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This Mother’s Day, give Mom the gift of thousands of flowers. A ticket to one of Kansas City’s many spring garden tours can be a fun and informative way to spend the day together. It also heralds that winter is over, and we are ready to get outside and enjoy Mother Nature’s beauty.
But keep in mind that beauty isn’t skin deep in the world of gardening. No matter what your design or style, you need healthy soil. And tapping the wisdom of fellow gardeners during tours is a great way to debunk soil myths and learn new planting techniques.
You and Mom can also hear about the trials and triumphs of their particular spaces, pick their brains for tried-and-true plants and find out where their favorite nurseries are located. Janine Bensman, of Overland Park, spoke with master gardeners during a tour in 2002. She was so inspired by their passion and knowledge that she became a master gardener in 2005. A self-proclaimed “crazy butterfly lady,” Bensman favors a garden with nectar-rich plants that host native wildlife. She created one of the gardens on this year’s Johnson County Extension Master Gardener Garden Tour.
Garden tours are a great, energizing source of beauty, according to Jayne Stone, of Olathe, another host on the master gardener tour.
“One can be rejuvenated or inspired to do things in life when you have been uplifted in the garden,” Stone said. “Even if you think you can never afford to do what someone else has done, you can imagine how to create something similar on your own budget.” While their personal garden styles are drastically different, both Bensman and Stone started with primarily clay garden soil. Both add compost on a yearly basis to ensure that their plants thrive. Stone prefers using natural soil amendments.
“I try to be resourceful with using what Mother Nature has provided to enrich the earth,” she said. Brooke Salvaggio, founder and owner of the Badseed Market in the Crossroads Arts District, uses only compost to fertilize crops at her Urbavore farm, one of the nations largest, most diversified urban farmsteads. “We cover our seeds with compost instead of soil, and we put several handfuls of compost in every single planting hole,” Salvaggio said. “It’s a lot of extra work, but it pays off.” As the garden grows from year to year, adding compost to feed the soil will keep it from being depleted of essential plant nutrients. Maintaining a balanced soil with compost is an easy and beneficial step in the gardening process and is the not-so-secret element in creating a garden worthy of touring. When it comes to fertilizing, you can go only so far with man-made chemicals. They’re the equivalent of eating a candy bar when you need an energy boost. “Instead of adding synthetic fertilizer, with compost we are making an ecosystem with usable food for the plant,” says Kevin Anderson, vice president/owner of Missouri Organic.
He believes that creating a beneficial relationship between the plant, the naturally occurring nutrients and soil microbes is key. Anderson warns against “immediate gratification” and suggests that if you build up your ecosystem correctly you will have fewer problems down the road. Compost fits perfectly into this scenario by slowly releasing what plants need over a longer period of time. Ward Upham, a Kansas State University research and Extension associate, agrees. “Even just a light layer of compost could improve your turf grass naturally. The best weed control for turf grass is a good thick lawn,” Upham says. It puts the focus on strengthening the plants that you want instead of only eradicating weeds. The best time of year to add compost is in the fall.
Upham and Manjula Nathan, Extension associate professor at the University of Missouri, note that it gives the organic material all winter to break down and the nutrients naturally and slowly release into your garden.
Incorporating compost to improve soil structure “helps the roots explore a larger volume of soil, and it also improves soil workability,” Nathan said. For vegetable enthusiasts, gardeners like Salvaggio use a no-till method to create a balanced ecosystem. She lays down a heavy layer of straw mulch to kill existing sod in the garden where she wants to plant. As the under-layer of sod dies, the worms, bacteria and fungi all work together to create the optimal conditions for plant growth. After the process is started, Salvaggio moves the heavy mulch and adds compost in the hole where each plant will grow. It is important to keep much of the mulch, as it suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.
“The soil quality further improves with time, giving you healthier plants and bigger yields each season,” she said.
The great thing about compost is that everyone can afford it. Most compost piles, tumblers or bins are filled with the household yard waste and kitchen scraps. It’s one of the easiest, hands-on ways to recycle.
Some communities still frown on compost piles in yards. As an alternative, Bensman’s community collects the yard waste and takes it to a large compost facility. When it is time to add compost to the garden, Bensman gets her compost from an outside source. If you live in a community like hers or don’t have the ability to create your own compost, then consider one of the local alternatives here in Kansas City. Programs like Salvaggio’s Urbavore farm and Anderson’s Missouri Organic accept household compost. Some also will deliver it to your door. No matter where you live in Kansas City, fresh compost will improve your chances of growing a lush garden and will keep your soil from getting as hard as a brick when the weather turns hot. So if you really want your garden to be the envy of the neighborhood, take a cue from the experts and start from the ground up.
2014 spring garden tours
These fundraisers offer an opportunity for local groups to educate the community and show the horticultural heights that can be achieved in a Kansas City garden.
Johnson County Extension Master Gardener Public Garden Tour
Six gardens will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 16-17; $15. 913-715-7000; Johnson.KSU.edu
Lawrence Food Garden Tour
Sixteen gardens on a self-guided tour will be open 9 a.m.-noon and 5-8 p.m. June 7; free. On Facebook or send email to LawrenceFoodGardenTour@gmail.com
The Wornall/Majors House Museums Garden Tour
Seven gardens, including the one at the Wornall House, will be open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 7; $25 in advance; $30 after June 1. 816-444-1858; WornallHouse.org
Lee’s Summit Garden Walk
Gardens in downtown neighborhoods will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 14; $5. 816-246-6598; DowntownLS.org
Cottage Gardens of Weston
Gardens will be open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 20-21; $10 in advance; $12 day of tour. 816-640-2300; CottageGardenersWeston.com
Kansas City Water Garden Society Tour
Gardens will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 28-29; $10. KCWaterGardens.com or send email to email@example.com.


KENNEWICK, Wash. - The State of Washington wants to remind you, it wants to help pay for your prescription drugs.
Right now the state is encouraging everyone in Washington to sign up for a free discount drug card. People with the card can get discounts on their prescriptions.
Officials in charge of the program report - things like high gas prices are forcing people to make tough choices on how they spend their money.
"People are making some very difficult decisions. One of the decisions they shouldn't be making is, can I get the drugs I need to keep me alive?" said Dave Wasser, Spokesperson for the Washington State Health Care Authority.
The card is free. If you'd like to sign up for one, you can either go online at www.rx.wa.gov or call the drug card sign up number at 1-800-913-4146.
We've set up a link to the website. Just click on the "On Air Links" tab, and look for "Discount Drug Card."


CLEVELAND (GSM) – The Cleveland Browns have fired head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley during week 8 of the 2018 NFL season.
Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam released the following statement:
“We greatly appreciate Hue’s commitment to the Cleveland Browns organization over the last two and a half years,” the Haslams said in a joint statement released Monday afternoon. “We understand how critical this time period is in the development of our football team, individually and collectively, and believed it was in the organization’s best interest to make the move at this time, in order to maximize our opportunities the rest of this season. We certainly only wish Hue, Michelle, and his family the best moving forward.”
Offensive coordinator Todd Haley was also relieved of his duties, the team confirmed.
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will be the team’s interim head coach until a new selection is made.
Hue Jackson Postgame Press Conference vs. Steelers
Head coach Hue Jackson spoke to the media following the Browns 33-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 28, 2018.


text: After taking only one measly pouch, my lymphnodes and throat swelled to that of a bullfrog, if I was able to get a peep out I'm sure it would have been a croak! In seriousness though, I thought I was going to die and leave my kids motherless for the holidays and their future lives. I DO NOT recommend taking this AT ALL without talking to a doctor first, and I was told by mine it would be ok. No one knows all of the side effects as this IS NOT regulated by the FDA. Be careful when taking homeopathic supplements like this, it could end your life without a second look. I was luck that I live so close to a hospital and they were able to counter act the effects.

domain: medical


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Steamships Posters holds more than 1,839 posters. We are enjoyable to stock you the cool steamships posters. They are printed on exceptional trait paper using eco-friendly and stanch ink to stylize your wall for a few years.We supply the favorite steamships posters widely and it is glassy and superior in your home. It is our mission to award standout quality steamships posters to regulars as possible. You'll find everything you covet to buy in several steamships posters at the electric network. Buy low-priced, resplendent and steady steamships posters online from the net. They are easy to buy, and can be shipped momentarily. Browse through our steamships posters collections below and click on the photo for more information.
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domain: artistic


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Maize 1507 would be only the third GM crop allowed for cultivation within the EU, owing to consumer and national governments having strong reservations about the impact of genetically modified food.
The GM variety is designed to produce its own insecticide against the European corn borer, a destructive moth whose caterpillars feast on corn ears and stalks.
Environmental groups have oppose the crop’s introduction; fearing maize 1507 will harm non-target species and lead to a surge in the use of a toxic herbicide to which maize 1507 has been made resistant.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has given the variety a green light in six reports since 2005. However, some restrictions were included in order to prevent collateral damage, such as planting 20% of conventional corn as a buffer zone around a GM crop. The EFSA does not have the final authorisation on the crop. Based on its advice, the European Commission issued a draft decision to authorise the crop. EU member states had to sign off the decision through a regulatory committee, made up of experts from each government.
The committee failed to reach a consensus owing to the wide ranging concerns from countries such as Austria and France, member states that are strictly opposed to growing GM crops, while Holland and Spain are more GM friendly.
Instead of referring to the Council of Members, the commission left the file in abeyance.
Agricultural giant Dupont Pioneer, had requested approval to grow the crop in 2001 but 12 years later, the company still had not been granted a decision.
Dupont finally fought the action in court and in September, the EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg, criticised the commission’s failure to reach a decision. The commission is now pressing member states to take a decision.
However, if the Council of Ministers does not gain a weighted majority to reject the crop’s cultivation within three months, the European Commission has the right to authorise growing the crop and has indicated this will happen.
The commission also pressed member states to avoid lengthy deadlocks in the future, by reconsidering a three year old proposal to reform the EU’s GM authorization procedures. The commission considers individual member states could decide to restrict a given GM crop on their own territory.
The Health commission is seeking to revive the commission’s “cultivation proposal,” which was proposed in 2010, to reform authorization procedures.
Under this plan, an agreement from the European Commission would remain valid across the EU by default, but individual member states could decide not to grow an authorized crop on their territory, even if EFSA considers there are not any scientific objections.
France, Germany, and the UK are believed to be opposed the idea of allowing countries to make individual decisions.
Some member states have questioned the validity of the proposal and consider the concept of renationalising procedures may be illegal, and that measures should remain valid across the EU.
Only two GM crops are permitted for cultivation within the EU; and only one crop is actually grown, Monsanto’s MON 810 maize, which was approved in 1998.
The crop represents 1.35% of total maize surface grown within the EU, the majority being grown in Spain. However, 51 GM crops are authorised for importation into the EU, mainly soya and maize, for feed use.

domain: news


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From Budgeting Basics to Pro-Level Strategies: Your Path to Financial Freedom – 4th Edition
Financial freedom is an aspiration that many people have, a state where they are able to live comfortably and pursue their dreams without financial constraints. However, achieving financial freedom requires careful planning, discipline, and the right strategies. That’s where the book “From Budgeting Basics to Pro-Level Strategies: Your Path to Financial Freedom” comes in.
Now in its 4th Edition, this book is a comprehensive guide that takes readers from the very basics of budgeting to advanced strategies that can help them reach their financial goals. It is written by experts in the field who have made it their mission to educate and empower people to take control of their finances.
The book starts by introducing the concept of budgeting and why it is crucial for building a strong financial foundation. It explains how to create a budget, track expenses, and set realistic financial goals. The authors provide practical tips on how to save money, reduce debt, and make smart financial decisions.
As readers progress through the book, they are introduced to more advanced strategies that can help them accelerate their path to financial freedom. Topics such as investing, building an emergency fund, and retirement planning are covered in detail, providing readers with the knowledge and tools to create a secure financial future.
One of the key features of this book is its focus on real-life examples and case studies. The authors understand that personal finance is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and they provide a range of strategies that can be tailored to individual circumstances. Whether you are a young professional just starting out or someone nearing retirement, there is valuable information in this book for everyone.
In addition to its educational content, this 4th Edition has been updated to reflect the changes in the financial landscape. It covers topics such as cryptocurrency, online banking, and the gig economy, which have become increasingly relevant in today’s world.
What sets this book apart from others in the market is its emphasis on long-term financial planning. The authors understand that financial freedom is not achieved overnight but requires consistent effort and dedication. They guide readers through the process of creating a financial roadmap that aligns with their values and long-term goals.
Whether you are looking to pay off debt, save for a down payment on a home, or retire early, “From Budgeting Basics to Pro-Level Strategies: Your Path to Financial Freedom – 4th Edition” can be your roadmap to success. With its accessible language, practical advice, and comprehensive coverage of personal finance topics, this book can empower readers to take control of their financial future and achieve the freedom they desire. So, grab a copy, and start your journey towards financial freedom today!

domain: library


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What is your favorite part about Thanksgiving?
"I don't care that much about turkey and dressing, but I guess you can put that down."
-- Ken Carlson, McCook
"I like the food and socializing with family and friends."
-- Fran Broz, McCook
"I like the turkey and dressing," -- Jim Waddell, McCook
"I like going to the Methodist Church for turkey and dressing, potatoes and gravy. And the person who doesn't have any place to go can bring a covered dish." --Rosalie Weskamp, McCook

domain: food


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We welcome the following members to the new Friend´s Club of the IMF Český Krumlov and thank them for their support:
Antonín Šmejkal, Ing. Hana Pavlištová, Ing. Nasťa Katzerová, Ivana Kranich
Thank you for your support and trust.
What do your generosity and support mean to us?
The festival is one of the most important cultural events in the Czech Republic and has a rich history. However, it could not exist without its supporters. Therefore, we have decided to revive the Friends’ Club and launch the new Donors’ Club. By becoming a member and providing your donation you express your belief that our efforts are meaningful and motivate our festival to develop and move forward. All of our supporters are a part of the festival community and we truly appreciate their support, care, and trust.
How do your donations help us?
The festival’s funding has four sources – income from the public sector, sponsors, ticket sales, and individual donations. These components create the balance that enables us to organize the festival as you know it.
Together with you, we will be able to invite world-famous artists, and renowned orchestras to the festival, cultivate society and create unique musical projects. Our goals are to make the festival an inherent part of the most important cultural events in Europe while constantly improving its quality. We also desire to be able to continue providing rich musical experiences and emotions to Czech and international audiences. Besides that, thanks to your donation, we will be able to promote the festival abroad and build a team of professionals who put their experience and hearts into the festival. We would like to achieve these goals in cooperation with you.
Become a member of the Friends’ Club or give the membership to a music a culture lover as a unique present.
Join us and become a member of the Friends’ Club which has been an integral part of the festival for decades. You will gain many advantages connected with the festival and other events which the festival organizes during the year.
How does the Friends’ Club work?
Club membership has 3 levels. The members of our Friends’ Club are part of our festival family and the long-standing tradition of the club. Our objective is to make you feel special and we are open to everything you will need and may be interested in. We will be happy to issue a certificate of donation which can be used in your tax return.
Membership is open for both private and corporate donors. It is always valid for one festival year. The contribution has the form of a donation. We will send you a tax-deductible Certificate of Donation when the payment is processed. The prices of the various levels of membership are valid for this year.
Support the festival by contributing a greater amount which will significantly help the festival in its growth and development. Gain and enjoy extensive benefits by becoming a member of the Donors‘ Club.
How does the Donors’ Club work?
By creating the festival Donors’ Club, we want to continue the tradition of cultural philanthropy and patronage. In the past, it used to be a key principle of our society. Nowadays it is gaining renewed importance and popularity. By becoming a member of the Donors’ Club you will express willingness and determination to support our festival and its further development. You will also enjoy a unique position within the festival community. Our donors can also make a financial contribution towards a specific project or performance by a particular artist.
Donors’ Club categories:
For detailed information on individual memberships, please contact us.
Friends’ Club and Donors’ Club of the International Music Festival Český Krumlov.


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Over the course of the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, roadside Improvised Explosive Devices have become the scourge of the United States military’s ordinance disposal units. The IED is a staple weapon of asymmetric warfare tactics, providing an inexpensive, easy to build and difficult to detect weapon capable of inflicting painful losses on a technologically and numerically superior enemy. With the evolution and proliferation of drone technology, ordinance disposal units are now facing a new and worrisome threat, the Flying IED.
This situation was brought to the forefront when a small drone crashed into a tree on the South Lawn of the White House in January. A radar system designed to detect flying objects such as airplanes, missiles and larger military drones failed to pick up the small two foot diameter quadcopter drone as it entered the restricted area around the White House. The drone was operated by a government employee for recreational purposes and was not deemed a threat to the First Family but the event drew the attention of military planners and IED disposal specialists.


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Introducing the Media Storehouse Framed Prints featuring the iconic "ave3 liw bw pri 001" image from STUDIOCANAL. These beautifully crafted prints are a must-have for any film or photography enthusiast. The high-quality print is elegantly framed in a sleek and modern design, adding a touch of sophistication to any room. Each print is carefully inspected for quality and comes ready to hang, making it easy to display and enjoy. Bring the magic of the silver screen into your home with this stunning addition to your decor. Order yours today and experience the art of cinema in a whole new way.
Wood effect frame, card mounted, 24x20 archival quality photo print. Overall outside dimensions 30x26 inches (76x68cm). Environmentally and ozone friendly, 43mm wide x 32mm Polycore® moulding has the look of real wood, is durable and light and easy to hang. Biodegradable and made with non-chlorinated gases (no toxic fumes) it is efficient; producing 100 tons of polystyrene can save 300 tons of trees! Prints are glazed with lightweight, shatterproof, optical clarity acrylic (providing the same general protection from the environment as glass). The back is stapled hardboard with a sawtooth hanger attached. Note: To minimise original artwork cropping, for optimum layout, and to ensure print is secure, the visible print may be marginally smaller
Contemporary Framed and Mounted Prints - Professionally Made and Ready to Hang
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 59.9cm x 59.9cm (23.6" x 23.6")
Estimated Product Size is 68.2cm x 78.2cm (26.9" x 30.8")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image.
EDITORS COMMENTS This print titled "ave3 liw bw pri 001" from STUDIOCANAL is a mesmerizing piece of art that effortlessly captures the essence of simplicity and elegance. The monochromatic composition adds an air of timelessness to the image, making it a perfect addition to any contemporary or classic decor. The photograph showcases a delicate balance between light and shadow, creating a visually striking contrast that draws the viewer's attention. The artist has masterfully captured the intricate details in every element, highlighting their beauty through careful framing and composition. With its subtle yet powerful presence, this print invites viewers to immerse themselves in its enigmatic charm. It evokes emotions and sparks curiosity, leaving room for personal interpretation and reflection. Whether displayed as a standalone piece or as part of a larger collection, this artwork undoubtedly becomes an instant focal point wherever it is placed. STUDIOCANAL's commitment to delivering exceptional quality shines through in this stunning photo print. Its impeccable craftsmanship ensures that each detail is flawlessly reproduced on premium materials, guaranteeing longevity and durability
MADE IN THE UK Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION* We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
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* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
Made in UK
Professional quality finish
Made with high-grade materials
Carefully packed to aid safe arrival
ave2 doc co tra 001
CJ12 5411 Andrew Howe-Davies, Straker Squire TT Racer
Arsenal Women Celebrate FA WSL Title Triumph Over Leicester City


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A short story, about 3200 words.Young Becky shares a home with a preoccupied father, a mentally ill mother, and an awful secret... something... that speaks to her from under the basement stairs. To reveal that secret and put it to rest will demand confrontation, and a wisdom that neglected Becky will have to find, somehow, within herself.
Often hilarious, always precise about action on the field and off, MEMORIES OF SUMMER is an enduring classic about how baseball met literature to the benefit of both.
Praise for Roger Kahn:
"As a kid, I loved sports first and writing second, and loved everything Roger Kahn wrote. As an adult, I love writing first and sports second, and love Roger Kahn even more." —Pulitzer Prize winner, David Maraniss
"He can epitomize a player with a single swing of the pen." —TIME magazine
"Roger Kahn is the best baseball writer in the business." —Stephen Jay Gould, New York Review of Books
"Kahn has the almost unfair gift of easy, graceful writing." —BOSTON HERALD


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Jon Gosselin is ready for a fresh start, and he’s preparing for it with some fresh ink — in the form of a huge dragon on his back.
The former reality TV star and father of eight says he has planned the tattoo for years, and picked a Korean dragon because it symbolizes rebirth and the circle of life. “I wanted something that resembled a rebirth or change in me,” he told RadarOnline.
In addition to the new tattoo, Gosselin is making other changes as well. He is working with a life coach and has hired a new manager.
“This tattoo for Jon marks this turning point in his life, and symbolizes his time of change, and improvement,” Jon’s new manager Canaan Rubin told Radar. “He has been actively exploring ways to better his life, become a better father, boyfriend, ex-husband, friend, business partner, everything.”


Ocado is the world's largest on-line only grocer. Ocado Technology is responsible for the design and development of almost all the software that runs our highly automated business. The robotics research team is working on sensor-guided robotic systems to further improve the efficiency of our operation.
What does the Robotics research team do?
Our primary goal is to find the best way to deploy robots in the production of grocery orders. In order to do this, we pursue cutting edge research into state of the art algorithms, sensing technologies, and manipulation techniques.
As part of our effort to be in the vanguard of robotics research the team is involved in two European Union funded Horizon 2020 research projects with a number of leading European Universities. Outline descriptions of these projects are as follows:-
- The SoMa project is concerned with using inherently compliant robotic mechanisms in order to exploit environmental constraints to manipulate objects with a wide variety of properties in highly variable environments. The project has attracted funding of ~7Million Euros and runs for four years from May 2015. More details of the project and the list of other participants can be found at the project's website: http://soma-project.eu.
- Ocado is the project coordinator for the project SecondHands: the aim of the project is to develop a robot that will act as an assistant to Ocado maintenance technicians that is able to understand a technician's activity and pro-actively offer assistance in a timely manner, i.e. it will behave as a second pair of hands for the technician. The project has attracted funding of ~7Million Euros and runs for five years from May 2015. More details of the project and the list of other participants can be found at the project's website: https://secondhands.eu.
In addition to these projects, the team liaises with a number of leading UK universities performing robotics and/or computer vision research and we often host student interns.
In a nutshell
We are currently looking to expand the robotics research team by 4 more members. Ideally, we are looking for candidates that are happy to travel internationally as necessary to integrate cutting edge research work from specialist research groups into working systems that provide real-world demonstrations of significant advances in the understanding of the principles of robotics and human-machine interfaces. Although the successful candidates may spend time working on the Horizon 2020 projects the posts are permanent and will persist beyond the duration of these projects.
What I need to do
In order to make the most of the high degree of autonomy that members of the team enjoy we expect you to:-
- Participate effectively in investigating and implementing sensor-guided robotics solutions to a wide variety of automation problems
- Take an active role in the choice of technologies and techniques used in the delivery of robotics application demonstrators.
- Perform mathematical modelling and algorithm development to achieve real-time sensor-guided robot motions.
- Develop software that implements practical solutions to specific robotic applications.
- Documentation of theoretical developments and their software implementation.
- Demonstrate working systems and thoroughly test them to establish their operational limits.
- Attend regular meetings to report on progress and share ideas
- Work closely with other team members on issues relating to design and requirements.
What I need to know
Candidates are expected to have:
2:1 or 1st class degree (or equivalent) in one of the following subjects:-
- Computer Science,
- Joint Maths & Computing
- Robotics, Mechatronics, Cybernetics or another Engineering discipline with a strong software engineering component.
A post-graduate qualification, ideally a PhD, in a relevant area, or a demonstrable track record of the ability to perform novel work in a cutting edge environment on challenging projects.
Candidates are sought with strong mathematical skills and experience of using them in the development of software in a number of the following domains:-
- robotic grasping and manipulation
- robot motion planning including compliant motion
- impedance control
- programming by demonstration
- learning by imitation
- robot task planning
- sensor guided robot motions, particularly vision guidance
- 3D computer vision
- machine learning (kernel methods, neural nets, HMMs, reinforcement learning)
The primary development language is C/C++ in Linux.
Knowledge of ROS would be highly desirable.
Other software development skills of interest are those applicable to distributed systems and message passing between heterogeneous sub-systems, multi-tasking/multi-threading, and real-time systems.
Candidates with experience of integrating a number of disparate sub-systems into a coherent working whole would be of particular interest.
What we can offer you
Technically stretching work is a given. We want you to push technological boundaries and create solutions to problems people haven’t even thought about yet; so we’ll give you the freedom and the tools and the playful, stimulating working environment you need to do what’s never been done before. While red tape’s conspicuous by its absence, rewards are plentiful: as well as a competitive salary and share schemes, benefits include pension scheme, interest-free season ticket loan, free bus from Finsbury Park, free shuttle bus from Hatfield train station, and, of course, healthy Ocado staff discounts (and free delivery) across our Webshops including Groceries, Fetch, Sizzle and Fabled. We also have Friday socials on the first Friday of every month, sports clubs such as badminton, running and table tennis (and many more) not to mention our frequently used football table.
Find out more about Ocado Technology at www.ocadotechnology.com
Please note that due to the high volume of applications we will be in contact with shortlisted candidates only. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Due to the fast paced nature of Ocado's business our vacancy close dates may be subject to change.


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According to the financial indicators of Al-Mohandes Insurance Company, the compensation paid to clients index witnessed an increase of four million pounds, to reach 405 one million pounds, in the period from the first of July 2021 Until the end of March of this year, compared to 74 one million pounds, paid in the corresponding period of last year, with an increase of 2.1 % Approximately.
The Managing Director of Al-Mohandes Insurance Company confirmed that the increase in the paid compensation index reflects the company’s commitment to pay compensation at a faster pace, as long as the realized risks are consistent with the terms of insurance coverage.
On the other hand, the value of investments increased in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, reaching 2021 million pounds, compared to 2021 million pounds, in the period The interview is from the last fiscal year, with an increase of 74 million pounds, and a growth rate that exceeds 356 .2%.
The net profit of Al-Mohandes Insurance witnessed a limited decrease, at the end of last March, to reach 74 5 million pounds, compared to net In March, a realized profit amounted to 74 one million pounds.
The managing director of Al-Mohandes Insurance Company justified the decrease in the net profit for several reasons, including the strengthening of the tax provision by an amount of 6.5 million pounds in the current period, without compensation in the comparative period, in addition to another eight million pounds, as miscellaneous income, achieved in March 2021, without any corresponding revenue in March 2022.
In a related context, the results of Al-Mohandes Insurance’s business revealed an increase in total shareholders’ equity, with a value of 74 one million pounds, at the end of March
, to reach 445 million pounds, compared to 405 million pounds, achieved in March 2022 , with a touching growth rate of 40 %.
As for the rights of policyholders, it rose to 405 million pounds, at the end of last March, compared to 405 million EGP, realized at the end of March 2021, with an increase of 40 million pounds, and with a growth rate of 21.8%.
Abdul-Sadeq stressed that the positive results achieved in the first nine months of the current fiscal year are part of the entire growth strategy, which aims to achieve the best results on the level of all indicators.
He added that These results would not have been achieved without the support of the Board of Directors and the General Assembly, in addition to the efforts of the human cadres in Al-Mohandes Insurance, which represent the real gain for any economic entity in general, and works in the insurance activity in particular, in addition to the efforts made by the production and marketing apparatus, as the ambassador The real engineer for insurance, in addition to the trust of existing and new clients in the company.
The managing director of Al-Mohandes Insurance Company indicated that the company’s development is still continuing, which took its first steps in the last period, at all levels, and the results were translated into the achieved financial indicators.
Abdul-Sadeq stressed that customer service will remain the main goal of Al-Mohandes Insurance Company, with a desire to put the company in its true position, and meet all customers’ needs, at the regional level, by providing the best products, at appropriate prices, and in accordance with the disciplined pricing policy.
I concluded that the volume of premiums – which is part of all indicators – the target in the next three years will be at a satisfactory and fruitful rate of increase, because the engineer seeks to be one of the most important pillars of supporting the industry in the local market.
He pointed out that Al-Mohandes Insurance is seeking, to develop an ambitious strategy, that qualifies it to be a major player in the Egyptian insurance market, through a clear vision of customer service, and the speed of payment of the due compensation, being the most important future plans of the institution on the one hand, and the most important address to emphasize the credibility of the company

domain: finance


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Book Review: At Home in Harmony: Bringing Families and Communities Together in Song ~ New Release June 29 2017
By Meg Chittenden
Review by Patrice Maynard
Meg Chittenden’s new book, At Home in Harmony, Bringing Families and Communities Together in Song is both artistic and magical. The volume is beautiful, from the clean, bright cover to the charmingly illustrated pages of sheet music, to the quick anecdotes about every song. Her goal is to make it easy to learn songs and to add harmonies that can also be absorbed and then sung again and again as accompaniment to life. Singing is so much more beautiful when it harmonizes in a round or when a simple harmony can make a song that is fresh and simple, blossom like a rose in marvelous harmony. If ordered from Waldorf Publications, the book also includes a CD of all the songs, both sung and then with added harmony. Meg’s clear sweet voice makes the CD worth listening to without learning the songs, but the author’s hope is that the CD makes us all want to rise and sing!
Meg has chosen songs from all over the world and from all over the United States with dialects that resound the roots from where they were invented. So not only can we learn new songs, we can also travel around the world imaginatively while we sing them. What could be better than that?
Make the world more beautiful — sing! The songbirds in your area will enjoy the sound of human voices. The birds are listening, waiting to hear if we might speak their language of tone. (Once a team in which I participated won a race in which the relay team could only advance when a bird of each team’s choosing sang its call. Our team chose a chickadee call as there was one calling with a potential mate echoing back in that melodious minor third that is their mating call. We were about half-way through when the chickadees stopped chirping altogether. There we were, unable to move forward. So, I whistled the minor third of the chickadee call and one of the birds called back. I whistled us to the finish line successfully and first. There was a debate about whether this was cheating. This ended in deciding that if one could get birds to answer one’s bird call, it couldn’t really be considered cheating.)
However, birds do offer a good model for us mortal humans as they sing to woo their loved ones; they sing to find each other throughout the day; they sing to start and to end the day; they sing. They sing. We might be light enough to fly like birds if we could sing more as they do! It’s worth a try! Click here to order At Home in Harmony, Bringing Families and Communities Together in Song. Happy singing!


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Plus, in an effort to access continuing degree references, the pc and Web have actually opened up libraries of information on puppy (and pet) treatment.
An effective bodily test consists of using the person’s heat. Regular heat for your pet dog or cat changes between 101 and 102.5 qualifications; that’s a bit higher than the normal temperatures. If you understand veterinarian carry the pet’s end up-and come at it utilizing the thermometer, don’t be amazed! The heat is actually used rectally and causes no distress. Once in awhile an apparently healthier dog recommendations off the veterinarian that things is not very right by simply having a heightened heat.
Skin and coating are really exemplary indications regarding the animal’s fitness reputation. Understand this pet’s coat and read straight away there is something wrong. The coat must glossy, perhaps not brittle and rough, as well as the facial skin should-be tidy and not fatty and flaky.
Almost all body and layer problems are of grain-based food diets of poor quality and during the physical test their veterinarian should inquire in regards to the pet’s diet plan. A couple of weeks on a meat-based diet and this dog can look, feel and respond definitely better. (explore our nutrients point for some sound advice regarding the point.)
Many types of dermatological troubles are stopped if the dog or cat is taking in an optimum diet. In some instances, adding a supplement instance, a huge oily acid product is key aspect in preventing duplicated symptoms of hot spot also body afflictions.
Their vet should read both ears, too. Evident attacks and allergies include issues the dog owner can see, like infected ear on this subject canine. But typically, deep within the ear canal canal is when bacterial infections can begin of course observed very early, could be removed before they get right to the period in which the ears look like what you discover inside picture (regarding the right).
Many pets (and kittens) suffer with allergies. Skin and ear attacks are commonly caused by duplicated sensitive attacks. The doctor will highlight tips wash the ears and recommend just the right prescription if signs of disease can be found. Look at the dog’s (and pet’s) ears and look for any signs of ailments.
Every close exam include acquiring that stethoscope against the upper body and enjoying the lung area and paying attention towards the heart appears. Puppies seldom become pneumonia. Even more common include center flow and cardiovascular system valve trouble. Initial option to earn information on a dog’s (or cat’s) heart should tune in. (in case the veterinarian sounds not to ever end up being hearing your even though the stethoscope try plugged into their ears, do not be insulted!) If any deviation from general was detected, additional workup is a great idea. A cardiac workup typically requires an EKG to evaluate the electrical activity regarding the heart and X-rays or an echocardiogram to gauge the heart’s decoration.
a mindful assessment with the belly need to be part of the real examination. Every veterinarian makes surprising findings while examining “normal” canines (and kittens). Many proprietors comprise shocked to discover that their dog have just one normal kidney, or got harboring an undiscovered cyst or had been pregnant! Kidney rocks, including, could be uncovered during a routine real test. Therefore in addition to experiencing what is actually externally of dog, what’s in is as important.
Every good physical test must put a peek inside dog’s mouth — that is if the animal is eager! Oral health (discover all of our article on dental treatment) is one of the most ignored facets of dog health care. The throat can harbor infected gum tissue, free teeth escort services in Richmond, items stuck between teeth, cancers and all of types of different surprises. And quite often the pet shows no signs and symptoms of vexation from also significant dental problems. More mature puppies (and pets) specially might have oral health issues that would vastly enhance if dental care and oral treatment was actually instituted. Do not forget the veterinarian takes a look!
Even though sight may not require a thorough examination the spot where the vet inspects the inner of attention with special tools, at least a detailed inspection from the visible attention structures and covers is part of a complete bodily exam. Early cataract development are identified, any haziness on the surface of cornea is generally recognized and inflammatory reaction for the nearby eye architecture is generally considered. The most frequent problems are pretty straight forward irritations that result from pollen, dirt and contact with grasses.
Finally, the paws and toenails should be examined, and any actually longer nails should really be clipped reduced (find out how to Trim Toenails). Padding injuries are usually quick to heal and is a wonder that dogs (and kitties) don’t slashed and puncture their own shields more frequently than they do.
Given that your pet has had a head-to-toe evaluation, both you and the veterinarian will feel well informed the pet are healthier. Now the process is always to keep your animal really!

domain: pet


The City of Dublin is home to more than 40,000 residents and was recently ranked by National Citizen Survey as the best place to live. Dublin, Ohio, USA offers residents and corporate citizens responsive government services, attractive housing, superior public education, direct regional highway access, abundant park space and a dynamic community life. The city is located just minutes from Columbus, Ohio, making it a desirable place for businesses and families. The city government emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the community and offers several resources, including an official Facebook page to provide information pertinent to the residents of the community.
The MJ2 Effect
The City of Dublin tasked MJ2 Marketing to bring awareness to the Facebook page after a recent survey noted that 73 percent of the residents were on Facebook but not aware of the City Facebook page. MJ2 Marketing increased the City’s page likes by 66 percent and drove the City’s website hits to over 4,000 visits in just 10 weeks. MJ2 Marketing took the survey results and branded a visually enhanced “I Rock Dublin” campaign, encouraging residents to share why they love living or working in the city. The campaign included uniquely designed t-shirts and the strategic promotion of a Facebook App for Dublin residents to share why they think “Dublin Rocks.” “I Rock Dublin” quickly became viral as the logo and shirts were proudly displayed throughout the city in offices, gyms and events throughout the community.


Any contamination on a freshly blasted surface is likely to be rejected by the inspector as it can cause premature coating failure.
So many times you walk into a newly blasted tank and the surface profile is contaminated with dirt, dust and black rubber marks from the workers' boots. There are a number of ways to eliminate this problem
1. Sticky Mat
Some contractors have been using a sticky mat at the entrance of their tanks. The workers simply wipe their boots on the first mat, then step on to the sticky sheets. This removes any final dirt and dust before they walk onto the new surface. When the sticky mat gets covered with contaminants just tear off the top sheet and continue the process. The mat is supplied in a pad of 100 sheets.
2. Overspray Foot Covers
You can supply overspray foot covers to all those who enter your tank to protect the newly blasted floor and keep the dirt from coming off of their boots. This can become expensive and hard to monitor.
3. Non-marking boots
You can request all site personnel to wear non-marking boots. This eliminates the black marks left on the floor from the rubber soled boots and avoids contamination on the surface. It is a good practise to insist on the use of non-marking boots. It will certainly make the inspector happier and ensure you have a better quality project.
Remember to check the specification. Most likely it will state that the surface must be checked for contaminants, and blown down with compressed air prior to coating application.
Protecting the newly blasted floor is important to ensure that coating failure does not spoil an otherwise profitable job. Call Blast-One today on 1800 882 229 for advice on reducing the cost of your next project.


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This item is to the best of our knowledge available to us from the supplier and should ship to you within the time-frame indicated. If there are any unforeseen issues with availability we will notify you immediately
Boomkat Product Review:
London-based singer, songwriter and producer Léa Sen's debut EP, You of Now Pt. 1.
"Open-eared and open-hearted: these are the watchwords of Léa Sen’s music. At just 22 years old, Léa Sen has established herself as one of the capital’s most in-demand talents, meandering between gossamer vocal features for Joy Orbison to solo work that references everything from Bon Iver’s electronic timbre and folk guitars to Sampha’s impressionistic lyricism.
This five-track collection presents the self-assured maturity of an artist twice her age, with all tracks written, produced and mixed by Sen – still a rarity in a male-dominated industry."


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The Wonderful World of Remote Management and IP KVM Technology
Thursday, May 22, 2008
IBM Sets Sail For The Enterprise
Did you see the news about IBM? They are constructing huge data centers aimed at being data archives. The article doesn't mention remote access and control but would be interesting to know what sort they are planning to have?


Cardinal Burke a thorn in Francis’ side. Francis moved him from important Vatican job to being cardinal-“patron” of the Knights of Malta, where he made more trouble, reportedly in regards to distribution of condoms as part of one or more of the Knights’ aid programs around the world. (Burke’s against condoms.)
Now Francis has “de facto” bounced him from that job, replacing him with someone else from the ranks of higher clergy, Francis had already sought and got the resignation of Burke’s man as Knights’ top executive.
Francis’ Year of Mercy past, he expends no mercy on Burke, who clearly annoys him no end — including publicly questioning the orthodoxy of a key part of Francis’ latest pastoral letter about married life, the part about receiving of Communion by the divorced and remarried.
Meanwhile, his appointee to do something about Vatican finances, an Australian cardinal, has not only been accused at home of mishandling clergy abuse, but has also lost the services of an outside auditing firm at the Vatican, in which case Francis joins the short line of popes losing to curia veterans, his predecessor Emeritus Pope Benedict being just ahead of him in that unhappy line.
It’s been a long time since we saw the like of all this.
Yes, Virginia, there’s a new day a-dawning.
Hope And Change: You’d never guess this from the end-of-the-world treatment President Trump gets in the mainstream press, but his election has unleashed a wave of optimism about the economy we haven’t seen in more than a decade. This is huge news that has big implications about economic growth.
The latest business leaders’ survey from JPMorgan Chase finds a dramatic increase in optimism among the 1,400 middle-market executives polled. It found that 80% of these executives are optimistic about the economy, which is nearly double the share expressing optimism just one year ago. And it’s the highest level since this survey began seven years ago.
These executives, the survey found, “expect improved performance in the global, national and local economies, as well as their own businesses.”
It’s the economy, friends. Yayyyyyy.
Guess. Then read this:
Studies have suggested that we have 50,000 thoughts every single day.
I do NOT have 50,000 a day! On a good day, 50. Maybe. However,
A lot of those thoughts are about – or the result of – the things that we task ourselves with. There are never enough hours in a day, right? As an adult that’s just known as “being busy.” Being busy, does not mean we’re being productive. For most of us, it’s just a state of being functionally overwhelmed. This is the result of the overwhelming amount of choices we have in our modern lives.
On the other hand, the functionally overwhelmed part? That I recognize. Oh boy, what to do? Read the rest of this here.


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Washington Post; Sharon McLoone
Manufacturers are taking a big hit in this aching economy and government agencies could do a better job of coordinating their efforts to aid them, two senators said this week.
Leaders of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee -- Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), wrote to Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Acting Commerce Secretary Otto Wolff and Small Business Administration Acting Administrator Darryl Hairston, asking them to improve coordination between their agencies' programs designed to help manufacturers suffering in the current economic crisis.
To read the rest of the story, please click here.


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Virginia Tree Ordinance Library
Below you can browse the full text of abstracted tree ordinances from 37 Virginia municipalities.
The table is sortable by municipality name and jurisdiction type.
Clicking the municipality name will display a PDF of the abstracted tree ordinance.
Clicking on the ‘more info’ link will take you to a Wikipedia entry with geographic and demographic information about the municipality.


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This is an Archive. You may post a reply, but new topics are not allowed.
"We of the craft are all crazy...all are more or less touched." Lord Byron
pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums
© Passions in Poetry and netpoets.com 1998-2013
All Poetry and Prose is copyrighted by the individual authors

domain: hobby


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Sugar–the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
By Erin O’Brien
We’ve all heard it before—sugar is bad for you. More recently, the enemy has been high-fructose corn syrup—a chemically modified version of sucrose (table sugar). However, even the most basic chemistry or biology class teaches that bodies run on sugar, more specifically glucose—sugar in its most basic form. So how can some types of sugar be good and some bad? The quick answer to this question is moderation. Almost any type of food we put in our bodies is acceptable and safe, as long as it is eaten in moderation. Glucose, sucrose and fructose are all types of sugar naturally existing in the food we eat. The difference comes from the way our bodies process each type of sugar. Sucrose and fructose are broken down from their more complex structures to make glucose once inside the body, which is then used for cell energy and growth. All three of these types of sugars are naturally-occurring, meaning they are naturally found in foods like fruits, root vegetables and honey. High-fructose corn syrup is chemically modified from its natural form, corn syrup, by increasing the amount of fructose. The modern problem with sugar, is that as a general population we eat too much of it. Our bodies have a finite amount of sugar that can be processed at one time, and if there is an excess in the body the sugar is converted to fat and stored. Too much sugar in the bloodstream can also raise insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It tells the body to utilize glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream for energy and also use fat stores if there is not enough glucose in the blood. Too much glucose in the blood, however, will elevate insulin levels and “trick” the body into storing glucose as fat instead of utilizing it for energy. We all know that excess fat equals excess weight, and excess weight leads to a host of health concerns. The other problem with too much glucose in the blood is that is also raises the level of triglycerides and cholesterol, especially low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). LDL is a type of protein that transports cholesterol around the body wherever it is needed. Unfortunately, if there is too much LDL cholesterol in your body, it ends up getting deposited along the walls of your arteries, causing plaques which can lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD). High-fructose corn syrup can compound this problem. A diet high in high-fructose corn syrup, or any sugar, will cause the liver to convert fructose to fat, also leading to increased levels of LDL. The modern human diet, especially in the United States, is very high in added (or not naturally-occurring) sugars and processed carbohydrates. Combined with a low intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as sub-optimal lifestyle habits, physical inactivity and use of tobacco, this is a recipe for disaster. This type of lifestyle leads to an increased risk of obesity, CVD, type 2 diabetes and cancer. It produces a tremendous amount of premature deaths, lost quality of life and global economic disruption due to skyrocketing health care costs. Diet soda, perceived by some as a “healthy” alternative, is also to blame. While some think that they are making a healthy choice, there is added sugar in diet soda too. Often times, these sugars more closely resemble chemicals than actual sugar and contribute to an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease, kidney disease and metabolic syndrome. One study shows that middle-aged men and women who consumed more than one diet soda per day had a 30% higher risk of developing these diseases. Those with the lowest incidence of these conditions drank one or fewer diet sodas per month. Some recent research has focused on cancer’s relation to sugar in the diet. While no study has been conclusive to date, several suggest that a high dietary sugar intake actually causes some cancer to grow and spread—especially breast and colon cancer. This is because cancerous tumors have insulin receptors that feed on glucose. If there is too much sugar in the body, insulin production goes up and that insulin tells the cancer cells to grow. While much of this research is new, there are many cancer and CVD patients that have attested to the success of a low-sugar diet. We cannot avoid sugar altogether, as it is our body’s main source of fuel and found in most of the foods we eat, but it is important to limit the amount we take into our bodies. This can be easily done by eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables (especially raw) and lean proteins and avoiding processed foods and added sugars and chemicals. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store, as that is where the healthiest foods are, and visit local farmers’ markets for even fresher produce grown with fewer, or no, chemicals. A healthy diet is a balancing act, but can be done by making smart choices. The long term benefits will far outweigh any perceived negatives and produce a higher quality of life for anyone willing to make the effort.

domain: health


|Herschberger Welding Auction (5)|
In fall 2003 there was an estate auction of Herschberger welding, an Amish welding shop. I wrote a story about the auction.
Click any element below to see all the samples of that element, or click on the sample picture to go directly to the description of that sample.
Text and images Copyright (c) 2010 by Theodore W. Gray.


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This morning, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) carried out the directive of SFA Teddy eddy Locsin to bring our people in the Diamond Princess cruise ship back home.
The first of two flights to get our kababayans back left for Japan early morning from Manila.
The Department of Health (DOH) 9 person medical group is part of the Repatriation Team with DFA in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo assisted our kababayans for the medical check ups and registration proceedings during the disembarking of the crew from the cruise ship.
DOH puts up the donning and doffing area of personal protective equipments for our health workers who manned the quarantine facility. DOH is prepared to welcome our kababayans and ensure their health and safety.
The DFA-PH Embassy in Tokyo, working closely with the Japan Self Defense Force and the DOH medical team, are bringing around 400 Filipinos from Yokohama port to Haneda Airport by bus for the scheduled repatriation flights to Manila via 2 chartered PAL aircraft.
DOH ensures that the 14-day quarantine procedure will be a comfortable experience for our repatriated kababayans. Fixtures and amenities are provided to each repatriate to make them feel at home.
The first batch of MV Diamond Princess repatriates has now boarded the flight back home to the Philippines! The flight is expected to arrive in Clark sometime before 9:00 p.m.
A total of 311 Filipinos aboard MV Diamond Princess Cruise were brought home via the first special PAL charter flight. The number excludes the 2 DFA Officials and 4 DoH medical personnel accompanying the flight. The second flight is expected to bring home around 140 Filipinos of the remaining crew members of the MV Diamond Princess Cruise Ship.
The second batch of repatriates is now boarding the flight to Manila. This batch is expected to arrive sometime before 12 midnight.

domain: travel


US 4590990 A
A ventilation heat recovery system is mounted in a livestock building or the like. The system includes a counterflow shell and tube heat exchanger with an outer sleeve axially surrounding the shell along a substantial longitudinal portion thereof. Air is drawn from the ambient atmosphere into the shell for heat-exchanging flow counter to exhaust air that is drawn from the building atmosphere and forced through the exchanger tubes for exhausting to the ambient atmosphere. An annular-shaped distribution channel is formed between the outer sleeve and the shell, and the sleeve has a plurality of distribution orifices therealong for distributing incoming air to the building atmosphere. The channel is in flow communication with the shell through a transition zone defined between the end of the shell and a transition manifold which supports the tubes. Alternatively, the shell is in flow communication with a remote distribution duct having a plurality of distribution orifices.
1. A ventilation heat recovery system for use in a livestock building or the like having surrounding walls, a floor, and ceiling; said system comprising:
(a) an elongate inlet air duct being adapted to extend into the building and to be supported by the ceiling and the walls; said inlet duct being open at a first end to the ambient atmosphere;
(b) an elongate outlet tube bundle extending longitudinally within said inlet duct; said tube bundle including a plurality of tubes arranged in a circular pattern relative to a longitudinal axis of said inlet duct and including a central tube being axially aligned with said inlet duct; said tube bundle being adapted to be open at a first end into the ambient atmosphere and at a second end to the atmosphere of the building;
(c) an outer sleeve being adapted to extend at a first end thereof from a building wall into the building and axially surrounding said inlet duct and said tube bundle within the building; said outer sleeve having a second end adapted to be opened to the atmosphere of the building; said outer sleeve having a plurality of air distribution orifices generally horizontally spaced along a substantial portion of a length of said outer sleeve;
(d) a stationary tube sheet being received in said outer sleeve near said second end thereof between said outer sleeve second end and said inlet duct second end; said tube sheet having a plurality of orifices through which said tubes extend near said tube bundle second end; said tube sheet defining a transition zone between said inlet duct second end and said tube sheet; said transition zone providing incoming air flow communication between said inlet duct and said outer sleeve and to said distribution orifices; said outer sleeve and inlet duct defining a distribution channel therebetween extending generally from said transition zone to said building wall;
(e) said inlet duct having a branch duct being integral therewith and open to said inlet duct and to the ambient atmosphere;
(f) a first fan being postioned in said branch duct for forcing air from the ambient atmosphere into said inlet duct in heat-exchanging relationship with said tube bundle, and to said transition zone and along said distribution annulus and through said distribution orifices;
(g) a reducing member being connected to said outer sleeve second end and defining an opening to the building atmosphere to provide flow communication between said outer sleeve and the building atmosphere; and
(h) a second fan being positioned in said reducing member for forcing air from the building into said outer sleeve second end through said tube bundle tubes in heat-exchanging relationship with said inlet duct and into the ambient atmosphere.
This invention relates to heat exchangers in general and particularly to heat exchangers for ventilating livestock buildings.
Various types of heat exchangers have been developed and utilized in livestock buildings for the purpose of recovering heat from exhausted stale ventilation air and utilizing it to heat incoming fresh ventilation air. Many livestock buildings, particularly those in which farm animals are intensively housed, require constant ventilation to remove moisture, manure odors and gases and gaseous by-products of respiration. Such ventilation is required under the coldest of temperature extremes. It is necessary to heat incoming cold air to maintain acceptable building temperatures for animal growth and comfort. Thus, various heat-exchanging configurations have been developed for the purposes stated above.
Many of these units use a flat plate heat exchange surface with stale air passing on one side and fresh air passing on the other. Various configurations of parallel flow, crossflow, counterflow and reciprocating flow have been used. Typically, the space devoted to such ventilation systems is limited and efforts have been undertaken to minimize the size of these ventilation systems.
Failure to adequately control inlet conditions can result in undesirable drafts on the livestock and condensation on environmental surfaces, leading to poor health and potentially to building deterioration. Good ventilation typically requires the uniform placement and proper adjustment of inlets around the room to be ventilated. They are often mounted on a wall on the outside of a wall or in the ceiling or attic of the building. Control over inlet air velocity usually requires reliance on fans to provide static pressure to induce air movement. Further, it is important to provide uniform distribution of the air throughout the room. However, many existing heat exchangers do not adequately provide for air distribution throughout the room.
In livestock buildings, humidities high enough to cause condensation on the cold heat transfer surfaces are not uncommon. Although the condensation tends to increase heat transfer, it also attracts and traps airborne dust and other materials commonly contained in the air streams. The collected material tends to coat the heat exchange surfaces and, if not properly cleaned, can seriously reduce heat exchange rates. Many existing systems have close spacing between heat exchange surfaces in order to provide sufficient heat exchange area to result in acceptable exchange efficiency. This close spacing increases the likelihood of heat exchanger blinding and makes it more difficult to clean the exchanger surfaces. Furthermore, during times of cold weather, the condensate tends to freeze, thus hindering air flow and heat transfer. Previous attempts to alleviate these problems have not been entirely successful.
It is desirable to use the ductwork of a heat recovery system for velocity cooling during hot weather. The exhaust air fan of the system is turned off when larger summer exhaust fans, which move more air, are in use. Relatively high velocity airstreams can be supplied to animal spaces through the distribution duct or optional extension ducts or drop pipes to individual animal pens. Accordingly, there is no need for heat recovery and thus no need for the counter flow relationship of the incoming and outgoing air. It is desirable to provide a system in which the counter flow section is by-passed and incoming air flows directly to the distribution duct and the like for velocity cooling.
Thus, it is desirable to provide a versatile ventilation heat recovery system which utilizes efficient counterflow heat exchanger geometry. It is also generally desirable to provide a system which is relatively easy to clean and otherwise maintain and is not susceptible to scaling or blinding.
The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide a ventilation heat recovery system to ventilate a livestock building or the like; to provide such a system which utilizes a counterflow heat exchanger geometry to recover heat from exhausted air to preheat incoming air; to provide such a system which provides uniform distribution of ventilation air; to provide such a system which is versatile in design and may be used solely as a ventilation system; to provide such a system which is relatively simple in design and easy to maintain; to provide such a system which uniformly distributes air to the building; to provide such a system which removes air from the building at a source remote from air distribution points; to provide such a system which has an outer insulating sleeve; and to provide such a system which is relatively simple to use, economical to manufacture, and particularly well adapted for the proposed usage thereof.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
A ventilation heat recovery system is provided for use with a livestock building or the like. The system comprises an inlet air duct, an outlet air duct, and a distribution duct adapted to be mounted to a wall and ceiling of the building. The ducts and sleeves are made from a heat conductive material such as aluminum or the like. It is also envisioned that the inlet and distribution ducts may be made from a material such as polyvinyl chloride and the outlet duct from aluminum.
The inlet air duct is preferably a substantially circular, elongate heat-exchanging shell, which has a first end situated outside the building. The inlet duct first end is open to the ambient atmosphere surrounding the building and is in flow communication therewith for providing fresh air to the building. A second end of the inlet duct is located within the building and opens into the outer sleeve.
Preferably, the inlet duct first end includes a Y-branch duct which is obliquely angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the inlet duct. The branch duct is open to the ambient atmosphere and includes means for inducing a flow of air into the inlet duct. The flow induction means preferably comprise a motorized fan.
The outlet air duct preferably comprises a tube bundle having a plurality of individual tubes. The tube bundle is situated within the inlet duct in a heat-exchanging relationship therewith. A first end of the tube bundle extends from the inlet duct first end into the ambient atmosphere. Preferably, the branch duct is included so that the air induction means, e.g. the fan, are located remote from the first end of the tube bundle, from which exhaust gases are expelled. In that case, the outer end of the longitudinal portion of the inlet duct is equipped with a sealing cap having a plurality of orifices through which the tube bundle tubes extend. A second end of the tube bundle extends into the building.
The distribution duct is preferably an outer sleeve located within the building and axially surrounds the inlet and outlet ducts. A first end of the sleeve is located adjacent the building wall through which the inlet duct extends. The sleeve has a second end which extends substantially further into the building than does the inlet duct. An annular-shaped distribution channel is formed between the inlet duct and the outer sleeve; the distribution channel is in flow communication with the inlet duct. The outer sleeve is provided with a plurality of distribution orifices which provide flow communication between the distribution channel and the building atmosphere.
A transition manifold, such as a stationary tube sheet, is situated in the outer sleeve near the inlet duct second end, but spaced therefrom so as to define a transition zone between the inlet duct second end and the transition manifold. The second ends of the tubes of the tube bundle extend through respective orifices in the transition manifold such that the tube second ends are not in direct flow communication with the inlet duct second end, due to separation by the transition manifold. The transition zone defines a location at which the direction of flow of incoming air in the inlet duct reverses and counterflows into the distribution channel and through the distribution orifices.
The tube second ends preferably terminate at the transition manifold and are in flow communication with exhaust air coming from a reduction member attached to the outer sleeve second end and in flow communication with the building atmosphere. Preferably, flow induction means, such as a motorized fan, are situated in the reduction member and force fouled air from the building into the outer sleeve second end and then into the individual tubes in counterflow relationship with the incoming air of the inlet duct. The exhausted air flows down the tubes in heat-exchanging relationship with the incoming air and exhausts into the ambient atmosphere. The reduction member is generally spaced remote from the distribution orifices so that fresh air is circulated throughout the room before being presented to the flow induction means for exhaustion.
Many livestock buildings are equipped with an excretion pit for receiving urine and feces from the housed livestock. Noxious gasses are formed in the pit as the excretion ferments. In order to more efficiently remove these warm and odoriferous gasses, an elongate pit duct may be mounted in the excretion pit. The pit duct has a plurality of orifices therein to provide flow communication between the duct and the pit. Further, one end of the pit duct is connected to appropriate duct work to provide flow communication from the pit duct to the reduction member of the ventilation heat recovery system. The fan then provides a suction to induce air movement from the pit through the ductwork and into the tube bundle. This configuration provides relatively greater heat exchanging efficiency, as it removes the warm, noxious gasses directly from the excretion pit. This design also ensures good separation of the exhaust pickup point and the inlet distribution points.
A common problem during cold weather is freezing of condensation within the heat exchanger and the concommitant reduction in efficiency and air distribution capacity. One solution to this problem is the provision of pipe insulation in a bottom portion of each tube. An appropriate insulation material can be fitted in each of the tubes from the first end and extending slightly into the building for a sufficient distance to a point where there is little chance of freezing. This distance is determined empirically. The insulation will reduce the heat transfer rate, thus reducing the chance of the condensate freezing before it escapes from the first end of the tubes.
An alternate approach to the condensation problem is to remove the condensate from the tube near the point of condensation and before it reaches a zone in the tube where freezing temperatures are prevalent. A series of small outlet tubes drain the condensation from the tube bundle tubes into the inlet duct and is subsequently removed therefrom.
The system may be provided with a washer manifold to be utilized in severe duty applications where dust levels are high and the self-cleaning action of the condensation within the heat exchanger tubes is not adequate to keep the tubes clear. The washer manifold comprises a water line with an appropriate valve. The water line extends into the transition zone and has a plurality of washer nozzles, one for each heat exchanger tube. Water is selectively sprayed into the tubes through the washer nozzles and washes out excess dust and like contaminants, either through the outlet tubes or the end of the tube bundle tubes.
During warm weather conditions, the heat-exchanger is not needed, and often large exhaust fans are in use. Thus, the exhaust fan of the heat exchanger is not necessary. However, it is preferable to provide fresh air distribution within the livestock building throughout the year. A fresh air by-pass may be provided to force fresh air directly from the heat exchanger shell first end into the distribution channel for distribution into the livestock building. The by-pass comprises a sliding gate which selectively opens and closes an aperture in the heat exchanger shell. When in the open position, fresh air can pass directly into the distribution channel at the shell first end, instead of passing down the entire length of the shell and then into the distribution channel. Because the path of a substantial portion of air is shorter, the load on the inlet fan is reduced, thus allowing substantially higher air flow rates. Additionally, individual cooling tubes may extend from the heat exchanger sleeve to an individual farrowing crate or the like for more direct cooling.
It is also envisioned that the present system may be produced without the outer sleeve. That is, a separate distribution duct system may alternatively be in flow communication with the fresh air flowing in the exchanger shell. The separate distribution duct extends generally longitudinally of the heat exchanger, but is horizontally spaced therefrom.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a ventilation heat recovery system shown mounted in a livestock building with a pit exhaust duct mounted in association therewith.
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, enlarged side elevational view of the system with portions broken away to show interior detail.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the system taken along line 3--3, FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the system taken along line 4--4, FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view of a heat exchanging tube of the system shown with insulation material therein.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view of the system showing a by-pass configuration.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a modified system showing a washer manifold and a plurality of tube drain pipes.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral 1 generally indicates a ventilation heat recovery system according to the present invention. The system 1 is adapted to be mounted in a livestock building 2 or the like and includes an inlet air duct or shell 5, an outlet air duct 6 and a distribution duct, such as an outer sleeve 7.
The shell 5 is substantially circular in cross section and extends through an opening 9 in the building 2. The opening 9 is sized to sealably receive the shell 5 such that a first end 10 of the shell is situated outside of the building 2 and a second end 11 is situated within the building 2.
The shell first end 10 is open to the ambient atmosphere surrounding the building and is in flow communication therewith for providing fresh air to the building interior. As illustrated, the outermost section of the shell first end 10 has a shell cap 14 attached thereto, thereby sealing the outermost section of the first end 10 from flow communication with the ambient atmosphere. The shell first end 10 includes a Y-branch duct 15 which is obliquely angled relative to a central longitudinal axis of the shell 5. The branch duct 15 is integral with the shell 5 and opens at one end thereinto, in addition to being open at an opposite end to the ambient atmosphere. Flow induction means, such as a motorized fan 17, are located in the branch duct 15 for forcing air into the shell 5 for eventual distribution into the building interior.
As illustrated, the outlet air duct 6 comprises a tube bundle 19 having a plurality of individual elongate tubes 20 situated within the shell 5 in heat-exchanging relationship therewith. The shell cap 14 is provided with a plurality of openings corresponding to the tubes 20, thereby allowing a first end 21 of the tube bundle 19 to extend into the ambient atmosphere. A second end 22 of the tube bundle 19 extends into the building slightly further than does the shell second end 11, as best illustrated in FIG. 2.
The tube bundle first end 21 is located remote from the Y-branch duct 15, so as to separate the air induction means, i.e. the fan 17, from the exhaust gasses that are expelled from the tube bundle second end 22.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the tubes 20 of the tube bundle 19 are arranged in a circular pattern relative to a longitudinal axis of the inlet duct or shell 5 and spaced from an inner surface 23 thereof, with a central tube 20 being axially aligned with the inlet duct. This configuration efficiently locates 7 tubes 20 within the shell 5 and exposes the entire circumferential area of the tubes 20 to air flowing in the shell 5 from the branch duct 15.
The outer sleeve 7 is situated totally within the building 2 and axially surrounds both the inlet and outlet air ducts 5 and 6. A first end 25 of the outer sleeve 7 is located adjacent a wall of the livestock building 2 and a second end 26 thereof extends into the building interior. As seen in FIG. 2, a sleeve cap 27 seals the outer sleeve first end 25 and snugly fits around the shell 5, which extends through an aperture 28 in the sleeve cap 27. The sleeve cap 27 is attached to the outer sleeve 7 so as to fix the sleeve 7 relative to the shell 5. As seen in FIG. 1, spaced supports 29 are used to mount the system to the building ceiling.
A transition manifold, such as a stationary tube sheet 32, is received in the outer sleeve 7 near the second end 26 thereof. The tube sheet 32 seals the sleeve 7 and defines a transition zone 33, which is in flow communication with the shell 5. The tube sheet 32 is provided with a plurality of openings 34, which receive respective tube bundle second ends 22. As seen in FIG. 2, the tube sheet 32 separates the openings of the tube bundle second end 22 from the shell second end 11.
A distribution channel 37 is defined between the shell 5 and the sleeve 7. The channel 37 is in flow communication with the transition zone 33 and the shell 5, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The sleeve 7 is provided with a plurality of regularly spaced distribution orifices 38 that are open to the building atmosphere, thereby providing flow communication between the channel 37 and the building atmosphere.
The tube bundle second end 22 terminates at the tube sheet 32 and is in flow communication with exhaust air flowing through a reduction member 40. The reduction member 40 is sealably attached to the outer sleeve second end 26 and is open to the building atmosphere at a location generally remote from the distribution orifices 38. As described below, the reduction member 40 may be attached to a system utilized to remove gasses from an excretion pit 41. Flow induction means, such as a second fan 42, are situated in the reduction member 40 and force foul, stale air from the building into the tube bundle 19 for expulsion to the ambient atmosphere.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the livestock building 2 may be equipped with an excretion pit 45, as is widely known in the field. The pit 45 is located beneath a floor 46 of the building 2; the floor 46 comprises metallic grating, which allows animal excretions to fall into the pit 45. A pit exhaust duct 50 extends along the length of the pit 45 and hangs by supports 51 from the floor 46. The duct 50 has a plurality of pit orifices 52, which provide flow communication from the pit 45 into the pit duct 50. One end 53 of the pit duct 50 is sealed, while the other end 54 is open to a lower end 56 of a connecting duct 57 which extends upwardly toward the reduction member 40. An upper end 58 of the connecting duct 47 is connected to the reduction member 40 and in direct flow communication therewith, thus providing flow communication from the pit 45 to the reduction member 40.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the tubes 20 are fitted with an insulating material 60 to reduce the rate of heat exchange along a portion of the length of the tubes 20 to reduce the amount of condensation within the tubes 20. The insulating material 60 is attached to an inner surface of the tubes 20 and generally extends from the tube bundle first ends 21 along the tubes 20 to a point just within the building 2. The material 60 covers approximately one fourth of the inner circumference of the tubes 20 and is centered along the bottom most portion thereof.
As seen in FIG. 6, the system 1 includes a fresh air by-pass system 62, which comprises a slide gate 63, a pair of slide gate guides 64, and a by-pass aperture 65 in the shell 5. The gate guides 64 are positioned on upper and lower sides of the aperture 65 and receive the slide gate 63. The slide gate 63 is selectively movable within the guides 64 to selectively allow or prohibit air to flow from the shell 5 into the distribution channel 37, without traversing the entire length of the shell 5 and the distribution channel 37. The by-pass system 62 is located near the sleeve cap 27 such that the gate 63 is operable from a position remote from the distribution channel 37, as seen in FIG. 6. A plurality of drop pipes 66 are provided and extend from appropriate openings in the outer sleeve 7 to a respective farrowing crate 67 or the like. The drop pipes 66 are used in conjunction with the by-pass system 62 for individual cooling of animals in the crates 67. Means for shutting off flow are provided so that the drop pipes 66 do not interfere with the ventilation heat recovery system when the building is being heated.
In use, if the building is to be heated, the by-pass system 62 is not utilized and the slide gate 63 is closed, as are the drop pipes 66. The fan 17 in the Y-branch duct 15 forces air from the ambient atmosphere into the shell 5 and the air flows down the length of the shell 5 into the transition zone 33, in heat-exchanging relationship with the tube bundle 19. As inlet air is flowing along the length of the shell 5, the second fan 42 is forcing air from the excretion pit 45 through the pit exhaust duct 50 and the connecting duct 57 into the reduction member 40. Alternatively, the connecting duct is not connected to the reduction member and stale air is drawn directly from the building atmosphere. The second fan 42 forces the stale air into the tube bundle second end 22, and the air flows down the various tubes 20, in counterflow heat-exchanging relationship with the air flowing in the shell 5. The stale air is expelled from the tube bundle first end and into the ambient atmosphere at a location remote from the branch duct 15. The air flowing from the shell 5 into the transition zone 33 is forced by the tube sheet 32 to reverse direction and flow along the distribution channel 37, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The air flowing along the distribution channel 37 is evenly distributed into the building 2 through the distribution orifices 38.
A modified embodiment of a ventilation heat recovery system 101 is illustrated in FIG. 7, which system 101 is similar in certain features to system 1 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 6. Numerals having similar last two digits are used with reference to the systems 1 and 101 for similar parts except for the numerals of the instant embodiment are preceded by the prefix "1". Thus, an inlet air duct or shell 105 is generally analogous to the shell 5 of the previous embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the shell 105 and an outlet air duct 106, outer sleeve 107, tube sheet 132 and reduction member 140 are substantially similar to the corresponding elements as initially described.
However, a washer manifold assembly 170 is included to remove accumulated dust and the like from individual tubes 120 of the outlet duct 106. The washer assembly 170 includes an appropriate water supply and a shut-off valve 172 located in a water line 173. A plurality of water nozzles 175 are connected to the water line 173 and are located in the sleeve 107, at a second end 126 thereof. Each nozzle 175 is associated with a respective tube 120.
As an alternative to the insulating material 60 described above, a plurality of internal drains 180 placed along the lengths of the tubes 120 for draining condensate from the tubes 120 prior to the condensate reaching a location where it is subject to freezing in the pipes, that is toward the outer end of the tubes 120.
In use, when an operator determines that excess dust or the like has accumulated in the tubes 120, the valve 172 is actuated to allow water to flow in the water line to the individual nozzles 175. Water is sprayed from the nozzles 175 into the respective tubes 120 and travels along the length of the tubes 120, carrying excess dust with it. A portion of this water will exit from the drains 180, but only in relatively small amounts. The valve 172 is shut when the operator determines that the tubes 120 are sufficiently clear.
The internal drains 180 are placed along the lengths of the tubes 120 and are relatively small in size. Condensate within the tubes 120 tends to flow toward the outer ends thereof and will flow into the drains 180 for draining to the shell 105, where freezing is not a major concern. Due to the small size of the drains 180, the counterflow relationship of the air in the tubes 120 and the shell 105 is not substantially affected.
It is also envisioned that the systems 1 and 101 could be manufactured with the outer sleeve or distribution duct being located remote from the shell 5, thus eliminating the distribution channel 37. In that case, the remote sleeve would connect directly to the by-pass aperture 65 to receive by-pass air for distribution throughout the building 2.
It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.


text:
This project is the implementation of the double-linked list using C++. It performs various operations on the list.
This is a C++ project to perform operations on a double-linked list. The Operations are as follows:-
1. Insert element end of the list
2. Delete element end of the list
3. Insert an element at a given position
4. Delete element at a given position
5. Display list
6. sort list
7. reverse list
8. Insert before an element
9. Delete before an element
There are some advantages to using the double-linked list as they are not contiguous like arrays and the principal benefit of a linked list over a conventional array is that the list elements can easily be inserted or removed without reallocation of any other elements.
NOTE:- To understand the project basic pointers concept is required.

domain: design