26/11/2019
At its fifteenth meeting, the China Analysis Group promoted insightful discussions on global environmental challenges shared by Brazil and China, highlighting priority topics for bilateral cooperation in the short, medium and long term, within and beyond the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Despite the huge potential for bilateral cooperation in areas ranging from bio-economy to climate- resilient cities, participants consensually noted a lack of bilateral frameworks dedicated to sustainable development between China and Brazil – for instance, the absence of a sub-committee aimed at environmental cooperation within the Sino-Brazilian High-Level Coordination and Cooperation Committee (COSBAN). Ultimately, better exploring the co-benefits associated to bilateral cooperation on shared environmental challenges – including but not restricted to climate change – could contribute to strengthening multilateral frameworks and global environmental cooperation.
Read the full report here.
Copyright © 2013 Cebri, Todos os direitos reservados.


This book constitutes revised selected papers from the 12th international Global Sourcing Workshop 2018, held in La Thuile, Italy, in February 2018. The 9 contributions included were carefully reviewed and selected from 40 submissions.
The book offers a review of the key topics in sourcing of services, populated with practical frameworks that serve as a tool kit to students and managers. The range of topics covered in this book is wide and diverse, offering micro and macro perspectives on successful sourcing of services. Case studies from various organizations, industries and countries are used extensively throughout the book, giving it a unique position within the current literature offering.


The All-Volunteer Force: The Debate by Lieutenant Colonel Paul Yingling Download the full article: The All-Volunteer Force: The Debate
I'd like to share with
SWJ readers the debate I've been having with current and former senior defense leaders on the deficiencies of the all-volunteer force.
This past February, I published "The Founder's Wisdom" in
Armed Forces Journal. While the article addressed many aspects of Congressional and popular oversight of national security issues, the issue that provoked the strongest reaction was the portion concerning the all-volunteer military.
Raising an Army is not merely a matter of labor economics - finding the right combination of wages, benefits and marketing strategies to fill job vacancies. Raising an Army is a profoundly political act with profoundly political consequences. The issues of who fights and who pays for America's wars are ultimately questions about our conceptions of justice and civic obligation. My hope is that our debate about the merits of the all-volunteer force will move beyond questions of wages and benefits, and focus on these larger issues of justice and civic obligation.
As this "short-term struggle" approaches its tenth year, cheerful portrayals of the AVF are no longer plausible. It's time for the United States to reconsider the wisdom of the all-volunteer force.
I look forward to the always superb commentary by
SWJ readers on this debate, and I hope that Dr. Gilroy and Mr. Ford will join us. Download the full article: The All-Volunteer Force: The Debate Lieutenant Colonel Paul L. Yingling is an Army officer who has served three tours of duty in Iraq and is currently a professor of security studies at the George C. Marshall Center in Garmisch, Germany. The views expressed here are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Army or Defense Department.


September 05, 2019
Area(s) of Interest: Payor Issues and Reimbursement Practice Management
The California Health Care, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 (Prop 56) created new revenues dedicated to the Medi-Cal program. Physicians receive supplemental payments in both fee-for-service and Medi-Cal managed care when providing Medi-Cal services under certain CPT codes.
While the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) began disbursing the FY 2018-2019 supplemental payments in fee-for-service Medi-Cal last fall, federal approval of the supplemental Medi-Cal managed care payments was delayed until February.
DHCS began dispersing the FY 2018-2019 funds to the managed care plans as part of its capitated payments in March. This includes both the go-forward payments and the retroactive payment for clean claims or accepted encounter data with dates of service between July 1, 2018, and the date the plan received the Prop 56 funds.
Per DHCS instructions,
for clean claims or accepted encounters received, plans are required to issue supplemental payments to qualifying physicians within 90-days of receipt of the funds from the DHCS. DHCS clarified in these instructions that the 90-day timeframe for distribution of funds also applies to the plan’s delegated groups. Additionally, the DHCS is requiring plans to demonstrate that 95%of the funds were distributed to providers or refund the funds to DHCS.
The California Medical Association (CMA) surveyed the plans to determine which entity, plan or delegated group would be responsible for distributing payments and has created a Prop 56 Payment Source Table. Practices that have not received their supplemental payments, are encouraged to contact the plan or delegated group responsible for distributing payments. Physicians can utilize the payment source information along with the plan contacts table for additional information on who to contact regarding any underpayments.
How do I know if I’ve been paid correctly?
CMA recently published an updated Prop 56 Payment Monitoring Worksheet to help physicians determine whether they have been paid correctly based on the FY 18-19 supplemental payment amounts (utilize the 2018-2019 worksheet).
Is any physician action required to receive the supplemental payments?
If you are submitting claims to the managed care plans and are reimbursed on a fee-for-service basis, there is no additional action required. Payments should be automatic.
However, physicians who have a capitated contract with either a Medi-Cal managed care plan or one of its delegated entities for eligible services must submit encounter data to the payor in order to receive the supplemental funds. Without the encounter data, the plan or its delegated entity will be unable to determine the services eligible for payment, which will result in non-payment of the supplemental funds. If you are unsure how to submit encounter data, contact the plan or delegated entity for more information.
More information on Prop 56 can be found on the DHCS website.
Physicians with questions or concerns can contact CMA’s Reimbursement Helpline at (888) 401-5911 or economicservices@cmadocs.org.


Since 2013, we have helped organizations secure more than $60M funding for our clients. We have experience in developing and crafting high-quality highly-competitive proposals to foundations, corporate grantmakers, and government funders at every level.
On average, we provide a return of ~$58 for every $1 spent on SBIR/STTR Phase I proposal preparation costs. For other federal funding, outside of SBIR/STTR – where the proposal budgets are multi-year, we provide a return well over a ~$100 for every $1 spent.
Biomedical Advanced Research & Development Authority (BARDA) Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Department of Agriculture (USDA) Department of Commerce – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Department of Commerce – National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Department of Defense (DoD) – Army, Navy, Air Force, US Special Operations Command, Defense Logistics Agency, and the Defense Health Program. Department of Education/Institute of Education Sciences (ED/IES) Department of Energy (DoE) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Department of Transportation (DOT) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Science Foundation (NSF)
Additionally, outside of SBIR/STTR and economic development focused proposals, we do have extensive experience with some of the following federal agencies and focus areas. If you do not see an agency listed, we do encourage you to ask us about it.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) with a strong focus on American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) and Development Innovation Ventures (DIV). As well as economic and humanitarian assistance. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with a focus on innovation and technology as well as product safety and conservation efforts. U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) with a focus on economic development and technological advancement through vigilance in international trade policy, domestic business policy & growth, and promoting economic progress at all levels. U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) with a focus on peacekeeping and war-fighting efforts, Homeland Security, evacuation, and humanitarian causes. U.S. Department of Education with a focus on STEM aimed at elementary secondary and postsecondary education student and staff support services such as teacher professional development, after-school programming (ASP), out of school time (OST), 21st CCLC, School Improvement, MSP, API, counseling. As well as a focus on TRIO, Title III, Title V, TAACCCT, Title III, PBIS/MTSS, NSF-MSP/NRT/RET/REU, FIPSE, and Migrant Education. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) with a focus on scientific and technological innovation in support of that goal; and to ensure the environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with a focus on Emergency Preparedness & Response, Education & Training, and Public Health & Safety. National Institute of Health (NIH) with a focus on R01, R41, R42, R43, R44, U43, U44, SB1, UB1 National Science Foundation (NSF) with a focus on science, to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare, and to secure the national defense.


The Global Cloud Storage Market size is expected to reach $100.8 billion by 2023, rising at a market growth of 22% CAGR during the forecast period. Cloud storage is a service model that offers a platform to maintain, manage, and backup data remotely and at the same time, ensure data availability to users over a network (typically the Internet). The cloud data storage services are paid on a per-consumption, and monthly rate. Though the per-gigabyte cost is cheaper, the cloud storage providers have nevertheless, added operating expenses, making the technology relatively expensive. Rapid adoption of hybrid cloud storage, growing need for enterprise mobility for improved efficiency, significant growth in Internet of Things (IoT), and need for lower Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditure (OPEX) are the factors that drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.Read »


Loading Dock Safety Tips
Loading docks present significant challenges for safety-conscious managers. However, with planning and preparation, workers can use the loading dock area safely. The keys to making this area as safe as possible include understanding the present loading dock hazards and creating a plan to mitigate them. These safety tips will make this process easier for you.
Loading Dock Dangers
Dangers abound around loading docks for the unwary. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies two main hazards on the docks themselves — slipping on wet or icy surfaces or falling off the side of the dock. However, these dangers are far from the only hazards workers face when on or near the loading dock.
Other dangers that could occur in the dock area come from the vehicles and equipment used. For instance, improperly chocked trailer wheels could lead to injuries from the trailer rolling. Forklifts create hazards both from workers acting carelessly around them and from the carbon monoxide their engines put out.
To mitigate these hazards, scrutinize the dock area. Prevent falls by installing a loading dock safety chain or other barriers to safeguard against people stepping off the edges. Where you cannot install barriers, paint the floor to alert workers and forklift drivers of hazards. Post signs to indicate nearby fall hazards.
Keep surfaces dry and clean when possible. Since many loading docks are exposed to the elements, this may not always be possible. Post warning signs in case of wet conditions outside that could cause the dock surface to become slippery.
Train forklift workers and loading dock employees on safe practices around forklifts. Plus, keep the area well-ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Even by taking these precautions to prevent accidents from occurring, workers still must take an active role in following good safety practices around the loading dock. Plus, you must have the right safety equipment to make those practices easier for workers to follow.
Loading Dock Safety Procedures
Workers need to take an active role in preventing loading dock injuries. First, create a loading dock safety guide to use during training your employees in best practices when working in this area. This training guide will ensure every worker near the dock knows the potential hazards and understands how to avoid endangering themselves and others. For training, follow the guidelines of this loading dock safety checklist for your workers:
1. Train for Forklift Safety
First, forklift safety must become paramount for operators and pedestrians. Never allow anyone not trained in safe forklift practices to operate one. Also, never let anyone under 18 operate a forklift, per OSHA guidelines.
When driving a forklift, the driver should use their horn to alert dockworkers of their presence. Additionally, nearby workers must take care not to distract the driver or attempt to ride the forklift.
Drivers must use safe practices when lifting, moving and lowering loads. Operators should know the load capacity of the forklift and never attempt to exceed that when moving materials.
Operators should also maintain speeds of 5 miles per hour or less in main warehouse spaces with clearly defined forklift paths. However, for areas near the loading dock, the drivers should slow down to accommodate more people and potentially slippery conditions.
Make sure the area around the loading dock has enough clearance for a forklift’s safe passage. Preparing the dock for safety may include installing barriers or painting the floor to make edges more visible.
2. Be Aware of the Surroundings
Teach all workers to watch their surroundings for hazards. For instance, every employee should know when a forklift or trailer is nearby. Additionally, they must stay alert to changing conditions, such as loads moving into or out of the trailer or weather conditions that turn wet, making the dock slippery.
Part of awareness includes wearing personal protective equipment such as helmets, ear protection and eye gear. Show workers where warning signs, loading dock safety lights, barriers and other visible features are to prevent incidents.
Do not allow employees not trained in safety procedures near the loading dock. Keeping untrained workers away ensures that only those most aware of the required safety practices will be in the area.
3. Use Safe Practices Around Trailers
Employees must know how to work safely when a trailer parks at the dock. First, someone must secure the trailer’s wheels with wheel chocks. These prevent the vehicle from rolling, opening a gap between the truck and the dock or causing a crushing injury.
Request that truck drivers use auditory sounds to signal spotters to help direct the trailer safely to the dock. When a truck announces its arrival, other workers must clear the area. Find an auditory or visual means of alerting the driver that their trailer does not have any workers in it and it is safe for them to drive away from the dock. This prevents accidents caused by workers in the trailer or on the dock plate.
Lastly, when moving materials, workers should wrap pallets to prevent contents from shifting and falling.
4. Lift Correctly
For any workers manually lifting products, teach them safe lifting techniques. Back braces will not provide enough support to make up for poor lifting methods. Workers should bend at the knees and lift with the legs instead of bending at the waist. Employees should avoid moving items from shoulder height. Instead, they should bring the product down to a safer lifting level with lifting equipment. If an item exceeds their individual lifting capabilities, they should request a co-worker to help them move it.
When carrying or placing goods, workers should limit the twisting motions they make. Instead of twisting the trunk to make a turn, employees should slowly turn their feet in the desired direction.
5. Train Workers on Safe Use of Dock Levelers and Other Equipment
Any workers using equipment around a loading dock need to know how to do so safely. Plus, they should have the training to identify when the equipment requires maintenance or repairs to restore its operation. For example, when using the dock levelers, workers need to alert others in the area before raising or lowering the leveler.
Necessary Loading Dock Safety Equipment
Training workers is crucial to safety. However, you must also have fully functioning safety equipment around the loading dock. This machinery augments the safety training and prevention strategies your workers use. Combined, these things minimize the chances of an accident occurring in the loading dock area. Everything from barriers, signs, lights, overhead doors and dock levelers improves the area’s safety and is crucial to protecting the space.
Loading Dock Safety Barriers
Safety barriers include gates and chains that prevent people from walking into prohibited areas. For instance, you should install a loading dock safety gate or barrier to keep people and vehicles away from the dock’s drop-off edges.
Safety barriers protect workers and forklifts from one of the most common loading dock hazards — falling off edges. These barriers should have a coloring that makes them highly visible. Train workers to never jump over or bypass the barriers for their protection.
OSHA requires barriers to protect places where a drop-off measures 4 feet or more. However, even without such a significant drop, you should still consider installing barriers or using bright paint on the ground to indicate the elevation change.
Loading Dock Safety Signs
Safety signs provide a visual reminder of the hazards present at the loading dock. These signs should never replace good safety training — they should supplement it. During education sessions, show workers what the safety signs look like and what they mean. When employees encounter these at the loading dock, they will know immediately how to avoid problems indicated in the area.
These visual indicators should warn of slippery spots, drop-offs and fall hazards. Also, signs should warn workers of carbon monoxide dangers from the exhaust of forklifts or other engines operating at the loading dock.
Adequate Lighting and Warning Lights
The loading dock’s lighting is crucial because workers rely on visual signals to warn them of danger or inform them to take instructions. Many employees at a loading dock may wear ear protection, making it harder for them to hear voices or auditory instructions. Therefore, you must have enough light available so workers can clearly see signage, co-workers, forklifts and floor markings, regardless of the conditions outside.
Related to the ambient lighting that makes the area easier to see is the use of warning lights needed for communication. For example, after you install lights to communicate with truck drivers, spotters can use a red light to tell the driver when to cut off the engine and a green light to inform them of when they can safely drive away from the dock.
Lights also play a role in communicating with workers. For example, inside the warehouse, a red light could indicate that the loading dock is not safe to enter or is not in operation. A green light signals active loading or unloading and safe conditions for trained workers to enter.
Communication lights can also show when to raise or lower dock levelers. The dock leveler creates a safe bridge between the dock and the trailer. However, if moved into place too soon or moved away too early, an accident could occur. Specific lights activated by the truck spotter can let the dock leveler operator know when to turn on the device for safe movement.
Once the dock leveler falls into place, the operator can turn the warehouse signal to green to let workers onto the loading dock to start unloading or loading the truck.
Well-Maintained Overhead Doors
Your warehouse’s overhead doors must safely open, close and stay in position as needed. Poorly maintained doors could refuse to open or fall unexpectedly. Schedule regular inspections every 5,000 cycles and make necessary repairs to keep these doors operating properly.
Properly Operating Dock Levelers
The dock levelers play an important part in the area’s safety. These devices must fully support any equipment, personnel and loads moved between the truck and warehouse.
First, you must choose the correct load capacity for the leveler. Capacities generally range between 25,000 and 80,000 pounds. However, some can support even more weight — up to 100,000 pounds.
Next, choose the correct type of dock leveler. Vertical models store upright and lay flat to the truck bed. However, other types such as hydraulic, air-powered and mechanical dock levelers sit in the pit and raise to the truck bed. For docks that do not have much space between the floor and truck, an edge-of-dock leveler may suffice. This type of leveler installs at the floor level instead of in the pit and has a smaller surface to bridge to the truck.
Always have a trained worker operate the dock leveler. This person needs to ensure that others first clear the area before deploying the leveler. The truck spotter’s signals help the leveler operator know when the truck reaches a safe position for putting the dock leveler in place.
Dock Leveler Maintenance and Repair
Make sure the dock leveler operates properly. Consider a similar maintenance schedule to the one you use for the overhead doors — you can employ this for servicing the warehouse’s dock levelers. These two devices will have similar amounts of usage, so a corresponding upkeep plan will be beneficial.
Scheduling regular maintenance of dock levelers ensures they operate safely and efficiently. Poor functioning of a dock leveler wastes time. Workers who attempt to fix problems themselves could get hurt.
One example of poor maintenance of a dock leveler happened to a truck driver who attempted to deploy a poorly lubricated leveler alone. The lack of lubrication caused force to build in the lip extender, which unexpectedly sprang open and pinched the driver’s hand, causing injury.
When a dock leveler has a known problem, tag the equipment and avoid letting anyone use it until after an expert repairs it. When workers think a damaged dock leveler is available, they may feel it’s safe to use any workaround measures they can think of. However, using dock levelers in ways other than their recommended directions could lead to problems. Conducting regular inspections of dock levelers and marking those with issues will prevent such incidents.
Improve Safety at Your Loading Dock With the Right Dock Leveler
Having a safer working environment protects employees from injuries, prevents losses caused by accident investigation and ensures productivity. Since the loading dock functions as a key component of your warehouse, you must find ways to reduce this area’s inherent hazards. Posting a loading dock safety checklist, training workers, having the right equipment and maintaining your dock leveler will all serve this purpose.
If your facility needs a new dock leveler, request a quote from us at idc-Automatic. We can help you find the safest option for your warehouse needs that meets your size requirements. As with all aspects of warehouse safety, starting with the right equipment can go a long way toward preventing injuries. Let us help you get the loading dock pieces your company needs to optimize safety.


Though wearing a face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is crucial, it isn't particularly comfortable! This can raise issues with compliance, especially when it comes to children and young people. To help, the experts at Jobskin have been hard at work creating a new range of extra-comfortable face masks, which are now available in a selection of the most popular school uniform colours: Black, Blue and Red.
Physical social distancing is a good way to help prevent the transfer of coronavirus between people but in many situations, including the school environment, maintaining the recommended distance of two metres between people can be difficult, if not impossible. That's where the mask comes into play: by providing a physical barrier that prevents droplets from being released while breathing, the mask further improves the wearer's chances of staying safe.
Disposable face masks are a common sight but, though they are convenient, they are not particularly kind to the environment. A washable and thus reusable face mask is therefore a much more sustainable choice and also delivers cost-savings. Our reusable face masks feature an innovative fixing device: instead of elastic ear straps, the straps on our masks fasten securely behind the head to deliver increased comfort.
New Comfort-Fit face masks from Jobskin, available in three different sizes, are made from the highest quality fabrics used widely across our range of garments, giving them excellent breathability and allowing them to be used over and over again. In addition to the back-to-school range in Blue, Black and Red, we also supply masks with a selection of fun prints, including Construction, Safari and Hearts & Flowers. The masks are either sold singly or as cost-effective packs of three: wash, wear and one-for-spare!
Discover more details about our new range of face masks on the Jobskin website. Stay safe!


Treatment of splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is challenging and evidence to guide therapeutic decisions remains scarce. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy and safety of anticoagulant therapy for SVT. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Clinicaltrial.gov were searched from inception up to December 2019 without language restrictions to include observational studies and randomized controlled trials reporting radiological or clinical outcomes in patients with SVT. Pooled proportions and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Of 4312 records identified by the search, 97 studies including 7969 patients were analyzed. In patients receiving anticoagulation, the rates of SVT recanalization, SVT progression, recurrent VTE, major bleeding, and overall mortality were 58% (95% CI, 51-64), 5% (95% CI, 3-7), 11% (95% CI, 8-15), 9% (95% CI, 7-12), and 11% (95% CI, 9-14), respectively. The corresponding values in patients without anticoagulation were 22% (95% CI, 15-31), 15% (95% CI, 8-27), 14% (95% CI, 9-21), 16% (95% CI, 13-20), and 25% (95% CI, 20-31). Compared with no treatment, anticoagulant therapy obtained higher recanalization (RR 2.39; 95% CI, 1.66-3.44) and lower thrombosis progression (RR 0.24; 95% CI, 0.13-0.42), major bleeding (RR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58-0.92), and overall mortality (RR 0.45; 95% CI, 0.33-0.60). These results demonstrate that anticoagulant therapy improves SVT recanalization and reduces the risk of thrombosis progression without increasing major bleeding. The incidence of recurrent VTE remains substantial also in anticoagulated patients. Effects were consistent across different subgroups of patients.


Abstract
Thinking about misleading higher-order evidence naturally leads to a puzzle about epistemic rationality: If one’s total evidence can be radically misleading regarding itself, then two widely-accepted requirements of rationality come into conflict, suggesting that there are rational dilemmas. This paper focuses on an often misunderstood and underexplored response to this (and similar) puzzles, the so-called conflicting-ideals view. Drawing on work from defeasible logic, I propose understanding this view as a move away from the default metaepistemological position according to which rationality requirements are strict and governed by a strong, but never explicitly stated logic, toward the more unconventional view, according to which requirements are defeasible and governed by a comparatively weak logic. When understood this way, the response is not committed to dilemmas.


Medical students’ perceptions towards learning communication skills: a qualitative study following the 2-year training programme.
Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to gain an understanding of the perceptions of 4th-year medical students about a training course in communication skills with 'experiential learning' characteristics, completed over the past two years.Methods: Twenty 4th-year medical students were invited to participate in a qualitative study with focus groups. These students were selected randomly, stratifying by gender, from all 4th-year medical students (106) at the Francisco de Vitoria University (Madrid). The students had just completed their communication skills training taught in small groups, with simulated patient interviews and feedback. The focusgroup facilitator used an open-ended discussion guide to explore the students' perceptions. Thematic analysis was used to identify salient themes from these discussions. Results: Sixteen students participated in two focus groups. The discussions revealed two contrasting perceptions: while this learning is considered useful, it nevertheless brings about a great deal of stress, especially regarding student exposure to peers in small-group sessions when interviewing standardised patients, and summative assessment. This generates a range of negative feelings in students that could affect perspective and attitude towards the importance of doctor-patient relationships. Conclusions: Experiential learning is effective in improving students' communication skills. However, these results suggest that use of such strategies requires a strong focus on "student-centred" teaching approaches, in order to minimise some sensitive topics that may arise during the learning. Further research is needed to refine these strategies depending on the teaching situation and to identify different ways of implementing these experiential methods.
Universal identifier: http://hdl.handle.net10641/2090
Date: 2019
Collections MEDICINA [229]


Description What is Coluracetam?
Coluracetam is a new racetam-type nootropic believed to be beneficial in enhancing memory, learning, improving vision, and supporting the treatment of anxiety and depression.
What’s Coluracetam Benefits? Improves Memory and Learning Reduces Treatment-Resistant Depression Reduces Anxiety Promotes Neurogenesis Helps with Schizophrenia Enhances Eyesight How To Take Coluracetam?
Recommended starting dose is 20mg.
Take it with a choline source. It can be in supplement form (Alpha-GPC. Citicoline), or from foods in your own diet.
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Where to Buy Coluracetam in the UAE?
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Attention: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It has not been approved, nor have these statements been evaluated, by the FDA.


Bedside microcomputer-derived, minute-to-minute mean arterial pressure (MAP) values during the first 48 hours of life were studied in 100 preterm babies with birth weight less than or equal to 1500 gm. In those babies (n = 72) with no periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PV-IVH) or with grade 1 PV-IVH, the MAP values increased during the study period, with minute-to-minute variation and interval undulation. The MAP values in those with birth weight greater than 1000 gm were higher than in those of lower birth weight. Infants in whom grades 2 to 4 PV-IVH developed (n = 28) had consistently lower MAP values during the study period. Minute-to-minute variability, expressed as the average of the coefficients of variation at 15-minute intervals, did not differ between birth weight groups, nor did they differ between the PV-IVH group and their matched control subjects. However, those with PV-IVH spent a greater percentage of time, with a coefficient of variation greater than or equal to 13% or less than 3%, than their matched control subjects spent (p less than 0.005). This study provides reference data for MAP changes in premature babies. The observed MAP changes in those with PV-IVH lend support to a significant role for MAP alterations in the pathogenesis of PV-IVH.


Background: Recovery after stroke correlates with non-active (stunned) brain regions, which may persist for years. The current study aimed to evaluate whether increasing the level of dissolved oxygen by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) could activate neuroplasticity in patients with chronic neurologic deficiencies due to stroke. Methods and findings: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial including 74 patients (15 were excluded). All participants suffered a stroke 6-36 months prior to inclusion and had at least one motor dysfunction. After inclusion, patients were randomly assigned to "treated" or "cross" groups. Brain activity was assessed by SPECT imaging; neurologic functions were evaluated by NIHSS, ADL, and life quality. Patients in the treated group were evaluated twice: at baseline and after 40 HBOT sessions. Patients in the cross group were evaluated three times: at baseline, after a 2-month control period of no treatment, and after subsequent 2-months of 40 HBOT sessions. HBOT protocol: Two months of 40 sessions (5 days/week), 90 minutes each, 100% oxygen at 2 ATA. We found that the neurological functions and life quality of all patients in both groups were significantly improved following the HBOT sessions while no improvement was found during the control period of the patients in the cross group. Results of SPECT imaging were well correlated with clinical improvement. Elevated brain activity was detected mostly in regions of live cells (as confirmed by CT) with low activity (based on SPECT) - regions of noticeable discrepancy between anatomy and physiology. Conclusions: The results indicate that HBOT can lead to significant neurological improvements in post stroke patients even at chronic late stages. The observed clinical improvements imply that neuroplasticity can still be activated long after damage onset in regions where there is a brain SPECT/CT (anatomy/physiology) mismatch. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00715897.


The central memory T cell (TCM) model forms a unique HIV-1 latency model based on primary cells that closely resemble in vivo TCM. The virus employed in this model is based on an engineered vector incapable of replication after initial infection. We show that despite this strategy, replication competent viral particles are released into the culture medium due to recombination between overlapping sequences of the env deleted HIV genome that is co-transfected with intact env. This finding emphasizes the need for careful data analysis and interpretation if similar constructs are employed and urges for additional caution during laboratory work.


Nowadays, a rotary blood pump can be used as not only for a bridge to transplantation (BTT) but also for a bridge to recovery (BTR) and a destination therapy (DT). In such cases, evaluation of the recovery level of the native heart provides useful infomation to improve the clinical strategy and decide adequate timing for removing of the RBP. In contrast, the indices for cardiac function have been studied. However, most of them do not consider the assistance with the RBP. In this study, we aimed at evaluating whether E
max, which is an index for cardiac function based on the pressure-volume relationships, is still valid during assistance with the RBP from an animal experiment. In the acute animal experiment with an adult goat, we measured pressure-volume (P-V) loops while cardiac function was normal, augmented or diminished. The experimental results revealed that there were typical differences in the shapes of P-V loops when the cardiac function was altered, and E max can still be used as an index for the cardiac function even if the assistance with the RBP is ongoing.


Sometimes too much focus can lead to tunnel vision. This is bad in the boardroom as well as the cockpit.
I experienced a mishap early in my flying days that serves as an example. I was preparing for a return trip to southern NJ from Columbus, OH and wanted to avoid the thunderstorms that were predicted to build throughout the day. While committing to avoiding the storms was prudent, spending all that energy on one task left me vulnerable to other hidden dangers.
The first sign of trouble occurred at takeoff when I was halfway down the runway. I heard a loud whooshing sound from the right/front passenger door. I hadn’t completely latched the door and, consequently, air came rushing in. In my mind, I was in no imminent danger because the door would not open due to the outside air pressure. I had to make a decision though: turn around/land to the latch the door or continue without delay to avoid the storms.
I chose to continue
Though I initially thought the unlatched door was just an annoyance, I learned differently when I entered the clouds. Since clouds are made of moisture vapor droplets, it began to “rain” inside the cockpit!
You can catch the full story in an article published in AOPA Pilot Magazine. In short, bad went to worse and I was forced to land in West Virginia. Though the incident was more embarrassing than anything else, it could have easily escalated to a life-threatening situation.
As business leaders, we face the same challenges when we get so deep in the weeds that we lose sight of the big picture. The day-to-day can eat us up and leave us vulnerable to what’s really brewing “outside.”
There is hope
I encourage clients to schedule full-day quarterly and annual meetings outside the office to work “on” their businesses. During these meetings, they review their Rock completion for the previous 90 days and set new/fresh Rocks for the upcoming quarter. As they develop a pulse of working on their business every 90 days, they successfully avoid the tunnel vision that can throw them off track.
Stay focused, but don’t ignore latched doors. They may lead you to West Virginia when your destination is New Jersey!
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Question How do you handle disruptive behaviors of hallucinations and delusions? Answer
With hallucinations, you might notice the patient talking to themselves in a conversational or emotional way. They may laugh, smile or frown for no apparent reason and appear to see something that you can't see yourself in the room. In these situations, you want to ask if they saw or heard something. Ask how they feel about the situation because you're trying to find out if they are distressed by it.
You can also briefly discuss the possibility that the experience is a symptom or hallucination. One way I'll ask this question sometimes is, do you ever hear see things that other people don't hear or see? A lady I was seeing said, "There's something in the room, "but when I look, I can't see it." I asked, "do you think it's possible that you're experiencing that because of the medication you're on and how sick you are in the hospital"? The patient stated, "Yeah, yeah, I know. It's definitely because I'm in the hospital." So that is normalizing it and noting, okay, are we all on the same page.
You don't want to act shocked or alarmed. It will worsen the situation. You also don't want to tell them it's not real or just casually dismiss it. You don't want to tell them it's not important because this is an expression of their reality at the moment. This is what they're experiencing. So telling them it's not real is not exactly helpful. You don't want to enter a lengthy discussion about the hallucination either. We don't want to dwell on it. A couple of brief questions just to kind of find out what's going on so you can pass this on to the nurse and the medical team is helpful.
For patients that are discussing delusions with you, you should listen neutrally. Be calm and respectful to them. You should lead the conversation away from the delusional contact. You don't want to dwell on it. For example, I had a patient with a delusion that he founded the hospital I work in. He would bring it up a lot. So he'd always be like, "Well, when I founded this hospital." You should just move the conversation away from it. You don't argue with them about it but talk about something else. If he or she insists on discussing it you should be very clear with, we're going to talk about something else. We're gonna focus on the thing we're working on right now instead. If they really insist on discussing it with you instead of just mentioning it, you can say you don't know. You can explicitly just acknowledge that's the reality and explain that there's a difference in perception between the two of you. But again, after every time you're making a statement, coming back to let's focus on the thing at hand.
You don't want to try to convince or argue someone out of their delusion. Once again, this is a symptom. It's not your role or helpful to have you try to argue with somebody about what's going on. You also don't want to question or discuss the delusion in great detail. For example, back to that patient that was saying, that he founded the hospital you work at. I'm not gonna go state to him that the hospital was founded 100 years ago and that he is thirty-five years old. That's not helpful. We're not getting into a debate about his delusion. It's a symptom of his illness.


Function:
Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in optimizing insulin function and the regulation of blood glucose levels. Chromium may also be anti-atherogenic and assist in lowering cholesterol. Following food intake, blood glucose levels rise causing insulin to be secreted by the pancreas. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by increasing the rate at which glucose enters a person’s cells. Chromium is believed to facilitate the attachment of insulin to the cell’s insulin receptors. Studies also indicate that chromium participates in cholesterol metabolism, suggesting a role for this mineral in maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels and preventing atherosclerosis. Chromium also plays a role in nucleic acid synthesis.
Deficiency Symptoms:
Due to processing methods that remove most of the naturally occurring chromium from commonly consumed foods, dietary deficiency of chromium is believed to be widespread in the United States. Chromium deficiency may increase the likelihood of insulin resistance, a condition which the cells of the body do not respond to the presence of insulin. Insulin resistance an lead to elevated blood levels of insulin (hyperinsulinemia) and elevated blood levels of glucose, which can ultimately cause heart disease and/or diabetes. Deficiency of chromium is associated with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome represents a constellation of symptoms, including hyperinsulinemia, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, high blood sugar levels, and low HDL cholesterol levels. These symptoms increase one’s risk for heart disease. Low levels of chromium are also associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease incidence and mortality.
Chromium deficiency correlate with depressed nucleic acid synthesis. Chromium is essential for maintaining the structural stability of proteins and nucelic acids and animal studies have found that this element is also vital for healthy fetal growth and development. Studies on humans have established that premature infants and those with evidence of intrauterine growth retardation have significantly lower chromium status compared to infants born full-term. Others have found that multiparous women have far lower body chromium levels compared to nulliparous women. These findings suggest that chromium is an essential trace element during fetal growth and development.
Repletion Information:
In 2001, the Institute of Medicine at the National academy of Sciences conducted a thorough review of the chromium research can concluded that excessive intake of chromium from foods or supplements is not associated with any adverse effects. As a result, to Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UIL) was established for this mineral. However, people with liver or kidney disease may be more susceptible to adverse effects from excessive intake of chromium, and such individuals are cautioned to avoid taking more than 200 micrograms of chromium supplements per day. There is limited evidence to suggest that long-term chromium picolinate supplementation at levels greater than 200 micrograms per day may also be hazardous to chromosome integrity and should be avoided.


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Hetzinger S, Pfeiffer M, Dullo W-Chr, Zinke J, Garbe-Schönberg D (2016) A change in coral extension rates and stable isotopes after El Niño-induced coral bleaching and regional stress events. Scientific Reports 6: 32879
Coral reefs are biologically diverse ecosystems threatened with effective collapse under rapid climate change, in particular by recent increases in ocean temperatures. Coral bleaching has occurred during major El Nino warming events, at times leading to the die-off of entire coral reefs. Here we present records of stable isotopic composition, Sr/Ca ratios and extension rate (1940-2004) in coral aragonite from a northern Venezuelan site, where reefs were strongly impacted by bleaching following the 1997-98 El Nino. We assess the impact of past warming events on coral extension rates and geochemical proxies. A marked decrease in coral (Pseudodiploria strigosa) extension rates coincides with a baseline shift to more negative values in oxygen and carbon isotopic composition after 1997-98, while a neighboring coral (Siderastrea siderea) recovered to pre-bleaching extension rates simultaneously. However, other stressors, besides high temperature, might also have influenced coral physiology and geochemistry. Coastal Venezuelan reefs were exposed to a series of extreme environmental fluctuations since the mid-1990s, i.e. upwelling, extreme rainfall and sediment input from landslides. This work provides important new data on the potential impacts of multiple regional stress events on coral isotopic compositions and raises questions about the long-term influence on coral-based paleoclimate reconstructions.


In a world of constant disruption and mounting tension, it has never been more important to be courageous – at home, in workplaces, and in the community. We need people who will challenge the status quo, develop collaborations and partnerships, hold self and others accountable for their actions, and be true to personal purposes and values, despite pressures from multiple directions. And yet there is little data on workplace courage in the world. To develop a better understanding of workplace courage, 366 employees across a range of industries completed a series of questions on 38 specific workplace situations. They were asked to consider how worthwhile the situation is, the risk associated with the situation and how willing they are to act on the situation, reflecting on what workplace courage means to them. Findings suggest that courage involves speaking up, confidence, having difficult conversations, taking on challenge, honest communications, and personal risk. The more that an action is seen as worthwhile, the less risky it seems to be and the more likely people are to act. We consider insights that arise from the data and implications for fostering workplace courage.


This design competition is currently accepting votes for the Designer's Choice Award.
Remember the ID numbers of your 5 favorite designs. You will need them for voting.
Genius Loci – Deity or spirit of a place
“The remnants of factories that have survived throughout the Caribbean region serve as examples of considerable architectural achievement and of the islands’ prosperity when ‘sugar was king’. Like fortifications and estate houses, the sugar factories were built by the slave population, and these remains survive as their legacy of toil and skill.” – JUDITH A. TOWLE. Today, erasure of historical traces in the landscape is unbridled due to inadequate legislation and a pervasive apathy towards the merit and value of their restoration. Grenada’s second largest town, Grenville, located on the Atlantic coast, possesses one of the few remaining colonial buildings, now slated for demolition. Adaptive reuse of this once magnificent Georgian landmark reimagines it as host to a new urban centre, activating and infusing purpose into a building left abandoned since it was gutted by fire over a decade ago. Restoring its distinguished brick façade allows it to embrace a new commercial program, yet assert its historical countenance as a scenographic marker throughout the new spaces framed within its walls. At street level, the old eastern façade reaffirms its civic presence. It is porous, inviting pedestrians into a courtyard engaged in a dialogue between contrasting visages of different eras. Growing upward and respectfully set back from the old facade, new interior spaces hover over the ground level parking connecting the two main arteries of the town. Despite Grenville’s clustering of commercial buildings looped around Ben Jones Street and Victoria Street, the town suffers from congestion and lack of a designated centre. Sitting in the low-lying basin of La Baye, the town is predisposed to frequent flooding. As in other coastal Caribbean towns, climate resilience has introduced critical design parameters. The new Grenville commercial centre is conceived as a catalyst for improvement of the town fabric. The site is re-cast as a main attractor for Grenville. Elevating the commercial levels safeguards them from flooding while maximizing onsite parking below. A dynamic, transformative architecture emerges at the interface between the old and new. To offset Grenada’s high energy costs, Green Building Technology is embedded within the design framework, including photovoltaic cells, a solar chimney, a reflection pond to provide passive cooling, Low-E glazing, and a water collection system. At the western entrance on Ben Jones Street, a monolithic stairway with seating tiers and an accessible ramp lead to an elevated public plaza. A stylized solar canopy presents a more contemporary portal, broadcasting progressive new ideals and reinvigoration of a landmark. The plaza offers the public a reprieve and a place to meet away from the crowding at street level. Currently no such space exists within the town. Built on its past foundations, the proposed commercial facility brands its spirit and legacy onto the conscience of the community, as a protected cultural asset. As a small developing state, Grenada relies heavily on tourism. Conservation of its unique sense of place, its history and its environment are paramount to ensure sustainability for a prosperous future.
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Sexsomnia refers to sexual behaviors that occur during the non-REM sleep cycle. It is a condition that falls within the parasomnia classification of sleep disorders. Sexsomnia is also known as sleep sex.
Behaviors associated with sexsomnia include masturbation, fondling, sexual intercourse, as well as sexual assault or rape. Similar to sleepwalkers, sexsomniacs often do not remember their actions after an episode. It is unclear what causes episodes of sexsomnia to occur, but it is thought that triggers such as stress, exhaustion, and the use of drugs or alcohol can contribute to sleep sex. Sexsomnia is often treated with either sedatives or antidepressants.
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Humber’s Bachelor of Digital Communications degree program explores the dynamic media environment and the cultural, social, economic and political implications of digital innovation. Communications studies are becoming recognized as one of the most significant social sciences in the 21st century. Increasingly, worldviews are shaped through messages received from television, film, the internet, social media and a host of media arts, with profound impacts on how the world and the self are viewed. The construction of everyday lives and identities are negotiated through digital media and social networks which influence how we live, the products we produce and consume, and how we connect.
This program is rigorous and innovative, developing digital storytellers who are skilled in writing, visual communication, web applications and social media. You will build significant business acumen while working in an environment where creative ideas and methods cross-pollinate. As you gain technical competency, you will collaborate and innovate with peers, faculty and visitors, building personal communication and networking skills. Intensive lectures and labs provide direction and practical experience, sharpening technical skills and stimulating critical discourse, using student work as a starting point. Access to studios and computing spaces enables reflective and collaborative project work. Historical, legal, ethical and theoretical considerations are built into the creative process.


This posting was originally posted on the CBRS Alliance blog. You can read the original post here.
Join us for an upcoming webinar focusing on how new connectivity technologies can tame some of the communications challenges facing modern healthcare organizations.
Perhaps no other industry has been revolutionized by technology as much as healthcare.
Mobile devices, wireless access, digitized records, smart sensors, internet of things and a range of other innovations have swept through...
Healthcare operations are being revolutionized by new communications technology, including mobile devices, video consultation, messaging and smart devices.
We’re highlighting an exciting new approach to mobile communications for healthcare enterprises at
Vidyo’s Healthcare Summit in Nashville next week.
Our Kinetic Telehealth solution empowers clinicians and other healthcare professionals to engage in compliant mobile voice, text and video communications with patients and others.
From a costs standpoint, the healthcare industry is pinched from all sides. Hospitals and other healthcare players are doing their best to keep expenses down, while providing ever-advancing medical care and technology, and all in the face of often dwindling reimbursement rates from health insurers and governments.
December 31, 1969


However, the seeds of this crisis go back decades, spanning mayoral administrations and regulatory regimes. The New York City medallion industry began in 1937, when the City Council passed the Haas Act. Designed to address an oversupply of taxis in the city, the Haas Act restricted entry into the taxicab market by limiting the number in the city to 13,595. To enforce this restriction, every taxicab was issued a numbered owners permit — or medallion. What the Haas Act did not do, however, was explicitly prohibit the transfer of these owners’ permits. Unlike other operating permits, owners of taxicab medallions were implicitly free to sell their permits.


A uniform circular array of isotropic sensors that stochastically dislocate in three dimensions—The hybrid Cramér-Rao bound of direction-of-arrival estimation Date2019-07 Author
Wong, Kainam Thomas
Morris, Zakayo Ndiku
Kitavi, Dominic M.
Lin, Tsair-Chuan
MetadataShow full item record Abstract
An array’s constituent sensors could be spatially dislocated from their nominal positions. This paper investigates how such sensor dislocation would degrade a uniform circular array (UCA) of isotropic sensors (like pressure sensors) in their direction-finding precision. This paper analytically derives this direction finding’s hybrid Cram er-Rao bound (HCRB) in a closed form that is expressed explicitly in terms of the sensors’ dislocation parameters. In the open literature on UCA direction finding, this paper is the first to be three-dimensional in modeling the sensors’ dislocation. Perhaps unexpectedly to some readers, sensor dislocation could improve and not necessarily degrade the HCRB; these opposing effects depend on the dislocation variances, the incident source’s arrival angle, and the signal-to-noise power ratio—all analyzed rigorously in this paper. Interesting insights are thereby obtained: (a) The HCRB is enhanced for the impinging source’s polar arrival angle as the sensors become more dislocated along the impinging wavefront due to aperture enlargement over the stochastic dislocation’s probability space. (b) Likewise, the HCRB is improved for the azimuth arrival angle as the sensors become more dislocated on the circular array’s plane, also due to aperture enlargement. (c) In contrast, sensor dislocation along the incident signal’s propagation direction can only worsen the HRCBs due to nuisance-parameter effects in the Fisher information. (d) Sensor dislocation orthogonal to the array plane must degrade the HCRB for the azimuth arrival angle but could improve the HCRB for the polar arrival angle.


instructional strategies for teaching Social studies
In this section, teachers will find practical suggestions for making geography and social studies accessible students who are blind or visually impaired. Included are tips for the classroom, ideas for activities, and techniques to adapt lessons and materials.
Below is a list of topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic.
Family Connect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
Aimed at parents, this page provides a brief overview of the challenges facing teenagers with visual impairment who are studying geography and history.
International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)
Slovenian teacher Roman Brvar outlines considerations for teaching geography to students with a visual impairment, including educational materials and teaching methods.
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
RNIB's classroom resources pages contain suggestions for specific subject areas, including Geography
Staffordshire Learning Net
Stuart Snowdon offers practical
strategies for teaching geography to students with visual impairments, including ideas for instructional methods, materials, and mapwork.
National Geographic Society
Organized by grade level, the topics include the Amazon, Mexico, Gaza, Okavango, Tarantulas, the White House, and Wildlife Refuges.
Opportunities for learning are abundant outside of the classroom, but field trips and fieldwork will be meaningful to students who are blind or visually impaired only if they're accessible. These resources offer suggestions for preparation, accommodation, and making the most of the time in the field.
English Heritage
Using these practical suggestions will make historical site visits meaningful to students who are blind and visually impaired. Tactile representations, audio recordings, and the use of large print are discussed.
Geography Discipline Network
This guide identifies the challenges faced by students doing fieldwork in geography, and suggests strategies for overcoming them. Included is advice on note taking, handouts, and the use of maps and other graphics.
NCGE works to enhance the status and quality of geography teaching and learning. The site includes links to resources, publications, and events.


The director’s message typically offers a brief reflection of the recent past and hints about the near future. However, as I write this October message, the observation that hindsight is 20/20 looms large. As is true for every one of us, the reality of 2020 contrasts sharply with the ambitious vision I suggested one year ago. This observation led me to question whether clarity is possible when the times appear confusing.
Below is a snapshot of four goals I had anticipated the Belin-Blank Center would achieve by this time in 2020.
An abundance of opportunities for educators, students, and families. Expansion of commuter programming to 8th graders. Experience of a dynamic in-person summit on the neuroscience of twice-exceptionality. Extensive scholarship related to our comprehensive research agenda.
Did the confusion caused by the ongoing health, economic, social, and environmental crises obscure those goals?
Not exactly. I discovered an essential filter through which I now view the future: the “optimism” filter. Through this filter, I can see the unwavering hopefulness and collective energy demonstrated by our very talented faculty and administrative, clerical, and graduate staff. Our professional team never lost sight of the need to stay safe and healthy to continue focusing on our primary aim of nurturing potential and inspiring excellence.
Did the confusion caused by the ongoing health, economic, social, and environmental crises enhance our focus?
Yes, to some extent. These crises have been, and likely always will be, a part of our reality. The experiences of the past months have made clear that some issues must remain central to the Belin-Blank Center’s vision for our programming, services, and research. We will stay dedicated to addressing them through all aspects of our work.
As a Belin-Blank Center staff member for three decades, I can draw upon experience to remain optimistic about the near future. In the coming weeks and months, we will:
Continue to offer meaningful opportunities for educators, students, and families, thanks to technology; Utilize our decades of online learning experience to create new online elementary, middle, and high school programs; Host a dynamic virtual summit on the neuroscience of twice-exceptionality; Make our scholarship more relevant to the most significant crises facing us today and in the future.
We already have many exciting developments on these fronts. This fall alone, we have created an unprecedented
four brand-new student programs designed to accommodate learners both during the pandemic and afterward. (Check out the Writers’ Room, the Coders’ Lab, Coding with Python, and Enrichment Expeditions!) In the spring, we will add a host of online student competitions. Keep an eye out for news on Invent Iowa, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium.
We have an extensive catalog of online professional learning courses for educators and those seeking a TAG endorsement. Planning for our online Summit on the Neuroscience of Twice-Exceptionality is well underway, and we are looking forward to lively discussions of research and networking opportunities in May.
Though life remains unpredictable and often confusing, every crisis holds opportunity. We hope you will join us in the new opportunities we are creating for you.


What’s in a name? – This is a common adage, indicating that the inherent qualities of a person or thing are unaltered, irrespective of what we may choose to call it. While this is certainly true, it is also true that the words we choose to use in our speech influence our thoughts and perceptions to a big extent. Words can create positive or negative emotions or perceptions in those that we speak them to.


SCIENTIFIC REPORTS—The largest collection of footprints from the human fossil record in Africa is described in
Scientific Reports this week. The findings, which further our understanding of human life during the Late Pleistocene period (126,000 to 11,700 years ago), suggest a division of labour in ancient human communities.
Kevin Hatala and colleagues uncovered 408 human footprints in Engare Sero, Tanzania after the site was discovered by members of a nearby Maasai community. The researchers dated the footprints to between 19,100 and 5,760 years ago. Based on their size, the distances between them and their orientations, the authors suggest that 17 tracks of footprints were created by a group of individuals moving together at walking speed in a southwesterly direction. The group was likely made up of 14 adult females, two adult males and one young male. The authors speculate that the females who made the tracks were foraging together and were visited or accompanied by the males, as this behavior is observed in modern hunter-gatherers such as the Ache and Hadza. The findings may indicate a division of labor based on sex in ancient human communities.
For an additional six tracks of footprints oriented to the northeast, the authors estimate a broader range of variation in speed, which may suggest that they were not created by a single group traveling together, but by various individuals running and walking at different speeds.
The findings provide a snapshot of the movements and group behavior of modern humans living in east Africa during the Late Pleistocene period.
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*Article Source: Scientific Reports news release and study report
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Challenging the status quo bias of any prospect is essential when trying to secure a sale – particularly when the prospect is already committed to a competing supplier. However, if not conducted well, challenging the status quo can have a detrimental effect on the sales outcome.
Sales Process & Methodology
A well thought out and implemented process in B2B sales is critical to success. B2B sales can be a complex and time-consuming process, involving many stakeholders and high financial stakes.
A sales methodology puts structure around the process a salesperson uses to do their job. It’s a set of rules for how to approach customers and sell products or services to them.


Characters of literature embody their unique personal qualities from elements of their lives. A merging of expectations and their environment, though neither in perfect balance, molds the two Wes Moore’s, Telemachus, and Elie Weisel, and determines their overall identity. Influencing expectations include those others form of them, or those they form for themselves. Living space, living place, stresses of life, and the people they live with are all factors of environment. Through these specific aspects of life, characters become further developed.Outside forces, especially their living environment and expectations thrust upon them, influence the lives of the two Wes’ in The Other Wes Moore. To start, both characters experienced…show more content… His mother needed more money because she was raising both Wes’s and Tony’s kids.” (Moore 145). Military school introduced Wes to an entirely new, highly disciplined living space. Although this environment taught him discipline rather harshly, it shaped Wes through keeping him away from trouble on the streets, while also making him feel rewarded for his hard work. Finally feeling the support he lacked throughout his entire life, military school reignited Wes’ desire to do well. “They made it clear that they cared if I succeeded, and eventually so did I.” (Moore 115). Positive effects spiraled from this environment. Contrarily, the other Wes Moore’s environment negatively influenced him. Without a father-figure, Wes’ role model became his older brother, Tony, who actively participated as a drug dealer. Introducing him to a life filled with crime, Wes’ dependence and utmost respect regarding Tony led him in the wrong direction, and ultimately created his future as a criminal. However, Tony wasn 't the only driving factor in Wes’ joining the game; living in a dangerous neighborhood also added to an environment that pushed him into drugs. Additionally, expectations that characters must uphold also characterize them. Both characters are expected to stay out of trouble. The first Wes Moore masterfully fulfills this duty, becoming quite successful; however, other Wes Moore did not


While clothes dryers are designed to make your life easier, they can also become a serious safety hazard if they are not maintained. Each year, more than 15,500 home fires start due to clothes dryers. Knowing how to prevent a fire in your clothes dryer, can help to ensure that your home and family stayRead more


What To Expect From A Divorce In Texas
Going through a divorce is bound to involve stress, no matter how complex or simple your circumstances. One way to reduce the stress of your upcoming divorce is to understand what to expect from the legal process.
Nikki Hudman, the founding attorney of Law Office of Nikki Hudman, believes in keeping you informed and involved in every aspect of your divorce. As a board certified family law attorney, she does divorce differently. She can help you regain control of your life before, during and after a divorce — and this starts by helping you understand what to expect in a Texas divorce.
What Is The Divorce Process Like In Texas?
Every divorce is unique, but there are a few procedures that everyone must follow. To file for a divorce in Texas, you and your spouse must have resided in the state for at least six months and in your county for at least three months.
There are two types of divorce:
Uncontested divorce: If you and your partner agree on the major aspects of your divorce, then you can file divorce papers jointly. A judge will sign the final decree. Contested divorce: One spouse files divorce papers and serves a copy to the other spouse. The other spouse has 20 days to file a response.
After a spouse files divorce papers, the state requires a 60-day “cooling off” period before finalizing the divorce. This period is when couples can use collaborative law or work with a mediator to make decisions out of court. If you and your spouse can’t reach an arrangement, then your case will proceed to trial, where a judge will issue a decision for you.
Guiding You Through Divorce With A Cool Head
Divorce is rarely pleasant. It is tempting to want to rush the legal process, but it is crucial to take your time. This ensures that you consider every available option, advocate for your best interests with a cool head and complete every step correctly. With years of experience securing favorable divorce outcomes, Law Office of Nikki Hudman is the law firm to assist you.
Learn More About The Divorce Process
You can contact the Law Office of Nikki Hudman to schedule a consultation. There, you can ask your questions to Ms. Hudman in person. To schedule, call (512) 827-8529 or send us an email.


Controversial report on air pollution and asthma
A report by the Department of Health's Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) has concluded that outdoor air pollution does not cause asthma.
1 But its controversial conclusion that pollution triggers clinically significant effects in only a small proportion of asthmatics does not agree with the daily experience of many sufferers, and may reflect under-reporting of their symptoms.


Released10/24/2017 List the primary components of strategy. Set and communicate strategic priorities. Define culture. Evaluate and run ideas in a prioritization process. Identify how to measure progress and performance. Explain how to maintain focus and eliminate distractions. Describe key processes for building a culture of strategy execution. Skill Level
Advanced Duration Views
- A longtime colleague of mine always says, "Thoughts are nice, but actions matter." His words perfectly describe what it takes to successfully execute a strategy. I'm Mike Figliuolo, Managing Director of thoughtLEADERS. I've worked with companies large and small on creating a strategy, and making it happen. The most successful companies I've seen are the ones that build a culture of strategy execution. In this course, I'll explain what it takes to build such a culture.
We'll review the links between strategy, culture and execution. We'll talk about the processes to allocate resources, set goals, and define and award incentives. Then we'll look at executing the plan, measuring progress, celebrating success, and developing the talent you need to make your plan a reality. We'll also look at how to overcome the challenges that arise when you're executing your strategy.
It takes deliberate effort to create a company culture focused on executing a strategy. So let's get started.


Abstract
Policy makers are increasingly investing in programs focused on identifying and addressing the nonmedical needs of high-utilizing Medicaid beneficiaries, yet little is known about these programs' implementation. This study provides an overview of early progress in and strategies used to implement California's Whole Person Care (WPC) Pilot Program, a $3 billion Medicaid Section 1115(a) waiver demonstration project focused on improving the integrated delivery of health, behavioral health, and social services for Medicaid beneficiaries who use acute and costly services in multiple service sectors. WPC pilots reported significant progress in developing partnerships, data-sharing infrastructure, and services needed to coordinate care for identified patient populations. We also identified major barriers to WPC implementation, such as difficulty identifying and engaging eligible beneficiaries and the lack of affordable housing. Our findings offer insights to leaders and policy makers interested in testing new approaches for improving the health and well-being of medically and socially complex patients.


OrSense, a developer of solutions for non-invasive measurements of various blood parameters, announced that it has received the US Food and Drug Administration clearance for its NBM-200MP, noninvasive hemoglobin (Hb) and pulse oximetry monitor.
NBM-200MP belongs to OrSense’s NBM-200 family of products, for the noninvasive measurement of Hb levels, enabling monitoring of anemia and hemorrhage.
Currently, Hb measurements require collection of blood samples, rendering existing testing methods invasive, painful, time consuming and labor intensive.
OrSense’s systems offer a unique, breakthrough, non-invasive solution for accurate Hb measurements and hold the potential for improving anemia detection and monitoring by eliminating pain, reducing infection risk and enabling swift Hb level analysis.
In addition, noninvasive Hb monitoring offers the possibility of continuous Hb measurement, which can be critical when monitoring bleeding in acute conditions, such as during surgery or childbirth.
The NBM-200 systems are compatible with a variety of clinical environments, including hospitals, outpatient clinics and mobile health, and are used for various applications such as primary care, public screening, women’s health and homecare.
OrSense CEO Lior Maayan noted hemoglobin levels are a critical parameter in practically every aspect of medical care – in the chronically ill, women’s health, during child development, in the operating room and intensive care wards, and during routine checkups in outpatient clinics.
"Although over 400 million Hb lab tests are performed annually in the U.S. alone, this important blood test remains costly, time consuming, invasive and intermittent. Our noninvasive hemoglobin monitor offers a true revolution in the management of both acute and chronic anemia.
"We are very excited that soon after receiving China FDA approval and in addition to the CE Mark, our hemoglobin and oximetry monitor has now received regulatory recognition in the U.S., which marks the first and important step towards bringing OrSense’s solution to the U.S. market for the benefit of patients in the U.S. and worldwide," Maayan added.


Title Date of Degree
9-2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Program
Anthropology
Advisor
Jessica Rothman
Committee Members
Larissa Swedell
Stephanie Levy
Andres Gomez
Subject Categories
Behavior and Ethology | Biological and Physical Anthropology | Comparative Nutrition | Molecular, Genetic, and Biochemical Nutrition | Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Other Genetics and Genomics | Other Nutrition | Zoology
Keywords
microbiome, ecology, nutritional ecology, development, life history, metabolome, diet-microbe
Abstract
In species who consume folivorous diets, immature individuals must contend with the challenges of extracting nutrients from fibrous foods before dietary adaptations and strategies are fully developed. Additionally, immatures have distinct nutritional needs to support their stage-specific metabolic and biophysiological requirements. To meet these stage-specific needs, while constrained by underdeveloped feeding strategies and digestive capacities, immatures may adopt distinct diets better suited to their specific developmental context. However, where dietary modification is constrained by low dietary diversity or landscape homogeneity, it is unclear how immature individuals compensate through alternative strategies. In turn, little is known about the nutritional and life history implications of restrictions in alternative foraging strategies.
This dissertation is divided into three main studies. Firstly, a comprehensive literature review examines the theoretical framework and provides context for the importance and relevance of this topic to the broader study of life history patterning and developmental outcomes. Following this, the diet of mountain gorillas across development is characterized through a combination of four hour focal follows and nutritional biochemical analysis of consumed food items. The results of this study suggest that mountain gorillas self-select their diets to age- and stage-specific nutrient targets, occupying unique nutritional niches within the species’ overall nutritional landscape. To meet these age-specific nutritional needs within their relatively constrained ecological environment, immature mountain gorillas engage in three principle behavioral strategies: 1) differential reliance on food items, including increased consumption of highly digestibly foods as well as self-selection of a balance of nutrients higher in non-protein energy intake relative to protein intake, 2) compensatory foraging and increased overall foraging effort to compensate for biophysiological limitations (i.e. gut size) and behavioral limitations (feeding/foraging competency), and 3) extended use of mother’s milk as a nutritional ‘buffer’ during periods of preferred food scarcity.
Next, this dissertation considers the one of the most complex and dynamic systems involved in the regulation and utilization of nutrients: the gastrointestinal microbiome. The gastrointestinal microbiome is first characterized using a large library of mountain gorilla samples, spanning all members of three social groups. This characterization confirms previous work on the microbiome of mountain gorillas, and further establishes that the microbiome of mountain gorillas is relatively aseasonal, but can be differentiated based on age-class. Contrary to expectations of diversity, the infant mountain gorilla microbiome is broadly less diverse than those of juvenile and adult individuals, with higher abundance of key hydrogenotrophic taxa and sulfate-reducing bacteria. These taxa may play a role in preventing hydrogen accumulation in the gut during development. Additionally, this study shows that there are differences in the abundance of major phyletic groups (specifically,
Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes), suggesting that immature individuals may house microbiomes with greater capacity for energy harvest, potentially as an adaptation to maximize nutrient availability during periods of growth and development where individuals are sensitive to environmental perturbation and dietary shortfalls.
Lastly, this dissertation considers the dietary metabolome of mountain gorillas through characterization of the fecal metabolome, in a pivotal step to bridge the gap between observed diet/nutrient intake and individuals’ capacity to use ingested nutrients (including through microbiome-mediated nutrient pathways). Mountain gorillas demonstrate distinct metabolomes throughout development, especially with respect to the relative concentration of lipid and lipid-derived molecules and organic acids/phenolic compounds and their derivatives. Additionally, this study explicitly considered the potential influence of observed diet and nutrient intake as drivers of differentiation among age groups; it is found that protein intake is a primary driver of infant microbiome differentiation, and non-digestible fibers are a primary driver in differentiating both the adult microbiome and metabolome.
Through these studies, this dissertation provides the first comprehensive examination of nutritional ontogeny through a multi-layered ecological approach, by examining these complex relationships in immature mountain gorillas (
Gorilla beringei). This dissertation significantly contributes to our understanding of nutritional ontogeny and compensatory nutritional strategies among great apes living at the extreme end of their known ecologies, and, in turn, provides a lens towards the potential evolutionary basis of these behaviors and adaptations. Recommended Citation
Cancelliere, Emma C., "Dietary Development and Nutritional Ontogeny in
Gorilla beringei : A Multi-layered, -Omics Approach" (2020). CUNY Academic Works. https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/4103
This work is embargoed and will be available for download on
Friday, September 30, 2022 Graduate Center users: To read this work, log in to your GC ILL account and place a thesis request. Non-GC Users: See the GC’s lending policies to learn more. Included in
Behavior and Ethology Commons, Biological and Physical Anthropology Commons, Comparative Nutrition Commons, Molecular, Genetic, and Biochemical Nutrition Commons, Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Other Genetics and Genomics Commons, Other Nutrition Commons, Zoology Commons


We guarantee you a high-quality multifaceted approach. Our reliable and tested workflows and specialist domain knowledge combine with in-depth knowledge of your businesses provides you best client experience. We maintain accounts, review them regularly and prepare management reports in accordance with the accounting rules to avoid adjustments during audits. We can guide on better insights into your business while making it compliant.
Technological developments have changed methods for carrying out tasks. Through information technology, accounting scope has increased from mere recording to evaluating and interpreting, which has given rise to target-based accounting. We use all sort of available technology such as accounting software, business advancements software, data analysis tools and support applications.
Accurately securing your data is most critical aspect of our services. We have implemented multi facet security measures to protect data from physical and cyber threats. Our physical security measures include biometric door locks, security personnel, alarm systems, video surveillance, user access passwords encryption and group policies on a network. Moreover firewall, anti-virus software, encryption for archives helps in block spam, malware, spyware, and intrusions.


Abstract
Eighty-three women with acute icteric hepatitis during pregnancy were followed for evidence of viral transmission to their infants. Six women had acute hepatitis A as diagnosed by appearance of anti-HAV during convalescence. Except for passively acquired antibodies which were present at birth, anti-HAV did not appear in these infants, and there was no clinical or biochemical evidence for hepatitis during follow-up. Sixty-five pregnant women had acute hepatitis B during pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. Transmission to infants often occurred when both maternal HB
sAg and HB eAg were positive at delivery or postpartum. A majority of these infants never developed jaundice, have remained persistently HB sAg-positive, and have had periodic serum ALT elevations during follow-up. Twelve women had acute non-A, non-B hepatitis during pregnancy. Infants born to 6 of these women near term had transient elevations of serum ALT values at 4-8 wk of age, suggesting maternal transmissibility of the non-A, non-B viral agent. ASJC Scopus subject areas Hepatology Gastroenterology


A dishwashing machine is a mechanical device for cleaning dishware and cutlery. Unlike manual dishwashing, which relies largely on physical scrubbing to remove soiling, the mechanical dishwasher cleans by spraying hot water, typically between 45 and 75 °C (110 and 170 °F), at the dishes, with lower temperatures used for delicate items.
A mix of water and dishwasher detergent is pumped to one or more rotating spray arms, which blast the dishes with the cleaning mixture. Once the wash is finished, the water is drained, more hot water is pumped in and a rinse cycle begins. After the rinse cycle finishes and the water is drained, the dishes are dried using one of several drying methods. Typically a rinse aid is used to eliminate water spots for streak-free dishes and glassware resulting from hard water or other reasons.
In addition to domestic units, industrial dishwashers are available for use in commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants, where a large number of dishes must be cleaned. Washing is conducted with temperatures of 65–71 °C (149–160 °F) and sanitation is achieved by either the use of a booster heater that will provide a 82 °C (180 °F) “final rinse” temperature or through the use of a chemical sanitizer.


Physical therapy is a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment option that is designed to relieve pain resulting from a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, workplace injuries, and more. Patients typically see a physical therapist to help manage chronic pain symptoms and prevent future injury, and regular appointments with a physical therapist are ideal


01.4.
Describe your organisation’s investment principles and overall investment strategy, interpretation of fiduciary (or equivalent) duties,and how they consider ESG factors and real economy impact.
Poste Vita’s Responsible Investment (RI) policy reflects Gruppo Poste Italiane’s Sustainability Plan by incorporating ESG considerations in the scope of insurance and financial activities. The RI policy aims to deliver positive economic, environmental and social impacts, to establish a sound communication with the Company’s stakeholders and to adhere to international principles and guidelines. Poste Vita’s RI policy is conveyed to external managers who are required to observe at least the main guidelines. Poste Vita’s incorporation of ESG starts with the ESG assessment of issuers both governmental and corporate in the Company’s portfolio, which is built by reflecting also an exclusion criteria. The Investment Committee is responsible for ESG assessments, which pair internal analysis with externally provided information. The process continues with regular monitoring of the issuer’s ESG profile. The Company’s RI policy provides also with guidelines for engagement and proxy voting and guidelines for specific sensitive sectors.
01.5.
Provide a brief description of the key elements, any variations or exceptions to your investment policy that covers your responsible investment approach. [Optional]
Poste Vita’s investment policy has adjusted in accordance with the introduction of RI objectives and strives to carry out the investment activities and to pursue the traditional financial objectives incorporating ESG. On the one hand, this overarching goal is witnessed by one remarkable achievement that Poste Vita obtained for the reporting year: it was awarded by Capital Finance International as “Best Pension Fund Governance” for combining ESG principles with the performance required by investors. On the other, Poste Vita is committed to enhance the RI approach in managing its portfolio: this goal reflects on an investment strategy that aims to improve the ESG profile of the portfolio, considering the ESG score of all the included assets. At the end of this reporting year, Poste Vita managed to strengthen the ESG score of its portfolio: the weighted average score of the portfolios assessed was 51/100 in relation to the assets managed by the Poste Vita for corporate issuers and 75/100 in relation to governmental issuers. This result was higher than the ESG score of a benchmark of Ishares MSCI World ETF that was 39/100 at the same date.


Title
Synthesis and Optical Properties of Colloidal PbS Nanosheets
Date of Award
2019
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Photochemical Sciences
First Advisor
Liangfeng Sun (Advisor)
Second Advisor
Hong Lu (Committee Member)
Third Advisor
Mikhail Zamkov (Committee Member)
Fourth Advisor
Michael Zickar (Other)
Abstract
Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals are emerging materials for next-generation optoelectronic devices including solar cells and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Colloidal quantum dots have been developed in the past decades to make solar cells and LEDs with decent efficiencies. However, their performances are limited by low conductivity. To address this problem, two-dimensional nanosheets (also known as nanoplatelets, quantum-belts or nanoribbons) have been developed recently. They have a much higher conductivity than quantum-dot films and tunable optical properties. The new method is developed for the synthesis of colloidal PbS nanosheets with a 100% success rate. We confirmed that residual acetate in the reaction mixture influence for the formation of colloidal nanosheets. Therefore, we have introduced an acetate-free method. The energy gap of the nanosheet is mainly determined by its thickness while the lateral size of the nanosheet has a significant effect on its conductivity, electronic coupling with other materials and the rate of light emission. Therefore, tuning the lateral size of the nanosheet is critical for its application in functional devices. Our work has addressed the challenge of tuning the lateral size of colloidal PbS nanosheets by changing reaction parameters, reducing the Pb to S molar ratio, using long-chain chloroalkane and changing the concentration of chloroalkane. Nanosheets with a small lateral size called nanoplatelets to show a narrow light-emission linewidth around 70 mev and an exciton peak. The platelets have a square shape with a typical width and length 20 nm. The exciton binding energy derived from the absorption spectrum is about 25 meV. Efficient electron transfer from photoexcited electrons from colloidal PbS nanosheets to TiO2 nanoparticles is demonstrated. This transfer occurred faster than compared to quantum dots. This will be more useful for fabricating future solar cell devices.
Recommended Citation
Premathilaka, Shashini M., "Synthesis and Optical Properties of Colloidal PbS Nanosheets" (2019).
Photochemical Sciences Ph.D. Dissertations. 107. https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/photo_chem_diss/107


Abstract
When dietary carbohydrate is unavailable, glucose required to support metabolism in vital tissues is generated via gluconeogenesis in the liver. Expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), commonly considered the control point for liver gluconeogenesis, is normally regulated by circulating hormones to match systemic glucose demand. However, this regulation fails in diabetes. Because other molecular and metabolic factors can also influence gluconeogenesis, the explicit role of PEPCK protein content in the control of gluconeogenesis was unclear. In this study, metabolic control of liver gluconeogenesis was quantified in groups of mice with varying PEPCK protein content. Surprisingly, livers with a 90% reduction in PEPCK content showed only a ∼40% reduction in gluconeogenic flux, indicating a lower than expected capacity for PEPCK protein content to control gluconeogenesis. However, PEPCK flux correlated tightly with TCA cycle activity, suggesting that under some conditions in mice, PEPCK expression must coordinate with hepatic energy metabolism to control gluconeogenesis.
Keywords HUMDISEASE ASJC Scopus subject areas Physiology Molecular Biology Cell Biology


By Leah M. Hamilton
Many clients have asked whether they can offer skip-a-payment programs for their consumers with consumer mortgage loans by simply executing a modification to extend the term and noting the month(s) to be skipped. The simple answer is YES! If you offer a skip-a-payment program for any of your customers, consumer or commercial, you may do this by way of a modification or amendment to your current agreement. However, if the loan is secured by a building or mobile home and any personal property securing the loan, then a flood determination is triggered when you extend the term of the loan. If you are keeping the same term and adding the deferred payments to the final payment, the flood determination is not triggered.
Under the flood rules, any time you make, increase, renew or extend a loan where the building, mobile home or personal property securing that loan, you must determine whether or not such collateral is in a flood zone. Institutions may rely on an existing flood determination provided that:
The current flood determination is less than 7 years old; No map changes; and Current flood determination was completed on the then-current flood determination form.
If you rely on a prior determination, it is best practice to make a copy of it, list the three requirements with check marks (provided no changes) indicating you verified each of them, and then date and initial it. Lastly, attach it to the Amendment to the note and place in the file so no one has to later search for it. Alternatively, you may be able to have the current one re-certified at a minimal cost – and again, attach it to the Amendment.
Remember also that an extension is a contractual amendment requiring signatures of both parties (borrower and institution).
This type of modification to solely defer the payments short term and extend the loan term does not trigger any new disclosures, including TRID disclosures.
Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus
The federal financial regulatory agencies and state banking regulators (the “Agencies”) have also issued an interagency statement encouraging financial institutions to work constructively with borrowers affected by COVID-19 and providing additional information regarding loan modifications. The
Agencies encourage financial institutions to work with borrowers and will not criticize institutions for doing so in a safe and sound manner. Additionally, they have stated that they will not automatically categorize loan modifications as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) – reminding reminds institutions that not all modifications of loan terms result in a TDR. The joint statement also provides supervisory views on past-due and nonaccrual regulatory reporting of loan modification programs. Short-term modifications that are made in good faith in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who were current prior to any such relief are not TDRs. Such short-term modifications may include – for example, six (6) months of payment deferrals, waiver of fees, term extensions or other alternative delays in payment that are insignificant.
The agencies view prudent loan modification programs offered to financial institution customers affected by COVID-19 as positive and proactive actions that can manage or mitigate adverse impacts on borrowers, and lead to improved loan performance and reduced credit risk. Regardless of whether modifications are considered TDRs or are adversely classified, agency examiners will not criticize prudent efforts to modify terms on existing loans for affected customers.


The Supreme Court rules that the Forest Service can approve natural gas pipelines crossing the Appalachian Trail.
Despite guidance from the Supreme Court, the future of water regulation remains uncertain.
Congressional intent and clear statutory text promote common-sense enforcement of federal water regulations.
A proposed rule aims to facilitate economic growth at the expense of federal environmental reviews.
EPA’s proposed relaxation of a rule restricting water pollution from coal plants generates controversy.
Certain communities may face disproportionate harms in the wake of natural disasters.
Government leaders must take swift action to mitigate the risks of wildfire disasters.
The judicial system may need to adapt to allow climate change cases to be heard in court.
Democratic primary candidates are competing to define the scale and scope of climate action.
Scholars offer suggestions for how regulation can reduce disparities in exposure to environmental problems.
The lack of regulation on animals’ greenhouse gas emissions opens the door for climate change litigation.
Scholar argues for promotion of environmentally conscious plant-based diets through regulation.


This chapter proceeds as follows. We first present Individual Development Accounts (IDA) and American Dream Demonstration (ADD), review relevant saving theory, and discuss current asset-subsidization policy. We then discuss evidence from ADD on whether the poor can save in IDAs, how IDAs work, where deposits come from, who saves in IDAs, and what IDAs cost. The final section summarizes the main results.


DOI: ABSTRACT
A semiautomated solid-phase immunofluorescence apparatus (FIAX; International Diagnostic Technology, Santa Clara, Calif.) was utilized to develop a rapid method for detection of antibody to Legionella pneumophila. The sera from guinea pigs immunized with a mixture of killed L. pneumophila and Freund complete adjuvant displayed markedly enhanced antibody activity as measured by FIAX when compared with that obtained from adjuvant-injected or unimmunized animals. A correlation was observed between FIAX net fluorescence units and microagglutination titers of serum samples obtained from immunized animals. Within-run and between-run coefficients of variation performed on selected immune serum samples were low. These results demonstrated that the FIAX method could readily and reproducibly detect Legionella-specific antibodies in the sera of actively immunized animals and suggest the possibility of a broader application of FIAX in the serological detection of exposure to L. pneumophila antigen.