text:
MAP Protocol
Why to JOIN the MarcoPolo Protocol
I guess we've all encountered the name of Marco Polo at certain stage of our life. For me, I learned about Marco Polo from my grade school teacher and I was told he was one of the greatest explorers in history, who bridged the sheer ignorance of another culture between eastern world and Europe. He did not discover another New World like Christopher Columbus did but built unprecedented connections across continents. I gathered that might be the reason MarcoPolo Protocol named itself.
MarcoPolo Project was initiated in the end of year 2018 with a group of brilliant researchers, engineers and developers from renowned universities and other blockchain projects. It defines itself as a new type of peer-to-peer electronic cash system and aims at building an infrastructure that provides interoperability and scalability for all public chains. Therefore, in such case the importance of an exceedingly high TPS cannot be exaggerated more. In order to make the cryptocurrencies largely free themselves from centralized mechanisms for monetary exchanges and operations in the future, a TPS above million is the minimum requirement. As the global economy continually grows, the efficiency of e-cash systems will face more and more challenges.
The first generation public chain, which represented by bitcoin, was a great innovation that brought the first cryptocurrency into the historical stage. The decentralized financial system of bitcoin is fairly safe because its consensus algorithm -proof of work- protects the blockchain network against different attacks. However, even though the mining requires expensive computer hardware that consumes a large amount of power, the transaction per second can only achieve as low as 10. The appearance of Ethereum, a new blockchain-based distributed computing platform, marked the rise of the second-generation public chain with scripting functionality called smart contract. The use of smart contracts can remove the need for intermediaries, reducing operational costs significantly. Since developers could create and publish applications (DApps) on Ethereum blockchain, Ethereum greatly contributes to the scalability of blockchain network. Nevertheless, in terms of transaction speed, it only improves TPS to 30. The number still not meets the expectation.
MarcoPolo Protocol intends to solve the problem and increase the TPS immensely in order to realize the use of cryptocurrencies in real-life scenarios. It is a multi-chain architecture that natively supports multiple assets. It consists of one standardchain, a set of synerchains, and a set of interactchains. The standardchain is responsible for achieving cross-chain consensus and transaction distribution to synerchains. Synerchain, an independent blockchain with its own consensus protocol and State Transition Function (STF), interacts with the standardchain through Message Transport Protocol (MTP). Interactchain enables MarcoPolo to interoperate with other public chains through Blockchain Remote Procedure Call (BRPC) to achieve resource sharing.
Basic modular structure of MarcoPolo Protocol
MarcoPolo's inter-chain interactions comply with MTP and BRPC protocols to transfer information and assets from one chain to another. It utilizes multi-chain resource sharing technology to distribute transactions to target chains. The target chains, composed of all third-party public chains, are connected to MarcoPolo network by corresponding interactive chains to process transactions simultaneously. Therefore, such operation can significantly improve the TPS of MarcoPolo main network.
The more I get to know MarcoPolo Protocol, the more I find its name intriguing. Among the new generation of public chains and inspired by its great predecessors and companions, MarcoPolo Protocol wishes to build the infrastructure that serves the entire blockchain world and to connect one public chains with another, just like the Italian explorer had achieved. Furthermore, as we all know "Book of the Marvels of the World" cannot be written by just one person by imagination. The ups and downs of the story were based on the experience and interactions with other people and culture along the way. MarcoPolo Protocol, like most of the other extraordinary blockchain projects, is open source. The community has attracted researchers, developers and technical promoters in different fields such as computer science, cryptography, cybersecurity and etc. In addition, the project is generously invested by SoftBank, one of the world most famous investment banks. In order to motivate brilliant and talented people to get involved in this open source project through different levels, MarcoPolo has set up a pool of 9% of total MAP as incentives for technical community.
MarcoPolo primarily targets three application scenarios of Dpayment, DEX and DeFi to build the e-cash system infrastructure serving the whole blockchain ecosystem. Currently, DEX and DeFi are structured and operated on one single chain. DAPPs built on MarcoPolo Protocol are able to share DEX and DeFi achievements from any other ecosystems. Moreover, MarcoPolo can be frequently encountered in various application scenarios in daily life. It will soon realize offline payments in Southeast Asia by its own token (called MAP) and other digital currencies as well. The market demand for MAP will be increased continuously in the near future.
With its grand vision, MarcoPolo Protocols welcomes every single of you with certain specialization to join the community in order to write its "Book of the Marvels of the World" collectively and will definitely enjoy your company along the way to explore the crypto-world together.
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text:
Q: How to column bind monte-carlo simulation results for log-normal distribution? I want perform log-normal monte-carlo simulations for 12 iterations with location and shape of distribution varying for each iteration. As an output of the following code I want each simulation result in a different columns as a data frame. For instance, if I want to perform 10,000 simulations for each set of location and shape, the resultant data frame will have 12 columns and 10000 rows. I wrote the code in two parts where I first defined the function for lapply and then tried to perform simulation with results from each iteration being stored into a different column.
Part 1 code:
myfxn <- function(i,s,location,shape){
cvsq=1
  i <-seq(5,60,5)
  s <-i*cvsq
  location <- log(i^2 / sqrt(s^2 + i^2))
  shape <- sqrt(log(1 + (s^2 / i^2)))
}

Part 2 code:
DF1 <- do.call(cbind, lapply(seq(5,60,5), function(myfxn) setNames(data.frame(rlnorm(n=10000, location, shape)), i)))
head(DF1)

The issue is I keep getting errors with the defined function.

A: You seem to be confused about your function declaration. Your function looks as though it should take 4 parameters (i, s, location and shape). However, inside the function these inputs are never used - they are all created from scratch according to the value of cvsq. They are therefore redundant as inputs to the function.
Inside your lapply, you are passing the values seq(5,60,5) to your function, but it isn't clear what these are for if the variables i, s, location and shape are all calculated anew every time the function is called. What is it you want your function to do with these numbers?
My guess is that you want to feed a single number into your function and have it alter these variables. If so, the only variable it makes sense to have being passed as a single parameter is cvsq, since altering cvsq alters the value of all the other variables. If this is wrong, then it's just not clear what you're trying to do.
If I'm on the right track, your code would look like this:
myfxn <- function(cvsq)
{
  i <-seq(5,60,5)
  s <-i*cvsq
  location <- log(i^2 / sqrt(s^2 + i^2))
  shape <- sqrt(log(1 + (s^2 / i^2)))
  rlnorm(n = 10000, location, shape)
}

my_cvsq <- seq(5, 60, 5)
df <- as.data.frame(do.call(cbind, lapply(my_cvsq, myfxn)))

head(df)
#>           V1        V2         V3        V4         V5        V6           V7
#> 1  0.1786204 1.2587228 0.04588056 1.1925041 0.01985825 0.6924621 0.0008467456
#> 2 28.6147331 0.1243106 0.08306054 0.5057983 4.65819135 3.0851280 0.0429381886
#> 3  0.6666314 0.5546972 2.83435439 0.6512173 0.04994503 6.4365528 0.3779170170
#> 4  7.7163909 4.5954509 0.26637679 0.4085584 3.31589074 0.4894957 1.5195320720
#> 5  1.0931151 0.0575365 0.80689457 0.5033203 1.35200408 0.1427171 2.4058576253
#> 6  0.2573164 7.6190362 1.01222386 1.8598690 5.91525940 0.5600217 0.7858050404
#>            V8         V9        V10         V11       V12
#> 1 1.263350450 0.09485695 0.02615021 0.331885430 2.9109114
#> 2 0.004408080 0.14120821 0.05990997 0.053248650 0.1013357
#> 3 0.888602537 1.32448399 1.17625454 0.766153864 0.0196438
#> 4 5.254249758 0.01337194 0.08463637 2.996341976 0.8942556
#> 5 0.004375628 0.05052838 0.51024824 0.533356862 1.6166927
#> 6 0.985499853 0.09939285 0.86272478 0.001223073 1.0652496

And we can see what your 12 samples look like by plotting their density:
d <- density(df[,1], from = 0, to = 10)
plot(d$x, d$y, type = "l", xlim = c(0, 10), ylim = c(0, 0.7))
for(i in 2:12){
  d <- density(df[,i], from = 0, to = 10)
  lines(d$x, d$y, col = i)
}

Created on 2020-07-11 by the reprex package (v0.3.0)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Q: Print a 256-color test pattern in the terminal How do I print a 256-colour test pattern in my terminal?
I want to check that my terminal correctly supports 256 colours.

A: Install an application named colortest
and use the following commands to test the ASCII color graph
colortest-8   => Display color palette using 8 colors.
colortest-16  => Display color palette using 16 colors.
colortest-256 => Display color palette using 256 colors.

A: 256-colour test pattern

For the above, you can use my bash code. ("Look Ma, no subprocesses!")
Or for a bash quicky:
for i in {0..255} ; do
    printf "\x1b[38;5;${i}m%3d " "${i}"
    if (( $i == 15 )) || (( $i > 15 )) && (( ($i-15) % 12 == 0 )); then
        echo;
    fi
done

24-bit / truecolour test pattern
See this question for the full spectrum :)


Comedian Jim Gaffigan jokes that his favorite tv show is actually 'the news.' That the drama and excitement is greater than any fictional show. It doesn't matter if he's being sarcastic or ironic. His short truly demonstrates that 'the news' is just one big show of distraction and deception on par with Breaking Bad.
The joke also demonstrates how many people truly are 'addicted' to the news. Many watch hours a day and don't even remember the big story from two weeks ago. The one they HAD to watch because it was serious breaking news. Like it is every hour and every night.


text:
<?php

/**
 * This code was generated by
 * \ / _    _  _|   _  _
 * | (_)\/(_)(_|\/| |(/_  v1.0.0
 * /       /
 */

namespace Twilio\Rest\Preview\Sync\Service\Document;

use Twilio\Page;

/**
 * PLEASE NOTE that this class contains preview products that are subject to change. Use them with caution. If you currently do not have developer preview access, please contact help@twilio.com.
 */
class DocumentPermissionPage extends Page {
    public function __construct($version, $response, $solution) {
        parent::__construct($version, $response);

        // Path Solution
        $this->solution = $solution;
    }

    public function buildInstance(array $payload) {
        return new DocumentPermissionInstance(
            $this->version,
            $payload,
            $this->solution['serviceSid'],
            $this->solution['documentSid']
        );
    }

    /**
     * Provide a friendly representation
     *
     * @return string Machine friendly representation
     */
    public function __toString() {
        return '[Twilio.Preview.Sync.DocumentPermissionPage]';
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Gunpowder is a 28-year-old Welsh Section D Cob. Gunpowder is an older horse who spent his early years as a working carriage horse. He was a well-trained driving horse, who is now past those days. He is a nice mannerly horse who stands well for hoof trimming. He also doesn't mind the water hose. Gunpowder has earned his rest. He would make a wonderful companion horse in a barn yard, or a pet. He would rather not be with a younger energetic horse, but would love a nice cozy barn and a grassy pasture. Gunpowder who served as 'Gunpowder', the horse ridden by Ichabod Crane in the Designing World's reenactment of Irving Washington's Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Belle is a 14-year-old white Marwari mare. Belle was trained at the Elite Riding Academy and has been brought along to work under saddle. She is wholly bomb proof and remarkably gentle for such a large horse. Her favorite treats are spearmint Starlights and she will graciously hoover up all offered treats with her dainty whiskery muzzle.
Shalamar is a 12-year-old white Percheron stallion, trained to ride and drive. He is available for long term lease.
Bay Rum Royal is a bay Clydesdale mare who was most recently in service at the Dickens Project in LEA 7. She is available for short term leases only.
Rhapsody is a 7-year-old black American Saddlebred mare. Rhapsody is an elegant high-stepping mare who is very friendly and attentive. She is a very flashy girl, but is also kind and likes cuddles! She enjoys relaxing in the paddock when she is not strutting her stuff in the arena. Rhapsody has been adopted and lives comfortably with many other horses.
Strawberry is a 14-year-old bright sorrel Shetland Pony mare. Strawberry has lived most of her life as a trail riding horse, lesson horse, and broodmare. She was never built for speed or agility and after having a few foals she was retired to the paddock for months. Stable hands started taking her out on trail rides and she proved herself as a sturdy, attentive, and gentle mare. She is partial to neck rubs and enjoys peppermints.
Bandit is a 12-year-old Shetland stallion bred locally and trained at the Elite Riding Academy. His classic bay coat and active demeanor make for a highly entertaining entry in the show ring, and his eagerness to work is exceeded only by her athleticism. Bandit has been trained to both drive and ride and while he excels in both finer harness and in pleasure driving, he also makes an enjoyable trail ride.
Sparkle is an elegant high-stepping pony who is very friendly and attentive. She is a very flashy girl, but is also kind and likes cuddles! She enjoys relaxing in the paddock when she is not strutting her stuff. Sparkle is an 8-year-old piebald Shetland pony mare.


text:
Social Investment Business
Resilience and Recovery Loan Fund
First Steps Enterprise Fund
Liverpool City Region Impact Fund
Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund
Previous funds
Business support in Scotland
Impact Report 2019-20
Levelling Up Our Communities: our view on the new report from Danny Kruger MP
Will Thomson
Following the publication of Danny Kruger's report on civil society and levelling up communities, our Policy Lead Will Thomson shares some thoughts on what this means for our work and the wider social investment landscape.
On Thursday, Danny Kruger published his long-awaited report into civil society – Levelling Up Our Communities. In it, Kruger set out his proposals for a new social covenant – what he defines as 'the mutual commitment by citizens, civil society and the state to fulfil discrete responsibilities and to work together for common good' – along with a set of proposals on how to achieve this.
The report covers a wide range of topics, including social value in public procurement, community empowerment, and the importance of social infrastructure. While there were plenty of recommendations to comb through in the report, three areas stand out in particular that align closely with our current work.
1. Better use of data
Kruger emphasises the importance of enabling better measurement of civil society action and value. Getting good data from Government is part of this, and he recommends a cross-government data architecture and suggests a goal of publishing all Government grants to the 360Giving open data standard by the end of 2020. He shares the same ambition for civil society – recommending that organisations benefitting from public funding or tax relief should publish coherent and comparable data on their activities and outcomes.
This chimes with much of the work already achieved through the Social Economy Data Lab – working collaboratively with partners to share data and analyses and supporting the informed use of data across sector partnerships. At SIB, we're integrating a more robust and transparent data approach into our core business – from cleaning, scraping and analysing historic loan data to improve our understanding of how social investment works, to applying useful and useable data standards that support much more transparent accountability of our work in grant making and social investment.
We've recently published open dashboards on the Resilience and Recovery Loan Fund to provide real time insight into the work that we do and the decisions we make about the allocation of funding. During the last few months we have also made significant progress in integrating data-led analysis into our grants programmes to encourage fairer and more rigorous decision-making, and we are looking to build this into loan funds in the future. Our overall ambition is to make principled use of data and information the foundation for providing finance to create fairer communities, and we welcome the opportunity to work with Government to advance this work.
2. Community ownership
Place-based approaches are increasingly being put forward by the Government – through the wider levelling up agenda, and with specific funding streams like the Towns Fund. Kruger wants to take this further by legislating for a new Community Power Act which strengthens the rights of people to challenge responsibility for the delivery of public services; and introducing Community Improvement Districts as places to test new models of local, community-led social and economic policy. In addition, a strengthened Community Right to Buy would give communities first right of refusal on a public asset reaching the market.
We are supportive of assets being transferred into community hands, and we have previously called for a strengthened Community Right to Buy to facilitate this process. From our experience, community organisations generally need ongoing help to build their capacity and resilience in managing and maintaining these assets. Appropriate funding and strategic business support must therefore be delivered alongside any legislation aimed at expanding community ownership.
More eye catching was the recommendation on bringing forward the promised Community Ownership Fund – which Kruger suggests could buy buildings and land owned by community businesses (or SMEs and local family businesses) that are at-risk in this crisis, and hold them until the previous owner or a new community owner can take them over.
We've made a similar recommendation for regional Public Holding Companies in our recent Covid-19 & Coastal Communities policy paper. However, we think holding companies could be more ambitious – they could support the transition of at-risk SMEs to shared ownership models which have the potential to transform employment by paying higher wages, increasing workforce solidarity and providing a richer set of benefits to employees. This is all the more important given the looming unemployment crisis precipitated by Covid-19.
3. Funding the social economy
Two new funds are recommended in the report: £500 million of emergency funding under the Community Recovery Fund, to build on the £750 million already allocated to the social sector by DCMS. The second, more substantial Levelling Up Communities Fund would be endowed with £2 billion from dormant accounts. Kruger suggests that this money could be used to support social investment – by expanding blended finance models and experimenting with outcomes contracts – and recommends that some of it could be disbursed through regional social investment funds.
The recognition of the value of blended finance is welcome. Findings from the Futurebuilders learning project highlight how social investment can make good use of subsidy to enable the social economy to grow, stabilise and employ more people in the poorest parts of the country. Futurebuilders did this successfully, cheaply, quickly and with minimal complexity; this makes blending a more attractive approach for a Covid-19 recovery period than the special purpose vehicles of many payment by results contracts, and one more amenable to smaller scale regional funds.
Our more recent experience of running the Resilience and Recovery Loan Fund, a dedicated CBILS social investment fund, has shown how other forms of incentive can also be used to support organisations taking on social investment. Rishi Sunak's announcement yesterday an extension of the CBILS guarantee is an important acknowledgement of the role that this form of subsidy can play in supporting the economy through the recovery. We would strongly advocate Government also thinks about an extended continuation to CBILS or sets up an alternative guarantee scheme – perhaps one more targeted by location or to usage by the social economy.
It is positive to see such a wide array of recommendations to strengthen civil society. Covid-19 offers a chance to use policy to support fairer, more inclusive communities underpinned by a strong social economy. It now remains to be seen how much of this will be matched by commitment from the Treasury and No. 10 to seeing these suggestions through.
Photo by Michael Cummins on Unsplash
Policy Lead
Will joined SIB as Policy Coordinator in May 2019, becoming Policy Lead in December 2019.
Before joining SIB, he was a consultant at a Bristol-based public affairs agency and provided secretariat support for two All-Party Parliamentary Groups. He has produced a series of policy reports on devolution for the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and also worked with two social investment organisations based in the West of England.
Our funds On the hunt for the right grant / loan for your organisation? Look no further See funds
What is the future for social investment finance intermediaries?
Discussing social investment in the House of Lords
The lessons of the Lords Charities report
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The Social Investment Business is the trading name for the Social Investment Business Foundation, Registered Company No. 05777484 (England), Registered Charity No. 1117185 (England & Wales), The Social Investment Business Limited, Registered in England No. 06490609, VAT No. 927456693, Futurebuilders-England Limited, Registered in England No. 05066676 and Forward Enterprise FM Ltd, Registered in England No.11238102. Registered Office: CAN Mezzanine, Borough, 7-14 Great Dover Street, London, SE1 4YR.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Strategic sourcing leader. Managing the federal mandate for strategic sourcing requires someone with enough vision to understand the goals and how to motivate others to achieve them. Pica has proven able to do both effectively. In implementing the White House's policy, she has not only challenged agencies to reach beyond the basic goal of saving money, but has also broken the substantial compliance work into manageable chunks and remained a firm and encouraging guide for agencies working to implement the program.


I was told that this type of "dancing" is wrong. Thoughts?
Which one? AM or Suber?
That is what I asked. He'll tell me later.
You were there! I was wondering how you recognized him. The quality is bad.
I don't see a thing wrong with any of it. Wish I had been there.
Dry, starchy Pentecostalism is not in keeping with our roots.
Last edited by Amanah; 09-14-2018 at 04:31 AM.
The church I was raised in taught we should be in the Spirit when we danced, that anything else could lead to "carnal" worship.
But that church danced as much as any.
Not much aisle running or pew jumping there, though!


text:
Billing and insurance-related waste in an academic medical center
Administrative Costs Associated With Physician Billing and Insurance-Related Activities at an Academic Health Care System
By Phillip Tseng, MEd; Robert S. Kaplan, PhD; Barak D. Richman, JD, PhD; Mahek A. Shah, MD; Kevin A. Schulman, MD
JAMA, February 20, 2018
Importance: Administrative costs in the US health care system are an important component of total health care spending, and a substantial proportion of these costs are attributable to billing and insurance-related activities.
Objective: To examine and estimate the administrative costs associated with physician billing activities in a large academic health care system with a certified electronic health record system.
Design, Setting, and Participants: This study used time-driven activity-based costing. Interviews were conducted with 27 health system administrators and 34 physicians in 2016 and 2017 to construct a process map charting the path of an insurance claim through the revenue cycle management process. These data were used to calculate the cost for each major billing and insurance-related activity and were aggregated to estimate the health system's total cost of processing an insurance claim.
Exposures: Estimated time required to perform billing and insurance-related activities, based on interviews with management personnel and physicians.
Main Outcomes and Measures: Estimated billing and insurance-related costs for 5 types of patient encounters: primary care visits, discharged emergency department visits, general medicine inpatient stays, ambulatory surgical procedures, and inpatient surgical procedures.
Results: Estimated processing time and total costs for billing and insurance-related activities were 13 minutes and $20.49 for a primary care visit, 32 minutes and $61.54 for a discharged emergency department visit, 73 minutes and $124.26 for a general inpatient stay, 75 minutes and $170.40 for an ambulatory surgical procedure, and 100 minutes and $215.10 for an inpatient surgical procedure. Of these totals, time and costs for activities carried out by physicians were estimated at a median of 3 minutes or $6.36 for a primary care visit, 3 minutes or $10.97 for an emergency department visit, 5 minutes or $13.29 for a general inpatient stay, 15 minutes or $51.20 for an ambulatory surgical procedure, and 15 minutes or $51.20 for an inpatient surgical procedure. Of professional revenue, professional billing costs were estimated to represent 14.5% for primary care visits, 25.2% for emergency department visits, 8.0% for general medicine inpatient stays, 13.4% for ambulatory surgical procedures, and 3.1% for inpatient surgical procedures.
Conclusions and Relevance: In a time-driven activity-based costing study in a large academic health care system with a certified electronic health record system, the estimated costs of billing and insurance-related activities ranged from $20 for a primary care visit to $215 for an inpatient surgical procedure. Knowledge of how specific billing and insurance-related activities contribute to administrative costs may help inform policy solutions to reduce these expenses.
Administrative costs have been estimated to represent 25% to 31% of total health care expenditures in the United States, a proportion twice that found in Canada and significantly greater than in all other Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development member nations for which such costs have been studied. The rate of growth in administrative costs in the United States has outpaced that of overall health care expenditures1 and is projected to continue to increase without reforms to reduce administrative complexity.
Most of the administrative costs in the US health care system (at least 62% based on prior studies) has been attributed to billing and insurance-related activities (described as billing hereafter). Billing costs are disproportionately high in the United States: for instance, in primary care practice, performing these activities in the United States costs nearly 4 times more than performing the corresponding activities in Canada.
From the Discussion
This study used a state-of-the-art cost accounting method to derive the costs associated with billing for physician activities at an encounter level. Across the 5 services examined in this study, billing costs for professional services ranged from 3.1% to 25.3% of professional revenue, which represented $20 to $215 in absolute costs per visit.
Previous studies of billing costs were developed before adoption of certified EHR systems. These studies used a variety of methods to estimate costs, including existing aggregate data, cost reports and departmental budgets, case studies, and interviews and surveys. They reported that physician billing costs represented 10% to 14% of revenue. This study, using a more accurate cost-tracing approach, estimated these costs to be 14.5% of primary care physician annual revenue, which is at the upper end reported in previous studies.
Billing activities were associated with these high costs despite specific efforts to streamline billing operations. Examination of the billing process did not reveal any significantly wasteful or inefficient efforts, such as overt duplication of tasks or the performance of low-skill tasks by high-wage personnel.
Certified EHR systems were implemented, in part, to address concerns about the significant administrative cost burden in the US health care system. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has suggested that adoption of certified EHR systems could have economic benefits for physicians and health systems by directly addressing these costs. However, the results of the current study suggest that administrative costs remain high even in the setting of a certified EHR. Although the EHR system can automatically generate bills for clinical visits, these systems require the time of high-cost physicians to perform coding and documentation activities that are unrelated to clinical services. In addition, the process maps revealed that despite the electronic system, the billing process still required multiple steps by many types of personnel. Full allocation of certified EHRs to billing activities significantly increased billing costs from the base-case estimate.
These findings suggest that significant investments in certified health information technology have not reduced high billing costs in the United States. To a large degree, the significant administrative costs measured in this study are the consequences of heterogeneous payment requirements across the multiple payers and health plans contracting with the academic health center. The lack of standardized contracts and price schedules within and across markets might explain why administrative costs in the United States are significantly higher than those in other nations that also make fee-for-service payments to private hospitals and physicians. Adoption of certified EHR systems by hospitals appears to have been unable to cope with the complexity of multiple payer contracts or to catalyze significant transformation of the administrative business processes in US health care.
https://jamanetwork.com…
Disentangling Health Care Billing For Patients' Physical and Financial Health
By Vivian S. Lee, MD, PhD, MBA; Bonnie B. Blanchfield, CPA, ScD
JAMA, Editorial, February 20, 2018
In this issue of JAMA, Tseng and colleagues1 estimated the administrative costs associated with physician billing and insurance-related activities in one large academic medical center with a fully implemented electronic health record (EHR) system. Based on a time-driven activity-based costing method and interviews with health system administrators and physicians, the authors estimated that the costs associated with billing activities performed by physicians represented, as a proportion of professional revenue, 14.5% for primary care visits, 25.2% for emergency department visits, 8.0% for general medicine inpatient stays, 13.4% for ambulatory surgical procedures, and 3.1% for inpatient surgical procedures. For primary care visits, this translated to an estimated more than $99,000 of billing and insurance-related expenses annually for each primary care physician working in the system just to get paid.
As high as these figures are, they likely underestimate the true financial burden of billing for physicians in most health systems. For one, the hospital and physicians of this academic system share a single billing organization, an unusual efficiency for an industry in which hospitals and physicians are typically separate business entities. In addition, billing costs in this study did not include costs within clinical departments for credentialing and other billing-related functions or charge integrity costs (ie, the costs associated with ensuring that all health care delivery charges are accounted for and properly accrued to each patient visit or discharge). While annual operating costs of the EHR were included in this estimate of billing costs, the capital costs of the EHR were not. When the full costs of EHR installation and implementation were fully amortized and attributed to billing, the calculated costs of billing increased by another 44% to 68%.
Despite the preimplementation assumption that EHRs would streamline coding and reduce clinical documentation requirements, this study suggests that, if anything, administrative time needed for billing has increased for physicians and other staff as EHRs have become more widespread. In the health care system the authors studied, each primary care visit necessitated 3 minutes of physician time for billing, which amounts to about 5 hours per week for a typical primary care physician. These figures exceed previous estimates of 3 to 4 hours per week.
The results from the analyses by Tseng et al1 are consistent with previous reports and again highlight how much health care is an outlier compared with other industries. The unnecessarily complex, fragmented, and inefficient system of billing, coding, and claims negotiations in the US health care system employs enough people to populate small nations just to ensure that health care organizations and clinicians are reimbursed for their services. While non–health care industries typically might employ 100 full-time-equivalents to collect payment for $1 billion in services, health care employs an astounding 770 full-time-equivalents per $1 billion of physician services. The process of moving money from payer to hospitals and physicians in the United States consumes an estimated $500 billion per year, and 80% of that amount may be waste. Evidence of that waste includes the high rate of errors in remittances (3-fold higher than other industries) and the high rate of billed charges that are initially denied by insurance companies (12.6% in one study) but that are later paid (81%).
Increasing Payer and Hospital or Health System Mergers
Increasing market consolidation bringing insurers and health systems (including hospitals and physicians) under the same corporate umbrella could help simplify what could then be considered "internal" transactions. Along the same lines, discussions of a national single payer system suggest that such a model could reduce administrative costs substantially, although the political viability of this strategy is uncertain.
Rising Consumer Payments
These changes may be accelerated by the mounting pressure from consumers as payment obligations shift increasingly to them. Whether it is direct payment for noncovered services, a higher share of premium expenses, or increasing copays and deductibles, consumers now pay a larger share of health care costs than employers.
As the report by Tseng et al demonstrates, now is an opportune time to start unraveling the Gordian knot of health care billing and administration, ultimately, for the sake of the health—both physical and financial—of patients. Alternative payment models and EHRs may just be the 2 ends of the cord that the health care system has needed to find to help begin the disentangling.
By Don McCanne, M.D.
This report further validates previous studies demonstrating administrative excesses in our health care system, especially in billing and insurance related activities. If anything, this new study shows that the administrative costs in time and funds may be even greater than previous studies suggest. It further shows that the promise of greater efficiency through certified electronic health record systems was not fulfilled, and EHRs have even compounded the administrative waste.
To understand the magnitude of the problem, you should read the excerpts above. Also prior studies, several of which were done by some members of the academic leadership at PNHP can be found on the PNHP website (www.pnhp.org).
An accompanying editorial states, "discussions of a national single payer system suggest that such a model could reduce administrative costs substantially, although the political viability of this strategy is uncertain." Yet they conclude, "Alternative payment models and EHRs may just be the two ends of the cord that the health care system has needed to find to help begin the disentangling."
It is ironic that the editorialists suggest that that the ineffective alternative payment models and disappointing EHR technology somehow hold the solutions to this egregiously expensive and wasteful problem of administrative excesses. Yet the mechanism that has been proven in other nations to be highly effective – a single payer national health program – seems to be dismissed because of uncertain political viability.
From a policy perspective, single payer is the right way to go whereas APMs and EHRs will never get us there. When the policy is right and the politics are wrong, you don't change the policy, you change the politics. This study shows once again that we have only one clear policy choice – an improved Medicare for all. Let's fix the politics so we can get there.
Stay informed! Visit www.pnhp.org/qotd to sign up for daily email updates.
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U.S. ranks near last in equity, affordability and access to primary care


=> Rename to "Desktop" or "Desktop.pcx"
- Feel free to comment and report if you have problems..
i must really say that the 3rd pic seems... weird to me. really not my taste.
Yeah, I doubt that Deidranna will commit suicide.
The other two are nice.
Actually, the file contains several nice backgrounds, 31 in total to be precise.
But yeah, I agree with Beka and Logi, the third one is rather disturbing and probably not the best promotion.
Well, I just looked through the archive and see that you did a very good job on the editing side. Congrats.
- well guns are the theme for JA2 and the default wallpaper on WF was a girl so..
- thanks ! i want to leave Deidranna a gun with 1 bullet and leave her in a cage all alone.. suffer !
tell me which one you are using and leave some comments / suggestions i could improve if im going to add more pics..
In compilation 1 there is a picture "labeled" Ira ... could You remove the text?
seems to work fine.. try it again..
Ive been trying to create my own .pcx files for a desktop background but either get errors or the image comes up as colored static. Is there a proper way to set up the file in PS, does it have to be a specific size. How do you begin creating your own?
Actually figured it out. You can take any image make sure your image is W 506 x H 428 and in Photoshop change the mode to index color. Then save as DESKTOP.PCX and boom, new wallpaper. I took mine and combined it with the LaptopUI for Jagged alliance 2 by GreenEyes, but I ended up editing that as well with a new logo and green blinking lights instead of blue. I would upload the files but cant because im new here and links are disabled...also uploading. so when I can, I will.
here are the files in case anyone wants them.


Research has long supported the value of family inclusion when treating children with mental health, behavioral problems, or developmental delays. Play therapy is the leading intervention in treating children for effective, long-lasting outcomes for improvement. You will learn basic tenets of child centered play therapy and how to apply non-directive play therapy in this series of classes. There will be a different course topic offered each month.
Bring to Class: a miniature that best describes yourself. It is optional to bring a small assortment of miniatures you would like to keep in your own collection.
Course Description: This course will introduce the use of sand tray therapy as a therapeutic technique. It will explore the history and rationale of sand tray therapy and cover fundamental and sand tray techniques with individuals, families and groups. Students will have the opportunity to experience sand tray activities and will discuss application of the skills with children.


text:
Q: SciPy Minimum Variance Optimization - Set Constraints for number of selected stocks I am currently trying to run an optimization task using SciPy. While  I generally understand the concept and the codes seem to work properly, I am not quite sure how to set the final number of stocks to be selected to a specific number. For example, I want to provide scipy a list of 150 stocks, but the final weights should be positive only for 100 stocks and with a minimum weight of 0.50%. The reason for providing 150 stocks and only selecting 100 at the end is to give the optimizer more freedom to meet all other constraints. Does somebody know how to deal with this?
enter

def run_optimization(cov_matrix, sectors_target, sector_matrix):
# Optimization function
def optimize_volatility(x):
    return np.dot(np.dot(x, cov_matrix), x)

# Constraints for optimization
def weight_constraint(x):
    return 1.0 - sum(x)

def sector_constraint(x):
    return 0.05 - abs((np.dot(sector_matrix, x) - sectors_target))

def count_stocks_1(x):
    return 100 - sum(x > 0)

def count_stocks_2(x):
    return 0 - sum(x < 0.005)

const_weight = {"type": "eq", "fun": weight_constraint}
const_sector = {"type": "ineq", "fun": sector_constraint}
const_count_stocks = {"type": "ineq", "fun": count_stocks_1}
const_count_stocks_2 = {"type": "ineq", "fun": count_stocks_2}

constraints = (const_weight, const_sector, const_count_stocks, const_count_stocks_2)

l_bounds = [0.000] * 150
u_bounds = [0.05] * 150

bounds = tuple(zip(l_bounds, u_bounds))

opt_options = {"maxiter": 20000, "disp": True, 'ftol': 1e-11}
initial_weights = cov_matrix.shape[0] * [1.0/cov_matrix.shape[0]]

opt_results = minimize(fun=optimize_volatility, x0=initial_weights, method='SLSQP',
                       bounds=bounds, constraints=constraints, options=opt_options)

opt_results = pd.DataFrame(opt_results)
opt_results.index = cov.index

return opt_resultscode here


This is a project for a year to create and maintain a Newsletter for our brand called The Good Quote.
I am a published writer and native English speaker. I will produce Chris original and impeccable work on time every time.


text:
101 Works
Slow Flow Between Concentric Cones
O. Hall, C.P. Hills & A.D. Gilbert
Article published via Technological University Dublin
https://doi.org/10.21427/rd25-qq36 Cite
Numerical simulations of river bed dynamics for the South Saskatchewan River, Canada
P. Ashworth, A. Nicholas, D. Parsons & G. Sambrook Smith
Dataset published via NERC Environmental Information Data Centre
Data were generated to investigate the influence of bed roughness on the dynamics of large sand-bed rivers like the South Saskatchewan, Canada. The influence of roughness was investigated by using a numerical model to simulate the evolution of the river bed for a hypothetical sand-bed river modelled on the South Saskatchewan. The model generated information on the evolving river bed topography, water depth, flow velocities and sediment transport rates, over a period of 28 years...
https://doi.org/10.5285/790e507c-ce99-47ca-99b4-c97a684ee8c6 Cite
Fine litterfall production and nutrient composition data from a fertilized site in Central Amazon, Brazil
A.C.M. Moraes, C.A. Quesada, K. Andersen, I.P. Hartley & M.P. Martins
The data consists of litterfall production in a fertilised old growth forest in Central Amazon. Data was collected in a full factorial nutrient addition experiment (nitrogen, phosphorus and cation treatments). Within each plot we have installed five litter traps of 50 cm x 50 cm, 1 m above ground, occupying an area of 1.25 m2 per plot, and ensuring litter reaching the trap was produced within the experimental plot area. The study was funded by...
https://doi.org/10.5285/c0294ec9-45d6-464c-b543-ce9ece9fd968 Cite
Data from: Heritability and correlations among learning and inhibitory control traits
Ellis Langley, Gracie Adams, Christine Beardsworth, Deborah Dawson, Philippa Laker, Jayden Van Horik, Mark Whiteside, Alastair Wilson & Joah Madden
To understand the evolution of cognitive abilities, we need to understand both how selection acts upon them and their genetic (co)variance structure. Recent work suggests that there are fitness consequences for free-living individuals with particular cognitive abilities. However, our current understanding of the heritability of these abilities is restricted to domesticated species subjected to artificial selection. We investigated genetic variance for, and genetic correlations among four cognitive abilities: inhibitory control, visual and spatial discrimination, and...
No citations were reported.
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.984qb84 Cite
Genetic variance for behavioural 'predictability' of stress response
Pamela M. Prentice, Alastair J. Wilson, Thomas M. Houslay & Jullien G. A. Martin
Genetic factors underpinning phenotypic variation are required if natural selection is to result in adaptive evolution. However, evolutionary and behavioural ecologists typically focus on variation among individuals in their average trait values, and seek to characterise genetic contributions to this. As a result, less attention has been paid to if and how genes could contribute towards within-individual variance, or trait "predictability". In fact, phenotypic 'predictability' can vary among individuals, and emerging evidence from livestock genetics...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.r4xgxd28b Cite
Genetic variation and phenotypic plasticity in circadian rhythms of an armed beetle, Gnatocerus cornutus (Tenebrionidae)
Kentarou Matsumura, Masato Abe, Manmohan Sharma, David Hosken, Yoshii Taishi & Takahisa Miyatake
Circadian rhythms, their free-running periods and strength of the rhythm are often used as indicators of biological clocks, and there is evidence that the free-running periods of circadian rhythm are not affected by environmental factors like temperature. However, there are few studies of environmental effects on the power of rhythms and it is not clear if temperature compensation is universal. Additionally, genetic variation and phenotypic plasticity in biological clocks are important for understanding the evolution...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.51c59zw4q Cite
The drivers and functions of rock juggling in otters
Mari-Lisa Allison, Rebecca Reed, Emile Michels & Neeltje Boogert
Object play refers to the seemingly non-functional manipulation of inanimate items when in a relaxed state. In juveniles, object play may help develop skills to aid survival. However, why adults show object play remains poorly understood. We studied potential drivers and functions of the well-known object play behaviour of rock juggling in Asian small-clawed (Aonyx cinereus) and smooth-coated (Lutrogale perspicillata) otters. These are closely related species, but Asian small-clawed otters perform extractive foraging movements to...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.rn8pk0p64 Cite
A large-scale assessment of plant dispersal mode and seed traits across human-modified Amazonian forests
Joseph Hawes, Ima Vieira, Luiz Magnago, Erika Berenguer, Joice Ferreira, Luiz Aragão, Amanda Cardoso, Alexander Lees, Gareth Lennox, Joseph Tobias, Anthony Waldron & Jos Barlow
1. Quantifying the impact of habitat disturbance on ecosystem function is critical for understanding and predicting the future of tropical forests. Many studies have examined post-disturbance changes in animal traits related to mutualistic interactions with plants, but the effect of disturbance on plant traits in diverse forests has received much less attention. 2. Focusing on two study regions in the eastern Brazilian Amazon, we used a trait-based approach to examine how seed dispersal functionality within...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.kd51c5b2g Cite
Early life learning ability predicts adult social structure, with potential implications for fitness outcomes in the wild
Ellis J. G. Langley, Jayden O. Van Horik, Mark A. Whiteside, Christine E. Beardsworth, Michael N. Weiss & Joah R. Madden
1. Social environments influence important ecological processes and can determine how selection acts on traits. Cognitive abilities can shape these social environments and in turn, affect individuals' fitness. 2. To understand how cognitive abilities evolve, we need to understand the complex interplay between an individual's cognitive abilities, the social environment that they inhabit and the fitness consequences of these relationships. 3. We measured the associative learning ability of pheasant chicks, Phasianus colchicus, then released them...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.k3j9kd53x Cite
Bleaching-driven reef community shifts drive pulses of increased reef sediment generation
Chris Perry, Kyle Morgan, Ines Lange & Rob Yarlett
The ecological impacts of coral bleaching on reef communities are well documented, but resultant impacts upon reef-derived sediment supply are poorly quantified. This is an important knowledge gap because these biogenic sediments underpin shoreline and reef island maintenance. Here we explore the impacts of the 2016 bleaching event on sediment generation by two dominant sediment producers (parrotfish and Halimeda spp.) on southern Maldivian reefs. Our data identifies two pulses of increased sediment generation in the...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.08kprr4zc Cite
Data from: Sex-specific effects of experimental ectoparasite infestation on telomere length in great tit nestlings
Barbara Tschirren, Ana Ángela Romero-Haro, Sandrine Zahn & François Cricuolo
Telomere length is a biomarker of biological ageing and lifespan in various vertebrate taxa. Evidence is accumulating that telomeres shorten more rapidly when an individual is exposed to environmental stressors. Parasites are potent selective agents that can cause physiological stress directly or indirectly through the activation of the host's immune system. Yet to date, empirical evidence for a role of parasites in telomere dynamics in natural populations is limited. Here we show experimentally that exposure...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.3j9kd51gd Cite
Data from : Environmental predictability drives adaptive within- and transgenerational plasticity of heat tolerance across life stages and climatic regions
Fernando Díaz, Bram Kuijper, Rebecca B. Hoyle, Nathaniel Talamantes, Joshua M. Coleman & Luciano M. Matzkin
Although environmental variability and predictability have been proposed as the underlying ecological context in which transgenerational plasticity (TGP) arises, the adaptive significance and interaction with within-generation plasticity (WGP) in such scenarios is still poorly understood. In order to investigate these questions, we considered the tolerance to upper thermal limits of larvae and adults of the desert endemic Drosophila mojavensis adapted to different climatic regions (Desert vs Mediterranean climate). Thermal plasticity was investigated by acclimating parents...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.stqjq2c22 Cite
Data from: Climate oscillation and alien species invasion influences oceanic seabird distribution
Julian Perez-Correa, Peter Carr, Jessica Meeuwig, Heather Koldewey & Tom B. Letessier
Spatial and temporal distribution of seabird transiting and foraging at sea is an important consideration for marine conservation planning. Using at-sea observations of seabirds (n = 317), collected during the breeding season from 2012 to 2016, we built boosted regression tree (BRT) models to identify relationships between numerically dominant seabird species (red-footed booby, brown noddy, white tern and wedge-tailed shearwater), geomorphology, oceanographic variability, and climate oscillation in the Chagos Archipelago. We documented positive relationships between...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.sxksn0311 Cite
Data from: Ecology of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) as a host for Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis) infection in Ethiopia
Jared K. Wilson-Aggarwal, Cecily E.D. Goodwin, George J.F. Swan, Helen Fielding, Zerihun Tadesse, Desalegn Getahun, Anyaro Odiel, Alamo Adam, Harry H. Marshall, Jessica Bryant, James A. Zingeser & Robbie A. McDonald
The global programme for the eradication of Guinea worm disease, caused by the parasitic nematode Dracunculus medinensis, has been successful in driving down human cases, but infections in non-human animals, particularly domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), now present a major obstacle to further progress. Dog infections have mainly been found in Chad and, to a lesser extent in Mali and Ethiopia. While humans classically acquire infection by drinking water containing infected copepods, it has been hypothesised...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.s4mw6m94p Cite
Combining GWAS and FST-based approaches to identify targets of Borrelia-mediated selection in natural rodent hosts
Luca Cornetti & Barbara Tschirren
Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies provide opportunities to gain novel insights into the genetic basis of phenotypic trait variation. Yet to date, progress in our understanding of genotype-phenotype associations in non-model organisms in general and natural vertebrate populations in particular has been hampered by small sample sizes typically available for wildlife populations and a resulting lack of statistical power, as well as a limited ability to control for false positive signals. Here we propose...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.c866t1g3t Cite
Urban herring gulls use human behavioural cues to locate food
Madeleine Goumas, Neeltje Boogert & Laura Kelley
While many animals are negatively affected by urbanisation, some species appear to thrive in urban environments. Herring gulls (Larus argentatus) are commonly found in urban areas and often scavenge food discarded by humans. Despite increasing interactions between humans and gulls, little is known about the cognitive underpinnings of urban gull behaviour and to what extent they use human behavioural cues when making foraging decisions. We investigated whether gulls are more attracted to anthropogenic items when...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.bnzs7h469 Cite
Using cumulative impact mapping to prioritise marine conservation efforts in Equatorial Guinea
Brittany T. Trew, Hedley S. Grantham, Christian Barrientos, Tim Collins, Philip D. Doherty, Angela Formia, Brendan J. Godley, Sara M. Maxwell, Richard J. Parnell, Stephen K. Pikesley, Dominic Tilley, Matthew J. Witt & Kristian Metcalfe
Marine biodiversity is under extreme pressure from anthropogenic activity globally, leading to calls to protect at least 10% of the world's oceans within marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures by 2020. Fulfilling such commitments, however, requires a detailed understanding of the distribution of potentially detrimental human activities, and their predicted impacts. One such approach that is being increasingly used to strengthen our understanding of human impacts is cumulative impact mapping; as...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.v6wwpzgr9 Cite
Adaptive strategies of high-flying migratory hoverflies in response to wind currents
Jason Chapman & Boya Gao
Large migrating insects, flying at high altitude, often exhibit complex behaviour. They frequently elect to fly on winds with directions quite different from the prevailing direction, and they show a degree of common orientation, both of which facilitate transport in seasonally beneficial directions. Much less is known about the migration behaviour of smaller (10–70 mg) insects. To address this issue, we used radar to examine the high-altitude flight of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae), a group of...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.w9ghx3fm1 Cite
Prior exposure to long day photoperiods alters immune responses and increases susceptibility to parasitic infection in stickleback
James Whiting, Muayad Mahmud, Janette Bradley & Andrew MacColl
Seasonal disease and parasitic infection are common across organisms, including humans, and there is increasing evidence for intrinsic seasonal variation in immune systems. Changes are orchestrated through organisms' physiological clocks using cues such as day length. Ample research in diverse taxa has demonstrated multiple immune responses are modulated by photoperiod, but to date, there have been few experimental demonstrations that photoperiod cues alter susceptibility to infection. We investigated the interactions among photoperiod history, immunity, and...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.dz08kprv7 Cite
Data from: The conservation status and population decline of the African penguin deconstructed in space and time
Richard Sherley, Robert Crawford, Andrew De Blocq, Bruce Dyer, Deon Geldenhuys, Christina Hagen, Jessica Kemper, Azwianewi Makhado, Lorien Pichegru, Desmond Tom, Leshia Upfold, Johan Visagie, Lauren Waller & Henning Winker
Understanding changes in abundance is crucial for conservation, but population growth rates often vary over space and time. We use 40 years of count data (1979–2019) and Bayesian state-space models to assess the African penguin Spheniscus demersus population under IUCN Red List Criterion A. We deconstruct the overall decline in time and space to identify where urgent conservation action is needed. The global African penguin population met the threshold for Endangered with a high probability...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.vx0k6djp7 Cite
Data from: Macronutrient intake and simulated infection threat independently affect life history traits of male decorated crickets
Kristin Duffield, Kylie Hampton, Thomas Houslay, James Rapkin, John Hunt, Ben Sadd & Scott Sakaluk
Nutritional geometry has advanced our understanding of how macronutrients (e.g., proteins and carbohydrates) influence the expression of life history traits and their corresponding trade-offs. For example, recent work has revealed that reproduction and immune function in male decorated crickets are optimized at very different protein:carbohydrate (P:C) dietary ratios. However, it is unclear how an individual's macronutrient intake interacts with its perceived infection status to determine investment in reproduction or other key life history traits. Here,...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.3ffbg79gc Cite
Mechanics of walking and running up and downhill: A joint-level perspective to guide design of lower-limb exoskeletons
Richard Nuckols, Kota Takahashi, Dominic Farris, Sarai Mizrachi, Raziel Riemer & Gregory Sawicki
Lower-limb wearable robotic devices can improve clinical gait and reduce energetic demand in healthy populations. To help enable real-world use, we sought to examine how assistance should be applied in variable gait conditions and suggest an approach derived from knowledge of human locomotion mechanics to establish a 'roadmap' for wearable robot design. We characterized the changes in joint mechanics during walking and running across a range of incline/decline grades and then provide an analysis that...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.ns1rn8pqc Cite
Comparison of categorical color perception in two Estrildid finches
Eleanor Caves, Patrick Green, Matthew Zipple, Dhanya Bharath, Susan Peters, Sönke Johnsen & Stephen Nowicki
Sensory systems are predicted to be adapted to the perception of important stimuli, such as signals used in communication. Prior work has shown that female zebra finches perceive the carotenoid-based orange-red coloration of male beaks—a mate choice signal—categorically. Specifically, females exhibited an increased ability to discriminate between colors from opposite sides of a perceptual category boundary than equally-different colors from the same side of the boundary. The Bengalese finch, an Estrildid finch related to the...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.stqjq2c1z Cite
Goat collective decisions
Daniel Sankey, Lisa O'Bryan, Simon Garnier, Guy Cowlishaw, Phil Hopkins, Mark Holton, Ines Fürtbauer & Andrew King
For group-living animals to remain cohesive they must agree on where to travel. Theoretical models predict shared group decisions should be favoured, and a number of empirical examples support this. However, the behavioural mechanisms that underpin shared decision-making are not fully understood. Groups may achieve consensus of direction by active communication of individual preferences (i.e. voting), or by responding to each other's orientation and movement (i.e. copying). For example, African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) are reported...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.1zcrjdfqt Cite
Spatial and temporal dynamics of space use by free-ranging domestic dogs Canis familiaris in rural Africa
Jared Wilson-Aggarwal, Cecily Goodwin, Tchonfienet Moundai, Metinou Sidouin, George Swan, Monique Léchenne & Robbie McDonald
Variation in the spatial ecology of animals influences the transmission of infections and so understanding host behaviour can improve the control of diseases. Despite the global distribution of free-ranging domestic dogs Canis familiaris and their role as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, little is known about the dynamics of their space use. We deployed GPS loggers on free-ranging dogs from six villages in rural Chad, and tracked the movements of 174 individuals in the dry season...
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hhmgqnkfp Cite
Data Paper
Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi


Restaurant, night club, discotheque, and pool. One of the strengths of this new season will be the restaurant, with its unmistakable elegance and sophistication. Completely renovated, it offers a fresh and appetizing menu accompanied by a prestigious selection of wines. A real passion tireless local, make the Moregallo a pearl surrounded by nature. In addition to the restaurant, you can spend magnificent nights outdoors and sip cocktails by the lake with good music. Outside, we offer a charming venue to spend a memorable evening and entertainment until the early hours of the night. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays playing house music.
May to September: Tuesday through Sunday, lunch and dinner.
Nearby Things to Do include: Castles & Ruins such as Maggiana Tower; Museums such as Silk Museum Abbadia Lariana and Palace of Fears; Water Activities such as Lido Orsa Maggiore and Abbadia Lariana Beach; Hikes & Walks such as San Tommaso and Cenghen per la Val Monastero; Towns such as Valmadrera and Malgrate; Churches such as Chiesetta di San Isidoro and Sant'Antonio Abate.


If you're in between sizes and prefer a tigth fit, we recommend ordering down. If you prefer a looser fit, we recommend ordering up. The fabric is stretchy.
New collection ~ Flower season is just around the corner, so be sure to add this 50s Phoebe Floral Pencil Dress in White to your shopping bag! This dream dress features a square neckline both front and back, flattering short sleeves and hugs your curves perfectly, showing off your beautiful figure for all to admire ;-) Made of a supple and stretchy ivory white fabric with a colourful floral print that is a joy to wear. Pair with some cute heels and say it with flowers!


With beautiful fabrics by Beacon Hill you can turn any room into Calm, Cool and Perfected. Using neutral but elegant grey tones for the base, allows you to "redecorate" for the seasons, by simply changing out your cushions. Sharon Turnbull at TFR can help you create the "good bones" for your home that allow you the freedom to change for the seasons.


We'll come to wedding suits for grooms in just a second, but first we'd like to point out how much of an unfair assumption it is that some grooms – in the eyes of the general public – do not have a sense for fashion. The popular thought that they cannot take the trouble nor have the inclination to discern the differences between cuts in fabric, or that they can only see purple where others can see lilac, violet and mauve, is troublesome and stereotypical. Because while it is generally sold that a few people don't care how they look, or give a second thought to what they are wearing and don't even consider the appropriateness of their attire for any occasion they deign to grace with their presence, that is utter nonsense.
While there are some people who always fit that description, it is only the deception of culture and popular media that suggests that they are all of a male inclination. We have, in our own meagre experience, encountered hordes of absolutely fashion conscious people who know exactly how they want to look when they step out of their doors. But, seeing as there always degrees of immersion in any idea, we've compiled a list of helpful tips for choosing formalwear such as dress suits for weddings. Scroll on for some ideas on wedding suits for grooms and how to look like your ideal mix of Han Solo and James Bond, a rogue smuggler and a gentleman spy, both devastatingly charming – or so they'd like to think!
The average wait for a bridal wedding dress can go as long as eight months, and while it does not take as much time to get a wedding suit, it still isn't as easy as picking out a designer sherwani, so you shouldn't dawdle too much. You do not want to be that guy who is entering burnout mode a week before the weddings going "I don't have anything to wear!!", so always leave yourself time. Allow for multiple fittings, especially if you've started that last desperate rush to lose weight and look a little fitter for your wedding day. If you don't like the way the lapel falls, or how something is cut, this allows you to snip away anything you don't like and arrive at the perfect suit. Try to ensure that you have your suit at least two weeks before W-Day.
It's always cute to want to surprise your partner with how you look for the function, but sometimes the aftermath isn't always cute. Especially if your partner feels that the choices you've made to your wedding suit are somewhat lacking, especially if they clash with their own. To avoid this unfortunate set of circumstances, always consult with your better half first. While it is true that it is your day as well, and that you'd naturally want to look fabulous as well, it is always best if the choices that you and your partner make complement each other to a T. This of course does not mean that you have to take them along with you on your fitting sessions, just have a quiet sit-down before and discuss the options that you are considering. Trust your partner's taste, they're still with you aren't they?
After having talked with your partner about your combined choices as far as your attire goes, and having a solid idea of what you both want to be looking like, it is time to assemble your appearance. Before you go to the tailor or suit shop, do them and yourself a favour by doing some research beforehand. As the Scouts say, be prepared. With the Internet, it is easy to look into what is available in the market, and what you think will suit and complement your taste. There are tonnes of magazines as well so you will not find yourself at a lack of material, as there is no dearth of it at all. Be on the lookout for fabrics, cuts and styles that catch your eye and go with these pictures to your appointment. This will help the consultants at the shop and the tailors to come up with the best possible wedding suits for grooms.
Always, always work within a set budget. While you don't have to go too crazy, you can also avoid being too cheap. Remember, you always get only what you have paid for. The 600 rupee suit with the three free matching ties might seem to be a stunning deal, but then don't expect too much in terms of craftsmanship, and also keep in mind that you usually can't get them tailored again. But this also doesn't mean that you have to burn a hole through your wallet. Don't assume that you can spend a lot of money and then get a suit that you can use for years. Remember that you can always try to rent a suitable suit or tux for just the occasion, though of course you might not always find exactly what you are looking for.
Similar to any good suit, good formal wear shops are all different. And not all shops operate at the same level of quality. Take the trouble to find stores with the best in terms of service, selection and experience. Fish around in your circle of contacts for recommendations, trawl the internet for suggestions. After you've found the right shop, you can be assured that they will be stocked with all the latest in terms of styles, fabric and accessories. They will have a range of gorgeous wedding suits for grooms and tuxes that will cater to your needs and desires.
While you might have always admired double-breasted suits, be prepared for a bit of reality if you find that they do not suit you. Every person is different, and their bodies are built differently. Fortunately, it is ludicrously hard to look bad in any kind of suit, seeing as there are a multitude of styles and cuts to suit any kind of figure. These coupled with the right choice in accessories, such as ties and cufflinks, can make anyone look like they've stepped of a fashion ramp. And never underestimate the power of a well tailored suit. Something that hangs over parts of your figure, or bulges awkwardly in places because of it being just a little too tight in one itsy-bitsy bit of stitch can completely ruin the effect of a good suit or tux. This is especially true if you're in the home stretch of a fitness regime, or if you've been stress-eating too much recently.


text:
business / Editors' Picks
La Union breathes new life to freeport development
By: Cristina Arzadon - @inquirerdotnet
Inquirer Northern Luzon / 10:32 PM July 27, 2013
THUNDERBIRD Hotel and Resort in Poro Point, La Union
SAN FERNANDO CITY—After nearly two decades and two master plans, the Poro Point Freeport Zone (PPFZ) is back on track into becoming a premier business and leisure destination in northern Luzon.
The Poro Point Management Corp. (PPMC), which is tasked to develop La Union's free port, has tapped fresh eyes from urban developers Palafox and Associates to take a new look at the 236-hectare former US military facility that used to house the Wallace Air Station.
Florante Gerdan, PPMC president and chief executive officer, says Poro Point has been twice master planned—in 1996 and in 2002. Both plans guided development planners, investors and business locators in transforming the property into a trade and tourism hub.
Gerdan says a new master plan is underway to cope with new real estate market conditions in the context of market trends in the Asian and international settings.
"We have made adjustments through the years. Today, we want to revalidate whether the previous plans still apply," Gerdan says during the stakeholders' meeting and master planning earlier this month.
PORO Point Lighthouse in San Fernando City, La Union
One of three economic hubs under the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) next to the John Hay Special Economic and Freeport Zone and the Subic Bay Freeport, the Poro Point freeport has some 146 ha of investment area available for development.
The free port houses the Voice of America radio transmitter, a Philippine Air Force facility and a lighthouse complex.
First to build a hotel and casino complex in 2006 was property developer Thunderbird Resorts Inc., whose Santorini-inspired accommodation facility sits on a 65-ha plot inside the free port.
The PPMC seeks to further develop the seaport, airport, information technology park and light industrial area and a tourism complex here.
Ives Nisce, chair of the PPMC board, says Poro Point is the smallest former military base in Luzon compared to Subic in Zambales, which covers 40,000 ha, and Camp John Hay in Baguio City, which spans 600 ha.
FIESTA Casino in San Fernando City, La Union
"But we (Poro Point) are unique because we are both a seaport and an airport," he says.
Nisce says Palafox Associates shares its initial assessment during the multisectoral meeting hoping that interest groups, the government and the private sector and communities surrounding the port would provide inputs for the new development plan.
"We need comments and additional inputs from various sectors to chart the direction that we will tread for Poro Point," he says.
The new development plan would be presented to BCDA on Oct. 15.
Urban planner Karina Palafox says initial site analysis had shown Poro Point's potential as a key urban hub in the Ilocos region.
PORO Point receives and stores gasoline that supplies Northern Luzon.
Palafox says Poro Point's development options include a regional tourism center, agribusiness hub, information, communication and technology hub and a governance center.
She adds the new master plan will be in harmony with the two previous plans, including the development trends in Asia for smart and gateway cities which are airport-railway-port driven.
The Palafox master plan divided Poro Point to at least seven major sections. These are an exclusive zone for high-end and mixed residential including an ICT and business park; an area for mixed-used developments such as industrial park, medical village, campus and golf course expansion; an area for town center composed of government offices, church, commercial mall, convention center and protective services; a recreational zone where the lighthouse now stands to include a museum, amphitheater, restaurants and tourism center; a seaport zone for warehouse complex or stockyard, cruise ship repairs, railway extension; and two other zones for tourism and transit hub.
The plan notes tourist-magnet sections, such as the lighthouse area, the free port's highest point, where it can accommodate thousands of tourists during festivities. The lighthouse also has a vantage point of the Poro Point peninsula.
"We want to establish a marketable, viable and effective development plan. But we need to ask La Union's stakeholders, 'What does your city and your community aspire to become?'" Palafox says.
She says La Union could learn from Ilocos Norte's master plan (which Palafox Associates also developed) which has resulted in a booming tourism industry there beginning 2012.
"The Ilocos Norte experience, however, showed that the community was not prepared with the entry of a huge number of tourists," Palafox says.
Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos earlier admitted that Ilocos Norte's tourism facilities—from hotel accommodation to common essentials like toilets and rest stops—were no match to the droves of tourists who visited the province as a result of widespread tourism promotions.
"Poro Point might want to look at how to prepare communities [once the development plan takes off]," Palafox says.
During the workshop, most participants raised the threat of more oil spill from vessels and the shipyard as a major concern that the plan should address.
The Ilocos shorelines have had incidents of oil spill, most recent was in February when a sunken Burmese cargo ship leaked oil in Bolinao, Pangasinan, that eventually spread to coastal waters from La Union to Ilocos Norte.
A Department of Tourism representative in the Ilocos region also notes the need to expand La Union's tourism market from a mere pit stop to one where visitors could have choices for products.
The San Fernando City government, the DOT says , could provide a One Town One Product display center where La Union's products can be found under one roof.
New lady on the block joins the healthcare industry
TAGS: Business, Freeport, la union, Leisure, poro point Freeport zone, Poro Point Lighthouse, PPFZ


text:
<?php

namespace Lechimp\Formlets\Internal;

use Exception;
use ReflectionFunction;
use Lechimp\Formlets\IValue;
use Lechimp\Formlets\Internal\Checking as C;
use Lechimp\Formlets\Internal\Values as V;

final class FunctionValue extends Value {
    private $_arity; // int
    private $_function; // string
    private $_unwrap_args; // string
    private $_args; // array
    private $_reify_exceptions; // array
    private $_result; // maybe Value

    public function arity() {
        return $this->_arity;
    }

    public function args() {
        return $this->_args;
    }

    /* Create a function value by at least passing it a closure or the name of
     * a function.
     * One could optionally pass an array of arguments for the first arguments
     * of the function to call. This is also used in construction of new function
     * values after apply.
     * When finally calling the wrapped function, Exceptions given as
     * reify_exceptions will be caught and turned into an ErrorValue as return.
     *
     * ATTENTION: When you pass the name of the function, FunctionValue will not
     * know about optional arguments to your function, that is, it will only be
     * satisfied when all arguments (event optional ones) are provided.
     */
    public function __construct( $function, $unwrap_args = true, $args = null
                               , $arity = null, $reify_exceptions = null
                               , $origin = null) {
        if ($origin === null) {
            if (is_string($function)) {
                $origin = $function;
            }
            else {
                $origin = V::ANONYMUS_FUNCTION_ORIGIN;
            }
        }
        parent::__construct($origin);

        if (is_string($function))
            C::guardIsCallable($function);
        else
            C::guardIsClosure($function);

        C::guardIsBool($unwrap_args);

        $args = self::defaultTo($args, array());
        $reify_exceptions = self::defaultTo($reify_exceptions, array());
        C::guardIsArray($args);

        C::guardIfNotNull($arity, "guardIsUInt");
        C::guardIsArray($reify_exceptions);

        foreach($args as $key => $value) {
            $args[$key] = $this->toValue($value, null);
        }

        if ($arity === null) {
            $refl = new ReflectionFunction($function);
            $this->_arity = $refl->getNumberOfParameters() - count($args);
        }
        else {
            $this->_arity = $arity - count($args);
        }
        if ($this->_arity < 0) {
            throw new Exception("FunctionValue::__construct: more args then parameters.");
        }

        $this->_function = $function;
        $this->_unwrap_args = $unwrap_args;
        $this->_args = $args;
        $this->_reify_exceptions = $reify_exceptions;
    }

    /* If the function is satisfied get the result. Will only be calculated
     * once.
     */
    public function result() {
        if (!$this->isSatisfied()) {
            throw new Exception("Problem with implementation.");
        }

        if ($this->_result === null) {
            $res = $this->actualCall();
            $this->_result = $this->toValue($res, $this->origin());
        }
        return $this->_result;
    }

    public function force() {
        // TODO: Maybe thats enough for the moment...
        if ($this->isSatisfied()) {
            return $this->result();
        }
        return $this;
    }

    /* Is the function applied enough times to have a result? */
    public function isSatisfied() {
        return $this->_arity === 0;
    }

    /* Get the value from the result of the function if it is
     * satisfied. Throw otherwise.
     */
    public function get() {
        if ($this->isSatisfied()) {
            return $this->result()->get();
        }
        throw new GetError("FunctionValue");
    }

    /* Apply the function to a value, producing a new value. */
    public function apply(IValue $to) {
        if ($this->isSatisfied()) {
            return $this->result()->apply($to);
        }

        // The call should also guarantee, that $this->args
        // gets copied, so the function value could be used
        // more than once for a curried call.
        return $this->deferredCall($this->_args, $to);
    }

    /* Define a subclass of Exception to be caught and returned
     * as an ErrorValue instead of being thrown to the outside
     * of apply.
     */
    public function catchAndReify($exc_class) {
        C::guardIsString($exc_class);
        $re = $this->_reify_exceptions;
        $re[] = $exc_class;
        return new FunctionValue( $this->_function
                                , $this->_unwrap_args
                                , $this->_args
                                , $this->_arity + count($this->_args)
                                , $re
                                , $this->origin()
                                );
    }

    /* Check weather the value is applicable, that is true if the function is
     * not satisfied and the applicability of the result otherwise.
     */
    public function isApplicable() {
        if ($this->isSatisfied()) {
            return $this->result()->isApplicable();
        }

        return true;
    }

    /* If the function is not satisfied, it is no error, otherwise the decision
     * is dispatched to the result.
     */
    public function isError() {
        if ($this->isSatisfied()) {
            return $this->result()->isError();
        }

        return false;
    }

    /* Tries to return the error for the result if function is satisfied, throws
     * otherwise.
     */
    public function error() {
        if ($this->isSatisfied()) {
            return $this->result()->error();
        }
        throw new Exception("Implementation error.");
    }

    /* Compose this function value with another, that is, apply the other function
     * first and then apply the result to this function.
     */
    public function composeWith(FunctionValue $other) {
        return V::fn_w(function($value) use ($other) {
            $res = $other->apply($value)->force();
            return $this->apply($res)->force();
        });
    }

    /* Helper to create a new function value with one less arity. */
    private function deferredCall($args, $next_value) {
        $args[] = $next_value;
        return new FunctionValue( $this->_function
                                , $this->_unwrap_args
                                , $args
                                , $this->_arity + count($this->_args)
                                , $this->_reify_exceptions
                                , $this->origin()
                                );
    }

    /* Helper to calculate the actual result of the function with error caching. */
    private function actualCall() {
        try {
            return $this->rawActualCall();
        }
        catch(Exception $e) {
            foreach ($this->_reify_exceptions as $exc_class) {
                if ($e instanceof $exc_class) {
                    return V::error($e->getMessage(), $this->origin());
                }
            }
            throw $e;
        }
    }

    /* Helper to calculate the function result without error catching. */
    private function rawActualCall() {
        if ($this->_unwrap_args) {
            $args  = array();
            $errors = array();
            $this->evalArgs($args, $errors);

            if (count($errors) > 0) {
                return V::error( "Function arguments contain errors."
                             , $this->origin()
                             , $errors
                             );
            }
        }
        else {
            $args = $this->_args;
        }

        return call_user_func_array($this->_function, $args);
    }

    /* Helper to get the values of the arguments to the function. */
    private function evalArgs(&$res, &$errors) {
        foreach ($this->_args as $value) {
            if ($value->isError()) {
                $errors[] = $value->force();
                $res[] = $value;
            }
            else if ($value->isApplicable()) {
                $res[] = $value;
            }
            else {
                $res[] = $value->get();
            }
        }
    }

    /* Turn a thing to a value if it is not already one. */
    private function toValue($val, $origin) {
        if ($val instanceof Value) {
            return $val;
        }
        else {
            return V::val($val, $origin);
        }
    }
}


text:
Home > Faculty and Staff Publications > Faculty and Staff Books > 184
Faculty and Staff Books
Rural Hospitals and Long-term Care: The Challenges of Diversification and Integration Strategies
Andrew F. Coburn PhD, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research Center
Stephenie Loux MS, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research Center
Elise J. Bolda PhD, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service
Book chapter from Service Delivery to Older Adults: The Challenges of Diversification and Integration Strategies.
Service Delivery to Older Adults provides a comprehensive discussion of contemporary challenges experienced by older rural residents and their communities in accessing and providing services. Many of the chapters provide details about programs and services which have been successful and may serve as models for others to consider.
Coburn, Andrew, et al. "Rural Hospitals and Long-Term Care: The Challenges of Diversification and Integration Strategies." Service delivery to rural older adults: Research, policy, and practice, edited by R. Turner Goins, and John A. Krout, Springer Publishing, 2006, pp. 103-22.
Find in the Catalog
Got a Book? - Fill out the Repository Release Form!


New cars are the need of the hour and buyers do search for newest models which could be flaunted well in front of others. But for quite some time no new designs are entering the market which directly affects the sales since buyers do need something which shouldn't be too pricy and yet delivers the best.
Hyundai is one brand which has been unto date with new models like Hyundai i20 and Hyundai i10 which significantly raised the brand's sales. From the sedan point of view Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Verna have become old and need to be revised.
Of all the above sedans Hyundai Verna has been loved the most and even today the car is doing well but maybe the company has different plans and will soon be replacing it with a new Verna. Globally the replacement model is known as Hyundai RB Concept and after incorporating few alterations, the new model is all set to hit the market.
The car will be available with two engine options, 1.6 Litre MPFI petrol and a 1.4 Litre CRDi diesel and will be coupled with a 6-speed Manual transmission or automatic transmission as per the demand. On the design part it very much resembles i10 from front while the rear is new.
Since Verna and Hyundai Accent could not achieve what they should have, this new Korean model has the opportunity to do wonders for the brand.


text:
Beyoncé's "Renaissance" Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard
As Renaissance enters at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 332,000 equivalent album units, of which album sales make up 190,000, Beyoncé returns to the top of the charts.
The 16-track album, which is the first of three parts, has the second-largest week of 2022 and the biggest week for a woman. With 179.06 million streams, it also records the biggest streaming week for a female artist's album in 2022.
Adele, whose song 30 spent six weeks at No. 1 on the charts between December 4, 2021, and January 8, 2022, was the last woman to hold the position. Harry Styles' Harry's House, which debuted in June with 521,000 copies, is the only album with a bigger overall debut in 2022.
Renaissance is the latest number-one album from Queen Bey. Beginning with Dangerously in Love in 2003, each of her seven solo studio albums debuted at No. 1.
Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny dips to No. 2 (104,000), Future's I Never Liked You drops 5–9 (31,000), and Drake's Honestly, Nevermind tumbles 6–10 elsewhere in the top 10. (29,000).
Billboard 200 Top 10
Beyoncé – Renaissance – 332,000
Bad Bunny – Un Verano Sin Ti – 104,000
ATEEZ – The World EP.1: Movement – 50,000
Morgan Wallen – Dangerous: The Double Album – 49,000
Harry Styles – Harry's House – 46,000
ENHYPEN – Manifesto: Day 1 – 39,000
$uicideboy$ – Sing Me a Lullaby, My Sweet Temptation – 37,000
Dance Gavin Dance – Jackpot Juicer – 33,500
Future – I Never Liked You – 31,000
Drake – Honestly, Nevermind – 29,000
InBeyoncé
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Tagged under Mi-Kyung Yun, Manhwa, Series.
Outstanding art in this manga. I've gotten up to volume 4, because I do not currently own the rest of the series. I couldn't put this down, I had to read it all, 1-4, of what I had because the story is so captivating. I find myself feeling the same feelings as Soah, and it's been a really long time since I've had a manga actually move me as the characters are being moved. This is an excellent read and I recommended it for all to pick up. Not only is the manga amazing, but the creater herself is very cute and I enjoy reading her epilogs after the main story. She's so shy and timid, it makes me want to just hug her.
It's the art that drew me to it again! I just love how this artist draws. The love story is just lovely too. Not to mention that the guy is just freaking hot haha. I just wish it will get completed already, i dislike on-going manga since till the next chapter is out I forget all about it.
I LOVE THE ART FOR THIS.
I still haven't quite grasped the storyline of this, but it's very interesting. esp the art.
Sometimes, the romance seems bland (but that's only because I've only read the beginning chapters...namely, until chapter 24) because, well, I mean, she just got sacrificed to some god who looks like a kid.
I'm sure it becomes a lot better after a whole ordeal kind of situation. But, presently, 8.25 is what I rate it, which is already pretty good.


Harry is the Managing Partner of the Firm and head of the Business Law Department. Since 1975, he has represented individuals and business entities in connection with business, financial and corporate law matters. In particular, he has advised clients with regard to formation, structuring and restructuring of entities and the financing, acquisition or sale of businesses. Prior to practicing law, Harry's business experience included more than five years as a commercial pilot and manager of a charter aviation business. He has been a resident of Greenwich for more than 30 years and has been involved in many community activities, including serving as baseball and hockey coach in youth athletic programs and participating in community organizations, including the Greenwich Family YMCA and The Patricia S. Heyman Foundation. Harry's clients range from local businesses and homeowners' associations to larger commercial enterprises.