text:
\section{Introduction}
\label{section1}

The parabolic equation method, as an approximation to some elliptic
problems, has been extensively used in mathematical physics. It was
introduced by Leontovich \& Fock \cite{foc} in the theory of
electromagnetic wave propagation, applied in monograph of Babich \&
Buldyrev \cite{bab} to various diffraction problems and developed by
Tappert \cite{tap} and his successors in underwater acoustics. Later
it appeared also in the theory of surface water wave propagation in
works of Liu \& Mei \cite{liu}, Radder \cite{rad}, Kirby \&
Dalrymple \cite{kir} and others.
Since then, it has been proven through the contribution of several
authors to be an effective model for dealing rapidly and accurately
with propagation problems in coastal areas.
\par
The standard, or narrow angle parabolic wave equation has the form
of the quantum mechanical non-stationary Schr\"odinger equation and
describes the propagation of waves in weakly inhomogeneous media, at
small angles with a preferred direction (taken to be in this paper
the $x$-direction). Being of the evolution type equation, it can be
solved in the frame of the initial-boundary value problems and has
an advantage over the geometric optic method in describing the wave
field near a caustic. In the theory of the surface water wave
propagation the parabolic equation method now can be considered as
classic and is well explained in Mei's monograph \cite{mei}. In this theory
some more complicated models, which
describe wide-angle propagation \cite{dal-kir} and include some
nonlinear effects \cite{kir,liu-yoon}, were also developed.
\par
In the theory of internal wave propagation, though the geometric optic method
is well-developed \cite{kel-mow,mir,vor}, little is known about the parabolic equation method,
except the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation, which in the variable topography case was derived
for the  interfacial waves in \cite{chen-liu}.
\par
The case of continuous stratification is in close analogy with the acoustic case,
where the adiabatic mode parabolic equations were first derived by the factorization method in
\cite{collins} and later by the multiple-scale method in
\cite{trof1} and \cite{trof2}.

\par
The aim of our work is to obtain a standard parabolic equation for the
internal wave propagation in the most simple cases and briefly
discuss related computational aspects. Rotation, which is ignored at this
stage, can be included in the model as weak rotation \cite{chen-liu},
and will be considered in our further publications.

As an illustration we present some numerical calculations performed
in the case of refraction of an incident plane wave on a
circular-like shoal.

\section{Formulation and scaling}
\label{section2} The system of linear equations, describing small
amplitude motions of stratified inviscid fluid with harmonic
dependence on time $t$ by the factor $e^{-\mathrm{i}\omega t}$, from
which we are starting, is
\begin{equation}\label{base}
\begin{split}
-\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_0u+P_x=0  \\
-\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_0v+P_y=0  \\
-\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_0w+P_z+g\rho_1=0 \\
-\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_1+w\rho_{0z}=0  \\
u_x+v_y+w_z=0
\end{split}
\end{equation}
Here $x$, $y$, and $z$ are the Cartesian coordinates (vertical axis is
directed upward),
$\rho_0=\rho_0(z)$ is the undisturbed density, $P$ is the pressure,
$g$ is the gravity acceleration, $\rho_1=\rho_1(x,y,z)$ is the perturbation
of density due to motion, and $u$, $v$ and $w$ are respectively  the $x$, $y$ and $z$
components of velocity.
\par
We consider these equations with the boundary conditions
\begin{equation} \label{bc}
\begin{split}
 w =  0 \quad  &\mbox{at} \quad z=0 \\
 w+uH_x+vH_y=0 \quad  &\mbox{at} \quad  z=-H
\end{split}
\end{equation}
where $H=H(x,y)$ is the bottom depth.
\par
To begin the multiple-scale procedure \cite{nay}, we introduce a
small parameter $\epsilon$, the slow variables $X=\epsilon x$ and
$Y=\epsilon^{1/2}y$, the fast variable $\xi=(1/\epsilon)\Theta(X,Y)$
and expand the dependent variables as follows:
$$
u  =  u_0+\epsilon u_1+\ldots \mbox{,\qquad}
v  =  \epsilon^{1/2}v_{1/2}+\ldots \mbox{,}
$$
$$
w  =  w_0+\epsilon w_1+\ldots \mbox{,\qquad}
P  = P_0+\epsilon P_1+\ldots
$$
The scaling used in the definition of the slow variables is characteristic
for the parabolic equation method \cite[Section 4.10]{foc,mei}, with $x$-direction
as the principal propagation direction and $y$-direction as the transverse direction.
\par
From now on we assume that
$$
H  =  H_0(X)+\epsilon H_1(X,Y)\,,
$$
so  $H_0$ is independent of $Y$.

\par
We also expand $\rho_1$ in powers of $\epsilon$
$$
\rho_1=\rho_{10}+\epsilon\rho_{11}+\ldots\,.
$$
\par
Substitution of these expansions into system  (\ref{base}) and the
boundary conditions (\ref{bc})
 and changing the partial derivatives for the prolonged ones by the rules
\begin{equation*}
\begin{split}
&\frac{\partial}{\partial x}  \rightarrow \epsilon\frac{\partial}{\partial
X}+\Theta_X\frac{\partial}{\partial
\xi}\,, \\
&\frac{\partial}{\partial y}  \rightarrow
\epsilon^{1/2}\frac{\partial}{\partial Y}+
\Theta_Y\frac{\partial}{\partial \xi}\,,
\end{split}
\end{equation*}
leads to the system of equations
\begin{align}
 -\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_0(u_0+\epsilon u_1+\ldots)+\epsilon
(\frac{\partial}{\partial
X}+\frac{1}{\epsilon}\Theta_X\frac{\partial}{\partial \xi})
 (P_0+\epsilon P_1+\ldots)=0&\,,\label{eq7}\\
 -\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_0(\epsilon^{1/2}v_{1/2}+\ldots)+
\epsilon^{1/2}(\frac{\partial}{\partial
Y}+\frac{1}{\epsilon}\Theta_Y\frac{\partial}{\partial \xi}) \label{eq8}
(P_0+\epsilon P_1+\ldots)=0&\,,\\
-\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_0(w_0+\epsilon w_1+\ldots)+ P_{0z}+\epsilon
P_{1z}+\ldots+g(\rho_{10}+\epsilon\rho_{11}+\ldots)=0&\,,\label{eq9}\\
-\mathrm{i}\omega(\rho_{10}+\epsilon\rho_{11}+\ldots)+ (w_0+\epsilon
w_1+\ldots)\rho_{0z}=0&\,,\label{eq10}
\end{align}
\begin{equation}\label{eq11}
\begin{split}
\epsilon(\frac{\partial}{\partial
X}+\frac{1}{\epsilon}&\Theta_X\frac{\partial}{\partial \xi})
(u_0+\epsilon u_1+\ldots)\\
+ &\epsilon^{1/2}(\frac{\partial}{\partial Y}+\frac{1}{\epsilon}\Theta_Y\frac{\partial}{\partial
\xi})(\epsilon^{1/2}v_{1/2}+\ldots)
 +w_{0z}+\epsilon w_{1z}+\ldots=0\,,
\end{split}
\end{equation}
with the boundary conditions
\begin{equation}\label{eq12}
 w_0+\epsilon w_1+\ldots =  0 \qquad \text{at}\quad z=0\,,
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}\label{eq13}
\begin{split}
 w_0+&\epsilon w_1+\ldots + \epsilon(u_0+\epsilon u_1+\ldots)
\frac{\partial}{\partial X}(H_0 + \epsilon H_1)  \\
 & +\epsilon^{1/2}(\epsilon^{1/2}v_{1/2}+\ldots)
\frac{\partial}{\partial Y}(H_0+\epsilon H_1)=0
  \qquad \text{at}\quad  z=-(H_0+\epsilon H_1)\,.
\end{split}
\end{equation}

\section{The parabolic equation}

Equating coefficients in Eqs.~(\ref{eq7}-\ref{eq13}) of like powers
of $\epsilon$, we obtain equations describing $u_l, w_l, v_{l+1/2}$,
$l=0,1,\ldots$.
\par
At the order $-1/2$ in $\epsilon$ we obtain from (\ref{eq8})
$$
\Theta_Y P_{0\xi}=0\,,
$$
and put $\Theta_Y=0$, so in the sequel $\Theta$ depends only on $X$, $\Theta=\Theta(X)$.
\par
At the zeroth order in $\epsilon$ we have
\begin{equation} \label{ord13}
-\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_0u_0+\Theta_X P_{0\xi}=0\,,
\end{equation}
\begin{equation} \label{ord14}
-\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_0w_0+P_{0z}=-g\rho_{10}\,,
\end{equation}
\begin{equation} \label{ord15}
-\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_{10}+w_0\rho_{0z}=0\,,
\end{equation}
\begin{equation} \label{ord16}
\Theta_Xu_{0\xi}+w_{0z}=0\,,
\end{equation}
with the boundary conditions
\begin{equation*}
\begin{split}
w_0 =  0 \quad &\mbox{at} \quad z=0\,, \\ w_0 =  0 \quad &\mbox{at}
\quad z=-H_0\,.
\end{split}
\end{equation*}
\par
After substitution in Eq.~(\ref{ord14}) $\rho_{10}$ from
Eq.~(\ref{ord15}) we get
\begin{equation} \label{ord18}
(\omega^2\rho_0+g\rho_{0z})w_0+\mathrm{i}\omega P_{0z}=0\,.
\end{equation}
Twice differentiating this equation with respect to
$\xi$ and using the expression
\begin{equation*}\label{ord19}
P_{0z\xi\xi}= -\frac{1}{(\Theta_X)^2}\mathrm{i}\omega(\rho_0
w_{0z})_z,
\end{equation*}
obtained from Eqs.~(\ref{ord13}) and (\ref{ord16}), we get
\begin{equation*}\label{ord20}
(\Theta_X)^2(\omega^2\rho_0+g\rho_{0z})w_{0\xi\xi}+\omega^2(\rho_{0z}w_{0z})_z=0\,.
\end{equation*}
We seek a solution of this equation in the form of WKB-type anzatz
$w_0=A(X,Y)\phi(X,z)e^{i\xi}$, where $\phi$ is an eigenfunction with
the eigenvalue $k^2=(\Theta_X)^2$ of the spectral problem
\begin{equation} \label{ord21}
\begin{split}
&\omega^2(\rho_0\phi_z)_z-k^2(\omega^2\rho_0+g\rho_{0z})\phi=0\,,  \\
&\phi(0)=\phi(-H_0)=0\,,
\end{split}
\end{equation}
normalized by the condition
\begin{equation} \label{ord39}
\frac{\omega^2}{k^2}\int^0_{-H_0}\rho_0\cdot(\phi_z)^2dz=
-\int^0_{-H_0}(\omega^2\rho_0+g\rho_{0z})\phi^2dz=1\,.
\end{equation}
This problem is known as the main spectral problem of the linear internal wave theory.

At $O(\epsilon^{1/2})$ we have only one equation
\begin{equation}
-\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_0v_{1/2}+P_{0Y}=0\,, \label{ord27}
\end{equation}
which express the balance in the transverse direction for the quantities of order $<O(\epsilon)$.

The system of equations at the first order in $\epsilon$ is
\begin{equation}\label{ord22}
-\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_0u_1+\Theta_XP_{1\xi}+P_{0X}=0\,,
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}\label{ord23}
-\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_0w_1+P_{1z}=-g\rho_{11}\,,
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}\label{ord24}
u_{0X}+\Theta_Xu_{1\xi}+v_{1/2Y}+w_{1z}=0\,,
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}\label{ord25}
-\mathrm{i}\omega\rho_{11}+w_1\rho_{0z}=0\,,
\end{equation}
with the boundary conditions
\begin{equation}\label{ord25a}
w_1 = 0 \qquad \mbox{at} \qquad z=0\,,
\end{equation}
and
$$
w_0(z)+ \epsilon w_1(z)+\epsilon u_0(z) H_{0X} = 0 \qquad
\mbox{at}\qquad z=-H_0-\epsilon H_1\,.
$$
Expanding velocities in Taylor series with respect to $z$ at
$z=-H_0$ and collecting terms at $\epsilon^1$, we reduce the last
boundary condition on $z=-H_0$
\begin{equation}\label{ord26}
w_1 -w_{0z}H_1+u_0 H_{0X} = 0 \qquad \mbox{at}\qquad z=-H_0\,.
\end{equation}
\par
Considerations, similar to those in the derivation of the spectral
problem Eq.~(\ref{ord21}) (the details are given in
Appendix~\ref{A1}), lead at $O(\epsilon)$ to the equation
\begin{equation} \label{ord33}
\begin{split}
(\omega^2\rho_0+g\rho_{0z})w_{1\xi\xi}+&\frac{\omega^2}{k^2}(\rho_0w_{1z})_z  \\
& =-\frac{\omega^2}{k^2}\left(2(\rho_0u_{0X})_z
+\frac{1}{\mathrm{i}\omega}
P_{0YYz}-\frac{k_X}{k}(\rho_0u_0)_z\right)\,.
\end{split}
\end{equation}
Seeking solutions of Eq.~(\ref{ord33}) which depend on $\xi$ by the
factor $\exp(\mathrm{i}\xi)$, we obtain for $w_1$ the equation
\begin{equation} \label{ord33a}
\begin{split}
\omega^2(\rho_0w_{1z})_z -k^2(\omega^2\rho_0 + &g\rho_{0z})w_1  \\
&= -\omega^2\left(2(\rho_0u_{0X})_z+\frac{1}{\mathrm{i}\omega}
P_{0YYz}-\frac{k_X}{k}(\rho_0u_0)_z\right)\,.
\end{split}
\end{equation}
A solution to this differential equation with respect to $z$ with
the boundary conditions Eqs.~(\ref{ord25a}) and (\ref{ord26}) can be
found only when a certain compatibility condition is satisfied,
because the right hand side of Eqs.~(\ref{ord33a}) and (\ref{ord26})
contain the solution of the spectral problem (\ref{ord21}). The
compatibility condition yields the required evolution equation for
the amplitude function $A$
\begin{equation}\label{ord43}
\begin{split}
A_X+\frac{1}{2\mathrm{i}k}A_{YY}-\frac{1}{2}\frac{k_X}{k}A
&+\frac{\omega^2}{2k^2}\rho_0(-H_0)\cdot H_{0X}\cdot
\left(\phi_z(X,-H_0)\right)^2A\\
&-\frac{\omega^2}{2\mathrm{i}k}\rho_0(-H_0)\cdot H_1\cdot
\left(\phi_z(X,-H_0)\right)^2A=0\,,
\end{split}
\end{equation}
which we call the parabolic equation for periodic internal waves.
Rewritten in the initial coordinates $(x,y)$, it has the form
\begin{equation}\label{ord43prim}
\begin{split}
A_x+\frac{1}{2\mathrm{i}k}A_{yy}-\frac{1}{2}\frac{k_x}{k}A
&+\frac{\omega^2}{2k^2}\rho_0(-H_0)\cdot H_{0x}\cdot
\left(\phi_z(x,-H_0)\right)^2 A\\
&-\frac{\omega^2}{2\mathrm{i}k}\rho_0(-H_0)\cdot \bar H_1\cdot
\left(\phi_z(x,-H_0)\right)^2 A=0\,,
\end{split}
\end{equation}
where $\bar H_1(x,y)=\epsilon H_1(\epsilon x,\epsilon^{1/2}y)$,
For detailed derivation of Eq.~(\ref{ord43}) see Appendix~\ref{A2}.
\par
For the numerical calculation of the coefficients of Eq.~(\ref{ord43})
can be used, in principle, any algorithm for
solving the spectral problem Eq.~(\ref{ord21}). Some problems arise
with the derivatives, namely, $k_X$ and $\phi_z(X,-H_0))$.
\par
To avoid numerical differentiation in the calculation of $k_X$ we
differentiate the spectral problem Eq.~(\ref{ord21}) with respect to
$X$ and get the boundary value problem
 for $\phi_X$
\begin{equation*} \label{ord44}
\begin{split}
&\omega^2(\rho_0\phi_{Xz})_z-k^2(\omega^2\rho_0+g\rho_{0z})\phi_X
-2kk_X(\omega^2\rho_0+g\rho_{0z})\phi=0\,,  \\
&\phi_X(X,0)=0\,, \qquad \phi_X(X,-H_0)-H_{0X}\phi_z(X,-H_0)=0\,.
\end{split}
\end{equation*}
The compatibility condition for this problem is
\begin{equation*}\label{ord46}
\frac{k_X}{k} =  -\frac{\omega^2}{2k^2}\rho_0(-H_0)\cdot
H_{0X}\cdot\left(\phi_z(X,-H_0)\right)^2\,.
\end{equation*}
which gives the stable formula for the  numerical calculation of $k_X/k$ (modulo the calculation of
$\phi_z(X,-H_0))$).
\par
Now we derive a formula for the stable calculation of the
 derivative $\phi_z(X,-H_0)$. To do this, we multiply Eq.~(\ref{ord21})
by $z$ and integrate from $-H_0$ to zero. After integrating by parts
and some transformations we get the required formula
\begin{equation*}\label{ord47}
\phi_z(X,-H_0)=\frac{1}{\rho_0(-H_0)
H_0}\left(\frac{k^2}{\omega^2}\int^0_{-H_0}(\omega^2\rho_0+g\rho_{0z})\phi\cdot
z\,dz -\int^0_{-H_0}\rho_{0z}\phi\,dz\right)\,.
\end{equation*}

\begin{figure}[ptb]
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=1.0\textwidth]{fig1.eps}
\end{center}
\caption{Bottom topography forms of the compact inhomogeneities (\ref{coef2}) used for
the numerical simulation. For all cases $h_1=1\,\text{m}$, $\sigma=500\,\text{m}$.
(a)~$M=0$, $\alpha_0=0$;
(b)~$M=1$, $\alpha_0=0$;
(c)~$M=1$, $\alpha_0=\pi/2$;
(d)~$M=3$, $\alpha_0=0$.
}\label{r0}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}[ptb]
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=5.0in]{fig2.eps}
\end{center}
\caption{Transverse cross-sections at $x=12000\,\text{m}$ of relative  wave field amplitudes in
scattering of the 2nd mode internal waves on the
shoal (\ref{coef2}) with parameters $M=0, \sigma=500~m,
\alpha_0=0$ (Fig.~\ref{r0}(a)).  ---, the parabolic equation
method; -\,-\,-\,, the Born approximation (\ref{coef3}). }\label{r1}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}[ptb]
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=5.0in]{fig3.eps}
\end{center}
\caption{Transverse cross-sections at $x=12000\,\text{m}$ of relative wave field amplitudes in
scattering of the 2nd mode internal waves on the
shoal (\ref{coef2}) with parameters $M=1, \sigma=500~m,
\alpha_0=0$ (Fig.~\ref{r0}(b)).  ---, the parabolic equation
method; -\,-\,-\,, the Born approximation (\ref{coef3}).}\label{r2}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}[ptb]
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=5.0in]{fig4.eps}
\end{center}
\caption{Transverse cross-sections at $x=12000\,\text{m}$ of relative wave field amplitudes in
scattering of the 2nd mode internal waves on the
shoal (\ref{coef2}) with parameters $M=1, \sigma=500~m,
\alpha_0=\pi/2$ (Fig.~\ref{r0}(c)). ---, the parabolic equation method;
-\,-\,-\,, the Born approximation (\ref{coef3}).}\label{r3}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}[ptb]
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=5.0in]{fig5.eps}
\end{center}
\caption{Transverse cross-sections at $x=12000\,\text{m}$ of relative wave field amplitudes in
scattering of the 2nd mode internal waves on the
shoal (\ref{coef2}) with parameters $M=3, \sigma=500~m,
\alpha_0=0$ (Fig.~\ref{r0}(d)). ---, the parabolic equation
method; -\,-\,-\,, the Born approximation (\ref{coef3}).}\label{r4}
\end{figure}

\section{Numerical experiments}

The numerical experiments were conducted for a fluid with an
exponential density stratification $\rho= \exp(-\gamma z)$, where
$\gamma > 0$. In this case the complete set of normalized solutions
of the spectral problem Eq.~(\ref{ord21}) is
\begin{equation}\label{num1}
\begin{split}
k_n=\frac{\omega}{2 H_0}\sqrt{\frac{\gamma^2
H_0^2+4n^2\pi^2}{g\gamma-\omega^2}}\,,\quad n=1,\ldots\,,\\
\phi_n(z)=C\exp(\gamma z/2)\sin(n\pi z/H_0)\,,\quad n=1,\ldots\,,
\end{split}
\end{equation}
where $C$ is the normalizing constant
\begin{equation}\label{num2}
C = \sqrt{\frac{2}{H_0(g\gamma-\omega^2)}}\,.
\end{equation}
From Eqs.~(\ref{num1}) and (\ref{num2}) we have also
\begin{equation*}
\phi_{nz}(-H_0)=(-1)^nC\frac{n\pi}{H_0}\exp(-\gamma H_0/2) \,.
\end{equation*}

For the numerical experiments the problem of the scattering of
the incident plane wave of a given mode on the localized small inhomogeneities of
the bottom topography was considered. So  $H_0$ is taken to be a constant and $\bar H_1(x,y)$
describes the inhomogeneity, the total depth is $H_0+\bar H_1(x,y)$. For the inhomogeneities of the form
\begin{equation}\label{coef2}
\bar H_1(r,\alpha)=-A_Mr^M\cos(M(\alpha+\alpha_0))\exp(-r^2/\sigma^2)\,,M=1,\ldots\,,
\end{equation}
where $(r,\alpha)$ are the polar coordinates centered at the point $(x_0,y_0=0)$ with
$\alpha=0$ corresponding to the positive $x$-direction,
the scattering problem for the propagating in $x$-direction incident plane wave
of the $n$th mode
with the vertical velocity $w_{inc}=A_0\exp(\mathrm{i}k_n (x-x_0))\phi_n$ admits an approximate solution
in which the $n$th mode component of the scattered field is
\begin{equation}\label{coef3}
\begin{split}
w_n^{scat}(r,\alpha,z)=&A_n(r,\alpha)\phi_n=\left( A_0 A_M G\,
\mathrm{i}^{M+1}\,\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{2}}\,\frac{\kappa^M\sigma^{2M+2}}{2^{M+1}}
\frac{ e^{\mathrm{i}(k_nr-\pi/4)}}{\sqrt{k_nr}} \right. \\
&\left.\times \exp(-\frac{\sigma^2(k^2_n-k^2_n\cos\alpha)}{2})\cos
M(\psi-\alpha_0)\cos\alpha\right)\cdot\phi_n\,,\\
\end{split}
\end{equation}
where $G=\omega^2\rho(-H_0)\left(\phi_{nz}(-H_0)\right)^2$, $\kappa = \sqrt{2 k^2_n - 2 k^2_n\cos\alpha}$
~and $\tan(\psi)= \sin\alpha/(1-\cos\alpha)$. The quantity that will be compared with the solution of the
parabolic equation (\ref{ord43prim}) is the absolute value of the $n$th mode part amplitude of
the incident$+\,$scat\-te\-red field
$$
|A(x,y)| = |A_0\exp(\mathrm{i}k_n (x-x_0))+A_n(\sqrt{(x-x_0)^2+y^2},\arctan(y/(x-x_0)))|\,.
$$

\par
The solution Eq.~(\ref{coef3}) was obtained by the methods of the
work \cite{zakh} in the frame of the Born and far field
approximations. The methods of the work \cite{zakh} do not use any assumptions
on the preferred propagation direction and are closely related to the methods
of the work \cite{ll_smith}.

The numerical experiments were conducted on the computational domain
$[0 \le x \le 12000]\times[-5000 \le y \le 5000]$, where $x$ and $y$
are measured in meters. Eq.~(\ref{ord43prim}) with the initial
condition $A_0=A(0,y)=constant$ was integrated on the grid $395\times349$ by
the Crank-Nicholson scheme \cite{pot}. In order to exclude
reflections at the boundaries, the absorbing Baskakov-Popov boundary
conditions were used~\cite{baspop}, which were adapted for
non-vanishing at the boundaries initial conditions.

The inhomogeneities in all cases have width parameter $\sigma =
500\,\mbox{m}$ and the amplitude $h_1=A_M\exp(-M/2)\left(\sigma\sqrt{M/2}\,\right)^M=1\,\text{m}$
 with the center positioned
at $x_0 = 2000\,\mbox{m}$, $y_0 = 0\,\mbox{m}$.
The shape parameters $M$ and $\alpha_0$ were varied (see Fig.~\ref{r0}).
The depth of the flat bottom, $H_0$, was taken to be 60~m. The
density stratification parameter $\gamma=0.00025$, which corresponds
to the Brunt-V\"ais\"al\"a frequency $N=\sqrt{g\gamma}\approx
0.05\,s^{-1}$.

The computations were done for the  1st mode and 2nd mode incident
plane waves with 15~min time period. The transverse cross-sections of the 2nd mode
computed field amplitude at $x=12000~\text{m}$ are presented in
Fig.~\ref{r1}-\ref{r4} in comparison with the Born type
approximation scattering results obtained by Eq.~(\ref{coef3}).
The results for the 1st mode are analogous.
\par
Considering the results of computations, it is worth noting that the solution (\ref{coef3})
has an approximative character, so the comparison with it is not exactly the test of accuracy
of the derived parabolic equation. Nevertheless, since Eq.~(\ref{coef3}) is of quite different genesis,
and, in particular, free from any assumptions on the preferred propagation direction, this comparison can
lead to the conclusion that the parabolic equation describes sufficiently well the waves with propagation
angles up to $45^{\,\circ}$ (see the discussion on the propagation angles in \cite{dal-kir}),
scattering on the enough rough topography.

\section{Conclusion}

For the propagation of periodic internal waves over uneven bottom
topography with small irregularities, the  narrow-angle parabolic
equation (\ref{ord43prim}) has been derived. It also takes into account
slow, but not necessary small, variations of bottom topography
 in principal propagation direction.
\par
We have illustrated the use of the obtained equation by presenting
the results of scattering of the plane internal waves over  shoals
of the special forms~(\ref{coef2}). The results of computations are in
a sufficiently good agreement with the analytical solution~(\ref{coef3}),
obtained in the frame of the Born approximation,
and support the applicability of equation (\ref{ord43prim}) for computing
of internal wave fields over uneven bottom with restrictions typical for
the parabolic equation method in general \cite{tap,mei}.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


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my grouping and UnGrouping work properly for images. but when I select multiple IText using mouse and group it.
grouping is perform very well but when I UnGroup that group, at that time,
my all IText being transparent. we can select that IText, but only blank box.
fiddle linked below for generate issue :

https://jsfiddle.net/Mark_1998/71g6enkd/
To reProduce issue, steps are is in the fiddle.
Is there any patch available for this issue ?

A: You need to call group#destroy.
DEMO

var grp = document.getElementById('grp')
var ungrp = document.getElementById('ungrp')
var c = document.getElementById('c');
var canvas = new fabric.Canvas(c);
canvas.setHeight(300);
canvas.setWidth(500);

var text = new fabric.IText('this is test', {
  top: 100,
  left: 100,
  fill: 'red',
  fontSize: 40
});
canvas.add(text);

var text1 = new fabric.IText('this is test', {
  top: 150,
  left: 150,
  fill: 'red',
  fontSize: 20
});
canvas.add(text1);

grp.addEventListener('click', makeGroup);
ungrp.addEventListener('click', makeUngroup);

function makeGroup() {
  console.log('make group call');
  if (!canvas.getActiveGroup()) {
    return;
  }
  var activegroup = canvas.getActiveGroup() || canvas.getActiveObject();
  var objectsInGroup = activegroup.getObjects();
  activegroup.clone(function(newgroup) {
    canvas.discardActiveGroup();
    canvas.deactivateAllWithDispatch();
    objectsInGroup.forEach(function(object) {
      canvas.remove(object);
    });
    canvas.add(newgroup);
  });
}

function makeUngroup() {
  var activeObject = canvas.getActiveObject();
  if (activeObject && activeObject.type == "group") {
    var items = activeObject.getObjects();
    activeObject.destroy();
    canvas.remove(activeObject);
    for (var i = 0; i < items.length; i++) {
      canvas.add(items[i]);
    }
    canvas.renderAll.bind(canvas);
  }
}
<script src="http://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/fabric.js/1.7.20/fabric.js"></script>
<button id="grp">
Make Group
</button>
<button id="ungrp">
Make UnGroup
</button>
<canvas id="c" style="border: 1px solid"></canvas>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Iran holds the world's fourth-largest proved crude reserves and the second-largest natural gas reserves, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, so energy firms will be some of the clear beneficiaries of the deal. Most of those gains may not go to American companies, however, as they weigh the political costs of doing business with Tehran—especially considering the skepticism from Congress, according to Alireza Nader, senior international policy analyst at the Rand Corp.
Photo courtesy of Arash Razzagh Karimi, via Flickr CC.
Tags: businesses benefit, Iran, Iran nuclear deal, Tehran business, Vienna Talks. Bookmark the permalink.


How does BSL get started?
BSL stands for Breed Specific Legislation. A BSL can be anything from requiring special licensing of a breed or breeds (breed restriction) to the total elimination of a breed (breed ban).
BSL fails to target the problem: bad dog owners. Those who are causing the problems with their dogs will not care about the law. Either these owners will continue to own the breeds mentioned in the BSL or dump the dogs, get a new breed and continue the cycle. Or, a restriction will make the breeds more attractive to those who get a feeling of power by intentionally breaking the law. Some owners are simply poorly educated and do not know what it takes to properly raise, train, socialize and manage any dog. Owners who are intentionally bad or owners who are undereducated and irresponsible are the problems that need to be addressed. Also, BSL are tough to enforce, expensive and often very vague with their descriptions and how to identify a dangerous dog.
Aren't the dogs mentioned in BSL dangerous?
Any dog can be a risk. Even small breeds have seriously injured and killed children. An American Pit Bull Terrier in a good home is a safer dog than a Dachshund in a poor home. Humans decide how safe the individual dog will be. In the majority of dog problems, there is the owner to blame. The dog ends up as much of a victim in many respects. Is the dog to blame? No, he is just reflecting the owner. You can tell a lot about a person through his dogs.
If any dog can be dangerous, why are only certain breeds targeted?
These breeds are targeted because of a lack of education. Legislators and the general public do not take the time to learn the truth behind many breeds mentioned in BSL. Instead, they believe hype and information from undereducated and unreliable sources. The people creating the most problem with dogs are: those using dogs as status symbols for the wrong reasons; undereducated owners who do not realize the time it takes to properly raise any dog; those who unintentionally allow undesired behaviors to grow and fail to address them. How many people let tiny pups play tug of war with their hands or feet? Are they aware that this actually teaches the pup it is good to bite humans when playing? Children often unintentionally or intentionally do things that can lead to a bite: teasing, inappropriate play, trying to pat strange dogs, scaring dogs, etc. It looks better for lawmakers to ban a breed than to target the true source of the problem with supposedly killer breeds: often young, unsupervised, poorly raised kids or the irresponsible adult looking for another status symbol to prove machismo. There is little personal accountability any more. If something is being used for the bad, take it away from all as opposed to targeting the source of the bad – the human. Let's make an analogy: as this is being written there is a lawsuit against fast food restaurants: they are being blamed for obesity. A person can find salads, juice and milk at these fast food places or choose a smaller burger, fries and drink. Yes, the employees try to sell super-sized stuff, but you do not have to buy it. A person can eat unhealthily at any restaurant from Beverly Hills to Boston. Yet only fast food places are being targeted. Where is personal accountability? What lawmaker will jump on the bandwagon and try to restrict fast food places and what they can serve? Can you make the analogy? Any dog can be a problem. It is the human that decides what the dog becomes – regardless of the breed. Personal accountability. Who is in control of the dog?
If it is the human causing the problem, why not target the owners?
That is what people opposed to BSL are trying to do: get legislators to address the root of the problem without punishing the good. But legislators are often poorly educated and/or use the wrong sources for their information. They go by what is printed in the media and not reality. It looks better in the eyes of the undereducated to blame the dog than the human.
What if a lawmaker states they can positively identify a dangerous breed?
(2) The ABC should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. Head: Medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop; and ears are set high. Muzzle: medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well defined.
What breeds are defined here? Both are American Kennel Club recognized and wording taken directly from the AKC standards. One is a breed often mentioned in bans under a generic name. The other is one often touted as the perfect pet.
What can I do to stop BSL?
When you hear of a BSL anywhere, start writing letters, faxes, phone calls, emails, etc. In a calm, rational and non-insulting manner, try to educate lawmakers about why BSL are not the way to go when addressing dog issues. Push for laws that target the owner regardless of the type of dog owned. Encourage them to create leash laws and see they are enforced. Increase penalties for animal abuse, cruelty and the use of animals as weapons. In many communities it is a misdemeanor to neglect or abuse an animal. Lastly, encourage owners of breeds not mentioned to become involved with the fight.
What's the point of BSL?
The supportors of BSL claim their goal is to put an end to dog attacks by targeting certain breeds of dog that are "inherently vicious/dangerous", and dogs that tend to appeal to people who are involved in criminal activity (i.e. drug dealers, dog fighters, gangbangers, etc).
Did You Know?? No studies have been conducted to prove which breed has the strongest bite pressure? The very few tests that have been done comparing the bite pressure of several breeds showed PSI to be considerably lower than some wild estimates that have been made. Recently Dr. Brady Barr of National Geoprahic conducted a comparative test between a Pit Bull, a Rottweiler, and a German Shepherd. The Pit Bull had the LOWEST PSI OF THE THREE, measuring in with a bite of 320 pounds per square inch of pressure.
1) Very few people can accurately identify dog breeds.
2) Breeds are not listed individually, but rather under group headings. For instance, under the heading "pit bull", you will find no less than 3 distinct breeds, mixes of any of those three breeds, any dog that appears to be one of those breeds, plus any misidentified dogs. And make no mistake, dogs get misidentified all the time. There is a case of an Akita attack that was reported as a "pit bull attack" in the media. This author's dogs have been mistaken for Boxers, Bulldogs, and yes, one was even mistaken for an Akita. Just about any Pit Bull owner can tell you of many cases where their dog has dealt with a case of mistaken identity.
3) Bite stats take into account only reported bites.
4) Bite stats do not take into account the dogs of a specified breed who do NOT bite. No one knows the overall percentage of Pit Bulls who bite compared to, let's say, the percentage of Dalmatians or Golden Retrievers who bite.
5) Bite stats do not list "provoked" bites that occur at grooming shops and veterinary offices. If you took a survey of groomers and veterinarians, I'm sure you'd find an overwhelming majority of them would tell you that the small, "cutesy" dogs that people generally hold as harmless are the dogs that give them the most trouble. This author is an ex-groomer and can attest to the fact that the big dogs, particularly the Pit Bulls, and other similar breeds, are by far the most cooperative.
6) Bite stats DO list the truly provoked bites, i.e. dogs who have bitten after being teased/harrassed/abused.
While it is quite obvious that there is a problem in some communities regarding loose dogs harrassing/attacking people, criminal activity involving the use of dogs, and dog attacks in general, BSL fails to reduce the occurance of these problems because it fails to address the root cause: people. BSL doesn't work because it is purely predjudicial in nature. Instead of punishing owners who are irresponsible and criminals who use dogs for illegal purposes, the legislation targets dogs for simply existing, and people's rights to own the breed of dog they so choose.
BSL is also largely based on misinformation and truth-twisting, its authors citing the "inherent viciousness" of certain dog breeds as plenty reason to outlaw even those dogs that have never acted in a criminal fashion. Bite statistics are also used as justification since "pit bulls" often top such lists. Of course, no breed is inherently vicious, and the accuracy of bite stats are suspect as best.
1) Current laws are barely enforced. New laws are going to be heaped on top of old ones, for what purpose? Take something as simple as the leash law. It is not very often enforced. Leashes save lives, they prevent dog bites and attacks. It is a simple, yet extremely effective means of lessening dog problems. The blatant disregard for leash laws is not something that should be allowed to go on.
2) BSL takes time, money and man-power to enforce. The responsibility for the enforcement of laws falls on Animal Control and sheltering systems. These are agencies that are already dealing with massive surpluses of animals, more calls than they can sometimes handle. Now they are being forced to deal with the additional weight BSL dumps on their shoulders.
3) BSL is predjudicial in nature. It punishes dogs and owners who have done nothing wrong. It is discriminatory against people who choose to own a particular breed of dog.
4) All dogs bite. All dogs can inflict harm. There is no scientific study to prove that one breed of dog bites more or causes more injury than any other breed of dog. There have been cases of tiny dogs, under 20 pounds killing or seriously injurying children.
5) If Pit Bulls and similar breeds are outlawed or severely restricted, one of two things happen: criminals and irresponsible owners will continue to get their hands on the dogs and simply ignore laws, or they will turn to other breeds to suit their purposes.
1) Enforcement of generic dangerous dog laws, laws that hold owners accountable for the actions of their dogs regardless of breed.
2) Enforcement of leash laws. Let's be real strict about this. Tickets should be handed out like candy to individuals who disobey this law. Fine owners who let their dogs run loose or fail to keep them in enclosures that they cannot escape from. Let's have a 3-strikes and you're out law for people who refuse to keep their dogs under control. Use the money collected from these fines to fund community dog safety and responsible ownership programs.
3) Stop making excuses for animal cruelty, neglect, and irresponsible ownership. There need to be huge fines for those involved in any inhumane or irresponsible activity with animals.
Do Pit Bulls bite more than any other breed? Do they really top some "most dangerous dog" chart? Does such a chart even exist? These answers to this questions are, respectively: "There is no way to know", "No", and "No". Want more information? Read on.
Millions of people are bitten by dogs across the US every year, and the population is clamoring for a scapegoat on which to place the blame. Supposed "bite statistics" allow an outlet for such anxiety. However, how accurate are these stats, really?
1) There is no national registry for such information. Most communities keep their own stats. In my county, for example, they are kept by the health department.
2) Most bite reports are based on information collected from the victim and/or a witness. This means that the dog's breed is named by the victim. Since both my Rottweiler and French Bulldog have been referred to as "pit bulls" by passersby I give very little credence to the victim's identification of a dog involved in a bite case.
4) Without knowing the population of a given breed in a particular area, there is no way of knowing whether 10 bites by a given breed represent one really evil dog who has bitten many people, or 10 dogs who have each had a single incident.
5) Statistics are only as good as their interpretation. Any researcher will tell you so. "Who funded the study??"
I have only included 1 or 2 cities/states where the breed is affected by BSL so that the breeds can be verified as targets.
NOTE: These are breeds that are typically over 100lbs. If your dog is less than 100lbs than they are safe in Fairfield.
Big Time Gansta Rapper uses rugged looking dogs in many of his videos. Every fan of his just has to get this breed. Popularity begins to soar. Breeders are afraid of the backlash this music star's latest video is going to bring. Yes, the breed looks tough and needs an experienced owner, but in the right environment, it a very sweet pet. They become very protective of the breed. Sadly, a few breeders end up selling to the wrong people, or a couple dogs get stolen. A new group of bad breeders start up. They push for aggressive dogs and breed only those who they feel are the toughest out there. They do not care to whom the pups go. They sell the pups as great protectors and status symbols. Gangs are starting to pick up on certain colors of this dog. One gang is known to prefer brindles, another fawns, and another prefers black. The dogs are turning up in drug houses and guarding stashes. John X down the street is a big fan of BTGR and gets a dog. He wants the image. He already drives a car very much like BTGR, dresses and talks like his idol. John X is not unknown to the police for petty theft, minor drug violations and a few assaults. John X goes to one of his dealing buddies and gets a pup.
Pup is left chained during the day and isolated except when John X goes out for his daily toughening routine. He has big hopes for this pup. At night, it is brought inside, but the pup being a pup, played a bit rough with John X's daughter. Pup now lives outside. Better anyhow as the pup can warn of anyone trying to come on the property. John X spends a lot of time yelling at the pup to shut up, stop whining and barking. His young kids goes out with their friends to torment the pup. They throw rocks and sticks at it. The pup grows and one day decides not to tolerate the kids. He bites one after being hit in the head. One time he jumped the four-foot fence in order to escape the kids. John X beat the young dog for escaping and chains him to a rickety doghouse. Now the pup cannot escape. Every couple days he throws out an open bag of dog food and lets rain water fill the bowls. If there is no rain, he fills the water every few days. Sometimes the dog goes for a few days without water or food if John X has been arrested. His girlfriend will have nothing to do with the dog. Kids keep tormenting it. The dog is now turning nasty. He lunges and snarls at anyone walking by the fence. He has learned to fear humans. Humans are bad. John X sometimes walks him – when he had buddies to impress and maybe a dogfight to bet on. Dog shows several battle scars. If the dog snaps at him, he beats the dog down.
One day, the kids are tormenting the now adult dog. The dog is big, strong, and very distrustful. The dog starts lunging at the kids. The chain tethering him to the doghouse gets pulled free. The dog manages to jump the fence. Dog tears after the kids. One is bitten seriously. John X comes out and the dog takes off. Over the next few days, the dog injures many people. The police finally shoot the dog. Across town, actually, several places in town, similar scenarios are playing out. Some dogs are the same breed as John X's dog was, some are not, but share similar traits.
The media gets wind of the trouble and start printing stories about killer dogs. One breed, the type owned by BTGR, is mentioned over and over. But it is not always this breed causing the trouble. Yet because it sells papers, any dog resembling what BTGR owners is called this breed. No one bothers to talk to responsible owners of this breed. No one bothers to learn the truth behind the breed. The general public and local legislation begin to fear this breed. According to the people, something needs to be done. The council decides to get rid of the dogs. No more of this breed and the problem will stop. A program to restrict ownership of and eventually eliminate the dog from the program is started.
John X gets a few more dogs. He does not care about the new law banning the breed. He just hides his dogs in the basement and takes them out after dark. Sometimes one escapes and gets shot. So what? John X can always get another. Finally, his home is raided and all his dogs taken. No big deal, this breed is becoming passé. BTGR is losing favor with his fans. A New Star is rising. His dogs are bigger, rougher and could eat BTGR's for lunch according to the rumors on the street. New Star's breed becomes the new choice. Concerned breeders and owners try to keep the dogs out of the general public, but a few bad people get them and start breeding.
The problem of dangerous dogs never goes away. The town council kept promising that once a breed a banned, the attacks would stop. The dangerous dogs would be gone. But every time one breed is all but eliminated, another takes its place. Several years have passed; John X is now on his fifth breed. Punishments for owners like him are nothing. He pays a small fine and gets another dog or another breed. Finally, his new girlfriend comes home with a breed assumed to be a great dog for kids. John X is angry that she came home with this wimpy piece of crap. The kids continue to torment this dog. But the kids are older and the torment is worse. John X gets fed up and shoots it with a pellet gun. The hurt dog eventually gets loose. One of his kids corners the dog and charges it. The dog panics and the child ends up seriously injured. Doctors are not sure if the kid will make it. The dog is caught. But because of its breed, a local rehabilitation group is called to evaluate it.
Sadly, they recommend the dog be put down. The damage was done. John X had created yet another menace. This time, people are outraged at a bad owner. But it is too late.
This is how breed bans get started: the wrong people getting a breed of dog for the wrong reasons, or, an irresponsible person getting a dog. The dog reflects the human and becomes what the human makes it. When the dog ends up a problem in the neighborhood, it is the one blamed – not the human. Eventually, there is enough bad press and problems because of a very small minority of dog owners and the result is more often a call for a restriction of the breed. Instead, the restriction needs to be placed on the owners like John X who create the real danger.
Breed Specific Legislations, BSLs for short, are becoming a reality in many communities and even entire countries. BSLs encompass a wide range of legislations from requiring special licensing or accommodations for certain breeds of dogs to the outright banning and elimination of them. This article is not going to discuss the reason why BSLs are wrong or ineffective: what it is going to do it look at why all breeds need to get active and fight. Just because your breed is not mentioned in a ban does not mean it never will be.
Even the seemingly innocuous laws requiring special licensing or accommodations for a specific breed is a gateway to a tighter legislation and even a ban. Once a breed is labeled as inherently dangerous and needing certain provisions in order to be kept, it is just a short step to a total ban. Once one breed is restricted in some way, the door is opened for other breeds. Look at what happened in many regions of Germany. When I first became aware of BSLs in Germany, only a few breeds were mentioned. As time went on, more and more breeds were added. Then there were categories created: Category I are breeds to be banned; Category II are breeds to be monitored and banned if needed; Category III, dogs over a certain height or weight (over 40lbs or over 15.75 inches) that are risky because they are not small. Once the door was opened with the call to ban a few breeds, the only dogs NOT ending up restricted were the smallest ones. Scary to think how out of hand the legislations became in such a short period of time. When I look at my own four dogs, three are restricted according to German law: one due to her breed (Great Pyrenees), two due to their sizes (an Australian Shepherd/Newfoundland cross and an oversized Shetland Sheepdog). Who says only certain dogs are ever banned and others will not be affected? When was the last time anyone heard of Great Pyrenees being restricted? In Germany, they are Category II dogs. Any Category II dog is restricted for three years from breeding, etc., and the breed can become a Category I (basically banned) at any time.
When we look at the breeds most commonly named in BSLs, it is not hard to see where these breeds can lead to other similar dogs being banned. Take for example Bull Mastiffs. I have seen this breed listed in some BSLs. Who is to say the Mastiff will not be next? It is an ancestor of the Bull Mastiff and therefore must pose some risk. At least some risk in the eyes of the undereducated person often responsible for drafting these laws. Hmmm… What other breeds went into Bull Mastiffs? Maybe they need to be mentioned as well. Boxers, yes, they have Mastiff in their heritage, maybe they need to be named as well! This is how legislators or other undereducated people think: if one breed is dangerous, any breeds related to it must be as well. It is not a big step from an APBT to a Bull Terrier or from a Mastiff to a Great Dane. What about the breed descriptions? Herding breeds are known to chase and nipping can be part pf herding. Does this mean herding breeds pose more of a biting risk? In the eyes of the undereducated, yes, herding breeds may pose a greater risk. I have seen Australian Cattle Dogs listed in BSLs because it is thought, according to some accounts, of the breed history that Dingo and Bull Terrier blood went into them somewhere along the line. Does this seem fair?
This is why whenever we see Breed Specific Legislations in the works, regardless of where or what breeds are mentioned, dog enthusiasts all over the world need to take action and educate. Just because your breed is not mentioned, does not mean it never will be.


text:
Q: QueryDSL: No PostgreSQL output generated when using SQLQuery Maybe I'm doing something wrong and don't understand QueryDSL, yet, but I'm not able to generate PostgreSQL queries using SQLQuery and PostgreSQLTemplates.
Given the following entity:
@Entity
@Table(name = "approval")
public class Approval {

    @Id
    @GeneratedValue(strategy = GenerationType.IDENTITY)
    @Column(name = "id", nullable = false)
    Long id;

    @Column(name = "reference_type")
    @Enumerated(EnumType.STRING)
    private ApprovalReferenceType referenceType;

    ...
}

I'm trying to query both the ID and the reference type with the following query:
Connection connection = this.entityManager.unwrap(Connection.class);
SQLTemplates templates = new PostgreSQLTemplates();
Configuration configuration = new Configuration(templates);
SQLQuery<Tuple> query = new SQLQuery<>(connection, configuration);
List<Tuple> results = query.select(
        qApproval.id,
        qApproval.referenceType
    )
    .from(qApproval)
    .fetch();

When executing the query, I'm getting the following error:
com.querydsl.core.QueryException: Caught PSQLException for select approval.id, approval.referenceType
from approval

Here it seems like the query from above is just translated to JPA, but not to PostgreSQL?
Did I miss something? I was expecting to get the PostgreSQL code when using SQLQuery with the respective template.


Preheat the oven to 180°C on standard bake (160°C on fan bake, but avoid using fan bake as it causes excessive peaking during baking). Prepare cake tin by spraying liberally with oil spray.
Place milk and cream of tartar in a small glass, stir and set aside for 5 minutes. In a small bowl, place oil, eggs and vanilla extract, and stir to combine.
Into a large mixing bowl, sift flour, cocoa, caster sugar, baking soda and baking powder.
Scrape all of the milk mixture into the egg mixture and stir, then add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Using a hand mixer, mix to combine, then slowly add hot water and mix well until you have a smooth batter.
Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 1 hour 20 minutes, checking the cake regularly during the last quarter of cooking time, or until a cake skewer comes out clean when inserted into the cake.
Cool for 15 minutes in the tin, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Once fully cool, wrap the cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container if you plan to decorate it the following day, or wrap it in tinfoil, followed by plastic wrap and then freeze it.


Truly that kindest person you'll meet. She really does care for people, going out of her way to make people feel better. She's quite the charmer and she's just the right amount of crazy. You'd be extremely lucky to be her friend and you should savour every moment you spend with her because each and every moment with her is better than the last. She's not afraid to say what's on her mind which most of the time makes her very easy to talk to. She also totally loves huskies.
Dude 1: yeet, have you seen nancy today? She's killing it.
Girl 1: I know rigghtt!, wish i could be just like her!
Get a Nancy mug for your cat Riley.
A girl that is shy but in a way that will make you like her. She usually wears casual clothes like jeans a t-shirt and converse, and when you get to be her best friend you are in a very good position. When you make her mad you even feel bad and are mad at yourself. She is hot and has a great personality, almost everyone wants to be her friend but not everyone is. You will be very lucky to have a Nancy in your life.
Get a Nancy mug for your coworker Yasemin.
I wish i can have me a nancy.
Get a Nancy mug for your dog Manley.
Nancy is smart athletic girl. She's has an amazing smile!! , she's caring, she's funny , she's a goof, she's a freak. She's always keeps an happy look She's likes to keep her feels inside but, looks happy on the outside. She's loves everyone around her even if they don't like her she finds away to make them like her. But , if she can't it's there lose😂. Nancy's a girl who laughs for no reasons but,everyone laughs her goofy laugh.
is that Nancy, the one you don't like?
Yah but, where cool now. She's amazing I wanna wife her. She's not as bad as I though she would be.
Get a Nancy mug for your Facebook friend Abdul.
The type of chick you would be proud to introduce to your parents. She's smart, God-fearing and beautiful.
Person: That gal Nancy is so smart!
Guy: I'm finna make Nancy my wife!
Get a Nancy mug for your bunkmate Beatrix.
a Nancy is a casual person, she is very good at helping others, but when its her that needs help, she doesn't need others to help her. Nancy is a broken person, she has went through the toughest times and is still standing and not giving up at other times she feels the need to give up because she feels lonley, worthless, and non confident. Nancy feels lonley, she can have over thousands of friends and still feel lonley. Nancy only wants someone to listen to her problems, cause she needs a real friend by her side at all times, but Nancy is a beautiful young person and she gets jealous at times and is very sensitive.
Get a Nancy mug for your brother Georges.
Nancy is an old style and proper girl/woman. It's not a popular thing with baby naming Millennials. But it is a stoic and steadfast beast that defines the best babysitter you could ever ask for in times of fear and delusion.
Me: I need a babysitter for my ankle biting orange pug.
You: Call Nancy. She'll spank that nasty thing.
Get a Nancy mug for your friend Callisto.


The RubyBike, named after the Kildemoes brand mascot, is distinguished by its special equipment platform that makes it easy to add or replace various components. Better yet, it can be easily upgraded to a pedal assisted e-bike to fill all the urban user's practical needs. It's designed to be ridden, transported and parked in the big city. It includes a compact, lightweight and transportation-friendly frame, 24 (instead of standard 28) inch wheels that are easier to manage. These qualities in combination make it shorter in overall length and easier to steer and react in traffic. Furthermore, the width can also be decreased by folding in the handlebars and pedals. Next to a true folding-bike, it's as compact as they come!


For the past week or so, I cannot run manual missions at all, starting a mission sends me to the usual mission loading screen with the timeline where I wait indefinitely. Auto missions, however, are instantaneous, and my survivors come back after the return time with items as usual.
When I go online for the first time, the game's initial loading screen loads normally, everything seems fine. Compound loading usually takes a while, but eventually succeeds, sometimes it takes forever and I have to refresh.
When it does load, in my compound, buildings show up as blue squares, they do not seem to load as I've waited for very long periods for them to no avail. I can still interact with buildings, move them, and refill my fuel generator, though. Items in my inventory continue loading for eternity. Book and alliance boost icons in the upper left hand corner of the screen load successfully after a bit, but the actual book icons within my inventory do not load.
I still get survivor requests and infected compound attack notifications, however, when I click "Bring it on" in the notification, every single building within my compound successfully loads for the attack, items in my inventory begin to load their icons too. While it appears that everything is back to normal after compound attacks, missions still do not load, as I've recently attempted to play a manual mission in the level 1 convenience store, and became stuck on the mission loading screen as usual.
I can still donate resources for Alliance tasks, view tasks, bounties, etc.
I've cleared my browser cache at one point, but when loading the game, it got stuck at connecting to Kongregate. This stopped happening the next time I attempted to play.
I'm hoping to get a response or suggestions.
Also, for convenience's sake, I've pasted my response and information from the Connection Issues and Disconnects subforum below (It was from over a week ago).


Expand leadership capability, confidence, and effectiveness in a confidential, highly customized setting through assessment, development planning, and insights into personal style, interests, and needs. Develop skills and behaviors for executive presence, communication, conflict management, strategy development, career success, and more. Develop highly effective teams through a series of workshops, facilitated experiences, and team coaching. Enhance the quality of professional coaches' outcomes with their clients through personal insights, new perspectives, and Continuing Professional Development. Grow great Tech Leaders into great People Leaders through assessment, workshops, coaching, development planning, reflection and on the job experiences.


text:
IMPALA's Crisis Recommendations
#LoveRecordStores
General national economic measures
-Support measures mitigating the effects of the crisis were introduced in both entities.
-In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBIH), a Stabilisation Fund helps cover minimum wages and social contributions in affected companies, while the FBIH Development Bank set up a guarantee fund to maintain and improve the liquidity of companies.
-Other measures include extra funds for cantons and municipalities in the Federation, exemptions from para-fiscal fees for affected businesses, and the cancellation of advance corporate income tax payments.
-In the Republika Srpska (RS), a Solidarity Fund was established to support businesses, corporate income tax payments were deferred, and a fixed pricing margin for certain staple products was temporarily introduced. In addition, the RS government covered gross minimum wages for April, along with income taxes and contributions for March wages for affected businesses, and the RS Investment Development Bank deferred overdue payments.
-Credit guarantee programmes for SMEs have also been introduced in both entities.
-In August 2020 the FBIH Banking Agency and RS Banking Agency extended the moratorium on loan repayment by a further six months. Both agencies introduced the moratorium initially in March 2020 and then prolonged it by two more months. In August 2020 the RS Banking Agency also banned banks in the entity from paying dividends from 2019 profits.
-On 30th March 2020 the EU approved assistance worth €73.5 million to Bosnia and Herzegovina for social and economic recovery (in addition to other funds for healthcare). This is part of the overall Western-Balkans Covid-19 support package worth €410 million. As with other countries covered by this arrangement, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to co-ordinate with the EU, international and national financial institutions as the funds are to be used "to support the real economy, including SMEs, and support liquidity, also of the banking sector."
-RUNDA (the independents music companies association for the region) would like to see part of these monies used to support music and other cultural sectors.
National measures specific to the music sector or to culture in general
None so far.
Measures taken by local collecting society organisations
Other music fund available
Support from online services
None so far. For more initiatives by online services, click here.
Support from national radio and other media
Social media campaign to promote music during the crisis
Business and other expected losses
-UNESCO's survey published in July 2020 found that the areas that rest on live performance and depend heavily on cultural tourism have been mostly affected by the prohibition of gatherings and stagnation of the tourism industry.
-A large portion of the income of the surveyed businesses came from cinematography, publishing activities, design, music industry, media, and architecture.
-52% had experienced a reduction in the scope of their business activities, which has caused a decrease in income for 21% of the enterprises, with 5% having to consider a liquidation process.
-The majority of respondents (75%) stated that their current resources could ensure normal functioning for less than 6 months from the time of the survey, with only 5% remaining active indefinitely. 22% of the enterprises and 8% of the institutions stated that they benefited from governmental measures, which are tax and contribution exemptions, delay in payments of VAT and other taxes, as well as subventions for employees.
-The cultural and creative industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively young, and most of the surveyed enterprises have been active for less than 25 years, with 9 employees on average.
IMPALA represents independent music companies and national associations in Europe. Our main site is www.impalamusic.org where you can find out more about what IMPALA does.
Address: 70 Coudenberg - 1000 Bruxelles
info@impalamusic.org

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Reissue of PA-16-190 for due dates on or after January 25, 2018.
December 20, 2018 - This PA has been reissued as PA-19-126.
December 8, 2017 - Notice of NIAMS' Participation in PA-18-369. See Notice NOT-AR-18-009.
The purpose of the NIH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) is to provide support and "protected time" (three to five years) for an intensive, supervised career development experience in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences leading to research independence. Although all of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) use this support mechanism to support career development experiences that lead to research independence, some ICs use the K01 award for individuals who propose to train in a new field or for individuals who have had a hiatus in their research career because of illness or pressing family circumstances. Other ICs offer separate K01 FOAs intended to increase research workforce diversity.
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is designed specifically for applicants proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary study to a clinical trial. Applicants to this FOA are permitted to propose research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor. Applicants proposing a clinical trial or an ancillary study to an ongoing clinical trial as lead investigator, should apply to the companion FOA (PA-18-363).
The objective of the NIH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) is to provide salary and research support for a sustained period of "protected time" (3-5 years) for intensive research career development under the guidance of an experienced mentor, or sponsor, in the biomedical, behavioral or clinical sciences leading to research independence. The expectation is that, through this sustained period of research career development and training, awardees will launch independent research careers and become competitive for new research project grant (e.g., R01) funding.
Note: This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is designed specifically for applicants proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary study to a clinical trial. Applicants to this FOA are permitted to propose research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor. Applicants proposing a clinical trial or an ancillary study to an ongoing clinical trial as lead investigator, should apply to the companion FOA (PA-18-363).
Candidates for the K01 award must have a research or health-professional doctoral degree.
This funding opportunity may support individuals who propose to train in a new field or individuals who have had a hiatus in their research career because of illness or pressing family circumstances.
It is critical that applicants follow the Career Development (K) Instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide except where instructed in this funding opportunity announcement to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in the Application Guide is required and strictly enforced. Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.
The mentoring team (or advisory committee) members (if applicable): Signed statements must be provided by each member of the proposed mentoring team. These statements should confirm their participation, describe their specific roles, and document the expertise they will contribute. These individuals generally do not need to provide their biographical sketches.
For this particular announcement, note the following: Reviewers should evaluate the candidate's potential for developing an independent research program that will make important contributions to the field, taking into consideration the years of research experience and the likely value of the proposed research career development as a vehicle for developing a successful, independent research program.
If proposed, will the clinical trial experience contribute to the applicant's research career development?


text:
1 year ago hifiway
A new EP has been a long time coming for Sydney inner west duo, EGOISM. Over the past few years they've been peppering the world with a string of shoegazey pop singles which has landed them praise and admirers on radio and blogs both locally and internationally. Now, following on from previous singles, What Are We Doing?, You You, and current single, Here's the Thing, EGOISM have released their long-awaited EP On Our Minds.
The On Our Minds EP was written, recorded and produced by the duo in their bedrooms, mixed by Matthew Neighbour (The Avalanches, Matt Corby, Sky Ferreira) and funded by the triple j Level Up Grant. Scout Eastment answers a few questions about the EP for Hi Fi Way.
Is there a feeling of relief or excitement that your EP is about to come out?
Yeah definitely a mix of both! I'm just so happy to be putting out this group of songs that we've loved and laboured on for quite a while.
Did everything go to plan with creating the EP?
Well… I mean other than the global stuff that is going on that's affected everyone it more or less has. We've done most of this EP ourselves and as result there was not much that got in the way of us finishing this the way we wanted
Did COVID add another layer of complexity in getting it done?
To be honest it didn't affect the recording side that much. We write, record and produce most stuff ourselves in our houses. We've also always done our mixing remotely so that didn't change either. We're very lucky!!
Sonically, how would you compare this EP to what you've done previously?
I'll say if you've listened to our last few singles it's really a continuation of what we've put out already. As we keep going Olive and I get better as song writers and become more creative and polished in our production. I think you can hear this in this in this EP, and hopefully as we keep releasing music it will keep evolving as we do.
Was it hard being isolated from each other to get this finished?
We weren't isolated from each other… Olive and I choose each other as the one person we would see – plus I live by myself anyway.
Was there any significant influences on the writing process?
Jeez well both Olive and I have a tendency to get very fixated on different genres or artists for about a month. This EP is five songs written over a whole year so I don't think it's fair to pick out just a few!
What has been the biggest lesson learnt about yourself in what has been a challenging year?
That I really thrive when I give myself totally no pressure-free time regularly. Need that space to chillout and be off the ball.
Are there plans for more new music?
Olive and I currently on the train south to go for a 'writing retreat' holiday. So, yeah I don't there's ever a time that we aren't working on new music.
How excited are you about the prospect of touring?
Super duper excited! I miss it so much – I love playing shows and travelling. I also miss my friends in different states and listening to other bands.
What's the next challenge for Egoism?
We're currently totally changing around the way we play our live shows: adding new songs, changing the backing tracks and the equipment set-up we use. It's way more complicated than it first seems!
Connect with EGOISM
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Spotify
Tags: Egoism
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Bake Sale Trifecta Bars are a decadent chocolate brownie, classic chocolate chip cookies, and buttery soft rice krispies treat all in one. It is three favorite treats all in one bar!
Sometimes I dream big. Real big. And if you're like me, most dreams start in the kitchen.
I discovered cooking contests in 2010 and after my first trip to the Pillsbury Bake-Off, I found a new passion. I love the challenge of creating new and unique recipes, so contests became my favorite hobby! However, when I started Modern Honey, something had to give and I didn't have the extra time to compete in contests.
One night this past April, my passion for cooking contests was reignited. It was a typical night – late evening, falling into bed exhausted, trying to figure out how to balance my mom, wife and church responsibilities with Modern Honey. My ever-growing to-do list was getting the best of me!
Choosing instead to distract myself from reality, I opened a website I hadn't looked at in a while–a site that listed all of the upcoming recipe contests. As I scrolled through, one contest immediately caught my eye. Food Network Magazine, my favorite magazine of all time, was having a contest! A baking contest! What?! The contest was to create the most delicious and creative bake sale item for their upcoming September issue. Suddenly re-energized, I jumped out of bed, grabbed a notebook, and started jotting down ideas.
I thought about the best sellers at any baked sale and guessed they would probably be a brownie, chocolate chip cookie, and a rice krispie treat. Then came my idea–could I combine all three of them into one bar? I then thought of the name–Bake Sale Trifecta Bar–the word my Dad uses all of the time in sports analogies to describe three winning things.
Excited, I woke up at 5:46 am, drove to the grocery store, and had all of the ingredients ready to go before I got the kids ready for school. As soon as they were out the door I got to work–I couldn't wait to see if my vision would be as good as I imagined.
First I mixed the layer of the perfect chocolate brownie https://www.modernhoney.com/better-than-a-boyfriend-brownies/ on the bottom and spread it in the pan. Then I made the ultimate chocolate chip cookie and spread that dough on top. I put the pan in the oven to bake and crossed my fingers that they would stay in their lanes and not become one big chocolate chip cookie brownie. So far so good–they came out just as I envisioned!
Now the wildcard: the rice krispie treat. Not just any hard, run-of-the-mill rice krispie treat. All three layers needed to meld together into one so the rice krispie treat had to be extra gooey and soft. Here we go extra marshmallows! When I was sure it was extra gooey and soft, I poured it on the top of the cookie brownie layer. After chilling the Bake Sale Trifecta Bar for 30 minutes, it was ready to eat.
Now the big test, did it work? I couldn't get it into my mouth fast enough! One bite was enough to know the Bake Sale Trifecta Bar was everything a decadent dessert bar should be–I was so happy!
I grabbed an orange sharpie and started scribbling on a white sheet of paper… "I am going to be on the cover of Food Network Magazine." Maybe, just maybe, the power of positive thinking would get me on the cover. I tried not to be overly optimistic but I allowed myself to dream. I felt that I had created a winning recipe, and although I couldn't even imagine winning, I really, really wanted it to happen.
I will always remember the moment when I got the news. I was in a long line at Ross and I decided to check my email. I could see a line that read, "Congratulations from Food Network." I am not going to lie, the tears welled up in my eyes and I couldn't stop smiling. I couldn't believe it…utter disbelief…but I was overcome with immense gratitude and excitement. I sat in my car, said a prayer of thanks, then called my husband to share the good news.
I soon found out the details–I was in the top 3 and the folks at Food Network Magazine would spend the next few months deciding who would get the cover. They interviewed me and then… I waited. Just last week I found out I won the GRAND PRIZE — First Place!
The magazine is on the shelves and my Trifecta Bars are on the cover! Unbelievable! I am humbled and so, so grateful for this opportunity. Sometimes dreams do come true. Even when they're born out of exhaustion!
Make sure that your pan is 9 x 9. There are so many cake pans out there that are 8 x 8 and even though they look similar, several inches make a difference. This recipe will not fit in a 8 x 8 pan.
I use the following pan which works perfectly – click HERE for link to pan.
Always chill it first so that it has time to set up before cutting into bars.
The top 3 best selling baked goods all in one bar. Decadent chocolate brownies, rich chocolate chip cookies, and soft rice krispy treats make this the ultimate trifecta bar.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square, a 2-inch-deep baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang; butter the foil. Make sure it is a 9-inch square pan with tall sides so that it can all fit. Make the brownie layer: Beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl with a mixer on medium speed until creamy, 4 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla; mix until combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low; beat in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Spread in the prepared pan.
Make the cookie layer: Beat the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in a clean bowl with a mixer on medium speed until creamy, 4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low; beat in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the chocolate chips. Gently spoon and spread the cookie dough on top of the brownie batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool completely in the pan.
Make the cereal-treat layer: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the marshmallows; stir until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the cereal. Let cool slightly. Butter your hands, then press the cereal mixture on top of the cookie layer. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. Cut into squares.
I'm very very happy for you!!Im going to get the magazine and start making them.They sound heavenly!!Everything all works out.I tell Mom how wonderful you are and love your blog and recipes.You make my day when I hear from you.
Will this recipe got into a 9×13 pan?Thanks.
Way to go Melissa!!!! Can't wait to try these!!!
These bars fit perfectly in a 9×9 pan and cut easily into squares. The hardest part of making these is not eating the entire pan in one day….they are so so good!
Yay so glad to hear that you love them so much! Thank you for your sweet comment.
Congrats! I love and read the magazine monthly. I new follower and pin a lot of your recipes! Look forward to making these.
Would it be possible to make these a day in advance or are they best eaten the day of?
Hi Vi! That's a great question. I have made them a day before and tightly sealed them and they were still perfect the next day.
Melissa, I actually got teared up when I read this post. What an incredibly sweet and inspirational story. I'm brand new to your blog. and so far I Just love it! Congrats on your big win! Good for you honey! God Bless….
How long are these good for after baking?
Hi Aimee! I would say they would be good for about 1 day. After that, the Rice Krispie treats can become hard and dry. I hope that helps!
My daughter made these for her high school soccer team bake sale. I cut them big and sold them for $2 each. They sold out and we made 4 dozen. They were fantastic and we got many compliments and requests for the recipe. We're making them again for another bake sale. Thanks!!!!!
Do you think I should double the recipe to make in a 9×13 pan?


My favorite story of the series so far, to be certain. The combination of Charley coming home combined with the ghostly story and the setting worked very well. This being produced so long after the last Charley story meant that I'd forgotten some of the fun details that the story references back to in Charley's past. Sometimes I remembered the connection from the earlier story, sometimes I didn't. But it was written very well, I think, so that none of the back story was really necessary. It's really just some nice coloring for those who have kept track of Charley's story.
Any issues I had were relatively minor. I thought the final mind-wipe went on a bit long, although I understood they wanted to show that the Viyrans were being totally unsuccessful and that's why they went to the extreme on the young psychic.
Finally got to listen to this! Yay! I've been so incredibly excited about Charley's return. I thought it was a fun start. I do get the point others have made that not a lot actually happens. But, I thought it was a good re-introduction to Charley and the Viyrans. It's been SO long since their last story, I was happy to get a reintroduction. I'm intrigued to see what happens, for sure!
I will say, I wasn't that fond of the cover graphics. I like that they tried something different here, but it seemed a bit flat and simple. I don't really think it did the story justice.
This was a mixed bag for me.
• The Viyrans are great enemies, really. BF should use them more.
• The exact nature of WHY the one girl seems made, issues with memory, etc.
• Charley is about twenty steps behind the listener, as the identity of the Slaverings are clear incredibly quickly.
• Not much plot here, really. Just a lot of interrupted/recycled conversations to stall for time until the end.
I think, overall, it became a bit frustrating to listen to after a really promising start with good atmosphere and strong characters. I think if the nature of the Slaverings and their predicament had been resolved earlier (and more incident AFTER this been added) it could have been stronger over all.
Ha ha! I like to share my thoughts on these as I get done with them. I feel like it gives a little more love to each individual story rather than lumping them into one box set. Of course, the side effect is that I'm reacting to the stories one by one, as if i were watching a TV show week to week. Which means I'm delightfully unaware of where it's all going as a unit. This time, it lead to a big "Ohhhhhhhh. I get it" moment in this episode.
Nearly everything I wondered about in the previous reviews? Answered! At the start, a ton is cleared up. After being dumped in the deep end, we're thrown a life preserver here. The nagging questions about how we got to where we are are all cleared up, and the series is left in an interesting new place. And, I realized that this box set really is much more of a unified story than the last one, even though each disc is an individual story in many ways.
I really liked the central conceit of the story. I suppose it's a bit Being John Malkovich, but the idea of the viewer being able to influence Vienna was interesting and well executed in Audio. Looping back to the first story was also interesting. I did kind of wonder if the helmeted person was Vienna after a bit, though I didn't understand how. Mostly because I realized that the helmeted mystery "man's" voice sounded pitch-shifted, and Vienna herself seemed the most logical choice for a reveal. But this didn't lessen my enjoyment at all. And, yes, there's more memory hijinks. I think I should accept that it's just a reoccurring theme. I'm hopeful that's all leading somewhere eventually. It'd be interesting to know how one's sense of self is degraded in a world where memories are so easily edited and changed, and what it's done to Vienna. Anyway, I very much enjoyed how this story wrapped everything up. Upon further listening, it definitely seems that Jex Reagan has a Bronx sort or New York accent. I think. That's the feel I'm getting.
One tiny last note on the new theme: Still not sure how I feel about it. I'm trying to avoid the knee-jerk fanboy "Agh! It's different and I don't like it!" reaction. But I did really like the Series 1 music. The new music seems a TAD long, perhaps. But I can live with it. It doesn't feel totally incongruous to the feel of the series or anything.
So, to summarize... Bravo! Really, all my confusions or doubts were totally addressed, and my faith in the storytellers to bring this home and make sense of it all was greatly rewarded.


Markham, Ontario – October 10, 2018 – Maestro PMS, the preferred cloud and on-premise PMS solution suite for independent hotels, luxury resorts, conference centers, and multi-property groups, launched a new expansion to their group of system-integrated, online Support and Training tools for users. The new enhancements are included in the latest Maestro PMS software release and give users a wide variety of preference-based options to connect with the Maestro teams.
Direct Help that lets users request assistance from any screen in Maestro property software and includes screen captures from the user with appropriate notes.
Online Real-Time Support Chat that enables hotel staff to start a chat session with Maestro's support team from anywhere within the system to get answers to questions while they work. This includes screen sharing if needed. Maestro provides transcripts of chat sessions after resolution.
Maestro's Support and Training Online Request Form is an automated system that lets users request support or training from a web form that is received directly by Maestro support staff.
The new Support and Training initiatives are tied into Maestro's incident tracking system. Support tickets are created in the system for each communication and resolution with tracking numbers. This enables Maestro to optimize support response times. Now, simply sending an email to Maestro's support team is run through an AI engine that logs appropriate incidents for tracking.
"There are many excellent systems in our industry, but our expanded Diamond Plus Support sets Maestro apart from other providers of similar solutions," said Warren Dehan, Maestro PMS President. "We recognize that without instantly available professional 24/7 support, our clients would have to work harder. Our new Support and Training enhancements provide users with answers to system questions whenever and however they want. Personalized support lets them be more productive and confident in system usage." Every Maestro client site receives Diamond Plus Service that delivers a client-focused approach to onsite training and implementation.
"We have also continued to enhance our eLearning offerings with new and updated training videos and self-guided tutorials," Dehan said. "All the new Support and Training tools are included in Maestro's Diamond Plus Service, available as a standard offering to all our clients." Diamond Plus Service already provides on-demand 'anywhere – anytime' online webinars, free version upgrades, and eLearning to help Maestro users develop skills and confidence in their system. "Even with all of this at the hotel staff's fingertips, we still continue to be available to answer phones live at our North American 24/7 help desk," said Dehan.
The Maestro Property Management System delivers flexible and scalable deployment options with an identical full-featured web browser or windows solution available in the cloud or on premise. Maestro's revenue-generating hotel management software tools and services increase profitability, drive direct bookings, centralize operations, and provide personalized and mobile guest service tools to enhance the guest experience. Click here for more information on how to engage and socialize with Maestro PMS.


A darts player from Swadlincote is set to play against some of the best in the world 'week in, week out' after earning his first PDC tour card.
The card means 21-year-old Harry Ward will be playing against the likes of world champion Michael van Gerwen, who earned £1.5 million in prize money last year alone.
Harry, otherwise known by his darts nickname 'Big H', will start competing in just two weeks at the Players Championships in Wigan, which boasts a prize pot of £10,000 for the winner.
He said he practises every night for an hour or two, and plays in his local league on Monday and Tuesday nights.
Harry, who currently works as a brick layer, said he has his eyes set on one day turning professional.
He said: "I'm now going to be competing week in, week out with the best in the world.
"It's very exciting, the money to be earned is incredible.
"With a tour card, there's always the chance of turning professional - I've got time to practise, so maybe one day I can do it full-time."
Harry's tour card means he is now qualified to compete in PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) competitions for the next two years.
He earned his place by being one of the top two players amongst the 400 battling it out at the first day of the PDC 2019 qualifying school on Thursday, January 17.
He said he had been trying to get hold of one of the coveted tour cards since he was just 16, but started playing casually long before that.
He said: "I played seven games overall and won most of them comfortably. I played really well, nobody really troubled me.
"For five years now I've been trying to get better - I was playing before that but only really started trying properly when I was 16.
"I've played in the qualifying school five times and have never really been good enough, but this time I had the right mindset, I was feeling confident, and everything went in."
Along with the other 63 players who made it through via the qualifying school, Harry will be playing alongside the top 64 players from the PDC who made it through again this year by 'order of merit' - to a total of 128 players.
They include current world champ Michael 'Mighty Mike' van Gerwen, two-time world number one Gary 'Dreamboy' Anderson and former UK Open champion Peter 'Snakebite' Wright.
With his tour card, Harry will be playing alongside them at PDC tournaments for the next two years - including at this year's UK Open, which will be televised on ITV4 from March 1.


text:
Small U.S. Towns Turn to Social Media to Help Drive Tourism
Elizabeth Beilman, Associated Press
- Apr 02, 2014 6:00 am
Southern Indiana is focused on a drive market and therefore has the ability to target its message to a specific traveler. Keeping track of local memes and news will help the brand become more relevant to local weekend travelers.
— Samantha Shankman
Southern Indiana's tourism bureau is tossing its old marketing plan in favor of one that will launch it into the year 2014.
The Clark-Floyd Counties Convention and Tourism Bureau plans to increase its digital presence — especially focusing on social media — to draw visitors into Southern Indiana, new Executive Director Jim Epperson said.
"The idea of sharing in the old days was, 'Come over to my house and look at my slideshow,' and now, it's all posted online," Epperson said. "People still like to tell the story of their trip and share it."
He said the most important part of the new marketing plan is a seven-step travel planning process, beginning from the inspiration of traveling to a certain destination, and ending with sharing the trip with others.
"We're trying to find touchpoints to interact with, to reach and to influence potential visitors at every step of the process," he said of the plan, which uses specific media forms best tailored for each of these touchpoints.
Epperson said an assistant director of marketing and sales position was created to help in looking for and promoting events, specials and attractions in Clark and Floyd counties — a job that will require a solid grasp on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore said he recently met with Epperson to talk about the new marketing plan and likes what he heard about the renewed digital presence.
"I think the social media aspect is certainly something the city of Jeffersonville has seen a lot of benefits from," Moore told the News and Tribune.
Roger Baylor, co-owner of the New Albanian Brewing Co. in New Albany, one of the many craft-making businesses that attract tourists, said that the use of social media will be very beneficial in bringing visitors, especially now that Facebook has a lot more users in older demographics.
"I think that, of course, is probably overdue," he said, of implementing social media. "I think it could be very useful."
Baylor also said he doesn't think the Sunny Side of Louisville brand that the bureau has had for the past 30 years appeals much anymore and hopes to see some fresh ideas coming from the bureau.
"I wouldn't mind seeing them livening that up a little bit," he said, of the Sunny Side branding.
The bureau will continue to reach out to many cities close by that they have in the past, such as Indianapolis.
"Most of our business is going to come from the 100-, 150-mile drive market, but we will look out to 250 miles," he said. "Our priorities will be the closer-in ones … That's pretty typical in the Midwest. We are a weekend getaway … drive-to destination."
Unlike before, the bureau will also focus south of the Indiana border, marketing in cities such as Elizabethtown, Ky. and Nashville.
"We will ultimately try to market with a message in a way that drives overnight stays, but we also know we're going to generate some day trips, and that's OK too," Epperson said. "That's still spending in the local economy that wouldn't have happened."
Epperson said the bureau plans on working more with the Greater Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau to advertise attractions and events across the river, both through the Internet and through print advertising.
"We can get people to stay in our hotels and do attractions there and do attractions here," he said. "The visitors really don't care about this border. As a matter of fact, most visitors would think it's cool to do something in one state and do something in another state."
Although Epperson said they won't be spending money to advertise locally — money that comes entirely from a 4 percent room sales tax on hotels and motels in Clark and Floyd counties — residents can still benefit from the bureau's use of social media and other digital components.
"(We're) making sure that we've got a really top notch website that is also a resource for locals," he said, adding that many residents interact with visitors over the Internet, answering questions about attractions or events in the area.
Moore said cities such as Covington, Ky. — across the river from Cincinnati — have set good examples for Jeffersonville, proving that they can hold their own and attract tourists.
"I think we've got the opportunity to do the same thing," he said.
A campaign that Epperson said he hopes to launch is something called My Sunny Side, which plays off of visitors' natural desire to show some slides, or nowadays share a photo album on Facebook — telling the story of a place.
"It's trying to get past this laundry list approach to advertising the destination — 'Come here because we have this, this, this and this,' and that may not mean anything to anybody," Epperson said. "What do you take home? … Mostly it's stories.
"What we're trying to do is convey some of those stories during those earlier stages from inspiration through planning and look for ways to tell the story of an attraction from a very personal standpoint."
Some of these stories could be about the Hubers or the Schimpffs, who own locally famous businesses and who have a story to tell about their families' trades.
To figure out Southern Indiana's identity and what visitors think of their stays, the bureau is conducting a visitor profile study and image study, with results due in the first quarter of 2015.
The study will determine who the average tourist is and whether their stay in Clark and Floyd counties matched up to their expectations.
Until then, Epperson said he isn't sure whether the bureau will stick with the Sunny Side of Louisville branding.
Patrick Gregory, general manager of the Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel in Jeffersonville, said that he is looking forward to a new perspective coming from the tourism bureau.
"I think that Jim brings a load of experience with working with communities like ours," he said. " … It'll be interesting to see how a little bit of a mindset change plays out. I'm excited to have a fresh set of eyes and a new set of ideas."
Ultimately, Epperson said his goal is not just to bring in visitors but to foster a community that naturally welcomes others.
"I think the marketing and the branding that we do helps influence where people choose to live and where people choose to start a business," he said. "We're trying to be more than just that marketing organization — trying to be at the table and be a part of those discussions regarding everything having to do with economic development."
Moore said that the bureau has been "enormous" to Jeffersonville, but he also has high hopes in what's to come.
"I've heard a lot of good things about Jim Epperson," Moore said. "His job isn't something you necessarily see real visibly. It sounded like he had a very aggressive approach in trying to promote a lot of the things around the city."
Copyright (2014) Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Tags: indiana, social media
Photo Credit: The balloon festival is one of the most photographed events that takes place in Louisville. Glorius Gaduang / Flickr
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text:
Eric Baudelaire (Salt Lake City, 1973) es un artista y creador audiovisual estadounidense, residente en París desde 2002.

Biografía
Se formó en Ciencia política por la Universidad Brown, donde se especializó en conflictos de Oriente Medio. En 2002, se trasladó a París, donde colaboró como fotógrafo en publicaciones como Les Inrockuptibles o Libération. En 2005 recibió el premio de la Fundación HSBC de fotografía y publicó el libro États imaginés, que recuperaba el silencio histórico sobre el estado caucásico de Abjasia. Desde entonces trabaja con diferentes formatos visuales, como el vídeo, la fotografía, la estampa o la instalación, para investigar la relación entre imagen e historia, documento y narración. Partiendo de material de archivo y a caballo entre el género documental, la ficción narrativa y la construcción de un archivo histórico, analiza el poder de la imagen en un mundo sobresaturado de imágenes. Imagen e identidad, memoria colectiva e ideología, silencios e hiatos históricos son algunos de sus ámbitos de interés.

Trayectoria
Ha presentado exposiciones individuales en el Museo de Fotografía de Charleroi, en Bélgica (2007); en el Hammer Museum de Los Angeles (2010); en el Beirut Art Center (2013) y en el Bergen Kunsthall de Noruega (2014), entre otros. Ha participado en la Bienal de Taipéi (2012). Su obra se encuentra en colecciones como la del Museo Whitney de Arte Estadounidense de Nueva York, en el Centro Pompidou de París, el FRAC Auvergne de Clermont-Ferrand o en el Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Barcelona (MACBA), entre otros.

Distinciones
En 2019 recibió el premio Marcel Duchamp.

Referencias

Artistas de Utah
Alumnado de la Universidad Brown
Nacidos en Salt Lake City

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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