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2007 Montana Legislature About Bill -- Links SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17 INTRODUCED BY J. ELLIOTT A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA URGING CONGRESS TO CREATE A SYSTEM THAT ENSURES THAT TRADE AGREEMENTS ARE DEVELOPED AND IMPLEMENTED USING A DEMOCRATIC, INCLUSIVE MECHANISM THAT ENSHRINES THE PRINCIPLES OF FEDERALISM AND STATE SOVEREIGNTY. WHEREAS, democratic, accountable governance in the states generally, and specifically the authority granted by the Montana Constitution to the Legislative Branch, is being undermined by international commercial and trade rules enforced by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and established by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and is further threatened by similar provisions in an array of pending trade agreements; and WHEREAS, today's "trade" agreements have impacts that extend significantly beyond the bounds of traditional trade matters, such as tariffs and quotas, and instead grant foreign investors and service providers certain rights and privileges regarding acquisition of land and facilities and regarding operations within a state's territory, subject state laws to challenge as "nontariff barriers to trade" in the binding dispute resolution bodies that accompany the pacts, and place limits on the future policy options of state legislatures; and WHEREAS, NAFTA and other U.S. free trade agreements grant foreign firms new rights and privileges for operating within a state that exceed those rights and privileges granted to U.S. businesses under state and federal law; and WHEREAS, NAFTA already has generated "regulatory takings" cases against state and local land-use decisions, state environmental and public health policies, adverse state court rulings, and state and local contracts that would not have been possible in U.S. courts; and WHEREAS, when states are bound to comply with government procurement provisions contained in trade agreements, common economic development and environmental policies, such as buy-local laws, prevailing wage laws, and policies to prevent offshoring of state jobs, as well as recycled content laws, could be subject to challenge as violating the obligations in the trade agreements; and WHEREAS, recent trade agreements curtail state regulatory authority by placing constraints on future policy options; and WHEREAS, the WTO general agreement on trade in services (GATS) could undermine state efforts to expand health care coverage and rein in health care costs and places constraints on state and local land-use planning and gambling policy; and WHEREAS, new GATS negotiations could impose additional constraints on state regulation of energy, higher education, professional licensing, and other areas; and WHEREAS, despite the indisputable fact that international trade agreements have a far-reaching impact on state and local laws, federal government trade negotiators have failed to respect states' rights to prior informed consent before binding states to conform state law and authority to trade agreement requirements and have refused even to inform state legislatures of key correspondence; and WHEREAS, the current encroachment on state regulatory authority by international commercial and trade agreements has occurred in no small part because U.S. trade policy is being formulated and implemented under the Fast Track Trade Authority procedure; and WHEREAS, Fast Track eliminates vital checks and balances established in the U.S. Constitution by broadly delegating Congress's exclusive constitutional authority to set the terms of trade to the Executive Branch, such that the Executive Branch is empowered to negotiate broad-ranging trade agreements and to sign them prior to Congress voting on the agreements; and WHEREAS, the ability of the Executive Branch to sign trade agreements prior to Congress's vote of approval means that Executive Branch negotiators are able to ignore congressional negotiating objectives or states' demands, and neither Congress nor the states have any means to enforce any decision regarding what provisions must be contained in every U.S. trade agreement and what provisions may not be included in any U.S. trade agreement; and WHEREAS, federal trade negotiators have ignored and disrespected states' demands regarding whether or not states agree to be bound to certain nontariff trade agreement provisions; and WHEREAS, Fast Track also circumvents normal congressional review and amendment committee procedures, limits debate to 20 hours, and forbids any floor amendments to the implementing legislation that is presented to Congress to conform hundreds of U.S. laws to trade agreement obligations and to incorporate the actual trade agreement itself into U.S. federal law that preempts state law; and WHEREAS, Fast Track is not necessary for negotiating trade agreements as demonstrated by the existence of scores of trade agreements, including major pacts, implemented in the past 30 years without use of Fast Track; and WHEREAS, Fast Track, which was established in 1974 by President Richard Nixon when trade agreements were limited to traditional matters, such as tariffs and quotas, is now woefully outdated and inappropriate given the diverse range of nontrade issues now included in "trade" agreements that broadly affect state and federal nontrade regulatory authority; and WHEREAS, the current grant of Fast Track expires in June 2007. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA: (1) That the U.S. Congress be urged to create a replacement for the outdated Fast Track system so that U.S. trade agreements are developed and implemented using a more democratic, inclusive mechanism that enshrines the principles of federalism and state sovereignty. (2) That this new process for developing and implementing trade agreements include an explicit mechanism for ensuring the prior informed consent of state legislatures before states are bound to the nontariff terms of any trade agreement that affects state regulatory authority so as to ensure that the United States trade representative respects the decisions made by states. (3) That copies of this resolution be sent by the Secretary of State to President George W. Bush, Ambassador Susan Schwab, U.S. Trade Representative, the President of the U.S. Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Montana Congressional Delegation. - END - Latest Version of SJ 17 (SJ0017.01) Processed for the Web on February 16, 2007 (4:46pm) New language in a bill appears underlined, deleted material appears stricken. Sponsor names are handwritten on introduced bills, hence do not appear on the bill until it is reprinted. See the status of this bill for the bill's primary sponsor. Status of this Bill | 2007 Legislature | Leg. Branch Home This bill in WP 5.1 | All versions of all bills (WP 5.1 format) Authorized print version w/line numbers (PDF format) [ NEW SEARCH ] Prepared by Montana Legislative Services

2007 Montana Legislature About Bill -- Links SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17 INTRODUCED BY J. ELLIOTT A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA URGING CONGRESS TO CREATE A SYSTEM THAT ENSURES THAT TRADE AGREEMENTS ARE DEVELOPED AND IMPLEMENTED USING A DEMOCRATIC, INCLUSIVE MECHANISM THAT ENSHRINES THE PRINCIPLES OF FEDERALISM AND STATE SOVEREIGNTY. WH

San Gabriel River and Montebello Forebay Water Conservation System or centuries, flood water have periodically swept out of the San Gabriel Mountains causing extensive damage and sometimes taking a great toll of lives. The disastrous flood of 1914, which caused over $10 million in property damage, prompted the creation of the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. The District was formed to control and conserve flood, storms, and other waste waters. In 1985, District personnel were merged with other County engineering departments to form the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. The duties of the district are now performed under contract by Public Works. Successful bond issues in 1917 and 1924 financed construction of 14 dams which were built to impound San Gabriel Mountain storm waters until they could be released in a controlled manner. Two of these dams, now known as Cogswell and San Gabriel, were built in San Gabriel Canyon in 1934 and 1939, respectively, and a third dam, known as Morris Dam was constructed in 1934 by the City of Pasadena. During the large 1938 flood, Cogswell, San Gabriel, and Morris Dams were very beneficial in controlling what was the largest recorded flood up to that time even though the valves at San Gabriel Dam had not been installed. The dams then and since have prevented catastrophic damage to downstream areas such as that in the 1914 flood. Public Works artificially recharges the groundwater supply aquifers underlying the County by spreading imported water, local runoff (including the water impounded by the upstream dams during storms), and recycled water at their 27 spreading facilities. The spreading facilities are located throughout the County along the main water courses and some of their tributaries. Imported and recycled water discharged into these channels and runoff resulting from storm events are diverted into the spreading facilities and allowed to percolate down to the water table. The water can then be pumped up to the surface for water supply purposes. Public Works' major spreading facilities are located downstream of the San Gabriel Canyon and in the Montebello Forebay area. These facilities are the most significant in the County since operations at these facilities contribute the majority of water artificially recharged to the County's various aquifers.

San Gabriel River and Montebello Forebay Water Conservation System or centuries, flood water have periodically swept out of the San Gabriel Mountains causing extensive damage and sometimes taking a great toll of lives. The disastrous flood of 1914, which caused over $10 million in property damage, prompted the creation of the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. The District was formed to co

A container element that holds the source, author, formal thanks, copyright material, or other information concerning the origin of an extract, display quote, poetry (<verse-group>), or similar element Formatting Note: The contents of this element are typically displayed on a separate line (or lines), following the material it concerns, thus inheriting that material’s margins. <!ELEMENT attrib (#PCDATA %attrib-elements;)* > Any combination of: <array> Array (Simple Tabular Array); <boxed-text> Boxed Text; <chem-struct-wrapper> Chemical Structure Wrapper; <disp-quote> Quote, Displayed; <fig> Figure; <graphic> Graphic; <media> Media Object; <preformat> Preformatted Text; <statement> Statement, Formal; <supplementary-material> Supplementary Material; <table-wrap> Table Wrapper; <table-wrap-foot> Table Wrapper Footer; <verse-group> Verse Form for Poetry ... <sec> <title>Buy or Lease?<break/> Two Models for Scholarly Information<break/> at the End (or the Beginning) of an Era</title> <verse-group> <verse-line>Some say the world will end in fire,</verse-line> <verse-line>Some say in ice.</verse-line> <verse-line>From what I’ve tasted of desire</verse-line> <verse-line>I hold with those who favor fire.</verse-line> <verse-line>But if it had to perish twice,</verse-line> <verse-line>I think I know enough of hate</verse-line> <verse-line>To say that for destruction ice</verse-line> <verse-line>Is also great</verse-line> <verse-line>And would suffice.</verse-line> <attrib>—Robert Frost “Fire and Ice”</attrib> </verse-group> <p>Within living memory, our use of print (static) information has been governed by copyright law and the practices that have evolved around it. Enter electronic information, where publishers deliver it with licenses and new rules, a very different framework from copyright. ...</p> </sec> ...

A container element that holds the source, author, formal thanks, copyright material, or other information concerning the origin of an extract, display quote, poetry (<verse-group>), or similar element Formatting Note: The contents of this element are typically displayed on a separate line (or lines), following the material it concerns, thus inheriting that material’s margins. <!ELEMENT attrib (#P

Page 1 of 2 Research and analysis is integral to developing effective policies to reduce child poverty. Analysts in the Child Poverty Unit (CPU) are continuing to build up evidence on child poverty to understand its causes, consequences and costs. The CPU commissions its own research to inform the development of strategies to reduce child poverty by 2020. The CPU also monitors and utilises emerging research conducted by other Government departments, leading academics and research institutes. Below are details of the CPU's programme of research. On the following page are suggestions of other research that may be of interest. Ethnicity and child poverty Significantly develops the evidence base on ethnicity and child poverty. It examines a range of different measures and indicators for children and families from different ethnic groups – including income poverty, poverty persistence, material deprivation, worklessness, and area deprivation. Living with poverty Presents the findings from an extensive review of research examining the views and experiences of low-income children and parents - covering topics such as housing, schools, neighbourhoods, public services and family life. It uses evidence from in-depth interviews, focus groups, case studies, participatory workshops and action research to describe the experience of contemporary poverty amongst children and parents in the UK. The living standards of families with children reporting low incomes Examines the living standards of children from low income households, with a particular focus on whether their parents are employed, self-employed or out of work. The risk factors for being in income poverty are also analysed. Longitudinal data is used to look at the effect of work status, and spells in and out of work, on income poverty and living standards. Public attitudes to child poverty Examines perceptions of the current level and trends of child poverty, as well as its perceived causes. It also looks at views on the adequacy of benefit levels and income from low-paid work for families with children. The findings are from a survey which took place in summer 2007. Employment transitions and the changes in economic circumstances of families with children Uses longitudinal data from the Families and Children Study (FACS) to explore the impact of movements in and out of paid employment on the economic circumstances of families with children. It uses two indicators of economic circumstances: income poverty and living standards hardship. The report looks at the impact of moving into work for one and two years, and moving out of work, on these indicators. It also looks at the circumstances of families who were receiving in-work tax credits. Practitioners’ perspectives on child poverty Explores how local practitioners and service providers – such as social workers, teachers, children’s centre staff, and Jobcentre Plus advisers – view child poverty and their role in helping to tackle it. It also explores what family support practitioners considered was necessary in order to improve outcomes for children and lift them out of poverty. Changing economic circumstances in childhood and their effects on subsequent educational and other outcomes Explores the link between changes in family income and children’s outcomes – particularly educational and behavioural. The study analyses three longitudinal datasets: the British birth cohort study that started in 1970, the more recent Millennium Cohort Study that started in 2001, and the National Pupil Database – the administrative dataset generated from school records and pupils’ test scores. The CPU is always interested in hearing from any organisation that has conducted research into issues related to child poverty, and can be contacted using the contact details below. Child Poverty Unit Page 1 of 2

Page 1 of 2 Research and analysis is integral to developing effective policies to reduce child poverty. Analysts in the Child Poverty Unit (CPU) are continuing to build up evidence on child poverty to understand its causes, consequences and costs. The CPU commissions its own research to inform the development of strategies to reduce child poverty by 2020. The CPU also monitors and utilises emergin

Green Power Partnership |Forest County Potawatomi Community| |Organization Type||Tribal Nations| |Percentage Green Power||105.6%| |Purchasing Third-Party Certified Green Power Product?||No| |Environmental Web Page| Forest County Potawatomi Community tradition and history teaches a strong commitment to protecting and preserving the natural environment, both on the reservation and throughout the world. Consistent with its long-standing goal of reducing its energy use and carbon footprint, the Community has undertaken significant energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives, many through its Project Greenfire program. Quarterly assessments of the Community's energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions show the success of these efforts. In the twelve month period ending June 30, 2012, the Community's major energy-using facilities consumed 13.9% less energy per gross square foot and had 20.3% less associated carbon emissions per gross square foot compared to the baseline year of 2007. Also, the Community is seeking to become energy independent by using only renewable carbon-neutral or carbon-free resources. The Community installed solar panels on a Milwaukee administration building, and is currently developing a biodigester and 2 MW biogas generation facility in Milwaukee, with commercial operation scheduled to commence next year. The Tribe is also exploring other energy projects, including a community-scale biomass project on its reservation. Not yet energy independent, the Community acquires renewable energy certificates from certified wind energy resources to more than match its electricity use.

Green Power Partnership |Forest County Potawatomi Community| |Organization Type||Tribal Nations| |Percentage Green Power||105.6%| |Purchasing Third-Party Certified Green Power Product?||No| |Environmental Web Page| Forest County Potawatomi Community tradition and history teaches a strong commitment to protecting and preserving the natural environment, both on the reservation and throughout the wor

Brussels, 2 June 2010 Environment: Calls for taxation regimes to reflect impacts on the environment Today the European Commission, together with the UN Environmental Programme, launched a major new report highlighting the need for a radical change in the way major economies are using scarce resources. The report provides science-based priorities for world environmental efforts, ranking products, materials and economic and lifestyle activities according to their environmental and resource impacts. Major findings include the news that over half of all world food crops are now fed to animals, and that a doubling of wealth leads typically to an increase of environmental pressure by 60 to 80 per cent. The 149-page report, put together by the International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management, indicates that legislators and policymakers looking to make the most impact on the Earth’s well-being should use taxes and other incentives to encourage more eco-friendly agricultural practices and reduce the use of fossil fuels. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik said: "This report drives home the urgent need for a switch to a resource-efficient economy. It will be a titanic task, but one that is essential for our future prosperity and quality of life. If we really want to change the way we use resources, altering price signals through taxation is among the most efficient and effective approaches.." “We can achieve both sustainability economic growth and environmental well-being,” said Angela Cropper, Deputy Executive Director of UNEP. “It starts by putting emphasis on those efforts that do the biggest good in reducing humanity’s harm of ecosystems. In that regard, this report makes an important contribution to thinking for policy-makers. And for individuals, it reinforces familiar advice: Put down the steak knife, flip off lights, insulate homes, turn down the thermostat or air conditioner, avoid air travel and park the car as much as possible -- these actions offer the biggest environmental ‘bang for the buck’ and make the greatest difference to Mother Earth.” The report "Environmental Impacts of Consumption and Production: Priority Products and Materials", is the latest in a series from the International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management. Using life-cycle analyses, it catalogues the materials and energy required for production, consumption and disposal, and identifies the processes, products and materials most responsible for environmental harm around the globe. At the top of the list are agricultural goods, particularly products from animals, which are fed more than half of all world crops. Fossil fuel users are also under fire, especially electrical utilities and other and energy-intensive industries, residential heating, and transportation. Materials with the greatest impact across their life cycle include plastics, iron, steel, and aluminium. The Panel cites the following pressures on the environment as priorities for reduction: climate change, habitat change, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, overexploitation of fisheries, forests and other resources, invasive species, unsafe drinking water and sanitation, household combustion of solid fuels, lead exposure, urban air pollution and occupational exposure to particulate matter. The perils of affluence Worryingly, the Panel produces an array of evidence to show that prosperity and humanity’s environmental impact grow in tandem, contrary to the popular belief that greater wealth leads to a lighter environmental footprint. The report indicates that while greater affluence can lead to relatively simple process changes and devices to control local sources of conventional air and water pollution, rising wealth also results in the growth of wider-scale problems such as energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Regarding CO2, “a doubling of wealth leads typically to an increase of environmental pressure by 60 to 80 per cent, and in emerging economies this is sometimes even more,” the report says. Background: International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management The Resource Panel was set up to provide independent scientific insight into the use of natural resources and their environmental impacts, in an effort to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation. It draws on the views of environmental experts from around the world. The Panel is co-chaired by IUCN President Ashok Khosla and Professor Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker, former Chairman of the Bundestag Environment Committee. Full report available at: http://www.unep.fr/scp/rpanel/producsandmaterials.htm

Brussels, 2 June 2010 Environment: Calls for taxation regimes to reflect impacts on the environment Today the European Commission, together with the UN Environmental Programme, launched a major new report highlighting the need for a radical change in the way major economies are using scarce resources. The report provides science-based priorities for world environmental efforts, ranking products, m

Vestfold Hills penguin colonies digitised from Linhof aerial photography flown 24 November 1993Entry ID: vest_penguin_gis Abstract: Aerial photography (Linhof) of penguin colonies was acquired over the Vestfold Hills (Eric Woehler). The penguin colonies were traced, then digitised (John Cox), and saved as DXF-files. Using the ArcView extension 'Register and Transform' (Tom Velthuis), The DXF-files were brought into a GIS and transformed to the appropriate islands. (Click for Interactive Map) Latitude Resolution: 80 m Longitude Resolution: 80 m ISO Topic Category Access Constraints It is possible to access this service using an ArcIMS compliant client, such as ArcExplorer (free download). Then you type in http://maps.grida.no as the server name, and either type in "grid_baltic" as the service name, or pick it from the list. This map service was created using: Distribution Media: Online Fees: No fees Role: SERF AUTHOR Phone: (301) 614-6898 Email: Tyler.B.Stevens at nasa.gov NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Global Change Master Directory Province or State: MD Postal Code: 20771 Role: TECHNICAL CONTACT Phone: +47 3703 5650 Fax: +47 3703 5050 Email: mapmaster at grida.no UNEP/GRID-Arendal Longum Park Service Box 706 Postal Code: N-4808 Langaas, S. 1993. Some Georeferenced Data Sets for use within Sub-project 1; Land Use and Ecological Carrying Capacity, of the Baltic Drainage Basin Project. Technical Note. GRID-Arendal. 10 pages + apps. Sweitzer, J., Langaas, S., and Folke, C. 1996. Land Cover and Population Density in the Baltic Sea Drainage Basin: A GIS database. AMBIO, Stalnacke, P. 1994. Documentation of data sources and data quality in the calculation of the land based loads of eutrophying substances to the Baltic Sea, 1970 - 1990. Note, Dept. of Water and Environmental Studies, Linkoping University. 15 pages (in Swedish/English). HELCOM. 1986. Water balance of the Baltic Sea. Baltic Sea Environment Proceedings No. 16., The Helsinki Commission, Finland. 174 pages. Extended Metadata Properties (Click to view more) Creation and Review Dates

Vestfold Hills penguin colonies digitised from Linhof aerial photography flown 24 November 1993Entry ID: vest_penguin_gis Abstract: Aerial photography (Linhof) of penguin colonies was acquired over the Vestfold Hills (Eric Woehler). The penguin colonies were traced, then digitised (John Cox), and saved as DXF-files. Using the ArcView extension 'Register and Transform' (Tom Velthuis), The DXF-files

Posted on Mar 15, 2005 by Martin Tairo. This marvelous block of steel, glass and concrete houses the provincial administration of Nairobi... more » This marvelous block of steel, glass and concrete houses the provincial administration of Nairobi Province in Kenya. In the underworld, the same building has been housing the notorious and famous torture chambers where those who were against the ruling regime were punished. It shows how a public image can be hiding heinous acts carried by the holders of the same public offices. less « This image shared under the No Attribution No Share license. To read about the different licences types, please vist the Creative Commons website.

Posted on Mar 15, 2005 by Martin Tairo. This marvelous block of steel, glass and concrete houses the provincial administration of Nairobi... more » This marvelous block of steel, glass and concrete houses the provincial administration of Nairobi Province in Kenya. In the underworld, the same building has been housing the notorious and famous torture chambers where those who were against the ruling

Workshop 1: e-Participation This workshop looks into the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for participatory democracy. How can ICT be used for enhancing democratic processes and to create new spaces for information, deliberation, consultation and transaction between government and its citizens and between citizens themselves? Panellists from several countries will present examples of good practice. Participants will discuss the set of guiding principles on e-democracy and a range of tools for implementing these principles proposed by the Council of Europe’s Ad Hoc Committee on e-Democracy. The workshop will also look into the opportunities for and challenges to representative democracy presented by e-democracy. Turning to e-parliament, it will be asked what results have been achieved through the implementation of e-petitioning and ICTs used for the communication between MPs and their electorate. Workshop 2: e-participation at the Local Level It is at the local level that the individual is closest to and most often involved in democratic processes. It is also in this dimension of public affairs that many innovative means of e-democracy have been conceived and implemented. Participatory budgeting and participatory urban and spatial planning through the Internet will receive particular attention in this workshop. What is the state-of-the-art of e-participation at the local level, in Europe and elsewhere? What results have hitherto been attained and what obstacles will have to be overcome in the future? This workshop is being organised by the City of Madrid. Workshop 3: ICT in Electoral Processes In strong democracies, elections are merely one of many manifestations of democracy, albeit a very important and visible one. Public as well as non-statutory elections supported by ICTs have been tested in several European countries and have given rise to a vibrant debate in recent years. In 2004, the Council of Europe’ Committee of Ministers issued a recommendation to member states on legal, operational and technical standards for e-voting. This workshop is also the second biennial review meeting of the Recommendation. Being open to all participants in the Forum, the workshop will bring together experts on e-voting from across Europe, to discuss the implementation of the recommendation against the background of recent developments in member states and beyond. Particular attention will be given to the questions of security, certification and observation of e-enabled elections. Workshop 4: e-Inclusion One of the particular benefits of e-democracy is that it may take into account the needs and encourage the participation of certain groups which otherwise may be less inclined to participate politically. Examples of such groups are senior citizens, migrants and national minorities. In particular disabled people can benefit from e-democratic means of participation. There are also other groups whose political participation can be facilitated by the use of e-democracy. In this connection, what measures could be taken in order to address the expectations of young people and the gender perspective in e-democracy? A necessary requirement for the successful introduction of e-democracy is that individuals have access to its instruments, both through access to IT infrastructure and through Internet and media literacy. Another important precondition is that individuals are provided with education for democratic citizenship. Workshop 5: e-Democracy from the Grass Roots This workshop will first look into e-activism, social networking tools and citizens’ e-journalism as means of facilitating grass roots initiatives and participation. What experiences, positive or negative, have NGOs made when using e-democracy tools in order to promote their causes and to involve people in discussions? How could the use of e-democracy tools by civil society be taken further? Does civil society have a wish-list in terms of involvement or measures to be implemented from the side of the public authorities, the business sector or other actors? Addressing the role of the media, the workshop will discuss the public service value of the Internet, understood as people’s significant reliance on the Internet as an essential tool for their everyday activities. Furthermore, the media play an important role in democracy and in political life, e.g. by providing a space where citizens can engage in public debate and represent their interests in public spheres. How could and should media fulfill this mission with the support of ICTs? What is the impact of ICTs in election campaigns and what standards should the media adhere to in this context? Workshop 6: International and regulatory context This workshop will look into E-government and e-democracy developments worldwide. What are the latest developments in these fields? What is the potential impact of Web 2.0 on government and the provision of public services? The workshop will also address the existing and possible future arrangements for public participation in Internet governance. Here, the UNECE Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters is an interesting example of how such participation can be put into a regulatory framework. Could it serve as a model for regulation or as a best practice in other fields of Internet Governance? Turning to Regulatory aspects relevant for e-democracy, the workshop will consider whether and to what extent e-democracy should be the subject of rules and regulations. How do the specificities of e-democracy relate to existing national and international regulation and standards on, for example, human rights, penal law or constitutional matters? Issues of particular relevance in this context include transparency and accountability, freedom of information and access to official documents. Closing Keynote Speaker Steven Clift: Background Documents

Workshop 1: e-Participation This workshop looks into the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for participatory democracy. How can ICT be used for enhancing democratic processes and to create new spaces for information, deliberation, consultation and transaction between government and its citizens and between citizens themselves? Panellists from several countries will present exam

This lesson is written in accordance with the National Teacher Training Institute (NTTI) format, which focuses on the utilization of instructional television in the classroom. The activities found in this lesson provide students with a hands-on experience in order to investigate the binary number system. Students will explore ancient number systems, use binary numbers to decode data, and count in base 2.

This lesson is written in accordance with the National Teacher Training Institute (NTTI) format, which focuses on the utilization of instructional television in the classroom. The activities found in this lesson provide students with a hands-on experience in order to investigate the binary number system. Students will explore ancient number systems, use binary numbers to decode data, and count in

To link to this article, copy this persistent link: (Mar 01, 2011) The Portuguese Council of Ministers approved a bill of law on February 24, 2011, regulating the use of stem cells for human research on the prevention, diagnosis, and detection of the origin and treatment of degenerative diseases and diseases that cause irreversible destruction of tissues and organs. The purpose of the bill is to create the necessary conditions to develop scientific research on stem cells in Portugal. It aims to strengthen the country's institutions for scientific research and scientific production in this field, stimulate innovation and development of new products and processes, remove unjustified obstacles to research, and attract talented professionals to the field. The proposal will soon be submitted to the National Council of Ethics for the Sciences of Life for its opinion. (Novas Regras para Investigação Científica com Células Estaminais de Origem Humana, Government of Portugal website (Feb. 24, 2011), http://www.portugal.gov.pt/pt/GC18/Noticias/Pages/20 |Author:||Eduardo Soares More by this author| |Topic:||Health and safety More on this topic| |Jurisdiction:||Portugal More about this jurisdiction| Search Legal News Find legal news by topic, country, keyword, date, or author. Global Legal Monitor RSS Get the Global Legal Monitor delivered to your inbox. Sign up for RSS service. The Global Legal Monitor is an online publication from the Law Library of Congress covering legal news and developments worldwide. It is updated frequently and draws on information from the Global Legal Information Network, official national legal publications, and reliable press sources. You can find previous news by searching the GLM. Last updated: 03/01/2011

To link to this article, copy this persistent link: (Mar 01, 2011) The Portuguese Council of Ministers approved a bill of law on February 24, 2011, regulating the use of stem cells for human research on the prevention, diagnosis, and detection of the origin and treatment of degenerative diseases and diseases that cause irreversible destruction of tissues and organs. The purpose of the bill is to c

Constructing an Illustrated Timeline A timeline shows events in the order they happened and can be a useful tool for examining relationships between events. When examining the development of material culture, an illustrated timeline can be especially helpful. Construct an illustrated timeline using one of the following: - A timeline of fashion from 1860-1864 using Harper's New Monthly Magazine. - A timeline of improvements in household technologies from 1870-1890 using Manufacturer and Builder. Examine your finished timeline. What evidence do you see of continuity (things that stayed the same)? What might account for this continuity? What evidence do you see of change? What might account for this change? What events happening during the period you illustrated might have influenced the development of fashion or household technology? Can you see any evidence of that influence in your timeline?

Constructing an Illustrated Timeline A timeline shows events in the order they happened and can be a useful tool for examining relationships between events. When examining the development of material culture, an illustrated timeline can be especially helpful. Construct an illustrated timeline using one of the following: - A timeline of fashion from 1860-1864 using Harper's New Monthly Magazine. -

Kentucky Emergency Management Fourth Flood Victim Recovered FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2011) - Rescue workers have recovered the missing 11-year-old child in Graves County, who was apparently swept away by rushing waters as the horse drawn buggy she was in attempted to cross a rain swollen creek. The family was returning home, near Wingo, Ky. via Roscoe Road when the accident occurred Thursday night. Overnight, emergency rescue team members recovered the bodies of three other children who were in the family buggy. The mother and another child were able to make it to safety. Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) officials and the National Weather Service (NWS) began tracking a strong weather system as it moved across Arkansas and headed toward Kentucky and Tennessee, prompting the NWS offices serving Kentucky to conduct conference calls with emergency officials and local leaders detailing forecasts updates. As a result, NWS issued Flash Flood Watches well in advance of the approaching storm and local officials cautioned against driving vehicles through standing water. "The Graves County accident is such a horrific tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the family," said John Heltzel, director of KYEM. Overnight, officials in Clinton County reported damage to five homes, several outbuildings and a barn destroyed in the Beatty Creek area from high winds or possibly a tornado. Local emergency management officials will go to the scene with NWS officials to determine the cause. Also in Clinton County, a fire was reported at the Grider Hill Boat Dock where several boats were ablaze. The cause of the fire was not known when reported. Several other Kentucky counties in the western and southern regions reported scattered power outages, minor damage from high winds and localized flooding. There have been no requests for assistance from county governments. Emergency Management and NWS are tracking another weather system that is expected to impact the state this Sunday continuing into Monday. This system may bring the potential for additional heavy rain and the risk of severe storms. This new rainfall along with ground saturation may lead to additional flash flooding and river flooding across the Commonwealth. Please remain aware of this threat and stay informed. Should you encounter water over a roadway do not attempt to drive through it. STOP TURN AROUND! Should you encounter a down power line, do not approach it, call your utility provider or local emergency manager. Road conditions throughout the state can be found on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's website at www.511.ky.gov , by calling 511 in Kentucky or 1-866-737-3767 for out-of-state callers. Weather alerts and updates can be found on the KYEM website at www.kyem.ky.gov .

Kentucky Emergency Management Fourth Flood Victim Recovered FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2011) - Rescue workers have recovered the missing 11-year-old child in Graves County, who was apparently swept away by rushing waters as the horse drawn buggy she was in attempted to cross a rain swollen creek. The family was returning home, near Wingo, Ky. via Roscoe Road when the accident occurred Thursday night

- Making a Freedom of Information request - The National Archives' publication scheme - About Freedom of Information - Environmental information regulations - Information requests FOI request reference: F0028279 Response sent: June 2011 1. What public services do you, or your agencies and contractors, currently provide online? 2. What public services do you, or your agencies and contractors, plan to put online and what is the status of these plans? 3. Do you have a strategy to switch the delivery of public services from higher cost channels such as face to face meetings or counter services, call centre and correspondence/form submission to lower cost online delivery? If so, can a copy of this strategy be provided? 4. For each of the public services you, or your agencies and contractors, currently deliver online, what are the take-up levels and how do these compare to the original business case? How much is delivered through the online channel versus alternative channels for the same public service? 5. For each of the public services you, or your agencies and contractors, currently deliver online what are the costs per transaction? 6. What public services do you, or your agencies and contractors, currently deliver without an online delivery channel that could be provided online if a business case could justify it? The National Archives is unable to answer this request without further clarification. Under section 1(3) of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a public authority need not comply with a request unless any further information reasonably required to locate the information is supplied. If a request is too broad or general in nature, then public authorities have a duty to provide advice and assistance to the applicant in order to focus the request. Section 12 of the Act makes provision for public authorities to refuse requests for information where the cost of dealing with them would exceed the appropriate limit, which for The National Archives is set at £600. This represents the estimated cost of one person spending 3.5 working days in determining whether the department holds the information, locating, retrieving and extracting the information. The National Archives estimate that it will take in excess of 3.5 working days to determine appropriate material and locate, retrieve and extract the information in reference to this request. Therefore, the request will not be processed further. The National Archives provides many services online including (but not exclusively) educational tools and services for school, a searchable catalogue, downloadable documents, a document ordering service and a legislation database. We also work with many organisations on a contract basis for the provision of access to records held by us such as Ancestry and Find My Past. Many of our services can be accessed via our website at nationalarchives.gov.uk, as such you may wish to examine our site in order to refine your request to a specific area of our work.

- Making a Freedom of Information request - The National Archives' publication scheme - About Freedom of Information - Environmental information regulations - Information requests FOI request reference: F0028279 Response sent: June 2011 1. What public services do you, or your agencies and contractors, currently provide online? 2. What public services do you, or your agencies and contractors, plan

Individual differences | Methods | Statistics | Clinical | Educational | Industrial | Professional items | World psychology | Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can affect the body's musculoskeletal system which includes disorders of: bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Most work-related MSDs develop over time and are caused either by the work itself or by the employees' working environment. They can also result from fractures sustained in an accident. Typically, MSDs affect the back, neck, shoulders and upper limbs; less often they affect the lower limbs. Health problems range from discomfort, minor aches and pains, to more serious medical conditions requiring time off work and even medical treatment. In more chronic cases, treatment and recovery are often unsatisfactory - the result could be permanent disability and loss of employment. Many problems can be prevented or greatly reduced by complying with existing safety and health law and following guidance on good practice. Unfortunately, MSDs are an increasing problem. For the employee, they cause personal suffering and loss of income; for the employer, they reduce business efficiency; and for government, they increase social security costs. MSDs are a priority for the EU in its Community strategy. Reducing the musculoskeletal load of work is part of the 'Lisbon objective', which aims to create 'quality jobs' by: - enabling workers to stay in employment; and - ensuring that work and workplaces are suitable for a diverse population. See also Edit - Bone disorders - Gait abnormality - Joint disorders - Movement disorders - Muscular disorders - Neuromuscular disorders - Temporomandibular joint syndrome - Musculoskeletal disorders Single Entry Point European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (OSHA) - Good Practices to prevent Musculoskeletal disorders European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (OSHA) - Musculoskeletal disorders homepage Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - Hazards and risks associated with manual handling of loads in the workplace European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (OSHA) Musculoskeletal disorders: Arthropathies (M00–M19, 711–719) |This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).|

Individual differences | Methods | Statistics | Clinical | Educational | Industrial | Professional items | World psychology | Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can affect the body's musculoskeletal system which includes disorders of: bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Most work-related MSDs develop over time and are caused either by the work itself or by the employees' working e

Individual differences | Methods | Statistics | Clinical | Educational | Industrial | Professional items | World psychology | Developmental Psychology: Cognitive development · Development of the self · Emotional development · Language development · Moral development · Perceptual development · Personality development · Psychosocial development · Social development · Developmental measures |Embryology: Paraxial mesoderm| |Transverse section of a chick embryo of forty-five hours’ incubation.| * Chordamesoderm: yellow, at notochord. * Paraxial mesoderm: red, at somite. * Intermediate mesoderm: purple, near Wolffian duct. * Lateral plate mesoderm: purple, near "Somatic mesoderm" and "Splanchic mesoderm". |Chick embryo of thirty-three hours’ incubation, viewed from the dorsal aspect. (Paraxial mesoderm labeled at left.)| |Gray's||subject #6 50| |Gives rise to||somitomere, head mesoderm| - Somites form the vertebral column dermis and skeletal muscle - Branchial arches will develop into facial muscle and cartilage, plus other structures. - eventually differentiates into the axial skeleton, skeletal muscle, part of the dermis - almost immediately as it is formed, somitomeres develop. - starts with several pairs in the cranial region, and increasingly more proceed to develop towards the caudal region. - The original seven pairs form the straited muscles of head and neck, which develop within the - The other somitomeres develop further, to form discrete blocks called somites, starting at approximately 20 days. This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated. Please edit the article if this is the case, and feel free to remove this notice when it is no longer relevant. |Mammalian development of embryo and development and fetus (some dates are approximate - see Carnegie stages) - edit| Week 3: Hensen's node | Gastrula/Gastrulation | Trilaminar embryo Branchial arch (1st) | Branchial pouch | Meckel's cartilage | Somite/Somitomere | Germ layer (Ectoderm, Endoderm, Mesoderm, Chordamesoderm, Paraxial mesoderm, Intermediate mesoderm, Lateral plate mesoderm) |Histogenesis and Organogenesis| Circulatory system: Primitive atrium | Primitive ventricle | Bulbus cordis | Truncus arteriosus | Ostium primum | Foramen ovale | Ductus venosus | Ductus arteriosus | Aortic arches | Septum primum | Septum secundum | Cardinal veins Urinary/Reproductive system: Urogenital folds | Urethral groove | Urogenital sinus | Kidney development (Pronephros | Mesonephros | Ureteric bud | Metanephric blastema) | Fetal genital development (Wolffian duct | Müllerian duct | Gubernaculum | Labioscrotal folds) |This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).|

Individual differences | Methods | Statistics | Clinical | Educational | Industrial | Professional items | World psychology | Developmental Psychology: Cognitive development · Development of the self · Emotional development · Language development · Moral development · Perceptual development · Personality development · Psychosocial development · Social development · Developmental measures |Embryolo

Web Exclusives: Chemistry Predicting Side Effects and Repurposing Drugs A medicine that interacts with just its biological target is every drug developer's dream. Such a "magic bullet" would do its job without causing the side effects that often offset a medicine's therapeutic power. Unfortunately, magic bullets don't exist. Most drugs work by binding a specific protein and blocking its activity. But whether the drug binds to a protein to lower cholesterol or inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, it also brushes up against thousands of other molecules. These on-target and off-target interactions determine a drug's therapeutic effect as well as its side effects. Now, a team led by two pharmaceutical chemists—Brian Shoichet of the University of California, San Francisco, and Bryan Roth of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill—has devised a method for finding a drug's close contacts inside the body and predicting off-target interactions. Drug makers spend hundreds of millions of dollars developing a new medicine, partly because many compounds fall out of the pipeline during clinical trials when harmful side effects are discovered. By revealing potential unwanted interactions earlier in drug development, the new approach could offer a huge cost-saving advantage. It also could point to new uses for existing drugs. The researchers started their work by computationally comparing the chemical structures of 3,665 drugs approved or almost-approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to 65,000 natural compounds called ligands. We often liken ligands to keys because they bind to specific protein receptors—or "locks"—inside the body and trigger a biological response. For example, when adrenaline locks onto its receptors, your heart beats faster. The massive comparative effort enabled the researchers to match drugs and ligands based on structural similarities. This method was similar to identifying a mystery key's lock by comparing its shape to other keys. If you were to find a spare a key in your house and wanted to know what it unlocked, you might compare it to other keys, like your house key, shed key, car key or your neighbors' keys. Scientists used to look for off-targets using methods akin to trying the spare key in every lock in town-a tedious and time consuming process. Researchers also could use computational modeling to simulate binding of a drug to a receptor's three-dimensional structure. Unfortunately, this second approach only works for receptors with known structures, which represent a small subset of all possible drug targets. The new method predicted thousands of previously unknown interactions between drugs and proteins inside the body. Roth explains, "The advantage of our approach is that targets we would never have thought to interrogate are predicted." Shoichet says that the reason they found so many new drug-protein interactions is because their method categorizes proteins by structural likenesses among the ligands and drugs that bind them, rather than by similarities among the proteins themselves. Categorizing small molecules, like ligands and drugs, by their shapes is much easier than doing the same for proteins, which are larger and structurally far more complex. "It turns out that similar or even identical drugs can bind to very different, apparently unrelated proteins," says Shoichet. "When we relate proteins by ligand binding, this broad range of targets is captured." To test the validity of their approach, the researchers examined some of their predictions experimentally and found that most were accurate. One of the confirmed predictions was the binding of a hallucinogenic compound found in toad skin to serotonin receptors, which also are targeted by LSD. This finding suggests that the hallucinogenic effect of the toad compound operates through the same pathway as LSD. The experimental work also may help explain the side effects of the antidepressants Prozac and Paxil. As drug makers take more interest in the potential applications of the researchers' new method, Roth and Shoichet continue to search for new drug targets using the new approach. Shoichet says he hopes that in five years he'll be able to predict at least one new target for every existing drug. Did this work bring him within reach of the goal? "Nope," he says. "But the study suggests that, as in The Princess Bride, the goal isn't completely crazy—only mostly crazy. And we still have four years and nine months to go."

Web Exclusives: Chemistry Predicting Side Effects and Repurposing Drugs A medicine that interacts with just its biological target is every drug developer's dream. Such a "magic bullet" would do its job without causing the side effects that often offset a medicine's therapeutic power. Unfortunately, magic bullets don't exist. Most drugs work by binding a specific protein and blocking its activity.

Don't let your learning stop here. Browse these other online resources aimed at students and teachers interested in ocean, coastal, and pollution issues. NOAA Educational Resources Site This website provides links to a number of educational resources available from NOAA. The site includes resources for teachers, students and the public. NOAA National Ocean Service Education Site Here you can find links to various educational resources available from NOAA's National Ocean Service. This website includes resources for teachers, students and the public, including lesson plans. NOAA Ocean Explorer Site This website strives to engage broad audiences to enhance America's environmental literacy through the excitement of ocean discovery. It also includes downloadable educational materials and lesson plans for all ages. NOAA Restoration Center The Restoration Center is the only office within NOAA solely devoted to restoring the nation’s coastal, marine, and migratory fish habitat. Learn about its four priority habitat restoration approaches: opening rivers, reconnecting coastal wetlands, restoring corals, and rebuilding shellfish populations. Smithsonian Ocean Portal The Smithsonian Ocean Portal is a website bursting with dynamic, multimedia content designed to engage young adults, ocean enthusiasts, and middle school teachers and their students. NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program This website provides access to lesson plans and other useful information to help incorporate coral reefs into the classroom, as well as resources for individuals wanting to learn more about coral ecosystems, including students working on school projects. National Ocean Service Education Discovery Kit: Corals Explore this tutorial on the biology of and threats to corals, a roadmap to related web resources, and a series of coral-related lesson plans developed for students at the high school level. Prince William's Oily Mess: A Tale of Recovery Check out a case study in the Exxon Valdez oil spill, accompanied by a set of supporting resources, including student and teacher guides, an interactive quiz, an exercise with real data, and an interview with National Ocean Service (NOS) scientist, Dr. Alan Mearns. NOAA Marine Debris Education Site This website contains useful information, materials, and resources from the NOAA Marine Debris Program that can be used to help prevent and address marine debris. Understanding Black Tides Explore this animated and informative website produced by the French Centre of Documentation, Research and Experimentation on Accidental Water Pollution (Cedre), which offers plenty of visuals and current knowledge on oil spill response. Ohmsett: Just for Students Ohmsett is an oil spill response and research testing facility in New Jersey, where oil spill conditions are tested using tanks. They have a section of their website dedicated to kid-friendly information and activities about oil spills and how they are managed. Exploring Earth: What Happens When an Oil Spill Occurs? Navigate this web-based investigation featuring animations, interactive graphics, and unique imagery to help students gather information about oil spills. Nonpoint Source Pollution Nonpoint source pollution is contamination released from many spread out sources that can't be tied to a specific location. Take this tutorial describing the types of nonpoint source pollution, the various pollutants that originate from nonpoint sources, and our research and monitoring efforts. Olympic Coast Oil Spill Simulation: An Introduction to Geospatial Analysis through Google Earth The Pacific Education Institute partnered with NOAA's Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and Bay-Watershed Education Training program to create this simulation for high school students to learn about oil spills while learning how to use GIS tools. Go back to the main Education page to explore other ways to learn about the ocean and the impacts of oil pollution.

Don't let your learning stop here. Browse these other online resources aimed at students and teachers interested in ocean, coastal, and pollution issues. NOAA Educational Resources Site This website provides links to a number of educational resources available from NOAA. The site includes resources for teachers, students and the public. NOAA National Ocean Service Education Site Here you can find

Particulars of Organization, Functions & Duties [Section-4 (1) (b) (i)] 1. Aims and objectives of the Organization: The primary aim and objectives of the Office of the District Labour Officer, Nilgiri, Dist. Balasore: (i) To maintain Industrial peace and harmony for boosting up production and productivity of the Industrial Organizations and to have a contended work force in Nilgiri Sub-Division of Balasore district.(ii) To protect the working class from any exploitation. 2. Mission/ Vision: The vision and mission of this office is to implement the different provisions of labour laws in the Nilgiri Sub-Division of Balasore district for safe guard of the working class people and quick redressal of their grievances. 3. Brief History and Background for its Establishment: The office of the District Labour Officer, Nilgiri came into existence on and from 18.9.1980 functioning in a Private building at Nilgiri. 4. Duties of the Public Authority: In order to look after the implementation of different provisions of various labour laws in the industrial establishments situated in the Nilgiri Sub-Division of Balasore district, the officers of the labour machinery in the Sub-Division have been declared as Inspectors under different labour laws, Conciliation Officers under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 by the Govt. of Odisha. The duty of the officer is to intervene when any industrial dispute is existed or apprehended between the parties and try to promote a settlement. In case, no settlement is arrived at, the conciliation officer submits report to the Govt. Who in turn refer the dispute to Labour Court or Industrial Tribunal for adjudication. In order to protect the interest of the workers the officers/ inspectors posted in this office enforce the provisions of following labour enactments: (i) Industrial Disputes Act, 1947(ii) Minimum Wages Act, 1948(iii) Payment of Wages Act, 1936(iv) Inter State Migrant Workmen (RE & CS) Act, 1979(v) Child Labour (P & R) Act, 1986(vi) Equal Remuneration Act, 1976(vii) Beedi & Cigar Workers (CE) Act, 1966(viii) Contract Labour (R & A) Act, 1970(ix) Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961(x) Payment of Bonus Act, 1965(xi) Industrial Employment (S.O.) Act, 1946(xii) Maternity Benefit Act, 1961(xiii) Sales Promotion Employees (C & S) Act, 1976 (xiv) Trade Union Act, 1926 (xv) Building & Other Construction Workers (RE & CS) Act, 1996 (xvi) Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Cess Act, 1966 While implementing the provisions of labour laws, when any violations of provisions of Labour laws detected by the officers/Inspector, tried their best to resolve the matter immediately, in case of failure they prefer prosecutions and claim cases before the Court of law as per the provisions of law. 5. Main Activities/ Functions of the public Authority: Same as described above. 6. Organization Structure: The Asst. Labour Officer is the Head of Office assisted by one Rural Labour Inspector, one ministerial staff & one peon. While all efforts have been made to make this website as authentic as possible, I & PR deptt. and Luminous Infoways will not be responsible for authentication of proactive disclosure and annual report. Respective department and Public Authority is responsible for their information. Users are advised to verify/check any information with the relevant department(s) and/or other source(s), before acting on the information provided in the Portal.

Particulars of Organization, Functions & Duties [Section-4 (1) (b) (i)] 1. Aims and objectives of the Organization: The primary aim and objectives of the Office of the District Labour Officer, Nilgiri, Dist. Balasore: (i) To maintain Industrial peace and harmony for boosting up production and productivity of the Industrial Organizations and to have a contended work force in Nilgiri Sub-Division of

MORRISON TOURS TONGUE RIVER RANCH AS POSSIBLE ADDITION TO PUBLIC LANDS More Than 18,000 acres southwest of Miles City under consideration by State Land Board As a member of the State Land Board, Montana State Auditor John Morrison got his first look today at new state lands being considered under the recently-formed land banking program. “This is about public access to state lands and better returns for the trust,” said Morrison. “It’s exciting to see it finally happening.” Located 30 miles southwest of Miles City, the Tongue River Ranch lies along the north side of the Tongue River in a contiguous 18,544-acre block consisting of river bottom to rolling pine covered breaks. The ranch contains an incredible diversity of wildlife including whitetail deer, mule deer, antelope, Canada geese, turkey, ducks, upland birds, including sharp tails and pheasants. “As we continue to look at the benefits of land banking, it’s important to recognize the real, long-term value to these kinds of purchases,” said Morrison. “Each acquisition offers Montanans in that area a wonderful opportunity to access a great public resource.” Land banking involves selling isolated parcels and acquiring state trust lands (state land) to consolidate land holdings and increase public recreational use of state land while increasing revenue to the State School Trust Fund. Under the process, the Land Board can purchase key parcels of land that would permit public access, while removing state trust lands that are currently land-locked. Morrison proposed the concept of land banking in 2001 after he determined that nearly 50 percent of Montana’s school trust lands were wholly surrounded by private property, according to a study commissioned by the State Auditor’s Office. In 2003, the State Auditor’s Office and the Department of Natural Resources requested legislation to create the land banking process. Rules were written and adopted in September of 2004. Earlier this year, the state sold an 80-acre residential site in Kalispell for $6.4 million. In mid October, the state completed the first acquisition under land banking with the purchase of an 897-acre parcel of land adjoining Ulm-Pishkun State Park near Great Falls. The State Land Board is carefully examining transactions to ensure that every part of the state benefits under the new program. The State Land Board is made up of Montana’s top five statewide elected officials and is charged with managing state trust land resources to produce revenues for the State School Trust Fund while considering environmental factors and protecting the future income-generating capacity of the land. “Land banking makes sense for several reasons,” Morrison said. “It increases public access for hunters and recreationists and it allows landowners to consolidate their property while at the same time increasing revenue for the school trust fund.”

MORRISON TOURS TONGUE RIVER RANCH AS POSSIBLE ADDITION TO PUBLIC LANDS More Than 18,000 acres southwest of Miles City under consideration by State Land Board As a member of the State Land Board, Montana State Auditor John Morrison got his first look today at new state lands being considered under the recently-formed land banking program. “This is about public access to state lands and better retur

GPU-Accelerated Sparse Matrix Solvers for Large-Scale Simulations At the heart of scientific computing and numerical analysis are linear algebra solvers. In scientific computing, the focus is on the partial differential equations (PDEs) that arise from computational fluid dynamics (CFD), climate modeling, astrophysics, and structural and heat analysis that cannot be solved analytically. Certain problem formulations lead to sparse matrices, in which the majority of matrix elements are zero. Special attention is required when computing on sparse matrices in order to avoid using unrealistic amounts of memory or produce ill-performing software. Such topics have been the subject of considerable research and the limits of CPU-based performance have been reached.Recently, the graphics processing unit (GPU) has emerged as an attractive platform for high performance computing. The modern GPU boasts over 1 TFLOPS performance and as much as 6 GB onboard memory, but harnessing the power can be challenging. A library-based approach is common for HPC, with mostapplications using several libraries to offload well-known tasks. EM Photonics maintains a library of GPU-accelerated dense linear algebra solvers that has over 5000 users. In this project we will extend this library to include a wide range of sparse solvers, including many that have direct relevance to NASA projects. Small Business Information at Submission: 51 East Main Street Suite 203 Newark, DE - Number of Employees:

GPU-Accelerated Sparse Matrix Solvers for Large-Scale Simulations At the heart of scientific computing and numerical analysis are linear algebra solvers. In scientific computing, the focus is on the partial differential equations (PDEs) that arise from computational fluid dynamics (CFD), climate modeling, astrophysics, and structural and heat analysis that cannot be solved analytically. Certain pr

Mission Type: Lander, Sample Return Launch Vehicle: 8K82K + Blok D (Proton-K no. 287-02) Launch Site: NIIP-5 / launch site 81L Spacecraft Mass: About 5,800 kg Spacecraft Instruments: 1) stereo imaging system; 2) improved drill for sample collection; 3) radiation detector and 4) radio-altimeter Deep Space Chronicle: A Chronology of Deep Space and Planetary Probes 1958-2000, Monographs in Aerospace History No. 24, by Asif A. Siddiqi This was the second attempt by the Soviet Union to send an advanced lunar sample return craft to the Moon, equipped with the capability to dig for a deeper core. The first spacecraft (Luna 23) was damaged during landing on the Moon in October 1974. On this mission, the first three stages of the Proton-K launch vehicle worked without fault, but the Blok D stage, during its first burn for insertion into Earth orbit, failed. The expensive payload burned up in Earth's atmosphere without ever reaching Earth orbit.

Mission Type: Lander, Sample Return Launch Vehicle: 8K82K + Blok D (Proton-K no. 287-02) Launch Site: NIIP-5 / launch site 81L Spacecraft Mass: About 5,800 kg Spacecraft Instruments: 1) stereo imaging system; 2) improved drill for sample collection; 3) radiation detector and 4) radio-altimeter Deep Space Chronicle: A Chronology of Deep Space and Planetary Probes 1958-2000, Monographs in Aerospace

The House Committee on Ways and Means (Archer) on the status and preparedness of Federal agencies to correct the Year 2000 computer problem. Kenneth Apfel, Commissioner, testified, February 24, 1999. Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee: Thank you for inviting me to be here today to discuss the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Year 2000 conversion efforts and the implications for beneficiaries and taxpayers. SSA recognized very early the potential effect on beneficiaries and workers created by the Year 2000 problem. I am pleased to be here today to report on our progress and plans for the future. Impact on SSA Operations SSA relies on a vast computer network to keep track of earnings for 145 million workers, take six million applications for benefits a year, and pay monthly benefits to over 50 million beneficiaries. Because so many people depend on SSA's systems, we began to work on the Year 2000 problem as soon as it was identified in 1989. The magnitude of this project cannot be overstated: we had to review systems supported by more than 35 million lines of in-house computer code, as well as vendor products, while coordinating efforts with State and Federal agencies and third parties. SSA's ability to provide world class service to beneficiaries, workers and their families depend on a complex infrastructure that is crucial to our ongoing operations. Power, data, and voice telecommunications, along with the Agency's computer operations hardware and software, are essential to ensuring that SSA's business processes are able to continue uninterrupted. Our automated systems are the means by which SSA is able to provide service on demand to the public. SSA has five core business processes through which we maintain the accuracy of beneficiary records and process and adjudicate claims: - Enumeration, the process through which SSA assigns Social Security numbers; - Earnings, the process which establishes and maintains a record of an individual's earnings; - Claims, the process comprising actions taken by SSA to determine an individual's eligibility for benefits; - Postentitlement, the process involving actions that SSA takes after an individual becomes entitled to benefits; and - Informing the Public, the process by which we disseminate information about the programs we administer. I am confident that our systems will function on and after the Year 2000 to ensure that our core business processes proceed smoothly and without disruption as we move into the 21st century. When we open our offices for business on January 3, 2000, we expect to be prepared to provide our full complement of services to the American public with the accuracy and reliability that they have come to expect from SSA. January 2000 Benefit Payments We are happy to report that our benefit payment system is 100 percent Year 2000 compliant. SSA has worked very closely with the Treasury Department, Federal Reserve and the Post Office to ensure that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income checks and direct deposit payments for January 2000 will be paid on time. Since October 1998, payments for both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs have been made with Year 2000 compliant systems at both SSA and Treasury. SSA is working closely with the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve to identify any Year 2000 problem that might affect direct deposit payments. If a problem should occur in January 2000, the Treasury Department will quickly issue a replacement check after recertification by SSA, and SSA offices will provide emergency payment services to beneficiaries with critical needs I do not consider Social Security's job to be done until timely and correct benefits are in the hands of all of our beneficiaries. Status of SSA's Year 2000 Implementation Efforts I would like to discuss the status of SSA's progress in our Year 2000 implementation efforts. All of our mission critical systems have been made Year 2000 compliant. These are the systems that support the core business processes I described earlier. Because they are so vital to our disability claims process, SSA is overseeing and managing the effort of assuring Year 2000 compliance of State Disability Determination Service (DDS) systems. Fifty State DDSs have automated systems to support the disability determination process. As of January 31, 1999, all 50 DDS automated systems are Year 2000 compliant and are being used to process disability claims. We recognize that it is not enough for our agency to be Year 2000 compliant if all our trading partners are not ready. Therefore SSA has worked with all of our trading partners, and I am pleased to say that 99 percent of our data exchanges are Year 2000 complaint. We are working with our partners to test the remaining 1 percent and get them implemented as quickly as possible. SSA has inventoried all of our telecommunications systems and we have a plan and schedule for all fixes and upgrades. Numerous acquisitions have been made that will result in the installation of telecommunications software and hardware upgrades. SSA is also working with the General Services Administration (GSA) in this effort, particularly with regard to testing vendor fixes. SSA's goal is to have all telecommunications compliant by the end of March 1999. SSA continues to work with GSA in addressing the Year 2000 problem in the areas of our facilities infrastructure. We have inventoried our building systems and testing contracts have been awarded. Testing has commenced in some buildings, with all sites progressing as scheduled. Our independent verification and validation contractor, Lockheed Martin, completed a comprehensive review of SSA's Year 2000 program and submitted their finding in October 1998. Their report covered all aspects of Year 2000 preparedness activities and found our Year 2000 methodology to be sound and feasible. Focus of Activities in 1999 Now that all of our mission critical systems are Year 2000 compliant, we have taken steps to make sure we do nothing to introduce possible date defects into these systems. Since we must continue to modify these systems to accommodate regulations, recent legislation, and other required changes, we have instituted a re-certification process that uses a commercial computer software tool. In addition we have instituted a moratorium beginning in July 1999 on the installation of commercial off-the-shelf software and mainframe products. A similar moratorium is in place for discretionary changes to our software beginning in September 1999. The moratoriums will remain in effect through March 2000. Business Continuity and Contingency Plan Obviously, we all hope that there will be no need for backup or contingency plans. However, SSA recognizes that our systems are dependent on infrastructure services, such as the power grid of the telecommunications industry and third parties, which are beyond our control. Therefore, SSA has developed a Business Continuity and Contingency Plan. The plan was first issued March 31, 1998 and it is updated quarterly. The plan is consistent with Government Accounting Office guidelines and is being used as a model by other agencies and private sector organizations. The plan identifies potential risks to business processes, ways to mitigate each risk and strategies for ensuring continuity of operations if systems fail to operate as intended. The SSA Business Continuity and Contingency Plan addresses all core processes, including disability claims processing functions supported by the DDSs. As part of our Business Continuity and Contingency Plan, we have in place local plans for each of our field offices, teleservice centers, and processing centers, hearing offices and state DDSs. We have also developed contingency plans for benefit payment and delivery, building operations, human resources, and communications. Our benefit payment and delivery plan was developed in conjunction with the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve. I would like to conclude by repeating that SSA was at the forefront of Government and private organizations in addressing Year 2000 issues. We are proud of our long-standing reputation as a leader when it comes to providing customer service, and we are confident that we will be prepared to continue that tradition when the new millennium arrives. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

The House Committee on Ways and Means (Archer) on the status and preparedness of Federal agencies to correct the Year 2000 computer problem. Kenneth Apfel, Commissioner, testified, February 24, 1999. Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee: Thank you for inviting me to be here today to discuss the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Year 2000 conversion efforts and the implications for benefi

Where's Jane Now? Jane is now back in Alexandria, VA teaching at Lyles-Crouch Elementary in Alexandria, Virginia. Lyles-Crouch is located in the Alexandria City Public Schools District. Jane participated in the second leg of the EPIC Research Cruise. She departed from Washington, D.C. on September 30th and arrived in Huatulco, Mexico and flew one exciting mission on board the NSF C-130 (watch the video). From Huatulco, Jane traveled to the Galapagos, boarded the Ron Brown and participated in the EPIC Research Cruise to Arica, Chile. Jane returned to Washington, D.C. on October 27th. returning to Alexandria, Jane was given a warm welcome home from her school Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy. Jane also was invited to participate in a Welcome Home Reception on Capitol Hill that was sponsored by her local Congressman (Representative James P. Moran). See pictures of Jane while she is on the Ron Brown, read Jane's lesson plans and daily logs, watch Jane's videos, and learn more about this great journey. Note for educators: Although Jennifer and Jane's reseearch cruise ended, the EPIC research continues. Please use this web site, Jennifer and Jane's lesson plans, daily logs, the videos, and the photos to educate your students about climate, El Niño, and scientific research in general. Consider this web site, as well as the TAO web site, a resource for teaching your students. Many organizations and countries are involved in funding the EPIC Experiment. Primary U. S. funding is provided by The National Science Foundation and The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This website is maintained and frequently updated by NOAA's Office of Global Programs Some of the material on this website may require one of the following plug-ins if not already installed on your system:

Where's Jane Now? Jane is now back in Alexandria, VA teaching at Lyles-Crouch Elementary in Alexandria, Virginia. Lyles-Crouch is located in the Alexandria City Public Schools District. Jane participated in the second leg of the EPIC Research Cruise. She departed from Washington, D.C. on September 30th and arrived in Huatulco, Mexico and flew one exciting mission on board the NSF C-130 (watch the

Hurricane Frances (06L) over the Bahamas Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this true-color image of Hurricane Frances on September 3, 2004, at 18:24 UTC (2:24 PM EDT). At the time this image was taken Frances was wreaking havoc in the Bahamas with sustained winds of 185 km/hr (115 mph) and a storm surge between 1.8 to 4.3 meters (6 and 14 feet) on the west side of Eleuthera Island. Frances was moving towards the west-northwest at 14 km/hr (9 mph) and was expected to reach the Florida coast in approximately 24 hours.

Hurricane Frances (06L) over the Bahamas Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this true-color image of Hurricane Frances on September 3, 2004, at 18:24 UTC (2:24 PM EDT). At the time this image was taken Frances was wreaking havoc in the Bahamas with sustained winds of 185 km/hr (11

Environmental Information Regulations Your responsibilities and obligations If you are a public authority you have a legal obligation to provide information about the environment through an approved publication scheme and in response to requests. Find out what you need to do to comply with the regulations. We've highlighted five key questions on the Environmental Information Regulations below. View a full list of our environmental information guidance. We have published our detailed knowledge base, an internal resource which gives the ICO’s position on many of the issues we deal with. Where do you work? We've produced a set of guides where we have guidance that's sector specific. Can't find what you're looking for? Our FAQs might help. Read the full text of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. - News and events Find out the latest news on data protection and freedom of information. - Glossary of terms Unsure what some of our terms and phrases mean? We’ve a full glossary to help you.

Environmental Information Regulations Your responsibilities and obligations If you are a public authority you have a legal obligation to provide information about the environment through an approved publication scheme and in response to requests. Find out what you need to do to comply with the regulations. We've highlighted five key questions on the Environmental Information Regulations below. Vie

November 6, 2003 ATTN: RADIO SPOKESPERSON ADVISORY National Archives Public Affairs Veteran's Day Documents Highlighted in National Archives Initiative The National Archives is offering two spokespersons to talk about a national initiative that has a unique connection with Veterans Day. WHAT: Many of the 100 documents selected for The People's Vote: 100 Documents That Shaped America, a national initiative launched by the Archivist of the United States with President Bush, recall the sacrifices and the heroism of the United States Military. The People's Vote invites Americans of all ages and educational backgrounds to vote for 10 documents from the list of 100 milestones chosen by historians and the National Archives, or to write in their favorites. Among the documents that tell the story of America's military men and women are: The Declaration of War Against Germany, 1917; Eisenhower's Order of the Day, June 6, 1944; The Servicemen's Readjustment Act, 1944; The Surrender of Germany, 1945; The Surrender of Japan; and Executive Order 9981, Desegregating the Armed Forces, 1948. The voting period began September 17, 2003, and ends on December 1, 2003. The results of the vote will be announced in a ceremony in the National Archives Rotunda on December 15, Bill of Rights Day. WHO: Dr. Michael Kurtz, Assistant Archivist of the United States Ms. LeeAnn Potter, Director of Education Programs at the National Archives Both Dr. Kurtz and Ms. Potter were instrumental in launching this national civics initiative and can speak about the program itself and about the significance of these documents. BACKGROUND: The People's Vote is co-sponsored by the National Archives, National History Day and U.S. News & World Report. It is part of a larger project created by the National Archives and National History Day in collaboration with USA Freedom Corps titled Our Documents: A National Initiative on American History, Civics and Service. The purpose of this initiative is to provide programs like The People's Vote to engage Americans in a better understanding of the documents that shaped our country. By logging onto www.ourdocuments.gov, Americans can see the original 100 milestone documents, ranging from the U.S. Constitution to the cancelled check for the purchase of Alaska; and learn more about each of the 100 documents identified by experts at the National Archives. The public can cast their ballot by logging onto www.usnews.com/vote. For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs Staff at 301-837-1700.

November 6, 2003 ATTN: RADIO SPOKESPERSON ADVISORY National Archives Public Affairs Veteran's Day Documents Highlighted in National Archives Initiative The National Archives is offering two spokespersons to talk about a national initiative that has a unique connection with Veterans Day. WHAT: Many of the 100 documents selected for The People's Vote: 100 Documents That Shaped America, a national in

DIET, INFLAMMATION AND PREVENTION OF CHRONIC DISEASE Location: Immunity and Disease Prevention Research Unit Title: Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation improved lipocentric but not glucocentric markers of insulin sensitivity in hypertriglyceridemic men Submitted to: Metabolic Syndrome and Disorders Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: September 15, 2011 Publication Date: February 1, 2012 Citation: Kelley, D.S., Adkins, Y.C., Woodhouse, L.R., Swislocki, A., Mackey, B.E., Siegel, D. 2012. Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation improved lipocentric but not glucocentric markers of insulin sensitivity in hypertriglyceridemic men. Metabolic Syndrome and Disorders. 10(1):32-38. Interpretive Summary: Insulin resistance (IR) is a reduced ability of insulin to exert its metabolic effects on its target tissues (muscle, liver, and adipose). It is associated with increased plasma concentrations of several lipids, glucose, and insulin. It increases the risks for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In 2005 over 40% of people aged 20 and over in the U.S.A. had IR and the prevalence has increased since then. Diets high in saturated, trans-, and omega-6 fatty acids, and low in omega-3 fatty acids are one of the major factors that contribute to the development of IR. We studied the effects of DHA (one of the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils) supplementation on the circulating concentration of glucose, insulin, and lipid markers of IR. Men with elevated triglycerides (17/group) supplemented their diets with either DHA oil (DHA 3 g/d) or olive oil for 90 days; 12-h fasting, and postprandial (2, 4, 6, 8 h after a test meal) blood samples were drawn before and at the end of DHA supplementation. DHA significantly decreased circulating concentrations of several lipid markers (free fatty acids, triglyceride to HDL-C ratio, small dense LDL particles) of IR, but did not alter concentration of circulating insulin and other markers based on insulin. Our results show that markers of IR based on plasma lipids are more sensitive to DHA supplementation than those based on plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. These findings demonstrate that DHA can reverse dyslipidemia which may further lead to hyperglycemia and diabetes. Background: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with increases in insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results from animal intervention studies and human epidemiological studies suggest that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can prevent and reverse IR, but results from human intervention studies have varied. Some human and animal studies suggest that docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3; DHA) may be more effective than eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3; EPA) in the prevention of IR. Methods: By using a placebo controlled, parallel study design, we examined the effects of DHA supplementation (3 g/d, 90 d) in the absence of EPA on glucocentric and lipocentric markers of IR in hypertriglyceridemic men (n=14-17/group). Results: DHA supplementation increased fasting plasma glucose concentration by 4.9%, (p<0.05) but did not alter other indices of IR based on fasting (insulin and HOMA-IR) or postprandial insulin and glucose concentrations (areas under curves for insulin and glucose, Matsuda index). It decreased circulating concentrations of several lipocentric markers of IR, including plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (13.0%), small dense LDL particles (21.7%), and TG:HDL-C ratio (34.0%) (p<0.05 for each variable). None of the variables changed in the placebo group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that lipocentric markers of IR are more responsive to DHA supplementation than glucocentric markers. Future studies with DHA in pre-diabetic subjects and direct measures of insulin sensitivity are needed.

DIET, INFLAMMATION AND PREVENTION OF CHRONIC DISEASE Location: Immunity and Disease Prevention Research Unit Title: Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation improved lipocentric but not glucocentric markers of insulin sensitivity in hypertriglyceridemic men Submitted to: Metabolic Syndrome and Disorders Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: September 15, 2011 Publication

21.2 x 18.2cm (each) 'Tokonatsu' (The Pink) is the 26th chapter in the “Tale of Genji”. Although the title of this chapter refers to the pink or wild carnation flowers that grew in the summer garden of Genji’s adoptive daughter Tamakazura, to whom Genji felt very much attracted, the classical iconography for this chapter shows the banquet scene in Genji’s fishing pavilion in the southeast quarter of his Rokujō mansion. Genji is depicted sitting on a raised tatami mat. Keeping him company is his son Yūgiri and several of his friends, among them also the sons of Genji’s friend and rival Tō no Chūjō. On the right veranda, a cook is preparing trout for an afternoon meal. After the banquet, the party headed to Tamakazura’s quarter which featured a summer garden to admire the beauty of the wild carnations (‘Tokonatsu’, literally ‘everlasting Summer’) and to ponder the beauty of the girl dwelling in this garden. The scenes are jewel-like in their miniaturistic detail, a signature of Tosa-school narrative painting, in which tradition Gukei was trained. The faces are delicately outlined, with the utmost care and a high sense for decorativeness applied to the intricate textile patterns. Characteristic for Gukei is the wonderful translucency of his colour palette, which imbues the paintings with a soft, dreamy atmosphere. Accompanying this picture is an album leaf of the same size which bears the chapter title and a prose excerpt, written in an elegant cursive script. The square 'shikishi' sheets were originally pasted into an album, facing each other, with the text on the right and the picture on the left. Trained in the courtly tradition of the Tosa-school, Gukei was called to Edo to serve the Tokugawa Shoguns as official painter working on the large commission of a pictorial history of the Toshogu shrine where the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Ieyasu, is buried and worshipped. Along with the Tosa-school in Kyoto, the Sumiyoshi lineage is considered the most important exponent of the indigenous 'Yamato-e' tradition. Asian Art Department, AGNSW, August 2008.

21.2 x 18.2cm (each) 'Tokonatsu' (The Pink) is the 26th chapter in the “Tale of Genji”. Although the title of this chapter refers to the pink or wild carnation flowers that grew in the summer garden of Genji’s adoptive daughter Tamakazura, to whom Genji felt very much attracted, the classical iconography for this chapter shows the banquet scene in Genji’s fishing pavilion in the southeast quarter

Welcome to the community resources section. These are some resources that offer information for residents and former residents of the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Fact Sheet on Health Studies [PDF, 1.07 MB] This fact sheet outlines the activities that ATSDR does in a community that may be exposed to hazardous substances. Included are: how the Agency becomes involved with a site, how our role in helping communities is different from EPA's role, what the Agency cannot do to help a community, and more. ATSDR/DoD Meeting Notes Notes of meetings that have taken place between ATSDR and the DoD concerning U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. DON/ATSDR Data Mining Workgroup Documents related to the DON/ATSDR Data Mining Workgroup. What You Can Expect from ATSDR This fact sheet is a quick reference on what ATSDR can and cannot do for communities that may be exposed to hazardous substances, and additional information. What is Exposure This Fact Sheet answers questions about chemical exposure. What is a Public Health Assessment? (Fact Sheet) An ATSDR Public Health Assessment reviews available information about hazardous substances at a site and evaluates whether exposure to them might cause any harm to people. Public Health Assessment Process and the Community: An Interactive Learning Program This program provides an overview of the public health assessment process that ATSDR uses to evaluate whether people will be harmed by hazardous materials from waste sites or from other places where hazardous substances have been spilled or released into the environment. Spanish Version. Other LinksCommunity Sponsored Web sites - The Few The Proud The Forgotten - THE STAND - Toxic Homefront Empowered Survivors Take All Necessary Defense These two community sponsored websites are available to raise awareness and provide information about the historical drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune. The websites also provide a way for former Marines, dependents, and civilians who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune to share information.U.S. Marine Corps / Camp Lejeune - USMC Camp Lejeune This site is devoted to Camp Lejeune's drinking water investigation. - Camp Lejeune's Water Quality Reports Annual reports from the US Marine Corps. - Camp Lejeune's Administrative Record on Environmental Cleanup Camp Lejeune's administrative record detailing all of its environmental cleanup work. - North Carolina NPL/NPL Caliber Cleanup Site Summaries - ABC One Hour Cleaners - North Carolina NPL/NPL Caliber Cleanup Site Summaries - Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Code of Federal Regulations Provides requirements and procedures for filing claims alleging personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death. See especially 32 C.F.R. § 750.27. National Personnel Records Center Provides access to military personnel records.

Welcome to the community resources section. These are some resources that offer information for residents and former residents of the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Fact Sheet on Health Studies [PDF, 1.07 MB] This fact sheet outlines the activities that ATSDR does in a community that may be exposed to hazardous substances. Included are: how the Agency becomes involved with a site, how our ro

Producer prices in July 2005 August 18, 2005 The Producer Price Index for Finished Goods advanced 1.0 percent in July 2005, seasonally adjusted. This increase followed no change in June and a 0.6-percent decline in May. The finished energy goods index increased 4.4 percent in July, compared with a 2.0-percent gain in June. Leading this acceleration, residential natural gas prices advanced 3.7 percent, following a 3.2-percent decrease in the previous month. The index for residential electric power also turned up, after declining in June. Prices for gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas rose more than they had in the prior month. The rate of decrease in the finished consumer foods index slowed from 1.1 percent in June to 0.3 percent in July. Prices for finished goods other than foods and energy moved up 0.4 percent in July, after decreasing 0.1 percent a month earlier. From July 2004 to July 2005, the finished goods index increased 4.6 percent (as shown in the chart). Over the same period, prices for finished energy goods advanced 15.2 percent, prices for finished consumer foods rose 1.4 percent, and the index for finished goods other than foods and energy increased 2.8 percent. These data are from the BLS Producer Price Index program. For more information, see "Producer Price Indexes -- July 2005" (PDF) (TXT), news release USDL 05-1561. All producer price indexes are routinely subject to revision once, 4 months after original publication, to reflect the availability of late reports and corrections by respondents. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Editor's Desk, Producer prices in July 2005 on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2005/aug/wk3/art04.htm (visited May 23, 2013). Spotlight on Statistics: Productivity This edition of Spotlight on Statistics examines labor productivity trends from 2000 through 2010 for selected industries and sectors within the nonfarm business sector of the U.S. economy. Read more »

Producer prices in July 2005 August 18, 2005 The Producer Price Index for Finished Goods advanced 1.0 percent in July 2005, seasonally adjusted. This increase followed no change in June and a 0.6-percent decline in May. The finished energy goods index increased 4.4 percent in July, compared with a 2.0-percent gain in June. Leading this acceleration, residential natural gas prices advanced 3.7 perc

Laws, Regulations & Annotations Business Taxes Law Guide – Revision 2013 Sales and Use Tax Annotations 570.0000 USE OF PROPERTY IN STATE AND USE TAX GENERALLY (h) CREDIT FOR TAX IMPOSED BY OTHER JURISDICTIONS 570.1635 Deliveries from Storage. A taxpayer manufactures, prints, and purchases for resale business forms and supplies. The taxpayer stores the merchandise in its warehouses and ships the merchandise, as needed, by common carrier to customers in California and in other states. Some customers periodically order merchandise to be stored in the warehouse until needed. A customer may agree to a specific time limit for the storage of merchandise. The taxpayer may not know where specific merchandise so stored will be shipped until instructions are received from the customer. Some customers are billed for the merchandise when it is received for storage at the taxpayer's warehouse. Others are billed when the merchandise is actually shipped to the customer. The contract provides that title passes upon full payment. When merchandise is shipped from an out-of-state warehouse to a California customer, California use tax would apply. If the customer incurs tax or tax reimbursement liability in the other state, the customer is allowed a credit for the tax or tax reimbursement liability actually incurred. However, if tax was mistakenly paid to the other state, no credit would be allowed. If shipment is made from a California warehouse to a customer's location outside the state and the contract specifically requires delivery to the out-of-state location, the tax will not apply even though title may have passed in California. This result is valid only if the purchaser is not authorized under the contract to direct that the property be diverted to a California destination. If a shipment is made from a California warehouse to a California customer located in a different tax district, the applicable district tax is that of the destination district if the taxpayer is required by the contract to ship the merchandise to the customer in the other tax district. If it is unknown at the time of the contracting whether merchandise will be shipped instate or out of state, the application of tax will depend on the time of title passage. Under the contracts provided, title passes upon full payment. Accordingly, if the customer is billed when merchandise is delivered to the taxpayer's warehouse, tax will apply at that time. If the customer is billed at the time that the taxpayer makes shipment, tax will apply at that time if the merchandise is shipped to a California location. Also, when billing takes place at the time of shipment, no tax applies if the merchandise is shipped out of the state pursuant to the contract of the sale. 8/26/94.

Laws, Regulations & Annotations Business Taxes Law Guide – Revision 2013 Sales and Use Tax Annotations 570.0000 USE OF PROPERTY IN STATE AND USE TAX GENERALLY (h) CREDIT FOR TAX IMPOSED BY OTHER JURISDICTIONS 570.1635 Deliveries from Storage. A taxpayer manufactures, prints, and purchases for resale business forms and supplies. The taxpayer stores the merchandise in its warehouses and ships the me

Alex began as a tropical low near 12.3°S, 114.1°E at 0000 UTC 15 March. The low developed and moved westward. Tropical cyclone intensity was reached at 0300 UTC 16 March near 12.3°S, 112.0°E. Intensification continued and the eye became evident at 0000 UTC 18 March. The maximum intensity was estimated to be 927 hPa with mean winds of 190 km/h at 1200 UTC 19 March. Over the next 60 hours the track became more southwesterly and Alex weakened steadily. By 22 March it was near 22.1°S, 92.2°E and the central pressure had increased to 976 hPa. Further weakening and shearing of the cyclone structure occurred as it moved south and then southeast ahead of an approaching frontal system. Alex had weakened to below cyclone intensity by 1200 UTC 23 March. Interaction with the frontal system caused the decaying depression to loop before dissipating. An Indonesian trawler sank near 12.8°S, 110.0°E with the loss of all crew. The number is not known but would probably be about ten. For more details see the TC Alex Report (pdf)

Alex began as a tropical low near 12.3°S, 114.1°E at 0000 UTC 15 March. The low developed and moved westward. Tropical cyclone intensity was reached at 0300 UTC 16 March near 12.3°S, 112.0°E. Intensification continued and the eye became evident at 0000 UTC 18 March. The maximum intensity was estimated to be 927 hPa with mean winds of 190 km/h at 1200 UTC 19 March. Over the next 60 hours the track

HINCAB-study. Home Based Intervention in Nursing for Coronary Artery Bypass Patients HINCAB-study is a single senter, prospective, randomised controlled trial. The aim of the study is to test the effect of a home based intervention program. The hypothesis of the study is that a home based intervention will influencing coping strategies in the CABG-patients rehabilitation phase, reduce symptoms and improve health related quality of life. |Study Design:||Allocation: Randomized Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment Masking: Open Label |Official Title:||Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Patients in the Rehabilitation Phase. A Randomised Controlled Trial.| - Anxiety and depression symptoms [ Time Frame: 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ] - Health related quality of life [ Time Frame: 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ] |Study Start Date:||August 2003| |Study Completion Date:||July 2005| |Primary Completion Date:||January 2005 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)| Research has shown better quality of life for patients after CABG. At the same point of time studies shows that patients experience anxiety and depression years after surgery. Anxiety and depression appear frequently at the same time and strengthen each other. Studies underline that CABG-patients especially the first month after surgery want follow-up by health care provider. Anxiety and depression are assessed as independent risk factors for morbidity and death in heart patients. 203 CABG-patients were randomised into the study. Both patient group, the experimental- and control group, answered the same three standardised questionnaires before surgery, 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery. The questionnaires are Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) and SF-36. The intervention consist of two home visits 2 and 4 weeks after CABG undertaken by project leader. The intervention protocol has been approved by The Norwegian Committee for Medical Research Ethics. Knowledge from this study may generate a basis for clinical guidelines and patient pathways. Results from this study will show if the home based intervention in the future will be performed for only a risk group of about 20 % that have responded best to the intervention. In the future the intervention also may be individualized electronically. |Ullevål University Hospital| |Principal Investigator:||Irene Lie, PhD student||Ullevaal University Hospital| |Study Chair:||Eli H Bunch, Professor||Institute of Nursing and Health Science|

HINCAB-study. Home Based Intervention in Nursing for Coronary Artery Bypass Patients HINCAB-study is a single senter, prospective, randomised controlled trial. The aim of the study is to test the effect of a home based intervention program. The hypothesis of the study is that a home based intervention will influencing coping strategies in the CABG-patients rehabilitation phase, reduce symptoms and

European Social Charter Legal & social protection Movement of persons Signatures and Ratifications 47 States have signed or ratified either the Charter or the 1961 Charter. Recent developments in the collective complaints procedure of the European Social Charter The Social Charter at a glance and The European Social Charter, updated versions what is the European a comic strip illustrating social rights A message from the President of the European Committee of Social Rights The 50th anniversary of the European Social Charter: creating new dynamics for the next 50 years European Committee of Social Rights The next session of the Committee will be held in Strasbourg from 19 to 23 March 2012. The Committee is currently examining Charter rights relating to employment, training and equal opportunities in view of Conclusions 2012. States Parties will report on Articles 1, 9, 10, 15, 18, 20, 24 and 25 which concern Charter rights related to employment, training and equal opportunities. Mr Luis Jimena Quesada, President of the European Committee of Social Rights, gives an analysis of Conclusions 2011, recently made public, and also gives background information on the Charter rights covered in Conclusions 2012 in an effort to shed light on the workings of the Charter. Conclusions 2011 and XIX-4 (2011) It is now possible to consult Conclusions 2011 and Conclusions XIX-4 (2011) by State Party. These conclusions contain the assessments of the European Committee of Social Rights on the application of the Charter. In 2011, 950 conclusions, including 258 findings of violations of the Charter, were adopted. The provisions concerned belong to Thematic Group 4 which covers Charter rights pertaining to children, family and migrants. The following rights concern both the Revised Charter and the 1961 Charter: - the right of children and young persons to protection - the right of employed women to protection (Article 8) - the right of the family to social, legal and economic protection (Article 16) - the right of mothers and children to social and economic protection (Article 17) - the right of migrant workers and their families to protection and assistance (Article 19) The Committee's conclusions also cover the following rights with respect to States bound by the Revised Charter: - the right of workers with family responsibilities to equal opportunity and treatment (Article 27) - the right to housing (Article 31). As Hungary failed to submit a report the Committee was unable to adopt conclusions with respect to this State. Conclusions 2011 and XIX-4 (2011) by State It is already possible to consult reports online for the following countries : Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Gemany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and United Kingdom. updated factsheets for current information on the application of social rights in the States Parties to the Charter. Ratification of the Charter by the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" Following the ratification of the Revised Charter by "the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", 32 of the 43 States Parties to the European Social Charter are now bound by the Revised Charter. The "former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" ratified the Revised Charter on 6 January 2012 accepting 60 of its 98 provisions. The instrument will enter into force on 1 March 2012. message from the President of the European Committee of Social Rights following the ratification of the Revised Charter by "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" Collective Complaints 2012 Restrictions imposed on the activity of strike pickets constitute a violation of the Charter in Belgium decision on the merits with regard to the case European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Centrale Générale des Syndicats Libéraux de Belgique (CGSLB), Confédération des Syndicats chrétiens de Belgique (CSC) and Fédération Générale du Travail de Belgique (FGTB) v. Belgium, No. 59/2009, which became public on 8 February 2012, the European Committee rules that Belgium is not in conformity with Article 6§4 (right to strike) of the Revised Charter (more information [26/01/2012] Five complaints have been submitted against Greece concerning a reduction of pension schemes in both the private and public sectors: Panhellenic Federation of pensioners of the public electricity corporation (POS-DEI), Complaint No. 79/2012 The complainant trade unions allege that the laws imposing a reduction of pensions were passed in violation of Articles 12§3 (Right to social security) and 31§1 (Right to housing) of the Charter of 1961. [15/01/2012] Five decisions on admissiblity have been adopted by the European Committee of Social Rights Defence for Children - International (DCI) v. Belgium, Complaint no. 69/2011 concerning foreign children living accompanied or not, as either illegal residents or asylum seekers in Belgium, currently alleged to be excluded from social assistance (more) Association of Care Giving Relatives and Friends v. Finland, Complaint no. 70/2011 concerning the situation of family and friend caregivers in Finland (more) Association of Care Giving Relatives and Friends v. Finland, Complaint no. 71/2011, concerning the cost of caring for the elderly in municipal nursing homes (more) International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) v. Greece, Complaint No. 72/2011 which concerns the effects of massive environmental pollution on the health of persons living near the Asopos river and the industrial area of Inofyta, located 50 km north of Athens. (more) Syndicat de Défense des Fonctionnaires v. France, Complaint No. 73/2011 concerning the situation of so-called " redeployed" civil servants, employed by France Télécom and La Poste, who have remained at the grades of the former Post and Telecommunications service. (more) Collective Complaints Website The Charter in the field Seminar on the European Social Charter entitled «L'application par la France des droits sociaux garantis par la Charte sociale européenne : quelles règles du jeu?» (The implementation of social rights laid down in the European Social Charter by France: what are the rules of the game?), Paris, 16/02/2012. Workshop on social justice dealt with in European courts at the Sorbonne organised by the Institut de recherche en droit international et européen de la Sorbonne, entitled "La justice sociale saisie par les juges en Europe", Paris, 10/02/2012. Colloquy on social law in Toulouse entitled Pluralisme des sources et "dialogue des juges" en droit social sponsored by the Association Française de Droit du travail in collaboration with the Council of Europe. University of Toulouse, France, 09/02/2012. Seminars on the collective complaint procedure in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Serbia Seminars on the ratification of the Charter in Croatia and Iceland Seminars on non-accepted provisions in Albania, Poland and Turkey Regional seminar in Russia, Astrakhan, 24-25 April 2012 Workshop at the State Institute of International Relations, Moscow (MGIMO), 26 April 2012 Colloquy COE / UNHCR on the rights of refugees in the workplace, Strasbourg, 27 September 2012 Dates to be confirmed Department of the European Social Charter and of the European Code of Social Security Directorate General of Human Rights and the Rule of Law Directorate of Human Rights F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex Tel. +33 (0) 3 88 41 32 58 Fax. +33 (0) 3 88 41 37 00

European Social Charter Legal & social protection Movement of persons Signatures and Ratifications 47 States have signed or ratified either the Charter or the 1961 Charter. Recent developments in the collective complaints procedure of the European Social Charter The Social Charter at a glance and The European Social Charter, updated versions what is the European a comic strip illustrating social r

Safe Boating Week May 22-28th Your Weather Briefing: 5/22 The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service. Today begins National Safe Boating Week. Few people are affected more by weather than the mariner. An unexpected change in winds, seas, visibility or the sudden development of a thunderstorm can turn a pleasant afternoon into one which threatens the safety of a vessel and its crew. The National Weather Service, a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provides marine weather warnings and forecasts serving mariners who use the waters both for their livelihood or recreation, including those traversing our near-shore waters to those heading across the High Seas. The National Weather Service provides updated and accurate weather information in various formats - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week every day of the year. Before setting out, obtain the latest marine forecast and warning information from weather.gov/marine or NOAA Weather Radio. Several days ahead of time you can begin listening for extended outlooks which give general information out to the next five days. Take particular note of any current advisories and warnings, including Small Craft Advisories, Gale or Storm Warnings which alert mariners to either high winds or waves occurring now or forecast to occur up to 24 hours from now. Also pay attention to any Watches which forecast possible rough weather expected in the upcoming few days Here are some radio tips. If you have a marine VHF transceiver with built-in NOAA Weather Radio channels, use them. If your VHF radio is not equipped with weather channels, you may want to buy a VHF weather radio--they’re readily available and low in cost.. If you venture beyond about a 40nm range from shore, you should consider buying a good quality HF single sideband transceiver. Remember to always file a float plan with someone ashore and consider the purchase of an Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon or EPIRB. These devices are designed to save your life if you get into trouble by alerting rescue authorities and indicating your location. This message is brought to you by the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service, reminding you that Safe Boating Week is May 22nd through May 28th. Return to News Archive

Safe Boating Week May 22-28th Your Weather Briefing: 5/22 The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service. Today begins National Safe Boating Week. Few people are affected more by weather than the mariner. An unexpected change in winds, seas, visibility or the sudden development of a thunderstorm can turn a pleasant afternoon into one

You can use any plastic bag to pick up your dog's waste and put it in one of the dog waste bins or litter bins. Dog waste from your garden can be double-bagged and placed in your black refuse sack. It is important for all dog owners to take responsibility for cleaning up after their animal as, not only is it unpleasant to look at and even more unpleasant to step in, it can pose a health risk. For example, Toxocariasis is a rare infection caused by roundworms in the digestive tracks of dogs. It can cause headaches, eye problems and fever in humans if they come into contact with it. If you spot a dog fouling problem, you can report it to Customer Services on 023 8028 5000 or report it online. New Forest District Council can fine those who fail to pick up after their dog £50 so please ensure you have bags or poop scoops with you every time you walk your dog.

You can use any plastic bag to pick up your dog's waste and put it in one of the dog waste bins or litter bins. Dog waste from your garden can be double-bagged and placed in your black refuse sack. It is important for all dog owners to take responsibility for cleaning up after their animal as, not only is it unpleasant to look at and even more unpleasant to step in, it can pose a health risk. For

Water Quality Standards and Classifications This program is responsible for setting New York State ambient water quality standards and guidance values for surface waters and groundwaters throughout the State. The program is also responsible for the classification of surface waters for their best usage (best use). The water quality standards program is a state program with federal (U.S. EPA) oversight. New York's longstanding water quality standards program predates the federal Clean Water Act and protects both surface waters and groundwaters. Information regarding the New York State Water Quality Standards Program can be found in state regulation, specifically New York Codes, Rules and Regulations Title 6 (6 NYCRR) and guidance documents found in the Division of Water Technical and Operational Guidance Series (TOGS). Standards and Criteria DEC establishes water quality standards and other criteria for many specific substances. These standards can be either narrative (e.g., "none in amounts that will impair ...") or numeric (e.g., "0.001 µg/L") and are found in NYS regulation 6 NYCRR Part 703. In the absence of established water quality standards numeric guidance values are derived and compiled in Division of Water guidance (TOGS 1.1.1). Ambient standards and guidance values are supported by technical documents called "Fact Sheets" that are also available. Contact Scott Stoner for more information. Nutrient Criteria are currently being updated to better protect potable water, recreational and aquatic life use in lakes, rivers and estuaries. Water quality standards regulations (6 NYCRR Parts 700 - 706) are also currently being revised. Water Classifications and Reclassification All waters in New York State are assigned a letter classification that denotes their best uses. Letter classes such as A, B, C, and D are assigned to fresh surface waters, and SA, SB, SC, I, and SD to saline (marine) surface waters. Best uses include: source of drinking water, swimming, boating, fishing, and shellfishing. The letter classifications and their best uses are described in regulation 6 NYCRR Part 701. The classification of individual bodies of surface water is in regulation 6 NYCRR Chapter X (Parts 800 - 941). Contact Scott Stoner for more information. Though some waterbody uses may be considered to be of greater importance than others, DEC aims to protect all appropriate uses in each waterbody. Surface waters of the State are reclassified through the formal rule making process. Requests for reclassification can be made by submitting a completed Reclassification Information Form (pdf, 117 kb) to the Department (ATTN: Scott Stoner) at the address on the form or by using the "E-Mail Form" button at the top of the form. The best use of Class GA groundwater (all fresh groundwater in New York State is Class GA) and Class A, A-Special, AA, and AA-Special surface waters is a source of potable water supply. Standards and guidance values of the Health (Water Source) Type are established for these waters to protect this use. Separate standards for drinking water are promulgated by the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH). Certain waters of the Lake Champlain and St. Lawrence River drainage basins will be undergoing reclassification. New York has a statewide antidegradation policy as set forth in the September 9, 1985 Organization and Delegation Memorandum Number 85-40. For the Great Lakes System, this statewide policy is supplemented by implementation guidance in DOW TOGS 1.3.9. Both documents are available at the Antidegradation link in the right hand column. Standards and guidance values of other Types, including Health (Fish Consumption), Aquatic (Chronic), Aquatic (Acute), Wildlife, and Aesthetic are also established. Further information is provided in the Introduction to TOGS 1.1.1. Water quality standards and standard-setting procedures are in 6 NYCRR Chapter X, Parts 700-706. The program also maintains three Technical and Operational Guidance Series (TOGS) providing information on deriving water quality guidance values for human and wildlife health,as well as bioaccumulation factors and site-specific standards: - TOGS 1.1.3 - Procedures for site-specific standards and guidance value. - TOGS 1.1.4 - Procedures for deriving bioaccumulation factors. - TOGS 1.1.5 - Procedures for deriving standards and guidance values for wildlife. For further information, contact Scott Stoner.

Water Quality Standards and Classifications This program is responsible for setting New York State ambient water quality standards and guidance values for surface waters and groundwaters throughout the State. The program is also responsible for the classification of surface waters for their best usage (best use). The water quality standards program is a state program with federal (U.S. EPA) oversi

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 13, 2010 State DNR, Olympic National Forest, Olympic National Park to host open house to recruit volunteers Event coincides with National Public Lands Day OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Olympic Region, Olympic National Forest Pacific District, and Olympic National Park are hosting an open house for anyone interested in learning about volunteer opportunities in state and federal forests on the Olympic Peninsula. The event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 24, at DNR’s conference room at 411 Tillicum Lane in Forks. The Public Lands “Get Involved” Sign-up Volunteer Event is held in conjunction with National Public Lands Day, which is Saturday, September 25. People across the nation will celebrate public lands by doing volunteer projects or participating in special outings. At the September 24 open house, potential volunteers can learn about a variety of opportunities with DNR, Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park: - Forest watch program: Be the eyes and ears in the woods. Report suspicious activities, illegal dumping, and any other abuse to the forests, waters, trails, and roads. - Campground hosts: Be a welcoming presence at local campgrounds, greet visitors, and explain the rules. - Keep local campgrounds clean and maintained: Volunteer to help with ongoing and future restoration projects, cleanup, maintenance, and more. - Adopt-A-Trail Program in Olympic National Park: sign up for specific volunteer trail projects throughout the park. - Volunteer at the Matt Albright Native Plant Center: Volunteers are needed to support Olympic National Park’s nursery operations throughout the winter months; tasks include repotting plants, planting seeds, caring for plants, and completing small maintenance tasks. For those who sign up to volunteer, DNR will sponsor follow-up events later in the year or next spring, including relevant training for various volunteer positions. For more information, contact: - Cathy Baker, DNR, 360-374-2860, [email protected] - Dean Millett, Olympic National Forest, Pacific District Ranger, 360-374-1222, [email protected] - Maggie Tyler, Olympic National Park, 360-565-3141, [email protected] Recreation on DNR-managed lands DNR manages 5.6 million acres of state-owned forest, aquatic, agricultural, conservation and urban lands. Most recreation on these lands takes place in the 2.9 million acres of forests that DNR manages as state trust lands. By law, state trust lands are managed to produce income for schools, universities, prisons, state mental hospitals, community colleges, local services in many counties, and the state’s General Fund. State trust lands are also managed to provide fish and wildlife habitat and educational and recreational opportunities. DNR-managed lands provide 1,100 miles of trails, 143 recreation sites, and a variety of landscapes throughout Washington State. Recreational opportunities include hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, camping, motorized vehicle riding, mountain biking, and boating. DNR’s main recreation focus is to provide trails, trailhead facilities, and a primitive experience in a natural setting. Olympic National Park Olympic National Park (ONP), established in 1938, protects 922,651 acres, 95 percent of which are designated “wilderness.” Often referred to as "three parks in one," ONP features 73 miles of rocky Pacific coastline, vast expanses of rain forest valley and glacier-capped peaks in the park's mountainous core. Olympic National Park offers numerous recreational opportunities for its more than 3 million annual visitors with 16 developed campgrounds, 64 trailheads and 611 miles of trails throughout the park. For more information, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/olym . Olympic National Forest — Pacific Ranger District The Pacific Ranger District manages the 272,632 acres on the west side of the Olympic National Forest. The district includes 7 campgrounds, more than 45 miles of trails, the Colonel Bob Wilderness, 2 visitor information centers, and 2 temperate rain forests—the Quinault Rain Forest at Quinault and the Bogachiel Rain Forest, 10 miles south of Forks. Two new projects include the partnership with Clallam County to construct the Olympic Discovery Trail, a 130-mile route from Port Townsend to LaPush, and the establishment of the Bogachiel system as part of the Pacific Northwest Trail system. Additional information is available on the Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic . Toni Droscher, Recreation Program Communications Manager, 360-902-1523, or [email protected] Dean Millett, District Ranger, Pacific Ranger District, (360) 374-1222, or [email protected] Maggie Tyler, Olympic National Park, 360-565-3141, or [email protected] # # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 13, 2010 State DNR, Olympic National Forest, Olympic National Park to host open house to recruit volunteers Event coincides with National Public Lands Day OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Olympic Region, Olympic National Forest Pacific District, and Olympic National Park are hosting an open house for anyone interested in learning

Running a commercial activity in a national park Any commercial or business activity carried out in an area managed by The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) must be operated according to a formal agreement, granted under the National Parks and Wildlife (NPW) Act 1974. The following information helps explain the process, how and why it functions this way and what you need to do if you want to discuss operating a business within a national park. Legislative requirements under the NPW act An agreement is an official authorisation granted by OEH to engage in a commercial or business activity on its land under its management. The agreement may be in the form of a lease, licence, permit, consent, franchise or easement (see current register of leases and easements). In effect it represents a legally binding contractual arrangement between OEH and the agreement holder. OEH commercial opportunities are advertised on the NSW Government tenders website. However, individuals or companies can also approach OEH to seek permission to operate a particular business or commercial activity. In certain instances OEH inherits commercial activities from other government or private land owners when it expands its national park and reserve system. Examples of concessions include the establishment or use of: - accommodation facilities including historic homesteads, cabins, lighthouses and the ski fields - camping grounds and caravan parks - restaurants, kiosks/cafes and Where a private company operates such facilities, the contractual arrangements will reflect government requirements relating to the probity of how agreements are offered and the securing of fair, market-based returns to OEH. NPWS also licenses commercial recreation and tour activities and commercial film and photography in national parks and reserves: Benefits for visitors NPWS has a legislative commitment to provide appropriate facilities in its parks and reserves for the enjoyment, education and recreation of its many visitors. These facilities are often operated by NPWS, but in some circumstances they can be managed more effectively, efficiently or flexibly by the private sector. The concessions system helps to ensure that these commercial services and facilities are appropriate, of a suitable standard and do not conflict with other activities or visitor enjoyment. Benefits for park management The primary purpose of OEH is to protect and conserve natural and cultural heritage in the NSW landscape. The offering of visitor opportunities by OEH ensures that activities operated by the private sector are compatible with its conservation objectives. It also provides OEH with additional valuable resources and income to fund ongoing conservation programs. Benefits for the private sector An agreement in the form of a lease, licence, permit or consent gives you: - A legal right to carry out your proposed activity - A formal relationship between you and OEH so that both parties are aware of their responsibilities and obligations - Security of tenure for the term of your concession, provided you comply with its conditions. Information and advice If you think you might be interested in a potential commercial or business relationship, a little bit of homework will save you time, effort and money in understanding whether OEH can accommodate your proposal. The essential prerequisite is that it must be Your first step is to check the plan of management, or where no plan currently exists, discuss your proposal with local OEH staff. Either way, it's important to speak to the NPWS office nearest to the park or area before you commit resources to your proposal. You can also email [email protected]. Page last updated: 20 September 2012

Running a commercial activity in a national park Any commercial or business activity carried out in an area managed by The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) must be operated according to a formal agreement, granted under the National Parks and Wildlife (NPW) Act 1974. The following information helps explain the process, how and why it functions this way and what you need to do if you want t

Ault A. P., C. R. Williams, A. B. White, P. J. Neiman, . . ., F. M. Ralph, et al. (August 2011): Detection of Asian dust in California orographic precipitation. J. Geophys. Res. Atmos., 116, D16205. doi:10.1029/2010JD015351Full text not available from this repository. Aerosols impact the microphysical properties of clouds by serving as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN). By modifying cloud properties, aerosols have the potential to alter the location and intensity of precipitation, but determining the magnitude and reproducibility of aerosol-induced changes to precipitation remains a significant challenge to experimentalists and modelers. During the CalWater Early Start campaign (22 February to 11 March 2009), a uniquely comprehensive set of atmospheric chemistry, precipitation, and meteorological measurements were made during two extratropical cyclones. These two storms showed enhanced integrated water vapor concentrations and horizontal water vapor transports due to atmospheric river conditions and, together, produced 23% of the annual precipitation and 38% of the maximum snowpack at California's Central Sierra Snow Lab (CSSL). Precipitation measurements of insoluble residues showed very different chemistry occurring during the two storms with the first one showing mostly organic species from biomass burning, whereas the second storm showed a transition from biomass burning organics to the dominance of Asian dust. As shown herein, the dust was transported across the Pacific during the second storm and became incorporated into the colder high-altitude precipitating orographic clouds over the Sierra Nevada. The second storm produced 1.4 times as much precipitation and increased the snowpack by 1.6 times at CSSL relative to the first storm. As described in previous measurement and modeling studies, dust can effectively serve as ice nuclei, leading to increased riming rates and enhanced precipitation efficiency, which ultimately can contribute to differences in precipitation. Future modeling studies will help deconvolute the meteorological, microphysical, and aerosol factors leading to these differences and will use CalWater's meteorological and aerosol observations to constrain the model-based interpretations. The ultimate goal of such combined efforts is to use the results to improve aerosol-cloud impacts on precipitation in regional climate models. |Divisions:||Physical Sciences Division|

Ault A. P., C. R. Williams, A. B. White, P. J. Neiman, . . ., F. M. Ralph, et al. (August 2011): Detection of Asian dust in California orographic precipitation. J. Geophys. Res. Atmos., 116, D16205. doi:10.1029/2010JD015351Full text not available from this repository. Aerosols impact the microphysical properties of clouds by serving as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN). By modify

Physician Assistant Competencies for Genomic Medicine: Where We Are Today and How to Prepare for the Future National Institutes of Health March 29-30, 2007 The "Physician Assistant Competencies for Genomic Medicine: Where We Are Today and How to Prepare for the Future" meeting was held at the Natcher Conference Center of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md. on March 29-30, 2007. The conference was organized and supported by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), with participation of leadership from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA); the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA); the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA); and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). The field of genetics and genomics are moving forward rapidly. Within the next few years, we will discover most of the common hereditary factors that play a role in disease, which will lead to the development of many more genetic tests, including ones related to common diseases. The Physician Assistant community is poised to use the power of the human genome to make a difference in public health by bringing genomics into practice. While such developments will soon make genetics increasingly important to the practice of medicine, Physician Assistants are well positioned now, as a vital part of the medical team, to integrate existing genomic tools, such as family history, into current practice. The goal of this meeting was to develop an outline for how Physician Assistants could utilize current and anticipated knowledge of genetics and genomics as the basis for improving clinical care and make personalized medicine a regular part of patient care. The NHGRI is pleased to present this summary of the meeting proceedings. We would like to thank all of the presenters, break-out group leaders, and participants for their active participation and for their thoughtful contributions that form the basis for this summary. The body of this report summarizes each session and concludes with the action plans proposed by each of the four Physician Assistant organizations present at the meeting, as well as other recommendations made by the participants. Included also are: - PAC Meeting Agenda - PAC Meeting Participant List - Presentation PowerPoints - Keynote Lecture - Genomic Medicine: Alan Guttmacher, M.D. - Accreditation Review Commission of Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA): John McCarty - Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA): Anita Duhl Glicken, M.S.W., Connie Goldgar, PA-C, M.S. - National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA): William Kohlhepp, M.H.A., PA-C - American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA): Mary Ettari, M.P.H., PA-C - Race and Genetics: Vence Bonham, J.D. - Teaching and Learning Genomic Medicine: Joseph McInerney, M.A., M.S. - What the Physician Assistant Needs to Know About Genetics and Genomics: Bruce Korf, M.D., Ph.D. Thursday, March 29 The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Acting Surgeon General Kenneth Moritsugu, Dr. Francis Collins, Director of NHGRI, and Mr. Michael Rackover, PA-C of Philadelphia University. A series of talks were then presented, with interactive discussion periods following each talk. Brief summaries of the talks follow: Genetic medicine focuses on the impact of single genes on disease, while genomic medicine includes the effect of the entire genome on disease (and health). Genomic medicine is based on the foundation of the Human Genome Project (HGP), which was completed in 2003. The science and technology related to genetics and genomics are moving forward rapidly. Genomics will change medicine by: creating a fundamental understanding of the biology of many diseases, even many "non-genetic" ones; leading to defining disorders by biology of causation, rather than by symptoms; and providing knowledge of individual genetic predispositions via microarray and other technologies. Genomics will help enable health care providers to treat patients based as the biological individuals they each are. The family history is a tool we have readily available to personalize medicine now. The U.S. Surgeon General's Family History Initiative encourages individuals and families to talk about their family medical histories and record information to share with their health care providers. In anticipation of the increased use of genomics in health care, the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) is currently being considered in Congress, and President Bush has indicated he would sign such legislation if it reached his desk. If enacted, GINA would limit health insurers' and employers' access to, and use of, genetic information. Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) - John McCarty - PowerPoints: Accreditation Review Commission of Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA): John McCarty The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) protects the interest of the public and the Physician Assistant profession by defining the standards for Physician Assistant education and evaluating Physician Assistant educational programs within the territorial United States to ensure their compliance with those standards. ARC-PA became a free standing body in 2001. There are currently 136 accredited programs. The Standards for Physician Assistant Education outline the requirements for an accreditation of programs. The standards are competency based and have specificity regarding curriculum requirements, but do not prescribe a specific academic degree. The current standards were revised in 2006 and include a requirement for instruction in genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease. Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) - Anita Duhl Glicken, MSW and Connie Goldgar, PA-C, M.S. - PowerPoints: Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) - Anita Duhl Glicken, MSW and Connie Goldgar, PA-C, M.S. The purpose of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) is to improve quality of healthcare for all patients by fostering excellence in Physician Assistant education. PAEA represents the 136 accredited Physician Assistant educational programs and provides services for the 1,500 faculty and staff who run them. Physician Assistant programs average 26 months in length with one year of clinical training and one year of didactic training. Advances in genetics, as well as other areas of medicine, are leading to new demands on practicing Physician Assistants. PAEA recently conducted a survey of Physician Assistant programs to gather data that might assist in developing specific genetics competencies, genetics curricula, and curricular delivery methods for Physician Assistants and Physician Assistant educators. The Web-based survey consisted of 18 questions. One-hundred out of the then 134 existing programs responded to the survey (~75 percent). A sample of the survey results show the following: - 74 percent of programs have stated core and learning objectives for genetics/genomics - 2/3 of the programs dedicate 7 to 20 hours to genetics - The majority of the teaching responsibility for genetics falls on existing faculty - 81 percent of programs perceive a need to enhance their genetic curricula - 62 percent of programs plan to change their approach to teaching genetics in the near future The full survey results will be published in the coming months. PAEA sees an opportunity to position Physician Assistant educators as leaders in teaching of genetics in medical education. National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) - William Kohlhepp, M.H.A., PA-C - PowerPoints: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) - William Kohlhepp, M.H.A., PA-C The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is the national certifying agency for Physician Assistants in the United States. Founded in 1975 as an independent not-for-profit organization, NCCPA is dedicated to assuring the public that certified Physician Assistants meet professional standards of knowledge and skills. More than 65,000 Physician Assistants have been certified by NCCPA. All 50 states rely on the NCCPA certification criteria for licensure or regulation of physician assistants. Recertification of Physician Assistants is required in only 23 states; however, about 92 percent of Physician Assistants maintain their certification. The current competencies for the Physician Assistant profession were approved in 2005. The Content Blueprint for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) does not currently have a section on genetics, but genetic diseases are included as examples and some genetics questions are included on the exam. American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) - Mary Ettari, M.P.H., PA-C The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) represents the interest of Physician Assistants in clinical practice and educational and research settings. Physician Assistants are members of the healthcare team and practice with the supervision of a physician. There are 40,000 Physician Assistant and student members of AAPA. AAPA provides CME services to the community. It also has alliances with several other medical organizations. Some statistics about the profession: - As of January 2007, there were 75,260 Physician Assistants eligible to practice. - 63,609 Physician Assistants are in clinical practice, 44 percent of whom are in a group practice. - 47 percent of Physician Assistants are located on the east coast. - This year, 12,000 students will be trained, 72 percent of whom are female. What the Physician Assistant Needs to Know about Genetics and Genomics - Bruce Korf, M.D., Ph.D. - PowerPoints: What the Physician Assistant Needs to Know about Genetics and Genomics - Bruce Korf, M.D., Ph.D. The fields of genetics and genomics are changing rapidly. A modern day view of the genome looks different from the linear set of sequences of ACTG we usually see. The genome involves a complicated network of interactions, and we are just beginning to unravel the relevant biological pathways and metabolic networks. Patients are catching up to the practitioner, if not already ahead, in terms of awareness of genetics news. Practicing Physician Assistants and students need to be knowledgeable regarding genetics; however, it's not easy to determine how to fit all of the items needed into the curriculum. There are different levels of what the Physician Assistant needs to know about genetics. Three basic items that Physician Assistants should know about genetics are: - That family history can be a clue to risk (hemochromatosis, as an example) - Clinical decisions will increasingly rely on results of genetic tests (See www.GeneTests.org). - A new medical paradigm will emerge (pharmacogenetics, etc.) Advances in technology such as pharmacogenetic testing and the $1,000 genome will enable us to personalize medicine. Use of the Electronic Medical Record will allow results of genetic tests and other medical information to reside in one location for facilitated analysis. There is a role for all health care providers in genetics. Role models can be useful in getting the rest of the community to "buy into" genetics. Race and Genetics - Vence Bonham, J.D. - PowerPoints: Genomics, Health and Race: Vence Bonham, J.D. Genomic Medicine offers the next major breakthrough in diagnosis, prevention, and cure of disease. Should race be a part of genomic medicine? How do we use race as a concept in thinking about genetics? Many disciplines are engaged in the conversation about race as a concept, and articles in the scientific literature have expanded from commentaries on race to scientific articles on genetic variants. Personalized medicine is more effective than medicine based on race. When should we use race and ethnicity to assist with personalized health care decisions? There is limited empirical data on health professionals' understanding and beliefs about race and human genetic variation. Thoughtful use of racial and ethnic categories is required in health services, clinical and genetic research, and clinical care. Developing a deeper understanding of health professionals' knowledge of human genetic variation, attitudes about human genetic variation, and use of race in clinical practice will be instrumental for successfully translating genomics into clinical practice. Teaching and Learning Genomic Medicine - Joseph McInerney, M.A., M.S. We've been promising a revolution in health care driven by the Human Genome Project, but it is hard to get students to learn about genetics based only on promise. A survey by the Genetic Alliance and the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics (NCHPEG) asked individuals and family members affected with "genetic disease" about their experiences with a variety of health professionals not trained in genetics. The survey results demonstrate a missed opportunity for health professionals to educate patients and families regarding genetics (In Press for Genetics in Medicine [geneticsinmedicince.org]). There are challenges and barriers to expanding and improving education in genetics for health professionals who are not genetics specialists. Barriers to genetics education for health professionals include crowded curriculum, misconceptions about genetics, lack of knowledgeable faculty, a disconnect between basic sciences and clinical experiences during training, failure to integrate genetics across the curriculum, and inadequate representation of genetics on certifying exams. Barriers to the integration of genetics into primary care include a dearth of genetics professionals, lack of knowledge about genetics among primary care providers, lack of confidence, inadequate family histories, lack of referral guidelines, and limited payment for genetics-related services. We need to look at the "other side" of the barriers to identify the drivers for adopting genetics into practice. Providers need to learn to look for the red flags that can be identified through reviewing a patient's family history. There is no niche for genetics in curricula; it is actually the information on which everything else rests. Case-based approaches, layered content, relevant clinical guidelines, guidelines for referral, and links to resources can all be very useful in teaching genetics to Physician Assistants. NCHPEG and AAPA are working together to develop the "Genetics in PA Practice" program, which is a case based and interactive tool. The tool is going into field testing in April 2007. Friday, March 30 On the afternoon of Day 1 (Thursday), each attendee participated in one of two breakout groups. Both of these breakout groups were given the same charge: to focus on the Physician Assistant profession in general (rather than any specific PA organization) and to discuss how to integrate genetics/genomics into Physician Assistant education and practice, as well as to describe obstacles to this integration and ways to surmount these obstacles. Each of these two breakout groups reported back on the morning of March 30: Break-out Session I, Group B - Reported by Larry Herman, M.P.A., RPA-C - For Educators: Develop a genetics/genomics educational toolkit for Physician Assistant programs and educators. Survey shows that 75 percent of genetics info is being conveyed by core faculty, so need to bring them up to speed. Lecture outlines, standardized cases, question banks and bank of graphics are needed. Need to develop a "capstone course" in genetics as well as weave the content into all courses. - For Clinicians: Develop a Physician Assistant Dashboard for clinicians to use. There are five to eight areas in which we can make a difference in practice today. The Dashboard can be computer-based, PDF downloadable, or as simple as an advertisement run in the AAPA news. Consider compressing the rigorous three-generation pedigree to 1st degree relatives only - triage what is most important. Present to clinicians as time saving. Get clinicians to make effort to take the first step - momentum will build after they become invested. - Foster mentors and/or thought leaders to bring others along. - Included genetics in best practices. - Generate buzz through short pieces in newsletters, journals, etc. Inclusion of this in the AAPA annual conference and the Chapter Lecture Series will also generate interest. - Need to move genetics today - what can people put into practice immediately. Need to get people excited. - Identify resources that are already in existence. - Recognition of risk analysis as leading to prevention. - Team work - partner PAs with geneticists. Can identify areas where geneticists would most appreciate PAs being involved, perhaps five to eight core areas. Break-out Session I, Group A - Reported by Bob McNellis, M.P.H., P.A. - Education/Training: Need a culture shift for faculty. Barriers include limited content expertise, low comfort levels, misconceptions about genetics (i.e., focus on Punnet squares and peas), and lack of information about what is currently being taught. Solutions include faculty development, such as a short course for faculty, building a cadre of educators with increased comfort and expertise, and identifying champions at the institutional and organizational level to drive culture shift. Overarching theme: Integration across the curriculum. Faculty development should be PAEA "sponsored" with collaborative development of core materials involving all four organizations to ensure linkages between education and practice. - Curriculum for Students: Barriers include overcrowded curricula and development of resources. Solutions include: development of a touchstone course to integrate into existing curriculum (much like integration of cultural diversity/competence into the curriculum as an example); pre-packaged curricula so that programs can use whichever elements they need (perhaps more accurately described as "reusable learning objects"); and linking to information technology (use of EHR and PHR). - Assessment: Begin to look at how the certifying exam can be used to encourage integration of genetics material into curriculum. Look at the exam blueprint and find existing opportunities. Initially add unscored questions to assess baseline knowledge. Begin to recruit content expertise onto test writing committees. Link questions with practice. Revise practice analysis to look for more detail on use of genetic knowledge and skills in practice. Ultimately, use expertise from the genetics community (e.g., American College of Medical Genetics, National Society of Genetic Counselors, International Society of Nurses in Genetics) to influence practice, assessment, and curriculum development. - Continuing Education for Physician Assistants: Focusing on practicing PAs, especially those who serve as preceptors, is important. Preceptors can reinforce student learning and validate the importance of the family history to students. Likewise, students can reinforce the importance of family history to their preceptors, resulting in a useful synergy of learning. Ways to reach current practitioners include: publish articles in Journal of the American Physician Assistant Association (JAAPA) to increase interest; offer CME sessions at annual conference, use genetics as a presidential theme for AAPA; Chapter Lecture Series; introduce issues of race and genetics; make content of NEJM series on Genomic Medicine available; use content experts for a new series on genetics for JAAPA; use the concept of a "primer" to get Physician Assistants interested in the topic; identify other journals and publications of potential interest to Physician Assistants (e.g., Genetics in Medicine); and develop a list of resources and bibliography. - Build on the Surgeon General's Family History Tool: If possible, integrate into the tool some simple analytic processes to deal with common genetic risks. Develop a form that can be used in charts for PA practice. Develop a module that can be integrated into EMRs or encourage lower tech strategies, like scanning forms into the medical record. - Community of Learning: Perhaps make available to students and clinicians a "community of learning" for people to explore and discuss the challenges and successes of learning to practice in the age of genomics - "Wiki-genomics." After discussion of these presentations, the meeting attendees split into new breakout groups - this time, four groups sorted by Physician Assistant organization - to discuss how each organization might implement the recommendations from the first set of break-out groups. Each of these four breakout groups reported back, as follows: Break-out Session II, AAPA - Gregor Bennett, M.A., PA-C - Perception: Survey of the House of Delegates to find out current knowledge and interest in genetics. Survey results will be used to formulate plans. Promote the U.S. Surgeon General's Family History Initiative at the upcoming conference. Work with NCHPEG. Update genomic Web page on AAPA Web site. Review genetic testing policy paper and update as needed. - Positioning the Profession: Collaborative efforts with ACMG, NSGC, and ISONG. Expand effort to other medical groups to gain enthusiasm. Enhance relationship with AAFP, AAP, ACP, etc. - Practice: Add components to the Chapter Lecture Series. Launch a series of articles in JAAPA. Distribute information in Clinical Watch, AAPA News, JAAPA. Interview a Physician Assistant Genetic Counselor and highlight in "a day in the life" article. Establish more resources for clinicians in daily practice. Break-out Session II, NCCPA - William Kohlhepp, M.H.A., PA-C - Treat genomics like topic of surgery. Make blueprint say up to __ percent of questions in exam should come from genomics. - Analysis of coding bank to evaluate if questions are from genetics/genomics. - Make sure current questions don't have distracters that are now wrong in the genome era - Make sure item writers are prepared to write questions on this topic. Do inventory of current item writer backgrounds to see if need more expertise. - Change practice analysis questions to learn if PAs are using genomics already in practice. - Procedure logging - add pedigree to log. - Look at the types of CMEs PAs are earning already on genomics. - Have NCCPA Chairman mention that the organization fully supports genomics initiative in speech to AAPA House of Delegates. - Link current competencies. - Use NCCPA computer portal to drive information to the PA programs. - Talk with PAEA to see how can support programs in writing questions. - Have NCCPA Foundation build competencies on genomics. - Develop post card to send out to PAs regarding USSGFHI and pedigree. - Request for proposals on research topics regarding genetics. - Develop best practices in history and physical skills, counseling, etc. - Items for other groups: Medical documentation, possible post graduate training in genetics for PAs, address this topic at the AAPA meeting or House of Delegates. Break-out Session II, PAEA - Timi Agar-Barwick - Spring 2007: Report outcomes of this meeting to the network; work with Connie Goldgar to beta test the Web site of tools; establish an interest group on genetics; promote the Web link for NCHPEG as a resource to members; work with the test writing committee (student self-assessment) to evaluate area on genetics. - Summer 2007: Publish an editorial in the Journal of Physician Assistant Education on the survey results; include in faculty development Web site; charge faculty development institute to use existing Web resources. - Fall 2007: Present for approval to membership the final competencies document; implement the "put the face on genetics" campaign at the annual meeting; do a demo of NCHPEG Web product; participate in a genetics discussion at follow-up meeting. - Winter 2007-2008: Investigate a mentorship program for preceptors; consider an additional plenary session for October 2008 meeting; establish an oversight committee on genetics. Break-out Session II, ARC-PA - Tim Evans, M.D., Ph.D. - Standards committee added requirement regarding genetics in September 2006, but do not prescribe what content needs to be there. - All programs are required to show where in their curricula they teach how to take a complete family history. - Consider adding a requirement that programs formally submit syllabi for courses on genetics during the application process. The entire group then discussed these four breakout group reports, as well as other "next steps," as follows. Wrap-up Summary and Next Steps - Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., Moderator A lot has been accomplished in this short meeting. The Physician Assistant community is very cohesive and well suited for the opportunity to be change agents. NHGRI would like to be partners in this endeavor through the following: " Visibility of the U.S. Surgeon General's Family History Initiative at the upcoming AAPA Annual Meeting. Consider making laptops and printers available for attendees to view the "My Family Health Portrait" website and complete their own family history at either the 2007 or 2008 annual AAPA meeting. - As schedules allow, NHGRI staff would be willing to attend various Physician Assistant meetings to give presentations on genetics. The talks should be associated with pre-meeting announcements and follow-up activities. - Formulate a Coordinating Council with representation from each Physician Assistant group, NHGRI and the Office of the Surgeon General to update one another on progress in this arena. - Plan another meeting for this group in September 2007. Additional organizations to consider including are ACMG, NCGC, ISONG, etc. In advance of the meeting, the Coordinating Committee should assess which action areas identified at this meeting have been accomplished. Additional recommendations to keep the momentum going: - Develop the "face of genetics" campaign for five to eight cases. Use NCHPEG to help build connections to patients and families for this campaign. Consider building connections to NSGC for help with development of content. - Develop a "top 10 list" regarding genetics in health and disease for Physician Assistants. - Develop a partnership between the Physician Assistant community and the genetics community. Opportunity to leverage a lot of the medical community through the PA community. Establish liaisons. Establish partnerships in education and practice. Bruce Korf, President-Elect of ACMG will get in touch with ACMG leadership to establish more formal liaisons with the PA community. - NCHPEG to build on current relationships that have been developed through the "Genetics in PA Practice" program. Last Reviewed: April 20, 2012

Physician Assistant Competencies for Genomic Medicine: Where We Are Today and How to Prepare for the Future National Institutes of Health March 29-30, 2007 The "Physician Assistant Competencies for Genomic Medicine: Where We Are Today and How to Prepare for the Future" meeting was held at the Natcher Conference Center of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md. on March 29-30, 2007

From the office of House Leader John Boehner: Democrats' bill would increase taxes, raise health care costs and ration care; House Republicans are proposing better solutions. Here is a condensed list but you can find expanded explanations of each item on the Boehner web site here. 1. A Government Takeover of Health Care 2. Forcing More than 100 Million Out of their Health Care 3. Rationing Health Care Treatments 4. A New Mandate on Individuals 5. A New Mandate on Employers 6. Harming Small Businesse 7. Expanding Entitlements 8. Unfunded Mandates on States 9. How many Taxes will Democrats Raise? 10. Shift Massive New Costs Onto Taxpayers

From the office of House Leader John Boehner: Democrats' bill would increase taxes, raise health care costs and ration care; House Republicans are proposing better solutions. Here is a condensed list but you can find expanded explanations of each item on the Boehner web site here. 1. A Government Takeover of Health Care 2. Forcing More than 100 Million Out of their Health Care 3. Rationing Health

State Agencies Directed to Increase Energy Efficiency by 20% in Seven Years Initiative Will Save Taxpayers Millions of Dollars and Create Thousands of Jobs Albany, NY (December 28, 2012) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued an Executive Order directing state agencies to increase energy efficiency in state buildings by 20 percent in seven years - one of the most ambitious initiatives in the nation that will save millions of dollars for taxpayers and create thousands of jobs while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Governor also launched "Build Smart NY," a plan to strategically implement the Executive Order by accelerating priority improvements in energy performance. "Improving energy efficiency in our buildings is a smart investment in our present and future," Governor Cuomo said. "Through Build Smart NY, state government can produce significant savings for New York taxpayers and generate thousands of jobs, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than eight million metric tons - which is the same as taking one million cars off the road for one year. Furthermore, most of the projects will pay for themselves as their energy savings will cover their costs, making this initiative a financial and environmental win-win for New Yorkers." To meet the goal of increasing energy efficiency by 20 percent in seven years, the administration designed Build Smart NY, a strategic implementation plan that will use state building energy data to prioritize projects that will deliver the greatest energy savings per dollar spent. The largest and most inefficient buildings will be addressed first and undergo comprehensive whole-building improvements. Building improvements include measures like new lighting fixtures and controls, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, electric motors, and automated energy management systems. Build Smart NY supports the Governor's larger NY Works program and economic development agenda which coordinates state funding to accelerate projects that will create jobs and improve the state's infrastructure. NY Works is designed to expedite select projects with maximum economic impact, allowing them to begin as soon as possible and reduce project costs by hundreds of millions of dollars. Similarly, Build Smart NY will accelerate projects that produce the greatest savings and coordinate all spending. The program will also ensure that cost-effective improvements for energy savings are considered in all of the state's capital project planning. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has committed to provide $450 million in low-cost financing for this initiative. Additionally, for most projects, no upfront capital spending will be required because agencies will be able to repay the loans through the projects' energy savings. Also in support of Build Smart NY, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) comprehensive array of energy efficiency programs provide objective and customized information to help state agencies and others make informed energy decisions and also provide attractive financial incentives to help offset the costs of energy efficiency improvements. Significant progress has already been made in the last few months. Data has been collected on over 180 million square feet of buildings and campuses - about 95 percent of the State's building stock, and work has started on 30 million square feet of real estate. To support Governor Cuomo's efforts to increase energy efficiency, a new web platform was launched today that posts progress reports, case studies, energy savings, project costs, and other information to the public, providing greater accountability and transparency on government spending and performance. With this site, New York State is also pioneering the use of big data and social networking technologies to create transparency around building energy efficiency, drive innovation, and accelerate projects. The platform is powered by technology from New York City start-up, Honest Buildings, Inc. For more information, visit www.buildsmart.ny.gov. Tony Malkin, President of Malkin Holdings, Supervisor of the Empire State Building, said, "The Governor is demonstrating strong leadership in his Build Smart NY initiative to increase energy efficiency throughout the state's property. New York State is using the best lessons from private practice and creating a large scale public policy initiative based on real data to determine investment and return. The program will prioritize projects and apply resources to the buildings that can deliver the biggest bang for taxpayer dollars, while making sure to share case studies and building information with the public. I applaud the Governor for this initiative which will create jobs and save New Yorkers money." "Today Governor Cuomo has moved New York one step closer to being the most energy efficient state in the nation," said Jackson Morris, Director of Strategic Engagement for the Pace Energy & Climate Center. "Leading by example in making state buildings more energy efficient will save taxpayers money, create thousands of local jobs, and bolster New York's broader efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. This is precisely the sort of leadership the state and nation needs to move to a 21st century clean energy economy, and we commend the Governor for launching this groundbreaking initiative." "Governor Cuomo's Build Smart NY Initiative is a prime example of public-private sector collaboration," said Greg Hale, Director of Efficiency Finance at the Natural Resources Defense Council. "New York State's investment in cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades to the state's buildings will create thousands of jobs for local businesses, while also helping to jumpstart a private sector market for efficiency renovations like this in communities across the state. The energy savings generated by these efficiency improvements to state-owned buildings will not only repay the state's initial investment in a few years, but will continue to save millions of taxpayer dollars for years to come." "By scaling up use of energy efficiency and renewable energy resources, New Yorkers can effectively limit pollution, reduce harmful carbon emissions, slash energy bills, and create new jobs. Governor Cuomo's leadership and commitment to reducing energy usage by State agencies, authorities and commissions by 20% by 2020 makes New York State a model for others around the country," said Mary Barber Environmental Defense Fund's Energy Program chief of strategy and regional director of EDF's New York office. "Governor Cuomo's Build Smart NY initiative is an innovative and practical approach to energy efficiency, expediting the completion of cost-saving measures and prioritizing work to ensure efficient implementation," said Gil C. Quinones, president and chief executive officer, New York Power Authority. "Improving the energy efficiency of state buildings will save hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars, create new jobs from the capital investments in energy-saving projects, and benefit the environment." "The Build Smart NY initiative is another example of Governor Cuomo's serious commitment to increasing energy efficiency across New York State," said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA. "NYSERDA is proud to take part in this effort as we work with partners in government and the private sector to effect a permanent transformation in the way new buildings are designed and constructed, and existing building are retrofitted through innovative, cost-effective energy efficiency measures. Projects under Build Smart NY will decrease government energy use, reduce energy costs and increase jobs in our growing energy-efficiency sector." "Governor Cuomo's Build Smart NY initiative makes sense for the environment and taxpayers," RoAnn Destito, Commissioner, Office of General Services (OGS) said. "We know what a tremendous impact this initiative will have when implemented in buildings statewide, because OGS has seen the results of the energy efficiency programs we have put into place in state office buildings." The Executive Order is below: DIRECTING STATE AGENCIES AND AUTHORITIES TO IMPROVE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF STATE BUILDINGS WHEREAS, New York is dedicated to the mutually compatible goals of environmental protection, energy security, and economic growth; and WHEREAS, increasing energy efficiency has been identified as among the most cost-effective methods for reducing greenhouse gas and other environmental pollutant emissions and increasing energy security; and WHEREAS, increasing energy efficiency can lead to increased jobs and a reduction in building operating expenses; and WHEREAS, New York is committed to implementing new policies to promote the efficient use of energy and natural resources in the interest of the long-term protection and enhancement of the State's environment, economy and public health; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of New York, do hereby order as follows: For the purposes of this Executive Order, the following terms are defined as follows: A. "Affected State Entities" means (i) all agencies and departments over which the Governor has Executive Authority, and (ii) all public-benefit corporations, public authorities and commissions, for which the Governor appoints the Chair, the Chief Executive, or the majority of Board Members, except for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. B. "Average Source Energy Use Intensity" or "average EUI" means the average source energy use per square foot for all state-owned and managed buildings. C. "Source energy" means all the energy used in delivering energy to a site, including power generation, transmission and distribution losses. II. ENERGY REDUCTION TARGET By April 1, 2020, all Affected State Entities shall collectively reduce the average EUI in State-owned and managed buildings by at least 20% from a baseline of the average EUI of such buildings for State fiscal year 2010/2011 ("Target"). III. OBLIGATIONS TO MEET TARGET A. Central Management and Implementation Team: The New York Power Authority ("NYPA") shall establish a central management and implementation team ("CMIT") to administer this Executive Order. (1) The CMIT is hereby directed and authorized to: (a) Take all appropriate measures to ensure that the Target is met; (b) Direct Affected State Entities to comply with the requirements of this Executive Order; (c) Create guidelines ("Guidelines") within nine months of the issuance of this Executive Order to assist Affected State Entities in complying with this Executive Order, and thereafter update such Guidelines as necessary; (d) Provide strategic, technical, and other assistance to each Affected State Entity to support implementation of this Executive Order; (e) Develop annual milestones for achieving the Target over the next seven years within 12 months of the issuance of this Executive Order; (f) Develop and implement reporting requirements to document each Affected State Entity's progress toward meeting the Target; (g) Develop a comprehensive operations and maintenance plan for the State's building portfolio to help achieve no cost and low cost efficiency improvements and ensure that efficiency savings are sustained; and (h) Submit an annual report to the Governor by January 15th of each year, beginning in 2014, detailing the overall progress Affected State Entities are making toward meeting the Target. Requirements for the annual report shall be contained in the Guidelines. (2) The Office of General Services and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority are hereby directed to provide technical assistance to the CMIT and each of the Affected State Entities with respect to complying with and implementing the requirements of this Executive Order and those established by the CMIT pursuant to this Executive Order. B. Affected State Entities In addition to the requirements established above, each of the Affected State Entities shall comply with the following: (1) Benchmarking. For each State fiscal year, each Affected State Entity shall measure the energy use in State-owned and managed buildings having an area greater than 20,000 square feet. Buildings on master-metered campuses shall be benchmarked at the campus level until they are sub-metered at the building level, after which point those buildings shall be benchmarked at the building level. (2) Audits. Buildings that receive low benchmark scores, as defined by the Guidelines, shall undergo an American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers ("ASHRAE") Level II energy audit, or any other comparable audit that the CMIT approves. Campuses that have above-average EUIs or poor benchmark scores, as defined by the Guidelines, or are otherwise prioritized by the Affected State Entities and the CMIT, shall undergo a campus-wide ASHRAE Level II energy audit or any other comparable audit approved by the CMIT. In addition to energy efficiency measures, the audits shall identify opportunities for cost-effective on-site renewable generation and high-efficiency combined heat and power. (3) Required Capital Projects and Energy Optimization Measures. Affected State Entities shall implement a cost-effective portfolio of measures identified and recommended in the audit and shall complete or make substantial progress toward completion of such measures within two years of completion of the audit. A portfolio may include, but shall[LM1] not be limited to, no- and low-cost operational improvements, retrocommissioning, capital energy efficiency retrofits, on-site renewable and high-efficiency combined heat and power, and other measures identified by the CMIT. (4) Submetering. Affected State Entities shall work with the CMIT to prioritize sub-metering for all relevant energy sources of buildings larger than 100,000 square feet on a master-metered campus to identify ways to finance such sub-metering. All buildings having an area larger than 100,000 square feet on master-metered campuses shall be sub-metered for all fuels and other energy sources by December 31, 2016, to enable individual building benchmarking, unless the Affected State Entity that owns or operates the building can demonstrate to the CMIT that it is not cost-effective or feasible to do so. (5) Incorporating Energy Efficiency Analysis in the Capital Planning Process. As part of the capital planning process, all Affected State Entities shall include an energy efficiency analysis in the design phase of all capital project plans. The capital project should include energy efficient measures or technologies determined to be the most cost-effective, as defined by the Guidelines. (6) Credits. Affected State Entities may receive credit towards the Target for increasing energy efficiency in leased space. In addition, Affected State Entities may receive credit towards meeting the Target for installing on-site renewable generation if the host site for such renewable generation has deployed all cost-effective energy efficiency improvements consistent with the goals of this Executive Order. Affected State Entities shall consult with and apply to the CMIT concerning such credits. (7) Reporting. No later than October 1st of each calendar year, each Affected State Entity shall submit all information requested by the CMIT on all State-owned and managed buildings having an area over 20,000 square feet, as well as any other information related to assessing compliance with this Executive Order. Electric usage attributable to vehicle charging shall not be included in the Target and requirements of this Executive Order. The CMIT is authorized to provide other exemptions for good cause shown pursuant to criteria and procedures established in the Guidelines, including exceptions associated with buildings that have obtained and maintained ENERGY STAR or similar certification, or have benchmark scores placing such buildings in the top quartile of comparable buildings for the particular year at issue. Affected State Entities shall submit requests for annual exemptions to the CMIT. Any such request for exemptions and resulting determination by the CMIT shall be included in the annual report. IV. Repeal of Prior Executive Orders Executive Order No. 111, promulgated on June 10, 2001, is hereby revoked and superseded by this Executive Order as of the date hereof.

State Agencies Directed to Increase Energy Efficiency by 20% in Seven Years Initiative Will Save Taxpayers Millions of Dollars and Create Thousands of Jobs Albany, NY (December 28, 2012) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued an Executive Order directing state agencies to increase energy efficiency in state buildings by 20 percent in seven years - one of the most ambitious initiatives in the nation

Bordetella pertussis PCR and Bordetella culture PCR and culture are performed on all specimens received. PCR is done to detect the presence of a repetitive insertion sequence called IS481 that has been specifically found to be present in up to 100 copies within the genome of Bordetella pertussis. 8-10 copies of this insertion sequence can also be found in Bordetella holmesii. On rare occasion, a copy of this sequence can also be found in Bordetella bronchiseptica. So these two species may test positive on this PCR. We use culture to differentiate these two species from B. pertussis. PCR allows for the ability to notify submitters of a preliminary result for Bordetella examination requests the day the specimens are received. Culture is done to identify B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, B. bronchiseptica, and B. holmesii. Real time PCR for Bordetella pertussis marker IS481 and culture for 4 species of Bordetella. Kits can be ordered from the MSPHL. Kits consist of Regan-Lowe transport, saline transport, styrofoam insulated box, 2 dacron NP swabs, instructions, and a freeze pillow. Specimen submission forms can be printed from this website. Specimens must be received within 5 days or less from day collected. Specimens must be shipped cold. Specimens received more than 5 days in transit or warm, will be considered unsatisfactory for culture. Be sure to completely close the specimen vials prior to shipment to ensure contents do not leak in transit. (See specimen collection instructions) Acceptable specimens for Bordetella testing include Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs and NP aspirates. When properly collected, the specimen should sample the ciliated respiratory epithelial cells. Throat, bronchial, and sputum specimens are unacceptable for testing and will marked as unsatisfactory for PCR and culture. Test Request Form(s) PCR: Possible PCR results are “Not Found for the IS481 marker” or “Bordetella pertussis marker IS481 found”. All PCR results are reported with a disclaimer: Bordetella-Molecular- The PCR test was developed and the performance characteristics were determined by the Missouri State Public Health Lab. It has not been cleared or approved by the US food and Drug Administration. Be advised that the target sequence IS481 used in this procedure for Bordetella pertussis may also be present in certain strains of B. holmseii and B. bronchiseptica. Culture: Can be “Not Found”, or “Found” for Bordetella pertussis, B. parapertussis, B. holmesii, or B. bronchiseptica The following conditions are considered unsatisfactory for testing: Specimens that are not labeled with the patient name or identifier Specimens that are more than 5 days in transit, received warm, sent with expired media, or sent with cotton or large swabs will be considered unsatisfactory for culture if Bordetella is not found. Throat, bronchial, and sputum specimens. All specimens received before 11:00 have PCR testing performed that day and the results are called to the submitter when the test is complete. Specimens received after 11:00 are tested the next day. Culture plates are held up to 10 days. As provided in 19 CSR 25-38.010, submitters may be charged a handling charge of $10.00 per sample submitted for testing.

Bordetella pertussis PCR and Bordetella culture PCR and culture are performed on all specimens received. PCR is done to detect the presence of a repetitive insertion sequence called IS481 that has been specifically found to be present in up to 100 copies within the genome of Bordetella pertussis. 8-10 copies of this insertion sequence can also be found in Bordetella holmesii. On rare occasion, a c

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) Last Reviewed: November 2011 What is VRE? Enterococci are bacteria that are naturally present in the intestinal tract of all people. Vancomycin is an antibiotic to which some strains of enterococci have become resistant. These resistant strains are referred to as VRE. Are VRE infections serious? In general, enterococci are not very harmful or virulent. This applies to both antibiotic-resistant as well as nonresistant or sensitive strains. However, when VRE infects the urinary tract, surgical wounds or the bloodstream of hospitalized patients, it may be difficult to treat and, occasionally, may be life threatening. New antibiotics to treat VRE are under development. Who gets VRE? Serious VRE infections usually occur in hospitalized patients with serious underlying illnesses such as cancer, blood disorders, kidney disease or immune deficiencies. People in good health are not at risk of infection, but health care workers may play a role in transmitting the organism, if careful hand washing and other infection control precautions are not practiced. How is VRE spread? VRE is usually spread by direct contact with hands, environmental surfaces or medical equipment that has been contaminated by the feces of an infected person. What type of prevention is needed when caring for patients with VRE? When providing care in a private home, hospital or nursing home, health care workers should use disposable gloves and wash their hands with soap after caring for a person with VRE. A disposable gown should also be used if the type of care involves washing or turning the patient, or changing diapers. Routine cleaning of bed rails, toilets and commodes with a bleach solution or hospital-grade disinfectant is also important. In the hospital setting, equipment such as rectal thermometers and blood pressure cuffs should be assigned solely to the infected patient. Are special precautions needed for home care of patients with VRE? Standard precautions including hand washing and gloving should be followed. Otherwise, healthy household members are not at risk of VRE infection. Dishes and utensils can be washed in a dishwasher or with warm soapy water and rinsed. Bed linen and clothing can be washed in a washing machine using a standard detergent for clothing. Can nursing homes or hospitals refuse to accept patients with VRE? No. Such discrimination is unnecessary and may be illegal. Nursing homes and hospitals are expected to follow state and federal guidelines for VRE patients which include standard precautions and proper room assignment. Where can I get further information on VRE? For general information, contact the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, at (518) 473-4439. Patients in hospitals or nursing homes may contact the facility's infection control nurse.

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) Last Reviewed: November 2011 What is VRE? Enterococci are bacteria that are naturally present in the intestinal tract of all people. Vancomycin is an antibiotic to which some strains of enterococci have become resistant. These resistant strains are referred to as VRE. Are VRE infections serious? In general, enterococci are not very harmful or virulent. This

Moving Forward to Implement the Health Insurance Exchanges By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services If you’ve ever purchased insurance in the individual market, you know well how difficult it can be to navigate the market and find affordable options. We want to make this process easier. This is why we’re moving full speed ahead in helping states build “Health Insurance Exchanges,” marketplaces that will allow you to compare plans in your state based on price and quality. When fully implemented in 2014, they’ll be a “one-stop” shop to find and compare affordable, quality health insurance options. In implementing the Health Insurance Exchanges, HHS is partnering with States to take the often complicated process individuals and small businesses face in purchasing insurance on their own and turn it into a simple, easy-to-navigate experience that benefits consumers rather than insurance companies. Work is already under way in States to create these new health insurance marketplaces, and the Affordable Care Act guarantees that States have the resources they need to do their part. Today, we are announcing more resources for States to continue their work to implement the Exchanges. Because each State has different needs and goals, we want to make sure States have the flexibility they need to develop and implement their Health Insurance Exchanges. Starting in 2014, Health Insurance Exchanges will: - Lower Costs: Exchanges will increase competition among private insurance plans through greater comparative shopping and more informed consumers. And by pooling them together, Exchanges will give small businesses the purchasing power that large businesses enjoy today. In addition, consumers buying insurance through an Exchange may qualify for tax credits to help bring down their premium and out of pocket costs. - Provide One-Stop Shop: The Exchanges will make purchasing health insurance easier by providing individuals and small businesses with tools to compare benefits, pricing and quality. Consumers who choose to use them will also have access to a wide range of customer assistance benefits – including information about prices, quality, and physician and hospital networks – to help make the best choice for themselves, their families, or their employees. - Ensure Greater Benefits and Protections: Exchanges will create a health insurance marketplace that will allow families and small employers to choose from plans offering high quality benefits. Individuals and families purchasing health insurance through Exchanges may qualify for premium tax credits and reduced cost-sharing depending on their income. For more on the funding opportunity for States to set up the Exchanges, click here.

Moving Forward to Implement the Health Insurance Exchanges By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services If you’ve ever purchased insurance in the individual market, you know well how difficult it can be to navigate the market and find affordable options. We want to make this process easier. This is why we’re moving full speed ahead in helping states build “Health Insurance Exchange

"Competition works only if social and environmental standards are incorporated." Increasingly, purchasers of natural stones from emerging economies demand that these products are complying with social standards and are willing to pay a higher price. This is a sign of their global responsibility. A lot of small-scale factories in China neglect safety and health at the workplace. Therefore silicosis, harms by noise and accidents occur at a high rate. Inappropriate labour rights also worsen the Missing drive guards imply a great accident risk situation, especially of subcontracted workers. Missing drive guards imply a great accident risk The mission of Fair Stone is the improvement of working conditions and the health situation in the natural stone industry of Asia. A social standard for natural stones from emerging economies has been collaboratively developed by the WiN=WiN Agency for Global Responsibility (see http://www.fairstone.win--win.de/), the German importer Seltra with its two Chinese partners SFS Stone and Delta Stone, the International Section of the ISSA on Prevention in the Mining Industry, and international experts for labour rights. Two years ago, this programme started with the financial support of the German government (DEG) and is at the final stage now. In November 2008, the German Technical Board (TÜV) will carry out an audit of the Fair Stone social standard in Xiamen, China. Last year, the first 20 supply factories joined Fair Stone after declaring by signature that they are free of both, child and forced labour. They committed themselves to the continuous improvement of the working conditions. Now their staffs wear breathing protection to avoid silicosis, and ear protection against hearing damage. Moreover, measures have been taken to enhance workplace safety, powersaving, and cleanness in the factories. With the expertise of the International Section of the ISSA on Prevention in the Mining Industry, the FairStone OSH-Standard has been defined. Meeting the criteria is a requirement to obtain the FairStone-Label. The FairStone OSH-Standard at a glance: The existing standard draft has been discussed with TÜV experts, the participating companies, and the Xiamen Stone Chamber. Earplugs - a simple, but important method to avoid permanent health damage As part of the Fair Stone Handbook "Social Standard for the Natural Stone Industry", an OSH minimum requirement has been defined. The Table of contents spans : 1. Organisation of Safety and Health 2. Risk Assessment 3. Training and Instruction 4. Maintenance and Inspections 5. First Aid and Fire Prevention 6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 7. Workplace Safety 8. Silica Dust and Mineral Dust 9. Noise and Vibration 10. Hazardous Substances 11. Machinery and Equipment 12. Electrical Appliances 14. Transportation and Lifting Gear 15. Ergonomics at Work: healthy work habits Gerhard Czuck, Germany, measuring the noise level at the work place

"Competition works only if social and environmental standards are incorporated." Increasingly, purchasers of natural stones from emerging economies demand that these products are complying with social standards and are willing to pay a higher price. This is a sign of their global responsibility. A lot of small-scale factories in China neglect safety and health at the workplace. Therefore silicosis

September 26, 2011 WASHINGTON -- NASA will hold a news conference at 1 p.m. EDT (10 a.m. PDT) on Thurs., Sept. 29, to reveal near-Earth asteroid findings and implications for future research. The briefing will take place at NASA Headquarters in Washington. NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission, launched in December 2009, captured millions of images of galaxies and objects in space. During the news conference, panelists will discuss results from an enhancement of WISE called Near-Earth Object WISE (NEOWISE) that hunted for asteroids. The panelists are: --Lindley Johnson, Near-Earth Object program executive, NASA Headquarters, Washington --Amy Mainzer, NEOWISE principal investigator, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. --Tim Spahr, director, Minor Planet Center, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge, Mass. --Lucy McFadden, scientist, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. The event will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv . It will also will be streamed live, with a moderated chat available, at: http://www.ustream.tv/nasajpl2 . For more information about the mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/wise . Whitney Clavin 818-354-4673 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Dwayne Brown 202-358-1726 NASA Headquarters, Washington

September 26, 2011 WASHINGTON -- NASA will hold a news conference at 1 p.m. EDT (10 a.m. PDT) on Thurs., Sept. 29, to reveal near-Earth asteroid findings and implications for future research. The briefing will take place at NASA Headquarters in Washington. NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission, launched in December 2009, captured millions of images of galaxies and objects in sp

Press contact: Donna Urschel (202) 707-2905 Public contact: Center for the Book, (202) 707-5221 Request ADA accommodations five days in advance at (202) 707-6362 January 31, 2005 Journalist Nick Kotz To Discuss His New Book On Civil Rights On March 1 Pulitzer-prize-winning journalist Nick Kotz will discuss and sign his new book, "Judgment Days: Lyndon Baines Johnson, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Laws That Changed America" (Houghton Mifflin, 2005) at the Library of Congress at noon on Tuesday, March 1, in the Montpelier Room on the sixth floor of the Library’s James Madison Memorial Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are needed. This event is part of the Center for the Book’s "Books & Beyond" author series, which since 1996 has brought more than 75 authors and editors of new books to the Library of Congress for presentations and book signings. In cooperation with the Library’ s Information Technology Services, many of these of these presentations can be seen as cybercasts from the Library on the center’s Web site: www.loc.gov/cfbook. "Judgment Days" has received excellent reviews. Bob Woodward called it "a great, serious book by one of the greatest, most serious writers of our time." David Halberstam said, "Nick Kotz has written a marvelous, highly readable book—a thriller really—about the events that changed America in the 1960s." In his book, Kotz draws on newly available resources, including President Johnson’s taped telephone conversations, FBI wiretap logs and recently declassified communications between the FBI and the president, to examine challenges faced by Johnson and King following the death of President John F. Kennedy. The author describes how both Johnson and King sensed a historic opportunity born of the popular desire to honor Kennedy’s legacy and the resulting accommodation that moved the two of them and the nation toward the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Kotz won a Pulitzer Prize for national reporting in 1978. His other books include "Let Them Eat Promises: The Politics of Hunger in America" (1969); "A Passion for Equality: George A. Wiley and the Movement" (1977, with Mary Lynn Kotz) and "Wild Blue Yonder: Money, Politics and the B-1 Bomber" (1988). Established in 1977, the Center for the Book is a public-private partnership that uses the resources of the Library of Congress to stimulate public interest in books and reading. For information about its activities and those of its affiliates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, visit its Web site at www.loc.gov/cfbook. # # #

Press contact: Donna Urschel (202) 707-2905 Public contact: Center for the Book, (202) 707-5221 Request ADA accommodations five days in advance at (202) 707-6362 January 31, 2005 Journalist Nick Kotz To Discuss His New Book On Civil Rights On March 1 Pulitzer-prize-winning journalist Nick Kotz will discuss and sign his new book, "Judgment Days: Lyndon Baines Johnson, Martin Luther King, Jr., and t

HOW TO VIEW PDF FILES What are PDF documents? Adobe Acrobat (PDF) documents are just another MIME document type on the web, like movies, JPEG or GIF files. Traditionally these files have an extension of ".PDF". Many web browsers directly support the PDF format natively or through plug-ins, otherwise an external application, the Adobe Acrobat Reader, is required to view these documents. This plug-in or external helper application, which is available free from Adobe, allows a document to be viewed exactly as it was intended on all platforms. It may then also be printed or stored on your local system for later viewing. What do I have to do to view Adobe Acrobat documents? Click on the icon to retrieve the PDF version of the budget section. To view and print PDF documents you must have a browser that supports the PDF format natively or through plug-ins (e.g. Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer) or you can use an external application, such as the Adobe Acrobat Reader or Adobe Acrobat Exchange. Both the plug-ins and Adobe Acrobat Reader are free from Adobe Systems. If your browser does not have native or plug-in support for the PDF MIME type, your web browser can either be configured to launch an external "helper application" or it will download the file for external viewing. Instructions for configuring popular web browsers are available from Adobe. Free Adobe Acrobat Readers and PDF plug-ins are available for the Macintosh, Microsoft DOS, Microsoft Windows, and Sun Unix systems. For information about how to download the software and configure it, please read the instructions from Adobe's web site, http://www.adobe.com. Can I save the PDF document to my hard disk? Yes. Select the document with your web browser. If your browser is configured to recognize PDF files properly, it will display on your screen and you can save it in your browser. If not your browser does not support PDF files or is configured incorrectly, it will most likely ask if you want to download the document as a file on your system. Do a lot of people publish documents on the Internet in Acrobat format? Why? Yes. Many sites publish documents on the Internet using the Acrobat format since it allows the document to be distributed exactly the way it was designed. Any two people who view or print a PDF document will see exactly the same output. Different web browsers often produce different results, and can use different fonts and formatting. For instance, the Internal Revenue Service uses Acrobat to make its tax forms available online. By using PDF format, they can be assured their forms will appear exactly the same as the printed ones. Yes. In order for screenreaders (software sometimes used by people with visual disabilities) to read Adobe PDF files, please follow these steps: - Go to access.adobe.com. - Go to downloads at the bottom of the left column. - Download accessible Acrobat reader from the Download page. To install Acrobat Reader, run the downloaded file and follow the install prompts. - Open up Acrobat Reader and hit Alt + F. - Use the down arrow to preferences and hit enter. - Tab to Web integration and un-select it. - Close Acrobat Reader. - Download and install Acrobat Access 4.05 plug-in for Windows. - Run Acrobat Reader. - When you look at a document on the Web, click on the Web document and download the document and save it on the hard drive off the Internet. - Open up the document using Acrobat Reader, hit Ctrl+4 and it will read the document.

HOW TO VIEW PDF FILES What are PDF documents? Adobe Acrobat (PDF) documents are just another MIME document type on the web, like movies, JPEG or GIF files. Traditionally these files have an extension of ".PDF". Many web browsers directly support the PDF format natively or through plug-ins, otherwise an external application, the Adobe Acrobat Reader, is required to view these documents. This plug-i

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION Rocky Mountain District Metal & Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT UNDERGROUND METAL MINE AND MILL FATAL POWERED HAULAGE ACCIDENT Henderson Mine and Mill [I.D. No. 05-00790] Climax Molybdenum Company Empire, Clear Creek, Colorado July 19, 1995 Supervisory Mine Safety and Health Inspector James V. Skinner Mine Safety and Health Inspector (Electrical) P.O. Box 25367 DFC Denver, CO 80225-0367 Robert M. Friend, District Manager Scott D. Christian, age 32, a delivery truck driver employed by Reliance Steel & Aluminum Company, was fatally injured at approximately 10:15 a.m., on July 19, 1995, when he was crushed by a falling H-beam. Christian had a total of 8 years experience as an over-the-road truck driver, three years with this company. The Henderson Mine, an underground molybdenum operation, was located nine miles west of Empire, Clear Creek County, Colorado, off U.S. Highway 40. The mine was owned and operated by Climax Molybdenum Company. Principal operating officials were: Chris Janes, General Manager William D. Rech, Mine Manager Arthur Davis, Safety Manager The mine normally operated two, 10-hour development shifts and two, 12-hour production shifts, 7 days a week. The mine and mill employed a total of 470 employees. The mine development was begun in 1968, and production was started in 1976. The mining method employed at his operation was known as a "panel caving" system. Ore in the section being mined was undercut by drilling and blasting. Ore continuously "caved" by gravity into large drawpoints where it was loaded into load-haul-dump (LHD) units and transferred to ore passes. It was then placed into rail cars at the bottom of the ore pass system and removed from the mine by rail haulage through a 9-1/2 mile tunnel and 5 miles of surface travel to the mill. The mine surface complex consisted of an office building, a shop, a warehouse, material storage areas, and hoisting facilities. Three shafts served the mine site. Numbers 1 and 2 shafts were utilized for underground ventilation. The Number 3 shaft, used for men and material, was 3,100-feet deep and 28-feet in diameter with a 230 person capacity. Reliance Steel & Aluminum Company was a metals warehouse distributor located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The corporate office was located in Los Angeles, California. The company had been in business for 53 years and employed 600 persons. Principal operating officials were: William Gimbel, Chairman of the Board Joseph Crider, President David Hannah, Chief, Financial Officer The Mine Safety and Health Administration, Rocky Mountain District Office, Denver, Colorado, was notified of the accident on July 19, 1995, at 10:58 a.m., by a telephone call from William Berglof, safety coordinator, Climax Molybdenum Company. An investigation was started the same day. The last regular inspection of this mine was conducted May 8 through June 8, 1995. An MSHA-approved training plan was in effect at this operation. PHYSICAL FACTORS INVOLVED The flatbed trailer involved in the accident was manufactured in 1981 by Hobbs. The trailer measured 41-feet in length, 8-feet in width, and was 53-inches high. The trailer was pulled by a 1994 Freightliner cabover tractor, Model T.T. The truck and trailer were owned by Reliance Steel & Aluminum Company. The integrated tool carrier involved in the accident, owned by Climax Molybdenum Company, was a Caterpillar Model IT 28F, Serial Number 310038, with a load capacity of 9,000 pounds. The integrated tool carrier tine length's were 42-inches. The H-beam which struck and crushed the victim was one of eight that had been loaded lengthwise on the trailer in two stacks of four each. Each beam measured 10- by 10-inches, was 30-feet in length and weighed approximately 2,045 pounds. The load of steel on the truck when the accident occurred consisted of the following materials from the trailer bed upward: - Three small stacks of angle iron, steel tubing, and metal stock were positioned on wooden block supports. - Three sheets of flat plate steel extended the full width of the trailer. - A chained bundle of 50 pieces of square tubing along with round, square, and flat metal stock. The bundle was located on the driver's side edge of the trailer. - The eight H-beams were in two stacks of four, edge up, in the center of the trailer and were separated from the steel sheets by wood blocking. Steel grating and twelve, 6- by 6-inch H-beams, located at the tractor end of the trailer, were unloaded at the west side of the warehouse prior to the accident. DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT Mr. Christian reported to the Reliance Steel & Aluminum Company truck terminal, Colorado Springs, Colorado, at approximately 6:00 a.m., on July 19, 1995. Christian was scheduled to deliver a load of miscellaneous steel beams, grating and steel stock to the Henderson Mine at Empire, Colorado, located 120 miles northwest of the terminal. Floyd Knight, mine forklift operator, reported for work at 7:00 a.m., his regular scheduled starting time. After conferring with Robert White, supervisor, Knight proceeded to perform warehouse and material handling duties. Christian left the terminal at approximately 6:30 a.m., and proceeded to Empire, Colorado, arriving at the Henderson Mine at approximately 9:30 a.m. Upon arrival, Christian contacted Abel Martinez, warehouse person, and informed him that he had a delivery of steel material. Martinez, instructed Knight to proceed with the integrated tool carrier to a company unloading area located west of the warehouse. Martinez proceeded to the unloading area, where he observed Christian at the front of the trailer unchaining steel grating. After Knight unloaded the grating with the integrated tool carrier, Martinez instructed him and Christian to proceed to the east side of the warehouse to continue unloading steel. At approximately 10:15 a.m., Knight positioned the integrated tool carrier on the east side of the parked trailer and prepared to lift the first of two stacks of 10- by 10-inch H-beams. Christian was standing on the bundle of miscellaneous steel stock located near the west edge of the trailer, opposite the integrated tool carrier. He was using hand signals to direct Knight as the H-beams were being handled. When the H-beams were lifted, the four beam stack located on the west side of the trailer toppled to the west. The top beam rolled off the stacked bundle striking Christian, and caused him to fall backward from the trailer to the paved ground, approximately 6-feet below. The beam rolled off the truck and struck Christian, who was laying on his back on the ground. Knight, who saw the victim lying on the ground west of the trailer, immediately radioed the mine hoistman to secure help. Several employees heard the radio call and proceeded to the accident scene. Daniel N. Holmberg, electrician and EMT with the company, arrived at the scene and checked Christian for a pulse and detected none. Due to the severity of his injuries, it was apparent that the victim could not be resuscitated. The Clear Creek County ambulance and county coroner were immediately contacted and arrived a short time later. Christian was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner. Knight was treated for shock and transported to the Lutheran Hospital near Denver, Colorado. He was released the following day. The factors which contributed to this accident were: - Failure to ensure that all persons were in the clear of possible shifting or falling hazards; and, - Failure to provide hazard recognition training related to safe handling and unloading of materials. The following order and citations were issued to Climax Molybdenum Company during the investigation: Order No. 4665921, 103 (k) Issued 7/19/95, at 1423 hours. A delivery truck driver was fatally injured at approximately 1015 hours on 7/19/95. The accident occurred during unloading of steel H-beams in the area east of the maintenance shop. The victim was knocked from the west side of his truck trailer and crushed by a large steel H-beam. Beams were being removed from the east side of the truck trailer with a integrated tool carrier (forklift). This order is being issued to secure the site and ensure the safety of persons on the mine property. This order shall remain in effect until a site investigation is completed by MSHA investigators. Terminated 7/19/95, at 1735 hours. The site investigation has been completed by MSHA investigators. Therefore, this order is terminated and the equipment and area released. Citation No. 4665922, 104 (a)Issued 7/20/95, at 1530 hours for a violation of 57.9201. A delivery truck driver was fatally injured on 7/19/95, at approximately 1015 hours when he was knocked down from the tractor trailer he was standing on. One of the steel H-beams they were unloading shifted, knocking the driver to the ground. The H-beam landed on him causing the fatal injury. The truck driver placed himself in an unsafe position. When the H-beam shifted and fell he couldn't get clear of the falling H-beam. Terminated 8/14/95, at 1410 hours. Forklift operators were reinstructed to ensure that others in the area of unloading remain in the clear. Citation No. 4665923, 104 (a)Issued 7/20/95 at 1615 hours for a violation of 48.31. A delivery truck driver was fatally injured on 7/19/95, at approximately 1015 hours, when he was knocked down from the tractor trailer he was standing on. The victim was fatally crushed by a H-beam which had knocked him from the truck. The victim had not been given hazard training by the company, relative to the hazards involved during the unloading of materials from trucks. The hazards a person would most likely be exposed to included load shifting during unloading, safe driver locations for monitoring unloading, and compliance with safe work practices while on mine property. The accident indicates that the truck driver was not following safe work practices while his truck was being unloaded. Terminated 8/14/95, at 1400 hours. Persons responsible for hazard training of delivery truck drivers were reinstructed for the requirements of hazard recognition training. Respectfully submitted by: /s/ Tyrone Goodspeed Supv. Mine Safety and Health Inspector /s/ James V. Skinner Mine Safety and Health Inspector (E) Robert M. Friend Related Fatal Alert Bulletin:

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION Rocky Mountain District Metal & Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT UNDERGROUND METAL MINE AND MILL FATAL POWERED HAULAGE ACCIDENT Henderson Mine and Mill [I.D. No. 05-00790] Climax Molybdenum Company Empire, Clear Creek, Colorado July 19, 1995 Supervisory Mine Safety and Health Inspector James V. Skinner Mine Safe

New Crew Blasts Off for International Space Station HOUSTON -- A new crew that will live and work aboard the International Space Station rocketed into orbit early Sunday aboard a Soyuz spacecraft. U.S. astronaut E. Michael Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov and Richard Garriott, a U.S. computer game developer, lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 2:01 a.m. CDT. Fincke, the only American to launch twice on a Soyuz, will serve as commander of the six-month Expedition 18 mission. The mission’s main focus will be preparing the station to house six crew members on long-duration missions. The Expedition 18 crew is scheduled to arrive at the station Tuesday, with docking to the Zarya module scheduled for 3:33 a.m. After the hatches are opened, Expedition 17 Commander Sergey Volkov and spaceflight participant Garriott will become the first children of previous space fliers to greet each other in orbit. Garriott is the son of former NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, who was a member of the Skylab-3 crew in 1973. Volkov is the son of veteran cosmonaut Alexander Volkov, who flew three Soyuz missions. Garriott will spend nine days on the station under a commercial agreement with the Russian Federal Space Agency. He will return to Earth on Oct. 23 with Volkov and Expedition 17 Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko, who have worked aboard the station since April 10. Expedition 17 Flight Engineer Greg Chamitoff, who arrived at the station in June, will be replaced in November by NASA astronaut Sandra Magnus. Space shuttle Endeavour will deliver Magnus and return Chamitoff to Earth. Endeavour's November STS-126 mission also will deliver equipment to the station necessary for supporting a six-member crew, including a water recycling system, sleeping quarters, a new kitchen, a second toilet, and an advanced exercise device. Although they will be in space on Election Day, Chamitoff and Fincke have arranged for the chance to cast their ballots from the station. For more information about the space station and how to view it from Earth, visit: For more information about upcoming space shuttle missions and their crews, visit: - end - text-only version of this release NASA press releases and other information are available automatically by sending a blank e-mail message to To unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank e-mail message to Back to NASA Newsroom | Back to NASA Homepage

New Crew Blasts Off for International Space Station HOUSTON -- A new crew that will live and work aboard the International Space Station rocketed into orbit early Sunday aboard a Soyuz spacecraft. U.S. astronaut E. Michael Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov and Richard Garriott, a U.S. computer game developer, lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 2:01 a.m. CDT. Fincke, th

Updated in 2002, this training resulted from a partnership between the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Transportation Curriculum Council (TCCC), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and hot-mix asphalt (HMA) industry. It was developed through the cooperative efforts of the Joint AASHTO/FHWA/Industry Training Committee on Asphalt. It combines lectures and problem-solving workshop sessions to provide participants with a working knowledge of the hot-mix asphalt construction process and equipment. The course is designed to help participants understand the effect of construction actions on the final product. This program reviews the entire HMA construction process beginning with the delivery of the HMA to the job site, through lay down and compaction, and concluding with quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) of the completed pavement. To emphasize recommended good practice in HMA construction, various exercises are used, including troubleshooting typical field problems. The course concludes with an examination which reviews the key elements of HMA construction. Participants are required to bring a calculator. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to: - Describe the purpose of project documents, pre-construction and pre-paving conferences, and cooperative communications on the job - List the steps involved in preparing bases and existing pavements for overlays - Select correct patching materials and placement techniques for pavement repair - Define a proper HMA delivery process to the job site - Explain the effect of the various components of a HMA paving machine on the finished mat - Describe how to make a good longitudinal or transverse joint - Identify QA techniques that apply to the HMA construction This course is designed for an audience that contains 50 percent contractor supervisory personnel and 50 percent Federal, State, and local highway agency construction engineers and field inspectors involved in the planning, construction, and review of HMA placement projects. It is important that such a mix of participants is present. The National Highway Institute (NHI) has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102. In obtaining this approval, NHI has demonstrated that it complies with the ANSI/IACET Standards which are widely recognized as standards of good practice internationally. As a result of their Authorized Provider membership status, NHI is authorized to offer IACET CEUs for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standards.

Updated in 2002, this training resulted from a partnership between the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Transportation Curriculum Council (TCCC), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and hot-mix asphalt (HMA) industry. It was developed through the cooperative efforts of the Joint AASHTO/FHWA/Industry Training Committee on Asphalt. It combines lectu

Coronary angioplasty is done in a hospital. A cardiologist will perform the procedure. A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart diseases and conditions. If angioplasty isn't done as an emergency treatment, you'll meet with your cardiologist beforehand. He or she will go over your medical history (including the medicines you take), do a physical exam, and talk to you about the procedure. Once the angioplasty is scheduled, your doctor will advise you: Even though angioplasty takes only 1–2 hours, you'll likely need to stay in the hospital overnight. Your doctor may advise you to not drive for a certain amount of time after the procedure. Thus, you'll probably need to arrange a ride home. Clinical trials are research studies that explore whether a medical strategy, treatment, or device is safe and effective for humans. To find clinical trials that are currently underway for Coronary Angioplasty, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov. When a heart attack happens, any delays in treatment can be deadly. Knowing the warning symptoms of a heart attack and how to take action can save your life or someone else’s. The NHLBI has created a new series of informative, easy-to-read heart attack materials to help the public better understand the facts about heart attacks and how to act fast to save a life. Click the links to download or order the NHLBI's new heart attack materials: “Don’t Take a Chance With a Heart Attack: Know the Facts and Act Fast” (also available in Spanish) The NHLBI updates Health Topics articles on a biennial cycle based on a thorough review of research findings and new literature. The articles also are updated as needed if important new research is published. The date on each Health Topics article reflects when the content was originally posted or last revised.

Coronary angioplasty is done in a hospital. A cardiologist will perform the procedure. A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart diseases and conditions. If angioplasty isn't done as an emergency treatment, you'll meet with your cardiologist beforehand. He or she will go over your medical history (including the medicines you take), do a physical exam, and talk to

At-A-Glance: What You Need To Know About High Blood Cholesterol This easy-to-read fact sheet provides an overview of high blood cholesterol, one of the major risk factors for heart disease. It explains cholesterol numbers, the link between cholesterol buildup and heart disease, and treatments for high blood cholesterol. Also provides additional resources for more information on heart healthy living from the NHLBI. Order printed copies from the NHLBI Limit 10 copies per customer Item No.: 09-7424 PDF | Print (Information about file types) NHLBI produced publications Page Count: 2 pages Subject: Cholesterol-Other Cholesterol Audience: General Public/Patients Size: 8.5 in. X 11 in. Date of Publication: 2009 Order by telephone, fax, or mail

At-A-Glance: What You Need To Know About High Blood Cholesterol This easy-to-read fact sheet provides an overview of high blood cholesterol, one of the major risk factors for heart disease. It explains cholesterol numbers, the link between cholesterol buildup and heart disease, and treatments for high blood cholesterol. Also provides additional resources for more information on heart healthy livin

NIAID's ability to plan funding opportunities for extramural researchers ties into the budget planning cycle for each fiscal year. Learn more in the sections below. Like other NIH institutes, NIAID must at times promote basic and applied research in scientific areas that pose an emerging opportunity or need. Unlike many other institutes, we must also respond to new emerging diseases, such as West Nile virus, pandemic flu, and SARS, for which the public expects us to develop countermeasures. We meet these needs by issuing requests for applications (RFA), program announcements (PA), or solicitations, some with money set aside for the grants or contracts. Although much of our budget pays for investigator-initiated grants—i.e., PIs submit an application in a topic of their choice—a portion of our extramural dollars pays for targeted research. Keep in mind that even when we target funds for research in a scientific area, the investigator designs the project that meets NIAID's programmatic needs. Together with focus groups from the extramural research community, NIAID starts planning initiatives to address research opportunities and needs. These ideas are called concepts at this stage, which starts two years before we award the resulting grants or contracts. Then at its biannual planning retreats, NIAID executives discuss which concepts to publish as initiatives—RFAs, PAs, or solicitations. Staff spend the next six months refining the concepts. According to law, experts in the field, usually Council members, must approve a concept before we can announce an initiative. Council acts as a board of directors, exerting approval authority for moving a concept forward. Initiatives that do move on become RFAs and PAs published in the NIH Guide and funding opportunity announcements in Grants.gov, or solicitations published in FedBizOpps: Federal Business Opportunities and sometimes in the Guide. Council's lay and scientific members also review, comment on, and approve an initiative's characteristics, such as budget levels, mechanism (e.g., grant or contract, grant type), and other key features. At the subcommittee meetings that take place during the Council meeting, program staff present an outline of a proposed concept for Council's scrutiny. (NIAID has three Council subcommittees, one for each of its extramural program divisions.) For each concept, the subcommittee looks deeply at its scientific merit, relative priority, appropriate budget, and funding mechanism. Council's regular and ad hoc members approve, disapprove, or suggest modifications to each concept. After fine-tuning by Council and the research community, Council-approved concepts become published PAs, RFAs, or solicitations depending on their Institute-wide priority and the amount of funds we have to spend for that fiscal year. We post Council-approved concepts at Concepts: Potential Opportunities to show you which areas of science are of highest priority to NIAID. While not all concepts become initiatives, they highlight NIAID's research interests and are good topics for investigator-initiated applications. Concepts selected to be published as initiatives become part of NIH's budget plan, which is later incorporated into the President's Budget proposal to Congress. NIAID publishes the NIAID Funding Opportunities List based on Council-approved concepts from the previous year. Both the President's Budget proposal and initiative publication occur one to two years before we award the grants or contracts. For more information, see Concepts May Turn Into Initiatives and the Choose Approach and Find FOAs section of the Strategy for NIH Funding. Below we outline the federal government's annual budget process. Public laws—bills or resolutions passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the President—provide NIAID with the authority and funds to carry out programs. They are called by their popular names, e.g., USA Patriot Act, and congressional sessions and chronological law numbers, e.g., P.L. 107-56. Congress sets limits on the purpose for which NIAID spends funds, the amount of funds we spend, and the period of time when we can use or reserve funds. At least every three years, Congress passes authorizations that enable NIAID to spend money for designated programs. Title 42, Chapter 6A of the United States Code includes NIH's authorizing legislation. Congress funds NIH's programs and operations in annual appropriations. Each NIH appropriations bill limits how federal grant, cooperative agreement, and contract funds can be spent. See NIH Appropriations Information for annual data. Budgets, authorizations, appropriations, continuing resolutions: what does it all mean? It's a long and winding road from planning how to spend federal tax dollars to funding research grants. Though Congress allocates our funds, agencies get the ball rolling well before a fiscal year starts. NIAID works on three budget cycles at a time. Figure 1. NIAID's Budget and Concept Planning Flowchart NIAID submits a budget request that moves up our chain of command for further tweaking, first to NIH and then to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The request includes an annual performance plan describing goals for the requested funds and a performance report of how last year's goals were met. HHS forwards its request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which reports to the President. OMB works closely with NIH and other agencies to create the budget the President proposes to Congress on the first Monday in February. After that, the President's Budget triggers the legislative side to act. In the beginning, there's authorization. Before a federal agency such as NIAID or NIH can spend money in any area, a congressional committee must authorize its program. That means NIAID can't simply decide to award grants to design space vehicles! Our authorization has implications for politically sensitive areas too, such as restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research. Action starts in Congress after the President submits a budget request. Congress examines the President's Budget in detail but does not actually vote on it. Meanwhile, House and Senate budget committees consider the President's Budget as they prepare their own budget resolution. This legislation broadly outlines spending categories, targets, revenues, and spending estimates (also known as outlays) for the next fiscal year. It also guides the appropriations committees that set funding levels for federal agencies. See Table 1 for the congressional committees and subcommittees with jurisdiction over NIH. Table 1. Authorizations, Appropriations, and Oversight Committees and Subcommittees for NIH. Appropriations bills provide the budget authority to make financial obligations. Setting funding levels is the job of the appropriations committees. Both House and Senate have 13 appropriations subcommittees that draft funding legislation for NIH and other federal agencies. After Congress passes a budget resolution, the Senate and the House hold committee and subcommittee hearings on the proposed President's Budget . For example, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions authorizing committee and the Senate Committee on Appropriations hold hearings for NIH. With this information, the two branches of Congress create their 13 appropriations bills (they may revise authorizing bills too). The full appropriations committees may modify the bills before sending them to the Senate for a vote. The appropriations bills must reflect the congressional budget resolution. Appropriations start each year in the House, with the Senate beginning its work after passage of a House bill. Funds from budget committees are divvied up to the appropriations committees as 13 separate budget bills. To resolve differences between the Senate and House, bills go to 13 conference committees. Both bodies vote on each bill, and the President either signs or vetoes each one unless the budget goes through a reconciliation process. In that case, authorizing committees resolve differences in conference. Both the House and Senate vote on a single bill and send it to the President by October 16. The President either signs or vetoes the bill. Though the fiscal year begins on October 1, Congress often does not pass the budget by that date. Working in reverse order from the budget request, OMB apportions funds to HHS, which allocates money to NIH. In turn, NIH forwards NIAID its share. Our budget level determines our paylines and the number of awards we can make during a fiscal year. For NIAID's latest budget information, go to Paylines and Funding. An agency may receive additional funds outside of the regular budget cycle. Congress may approve a supplemental appropriation if it determines that an existing appropriation bill is insufficient or decides to fund activities not covered by the existing bill. For example, NIAID received its initial biodefense funding from a supplemental appropriation. Our Paylines and Funding pages show the data we have during the many changes that take place during the fiscal year. At the start of the fiscal year. Because we don't have a budget, we can't usually begin to define our paylines at the start of the fiscal year. When we begin the fiscal year operating under a continuing resolution, we pay some grants using interim paylines. These are not true paylines because they are not based on budget calculations. An interim payline is simply an administrative measure that lets us get some top-scoring grants out the door while we await our appropriation. After we have a budget. Our budget office calculates how much money we have to fund new investigator-initiated applications based on the new appropriation. Two factors play a big role in this calculation: As a result, we set paylines conservatively to make sure we will have enough funds to pay high-quality grants for the entire year and meet any congressional mandates that may arise, for example, for biodefense or AIDS. Because the timing of our annual appropriation varies each year, we cannot give you exact dates for incoming payline information. Read more in Paylines and Budget Pages Change Throughout the Year—find link below. Ending the fiscal year. Because we set the paylines with some wiggle room, we usually have money to spend as we approach the end of the fiscal year. For R01s, we keep our initial payline until early August. At that point, we start funding applications nominated for selective pay and applications that missed the payline until all remaining money runs out. For grant types other than the R01, we often change a payline mid-year. So if you apply for one of those, check the payline online after you get your summary statement and before you talk to your program officer about your prospects for funding. Because of this fluid situation, our pages reflect different information at different times of the fiscal year. We update the pages using the following cycle: For more resources and advice, see the Application Tools for All About Grants Tutorials. Last Updated May 10, 2013 Last Reviewed March 07, 2011

NIAID's ability to plan funding opportunities for extramural researchers ties into the budget planning cycle for each fiscal year. Learn more in the sections below. Like other NIH institutes, NIAID must at times promote basic and applied research in scientific areas that pose an emerging opportunity or need. Unlike many other institutes, we must also respond to new emerging diseases, such as West

Birnbaum discusses low dose at Tox Forum By Thaddeus Schug NIEHS/NTP Director Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., presented a talk titled “Low Dose Exposure and NMDR [Non-Monotonic Dose Response]: Context and Implications” Jan. 30 at the 38th Annual Winter Meeting of The Toxicology Forum. (http://toxforum.org/upcoming/38th-annual-winter-meeting-toxicology-forum) During a session on non-monotonic dose, Birnbaum teamed with Kristina Thayer, Ph.D., director of the NTP Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT), to explain how low dose environmental exposures can lead to adverse health outcomes. Birnbaum gave an overview of low dose exposures, explaining that some classes of chemicals, such as endocrine disruptors, can have very different biological effects at different doses. Birnbaum made her case using examples of studies in human and animal models that illustrate adverse biological outcomes at exposure levels similar to those found in many human populations. “We see low dose chemical effects in many normal biological processes, for example, in circulating levels of hormones, nutritional exposure to essential vitamins, and in pharmaceuticals,” she explained. “There is no reason to believe that hormone mimicking chemicals would behave any differently.” Thayer used the opportunity to describe how OHAT plans to bring systematic review methodology and new information management tools into the group’s literature-based evaluations. According to Thayer, the systematic review process is going to be a powerful tool in helping NTP develop evidence-based conclusions in difficult topic areas, such as low dose exposures. Meeting organizer, Tim Pastoor, Ph.D., principal scientist at Syngenta, observed that the area of non-monotonic dose-response is not new, but perspectives recently presented in an editorial (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3339483/) published by Birnbaum in Environmental Health Perspectives challenge the fundamentals of toxicology and the regulatory testing paradigm. The Toxicology Forum meetings primarily consist of senior regulatory scientists from government, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the private sector. Members of academia and non-government organizations, such as the Humane Society, often attend the event as well, and academics frequently participate. The motto of The Toxicology Forum is "Understanding Through Dialogue." The Forum sponsors two meetings a year with topics that range from FDA and EPA regulatory issues, to scientific presentations that can include such topics as cardiac biomarkers or acrylamide exposure studies. According to Pastoor, the Forum truly seeks to foster robust scientific discourse that is open, honest, and instructive. (Thaddeus Schug, Ph.D., is a health scientist in the NIEHS Division of Extramural Research and Training and a regular contributor to the Environmental Factor.)

Birnbaum discusses low dose at Tox Forum By Thaddeus Schug NIEHS/NTP Director Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., presented a talk titled “Low Dose Exposure and NMDR [Non-Monotonic Dose Response]: Context and Implications” Jan. 30 at the 38th Annual Winter Meeting of The Toxicology Forum. (http://toxforum.org/upcoming/38th-annual-winter-meeting-toxicology-forum) During a session on non-monotonic dose, Birnbaum

Reading First Continuation (Yr. 6/6) PLEASE NOTE: THE DUE DATE FOR THE READING FIRST APPLICATION HAS BEEN CHANGED. THE APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE DEPARTMENT AND SUBMITTED ONLINE BY 4:00 PM ON APRIL 14, 2008. Office: Reading First View Published NGO Document (Microsoft Word) Purpose: The federal Reading First Program is a six year program (three years of successful implementation followed by an additional three years of funding and implementation, pending approval) that focuses on implementing scientifically-based reading researched (SBRR) programs and practices in K-3 classrooms. New Jersey Reading First funding will provide assistance to Reading First school districts so that they may continue to phase in scientifically- based reading researched comprehensive reading programs in all K-3 general education, special education, Bilingual, and ESL classrooms in identified Reading First schools. As part of the continuation grant, and the multi-year design, year six of implementation will continue to focus on LEAs implementing and purchasing supplemental and intervention programs, as well as instructional materials and assessments that are scientifically-based and meet federal and state criteria. New Jersey Reading First funding will also continue to provide eligible Reading First districts with support for their special education populations through the provision of Special Education Literacy Resource Coaches (SELRC). Students with disabilities are among the subgroups that are expected to make 'adequate yearly progress' in reading achievement as part of the No Child Left Behind requirements. Eligible Agencies: Agencies that received awards in Year 5 are eligible to apply as listed in the Eligibility section of the Notice of Grant Opportunity document. |Approximate Number of Awards: 20||Grant Program Type: Continuation| |Total Amt. Available: $11,947,251||Application Due Date: 4/14/2008|

Reading First Continuation (Yr. 6/6) PLEASE NOTE: THE DUE DATE FOR THE READING FIRST APPLICATION HAS BEEN CHANGED. THE APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE DEPARTMENT AND SUBMITTED ONLINE BY 4:00 PM ON APRIL 14, 2008. Office: Reading First View Published NGO Document (Microsoft Word) Purpose: The federal Reading First Program is a six year program (three years of successful implementation followed

What was here before? Have you ever wondered what the Canberra region was like 2000 years ago, 200 years ago or even 20 years ago? In Canberra's History: Site Study students step back in time to explore the history of the National Museum of Australia peninsula, including its Indigenous people, the first European pastoral settlers, early Canberra government and today's National Museum. |Group size||30 students – two groups can run concurrently| |Cost||$6 per student| |Availability||Tuesday–Friday at 10am, 12pm, 3pm| ||Australian History curriculum links to our programs (178kb PDF) - Facilitate students' exploration of the history of the national capital as they examine sites, objects and stories on the peninsula surrounding the National Museum of Australia. - Help students understand time, continuity and change by exploring layers of history and human occupation that are marked in various ways around the site. - Introductory activity – students are introduced to the concept of deep time through object handling and discussion. - Site exploration – working in groups, students handle objects, listen to stories and explore the past through imaginative exercises at several outdoor sites around the National Museum. - Reflection – students gather to discuss the link between the physical past of Acton peninsula and how history is represented within the Museum. Exploring the Museum You may like to allow extra time to visit other exhibitions and to explore other places in the Museum, such as Circa and Kspace. For everything you need to know about visiting, see Plan and book a visit. These activity ideas might be useful in your classroom. You may also be interested in these teacher resources: - Life at the Time of Federation – using a time capsule this unit of work explores life in Australia in 1901 - Nation: Investigating Images of the Nation – a unit of work exploring the meanings of significant symbols of Australia. or this interactive: - National Parks – use the clues to discover the mystery objects created by Myles Dunphy to live help his friends live in the Australian bush You can also see the full list of resources related to historical skills.

What was here before? Have you ever wondered what the Canberra region was like 2000 years ago, 200 years ago or even 20 years ago? In Canberra's History: Site Study students step back in time to explore the history of the National Museum of Australia peninsula, including its Indigenous people, the first European pastoral settlers, early Canberra government and today's National Museum. |Group size|

The 21st Annual Ocmulgee Indian Celebration was held in the park in mid-September, drawing over 19,000 visitors. The previous record for the event was 18,000 visitors, set last year. On September 14th, during the “school day” portion of the event, approximately 3,200 area school children attended. More than 250 Native Americans, representing over 20 federally-recognized tribes, participated in this year’s event. Maintenance staff and interpretive and protection rangers from Horseshoe Bend, Andersonville, Martin Luther King Jr., Timucuan, Kennesaw Mountain, and the Southeast Archeological Center assisted the park’s staff. Also providing support were local deputies, Ocmulgee National Monument Association staff, and 360 volunteers, who collectively contributed 1,536 hours of service. Twenty-seven medical cases were reported during the event, which was managed under ICS with Guy LaChine, the park’s chief of operations, serving as IC.

The 21st Annual Ocmulgee Indian Celebration was held in the park in mid-September, drawing over 19,000 visitors. The previous record for the event was 18,000 visitors, set last year. On September 14th, during the “school day” portion of the event, approximately 3,200 area school children attended. More than 250 Native Americans, representing over 20 federally-recognized tribes, participated in thi

The National Park Service makes every effort to keep the public informed about news events, accomplishments, employee recognitions, special and re-occurring events which happen within and around the units of the Park Service. The National Park Service and Eastern National publish In The Park park newspaper, which provides visit planning information and contains articles on various resource-related topics. Copies of In The Park are available at the park's visitor center. Wright Brothers provides news releases to local and regional newspapers; current and past news releases can also be found on the park website. For all press inquiries, call the park's Public Information Officer at (252) 473-2111 or by e-mail. Did You Know? In 1902, the Wrights made 250 glides in just two days and tallied more than 1,000 glides in one month. From the hills, they perfected the art of soaring and control of the aircraft.

The National Park Service makes every effort to keep the public informed about news events, accomplishments, employee recognitions, special and re-occurring events which happen within and around the units of the Park Service. The National Park Service and Eastern National publish In The Park park newspaper, which provides visit planning information and contains articles on various resource-related

On June 19, 1993, at 0410 hours Pacific daylight time, a McDonnell Douglas 369D helicopter, N277SP, collided with an electrical power cable while maneuvering on takeoff from a landing zone near Half Moon Bay, California. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The pilot received serious injuries. The passenger received fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the early morning movie filming operation which had started just after midnight and was completed around 0300. Use your browsers 'back' function to return to synopsisReturn to Query Page The pilot stated that his work day had started 17 hours prior to the accident on June 18, 1993, about 1030, when he departed his home and flew commercially from Los Angeles to Reno, Nevada. The pilot was to have picked-up the helicopter at the Reno airport. After arriving at the Reno Airport at 1300 hours, the pilot was informed that the helicopter was not at the airport and ground transportation would be sent to take him to the helicopter. The pilot waited in the airport terminal until 1630 hours for ground transportation to arrive. At 1745 hours, the pilot departed the Reno area in the accident helicopter and arrived at the filming site about 1850 hours on June 18, 1993. The helicopter was being used as a camera platform at the filming site which was located on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean. The filming was completed and the helicopter was maneuvering to depart the area about 0410 hours when it collided with the power cable. The cable supplied electrical power to a bank of high intensity lights that were 125 feet high and were illuminated at the time of the accident. According to the film company, the lights produced approximately two million candle power of illumination. The impact with the cable occurred about 25 feet below the lights on the illuminated side. The pilot had made several takeoffs and landings during the course of the filming that morning.

On June 19, 1993, at 0410 hours Pacific daylight time, a McDonnell Douglas 369D helicopter, N277SP, collided with an electrical power cable while maneuvering on takeoff from a landing zone near Half Moon Bay, California. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The pilot received serious injuries. The passenger received fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the early m

SENATOR FUSCHILLO SPONSORS FREE CHILD CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECK Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo (right) and Assemblyman McDonough (center) watch as New York State Trooper Frank Bandiero (left) checks a car seat at the recent free child car seat safety check program. Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently partnered with the New York State Police in sponsoring a free car seat safety check where parents could have their children’s car seats checked for proper installation. The program was held at the Seaford Train Station. State Troopers inspected over 100 child safety seats and fixed any that were improperly installed. Parents were also informed of the steps they should take to make sure their child’s car seat is used properly in the future. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children in the United States, but placing children in properly installed age and size appropriate safety seats reduces serious and fatal injuries by more than half, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Residents who were unable to participate in the program but would like more information about where they can get their children’s car seats inspected should call Senator Fuschillo’s office at 516-882-0630.

SENATOR FUSCHILLO SPONSORS FREE CHILD CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECK Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo (right) and Assemblyman McDonough (center) watch as New York State Trooper Frank Bandiero (left) checks a car seat at the recent free child car seat safety check program. Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently partnered with the New York State Police in sponsoring a free car seat safety che

Proponent: BHP Billiton BHP Billiton has received approval from the Commonwealth, South Australian and Northern Territory governments to significantly expand its mining and processing operations. The terms of the approval and conditions on development are published in the SA Government Gazette and through announcements by the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments. BHP Billiton announced in August 2012 plans to consult with the Government on adopting an alternative, less capital-intensive design for the open pit expansion that would involve the use of technologies to substantially improve the economics of the project. For further information, refer to a statement by the Premier. BHP Billiton’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) On 1 May 2009, the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared by BHP Billiton for its proposed Olympic Dam expansion was released for public consultation for a period of 14 weeks. The consultation period ended at 5pm on 7 August 2009. The EIS describes the project and why it is needed; the potential environmental, social, cultural and economic issues that might arise during the project’s construction, operation and eventual closure; and how these issues would be managed. The submissions received from the public and government agencies were circulated to the SA, NT and Australian governments, and to BHP Billiton. BHP Billiton’s Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) BHP Billiton has prepared a response to those submissions. This response document, also called the Supplementary EIS, has now been released publicly. The response document includes amendments to the Draft EIS and flags changes to the original proposal in response to issues raised. Assessment reports by the Australian, South Australian and Northern Territory Governments The three governments will each produce an Assessment Report , which will be used to make a final decision on the development application. The South Australian Assessment Report is now available. The decisions by the Commonwealth, SA and NT Governments will be published in the relevant Government Gazettes, on this website and via relevant media outlets. There are no appeal rights against the decision for either the community or BHP Billiton. Concurrent to this process, a separate consultation process was conducted in relation to the Roxby Downs and Environs Development Plan Amendment (DPA). The DPA describes the land use policy and zoning changes proposed to enable: - the rezoning of land to allow Roxby Downs township to expand - the establishment of a new temporary workers’ village for up to 10,000 people - the establishment of a new airport. The DPA is a South Australian Government process only, with consultation conducted by the SA Development Policy Advisory Committee (DPAC) on behalf of the South Australian Minister for Urban Development, Planning and the City of Adelaide. The links to the right of this page provide additional information on the assessment process, and how to access the EIS and background documents.

Proponent: BHP Billiton BHP Billiton has received approval from the Commonwealth, South Australian and Northern Territory governments to significantly expand its mining and processing operations. The terms of the approval and conditions on development are published in the SA Government Gazette and through announcements by the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments. BHP Billiton announced

Old Red/Old Ten Scenic Byway This scenic byway was appropriately designated as North Dakota's tenth state byway. Originally referred to as Old Highway 10, this byway provides ample opportunity to explore how life was many years ago for those who settled in North Dakota. The culture of the Native Americans through Fort Mandan and the diverse cultural offerings of the European pioneers, are captured along this route. Travelers can tour several regional and local museums and a variety of recreational opportunities exist. The natural beauty of the buttes, river valleys and prairie delivers pleasant, rural-life images for the visitor to see. The route is a great alternative to interstate travel with many exits and entrances to/from I-94. Begins at the Mandan Depot on Main Street in Mandan and travels west along Old Highway 10 to Dickinson. There is a 12-mile section of gravel road near Almont known as the Curlew Loop. Caution: 12-foot underpass between Hebron and Richardton. Points of Interest - Mandan Depot-Filled with Native American art, music and jewelry, this cultural center highlights the artistry of the Native Americans in North Dakota. - Crossroads Golf Course-Visit Glen Ullin and play the 9-hole grass green course located in a very quiet and pristine area. - "Salem Sue"-See the massive Holstein cow sculpture serving as a symbol to New Salem's thriving dairy industry. - Schnell Recreation Area (Managed by the Bureau of Land Management)-This area comprises about 2,000 acres of native mixed grass prairie, hardwood draws and former tame pasture. Once a working cattle ranch for 120 years, the area is now home to more than 100 species of birds. - Dakota Dinosaur Museum-This 13,400 sq. ft. museum located in Dickinson, adjacent to the Joachim Museum, houses a variety of geological and paleontological specimens. - Assumption Abbey-Visit Richardton and tour this highly decorated church built in Romanesque style.

Old Red/Old Ten Scenic Byway This scenic byway was appropriately designated as North Dakota's tenth state byway. Originally referred to as Old Highway 10, this byway provides ample opportunity to explore how life was many years ago for those who settled in North Dakota. The culture of the Native Americans through Fort Mandan and the diverse cultural offerings of the European pioneers, are captured

THE STOCKADE WALLS The fort is in a constant state of deterioration.... The walls and buildings are constructed of weak timbers insufficient to withstand any attack except by the natives who have no heavy arms, only bows and arrows. The walls could not withstand a cannon ball of any caliber. Report by Mariano G. Vallejo, 1833. Set upon a hill with a sharp descent to the sea, and upon a smooth, clayish terrain, the wooden stockade is shaped in a rather large square, which forms four right angles. In two corners, diagonally opposed to each other and connected to the stockade walls, two watch towers have been erected with guns that protect all sides of this so-called fort. Nevertheless, it appears quite strong, and perhaps even unconquerable, in the eyes of the Indians and the Spanish here. Baron Ferdinand von Wrangell's Report 1834. A square fort, surrounded by a row of posts 172 sazhens long by 2 sazhens high. There are turrets in two of the corners. Inventory for Mr. Sutter, 1841. So the formidable facade did not fool the Spanish or Mexicans (who had few "heavy arms" themselves!) And from the beginning, the heavy redwood posts, hewn, carried and set in 1812 by the Russian and North Pacific workers without "beasts of burden," must have rotted at an alarming rate. In 1830 a 75 foot section was blown over during a heavy wind. Baron von Wrangell was concerned in 1833. Photographs from the ranch era, from about 1865 on, show very little of the original stockade standing. After the fort became a state park, the stockade walls were restored a portion at a time. In 1929, the east, south, and part of the west walls were rebuilt. Archaeological excavations were undertaken in 1953, and a year later the west and east walls were completed. In 1972, Highway One was rerouted to bypass the fort; in 1974 the stockade was completely enclosed, as it had been during the Russian occupation. Visitors from the 1940s to the 1970s who remember the eastern sally port gate, always open, will find it now often shut. The southern gate is the major opening, and gives access to the cliffs and coves below. Based on archival and archaeological evidence of its original location, the sally port gate in the west stockade wall was moved about ten feet to the north, and now opens to a trail leading to the Visitor Center. The walls have been rebuilt with foundations of structural steel and concrete—not as historically accurate, perhaps, but expected to be more permanent than redwood posts stuck into damp ground. In 1989 a portion of the east stockade wall was also rebuilt, after archaeological investigations found that the spacing of stockade posts should be corrected to comply with the Russian gauge. The north stockade wall was rebuilt in 1996-97. A sazhen (Russian) is seven feet or 2 1/3 yards. In the French version of the Inventory for Mr. Sutter the term is toise, in the Spanish, braza, each meaning fathom. The correct translation is the seven foot Russian fathom, called a sazhen.(Glenn J. Farris) A vara (Spanish) is almost a yard: 33 inches. The stockade is actually 92 varas or 100 yards. All unattributed quotations are from Russian-era visitors.

THE STOCKADE WALLS The fort is in a constant state of deterioration.... The walls and buildings are constructed of weak timbers insufficient to withstand any attack except by the natives who have no heavy arms, only bows and arrows. The walls could not withstand a cannon ball of any caliber. Report by Mariano G. Vallejo, 1833. Set upon a hill with a sharp descent to the sea, and upon a smooth, cla

Ukraine: 2009/10 Crop Production Estimates and Trip Report Analysts from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, including the U.S. agricultural attaché in Kyiv, conducted April crop-assessment travel in Ukraine in order to assess 2009/10 production prospects for grains and oilseeds and examine the likely impact of the current credit crisis. The team met with agricultural officials, independent commodity analysts, and directors of agricultural enterprises throughout the main crop-production region in central and southern Ukraine and drew the following conclusions: - Tight credit and high interest rates had minimal impact on spring planting decisions because most enterprises do not rely extensively on bank credit to finance spring sowing operations. - Deep cuts in State support for agriculture combined with farmers’ efforts to offset higher production costs will likely reduce the use of fertilizers and plant-protection chemicals by roughly 20 percent. - Persistent dryness and two frost episodes in April likely had a negative effect on both winter and spring crops but damage was neither severe nor widespread. The USDA estimates total Ukraine wheat production for 2009/10 at 19.0 million tons (compared to 25.9 million last year), barley at 9.5 (12.6) million, corn at 8.5 (11.4) million, and sunflowerseed production at 5.5 (6.5) million tons. Winter Grain Area and Early Spring Conditions Winter grains were sown on a reported 8.25 million hectares (against 7.98 million last year), including 6.50 (6.66) million wheat, 0.49 (0.47) million rye, and 1.27 (0.85) million barley. Winter wheat usually accounts for about 95 percent of Ukraine’s total wheat output, while winter barley comprises only 10 to 15 percent of the country’s barley production. Virtually all of Ukraine’s rye is winter rye. Winter-grain planting begins in early September and is nearly finished by the end of October. Harvest occurs during July and August. (See February report on Ukraine winter grains.) The team observed winter grains to be in very good condition throughout central and southern Ukraine in early April with little evidence of winterkill or damage from two episodes of March frost. The Hydromet Center of Ukraine and the State Statistical Committee both estimate below-normal winter losses. March weather was cooler than average, which affected winter-grain development and spring planting. Winter grains in southern Ukraine broke dormancy and resumed vegetative growth around April 1, two weeks later than usual. Despite the cool weather, farm directors and specialists indicated that the early-spring conditions were similar to last year’s outstanding conditions. Spring Sowing Campaign The cool weather also delayed the launch of the spring planting campaign. By the beginning of April, the sowing of early spring grains (chiefly barley) was only 20 percent complete compared to 50 percent by the same date last year and the average of about 35 percent. Dry April weather enabled planting to accelerate, however, and by mid-April sowing was on roughly the same pace as last year. The planting of sunflowers began in early April, and corn in mid-April. As of May 19, according to data from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, spring grains had been planted on 7.25 million hectares or 97 percent of the official forecast (compared to 7.14 million sown by the same date last year), including 2.16 (2.30) million corn, or 90 percent of the forecast. Sunflowers were planted on 3.35 (3.34) million hectares, or 95 percent of the forecast. Planting of both crops is not yet complete. April Frosts and Dryness The month of April was marked by persistent dryness and two episodes of frost. The crop damage resulting from the frosts is likely to be localized and limited chiefly to winter rape. Daily weather data indicate that only in eastern Ukraine did minimum temperatures fall low enough to cause possible injury to winter wheat. Winter rape was considerably more vulnerable due to its lower frost tolerance and more advanced stage of development. Frost damage is difficult to determine, however, and early damage assessments are frequently overstated. The persistent dryness, meanwhile, could have a significant negative impact on early spring grains like barley. Topsoil was excessively dry for four consecutive weeks in April during the period of crop emergence and establishment, when developing crops depend exclusively on surface moisture for survival and growth. Winter grains, which were already fairly well established in southern Ukraine, were likely able to tap into subsurface moisture reserves and avoid irreversible damage. Satellite-derived vegetative indices (NDVI) indicate fairly good winter-crop conditions in central and southern Ukraine on May 8. (Persistent early-May cloudiness in eastern Ukraine interfered with the collection of satellite data.) The NDVI for Nikolayev are fairly representative of the main wheat-production region: conditions deteriorated slightly in mid-April, due probably to dryness, but rebounded following beneficial early-May rain. Note that the NDVI reflect the outstanding conditions and high yields in 2008 as well as severe drought in 2007. In 2006, excellent May and June weather compensated for unfavorable fall and early-spring conditions. The late-May or early-June NDVI will provide a better indication of potential 2009/10 wheat yield. (See Ukraine: Estimated Wheat Yield Based on Satellite-Derived Vegetative Indice, June 2008 .) Tight Credit and Reduced Subsidies According to farmers and commodity analysts, banks are not eager to lend to agricultural enterprises this year. (Some observers maintain that banks were never eager to lend to agricultural enterprises.) Interest rates are high, ranging from 24 to 35 percent compared to 16 to 22 percent a year ago, but the high rates are really not a major issue because credit is largely unavailable. Agricultural enterprises also face deep cuts in State support. According to a report from the U.S. agricultural attaché in Kiev (see Grain and Feed Annual), total government spending on agricultural programs for 2009/10 is slated to be cut by almost 50 percent from last season. Other sources indicate that grain and oilseed producers could see a 75-percent reduction in direct subsidies and an 80-percent reduction in funds for the reimbursement of commercial-credit interest, which in previous years could cover as much as two-thirds of the interest on commercial loans. Interestingly, the tight credit and high interest rates had little effect on farmers’ spring planting decisions. (The fall planting campaign for winter crops was already largely complete by the time that Ukraine’s economy began to unravel.) Many farmers, in an effort to wean their enterprises from reliance on bank credit, had in recent years begun to establish alternative sources of operating capital or had become largely self-financing. Furthermore, enterprises have benefited from high revenues for the past two years due to high commodity prices, State intervention purchases, and high exports for 2008/09. (Government-imposed export quotas limited exports for 2007/08 and 2006/07.) According to an extensive survey conducted by APK-Inform, one of Ukraine’s leading independent commodity-analysis groups, nearly 70 percent of Ukrainian agricultural enterprises do not rely on bank loans to finance their spring sowing operations. Almost all observers agreed, however, that the tight credit situation will have a significant impact on large purchases like machinery or capital improvements. In 2008, fertilizer-application rates reached the highest level since the breakup of the Soviet Union and the sudden loss of generous State subsidies to the agricultural sector. According to data from the State Statistical Committee of Ukraine, per-hectare application rates have tripled since 2000, and the share of cropland receiving mineral fertilizer has increased from 21 to 69 percent (compared to about 85 percent during Soviet times). Although weather remains the main determinant of yield, the improvement in applied agricultural technology has been steady and significant. The expected loss of the direct government subsidies in 2009 likely had a modest impact on the application of fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides, especially for smaller or less affluent farms. The subsidies in previous years were not especially high – about $20 per hectare for wheat, for example – and fertilizer, seed, and chemicals together account for about half of the typical $250-per-hectare production cost. On larger or more affluent enterprises, the loss of direct subsidies is unlikely to significantly affect input use. According to the APK survey, only about 25 percent of Ukraine’s agricultural enterprises reduced fertilizer application on winter crops this season. Higher Production Costs Some producers stated that they reduced input use not as a direct response to tight credit or decreased State support, but rather as a way to offset the overall increase in the cost of production. Most (but not all) grain producers and independent analysts indicated that prices for fuel, fertilizer, seed, and chemicals have all increased since last year. The increases stem from higher domestic prices or, in the case of fuel and imported hybrid seed and chemicals, the falling value of the Ukrainian currency. Some farmers said that they will trim production costs by focusing on the most profitable crops, or by focusing on particular fields. A specific field, for example, will receive adequate application of fertilizer, insecticides, and fungicides with the goal of producing milling-grade wheat, while a neighboring field will receive minimal inputs with the expectation of yielding lower-quality feed-grade wheat. Private-industry estimates indicate that rapeseed has been the most reliably profitable crop over the past five years (in terms of dollars per hectare), followed by sunflowerseed. Estimated rapeseed area decreased sightly for 2009/10, from 1.40 to 1.35 million hectares, but this was due to weather-related delays during the fall sowing campaign (most rapeseed in Ukraine is winter rape). Rapeseed has become a major oilseed in Ukraine, with output increasing from less than 0.2 million tons five years ago to a forecast 2.2 million for 2009/10. Most commodity analysts are expecting a second consecutive year of below-normal grain quality, due to likely reductions in the use of fungicides and insecticides. (Last year’s low quality was attributable chiefly to excessive wetness throughout the growing season, which boosted yield but reduced grain quality.) Furthermore, the generally mild winter could result in increased disease problems for the 2009/10 crop. One weather-related factor, however, could benefit grain quality this year: winter crops resumed vegetative growth later than usual, which typically contributes to higher quality (but lower yield). This occurred in 2006, for example, when winter crops broke dormancy later than usual and spring development was significantly delayed. Final yield was below average despite subsequent favorable weather, but the share of 6th-class (poorest-quality) wheat was extremely low. Current USDA area and production estimates for grains and other agricultural commodities are available at PSD Online. The contribution of Oleksandr Artyushin, agricultural specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, is gratefully acknowledged.

Ukraine: 2009/10 Crop Production Estimates and Trip Report Analysts from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, including the U.S. agricultural attaché in Kyiv, conducted April crop-assessment travel in Ukraine in order to assess 2009/10 production prospects for grains and oilseeds and examine the likely impact of the current credit crisis. The team met with agricultural officials, independent com

Figure 20. A model devised to demonstrate the quantity of common salt in the sea. The idea is that if all the salt in the sea were to evaporate it would cover an area and volume equal to the above sea-level area and volume of Africa. Dr. Walter Stahlberg conceived this idea as a means to communicate to the public amount of salt in the sea.

Figure 20. A model devised to demonstrate the quantity of common salt in the sea. The idea is that if all the salt in the sea were to evaporate it would cover an area and volume equal to the above sea-level area and volume of Africa. Dr. Walter Stahlberg conceived this idea as a means to communicate to the public amount of salt in the sea.

Sales Tax Rate Finder FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2012 FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas A. Ewald, Tax ESTIMATED SALES AND USE TAX REVENUE FROM REMOTE SALES LINCOLN – The Omaha World-Herald, citing a report by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), had recently reported Nebraska’s estimated revenue loss due to uncollected sales and use tax on catalog and Internet purchases at $118 million annually. The Nebraska Department of Revenue’s Research Section (Department) estimates approximately $37 million in state and $8 million in local sales and use tax goes uncollected annually due to out-of-state businesses not collecting sales tax, and consumers not remitting use tax, on catalog and Internet purchases. The Department’s estimate incorporates a number of assumptions made in the NCSL report; however, it estimates a higher rate of tax compliance by businesses, particularly larger businesses, and a narrower tax base than used in the NCSL report. The Department encourages all Nebraska taxpayers to remit use tax on their catalog and Internet purchases by filing the Nebraska and Individual Consumer’s Use Tax Return, Form 3, or on the applicable lines of their annual income tax return. For additional information, please visit the Department’s website: www.revenue.ne.gov. Douglas A. Ewald

Sales Tax Rate Finder FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2012 FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas A. Ewald, Tax ESTIMATED SALES AND USE TAX REVENUE FROM REMOTE SALES LINCOLN – The Omaha World-Herald, citing a report by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), had recently reported Nebraska’s estimated revenue loss due to uncollected sales and use tax on catalog and Internet purchases at $

Health and Social Care help to keep people healthy, happy and safe in Carmarthenshire. We work with people in our community who need support, care or protection. We help people with a wide range of health and social care needs such as older people leaving hospital, adults with an illness or disability and people who need support to care for someone else. In this section you will find information about mental health services, services for people with learning disabilities, and guidance about residential or nursing care. You can enquire about Social Care Services by using a secure online form* or by telephoning Careline+ on 01267 224466. *The online referral form is for adults (over 18 years of age) who may need social care support. The form enables members of the public and professionals to make referrals to Carmarthenshire County Council's Adult Social Care service via Careline+ to request an assessment of social care or community health (physiotherapy or occupational therapy) need. For example, if you are finding it difficult to manage your personal care, you may require access to services such as care, information and advice and/or equipment to help you with everyday activities, amongst other things. If you wish to refer someone else, you must do this with their consent. We will deal with new online referrals within the next working day. Please do not use the online referral form for urgent or emergency enquiries. Please ring Careline+ in an emergency out of hours on 01558 824283.

Health and Social Care help to keep people healthy, happy and safe in Carmarthenshire. We work with people in our community who need support, care or protection. We help people with a wide range of health and social care needs such as older people leaving hospital, adults with an illness or disability and people who need support to care for someone else. In this section you will find information a

Algiers, 4 June 2012. African journalists at a three-day workshop held on 29-31 May 2012, in Algiers, Algeria, have decided to initiate a campaign to raise awareness, inform and educate land users, policy-makers and the public on the urgent need for sustainable land management. They also decided to set up a regional network and take the lead in each of their countries to develop a specialized group of journalists on the subject and to get other journalists to work with them. The actions follow a three-day regional workshop with experts from Africa, which also included a visit to eight rural sites in Algeria with meetings with farmers and herders. The workshop focused on why Africa must curb land degradation and how this could be done and still keep the current trend of economic growth and development. “What struck me most,” said Fernand Tona, a journalist from Togo with Agence de Presse Africaine, “is the refusal of the view of aridity as a fatality. The field visit helped me see how people have refused this fatality, for example, the Harranne family that we visited is addressing the issue on the ground. I salute the local communities and now realize that it is the mobilization of people and of human resources that matters most.” “This was an opportunity to see what an integrated strategy on rural renewal means, and how the idea of reforestation evolved,” said Ms. Nadia BenSellam, a Moroccan correspondent for the Al-Hayat newspaper. “What I saw gave me a lot of hope. The practices I saw show that we can reach a zero-net land degradation target, but the condition is that we work, and that also depends on our work as journalists in sharing information with the population. I have worked in the agriculture sector, but not rural renewal and so I learned a lot,” said Ms. Fatma Hamouche, a producer with Algeria Television. African governments are calling for a sustainable development goal on land that puts a cap on land degradation as a key outcome of the summit that will take place in Rio from 20-22 June. The call, popularly referred to as going “land degradation neutral” and scientifically described as achieving a “zero-net land degradation,” proposes to end a trend where land degradation exceeds land restoration. A zero-net land degradation can be achieved by avoiding degrading new areas and, for every hectare that is degraded in a given year, restoring an equal amount of already degraded land. Globally, more than 2 billion hectares of land can be restored through forest and landscape restoration. Every year, about 12 million hectares of land are lost to desertification and drought alone; land that could produce 20 million tons of grain in the same period. Africa, where two of every three hectares of land are either desert or drylands, is one the regions most vulnerable to these effects. Presenting the Workshop’s resolution on behalf of the 15 journalists drawn from 10 African countries, Mr. Didier Madafime, radio and television of Benin said, “it will be important, as a first step of following up the Alger workshop, to layout an annual work plan of activities. Each journalist here would serve as the focal point in his country in providing support to the work of the Convention (to Combat Desertification).” Many journalists said the field visits and interactions with the local populations are a means to access and exchange information, but noted these are costly ventures for which they need support. Madafime called on the secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to facilitate capacity building of the journalists and to table a decision on this issue for consideration by UNCCD’s next Conference of the Parties. Welcoming the recommendations, Luc Gnacadja, UNCCD Executive Secretary, stressed the importance of restoring degraded noting that “the desert is not advancing, but it is humans that are creating deserts. Can you imagine development without land or poverty reduction or food, water or energy security without land?” he posed. Gnacadja urged journalists to report both on best and worst practices because lessons can be drawn from both. “What is the plan we have for the future we want for Rio+20?” he asked rhetorically. “My message is that we can achieve zero-net land degradation. It is possible. It is doable and it is measurable,” he responded. Madafime presented the Workshop recommendations to Dr Rachid Benaissa, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Algeria. In his closing remarks, Benaissa said Algeria’s experience is the result of a long process paved with successes and failures, and the Integrated Rural Development Strategy was the outcome. He said mobilizing the population is key and added that “there is a great need for human resource capacity that is interested and able to do the work… It is important to diffuse and share experiences… It is important to have professionals specialized in communication. The support needed is not simply technical or financial or administrative. It needs to be integrated.” South-south cooperation, Benaissa said, is the key to enhancing capacity and the workshop was one example. He underlined the importance of journalists in raising awareness, explaining policy to the public and highlighting difficulties or problems with the implementation of policy. The Algiers Regional Workshop on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought was jointly sponsored by the UNCCD and the Government of Algeria. Participants came from Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Chad, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal and Togo. The workshop is part of a series of regional media workshops taking place to inform journalists on the need for and benefits of agreeing on a global sustainable development goal on land at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development to be held in Rio later this month. A similar workshop for the Asia region was held on 23-25 May in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China. The participants at the Asia workshop also agreed to set up a tool to help them share information and communicate. For more information contact: Tel: +49-(0)228-815 2820

Algiers, 4 June 2012. African journalists at a three-day workshop held on 29-31 May 2012, in Algiers, Algeria, have decided to initiate a campaign to raise awareness, inform and educate land users, policy-makers and the public on the urgent need for sustainable land management. They also decided to set up a regional network and take the lead in each of their countries to develop a specialized grou

News from our Blog If you're ever tempted by an e-mail or ad claiming you can "earn a degree based on life experience," don't fall for it. Any company that offers degrees for a flat fee and requires little course work is a diploma mill. If your school is not recognized as an accredited institution by the Secretary of Education, you may not be able to receive financial aid and employers won't recognize it. You can check on a school's accreditation by contacting the Department of Education or search the Council for Higher Education Accreditation's database. Scholarships and financial aid do not require upfront fees. While there are legitimate companies who will help guide you through the financial aid and college application process for a fee, disreputable companies may ask you for money up-front and provide nothing in return. Red flags to watch out for include the following: Page Last Reviewed or Updated: May 16, 2013

News from our Blog If you're ever tempted by an e-mail or ad claiming you can "earn a degree based on life experience," don't fall for it. Any company that offers degrees for a flat fee and requires little course work is a diploma mill. If your school is not recognized as an accredited institution by the Secretary of Education, you may not be able to receive financial aid and employers won't recog

The President just spoke at the Edison Electric Vehicle Technical Center in Pomona, California. The Center "provides a broad range of electric transportation services, focusing on solutions for automakers, battery manufacturers, government agencies, business and industrial fleet customers, residential customers and more" – a mission that dovetails perfectly with the President’s vision for green transportation and a green economy. The President explained that in addition to green jobs being a key element of the Recovery Act, it will be a focus of his economic blueprint throughout his presidency: And that is the forward-thinking purpose of the budget that I submitted to Congress. It's a budget that makes hard choices about where to save and where to spend; that makes overdue investments in education, health care and, yes, in energy -- investments that will catalyze innovation and industry, create green jobs, and launch clean renewable energy companies right here in California. Over the next three years, we will double this nation's supply of renewable energy. We've also made the largest investment in basic research funding in American history -- an investment that will spur not only new discoveries in energy, but breakthroughs in science and technology. We will invest $15 billion a year to develop technologies like wind power and solar power, advanced biofuels, clean coal, and fuel-efficient cars and trucks that are built right here in the United States of America. (Applause.) We will soon lay down thousands of miles of power lines that can create new energy in cities and towns across this country. And we will put Americans to work making homes and buildings more efficient so that we can save billions of dollars on our energy bill, just like you've done in California for decades. And we will put 1 million plug-in hybrid vehicles on America's roads by 2015. (Applause.) He went on to announce the availability of $2.4 billion in funding Americans to work producing next generation Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles and the advanced battery components that will make these vehicles run. The initiative will create tens of thousands of jobs, and Americans who decide to purchase these Plug-in Hybrid vehicles can claim a tax credit of up to $7,500. He went on to announce that: The Department of Energy is offering up to $1.5 billion in grants to U.S. based manufacturers to produce these highly efficient batteries and their components. The Department of Energy is offering up to $500 million in grants to U.S. based manufacturers to produce other components needed for electric vehicles, such as electric motors and other components. The Department of Energy is offering up to $400 million to demonstrate and evaluate Plug-In Hybrids and other electric infrastructure concepts -- like truck stop charging station, electric rail, and training for technicians to build and repair electric vehicles. (President Barack Obama tours the Edison Electric Vehicle Technical Center in Pomona, California, and examines hybrid vehicles. White House Photo, 3/19/09, Lawrence Jackson)

The President just spoke at the Edison Electric Vehicle Technical Center in Pomona, California. The Center "provides a broad range of electric transportation services, focusing on solutions for automakers, battery manufacturers, government agencies, business and industrial fleet customers, residential customers and more" – a mission that dovetails perfectly with the President’s vision for green tr

March 7, 2009 The State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF) program is a new one-time appropriation of $53.6 billion under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Of the amount appropriated, the U. S. Department of Education will award governors approximately $48.6 billion by formula under the SFSF program in exchange for a commitment to advance essential education reforms to benefit students from early learning through post-secondary education, including: college- and career- ready standards and high-quality, valid and reliable assessments for all students; development and use of pre-K through post-secondary and career data systems; increasing teacher effectiveness and ensuring an equitable distribution of qualified teachers; and turning around the lowest-performing schools. These funds will help stabilize state and local government budgets in order to minimize and avoid reductions in education and other essential public services. The program will help ensure that local educational agencies (LEAs) and public institutions of higher education (IHEs) have the resources to avert cuts and retain teachers and professors. The program may also help support the modernization, renovation, and repair of school and college facilities. In addition, the law provides governors with significant resources to support education (including school modernization renovation, and repair), public safety, and other government services. The Department will award the remaining $5 billion competitively under the "Race to the Top" and "Investing in What Works and Innovation" programs. SFSF is a key element of the ARRA and is guided by the principles of ARRA. Overview of ARRA Principles: The overall goals of the ARRA are to stimulate the economy in the short term and invest in education and other essential public services to ensure the long-term economic health of our nation. The success of the education part of the ARRA will depend on the shared commitment and responsibility of students, parents, teachers, principals, superintendents, education boards, college presidents, state school chiefs, governors, local officials, and federal officials. Collectively, we must advance ARRA's short-term economic goals by investing quickly, and we must support ARRA's long-term economic goals by investing wisely, using these funds to strengthen education, drive reforms, and improve results for students from early learning through college. Four principles guide the distribution and use of ARRA funds: Spend funds quickly to save and create jobs. ARRA funds will be distributed quickly to states, LEAs and other entities in order to avert layoffs and create jobs. States and LEAs in turn are urged to move rapidly to develop plans for using funds, consistent with the law's reporting and accountability requirements, and to promptly begin spending funds to help drive the nation's economic recovery. Improve student achievement through school improvement and reform. ARRA funds should be used to improve student achievement, and help close the achievement gap. In addition, the SFSF requires progress on four reforms previously authorized under the bipartisan Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the America Competes Act of 2007: Making progress toward rigorous college- and career-ready standards and high-quality assessments that are valid and reliable for all students, including English language learners and students with disabilities; Establishing pre-K-to college and career data systems that track progress and foster continuous improvement; Making improvements in teacher effectiveness and in the equitable distribution of qualified teachers for all students, particularly students who are most in need; Providing intensive support and effective interventions for the lowest-performing schools. Ensure transparency, reporting and accountability. To prevent fraud and abuse, support the most effective uses of ARRA funds, and accurately measure and track results, recipients must publicly report on how funds are used. Due to the unprecedented scope and importance of this investment, ARRA funds are subject to additional and more rigorous reporting requirements than normally apply to grant recipients. Invest one-time ARRA funds thoughtfully to minimize the "funding cliff." ARRA represents a historic infusion of funds that is expected to be temporary. Depending on the program, these funds are available for only two to three years. These funds should be invested in ways that do not result in unsustainable continuing commitments after the funding expires. Awarding SFSF Grants In order to help alleviate the substantial budget shortfalls that states are facing, the Department has developed a streamlined, user-friendly process for expeditiously providing to states SFSF allocations: Sixty-one percent of a state's allocations will be on the basis of their relative population of individuals aged 5 to 24, and 39 percent will be based on relative shares of total population. The Department will award SFSF funds to governors in two phases. To receive its initial SFSF allocation, a state must submit to the Department an application that provides (1) assurances that the state is committed to advancing education reform in four specific areas (described below); (2) baseline data that demonstrates the state's current status in each of the four education reform areas; and (3) a description of how the state intends to use its stabilization allocation. As part of its application for initial funding, the state must assure that it will take actions to: (a) increase teacher effectiveness and address inequities in the distribution of highly qualified teachers; (b) establish and use pre-K-through-college and career data systems to track progress and foster continuous improvement; (c) make progress toward rigorous college- and career-ready standards and high-quality assessments; and (d) support targeted, intensive support and effective interventions to turn around schools identified for corrective action and restructuring. Within two weeks of receipt of an approvable SFSF application, the Department will provide a state with 67 percent of its SFSF allocation. A state will receive the remaining portion of its SFSF allocation after the Department approves the state's plan detailing its strategies for addressing the education reform objectives described in the assurances. This plan must also describe how the state is implementing the record-keeping and reporting requirements under ARRA and how SFSF and other funding will be used in a fiscally prudent way that substantially improves teaching and learning. In the near future, the Department will issue guidance on the specific requirements that a state must meet to receive its phase two allocation. The Department anticipates that the phase-two funds will be awarded beginning July 1, 2009, on a rolling basis. If a state demonstrates that the amount of funds it will receive in phase one (67 percent of its total stabilization allocation) is insufficient to prevent the immediate layoff of personnel by LEAs, state educational agencies, or public institutions of higher education, the Department will award the state up to 90 percent of its SFSF allocation in phase one. In such cases, the remaining portion of the state's allocation will be provided after the Department approves the state's plan. Of the amount appropriated for the SFSF, the Department will use at least $4.35 billion to make competitive grants under the "Race to the Top" fund. These grants will help states to drive significant improvement in student achievement, including through making progress toward the four assurances noted above. The Department will use up to $650 million to make competitive awards under the "Invest in What Works and Innovation" fund. These awards will reward LEAs or nonprofit organizations that have made significant gains in closing achievement gaps to serve as models for best practices. Funds to Restore Support for Education States must use 81.8 percent of SFSF funds for the support of public elementary, secondary, and higher education, and, as applicable, early childhood education programs and services. States must use their allocations to help restore for FY 2009, 2010, and 2011 support for public elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education to the greater of the FY 2008 or FY 2009 level. The funds needed to restore support for elementary and secondary education must be run through the state's primary elementary and secondary education funding formulae. The funds for higher education must go to IHEs. If any SFSF funds remain after the state has restored state support for elementary and secondary education and higher education, the state must award the funds to LEAs on the basis of the relative Title I shares but not subject to Title I program requirements. Funds to Support Public Safety and Other Government Services States must use 18.2 percent of the SFSF funds for education, public safety, and other government services. This may include assistance for early learning, elementary and secondary education, and IHEs. In addition, states may use these funds for modernization, renovation, or repair of public school and public or private college facilities. LEA and IHE Uses of Funds LEAs and IHEs should use funds consistent with the intent and overall goals of ARRA: to create and save jobs and to advance the education reforms set forth in the assurances section so as to produce lasting results for students from early learning to college. LEAs and IHEs are also encouraged to consider uses of funds that create lasting results without creating unsustainable recurring costs. Subject to limited restrictions in ARRA as defined in further guidance LEAs may use their share of 81.8% of the SFSF education funds for any activity authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) (which includes the modernization, renovation, or repair of public school facilities), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (Adult Education Act), or the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins Act). Any funds that an LEA receives from the 81.8 percent of the SFSF program (whether distributed through the state's primary funding formulae or on the basis of their relative Title I, Part A shares) may be used for any activity listed in the above paragraph. LEAs may use SFSF to pay salaries to avoid having to lay off teachers and other school employees. To the extent LEAs use funds for modernization, renovation or repair, they should consider the use of facilities for early childhood education and for the community and should create "green" buildings. Subject to limited restrictions in ARRA, IHEs may use program funds for: (1) education and general expenditures, and in such a way as to mitigate the need to raise tuition and fees for in-state students; or (2) the modernization, renovation, or repair of IHE facilities that are primarily used for instruction, research, or student housing. IHEs may not use funds to increase their endowments. The Department strongly encourages governors to award or otherwise commit program funds as soon as possible after receipt of their grant awards. However, funds are available for obligation at the state and local levels until Sept. 30, 2011. As part of the state's application, each governor must include an assurance that the state will maintain the same level of support for elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education in FY 2009 through FY 2011 as it did in FY 2006. However, the statute authorizes the Department to waive this maintenance-of-effort requirement under certain conditions. With prior approval from the secretary of education, a state or LEA may count program funds used for elementary or secondary education as non-federal funds to maintain fiscal effort under Department of Education programs that have maintenance-of-effort requirements. The president and secretary are committed to spending ARRA dollars with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Therefore, states and LEAs that receive SFSF should expect to report on how those funds were spent and the results of those expenditures. The administration will post reports on ARRA expenditures on the www.Recovery.gov Web site. The SFSF authorization also contains specific reporting requirements to help ensure transparency and accountability for program funds. For example, states must report to the Department on, among other things: (1) the use of funds provided under the SFSF program; (2) the estimated number of jobs created or saved with program funds; (3) estimated tax increases that were averted as a result of program funds; and (4) the state's progress in the areas covered by the application assurances. States must maintain records that will permit the Department to monitor, evaluate, and audit the SFSF effectively. In the near future, the Department will make available the SFSF grant application and provide detailed program guidance. If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail them to: [email protected].

March 7, 2009 The State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF) program is a new one-time appropriation of $53.6 billion under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Of the amount appropriated, the U. S. Department of Education will award governors approximately $48.6 billion by formula under the SFSF program in exchange for a commitment to advance essential education reforms to benef

Etherton-JR; Cutlip-RG; Harris-JR; Ronaghi-M; Means-KH; Howard-S J Agric Saf Health 2002 Feb; 8(1):113-118 The mechanism for an automatically deployable ROPS (AutoROPS) has been designed and tested. This mechanism is part of an innovative project to provide passive protection against rollover fatality to operators of new tractors used in both low-clearance and unrestricted-clearance tasks. The device is a spring-action, telescoping structure that releases on signal to pyrotechnic squibs that actuate release pins. Upper post motion begins when the release pins clear an internal piston. The structure extends until the piston impacts an elastomeric ring and latches at the top position. In lab tests the two-post structure consistently deployed in less than 0.3 s and latched securely. Static load tests of the telescoping structure and field upset tests of the fully functional AutoROPS have been successfully completed. Occupational-accidents; Occupational-hazards; Workers; Farmers; Agricultural-industry; Agricultural-workers; Injury-prevention; Engineering-controls; Control-technology

Etherton-JR; Cutlip-RG; Harris-JR; Ronaghi-M; Means-KH; Howard-S J Agric Saf Health 2002 Feb; 8(1):113-118 The mechanism for an automatically deployable ROPS (AutoROPS) has been designed and tested. This mechanism is part of an innovative project to provide passive protection against rollover fatality to operators of new tractors used in both low-clearance and unrestricted-clearance tasks. The dev

North Waltham, or Wealtham, belonged from an early date to the See of Winchester, and the manor was included in the Domesday Survey under the heading of Overton. The land continued to be the property of the bishops of Winchester until 1648, when it was sold to George Wither and John Yate. At the Restoration the land reverted to the bishopric and John Yate continued to occupy the manor house. Archaeological remains from the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age indicate continuous occupation in the parish from pre-historic times, and the sites of three Roman buildings have yielded tiles, pottery, tesserae and metal goods. The fourteenth century Church of St. Michael was rebuilt in 1865-6 and contains some of the original fabric together with a fifteenth century font from Popham church. Jane Austen, who lived in the neighbouring parish of Steventon, knew North Waltham well, and she has been described as walking along Popham Lane "with mud on her shoes". Like many other Hampshire villages, North Waltham had its own troupe of mummers until the early 1950s. The traditional plays were per formed at Christmas by characters including St. George (or King George in some versions), Father Christmas, Turkey Snipe (corrupted from Turkish Knight) and Little Johnny Jack. The latter represented Everyman, and often engaged in ritual combat: all the actors wore elaborate costumes to disguise their identity so that the magic of their ritual performance would not be spoilt. Further information on attractions to discover in the area and other interesting villages to visit is available. For information on public services for North Waltham please take a look at the Basingstoke local pages.

North Waltham, or Wealtham, belonged from an early date to the See of Winchester, and the manor was included in the Domesday Survey under the heading of Overton. The land continued to be the property of the bishops of Winchester until 1648, when it was sold to George Wither and John Yate. At the Restoration the land reverted to the bishopric and John Yate continued to occupy the manor house. Archa

News Releases By State Six New England Companies Face Fines for Chemical Reporting Violations Release Date: 11/03/2010 Contact Information: Paula Ballentine, 617-918-1027 (Boston, Mass. – November 3, 2010) – Six companies in New England that store, manufacture or use chemicals in their operations have been charged recently by EPA with violating the federal right-to-know law meant to protect the health and safety of citizens and the nearby environment. All six companies – four in Connecticut, one in Massachusetts and one in New Hampshire – were charged with failing to file reports that are required by federal laws that ensure residents, as well as emergency responders, have the necessary information to protect the community and the environment. The companies face fines ranging from just over $8,000 to nearly $139,000 for violating the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The violations involved a number of different chemicals, including sulfuric acid, nitric acid, anhydrous ammonia, styrene, methyl methacrylate, propylene, diesel fuel, lead, quench oil and zinc compounds. “When companies that store chemicals fail to file these required forms, the community’s first responders do not have adequate information about chemicals present on a site that could be released into the neighborhood in the event of an accident,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “Without this information, the local and state responders cannot properly plan for an emergency, and the community is deprived of information relevant to the health and safety of its residents.” Companies charged by EPA with violating the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act were: Cascades Boxboard Group in Versailles, Conn.¬ – EPA has proposed that Cascades Boxboard, which is owned by Cascades Canada, pay a $138,866 penalty for six violations of EPCRA. According to the complaint, Cascades Boxboard failed to file a chemical inventory form for 2007 for sulfuric acid stored at the facility. According to EPA, Cascades Boxboard stored 57 times the minimum threshold level of 500 pounds required for reporting. The company also failed to file the required Toxic Release Inventory forms for chlorine dioxide in 2007, vinyl acetate in 2008, and nitrate compounds for 2006, 2007, and 2008. BJ’s Wholesale Club in Uxbridge, Mass. –BJ’s has agreed to pay $27,000 to settle claims by EPA it failed to submit the proper forms to state and local emergency officials for 2006, 2007 and 2008. According to EPA, BJ’s did not file its chemical inventory form for sulfuric acid, lead and diesel fuel, all of which were present at the facility at levels above that required for reporting. The complaint grew out of a March 2009 EPA inspection. Scott Metal Finishing in Bristol, Conn. – Scott Metal Finishing has agreed to pay a penalty of $11,115 to settle claims by EPA it violated chemical reporting laws. According to EPA, this commercial metal finishing facility failed to file an emergency and hazardous chemical inventory form for 2006 with local and state responders. Scott failed to file the form for nitric acid, which was present above the minimum threshold level. The case grew out of a routine inspection in July 2007. Kalwall Corporation, Flat Sheet Division in Bow, N.H. – Kalwall, which makes fiberglass flat sheets, has agreed to pay a penalty of $25,100 to settle claims by EPA that the company failed to file Toxic Release Inventory forms for styrene, methyl methacrylate, and propylene in 2008. The Sousa Corporation in West Hartford, Conn. – Sousa agreed in March 2010 to pay $8,014 to settle claims by EPA that it failed to file a required chemical inventory report in 2007 with local and state and emergency officials. According to EPA, Sousa failed to report on anhydrous ammonia and quench oil, which were present above the threshold for reporting. Highway Safety Corporation in Glastonbury, Conn. – Highway Safety, doing business as Connecticut Galvanizing, has agreed to pay a penalty of $42,700 to settle claims by EPA that it failed to file Toxic Release Inventory forms for zinc compounds that it manufactured in 2006, 2007 and 2008. The zinc compounds are manufactured during the galvanizing process and must be reported even though they are recycled. Sulfuric acid, a hazardous chemical, is extremely corrosive and presents significant risks from contact, including lung damage from inhalation of vapors. Nitric acid is an extremely hazardous chemical as a result of its health risks and reactivity. It is corrosive to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. Additionally, nitric acid can cause combustible material to ignite upon contact, which may produce toxic gases. Anhydrous ammonia is an extremely hazardous chemical and quench oil is also a hazardous chemical. Lead presents a reactivity risk and a threat to response personal from contact, including skin and lung contact. Diesel fuel is a flammable liquid and vapor and poses health risks from contact, including skin irritation and lung damage. More information: EPA enforcement of EPCRA in New England: http://www.epa.gov/region1/enforcement/epcra/index.html # # #

News Releases By State Six New England Companies Face Fines for Chemical Reporting Violations Release Date: 11/03/2010 Contact Information: Paula Ballentine, 617-918-1027 (Boston, Mass. – November 3, 2010) – Six companies in New England that store, manufacture or use chemicals in their operations have been charged recently by EPA with violating the federal right-to-know law meant to protect the he

This information is for reference purposes only. It was current when produced and may now be outdated. Archive material is no longer maintained, and some links may not work. Persons with disabilities having difficulty accessing this information should contact us at: https://info.ahrq.gov. Let us know the nature of the problem, the Web address of what you want, and your contact information. Please go to www.ahrq.gov for current information. Updated report with national statistics on hospital stays-HCUP Facts and Figures, 2006-is available The HCUP Facts and Figures, 2006, a report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) on hospital-based care, is now available. This report is updated annually with statistics from the HCUP Nationwide Inpatient Sample. This year's Facts and Figures report contains national statistics on hospital stays in the U.S. for 2006 and trends from 1993. In addition, each year the report provides insight into special topic areas. This year's topics include complications for C-section versus vaginal deliveries, depression, cancer, asthma, arthritis, and changes in procedure use over time. For example, a new analysis shows that hospital cost increases appear to be slowing. The cost of patient care in U.S. hospitals rose just under 1 percent between 2005 and 2006, much slower than the average 5.3 percent per year between 1997 and 2005, according to data. However, over the 9-year period from 1997 to 2006, the overall cost for stays in the hospital nearly doubled from $177 billion to $329 billion. AHRQ's new analysis also found that: - Nearly half the increase in overall costs (47 percent) was due to the increased intensity of care in the hospital, such as increased use of procedures, technologies, and other interventions. - About one-third of the cost increases were due to inflation and 16 percent resulted from an increase in the number of patients due to population growth. The findings suggest that rapid growth in the adoption of managed care plans and the shift to outpatient care have slowed the growth in the use of inpatient care. HCUP Facts and Figures, 2006 is a 65-page report that can be accessed from the Reports page of the HCUP User Support Web site, http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports.jsp. Return to Contents Proceed to Next Article

This information is for reference purposes only. It was current when produced and may now be outdated. Archive material is no longer maintained, and some links may not work. Persons with disabilities having difficulty accessing this information should contact us at: https://info.ahrq.gov. Let us know the nature of the problem, the Web address of what you want, and your contact information. Please

Technology Description: Agricultural Research Service scientists in Illinois have developed a new way to produce value added products from surplus vegetable oils using a newly-discovered Pseudomonas bacterium strain. The finished product developed from this technology can be used as a coating material, plasticizer, polymer synthesizer, and as an antimicrobial or biomedical product. No other commercial technologies are available that have the same function as ARS’s invention. Compared to other commercial chemical processes, this technology uses less energy and is environmentally friendly. It addresses the U.S. annual vegetable oil surplus problem, by using the waste product and turning it into a value-added product. This technology could potentially be used in many other products and applications. This technology is still at the research and development stage. ARS is seeking a cooperative research partner to scale up this technology and to test this technology in multiple commercial applications. This invention could be used in many manufacturing and biomedical industries, such as those involved in coatings, plastics, polymers, specialty chemicals, and biomedical functions and devices. Reference: Please refer to USPN 5,852,196 (Docket #0082.95), “12, 13, 17-Trihydroxy-9 (Z)-Octadecenoic Acid and Derivatives and Microbial Isolate for Production of the Acid,” issued on December 22, 1998 and USPN 5,900,496 (Docket #0198.96), “Microbial Production of a Novel Compound, 7,10-Dihydroxy-8-Octadecenoic Acid from Oleic Acid,” which issued on May 4, 1999. Foreign rights are not available. Ching Tsang Hou Microbial Genomics and Peoria, IL 61604-3999 Phone: (309) 681-6263 Fax: (309) 681-6672

Technology Description: Agricultural Research Service scientists in Illinois have developed a new way to produce value added products from surplus vegetable oils using a newly-discovered Pseudomonas bacterium strain. The finished product developed from this technology can be used as a coating material, plasticizer, polymer synthesizer, and as an antimicrobial or biomedical product. No other commer

Make sure your bike fits you properly, that you can control it comfortably and it is roadworthy. Get your bike assessed by a local bike shop if you are unsure how to do a full check. - Dress to be seen so wear something bright or reflective. - Ensure your bike has front and back reflectors. - When cycling in the dark, make sure you have good working front and back lights. - We recommend that you wear a helmet when cycling, to provide protection. Tips when out about on your bike - Feel confident in your riding ability. Be able to... - Hold a straight course - Signal without wobbling - Look behind you over your shoulder - Don't ride in the gutter, ride about one metre out. This avoids drains and grit, makes you more visible and prevents cars passing where there is not enough room. - Be predictable. Be decisive. Signal in plenty of time and avoid hesitant or sudden manoeuvres. - Always obey traffic regulations they are there to keep yourself and other road users safe. The Highway Code includes a section just for cyclists. - Think ahead. Keep looking and listening. Look out for pedestrians crossing, cars pulling out, car doors beginning to open and hazards in the road surface. - Make eye contact with other road users wherever possible. - Never ride up the inside of any large vehicle when it is turning you cannot be seen. - Drivers: Please give cyclists plenty of room, particularly when overtaking. - Fit and use a bell, especially on shared paths, to warn pedestrians in good time of your approach. - Be a courteous and considerate cyclist. Always give way to pedestrians on a shared cycling and walking path and remember that pedestrians do not always hear you approaching. - Always be prepared. Carry a puncture repair kit and tools with you and know how to use them. - Enjoy cycling!

Make sure your bike fits you properly, that you can control it comfortably and it is roadworthy. Get your bike assessed by a local bike shop if you are unsure how to do a full check. - Dress to be seen so wear something bright or reflective. - Ensure your bike has front and back reflectors. - When cycling in the dark, make sure you have good working front and back lights. - We recommend that you w

Through a new effort to follow best practices in Washington's emergency rooms, patients are receiving better care and taxpayers are saving money, according to a new report. In the ER is for Emergencies Program, all hospitals in the state agreed to follow seven best practices to ensure patients are getting care in the most appropriate setting. The initiative responded to a call from the Legislature to address high emergency room use by state-insured Medicaid patients, and it is expected to save $31 million a year. "As an emergency department doctor, I want to see people get the best care possible, and often the ER is not the place for that,” said Sen. Nathan Schlicher, D-Gig Harbor. “This program is example of the kind of results we can achieve when we bring everyone to the table. Patients are receiving high-quality care, there are fewer non-emergency visits to emergency rooms, and we are saving precious health care dollars.” A medical doctor, Schlicher helped design the program, and plans to pursue similar opportunities in his role as the new state Senator for the 26th District. On Thursday he joined colleagues in the Legislature and the medical community in welcoming early data on the success of the ER is for Emergencies Program. Among its achievements: - A 23percent reduction in emergency visits by Medicaid patients who frequently use emergency services - Projected savings of $31 million to the state for the fiscal year - Quintupling the number of hospitals exchanging emergency department information electronically, to 85, with 10 more moving to the system - Doubling the number of shared care plans, which ensure patients receive coordinated care - A 250 percent increase in the number of providers registered in the state’s Prescription Monitoring Program, which identifies patients with narcotic-seeking behaviors The program is a joint effort of the Washington State Medical Association, the Washington State Hospital Association, the Washington Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians and the state Health Care Authority. The organizations are continuing the program with the goal of further improving care quality and increasing cost savings. The full report can be found at: http://www.hca.wa.gov/leg_reports.html

Through a new effort to follow best practices in Washington's emergency rooms, patients are receiving better care and taxpayers are saving money, according to a new report. In the ER is for Emergencies Program, all hospitals in the state agreed to follow seven best practices to ensure patients are getting care in the most appropriate setting. The initiative responded to a call from the Legislature

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are on many teachers’ minds this school year, and the Library of Congress is ready to help. The Library’s teacher resources are a great fit for teachers trying to meet key CCSS goals, including critical thinking, analyzing informational texts, and working with primary sources. They’re all free, and finding them is as easy as going to www.loc.gov/teachers. The Search by Standards Tool on www.loc.gov/teachers Hundreds of Library of Congress lesson plans, primary source sets, presentations and more—all based on authentic primary sources from the Library’s online collections—are now aligned to the CCSS, to state content standards, and to several national organizations’ standards. The Library’s updated Search by Standards tool makes it easy to find the resources you need to meet your Common Core or state standards. Select your state, grade level, and subject for a list of Library of Congress teaching materials aligned to those standards. Or, once you’ve found a lesson plan or primary source set that you’d like to use, one click will show you which of your standards that particular item meets. All of your search results are easy to share or print, so you can pass the word to other teachers using your favorite social media tools. And you can continue to read the Teaching with the Library of Congress blog to learn more about how Library of Congress primary sources and teaching resources can help you find success with the Common Core State Standards. If you’ve used Library of Congress primary sources to meet Common Core State Standard standards—or can think of good strategies for doing so–please let us know in the comments. Election Day is almost here. While the candidates and campaigns make one last pitch for votes, many classrooms and schools prepare to hold their own mock elections not only to engage students in current events, but also to teach and learn about one of the most important roles of citizens: voting. The original Constitution of the United States was nearly mute on voting rights, ceding them to the states to determine. This, the second of two posts exploring the struggles of two groups to gain full voting rights, will take a look at the long road toward the full enfranchisement of women. Many of us take our right to vote as a given, forgetting that some struggled to attain that right. This, the first of two posts exploring the work of two groups to gain full voting rights, will take a look at primary sources from the Library of Congress that document the long road toward the … Read more » At the 12th Annual Library of Congress National Book Festival, we explored the use of primary sources along with books to address a variety of teaching points for students at any level. Campaign posters, buttons and other ephemera are not new. Prior to the advent of radio, television and the internet, candidates used campaign signs, buttons, ribbons, light shades and banners to reach out to voters who might not have been able to come to a speech or access a newspaper. The Library of Congress has made many of these unique artifacts available online. This is a guest post by Sarah Haro. Sarah is working with the education team at the Library of Congress as part of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Internship Program. As a resident of the state of Texas and a student in the city of San Antonio, I have visited the Spanish … Read more » Campaign songs have been part of presidential elections for almost as long as there have been presidential elections. These songs helped rally the crowd, encourage enthusiasm for the candidate and sometimes say something about the candidate and his beliefs.

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are on many teachers’ minds this school year, and the Library of Congress is ready to help. The Library’s teacher resources are a great fit for teachers trying to meet key CCSS goals, including critical thinking, analyzing informational texts, and working with primary sources. They’re all free, and finding them is as easy as going to www.loc.gov/teachers. The

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Information When will the H1N1 Flu vaccine be available? H1N1 Flu Vaccine is widely available and all Californians are encouraged to seek the H1N1 flu vaccine. Where can I get an H1N1 flu vaccination? Please monitor information from your health provider and local health department to find out when and where the H1N1 flu vaccine is available in your area. In addition, some retail pharmacies and outlets provide vaccine. CDPH suggests you call ahead to ensure the accuracy of the information. You will also find some helpful information on our Vaccination Locations page which is updated when new information is released. Will the seasonal flu vaccine protect me from the H1N1 flu? The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu. However, getting your seasonal flu shot, following public health advice regarding school closures, and avoiding crowds are important before and after a 2009 H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections. Who should get the H1N1 Flu vaccination? All Californians are encouraged to seek H1N1 flu vaccine. Priority groups for H1N1 vaccine include: Persons who live with or provide care for infants aged <6 months (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers). Health-care and emergency medical services personnel. Persons aged 6 months through 24 years. Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications. See information from CDC for Persons who are aged 65 and over. NOTE: Children ages 6 months through nine years should receive two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine (separated by approximately 4 weeks apart). Persons 10 years of age and older should receive only 1 dose. Questions about H1N1 Flu? Contact your health care provider or local health department for more information.

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Information When will the H1N1 Flu vaccine be available? H1N1 Flu Vaccine is widely available and all Californians are encouraged to seek the H1N1 flu vaccine. Where can I get an H1N1 flu vaccination? Please monitor information from your health provider and local health department to find out when and where the H1N1 flu vaccine is available in your area. In addition, some retail p

Search America's historic newspapers pages from - or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities external link and the Library of Congress. Learn more title: 'The Salt Lake tribune. (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, June 18, 1908, Page 9, Image 9', meta: 'News about Chronicling America - RSS Feed', Image provided by: University of Utah, Marriott Library All ways to connect Inspector General | External Link Disclaimer | THE SALT hA&bi TKliiUJiU, THUKSDAY MOJftWIJNGr, JUNE 18, y ff ! MARKET IS NARROW, 1 ! WITH NO jUMMTMl io jjj ' Upward Movement That Started 1 Tuesday Lacked. Motive ' Power Backing. d I CroP REPORTS AND GOLD ' : 1 EXPORTS EXERT INFLUENCE Passing of Dividends by Two k Vanderbilt Roads Turns the 3i i N'EW YORK. Juno 17. The cxtrcme- ' V iv'narrow dimensions of the stock mar ' "L i i?-t was still Us most striking feature 1fc i fndfiy Under tho dullness and apathy .. & nf tho dealings tho desultory price move- 2 Ints are not very significant. The up - " ward movement of yesterday evidently nsAj 'i lacked nictlvo power for any longer con Ufc -11 5- tlnuancc and the reaction came by mid- 1 Sf dlTho0priiiclpal active factor In deciding LH ' the turn was tho decision of the Clevol 5 land. Cincinnati. Chicago & St. Louis i ! and of the Lake Erie & Western ty rasa dividends on the common stock of ' the first company and on the preferred stock of the second. While these rall 1iL i ' roads are not In the first rank of Impor nw& ' i tajic, the fact of the Vanderbilt control ' ' k at them lends some special sentimental t Influence to the financial policy pur ItU l- ,uefl by their directors. Wm . increased attention was paid today to ' rtports of deterioration of the winter I vncat crop from too much moisture, and 5UL E. the strength of that grain's price roln BhIfe' forced tho Influence of tho reports. En tt UfclB itments of gold for export tomorrow SHt'ifljr pfoved unexpectedly largo, reaching .tf-lLm' 0.000. No fears arc entertained of 'f3K' the effect on our money market of this diQkSf outcome. Interest rates continuing to rc- -ZZJm: ctde. There were considerable recov " cries from the lowest prices beforo the t-ffl W1 market closed. Wl Heavy dealings In Union Pacific rc- E iflU funding is when Issued made up the 'IlmuM' bulk of the bond market again. inlltkiM The largest sales wore made nt a ..juTW jhade below the subscription prices. The "W' tone of the general bond market was ' W Ujrregular. Total sales, par value, $3,448.- 3 UifcMi United Slates bonds were unchanged on Will Mr New York Bonds. Lf, T:! U S rcf 2s reg..l01s do 2nd scries fiSa W do coupon ...105 I, & N unified 4s PSJ 7iUai Ml, u s Se reg ..,.101 Mnnh con g 4s 0G rifLtJk' do coupon ...101 Tdcx Cent 4s ..St Tlf U S is ref 121j do lEt lnc 15 "' do coupon ...122i M & St L 4s.. S2 Amer Tobac 4s. 72i M K & T 4s .. 0G5 '""iTM! do 6s 105a do 2nds S31 ""iSlW. Atch gen 4s .... 08J N RR of M c 4s Sli iMVi? 5 do odjust 4s. 8S IN V C gen 35s.. 323 3 do cv 4s fl02N J C gen 5s.. 1231 . ... , do c 5s IOOJiN P 4s 1011 iff. ; At Coast Li 4s.. 92 do 3s 71s M. ' f BiO 4s OS? 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Close: Prime M-MS "cantllc paper. 3j4 per cent. sterling exchange steady, with actual I0 I- J01"1"5 bankors' bills at 4.S7.10 for TflTiltllt l""3,"?!'1 -J-S5.50 for sixty days; com firr I' J,1"'1 dollars, 47c. BiSK I. yeniment bonds steady. 1 trlllroatI boniip irregular. PSfft .Tioney ." caJ1' eas'' Per cent: tOH VftrM. "jl'ns rates. 1J per cent; closlna: bid. 11 bil'KruC;nt'' ofred 13 per cent. Time loans, ioU'lt' ?ncty days- 22i Pr cent; sir months Mi ' P' cent. W Treasury Statement. rJ" .JJ'ASHINGTON-, Juno 17. Today's XlBWi Sury dement shows: Available cash iftfnf S230.lCS.003j gold coin and bul J33.0o6.165; gold certificates, 531,115.- nuAeHV Evaporated Fruits. ibF.TOrK' Juno ".-The market for -iriS!??WiSlcd aPPlc la tjulet but steady, in 71 absence of Important offerings. Fancy j.- ft0W-Mo-al lfl10sc; choice at S(9c; BWe. 6I7ic- and common to fair at 51 I Vt.f?l stcad' on spot, with a little bet Mhfvl?;. In,e f,cmand In evidence, although ,.u iig?eri vlcw,s are rather below tho mar jlica .JftV.. Quotations range from 31c to 13c for itA?J0 are lulet wit" choice quoted - f,J"10Ac,; cxtra choice, llllic and . I.Miu.1, .ar? unchanged, with Iooko mus ,11nreiHMdMq ri at 436ic: cholco fancy lUmJ. 67c,3seedles6. 56c; London New York Sugar. .rrtWtofeV. fX,0RK- Jun" 17 Sugar Raw, Kh it.; nnlne, 3.S9c; centrifugal. ' JM? vinnc' molasscB sugar, 3.64c. W'ittii inSdr'n8teady; crushed. G.lOo; pow mri 0-r'"c; granulated. 5.40c. jell I Mexican .4 J i ustan liniment I THE PAIN RELIEVER. 6,1 !f. works like magic lakes all the hurt ritto For out ofthe little daily ? Sprains, accidents. 8. Burns Limbers up a stiff rf' fi a Cnf. Joint and takes the OBift Che "ki".k" OUt of a !ln2: i,fne8s Cleanses, antiscpti- t fr bago, cally, and heals old r ft fitfa, sores and ulcers. jtfl A '"Sores, No matter how long nfiT) $ ' atandinft or deep i i cers seated the Pain rflE ' " Mexican Mustang LONDON UN Mi Lead Advances Abroad; Local Market Quiet; Iron Is PEICES OF METALS j- IN NEW YORK MARKET v I Silver ' 5:51c - Copper (electrolytic). ?12.62t'1l2.S7a I Lead, quiet .51.471.55 j XEW YORK, Juno 17. The London tin market had quite a sharp break today, with sp0t closing at 127 12s 6d, and futures at 127 17s 6d. .Locnlly the mar ket was weak, with quotations ranging Copper was 5s higher in Txmdon. with snot quoted at 56 5s. and futures at 08 15s. Tho local market wax d till and unchanged, with lake quoted at 51-S7i 13.00; electrolytic at 5l2.62j12.S7j, and casting at SI2.50(g12.G2i. Lead advanced to 12 13s Od In the London market. The local market was quiet at 51.47iffi4.52i. Spelter was lower In London, closing at 19 2s Gd. The local market was dull and unchanged at 54.55tfJ)4.G0. Iron was higher at 51s 3d for Cleve land warrants In Ixmdon. Locally no change was reported. No. 1 foundry Nortflern, $16.5017.00; No. 2 foundry Northern. 515.75filG.25: No. 1 Southern and No. 1 Southern soft, 516.50(5)17.23. Closing Stock List. Sales.) II: L. Clsc Amal Copper 15,400 6S3 6i 67i AmerCar&Fndy 500 C1R 3U 31 Amor Cotton Oil Amer H &. L pfd IS Amer Ice Sccur 100 273 273 26? Amer Llnsoed - 9 Amer Locomotlvo ... 3.300 49i 46 463 preferred 200 102 100J 100i Amer Smelt Sz Rcf.. 14,600 76S 75 75E preferred 300 JKU 991 99j Amer Sugar Refining 400 12G3 126a 1261 Amer Tobacco pfd SS Amer Woolen 300 231 22i 23 Anaconda Mining Co 1.700 43i 42 132 Atchison 2.500 S2 SI S1J preferred 100 93J 93i 93 Atlantic Coast Line 100 90 90 S9i Baltimore & Ohio... 900 S9J 8SJ S9i Brooklvn Rapid T... 900 4i3 4i 4 1 1 Canadian Pacific . . . 4,200 1G1J 160 1608 Central Leather ..... 100 25 25 2o Central of New Jersey 1S4 Chesakeako & Ohio.. 2,400 44 43t 44J Chicago Gt Western 400 68 61 6 Chicago & N W 300 151 150S lol Chi Mil & St Paul 8.100 1343 132 1335 C C C & St Louis 1.200 56 471 -J" Colo Fuel & Iron... 1.000 27i 27 2GJ Colorado &. Southern 400 31J r.li 31 1st preferred 100 57 5S 5S5 2d preferred 100 49a 49JI 4Si Consolidated Gas 1235 Corn Products 200 1CJ 1G 165 Delaware & Hudson 300 159. 1501 1;iS2 Denver & Rio Grande 25 preferred 100 61 G4 63 Distillers' Securities. 300 34 34 33 ISrle 2.100 IS ISi lSj 1st preferred 600 31; 31 31 2d preferred 235 General Electric .... 300 134 134 133 Great Northern pfd. G.700 132 1305 131 Great North Ore ctfs. 200 60 G93 59 Illinois Central 600 130 129 130 Intcrboroush-Met 900 111 11 10 preferred 600 29i 29 29 International Paper , lot preferred .' 8 International Pump .... .... ; Iowa Central 200 lbj 165 lb Kansas City Southern 23 Louisville ; Nash... 200 10S 10S 10i Mexican Central 16 Minneapolis & St L 2 M St P & Sault St M HO Missouri Pacific 500 49 J 4S5 4S3 M K .5: T 500 -27 27i 276 National Lead 5.200 06J Co 6oJ New York Central.. 400 105 1038 104J N Y Ont & West... 2,000 41 401 401 Norfolk & Western 61 North American 100 60 bOj 60 Northern Pacific 9,000 1371 135 1361 Pacific Mall 200 253 253 251 Pennsylvania 3,100 121 121 1211 People's Gas .... 92 Pittsburg C C & St L .100 74 74 73 Prosscd Steel Car .. 200 2S 28 27 Pullman Palace Car lfS Railway Steel Sprlns ona Readme S1.500 1143 1121 113 J Republic Steel 200 ISi ISi IS prcferrod 700 653 65J 6i3 Rock Island Co.. 100 175 lji 171 preferred 3,300 35 335 34 St L & S F 2d pfd 275 St L Southwestern 16 Sloss Shef Steel & I.. 400 50 50 49j Southern facinc .... o.juu dk ooj oa preferred 100 1191 1191 119 Southern Railway .. 600 17 17 175 preferred 300 465 46 40 Tennessee Copper 200 36J 361 35 Texas & Pacific 200 203 201 22 Toledo St L & West 200 203 201 22 prof erred 700 443 411 -Ho Union Pacific 69,500 1471 1451 1465 preferred 100 S35 S3i S3 U S Rubber 1st pW 100 931 931 93 U S Steel 20,900 37 37 371 preferred 2,100 1021 1018 101S Utah Copper 900 31: 31 311 Va Cfir Chemical .. 500 248 21 21 preferred - 100 Wabash 200 113 113 Hi preferred 900 233 23 235 Westlnghouso Elect. 900 45 443 -l;. Western Union 100 56 56 5t Wheeling & Lake E- 600 6 6. 61 Wisconsin Central I63 Total sales for tho day, 325,200 shares. CHICAGO. Juno 17- Cattle Receipts, about 23,000; weak lo 10c lower. Beeves, S4.90?IS.15; Tcxans. $1.SG7.2S; Westerns. $1. 756.75: stockers and feeders. $2,65' 5.50; cows and heifers, $2.50G.50; calves, $4 756.25. HoffH Receipts, about 3o.000. Market, generally 5c lower. Lights, $5,255(5.70; mixed,,. S5.30i7.77; rough. $5.2505.15; good to choice heavy, $5.4u3.io; bulk of sales, $5.60(5)5.70. . Mv Sheep Receipts, about 20.000- Market. 10c lower. Natives, S3.25i)5.40: West erns. $3.30Sp5.50; yearlings. ?4.80(ff'.rj.G5; lambs, 51.2506.40; Westerns, 54.25Q)G.55. OMAHA, Jtfno 17. Cattle Receipts. 2400. Market firm. Native steers. ?.")(Q)8; cows and holfers, 53.5006.50; western steers, $3.7506.40; Texan steers, $3,500 5.50; ranun cows and heifers, $305; can nrs, 52.5003.75; Blockers anrl feeders, $3 (fi5.25: calves, $3.2506.25; bulls and stags, Hogs Receipts, 11.200. Market steady to easier, TIcavlcs. $5.5505.65; mixed. $5.5005.65; light. 55.4005.60; plgs. $4,500 5,25; bulk of sales, S5.5O05.5u. g100pRccclpts. 2000. Market slow to 15c lower. Yearlings, $5.250 G; wethers. $5.2005.60; ewes, $1.5005.20; lambs. $6.50 Nc-,v York Flour and Grain. NEW YORK, June 17. Flour Re ceipts, 20,100 barrels; exports, 3100. Quiet and generally steady. rvi)f.at Receipts, 16,000 bushels; ex ports. 2250. Spot, firm; No. 2 red, 90c olevator; No. 2 red, 99c f.o.b. afloat; No, 1 Northern Duluth, $1,154 f.o.b, afloat; No. 2 hard winter. $1.06 f.o.b. afloat. Options opened ha higher on bad crop news, and advanced lo lie over tho pre vious day's closing, Later It turned I weak under profit-taking and Indiffer ence of cash business, closing easy at ec net advance. July closed 97c; Septem ber closed 9lc. j IN WHEAT IS STRONG Heavy Rains and Reports of Damage in Southwest; De cline at Close. CHICAGO. Juno 17. The bullish senti ment manifested during the greater part of tho day was based on more rain In Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri, and on numerous reports which asserted that tho crop In Kansas had been seriously dam aged by Hessian ilks and wet weather. Tho closo was weak; July opened a shado to 10gc higher nt S90S91c ad vanced to 904c and then declined to SSic where It closed. The corn market was strong nearly aP. day. but broke In sympathy with the late decllno In wheat, and closed weak at al most the low point. A demand was due to excessively wet weather In the corn bolt and lo reports of the damage to the crop in Kansas and Missouri. July opened a shado higher at 67J cents, ad vanced to 63a cents and then declined to 670678 cents, where It closed. Oats were in active demand during tho first half, which caused an ndvuiiRC of more than one cent in all deliveries. In the final hour, however, nearly all of the gain was lost on realizing. July opened Jc higher at 411c advanced to 45Sjo and then declined aguln to Hie. where It closed. -Provisions were firm early, but the market lost much of Us strength when the break In wheat and corn occurred. The close on pork was 5051 cents up. 'Lard was a shado higher. RANGE OF THE LEADING FUTURES. Wheat Open Hlsh Low. Closo Julv SO 904 SS4 SSI Sept m SS5 S7i Sii Dec. (old) .. SSI iS9J sa ssa Dec. (now) . SSI S91 SSA SSi July 67g GSj 6,1 6E Sept 671 6S8 61 1 6.3 Dec 5S1 598 5S1 May 5S1 593 oSg !3 July (old) .. 44! -I"'i 415 Ha July (new) . 433 443 13 43i Sept 37 3S1 37 : May 40 ' 403 ' 393 -10 Mess Pork, per barrel July 11.171 14.40 11.171 14.30 Sept 11.15 14.655 1 1-15 14. "2 Lard, per 100 pounds Julv S.75 S.85 S.75 R.Sn Sept S.30 9.021 S.95 8.97 Oct 9.10 9.10 9.05 9.05 . Short Ribs, per 100 pounds July 7.S25 7.S5 7.S21 ..90 Sept. S.05 S.17 S.05 S.121 Cash ouotatlons were as follows: Flour sfeadv; No 2 spring wheat. $1,055; No. 3. 95C0S1.O3; No. 2 red, 92094c: No. 2 corn. 69069c; No. 2 yellow. 7272c: No. 3 white oats. 5l(fi52gc; No. 2 rye. 7Sc: fair to choice malting barley, 52 0 531c; No. 1 Northwcstcnt flaxseed. $1,251; prlmo tlmo thv seed. $3.S0: short ribs, sides (loose). $7.'5O07.9O; mess pork, per bbl.. $14,300 14.40; lard, per tOO lbs.. $8.75: short clear sides (boxed), $7.9O0S.OO. RECEIPTS AND SHIPMENTS. Articles Receipts. Shipments. Flour, barrels 26.500 1S.900 Wheat. hu3hels . ... IS.000 n..,00 Corn, bushels 617.(00 2S9.900 Oats, bushels 37.900 2a.l00 Ryo. bushels 4.000 . .. Barley, bushels 70.900 20.S00 On th produce exchange today the but ter market was easy; creameries, 19023c-: dairies. 17021c: eggs steady; at mark, cases Included, 140145c; firsts, l lio; prlmo firsts, 16c; cheese steady at 11012c Gold for Export. NEW YORK June 17. Goldman. Sachs & Co. todny engaged $500,000 gold for export to Germany. This makes a total of $41,550,000 taken for export to Europe since tho present movement be gan. Heldclbach. Ickolhclincr & Co. also en gaged S500.000 gold for Germany today, making the total for tho movement $12, 350,000. Revenue Statement. WASHINGTON, June 17. The monthly statement of tho collections of internal revenue shows that for May tho total re ceipts were 518.105.6S1. a decrease of $1,040,050 for the corresponding month last year- Tho dficlt for tho cloven months of the current fiscal year Is $10 -749,460. A decrease for the month Is shown for ever Item upon which thoro Is an interna revenue tax. except a slight increaso for adulterated butter. New York Produco. NEW YORK. June 17. IJuttor, steady; creameries, third to first, 19023c. Cheese, firm; unchanged Eggs, steady, unchanged. PRODUCE MEN STRIVE TO GREET TRAVELERS Stands on Market Row Will Present Pretty Spectacle Thursday Morning. ' Dealers or. Market row bad but very little spare time on their hands Wcdncs- j day. for. In addition to business being considerably heavier than usual, every avallahlo moment was required for the ! completion of the decorating of the stalls for the big U. C. T. celebration, which begins Thursday. Each dealer is en deavoring to make his stand look the prettiest, and the result will represent a great deal of hardCwork. "A large consignment of California new potatoes was a welcome" arrival, and the ' doinanil for the vegetables was largo, much :noro so than for the I.'tnh product, which as yet retnahui rather (Scarce. I Another tumble was noticed Wednes day In tho quotations on Utajt strawber ries. The fruit retailed at 10 and 125 cents a box. The ' Hood Rlvor variety was rather fcarce .at 15 cents a- box. out two carloads, however, are promised for the latter part of the week, tho arrival of which. It Is expected, will tend to rc duco the price. Cantaloupes are coming In moro freely than over before so early in the. season. Although tho price remains unchanged 15 and 20 cents each the variety Is be coming larger and the quality better. Watermelons are also plentiful for so early !n Jhc season. Tho price of these, too, ronmlns the same. A little forcLhonpbt may save you no end of trouble. Aii3'ono who makes it a rule to keep Chamberlain's Colic. Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy at hand knows this to bo a fact, i-'or salo by SEE US NOW ABOUT You -want llio best. Wo have the gouds and the work men. We will do your painting, loo. W. A. Duvall, 110 W. 2ud South. Both phones. Provo vs. Com. Travelers. Thursday, 3 p. 111., Walkor's field. Heat talent in Tribuno Want Ads. Roll phono 5201. Ind. phono 360-34S. "When you sec a loaf of I bread of fine, even grain, I and of perfect white- 1 1 n ess. you know instiuc- I I tivcly that 1 was used. j ivWOa ' Intwjud and thouM know bont the vrondf rfnl IATOVwVJ?iJ!l Tba new Vnell fyrWr. Pnf t M lonJg Kk yonr drneptt for 1 1 gtMEWf$$& Jr If he cnnot tuppiy thfl Jw "iv 'ui-rVff!si JlAUTKl, ncrtjil no 'tf otlirr. hut ?nd iliimn for k I jfi llluitnvted UooV-tenled It cItm CXf'f . W full pruculr ud direction In- VlmMZW Vlnablo to ladle. M AIM EI'CO. -wmr AK.t and trt. NEW TCIJlfc- For sale by F. J. Hill Drug Co.. F. C Schramm, Charlen Van Dyk and Qodb PUts Drug Company. ! Scott's Santal-Pepsin Capsules For Inflammation orSntarrli of the Bladder and Diseased Kidneys. No euro no pay. Cures quickly nud Perma. ncntly tho worst cases of Gonorrhoea and Gleet, no mntter of Mow long stand ing. Absolutely harmless. Sold by druggists. Prlco Jl 00, or bj- mull, postpaid, $1 (0,3 boxes 12.76. THE SAHTAL-PEPSIN DO., I F. J. Hill Drug Oo., Salt Lake City. Tha desirability of transact- Inp your banklnrc buslncns with the Commercial National Bank should strongly commend Itself -J i to corporations, flrma, pocletloa i ' and Individuals. It In rococnlzcd ? ' for Its etrength, competent i management, promptness, cour- t . tosy and careful attention to & ' every detail. K I Your account In respectfully t Invited. g j Capital $100,000.00. f! ' 0 BurpliiH JoO.OOO.OO. Deposits tt,000.X.CO. 11 ' I 1 i Bubbling, sparkling, cold, delicious soda; drawn by our experienced dispen sers from our modern Tec cream our own make, and pure fruited chocolates, Mexican pecan and fine fruited phosphates, sundaes, frappes and egg drinks. In all tho West, no soda surpasses ours, and few equal it. "Wc make it riht serve it right. Druebl & Franken 271 Main East Side- Xot on the YourCredit Is Good Men b Vduths' and Boys' Clothing Bold on easy weekly or monthly payments. All the latest styles and patterns to select from. Wc sell only reliable, up-to-date shnpo retaining rlothlng at lowest prices. Unlon-mado Suits from $7.00 lo $30.00. 50 East First South. Where everybody's credit Is good. & Anson Co. Temple of Music 75-77'W. 2nd So. I t. 'OLUTEiy PURE MEN! MEN! f H I want you to read thla announcement carefully and eompar It to any other. Then 1 want you to Investigate my stand- ( In 8 and compar It with that of any other apeclallot. Then, If you will visit my office and do not find that I am bettor 3 equipped than any other apeclallet In Salt Lake to nlve you flrst-clnas scientific treatment, I will givd you a cure without a 1 I pannya cott. When you aee aomeone come out with an ad. claiming to bo the only ono who knows anything, do not a I 1 1 AM THE COURT of LAST RESORT I IF YOU WILL COME TO ME WITHOUT MONEY AND WITHOUT 1 1 Remember, There Is No Man Too Poor to Get My Best Opinion i 1 I CAN BE SEEN ONLY AT THIS OFFICE. S 1 I have the Finest Offices in the In i0? the LaVgest Practice in I I The Heaaon Is Plain. My Large fT The Eeason Is Plain. My New j Practice Demands It. fcjL System Never Fails. i I . . VARICOCELE I AM FOR MENI NERVOUS DEBILITY m Cure4 by absorprJon. no pain. Tn en- r, . , . , V 1 IsorKot votiis are due to mumps, bicycle The tpeehsl FEES quoted below will ,u .ow .y00'18' lprovemont i 1 &'-SrSS but a abort time longer .tTnTrttSS H well as pbyslcaDy I will cure you for mey '" rfjy 90 c" at on and Vpu arise In the morning, lumo back. I H life or make no charge. be aure to get those low price.: tflcauaetia, spot before the eyes, anil I H - leol you are not the man you once HYDROCELE Obetructlone, frota J6 to TIB 'wor. 1 cure you for life. 5 1 Stoufc Ton'whet !S VarlcoceU, from ,10 f JiG T.88UE WASTE. W caa be curod in a fair houro at a mod- Hydrocele, from 110 U G0 Either partial or total, ovorcome by my ! rate coat? Call and consult mo at Atrophy, from ,15 to 12 50 Vlfforel Absorbent Pad for woalc, dip- i m onoe, and I will convince you of the Nervouo Dobllltv frum k tn oaod m0M- Cal1 nnd 1 explain I i H Buperiorlty of my New Syatem Treat- 7 Doumty, from fi to 10 why !t curc3 wben c,ae mi A 3 ment over any other method. wnwing, trom 7.60 to f 10 friendly chat Tflll coat you nothing, i ffl BLOOD POISON Uloera, from $5 tP jig Call at onoe, and don't delay. y H Overoome in 0 dAjro or.Ho pay. Bymp- Dischargee, from tg to io URETHRAL OBSTRUCTION 3 ssjwrwwass -.r;."nS III s.M 3 Bladder Ailments, from.... 15 to 112 Go IOS Um. I I I DO NOT PATCH UP. Kidney Allmenta, from ?.J10 to 120 I DUnwnRr nv cr-, . .c-.. i I I CURB FOREVHR. Proetate Allmente, from::;.'.'.0 to III ' ' ftgU j TAKES K.'0"' j 1 Call to aee me If poealblo. Wrlto for queattoti Hat If u r.u . MEDICINES FROM 1.60 TO &M Ta COUSB '' H daily Houna, p a. m. Tb a p. m. A couJf,?JLAV Lln,lr,0 t M SUNDAY HOURS, 9 A. M. TO 1B P. M. I SALT LAKE MEDICAL INSTITUTE ,M1 BET' I ' Doctorp. lawyers, merchants, clerks, l J j incchanics, their wives and svJcot- ' lf&W Y 1 H'iail . hearts, will want a vacation soon, 1 jA. ffi 1 il and honce you had ijcttor turn in T$G&&v ffi iiH your claims now. Wo work whilo xJm I "il ' you are away, having a good time. aStMM s B i ' vil i If you turn in your claims noon 0(i!f ll'aiii R enough you can take tho money Mkyy jfr' 9 il:LLl 6 wltli you. If not, tho money will '"W Jr '1 come in handy when you return. Wo 'C?p ' -'il collect for everybody. j H MERCHANTS' PROTECTIVE ASrSOOIATiON, Ijk Scientific Collectors cf Honest Debts; S rooms, Commercial Nat'l Bank 'I I Bldg.. Salt' Lake City, Utah. G ! H I rRANCIO G. LUKE. GEN'L MGR. jl il f "SOME PEOPLE DON'T LIKE US." H V jH i : M o ull'ice Hours bn) 10 A. M. to 8 P. M. Sunday 11 to 2 P. M. jj '7iH TEE KNOWLEDGE OF DISEASE I tfl i SS HALF ITS CURE S (j IF ALL YOU WHO ARE IN NEED OF A SPECIALIST WILL CALL ON T iH O ME FIRST YOU WILL NOT HAVE SO MANY DOCTOR B I L I S I j TO PAY. 34 YEARS IN SALT LAKE CITY. J H 4 for JurrcKcs. y 1 Best Eclerence" Are the GFateMI " I Patients We Have Cmred. I H Varicocele, Constriction, Loss .pH oi Manly Vigor, Cooiagions i Blood Poison, Ulcers and Slim tH ID ntt a t i TVTmi7'"C1 A fTTPP lssno a positive guarantee of a cure H VT U iiJK-iilN 1 XiJCj J O U XL Hi ln everr caae undertaken or money re- P funded. Wo want nothing we do not honestly earn, and If wo fall to euro . v 't you we do not want your money. I f WTTTT1 People who live In outside towns and In tho rountry and ; ' j j 1 WXlilJj cannot call, should wrlto for consultation, advice and medical P , IH i book Free. Many crises have been cured by home treatment. f I G IMPORTANT We will cure you for LESS MONEY than you can be treat- , a ed for by any other specialist ln Salt Lake, and you lmvo tho advantage of , H knowing that you are In the caro of reliable specialists who are ACKNOWL,- I. EDGED AUTHORITIES In the treatment of mon's ailments. We recognise - j no superiors ln our specialty. , IH F Consult tho Cook Medical Co. free before placlnpr your case. , ' Hours 9 a. ra. to S p. m. Sundays 10 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. Call or address , i-tl COOK MEDICAL CO. W 116 South Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. H The DoetoFs Wlao Cure 1 fl CATARRH Deafness, Asthma, T.unK Troubles, Rheumatism, Hay Fever, fSSpm I Epilepsy, Hysteria, Insomnia. Heart &hX&JiSv, 1 'H Troubles. Diseases of tho Stomach. 7 I3M. ' KldnoyB, Liver, Bowels and Bladdor. &25iV i'icl and all Curablo Nervous. Chronic and p RSR9& 'vl Private Diseases of both aexos. fejR 1 IM Exaraina!ioes Free $W Iffl UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Drs. J ' I lal . n,mn Shores & Shores will troat all Ca- jSi . DR. A. J SHORES, tarrhal Chronlo dtsoasos of every name and naturo for tho low fee of ?5 a imnth medicines hmiinf j&hGp&sM H free, to provo to tho afflicted that Drs. Shores' NEW troat- YMviXM ' TiH ment Is superior to all others, curing ln one-fourth the tlmt. i'l required under tho old methods. DR. G. W. SHORES. ) f V'H MEN A SPECIAL DEPARTMENT FOR MEN "'ill Drs. Shores maintain a Special Department exclusively for the treatment and Ml oure of all diseases of Mon, no matter how caused. You can consult Drs. Shores . 1 flB about tho most delicate or embarrassing troubles, with tho assurance that vou , will bo ejvon honest advice and skillful troatment. and evervtulrjff will " bo . STRICTLY PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL. Men who aro weak and falling f 1 . young men who have been led astray by bad companions old mon who find I their scxunl vlor gone the victim of j ' Blood Poison, and all others who need tttp DnncnAirtt ..m ( tho counsel and aid of exporlcnced and lliB PKOSTATjj GLAND. J kindly phyalclanB, are cordially Invited Drs. Shores aro pioneers unions: tho to consult this department, and be ad- Medical Profession In discovering that - vised FREE OF CHARGE. We euro nearly every case of so-called "Weak- f I jl more men than all tho "Fako Medical ness' In men. la due to enforcement or . i ' Institutes" and quack companies In Inrlammatlon of the Prostate Gland. Iinl- tho clly combined. No cheap, hired tators now copy Drs. Shores' advertise-' ,H doctors. rr.onts and claim to relieve this trouble So suro Is the Cure under Drs. but Prs. hlwros' treatment Is not glvon . 1 SHORES' MODERN METHODS In all or even known by any "Fako Medical ' ' 'B private dlncaaes that you may ar- Company" In the World. , ranK-s to pny tho foo for a Cure in Tho treatment Is local It is original 1HH small weekly or monthly installments. and scientific, and Is tho only effective 'H ao tho cure procresses, or you may method to CURE this common and terrl- ' ?" PAY WHEN CURED. No matter ble trouble You can not get this treat- , what your trouble Is, or v.'ho has failed ment anywhere olso on earth 3s given L ' to euro vou. consult these Mastor Sjie- by Drs. Shores honce If you want u r clallsto. "free of charge, and learn how OL'RE apply direct to Drs. Shoroa & f i you can yet be cured. CALL OR Shores, tho originators of tho wondorful M ' WRITE. treatment. i ' Home Troatmcnt Crtrcs. Write for Freo Symptom List If you cannot call. w t' OFFICE HOURS: t a. m. to D p. m. Evenings, 7 to S. Sundays and holidays. ' , - Sl 10 a. m, to 12. Consultation free. 4 , 9H Drs. Shores & Shores, Expert Specialists, Ialt lake city. 1 j ! iH . j K TrlfeisBie Want Acls Pull ijim

Search America's historic newspapers pages from - or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities external link and the Library of Congress. Learn more title: 'The Salt Lake tribune. (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, June 18, 1908, Page 9, Image

Treatment Results on Patients With Debridement and Prosthesis Retention in the Hip This study presents the investigators results on patients treated for infection in the implemented hip prosthesis. Debridement and prosthesis retention is the method, followed by antibiotic treatment. The investigators present treatment results, predisposing factors and microbiological data. Debridement With Prosthesis Retention |Study Design:||Observational Model: Case-Only Time Perspective: Retrospective |Official Title:||Treatment Results on Patients With Debridement and Prosthesis Retention in the Hip 1997-2007|

Treatment Results on Patients With Debridement and Prosthesis Retention in the Hip This study presents the investigators results on patients treated for infection in the implemented hip prosthesis. Debridement and prosthesis retention is the method, followed by antibiotic treatment. The investigators present treatment results, predisposing factors and microbiological data. Debridement With Prosthe

Your participation in this survey is essential; however, you may choose to decline to answer any particular question. Your voluntary response is essential for ensuring that this surveys results are complete and accurate. Your address, not you personally, was selected as part of a scientifically determined sample. Your household represents thousands of other households. We need to talk with someone from your household because only your household can accurately tell us how you spend your money. Your information is combined with responses from thousands of other households across the country, to provide summary statistical data that are used by various local, state, and federal agencies. Federal law authorizes the collection of this information (Titles 13 and 29 of the United States Code), and Sections 9 and 214 of Title 13 require the Census Bureau to keep all information about you and your household strictly confidential, and to use that information for statistical purposes only. Please see Value of the CE for a more detailed explanation of how the data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey are used. The questions for the Consumer Expenditure Survey are carefully chosen, and each question meets an important statistical need. Questions about your household help the government understand the economy and develop cost of living measures. If you have questions about how BLS uses the CE data, you can contact the CE at (202) 691-6900 or by email. If you have questions about your participation in the CE Survey contact the Census Bureau Regional Office that serves your area. Last Modified Date: April 7, 2011

Your participation in this survey is essential; however, you may choose to decline to answer any particular question. Your voluntary response is essential for ensuring that this surveys results are complete and accurate. Your address, not you personally, was selected as part of a scientifically determined sample. Your household represents thousands of other households. We need to talk with someone

DOE Information Bridge Instructions Search for reports on Alaska radiation issues, such as Amchitka Island, with the DOE Information Bridge: from the main Information Bridge page, click on "Easy Search" in the left hand side bar. After choosing the "Search," "Sort By," and "For" options, click on "Search" to obtain the results. For example, searching for "Amchitka" under "Title" currently returns seven documents. Searching for "Amchitka" under "Full text and Bibliographic Info" currently returns 60 documents that mention "Amchitka" either in the text or bibliography. Click on the "Primary ID" characters to view a description / abstract of the document. You may also search pages for specified text or view specific pages with a pdf reader (ie: Adobe Acrobat Reader).> Click on the pdf image under "Document" for the full report. It may be quicker to print out the report if you download the document to your computer, then print, instead of printing directly from the website. Note the size of the document - some are quite large.

DOE Information Bridge Instructions Search for reports on Alaska radiation issues, such as Amchitka Island, with the DOE Information Bridge: from the main Information Bridge page, click on "Easy Search" in the left hand side bar. After choosing the "Search," "Sort By," and "For" options, click on "Search" to obtain the results. For example, searching for "Amchitka" under "Title" currently returns

This section gives you access to EU legislation and case law that has been translated into the various languages of the countries benefiting from TAIEX assistance: The CCVista database contains EU legislation in the languages of the beneficiary countries. The JurisVista Database contains the key judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Communities and the Court of First Instance in the languages of the beneficiary countries. The Law approximation database (LAD) contains a list of EU legislation arranged by policy area and references to the corresponding legislation of candidate countries, if available. EUR-Lex provides direct free access to European Union law. The system makes it possible to consult the Official Journal of the European Union and it includes inter alia the treaties, legislation, case-law and legislative proposals.

This section gives you access to EU legislation and case law that has been translated into the various languages of the countries benefiting from TAIEX assistance: The CCVista database contains EU legislation in the languages of the beneficiary countries. The JurisVista Database contains the key judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Communities and the Court of First Instance in the la

Principal Investigator Bio Dr. Jim Berner - 2007 STAR Grantee (PDF) (1 pp, 260 K) Aired May 5, 2011 Research Project Search Timothy Ford ([email protected]), Ph.D. Source and drinking water microbiology, marine microbiology, waterborne disease, environmental health. Specific areas include microbial cycling and transformation of pollutants, biofilm microbiology, microbiologically influenced deterioration of materials, use of microbial populations as biomarkers of environmental stress, and exposure assessment to both chemical and microbiological contaminants in drinking water. BSc, Biochemistry, Sussex University, UK, 1980 PhD, Aquatic Microbiology, University of Wales, Bangor, 1984 Applied Microbiology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts Research and Scholarship Ford has both directed and participated in water quality related projects in the US, Canada, the UK, Mexico, India, Russia and the Philippines, and am currently building collaborations with colleagues in Hong Kong and China. In terms of scholarship, he has more than 150 papers, chapters and review articles published and in press and has received funding from the NIH, NSF, EPA, NASA, the Office of Naval Research and the US Air Force. As a faculty member at the Harvard School of Public Health, he both founded and directed the School’s Program in Water and Health. He was also supported through the NIEHS Superfund program to examine marine microbial communities in sediments from an EPA-designated superfund site, New Bedford Harbor, MA, as potential ecological biomarkers of exposure to high levels of contaminant chemicals. After moving to Montana State University as head of Microbiology in 2002, Ford served as Principal Investigator for the NIH-funded Montana Idea Networks for Biomedical Research Excellence Program (MT-INBRE). This five year, $17 million program was designed to build research infrastructure in infectious disease and environmental health research throughout the state of Montana. Current Research or Scholarship Ford is currently PI on an EPA-funded grant to conduct a "Community Based Risk Assessment of Exposure to Contaminants via Water Sources on the Crow Reservation in Montana." This CBPR project has involved developing a strong working relationship with the Crow Tribe through the Crow Environmental health Steering Committee to design a sampling and analysis program to capture the major routes of exposure to environmental contaminants in water and aquatic food resources, unique to the Reservation’s culture. Data on contaminant concentrations, exposure pathways and exposure duration are being used to develop a comprehensive exposure assessment. Two initiatives at UNE include 1) working with MSC & CLSI director, Dr Phil Yund, to develop Oceans and Human health initiatives, including source tracking of marine pathogens, and 2) working with CHPPR & CCPH director Ron Deprez, to develop CBPR projects in Maine, and research programs in water and health. Lachmayr KL, Kerkhof LJ, DiRienzo G, Cavanaugh CM, Ford TE. Quantifying non-specific TEM β-lactamase genes in a wastewater stream 2009; 75:203-211. PMC2612200 Xi C, Bush K, Lachmayr KL, Zhang Y, Ford TE. Interactions between environmental microbial ecosystems and humans: the case of the water environment and antibiotic resistance . In Lee-Ann Jaykus L-A, Wang H (eds). Foodborne Microbes: Shaping the Host Ecosystems. ASM Press 2009; pp 81-92. Cheng S, Ford TE. Special Issue on Source Water Risk Control. Ecotoxicology 2009; 18:643–646. Zhang X, Wu B, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Yang L, Fang HHP, Ford T, Cheng S. Class 1 integronase gene and tetracycline resistance genes tetA and tetC in different water environments of Jiangsu Province, China. Ecotoxicology 2009; 18:652–660. Wu B, Zhang Y, Zhao D, Zhang X, Ford T, Cheng S, Zhang X. Semi-volatile organic compounds and trace elements in the Yangtze River source of drinking water. Ecotoxicology 2009; 18:707–714. Zhang Y, Wu B, Cheng S, Zhao D, Li M, Cui Y, Ford T, Zhang X. Degradation of benzo(a)pyrene in the Yangtze River source of drinking water with functional strains. Ecotoxicology 2009; 18:742–747. Ford TE, Colwell RR, Rose JB, Morse SS, Rogers DJ, Yates TL. Using satellite images of environmental changes to predict infectious disease outbreaks. Emerg Infect Dis. 2009; 15:1341-1346. Bouskill NJ, Barker-Finkel J, Galloway TS, Handy RD, Ford TE. Temporal bacterial diversity associated with metal-contaminated river sediments. Ecotoxicology 2009, Sep 22. [Epub ahead of print] Ford TE, Hamner S. Control of waterborne disease in developing countries. In Mitchell R, Gu JD. (eds). Environmental Microbiology. Wiley 2009, pp33-56. Recently Funded Grants Ongoing Research & Graduate Student Support: 1. Development of Risk Assessment Methodology, Risk Communication and Mitigation for Multimedia Exposure to Contaminants in Water and Wastewater on the Crow Reservation, Montana US-EPA Ford (PI) 2. STAR Graduate Student Fellowship (Mari Eggers – Risk Assessment on the Crow Reservation) US-EPA Ford (PI) 3. STAR Graduate Student Fellowship (Crystal Richards – Pathogens in Drinking Water) US-EPA Ford (PI) Invited Plenary Presentations Water and health: a Perspective on India. Asia and the Environment Conference, St Joseph’s College, Philadelphia, PA, March 20-21, 2009. Burden of Waterborne Disease. One of three invited lectures at Nanjing University, PR China, as part of an International Forum on Environmental Health and Pollution Control. Also, Ford was honored to be presented with a Concurrent Professorship from Nanjing University. October 11-16, 2009. Other Selected Scholarly Activities Cummins C, Ford T, Eggers M (& Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee members by phone). EPA Webinar series: Promoting Environmental Health in Native American Communities Community-Based Risk Assessment of Exposure to Contaminants via Water Sources on the Crow Reservation in Montana, November 18, 2009 (http://epa.blhtech.com/webinars/riskassessment.aspx). Recorded Interview with Sound Medicine, Satellite Imaging to Predict Disease. November 8, 2009 (http://soundmedicine.iu.edu/segment/2238/Satellite-Imaging-to-Predict-Disease). Recorded Interview with Microbe magazine, Better Satellite Surveillance Could Help Counter Disease Outbreaks, November 11, 2009 (http://www.microbemagazine.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1036:better-satellite-surveillance-could-help-counter-disease-outbreaks&catid=308:current-topics&Itemid=392) Interview with Scientific American, Satellites Used to Predict Infectious Disease Outbreaks, August 24, 2009 (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=satellites-predict-infectious-disease&p) Interview for the Journal of the American Medical Association, Use of satellites to predict infectious disease outbreaks. To be published shortly. Interview for Predictive Modeling News, Satellite Data on Weather Patterns, Animals’ Movement Could Fuel Powerful Predictive Models of Disease Outbreaks. Predictive Modeling News Volume 2, Number 10, October 2009

Principal Investigator Bio Dr. Jim Berner - 2007 STAR Grantee (PDF) (1 pp, 260 K) Aired May 5, 2011 Research Project Search Timothy Ford ([email protected]), Ph.D. Source and drinking water microbiology, marine microbiology, waterborne disease, environmental health. Specific areas include microbial cycling and transformation of pollutants, biofilm microbiology, microbiologically influenced deterio

Rising Infant Formula Costs to the WIC Program: Recent Trends in Rebates and Wholesale Prices by Victor Oliveira , Elizabeth Frazao , and David Smallwood Economic Research Report No. (ERR-93) 46 pp, February 2010 WIC provides participating infants with free infant formula. This study estimated that between 57 and 68 percent of all infant formula sold in the United States was purchased through WIC, based on 2004-06 data, and that formula costs to the WIC program have increased. Typically, WIC State agencies receive substantial rebates from manufacturers for each can of formula provided through the program. Each WIC State agency, or group of agencies, awards a contract to the manufacturer offering the lowest net wholesale price, defined as the difference between the manufacturer’s wholesale price and the State agency’s rebate. After adjusting for inflation, net wholesale prices increased by an average 73 percent for 26 fluid ounces of reconstituted formula between States’ contracts in effect in December 2008 and the States’ previous contracts. As a result of the increase in real net wholesale prices, WIC paid about $127 million more for infant formula over the course of a year. Keywords: Infant formula, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, WIC, infant formula maximum daily allowance In this publication... Charts and graphs (in .png format) from this report are available in the .zip file listed below. The .zip file also contains a document (readme.txt) that lists the name and title of each chart or graph file. Need help with PDFs?

Rising Infant Formula Costs to the WIC Program: Recent Trends in Rebates and Wholesale Prices by Victor Oliveira , Elizabeth Frazao , and David Smallwood Economic Research Report No. (ERR-93) 46 pp, February 2010 WIC provides participating infants with free infant formula. This study estimated that between 57 and 68 percent of all infant formula sold in the United States was purchased through WIC,

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - The European positions for the world radiocommunications conference 2000 (WRC-2000) /* COM/2000/0086 final */ |Bilingual display: DA DE EL EN ES FI FR IT NL PT SV| COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS THE EUROPEAN POSITIONS FOR THE WORLD RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE 2000 (WRC-2000) Over 2000 radio spectrum managers, representing approximately 190 administrations, industry and inter-governmental organisations, will gather in Istanbul from 8 May to 2 June 2000 for the World Radiocommunications Conference 2000 (WRC-2000). WRC-2000, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (a UN body), is expected to make major decisions on radio spectrum availability for the radio systems of the 21st Century in such areas as communications, broadcasting, transport and R&D. The Member States and other European countries have prepared European proposals for WRC-2000 in the framework of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications administrations (CEPT). The European Commission has participated in the preparatory process of the CEPT in its role of counsellor and will attend the conference as observer. The CEPT will present the European proposals to the conference and seek to co-ordinate the positions of its 43-countries membership throughout the conference. Where required, Community co-ordination will take place in order to ensure that the decisions taken comply with Community policy objectives. Issues at WRC-2000 which are relevant in the Community context A number of European proposals for WRC-2000 are particularly relevant in the context of Community policies and aim to reach the following objectives: * Third generation mobile communications (IMT-2000/UMTS): WRC-2000 will determine to which extent additional radio spectrum will be made available in a harmonised manner at global level. This is particularly important to facilitate further growth of Europe's prosperous mobile and multimedia market. CEPT's proposal on this issue is in support of this objective. However, due to differences in mobile communications development or to the varying importance countries attach to terrestrial or satellite communications, difficult negotiations are expected. * Satellite radio-navigation (Galileo): the Community political agreement on establishing a European initiative in this area of major strategic and industrial importance now needs to be followed-up in terms of securing radio spectrum to make this action feasible. CEPT's proposal is in support of this objective. However, taking into account that the provision of satellite radio navigation positioning and timing systems is a complicated, strategic and costly matter which requires international co-operation, a major challenge will be to convince Europe's negotiating partners about the benefits of Galileo. * Satellite broadcasting: WRC-2000 will address the issue of how the resources (orbital positions, channels) needed for satellite broadcasting should be distributed in a fair but efficient manner. This issue goes beyond radio spectrum management and preliminary discussions reveal major differences of opinion at a geo-political level between Europe and developing countries. * Satellite broadband communications: these Internet-in-the-sky systems are believed to form part of the backbone of the 21st Century communications infrastructure. It is therefore important to ensure that any technical solutions agreed upon to facilitate satellite broadband communications would allow for the competitive provision of this sort of communications. * High-density fixed services (HDFS): WRC-2000 will consider the spectrum requirements and the conditions of use for HDFS, particularly in respect to sharing with fixed satellite services (FSS). The Community supports the adequate access of HDFS to sufficient spectrum in order to provide reasonably-priced, rapidly-deployed, flexible wireless alternatives to wire-based infrastructures for the channelling of multimedia applications directly to European citizens. Supporting the development of this alternative will help to overcome the risk of a "local-loop bottleneck" for broadband services in Europe. Strengthening Europe's position at WRC-2000 Taking into account that the Member States' delegations have the difficult task at WRC-2000 to ensure a suitable balance between the various commercial and non-commercial interests, the Community has a responsibility to set out its priorities for WRC-2000, as explained above. In order to ensure that the radio spectrum managers at WRC-2000 have clear political instructions with regard to the Community policy objectives to be achieved, European Parliament and Council are invited: * to endorse the European proposals worked out in the areas mentioned above and to urge the Member States to express clear and active support for these proposals by signing them; * to urge the Member States to remain altogether coherent in their individual positions on the various issues, even where the dynamics of the negotiations require an adaptation of original negotiating positions. Where required to pursue Community policy objectives, the Commission will co-ordinate the positions of the Member States on the spot. * to agree with the Commission's intention to discuss the Community's policy objectives and the European proposals with its trading partners in order to achieve an approximation of proposals prior to the start of the conference. This would particularly be required in the areas of IMT-2000/UMTS and satellite radio navigation where major Community policies have been agreed upon. The Member States negotiate in WRC-2000 on an individual basis while co-ordinating their positions in the framework of the CEPT. While representing the Community as observer in ITU, the Commission will seek to ensure the co-ordination of the individual positions of the Member States where required, to pursue agreed Community policy objectives. In order to establish agreement on the Community objectives to be achieved prior to the start of the conference, European Parliament and Council are invited to take note of the issues outlined in this Communication and to lend political support to the objectives to be achieved and the positions taken by the CEPT, particularly where third generation mobile communications and satellite radio navigation are concerned. The Commission will report on the results of WRC-2000 in the second half of 2000. TABLE OF CONTENTS 2. WRC-2000 IN THE CONTEXT OF COMMUNITY RADIO SPECTRUM POLICY 3. WRC-2000 AND COMMUNITY POLICY OBJECTIVES 3.1. Third generation mobile communications 3.2. Satellite radio navigation 3.3. Satellite broadcasting 3.4. Satellite broadband communications 3.5. High-density fixed services 3.6. Other important Issues 4. POLITICAL ENDORSEMENT OF COMMUNITY OBJECTIVES FOR WRC-2000 4.1. Negotiating objectives 4.2. Co-ordination mechanisms ANNEX I: Annotated Agenda ANNEX II: Community issues at WRC-2000 ANNEX III: Glossary Radiocommunications services are rapidly penetrating the texture of European society and becoming increasingly important to European citizens. Radio-based applications, such as cellular phones, are now major contributors to economic growth in Europe , while they also play a role in the integration of the peoples and of the markets of the European Union. However, to operate, radio-based services are completely dependent on the availability of suitable radio spectrum. From 8 May - 2 June 2000, some 190 administrations, including the Member States, will gather in Istanbul for the World Radiocommunications Conference 2000. Here major decisions will be made on the availability of radio spectrum for applications in the areas of mobile (i.e. IMT-2000/UMTS) and satellite communications (i.e. satellite broadband), broadcasting, transport including energy and timing (i.e. satellite radio navigation - Galileo ) and R&D. Some figures for European mobile telephony in 1999: 85% growth; 225 BEUR operator revenue; 65 BEUR spent on infrastructure until 1999, 450.000 workers in direct employment (source: GSM Europe). By 2025, the total benefit of satellite navigation of 135 BEUR and the creation of 146000 jobs is predicted by sales within Europe (source: European Commission). This represents an increase of 47 BEUR, accompanied by 80000 more jobs, compared with the GPS-only scenario. The importance of radio spectrum availability for Community policies in these areas has been extensively described in previous Commission documents on the subject. The efficient planning of radio spectrum use in Europe is closely related to the frequency-allocation process which takes place internationally via the WRC . The Community seeks to obtain decisions in the WRC-2000 which are compliant with relevant Community policies and which adequately reflect commercial and general interests in the European Union. In line with this objective, this Communication aims to: The World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) is the instrument used by sovereign nations to discuss frequency allocations and sharing arrangements at a global level, and is held by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) every two or three years. Its outcome are the ITU Radio Regulations, which have the status of an international treaty. For a more detailed description of the conference structure and procedures, see "The World Radiocommunications Conference 2000: Main Issues, European and other Regional Positions, Results (3rd interim report)", a study carried out by the European Radiocommunications Office (ERO) for the European Commission (http://www.ero.dk/eroweb/wrc.html). * ensure that the European negotiating positions developed by the CEPT for WRC-2000 are consistent with relevant Community policies; * raise political awareness about the Community issues at stake in WRC-2000 and to seek political support from Council and the European Parliament for the positions to be negotiated. This Communication is structured in three core sections: * a description of the importance of WRC-2000 in the context of Community radio spectrum policy (chp. 2); * an analysis of the main WRC-2000 negotiating items which affect Community policies and of the European positions developed by CEPT (chp. 3); * the presentation of a number of recommendations which, if endorsed politically, should ensure coherence of the Community and the CEPT in the conference and which would strengthen Europe's position overall (chp. 4). 2. WRC-2000 in the context of community radio spectrum policy The present Communication extends the scope of an earlier Communication on the subject of WRC-2000 by specifically assessing how the negotiating positions developed by CEPT relate to and impact on Community policies. It builds further on the recommendations in the Communication on the results of the public consultation on the Green Paper on spectrum policy. One of these recommendations was that the negotiating positions developed by CEPT would benefit from being politically endorsed at Community level via an explicit, prior analysis of critical Community issues at WRC-2000. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on Radio Frequency Requirements for Community Policies in the context of the World Radiocommunications Conference 1999 (WRC-99), 13 May 1998, COM(1998)298. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Next Steps in Radio Spectrum Policy - Results of the Public Consultation on the Green Paper, 10 November 1999, COM(1999)538. Green Paper on Radio Spectrum Policy in the context of European Community Policies such as telecommunications, broadcasting, transport and R&D, 9 December 1998, COM(1998)596. The Community's preparations for WRC are undertaken under the aegis of CEPT . In its role of counsellor to CEPT, the Commission has been an active participant in the process, via direct input to CEPT preparatory meetings by the Commission services concerned with particular topics (such as mobile telephony and satellite radionavigation). The Community will participate in WRC-2000 as observer. Details on CEPT's role in preparing negotiating positions for WRC-2000 can be found in the ERO report on WRC mentioned in footnote 3. In order to associate European industry more closely to the preparation of WRC-2000, the European Commission has addressed WRC-2000 issues in its regular contacts with individual or representative organisations such as ECTEL, EITIRT, ETP, GSM MoU and with the satellite industry in the context of the Satellite Action Plan, as well as with the UMTS Forum, a clear example of how structured co-operation between industry and administrations can establish the necessary consensus. In addition and in co-operation with CEPT, three public consultation meetings were held with industry with the aim to discuss the extent to which the draft CEPT positions reflect Europe's industrial interests. Overall, and as compared to previous radiocommunications conferences, industry was actively involved in the CEPT preparations. Industry is also expected to be increasingly represented in the delegations of the Member States to WRC-2000. The first workshop, held on 24-25/6/98 centred on HDFS/FSS, GNSS and IMT-2000. The second meeting, held on 21-22/9/98 consulted on maritime issues. The third meeting (9-10/9/99) addressed the preliminary CEPT positions and draft ECPs on all the main areas to be negotiated at WRC-2000. The Commission also discussed issues pertinent to WRC-2000 with the Union's main trading partners with the aim to approximate positions prior to the start of the conference. For its part, CEPT has attended several meetings with other regional telecommunications organisation, such as CITEL (the Americas) APT (Asia-Pacific region) and the Arab League to find common ground prior to the conference . The formal role of the Community in the WRC process is limited by its observer status. However, taking into account that decisions on the availability of radio spectrum increasingly have a direct bearing on Community policies, it requires a continuous assessment as to whether the Community's present role is sufficient to adequately pursue Community policy objectives. ITU subdivides the world in "regions": region 1 is Europe, Africa and the Middle East; region 2 is the Americas; region 3 is Asia-Pacific. 3. WRC-2000 and Community policy objectives The Commission identifies five priority Community issues which will be discussed at WRC-2000. This chapter states the Community objectives for these priority issues and presents some strategic considerations to be applied during the negotiations at the conference. Additional background on these issues and a summary of the European negotiating proposals prepared by CEPT can be found in annex II. European Common Proposals for the Work of the Conference, ITU ref. CMR2000/EUR-E. From a Community policy point of view, the five key issues at WRC-2000 are: * Third generation mobile communications/IMT-2000: planning for additional spectrum at global level (WRC agenda item 1.6.1); * Radio-navigation satellite systems/GNSS: new bands for GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) (WRC agenda items 1.9 and 1.15); * Satellite Broadcasting: proposal for a revision of BSS (Broadcasting Satellite Service) plans (WRC agenda item 1.19); * Broadband satellite systems: adoption of power limits for broadband satellite systems allowing spectrum sharing with other services (FSS, BSS: Fixed and Broadcasting Satellite Systems) (WRC agenda item 1.13). * High-density fixed services: spectrum requirements and conditions of use of HDFS in bands above 30 GHz (WRC agenda item 1.4). 3.1. Third generation mobile communications 3.1.1 Community policy objectives The Community wants to ensure the successful development of third generation mobile communications (IMT-2000/UMTS) by ensuring additional radio spectrum availability at global level. This entails: * Achieving a timely decision on identifying a sufficient amount of additional radio spectrum to be made available between 2005 and 2010: Since radio spectrum below 3 GHz is already very crowded , it is necessary to decide at an early stage which bands will need to be allocated. The Community objective is to reach decisions now, in order to allow for the needed bands to be made effectively available between 2005 and 2010, giving confidence to the sector of a smooth future expansion of third generation systems in Europe. Essential mission-critical services, such as air traffic management radar, as well as mobile satellite services (MSS) use these bands. * Harmonising IMT-2000 bands at global level: As third generation systems are expected to operate globally, the interoperability of systems will be an important factor. Globally harmonised spectrum would allow for cheaper and easier implementation of networks and services and would contribute to the development of a truly global market. If a harmonisation of bands were to fail at the WRC-2000, the Community would need to consider the option of establishing rapidly a regional harmonisation of spectrum for IMT-2000. * In Europe, the spectrum currently used for second generation systems should not be considered as candidate bands for IMT-2000 extension bands at this juncture. GSM is still evolving in terms of customers, service profile and the forthcoming deployment of GPRS constitutes a significant driver for preparing the ground for the uptake of third generation systems. It is expected that GSM/GPRS will coexist for a number of years with third generation systems. A successful agreement at WRC-2000 on these issues will enhance the growth prospects of the wireless multimedia market and Europe's global position in this sector. On the other hand, a negotiating failure would indicate some degree of uncertainty to the market and would increase cost of spectrum re-farming at a later date. 3.1.2 Priorities and strategy of the Community Success at the WRC-2000 conference is not assured. The prospect of a rapidly developing 'wireless Internet' with global reach may threaten economic interests in other parts of the world which have a less dynamic mobile communications market than Europe. Some countries may be campaigning for a postponement of a decision on extension bands for IMT-2000 and pleading instead for a discussion on the conditions under which subsequent WRCs could come to a final agreement. Other countries may not have the economic conditions that would allow a rapid proliferation of mobile multimedia services and may also be motivated to postpone decision making. Even some non-Community members of CEPT have been open to suggestions for such a decision deferment. In addition, developing countries often perceive the debate on extension bands as an attempt by industrialised countries to appropriate spectrum well ahead of the market reality or as being irrelevant to the needs of those countries. As the stakes are high, it may be expected that the debate on extension of spectrum for IMT-2000 will be highly politicised. In this context, it will be crucial that Member States aim towards a maximum of coherence during WRC-2000 and abide by strict adherence to the Community objectives. An early formal adherence to the ECP by all Member States would constitute a strong political signal reinforcing the Community negotiating position. 3.2. Satellite radio navigation 3.2.1 Community policy objectives The Community wants to ensure radio spectrum availability for new satellite radio navigation systems (GNSS/Galileo) which would allow for a prominent role of the community in this area of major strategic and industrial importance. This entails : * Obtaining equitable access to spectrum allocated to RNSS for Galileo. * Confirming the existing allocation to RNSS and reinforcing protection where needed. * Actively support the decision on allocating sufficient additional spectrum for RNSS as basis for a timely and cost-efficient implementation of Galileo. * Support the definition of protection parameters taking into consideration the need to share the spectrum allocated to RNSS with existing users (such as DME, radio-astronomy and radar) avoiding undue interference. 3.2.2 Priorities and strategy of the Community The ECP adopted by the CEPT adequately reflects the frequency requirements as they have been assessed at this stage by various working groups set up by the Commission and regularly reporting to the Galileo Steering Committee . See COM(1999)54 in footnote 30. Given the pattern of WRC negotiations, it is important to ensure the maximum possible support for Galileo from third countries, international organisations and other regions of the world. The Council has invited the Commission to explore the interest of third countries to co-operate in Galileo which should, inter alia, include aspects of infrastructure development, scientific, technical and industrial contributions and support for the necessary frequency allocation to allow the optimal exploitation of GNSS throughout the world. Such an effort will certainly include pre-accession countries in Europe. Galileo is also seen as an important instrument for the EU to access space and ensure independence in this sector. The Commission will make special efforts to communicate with third countries and inform them on the frequency issues, as far as possible in advance of the WRC but also at the WRC itself. The Commission regards it as essential that Member States help to convince third parties of the benefits which Galileo can bring to all existing and potential GNSS users. Having established an appropriate ECP will not guarantee a successful outcome at WRC-2000, from the Community point of view, on this issue. It is vital that Member States actively support the ECP during the conference. The Commission, therefore, undertakes to try to ensure active co-ordination of the Community position in the preparatory phase and throughout the conference. The Council formally requested the Commission to ensure when negotiating with the US and with the Russian Federation an appropriate co-ordination mechanism for the management of the frequencies required for the satellite navigation based systems . Council Decisions of 6th October 1999, authorising the Commission to open formal negotiations with the United States of America and with the Russian Federation in view of concluding co-operation agreements. In the light of the on-going negotiations with the US and the Russian Federation on GNSS (including the frequency issue) and the importance of the Galileo programme, the Community and the Member States may need to adapt their strategy, both before WRC-2000 and "on the spot." In particular, the CEPT brief, which should guide the European actions at WRC, may need to be updated and modified as the conference progresses. The Commission, therefore, proposes to seek to ensure the necessary co-ordination at Community level during WRC. 3.3. Satellite broadcasting 3.3.1 Community policy objectives The Community wants to ensure a fair and efficient distribution of resources (orbital positions, channels) needed for satellite broadcasting, including cross-border systems within Europe. With respect to the WRC-2000 debate on re-planning of spectrum allocation for satellite broadcasting, this entails : * access for European people to various audio-visual and multimedia contents of high quality, taking into account the cultural and linguistic diversity of European nations. * development of a competitive satellite broadcasting market in Europe. * equitable access to spectrum as well as orbital slots for existing and new satellite broadcasters taking into account market demand. * efficient use of spectrum, avoiding leaving unused large spectrum bands; spectrum planning principles should allow for flexible usage to cater for system deployment tailored to market demand. * spectrum replanning should take into account the Community's relationship with its immediate neighbours. 3.3.2 Priorities and strategy of the Community Given the complexity of factors involved in the BSS radio spectrum re-planning, priority should be given to establish a consensus over the methodological approach of re-organizing these spectrum bands rather than proceeding with the re-planning itself at the WRC-2000. Member Sates are invited to take the Community policy objectives into account when negotiating re-planning principles and modalities. Given the anticipated growing role of BSS, WRC-2000 should decide on a clear roadmap for the necessary steps to be undertaken until the next WRC at which a re-planning could be finalised. The Commission is concerned about the perspective of seeing a major conflict arising at the WRC given the sensitiveness of the issue for many countries of regions 1 and 3. Member States should therefore carefully consider the possible impact of the debate over BSS on other items which will be discussed at WRC. The debate over BSS band re-planning has shown already at this stage that it is necessary to reflect, within the Community legislation on the provision of television broadcasting activities, on how to allocate spectrum and orbital resources in Europe in conjunction with the obligations resulting from WRC. In the light of the WRC-2000, the Commission will consider taking an initiative in this sense. 3.4. Satellite broadband communications 3.4.1 Community policy objectives The Community wishes to facilitate the competitive provision of satellite broadband systems while taking due account of existing interests. WRC-2000 is to confirm the power limits and their application conditions and thereby to clear the way for the deployment of broadband satellite systems. The objectives of the Community in this respect are: * The Community supports the introduction of new services such as NGSO FSS and competition in the provision of telecommunication services while ensuring the protection of GSO FSS, GSO BSS, space sciences and terrestrial systems in operation and their future evolution and growth. * The Community is interested in seeing a conclusion of the debate on technical conditions allowing for sharing the bands in question, with specifications being adopted to allow for a timely deployment of the proposed systems. 3.4.2 Priorities and strategy of the Community It is important that all Member States support the adoption of the technical specifications as recommended by the CPM , as it is not clear at this stage whether this compromise will be supported by all ITU members. A Conference Preparatory Meeting, or CPM, is organised before each WRC in order to approximate the positions of the various regions of the ITU. The meeting prepares a "CPM report" on technical and procedural matters which is used as the baseline for the conference. The CPM for WRC-2000 was held in Geneva in November 1999. A failure at WRC-2000 to agree would raise serious concerns because it would impact on the establishment of sufficient competition between different system proposals given that the WRC-97 compromise would be unilaterally changed. Some systems would have access to spectrum on a primary basis whereas others would be subject to complicated co-ordination procedures delaying their introduction. A close CEPT concertation would be required in this eventuality, to find solutions to save the full package as agreed in WRC-97. 3.5. High-density fixed services 3.5.1. Community policy objectives The Community is engaged in stimulating progress towards the Information Society in Europe by providing cheap, broadband Internet access and usage to European citizens . Because of the high density of the potential user population in Europe, HDFS could be ideally suited as an additional platform to provide such services. It is therefore in the Community's interests to ensure sufficient spectrum for the timely deployment of a reasonably-priced and flexible wireless alternatives to wire-based broadband infrastructures in Europe. This entails: See "eEurope: an Information Society for All", communication on a Commission Initiative for the Special European Council of Lisbon, 23 and 24 March 2000. * Making sure that terrestrial wireless services have access to a sufficient amount of spectrum to support the provision of competitive broadband Internet offerings, while at the same time taking due account of the interests of other services in the same bands (fixed satellite, Earth observation and radio astronomy). * Spectrum access to be provided preferably by sharing with other services (FSS) while giving priority and adequate protection to HDFS. In the circumstances where co-existence is not realistically feasible, band segmentation needs to be considered. 3.5.2. Priorities and strategy of the Community WRC-2000 will be an important forum to decide on the use of several bands for HDFS. Member States have had divergent attitudes towards fixed wireless services in the past. However, in order to achieve significant results at WRC-2000, the strategy is to have a common approach, embodied by the ECPs on HDFS. The ECPs prepared by CEPT are supported by the Commission, as they provide a good basis to stimulate the provision of competitive broadband wireless services in Europe. It is likely that some countries outside the EU in regions 1 and 2 will have different positions about this issue at the conference, giving more emphasis to satellite systems. The Member States will therefore need to remain coherent and co-ordinated in their approach to this agenda items in order to obtain sufficient spectrum for HDFS. 3.6. Other important Issues The description of the five preceding topics aims to clarify the main issues for the European Community in WRC-2000, in order to solidify political support for these topics. This particularly concerns the IMT-2000 and GNSS dossiers, where the Community has the clear interests to ensure sufficient spectrum for these services, and where the socio-economic stakes for the European Union are both evident and considerable. However, WRC-2000 will also address other issues which have a bearing on Community policies, including : * Radio spectrum requirements for digital maritime communications, as well as for aeronautical and maritime safety systems, where life-critical aspects are paramount. Since the completion of the Community's transport market is highly dependant on the availability of radio spectrum, it is important that due account is taken of relevant Community policies in this area. The recent Commission initiative on the creation of the single European sky ,has been triggered by concerns for the escalating delays and congestion of air traffic in Europe. Securing sufficient access to the radio frequency spectrum for air traffic management at WRC-2000 is a key prerequisite for increasing air capacity and thus alleviate air traffic control delays . WRC 2000 will examine a certain number of questions related to possible sharing of aviation bands. Such sharing might have implications in terms of safety and efficiency of air transport operations. It is therefore imperative that all implications be sufficiently well explored before any decision is taken . It is also imperative to ensure that aviation has sufficient access to spectrum when it is ready to implement the technology break-through necessary to accommodate the traffic increase of the next decade (agenda item 1/10 refers). To this effect, WRCs should re-examine periodically the efficiency of measures put in place by the administrations to guarantee this objective. Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - The Creation of the Single European Sky, COM(1999)614 final, 1.12.1999. The European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) Transport Ministers on 28.01.00 decided the following: "We note the importance to air traffic management in Europe of securing sufficient access to the radio frequency spectrum. In co-operation with ICAO, we shall seek to ensure that decisions made at the World Radio Conference later this year, and at subsequent Conferences, take account of the needs of the aviation community and set aside frequencies for Radionavigation systems and the future Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), for instance Galileo". This action is particularly relevant in view of the ECP proposal under agenda item 1.6 (see Annex II, part I) to eventually consider the primary radar band as a candidate for sharing with UMTS. * Due to the increasing need for radio spectrum by in particular commercial mobile satellite services, spectrum availability for Earth observation and radio astronomy has come under pressure. Taking into account that significant Community policies exist in these areas, it is important to ensure that the requirements of the various sectors are appropriately balanced. * Radio spectrum requirements for HAPS (High-Altitude Platform Stations) will be discussed. HAPS have the potential to provide infrastructure capabilities for services such as IMT-2000. Although spectrum availability for the mobile satellite service (MSS) is considered sufficient in Europe, WRC-2000 will again address frequency needs for this service, taking future projected demand into account. * The conference will also discuss which issues to include in the agenda for the conference following WRC-2000 (probably to be held in 2003). In this regard, Europe proposes to deal with radio spectrum requirements for, inter alia, aeronautical and maritime mobile services with a view to the introduction of digital technology and for communications services (e.g. HIPERLAN, wireless wide-band multimedia applications, high-density fixed-satellite services). The decisions taken by the conference on the issues mentioned above will have a direct or indirect bearing on Community policies on a sectorial as well as a horizontal level. It is difficult, however, to politically assess how WRC-2000 might affect these policies, and this renders the establishment of Community agreement on the positions taken and priorities set difficult to achieve. A complicating factor in this regard is the absence of institutional arrangements within the Community where radio spectrum requirements for all Community policies are comprehensively addressed and where the interests of the various policy areas can be appropriately balanced. This matter would require further consideration at policy level, taking the outcome of WRC-2000 into account. 4. Political endorsement of community objectives for WRC-2000 At World Radiocommunications Conferences, significant commercial and strategic interests pit themselves against the considerations of other business concerns and of non-commercial services. Because WRC issues are not consistently addressed at political level, it becomes increasingly difficult for WRC negotiators to balance the various interests on a purely technical basis. It is therefore important that the Member States are fully aware of the extent to which Community policies are affected by the WRC negotiations. For those European positions developed for WRC-2000 which are found to be compatible with such policies, political endorsement of the objectives to be achieved in WRC-2000 would enhance Europe's overall negotiating position. 4.1. Negotiating objectives With regard to the WRC-2000 agenda items which are particularly relevant in the context of Community policies, the following objectives should be endorsed: * IMT-2000/UMTS: to ensure the successful development of third generation mobile communications in Europe by securing additional radio spectrum availability at global level (WRC agenda item 1.6.1), without jeopardising the safety and efficiency of air transport operations. * GNSS/Galileo: to ensure radio spectrum availability for satellite radio-navigation systems which would allow for a prominent and independent role of the Community in this area of major strategic and industrial importance (WRC agenda items 1.9 and 1.15). Without succeeding in accessing the required spectrum, the EU will compromise a unique opportunity to play a role at global level. * Satellite broadcasting: to ensure a fair but efficient distribution of resources (orbital positions, channels) needed for cross-border satellite broadcasting within the Community (WRC agenda item 1.19). * Satellite broadband communications: to facilitate the competitive provision of satellite broadband services while taking due account of the radio spectrum requirements of existing terrestrial and space-based services (WRC agenda item 1.13). * High-density fixed services: to ensure sufficient spectrum for the timely deployment of reasonably-priced and flexible fixed wireless alternatives to wire-based infrastructures for the provision of multimedia applications to European citizens (WRC agenda item 1.4) 4.2. Co-ordination mechanisms With regard to the co-ordination mechanisms to be respected for WRC-2000, the following practices should be confirmed: * Expression of support for initial negotiating positions: the Member States should sign all European Common Proposals developed by CEPT which are relevant to Community policies, particularly those related to IMT-2000 and to Galileo. By signing the ECPs, Europe will enter the negotiations in a coherent manner. It will also help to avoid the fragmentation of positions at a political level, taking into account that political pressure from third parties on particular issues during the conference itself might jeopardise the homogeneity of the European position. * Maintenance of support for agreed policy objectives: the Member States' delegations should endeavour to maintain agreed positions throughout the conference with regard to the Community policy objectives to be reached in WRC-2000. This is not intended to curtail the flexibility necessary during prolonged negotiations, where "packages" of unrelated issues might be handled across the board, and where a degree of "give and take" might be inevitable. Co-ordination meetings of the CEPT (and of the Community, where required), will be needed during the conference to preserve consensus on the negotiating approach to be followed to reach agreed objectives. * The acquis communautaire in the negotiations: Member States shall negotiate in compliance of the Union's acquis communautaire, where applicable , and take due account of the overall interests of the Community when agreeing to (i) any common amendments to the agreed pre-conference CEPT positions, and (ii) any concerted reaction to new issues raised by third countries, where no common preparatory work by CEPT has been possible. Most recently the Decisions by Council and by the European Parliament on UMTS, S-PCS, GSM-R, and Galileo. In this context, the European Commission's role during the conference will be informed by the relevant Council Conclusions on this subject . In accordance with these Conclusions and in view of the observer role of the EC at WRC, the Commission will monitor the negotiations for the duration of the conference. i) Council Conclusions on the Procedures to be followed at the World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC 1992), 3 February 1992; ii) Council Conclusions on the Commission Communication on the World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-97), 22 September 1997. * Ad-hoc Community co-ordination: ad-hoc co-ordination of the Member State' delegations may be organised in addition to the CEPT framework, where EU interests are at stake and where Community co-ordination is more appropriate to uphold Community interests, particularly in the areas of third generation mobile communications and satellite radio navigation. * Joint Declaration: in accordance with present practice, the Presidency of the European Union shall submit on behalf of the Community a joint Declaration for inclusion in the Final Acts of WRC-2000, stipulating that the delegations of the Member States of the EU declare that they will apply the revision of the Radio Regulations adopted at the conference in accordance with their obligations under the EC Treaty. Council Conclusions on WARC '92. * Approximation of regional positions: the Commission shall promote the Community's key objectives to be reached in WRC-2000 in relevant contacts with third countries, with particular regard to mobile communications and satellite radio navigation. This can be achieved, for example, in the context of the Community's partnership with developing countries, as cemented by the Lomé Convention as well as other regional co-operation arrangements . In addition, and in order to explain the Community's interests in WRC, the Commission will organise, in concert with CEPT, an information meeting with the missions to the European Community of developing nations shortly before the beginning of the WRC. This will assist in the search for common understanding, in particular with Arab and African nations which share the same ITU region with the European Union (Region 1). The fourth ACP-EEC Convention, OJ L229, 17.8.91, expired on 3 February 2000. A new Development Partnership Agreement to succeed Lomé is in an advanced phase of negotiation and is tentatively due to be signed in May 2000. See the Council Regulation (EC) No. 148/96 of July 23rd 1996 on the Euro-Mediterranean partnership (MEDA), the Communication on the EU-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Co-operation, COM95(541/7), the framework agreements between the EU and Mercosur, et al. At the same time, a specific dissemination effort will be undertaken by the Commission to promote the Galileo system within the context of the WRC with the aim to ensure the maximum international support for the Community objectives to be reached for this sector. Radio spectrum policy is an area of growing attention in the Community. In parallel to the production of this Communication, the Commission is drafting a proposal for an EP and Council Decision on radio spectrum policy in the Community. The aim of this proposal is, on the one hand, to establish a regulatory level playing field where decisions on the use of the radio spectrum are taken in a balanced manner in a legally certain context and, on the other hand, to ensure that Community interests with regard to radio spectrum in the international arena, including with respect to WRC, are appropriately safeguarded. The issues at stake at WRC-2000 are of such magnitude that the Community should already at this juncture discuss how best to preserve European interests. As regards the issues to be considered by WRC-2000, political support should be expressed to achieve the Community objectives to ensure sufficient radio spectrum availability for third generation mobile telecommunications systems and for satellite radio navigation. In these areas, agreement has been established in the Community, as far as political orientations or legal requirements are concerned. It is now timely to also endorse the objectives to be achieved from an operational and spectrum management point of view. As regards the co-ordination mechanisms to be respected when negotiating European positions at WRC-2000, the Community relies for the major part on co-operation within the CEPT. Were this co-operation to fail to produce results which are in support of Community policies, the Commission would co-ordinate the positions of the Member States on the spot, particularly in the areas of third generation mobile systems and satellite radio navigation. Following WRC-2000, the Commission intends to prepare a Communication on the results of WRC-2000 with regards to Community policies and on the Community issues at stake at the following conference (due in 2003). Subject to the results of WRC-2000, the Community's approach towards WRC may need to be revisited in the context of the Commission's proposal for a decision on radio spectrum policy in the Community. Annotated agenda for WRC-2000 COMMUNITY ISSUES AT WRC-2000 This annex complements the presentation of the five key issues for the Community at WRC-2000 in chapter 3 of the Communication. A more detailed background for each issue is provided, together with an overall description of the European Common Proposal(s) relevant to it. I. Third generation mobile communications (IMT-2000/UMTS) The significant economic potential of mobile communications explains the great interest of the industry world-wide in third generation mobile communications (IMT-2000) . International Mobile Telecommunications - 2000 (IMT-2000) is the ITU vision of global mobile access in the 21st century. A great opportunity exists for the mobile communications industry to be at the forefront of the development of the telecommunications market due to its ability to provide easy and ubiquitous personal access, anywhere and anytime . Recent technical developments will open the perspective for packet-switched wireless transmission of large amounts of data and the usage of mobile data services is expected to exceed the present volumes of mostly voice-based services. This will allow for enhanced services such as faxing or e-mailing, handling electronic transactions, or accessing the Internet whilst on the move. The Internet itself is rapidly emerging as an enabler to e-commerce and information services. Estimates indicate that by 2004, some 60 % of all Internet accesses will be done by wireless or mobile means. Therefore, mobile communications are an important and essential enabler for the realisation of the Information Society. Strategy and policy orientations with regard to the further development of mobile and wireless communications (UMTS), Communication from the Commission, COM(97)513, 15 October 1997. The availability of further spectrum is a key pre-requisite that will determine the growth prospects for this industry. WARC-92 identified spectrum bands for third generation systems ("IMT-2000 bands") in an effort to harmonise the use of spectrum for systems which were already recognised as being fundamentally global in nature. Most ITU Members have endorsed the ITU recommendation. WRC-2000 will attempt to proceed similarly to WARC-92 in order to identify IMT-2000 extension bands. Recognising the economic potential offered by new technology developments and by the anticipated market demand, the Community started, at an early stage, to pave the way for third generation systems. Community RTD programmes supported the preparation of standards in conjunction with the global efforts undertaken in the ITU under IMT-2000. UMTS, a third generation system proposal, was submitted to ITU and is now recognised as part of theIMT-2000 family of recommendations about to be finalised by the ITU. The Community adopted the UMTS Decision which harmonises the regulatory conditions governing the introduction of third generation systems in Europe. It notably establishes the legal basis for harmonising the spectrum in view of introducing third generation systems in the Community. Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the coordinated of a third-generation mobile and wireless communications system (UMTS) in the Community, No 128/1999/EC, 14 December 1998. In order to make spectrum for IMT-2000 available in a timely manner, CEPT, following mandates pursuant to the UMTS Decision, has harmonised the radio spectrum bands to be used for IMT-2000, on the basis of the WARC-92 Recommendations. Third generation mobile systems based on the ITU IMT-2000 recommendations are expected to be introduced by 2002. It is generally accepted that enough radio spectrum for launch of service will be available. Nevertheless, WRC-2000 will be crucial to decide on the long term availability of further radio spectrum (extension bands) for third generation systems. Large investment costs for third generation deployment would only be justifiable if the availability of further radio spectrum is expected for the longer perspective. WRC-2000 will attempt to find an agreement on extension bands for IMT-2000. European Common Proposals developed by CEPT: CEPT with the assistance of the UMTS Forum assessed the future multimedia services market and estimated the amount of spectrum that would be needed. The CEPT refined a model proposed by the UMTS Forum , together with accompanying spectrum estimates, and forwarded them for consideration by ITU which endorsed them. Report by the UMTS Forum on UMTS/IMT-2000 spectrum (Report No. 6, 1998) and on candidate extension bands for UMTS/IMT-2000 terrestrial (Report No. 7, 1999). In March 1999, ITU-R, as a result of its studies, identified a projected spectrum requirement for terrestrial mobile communications of an additional 160 MHz by the year 2010 for all regions. The requirement for additional spectrum is over and above the spectrum already identified for terrestrial mobile communications and should be met by identifying a limited number of contiguous bands. This decision has been forwarded to the WRC Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) of the ITU and forms a key part of the CPM report to the Conference . CPM Report on technical, operational and regulatory/procedural matters to be considered by the 2000 World Radiocommunications Conference, ITU Radiocommunication sector, Geneva, 1999. Pursuant to the UMTS Decision, the Commission has issued a mandate to the CEPT requesting CEPT to prepare a European Common Proposal. Mandate to the CEPT for the development of a common plan to identify additional frequency spectrum for a terrestrial third-generation mobile and wireless communications system (UMTS) in the Community, ERC TG1(99)121. In response, the CEPT and in particular its Conference Preparatory Group prepared a European Common Proposal (ECP) for identification of an additional 160 MHz of spectrum, to be made available starting from 2005 in Europe and 2010 at the latest in the rest of the world, depending on market demand . ECPs on Agenda Item 1.6, Doc CPG2000-7, (2000)26 Rev 2. The ECP (part 1A) stipulates that for the terrestrial component of IMT-2000, the WRC-2000 should find global bands valid for all 3 Regions of the world to meet the requirement of 160 MHz of additional spectrum. It argues that globally harmonised spectrum will facilitate world-wide roaming and reduce cost and complexity of IMT-2000 terminals. The ECP notes that the location of existing spectrum for IMT-2000 is not common to all 3 Regions. Therefore, the location of additional spectrum for IMT-2000 may similarly vary and as a result, some flexibility in the identification of additional globally harmonised spectrum for IMT-2000 may be needed. The ECP identifies the 2500 - 2690 MHz band as the main candidate for use on a world-wide basis for IMT-2000 extension band. Furthermore, the ECP proposes to carry out studies into the possibility of further increasing spectrum availability. These studies will consider the feasibility of sharing with other services, such air traffic management radar, an essential component of aeronautical safety. A draft WRC Resolution has been prepared accordingly. II. Radio-navigation Satellite Systems Satellite positioning systems, originally conceived for military purposes, are today highly relevant for a number of civil applications involving navigation and positioning with a high economic potential.At present, there are two global RNS systems, GPS and GLONASS, operated by the US and Russian governments respectively. These systems have a number of weaknesses from the point of view of civil user, including a lack of any guarantee of service, lack of information on error rate of the system and unpredictable temporary service gaps. Suitable radio spectrum bands have been allocated to RNSS at previous WRCs. GPS and GLONASS utilise a considerable proportion of the available frequencies; new RNS systems may not disrupt existing services. The next generation global systems are already being planned and developed by the US, the Russian Federation and Western Europe (the European Union and the European Space Agency). In particular, the EU has initiated the Galileo project. The aim is to design a new RNS-based system under civil control which will be operationally independent from, but compatible and interoperable with, existing radio-navigation satellite systems. Consequently, Galileo will contribute very significantly to the robustness, availability and overall performance level of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). This is especially necessary for safety-of-life and other critical applications which rely on a robust, reliable and therefore redundant system. The positioning and navigation network is an important element of the overall Trans-European Transport Network. The European Parliament and the Council of EU Ministers accepted that it should be based around the satellite systems, together with certain terrestrial systems. The Commission identified a number of major policy reasons for developing a new European satellite-based navigation and positioning system (Galileo), as opposed to relying on existing third countries' systems for the future, and made its recommendations in February 1999 . Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and Council on Galileo: Involving Europe in a New Generation of Satellite Navigation Services, February 10th, 1999, COM(1999)54. These recommendations were approved and the Galileo initiative was launched by the EU Transport Ministers which adopted a Resolution on 19 July 1999 which outlines the policy behind the decision to proceed with Galileo and the requirements set for it. Council Resolution of 19 July 1999 on the involvement of Europe in a new generation of satellite navigation services - Galileo - Definition phase, 1999/C 221/01, 3.8.1999. * Galileo is seen as a key element for the setting-up of a multi-modal infrastructure for all forms of aviation, water and land transport, potentially making a major contribution to an effective use of transport infrastructure, to an increase in safety, to a reduction in environmental pollution and to the setting-up of an integrated transport system with crucial importance for the Single Market. * A European satellite navigation system will have a positive impact on information and telecommunications industries, in particular in developing a European market for location based services. * Satellite positioning, navigation and timing can develop their full use only as a global system; international co-operation is necessary by means of which world-wide interoperable and compatible services can be offered. User requirements and user demands should be of key importance in deciding on the development of a European satellite navigation system and on its characteristics, taking into account requirements developed by other relevant international bodies, such as ICAO, IMO, ITU as well as the WTO. The Council defined the work to be done by December 2000 when the first phase of the project will be completed. This includes, as recognised by Council, urgently carrying out, in co-operation with all States involved and the CEPT, necessary steps for frequency allocation and to simultaneously initiate necessary steps for preparation of the WRC in relation with all concerned bodies. After the launching of Galileo, the second phase of the project is envisaged from the beginning of 2001 onwards, leading to initial deployment of the satellite constellation from 2005 and full operational capability of Galileo by 2008. European Common Proposals developed by CEPT: WRC-2000 will take several major decisions, which will impact on the future Radio-Navigation Satellite Service (RNSS) and Aeronautical Radio-navigation Service (ARNS). In particular it will decide on new frequency bands to be allocated to RNSS which will directly affect the development of Galileo and the evolution of the US Global Positioning System (GPS) and Russian Federation's Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS). CEPT has developed two ECPs (part 2A and part 2D) on the agenda items of WRC-2000 directly related to GNSS (items 1.9 and 1.15, respectively). They partially cover the same frequency bands, so they are dealt with together : * The ECPs propose to allocate new RNSS bands for space-to-earth, for space-to-space and for earth-to-space communication along with, where appropriate, power flux density (pfd) limits and other measures to avoid interference with existing users of these bands (such as aeronautical radio-navigation or radio location services, space-borne receivers or radio-astronomy services). The ECPs adequately reflect the frequency requirements as they have been assessed at this stage by various working groups set up by the Commission regularly reporting to the Galileo Steering Committee. They will also not prejudice the continued provision, development and protection of existing services (particularly aeronautical Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) and surveillance radar). * The ECPs conclude that allocating Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) in the 1559-1567 MHz band on a shared basis with RNSS is not possible and that no MSS allocation in the band should be authorised. WRC-2000 should consequently ratify the present development of RNSS in the 1559-1567 MHz band. If WRC-2000 cannot accommodate MSS spectrum requirements in another band, the issue of MSS allocation in the 1559-1567 MHz band could be reviewed at a future Conference. * The ECPs support the introduction of the new space-to-space direction, with a footnote indicating that space-borne receivers shall not claim protection from existing RNSS systems or those for which advance publication information has been received by the ITU Bureau of Radiocommunication (BR), as of the end of WRC-2000. This provision will ensure that GPS, GLONASS and Galileo will not be affected by the need to protect the space-borne receivers of existing or planned RNSS systems. Concerning these two issues, the ECPs take into account the necessary protection for RNSS applications while confirming the need to provide MSS with additional spectrum. III. Broadcasting Satellite Services (BSS) Satellite broadcasting is an important means of reaching the TV end user in Europe. Today, over 25 million European TV households are equipped with satellite dishes . Along with cable TV distribution, satellite broadcasting has significantly increased competition within the commercial TV sector and thereby contributed to diversify programmes and develop the content industry in Europe. 1999 Reference Report to the Commission " Development of Digital Television in the European Union", (source IDATE). Spectrum for satellite broadcasting is subject to ITU co-ordination. Scarce resources in this respect are both frequencies and orbital slots. Spectrum planning is carried out by allocating quota per country, disregarding whether the spectrum is actually used or not. WARC-77 adopted a spectrum plan (contained in Appendix S30 of the ITU Radio Regulations) for the broadcasting-satellite service in Regions 1 and 3. WARC-85 adopted the corresponding feederlink plan for the fixed-satellite service (contained in Appendix S30A of the RR). The 1977 Plan foresees 5 channels for each country in Region 1 and 4 channels for each country in Region 3. The channel width is calculated on the assumption of analogue TV signal transmission, which increasingly becomes questionable with the introduction of digital satellite TV allowing for more transmission channels per spectrum unit . In the short term, this will not necessarily free up spectrum, since a period of analogue-digital simulcasting will be necessary (phasing out of analogue TV sets). Several issues are related to satellite broadcasting spectrum planning, such as spectrum efficiency (planned bands vs. allocation on demand, effect of digitalisation), the aggregation of spectrum quota (e.g. regional BSS systems vs. national systems), as well as indirectly the question of national sovereignty over allowing transmission of broadcast content over national territories. In Europe, satellite broadcasting is not used at national level. Three broadcasting satellite operators provide services on a pan-European basis. This is possible under the ITU rules as long as it is not opposed by individual countries claiming their radio spectrum quota. The free circulation of programmes is governed in the EU by the Directive on TV without Frontiers . This Directive guarantees the freedom to provide broadcasting services within the European Union by co-ordinating certain provisions laid down in the Member States. The Directive lays down EU-wide rules for meeting general interest objectives relating to content. The WRC process takes into consideration primarily the technical feasibility of spectrum allocation. However, since satellite broadcasting spectrum is thus far allocated in the ITU per country, there is, especially in certain countries neighbouring but not associated to the Community, the concern to see programmes entering without control their national territory, in particular via broadcasts by regional satellite systems . Council Directive 89/552/EEC of 3 October 1989 on the co-ordination of certain provisions laid down by law, Regulation or Administrative Action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting activities, OJ L298, 17.10.89. Most of the countries with which the EU has concluded association agreements are under the obligation to co-ordinate and, where appropriate, harmonise their policies on the regulation of cross-border broadcasting, audiovisual technical standards and the promotion of European audiovisual technology. European Common Proposals developed by CEPT: Some countries in Region 1 and 3 have asked for BSS re-planning in order to obtain more channels per country to be dedicated to national coverage. They expect WRC-2000 to carry out this re-planning exercise. Indeed, resolution 532, adopted by WRC-97, stipulates that the feasibility of such re-planning should be studied. Some studies have already been carried out, but they are deemed to be insufficient by most CEPT countries. However, some countries of regions 1 and 3 of the ITU regard this issue as one of their priorities. WRC-2000 will therefore need to decide whether there is consensus to start a re-planning at this juncture. In a second step, modalities for re-planning will need to be agreed, as well as a timetable established. At the time of writing, an ECP on the BSS spectrum band re-planning issue is still under preparation by CPG, which has expressed strong reservations against the idea of BSS re planning as early as WRC-2000 and proposes by default to keep the current plan unless an agreement on how to adapt the plan can be found. To prepare the re-planning, two alternative proposals are considered. One would allow for increasing the spectrum capacity allocated to each country of region 1 and 3 from the current 5 channels to 10, albeit while applying a series of principles which would also cover regional or sub regional BSS systems within a single plan. Another possibility discussed by CPG foresees to establish two separate plans, one to cover national allocations and one to accommodate additional filings such as regional or sub-regional BSS systems or specific plan modifications. CPG also intends to propose new compatibility criteria which would facilitate the compatibility assessment of BSS systems with respect to other services and thereby ease the re-planning itself. Finally, CEPT suggests that a number of technical studies be undertaken to take into account recent technological improvements and possibilities. IV. Satellite Broadband Communications Broadband satellite systems such as Skybridge or Teledesic currently under development offer a large transmission capacity that can be re-distributed to individual users within the potentially large footprint of satellites. The Community has an interest in seeing these systems develop in the context of its policy to promote the realisation of the Information Society supported by an adequate infrastructure. In the context of the S-PCS Decision the Commission has recently mandated CEPT to start the investigation on measures which would be necessary to prepare for a harmonised deployment in the EU of systems operating above 3GHz. Broadband satellite systems are among these. Decision 710/97/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on a co-ordinated authorisation approach in the field of satellite personal communications services in the Community, 24.3.97, OJ L105/4 of 23.4.97. Currently planned broadband satellite systems operate, inter alia, in the 10-18 GHz ("Ku-band") and 18-30 GHz ("Ka-band") spectrum ranges which are otherwise heavily used by terrestrial fixed systems (FS) as well as by geostationary broadcasting or fixed satellites (GSO BSS, GSO FSS). The introduction of broadband satellite systems which use non-geostationary satellites (NGSO) in the same bands therefore requires special technical measures to limit the potential of interference and therefore allow for coexistence between these systems. One of the possible techniques consists in introducing power limits to NGSO emissions. This new approach was proposed by CEPT at WRC-97. Given the global nature of broadband satellite systems, global agreements on such power limits are essential. The assumption of this approach is that, provided NGSO systems comply with these specifications, no further co-ordination is necessary and NGSO networks can therefore go into operation without having to co-ordinate with GSO networks, and vice versa. Also, FS systems would be protected. WRC-97 decided to include power limits in Articles S21 and S22 in order to ensure coexistence among non-GSO FSS, GSO FSS, GSO BSS, Space science and terrestrial systems in the frequency referred to above. WRC-97 adopted the concept of "hard limits" in these bands, and the regulatory conditions associated to these limits, subject to review and possible revision of the levels of these limits at WRC-2000. The compromise reached at WRC-97 was as follows: the frequency band earmarked for Teledesic was increased by 100 MHz (RES 120), thus giving Teledesic primary access to the 500 MHz it requested for its operation. Across the Teledesic band, the power limit approach would not apply. Power limits were introduced in all other parts of the Ku and Ka band. The power limits specifications were however provisional, and subject to further studies. European Common Proposals developed by CEPT: Agenda item 1.13 ofWRC-2000 deals with the conditions under which future satellite broadband systems shall be allowed to operate in certain frequency bands. The issue has been the subject on long and detailed studies carried out by ITU since 1997 on the equivalent power flux density (epfd) limits specifying the limits on non-GSO FSS emissions in all cases. These studies have validated the technical and regulatory proposals that formed the basis of WRC-97 decisions. The issue may have been resolved at the Conference Preparatory Meeting, with Canada offering a compromise solution between the power limit option A (supported by most Delegations) and option B (supported by the U.S. and Israel). Both NGSO and GSO operators concerned have signalled their agreement to the compromise proposal. The ECP for this item (part 3) supports the findings of these studies on the review of the limits in the frequency band covered by Resolutions 130 (WRC-97), 131 (WRC-97) and 538 (WRC-97), and in particular: * The modifications proposed to Article S21, concerning the limits on non-GSO FSS systems to protect the Fixed Service and the suppression of Resolution 131 (WRC-97), * The modifications proposed to Section II of Article S22, concerning the "validation", "operational" and "additional operational" limits on non-GSO FSS systems to protect the GSO FSS and GSO BSS systems, * The need to control the aggregate interference caused into operational GSO earth stations by all the non-GSO FSS systems, through a Resolution. * The exemption of both GSO and non-GSO systems from the national or sub regional restrictions appearing in S5.488 and S5.491. V. HIGH DENSITY FIXED SERVICES In the long-distance European telecommunications market, the development of competition following liberalisation in 1998 has already brought substantial benefits to customers in terms of choice and value for money. However, this "success story" has not been repeated at the local level. At the present time, the growth in European exposure to the Internet is slowed down by the dominance of incumbent telecom operators in the "local loop", i.e. in the wireline infrastructure entering the users' premises (homes, schools, most businesses, etc.). This leads to relatively high access and usage prices for Internet use, whilst the availability of broadband Internet is insufficient. The result is a slower user take-up of Internet applications in Europe than in North America. To address this matter, one of the basic objectives of the eEurope digital initiative promoted by the European Commission is to support actions aiming to bring European citizens on-line as quickly as possible. The eEurope initiative considers, inter alia, how to remove the bottlenecks to Internet use in Europe. While it tackles this issue by promoting the "unbundling" of the local loop from incumbent operators, and by simplifying and speeding up the licensing process for new services across the EU, it also supports the allocation of harmonised frequencies to multimedia wireless systems, leading to greater competition in the broadband access market, greater choice and ultimately lower prices for consumers. In spectrum bands above 30 GHz, HDFS meets the demand of the fast-growing market for new broadband services and applications. It allows new operators to deploy rapidly alternative infrastructures in a flexible and cost-effective way. It provides enhanced data rates from the current narrow-band telephone networks and is a viable alternative platform for multimedia services from other broadband access technologies, such as DSL and cable modems. HDFS can also be used as the infrastructure for the mobile sector in Europe, for GSM and IMT-2000 services. The potential for growth of fixed wireless, and the associated benefits to the European citizen, are both substantial, and its spectrum requirements need therefore to be protected. European Common Proposals developed by CEPT Three ECPs have been prepared by CEPT for agenda item 1.4 of WRC-2000: In the first ECP (part 6A1), Europe supports the use of HDFS in the 37-39.5 GHz band, which is already heavily used in Europe. Moreover, Europe also supports the use of the band 39.5-40.5 GHz for FSS, so that both FS and FSS have the opportunity to use the 38 GHz range. In the second ECP (part 6A2), Europe supports the use of HDFS in the bands 31.8-33.4 GHz, 51.4-52.6 GHz, 55.78-59 GHz and 64-66 GHz. For the band 31.8-33.4 GHz, Europe supports the CPM conclusion that sharing between FS and other services is feasible by applying some appropriate mitigation techniques, and therefore proposes that WRC-2000 confirm the FS allocation in this band. In the band 51.4-52.6 GHz, Europe also support the CPM conclusion that FS can share the band with EESS (Earth exploration satellite services) and with RA (radio astronomy) sites in remote places - no change in allocation needed. For the band 55.78-59 GHz, sharing is feasible with EESS. Europe also proposes to limit the ISS (inter-satellite services) use in this band to GSO satellites and LEO satellites with specific pfd limits, while some power limits are also applied to FS - no change in allocation needed. For the band 64-66 GHz, HDFS can share with other systems - no change in allocation needed. In the third ECP (part 6A3), concerning the use of the band 40.5-42.5 GHz by the fixed service, Europe opposes the introduction of FSS in Region 1 and proposes to delete the BSS allocation in Region 1, since there are serious doubts as to whether co-existence between multimedia wireless systems (MWS) and uncoordinated FSS/BSS Earth stations is feasible in this band in Europe, given that they operate in the same high-density urban environments. APT Asia-Pacific Telecommunity ARNS Aeronautical Radio-Navigation Service BSS Broadcast Satellite Service CEPT European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations CITEL Commission of Inter-American Telecommunications Administrations CPG Conference Preparatory Group of CEPT CPM Conference Preparatory Meeting DME Distance Measuring Equipment ECP European Common Proposal, to be adopted by CEPT/CPG ECTEL Association of the European Telecommunications and Professional Electronics Industry EESS Earth Exploration Satellite Services EITIRT European Information Technology and Telecommunications Industries Roundtable ERC European Radiocommunications Committee ERO European Radiocommunications Office of CEPT ESA European Space Agency ETP European Technology Platform EU European Union FS Terrestrial fixed systems FSS Fixed Satellite Service GALILEO European satellite-based navigation and positioning system GLONASS Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System of the Russian Federation GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System GPRS General Packet Radio Service GPS Global Positioning System of the United States GSM Global System for Mobile Communications GSM-R GSM for rail applications GSO Geostationary Orbit HDFS High-Density Fixed Service ICAO International Civil Aviation Organisation IMO International Maritime Organisation IMT-2000 International Mobile Telecommunications for the year 2000 ITU International Telecommunications Union ITU-R Radiocommunication Sector of the ITU MSS Mobile Satellite Service NGSO Non-Geostationary Orbit RA Radio Astronomy service RNS Radio Navigation System RNSS Radio Navigation Satellite System RR Radio Regulations of the ITU RTD Research & Technological Development S-PCS Satellite Personal Communications Services S-UMTS Satellite UMTS UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System WARC World Administrative Radiocommunications Conference WRC World Radiocommunications Conference WTO World Trade Organisation

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - The European positions for the world radiocommunications conference 2000 (WRC-2000) /* COM/2000/0086 final */ |Bilingual display: DA DE EL EN ES FI FR IT NL PT SV| COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE ECONOMIC AND

Frequently Asked Questions Did You Know? Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center Alaska Pipeline Project Fact Sheet What is a FERC Waiver? What is an "open season?" Why is Alaska's open season different? What is AGIA? Acronyms and Abbreviations Between November 2011 and January 2012 Alaska Governor Sean Parnell called upon ExxonMobil, BP and ConocoPhillips (the “Alaska North Slope Producers” or “ANS Producers”) to align with the Alaska Pipeline Project (APP) and identify a concept for a large-diameter liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project from Alaska’s North Slope to tidewater in Southcentral Alaska. A framework for the project transition was included in Governor Sean Parnell’s January 19, 2012 State of the State address. Within the speech Governor Parnell set forth a roadmap for a natural gas project. This roadmap established benchmarks including: producer alignment with the APP on an LNG export project, resolution of the Point Thomson litigation, and exploring opportunities to consolidate efforts between two, state-supported natural gas pipeline projects. Alignment between the producers and APP necessitated a project plan amendment (PPA). The following links address the benchmarks identified in Governor Parnell’s speech: Governor Sean Parnell’s State of the State address (1/19/2012) Point Thomson Settlement (3/29/12) Alaska North Slope Producers’ CEO Alignment Letter (3/30/12) Commissioners’ Letter Approving TransCanada’s Request for a Project Plan Amendment (5/2/12) Project Transition Report (8/13/12) ANS Producers & TransCanada’s letter re: Southcentral Alaska LNG Export Project (10/3/12)

Frequently Asked Questions Did You Know? Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center Alaska Pipeline Project Fact Sheet What is a FERC Waiver? What is an "open season?" Why is Alaska's open season different? What is AGIA? Acronyms and Abbreviations Between November 2011 and January 2012 Alaska Governor Sean Parnell called upon ExxonMobil, BP and ConocoPhillips (the “Alaska North Slope Producers” or “ANS Pr

In this second part of a two-part interview by Government Book Talk blog editor Michele Bartram, Col. Robert M. Cassidy, author of the new, critically acclaimed book, War, Will, and Warlords: Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan and Pakistan, 2001-2011, describes the lessons learned after ten years of war in Afghanistan. Click here to read Part I of the interview. GovBookTalk: In Chapter 5 of War, Will, and Warlords, you refer to Pakistan’s prospects of doing what needs to be done as “hard, not hopeful, but not impossible.” What role does Pakistan play today in 2012 in this counterinsurgency, and how do you rate these prospects today on the scale of hopeful vs. impossible? Cassidy: There is currently not much at all to be sanguine about in relation to Pakistan, as it has done the most odious things in terms of regenerating and sustaining the Afghan Taliban and other groups. And, the Coalition and the international community have allowed Pakistan to get away with this—murders, literally. Pakistan poses as a friend, but performs as a foe. The Afghan Taliban would have withered away over the last several years of the surge if Pakistan had stopped supporting the regeneration, resting, recruitment, and retraining of militants, improvised explosive device makers, technology, and components in its tribal sanctuaries and in Baluchistan. Image: Balochistan’s strategic importance. Source: Intellibriefs Pakistan has employed terrorism and unconventional warfare to ostensibly achieve strategic depth by supporting its proxies in Afghanistan for almost four decades. However, the United States has not yet crafted a Pakistan strategy that employs its substantial leverage to modify Pakistan’s strategic calculus. A genuine Pakistan strategy, coupled with unambiguous momentum and perseverance in Afghanistan, could compel Pakistan to alter its strategic rationale and reduce support to the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network. Image: [GovBookTalk] The Haqqani Network,an insurgent group allied with the Taliban and operating on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, is one of the most dangerous groups fighting U.S.-led Coalition forces and the Afghan government. Originating in Afghanistan during the mid-1970s, it was nurtured by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) during the 1980s Soviet war in Afghanistan. Maulvi Jalaluddin Haqqani and his son Sirajuddin Haqqani lead the group. A reward of $200,000-USD was offered by Coalition forces for information leading to the arrest of Siraj Haqqani. Source: Wikipedia. The United States needs a strategy for Pakistan, one which is logically and temporally linked and integrated with the imperatives in Afghanistan. A viable strategy must first recognize that the U.S. does have considerable leverage over Pakistan. America must demand discernible results for the steady diet of carrots it has been feeding Pakistan for the perfidious abetting of enemies who kill and maim the Afghan and Coalition civilians and military forces trying to stabilize the country in some lasting way. GovBookTalk: After wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, what lessons has the US military learned about fighting a counterinsurgency campaign— in strategy, training, equipment, communications with locals, relations with coalition nations and neighboring regions? Cassidy: Let me clarify at the outset that counterinsurgency is not a strategy in and of itself, but more of the art and method of an operational campaign to defeat or neutralize an insurgency. The first and most paramount thing we should learn is not to unlearn or expunge what we know of previous counterinsurgencies’ best practices. In 2001-2003 when we undertook those wars, there was very little thinking, knowledge, doctrine, or awareness of the requirements for prosecuting counterinsurgency to a successful conclusion. The American military was compelled to adapt in the crucible of combat and it ultimately changed over time, and we now see the most seasoned counterinsurgent forces in our history. Image: [GovBookTalk]: This is an actual PowerPoint slide shown by Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan in the summer of 2009 to portray the complexity of U.S. strategy. Source: Charles V. Peña. Click on image above to enlarge. Cassidy: Notwithstanding, it is negligence of criminal magnitude to prepare soldiers with the doctrine, the equipment, and the leadership savvy for countering insurgents only after the fighting has begun. Also, in many ways and instances, it was the early methods of American military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan that helped catalyze support for the insurgencies by alienating large parts of those populations. Here are some pithy things we should retain: - Knowledge empowers and the one who thinks, wins: analyze and understand the environment. - Good counterinsurgency campaigns fully integrate both general purpose and special forces. - Start with simple and clear, not convoluted and cumbersome, command and control. - Match action and information to address grievances to win the war of ideas. - If the insurgency benefits from unimpeded sanctuary, ruthlessly shut this down. - Start with the end— what should the indigenous security capacity be when we leave? - Show moral rectitude: kill precisely the insurgent leaders and protect most of the people. GovBookTalk: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in this book? Cassidy: Two things: one, I would have added a chapter that explained how we need to rethink and reframe our relationship with Pakistan after the bin Laden raid; and two, I would have made one more look to minimize any redundancy between the first chapter and the last chapter because the last chapter was something I developed apart from the main manuscript when I was last in Afghanistan during 2011. GovBookTalk: Did you personally learn anything from writing this book and what was it? Cassidy: I deepened and broadened my knowledge about the enduring and deplorable perfidy of the Pakistani ISI in Afghanistan over almost four decades of war in the region. Image: Pakistan spy chief (right), Lt. Gen. Shuja Pasha, is head of the Pakistan Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence or ISI, whose headquarters are shown to the left. Source: Jagran Post. [GovBookTalk] Note that the ISI continually denies links to the Taliban and terrorism, in spite of accusations by Coalition allies of ISI ties to the 7/7/2005 terrorist attacks in London, the attempted assassination of President Karzai, the bombing of the Indian embassy, supporting terrorist groups and other acts. Source: The Council on Foreign Relations GovBookTalk: Are there additional resources where readers can go for more information, assistance with this topic? Cassidy: Some useful resources include the websites of the Afghan Analysts Network (AAN), the New America Foundation Counterterrorism Strategy Initiative Policy Paper series, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) [link to Stanford University’s archives of CRS reports], the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), The Council on Foreign Relations and the U.S. Government 1230 and 1231 reports on the progress in Afghanistan. Also, they could start with the bibliography of this book. GovBookTalk: What are the next upcoming projects for you? I am drafting an outline for a new book with the draft title of, On Raw War: The wages of the American way of strategy and war. This will start with a theoretical chapter that distills the best thinkers on strategy and war and then it will proceed to explore American wars after Vietnam, from the Persian Gulf War up until Afghanistan to assess how practices compared to the theory. GovBookTalk: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers in parting, a memorable quote? Cassidy: The Roger Ascham quote in Chapter 1: “it is a costly wisdom that is bought by experience;” juxtaposed with the famous Bismarck quote that “fools say they learn from experience; I prefer to learn from the experience of others.” GovBookTalk: Thank you for your insights, Col. Cassidy! HOW CAN YOU OBTAIN a copy of War, Will, and Warlords: Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan and Pakistan, 2001-2011? - Buy it online 24/7 at GPO’s Online Bookstore. - Buy it at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday-Friday, 9am to 4pm, except Federal holidays, (202) 512-0132. - Find it in a library. To learn more about America’s involvement in Afghanistan, browse our new Afghanistan Collection of Federal publications. About the author: Colonel Robert M. Cassidy, USA, is a military professor at the U.S. Naval War College, a senior fellow with the Center for Advanced Defense Studies, and a member of the RUSI Advisory Board. His experience and scholarship focus on strategy and irregular warfare. He has served on deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf, Egypt, and Grenada. He most recently served as a special assistant to the senior operational commander in Afghanistan in 2011. Colonel Cassidy has published a number of articles and two previous books on stability operations and irregular war: 1) Peacekeeping in the Abyss: British and American Peacekeeping Doctrine and Practice after the Cold War and 2) Counterinsurgency and the Global War on Terror: Military Culture and Irregular War. He has a Ph.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

In this second part of a two-part interview by Government Book Talk blog editor Michele Bartram, Col. Robert M. Cassidy, author of the new, critically acclaimed book, War, Will, and Warlords: Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan and Pakistan, 2001-2011, describes the lessons learned after ten years of war in Afghanistan. Click here to read Part I of the interview. GovBookTalk: In Chapter 5 of War, Wil

The National Institutes of Health has determined that the chimpanzees currently located at the Alamogordo Primate Facility on the Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico, will remain there pending an Institute of Medicine (IOM) in-depth analysis to reassess the scientific need for the continued use of chimpanzees to accelerate biomedical discoveries. During this time, the Alamogordo chimpanzees will not be used in invasive research. The IOM is an independent, nonprofit organization that works outside of government to provide unbiased and authoritative advice to decision makers and the public. Established in 1970, the IOM is the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences, which was chartered under President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. The thoughtful analysis and rigorous review anticipated from the IOM report will be a valuable means to address this issue. Background on the NIH Chimpanzee Management Program (ChiMP) may be found at http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/comparative_medicine/chimpanzee_management_program/. [Back to Animals in Research Main Page]

The National Institutes of Health has determined that the chimpanzees currently located at the Alamogordo Primate Facility on the Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico, will remain there pending an Institute of Medicine (IOM) in-depth analysis to reassess the scientific need for the continued use of chimpanzees to accelerate biomedical discoveries. During this time, the Alamogordo chim

WEEK 5: Jodi and I spent a day last week at Serenbe, which is not complete without a stop at the Blue Eyed Daisy for a grilled Pimento Cheese and Bacon Sandwich! Our main purpose, though, was to check-in on the construction of the Contemporary Proud Green Home being built by Luis Imery and his crew at The Imery Group, and they're moving right along! When we reported last time, the foundation had just been set and they were getting ready to pour the slab. Now, as they head in to week 6, they're getting ready to set the roof framing. Exciting! Here's the framing crew (last week) getting ready to star laying out the first floor walls after the concrete slab has been poured and has cured. The entire slab is covered with KleenWrap finish floor protection. It's always good to protect the concrete surface during construction, particularly if your going to use that surface as a finish (stained concrete), like we are here. After the stem walls and slab were poured, the Tremco Tuff-N-Dri XTS waterproofing and insulation system, which consists of a damproofing layer , then a 1+ inch layer of rigid fiberglass insulation on the outside face of the foundation. The complete system protects the foundation from heat loss and moisture intrusion. The insulation does not continue to the top of the wall to allow for air sealing on the outside of the wall. We're going to be applying ZIP System Tape continuously around the bottom and top plates, as well as every stud-to-stud location. Here is a view of the home from the street. As you can see, the first floor framing is mostly finished, and they're up on the second floor finishing up the Advantech floor sheathing. The opening to the left will be a set of doors on to the front porch, and the area just to the right is the 2-story foyer that shows up as a "tower" when you look at the elevations. Also, notice all the framing material is 2x6. We will be framing the walls at 24" o.c. to reduce the amount of thermal bridging, reduce the amount of material used, and still maintain structural integrity. This is just one of many Advanced Framing Techniques that we'll talk about later. The bigger studs also allows for a deeper insulation cavity. In our case, we'll be completely filling the cavities with open-cell spray foam from BASF to the RESNET, Grade I Standard Here is a view from just inside the front door, standing in the dining room looking through the living room and toward the Master Bedroom. To the right of where I'm standing, there will be a two-story foyer with the main stair leading to the second floor. If you look in the upper right corner of the image, you'll notice the beam has been dropped approximately 8" to allow for ductwork to deliver air in to the two story space and the dining room where I'm standing. We were able to anticipate the need for this and make accommodations in the structural and architectural design because we simultaneously designed the HVAC system at the same time. Here's a view toward the kitchen. You can begin to see the 24" o.c. spacing of the framing, and the structural header is pushed to the outside of the wall to allow for insulation on the inside. This is anther advanced framing technique to reduce thermal bridging. The window there will fit below the upper cabinetry and just above the counter-top. Looking back through the dining room toward the front of the house and from the living room. Here is a view from the back of the home looking at what will be a two-story space in the Master Bedroom properly shaded windows to give a view of the protected wooded area and lake (see photo below). Immediately to the right of where I'm standing is where the outdoor patio will be. Like everything else on this side of the house, it will be shaded to reduce the solar gain on this west side of the home. Looking over the outdoor patio and in to the kitchen, living, dining and entry areas. This is a good view of the open floor plan. This wall will have 4 sets of french doors that will open to the patio. A view from the second floor toward the lake at Serenbe. We'll be back with more from the field soon... - written by Chris Laumer-Giddens

WEEK 5: Jodi and I spent a day last week at Serenbe, which is not complete without a stop at the Blue Eyed Daisy for a grilled Pimento Cheese and Bacon Sandwich! Our main purpose, though, was to check-in on the construction of the Contemporary Proud Green Home being built by Luis Imery and his crew at The Imery Group, and they're moving right along! When we reported last time, the foundation had j

close print view Help is available! This link will help locate a service program near you: Michigan's Resource Directory Three national organizations can also provide information and help connect callers to their local domestic violence or sexual assault agency: The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline Number - Just for teens. You can talk one-on-one with a trained advocate 24/7 who can offer support and connect you to resources. While the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board (MDVPTB) does not provide direct support to individuals or their friends and family who are impacted by domestic, dating and sexual violence, we believe it is important to connect those seeking help to local agencies that do provide these critical services. The MDVPTB funds 44 domestic violence agencies providing services to all 83 Michigan counties as well as 29 sexual assault agencies reaching 56 Michigan counties. For More Information:

close print view Help is available! This link will help locate a service program near you: Michigan's Resource Directory Three national organizations can also provide information and help connect callers to their local domestic violence or sexual assault agency: The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline Numb

New partnerships are making a home of their own possible for hundreds of Minnesota citizens with disabilities- as over 500 people since 2009 have said welcome home to the new possibilities of independent living. These new possibilities have been created through the Housing Access Services (HAS), which is a partnership of The Arc of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. For many adults with disabilities, living at home or living in a group home is no longer the right fit. They desire the same independent lifestyles that many take for granted. HAS helps adults with disabilities navigate many of the logistical problems with reaching independence, such as finding housing, filling out paperwork and financial documents, moving in, and finding access to jobs and transportation. Governor Dayton proclaims October Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the State of Minnesota Breast cancer touches the lives of many Minnesotans and according to the National Cancer Institute, will affect one in every eight women, with most having no family history of the disease. An increasing number of women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. When diagnosed early, breast cancer is highly treatable and the best way to detect breast cancer in early stages is through annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40.Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides both a time to honor those lost to the disease as well as an opportunity to empower women in their fight against breast cancer by spreading the message of prevention and early detection through annual screening mammograms. Financial and social barriers often prevent women from seeking screening mammograms. In addition to raising awareness, fundraising initiatives such as the Be Pink initiative, help institutions like the Park Nicollet Jane Brattain Breast Center make mammography accessible to more women in our Minnesotan community. A new grant awarded from the FDA will ensure that Minnesota continues to lead the nation in food safety. Minnesotans will now have new help in fighting contaminated food and food-borne illnesses that, according to the CDC, affect 1 in 6 Americans every year. The help comes in the form of $600,000 in grant money which was awarded to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture this week by the FDA. The money will be used to create a Minnesota Food Safety Center of Excellence which will work to: gather foodborne-illness surveillance data, provide rapid identification of pathogens, and respond effectively by removing tainted food as quickly as possible. The three-year grants will help the Agriculture Department more quickly trace contaminated foods to grocery stores and other distribution points, and will help bolster MDA efforts to ensure that recalled products are quickly and fully withdrawn from the marketplace. So what does this mean for the average Minnesotan? Minnesota has long been a leader in providing care for our veterans and assuring they receive the highest standard of care. The latest addition to the Minneapolis Veterans Home is no exception; it will be only the second such facility in the country to offer day services in a Veteran-specific model of care. Governor Dayton spoke yesterday at the dedication for the brand new facility – called “Building 19” – which is a new, state-of-the-art, skilled nursing facility and Adult Day Center. It features 100 private rooms arranged to provide a home-like atmosphere for veterans receiving care, and it incorporates the latest technology and modern amenities to enhance care. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is built upon the idea of helping Minnesotans, and thanks to their online public dashboard tool, it’s become even easier for Minnesotans to help themselves to information on the progress of DHS. The DHS Dashboard allows taxpayers to know what they’re getting from the programs they pay for, and was inspired by Governor Mark Dayton’s “Better Government for a Better Minnesota” reform effort. The dashboard debuted one year ago, and has now been updated to include the most recent data available for the majority of its 15 measures of progress, as well as introducing additional measurements. As DHS advances in its commitment to accountability, transparency, and continual performance improvement, more measures will continue to be added. Minnesota’s health insurance exchange will give farmers affordable health care coverage choices for their families and their employees. Farmers can select low cost health insurance for their families from the consumer exchange, or purchase coverage for themselves and their employees from the small business exchange. Whatever the choice, farmers will see savings between 7.5 and 20 percent after federal tax credits. Minnesota leads the country in e-prescribing, making it one of the most safe and efficient places to get your medication. E-prescribing allows a prescriber to electronically send error-free prescriptions directly to a pharmacy from the point-of-care, which decreases the risks associated with the traditional method of prescribing; research has shown that e-prescribing reduces medication error rates by almost sevenfold in community-based office practices, including elimination of errors due to illegible handwriting. Minnesota's success is due to its collaborative approach, which is led by the Minnesota e-Health Initiative, a public-private collaborative established in 2004 that is guided by a 25-member advisory committee appointed by the commissioner of health to provide advice and feedback on policy making related to health information technology (HIT) in Minnesota. The rankings are put out by Surescripts, the nation’s largest health information network. For 2011 and are determined by an analysis of data that measures the electronic prescribing use by physicians, pharmacies and payers in each state. Minnesota came in first place for e-prescribing in Surescripts’ 7th annual Safe-Rx Awards. See Surescripts profile of Minnesota here. As we celebrate our history and take pride in our nation this July 4th, the Dayton Administration and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourage Minnesotans to take extra care and caution while behind the wheel. In Minnesota, July 4th has been the deadliest day on the road for the last three years, resulting in 15 traffic deaths over the 24-hour period. “The spike in drinking and driving deaths during the Fourth of July is a clear and simple reminder why Minnesotans need to plan ahead for a sober ride” says Donna Berger, director of the DPS Office of Traffic Safety. During the holiday travel period, 66 percent of traffic deaths are a result of drunk driving. With a stated mission “to create a culture for which traffic fatalities and serious injuries are no longer acceptable,” The DPS, along with the Departments of Health and Transportation, the State Patrol, and others, have started the Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) initiative which works through “education, engineering, enforcement, and emergency medical and trauma services” to improve road safety for Minnesota citizens. A 30-day public comment period begins today for the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) plan to reform significant portions of Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota’s Medicaid program. DHS wants to empower consumers when it comes to issues concerning their own health. In order to address peoples’ health needs earlier and ensure the long-term sustainability of health care services in the state, DHS has unveiled a plan – called Reform 2020 – to redesign the state’s Medicaid program to better serve Minnesotans. “This plan will give people more choice, get them services earlier and in less costly settings and help secure the stability of our programs for years to come,” said DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson. The plan encompasses three major areas of DHS’s reform efforts: serving people better in the home and community, improving integration of chemical, mental and physical health, and transforming the way the state purchases health care. The plan is a result of bipartisan legislation and part of the 2011 budget agreement and is designed to be budget neutral.

New partnerships are making a home of their own possible for hundreds of Minnesota citizens with disabilities- as over 500 people since 2009 have said welcome home to the new possibilities of independent living. These new possibilities have been created through the Housing Access Services (HAS), which is a partnership of The Arc of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. For many

- Original Caption Released with Image: (Released 29 May 2002) Today's THEMIS release captures Mangala Fossa. Mangala Fossa is a graben, which in geologic terminology translates into a long parallel to semi-parallel fracture or trough. Grabens are dropped or downthrown areas relative to the rocks on either side and these features are generally longer than they are wider. There are numerous dust devil trails seen in this image. In the lower portion of this image several dust devil tracks can be seen cutting across the upper surface then down the short stubby channel and finally back up and over to the adjacent upper surface. Some dust avalanche streaks on slopes are also visible. The rough material in the upper third of the image contains a portion of the rim of a 90 km diameter crater located in Daedalia Planum. The smooth crater floor has a graben (up to 7 km wide) and channel (2 km wide) incised into its surface. In the middle third and right of this image one can see ripples (possibly fossil dunes) on the crater floor material just above the graben. The floor of Mangala Fossa and the southern crater floor surface also have smaller linear ridges trending from the upper left to lower right. These linear ridges could be either erosional (yardangs) or depositional (dunes) landforms. The lower third of the scene contains a short stubby channel (near the right margin) and lava flow front (lower left). The floor of this channel is fairly smooth with some linear crevasses located along its course. One gets the impression that the channel floor is mantled with some type of indurated material that permits cracks to form in its surface. In the Daedalia Plains on Mars, the rim of an old eroded crater rises up, a wreck of its former self (see context image at right). From the rough, choppy crater rim (top of the larger THEMIS image), the terrain descends to the almost smooth crater floor, gouged deeply by a trough, a channel, and the occasional dents of small, scattered craters. The deep trough running from southwest to northeast across the middle of this image is called "Mangala Fossa." Mangala Fossa is a graben, a land feature created by tectonic processes that worked to create a depression in the landscape. This graben is a little more than 4 miles wide at its maximum, but like most grabens, is much longer than it is wide. You can see from the context image that it runs across much of the width of the crater. Running southward from the graben (lower right-hand side of the larger THEMIS image) is a branching channel a little over a mile wide. The floor of this channel is fairly smooth with some linear crevasses along its course. These features suggest that the channel floor might be layered with some type of cemented material that permits cracks to form in its surface. Between the rough crater rim and the depressed graben, tiny crackles on the otherwise smooth surface appear. They might be the ripples of fossil dunes, hardened remains from a more active time. The floor of Mangala Fossa and the southern crater floor surface also feature small lines that seem to crease the surface. We know that they are ridges on the surface, but how did they form? Were higher surfaces carved away in grooves by the wind and scouring sand, forming ridges called yardangs? Or were dunes deposited on the smooth, lower terrain? No one knows for sure. Look closely for faint details as well. Do you see the subtle, scalloped pattern that laps at the lower left of the image, almost too muted to be seen? That's the sign of an ancient lava flow that stopped just there. And the shadowy gray streaks? Some are smudges caused by dust avalanches running down the slopes of the channel. Others are the tracks of dust devils that pass across the land, lifting and carrying away brighter dust to reveal the darker surface beneath. For a good example of a dust devil track, check out the faint gray line that cuts across the upper part of the channel, just below the point where it meets the graben. - Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Arizona State University Image Addition Date:

- Original Caption Released with Image: (Released 29 May 2002) Today's THEMIS release captures Mangala Fossa. Mangala Fossa is a graben, which in geologic terminology translates into a long parallel to semi-parallel fracture or trough. Grabens are dropped or downthrown areas relative to the rocks on either side and these features are generally longer than they are wider. There are numerous dust de

Individual differences | Methods | Statistics | Clinical | Educational | Industrial | Professional items | World psychology | In statistics, an estimator is a function of the known sample data that is used to estimate an unknown population parameter; an estimate is the result from the actual application of the function to a particular set of data. Many different estimators are possible for any given parameter. Some criterion is used to choose between the estimators, although it is often the case that a criterion cannot be used to clearly pick one estimator over another. To estimate a parameter of interest (e.g., a population mean, a binomial proportion, a difference between two population means, or a ratio of two population standard deviation), the usual procedure is as follows: 1- Select a random sample from the population of interest. 2- Calculate the point estimate of the parameter. 3- Calculate a measure of its variability, often a confidence interval. 4- Associate with this estimate a measure of variability. Point estimators Edit For a point estimator of parameter , - The error of is - The bias of is defined as - is an unbiased estimator of θ if and only if for all θ, or, equivalently, if and only if for all θ. - The mean squared error of is defined as - i.e. mean squared error = variance + square of bias. It is called strongly consistent, if it converges almost surely to the true value. The quality of an estimator is generally judged by its mean squared error. However, occasionally one chooses the unbiased estimator with the lowest variance. Efficient estimators are those that have the lowest possible variance among all unbiased estimators. In some cases, a biased estimator may have a uniformly smaller mean squared error than does any unbiased estimator, so one should not make too much of this concept. For that and other reasons, it is sometimes preferable not to limit oneself to unbiased estimators; see bias (statistics). Concerning such "best unbiased estimators", see also Cramér-Rao inequality, Gauss-Markov theorem, Lehmann-Scheffé theorem, Rao-Blackwell theorem. Often, estimator are due to restrictions (restricted estimators). - Maximum likelihood - Method of moments, generalized method of moments - Cramér-Rao inequality - Minimum mean squared error (MMSE) - Maximum a posteriori (MAP) - Minimum variance unbiased estimator (MVUE) - Best linear unbiased estimator (BLUE) - Unbiased estimators — see bias (statistics). - Particle filter - Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) - Kalman filter - Wiener filter |This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).|

Individual differences | Methods | Statistics | Clinical | Educational | Industrial | Professional items | World psychology | In statistics, an estimator is a function of the known sample data that is used to estimate an unknown population parameter; an estimate is the result from the actual application of the function to a particular set of data. Many different estimators are possible for any giv