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Authority Budget Meeting
Thursday, 23rd February, 2017 1.00 pm
Agenda reports pack PDF 26 MB
Printed minutes PDF 156 KB
CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Information regarding general housekeeping was provided by the Chair to all in attendance.
The Chair confirmed to all present that the proceedings of the meeting would be recorded and requested that any members of the public present who objected to being filmed, make themselves known.
The Chair welcomed all present and informed them of the sad passing of Cllr Denise Roberts, Wirral Councillor and a previous Member of MFRA for several years.
The Chair paid tribute to Cllr Denise Roberts; and all present stood to join him in a one minute silence.
The Authority is requested to consider the identification of:
a)declarations of interest by individual Members in relation to any item of business on the Agenda
b)any additional items of business which the Chair has determined should be considered as matters of urgency; and
c)items of business which may require the exclusion of the press and public during consideration thereof because of the possibility of the disclosure of exempt information.
The Authority considered the identification of any declarations of interest, matters of urgency or items that would require the exclusion of the press and public due to the disclosure of exempt information.
a) no declarations of interest by individual Members in relation to any item of business on the Agenda were made
b) no additional items of business were determined by the Chair to be considered as matters of urgency; and
The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Authority, held on 26th January 2017, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the Chair.
The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Authority, held on 26th January 2017, were approved as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Chair.
arrangements for appointing external auditors PDF 57 KB
To consider report CFO/009/17 of the Treasurer concerning Regulation 19 of the Local Audit (Appointing Person) Regulations 2015, requiring that Members of an Authority meeting, as a whole, approve the decision for a sector led arrangement for the appointment of external audit for the financial years 2018/19 onwards.
Members considered report CFO/009/17 of the Treasurer requiring that Members ofan Authority meeting, as a whole, approve the decision for a sector led arrangement for the appointment of external audit for the financial years 2018/19 onwards.
Members were provided with an overview of the report, with their attention drawn to the fact that current arrangements for external audit services ends on 31st March 2018, therefore a local auditor must be appointed by 31st December 2017.
Members were informed of the options available for appointing an auditor under the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014. They were advised that the recommended option was to enter into a 'sector led body' arrangement and the benefits associated with this option were outlined.
Members resolved:
a) That the change to the arrangements for appointing external auditors for financial year 2018/19 onwards, be noted.
b) That the options in relation to the appointment of external auditors from 1st April 2018, be noted.
c) To Sign-up to a sector led arrangement for the appointment of external auditors as advocated by the Local Government Association (LGA), be agreed.
d) To Sign-up to the LGA's Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited (PSAA) as the Authority's "appointing person" for the external audit appointment for 2018/19 and future years, be agreed.
FINANCIAL REVIEW 2016/17 - APRIL TO DECEMBER 2015 PDF 4 MB
To consider report CFO/013/17 of the Treasurer, concerning a review of the financial position, revenue and capital, for the Authority for 2016/17. The Authority receives regular comprehensive financial reviews during the year which provide a full health check on the Authority's finances. This report covers the period April to December 2016.
Appendix A: Revenue budget movements , item 4. PDF 37 KB
Appendix B: Capital Programme 2016/17 , item 4. PDF 26 KB
Appendix C: Capital Programme 2016/17 - 2020/21 , item 4. PDF 100 KB
Members considered report CFO/013/17 of the Treasurer, concerning a review of the financial position, revenue and capital for the Authority for 2016/17.
Members were provided with an update on the Authority's financial position for the period April to December 2016, which highlighted the revenue position, including budget movements and budget savings that have been implemented. It also highlighted the Authority's position in terms of its capital programme, reserves and balances and its treasury management activities.
a) The potential £0.450m favourable revenue position identified within this report, be noted.
b) The utilisation of the £0.450m favourable revenue position to increase the firefighter recruitment reserve in light of the expected firefighter retirement profile and the need to recruit trainees before the establishment falls below the approved staffing level, be approved.
c) The Treasurer be instructed to continue to work with budget managers to maximise savings in 2016/17.
Asset Management Plans 2017/18 PDF 38 KB
To consider Report CFO/016/17 of the Deputy Chief Fire, concerning how the Authority plans to align its physical asset base with its corporate aims and objectives over the next 5 years (2017/18 – 2021/22).
Appendix A - Property Asset MP , item 5. PDF 344 KB
Appendix B - ICT Asset MP , item 5. PDF 410 KB
Appendix C - Transport Asset MP , item 5. PDF 234 KB
Members considered report CFO/016/17 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning how the Authority plans to align its physical asset base with its corporate aims and objectives over the next 5 years (2017/18 – 2021/22).
Members were provided with an overview of the report which highlights how the Authority will use its physical assets in an efficient and effective manner over the various life cycles of the assets. The Authority's three key asset management plans cover ICT, transport/vehicle fleet, and buildings, land and contents.
In terms of the Authority's buildings, Members were informed of the significant developments made over the last 5 years, including the building of a number of PFI stations and the refurbishments of its Headquarters building.
The key objectives of each of the Asset Management Plans were also highlighted and Members were informed that the plans cover a 5 year period.
The revised Asset Management Plans, be approved.
MERSEYSIDE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY BUDGET AND FINANCIAL PLAN PDF 7 MB
To consider Report CFO/015/17 of the Treasurer, concerning the setting of a medium term capital and revenue financial plan that allocates resources in line with the Authority's strategic aims and ensures that the Authority delivers an efficient, value for money service. This will also allow the Authority to determine a budget for 2017/18 and a precept level, in line with statutory requirements.
Appendix A: DRAFT summary revenue budget analysis , item 6. PDF 24 KB
Appendix B: Proposed Capital Programme 2017/18 - 2021/22 , item 6. PDF 234 KB
Appendix C: Proposed 2017/18 - 2021/22 Five year MTFP , item 6. PDF 34 KB
Members considered report CFO/015/17 of the Treasurer, concerning the setting of a medium term capital and revenue financial plan that allocates resources in line with the Authority's strategic aims and ensures that the Authority delivers an efficient, value for money service. This will also allow the Authority to determine a budget for 2017/18 and a precept level, in line with statutory requirements.
The Chair confirmed that all members had been provided with a copy of the Labour Group Proposed Budget Resolution in line with statutory requirements and confirmed that no amendments had been received.
Members were provided with an overview of the report, which provides the necessary financial information to set a balanced budget and precept level subject to a number of assumptions.
The report details the 5 year capital programme, including the capital expenditure & financing available up to 2021/22.
Members were advised that the assumed £11m savings requirement identified within last year's plan remains consistent and were advised of potential new cost pressures up to 2021/22.
Members were informed of the proposed increase in Council Tax precept and possible options to deliver the required savings.
The Chief Fire Officer informed Members that officers have managed to reduce the amount of savings required from operational response from £4m to £1.9m, to ensure that the Authority can continue to maintain its response standard. However he advised that this would still require a reduction of 49 fire fighter posts and conversion of 5 appliances to 12 hour day crewing which would inevitably have an impact on operational response. He stated the importance of understanding the structural changes which will be required, arising as a result of delivering these savings.
Members commented on the need to continue lobbying the Government and promoting the excellent work of the Fire and Rescue Service. These comments were fully supported by Cllr Rennie, who confirmed that she will continue to do all she can within her party.
Members confirmed that the Authority will continue to do all that it can to avoid compulsory redundancies, however noting that in the current climate it is difficult to give any assurance.
The Budget Resolution was then formally moved by Cllr Hanratty and seconded by Cllr Byrom.
The Chair of the Authority commented that he was moving the Budget Resolution with a heavy heart, as no-one comes into politics to make cuts. He explained that the perception of the public is that they expect a response as quickly as possible when required and all the Authority can do is try to ensure that this continues to occur, despite continuing cuts.
Members then voted on the motion:
15 Members voted in favour of the motion (all Members in attendance)
0 Members voted against the motion
0 Members abstained.
The Budget Resolution for 2016/17 was therefore unanimously approved.
a) The 2017/18 service budgets set out in the report, were noted.
b) The Treasurer's recommendation on maintaining the current level of general fund balance at £2.000m, and maintaining the reserves as ... view the full minutes text for item 6.
IRMP 2017-20 POST CONSULTATION PDF 85 KB
To consider Report CFO/012/17 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of public consultation on the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2017-20; and publication of the final post-consultation version.
Appendix 1: IRMP 2017-20 POST CONSULTATION , item 7. PDF 8 MB
Appendix 2: ORS 3 Forums Report , item 7. PDF 879 KB
Appendix 3: ONLINE SURVEY IRMP 17-20 , item 7. PDF 38 KB
Appendix 4: ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS , item 7. PDF 69 KB
Appendix 5: LIST OF PARTNERS CONSULTED , item 7. PDF 31 KB
Members considered report CFO/012/17 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of the public consultation on the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2017-20; and publication of the final post-consultation version.
Members were provided with an overview of the report which emphasised that the draft IRMP was approved on 20th October 2016, subject to public consultation. The extent of the public consultation undertaken was highlighted along with the general views of the individuals who participated in the consultation, which were generally supportive. Those who participated primarily understood that the changes required were as a direct result of the budget challenge facing the Authority.
Amendments made to the IRMP document, following consultation were also highlighted.
The Chief Fire Officer reiterated that the proposals within the document were necessary to set a balanced budget. They would not improve services and were not proposals he would be recommending if it were not for the financial challenges faced by the Authority.
Representatives of the relevant Representative Bodies were then invited to make comment.
The Fire Brigade Union (FBU) requested to do so.
Firstly, they expressed support for the comments made by the Chief Fire Officer. However they commented that they could not support job loses or endorse reductions in fire cover, but acknowledged that the Authority's hands are tied. Support was expressed for the Authority's stance on maintaining whole time fire fighters; and for local devolution. However, the FBU believe it is vital for the Service to maintain its independence, so would therefore not support a PCC single employer model. Further comments were made regarding Government attacks on firefighter terms and conditions, stating that further reductions would not be tolerated.
Members expressed their thanks to all staff and officers for their hard work.
a) The responses to the consultation, be noted as having been adequately considered and reflected within the Integrated Risk Management Plan 2017/20, where appropriate.
b) The challenging budget position facing the Authority, be noted as being adequately reflected within the IRMP.
c) The Authority's commitment to ensuring that the impact of the changes on the communities of Merseyside be minimised and firefighter safety maximised, be reaffirmed.
d) The fact that there are areas of the IRMP that will have direct impact upon our staff, be noted. In line with all staffing matters the IRMP has been the subject of additional staff consultation/negotiation.
e) The proposals within this IRMP, be noted as having been subject to extensive public consultation. The outcomes of these consultations have been attached as appendices to this report.
f) The IRMP 2017/20, be approved for publication on 1st April 2017.
Speech of the Policing and Fire Minister Following the Policing and Crime Act Receiving Royal Assent PDF 48 KB
To consider Report CFO/017/17 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the speech delivered by the Policing and Fire Minister on 7th February on Fire Reform and to set out for Members the position of the Authority against the expectations as articulated by the Minister.
Appendix A: Speech of the Policing and Fire Minister Following the Policing and Crime Act Receiving Royal Assent , item 8. PDF 281 KB
Appendix B: Speech of the Policing and Fire Minister Following the Policing and Crime Act Receiving Royal Assent , item 8. PDF 404 KB
Members considered report CFO/017/17 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the speech delivered by the Policing and Fire Minister on 7th February on Fire Reform and to set out for Members the position of the Authority against the expectations as articulated by the Minister.
The Chief Fire Officer updated members on the speech made by Brandon Lewis, Minister for Policing and the Fire Service, at the think tank on public sector reform. The key areas highlighted included accountability and transparency including the re-introduction of an Inspectorate, flexible deployment, diversity and collaboration.
Members were provided with a summary of the report which highlighted the Authority's performance in relation to the key areas. Examples of collaborative working, including shared buildings and procurement activity and the different shift systems in operation, were provided.
In relation to work force reform, members were advised that the most recent staff survey showed the highest improvement in engagement score observed, all of which demonstrate that the Authority is well placed to show that it is meeting requirements across all areas.
The Chair of the Authority requested that the Authority write to Brandon Lewis requesting a fundamental review of the impact of cuts on Fire & Rescue Services.
a) The contents of this report, be noted.
b) A letter be drafted on behalf of the Authority, to the Minister for Policing and the Fire Service, Brandon Lewis, requesting a fundamental review of the impact of cuts on the Fire and Rescue Service.
Regulation 28 Coroners Letter: Hoarding Fire Fatality PDF 56 KB
To consider Report CFO/018/17 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning the Regulation 28 Letter submitted to the Home Office by the Senior Coroner from the City of Liverpool and Wirral following a double fatality at a fire in a single private dwelling where hoarding has been identified as a contributory factor.
Appendix 1: Regulation 28 Coroners Letter: Hoarding Fire Fatality , item 9. PDF 137 KB
Members considered report CFO/018/17 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning the Regulation 28 Letter submitted to the Home Office by the Senior Coroner from the City of Liverpool and Wirral following a double fatality at a fire in a single private dwelling where hoarding has been identified as a contributory factor.
Members were informed that following an inquest, the Coroner has the ability to make recommendations on the prevention of future deaths. As a result of this incident, the Coroner wrote to Home Secretary recommending that the Fire & Rescue Service be granted with powers of entry where there is deemed a risk. Members were advised that the Home Secretary has 56 days to respond, stating what action they propose to take and suitable timescales, or stating why no action is proposed.
It was noted that the individuals in this case were known to a number of agencies, however all were refused entry to the property and at present, there is a raft of legislation which allows individuals to refuse entry.
Members were advised that officers will be writing to safeguarding boards across the country, to highlight the recommendations and encourage agencies to take a collective approach to dealing with similar future cases.
Members reiterated how tragic the incident was and requested that this be highlighted to Members of Parliament.
a) The details of the incident attended by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority (MFRA) officers resulting in a double fatality where hoarding was identified as a contributory factor in relation to the loss of life, be noted.
b) The details and matters of concern raised by the Coroner in his Regulation 28 Report in respect of the above incident and the resultant actions required by the Home Office, be noted
c) The Authority's response to the Report and the interim measures taken by the Service in consideration of the Coroners recommendations, be noted.


Head down to Wimbledon Finals at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club! Stay nearby from £13.67!
The All England Club hosts the Wimbledon Finals on 14th July 2019, as the winners are crowned in the most-watched Grand Slam contest.


Here is an awesome example of what you can do with the "Touch" Command. It is a lot of fun for your dog. This is also bonding and gives you something to do with her. Just follow the steps from teach touch it but use a stick instead of a hand.
This is just an example of how to use the "touch" command. Visit here for step by step instructions.
Why teach the "touch" command?
This command helps stimulate your dog mentally and can be practiced both indoors and outdoors. So as an extra bonding game and for mental stimulation try this out and have some fun!


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Miss Black Minnesota sets sights on national crown
(FOX 9) - A young woman claimed the crown of Miss Black Minnesota in January, and now, she has her sights set on the national crown.
Thandisizwe Jackson-Nisan said she is using her platform to inspire others.
"I am not your typical pageant queen," she said.
In January, 28-year-old Thandisizwe Jackson-Nisan was crowned Miss Black Minnesota.
"Sometimes the young ladies are in awe - I have short hair, I have braces, my skin is dark, I'm not a size 2," she said.
She is an inspiration to many.
"I like to give back to a community that basically raised me from the ground up."
Jackson-Nisan grew up in north Minneapolis' Near North neighborhood.
"This is my village, this is my hood, this is my community," she said.
As an artist and entrepreneur, Jackson-Nisan works with the Children's Defense Fund to empower youth through literacy.
"I love young people, and in my mind, I know that I have these skills. How can I give the scholars that I'm working with this group of skills that my parents have given me?"
Her aspirations landed her in Washington, D.C. where she'll compete for the title of Miss Black USA.
"For me, it's about how I can make a difference and how I can help to inspire through my platform, nationally," she said.
You can find the GoFundMe for Jackson-Nisan here.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Laal Singh Chaddha: Viacom18 Studios and Aamir Khan Productions' new film is inspired by Forrest Gump!
Choreographer Tushar Kalia opens up about dancing, judging a reality show & Madhuri Dixit-Nene!
Game Over belongs to a genre you have never seen before. Read on
"I Was Surprised!" said Mouni Roy on playing the villain in Brahmastra starring Ranbir Kapoor & Alia Bhatt
Katrina Kaif's birthday: Karan Johar, Arjun Kapoor, Shweta Bachchan and friends' quirky wishes will leave you in splits
In pics: Pooja Batra and Nawab Shah tie the knot in a close-knit ceremony
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Movie Review: The Lion King
Choreographer Tushar Kalia opens up about dancing, judging a reality show $ Madhuri Dixit-Nene!
Created: Jun 24, 2019, 17:02 IST
From being a contestant on a dance reality show to judging one, choreographer Tushar Kalia has come a long way within four years. In an exclusive chat with TOI, he talks about his long journey, choreographing a dance number for Madhuri Dixit-Nene and more. Excerpts:
You went from being a choreographer on a dance show to judging one within a short of span of time. Tell us about how your journey in showbiz?
I started dancing eight years ago when I was working for a company. I trained under my guru Santosh Nair for eight years, and eventually, got a chance to be a part of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and India's Got Talent. From there, I began my journey in the world of entertainment. I choreographed all the songs in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. After that, there was no looking back. While I was busy choreographing for films, I got this golden opportunity to judge a dance reality show with Madhuri ji. It was so surprising because just four years ago, she was on the judging panel while I was a contestant on Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. And here I was, sitting to next to her and sharing the same stage on Dance Deewane. The show was a success, and I am now judging the second season, too. It's an honour to be on the same judging panel as Madhuri ji.
The camaraderie between you and your co-judges - Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Shashank Khaitan - is evident. You even choreographed dance performance for the actress last year. How was the experience?
All four of us, Arjun Bijlani (host), Shashank Khaitan, Madhuri ji and I are very comfortable with each other. There is no script given to us nor are we asked to talk in a certain way. We are the same whether the camera is on or off. Last year, I got a chance to choreograph a dance performance for Madhuri ji. She has a great body of work, and when she dances on stage, you can't take your eyes off her. Choreographing a dance number in a film is different from directing live performances, the energy is different. I want to choreograph her in a film, and hopefully, it should happen soon.
What's the most challenging part of judging a dance reality show?
The format of our show is unique because three generations participate in the show. So, it becomes difficult to judge them, but as an artist, I feel, age does not matter. I judge a performance based on how much it touches my heart.
Of the dance tracks that you have choreographed, do you have a favourite?
With 10 films old in the industry, it is difficult to pick a favourite. Whether it was Channa Mereya, The Breakup Song or Cutie Pie in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, or hit songs like on Proper Patola from Namastey England, I enjoyed working on all of them. I have choreographed for Hate Story 4, Qarib Qarib Singlle, Half Girlfriend, and a song each for Dhadak and Junglee. Recently, I worked on a song that has two of Bollywood's greatest dancers - Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff - and it was a wonderful experience.
Disclaimer: This article was produced on behalf of BCCL by Times Internet's Spotlight team.
Tusshar Kapoor confirms 'Golmaal 5'
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Latest Hindi Song 'Cappuccino' Sung By R Naaz03:20
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Arjun Kapoor promises to be nice to birthday girl Katrina Kaif moments after trolling her01:14
Latest Haryanvi Song 'Middle Class' Sung By Gulzaar Chhaniwala00:46
Watch: Bhojpuri song 'Devra Buniya Khiya Ke' from 'Holi Me Doli Jayi' sung by Anu Dubey03:14
Latest Punjabi Song 'Khaas Friendan' Sung By Reet Sohal03:22
Latest Bhojpuri Song 'So Much Love' Sung By A Vin And Ron A03:37


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/* -------------------------------------------------------------------------
   INFO: This is the handler structure for each specific backend. It holds
         the whole state for the single-pass backend compiler. Please note
         that all optimizations are handled by the frontend interface.

   STATE VARIABLES: pMem     - pointer into machine-code array
                    oMem     - offset into first free address of mcode array
                    cMemSize - size of machine-code array [byte]
                    vD       - virtual data-stack depth
                    vR       - virtual adress-stack depth
                    fDisAsm  - true for disassembly by compilation
                    vLI      - number of following LI instructions
                               (needed for code-optimization)
   ------------------------------------------------------------------------- */

typedef struct
  {pByte pMem; uWord oMem; uWord cMemSize; uWord vD; uWord vR; bool fDisAsm;
   uByte vLI;} hNavmBackend;

typedef hNavmBackend *pNavmBackend;

pByte navmBackendTempAdr;

/* -------------------------------------------------------------------------
   INFO: Function for initialising a new hNavmBackend handler

   PARAMETERS: codeArraySize - size of the machine-code array to allocate
   RETURN:     pNavmBackend  - pointer to new initialisated handler

   INTERNAL VARIABLES: retSize - size of the handler structure to be created
                       ret     - pointer to newly created handler structure
   ------------------------------------------------------------------------- */

void navmInitBackendHandlerExit (void)
  {fprintf (stderr, "[navmInitBackendHandler] pMem = NIL! | erg < 0\n");
   exit (0);}

pNavmBackend navmInitBackendHandler (uWord codeArraySize)
  {uWord retSize = sizeof (hNavmBackend); int erg;
   pNavmBackend ret = (pNavmBackend) malloc (retSize);
     ret->pMem     = (pByte) valloc (codeArraySize);
     ret->oMem     = 0;
     ret->cMemSize = codeArraySize;
     ret->vD       = 1;
     ret->vR       = 1;
     erg = mprotect (ret->pMem, codeArraySize, PROT_READ|PROT_WRITE|PROT_EXEC);
   if (erg < 0)           navmInitBackendHandlerExit ();
   if (ret->pMem == NULL) navmInitBackendHandlerExit ();
   return ret;}

/* -------------------------------------------------------------------------
   INFO: Free allocated memory of a given pointer handle
   ------------------------------------------------------------------------- */

void navmFreeBackendHandler (pNavmBackend handler)
  {free (handler->pMem); free (handler);}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Employee Life Insurance Furnished by the Employer as Mitigating Damages against the Employer in an Action for Wrongful Death
Harry S. Harnsberger
Harry S. Harnsberger, Employee Life Insurance Furnished by the Employer as Mitigating Damages against the Employer in an Action for Wrongful Death, 15 Wyo. L.J. 232 (1961)
All Issues Vol. 15, No. 2 Vol. 15, No. 1 Vol. 14, No. 3 Vol. 14, No. 2 Vol. 14, No. 1 Vol. 13, No. 3 Vol. 13, No. 2 Vol. 13, No. 1 Vol. 12, No. 3 Vol. 12, No. 2 Vol. 12, No. 1 Vol. 11, No. 3 Vol. 11, No. 2 Vol. 11, No. 1 Vol. 10, No. 3 Vol. 10, No. 2 Vol. 10, No. 1 Vol. 9, No. 3 Vol. 9, No. 2 Vol. 9, No. 1 Vol. 8, No. 3 Vol. 8, No. 2 Vol. 8, No. 1 Vol. 7, No. 4 Vol. 7, No. 3 Vol. 7, No. 2 Vol. 7, No. 1 Vol. 6, No. 4 Vol. 6, No. 3 Vol. 6, No. 2 Vol. 6, No. 1 Vol. 5, No. 4 Vol. 5, No. 3 Vol. 5, No. 2 Vol. 5, No. 1 Vol. 4, No. 4 Vol. 4, No. 3 Vol. 4, No. 2 Vol. 4, No. 1 Vol. 3, No. 4 Vol. 3, No. 3 Vol. 3, No. 2 Vol. 3, No. 1 Vol. 2, No. 4 Vol. 2, No. 3 Vol. 2, No. 2 Vol. 2, No. 1 Vol. 1, No. 4 Vol. 1, No. 3 Vol. 1, No. 2 Vol. 1, No. 1


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Giro d'Italia: Mixed emotions for Ben Swift after defeat to Marcel Kittel on stage three
By Matt Westby in Dublin
Marcel Kittel beats Ben Swift to win stage three of the 2014 Giro d'Italia
Britain's Ben Swift admitted his agonising defeat to Marcel Kittel on stage three of the Giro d'Italia was both bitterly disappointing and encouraging.
The 26-year-old Team Sky rider had looked set to claim his first stage victory in a Grand Tour when he led with 50m to go, but his German rival surged back with a late burst of pace to win by the length of a wheel.
It was a remarkable performance from Kittel, who was so fatigued by his efforts that he crumpled to the ground just after the line.
Swift said afterwards: "It couldn't have been any closer really. I'm not sure what you have to do to beat Marcel Kittel. He wins even when he gives you a head start.
"I'm disappointed to come so close and not get the win, especially with it being in Dublin after the reception that we have had in Northern Ireland and Ireland.
"But, having said that, to come second behind Kittel, you have to be happy with that. I was just hoping to get in the mix in a sprint finish, so to be challenging for the win was a good outcome."
Swift's second place continued what has so far been an eye-catching season. He took a surprise podium at Milan-San Remo in March and followed that up with stage wins at the Settimana Coppi e Bartali and the Tour of the Basque Country.
He has now finished seventh and second in the last two sprints at the Giro, and with another bunch finish expected on stage four in Bari on Tuesday, the Yorkshireman is confident he can continue to pose a threat to his fellow fast men.
He added: "My form is good. I was really happy with my sprint today, and yesterday also. I finished seventh yesterday, but once I got up to speed I made up a lot of ground, which was promising.
"It gives me a lot of confidence for the sprints later in the race. Tuesday is going to be a pure bunch sprint. It's going to be quite fast and technical and we will get stuck in there and I am looking forward to it."
Man Utd transfer rumours: Path paved for Poch this summer?
Quintana completes Giro win
Quintana to win Giro title
Quintana wins to extend lead
Arrendondo takes solo Giro win
Pirazzi takes breakaway win


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Why should I pay more when I can get the same product at such a great price? Harder erections and more time in bed – haven't felt so good in such a long time. This is the third time that I'm ordering from Meds store due to their effective product at such a low price.


All beans are rich in fiber, but the top-ranking variety is the navy bean, allegedly named for its popularity in the U.S. Navy in the early 20th century. These pea-sized, cream-colored beans provide 10 grams of fiber per half-cup serving. Most Americans are woefully deficient in dietary fiber, which helps lower harmful LDL cholesterol and is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.


Global Yoga and spiritual society, Ananda Marga, has created a unique yoga technique called Infiniti Yoga. This involves walking while doing Asanas (yoga postures), as compared to the more traditional static Yoga versions that are more commonly practiced.
Infiniti Yoga is well-suited for amateur yoga enthusiasts such as young children or the elderly who face difficulty performing certain Asanas. The postures and movements are characterised by the seamless movement that traces an infinity pattern across the yoga studio.
Every posture incorporates a range of deep stretches. This strengthens the central nervous system. Hence, this gives a lasting sense of relief. The left and right brain synchronises with each step that forms part of the infinity-shaped trail. Again, these movements elegantly harmonise the logical and artistic expressions in a person. Even the alternating of poses between the left and right sides of the body bears the intention of subtly kindling brain stimulation and training balance.
Each Infiniti Yoga class is tastefully accompanied by relaxing breathing exercises. These are followed by a meditation session and a time of Shavasana that induces a deep sense of tranquility. This later translates into a sense of bliss that runs from head to toe. A strategic combination of body movements brings one to a state of serenity. A perfect escape after a long day of work.
This form of yoga is carefully curated by Dada Premamayananda. Dada is a missionary and well-loved yogi of Ananda Marga. Infiniti Yoga guides students through poses specially chosen to strengthen the neck, torso and lower body – all this while walking across the studio in a figure "8". The intricate routine however, took inspiration merely from a sprained ankle that led Dada Premamayananda to take slow steps around his studio.
Dada Premamayananda's path to enlightenment began while strolling along the streets of Italy, his home country. He came across a poster using a drawing of Babaji known as the "Eternal Yogi". It advertised a yoga and meditation class. Dada decided to join his first yoga class right there and then in 1982 and the rest as they say, is history. After attending another seminar about Ananda Marga, he felt that the lifestyle they promoted "just made sense". That compelled him to immediately quit drinking, smoking and even become a vegetarian.
Since then, Dada Premamayananda has come a long way in his journey of self-realisation and service to humanity – the two missionary pillars of Ananda Marga. Dada Premamayananda soon began working full-time for Ananda Marga, in Verona and Bologna, Italy.
In 1994, he was posted to Sydney, Australia as a missionary and later to South East Asia in 1996. Dada has also compiled the very first Ananda Marga Dictionary for Everyday Use, published under AMGK (Ananda Marga Gurukul) Publications in Bangkok. He is also engaged in constructing an Ananda Marga Eco-village in Palawan, Philippines.
"Out of monotony, I incorporated a few of the Asanas and exercises I was practicing. I later realised that if the two exercises can be combined into one class, then you don't need to be a professional yogi to reap all the benefits of yoga which anyone can do," said Dada.
Amidst all his commitments, the 57-year-old missionary has never lost sight of the very thing that changed his life –Yoga. In 2015, the Ananda Marga Yoga Society of Singapore warmly welcomed Dada Premamayananda as a yoga instructor. Dada is a well-loved teacher. His demeanor is marked by a humble and gentle spirit. Dada has recently established the first ever "Infiniti Yoga" class to aid his students in their quest for mental and physical balance. Despite his saint-like exterior, Dada has an undeniably cheeky character. When asked about his favourite form of Yoga, Dada instantaneously lit up to answer: "Infiniti Yoga, of course!".
To book your Infiniti Yoga class, please visit The Ananda Marga Society of Singapore. Each class is 1.5 hours long and priced at $27 or 12-sessions for $160.
Read about TORUK The First Flight, NOW showing in Singapore. Have you read the novel about the crazy and rich in Singapore, soon to be played out on the silver screen as a movie? Catch the book review here .


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ea18ac84-eba4-4128-91a2-013168667f5b
View Figure
Regulatory Focus™ > News Search
UDI Form and Content: FDA Offers Draft Guidance
Regulatory News | 25 July 2016 | By Zachary Brennan
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday released new draft guidance to help define the expected content and forms of the Unique Device Identifier (UDI), to assist both medical device labelers and FDA-accredited issuing agencies in ensuring that UDIs are in compliance with the UDI Rule.
A UDI is composed of (1) a device identifier (DI), (2) typically one or more production identifiers (PIs) when included on the device label, and (3) the data delimiters for the DI and PIs included in the UDI.
Under 21 CFR 801.20, a UDI is required on the label and package of every device in commercial distribution in the US, unless an exception or alternative applies.
The UDI Rule, establishing the UDI system, was published on 24 September 2013 and aims to adequately identify devices through distribution and use to improve their safety. The UDI must be issued by an FDA-accredited issuing agency that operates a system that conforms to international standards. Under the rule, FDA established a phased, risk-based, approach to UDIs, which are tracking tags used to improve the safety of medical devices. The rule began applying to Class III devices in 2014, and implantable, life-supporting and life-sustaining devices in 2015. Class II devices will need to comply later this year and Class I and non-classified devices will need to have UDIs in 2018.
According to FDA, the UDI must be presented in two forms on the label and device packages: easily readable plain-text and automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technology. When a device must bear a UDI as a direct marking, the UDI may be provided through either or both easily readable plain-text and AIDC technology forms. In addition to the UDI label requirements, labelers must submit product information concerning devices to FDA's Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID), unless subject to an exception or alternative.
Draft Guidance
Under Monday's 10-page draft guidance document, which stakeholders can comment on for the next 60 days, FDA makes clear that the AIDC form of UDIs should be scanned or otherwise used for the identification of the device whenever possible to minimize errors in records resulting from manual transcriptions.
UDIs, particularly when provided through AIDC technology, will allow rapid and accurate data acquisition, recording and retrieval, particularly for patients, health care professionals, FDA and other users of the UDI system to read and enter the UDI into patient records, reports to FDA and other data systems without any technological assistance.
Additionally, the easily readable plain-text form may be used as a failsafe to capture the UDI if the AIDC form cannot be scanned or used. Easily readable plain-text, according to FDA, "means the legible interpretation of the data characters encoded in the AIDC form of the full UDI, including the data delimiters. The easily readable plain-text form of the UDI should include the device identifier (DI), production identifiers (PIs), and data delimiters contained in the UDI, and be limited to those characters specified under ISO/IEC 646."
The easily readable plain-text form of the UDI may be presented as a single line or multiple lines of text and should be displayed below or near the AIDC technology form of the UDI, the guidance says.
As far as the AIDC, FDA defines it as any technology that conveys the UDI or the DI portion of a UDI of a device in a form that can be entered into an electronic patient record or other computer system via an automated process.
"The labeler should also test that the AIDC form of the UDI is generated in such a way that the UDI can be reliably read at the point of scanning by the applicable type of technology," FDA says. "Due to space limitations or other reasons, the AIDC form of the UDI may be split into multiple segments. For example, one UDI may be presented in two linear bar codes: one bar code for the DI and another bar code for the PIs. These two bar codes should be proximally located to each other on the device label, device packages, and when required, on the device itself.
In addition, FDA says the DI bar code should precede the PI bar code, though the labeler may choose to use more than one type of AIDC technology form to assist users who may be employing different methods of UDI capture technology.
"For example, a labeler may include a linear bar code and data matrix code (2-D) on the device label, both representing the same UDI. In this instance, only one easily readable plain-text form of the UDI should be on the label and should be in near proximity to one of the AIDC forms of the UDI. If a labeler chooses a bar code form of AIDC, the bar code form of the UDI should be tested for print quality," FDA says.
In addition, FDA says it is up to the discretion of the labeler to determine how best to disclose the presence of AIDC technology that is not evident upon visual examination. FDA also says it does not require a specific type of marking or a symbol, providing the labelers greater flexibility and reduced burdens.
Content of UDI
FDA says it interprets the statute as specifying that a UDI is composed solely of a single DI and one or more of the five PIs listed in 21 CFR 801.3 and 801.40(b), along with the data delimiters for the DI and PIs.
"While some of the FDA-accredited issuing agencies may allow for non-UDI elements, such as quantity, in the UDI carrier, we do not recognize any such additional non-UDI elements as being part of the UDI," FDA says. "The UDI Rule does not include any additional requirement to place any of the five elements that would be considered a PI on the label. There are some situations where a UDI may comprise a DI only."
For instance, the UDI of a Class I device is not required to include a PI, though for other devices, if one or more of the five PIs are included on a device label, the UDI must include each of the PIs that appears on the label.
FDA also makes clear that data delimiters are key to UDI comprehensibility and utility, and delimiters for the DI and PIs should be included in the UDI.
"The data delimiters indicate the DI value or the PI values that follow each data delimiter within the UDI, and may also indicate other non-UDI elements that may be included within the UDI carrier," FDA says.
The data delimiters allow users to parse the DI and PIs from the easily-readable plain text UDI, as well as to verify that the information encoded in the AIDC form of the UDI matches the easily-readable plain text form of the UDI.
As far as the UDI carrier, the draft says that the UDI should precede any non-UDI elements.
"The easily readable plain-text form of the UDI should be ordered to specify the DI first, followed by the PIs. If there are any non-UDI elements in the UDI carrier, the non-UDI elements should follow the PIs that are part of the UDI. For example, if the label of a particular device bears the expiration date PI and quantity, and the labeler wishes to include the quantity in the UDI carrier, the easily readable plain-text of the UDI carrier should display the data delimiter for the DI, followed by the DI; the data delimiter for expiration date, followed by the expiration date PI; and lastly, the data delimiter for quantity, followed by the quantity," FDA says, noting that for this example, the agency does not prohibit the inclusion of quantity in the UDI carrier, though quantity is not considered part of the UDI and the data delimiter for quantity should be separate from the DI and PI data delimiters in the UDI.
Unique Device Identification System: Form and Content of the Unique Device Identifier (UDI) Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff
© 2023 Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society.
Tags: unique device identifier, UDI, UDI guidance, FDA draft guidance
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February 25, 2012 Mandalay
Mandalay's striking and unusual colour means it has attracted a lot of press and media attention over the years
– as a location for film and photographic shoots, as well as a subject for local and visiting artists and photographers.
Below are some of the more recent examples
Mandalay and Southwold harbour provided the backdrop for a 2012 Sunday Telegraph fashion shoot / Rugged Beauty: Weekend Dressing.
In Unnatural Causes, a TV episode of Inspector Dalgleish, Mandalay featured in a shot of drying clothing thrashing about on the washing line, prior to a storm.
In 2008, actor David Suchard's ancestors included a member of the crew of the Alfred Cory, the restored lifeboat residing in the old lifeboat house 100 yards from Mandalay, and during the programme, the cottage can clearly be seen in ranging shots
Barclays Bank: In 2004 Barclays used Mandalay in a photo shoot ostensibly for a brochure for Small Businesses (the colour is almost identical to Barclays "house" colour) , but it turned up in many brochures, and a give-away folder.
Mandalay and its purpose-built replica featured in the the 2001 New Year's Eve special of Holby City – in which one of the leading characters chooses to end his days! The BBC built a replica of Mandalay nearer the sea for greater effect – click the Holby logo to see the photographs.


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871 Ottawa Street, Unit 400 Windsor, ON, N8X 2C9
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Home > Blog > Velocity lawyer Melanie Gardin receives Charles J. Clark Award
Velocity lawyer Melanie Gardin receives Charles J. Clark Award
Melanie Gardin has spent years helping improve the lives of people with disabilities. She's also contributed to the fight to end poverty in the Windsor region.
For these efforts, and many others, the personal injury lawyer was recognized Saturday with the Charles J. Clark Award. The honour is awarded every year to recognize members of the Essex Law Association.
"Melanie has accomplished more (in her 16 years as a lawyer) than many who have practised for many more years," said Mary Fox, who presented Gardin with her award at the association's annual general meeting.
The award rarely goes to people still in the prime of their careers, Fox told the crowd at the Windsor Club. Far too often, she explained, the award goes to lawyers who are about to retire - sort of like a "parting gift."
"It's greatly important that our profession recognize young lawyers," said Fox, who also nominated Gardin.
The Charles J. Clark Award recognizes people for their commitment and leadership in community service. It also recognizes leadership among those who promote the goals of the legal profession.
"This is truly humbling," Gardin said of the recognition.
Truly dedicated
The Windsor native has been with the Brain Injury Association of Windsor Essex County for 10 years. She's also helped create the Beyond Disability Rehabilitation Network, which helps improve the lives of people living with chronic disability.
As a founding partner at Velocity Injury Law, Gardin said groups like these were a natural fit for her.
"I've seen how brain injuries alter people's lives and I've seen the bravery it takes to recover from these injuries," she said.
Gardin is also part of the Women Leading the Way campaign, a United Way initiative that aims to empower women leaders to improve the lives of others in the community. The main focus of the group has been the fight to end intergenerational poverty.
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The lawyers and staff of Velocity Injury Law can often be found out in the community. Whether we are volunteering for charitable organizations, serving as members of local boards, or participating in recreational and fundraising events, we enjoy being actively involved in and giving back to our community.
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Irish researcher speak at Island Lecture Series on Jan. 19
Published: Jan 14 at 1:26 p.m.
Rory McCabe is shown with Clare Island in the background. - Contributed
The next presentation in the Institute of Island Studies' Island Lecture Series will feature Irish researcher Rory McCabe, Centre for Irish Studies, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, via Zoom on Jan. 19, at 1 p.m. AST.
McCabe will discuss the role and importance of music-making in island community life and vitality. He will give his lecture from his home community of Clare Island (population 159), a small community off the west coast of Ireland.
After his presentation, he will be joined by Laurie Brinklow, Institute of Island Studies, UPEI, with an opportunity for questions from the audience.
This lecture presents an ethnographic account of music and social life on Clare Island. The details of music-making on Clare Island in the 21st century suggest that, against a changing social, economic and technological environment, the universal themes of social bonding persist as core values in the island experience.
In his presentation, McCabe will describe how music-making is a fundamental process in island community life and an important measure of island health or vitality.
McCabe recently completed his PhD at the Centre for Irish Studies, NUI Galway. His doctoral research examined music-making and islandness within his home community of Clare Island. In March 2020, he was an Ireland Canada University Foundation visiting scholar at the Institute of Island Studies.
This virtual event is free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Advance registration is required. Visit bit.ly/islandlectureseries to register.
For more information about the Island Lecture Series, visit islandstudies.com/islandlectureseries or contact Maggie Henry, interim co-ordinator of the Institute of Island Studies, at [email protected].
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Published Jan 15, 2021 at 8:01 a.m.


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Q: Why does the smallest ring have two elements at least? I found it written in my lecturer's notes that the smallest ring will have $2$ elements, while the smallest group will have $1$ element. I'm not completely sure why this is true.
My understanding of a ring $R$ is that it is an algebraic structure (which ensures closure) has two binary operations $+$ and $*$.
$(R,+)$ forms an Abelian group.
$(R,*)$ forms a semigroup (ensures associativity).
From the definition alone, I'm not able to see why a ring should at the minimum have two elements. Can't it just have the identity element $e$ and nothing else?
Edit: According to the comments, this seems to be just a matter of convention as usually the identity elements for $(R,+)$ and $(R,*)$ are considered to be different. In that case, could someone explain in which cases such a convention is useful?

A: There is a unique ring with one element called the zero ring. It is a really bad idea to adopt the convention that the zero ring isn't a ring; without it the category of rings fails to have a terminal object and the tensor product of two rings (which is the coproduct for commutative rings) fails to exist in general, e.g. $\mathbb{F}_2 \otimes \mathbb{F}_3$ is the zero ring.

A: The problem is that there are different definitions around what a ring is. Those definitions differ in what they demand for the multiplicative identity (i.e. $1$).

*

*One convention is not to demand the existence of a multiplicative identity at all. Obviously in that convention, the trivial ring (ring with only one element) exists.
This is what the definition you write gives if you add the missing distributive laws.

*Another convention is to demand the existence of a multiplicative identity, but put no further restrictions on it. Since the trivial ring has a multiplicative identity, it also is a ring in this convention.

*A third convention is not only to demand the existence of a multiplicative identity, but in addition to demand that it does not equal the additive  identity (so it matches what is commonly demanded for fields). This naturally excludes the trivial ring (as this convention explicitly demands two specific elements, one additive identity and a different multiplicative identity).
This seems to be the convention your lecturer uses.
Note that the only difference between the last two conventions is that the latter excludes the trivial ring; every other ring according to the second convention is also a ring according to the third convention.
Also note that these differences are ultimately only about terminology, not about the underlying mathematics. All mathematicians agree about the properties each of those three algebraic structures has; they only disagree about which of them should be called "ring".
People who define "ring" to mean the first structure usually refer to the second structure as "unital ring" or "ring with $1$".
People who use the second definition (and probably also those who use the third one) sometimes refer to the first structure an a "rng".
And the third structure will be a "non-trivial unital ring" for users of the first convention, and a "non-trivial ring" for users of the second.
I don't know what, if anything, users of the third convention call the second algebraic structure.

A: I think you're correct a ring can have only one element, this ring is called the 'trivial ring' or 'zero ring'.
If both identity elements are identical (i.e. 1 = 0) we have that
$$\forall r \in R, r = 1*r = 0 * r = 0$$
This implies that $R = \{ 0 \}$.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Great news everybody: We improved the shortly ending eBay auctions section on our website. Before there were only four text links to the next ending eBay auctions.
Now you will see a nice table with much more useful information: Beside a product image we show you the present price and an evaluation if the item is underpriced, normal or overpriced. As of now buying overpriced goods will not happen any more!
PS: There will be an absolutely huge update comming this year. We are going to write more in another blog entry. So stay tuned.


Mix the granita ingredients together and pour into a shallow container and place in the freezer.
Scrape the mixture with a fork every 30 minutes to create crystals.
Continue until the who mixture is frozen crystals (anything from 2 - 4 hours depending on your freezer).
Whip the cream until soft peaks and gently fold in the condensed milk, vanilla paste and salt until a smooth consistency.
Pour into a container and freeze until frozen.
Place a few spoonfuls of granita in a glass. Top with a scoop of ice cream.
Sprinkle with some more granita and serve immediately.


text:
Impact of the H3K27M mutation on survival in pediatric high-grade glioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Victor M. Lu, Mohammed A. Alvi, Kerrie L. McDonald, David J. Daniels
OBJECTIVE Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, present a prognostic challenge given their lethality and rarity. A substitution mutation of lysine for methionine at position 27 in histone H3 (H3K27M) has been shown to be highly specific to these tumors. Data are accumulating regarding the poor outcomes of patients with these tumors; however, the quantification of pooled outcomes has yet to be done, which could assist in prioritizing management. The aim of this study was to quantitatively pool data in the current literature on the H3K27M mutation as an independent prognostic factor in pHGG. METHODS Searches of seven electronic databases from their inception to March 2018 were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data were extracted and pooled using a meta-analysis of proportions. Meta-regression was used to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS Six observational studies satisfied the selection criteria for inclusion. They reported the survival outcomes of a pooled cohort of 474 pHGG patients, with 258 (54%) and 216 (46%) patients positive and negative, respectively, for the H3K27M mutation. Overall, the presence of the mutation was independently and significantly associated with a worse prognosis (HR 3.630, p < 0.001). Overall survival was significantly shorter (by 2.300 years; p = 0.008) when the H3K27M mutation was present in pHGG. Meta-regression did not identify any study covariates of heterogeneous concern. CONCLUSIONS According to the current literature, pHGG patients positive for the H3K27M mutation are more than 3 times more susceptible to succumbing to this disease by more than 2 years, compared to patients negative for the mutation. More robust outcome data are required to improve our quantitative understanding of this pathological entity in order to assist in prioritizing clinical management. Future larger prospective studies are required to overcome inherent biases in the current literature to validate the quantitative findings of this study.
Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics
https://doi.org/10.3171/2018.9.PEDS18419
Published - Mar 2019
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
H3K27M
High-grade glioma
Histone 3
Midline glioma
10.3171/2018.9.PEDS18419
Dive into the research topics of 'Impact of the H3K27M mutation on survival in pediatric high-grade glioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
Glioma Medicine & Life Sciences 100%
Systematic Reviews Medicine & Life Sciences 79%
Survival Medicine & Life Sciences 60%
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Medicine & Life Sciences 25%
Methionine Medicine & Life Sciences 16%
Lu, V. M., Alvi, M. A., McDonald, K. L., & Daniels, D. J. (2019). Impact of the H3K27M mutation on survival in pediatric high-grade glioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, 23(3), 308-316. https://doi.org/10.3171/2018.9.PEDS18419
Impact of the H3K27M mutation on survival in pediatric high-grade glioma : A systematic review and meta-analysis. / Lu, Victor M.; Alvi, Mohammed A.; McDonald, Kerrie L. et al.
In: Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, Vol. 23, No. 3, 03.2019, p. 308-316.
Lu, VM, Alvi, MA, McDonald, KL & Daniels, DJ 2019, 'Impact of the H3K27M mutation on survival in pediatric high-grade glioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 308-316. https://doi.org/10.3171/2018.9.PEDS18419
Lu VM, Alvi MA, McDonald KL, Daniels DJ. Impact of the H3K27M mutation on survival in pediatric high-grade glioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics. 2019 Mar;23(3):308-316. doi: 10.3171/2018.9.PEDS18419
Lu, Victor M. ; Alvi, Mohammed A. ; McDonald, Kerrie L. et al. / Impact of the H3K27M mutation on survival in pediatric high-grade glioma : A systematic review and meta-analysis. In: Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics. 2019 ; Vol. 23, No. 3. pp. 308-316.
@article{6bbb7d83c1614e0a9e3b561931a4ccd1,
title = "Impact of the H3K27M mutation on survival in pediatric high-grade glioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis",
abstract = "OBJECTIVE Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, present a prognostic challenge given their lethality and rarity. A substitution mutation of lysine for methionine at position 27 in histone H3 (H3K27M) has been shown to be highly specific to these tumors. Data are accumulating regarding the poor outcomes of patients with these tumors; however, the quantification of pooled outcomes has yet to be done, which could assist in prioritizing management. The aim of this study was to quantitatively pool data in the current literature on the H3K27M mutation as an independent prognostic factor in pHGG. METHODS Searches of seven electronic databases from their inception to March 2018 were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data were extracted and pooled using a meta-analysis of proportions. Meta-regression was used to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS Six observational studies satisfied the selection criteria for inclusion. They reported the survival outcomes of a pooled cohort of 474 pHGG patients, with 258 (54%) and 216 (46%) patients positive and negative, respectively, for the H3K27M mutation. Overall, the presence of the mutation was independently and significantly associated with a worse prognosis (HR 3.630, p < 0.001). Overall survival was significantly shorter (by 2.300 years; p = 0.008) when the H3K27M mutation was present in pHGG. Meta-regression did not identify any study covariates of heterogeneous concern. CONCLUSIONS According to the current literature, pHGG patients positive for the H3K27M mutation are more than 3 times more susceptible to succumbing to this disease by more than 2 years, compared to patients negative for the mutation. More robust outcome data are required to improve our quantitative understanding of this pathological entity in order to assist in prioritizing clinical management. Future larger prospective studies are required to overcome inherent biases in the current literature to validate the quantitative findings of this study.",
keywords = "Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, Glioblastoma, H3K27M, High-grade glioma, Histone 3, Midline glioma, Oncology, Pediatric, Prognosis",
author = "Lu, {Victor M.} and Alvi, {Mohammed A.} and McDonald, {Kerrie L.} and Daniels, {David J.}",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} AANS 2019. Copyright: Copyright 2019 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.",
doi = "10.3171/2018.9.PEDS18419",
journal = "Journal of neurosurgery. Pediatrics",
T1 - Impact of the H3K27M mutation on survival in pediatric high-grade glioma
T2 - A systematic review and meta-analysis
AU - Lu, Victor M.
AU - Alvi, Mohammed A.
AU - McDonald, Kerrie L.
AU - Daniels, David J.
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © AANS 2019. Copyright: Copyright 2019 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
N2 - OBJECTIVE Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, present a prognostic challenge given their lethality and rarity. A substitution mutation of lysine for methionine at position 27 in histone H3 (H3K27M) has been shown to be highly specific to these tumors. Data are accumulating regarding the poor outcomes of patients with these tumors; however, the quantification of pooled outcomes has yet to be done, which could assist in prioritizing management. The aim of this study was to quantitatively pool data in the current literature on the H3K27M mutation as an independent prognostic factor in pHGG. METHODS Searches of seven electronic databases from their inception to March 2018 were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data were extracted and pooled using a meta-analysis of proportions. Meta-regression was used to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS Six observational studies satisfied the selection criteria for inclusion. They reported the survival outcomes of a pooled cohort of 474 pHGG patients, with 258 (54%) and 216 (46%) patients positive and negative, respectively, for the H3K27M mutation. Overall, the presence of the mutation was independently and significantly associated with a worse prognosis (HR 3.630, p < 0.001). Overall survival was significantly shorter (by 2.300 years; p = 0.008) when the H3K27M mutation was present in pHGG. Meta-regression did not identify any study covariates of heterogeneous concern. CONCLUSIONS According to the current literature, pHGG patients positive for the H3K27M mutation are more than 3 times more susceptible to succumbing to this disease by more than 2 years, compared to patients negative for the mutation. More robust outcome data are required to improve our quantitative understanding of this pathological entity in order to assist in prioritizing clinical management. Future larger prospective studies are required to overcome inherent biases in the current literature to validate the quantitative findings of this study.
AB - OBJECTIVE Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, present a prognostic challenge given their lethality and rarity. A substitution mutation of lysine for methionine at position 27 in histone H3 (H3K27M) has been shown to be highly specific to these tumors. Data are accumulating regarding the poor outcomes of patients with these tumors; however, the quantification of pooled outcomes has yet to be done, which could assist in prioritizing management. The aim of this study was to quantitatively pool data in the current literature on the H3K27M mutation as an independent prognostic factor in pHGG. METHODS Searches of seven electronic databases from their inception to March 2018 were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data were extracted and pooled using a meta-analysis of proportions. Meta-regression was used to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS Six observational studies satisfied the selection criteria for inclusion. They reported the survival outcomes of a pooled cohort of 474 pHGG patients, with 258 (54%) and 216 (46%) patients positive and negative, respectively, for the H3K27M mutation. Overall, the presence of the mutation was independently and significantly associated with a worse prognosis (HR 3.630, p < 0.001). Overall survival was significantly shorter (by 2.300 years; p = 0.008) when the H3K27M mutation was present in pHGG. Meta-regression did not identify any study covariates of heterogeneous concern. CONCLUSIONS According to the current literature, pHGG patients positive for the H3K27M mutation are more than 3 times more susceptible to succumbing to this disease by more than 2 years, compared to patients negative for the mutation. More robust outcome data are required to improve our quantitative understanding of this pathological entity in order to assist in prioritizing clinical management. Future larger prospective studies are required to overcome inherent biases in the current literature to validate the quantitative findings of this study.
KW - Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
KW - Glioblastoma
KW - H3K27M
KW - High-grade glioma
KW - Histone 3
KW - Midline glioma
KW - Oncology
KW - Pediatric
KW - Prognosis
U2 - 10.3171/2018.9.PEDS18419
DO - 10.3171/2018.9.PEDS18419
JO - Journal of neurosurgery. Pediatrics
JF - Journal of neurosurgery. Pediatrics


text:
Updated August 6, 2015
Budget, bond issues divide Falmouth School Board candidates
By Will Graff
FALMOUTH — Four candidates are competing for two seats in the June 11 School Board election.
The ballot has three first-time candidates – Clare Harrington, Caryn Bickerstaff and Susan Coughlin – and a repeat candidate from 2011, Michael Doyle.
The candidates bring a range of experiences and will vie for seats being vacated by Chris Murry Jr. and David Snow.
The candidates' opinions varied on the three significant school-related ballot issues: borrowing a total of $5 million for improvements to the roof, classrooms and heating system at Falmouth Middle School, and the $30.2 million School Department budget.
Doyle, well-known to residents, town and school officials because of his near-daily emails and frequent Freedom of Information requests, said he thinks the budget should be reviewed again to find cost savings that can reduce the tax impact.
He contends the tax increases in the last several years have been too steep and said inefficiencies in management are partly to blame.
"I'm not against taxing or paying teachers good money," he said. "I'm against wasting money."
Doyle pointed to an example of the School Department buying paper at what he said is above-retail cost, essentially overcharging taxpayers. He said stopping that practice, and others like it, could save the town tens of thousands of dollars every year.
In March 2002, Doyle, who is retired from the insurance industry and also formerly worked as a securities trader, pleaded guilty to misrepresenting and selling unregistered securities. He was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison with all but 14 months suspended, and was ordered to pay a $16,000 fine.
Doyle said he was duped into pleading guilty twice by his lawyers, who he claims were in on a "Ponzi scheme," "Bernie Madoff kind of thing" with him, although he was unaware.
And while he spent time in jail for committing the felony, Doyle said that's now behind him.
"You know what I like about America? Redemption and second chances in life," he said. "I made a huge mistake in listening to my lawyers and pleading guilty twice, but I haven't given up on trying to help the town of Falmouth."
Also, according to documents he provided, Doyle is a certified teacher, which he said probably makes him the only felon holding a license to teach in Maine.
Doyle said he supports the middle school bonds, but believes such a large expense could have been reduced significantly with better planning.
"When you get to the point and you're up against the wall and you need to fix the roof, I don't think you have an option. And, when the heating needs to be fixed, you don't have any choices there," he said, noting that if the School Department had maintained the roof and had regular inspections, the costs could be less. "These were things they knew were coming and just never budgeted for."
Doyle said the school budget needs more work.
"I am against the school budget as it stands because there's so much mismanagement," he said. "It has to be really looked at again."
One area where savings could be made, Doyle said, is if the top 100 Falmouth teachers took a pay cut to put them on the same pay level as their Cape Elizabeth peers.
"I don't expect that to happen, but I think it should be discussed in an honest, open forum," he said.
First-time candidate Harrington, who currently works in the Westbrook school system teaching low-performing math students, said she supports the budget and the bonds.
"I've seen a lot of school districts that don't plan well, and as a result it decreases the efficiency of their schools," she said. "I think (the School Board) is doing quite a good job of keeping costs at bay. I want to make sure long-range planning continues to be important. I hate to see knee-jerk reactions in education."
Harrington has worked in public education for the last 20 years in several capacities and said she hopes her experiences can be beneficial in managing Falmouth schools.
"I know it's financially difficult times, but if we don't prepare and plan to prevent the real big problems, we could conceivably end up paying more, and the kids' education suffers," she said, noting that she has two children in Falmouth schools. "I think just the fact that I am a teacher and have seen poor policy put in place and the effects of poor policy. I've seen extreme budget cuts and the effects on classrooms and students. I think that's a perspective some others may not have."
Still, she said the current board has done a good job avoiding devastating cuts to the schools and hopes to continue that trend.
While she said she doesn't have any specific goals or agenda, Harrington said she hopes to keep the School Department fiscally responsible.
Coughlin is also a teacher, and she said she does not support the proposed budget or the bond referendums. Citing budget increases in the last three, she said the all the items need another review.
"I'm not an expert by any stretch, but we need to keep the tax bill down," Coughlin said, noting one example is a position hired to bring tuition-paying Chinese students to Falmouth. "It may be a lot of little things that maybe aren't good at this point in time."
Despite wanting to maintain a tight budget, she said the teachers and staff in the district are vital and should not be cut.
Coughlin said the need and plans for the middle school should be looked at again and that the plan for the heating system at the middle school should have a thoughtful contingency plan if the bond is not passed.
"If it doesn't pass, what's the plan?" she said. "Do we need to start a 'coats for kids' drive for the middle school? I don't think so."
Coughlin said the main reason for her candidacy is to help shepherd the schools to be more financially responsible, despite the town's general wealth.
"This is just something I thought I would give a go at. Part of it is the financial aspect and watching taxes go up," she said. "We have a good school system, and I know housing prices are contingent on our schools, but you have to be careful and spending has to be brought in line. There are well-to-do people in Falmouth, but we also have people that are not. Taxes keep getting higher for them and that has to be kept in consideration."
Bickerstaff works in the telecommunications industry and has been a volunteer in the schools, mostly in the music department, where her son, who will graduate in 2015, has been involved.
If elected to the board, she said, her goal is simple.
"My most basic want for all this is to make sure that kids are still getting the best education they can," Bickerstaff said. "There seems to be a common theme among everyone who lives here, which recognizes that kids are our future and we need to continue to progress and continue to be educationally excellent."
Since moving from the Seattle area 10 years ago, Bickerstaff said she "loves" that the budget goes in front of the public for validation and is a big proponent of financial transparency.
Bickerstaff said she supports the bond referendums, because the school is aging and has been "pushed to the limit." She also supports the proposed budget.
"The School Board did an amazing job dealing with the factors they've been facing," Bickerstaff said, referring to state cuts and the potential shift of teacher retirement costs to local districts. "I think they did a good job analyzing each program and where they had needs. It seems to a balanced, financially responsible budget."
The board candidates will share the ballot with three uncontested Town Council candidates: Russ Anderson, David Goldberg and Claudia King. All the offices are for three-year terms.
Along with the candidates, the budget and bonds, voters will also have to decide on a proposed $11.7 million Route 1 infrastructure improvement project.
Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Falmouth High School gym, 74 Woodville Road.
Will Graff can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 123 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @W_C_Graff.
Doyle's emails
A selection of recent emails from Michael Doyle to the town of Falmouth and its School Department. They range from queries about town management, to Freedom of Access Act requests, to promotion of articles on his website. The Forecaster's FOAA request for emails received by the town in the past year from all of this year's School Board candidates yielded hundreds of emails from Doyle and three from all other candidates.
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Sidebar Elements
Caryn Bickerstaff
Susan Coughlin
Clare Harrington
Doyle: Self-proclaimed 'watchdog,' or abusive pest?
FALMOUTH — School Board candidate Michael Doyle is a busy man.
He is known statewide as the single-most prolific user of Maine's Freedom of Access Act, which allows the public access to anything considered a public record, firing off requests to town, school and state offices on nearly a daily basis.
His requests and frequent emails to town and school officials – numbering in the hundreds in the past year, many questioning management, some bordering on the bizarre, others offensive – have earned him a reputation of being a thorn in town government's side since he began the practice a few years ago.
Doyle, who considers himself a government watchdog, has submitted dozens of FOAA requests in the past year in Falmouth alone, according to a records request by The Forecaster.
The request sought all of the emails sent to either the town or the School Department in the past year by the candidates in the June 11 School Board election.
Besides Doyle's hundreds of emails, the query yielded one email from Clare Harrington about an evaluation form for school leadership. After refining the request, The Forecaster received two additional emails dating back to 2010 from Susan Coughlin, concerning fundraising for the high school robotics team.
The topics of Doyle's requests range from building inspections and utility costs of municipal buildings, to Town Council activity and technology expenses.
Critics of Doyle's continuous flood of requests – which sometimes require vetting by an attorney to determine if the requested information is legal to release – say his behavior wastes money and costs the town time and resources.
Doyle called that a "red herring" and said Falmouth purposely delays its responses to his requests, noting that other town's where asks for the same information are more prompt with their replies.
But Town Manager Nathan Poore said that although many of Doyle's emails are not requests for public information, he has to read every one that comes in to make sure it's not a request, which adds to response time. Poore said he regularly has a backlog of more than 100 emails from Doyle to review
"I feel compelled to read his emails to make sure it's not (a freedom of information request)," Poore said. "One person making that many requests, is it not unusual for them to take longer? Absolutely."
Last week the town prepared another five requests from Doyle, Poore said.
The town now has refined its system and protocol to handle FOAA requests, leaving Poore with hundreds of cascading folders in his email to help organize the onslaught of requests.
With this system, Poore said he probably now spends about two hours a week on Doyle's messages.
FOAA requests aside, Doyle's emails to the town and School Department range from promotions for his website to questions about traffic, the Police Department and spats with various people in government and elsewhere.
The emails are often riddled with insults aimed at town employees and elected officials.
In a May 1 message, which begins with "I have never been a screaming voice ever" he asks School Board member Chris Murry Jr., if "it is possible for him to be a bigger idiot."
"It's buffoons like you that make people angry about how inept the School Board is and it behaves in a pompous and ridiculous manner," he wrote. "You have been, and continue to be, a man child that took up space at the table and was inconsequential in all matters. You should really be quiet and have people think you're an idiot, rather than speak and confirm it."
He advised Murry, who is leaving the board this year, to "move on to the next asinine part of his life."
Doyle said in an interview last week that he and Murry have had a tumultuous history. He said the email was in response to Murry allegedly saying he was a "screaming voice" at meetings and was an attempt "to diminish my run for office."
And while this is only one email, many of Doyle's emails contain similar abuse and insults. He said it just comes down to being honest.
"My point is that I'm a very straight-forward guy, and if you're doing something I think is incredibly stupid I'm going to say so," he said.
In recent months, Doyle has taken his interest in town government to another level.
Doyle explained in an almost incomprehensible March 29 message that he is going to begin documenting what state and town workers "are doing outside the office."
"I don't care if you're having sex with a co-worker unless you think because you're getting away with that you can also screw me," he wrote, noting that he has already profiled a communications contractor for the Maine Department of Transportation who lives in Kennebunkport. "I think I'm going to profile all employees that live outside of Falmouth. Who wants to go first …?"
Doyle said that he's looking for town employees to be doing something illegal outside the office and that his profiling of them is just to make sure tax money is being spent responsibly.
"I have no animosity to anybody in town management, I actually like them," he said. "It's just how they manage our tax dollars."
— Will Graff


text:
Michael R. Bromwich
Melissa Schwartz
Home › Media › Recent News › Chronicle of Philanthropy: Somaly Mam Foundation Must Do More Than Rebrand, Experts Say
Chronicle of Philanthropy: Somaly Mam Foundation Must Do More Than Rebrand, Experts Say
By Megan O'Neil
Source: philanthropy.com
A name change may help the Somaly Mam Foundation recover from allegations that its founder lied about her story as a human-trafficking victim, but the organization must take additional steps to survive, crisis-management experts say.
Somaly Mam, who rose to international prominence for efforts to combat the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and children in Cambodia, resigned from her namesake foundation in May. Last week, the Somaly Mam Foundation, which has offices in Phnom Penh and New York City, said in a statement on its website that it would rename and rebrand itself.
"In the coming weeks we will present an expanded vision that builds on our core strengths of survivor empowerment, education and skills training, and advocacy, bringing the organization into greater alignment with our goal of eradicating trafficking and sexual exploitation in Cambodia," said Gina Reiss-Wilchins, the group's executive director.
After requesting information, The Chronicle was referred to the statement.
The foundation has said it commissioned a third-party investigation into Ms. Mam's personal narrative, which the activist detailed in public appearances and in a book published in 2008 titled The Road of Lost Innocence: The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine.
All of these are appropriate steps to take as the foundation seeks to weather a public-relations "nightmare," according to Melissa Schwartz, vice president of strategy and external affairs at The Bromwich Group, a crisis-management consulting firm.
At some organizations, the mission, strategy, and objectives are so closely tied with the founders that there is no separating them, Ms. Schwartz said in an email.
"The organization must be very careful about how they proceed," Ms. Schwartz said. "There are many loyal supporters of Mam and of the work she had done over the years, regardless of the details of her personal history. Staff will risk alienating those donors if they dishonor those efforts."
If the Somaly Mam Foundation is otherwise a solid operation, it stands to survive the current turmoil, said Rick Kelly, director of the crisis-management practice at the consulting firm Triad Strategies.
"A lot of it will depend upon on how healthy the culture of the organization was to begin with," Mr. Kelly said. "If you have people who are motivated and committed, and if you have good leadership, then it could become a rallying point for staff members to say, 'We can do this. Let's get this turned around.' "
Still, any successful rehabilitation will take more than a fresh branding effort, Mr. Kelly says. It starts with an investigation, and drilling down to the facts. Root problems must be dealt with.
"Your brand is the perception of what you are," Mr. Kelly says. "You can't communicate your way out of something you behaved yourself into."
Livestrong Lessons
The Somaly Mam Foundation is hardly the first nonprofit to see its founder knocked from his or her pedestal. After Greg Mortenson's book Three Cups of Tea landed on best-seller lists and helped bring in millions of dollars for his Central Asia Institute, the mountaineer who became a champion of education for girls was plagued by charges of lies and financial mismanagement.
In 2013, the Livestrong Foundation found itself having to dig its way out of a public-relations bog after its founder, the superstar cyclist Lance Armstrong, admitted to extensive doping. The group's staff began by trying to clarify the organization's mission and rebuild relationships with donors, its chief executive said at the time.
The Somaly Mam Foundation had been included in the program agenda of the Council on Foundation's annual conference this month, but the organization pulled out shortly before the event.
According to the group's 2012 financial statements, the most recent available, the foundation generated $2.8 million in revenue and had net assets of $1.3 million. The foundation's 2013 financial statements will be available in November.
What is likely to be most important to the survival of the Somaly Mam Foundation, experts say, is whether the group can reassure its sponsors that their money is being used effectively to help tackle a serious problem.
"I think if you have an honest conversation with your primary stakeholders and you can agree on a way forward that supports the basic mission, you have a good chance of re-establishing credibility and also continuing to get support," said Peter B. Hirsch, director of reputation risk at Ogilvy Public Relations. "Thankfully, they are a lot of generous people in the world who want to do something."
The Bromwich Group | 1776 K St. NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20006 | Phone: 202-682-4267 | E-Mail: info@bromwichgroup.com |


Ellis Island Database (Internet Website http://ellisislandrecords.org) , Passenger Record.
Federal Census - 1910, East St. Louis, Illinois, , ED 139, Page 7B.
Frank Vlcek - informant , Email Mar 8, 2003.
Mildred Hrasky Holubik - letter written 8 Jun 2005 .


text:
Inside Laura Prepon and Ben Foster's Relationship
The actress is married to a supremely talented but criminally overlooked actor.
Jeremy Chan/Getty Images
Videos by Rare
by Jordan Karlesson December 6, 2022, 1:37 pm 384 Views 0 Votes
Did you know Laura Prepon and Ben Foster are an item? Actually, not just an item — a married couple? Yeah, we didn't either.
But it's true: Prepon, one of the main cast members of That '70s Show, is married to Foster, a supremely talented but criminally overlooked actor.
So, what led up to their marriage and when did they wed? Let's answer some of the questions you might have on the brain — but start with synopses of their careers.
Laura Prepon's Career
On That '70s Show, Prepon played Eric's girlfriend/neighbor Donna Pinciotti.
Her film career includes The Girl on the Train, but she remains mostly on TV shows. Prepon appeared on House and How I Meet Your Mother. She also starred in Orange Is the New Black.
Prepon's next project appears to be the follow-up series to That '70s Show, called That '90s Show.
Prepon will only appear in one of the 10 episodes encompassing the first season of the long-awaited sequel series. But fans will freak out, no doubt, when they see Prepon, Ashton Kutcher, and Mila Kunis — along with their cast mates Topher Grace and Wilder Valderrama.
That '90s Show premieres on Jan. 19 on Netflix.
Ben Foster's Career
Foster made a name for himself by playing "dark and complex characters," according to The Famous People.
His highest-profile film is arguably 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand, in which he occupied the role of Angel.
But Foster, who started his acting career nearly 30 years ago, is best known for striking performances in under-the-radar films.
Foster won Saturn Award and Satellite Award nominations for portraying a sadistic cowboy in 2007's 3:10 to Yuma. He drew even more praise for playing a modern-day outlaw in another Western, 2016's Hell or High Water. For that gritty role, Foster won an Independent Spirit Award.
He also drew the attention of critics for his idiosyncratic performances in 2009's The Messenger and 2018's Leave No Trace.
Laura Prepon and Ben Foster's Relationship
A post shared by Laura Prepon (@lauraprepon)
Prepon apparently prefers dating actors. She and Christopher Masterson, brother of another That '70s Show actor — the troubled Danny Masterson — saw each from 1999 to 2007, according to US Magazine.
After that, she dated actor Scott Michael Foster. He's best known for his role in the ABC comedy-drama Greek.
She and Foster started seeing each other in 2016 after Danny Masterson — a friend of both actors — helped match them.
Prepon and Foster tied the knot two years later, when they were both in their 30s, according to US Weekly. They had a daughter and son together — in 2017 and 2020, respectively. Neither Prepon nor Foster have any other children.
In 2018, Prepon admitted to the same publication that she found it tough to transition into a working mother.
"It's torture," the actress said. "I went back to work at six weeks. I was directing when [her daughter] was four months old. But she would be proud if she knew what I was doing."
READ MORE: "Watch the First Trailer for 'That '70s Show' Followup!"
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