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|Year : 2015 | Volume
| Issue : 1 | Page : 11-14
Limb amputations in Nigeria: The National hospital abuja experience
Habila Umaru, Chukwuemeka Christian Madubueze, Abdulrazak Alada, Chibuike Mathias Onu
Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Unit, National Hospital, Abuja, PMB 425, Garki-Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
|Date of Web Publication||8-Oct-2015|
Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Unit, National Hospital, Abuja, PMB 425, Garki-Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
Background: Limb amputation is a common live saving surgical procedure in orthopedics and trauma practice that is associated with profound psychological, social and economic consequences on patients and his family. Current reports from some parts of Nigeria suggest that diabetic complications are taking the lead as cause for limb amputations in place of trauma the traditionally known etiological factor in the country.
Objectives: To review the indications for amputations in our center and to compare our findings with published information, in view of its effect on the individual and the society and to suggest preventive measures.
Materials and Methods: An 8 years retrospective study of extremity amputations performed in our hospital. Data on age, gender, indication for amputation, level of amputation, and outcome of surgery were extracted from the patients' case files and the operation register. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and result presented in diagrammatic and tabular form.
Results: The records of 106 patients were analyzed, there were 73 males and 33 females (ratio of 2.2:1), the age ranged from 8 to 92 years with a mean age and (standard deviation) 43.76 (±18.69) years. Diabetic foot gangrene was the most common indication for limb amputation in 46 (43.3%) patients compared to trauma 22 (20.8%). Below knee amputation was the most frequent level of amputation 50 (47.2%). The most frequent complication encountered was surgical site infection in 30 (28.3%).
Conclusion: Diabetic foot gangrene was the leading indication for amputation in this study. Intense public enlightenment on prevention, early detection and effective treatment of diabetes and its complications will reduce the incidence of amputations in our environment.
Keywords: Amputation, diabetic foot, indications, limb
|How to cite this article:|
Umaru H, Madubueze CC, Alada A, Onu CM. Limb amputations in Nigeria: The National hospital abuja experience. Niger J Surg Res 2015;16:11-4
| Introduction|| |
Limb amputation is an ancient surgical procedure that has retains its relevance in modern time, the procedure has been practiced for punitive, ritual and therapeutic reasons including trauma, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), tumor, infection and congenital anomalies.,,, The decision to amputate a patient's limb is often one of the most difficult ones for the surgical team to make and a most trying period for the patient and his relations to give consent for the procedure. The anxiety of persons undergoing this procedure is rooted on the premise that major limb amputations are essentially disfiguring operations that carry a fairly high perioperative mortality and morbidity and persons who have undergone amputations are often viewed as incomplete individuals.,,
The indications of limb amputations vary from place to place, whereas in developed countries PVD ranks first as cause for amputation, in developing countries trauma, infections, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) and malignancies are some of the published leading causes for amputation.,
In Nigeria, the reported leading indication over the years has been trauma while traditional bone setters' (TBS) gangrene with malignancy and diabetic gangrene trailing as rear guards.,,,, However, recent data emanating from different parts of the country is suggesting otherwise, singling out diabetic foot gangrene as a leading cause of amputation in many centers., Other authors have also drawn public attention to the increasing importance of diabetic limb lesions in Nigeria.,, The reversal may not be surprising in view of enlightenment programs in the last decade on the problems of TBS and the advantage of early hospital presentation in trauma cases, which might be yielding attitudinal change.
| Materials and Methods|| |
This is a retrospective study of extremity amputations performed in our hospital between January 2005 and December 2013. A total of 126 patients had 128 limb amputations within the period, only 106 were entered for the study, 20 of the patients were excluded due to inadequate information in their records. Data on age, gender, indication for amputation, level of amputation, and outcome of surgery were extracted from the patients' case files and operation register. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 (Chicago, SPSS Inc.) and result presented in diagrammatic and tabular form.
| Results|| |
The records of 106 patients were analyzed, and there were 73 male and 33 female with a ratio of (2.2:1), the age ranged from 8 to 92 years (mean 43.76 &± 18.69). More than 60% of cases of amputations were between the ages of 20 and 59 years. There was biphasic peak age of occurrence of amputations at 30–39 years and 50–59 years as shown in [Figure 1].
Diabetic foot gangrene was the most common indication for limb amputation in 46 (43.3%) patients while trauma accounted for 22 (20.8%), the rest of indications are as shown in [Figure 2].
There were 89 (83.9%) amputations involving the lower limb, of these number, DM was the cause for amputation 45 (42.5%) cases, while there were 17 (16.1%) upper limbs amputations out of which trauma was the reason for the procedure in 13 (12.3%) patients. Below knee amputation (BKA) was the most frequent level of amputation that accounted for 50 (47.2%) of cases.
The details of other levels of amputation are as shown in [Figure 3].
The most frequent complications encountered were surgical site infection in 30 (28.3%) patients, wound dehiscence 13 (12.3%) and reamputations due to ascending gangrene in 8 (7.5%) cases. We recorded a total of 13 (12.3%) mortality. Of them, 11 (84.6%) of the total deaths were complications of diabetes while the rest (15.4%) were due to complications of advanced malignant tumors.
| Discussions|| |
Amputation is a common procedure in orthopedics and trauma practice for therapeutic reasons, usually to save patient's life. However, it is often associated with profound economic, social and psychological effects on patient and their family. This is partly due to unavailable or unaffordable rehabilitation facilities in most of our hospital setting, thereby making their reintegration to the society much more difficult or impossible. Hence, the need for regular review of the indications of this procedure to identify trends and proffer appropriate preventive measures.
The male preponderance in this study is consistent with findings in other published series,,,,, but a closer analysis of male to female ratio of 2.1:1 is much lower than finding of Ajibade et al. in Jawaid et al. in Pakistan who reported male to female ratio of 6.7:1 and 6.6:1 respectively, they observed that the male to female ratio is higher when trauma is the predominant indication for amputation compared to diabetic gangrene and PVD. This may explain the low male: female ratio in this survey, the predominant indication being diabetic foot gangrene.
The peak age of incidence is observed in the sixth decades, as seen in this study is comparable to recent report from South-West, South-South  Nigeria and North-Western Tanzania  who reported similar age incidence. A common factor to these recent reports is the fact that diabetic foot was the leading indication for amputation in all of them. However, it is at variance to earlier reports from Nigeria,,, which indicated the peak age incidence of amputation in the third and fourth decades. The significant difference in age of incidence as observed in these studies is due to variation of the indications for amputation, with trauma as the commonest reason for amputation in the younger age group, compared to diabetic foot gangrene and PVDs in the elderly.,
This study agreed with the documented triad of diabetic gangrene, trauma and malignancy as responsible for most amputations in Nigeria to a variable extent [Figure 2]. Our findings also buttress the observations from other parts of the country, pointing out that diabetic foot gangrene has overtaken other causes as the leading indication for limb amputations in our environment., These also corroborate the recent report highlighted by Dada and Awoyomi and reechoed by Odatuwa-Omagbemi and Adiki of the changing trend of indications of limb amputation in Nigeria from trauma and TBS gangrene to diabetic foot disorders., The increased incidence of diabetic foot complications requiring lower limb amputation may reflect the level of ineffectiveness of the early detection of DM and the foot at risk, medical education, patient compliance and overall control of DM in this population.
On the other hand, the relative decline in trauma as a leading cause of amputation might be attributed to the recent ban on the commercial use of motorcycle (a major cause of pedestrian injuries and road crashes ,) in most major cities and townships in Nigeria.
In contradistinction, TBS gangrene, which featured prominently as an indication of amputation in Northern and South-Eastern Nigeria in many reports previously,,,,, did not play significant role as reasons for amputation in this review. Some of the reasons adduced to current reduction in TBS gangrene are ascribed to possible change in attitude among the populace with increasing awareness of the problems of TBS and the advantage of early presentation in hospital following injury, which has been emphasized in previous reports.,,
In agreement with other studies,,,, most of our amputations were performed in the lower limbs and BKA was the most common type of amputation. Our finding is in conformity with other reports that lower extremities are injured more often than the upper extremities, and diabetic gangrene is commoner on the lower extremities than elsewhere on the body.,,
However, at variance is an earlier report from Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria and others that reported above knee amputation as the most common procedure performed than BKA.,, Late presentation of trauma with ascending gangrene and complications of TBS, advanced diabetic foot gangrene or malignant lesions that have involved the underlying bones are identified factors that often force the surgeon to opt for a higher level of amputation.,,,,
We observed wound infection rates of 28.3%, with close to half of them requiring secondary wound closure, this is comparable to report of 30% and 31.4% wound infection rates observed in Warri, South-South and Lagos, South-West of Nigeria respectively., Our reamputation rate of 7.5% (8 patients) is comparable to reports of 7.4% in Jos Nigeria, and 9.9% reported in Tanzania, but lower compared to 23% reported by Essoh et al. in Coted'Ivoire.
Reasons alluded to variations in reamputation rates range from late presentation with advanced disease to the majority of amputations being relegated to junior doctors who has little experience thus, increases the chances of revision amputation.,
We recorded a total of 13 (12.3%) mortality; this is similar to several reports of other authors ,, but higher than mortality of 7.0% reported from Warri, South-South Nigeria. The mortalities in our study were diabetes-related complications, wound sepsis and advanced malignancies with metastasis, which is similar to the Tanzanian experience.
| Conclusion|| |
Complications of diabetic foot ulcers were the most common risk factors for limb amputations in this study. Rigorous enlightenment of diabetic patients on foot care, effective treatment of diabetes and early detection/presentation of diabetes foot complications in hospitals will reduce the incidence of limb amputations in our environment.
| References|| |
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Chalya PL, Mabula JB, Dass RM, Ngayomela IH, Chandika AB, Mbelenge N, et al.
Major limb amputations: A tertiary hospital experience in Northwestern Tanzania. J Orthop Surg Res 2012;7:18.
Umaru H, Gali BM, Ali N. Role of inappropriate traditional splintage in limb amputation in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Ann Afr Med 2004;3:138-40.
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Masood J, Irfan A, Ghulam M. Current indications for major lower limb amputation. Pak J Surg 2008;24:228-32.
Abou-Zamzam AM Jr, Teruya TH, Killeen JD, Ballard JL. Major lower extremity amputation in an academic vascular center. Ann Vasc Surg 2003;17:86-90.
Olasinde AA, Oginni LM, Bankole JO, Adegbehingbe OO, Oluwadiya KS. Indications for amputations in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Niger J Med 2002;11:118-21.
Thanni LO, Tade AO. Extremity amputation in Nigeria – A review of indications and mortality. Surgeon 2007;5:213-7.
Solagberu BA. The scope of amputations in a Nigerian teaching hospital. Afr J Med Med Sci 2001;30:225-7.
Ogunlade SO, Alonge TO, Omololu AB, Gana JY, Salawu SA. Major limb amputation in Ibadan. Afr J Med Med Sci 2002;31:333-6.
Dada AA, Awoyomi BO. Is the trend of amputation in Nigeria changing? A review of 51 consecutives cases seen at Federal Medical Centre Ebute Metta, Lagos, Nigeria. Niger Med J 2010;51:167-9.
Solagberu BA. Diabetic foot in Nigeria – A review article. Afr J Med Med Sci 2003;32:111-8.
Teichmann J, Sabo D. Epidemiology and classification of diabetic foot syndrome. Orthopade 2009;38:1139-48.
Ofiaeli RO. Indications, levels and outcome of lower extremity amputations in Nnewi, Nigeria. J Med Invest Pract 2001;2:18-21.
Kidmas AT, Nwadiaro CH, Igun GO. Lower limb amputation in Jos, Nigeria. East Afr Med J 2004;81:427-9.
Jawaid M, Ali I, Kaimkanni GM. Current indications for lower limb amputations at civil hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. J Surg 2008;24:228-31.
Umaru H, Ahidjo A, Dogo H. Pedestrian injuries resulting from road traffic accidents: The Azare experience. Niger J Med 2007;16:169-72.
Falope IA. Motorcycle accidents in Nigeria. A new group at risk. West Afr J Med 1991;10:187-9.
Garba ES, Deshi PJ, Ihejirika KE. The role of traditional bone setters in limb amputation in Zaria. Niger J Surg Res 1999;1:21-4.
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Chalya PL, Mabula JB, Dass RM, Kabangila R, Jaka H, McHembe MD, et al.
Surgical management of Diabetic foot ulcers: A Tanzanian university teaching hospital experience. BMC Res Notes 2011;4:365.
Essoh JB, Bamba I, Dje Bi Dje V, Traore A, Lambin Y. Limb amputations in adults in an Ivorian teaching hospital. Niger J Orthop Trauma 2007;6:61-3.
[Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3]


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Antrim are top of the new look round robin style Leinster SHC Championship following a 0-23 to 2-11 win over Westmeath on Sunday, while London and Carlow played out a 2-17 apiece draw in Ruislip.
In Ballycastle history was made as Ulster staged a Leinster SHC game for the first time, with Paul Shiels top-scoring with 0-12 as Antrim claimed a six-point win.
In a keenly contested affair Westmeath were reduced to 13-men by full-time following second half dismissals for half-backs Aaron Craig and Tommy Gallagher, both on second yellow cards.
Brian Hanley's charges looked good in the opening stages and raced to a 0-04 to 0-00 lead early on with Niall O'Brian and captain Eoin Price registering their early scores.
The introduction of Arron Graffin in defence, with the Cushendall man returning from injury, proved to be key in turning the game in the Safrons favour, while Neal McAuley was also a lynchpin in defence throughout.
Shiels opened Antrim's account after seven minutes with the first of his ten pointed frees over the hour.
The hosts then outscored Westmeath by 0-07 to 0-02 over the next 17 minutes, to take a two-point lead, following a point from home clubman Ciaran Clarke.
Westmeath regained the lead after Derek McNicholas bagged the first of his sides two goals, and although Noel Conaty went in search of goal number two, Chrissy O'Connell pulled off a magnificent save between the posts for Antrim.
Antrim moved 0-12 to 1-06 ahead two minutes before half-time following a PJ O'Connell score and although Westmeath rallied with back-to-back scores from Ciaran Curley,
Kevin Ryan's side held a 0-12 to 1-08 interval lead.
Scores were at a premium in the third quarter, with Westmeath particularly wasteful in front of the posts on the restart.
Five unanswered points between the 46th and 56th minutes handed Antrim a 0-18 to 1-09 lead.
McNicholas bagged his second goal, and Price also worked hard, but Westmeath lost composure after Craig and Gallagher saw red in separate incidents, with the hosts claiming three unanswered points in the closing minutes from Shiels to ensure a six-point win.
Earlier, at the Emerald Grounds in Ruislip, Marty Kavanagh continued to show his scoring capabilities as his injury-time point ensured a share of the spoils in Carlow's clash with London.
Despite being without a host of players through their departure from the squad at the end of last season, such as Cork native Martin Finn, Ger Hennelly of Galway and John Walsh of Laois; all of whom were influential in the Allianz League Division 2B success last year, the Exiles looked likely winners in the closing stages.
Under new boss Tommy Harrell, the hosts led by four points in the 62nd minute, but Carlow claimed four unanswered points, including Kavanagh's late equaliser to share the spoils.
Earlier, the visitors had started brightly and led by 2-02 to 0-04 after 15 minutes, but London's only goal of the half came soonafter, as the hosts took a 1-11 to 2-05 half-time lead.
London pushed on in the second half and led by seven points eight minutes after the restart, 2-14 to 2-7, but Carlow never gave up and Kavanagh slotted a dramatic equaliser two minutes into added time.
Next up Westmeath host Laois while Antrim face Carlow next Sunday in the second round of group stages games.

domain: news


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Members of King Charles III’s staff reportedly were given a redundancy notice during the service of thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth II on Monday.
According to The Guardian, dozens of Charles’ staff at Clarence House could be jobless as he and the Queen Consort move into Buckingham Palace. The outlet shared that up to 100 employees are at risk with private secretaries, the finance office, the communications team and household staff positions on the line.
The outlet reported that several employees assumed that they would go with Charles to Buckingham Palace and did not know their positions were in jeopardy until they were served a letter Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s top aide, at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on Monday.
A source told the outlet: "Everybody is absolutely livid, including private secretaries and the senior team. All the staff have been working late every night since Thursday, to be met with this. People were visibly shaken by it."
The Guardian obtained the letter, which they report read: "The change in role for our principals will also mean change for our household … The portfolio of work previously undertaken in this household supporting the former Prince of Wales’s personal interests, former activities and household operations will no longer be carried out, and the household … at Clarence House will be closed down. It is therefore expected that the need for the posts principally based at Clarence House, whose work supports these areas will no longer be needed."
Alderton added: "I appreciate that this is unsettling news and I wanted to let you know of the support that is available at this point."
Staff members who are redundant are reportedly going to be assisted with finding alternative employment in other royal households, as well as assistance in external job opportunities.
A Clarence House spokesperson told the outlet: "Following last week’s accession, the operations of the household of the former Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have ceased and, as required by law, a consultation process has begun. Our staff have given long and loyal service and, while some redundancies will be unavoidable, we are working urgently to identify alternative roles for the greatest number of staff."
It is not yet confirmed if Charles and Camilla will move to Buckingham Palace as he takes on his role as King of England.
Funeral preparations are being made all week that will end with a final vigil that the Queen’s children are invited to.


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Everybody at Biff Bam Pop! is talking about Top Fives, so I guess it’s my turn. Put on your seat belts, because as the regular readers around here know already, my tastes are not normal. I liked Santa Claus and hated Dark Knight. It’s going to be a bumpy ride. Next, after the jump, my top fives in film, music, television, and comic books. Look out.
A writer learns to craft a murder mystery the hard way. A trucker with a craving for coffee finds his family at the end of the highway. A couple faces the zombie apocalypse. Strange World: A Biff Bam Pop Short Story Anthology is the first short story anthology to be curated by the pop culture website Biff Bam Pop. It features previously unpublished works by various authors from across North America, and includes an introduction from New York Times bestsellng author Jonathan Maberry.
Strange World: A Biff Bam Pop Short Story Anthology is available exclusively from Kobo right here.
Featuring stories by:
David Sandford Ward
eBook anthology to be released in the fall, featuring 13 unique horror, thriller and suspense stories, plus an intro by New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry.
August 7, 2012, Toronto, ON – BIFF BAM POP! has announced a tentative September 2012 release date for the inaugural horror, thriller and suspense project, Strange World: A Biff Bam Pop Short Story Anthology. The collection will be released in eBook format with an introduction from horror icon Jonathan Maberry.
The book will include 13 “imagination altering” short stories, all sourced from the BIFF BAM POP! community of writers and readers. With the success of last year’s Biff Bam Boo comics collection, the team behind the BIFF BAM POP! culture outlet expect to find an even bigger audience with the Strange World anthology.
Featuring an introduction by multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry, Strange World: A Biff Bam Pop Short Story Anthology will also include the following authors and their stories: Read the rest of this entry

domain: entertainment


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Beyonce Grammys Performance 2017: Pregnant Beyonce Owns the Night with Grammy Performance.It’s been a whirlwind of emotion for Beyonce fans everywhere. Just last week, Queen Bey announced that she was pregnant. Soon after, we learned that she meant twins. Fast forward one week later and where is Beyonce Knowles? Performing at the 2017 Grammy’s of course. Well, while she’s not busy snatching up awards for herself throughout the night. With anticipations high and the media in a frenzy Mrs. Beyonce Knowles-Carter unleashes the latest Beyonce Grammys Performance. It just may be her best yet. The lights dim and on the screen plays clips of Beyonce and her family styled in ethereal gowns and crowns. It was almost as if we were beginning another of Mrs. Carter’s visual albums. Then, rising slowly on a platform from below the stage, Beyonce appears dazzling as the light reflects off her gold dress. On her head is a golden, celestial crown. She looks like a Goddess- and she knows it. Owning the night, Beyonce travels through a discography of Lemonade. Showing her newly announced baby bump, Bey dances through the night singing melodies “Love Draught” and “Sand Castles”. Beyonce’s Grammys Performance was filled with dreamy visuals. Take for examples the scene where the artist stands draped in sheer fabric as the wind blows to and fro. Raising her hands, she suddenly becomes a deity. The celestial theme continues throughout the performance with stunts including Beyonce leaning back in her chair, almost touching the ground, as dancers bow before her feet. Like many of Beyonce’s past Grammy performances, this one is personal. A performer, a goddess, a mother, she showed us it all. Want to see more from the Grammys? See more of Beyonce and the 2017 Grammys night here. If you missed the performance, you can watch it now in the video below.
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domain: artistic


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Commuters traveling east on U.S. Highway 290 and Interstate 610 Loop interchange won’t have an easy drive for a few days.
The ongoing U.S. 290 construction project will rebuild the connector ramp from U.S 290 eastbound to I-610 North Loop eastbound, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. This will require the ramp to close for one week beginning at 9 p.m. Nov. 8 through 5 a.m. Nov. 16.
There are a few alternative routes that drivers can use:
No matter which detour drivers take,…
Houston Biz Journal
U.S. 290-Loop 610 connector to close for one week

domain: geography


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Have you ever felt that by going within, you are leaving the world behind when it needs you? Today, consider how useful it is to the world to quiet yourself with prayer.
Today let me turn from this bruised world and find the path to peace within.
Let me leave behind deafening sirens of suffering.
Help me remember going inward is not abandoning the pain of hurt people.
It’s knowing that I need to find that airy place—a sunlit walkway—
where I can carry peace back out into the world.
Help me go inside, and to find peace.
Help me take its first steps.
Today take the time to go within. Know that your finding peace helps the world.

domain: literature


Soventem is an all-new British built electric car manufacturer based in London, and opening an engineering centre at Mira Technology Park in the Midlands.
The new brand will be introducing an array of eye-catching carbon-neutral vehicles, alongside launching an ‘alternative to car sharing’ service for the UK.
Incorporated in 2019, the new company is to open an engineering centre at the Mira Technology Park in the Midlands providing Soventem with access to hundreds of automotive experts, cementing its position as a truly British-built manufacturer.
Each Soventem vehicle has been designed to stand out from the crowd, and to ensure every aspect of the manufacturing process is environmentally friendly. The carbon-neutral build utilises the greenest materials possible, while the lightweight monocoque structure is created using 3D printing additive manufacturing technology.
Scheduled to arrive on UK roads in 2024, Soventem creates EVs with drive systems that are low voltage for safety and they are also developing a power system, that by 2029, will not require mains charging or a visit to the nearest hydrogen filling station.
Alongside its carbon-neutral manufacturing processes, Soventem is looking to take a further step towards sustainable living with its ‘alternative to car sharing’ service.
Aiming to be launched in the UK in March 2024, with a crowdfunding campaign being unveiled later this year, Soventem is set to revolutionise the way people utilise their vehicles.
The service will allow users to utilise Soventem vehicles whenever they need them. The personalised on-board car assistant, LUCY, will remember each driver, greet them in their own language, and provide recommendations to maximise their driving experience.
With more drivers utilising car sharing schemes, it helps to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, lowering the overall CO2 in the atmosphere and improving the air quality, particularly in major cities.
Heading up the production of the Soventem range is Randip Bhogal, who has over 12 years of experience in the automotive world, having previously worked for Jaguar Land Rover and TATA motors, with three-times British Touring Car Champion, Matt Neal, as Soventem’s Brand Ambassador.
Robert Parson, Soventem CEO and Founder, added, “There can be no denying that electric vehicles are the future of the automotive industry. We are already seeing the UK government introduce legislation and laws to reduce the number of petrol and diesel vehicles on our roads and in the not so distant future, city centres are going to become electric vehicle only areas.
“Our mission is to not only provide drivers with the ability to purchase exciting EVs but also introduce a ground-breaking new electric vehicle car rental scheme, the ultimate, Alternative to existing car sharing services, Soventem could not have been timed any better!”
Image: courtesy Soventem Press Office


HIBA MOUNZER: FROM CHILD STAR TO FIRST LEBANESE POP SENSATION
CHILDHOOD AND FESTIVALS
Her Name is quickly related to the Lebanese Maestro Abdo Mounzer, also her father and manager who supported her dream and stood by her on her first stage appearance when she was 5 years old. As she sang the last notes of the song, echoes filled the room where the audience applauded warmly. The echo of her unique voice continues to resonate.
Hiba Mounzer grew up learning to dance as Britney Spears, Michael and Janet Jackson. She improved her singing skills by practicing songs by Majida el Roumi, Christina Aguilera and Lara Fabian. Hiba’s father watched and guided her throughout her journey from an outstandingly talented child to a number one artist.
Producers all around the world have been entranced by her captivating presence and performance on stage and by her mature range of voice. A precocious young girl, Hiba gained experience and confidence by travelling, along with her father, to compete in International Competitions. Before an acclaimed music audience, ten-year-old Hiba sang solo a Christmas Carol for the big event at Salle des Fetes Annexe de Mairis- Paris 14e. The performance was an instant success, gaining her much critical acclaim.
After this unexpected success, it was necessary to proceed accordingly. Abdo Mounzer put Hiba face to face with a larger audience after having helped her record a music album for children. Her first music video was for her song “Namleh”. As a result of her devoted effort to her first album “Yalla Yalla Ya Zghar”, Hiba was rewarded by being chosen to participate in the “Nile’s first child song” International festival. Her spontaneous performance of “Tic-Tac”, which was a featured song in her first album, captivated the audience, jury and even fellow competitions. Tic-tac became a hit song on the lips of all those who were present.
"I was so young at that time," Hiba says “I didn’t realize that I had a talent. For me, singing was just like having breakfast before school or saying a prayer before going to sleep.”
Growing up, Hiba had the opportunity most peers can only dream of:besides being a choreographer at school events, a talented piano player and a painter,
Hiba is a winner at singing festivals, a lead member in her father’s Christian Choir, a guest of honor at only 14 for international companies’ events such as "Lions", the voice of many of Disney’s Middle East cartoon characters including “Peperan”, “Pbnj” and “Kim Possible”, a presenter for TV show “Efrahou Maana” and a director at the Summer Village Theater. Ambitious as her life experiences prove, Hiba still longed for one more: Performance!
FAME AT 17 YEARS OLD
November 2001 brought winds of change to Hiba. She pursued her long awaited dream of being a performer. This was realized when she participated in Romania in the First International song contest for children, the event being supported by FIDOF. At only 14, she charmed the audience with her powerful voice that won her the 3rd runner up award and an unforgettable lifetime experience. “It was the first time I felt this love for singing” She says, “Although it was a tough competition and the song I had to sing was difficult and requires a professional singer, I did not let stage fear control me, and I discovered how powerful my voice can be.”
"...I decided from that moment, that I wanted this as my career!"
After years of preparation and hard work, Hiba released her first single in January 2004. “Chou Bhebbak” became the number one hit which also won her the “Popularity Award” in the Romanian Festival. Her videos were full of energy, and her drive for dancing was revealed to the world through the shows she choreographed. The audience took to the “Britney Spears of the Middle East” phenomenon especially after her second hit “Keef baddak habibi” in which video she demonstrated stunning dancing skills. To express their amazement with Hiba’s singular art and talent, fans and dancers from all around the Middle East poured their generous words of praise. In her songs which touch on the theme of love, Hiba respects the reserved Middle East culture and ideology and goes a step further by experimenting in modern forms of dancing.
A controversial jump to a "Whitney Houston" feel made the headlines with her exceptional, inimitable, and emotional chant in"Khedni Habibi". Journalists were stumped by whether to call her Britney Spears or "Christina Aguilera of the Middle East", Celine Dion or Whitney Houston. "This is crazy! It wasn't even a small part of my expectations.. For my name to be linked with these women is an honor. They were the reason I dreamed of this career, and my childhood idealization of these artists must have revealed itself in my adult performance, which remind critics and fans of the great performers of the West."
HOLLYWOOD AND CANNES
June 2005, HIS "Hollywood International Stars"music production company brought its plans to the Arab world. More than 150 performers from all around the Middle East, including Myriam Fares, Haifa Wehby and Jad Choueiri auditioned. Hiba was able to make it to the audition the last day;she was the last person to arrive to the set but the only one to be chosen to go to Hollywood. This gave her the opportunity to meet with producers such as Peter Rafelson, who works with Madonna, musicians as Steve Eggleston and attorneys as Jeffrey Phillips, the Jacksons’ attorney. Janet Jackson herself called Hiba and congratulated her on her success, even in USA, and proposed a deal for “Keef Baddak Habibi” to be added to Janet’s album and be sung in English in Jackson’s voice. Hiba returned to Lebanon with promising deals for the future.
With all the interviews, festivals, concerts, photoshoots, TV appearances, devotion to fans and the wild Hollywood trip, Hiba did not shift her attention from her responsibility as a devoted Cinema audio-visual student, as she graduated on top of her class in February 2008 from USEK. Her patriotic and national feel was exhibited during her participation in Alexandria’s International singing festival where she sang “Beirut ya Beirut”, coming home with 2 prizes and a Video Clip ready to be directed. Her aim was to show her personal vision of Beirut after the past years of shock and hope that Lebanon witnessed. Hiba was complimented warmly on the video, and her artistic style was emulated by other artists who made their own versions of Beirut songs.
Her success as a director took a step further after directing the film “Check mate”, which was chosen as the best among all student films of Lebanon by CCF “Centre Culturel Francais”. As a result, Hiba became the representative of Lebanon in the 60th Cannes Anniversary Students’ masters workshop in which directors, critics, producers, writers and journalists were present. Her latest film “Let it Rain” won her the “Directing and Cinematography” Prize for the European Film Festival 2008 in Lebanon.
WAITING FOR THE RIGHT MOMENT
"I will put all my energy, my efforts and talents to make people happy and give them something to look forward to. My directing skills will be a supply for my career; I will show the world who I am as a singer and what I am aiming for as a person."
Hiba is constantly one step closer to the top she has always dreamed of. With her self-motivation and ambition, she strikes as the Lebanese Diva you don’t want to compete with. With her mature voice and boiling passion, she manages to make every release a hit song and every video more original than ever before. "Yey Chou Bhebbak" track & video, released November 2010, became in its first week of release, an instant hit and jumped to the top 5 list in most Lebanese radio stations. It was accompanied by a music video she directed herself, which its imagery reflects the type of unique live show she works hard for and her love for performance.
Hiba has stayed away from the spotlight for a while, explaining in this statement: “As my career and commitment are growing as an artist, as a person I am an empath and I feel the need to step back and live day by day with my family and friends while Lebanon finds its feet again. My album is ready I have new songs that are sitting on the shelf, ready for the right timing.”
Nonetheless Hiba has kept her promise to her fans by delivering music & has decided to release "Tarekni Lameen". The next Hit ballad after "Khedni Habibi", released on February 2012. True to her respect for the Lebanese struggle through war and instability, the track was marketed to circulate only on social media sites, without any propaganda, media coverage nor a music video. A Hit that circulated ipods and playlists of Lebanese fans was highlighting Hiba’s singular style and ability to awaken the joy and enthusiasm she strives to create in the hearts of listeners. More strikingly is her creative persistence to prove that a true artist is unpredictable; a true artist cannot be labeled.
A NEW LIFE
True to her word, Hiba balanced her time between preparations, perspective, studies and true love which blossomed into marriage and family. And while she never stopped performing, rehearsing and maturing as an artist during these couple of years, she worked harder for an unexpected comeback in late 2017. A much anticipated music video for "Tarekni Lameen" was released, which bumped the song to number one on Lebanese and Arab radio stations in a short period of time. Promotion extended between Dubai (her residence) and Lebanon (her home country), with TV appearances and radio coverages for several months. This move was quickly followed by the release of the BOP "Baddi Gharam Jdid" in 2018 on which her team collaborated with UK studio Dr.Mix for its mastering and an unreleased remix production. Both music videos for the respective songs were shot in one day and directed by Hiba herself.
"I like to keep my vision clear, my team innovative with suggestions and my fans involved in every step I take." Hiba says, as she went on promoting her videos on Instagram and Youtube premier sessions, while both songs toured the night life with both their original and remixed versions.
Hiba revealed to fans that both singles were promotional for her upcoming album which she has been silently recording for the past 2 years. To their surprise Hiba released another album, a long-awaited official mastering of her pervious number one hit singles with remixes, promoted with never-seen before backstage rushes and throwbacks of their favorite moments.
Ready for the pre-order of her yet awaited new album to drop, an unexpected bump changed everyone's lives. Covid and the biggest Lebanese economical crisis yet, hit in late 2019.
Hiba says: “Today, many lives have changed. I put my plans on hold again but never lost perspective of what is important. I am always in touch with my fans, we encourage each other and whether I am on a creative roll or resting and taking care of my son, we stay in touch and discuss transitions in life and of course their ideas on the music I will be offering next. In whatever stage in life I am, music is my passion and language, that is why I chose it as a career and not a passing job... I am very protective of my dreams and grateful for the chances I've had to fulfill them at a young age… there’s a lot of potential still hidden in me, I am still on the way up, and by God’s will, I will keep singing and bringing Joy unto the wounded Lebanese people’s hearts”.


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Application of Collision Probability Estimation to Calibration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
Published April 02, 2019 by SAE International in United States
This content contains downloadable datasetsAnnotation ability available
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are designed and calibrated rigorously to provide them with the robustness against highly uncertain environments that they usually operate in. Typical calibration procedures for such systems rely extensively on track (controlled environment) testing, which is time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes cannot cover all the critical test scenarios that could be encountered by ADAS in the real world. Therefore, virtual (simulation-based) testing and validation has been gaining more prominence and emphasis for ensuring high coverage along with easier scalability and usage. This paper attempts to provide an alternative approach for calibrating ADAS in the controller validation phase by the aid of simulated test case scenarios. The study executes characterization of the uncertainty in the position and heading of the ego and the obstacle vehicles. This exercise captures the uncertainties in the states detection of vehicles in the environment and localization errors of the states of the ego vehicle. Following it, the approach estimates the probability of collision between the two vehicles for a given trajectory through a Monte Carlo approach. For illustration purposes, the method is then applied on tuning a Lane Change Assistance System for a four-wheel sedan equipped with Short-Range and Long-Range Radar Sensors.
CitationBithar, V. and Karumanchi, A., "Application of Collision Probability Estimation to Calibration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems," SAE Technical Paper 2019-01-1133, 2019, https://doi.org/10.4271/2019-01-1133.
Data Sets - Support Documents
|[Unnamed Dataset 1]|
- Koopman, P. and Wagner, M., “Challenges in Autonomous Vehicle Testing and Validation,” SAE Int. J. Trans. Safety 4(1):15-24, 2016, doi:10.4271/2016-01-012810.
- Xiao, L. and Gao, F., “A Comprehensive Review of the Development of Adaptive Cruise Control Systems,” Vehicle System Dynamics 48(10):1167-1192, 2010, doi:10.1080/00423110903365910.
- Toyota Motor Corporation, “75-year history of Toyota - Technical Development of Electronics Parts,” http://www.toyota-global.com/company/history_of_toyota/75years/data/automotive_business/products_technology/technology_development/electronics_parts/index.html, accessed Oct. 2018.
- Skogestad, S. and Postlethwaite, I., Multivariable Feedback Control Analysis and Design (John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 1996). ISBN:0-471-94330-4.
- Hayward, J., “Near Miss Determination Through Use of a Scale of Danger,” Pennsylvania Transportation and Traffic Safety Center, The Pennsylvania State University, Report no. 7115, 1972.
- Van der Horst, R. and Hogema, J., “Time-to-Collision and Collision Avoidance Systems,” in Proceedings of 6th ICTCT Workshop Safety Evaluation of Traffic Systems: Traffic Conflicts and Other Measures, 109-121, 1993.
- Katrakazas, C., Quddus, M., Chen, W., and Deka, L., “Real-time Motion Planning Methods for Autonomous On-Road Driving: State-of-the-art and Future Research Directions,” Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies 60:416-442, 2015, doi:10.1016/j.trc.2015.09.011.
- Paden, B., Cap, M., Yong, S.Z., Yershov, D.S. et al., “A Survey of Motion Planning and Control Techniques for Self-Driving Urban Vehicles,” IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Vehicles 1(1), 2016.
- Svensson, L. and Eriksson, J., “Tuning for Ride Quality in Autonomous Vehicle: Application to Linear Quadratic Path Planning Algorithm,” Dissertation, June 2015.
- Zhou, J. and Peng, H., “String Stability Conditions of Adaptive Cruise Control Algorithms,” IFAC Symp. Advances Automotive Control 37(22):649-654, 2004, doi:10.1016/S1474-6670(17)30417-2.
- Montgomery, D., Design and Analysis of Experiments 9th Edition (John Wiley Sons, Inc, 2017). ISBN:9781119320937.
- Michael, J., Segal, A.C., and Patwardhan, S., “Validation of Software Testing Results for Real-time Vehicle Control Software,” SAE Technical Paper 951927, 1995, doi:10.4271/951927.
- Touran, A., Brackstone, M., and McDonald, M., “A Collision Model for Safety Evaluation of Autonomous Intelligent Cruise Control,” Accident Analysis and Prevention 31(5):567578, 1999.
- Godbole, D.N., Sengupta, R., Misener, J., Kourjanskaia, N. et al., “Benefit Evaluation of Crash Avoidance Systems,” Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board 1621(1):19, 1998.
- Gietelink, O., “Design and Validation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems,” Dissertation, Technical Univ. Delft, 2007.
- Zhao, D., Lam, H., Peng, H., Bao, S. et al., “Accelerated Evaluation of Automated Vehicles Safety in Lane-Change Scenarios Based on Importance Sampling Techniques,” IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems 18(3):595-607, 2017, doi:10.1109/TITS.2016.2582208.
- Du Toit, N. and Burdick, J., “Probabilistic Collision Checking With Chance Constraints,” IEEE Transactions on Robotics 27(4):809-815, 2011, doi:10.1109/TRO.2011.211619010.
- Lambert, A., Gruyer, D. and Saint Pierre, G., “A fast Monte Carlo Algorithm for Collision Probability Estimation,” in 10th International Conference on Control, Automation, Robotics and Vision, 2008, 406-411, doi:10.1109/ICARCV.2008.4795553.
- Tass International, “PreScan,” https://tass.plm.automation.siemens.com/prescan, accessed Oct. 2018.


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Rising R&B/Soul singer LesIsMore discusses his musical origins
"Don’t let anyone get in the way of your journey to wherever you’re headed," the artist told RemixdMag. "If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen."
LesIsMore is a rising R&B/Soul singer currently based in Los Angeles and is determined to not let anyone get in the way of pursuing his musical journey.
The 23-year-old R&B/Soul singer has been consistent in putting out music and it is evident already that his work ethic is far beyond his years. From just one listen, it's clear to see how LesIsMore has a talent for mixing and mastering his vocals with the perfect beat. Audiences can easily vibe to any of his tracks, while he provides a melodic hook and catchy tune.
LesIsMore has a voice that is effortlessly smooth on any track, which has enabled him to earn an audience from all over the world.
"The feedback I receive from people who hit me up and tell me they listen to my music all the way from places like the UK, Russia, and South Africa ... It’s a crazy feeling!" LesIsMore said in an interview with RemixdMag.
With projects like "More Or Les" and "More Or Les 2" under his belt now, it is clear that LesIsMore is on his way to making a name for himself and distinguishing his music from others.
When asked about if his upbringing played a role in shaping who he is and defining his sound, the artist said, "Absolutely."
"My father used to be a part of a Dominican Spanish band where he played a few instruments such as a bass guitar and what we call a 'tambora' (drum)," he added. "So that definitely drove us to create our own music growing up."
One of his most recently released tracks called "Savior," is a good introduction for those who are listening to the artist for the first time. The track showcases his lyrical ability as well as his vocal range. Other singles like "Options," also fit in with his R&B-tinged sound and display his talent.
Some of the singer's music career goals for the future include reaching over a million streams on his music, headlining a show or tour, and collaborating on projects with artists like Ty Dolla $ign and Scott Storch. As far as his musical influences, LesIsMore named Drake, Chris Brown, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Bryson Tiller as a few of his main ones.
When asked what message that he hopes fans takes away from his music, LesIsMore responded, "Don’t let anyone get in the way of your journey to wherever you’re headed.
If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen."
Be on the lookout for what LesIsMore does next, as he says he has some additional music in the vault that he's ready to release.
In the meantime, you can follow LesIsMore on Instagram and stream his music below.


When adopting IaaS, there are a number of factors that can influence businesses in their decision to invest in this modern form of cloud computing.
Here are five of the best uses that a business can access as a result of IaaS, arranged in no particular order to provide you with some motivation of your own.
Perhaps the most important asset of IaaS is that it can help businesses to store the ever-increasing amounts of data that they generate.
The rate at which storage requirements are growing could completely swamp your company if you are unable to keep up with demand in house. But with IaaS you can invest in a flexible, scalable storage solution that can expand to meet your needs and give you the additional benefit of being affordable thanks to the pay-as-you-go pricing structure used by most providers.
Storing data is one thing, but businesses will also need to be able to analyse the information to extract value from it, as opposed to simply allowing it to sit dormant on some remote server.
With IaaS you can have access to full analytical tools and almost unlimited amounts of processing power, thus giving you the opportunity to carry out analysis of large amounts of data without putting unnecessary strain on your on-site systems.
Big data is becoming an important market within the cloud industry and IaaS is enabling modern businesses to keep up with better equipped competitors.
Bandwidth can be quite expensive, but it is a necessity if you want your IT ambitions to be achieved. This makes the operation of internal systems over your own network infrastructure, with the bandwidth limitations that this entails, far from ideal.
With IaaS you can buy bandwidth just as you would storage or processing capacity, since this on-demand approach to most elements of a typical cloud service is convenient for both providers and customers. Having bandwidth that can scale to suit your needs and budget will allow you to properly access all of the other business applications of IaaS.
A business that wants to use IaaS but remain in control of other technical elements of the service can opt to take this particular approach, opening up the possibility for software apps to be hosted externally but managed by an in-house IT team.
Apps of all kinds running in a variety of operating system environments can be tackled by IaaS, giving you the freedom to pick and choose from the most preferable packages while once more avoiding the concerns associated with maintenance of hardware or networking elements.
The benefit of this approach is that it gives you the leeway to integrate legacy apps into a modern environment without having to completely migrate to newer apps, which could require costly retraining.
On a broader level than individual software apps, businesses may find it convenient to use an IaaS platform to virtualise the entire operating environment for those using workstations.
Desktop virtualisation has become popular not only because of its convenience and flexibility, but also because IaaS can actually offer businesses better levels of security than they might be able to achieve on site.
This is particularly relevant for firms that have to comply with industry regulation relating to data protection or the handling of card payments.
IaaS may not be ideal for every company, but for those which want to combine the benefits of the cloud with a good deal of individual control might well consider this type of platform an appropriate acquisition. Given that adoption rates for IaaS are higher than ever, making the leap could give you the competitive advantage.


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USGS Washington Water Science Center
|U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
Release: March 21, 2011
[Editors: A video podcast about the project is on-line at http://gallery.usgs.gov/videos/350 .]
TACOMA, Wash. -- Scientists have developed a three-dimensional depiction of the geology of the Columbia Plateau that will aid water resource managers coping with declining groundwater levels, development, and climate change in the region, according to a report published by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Groundwater is a critical resource for the nearly 1.3 million people in the region, as well as providing irrigation water for the region’s estimated $6 billion-per-year agriculture. A recent USGS study showed that groundwater levels of the Columbia Plateau have declined over the past 25 years in about 80 percent of the nearly 500 wells measured in the study.
To help resource managers in the region, in 2007, the USGS Groundwater Resources Program began a study of the Columbia Plateau Regional Aquifer System to answer key questions about widespread water-level declines, reductions in groundwater flow into rivers, and the as-yet unknown effects of a changing climate on groundwater resources.
As part of the study, USGS scientists built a three-dimensional geologic model--a computer model of geologic units--to define the overall aquifer system in the Columbia Plateau, to be used in a regional numerical model of groundwater flow. The geologic model covers about 53,000 square miles of the Columbia Plateau in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
"The geologic model of the Columbia Plateau gives us a more complete picture of the shape and volume of the regional aquifer system," said Erick Burns, a USGS scientist working on the study. "This information will be used to build a groundwater flow model to help water resource managers who are working on the issue of declining groundwater levels in the region, and coping with changing development and climate conditions."
In addition to defining the geology of the aquifer system, USGS scientists also are documenting hydrologic changes and developing a "water budget" for the system. This information will help scientists build a groundwater-flow simulation model that managers can use to test ways of managing the region’s groundwater under different development and climate conditions.
This study and related groundwater availability studies are being conducted nationally by the USGS through the Groundwater Resources Program. Information about the Groundwater Resources Program is available online at http://water.usgs.gov/ogw/gwrp/activities/regional.html.
The report, "Three-Dimensional Model of the Geologic Framework for the Columbia Plateau Regional Aquifer System, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington," by E.R. Burns, D.S. Morgan, R.S. Peavler, and S.C. Kahle, is published as U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010-5246 and is available on the Web at http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2010/5246/ . The project Web page is http://wa.water.usgs.gov/projects/cpgw/ . Additionally, a podcast about this work is available at http://gallery.usgs.gov/videos/350 .


Uttarakhand Health Secretary R Rajesh Kumar did a surprise inspection of Civil Hospital and Sub District Hospital Mussoorie. Due to which there was a stir in the hospital. During this, he reprimanded the concerned officials for the disorder and filth found in the hospital. Not only this, doctors and staff were found missing in the hospital. On which he called for reply from CMS. At the same time, he instructed the hospital management not to allow doctors and employees to go on leave without the permission of the CMO. Uttarakhand Health Secretary R Rajesh Kumar closely inspected the emergency room, doctor’s room, ICU, city scan, ultrasound and X-ray etc. in Civil Hospital Mussoorie. On this occasion, he instructed the Uttarakhand DG Health over the phone that he should immediately remove all the shortcomings of the sub-district hospital by staying in Mussoorie. Also asked to make special arrangements regarding cleanliness.
He instructed the Dehradun CMO to remove the shortage of paramedical and class IV employees in the hospital. Health Secretary R Rajesh Kumar said that by inspecting various hospitals of Uttarakhand from time to time, efforts are made to remove the deficiencies there. So that better facilities can be made available to the public.
The Health Secretary said that he had recently inspected the health facilities and hospitals in Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts. Soon the shortcomings of paramedical and class IV employees in hospitals will be removed. For this, more than 800 nurses are being recruited. Whose benefit will be given to the people of the state. He said that many flaws have also been found in the Mussoorie sub-district hospital. Now an action plan will also be prepared regarding how to operate the hospital in a systematic manner.
He said that all concerned officials have been summoned regarding the deficiencies found in the hospital. An early meeting has been asked to remove the problems being faced in running the hospital. He said that there is a shortage of hospital staff in Mussoorie, but the staff in the hospital is also not coming regularly for their duty, which is a matter of concern. For which a detailed action plan will be prepared soon.
The Health Secretary said that out of the doctors posted in the hospital in Mussoorie, seven doctors have gone to do PhD. Work will also be done regarding the compensation of those doctors. CT scan machine, X ray, ICU facility is available in the hospital. An action plan will also be prepared to conduct them in an orderly manner. MRI facility will also be made available in the hospital.


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The August Break – Day 2 – Pattern
Went for a natural pattern of beautifully textured tree bark….
Café-houseboat belonging to Anne&Max, Alkmaar, NL (ahemm, anyone knowing me just a teensy bit will not be suprised to hear that I payed this place a second visit…actually even a third ^^)
Orange – well, it figures, right? 🙂
“Three” – taken at the dutch coast while cosily resting in a beach chair, considering to book the next (short) vacation right before even finishing this one 😉
Reflection of the fairy lights in the Loggia window, almost heart shaped …
Selfie with picmonkey filters – yep, bad hair day all over ^^
Revealing a bit of my love for colours of the aqua-Family. Just a teensy bit 😉
coffee from my favourite Cup – I even love the Sound it makes when putting the Cup on the saucer (nerd? yes) – then two of my yummiest coffee pads, the Hema regular coffee pads and then my vanilla flavoured ones (best enjoyed with chocomel in it ^^ again: nerd? oh well)
So this what I would call proper catching up. The first ten days of The August Break which is just as much fun and fulfillment – at minimum – as it was last year. What makes it so Special this year is that I know myself accompanied by wonderful friends from Germany, France, England, Australia, Canada who are doing this year’s August Break, too.
Sherry Galey, I wouldn’t want to miss for the world having met you through photo Blogging just one year ago…thought it seems so much longer!
Up from tomorrow, it’ll be less overwhelming for you guys, as I’ll shift to a day to day posting Habit 🙂 –
Happy Sunday everyone – and happy August Break !!


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NEW YORK — Starlet Alexa Aimes will be a guest on Riot Cast’s "Mad Scientist Party Hour" on Feb. 26, the performer announced.
Aimes said she recently met host Kevin Kraft, who is also a producer on Sirius XM’s "The Jason Ellis Show" on the Faction channel, who was was so impressed with her beauty, personality, and antics with Backstreet Boy guest AJ McLean, he immediately invited the aspiring stand-up comedian to be a guest on his own show.
“She's awesome, ”Kraft said. “She’s funny, loves video games, and she’s hot. Can't complain there. We’re looking forward to having her on the show.”

domain: celebrity


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Additional Info :
6. DIM Supplement 300mg | Diindolylmethane Estrogen Blocker for Men | Plus Calcium D-Glucarate & BioPerine | Aromatase Inhibitor for Hormone Balance, Fitness | Sulforaphane from Broccoli Sprout | 60 Caps
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Additional Info :
7. Estrohalt 2 Pack 120 Pills- DIM Supplement (Diindolylmethane) and Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) Best Estrogen Blocker for Women & Men | Natural Aromatase Inhibitor Vitamin to Help PCOS, Menopause, and PMS
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Additional Info :
8. Chrysin Cream 50mg for Men – Natural Aromatase Inhibitor – Anti Estrogen Blocker Supplement – Support Hormone Balance – 90 Day Supply, USA Made, Pharmacist Formulated (1 Bottle)
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Additional Info :
9. Estrogen Blocker for Men & Hormone Balance for Women- E-Block- Natural PCT Aromatase Inhibitor Anti Estrogen Acne Support Formula Post Cycle Therapy Supplement Plus DIM, Calcium-d-glucarate, Chrysin
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Additional Info :
10. Pure Science AE-3 Chrysin with DIM & Stinging Nettle Root Extract and BioPerine â€“ Natural Aromatase Inhibitor & Estrogen Blocker for Men â€“ 30 Capsules
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Additional Info :
How Do You Buy The These Are The Best Aromatase Inhibitor Supplement – A List From The Expert?
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domain: health


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In Georgia, two Muscogee County Child Protective Services supervisors were recently charged with falsifying records to maintain federal revenue.
DFCS Intake Supervisor Phyllis Mitchell and former Muscogee DFCS Acting Director Deborah Cobb are out on 45-day paid vacations (called “administrative leave” by the agency) pending the outcome of the investigation. DFCS employees alleged the two women were “ringleaders in an effort to alter, delay and destroy reports to meet internal guidelines and receive grant money,” WRBL News reported
“Dozens of boxes allegedly containing numerous falsified child abuse reports were wheeled out of the Muscogee County DFCS office and are now in the hands of federal agents,” the report explains.
This is nothing new. Whether it is the front line caseworkers falsifying court reports to justify child removals or claiming they’ve made investigative visits when they hadn’t, foster care caseworkers falsifying visitation reports to make it appear they’ve done their jobs, a foster care agency falsifying meeting minutes, falsifying time sheets for services paid for by Medicaid, falsifying the number of children you have to fraudulently obtain food stamps, or federal revenue maximization contractors using gimmicks such as targeted case management or random time studies to inflate administrative costs, turning fiction into fact is the sine qua non of the child protection industry.
Indeed, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels wrote an editorial saying that when he first took office, he had inherited a department of social services that “had been rocked by a series of criminal indictments, with cheats and caseworkers colluding to steal money meant for poor people.”
Governor Daniels felt the sting sting of a recent court ruling stemming from a case that pit the state against corporate behemoth IBM over a rather expensive human services computer system. In his ruling, Judge Dreyer wrote that “both parties are to blame and Indiana’s taxpayers are left as apparent losers.” Dreyer blamed “misguided government policy and overzealous corporate ambition” for the failure of the system, which he called an “untested theoretical experiment.”
WISH TV reports that “Dreyer previously ordered the state to pay IBM $40 million for subcontractor fees, making the total judgment against the state $52 million. The governor said the money will come out of a fund maintained for such purposes.” I can’t help but wonder exactly what kind of contingency fund the Governor was referring to when he said that.
ADOPTION GAME REMAINS THE SAME
From Michigan – among the more corrupt systems in the country – comes a news report, saying: “Child welfare offices in Ingham and Clinton counties are among several public and private agencies named in a lawsuit filed today alleging social workers lied to adoptive parents of special needs children about their kids’ disabilities and denied them funding available for parents of disabled children.”
Eight families with a total of 17 adopted children announced that they are planning to sue the Department of Human Services, “alleging deceit and violation of federal law going back 20 years.” The news continues on to explain that: “They are seeking more than $13 million in back Social Security assistance and other damages,” according to David Kallman, the Lansing attorney representing the families.
“The parents in this case were assured that the children they were adopting were physically and mentally healthy,” Kallman said in a statement. “DHS workers knew and documented that this was not the case. As a result, these families were, and continue to be, irreparably harmed.” The civil complaint names Governor Rick Snyder, DHS Director Maura Corrigan, and several other DHS officials.
Speaking of Maura Corrigan, she was in Detroit earlier this year demanding that the city hand over its Department of Human Services to the state. Corrigan told the City Council that a joint investigation by state and federal inspectors, along with the FBI, is going on to turn up “potentially illegal misuse of funds.” She also threatened that if the Council did not agree to voluntarily give up control of DHS, “we will move forward with adversarial proceedings to de-certify DHS as a community action agency,” Voice of Detroit reports.
Returning to the wrongful adoption case that was filed this week, this is nothing new. Fraudulent concealment and deliberate misrepresentation are par for the proverbial course, in the adoption end of the child protection industry.
Child welfare agencies and their service providers typically raise public policy concerns in their defense against claims of fraud in adoption cases. In Ross v. Louise Wise Services, a New York case decided in 2006, the court found that the “plaintiffs have demonstrated the existence of facts which, if proven at trial, establish a pattern of conduct, aimed at the public generally, that evinces a wanton indifference to the right of prospective adoptive parents to make an informed decision to proceed with adoption ” The defendant did not deny that it routinely withheld such information from prospective adoptive parents, “conceding that this was its standard practice at the time.”
In Mallette v. Children’s Friend and Services, the court held that when an agency undertakes to furnish the family and medical history of adoptee, it has duty to do so accurately. In Gibbs v. Ernst, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court recognized a cause of action for negligent failure to disclose information. In McKinney v. State, the Washington Supreme Court reached a similar conclusion, recognizing a claim against an adoption agency for negligent failure to disclose mandated information. In Wolford v. Children’s Home Society of West Virginia, the court recognized claims for fraud and negligence in an adoption case.
In M. H. v. Caritas Family Services, Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and Children’s Home Society of Minnesota joined the defendant as amicus curiae, arguing that the deliberate withholding of information about an adoptive child’s background makes for sound public policy. In Roe v. Catholic Charities, the defendants argued that disclosure of information to the adoptive parents would have violated public policy. In Meracle v. Children’s Service Society, the defense argued that public policy precluded an action against an adoption agency for negligent misrepresentation. Similar arguments were raised in Michael J. v. Los Angeles County, and in Mohr v. Commonwealth, a Massachusetts wrongful adoption case.
When all is said and done, it has been a remarkably uneventful year. When it comes to the child protection industry, nothing ever changes… ever.

domain: law


Faw 4×2 7t, 8t, 10t Cargo Truck Lorry Truck Capability
Dimension: 8475*2496*2900 mm
Information to Drive Shafts and U-Joints
If you happen to be involved about the efficiency of your car’s driveshaft, you might be not alone. Several automobile house owners are unaware of the warning signs of a unsuccessful driveshaft, but understanding what to seem for can aid you stay away from expensive repairs. Right here is a transient guide on drive shafts, U-joints and upkeep intervals. Outlined underneath are crucial factors to take into account just before replacing a car driveshaft.
Signs of Driveshaft Failure
Pinpointing a faulty driveshaft is easy if you’ve got at any time heard a strange sound from beneath your automobile. These sounds are brought on by worn U-joints and bearings supporting the generate shaft. When they fall short, the drive shafts stop rotating appropriately, making a clanking or squeaking audio. When this occurs, you might hear sounds from the facet of the steering wheel or ground.
In addition to sound, a faulty driveshaft can result in your auto to swerve in limited corners. It can also lead to suspended bindings that restrict overall management. Therefore, you need to have these signs and symptoms checked by a mechanic as quickly as you discover them. If you discover any of the symptoms previously mentioned, your subsequent phase must be to tow your automobile to a mechanic. To steer clear of added difficulty, make certain you have taken safety measures by checking your car’s oil amount.
In addition to these symptoms, you ought to also look for any sounds from the push shaft. The very first thing to appear for is the squeak. This was induced by severe damage to the U-joint hooked up to the generate shaft. In addition to sounds, you need to also look for rust on the bearing cap seals. In intense cases, your car can even shudder when accelerating.
Vibration whilst driving can be an early warning indicator of a driveshaft failure. Vibration can be due to worn bushings, stuck sliding yokes, or even springs or bent yokes. Excessive torque can be caused by a worn center bearing or a ruined U-joint. The car may possibly make abnormal noises in the chassis system.
If you notice these indicators, it’s time to consider your automobile to a mechanic. You ought to check routinely, specially weighty automobiles. If you might be not certain what is actually leading to the noise, verify your car’s transmission, engine, and rear differential. If you suspect that a driveshaft demands to be changed, a licensed mechanic can replace the driveshaft in your auto.
Travel shaft kind
Driveshafts are utilized in several different types of autos. These contain 4-wheel generate, entrance-motor rear-wheel generate, motorcycles and boats. Each and every type of push shaft has its own function. Below is an overview of the a few most typical varieties of push shafts:
The driveshaft is a round, elongated shaft that transmits torque from the motor to the wheels. Generate shafts often contain many joints to compensate for adjustments in length or angle. Some drive shafts also consist of connecting shafts and inside continuous velocity joints. Some also incorporate torsional dampers, spline joints, and even prismatic joints. The most crucial issue about the driveshaft is that it plays a essential part in transmitting torque from the engine to the wheels.
The travel shaft demands to be both gentle and sturdy to transfer torque. Although metal is the most generally used content for automotive driveshafts, other resources such as aluminum, composites, and carbon fiber are also commonly utilized. It all relies upon on the purpose and dimension of the motor vehicle. Precision Production is a good resource for OEM items and OEM driveshafts. So when you might be seeking for a new driveshaft, preserve these aspects in mind when buying.
Cardan joints are yet another typical generate shaft. A universal joint, also recognized as a U-joint, is a versatile coupling that enables 1 shaft to drive the other at an angle. This sort of push shaft makes it possible for electrical power to be transmitted while the angle of the other shaft is consistently shifting. Although a gimbal is a good selection, it really is not a best remedy for all purposes.
CZPT, Inc. has point out-of-the-artwork equipment to service all types of drive shafts, from modest automobiles to race cars. They serve a range of wants, like racing, market and agriculture. Regardless of whether you require a new generate shaft or a easy adjustment, the employees at CZPT can meet up with all your wants. You are going to be back again on the road soon!
If your vehicle yoke or u-joint demonstrates symptoms of use, it truly is time to exchange them. The easiest way to replace them is to adhere to the steps under. Use a huge flathead screwdriver to check. If you truly feel any movement, the U-joint is faulty. Also, inspect the bearing caps for hurt or rust. If you can’t discover the u-joint wrench, consider checking with a flashlight.
When inspecting U-joints, make certain they are appropriately lubricated and lubricated. If the joint is dry or improperly lubricated, it can speedily fail and lead to your vehicle to squeak although driving. Another indicator that a joint is about to fall short is a sudden, excessive whine. Check your u-joints every yr or so to make confident they are in suitable functioning get.
Whether your u-joint is sealed or lubricated will rely on the make and model of your motor vehicle. When your automobile is off-highway, you need to have to install lubricable U-joints for toughness and longevity. A new driveshaft or derailleur will value much more than a U-joint. Also, if you will not have a very good comprehending of how to replace them, you may need to do some transmission perform on your vehicle.
When replacing the U-joint on the generate shaft, be certain to choose an OEM substitution each time possible. Although you can simply restore or substitute the original head, if the u-joint is not lubricated, you may want to substitute it. A broken gimbal joint can result in problems with your car’s transmission or other vital elements. Replacing your car’s U-joint early can make certain its prolonged-phrase efficiency.
Another selection is to use two CV joints on the generate shaft. Making use of numerous CV joints on the generate shaft aids you in conditions in which alignment is difficult or operating angles do not match. This kind of driveshaft joint is far more costly and intricate than a U-joint. The negatives of utilizing multiple CV joints are further size, fat, and diminished operating angle. There are many factors to use a U-joint on a generate shaft.
routine maintenance interval
Checking U-joints and slip joints is a vital component of program upkeep. Most cars are geared up with lube fittings on the driveshaft slip joint, which must be checked and lubricated at every oil alter. CZPT experts are effectively-versed in axles and can simply recognize a poor U-joint based on the seem of acceleration or shifting. If not fixed correctly, the generate shaft can drop off, demanding pricey repairs.
Oil filters and oil alterations are other areas of a vehicle’s mechanical program. To prevent rust, the oil in these elements need to be changed. The same goes for transmission. Your vehicle’s driveshaft ought to be inspected at least every 60,000 miles. The vehicle’s transmission and clutch should also be checked for use. Other elements that must be checked incorporate PCV valves, oil traces and connections, spark plugs, tire bearings, steering gearboxes and brakes.
If your automobile has a guide transmission, it is ideal to have it serviced by CZPT’s East Lexington professionals. These companies ought to be performed every two to four a long time or every single 24,000 miles. For very best results, refer to the owner’s handbook for suggested upkeep intervals. CZPT technicians are knowledgeable in axles and differentials. Typical servicing of your drivetrain will keep it in great working buy.


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‘Neither Wolf Nor Dog’ Author Comes to Sioux Falls
The One Book South Dakota program has been broadening our literary and cultural horizons for sixteen years now and 2019 is no exception. The program encourages South Dakotans to read one chosen book and discuss it throughout the year.
This year's book selection has a particularly strong resonance in our state given our Native American population and our understanding or lack thereof, of its importance to us all.
Neither Wolf Nor Dog, by Minnesota author Kent Nerburn was inspired by his work on the Red Lake Ojibwe reservation with students compiling tribal elders' memories. In this award-winning, novelization of those experiences, Nerburn strives to bring a deeper understanding of native wisdom and practices to those of us with none.
Neither Wolf Nor Dog tells the story of three men, two native and one non-native on a journey, of exploration, discovery, and self-realization, while trying to find common ground and understanding.
The book was turned in to a motion picture in 2016 by Scottish filmmaker Steven Lewis Simpson and was filmed here in South Dakota.
The title comes from a quote by Sitting Bull, a great Lakota chief, and leader, who said, "I do not wish to be shut up in a corral. All agency Indians I have seen were worthless. They are neither red warriors nor white farmers. They are neither wolf nor dog."
The story weaves divergent philosophies, histories and human perceptions of both, into a rich tapestry that is beautiful to look at, but still difficult to perceive how it was made. Native American and white cultures may always walk different paths, but this book strives to bring those trails closer together.
Kent Nerburn will be here in Sioux Falls on Friday, June 14, from noon to 1:30 PM at the Downtown Library (200 North Dakota Avenue) to discuss his book and share thoughts on race relations and cultural acceptance.

domain: library


1. Melissa Harris-Perry’s Tax Evasion
MSNBC anchor Melissa Harris-Perry has proclaimed that people should be happy to pay their taxes. She tweeted back in 2010, “Thanks tweeps for the reminders of how many of you are struggling with unemployment or underemployment. Will pay my taxes with a smile.” In fact, she has frequently advocated for higher taxes. The problem, though, is that Harris-Perry doesn’t seem to want to pay her own. In fact, the Internal Revenue Service, which is the favorite government agency of so many on the left, put a $70,000 lien on her home for unpaid taxes. Of course, even Harris-Perry’s evasion pales in comparison to Al Sharpton, who owes more than $3 million to the federal government. Touré Neblett and Joy-Ann Reid are also among the MSNBC on-air personalities who owe Uncle Sam.


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(The following was originally published in the Independent Voter Network.)
(Newark, NJ) — In May, New Jersey Secretary of State Kim Guadagno filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed on behalf of the 47% of New Jersey voters who choose not to join a political party. The secretary of state argued that voters have no fundamental right to participate in primary elections despite the fact that their tax dollars fund them.
Independents in New Jersey are required to join a political party in order to vote in the primary.
On Thursday, the Plaintiffs filed their response:
The two main issues in the case include: (1) whether the fundamental right to vote includes the right to vote in a primary election, and (2) whether Plaintiffs’ claim brought under the state of New Jersey’s constitutional prohibition against the use of public funds for a private purpose is barred by state sovereign immunity:


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Scene of the Climb by Kate Dyer-Seeley
The First Pacific Northwest Mystery
Just out of college with a degree in Journalism and still struggling with her father's unexpected death, Meg Reed is crashing on a friend's couch, desperate to find a job. Sadly, she graduated when newspapers and other print media are laying
off reporters rather than hiring newbies. When a surprise opportunity appears, Meg
jumps at it. As the new journalist at an extreme sports magazine, Meg has padded the
adventure experience part of her resume, and is soon forced to
demonstrate her skills on a hike. No easy stroll through the park, the
hike spirals downhill when a loud mouthed competitor winds up dead.
Kate has managed to create a likeable protagonist who makes mistakes and
may rush blindly ahead in youthful exuberance, but remains engaging
instead of off putting. Meg is young and naive, yet I was still able to relate to her. I can see myself running out, looking my worst, only to bump into someone important. And who hasn't made herself try to look better or more experienced than she really is? I may never have padded my resume, but I certainly know how to highlight the best parts of my abilities!
Scene of the Climb, the first book in the Pacific Northwest Mystery series, brings the outdoors of Portland, Oregon home to cozy readers. You'll appreciate the scenic vistas that Kate Dyer-Seeley creates as well as the descriptive details that make even an armchair hiker like me feel as if I'm on the trail and ready for adventure.
Adventure tips and scenic tour included.


“Finally, it doesn’t feel like my life is over if this album isn’t a commercial success,” Styles said. “I just want to make stuff that is right, that is fun, in terms of the process, that I can be proud of for a long time, that my friends can be proud of, that my family can be proud of, that my kids will be proud of one day.”
The album came about as a result of the former One Direction member’s creativity during the many months at home during the pandemic.
“I think everyone went through a big moment of self-reflection, a lot of navel-gazing, and I don’t know if there’s anything more navel-gazing than making an album,” Styles said.
Quoted from Various Sources
Published for: The Bloggers Briefing


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Senator John F. Kennedy was elected President of the United States, defeating Vice President Richard Nixon by some 113,000 votes out of nearly 70 million cast.
A Documentary Chronicle of Vassar College, by the Vassar Historian
124 Raymond Ave., Box 74, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604–0074
Office: Judith Loeb Chiara '49 Center at the Maria Mitchell Observatory | Phone: (845) 437–7233 | Contact
Departments | Admissions | Infosite | © Vassar College

domain: history