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New Developments in Genetic Science

I. Foreword

The ethical implications of new developments in genetic science continue to make themselves known as new aspects of the technology are introduced in medicine, agriculture, and forensic science.

The 1988 General Conference approved a statement affirming the positive prospects and warning of the potential dangers of genetic technologies and authorized the establishment of a Genetic Science task force to:

  1. review and assess scientific developments in genetics and their implications for all life;
  2. take initiatives with industrial, governmental, and educational institutions involved in genetic engineering to discuss further projections and possible impact;
  3. convey to industry and government the sense of urgency to protect the environment as well as animal and human life;
  4. support a moratorium on animal patenting until the task force has explored the ethical issues involved;
  5. cooperate with other churches, faith groups, and ecumenical bodies sharing similar concerns;
  6. explore the effects of the concentration of genetic engineering research tasks and applications in a few crops; and
  7. recommend to the 1992 General Conference such further responses and actions as may be deemed appropriate.

The task force included scientists, educators, health professionals, ethicists, theologians, a social worker, a lawyer, and a farmer. They held hearings in Houston and College Station, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; Washington, DC; San Leandro, California; Ames, Iowa; Durham, North Carolina; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Testimony was received from geneticists, physicians, theologians, ethicists, social workers, attorneys, officers of biotechnology companies, journalists, insurance executives, governmental regulatory agency representatives, educators, and persons with genetic disorders and the family members of such persons. The hearing process formed the original basis of the recommendations contained in this resolution. A more complete discussion of issues is in the complete report of the task force to the 1992 General Conference. Subsequent General Conferences appointed other bioethics task forces that advised on amendments to this document.

II. Our Theological Grounding

The United Methodist doctrinal/theological statement affirms that "new issues continually arise that summon us to fresh theological inquiry. Daily we are presented with an array of concerns that challenge our proclamation of God's reign over all of human existence" (1988 Book of Discipline, ¶ 69).

One of the concerns that merits critique in light of theological understandings is genetic science. The urgent task of interpreting the faith in light of the biotechnology revolution and evaluating the rapidly emerging genetic science and technology has only begun. The issues demand continuing dialogue at all levels of the church as persons from diverse perspectives seek to discern and live out God's vision for creation.

The following affirmations provide the theological/doctrinal foundation of the task force's work and recommendations. These historic affirmations represent criteria by which developments and potential developments in biotechnology are evaluated by the community of faith, the church. The task force urges the whole church to join in the urgent task of theological inquiry in what has been called the genetic age.

A. All creation belongs to God the creator

Creation has its origin, existence, value, and destiny in God. Creation belongs to God, whose power and grace brings the cosmos out of nothingness, order out of chaos, and life out of death. Creation is a realm of divine activity as God continually seeks to bring healing, wholeness, and peace. All creation is accountable to God; therefore, all existence is contingent, finite, and limited. The Creator has declared Creation "good," and its goodness inheres in its fulfillment of God's purpose. The goodness of our genetic diversity is grounded in our creation by God.

B. Human beings are stewards of creation

While human beings share with other species the limitations of finite creatures who owe their existence to God, their special creation "in the image of God" gives them the freedom and authority to exercise stewardship responsibly. This includes the knowledge of human life and behavior as it is being expanded by genetic science. The biblical imperative is that human beings are to nurture, cultivate, and serve God's creation so that it might be sustained. Humans are to participate in, manage, nurture, justly distribute, employ, develop, and enhance creation's resources in accordance with their finite discernment of God's purposes. Their divinely conferred dominion over nature does not sanction exploitation and waste; neither does responsible stewardship imply refusal to act creatively with intelligence, skill, and foresight.

The image of God, in which humanity is created, confers both power and responsibility to use power as God does: neither by coercion nor tyranny, but by love. Failure to accept limits by rejecting or ignoring accountability to God and interdependency with the whole of creation is the essence of sin. Therefore, the question is not, Can we perform all prodigious work of research and technology But, should we The notion that the ability to do something is permission to do it ignores the fundamental biblical understanding of human beings as stewards accountable to the Creator and as contingent, interdependent creatures. Although the pursuit of knowledge is a divine gift, it must be used appropriately with the principle of accountability to God and to the human community and the sustainability of all creation.

C. Technology in service to humanity and God

God has given human beings the capacity for research and technological invention, but the worship of science is idolatry. Genetic techniques have enormous potential for sustaining creation and, for some, improving the quality of human life when they are applied to environmental, agricultural, and medical problems. When wisely used, they often provide positive-though limited and imperfect-solutions to such perplexing social problems as insufficient food supply, spread of disease, ecological deterioration, overpopulation, and human disease. When used recklessly, for greedy profit, or for calculated improvement of the human race (eugenics), genetic technology becomes corrupted by sin. Moreover, we recognize that even the careful use of genetic technologies for good ends may lead to unintended consequences. We confess that even our intended consequences may not be in the best interest of all.

D. From creation to redemption and salvation

Redemption and salvation become realities by divine grace as we respond in faith to God's action in Jesus Christ to defeat the powers of sin that enslave the human spirit and thwart the realization of God's purposes for creation. Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God's eternal Word and wisdom. His redemptive life, ministry, death, resurrection, and sending of the Spirit reveal God's vision for humanity. Having distorted God's good intention for us in creation, we now are called to be conformed to God's true image in Jesus Christ.

Through the affirmation of the goodness of creation and the saving work of Christ, God has claimed all persons as beloved sons and daughters with inherent worth and dignity. Therefore, we understand that our worth as children of God is irrespective of genetic qualities, personal attributes, or achievements. Barriers and prejudices based on biological characteristics fracture the human family and distort God's goal for humanity. The community of Christ bears witness to the truth that all persons have unity by virtue of having been redeemed by Christ. Such unity respects and embraces genetic diversity, which accounts for many differences among people. Love and justice, which the Scriptures uplift and which Jesus Christ supremely expresses, require that the worth and dignity of the defenseless be preserved and protected. As the community of Christ, the church seeks to embody love and justice and to give of itself on behalf of the powerless and voiceless.

E. God's reign is for all creation

The coming of God's reign is the guiding hope for all creation. Hebrew Scripture and the life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ affirm that God's reign is characterized by liberation from all forms of oppression, justice in all relationships, peace and good will among all peoples, and the healing of all creation. It is both the vision of God's new heaven and new earth and the recognition of our limits that must inform and shape our role as stewards of earth and life in the age of genetics. It is in the context of God's sovereignty over all existence, our hope for the coming of God's reign, our awareness of our own finitude, and our responsibility as stewards that we consider these issues and the following recommendations.

III. Issues in the Development of Genetic Research and Technology

A. Why the Church is addressing these issues

God's sovereignty over all creation, our status as stewards of creation's resources, and the church's nature as a nurturing and prophetic community living toward God's reign over all existence propel us to consider the theological/ethical implications of genetic science. As genetic science probes the very structure of biological life and develops means to alter the nature of life itself, the potential for relief of suffering and the healing of creation is enormous. But the potential for added physical and emotional suffering and social and economic injustice also exists. Developments in genetic science compel our reevaluation of accepted theological/ethical issues, including determinism versus free will, the nature of sin, just distribution of resources, the status of human beings in relation to other forms of life, and the meaning of personhood.

B. Genetic science affects every area of our lives

The food we eat, the health care we receive, how crimes are prosecuted, our biological traits, and the environment in which we live are all affected by research and developments in genetic science. As stewards of and participants in life and its resources, we seek to understand, to evaluate, and to utilize responsibly the emerging genetic technologies in accordance with our finite understanding of God's purposes for creation. The divine purpose includes justice, health, and peace for all persons, and the integrity and ecological balance of creation. The uses of genetic science have the potential for promoting as well as thwarting these aspects of the divine purpose.

Genetic issues are much more pressing than is generally recognized. Every community contains individuals and families who daily face genetic concerns in the workplace or as result of their own genetic makeup. The rapid growth of genetic science has increased our awareness of these concerns, has created new concerns, and has accelerated the theological, ethical, and pastoral challenges that genetics poses to persons of faith.

C. Scientific change now leads societal change

The rise in importance of science and technology has been one of the most significant developments in the last 400 years. Beginning with the industrial revolution, we have witnessed a succession of revolutions: the technological, the atomic, and the biological. Each of these revolutions has presented society with a host of religious challenges and threats that have taken enormous and ongoing efforts to resolve constructively. The very nature of work, perceptions of the world, international relations, and family life has changed in part because of these revolutions.

A major dimension of the biological revolution is genetic science. Less than fifty years ago, the actual genetic substance of living cells, DNA, was firmly identified. Now, altering DNA in plants and animals, even humans, in order to correct disorders or to introduce characteristics that are more desirable is being done. Genetic developments in medicine and agriculture promise to alter the very nature of society, the natural environment, and even human nature. Christians must evaluate these developments in light of our basic understanding of God as creator and of humans as stewards of creation, including technology.

D. Genetic science challenges society

Biotechnology based on genetic research is already upon us. Thousands of people and millions of dollars are devoted to genetic science. Gene therapy has already been introduced as an experimental medical treatment. Extensive research has been conducted in plant and animal genetics, with significant implications for the food supply, farm policy, agricultural economics, and ecological balance.

In spite of the rapid growth in genetic research, many people tend to see genetics merely as an extension of the changes in medical, agricultural, and other technologies. In fact, genetic science crosses new frontiers as it explores the essence of life. The implications of genetic research and development are so far-reaching that society must consider the effect of these developments on persons, animal and plant life, the environment, agriculture, the food supply, patent policies, criminal justice, and medicine. Delays in commercializing some of the technologies may afford society and the church additional time to address the implications, but the time available for serious reflection on the consequences of these technologies prior to their implementation is brief.

IV. Questions about Biotechnology

New developments in technology always challenge society's imagination and understanding. Technology is often viewed either with awe or with fear. The popular view of the geneticist alternates between a saint who cures all disease and a mad scientist who creates monsters or perverts life. These extreme images must be avoided as society raises questions about the technologies themselves and questions how they should be properly developed and controlled. Although genetic technologies are similar to other technologies, genetic science and technology force us to examine, as never before, the meaning of life, our understanding of ourselves as humans, and our proper role in God's creation. Just as Jesus was tempted by the devil to turn stones into bread, we, too, can be tempted to believe that these new technologies can solve problems that they were not intended to solve.

Several basic questions can provide a framework within which to evaluate the effect of genetics (or any other new technology) on any segment of society. The questions revolve around issues of appropriateness, availability, efficacy, and accessibility.

V. The Patenting of Life Forms

The patenting of life forms is a crucial issue in the debate over access to genetic technologies. Some claim that patenting of life will give complete control to the owner and so limit access. Others insist that the scientists and funding agencies or institutions must have some return on their investment. A compromise that many societies have worked out in order to provide economic returns for those who have developed a technology while providing access, eventually, to the entire society is the patent or exclusive control of a technological invention for a period of years. But should exclusive ownership rights apply to the gene pool In 1984, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church declared genes to be a part of the common heritage of all peoples. The position taken by the church in 1984 is consistent with our understanding of the sanctity of God's creation and God's ownership of life. Therefore, exclusive ownership rights of gene, organisms, and cells as a means of making genetic technologies accessible raises serious theological concerns and profound ethical concerns. While patents on organisms, cells, and genes themselves are opposed, process patents-wherein the method for engineering a new organism is patented-provide a means of economic return on investment while avoiding exclusive ownership of the organism and can be supported.

VI. Affirmations/Recommendations/Conclusions

A. General

  1. We affirm that knowledge of genetics is a resource over which we are to exercise stewardship responsibly in accordance with God's reign over creation. We believe the use of genetic knowledge in ways that destabilize and fragment creation violates God's vision of justice, peace, and wholeness.

  2. We caution that the prevalent principle in research that what can be done should be done is insufficient rationale for genetic science. This principle should be subject to legal and ethical oversight in research design and should not be the prevalent principle guiding the development of new technologies. Applications of research to technologies need moral and ethical guidance.

  3. We urge adequate public funding of genetic research so that projects not likely to be funded by private grants will receive adequate support and so that there will be greater accountability to the public by those involved in setting the direction of genetic research.

  4. We urge that genes, cells, and all living organisms be held as common resources and not be exclusively controlled, or patented. We support improvements in the procedures for granting patents on processes and techniques as a way to reward new developments in this area, although we recognize that even process patents should be limited when they are in effect discoveries of how God makes the processes of living organisms.

B. Medical recommendations

1. Testing and Treatment

a. We support the right of all persons to health care and health-care resources regardless of their genetic or medical conditions.

b. We support equal access to medical resources, including genetic testing and genetic counseling by appropriately educated and trained health-care professionals. We affirm that responsible stewardship of God's gift of human life implies access of all persons to genetic counseling throughout their reproductive life.

c. We support human somatic gene therapies (recombinant DNA therapies that produce genetic changes in an individual that cannot be passed to offspring) that prevent or minimize disease and its effects. But we believe these therapies should be limited to the alleviation of suffering caused by disease. We urge that guidelines and government regulations be developed for the use of all somatic gene therapies. We oppose human germ-line therapies (those that result in changes that can be passed to offspring) because of the possibility of unintended consequences and of abuse. With current technology it is not possible to know if artificially introduced genes will have unexpected or delayed long-term effects not identifiable until the genes have been dispersed in the population.

We oppose both somatic and germ-line therapies when they are used for eugenic purposes or enhancements, that is, to provide only cosmetic change or to provide athletic or social advantage.

Furthermore, we urge that government regulations and professional organization guidelines be developed and effectively implemented for all gene therapies. Given the reports of deaths from somatic gene therapies and the development of genetically engineered leukemia in some patients undergoing somatic gene therapy, we urge a careful reexamination of the appropriateness of this therapy.

d. We call on all nations to ban human cloning (the intentional production of genetically identical or essentially identical human beings and human embryos), whether such cloning is funded privately or through government research.

e. We call for a ban on medical and research procedures that intentionally generate "waste embryos" that will knowingly be destroyed when the medical procedure or the research is completed. The exception to this is when ova (eggs) are being collected for use in in vitro fertilization. A woman is at risk for complications each time drugs are given to stimulate ovulation and ova are removed. Obtaining and fertilizing multiple ova may be justified to avoid the necessity of multiple attempts to obtain ova. The first attempt at IVF results in a living child less than 30% of the time thus making multiple attempts necessary.

2.Privacy and confidentiality of genetic information

a. We support the privacy of genetic information. Genetic data of individuals and their families shall be kept secret and held in strict confidence unless confidentiality is waived by the individual or his or her family, or unless the collection and use of genetic identification data are supported by an appropriate court order.

b. We support wide public access to genetic data that do not identify particular individuals, but we oppose using genetic data gathered for purposes other than that to which consent was given.

c. We oppose the discriminatory or manipulative use of genetic information, such as the limitation, termination, or denial of insurance or employment.

C. Agriculture

  1. We support public involvement in initiating, evaluating, regulating, and funding of agricultural genetic research.

  2. a. We believe the public has an important policy and financial role in ensuring the continuation of research that furthers the goal of a safe, nutritious, and affordable food supply.

  3. b. We believe that the public should have input into whether a research effort, or its products, will serve an unmet need in food and fiber production and processing. We urge United Methodists to be active participants in achieving this accountability in all areas of the world.

  4. c. We believe that the benefits of research applications should accrue to the broadest possible public, including farmers and consumers.

  5. We support the sustainability of family farms, natural resources, and rural communities and urge that genetic research in agriculture and food products promote these goals.

  6. We urge that genetically modified crops and genetically engineered or cloned animal products be labeled so that consumers have a choice in which kind of agricultural products they buy.

D. Environment

  1. As stewards of the planet Earth, we should strive to perpetuate all of God's living creations as long as possible. We should be concerned not only with the well-being of humans, but also with the wholeness of the rest of creation. We should try to maintain ecological balance as God intended. Technologies such as genetic engineering can affect ecological balance. Genetic technologies must be used carefully to help sustain the planet.

  2. We caution that genetically engineered organisms be released into the environment only after careful testing in a controlled setting that simulates each environment in which the organisms are to be used.

  3. We urge the development of criteria and methodologies to anticipate and assess possible adverse environmental responses to the release of genetically engineered organisms.

  4. We urge that prior to the release of each organism, plans and procedures be developed to destroy genetically engineered organisms that may cause adverse environmental responses.

E. What the church can do

  1. Expand education and dialogue around ethical issues in the development of genetic science and technology.

a. We request that The United Methodist Church and its appropriate boards and agencies educate laity and clergy on the issues of genetic science, theology, and ethics by conducting workshops and seminars, producing resource materials, and training pastors and laypersons to deal constructively with these issues. Sessions on the ethical implications of genetics technology should be included as part of seminary training, continuing education requirements for clergy, Christian educators' training events, adult and youth Sunday school curriculum, schools of mission and schools of church and society, training for military, prison, hospital chaplains, and campus ministry programs

b. We request that clergy be trained to provide pastoral counseling for persons with genetic disorders and their families as well as those facing difficult choices as a result of genetic testing. These choices might include decisions such as those related to reproduction, employment, and living wills. Churches are encouraged to provide support groups for individuals and families affected by genetic disorders.

c. We call on the church to support persons who must make difficult decisions regarding genetic information related to reproduction. We urge that the church support efforts to improve the quality of genetic testing on embryos and fetuses so that accurate information is provided to couples and their doctors about genetic conditions. We reaffirm the 1988 General Conference (1988 Book of Discipline, ¶ 71G) position opposing the termination of pregnancy solely for the purpose of gender selection.

d. We urge theological seminaries to offer courses and continuing education events that equip clergy to address theological and ethical issues raised by scientific research and technology.

e. We urge the church to establish and maintain dialogue with those persons working to develop or promote genetics-based technologies.

The complexity and multifaceted implications of genetic science require continuing interaction among scientists, technologists, theologians, ethicists, industrial and corporate leaders, government officials, and the general public.

The ethical concerns of the church need to be interjected into the laboratory, the factory, and the halls of government in an ongoing manner. Local churches, districts, annual conferences, and appropriate general agencies should participate in dialogues with university, industry, and government bodies.

2.Produce resources to educate on genetics issues. General agencies of the church should develop additional interpretive resources on genetics issues.

3.Continue and increase The United Methodist Church's work in the area of genetics.

a. All general agencies are urged to cooperate with ecumenical groups as they seek to coordinate actions regarding the use of knowledge gained from genetic science. Concern for justice for persons and the integrity of all life should form the basis of our ecumenical witness.

b. Local churches are urged to study the issues raised in this statement and to act on the recommendations. We also urge United Methodists to study the recent (2007) reports on genetics developed by the World Council of Churches-"Transforming Life: Genetics, Agriculture, and Human Life"-and the National Council of Churches-"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made."

See Social Principles, ¶ 162O.


Make a difference, make a furry friend

By Megan Carpenter

Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) The Broome County Dog Shelter asked people to drop by and lend a paw for Make a Difference Day.

The shelter said at least a dozen people came out to volunteer for the day and make a difference in at least one dog's life.

"We're trying to get a lot of exposure for the adoptable dogs and hopefully get them in their forever homes," said Kelly Conlon, the shelter's manager.

Conlon said she hoped Make a Difference Day helped some of the dogs find new families. They're also encouraging people to donate supplies.

Bones, toys, leashes and laundry detergent were on the list of needed items.

This is the second year the shelter has hosted Make a Difference Day.

Conlon said about 120 people showed up last year.

She said they plan to continue the event well into the future.


10 Undeniable Facts About Real Estate In Canada

Canadian real estate sector has been experiencing a roaring ride for quite some time now when the home marketplace of major markets like USA and Europe experienced some severe setbacks in the recent past. Specialists have nothing but good news for real estate investors that are looking forward to invest in real estate in 2013 as well. Because of Canada’s vast geography, the Canadian real estate marketplace is extended over a larger area which is why there aren’t one but many small and huge property zones within the country.

As a result of the diversity there are some differences of the housing markets on a provincial basis and while in certain zones are earning well some are lacking behind a little. However the overall performance of the real estate in Canada remains unaffected even following the diversity and Canadian home market continues to grow and grow every year. Now if you’re a first time investor or interested in making new investments in a successful manner you should avoid certain low performing zones and invest in places that can provide you high return. Given below are some specific high performing zones and geographic sectors where you can invest in 2013 and make your real estate investment a successful endeavor.

Barrie, Ontario: The City of Barrie is located in Southern Ontario in the western shoreline of Lake Simcoe. Lying within the northern part of the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Barrie is a thickly populated and the most industrialized zone of Ontario. The city is located close to Toronto and is also regarded as among the fastest growing cities in Canada. Other powerful aspects of the city include an increasing market, progressing industrial and agricultural sector, improved transportation, improving employment opportunities. All these variables align together and make the city a hot zone for real estate activity. Demographics imply a major boom in the city’s people in the past few years and raising sales and prices of real estate property make it perfect for property investment.

Surry, British Columbia: Surrey lies in the province of British Columbia and is the second biggest city when it comes to population after Vancouver. Surrey is considered an emerging metropolis due to its international flavor and cultural diversity. The city is a leading economic zone with improved transport, health care, education, and recreational facilities. It’s estimated that Surry brings over 1000 new residents every month as an effect of which there is a major demand for real estate property among buyers.

Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, British Columbia: Lying quite close to Surry, Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge are just two person cities situated in British Columbia. Pitt meadows are a flood plain lying in between the Maple Ridge in the east and Pitt River in the west. As of 2011 demographic records, Pitt Meadows has a population of about 17,700 and Maple Ridge has a population of 73,969. Both the areas are now undergoing some major municipal and infrastructural changes which have catapulted the property market increase of the area. Additionally, substantial volumes of people have migrated to these cities which are why the city’s real estate sector has experienced some major developments recently.

Red Deer, Alberta: Red Deer is situated in Central Albert and is surrounded by the Red Deer County. Red Deer is a major heart for petrochemical production and it is additionally known for oil production, cattle farming, and agriculture. The city functions as a leading facility for commercial and retail activity for a majority of Central Alberta. With facets like enhanced way of transfer, low operating costs, economic stability, low joined tax, etc. Check out this page for in-depth information covering Eddie Yan. Red Deer functions as an attractive zone for several. As a consequence property costs in the region have inclined well in recent years and are at present one of the most promising locations for real estate investment in Canada.


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F&F recommends:

The director of Fugue State, Tim McClelland, was kind enough to answer some questions for us via email.

F&F: First, I have some specific questions about Fugue State.

In that fab scene where Luis moves one zombie’s arm and finds that another
nearby moves her arm as well, does this mean that the zombies have a sort
of hive mind? And later, when “Daddy” mentally calls to the zombie horde,
how is he able to control them? Is this something that is inconsequential,
simply a mystery and part of that “fugue state” you wanted to develop in
the viewer or perhaps there wasn’t enough time to visit this idea further?

I enjoy reading zombie books and have encountered the idea of a zombie
collective mind. I find it very interesting and so this part of Fugue
State had me intrigued.

You put your left arm in…

Tim McC: Yes, it certainly seems that the “zombies” are connected by some sort of mental link, but I can only guess what the mechanism for such would be. It’s as if by removing the conscious mind/memories, other forms of thought/communication are able to fill in the void. The first example you see is the “wolf pack” of aggressive males that attack the woman and children in the alley. Later, the amnesiacs form into larger, more complex organizations. And then they are finally united by Daddy, who appears to have been granted special abilities by the “Shiner.”

In earlier (longer) cuts of Fugue State, there is more speculation among the characters as to possible explanations for the causes of the Amnesia Plague, but I find that the movie flows better without these conversations.

F&F: I think it is amazing what you were able to do with such a low budget.
I’ve heard the saying, “the film itself is the most expensive” part of
making movies. Was this true for Fugue State?

Burning desert

Tim McC: Since Fugue State was shot on video, the production costs were very low. The majority of the budget was spent on food for the cast, costumes and props, and gas for going to and from location. The downside to this method is that everything takes a lot longer, scheduling actors and crew with regular jobs is difficult, and the director ends up doing a lot of producer’s jobs, as well as editing, sound design, music, color correction, etc.

F&F: What drew you to making your own film? Is there another in the making?
What advice would you give to someone getting into the indie film
industry? How are you handling the press for your film other than film

What’s behind the Green Door?

Tim McC: Like many people, I’ve always wanted to make a movie, so it was something I had to do sooner or later. I’m a fan of many genres of movie, but making a zombie movie actually seemed doable given the resources I had available.

I’m looking forward to starting another project soon, most likely in the horror
genre, but I don’t want to go into detail quite yet.

My advice is to get a camera and start making movies. Start with short ones and move up to longer ones. Do what you can with what you have available. The more skillful you become at this very difficult art form, the more resources will become available to you.

I’m promoting the movie through Facebook, and trying to get more bloggers such as yourself to review it. Amazon reviews help a lot, so thank you again for that!

F&F:  Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions! Looking forward to your next project.

July 2016
« Sep
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I think it was in 1906 that in one of the principle cities in India the son of a rich man became ill. He had high fever and delirium and in his insensible state he was constantly talking in a language which was some kind of English but which ... Read more of The Boy Possessed at Scary Stories.caInformational Site Network Informational

Dog And Pigeon

[Sept. 22, 1888.]

The Spectator does not disdain anecdotes of dogs and their doings, and
I think the following history, to which I can bear personal testimony,
may be found not uninteresting to your readers. At this delightful house
in Perthshire, where I am on a visit, there is a well-bred pointer,
named Fop, who, when not engaged in his professional pursuits on the
moor, lives chiefly in a kennel placed in a loose-box adjoining the
other stables attached to the house. Nearly a year ago there were a pair
of pigeons who lived in and about the stable yard. One of the birds
died, and its bereaved mate at once attached itself for society and
protection to the dog, and has been its constant companion ever since.
On the days when the sportsmen are not seeking grouse the dog is in his
kennel, and the pigeon is always his close attendant. She roosts on a
rack over the manger of the stable, and in the day-time is either
strutting about preening her feathers, taking her meals from the dog's
biscuit and water tin, or quite as often sitting in the kennel by his
side, nestling close to him. Fop, who is an amiable and rather
sentimental being, takes no apparent notice of his companion, except
that we observe him, in jumping into or out of his kennel while the
pigeon is there, to take obvious care not to crush or disturb her in any
way. The only other symptom Fop has shown of being jealous for the
pigeon's comfort and convenience is that when of late two chickens from
the stable-yard wandered into the apartment where the dog and pigeon
reside, he very promptly bit their heads off, as if in mute intimation
that one bird is company, and two (or rather three) are none.

The story is rather one of a pigeon than a dog, for it is quite evident
that she is the devoted friend, and that he acquiesces in the
friendship. On the days when Fop is taken, to his infinite delight, on
to the moor, the pigeon is much concerned. She follows him as far as she
dare, taking a series of short flights over his head, until a little
wood is reached, through which the keeper and dogs have to take their
way. At this point her courage fails her, and she returns to the stable,
to wait hopefully for her comrade's return.

This singular alliance is a great joy and interest to the keepers,
coachmen, and grooms of the establishment, and as the keeper gave me a
strong hint that the story ought to be told in print, adding that he had
seen much less noteworthy incidents of animal life promoted to such
honour, I have ventured to send it to you. I may add that the pigeon is
of the kind called "Jacobin," and is white, with a black wing. Is there
any precedent for such close intimacies between animals so widely
separated in kind and habit?

Next: A Hen And Puppies

Previous: Conscious Automata

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Carlos ghosn at nissan

  2. 2. Culture issues 1. National culture The GLOBAL research program (House, Javidan, Hanges and Dorfman, 2002) defined culture as ―shared motives, values, beliefs, identities and interpretations or meanings of significant events that result from common experiences of members of collectives that are transmitted across age generation . National culture adds a spatial dimension –‖ a country on the basis of culture definition. Therefore, national culture comprises the beliefs, value systems, norms, mores and structural elements of a given nation. 2. Organizational culture Organizational culture is also called corporate culture; it describes the psychology, attitudes, experiences, beliefs and values (personal and cultural values) of an organization. It has been defined as "the specific collection of values and norms that are shared by people and groups in an organization and that control the way they interact with each other and with stakeholders outside the organization."(Wikepedia) 3. The role of national culture and organizational culture Culture plays a significant role in shaping employee and management behavior and effects operates. National culture and organizational culture have a direct impact on a company‘s dominant values and behavioral norms, and ultimately on the execution of organizational operations. Because successful execution rests on employee acceptance and employee behavior, any value, belief or assumption they hold can frustrate or aid successful implementation. Therefore, leaders 4 should identify the forces that have aided or deterred the successful execution. If a company cannot make culture compatible with the execution, it will be a big risk to result in the resistance which will impede the strategy implementation. In addition, top management should take another dimension – the type of activity into account when they try to reconcile culture with company‘s operations. In other words, they should adapt strategy to organizational culture when formulating the strategy; and adapt culture to selected strategy when conducting the strategy execution. 4. The cultural differences between Ghosn and the Nissan organization When Ghosn went to Japan, he knew that there were big cultural differences between the Japanese and himself. In Japan, age, education level and number of years of service to an organization are key factors determining how an employee moves up the career ladder. Promotions are normally based on seniority and education. The only things that hamper these time- and education-based promotions are performance errors. This institution leads to the key business culture in Japan that professionals
  4. 4. Resistance to change 1. The definition of resistance to change It is almost universally accepted in organizational life - people resist change and managers must overcome this resistance. Resistance to change is the action taken by individuals and groups when they perceive that a change that is occurring as a threat to them. Even resistance to change is agreed by the most scholars, Dent & Goldberg have the opposite declaration that ‗people do not resist change, per se‘. 6 2. The underlying causes of the resistance and solutions to mitigate the resistance In order to address resistance, it is necessary to identify the causes of resistance. Some scholars classify several causes of resistance; they are summarized as follow, - Cause1: people resist change because they are in fear of losing something valuable, for example, status, job, pay, comfort and so on. - Cause 2: people resist change because of the fear of the unknown. The unknown might derive from that change was not explained properly; it also might because of vague formulation of or rationale for change. - Cause 3: other reasons result in resistance to change, for example, people are satisfied with themselves or with a situation, so that they do not think any change is necessary; or because lack of trust, people do not want to change. According to Kreitner (1992), resistance arises from those whose jobs are directly affected. Both rational and irrational resistance can impede the change process. In order to manage the change successfully, management must foresee and neutralize any resistance that may occur. In addition, with the purpose of overcoming resistance to change, scholars in the field of management and organizations propose some strategies to mitigate resistance. It should be emphasized that the key to success is adapting their use in a way that is situationally appropriate (Kreitner, 1992). The following table describes the causes and solutions separately. Causes Solutions Cause1: fear of losing something valuable - Engagement: involve employees & elicit ideas - Broadening employees‘ interests - Making the change non-threatening
  5. 5. Cause 2: fear of the unknown - Communication: explain the ―who, what, why, when and where of change‖ - Education - Support: address legitimate concerns of the employees Cause 3: other reasons - Negotiation: offer incentives to active/potential resisters - Coercion: explicit or implicit threats(loss of job, promotion opportunities) Poor


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CNS Studies

The written report is the final product of the Nuclear Medicine consultation. Reports must contain specific information to identify the patient, the specific procedure, indications for the examination, radiopharmaceutical used and activity administered, route of administration, interval between tracer administration and imaging, succinct technical information about data acquisition and processing (especially the use and dose of additional drugs such as adenosine, CCK, morphine, lasix, etc), specific image and data analysis findings, and a conclusion.

The report should be concise, clear and specific. Standard anatomic designations and physiologic descriptors should be used. Jargon terms, such as "defect" or "photopenia", should not appear in the report. When possible, lesions should be specifically enumerated, physical size measured, and uptake quantified. When lesions are very numerous, the major areas of involvement should be specifically identified. When previous examinations are available, the improvement, progression or stability of disease should be identified. Examples of specific reports are contained with a description of each of the imaging procedures.

The following elements should be included in all reports:

Patient identifier: Name, gender, birth date, medical record number

Date procedure started and date reported

Procedure Title

Indication: Brief statement of clinical problem and question to be answered

Technical factors: Radiopharmaceutical, dose, route of administration, type of scan, interval between injection and imaging, interventions

Reference to prior examination of the same type

Reference to other procedures

Findings: Address clinical question first.

Interpretation: As definitive as possible and avoid repetition of findings.

Clinical Statement: [A 20 year old female with persistent seizures, referred for ictal imaging.]

Procedure: With the patient under continuous EEG monitoring, the tracer was injected intravenously within 60 seconds of seizure onset. About [45] minutes after tracer injection, SPECT data was acquired. Tomographic images were reconstructed and displayed in the transverse, coronal, and sagittal planes.

Radiopharamceutical: 99mTc-HMPAO; Activity: 20 mCi.

Correlative Studies: MRI performed [date]

Comparison: None.

Findings: [There is focally increased activity in the right anterior temporal lobe. Symmetric perfusion is present in the remaining cortical structures, basal ganglia and cerebellum.]

Conclusions: [Seizure focus in the right anterior temporal lobe]

Clinical History: A 25-year-old-male with a history of CNS lymphoma, to be treated with intrathecal therapy.

Procedure: The radiopharmaceutical was injected into the Ommaya shunt reservoir. Images of the head and chest were obtained [typically immediate, 4 and 24 hours for Ommaya injection and 4, 24 and 48 hours for lumbar subarachnoid injection].

Radiopharmaceutical: 111In-DTPA; Activity: 0.5 mCi

Correlative Studies: None.

Comparison: None.

Findings: [Residual tracer is present in the Ommaya reservoir. There is prompt tracer entry into both lateral ventricles. Tracer is in the basal cisterns and around the spinal cord at 4 hours, and has ascended symmetrically over the convexities at 24 hours.]

Impression: Normal flow pattern

Clinical History:

Procedure: The radiopharmaceutical was injected into the (lumbar subarachnoid space or shunt reservoir). Images of the head (or spine) were obtained at 4 hours. Blood samples were obtained prior to and 6 hours after injection. Pledgets were placed in (nose/external auditory canal), removed at 6 hours, and counted.

Radiopharmaceutical: 111In-DTPA; Activity: 1.0 mCi

Correlative Studies: None

Comparison: None

Findings: Images demonstrate ascent of tracer from the lumbar subarachnoid injection site to the basal cisterns and around the temporal lobes. There is no definite site of extra CSF distribution to suggest a leak.

The ratio of activity in the pledgets to that in blood is >3 in the left nasal pledget. The right nasal pledget has a ratio of 1.5. (RATIO OF 2 IS SUSPICIOUS; >3 suggests a leak), suggesting the presence of a CSF leak.

Conclusions:  probable CSF leak in the left nasal cavity.


1. Design & Illustration
  2. Designing

How to Create a Retro Boxing Poster in Photoshop

Step 1

As with any design project, you'll need to decide upon the medium which will carry your message. We'll keep it simple by creating an A3 canvas, keep in mind that if you are designing for print onto paper or canvas you will more than likely need to set a Bleed and/or Slug Area. This usually ranges from about 3 to 5 mm.

It's very good practice to sketch out a few ideas before sitting in front of the computer. I know the computer allows for limitless experimentation, but this doesn't necessarily help find the best solution and can lead to a lot of wasted time without finding a clear outcome.

Step 2

Of course, for this type of project we'll need old paper stock. Find one that you like or get this one from (cheers to Andrew C for the hook-up on this image). Import the paper into your working document and resize it to fit.

Step 3

As the paper stock is from the 1960's (not really, but that's what we're aiming for), it wouldn't look quite this ancient so add a couple of Adjustment Layers to sort it out. I used a Levels (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Levels)...

...and Hue/Saturation (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation). It's worth organizing your Layers palette as you go along, so select all of your Layers and Group them.

Step 4

Now we can start building up the poster design based on the original sketch. This speeds up the process to no-end, but don't feel locked in to your initial sketch. If you get a better idea once you're at the computer then go for it.

I got two classic Boxers courtesy of Peltz Boxing Promotions, massive thanks to Russell for that. You'll need to grab some boxers from iStockphoto, or better still, take your own photos.

For the sake of this tutorial, I will refer to the Boxers by their Layer names: "MONROE" and "KATES." Back in the 60's there were no fancy computers loaded up with expensive software so everything was hand-rendered (cut-and-paste). To honor this, do a rough cut out of your two fighters using the Pen Tool, try to emulate how you'd cut them out by hand.

Step 5

Paste them into the working document and resize them to fit the composition. Balance up the fighters tonally by adjusting the Levels, they need to be similarly exposed. Desaturate both "MONROE" and "KATES" (Image > Adjustments > Desaturate) and finally set the Layer Blending Mode of both layers to Multiply.

Step 6

Go to View > Rulers and turn them on. Drag two rulers down from the the top ruler area and two from the side. I've pulled the first horizontal to 224 mm and the next to 305 mm. I pulled the two verticals to 146.6 mm and 147 mm.

Select the Rectangle Tool and set it to Shape Layers instead of Paths. Set the foreground color to #e45050 and draw in two rectangles as shown. It is best to use less saturated colors as very vibrant colors would not have been printable. Then set their Layer Blending Modes to Multiply.

Select the rectangle on the left and go to Edit > Free Transform. Press and hold Command + Shift and then drag the middle point of the Free Transform Bounding Box as shown below. Repeat the process for the other rectangle.

Step 7

We'll now use the rectangles to mask off the areas of "MONROE" and "KATES" that we don't need. Select "KATES" and add a Layer Mask. Then Command-click on the right-hand rectangle thumbnail to make a selection from it. Working on the "KATES" Layer Mask, simply fill the selection with black. Repeat this process for "MONROE."

Back before printing made it's modern advances, printing wasn't as accurate and the plates used to make up different colors could – and frequently did – misalign to create overlaps or spaces. We'll mimic this by unlinking "MONROE" and "KATES" Layer Masks (click the chain link icon between the Layer Thumbnail and Layer Mask thumbnail) and shifting the Layer Masks down using the Move Tool.

Step 8

Now it's time to start building up text. Block capitals were popular of the time and often overused. They kept things neat and were easier to set. They also have more authority than lower case and suit the nature of the medium and the sport it advertises.

Select the Type Tool and click on the canvas. Type in the text shown or make up your own names if it's more fun. I've used BentonSans which is a modern take on the Sans Serif font with some classic touches. The first name should be smaller than the surname, set it up as shown.

Use a Condensed version of the same font to contrast with the first name making it appear grander. Increase the size over that of the first name by around 2.5 times. Open up the Tracking to about 25 and set the Kerning to Metrics.

Rotate the text to match the rectangles you drew, 10.1 degrees should do it. Typesetting in the 1960s wasn't nearly as accurate as you can do using a computer today. To get an uneven effect we can play about with the Kerning by positioning the Text Tool in between characters. Slightly adjust the Kerning between a couple of letters to make it imprecise.

Do the same process for the opponents name. In the same Condensed font write "Champion" and "Challenger" onto new Layers. They should be smaller than the first names of the Boxers, I've made them 32.37 pt compared to 44.31 for the first names and 101.53 for the surname

Step 9

We'll make a little feature of the "VS" Text by putting it in a circular flash that breaks out of the rectangles. Use the Ellipse Tool (located behind the Rectangle Tool) set to Shape Layers to draw a colored circle. Use the same red as you did for the rectangles in Step 6. Command-click on the "CIRCLE" Layer thumbnail to create a selection and go to Select > Modify > Expand. Expand this by 20 pixels or so.

Select one of your "RECTANGLE" Layer Mask thumbnails and fill your loaded selection with black. Do the same for the other "RECTANGLE" Shape Layer.

Step 10

A hallmark of the 1960s Boxing Poster is the claim that the fight is not available on home theaters or TVs. So draw a black (#0b0c0c, not quite solid black) Circular Shape Layer and stack some text on it. Set the Circular Shaper Layers Blend Mode to Multiply. The text would usually be justified centrally to a definitive width, using character size and width to sure up the sides as opposed to increasing the kerning or tracking.

Step 11

Draw another Rectangular Shape Layer at the top of the poster and set the Layer Blend Mode to Multiply. Use the same black as for the "NO HOME TV" flash.

Draw a red one at the bottom and set it to Multiply. Now add Layer Masks to all of your Rectangular Shape Layers.

Step 12

Select the PAPER Layer and use the Magic Wand Tool to select the white area around the paper.

Then go through all your Rectangular Shape Layers, selecting the Layer Masks and filling with solid black.

As "MONROE" also breaches the paper edge you'll need to mask off him as well. You'll be left with a well worn poster shape.

Step 13

It's now time to start building up the titles. The posters themselves usually serve up some sensationalism, often billing fights as The Greatest the World has ever seen or other such nonsensical claims. We'll carry on using Benton (or whichever San Serif font you've gone with) for all informational text.

To really beef up your text, try adding a Stroke Layer Style (Layer > Layer Style > Stroke) to the text. This does soften the edges and slightly decreases legibility so I wouldn't recommend doing this for a contemporary poster design.

I've added a sponsor to show how to work a title and tagline or standfirst. In this case the tagline is a motto directly linked with the fictional "Grill" of which "Big Al" is the proprietor. The general rule is to use two contrasting types with the title being bigger than the tag, but these rules are constantly being bent.

Try using accent fonts to break up the very square looking block capitals. It's usually not best practice to use an accent font similar to your body font, so select a Serif or Block-serif to do the job. The whole point of an accent font is to contrast but compliment your body font.

I've chosen URW Antiqua which is a good display font. Display fonts are less concerned with legibility and more with using type combined with negative space to form relationships between word and images. Getting a strong grasp of typography is massively important in Graphic Design.

Step 14

When working with display type, don't be scared to manipulate the fonts characteristics to suit your needs. I'm still using Benton (BentonSansCond Black for "Fracas" and "Caracas," BentonSansExtraComp Bold for "The," and "In"), but I've increased the vertical scale to allow maximum impact.

I can't increase the width of the poster, nor do I want to double stack the text. So too maximize the impact of the title working within a tight space, I increased the Vertical Scale to 116%, I scaled down the article words (words that introduce nouns are called articles) and adjusted the Baseline Shift so they sit in between the important words. I also needed to Shift the Boxers down a touch, again don't be scared to nudge elements around until they work well together.

Step 15

Create a Layer group called "TICKET/VENUE INFO." Drag in two vertical guides to mark off the boundaries of where we want the info to go. Making it full-width would detract too much away from the title and boxer names.

Add some Footer text to sit on the red rectangle at the foot of the poster. Now we've got a clear and definite space to fill with all the Venue and ticket information. In this space the Date also needs to go in. You need to organize the information in terms of importance. I'm going to prioritize the Date and the Venue.

Drag two horizontal guides from the ruler running across the top to mark your text boundaries. Start building up the date text, note that each part of the text is on its own layer to allow for maximum flexibility. This is a fair example of display text working with the negative space and letterforms to create a more visually dynamic date. Use the Line Tool to draw a 14 pixel line next to the date.

This area is in danger of becoming a very square with dense block capitals. To break up this area, use a more graphic font, in this case a script font called Bello.

There are more ways to avoid an impenetrable clump of block text. Use font weights and vertical/horizontal scaling to your advantage. Highlight important bits of info by making them over-large and using a heavy weight. You could spend a lot of time balancing up this section, but it's good enough for now.

Step 16

Now that the layout elements are complete, zoom out and look at the composition as a whole. We're going for a 1960s aesthetic so it's OK if things don't line up perfectly. Go to Layer > Rasterize > All Layers. Then systematically apply all the Layer Masks by selecting each one in turn and going to Layer > Layer Masks > Apply.

Step 17

With the composition complete, we'll begin degrading the image and applying a fake 1960s print finish to it. This is where it gets a little fiddly. Select all of the black shape layers and black text layers and merge them. Call it "BLACKTEXT." Do the same for all layers containing white text and call the resultant layer "WHITETEXT."

Do the same for the layers containing red text and finally the same for all red Shape Layers.

Your Layers Palette should resemble mine

Step 18

Apply a 4 pixel Gaussian Blur to "REDTEXT," "WHITETEXT," and "BLACKTEXT."

Then apply a Smart Sharpen at 386% with a 44.3 radius. This process softens the text edges and makes the text look like the ink has been absorbed into the paper a little more. You will need to reapply color #e45050 to "REDTEXT" as the Sharpening has destroyed the color.

Step 19

Turn the "WHITETEXT" Layer visibility off. Then Command-click on its Layer thumbnail to make a selection. Select "BLACKTEXT" and delete the selection, do the same on "REDSHAPES."

Step 20

Select "REDSHAPES" and apply a 4 pixel Gaussian Blur to it. Then run a Smart Sharpen filter as shown.

Run a second Smart Sharpen with a much bigger Pixel Radius. This gives the impression that ink has gathered at the edges of the print.

Step 21

Select all the Layers except for the "BACKGROUND" group or the "Background" layer itself. Merge the Layers and change the Layer Blend Mode to Multiply. Select the "BACKGROUND" group and press Command + E to merge them onto one layer.

You are now ready to grunge it in your favored way. I've used Mr Retro Machine Wash Filter 3 on the Dusted setting, but any grunge or dirty brush will do the trick. It's worth mentioning that I lightened the Paper and desaturated a little more.

The final image is below and I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. You can view the larger version here.

Looking for something to help kick start your next project?


'He made me feel dirty': Rolf Harris victims reveal how he ruined their lives

AS DISGRACED entertainer Rolf Harris awaits sentencing for indecent assault, his innocent victims have spoken of how their lives were destroyed by his actions.

rolf harris, children's tv, presenter, guilty, indecent assault, charges, conviction, pervert, sentenced, victim statements PERVERT: Harris is set to be sentenced for indecent assault [REUTERS]

The 84-year-old was forced to listen to the accounts of four victims in court this morning, with one woman describing how she was driven to drink and still suffers panic attacks over his actions.

"The whole sordid saga has traumatised me."

She added: "Rolf Harris had a hold over me that made me a quivering wreck.

SICK: Harris smiled as he made his way into court to hear his fate this morning [EPA]

Victim of Rolf Harris

She added that the incident "took away my childhood".

The fourth victim said Harris "treated her like a toy" before getting on with his own successful career.

Harris was warned he faces a prison sentence by the judge after his indecent assault conviction earlier this week.


NICE Guidelines

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence [NICE]
NICE Guidelines for Diabetes

NICE is an independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health and preventing and treating ill health. NHS Guidelines advise the NHS on caring for people with specific conditions or disease and the treatments they should receive. In England and Wales, the NHS should follow our recommendations. Therefore local Primary Care Trusts [PCTs] should follow NICE Guidance but they are not obliged to do so. If you are not receiving the care that NICE recommends, then you can enquire why not.

If you want to find out what care and treatment you should be receiving, you can access the full guidance, a summary of the guidance or a version written for the general public [non-medical people] from their website: . For people who do not have access to the internet, copies of the guidance can be obtained by phone: 0845 003 7783.

Here are the NICE Guidelines related to diabetes:


The latest quarterly look from Fidelity Investments revealed that its clients' average 401(k) balances rose to a record $77,300 as of the end of 2012, rising from $75,900 in the third quarter of 2012 and from $69,100 at the beginning of the year. Those figures correspond to strong performance in the financial markets, but what they reveal is that investors aren't doing nearly enough to take advantage of unusually favorable conditions.

Breaking down the numbers

Spoiling the party
Obviously, whenever retirement balances go up, it's good news. But in a year in which the basic vanilla Vanguard Total Market ETF (NYSEMKT:VTI) rose more than 16% and the Vanguard Emerging Market ETF (NYSEMKT:VWO) jumped almost 20%, it's clear that 401(k) balances are underinvested in growth assets.

Moreover, even bonds didn't do as badly as their low yields might suggest. The iShares Core Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEMKT:AGG) rose almost 4%, besting the yield to maturity on most of the bonds it holds as bond prices rose overall. Corporate bonds did even better, with the iShares Investment-Grade Corporate ETF (NYSEMKT:LQD) rising more than 10% on the year.

Falling behind
Moreover, when it comes to amassing a sufficient retirement nest egg to survive throughout their retired years, near-retirees are still coming up short. The average balance of $143,300 for those age 55 or older translates to less than $500 per month in supplemental retirement income using the 4% rule -- and that rule has come into question lately due to low interest rates.

What to do now
In order to keep from falling behind, long-term retirement investors need to understand that it takes a combination of ambitious saving and what may feel like overly aggressive investment strategies in order to reach their financial goals. As difficult as it may be to set aside 8% of your salary, finding ways to boost that level to 10% or even 15% will leave you in much better shape to withstand the ups and downs of the market.

Meanwhile, with stocks near all-time highs and bond prices still holding up well, it may seem ill-advised to get more aggressive with your retirement portfolio. For those who have decades to go before they actually need their retirement money, though, adding to better-performing asset classes has a high probability of long-term success even if it brings more volatility along the way.


Simulations of granulation patterns on the surface of the Sun, sub-giant and giant stars. The scale of each simulation is proportional to the size of the blue image of earth next to it. Courtesy of R. Trampedach, JILA/CU Boulder, COAstronomers have found a clever new way to slice and dice the flickering light from a distant star in a way that reveals the strength of gravity at its surface.

That is important because a star’s surface gravity is one of the key properties that astronomers use to calculate a star’s physical properties and assess its evolutionary state.

The new technique can also be used to significantly improve estimates of the sizes of the hundreds of exoplanets that have been discovered in the last 20 years. Current estimates have uncertainties ranging from 50 to 200%. Using the improved figures for the surface gravity of the host stars calculated by the new method should cut these uncertainties at least in half.

The technique was developed by a team of astronomers headed by Vanderbilt Professor of Physics and Astronomy Keivan Stassun and is described in the Aug. 22 issue of the journal Nature.

Measuring stellar gravity

There are three traditional methods for estimating a star’s surface gravity: photometric, spectroscopic and asteroseismic. The new flicker method is simpler than the older methods and more accurate than all but one of them.

Photometric methods look at how bright a star is in different colors. This distribution is linked to its surface gravity, temperature and chemical composition. It is a relatively easy observation to make and can be performed even on fairly faint stars, but does not produce a very accurate figure for surface gravity, having an uncertainty range of 90 to 150%.

The spectroscopic technique is more involved and is limited to relatively bright stars, but it has a lower uncertainty range of 25 to 50%. It works by closely examining the narrow spectral bands of light emitted by the elements in the star’s atmosphere. Generally speaking, high surface gravity widens the lines and lower surface gravity narrows them.

Asteroseismology is the gold standard, with accuracies of a few percent, but the measurements are even more difficult to make than spectroscopy and it is restricted to several hundred of the closest, brightest stars. The technique traces sound pulses that travel through the interior of a star at specific frequencies that are tied to its surface gravities. Small stars, like the sun, ring at a higher pitch while giant stars ring a lower pitch.

Much like asteroseismology, the new flicker method looks at variations in the star’s brightness, In this case it zeroes in on variations that last eight hours or less. These variations appear to be linked to granulation, the network of small cells that cover the surface of a star that are caused by columns of gas rising from the interior. On stars with high surface gravity, the granulation is finer and flickers at a higher frequency. On stars with low surface gravity, the granulation is coarser and they flicker at a lower frequency.

Exquisitely simple

The new method is remarkably simple—requiring only five lines of computer code to make the basic measurement—substantially reducing the cost and effort required to calculate the surface gravities of thousands of stars.

“The spectroscopic methods are like surgery. The analysis is meticulous and involved and very fine-grained,” said Stassun. “Flicker is more like ultrasound. You just run the probe around the surface and you see what you need to see. But its diagnostic power—at least for the purpose of measuring gravity—is as good if not better.”

To determine the accuracy of the flicker method, they used it to calculate the surface gravity of stars that have been analyzed using asteroseismology. They found that it has an uncertainty of less than 25%, which is better than both the photometric and spectroscopic methods. Its major limitation is that it requires extremely high quality data taken over long time periods. But this is precisely the type of observations made by Kepler while it was searching for periodic dips in light caused when exoplanets cross the face of a star. So the Flicker method can be applied to the tens of thousands of stars already being monitored by Kepler.

Playing with data yields discovery

Graduate student Fabienne Bastien was responsible for discovering that valuable information was embedded in starlight flicker. The discovery began when she was “playing around” with Kepler data using special data visualization software that Vanderbilt astronomers have developed for investigating large, multi-dimensional astronomy datasets. (The data visualization tool that enabled this discovery, called Filtergraph, is free to the public.)

When Bastien showed her discovery to Stassun, he was intrigued. So they performed the operation on the archived Kepler light curves of a few hundred sun-like stars.

When they ran their analysis on the sun’s light curve, for example, the researchers found that it is hovering just above the flicker floor, leading them to the prediction that the sun is approaching a time when it will undergo a fundamental transition to a state of minimum variability and, in the process, will lose its spots.

The research was funded by the Vanderbilt Initiative in Data-intensive Astrophysics (VIDA)and National Science Foundation grants AST-0849736 and AST-1009810.

Source: Vanderbilt Univ.


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Science, Technology, and Society

Science, Technology, and Society

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The Struggle to Shape and Control the Electric Power Industry

Sociological Experiments in Health Care

In this book, Teun Zuiderent-Jerak considers how the direct involvement of social scientists in the practices they study can lead to the production of sociological knowledge. Neither “detached” sociological scholarship nor “engaged” social science, this new approach to sociological research brings together two activities often viewed as belonging to different realms: intervening in practices and furthering scholarly understanding of them.

A History of Computer Animation

During World War I, German soldiers shot down carrier pigeons for fear the birds were carrying enemy communiqués; in Mexico, the United States, and other countries, mules were used for smuggling and secret travel in mountainous areas; in the British Empire in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the British feared that supplies for anti-imperialist rebellion were being transported by canal.

Electronic Music Devices and Computer Encodings in China

Technical objects constrain what users do with them. They are not neutral entities but embody information, choices, values, assumptions, or even mistakes embedded by designers. What happens when a technology is designed in one culture and used in another? What happens, for example, when a Chinese user is confronted by Roman-alphabet-embedded interfaces? In this book, Basile Zimmermann examines the relationship between technical objects and culture in contemporary China, drawing on concepts from science and technology studies (STS).

The Sciences of Policy in Britain and America, 1940-1960

Digital Transformations of the Sciences and Humanities

In Knowledge Machines, Eric Meyer and Ralph Schroeder argue that digital technologies have fundamentally changed research practices in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Meyer and Schroeder show that digital tools and data, used collectively and in distributed mode—which they term e-research—have transformed not just the consumption of knowledge but also the production of knowledge. Digital technologies for research are reshaping how knowledge advances in disciplines that range from physics to literary analysis.

Stanford and the Computer Music Revolution

  • Page 3 of 56


Apple sound panner patent hints at simplified surround sound system
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Apple sound panner patent hints at simplified surround sound system

An Apple patent (number 20120170758) has appeared at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office for a multi-channel sound panner. It shows that the company is working on simplified ways of implementing surround sound -- and may hint at a feature of the rumored "iTV."

A method and apparatus for multi-channel panning is provided. The panner can support an arbitrary number of input channels and changes to configurations to the output sound space. For example, the panner seamlessly handles changes in the number of input channels. Also, the panner supports changes to the number and positions of speakers in the output space.

In one embodiment, the panner allows continuous control of attenuation and collapsing. In one embodiment, the panner keeps source channels on the periphery of the sound space when collapsing channels. In one embodiment, the panner allows control over the path by which sources collapse.

Here's Apple's background on the invention: "Sound panners are important tools in audio signal processing. Sound panners allow an operator to create an output signal from a source audio signal such that characteristics such as apparent origination and apparent amplitude of the sound are controlled. Some sound panners have a graphical user interface that depicts a sound space having a representation of one or more sound devices, such as audio speakers.

"As an example, the sound space may have five speakers placed in a configuration to represent a 5.1 surround sound environment. Typically, the sound space for 5.1 surround sound has three speakers to the front of the listener (front left (L) and front right (R), center (C)) and two surround speakers at the rear (surround left (LS) and surround right (RS)), and one LFE channel for low frequency effects (LFE). A source signal for 5.1 surround sound has five audio channels and one LFE channel, such that each source channel is mapped to one audio speaker.

"When surround sound was initially introduced, dialog was typically mapped to the center speaker, stereo music and sound effects were typically mapped to the left front speaker and the right front speaker, and ambient sounds were mapped to the surround (rear) speakers. Recently, however, all speakers are used to locate certain sounds via panning, which is particularly useful for sound sources such as explosions or moving vehicles. Thus, an audio engineer may wish to alter the mapping of the input channels to sound space speakers, which is where a sound panner is very helpful.

"Moreover, panning can be used to create the impression that a sound is originating from a position that does not correspond to any physical speaker in the sound space by proportionally distributing sound across two or more physical speakers. Another effect that can be achieved with panning is the apparent width of origination of a sound. For example, a gunshot can be made to sound as if it is originating from a point source, whereas the sound of a supermarket can be made to sound as if it is originating over the entire left side of the sound space.

"Conventional sound panners present a graphical user interface to help the operator to both manipulate the source audio signal and to visualize how the manipulated source audio signal will be mapped to the sound space. However, given the number of variables that affect the sound manipulation, and the interplay between the variables, it is difficult to visually convey information to the operator in a way that is most helpful to manipulate the sound to create the desired sound. For example, some of the variables that an operator can control are panning forward, backward, right, and/or left. Further, the source audio data may have many audio channels.

"Moreover, the number of speakers in the sound space may not match the number of channels of data in the source audio data. In order to handle this complexity, some sound panners only allow the operator process one channel of source audio at a time. However, processing one channel at a time can be laborious. Furthermore, this technique does not allow audio engineers to effectively coordinate multiple speakers. Therefore, improved techniques are desired for visually conveying information in a user interface of a sound panner.

Aaron Eppolito is the inventor.

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New FSF accredited advisers

Here we have a list with our new accredited advisers

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How does Florverde®Sustainable Flowers guarantee transparency and independence?

While the FSF standard is revised periodically by an advisory council composed of flower growers, agronomists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government officials; independent accredited certification agencies such SGS and Icontec are responsible for auditing each farm’s compliance with the FSF standard.

How does Florverde®Sustainable Flowers help to combat climate change?

FSF encourages growers to adopt energy efficient processes and requires them to minimize the use of energy intensive inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. Growers must also carry out preventive maintenance of electric equipment and carry out reforestation activities using native species.

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Ole Miss picks up Texas DE/LB hybrid

Saturday’s announcement came as a surprise. It was a pleasant one for Ole Miss fans, and not so much for the Longhorns supporters.

Evans, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound athlete, verbally committed to the Rebels during an unofficial campus visit. Evans is commitment No. 19 for Ole Miss, and he said he was recruited to play defensive end in the Rebels’ defensive scheme.

Evans said his decision came down to Ole Miss and Texas, but the overall campus vibe of Oxford, Miss., proved to be the determining factor.


Title: Woodcarvings from Pabbar Valley
Authors: Chauhan, Hari
Keywords: Woodcarving
Traditional Craft
Pabbar Valley
Himachal Pradesh
Issue Date: Oct-2005
Publisher: CSIR
Series/Report no.:  Int. Cl.7: B44C1/22, B44C5/04
Abstract: <smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"><smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"><smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"> Woodcarving was the favoured medium of artistic expression of the Indian subcontinent. Indian houses and temples were profusely adorned with it and are often inseparable from it. Woodcarving, an indigenous tradition craft finds a mention in the ancient texts such as the Rig Veda and Matsya Purana. Woodcarving craft was well developed in many states specially, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala, Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh. They differed in terms of the kind of wood and the craft tradition. In the early days of kings and nawabs, woodcarving was essentially seen as an adjunct to architecture. Palaces, havelis and temples were decorated with incredibly carved doors, windows and jalis (lattice work). The present paper describes traditional woodcarving work adoring houses and temples of Pabbar valley of Himachal Pradesh. </smarttagtype></smarttagtype></smarttagtype>
Description: 380-385
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8539

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat
IJTK 4(4) 380-385.pdf319.32 kBAdobe PDFView/Open


Accuracy of ultrasound biometry in the prediction of macrosomia: a systematic quantitative review

Dr A. Coomarasamy, Education Resource Centre, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Metchley Park Road, Birmingham B15 2TG, UK.

Objective  To determine the accuracy of ultrasonographically estimated fetal weight (EFW) and abdominal circumference (AC) in the prediction of macrosomia.

Design  Systematic quantitative review.

Methods  Studies were identified without language restrictions from MEDLINE (1966–2003), EMBASE (1980–2003), Cochrane Library (2003:4), SCISEARCH (1974–2003) and manual searching of bibliographies of known primary and review articles. Studies were selected if accuracy of ultrasonographically EFW or AC was evaluated for predicting macrosomia using birthweight as the reference standard. Data were extracted on study characteristics, quality and accuracy. Data were pooled to produce summary receiver operating characteristic curves (sROC) for studies with various test thresholds. Summary likelihood ratios for positive (LR+) and negative (LR−) test results were generated for an EFW of 4000 g and an AC of 36 cm for predicting birthweight of over 4000 g.

Main outcome measures  Birthweight over various thresholds.

Results  There were 36 primary articles consisting of 63 accuracy studies (51 evaluating the accuracy of EFW, and 12 accuracy of fetal AC), including a total of 19,117 women. The sROC area for EFW was not different from the area for fetal AC (0.87 vs 0.85, P= 0.91). For predicting a birthweight of over 4000 g, the summary LRs were 5.7 (95% CI: 4.3 to 7.6) for a positive test and 0.48 (95% CI: 0.38 to 0.60) for a negative test, using Hadlock's method of ultrasonographically estimating fetal weight. For ultrasound fetal AC of 36 cm, the respective LRs for predicting a birthweight over 4000 g were 6.9 (95% CI: 5.2 to 9.0) and 0.37 (0.30–0.45).

Conclusion  There is no difference in accuracy between ultrasonographically EFW and AC in the prediction of a macrosomic baby at birth. A positive test result is more accurate for ruling in macrosomia than a negative test result for ruling it out.


Study: Young Horses Can't Read Subtle Human Body Cues

“In dogs, even young puppies are extremely good at reading human body language, but what we found in horses was that young individuals were not particularly skilled at reading human body language and that this ability developed over time,” said Leanne Proops, PhD, of the Mammal Vocal Communication and Cognition Research group at the University of Sussex, in the United Kingdom.

“This is not to say, however, that horses do not still have some underlying predisposition to learn and attend to the body language of their human social partners,” Proops added. “It just means that it takes time and practice for this skill to develop fully.”

In her study, Proops and her colleagues tested 35 horses younger than three years old using the same series of tests as in her 2009 study of adult horses. Essentially, the animals had to distinguish between a person standing facing the horse or with his or her back to the horse; between two people standing facing the horse but one with the head turned to the side and the other with the head facing forward; and between two people facing the horse with their full bodies and heads but one with the eyes closed and one with the eyes open. In a fourth, "mixed cue" test, one person stood sideways with his head turned toward the horse, whereas the other stood with her body forward and her face turned to the side.

The testers would, at first, have food in their hands if they were the “attentive” ones. In a second experiment, the humans would indicate which of two buckets had food in it, using more or less subtle clues (pointing at it, head turned toward it, eyes turned toward it, etc.).

In this experiment the young horses performed similarly to adult horses in that they were able to detect the more obvious cues like finger pointing, but they were not able to pick up subtle cues like body orientation or eye gaze.

“What this shows is that, alongside the need to slowly build on the training cues and commands we use with young horses, their understanding of our body language and communicative cues will also require time to develop fully,” said Proops. “I’m sure, however, that young horses—without any explicit training from us—are learning about our body language and how to interpret our behavior just by being around people and having contact and exposure to us as we work with them.”

The fact that horses can learn to read human body language over time—despite not being born with the ability—still shows that they have an innate sensitivity to it, Proops added. And this could be key to their status as human companions over the past several centuries.

“Very few species have been domesticated,” she said. “The horse’s ability to be able to understand human communicative cues, given appropriate exposure and training, may well be one of the reasons why horses have had such a close and enduring relationship with people across the ages.”

The study, "The Responses of Young Domestic Horses to Human-Given Cues," appeared in June in the open-access journal PLoS One

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A Canadian gang expert says the arrests of four people in Alberta affiliated with a B.C. gang won't put a big dent in its operations.

Search warrants were executed last week in Airdrie, Red Deer and Calgary, leading to the arrest of one member of the Red Scorpions and three associate members, RCMP said Monday.

The gang is alleged to have been involved in a case known as the Surrey Six, where half a dozen people were killed in a high-rise condo in 2007.

red scorpions

Red Scorpion gang members likely feel the heat is on in B.C.'s lower mainland, gang expert Micheal Chettleburgh said.

“When you have intense police suppression focused on a gang, it creates a displacement effect,” he said.

The four people arrested in Alberta are facing a number of drug and firearms charges.

“Demonstrated by the weapons seized, it is clear that these individuals were willing and able to resort to violence,” said Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta, of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT).

But Chettleburgh said the arrests won't stop the gang.

“The work of law enforcement is, to some extent, a bit of a game of Whack-A-Mole, that you might take out a guy here, two guys there, but there are still a lot of people who want to be part of this story of the Red Scorpions.”

The Red Scorpions made their name with dial-a-dope operations, so it's likely they moved east to expand that network, Chettleburgh said.

Dial-a-dope operations are typically set up to facilitate the sale of a drugs through a phone call or text. Clients request a product, a meeting location is chosen, and drugs are exchanged for money with a drug runner.The meetings are usually held in public places.

“Going over to Alberta, which is perceived as rich in terms of the resource industry, is a logical extension of your operation,” he said.

Police say there could be additional charges and arrests.


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Livni: Fanatics in Gaza, Iraq need dealing with
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Livni: Fanatics in Gaza, Iraq need dealing with

(JTA) — Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said the world must respond to jihadists in Gaza and Iraq.

Livni made the statement in a Facebook post on Friday morning. Her post came as Israeli jets struck Hamas targets in Gaza in response to rocket fire and hours after President Barack Obama announced he had authorized limited airstrikes in Iraq against the jihadist group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL.

“There will be no new, ISIL Middle East,” Livni wrote on Facebook. “Those who woke up this morning in our rough neighborhood know the world needs a clear and loud compass on what is coming out of Gaza and what is happening in Syria and Iraq. Radical forces, fanatics and terrorists need to be treated, and not psychologically, because there is no justification for terrorism against civilians.”

In an address Thursday, Obama announced the first significant battlefield role in Iraq by the United States since the last American soldier left Iraq in 2011. Obama said he had ordered “targeted strikes against ISIL terrorist convoys should they move toward the city” of Irbil.

The United States was also “providing urgent assistance to Iraqi government and Kurdish forces so they can more effectively wage the fight against ISIL,” Obama said.


Japan's national Diet approved the revisions of the Organized Crime Group Countermeasures Law (改正暴力団対策法) last Thursday which allows police to designate organized crime groups as “extremely dangerous” and then arrest any member of that group, without issuing a cease and desist order, if he (or she), makes unreasonable or illegal demands towards ordinary citizens.

The new law also allows the Prefectural Centers for The Elimination of Organized Crime to initiate legal procedures to forbid the use of organized crime offices, in lieu of the local citizens. The new follows public relations campaigns to crackdown on yakuza. The poster above, made by the National Police Agency and the Centers for the Elimination of Organized Crime, reads, "United in a Circle We Can Move Forward the Elimination of the Yakuza!" and was part of the 2011 effort dubbed the National Campaign to Banish Organized Crime.

The Centers will be able to launch legal proceedings to shut down yakuza offices under the new laws, if the group is designated "extremely dangerous."

Southern Japan has been rocked by an escalating gang war between three factions, the Kudo-kai (工藤会), Dojin-kai (道仁会), and 九州誠道会 (Kyushu-seido-kai). The gang wars have escalated to the point where gangsters are shooting at each other with machine guns and using explosives.  Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture Police, where the Dojin-kai is located,  began to offer cash rewards to anyone who reports finding a hand grenade (or “pineapples” in yakuza slang) from this April.  A long-running gang war in the prefecture has raised public fear in the area, and the handy hand-grenade has increasingly become the weapon of choice amongst rival gang members. Civilians in Japan have also been killed in the cross-fire.

Organized crime groups in the Kyushu region, at the southern tip of Japan mapped at right, will probably be the first targets of new stricter anti-organized crime laws. The police are also worried that the Kyushu gangs have begun to move into the Tokyo area. Former Yamaguchi-gumi boss, Tadamasa Goto (後藤忠政元組長) is known to have been aligning himself with the leader of the Kyushu Seido-kai as he reforms his own yakuza group, operating under the name Goto-Shoji (後藤商事), in Tokyo,  according to police sources. The Kyushu Seido-kai now operates several front companies in the greater Tokyo area. The group’s penchant for extreme violence is not welcome by the police in the Kanto area nor the traditional local yakuza.

The police are expected to designate one or more of the groups listed above “extremely dangerous” in the very near future.