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Who's Who in Syria's Civil War
Syria's civil war is being fought on multiple fronts by an array of combatants whose alliances, capabilities, and in some cases motives have been in flux.
Backgrounder by Zachary Laub
The Arab League
Founded as a loose confederation of states in 1945, the Arab League has struggled to overcome dysfunction and disunity among its members.
Backgrounder by Jonathan Masters and Mohammed Aly Sergie
Nonproliferation, Arms Control, and Disarmament
Sarin, one of the world's most lethal chemical weapons, has long been stockpiled but is rarely used by states or terrorists. Allegations of attacks on civilians in Syria, if substantiated, would repr…
The Dilemma of Humanitarian Intervention
Global support for the "responsibility to protect" doctrine weakened after the UN-endorsed no-fly zone that helped topple Libya's regime, and debate continues over the threshold for mounting armed hu…
Backgrounder by Jayshree Bajoria and Robert McMahon
The Candidates on Democracy Promotion in the Arab World
The presidential candidates generally agree on support for democracy and human rights in Arab states, but have differed on several policy particulars, such as military intervention in Libya and Syria.
al-Qaeda (a.k.a. al-Qaida, al-Qa'ida)
A profile of the international terrorist network that the United States has singled out as the most serious threat to U.S. security.
Backgrounder by Jayshree Bajoria and Greg Bruno
Oil's Trouble Spots
With oil supplies tight, regions most vulnerable to oil supply disruptions present a significant economic concern, particularly threats to the Strait of Hormuz and unrest in Nigeria, explains this Ba…
Backgrounder by Toni Johnson
UN Resolutions on the Mideast and North Africa
Summaries and links to the seminal United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions for the post-colonial period, focusing on those related to the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle …
Backgrounder by Christopher W. Tatlock
The G8 Agenda: Mideast Push
Mideast upheaval was a top issue at the G8, which is winding down today in France, along with nuclear safety, leadership of the IMF, and aid to Africa. This Backgrounder profiles the eight participan…


But my heart remains a true believer..
Yet a child of His, I'm no redeemer.
For what they say we must..
and find our way, through the thick and thin.
And ending his time.. ending his time..
Of law and order, right or wrong, where the stronger beats the strong.


Most Australian mushrooms have not been scientifically described and new studies are leading to classification changes. In particular, some mushrooms that appear the same as European species have been shown to differ. For example, the Australian parasol mushroom Macrolepiota Clelandii, has turned out to be a different species to the edible European Macrolepiota procera and Macrolepiota conradii species, and has been misnamed even by some professional mycologists.
Consequently, all Australian fungi identifications n this website and in Fungioz app are tentative as they have been made by comparing the macro features of photographed specimens with photos and descriptions of macro features published in guide-books and on the web.
The edibility of Australian fungi is largely unknown. Therefore, neither this website nor FungiOzapp contains edibility information. Even for species that maybe edible it is easy for foragers to pick a harmful Australian look-a-like,. Examples of such misidentifications are to be found in our blog.
Don't Remove Fungi from Public Property. Furthermore, it is illegal to remove mushrooms from anything other than private property in Australia. Unlike some other countries, Australia actively protects its public land even though the crucial role of fungi in sustaining ecosystems may not be fully appreciated.
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Home » Architecture » Commercial » Mohalla Clinics: A Prototype for Affordable Healthcare by Architecture Discipline
Mohalla Clinics: A Prototype for Affordable Healthcare by Architecture Discipline
Architect Akshat Bhatt proposes a cost-effective solution to bring affordable medical services to vulnerable communities.
Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinic designed by Akshat Bhatt. Photograph: Jeetin Sharma
India's health infrastructure is facing one of its biggest crises in the post-Independence era. For many years, the country has fared poorly on health infrastructure indices—the Human Development Report 2020 shows a national ratio of only five beds per 10,000 people. Existing facilities are highly privatised and expensive. These limitations were exacerbated further by COVID-19 and the stress it exerted on our public health systems. Smaller, grassroots level medical facilities that provide subsidised services and are quickly deployable are a viable solution to this crisis, bringing affordable care to a broader population.
The Mohalla Clinics by Architecture Discipline is one such solution that aims at accessibility, immediacy of care and affordability, along with a socially integrative approach to health and well-being. "The prototype for a primary care centre is built out of used shipping containers salvaged from various container yards in Delhi. It is developed on pro bono basis for the Delhi Government's Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics programme with financial support from Tata Power's CSR wing. In the first phase, 20 units were deployed in various urban settlements in Delhi, this will scale up to 500 units in upcoming phases," said architect Akshat Bhatt, Founder, Architecture Discipline.
Photograph: Jeetin Sharma
Two unit models have been developed for the Mohalla Clinics. Type A comprises an examination room, a reception and waiting area, a pharmacy accessible from outside, and a washroom, making it suitable for routine health checks, testing and medicine purchasing. Type B is a variation of this model, with a digital reading room on the upper level and an adjoining terrace accessible through a spiral staircase. This model provides a quiet space for study in dense settlements where such facilities are limited. As they are manned 24/7, they are accessible at all times of the day and can act as rain shelters when they are not in use.
The clinics are composed of two 20ft-long containers separated by a 1.2m-wide metal deck that also serves as an entryway to the two halves. To protect the clinic's interiors from Delhi's searing heat, the containers are enveloped with micron insulation consisting of non-woven thermally bonded fibre, a non-flammable and hypoallergenic material. Glazed wall sections consist of hermetically sealed double-glazed units with aluminium frames, allowing the clinics to be naturally lit while preventing heat ingress. The units are anchored in place with small concrete pile footings that cause minimal impact to the ground.
The interior finishes create an optimistic and clean environment for patients, using materials and fixtures that are patient-safe and easy to maintain. Walls are panelled with Volatile Organic Compound (VOC), free ply, pasted birchwood, and the floors are covered with hospital-grade vinyl flooring. Insulated drywall partitions separate individual spaces, with an opaque glass partition screening the pharmacy from the waiting lounge. The clinic is equipped with essential furniture, like examination beds, wash basins, desks, tables and chairs, seating benches and storage space. Connected to the waiting lounge via the pharmacy, the washroom features a medical-grade stainless steel counter with a foot-operated wash basin, along with water-conserving plumbing fixtures.
To create a seamless plug-and-play operation, server rack power strips are incorporated into the clinic. The facility is lit with under-lighting strips concealed with pelmets, and is cooled with 1.5-tonne air-conditioners whose outdoor units are located on the rooftop. The air-conditioning units include microfilters to create a dust-free internal environment. The water requirements for the washroom are fulfilled by a 200-litre water tank on the clinic's roof. The services on the roof are concealed with a galvanized iron mesh, painted to match the clinic's external appearance. The clinics can be entirely prefabricated and transported to their locations with a forklift, requiring minimal on-site assembly. Prefabrication allows for greater quality control and precision in finishing, minimizing pollution due to construction activities and on-site errors.
The quick construction of the prototype allows it to be deployed virtually anywhere, with the possibility of airlifting the units to emergency situations like disaster-struck regions or war zones. The clinic's design capitalizes on the structural strength of a discarded shipping container and works with it as a module, reducing the need for costly modifications or custom-built additions. In this manner, it redefines post-industrial waste as a medium for the equal distribution of affordable health services, integrating them into a circular model of reuse. By taking something forgotten and giving it a new lease of life through the clinics, the architect proposes a sustainable solution for the health infrastructure crisis in our country.
Akshat Bhatt, Founder, Architecture + Design
Project: Mohalla Clinics, Delhi
Architects: Architecture Discipline, Delhi
Team: Akshat Bhatt, Heena Bhargava, Jishnu Murali
Area: 500sq ft
Year of completion: May 2021 (First unit)
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Charles Bennett describes German artillery and fake grenades
Sir Charles Bennett, Commanding Officer of the 28th Māori Battalion details the attack on Point 209; the deadly German artillery and the use of rocks as fake grenades by C Company troops.
The Germans of course had a grandstand view of all this and they started their defensive fire right from the very beginning and then they started firing mortars over from their rear... their troops. We found out afterward it extended considerably...they were there in depth. So they had mortars behind them and these mortars had air bursters, these shells would come over, they'd burst just above the heads of our troops, and then the shrapnel would fly in all directions, ricochet off the rocks and cause very heavy casualties. And so, the battle continued, it was still daylight, 5 o'clock when the attack took place and by the time darkness came C Company was pretty close to the top of the hill, but they hadn't taken it.
When darkness came it provided cover for C Company men and they continued to fight the enemy at the top of the hill right through that night. At one stage they rang me and they said that they'd run out of hand grenades and did we have supplies down below and I told them no, that we had no reserve supplies. I said to them why not use stones, because the enemy can't tell the difference in the dark, because when big stones land they think it's a grenade. And so they did, it's in our history. I think there was a grin on most of their faces when they threw these stones over and they could hear the German's yelling and scattering in all directions thinking it was a hand grenade.
Well the battle continued all night, we hadn't driven the enemy off the top of the hill... I'm sorry we had, but they were just on the brow of the hill on the other side and we were on the brow of the hill on this side. But it was only literally a question of yards separating their troops from our troops that they fought through the night.
Sound file - Extracts from Interview with Sir Charles Bennett, interviewer Jim Sullivan, recorded 31 March and 1 April 1993, commissioned by the Ministry of External Relations.
From the Alexander Turnbull Library Oral History and Sound collection, OHColl-0217-1. All rights reserved. Permission of the Library and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade must be obtained before any re-use of this sound file.
Detail of Officers at Katerini
Reference: DA-14231
Submitted by mbadmin on Wed, 22/09/2010 - 16:31
Charles Moihi Te Arawaka Bennett


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Home »The Ugly Vegetables (Hardcover)
The Ugly Vegetables (Hardcover)
By Grace Lin, Grace Lin (Illustrator)
In this charming story about celebrating differences a Chinese-American girl wishes for a garden of bright flowers instead of one full of bumpy, ugly, vegetables.
The neighbors' gardens look so much prettier and so much more inviting to the young gardener than the garden of "black-purple-green vines, fuzzy wrinkled leaves, prickly stems, and a few little yellow flowers" that she and her mother grow. Nevertheless, mother assures her that "these are better than flowers." Come harvest time, everyone agrees as those ugly Chinese vegetables become the tastiest, most aromatic soup they have ever known. As the neighborhood comes together to share flowers and ugly vegetable soup, the young gardener learns that regardless of appearances, everything has its own beauty and purpose.
THE UGLY VEGETABLES springs forth with the bright and cheerful colors of blooming flowers and lumpy vegetables. Grace Lin's playful illustrations pour forth with abundant treasures. Complete with a guide to the Chinese pronunciation of the vegetables and the recipe for ugly vegetable soup!
Grace Lin grew up in Upstate New York with her parents and two sisters. While the other sisters became scientists, Grace became an artist.
After attending the Rhode Island School of Design, Grace quickly set out to achieve her dream of creating children's books. Grace has written and illustrated several books for children, including THE UGLY VEGETABLES, OUR SEASONS, DIM SUM FOR EVERYONE!, and OLIVINA FLIES. Grace lives in Somerville, Massachusetts.
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Publication Date: July 1st, 1999
Juvenile Fiction / People & Places / United States / Asian American & Pacific Islander
Juvenile Fiction / Cooking & Food
Paperback (July 1st, 2001): $7.95
Hardcover (Chinese) (November 1st, 2017): $41.31


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BahamasB2B
Creative Nassau Solidifies The Bahamas' Presence In The Global Arena
Saturday 11th, November 2017 / 14:59 Published by Pam Burnside
Creative Nassau (CN), the registered non-profit organization, which was successful in obtaining for the City of Nassau the prestigious designation 'UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts' in 2014, has relayed a warm welcome to the 64 new member cities of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). With this latest addition, the network now numbers 180 cities from 72 countries.
CN President Pam Burnside stated: "Creative Nassau is so proud to be one of only three cities in the Caribbean region to have achieved membership in this prestigious network, and we achieved success without any government help. Our UNESCO application identified the promotion and enhancement of our amazing Straw industry and Junkanoo traditions as our primary focus. Our very small team of passionate Bahamians, all deeply involved in the cultural community, have continued to work assiduously, both locally and globally, to carry out our mission to 'promote and celebrate Bahamian art, culture and heritage from the inside out.'
"Internationally, 2017 has been a busy year with travel to our sister city of Santa Fe, New Mexico to investigate the participation of Bahamian artisans in the 2018 International Folk Arts Market there. Creative Nassau also secured the participation of Peter Ives of Santa Fe as a keynote speaker at this year's "Orange Economy" Webinar held in conjunction with the Central Bank of The Bahamas.
"In September, we attended the first ever UCCN Craft and Folk Arts Cluster Conference in Paducah, Kentucky where an official Declaration was signed by member cities of the Cluster stating our commitment to UNESCO's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. In October, Bahamian ceramicist Alistair Stevenson, who is presently completing his ceramics degree in Jingdezhen, China, curated and manned the successful Creative Nassau pavilion at one of the largest International Ceramics Fair in China. In November, travel to Bolivia to attend a Civil Society Meeting on behalf of the Inter-American Development Bank will also expand opportunity for further international networking.
"Through this amazing membership, The Bahamas has established a firm footing on the international stage, demonstrating to the world that we are indeed more than just sun, sand and sea. It is our hope that this new government will now recognize and fully embrace this UNESCO designation and utilize it as a development engine for the country for the benefit of all."
CN Vice President Patricia Glinton Meicholas added: "Although our group comprises just a few core persons, Creative Nassau is totally committed to building and developing our country through its people who are our most precious resource. Much work needs to be done here at home but we can achieve so much more if we commit to forming strategic international partnerships in order to pool resources, share ideas and collaborate to advance the creative agenda. We sincerely thank all of those persons and entities who have linked with us, recognizing the power of creativity to transform lives. Our 'true true' stories must be told with accuracy and pride to ensure the sustainability of our rich Bahamian history and heritage. This is what makes us so special must be preserved for generations to come."
Further information on the Creative Nassau's activities can be found on their website at www.creativenassau.com or on their Facebook page.
1) Pam Burnside meets with UCCN sister city delegates of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Icheon, South Korea
2) Official delegates of UCCN Crafts and Folk Art Cluster gather with the Paducah Mayor, Brandi Harless after signing the Paducah Declaration
3) Paducah artist Kijsa Housman graphically recorded the Creative Field Workshops led by Dr. Maurizio Carta to create an actionable roadmap for a future built on creativity(Paducah photos courtesy of the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau)
← Peace and Plenty sold to U.S.-based real estate development firm PM Blasts Press at Awards Ceremony →
John 'Chippie' Chipman Dies Age 90
Baha Mar To Give $2m In Aid
Jordan pledges $1 million to hurricane relief efforts
Us 'Saved More Than 200 Lives' After Dorian
Anni on Were Atlantis Lifeguards Culpable in Child's Death?
pat paul on My 20 Favourite Bahamian Songs of All Time
Mike on Ronald "Ronnie" Butler, Sr. M.B.E Passes Away at 80
Linda on Wallace Groves and The History of Grand Bahama
2014 © Copyright. Bahamas B2B - Nassau, The Bahamas


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Home > Kolkata > Prominent Durga Pujas in Kolkata inaccessible to disabled: NGO
Prominent Durga Pujas in Kolkata inaccessible to disabled: NGO
Agencies25 Sep 2017 12:43 PM GMT
Kolkata: A city-based NGO on Monday said that over 70 per cent big banner Durga Pujas here have failed to provide adequate equipment and accessibility for the disabled which goes against the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act passed in 2016.
Claiming that the puja organisers were mostly reluctant to provide infrastructure like wheelchair and ramp inside the marquees for the convenience of the disabled, the organisation said there was a lack of sensitivity for the disabled.
"Though some of the pandals (marquees) have been disabled-friendly, 71 per cent of the big banner pujas in Kolkata are falling behind in providing adequate equipment and a common pandal-going experience for all. There has been a prominent discrimination against the disabled persons," a release from the Civilian Welfare Foundation said.
"There have been wheel chairs in all the pandals. However, the wheel chairs were mostly inaccessible at the time of visit (by the NGO members). Pandals created stairs instead of ramps or made separate accessways beside the normal access point for general public, thus denying the person with disability the major attractions of the pandals," it claimed.
The release further said that there has been a lack of basic sensitivity and understanding about accessibility among the big pujas in the city in spite of the central governments campaigns of accessible India.


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Developing ethical guidelines for research
Christina Clark-Kazak
clarkkazak.pdf
The IASFM has agreed an international code of ethics to guide research with displaced people. Challenges that arose during its development merit continued discussion.
Despite the depth and breadth of the field of forced migration studies, until recently there were no specific ethical guidelines for research with displaced people. While the Refugee Studies Centre at the University of Oxford had adopted Ethical Guidelines for Good Research Practice,[1] these drew on existing general provisions from the Association of Social Anthropologists of the Commonwealth and were not specifically adapted to forced migration contexts. There is an important emerging literature on ethics in displacement[2] but researchers lacked a practical, comprehensive set of guidelines on which there was inter-disciplinary and cross-sectoral consensus.
This gap became apparent to Canadian-based researchers in the context of the resettlement of Syrians to Canada in 2015–16. Increased public, media and government interest, combined with a proliferation of research projects with Syrians, revealed a gap in understanding around how the general ethical principles of voluntary informed consent, respect for privacy and 'do no harm' should be applied to forced migration contexts. In particular, many academic and community-based researchers who had not previously worked with refugees lacked awareness of the specific ethical challenges posed by non-citizens' precarious legal status and their dependence on private sponsors, governments and service providers.
In response, York University's Centre for Refugee Studies, the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR)[3] and the Canadian Association for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies (CARFMS) partnered to develop ethical considerations for research with refugees[4] plus tools for community organisations and refugees who are asked to participate in research[5]. Building on these Canadian-specific guidelines, the International Association for the Study of Forced Migration (IASFM) undertook to develop a broader code of ethics[6] which was adopted by the membership in November 2018 and is reproduced below.
From the development of these documents in Canada and internationally, several lessons can be drawn. First, widespread consultation and collaboration were essential in order to understand the perspectives and needs of displaced people, non-governmental organisations (NGOs – who are respondents, gatekeepers and researchers), and researchers. Workshops at CCR, CARFMS and IASFM conferences allowed us to reach a range of stakeholders and build consensus despite diverging perspectives.
Second, it was important to strike a compromise between colleagues who were sceptical of 'guidelines' and 'codes' as inherently limiting, and those who wanted practical, prescriptive tools that would guide them when faced with ethical dilemmas in research. At the international level, this challenge was compounded by the acknowledgement that ethics are culturally constructed and thus context-specific. As a result, the Canadian documents are more detailed and audience-specific, while the IASFM code of ethics is more normative and principles-based.
Third, the development of these documents required those drafting them to squarely address power inequalities in the production of knowledge. There were frank conversations about the relative privilege of researchers, particularly those based in the Global North who had no personal experience with forced migration. In the Canadian context, inspiration was drawn from efforts to de-colonise methodologies in indigenous research, including the development of ethical guidelines for research with First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. Despite these efforts, the lead drafter of all the documents is a white Canadian and the resulting resources inevitably reproduce unequal power relations. The Canadian and IASFM documents are framed as 'considerations' and 'critical reflections', respectively, to highlight the fact that ethical research is an ongoing process and they should thus be seen as starting points for ongoing reflection and action.
Christina Clark-Kazak cclarkka@uottawa.ca
Associate Professor, School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa
https://uniweb.uottawa.ca/#!/members/2796
President, IASFM http://iasfm.org/
IASFM
Research with people in situations of forced migration poses particular ethical challenges because of unequal power relations, legal precariousness, extreme poverty, violence, the criminalization of migration, politicized research contexts, the policy relevance of our research and/or dependence on government and non-governmental services and funding. However, Research Ethics Boards (REBs) are not always aware of these particular ethical issues; some countries and institutions do not have REBs; and some kinds of research are not subject to REB approval. In this context of heightened risks of research, and uneven institutional accountability for research ethics, the International Association for the Study of Forced Migration (IASFM) hereby proposes this code of ethics for research with people in situations of forced migration. Similarly to how Indigenous research methodologies incorporate a broad, engaged and critical notion of ethics that recognizes power differentiations and the agency of the participants within exploitive research histories, this document sets forth principles that are starting points for respectful research.[7] It is intended to reflect the broad diversity of our membership, including those involved in gathering information – whether in an academic or community setting – as well as those who are asked to take part in research. That being said, we acknowledge that this is not a comprehensive nor exhaustive document, but rather a starting point for active, critical engagement with ethical issues.
Definitions:[8]
Research is defined as any activity that involves data collection and knowledge creation for, with and by people in situations of displacement. This includes, but is not limited to, interviews, focus group discussions, surveys, experiments, observation, and access to case files and administrative data. While not all of these activities are necessarily subject to formal ethics approval, this document contains important principles that apply to anyone involved in research-related activities with people in situations of forced migration.
A researcher is anyone who conducts research, including: students, academics, scholar-practitioners, and service providers collecting data for accreditation, reporting, analysis and/or evaluation.
The term "people in situations of forced migration" includes a broad spectrum of displacement, including asylum seekers, refugee claimants, those with refugee status, people whose refugee claims have been rejected, trafficked persons, and internally displaced persons. This document applies to research with all people who have been forced to leave their homes – regardless of the reason for their displacement – and therefore is not just focused on those who have refugee status.
A gatekeeper is anyone who formally or informally controls access to people in situations of forced migration. Examples include: government authorities; (self-)appointed "leaders" of groups; service providers; and heads of family or household.
Code of ethics: Critical reflections on ethical research in forced migration contexts
We will uphold, apply and adapt the key ethical principles of voluntary, informed consent; confidentiality and privacy; and "do no harm" to the specific contexts of forced migration. We also commit to work towards ensuring that our research improves people's situations whenever possible. We acknowledge that the heightened risks that forced migration poses to both participants and researchers (as well as people who identify as both) requires proactive, thoughtful engagement and continuous critical reflection.
In particular:
Genuine voluntary, informed consent can be challenging to obtain in forced migration contexts due to unequal power relations and dependence on service providers, who may also act as gatekeepers and/or researchers themselves. The psychosocial impacts of forced migration, as well as cultural and linguistic differences, may affect people's ability to understand the consent process in order to make an informed decision about their participation in research. Researchers need to think carefully about how consent applies when dealing with documents and data produced by professionals, volunteers, authorities and others, which are based on information and stories that are not their own.
Confidentiality and privacy are particularly important where the immigration status, liberty and safety of participants and their friends, families and associates can be jeopardized by research findings. Researchers should pay attention to online methods for data collection, which may be subject to interception, as well as specific legal contexts which may require reporting of illegal or harmful activities. Interpreters, research assistants and gatekeepers should be made aware of these confidentiality and privacy issues, and, where appropriate, sign a confidentiality agreement.
"Doing no harm" in forced migration research means proactively prioritizing the dignity, safety and well-being of participants, partners, research assistants, interpreters and researchers. Particular attention should be paid to the ways in which research – directly or indirectly – can (re)traumatize, as well as contribute to racism, xenophobia and the criminalization of migration. Researchers should think carefully about the messaging that will be disseminated through interactions with media and policy makers. Researchers must also consider how their mere presence in a specific location might heighten risks for workers and those in situation of forced migration.
In applying research ethics, we will uphold the following principles:
Autonomy: We will respect and promote the right of people in situations of forced migration to make their own decisions about their lives, their participation in research projects, and the way they are represented in research findings. We acknowledge that too often forced migration researchers are positioned as "experts" on other people's lives and experiences, and too often speak for, or in the name of, people in forced migration.
Equity: We acknowledge intersecting, unequal power relations, which are exacerbated in forced migration contexts, and will take steps to mitigate their effect on research relationships and results. We are mindful that power relations can never be fully resolved, but commit ourselves to actively challenging repressive social structures.
Diversity: We recognize the diversity of experiences of forced migration and culturally specific research ethics. We will include a multitude of perspectives and proactively seek out those who are marginalized or excluded from decision-making and research processes.
Competence: We will use methodological approaches that are adapted to the cultural contexts in which we work, as well as the specific opportunities and challenges of forced migration. We will ensure adequate training for all involved in research projects, including students, research assistants, interpreters and gatekeepers.
Partnership: Forced migration scholarship often disproportionately benefits those who are least affected by displacement. To mitigate this problem and to promote maximum benefit from participation in research, we will include relevant partners throughout the research process, including formulating the research question, design, data collection, analysis and dissemination. Research project budgets will include funding for all partners to reflect the time, talent and contributions to the research. Researchers may also consider actively contributing their time and labour to projects, activities, events or actions which are unrelated to the research, but are undertaken by partners or the communities where research is being conducted.
[1] Refugee Studies Centre (2007) 'Ethical Guidelines for Good Research Practice', Refugee Survey Quarterly, Volume 26, Issue 3, pp162–172 https://academic.oup.com/rsq/article/26/3/162/1590874
[2] The contributions to this FMR issue are some recent examples; see also those listed at the end of the ethical guidelines cited in note 3.
[3] an umbrella group of NGOs working with refugees
[4] Clark-Kazak C (2017) 'Ethical Considerations: Research with People in Situations of Forced Migration', Refuge, 33(2)
https://refuge.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/refuge/article/view/40467/36453
[5] https://ccrweb.ca/en/ethical-considerations-research
[6] IASFM Code of Ethics (2018) http://iasfm.org/blog/2018/11/30/adoption-of-iasfm-research-code-of-ethics/
[7] See Kirkness V J and Barnhardt R (1991) 'First Nations and higher education: The four R's—Respect, relevance, reciprocity, responsibility', Journal of American Indian Education, 1–15.
[8] This definitions section is adapted and reproduced, with permission, from CCR, CARFMS and CRS (2017) 'Ethical Considerations: Research with People in Situations of Forced Migration – Executive Summary'
http://ccrweb.ca/sites/ccrweb.ca/files/research-ethical-guidelines-summary.pdf
Book traversal links for Developing ethical guidelines for research
‹ Social media screening: Norway's asylum system
The helpfulness of Imposing Aid: a tribute from the Refugee Law Project ›
Big data, little ethics: confidentiality and consent
New technologies in migration: human rights impacts
Social media screening: Norway's asylum system
'Over-researched' and 'under-researched' refugees
Research fatigue among Rwandan refugees in Uganda
Over-researching migration 'hotspots'? Ethical issues from the Carteret Islands
Ethics and accountability in researching sexual violence against men and boys
Ethics and consent in settlement service delivery
Ethical primary research by humanitarian actors
EU migration strategy: compromising principled humanitarian action
A humanitarian approach to travel medicine?
Principled humanitarian assistance and non-State armed groups
Ethical dilemmas posed by unethical behaviour by persons of concern
Ethical quandaries in volunteering
The ethical use of images and messaging
Representing refugees in advocacy campaigns
Putting safeguarding commitments into practice
Safeguarding in conflict and crisis
A Life Not Ordinary: our colleague Barbara Harrell-Bond
A lifelong commitment to justice
A refugee-centred perspective
Building expert witness reports: Barbara's legacy
The helpfulness of Imposing Aid: a tribute from the Refugee Law Project
Barbara's ethics of antagonism
AMERA: delivering a refugee-centred approach to protection
From a critique of camps to better forms of aid
Resist injustice


Swissys are categorized in the Working Group of dogs, as are Rottweilers, Akitas, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, Kuvaszok, Doberman Pinschers and 12 other AKC-recognized breeds. Characteristically, working breeds have a tendency toward displays of dominance in their natures. Dominance is not necessarily a bad trait, if kept in check and channeled into constructive avenues. Dominance can provide a dog with "drive." Working breeds possess drive. It is what makes them capable of performing the functions for which they were bred. However, if dominant displays are allowed to escalate into acts of aggression, whether toward people or other animals, this inappropriate and dangerous behavior is indicative that the dog is in control and not the human.
2) CRATE TRAIN YOUR SWISSY.
One way to exercise control over your Swissy is to establish a crate routine from the time you acquire your Swissy. In fact, the breeder of your Swissy may have already begun crate training with the litter of puppies before they traveled to their new homes. The advantages to crate training a dog are numerous. There are many excellent articles about why you should crate train your dog and how to go about a method of training suitable to you and your lifestyle. One of the best reasons to crate train your Swissy is to hasten the process of housetraining. Swissys are, characteristically, slow to house train. It is not unusual to learn that your Swissy may not be entirely reliable in the house until it is 8 months to 1 year of age. Another reason to crate train your Swissy is to ensure its safety. Swissy puppies are notorious for trying to bite, chew and digest everything in their path. Electrical cords, left within reach of a puppy, are enticing. Like a magnet, they can be drawn to a dangling cord. If a puppy bites into an electrical cord, the current can severely injure or kill the puppy.
3) TEACH YOUR SWISSY BITE INHIBITION.
Young Swissys are very 'mouthy'. This is a common complaint among new Swissy owners. Almost every novice owner wants to know how he can get the puppy to stop biting hands, arms, legs, toes, shoes, and clothing. Swissys can be willful and stubborn, making it a challenge to teach bite inhibition. Yet, it is essential in the successful rearing of a young puppy. Ideally, puppies that were kept in their litter and with their mother until 8 weeks of age, should have learned some bite inhibition. Puppies can play brutally with one another, testing their boundaries. The squeal of a puppy who has been 'bit' in a play fight with a littermate will signal to that littermate that it has used too much pressure with its teeth. The puppy has been warned that it must learn to be gentler with its bite. If a puppy does not heed the warning from littermates, that puppy will soon learn that no one wants to play with him – until he changes his ways. You will discover there are differing opinions among trainers and educators concerning the most effective methods in teaching bite inhibition. Probably the most important thing you can take away from your research is that you must teach it to your puppy. Although sharp puppy teeth are quite uncomfortable when making contact with human skin, especially on a small child, the relative damage is little. However, as the dog grows into adulthood, he loses his baby teeth and acquires his adult teeth, which can cause significant damage.
4) CUDDLE, DON'T CODDLE YOUR SWISSY.
Coddling can be given another name – pampering. Although it is an easy habit to fall into, avoid pampering your dog at all costs. If you insist on coddling your puppy, in the long run, you will end up with a spoiled dog that has little or no self-confidence. A Swissy without self-confidence is insecure. Insecurity can result in bullying behavior. If the best way to assist a human child to grow into a happy and emotionally healthy adult is to nurture self-confidence and self-esteem, then the same is true of nurturing a Swissy into adulthood.
Swissy personalities can vary from dog to dog within the breed. Some are naturally more friendly and outgoing while others tend to be initially wary of strange people, strange dogs and new situations. Keep in mind that the Swissy, while used extensively in its native Switzerland as a draft dog and cattle drover, was also used as an all-around farm dog. Therefore, it possesses innate tendencies toward guarding. The guarding instinct results in the Swissy's vigilant behavior, constantly on the lookout for any unfamiliarity encroaching upon its territory. Dogs do not have the capability to generalize from one situation to the next. That is why it is imperative for a responsible owner to continually socialize and expose his Swissy to a variety of new places, people and situations. With adequate socialization, a dog will learn to be more relaxed and self-confident in unfamiliar situations. Not all Swissys require the same level or amount of socialization. Some require more than others. If your Swissy continues to appear insecure or stressed in different venues, more socialization is definitely in order. An insecure and stressed Swissy is probably a fearful Swissy. A fearful Swissy can react by lunging, growling, snarling and even biting.
6) TAKE YOUR SWISSY TO PUPPY KINDERGARTEN CLASS.
An excellent way to expose your Swissy to other dogs and other people is to enroll it in a Puppy Kindergarten class. Experts in the field of canine social development have determined that the ideal age at which puppies absolutely soak up and learn from exposure to all kinds of people, places, situations, and other dogs is between the ages of 6 weeks and 14 weeks. Puppy K classes have sprung up all over the country. Most instructors allow puppies into these classes once puppies have reached 12 weeks of age and received their third set of vaccinations. There is the slight possibility of a puppy picking up a disease at a class because it is not yet fully vaccinated. However, most experts agree that the socially developmental benefits of getting the puppy into a class at the earliest possible age outweigh the precautions of waiting until the puppy is older and fully vaccinated. This is an issue you may want to discuss with your veterinarian and your breeder. Incidentally, research facilities in your area offering Puppy K classes and different levels of obedience training prior to bringing home your puppy. Don't wait until your puppy is 12 weeks old and then try to scramble to get your puppy into a class. Chances are, the classes will already be filled. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until the next session, and you will have lost an opportunity to socialize your puppy during that critical period.
7) KEEP YOUR SWISSY OBEDIENCE TRAINED.
A common mistake made by many novice Swissy owners is to take their Swissy out of formal obedience training once it has been through a Puppy K and/or a Beginner's obedience class. Most instructors will tell you that the purpose of a Beginner's class is to train the owner how to teach the dog some basic commands. Once the Beginner's class - usually 8 weeks in duration - is over, the real work is just starting. Your Swissy has a long way to go to reach adulthood. Swissys are notorious for 'acting out' during their adolescent phase. The adolescent phase can begin as early as 5 months of age and last through at least two years of age. Thus, at a minimum, you can count on 20 months of owning a physically powerful, 100-pound plus, working breed with teenage tendencies to "do it my way." The owner's attitude must be, "I don't think so." To manage your Swissy through its adolescence, it is highly advisable to stay with your Swissy in a weekly obedience class until it is at least two years old. You may decide that you and your Swissy have become quite a team, excelling at all exercises, and want to become involved in competitive obedience. Or, you may simply want to maintain a well-mannered Swissy in your home and community. Either way, weekly class time with your Swissy promotes 1) bonding between your and your dog, 2) necessary continued socialization and 3) the motivation to work with your dog to be prepared to shine in class. As a working breed, a Swissy is at its best when given a job to do. Swissys are intelligent. Most respond well to positive reinforcement. Therefore, working with your Swissy in obedience should not be viewed as a chore, but as an opportunity to enjoy time with your dog. A note of importance: working breeds, characteristically, do not train like other "obedience" breeds, such as Golden Retrievers or Shelties. "Obedience" breeds thrive on repetition of exercises. Conversely, working breeds become easily bored and distracted and will not willingly repeat an exercise over and over, as will a Golden Retriever. Therefore, the owner of a working breed should understand that successfully teaching commands and exercises to a Swissy will require shorter, upbeat sessions. Don't measure your progress in comparison to the classic "obedience" breeds. Swissys are not only amusing to others, but also love amusement. Incorporating imaginative games into the daily obedience routine will help to keep them focused and challenged.
8) TEACH YOUR SWISSY TO 'WAIT'.
This command can be invaluable in exercising control over your Swissy. Remember that your Swissy will probably weigh near or over 100 pounds. Strikingly handsome, he is also robust and powerful. After all, he is a draft dog. Swissys will bowl you over to get through a doorway, up or down stairs, or along a narrow hallway. You have a better chance of not getting pushed if your dog has been taught to obey the 'wait' command. Tell yourself that you are the leader. It is your right to move ahead of your Swissy. The 'wait' command should also be used when feeding your Swissy. It is another means of exercising control, letting your Swissy know who is boss. If you place food in front of your Swissy, giving the 'wait' command, he should not begin eating until you release him. He must learn to respect that he is eating only because you are allowing him to eat. Teaching the 'wait' command could save your Swissy's life. When walking your Swissy on lead, teach him that he must 'sit' and 'wait' at every street curb, not moving forward until you give him the 'heel' command.
9) TEACH YOUR SWISSY TO 'HEEL'.
Enough importance cannot be placed on the necessity of teaching your Swissy to walk on lead in 'heel' position. The Swissy's appeal, to many, is that it is a large dog. The pitfall of having a large working breed, descended from the ancient mastiffs, is that it is powerful. Swissy puppies grow very quickly into big, muscular dogs that can behave in an unruly manner. Bred as a draft and droving dog, the Swissy is strong, to say the least. Swissys can excel at a variety of performance events, not the least of which is Weight Pulling. It is not unusual for a Swissy to be able to pull upwards of 1,000 pounds. In fact, the top weight-pulling Swissys in the country have pulled anywhere between 2,500 pounds to 4,000 pounds. Swissys are enthusiastic about pulling! Now, imagine this pulling machine at one end of a 6-foot lead, or worse, yet, a flexi-lead, with you at the other end. If your Swissy is not taught to 'heel', and he gets it into his head to lunge or run, you very well may be pulled to the ground. Injury to you is not out of the question, and think of the seriousness of the situation if a child is holding onto the lead.
10) TEACH YOUR SWISSY THE 'RECALL'.
For all of their endearing qualities, Swissys can display a streak of independence at times. With some, one of the most difficult commands you will want your Swissy to learn is to come to you when called. Significantly, it is probably the most important command to ensure your dog obeys. Swissys can have a high prey drive. They are incredibly attracted to squirrels, chipmunks, and the like. When in hot pursuit of one of these creatures, they can switch on their selective hearing and simply ignore your recall command. As mentioned, Swissys love a good game. This breed is so much fun in that respect. But sometimes, their idea of mischief can have a deadly outcome. Because Swissys are athletic, they have been known to find a way under or over fences, escaping from the safety of their yards. Some breeds have street sense, but Swissys do not. Running from the confines of the yard, away from the owner, to play "Dodge 'Em" in traffic may seem like innocent fun to an unwitting Swissy. Teaching a reliable recall just might save your Swissy's life.
11) TEACH YOUR SWISSY THE 'DOWN-STAY'.
Every dog should be able to perform a 'down-stay'. There are different methods used to teach a dog to stay in place on a 'down' for an extended period of time. Swissys, having that tendency towards wanting the upper hand, do not like to perform 'downs'. Going 'down' means it is assuming a submissive position. This is all the more reason you will want your Swissy to obey a 'down' command and 'stay' in the 'down' position for up to 30 minutes. Teaching the 'long down', as it is referred to in obedience circles, further establishes your role as leader over your dog. In addition, if your dog is capable of obeying the 'down-stay', you virtually can take your dog anywhere, knowing he can behave in an acceptable manner. And, finally, a dog that is capable of dropping to a 'down' on command, and staying, may save his own life. Take the example of the willful dog that is running for the street, refusing to come when called. That same dog might perform a drop to 'down' on command, just stopping short of running into traffic.
Successfully training a dog to behave the way you want it to requires consistency. First and foremost, a united front involving all family members is a must. All family members should agree with and follow through in the consistency of training and the giving of commands. If Dad does not allow the Swissy on the furniture, but Mom does, just how confused do you think your new 4-legged family member will be? If the Swissy jumps on the bed, Dad can't blame the dog. Thus, everyone should determine mutually acceptable boundaries for the dog's behavior and agree to move forward with those parameters in mind when training. Children can be coached to maintain the parameters, as well. Secondly, consistency in the actual command is a necessity. If Dad is saying "Off!" to tell the Swissy to remove himself from the couch, but Mom is using the word "Down," the result is a confused dog. Consistency garners respect.
13) MAKE A COMMAND SOUND LIKE A COMMAND.
The instructions 'sit', 'down', and 'stay' are considered "static " commands. Speak them in a lower tone of voice. The instructions 'come' or 'heel' should be said in a happier tone of voice because you are motivating your dog to move. Verbal corrections, such as the popular "aaah – aaah" should be voiced in a guttural tone. An appropriate "No!" or "Off!" or "Enough!" should be voiced sharply. Conversely, your dog should hear all praise words in happy, enthusiastic, loving tones. Dogs are quick to pick up on what is agreeable and disagreeable to their owners, as long as their owners speak in distinguishable tones. A note of caution is in order if you don't appreciate a big bark on a dog. The Swissy may not be for you. The Swissy bark is loud and can be quite intimidating. Swissys are notorious alarm barkers. Although they don't bark incessantly, they will bark at anything out of the ordinary in or surrounding your home. In fact, they will want to bark at your neighbors every time your neighbors walk outside. They will bark at you every time you pull in the driveway. Teaching your Swissy to obey the command "Enough!" will come in handy if you want your Swissy to discontinue his alarm barking.
Don't give your dog a command unless you can follow through with enforcing the command. Don't put your Swissy on a 'down-stay' while you are bustling from room to room, busy with household chores. Chances are your Swissy won't stay because Swissys love to follow their people from room to room. They thrive on human companionship. If you put your Swissy on a 'down-stay' in the living room, but find you need to fold laundry in another room, you will not be able to enforce the command. How can your dog be expected to obey if you are not consistently realistic in your follow-through? By the way, if you are a person who does not like your household pet to be underfoot, a Swissy is not for you. Another very important example regarding realistic expectations is to not give your dog a command to 'come' unless you can make him come. A dog will quickly pick up on the fact that it does not have to come to you if you are not within a distance to enforce the command. Never give a recall unless you are prepared to go after your dog and, with praise, bring it back to the spot where you originally uttered the command.
15) PRACTICE THE 3 P'S – PATIENCE, PERSISTENCE AND PRAISE.
In other words, be patiently persistent and use praise! At times, training your Swissy will seem like a hair-pulling experience. If you are on your last nerve, don't work with your Swissy at that time. You certainly will not be capable of patience. Swissys are incredibly sensitive to their people's moods, almost certainly aware of them before you are! Their concern for you is genuine. If they sense you are sad, stressed, or tired, their response in training will mirror your mood. As discussed, Swissys often do not train in the traditional sense of many other "obedience" breeds. Don't give up on your Swissy. He will get there! Sometimes it may just take a little more creative persistence on your part, but think of the fun involved in the challenge. It can be necessary to use appropriate physical corrections on some Swissys via the use of training collars or Gentle Leaders. Instruction from an experienced and capable trainer in the use of a variety of collars and their intended corrections is absolutely necessary before you attempt to use any training collar on your Swissy. Without a doubt, training collars should NEVER be used on a Swissy until it has reached at least 4 months of age. Swissys, generally speaking, respond well to positive reinforcement. If you start, from the very first day that you bring home your Swissy puppy, to reward with enthusiastic praise, food, game playing, and physical affection, the odds are you will have a responsive Swissy. There are always exceptions. Keep in mind that any correction, physical or verbal, must be delivered swiftly and without anger. It should be followed with praise in the absence of bad behavior. The absence of bad behavior should be rewarded. Timing of corrections and praise is key to shaping wanted behavior in your Swissy. It is NOT appropriate to strike your Swissy.
16) LET YOUR SWISSY EARN HIS KEEP.
No one gets a free lunch, including your Swissy. Make your Swissy work to get his meal, a treat, affection, or a spot on the couch next to you. As discussed, make your Swissy 'sit' and 'wait' before you release him to eat his kibble. Swissys can be food aggressive and inclined to guard their food bowls. You may have to teach your Swissy to accept having your hand in or near your bowl without your Swissy displaying any form of aggression. He should not view you, the 'hand that feeds him', as a threat. The moment your Swissy comes home with you, practice having your hand in the bowl or near the bowl. Praise his tolerance of your close proximity to his food, whether you are placing the food, playing with the food, or removing the food. A word of caution. Do not overdo your training in this area. You should keep your hand in his food bowl no longer than five seconds, and don't play with his food at every meal. Continue the training until it is apparent that your Swissy is not bothered by your close proximity to the bowl. Biscuits or other types of treats should not be doled out indiscriminately. If you want to give your Swissy a treat, make him perform an obedience exercise like 'sit' or 'down'. The same goes for indiscriminate stroking and petting of your Swissy. Most Swissys love affection, but any dog can become too used to constant petting and begin to think it is his right. It is not. You are the pack leader, and you determine when you want to give affection to your Swissy. Please do not reward bad behavior with petting or soothing "It's OK" or "There, there" utterances. And, absolutely, if you desire to allow your Swissy access to the couch or bed, he must know that it is a privilege and not his right to occupy space on the furniture. If, when you command your Swissy to remove himself from the furniture, he challenges you in anyway, you have a problem. As Swissys have a tendency to "push the envelope," you must continually assert your dominance over your Swissy to have a well-mannered, obedient and respectful canine companion.
17) BE YOUR SWISSY'S PACK LEADER.
It is well documented that canines are a pack animal, and this is especially so for Swissys. At one point in history, they ran in packs in the Swiss Alps. It is inherent in canine hierarchy to require a pack leader. If one of the dogs in the pack does not appoint himself as pack leader, another dog will assume that role of dominance. Swissy temperaments cover a spectrum. Some are more docile and submissive than others, but upon close observation, they are all capable of exhibiting dominant behaviors. Some are subtle, but others don't give a fig about subtlety. Some are downright bullies, if allowed to be. From your Swissy's point of you, his human family is his pack. He wants to be able to look up to a leader. If the humans in the family (this goes for the children, too) do not assert their dominance and take on the role of pack leader, the Swissy has no choice, due to his nature, but to assume that role. Actually, your Swissy feels more comfortable being in a submissive (omega) position, rather than in a dominant (alpha) position. In an omega position, he doesn't have to assume responsibility for the pack. We all know that fewer responsibilities usually result in a feeling of relaxation, less stress. Do your Swissy a favor and be his pack leader. Show him he does not have to worry, that he can rely on your self-confidence. You will have a happier and healthier dog.
18) TEACH YOUR SWISSY TO PLAY NICELY.
You may be considering adding a Swissy to a household in which another, older dog already has its established home. Considering a Swissy's tendency towards asserting dominance, do not be surprised if a Swissy puppy attempts to climb the canine social ladder. Your older dog may be capable of putting the new puppy 'in its place', retaining its pack leader position. In that instance, harmony will most probably reign. However, your older dog may be somewhat omega and have difficulty in knowing how to handle a pushy puppy. Should this set of circumstances occur, realize that your puppy has just climbed its first rung of the pack ladder. Having scented the sweet smell of success, your puppy could be well on its way to the top of the ladder, if you do not prevent him from getting there. It is OK to allow dogs to jockey for position and work out their differences, as long as the communication does not become a full-blown skirmish. Non-violent discussions in a multi-dog household are to be expected. However, disagreements that escalate into bloodletting are entirely unacceptable and downright dangerous, not only to the dogs, but also to the human members of the family. You must establish yourself as the ultimate and supreme pack leader. The dogs must defer to your demand for peace within the pack.
Although care should be taken not to force exercise a puppy during its formative months, once a sound Swissy reaches 18 months to two years of age, the fun begins. You are the owner of a special canine companion. Not all breeds are as versatile as the Swissy. This breed has a sense of adventure, rallying to new experiences. Swissys are very expressive. Watching the sheer joy on your Swissy's face as he participates in performance endeavors with you will put a smile on your face and in your heart. What can Swissys do? Just about anything you ask of them. They excel at obedience, drafting (pulling a cart), weight pulling, herding, packing, Search and Rescue, and Therapy work. Yet, none of this comes easily, and extensive training is necessary to get your Swissy to work successfully in any of these areas. The 'getting there' is part of the fun. As a working breed, a Swissy is happiest when he has a job to do. He enjoys physical as well as mental stimulation. Truly, both are essential to his well being. Although some fanciers have referred to Swissys as couch potatoes, they really are not. A well-exercised Swissy is content to lie calmly for a couple of hours. But, at the end of a rest period, he is ready for more entertainment and stimulation. Because of the many ways in which you and your Swissy can enjoy each other's company, it is not difficult to choose one or more activities to keep him in shape, physically and mentally. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog.
Do you know dog speak? It's not always verbal. Although Swissys are talkers, body language is the primary way in which dogs communicate. To provide a bonding relationship with your Swissy, you'll need to learn his language. Before you bring home a puppy, educate yourself to read canine body language. If you don't know what your dog is trying to tell you, how will you ever successfully communicate and make a cohesive bond with your new family member? For instance, don't interpret all tail wagging as an expression of inviting approach. A tail positioned high in the air and waving slowly is an indicator of just the opposite. Learn to read what the positions of dogs' ears are saying. Swissys are known for their infectious smile, but a dog's lips plastered back from his teeth signals an act of impending aggression. Once you see this threatening grimace, it might be too late. You might have missed the initial warning, a wrinkled or curled lip not unlike a sneer. As mentioned, Swissys are incredibly expressive. They will tell you what they are thinking and feeling, but you must be a responsible owner, knowing how to read the signs. If you understand his language, including all of the subtleties, you can anticipate his behavior. If you can anticipate, you can either prevent or stop bad behavior before it gets out of control.
21) MAKE YOUR SWISSY A MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY.
Ask yourself why you want a dog and what kind of lifestyle you enjoy. If you don't want a dog to actually occupy space inside your home, the Swissy is definitely not for you. Swissys want to be with their families. Pack-oriented dogs, Swissys emotionally thrive on being with their people. Relegating a Swissy to the back yard 7 and 24 just won't work. Swissys have a joie de vivre unlike many other breeds. They want to live life to the fullest. Their exuberance and cheerfulness is infectious. It is so much a part of why it has been said, "Swissy's are like Lay's Potato Chips – you can't have just one." As enticing as that sounds, take a moment, or longer, to honestly assess your own temperament and personality. Do you have the confidence and self-esteem to exhibit dominance over a powerful dog with willful tendencies? If not, then don't bring home a Swissy puppy. In all likelihood, you will not be able to make a commitment for the life of the dog and you'll find yourself returning your Swissy to the breeder, or worse yet, placing it in rescue. There is no shame in admitting that a certain breed of dog is not a good match for you and your family. If we all owned the same breed of dog? Well, just remember that it takes all breeds to make the world go 'round. If you decide that you are a strong-willed person with the desire to spend extensive time and money training and socializing your Swissy, don't expect the road to adulthood to be an easy one. The hurdles along the way may, at times, seem daunting. If you stay the course, the rewards you reap from sharing your home with a fiercely loving Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are immeasurable.


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Q: How to use SFTP CSV SOURCE connector in kafka using key based authentication? I am trying to use confluent Kafka SFTP CSV SOURCE Connector.  In this I need to authenticate that SFTP SERVER by using private key.
I don't know how to work with tls.private.key!
How can I achieve this?

Sample Configuration:

{
    "tasks.max": "1",
    "connector.class": "io.confluent.connect.sftp.SftpCsvSourceConnector",
    "cleanup.policy": "NONE",
    "behavior.on.error": "IGNORE",
    "input.path": "/csv",
    "error.path": "/error",
    "finished.path": "/finish",
    "input.file.pattern": "sample.csv",
    "sftp.username": "rocky",
    "sftp.host": "192.168.52.69",
    "sftp.port": "22",
    "kafka.topic": "sample-with-cast",
    "csv.first.row.as.header": "true",
    "schema.generation.enabled": "true",
    "transforms": "Cast",
    "transforms.Cast.type": "org.apache.kafka.connect.transforms.Cast$Value",
    "transforms.Cast.spec": "ID:int32,ICCTHR_CaseCrThreshold:float64"
}

Note: I am sending request from postman!

A: I am sure this is no longer of interest, but in order to use a private key, you need to set the parameter tls.private.key, tls.public.key, and tls.passphrase.
The format for the private key needs to be a single line string, with \r\n replacing line endings. The correct formatting is documented for the sink connector at https://docs.confluent.io/kafka-connect-sftp/current/sink-connector/configuration_options.html#security

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


We hold names sacred in the infertility community.
They are our little secret smirks at fate.
They symbolize the victory we're hoping for. They are precursors to rainbows.
A horizon we can barely see, but one we are trying desperately to get a view of.


text:
Variety Plus Icon Read Next: 'Milisuthando' Review: A Child of Apartheid Reflects on a South Africa Still in Transition
Nov 18, 2010 4:00am PT
Leading ladies propel Showtime
Strong female characters give boost to network
By Lisa Carroll
Lisa Carroll
Helping talent and creatives find their piece of paradise 10 years ago
Kress & McDuffie: Animation Writers Caucus Animation Award honorees 11 years ago
Writers' words craft indelible images 11 years ago
While movie studios ponder the success of strong female characters on TV and what that means for their slates, Showtime is speeding ahead with the confidence that viewers are drawn to femme-driven stories.
Cabler has built a murderer's row of killer star turns with Mary-Louise Parker in "Weeds," Edie Falco in "Nurse Jackie," Toni Collette in "United States of Tara" and "The Big C" lead Laura Linney — who thinks Showtime has "really good taste."
"Bill Condon (who directed the 'Big C' pilot) and I were talking about MGM in the golden age of film, about having a great stable of women," Linney says. "It's unusual for one network to have such a stable of great lineup and talent, including the men, not just the women."
Showtime president of entertainment David Nevins says it was very much a plan to try to create strong, complex characters — it just so happened that the characters were female.
"Actors are the best and the most astute readers," says Nevins. "And I think as the movie business has become more and more tentpole driven and the sophisticated adult dramas have pretty much dried up, there is a world of actors interested in reading TV scripts."
Nevins says the women in the starring quartet all have great force of personality.
"None of these women are shrinking violets," he says. "Another thing is their dexterity: to do what Toni Collette does or Laura Linney does, going from comedic to dramatic. Sort of sad to fierce. I like ballsy women with a sense of humor, and none of our shows, including the serial killer show, take themselves too seriously. It makes the show more real and grounded and believable."
Inside the industry, Nevins believes that Showtime is getting a good reputation for being a place where having good, complicated, "messy" writing and characters get rewarded.
"It doesn't get rewarded in network television or movies," he says. "I think people are appreciative of that, and it creates a close bond between the program and the audience, I feel they get a real piece of Laura and Mary-Louise and Toni and Edie — people feel very possessive of the shows," he says.
Interestingly, Parker, who notes TV's tradition of female-driven hits starring the likes of Lucille Ball and Mary Tyler Moore, has some reservations concerning the antihero tilt.
"The only thing now is," Parker says, "women don't have to be played as sparkly, and it doesn't matter if they are enormously rough around the edges. I think that was true of men, too: There were certainly not a lot of Tony Sopranos as I was growing up."
"Some of that is good, and some of that I don't think is good. It's one thing to create a character that is complex, it's another thing to have an anti-heroine. There's something about that as a trend that seems equally false. It's sort of where the premise becomes something controversial — they (the industry) think because this show sold, like my show, 'Maybe we'll do that.' "
More from Award Season Focus: The Women
The end of 'Best Actress'? | Leading ladies propel Showtime | Rodarte feathers 'Swan' tutus | Femmes top toon contenders
Fresh Faces:
Cecile de France | Jennifer Lawrence | Shannon Woodward | Hailee Steinfeld
David Nevins Showtime,
Female Characters,
Golden Globe Awards,
Hollywood Foreign Press Association,
Ricky Gervais,
Rodarte,
Showtime The Big C


text:
Draymond Green seemed to get a kick out of tampering fine
Draymond Green was fined by the NBA on Sunday for tampering, and the Golden State Warriors star found the situation quite entertaining.
Appearing as a guest analyst on TNT's "Inside the NBA" Friday night, Green had high praise for Devin Booker and said the star guard needs to leave the Phoenix Suns if he wants to make the most of his career. The comments were a pretty clear tampering violation and led to a $50,000 fine. Shortly after the fine was announced, Green tweeted a bunch of laughing emojis.
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) August 9, 2020
That was Green's first tweet since July 17, so there's no way the timing was a coincidence. There's also no way he's going to sweat a $50,000 fine, as Green signed a four-year, $100 million max extension with Golden State a year ago.
The NBA had no choice but to fine Green, especially after TNT's Ernie Johnson acknowledged on live TV that Green's comments about Booker may have constituted tampering. You can see the full on-air exchange here.


text:
Q: DevExpress write Sub and Superstings to Label My problem seems simple, yet I can not find any soltion to it.
I need to write mathematical desciptions to Labels in my WindowsForms application. So some labels need Texts written to them like:
ValueIndex  or ValueIndex
I find no solution for this. HTML formating of the labels does not allow sub or sup, I feel like the first person ever in the need for this.
I am using Windows Forms and DevExpress for WindowsForms, can someone please point me to a hint?

A: I know a control that can display subscript and superscript. It is RichTextEditor. However, I know only one way to format text in code - using API provided by this control.
Using API, it is possible to obtain document elements and modify character properties. The code snippet demonstrating how to do this is available in the online documentation: CharacterPropertiesBase Interface. You need to modify the following properties:
CharacterPropertiesBase.Subscript Property
CharacterPropertiesBase.Superscript Property

A: If you're talking about a Winform, I would just use two labels positioned flush next to each other.  The first label would have the value, the second the superscript. With the second label being styled to look like a superscript.
[Label1 = Value][Label2 = Superscript of Value]

You probably want to work it into a custom control if you're going to be doing this all over the place.


Advances in reporters for gene expression have made it possible to document and quantify expression patterns in 2D-4D. In contrast to microarrays, which provide data for many genes but averaged and/or at low resolution, images reveal the high spatial dynamics of gene expression. Developing computational methods to compare, annotate, and model gene expression based on images is imperative, considering that available data are rapidly increasing. We have developed a sparse Bayesian factor analysis model in which the observed expression diversity of among a large set of high-dimensional images is modeled by a small number of hidden common factors. We apply this approach on embryonic expression patterns from a Drosophila RNA in situ image database, and show that the automatically inferred factors provide for a meaningful decomposition and represent common co-regulation or biological functions. The low-dimensional set of factor mixing weights is further used as features by a classifier to annotate expression patterns with functional categories. On human-curated annotations, our sparse approach reaches similar or better classification of expression patterns at different developmental stages, when compared to other automatic image annotation methods using thousands of hard-to-interpret features. Our study therefore outlines a general framework for large microscopy data sets, in which both the generative model itself, as well as its application for analysis tasks such as automated annotation, can provide insight into biological questions.


Will I ever be able to buy a house again? That's a common question clients ask when faced with a foreclosure or bankruptcy, or both. Fortunately, the answer is yes, but . . . Depending on the circumstances and type of loan, a person who has filed a chapter 7 bankruptcy may be eligible for a new home loan as soon as 2 years after receiving their discharge for a FHA loan, and 4 years after receiving a discharge for a conventional loan.
If a person has a foreclosure on their record, the news is not nearly as good, at least for a conventional loan, which can require a seven year waiting period from the date of the foreclosure. If a person qualifies for a FHA loan, the waiting period is only three years.
Of course, a person also has to demonstrate that they otherwise qualify for a home loan by showing a sufficient down payment and proof of income. But, there is hope for those who have lost their home to again one day enjoy the American dream.


Learning in a multiagent environment is complicated by the fact that as other agents learn, the environment effectively changes. Moreover, other agents' actions are often not directly observable, and the actions taken by the learning agent can strongly bias which range of behaviors are encountered. We define the concept of a conjectural equilibrium, where all agents' expectations are realized, and each agent responds optimally to its expectations. We present a generic multiagent exchange situation, in which competitive behavior constitutes a conjectural equilibrium. We then introduce an agent that executes a more sophisticated strategic learning strategy, building a model of the response of other agents. We find that the system reliably converges to a conjectural equilibrium, but that the final result achieved is highly sensitive to initial belief. In essence, the strategic learner's actions tend to fulfill its expectations. Depending on the starting point, the agent may be better or worse off than had it not attempted to learn a model of the other agents at all.
Revised and extended version of "Self-fulfilling bias in multiagent learning", presented at the Second International Conference on Multiagent Systems, December 1996.


A team of geographers has developed a series of models -- using a massive, crowdsourced, fitness-tracking database -- that strongly predict how terrain slope affects human travel rates. The geographers will apply their new models to wildland firefighters: During their spring training in 2019, nearly a dozen fire crews in Utah, Idaho, Colorado and California will use GPS trackers to record their movements and log their travel rates.
If you've ever hiked hilly areas, you know that as the slope angle increases, travel gets harder and slower. When there are changes, we just adjust. But some occupations, such as wildfire fighter or wilderness rescuer may need to predict the time needed to move across the terrain in question. It could be a matter of life and death.
Researchers at the University of Utah saw the need for better mathematical models to help these responders. Currently, the most widely used way to estimate how slope affects travel rates is "Tobler's Hiking Function," designed using data collected in the '50s, before there was GPS. The next most widely used model sprung from hiking observations of a Scottish mountaineer in 1892.
The research team turned to crowd-sourced data from a fitness app and analyzed anonymous GPS info from the devices of 30,000 hikers', runners' and joggers. One result: a slow walk on a flat, one-mile trail averages about 33 minutes. The same level of exertion on a steep, 30-degree slope takes about 97.
Nearly a dozen fire crews in four western states will be using the new models during training, to help them gain more accuracy -- a little more predictability in some of the most unpredictable environments on Earth.


HEY! LISTEN! Here's some more mainstream videogame news!
-Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick explains why DJ Hero killed Guitar Hero, among other things.
–Watch the incredibly moving live-action trailer for Deus Ex: Human Revolution.
–GoldenEye 007: Reloaded has been confirmed.
-Respawn keeping silent on new games until 2015.
–Shadow of the Damned director leaves Grasshopper Manufacture to form his own studio, meanwhile new Grasshopper game has been announced.
-Get the latest details on NHL 12.
-Those mysterious Team Fortress 2 rockets have finally been explained!


Telstra and Optus are both 4G LTE network providers in Australia, and they provide similar LTE frequency bands. To meet the demand for LTE wireless connection, they both have the 4G LTE mobile WiFi hotspots for their contract plan. Telstra had introduced Huawei E5787 Mobile WiFi touch to its product range while the Optus had latest Netgear Aircard 800s. Then somebody may ask: What's the difference between Huawei E5787 and Netgear Aircard 800s? Which one is better if buying from the two routers?
The specific model for Telstra is Huawei E5787ph-67a, unlike the brother model Huawei E5786, the E5787ph-67a has a 2.4-inch touchscreen and no button on the front side. The power button is on the top edge side while on the opposite side, the USB 2.0 port and two connectors for external antennas are available. The back cover of Huawei E5787 could be removed for changing the battery or inserting the SIM card.
Like the Telstra 4G WiFi Pro Unlocked, the Optus 4G WiFi modem 800s also has a 2.4-inch touchscreen and there are two buttons at the screen side, one for home and the other for "back". The button is also on the top edge side and the two connectors for external antennas are available at the opposite side with the USB 3.0 port. The difference is the antenna connectors are on two sides of the USB port. The back cover of Optus 800s could also be removed for exchange or inserting the SIM card. They are both configured with two TS-9 connectors.
From the specs table, we can see the Optus 4G WiFi modem 800s is more advanced than Telstra 4G WiFi Pro E5787 because the Optus modem AC800S could support LTE download speed up to 450Mbps while the Huawei E5787 could only reach LTE download speed to 300mbps. With Qualcomm chipset, Optus 4G modem 800s could support LTE category 9 while Telstra E5787 supports LTE Cat.6 on Huawei Hisilicon LTE Cat.6 chipset. Telstra 4G WiFI Pro could support maximum 10 users to access the internet while Optus 800s would support up to 15 users. The most interesting is that the Optus 4G WiFi modem unlocked price is 199.00USD while the unlocked Telstra 4G WiFi Pro at price of 299.00USD. So if you would buy an unlocked 4G mobile hotspot from the two, it's obvious that the unlocked Optus 4G WiFi modem 800s is better than unlocked Telstra 4G WiFi Pro E5787.
As Netgear's first LTE category 9 mobile hotspot, Aircard 800s has improved configuration for LTE Advanced networks. Netgear Aircard 800s was already available for Australian network provider Optus and named it as Optus 4G WiFi Modem AC800S. With the support of LTE Cat.9 and 3 band carrier aggregation technology, Netgear AC800S could achieve download speed to 450mbps and upload speed to 50mbps, which is triple faster than that of LTE Cat.4 mobile hotspots. The AC800S Netgear could provide LTE Advanced connectivity, swift application response times, reliable connectivity and a better overall user experience for buffering data-heavy programs such as multimedia and video files.
Netgear AC800S modem is not only fast for wireless internet connection but also extremely user-friendly. Like its predecessor Netgear Aircard 810s, Aircard 800s modem has a simplified touch screen, where users can see the important information about the internet, such as the signal strength, network provider name, battery status, data consumed, WiFi SSID and password, WiFi connected user quantity, SMS, and settings etc.. The most important is that user can do simple settings through the touch screen like operating a smartphone. The Netgear Aircard 800s is well positioned to offer you a superior mobile broadband experience like never before.
The Netgear 800S is designed to support LTE advanced network with LTE Category 9 and CA technology, which could support peak download speed to 450mbps. As a WiFi hotspot, Aircard 800 could support maximum 11 WiFi-enabled devices simultaneously. However, for many users, the carrier deployed networks have not reached LTE advanced. So Netgear Aircard 800s is a future-proof mobile router.
Netgear AC800S would increase network performance and reduce interference with 802.11ac and Dual-Band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz WiFi. What's more, it could support multiple SSID and guest WiFi function, which is usually available for high-level LTE mobile hotspots. In addition, the WPN (WiFi Protected Setup) feature is available.
The Aircard 800 modem has a removable battery of 2930mAh, which could keep working for 11 hours and standby time could last for 260 hours. The battery can make Netgear 800s work like a power bank to charge other electric devices, which Netgear call it "Jump Boost" function. With the device, the Jump Boost cable is provided. Like other Netgear 4G mobile routers, Aircard 800s also has two connectors(TS-9 type) for a 4G external antenna.
Netgear Aircard 800s is a high-level mobile 4g router with the support of LTE advanced network to get fast speed connection on WLAN 802.11ac dual bands. The large battery could keep itself working for a long time and charge other terminals. The dual connectors for the external antenna are also very useful features for the people located at weak signal areas. The Netgear AC800s price is not expensive comparing with same level LTE-A mobile hotspots. If you want to buy an LTE-A mobile hotspot with good price, the Netgear AC800S is a good one to consider.
You may know the Netgear Aircard 810s, which had been available since the beginning of 2017. And now the more advanced Netgear Nighthawk M1 MR1100 is also available in the market. They are hot 4G mobile routers for LTE network, especially LTE advanced network. Today, we would like to recommend a new 4G pocket WiFi – Netgear Aircard 800s.
The Netgear Aircard 800s is firstly introduced to Australian network provider Optus and named it Optus 4G Wi-Fi Modem (Cat 9) AC800S. From the name, we get to know it's a product that's in the lower level than Netgear 810S. Since Netgear Aircard 810s supports LTE category 11, the Optus 4G WiFi Modem AC800S supports only LTE category 9. So it can't compare to Nighthawk M1, which supports LTE-A pro networks.
Following the classical design of the Netgear 4G Aircards, the AC800S 4G WiFi modem also has a 2.4" QVGA capacitive LCD touchscreen, where users can conveniently monitor your data usage, and manage device and network settings. For advanced features and remote management, you'll have access to a free NETGEAR mobile app.
Two connectors for external 3G/4G LTE Antennas are at the bottom side of the Aircard 800s. They are covered by two caps, slip to see the connectors and cover. The Optus logo is located at the lower edge of the front. A home and back button on the screen for operation.
The battery of the Optus 4G WiFi modem 800s is removable and the capacity is 2930mAh, which is the same as Aircard 810s. Netgear remains the Jump Boost feature on the new Aircard 800s like Netgear AC810S, which means users can charge their smartphones or other small USB devices while the WiFi modem works. The powerful battery lasts up to 11 hours of continuous use. Simply plug it into the hotspot's jump boost cable and start boosting from the touchscreen or the hotspot web page.
Optus 4G Wi-Fi Modem (Cat 9) AC800S features support for Category 9 LTE and 3-band Carrier Aggregation, with the ability to achieve theoretical download speeds of 450 Mbps. Since the LTE develops to Advanced or Advanced Pro, the typical product Aircard 810s supports LTE Cat11 with download speed to 600Mbps and the latest one Nighthawk M1 supports even 1Gbps for download. However, the Optus AC800S is enough for most cases in daily use. With Qualcomm MDM9240, the Optus 4G WiFi modem could support LTE FDD Band 1, 3, 7, 28, 40. It can support up to 15 wireless devices to access internet simultaneously.
Netgear AC800S also increases network performance and reduce interference with 802.11ac and Dual-Band WiFi band (2.4 GHz/5 GHz). Like its predecessors, the AC800S is small size with dimensions of 110 (L) x 68 (W) x 16.1 (H) mm. User can easily take it in pocket or handbag for outdoor activities.
From the appearance the specifications, we can conclude the Optus 4G WiFi modem is a good 4G Pocket WiFi, even though it's not configured with the most advanced technology. But for most users, it's enough for daily use. It keeps the typical design and practical features of the Netgear 4G Aircards. We would take further test about the performance for data rates in near future.


It is evident that competition is pushing more spending in the wireless communication sector. Everyone wants to spend more and get more bandwidth to customers. In a new report, IHS iSuppli, a global market research research provides some good insights on how this spending. Notice that even telecom companies in Africa are ramping up spending. Airtel continues to upgrade and the transition from 3G to 4G will surely make the equipment makers happy.
Wireless carriers in 2011 will double their spending increase on communications infrastructure equipment compared to 2010 as they rush to accommodate the explosive growth of data traffic, according to new IHS iSuppli research. Global spending on wireless infrastructure gear in 2011 is projected to rise by 7.7 % to reach $43.2 billion, up from $40.1 billion in 2010. This compares to growth of 3.8% in 2010, and a decline of 7.2% during the recession year of 2009.
Yet, although spending on infrastructure represents only one component of overall capital expenditures by carriers, the metric is a closely watched indicator of the direction that the wireless telecommunications industry is headed.
The other components of wireless capital spending, aside from infrastructure, include expenditures on software and network upgrades, as well as spending on non-infrastructure equipment such as cables, plants and site procurements. Total capital spending in 2011 by wireless carriers is anticipated to reach $134.6 billion, up 1.1 percent from $133.2 billion last year.


text:
SLF CONFERENCE
LIB DEM CONFERENCE
GREEN CONFERENCE
Speech to Liberal Democrat conference on inequality
James Graham moved Amendment 3 at the Liberal Democrat Special Conference which reads:
Insert after line 23: "Conference calls for Liberal Democrats to work constructively in government to ensure that the the net income and wealth inequality gap is reduced significantly over the course of this parliament."
Conference, There is no question at all that Nick Clegg and his negotiating team wrung a string of key concessions out of the Conservatives in this agreement. Cuts in services is a deep concern, but let us be frank. The difference between all three major parties' spending plans was not all that great. When the former Labour Chancellor promised "deeper cuts than Thatcher," the fact of the matter is that we would be committing to a pretty similar plan whichever party we ended up in government with. Our key task in this parliament is to ensure that the glint that appears in George Osborne's eye whenever there is talk of cuts in public services never becomes more than that. In my view there are two fundamental tests we should apply to this government and whether this agreement ultimately advances liberalism or conservativism. The first is whether this government protects human rights or weakens them, especially those of the most vulnerable and least popular in society such as asylum seekers and prisoners. The agreement text gives us some grounds for hope on this score, but we have not yet seen how our new Conservative colleagues will respond to a renewed tabloid attack on the Human Rights Act. We must not go along with this under any circumstances. The second, which is the focus of my amendment, is whether this government manages to narrow the rich-poor divide. The case that equality does not just benefit the poor but decreases a whole host of social problems and is even of benefit to the wealthy has been comprehensively made by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett in their book The Spirit Level. Its thesis has not been seriously questioned by anyone on the Conservative benches. But there are signs that many of them simply don't get it. Delivering the Hugo Young lecture last November, David Cameron astounded many in the audience by asserting that the real problem is not the rich-poor divide but the gap between the poor and those on middle incomes. So much for the big society. So much for "we're all in this together." And while we have stopped them from forcing through their plans to cut inheritance tax for multi-millionaires, they in turn have blocked our plans for increasing wealth taxes. This leaves our plan to raise personal tax allowance partially unfunded. The burden of this tax cut must not end up being paid for by the poorest. That is not what we signed up for. There must be no VAT bombshell. One way to make this plan more affordable would be a pound-for-pound reduction in the higher income tax threshold. At this time of economic uncertainty, handing out tax cuts to the wealthiest cannot be justified. And while we may not have won the argument for wealth taxes in drawing up this agreement, I hope that Liberal Democrat ministers will use the resources they have in office to build the case for such a tax shift. They must seize this opportunity. Narrowing the inequality gap is about much more than tax. I would urge every Lib Dem minister to set themselves a personal mission to do what they can to drive the equality agenda over the next five years. I am willing to concede that the best we might be able to achieve is that the rich-poor gulf holds steady. But if we fail to prevent the Conservatives from indulging their instincts and widen the rich-poor gulf in the name of 80s style trickle down economics, we will have comprehensively failed. I hope Chris Huhne will make it clear in his speech that that is a line we will not cross. I want to end my speech on a note of hope. I believe this coalition agreement could lead to one of the great reforming governments in history. Throughout my entire life I have never been more excited by the eventual outcome of a general election. Like many in this hall today, I worry about what it means for my party. But if it leads to a fairer, freer, more humane Britain, we should not hesitate for a second. We serve a more noble purpose than mere partisan advantage. Over the next few years we must dare to dream. If we can do that, and hold firm to our principles, then anything is possible. The amendment was passed with no objections.
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Coulisse contracted fashion photographer Jasper Abels to create his interpretation of our new window covering collections and technical innovations.
For doing so, we gave Jasper Abels a completely free hand. The result is a series of inspiring portraits in which fashion and our innovations come together based on photography and collage techniques.
About Jasper Abels Jasper Abels works for internationally renowned fashion magazines, brands and labels as well as for world-famous museums. He is a true rising star in the fashion and art industry, and like us, he resides in the eastern part of the Netherlands. He has set up studio in a large farm in the green countryside and combines nature, surrealism and fashion in his work.