A place of tranquillity and natural beauty, Iona is an even more ancient island than Mull. The island is a mile wide and three miles long. You can wander around the abbey set up by St Columba in 563AD. Bodies of kings of Scotland, Norway and France were interred here. (The Labour Party leader John Smith is buried here. His epitaph reads 'An honest man's the noblest work of God'. His daughter was married on Iona in 2007). You can stroll through the ruined, but well-tended, nunnery. Founded around 1200 it was the only medieval convent in Scotland.
Lying 6 miles west of Mull Staffa is entirely volcanic in origin. The hexagonal columns of basalt give way to a series of caves, the most famous being Fingal's Cave which has been visited by many luminaries – Felix Mendelssohn (who was inspired to compose his Hebridean Overture), Boswell and Johnson, Sir Walter Scott, Turner, Keats, Wordsworth, Robert Adam, Robert Louis Stevenson and, of course, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Puffins, kittiwakes and shags nest on the island. Whales, dolphin and seal can be seen the surrounding waters.
A ferry can be taken from Ulva Ferry on Mull to this privately owned island. Ulva has a thriving population of about 20. There are good walks on the island; though roads are not tarred so do have stout footwear. You may spot red deer, hare, rabbits and otters. A good tea/coffee/lunch can be taken at the Boat House Tearoom. No crossings on Saturdays.
The group of small islands and skerries are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and a Special protection Area due to the marine life and the breeding seabirds. These islands are uninhabited but boat trips can be taken to see the wildlife there.
One of the cruises from Tobermory (Hebridean Adventure) sails across to Ardnamurchan and Loch Sunart and takes in some walking and lunch at the inn there.


Teeth whitening- also known as bleaching is a simple, non-invasive procedure of enhancing one's smile through whiter teeth.
Take-home whitening – It refers to professionally dispensed whitening kit which contains a low concentration peroxide gel which is safe for self- application. the gel Is placed on a custom-made bleaching tray and is worn depending on to the dentist's instructions.
Composite bonding and sculpting- enhances the appearance of the teeth, especially the front, in just one visit. Procedure involves removal of the discoloration and preparing the cavity for the placement of the tooth-colored resin composite, and is then sculpted making the tooth natural-looking. This procedure is also applicable for closing gaps in between teeth.


Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces damaged or missing teeth with artifical teeth that look and function much like real ones. Dental implant surgery can offer welcome alternative to ill-fitting dentures or bridgework.
How dental implant surgery is performed depends on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone. All dental implant surgery occurs in stages and involves several procedures. The major benefit from implants is solid support for your new teeth-a process that requires the bone to heal tightly around the implant.


text:
Mobile // Mobile Business
Eric Zeman
CES 2015: Lack Of Killer Phones Sets Up MWC
With few new devices on display at CES, the major phone makers face increasing pressure to deliver at Mobile World Congress in March.
Top 10 Social Network Blunders Of 2014
The Consumer Electronics Show wraps up Friday in Las Vegas. Exhibitors showed off thousands of new products, including 4K TVs, wearables, drones, and other connected devices. A few companies trotted out smartphones, but many of the industry's biggest players had nothing new on hand. Though the last few months of 2014 saw many exciting products reach the market, smartphone makers can't rest on their laurels for long. Mobile World Congress is right around the corner, after all, and it promises to be a whopper.
Samsung is under tremendous pressure. The company had a disastrous 2014. It reported a steep profit decline during the third quarter and has already warned of a similar drop during the fourth. The Galaxy S5 (announced at MWC last year) failed to resonate with smartphone buyers the way the GS4 and GS3 did. Reports suggest Samsung has gone back to the drawing board for an all-new Galaxy S6, which is expected to make an appearance at MWC this year. Samsung needs the GS6 to get the company's smartphone sales headed back in the right direction. At the same time, it must shore up sales of low-end products, where it has lost ground to Chinese competitors.
While HTC also sat out CES 2015, the struggling Taiwanese phone maker was happy to talk about the future. The company is pivoting in a new direction: It will continue to make smartphones but also plans to pursue a connected device strategy. HTC already has a new camera in the market, and it will follow that up with more device categories. HTC made it clear, however, that its annual flagship phone refresh is on the way. The company debuted the One (M7) and One (M8) in between CES and MWC in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Whether or not HTC uses the lull between tradeshows to show off its 2015 model isn't clear, but we'll see it by MWC at the latest.
[Broadband regulation debate heats up at CES. Read CES 2015: FCC's Wheeler Stirs Net Neutrality Pot.]
Motorola was quiet during CES. In fact, it was represented by only a single tablet in Lenovo's space (Lenovo finalized its purchase of Motorola on Oct. 30 last year). Motorola introduced a trio of new phones in September, and it will be a while before we see new hardware from the former Google property. Company representatives indicated Motorola's presence (or lack thereof) at MWC will be similar to its CES presence.
Then there's Microsoft. Sure, it outed a cheap feature phone for emerging markets at CES, but it has been far too long since the company released a flagship smartphone. Microsoft announced the last noteworthy Lumia devices in September. We can blame Windows 10 for the delay in new Windows Phone hardware. Microsoft is believed to be previewing Windows 10 -- including the new phone UI -- on Jan. 21. If Microsoft is smart, it will use MWC to announce the first wave of Windows 10 smartphones, even if they won't come to market until later in the year.
Like Microsoft, Sony hasn't released a major new phone since September. Sony said it was comfortable with its mobile device portfolio heading into the New Year and was purposefully leaving space between device announcements. The company hinted that it will have more to say about smartphones at MWC. At CES, Sony took the opportunity to show off its 4K TVs, 4K video cameras, and wearables.
Smaller smartphone companies stole the spotlight at CES this year. ZTE, Alcatel, Lenovo, Asus, and Huawei all had new gear on display, some of which is headed to the US. It's pretty clear that the majority of big smartphone brands are spacing out their new device launches, with fewer each year. With its focus on mobile, however, MWC is a can't-miss opportunity for big and small phone makers alike.
Attend Interop Las Vegas, the leading independent technology conference and expo series designed to inspire, inform, and connect the world's IT community. In 2015, look for all new programs, networking opportunities, and classes that will help you set your organization's IT action plan. It happens April 27 to May 1. Register with Discount Code MPOIWK for $200 off Total Access & Conference Passes.
Eric is a freelance writer for InformationWeek specializing in mobile technologies. View Full Bio
progman2000,
1/9/2015 | 2:28:10 PM
Interesting about Samsung...
I'm due to go new-phone hunting soon. I currently use the Galaxy Note II, this has me wondering now what I should do - hold out for the Galaxy S6, or grab the last generation that will probably see a significant price decline. What to do...
danielcawrey,
Re: Interesting about Samsung...
I think there is space for a number of different smartphone makers, both large and small. It takes the smaller players to come out with interesting innovative features, and the big guys spend a ton of money creating blockbuster technology. I would rather see more competitors than fewer ones, that is for sure.
lacertosus,
You might also want to consider other phones that are comprable with highend phones, in lots of cases they exceed them in specs, such as The One Plus or Blue. You get more for 1/2 the price.
Also, would like to see these companies focus less on phones and pay more attention to batteries. The next breakthrough phone will be the one with the most innovative battery which we have yet to see.
I think the focus of companies this year has been in wearable devices not smartphones. THey are clearly trying to market those devices as the next big thing although they have been slow to catch on. There really hasn't been that much innovation in smartphones-including the iPhone in a while. No gotta have items for quite some time. And those that have top line phones don't use most of the features. I think a lot of companies are waiting to see how the Apple watch turns out.
While i agree with you that a battery that lasts much longer would be a great thing to have, i don't think it is the "sexy" feature that will push a phone over the top. Those features tend to be impractical while the more practical and useful features are expected to be standard!
But now smartphones are a style trend too. I have seen an alarming amount of 8th graders with iPhones that mom and dad bought them. And for what? To text or go on FB? THere are many other cheaper phones that do those things, but these kids have peer pressure so they have to get these phones even though it is a waste of money.
I'm due for a new phone this summer as well. Currently i have the S4 which was the hot item when i got it but now is passe. It works very well but not as fast as others. I hope the S6 is feature rich. The latest iPhone is very nice but aside from being larger I do not see a great benefit to it that justifies the premium price.
Ariella,
<have seen an alarming amount of 8th graders with iPhones that mom and dad bought them. And for what? To text or go on FB? >
@tjgkg that's just what my own 8th grader has been saying, that her classmates get these phones. As it is, I think she spends too much time with a screen -- her iPod. I don't feel a need to get her addicted to a phone, as well.
@lacertosus Yes, I'd love to get something that doesn't need to be plugged in to reacharge every couple of days or so. It would be really great to be able to harness solar power for that.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The Signature Sleep Contour 8 independently encased coil mattresses are thoughtfully made with Low VOC, CertiPUR-US certified mattress foam that conforms to the curves of the body creating an equal weight distribution and relieving pressure along the body. The bed mattress is designed to provide a great night's sleep no matter the position. The Contour 8 inch coil mattresses are made with independently encased coils that eliminate motion disturbance to ensure an uninterrupted night's sleep. A 1.6 inch layer of foam at the top and bottom of this quite mattress enhance its comfort and quality. This Signature Sleep mattress meets Federal Flammability Standard 16 CFR 1633 and is shipped compressed, rolled and vacuum sealed for your convenience, right to your doorstep! The Signature Sleep Contour 8 coil mattress is available in multiple size options including twin size mattress, full size mattress, queen size mattress, and king size mattress.
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Guide learners through the Cambridge Secondary 1 course and the Cambridge Checkpoint test, with resources that are matched to the syllabus and can be used for a two or three year curriculum.
Build learners' confidence and track progress, using consolidation-focused activities and regular review sections, featuring Cambridge Checkpoint-style questions.
Prepare learners for long-term assessment success using extension material and a section devoted to progression to Cambridge IGCSE.
Encourage critical thinking and practical investigation, using engaging scientific enquiry sections, embedded throughout the course.
Support all learners with a clear and appealing layout, accessible language and regular summaries of key information.
This engaging course incorporates crucial challenge material right from the start, enabling students to confidently leap into Cambridge IGCSE® Science study with a solid foundation in Biology. It is the best preparation for our bestselling Complete Science for Cambridge IGCSE course, facilitating seamless progression from Cambridge Secondary 1 Stage 9 right into Complete Biology for Cambridge IGCSE. Complete Biology for Cambridge Secondary 1 covers all three years of Cambridge Secondary 1 Biology in the same book, flowing smoothly from one stage to the next. Regular revision and extension exercises will help consolidate learning and then stretch and challenge students to reach the next level. Plus, it's fully matched to the Cambridge syllabus, so you know it's comprehensive.
17.2. What makes us different?


text:
Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources may refer to:

 Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (Ukraine)
 Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (Azerbaijan)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Youth Olympic Games / Day 4 of the Sarajevo 2019 European Youth Olympic Festival.
Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Day 4 of the Sarajevo 2019 European Youth Olympic Festival.
Snowboarder Gabe Adams celebrated his birthday in style by winning Team GB's first medal of the Sarajevo 2019 European Youth Olympic Festival.
Gabe Adams: Photo Team GB
Adams, who turns 16 today, secured bronze in the men's big air event, scoring 169.25 off his two best runs to ensure his place on the podium.
The under-16 World Rookie Tour number one scored 87.00 on his second run to put himself well within medal contention, before following it up with a run of 82.25 – just 15.00 points off gold.
Adams had finished sixth in Tuesday's snowboard slopestyle competition and was delighted with his overall performance this week.
"I'm super excited to have won", said Adams. "It was such a good experience. I just had to focus and get my run down as clean as I could and I managed to put down a pretty decent run that got me into third.
"I wasn't expected to win like that – my mum and dad were so excited, my mum even cried a bit. It's been wicked that they even came to watch – I can't thank them enough.
"I couldn't put a price on my overall experience – it's been absolutely amazing. The Opening Ceremony was absolutely crazy with thirty-five thousand people cheering you on.
"Meeting people from all the different sports has been super cool and swapping pins with all the other countries has been fun. A lot of the other snowboarders I have already been friends with so it's been great to see them again."
Source: Team GB
Elsewhere, 15-year-old Lewis Moore added another 11th place to his collection in the men's big air final, with teammates Ethan Smith and Leon Drynan finishing 17th and 22nd respectively.
While in the women's big air, both Luca Lane-Hopkins and Lara Cabrera-Myram missed out on a place in the final, finishing in 14th and 21st positions.
Team GB's mixed curling team, skipped by Hamish Gallacher, ensured they progressed to the semi-finals with a 100% record, after an 8-5 victory against Russia in the final game of the round robin.
Despite finding themselves 4-2 down at the halfway mark, the quartet recovered well bringing the score back to 5-4 after the fifth end. From this point, they maintained control of the match, securing their sixth straight victory at the close of the seventh end.
They will have the hammer in tomorrow's semi-final against Poland, with the winner progressing into the gold medal match in the afternoon.
"We've had an absolute dream week so far – you can't really fault how it's gone", said third Robyn Munro. "We're looking to get another win in our next game, which would be amazing.
"It's great to have the support from all the other sports, so hopefully they'll be able to come out and watch once they've finished competing."
It was the turn of Britain's men's alpine skiers to take on the giant slalom with Owen Vinter, Charles Rankin, Eduoard Guigonnet and Oliver Weeks on the start list.
Vinter and Rankin were the only Brits to complete both runs, finishing 20th and 35th respectively, with Guigonnet and Weeks recording DNF's on the course.
In the figure skating, Derby's Genevieve Sommerville skated to 23rd in the women's free programme, while Joseph Zakipour finished 14th in the men's section.
It was also the last day of competition for the two cross-country skiers, as they tackled the men's sprint classic at the Igman mountain range.
Youth World Sailing champion Alexander Franks-Penty crossed the line in 52nd position, with teammate Beinn Horsfall only four places behind in 56th.
Courtesy of Team GB
Tags: Sarajevo 2019, Team GB, Youth Olympics


Our client, age 38, had lost his job and run into more bad luck with the law. He was arrested for DUI for the second time in three months. This second arrest took place along the eastbound I-10 Freeway near the Crenshaw Boulevard off ramp when a CHP officer claimed he saw our client swerving back and forth across several lanes.
Without All the Details, What Happened?: Second DUI in three months, 0.19% BAC, resolved for first-time DUI terms with three-month alcohol awareness class.
When the CHP stopped our client's car, they observed a one-third full open bottle of New Amsterdam Vodka and half a bottle of an open Sierra Nevada beer in the front seat cup holders. It appeared as if our client had been drinking while driving.
A preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) test of our client's blood alcohol content (BAC) measured his breath BAC at 0.19% and 0.18%. He was unable to complete any roadside field sobriety (FST's), falling over on the dirt along the road. He was immediately arrested.
The client was extremely nervous about what might happen to him because three months earlier, he had entered a plea to DUI in another California court, wherein he refused to provide a breath or blood sample.
Greg met with the client and first listened to the facts of the case and the fact that the client was prior service Navy with a 60% disability rating. Greg is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate (Annapolis), so he appreciated the client's service and disability from doing so.
(This case took place in 2013, prior to Veteran's Diversion being codified at Penal Code § 1001.80, which allows a current service member or veteran, with a service-related disability that may be related to the crime at issue, to resolve the case through a diversion program and avoid a conviction. The program, however, can only be used one time, so in this second-time DUI, it would not apply, but it might have in the first DUI if the case had taken place after August 2017).
Greg explained to the client that "weaving" within a lane is legal, at least according to a few reported decisions concerning improper traffic stops for "weaving. The weaving must be pronounced for a traffic stop (People v. Perez) or it must affect the safety of a nearby car (Carmona).
Greg and the client discussed People v. Carmona, a California case involving a turn without using one's turn signal, and a separate 2002 U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision, United States v. Eric Colin, involving driving over the fog line on the I-15 in San Bernardino County for almost a mile, but never changing lanes. In both cases, the traffic stops were found illegal.
The client said he felt a little better, knowing there was a possibility that a judge might find the traffic stop was improper.
At the arraignment, Greg received the CHP report and noticed that the officer only stated he observed a single lane change without a signal and did not mention our client affecting the safety of anyone else, which fell into the facts of Carmona nicely. Greg talked to the Metropolitan Court City Attorney handling the case and how a Motion to Suppress might be granted, dismissing the case. The prosecutor acknowledged the issue and was apparently also appreciative of the client's status as a disabled veteran.
The prosecutor then offered to resolve the second-time case on first-time DUI terms, with 36 months of summary probation, a $390 fine plus penalties and assessments, a three-month DUI course (AB541) and 10 Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) meetings. This offer included a promise that our client not file the motion to suppress.
The client understood that a Motion to Suppress could be granted, but also wanted closure on the case.
Greg explained how officers often remember facts on the stand that were not written down in the police report and a judge may believe the officer, which could result in denial of the motion. He knew a three-month DUI course (AB541) was far superior to an 18 month, standard second-time DUI course (SB38) and five years of summary probation. He decided not to "get greedy" with the case because he was not comfortable serving the mandatory 96 hours in county jail which would apply if the case was resolved as a second-time DUI. He agreed to quit while he was ahead. He was happy to resolve the case on such favorable terms.
What Punishment Do I Face for a Second DUI?


The raw material making you is love. Love is not a feeling, a mood or a habit that you have to develop or cultivate over time. Love is your very nature.
Feelings come and go. We can be in love and feel good or bad. When we forget our center we start attaching ourselves to feelings. We are not the feeling itself; we are the one who experiences different feelings. When deep stresses and strains are removed, we begin to understand our true nature. The heart opens. Then we realize what we truly are: love.
The glimpse of divine love brings inner ecstasy. Love comes to be experienced in a much broader and deeper context. Judgments and expectations of ourselves and others fall off. Life takes on a new flavor of joy and happiness. One becomes free of the dependency on other persons, places or things for personal fulfillment. We soon discover that this divine love is the very source, the very core of all other types of love. Every cell of our being reverberates with this essence of love.
Once you've tasted it, you know this love inside you can never die. It may appear to have gone, but it cannot. It only gets covered. There is not a single person on this planet whose heart is empty. Every heart at its depth is full with love.
In a deeply moving series of talks, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar expounds on The Path of Love* from the sublime and timeless wisdom of the Bhakti Sutras [aphorisms of love], a treatise by the ancient sage Narada.
Love is the true path.
*Now being made available in audiocassette and book formats, with some talks available on video.
Pain is part of love. This is what Christ symbolizes on the cross. The cross is pain and Christ is love. With understanding, the pain of love gets transformed into another dimension. It becomes longing.
If you really love something, you will long for it. Can there ever be a love without longing? Longing is the other face of love.
When you are aware of this phenomenon, you accept longing as part of love. Then your love grows. It becomes divine love.
Usually when we long for something, we don't allow the longing to be there fully. We don't experience it totally and go through it. We want to put a quick end to it. We want instead to possess.
But in the act of possessing, you destroy love. When you demand love, you bruise it. Trying to possess love is like holding a flower by its petals. You crush the blossom.
Hold the flower where it has to be held. Know that pain and hurt are part of love. You can be hurt only by one you love. Be with it. Experience it. Go through it. Then your love becomes mature.
Longing is the most beautiful thing. Longing increases the love in you. When there is longing, there is prayer. Longing is the basis of prayer. In that longing the ego melts. When there is longing, then the voice of God will be heard.
In the presence of the Master your heart definitely opens, either today or tomorrow. It's infallible, you cannot miss it.
When the bud breaks, it becomes a flower. When the heart breaks, the love becomes divine.


text:
import '@material/mwc-button';
import './components/open_button.js';
import './components/download_button.js';
import '../mobile_view/open_mobile_view.js';
import '../shared/snippet_viewer/snippet_viewer.js';
import '../shared/expandable_content/expandable_tab.js';

import {customElement, html, internalProperty, property, query} from 'lit-element';

import {ArConfigState, BestPracticesState, ModelViewerConfig, RelativeFilePathsState, State} from '../../types.js';
import {getBestPractices} from '../best_practices/reducer.js';
import {applyCameraEdits, Camera, INITIAL_CAMERA} from '../camera_settings/camera_state.js';
import {getCamera} from '../camera_settings/reducer.js';
import {getConfig} from '../config/reducer.js';
import {ConnectedLitElement} from '../connected_lit_element/connected_lit_element.js';
import {getHotspots} from '../hotspot_panel/reducer.js';
import {HotspotConfig} from '../hotspot_panel/types.js';
import {getArConfig} from '../mobile_view/reducer.js';
import {getGltfUrl, renderCommonChildElements} from '../model_viewer_preview/reducer.js';
import {getRelativeFilePaths} from '../relative_file_paths/reducer.js';
import {SnippetViewer} from '../shared/snippet_viewer/snippet_viewer.js';
import {renderModelViewer} from '../utils/render_model_viewer.js';

import {ExportZipButton} from './components/download_button.js';
import {ImportCard} from './components/open_button.js';
import {applyRelativeFilePaths, getExtraAttributes} from './reducer.js';

/**
 *
 */
@customElement('me-export-panel')
export class ExportPanel extends ConnectedLitElement {
  @property({type: String}) header = '';

  @internalProperty() config: ModelViewerConfig = {};
  @internalProperty() arConfig: ArConfigState = {};
  @internalProperty() hotspots: HotspotConfig[] = [];
  @internalProperty() camera: Camera = INITIAL_CAMERA;
  @internalProperty() relativeFilePaths?: RelativeFilePathsState;
  @internalProperty() gltfUrl?: string;
  @internalProperty() extraAttributes: any = {};
  @internalProperty() bestPractices?: BestPracticesState;

  @query('snippet-viewer') snippetViewer!: SnippetViewer;
  @query('me-export-zip-button') exportZipButton!: ExportZipButton;
  @query('me-import-card') importCard!: ImportCard;

  stateChanged(state: State) {
    this.config = getConfig(state);
    this.arConfig = getArConfig(state);
    this.camera = getCamera(state);
    this.hotspots = getHotspots(state);
    this.gltfUrl = getGltfUrl(state);
    this.relativeFilePaths = getRelativeFilePaths(state);
    this.extraAttributes = getExtraAttributes(state);
    this.bestPractices = getBestPractices(state);
  }

  snippetCopyToClipboard() {
    this.snippetViewer.copyToClipboard();
  }

  onSnippetOpen() {
    this.importCard.onSnippetOpen();
  }

  render() {
    const editedConfig = {...this.config};
    const editedArConfig = {...this.arConfig};
    applyCameraEdits(editedConfig, this.camera);
    applyRelativeFilePaths(
        editedConfig, this.gltfUrl, this.relativeFilePaths!, false);
    if (editedArConfig.iosSrc) {
      editedArConfig.iosSrc = this.relativeFilePaths?.iosName;
    }

    const childElements =
        renderCommonChildElements(this.hotspots, this.bestPractices!);

    const snippet = renderModelViewer(
        editedConfig, editedArConfig, this.extraAttributes, {}, childElements);

    if (this.header === 'true') {
      return html`
<me-expandable-tab tabName="<model-viewer> snippet"
  .open=${true} .sticky=${true}
  .copyFunction=${this.snippetCopyToClipboard.bind(this)}>

    <snippet-viewer id="snippet-header" .renderedSnippet=${snippet}>
    </snippet-viewer>

</me-expandable-tab>`;
    }

    // on import/export tab
    return html`
<me-expandable-tab tabName="<model-viewer> snippet"
  .open=${true} .sticky=${true}
  .copyFunction=${this.snippetCopyToClipboard.bind(this)}>

    <snippet-viewer id="snippet-header" .renderedSnippet=${snippet}>
    </snippet-viewer>
    <mwc-button unelevated @click=${this.onSnippetOpen}>
      Edit Snippet
    </mwc-button>

</me-expandable-tab>
<me-expandable-tab tabName="File Manager" .open=${true}>

    <me-import-card></me-import-card>

      Export Content:

    <me-download-button id="download-gltf"></me-download-button>
    <me-export-zip-button id="export-zip"></me-export-zip-button>

</me-expandable-tab>
<me-expandable-tab tabName="Mobile View" .open=${true}>
  <open-mobile-view slot="content"></open-mobile-view>
</me-expandable-tab>
<me-expandable-tab tabName="Best Practices" .open=${true}>
  <best-practices slot="content"></best-practices>
</me-expandable-tab>
`;
  }

  protected updated() {
    this.snippetViewer.updateComplete.then(() => {
      if (this.exportZipButton) {
        this.exportZipButton.snippetText =
            this.snippetViewer.snippet.textContent || '';
      }
    });
  }
}

declare global {
  interface HTMLElementTagNameMap {
    'me-export-panel': ExportPanel;
  }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
ACCEPTED

#### According to
Index Fungorum

#### Published in
null

#### Original name
Uromyces oedipus Dietel

### Remarks
null


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Vol. 9 No. 2 (2021): February 2021 /
Diabetic nephropathy: early markers for monitoring and prevention
Vijayashree S. Gokhale Department of Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6069-716X
Kshithija R. Sajjan Department of Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Rupesh Parati Department of Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Keyuri Mehta Department of Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Diabetic nephropathy, e-GFR, Hypertension, UACR
Background: Type 2 diabetes, with its complications is perpetually on the rise more so in India .Diabetic Nephropathy progresses silently, and manifests at a stage where, patient can be offered only renal replacement. This study was undertaken to detect early markers of Diabetic Nephropathy. Aims and objective of the study was to study early nephropathy by UACR (urinary albumin/creatinine ratio), RFT (renal function test) and e-GFR in Type 2 diabetic patients of more than 2 years duration, with and without hypertension.
Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional observational study, of 100 patients, 18-60 years of age, of type 2 Diabetes of 2 year duration and above, of which 50 were only diabetic and 50 had diabetes and hypertension. Patients who had an established renal disease were excluded from study.
Results: Our study of 100 patients, 18-60 years of age, had 23 male and 77 female patients. Maximum patients were in age group 41-50 years, and 52% had diabetes of 2-4 years duration. Of the renal parameters studied, BUN was normal in 72% and S. Creatinine normal in 67%. UACR was normal in only 38%, and e-GFR was normal in 49%.
Conclusions: In our study age and sex, duration of Diabetes and HbA1c did not have any bearing on renal parameters. UACR followed by e-GFR, were deranged early. UACR was more deranged in diabetics with hypertension.
Vijayashree S. Gokhale, Department of Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
proffessor of Medicine and head of unit 2
Gross JL, Azevedo MJ, Silveiro SP. Diabetic nephropathy: diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Diabetes Care. 2005;28(1):164-76.
Granier C, Makni K, Laurence M. Gene and protein markers of diabetic nephropathy. Nephrology Dialysis Transplant. 2008;23(3):792-9.
Nielsen SE. Sugaya T, Tarnow L, Lajer M. Tubular and glomerular injury in diabetes and the impact of ACE inhibition. Diabetes Care. 2009;32(9):1684-8.
Haque N, Debnath BC, Ibrahim M. Association of HbA1c with urinary ACR and eGFR in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. Pulse. 2011;5(1):6-11.
Vupputuri S, Nichols GA, Lau H. Risk of progression of nephropathy in a population-based sample with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2011;91(2):246-52.
Klein J. Biomarkers that predict diabetic nephropathy: the long road from finding targets to clinical use diabetes. 2012;61(12):3072-3.
Manikowski ST, Mohamed G. Atta diabetic kidney disease: pathophysiology and therapeutic targets. J Diab Res. 2015;697010.
Hahr AJ, Molitch ME. Management of diabetes mellitus in patients with chronic kidney disease. Clinical Diab Endocrinol. 2015;1:2.
Fiseha T. Urinary biomarkers for early diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients. Biomark Res. 2015;3:16.
Looker HC, Colombo M, Sibylle H. Biomarkers of rapid chronic kidney disease progression in type 2 Diabetes. Clinical Investigation. 2015;88(4):888-96.
Sydney CW, Gary CW, Chan L, Kar N. Recent advances in managing and understanding diabetic nephropathy. Faculty Rev. 2016;5:1000.
Chawla A, Chawla R, Jaggi S. Microvasular and macrovascular complications in diabetes mellitus: distinct or continuum? Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(4):546-51.
Gluhovschi C, Gluhovschi G, Petrica L, Timar R. Urinary biomarkers in the assessment of early diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes. 2016:4626125.
Alicic R, Rooney MT, Katherine R. Tuttle diabetic kidney disease challenges, progress, and possibilities. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2017;12:2032-45.
Al-Rubeaan K, Siddiqui K, Al-Ghonaim M, Youssef AM. Assessment of the diagnostic value of different biomarkers in relation to various stages of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients. Scientific Reports. 2017;7:2684.
Marketou NP, Gantenbein CK, Marketos N, Chrousos GP. Biomarkers of diabetic nephropathy A 2017 update. Journal Critical Rev. 2017;54:5.
Uwaezuoke SN. The role of novel biomarkers in predicting diabetic nephropathy: a review. Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis. 2017;10:221-31.
Idowu AA, Ajose AO, Adedeji AT. Microalbuminuria, other markers of nephropathy and biochemical derangementsin type 2 diabetes mellitus: relationships and determinants. Ghana Med J. 2017;51(2):56-63.
Satirapoj B. Tubulointerstitial Biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy. J Diabetes Res. 2018;2018:2852398.
Colhoun HM, Loredana M. Marcovecchio 2 Biomarkers of diabetic kidney disease. Diabetologia. 2018;61(5):996-1011.
Norris KC, Smoyer KE, Rolland C. Albuminuria, serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate as predictors of cardio-renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and kidney disease: a systematic literature review. BMC Nephrol. 2018;19(1):36.
Kopel J, Hernandez CP, Nugent K. Evolving spectrum of diabetic nephropathy. World J Diabetes. 2019;10(5):269-79.
Zhang D, Ye S, Pan T. The role of serum and urinary biomarkers in the diagnosis of early diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabete. Peer J. 2019;7:e7079.
Damaso EO, Damaso NO, Esparragon FR, Payan J. Asymmetric (ADMA) and symmetric (SDMA) dimethylarginines in chronic kidney disease: a clinical approach. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(15):3668.
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Xie X, Peng Z. Association of urine albumin/creatinine ratio below 30 mg/g and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Bio Med Res Int. 2020;5240153.
Bhaisare SD, Rao AK, Jog AS. Clinical study of urine albumin creatinine ratio as an earlier predictor of diabetic nephropathy. J Evolution Med Dent Sci. 2020;9(09):598-602.
Gokhale, V. S., Sajjan, K. R., Parati, R., & Mehta, K. (2021). Diabetic nephropathy: early markers for monitoring and prevention. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 9(2), 565–568. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20210443
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2021): February 2021


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Q: How to order by character and number in Laravel I'm trying to order a collection by characters and numbers in Laravel, I have tried different methods but nothing seems to work the way I want it to.
The numbers I'm trying to order can always be different, the example in te code below uses the following characters and numbers:
M1,
M2,
M3,
M10,
M11,
R1,
R2,
R10,
R11

The characters + numbers are stored in the "MYSQL" database with a VARCHAR datatype.
Tried this:
$items = Item::where('item_id', $itemId)->orderBy('name', 'ASC')->get();
// M1, M10, M11, M2, M3, R1, R10, R11, R2

$items = Item::where('item_id', $itemId)->orderByRaw('LENGTH(name)', 'asc')->orderBy('name', 'ASC')->get();
// M1, M2, M3, R1, R2, M10, M11, R10, R11

$items = Item::where('item_id', $itemId)->orderByRaw('CAST(name as unsigned)')->orderBy('name', 'ASC')->get();
// M1, M10, M11, M2, M3, R1, R10, R11, R2

What I'm trying to achieve is the following order:
M1,
M2,
M10,
M11,
R1,
R2,
R10,
R11

Is this even possible?

A: Use sortBy() with flag SORT_NATURAL.
$items = Item::where('item_id', $itemId)->get()->sortBy('name', SORT_NATURAL);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Der Ordre de Saint-Michel (Michaelsorden) war ein französischer Ritterorden.

Gründung

König Ludwig XI. gründete ihn am 1. August 1469 in Amboise als Antwort auf den burgundischen Orden vom Goldenen Vlies. Zweck des Ordens war nicht zuletzt die Stärkung der königlichen Zentralgewalt zulasten der Macht des Adels. Dementsprechend stand der Michaelsorden auch unter der Leitung des Königs, der den Titel Chef et Souverain führte. Auf ihn hatten die Ordensritter auch einen persönlichen Eid zu leisten.

Sitz
Als Sitz des Ordens war ursprünglich die Abtei Mont-Saint-Michel in der Normandie geplant. Sie erwies sich aber als so abgelegen, dass dort keine einzige Ordensversammlung stattfand.

Bereits 1496 wurde der Sitz in die Kapelle Saint-Michel im Pariser Palais de la Cité verlegt. Lange Zeit litt der Orden unter unzureichender Finanzausstattung. 1496 wandte sich Karl VIII. mit der Bitte an den Papst, bei der Kapelle ein Priesterkolleg zu errichten, in deren Räumen sich der Orden treffen könne. 1497 durch päpstliche Bulle genehmigt, wurde der Plan nach Karls Tod ein Jahr darauf nicht weiterverfolgt.

1555 schließlich wurde der Sitz in die Sainte Chapelle im Schloss Vincennes verlegt.

Ordenskette

Die Ritter trugen eine goldene Halskette aus mit Knoten verbundenen Muscheln, an der ein den Drachenbezwinger Michael zeigendes Medaillon hing.

Mitglieder
Ursprünglich gehörten dem Michaelsorden nur Vertreter des Hochadels an, so etwa die mit dem König verwandten Herzöge von Berry, Anjou, Bourbon und Orléans sowie Angehörige der Häuser Luxembourg, Laval, La Trémoille, Chabannes, Crussol, Rohan, Dunois, Melun und Artois. Aufgenommen wurden auch ein König von Dänemark sowie einer von Schottland. Der Herzog der Bretagne verweigerte den Eintritt in den Orden aus Feindschaft zum Königshaus, der Herzog von Geldern wegen seiner Mitgliedschaft im Orden vom Goldenen Vlies. Unter Karl VIII. stieg der Ausländeranteil, u. a. durch die Aufnahme von Angehörigen der Häuser Stuart und Savoyen sowie des venezianischen Botschafters Luca Spinola.

Ursprünglich war die Zahl der lebenden Mitglieder des Michaelordens auf 31, dann auf 36 begrenzt. 1565 wurde das Limit im Zuge der Religionskriege offiziell auf 50 angehoben, 1578 auf 100. Faktisch wurde die offizielle Begrenzung aber ohnehin meist weit überschritten: Beim Regierungsantritt Henris III. im Jahre 1574 soll der Orden an die 700 Ritter umfasst haben.

Bedeutungsrückgang und Reformierung

Wegen der zahlenmäßigen Ausweitung und auch der zunehmenden Öffnung für den niederen Adel und das Bürgertum erlitt der Orden, insbesondere gegenüber dem Orden vom Goldenen Vlies und dem Hosenbandorden einen erheblichen Prestigeverlust. Sein Insignium nannte man nunmehr spöttisch "le collier à toutes bêtes" ("Allerweltskette").

Nicht zuletzt in Reaktion hierauf gründete Henri III. 1578 den Orden vom heiligen Geist. Dieser war ausländischen regierenden Fürsten sowie dem Hochadel Frankreichs einschließlich der königlichen Prinzen vorbehalten. Seine Ritter gehörten mit ihrer Ernennung automatisch auch dem Michaelsorden an. Ritter beider Orden wurden seitdem als Chevalier des Ordres du Roi (Ritter der Orden des Königs) bezeichnet, Ritter, die nur dem Michaelsorden angehörten, als Chevalier de l'Ordre du Roi (Ritter des Ordens des Königs).

Ludwig XIV. reformierte 1661 und 1665 den Orden. Die Kette wurde nur noch an den Ordensfesten getragen, sonst trug man die Ordensinignie an einem schwarzen Band, die dem Orden den Namen "cordon noir" eintrug. An die Stelle des Michaels-Medaillons trat ein goldenes oder emailliertes Kreuz. Durch die Gründung des militärischen Verdienstorden vom Heiligen Ludwig wandelte sich der Michaelsorden zu einem zivilen Verdienstorden für Bankiers, Künstler und Wissenschaftler. Auch Ludwig XIV. weichte die Mitgliedsbeschränkung zeitweilig auf, während sein Nachfolger sie wieder strikt durchsetzte, dafür aber mehr als Nicht- und Neu-Adelige in den Orden aufnahm als jeder andere König vor ihm.

Auflösung und Nachleben
Am 30. Juli 1791 wurden alle Orden in Frankreich aufgelöst. 1814 wurde der Michaelsorden kurzzeitig wiederbelebt und ein Bruststern eingeführt, wobei es aber kaum mehr zur Ernennung neuer Ritter kam. König Louis-Philippe schaffte ihn 1830 schließlich endgültig ab.

Im 20. Jahrhundert manifestierten noch zwei spanische Bourbonen-Abkömmlinge ihren Anspruch auf den französischen Thron durch Verleihung des Michaelordens: Jacques de Bourbon ernannte am 2. August 1929 den Grafen Jean d'Andigné und am 25. August 1930 dessen Sohn Amedée zu Rittern. 1960 nahm Jacques-Henri de Bourbon gleich sechs Personen in den Orden auf: seinen Sekretär Patrick Esclafer de la Rode, den Grafen Pierre de la Forest Divonne, Massimo Sciolette, Teodoro Constanti Zarifi, Karl-Otto Ziesniss sowie eine unbekannt gebliebene weitere Person.

Der Ordre des Arts et des Lettres des französischen Kulturministeriums sieht sich in der Nachfolge des Ordens.

Siehe auch
 Liste der Ritter des Michaelsordens

Literatur
 Les ordres du roi. Répertoire général contenant les noms et qualités de tous les chevaliers des Ordres royaux, militaires et chevaleresques ayant existé en France de 1099 à 1830. Avec une histoire des Ordres du Saint-Esprit, de Saint-Michel, de Saint Louis etc., hg. von Ludovic de Colleville und François de Saint-Christo, Paris o. J. [1925]. [S. V-XII kurzer Überblick über den Orden, S. 67–152 Verzeichnis der Mitglieder und S. 153–156 Verzeichnis der Amtsträger]
 Peter Vetter, Der französische Ritterorden vom heiligen Michael (1469-1830), Diss. phil., Bonn 1979.
 Philippe Contamine, Michaelsorden, in: Lexikon des Mittelalters Bd. 6, 1993, Sp. 607.
 D'Arcy J.D. Boulton, The knights of the crown. The monarchical orders of knighthood in later medieval Europe (1325-1520), 2. verbesserte Aufl., Woodbridge 2000, ISBN 0-85115-795-5 und ISBN 0-85115-417-4, S. 427–447.

Weblinks

Einzelnachweise

Michael
Michael
Französische Militärgeschichte

Gegründet 1469


I was introduced to the idea of 'serial vision' while teaching a city and architecture photography course in Edinburgh.
A landscape designer was sketching as we went through various city locations and explained what he was doing.
My understanding of it is that it is an activity that encourages designers to actively engage with their town environment, and analyse their movement through and experience of the space. Often this is done by producing a series of quick sketches that represent the key elements or stimuli for a journey through a built space.
The technique is credited to George Cullen, an influential urban designer who considered the art of relationship between elements in the city, and the way that the scenery is revealed in a series of revelations.
I have taken the idea and used photography instead of a sketchbook to explore an intriguing bit of Edinburgh, behind the Omni cinema and Playhouse, and the route that leads me to the railway station…and then to work.
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Mammalian Toxicity
TFA Risk Assessment
Trifluoroacetic acid, CF3C(O)OH or TFA, is a strong organic acid with pKa of 0.23 and it is miscible with water (solubility over 10000 g/l). The vapor pressure is relatively high, 105.7 hPa at 20°C, the partition coefficient n-octanol/water (log) is -0.2. Laboratory studies have been performed to assess the strength of binding of TFA to a variety of soil types (van Dijk, 1992; Richey et al., 1997). Some studies showed that TFA did not adsorb to soil, others showed that TFA generally interacted weakly with most soils but was strongly adsorbed by some soils containing high levels of organic matter. The data are not necessarily contradictory but may reflect the heterogeneity of soils tested.
TFA is a stable ion in the aqueous phase and no significant loss process such as hydrolysis, photolysis, or formation of insoluble salts has been identified. There have been two reports of TFA degradation under anaerobic conditions. In the first study, natural sediments reduced TFA (Visscher et al., 1994). However, even though this work was done in replicate, the experimenters and others were unable to reproduce it in subsequent studies (Matheson et al., 1996; Emptage et al., 1997). In the second study (Chauhan et al., 1995), labelled TFA was removed from a mixed anaerobic in vitro microcosm. Limited evidence of decarboxylation has also been reported for two strains of bacteria grown under highly specific conditions (Chauhan et al., 1995). A field study indicated that TFA was retained in vegetation and soil of a temperate North American forest, especially in the case of wetlands with organic soils (Richey et al., 1997; Likens et al., 1997).
Potential for bioaccumulation in animals is highly unlikely due to the extremely low log Kow (-0.2). Due to its high solubility TFA can accumulate in plants via roots uptake of water. This phenomenon is supported by experimental data which demonstrate that TFA is a xylem mobile herbicide, transported through the stem and accumulated in leaves (Rollins et al., 1989). The bioaccumulation in vegetation calculated according the following equation: log CF= 5.943 – 2.385 log MW gives a value of 10.89 as concentration factor (CF), of the same order of magnitude of those experimentally observed.
TFA is not concentrated in lower aquatic-life forms such as bacteria, small invertebrates, oligochaete worms and some aquatic plants including Lemna gibba (duckweed). In terrestrial higher plants such as sunflower and wheat some bioaccumulation was seen (Thompson et al., 1994). This appeared to be related to uptake with water and then concentration due to transpiration water loss. When transferred to clean hydroponic media, some elimination of TFA was seen. Also, over 80% of the TFA in leaves was found to be water extractable, suggesting that no significant metabolism of TFA had occurred.
Effect of TFA on Activated Sludge: The semi-continuous activated sludge test indicated that TFA had no discernible effect on the performance of the sludge for the biodegradation of organic carbon (van Ginkel and Kroon, 1992).
Effect of TFA on metabolism of microbial communities: The mineralization of acetate to carbon dioxide is a key link in the biogeochemical carbon cycle. Therefore it is essential to know whether TFA, which is structurally close to acetate, could interfere with acetate metabolism. Experimental results (Bott and Standley, 1998) suggest that TFA at concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than those anticipated in the environment did not impact acetate mineralization to carbon dioxide nor did it affect incorporation of acetate into cellular material. The effect of TFA has been investigated in free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Nagel and Odom, 1997). The experiments were designed to determine whether TFA was specifically toxic to nitrogen fixation. No effect of TFA on growth or N2 fixation with ammonium ion as nitrogen source was noted at concentrations as high as 100 ppm TFA. It has been shown that TFA has no effect on methanogenic environments where acetate is an important intermediate (Emptage et al., 1997).
Aquatic toxicity: In acute toxicity tests no effects of NaTFA on water fleas (Daphnia magna) and zebra fish (Brachydanio rerio) were found at a concentration of 1200 mg/l (Rhone-Poulenc, 1995). A 7-day study with duckweed (Lemna gibba) revealed a Predicted No Effect Concentration (NOEC) of 300 mg/l (Smyth et al., 1993). Based on the results of five toxicity tests with Selenastrum capricornutum a NOEC of 0.12 mg/l was found. However, algal toxicity tests with NaTFA and Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus subspicatus, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Euglena gracilis, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Navicula pelliculosa, Skeletonema costatum, Anabaena flos-aquae and Microcystis aeruginosa resulted in NOEC values which were all higher than 100 mg/l (Smyth et al., 1994a,b,c). Recovery of the growth of S. capricornutum was found when TFA was removed from the test solutions and therefore TFA should be considered algistatic and not algicidal for S. capricornutum. The reason for the unique sensitivity of this strain is unknown, but a recovery of the growth rate was seen when citric acid was added, suggesting a competitive inhibition of the citric acid cycle.
One semi-field study (Bott and Standley, 1995) with mesocosm streams has been conducted with NaTFA to study the potential effects of TFA on freshwater algal communities and primary productivity. Long-term exposure to a mean NaTFA concentration of 31-32 µg/l had no effect on the primary productivity of the diatom-dominated algal flora. Effects on organic carbon excretion which were related to high levels of TFA were noted in some experiments. TFA did not alter the algal species composition in the stream mesocosm.
Terrestrial plants: Application of NaTFA at 1000 mg/l to seeds of sunflower, cabbage, lettuce, tomato, mungbean, soybean, wheat, corn oats and rice did not affect germination (Thompson and Windeatt, 1994; Emerich, 1997). Foliar application of a solution of 100 mg/l of NaTFA to field grown plants did not affect growth of sunflower, soya, wheat, maize, oilseed rape, rice and plantain (Davison and Pearson, 1997). When plantain, wheat and soya were grown in hydroponic systems containing NaTFA, no effects were seen on plantain at 32 mg/l, on Triticum and soya at 1 mg/l, and on wheat at 10 mg/l (Thompson, 1995; Thompson et al., 1995; Davison and Pearson, 1997).
TFA is not metabolised in mammalian systems. The half-life of TFA in humans is 16 hours. As expected, the free acid is more acutely toxic than the sodium salt. In one study, 2 of 5 mice died from a dose of 150 mg/kg of HTFA, an effect comparable to that seen with an equimolar dose of HCl (Blake et al., 1969). In contrast, no deaths were seen when mice were given an oral dose of 5.000 g/kg of NaTFA. In studies involving single intraperitoneal injections of doses up to 2 g/kg, only mild liver toxicity was seen (Rosenberg, 1971; Rosenberg and Wahlstrom, 1971). There was only one report of an acute inhalation toxicity study (Kheilo and Kremneva, 1966). This study involved single two-hour exposures of both rats and mice. The LC 50 for mice was 13.5 mg/l (2,900 ppm) and for rats it was 10 mg/l (2,140 ppm). This would classify TFA as having low inhalation toxicity. These same authors reported that the irritation threshold for humans was 54 ppm.
As one would expect of a strong acid, HTFA is a severe irritant to the skin (Patty, 1963; Kheilo and Kremneva, 1966). Concentrations as low as 2% were moderate skin irritants. It would be expected to be a severe eye irritant. When conjugated with protein, it has been shown to elicit an immunological reaction (Mathieu et al., 1974; Reves and McCracken, 1976; Ford et al., 1984; Satoh et al., 1985;1989), however it is unlikely that TFA itself would elicit a sensitisation response (Waldon and Ratra, 1972; Reves and McCracken, 1976; Ford et al., 1984). Repeated administrations of aqueous solutions have shown that TFA can cause increased liver weight and induction of peroxisomes (Just et al., 1989; Warheit, 1993). Relative to the doses (0.5% in diet or 150 mg/kg/day) the effects are mild.
In a series of Ames assays, TFA was reported to be non-mutagenetic (Blake et al., 1981). Its carcinogenic potential has not been evaluated. Although TFA was shown to accumulate in amniotic fluid following exposure of pregnant animals to high levels of halothane (1,200 ppm), no foetal effects were seen. Given the high levels of halothane exposure, it is unlikely that environmental TFA is a reproductive or developmental hazard.
The environmental risk from TFA as degradation product of CFCs substitutes can be deduced from the value of the ratio of exposure to effect, or of Predicted Environmental Concentrations to Predicted No Effect Concentrations (PEC/PNEC). To derive a PEC, production and releases of parent compounds, along with rates of transformation into TFA, have been modeled. A range of concentrations in rain water has been calculated, taking into account geographical variations (OH radical concentrations, amount of rain, regional releases of parent compound). A rough average concentration of 0.1 µg/l in rainwater, by the year 2020, is taken as a global PEC. But an important question remains concerning the origin of the large current levels of TFA which have been measured in the environment (fresh and marine surface waters, rain and air) and which cannot be explained by the known industrial sources.
The physico-chemical properties of TFA allow a prediction of no bioaccumulation in animals. In terrestrial plants, accumulation can take place but is transient and effects on vegetation can be observed only in experiments using non environmentally relevant concentrations (102-106 mg/l).
TFA is not retained in soils, with the exception of those having high organic content; in this case, it is uncertain if it can still be bioavailable. Generally speaking, TFA remains associated with water and has been shown to be not effective on several types of metabolism related to basic biogeochemical cycles.
Given the fact that deposited TFA would remain in water, a number of studies have been done aiming to derive a PNEC in the aquatic compartment. Standard acute tests on fish and daphnia carried out with NaTFA show no effects on animals at large concentrations (up to 1 g/l TFA). This is reinforced by toxicological data on mammals. On the other hand, the NOEC for the standard algal species Selenastrum capricornutum is around 0.10 mg/l (as TFA). To see if this sensitivity was general among algae, 10 other species belonging to 4 different classes have been tested: no one was sensitive to NaTFA (NOEC> 100 mg/l). It is proposed to use as a PNECaqua (the NOEC of this species of algae) as a worst case, without any further safety factor. So, PNECaqua=0.1 mg/l.
A large amount of research has been devoted to effects on higher plants, as they could be exposed to TFA in rain water through leaves and stems and TFA in pore water through roots. A few tested species (selected among those having an important role in feeding people and cattle) show a significant sensitivity to TFA (as NaTFA). The threshold for effects on wheat and soya is around 5 mg/l with a NOEC=1 mg/l. Other studies show that nitrogen fixation is not affected up to 1 mg/kg soil. Therefore, a conservative figure could be PNEC soil = 0.1 mg/l.
No significant risk is anticipated from TFA produced by atmospheric degradation of the present and future production of HCFCs and HFCs, as there is a 1000-fold difference between the PNEC and the PECs.
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How do you manage product recalls and ingredient traceability?
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How easily can you manage inventory?
How long does it take to pull together operational performance metrics for management reporting?
Has regulatory compliance become increasingly labor- and paper-intensive?
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In our country's economic history, the roles of slavery and racial ideologies have been central to class exploitation. This no longer has much to do with discrimination as a primary force, or lack of "equal opportunity," but with the realities of neoliberal wealth accumulation of the "meritocratic" top 10 percent through dispossession of the broad working class, with African-American workers and families bearing the brunt of income stagnation, wealth loss, foreclosure, blight, indebtedness, austerity and incarceration.
The relationship between race (an ideological fiction) and class (capitalist exploitation and immiseration of labor) has, in academia, been disappeared by identity politics, an absence also noted in Democratic Party politics.
Moving from gown to town and our local newspaper, critical sociological notions of class and race are absent, as we encounter narratives of individual achievement, inspiration, tragedy and criminality, contextualized within families and neighborhoods seemingly inexplicably characterized by majority black populations, poverty and high social risks. This is venerable bourgeois racism, modified by current sensibilities of "post-racial" civility.
Meanwhile, Brian Holding (Oct. 14), former CEO of Human Kinetics, claims that his foundation and the city of Champaign will "develop" and "program" black neighborhoods out of poverty. But these efforts will — with continued neoliberal top-down economic warfare — prove to be superficial and futile.
The "social pathologies" of poverty commonly referred to by editors and columnists serve to absolve the wealthy and powerful of their obvious complicity in national policies that assure, in our rich society, that half of us struggle to maintain a decent standard of living.


text:
Pardongate
PARDONGATE: Another Impeachment After The Investigations Conclude?
By VICTOR WILLIAMS
But after the investigations are concluded, what should be done? I have one suggestion, rooted in the Constitution: A second impeachment trial could occur, with the goal not of removing Clinton from office (since he is already gone), but rather of disqualifying him from holding federal office in the future.
Investigation Is Merited
U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White (or her Bush-appointed replacement) should continue a full criminal investigation into the Marc Rich pardon. Similar Department of Justice investigative actions across the nation may also be merited – headed by Attorney General John Ashcroft, who may also need to appoint an independent counsel.
The pardons tainted by the flavor of political payback are just as troubling as that of Marc Rich. The pardons of four men from a Hasidic community that almost unanimously backed Hillary Clinton in her Senate race are one example. Another example is the pardon of William Borders.
Borders went to prison rather than testify against then-federal judge Alcee Hastings in a bribery scandal. Hastings was acquitted, with the help of Borders' silence, but later impeached and convicted, so that he lost his judgeship. The Senate failed, however, to disqualify him from holding future office.
Later, as a Representative, Hastings passionately defended Bill Clinton during the president's own impeachment saga. Was the Borders pardon a thank-you? Hastings has denied involvement, but the parallel to the thank-you pardon Clinton granted to the similarly silent Susan McDougal is hard to miss.
Even more unpalatable – and possibly criminal – is Hillary Clinton's brother Hugh Rodham's successful attempt to secure pardons– including one for a big-time drug trafficker. For his trouble, Rodham received $400,000 in attorney fees, half of which was apparently paid to him, in a contingency arrangement, only if the pardon was granted. Rodham has now promised sister Hillary to return the money, but giving it back won't erase the original crime, if the money was part of a quid pro quo for the pardon.
Investigations, Hearings – And Then What?
What should be done after the investigations conclude? To begin, the Constitution should not be amended, nor should Congress attempt to regulate Presidents' use of the pardon, as some have recently proposed.
Some legislators have threatened to punish Clinton with rebuke, censure, or pension reduction. But that, too, would offend the Constitution. The legislature may not punish the President, apart from the impeachment process. Nor can it create special punishments for particular individuals ("bills of attainder").
A Second Impeachment?
During his first impeachment and trial, Clinton defenders argued that only public acts of a constitutional proportion could give rise to impeachment removal. The pardon controversies appear to meet that very high test. And that's significant – for even ex-Presidents can be impeached.
While contemporary impeachment actions have targeted only sitting officials, the history and text of the Constitution, as well as early constitutional practice, envision and allow impeachments that occur even after an official leaves office. Indeed, certain early state constitutions followed longstanding English practice by only allowing post-officeholding impeachments.
In 1787, for example, the English Parliament began its famed impeachment action against Warren Hastings for misconduct occurring while he was governor-general of India – two years after Hastings left that post. During the same year, in Philadelphia, delegates to the Constitutional Convention debated whether to allowed impeachment during the official's tenure in office, or only afterwards. The Framers decided to allow both. And Congress has explicitly affirmed its jurisdiction to institute impeachment proceeding against an ex-official.
An Invitation to Impeach
At least one ex-president actually went so far as to demand that he be impeached. Former President John Quincy Adams was subsequently elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Confounding chamber critics of his presidency, Quincy announced from the House floor: "I hold myself, so long as I have the breath of life in my body, amenable to impeachment by this House for everything I did during the time I held public office."
Quincy Adams knew that the Constitution established two separate impeachment penalties – not only removal from office, but "disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States." Disqualification is a real penalty, even to former officials, but Quincy Adams was willing to gamble with it to defend his legacy.
We've come a long way since Clinton laughingly asked the press on his farewell Air Force One trip to Arkansas, "You got anybody you want to pardon?" The pardons were to be part of Clinton's overall legacy and parting spin – sending a message of solidarity, perhaps, with others wrongly pursued by prosecutors, as Clinton felt he had been. Now that legacy is threatened, and the spin undermined. Clinton might hope to change that.
Also, by demanding his day in Impeachment Court, Clinton might effectively end the broader ramifications of the pardon troubles for the Democrats as a party – and for Hillary Clinton as a Senator. Of course, Clinton could also end up being convicted and disqualified from holding future federal office. Only the truth will tell.
Unfortunately, Clinton should not expect that Republicans will be eager to join a second impeachment movement – which could provide a podium for Democrats to try to vindicate the Clinton legacy. Republicans should, instead, prefer investigation alone, whatever the Democrats may prefer. Bipartisanship has its limits, although the pardon power has none.
Victor Williams, a FindLaw contributor, teaches law at Catholic UniversityÎs School of Law in Washington, D.C., and is an adjunct professor at the University of Virginia's Northern Campus. He holds a J.D. from the University of California Hastings, and an LL.M. from Columbia University Law School. Professor Williams can be reached at victorkeithwilliams@yahoo.com.


text:
Regardie took custody of the power bridge to the Crimea
© RIA Novosti / Georgiy to Samaraweera in fotomonsterflash energy bridge across the Kerch Strait. Archival photo © RIA Novosti / Georgiy to Samaraweera the image Bank
Staff of the Crimean Regardie took custody of the energy bridge on the Peninsula, told reporters the head of Regardie in the Republic of Crimea, major-General Stepan Gitaristi.
Regardie on a temporary basis engaged in the protection of the power bridge to Crimea in 2016.
«Today, under the protection of the group left, we take the «Cafu» (substation — ed.), begin to engage in the protection of the power bridge. Before that was guarded by the internal troops, from January 1, all of this (security — ed.) we take under the security services, according to government regulation, including objects in Kerch,» said Galderisi.
As noted by the major-General, all Asgardia guards in Crimea on 16 important state facilities. During the holidays the mode of service of the employees of Regardie enhanced, added Gitaristi.
Crimea was completely disconnected in the night of November 22, 2015. Because of the undermining has failed all four power lines coming from Ukraine. In the Crimea and Sevastopol was imposed the state of emergency, schedules of emergency outages. The situation has improved with the phased launch of the Krasnodar territory of a power bridge with a capacity of 800 MW. The last fourth line earned in may 2016.
Read more about news of the Crimea — on crimea.ria.ru>>


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The Pacific Regional Trade Agreement (PARTA) was conceived in 1997 as a Free Trade Area (FTA) agreement for Pacific Island Countries (PICs), excluding Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). All were then members of the South Pacific Forum (SPF) which became the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in 2000. PIC trade officials were united on this radical shift in trade policy in the interest of closer economic integration amongst the PICs themselves. PIFS management was strongly supportive in that support came from then Secretary General Noel Levi and Multilateral Trade Policy Advisor at that time, Roman Grynberg.
This radical shift, however, rang alarm bells in Canberra and Wellington. According to Wesley Morgan ('Negotiating powers: Contemporary Pacific Trade Diplomacy'): "Officials in both countries had long viewed a stable regional order in the South Pacific as a pre-eminent geostrategic priority. Australia provided funding for regional cooperation, at least in part, as a means of maintaining 'a favourable strategic posture in the region' (Fry 1981:480). Morgan adds: "Crucially, both countries aimed to be 'considered by the Pacific states to be part of the region, and not part of the "outside" (ibid). If the island countries were to negotiate a trade agreement among themselves, particularly through the auspices of the SPF, this could be seen as undermining a carefully cultivated perception that they were legitimate 'insiders''.
In this divided scenario, ANZ pressed hard to be included in the PARTA. PICs, on the other hand, put their collective foot down to deflect the pressure from ANZ, even to the extent of rejecting an ANZ-drafted legal text. It was acknowledged at the time that what was driving ANZ was geostrategic concern rather than commercial interests; or as Myrburgh and Scollay put it in 2004: as being 'driven by political rather than economic considerations'. This is contrasted with the PICs' purely economic interests.
As it turned out, a compromise was struck: PARTA became PICTA for PICs only and PACER was conceived as the economic framework agreement between the two parties. PACER later gave form to PACER Plus (still under negotiation) as the FTA between ANZ and PICs. The two-tier outcome can be seen therefore as the jointly-agreed verdict whereby the PICs' economic interests were confronted by the geostrategic (political) interests of ANZ.
Fast forward to 2015, we see a slightly different situation where the political interests of both parties are now thrust forward, and the question of ANZ's perception of being legitimate insiders has come to the fore once again. Political interests are thus at loggerheads even though Fiji stands alone in proposing a reconfiguration of the regional architecture essentially for political reasons. Alarm bells again have been ringing for sometime especially in Canberra, again for the same political reasons that had prevailed way back in 2000.
Prima facie, it may be asked: why should ANZ bother? The PICs are not united this time around. Fiji stands in splendid isolation from the rest as the odd person out. Whilst two PIC leaders have spoken unsupportively of the Fiji's initiative, others have not spoken one way or the other. It can also be envisaged that a majority decision can always override any recalcitrant in any case. However, the pursuit of this matter at a high level and the ardour with which it is treated is evident enough that there are considerations of prospective regional and collective risks involved in any exercise of majority decision; and the alternative of persevering towards a more acceptable resolution in the interest of regional solidarity is by far the best way to proceed.
The decision to prolong the status quo is going to be costly.
However, to proceed as envisaged above is still without challenges. It can be seen, for instance, that purely on the strength of lack of unity on the part of the PICs, and on the precedent of 2000, it can be said that this proposition by Fiji is unlikely to see the light of day.
However, we are dealing here with weighty political issues at loggerheads, as perceived by both parties and which have great and critical implications on the coherence, utility and sustainability of the region and on regionalism. As such, the precedent arising from the PICs defiance of 2000, whilst instructive, may not necessarily be prescriptive. Being instructive merely lends itself to being an option amongst many. It follows therefore that a possible outcome from the current situation is far from certain.
One possible outcome of course is that the Fiji initiative is rejected; and the status quo prevails. That decision was not taken in the Sydney meeting last week since other issues besides the reconfiguration of the regional architecture were discussed. The decision may be taken at the PIF Leaders' meeting in Port Moresby in early September. The decision to prolong the status quo, from the perspective of Pacific regionalism, is going to be costly for the region. That decision may indeed bring to a close Fiji's insurgence in remapping the regional architecture. However, it will only be the beginning of further regional woes, unprecedented to some extent, to constrain our regional efforts.
For all intents and purposes, it can be envisaged that the two-tier structure, representing PICTA and PACER, which can be reflected in a new regional configuration comprising a forum for PICs only, on one hand, and another forum for PICs-ANZ, on the other hand, still presents itself as an option available. If it gets the nod, it might go some way in meeting Fiji's requirements; and Fiji could consider completing its return to the regional grouping that has already lifted its (Fiji's) suspension.
In any case, this option is reflective of the structure that existed way back in 1971 at the start of the SPF when two caucuses existed – the island countries caucus and that of ANZ. Professor Fry had already identified this as a possible option for the regional reconfiguration exercise in an earlier DevPolicy blog. However, this two-caucus structure only lasted a year. They both came together the following year and the single caucus has prevailed since. By way of precedents alone, this fact suggests it may be a stillborn idea. However, it should be noted that immense changes have taken place in the PICs since the early 1970s, how the region is perceived by the global community and in return, how the PICs project themselves and their issues in global arenas. Parameters for assessing and evaluating ideas and norms have undergone irreversible transition. No doubt the discourse around including Australia and New Zealand in Pacific regional architecture continues for now and may come to a head during the upcoming PIF meeting.
Kaliopate Tavola is a Fijian economist, politician and diplomat. He served as Fiji's Minister for Foreign Affairs and prior to that as Ambassador to Belgium (also accredited to France, Portugal, Spain, Luxembourg and Greece, as well as to UNESCO and the WTO). He recently served as the first High Level Representative of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. He is a founding member of the PiPP board.


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text:
Bob Geldof Should Write a New Tune: Do They Know They're Starving?
via Huffington Post
by Julie Gunlock
In 1984, Irish singer-songwriter Bob Geldof gathered a few of his close and very famous friends to record "Do They Know It's Christmas"—the grossly overplayed and widely politically incorrect song composed to raise awareness and money for Ethiopian famine relief. The catchy chorus pleads with listeners to "feed the world" and yet more than thirty years after it topped the pop charts, famine continues to be a major problem in Africa.
Today, the United Nations estimates that nearly 20 million people in Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia and northeast Nigeria are facing hunger and even starvation, making it the largest humanitarian crisis since the UN was created. Why this tragedy persists is complicated and involves a combination of factors—drought and crop failures as well as internal conflicts and wars.
Yet, there's another factor that has contributed to the dogged food shortages in Africa and the reluctance of some of these nations to modernize their agricultural systems: radical green activists who relentlessly distort the truth about genetically modified (GM) crops and discourage agricultural progress—the very things that could actually help with the crisis.
GM crops have certainly helped other countries develop into agriculture powerhouses. For instance, in the 1940s, American plant scientist Norman Borlaug helped Mexico transform from a system of small-scale cultivation to a massive producer and exporter of wheat, maize, and other crops. How did this happen?
Borlaug, who is often called the father of the Green Revolution, developed a genetically modified high-yield, disease-resistant wheat variety, which was then adopted by many Mexican farmers, with the encouragement of the Mexican and American governments along with scientists and advocates working in Mexico. Soon, the same genetically modified crops were deployed to Pakistan and India, resulting in the transformation and modernization of those countries' agricultural systems as well.
Borlaug is credited with preventing over a billion deaths from starvation and in 1970 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for helping to increase the world's food supply.
Sadly, Africa has largely missed out on this green revolution, mostly due to green activists agitating against GMOs. Instead of being encouraged to adopt genetically modified crops that are disease and drought resistant and which consistently produce high yields while using less chemicals and fewer acres of land, African farmers have been told by activists to view these newfangled seeds with fear and skepticism. Activists even lie about the technology to stoke fears in local farming communities.
Uganda is the second largest producer of bananas after India and is currently dealing with a pest problem that threatens to decimate the banana crop. Luckily, Ugandan scientists, supported by the Ugandan government, developed a genetically modified pest-resistant banana. Under any normal circumstances and certainly in Borlaug's day, this would be welcome news. But in our current and growing culture of alarmism, this scientific breakthrough was met with fear. This is partly due to the hard work of anti-GMO activists who have suggested, with no scientific data to back up the claim, that the technology increases obesity, cancer and infertility rates. These activists even use pictures of deformed animals to imply GMOs are responsible.
This situation is repeated over and over again in Africa and in other developing regions as activists suggest a myriad of health problems are associated with consuming GMOs in order to sway public opinion against them. The cost of this cycle is high. In 2016, Zimbabwe was facing dangerous food shortages due to drought.Despite the desperate situation, Zimbabwe decided to reject food aid containing GMO ingredients after activists told government leaders that GMO food was dangerous.
These are the type of stories that motivated 100 Nobel laureates to sign a scornful letter accusing Greenpeace and other activist organizations of misleading vulnerable people. The open letter, published last year, stated: "Greenpeace initially, and then some of their allies deliberately went out of their way to scare people. It was a way for them to raise money for their cause."
A line in Geldof's song says, "there's no need to be afraid." That is no longer true for those facing famine in developing nations. These desperate people should be very afraid of the powerful and vocal activists seeking to prolong their suffering and increase the preventable death toll.
If those in Western nations are truly interested in Geldof's dream of feeding the world, we all need work to modernize the agricultural systems of developing nations and reign in the green activists that spread lies about these life saving techniques.