text:
Teen fatally shot in northeast Columbia
Andrew Denney
A teenager with a fatal gunshot wound was found overnight in McKee Park in northeast Columbia, in an incident police are investigating as a homicide.
Columbia police said Treveon J. Marshall, 17, of Columbia was found in the park after officers responded to a shots-fired call with a gunshot wound at 11:44 p.m. yesterday. McKee Park is a neighborhood park on McKee Street, just west of Ballenger Lane in north Columbia.
Marshall was taken by ambulance to a local hospital and pronounced dead at 12:31 a.m., Columbia police Officer Latisha Stroer said. No suspects have been identified, she said.
Tasha Huffman, who lives across McKee Street from the park, said she heard four or five gunshots from the park about the time of the incident and called 911. Huffman said she saw three men "take off running" from the scene of the shooting, but she was unable to see them well enough to provide a description.
Paula Schneider is a next-door neighbor to Huffman on McKee Street and has lived there for five years. She said that although she feels the neighborhood is generally safe, in recent weeks she has seen large groups of people congregating at the park during late-night hours.
She said she has seen fighting at the park during those times and what appeared to her to be drug-sale activity.
Marshall is the fourth person this year to die as a result of a shooting in Columbia. Brian Daniels, 46, was killed in April; Brandon Coleman, 25, was fatally shot in May; and Anthony Unger, 25, was killed in June.
In relation to Coleman's death, the local chapter of the NAACP announced plans today for a march at noon Aug. 3, starting at Second Baptist Church at Fourth Street and Broadway. The case has garnered attention because of the lack of an arrest, and a U.S. Department of Justice representative came to town recently for a mediation session. Police have not disclosed the name or race of the shooter and were investigating whether shots were fired at Coleman in self-defense, Sgt. Joe Bernhard said after last month's mediation session.
There were three gun deaths in Columbia last year, according to a previous article. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Statistical Analysis Center, there were two homicides in 2011 and three in 2010.
Over the past decade, the most homicides in a single year was seven in 2005.
As in past years, high-profile shootings have compelled city officials to call for action to prevent further violence.
Columbia Police Chief Ken Burton has proposed the city impose a youth curfew to protect younger people, and the Columbia City Council began discussions at its July 1 meeting to create a citizen task force dedicated to developing strategies to fight youth violence.
The council is scheduled to discuss the task force at 6 p.m. today at its pre-council work session at City Hall, 701 E. Broadway. Pre-council meetings are open to the public but do not offer opportunities for public comment.
This article was published in the Monday, July 15, 2013 edition of the Columbia Daily Tribune with the headline "Teen killed in park shooting: Police have not identified any suspects so far."


text:
United Arab Emirates University Home
The dynamics of thalassemia management in the United Arab Emirates
Hamda Al Dhaheri, Sehjeong Kim, So Yeun Kim
We consider a genetic disease called Thalassemia. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder caused by abnormal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a composite of proteins in red blood cells that carries oxygen and is made of two proteins from four alpha-globin genes and two beta-globin genes. Individuals with thalassemia have defects in one or more of such genes. The treatment of thalassemia requires a life-long blood transfusion and removal of excessive iron in the blood stream from the frequent blood transfusion. These life-long treatments demand a strong personal commitment and a constant supply of blood stock that leads to a high medical cost, which can be a burden on a health care system in some countries like the United Arab Emirates. To reduce thalassemia major population, various forms of thalassemia control measures have been used and hence, the substantial reduction of thalassemia major population has been achieved. However, the prevalence of thalassemia carrier population still remains high, which leads to a potential growth of thalassemia major population through carrier-carrier marriages. Thus, in this paper, we investigate a long term effectiveness of thalassemia control measures. We develop a mathematical model including three age groups and thalassemia control measures, and analyze the stability of two types of equilibrium points that reflect the eventual status of thalassemia prevention. Through the stability analysis of the two types of equilibrium points, we reveal that control measures are positively effective only in the short term to reduce the prevalence of the disease but not enough to eradicate thalassemia in the long term. We illustrate our stability results via computer simulations by using the demographic data of the United Arab Emirates.
International Journal of Biology and Biomedical Engineering
Compartment model
Stability analysis
Thalassemia management
Dive into the research topics of 'The dynamics of thalassemia management in the United Arab Emirates'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
United Arab Emirates Medicine & Life Sciences 100%
Thalassemia Medicine & Life Sciences 84%
Hemoglobin Chemical Compounds 64%
Blood Engineering & Materials Science 64%
Genes Engineering & Materials Science 33%
Disorder Chemical Compounds 29%
beta-Thalassemia Medicine & Life Sciences 24%
Dhaheri, H. A., Kim, S., & Kim, S. Y. (2018). The dynamics of thalassemia management in the United Arab Emirates. International Journal of Biology and Biomedical Engineering, 12, 151-164.
The dynamics of thalassemia management in the United Arab Emirates. / Dhaheri, Hamda Al; Kim, Sehjeong; Kim, So Yeun.
In: International Journal of Biology and Biomedical Engineering, Vol. 12, 2018, p. 151-164.
Dhaheri, HA, Kim, S & Kim, SY 2018, 'The dynamics of thalassemia management in the United Arab Emirates', International Journal of Biology and Biomedical Engineering, vol. 12, pp. 151-164.
Dhaheri HA, Kim S, Kim SY. The dynamics of thalassemia management in the United Arab Emirates. International Journal of Biology and Biomedical Engineering. 2018;12:151-164.
Dhaheri, Hamda Al ; Kim, Sehjeong ; Kim, So Yeun. / The dynamics of thalassemia management in the United Arab Emirates. In: International Journal of Biology and Biomedical Engineering. 2018 ; Vol. 12. pp. 151-164.
@article{3ff89dcab00b40beb9a25fbd191a196a,
title = "The dynamics of thalassemia management in the United Arab Emirates",
abstract = "We consider a genetic disease called Thalassemia. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder caused by abnormal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a composite of proteins in red blood cells that carries oxygen and is made of two proteins from four alpha-globin genes and two beta-globin genes. Individuals with thalassemia have defects in one or more of such genes. The treatment of thalassemia requires a life-long blood transfusion and removal of excessive iron in the blood stream from the frequent blood transfusion. These life-long treatments demand a strong personal commitment and a constant supply of blood stock that leads to a high medical cost, which can be a burden on a health care system in some countries like the United Arab Emirates. To reduce thalassemia major population, various forms of thalassemia control measures have been used and hence, the substantial reduction of thalassemia major population has been achieved. However, the prevalence of thalassemia carrier population still remains high, which leads to a potential growth of thalassemia major population through carrier-carrier marriages. Thus, in this paper, we investigate a long term effectiveness of thalassemia control measures. We develop a mathematical model including three age groups and thalassemia control measures, and analyze the stability of two types of equilibrium points that reflect the eventual status of thalassemia prevention. Through the stability analysis of the two types of equilibrium points, we reveal that control measures are positively effective only in the short term to reduce the prevalence of the disease but not enough to eradicate thalassemia in the long term. We illustrate our stability results via computer simulations by using the demographic data of the United Arab Emirates.",
keywords = "Compartment model, Mathematical modeling, Stability analysis, Thalassemia management",
author = "Dhaheri, {Hamda Al} and Sehjeong Kim and Kim, {So Yeun}",
note = "Funding Information: This study was supported in part by the Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, UAEU. Funding Information: This study was supported in part by the Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, UAEU. ∗ Corresponding author Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2018 North Atlantic University Union NAUN. All rights reserved.",
journal = "International Journal of Biology and Biomedical Engineering",
publisher = "North Atlantic University Union NAUN",
T1 - The dynamics of thalassemia management in the United Arab Emirates
AU - Dhaheri, Hamda Al
AU - Kim, Sehjeong
AU - Kim, So Yeun
N1 - Funding Information: This study was supported in part by the Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, UAEU. Funding Information: This study was supported in part by the Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, UAEU. ∗ Corresponding author Publisher Copyright: © 2018 North Atlantic University Union NAUN. All rights reserved.
N2 - We consider a genetic disease called Thalassemia. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder caused by abnormal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a composite of proteins in red blood cells that carries oxygen and is made of two proteins from four alpha-globin genes and two beta-globin genes. Individuals with thalassemia have defects in one or more of such genes. The treatment of thalassemia requires a life-long blood transfusion and removal of excessive iron in the blood stream from the frequent blood transfusion. These life-long treatments demand a strong personal commitment and a constant supply of blood stock that leads to a high medical cost, which can be a burden on a health care system in some countries like the United Arab Emirates. To reduce thalassemia major population, various forms of thalassemia control measures have been used and hence, the substantial reduction of thalassemia major population has been achieved. However, the prevalence of thalassemia carrier population still remains high, which leads to a potential growth of thalassemia major population through carrier-carrier marriages. Thus, in this paper, we investigate a long term effectiveness of thalassemia control measures. We develop a mathematical model including three age groups and thalassemia control measures, and analyze the stability of two types of equilibrium points that reflect the eventual status of thalassemia prevention. Through the stability analysis of the two types of equilibrium points, we reveal that control measures are positively effective only in the short term to reduce the prevalence of the disease but not enough to eradicate thalassemia in the long term. We illustrate our stability results via computer simulations by using the demographic data of the United Arab Emirates.
AB - We consider a genetic disease called Thalassemia. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder caused by abnormal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a composite of proteins in red blood cells that carries oxygen and is made of two proteins from four alpha-globin genes and two beta-globin genes. Individuals with thalassemia have defects in one or more of such genes. The treatment of thalassemia requires a life-long blood transfusion and removal of excessive iron in the blood stream from the frequent blood transfusion. These life-long treatments demand a strong personal commitment and a constant supply of blood stock that leads to a high medical cost, which can be a burden on a health care system in some countries like the United Arab Emirates. To reduce thalassemia major population, various forms of thalassemia control measures have been used and hence, the substantial reduction of thalassemia major population has been achieved. However, the prevalence of thalassemia carrier population still remains high, which leads to a potential growth of thalassemia major population through carrier-carrier marriages. Thus, in this paper, we investigate a long term effectiveness of thalassemia control measures. We develop a mathematical model including three age groups and thalassemia control measures, and analyze the stability of two types of equilibrium points that reflect the eventual status of thalassemia prevention. Through the stability analysis of the two types of equilibrium points, we reveal that control measures are positively effective only in the short term to reduce the prevalence of the disease but not enough to eradicate thalassemia in the long term. We illustrate our stability results via computer simulations by using the demographic data of the United Arab Emirates.
KW - Compartment model
KW - Mathematical modeling
KW - Stability analysis
KW - Thalassemia management
JO - International Journal of Biology and Biomedical Engineering
JF - International Journal of Biology and Biomedical Engineering

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Data Center carbon emissions are a growing global concern. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cites data centers as a major source of energy consumption in the United States. The EPA has set an efficiency target for government data centers: a 20% reduction in carbon footprint by 2011. European Union (EU) members have agreed to cut their combined emissions of greenhouse gases to 8% below the 1990 level by 2012. Data Center owners will be increasingly challenged to report their carbon emissions. This paper introduces a simple approach, supported by free web-based tools, for estimating the carbon footprint of a data center anywhere in the world.


text:
About ZSI
Press & ZSI Media
Methods & Skills
Josef Hochgerner Fellowship
Work and Equal Opportunities
Profile & Services
Technology and Knowledge
Research Policy & Development
» The spectrum of social innovation and its importance
Show all News Show all Events Show all Publications
Codesigning Citizen Social Science for Collective Action
Show all Project Websites
The spectrum of social innovation and its importance
Keynote to expert's presentations in the European Parliament
Section: Management including Cross-Project Activities
Josef Hochgerner, Centre for Social Innovation (Vienna)
In recent years social innovation became a hyped issue in politics, business and science in various countries and world regions. Social innovation is highly visible since 2009, instigating public debates and interest among innovation experts, whilst many institutions now devote themselves to social innovation. Declarations emphasising the importance of social innovation can be found in official documents of EU Member States, as well as in the EU Flagship Initiative Innovation Union1. Intensive examination of the topic in Europe began in the context of the renewed Social Agenda of 20082, and through a preview of the future EU innovation policy3 initiated by the Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry of the European Commission. The so-called BEPA Report4 was published in 2010, a Europe-wide campaign Social Innovation Europe5 started 2011; in the same year social innovation was announced for the first time as a research topic in the European 7th Framework Programme (FP7) for Research, Technology Development and Innovation (RTDI).
Despite the growing popularity of the topic, there is still widespread uncertainty regarding what social innovations are, how they come into being, and what can be expected from them. In addition, as the 'grand challenges' become ever more urgent (challenges ranging from poverty, social exclusion, ageing societies, financialisation6, climate change, to migration and social conflicts), the research, teaching, and support of the practice of social innovation is becoming ever more important. The social, economic, and cultural changes of the 21st century are creating further demands for the analysis and implementation of innovation in general – and of social innovation in particular.
Needs for innovative changes rise in the public and private sectors, as well as in civil society organisations (the 'third sector'). Social innovation may appear as new rules of participation in decision-making, as services influencing the situation of specific segments of the population, and as new patterns of behaviour. Yet, just like technical inventions (products, processes) are only considered innovations once they become commercially successful in markets, so must social innovations produce sustainable benefits to target groups in the respective parts of society. Ideas for social development become social innovations if they are more effective than other concepts, and are thus accepted and put to use. When a social idea is used and disseminated it becomes a social innovation, having its share in the overcoming of a concrete problem, or in meeting one of society's existing social needs, a need that may be either new or long-standing.
Very briefly, social innovations are new combinations of social practices7, or – in the form of a more analytical definition: "Social innovations are new practices for resolving societal challenges, which are adopted and utilised by individuals, social groups and organisations concerned."8
1 http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/index_en.cfm
2 http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=de&catId=547
3 Business panel on future EU innovation policy: Reinvent Europe through innovation: From a knowledge society to an innovation society. http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/innovation/files/panel_report_en.pdf
4 Hubert, Agnès et al., 2010: Empowering people, driving change: Social innovation in the EU. BEPA (Bureau of European Policy Advisers). http://ec.europa.eu/bepa/pdf/publications_pdf/social_innovation.pdf
5 http://socialinnovationeurope.eu/
6 Cf. T. I. Palley, 2007: Financialisation. What it is and why it matters. http://www.levyinstitute.org/pubs/wp_525.pdf
7 Along the famous lines of Schumpeter (1912), who attributed innovation to business processes as 'new combinations of production factors'.
8 ZSI 2012. All Innovations are Socially Relevant, ZSI Discussion Paper 13, p.2: https://www.zsi.at/de/object/publication/2202
Authors: Hochgerner (external Senior Strategic Advisor), J.
Hochgerner_Br__ssel_30-5-2013.pdf (pdf, 1.45Mb)
Hochgerner_Br__ssel_30-5-2013.ppt (ppt, 2.79Mb)
INVITATION.pdf (pdf, 130.07Kb)
News: "Can social innovations serve as a booster for sustainable economic growth?"
Tags: European Parliament, social innovation
Category: Vorträge
Procurement: Online (download)
All innovations are socially relevant


The child and his family were visiting relatives in the community for the Passover holiday.
The CDC said a total of 199 confirmed cases of measles were reported in New York's Rockland County, and 359 cases were reported in New York City.
The flight attendant, whose identity has not been released, is hospitalized at Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba.
"We ... reject any unproven unscientific statements that contradict all available current science-based studies on vaccinations."
Since the emergency order was issued another 44 new cases have been reported, bringing the total number of cases in the city to 329.
The Women's Justice Agenda has already passed the Assembly and the Senate and Governor Cuomo has indicated that he will sign it into law.
Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday declared a public health emergency in several zip codes in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to stem a nascent measles outbreak among Orthodox Jewish children.
The 30-day order, enacted March 26, included places like schools, stores, shopping malls and places of worship as well as any form of public transportation.
A father of eight, Jagger was ordered to remain in the hospital for at least the next few days in order to allow the arteries to recover.
The Rebbe was laid to rest beside his father, the previous Rebbe, in Monsey.
The Rebbe, zt'l was known for the thousands of niggunim he composed.
Yeger supporters were outraged that protesters would deny the lawmaker the right to free speech.


It seems crazy to finish recapping Xmas, what with it being the middle of January and all, but thanks to the polar vortex, our holiday was extended several days, and the kids just went back to school. Which I was pretending I was sad about, like all the other moms on my Facebook feed, but inside, I was jumping for joy. By the end of the holiday break, all screen time caps were lifted, and nobody was even trying to get out of their pajamas or eat regularly timed meals. It was not pretty.
Christmas morning, M. woke us up at 5:30AM, with a whisper. "I don't think Santa came," she told us, and her face about broke me. Our tree is upstairs, in our living room, but at our house, Santa delivered the goods to the den in the basement where the kids play and we watch TV. I quickly told her that her father and I had heard Santa on the roof last night, and that we bet he had so many presents for her that he had to leave them downstairs, and asked her to go check. She scampered off, and a minute later that was a tiny little shriek of absolute joy from the basement below us, and then she ran so fast upstairs, pounding each stair tread, that the house shook a little. It was, hands down, the very best sound I have ever heard, those loud, fast footsteps: the very essence of Christmas, as far as I am concerned. "HE WAS HERE!" she kept yelling, waking her sister up, who then also went to check on the loot and report back.
Overall, Santa did a great job. Someone got a Barbie, and she isn't a Barbie kid, but Santa also brought these adorable zippered pouch 'wallets' with superheros on them, and they had money in them, which was a big hit, at least several dollars worth of change and folding bills. The kids really wanted Mario Kart, after hearing about it at school, and I initially said that Santa doesn't bring video games, but then I did some research and realized that you can get Mario Kart for Wii, and it will work on the old first generation Wii that we already had but had never hooked up in the new house (which means the kids had no idea it existed). So we bought the game, and splurged on 4 racing wheels for controllers, and it was their favourite present. We play every day, and when the cold snap hit and we couldn't go out for days, Wii Mario Kart and Wii Bowling saved us. It warms my cheapskate soul, as well, to get some real use out of our old Wii, which is new to the kids, and to avoid outlaying major cash for a game system like XBox that they aren't old enough to really enjoy.
We didn't go anywhere for Christmas, and nobody came to us, so it was a day spent in our pajamas, playing Mario Kart and Charades, and napping, and then I roasted a big turkey and we ate like kings, still in our PJs, and it was ridiculous and fun. I wish we had written Santa letters this year, but getting sick derailed that. It's too bad, though, because one of my girls had the Christmas wish list that I just loved: she wanted, "my own room, with a TV in it, and a new phone (iPhone) just for me, filled with games." Alrighty then, Miss Five-Going-On-Twenty-One; we will get right on that for you!
And then a giant ice storm hit, then a snow storm, then record low temperatures, and we spent the next two weeks indoors, and even the dog was pretty peeved about the enforced 'peeing outside' rule. Thank G-d for the video games, which saved us, and also there was so much TV watching and some book reading, and we practiced our handwriting and did a little cooking. It was a pretty low-key holiday: no travel, no extended family. But it was also a great holiday. Onward and upward, though: much as I love Christmas, I also love the moment the kids go back to school and the holiday is in my rear view mirror, and I can be off to the next big set of plans.


More than 1,000 area young people and their families laughed, played, ate and drank Friday while receiving items and information they will need for a successful year in school. That — along with making sure youngsters are properly immunized against diseases — was the mission of the Family Health Center's 2017 Back To School Bash.
Read the full story from MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette here.


Thank you to my partners in the community in support of living our dreams in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
BlueRidge Naturally – WNC Organization certifying companies to carry the promise of Safe, Sustainable and Locally Sourced Products. ZenJenSkin is Blue Ridge Certified!
Asheville Vegan Society Founded in 2005, the Asheville Vegan Society exists to support and promote veganism.
NCNPA –NCNPA's mission is to establish North Carolina as a key global supplier of premium-quality raw materials and plant-based value added products such as natural medicines, organic products, functional foods, and personal care products.


Coinomi is similar to Crypto Wallets. Coinomi is a digital wallet that can stay supplier of periodic coins further than Bitcoin. Coinomi wallet is reachable only for Android users, IOS account is at slow down not available but it will be provoked very quickly. Coinomi wallet can preservation just about 90 cryptocurrencies and build up itself as a multi-currency wallet. If you are conflicting interrelated issues so call our Coinomi Support Number +1(860)-266(2763).
Need to counter technical issues of McAfee Antivirus such as slow running, frequent crashes and more, then you have to get connected to the technical experts of McAfee Contact Number to get the issues fixed in a less time.
Hey users!Do you ever see Google authentication binding failed notifications in your Binance account? If yes, this might be the crucial issue which is supposed to be removed as soon as possible. You can approach the customer care by dialing Binance phone number 1877-209-3306 anytime.


text:
ASP.NET Web Api and Identity 2.0 – Customizing Identity Models and Implementing Role-Based Authorization
Image by madamepsychosis | Some Rights Reserved In a previous post, we took a high-level look at using Identity 2.0 in the context of a Web Api application. We essentially poked and prodded the default Visual Studio Web Api...
ASP.NET Web Api: Unwrapping HTTP Error Results and Model State Dictionaries Client-Side
Image by Damien Roué | Some Rights Reserved When working with ASP.NET Web Api from a .NET client, one of the more confounding things can be handling the case where errors are returned from the Api. Specifically, unwrapping the...
ASP.NET Identity 2.0: Introduction to Working with Identity 2.0 and Web API 2.2
Image by Universal Pops | Some Rights Reserved In recent posts, I've covered a lot of ground using ASP.NET Identity 2.0 in the context of an MVC application. Since it's RTM in March of this year, Identity 2.0 has...
Image by Christopher Rose | Some Rights Reserved How often do you find yourself tossing together a console application for the purpose of trying out code, "testing" in the sense of seeing what works best, or,...
ASP.NET Identity 2.0: Implementing Group-Based Permissions Management
Image by Thomas Hawk | Some Rights Reserved Earlier this year we looked at Implementing Group-Based Permissions Management using the ASP.NET Identity 1.0 framework. The objective of that project was to gain a little more...
Image by Josh Cowper | Some Rights Reserved The ASP.NET Identity framework was released to manufacture on March 20 2014, bringing with it a slew of long-awaited enhancements, delivering a fully-formed authentication and...
Image by quimby | Some Rights Reserved I recently began taking a Harvard computer science course. As pretentious as that sounds, it's not as bad as it seems. I am taking Harvard CS50 on-line, for free, in an attempt to...
ASP.NET Identity 2.0: Customizing Users and Roles
Image By Herry Lawford | Some Rights Reserved The ASP.NET Identity team released the Identity 2.0 framework RTM back in march. The new release contained significant additions to the functionality found in the original 1.0...
ASP.NET Identity 2.0: Setting Up Account Validation and Two-Factor Authorization
Image by Lucas | Some Rights Reserved With the release of the Identity 2.0 framework in March of 2014, the Identity team has added a significant set of new features to the previously simple, but somewhat minimal ASP.NET Identity...
ASP.NET MVC and Identity 2.0: Understanding the Basics
Image by Ryan Somma | Some Rights Reserved On March 20, 2014, the ASP.NET team released the RTM version 2.0 of the new Identity framework. The new release brings with it some long-awaited new features, and marks a substantial...


Finance Manager is responsible for the financial health of a company or organisation. Producing financial reports and developing strategies based on financial research. Guiding senior executives in making sound business decisions in the long and short term.
This CV is ideal for a Finance Manager seeking new employment or wanting to change employers. Our resume will help land you the job.


text:
Our School by Joanne Jacobs
Before she was a blogger and author Joanne Jacobs was a journalist and columnist. She covered the education beat for over twenty years. In 2001 she began to volunteer at Downtown College Prep (DCP) a San Jose charter school just getting off the ground. DCP's mission was to take failing area students, predominantly poor Mexican-American families, entering high school and help them qualify for a four year college or university. Jacobs decided that this was a story worth telling so she quit her job to write a book about this amazing place.
Our School: The Inspiring Story of Two Teachers, One Big Idea, and the School That Beat the Odds is the result. And if you have any interest in education or the charter school movement you will want to read this book. It is a unique blend of human interest story and public policy journalism that tells the story of the leaders, teachers, students, and families of one particular charter school, but also offers insights and recommendations into this critical component of education reform.
In Our School Jacobs introduces the DCP's founders, Greg Lippman and Jennifer Andaluz, and describes what led these two young teachers to undertake such a imposing challenge. She gives you a sense of what running a charter school is like day-in-day-out and outlines the hurdles and barriers such a school faces. Interspersed within this narrative are glimpses into the lives and feelings of individual students.
Each chapter not only tells the story of DCP but also highlights the challenges of charter schools and education in general. Jacobs provides the political and personal back-story (including key data and statistics) so the reader can understand the larger context of the education system in California and the role of charter schools. In an appendix she even provides key lessons she has learned along the way for those looking to start their own charter school.
Two things struck me in reading this inspiring story: the flexibility and dedication of the staff and leaders of DCP; and the daunting nature of the task they faced.
The amazing thing about the founders, teachers, and staff of DCP is their focus on getting the job done. They had a vision: get students accepted into, and ready to succeed at, four year colleges or universities. They were able to keep this goal in front of them and make whatever changes were necessary to keeping moving forward. They were not committed to a particular educational philosophy or way of doing things. If something got in the way of their goal they changed to meet the goal. They adapted, adjusted, and overcame because they were focused on their mission. In an area that is often undermined by rigid ideology, destructive turf battles, and an inability to adapt to changing circumstances, it was inspiring to read about dedicated leaders willing to do what it takes to help their organization and students succeed. The school's ability to admit mistakes and learn from them is impressive and is a key foundation for their success.
And the task before them was even steeper than they had originally thought. They knew that the students who were earning D's and F's would need a lot of work before they could graduate let alone get accepted at a four year institution. But what they didn't know was that almost all of the students they would enroll would be massively behind in the basics of math and reading. Far too many students couldn't read or do basic math and even those who were "passing" their classes in traditional district schools. Many students couldn't speak English. It turns out a great deal of work was necessary just to bring these students up to a remedial level. Almost all elective coursework had to be dropped or curtailed in order to relentlessly focus on the most basic reading, writing, and math skills. There wasn't a gap between students prepared to go to college and those who were failing, there was a chasm. And most of the educational establishment was simply not suited to helping these students. Luckily for the students, DCP was able to adapt and change their curriculum and learn from their mistakes. Amazingly DCP now outperforms the California average on the Academic Performance Index.
The state of education in this country is one of the most depressing and seemingly insolvable problems in the public policy arena. It often seems so daunting as to beggar belief. For the most part, the education establishment opposes any significant changes and uses its political and community clout to undermine reforms whenever it can. But there have been cracks in the wall. Voucher programs and charter school legislation has succeeded in bring choice and innovation to districts all across the country. Our School is a powerful argument for why these changes are making a difference.
At its most basic Our School is the story of people who simply wouldn't give up. The founders, teachers, parents, and students of DCP refused to accept the status quo and were willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve their goals. They didn't do this for wealth or fame, but because it was the right thing to do. It is stories like this one that give me hope.
Morning Links
Company by Max Barry


text:
William M. Timpson: Williams will bring much to…
OpinionLetters to the Editor
William M. Timpson: Williams will bring much to Congress
By Daily Camera |
June 15, 2018 at 11:19 a.m.
In the current political climate of bombastic assertions and gutless pandering to wealthy interests, I find it refreshing to talk to Mark Williams, one of the Democratic Party candidates for the 2nd Congressional District. As a decorated combat veteran he can speak with authority about the dangers of military excesses and questionable warfare.
As a successful business entrepreneur committed to what is sustainable — i.e., healthy for the environment, society and the economy — he embodies the spirit needed to move in new directions. For example, Mark can see clearly the inherent problems in continuing support for fracking when technology and innovation are quickly making renewable energy both cost-effective and environmentally necessary.
As an American citizen he has also traveled widely and seen firsthand the tragedies in Central American countries where gang and drug violence terrorize communities. He is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese and can speak sensibly about immigration reform.
He is also clear about how the Democratic Party establishment has lost touch with its roots in the working classes. "Speaking truth to power" is his campaign commitment and makes his opponent's avoidance of debate suspicious and cowardly.
When your ballots arrive in the mail, put some time into researching the candidates for the 2nd Congressional seat. You will be impressed with what Mark Williams can bring to that office.
William M. Timpson
Editorial: The lesson from George Santos? Don't elect such candidates in the first place.
Letters to the Editor |
Letters to the editor: Day-ahead emissions forecasts; ugly commercial developments
Commentary |
Guest opinion: Will Coggin: Congress should address vulnerabilities within U.S. payment systems
Guest opinion: Emma Galofré García: In addition to limiting pollution, we must uplift communities at the frontlines of climate change


Fig 4: Energetically favoured poses of ccordination for tested substrates Tyrosinase (Ty) is a type III copper containing protein which catalyzes the hydroxylation.
Download ppt "Fig 4: Energetically favoured poses of ccordination for tested substrates Tyrosinase (Ty) is a type III copper containing protein which catalyzes the hydroxylation."
Structure of Enzymes: All enzymes are tertiary globular proteins, where the protein chain is folded back on itself into a spherical or globular shape.
Metabolism: Energy and Enzymes Chapter 6. 2 Flow of Energy Energy: the capacity to do work -kinetic energy: the energy of motion -potential energy: stored.
Ch. 7 Protein Function and Evolution. Myoglobin and Hemoglobin Both are essential for oxygen need Myoglobin stores O 2 in the muscle Hemoglobin transports.
I. Structure and Mechanism: Protein Synthesis "Mechanism of the peptidyl-transfer reaction of the prokaryotic ribosome" By: Trang Bui.
Chapter 6 Metabolism: Energy and Enzymes. Metabolism The totality of an organism's chemical reactions, consisting of catabolic and anabolic pathways Catabolic.
Thermodynamics and Metabolism. 2 Metabolism Metabolism: all chemical reactions occurring in an organism Anabolism: chemical reactions that expend energy.
CHAPTER 3 ESSENTIALS OF METABOLISM Photo courtesy of Dr. Brian Oates.
Enzymatic Catalysis III Ribonuclease A An example of a general acid and base catalysisAn example of a general acid and base catalysis Digestive enzyme.
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings BIO 1110- Biochemistry.


text:
package com.ilivoo.common.recache.util;

import java.io.Serializable;
import java.util.AbstractCollection;
import java.util.AbstractMap;
import java.util.AbstractSet;
import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.Collection;
import java.util.Iterator;
import java.util.Set;
import java.util.concurrent.ConcurrentHashMap;
import java.util.concurrent.ConcurrentMap;
import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicInteger;
import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicReferenceFieldUpdater;
import java.util.concurrent.locks.Lock;
import java.util.concurrent.locks.ReentrantLock;

/**
 * A {@link ConcurrentMap} with a doubly-linked list running through its
 * entries.
 *

 * This class provides the same semantics as a {@link ConcurrentHashMap} in
 * terms of iterators, acceptable keys, and concurrency characteristics, but
 * perform slightly worse due to the added expense of maintaining the linked
 * list. It differs from {@link java.util.LinkedHashMap} in that it does not
 * provide predictable iteration order.
 *

 * This map is intended to be used for caches and provides the following
 * eviction policies:
 *

 *
First-in, First-out: Also known as insertion order. This policy has
 * excellent concurrency characteristics and an adequate hit rate.
 *
Second-chance: An enhanced FIFO policy that marks entries that have been
 * retrieved and saves them from being evicted until the next pass. This
 * enhances the FIFO policy by making it aware of "hot" entries, which increases
 * its hit rate to be equal to an LRU's under normal workloads. In the worst
 * case, where all entries have been saved, this policy degrades to a FIFO.
 *
Least Recently Used: An eviction policy based on the observation that
 * entries that have been used recently will likely be used again soon. This
 * policy provides a good approximation of an optimal algorithm, but suffers by
 * being expensive to maintain. The cost of reordering entries on the list
 * during every access operation reduces the concurrency and performance
 * characteristics of this policy.
 *

 *
 * @author Ben Manes
 * @see http://code.google.com/p/concurrentlinkedhashmap/
 */
public final class ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> extends AbstractMap<K, V>implements Serializable, ConcurrentMap<K, V> {
    private static final EvictionListener<?, ?> nullListener = new EvictionListener<Object, Object>() {
	public void onEviction(Object key, Object value) {
	}
    };
    private static final long serialVersionUID = 8350170357874293408L;
    final ConcurrentMap<K, Node<K, V>> data;
    final EvictionListener<K, V> listener;
    final AtomicInteger capacity;
    final EvictionPolicy policy;
    final AtomicInteger length;
    final Node<K, V> sentinel;
    final Lock lock;

    /**
     * Creates a map with the specified eviction policy, maximum capacity, and
     * at the default concurrency level.
     *
     * @param policy
     *            The eviction policy to apply when the size exceeds the maximum
     *            capacity.
     * @param maximumCapacity
     *            The maximum capacity to coerces to. The size may exceed it
     *            temporarily.
     */
    @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
    public static <K, V> ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> create(EvictionPolicy policy, int maximumCapacity) {
	return create(policy, maximumCapacity, 16, (EvictionListener<K, V>) nullListener);
    }

    /**
     * Creates a map with the specified eviction policy, maximum capacity,
     * eviction listener, and at the default concurrency level.
     *
     * @param policy
     *            The eviction policy to apply when the size exceeds the maximum
     *            capacity.
     * @param maximumCapacity
     *            The maximum capacity to coerces to. The size may exceed it
     *            temporarily.
     * @param listener
     *            The listener registered for notification when an entry is
     *            evicted.
     */
    public static <K, V> ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> create(EvictionPolicy policy, int maximumCapacity,
	    EvictionListener<K, V> listener) {
	return create(policy, maximumCapacity, 16, listener);
    }

    /**
     * Creates a map with the specified eviction policy, maximum capacity, and
     * concurrency level.
     *
     * @param policy
     *            The eviction policy to apply when the size exceeds the maximum
     *            capacity.
     * @param maximumCapacity
     *            The maximum capacity to coerces to. The size may exceed it
     *            temporarily.
     * @param concurrencyLevel
     *            The estimated number of concurrently updating threads. The
     *            implementation performs internal sizing to try to accommodate
     *            this many threads.
     */
    @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
    public static <K, V> ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> create(EvictionPolicy policy, int maximumCapacity,
	    int concurrencyLevel) {
	return create(policy, maximumCapacity, concurrencyLevel, (EvictionListener<K, V>) nullListener);
    }

    /**
     * Creates a map with the specified eviction policy, maximum capacity,
     * eviction listener, and concurrency level.
     *
     * @param policy
     *            The eviction policy to apply when the size exceeds the maximum
     *            capacity.
     * @param maximumCapacity
     *            The maximum capacity to coerces to. The size may exceed it
     *            temporarily.
     * @param concurrencyLevel
     *            The estimated number of concurrently updating threads. The
     *            implementation performs internal sizing to try to accommodate
     *            this many threads.
     * @param listener
     *            The listener registered for notification when an entry is
     *            evicted.
     */
    public static <K, V> ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> create(EvictionPolicy policy, int maximumCapacity,
	    int concurrencyLevel, EvictionListener<K, V> listener) {
	return new ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V>(policy, maximumCapacity, concurrencyLevel, listener);
    }

    /**
     * Creates a map with the specified eviction policy, maximum capacity,
     * eviction listener, and concurrency level.
     *
     * @param policy
     *            The eviction policy to apply when the size exceeds the maximum
     *            capacity.
     * @param maximumCapacity
     *            The maximum capacity to coerces to. The size may exceed it
     *            temporarily.
     * @param concurrencyLevel
     *            The estimated number of concurrently updating threads. The
     *            implementation performs internal sizing to try to accommodate
     *            this many threads.
     * @param listener
     *            The listener registered for notification when an entry is
     *            evicted.
     */
    private ConcurrentLinkedHashMap(EvictionPolicy policy, int maximumCapacity, int concurrencyLevel,
	    EvictionListener<K, V> listener) {
	if ((policy == null) || (maximumCapacity < 0) || (concurrencyLevel <= 0) || (listener == null)) {
	    throw new IllegalArgumentException();
	}
	this.data = new ConcurrentHashMap<K, Node<K, V>>(maximumCapacity, 0.75f, concurrencyLevel);
	this.capacity = new AtomicInteger(maximumCapacity);
	this.length = new AtomicInteger();
	this.listener = listener;
	this.policy = policy;
	this.lock = new ReentrantLock();
	this.sentinel = new Node<K, V>(lock);
    }

    /**
     * Determines whether the map has exceeded its capacity.
     *
     * @return Whether the map has overflowed and an entry should be evicted.
     */
    private boolean isOverflow() {
	return size() > capacity();
    }

    /**
     * Sets the maximum capacity of the map and eagerly evicts entries until it
     * shrinks to the appropriate size.
     *
     * @param capacity
     *            The maximum capacity of the map.
     */
    public void setCapacity(int capacity) {
	if (capacity < 0) {
	    throw new IllegalArgumentException();
	}
	this.capacity.set(capacity);
	while (evict()) {
	}
    }

    /**
     * Retrieves the maximum capacity of the map.
     *
     * @return The maximum capacity.
     */
    public int capacity() {
	return capacity.get();
    }

    public void close() {
	clear();
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    @Override
    public int size() {
	int size = length.get();
	return (size >= 0) ? size : 0;
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    @Override
    public void clear() {
	for (K key : keySet()) {
	    remove(key);
	}
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    @Override
    public boolean containsKey(Object key) {
	return data.containsKey(key);
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    @Override
    public boolean containsValue(Object value) {
	if (value == null) {
	    throw new IllegalArgumentException();
	}
	return data.containsValue(new Node<Object, Object>(null, value, null, lock));
    }

    /**
     * Evicts a single entry if the map exceeds the maximum capacity.
     */
    private boolean evict() {
	while (isOverflow()) {
	    Node<K, V> node = sentinel.getNext();
	    if (node == sentinel) {
		return false;
	    } else if (policy.onEvict(this, node)) {
		// Attempt to remove the node if it's still available
		if (data.remove(node.getKey(), new Identity(node))) {
		    length.decrementAndGet();
		    node.remove();
		    listener.onEviction(node.getKey(), node.getValue());
		    return true;
		}
	    }
	}
	return false;
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    @Override
    public V get(Object key) {
	Node<K, V> node = data.get(key);
	if (node != null) {
	    policy.onAccess(this, node);
	    return node.getValue();
	}
	return null;
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    @Override
    public V put(K key, V value) {
	if (value == null) {
	    throw new IllegalArgumentException();
	}
	Node<K, V> old = putIfAbsent(new Node<K, V>(key, value, sentinel, lock));
	if (old == null) {
	    return null;
	} else {
	    return old.getAndSetValue(value);
	}
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    public V putIfAbsent(K key, V value) {
	if (value == null) {
	    throw new IllegalArgumentException();
	}
	Node<K, V> old = putIfAbsent(new Node<K, V>(key, value, sentinel, lock));
	if (old == null) {
	    return null;
	} else
	    return old.getValue();
    }

    /**
     * Adds a node to the list and data store if it does not already exist.
     *
     * @param node
     *            An unlinked node to add.
     * @return The previous value in the data store.
     */
    private Node<K, V> putIfAbsent(Node<K, V> node) {
	Node<K, V> old = data.putIfAbsent(node.getKey(), node);
	if (old == null) {
	    length.incrementAndGet();
	    node.appendToTail();
	    evict();
	} else {
	    policy.onAccess(this, old);
	}
	return old;
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    @Override
    public V remove(Object key) {
	Node<K, V> node = data.remove(key);
	if (node == null) {
	    return null;
	}
	length.decrementAndGet();
	node.remove();

	return node.getValue();
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    public boolean remove(Object key, Object value) {
	Node<K, V> node = data.get(key);
	if ((node != null) && node.value.equals(value) && data.remove(key, new Identity(node))) {
	    length.decrementAndGet();
	    node.remove();

	    return true;
	}
	return false;
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    public V replace(K key, V value) {
	if (value == null) {
	    throw new IllegalArgumentException();
	}
	Node<K, V> node = data.get(key);
	if (node == null)
	    return null;
	else {
	    return node.getAndSetValue(value);
	}
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    public boolean replace(K key, V oldValue, V newValue) {
	if (newValue == null) {
	    throw new IllegalArgumentException();
	}
	Node<K, V> node = data.get(key);
	if (node == null)
	    return false;
	else {
	    final boolean val = node.casValue(oldValue, newValue);
	    return val;
	}
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    @Override
    public Set<K> keySet() {
	return new KeySet();
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    @Override
    public Collection<V> values() {
	return new Values();
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc}
     */
    @Override
    public Set<Entry<K, V>> entrySet() {
	return new EntrySet();
    }

    /**
     * A listener registered for notification when an entry is evicted.
     */
    public interface EvictionListener<K, V> {

	/**
	 * A call-back notification that the entry was evicted.
	 *
	 * @param key
	 *            The evicted key.
	 * @param value
	 *            The evicted value.
	 */
	void onEviction(K key, V value);
    }

    /**
     * The replacement policy to apply to determine which entry to discard when
     * the capacity has been reached.
     */
    public enum EvictionPolicy {

	/**
	 * Evicts entries based on insertion order.
	 */
	FIFO() {
	    @Override
	    <K, V> void onAccess(ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> map, Node<K, V> node) {
		// do nothing
	    }

	    @Override
	    <K, V> boolean onEvict(ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> map, Node<K, V> node) {
		return true;
	    }
	},

	/**
	 * Evicts entries based on insertion order, but gives an entry a
	 * "second chance" if it has been requested recently.
	 */
	SECOND_CHANCE() {
	    @Override
	    <K, V> void onAccess(ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> map, Node<K, V> node) {
		node.setMarked(true);
	    }

	    @Override
	    <K, V> boolean onEvict(ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> map, Node<K, V> node) {
		if (node.isMarked()) {
		    node.moveToTail();
		    node.setMarked(false);
		    return false;
		}
		return true;
	    }
	},

	/**
	 * Evicts entries based on how recently they are used, with the least
	 * recent evicted first.
	 */
	LRU() {
	    @Override
	    <K, V> void onAccess(ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> map, Node<K, V> node) {
		node.moveToTail();
	    }

	    @Override
	    <K, V> boolean onEvict(ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> map, Node<K, V> node) {
		return true;
	    }
	};

	/**
	 * Performs any operations required by the policy after a node was
	 * successfully retrieved.
	 */
	abstract <K, V> void onAccess(ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> map, Node<K, V> node);

	/**
	 * Determines whether to evict the node at the head of the list.
	 */
	abstract <K, V> boolean onEvict(ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> map, Node<K, V> node);
    }

    /**
     * A node on the double-linked list. This list cross-cuts the data store.
     */
    @SuppressWarnings({ "unchecked", "rawtypes" })
    protected static final class Node<K, V> implements Serializable {
	private static final long serialVersionUID = 1461281468985304519L;
	private static final AtomicReferenceFieldUpdater<Node, Object> valueUpdater = AtomicReferenceFieldUpdater
		.newUpdater(Node.class, Object.class, "value");
	private static final Node UNLINKED = new Node(null);

	private final K key;
	private final Lock lock;
	private final Node<K, V> sentinel;

	private volatile V value;
	private volatile boolean marked;
	private volatile Node<K, V> prev;
	private volatile Node<K, V> next;

	/**
	 * Creates a new sentinel node.
	 */
	public Node(Lock lock) {
	    this.sentinel = this;
	    this.value = null;
	    this.lock = lock;
	    this.prev = this;
	    this.next = this;
	    this.key = null;
	}

	/**
	 * Creates a new, unlinked node.
	 */
	public Node(K key, V value, Node<K, V> sentinel, Lock lock) {
	    this.sentinel = sentinel;
	    this.next = UNLINKED;
	    this.prev = UNLINKED;
	    this.value = value;
	    this.lock = lock;
	    this.key = key;
	}

	/**
	 * Appends the node to the tail of the list.
	 */
	public void appendToTail() {
	    lock.lock();
	    try {
		// Allow moveToTail() to no-op or removal to spin-wait
		next = sentinel;

		// Read the tail on the stack to avoid unnecessary volatile
		// reads
		final Node<K, V> tail = sentinel.prev;
		sentinel.prev = this;
		tail.next = this;
		prev = tail;
	    } finally {
		lock.unlock();
	    }
	}

	/**
	 * Removes the node from the list.
	 *

	 * If the node has not yet been appended to the tail it will wait for
	 * that operation to complete.
	 */
	public void remove() {
	    for (;;) {
		if (isUnlinked()) {
		    continue; // await appending
		}

		lock.lock();
		try {
		    if (isUnlinked()) {
			continue; // await appending
		    }
		    prev.next = next;
		    next.prev = prev;
		    next = UNLINKED; // mark as unlinked
		} finally {
		    lock.unlock();
		}
		return;
	    }
	}

	/**
	 * Moves the node to the tail.
	 *

	 * If the node has been unlinked or is already at the tail, no-ops.
	 */
	public void moveToTail() {
	    if (isTail() || isUnlinked()) {
		return;
	    }
	    lock.lock();
	    try {
		if (isTail() || isUnlinked()) {
		    return;
		}
		// unlink
		prev.next = next;
		next.prev = prev;

		// link
		next = sentinel; // ordered for isAtTail()
		prev = sentinel.prev;
		sentinel.prev = this;
		prev.next = this;
	    } finally {
		lock.unlock();
	    }
	}

	/**
	 * Checks whether the node is linked on the list chain.
	 *
	 * @return Whether the node has not yet been linked on the list.
	 */
	public boolean isUnlinked() {
	    return (next == UNLINKED);
	}

	/**
	 * Checks whether the node is the last linked on the list chain.
	 *
	 * @return Whether the node is at the tail of the list.
	 */
	public boolean isTail() {
	    return (next == sentinel);
	}

	/*
	 * Key operators
	 */
	public K getKey() {
	    return key;
	}

	/*
	 * Value operators
	 */
	public V getValue() {
	    return (V) valueUpdater.get(this);
	}

	public V getAndSetValue(V value) {
	    return (V) valueUpdater.getAndSet(this, value);
	}

	public boolean casValue(V expect, V update) {
	    return valueUpdater.compareAndSet(this, expect, update);
	}

	/*
	 * Previous node operators
	 */
	public Node<K, V> getPrev() {
	    return prev;
	}

	/*
	 * Next node operators
	 */
	public Node<K, V> getNext() {
	    return next;
	}

	/*
	 * Access frequency operators
	 */
	public boolean isMarked() {
	    return marked;
	}

	public void setMarked(boolean marked) {
	    this.marked = marked;
	}

	/**
	 * Only ensures that the values are equal, as the key may be
	 * <tt>null</tt> for look-ups.
	 */
	@Override
	public boolean equals(Object obj) {
	    if (obj == this) {
		return true;
	    } else if (!(obj instanceof Node)) {
		return false;
	    }
	    V value = getValue();
	    Node<?, ?> node = (Node<?, ?>) obj;
	    return (value == null) ? (node.getValue() == null) : value.equals(node.getValue());
	}

	@Override
	public int hashCode() {
	    return ((key == null) ? 0 : key.hashCode()) ^ ((value == null) ? 0 : value.hashCode());
	}

	@Override
	public String toString() {
	    lock.lock();
	    try {
		return String.format("key=%s - prev=%s ; next=%s", valueOf(key), valueOf(prev.key), valueOf(next.key));
	    } finally {
		lock.unlock();
	    }
	}

	private String valueOf(K key) {
	    return (key == null) ? "sentinel" : key.toString();
	}
    }

    /**
     * Allows {@link #equals(Object)} to compare using object identity.
     */
    private static final class Identity {
	private final Object delegate;

	public Identity(Object delegate) {
	    this.delegate = delegate;
	}

	@Override
	public boolean equals(Object o) {
	    return (o == delegate);
	}
    }

    /**
     * An adapter to safely externalize the keys.
     */
    private final class KeySet extends AbstractSet<K> {
	private final ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> map = ConcurrentLinkedHashMap.this;

	@Override
	public int size() {
	    return map.size();
	}

	@Override
	public void clear() {
	    map.clear();
	}

	@Override
	public Iterator<K> iterator() {
	    return new KeyIterator();
	}

	@Override
	public boolean contains(Object obj) {
	    return map.containsKey(obj);
	}

	@Override
	public boolean remove(Object obj) {
	    return (map.remove(obj) != null);
	}

	@Override
	public Object[] toArray() {
	    return map.data.keySet().toArray();
	}

	@Override
	public <T> T[] toArray(T[] array) {
	    return map.data.keySet().toArray(array);
	}
    }

    /**
     * An adapter to safely externalize the keys.
     */
    private final class KeyIterator implements Iterator<K> {
	private final EntryIterator iterator = new EntryIterator(ConcurrentLinkedHashMap.this.data.values().iterator());

	public boolean hasNext() {
	    return iterator.hasNext();
	}

	public K next() {
	    return iterator.next().getKey();
	}

	public void remove() {
	    iterator.remove();
	}
    }

    /**
     * An adapter to represent the data store's values in the external type.
     */
    private final class Values extends AbstractCollection<V> {
	private final ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> map = ConcurrentLinkedHashMap.this;

	@Override
	public int size() {
	    return map.size();
	}

	@Override
	public void clear() {
	    map.clear();
	}

	@Override
	public Iterator<V> iterator() {
	    return new ValueIterator();
	}

	@Override
	public boolean contains(Object o) {
	    return map.containsValue(o);
	}

	@Override
	public Object[] toArray() {
	    Collection<V> values = new ArrayList<V>(size());
	    for (V value : this) {
		values.add(value);
	    }
	    return values.toArray();
	}

	@Override
	public <T> T[] toArray(T[] array) {
	    Collection<V> values = new ArrayList<V>(size());
	    for (V value : this) {
		values.add(value);
	    }
	    return values.toArray(array);
	}
    }

    /**
     * An adapter to represent the data store's values in the external type.
     */
    private final class ValueIterator implements Iterator<V> {
	private final EntryIterator iterator = new EntryIterator(ConcurrentLinkedHashMap.this.data.values().iterator());

	public boolean hasNext() {
	    return iterator.hasNext();
	}

	public V next() {
	    return iterator.next().getValue();
	}

	public void remove() {
	    iterator.remove();
	}
    }

    /**
     * An adapter to represent the data store's entry set in the external type.
     */
    private final class EntrySet extends AbstractSet<Entry<K, V>> {
	private final ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> map = ConcurrentLinkedHashMap.this;

	@Override
	public int size() {
	    return map.size();
	}

	@Override
	public void clear() {
	    map.clear();
	}

	@Override
	public Iterator<Entry<K, V>> iterator() {
	    return new EntryIterator(map.data.values().iterator());
	}

	@Override
	public boolean contains(Object obj) {
	    if (!(obj instanceof Entry)) {
		return false;
	    }
	    Entry<?, ?> entry = (Entry<?, ?>) obj;
	    Node<K, V> node = map.data.get(entry.getKey());
	    return (node != null) && (node.value.equals(entry.getValue()));
	}

	@Override
	public boolean add(Entry<K, V> entry) {
	    return (map.putIfAbsent(entry.getKey(), entry.getValue()) == null);
	}

	@Override
	public boolean remove(Object obj) {
	    if (!(obj instanceof Entry)) {
		return false;
	    }
	    Entry<?, ?> entry = (Entry<?, ?>) obj;
	    return map.remove(entry.getKey(), entry.getValue());
	}

	@Override
	public Object[] toArray() {
	    Collection<Entry<K, V>> entries = new ArrayList<Entry<K, V>>(size());
	    for (Entry<K, V> entry : this) {
		entries.add(new SimpleEntry<K, V>(entry));
	    }
	    return entries.toArray();
	}

	@Override
	public <T> T[] toArray(T[] array) {
	    Collection<Entry<K, V>> entries = new ArrayList<Entry<K, V>>(size());
	    for (Entry<K, V> entry : this) {
		entries.add(new SimpleEntry<K, V>(entry));
	    }
	    return entries.toArray(array);
	}
    }

    /**
     * An adapter to represent the data store's entry iterator in the external
     * type.
     */
    private final class EntryIterator implements Iterator<Entry<K, V>> {
	private final Iterator<Node<K, V>> iterator;
	private Entry<K, V> current;

	public EntryIterator(Iterator<Node<K, V>> iterator) {
	    this.iterator = iterator;
	}

	public boolean hasNext() {
	    return iterator.hasNext();
	}

	public Entry<K, V> next() {
	    current = new NodeEntry(iterator.next());
	    return current;
	}

	public void remove() {
	    if (current == null) {
		throw new IllegalStateException();
	    }
	    ConcurrentLinkedHashMap.this.remove(current.getKey(), current.getValue());
	    current = null;
	}
    }

    /**
     * An entry that is tied to the map instance to allow updates through the
     * entry or the map to be visible.
     */
    private final class NodeEntry implements Entry<K, V> {
	private final ConcurrentLinkedHashMap<K, V> map = ConcurrentLinkedHashMap.this;
	private final Node<K, V> node;

	public NodeEntry(Node<K, V> node) {
	    this.node = node;
	}

	public K getKey() {
	    return node.getKey();
	}

	public V getValue() {
	    if (node.isUnlinked()) {
		V value = map.get(getKey());
		if (value != null) {
		    return value;
		}
	    }
	    return node.getValue();
	}

	public V setValue(V value) {
	    return map.replace(getKey(), value);
	}

	@Override
	public boolean equals(Object obj) {
	    if (obj == this) {
		return true;
	    } else if (!(obj instanceof Entry)) {
		return false;
	    }
	    Entry<?, ?> entry = (Entry<?, ?>) obj;
	    return eq(getKey(), entry.getKey()) && eq(getValue(), entry.getValue());
	}

	@Override
	public int hashCode() {
	    K key = getKey();
	    V value = getValue();
	    return ((key == null) ? 0 : key.hashCode()) ^ ((value == null) ? 0 : value.hashCode());
	}

	@Override
	public String toString() {
	    return getKey() + "=" + getValue();
	}

	private boolean eq(Object o1, Object o2) {
	    return (o1 == null) ? (o2 == null) : o1.equals(o2);
	}
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
The "IRRESPONSIBLE" must take blame for the death of these "OZ-BOUND" students.
Many Indian parents believed the over-hyped media coverage on the Australian attacks and persuaded young students bound for "elite and safe" Universities to drop their plans over the last nine months. The fact is that some of these students were indeed NOT the "workers" going as "students" to be exposed to risky occupations such as "taxi driving" and were actually choosing serious academic courses at "secure" campuses of "elite" Universities.
I am doing this blog as an alumnus of once such University: Bond University on the Gold Coast, which clearly lives up to its reputation as a "Rolls Royce" amongst institutions. A beautiful custom built campus with students mostly staying on campus and with 24×7 security.
The tragedies that I will refer to are pertaining to students considering Bond as their study destination and will be backed by links giving the details.
Tragedy 1: Ashar Mendon
India's most reliable TV channel, NDTV, reported on July 8, 2009 (see link):
Ashar Mendon was all set to study in Australia.
But now, the 18-year-old's dream has died with him.
Ashar, the son of a garment exporter committed suicide by hanging himself in their flat in Colaba on Monday.
The reason: his mother scared by the racial attacks on Indians in Australia forbade him to go.
Just days ago, Ashar had got admission at the Bond University in New South Wales for an undergraduate Information Technology course.
The report does get it wrong on the location of Bond University but it is a fact that he had applied to Bond University indeed (Student ID 13089319 and for Sept 09 intake). He had also been issued an offer of admission.
Tragedy 2: Anindee Dhar (along with her brother and other friends)
Anand Bazar Patrika, on 15th Feb, reported that Anindee Dhar, a student at Pune, who died in the blast, was actually intending to study in Australia but once the media reported the attacks, the family changed the plans and she went to Pune. Due to the fact that she was in Pune, her brother who lives in Mumbai and her friend from Mumbai would travel over to Pune to meet her. They all died in the attack. What an irony indeed that in trying to escape the "reported" violence in Australia and met with death in India itself.
My gut feel is that she would have been safe and sound at the institution that she was intending to study in Australia. What a co-incidence indeed once again, the institution that she was being counseled for was Bond University, my alma mater and the course being Bachelors in Communication.
I want to share and put on record the article that has appeared in INDIA TODAY GROUP'S Mail Today newspaper, this day (see link):
KOLKATA GIRL HAD PICKED ' SAFER' PUNE
HAD SHE pursued her dream of studying in Australia, 19- year- old Anindee Dhar may have been alive today.
Anindee and her brother, 24- year- old Ankik, were killed when a bomb ripped through German Bakery in Pune on Saturday.
IIT Kharagpur alumnus Ankik had come from Mumbai to celebrate his promotion at JP Morgan with his sister. The siblings were joined by friend Shilpa Goenka ( 23), who was also from Kolkata and who too was killed in the blast.
The three, along with two other friends, P. Sundari ( 23) and Binita Gadani( 22) — who were also killed in the blast — were munching on strawberry rolls when the blast snuffed out their lives.
Early last year, Anindee had approached the Salt Lake branch of Global Reach with her mother for counselling on which Australian university to apply to.
Sugata Das, the manager of counselling at the branch, remembered Anindee as a " very lively girl", who came in saying that she wanted to do her bachelor's in arts Down Under.
A shocked Das said, " She was such a good communicator that I advised her to apply for a bachelor's in communication at Bond University, Gold Coast in Queensland, which would help her land a good job."
Anindee's mother, Das remembered, was very concerned about her daughter's safety. " I reassured her that Bond is one of the safest campuses in Australia with on- campus accommodation," Das added.
The Dhar family was also making enquiries about sending their younger Aishik, to study in Australia once he finished school.
Anindee's parents were in touch with Global Reach till May on Anindee's education prospects in Australia. That's when reports of attacks on Indian students Down Under hit the headlines.
" These reports scared them, and they decided that they didn't want to send Anindee to study in Australia," Das said.
Anindee's mother is now in a state of deep shock.
Global Reach MD Ravi Lochan Singh said the irony is that " no student of Bond University drives taxis", referring to the recent reports of attacks on Indian taxi drivers in Australia.
It was these attacks that had led to widespread fears of racist violence targeted against Indian students there.
Anindee, who was a photography and trekking enthusiast and a voracious reader, applied to Fergusson college in Pune, instead.
She excelled there as a student of English literature, topping her college's internal exam.
Just a day before she died, Anindee had discussed threadbare the interpretation of death while reading Robert Frost's poem, Stopping By Woods on A Snowy Evening in class.
It was the last poem she was destined to speak about in class.
As the one who established the Indian chapter of Bond University Alumni, I find it so unbearable to read about the two tragedies. Both these students would have done really well to proceed on to Australia for their UG degrees. Bond is the University that is chosen by several protective parents including the Sultan of Brunei for their children and there is no doubt that many other Universities would offer similar safe and secure study environment. Almost all attacks that have been reported have happened to those who have actually travelled to Australia on "student visas" though with clear intention to be "workers". Almost all attacks have taken place in risky circumstances. And almost all the attacks have had little to do with University students. Further the recent deaths were not of students at all (Both Nitin Garg and Ranjodh were not students) and while Nitin's killers are being hunted, Ranjodh's killers turn out to be Indian brethren. The Racism theory stands challenged also when Jasbir was found to have engaged in self-inflicted injury in hope of "insurance claim". Indian High Commissioner has certainly raised the need for increased security in the state of Victoria especially in certain parts of Melbourne. Both the above mentioned students would have been miles away in Gold Coast, a city that lives on tourism from all over the world. This is not to say that students in Melbourne especially at the Universities are in anyway unsafe. The University students are overall safer in Australia as compared to all other destinations and this is confirmed through various international studies and surveys including one that has been released today. FOUR Aussie cities including Melbourne and Sydney continue to be listed amongst livable cities and in top 10 worldwide while Mumbai stands at 117th rank.
Violence is unacceptable in any society but at the same time the incorrect and hyped picture of violence in Australia makes certain over-enthusiastic TV anchors and commentators unwitting accomplices in these tragedies. What is written and what is broadcasted using the LIVE medium has deep impact on the parents of these students in ways that require us to be even more responsible and careful about what we utter.
May the soul rest in peace of these young children of our country… May there be no more deaths… Will the Indian Media take some lessons?
Australian PR
inaccurate reportings
Indian Media
OZ attack
Tags: Bond University, Dhar
Previous UK needs to discover the "customer" in the students!!!
Next America is America and Australia is Australia… Folly of the first, ignored; while of the other, hyped up.
kaushik says:
Life at times can be very cruel, heart goes out to the Dhar family at this point of time.
Ravi,if there is such a divergent view that seems to be going unrepresented in the mainstream media, why not a press conference with the Australian High Commission, AAERI, Students who really reflect the voice of real university students,Indian diaspora representatives & Universities so that the media is forced to take notice and give that representation some space. Right now the only voice that seems to be coming out is the one man setup FISA and some cabbies out down under.. the real voice needs to come out.. and hey Pauline Hanson on whom the Outlook story is based on is leaving Australia and migrating to the UK!!!!!( Perhaps her brand of politics has no future in OZ and she thinks the BNP offers more chancces?? Bet you that this information would not get printed in the Outlook)
Kaushik, I didnot know that Pauline Hanson had not found OZ fit for her politics and is packing her bags to migrate to another country. The reality indeed is that most in OZ donot follow her and believe in her. Tragic indeed are the deaths that are caused for no fault of theirs.
SITASARAN says:
Hasty conclusions about any country based on non significant data or meagre data is faulty. In the present time every society is passing through similar trends in their cities. There is no social group where there is no criticism of the "Others". Now what we generally fear about the "Others" is often without any base. I have found through my travels and stay in innumerable environment around the world that if you are friendly others are too. There is a basic similarity amongst living beings. No wonder "Reverence for life" is this best philosophy for our time.
BUBBLY JOHAR says:
What a sad decision by the parents but for no fault of theirs as the media hype was so strong at that time that the parents decided against Down Under and chose Pune for their brilliant daughter Anindee little knowing that a tragic tragedy will strike and take their daughter away from them for ever. Bond has one of the safest campus in Australia and in one of my stay at the campus I saw my student, Kruti Tolia, returning to her room quite late in the night and on my enquiry the next morning she said that she was studying for her exams with her friend and told me that there is nothing to worry at all as the campus has security round the clock. This holds good for many other Uni's and good institutes in Australia but the trouble is with the students who live in suburbs which offer cheap accommodation and work late in the nights and become soft targets. Often these young students carry expensive electrical gadgets indicating that they are having money with them as well which is the key factor for attacks……and it can happen in any part of this world including India including Delhi were I reside. .
As an Australian citizen who has lived in India in the past, sadly, I'm not very surprised at the hysteria being whipped up by the media in India. Indian society always seemed to me to be a remarkable contradiction – outwardly bold, progressive, confident and democratic; yet in practice very insecure, fickle and riddled with oppression, massive inequality and inbuilt racism against other Indians from the wrong caste.
The attacks in Australia on Indians are shocking, and some of them are almost certainly racist attacks. 99.99% of Australians want these criminals found and punished for their crimes. At the same time, a balanced assessment would show that the average Indian is still safer living in Australia, than back in his home city or town on the sub-continent.
Venu Babu Chintapatla says:
I am planning to go to Afghanistan to show that, even this country is not what it looks like on TV. My friend is a country head for Standrad Chartered Bank in Afghanistahna and he invited me to this paradise. Tells me ,life was never so good for him in India.
Guys, dont worry too much about the Indian media, because they will still be making such artificial dramatised news and we will still be following them. My India will not change ( Mera Bharat Mahaan).


text:
Дмитро́ Сергі́йович Була́тов ( 13 серпня 1978, Київ) — український політик і громадський активіст. 2-й Міністр молоді та спорту України (з 27 лютого 2014 по 2 грудня 2014). Один із лідерів Автомайдану, голова правління громадської організації «Соціально відповідальне суспільство».

Біографія

Випускник Національного технічного університету України «Київський політехнічний інститут». Закінчив Факультет електроніки у 2001 році, за фахом інженер мікроелектроніки та напівпровідникових приладів.

З 1998 по 2014 рік мав бізнес та працював на керівних посадах державних і приватних компаній. Був директором ПП «Центр-К» (1998—2003, готельний бізнес), керівником групи компаній «Q-Service» (2003—2007, маркетинг, реклама та дизайн), заступником керівника групи компаній «Ітера» (2007—2008, будівництво), директором ТОВ «Промлогістика» (2008—2009, металургія), директором ТОВ «Торгово-Промисловий Холдинг» (2009—2010, торгівля нафтою і газом). Паралельно вів консалтингову діяльність у галузі маркетингу, реклами та продажів. З 2010 по 2013 рік був власником автоцентру «Стольник», однак після певних подій бізнес-вектор змінився і Булатов став займатися в більшій частині консалтингом.

З травня по жовтень 2010 працював директором Інституту з проектування підприємств рибного господарства та промисловості «Укррибпроект» та в Державниому комітеті рибного господарства України при Міністерстві аграрної політики України. За півроку вивів інститут зі збиткових у прибуткові.

Займався вейкбордингом, брав участь у всеукраїнських змаганнях з цього виду спорту.

На початку 2013 року створив громадську організацію «Соціально відповідальне суспільство». Разом з Українським форумом благодійників ця організація започаткувала Національний рейтинг благодійників. У квітні 2013 був одним з організаторів акції з демонтажу точок з продажу алкоголю в київському парку Дружби народів. У вересні 2013 Булатов агітував за заборону проведення алкогольних фестивалів на спортивних майданчиках.

Після того, як син Дмитра Булатова 12-річний Денис потрапив колесом велосипеда у відкритий каналізаційний люк на перехресті вулиць в Києві та доповів про це татусеві, Дмитро разом з іншими активістами взявся за цю проблему. Створена ним організація протягом осені 2013 року власним коштом встановлювала на небезпечні відкриті люки у містах України власноруч виготовлені Булатовим та працівниками його СТО захисні металеві решітки та склопластикові кришки. Булатов разом з іншими громадськими активістами неодноразово виступав у ЗМІ з закликами встановлювати склопластикові кришки, оскільки вони дешевші та їх не приймають у металобрухт, та провів прес-конференцію з цієї тематики.

Одружений, батько трьох дітей.

Автомайдан

30 листопада 2013 р. дізнавшись про силовий розгін Євромайдану, Дмитро Булатов разом з другом Олексієм Гриценком вирішили організувати автопробіг Києвом, щоб залучити людей до протесту. В перший же день в акції взяли участь близько 300 автомобілістів, деякі з яких були друзями Булатова, решта — сторонні люди, які вирішили або яких переконали долучитися. Вранці 1 грудня Булатов з іншими учасниками акції (зокрема, з Василем Футіним, Тетяною Чорновол, Андрієм Дзіндзею, Володимиром Кадурою та іншими) зустрілися біля пам'ятника засновникам Києва. Там учасники нового руху домовилися між собою про розподіл обов'язків, що стало початком Автомайдану.

Булатов був організатором та брав участь у більшості акцій «Автомайдану», зокрема, в поїздках на Межигір'я, візитів до ряду інших високопосадовців та до командира роти «Беркуту», а також у блокуванні «Беркуту» в Святошинському районі Києва.

На думку Дмитра, «Автомайдан є найефективнішим способом протидії владі та захисту здоров'я людей і їх законних інтересів».

Викрадення
23 січня 2014 року, під час подій Єврореволюції в Україні активісти «Автомайдану» заявили про несподіване зникнення Дмитра Булатова. Востаннє на зв'язок він виходив увечері 22 січня. 23 січня, приблизно о 4 годині ранку співробітники «Беркута» затримали як мінімум 15 активістів «Автомайдану», які патрулювали 17-у лікарню в Києві, і розбили дев'ять автомобілів.

Автомайдан оголосив винагороду в розмірі 10 тисяч доларів тому, чия інформація допоможе знайти Дмитра Булатова і врятувати йому життя. Згодом цю суму збільшили до 25 тисяч доларів.

30 січня Дмитро Булатов вийшов на зв'язок із друзями і повідомив, що його викрали і катували невідомі , які розмовляли із російським акцентом. Після тривалих катувань його вивезли за місто і викинули з машини. Дмитро зміг добратись до села Вишеньки Бориспільського району та попрохати допомогу. Того ж дня Дмитро був госпіталізований до клініки «Борис», де йому була надана медична допомога.

За словами Петра Порошенка, Дмитро Булатов, Олександр Данилюк і Олексій Гриценко (учасник Автомайдану) були внесені МВС в список для орієнтування по прізвищам та фото, який був помічений в прикордонників при перетині кордону. 2 лютого Шевченківський районний суд міста Києва відмовився задовольнити клопотання слідства про арешт Дмитра Булатова. Того ж дня Булатов відбув на лікування до Литви транзитом через Ригу. Після лікування Булатов поїхав до Німеччини, де він мав родичів. 24 лютого Дмитро Булатов повернувся до України.

Нині Міністерство внутрішніх справ України веде слідство за фактом викрадення Булатова.

Політична кар'єра
27 лютого 2014 призначений міністром молоді та спорту України в уряді Арсенія Яценюка.

Ініціював проведення реформи  в сфері фізичної культури та спорту.

Звіт  про роботу Міністерства під керівництвом Дмитра Булатова за дев'ять місяців.

Станом на липень 2015-го — військовик ЗС України, позивний «Міністр», обороняє місто Щастя, поранений.

Нагороди
 Медаль «Захиснику Вітчизни» (21 жовтня 2015) — за мужність, самовідданість і високий професіоналізм, виявлені у захисті державного суверенітету та територіальної цілісності України, вірність військовій присязі

Див. також
 Уряд Арсенія Яценюка
 Викрадення активістів Євромайдану
 Репресії проти Євромайдану
 Автомайдан

Примітки

Посилання

 Дмитрий Булатов с позывным «Министр» рассказал о службе «на передке»
 Міністр молоді та спорту України Булатов Дмитро Сергійович — Міністр молоді та спорту України
 Кому перейшов дорогу Дмитро Булатов
 Булатов: «Меня предупреждали…» — LB.ua
 У Литві проведуть судово-медичну експертизу травм Булатова  (фотографії побоїв на тілі Дмитра Булатова)

Уродженці Києва
Випускники КПІ
Українські громадські діячі
Учасники Євромайдану
Жертви злочинів
Автомайдан
Викрадення людей в Україні

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


This granular product is made from premier quality lecithin (97% phosphatides). Premier Lecithin Granules contain key unsaturated fatty acid phosphatidyl complexes for optimal brain and nerve functions.
This products is easy to blend in smoothies or drinks and imparts a delicious, rich taste. Due to the efficient extraction process, no soy protein remains.
Take 1 tablespoon, 2 times daily, blended in food for excellent fatty acid transport, or as directed by a health professional.


Join our mailing list to receive our semi-annual newsletter, The Scenic, and the Foundation's Annual Report. Each publication features updates on our initiatives and programs, events, milestones, and more to keep you connected to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The annual report highlights all the improvements you've made possible with your generosity.
Our e-newsletter delivers monthly updates on how your dollars are helping the Blue Ridge Parkway, community events, historical tidbits, and our signature programs. Don't miss the latest news about this special place.
More than 4,000 property owners can call the Blue Ridge Parkway their neighbor. Because of their proximity, they are vital to helping maintain the beauty and integrity of the scenic route. That's why the Foundation worked with landscape architect David Hill to produce two publications that offer property owners and developers comprehensive advice for how to be good Parkway neighbors.


Fraudsters are now using stolen credit cards to buy items for resale from Apple and Microsoft.
Credit card fraudsters are always devising new tactics to steal money from tech giants and banking institutions alike.
With the rising number of mobile payment applications and options, cases of fraudulent transactions involving platforms like Apple Pay are on the rise as well.
In a new scheme, hackers are stealing millions of dollars from Apple by taking advantage of security lapses from banks.
The new scheme involves loading Apple Pay accounts using stolen payment card information from the dark web.
Capital One and JPMorgan are some of the banks that have been targeted in mobile payment fraud schemes.
Experts suggest the breaches were mostly because of loopholes created by banks.
In 2015 and 2016, Capital One suffered losses amounting to $1.5 million after a known organized crime group loaded their iPhones with funds from stolen credit cards.
One of the alleged perpetrators, a resident of Miami, received a four-year sentence in December 2018 for his involvement in the Apple Pay fraud scheme.
In another case, an organized crime group embezzled funds from JPMorgan bank accounts using information obtained from darknet platforms.
Like in the Miami case, fraudsters from Washington are said to have loaded Apple Pay and other different digital wallets in a bid to make high-end purchases.
After buying expensive items like MacBook Pros and Rolex watches, the products are resold to complete the well-orchestrated operation.
According to a recent report by Forbes, the group from Miami had access to important user information from Capital One customers.
With this data, they were able to manipulate bank representatives into allowing them access to the accounts.
The verification step that sometimes involves impersonation is the most important step because it enables control over unsuspecting customers' accounts.
In the second case from the Washington Western District Court, three suspects—Aaron Laws, Denison Ellis and Jeffrey Mayfield—were arrested for conspiracy to commit fraud.
One of them was further charged with money laundering, aggravated identity theft and possession of stolen credit card credentials.
The responsibility of protection from such fraudulent activities lies on the banks, as the breaches are made from bank accounts and not from digital wallets.
While some banks conduct due diligence by calling the account holder before adding a card online, others simply send verification codes that can be bypassed.
Card fraud is not new in the U.S., but the advent of various mobile payment options has availed new mechanisms for illegal activities.
Because banks are the ones who issue cards, they are left with the responsibility of being at the forefront in handling actions against fraudsters.
They also have access to the transaction history to tell whether a transaction from the user's card is suspect or not.
In 2017, there were two cases of card fraud in Washington involving Apple and Microsoft.
In the first of the two crimes that took place in April 2017, the suspected fraudsters in the aforementioned Washington case followed a predictable pattern.
Allegedly, they uploaded a stolen card to an Apple Pay account and later bought two MacBook Pros for over $7,000.
The same card was reused after a few weeks to buy merchandise worth $4,940 from a Microsoft Store in Seattle.
According to Forbes, the total losses accruing from their activities cost the affected banks at least $600,000.
Is the New Apple Card a Promising Solution?
On its side, Apple says it is already doing its part to prevent fraudulent transactions.
With the newly introduced Apple Card that doesn't feature a CVV security code, a card number, signature, or an expiration date, it will be interesting to see how card fraudsters will bypass security measures.
Unlike the traditional cards, the Apple Card will store the user's information on the iPhone's Secure Element, a certified chip that stores a user's payment information securely on the device.
Responsibility will consequently shift from banks to the company, which will have oversight of the transactions.
Apple Pay has been an easy target for fraudsters because banks suffer lapses in the process of verifying card usage online.
Even suspected transactions are not properly investigated. The legitimate account holder is only advised to apply for another card in the mean time.
As claimed a press release from last month, Apple Card is touted to beat competition from rival providers because it has zero card fees and features lower interest rates.
Apple Pay Vice President Jennifer Bailey stated she anticipates that the card will ensure "a healthier financial life" for all users.
While this may mitigate illegal transactions, it must be acknowledged that cybercriminals are adaptable to new technologies.
They are always looking for loopholes to compromise. Some of the breaches, however, happen because of individual malpractices and not just because of the underlying technology.


Isah Ashiru-Kudan has been selected as the Governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kaduna State.
Honourable Ashiru-Kudan, a former House of Reps Member and Chairman, Appropriation Committee received 1330 out of a total 2654 votes, while Suleiman Hunkuyi, a serving Senator received 564.
Another aspirant Sani Sidi received 560 out of the total votes. In total there was 2654 valid votes. Only 39 of the votes were invalid.
A reporter for DENISAURUS News, who was present at the election count said Muktar Ramalan Yero, a former Governor of the state decided to stand down for Honourable Ashiru-Kudan last night.
Alhaji Sidi swiftly congratulated and embraced the winner of the election.
Congratulations have also poured in from all other contestant, who this paper understand signed a Memorandum of Understanding which states that support will be given to whoever emerges victorious in the primaries.
This means that Honourable Ashiru-Kudan, a two-time house of reps member will face Nasiru El-Rufai, a member of the All Progressives Congress in the 2019 elections.
The current governor, Mallam Elrufai has lost favour with many people in the state due to his unpopular policies.
Senior members of the party informed this paper that Felix Hassan Hyet, a PDP Chairman who served as Minister of State for the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Aviation from 2007 – 2008, is likely to emerge as the Deputy Governorship candidate.


No matter what manner of weather the Springfield area is facing, you can be sure that windows and doors from Pella of Springfield can deal with it. Our products are built to be energy efficient. As a result, our ENERGY STAR®-certified windows and doors1 can help reduce your energy costs. This ENERGY STAR certification is a result of our energy-efficient features like double- and triple-pane glass, Low-E coating and glass panes designed to excel in specific climates across North America. Learn more about our energy-saving glass options and technology.
To learn more about how windows and doors from Pella of Springfield can help increase your home's energy efficiency, stop by your local showroom. Or call us at 217-793-0550 to schedule your free, in-home consultation.


"Thanks to Rhythm Identity for widening my knowledge regarding dances b introducing Zouk-Lambada into my dance journey. I enjoy the dance and the rhythm of zouk-music!"
Hundreds of shoppers at the One Utama Shopping mall had a pleasant surprise this afternoon when they were entertained by a flashmob.
The International Zouk Flashmob is being held across 95 cities in 35 countries including New York, Berlin and Hong Kong today.
Malaysia is part of the first and biggest flashmob performance worldwide. As a handful of youngsters took to the floor in an energetic dance routine, shoppers quickly gathered to watch from a vantage point.
The flashmob is also an attempt to break The Guinness World Record for the most people ever to participate in a flashmob on a single day. A similar performance was held in Penang.