text:
IBPS Specialist Officers(1315) 2017-18 Notification OUT….!!!!
IBPS Specialist Officers Notification 2017-18
IBPS has released IBPS SO 2017 Official Notification. IBPS SO 2017 is going to be conducted on 30th and 31st December 2017 (preliminary Exam) and on 28th January 2018 (Mains Exam) by IBPS or the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection to select eligible candidates for various posts like:
- Agriculture Field Officer
- Marketing Officer (Scale I)
- HR/Personnel Officer
- IT Officer Scale I
- Law Officer
- RajbhashaAdhikari Scale I
The latest notification released by IBPS states that IBPS SO 2017 will be conducted through a two phase selection process. Candidates who qualify both the rounds will be further considered for the final interview process.
IBPS SO 2017 Notification
IBPS SO 2017 Notification has been be released by Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Committee. The IBPS SO recruitment 2017 is for selecting candidates for the post of Specialist Officers in different Public Sector Banks for multiple positions. Candidates selected through IBPS SO 2017 exam can be posted anywhere in India.
IBPS SO 2017 Vacancy
This year IBPS has released a total of 1315 vacancies for the recruitment of Specialist Officers(SO). Only a handful of vacancies are available for this post as the post of SO involves really skilled and specialized officers excelling in their respective domain. Let’s have a look at the post wise total number of vacancies.
- IT Officer (Scale-I)- 120
- HR/Personnel Officer (Scale-I)- 35
- Rajbhasha Adhikari (Scale-I)- 30
- Marketing Officer (Scale-I)- 195
- Law Officer (Scale-I)- 60
- Agriculture Officer (Scale-I)- 875
IBPS SO 2017 Exam Dates
IBPS SO Preliminary exam 2017 is scheduled on 30th and 31st December 2017. The Mains examination will be conducted on 28th January 2017.
On-line registration including Edit/Modification of Application by candidates 07.11.2017- 27.11.2017
Payment of Application Fees/Intimation Charges (Online) 07.11.2017- 27.11.2017
Download of call letters for Online examination – Preliminary December 2017
Commencement of Preliminary Exam 30th, 31st December 2017
Result of Online exam – Preliminary January 2018
Download of Call letter for Online exam – Main January 2018
Commencement of Mains Exam 28th January 2018
Declaration of Result of Online Main Examination February 2018
Download of call letters for interview February 2018
Conduct of interview February 2018
IBPS SO 2017 Recruitment
The IBPS SO recruitment process is going to be conducted to select Specialist Officer through IBPS SO 2017 is done in three phases:
- Online Preliminary Exam
- Online Mains Exam
- Interview Process
A candidate must qualify both preliminary exam and mains exam to proceed to the interview round. The candidates selected after the interview round are given the appointment letter.
IBPS SO 2017 Application Fee
A candidate is required to pay Rs. 600/- (General and OBC) as his/her application fee for IBPS SO 2017 exam. The same amount is narrowed down to Rs. 100/- for candidates belonging to SC/ST/PWD category. The Online Application will start once the notification has been released by IBPS.
IBPS SO 2017 Exam Pattern
This year IBPS has brought a major change in the IBPS SO 2017 Exam Pattern. Till last year, there used to be only 1 examination then followed by an interview. However, this year there will be a two-tier examination.
The preliminary exam will be a qualifying phase for the mains and candidates will have to meet the cut-offs of prelims to be eligible to appear for Mains exam.


text:
AMES -- Iowa State won the final four matches, including a meet-clinching pin from Waterloo native Marcus Harrington, to defeat West Virginia 25-16 Sunday in a Big 12 Conference wrestling dual meet at Hilton Coliseum.
The Cyclones (6-5, 1-2) trailed 11-0 after the first three matches. Jarrett Degen stopped the streak with an 18-5 win at 149 pounds, and Independence's Chase Straw followed with a 13-6 decision to close the team deficit to 11-7.
West Virginia (3-4, 2-2) got a pin at 165 for a 17-7 lead, but it was all Iowa State from there. Danny Bush started the four-win streak with a pin, Dane Pestano added a 9-4 decision, Sam Colbray battle for a 6-5 win in sudden victory at 197 pounds, and Harrington finished it with his first-period pin at 285.

domain: sports


text:
Temps to stay in 30s for your Saturday
More than a dozen girls claim they were suspended for wearing yoga pants to class. For the full story, go to WLWT.
Family members of passengers aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 faced an agonizing wait for answers, as the aircraft remained unaccounted for more than a day after it was scheduled to land.
In China, home of most of the 239 people on board, relatives...

domain: news


text:
Top officials at Grand Cayman’s Boatswain’s Beach tourist attraction may have committed offences under the country’s Water Authority and Electricity Laws by not ensuring that required operating and safety permits had been obtained, according to a report from the Office of the Complaints Commissioner.
‘The situation is embarrassing to all,’ wrote Complaints Commissioner John Epp in the conclusion of his office’s review of the matter.
Mr. Epp’s report stated that Boatswain’s, also known as the Cayman Turtle Farm, had not obtained a waste discharge licence from the Water Authority-Cayman despite the fact that former managing Director Ken Hydes and Acting Managing Director Joseph Ebanks acknowledged they had known a permit was required. That permit was not in place as of 24 April.
‘It is argued that effluent (all discharges from the Turtle Farm facility, liquid or solid)…may have interfered with the attractiveness to the water tourism industry of Cayman’s well-known surrounding reefs and contributed to the reduction in the production of beach sand,’ Mr. Epp’s report stated, quoting research conducted by the Department of Environment.
The report also cited ‘anecdotal observations’ by the DoE of a stunting of coral growth in the immediate area surrounding the West Bay facility, although it pointed out no recent environmental study had been done to quantify the effects of the effluent discharge.
Mr. Epp said the discharge permit was not obtained for the Turtle Farm’s older sewerage system, which includes the ‘touch-tanks’ where visitors can pet and even lift some of the smaller turtles out of the water.
A permit was obtained for the newer additions to the tourist attraction, including two swimming facilities and a predator tank, which holds sharks. Those are operated on a separate sewerage system, according to Mr. Epp.
Also, the complaints commissioner’s report stated that parts of Boatswain’s Beach were receiving electricity under an expired temporary connection agreement, known as an electrical services special connection.
The agreement was put in place in March 2006 with the condition that no buildings would use the power supply ‘except for testing and use of the lift station.’ However, Mr. Epp states in his report that power continued to be used beyond the agreement’s terms initially because 1,000 delegates were set to arrive for a Florida Caribbean Cruise Association conference in late September and early October of that year.
Boatswain’s Beach is a major attraction for Cayman’s cruise ship tourists.
‘According to (Mr. Ebanks), the power continues to be supplied through this illegal and unregulated system,’ Mr. Epp’s report stated.
Mr. Ebanks said he didn’t know about the situation involving the electricity use when he assumed the role of acting managing director last year. It was later discovered that certificates of occupancy had not been granted for many of the buildings and three water tanks at Boatswain’s Beach, which prevented the installation of permanent electricity meters.
As of 21 April, Mr. Epp’s report found that nine buildings and three pools at the tourism attraction had not received a certificate of occupancy. Those included the Turtle Farm Education Centre and the main reception building, as well as the two swimming pools and the predator tank.
The complaints commissioner did not recommend the closure of the Turtle Farm until its buildings and water facilities had been inspected because efforts continue to be made to complete those inspections. However, he said it was clear that the terms of the special electricity connection agreement had been violated.
‘(The agreement) was for a limited period of time and they (Turtle Farm) continued to run electricity for years and years,’ Mr. Epp said.
‘OK, we broke the law,’ Mr. Ebanks said during his statement to the complaints commissioner. ‘You can’t expect planning to do anything else but impose the strictest rules on us, and planning has to be safe. I don’t want planning to bend the rules for us. I got 400 people walking through (the water park). I got serious liability issues.’
Officials at Caribbean Utilities Company said that the Turtle Farm is being billed for its electrical usage, and said it was considered ‘a large user’ of electricity service. A CUC spokesman said there are several electricity meters on the Turtle Farm property, but he could not state whether they were temporary or permanent meters.
Pressure to open
The complaints commissioner’s report attempted to address reasons why first Mr. Hydes and then Mr. Ebanks apparently disregarded legal requirements to obtain a waste discharge licence and certificates of occupancy for Turtle Farm buildings and swimming pools.
Mr. Hydes said there was a great deal of pressure from the Ministry of Tourism on farm managers to open additions to the facility, including the swimming lagoons, and the predator tank.
At one point in his report, Mr. Epp cites minutes from a September 2006 meeting of the Boatswain’s Beach Board of Directors that record a message from the acting permanent secretary of the tourism ministry: ‘Good will of Cabinet now exhausted, project must open on time.’
Mr. Hydes also expressed a frustration with the time it was taking to get a waste discharge licence.
‘There is a view that management somehow made an effort to circumvent the law of the Cayman Islands and I’m really sick of it,’ Mr. Hydes is quoted as saying in the complaints commissioner’s report. ‘It was really a case of resources. The time and effort that we needed to do this on occasion was diverted to more pressing things. Quite serious things like actually keeping people paid.’
Mr. Epp said his staff had some sympathy for the pressure that Mr. Hydes was under. However, he noted that it was Mr. Hydes who took the decision to continue using the unauthorised electrical connection in violation of previous agreements.
The Water Authority was also cited in the report for essentially not doing enough to ensure the discharge permit was in place as required. At one point in 2005, authority Director Gelia Frederick-van Genderen considered referring the entire issue to the attorney general for prosecution. But that was never done.
The report quotes Ms Frederick-van Genderen stating her doubts that the Tourism Ministry would actually forward her information about the Turtle Farm to the AG, if she presented it to the ministry.
‘I was surprised (the Turtle Farm) was given a discharge permit for the new sewer system,’ Mr Epp said. ‘It may be argued that the regulator (the Water Authority) was in a stronger position to ensure compliance (for the older sewer system) had it refused a licence on the newer system.’
Conflict of interest
Until recently, Mr. Ebanks was a member of the Cayman Islands Water Authority Board of Directors.
The Caymanian Compass reported on 2 June that he had resigned that position citing other commitments.
That resignation was recommended by the complaints commissioner in his report.
Mr. Epp’s review found that Mr. Ebanks had not excused himself from certain meetings where issues regarding the Turtle Farm were brought up, following his joining of the tourist facility’s staff in early 2007.
‘The observer in this case could form the belief that the reason no decisions regarding (the Turtle Farm) were taken, or raised to be taken, by the (Water Authority) board was Mr. Ebanks’ continued presence,’ the complaints commissioner’s report stated.


Autonomous material handling solutions startup Third Wave Automation has closed a $40 million Series B funding round led by Norwest Venture Partners, and with previous investors Eclipse Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, and Toyota Ventures. The company will use the funding to accelerate hiring and commercialization efforts, company leaders said.
Founded in 2018, Third Wave formed a strategic partnership with Toyota Industries Corporation earlier this year. The company is developing technology that enables forklifts to perform complex tasks using shared autonomy; the equipment operates independently, but is able to ask for help when encountering challenges and can be assisted and trained by a human operator.
Third Wave combines three ingredients to make its technology effective and scalable, according to company leaders: adaptive automation that leverages 3D perception technology; shared autonomy that allows a human operator (who manages robots) to train robots as they encounter unfamiliar challenges; and continuous learning that enables all Third Wave-powered robots to learn from guidance to all robots on any site.
“Third Wave's solution is unique among its peers, leveraging a proprietary mix of adaptive automation, shared autonomy, and continuous learning,” the company said in a statement. “The end result is a system that is highly flexible, quickly deployable, capable of constant improvement, and delivers a rapid return on customer investment. Third Wave’s system renders improvements in safety, efficiency, and throughput while delivering unparalleled functionality, such as high rack pick-and-place.”
The Series B funding brings total investment in Third Wave to $59 million. In addition, Matt Howard, general partner at Norwest Venture Partners, will join Third Wave’s board of directors, the company said.
“While we weren't actively raising, having the opportunity to bring Norwest and Matt’s expertise into our orbit was too good to pass up,” Arshan Poursohi, Third Wave’s CEO, said in a statement Wednesday. “This extra capital will allow us to accelerate hiring and speed our path to the commercial market following our recent successful technical trials. We are now in active conversations with the top 20 3PLs and retailers in the industry. There is a real need for our technology and we are eager to meet that need.”
Other previous Third Wave investors include Heartland Ventures and Homebrew.


text:
Israel to issue national cryptocurrency
The Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Israel are planning to issue a national digital currency, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Using the cryptocurrency, the authorities want to reduce the amount of cash, as well as fight money laundering.
The Israelis, who want to acquire digital shekels, will be obliged to bind their account to a mobile number. It will help to avoid possible fraud with tax evasion.
The national cryptocurrency rate will be the same as for a regular shekel. The circulation of the digital currency is going to be controlled by the Central Bank.
To regulate digital shekel, the Ministry of Finance will develop a special article to the bill, which will be considered as early as January 2018.

domain: law


Featured Photo Courtesy of King Biscuit Blues Festival
King Biscuit’s 35th Blues Festival In Helena, AR
The 2021 King Biscuit Blues Festival is an opportunity to come home and connect to tradition, history and community through storied acts and stirring and uplifting performances of the blues. Held in early fall, this outdoor, multi-stage event features four days of continuous music and festivities promoting local and well-known blues artists and historic Helena, Arkansas. The event celebrates coming together and connecting while being taken away by the music in a city steeped in deep Blues roots and history.


text:
The Sway Comeback: On the 3rd May 2008, after 13 years away, all 4 original members of The Sway, David Casson (Vocals/Guitar), Jim Kook (Guitar), Paul Hogan (Bass) & Sean Kelly (Drums) ventured into the rehearsal studio to plot their return. David Casson, having penned some new tunes, initially to be a solo project, decided, after being approached to play The East Barnet Music Festival , to contact his former bandmates about playing his new songs live and it was agreed and the set will include the new tunes and some old Sway favorites.
Na Flirtic.rs svako može da nađe partnera. To je obećanje!
To je najbolje mesto za upoznavanje devojaka i momaka sa istim/sličnim interesovanjima. Rešavaj kvizove, upoznaj nove devojke za brak, vezu ili seks. Flertuj, izlazi i zabavljaj se! Internet upoznavanje devojaka i momaka iz Srbije i dijaspore.

domain: artistic


text:
It is questionable to increase the effects of pain medication or to serve as a substitute for them, via the use alcohol and marijuana to self-medicate. Alcohol brings on its own series of problems, and the chronic pain patient may drink throughout the day, complicating the effects of one or more of medications prescribed.
Marijuana is a much more complicated issue. For pain, nausea, inflammation, sleep and anxiety, it can reduce the patient’s suffering. However, it is not legal, and in most states, it cannot be prescribed.
I have a patient with a severe knee injury. She had been prescribed a series of opiates (hyrdrocodone, oxycontin, etc) which have a moderate impact upon her pain. The medications also make her agitated, irritable and disrupt her sleep. She is often so sleep deprived as to be totally dysfunctional during the day.
She decided to stop taking the prescribed narcotics at bedtime and to use marijuana instead. While still questionable, she slept better, was less impatient and demanding of family, and was coping better with her pain.
She was also breaking the law in her state, and for that reason, she reluctantly stopped using marijuana and relied again solely upon her prescribed narcotics.
Very brief history: Marijuana (cannabis) has been found in the 2700 year old tomb of a Chinese shaman. It was introduced into Western medicaine in the 1840s by a physician and was used by Queen Victoria. By the early 1900s, it was among the pharmaceuticals manufactured in the U.S. for its pain, sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.
The Federal Narcotics Bureau pushed through a taxation on marijuana in 1937, and it was removed from the pharmaceutical industry in 1942. In 1970, the Controlled Substance Act classified marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug and stated that it had no medical use.
There are over 70 components (called cannabinoids) in the marijuana plant. Components have potent anti-inflammatory effects, improve circulation, and reduce nausea and pain. The components of the marijuana plant often act in combination, a synthetic recreation that has sometimes been questionable and not been successfully replicated, which is why Chinese medicine prefer the use of the whole plant.
In 1999, the Institute of Medicine report stated that it was useful for anorexia, nausea and pain. And about every 10 years, our government investigates the use of marijuana in medicine.
As we begin to understand the impact of components of marijuana, we have investigated its impact on appetite control, muscle control, pain, pressure within the eye, cognitive functioning, regulation of temperature and nausea. It has been studied in diabetic pain, HIV pain, and it has been shown that marijunana increass the effect of narcotic analgesia without increasing the dosage of the narcotic.
We cannot control how, when or if our patients use marijuana. But some patients will continue to use it as a coping mechanism for glaucoma, chronic pain, cancer and other disorders.

domain: health


text:
Labor multinational tax crackdown to claw back $1.9b
Labor expects to raise almost $1.5 billion over the forward estimates by limiting debt-related deductions by multinational firms to 30 per cent of their profits. This follows ongoing concerns about companies moving high interest debt between their international subsidiaries so as to effectively wipe out their tax liabilities.
About 600 companies are expected to be caught up in this measure.
Almost $500 million is forecast to come from limiting the “abuse” of tax treaties when holding intellectual property in tax havens. Another 100 businesses are forecast to be affected by this policy.
Big Tech companies including Meta and Apple did not want to comment on the policy, while Google was also contacted for comment.
Labor is also promising new transparency measures around reporting requirements including beneficial ownership, tax haven exposure and connections to government tenders.
Another $3 billion is expected to be raised by “sensible and staged savings” from outsourcing arrangements.
About $500 million of those savings have already been spent, with Labor committing an extra 1080 frontline staff for Services Australia, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the NDIS.
While announcing some expenditure measures, Labor said it would outline all of its proposals ahead of polling day.
Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said the plan was not even “remotely credible” as Labor was not forecasting how much the economy would grow, how many jobs would be created or by how much wages would rise.
He said the $5 billion in extra tax and cuts to consultancies was not enough to cover Labor’s own $5.4 billion childcare policy.
“Anthony Albanese needs to come clean on what further cuts are on the cards or which taxes they will raise to pay for their election spending promises,” he said.
“Labor’s claimed savings on contractors are as likely to happen as Anthony Albanese is to fly to the moon. The idea that Labor will uncap public service numbers but somehow end up with a saving by spending less on contractors is fanciful.”
The Coalition has attacked Labor for not adopting its 23.9 per cent tax cap that was introduced by Scott Morrison. No government since John Howard in 2004-05 has breached the cap.
Chalmers and Gallagher said the tax cap reflected an assumption that governments would return bracket creep to taxpayers when financial circumstances allowed.
They said this would also guide their approach to tax cuts
Cut through the noise of the federal election campaign with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Sign up to our Australia Votes 2022 newsletter here.


text:
get the recipe
Salted Mini Chocolate Chip Challah Buns
Servings: 8 buns
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Rise Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Mini braided challah buns with chocolate chips and sprinkled with sugar and salt.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (56 grams)
- ⅓ cup honey (113 grams)
- ½ cup water (118 ml)
- 2 ½-3 cups bread flour (300-360 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoon active-dry yeast (1 package, 7 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (85 grams)
- 1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water , for egg wash
- Coarse sugar , for sprinkling
- Coarse salt , for sprinkling
In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the butter, honey and water until butter is melted. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, or until 120-130°F.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 1 ½ cups of the flour with the salt and yeast. Add the butter mixture, mixing until combined, followed by the eggs.
With the mixer on medium speed, add the remaining flour ¼ cup at a time until dough is sticky, but does not come off on your hands when touched. You may not need all 3 cups of the flour.
Add the mini chocolate chips. Continue kneading dough on medium speed until smooth and elastic about 5-7 minutes. Put dough in a greased bowl and cover with greased plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch down dough gently to release gases. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces, cover with the greased plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out the dough.
Working with each piece at a time, divide them again into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch long rope. Lay 2 of the ropes out in front of you and place the other 2 on top, perpendicular to the first two. Alternate over and under (similar to a pie lattice). Take the 4 ropes that are "under" and pull them over the "over" ropes to their left. Tuck all rope ends under, creating a round braided bun.
Place the braided buns on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash and cover with greased plastic wrap. Let rise until almost doubled again, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F.
Brush with egg wash again and sprinkle generously with the coarse sugar and salt. Bake until golden, about 15-20 minutes. Serve immediately.
Buns are best the day they are baked, but will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Calories: 326kcal, Carbohydrates: 49g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 78mg, Sodium: 181mg, Potassium: 101mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 292IU, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 1mg

domain: food


text:
Los Angeles - Robert Pattinson will reunite with Kristen Stewart for the premiere of the final Twilight movie.
The 26-year-old actor has told friends he does not want to ''see or speak to'' 22-year-old Kristen after her fling with married film director Rupert Sanders, 41.
But the Twilight co-stars - who play couple Bella Swan and Edward Cullen in the film - have been told by producers they must attend the November premiere of Breaking Dawn Part 2.
They are contractually obliged to be pictured side by side on the red carpet.
A source told The Sun newspaper: ''RPatz is in pieces, but the Twilight love triangle storyline is nothing without him and Kristen. It is eating him up that he has no choice but to see her again because of work. His humiliation is total.''
Robert moved out of the Los Angeles, California mansion he shared with Kristen after he discovered her affair with father-of-two Rupert.
The couple had been together for three years and both Kristen and Rupert - who met on the set of Snow White and the Huntsman - have publicly apologised.
24.com publishes all comments posted on articles provided that they adhere to our Comments Policy. Should you wish to report a comment for editorial review, please do so by clicking the 'Report Comment' button to the right of each comment.
Lady Gaga has never been one for dressing down, but the G.U.Y. singer took her strange fashion sense to a new level recently. Read More »
A galaxy of old and new pop stars has recorded a song to raise money for the fight against the Ebola virus ravaging West Africa. Read More »
Watch it here!
Nothing, and we mean nothing, will keep goalkeeper Scott Stirling from stopping the ball!
JohannesburgUltra Personnel cc
PietermaritzburgPronel Personnel Consultants Pietermaritzburg
Pretoria EastCapital Growth
TownhousesR 4 900 000
HousesR 8 800 000
HousesR 1 495 000

domain: celebrity


ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX™ 3060 Ti Twin Edge OC LHR 8GB GDDR6 256-bit 14 Gbps PCIE 4.0 Gaming Graphics Card at best price in Pakistan
Stock arriving on 6th June
Get Amplified with the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX™ 30 Series based on the NVIDIA Ampere architecture. Built with enhanced RT Cores and Tensor Cores, new streaming multiprocessors, and high-speed GDDR6 memory, the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Twin Edge OC gives rise to amplified gaming with high fidelity.
Out of stock


text:
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
|Title:||Enhancement and bias removal of optical coherence tomography images: An iterative approach with adaptive bilateral filtering||Authors:||Palanisamy, P.
Sudeep, P. V.
Issac Niwas, Swamidoss
|Issue Date:||2016||Source:||Sudeep, P. V., Issac Niwas, S., Palanisamy, P., Rajan, J., Xiaojun, Y., Wang, X., et al. (2016). Enhancement and bias removal of optical coherence tomography images: An iterative approach with adaptive bilateral filtering. Computers in Biology and Medicine, 71, 97-107.||Series/Report no.:||Computers in Biology and Medicine||Abstract:||Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has continually evolved and expanded as one of the most valuable routine tests in ophthalmology. However, noise (speckle) in the acquired images causes quality degradation of OCT images and makes it difficult to analyze the acquired images. In this paper, an iterative approach based on bilateral filtering is proposed for speckle reduction in multiframe OCT data. Gamma noise model is assumed for the observed OCT image. First, the adaptive version of the conventional bilateral filter is applied to enhance the multiframe OCT data and then the bias due to noise is reduced from each of the filtered frames. These unbiased filtered frames are then refined using an iterative approach. Finally, these refined frames are averaged to produce the denoised OCT image. Experimental results on phantom images and real OCT retinal images demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed filter.||URI:||https://hdl.handle.net/10356/83116
|ISSN:||0010-4825||DOI:||10.1016/j.compbiomed.2016.02.003||Rights:||© 2016 Elsevier Ltd. This is the author created version of a work that has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication by Computers in Biology and Medicine, Elsevier. It incorporates referee’s comments but changes resulting from the publishing process, such as copyediting, structural formatting, may not be reflected in this document. The published version is available at: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiomed.2016.02.003].||Fulltext Permission:||open||Fulltext Availability:||With Fulltext|
|Appears in Collections:||EEE Journal Articles|
SCBE Journal Articles
Files in This Item:
|Enhancement and bias removal of optical coherence tomography images An iterative approach with adaptive bilateral filtering.pdf||6.29 MB||Adobe PDF|
checked on Sep 5, 2020
WEB OF SCIENCETM
checked on Oct 16, 2020
Page view(s) 50280
checked on Oct 19, 2020
checked on Oct 19, 2020
Items in DR-NTU are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.

domain: literature


Companies like BMW, Audi, and Mercedez-Benz have reached iconic status when it comes to luxury Automotives! Their cars are specimens of ingenious design backed by menacing speed. However, there’s something about the BMW automobiles that gets my heart thumping just a little more. BMW cars are high on utility, performance, speed, and craftsmanship, and not to mention they even exhibit a level of artistry. Automobile fanatics and designers clammer at the release of a fresh and fierce BMW design, and in the anticipation of one, they often find themselves inspired and engaged! The result is a plethora of innovative and jaw-dropping concept designs. And here we’ve collected the best of these BMW-inspired concepts for you. You would love to actually see them on the road, I’m sure!
1. The BMW Motorrad CH4 superbike
This drop-dead gorgeous café racer designed by Sabino Leerentveld instantly sparks the visuals of Tony Stark taking on the bad guys in sublime style. The ability to snake through the crowded city streets in hot pursuit, or simply show off the sublime style quotient arriving at the next big Stark Industries meeting. Complementing the Iron Man helmet when it comes to life, the BMW Motorrad CH4 superbike has Tony Stark influence written all over it. Right from the aerodynamic geometric shape to the big fat wheels meant for a high-speed adrenaline rush.
2. The hybrid BMW IM Vision sports car
Meet the hybrid BMW IM Vision sports car tailored for the rush of speed while being sensibly powered by an advanced electric engine. The highest possible efficiency level fused with the sharp looks and mind-boggling horsepower and bhp – well, that’s a rare combination anyone would fall for! The design is inspired by the aerodynamic figure of future-proof fighter planes like Stealth bombers – which explains the sharp geometric shapes on this one. The exposed structure is influenced by the clear view mono cabin of the war machines.
3. The BMW Motorrad concept
The BMW Motorrad concept envisioned by Jeroen Claus, Design Director at FRANK Industrial Design, this racing beast shaves off the fat muscle (nothing demeaning though) for a sleeker look apt for the Gen-Z riders. As Jeroen himself defines it as a chopped-off BMW R9T custom motorcycle design. The side fenders flow into the front of the bike, covering off the headlight section, giving it a stealth bomber-like persona.
4. The i Vision Circular Concept
The i Vision Circular Concept debuted at the Munich Auto Show as BMW’s first-ever ‘100% recyclable’ car. Designed for the year 2040, the i Vision Circular Concept comes with a design featuring parts that are completely detachable (thanks to the use of intelligent fasteners like cords and press-fit joints instead of glue and welding) and easy to fix/repair. The car’s body is made from recycled aluminum, its interiors use fabric made from recycled plastic, and even the tires are made from a “sustainably cultivated” natural rubber.
5. The Razorite
Meet The Razorite, an all-electric BMW I8 sports car concept envisioning the iconic i8’s rise as a phoenix from the ashes after going out of production in 2021 and looking for a strong comeback if the German automaker brings it back to life. The all-carbon black paint job highlighted by the Alpine, Yokohama, AEM, and ADVAN livery makes this sports car concept something that’s destined to be the dream car material – one that you desperately want to take control of behind the wheel.
6. The KF33 electric motorcycle
The KF33 electric motorcycle by Rodrigo Magro Mañas is a cyber bike that gives a purview of the automotive industry a decade into the future. Rodrigo provides the motorbike with a fat belly to accommodate all the mechanical parts and, of course, the battery. Looking at this bike, the first thought that struck my mind was the above-mentioned battery/motor compartment. It is humongous! Given that the designer intended it to be a café racer, I’d imagine the “fuel tank” to be much smaller. You will need the bike to bounce from one café to another with plenty of time in between to charge it, while you hang out with your café buds (or bud-lights)
7. The Concept CE 02
Being more than just a mere cool toy, this electric two-wheeler is a futuristic yet simple solution for urban mobility, focusing on city tours to be precise. According to the head of vehicle design, BMW Motorrad, the bike is a skateboard on wheels, developed for anyone who likes to be mobile and independent. The Concept CE 02 has a very minimalist footprint and a low center of gravity – in line with the company’s aspiration to bring a level of design innovation honed by the emotional element, and most of all, the riding fun.
8. The BMW Ki Concept
Salvatore Ville, a car designer at Tata Motors, takes his bikes seriously, probably why he embarked on modifying the design of a BMW K100 into an attractive café racer. Salvatore says he wanted to give the bike a sensual appeal by giving it sexy proportions. According to him, the BMW Ki Concept embodies the aesthetic heritage from the yesteryears, in a shape that’s not limited by the norms of the law. The bike is powered by an electric motor and manages to retain BMW’s DNA in totality.
9. The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY
A completely new concept between bicycle and motorbike, this concept focuses on the emotional connection between the user and the vehicle, taking it beyond a simple machine to a ‘partner in crime’. With its graphic yet dirtbike-like design, the sleekness of the concept focuses on the bicycle-like aesthetics with the functionality and soul of a BMW Enduro motorbike. It is this balancing act that makes it the perfect urban bike as well as a design that can go farther/longer ahead with you when you need it to.
10. Connected Dynamics
This renewed vision of a hair-raising four-wheeler with a refreshing CMF concept lies right in the realms of automotive designs that strike the right balance between form and function. A very tightly knit body design that flows from the front to the back, urging the onlookers to just be bemused by its presence on the road. The wide stance makes the car generate tons of aerodynamics efficiency and the assurance to stay glued to the tarmac as speeds hit in excess of 185 miles per hour.


|Camera Type||Megapixels||Optical Zoom||Image Stabilizer||Release Date|
Fujifilm S8600 Compare Cheapest US Prices
You are subscribed to price alerts for this product
Fujifilm S8600 Compare US Used Prices
Assumed Exchange Rates
Fujifilm S8600 Review
Why Has it Scored 88?
It has great user reviews with 95% of buyers recommending this digital camera to others.
This digital camera is over 2 years old and it is likely that newer cameras with better features are available. However it has good reviews so it may still be worth considering. View the latest cameras 2018.
This Fujifilm digital camera has some great features:
Should You Buy it Now?
Fujifilm S8600 Video Reviews
How Big is the Fujifilm S8600?
The Fujifilm S8600 is 121.3mm wide and 80.8mm tall. It is 64.6mm deep and weighs 380g.
Fujifilm S8600 In-Depth Analysis
Value For Money
Marvellous Value for Money
The product has excellent reviews but mediocre features. However at $183.33 it is still cheaper than 79% of cameras.
Price Has Gone Up by $33 (18%)
There was a cheaper price of $149.99 on eBay 46 days ago.
to be notified when the price goes back down.
The megapixels of the Fujifilm S8600 of 16MP is pretty typical compared to most other digital cameras. It is higher than 61% of all cameras when sorted by this feature.
4608 X 3456 Pixels Image Resolution
This camera has a maximum image resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels, which is typical of many digital cameras.
Bigger Than Average Optical Zoom
The optical zoom of the Fujifilm S8600 of 36x is in the biggest 10% of all cameras when ordered by this feature.
Only 1280 X 720 Pixels Video Resolution
The Fujifilm S8600 has a maximum video resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. That's 56% lower video resolution than a 1920 x 1080 pixels digital camera, which is the most frequently found resolution. Across all digital cameras the resolution ranges from 160 x 120 pixels (worst) to 3840 x 3840 pixels (best). A video resolution of 1280 x 720 is known as "HD 720".
Average Minimum Aperture Number
The minimum aperture number of the Fujifilm S8600 of 2.9 is pretty standard compared to most other cameras. It is in the largest 43% of all cameras when ordered by this feature.
Has an Image Stabilizer
The Fujifilm S8600 has an image stabilizer. 78% of cameras also have an image stabilizer.
Average Maximum ISO Sensitivity
The maximum ISO sensitivity of the Fujifilm S8600 of 6,400 is pretty average compared to most other cameras. It is higher than 56% of all cameras when ordered by this feature.
Has a Built-In Flash
The Fujifilm S8600 has a built-in flash. 68% of cameras also have a built-in flash.
Heavier Than Average
The weights of digital cameras range from 50g to 1.5kg, and the average weight is 300g. The Fujifilm S8600's weight of 380g is heavier than 70% of all cameras when ordered by this feature.
Average Image Sensor Size
The image sensor size of the Fujifilm S8600 of 0.435" is fairly standard compared to most other cameras. It is in the biggest 55% of all cameras when sorted by this feature.
4608 X 3456 Still Image Resolution
The highest still image resolution supported by the Fujifilm S8600 is 4608 x 3456. That's over five times the resolution of a 1712 x 1712 camera, which is the most common resolution supported by cameras. This Fujifilm digital camera also supports a still image resolution of 4608 x 3072, 4608 x 2592 and 3456 x 3456. The resolution of all cameras ranges from 384 x 480 (worst) to 6016 x 4016 (best).
Smaller Than Average Maximum Aperture Number
The maximum aperture number of the Fujifilm S8600 of only 19 is smaller than 77% of all digital cameras when ranked by this feature.
Shorter Than Average Minimum Focal Length (35mm Film Equiv)
The minimum focal length (35mm film equiv) of the Fujifilm S8600 of only 25mm is shorter than average when compared to most other cameras. It is shorter than 76% of all digital cameras when ordered by this feature.
Smaller Than Average Digital Zoom
The digital zoom of the Fujifilm S8600 of only 2x is very small compared to most other cameras. It is in the smallest 1% of all cameras when ordered by this feature. Across all the digital cameras the digital zooms range from 1x to 810x, and the average digital zoom is 12x.
Average Display Diagonal
The Fujifilm S8600's display diagonal of 3" is relatively standard compared to most other cameras. It is larger than 37% of all cameras when ranked by this feature.
00074101023848, 00741010238488, 04547410262957, 04547410262988, 04547410263015, 07350053452343, 07350053463899


At a time when health services the world over are under tremendous strain to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there has emerged good news on the front of combating another major global health menace — the scourge of mosquito-borne diseases, which take a heavy toll in the developing world. The Indian subcontinent has been particularly impacted by the loss of mandays due to sickness, as well as by lives lost, owing to diseases like chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever caused by mosquito bites, while there is the recent example of large scale devastation in Africa wrought by Zika.
With mosquitoes become increasingly resistant to insecticides, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed last month that many governments around the world are now considering alternative forms of mosquito control, including the use of nuclear techniques that have the added advantage of being environment friendly.
Last month witnessed the release of what is called the Guidance Framework for Testing the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) as a Vector Control Tool against Aedes-Borne Diseases, which is a product collaboration between the IAEA, the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Special Programme for Training and Research of Tropical Diseases (TDR) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). This document has been prepared with the involvement of 15 experts from twelve countries, and will serve as guidance for governments interested in using the SIT technique. The project was jointly financed by the TDR, the WHO and the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme and Peaceful Uses Initiative.
According to the IAEA’s release on the subject “the guidelines will facilitate the implementation of both research and operational programs.”
The SIT, or Sterile Insect Technique, is an insect birth control method whereby radiation is used to sterilise male mosquitoes, which are then released to mate with wild females resulting, thereby, in no offspring. Over time this leads to a decline in the mosquito population and in the diseases they carry.
SIT is an environmentally friendly technique to gradually lessen the transmission of Aedes mosquito-borne diseases. According to the IAEA, this is a species-specific form of insect control, initially invented to control agricultural pests such as tsetse and fruit flies, which avoids risking other species and ecosystems.
“One of the great values of this guide is that it harmonizes the SIT approach and its application for all IAEA member states who are interested in adding an environmentally friendly tool to their tool kit to reduce the vector that carries diseases,” said Patricia Godoy-Kain, the IAEA’s Programme Management Officer who has experience in overseeing a related project in Latin America and the Caribbean.
SIT has historically been used against agricultural pests that attack crops and livestock. The IAEA and the FAO, through their joint Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, has been providing technical support to over 60 countries in implementing the SIT, which has now been adapted for use against Aedes mosquitoes.
The Guidance document released last month guides experts on how to fight diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever and Zika, which cause over a million deaths every year. It outlines how a programme can be initiated, first through a pilot phase, so that decisions can be made on whether or not to implement the technique in the affected areas of a particular country. The document also offers guidance on engaging communities, ensuring cost-effectiveness and carrying out effective programme monitoring and evaluation.
Through an IAEA technical cooperation project, the SIT technique against Aedes mosquitoes was recently implemented for the first time in Greece which is considered a high-risk zone for diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.


Looking for a more urban, cultural setting, where you can still afford a spacious house with a rolling green lawn? Check out Ottawa. It not only made No. 1 on this year’s Best Places to Live ranking, it did so for the third time. And even though house prices have risen steadily—up 19.2% in the last four years—Ottawa is still a great place to buy. It has high discretionary incomes (thanks to all those federal government jobs), steady population growth, a low unemployment rate and housing costs that average a respectable $307,000. Couple that with a vacancy rate of less than 1% and average monthly rents of $1,065, and you have a good bet for both real estate investors and residents alike.


text:
Steamboat Springs After waiting more than four months since their Planning Commission hearing, the owners of the Nordic Lodge will have to wait a little longer. City Council, after reviewing issues such as sidewalks and architecture, decided to table the project until June 5 to let city staff and the applicant come to an agreement on a few issues.
The owners of the motel, which is located at 11th Street and Lincoln Avenue, want to add a coffee shop, office space, an employee apartment and a retail use at the front of their business on Lincoln. At the same time, they will be constructing a second story on three of their buildings to make up for the rooms the owners must demolish to free up space for the new businesses. The motel currently has 39 rooms.
Planner Tracey Hughes said the development has taken a long time to review in part because of a number of issues the city and the applicant had not agreed upon.
Discussion at council focused on the request by city staff that the applicants construct a sidewalk and bridge along 11th Street that would cause the elimination of eight parking spaces. Izabela Banas presented council with a petition signed by 35 local business owners asking the city to consider keeping the spaces. A few of those owners and nearby residents came to council to voice their opinions on the issue, most asking council to keep the parking there and not make the owner pay for a sidewalk.
"This is a huge penalty for this owner and I think it's distinctly unfair," said Paul Herrmann, who lives across the street from the motel.
Council members such as Council President Kevin Bennett said there was not enough of a connection between the need for a sidewalk and the new traffic generated by the businesses to reasonably demand the 11th Street sidewalk. But the city will likely ask the applicants to enter into a local improvement district to build a sidewalk and possibly a bridge along Oak Street.
Numerous references were made by both the city and the applicants' architect, Laura Frey, to the Mountain Town Sub-Area plan and the Mobility and Circulation Plan, both of which deal with issues of pedestrianization and parking. City Council found the plans to have some conflicting directives as to the need for pedestrianization versus the need for more parking.


text:
The Taliban declared the restoration of their Islamic Emirate, days before the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks that sparked the U.S. invasion in Afghanistan. The new government places core hard-line leaders in top positions and excludes women and members of the Shiite minority, belying its earlier assurances that it would be representative of all Afghans.
Tens of thousands of people eligible to resettle in the U.S. and other countries are still trapped in Afghanistan after the last American troops left the country, ending an international airlift. With Afghanistan’s neighbors sealing their borders, many of those trying to leave have had to resort to traffickers or other means of leaving the country. On Thursday, Taliban authorities allowed some 200 Americans, U.S. permanent residents and holders of other Western passports to leave the country on a flight to Qatar, the first such departure by air since U.S. forces withdrew last month.
50% off + free delivery on $20 orders with DoorDash promo code
20% off your next online order - Walmart coupon code
Expedia Coupon - 15% off for members
Journeys Coupon: $20 off $100 + free shipping with email sign up
20% Off Activities + Extra 25% Off Beauty & Wellness w/ Groupon Promo Code
Up to 15% off + free shipping at Wayfair


text:
Youthful, cute and oh-so trending, the Summer Overall Short is a must-have for the warmer seasons. Featuring adjustable straps to ensure the perfect fit and a crisp cuffed hemline, you can’t go wrong with this playful piece!
Key Features Include:
– Adjustable wide band straps
– Front functional half-pocket detail
– 4-pocket denim styling
– Branded Chic Denim buttons on either side
– 100% Cotton denim fabrication
– Pull up style
– Relaxed leg
– Cuffed hemline
– Above knee length
Layer over a Cotton tee, finishing with your go-to white sneakers and a pair of gold hoops for added attitude.

domain: design


text:
Three Ghanaians stowaways hoping to open a new chapter of their lives in Europe have ended up in Tema, their old life.
The stowaways, 45-year old Emmanuel Agyei; 45-year old Samuel Yalley; and 46-year old Akesse Francis Alan have been repatriated to Ghana.
They went as far as Namibian waters when they stole their way onboard the vessel, MV Kota Lumba.
The three climbed into the vessel in late September, using a bamboo ladder on the blind side of the ship’s crew, the GNA has reported.
According to the GNA they had no idea where the ship on which they hid was heading. But they were confident the destination would be better than Ghana.
But days into the journey into the unknown, they were nabbed.
They were transferred to a sister vessel, Kota Salam at Walvis Bay anchorage in Namibia.
That vessel brought them back to Tema.
The three had hoped for greener pastures but after days on the ocean, the land on which they stepped again was good old Tema where their hustle to make ends meet began – and is set to continue.
The pressure seek better economic fortunes continues to fuel stowaway attempts across Africa.
In August 2019, seven stowaways were arrested in Tema in two separate incidents. Two of them, Ghanaian teenagers, and the five were Nigerians.
The Ghanaian teens from Western and Central regions had hoped to reach Belgium. During a routine inspection mid-way, they were found in the engine compartment of the MSC Dymphia vessel.
They got to Belgium shores but not on Belgium land. The boys, 15years and 16yrs were put back onboard MSC Katyanyni, at the port of Antwerp in Belgium which was bound for the Tema Port.
The five Nigerians had attempted to stow way on onboard a vessel in a Nigerian port. But when the vessel docked at Tema port en route to Europe, their preferred destination, the five were arrested.

domain: geography


text:
I've been making this Passionfruit Slice for years, so it only seemed right to try making it in my Thermomix and I certainly wasn't disappointed! This Thermomix Passionfruit Slice recipe is so easy to make and is the perfect summer slice to take along to your next BBQ.
Parmesan Chicken Sausage Rolls 2 large chicken breasts, chopped into chunks 1 large carrot, roughly chopped 1/2 large green capsicum, roughly chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled 1 small onion, peeled and quartered 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable stock concentrate, or to taste 50-75g parmesan cheese, weight depends on the intensity of flavour Freshly cracked pepper 4 sheets puff pastry, thawed
Thermomix Tomato Paste 1.5kg of very ripe, red tomatoes. (It might be less, depending on what will fit into the bowl!) 1 tablespoon of sugar I teaspoon of rock salt 1 tablespoon of olive oil 2 bay leaves


text:
Genting is to build a series of new mid-size cruise ships, which will operate on charter to global hotel brands.
The cruise line intends to order the vessels from its wholly-owned shipyard group, MV Werften. The project will provide enough work to keep its three German yards busy until 2024.
MV Werften is currently building two ‘Global Class’ vessels for Genting, with the first delivery scheduled for 2021. The keel-laying ceremony for the second in the series was held this week, at which Genting CEO Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay announced the building of the ‘Universal Class’.
“After the delivery of the two ‘Global Class’ ships, the largest ships ever built in Germany, we will contribute our experience to the construction of the ‘Universal Class’,” confirmed MV Werften CEO, Peter Fetten, at the ceremony.
While smaller than RCL’s 230,000 gt ‘Oasis Class’, the 208,000 gt ‘Global Class’ ships will each have a capacity for 9,000 pax – the largest in the cruise ship sector.
The ‘Universal Class’ will be smaller than the ‘Global Class’ at about 90,000 gt and about 2,000 pax capacity. They will be powered by LNG and their interior design will offer a more spacious environment, Genting said.
Since March, 2016, the former shipyards in Wismar, Rostock and Stralsund have been operating as MV Werften under Genting’s ownership.
Employment at the yards has doubled since the construction of the ‘Global Class’ began, and Genting is investing $300 mill in yard modernisation. Genting also owns Bremerhaven-based Lloyd Werft, which focuses on cruise ship repairs and superyacht construction.
“The acquisition of our shipyards is part of the strong strategy of [Genting], which now has its ships built on its own shipyards,” said CFO Carsten Haake. “It recognised the need to renew the infrastructure and has demonstrated willingness to invest.”

domain: economics


text:
Plastics and the Environment: A Global Dilemma
Plastics have become an integral part of our modern lives, revolutionizing industries, enhancing convenience, and improving product longevity. However, the exponential growth in plastic production and consumption has led to severe environmental consequences. This essay explores the impact of plastics on the environment, including their production, use, disposal, and potential solutions to mitigate this global dilemma.
The Plastics Explosion
Plastics, derived from petrochemicals, were first developed in the early 20th century. Their versatility, durability, and low production cost quickly made them indispensable in various industries, from packaging to construction. Today, plastics are everywhere, from single-use items like bottles and bags to durable goods such as electronics and automobiles. The global plastic production has skyrocketed, with over 300 million tons produced annually as of the most recent data.
The Environmental Toll
While plastics offer numerous advantages, their widespread use has led to a myriad of environmental problems:
- Pollution: Plastic pollution is a pressing concern. Plastic debris can be found in oceans, rivers, and even remote wilderness areas. It poses a significant threat to marine life, as animals may ingest or become entangled in plastic waste. Additionally, plastics do not biodegrade but rather break down into smaller particles called microplastics, which can persist in the environment for centuries.
- Habitat Destruction: The production and disposal of plastics contribute to habitat destruction and land degradation. Plastic manufacturing plants often release pollutants, and landfill sites are often located in ecologically sensitive areas, leading to habitat loss and soil contamination.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The production of plastics, especially plastics derived from fossil fuels, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions exacerbate climate change, as well as the environmental problems associated with it, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
- Toxic Chemicals: Plastics can leach toxic chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), into the environment. These chemicals can be harmful to both wildlife and human health, potentially disrupting endocrine systems and causing reproductive and developmental issues.
- Resource Depletion: The production of plastics consumes vast amounts of resources, including fossil fuels and water. As the demand for plastics continues to rise, so does the strain on these limited resources.
Plastic Waste Management
Managing plastic waste is a complex challenge that involves multiple stakeholders, including governments, industries, and individuals:
- Recycling: Recycling is often touted as a solution to plastic pollution. While it can reduce the demand for virgin plastic production, recycling rates remain low due to various factors, including inadequate infrastructure, contamination of recyclables, and the limited recyclability of certain plastics.
- Waste Reduction: Waste reduction strategies, such as reducing single-use plastics and promoting reusable alternatives, are gaining momentum. Bans on plastic bags, straws, and other disposable items in some regions have shown promise in reducing plastic waste.
- Innovation: Researchers and innovators are exploring alternative materials to plastics that are more environmentally friendly. Biodegradable plastics and materials made from renewable resources are emerging as potential alternatives.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): EPR policies hold manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including the disposal phase. EPR can incentivize companies to design products with recyclability and environmental impact in mind.
- Clean-Up Efforts: Various organizations and initiatives are dedicated to cleaning up plastic waste from oceans and waterways. While these efforts are essential for mitigating existing pollution, prevention remains the primary goal.
Individuals play a crucial role in addressing the plastic-environment dilemma:
- Reduce and Reuse: Reducing personal plastic consumption and opting for reusable items, such as water bottles and shopping bags, can make a significant difference.
- Proper Disposal: Disposing of plastics responsibly, including recycling when possible, prevents plastic waste from ending up in the environment.
- Advocacy: Individuals can advocate for policies and initiatives that promote responsible plastic use and waste management in their communities.
- Consumer Choices: Supporting businesses and products that prioritize sustainability and use of alternative materials can encourage market-driven change.
The pervasive presence of plastics in our lives has undeniably transformed various industries and improved our standard of living. However, the environmental consequences of our plastic addiction are increasingly evident, from plastic-choked oceans to toxic pollutants in our soil. To address this global dilemma, a concerted effort is needed from all sectors of society.
Solutions to the plastics-environment problem must involve innovative technologies, government policies, industry commitments, and individual actions. These solutions include reducing plastic production, promoting recycling and waste reduction, developing alternative materials, and raising awareness about the environmental impact of plastics. Ultimately, a transition towards a circular economy, where materials are reused, recycled, or repurposed, can help break the cycle of plastic pollution and preserve our environment for future generations. It is imperative that we take immediate and sustained action to mitigate the devastating effects of plastics on our planet.

domain: chemistry


text:
Anne Rice, creator of the Vampire Lestat, the Mayfair witches and the amazing worlds they inhabit, now gives us the first in a new series of novels linked together by the fledgling vampire David Talbot, who has set out to become a chronicler of his fellow Undead.The novel opens in present-day... show more
Anne Rice, creator of the Vampire Lestat, the Mayfair witches and the amazing worlds they inhabit, now gives us the first in a new series of novels linked together by the fledgling vampire David Talbot, who has set out to become a chronicler of his fellow Undead.The novel opens in present-day Paris in a crowded café, where David meets Pandora. She is two thousand years old, a Child of the Millennia, the first vampire ever made by the great Marius. David persuades her to tell the story of her life. Pandora begins, reluctantly at first and then with increasing passion, to recount her mesmerizing tale, which takes us through the ages, from Imperial Rome to eighteenth-century France to twentieth-century Paris and New Orleans. She carries us back to her mortal girlhood in the world of Caesar Augustus, a world chronicled by Ovid and Petronius. This is where Pandora meets and falls in love with the handsome, charismatic, lighthearted, still-mortal Marius. This is the Rome she is forced to flee in fear of assassination by conspirators plotting to take over the city. And we follow her to the exotic port of Antioch, where she is destined to be reunited with Marius, now immortal and haunted by his vampire nature, who will bestow on her the Dark Gift as they set out on the fraught and fantastic adventure of their two turbulent centuries together.
Publish date: March 2nd 1998
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Pages no: 224
Edition language: English
Series: New Tales of the Vampires (#1)
4 stars First of all, I have to say that this is my very first Anne Rice experience. I have only contacted with her vision of vampires through the "Interview with the Vampire" film, which is why I knew who Lestat was (he is mentioned throughout "Pandora"), but had never heard of Marius and Akasha....
I quite enjoyed reading this book. One thing I should note though is that this book really should be read before The Vampire Armand for reasons of continuity.
This is in no way the best book in the series, but is an interesting look at a side character's story. Pandora was never explained in the "core" of the series, but here we look at her human life, how she was turned, and what happened afterwards. Not the best of Anne Rice but still good.
I was kind of weary of reading this after I read some of the reviews...and after I read Violin..which I still have not finished...but I must say I enjoyed this book better.I found Pandora to be very interesting..and not at all what I thought her to be..she wasn't the usual angst filled....woe is me ...

domain: library


As Atlanta historian and former city reporter Douglas Blackmon said in a June review of the book in The Wall Street Journal, Pendergrast tries to cover too much, bogging down in details.
Blackmon, now a scholar at the University of Virginia, also pointed to Pendergrast's contradictions in analyzing the issues of gentrification, affordable housing and the revitalization of poverty-stricken neighborhoods.
Pendergrast pushes the Beltline's potential in revitalizing the inner city, while asserting that the trail system will help those mired in poverty. But he doesn't delve deeply enough into how poorer residents will be able to afford to remain as property values rise, especially when the Beltline Corporation is falling short of its original aim of increasing affordable housing. He gives a superficial account of Beltine originator Ryan Gravel's resignation from the corporation over this issue.
Blackmon also questioned Pendergrast's assertion that the Beltline holds the power to solve Atlanta's long-entrenced problems of economic disparity, racism, automobile dependence and shortage of urban amenities.
While Pendergrast overstates the Beltline's power to transform the city, the system of trails encircling 45 Atlanta neighborhoods looks like more of a significant historical force than Blackmon acknowledges.
The Eastside Trail has brought remarkable changes to Poncey-Highland, the Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park, although those communities had been revitalizing for years. The Presidential Parkway also was a catalyst.
Adjacent to the Eastside Trail, the beautiful reservoir and surrounding park in the Old Fourth Ward stands as one of the city's best aesthetic enhancements since Centennial Park downtown.
The Westside Trail now nearing completion goes through neighborhoods with fewer prospects for renewal than those along the Eastside Trail. More entrenched in poverty and blight, those communities will have to overcome higher barriers.
A native of Atlanta and the author of a number of successful nonfiction books, Pendergrast undertook an impressive amount of reporting for "City on the Verge," as Blackmon mentions.
Pendergrast visited Beltline neighborhoods from the richest to poorest, spending nights with residents and walking streets, through woods and along creeks.
While his peregrinations grow confusing, Pendergrast gives vivid portraits of Atlantans seeking to make a difference with grass-roots efforts to improve their neighborhoods.
He sees those small efforts as more effective in the long run than massive "top-down" projects funded by corporate leaders like Falcons owner Arthur Blank, who gave money to aid impoverished neighborhoods affected by his Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Yet, in one of his contradictions, Pendergrast praises such corporate largess as necessary for Atlanta to carry out projects such as the Beltline.
Pendergrast makes the questionable claim that Atlanta lacks the tax base for such projects because of its low-density development. While Atlanta has less density than other major cities, its weak tax base is more the result of too many poor neighborhoods and anti-tax attitudes in wealthy areas like Buckhead, which has successfully resisted paying too much for social programs.
Shifting course from his account of the Beltline, Pendergrast toward the end of the book gives mini profiles of suburban counties and cities. While he displays substantial reporting, the connection of the suburban communities to the Beltline is weakly established. For some reason, he ignores Cobb County, whose metro importance has risen with the move of the Braves to the county.
With the suburban profiles, the history of the Beltline, and accounts of Pendergrast's childhood growing up in Buckhead, "City of the Verge" is like several not fully developed books stitched together.
Among the book's strengths is Pendergrast's look at the debate over Beltline mass transit. The Beltline Corporation is providing for rail lines in its trails construction, while others wanted the trails built without space for the transit system, which is to sometime in the future connect to the downtown trolley that Pendegrast rightly calls "a disaster."
While marred by bureaucratic language and clichés, "City on the Verge" gives a valuable history of the Beltline's development and a good synopsis of the challenges to its completion by 2030, when funding runs out. Despite its flaws, "City on the Verge" will serve as a good first draft for those excited about the Beltline and Atlanta's future.


text:
In the southern states, however, slavery was the basis of it is impossible to understand southern society and the origins of the civil war without reference to. Slavery essay slavery was ongoing in the southern states one must view it on several levels since the southern states did depend on slave labor so much. Slavery in the united states was the hammond developed his mudsill theory, defending his view on slavery none of the southern states abolished slavery. Essay on slavery, free study guides , because of the settlers were only viewing slavery from a economic view search reports and essays. While slavery was not the only cause for which the south fought during the civil war, the testimony of confederate leaders and their supporters makes it clear that slavery was central to the motivation for secession and war.
How the mexican-american war affected slavery have students research lincoln’s view on the war and prepare a short essay or class southern abolitionist. Slavery as a mythologized institution critical essays slavery in the united states a united front against southern interests never materialized — until the. Four years later slavery was abolished in the southern states of america following the while you will be able to view the content of this page.
Why did the south defend slavery so vigorously view of blacks ranged from them how did southern representatives work to protect slavery 1 clearly southern. Free and custom essays at essaypediacom take a look at written paper - how did economic, geographic, and social factors encourage the growth of slavery as an important part of the economy of the southern colonies between 1607 and 1775.
The civil war was slavery history essay print and do not necessarily reflect the views of uk essays a southern state to be readmitted to the. The southern argument for slavery 27f the southern which of the following was not a southern argument in favor of slavery religion economy legality climate. While the southern colonies of virginia and maryland were tolerant towards slaves at first describe the shift from indentured servitude to slavery (essay sample). So overall i have concluded that the main reason slavery had become so important to the southern way of slavery in the southern view the whole essay and.
Slavery was the dominating reality of all southern life from about 1840-1860 social and economical aspects of southern life can validate this generalization.
Throughout american history, the differences between the northern and southern states have often been the cause of divisions between. Read southern arguments for slavery free essay and over 88,000 other research documents southern arguments for slavery in the united states there was a heated debate about the morality of slavery. Using opposing viewpoints focus on the opposing views of slavery as an institution and the fugitive sources illustrating the southern defense of slavery. View all essays about the to evade southern with the knowledge of the past and to understand the arguments for and against slavery.
Impact of slavery on southern economy essaysslavery had a tremendous impact on all aspects of the south from 1810 to 1860 the effects of which can still be seen today in states like south carolina and georgia. Civil war term papers (paper 16349) on causes of the civil war : causes of the american civil war i introduction to civil war the american civil war was a war fought within the united states of america. Slavery term papers available at planet paperscom, the largest free term paper community. Benefits of slavery: a pro slavery essay from a southern plantation owner's point of view in the time of the civil war essay slavery-pro-slavery-essay-southern.Download

domain: history


Teens and adults, flocking to be scared senseless by a horror masquerade. Let’s tone it down a bit and find some fun for both parents and kids a like. Remember the hit television show “The Munsters”? How would you and your children actually like to see the “Munster Mansion”?
The Munster Mansion is alive and well in Waxahachie. Although the show only ran from 1964-1966, the love of the Munster family and their fabulous mansion will live on forever. So loved, that a local couple, Charles and Sandra McKee, have recreated the entire mansion, built it from ground up, and actually live in it now.
There were no blueprints to this famed television home. The McKee’s watched all 70 episodes repeatedly until they could draw the exact layout of the house. This incredible feat took over two years to build and they are constantly adding items to continue to finish the look. The exterior is not the only feature that looks the same, the interior is also painstakingly designed to scale.
Curious for a peek inside this haunting manor? Do they really have a trap door under the stairs? Once a year, around Halloween time, the McKee’s generously open their home for tours by hosting a charity event. Tickets must be purchased by cash at the gate and all profits go to the charity of their choice.
Recommended for You
The address to this fantastic home is not publicly posted. You must email the owners to obtain the address. There is no public parking and the road is stated to be “dangerous”. Guests are welcome to drive by during the year and are allowed to take pictures from the outside of their gates. If the gates happen to be open, please do not venture in as it is the McKee’s private home.
Many of the cast of the original Munster’s show have visited the McKee’s home. We all remember Eddie Munster who was played by Butch Patrick. He has visited the Munster Mansion several times and was a guest at the Halloween Event in 2012, and in 2002 along with Al Lewis, who played Grandpa. Marilyn Munster, played by Pat Priest, visited their Halloween Event in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Check their website for next year’s Munster Mansion tour dates and make it part of your annual Halloween tradition! You never know which “real” Munster might show up! (Note: Charles and Sandra are always Herman and Lily!)


text:
Sterilisable medical bags and pharmaceutical packaging for the health care industry
At Tub-ex, we produce tubular film which can be used as packing material in the medical and pharmaceutical industry. We are able to convert the tubular film into bags or sheets, ideal for packaging of sterile medical devices. All films recommended for use in the medical industry are sterilisable. Please go to our technical section to read more about bags used for collection of samples to be tested in the lab.
The Vapodrain® technology is based on the unique Tublin® film developed by TUB-EX. The technology is used for various medico applications as Tublin® is very skin friendly and allows the skin to breathe and sweat normally. At the same time it provides a secure barrier against bacteria and vira making the product ideal for preventing decubitus.
We are constantly working on developing new products for both our existing as well as new markets. If you have a special application please do not hesitate to contact us, as we might have the solution to your problem. With more than 30 years of experience in the tubular film extrusion industry, we have solved many problems for customers representing a wide range of industries.
Description coming soon.
Amilin ® M40 is used for applications where high chemical resistance is needed. Strong flexible film. High sealing strength.
Used as packaging material in the medical industry. Used for dry heat, as well as beam and autoclave sterilization.

domain: medical


Shakespeare’s Globe launches its 2013 theatre season on 23 April with Jeremy Herrin’s production of The Tempest. Olivier award-winner Roger Allam makes a welcome return to the Globe as Prospero, with Colin Morgan as Ariel and Jessie Buckley as Miranda. The Tempest is Shakespeare’s late great masterpiece, imbued with magical spirits and supernatural charm. This production marks the first of the Globe’s trio of enchanted Shakespeares this summer, running from Shakespeare’s birthday (23 April) until 18 August.
Award-winning actor Jude Law and acclaimed director Michael Grandage continue their collaboration following Hamlet and Anna Christie with Law playing Shakespeare’s Henry V in a brand new production at the Noel Coward Theatre as part of the Michael Grandage Company season.


text:
Prescription Pharmacy Bags Market Forecast and CAGR
The global sales/shipment of prescription pharmacy bags are expected to grow at 6.0% CAGR in 2021-2031. Increasing incidents of chronic illnesses associated with a sedentary lifestyle and the growing healthcare and pharmaceutical sector will be significant drivers for the prescription pharmacy bags market.
The Privacy offered by Prescription Pharmacy Bags will be Crucial in Driving Demand
Prescription pharmacy bags are widely used by pharmacies, hospitals, veterinary clinics, and dispensaries primarily to safeguard patients’ medical information. Most people prefer to keep their conditions private, as a variety of ailments may be considered distressing. The need to maintain confidentiality will drive the sales of prescription pharmacy bags.
Further, prescription pharmacy bags lend a sense of professionalism to pharmacies and healthcare facilities. While generic prescription pharmacy bags are the norm, businesses can personalize their bags with their logos as a way of reinforcing their brand and as a marketing tool. The aforementioned reasons are expected to drive the demand for customized prescription pharmacy bags.
Community Pharmacies to Push Demand for Prescription Pharmacy Bags
Community pharmacies are vital because it provide patients with a direct point of contact, putting them on the front lines of public health. Following the Covid-19 outbreak, pharmacists faced a slew of issues, including operating with restricted resources and labour.
As countries re-open, community pharmacies will wixtness an increase in sales, which is anticipated to drive the demand for pharmacy bags as it is convenient and sustainable.
The US and Canada Demand Outlook for Prescription Pharmacy Bags Market
The US and Canada market for prescription pharmacy bags is estimated to witness steady growth owing to manufacturers investing in innovations and sustainable technology in the region.
Many manufacturers are switching to recycling prescription pharmacy bags. Across the United States, Albertsons Companies pharmacies, a leading pharmaceutical brand, are switching from conventional white prescription bags to a new recyclable brown paper bag by partnering with Novolex.
A large percentage of people in North America use prescription medications, and the average pharmacy in the region fills roughly 700 prescriptions every week. The use of prescription pharmacy bags will increase the visibility and legitimacy of these pharmacies among their clients, fuelling demand.
Europe Prescription Pharmacy Bags Market outlook
Ongoing research and development in recycled paper-based packaging are expected to drive market growth since they provide a low-cost raw material that can be used to reduce plastic pollution.
Customers criticized Boots, the UK’s top pharmaceutical and beauty products retailer, for utilizing plastic prescription bags. With increased consumer understanding about what plastic may do to the environment, European prescription pharmacy bags are anticipated to foresee substantial growth in the paper bag segment.
Prescription Pharmacy Bags: Key players
Some key players in the prescription pharmacy bags market includes
- Big Valley Packaging
- Gilchrist Bag Manufacturing LLC
- Valley Northern Ltd.
- Origin Pharma Packaging
- Cardinal Bag Company Inc.
- Integral Rx (J M Smith Corporation)
- Broadway Industries
- IMS Euro Ltd
- Wisconsin Converting Inc.
- Alpha pack
- Greentech Packaging Inc.
Prescription Pharmacy Bags: Market Segmentation
Based on Type, the global prescription pharmacy bags market is segmented as:
- Flat bag
- Square-bottomed Bag
- Gusseted Bag
Based on Material, the global prescription pharmacy bags market is segmented as:
Based on End-use Applications, the global prescription pharmacy bags market is segmented as:
- Pharmacies and Dispensaries
- Dental/Eye-care/Dermatology clinics
- Veterinary clinics
- Hospitals Gift shops
Based on Region, the global prescription pharmacy bags market is segmented as:
- North America
- Latin America
- Asia Pacific
- Middle East and Africa
Market research and consulting agency with a difference! That’s why 80% of Fortune 1,000 companies trust us for making their most critical decisions. We have offices in US and Dublin, whereas our global headquarter is in Dubai. While our experienced consultants employ the latest technologies to extract hard-to-find insights, we believe our USP is the trust clients have on our expertise. Spanning a wide range – from automotive & industry 4.0 to healthcare & retail, our coverage is expansive, but we ensure even the most niche categories are analyzed. Reach out to us with your goals, and we’ll be an able research partner.
9F Nakano Sunplaza
Tel: +1 (888) 863-5616


|16-03-2010, 08:23 AM||#1|
Join Date: May 19 2008
[Techpowerup.com] (PR) Intel Brings Affordable Solid-State Computing to Netbooks and Desktop PCs
Intel Corporation announced today a new addition to its award-winning lineup of high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs): the Intel X25-V Value SATA SSD. Priced at $125, the 40 gigabyte (GB) drive is aimed at value segment netbooks and dual-drive/boot drive desktop set-ups to offer users the performance and reliability advantages of solid-state computing at an affordable, entry-level price.
SSDs can replace or coexist with traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). With no movable parts or spinning platters, SSDs are more reliable and higher performing than HDDs. This makes users more productive as they experience faster overall system responsiveness. With the affordable price point, consumers can now enjoy the benefits of an SSD by adding an SSD option to their current desktop PC in a dual-drive or "boot drive" set up. In a dual-drive configuration, the Intel X25-V SSD is added to a desktop with an existing HDD. The SSD is loaded with the operating system and favorite applications to take advantage of the speedy performance which is nearly 4x faster than a 7200RPM HDD. Users keep their existing HDD as a means of higher capacity data storage. This capability is commonly referred to as a "boot" drive since the SSD accelerates boot or start up time.
|affordable, brings, computing, desktop, intel, netbooks, pcs, solidstate, techpowerupcom|
|Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)|
|Similar Threads for: [Techpowerup.com] (PR) Intel Brings Affordable Solid-State Computing to Netbooks and Desktop PCs|
|Thread||Thread Starter||Forum||Replies||Last Post|
|[Techpowerup.com] (PR) OCZ Technology Makes Solid State Storage Affordable with Onyx SSDs||News||Reviews & News Online||0||11-03-2010 05:50 AM|
|[Techpowerup.com] (PR) Intel Announces Next-Generation Atom Platform||News||Reviews & News Online||0||21-12-2009 06:13 PM|
All times are GMT +11. The time now is 06:38 AM.


text:
The Todo slow cooker has a large 5.5 litre capacity and 4 control levels. It features a stainless steel body with ceramic cooking container and a tempered glass lid.
This Todo stainless steel slow cooker features 4 control levels to ensure you'll get a perfectly cooked meal. It also has cool touch carry handles as well as non slip rubber feet for added safety. Effortlessly prepare restaurant-quality meals with this 5.5L slow cooker today!
You must be logged in to leave a review. Login here
Panasonic Breadmaker - SD2501
LifeSpring Advanced Cold Press Slow Juicer 150W
Salta Hand Stick Blender
George Foreman Electric Griddle - GREG10
Kenwood Chef Kitchen Mixer Major Titanium
Sunbeam Cafe Series Food Blender 2000W PB9800
Copyright 2015 Mydeal.com.au - © All rights reserved


text:
As with every year, the second the Glastonbury Festival gates close, up starts the rumours for the following summer, and today is no different with word starting to circle regarding one of next year’s potential headliners.
Whilst we’d take things with an absolute pinch of salt this early on, The Sun is currently reporting that Ed Sheeran is readying to fulfil his dream of heading up Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2017, as he preps for his return to the scene following a year’s hiatus.
It’s widely-known Ed’s been taking some time away to record his third studio album, the follow-up to 2014’s X, and having championed a triple whammy at Wembley last year, we wouldn’t be surprised if there was some truth in the matter (particularly as The Sun seem to be ‘somewhat’ accurate in their sources – back in 2015 they confirmed Coldplay’s fourth headline outing months before any kind of official announcement).
Sheeran last played Glastonbury in 2014, both as a solo artist and appearing with Rudimental to preview their collaborative effort Bloodstream; whilst back last October, Ed told The Independent his desire to lead the charge as a Glastonbury headliner, saying “The next festival I do will be headlining Glastonbury, but it just won’t be ”
More Glastonbury news as and when we hear it.


text:
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Search native plant database:
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Mertensia ciliata (James ex Torr.) G. Don
Mountain bluebells, Tall fringe bluebells, Tall fringed bluebells
USDA Symbol: MECI3
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Several 1-3 ft. stems emerge in a clump from the woody root of tall fringe bluebells or mountain bluebells. Smooth, succulent leaves are crowded along these stems. A plant with clumps of leafy stems and loose clusters of narrowly bell-shaped, blue flowers turning pink with age. Pendent clusters of clear blue, tubular flowers exude a mild fragrance. Root crowns and rhizomes spread over time, forming extensive patches.
Mertensias are also called Lungworts, after a European species with spotted leaves which was believed to be a remedy for lung disease. Similar species differ in the proportions of the corolla.
Plant CharacteristicsDuration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf:
Fruit: Size Class:
Bloom InformationBloom Color: Blue
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NM , NV , OR , SD , UT , WY Native Distribution:
CO & extreme n. NM to CA Sierras, n. to w. MT & s.e. WA Native Habitat:
Stream banks; wet meadows; damp thickets USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing ConditionsWater Use: High
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist to wet loams & sandy loams.
Conditions Comments: Good air circulation is necessary to prevent mildew diseases.
BenefitConspicuous Flowers: yes
PropagationDescription: Divide rhizomes in the spring. It is also possible to propagate this plant from seed.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Seed scarification enhances germination. Rub between sheets of medium-grit sandpaper.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:
Native Seed Network
- Corvallis, OR
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species page
Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

domain: biology


text:
The pandemic became a turning point in the socio and economic organisation of the world. Not surprisingly, it had and continues to have a considerable impact on maritime trade and its workforce.
It may seem long ago now that cases of the novel coronavirus spread like wildfire across the world from January 2020. As the speed of contamination and serious consequences to public health became apparent, states swiftly imposed lockdowns and closed their borders. Taken by surprise by the gravity of the situation, governments faced shortage of personal protective equipment, hospitals were overwhelmed and funerary unable to cope. Lockdowns went on for months as people took to windows and balconies to applaud medical professionals who were at the forefront of the global response to the new virus. As personal tragedies developed ashore, from China to Italy, there was a growing crisis emerging at sea.
The world first paid attention to the maritime crisis when, in February 2020, the Diamond Princess was finally allowed to dock in Japan with its 2,666 international passengers and 1,045 crew. It remained on quarantine for almost a month as an ever-growing number of passengers and seafarers succumbed to COVID-19. In a quick succession other cruise liners were turned away from ports in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Cruise ships, in midst of its winter season, became the first casualty of the pandemic at sea.
Likewise, merchant ships felt the magnitude of the pandemic. Supply chains came to a halt, restrictions on port access were enforced and maritime administrations were instructed to work remotely having a direct impact on inspection and certification. Seafarers quickly became the human face of this crisis. It is now widely reported that border closures and travel restrictions impinged on crew change. Thousands of seafarers were unable to join their ships and start onboard service while an equally astounding number were trapped on board, prevented from going home. UNCTAD estimates that at its peak there were 400,000 seafarers stranded at sea. They had to work beyond the legally agreed contract period of 11-month and notwithstanding their continuous service, they were prevented from taking shore leave and seeking medical assistance ashore due to containment measures. There were reports of deceased seafarers being denied repatriation.
Two years on from the onset of the pandemic, its consequences are still felt by seafarers as new variants emerge and governments impose measures to protect public health and keep low infection rates. Seafarers still have to navigate border closures, reduced air transport, quarantine regimes and now vaccine mandates. Containment measures continue to affect crew change and seafarers’ access to shore leave. These have a ripple effect on seafarers’ mental health, can lead to fatigue and ultimately compromise operational safety.
In light of the continued adverse impact of COVID-19 on seafarers’ welfare and the global trade, the Officers of the Special Tripartite Committee of the MLC issued a statement calling on members states to recognize the critical nature of maritime transport and the importance of treating seafarers with ‘dignity and respect to ensure that they can continue to provide their vital services to the world’.
The Officers of the STC reiterate their request to all ILO Member States to bring together the appropriate departments and agencies without delay to address the following:
• Recognize seafarers as key workers and treat them as such;
• Ensure that, as key workers, seafarers are granted exemptions from travel restrictions to enable them to join and leave their ships and return home as already explicitly contained in the MLC, 2006 obligations on repatriation and entitlement to leave, while complying with good practice in infection control and are given access to vaccinations, and follow up doses required, as a matter of priority. Members States are encouraged to review the protocols which have been recognised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and made available online;
• Adopt the necessary measures to continue to facilitate crew changes, regardless of the nationality of ships calling in their ports. This should include creating sufficient structures that guarantee a safe flow of seafarers from ships to designated embarkation points and closer cooperation between different government agencies
• Continue to review their policies as flag States to prevent the extension of periods of service on board beyond their agreed tours of duty, which may result in increasing substantially the risk of stress and fatigue of seafarers, and fully exercise their responsibilities to mitigate the risks linked to fatigue and accidents by effectively policing ships and enforcing regulations, including provisions of the MLC, 2006;
• Ensure that robust action is taken to guarantee that seafarers are not blacklisted or stigmatized for refusing to extend their Seafarers’ Employment Agreements or for raising concerns and complaints under the provisions of the MLC, 2006;
• As flag States, consider limiting remote inspections to issue ship certificates to avoid an additional burden for seafarers assisting during such inspections and an increase in mental and physical fatigue;
• Allow seafarers to access port State medical facilities and receive medical attention on an equal basis as nationals and in line with the requirements set out in the World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulations and the MLC, 2006;
• As port States, facilitate seafarers’ shore leave in accordance with the existing national COVID-19 preventive measures in a safe and controlled manner and give full support to seafarer port-based welfare services, acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic clearly exacerbates the inherent stress, isolation and social pressures that seafarers experience and has adversely impacted the mental and physical well-being of seafarers and their families; and
• As labour supply countries, facilitate the prompt return home of those seafarers who have completed their contracts and allow seafarers to leave their home country to join their ships.
The Special Tripartite Committee’s intervention follows the publication of a ‘commentary’ by the ILO’s Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR). The CEACR report stressed that force majeure can no longer be invoked to evade full compliance with the MLC. The Committee stated:
54. The Committee is deeply concerned that violations of the Convention may further increase due to new restrictions adopted by governments to contain the variants of COVID-19. In this regard, the Committee notes with deep regret the existence of cases of denial of access to medical care ashore for seafarers, even in situations of the utmost urgency, as well as cases of consistent refusal to allow sick seafarers to disembark or to allow for the bodies of deceased seafarers to be removed from the vessels and for their repatriation.
55. Moreover, the Committee must again express its deep regret that a number of ratifying countries, continue to invoke force majeure as an overall reason to deny the right to shore leave and extend the duration of periods of service on board, beyond the agreed date and, in some cases, beyond the default maximum period of 11 months. These types of occurrences endanger not only the health and safety of the seafarers concerned but also the safety of navigation. In the same context, some labour-supplying countries have continued to refuse to accept the return of their national seafarers. As a result, these seafarers have been stranded without earnings, and with great uncertainty as to their return to their home country.
56. As stated in the 2020 general observation and given that almost two years have passed since the beginning of the pandemic, the Committee stresses that the notion of force majeure should not be regarded as a valid reason to deprive seafarers of their rights, as there are options available worldwide to comply with the provisions of the MLC, 2006.
Since the onset of the pandemic a number of international organisations and industry bodies have addressed or tried to address the challenges it posed to maritime trade and seafarers’ rights. On 27 March 2020 the IMO published a circular letter calling for the designation of seafarers as key workers. The latest circular shows that 64 countries have responded to the IMO appeal. At the ILO, in addition to the statements issued by the STC, the ILO Governing Body also published a resolution on maritime labour issues and COVID-19. In July 2021, the ILO and IMO released a joint statement on medical assistance and the vaccination of seafarers.
The plight of the seafarers achieved such a scale that initiatives were taken by organisations outside the niche maritime sector. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on international cooperation to address the challenges faced by seafarers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to support global supply chains. A partnership between UN specialised agencies including the IMO, ILO, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Global Compact devised a due diligence tool for the maritime industry.
SRI is continuing to follow the ramifications of the pandemic in the maritime industry and advocate for compliance and enforcement of the MLC.


text:
Families living at Arlington Court have been helping to care for the National Trust site while it remains closed.
Most of the trust’s staff have been furloughed, with a small team on hand to carry out essential tasks.
With only one of the garden team available to tend to the Victorian gardens, the trust has given three families living in staff accommodation a plot of land each to cultivate in.
The walled kitchen garden, which would usually be used for fruit and vegetables for the tea room, is now being shaped by the families, who have already starting work rotavating the soil and sowing seeds.
The remaining gardener, Beccy Hanson, thinks it will be a surprising change for regular visitors when they are able to return.
Beccy said: “I’m expecting our walled kitchen garden to look very different this year, a family veggie patch instead of the usual ordered kitchen garden designed to feed a grand house.
“The garden is very sheltered and fertile, the perfect growing space, so I’m sure they will be picking and eating the rewards of their efforts very soon.
“It’s nice to know the garden is being tended and enjoyed by at least three families while we are closed.”
Arlington’s visitor operations and experience manager, Kate Godden and her husband Tim are tending one of the plots with their little helper, two-year-old Fernley.
Kate said: “It’s such an odd time for us all right now but it’s great to have the opportunity to help out the team here and grow some of our own veggies along the way. None of us have undertaken any gardening quite like this before so it’s been a good challenge.”

domain: agronomy


text:
Young artists often sell their work through art dealers. Their usual agreement gives the dealer, in exchange for a fixed percentage on the proceeds, exclusive rights to sell not only the works already produced but also the works the artist will produce over some period of time. How would you explain the fact that the exclusivity extends over some time in the future?
This motivates the promotional effort of the dealer.
← Go back