Russia, China, North Korea and Iran would continue to pressure the U.S. in cyberspace.
"We expect these actors and others to rely more and more on cyber capabilities when seeking to gain political, economic and military advantages over the United States and its allies and partners," he told lawmakers Tuesday.
Coats said despite successful efforts to protect "the integrity of the 2018 midterm elections," the intelligence agencies expected Russia, China, Iran and others to target the 2020 U.S. presidential elections.
"We expect them to refine their capabilities and add new tactics as they learn from each other's experiences and efforts in previous elections," he said.
Coats called the situation in Venezuela, where the U.S. has officially recognized Venezuelan legislative leader Juan Guaido as the country president, "tenuous."
In an effort to support Guaido and constrain Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, the U.S. on Monday slapped sanctions on the country's state-run oil company.
But Coats said he expects Cuba, Russia and China "to prop up the Maduro regime's security or financing," and that the deciding factor could be the country's military.
"The influence of the military on that decision … probably is key to what direction we might go in," he said.
Despite the heavy focus from the White House and the Department of Homeland Security on the need for a border wall, the intelligence chiefs made no direct mention of threats along the southern U.S. border with Mexico.
Coats said he expected Mexico would "pursue cooperation with the United States as it tries to reduce violence and address socioeconomic issues, but authorities still do not have the capability to fully address the reduction, the flow and trafficking of the drug cartels."
Coats also warned that high crime rates and economic problems "will continue to spur U.S.-bound migrants from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras."
The Worldwide Threat Assessment report also warned of increased migration pressures worldwide due to a combination of a slowing global economy and climate change.


text:
Исус на съд пред Синедриона е епизод от живота на основателя на християнството Иисус Христос, описан в Новия Завет. Той се случва след арестуването на Христос в Йерусалим и преди изправянето му пред съда на Пилат Понтийски. Той отказва да отрече, че е Син Божий, и Синедрионът го изпраща на съд при Пилат, заради твърденията му, че е "цар на юдеите".

Страстите Христови
Съдебни процеси


text:
Protest Planned for Obama's Speech at HRC Gala in DC
President Obama may be speaking at the HRC gala in Washington DC this Saturday, October 10th, the night before the National Equality March, but it won't be without protestors outside. Gay Liberation Network along with Queer Liberaction (Dallas) has announced a jointly organized picket of the event to take place at 6pm.
The Gay Liberation Network has issued a statement on their website, criticizing the organizers of the National March, saying "Their current focus on cajoling Congress and the President to do the right thing ignores a very basic fact – this approach has never won civil rights gains." They added something which I've been in support of, and promoting, for some time now, which is that we need more aggressive actions and less "respectful pandering". They added, "By contrast, uncompromising street protests led by ACT-UP and others gave us the Ryan White AIDS Care and the Americans With Disabilities Acts – despite a very reactionary political climate during the first Bush administration. An era of such protests – the 1960s – caused the radical change in consciousness among LGBT people which thereby gave birth to our modern LGBT movement."
Although the majority of our movement has morphed into a politically correct and far too controlled mindset, all evidence leads to a conclusion that this is not the way to go. I've been especially amazed at this continued path, given the unbelievable defeats we've recently endured, when logic, reason and the constitution of the country were completely on our side. For some reason, these blatant acts of anti-American discrimination and restrictions placed on us by even the very court systems which should be overturning our inequality, has not resonated with the majority of our movement. Instead, those who voice any opposition to the continued strategy of the recent past, which has failed, are denounced.
I have to say, reading about this protest and more importantly, the statements on the websites which urge a return to demands, rather than requests, are refreshing, even hopeful. I've been surprised that since the courts upheld Prop 8, and conservative and religious groups have now gone after all states which have approved same sex marriage, that not one radical action has taken place from our side. Don't be influenced by the majority groups who categorize any suggestion of a radical act as a regular strategy which "sets us back" or "derails the movement". All civil rights movements have used occasional radical acts in order to move the battle forward.
Also don't be influenced by the majority who characterize "radical" as "violent". It's upsetting to see groups so quick to applaud their own efforts then use the political tactic of re-defining a word or words in order to deflect an opposing idea. Radical acts are unexpected, aggressive and often result in arrests. Radical acts are acts which refuse to, for that day, follow the rules. No one is suggesting setting anything on fire. Radical acts are singular, and used to punctuate the dialogue. No one is suggesting that we throw gas on the fire day after day after day. But without an occasional heating up of the issue, we may be doomed to forever be second class citizens.


BigMillCo.com has had over 27,000 visitors.
We're not really sure why the Big Mill owner decided to terminate her website, but maybe .....her loss is your gain.
Do you have a display at the Big Mill?
Or another reason for using this URL?
Contact me now at rjhoffman@yahoo.com to negotiate a price.
With this URL, you get a name that already has a flock of regular visitors. If you have a display at Big Mill, then your items will probably be of interest to previous site visitors.


text:
You are here: Home / Blog / Friday Photo: Town Hall Gardens
Friday Photo: Town Hall Gardens
June 25, 2010 By John 4 Comments
Here we have an old image of the Town Hall Gardens kindly sent in by Syd Bird.
These public gardens were in Albert Road, behind the Town Hall and were probably on the site of the old fire station (currently Jack Rabbits). You can make out the original fire engine house in the left of the photo.
Can you offer any additional information on these old gardens? Do you know when the fire station was constructed?
Filed Under: Blog, Featured Photos
I don't know when the fire station was built, but it must have been after 1911. In the summer of that year, Frank Wolsey and Wilson James presented their 'Concert Parties' in the Town Hall Gardens for a few weeks until their Lighthouse Pavilion (later Winter Gardens) was finished.
Guess the newer fire station must have been built 1920s / 1930s – probably the latter as it's a bit of a classic neo-Georgian type building, along the same lines as the ex-post-office in West Kirby…..
S Ryan says
The Albert Rd fire station opened in 1898 but there was an earlier one as Hoylake had a fire engine from 1885.
The later station on Grosvenor Rd opened in July 1930
Hello S Ryan
Having read your comment about the later Fire Station being open in July 1930 on Grosvenor Road Hoylake I wonder if it was in Charles Road instead as that had an entrance into a large yard were their Horses could have been stabled as Charles Road runs parellel with Grosvenor Road.
Helen Carr.


This was my first time as a Dewsall Court Wedding Photographer and it was for the fantastic wedding of Becky & Steven. Becky and Steven live in Singapore and arranged their wedding (or most of it) from there, although they did pay a visit earlier this year. During that visit we had their engagement shoot which was also at Dewsall Court. It was great to get to know them both as most communication had been done through email or Skype.
Their wedding was a coming together of two families from different sides of the Atlantic. Becky's from the UK and Steven's from the USA, having said this, Steven's family do originate from France. Guests travelled from all over to help these guys celebrate and were rewarded with some beautiful if uncommon British sunshine.
Dewsall Court is a beautiful wedding venue in rural Herefordshire nestled in the stunning countryside. The wedding ceremony took place on the lawns with those stunning countryside views as a backdrop. Becky and Steven both spent the morning at Dewsall Court getting ready, relaxing and enjoying the company of their friends and family too. Steven and his groomsmen had a game of snooker although I am not sure that they knew the rules.
When the sun had started to set we went out for a little portrait session in the gardens. Becky and Steven took this time to enjoy each others company and a bit of quiet time to think about how great their day had been. On to the evening and the dance floor was a huge party for everyone, some really cool dance moves there guys!


text:
Can Normal C-Reactive Protein Rule Out Acute Appendicitis in Pediatric Patients?
By Landon Jones, MD, and Richard M. Cantor, MD, FAAP, FACEP | on January 10, 2018 | 1 Comment
The best questions often stem from the inquisitive learner. As educators, we love, and are always humbled by, those moments when we get to say, "I don't know." For some of these questions, you may already know the answers. For others, you may never have thought to ask the question. For all, questions, comments, concerns, and critiques are encouraged. Welcome to the Kids Korner.
Treatment for Acute Gastroenteritis, Acute Epididymitis in Pediatric Patients
Latest Research on Nonoperative Treatment of Appendicitis in Pediatric Patients
Appendicitis Calculator Quantifies Risk in Children with Acute Abdominal Pain
Question 2: For pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis, can a normal C-reactive protein (CRP) rule out acute appendicitis?
A prospective study by Sengupta et al evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of white blood cell (WBC) count and CRP for acute appendicitis.1 This study included 98 patients, of whom only 20 were pediatric patients. The authors found that a combined normal WBC (lower than 11,000) and a normal CRP (less than 10 mg/L) demonstrated a 100 percent negative predictive value (NPV) in patients younger than 18 years of age. Separately, the sensitivities of an elevated WBC and elevated CRP were 85 percent and 65 percent, respectively, for diagnosing histologically proven acute appendicitis. The authors stated, "No patient with a normal white cell count and CRP needed appendectomy, and therefore, depending on other clinical criteria, these patients do not require admission to the hospital."
That was a single study with a very small pediatric patient population (n=20 children), and a number of other articles would suggest a different conclusion. For instance, in a single retrospective cohort study from two separate institutions by Vaughan-Shaw et al that included 297 patients (both adults and children), 17 patients with histologically proven acute appendicitis would have been sent home if the exact same criteria for WBC and CRP as stated above were used.2 That's 5 percent and 8 percent of the histologically proven appendicitis cases from the two institutions examined in that study.
That research included both adults and children. So what have pediatric-specific studies found? A recent prospective study by Zouari et al evaluated 292 pediatric patients with the combination of Alvarado score (see Table 1), CRP, and ultrasound.3 Alone, the sensitivity of CRP was 77 percent, so it is an ineffective test for diagnosing appendicitis. When combining a negative ultrasound (defined as a normal appendix or no appendix visualized) with an Alvarado score of less than 4 and a normal CRP, the NPV was only 92 percent, which is still not a great NPV. The NPV was even worse (73 percent) if the Alvarado score was 5–6. In the end, the negative CRP demonstrated poor diagnostic ability for acute appendicitis.
(click for larger image) Table 1. Alvarado Score for Diagnosing Acute Appendicitis
Credit: Alvarado A. A practical score for the early diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Ann Emerg Med. 1986;15(5):557-564.
In another prospective pediatric study by Benito et al, of 185 patients between 2 and 14 years of age, a CRP of less than 2 mg/dL demonstrated poor sensitivity (35 percent). Prada-Arias et al found a similarly poor sensitivity (43 percent) in a prospective study of 275 admitted children.4,5 These authors did not evaluate the combination of a normal WBC and normal CRP in these studies. With regard to a combined normal WBC and normal CRP, a retrospective pediatric-only study by Buyukbese Sarsu et al found that a WBC lower than 13,100 μL and CRP less than 1.17 mg/dL still missed six out of 278 (2.1 percent) cases of acute appendicitis.6
A normal CRP alone is an inadequate test to evaluate for acute appendicitis and should not change a practitioner's suspicion of appendicitis by itself. In cases with a normal WBC and normal CRP, the literature suggests a lower likelihood of acute appendicitis, but these results do not rule out acute appendicitis.
Dr. Jones is assistant professor of pediatric emergency medicine at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
Dr. Cantor is professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics, director of the pediatric emergency department, and medical director of the Central New York Poison Control Center at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.
Sengupta A, Bax G, Paterson-Brown S. White cell count and C-reactive protein measurement in patents with possible appendicitis. Ann R Coll Sure Engl. 2009;91(2):113-115.
Vaughan-Shaw PG, Rees JR, Bell E, et al. Normal inflammatory markers in appendicitis: evidence from two independent cohort studies. JRSM Short Rep. 2011;2(5):43.
Zouari M, Jallouli M, Louati H, et al. Predictive value of C-reactive protein, ultrasound and Alvarado score in acute appendicitis: a prospective pediatric cohort. Am J Emerg Med. 2016;34(2):189-192.
Benito J, Acedo Y, Medrano L, et al. Usefulness of new and traditional serum biomarkers in children with suspected appendicitis. Am J Emerg Med. 2016;34(5):871-876.
Prada-Arias M, Vázquez JL, Salgado-Barreira A, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of fibrinogen to differentiate appendicitis from nonspecific abdominal pain in children. Am J Emerg Med. 2017;35(1):66-70.
Buyukbese Sarsu S, Sarac F. Diagnostic value of white blood cell and C-reactive protein in pediatric appendicitis. Biomed Res Int. 2016;2016:6508619.
Topics: Abdominal and GastrointestinalAppendicitisC-Reactive ProteinCRPED Critical CareEmergency DepartmentEmergency MedicineEmergency PhysiciansPatient CarePediatric
The Future of Antibiotics and Appendicitis in the Emergency Department
How Military Medicine Has Influenced Emergency Medicine
October 5, 2022 - 1 Comment
Diagnosing Sepsis, the Next Generation
One Response to "Can Normal C-Reactive Protein Rule Out Acute Appendicitis in Pediatric Patients?"
Dan Mayer Reply
The sample size wa way too small
The results of the pediatric group are data dredged as they are a subgroup of the whole study
Sensitivity and specificity are not given
The confidence intervals on the sensitivity and specificity are not given
Predictive values are only applicable in this population and should not be generalized