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Daisy Draper Shares New Single "ANXIOUS!"
AUGUST 19th, 2022 | Los Angeles, CA - Pop powerhouse Daisy Draper has released her new single "ANXIOUS!", available on all digital streaming platforms NOW. Daisy Draper stands out from other artists by blending teachings of spirituality with dance pop music. As the pioneer of her genre, "spiritual pop," Draper creates a distinctive sound and platform to help others enjoy becoming their most authentic version of self. Written about the process of overcoming anxiety, "ANXIOUS!" is a cool, sleek mix of various pop tones, and addresses the constructs of mental health in a bold way.
About the single, Daisy states: "ANXIOUS!" is about the very real "waves" of anxiety that try to overtake us, especially when it comes to attachment styles and dating. Relationships bring up all sorts of unresolved woundings that want our attention and love. Writing this song was a cathartic experience, as it helped me unravel the underlying reasons why anxiety was a prevalent emotion for me. My message for this song is this: by acknowledging the root reasons as to why we routinely experience certain emotions or attachment styles, we can then become mindful when these feelings arise, therefore creating a practice that helps us return back to ourselves.
Daisy Draper is an artist based in Los Angeles, California who merges spirituality and wellness with pop music. Through her blend of healing and entertaining, she helps people enjoy becoming their most authentic selves. Draper began her career in late 2018 after serving six years in the United States Army. During her time in the service, she was diagnosed with a debilitating autoimmune disease, her fight against which is one of her inspirations for her music. After overcoming her chronic illness through emotional healing, holistic health, and spiritual practices, Draper is eager to share the benefit of her experience with others through her social media platforms and her music.
As a shaman and sound healer, Draper seeks to make spirituality more "mainstream" and accessible. Through the sincere vulnerability in her lyrics, dreamy melodies, and atmospheric synths, Draper has mastered her pop sound. However, with her extensive background in holistic healing modalities such as shadow and inner child work, Draper has become the pioneer of what she calls "Spiritual Pop". Spiritual pop is a genre in which the song's lyrics and emotional temperature inspire others to embark on a journey of personal growth and transformation. With her new genre, Draper creates a path to help people step into their personal truth, wisdom and divinity.
CONNECT WITH DAISY DRAPER:
https://www.instagram.com/iamdaisydraper
https://www.tiktok.com/@iamdaisy__
https://www.facebook.com/iamdaisydraper
https://www.youtube.com/c/DaisyDraper
https://twitter.com/Iamdaisydraper
daisy draper
MATT B ANNOUNCES LONG-AWAITED AFROBEATS EP ALKEBULAN OUT SPRING 2023
BRYAN MARTIN SHARES NEW SINGLE & VIDEO "Wolves Cry"
Country Artist Noelle Toland Wants To Empower Listeners With Bold New Single LIMBO


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News > Medscape Medical News > Conference News > ADA 2018
Implantable Glucose Sensor Bests Competitors in Head-to-Head
Miriam E. Tucker
ORLANDO — In a head-to-head trial comparing three currently available continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for real-world use in diabetes, the newly approved implantable glucose monitor Eversense (Senseonics) performed the best.
Findings from the comparison of the 90-day Eversense with the 7-day Dexcom G5 (not the newly licensed Dexcom G6) and the 14-day Abbott Freestyle Libre Pro (not the patient-use version) were presented here on June 22 at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2018 Scientific Sessions by Rabab Z. Jafri, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
"This was conducted in the outpatient setting and was a direct comparison of the performance of the [three CGMs]. In this real-world use setting all of the CGM devices had lower accuracy than reported from in-clinic studies," Jafri told Medscape Medical News.
Overall, the Eversense was found to be more accurate than the Dexcom G5, and both were more accurate than the Libre Pro. However, Jafri said it's important to note that, as per labeling, the Eversense and Dexcom G5 were calibrated twice daily, whereas the Libre Pro doesn't allow calibrations.
"We've previously shown that the Dexcom G5 is sufficiently accurate to provide the input to the bionic pancreas. These data suggest that the Senseonics Eversense is likewise sufficiently accurate to provide the input to the bionic pancreas devices in future studies," she said.
The data also showed that all three CGMs performed worse when patients' blood glucose readings were in the hypoglycemic range.
Asked to comment, session moderator Anders L. Carlson, MD, medical director of the International Diabetes Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, told Medscape Medical News, "I think this study reassures us that the Eversense and Dexcom are adequate and will work well in a closed-loop setting. We'll need to see where the Libre falls into that."
(In fact, the Abbott FreeStyle Libre technology is being used in the development of Bigfoot Biomedical's closed-loop system.)
Which One to Use?
Carlson added, "We have seen in clinical practice that all CGMs don't always do great in the extremes [of blood glucose]. I think you have to know your patients. If it's someone you're worried about having hypoglycemic unawareness or frequent hypoglycemia, then the Libre may not be your first choice because you want something with alarms, and perhaps based on this, higher accuracy at those extremes."
On the other hand, he said, "if your patient wants not so much to have the CGM alert them to lows but to kind of modify behavior and lifestyle, I don't know that it matters all that much. And of course, there's the cost difference [with Libre being less expensive]."
Regarding the Eversense, just approved in the United States the day before the ADA conference, Carlson said: "I think we all are anxious to see how patients respond to something that's implantable. The European experience looks positive, but I think we'll have to create new workflows and procedure rooms, and train nursing staff and so on, so there's going to be a little bit of build-up to that."
MARDs Matter, Plenty of Good Options Now, Match CGM to Patient
In the study, 23 adults with type 1 diabetes wore all three CGM devices simultaneously at home for 6 weeks. Twice-daily calibrations for the Eversense and Dexcom G5 were performed as per labeling specifications using the Nova StatStrip Xpress meter. All patients had type 1 diabetes for at least a year, used insulin pumps for at least 6 months, and used a CGM for at least 1 month.
The primary outcome was the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) versus plasma glucose values measured with the Nova StatStrip Xpress meter; that is, the difference between the sensor versus reference value, whereby the smaller the value, the more accurate the reading.
Generally, a MARD less than 10% is considered highly accurate.
In this study, MARD was 14.8% with the Eversense, 16.3% for the Dexcom G5, and 18.0% with the Libre Pro. The difference between the Eversense and Libre Pro was significant (P = .004).
In contrast, Jafri noted, MARDs reported by the respective manufacturers based on in-clinic trials were 8.8% for Eversense, 9% for Dexcom G5 in adult and 10% in pediatric studies, and 12.3% for Libre Pro.
Performance for all three in the current study was worse in the hypoglycemic range (plasma glucose < 70 mg/dL), with MARDs of 24.9%, 23.6%, and 36.1% for the Eversense, Dexcom G5, and Libre Pro, respectively. Here, differences were significant between the Libre Pro versus Dexcom G5 (P = .004) and Eversense versus Libre Pro (P = .046).
At the hyperglycemic plasma glucose range (> 180 mg/dL), MARDS were 12.8%, 13.3%, and 17.3% for Eversense, Dexcom G5, and Libre Pro, and was significant for Dexcom (P = .001) and Eversense versus Libre Pro (P = .003).
In a statement provided to Medscape Medical News, an Abbott spokesperson said "the FreeStyle Libre Pro system is for professional use and does not require [blood glucose meter] calibration at all. Both other devices in the referenced study were calibrated using the same blood glucose meter that the results were compared to, which likely influenced the final outcome of the study."
In a separate two-way comparison, MARDs were 15.1% for Eversense and 16.9% for Dexcom G5 (P = .008). Here, accuracy between the two didn't differ in the hypoglycemic range but did in the hyperglycemic range, with MARDs of 12.1% with Eversense versus 13.8% for Dexcom G5 (P = .001).
Carlson concluded: "I think it's great that we have good options now. It all goes back to knowing your patient and trying to match the right technology to the right patient."
Jafri had no disclosures. Carlson has been on advisory panels for Insulet and Sanofi, is a consultant to Merck, and has received research support from Medtronic and Novo Nordisk.
American Diabetes Association 2018 Scientific Sessions. June 22, 2018; Orlando, Florida. Abstract 14-OR.
Cite this: Implantable Glucose Sensor Bests Competitors in Head-to-Head - Medscape - Jun 23, 2018.
Disclosure: Miriam E. Tucker has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Extent of Insulin Rationing in the US Is 'Shameful,' Say Experts
U.S. Insulin Costs Per Patient Nearly Doubled From 2012 to 2016 -Study
CGM With Insulin Injections Could Be Cost-Effective in Diabetes
News Three Factors Distinguish MODY, a Rare Diabetes, in Youth
Perioperative Management of the Diabetic Patient
Red, Hot, and Swollen Foot in Diabetes: Charcot or No?
FDA Approves First Implantable Continuous Glucose Monitor
FDA Okays New Interoperable Continuous Glucose Monitor
FDA Approves FreeStyle Libre System for Patients

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Coinbase, Exchanges
Is Coinbase on FTX?
Travis Keener September 2, 2022 5:38 am January 10, 2023
It's a good question, and one that doesn't have a easy answer. Coinbase, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, is not currently on FTX.
However, that doesn't mean that it couldn't happen in the future.
Coinbase has been one of the most popular exchanges for buying and selling cryptocurrencies. It has been around since 2012 and is available in 32 countries.
NOTE: WARNING: Coinbase is not available on FTX. Trading on Coinbase requires users to use their own platform, and is not available for purchase or sale on any other platform. Attempting to purchase or sell Coinbase through FTX may result in financial losses and can be considered a form of fraud.
Coinbase allows you to buy and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrencies. It is also one of the most user-friendly exchanges, which makes it a good choice for those new to cryptocurrencies.
FTX is a newer exchange that was launched in 2019. It is available in 30 countries and offers trading in a variety of cryptocurrencies.
FTX also offers derivatives trading, which Coinbase does not currently offer. One reason why Coinbase may not be on FTX is because FTX offers margin trading, which can be riskier than traditional cryptocurrency trading.
It's possible that Coinbase could eventually be on FTX, but it doesn't seem likely in the near future. If you're looking to trade cryptocurrencies, you'll need to use a different exchange than Coinbase.
Is FTX a Coinbase?
FTX is a cryptocurrency derivatives exchange launched in 2019. It is headquartered in Hong Kong and has offices in Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom. FTX offers a wide range of products including futures, options, leverage tokens, and spot markets.
Does Coinbase Have FTX?
As one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase has been at the forefront of the industry since its launch in 2012. In recent years, Coinbase has made a number of strategic acquisitions and partnerships, including with major crypto exchange Binance. In May 2019, Coinbase announced its intention to list FTX Token (FTT) on its platform.
Does Coinbase Support FTX?
Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the United States, does not currently support FTX. FTX is a young exchange that offers cryptocurrency derivatives trading. It is headquartered in Hong Kong and has offices in Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Is IMX on Coinbase?
It's been a while since we've seen a new coin on Coinbase, but that could all change soon with the possible addition of IMX. IMX is a relatively new coin, having only launched in September of 2017. However, it has already made a name for itself in the crypto community.
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Home > Blog > SAP Hana >
What is SAP HANA's Big Data Strategy?
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Huawei SAP HANA Solutions Overview
HP ConvergedSystem Solutions for SAP HANA
Hitachi UCP for SAP HANA Platform
Fujitsu Services and Solutions SAP HANA Environments
Dell Introduces New Solutions for SAP HANA Environments
Using SAP HANA as a Secondary Database from ABAP
SAP HANA as a Primary ABAP Database
Introducing SAP HANA Extended Application Services (XS)
SAP HANA Database – SQL Script Guide
SAP HANA Co-innovation for Real-Time Computing
What are the General Specifications of SAP HANA Hardware
Introduction to Application Development with SAP HANA
What is SAP HANA Starter
SAP HANA Architecture Overview
How to Install SAP HANA Studio
Steps to Create SAP HANA Application
SAP HANA Features and Building Blocks
SAP HANA General Principles of Data Modeling
Different Types of SAP HANA Modeling Views
SAP HANA Data Modeling Tools Overview
SAP's Big Data Ecosystem Overview
Making Big Data Real with SAP HANA
SAP BW on SAP HANA Administration
System Landscape Options for SAP BW On HANA
Scoping Sizing Topics for SAP BW on HANA
SAP BW on HANA Implementation and Migration
SAP HANA Specific Enhancements for SAP BW
SAP Business Suite Powered by SAP HANA
SAP HANA Integration with Microsoft Excel
SAP HANA Tutorial
SAP HANA Introduction and Architectural Overview
SAP S/4 HANA In Memory Basics and Projects
Application Programming Interfaces for SAP HANA
Learn SAP HANA Studio Overview
Steps to Create SAP HANA Business Case – Methodology
How to Build A SAP HANA Business Case for Your Investment
SAP HANA Roadmap and Its Applications
Learn SAP Business Warehouse Powered by SAP HANA
What is SAP HANA Rapid Deployment Solutions (SAP RDS)
What is SAP HANA Hardware?
SAP Business Suite Powered by SAP HANA — Business Scenarios
SAP Hana Community
SAP Hana Quiz
What is Big Data?
Big data is more than just data volume or size. It is about generating valuable real-time insights from raw data, no matter what the size is, the type, or the rate at which it is generated.
In other words, Big Data is the ocean of information we swim in every day – vast zettabytes of data flowing from our computers, mobile devices, and machine sensors. With the right solutions, organizations can dive into all that data and gain valuable insights that were previously unimaginable.
Leveraging big data, organizations have successfully uncovered new insights from all of their data, creating opportunities to transform businesses, industries, and even the quality of our lives.
Big data is not an intrinsic good in and of itself. It is useful as a stepping- stone to business value. Many organizations see the opportunities for big data and understand some of the use cases. The problem is that there are challenges in getting to that business value. In attempting to integrate big data with their existing data sources, organizations face questions and concerns such as:
Lack of skills—Where can I find the resources to make this project a reality?
Slow deployment—How do I speed up the implementation time, reducing the effort to implement a solution or application?
Complex IT environments—How do I rationalize new big data technologies in an already complex IT environment?
Integrating many data sources—What is the relationship between all of my data sources and how do I normalize that relationship?
To work with big data you need to be able to acquire it, analyze it, and act on insights derived from it.
The SAP HANA platform provides these capabilities. It delivers in-memory processing of data with tiered, petabyte-scale storage and integration with SAP IQ and Hadoop.
This segment describes how three groups can benefit from the big data capabilities inherent in SAP HANA:
BI analysts: These analysts have been used to working with traditional data sources such as data warehouses and systems of record and helping organizations support a single version of the truth using SAP Business Objects and other BI tools.
Analysts and data scientists using advanced analytics: Analysts and data scientists are trained to work with the variety, volume, and velocity of big data.
Everyone through operationalized insights: Everyone in the organization benefits when insights are automatically delivered in context. Through embedded analytics, insights from big data and traditional data sources are integrated into the context of business processes and applications. In this way, the entire organization becomes more data-driven as a matter of course, capable of repeatable victories based on the latest information.
Big Data Characteristics
The journey to big data has taken us into a world where data sets are growing in size and complexity and where there are ever-increasing demands for query execution speed. These three driving factors of volume, variety, and velocity were first enumerated by Gartner's Doug Laney in 2001, and the ensuing decade has only brought them into sharper focus.
The volume of data generated by modern computing systems, sensor networks, and social media streams is ever-growing. What was once considered digital exhaust, only to be collected for audit or regulatory reasons, has now become a treasure trove of information. Data storage costs have been reduced to the point where it is more cost-effective to save anything that you'd ever expect to need and sort through it later rather than spend scarce resources upfront assessing its ultimate worth.
Data is being collected in a wide variety of formats, ranging from simple relationships collected by tiny machines up to complex multimedia. The modern data center houses an ever-growing range of data formats as more and more systems come online, producing transactional and analytical data in a plethora of data structures, including bulky and complex voice and video formats.
The most important aspect of big data has been the need for velocity in all aspects of data management. It has long been possible to store immense volumes of data in relational systems, but query times were so slow as to be unusable for real-time operations. Thus, in practice, many relational databases never stored more than several terabytes of data because response times would degrade too much. Inserting even more varieties of data into that database would further degrade response times, causing IT staff to keep the database clean of all but the most important transactional information. In other words, big data is a velocity problem that is exacerbated by greater volumes and varieties of information. Immense data stores with widely varying data need to have fast performance so that complex analytical tools can turn around insights and help inform decisions quickly.
[ Related Article: SAP HANA Interview Questions ]
The Ultimate Goal: Faster, Data-Driven Decisionmaking
Big data is important because ultimately it can improve decision-making.
However, time is of the essence. Figure 1 shows how decision-making works and the delays inherent in it.
Figure 1. Minimizing Action Distance
Hackathorn shows that there are three types of latency in the decision-making process:
Immediately after the triggered event, there is data latency, where data is integrated and made ready for analysis. Sometimes this also involves several steps of preprocessing.
After the data is prepared for analysis, there is analysis latency, the time involved in initiating the analysis, packaging its results, and delivering it to the appropriate person.
After the information is delivered, there's a certain amount of time that organizations and people take to actually take action and execute a decision. That introduces decision latency.
These latencies mean that we are losing time, getting farther and farther away from the point at which the event occurred. The farther away action is from the point of the triggered event, the more the value of that action diminishes. We must respond and respond fast to the events happening around us.
In today's high-speed, highly connected world, the window of opportunity to respond to events is shrinking, so we need to make sure that we are able to react quickly and reduce the amount of value erosion.
We can reduce action time by reducing each phase of latency, by making the data available and ready for analysis as close to the event as possible, by making sure that information is delivered fast, and therefore, enabling a faster decision through human collaborative systems.
Meeting the Challenges of Big Data
"The enterprise data warehouse is dead!" That was the title of a 2011 article that ran in the Business Computing World in the UK. But that vision is short-sighted. Successful companies will wed old and new together, creating a synergistic, greater whole.
The enterprise data warehouse is not dead, but traditional approaches to managing data are dead. We live in a different world from the one that existed when the traditional relational database was first architected. Back then the database dealt with recording and storing transactional data only and reporting happened for decision support. It was high-value, highly structured data—not the mounds of data that may or may not have a value that we face today. It was an era when the time was measured by the calendar, not the stopwatch.
Today we face a completely different world. We generate vast amounts of non-transactional data—whether documents, Facebook posts, tweets, or log information coming from our phones, web servers, and other connected devices.
We no longer want to report just against operational activities, but we also want to analyze, explore, predict, visualize and inspect in ways never imagined by those early database engineers.
Back when databases were designed, memory was extremely expensive. Just one terabyte of RAM cost over $100 million dollars. Today, we can get it for less than $5,000. Because memory was expensive, database engineers built a database architecture centered on the disk.
The problem is, the disk is just too slow. Reading 1 petabyte of data of a disk sequentially would take 58 days using the fastest hard disk available today. SSD speeds that up to 2 days using the fastest SSD RAID, but the price is hefty: 1 petabyte of SSD RAID disk costs $12.5 million dollars.
That's why innovators have been finding new ways to store and process data, all in an effort to get around the disk bottleneck and improve response time.
Distributed computing moved around the disk bottleneck by spreading the data across many disks that can be read simultaneously. In a perfectly balanced environment, a distributed database would have an equal amount of data across each machine. As a result, the maximum time to read the data would be a fraction of the time of a database stored on a single disk. For instance, if we split 1 Petabyte of data evenly across 10 disks that are read simultaneously, then the response time would be theoretically one-tenth of the time of a single disk. Of course, in practice, there is a cost to moving the data between the machines and coordinating a single result back to the user, but overall a database distributed across multiple disks can reduce response time.
Enter Hadoop
Hadoop builds on the concept of distributed computing but opens up the platform to handle arbitrary data sets that do not necessarily follow a predefined schema and to analyze that data with any arbitrarily designed algorithm. This flexibility comes at a cost of course, such as the need for specialized programming skills. However, the Hadoop project has evolved over the years to include subprojects that move beyond Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) and MapReduce.
Hadoop was originally developed by big Internet companies as a flexible tool to process Weblogs. Based on its heritage, the original Hadoop HDFS and MapReduce projects made different assumptions than relational databases about how data is processed. In particular, the early Hadoop projects assume you want to read all (or at least most of) the data stored on your disks, which is why the MapReduce framework is designed to look for a predefined pattern within all of the data stored in HDFS. Furthermore, MapReduce algorithms are coded in Java or C/C++ in order to give the programmer the flexibility to define the search pattern as well as the schema of the result set. This combined capability ensured that the original Web companies could store any or all of the Weblogs without having to do a lot of costly preprocessing of the data, typically done with 'enterprise data.' Furthermore, as business analysts at the firms had a new idea for the fast-evolving business, they could easily run a program to search for a new pattern. This flexibility meant that MapReduce queries usually took time to execute, forcing many companies to run them as a batch process.
Columnar Databases
Moving database architectures from row-oriented storage models to columnar storage models helped to reduce the amount of data accessed on a single disk. This is fundamentally different than the original Hadoop project, which assumed the user wanted to read all of the data on a disk. The columnar database architecture assumes that any given query will need to read only a subset of the data on a disk.
The columnar database architecture assumes that the user typically will only want to access a small number of the attributes or columns within a database table. Imagine you have a table storing historical sales transactions with 8 columns: Year, Quarter, Country, State, Sales Representative, Customer, Product, Revenue. At the end of the year, each department may ask different questions. For example:
Finance: What was the total revenue by year and quarter for the last 3 years?
Marketing: What was the total revenue by product and by country?
Sales: What was the total revenue by the sales representative?
In each case, the user only accesses a subset of the columns. While this is a simplistic example, in practice many of the questions that people ask use only a small subset of the sometimes hundreds of columns in a table.
A columnar database stores all of the data associated with a particular attribute or column in the same physical space on the disk. In this way, when only 3 of the 8 columns of data are needed to answer a question, the database only needs to read 3 segments of the database from the disk instead of the entire thing.
Furthermore, by storing all of the data for a given column together, columnar databases can exploit the repeating patterns within a column's data in order to highly compress it, further reducing the number of bits read of disk. Consider the Country column from our example above. Storing the name "United States" as text would take at least 13–26 bytes of data depending on the encoding used. There are less than 256 countries in the world, which means that each country can be uniquely identified by using only 1 byte (8 bits) of information. So 'The United States could be replaced with, say, the number '1' compressing the column entry from 13–26 Bytes into 1 Byte. This form of compression is called tokenization.
It is very common for the rows to have a lot of repeated information. Building on our example, imagine that the 'country' column contains 'United States' for the first 15 rows of the table, which has been replaced with the number '1' stored in a single byte in each row. This essentially means we have 15 entries in a row, each containing the number '1'. On disk, then it looks like this '111111111111111'. This duplication can be replaced with the value, '1', and a count of the number of duplicate entries — something conceptually like this: '1D15', which says number '1' duplicated 15 times. This form of compression is called run-length encoding.
In summary, then, our first 15 rows of the 'country' column get compressed from 195–390 bytes down to potentially 3 or 4 Bytes. Compression is important because it reduces the amount of data that gets read from disk. In our example above, reading 4 bytes from disk represents 200 bytes stored in other databases, which dramatically accelerates response time.
In summary, the data storage architecture organized around columns, which reduces the amount of data that needs to be scanned and also makes it easy to compress the data, makes columnar databases ideally suited for BI and analytic workloads.
In-Memory Databases
Here are certain surefire facts you need to consider about in-memory databases.
In-memory databases take response times to a whole new level. They remove the disk from the equation for data access altogether and only use it for logging and backup. In-memory databases leverage the power of today's processors to read and analyze data 1,000 times faster than reading the data off the disk.
Combine columnar data stores within memory to highly compress the data, and soon you can see performance gains of 1,000, 10,000 … and in some cases, customers have experienced results 100,000 times faster.
In-memory is the future of data management, and so the real-time SAP HANA platform for big data platform has SAP HANA at its core. Nonetheless, technology like Hadoop has a critical, complementary role to play. A complete big data solution is end-to-end in nature. It handles everything from low-level data ingestion, storage, processing, visualization, and engagement to analytic solutions and applications.
A complete big data solution has another characteristic as well: it handles all kinds of data. Location-aware applications and applications that support mapping have made spatial data more important than ever, both operationally and in targeting customers. SAP HANA Spatial Processing helps process this important type of big data.
Explore SAP HANA Sample Resumes! Download & Edit, Get Noticed by Top Employers!Download Now!
So much of big data is text, and text analytics, whether sentiment analysis of social media data or analysis of doctor's notes to help drive better healthcare, is another key to big data. Text analysis is another key capability of SAP HANA.
Predictive analytics, largely the province of the data scientist, is another feature supported in SAP HANA through the Predictive Analytic Libraries or PAL.
Streaming analytics is another key area supported by SAP HANA and Sybase Event Stream Processor (ESP). Analytics where the velocity of the data is especially critical, such as in financial services, as well as in contexts like manufacturing where the machine or sensor data is used and analyzed, an area referred to as the Internet of Things.
List of Other Big Data Courses:
Hadoop Administration MapReduce
Big Data On AWS Informatica Big Data Integration
Bigdata Greenplum DBA Informatica Big Data Edition
Hadoop Hive Impala
Hadoop Testing Apache Mahout
Ruchitha Geebu
I am Ruchitha, working as a content writer for MindMajix technologies. My writings focus on the latest technical software, tutorials, and innovations. I am also into research about AI and Neuromarketing. I am a media post-graduate from BCU – Birmingham, UK. Before, my writings focused on business articles on digital marketing and social media. You can connect with me on LinkedIn.
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Luhansk People's Republic Facing Humanitarian Crisis – Prime Minister
Russian Humanitarian Aid Convoys for East Ukraine (251)
https://sputniknews.com/world/20140730191490535-Luhansk-Peoples-Republic-Facing-Humanitarian-Crisis--Prime/
The self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) is facing a humanitarian crisis, LPR Prime Minister Marat Bashirov said Wednesday.
MOSCOW, July 30 (RIA Novosti) – The self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) is facing a humanitarian crisis, LPR Prime Minister Marat Bashirov said Wednesday.
"The Ukrainian Army is systematically destroying our infrastructure. Kirovskaya substation has been destroyed and we cannot fix it as there is no [secure] access to it. The city [of Luhansk] is experiencing an electricity shortage, one-third of the city has no power, and two-thirds are experiencing electricity supply interruptions on a regular basis," Bashirov said.
The pro-Kiev forces are also destroying Luhansk substations serving the local food industry.
"We do not get meat products anymore. Refrigerators do not work at the Luhansk meat processing plant… The city is out of milk," the LPR prime minister said.
Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz warned the LPR authorities that it will cut gas supplies by 30 percent, Bashirov added.
The city of Luhansk is also expected to run out of drinking water in 10 days as a local treatment plant stopped processing water on Monday, according to the LPR prime minister.
"These are the facts that help to answer the question of whether or not there is a humanitarian crisis in Luhansk People's Republic," Bashirov concluded.
Earlier in the day, militia forces reported that they found what appears to be a ballistic missile warhead in Luhansk Region.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that the Kiev government intensified military operations against its own people after getting support from Western countries.
Moscow has described the ongoing military action as a punitive operation and has repeatedly called on Kiev to put an immediate end to the bloodshed.
military operation, infrastructure, gas supplies, humanitarian crisis, Naftogaz


The Masked Woman Series…an exploration of the masks we, well, I wear.
Cheerful Thoughts about Motherhood and et al.
Next Post It is all about trying to find the balance…here is my personal exploration of the quest for embodiment via colour.
I really like how dynamic these are; they look like icons, of struggle. Great stuff!


take it offline? Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > OT Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > Lizzie is no longer relevant. > > > > Gone and forgotten. Time moves on... > > > > Please take this discussion off line. > > > > Thanks. > > > Last time somebody took an FU discussion offline, > you found a note on your car, and, in you own > words. your life was ruined. No William, much > better for everybody if we keep it ONline, > especially better for you.


When you can't remember the information that you need to find a particular entry or transaction in QuickBooks 2017, you can search for the information by using the Find dialog box.
If you can't recall when you entered the bill, choose Edit → Find to open the Find dialog box. Choose a filter (the category to search by). The box to the right changes to include drop-down lists or text boxes that you can use to specify what you want to search for.
Choose as many filters as you like, but be careful to enter information accurately; otherwise, QuickBooks will look for the wrong information. Also, try to strike a balance, choosing only as many filters as you really need to find your information. The more filters you choose, the more searching QuickBooks does and the longer the search takes.
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text:
Gold, diamonds and drugs: Portuguese peacekeepers suspected of smuggling
By Catarina Demony
LISBON – Portuguese police have clamped down on a crime ring that allegedly involved the country's U.N. peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR) using military planes to smuggle gold, diamonds and drugs, authorities said on Monday.
Police said that throughout the day more than 300 inspectors raided nearly 100 homes across the country to collect evidence related to the investigation, codenamed Operation Myriad.
The armed forces said in a statement soldiers may have been used as couriers to transport the illicit goods from CAR into Portugal, and they became aware of such suspicions in December 2019.
Defence Minister Joao Cravinho said he informed the United Nations last year.
According to Portuguese police, the "criminal network" had international links and allegedly smuggled the illicit materials to then launder the money.
Ten people, including some ex-military, have been arrested so far and are likely to appear before a judge on Tuesday.
Hundreds of Portuguese military have been deployed to CAR, the gold and diamond-rich country of 4.7 million, over the last few years in peacekeeping missions.
CAR has been mired in violence since a coalition of mostly Muslim rebels known as Seleka seized power in March 2013.
The Portuguese armed forces said they "immediately" reported the situation to police and quickly ordered more control checks on officers arriving from missions abroad.
"The armed forces totally repudiate these behaviours which contradict the values of the military institution," it said, adding that those involved would be held accountable if found guilty.
The United Nations was following up on the matter after seeing the media reports, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York on Monday.


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Phantom Buffalo: Take to the Trees
September 3, 2019 September 3, 2019 Sam
Another glimpse of the Phantom Buffalo
Talk about long-awaited: The new Phantom Buffalo record was recorded at Thundering Sky, down in South Berwick, over four days in August, 2005. That's right, 2005 [this likely landed better in late-summer 2008, when it was written].
So why do songs I've heard 100 times still seem so brand-new? Perhaps it's the glimmering, polished sheen that coats each of the tracks on Take to the Trees, an album lovingly released by Nemo Bidstrup's Time-Lag Records with beautifully fantastical packaging and the barest of liner notes. Phantom Buffalo are the rare band that can seem both lo-fi and perfectly produced at the same time, a result of Jonny Balzano-Brookes' pure and sometimes child-like soprano and the expert intertwining of the band's three guitarists, Brookes, Phil Willey, and Tim Burns, with instruments as varied as a Moog organ and an accordion.
They have a near perfect feel for song dynamics, as though their tunes were alive and breathing, moving from the barest whisper to a thrumming growl. Somehow, the chorus to "Be the Boss," perhaps the band's most well-known song thanks to its inclusion on Greetings from Area Code 207, Vol. 6, says it all: "Even in our minimized world, we can survive, girl." They're like a music box that shatters the windows with sound when you open it.
Phantom Buffalo open their disc with "Dusty Disguise," single-note surf guitar in the right channel, crunchy chords in the left. Now-departed drummer Joe Domrad has a light touch on the cymbals, and Balzano-Brookes is at his most sing-songy, to provide apt contrast with the chorus: "But if we had a long and slow and painful demise/ I think it would it would be like we were covered in a dusty disguise/ And not at all a pretty one."
They have a knack for making the maudlin merry, and mid-way through "Disguise" they ramp up into a rave-up, full of harmonica and rock: "I've been feeling ill lately/ Have you been feeling ill lately?"
No. Listening to this record is like huffing nitrous. I can't feel a thing.
"Dynamite Squirrels," from the Killing's Not Okay EP, features a crisp three-beat all-stop before a crashing chorus. "Mrs. Connelly," which has been up on the band's Myspace page for a while, is utterly plaintive, with yet another great singalong — "You can leave all your numbers behind" — chorus and guitars that charge up and crescendo in the second half. "Five Charming Animals" comes off beautifully odd, auto-biographical, and bombastic.
And then there is "Who Was Your Only Man," which might not be the best song here, but maybe encapsulates everything this band is capable of. It opens just about cow-punk, carnivalesque, with drums keeping you slightly off balance. The accordion provides a backing wash, while we empathize with Balzano-Brookes: "In the spring/ I'd like a thing/ With a lovely girl/ But I can't/ And I won't/ Because I'm lost in the world." Later Burns (who also sings lead here on the poignant "84 Today") chimes in with some great call and response in the second verse before the band build through finish into a distortion-filled jam, like the best of Built to Spill.
It's an epic in 4:23, just as this album has everything you could want in nine songs and 35 minutes. Phantom Buffalo continue to deliver on all of their promise — even if they're a couple years late in doing so.
Phantom BuffaloIndie Pop, Indie Rock, Joe Domrad, Jonny Balzano-Brookes, Phil Willey, Sean Newton, Tim Burns
← Various Artists: Greetings from Area Code 207, Vol. 1
Twisted Roots: Volume 1 →


Success begets success seems to be the mantra adopted by Asus as it dramatically ramps up the Zenfone range of handsets on offer. The successful launch of the Zenfone 2 has led to a spate of hardware reveals including the Zenfone 2 Deluxe, Selfie, Laser and Max variants. Invariably, we expect the company to have a couple more up their sleeve before the launch of the Zenfone 3 next year. Today though, we are going to talk about the Zenfone Selfie. A device that strives to succeed in a category where the competition is limited and generally priced much higher. A device that capitalizes on the latest social trends, a trend that certainly isn't showing any signs of waning. A device focused on photography both from the rear camera and more importantly in this context, the front camera. This is the FoneArena review of the Zenfone 2 Selfie.
Being based on the Zenfone 2 platform, there's little to differentiate the two devices at first glance. Indeed, instead of regurgitating the original Zenfone 2 review, we will focus more on the differences between the devices.
The Zenfone 2 Selfie sits taller than the original Zenfone 2. Above and below the 5.5-inch display are bezels that are marginally larger here. Below the screen you'll spot three capacitive buttons under which is a brushed aluminum plate. A design feature that has carried on from the first generation Zenfone and looks equally good here. Above the screen though is a camera unit that gapes through like the eye of a cyclops. Paired with a dual tone flash unit, it makes for a look that is more utilitarian than beautiful.
In the same vein as the Zenfone 2, the device is absolutely bereft of buttons along the left and right edges. You'll spot the power button up top with a 3.5mm audio jack for company. The microUSB charging and data port is at the bottom. Turn the phone around and you'll notice that the volume rocker has been placed as a strip that lies below the camera module. Fairly easy to reach out once you get some practice, the rear placement makes it easier to change volume and also allows the company to make the edges of the phone thinner.
Measuring 156.5 x 77.2 x 10.8mm, the phone is certainly not petite. The large dimensions can make the the handset a bit unwieldy to hold. Tap to unlock and gestures for activating the camera do help mitigate that to a degree. At 170 grams, even the weight is not something to scoff at. There's a considerable heft to the handset and not all of it can be passed on as reassuring. The sole benefit here is that the phone certainly does feel very sturdy and should be able to withstand drops and heavy handed usage.
The Zenfone Selfie has software based on Android 5.0.2 with a highly customized interface layer thrown on top. Called Zen UI, it adds a range of features, enhancements and a whole lot of bloatware as well. We've already covered the software in-depth in our Zenfone 2 review but here's a quick refresher on what forms the essence of the software on the Zenfone Selfie.
From the lock screen you can launch three applications and get a weather notification in addition to the time. Even with a locked display, you can make gestures to launch specific modes in applications. Case in point, you can draw S to launch the front facing camera while a C will launch the regular camera. Double tap to unlock the phone and up to 7 homescreens can be set up with the default launcher, which offers a regular grid like arrangement of apps that is commonplace. The general interface isn't very customizable and lacks grid sizes that increase information density.
The drop down menu includes customizable quick settings for toggles like smart savings, reading mode. Asus also has a rather interesting What's Next app that integrates with the drop down notification hub and the lockscreen to offer information about events like birthdays, adverse weather conditions, etc. There's a whole lot of bloatware installed on the device that is more or less useless. There is a built in utility that helps you control which applications can auto start that comes in handy to keep things speedy all around.
Unlike the Zenfone 2, there is a rather drastic departure here in terms of under the hood hardware. The Zenfone Selfie is powered by a Snapdragon 615 processor and has 3GB of RAM onboard. Clocked at 1.65Ghz, the octa core processor is fairly capable. The Adreno 405 GPU that it is paired with is unfortunately not all that great for high end gaming and we spotted a fair few dropped frames. This is an issue that has plagued pretty much all Snapdragon 615 powered devices. Heating too is a concern with the phone often hovering around the 35 degree C mark. Not enough to burn your hand but certainly high enough to make you worry for the safety of the hardware. Of the 3GB RAM, there's about 2.7GB usable and around 1.2GB of free RAM at first boot. The particular SKU that we have has 32GB of built in storage and about 23 GB is available when you first launch the device. Generally speaking, the performance is absolutely serviceable without any slow downs or major issues. Frame rate drops and occasional hiccups were however things that we spotted from time to time during intensive gaming. That said, let's take a look at some of the benchmark scores.
In the Quadrant benchmark, the Zenfone Selfie tops the charts ahead of the Xiaomi Mi4i. It scores 24685 points.
In the GPU centric NenaMark 2 benchmark, the phone manages 59 frames per second which is right in line with the rest of the competition.
The Asus Zenfone Selfie managed 39483 points in the Antutu benchmark wherein it marginally lags behind the competition.
Like the Zenfone 2, the Zenfone Selfie too is equipped with the same display. A 5.5 inch unit with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, it is a very nice panel indeed. The IPS panel in use displayed good viewing angles and excellent contrast levels.
Saturation was good and veered towards natural looking tones. It is possible to marginally tweak the color tones here. In terms of brightness levels, the display is good but there is margin for improvement here. Outdoors in bright sunlight, there are occasions where the reflective nature of the display proves problematic and a brighter screen would've solved the issue.
The Zenfone Selfie is a device that has been geared towards photography enthusiasts and on that note, it comes equipped with not just one but two 13MP cameras. Up front and at the back, you get 13MP camera units that have been paired up with dual LED true tone flash units for more natural looking LED flash lighting. Add to that a laser autofocus unit and things get a lot more interesting.
Let's talk about the rear facing module first. A 13MP camera with f/2.0 aperture and a laser auto focus module to boot. Images from the camera were generally good though there is fairly aggressive noise reduction at play. The phone boosts up contrast levels and sharpness which certainly shows up when pixel peeping.
On the whole though, images look good enough albeit slightly oversaturated. There's a litany of modes on offer and they more or less work as expected. In addition the software is smart enough to recognize situations wherein the HDR mode or night mode might be beneficial and handily offers it as a suggestion right on the viewfinder.
The name of the phone however is derived from its front facing camera. The front unit has the same 13MP Toshiba sensor as the rear facing camera and it also packs the same dual tone flash. For better or worse, it brings along the same idiosyncrasies as the rear module including its tendency to generally over-blow highlights. Beyond that, the camera is better than most out there when it comes to shots from the front camera. The wide angle lens also helps in capturing more of the surroundings or a large group if that's what you are photographing.
In terms of connectivity, there is nothing extraordinary on the Zenfone Selfie and it is strictly run of the mill. You get support for 4G LTE / 3G HSPA+, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS. There is 32GB of storage onboard of which around 23GB is available to the end user. It is possible to expand that via the microSD card slot and USB On The Go capabilities mean that you can connect a USB drive as well. Applications can be moved over to the SD card slot as well.
The combination of a 3000mAh battery and a Snapdragon 615 processor means that battery life is decent if not stellar. For what its worth, the Zenfone Selfie certainly outpaces the Zenfone 2 when it comes to standby times and we recorded a drop of about 20% over almost 2 hours of gaming and playing videos. Not bad at all. Invariably, the phone would last a full work day of usage though you will certainly have to charge it overnight.
The Zenfone Selfie enters a market that is flooding with competition. On its own, there's precious little that separates it or makes it stand out from the competition but the front facing camera can strategically serve as a major USP. While not drastically better than the likes of the Xiaomi Mi4, the front camera certainly does make an improvement to shots. On its own too, the phone is a good enough performer with no standout complaints as such.
Priced at Rs. 15,999 for the 2GB RAM and 16GB storage variant to Rs 17,999 for the 3GB RAM and 32GB storage variant, we feel that the Zenfone Selfie manages well enough to make a case for itself. More so for the selfie aficionado, the Zenfone Selfie is certainly a device worth considering.


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Grizzly Bear Population and Habitat Status in Kananaskis Country, Alberta (1998)
Posted by Administrator March 10, 2009 Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Project
Note: The Summary, and the Executive Summary of this report are displayed below. You also have the option of downloading a PDF version of the Executive Summary.
Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Project. 1998. Grizzly Bear Population and Habitat Status in Kananaskis Country, Alberta: A Report to the Department of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources Service, Alberta. Prepared by the Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Project , University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
This report and interpretation of the Project's research focuses on grizzly bears in Kananaskis Country, Alberta and surround. It was prepared by the Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Project team at the request of Alberta Environmental Protection, Natural Resources Service as part of their Kananaskis Country Recreation Policy Review.
Our report was based on preliminary interpretation of on-going research (for which we will complete stage one in the year 2000). This interpretation included an assessment of grizzly bear mortality in the area, as well as habitat, movements and security. Some of our research presents the results of models developed by ourselves, and in the United States, to understand the effects of human activities and developments on grizzly bears. We have developed a habitat suitability model to represent the food value or quality (suitability) of a given area. Two models from the United States, the Cumulative Effects Model and Security Area Analysis, help us to understand human influences on habitat use and movements.
Recommendations for grizzly bear management and research in the Kananaskis Country region were developed based on the interpretation of the research.
— EXECUTIVE SUMMARY —
Alberta's grizzly bear population has decreased from a pre-European time estimate of 6000 to a current estimate of about 800. Grizzly bears are nationally classified as vulnerable, and within Alberta as a species at risk (blue listed). Responding to concerns for the status and future of grizzly bears in Kananaskis Country, Banff National Park and surround, the Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Project began in 1994. Its primary mandate is to provide scientific data and understanding regarding the grizzly bear population and its habitat. Because this is one of the most developed and used places in North America where grizzly bears survive, particular emphasis is being placed on understanding the cumulative effects on grizzly bears of developments and people's activities throughout the region. The Project is funded and guided by a Steering Committee which has representatives from most of the major stakeholder groups active in the Project area. Stakeholders include representatives from the federal and provincial governments, businesses, university and environmental groups. Four years of research have been completed, supported by an average annual budget of $350,000. Research has been carried out primarily as a series of Master's and Ph.D. research projects at the University of Calgary with cooperation from involved agencies, institutions and individuals.
This report and interpretation of the Project's research focuses on grizzly bears in Kananaskis Country and surround. It has been prepared by the Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Project team at the request of Alberta Environmental Protection, Natural Resources Service as part of their Kananaskis Country Recreation Policy Review. Our report on grizzly bear population and habitat status is based on preliminary interpretation of on-going research for which we will complete stage one in the year 2000. Many biological and behavioural characteristics of grizzly bears require long term study for acceptable levels of scientific understanding.
As part of our research we have trapped grizzly bears in the Bow River Watershed and have maintained radio-transmitters on approximately 25 grizzly bears a year. We regularly monitored these animals from air and ground to determine home ranges, movements, survivorship, habitat use and relationships with people's developments and activities. In parallel with radio-telemetry efforts we have classified habitat and its use by employing remote sensing, field analyses of landscape units, and mapping using Geographical Information System (GIS) technology. Some of our research presents the results of models developed by ourselves, and in the United States, to understand the effects of human activities and developments on grizzly bears. We have developed a habitat suitability model to represent the food value or quality (suitability) of a given area. Two models from the United States, the Cumulative Effects Model and Security Area Analysis, help us to understand human influences on habitat use and movements. The assumptions in these models are explicit and are based on interpretation of research results, however they only represent our best current understanding. The results of such modelling are an essential part of the science of trying to understand grizzly bear populations and habitat. They are not absolute representations of reality. They do summarize our current understanding and allow us and others to question, test and improve assumptions. However, specific model assumptions such as the influence of different levels of human use on grizzly bear habitat use, and the extent of influence of human use as expressed by buffers will continue to be refined.
The grizzly bear population
(see Introduction, Population overview and Grizzly bear mortality, pp. 1-15; and Maps 2 and 3) (Maps not included in web version)
The population and habitat status of grizzly bears in Kananaskis Country and the surrounding ecosystem can be viewed as an indicator of regional ecological integrity. This is because grizzly bears are a species with little resiliency. Because of large home ranges and movements, low population densities, low total population numbers, a very low reproductive rate and occasional direct conflict with people, grizzly bears are easy to remove or lose from any area.
Historically grizzly bears were distributed throughout what is today Kananaskis Country. Now they are apparently significantly reduced in density in eastern portions of Kananaskis Country, and somewhat reduced in density in western portions.
Today there are few grizzly bears in Kananaskis Country. Although the science behind current grizzly bear population estimates for Kananaskis Country is not exact, population estimates range from 50 to 38 for Kananaskis Country and adjacent portions of the Bow Crow Forest of south-western Alberta. These low numbers, coupled with some of the grizzlies' other biological traits, mean that grizzly bear mortality management is fundamental to population persistence. This is especially true for adult female grizzly bears which are the reproductive engine of the population.
Our study of grizzly bear mortalities and removals (here after referred to as mortalities) in Kananaskis Country revealed that the grizzly bear hunting closure instituted in 1970 appears to have been successful at bringing mortality levels within scientifically accepted limits. Human-induced mortalities have not been eliminated, though they have been significantly reduced. We estimate a human-induced, known mortality rate for the period 1972-1997 of 2.9% (32 known mortalities; 1.2/year). Females contributed only 0.9% to this overall rate. Even if these estimates are off by 100%, which is unlikely, the total human-caused mortality rate is still below 6.5%, the scientifically accepted rate below which such mortality is not considered a cause of population decline. However, current mortality rates may continue to increase, even without more recreational use or development, as older adult females, who have had many years to adjust to changing land uses, are replaced by young females who have to develop home ranges without long term knowledge of resources or human influences on the landscape.
Also, the Kananaskis mortality rate must be considered in the regional context where grizzly bear hunting still occurs. Other mortality sources are in some places not as conservatively managed as in Kananaskis Country. Both in Kananaskis Country and regionally, human developments and activities both stress grizzly bears and increase mortality probabilities. Mortality probabilities through interaction with people will probably increase as Calgary and surround continue to grow and place more recreational and other resource demands on Kananaskis Country.
Human-induced grizzly bear mortality is still the primary management concern for grizzly bear persistence. Our study of mortalities showed that the majority (53%; 17/32) were related to ungulate hunting. The majority of these were classified as being illegal kills (8) or self-defence (6). Only one was the result of legal hunting. Two were killed by Treaty Indians. Problem wildlife related grizzly bear mortalities are becoming increasingly important. During 1981-1997, 44% (11/25), of all mortalities were of this type. Problem wildlife situations involving grizzly bears result from a juxtaposition of important grizzly bear resources, such as berries or early season grasses, with zones of human activities such as roadsides or golf courses. They also result from breakdowns in Kananaskis Country's generally excellent management of people's foods and garbage which may become dangerous attractants for grizzly bears. Most grizzly bears died in areas where human access was good. Ninety-six percent (24/25) of all mortalities where location could be determined were within 500 m of a road or 200 m of a trail. This demonstrates the strong relationship between access and grizzly bear mortalities.
While current mortality levels appear to be acceptable for population persistence, data regarding births and recruitment into the adult population, the other essential dimension of a viable population, suggest concern because of very low cub production. The only reported, scientifically vetted estimate of the average number of young produced by Kananaskis Country adult female grizzly bears per year is 0.46 (Wielgus and Bunnell 1994). This is one of the lowest reproductive rates reported in North America. Wielgus and Bunnell (1994) believe this low rate may be the complex consequence of high adult male mortality in the broader region, with this leading to a preponderance of young adult males that potentially and actually kill cubs, and because of this displace adult females from high quality habitats which they need to produce larger litters.
Currently we do not know whether the Kananaskis Country and regional population is increasing or decreasing. One of the major research objectives of the Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Research Project is to determine this. Unfortunately scientifically acceptable estimates of growth rate require 5-10 years of reproductive and mortality data. We will provide an estimate as soon as data are sufficient.
Grizzly bear habitat, movements and security
Habitat and movement areas
Relatively low grizzly bear population number, density and reproduction relate fundamentally to habitat productivity, especially of energy rich foods such as berries and ungulates. Our major efforts regarding grizzly bear habitat classification and mapping showed a patchy distribution of highly suitable habitat and associated food resources. This is the biophysical reason for the large home range sizes we have found for grizzly bears in the region (300 sq. km. for females, 1500 sq. km. for males). Grizzly bears must be able to move widely and safely throughout their home ranges to access seasonally available resources. This is why developments and human activities must be carefully managed if grizzly bears are to be maintained. This is particularly important along important movement areas which give certain grizzly bears access to different watersheds isolated by mountain ranges. Examples of these are given (see Wildlife movement areas of Kananaskis Country). Some particularly important ones, from north to south, appear to be: Skogan Pass, Goat Creek, the south end of Spray Lakes, Burstall Pass, Little Elbow/Evans Thomas Pass, North Kananaskis Pass, Elbow Pass, Elk Pass, Highwood Pass, Weary Creek Gap, Fording River Pass, and a series of drainages from south Kananaskis Country into the Oldman and Livingstone River Valleys.
Suitable habitat (habitat quality)
(see Maps 5 and 6, for principal findings)
For analysis purposes we divided the grizzly bear foraging season into two ecologically defined periods. The first being before berries are ripe, and the second when berries are ripe and afterward. Generally, habitat suitability varies spatially and seasonally based on the occurrence of key plant and animal foods on the landscape.
During the pre-berry season concentrations of highly suitable habitat were found in the areas immediately south and north of Spray Lake, the Elk Pass area, the Smith-Dorrien River Valley, and on private lands between Bull Creek and the Highwood River east of Highway 541. During the pre-berry season, highly suitable habitat tends to cluster along most major river systems including the Kananaskis, Highwood and Bow River valleys. This was especially true for areas in the north-western Main Range portion of Kananaskis Country where there is a lot of rock and ice and only patches of grizzly bear habitat. Areas of high habitat suitability during the pre-berry season tended to be more extensive and evenly distributed in the Front Ranges. This was related to large amounts of south to west facing Aspen, Lodgepole Pine forests, low elevation grasslands, and riparian forests. This was consistent with grizzly bear telemetry research findings that show spring and early summer movements of especially male bears to front range habitats.
Patches of highly suitable habitat were more localized during the berry-and-after season. Notable areas of concentration of highly suitable berry-and-after season habitat included: the Odlum and Loomis Creek valleys and the southwest-facing slopes of the Highwood Range; the headwaters of Etherington Creek, Baril Creek, and the valley sides of Cummins and Lost Creek; the Smuts Valley off of the Smith-Dorrien Creek; the Cox Hill – Jumpingpound Creek area; the upper extent of Threepoint Creek, and the Moose Mountain Creek – Jumpingpound Mountain area. Highly suitable berry-and-after season habitats are generally limited in eastern portions of the Front Ranges in Kananaskis Country.
Habitat effectiveness
(see Table 5 for principal findings)
To estimate the extent to which peoples' developments and activities influenced grizzly bear use of habitat we applied two models developed in the United States and widely accepted as first approximations of human influence on habitat use, alienation and security. These were the habitat effectiveness model and security area analysis.
Habitat effectiveness values estimate the percentage of habitat that is available after subtracting habitat alienated as a result of human influences. Units of analysis approximate the size and character of a female grizzly bear's home range and are called Bear Management Units (BMUs). For 13 BMUs in Kananaskis Country, habitat effectiveness values ranged from 49% to 82% and averaged 71%. In Banff National Park prior work showed an average habitat effectiveness value of 83%. The lowest habitat effectiveness values (below 70%) in Kananaskis Country were found in BMUs in the western Main Ranges. Generally these were areas where roading and recreational development and activities were greatest. BMUs associated with the inter-mountain ranges further east generally had few primary or secondary roads and had highly effective habitat.
Research in the United States suggests that habitat effectiveness values of less than 70-80% could exceed the grizzlies' threshold of acceptance of disturbance and lead to abandonment of the area for other than occasional foraging. Low habitat effectiveness values also increase mortality probabilities for grizzly bears. Five of thirteen BMUs in Kananaskis Country had habitat effectiveness values of less than 70% suggesting considerable stress on grizzly bears using these areas.
Habitat and security
(see Maps 8-11 for principal findings)
The other technique we used to understand the relationship between people's developments and activities and grizzly bear habitat was security area analysis. Through this technique, which we applied to female grizzly bear home ranges found in Kananaskis Country and the greater region (Central Canadian Rockies Ecosystem), we identified the percentage of each of 20 adult female grizzly bears' home ranges that was free enough from development to offer a low probability of disturbance during daily foraging activities. This "secure" habitat is fundamental to fostering behavioural avoidance of people. It helps to discourage habituation and food-conditioning which may lead to grizzly bears being removed as problem wildlife.
Security area analysis showed that of four jurisdictions studied, Kananaskis Country had the largest percentage (38%) of its landscape classified as being within the zone of high human influence. An additional 24% of Kananaskis Country was classified as unsuitable habitat because it was non-productive rock or ice. This left only 38% of Kananaskis Country's land in secure status. Throughout the region of our analysis which included Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, and adjacent Alberta and British Columbia crown lands, the three most affected female home ranges were all exclusively within Kananaskis Country. All female home ranges in Kananaskis Country fell below regional average habitat security values of 44%. This helps to explain the growing problem with habituated grizzly bears and with grizzly bear mortalities classified as problem wildlife. Grizzly bears are finding fewer and fewer opportunities to meet their daily or yearly needs without association with people. In the United States target values for habitat security are tentative, but range from 57% – 67%, well beyond the Kananaskis Country value of 38%. Projection of proposed development and use trends into the future showed grizzly bear habitat being fractionated into ever smaller non-disturbed units thus further stressing individuals and the population.
Assessment of both habitat effectiveness and security area analysis suggest significant to severe stress on grizzly bears in Kananaskis Country. Our results suggest this contributes significantly to mortalities. It may also contribute to low cub production.
1. Regarding grizzly bear mortality and reproduction:
Because effective management of human-caused grizzly bear mortality, especially for females, is fundamental to population persistence there is a need for explicit, sex specific, mortality targets and regular monitoring and analysis of mortalities in this regard. There is also a need for management actions that will continue to decrease mortality probabilities. Such actions should include:
a. To help decrease problem wildlife removal of grizzly bears, continue the emphasis on decreasing the availability of human-related attractants such as peoples' food and garbage. This could be achieved by enacting regulations that would require all campers (hikers, equestrian, and hunters) to store food, garbage, and horse feed in bear proof metal or seamless PVC containers, or to effectively elevate such attractants between two trees.
b. To address the increased mortality risk for grizzly bears that have little habitat security and must live near people in high use areas (such as the Ribbon Creek-Evans-Thomas Creek area) and hence become habituated (used to being near people), better management of people with guns is needed. This could be achieved by: 1) implementing roadside wildlife sanctuaries, such as already exist in the Highwood Pass area, along all driveable roads in Kananaskis Country, 2) providing funding to continue and expand comprehensive and intensive management of grizzly bears including aversive conditioning of roadside grizzly bears and bears entering areas of concentrated human activities.
c. To address the increased mortality risk to grizzly bears associated with corridors of human access (95% of all human-caused grizzly bear mortality occurred nearby roads or trails) careful review and management of human access is needed.
d. To further protect adult female grizzly bears and their families, continue to implement closures when grizzly bear family groups are using important feeding sites that have transient human use, or when a female displays defensive or protective aggressive behaviour.
e. To further decrease chances of grizzly bear mortality and human injury, continue and expand efforts at informing the public about bear activity in Kananaskis Country. Also, continue the educational programs suggesting how to behave in grizzly bear country. Some programs should be developed specifically for groups most likely to cause avoidable grizzly bear mortality (e.g., ungulate hunters, backcountry campsite users, mountain bikers). A unique opportunity to inform ungulate hunters regarding grizzly bear behaviour and ecology exists for those chosen in limited entry draws which take place each year for Kananaskis Country.
f. To scientifically determine whether the Kananaskis Country and regional grizzly bear population is increasing or decreasing, continue to financially support at least this aspect of the Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Project. This will require long term data not only on mortality but also on reproduction.
2. Regarding grizzly bear habitat, security areas, and movements:
Suitable habitat has a restricted and patchy distribution, and both habitat effectiveness and habitat security were found to be significantly compromised, thus increasing mortality probabilities. For these reasons, policy changes and enabling planning and management actions are needed to restore and maintain productive habitat less compromised by people's developments and activities. We recommend the following:
a. Particular attention should be given to preventing further loss of habitat effectiveness and security especially in high quality habitats where highly suitable seasonal grizzly bear habitat exists. Such areas have been tentatively identified in our research and in previous research by McCrory and Herrero (1983a,b) and by McCrory et al. (1982). Examples of such sites would be all valley bottom locations in the main ranges, but especially the southern end of Spray Lake and the Evans Thomas Creek fan. Each development proposal should be carefully weighed in terms habitat suitability, effectiveness loss and loss of habitat security.
b. Human impacts on movement areas that grizzly bears use should be managed at levels that will encourage movement by grizzly bears, taking into account the results of our habitat security analysis.
c. Steps should be considered to increase habitat suitability (quality) for grizzly bears, especially for energy rich foods such as berries and ungulates. The use of fire, creation of selective clearings, and even certain designs of timber harvesting can potentially enhance grizzly bear habitat. Fire suppression policies have probably significantly decreased habitat productivity for ungulates and grizzly bears. Habitat enhancement measures must begin by creating suitable habitat. In addition, human access to this habitat must be managed to encourage grizzly bear use, as habitat effectiveness and security are also important.
3. Regarding scientific research on grizzly bears and the relationship of such knowledge to regional land use policy formation, planning, and management:
Because certain aspects of grizzly bear biology make their populations susceptible to decline, and because human activities and developments continue to expand in Kananaskis Country and impact grizzly bear population and habitat, there will be a continuing need to financially support research that provides defensible, scientific information on grizzly bear population and habitat status. Since some of this knowledge is best portrayed in models such as the habitat effectiveness model and Security Area Analysis, model assumptions such as thresholds related to human use levels and the zone of influence of human use need further research to gain greater precision. Also, research linking habitat suitability (quality), effectiveness, and security with population viability should be supported. This could contribute significantly to more science-based population and habitat management. This evolving knowledge needs to be formally and regularly input into regional policy and planning decisions. It needs to be implemented by managers who have the necessary finances and person power.
« Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Project Habitat Studies (1998)Grizzly Bear Population and Habitat Status in Banff National Park (1996) »


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State parks: Arizonans love them, lawmakers don't
April 15, 2014 December 7, 2014 by Arizona Heritage Alliance
[Source: Arizona Republic Editorial Board] – Hollywood made dozens of movies about Tombstone. "None of them are accurate," says Tombstone City Councilman Don Taylor.
Tombstone's 1882 courthouse remembers the Wild West reality those movies can't portray. Sheriff's office, gallows, creaking wooden floors. But Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park can't tell the full story, either. Not without all the guns.
When recession-era cuts closed parks statewide, Tombstone and its Chamber of Commerce entered an agreement with the state to keep the courthouse open.
"We had to take some of the artifacts out when they took over," says Jay Ream, deputy director of Arizona State Parks. Some Wyatt Earp-era guns were put in the vault because of security concerns. Territorial records that had been available to history buffs were also locked away, for security concerns of a different type. "They are doing an outstanding job," Ream says of the local folks managing the courthouse. "Is it the best it can be? I'd say no. We're better equipped to manage a museum."
But the state can't afford to take back the courthouse. It can't afford to create modern, interactive exhibits to tell the stories that shaped Arizona. Parks around the state can't afford to offer ranger-led hikes or interpretive tours much anymore, either.
We may think we know Tombstone. The gunfights. The violence. The dust. But Hollywood doesn't get everything right. A look at the many facets (some more historically accurate than others) of the Town Too Tough to Die.
People love the parks. Politicians don't.
The state parks system was stripped of resources during the recession. Efforts to restore or replace funding have been rejected at the Legislature and by Gov. Jan Brewer.
A State Auditor General's report in 2012 said the parks system faces "risks to its financial sustainability because of a decrease in annual revenues from approximately $54.7 million in fiscal year 2008 to approximately $25.7 million in 2012."
It's gotten worse.
In fiscal 2014, the operating budget was $22.5 million. That's about $20 million less than what Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy said was needed to operate and maintain the system in 2009.
The parks also have $80 million in capital needs, according to Parks Director Bryan Martyn, a Republican whose hiring was approved by Republican Gov. Jan Brewer.
That includes more than $15 million in upgrades just to comply with Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Among those needs: a new main waterline to Kartchner Caverns ($3.75 million), a wastewater treatment plant for Boyce Thompson Arboretum ($1.2 million), a potable water line for Homolovi ($5.5 million), as well as assorted septic systems, dump stations and water storage facilities.
These are not frills. They are vital to protecting public health.
Other top priority needs at parks include stabilizing historic and prehistoric structures so they don't fall down, maintaining trails and roads, fixing leaky roofs and upgrading restrooms, docks and fish cleaning stations. Also needed are basics such as pavement striping, campground electrification, picnic table armadas and dam repairs.
State parks have received no money from the general fund since 2009. During the recession, the Legislature swept away parks' funding from a variety of sources, including $10 million from the Heritage Fund.
That's a relatively small amount of money in a $9 billion-plus budget state budget, but it's nearly half of what the parks are operating on today.
The Heritage Fund was created by voters in a 1990 initiative to support state parks. But legislators are deaf to the people's voice. An attempt to restore the money was ignored by lawmakers last year, and two Heritage restoration bills this year appear doomed.
Another bill this session would have redirected money the parks get from the State Lake Improvement Fund. Martyn says it would be "very, very challenging" for state parks to operate without the $6.5 million or so the fund provides. Thankfully, that bill also appears dead. But it demonstrates some legislators' continued bad attitude toward state parks.
Brewer does little better. Her budget acknowledged "a cumulative list of all capital projects requested by State Parks totaling over $200 million." But she only recommended spending $3 million over two years from an existing fund. She also proposed eliminating $1 million the parks received this year from interest on the rainy day fund.
Arizona's parks represent irreplaceable natural and historic treasures. They help rural economies by providing world-class tourist attractions. They reflect our heritage and the bigger-than-life landscapes that shaped Arizona's spirit.
They have huge needs and scarce resources.
Similarly in need and just as scarce are elected leaders with the foresight to make Arizona State Parks a priority and a cause.
Arizona State Parks are a resource for today and a promise for tomorrow. But short-sighted funding decisions imperil their future. You can help change that.
VISIT. Arizona's state parks offer dazzling natural wonders, family recreational activities and authentic windows into Arizona's history and prehistory. azstateparks.com
BE A CHAMPION. There's an election coming up. Ask candidates for state office how they plan to support Arizona's parks and let them know you want this to be a priority issue.
GET INVOLVED. More than a dozen parks have volunteer "friends" groups that provide fund-raising and other services for their chosen park. For information on joining or starting one: azstateparks.com/volunteer/v_foundation.html
Arizona State Parks Foundation is a non-profit that engages in advocacy, fund-raising and other support: arizonastateparksfoundation.org
The Arizona Heritage Alliance is a non-profit that promotes and protects the Heritage Fund and its goals: azheritage.org
Arizona State Parks are a valuable resource in great peril. Stripped of funding during the recession, they struggle without state money and stagger under deferred maintenance. Yet they offer open spaces and outdoor recreation for a growing urban population and an economic engine for rural communities. Popular with the public, but lacking political support, funding solutions can help the parks deliver on their remarkable potential.
Categories Arizona Heritage Alliance, Arizona Lottery, Arizona State Budget, Arizona State Parks Board, Arizona State Parks Foundation, Budget, Heritage Fund, Historic Preservation, State ParksTags Brysn Martyn, City of Tombstone, Don Taylor, Governor Jan Brewer, Jay Ream, Matthew A Lynn, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, Wyatt EarpLeave a comment


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Brewers to exercise $13 million option on Yovani Gallardo for 2015
The Brewers will bring back the 28-year-old following an excellent bounceback season.
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Andy Lyons
The Milwaukee Brewers will bring back veteran starter Yovani Gallardo for 2015, as CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the club is expected to exercise Gallardo's $13 million option. The decision comes as little surprise as Gallardo has been quite good this season.
The 28-year-old Gallardo entered 2014 after posting easily the worst full season of his eight-year big league career. In 180.2 innings, he had posted a 4.18 ERA, 3.89 FIP, and 0.5 WAR, finishing with the first below-average season of his career according to ERA+ (92). Gallardo rebounded nicely this season, playing a crucial role in helping the Brewers maintain their NL Central lead until their recent collapse. This year, Gallardo has posted a 3.51 ERA, 108 ERA+, 3.94 FIP, 2.70 K/BB, and 2.4 WAR in 192.1 innings pitched. He was among the brightest young pitchers in baseball early in his career, topping 200 strikeouts every year from 2009 to 2012, while averaging a 110 ERA+.
Barring an extension, Gallardo will hit the open market after next season. If he can repeat his 2014 performance, the former All-Star should be in for quite a large payday.
Milwaukee Brewers: Trade rumors, transactions, news, notes
Red Sox acquire Thornburg from Brewers
Brewers to exercise Yovani Gallardo's 2015 option
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The G20 Leaders met in Hamburg, Germany on July 7-8, 2017 and have published a Leaders' Declaration and an Action Plan setting out the G20's strategy for achieving strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth. The Action Plan includes ongoing and planned work on financial sector regulation and development.
The G20 remains fully supportive of the Financial Stability Board's financial sector reform agenda. In particular, the G20 commits to fully support and/or participate in: (i) the work of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision on finalization of the Basel III framework; (ii) the FSB's annual shadow banking monitoring exercise; (iii) the work of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions to put into operation FSB policy recommendations addressing structural vulnerabilities from asset management activities; (iv) the full, timely and consistent implementation of OTC derivatives reforms; (v) follow-on work by the FSB, IOSCO and the Committee on Payments and Markets Infrastructures on enhancing the resilience, recovery and resolvability of CCPs; (vi) the full and timely removal of barriers to cross-border resolution and related international work on assessing resolution systems for banks and other systemically important financial institutions; and (vii) FSB work on corporate governance and the methodology developed by the OECD for assessing implementation of the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance.
The G20 welcomes the FSB report on financial stability implications from technology-enabled financial innovation (FinTech) and FSB's ongoing monitoring of the evolving financial stability implications for FinTech developments. The G20 encourages national authorities to increase their awareness of FinTech issues when developing or conducting risk assessments of micro- and macro-prudential frameworks.
Finally, on the issue of cyber-security, the G20 commits to promote the resilience of financial services and institutions in G20 jurisdictions against the malicious use of information and communication technologies. The G20 requests that the FSB deliver a report at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in October 2017 to outline the progress the FSB has made so far on its stock-take of existing relevant regulations and supervisory practices in G20 jurisdictions and existing international guidance.
View the G20 Leaders' Declaration.
View the G20 Hamburg Action Plan.


This session will present a new approach – BSZ – in the German scheme (comparable to CSPN in France) which aims at providing assurance while drastically reducing both time as well as financial efforts required within the scheme (compared to traditional CC)-. The speaker will present the scheme, how it is developed and set up in Germany during 2018 and how it compares both to Common Criteria as well as the French CSPN. In the end I will present our first experience actually applying the scheme.


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wdc@woodbinedevelopment.com | 214.855.6000 | Investor Portal
Woodbine unveils details of Hyatt Hill Country makeover
December 14th, 2012 in
Source: San Antonio Business Journal
By Tricia Lynn Silva
Assuming the Mayans are wrong and we're all here after Dec. 21, there is plenty to look forward to in the year ahead.
Case in point: Dallas-based Woodbine Development Corp. has unveiled plans for a $35 million makeover for San Antonio's Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa.
Portions of the project will be completed by next spring. The entire project is to be completed by the fall of 2013.
"We're elated that we can bring these new enhancements to this very special property," says John Field Scovell, CEO and president of Woodbine, the developer of the Hill Country Resort. "While much of what this resort offers is about tradition, we want to reward our loyal guests with new experiences and capture group customers who needed more function space than we were able to provide in the past."
Here's a synopsis of what all will be included in this $35 million project:
Indoor function space: This space will be expanded from its current measurement of 35,000 square feet to a grand total of 70,000 square feet. That 70,000 includes a new 20,000-square-foot ballroom — complete with a new 5,000-square-foot event lawn that will be connected to the ballroom.
The rooms: All 500 rooms in the hotel will be upgraded to include such amenities as the Hyatt Grand Bed mattress and an oversized granite-top vanity in the bathroom.
Landscaping: Project will include lighting of the public walkways of the hotel and replacing the existing plants and trees with plants that are native to the Lone Star State.
Water park! The Hyatt Hill Country will be adding a FlowRider wave machine that will enable guests to go bodyboarding, kneeboarding or stand-up boarding. And it will be heated seasonally. Plus, the Hyatt will also boast a 22-foot-tall tower slide.
San Antonio firm Rialto Studio Inc. will manage the landscape improvements. Rounding out the project team are Atlanta-based Hardin Construction, which will serve as the general contractor; and Palo Alto, Calif.-based HKS Hill Glazier Studio, the architect of record. Irvine, Calif.-based WATG and Wimberly Interiors, a design studio of WATG, will provide interior design services.
The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa took the No. 4 spot on the Business Journal's most recent list of the Largest San Antonio Hotels, reporting second-quarter 2012 receipts of $6.8 million.
San Antonio Resort Begins $35 Million Makeover
Provenance and Woodbine Purchase Portland's Historic Governor Hotel
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WOODBINE FINISHES $5.5 MILLION REFRESH AT HILTON DALLAS/PARK CITIES
Team Woodbine
Project News & Announcements


If you are currently a home-owner and are considering looking for a new house, chances are you're wondering what your strategy should be. Do you wait to find the perfect new home before you put your current home on the market, or do you sell first and then look around? You have a few options. Use the following as a guide to explore what might be the best move for you.
So, before you opt to sell first, you should determine whether you have alternate, temporary options, in case you have to move from your house before you've found a new one. How would you and your family deal with living in a transitional home for an undetermined period of time?
Buying a new house without having sold your current home may occur if you are interested in a specific property and will only sell your current home if this property comes on the market. It may be a matter of timing - grabbing hold of the home before it's too late. The same might be said of a property you haven't had you eye on previously, but that catches your attention due to its uniqueness or unbelievable price. If buying first means you don't miss out on the real estate opportunity of a lifetime, it may be the best move.
An additional option involves making your offer to purchase conditional upon the sale of your current property within a specified period. Conditional offers usually include a clause that allows for the Sellers to keep their property on the market and remain open to other offers while you try to sell your home. If the Sellers receive another attractive offer before you've sold your home, they may accept and ask you to either remove your condition and firm up your offer, or to back down from the offer. A conditional offer forms a kind of middle ground, an area of compromise, for those who are afraid to sell or buy first - but doesn't hold the advantages of the other two options.
Even if your conditional offer is accepted, there is no guarantee another Buyer won't step in and overthrow your offer before you have sold your current home, which would put you back at the starting line. Also, consider the fact that you cannot withdraw your conditional offer until the end of the period specified in the contract - which means that if a better deal comes along, you will have to wait to jump at it.