text:
Victor W. Henderson, MD, MS
Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health and of Neurology
Victor Henderson is professor of Epidemiology & Population Health and of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, with interests in neuroepidemiology and brain–behavior relations in aging and dementia. His research focuses on risk factors for cognitive aging and neurodegenerative dementia, and on interventions to help prevent and treat these disorders. He directs the NIH Stanford Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and co-directs the master's degree program in Epidemiology & Clinical Research. He is an Honorary Skou Professor at Aarhus University in Denmark.
Professor, Epidemiology and Population Health
Professor, Neurology & Neurological Sciences
Director, Stanford Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (2015 - Present)
Co-director, Master's of Science Program in Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Stanford University (2015 - Present)
Director, Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Stanford University (2004 - 2015)
Chief, Division of Epidemiology (2010 - 2014)
Senate Steering Committee, Faculty Senate, School of Medicine (2008 - 2012)
Committee on Graduate Studies, Stanford University (2009 - 2012)
Subcommittee on University Honors, Faculty Senate (2014 - 2014)
Chief, Division of Cognitive Neuroscience & Neurogerontology, University of Southern California (1989 - 2001)
Chair, Department of Neurology, Los Angeles County – University of Southern California Medical Center (1992 - 1997)
Administrative Vice President, Academic (Faculty) Senate, University of Southern California (1998 - 1999)
Chair, Year II Curriculum Committee, University of Southern California School of Medicine (1990 - 1992)
Honorary Skou Professor, Aarhus University, Denmark (2019–)
Distinguished Service Award, International Menopause Society (2020)
Top Doctors (Neurology), San Francisco Magazine (2017–2021)
Visiting Professor (2015); Honorary Professor, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Denmark (2015–2019)
Lawrence C. McHenry Award, American Academy of Neurology (2007)
Kearney Visiting Professor, Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria (Australia) (2002)
Visiting Professor / Visiting Research Scholars Award, University of Melbourne, Australia (2002)
Kenneth and Bette Volk Endowed Professorship, University of Southern California (1999–2001)
Phi Kappa Phi faculty recognition award, University of Southern California (2001)
Visiting Scientist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1988–1989)
International Scientific Advisory Board, Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (2015 - Present)
Steering Committee, National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (2016 - 2019)
General Secretary, International Menopause Society (2014 - 2016)
Member, NIH Neurological, Aging, and Musculoskeletal Epidemiology (NAME) study section (2011 - 2015)
Chair, Section on Geriatric Neurology, American Academy of Neurology (2008 - 2011)
President, North American Menopause Society (2007 - 2008)
President, Los Angeles Society of Neurological Sciences (1990 - 1990)
Associate Editor, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology (2014 - Present)
Board Certification: United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry (2006)
Board Certification: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Neurology (1981)
MD, Johns Hopkins University, Medicine
MS, University of Washington, Epidemiology
Internship, Duke University, Internal medicine
Residency, Washington University, Neurology
Fellowship, Boston University, Behavioral Neurology
Academic Tel: (650) 725-5394
Administrative Contact (academic) Matthew Rizzo Adminstrative Associate mirizzo@stanford.edu Tel: (650) 497-2802
Clinical Stanford Neuroscience Health Center 213 Quarry Rd 4th Fl MC 5957 Palo Alto CA 94304 Tel: (650) 723-6469 Fax: (650) 498-6326
Lab Site
Stanford Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
(1) Risk factors for age-associated cognitive decline and for dementia.
(2) Therapeutic strategies to improve cognitive abilities in aging and in dementia.
(3) Brain–behavior relations in human cognition.
Prazosin for Agitation in Alzheimer's Disease Recruiting
The study evaluates the effects of Prazosin on agitation in adults with Alzheimer's disease. Two thirds of the participants will participate in the medication portion, while one third will participate in the placebo portion
Stanford Investigators
Sharon Sha, MD, MS
Activities for Cognitive Enhancement of Seniors Not Recruiting
Cognitive aging and cognitive decline are important public health concerns in an aging US population. The investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trail among healthy older adults to assess effects of several innovative activities on remediation of age-related cognitive decline.
Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Leonor Urbain, MS, 650-721-3308.
Raloxifene for Women With Alzheimer's Disease Not Recruiting
This is a multisite pilot randomized trial of raloxifene or placebo for the treatment of women with Alzheimer's disease.
Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Narinder Bolaria, 6507313308.
Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials
EPI 251 (Spr)
History of Epidemiology
EPI 297 (Win)
Directed Reading in Epidemiology
EPI 299 (Aut, Win, Spr, Sum)
Directed Reading in Health Research and Policy
HRP 299 (Spr, Sum)
HRP 399 (Win, Spr, Sum)
Prior Year Courses
HRP 251 (Spr)
Stanford Advisees
Master's Program Advisor
Heather Alva, Anna Maria Bombardieri, Theresa Lii, Matthew Tran
Epidemiology (Phd Program)
Epidemiology (Masters Program)


HM44 armchair designed by Alexander Taylor for Hitch Mylius.
Comfortable upholstered armachair with a distinct outline.
The carefully selected foam grades combined with a flexible back support provide a high level of comfort while keeping the sharp lines that define the distinctive form.
The HM44 armchair has solid beech legs with a natural lacquer (also available stained or in solid oak, please enquire for details). Upholstered in fabrics or leathers of the collection, please see pdf in 'Product downloads' to see the different grades available.
The HM44 collection includes a sofa and an armchair that are available in both a high- or low-back version, together with matching footstools and low tables.
Please note - pricing example is for a HM44 low-back armchair, as seen on main image. Please enquire for high back version, or for other models in the range.


text:
Could a pair of offerings be the first signs of animal health IPO momentum?
by Joseph Keenan |
Aug 28, 2014 10:09am
A pair of public offerings recently announced could be signs that the animal health sector is finding an appetite for IPOs.
San Francisco-based Jaguar Animal Health, which would trade under the symbol JAGX, hopes to raise $70 million. On Monday, Brazilian veterinary product manufacturer Ouro Fino Saúde Animal Participações S.A. filed for an initial public offering.
Ouro Fino didn't disclose the date or size of its filing with securities regulator CVM. JPMorgan Chase is leading the offering. If it happens, it would be the first successful IPO in Brazil this year, Reuters reported.
Jaguar produces gastrointestinal drugs for animals, with its mainstay compound aimed at treating various forms of watery diarrhea in dogs. According to the SEC, the company had cash equivalents of $4.3 million as of June 30 and had lost $4.2 million in the first 6 months of the year. Its largest shareholders are Napo Pharmaceuticals and BioVeda China Fund.
There had been a dearth of animal health IPOs prior to Pfizer's ($PFE) spinoff of Zoetis ($ZTS) last year, which raised about $2.2 billion. Industry insiders have said that triggered a pent-up demand for public offerings in the sector. The wildly successful spinoff catapulted Zoetis to the top-player position in animal health with revenues of $4.56 billion in 2013.
In April, Phibro Animal Health ($PAHC)--the maker of animal health and nutrition products--raised $176.5 million in its public offering.
- check out Jaguar's SEC filing
- read the SF Business Times take
- see Reuters' story on Ouro Fino
Special Report: Top 10 animal health companies of 2013 - Zoetis
Payers see Spark's gene therapy pricing as new model
Payers are now holding up Spark's $850,000 gene therapy as an example of how innovative drug developers can help payers afford pricey new treatments.
by Arlene Weintraub Jan 12, 2018 11:12am
Zoetis beats Q3 earnings forecasts with strong growth in companion-animal sales
After two years of implementing an across-the-board efficiency plan, fine-tuning its product portfolio and getting manufacturing up to speed on Apoquel, animal…
by Arlene Weintraub Nov 2, 2016 10:12am
Joseph Keenan

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Four San Diego State University research teams will focus on transborder research and development, leveraging SDSU Imperial Valley's presence in Calexico and Brawley, two hours east of San Diego.
Big Ideas for Transborder Solutions
Four ideas aim to address rural infrastructure, Imperial County health and environmental issues, transboundary water, and advancing 3D printing.
Story Keywords: Arts and Letters, Education, Engineering, Health and Human Services, Imperial Valley, President's Office, Professional Studies and Fine Arts, Sciences, Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Students, California, Communication, Ecology, Economics, Education, Energy, Environment, Geography, Health, Nursing, Philanthropy, Public Health, Research, Social Work, Sustainability, Climate Change, COVID-19, News
Last of four articles in a series on Big Ideas.
Environmental, social, and economic challenges transcend national borders and affect all communities sharing the same resources. From the Pacific coast to the Imperial Valley, our communities reflect a rich hybrid culture, but have glaring disparities in access to clean water, economic opportunity, and modern infrastructure.
Transborder Solutions is one key category of the Big Ideas initiative, aimed at developing innovative solutions to real world problems. The other categories include Health and Well-being, Climate Change and Social Justice. The ideas have been proposed by teams of cross-disciplinary researchers across campus who will work in tandem with students and the community.
The Big Ideas initiative seeks to combine, leverage and promote SDSU's strengths for the betterment of the world. The initiative was launched by President Adela de la Torre in fall 2019, and 17 teams have advanced to the next stage, following a year of ideation and discussion.
Here is a look at the proposals, which will be part of a video showcase series — Short Films for Big Ideas — followed by a webinar and moderated discussion scheduled for 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 25, via Zoom.
Reimagining Transboundary Water
Water in the California-Mexico transboundary region is more valuable and stressed than ever before.
Given recent conflicts and tensions over the quantity and quality of water, there is an urgent need for convergent thinking that brings together technical, scientific and socioeconomic expertise to address needs and questions related to water in the border regions of San Diego-Tijuana and Imperial Valley-Mexicali.
"Millions of gallons of sewage, and tens of thousands of sediments and trash reach our coast from watersheds originating on both sides of the border," said Trent Biggs, geography professor. "This has human health impacts, with beachgoers contracting waterborne illnesses. And in the Imperial Valley, lack of clean drinking water for migrant farm workers is an environmental justice emergency."
A team of civil, construction and environmental engineers, geographers and economists at SDSU aim to build a transboundary community that will focus on solving critical water problems through sensor technology for real-time water quality assessments and advanced water treatment technologies; modeling flood risks and microbial risks; and assessing the impact of climate change and water policy on water availability for agricultural and urban uses.
"Reimagining transboundary water means working with experts here and in Mexico to really understand the magnitude of the water challenges we're facing," said Natalie Mladenov, environmental engineering professor and director of the Water Innovation and Reuse Lab. "Once we do this, we can work on win-win solutions for the challenges here and south of the border."
Rural Resilient Infrastructure
The American Society of Civil Engineers gives the U.S. infrastructure systems a grade of D+. Age and poor conditions have been made worse by a changing climate and extreme weather.
There is an urgent need to update infrastructure systems for rural communities, which are being severely impacted by climate change. This is the goal of Rural Resilient Infrastructure (Rural RISE), focused on establishing SDSU as a leading resource in the Imperial Valley cities of Brawley and Calexico, and eventually, nationally.
"Our big idea is to enhance the quality of life in rural America," said Marta Miletic, civil engineering professor and geotech researcher. "We will focus on critical systems such as food and agriculture, energy, telecommunications, transportation, water and wastewater.
A team of engineers, historians and geographers will focus on developing effective methods to strengthen the resilience of rural America, utilizing community meetings and forums to procure input on local needs and feedback on the developed models and procedures.
The team will also introduce interdisciplinary courses to provide a background for college students and working professionals interested in this 21st-century challenge, while developing video training for high school students to promote the next generation of engineers in underrepresented rural communities.
Transfacturing: Transforming Manufacturing with 3-D Printing
3-D printing technology is the key to transforming manufacturing technology. But the costs of 3-D printing devices, the speed of current methods, and integrating smart materials with processes continue to be challenges.
Engineers and scientists at SDSU envision ways to enable fast and cost-efficient manufacturing solutions while leveraging transdisciplinary strengths to cultivate sustainability. The team proposes to integrate SDSU strengths in 3D printing, smart materials, machine learning, internet of things, cybersecurity and other emerging areas to advance the technology.
"Our team is looking into the needs of the workforce and the environment, while keeping pace with productivity and introducing new technologies," said Joaquin Camacho, mechanical engineering professor. "Our big idea is to transform manufacturing for the next big industrial revolution."
The COVID-19 crisis has revealed the limitations of traditional manufacturing technology and business models, with essential supplies going out of stock as factories around the world came to a halt and international shipping was restricted during the early months of the pandemic. 3D printing will enable more robust responses to future crises based on a new decentralized manufacturing model where individuals are empowered to fabricate crucial goods and become independent economic agents.
As a sustainable, eco-friendly model, it will also help reduce the environmental impact of traditional manufacturing.
SDSU RISE Center (Research, Innovation, Student Engagement)
The demographics of the rural, border community of Imperial Valley present a complex set of socioeconomic issues that need to be addressed so residents have better access to health care, community support and advancement opportunities.
Through a new center called RISE (Research, Innovation, Student Engagement), SDSU Imperial Valley leaders, faculty, and students and SDSU faculty in San Diego plan to harness community partnerships and initiate community engagement to address issues unique to the region. They aim to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and problem-solving activities so SDSU may become the premier border-region Hispanic-Serving Institution for research in the United States.
"Imperial County is the picture of promise," said Michael Gates, associate director and professor of nursing. "It has wide, breathtaking open spaces with lush agricultural fields and a thriving sustainable energy industry. But it also suffers from chronic high unemployment, 30% of children live in poverty and health disparities have become even more pronounced during the pandemic."
RISE will focus on issues facing Imperial County residents and organizations, identifying solutions in areas such as health, education, and the environment.
"Local collaborative efforts have already resulted in a lot of good data collection. What is lacking is infrastructure that brings together community driven academic research partnerships," said Beverly Carlson, nursing professor and graduate advisor. "SDSU RISE Center will provide a hub to empower the local community to resolve its challenges in a holistic and sustainable way."


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package com.evolveum.midpoint.util;

import java.io.ByteArrayInputStream;
import java.io.ByteArrayOutputStream;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.io.ObjectInputStream;
import java.io.ObjectOutputStream;

import org.apache.commons.codec.binary.Base64;

/**
 * Collection of java.io serialization utilities.
 *
 * WARNING: these utilities are not supposed to be used in a production code. They are intended to be used
 * in tests, prototyping and maybe some run-time diagnostics tools (but think twice before using them anyway).
 *
 * @author Radovan Semancik
 *
 */
public class SerializationUtil {

    public static <T> T fromString(String string) throws IOException, ClassNotFoundException {
        byte[] data = Base64.decodeBase64(string);
        ObjectInputStream objectInputStream = new ObjectInputStream(new ByteArrayInputStream(data));
        Object object  = objectInputStream.readObject();
        objectInputStream.close();
        return (T)object;
    }

    public static String toString(Object object) throws IOException {
        ByteArrayOutputStream byteArrayOutputStream = new ByteArrayOutputStream();
        ObjectOutputStream objectOutputStream = new ObjectOutputStream(byteArrayOutputStream);
        objectOutputStream.writeObject(object);
        objectOutputStream.close();
        return new String(Base64.encodeBase64(byteArrayOutputStream.toByteArray()));
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
The Hero Next Door (Hardcover)
By Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (Editor)
From We Need Diverse Books, the organization behind Flying Lessons & Other Stories, comes another middle-grade short story collection--this one focused on exploring acts of bravery--featuring some of the best own-voices children's authors, including R. J. Palacio (Wonder), Rita Williams-Garcia (One Crazy Summer), Linda Sue Park (A Long Walk to Water), and many more.
Not all heroes wear capes. Some heroes teach martial arts. Others talk to ghosts. A few are inventors or soccer players. They're also sisters, neighbors, and friends. Because heroes come in many shapes and sizes. But they all have one thing in common: they make the world a better place.
Published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books, this vibrant anthology features thirteen acclaimed authors whose powerful and diverse voices show how small acts of kindness can save the day. So pay attention, because a hero could be right beside you. Or maybe the hero is you.
AUTHORS INCLUDE: William Alexander, Joseph Bruchac, Lamar Giles, Mike Jung, Hena Khan, Juana Medina, Ellen Oh, R. J. Palacio, Linda Sue Park and Anna Dobbin, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Ronald L. Smith, Rita Williams-Garcia, and short-story contest winner Suma Subramaniam
"As with the two previous anthologies from We Need Diverse Books, this collection admirably succeeds in making available to all readers a wider and more representative range of American voices and protagonists." -The Washington Post
Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich is the author of the 8th Grade Superzero, which was named an ILA Notable Book for a Global Society and an NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. She also writes nonfiction, including Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey to Tomorrow and Someday is Now: Clara Luper and the 1958 Oklahoma City Sit-Ins. She is the coauthor of the middle-grade novel Two Naomis, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and is a Junior Library Guild selection, and its sequel, Naomis Too. She is a member of the Brown Bookshelf and the advisory board of We Need Diverse Books. She has contributed to numerous anthologies for children, teens, and educators; holds an MA in education; and writes frequently on literacy-related topics for Brightly. Visit her online at olugbemisolabooks.com.
"A stellar collection that, in celebrating heroes, helps readers find the universal in the specific." —Kirkus Reviews starred review
"A great anthology with a message of spreading kindness and hope." –School Library Journal
"There is a story here for everyone." –Booklist
"These accomplished stories triumphantly redefine the meaning of the word hero." –Publishers Weekly
Praise for Flying Lessons & Other Stories:
An ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick!
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year!
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year!
A New York Public Library's Best Books for Kids Selection
!A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year Selection!
FIVE STARRED REVIEWS!
"Should not be missed." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"Inclusive, authentic, and eminently readable." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"There's plenty of magic in this collection to go around." —Booklist, Starred Review
"Universal themes." —Kirkus, Starred Review
"A glittering cast of writers." —The Bulletin, Starred Review
"Will resonate with any kid who's ever felt different—which is to say, every kid." —Time
"An unusually strong collection." —The Horn Book
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 30th, 2019
Juvenile Fiction / Superheroes
Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Adolescence & Coming of Age
Paperback (January 5th, 2021): $7.99
Library Binding (July 30th, 2019): $19.99


text:
Spin labeling
Gertz I. Likhtenshtein
A number of problems concerning the structure and dynamics of complex molecular systems including examples from biology can be solved by a modification of a chosen portion of the object of interest by a physical label such as a stable radical, paramagnetic complex, luminophore, or Moessbauer atom followed by monitoring the label's properties by appropriate physical methods.
Springer Series in Materials Science
Materials Science (all)
Dive into the research topics of 'Spin labeling'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
Labeling Engineering & Materials Science 100%
Label Chemical Compounds 90%
Labels Engineering & Materials Science 87%
Electron Spin Chemical Compounds 85%
Phosphors Engineering & Materials Science 67%
Physical Method Chemical Compounds 60%
Atoms Engineering & Materials Science 53%
Monitoring Engineering & Materials Science 28%
Likhtenshtein, G. I. (2020). Spin labeling. In Springer Series in Materials Science (pp. 235-281). (Springer Series in Materials Science; Vol. 292). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-34822-9_10
Likhtenshtein, Gertz I. / Spin labeling. Springer Series in Materials Science. Springer, 2020. pp. 235-281 (Springer Series in Materials Science).
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author = "Likhtenshtein, {Gertz I.}",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020.",
series = "Springer Series in Materials Science",
booktitle = "Springer Series in Materials Science",
Likhtenshtein, GI 2020, Spin labeling. in Springer Series in Materials Science. Springer Series in Materials Science, vol. 292, Springer, pp. 235-281. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-34822-9_10
Spin labeling. / Likhtenshtein, Gertz I.
Springer Series in Materials Science. Springer, 2020. p. 235-281 (Springer Series in Materials Science; Vol. 292).
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AB - A number of problems concerning the structure and dynamics of complex molecular systems including examples from biology can be solved by a modification of a chosen portion of the object of interest by a physical label such as a stable radical, paramagnetic complex, luminophore, or Moessbauer atom followed by monitoring the label's properties by appropriate physical methods.
T3 - Springer Series in Materials Science
BT - Springer Series in Materials Science
Likhtenshtein GI. Spin labeling. In Springer Series in Materials Science. Springer. 2020. p. 235-281. (Springer Series in Materials Science). doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-34822-9_10


text:
Nomad partners with train builder Alstom in Italy used by SBB
Home > Insights > News > Nomad partners with train builder Alstom in Italy used by SBB
Vicki Sloan 21 Sep 2016
Vicki Sloan is Nomad's Global Head of Marketing based in the Newcastle head office. Vicki joined the company in June 2018, coming from a technology background. She has over 15 years' experience in marketing and events.
(Newcastle upon Tyne 21 September 2016) Nomad Digital, the world's leading provider of wireless connectivity and ICT solutions to the rail industry, has successfully partnered with train builder Alstom in Italy, on a passenger WiFi and infotainment solution for the ETR-610 New Pendolino high-speed trains used by Swiss state rail operator SBB.
The addition of Nomad's WiFi and infotainment solution will benefit SBB passengers using their international train services running through the new Gotthard Base Tunnel between Italy and Switzerland, with future plans to also run to Germany. It further builds on Nomad's growing influence across Europe and particularly in the DACH region, having recently announced a partnership – again with SBB – on their new EC250 'Giruno' train fleet.
A key benefit for the passenger is a seamless WiFi experience delivered by Nomad's cross-border technology, providing uninterrupted connectivity on high-speed trains for passengers on international journeys.
State-of-the-art new ETR-610 trains will have Nomad's networked platform built in, while the existing ETR-610s are also being retrofitted with Nomad's connectivity infrastructure by Alstom at their Savigliano plant in Italy. Nomad's R3500P on-board server provides a secure, robust technology platform which supports an integrated passenger portal, delivering a full passenger information and infotainment platform, offering fully integrated real-time journey and service information. Nomad's networked platform also enables the quick integration of additional operational applications, providing a scalable, future-proofed solution to the customer.
Nomad Digital said "We are happy to partner with Alstom, a major European train-building force, while further extending our presence across central Europe and in the DACH region. This partnership also further extends Nomad's collaboration with SBB, building on our work on their new EC250 'Giruno' train. Passengers on international cross-border journeys will really notice the benefit of seamless internet connectivity."
Matt Gould Nomad Digital's Global Sales Director, said "Our innovative solution provides the first passenger WiFi service for a high-speed train in both Switzerland and Italy.
"We are delighted to work with Alstom on this major international deployment of passenger WiFi. It marks another major cross-border service in addition to numerous others we have delivered with European train operators."
Read more articles by Vicki Sloan See more articles on News


text:
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You are here: Home → Pressroom → Press Releases → Suit Filed Challenging Sale of Elliott State Forest Land
Suit Filed Challenging Sale of Elliott State Forest Land
Privatization of Public Forest Would Hurt Threatened Marbled Murrelets, Coho Salmon
EUGENE, Ore. — Conservation organizations filed a lawsuit and temporary restraining order today challenging the state of Oregon's disposal of part of the 93,000-acre Elliott State Forest northeast of Coos Bay. The legal complaint submitted by Cascadia Wildlands, Audubon Society of Portland, and the Center for Biological Diversity identified the 788-acre East Hakki Ridge parcel as prohibited by law from being sold.
Elliott State Forest - Francis Eatherington
"Privatizing public land in this case is illegal and a bad deal for Oregonians who cherish these lands for hunting, sightseeing, the clean water they provide, and for the unique fish and wildlife habitat they offer," said Francis Eatherington, conservation director with Cascadia Wildlands. "Instead of being greeted with welcome signs, Oregonians will now be confronted with locked gates and clearcuts."
In 1957 the Oregon legislature enacted a law specifically to prevent this kind of disposal of the Elliott State Forest. ORS 530.450 withdraws from sale any lands on the Elliott State Forest that were national forest lands on February 25, 1913. The East Hakki Ridge parcel, located just south of the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area east of Reedsport, falls within this category. According to the purchase and sale agreement dated April 15, 2014, the Seneca Jones Timber Company bought the parcel for $1,895,000 even though the state of Oregon valued the timber at $5,590,000.
"The state has illegally clearcut the Elliott for decades, and now that it has been forced to stop, it is engaging in an illegal selloff," said Audubon Conservation Director Bob Sallinger. "It is time for the state to look for real solutions that protect the Elliott and address the needs of the Common School Fund."
The privatization scheme is in direct response to a recent successful legal challenge brought by the conservation organizations, which greatly curtailed clearcutting in old-growth forests on the Elliott State Forest, where the threatened marbled murrelet nests. The imperiled seabird is unique in that it flies upwards of 40 miles inland to lay a single egg on a wide mossy limb in the region's remaining older rainforests. Clearcutting of its habitat is the species' primary limiting factor.
"The Elliott State Forest is critically important to the survival of the marbled murrelet, coho salmon, and hundreds of other species. It holds great promise for storing carbon to help insulate both people and wildlife from the devastation of climate change," said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director at the Center. "It's not in the best interest of Oregonians or the planet to sell the Elliott to the highest bidder to be converted to an industrial tree farm. There's a path forward for the state to protect important habitat and generate revenue for schools in Oregon."
The East Hakki Ridge parcel is one of five forested tracts the Department of State Lands has authorized for privatization. Combined, the parcels consist of approximately 2,700 acres of public land on the west side of the Elliott State Forest. One of the parcels being considered for disposal this fall contains the highest production of Endangered Species Act-listed coho salmon in the Oregon Coast Range, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and also is home to threatened marbled murrelets, according to survey data. And the state of Oregon has just revealed that it will soon be analyzing the possibility of selling off the entire Elliott State Forest.
Conservation organizations continue to urge the State Land Board, made up of Gov. John Kitzhaber, Secretary of State Kate Brown and Treasurer Ted Wheeler, as well as other state leaders in Salem, to pursue a solution for the Elliott that protects the unique forest and keeps it in public ownership while also satisfying the school fund mandate required by these lands.
Francis Eatherington, Cascadia Wildlands, 541-643-1309
Bob Sallinger, Audubon Society of Portland, 503-380-9728
Noah Greenwald, Center for Biological Diversity, 503-484-7495
Volunteer Opportunity Marbled Murrelet Survey Jul 22, 2019
Volunteer Opportunity Educational Snowy Plover Walk Jul 27, 2019
The Year Ahead: Excitement in the Air Jan 03, 2019
Is Baseball Bad for the Environment? Dec 19, 2018
Audubon Society of Portland promotes the understanding, enjoyment, and protection of native birds, other wildlife, and their habitats.
We focus on our local community and the Pacific Northwest. Inspiring people to love & protect nature since 1902.
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503.292.6855 : Contact Us
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text:
Лейк-Кайова () — переписна місцевість (CDP) в США, в окрузі Кук штату Техас. Населення —  осіб (2010).

Географія
Лейк-Кайова розташований за координатами  (33.570714, -97.013064).  За даними Бюро перепису населення США в 2010 році переписна місцевість мала площу 9,81 км², з яких 7,74 км² — суходіл та 2,07 км² — водойми.

Демографія
Згідно з переписом 2010 року, у переписній місцевості мешкало  осіб у 894 домогосподарствах у складі 666 родин. Густота населення становила 194 особи/км².  Було 1219 помешкань (124/км²).

Расовий склад населення:

До двох чи більше рас належало 0,4 %. Частка іспаномовних становила 2,4 % від усіх жителів.

За віковим діапазоном населення розподілялося таким чином: 10,9 % — особи молодші 18 років, 48,4 % — особи у віці 18—64 років, 40,7 % — особи у віці 65 років та старші. Медіана віку мешканця становила 61,8 року. На 100 осіб жіночої статі у переписній місцевості припадало 93,1 чоловіків;  на 100 жінок у віці від 18 років та старших — 91,4 чоловіків також старших 18 років.

Середній дохід на одне домашнє господарство  становив  долари США (медіана — ), а середній дохід на одну сім'ю —  доларів (медіана — ). За межею бідності перебувало 5,9 % осіб, у тому числі 0,0 % дітей у віці до 18 років та 1,9 % осіб у віці 65 років та старших.

Цивільне працевлаштоване населення становило 896 осіб. Основні галузі зайнятості: освіта, охорона здоров'я та соціальна допомога — 37,2 %, виробництво — 14,7 %, роздрібна торгівля — 10,7 %, транспорт — 8,8 %.

Джерела

Переписні місцевості Техасу
Населені пункти округу Кук (Техас)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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It might look superb, but internally, the phone really doesn't impress. It packs a 1.7GHz dual-core processor and it's running the older Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean software. The display has a 720p resolution, and there's no LTE connectivity. Those are middle-of-the-road specs even by last year's phone standards. Up against the blisteringly powerful quad-core, full HD beasts like the Samsung Galaxy S4 or Sony Xperia Z1, it's somewhat laughable. Still, I'm not entirely sure a busy bank CEO is going to need much power to play demanding games like Asphalt 8 anyway. For the majority of day-to-day activities such as e-mailing, tweeting, and buying yachts, it'll probably have plenty of juice.
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"Just as separate regional companies couldn't meet customers' emerging need for nationwide service in 2000, neither can we provide the integrated services customers will be seeking in the next few years by staying in our separate business units and stovepipes," he added. The deal is the third largest corporate acquisition ever, behind Vodafone's $183 billion deal for Mannesmann AG in 1999 and AOL's $164 billion deal for Time Warner the next year. Under the terms of the deal, Verizon paid $60.2 billion in stock and $58.9 billion in cash for Vodafone's 45 percent share.
The interactive side of Google TV products from Sony and Logitech is Android running on top of Intel silicon, Will consumers buy into the TV-plus-PC iphone screen protector back button this time?, Google TV products from Sony and Logitech pack a potent brew of software and hardware that could animate even the most inveterate couch potatoes.But will they sit up and take notice?, TVs are quickly on the way to becoming hybrids that can switch freely between passive TV and PC-like interactive modes, according to Intel, Will consumers finally begin to lean forward more and lean back less? After all, this has been tried before..
But was this really all about drama, or had the app economy sucked King into its vortex with a rational appeal?. Conan's sidekick Andy Richter helpfully offered: "You don't want your water to break in your own car."But King reached for the true, persuasive reason: "I know they say they're (Uber is) three minutes away and with an ambulance, you don't know."The Uber driver, she said, drove her right up to the labor department and she gave him five stars. (I'm not sure whether this was during labor or later.).
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Smoking and Secondhand Smoke
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This course provides comprehensive clinical education on tobacco smoke in primary care and public health. It addresses core competencies as well as knowledge, assessment, and treatment-based competencies of healthcare providers. It covers the history of tobacco, epidemiology of tobacco use, tobacco smoke metabolism, dependence, treatment and relapse. It also addresses complications associated with direct and indirect exposure to tobacco smoke, effects of prenatal exposure, methods of screening for exposure, and brief intervention training. This course includes a review of available screening tools, predisposing genetic factors, associated risk and protective factors, withdrawal symptoms and treatment, lab testing procedures, diagnostic tools, and age and gender issues.
Education Category: Community Health
HISTORY OF TOBACCO USE AND RESTRICTION
PREVALENCE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF SMOKING
TOBACCO AND NICOTINE PRODUCTS
TOBACCO-RELATED CONCEPTS
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF SMOKE INHALATION
LEARNING OF BEHAVIOR
SMOKING DEPENDENCE
HEALTH COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO SMOKING
COMORBID CONDITIONS
FETAL EXPOSURE
PASSIVE SMOKING EFFECTS ON CHILDREN
PASSIVE SMOKING EFFECTS ON ADULTS
MEASURING SECONDHAND SMOKE EXPOSURE
THIRDHAND SMOKE
INTERVENTIONS FOR SMOKING CESSATION
REDUCING TOBACCO SMOKE EXPOSURE
Evidence-Based Practice Recommendations Citations
This course is designed for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who may intervene to stop patients from smoking.
In support of improving patient care, NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. NetCE has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6361. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. NetCE is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. As a Jointly Accredited Organization, NetCE is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. NetCE maintains responsibility for this course. Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs. NetCE is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). NetCE complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, NetCE is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. NetCE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0021.This course is considered self-study by the New York State Board of Mental Health Counseling. NetCE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0033. This course is considered self-study, as defined by the New York State Board for Social Work. Materials that are included in this course may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized practice of licensed master social work and licensed clinical social work in New York. As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice for an LMSW and LCSW. A licensee who practices beyond the authorized scope of practice could be charged with unprofessional conduct under the Education Law and Regents Rules. NetCE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists. #MFT-0015.This course is considered self-study by the New York State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.
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This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 10 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit(s) for learning and change. NetCE designates this enduring material for a maximum of 10 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. NetCE designates this continuing education activity for 10 ANCC contact hour(s). NetCE designates this continuing education activity for 5 pharmacotherapeutic/pharmacology contact hour(s). NetCE designates this continuing education activity for 12 hours for Alabama nurses. NetCE designates this continuing education activity for 6 NBCC clock hour(s). Social workers participating in this intermediate to advanced course will receive 10 Clinical continuing education clock hours. Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 10 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. Participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit. Completion of this course constitutes permission to share the completion data with ACCME. NetCE designates this activity for 10 ACPE credit(s). ACPE Universal Activity Number: JA4008164-0000-21-023-H04-P. Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the activity with individual assessments of the participant and feedback to the participant, enables the participant to earn 10 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics' (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit. Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to satisfy the Lifelong Learning, Self-Assessment, Improvement in Medical Practice and/or Patient Safety requirements for the American Board of Ophthalmology's Maintenance of Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learning completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting MOC credit. Through an agreement between the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, medical practitioners participating in the Royal College MOC Program may record completion of accredited activities registered under the ACCME's "CME in Support of MOC" program in Section 3 of the Royal College's MOC Program. AACN Synergy CERP Category A. NetCE designates this continuing education activity for 10 credit(s). NetCE is authorized by IACET to offer 1 CEU(s) for this program.
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This course has been approved by NetCE, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits, NAADAC Provider #97847. NetCE is responsible for all aspects of their programming. NetCE is approved as a provider of continuing education by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Provider Number 5-08-151-0622. NetCE is approved as a provider of continuing education by the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP). Provider Number 185. NetCE is approved as a provider of continuing education by the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators. Provider Number CP40 889 H 0623. This activity is designed to comply with the requirements of California Assembly Bill 1195, Cultural and Linguistic Competency. NetCE designates this continuing education activity for 10 continuing education hours for addiction professionals.
The purpose of this course is to provide physicians, nurses, behavioral health professionals, and other members of the interdisciplinary team with a formal educational opportunity that will address the impact of tobacco smoking and secondhand exposure in public health and disease as well as interventions to promote smoking cessation among their patients.
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
Describe the history of tobacco and its impact on society.
Define the prevalence and economic impact of tobacco smoke exposure on public health.
Differentiate between available tobacco products.
Describe the neurophysiologic effects and addictive components of tobacco smoke.
Describe the anatomy and physiology of smoke inhalation, and outline key points in learning of behavior.
Define the psychologic and physiologic aspects of smoking dependence.
List the common health complications related to smoke exposure.
Identify the common comorbid conditions of tobacco users.
Describe the developmental complications related to prenatal exposure to smoke.
Define the effects of exposure to secondhand smoke for children and adults.
Identify the methods of detecting and measuring tobacco smoke exposure.
Define thirdhand smoke.
Outline the methods of tobacco cessation interventions, including necessary considerations for non-English-proficient patients.
Define the treatment modalities for tobacco addiction, including pharmacologic options.
Identify strategies to reduce exposure to tobacco smoke.
Mark S. Gold, MD, DFASAM, DLFAPA, is a teacher of the year, translational researcher, author, mentor, and inventor best known for his work on the brain systems underlying the effects of opiate drugs, cocaine, and food. Dr. Gold was a Professor, Eminent Scholar, Distinguished Professor, Distinguished Alumni Professor, Chairman, and Emeritus Eminent Scholar during his 25 years at the University of Florida. He was a Founding Director of the McKnight Brain Institute and a pioneering neuroscience-addiction researcher funded by the NIH-NIDA-Pharma, whose work helped to de-stigmatize addictions and mainstream addiction education and treatment. He also developed and taught courses and training programs at the University of Florida for undergraduates and medical students.
He is an author and inventor who has published more than 1,000 peer-reviewed scientific articles, 20 text books, popular-general audience books, and physician practice guidelines. Dr. Gold was co-inventor of the use of clonidine in opioid withdrawal and the dopamine hypothesis for cocaine addiction and anhedonia. Both revolutionized how neuroscientists and physicians thought about drugs of abuse, addiction, and the brain. He pioneered the use of clonidine and lofexidine, which became the first non-opioid medication-assisted therapies. His first academic appointment was at Yale University School of Medicine in 1978. Working with Dr. Herb Kleber, he advanced his noradrenergic hyperactivity theory of opioid withdrawal and the use of clonidine and lofexidine to ameliorate these signs and symptoms. During this time, Dr. Gold and Dr. Kleber also worked on rapid detoxification with naloxone and induction on to naltrexone.
Dr. Gold has been awarded many state and national awards for research and service over his long career. He has been awarded major national awards for his neuroscience research including the annual Foundations Fund Prize for the most important research in Psychiatry, the DEA 30 Years of Service Pin (2014), the American Foundation for Addiction Research's Lifetime Achievement Award (2014), the McGovern Award for Lifetime Achievement (2015) for the most important contributions to the understanding and treatment of addiction, the National Leadership Award (NAATP) from addiction treatment providers for helping understand that addiction is a disease of the brain, the DARE Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteer and prevention efforts, the Silver Anvil from the PR Society of America for anti-drug prevention ads, the PRIDE and DARE awards for his career in research and prevention (2015), and the PATH Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award (2016) as one of the "fathers" of addiction medicine and MAT presented to him by President Obama's White House Drug Czar Michael Botticelli. He was awarded Distinguished Alumni Awards at Yale University, the University of Florida, and Washington University and the Wall of Fame at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Gold was appointed by the University President to two terms as the University's overall Distinguished Professor, allowing him to mentor students and faculty from every college and institute. The University of Florida College of Medicine's White Coat Ceremony for new medical students is named in his honor.
Since his retirement as a full-time academic in 2014, Dr. Gold has continued his teaching, mentoring, research, and writing as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University and an active member of the Clinical Council at the Washington University School of Medicine's Public Health Institute. He regularly lectures at medical schools and grand rounds around the country and at international and national scientific meetings on his career and on bench-to-bedside science in eating disorders, psychiatry, obesity, and addictions. He continues on the Faculty at the University of Florida College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry as an Emeritus Distinguished Professor. He has traveled extensively to help many states develop prevention, education, and treatment approaches to the opioid crisis.
Faculty Disclosure
Contributing faculty, Mark S. Gold, MD, DFASAM, DLFAPA, has disclosed no relevant financial relationship with any product manufacturer or service provider mentioned.
Division Planners
John M. Leonard, MD
Jane C. Norman, RN, MSN, CNE, PhD
Alice Yick Flanagan, PhD, MSW
Abimbola Farinde, PharmD, PhD
James Trent, PhD
Division Planners Disclosure
The division planners have disclosed no relevant financial relationship with any product manufacturer or service provider mentioned.
About the Sponsor
The purpose of NetCE is to provide challenging curricula to assist healthcare professionals to raise their levels of expertise while fulfilling their continuing education requirements, thereby improving the quality of healthcare.
Our contributing faculty members have taken care to ensure that the information and recommendations are accurate and compatible with the standards generally accepted at the time of publication. The publisher disclaims any liability, loss or damage incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents. Participants are cautioned about the potential risk of using limited knowledge when integrating new techniques into practice.
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text:
Self-transforming robots promise versatile future
Self-transforming robots promi...
Tunnel navigation sim
Image: Zack Butler
18 rules tell the lattice
robot how to move Image: Zack Butler
Lattice robots simulation
Image: Keith Kotay,
November 29, 2004 Scientists at the Dartmouth Robotics Lab have developed the first reliable methods to produce self-configurable robots capable of controlling their shape according to the task at hand and environment they are in. Based on a 'lattice' of autonomous units linked into a networked organism, the breakthrough promises a new generation of self-transforming robots that can perform a variety of different tasks without human intervention.
Robots are usually designed to perform one task very well, whether it's assembling parts in a factory or vacuuming the living room. But ask those robots to perform another task or even the same task in a new environment, and you're asking for trouble.
Self-reconfigurable robots, on the other hand, can reshape themselves as their task or environment changes, ideally without human intervention. A walking robot used for search-and-rescue operations would transform into a snake-like form to slither through small spaces in a collapsed building. A rolling robot exploring the surface of Mars would flow like water over a vertical drop or "flow" uphill onto a rock ledge.
Today's state-of-the-art shape-shifting robots are a long way from living up to that vision, however. Daniela Rus and colleagues at the Dartmouth Robotics Lab in the US have made advances on both the mechanical and control fronts. On the mechanical side, she pioneered the design of 3-D shape-shifting robots built out of "expanding cubes," such as the Crystal modules.
Each Crystal module, or "atom," has sides that extend and contract and that use a 'key-in-lock' mechanism to attach to neighbouring atoms. The expanding-cube concept is an example of so-called "lattice robots," which can assume a wide variety of 3-D shapes, an advantage over robots whose modules can only form long, thin chains.
Shape-shifting for such lattice robots boils down to exercises in control and planning, which happen at two levels. At one level, the robot must plan how to remodel itself from shape A to shape B. At another level, the robot must also plan the series of shapes needed to accomplish more complicated tasks, such as moving over rough terrain.
Early work in self-reconfiguring robots used centralised methods to control how the pieces reassembled themselves. Today, researchers in the field generally acknowledge the need for distributed methods, in which each robotic module takes at least some control of its own destiny.
"Since we are talking about potentially very large systems, with thousands of individual parts, it's important to consider distributed control and planning," Rus said. "And parallel and distributed algorithms are hard to guarantee."
A recent paper in the September 2004 issue of the International Journal of Robotics Research (IJRR) provides some of the first distributed methods for generating provably correct steps for both types of control and planning. In other words, robots that reconfigure themselves using these plans won't fall to pieces, in a very literal sense, or get irreversibly stuck as they move from place to place.
The paper presents sets of about a dozen rules that instruct lattice robots how to roam over terrain, build tall structures to overcome obstacles or enter closed spaces through small tunnels. Rus and her colleagues analysed the simpler rule sets for correctness and developed automated methods to prove that the more complicated ones worked. More complex tasks, however, demand more complicated rule sets, and Rus is now investigating ways that would allow robots to learn their own rules.
In addition to the theoretical guarantees, the papers represent a departure from another norm. Often in robotics, a control method is tied to specific hardware, making it more difficult to apply lessons from one robot system to another. Rus's work applies to control and planning for the entire class of lattice robots, of which the Crystal atoms are one example.
"The [latest IJRR] paper is an example of a methodology for developing and proving algorithms and understanding control systems in general," Rus said. "It's important to learn more general lessons. You get a deeper sense about the self-reconfiguration problem."
For more information see:http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~robotlab/
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HomeFeaturesInterim President Guaidó Pays Bonus to Health Workers in Venezuela
Interim President Guaidó Pays Bonus to Health Workers in Venezuela
A doctor walks past signs with portraits of health workers who died from COVID-19 displayed as a tribute at the Venezuelan Medical Federation in Caracas, on September 10, 2020. (Photo: Federico Parra/AFP)
BY Diálogo
Funds confiscated from the Nicolás Maduro regime in the United States that belong to the Venezuelan people are being used to pay a bonus to health workers in Venezuela, in a program designed by the team of Interim President Juan Guaidó.
According to National Assembly (AN, in Spanish) lawmaker Manuela Bolívar, who heads the group executing this program, the final list of beneficiaries amounts to 62,697 people, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, as well as workers and administrative personnel of public health centers.
She explained that starting on September 14, beneficiaries began receiving notifications about the first of three payments of $100 each to their accounts. The two remaining payments will be made in October and November.
The funds for this program come from an account that the Venezuelan Central Bank had at Citibank, which the U.S. government froze following sanctions imposed on the Maduro regime, said Miguel Pizarro, an exiled lawmaker who serves as Guaidó's commissioner for humanitarian assistance.
Pizarro said that authorities confiscated $325 million and made $80 million available, with the approval of the AN and the U.S. Federal Reserve. The commissioner said that part of this $80 million was delivered to the International Red Cross and the Pan American Health Organization to send humanitarian assistance to Venezuela.
Well-deserved money
On September 15, Margot Monasterios received a message that relieved her. She got an email confirming her first remittance of $100.
"This is a very positive measure to cover, for example, our transportation," she said.
Monasterios is a nurse. She lives in a small town near Barlovento, more than 100 kilometers east of the capital, and each day takes public transportation to get to the hospital at Caracas University Campus. She said that she spends about $3.30 every month just to come and go.
"One has several needs […]. This bonus is a benefit, not a gift. This was hard-earned [money]," she said.
According to the Venezuelan Medical Federation president, Douglas León Natera, a professional nurse like Monasterios is likely to earn the equivalent of only $5 per month, in the best case scenario. As a result, transportation is an expense that exceeds 60 percent of the salary.
Resource scarcity in Venezuelan public hospitals and dispensaries has caused more than 170 health workers to die of COVID-19 as of mid-September. Of these, León Natera said, 100 were doctors.
In the third week of September, Guaidó's group was evaluating whether to extend this bonus to health workers beyond November, or if it will try to reach other public workers.
Posted in Features, Transnational Threats, Venezuela
US Delivers New Health Center to Panama in Darién
Latin America, most Lethal Region for Environmental Defenders


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Highlanders start settling legacy debt
11 Jun 2020 at 07:37hrs | Views
HIGHLANDERS have started settling their legacy debt in installments after receiving $100 000 from a crowd-funding initiative spearheaded by fans.
The $100 000 was raised by Bosso fans in the first two weeks of their relaunched crowd-funding initiative to help the club clear its debts.
Bosso's debt stands at $862 868.
The initiative is led by South African-based Bosso member Nodumo Nyathi. Bosso treasurer Donald Ndebele expressed the club's gratitude for contributions from the remodelled campaign that's targeting at least 1 000 Bosso fans to contribute a once-off payment of R500.
Ndebele revealed that some creditors had agreed to write off money they're owed by the club.
"We've received $100 000 and have started paying some of our creditors. What will happen is that we will be clearing the debts in stages as we receive money from this initiative. They promised to give us money every month. As a club, we would like to express our gratitude to people who are contributing to the debt clearance as well as those that we owe, who are writing off all or a percentage of the debt," said Ndebele.
Accounts have been opened in South Africa and Zimbabwe to make it easy for Highlanders' fans in both countries to contribute towards clearing the Bosso debts.
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text:
Changes to UW's Strategic Plan: Up for Approval at Senate
fauwaterloo Other Nov 4, 2013 Aug 2, 2018 4 Minutes
This week's blog post outlines a series of serious concerns a number of Senators have expressed concerning the version of UW's Strategic Plan that is intended to be discussed for approval at the next UW Senate meeting on November 18.
First, it is important to outline the principal differences between the latter and the version of the Strategic Plan that Senate voted on electronically in the wake of the 21 May 2013 meeting of Senate. The two versions are set out in the table below, both taken from the "Research" section of the Plan [changes are boldfaced]:
21 May Strategic Plan language 18 November Strategic Plan language
Increase the worldwide impact and recognition of University of Waterloo research
Enable conditions which support research excellence and impact
Identify and seize opportunities to lead in new/emerging areas
Increase interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research at the global, national and local scale
Strengthen the relationship between research and teaching at the undergraduate level
Build wider awareness and understanding of Waterloo's research productivity and impact
Over the next five years:
Waterloo will allocate current resources and align future resources to support areas of research where we have the greatest potential for world leadership, including quantum science, water and aging.
Be recognized internationally for excellence and innovation in education, research and scholarship
Seek global awareness of Waterloo's research and teaching expertise
The motion that was voted on electronically by senators after the 21 May meeting reads as follows:
"You will be asked to vote on the following motion:
Resolved that Senate support the adoption of the strategic plan in the version posted at the following link [link to 21 May version no longer functions], and that Senate recommend to the Board of Governors that it adopt the strategic plan in that version.
Do you support this motion? Choose yes or no. "
Would the latter version have been resisted strongly at the electronic vote had it been included in the original? It would seem so, considering how much reaction the new version is getting now that attention has been drawn to it, and Senators are becoming alert to the implications of the new language on several levels:
The quoted passage from the new plan is not harmless language, where the key word is "including." Here are a couple of passages from the KW Record article "UW to focus on research as it strives for international recognition"
"Hamdullahpur said there are many researchers at Waterloo whose work does not fall into the three research areas of special focus: quantum science, aging and water. There won't be any threat of taking resources away from one scientist to give to another, he said. Rather, projects that fall within the priority areas will get preferential treatment with any new money that is raised." [emphasis added]
"A new strategic plan for the university calls for it to develop internationally renowned and "world-changing" research, with special focus on the three key areas of quantum science, aging and water."
Conclusion: the suggestion heard at Senate that these three areas are only "examples chosen from many" is not consistent with the statements attributed to UW's President in these press reports. So, is the intention to pour resources into these three areas at the expense of other world-class research on campus, was the President misquoted, or was a false impression given to Senate?
The implication of "world leadership" in the new version is itself troubling on at least two levels:
a) The simple fact of singling out three areas in particular inevitably invites the reaction that "there are other, lesser fields." Anyone with links to a not-named field may feel that UW is not interested in what they do. This has an effect not only on the morale of researchers, but also on potential donors interested in contributing to the not-named fields: would they still choose to support UW's endeavours?
b) There are numerous fields of extremely worthwhile inquiry to which "world leadership" cannot logically apply. Examples include local history, the study of local ecosystems, the safety of local water supplies and local climatic conditions. The best possible research in these fields cannot conceivably be supported by the new language in the Strategic Plan. Will scholars in these fields find themselves at a disadvantage in the resource allocation game as a result of the new version of the Strategic Plan?
Focusing on a small number of things that one does well may well work in other realms of human endeavour (e.g., running a business, or playing a musical instrument), but it is a recipe for significant harm to an institution whose very name – a university – implies that it studies "the sum of all things," or the "whole community".
Therefore, it would behoove Senators to take their jobs seriously as guardians of the academic integrity of our institution. If harmful ideas at the strategic planning stage are not resisted, how will we be in a position to stand up against them when the time comes for implementation? The only reason that Senators are getting to vote on this new version of the Strategic Plan is thanks to the diligent attention – and serious concern – of a number of faculty and student Senators. Otherwise, UW would be saddled with a plan that was modified at the urging of the Board of Governors, without the rest of our academic community's knowledge or consent.
Consequently, an amendment to the motion for approval of the Strategic Plan will be put forward at the next Senate meeting to change significantly or delete entirely the paragraph beginning "Over the next five years…", and Senators are invited to consider their votes carefully.
Unless, of course, the Strategic Plan is a document not to be taken too seriously at the day-to-day operations level….
Published Nov 4, 2013 Aug 2, 2018
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15 thoughts on "Changes to UW's Strategic Plan: Up for Approval at Senate"
David Clausi says:
From this document, it is not clear as to who made the changes to the document. Does anyone know what person or group of people unilaterally decided to change the wording? How was the decision to change the wording arrived at? Highlighting three research fields to receive allocations for future resources from the university is not appropriate in a high level strategic plan.
Vanessa Schweizer says:
Thank you to members of FAUW for calling attention to this troublesome language. I agree that the focus on these three topics is quite narrow for a strategic plan and runs a great risk of interfering with the intellectual and academic freedom that should be fostered on campus.
Elise Lepage says:
Thank you FAUW members for this helpful comparison. Indeed, more details about how this change occured and what it really means would be greatly appreciated. I guess that you have raised a question and that we are now all expecting some answers from the upper administration. Please keep us posted as it is very meaningful to us as for where we are heading…
James Skidmore says:
The message sent by David to all faculty members pointing them to this blogpost stated that "the academic integrity of our institution is at stake." I beg to differ. Such hyperbole creates an atmosphere that doesn't help us solve problems but only exacerbates them.I for one do not believe that David's motion should be put forward let alone passed. The Senate recommended the strategic plan to the Board of Governors; the Board of Governors accepted that plan, but modified it, as is their right. If it weren't their right, Senate should have opposed sending the plan to the Board in the first place. David doesn't mention in his post that all seven faculty Senators who sit on the Board of Governors were at the August 2013 meeting that approved the new language, and the minutes of that meeting record no votes opposed to the new wording. I trust that my fellow Senators considered their votes carefully before casting them.My concern is that the motion David is proposing runs the risk of being a declaration to the Board that the Board has no say in the management of the university. A university's strategic plan is not purely an academic matter; it is a indication of how the President and the administration of the university, after consulting widely, will set goals and priorities for the university's affairs in the coming years. Since the President reports to the Board, the Board has a say in the President's activities and thus the goals of the university.I'm not wild about the wording that emphasizes some research fields over others, or that a university's worth is only found in its international rankings. But regardless of the presence or absence of such wording, in the current climate such priorities will exist. It would be unrealistic for us to think that the University of Waterloo would not be pursuing goals such as quantum science, given the resources that have already gone into such fields and the importance placed on them by our society. I think the research portion of the plan has put into words what has been the practice here for a while, and therefore I don't see the institution's academic integrity being threatened because I didn't see it being threatened before. I may feel left out of the university's main academic profile, as I'm sure many do, but that doesn't mean that the university's integrity in academic matters has been compromised in any undue fashion.I think it is important to remind the university at large that the university encompasses a multitude of fields and disciplines, and that these areas require support. If that support isn't forthcoming, we must argue and advocate for it. At the same time the university, with good but not unlimited resources, cannot forego setting priorities in the distribution of those resources. The strategic plan was developed with wide consultation and was considered by all appropriate university bodies; I am very reluctant to disrupt that process due to some unhappiness about one portion of the result. (James Skidmore, Faculty of Arts and Senator)
Very odd. It would be nice to see the evidence that suggests Waterloo has the greatest potential in those particular three areas. What does "including" also include?
1) The proposition "the Strategic Plan ought to highlight a handful of research fields, to which current and future resources would be allocated", is not a self-evident truth. It needs to be demonstrated.2) The place for debating the above proposition is, de jure and de facto, the Senate.3) That the proposition was first adopted and then applied (read: water, quantum, aging) without the consent of the Senate is alarming indeed.4) The Senate is represented on the Board of Governors by 7 faculty Senators. It is not replaced by them.
David Porreca's blog post does not include the astonishing suggestion that the BoG has "no say in the management of the university." It is an entirely different thing to say that the Senate is obliged to oversee academic integrity, including research integrity, at the university. These two claims could not easily be confused.Similarly, David's remarks in no way suggest the remarkable idea that Waterloo will "not be pursuing goals such as quantum science." Extensive rebuttals of claims that nobody makes are of limited use in the discussion. A disavowal of counterproductive hyperbole would seem appropriate at this point.
In reply to David Clausi: the wording was changed by the Board of Governors. Which is to say: the Senate made a recommendation to the BOG that, as the motion quoted in David's message makes clear, they "adopt the strategic plan in that version", i.e. the version presented to Senate for a vote. That recommendation was disregarded by the BOG. I think it's not correct to suggest that David is engaged in hyperbole. There are a few faculty representatives on the BOG seven regular faculty and the University President. The total membership is over 30, most of whose experience of universities is from being students long ago. So there is an important question about who we want to have making strategic decisions about the research and academic direction of the university. The members of the BOG are listed here.https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat/governance/board-governors/board-governors-may-1-2012-april-30-2013
Tim Kenyon says:
A very interesting discussion on a very important topic. Thanks to David and to commenters. It will be useful to consider the University of Waterloo Act here, which tells us that "The government of the University and the control of its property and revenues, the conduct of its business and affairs, save with respect to such matters as are assigned by this Act to the Senate, shall be vested in the Board of Governors…"What are the matters "assigned by this Act to the Senate," and thus, by the preceding language, not vested in the Board? Well, the Act says that the Senate can make recommendations about anything at all to the Board, but that it directly has the power to "establish the educational policies of the University", and that "this includes the power… to undertake, consider and co-ordinate long-range academic planning."It's a complicated document; there are many considerations and frankly a good deal of sharing of responsibilities proposed in it, as far as I can see. But at least on this reading (arguably, the plain reading), the academic element of strategic planning is reserved to the Senate's oversight.https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat/governance/university-waterloo-act
Bryan Tolson says:
PART I: I wanted the new record for longest comment so here goes – and I hit the maximum character limit! Given the above discussion and questions, I think a close look at the timeline and published facts warrant posting here. So, after the May 21 electronic senate vote, here is what happened along with the corresponding comments that come to my mind [in parentheses]:June 4th Board of Governors meeting minutes:—————————————————————–"The chair reintroduced the discussion on the proposed strategic plan, and the president spoke briefly to summarize the discussion from the earlier open session. The board heard a motion that the strategic plan submitted to the Board of Governors be approved as presented, subject to the preparation of a preface to (1) focus the plan on fewer areas of top strategic priority to be developed from the eight areas identified in the plan, and (2) outline the process to identify the metrics to be used to measure success in achieving the objectives of the plan, and that the board delegate authority to the Executive Committee of the board to approve the preface when presented. Hamdullahpur and Gamble. Following extensive discussion, it was agreed that the motion would be withdrawn. The board heard a motion to refer the strategic plan back to the president to focus the plan on fewer areas of strategic priority, to review the revisions with the Executive Committee of the board, and following that step, to bring the revised plan to a special meeting of the board. Lynch and Power. Carried." Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat/sites/ca.secretariat/files/uploads/files/20130604ominsbog_0.pdfNote that Executive Committee of the board members are listed at: https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat/committees-and-councils/board-executive-committee%5BWhat does 'focus the plan' mean?]June 17 Senate Meeting———————————–"BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES Strategic Plan. McBoyle announced that the strategic plan was sent to the Board of Governors by Senate for consideration at its meeting of 4 June. The board returned the plan to the administration for some adjustments. It is intended to take the revision to the Executive Committee of the board for further feedback, and then on to the board for final approval." [There seems to be some people questioning the consistency of the remarks made in June 17th Senate meeting and the June 4th Board of Governors minutes. Multiple people in Senate were seemingly in both meetings … What is the role and responsibilities of Senate members also on the Board? I'm not sure exactly but hopefully some people are aware of these!] continued …
PART II:Aug. 28th Special Board of Governors Meeting (Teleconference)——————————————————————————————-"The chair summarized the discussions to date on the proposed strategic plan, focusing on the input of board members and the Board Executive Committee over the course of the past three months. At the August meeting of the Executive Committee, it was emphasized that implementation strategies ought to be developed as early as possible, with the role of the board, the administration and the accountability framework taking centre stage in the early part of the implementation process. The chair advised the meeting that the Executive Committee of the board had unanimously recommended adoption of the plan by the board. He introduced Hamdullahpur, indicating that he would summarize some of the main points from the plan. Hamdullahpur thanked board members for their input and their support over the course of development of the draft plan circulated to the board in advance of the meeting. He summarized the university's objectives by reference to a series of slides, available at: https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat/sites/ca.secretariat/files/uploads/files/strat-plan-pres-aug26.pdf Hamdullahpur emphasized the unique position of the university relative to its ambition to be one of the top innovative universities in the world, focusing on entrepreneurialism, experiential education, and transformational research. In the case of research, the university will focus on its existing strengths in quantum science, water and aging, all in the context of a broad commitment to research of profound impact. Implementation, measurement of progress, and accountability are keys to the success of this plan. McBoyle referred to the one page "next steps" document circulated to the board in advance of the meeting, and pointed out that implementation will be accelerated as requested by the Executive Committee. A first report will be provided to the board at the October general meeting. Hamdullahpur finished his presentation by expressing his confidence that the plan will serve the university thoroughly as we move through the next five years."Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat/sites/ca.secretariat/files/uploads/files/20130828minsbog.pdf%5BDid the Executive Committee of the Board consider the 2012 Office of Research Strategic Research Plan in the process of identifying the quantum, water and aging areas? See http://research.uwaterloo.ca/documents/StrategicResearchPlan2012.pdf%5D
PART III (and yes this is it):Sept 16 Senate Meeting:————————————"REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT Hamdullahpur presented a broad report covering a number of items, including steps taken since the last meeting of Senate to have the university strategic plan approved by the Board of Governors. He focused on the board's advice to sharpen the plan to focus on the university's strengths, things that differentiate this university from others. There were very few changes in content in response to the board's input; rather, the changes were ones of emphasis and further explanation. Hamdullahpur outlined the top three goals that emerged through the strategic plan. Further, he explained the establishment of the steering committee, theme leaders, and teams that are being developed to see to the implementation of the plan. The implementation plan and accountability framework will be finalized over the fall. Hamdullahpur emphasized that the plan has the potential to move this university forward toward being one of the top innovation universities in the world. Further in his report, Hamdullahpur spoke to: changes in the federal cabinet and other issues related to research funding at the federal level; provincial roundtables on several issues (differentiation, credit transfers, online learning, and graduate student allocation). The university attended the roundtable on differentiation to press its point on research intensity and research-based graduate study as a differentiator. The university also attended the roundtable on graduate student allocation. …"Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat/sites/ca.secretariat/files/uploads/files/20130916ominsen.pdfOct 21 Senate Meeting:———————————"University Strategic Plan 2013" discussion in a Confidential Session (scheduled at the start of the Senate Meeting. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat/sites/ca.secretariat/files/uploads/files/20131021oagsen.pdf%5BCurrently, I am uncertain as to the procedure to be followed for strategic plan approval. If Senate was to vote against approving the current version of the plan on Nov 18th, what next? Would that automatically trigger another approval vote of approval at the Board of Governors? The answers may impact how I vote at Senate and thus would be helpful to have in advance of the 18th.][PLEASE NOTE MY OPINION ON THIS MATTER, AS A SENATOR AND FAUW BOARD MEMBER, IS NOT NECESSARILY CONSISTENT WITH THE BLOG POST.]
I can easily make the argument that if UW strategically priorities support of a few target areas in which UW can achieve an international reputation, then this benefits the faculty *as a whole*. For example, a wine-producing region benefits as a whole when a few wines from that region achieve international prominence, whereas a region in which no wines achieve such prominence suffers as a whole from lack of noteworthiness/credibility. Similarly, researchers from universities in which no areas have gained prominence suffer from being associated with being from "no where U". I think it's great for *all research faculty* at our university, eg, when presenting papers at conferences, if their affiliation is recognized as a university that has significant name recognition due to being known for being excellent at least as something, and better still, excellent at many things, rather than mediocre at all things, viz jack of all trades but master of none. The point is, this matter is a matter of opinion and debate and not a matter where the FAUW should be taking sides, eg, based on the personal opinion of it's president and/or a minority of faculty who may have contacted you about this. I would expect that the FAUW take a stand only on matters that are more clear-cut in their impact on faculty, eg, pay increases, rather than those on which the faculty are divided due to a variety of perspectives and opinions.
It's absolutely FAUW's business to defend such things as the role of faculty in determining the research direction of the university. Collegial decision making is what makes universities tick. If you compare the motion passed by Senate and the one initially made to the BOG as quoted in Bryan Tolson's post, you'll see that they don't match—"more focus" was either not something the President and Provost thought could pass through Senate, or it was added in response to pressure from elsewhere, presumably the executive of the BOG. But even that was not enough to satisfy someone on the BOG. Bryan's link to the University's Strategic Research Plan also makes clear that the focus areas inserted into the Strategic Plan are not the ones that are arrived at if one actually consults with faculty. So even if we did want to "focus", the way to arrive at what to focus on is not via BOG diktat. So this is a FAUW issue b/c it's a matter of the BOG stepping way out of line. BTW … the Higher Education Strategy Association "One Thought to Start Your Day" posting for today is titled "Kevin Lynch is Horribly Wrong." That's posting is a rebuttal of Mr Lynch's "awful article" in the weekend Globe and Mail. Mr Lynch is a the Chair of the BOG. I'm pretty sure this is not the person I want to have driving decisions about the academic direction of the University of Waterloo. Senate needs to reclaim that role.
Quick, what's the top university for air quality issues?There might be one. For people working on air quality at that university, that would be a source of great pride and research resource attraction. But few other people even know about it, never mind care. Obviously there's no way that people working on metal fatigue, kinesiology or clinical psychology at that university are somehow basking in the glory of its air quality research when they go to conferences in their own area. Well, same for water. And aging. And nano.