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Merging byte by byte
Aaron Huff, CCJ senior editor
A need for capacity has many trucking companies shopping for smaller carriers. Information technology can be a solution, as well as a challenge, when combining companies or assets.
In July 2003, O&S Trucking realized it had some major challenges in the coming months. The Springfield, Mo.-based carrier's annual business planning effort spotlighted several concerns. First, it was apparent that due to trucking failures in recent years, an emerging economic rebound and the January implementation of the new hours-of-service regulations, trucking capacity was getting tighter, says President Jim O'Neal.
Also, O&S Trucking's largest shipper, representing as much as 50 percent of the carrier's business, planned to rebid all existing lanes without giving an edge to incumbents. The carrier risked losing up to 75 percent of the $10 million account at the end of 2003. (Ultimately, O&S Trucking retained most of that business.)
O&S Trucking also identified some opportunities. Many family-owned trucking businesses built after the 1980 deregulation act were facing succession challenges and were ready to consider alternatives. Also, the carrier's food-related freight had dwindled to less than 30 percent. Despite the accessorial headaches, growing that segment of the business would make O&S Trucking's business less vulnerable to economic cycles. But order backlog meant it would be difficult to buy many new refrigerated trailers until late 2004.
"We felt the diversification of our base of business imperative and the timing opportunistic," O'Neal says.
So during the fall of 2003, O&S Trucking negotiated the purchase of three local refrigerated carriers. Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, those deals took the carrier from 320 tractors and 660 trailers to 450 tractors and 780 trailers, including the new O&S Refrigerated division of 200 tractors and 230 trailers. The carrier also eliminated some local competition for both freight and drivers.
Despite the dramatic growth and creation of a new division, O&S Trucking has added only six positions to its administrative staff since this time last year.
"Technology is the biggest single ticket item because of the efficiencies gained with regard to personnel," O'Neal says. "We wouldn't have been able to attempt this without our culture, but technology gives us confidence."
O&S Trucking is hardly alone in judging the time as right for acquisition. As capacity lags behind demand, carriers are increasingly eager to ensure they have the drivers, trucks and trailers to meet customers' needs or to pursue new lines of business. Many potential buyers and sellers are looking at deals more favorably than in recent years when so many carriers were upside down in their equipment valuations, says Gailyn Larsen, a director of Larsen, Batts, Welborn & Co., a mergers and acquisition consulting firm specializing in the truckload industry. The biggest impediment to more deals, Larsen says, is uncertainty over the effects of the hours-of-service regulations. But beyond that, the economic environment for consolidation is positive, he says.
As carriers pursue deals, they usually focus on big worries – financing, liabilities, book of business, equipment condition and so on. Often, trucking executives don't appreciate the role of information technology. IT incompatibility can be a barrier to overcome, but technology can also help to build scale without adding overhead.
Technical due diligence
If a transaction involves more than a simple asset purchase, a signed letter of intent between the parties will trigger a fairly exhaustive due diligence investigation into corporate structure, financing, contracts, litigation, catastrophic accidents, taxes and so on. Information technology issues rarely, if ever, make or break deals and typically receive little priority. But while the attorneys and top executives don't lose sleep over the IT implications of a merger, the acquiring carrier's technical staff should take stock early on of what it will be dealing with.
Indianapolis-based Celadon Group, for example, brings economy of scale to acquisitions by shifting back-office functions, such as accounting and payroll, to the parent company, says Mike Gabbei, vice president of information technology. Celadon acquired certain assets of Burlington Motor Carriers in 2002 and Richmond, Va.-based Highway Express in 2003.
As part of due diligence, Celadon performs a thorough analysis of the seller's information systems. An acquisition team, which includes a representative from the IT department, visits the prospective seller and conducts a thorough analysis of the business. The IT manager
Through a recent acquisition, Summitt Trucking is ahead of schedule in growing from 0 to 200 trucks in two years. The acquired carrier was still in the Dark Ages in terms of technology. "One of the big challenges is to get their employees' and drivers' thought processes in tune with ours," says President David Summitt. Above: A Summitt Trucking employee watches fleet operations in real-time with advanced software and wireless communications.
reviews each of the major functional areas of IT, such as hardware, software, leases, staffing levels and the company's overall direction from an IT perspective, Gabbei says. By converting the acquired company to Celadon's enterprise system, most of these costs are eliminated.
"To really gain efficiencies, you have to be on one enterprise system," Gabbei says. Although the individual technology components of the acquired companies are shut down, in almost all of Celadon's acquisitions, the acquired companies still have the same face-to-face relationships with their customers and drivers, Gabbei says.
Bringing scale
A sound path to profits is to leverage managerial resources to generate more revenue without increasing overhead, and information technology is widely acknowledged as a principal tool. That's why Celadon places such a priority on being able to centralize back-office functions such as billing and payroll for all its holdings.
One way that O&S Trucking was able to use its technology to increase the profitability of its acquired companies was to decrease the ratio of fleet managers to drivers. With software that integrates a mileage/mapping database and mobile communications, one fleet manager at O&S Trucking could effectively manage 45 drivers. But the fleet managers at Stever Trucking – the largest of O&S Trucking's three acquisitions – were managing 25 drivers at the time of the acquisition, O'Neal says.
O&S Trucking uses a Windows-based transportation management system from Show-Me Software Systems, a company O&S Trucking created in the 1990s. The carrier's system integrates with ALK's PC Miler to automate driver routing and mileage calculations and with Qualcomm's OmniTRACS to automate tracking and driver communications.
Another technology that helped O&S Trucking grow with limited increases in overhead is TMI's TripPak Online imaging and workflow solution. After drivers deposit trip envelopes in the drop boxes at truck stops, the envelopes are sent to TMI where documents are scanned and the images linked to O&S Trucking's software through the Internet. Clerks can then process billing documents, as the images are linked to dispatch data. TripPak Online makes it possible for employees at any terminal office to view documents without having to receive and process invoices, O'Neal says.
Anita Christian, chief financial officer of O&S Trucking, says that TripPak Online made it possible to take on 200 more trucks and add only one person in payroll and billing.
Celadon's Gabbei also attests to how Celadon's document imaging system helped bring immediate cost savings to the companies it acquired.
Drivers at Highway Express, for example, now scan in their paperwork at any Highway Express/ Celadon terminal or at 200-plus truck stops with Pegasus TransTech's Transflo imaging system. The scanned paperwork automatically appears at Celadon for payroll, billing and credit/collection purposes. After scanning documents at truck stops or at terminal locations, Highway Express personnel can pull up driver information as though the documents were on site. "All we had to do is communicate to drivers how to do that," Gabbei says.
Trucking company executives can't ignore cultural issues when a large company is acquiring a smaller one, says Jay Robinson, a partner of law firm Scopelitis, Garvin, Light and Hanson specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Changes in pay, benefits and work rules can disrupt the lives of the smaller company's employees, he says. Cultural problems can undermine the premise of the merger. "I have negotiated a number of deals that were driven solely by picking up drivers," Robinson says. But inability to merge cultures can result in a significant loss of drivers, he says.
Indeed, the difficulty of integrating cultures explains why more than 50 percent of M&As never reach maturity, says Andy Ahern, president of Ahern & Associates, a management consulting firm specializing in transportation. Carriers must take into account employees' and drivers' willingness and capacity to change their practices and routines.
"A lot of people think that the drivers are not affected by system changes," says Celadon's Gabbei. "They most definitely are." Simply requiring drivers to enter data into the company's
Using driver scanning stations, such as the one above, Celadon Trucking reduces overhead costs of its acquired companies by centralizing billing and payroll processes.
in-cab messaging units, for example, can cause turnover and dissension in the ranks, he says. "You have to go through a very lengthy communications and training process to ensure you're not disrupting the driver's life. In all cases, you really can't guarantee that."
After taking over Bestway Trucking in 1983, David Summitt grew the business from $600,000 in revenue in 1983 to a $60 million carrier in 1999 and sold the company to the Transit Group. In January 2003, he started his own company, Summitt Trucking, in Clarksville, Ind., with 125 new trucks and a back office equipped with the latest information technologies. Through a recent acquisition of a 20-truck carrier, the company is well underway to reach its two-year business plan of 200 trucks, Summitt says. But the carrier it acquired, Big T. Trucking, could not be more different in terms of technology.
"One of the big challenges is to get their employees' and drivers' thought processes in tune with ours," Summitt says. "We had a look at it in advance and realized it was going to be a problem." Summitt Trucking uses TMW Systems' fleet management software, integrated with Great Plains accounting software. It also uses Qualcomm's OmniTRACS and ALK's PC Miler and Fleet Commander – a visual map of the United States that displays Summitt's trucks and loads.
Summit Trucking plans to display instant data from its fleet management software onto a plasma screen in the office, using TMW's Results Now, a feature that gives operations personnel an instantaneous snapshot of various pre-planned daily and weekly averages compared to real-time information, such as revenue per truck. It also provides exception reports, such as late loads, which operations personnel will see on the plasma screen.
The system "literally gives a report card," and helps fleet managers and dispatchers to set individual goals on a daily or weekly basis, Summitt says. Such technology is a significant leap for the personnel at Big T. Trucking, which was using a paper-based dispatch system.
In addition to the time spent training new employees to use the software, Summitt Trucking is phasing in the Qualcomm system for the new drivers. The conversion will take about 120 days, Summitt says, because he plans to phase out the acquired tractors and replace with new tractors, equipped with in-cab messaging. Summitt is providing drivers with cell phones for the time being.
Need for patience
The business world today expects instant availability of information and data, but that's not always the reality in trucking. A surprisingly large number of carriers still use legacy systems or greatly outdated or oddly customized versions of commercial enterprise systems. Imagine merging an operation based on an AS/400 system with one running a DOS application originally designed for a PC equipped with a 386 processor. No, converting an acquired company to a shared enterprise system may not happen overnight, and some of the anticipated cost savings and competitive advantages of the new entity may be delayed. According to Celadon's Gabbei, training and cutover are some of the biggest issues that slow return on investment, from an IT perspective. "It gets hairy when you switch from one system to another."
Cooperating without merging
A merger or acquisition is not the only way to quickly add capacity and to broaden the customer base. Through affiliate relationships, some carriers are growing without making new capital investments or expanding their overhead.
And by being associated with larger, more financially secure partner, smaller carriers can lower insurance rates, expand freight networks and improve cash flows and buying power.
Florence, Ala.-based USA Motor Express has added significant equipment capacity through affiliate partners. So far, USA Motor Express has entered into three such arrangements, says Leon Balentine, president of the 245-truck carrier. Affiliates operate under USA Motor Express' DOT authority and cargo and liability insurance. USA Motor Express is 100 percent responsible for its affiliates' compliance and safety record.
Affiliates have access to USA Motor Express' available freight by connecting through the Internet to its McLeod LoadMaster software. Each time USA Motor Express hauls a load from its affiliates' customer base, it pays out a 5 percent commission. The company takes a 15 percent commission when it arranges a load for the affiliate, which is usually a backhaul. The software automatically calculates the fees due. The company handles all billing and collections for its affiliates.
"We will take over and do all their back-office functions and bankroll them," Balentine says. "We pay them weekly, instead of them waiting 45 days to get paid." USA Motor Express affiliates handle their own staffing decisions.
Major liquid bulk carrier Quality Distribution operates a similar affiliate program. Because of its size, Quality Distribution brings significant scale in terms of cost savings and revenue opportunities to the affiliate. Affiliates operate under the Quality Distribution's authority and insurance and lease trailers owned by Quality Distribution. They supply their own power units, says Keith Margelowsky, the company's senior vice president.
Affiliates become part of Quality's national network and gain access to nationwide freight contracts.
As part of the agreement, Quality Distribution keeps 15 percent of the affiliate's linehaul revenues. To help manage its dispatch, Quality supplies affiliates with computers and dispatch software from TMW Systems, Margelowsky says. With a real-time dispatch system, affiliates can offer customers new tools, including the ability to check load status online, and the technology they need to get into the big shippers, such as electronic data interchange.
"When you're in the small category, under 100 trucks, there are a lot of things you don't have," Margelowsky says.
Quality Distribution handles all invoicing for its affiliates, reducing administrative overhead and speeding cash flow. Drivers turn their paperwork in at any one of Quality's 150 terminals for immediate scanning or use truck stop scanning at Pilot truck stops and other locations using Pegasus TransTech's Transflo system.
All things considered, affiliate arrangements can give both parties the benefits of a merger or acquisition, such as more capacity and reduced administrative costs, without the cost and risk of a complete takeover. "More and more people are going to this type of arrangement," Balentine says.
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Amsterdam, The Netherlands – February 4, 2019 – Crestron, the global leader in advanced smart home technology, will debut Crestron Home, powered by OS 3, at ISE 2019, 5 – 8 February, in Hall-2, Stand C20. Crestron Home, powered by OS 3, unlocks the full potential of the Crestron smart home. It's the complete package for any sized smart home project: a simpler, smarter user experience on mobile devices and TSW touch screens; remarkably fast deployment for integrators; and the confidence that comes with renowned Crestron hardware.
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David and Staffan Polberger are the founders of Neosupport AB, a company which primarily builds the Calcapp technology platform.
Forget error-prone Excel calculators and build apps instead. Imagine a cloud-based app designer enabling you to create calculator apps with no programming involved. With Calcapp, native apps are created as easily as an Excel sheet.
David completed his master's degree in computer science in 2010. His thesis concerns software components and software modularity with an in-depth look at the industry practices of Ericsson and Sony Ericsson (now Sony Mobile).


This community is often described as a melting pot with its ethnic diversity the area provides a cultural variety second to none. Consistently rated as one of the safest cities in the United States, this is a community filled with friendly neighborhoods and welcoming faces.
Less than an hour's drive from the heart of Pittsburgh you have access to all of the amenities that a large city has to offer.


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Kalmunai is a city found in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. It is located 7.41 latitude and 81.83 longitude and it is situated at elevation 10 meters above sea level.
Kalmunai has a population of 100,171 making it the 2nd biggest city in Eastern Province. It operates on the IHST time zone, which means that it follows the same time zone as Trincomalee.
Country Sri Lanka
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Search Results: 1 - 10 of 131 matches for " Tunde Peto "
Prevalence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Nakuru, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study
Wanjiku Mathenge,Andrew Bastawrous ,Tunde Peto,Irene Leung,Allen Foster,Hannah Kuper
PLOS Medicine , 2013, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001393
Abstract: Background Diseases of the posterior segment of the eye, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), have recently been recognised as the leading or second leading cause of blindness in several African countries. However, prevalence of AMD alone has not been assessed. We hypothesized that AMD is an important cause of visual impairment among elderly people in Nakuru, Kenya, and therefore sought to assess the prevalence and predictors of AMD in a diverse adult Kenyan population. Methods and Findings In a population-based cross-sectional survey in the Nakuru District of Kenya, 100 clusters of 50 people 50 y of age or older were selected by probability-proportional-to-size sampling between 26 January 2007 and 11 November 2008. Households within clusters were selected through compact segment sampling. All participants underwent a standardised interview and comprehensive eye examination, including dilated slit lamp examination by an ophthalmologist and digital retinal photography. Images were graded for the presence and severity of AMD lesions following a modified version of the International Classification and Grading System for Age-Related Maculopathy. Comparison was made between slit lamp biomicroscopy (SLB) and photographic grading. Of 4,381 participants, fundus photographs were gradable for 3,304 persons (75.4%), and SLB was completed for 4,312 (98%). Early and late AMD prevalence were 11.2% and 1.2%, respectively, among participants graded on images. Prevalence of AMD by SLB was 6.7% and 0.7% for early and late AMD, respectively. SLB underdiagnosed AMD relative to photographic grading by a factor of 1.7. After controlling for age, women had a higher prevalence of early AMD than men (odds ratio 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2–1.9). Overall prevalence rose significantly with each decade of age. We estimate that, in Kenya, 283,900 to 362,800 people 50 y and older have early AMD and 25,200 to 50,500 have late AMD, based on population estimates in 2007. Conclusions AMD is an important cause of visual impairment and blindness in Kenya. Greater availability of low vision services and ophthalmologist training in diagnosis and treatment of AMD would be appropriate next steps. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary
Structural and Functional Measures of Efficacy in Response to Bevacizumab Monotherapy in Diabetic Macular Oedema: Exploratory Analyses of the BOLT Study (Report 4)
Sobha Sivaprasad, Roxanne Crosby-Nwaobi, Simona Esposti, Tunde Peto, Ranjan Rajendram, Michel Michaelides, Philip Hykin
Abstract: Background To describe structural and functional changes associated with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) treated with intravitreal bevacizumab over 24 months. Methods A post-hoc analysis of the data of 34 patients that completed 24 months follow-up in the intravitreal bevacizumab arm of a prospective, randomized controlled trial (BOLT study) was performed. The outcome measures previously used in clinical trials of intravitreal ranibizumab in DMO were employed to describe the visual acuity and macular thickness changes at 12 and 24 months. Results The standard outcomes of mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) in participants treated with bevacizumab were comparable to those reported in association with ranibizumab. However, exploratory analyses showed that thick maculae at baseline defined as CMT of ≥400 μm, remained significantly thicker than those <400 μm with intensive bevacizumab therapy, despite a comparable gain in visual acuity at both 12 and 24 months. The proportion of subjects that attained a dry macula doubled in both CMT groups between the 12 and 24-month time-points. Conclusions These findings provide valuable information both for clinical practice and trials. Further studies are required to investigate the impact of intravitreal bevacizumab on retinal thickness profiles in DMO.
Crowdsourcing as a Novel Technique for Retinal Fundus Photography Classification: Analysis of Images in the EPIC Norfolk Cohort on Behalf of the UKBiobank Eye and Vision Consortium
Danny Mitry, Tunde Peto, Shabina Hayat, James E. Morgan, Kay-Tee Khaw, Paul J. Foster
Abstract: Aim Crowdsourcing is the process of outsourcing numerous tasks to many untrained individuals. Our aim was to assess the performance and repeatability of crowdsourcing for the classification of retinal fundus photography. Methods One hundred retinal fundus photograph images with pre-determined disease criteria were selected by experts from a large cohort study. After reading brief instructions and an example classification, we requested that knowledge workers (KWs) from a crowdsourcing platform classified each image as normal or abnormal with grades of severity. Each image was classified 20 times by different KWs. Four study designs were examined to assess the effect of varying incentive and KW experience in classification accuracy. All study designs were conducted twice to examine repeatability. Performance was assessed by comparing the sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results Without restriction on eligible participants, two thousand classifications of 100 images were received in under 24 hours at minimal cost. In trial 1 all study designs had an AUC (95%CI) of 0.701(0.680–0.721) or greater for classification of normal/abnormal. In trial 1, the highest AUC (95%CI) for normal/abnormal classification was 0.757 (0.738–0.776) for KWs with moderate experience. Comparable results were observed in trial 2. In trial 1, between 64–86% of any abnormal image was correctly classified by over half of all KWs. In trial 2, this ranged between 74–97%. Sensitivity was ≥96% for normal versus severely abnormal detections across all trials. Sensitivity for normal versus mildly abnormal varied between 61–79% across trials. Conclusions With minimal training, crowdsourcing represents an accurate, rapid and cost-effective method of retinal image analysis which demonstrates good repeatability. Larger studies with more comprehensive participant training are needed to explore the utility of this compelling technique in large scale medical image analysis.
A Two-phase Decision Support Framework for the Automatic Screening of Digital Fundus Images
Balint Antal,Andras Hajdu,Zsuzsanna Maros-Szabo,Zsolt Torok,Adrienne Csutak,Tunde Peto
Computer Science , 2014, DOI: 10.1016/j.jocs.2012.01.001
Abstract: In this paper we give a brief review on the present status of automated detection systems describe for the screening of diabetic retinopathy. We further detail an enhanced detection procedure that consists of two steps. First, a pre-screening algorithm is considered to classify the input digital fundus images based on the severity of abnormalities. If an image is found to be seriously abnormal, it will not be analysed further with robust lesion detector algorithms. As a further improvement, we introduce a novel feature extraction approach based on clinical observations. The second step of the proposed method detects regions of interest with possible lesions on the images that previously passed the pre-screening step. These regions will serve as input to the specific lesion detectors for detailed analysis. This procedure can increase the computational performance of a screening system. Experimental results show that both two steps of the proposed approach are capable to efficiently exclude a large amount of data from further processing, thus, to decrease the computational burden of the automatic screening system.
Africa and Afrocentric Historicism: A Critique [PDF]
Tunde Adeleke
Advances in Historical Studies (AHS) , 2015, DOI: 10.4236/ahs.2015.43016
Abstract: Since the dawn of slavery in America, black activists have used Africa to construct a countervailing frame of resistance to oppression. Africa had functioned both as the justification for enslavement and racial discrimination for the dominant white society, and as the counter-hegemonic weapon of resistance and empowerment for blacks. Reacting to subordination and marginalization, modern black intellectuals, borrowing from the past, have equally invoked Africa in their quest for a useable and instrumental historical past with which to counteract the Eurocentric constructions of their heritage and experiences. However, the resultant Afrocentric historicist framing of Africa, as well as its racialized and essentialist character, had only replicated precisely the negative shortcomings of the Eurocentric historiography and black intellectuals were attempting to debunk.
Identification of a Potential Susceptibility Locus for Macular Telangiectasia Type 2
Nancy L. Parmalee, Carl Schubert, Maria Figueroa, Alan C. Bird, Tunde Peto, Mark C. Gillies, Paul S. Bernstein, Krzysztof Kiryluk, Joseph D. Terwilliger, Rando Allikmets, for the MacTel Project
Abstract: Macular Telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) is a relatively rare macular disease of adult onset presenting with distortions in the visual field and leading to progressive loss of visual acuity. For the purpose of a gene mapping study, several pedigrees were ascertained with multiple affected family members. Seventeen families with a total of 71 individuals (including 45 affected or possibly affected) were recruited at clinical centers in 7 countries under the auspices of the MacTel Project. The disease inheritance was consistent with autosomal dominant segregation with reduced penetrance. Genome-wide linkage analysis was performed, followed by analysis of recombination breakpoints. Linkage analysis identified a single peak with multi-point LOD score of 3.45 on chromosome 1 at 1q41-42 under a dominant model. Recombination mapping defined a minimal candidate region of 15.6 Mb, from 214.32 (rs1579634; 219.96 cM) to 229.92 Mb (rs7542797; 235.07 cM), encompassing the 1q41-42 linkage peak. Sanger sequencing of the top 14 positional candidates genes under the linkage peak revealed no causal variants in these pedigrees.
Retinal Arterioles Narrow with Increasing Duration of Anti-Retroviral Therapy in HIV Infection: A Novel Estimator of Vascular Risk in HIV?
Sophia Pathai, Helen A. Weiss, Stephen D. Lawn, Tunde Peto, Leris M. D'Costa, Colin Cook, Tien Y. Wong, Clare E. Gilbert
Abstract: Objectives HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of age-related morbidity mediated by immune dysfunction, atherosclerosis and inflammation. Changes in retinal vessel calibre may reflect cumulative structural damage arising from these mechanisms. The relationship of retinal vessel calibre with clinical and demographic characteristics was investigated in a population of HIV-infected individuals in South Africa. Methods Case-control study of 491 adults ≥30 years, composed of 242 HIV-infected adults and 249 age- and gender-matched HIV-negative controls. Retinal vessel calibre was measured using computer-assisted techniques to determine mean arteriolar and venular diameters of each eye. Results The median age was 40 years (IQR: 35–48 years). Among HIV-infected adults, 87.1% were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (median duration, 58 months), their median CD4 count was 468 cells/μL, and 84.3% had undetectable plasma viral load. Unadjusted mean retinal arteriolar diameters were 163.67±17.69 μm in cases and 161.34±17.38 μm in controls (p = 0.15). Unadjusted mean venular diameters were 267.77±18.21 μm in cases and 270.81±18.98 μm in controls (p = 0.07). Age modified the effect of retinal arteriolar and venular diameters in relation to HIV status, with a tendency towards narrower retinal diameters in HIV cases but not in controls. Among cases, retinal arteriolar diameters narrowed with increasing duration of HAART, independently of age (167.83 μm <3 years of HAART vs. 158.89 μm >6 years, p-trend = 0.02), and with a HIV viral load >10,000 copies/mL while on HAART (p = 0.05). HIV-related venular changes were not detected. Conclusions Narrowing of retinal arteriolar diameters is associated with HAART duration and viral load, and may reflect heightened inflammatory and pro-atherogenic states of the systemic vasculature. Measurement of retinal vascular calibre could be an innovative non-invasive method of estimating vascular risk in HIV-infected individuals.
The Reading of Components of Diabetic Retinopathy: An Evolutionary Approach for Filtering Normal Digital Fundus Imaging in Screening and Population Based Studies
Hongying Lilian Tang, Jonathan Goh, Tunde Peto, Bingo Wing-Kuen Ling, Lutfiah Ismail Al turk, Yin Hu, Su Wang, George Michael Saleh
Abstract: In any diabetic retinopathy screening program, about two-thirds of patients have no retinopathy. However, on average, it takes a human expert about one and a half times longer to decide an image is normal than to recognize an abnormal case with obvious features. In this work, we present an automated system for filtering out normal cases to facilitate a more effective use of grading time. The key aim with any such tool is to achieve high sensitivity and specificity to ensure patients' safety and service efficiency. There are many challenges to overcome, given the variation of images and characteristics to identify. The system combines computed evidence obtained from various processing stages, including segmentation of candidate regions, classification and contextual analysis through Hidden Markov Models. Furthermore, evolutionary algorithms are employed to optimize the Hidden Markov Models, feature selection and heterogeneous ensemble classifiers. In order to evaluate its capability of identifying normal images across diverse populations, a population-oriented study was undertaken comparing the software's output to grading by humans. In addition, population based studies collect large numbers of images on subjects expected to have no abnormality. These studies expect timely and cost-effective grading. Altogether 9954 previously unseen images taken from various populations were tested. All test images were masked so the automated system had not been exposed to them before. This system was trained using image subregions taken from about 400 sample images. Sensitivities of 92.2% and specificities of 90.4% were achieved varying between populations and population clusters. Of all images the automated system decided to be normal, 98.2% were true normal when compared to the manual grading results. These results demonstrate scalability and strong potential of such an integrated computational intelligence system as an effective tool to assist a grading service.
Competitiveness of Togolese Banking Sector [PDF]
Tunde Ahmed Afolabi
Theoretical Economics Letters (TEL) , 2018, DOI: 10.4236/tel.2018.811161
Abstract: Development of a country depends on its economic growth which depends also on several factors which can be both micro and macroeconomic. The financial sector is the lung of the economy; more exactly the banking sector contributes in a non negligible part to this growth. The competitiveness, effectiveness and efficiency of banking sector make it reliable to the economy. Unfortunately, evidences have shown that most Sub-Saharan countries don't rely much on their financial sector, mainly due to challenges they face. This paper aims to analyze the competitiveness and the driving factors in Togolese banking sector with macroeconomic development using Structure-Conduct and Performance (SCP) framework and regression models. The research covers a period of sixteen years (from 2000 to 2015), with ten banks. This research proxies the asset in a panel A and profit in a panel B for the bank's competitiveness. The results are of panel regressions with fixed effects and robust standard errors. Considering the Panel A, the variables Inter-Banks loans, customers loans, Inter-Banks Debts, Customers Debts are the driving factor of the competitiveness. However, the size of the bank proxied by profit has no impact on the competitiveness. The result suggests that the reform which has started since 1990 should be completed; there should be organizational and financial restructuring.
Biodiesel for Sustainable Energy Provision in Developing Countries [PDF]
Moses Tunde Oladiran, Jerekias Gandure
Low Carbon Economy (LCE) , 2011, DOI: 10.4236/lce.2011.23017
Abstract: Consumption of fossil fuel resources has been growing over the years and it is the kernel of economic development. However combustion which takes place principally in automobiles, power generation and industrial plants produces greenhouse gases (GHG) that are harmful to the environment. The release of GHG such as carbon dioxide is contributing to global warming. Biofuels can lower carbon footprint, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and increase energy security. Integrating biofuels into the national energy mix also has good socio-economic and sustainability potential. Therefore this paper discusses factors for successful diffusion of biodiesel technology in developing economies.


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Peavey Plaza
www.coenpartners.com
Today, Peavey Plaza stands as a new benchmark for rehabilitating historic sites, as recognized by The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF). We were able to preserve the character of downtown Minneapolis' "living room" while addressing issues of inclusivity and accessibility. But only a few years ago, the project's time had nearly run out. The iconic brutalist cascading fountains of Peavey Plaza had run dry for years, and it was slated for demolition. Its underlying infrastructure had fallen into disrepair, and the site did not meet current accessibility standards. This visionary landscape was saved from demolition by a last-minute lawsuit brought by TCLF.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the bold vision of two landscape architects paired seamlessly with the City of Minneapolis' goal to create a thriving, iconic downtown. The groundbreaking work of Lawrence Halprin established Nicollet Mall—a 12-block bustling pedestrian corridor completed in 1967. Nicollet Mall set the stage for the abutting site that would become Peavey Plaza. Landscape architect M. Paul Friedberg, a contemporary of Halprin, conceived Peavey Plaza as the "living room" of downtown Minneapolis. Completed in 1975, the iconic sunken plaza balanced the tranquility of a central reflecting pool with a cascading concrete fountain and active programming that filled the plaza throughout the year.
The visionary impact of modernists such as Friedberg is easy to miss. Simply put: Peavey Plaza, by virtue of being sunken, creates an oasis that obscures the distraction of street-level activity. The fountains' running water creates an acoustical screen that further blocks out the hum of the city. All that remains is an abstraction of the city: the view of buildings stretching into the sky. That such a respite from city life can be created with such simple gestures, materials, and plantings is the true genius of Peavey Plaza.
Restoring the plaza to its original splendor while resolving issues of universal access and infrastructure challenges was a tall order. The most crucial aspect of a historic preservation project is to preserve the "character defining features" of the project. Determining these features is more art than science: a mix of analyzing the original design, any subsequent work or repairs, and considering public perception over the project's life.
The canisters that sit atop the cascading fountains had aged to a hazy bronze but we discovered that the material was actually stainless steel, which we were able to carefully restore. We were also able to restore the original hardwood furniture—which had been painted over many times. Likewise, we were able to restore existing light fixtures and to fabricate exact replicas to replace removed fixtures.
The existing materials and lines also provided guidance for all new design interventions that improve sustainability and enhance access—creating a dynamic balance of tranquility and activation that reawakens Friedberg's original design intent and vision.
We raised the basin of the sunken plaza from 10" to ¼" to enhance accessibility, strengthen the plaza's flexibility, and create a more welcoming and vibrant public realm. Some members of the historic preservation community believed that this would disturb the character-defining feel of the original reflecting pool. Through technical studies, coordination, prototyping, and consensus-building, we determined that the serene quality of the water feature could be maintained and even enhanced while also addressing the client and design teams goals for accessibility, and water conservation.
Raising the basin reduced the total volume required to run the scrim and fountains from 62,000 gallons to 14,000 gallons. Previously, the basin took days to fill, and all water drained to the sewer. Now, the basin can fill in 15 minutes and drain in an hour—enabling the basin to transition from a daytime reflecting pool to a flexible programmed plaza in the evening.
New entrance ramps are placed in areas that had failing non-historic CMU walls. This new entrance from Nicollet Mall is comprised of 4% sloped walkways connecting existing terraces, therefore increasing accessibility to the intimate areas across multiple levels. The sloping walkways do compete with the horizontal lines found throughout the plaza, so a series of board-formed concrete walls were designed to hide the angled walkways behind the new horizontal walls.
It was an honor to see and feel the genius of Paul Friedberg and to navigate the political, historic, and public process in order to revitalize and protect this historic project for future generations of users. Our goal from the outset was to create an inclusive project while striving for our work to be "invisible". By carefully emulating the spirit of Friedberg though the nuances of details and materials and horizontal planes, it is difficult to tell where the new design begins and original ends. That, to us, is a successful historic preservation.
Project location: 1101 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Entrant name: Coen+Partners
Award category: 2022 Public Landscape
Location: Minnesota USA
more by Coen+Partners
Mt Curve
Lake Marion Private Retreat


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Prince Harry Dances to Rap Performance as He Meets Children at Youth Project
By Omid Scobie
Prince Harry proved why he's the royal favorite among children when he showed off his dancing skills during a rap lyric writing class on Wednesday, February 1.
The philanthropic heir, 32, joined school kids in Nottingham, England, where he returned to see the progress made by two youth projects — the Coach Core and Full Effect programs.
Britain's Prince Harry (right) speaks to pupils at a lyrical writing class during a visit to the Full Effect and Coach Core programs, two projects supported by the Royal Foundation that work to improve opportunities for young people, at Nottingham Academy, Nottingham, England, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. AP Photo/Rui Vieira, Pool)
Prince Harry Is 'Not a Fan' of President Donald Trump
Dressed casually in a gray blazer and navy chinos, the fifth in line enjoyed a performance by local youth at the Nottingham Academy. He even offered tips on rapping before bumping fists with pupil Newton Mwaniki, one of the children involved in Full Effect, an organization that helps stop children and teenagers getting involved with youth violence and gangs.
He then moved on to watch a kickboxing training session run by child development worker Chantelle and Full Effect mentor Cain, who struggled with homelessness but gained employment through the scheme. "Impressive moves!" Harry commented to the children.
Prince William and Prince Harry Commission Statue of Princess Diana to Commemorate 20th Anniversary of Her Death
Wednesday's visit saw Harry return to Nottingham after last visiting in October 2016 and allowed him to see the difference made by a new drive to mentor high school students. Speaking at the event, he praised the program for "[inspiring] younger kids within the community, young people who in turn would inspire others through sport." He also urged them not to "forget their roots."
Britain's Prince Harry attends a lyrical writing class during a visit to the Full Effect and Coach Core programs, two projects supported by The Royal Foundation that work to improve opportunities for young people, at Nottingham Academy, Nottingham, England, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. AP Photo/Rui Vieira, Pool
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge's Royal Life in Photos
Scores of people crowded to catch a glimpse of the prince, who made time to greet as many people as he could before starting the day's work. Kensington Palace even tweeted a thank-you note to the "friendly people of Nottingham for the wonderful welcome for Prince Harry today."
He also attended a Coach Core graduation ceremony, which included many of the teens he met during his last visit. The sports-based program — which is in its fifth year and run by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry's Royal Foundation — supports 16-to-24-year-olds, helping train them to become sports coaches and get jobs. It's set to be in 10 British cities by the end of spring this year.


Drew is a 25 year veteran mixer. His Garden Studio relies heavily on an SSL AWS & a remarkable collection of analog outboard that brings a modern digital approach that competes in today's musical landscape while creating sonic color & dynamic range.
Hi my name is Alexander Luebbe and i am a music producer and engineer at my company Glade Media based in Hamburg, Germany.


text:
Dorcadion tibiale är en skalbaggsart som först beskrevs av Jakovlev 1890.  Dorcadion tibiale ingår i släktet Dorcadion och familjen långhorningar. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Långhorningar
tibiale

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


I need to turn off (hide) certain fields in a file geodatabase if, while editing, a particular value is entered in a particular field.
So, if (while in an edit session), Field1 is set to "true", then, turn off Field2, Field3 and Field4. If Field1 is set back to "false", then turn those fields back on an turn off some other fields.
I have not found some python script to get me going and am hoping someone in the forum can assist.


Korea-based craftsman Hana Jang uses a mix of pencil and computerized painting to make these sweet details.
The significant accumulation seems to inform a story of youthful adoration, blamelessness, and bad luck where the fundamental topic, a solitary female character, encounters an association with a complicated male figure made out of gold bubbles. The perfectly basic line drawings pass on a charming energy that streams from the craftsman's pencil and into her unforeseeable stories. Jang makes use of a dim dark structure from which textured reds and gold's appear to bounce off of the page. Direct titles like Goodnight, Minute, or Hug leave much space for translation and Jang invites viewers to concoct a vast array of ingenious enthusiastic stories about the bliss, distress, depression, and sadness that exudes from each wistful structure.
So start checking out sweet drawings now.
If you are browsing for young love sweet love, you have come on the perfect web page.


 Can exercise help with menopausal depression?
Can exercise help with menopausal depression?
I used to hate exercise, but gradually go into it once I'd passed my 50th birthday - I knew I needed to get fitter and keep a grip on my weight.
Gradually though, exercise got a grip on me. It simply makes me feel better, body and mind, and the science backs it up. It's been shown that exercise can help to relieve mild to moderate depression as effectively as an antidepressant. And it has loads of other health benefits, giving you stronger bones, a healthier heart and, of course, helping you avoid menopausal weight gain.
Top of my list of 'things to do when you're feeling blue' is this: 'get out of doors and get active'. It really works, so if you have a lurking sense of depression, read more about exercise and depression and make up your mind to get more exercise into your life, starting today.


Hello Guys, Here is good news for all the candidates who are pursuing Polytechnic and Diploma Courses 2nd 4th 6th Semester under the Haryana State Board of Technical Education. The Exam Application Form has been completed by the organization few days before. Now this time the organizations are under process to planning and Making their HSBTE Diploma Time Table 2019 for the Odd SEM Examination.
All the candidates are informed that the huge number of candidates applied in Diploma Courses under the Haryana State Board of Technical Education. Now this time all the candidates are looking HSBTE Polytechnic Date Sheet 2019 here and there through internet. Because some time lefts for the Odd semester examination. We are suggested all the candidates are the examination authority conducted the examination twice type in a year such odd and Even Sem.
This Time Haryana Technical Education board is going to conduct the odd Semester Examination In the month of April 2019. And it will be announced the HSBTE Even SEM Exam Date Sheet 2019 on the official web site before one month of exam. So all the candidates keep some wait regarding date sheet and start their exam preparation. Applicant stays and connected with us and our web page regarding latest updates.
As per latest news, the Haryana State Board of Technical Education will release Soon the HSBTE Date Sheet 2019 for Polytechnic and Diploma Course. The HSBTE Organize Winter Semester Examination in the month of April. Now Haryana State Board of Technical Education Department will Publish date sheet for Even Sem such as 2nd 4th 6th Sem Exam in the month of 2019 on the official web site. Those who are waiting their HSBTE Exam Time Table 2019 they can able to download date sheet through official web portal or as given mention links. after download all the candidates start their exam preparation. Here we are provided some simple step or link as given below mention you can use it.
Now Choose and Select the link of Pdf.


It appears that IP protocol 1 includes all types. Are there any ACL types that allow specific ICMP type packets to be denied or permitted?
netservice svc-icmp 1 This allows all types of ICMP messages.
ICMP uses the basic support of IP as if it were a higher level protocol, however, ICMP is actually an integral part of IP. Although ICMP messages are contained within standard IP packets, ICMP messages are usually processed as a special case, distinguished from normal IP processing. In many cases, it is necessary to inspect the contents of the ICMP message and deliver the appropriate error message to the application responsible for transmission of the IP packet that prompted the sending of the ICMP message.
For the solution, you'll need to firstly examine the contents of ICMP message. Then, appropriate error message has to be delivered to the application that is responsible for transmission. Transmission here refers to the transmission of IP packet for delivering the ICMP message.
The manual for tcpdump shows how to use tcpdump expressions and primitives to build traffic capturing filters based on protocol field values, like specific icmp type and specific icmp code and specific source host. Tcpdump also offers a way to filter packets with specified value in a specific protocol byte number, ie: we know icmp header first byte is icmp type and second byte is the icmp code so tcpdump allows to either use builtin primitives like "icmptype" and "icmpcode" or protocol byte number like "icmp" and "icmp".
Some offsets and field values may be expressed as names rather than as numeric values. The following protocol header field offsets are avail- able: icmptype (ICMP type field), icmpcode (ICMP code field), and tcpflags (TCP flags field).
Thanks to every person commenting in this forum.ICMP uses the basic support of IP as if it were a higher level protocol, however, ICMP is actually an integral part of IP but this is difficult to understand.


text:
La clé articulaire est une technique de combat consistant à amener l'articulation d'un adversaire au maximum de son amplitude afin de le forcer à l'abandon ou le neutraliser. On peut distinguer les clés par la direction de la force exercée sur l'articulation :
 flexion ;
 extension ou hyperextension ;
 torsion.

Ces techniques sont pratiquées dans de nombreux arts martiaux, sports de combat, méthodes de défense personnelle et systèmes de combat militaire. Elles peuvent être par exemple utilisées par les forces de sécurité pour maîtriser une personne, tout en réduisant le risque de blessure.
La manipulation de l'articulation entraîne une douleur progressive en fonction de la force appliquée, mais si elle est réalisée trop violemment, peut entraîner diverses lésions sur les muscles, les tendons, les ligaments et entraîner une entorse, une luxation voire une fracture.

Les clés peuvent être utilisées pour soumettre l'adversaire, mais aussi pour projeter l'adversaire au sol. Dans ce cas, l'attaquant utilise la douleur provoquée par la clé pour forcer l'adversaire à se jeter au sol.

Les clés peuvent être classées en fonction de la partie du corps qui est visée :
 Les clés de bras visent les articulations de l'épaule et du coude.
 Les clés de jambe ciblent le genou.
 Il existe aussi des clés de cheville, de poignet, voire de doigts.
 Les clés de cou s'attaquent, elles, aux vertèbres cervicales.

Types de clés

Clé de bras en hyperextension
La clé de bras en hyperextension, souvent simplement nommée clé de bras,  ou  en anglais,  voire  en japonais, est une technique plaçant l'articulation du coude en limite d'étirement. Elle est typiquement exécutée en se positionnant perpendiculairement à son adversaire, les deux combattants dos au sol. Le bras de celui qui subit la prise est alors situé entre les jambes de l'attaquant, le coude devant le bassin utilisé comme premier point de levier. Le second point du levier est réalisé en appuyant la main de l'adversaire vers le bas.

La prise peut aussi être exécutée depuis une position de garde, ou même en clé de bras à la volée depuis la position debout ou .
Elle peut aussi être utilisée en combinaison avec un étranglement en triangle sur le bras emprisonné. La prise est alors désignée comme  voire  au judo.

Clé d'épaule en torsion
Les clés d'épaule en torsion sont des techniques ou l'assaillant applique un moment de rotation sur l'épaule adverse pour le forcer à l'abandon.

Lorsque le bras de celui qui subit la technique est plié de manière plus ou moins perpendiculaire, paume de sa main vers le haut du corps et vers l'avant, l'attaquant attrape le poignet d'une main. Puis en glissant son autre bras sous le biceps du bras piégé, il connecte son autre main à son propre poignet. La main du bras qui subit reste maintenu au sol tandis que le coude est ramené le long du corps et soulevé par le bras du dessous pour exercer une importante pression sur l'épaule.
La technique est nommée americana ou  en anglais et  en japonais.

De manière analogue, la prise peut être réalisée lorsque le bras de celui qui la subit est plié main vers le  bas du corps. On retrouve cette technique sous le nom de kimura,  inversé ou . L'appellation kimura fait référence à un combat défi proposé par Hélio Gracie à Masahiko Kimura afin de prouver que la supériorité de sa méthode de jiu-jitsu développé au Brésil, devenue plus tard jiu-jitsu brésilien. À cette occasion, c'est pourtant Kimura qui domine le Brésilien et finit par le soumettre en utilisant cette clé d'épaule.

La clé peut aussi être réalisée avec les jambes et se nomme alors omoplata.

Clé de genou en hyperextension

La clé de genou en hyperextension,  en anglais ou  en japonais, repose sur le même principe que la clé de bras mais s'exerce sur le genou. L'exécutant coince la jambe de son adversaire entre ses jambes et la bloque avec ses bras de façon que la rotule de la personne subissant la technique soit pointée vers le corps de celui qui l'applique. Ce dernier applique ensuite une pression avec ses hanches forçant la jambe de l'adversaire à se tendre, et causant une hyperextension de l'articulation du genou.

Une variante de cette technique est accomplie de façon analogue en tenant la jambe avec les mains. L'exécutant coince le pied de son adversaire derrière une aisselle et applique la pression en utilisant la partie supérieure de son corps tout comme ses hanches, décuplant la pression au niveau du genou, et ainsi rendant le dégagement beaucoup plus difficile.

Clé de genou en rotation
La clé de genou en rotation, appelée aussi clé de talon ou , est une clé où l'assaillant bloque la pointe du pied adverse et donne un mouvement de rotation au talon faisant tourner le tibia. Le mouvement se transmet au genou et met en contrainte les ligaments de l'articulation. La clé est considérée comme dangereuse
et la technique est ainsi souvent interdite en compétitions, comme en jiu-jitsu brésilien, ou réservées uniquement aux pratiquants expérimentées.

Clé de cheville dans l'axe
La clé de cheville dans l'axe (straight ankle lock), est une clé où l'assaillant, qui enserre sous son aisselle le pied de l'adversaire, va pencher son buste en arrière pour exercer une force sur la cheville. Cette clé est autorisée en ju jitsu brésilien à tout niveau, mais c'est en grappling que cette clé est la plus efficace puisque celui qui subit ne peut pas attraper le kimono adverse pour l'empêcher de partir en arrière.

Clé de cheville en torsion
La clé de cheville en torsion (toe hold) est  une clé ou l'assaillant attrape la cheville adverse en contrôle kimura pour lui donner une rotation. Cette clé a beau être efficace, les combattants l'effectuent souvent quand la clé de genou en hyperextension a échoué car cette dernière est plus compliquée à contrer.

Notes et références

Voir aussi

Articles connexes
 Grappling
 Chin Na
 Étranglement

Technique de combat
Maintien de l'ordre


As Interest Rates Rise….how Does it Impact Torrance Home Buyers?
Many prospective home buyers are concerned with rising interest rates. While the Torrance interest rates in 2018 are still historically very low, the concern is justified. Higher interest rates mean reduced buying power. With every slight rise in interest rates, the monthly payment increases reducing the price of a home that a buyer can qualify for. See the chart below for an idea of how different interest rates impact monthly payment and what a buyer's income needs to be to qualify.


November 26 - The application process for four positions on the USA Fencing's Board of Directors has opened with the Nominating Committee currently seeking candidates for two At-Large director positions and a single position for Elite Coach director and Age-Group Parent director.
The roles have become available following USA Fencing bylaws which state that each of these positions be held for a maximum two year term – although members can serve for an indefinite number of terms - with elections being held on even years - At-Large directors, of which there are four, have two sets of elections, one on even years and one on odd years.
The deadline for applicants is December 23 2014 with successful candidates commencing their two year terms on September 1, 2014, upon the conclusion of the previous member's tenure.
Currently holding the roles of At-Large directors are David Blake and Jerry Benson.
Blake is the founder, owner and coach of Prise de Fer Fencing Club in North Billerica and has held positions on the board since 2008.
Benson has been an active member of USA Fencing for over 30 years and has founded five fencing clubs in Oklahoma including the Redlands Fencing Centre in Oklahoma City.
The Age Group Parent director and Elite Coach director roles are held by Kirtsen Crouse and Wes Glon respectively.
All prospective candidates must be current voting members of USA Fencing in "good standing" with members able to nominate themselves or another individual they feel is suitable for the position.
Age Group Parent director candidates must also, at the time of selection, be the parent or guardian of a youth, cadet, junior or under-23 fencer and shall have demonstrated sustained dedication to the sport of fencing.
"A - Been identified as his or her primary coach by no fewer than two athletes who stand in the (1) top 24 on the senior point list; (2) top 16 of the junior point list; or (3) top eight of the cadet point list at the conclusion of the USA Fencing National Championships of the most elite level for the year of selection of the Elite Coach Director or for the prior year."
"B - Been identified as his or her primary coach by an athlete selected to a United States Olympic fencing team, a United States Open World Fencing Championship team or a Pan American Games fencing team within the preceding 10 years."


Stop trading time for money! Still working from 9 to 5? Take another look at your life!
With online tools many tasks can be automated and saves you a lot of time. Precious time to do the things you really passionate about. Work towards freedom! Think smart and different !
Imagine that you can work from anywhere in the world as long as you have a laptop and internet! Work and travel. At the beach club, at home, during a (very) long weekend with friends. It's all in your laptop.
We all make choices in life. Is freedom a wealthy thought to you? Being able to spent time with family and friends is really worth a lot. Wealth is more than just the money ! Commit yourself to be successful. Make it happen and start the journey.
In this transforming world you'll notice the shift from traditional 9 to 5 work to more digitalization . Online platforms will give you a true opportunity to master the marketing skills and reach the world. Your laptop is the key to enter the online market of millions of people. This market is growing massively.Make the shift..it's all at your fingertips!
Menno Reyenga | Online marketing entrepreneur.
My life has been good for me. Somehow I managed to do what I like to do. I chose to be a freelancer many years ago to work whenever I wanted and have some freedom. Working in an big organization wasn't fulfilling. Sports was indeed so I decided to follow my heart and coach other people to do what they like.
To get inspired I was surfing the internet. Traveling, setting goals, self development, online opportunities… and here started my journey to reach my goals. I am able to combine family, sports and an online business. A franchise in online marketing in a digital world full of opportunities. The growth of this digital marketplace is growing rapidly. Besides that and even more important is learning new skills, help other people in the same journey and striving for my goals in life.
Watch these video's. They'll change your life. remember this moment 😉 enjoy.
If you decide to develop yourself, meet the mentors, coaches and start to discover.
There is a massive Online Academy where you can learn skills of online marketing.
and earn some money. It's all about being enthusiastic about a product, online.
If you have a existing product or service use the education 'online marketing' tools and learn how to attract new customers.
As an Affiliate you are able to get commissions be referring to other products or companies.
During your journey in in Online Marketing you'll get the skills to help other businesses. You know how te get new customers in.


Okay let's do this!! I am going to show you how I make ALL my decisions about groceries and give you all my tips! Yall grocery shopping is hard, every time this runs through my mind I remind myself of what the poor women who didn't have grocery stores or amazon had to work through. If they could feed their families... we can feed our families.
In other news you straight up owe me (and one of my wonderful friends) for all the stares and awkwardness at the store.... kidding. But seriously why do people stare so much?? And yes I do pretty much always have a sparking water with me.
I don't go to the store anymore. It is just something that I don't want to spend my time doing. I can't believe I am going to say this, but I would gladly give my plantain chips up to cover the cost. It costs me around $10 more a week to make a curbside service happen, and it is worth it to me. Heck, I spend that on snacks to keep the kids entertained in the cart.
I am just going to tell y'all - I spend $150 a week on groceries. I am a food blogger (so it should be a little more), but everything I make for the blog we eat. We eat probably 70% organic produce, 90% organic meats, and I don't buy eggs much (we have chickens).
Knowing where to cut the budget and what to buy organic is tough. Sometimes you can't do it all, sometimes you can do it all. I get it. Here is how I prioritize what to buy organic. I will be honest though. I buy all the things on this list organic.
How I think of it... what are my kids eating the most (everyday) and what are the "dirtiest" products. If their is something on this list they don't eat a ton of ... skip it.
Milk and butter - if you are buying conventional cow's milk buying it organic should be number one. This is where a lot of children are getting their fat from. Look for Kerrygold butter. Read this article to get some alternatives to cow's milk.
Eggs - if I said it once... eggs have SOOOO much of the nutrients your little ones need. The conventional stuff just doesn't have those nutrients. Why? Because the chicken's diet is no were near what they would eat in the wild, so the eggs they make have very little nutrients.
Processed meats - yall these are full of all kinds of filers, MSG, nitrates, hormones, and antibiotics. It is a breeding ground for toxins. Get the good stuff immediately cut tons of crap out of your diet.
Meat counter meat - These are full of all the good fats and iron your baby needs to grow. Same as the eggs. These animals just are NOT fed food they need to produce healthy meat for us.
Dirty dozen list of produce - get the clean produce to avoid all kinds of chemicals and pesticides, and get more nutrient dense foods.
If you eat the skin or it doesn't have skin buy it organic.
Don't worry about buying hard skin items, like squash, organic.
Buy produce already cut up so you can get it on the table quickly.
This recipe is: paleo, Whole30, gluten free, dairy free, egg free, and a quick dinner.
This recipe is: paleo, Whole30, gluten free, dairy free, one pan, and simple.
Think about it... how long does cooked meat last in your fridge? They have to do a lot of food magic to get these meats to last on the shelf for you.
Look at the labels and talk to your meat counter workers. Once you do the work to find a good product you won't have to do it again.
Read the labels! They aren't always truthful on the packaging front.
Alternatives would be to buy a pound of ground beef. Cook it once and eat off it for lunch all week long. Also, look at the meat counter for sausages. These are fresher meats most of the time made in store. Therefore a lot of the fillers and preservatives can be avoided.
Nitrates will appear on the label as "sodium nitrates"
Lunch Meat - Good: nitrate free. Better: natural and nitrate free. Best: organic meat and nitrate free.
Ground Beef - Good: natural. Better: organic. Best: grass fed.
Chicken: - Good: natural. Better: organic. Best: free range.
All natural - this term isn't regulated and is hard to define. I would disregard as a pro or a con.
Farm fresh - this term has literally no definition attached to it. It means nothing.
No hormones and/or no antibiotics- this is a funny one. Laying chickens are pretty much never given hormones or antibiotics. Paying more for this term is a waste of your money.
Cage free - means what it sounds like, they don't live in a cage. They are usually living in very large aviaries, with lots of other birds.
Free range - like cage free, but must have access to outdoors for an undefined amount of time each day. This could be a wide range of time they have access to their natural habitat.
Organic - eggs that come from chickens that are free-range, fed organic feed, and receive no hormones or antibiotics. These farmers are regulated by the FDA.
Pasture raised - chickens spend most of their life outdoors, with a fair amount of space plus access to a barn. Many are able to eat a diet of worms, insects and grass, along with corn feed (which may or may not be organic).


LA PILARETA (or BAR PILAR): an old cafe with a specialty: the valencian "clochinas" (=mussels) I love them!
"El Saler" is a nice beach with a tiny village with some restaurant terraces.
A little more further south, is the wildest beach of Valencia called "La Devesa" (my favorite).