Global regulatory legislation is a headache for almost every business, especially large,multi-national corporations. Organizations operating across borders must manage diverse regulations specific to each country. Today, we see an evolution of data privacy-specific laws to formalize, unify and strengthen data protection. Businesses not in compliance with various data privacy regulations face stiff regulatory fines.
Modern data privacy laws started in 2018 when the European Union (EU) implemented the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). GDPR affects hundreds of thousands of businesses globally. EU regulation imposes strict data privacy rules. Specifically, regarding who has control and access to digital assets, defining the protection and use of data of European citizens. To date, the EU has issued 340 GDPR fines totaling €158 million.
In the United States, different states and jurisdictions have various data privacy laws. For example, as of January 1, 2020, California enforces the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The legislation enhances privacy rights and consumer protection for California residents. What these data privacy regulations have in common is they relate to location, access and usage of personal information. The combination of strict data security standards makes it difficult to advance digital business initiatives while avoiding regulatory penalties. Businesses must take a practical approach to meet data privacy requirements.
Managing Complex Privacy Regulations
Controlling access to digital assets is a reoccurring theme regarding managing data privacy laws. As a result, organizations require a multidimensional security model to enforce complex and evolving privacy regulations.
Modern access control technologies like dynamic authorization can navigate compliance. By utilizing an Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC) model, dynamic authorization provides fine-grained access control leveraging a policy based approach. With ABAC, policies are based on the relationships between user attributes. Attributes define who, what, when, where, how and why a user is granted or denied access to a data set.
Dynamic authorization delivers flexible data protection capabilities required to ensure only authorized users receive access to regulated information.
Dynamic Authorization Protects Information and Streamlines Compliance
Data protection has different definitions, depending on the legislation. However, both GDPR and CCPA identify similar requirements companies must follow. Both laws require strict access control methods, the disclosure of personal information collected and the purpose of processing that data. Additionally, the regulations demand businesses give consumers access to their personal data or request that their personal information is deleted. Dynamic authorization supports the data access, data transparency and user consent requirements involved with GDPR and CCPA. ABAC policies provide a contextual and data driven access control relationship, leveraging a precise set of policies and attributes to decide who receives access to sensitive data within an organization. Dynamic authorization enforces precise policies that expose regulated data only to authorized end users, with the ability to mask data
and govern the specific actions users can take.
By leveraging the full capabilities of dynamic authorization, consumer data is protected. In addition, the same ABAC policies extend according to the consumer’s discretion. ABAC capabilities not only protect data against unauthorized access to the information within a company, but they also allow customers to view and correct data. Consequently, users outside the business can also manage their information and grant consent to use or sell data to third-parties.
Dynamic authorization can help large, global enterprises manage complex global data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA. By providing a centralized, fine grained policy based approach to access control, organizations ensure compliance and avoid hefty regulatory fines.


Bastion Balance Korea Review Bastion Balance, Seoul Korea Overview Headquarters:Seoul, S. Korea Contact Number:+822 3478 4248 Office Email:info@bastionbalance.com.com Social Media Links:Facebook, LinkedIn Official website:https://bastionbalance.com
Bastion Balance is a financial institution specializing in wealth management.
The company is mainly located in Seoul, Korea.
It can, however, affiliate itself with clients from all over the world.
For years in the industry, they have been deemed outstanding; they have received global recognition for its astounding success in providing services to clients, especially in asset management.
They have been tightly holding a good reputation of being responsive to clients by incorporating their interests into their assets while at the same time prioritizing their welfare with extra care.
They offer services for financial growth with credibility and trustworthiness, nurturing their private wealth, and providing financial security.
Holistic wealth management can be guaranteed.
Services included are financial planning, portfolio management, retirement and estate planning, and tax sheltering strategies.
This institution focuses on global business-related functions like professional experience, technology, and personal relationships.
Financial assistance
Wealth and asset management are vital terminology in the business industry.
It systematically manages both tangible and intangible receipts.
Bastion Balance Korea promotes its expertise in delivering great wealth and asset management.
If you need financial assistance and concerns regarding business problems, they offer resolutions for it.
They have assured outstanding customer service across the globe.
Moreover, they have 89 investors worldwide to trust them and have handled 1.78 million client assets.
wealth management plans
Their wealth management plans are ideal for various individuals, families, and corporations, whether locally or internationally.
As clients apply for an investment, their goals will be ensured to match their individual or respective goals.
Since they acclaim to prioritize the client’s financial well-being, they have recognized the typical difficulties and circumstances that might occur.
Interestingly, with your goals articulated, a Bastion Balance Korea advisor will be there all throughout for guidance in the wealth management plan.
The advisor will then trace the safest and most considerable path to attain your goals successfully.
With their supervision, the establishment asset allocation parameters will be made along with the specific investments necessary to reach those parameters.
Everything will be monitored with effective portfolio management, including the volatility of financial markets and communicated thoroughly to ensure your stability and stagnant growth.
From then, you will be able to easily navigate the predictable financial periods you will encounter and your adaptability to change.
Rest assured, risks and tolerance will be recognized and dealt with accordingly.
It is impressive how proactive they are with the clients’ investment plans.
Lots of considerations must be determined to give the most accurate response in addressing this plan.
They will be looking at your growth rate, risk tolerance and its appropriateness, liquidity concerns, accessibility of funds, and the like.
By providing your insights regarding this, recommendations from extensive assets that have been examined profoundly by their research department will be given.
Bastion Balance Korea has been perceived as an expert in handling wealth assets.
They believe that being knowledgeable in wealth and asset management has an immense impact on the business and finance industry.
Advisors see the importance and advantages of maintaining a good asset and wealth management.
It can cause a significant gap in the industry.
The process of asset management is done thoroughly by financial advisors.
This communal process involves overseeing investments to ensure efficient financial safety and assets management.
The company delivers long-term progress and regularly does reviews to keep your investment on track, keeping them consistent with your life and set goals.
As the world continues to welcome technological advancements, financial institutions ensure their adaptability touches this technical emergence.
Bastion Balance Korea adapted to these changes.
They have anticipated the necessity to develop their services to meet the clients’ demands; thus, presenting digital exploration where clients can access their services online.
They established a smart and efficient website, carefully programmed and organized for easy navigation.
Through this, clients who are too busy to visit physical branches can see this beneficial, for they can access it anywhere and anytime.
This alternative proves how the organization values its clients’ satisfaction.
Overall
Bastion Balance proves the recognition they have received and living the identity they promote.
Given the outstanding reputation, their services are smart and well-rounded.
Clients will find it ensuring enough to trust their wealth and asset management.
Bastion Balance Korea FAQ What services does Bastion Balance provide?
Bastion Balance provides holistic wealth management. This can include financial planning, portfolio management, retirement and estate planning, and tax sheltering strategies.
Where are Bastion Balance clients located?
We work with clients from all over the world. We leverage technology to ensure seamless communication.
Are my investment returns guaranteed?
No. We mark long-term progress against historical results, and do regular reviews to ensure investment goals are consistent with your life, and investments are meeting your needs.
Does Bastion Balance provide discretionary account management services?
Yes. Discretionary accounts are available to clients with minimum US$500,000 assets under management, or family accounts combined to US$1,000,000.


Tackling tax avoidance and evasion is key to ensure that everyone pays their fair share of tax.
Working with the OECD, the EU Commission and other EU member states, the UK government has introduced the Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC6) which aims to identify potentially aggressive tax arrangements by further increasing reporting transparency.
What is DAC6?
DAC6 introduces a requirement for tax intermediaries and advisers to provide tax authorities with details of certain international tax planning arrangements. Where the arrangements fall within certain 'hallmarks' mentioned in the directive and in circumstances where the intended benefit of the arrangement is a tax advantage.
In certain instances the obligation to report falls on the taxpayer and information reported will be shared between tax authorities. There are no de-minimis limits and penalties for failures can be significant, with local country penalties in the range of several million Euros.
EU member states were required to incorporate DAC6 into their domestic law by 31 December 2019. Under the Directive, reporting starts after July 2020 for arrangements dating from 25 June 2018. On 8 May 2020 the EU Commission proposed a delay of up to three months in the commencement of reporting, due to the disruption caused by coronavirus.
RSM can help you navigate DAC6 and prepare you for the upcoming changes. Download our guide to understand the reporting requirements and how international transactions and arrangements must be reported to tax authorities in future.


Uncertain economic environment, aggressive competition, growing influence of digitization and drastically shifting industry landscape characterize the real estate market today. To survive and thrive in this tough marketspace industry players are increasingly focusing and relying on the impact of their marketing efforts. Your marketing campaigns must deliver optimum return on investment (ROI) and its success relies on the speed and quality.
However, plethora of marketing tools that are widely available and continuously evolving customer expectations can be overwhelming, making it difficult to optimize marketing activities. While you may have a great marketing strategy, getting from concept to completion is a challenging process given the tedious and enormous tasks involved. This often restricts your ability to realize your marketing objectives and drive desired sales outcomes.


Private capital investment is a critical component of the global innovation ecosystem. Canada offers private investors a strong regulatory banking framework, welcoming immigration policy, ease of starting a business, political stability, protection of minority investors, and low business costs for R&D-intensive sectors.
Vancouver – with its thriving tech sector and startup ecosystem – is a key gateway into investing in Canada’s innovation economy. Furthermore, its proximity to Silicon Valley and major tech hubs along the rest of the Cascadia Innovation Corridor, and to prominent financial centres in the Asia Pacific, connects Vancouver startups and investors alike to global markets.
American investors collectively account for the greatest share of private capital in Vancouver’s innovation economy. This guide seeks to streamline the investment process by collating the legal and tax considerations necessary for cross-border investment. While this resource focuses on Canadian and American examples, all other international investors are equally likely to benefit from this guide.
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In the wake of COVID-19, the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia took historic measures to support the economy, including multiple stimulus programs.
Additionally, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has announced numerous measures to support Canadian business through the
Business Credit Availability Program.
Notably for investors, the
BDC Capital Bridge Financing Program may match – with a convertible note – financing for eligible Canadian startups. A qualified investor must have a fund size of CA$10 million and invested in three Canadian companies. They must also have third-party limited partners and at least one institutional investor.
Are you a US investor interested in organizing an event on cross-border investment for your angel group or other investor networks? The Vancouver Economic Commission has hosted dedicated events with Deloitte and Fasken featuring panel discussions and moderated Q&A sessions with the writers of the guide.
This guide was developed through in-house research and expertise leveraging data from Pitchbook and related sources, with taxation and legal expertise from Deloitte and Fasken.


Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://apo.ansto.gov.au/dspace/handle/10238/8078
Full metadata record
DC Field Value Language dc.contributor.author Zhang, Y - dc.contributor.author Mahowald, N - dc.contributor.author Scanza, RA - dc.contributor.author Journet, E - dc.contributor.author Desboeufs, K - dc.contributor.author Albani, S - dc.contributor.author Kok, JF - dc.contributor.author Zhuang, G - dc.contributor.author Chen, Y - dc.contributor.author Cohen, DD - dc.contributor.author Paytan, A - dc.contributor.author Patey, MD - dc.contributor.author Achterberg, EP - dc.contributor.author Engelbrecht, JP - dc.contributor.author Fomba, KW - dc.date.accessioned 2016-11-14T05:29:26Z - dc.date.available 2016-11-14T05:29:26Z - dc.date.issued 2015-10-12 - dc.identifier.citation Zhang, Y., Mahowald, N., Scanza, R. A,, Journet, E., Desboeufs, K., Albani, S., Kok, J. F., Zhuang, G., Chen, Y., Chohen D. D., Paytan, A., Patey, M. D., Archterberg, E. P., Englebrecht, J. P., & Fomba, K. W. (2014). Modeling the global emission, transport and deposition of trace elements associated with mineral dust. Biogeosciences Discuss., 11(12), 17491-17541. doi:10.5194/bgd-11-17491-2014 en_AU dc.identifier.govdoc 7621 - dc.identifier.issn 1726-4170 - dc.identifier.uri http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/bgd-11-17491-2014 en_AU dc.identifier.uri http://apo.ansto.gov.au/dspace/handle/10238/8078 - dc.description.abstract Trace element deposition from desert dust has important impacts on ocean primary productivity, the quantification of which could be useful in determining the magnitude and sign of the biogeochemical feedback on radiative forcing. However, the impact of elemental deposition to remote ocean regions is not well understood and is not currently included in global climate models. In this study, emission inventories for eight lements primarily of soil origin, Mg, P, Ca, Mn, Fe, K, Al, and Si are determined based on a global mineral data set and a soil data set. The resulting elemental fractions are used to drive the desert dust model in the Community Earth System Model (CESM) in order to simulate the elemental concentrations of atmospheric dust. Spatial variability of mineral dust elemental fractions is evident on a global scale, particularly for Ca. Simulations of global variations in the Ca = Al ratio, which typically range from around 0.1 to 5.0 in soils, are consistent with observations, suggesting that this ratio is a good signature for dust source regions. The simulated variable fractions of chemical elements are sufficiently different; estimates of deposition should include elemental variations, especially for Ca, Al and Fe. The model results have been valuated with observations of elemental aerosol concentrations from desert regions and dust events in non-dust regions, providing sights into uncertainties in the modeling approach. The ratios between modeled and observed elemental fractions range from 0.7 to 1.6, except for Mg and Mn (3.4 and 3.5, respectively). Using the soil database improves the correspondence of the spatial heterogeneity in the modeling of several elements (Ca, Al and Fe) compared to observations. Total and soluble dust element fluxes to different ocean basins and ice sheet regions have been estimated, based on the model results. The annual inputs of soluble Mg, P, Ca, Mn, Fe and K associated with dust using the mineral data set are 0.30 Tg, 16.89 Gg, 1.32 Tg, 22.84 Gg, 0.068 Tg, and 0.15 Tg to global oceans and ice sheets. © Author(s) 2015 en_AU dc.language.iso en en_AU dc.publisher Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union en_AU dc.subject Dusts en_AU dc.subject Seas en_AU dc.subject Minerals en_AU dc.subject Soils en_AU dc.subject Deserts en_AU dc.subject Climates en_AU dc.title Modeling the global emission, transport and deposition of trace elements associated with mineral dust. en_AU dc.type Journal Article en_AU dc.date.statistics 2016-11-14 - Appears in Collections: Journal Articles
Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.


Abstract
Notch activation has been detected in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, its role in PDAC metastasis remains unknown. In this study, we identify a Notch-dependent feedback circuit between pancreatic cancer cells and macrophages which contributes to PDAC metastasis. In this circuit, miR-124 regulated Notch signaling in cancer cells by directly targeting the Notch ligand Jagged 1 (JAG1). Auto-amplified Notch signaling promoted the recruitment and activation of macrophages to a tumor-supporting M2-like phenotype via downstream interleukin (IL)-8, CCL2, IL-1α, and uPA paracrine signaling. In turn, activated macrophage-derived IL-6 activated the oncogenic transcription factor STAT3 that directly repressed miR-124 genes via a conserved STAT3-binding site in their promoters, thereby promoting cancer cell EMT and invasion. Disrupting this circuit suppressed liver metastasis in mouse models. Thus, our study suggests that manipulation of this Notch-dependent circuit has a therapeutic potential for the treatment of PDAC metastasis.
Received February 5, 2020. Revision received September 11, 2020. Accepted October 28, 2020. Copyright ©2020, American Association for Cancer Research.


Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat that poses a rising concern. One underlying challenge is the limited number of targets in bacteria affected by the current pool of antibiotics. To potentially help find new targets, we studied a member of the class of antimicrobial natural products named glycocins. We examined the mode of action of sublancin, which contains an unusual and essential glucosylated Cys residue, by monitoring macromolecular synthesis. Sublancin negatively affected DNA replication, transcription, and translation without affecting cell wall biosynthesis. In addition, we confirmed that the presence of the PTS sugar glucose in the medium negatively impacted antimicrobial activity of sublancin. Additionally, sublancin analogues carrying different sugars retained their antimicrobial activity regardless of which sugar was attached to the peptide or the carbon source used. These data suggest a novel mechanism upstream of transcription and translation and are consistent with previous studies suggesting that the glucose uptake system is involved.
Keywords RiPP antibiotic bacteriocin glycocin glycopeptide ASJC Scopus subject areas Infectious Diseases


While Open Educational Resources (OERs) are adopted at rates comparable to traditional publishers in lower division courses, adoption lags behind in niche content areas and pre-professional courses of study. This session highlights efforts to review and increase the availability of OERs in pre-professional and professional training sequences across multiple US universities, with emphases on both curated and student-generated content. Strategies presented during this session will include: (1) The Behavior Analysis Matrix Project, curating and aligning limited available open access and open educational video resources with course competencies. (2) The Task List Glossary Project, a project to crowd-source student generated examples of the professional principles across disciplines, cultural contexts, and learning histories (3) The Open Behavior Artifacts Project, a project designed to support students as content creators in creating mixed format resources to describe and expand examples and reflect diverse student voices. (4) The creation of Special Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis, an openly-licensed textbook created in partnership with graduate students through open enabled pedagogy, limiting the effort involved in creating a brand new resource while maximizing student learning.
These strategies, which employ inductive models for OER content creation, emphasize the intentionality of including experiences that represent the learning histories, cultures, and values of a wide variety of developing professionals. Applications of these strategies are discipline-universal, applicable across multiple subject areas.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will be able to: describe examples of OER curation and student-generated creation, articulate the role of cultural context and anti-bias approaches, and consider ethical replication of similar strategies.


“Chaos in the world brings uneasiness, but it also allows the opportunity for creativity and growth.” Tom Barrett
I came across this quote while I was researching a concept for my next book and I found it quite intriguing. I want to share it with you.
For me, chaos is an everyday thing. I live in chaos each every day. My life is chaotic all by itself but the world around me forces it to be even more chaotic. I navigate the chaos with trepidation and uncertainty but lean on my experience and intelligence to figure a way though it and be happy with my solution. I’m not always successful but I continue to work at it.
I expect that everyone reading this feels the same way.
One thing that I have always known is that opportunity is an avenue for growth. What’s new is that I never put it together with chaos.
The thought that chaos brings about uncertainty and therefore uneasiness is intriguing enough. Now, I can connect chaos as an opportunity for creativity and growth.
Just saying.


Among the seemingly hundreds of controversies brewing in TCPAWorld is whether a consumer can face a counterclaim for collection of a debt in a TCPA suit brought against a loan servicer or collector for purportedly illegal calls.
While the issue seems straightforward—the debtor owes the money and the defendant should be able to collect (or at least offset) the amount owed on the contract in the TCPA suit—many courts have refused to permit such counterclaims fearing that offensive action by a TCPA defendant might somehow “chill” consumer protection lawsuits.
Weird.
Well in a recent case, the Northern District of California applied the “majority rule” and common sense (IMO) by allowing a counterclaim to proceed. In
Nalan v. Access Fin., Case No. 5:20-cv-02785-EJD, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 198836 (N.D. Cal. October 23, 2020) the Plaintiff (allegedly) stopped paying for his car and received collection calls as a result. The Plaintiff sued the collector, who responded with a counterclaim for the $1,778.00 bucks it was (allegedly) owed.
The Plaintiff responded by moving to dismiss the counterclaim asserting a lack of jurisdiction. The Court was unpersuaded and found that the debt and the phone calls arose out of the same nexus of operative facts: “Here, both Plaintiff’s and Access’ claims are related to the underlying automobile loan debt owed by Plaintiff to Access. These claims may be fairly classified as part of the same “case or controversy” and therefore, the Court may exercise supplemental jurisdiction over Access’ counterclaim pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367(a)”
This is a great case to keep handy as Defendants often disdain the prospect of facing a lawsuit from a consumer that has failed to pay their obligations and is yet looking for a windfall under the TCPA. Pursuing a counterclaim at least allows the parties to equalize their position between one another and reduce all burdens and obligations to a single judgment. Plus this tactic can be a great class action killer. Feel free to reach out to learn more.


The sophistication of modern investment models, the complex nature of today’s global markets and the importance of being data-driven forces financial firms to re-evaluate the way they acquire alternative data.
Today, the web provides an unprecedented opportunity for financial services firms, offering a wealth of information for predicting industry trends and making more informed investment decisions. The proliferation of e-commerce, smartphones, and social media has magnified the need for capturing financial insights derived by web data. More than ever, web data can offer firms the extra intelligence they need to outperform competitors and stay on top of dynamic markets.


Birth injuries occur around the time of delivery, resulting in cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy and other permanent neurological injuries. The risk of injury increases with multiple gestation births, such as twins and triplets. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) has issued recommendations to minimize the risk of injury during management of a twin or triplet delivery.
The ACOG recommendations recognize that over 100,000 babies are born from multifetal gestations each year in the U.S. The number has steadily increased since 1980 due to the use of reproductive technology. To capture the risk posed by these births, ACOG states: “Although multifetal births account for only 3% of all live births, they are responsible for a disproportionate share of perinatal morbidity and mortality.” The risk of a poor outcome increases with the number of fetuses.
These pregnancies can be complicated by a variety of associated conditions: gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, acute fatty liver with coagulopathy, pulmonary embolism, twin-twin transfusion syndrome, and preterm delivery.
Management of these pregnancies by an obstetrician requires careful examination and monitoring, and thorough counseling of the mom, typically by a high-risk specialist. Cervical length should be assessed to determine the risk of preterm delivery. A cerclage may be an option to reduce this risk. Other possible interventions include bed rest, uterine activity monitoring, tocolytics and selective fetal termination.
Under Ohio law, when birth injuries result from substandard management of multiple gestation births, a claim for medical negligence may exist. Given the complexity of these cases, a qualified medical malpractice attorney will need to carefully review all treatment records and ultrasound imaging with an expert in the field to determine if a meritorious claim exists.


New Delhi, October 14: In an aim to provide Internet connectivity to villages in the border and Naxal-affected states, the government has selected Hughes Communications India to connect 5,000 village panchayats in the border and Naxal-affected states as well as in island territories with satellite broadband under the BharatNet project by March 2021.
The project is to be implemented under the government's ambitious BharatNet programme by March 2021. Under the project, Hughes India will enable broadband internet connectivity in the gram panchayats by utilising the ISRO's GSAT-19 and GSAT-11 satellites along with the Hughes Jupiter System the de facto standard for satellite broadband implementations.
Moreover, the project will cover the 5,000-gram panchayats distributed across over 15 states and Union territories. These include the hilly states in North and North-East India, the heavily forested states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, and island territories like Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. The project will cover areas across Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh—places that lack terrestrial connectivity, such as fiber or cable.
Commenting on the development, Sarvesh Singh, CMD, BBNL, said, “BharatNet is the backbone of Digital India, being created to achieve the objectives of Hon’ Prime Minister’s Digital India Mission. The BharatNet network being created by BBNL is to provide affordable high-speed broadband access to rural citizens and institutions of all the Gram Panchayats of the country We are very happy to be partnering with TCIL and Hughes to leverage satellite broadband to connect gram panchayats that are remote or located in difficult terrain.”
Partho Banerjee, president & managing director, Hughes India, said, “Hughes is committed to the government’s vision of enabling Digital India, and we are excited about our partnership with TCIL and BBNL as part of BharatNet to bring high-speed connectivity to the remote gram panchayats. The most widely deployed satellite ground platform in the world, the JUPITER™ System will deliver reliable and highly efficient service, introducing more people across rural India to high-speed internet connectivity, enabling significant economic participation and social inclusion.”
As a part of the project, Hughes will also be providing solar-powered network operations and user terminals, installing equipment at every site, and manage the services to ensure speeds of up to 10 megabits per second.
The government aims to connect all 2.5 lakh village panchayats in the country with high-speed broadband services by August 2021.
With the Bharatnet project, the government of India aims to better facilitate e-governance applications like telemedicine access to land records, treasury, police stations, internet access, and many other services in rural India


Indole-3-Carbinol
Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) found in the brassica family of vegetables. This family includes broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. I3C improves our bodies' detoxification pathways
and supports female reproductive health.
I3C promotes both phase 1 and phase 11 of your liver's detoxification pathways. When our liver detoxifies a substance, two phases are involved. When the first phase finishes, ideally the second phase will complete the process.
These phases require different nutrients to function. If we have available nutrients for phase 1, but insufficient nutrients for phase 11, the products of phase 1 may accumulate. These substances are
more hazardous after phase 1 than they were to begin with.
To avoid this, ample nutrients for phase 11 detoxification are essential. I3C supports
both phases of detoxification for ideal liver support.
Additionally, I3C increases estrogen metabolism, thus reducing the risks for breast cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, and PMS.
An active component of I3C binds to estrogen receptors, thus preventing the opportuntiy for estrogen to exert an effect on our cells.
We have many factors in our industrilazed society that create estrogenic effects in our bodies. The foods we eat are often from animals that have been administered exogenous hormones (steroids) to increase their size. These steroids have estrogenic effects in our bodies when we eat meat and dairy products from those animals.
Additionally, our own fat cells secrete estogen into our bloodstream. Unfortunately, our obesity rate is reaching very unhealthy levels. One of the results of this excessive condition is the increase in estrogen levels.
I3C can reduce the negative implications of this situation by passively blocking the estrogen receptors of our cells!
Another favorable action of I3C is the promotion of a beneficial ratio of estrogens.
To purchase Indole-3-Carbinol from Thorne Research, Please Click the Button Below.
Please visit this site's page on Anti Aging Supplements by Clicking Here. This website is dedicated to bringing you valuable information about 100% Whole Food Supplements. Please visit our Homepage by Clicking Here.


Teacher beliefs about listening in a foreign language
It is advisable to refer to the publisher's version if you intend to cite from this work. See Guidance on citing.
To link to this item DOI: 10.1016/j.tate.2014.01.007
Abstract/Summary
This study investigated, through a questionnaire, the stated beliefs and stated practices of 115 foreign language teachers in England regarding listening pedagogy: whether such beliefs and practices reflect the literature on listening, whether beliefs and stated practices converged, and what factors might underpin them. Responses indicated a mismatch between teachers’ stated belief in the importance of teaching learners how to listen more effectively, and the lack of evidence in their stated practice of such teaching, with a focus instead on task completion. Findings are discussed against the accountability agenda of the study’s context, and its implications for teacher development highlighted.
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year


As May concluded, the cryptocurrency market took a sigh of relief as it was able to close on a positive note. The fifth month of the year saw volatility creep back into the market, contributing to drastic changes in the trading activities of the industry’s users. Similarly, the sudden push in Bitcoin’s price provided a much-needed pump to the altcoin markets too.
Bitcoin, while it was returning 16.16% before May, was returning 26.52% by the end of May. Similarly, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency, Ethereum [ETH], reported a YTD of 72.94%.
This growth of Bitcoin and altcoins was visible in CoinMetrics’ Bletchley Index too. According to CoinMetrics’ latest report, the last week of May saw recovery from most CMBI and Bletchley indexes. However, the top performer was still the CMBI Etheruem Index, having fallen by just 1% last week. It was returning 14.7%, while the CMBI Bitcoin Index reported a growth of 5.7%, after noting a loss of -7.8% the previous week.
Similarly, all other indexes like Bletchley 10, 20, and 40 were in the negative over the previous week, but managed to climb up this week to report 9.2%, 9.3%, and 10.6% in growth, respectively.
According to the previous indication, the weekly returns denominated in BTC, Ethereum were still the leader, and this week too, ETH returned 8.6% when denominated in BTC. While the market’s major cryptos were set on a recovery path, its small-cap assets also noted restricted growth. The B10 assets were at a loss of 0.8% last week; however, this week, the index returned 3.3%. Small-cap assets like B40, which were returning almost 7% last week, noted a slowdown and were returning 4.6%.
Despite such restricted growth, however, all of the Bletchley indexes noted returns between 9% and 11%, indicating uniform strength of the market across all large, mid, and small-cap assets.
As Bitcoin’s price surged at the beginning of June itself, the other assets’ caps may also reflect this positive surge in the next week’s index with higher returns.
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TEI submitted comments on the Modified Nexus Approach for IP (BEPS Action 5) and International VAT/GST Guidelines. Links to the submissions are provided for reference:
Summary: IP, BEPS Action 5: Accelerated comment process will likely lead to suboptimal results. The singular entity approach to benefit from the IP regime is problematic from a potential restructuring necessity and poses deviations from the arm’s length principle. R&D and patents have been expressly stated as benefitting from the IP regime, whereas other activities are not yet mentioned. Limiting the preferential regime to strictly patents, vs. innovative software, etc., represents a myopic approach. The 2021 expiration date for existing regimes seems too short-sighted for patents that may last 20 years. Summary: International VAT/GST Guidelines Unilateral implementation of such guidelines erodes the neutrality principle, leading to double taxation or double non-taxation. Recommendations should align with the OECD discussions for a reverse charge mechanism in B2B scenarios. Supplier based documentation requirements should be practical and simple. The statement that a VAT/GST registration does not create PE should be moved from a footnote to the body of the document for clarity. The lack of consistency in application of transfer pricing adjustments for VAT/GST will provide increased risk of double taxation. Final rules that are clear and uniformly interpreted should be implemented via simple, consistent, flexible and proportional guidelines. TEI’s comments for these two critical topics convey practical and thoughtful considerations for change prior to final implementation. They should thereby be reviewed to better understand the global context and potential consequences for these actions.


Research on public relations measurement has caught the attention of practitioners and academicians for decades. The focus has shifted from evaluating output to measuring outcomes; from setting goals to engaging stakeholders better. Numerous platforms and collaborative efforts have resulted in broad principles and guardrails for public relation professionals to demonstrate value and business impact. The […]


As European governments strive toward energy-efficiency targets of 2030 and the broader goal to establish a decarbonized building stock by 2050, water management within buildings has emerged as a key ... »
Companies approaching water as a business are often challenged by a lack of high quality, reliable intelligence. Bluefield bridges this gap with actionable, data-backed analysis supported by a transparent research methodology and ongoing access to our global water experts. As an independent insight firm focused exclusively on water markets, executives rely on our suite of research services to validate their assumptions, address critical questions, and strengthen strategic planning processes.
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LUBBOCK, Texas — On Friday, the House of Representatives voted 402-12 to approve a bill extending funding for a 9/11 victims compensation fund until 2092. Representative Jodey Arrington was among the 12 who voted against the bill.
The fund was created in 2001 and provides financial compensation to those who suffered physical injury or illness from both the attacks, and the resulting debris clean-up. According to the Associated press, administrators recently cut benefit payments up to 70% in response to the $7.4 billion fund being rapidly depleted.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would result in approximately $10.2 billion in additional compensation payments over 10 years, including the more than $4 billion for claims that have already been filed.
The following is a statement from the office of Jodey Arrington regarding his vote:
“The horror of September 11, 2001 continues to this day for those whose lives were forever impacted by this unspeakable act of evil. I agree that first responders and victims should not suffer financial hardships due to ongoing medical and other costs related to the attack. However, we should not abandon our stewardship responsibilities and the past practice of ensuring appropriate oversight and accountability by extending the Victim Compensation Fund for seventy years to 2090. I fully support reauthorizing this fund, which is essential to supporting the 9/11 first responders and victims. However, it would be a disservice to both taxpayers and first responders if victims were not effectively compensated and fraudulent claims not prevented as a result of improper oversight and management of the fund. Since its inception, the Victim Compensation Fund has been repeatedly reauthorized for no more than five-year increments, allowing for regular Congressional oversight to ensure the program is working well and appropriately funded. I urge the Senate to apply these standards and reauthorize this important fund in a manner that honors both the victims of 9/11 and the taxpayers.” (The Associated Press contributed to this article)


The compressive performance of metallic sandwich panels signifies a key mechanical behaviour under compression loading. This paper describes the compressive performance of metallic corrugated core sandwich panels having different core configurations under quasi-static compression loads. Two different sandwich panel core configurations were studied: the corrugated monolithic core and the corrugated sliced core. The corrugated cores were fabricated using a sheet-metal bending technique with trapezoidal geometry and then bonded to surface plates. Aluminium 1050 1114 sheets were used as the core and surface materials. Sandwich panel samples were prepared and tested experimentally under a quasi-static compression load (compression rate of 2 mm/min). The force-displacement curves of the sandwich panels with different core configurations were obtained from the experimental tests. The compressive performance parameters included the maximum compression load, the average compression load, the energy absorption and the specific energy absorption. It was found that the core configuration played a key role in the compressive performance. Finally, when the compressive performance of these two different core configurations was compared, the corrugated sliced-core configurations exhibited better performance.


CBE recently launched an online tool for designing with ceiling fans, making it easier for designers to create highly energy efficient and comfortable spaces. The tool was created based on years of research that have demonstrated that ceiling fans can keep a person cool while using only a fraction of the energy required by air conditioning.
Category: #personal comfort
Building standards and conventional practice are all about ’reducing the negative‘ — but what if the goal is to ’enhance the positive‘ instead? Aiming to create environments that are not only comfortable and healthy, but are connected to nature, provide a sense of place, and are a delight to be in. Designing for experience requires us to embrace a broader view of
experiential aesthetics, going beyond the primacy of vision to recognize broader sensual qualities that contribute to the beauty and memorability of space.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the publication of a seminal paper from Rocky Mountain Institute, “Greening the Building and the Bottom Line,” making the case that green buildings’ unique features may improve employee productivity. Since then interest in this topic has remained strong, and several studies by CBE and others have contributed to our collective understanding of workplace productivity; in this post we describe our related work with a focus on key variables.
This spring CBE’s research team received funding to support two new projects that will create new ways to gather, analyze and monetize data from commercial buildings, yielding energy cost savings and more comfort for building users.
Now in its twelfth year, the Livable Buildings Award recognizes projects that demonstrate high occupant satisfaction, excellent design, and innovative operation strategies. This year, we are pleased to announce the Rocky Mountain Institute Innovation Center as the top winner, with an honorable mention for the Pomona College Millikan Science Building.
Project Scientist Fred Bauman recently received the ASHRAE Fellow award, a recognition for those who have distinguished themselves in the HVAC industry. His contributions are based on the extensive research on UFAD that he directed at CBE, leading to deeper knowledge and guidance for these advanced HVAC systems. Recently, he has led a similar efforts to address thermally massive radiant systems.
The emerging trend toward smart electric vehicles is creating new opportunities for synergistic innovations that are applicable to both buildings and cars. Model-based control concepts, greatly advanced by the automotive sector, are now being tested in the control of complex commercial buildings. These synergies, what we might call the building-automotive nexus, are also reflected in CBE’s body of research on thermal comfort.
CBE’s “Changing the Rules” Demonstrates an Occupant-Based Paradigm for HVAC Control for Energy Savings and Improved Thermal Comfort
CBE’s research team recently completed a project with goals of making buildings occupant-responsive in real time, and addressing outdated rules-of-thumb that lead to poor energy performance and occupant comfort. Findings demonstrated that “personal comfort” chairs led to comfort satisfaction for nearly all test subjects. The project team also developed and tested innovative HVAC control methods offering significant energy saving potential.


Babies retain even detailed events during a nap
The brain is permanently exposed to new impressions. Even when sleeping, it does not rest and processes recent experiences. In very early childhood, it has been thought that sleep primarily promotes semantic memory. This includes general knowledge such as the meaning of words. However, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) Leipzig and the Humboldt University (HU) Berlin, together with researchers from Lübeck and Tübingen, have now shown for the first time in their study published in
Nature Communications that babies also build their episodic memory when they nap. This enables them to remember the details of their individual experiences after napping.
The scientists examined this relationship using a three-phase study. During the learning phase, the 14 to 17-month-old children were shown pictures of objects whose names they already knew, containing different cars, balls or dogs. They then heard the appropriate name for each picture. One group of the children spent the following one to two hours sleeping, while a second group stayed awake. In the subsequent test phase, the researchers showed the young participants different pictures again, including those that they had already seen in the learning phase as well as new cars, balls and dogs. Each object was once named correctly and once incorrectly. During all phases of the experiment, the researchers recorded the baby's brain activity using the electroencephalogram (EEG).
The analysis of the EEG activity made it clear: The brain of the children who had slept responded differently in the memory test than that of those who stayed awake—but only in certain cases. If the researchers presented the babies with a ball that they had never seen before and called it a car, the brain responses initially did not differ. In both groups, the so-called N400 component appeared, which occurs when the brain processes inappropriate meanings. The children obviously knew that a ball is not a car.
It was different, however, when the babies viewed a ball from the learning phase and it was called a car. The group that had stayed awake again showed the N400 component, while the group that had slept did not. In the children who had napped, the researchers observed a brain response that was triggered when a ball from the learning phase was again correctly named as such. However, this response did not occur when a new ball was called a ball. The researchers concluded: After sleep, the babies no longer understood the object-word pairs they had previously experienced as naming a meaning. Rather, they recognized them as individual episodes. Object and word were thus merged into a unified event in the memory.
"The results show that sleep not only enables the infant brain to generalize individual experiences, but also to preserve individual experiences in detail and to differentiate them from existing general knowledge," explains first author Manuela Friedrich, researcher at the MPI CBS and HU Berlin. She further hypothesizes: "The fact that a recognized object-word episode is not understood as referring to general knowledge means that its details can be protected from mixing with existing memory."
The results are also interesting with respect to the so-called infantile amnesia, i.e. the phenomenon of not being able to remember one's own early childhood experiences. It has often been assumed that very young children are not yet capable of forming longer-term episodic knowledge. However, the current findings clearly show that even babies can remember events in detail—and sleep contributes significantly to this.
Explore further
More information:Manuela Friedrich et al, Sleep-dependent memory consolidation in infants protects new episodic memories from existing semantic memories, Nature Communications(2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14850-8 Journal information:Nature Communications Citation: Babies retain even detailed events during a nap (2020, April 7) retrieved 1 December 2020 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-04-babies-retain-events-nap.html


This resource was selected by SMI Adviser content partners and approved by the SMI Adviser clinical expert team for inclusion in the knowledge base.
The current Multicultural Guidelines: An Ecological Approach to Context, Identity, and Intersectionality, 2017 (i.e., Multicultural Guidelines) are conceptualized from a need to reconsider diversity and multicultural practice within professional psychology at a different period in time, with intersectionality as its primary purview. The 2017 version of the Multicultural Guidelines encourages psychologists to consider how knowledge and understanding of identity develops from and is disseminated within professional psychological practice. Endemic to this understanding is an approach that incorporates developmental and contextual antecedents of identity and how they can be acknowledged, addressed, and embraced to engender more effective models of professional engagement. The Multicultural Guidelines incorporate broad reference group identities (e.g., Black/African American/Black American, White/White American, and Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander) to acknowledge within group differences and the role of self-definition in identity.


Discussion—Relapse and Pain
One of the largest hurdles in recovering from a substance use disorder does not concern getting sober, but rather, staying sober over time. Relapse is a constant threat; clients are consistently battling against their triggers to remain sober. Additionally, many recovering users suffer from pain, sometimes due to the initial conditions that led them to use, or from conditions developed through their chronic substance use.
Keeping this in mind, respond to the following questions:
1.Evaluate the most common relapse triggers. 2.Analyze at least two relapse prevention strategies. 3.Explain how pain causes complications in preventing relapse in sober clients. 4.Hypothesize the risks and benefits in sober clients using pain medication as prescribed to help manage their pain.
Using information from the textbook, lecture materials, and other scholarly resources, write your initial response in approximately 300–400 words. Please be detailed oriented.


While plant available soil water graphs can help create a narrative for the progress of a crop and aid key in-season decision-making, other key factors also need to be considered for any given crop to arrive at an accurate picture. These include:
soil status and characteristics including stored soil moisture, soil water-holding capacity and any barriers to infiltration stored nitrogen and other nutrient availabilities factors such as non-wetting, water-logging through topography or impermeable layers, leaching or dispersible clays in the soil


Since August 2018, ARCHS has issued $6.1 million to support a portfolio of job development, training, placement and support programs being offered by six area workforce-focused organizations serving St. Louis City and St. Louis County.
ARCHS has issued grants to the following organizations:
- America Works - Missouri - Better Family Life, Inc. - Employment Connection - Mission: St. Louis - Louis Agency on Training and Employment - Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
ARCHS secured funding from the Missouri Department of Social Services to support these initiatives. The primary target population will include SNAP recipients, veterans, homeless individuals and families, justice involved individuals, and those struggling to find full-time, sustainable employment because of barriers to work.
“This is ARCHS’ largest single investment in workforce related programming in our 20 year history,” said Wendell E. Kimbrough, ARCHS’ Chief Executive Officer.” While we talk about a good economy, and low unemployment rates, there are thousands of people trapped within on-going cycles of intergenerational poverty in St. Louis who need viable skills training and connections to employers.”
This funding supports a variety of job readiness and placement services, social services and barrier removal services. It also provides resources for reliable and affordable childcare, remedial education services/GED training, basic skills training, and connection to parenting classes/family mediation services.
In addition to funding, ARCHS provides strategic consulting and technical assistance to support its grantees. This includes connecting funded organizations with state and regional resources to enhance their efforts, including Missouri’s SkillUP program. ARCHS partners with its grantees to share resources, coordinate efforts, and foster collaboration.
ARCHS currently funds and strategically enhances more than 30 regional initiatives that improve the lives of more than 180,000 individuals facing disparities and disadvantages in St. Louis’ most impoverished communities. ARCHS works to disrupt cycles of intergenerational poverty by advancing lifelong learning.
Individuals interested in learning more about these workforce programs, should contact the ARCHS’ funded organizations directly:
- America Works – Missouri 1010 Market St., Suite 890, St. Louis, MO 63101 314-492-5430 americaworks.com/missouri - Better Family Life, Inc. 5415 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112 314-367-3440 betterfamilylife.org - Employment Connection 2838 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103 314-333-5618 employmentstl.org - Mission: St. Louis 3108 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63107 314-534-1188 missionstl.org - St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment 1520 Market St., Suite 3050, St. Louis, MO 63103 314-589-8000 ext. 3634 stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/slate/ - Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis 8960 Jennings Station Rd., Jennings, MO 63136 314-388-9840 ulstl.com


Abstract
Aims/Introduction: Pancreatic α-cell area and the α- to β-cell area ratio (α/β) might be associated with glucose tolerance. The aim was to clarify how these histological parameters change as glucose tolerance deteriorates. Materials and Methods: We analyzed pancreatic tissues obtained from pancreatectomies of 43 patients. We evaluated the relationships between α-cell area or the α/β and various clinical parameters. Additionally, we analyzed α-cell proliferation and the expression patterns of various pancreatic transcription factors. Results: The α/β in individuals with longstanding (previously diagnosed) type 2 diabetes (0.36 ± 0.12) was higher than that in those with normal glucose tolerance (0.18 ± 0.10; P < 0.01), impaired glucose tolerance (0.17 ± 0.12; P < 0.05) and newly diagnosed diabetes (0.17 ± 0.12; P < 0.05). In all participants, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) correlated with relative α-cell area (P = 0.010). Diabetes duration (P = 0.004), HbA1c (P < 0.001) and plasma glucose levels (P = 0.008) were significantly correlated with the α/β in single regression analyses, and diabetes duration was the only independent and significant determinant in stepwise multiple regression analyses (P = 0.006). The α-cell Ki67-positive ratio in patients with HbA1c ≥6.5% was significantly higher than that in patients with HbA1c <6.5% (P = 0.022). We identified β-cells that expressed aristaless-related homeobox and α-cells that did not express aristaless-related homeobox at all glucose tolerance stages. Aristaless-related homeobox and NK homeobox 6.1 expression patterns varied in insulin and glucagon double-positive cells. Conclusions: The pancreatic α/β increases after type 2 diabetes onset and correlates with diabetes duration. This change might occur through α-cell proliferation and phenotypic changes in pancreatic endocrine cells.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes Internal Medicine Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism


In a Domestic Violence Lawsuit lodged by wife, a husband had approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail apprehensive detention. The court noted that a divorce case between the parties is pending when disposing of his pre-arrest bail appeal. The High Court, therefore, allowed the plea, but by placing a condition that Rs. 20,000 should be paid monthly to his wife. While he filed an appeal seeking to change the order, it was also dismissed.
In rebuking these orders, the husband approached the Supreme Court arguing that the proceedings for the grant of anticipatory bail are not the right procedure for the grant of maintenance and the High Court is not the proper venue to determine the maintenance question while hearing the application for anticipatory bail. He relied on the judgment in Munish Bhasin & Ors. v. State (Government of NCT of Delhi) & Anr. (2009) to contend that conditions that can be imposed should be:
to secure the presence of the accused before the investigating officer or before the Court, to prevent him from fleeing the course of justice, to prevent him from tampering with the evidence or to prevent him from inducing or intimidating the witnesses so as to dissuade them from disclosing the facts before the police or Court or restricting the movements of the accused in a particular area or locality or to maintain law and order, etc.
It was pointed out that, in the judgment in question, it would be outside the authority of the power imposed on the Court under section 438 of the Code to enforce any other condition on the accused. In that judgment, the Court set aside the order of the High Court compelling a husband to pay his wife and child support while granting him and his parents' anticipatory bail in respect of a complaint lodged by his wife. Although dismissing his SLP, we see no justification to intervene with the impugned order passed by the High Court, the bench consisting of Justices NV Ramana, Surya Kant, and Krishna Murari observed.


Breast cancers may evade the growth-inhibitory action of TGFbeta by accumulating defects of unknown nature that selectively eliminate cytostatic gene responses. We found the transcription factor C/EBPbeta to be essential for TGFbeta induction of the cell cycle inhibitor p15INK4b by a FoxO-Smad complex and repression of c-MYC by an E2F4/5-Smad complex in human epithelial cells. These cytostatic responses are selectively missing in metastatic breast cancer cells from half of the patients that we tested. The basis for this loss was traced to an excess of the C/EBPbeta inhibitory isoform LIP. We suggest that C/EBPbeta plays a key role in the coordination of TGFbeta cytostatic gene responses, and its malfunction may trigger evasion of these responses in breast cancer.


Vulnerability of microfinance institutions to climate risk in the Satkhira District, Southwest Bangladesh
This paper explores how microfinance institutions are affected by and are responding to flooding, by examining a case study of Satkhira District in Southwest Bangladesh.
The authors develop a framework for understanding how microfinance institutions can reduce their vulnerability to climate risks and use the framework to empirically assess local-level practices, drawing from interviews with households and local branch managers as well as household survey data.
While microfinance institutions are directly vulnerable to flooding, their main exposure arises from the exposure and sensitivity of client livelihoods and their lack of adaptive capacity. Branch managers are unable to screen clients for climate risk for ethical, practical and financial sustainability reasons. Branch managers also have limited capacity to manage aggregated risk.
The authors argue that efforts should instead focus on reducing client vulnerability, tackling the problem at its source. While much potential exists for microfinance institutions to do this, it is not actively and explicitly being achieved. Loan product innovation could facilitate clients’ adaptation to relevant climate hazards. This requires empirical understanding of autonomous household adaptation to incorporate client knowledge of adaptation needs, options, and associated barriers.
The results indicate that homestead loans, disaster management loans, and loans for alternative income-generating activities would help reduce client vulnerability. Integrating non-financial services could also contribute to addressing non-financial barriers to adaptation.


Global and Domestic Trade- May 2020
The outbreak of COVID-19 has upended attempts to curb rising protectionism, with recessionary headwinds and an expected decrease in world trade between 13% and 32% in 2020 projected to complicate attempts at negotiating an end to residual trade war tensions. Fears over the reinvigoration of protectionism as global trade systems become even more insular has further threatened the progress of globalisation. Specifically, the virus has revealed the "downsides of extensive international integration" as the entrenchment of China in global supply chains has increased the transmission of financial contagion globally. The vulnerability of a closely integrated economy, as the OECD has identified, will likely reduce global growth to 1.5% in 2020, with industries that rely on the movement of goods and people as well as those with cross-border supply chains likely to incur the largest costs.
Australia remains particularly exposed to changes in the global trade system. Notably it is a small, open economy with a narrow export base. Hence, China has remained a crucial component of Australia's trade narrative, contributing to 60% of our $180 bn net export growth in the past decade. With China's growth expected to reach 1.2% in the midst of COVID-19, Australia's trade sectors can be expected to remain relatively resilient against global trade shocks. Nonetheless, political tensions may undermine this ongoing relationship, as recent coal restrictions and customs inspection rules present a new threat to Australia's export dependency. With US-China trade war tensions slated to escalate, this is a worrying precursor for the future of a globally integrated trade system.


When you experience an injury caused by negligence, you can seek legal compensation for your damages. This does not necessarily mean you have to go to court, however.
Review the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options to consider after a personal injury in Hawaii.
Arbitration
Hawaii has established the court-annexed arbitration program (CARP) to handle personal injury cases with potential damages of less than $150,000. If your case applies, the arbitration process attempts to resolve your case without a trial. Both sides present evidence to a neutral arbitrator, typically an attorney, who makes a nonbinding decision. That means if you do not agree with the arbitration results, you can pursue mediation or litigation.
Mediation
With this option, you work together with the responsible party to reach a settlement that covers the costs of your injuries. A professional mediator serves as a neutral third party during the mediation sessions. If you file a personal injury lawsuit, the judge may refer your case to mediation.
Hawaii resolves most personal injury cases worth more than $150,000 in mediation. Like arbitration, mediation is not legally binding.
Settlement conferences
If your case qualifies for a settlement conference, you negotiate with the other party in front of a judge. He or she might use mediation techniques to help you reach an agreement. In Hawaii, you can request a settlement conference or receive a referral from the judge.
ADR methods are typically less costly and time-consuming than suing the responsible party in court. That means you can move forward with litigation if you cannot reach an agreement in mediation, arbitration or settlement conference.


Severe wildfires remove vegetation and organic soil layers and expose watersheds to erosion which can transport large quantities of soil and ash to nearby rivers and streams. But once the burned areas have stabilized, do severe wildfires have any longer-lasting effects on watersheds or water quality? This study follows the Hayman Fire, 2002, Colorado, and shows that yes, there are long-term effects.


Being single.
After more than a decade in a relationship, I found myself teetering on cougarhood, suddenly single, and shocked by the reality of being alone. For the first time, I tiptoed into the waters of online dating.
And discovered that dating is a path to spiritual enlightenment.
It's because of all the uncertainty. The rampant, horrible, delicious uncertainty.
Whenever we meet someone, some deep part of our psyche perks up and says, "I don't know why, but this person that I just met is incredibly important and they could be the absolute key to my happiness and well-being for the rest of my life." The endorphins kick in, the toes start to tingle and pretty soon we've imagined the relationship, the marriage, the kids and the divorce before the second date.
Because our mind is so uncomfortable existing in a state of uncertainty, it will restlessly ruminate and pick over the smallest scraps of information. Like:
Why did he text and not call? or Why did he email and not text? or Why did/didn't he pay the bill? Arrrrrghhhh!
Or perhaps we're on the other end of the spectrum and the self-protective part of the brain kicks in and puts a big Do Not Enter sign over our hearts. Being bruised before, we withdraw, shut down and lie in wait for someone who won't feel quite as 'dangerous.' The uncertainty factor--not knowing if we can trust this new person--prompts us to find ways to undermine the relationship before it has even started.
Regardless of whichever end of the spectrum we find ourselves in or relate to, we can benefit from:
Four Practices for Spiritual Dating:
1. Admit we don't know.
In the ground between these two extremes lies an opportunity to rest in the uncertainty of the situation and come back to our deepest selves, where we can observe the exuberant chattering of the mind rather than trying to control the situation. (Yoga is the restraint of the fluctuations of the mind/Yogascittavrtti nirodhah from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras). When our mind starts telling stories, we can catch on, come back to the present moment and find an internal steadiness that can easily withstand the tempestuous winds of external uncertainty.
2. Feel more.
Dating can bring up some intense feelings. Use these sensations to become more deeply connected to yourself and the present moment--without attaching a story or narrative to them.
3. Practice courageous honesty.
As we become more centered, we can practice owning and articulating our own satya (truth). Whether that's saying, "I really like you," "This isn't working for me," or "I don't know," we can use this unusual landscape as an opportunity to practice being connected, brave and clear.
4. Trust.
Practicing honesty allows us to trust that everything is unfolding as it ought. Isvara pranidhana (surrender to God). To have a full understanding for the context that we are participating in, we must ride the waves-knowing that we can't see the next one coming. We can either surf or fight the undertow. So take a deep breath, feel your body and dive in.
Ultimately, the water's just fine.
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DHL and Chambers Survey Indicates Growing Confidence
This week’s release of the DHL/British Chambers of Commerce Trade Confidence Index report shows encouraging results for UK businesses.
Across all measures improvements have been seen. The British export index is at an all-time high, increasing by 2.85% over Q1 2013 and exporter’s confidence in future turnover also remains high, with a notable increase in confidence from manufacturing firms.
Further breakdown of the export sales balance reveals that 48% of exporters reported increased export sales in Q2 2013; 10% of respondents stated that they decreased, and 42% stated that sales remained constant. In the services sector the balance of exporters reporting that sales had increased rose by 12 points to +46% in Q2 2013. In the manufacturing sector the export sales balance continued to fluctuate widely and now stands at +28%. This is double the balance figure recorded in Q1 2013, but it is two points lower than the Q4 2012 balance


Objectives: To compare immediate cessation of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) vs. a stepwise decrease in pressure on the duration of NCPAP therapy in infants born prematurely. Study design: A single center study in infants 230-326 weeks gestational age (GA). NCPAP was stopped either at 5cm H2O (Control) or 3cm H2O after a stepwise pressure wean (Wean) using defined stability and failure criteria. Primary outcome is total NCPAP days. Results: We enrolled 226 infants; 116 were randomly assigned to Control and 110 to the Wean group. There was no difference in the total NCPAP days between groups (median (25th,75th centiles) 16 (5,36) vs 14 (7,33) respectively). There were no differences between groups in secondary outcomes, including duration of hospital stay, critical care days and oxygen supplementation. A higher proportion of Control infants failed the initial attempt to discontinue NCPAP (43% versus 27%, respectively; P < .01) and required ≥2 attempts (20% versus 5%, respectively; P<0.01). Additionally, infants 23-27weeks GA in the Wean group were 2.4-times more likely to successfully stop NCPAP at the first attempt (P=0.02) versus Controls. Conclusion: Discontinuation of NCPAP after a gradual pressure wean to 3cm H2O did not decrease the duration of NCPAP therapy compared with stopping from 5 cm H2O in infants ≤32 weeks GA. However, weaning decreased failed initial attempts to stop NCPAP, particularly among infants <28 week GA.


Since nearly all biological phenomena are mediated by genes, gene targeting is impacting the analysis of nearly all aspects of mammalian biology, including studies in evolution, development, neurobiology, immunology and human disease. This technology has many applications for clinical medicine. Scientists can simulate any human genetic disease in laboratory models, study its progression, and test potential therapies against it. In the future, since the investigator can choose which gene to modify and precisely how to modify it, therapies based on gene targeting will be used to correct the endogenous defective gene in the appropriate human tissue. These therapies will be directed at the cause rather than at the symptoms of the disease.
An immediate application of gene targeting to human medicine is to generate animal models for human disease such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension and cancer. These models provide a unique opportunity to undertake in-depth analysis of the pathology of human diseases, and they offer a platform for developing new therapeutic protocols.
Lab Website (link)


Kordel’s Organic Calcium is a unique marine multi mineral complex, providing calcium, magnesium and 72 other trace minerals that supports healthy bone density and strength.
The body uses calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and many other minerals to build bone and joint tissue. They are also needed for many essential body functions, including muscles and heart movement and nerve transmission. Kordel’s Organic Calcium tablet contains Aquamin™, derived from a unique seaweed with 74 naturally present trace minerals in a honeycomb porous structure, making it easier for the body to absorb and use it nutrients.
Dosage: Adults take one tablet one to two times a day, before food, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Breastfeeding mothers: Take two to three tablets a day, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Formulation:
Aquamin™ calcified red seaweed (Lithothamnion calcareum) 1000 mg Elemental Calcium 281 mg Elemental Magnesium (with 72 other naturally-present marine minerals in a trace quantities) 20.6 mg


Publicly available satellite imagery can be an ubiquitous, cheap, and powerful tool for vehicle localisation when a prior sensor map is unavailable. However, satellite images are not directly comparable to data from ground range sensors because of their starkly different modalities... We present a learned metric localisation method that not only handles the modality difference, but is cheap to train, learning in a self-supervised fashion without metrically accurate ground truth. By evaluating across multiple real-world datasets, we demonstrate the robustness and versatility of our method for various sensor configurations. We pay particular attention to the use of millimetre wave radar, which, owing to its complex interaction with the scene and its immunity to weather and lighting, makes for a compelling and valuable use case. (read more)PDF


Each user of interactive systems experiences prolonged engagement with applications, products and systems. Because of limitations of contemporary long-term user research methods and imperfection in human memory, approaches for longitudinal user experience are still under-explored. In this paper, we review a recent methodological shift in user research aimed at applying visual approaches to the capturing of prolonged interactive use. We analyze and discuss selected examples of existing visual approaches that support the examination of longitudinal use and represent and visualize changes in interactions. We discuss potential merits of visual approaches for user experience longitudinal research. We also discuss the drawbacks of these approaches. Overall, we argue that visual approaches have the potential to support certain aspects of user experience research, especially in relation to issues concerning temporality.


Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) is urging the Department of Labor to issue guidance for states scrambling to give gig and self-employed workers access to unemployment benefits.
“The CARES Act directs states to stand up a new program, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program, to disburse benefits to workers who would normally not be eligible for unemployment assistance, such as gig workers or freelancers,” Warner wrote to Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia in a letter Friday.
“Unfortunately, we are already hearing reports from unemployment officials from around the country that it will likely take weeks to stand up a new program and disburse benefits to these newly eligible workers. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, with unemployment claims overwhelming state systems, there is no time to waste.”
The $2 trillion coronavirus relief package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed by President Trump last week gives those workers access to unemployment benefits. But states have struggled to make those benefits available quickly, given a historic surge in workers seeking unemployment benefits as the coronavirus pandemic batters the economy.
The Department of Labor issued initial guidance on the CARES Act late Thursday, but Warner said it must streamline the PUA program, require states to allow applicants to submit electronic documents and find innovative ways to speed up relief.
“While I appreciate the initial round of guidance that was released yesterday, the Department of Labor should have already issued more comprehensive guidance to states this week,” he wrote.
The spread of the coronavirus has highlighted the precarious situation of American gig and self-employed workers who are not guaranteed access to traditional unemployment benefits or health coverage.
Several workers in contractor heavy industries have engaged in strikes to demand better protections from their employers.


Abstract
Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD) is an uncommon histiocytic proliferative disorder that can present in nodal, extranodal, or, extremely rarely, in central nervous system (CNS)-restricted form. RDD is characterized histologically as a non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis composed of atypical CD68
+/S-100 +/CD1a – macrophages demonstrating prominent emperipolesis and effacement of the surrounding tissue. Previously thought to represent a reactive process, recent studies have raised the possibility that RDD and other histiocytic lesions, including Erdheim–Chester and Langerhans cell histiocytosis, are clonal processes linked to somatic mutations in the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway. Herein, we present a fatal case of RDD isolated to the CNS and used a next-generation targeted gene panel and Sanger sequencing to uncover a pathogenic deletion in the β3-αC loop of the kinase domain in exon 12 of BRAF. This mutation, previously described in melanoma and Langerhans cell histiocytosis, represents the first BRAF mutation of this kind identified in RDD. These findings support the idea that RDD is a neoplastic condition and raise the possibility that inhibitors of the MAP kinase pathway may be effective in RDD. Ann Neurol 2018;83:147–152. ASJC Scopus subject areas Neurology Clinical Neurology


SESSION THEME | Voices - te ao Māori BICULTURAL PLACE-BASED TOOLS Wednesday 1 April,
Among spatial planning tools, place-based tools are developed to support indigenous communities in decolonising urban planning. In Aotearoa New Zealand, place-based tools can support the documentation and transference of local mātauranga Māori, ensuring that such learnings can be weaved into urban planning decisions. This paper presents two place-based tools currently being co-created with two Māori communities, Ngāi Tūāhuriri (Waimakariri) and Ngāti Whakaue (Rotorua). In Tuahiwi, Waimakariri, the place-based tool aims to assist Ngāi Tūāhuriri in documenting traditional and lived, place-based, narratives to guide the socio-economic regeneration of the village. In Ōhinemutu, Rotorua, the place-based tool also aims to support Ngāti Whakaue in preserving and enhancing local narratives, specifically related to ngāwha (hot springs) as a starting point to document socio-environmental narratives which should direct the urban regeneration strategy of the village. Narratives can include mythologies, collective histories passed throughout generations, and lived experiences of more recent times. These narratives can include written stories, songs, sayings, poems or art forms, with mātauranga Maori encoded within. The presentation of these narratives includes geographical information and a time scale, and can be accessed through multiple themes or knowledge guardians. Primarily, these geospatial tools aim to support Māori communities in urban regeneration processes, through spatial narratives connecting tangata and whenua, while offering a better understanding of such dynamics to planning authorities. Although the transferability and adaptability of the place-based tools to other places in Aotearoa requires further investigation, the co-creation methodology adopted and some of the
Presenters: Maria Rita De Dionisio & Dean Walker Co-Authors: Angus Macfarlane, Simon Kingham, Hirini Matunga & Maarit Kahila-Tani MARIA RITA DE DIONISIO Lecturer of Human Geography, University of Canterbury
Rita is currently a lecturer at Te Kura Aronukurangi University of Canterbury. Rita's research is focused on collaborative planning, urban regeneration, and community resilience. Rita's experience has been developed through projects focused on the social and environmental sustainability of neighbourhoods and cities, through engaged research.
DEAN WALKER Research Associate, University of Canterbury
Dean is a Research Associate at the Geospatial Research Institute, University of Canterbury. Prior to this he worked as a resource management adviser in Nelson for over 20 years. Much of his work has been with iwi groups including the development of culturally-based environmental monitoring tools. In his current role he is working with Ngāti Whakaue in Rotorua and Ngāi Tūāhuriri in Waimakariri co-creating 'flax-roots' tools to enable community groups to be more engaged in the planning process.


"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."
The socioeconomic impact of Covid-19 has prompted an urgency to pursue a reform of various aspects of the economy. Many of these have already been identified through various studies but have, thus far, witnessed only moderate change, often being neglected due to the relatively fast growth rates in real GDP since at least 2015.
However, with the outlook of recession brought about by the pandemic, the need to focus on improving the economy’s productivity and competitiveness is once more elevated. The key to success is linked to effective cooperation between the government and the private sector.
This paper outlines our thinking around various measures that could be pursued to achieve this combined objective, recognising that going back to the old normal is not a viable option, and making the best of the new-normal is indeed the only option.
It also includes additional considerations, including our collective responsibility to adhere to health and safety measures, as we head towards a gradual return to normality so as to avoid the need to re-introduce stricter restrictions.
Vassilios Vrachimis
Partner, Advisory, PwC Cyprus
Tel: +357-22555128
Polyvios Dionysiou
Senior Manager, Advisory - Health Industry, PwC Cyprus
Tel: +357-22555543
Christina Orphanidou
Manager, Advisory - Data, Analytics & AI, PwC Cyprus
Tel: +357-22555420


Non-Surgical Saddle Nose Deformity Repair (Facial Filler Injections – Minor Deformity)
Some saddle nose deformities are slight, with only a minor depression of the nasal bridge. While it may be minor in comparison to more severe cases, it is usually not minor to the patient. A dip in the nasal bridge can affect the overall balance of the face. The nose can seem flat or concaved, detracting from other positive features. Dr. Maurice Khosh is a dual board certified facial plastic surgeon who offers both surgical and non-surgical treatments to repair saddle nose deformities.
The first and key symptom of a saddle nose deformity is the collapse of the nasal bridge. While some people lose extensive amounts of cartilage and have a severe nasal collapse, others may only have a minor deformity. A perforated septum or weakened septum may be enough to allow the bridge to sink but not collapse completely. With minor saddle nose deformities, there are more options available for repair. Rhinoplasty is a permanent solution to raise the height of the bridge, but there are also non-surgical treatments available.
Dermal Fillers for Saddle Nose Correction
For those who want to correct a minor saddle nose deformity, Dr. Khosh offers non-surgical treatment. Certain facial fillers can replace lost volume and height on the nasal bridge, improving the appearance of the nose. Dermal filler injections are non-invasive and can be completed in an office visit. The results are immediate and can last for several months or longer. This is a temporary option to diminish the appearance of a saddle nose deformity. To maintain the results, additional injections must be used as needed.
Non-surgical saddle nose repairs are a cost-effective option, and they can be a temporary solution until surgery is completed. If you have a minor saddle nose deformity and want to explore the options available for repair, contact the office of Dr. Khosh in NYC to schedule an appointment.


Surgical Saddle Nose Deformity Repair (Cartilage Grafting – Major Deformity)
Severe saddle nose deformities are a result of anatomic changes to the nose structure. Nasal bone and cartilage have been damaged or lost, resulting in the collapse of the bridge and often a shortening of the nose and upturning of the nasal tip. To correct major saddle nose deformities, surgical intervention is needed. Dr. Maurice Khosh is a highly experienced facial plastic surgeon who specializes in this complex type of nose reconstruction.
Rhinoplasty Versus Saddle Nose Surgery
Repairing a severe saddle nose deformity requires plastic surgery or rhinoplasty. However, saddle nose repairs are not a typical “nose job,” or rhinoplasty. Most rhinoplasty procedures are used to reduce size, remove a dorsal hump or create narrower nostrils. The nose only needs to be shaved or shaped into a different silhouette.
With a saddle nose deformity, the nose must be rebuilt. In many cases, the septum and upper/lower lateral cartilage that support the nose have been diminished. This is a much more complex process, requiring cartilage grafting to restore the support of the nose. This must be done before the shape can be addressed. Cartilage can be harvested from a rib or ear, then carefully shaped and grafted to restore the nose structure. If there is a breathing obstruction, stents may be needed. After the structure is restored, the aesthetics of the nose must be considered to create a balanced nose that looks natural.
Dr. Khosh enjoys the challenge of repairing saddle nose deformities and has achieved excellent results for his patients. While it is more difficult than conventional rhinoplasty, the difference it can make in the life of someone living with a saddle nose deformity is worth the extra effort.
If you have a severe saddle nose deformity, contact the office of Dr. Khosh in Manhattan to schedule a consultation. You will not find a better plastic surgeon in NYC for performing this complex procedure.


A motorcyclist is in critical condition from injuries sustained in a serious multiple-vehicle accident in Fairview Heights, Illinois. The multiple-vehicle accident occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Lincoln Trail and Pasadena Drive. Exact details of the accident are unknown but several witnesses called 911 for emergency assistance. The motorcyclist was airlifted to a hospital where his condition remains unknown. The accident shut down Lincoln Trail for over an hour while police investigated the auto accident. The multiple-vehicle accident remains under investigation and it is unclear if any charges will be filed.
Many Missouri motorists are passionate about riding their motorcycle. Riding a motorcycle offers the driver an experience, unlike a car or truck. However, many motorcycle accidents can often become serious due to the motorcyclist’s lack of protection. When up against a car or a truck on a roadway, a motorcyclist can quickly become the injured victim in an auto accident. Most motorcyclists have learned to drive defensively, but distracted drivers remain on Missouri roads. If your loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for damages. If you believe your accident was caused by the misconduct or distraction of another driver, seek legal help immediately. Experts in Missouri motorcycle accidents at Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC, have represented hundreds of motorcycle accident victims and have recovered millions in paid claims. Don’t let too much time pass after your motorcycle accident; contact a Missouri motorcycle accident lawyer at Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC, today.


By Andrew Pisani
At an industry meeting on February 7, 2017, the Department of Buildings (DOB) addressed Temporary Place of Assembly Certificates of Operation (TPAs). These permits are designed to protect attendees of events in locales without a Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation (PA) in place.
TPAs are issued to non-typical public assembly spaces for one-time events where the expected attendance will be 75 persons or greater. Examples include the following:
A book store for a book signing A retail store for a grand opening A commercial space for a Fashion Week runway show An outdoor concert (Note: Exterior locations trigger TPAs at 200 attendees.)
Like regular places of assembly, these temporary gatherings also need to comply with zoning regulations and fire safety compliance.
Unfortunately, the DOB has recently encountered life-safety issues at TPA sites when inspecting venues on the day of the event. As a result, the agency may now conduct inspections before issuing the TPA to ensure compliance.
In addition, the DOB reiterated that New Buildings will not receive TPA approval without a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) in place.
TPA Filing Guidelines
Before issuing a TPA, the DOB requires an application letter from a registered design professional that describes the proposed space and activity for the event, including signed and stamped drawings.
Timing.TPA applications must be filed at least 10 business days before the event. The DOB does not guarantee the approval of any requested TPA. (Remember, issuance of a TPA is a “privilege” granted by the DOB, with requests taken on a case-by-case basis.) Fees.The minimum application fee is $250. If the application is not submitted at least 10 business days before the event, the fee increases $100 for each day after the 10-day cutoff. For example, submitting an application only six days in advance would incur an additional $400 charge. ($100 x 4 days late + $250 = $650)
Although the TPA process has typically been straightforward, requirements have become more stringent in recent years. The following issues can thwart a TPA application:
A New Building TCO cannot state “core and shell only”; it must say “retail.” Properties cannot have a stop work order, either partial or full. A building cannot have an open ECB violation for “work without a permit” on the affected floor. Buildings with elevator violations may not be issued TPAs above street level. (The commissioner may request a letter from the elevator company confirming that the violation has been cured and the elevator functions safely, that they are waiting for official violation dismissal.)


In educational and industrial psychology, utilitytheory has been used for determining optimal decision-theoreticprocedures such as optimal test cutting scoresfor Pass/Fail and Accept/Reject decisions. Three methodsare described for empirically assessing utilityfunctions: (1) a method for scaling utility mixtures,consisting of a true achievement or criterion levelcombined with the probability of passing the test orbeing accepted, which is applicable for determiningoptimal decision procedures; (2) a method for scalingthe utility as a function of the true achievement or criterionlevel; and (3) a graphical procedure for choosinga utility function. These methods are useful for investigatingthe utility structure. The three methods areinvestigated using 30 students in a hypothetical educationalPass/Fail situation and appear to yield reliableinformation. Moreover, an overview of the students’utility structures is reported.
Vrijhof, Bastiaan J, Mellenbergh, Gideon J & Van den Brink, Wulfert P. (1983). Assessing and studying utility functions in psychometric decision theory. Applied Psychological Measurement, 7, 341-357. doi:10.1177/014662168300700310
Suggested Citation
Vrijhof, Bastiaan J.; Mellenbergh, Gideon J.; Van den Brink, Wulfert P..(1983).Assessing and studying utility functions in psychometric decision theory.Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy,http://hdl.handle.net/11299/101767.
Content distributed via the University of Minnesota's Digital Conservancy may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor.


China’s housing rental transaction service platform operator Ke Holdings has filed a preliminary prospectus for a U.S. initial public offering on July 24, aiming to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “BEKE”.
Renting an apartment in China is not that hard. There are a variety of online rental platforms providing customized services to both Chinese and foreign tenants.
As the COVID-19 outbreak left many Chinese families struggling to pay their rents and mortgages, several cities introduced “relaxed” home purchase policies to alleviate people’s burden and reanimate the stagnating real estate market.
According to Bloomberg, the Chinese real estate platform Beike Zhaofang (Beike), has been working with a consultant on a potential IPO and may complete its listing as soon as 2020.
For average working professionals in Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong, buying a place for themselves would be a mission impossible.
For the vast number of migrants in China, house rental has been a hard issue. House purchase is faced with many policy constraints and the price is too high to afford the house. So for them, renting seems to be the only option available. For the vast number of migrants in China, house rental has…


Forecasting and reliability
Forecasting plays an important role in maintaining the reliability of the National Electricity Market (NEM). By providing a clear understanding of the expected challenges to, impacts on, and usage of the system, it allows government and industry to make effective investments and decisions. This section of the site therefore captures key forecasting reports and publications relating to system reliability.
In this section
This section of the site includes the NEM Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO), which provides a 10-year forecast for electricity supply, demand and reliability in the NEM. It also includes the Energy Adequacy Assessment Projection (EAAP), which provides information on the impact of potential energy constraints.


The EU as a Conflict Manager? The Case of Georgia and Its Implications
Co-authored with Richard G. Whitman and subsequently published in
International Affairs (vol. 86, no. 1, 2010), this paper offers an analysis of the EU’s engagement in Georgia as a standpoint from which to assess the EU’s role as a conflict manager. The paper begins with a brief narrative account of the development of EU-Georgia relations in the context of the country’s two unresolved conflicts over Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It then proceeds to the analysis of two sets of factors — those within, and those external to, the EU — that are crucial for understanding the nature and impact of EU efforts to manage the two Georgian conflicts. On the basis of this case-study analysis, a wider analysis is offered of the EU’s potential for assuming a wider role as an international security actor. This is undertaken by considering both the limitations of the EU’s existing capabilities for conflict resolution and the new developments contained within the Lisbon Treaty. The final part of the paper asserts that the EU has suffered from two key weaknesses that have prevented it from living up to its aspirations of becoming a globally significant and effective conflict manager. The first is structural, namely the lack of, to date, a permanent External Action Service; the second is conceptual, namely the lack of a coherent and comprehensive conflict management strategy. The article concludes with five substantive principles that should guide the EU’s approach to conflict management. Published
January 2010


HMRC have published a consultation into potential measures to curb the evasion of Tobacco Duty in the UK. Landlords of commercial premises should be aware of two of the provisions:
1. HMRC will ask landowner associates to put a clause into their standard leases banning illicit tobacco and excise trading on their premises.
2. HMRC will also create a duty of care on landlords to prevent illicit trading on their premises. This would only apply if the landlord had already been notified that the tenant had evaded tobacco duty. Landlords would then be required to take steps including:
Writing a provision into the lease that it will be terminated if the tenant engages in illicit excise trading and evict tenants that do not comply with this.
Providing HMRC with a copy of the tenancy agreement.
Undertaking regular checks on the premises and requesting information about their business.
Taking steps to ensure they are aware of illicit activity, contacting HMRC or Trading Standards if they have concerns.
Conclusion
Inclusion of a standard term prohibiting illicit excise training is not a particularly controversial position to take. In fact, as the consultation notes, this will often be subsumed by common existing clauses preventing illegal behaviour on the premises.
The duty of care is much more onerous however. This could potentially force landlords to carry out expensive and time consuming checks to avoid liability, especially where the tenant is in an existing lease that does not include the provision banning illicit tobacco trading and therefore cannot easily be evicted.