text:
Tilapia's turn
Studies on Brazil's most abundant fish have resulted in a new variety, a vaccine and probiotics, in addition to genetic selection
Marcos de Oliveira
Issue # 249
BiodiversityBiologyGeneticsInnovationNutrition
Eduardo Cesar Specimens of Saint Peter, tilapia's generic name, at the Fisheries Institute in São PauloEduardo Cesar
Originating in Africa's Nile River, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was consumed by the ancient Egyptians more than 3,000 years ago. Today, it is Brazil's most cultivated fish and ranks fourth worldwide behind three carp species, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This national fish preference may seem odd to anyone who does not know its better known name: Saint Peter, which is very often served in restaurants and available in Brazilian supermarkets. Saint Peter is a red skin variety of the same Nile tilapia, which is traditionally black with darker stripes. In fillet form, there is no difference in color and taste. The size of Brazil's tilapia producing and consuming market acts as an incentive for scientists to research breeding methods, diseases and treatments, and even to find different ways of marketing the product.
The red variety was brought from Israel by the Aquaculture Production Technology (APT) company in the 1980s. "The name Saint Peter came about and stuck, in much the same way as Brazil's Bombril brand has come to refer to steel wool and Xerox is now synonymous with photocopies," says zootechnician and professor Alexandre Wagner Silva Hilsdorf of the Genetics Laboratory of Aquatic Organisms and Aquaculture (LAGOOA) at Mogi das Cruzes University (UMC), located in Greater São Paulo. Hilsdorf was one of the first Brazilian researchers to work on tilapia genetics. He coordinated the breeding of a new red variety to solve a problem for Indústria Brasileira do Peixe (known by the name Royal Fish), a company based in Jundiaí (São Paulo). It was producing Saint Peter in the late 1990s and was experiencing difficulty importing matrices from Israel.
Eduardo Cesar Young tilapia of the Fisheries Institute…Eduardo Cesar
"In 2000 I suggested to the company's owners that they import a new variety of red tilapia that I had worked on while pursuing my Master's degree from the Aquaculture Institute of the University of Stirling in the United Kingdom, which is called Red-Stirling, a Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) mutant that does not have the typical wild black color of tilapia. From this imported red variety, we started a cross-breeding program with the Chitralada black variety in order to genetically improve its performance under the cultivation conditions of the red variety coming from the University of Stirling. The result was a genetically improved fish that is currently sold by the company," says Hilsdorf (see Pesquisa FAPESP Issue nº 163). The experiments and the development of the new Royal Fish variety were funded by projects under FAPESP's Innovative Research in Small Businesses Program (PIPE).
Even though black and red tilapia fillets are identical in taste and color, the red ones on display are more attractive to the consumer. "Red gets more attention and it sells more quickly. It reminds us of marine fish and so is more acceptable," says Hilsdorf. Even with a lower growth performance than the black one, the whole Royal Fish red tilapia sells at the fish farm for R$9.80 per kilo (kg), while black tilapia sells for R$8.50. In São Paulo, the average price per kilo of whole fish in the second quarter of 2016, according to a survey by Embrapa Pesca e Aquicultura, based in Palmas (Tocantins State), was R$12.90, and fresh fillets in supermarkets were R$43.30. The price varies according to the region in Brazil. In Embrapa's survey, the average price per kilo of the fillet in the Federal District and in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Ceará, Paraná and Santa Catarina was R$31.23, and of the whole fish, R$12.42.
Eduardo Cesar …and of adults in breeding tanks of Barragem de Ponte Nova in Salesópolis (São Paulo State)Eduardo Cesar
"In the late 1980s, the commercial weight of tilapia was around 500 grams after about six months of cultivation, depending on the region. Today, for example, in the region of Santa Fé, northwest of São Paulo, black tilapia cultivated by Indústria Brasileira do Peixe is reaching a weight of 850 grams in six months. The company's red variety developed in the first breeding phase is reaching a commercial weight of 850 grams after eight months of cultivation," says Hilsdorf. "With the experience we now have, we are starting new cross-breeding projects using molecular markers, which are evaluated at UMC by biotechnology graduate students. By having more information on the genomic regions of the tilapia, we can select fish whose offspring will be guaranteed to have the characteristics we would like them to have in order to improve the variety, making it more productive to yield a larger size and more flesh." One of these lines of research is to identify polymorphisms (differences in the DNA sequence) in the tilapia growth hormone gene. "Based on analysis of four varieties bred in Brazil, we have already identified polymorphisms in the growth hormone gene promoter, and we tested the statistical association of the differences in growth found among those fish."
Another line of research aimed at tilapia breeding involves a tool that is already being used for raising cattle. Veterinarian José Fernando Garcia, a professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine of São Paulo State University (Unesp) in Araçatuba (São Paulo), would like to build on his experience in developing a bovine DNA chip, which is used commercially to select better breeding dairy cattle. He is working on a chip to select tilapia matrices that are the best breeding stock in order to increase fish yield relative to meat production. "We were able to extract the DNA from a piece of tilapia fin and, on a slide with nanosensors, we will identify and characterize genomic points called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), which are variations in DNA that allow individual characterization of each fish," Garcia explains. "This tool will make it easier, faster and more efficient to select the matrices. Each pair of tilapia can produce 200 to 300 juveniles per spawning, three to four times a year. The SNPChip will facilitate tilapia breeding which is still in the early stages. Salmon breeding in countries such as Chile and Norway has doubled the size of the fish," says Garcia.
Eduardo Cesar SNPChip: will be used to identify genetic markers in tilapia matricesEduardo Cesar
To determine the genetic variability of the world's various strains of Oreochromis niloticus, Garcia's group is collecting DNA from individual specimens that represent commercial and non-commercial varieties of the fish. Genetic markers will be identified from the sample genomic sequences. Then this information will be processed and placed on a microchip by the Illumina company of California. This chip will make it possible to simultaneously analyze hundreds of thousands of tilapia markers. "This product is expected to be ready by 2017," says Garcia, who recently asked the university if he could work part-time there so he can dedicate more time to the project at his company, Agropartners Consultoria.
Researchers are also studying diseases that affect tilapia in Brazil. The most recent study resulted in a vaccine against Streptococcus agalactiae bacteria, which was developed at Unesp in Jaboticabal. The micro-organism can cause a fish mortality rate of up to 90% of production at the pre-marketing age (about 800 grams). This pathogen is normally present in the water and infects the fish opportunistically when fish are stressed by overcrowded tanks or sudden temperature variations. The infection causes neurological changes in the skin, bulging eye, and neurological signs such as erratic swimming, caused by hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis. Antibiotics are used to combat the problem, but indiscriminate use of medications leads to contamination of water and springs. "Several streptococcal vaccines exist, but we do not have information about their industrial use, often because such information is proprietary. Because of this lack of information, our former doctoral student, Paulo Fernandes Marcusso, proposed sonication, which uses ultrasound to inactivate the bacteria, and utilization of two proteins as immunogens in the vaccine," says veterinarian Flavio Ruas de Moraes, a professor at the School of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (FCAV) of Unesp in Jaboticabal. "In the laboratory tests we performed, the survival rate of the vaccinated fish was 100%," says Marcusso, now a professor at the State University of Maringá (UEM). In addition to Brazil, the bacteria have also been found in fish populations in the United States, Israel and Japan, notes Marcusso. The next step would be to do testing in the field, which requires funding and commitment from an, as yet, nonexistent company.
Alexandre Hilsdorf Royal Fish Tilapia, a result of cross breeding Red Stirling, red tilapia, and Chitralada black tilapiaAlexandre Hilsdorf
To combat the bacteria that can infect tilapia yet help fish growth, another line of study involves adding probiotics, either bacteria or yeast, to the feed, as shown by two projects carried out at the Fisheries Institute in São Paulo and funded by FAPESP. In the first project coordinated by agronomist-engineer Leonardo Tachibana, the bacteria Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus acidophilus were used to improve feed utilization and increase fish immunity and reduce disease infection rates. "This process adds 6% to 8% growth to the fish," says Tachibana. E. faeciumis is already used in poultry and pork where it is mixed with feed for the same purpose.
Tachibana says that although figures are not available, the addition of probiotics to the feed outweighs the cost. "Only 200 grams per ton of feed is used at the juvenile fish stage." In another project at the Fisheries Institute in São Paulo, biologist Danielle Carla Dias is searching for bacteria in the Nile tilapia itself that can inhibit fish diseases. To do this, she and a group of Institute researchers visited a number of fish farms in Brazil. The result was a collection of 1,125 species of bacteria found in fish, obtained from the mucosa, skin or intestine. "We have been collecting these bacteria since early 2015, and to date we have tested 30 of them, four of which passed the tests because they showed some benefit," says Dias. "By April 2017 we intend to have a probiotic bacterium specific to tilapia and to initiate the first tests on fish." With support from FAPESP, she has done postdoctoral internships at the University of Málaga as well as at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography in Spain, where she participated in studies to find probiotic bacteria for marine fish. Such bacteria are now used as additives in the commercial breeding of branzino, sole and mahi-mahi.
Eduardo Cesar Breeding tanks in Salesópolis, where UMC performs cross-breeding experiments for genetic improvementEduardo Cesar
Fillets and cubes
The pattern of fish consumption is also the subject of research. The most recent PIPE project coordinated by Hilsdorf was aimed at getting to know the consumer market for red tilapia and developing processed fish products. The study involving Royal Fish, UMC and the Food Technology Institute (ITAL), based in Campinas (São Paulo State), was started in 2011 and also received funding from the Brazilian Innovation Agency (FINEP). Completed in 2014, the project, among other products, produced fillets cooked in the form of cubes and fresh fillets with sauces similar to products found abroad. The cubed fillets in foil packaging, in the form of bags similar to those used in sauces and pastas, are unprecedented in Brazil. They can be eaten at meals or in the form of snacks. "We made cooked tilapia fillets cut into pieces with brine. After sterilization, the product is finished and ready to use," says José Ricardo Gonçalves, a researcher at ITAL. There have also been several tasting sessions to assess consumer reaction. The cubed and cooked fillet had an acceptance rating of 70% and a rejection rate of 20%, and 10% were indifferent. After the studies, Royal Fish will analyze which products are suitable for the market.
Intense growth
Rising production shows the importance of tilapia in Brazilian aquaculture
Tilapia is the most cultivated fish in Brazil. In 2015, 219,000 metric tons were caught (slaughtered and sold), according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). This number increased by 9.7% compared to 2014 and almost 10 times since 1998, when 30,000 metric tons were sold. The largest producing regions are in Ceará, mainly in the municipality of Jaguaribara; São Paulo, in the cities of Santa Fé do Sul and Rifaina; in addition to Toledo, in Paraná State; and Gloria, Bahia State. According to IBGE, last year production amounted to R$1.177 billion. Chitralada tilapia is one of the most readily available varieties in Brazil; it has been in the country since 1996 and is a descendant of tilapia from Egypt that was imported to Japan and later improved in Thailand. Another variety is GIFT, which stands for genetically improved farmed tilapia, the result of a 10-year project (1988-1997) to produce a genetically superior variety of tilapia at the International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM), now the WorldFish Center, based in Malaysia. GIFT was introduced in Brazil in 2005 through a partnership between the State University of Maringá (UEM) in Paraná and the WorldFish Center, with the collaboration of the former Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Companhia de Desenvolvimento Agropecuário do Paraná (Codapar). The Informativo Mercado da Tilápia [Tilapia Market Report], of February 2016, published by Embrapa Pesca e Aquicultura, indicates that Brazil exported 171 metric tons of fresh tilapia fillets to the United States in 2015, 97% of Brazil's total foreign tilapia trade, which amounted to US$1.3 million. By the first quarter of 2016, also according to Embrapa, exports had already surpassed the 2015 figure, with 188 metric tons exported, amounting to US$1.5 million.
1. Adding value to the industrialization process of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (nº 2011/51143-0); Grant Mechanism Program to Support Research in Small Business (PAPPE-PIPE); Principal Investigator Alexandre Wagner Silva Hilsdorf (UMC); Investment R$102,237.95 (FAPESP) and R$83,298.37 (FINEP).
2. Genetic and zootechnical evaluation of two varieties of Nile tilapia for the establishment of a mass production program for a hybrid (nº 2001/08416-4); Grant Mechanism Innovative Research in Small Businesses Program (PIPE); Principal Investigator Alexandre Wagner Silva Hilsdorf (UMC); Investment R$123,642.39 and US$8,998.66
3. Selection of micro-organisms isolated from tilapia for use as probiotic in fish (nº 2014/15390-1); Grant Mechanism Young investigators in Emerging Institutions; Principal Investigator Danielle de Carla Dias (Institute of Fisheries); Investment R$142,089.84 and US$46,703.86.
4. Probiotics in the feeding of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (nº 2013/09731-8); Grant Mechanism Regular Research Grant; Principal Investigator Leonardo Tachibana (Fisheries Institute); Investment R$168,296.53 and US$36,739.96.
DIAS, M.A. et al. Evaluation of the genetic diversity of microsatellite markers among four strains of Oreochromis niloticus. Animal Genetics. V. 47 No. 3, pp. 345-53. June 2016.
LAGO, A. A. et al. The development of genetically improved red tilapia lines through the backcross breeding of two Oreochromis niloticus strains. Aquaculture. Online. June 30, 2016.

This work first appeared on Pesquisa FAPESP under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license. Read the original here.

Eduardo Cesar Specimens of Saint Peter, tilapia's generic name, at the Fisheries Institute in São PauloEduardo Cesar Originating in Africa's Nile River, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was consumed by the ancient Egyptians more than 3,000 years ago. Today, it is Brazil's most cultivated fish and ranks fourth worldwide behind three carp species, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This national fish preference may seem odd to anyone who does not know its better known name: Saint Peter, which is very often served in restaurants and available in Brazilian supermarkets. Saint Peter is a red skin variety of the same Nile tilapia, which is traditionally black with darker stripes. In fillet form, there is no difference in color and taste. The size of Brazil's tilapia producing and consuming market acts as an incentive for scientists to research breeding methods, diseases and treatments, and even to find different ways of marketing the product. The red variety was brought from Israel by the Aquaculture Production Technology (APT) company in the 1980s. "The name Saint Peter came about and stuck, in much the same way as Brazil's Bombril brand has come to refer to steel wool and Xerox is now synonymous with photocopies," says zootechnician and professor Alexandre Wagner Silva Hilsdorf of the Genetics Laboratory of Aquatic Organisms and Aquaculture (LAGOOA) at Mogi das Cruzes University (UMC), located in Greater São Paulo. Hilsdorf was one of the first Brazilian researchers to work on tilapia genetics. He coordinated the breeding of a new red variety to solve a problem for Indústria Brasileira do Peixe (known by the name Royal Fish), a company based in Jundiaí (São Paulo). It was producing Saint Peter in the late 1990s and was experiencing difficulty importing matrices from Israel. Eduardo Cesar Young tilapia of the Fisheries Institute…Eduardo Cesar "In 2000 I suggested to the company's owners that they import a new variety of red tilapia that I had worked on while pursuing my Master's degree from the Aquaculture Institute of the University of Stirling in the United Kingdom, which is called Red-Stirling, a Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) mutant that does not have the typical wild black color of tilapia. From this imported red variety, we started a cross-breeding program with the Chitralada black variety in order to genetically improve its performance under the cultivation conditions of the red variety coming from the University of Stirling. The result was a genetically improved fish that is currently sold by the company," says Hilsdorf (see Pesquisa FAPESP Issue nº 163). The experiments and the development of the new Royal Fish variety were funded by projects under FAPESP's Innovative Research in Small Businesses Program (PIPE). Even though black and red tilapia fillets are identical in taste and color, the red ones on display are more attractive to the consumer. "Red gets more attention and it sells more quickly. It reminds us of marine fish and so is more acceptable," says Hilsdorf. Even with a lower growth performance than the black one, the whole Royal Fish red tilapia sells at the fish farm for R$9.80 per kilo (kg), while black tilapia sells for R$8.50. In São Paulo, the average price per kilo of whole fish in the second quarter of 2016, according to a survey by Embrapa Pesca e Aquicultura, based in Palmas (Tocantins State), was R$12.90, and fresh fillets in supermarkets were R$43.30. The price varies according to the region in Brazil. In Embrapa's survey, the average price per kilo of the fillet in the Federal District and in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Ceará, Paraná and Santa Catarina was R$31.23, and of the whole fish, R$12.42. Eduardo Cesar …and of adults in breeding tanks of Barragem de Ponte Nova in Salesópolis (São Paulo State)Eduardo Cesar "In the late 1980s, the commercial weight of tilapia was around 500 grams after about six months of cultivation, depending on the region. Today, for example, in the region of Santa Fé, northwest of São Paulo, black tilapia cultivated by Indústria Brasileira do Peixe is reaching a weight of 850 grams in six months. The company's red variety developed in the first breeding phase is reaching a commercial weight of 850 grams after eight months of cultivation," says Hilsdorf. "With the experience we now have, we are starting new cross-breeding projects using molecular markers, which are evaluated at UMC by biotechnology graduate students. By having more information on the genomic regions of the tilapia, we can select fish whose offspring will be guaranteed to have the characteristics we would like them to have in order to improve the variety, making it more productive to yield a larger size and more flesh." One of these lines of research is to identify polymorphisms (differences in the DNA sequence) in the tilapia growth hormone gene. "Based on analysis of four varieties bred in Brazil, we have already identified polymorphisms in the growth hormone gene promoter, and we tested the statistical association of the differences in growth found among those fish." Another line of research aimed at tilapia breeding involves a tool that is already being used for raising cattle. Veterinarian José Fernando Garcia, a professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine of São Paulo State University (Unesp) in Araçatuba (São Paulo), would like to build on his experience in developing a bovine DNA chip, which is used commercially to select better breeding dairy cattle. He is working on a chip to select tilapia matrices that are the best breeding stock in order to increase fish yield relative to meat production. "We were able to extract the DNA from a piece of tilapia fin and, on a slide with nanosensors, we will identify and characterize genomic points called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), which are variations in DNA that allow individual characterization of each fish," Garcia explains. "This tool will make it easier, faster and more efficient to select the matrices. Each pair of tilapia can produce 200 to 300 juveniles per spawning, three to four times a year. The SNPChip will facilitate tilapia breeding which is still in the early stages. Salmon breeding in countries such as Chile and Norway has doubled the size of the fish," says Garcia. Eduardo Cesar SNPChip: will be used to identify genetic markers in tilapia matricesEduardo Cesar To determine the genetic variability of the world's various strains of Oreochromis niloticus, Garcia's group is collecting DNA from individual specimens that represent commercial and non-commercial varieties of the fish. Genetic markers will be identified from the sample genomic sequences. Then this information will be processed and placed on a microchip by the Illumina company of California. This chip will make it possible to simultaneously analyze hundreds of thousands of tilapia markers. "This product is expected to be ready by 2017," says Garcia, who recently asked the university if he could work part-time there so he can dedicate more time to the project at his company, Agropartners Consultoria. Researchers are also studying diseases that affect tilapia in Brazil. The most recent study resulted in a vaccine against Streptococcus agalactiae bacteria, which was developed at Unesp in Jaboticabal. The micro-organism can cause a fish mortality rate of up to 90% of production at the pre-marketing age (about 800 grams). This pathogen is normally present in the water and infects the fish opportunistically when fish are stressed by overcrowded tanks or sudden temperature variations. The infection causes neurological changes in the skin, bulging eye, and neurological signs such as erratic swimming, caused by hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis. Antibiotics are used to combat the problem, but indiscriminate use of medications leads to contamination of water and springs. "Several streptococcal vaccines exist, but we do not have information about their industrial use, often because such information is proprietary. Because of this lack of information, our former doctoral student, Paulo Fernandes Marcusso, proposed sonication, which uses ultrasound to inactivate the bacteria, and utilization of two proteins as immunogens in the vaccine," says veterinarian Flavio Ruas de Moraes, a professor at the School of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (FCAV) of Unesp in Jaboticabal. "In the laboratory tests we performed, the survival rate of the vaccinated fish was 100%," says Marcusso, now a professor at the State University of Maringá (UEM). In addition to Brazil, the bacteria have also been found in fish populations in the United States, Israel and Japan, notes Marcusso. The next step would be to do testing in the field, which requires funding and commitment from an, as yet, nonexistent company. Alexandre Hilsdorf Royal Fish Tilapia, a result of cross breeding Red Stirling, red tilapia, and Chitralada black tilapiaAlexandre Hilsdorf To combat the bacteria that can infect tilapia yet help fish growth, another line of study involves adding probiotics, either bacteria or yeast, to the feed, as shown by two projects carried out at the Fisheries Institute in São Paulo and funded by FAPESP. In the first project coordinated by agronomist-engineer Leonardo Tachibana, the bacteria Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus acidophilus were used to improve feed utilization and increase fish immunity and reduce disease infection rates. "This process adds 6% to 8% growth to the fish," says Tachibana. E. faeciumis is already used in poultry and pork where it is mixed with feed for the same purpose. Tachibana says that although figures are not available, the addition of probiotics to the feed outweighs the cost. "Only 200 grams per ton of feed is used at the juvenile fish stage." In another project at the Fisheries Institute in São Paulo, biologist Danielle Carla Dias is searching for bacteria in the Nile tilapia itself that can inhibit fish diseases. To do this, she and a group of Institute researchers visited a number of fish farms in Brazil. The result was a collection of 1,125 species of bacteria found in fish, obtained from the mucosa, skin or intestine. "We have been collecting these bacteria since early 2015, and to date we have tested 30 of them, four of which passed the tests because they showed some benefit," says Dias. "By April 2017 we intend to have a probiotic bacterium specific to tilapia and to initiate the first tests on fish." With support from FAPESP, she has done postdoctoral internships at the University of Málaga as well as at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography in Spain, where she participated in studies to find probiotic bacteria for marine fish. Such bacteria are now used as additives in the commercial breeding of branzino, sole and mahi-mahi. Eduardo Cesar Breeding tanks in Salesópolis, where UMC performs cross-breeding experiments for genetic improvementEduardo Cesar Fillets and cubes The pattern of fish consumption is also the subject of research. The most recent PIPE project coordinated by Hilsdorf was aimed at getting to know the consumer market for red tilapia and developing processed fish products. The study involving Royal Fish, UMC and the Food Technology Institute (ITAL), based in Campinas (São Paulo State), was started in 2011 and also received funding from the Brazilian Innovation Agency (FINEP). Completed in 2014, the project, among other products, produced fillets cooked in the form of cubes and fresh fillets with sauces similar to products found abroad. The cubed fillets in foil packaging, in the form of bags similar to those used in sauces and pastas, are unprecedented in Brazil. They can be eaten at meals or in the form of snacks. "We made cooked tilapia fillets cut into pieces with brine. After sterilization, the product is finished and ready to use," says José Ricardo Gonçalves, a researcher at ITAL. There have also been several tasting sessions to assess consumer reaction. The cubed and cooked fillet had an acceptance rating of 70% and a rejection rate of 20%, and 10% were indifferent. After the studies, Royal Fish will analyze which products are suitable for the market. Intense growth Rising production shows the importance of tilapia in Brazilian aquaculture Tilapia is the most cultivated fish in Brazil. In 2015, 219,000 metric tons were caught (slaughtered and sold), according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). This number increased by 9.7% compared to 2014 and almost 10 times since 1998, when 30,000 metric tons were sold. The largest producing regions are in Ceará, mainly in the municipality of Jaguaribara; São Paulo, in the cities of Santa Fé do Sul and Rifaina; in addition to Toledo, in Paraná State; and Gloria, Bahia State. According to IBGE, last year production amounted to R$1.177 billion. Chitralada tilapia is one of the most readily available varieties in Brazil; it has been in the country since 1996 and is a descendant of tilapia from Egypt that was imported to Japan and later improved in Thailand. Another variety is GIFT, which stands for genetically improved farmed tilapia, the result of a 10-year project (1988-1997) to produce a genetically superior variety of tilapia at the International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM), now the WorldFish Center, based in Malaysia. GIFT was introduced in Brazil in 2005 through a partnership between the State University of Maringá (UEM) in Paraná and the WorldFish Center, with the collaboration of the former Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Companhia de Desenvolvimento Agropecuário do Paraná (Codapar). The Informativo Mercado da Tilápia [Tilapia Market Report], of February 2016, published by Embrapa Pesca e Aquicultura, indicates that Brazil exported 171 metric tons of fresh tilapia fillets to the United States in 2015, 97% of Brazil's total foreign tilapia trade, which amounted to US$1.3 million. By the first quarter of 2016, also according to Embrapa, exports had already surpassed the 2015 figure, with 188 metric tons exported, amounting to US$1.5 million. Projects 1. Adding value to the industrialization process of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (nº 2011/51143-0); Grant Mechanism Program to Support Research in Small Business (PAPPE-PIPE); Principal Investigator Alexandre Wagner Silva Hilsdorf (UMC); Investment R$102,237.95 (FAPESP) and R$83,298.37 (FINEP). 2. Genetic and zootechnical evaluation of two varieties of Nile tilapia for the establishment of a mass production program for a hybrid (nº 2001/08416-4); Grant Mechanism Innovative Research in Small Businesses Program (PIPE); Principal Investigator Alexandre Wagner Silva Hilsdorf (UMC); Investment R$123,642.39 and US$8,998.66 3. Selection of micro-organisms isolated from tilapia for use as probiotic in fish (nº 2014/15390-1); Grant Mechanism Young investigators in Emerging Institutions; Principal Investigator Danielle de Carla Dias (Institute of Fisheries); Investment R$142,089.84 and US$46,703.86. 4. Probiotics in the feeding of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (nº 2013/09731-8); Grant Mechanism Regular Research Grant; Principal Investigator Leonardo Tachibana (Fisheries Institute); Investment R$168,296.53 and US$36,739.96. Scientific articles DIAS, M.A. et al. Evaluation of the genetic diversity of microsatellite markers among four strains of Oreochromis niloticus. Animal Genetics. V. 47 No. 3, pp. 345-53. June 2016. LAGO, A. A. et al. The development of genetically improved red tilapia lines through the backcross breeding of two Oreochromis niloticus strains. Aquaculture. Online. June 30, 2016.


Just getting here? Start with Day 1 of our Honeymoon adventure. To see all our Honeymoon stories, CLICK HERE.
It was raining in the morning. It wasn't just a little rain, it was as if the sky opened up to dump the monthly allotment of rain in one sitting. According to the concierge, this may have been true. The rainy months are generally September and October, yet the first rain of the season was yesterday.
It was lame, really, that this bummed me out. But one look at the rain and I was suddenly cast into a state of restlessness, boredom, and a bit of homesickness all in one. We'd booked a kayak and snorkel tour for the morning that had to be cancelled because of the weather. It was the only thing we had planned for the day, and left us wondering what else to do. We ended up going on a search for souvenirs. Shawn found some Costa Rican t-shirts, I found nothing. We went back to the hotel and decided to try a drive up the coast. However, a fallen tree blocked the road towards the southern coasts. So we set out towards Liberia. Again, we were blocked by bad roads and severe flooding. It seemed as if God was telling us it was best if we stayed put.
But I was restless, bored, and homesick.
Ok, admittedly it's kind of pretty. And a rain storm here totally beats the pants off of a northern California cold and dreary rain storm. But still, I was restless.
Shawn was a saint. I know he was sensing my unrest, and yet he remained calm and patient with me. "What would you like to do?" he'd ask me. "I don't know," I'd say each time. We were nearly accosted by an overly eager hotel guest who had apparently discovered that Costa Rica has caffeine. Shawn and I spent the next 30 minutes trying to escape him, an amusing game on such a rainy day. Eventually we discovered the exercise room, and I realized that more than anything I just needed to do something besides relax, eat, and sleep.
It won't surprise me if I end up with 10 extra pounds after this honeymoon, though it's starting to bum me out. The all inclusive plan we have at the hotel allows us to eat and drink as much as we want. After months and months of starving myself and exercising to be in the perfect wedding shape (and it really paid off on my wedding day!), the past week has become a free for all, calorie-wise. My favorite are the alcoholic beverages I've enjoyed on a daily basis. Today I had a Pina Colada. Yesterday and the day before were delicious mojitos. The first day was a Mai Tai. On each plane ride was a gin and tonic, as well as sips from the congratulatory champagne. At home, I never drink. There are too many calories, I don't want alcohol in the home due to mischievous teenagers (namely my teenage daughter, DQ), and I'm such a lightweight that the cost just isn't worth it. But for "free" and while we're on vacation? Pour me something fruity, bartender.
At any rate, the exercise room was there, and it was calling my name. My dear sweet husband told me he'd love to join me in getting a bit of fitness in. So we quickly changed and headed to the room. It felt amazing to run again, working up a solid sweat as it pissed outside. Shawn took turns among the weights and the elliptical. I mostly stayed on the treadmill, adding in a lite elliptical, ab exercises and stretches at the end. By the time we were done, the room felt muggy and hot, we were dripping with sweat, and we felt amazing. It was just the thing to turn the day around.
The rain suddenly felt inviting as a way to cool down, so we each grabbed our books and headed to an umbrella'd table to read while sipping a Pina Colada (me) and coffee (him). He napped while I got immersed in the story (The Lovely Bones, for perhaps the 4th time ever).
The concierge came and visited us during this time to refund our money for the scuba diving trip. She was 29 years old , but looked as young as a 16 year old. While Shawn went to get change for the money she had, she and I discussed where I was from, and vacations in general. She admitted she always wanted to visit California, and said that if she ever did she'd visit the redwood forest. It was funny to hear her say this, as redwoods are something I definitely take for granted. Shawn has told me that in his short time living away from Sonoma County, he missed the redwood trees the most. I never thought about whether I'd miss them or not, and I find it hard to believe that I would. But her enthusiasm over these kind of trees reminded me of my own enthusiasm over seeing the rain forest and the wildlife it holds.
After another filling meal (urp) we soaked up the sun that had finally appeared. We'd booked misajes (massages) earlier, and only had 40 minutes till it was time. It was just enough minutes for me to grab a cat nap. I set my alarm and immediately passed out. What felt like 2 minutes later, the alarm was sounding and we were off again. Two pretty ticas (Costa Rican native gals) waited for us at the spa. We'd scheduled deep tissue misajes, and these two looked so tiny and young. But man, could my masseuse hurt me good. She rolled my hamstring flat until I finally had to ask her to back off. From there, she kneaded every muscle in my body with precision. Shawn and I opted to be in the same room, and it made me curious if they were performing the same routine.
Now I'm sitting by the pool, rehashing the day to the sounds of Spanish Caribbean music. Shawn attempted a dip in the ocean, but the storm kicked up so much gunk it was like swimming in chunky stew. He came back looking something like a drowned rat, coconut husks and sediment all over his body and trespassing in his shorts. The air is a little cooler, probably the coolest it's ever been during our stay. Hopefully it will be a bit warmer tomorrow when we may go zip lining (not my favorite idea, but my husband is truly enthusiastic about this idea, so much that he was willing to forgo massages in favor of it).
All in all, I think today was meant to be a down and relaxing kind of day. It worked out for the best.
Alas, no pictures were taken on this day. But never fear, there will be more tonight when I post Day 5!


text:
Q: Data not saving in sqlite db using Django I am facing issues in saving data to my sqlite db using Django.
When i am accessing 127.0.0.1/personal/makeentry--> the page shows the form , but when i click on submit after entering the details, the detils are not saved in db.
Below is the code
model.py
from django.db import models

class Account(models.Model):
    accountId = models.IntegerField(primary_key=True,unique=True,
    blank=False, null=False, auto_created=True)
    accountName = models.CharField(max_length=100)
    countryName = models.CharField(max_length=100)
    marketName = models.CharField(max_length=100)
    msdmName = models.CharField(max_length=100)
    deliveryManagedFrom = models.CharField(max_length=100)
    location = models.CharField(max_length=100)

    def __str__(self):
        return self.accountName

admin.py
from django.contrib import admin
from .models import Account

# Register your models here.

class AccountAdmin(admin.ModelAdmin):
    list_display = ['accountId', 'accountName','countryName', 'marketName',
    'msdmName','deliveryManagedFrom','location']

admin.site.register(Account, AccountAdmin)

forms.py
from django import forms
from . models import Account
from django.forms import ModelForm

class AccountForm(forms.Form):
    accountName = forms.CharField(label="Account Name", max_length=100)
    countryName = forms.CharField(label="Country Name", max_length=100)
    marketName = forms.CharField(label="Market Name", max_length=100)
    msdmName = forms.CharField(label="MSDM Name", max_length=100)
    deliveryManagedFrom = forms.CharField(label="Delivery Managed From", max_length=100)
    location = forms.CharField(label="Location", max_length=100)

class AccountForm(ModelForm):
    class Meta:
        model = Account
        fields = ['accountName','countryName', 'marketName', 'msdmName', 'deliveryManagedFrom', 'location']

views.py
from django.shortcuts import render
from django.views import generic
from .models import Account
from .forms import AccountForm

def index(request):
    return render(request, 'personal/home.html')

# generic view to fetch the data then show in a list
class IndexView(generic.ListView):
    # a name to refer to the object_list(to be used in the index.html)
    context_object_name = 'account_list'
    template_name = 'personal/index.html'

    def get_queryset(self):
        return Account.objects.all()

# generic view to show the details of a particular object
class DetailsView(generic.DetailView):
    model = Account
    template_name = 'personal/detail.html'

def makeentry(request):
    if request.method == 'POST':
        form = AccountForm(request.POST)

        if form.is_valid():
            accountName = request.POST.get('Account Name', '')
            countryName = request.POST.get('Country Name', '')
            marketName = request.POST.get('Market Name', '')
            msdmName = request.POST.get('MSDM Name', '')
            deliveryManagedFrom = request.POST.get('Delivery Managed From', '')
            location = request.POST.get('Location', '')

        account = Account(accountName=accountName, countryName=countryName, marketName=marketName, msdmName=msdmName, deliveryManagedFrom=deliveryManagedFrom, location=location)
        account.save()

        form = AccountForm()
        return render(request, 'personal/makeentry.html', {'form': form})

    else:
        form = AccountForm()
        return render(request, 'personal/makeentry.html', {'form': form})

makeentry.html
<!DOCTYPE html>

    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <title>Account Entry</title>

    <form action="{% url 'makeentry' %}" method="post">

    {% csrf_token %}
   {{ form }}
    <input type="submit" value="Submit">
    </form>

detail.html
{% if account_list %}

          Account Name
          Country Name
          Market Name
          MSDM Name
          Delivery Managed From
          Location

      {% for account in account_list %}

         {{ account.accountName }}
         {{ account.countryName }}
         {{ account.marketName }}
         {{ account.msdmName }}
         {{ account.deliveryManagedFrom }}
         {{ account.location }}

      {% endfor %}

{% endif %}

A: I think you are making this harder than it needs to. You have a Form and a ModelForm of the same name. You should just be able to use the ModelForm. If there are attributes you want to pass with your ModelForm check out ModelForm Overriding default widgets. It has also been my experience to set action="" and let the view handle the redirect on success.
def make_entry(request):

if request.POST:
    form = AccountForm(request.POST)

    if form.is_valid():
        new_form = form.save()
        return redirect('where-you-want-to-redirect ',
            # View current saved info or change to what you want to show
                          pk=new_form.pk)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
A World of Museums: New Concepts, New Models
Moira Simpson
Carcanet Press
Simpson, M. (2006). A World of Museums: New Concepts, New Models. In The State of the World (pp. 90-121). Carcanet Press.
Simpson, Moira. / A World of Museums: New Concepts, New Models. The State of the World. Carcanet Press, 2006. pp. 90-121
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title = "A World of Museums: New Concepts, New Models",
author = "Moira Simpson",
booktitle = "The State of the World",
publisher = "Carcanet Press",
Simpson, M 2006, A World of Museums: New Concepts, New Models. in The State of the World. Carcanet Press, pp. 90-121.
A World of Museums: New Concepts, New Models. / Simpson, Moira.
The State of the World. Carcanet Press, 2006. p. 90-121.
T1 - A World of Museums: New Concepts, New Models
AU - Simpson, Moira
BT - The State of the World
PB - Carcanet Press
Simpson M. A World of Museums: New Concepts, New Models. In The State of the World. Carcanet Press. 2006. p. 90-121

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


bronchitis « Howard J. Bennett - Pediatrician and Author in Washington, D.C.
Most episodes of bronchitis do not require antibiotics because they are caused by viral infections. Parents become understandably concerned if their children are coughing and often notice a chesty "rattle" when their kids cough. Although this may be due to mucus that is produced in the bronchial tubes, i.e., bronchitis, in many cases this sound is generated because young children are inefficient at clearing mucus from their throats when they have a cold. (You feel the "rattle" when they breathe through mucus in the back of the throat.) So the next time your doctor diagnoses bronchitis, ask whether you can take care of the infection without antibiotics.


This standard contains information to support the correct understanding and use of ISO 52016‑1 and ISO 52017‑1. These documents give calculation methods for the assessment of: - the (sensible and latent) energy load and need for heating and cooling, based on hourly calculations; - the (sensible and latent) energy need for heating and cooling, based on monthly calculations (ISO 52016‑1); - the internal temperature, based on hourly calculations; and - the design (sensible and latent) heating and cooling load, based on hourly calculations. ISO/TR 52016-2:2017 does not contain any normative provisions.


text:
Catalogue Search for "collection:"Main Catalogue"" Internet eBook HISTORY Military Other Book The U.S. Army in Asia, 2030-2040
The U.S. Army in Asia, 2030-2040
Kelly, Terrence K
For the next 20 or more years, the U.S. relationship with China will be the fulcrum on which the East Asian security order balances. As a result, U.S. policy will need to prevent the emergence of an overtly hostile U.S.-China relationship while hedging against the possibility that one could nonetheless emerge. Such a strategy must balance between protecting U.S. interests in East Asia, where clashes with China's preferences are most likely, and cooperating with Beijing globally where the two sides have common objectives. Crafting and sustaining such a strategy will be a major challenge. It must have clear and realistic goals flowing from larger U.S. interests and strategy in the region, take into account the need for U.S.-China cooperation on a host of global security and economic matters, be flexible and responsive to Chinese moves, seek to channel Chinese conduct in favorable directions, and reflect the new realities of Asia resulting from China's increased military and economic power. The U.S. Army will have an important role to play in supporting U.S. strategy in the Asia-Pacific, primarily by providing training and support to allies and partners; helping to defend key facilities from enemy ground, air, and missile attack; providing key enabling support to the joint force; projecting expeditionary combat forces into the theater; contributing to new conventional deterrent options; and helping to encourage China's participation in cooperative military-to-military engagements
eBook, Paperback, Electronic resource, Book. English. Electronic books.
Published Santa Monica, CA : RAND 2014
This resource is available electronically from the following locations
Statement of responsibility: Terrence K. Kelly, James Dobbins, David A. Shlapak, David C. Gompert, Eric Heginbotham, Peter Chalk, Lloyd Thrall
ISBN: 0833086790, 0833086804, 9780833086792, 9780833086808
Note: Includes bibliographical references.
Note: Print version record and CIP data provided by publisher; resource not viewed.
Note: Print version record.
Subject: HISTORY Military Other.; United States Military policy Planning.; Armed Forces Planning.; United States.; Military policy Planning.; Asia.; Strategic aspects of individual places.; Military policy Forecasting.; United States. Army Planning.; TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING Military Science.; Asia Strategic aspects.; United States. Army.; United States Military policy Forecasting.
Local note: JSTOR Books at JSTOR Open Access
The evolving strategic environment
Chinese interests and strategy
U.S. interests and policies
U.S. military strategy and posture
The Army in Asia
Find more by...
HISTORY Military Other
United States Military policy Planning
Armed Forces Planning
Military policy Planning
Strategic aspects of individual places
Military policy Forecasting
United States. Army Planning
TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING Military Science
Asia Strategic aspects
United States Military policy Forecasting


text:
Martin Hackworth - Howlin' at the Moon in ii-V-I
martinhackworth.substack.com
Commentary on current events, science, politics and culture with some satire and music.
Launched 10 months ago
Why I left my faculty job disillusioned with higher education, academics and science.It was a long time coming, but an easy choice in the end.
Martin Hackworth
Why I left my faculty job disillusioned with higher education, academics and science.
Heart of DarknessResponding to far-right critics who pick on a 10-year old because they think it's safer than going after his old man. Bad choice.
Pop FictionHow to respond to snotty critics who won't debate, the old-fashioned way - through satire!
The American Academy of Pediatrics has nonsensical advice for childrenTrust in experts has taken a precipitous decline. It's a self-inflicted wound.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has nonsensical advice for children
Larry CarltonWatch now (18 min) | My generation's Joe Pass
Larry Carlton My generation's Joe Pass
The highs and lows of 2022Wokeness, Justice Gorsuch, China, the southern border, the permanent victim class, poor candidates, our frail society... somebody stop me!
The highs and lows of 2022
Video - I'll be home for Christmas, Xmas, Kwanzaa, Festivus, Hanukkah...Watch now (3 min) | Our holiday concert: https://www.youtube.com/@circleoffifthsmm
Video - I'll be home for Christmas, Xmas, Kwanzaa, Festivus, Hanukkah...
Lost in Cyberspace
Jim Trageser
The Honest Broker
Ted Gioia
Heterodox STEM
Dorian Abbot
Michele Tafoya: Let's Get Sane.
Michele Tafoya
Shapiro's Gavel
Ilya Shapiro
© 2023 Martin Hackworth


text:
Q: Good books on wave equations and fourier analysis Hi,
Please recommend a good book on wave equations and fourier series / transforms at 3rd year undergraduate level.
Our course text is a bit dense and can be hard to follow - see the course text at http://www.ouw.co.uk/bin/ouwsdll.dll?COURSEMS324_Mathematics_-_Pure_and_Applied# - Block 1 - Waves.
As mentioned below normally the OU texts are very readable but I'm having a bit of trouble with this one.
Thanks!

A: Hum, unfortunately I am not familiar with the Open University course, so I am just making a guess based on the course description you linked to.
Insofar as Fourier Analysis is concerned, a decent text is Stein and Shakarchi's Fourier Analysis: an introduction. ( http://press.princeton.edu/titles/7562.html ) You will most likely only need chapters 1, 2, 4, and 5, with a bit of knowledge of 3. One thing good about the book is that it was written as a first course in an analysis sequence, so doesn't assume too much knowledge about real and complex analysis.
Once you have a bit of Fourier analysis under your belt, reading Korner's Fourier Analysis ( http://books.google.com/books?id=OcZ5iKsGrmoC&lpg=PP1&dq=korner%20fourier%20analysis&pg=PR8#v=onepage&q=korner%20fourier%20analysis&f=false ) can be enlightening and give you some feel about what one can do using the machinery.
For the applications to wave equations as mentioned in the course description, somehow I feel that a textbook in electromagnetism (Jackson or Griffiths) may contain more practical material (look at the sections on standing waves and wave-guides).

A: I have found Folland's Fourier analysis and its applications to be very enjoyable and well-motivated reading.

A: Fourier Series and Integrals by Dym and McKean.


text:
Archibald 2003: Brush of the bushman
Geoffrey Dyer, Richard Flanagan,
oil on linen, 183 x 152.5 cm
The Archibald Prize went left field this year. Michael Hutak talks to the knockabout bloke from Tasmania who eclipsed a star-studded field.
It was all a bit subdued at this year's announcement of Australia's pre-eminent art prize, the Archibald. For a start, convivial director Edmund Capon – who'd briefly become a NSW election issue when he took down the Australian flag from the Art Gallery of NSW in protest at the looming war – had been seemingly banished to a corner of the room instead of taking pride of place as MC on the podium.
Capon's void was filled by the earnest monotone of David Gonski, president of the AGNSW board of trustees, although we were assured the flag incident had nothing to do with Capon's "banishment". War, declared the day before, had quelled the media's customary boisterousness and Gonski's declaration of each winner – there are four in all, including the Wynn, the Sulman and a new photo-portrait prize – was greeted with dispersed gasps and muted applause followed by an exchange of polite but quizzical glances around the room: "Who?"
No darlings of the social set got the nod this year, nor did reclusive genii, enfants terrible or even idiots savant.
Tags: art, report, review, The Bulletin
New panel for safer racing - Sun Herald
16 March 2003 -- AFTER a rash of horrific race falls, Racing NSW stewards have formed a Riders' Advisory Panel designed to help young jockeys become better riders.
The panel will aim to correct mistakes and errors of judgment by apprentices and inexperienced riders, under the guidance of high-profile members.
"We believe this is a stepping stone to helping young riders move up the ranks by receiving advice as to how and why a certain incident may have happened and how to prevent it in the future," said Racing NSW chairman of stewards Ray Murrihy.
"Once one of our stewards pinpoints an error with a youngster's riding which needs to be addressed, we will then refer the rider in the company of their master to the panel for corrective advice.
"We have been discussing this at length with the NSW Jockeys' Association and, at this stage, members would include Malcolm Fitzgerald [Racing NSW apprentice Mentor], jockeys like Darren Beadman, and even some former riders.
"It is an exciting initiative and is likely to be much less traumatic for a youngster than having to face a panel of stewards."
Paul Innes, secretary of the NSW Jockeys' Association, welcomed the panels implementation.
"This is an excellent initiative... it will go a long way to improving safety in our sport."
-- Michael Hutak
First published in:


@atomicbird is Death Valley available?
@tankgrrl wow. How… how did that ship?!?
@mdhughes @griff there used to be a SiriusXM channel devoted to those but they changed their programming a bit and it's more generic. Still fun though.
@mdhughes a great find! I love these old radio mystery dramas.
@atomicbird the whole 'building number is in order of construction' thing is crazymaking.


There is this saying you often hear in Yoga circles – actually a Buddhist saying. It has certainly been true for my yoga journey. Teachers have entered my life for what seems – in hindsight at least – a very obvious purpose. I also acknowledge that some of these teachers haven't even been teaching in the formal sense. Some of my teachers have been my own students, friends, children, animals and even trees! some of them have actually not been very good teachers , in the technical sense. But a bad experience is often a very good learning experience.
Having said that, I am acutely aware that there are yogis only just setting out on their paths of discovery who may not know what to look for in a teacher. I am also very aware that more and more newly qualified teachers are emerging from teacher training and beginning their teaching journeys. Compared to when I started teaching ten years ago-when I pretty much knew all of the yoga teachers in Glasgow personally- there is a massive choice of classes, teachers and styles. And realistically, too much choice can be overwhelming.
1. Presence. What I mean by this is not charisma or anything at all like that. What I mean is that the teacher is "present" for his or her students. That they are there. In the Space. Absolutely WITH the teaching. Also the ability to hold a safe space for the work.
2. Knowledge. I want to learn something. So I want to know that the teacher knows something of what they are teaching and more than I do. Generally, for me, this means that they have a. studied it for a reasonable length of time and b. continue to study and see this as a lifelong journey . When teaching asana ( and most Western teachers do) then I want to know that my teacher understands bodies – very well. For me, I trust them even more if they have studied another body work system or at least really know their anatomy, physiology and bio-mechanics. So safety comes into this too.
3. A personal practice. I want to know that my teacher does what they are teaching. Has experienced from their own personal relationship with it.
4. A real human being. I am drawn to teachers who share something of themselves and are honest about their humanity/foibles/mistakes. I also appreciate a sense of humour, a weakness for chocolate and in the case of one of my cherished teachers – a bit of a grumpy streak! basically – no bull***t!
5. Teaches from the Heart. Someone who shares from the heart of love, compassion and honesty.
6. Holds nothing back. There are no secrets or mysteries. They share what they know. All of it. With love. They are also honest about what they don't know. I don't want to be fobbed off with half-truths or pseudo -science.
7. Creates opportunities for growth. A teacher who is able to safely challenge boundaries, comfort zones and physical abilities and to take his or her students into the realm of discovery of what is possible. This is the essence of Yoga.
8. Doesn't show off. A teacher is not there to show me what the amazing shapes they can get into or to use the time for their own practice. Just…no. It isn't about them.
9. Communicates with ease. Seems obvious but a teacher should be good at explaining stuff. I don't want to be confused and if I am, I want them to take the time to help me understand. Even the most esoteric elements of yoga can be opened up by someone who both understands and can communicate clearly.


text:
Happy Birthday REBA & Rodney Atkins!!!
Jimmie Allen filled-in for Hoda Kotb yesterday guest-co-hosting the 10 a.m. hour of the TODAY Show with Kathy Lee! Jimmie was brought to tears as he learned that his history-making #1 hit "Best Shot" had been been certified gold in the U.S. and Canada. Jimmie also had some fun playing an etiquette game with Thomas Farley aka Mister Manners and got the latest on new Spring hairstyles from stylist Chris Appleton! With Kathy Lee soon departing, let me just say Jimmie would make an outstanding permanent co-host of the TODAY Show! Also, if anyone ever needs an awards show host – Jimmie's your guy!
Bobby Bones appears and LOCASH performs "Feels Like A Party" on GMA (tomorrow)
Brothers Osborne (4/2) & Maren Morris (4/5) are scheduled to perform on ELLEN
Reba appears on The Late Late Show with James Corden (4/4)
Check out the new music video from a new artist I'm personally really excited about, Jordan Brooker and his single "Over My Head"
(Inside Joke for Edie) just have to say SESAC's Shannan HATCH is awesome! That is all!
FYI … I get into Vegas next Thursday (a week from today) so if there's something going down that I should be at … let me know!
Dan + Shay will join superstar Shawn Mendes on his self-titled tour in Australia(Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney)
Shane Minor, Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon backstage before their CMA Songwriters Series show at Nashville's Listening Room Cafe as part of the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival on Tuesday. Photo credit: Hunter Berry/CMA
One of the songs I'm really liking off FGL's new album "Can't Say I Ain't Country" is their collaboration with HARDY called "Y'all Boys"
Congrats to Brantley Gilbert and wife Amber on the news that they are expecting their second child, a baby girl! People has the inside scoop on their big gender-reveal party!
The Academy of Country Music® has announced new hires in two departments and promotions within several departments. Tom Torii has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Finance & Operations; Jen Heaton has been promoted to Director, Strategic Partnerships; Lanni Gagnon has been promoted to Manager, Events; Carrie Tekautz has been promoted to Manager, Awards & Membership; Taylor Wolf has joined the staff as Coordinator, ACM Lifting Lives and Strategic Partnerships; and Danielle Bardier joins as Assistant, Events. All positions are based out the Academy's headquarters in Encino, CA.
Check out Bastian Baker's new music video "You Should Call Home"
In honor of his bday today, here's a #TBT to my favorite Rodney Atkins song, "Farmer's Daughter"


Using a variety of programs available online, including the Oligator and Optimoose, we were able to formulate a plan that would enable us to synthesize various optimized and deoptimized versions of the TetA gene. We relied on codon bias, the differences in frequency of occurrence of synonymous codons in coding DNA, to allow for varying expression levels of TetA in the cell. By using natural enzyme sites within TetA, we were able to conduct restriction digests on TetA that allowed us to alter roughly 150 base pairs within each segment using codon bias with a total of four segments available. The TetA vector that was used to synthesize segment 1 clones was digested with EcoRI and NheI. The TetA vector that was used to synthesize segment 2 clones was digested with NheI and BamHI. This gave us the ability to insert roughly 144 bp for each segment that were optimized or deoptimized using codon bias. These inserts were fairly large and thus were synthesized by annealing oligos. These annealed oligos were then treated with a polynucleotide kinase to add a phosphate backbone to the oligo DNA. Initial results yielded a lot of background given that it was difficult to distinguish between singly and doubly cut vectors. Therefore, to reduce background noise, we added an extra step in our preparation of the vector using Antarctic Phosphatase. By using this phosphatase on the vector, we were able to remove the 5' phosphate groups off the backbone of the DNA while still leaving the 3' end phosphates. This made it difficult for the singly cut vector to go back on itself because ligase requires a phosphate group to be present to seal the nick in the phosphate backbone. With this reduced background, we were able to ligate the annealed oligos to our vectors and screen the candidate clones using RFLP.
Through the understanding of the bacterial tetracycline resistance mechanism, we hypothesized that the optimization of the TetA gene was directly related to the translational efficiency of TetA and therefore a more optimized gene would offer a higher level of tetracycline resistance.
To build the optimized and deoptimized segments of the Tet A gene we used the sequence that the Optimoose program gave us and put it into the Oligator, a program created by the Davidson-Missouri Western iGEM team. After getting the recommended Oligo sequences, we added necessary "sticky ends" that were compatible with the naturally occurring restriction enzyme sites that we discovered (see Restriction Enzymes below). The Oligos that were ordered can be seen below.
This diagram demonstrates how the TetA gene was broken into different segments (1 and 2) and created on a pSB1A2 vector.
Note: All above segments have been optimized and deoptimized using the Optimoose online program.
To insert the annealed Oligo segments that were created we had to digest the Tet A gene using naturally occurring enzyme restriction sites that did not exist in the rest of the gene or in the plasmid (pSBIA2).
To build the fully optimized (segments 1 and 2 optimized) and fully deopitmized (segments 1 and 2 are deoptimized) versions of the TetA gene, we also used these same restriction enzymes. For the fully optimized version, we cut the optimized segment 1 TetA gene and cut it with NheI and then ligated in the optimized segment 2 insert (this insert was cut with NheI and BamHI to allow for us to isolate just the optimized segment 2 fragment, without the rest of the TetA gene). The fully deoptimized version of the TetA gene was constructed using the same procedure with the deoptimzed segment 1 TetA gene and a deoptimized segment 2 insert.
Using RFLP, we screened our clones and sent strong candidate clones, the ones that had diagnostic bands indicative of the desired clone, off for sequencing. After analyzing the sequencing data, we were able to conclude that RFLP is an excellent method for screening for clones, given that almost all of the clones sent off were correct.
The graph below illustrates that any amount of Tetracycline is toxic to the cell. With increasing concentrations of Tet, cell viability decreases.
The graphs below illustrate that any amount of Tetracycline is toxic to the cell. With increasing concentrations of Tet, cell viability decreases. pSB1A2 was a control in this experiment which has no tetracycline resistant. The psB3T5 vector also served as another control as having Tetracycline resistance that is not controlled by a promoter.


Ebb & Flow welcome our Myotherapist and Yin Yoga Therapist, Rapha Wolter. He is launching a new class style YIN YOGA THERAPY - the quiet practice draws our focus inwards to connect to the true essence of ourselves.
As the pace in which we live (work and play) becomes increasingly faster, finding stillness and a sense of equilibrium becomes harder and harder.
Rapha is offering two free into classes. Bookings essential.
Yin Yoga Therapy is a meditative practice consisting of long held stretches without muscle tension, focusing on the deeper tissues of our body- strengthening, stretching and stimulating to encourage more flexibility and freedom of movement whilst simultaneously releasing deep tension of the body and relaxing the nervous system. Yin Yoga reduces stress while stimulating regeneration, and you are guaranteed to leave the class feeling relaxed and renewed.
Rapha Wolter has a diverse range of experience in the Health & Wellness Industry, specialising in Myotherapy and Yin Yoga Therapy and is particularly passionate about sharing the healing benefits of Yin Yoga Therapy and empowering his students to investigate their mind, body, and heart connection through the conscious use of yin yoga, breath work and meditation healing.


Yeah, Super Bowl XXVII was a long time ago — 1993, to be exact. Take a step back into the past, and read about legends like Reggie White, Barry Sanders, Mike Singletary, and Bart Starr. Happy Throwback Thursday, everyone.


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Sex scandal rocks South Korean consulate in Shanghai: Officials get into fistfight, resign over Chinese mistress
by dmwcarr
A woman has an affair with multiple men, two of them exchange punches over her and ultimately resign from their jobs because of the scandalous affair — that's a storyline more fitting of a TV soap opera than the inner workings of a consulate, but that is exactly the sex scandal rocking the South Korean consulate here in Shanghai. You can't even make up stuff this good.
The Chinese "temptress" involved is Deng Xinming, a 33 year old married (but separated) mother. For several years, she's carried on affairs with as many as 7 high-profile South Korean diplomats in exchange for access to documents and expedited visas.
Deng's believed to have significant influence and connections to high-level officials in China. One of her now disgraced lovers said that she claimed to be a relative of Deng Xiaoping and would often arrange for meetings between the Korean government officials and Shanghai's Communist Party.
The story is hot news in South Korea with photos circulating all over news outlets. In the Korean press, the officials Deng was mainly involved with are described only as H, K, and P. Reportedly, she took up with P, a 48-year old Ministry of Foreign Affairs official in 2006. Two years later, she took on K, a 42-year old economic minister as her lover. The year following that, a 41-year old Ministry of Justice official became her third lover. There's even an alleged note, signed by K, promising to cut off a finger if he stops loving Deng. Her other conquests may even include the former consul general Kim Jung Ki. All of the diplomats are being investigated for misuse of authority and the leaking of confidential information.
South Korea's Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan issued a public apology on Wednesday "for causing the people anxieties over an unsavory incident." Because there apparently was a cover up of the Shanghai scandal, this mistress business may have extremely far-reaching negative political repercussions for President Lee Myung-bak's administration.


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Signal Couplers
Dual Directional Coupler operates from 0.5-8.0 GHz.
Krytar, Inc. Nov 06, 2013
Offering 10 dB of coupling over ultra-broadband frequency range of 0.5–8.0 GHz, Model 500508010 is suited for applications where external leveling, precise monitoring, signal mixing, or swept transmission/reflection measurements are required. Device features insertion loss of <2.3 dB, directivity of >15 dB, and max VSWR of 1.35. Input power rating is 20 W average and 3 kW peak. Housed in 10.50 x 0.53 x 0.72 in. package, coupler operates from -54 to 85°C and includes 2.4 mm SMA female connectors.
KRYTAR Announces New Dual Directional Coupler with 10 dB Coupling Over 0.5 GHz to 8.0 GHz Frequency Range
SUNNYVALE, CALIF. - - - KRYTAR, Inc., a leader in the design and production of ultra-broadband microwave components and test equipment announces the continued expansion of its line of dual directional couplers with the addition of a new model offering 10 dB of Coupling over the ultra-broadband frequency range of 0.5 to 8.0 GHz, in a single, compact and lightweight package.
KRYTAR's new dual directional coupler expands the family of superior performance products offering ultra-broadband coverage in compact packages. KRYTAR's Model 500508010 is a multi-purpose, stripline design that exhibits excellent coupling over the 0.5 to 8.0 GHz frequency band. This new coupler is uniquely designed for systems applications where external leveling, precise monitoring, signal mixing or swept transmission and reflection measurements are required. Targeting broadband electronic warfare (EW) systems and commercial wireless system applications, for example, KRYTAR's dual directional couplers are also used in signal monitoring and measurement, antenna beam forming, cable distributed systems, and military and EMC testing environments. The compact size, makes KRYTAR dual directional couplers ideal solutions in many space-restricted applications.
KRYTAR's Model 500508010 has enhanced the product line with performance ratings including Nominal Coupling (with respect to output) of 10 dB, ±1.0 dB and Frequency Sensitivity of ±0.6 dB. The dual directional coupler exhibits Insertion Loss (including coupled power) of less than 2.3 dB, Directivity of >15 dB, Maximum VSWR (any port) is 1.35, Input Power Rating is 20 W average and 3 kW peak. This dual directional coupler comes with industry-standard 2.4-mm SMA female connectors. Type N female connectors are also available as options. The compact package measures 10.50 inches (L) x 0.53 inches (W) x 0.72 inches (H), and weigh just 7.0 ounces. Operating temperature is -54° to 85° C. The dual directional coupler can be manufactured to meet ridged military specifications.
KRYTAR also offers complete engineering services for custom designs that meet or exceed critical performance and/or packaging specifications. A data sheet with specifications and a package outline drawing is available via KRYTAR's Web site. Additional information can be obtained by contacting KRYTAR, Inc., 1288 Anvilwood Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94089. Tel: +1-408-734-5999, Fax: +1-408-734-3017, Toll Free: +1-877-734-5999, e-mail: sales@krytar.com, Web: www.krytar.com
KRYTAR, Inc., founded in 1975, is a privately-owned corporation specializing in the design and manufacture of ultra broadband microwave components and test equipment for both commercial and military applications. The KRYTAR product line includes directional couplers and detectors, hybrids, power dividers/combiners, terminations, coaxial adapters and a power meter and power sensors. KRYTAR microwave components are manufactured in full compliance with the EU RoHS-6 Environmental Requirements.
KRYTAR Contact: Marketing
Web: www.krytar.com
More from Electronic Components & Devices
New Directional Coupler with Input Power Rating of 20 W
New Dual-Directional Coupler with Operating temperature of -54 to 85 degree C
New Directional Coupler Comes with SMA Female Connectors
Latest Dual-Directional Coupler Comes with 2.4 mm. Female Connectors


AUSTRALIAN shares have taken their biggest tumble since the global financial crisis with $59 billion stripped from the market as uncertainty grips global markets.
The benchmark ASX 200 index has closed down 4.1 per cent, with the losses felt across the board from banks to resources stocks.
The index tumbled 2.6 per cent within the first 30 minutes of trade today — one of the worst openings to a trading session in the past five years — and then plunged as trading continued.
Shares in Westpac, financial advice group AMP and mining heavywieght Rio Tinto all tanked more than 5 per cent.
The other banks also fell heavilybanks also fell heavily, with ANZ and National Australia Bank down 5.1 per cent and National Australia Bank down 4.7 per cent. Shares in the Commonwealth Bank fell 4.1 per cent.
Mum and dad favourite, Telstra, had also dropped by more than one per cent.
The slump in the ASX 200 was the biggest for any day since January 2009 — the depths of the financial crisis.
Asian sharemarkets have also been swept up in the rout.


We all have had emails sent to us containing great pictures…some are funny, some make us say "awww," many are of children, people in action, cute animals, colorful pictures of nature and flowers, and others that simply make you wonder what were they thinking. After looking over such e-mails and photos that we have been sent, we often just delete them only to wish later that we had saved them instead.
Well we have saved them for you to enjoy and to send to your friends. We have put them into this index by category just to help you find what you're looking for. Take your time to look them over and enjoy. They have been sent to us without a charge to us and we are willing to share them with others, however, we do ask that you only share the ones that you absolutely enjoy the most.
Sometimes a story goes with the photos, and when we can, we add that along with the pictures. If we find a link back to the original page, we will add that as well.
If you have great photos that you would like to share, please contact us. Remember we will only publish photos that are family friendly.
Ok, we don't want to write a thousands words before you get started so go ahead and enjoy!
Hmmm...What were they thinking when they did this?
Glass Toilet...Would You...Could You ???
Artic Snow Cat. Go Forwaed Or Go Back?
Photos That Pull At Your Heart Strings.
Photos To Make You Think.
WOW!...Thats all you can say when you see these photos!
Man on the Moon could this be a Nasa coverup???


Tax Day is right around the corner. When sending out checks to the IRS, it can be a comfort to think of all the places your tax dollars go, from reinforcing bridges to feeding the hungry. If you think they go towards supporting all your favorite events and classes at Bryant Park, though, you'd be wrong.
Daffodils in the park, a sure sign that Tax Day is approaching.
Bryant Park receives no tax money from the city, state or federal government. This is good for the city,which benefits from the added property value of buildings around the park, but does not have to pay for the park's maintenance or programming. It's also good for other parks, away from which Bryant Park doesn't divert any funds or resources. And, it's better for Bryant Park, since it gets more money and staff attention than it would if the city were balancing its needs against the needs of other parks.
Everything, from our spring plantings to our bistro chairs, is funded privately.
Finally, it's good for you, since Bryant Park's budget is independent of any government budget. If the next mayor, governor or president decides to cut funding to parks or public spaces, we can continue to provide the same quality sanitation, safety and programs that we provide today. This means there's no way Bryant Park will return to the disarray of the 70s on our watch.
If you find your wallet a little thinner after tax day, April 18, remember that all of Bryant Park's events are free to the public. If you're looking for a fitness class, film, or Shakespeare play to attend, check our calendar first.
So this Tax Day sit back, relax, and enjoy the sunshine in Bryant Park - it's free, in more ways than one!


Ozobot the little programable robot. Ideal to teach your kids the basics of programming in a fun way. Before you know they will take over your Z-wave controller.
Superleuke robot voor je kids of jezelf.
The ozobot is a small programmable robot. Using colors and lines you can program it. When you draw a line, the robot will follow the path. By colors add to the drawn line can have it use commands. This can be done in both paper and on a tablet. There are for iOS and Android) apps available.
Via the Ozoblocky you can program this robot with blocks. Good to learn your kids the basics of programming.
The Ozobot app includes three games: OzoDraw, OzoLuck and OzoPath. In addition there is a separate app available, OzoGroove which you can even learn to dance your robot!
Besides your Ozobot you just need a black pen and paper (or of course a tablet). With the colors red, green and blue create your codes on the drawn line. Once your robot sees such a color he performs some action from that.
You can charge the robot with a USB cable.
Check out one of the videos below to learn more about Ozobot.


Shattered is going to QuiltCon! When I started quilting I did not set out to enter shows, but then I entered some challenges on the internet and that was not so bad. So when QuiltCon had a call for entries into a modern quilt show, I decided that it would not hurt to just give it a try.
I entered Shattered, and she has been accepted. She will get to hang in Austin, Texas where modern quilters will see her. Maybe some of my quilting heros might give her a glance too, as many of them will be there. It is so exciting.
And remember Noise? Well she got accepted too. I really am over the moon. I have to figure out how to make some hanging sleeves and labels and such.
You can count on a lot of pictures. I am going too. I will get to see them hanging there. Can't wait.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me in this quilting thing, it really is all of you who give me the inspiration and motivation to make quilts and the encouragement to be so brazen as to enter them in things like this.
You are certainly one of my quilting heroines...congratulations on not only one but two being accepted - just amazing and so deserved. Woo hoo!!
Oh, Leanne - that is so wonderful!! Congratulations! Both quilts are stunning. Well done, and well deserved!
Can I be proud of you? Well, I am. SO pleased for you, excited to hear all about your experience there, AND anxious to see what this next year holds! Congrats, Leanne!
That is soooo exciting. Congratulations!! I'm glad you will be able to go and see them there too.
Yaa!!! Congrats!!! They are both very beautiful!!! Would love getting to see more pics!!! Thank You!!!
That is amazing news, Leanne. And very well deserved too. You are one of the most creative inspirational quilters I know. Congratulations!
So, so happy for you Leanne! Both quilts are amazing and I sigh in delight every time I see Shattered!
Such fabulous well earned news - so happy you'll be officially representing the world of Modern Quilting as it should be!
Leanne, this is so exciting! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. You know how much I love your quilts, it's great that they will be a part of the show.
Congratulations! What wonderful news. There is a reason I love following your blog. You are destine for BIG Things!
Congratulations!! I will be able to see these beauties (and your lovely self) in person - that makes ME excited!
What fabulous news! Congratulations! Your amazing work has always been an inspiration to me! You are a modern quilter with an incredible future..... this is just the beginning! How exciting!
Woo hoo congratulations. That is awesome news, so exciting and well deserved.
Leanne, you have to be tickled pink - this is wonderful news! And I'm in love with Shattered (and Noise is pretty cool, too!).
Good for you! I love the Shattered quilt! I can't wait too see all of these beautiful quilts in person. I will be at QuiltCon too with my Orange Trails quilt! Yea!!
Oh wow Leanne! That is fantastic news - I'm so delighted for you. Your quilts certainly deserve to be there inspiring others, and just making people smile and modern quilters' hearts flutter! Woohoo!
You know how pleased I am for you - I love how you call your quilts "she", I hope these ladies both do so well for you.
Congratulations!!! That is so awesome, and so well deserved! :D Also, I'll be at QuiltCon, too, so I can see them in person! And maybe we can meet? That would be cool, too!
That is so fantastic Leanne and SO well deserved: congratulations!
WOW! Can I have your autograph??? ,^) Congratulations!
That is fantastic! What an amazing achievement. How will you top it in the new year?
Congratulations Leanne! That's fantastic news, and they both really are fabulous quilts and well deserved of being entered!
You are one of my quilting heroes and I find so much inspiration on your blog. I'm so glad even more people get to see your work.
Congratulations!! I can't wait to see photos of them in the show!
Congratulations, they certainly deserve some recognition!
how exciting!!!! Congratulations, these quilts so deserve to go to Quiltcon. Both are amazing!
Congratulations. You deserve it. Both are lovely finishes, as is everything you make. Now for the big question, Can I have your autograph?
For the sleeves, I would recommend putting in the ones that have an extra fold in the back (I'm sure they have a real name, can't think of it for the life of me). Anyway, they help the quilt hang a bit straighter than a flat sleeve.
Congrats....I'm so excited for you!!!!!!!
This is super exciting and I am so happy for you. Love your quilts!
Isn't it exciting to have a quilt juried into QuiltCon! I am thrilled to get to see these beauties in person and can barely wait till Friday. Congratulations! I hope to get to meet you this weekend!


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Home > Regional News Summaries > WENR, December 2014: Europe
Regional News Summaries
WENR, December 2014: Europe
More Harmonization Beyond Bologna Required
More harmonization of higher education systems across the European Union may be needed if its universities are to continue to compete on the global stage, speakers at a recent conference have claimed.
Kurt Deketelaere, secretary general of the League of European Research Universities, told the Reinventing Higher Education conference at IE University in Madrid in October that EU-wide legislation may be required to enable the truly free movement of students and researchers. Professor Deketelaere warned that "we are not going to survive" if Europe continues with 28 separate sets of research systems and funding arrangements.
"Everything we do in the educational field and the research field is bottom up and voluntary without allowing, as 28 member states, the EU to take any legislative initiative and harmonize a situation where there's free circulation of students and free circulation of researchers," said Professor Deketelaere.
"If we want to survive competition with the U.S., China and the [emerging] Brics [nations], we will have to get our act together in Europe and act as one bloc from the higher education and research perspective," Professor Deketelaere added.
Enthusiasm for Bologna was not universal, with the conference hearing how one unnamed Nobel prizewinner had described the process as "the worst thing that ever happened" because it forced him to decide what he was going to teach 18 months in advance.
Dr Vincent-Lancrin suggested that wider adoption of practical learning methods could help to create the next generation of graduates needed for "our innovation societies." He argued that although Bologna had helped to harmonize degree structures: "It is not very clear it has had so much impact on pedagogies and the way institutions have delivered education across Europe, and perhaps this is the next challenge."
– Times Higher Education
International PhD Students Look to Rankings in Choosing University
Universities' reputations play a key role in attracting international PhD students and this is increasingly being expressed by their position in global rankings, a report has revealed.
The study, How International PhD Students Choose Top Universities and Interpret Reputation and Rankings, prepared by The Knowledge Partnership, a marketing agency, for the World 100 Reputation Network, finds that reputation is an important part of students' initial consideration of possible universities to decide between. The attractiveness of an institution's country and city also influences early deliberations. It is not until a shortlist is established that the availability of suitable supervisors and funding support becomes more important.
Respondents listed global university rankings as their top source of information on reputation. More than three-quarters of the students from 21 universities who were interviewed said that being at a top 200 university mattered to them.
The report, aimed primarily at university communications and marketing staff, notes that the websites are "much easier to influence by good communications and marketing than rankings."
Universities should put academics at the forefront of digital marketing campaigns if they want to boost brand awareness, reputation and engagement with potential student marketing, the report surmises.
Nordic Countries Top for International Student Satisfaction
Finland, Sweden and Denmark have ranked in the top three European countries for international student satisfaction, most notably for academics and organization of their universities, while Southern European countries are at the bottom of the latest StudyPortals student satisfaction report.
Finland ranked number one this year and scored 9.2 out of 10, receiving praise for its high level of academics, great social life and impressive university services. Sweden which scored 9.1 was most often recommended by students for its urban and social life.
There was not much change at the bottom of the table and Southern European countries although improving and liked for their Mediterranean climate, still came last overall, owing to poor bureaucracy, student services and sometimes academic-related problems. The average European score is 8.8 out of 10 and Spain, Italy and France scored 8.6, 8.4 and 8.3 respectively.
Among its recommendations, StudyPortals advises universities to continue expanding course offerings in English, using students in interactive teaching methods and modernizing facilities and equipment.
– The PIE News
The Impact of Rankings on European Universities
A recent study from the European Commission provides insight into how rankings impact and influence European universities' behavior and decision-making processes, finding that despite high levels of criticism universities in Europe are in fact big-time users of global rankings.
The study, Rankings in Institutional Strategies and Processes, was led by the European University Association and found that of the 171 higher education institutions that responded to the survey, over 60 percent used rankings to inform strategic decision-making – specifically with regard to setting a strategic target. Over 70 percent of respondents said they used rankings to inform strategic, organizational, managerial or academic actions.
This may involve giving a new focus to particular areas (26%), changing research priorities (23%), altering recruitment and promotional criteria (21%), informing resource allocation (14%), revising student entry criteria (9%) or closing or merging departments (8%). Not surprisingly perhaps, 80 percent of respondents used rankings for publicity or marketing purposes.
In 33 percent of cases, a specialist unit within the institution monitored and reported on rankings performance, while 54 percent of respondents said they had several dedicated people at the institutional level who undertook this role – often in addition to other strategic or institutional research activities.
Of the students, international non-European graduate students were the most likely users: 86 percent of those seeking admission to a master's level program and 81 percent of those entering a doctoral program.
Higher education institutions have a schizophrenic attitude towards rankings – not least because their main stakeholders use rankings. Effectively, the research shows that institutions are "learning to live with rankings" and to use them in a sophisticated way, often as part of a basket of indicators.
– University World News
An Action Plan for International Cooperation
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) published an action plan for international cooperation in October that sets out a roadmap for increased mobility to and from Germany, by easing roadblocks to cooperation, increasing networking opportunities, focusing on quality and excellence, and strengthening the competitiveness of German industry.
According to the framework, the plan will focus on developing projects based on sound and measurable parameters and using the new overarching frame of reference to establish future specialist, regional and country strategies. The plan also emphasizes networking activities between stakeholders in the fields of research and education policy "with a view to ensuring a more coherent international presence."
By identifying and implementing projects that can serve as examples with good processes, networking opportunities and impact – so-called "beacons" – BMBF hopes it can increase the visibility of Germany's education, research and innovation environment.
A summary of the strategy is available here.
– German Federal Ministry of Education and Research
U.S. News Ranks German Universities Second Best Globally
United States universities continue to dominate the top 500 in a new global university ranking launched by leading American education publisher US News & World Report. But German universities have outperformed their UK counterparts.The U.S. has 134 universities in the top 500, followed by Germany with 42 and the UK with 38. China has a strong showing with 27 institutions in the Best Global Universities ranking launched in late October. The U.S. continues to lead among research universities – with Harvard top, followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California, Berkeley, at number three. Of the top 10 positions, only two come from outside the U.S. – Oxford University and Cambridge University came fifth and sixth respectively.
The are also four regional rankings, for Asia, Australia-New Zealand, Europe and Latin America, but no ranking for Africa. The top five in Asia are University of Tokyo (Japan), followed by Peking University (China), University of Hong Kong, National University of Singapore and Kyoto University (Japan). China had three in the top 10 and Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science came eighth.
In Latin America, Brazilian institutions dominate the top 10, filling seven places. Universidade de Sao Paulo is first followed by Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and Universidade Estadual de Campinas. The University of Buenos Aires (Argentina) came fourth, followed by the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
The Best Global Universities rankings are based on data and metrics provided by Thomson Reuters InCitesTM research analytics. The methodology weighs factors that measure a university's global and regional reputation, academic research performance (using bibliometric indicators) and international collaboration, and university-level data on staff and PhD graduates.
International Student Numbers Jump 25% in One Year
Close to 36,000 foreign students are currently studying at Polish universities, marking an increase of almost 25 percent over the previous academic year. But Poland is still lagging behind other European Union countries in attracting international students.
According to data obtained by the Gazeta Wyborcza daily, foreign students registered in Poland come from 149 different countries. The largest group is from Ukraine, making up 42 percent of all foreign students. The number of Ukrainians has risen five-fold since 2008.
Although Poland's universities have a distinctly low proportion of foreign students compared with other EU countries (bottom with Croatia), several factors are contributing to the upward trend. One is that the costs of studying and living in Poland are considerably lower than in many western European countries.
– Radio Poland
Oxford University Head Berates UK Immigration Policy
The vice-chancellor of Oxford University argued in October that new government visa controls are "hostile" to international students. In his annual address to the university, Professor Andrew Hamilton said: "Whenever I travel in the world, particularly in China and India, one question persists. Why has the UK adopted a visa system so hostile to student entry?"
Hamilton said the government's stance was having a harmful effect on the UK's interests but he had "limited expectations" that a real debate on higher education "as opposed to vainglorious point-scoring on past crimes and misdemeanors" would be on the agenda in the run-up to next year's election.
Hamilton's comments came on the same day as Nobel prizewinner John O'Keefe, a professor of neuroscience at University College London, voiced his concerns over the possible impact of government immigration policy on scientific research in the UK.
– The Independent
Indians Continue to Shun UK Universities
The number of Indian students starting university programs in the UK has continued to fall after almost halving over two years, according to a new report.
A survey of more than 100 institutions by Universities UK shows that despite growth in overall overseas recruitment in the latest academic year, there appear to have been further drops in enrollment from certain countries. The survey found that the decline in demand from India and Pakistan appeared to be continuing. Institutions recruiting from India said that they had welcomed nearly 800 fewer students from the country in 2013-14 compared with the previous year. The survey also asked about applications for study in 2014-15, with 43 universities saying that they had seen a decrease in the number of Indian students applying, compared with 19 reporting an increase.
The findings of the new survey build on data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency showing that the number of Indian students starting programs in the UK fell by 49 percent in the two years to 2012-13, from 23,985 to 12,280. Over the same period, the number of students recruited from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia dropped by 38 percent and 35 percent respectively.
Growing recruitment from China, Malaysia and Hong Kong meant that the decline in the number of first-year students from overseas over the two years was just 1.3 percent, from 174,225 to 171,910.
WENR, December 2014: Asia Pacific
WENR, April 2017: Europe
WENR, May 2009: Europe
WENR, August 2005: International Education: It's a Buyer's Market