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In my last post, I focused on Seattle’s nascent neighborhood greenway system, which aims to create a network of residential streets that elevates the needs of kids, cyclists, parents pushing strollers, elderly shoppers with carts, pet walkers, and other foot-powered travelers.
To get a sense of how that works, we only need look to the city that Seattle stole many of its ideas from: Portland. It’s been building some version of greenways since the 1980s. There, they evolved from traffic-calming projects to bike boulevards to what the city now calls neighborhood greenways.
In their most modern incarnation, family-friendly greenways elevate the needs of pedestrians and cyclists by making it difficult for cars to mindlessly speed through residential neighborhoods—usually through some combination of lower speed limits, speed humps, intersection art, other calming techniques, or traffic diverters that force vehicles off the greenway.
They also aim to reduce the chances that a walker or cyclist will be hit by a car. Typically, the city installs stop signs that force drivers to stop at minor intersections before crossing the greenway. A range of improvements—from signage to refuge islands to activated traffic signals—are installed to help pedestrians and bikers safely cross major intersections.
That formula wasn’t locked in overnight, though. It took years for Portland to learn how to build great greenways. Here are a few of the key takeaways:
- Greenways shouldn’t be all about bikes. Streets that feel comfortable to people on foot reduce the chances that kids and other pedestrians will be injured and are free of cut-through traffic benefit a much broader demographic.
- That said, they are popular with bicyclists—they report traveling out of their way to travel on Portland’s greenways. They don’t go out of their way to use painted bike lanes on busy streets.
- The jury is still out (though hopefully not for long) on whether greenways are actually attracting new cyclists in large numbers, or mostly serving people who were already active riders and previously used other routes.
- It’s essential to lower car traffic and speeds. Without adequate attention to traffic calming, the same things that make greenways attractive to cyclists can also make them attractive to cars. That makes them less safe and valuable for everyone else.
- It’s cheaper and easier to calm traffic on streets that already have low volumes to begin with. So it pays to pick routes wisely.
- Finally, outreach programs like Sunday Parkways—where eight-mile loops of neighborhood greenways are closed to cars—are great tools to help people discover where the best bike routes and other neighborhood gems are. (Spoiler: Seattle is stealing this idea soon…)
The Evolution of Portland’s Bikeways
To grasp just how far ahead Portland is, here is its latest map showing its network of “low-traffic, low-stress” routes, aka greenways:
And here’s how that compares to Seattle, which built its first neighborhood greenway in 2012. The first map shows existing greenways, which clearly don’t connect yet, and the second highlights the 52-mile neighborhood greenway network the city hopes to build over the next five years.
According to Portland Bureau of Transportation safety specialist and greenways guru Greg Raisman, the city really developed that network in three phases. Back in the 1980s, it experimented with some aggressive traffic-calming projects on streets like Lincoln, Clinton, and Harrison Streets in Southeast Portland, which in some cases cut traffic on streets that once carried 5000 cars a day by more than half. It was controversial, but people eventually saw benefits, Raisman said:
After these projects went in it turned out that not only was it safer to live there, but it was safer to walk and bike there. And they became popular bike routes. Hawthorne Bridge today is one of the busiest bicycle bridges in America, and that thing is basically fed with residential routes. You don’t see a lot of bike lanes feeding that—you see green lines.
That helped inform the development of the city’s Bicycle Master Plan in 1996, in which these traffic-calmed routes were rebranded as “bike boulevards.” Over the next five years, the city added to that network of residential, low-traffic bikeways as well as striped more than 100 miles of bike lanes on busy arterials.
As the chart below shows, for much of the 2000s—when Portland biking numbers really started booming—the city actually wasn’t adding that many miles of new bike infrastructure. Then in 2009, it started building a different kind of facility, based on research that suggested many residents were interested in biking but felt unsafe riding on unprotected bike lanes next to heavy car traffic.
That’s when the city starting building improved versions of bike boulevards on streets with even lower car volumes—which were rebranded once again as neighborhood greenways— as well as a much smaller number of protected bike lane miles.
But that building boomlet didn’t last long. Even though Portland’s transportation department has accomplished a lot with little money (at its height, the department was dedicating about $1 million a year to neighborhood greenways), lack of funding for any kind of street improvements has seriously hampered Portland’s ability to keep building neighborhood greenways. Without the cash infusion from the proposed Portland Street Fund, that’s unfortunately unlikely to change.
New and Improved Greenways
Portland’s newest neighborhood greenways have a few key differences than the older bike boulevards. As the name implies, bike boulevards were conceived and sold primarily as bike infrastructure. The public conversations around greenways take into account pedestrian safety, neighborhood livability, community building, needs of families with kids, and improving mobility for users of all ages.
Another key difference is that bike boulevards were originally located on streets with as many as 3000 cars a day, while neighborhood greenways are targeted for streets that have fewer than 1000 cars. As Raisman puts it:
The difference between starting on a street that has 5000 cars a day and a street that has 800 cars a day is enormous. That really determines how effective I can be in creating a really family-friendly place. We really strive to be under 1000 cars a day now, and lower is better. A lot of our new neighborhood greenways have 600 cars a day. When you think about that, that means that essentially during rush hour that’s one car a minute.
Similarly, the city is aiming for much slower vehicle speeds now. On bike boulevards, if 85 percent of the cars were moving slower than 30 miles per hour, the city didn’t undertake any additional traffic-calming measures. On greenways, the city is now designing traffic calming measures to slow vehicle speeds to 20 miles per hour, following a change in state law that allows cities to reduce speeds on residential streets. Speed humps like the one below have been among Portland’s most effective tools.
To reduce volumes, the city in some cases also uses traffic diverters that allow bikes and cars to pass through but force cars to turn off the greenway. (Interestingly, Portland’s Michigan greenway showed a diverter can reduce traffic and make residents happier but doesn’t guarantee cyclists will immediately flock to the route.)
When greenways succeed in achieving lower traffic volumes, the calmer atmosphere allows for social interaction and people to ride next to each other and chat (unlike painted bike lanes on busy arterials):
Where neighborhood greenways cross busy streets, the city now revamps intersections to take the needs of pedestrians—who move more slowly than bikes—into account. And the last big difference is the attention Portland has paid to signage and wayfinding, which has made it easier for people to figure out how to get across the city on the greenway network.
But Who Uses Them?
As the chart below shows, bike traffic has generally (but not always) increased after greenway improvements were installed. But that doesn’t really answer the question of whether greenways are attracting new cyclists or just offering a quieter alternative for people who used to bike on other streets and just changed routes.
That’s a key question for Portland, which saw huge numbers of new bikers taking to the roads from 2000 to 2008. Depending on what metrics you’re using, that growth has either slowed or completely stagnated since then. Curiously, as the next chart shows, the boom in people biking happened at a time when the city wasn’t really adding that many new miles of bike infrastructure. And that growth began to level off just as the city started investing in neighborhood greenways around 2009.
One could argue that the biking boom was the result of investments that the city made a decade earlier and that it takes time for people to discover and start using infrastructure. And that the same thing may happen as a result of the city’s recent investments in neighborhood greenways. But who knows?
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That’s why people trying to figure out why Portland staggering growth in new bikers has slowed would love to know how effective greenways are in convincing people who were previously afraid or reluctant to hop on a bike and try it. The city is undertaking a deep dive into neighborhood greenway data to get a better handle on who who uses them and how they could be improved, with a public report due in 2015. As Raisman argues:
I think greenways are attractive for people who might otherwise feel uncomfortable on other kind of roads. I do expect and I do think that growth is already starting to happen. But even if the most negative potential hypothesis has any weight—when people say “oh gosh, you’re just moving cyclists from a busy street to a quiet street that’s safer and more comfortable”—is that bad?
Data collected so far do offer some tantalizing tidbits. Studies in 2009 and 2012 both found that cyclists will go out of their way to bike on greenways. In the latter, which used GPS to track where 164 Portland cyclists actually ride, people preferred separated bike paths and neighborhood greenways above other options. Bike commuters were willing to increase their trip distances by 10 percent to bike on a greenway, and non-commuting cyclists were willing to go 17 percent out of their way.
Interestingly, cyclists did not go out of their way to use unprotected bike lanes on busy arterials, where the study found the advantage of having that bike-specific infrastructure was washed out by the disadvantages of adjacent traffic.
Another Portland State University study, though, suggests greenways might under-deliver on some of the presumed benefits. It tracked the activity levels of Portland parents before and after a greenway was installed in their neighborhood and found that the greenway improvements made no difference in the amount they walked and did not increase the likelihood that they would take a bike trip. (The authors of the study did question whether it might have been done too soon to capture longer-term behavioral change.)
But that doesn’t mean that residents don’t value greenways. In this survey of people living next to the SE Salmon bike boulevard, one of the city’s original traffic calming projects, 68 percent said they liked living on it “a lot.” More than 18 percent of residents said the bicycle boulevard factored into their decision to move there. Fifty-four percent of residents said living on a bike boulevard didn’t influence whether or not they bike, while 42 percent said it made them more likely to bike. The number one improvement that people wished for (51 percent) was adding signals or signage to help people get across problem intersections.
So even with Portland’s decades of experience in building low-stress, low-traffic streets, it’s still an experiment in progress. We can all look forward to the in-depth results early next year on who uses them and how they’re changing the family-friendly fabric of the city. | fineweb_edu |
The relevant limits of detection for analysis at the manufacturing stage are much smaller than those conventionally addressed by "standard" quality control procedures in the supplements industry.
In general, the necessary levels of detection used in anti-doping screening for athletes are measured at the part per billion level (i.e. nanogram per ml). However, the supplement manufacturing industry would generally use parts per million (i.e. microgram per ml or microgram per gram) for detection of general contaminants for quality control purposes. This means that an athlete's urine or blood test is much more sensitive and is more likely to detect the presence of a prohibited substance than when a supplement is tested during the manufacturing process using conventional methods, with parts per million detection limits.
The concentration levels expressed in terms of a standard unit (i.e. a gram or ml in this case) are not as relevant as the total intake of a supplement within a daily dose, which may vary from a few grams to perhaps over 100 grams depending on the product. For example, an athlete would consume a greater volume of the supplement taking one serving of creatine than they would in taking one vitamin tablet. The more one takes, the higher the risk of having traces of a prohibited contaminant in your system.
| dclm_edu |
The Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC
) is casting the net wide in the search for a new strategic underwriting partner after Vero
Insurance decided to end their partnership.
’s constitution deems a limit of three strategic underwriting partners, with Lloyd’s and Hollard Insurance representing the other two.
chairman Lyndon Turner said the Council was now seeking expressions of interest and formal applications to replace Vero
“We are disappointed to see Vero
leave us,” he said. “However, we respect their decision.
“Our staff and board have worked very hard to support Vero
’s underwriting agency marketing position.
“There are many UAC
members who have partnered with them, and indeed are still partners with them,” he said.
“However, this departure creates an opening and, due to the regular enquiries we receive from the market, the board feels it only best to open a formal process of discussions with the wider market to ensure we select the best new partner to join us.”
Turner said UAC
offered access to more than 100 corporate voting members, all of which were professional underwriting agencies writing in a majority of classes across the Australian and New Zealand market.
“Underwriting agencies have undergone fantastic growth and remain the most dynamic decision-making insurance providers in the region,” Turner said.
“They need insurer partners to support their growth, and we offer strategic underwriting partner insurers great access and opportunities to invest profitably in this sector.”
spokesperson said the company had had a productive five year sponsorship with UAC
But, he said: “Following a review, we will continue to have a relationship, however we saw this as an opportunity for UAC
to look for a new sponsor.”
general manager William Legge
voting members totalled 106, and employed more than 3,000 staff, writing more than AU$3 billion in annual GWP across the region.
“We look forward to working with the market to explain further how we can help a new strategic underwriting partner enjoy the benefits a partnership with us can offer.”
Legge was accepting expressions of interest by phone or email until close of business on Thursday 28 July, when he would then provide details of the formal process around the consideration.
Industry body inks UK deal
Broker's shift of business a concern for market?
Lloyd's commitment to grow coverholder model in NZ | fineweb_edu |
Cash sales are slowly turning into the endangered species of the industry, reaching the lowest share since August 2008.
Tumbling 35.9% from July 2013, cash sales made up 32.9% of total home sales in July 2014, according to CoreLogic’s latest report on July’s cash sales.
On a monthly basis, the cash sales share was mostly flat, falling only one tenth of a percentage point from June 2014. But it's important to note that cash sales share comparisons should be made on a year-over-year basis due to the seasonal nature of the housing market.
Cash sales have fallen each month since January 2013, and prior to the housing crisis, the cash sales share of total home sales averaged approximately 25%.
The peak occurred in January 2011, when cash transactions made up 46.3% of total home sales.
“A trend to watch is the cash share of re-sales, which has fallen almost 15 percentage points from its peak cash share of 47.1% in February 2011,” the report said. “This category will determine the direction of cash sales going forward, since re-sales make up the largest share at 81% of all sales.”
(Source CoreLogic, click to enlarge) | fineweb_edu |
# Estimates for the normal approximation of the binomial distribution
I'm interested in estimates of the normal approximation for binomial distributions, i.e. in estimates of
$$\sup_{x\in\mathbb R}\left|P\left(\frac{B(p,n)-np}{\sqrt{npq}} \le x\right) - \Phi(x)\right|$$
From the Berry-Essen theorem I can deduce
$$\sup_{x\in\mathbb R}\left|P\left(\frac{B(p,n)-np}{\sqrt{npq}} \le x\right) - \Phi(x)\right| \le \frac{C(p^2+q^2)}{\sqrt{npq}}$$
with $C \le 0.4748$.
My question: Are there better estimates for the normal approximation of the binomial distribution?
The Berry-Esseen theorem is quite general because it can be applied to each sum of i.i.d random variables. So I guess there are better estimates for the special case of the binomial distribution...
• Have you found a tighter bound since the OP? Could you share your findings, please? Thank you Aug 12, 2021 at 12:51
• This doesn't seem to be a very useful formula for the bound since it can return values much greater than $1$ which is nonsensical as the difference between any two CDFs can't be larger than 1. Is the formula correct? Aug 12, 2021 at 14:01
• @Confounded It's a long time since I worked in this field. However I do not recall to have a better method than the Berry-Essen theorem (for the constant I might have found a better estimation). mathoverflow.net/questions/220030/… is related to this as well Aug 22, 2021 at 21:29
By Chebyshev's inequality, a positive proportion of the mass of the binomial distribution is located between $np-\sqrt{npq}$ and $np+\sqrt{npq}$. Together with the pigeonhole principle, this implies that a single value in this interval is taken on with probability proportional to $\frac{1}{\sqrt{npq}}$ (there are much more precise results than this; see for example Steven Dunbar's notes on Local Limit Theorems), meaning that the CDF of the binomial distribution has jumps of this size.
On the other hand, the normal distribution is continuous. So on one side or the other of the jump, the approximation error must be at least $\frac{C'}{\sqrt{npq}}$, which matches the Berry-Esseen bound up to a constant factor ($p^2+q^2$ is always between $1/2$ and $1$). | owm |
To change the way you eat, you have to learn to be afraid of nothing. No vegetable preparation can intimidate you. No cut of meat can make you sit down. YOU are UNCONQUERABLE.
Here is a tropical fruit whose appearance is a bit, well, yucky. I can just hear my mom say, “Ooooh. You’re going to eat that?” But despite the gelatinous–looking-glop look, oh, how delicious!
They look better when the skin is smooth and plump, but they taste better when the skin is shriveled and shrunken. Little bumps and “bruises” on the skin don’t bother the fruit any. We like to let them shrivel up–if we can wait that long to eat them! If they get too shriveled, they actually seem to get a little alcoholic. I like them shriveled, but not too shriveled. We let them ripen up at room temperature like we would a banana. My husband told me if we can’t get too them fast enough, they store well just popped into the freezer. But we haven’t had to do that!
There are yellow varieties and purple. Our favorite is the purple.
They are commonly made into juice. But I wouldn’t know whether to put them in my blender, my juicer, or my fine mesh sieve. Sounds messy. We just eat them. Commercial passion fruit juices almost always are processed catastrophes.
They have a fragrantly sweet taste with a pleasantly tart tang and are very juicy. What to akin it to? I don’t know. Let’s see. Maybe kiwi. Maybe pineapple.
So don’t be afraid of nothin’. No fruit, vegetable, or meat cut can intimidate me anymore. How about you? You still lettin’ food scare you?
Would love to hear if you’ve tried this delectable fruit! Or conversely, I’d love to hear of specific foods that you have wanted to try but don’t know how to cook. And even if I don’t hear anything, go bravely into the whole food world, creating better health for you and your family.
One more line, from my emergency medicine friend, a full-time doctor and mother of three.: “Terri, I made a whole foods meal from scratch. I had to load the dishwasher and wash dishes by hand…I think I’ll have the kitchen cleaned and ready to make another meal like that again in…ummm…about two weeks.” | fineweb_edu |
Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) is suitable for practicing people.
"Dafa" is also known as "Falun Dafa" or "Falun Gong." He is a very old universal cultivation exercise both on thought and body. Founded by Mr. Li Hongzhi in 1992 and spread from China. Now there are people from more than 100 countries who are practicing Falun Gong, and thousands of thousands people have gained physical and mental health through practicing Falun Gong. This website introduces Falun Gong in more detail. Everyone can practice Falun Gong regardless of age, country, language, skin color, gender, occupation, and level of education. Getting started with the method of learning is free. | dclm_edu |
Alcohol For A Longer Life?
By News Staff | January 22nd 2012 11:57 AM | 5 comments | Print | E-mail | Track Comments
Forget starving yourself or kooky ideas like a lettuce diet for increased longevity - the answer to living longer may be found in a bottle of alcohol.
Minuscule amounts of ethanol, the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, has been shown to more than double the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans - though just why is still unclear, so don't get out the Jim Beam just yet. Plus, high concentrations have been linked to numerous detrimental neurological effects too many times for that to be overthrown any time soon.
The worms
are found throughout the world in soil, where they eat bacteria. They grow from an egg to an adult in just a few days and normally live for about 15 days. They can survive with nothing to eat for roughly 10 to 12 days but the study showed tiny amounts of ethanol can make them survive 20 to 40 days.
The researchers behind the finding set out to test the effect of cholesterol on worms - cholesterol is a big area of research because it has been both vilified and extolled based on studies over the last few decades; we need it in our membranes but it can be dangerous in our bloodstream. They fed the worms cholesterol and the worms lived longer - due to the cholesterol, they assumed. But in controlling for that they noted the cholesterol was dissolved in ethanol, a common solvent, that was diluted 1,000-fold.
Ethanol added to M9 medium up to 10 days post-hatching extends lifespan of arrested wild-type L1 larvae. Wild-type L1 larvae (70,000) were isolated as described in Figure 1 and were transferred to 70 ml of M9 medium supplemented with ethanol (4 mM) after 1, 5, 7, 10 and 13 days of incubation under starvation conditions in M9 medium at 20°C and 160 rpm. Survival was scored every 48 hours until all larvae were dead. Mantel-Cox logrank analyses indicated that the control was significantly different from the 1, 5, 7, and 10 day samples (p<0.0001) and the 13 day sample (p = 0.01). Credit: See citation
Steven Clarke, a UCLA professor of chemistry and biochemistry and the senior author of the study. "The cholesterol did nothing. We found that not only does ethanol work at a 1-to-1,000 dilution, it works at a 1-to-20,000 dilution. That tiny bit shouldn't have made any difference, but it turns out it can be so beneficial.
"The concentrations correspond to a tablespoon of ethanol in a bathtub full of water or the alcohol in one beer diluted into a hundred gallons of water." Fortunately that is far too much to make homeopathy cranks feel vindicated selling magic water. The question remains, how does such little ethanol have such an effect on longevity?
They know more is not better. The scientists found that when they raised the ethanol level by a factor of 80, it did not increase the life span of the worms. Now they need to identify the mechanism that extends the worms' life span. About half the genes in the worms have human counterparts, so if the researchers can identify a gene that extends the life of the worm, that may have implications for human aging.
"Our molecules live for only weeks or months," Clarke said. "If we want to live long lives, we have to outlive our molecules. The way we do that is with enzymes that repair our DNA — and with proteins, a combination of replacement and repair."
Citation: Castro PV, Khare S, Young BD, Clarke SG (2012) Caenorhabditis elegans Battling Starvation Stress: Low Levels of Ethanol Prolong Lifespan in L1 Larvae. PLoS ONE 7(1): e29984. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0029984
Reckless article. While it does state the amount of alcohol to be minuscule, many will just read the headline, and of those that read the whole article, a reasonable percentage will end up drinking more than a minuscule amount due to an eventual alcohol dependency.
On Science 2.0, there is zero chance that will happen. Huffington Post, sure, but anyone reads science there is hopelessly lost anyway.
Gerhard Adam
...many will just read the headline,
...and that's how natural selection works.
Mundus vult decipi
I hope Science 2.0 readers don't do that...I just posted an article which has a quite different point than the title.
So all I need to do is cut down my consumption to a glass of red wine a day and I will get more benefits? ...apart from withdrawal that is. | dclm_edu |
Climate ChangeEnergyEnvironment
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Sustainability has such a broad meaning that anyone can have their own definition and they all will be true.
Sustainability, as related to the environment and energy became a term commonly used and “trendy”, and thus it creates a risk of “greenwashing”.
The energy strategy or policy typically defines high-level goals and requirements, and include common keywords. Once the product, activity, or idea becomes popular, we can notice tendencies for its excessive use. What are your first thoughts of “green” or “sustainability”? What is the exact meaning of (what is behind) promoting innovation and efficiency? Each of us can probably interpret and apply these terms in many different ways. The thin line between the influence and manipulation lies within the personal feelings about the solution. So, what happens when we deceptively use these keywords to promote the perception of environmentally friendly products or practices?
Energy audit is one of the stars of the popularity contest these days. There are at least three levels of audits, as defined by ASHRAE, and they itself do not save money and energy unless the recommendations are implemented. Operating staff and energy manager, if such position exists within the organization, usually has a list of already identified potential energy saving opportunities which typically includes facilities, lighting, HVAC, load factors, or changing the patterns of energy use. Among the set of measures is also ongoing monitoring, because you cannot manage what you cannot measure.
More complex solutions, such as demand response, cogeneration, energy storage, or shifting to other sources of energy require more effort, money, and engineering support. However, one the most important factors are the human behaviors and habits. The best technology and the high-priced solutions will not work if the operational staff has no training, understanding, and willingness to proceed.
Another popular term “triple bottom line: people, planet, profit” is being used widely but in fact the only truly understood is money and quantifiable risks.
Energy efficiency, like most environmentally friendly concepts, is commonly associated with cost. In the long-term applied energy efficiency measures proved to be cost effective strategy by providing cost savings, so why energy efficiency is such a hard sell?
As climate change awareness and mitigation strategies are being developed, it is expected that industry will progressively prioritize energy efficiency as a critical solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and potential energy gap. This transformation is inevitable but cannot happen without public support and commitment. We all agree that nothing is constant but change. Are we really afraid of change or maybe not being prepared for the change? | dclm_edu |
ZCARD key
当 key 存在且是有序集类型时，返回有序集的基数。 当 key 不存在时，返回 0
```
redis > ZADD salary 2000 tom # 添加一个成员
(integer) 1
redis > ZCARD salary
(integer) 1
redis > ZADD salary 5000 jack # 再添加一个成员
(integer) 1
redis > ZCARD salary
(integer) 2
redis > EXISTS non_exists_key # 对不存在的 key 进行 ZCARD 操作
(integer) 0
redis > ZCARD non_exists_key
(integer) 0
``` | stack_edu |
My Story: My Top 5 Inspirational Blogs for the New Year by Sohana Waqar
With the New Year just a few days away, it is only natural to begin to prepare and plan for 2015. While most may be preoccupied with where to celebrate, or what type of clothing to wear while ringing in the year with a bang, there are many who plan ahead with a list of personal goals for the future.
Rather than focusing on the short-term preparations for the upcoming year, I found myself thinking of my own long-term internal changes aimed to better myself. As a communications assistant working on FindaPsychologist.org, I get to research the blogosphere to find helpful resources for our readers and I thought, why not share them? After all, I’m sure thousands of people from all over the country rack their brains trying to figure out how to make all of those internal changes possible.
In this article, I’ve tried to make their jobs a little bit easier. After searching the various types of self-help and inspirational blogs that exist, I managed to compile a list that I personally believe to be the top five inspirational blogs for my New Year:
Both creator and writer of “The Possibility of Today” blog, Sybil Chavis, dedicates her website to those who are looking to break free from negative thinking and begin to live life the way they’ve always wanted. Chavis’ blog stands out because of her approach on taking advantage of the possibilities of today, and is laid out to readers in a methodical manner. I find that this blog is essential to those who want a more positive outlook on life, but don’t know where to start or are too overwhelmed with the many different ways to make the positive changes possible.
Blogger, Elle Sommer, aims to help her readers make the necessary changes in their lives by sharing tips on how to get past obstacles and achieve success as well as happiness. This blog was chosen because of the many different ways that Elle addresses making changes in life. She understands that making the changes to better yourself cannot be achieved through one path. Elle addresses that there are various ways that changes for the better can be made and she explores each of them under topics like; Life Fundamentals, Abundance, Motivation, Encouragement, Success, Happiness, and Change.
Fashion lover and fitness-seeking blogger, Emily, centers her blog “Authentically Emmie,” on sharing her weight loss journey. From “morbidly obese to healthy,” with the physical and emotional challenges she faced. Emmie’s blog is a real treat. She not only updates her readers on her weight loss but also goes a step further and helps other plus-size women find clothing that can make them feel good and look good. While her blog is extremely informative, it has a humorous element that will always keep you coming back and feeling positive.
Brad Isaac, the creator of the “Persistence Unlimited” blog, believes that in order to be able to successfully accomplish your goals, they must be systematically set in the right way. In his blog, he shares with his readers articles and information that is needed in order to help with goal setting, as well as self-development. Brad keeps his blog simple and organized well for those who are just starting to make changes in their lives. His posts cover a range of topics from Goal Setting 101 to talking about Time Management and Powerful Decision Making. His writing style is personable and he is very attentive to those who leave comments or questions on his posts.
The creator of “Expert Enough,” Corbett Barr, teaches his readers the philosophy of “how to learn more so they can be more.” He provides strategies, techniques, and case studies in a variety of disciplines such as health, fitness, psychology, technology and more, so his audience can gain new skills and become happier. I found this blog to be interesting because of the main philosophy that Corbett Barr believes in. After reading so many blogs that focused on motivation and inspiration, this blog touched on the hidden potential that is trapped within every person. Corbett explores the idea that the secret to being “expert enough” is about wanting to learn more, do more, and be more. A simple thought, with a not-so- simple execution.
Accepting the fact that you want to make changes in your life is the first step. Hopefully, these blogs will provide you with enough motivation, dedication, and inspiration to see those changes through.
As we head into 2015 together, I believe it is important to remember the reason we are willing to make improvements in our lives; to ultimately become a happier version of ourselves. I think Helen Keller said it best by simply stating, “Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep you happy, and your joy and you shall form and invincible host against difficulties.” I wish you all a very Happy New Years and cheers to a happier new you.
Communications Assistant at the National Register for Health Service Psychologists
She is a recent graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she received her Bachelors of Science in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. | fineweb_edu |
Read 20 Million Leagues Over the Sea Online
Authors: K. T. Hunter
Tags: #mars, #spies, #aliens, #steampunk, #h g wells, #scientific romance, #women and technology, #space adventure female hero, #women and science
20 Million Leagues Over the Sea
20 Million Leagues Over the Sea
K. T. Hunter
Book One of
The Nemo
Published by Twin Cedars Enterprises at
Copyright 2015 K. T. Hunter
ISBN 978-0-9888635-5-2 (Smashwords E-Book)
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment
purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading
use only, then please return to and purchase your
own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this
20 Million Leagues Over the Sea
is a work of
fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and
incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or
used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons,
living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Wells, H. G.
War of the Worlds
. London:
Heinemann, 1898.
Verne, Jules.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the
. Paris: Hetzel, 1870.
Verne, Jules.
The Mysterious Island
. Paris:
Hetzel, 1874.
Tennyson, Alfred. "The Lady of Shalott". 1832.
Cover by The Cover Collection
Email: [email protected]
"Have no fear, Miss Llewellyn," the captain
said. "I've done this before."
He touched a heavily gloved finger to the
corner of his sharp green eyes, as if to tip an imaginary hat. He
lowered it quickly to allow the white-coated technician to continue
strapping him into the seat next to her.
Gemma Llewellyn had schooled her posture as
much as she could to conceal her nervousness, but there was so much
of it that she supposed her face was as pale as the technician's
suit. That was fine. After all, a total lack of fear would draw too
much attention. She hoped she seemed just nervous enough without
tipping over into real hysteria.
"The Terran Industrial Alliance has seen to
it that we are as well-trained as possible for space travel," he
continued. "In fact, most of the crewmembers have experienced at
least a half-dozen launches via the rail-gun system by this point.
We've launched continuously for several years without a major
"Bloody hell, I suppose the crash into Mount
Cook last spring was only a
incident, then," growled a
voice in the row behind them. "I suppose one must be at least a
midshipman before having one's grey matter smeared across a
mountainside is considered a major incident, eh?"
Gemma quirked an eyebrow at that. She had not
heard a whisper about such a crash, from either the newspapers or
the creeping vines of gossip that wound their way through halls of
"There is a lady present, Doctor Pugh!"
The captain tried to turn in his padded seat
to emphasize his point, but he was too tightly strapped in to do
much more than wriggle. His tall, lean frame was well ensconced in
the padded chair. Gemma thought he looked quite young to be a
captain; he appeared to be not much older than her own
four-and-twenty years. With his angular cheekbones, short chestnut
hair, and pencil-thin mustache, he could blend in with any group of
young university fellows.
"Lady, my arse, Christophe," the voice
replied with a snort. "A lady would be home tending to her
knitting, not strutting about in a pressure suit. Sophie the
Steamfitter, indeed!" He snorted again and fell silent.
Gemma looked down as her own attendant
snugged up her straps. She pretended to focus on that young lady's
tightly snooded hair. Mrs. Brightman had taught her that it was
usually best to allow men their quibbling and not bother to argue
against such statements. It was a waste of one's breath. The suit
was a bit odd, but she supposed it would be just as awkward on
anyone that had not already spent a great deal of time in orbit.
She wondered what the Rational Dress Society would make of it.
"They ought to save that rot for the bloody
tentacle-heads," her attendant whispered as she pulled back and
offered Gemma a sympathetic look. "The charging coils for the rails
should be close to full power now, Miss. They just loaded your
trunk in the boot, too, so that ought to make this easier. Been up
to the station twice meself. It's not so bad. Don't worry, love.
You'll be on your way shortly."
She gestured for Gemma to lean forward, and
another worker maneuvered the copper-clad helmet over her head.
When they were done, Gemma nodded at the young woman as much as the
helmet would allow. It wasn't the rail-gun that worried her.
"Kindly restrict your remarks to the weather,
Pugh," the man next to her said. His voice took on a muffled
quality as his own helmet locked into place. "And that's Captain
Moreau to you."
Gemma felt a slight coolness from the sudden
rush of air blowing into the helmet. She flashed the attendant an
understanding smile. The woman's exasperated face would be the last
she would see on Earth until their over two years, if
things went as planned. Gemma had thought that they would be
surrounded by reporters shouting questions, especially since this
was the last tender to the ship; but it was just the three of them
and a few technicians. It was strange to have so little attention
paid to an event that the entire world had anticipated for more
than two decades. But it wasn't the mission's visibility that
worried her, either.
As preparations continued around her, Gemma
pondered Dr. Pugh. Since she had been a (quite literally)
last-minute addition to this venture, this was her first encounter
with members of the crew. She had spent the last few days just
getting to the launch site in the middle of the Pacific Ocean; it
had been a long journey by airship and steamer from Britain.
Striking workers at some of the ports had caused more than one
diversion. Gemma had wondered how Nellie Bly would have managed if
she had met the same obstacles on her famous trek around the globe
before the days of the Airship Network.
Then it had been two days of very intense
orientation on the Launch Coil and the ship itself. This would not
have been possible before the Invasion, Mrs. Brightman had told
her, as they had based the ship's design on plans found in the
Martian cylinders and adapted the design to accommodate humans.
Except for the three of them, the crew and
the Scientific Cohort were already on board. Since the TIA had
built the ship in orbit -- it would not fly within an atmosphere --
very few people had seen more of it than drawings and schematics.
The newspapers (also owned by the TIA) were rife with headlines
that proclaimed the imminent and permanent defeat of the
Dr. Pugh, whom she had never met, was the
lead scientist for the expedition. She had only seen one photograph
of him in the newspapers, standing next to his mentor, the
celebrated naturalist Professor Aronnax, when he was much younger.
She had no idea what he looked like now, and it would be several
hours before she could look him in the face.
So, here was her superior, and he was
insulting her even before their formal introduction. Mrs. Brightman
approve. Behind the veil of the helmet, Gemma
allowed her face to melt from the ladylike mask that it normally
wore into a scowl. In about five hours, she would have to speak to
him, ready or not. She wasn't looking forward to it.
One thing at a time
, Mrs. Brightman
had said.
Instead of worrying over the eventual
confrontation ahead, she focused on the slight reflection of her
own face in the back of the faceplate -- wide brown eyes framed
with long lashes above cheeks dusted with freckles on a
heart-shaped face.
The speaker in her helmet clicked on, and
Captain Moreau's voice continued as if there had been no
interruption. The tinny scratching of the transmission could not
conceal his enthusiasm. He sounded as if he were back in London
rather than right next to her.
"Just remember your emergency procedures,
Miss Llewellyn. Most likely, they will not be necessary, but I do
find that having something to focus upon does make things easier.
Do not worry! I will ensure your safety."
Dr. Pugh's voice clicked in on the speaker
next to her other ear. "Pretentious little prick," he said.
"Endangering the lives of people who have no business flying about
in space. Get him to tell you about the shakedown cruise to the
moon someday. I'm not sure why we need a geologist on this trip,
Dr. Pugh had finally mentioned the worrisome
bit: the first TIA voyage to the moon. One heard many rumors about
that maiden voyage, but who knew which bits were true?
"But they insisted," he went on. "Oh, right,
we've got to learn what we can while we're there, they said. Can't
waste an opportunity to advance our knowledge of natural
philosophy, they said. Poppycock! This is a ship of
, not
a tea party! They are sending scientists to Mars to find better
ways to kill Martians, not to convene symposia on the substrata of
the Tharsis Bulge--"
The captain's voice pushed Dr. Pugh's to the
background. "Never mind Dr. Pugh. He's married to his work. He's
been a leading light in natural philosophy since before the
Invasion. Many people born in that generation are pretty set in
their ways. Not like us, Miss. No, we that came of age after the
Invasion have a fresher view of the universe. I, for one, am glad
that we have some ladies aboard."
They went on in that vein as the technicians
checked their harnesses one last time and then backed away. The top
of the capsule lowered down upon them, and she felt a thump as it
locked into place. Panels flickered to life and banished the
temporary darkness. There were no portholes, so she could not see
the great plantation of Tesla Chargers -- an odd hybrid of
electrical coils and flywheel storage -- that surrounded the launch
site. She had seen them from the airship as she had arrived here.
They had been charging even then, preparing for a crew launch, and
they had been a startling sight. She could imagine the tongues of
lightning licking the sides of the towers, ready to hurl her away
from the sheltering lap of Earth. The orientation instructor had
told her that the launch system used so much power that it required
its own generators; otherwise, each launch would have drained the
surrounding towns of the very power that they had received in
return for hosting the facility in the first place.
Even through her helmet, she could hear the
whoosh of cabin pressurization. She had reviewed all of these
procedures the day before, in a simulation engine, but this felt
far rougher. However, it was hard to think on the wonder of it all
with two people having two different one-sided conversations with
her at the same time. Mrs. Brightman's school had taught Gemma a
great many things, but it had not prepared her for this.
"Perhaps you might lob some quartz at them,"
Pugh groused. "Just give us a chance to coat it with some influenza
first. Now wouldn't that be a useful weapon?"
"Pugh means well," the captain said into her
other ear. "Etiquette simply isn't his strong suit."
"What are you supposed to do for the forty
days it'll take to get there?" the scientist continued. "They don't
even have Martian rock samples for you to study yet. We're the
Mercifully, a third voice joined the chorus:
"Good afternoon, lady and gents, your attention please. This is
your launch director. Welcome to the last tender to the TIAS
Thunder Child's Fury
on this, the 23rd of August, nineteen
hundred and twenty-four. The capsule is now sealed, pressured, and
ready for flight. The weather is optimal. Estimated travel time to
Shackleton Station is six hours from launch. For the moment, sit
back, relax, and continue breathing in the oxygen so we can get all
that nitrogen out of your systems."
"Yes, young lady, you'll want to do that,"
Dr. Pugh said. "I've had a touch of the bends before. Definitely
something you want to avoid."
The launch director broke in again. "We are
sealing the outer door of the tube. Commencing vacuum shake test in
thirty seconds, mark."
At least they are getting the worst part
over at the start
, Gemma thought. A hard jolt rattled her
teeth, harder than it had during the brief training. The wrenching
and rolling was harder and more bone jarring than she remembered,
but it did not last long.
"Air returning to the chamber. Prepare for
lift, ten seconds," the launch director said.
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Had the Fred Thompson who delivered that stemwinder of a
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• By
• Ben Casselman
Who dropped out of the labor force last month? People with jobs.
Of the 7.4 million people who left the labor force in August, well over half — 4.1 million — had been employed in July. Fewer than three million were previously unemployed people who stopped looking for work.
There are two things worth noting about those numbers. First, they’re really big. When the Labor Department released its monthly jobs report on Friday, much of the commentary focused on the 368,000-person decline in the labor force. But that’s a net number, reflecting the flows of millions of people into and out of the labor force. Over time, the monthly flows add up to important trends. But in any given month, the net change of a few tens or hundreds of thousands of people is dwarfed by the roughly 13 million people who join or leave the labor force.
Second, a close look at the August decline in the labor force reveals that the oft-cited explanation of unemployed workers “giving up” is at best incomplete. Most people who leave the labor force do so for reasons unrelated to the broader economy. They’re going back to school, quitting work to raise children or, probably most often, retiring. Indeed, as the U.S. population has aged, there’s been a gradual, long-term rise in the number of employed workers retiring and leaving the labor force. The recession interrupted that pattern by leaving some older workers unemployed and forcing others to work longer than they’d planned in order to rebuild shattered retirement savings. But as both the job and stock markets have recovered, the trend has resumed.
That doesn’t mean some people aren’t giving up. Some 2.9 million people who were unemployed in July were out of the labor force in August, the biggest such move in nearly a year. Some of those people were retiring or going back to school, but no doubt many of them were indeed abandoning their job searches.
The number of unemployed workers leaving the labor force shot up during the recession and has generally been declining during the recovery as job prospects improved. But interestingly it’s now risen for three straight months. That could reflect a worsening job market, but it also may be partly due to the expiration of unemployment benefits for hundreds of thousands of job seekers. Some economists have suggested that the extension of jobless benefits to up to 99 weeks in some cases could have encouraged some people who might otherwise have retired (or otherwise dropped out of the labor force) to keep looking for work in order to keep their eligibility. As extended benefits expire across the country, more of those people might be giving up their job searches and leaving the labor force.
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The 34 Get Real Math videos showcase over 40 math skills used in the real world. The videos serve as a capstone after a skill is learned in school to be applied in a real world situation at a manufacturing company. Math skills featured are 3rd grade through high school. The lesson plans were created by math teachers.
What does making cheese have to do with math?In this video, students will determine amounts different cheese varieties necessary to produce an order of shredded cheese blend. 6.RP Understand ratio concepts and use rational reasoning. 7.RP Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
What do holes in paper have to do with math? (1)In this video, you will need to determine how many dies can be created per hour at different rates of speed. Once you know how many more dies, you will need to calculate how those numbers will affect the cost of production.
What does steel scrap have to do with math?In this video, students will learn how much steel it takes to manufacture 25 consumer zero-turn lawn mowers.
What does a chair have to do with math?Chair backs and seats are manufactured using a mix of various materials. In this task, students will determine amounts of materials necessary to produce an order of chairs for a classroom.
What does dog food have to do with math?Conveyor systems move products and materials from one area to another. The correct speed of the conveyor is critical to efficiently move product. Too slow and customer orders will not be filled. Too fast and the product may cause a big mess! This video asks students to calculate the correct speed of a Nercon conveyor system used to move dog food.
What does color have to do with math?Companies are always trying to find ways to save money while still maintaining the quality of their products. Looking for different sources for raw materials and different types of raw materials are methods procurement staff may use to find a cost savings. Careful calculations and problem solving are necessary when making these decisions. In this video we will investigate a possible new colorant supplier for chair backs and seats at KI.
What do canisters have to do with math?Manufacturers need to make sure that orders get placed but that they don’t make too much extra so that they have to store it in their warehouse. As they make a changeover from one product to another, they need to determine how much they still need to make. Companies also want to make sure that their manufacturing machines are running smoothly, so they need to keep track of how much scrap product is made.
What does a bracket have to do with math?When a customer places an order for a product, the customer expects the product that is delivered to be exactly what they ordered. Due to manufacturing variability there will be unplanned differences in the product. Some differences are so slight that they will not impact the performance of the product. Others will be large enough that the product will no longer work for the customer. This video explores how a manufacturer uses math to check for those differences.
What does injection molding have to do with math?Companies are always trying to find ways to save money while still maintaining the quality of their products. Looking at data regarding production downtime and how to minimize it can provide a cost savings. Gathering downtime data, interpreting that data and problem solving are necessary when making these decisions. In this video we will investigate data from a new injection molding process that uses different colors for chair backs and seats at KI.
©2018 NEW Manufacturing Alliance | Website by: Leighton Interactive | fineweb_edu |
Public Release: Carnegie Mellon researcher leads team working to create methanol fuel cell
Tiny fuel cells may provide power to many consumer goods
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University's Prashant Kumta will discuss his novel methanol-powered fuel cell research from 8 to 9:30 a.m., Feb. 18, during the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science at the Renaissance Grand Hotel in St. Louis, Mo.
Kumta, a professor of materials science and biomedical engineering, is developing microscale fuel cells that use methanol instead of expensive and unstable hydrogen, which is difficult to produce in large quantities.
"We envision a fuel cell system about the size of a cigarette lighter that could be refueled by inserting a small cartridge of methanol. So we are essentially developing a more efficient catalyst," Kumta said.
At present, most methanol fuel cells use noble metals like platinum and ruthenium for power. But researchers say those metals are extremely expensive.
The direct methanol fuel cell is powered by methanol and water. When the methanol and water make contact with a catalyst in the fuel cell, they break down into carbon dioxide, positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons. The protons are attracted by a special membrane that allows them to pass through, while blocking the path of the electrons. The electrons must pass through an external circuit to get around the membrane, creating an electrical current. The fuel cell produces carbon dioxide, which is vented away, and water, which can be recycled to use with additional methanol.
"One problem with these fuel cells is that not all the methanol gets properly catalyzed and that methanol can seep through the membrane, reducing its efficiency," Kumta said.
Kumta and his group are developing nanostructured catalyst compositions using novel chemistry methods that exhibit excellent catalytic activity compared to conventional standards catalysts.
The technology is currently being extended to develop the nanostructured catalysts on innovative nano-crystalline support systems that will likely exhibit much better reliability and stability compared with present systems, according to Kumta. Portable electronic devices, such as cell phones, personal digital assistants and laptop computers, may one day become the first widely used consumer items to take advantage of fuel cells, industry analysts report.
Research funding for the Carnegie Mellon project comes from the Pennsylvania Industrial Technology Alliance and Dupont.
| dclm_edu |
Graphic detail | Covid-19 data
Tracking covid-19 excess deaths across countries
In many parts of the world, official death tolls undercount the total number of fatalities
One way to account for these methodological problems is to use a simpler measure, known as “excess deaths”: take the number of people who die from any cause in a given region and period, and then compare it with a historical baseline from recent years. We have used statistical models to create our baselines, by predicting the number of deaths each region would normally have recorded in 2020 and 2021.
Many Western countries, and some nations and regions elsewhere, regularly publish data on mortality from all causes. The table below shows that, in most places, the number of excess deaths (compared with our baseline) is greater than the number of covid-19 fatalities officially recorded by the government. The full data for each country, as well as our underlying code, can be downloaded from our GitHub repository. Our sources also include the Human Mortality Database, a collaboration between UC Berkeley and the Max Planck Institute in Germany, and the World Mortality Dataset, created by Ariel Karlinsky and Dmitry Kobak.
The chart below uses data from EuroMOMO, a network of epidemiologists who collect weekly reports on deaths from all causes in 23 European countries. These figures show that, compared with a historical baseline of the previous five years, Europe has suffered some deadly flu seasons since 2016—but that the death toll from covid-19 has been far greater. Though most of those victims have been older than 65, the number of deaths among Europeans aged 45-64 was 40% higher than usual in early April 2020.
Below are a set of charts that compare the number of excess deaths and official covid-19 deaths over time in each country. The lines on each chart represent excess deaths, and the shaded area represents the number of fatalities officially attributed to coronavirus by the government.
In March 2020 America’s east coast was hit hard by the pandemic. States elsewhere locked down quickly enough to prevent major outbreaks at that point, but a second wave in November and December surged through most of the country. Excess mortality was low from March 2021 onwards, as a rapid vaccination campaign allowed the country to open up again.
While covid-19 was devastating New York in March 2020, cities in western Europe were also suffering severe outbreaks. Britain, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Portugal have some of the highest national excess-mortality rates in the world, after adjusting for the size of their populations. These countries also suffered a second wave of deaths in the autumn and winter of 2020. Some western European countries were slow to vaccinate their citizens in early 2021, as shown by our covid-19 data tracker. But by June mortality rates had returned to normal across the region.
Countries in northern Europe have generally experienced much lower mortality rates throughout the pandemic. Some Nordic nations have experienced almost no excess deaths at all. The exception is Sweden, which imposed some of the continent’s least restrictive social-distancing measures during the first wave.
In central Europe only the Netherlands and Switzerland suffered large numbers of excess deaths in early 2020. After international travel resumed, the entire region was ravaged in the autumn. Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic all endured additional spikes of mortality in March and April 2021.
South-eastern Europe has followed a similar pattern. November and December 2020 were particularly lethal, with Bulgaria recording the highest weekly excess-mortality rates of any country in our tracker. Several countries have since experienced further deadly outbreaks.
Among former republics of the Soviet Union, only Belarus suffered substantial excess mortality in early 2020, after introducing almost no constraints on daily life. A second wave in late 2020 affected the entire region. Russia now has one of the world’s largest excess-mortality gaps. It recorded about 580,000 more deaths than expected between April 2020 and June 2021, compared with an official covid-19 toll of only 130,000.
Much of Latin America experienced a devastating first wave from April to July 2020, with Bolivia and Ecuador hit particularly hard. A second wave surged through the region in late 2020, as Mexico, Peru and Brazil all recorded higher peaks of excess mortality than at any previous point during the pandemic. The virus has continued to circulate throughout the continent since then, with Colombia and Paraguay suffering their worst death tolls in April and May 2021.
Outside Europe and the Americas, few places release data about excess deaths. No such information exists for large swathes of Africa and Asia, where some countries only issue death certificates for a small fraction of people. For these places without national mortality data, The Economist has produced estimates of excess deaths using statistical models trained on the data in this tracker (as explained in our methodology post). In India, for example, our estimates suggest that perhaps 2.3m people had died from covid-19 by the start of May 2021, compared with about 200,000 official deaths.
Among developing countries that do produce regular mortality statistics, South Africa shows the grimmest picture, after recording three large spikes of fatalities. In contrast, Malaysia and the Philippines had “negative” excess mortality—fewer deaths than they would normally have recorded, perhaps because of social distancing.
A handful of rich countries elsewhere publish regular mortality data. They tend to have negative excess mortality. Australia and New Zealand managed to eradicate local transmission after severe lockdowns. Taiwan and South Korea achieved the same outcome through highly effective contact-tracing systems. Israel has experienced some excess deaths, but has also outpaced the rest of the world in vaccinating its population, with promising results.
Update (October 14th 2020): A previous version of this page used a five-year average of deaths in a given region to calculate a baseline for excess deaths. The page now uses a statistical model for each region, which predicts the number of deaths we might normally have expected in 2020. The model fits a linear trend to years, to adjust from long-term increases or decreases in deaths, and a fixed effect for each week or month.
Correction: The data for deaths officially attributed to covid-19 in Chile were corrected on September 9th 2020. Apologies for this error.
Sources: The Economist; Our World In Data; Johns Hopkins University; Human Mortality Database; World Mortality Dataset; Registro Civil (Bolivia); Vital Strategies; Office for National Statistics; Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency; National Records of Scotland; Registro Civil (Chile); Registro Civil (Ecuador); Institut National de la Statistique et des Études Économiques; Santé Publique France; Provinsi DKI Jakarta; Istituto Nazionale di Statistica; Dipartimento della Protezione Civile; Secretaría de Salud (Mexico); Ministerio de Salud (Peru); Data Science Research Peru; Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (Colombia); South African Medical Research Council; Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Ministerio de Sanidad (Spain); Datadista; Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyesi; Centres for Disease Control and Prevention; USA Facts; New York City Health. Get the data on GitHub
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9.1 Preparing for delivery
With our ready-written application we can move straight to delivery. But first, try the application out in an ordinary image so that you can see what it does.
To do this:
1. Create a directory called othello and copy the example file into it.
2. Start up LispWorks and its environment.
3. Compile and load the example file.
4. CL-USER 1 > (compile-file "othello.lisp" :load t)
[compilation messages elided]
5. Start up the application with the following form:
6. CL-USER 2 > (play-othello)
7. Play Othello!
Once you are familiar with this implementation of Othello, you can move on to delivery preparations.
9.1.1 Writing a delivery script
LispWorks Delivery User Guide - 7 Apr 2005 | dclm_edu |
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
This is what "printing money" looks like
Since late 2008, when it launched the first of its three Quantitative Easing programs, the Fed's accusers have bemoaned its massive money-printing, sure that it would lead to the debasement of the dollar, the advent of hyperinflation, and the end of the world as we know it. I was part of that crowd initially, but soon realized that the Fed's massive expansion of bank reserves was not inflationary because it simply offset the banking system's incredible demand for safe, dollar liquidity. I've had many posts over the years which have expanded on this theme.
I've been an avid student of monetary policy and inflation ever since I spent four years living in Argentina in the late 1970s. As I recall, inflation averaged about 125% a year while I lived there, and during a visit to the country in the mid-1980s I was fascinated to watch hyperinflation unfold: prices almost tripled within the span of three weeks. A year ago I wrote a post on the subject of inflation and Argentina, in which I explained that the conditions in Argentina that allowed a huge increase in inflation don't exist here in the U.S., fortunately. The government of Argentina relies on direct printing of money to finance its deficit, whereas the U.S. government finances its deficit by selling bonds. When the Argentine government needs to finance a budget shortfall, it can "borrow" money directly from its central bank in exchange for an IOU, which in practice is never repaid. This shows up on the central bank's books as "Loans to the Federal Government." In essence, the Argentine central bank simply runs the printing presses whenever the government needs money, and the government pays its bills with funny money.
Here's what it looks like when a central bank "prints money" and high inflation results:
Argentina's most recent bout of money printing and high inflation started back in 2009, when the government started running a deficit that needed to be financed by money printing. By early 2010, the growth in the supply of currency in circulation in Argentina was nearing 30%. Currency in circulation has grown at an annualized rate of about 30% ever since, as the chart above shows—in the past six years, the supply of currency has expanded almost five-fold, from 82 billion to 400 billion pesos. In the U.S., in contrast, currency in circulation has been growing at a 6-7% annual pace for decades, and strong offshore demand for greenbacks has been the main driver of that growth.
True money printing results in higher inflation because there's basically too much money chasing too few goods and services. Printing money with no solid backing and in excess of the public's need for money simply causes the value of money to fall and prices to rise. We see this in the chart above, with the early signs of money printing showing up in the black market (referred back then as the "blue" rate of exchange) in mid-2010. Since March of 2010, the peso has fallen by almost 75% against the dollar, and inflation has been running around 30% per year. We don't know for sure how much inflation there's been, because the government office charged with measuring inflation was long ago told to just make up the numbers. The government of Cristina Kirchner didn't want to acknowledge what it was doing, but everyone who lives there knows that inflation was been very high for many years.
The new government of Mauricio Macri has vowed to stop the money printing, but it hasn't happened yet. The problem is that Argentina still can't finance its deficit by borrowing money legitimately. That may change soon if the government is able to mend relations with its foreign creditors and if it manages to rein in its excessive spending. I'm optimistic it will happen, and if it does we should see slower growth in currency, a gradual stabilization of the peso, and stronger growth in the economy. Big changes are afoot in the southern part of Latin America, and it could get pretty exciting if Brazil joins the reform movement.
Monday, March 28, 2016
China's gift to us: cheap goods
When it comes to trade with China, Donald Trump has it all wrong. The Chinese haven't been taking advantage of us by running a huge trade deficit, they have been giving us a huge gift in the form of ever-cheaper goods (e.g., iPhones, HDTVs). And what did they do with all the money we paid them for those cheap goods? Well, they ended up investing it all here, mostly in Treasury notes. So, at the end of the day we got lots of cheap stuff, and we got to keep our money to boot. Sounds like a sweet deal to me.
The last time the Chinese devalued their currency big-time was at the beginning of 1994, when the yuan plunged almost overnight from 5.8 to 8.7 to the dollar. Following that one concerted move, which was designed to kickstart China's goal of becoming a major exporter and economic player, the Chinese adopted a pegged/managed exchange rate policy, a legitimate monetary policy strategy. In a currency peg regime, the central bank buys up any net inflows of foreign currency in order to keep those inflows from pushing up the value of its currency. Similarly, the central bank must sell foreign currency whenever there are net foreign currency outflows which would otherwise push down the value of its currency. Rising foreign exchange reserves are thus indicative of capital inflows, whereas a decline in forex reserves signals capital outflows.
As the chart above shows, China's currency rose in stages from 1994 through 2014, driven by a continuous influx of foreign capital which the central bank bought up, accumulating some $4 trillion in forex reserves as a result, most of which was invested in Treasury notes. In effect, the money we paid China for its wonderfully cheap durable goods was reinvested right back into the U.S. economy by the Chinese central bank.
Since mid-2014, capital has been leaving the country, and the central bank has been selling its reserves, which have fallen from a high of $4 trillion to $3.2 trillion as of the end of last month. Why have capital flows reversed? Because China is no longer a magnet for foreign capital. China's economic growth rate has slowed as its economy has matured, so there is no longer a mad dash on the part of global capital to invest in China. In addition, the government has been relaxing capital controls, making it easier for money to leave, in preparation for the yuan's acceptance as a major currency by the IMF.
Since 1994, the net effect of China's exchange rate policy was a doubling of the real value of the yuan vis a vis the currencies of its trading partners, as the chart above shows. That's right: for the better part of more than 20 years China's currency has been adjusted higher—not lower—against other currencies, after taking into account relative differences in inflation. China became an exporting and manufacturing powerhouse not because it cheapened its currency to unfairly compete, but because it worked hard to become a world-class manufacturer. China became a world class exporter in spite of the fact that its currency was steadily appreciating for two decades. This is not unfair competition, its healthy economic development. The productivity of Chinese workers has skyrocketed, as have the living standards of the Chinese people. And what's good for China is good for the world.
Most of what China has exported is what we call durable goods. China managed to make fantastic and innovative products in an ever-cheaper fashion, and the benefits of that productivity miracle were shared by all the world's consumers. Since China first launched its exporting and manufacturing boom in 1995, cheap imports have resulted in a continuous decline in the price of durable goods in the U.S., which shows up in the blue line in the chart above. Since 1995, durable goods prices on average have fallen by one-third. That's the first time in recorded history that durable goods prices in the U.S. have declined on a sustained basis. Meanwhile, the prices of other things—services and nondurable goods—have continued to rise.
The story is relatively simple: technology, coupled with the rise of China's manufacturing prowess, has driven down the prices of manufactured goods and boosted the productivity of labor. Labor is more productive today, thanks to computers, technology, and the internet. It takes less and less input from people to make more and better things as a result.
As the chart above also shows, durable goods prices have fallen by one third over the past 20-some years, while the prices of services (a reasonable proxy for labor costs) have risen by over two thirds and non-durable goods prices have increased by over 40%. This has led to the most amazing change in relative prices in modern times, and it's a gift that keeps on giving to the vast majority of the world's population: a typical wage in the U.S. today buys two and a half times as much in the way of durable goods as it did 22 years ago (i.e., 1.69/.6 = 2.5), and there is no sign that this won't continue. Wow.
Memo to Trump: slapping a huge tariff on Chinese imports would only serve to make durable goods more expensive, to the detriment on all consumers, in a misguided attempt to attract some manufacturing jobs back here from China. You don't make the U.S. economy stronger by making durable goods more expensive. If we want more jobs in the U.S., all we need to do is make the U.S. more attractive to capital, and we can do that by drastically reducing the taxes on capital. That's the win-win solution. Increase the after-tax returns to capital invested in the U.S., and you will see more capital invested, and with more capital, perforce come more jobs.
I should add that monetary policy has had little if anything to do with durable goods deflation. It's all about China opening up its billions of people to the global marketplace, the blossoming of international trade, and the technological wonders released by the combination of ever-more-powerful computer chips and incredible software technology.
This is not something to fear, this is something to celebrate.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Profits are down; is that bad for stocks?
The recent release of the final estimate of Q4/15 GDP stats revealed that growth was stronger than had been previously estimated (1.4% now vs. 0.7% in the first estimate). It also brought us our first look at corporate profits for the quarter. After-tax profits were unquestionably weak, down 8% or so from the prior quarter, and down 12% from year-ago levels, after adjusting for inventory valuation and capital consumption allowances. (Without adjustments, after-tax corporate profits were down 8% for the quarter and 3.6% for the year.) As a percent of GDP, however, after-tax profits were still substantially above their long term average.
So, good news and bad news. Growth has slowed but the economy is not collapsing; profits are no longer growing and they are down on the margin. However, profits are still unusually strong relative to GDP. It is likely, of course, that profits have been depressed of late because of distress in the oil patch, but this doesn't change the more sobering fact that profits have not been growing much, if at all, for several years.
PE ratios today are somewhat above their long-term average, so considering that profits are flat to down would suggest that equity valuations today are unattractive. (Contrast this to a similar post I made in May, 2013, in which I argued that valuations were quite attractive.) But there are other considerations worth noting (see below), and on balance I think that, for long-term investors willing to overlook the current weakness, equities are still attractive.
The chart above compares the two measures of corporate profits that I am referring to in this post; one as calculated in the National Income and Products Accounts, and the other as reported by S&P 500 companies according to GAAP standards. A few years ago I discussed the difference between the two measures of profits here, concluding that of the two, the NIPA measure is probably the better one. Regardless, both have been flat to down of late.
The chart above shows the conventional PE ratio of the S&P 500 index as calculated by Bloomberg. Today's PE of 18.5 is about 10% above its long-term average of 16.7. Based on this simple fact, one could conclude that equities are somewhat unattractive, yet not nearly as unattractive as they were in the late 1990s.
The chart above calculates the PE ratio of the S&P 500 using corporate profits as calculated in the GDP stats as the "E", and normalizing the result to match the average of the conventional PE ratio. (It also assumes that the S&P 500 index is a decent proxy for the price of all corporate equities, which is quite defensible.) This arguably has several advantages relative to the conventional method of calculating PE ratios. Instead of using 12-month trailing earnings as in a conventional analysis, this method uses the annualized profits of the most recent quarter, thus giving us a more contemporaneous measure of multiples. Furthermore, NIPA profits are based on actual profits as reported to the IRS, which are quite unlikely to be overstated or otherwise distorted by accounting methods, or by equity buybacks. Interestingly, this method gives us a similar conclusion: PE ratios are somewhat higher today than their long-term average. In recent years this method has yielded PE ratios that were below average. Clearly, equities are no longer "cheap," but neither are they grossly overvalued.
The chart above compares NIPA corporate profits to nominal GDP. Both y-axes have a similar ratio scale, and are plotted in log fashion so that increases and decreases are representative of changes of similar magnitude.
The chart above shows the ratio of corporate profits to nominal GDP, using the data from the previous chart. Here we see how profits have been much higher relative to GDP in the past decade or so than they were in prior decades, and they remain substantially above their long-term average. This has led many skeptics to argue that profits will eventually mean-revert to a much lower level of GDP.
I've argued in a prior post that the unusually strong growth of profits in recent decades is most likely due to globalization, which has had the effect of significantly expanding the market for U.S. corporations. Apple can sell iPhones to billions of customers today, whereas that would have been impossible just a few decades ago. I would also note that when the after tax profits of U.S. corporations are compared to global GDP, they don't appear to be unusually high at all. That further suggests that profits relative to U.S. GDP needn't be mean-reverting. It could well be that profits have a higher floor, relative to GDP, than in the past, and that downside risks from here are not significant, so long as the global economy does not collapse.
The chart above shows the difference between the earnings yield (the inverse of the PE ratio) on the S&P 500 and the yield on 10-yr Treasuries. This represents the premium that investors demand in order to accept the risk of equities versus the security of Treasuries. The premium has not often been as high as it is today, and that's especially noteworthy. Consider: investors today are willing to pay more than $50 for a dollar's worth of 10-yr Treasury coupons, but only $18 or so for a dollar's worth of corporate earnings. That huge difference is symptomatic, I would argue, of a deep-seated risk aversion on the part of the world's investors.
Considering that the upside potential of equities is likely much greater than the upside potential of Treasuries (given the very low level of Treasury yields), it's interesting that the world's capital markets are apparently indifferent to earning less than 2% on bonds at a time when the earnings yield on equities (currently 5.4%) is considerably higher. This is another way of saying that the market has priced in very pessimistic assumptions for future growth and profits. All it takes to be bullish these days is to hold a less pessimistic view of the future than the market holds.
The chart above compares the level of the S&P 500 index to the ratio of the Vix Index to the 10-yr Treasury yield, the latter being a proxy for the market's level of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. For the past two years, rising levels of fear and uncertainty have corresponded reliably to declining equity values, and vice versa. This again confirms my view that equity prices currently are depressed because the market is still worried about the future.
The chart above illustrates the "Rule of 20," a valuation tool that is based on the belief that stocks are fairly valued if the trailing 12-month PE ratio on stocks equals 20 minus inflation. (The idea being that PE ratios should move inversely to levels of inflation; rising inflation drives interest rates and discount rates higher, thus depressing the present value of future earnings.) The Core Personal Consumption Deflator is currently about 1.7, which suggests a "fair value" PE ratio of 18.3, which is almost exactly equal to the current PE ratio of the S&P 500. Stocks by this measure appear fairly valued.
Conclusion:Stocks may be somewhat overvalued based on the level of PE ratios, but corporate profits remain robust and equities hold the promise of delivering substantially higher returns than risk-free alternatives. For investors that are willing to take the long view—that the U.S. economy is likely to continue to grow, albeit slowly—stocks are still attractive.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Lousy economy, but great job security
The economy is still in the midst of its weakest recovery ever. But the news is not all bad: the chances of a worker being fired today are lower than at any time in the past 50 years.
As the chart above shows, the 4-week moving average of initial claims for unemployment has fallen to its lowest level since 1973.
As a percent of the workforce, initial claims are the lowest they have been since records were first kept in 1967. In the past 4 weeks, initial claims dipped to a mere 0.18% of the 143.6 million people working.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Inflation is alive and well
I suspect a good many people would be surprised to learn that, if you abstract from volatile energy prices, consumer price inflation in the U.S. has been running at an annualized rate of 2.0% for the past 10 and 20 years. In fact, the CPI ex-energy is up 2.1% in the 12 months ended February and it has even risen at a 2.3% annualized rate over the past six months and 2.5% over the past three months. Inflation is far from dead, and the deflation concerns you've heard about in recent years are all the by-product of collapsing energy prices, which, by the way, are now a thing of the past.
The FOMC undoubtedly will take note of this fact in their deliberations today, and it will encourage them to move—albeit slowly—to raise short-term interest rates to a higher level. This should not be surprising nor scary. On the contrary, it would be scary if they ignored the behavior of core inflation.
The chart above shows the year over year change in the CPI (total) and the CPI ex-energy. Note how much more volatile the total is compared to the ex-energy version. Note also how the most recent period, during which oil prices have collapsed—is similar to the 1986-87 period, when oil prices fell about as much in percentage terms as they have in the past 22 months. In both periods, the total CPI suffered a significant decline followed by a significant rebound, while the ex-energy version was relatively unchanged. There is every reason to believe that the headline (total) CPI will register 2% year over year growth (if not more) within the foreseeable future, since oil prices are no longer declining and have even rebounded some 40% in the past month or so.
The Fed's preferred measure of inflation, the Core Personal Consumption Deflator rose 1.7% in the 12 months ended January, and it is likely to post a slightly higher rate of growth in February. This is entirely consistent with the behavior of the CPI, since the PCE deflator tends to register about 30-40 bps less than the CPI. What this means is that the Fed's preferred inflation gauge will soon be very close to the top end of its 1-2% target range.
Memo to FOMC: Raising short-term interest rates to 0.75% in the next few months—thus leaving real short-term rates still deep in negative territory—would not only be fully justified, it might even be too little too late.
Friday, March 11, 2016
The deflation/recession threat recedes
The U.S. is richer than ever
Yesterday the Fed released its estimate of the balance sheet of U.S. households as of the end of last year. Collectively, our net worth reached a new high in nominal, real, and per capita terms. We can complain all day about the fact that we are living in the weakest recovery ever, and things could and should be a lot better, but it is still the case that today we are better off than ever before. (The stock market has recovered virtually all of its losses year to date, so the significance of the numbers you see here hasn't changed.)
As of Dec. 31, 2015, the net worth of U.S. households (including that of Non-Profit Organizations, which presumably exist for the benefit of all) reached a staggering $86.7 trillion. To put that in perspective, it's about one-third more than the value of all global equity markets, which were worth $64.6 trillion at the end of last year according to Bloomberg.
On a real, per capita basis, the net worth of the average person living in the U.S. reached a record $270,000. This measure of wealth has been rising, on average, about 2.4% per year since records were first kept beginning in 1951. There's nothing unusual going on: life in the U.S. has been getting better and better for generations. If you're hungry for more details of the steady march of progress, check out Human Progress, a worthwhile project of Cato, my favorite think-tank.
And even if it were the case that the entirety of the value of stocks, bonds, deposits and real estate included in these statistics were owned by a handful of people, we all enjoy their benefits. These assets are what provide jobs and the wherewithal to run and maintain our economy.
This ongoing accumulation of wealth is not a house of cards built on a bulging debt bubble either, regardless of what you might hear from the scaremongers. On the contrary, the typical household has undergone a significant deleveraging since the onset of the Great Recession in 2008. Household liabilities today are the same as they were in early 2008 (about $14.5 trillion), but financial assets have increased by one-third, thanks to significant gains in savings deposits, bonds, and equities. Since early 2008, the value of households' real estate holdings has increased by a relatively modest 8%.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Stronger commodity prices trump stable jobs growth
The February jobs report was good (beating expectations plus upward revisions to prior months), but it only marked a continuation of the moderate 2 - 2½% growth trend that has been in place for the past 6-7 years. More impressive, however, is the emerging rally in the commodity markets and, by extension, the emerging market economies. It's looking more and more like the the threat posed by the China slowdown, plunging oil prices and soaring credit spreads is fading away. In its place global growth is likely stabilizing as commodity prices firm up. Against this backdrop, central banks, the majority of which are still deathly afraid of recession and deflation, seem out of step. I think that's why gold has done so well of late: markets are sensing that monetary policy may now be too easy and therefore inflation is more likely to rise than fall. Think of gold as an early-warning indicator of the direction of future inflation. Not always right, of course, but worth paying attention to.
Private sector jobs, the ones that count, have been growing at a fairly steady pace of 2 to 2½% for just over 5 years. This, added to weak productivity of less than 1% per year, is going to give us something in the neighborhood of 2.5% real growth this year. All the monetary "stimulus" in the world is not going to change the fact that this remains the weakest recovery ever. What needs to change is fiscal policy, and that won't change meaningfully until next year, provided we have a new president who understands that the private sector needs better incentives if it is to work and invest more.
One thing does appear to be changing, however. Labor force growth has been tepid since 2008; the number of people either working or willing to work has been growing at an annualized rate of only 0.4% for the past seven years, until recently. Over the past six months, the labor force grew at an annualized rate of 2.3%. This equates to some stirrings of life in an otherwise sleepy economy.
As a result, the labor force participation rate looks to have bottomed. It's too early to get excited, however, since new entrants to the labor force don't appear to be fighting for top-paying jobs. But it is an important change on the margin which bodes well for the future, and that's a good reason to remain optimistic.
What's changing today is the outlook for commodity prices. After falling from 2011 through the end of last year, they are turning up. Gold prices are up 20% in just over two months. Industrial scrap metal prices are up 10% since mid-January.
And one of the most important commodities (crude oil, see chart above) is up 37% in just under one month. What this means at the very least is that market forces—prices—have brought commodity supplies back into line with commodity demand. And it's not too hard to imagine that as supplies have been reduced, demand has picked up. Rising commodity prices probably signify that the fundamentals of the global economy are improving on the margin, and that is very good news.
One example: vehicle miles driven last year were up 5% from mid-2014, which is when oil prices started to plunge (see chart above).
After falling 80% from early 2011 through January of this year, Brazil's stock market is up a staggering 45% in dollar terms, thanks to the confluence of stronger commodity prices and promises of a badly-needed change in government. Mexico's stock market is up 15%, and Australia's stock market is up 14% over the same period.
In this last chart we see that gold has shrugged off its 4-year losing streak, jumping 20% since mid-December. TIPS prices have jumped too, as have 5-yr breakeven spreads, which are up from 1.0% a month ago to 1.45% today.
Deflation? That's yesterday's news. Today markets are beginning to worry that inflation might be on the rise while central banks still have their policy pedals to the metal.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Progress report on climbing
| dclm_edu |
3:40 PM Frankfurt – McKesson agreed to acquire Celesio after a deal revision. Greggs said total sales in the third quarter grew 3.6%. Henry Boot expects revenues for the year were about £150 million. Royal Mail group comparable sales rose 2%.
In London trading, FTSE 100 index slipped 1% or 70.82 to 6,702.46 and in Frankfurt the DAX index declined 1.7% or 163.64 to 9,467.40.
In Paris, CAC 40 index dropped 1.6% or 68.64 to 4,212.32.
climbed 4.1% to €25 after the Germany-based pharmaceutical distribution said U.S.-based McKesson Corporation consummated the takeover deal after it revised its offer.
McKesson agreed to acquire Franz Haniel & Cie GmbH’s holding, a majority owner in Celesio for €23.50 a share same as its previous offer. The company plans to pay a portion of the offer with cash and the balance with a bridge loan.
McKesson also acquired convertible bonds of Celesio from Elliott Management that increased its stake to 75%.
McKesson offered on Oct 24 to acquire 50.01% stake controlled by Haniel for 23 euros and later revised on Jan 9 to 23.50 a share.
Elliot Management built up a stake in the company through its convertible bond offering and demanded higher price for the company.
gained 0.4% to 508.85 pence after the U.K.-based bakery chain said total sales in the third quarter increased 3.6% but comparable sales fell 0.5%.
Henry Boot Plc
rose 0.2% to 227.50 pence after the U.K.-based construction company said revenues for the year ending in December were approximately £150 million and estimated group pre-tax profit to increase larger-than-expected 10%.
slipped 1.4% to 72.65 francs after the Switzerland-based healthcare solution provider’s offer to replenish its products suffered setback from European advisory panel for its Serelaxin treatment for acute heart failure.
Royal Mail Plc
slid 1.9% to 572.50 pence after the U.K.-based postal and delivery service provider said comparable sales for the nine-month period ending in September grew 2%. Parcel deliveries accounted for 51%.
Royal Mail said revenue from UK parcel delivery in the period jumped 8% and volumes were flat. UK comparable letter revenues fell 3%.
Royal Mail was privatized in October 2013.
fell 0.9% to €33.28 after the Netherlands-based cable operator said earnings forecast for 2014 was unchanged and revenues are expected to grow in-line with market expectations. | fineweb_edu |
1 Aim
The main aim of this project is to provide security to the vehicles. The system automatically locks the vehicle as soon as it receives a predefined message from the user.
1.2 Features
• • • • • • • • The controlling unit contains the microcontroller and the GSM modem interfaced to it. The controlling unit will be fixed to the vehicle. The microcontroller continuously checks whether it has received any message from the modem. The modem provides the communication interface. The GSM modem is a wireless modem that works with a GSM wireless network Whenever anyone tries to unlock or take away the vehicle, immediately a message will be sent to the user mobile. The user, after checking the message, can respond immediately to save his vehicle. The microcontroller retrieves this message from the modem by issuing certain AT and T commands to the modem. Thus, after receiving the message from the modem, the microcontroller automatically locks the vehicle. This will be done perfectly without the involvement of any human.
1.3 Applications
• • •
• •
using GPS tracking system we can detect the vehicle any where in the global automatic reduction of vehicle speed where an obstacle on the way to present loss in an accident diction of aichohol for a driver and limit the speed of the vechile not more than 40km/hr
The GSM Modem supports popular "AT" command set so that users can develop applications quickly Uses GSM technology for following applications:
1. Access control devices: Access control devices can communicate with servers and security staff through SMS messaging. Complete log of transaction is available at the head-office Server instantly without any wiring involved and device can instantly alert security personnel on their
mobile phone in case of any problem 2. Transaction terminals: EDC (Electronic Data Capturing) machines can use SMS messaging to confirm transactions from central servers. The main benefit is that central server can be anywhere in the world 3. Supply Chain Management: With a central server in your head office with GSM capability, you can receive instant transaction data from all your branch offices, warehouses and business associates with nil downtime and low cost. Limitations • • • • The control kit should be placed inside the vehicle far away from the temperature Care should be taken such that all components in the control kit must be in condition Must and should specify the predefined messages in the source program The gsm frequencys must be considered
literature survey THE 8051 MICROCONTROLLER AND EMBEDDED SYSTEMS -Muhammad ali mazidi -janice gillispie mazidi THE 8051 MICROCONTROLLER ARCHITECTURE,PROGRAMING AND APPLICATIONS -Kenneth j.Ayala -Ramesh s.gaonkar ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS INTRDUCTION TO GSM -D.V.Prasad -Lawrence Harte
1.4 Organization of the Thesis
In view of the proposed thesis work explanation of theoretical aspects and algorithms used in this work are presented as per the sequence described below. Chapter 1 describes a brief review of introduction of the project.
Chapter 2 discusses the theoretical chapters of project. Chapter 3 describes the hardware design considerations. Chapter 4 explains about software implementations. Chapter 5 describes about application implementation. Chapter 6 gives results and conclusions
Chapter 2 Theoretical chapter
Embedded Systems: An embedded system can be defined as a computing device that does a specific focused job. Appliances such as the air-conditioner, VCD player, DVD player, printer, fax machine, mobile phone etc. are examples of embedded systems. Each of these appliances will have a processor and special hardware to meet the specific requirement of the application along with the embedded software that is executed by the processor for meeting that specific requirement. The embedded software is also called “firm ware”. The desktop/laptop computer is a general purpose computer. You can use it for a variety of applications such as playing games, word processing, accounting, software development and so on. In contrast, the software in the embedded systems is always fixed listed below: · Embedded systems do a very specific task, they cannot be programmed to do different things. Embedded systems have very limited resources, particularly the memory. Generally, they do not have secondary storage devices such as the CDROM or the floppy disk. Embedded systems have to work against some deadlines. A specific job has to be completed within a specific time. In some embedded systems, called real-time systems, the deadlines are stringent. Missing a deadline may cause a catastrophe-loss of life or damage to property. Embedded systems are constrained for power. As many embedded systems operate through a battery, the power consumption has to be very low. · Some embedded systems have to operate in extreme environmental conditions such as very high temperatures and humidity.
Following are the advantages of Embedded Systems: 1. They are designed to do a specific task and have real time performance constraints which must be met. 2. They allow the system hardware to be simplified so costs are reduced. 3. They are usually in the form of small computerized parts in larger devices which serve a general purpose. 4. The program instructions for embedded systems run with limited computer hardware resources, little memory and small or even non-existent keyboard or screen. The Evolution of Mobile Telephone Systems Cellular is one of the fastest growing and most demanding telecommunications applications. Today, it represents a continuously increasing percentage of all new telephone subscriptions around the world. Currently there are more than 45 million cellular subscribers worldwide, and nearly 50 percent of those subscribers are located in the United States. The concept of cellular service is the use of low power transmitters where frequencies can be reused within a geographic area. The idea of cell based mobile radio service was formulated in the United States at Bell Labs in the early 1970s. Cellular systems began in the United States with the release of the advanced mobile phone service (AMPS) system in 1983. The AMPS standard was adopted by Asia, Latin America and Oceanic countries, creating the largest potential market in the world for cellular. In the early 1980s, most mobile telephone systems were analog rather than digital, like today's newer systems. One challenge facing analog systems was the inability to handle the growing capacity needs in a cost efficient manner. As a result, digital technology was welcomed. The advantages of digital systems over analog systems include ease of signaling, lower levels of interference, integration of transmission and switching and increased ability to
The implementation of the project design can be divided in two parts. The Proload programmer has been used to write this compile code into the capacity demands. which has been written in the C language. The firmware implementation is explained in the next chapter. In the present work. − Hardware implementation − Firmware implementation Hardware implementation deals in drawing the schematic on the plane paper according to the application. we have used the Orcad design software for PCB circuit design. testing the schematic design over the breadboard using the various IC’s to find if the design meets the objective. The firmware part deals in programming the microcontroller so that it can control the operation of the IC’s used in the implementation. the Keil µv3 software development tool to write and compile the source code. finally preparing the board and testing the designed hardware. The table below shows the worldwide development of mobile telephone systems. . carrying out the PCB layout of the schematic tested on breadboard.
It was popular in the 1980s and early 1990s. The Intel 8051 is Harvard architecture. 8051 is available in different memory types such as UV-EPROM. A microcontroller has a CPU in addition to a fixed amount of RAM. RAM and number of I/O ports in microcontrollers makes them ideal for many applications in which cost and space are critical. single chip microcontroller (µC) which was developed by Intel in 1980 for use in embedded systems. Infineon Technologies and Maxim Integrated Products. The block diagram discusses about the required components of the design and working condition is explained using circuit diagram and system wiring diagram. meaning that the CPU can work on only 8 bits of data at a time. I/O ports and a timer embedded all on a single chip. ROM. Features of AT89S52: . Microcontroller is a programmable device.The project design and principle are explained in this chapter using the block diagram and circuit diagram. Flash and NVRAM. but today it has largely been superseded by a vast range of enhanced devices with 8051-compatible processor cores that are manufactured by more than 20 independent manufacturers including Atmel. The fixed amount of on-chip ROM. Data larger than 8 bits has to be broken into 8-bit pieces to be processed by the CPU. Microcontrollers: Microprocessors and microcontrollers are widely used in embedded systems products. 8051 is an 8-bit processor.
Power-off flag. The on chip flash allows the program memory to be reprogrammed in system or by a conventional non volatile memory programmer. Flexible ISP programming (byte and page mode).5V Operating Range. high-performance CMOS 8-bit microcomputer with 8K bytes of Flash programmable memory.8K Bytes of Re-programmable Flash Memory. In addition. the AT89s52 is designed with static logic for operation down to zero frequency and supports two software selectable power saving modes. Eight Interrupt Sources. Fully Static Operation: 0 Hz to 33 MHz’s Three-level Program Memory Lock. The . Fast programming time. Full Duplex UART Serial Channel. 256 x 8-bit Internal RAM. Dual data pointer.0V to 5. Low-power Idle and Power-down Modes. By combining a versatile 8-bit CPU with Flash on a monolithic chip. Interrupt recovery from power down mode. Description: The AT89s52 is a low-voltage. 32 Programmable I/O Lines. Watchdog timer. which provides a highly flexible and costeffective solution to many embedded control applications. The device is manufactured using Atmel’s high density nonvolatile memory technology and is compatible with the industry-standard MCS-51 instruction set. the Atmel AT89s52 is a powerful microcomputer. 4. Three 16-bit Timer/Counters. RAM is 256 bytes.
serial port and interrupt system to continue the functioning. The power-down mode saves the RAM contents but freezes the oscillator disabling all other chip functions until the next hardware reset. GND Pin 20 is the ground. Pin description Vcc Pin 40 provides supply voltage to the chip. The voltage source is +5V. timer/counters. Port 0 .Idle Mode stops the CPU while allowing the RAM.
Port 0 can also be configured to be the multiplexed low-order address/data bus during accesses to external program and data memory. As . As inputs.1/T2EX). Port 0 also receives the code bytes during Flash programming and outputs the code bytes during Program verification. In addition. each pin can sink eight TTL inputs.0 and P1. the pins can be used as high impedance inputs. When 1s are written to port 0 pins. As an output port. P1.0/T2) and the timer/counter 2 trigger input (P1. they are pulled high by the internal pull-ups and can be used as inputs. P0 has internal pull-ups. Port 1 also receives the low-order address bytes during Flash programming and verification. Port 2 Port 2 is an 8-bit bidirectional I/O port with internal pull-ups. The Port 1 output buffers can sink/source four TTL inputs. In this mode. The Port 2 output buffers can sink/source four TTL inputs.1 can be configured to be the timer/counter 2 external count input (P1. respectively. as shown in the following table. When 1s are written to Port 1 pins.Port 0 is an 8-bit open drain bidirectional I/O port. they are pulled high by the internal pull-ups and can be used as inputs. When 1s are written to Port 2 pins. Port 1 pins that are externally being pulled low will source current (IIL) because of the internal pull-ups. External pull-ups are required during program verification Port 1 Port 1 is an 8-bit bidirectional I/O port with internal pull-ups.
RST Reset input A high on this pin for two machine cycles while the oscillator is running resets the device. Port 3 Port 3 is an 8-bit bidirectional I/O port with internal pull-ups. This pin drives high for 98 oscillator periods after the Watchdog times out. As inputs. Port 2 emits the high-order address byte during fetches from external program memory and during accesses to external data memory that uses 16-bit addresses (MOVX @ DPTR). Port 2 emits the contents of the P2 Special Function Register. During accesses to external data memory that uses 8-bit addresses (MOVX @ RI). Port 3 receives some control signals for Flash programming and verification. they are pulled high by the internal pull-ups and can be used as inputs. The DISRTO bit in SFR AUXR (address 8EH) can . Port 3 pins that are externally being pulled low will source current (IIL) because of the pull-ups.inputs. Port 2 pins that are externally being pulled low will source current (IIL) because of the internal pull-ups. The port also receives the high-order address bits and some control signals during Flash programming and verification. When 1s are written to Port 3 pins. In this application. Port 2 uses strong internal pull-ups when emitting 1s. Port 3 also serves the functions of various special features of the AT89S52. as shown in the following table. The Port 3 output buffers can sink/source four TTL inputs.
ALE is emitted at a constant rate of 1/6 the oscillator frequency and may be used for external timing or clocking purposes. With the bit set. PSEN is activated twice each machine cycle. If desired. however. In the default state of bit DISRTO. This pin also receives the 12-volt programming enable voltage (VPP) during Flash programming. . Note. Otherwise. the RESET HIGH out feature is enabled. Setting the ALE-disable bit has no effect if the microcontroller is in external execution mode. however. ALE is active only during a MOVX or MOVC instruction. This pin is also the program pulse input (PROG) during Flash programming. EA will be internally latched on reset. ALE operation can be disabled by setting bit 0 of SFR location 8EH. that if lock bit 1 is programmed. the pin is weakly pulled high. PSEN Program Store Enable (PSEN) is the read strobe to external program memory. XTAL1 Input to the inverting oscillator amplifier and input to the internal clock operating used to disable this feature. that one ALE pulse is skipped during each access to external data memory. In normal operation. EA/VPP External Access Enable EA must be strapped to GND in order to enable the device to fetch code from external program memory locations starting at 0000H up to FFFFH. except that two PSEN activations are skipped during each access to external data memory. When the AT89S52 is executing code from external program memory. EA should be strapped to VCC for internal program executions. ALE/PROG Address Latch Enable (ALE) is an output pulse for latching the low byte of the address during accesses to external memory. Note.
respectively. Timer 1 and Timer 2 and can be independently . but minimum and maximum voltage high and low time specifications must be observed.XTAL2 Output from the inverting oscillator amplifier. To drive the device from an external clock source. since the input to the internal clocking circuitry is through a divide-by-two flip-flop. XTAL2 should be left unconnected while XTAL1 is driven. 16-bit timers/ counters. UART The Atmel 8051 Microcontrollers implement three general purpose. XTAL1 and XTAL2 are the input and output. of an inverting amplifier that can be configured for use as an on-chip oscillator. There are no requirements on the duty cycle of the external clock signal. They are identified as Timer 0. Either a quartz crystal or ceramic resonator may be used.
Mode 3 is different. the counter issues an interrupt request. i. For counter operation (C/Tx# = 1). TRx bit must be cleared when changing the mode of operation. The timer register is incremented once every peripheral cycle (6 peripheral clock periods). the timer register counts the negative transitions on the Tx external input pin. The external input is . when THx overflows it sets the timer overflow flag (TFx) in TCON register. M0) in TMOD. Setting the run control bit (TRx) in TCON register turns the timer on by allowing the selected input to increment TLx. FOSC / 12 mode. Timer 0 and Timer 1 have four operating modes from which to select which are selected by bit-pairs (M1.configured to operate in a variety of modes as a timer or as an event counter. 1and 2 are the same for both timer/counters. has three modes of operation: ‘capture’. When TLx overflows it increments THx. Timer 2. it should be held for at least one full peripheral cycle. The various operating modes of each timer/counter are described in the following sections. The four operating modes are described below. otherwise the behavior of the timer/counter is unpredictable. When operating as a timer. For timer operation (C/Tx# = 0). In addition to the “timer” or “counter” selection. Setting the TRx does not clear the THx and TLx timer registers. They can be read at any time but TRx bit must be cleared to preset their values. Modes 0. A basic operation consists of timer registers THx and TLx (x= 0. The timer clock rate is FPER / 6. 1) connected in cascade to form a 16-bit timer. There are no restrictions on the duty cycle of the external input signal.e. When operating as a counter. by selecting the divided-down peripheral clock or external pin Tx as the source for the counted signal. otherwise the behavior of the timer/counter is unpredictable. the timer register counts the divided-down peripheral clock. After a preset number of counts. Timer registers can be accessed to obtain the current count or to enter preset values. in standard mode or FOSC / 6 in X2 mode. the timer/counter counts negative transitions on an external pin. but to ensure that a given level is sampled at least once before it changes. ‘auto-reload’ and ‘baud rate generator’. The C/T control bit (in TCON register) selects timer operation or counter operation. the timer/counter runs for a programmed length of time and then issues an interrupt request.
sampled every peripheral cycle. FOSC / 24 in standard mode or FOSC / 12 in X2 History In 1982. GSM. GSM Technology: Definition of GSM: GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) is an open.e.800 MHz frequency band. It operates at either the 900 MHz or 1. GSM uses a variation of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and is the most widely used of the three digital wireless telephone technologies (TDMA. Finally the system created by SINTEF lead by Torleiv Maseng was selected. GSM digitizes and compresses data.6 kbit/s. the maximum count rate is FPER / 12. the counter is incremented. a memorandum of understanding was signed by 13 countries to develop a common cellular telephone system across Europe. Since it takes 2 cycles (12 peripheral clock periods) to recognize a negative transition. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) is a digital mobile telephone system that is widely used in Europe and other parts of the world. It supports voice calls and data transfer speeds of up to 9. digital cellular technology used for transmitting mobile voice and data services. each in its own time slot. . together with the transmission of SMS (Short Message Service). i. When the sample is high in one cycle and low in the next one. then sends it down a channel with two other streams of user data. and CDMA). the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) created the Group Special Mobile (GSM) to develop a standard for a mobile telephone system that could be used across Europe. In 1987.
Some countries in the Americas (including Canada and the United States) use the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz bands because the 900 and 1800 MHz frequency bands were already allocated. By the end of 1993. E-GSM. and the frame duration is 4. Half rate channels use alternate frames in the same timeslot. Most 3G GSM networks in Europe operate in the 2100 MHz frequency band. As of the end of 1997. . over a million subscribers were using GSM phone networks being operated by 70 carriers across 48 countries. providing 124 RF channels (channel numbers 1 to 124) spaced at 200 kHz. GSM Frequencies GSM networks operate in a number of different frequency ranges (separated into GSM frequency ranges for 2G and UMTS frequency bands for 3G). There are eight radio timeslots (giving eight burst periods) grouped into what is called a TDMA frame. Most 2G GSM networks operate in the 900 MHz or 1800 MHz bands. Duplex spacing of 45 MHz is used. Time division multiplexing is used to allow eight full-rate or sixteen half-rate speech channels per radio frequency channel. In some countries the GSM-900 band has been extended to cover a larger frequency range. The first GSM network was launched in 1991 by Radiolinja in Finland with joint technical infrastructure maintenance from Ericsson. The rarer 400 and 450 MHz frequency bands are assigned in some countries where these frequencies were previously used for first-generation systems. GSM service was available in more than 100 countries and has become the de facto standard in Europe and Asia. This 'extended GSM'.615 ms. The channel data rate for all 8 channels is 270. GSM-900 uses 890–915 MHz to send information from the mobile station to the base station (uplink) and 935–960 MHz for the other direction (downlink). GSM responsibility was transferred to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and phase I of the GSM specifications were published in 1990. uses 880–915 MHz (uplink) and 925–960 MHz (downlink). adding 50 channels (channel numbers 975 to 1023 and 0) to the original GSM-900 band.833 Kbit/s.In 1989.
2 kbps 43. GSM operates in the 900MHz and 1.6 kbps 21. GSM satellite roaming has also extended service access to areas where terrestrial coverage is not available.8GHz bands in Europe and the 1.2-345.5G 2.144-2 Mbps kbps . Canada and many South American countries.6 kbps 9. which appeared in 1976 in the United States. Terrestrial GSM networks now cover more than 80% of the world’s population.75G 3G Frequency band Allows transfer of voice or lowvolume digital data. Allows simultaneous transfer of voice and digital data. Throughput 9. GSM’s international roaming capability allows users to access the same services when travelling abroad as at home. Mobile Telephony Standards Standard Generation GSM GPRS EDGE UMTS 1G The first generation of mobile telephony (written 1G) operated using analogue communications and portable devices that were relatively large.9GHz and 850MHz bands in the US. It was used primarily in the 2G 2. This gives consumers seamless and same number connectivity in more than 218 countries. By having harmonized spectrum across most of the globe. It used primarily the following standards: • AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System).4-171. The 850MHz band is also used for GSM and 3G in Australia. was the first cellular network standard.The transmission power in the handset is limited to a maximum of 2 watts in GSM850/900 and 1 watt in GSM1800/1900. Allows simultaneous transfer of voice and high-speed digital data. Allows transfer of voice or moderate-volume digital data.6 kbps 48 kbps 171 kbps 384 0.
The main 2G mobile telephony standards are: • GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) is the most commonly used standard in Europe at the end of the 20th century and supported in the United States. • TACS (Total Access Communication System) is the European version of the AMPS model. In the United States. Using the 900 MHz frequency band. however. This standard uses the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands in Europe. the frequency band used is the 1900 MHz band. Portable telephones that are able to operate in Europe and the United States are therefore called tri-band. The first-generation cellular networks were made obsolete by the appearance of an entirely digital second generation. Second Generation of Mobile Networks (2G) The second generation of mobile networks marked a break with the first generation of cellular telephones by switching from analogue to digital. . Russia and Asia. TDMA technology is primarily used on the American continent. This first-generation analogue network had weak security mechanisms which allowed hacking of telephones lines.Americas. TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) uses a technique of time division of communication channels to increase the volume of data transmitted simultaneously. this system was largely used in England and then in Asia (Hong-Kong and Japan). • ETACS (Extended Total Access Communication System) is an improved version of the TACS standard developed in the United Kingdom that uses a larger number of communication channels. in New Zealand and in the Asia-Pacific region. • • CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) uses a spread spectrum technique that allows a radio signal to be broadcast over a large frequency range.
video-conferencing or high-speed internet access. 2 Mbps with reduced coverage area for stationary use. 3G offers data rates of more than 144 Kbit/s.75G. Compatibility of 3rd generation mobile services with second generation networks. thereby allowing the access to multimedia uses such as video transmission. for Multimedia Message Service). 5.5G The EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution) standard. for example text messages (SMS. Extensions have been made to the GSM standard to improve throughput. One of these is the GPRS (General Packet Radio System) service which allows theoretical data rates on the order of 114 Kbit/s but with throughput closer to 40 Kbit/s in practice. it is possible to transmit voice and low volume digital data. 6. The GSM standard allows a maximum data rate of 9. 384 Kbps with medium coverage for pedestrian use. quadruples the throughput improvements of GPRS with its theoretical data rate of 384 Kbps. High transmission data rate. 3G . the EDGE standard allows maximum theoretical data rates of 473 Kbit/s. World compatibility. but it has been limited in order to comply with the IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications-2000) specifications from the ITU (International Telecommunications Union).With the 2G networks. thereby allowing the access for multimedia applications. The most important of these characteristics are: 1. 144 Kbps with total coverage for mobile use 3. billed as 2. 3G The IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications for the year 2000) specifications from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) defined the characteristics of 3G (third generation of mobile telephony). In reality. it is often referred to as 2. 2.6 kbps. As this technology does not fit within the "3G" category. 4. for Short Message Service) or multimedia messages (MMS.
unlike the first generation of portable telephones. HSDPA technology uses the 5 GHz frequency band and uses WCDMA encoding. the most commonly used mobile telephony standard in Europe. the GSM standard uses the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands. It is called as Second Generation (2G) standard because communications occur in an entirely digital mode. In the United States. it became an international standard called "Global System for Mobile communications" in 1991. In Europe. The main 3G standard used in Europe is called UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) and uses WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) encoding. When it was first standardized in 1982.networks use different frequency bands than the previous networks: 1885-2025 MHz and 2110-2200 MHz. for Short Message Service) or multimedia messages (MMS.5G"). HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) is a third generation mobile telephony protocol. UMTS technology uses 5 MHz bands for transferring voice and data.6 kbps which allows transmission of voice and low-volume digital data like text messages (SMS. Introduction to the GSM Standard The GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) network is at the start of the 21st century. (considered as "3. The GSM standard allows a maximum throughput of 9. with data rates that can range from 384 Kbps to 2 Mbps. the frequency band used is the 1900 MHz band. For this reason. for Multimedia Message Service). it was called as Group Special Mobile and later. GSM Standards: . however. portable telephones that are able to operate in both Europe and the United States are called tri-band while those that operate only in Europe are called bi-band. which is able to reach data rates on the order of 8 to 10 Mbps.
GSM uses narrowband TDMA. FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access). CDMA uses a spread spectrum technology that is it spreads the information contained in a particular signal of interest over a much greater bandwidth than the original signal. Each user takes turn in a round robin fashion for transmitting and receiving over the channel. Time Division Multiplex Access is a type of multiplexing where two or more channels of information are transmitted over the same link by allocating a different time interval for the transmission of each channel. Here. But the two competing technologies differ in the way user sharing the common resource. To reduce the effect of co-channel interference. in CDMA several users can transmit over the channel at the same time. fading and multipath. users can only transmit in their respective time slot. the GSM technology can use frequency hoping. and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). TDMA allows the users to share the same frequency channel by dividing the signal into different time slots. Unlike TDMA. where a call jumps from one channel to another channel in a short interval. There are three basic principles in multiple access. The most complex implementation using TDMA principle is of GSM’s (Global System for Mobile communication). . TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access). TDMA in brief: In late1980’s. the cellular telecommunications industry association chose TDMA over FDMA. as a search to convert the existing analog network to digital as a means to improve capacity. which allows eight simultaneous calls on the same radio frequency. All three principles allow multiple users to share the same physical channel.
i. space and maintenance. 2. since it transmits only portion of the time during conversations. it proves to save base station equipment. .e. It can easily adapt to transmission of data as well as voice communication. TDMA handset performs hard handoff. Since TDMA technology separates users according to time. The TDMA handset constantly monitors the signals coming from other sites and reports it to the switch without caller’s awareness. This allows the operator to do services like fax. It has an ability to carry 64 kbps to 120 Mbps of data rates.. Handoff occurs when a call is switched from one cell site to another while travelling. whenever the user moves from one site to another. It provides users with an extended battery life.TDMA systems still rely on switch to determine when to perform a handoff. Since the cell size grows smaller. 3. 1. 4. Advantages of TDMA: There are lots of advantages of TDMA in cellular technologies. The switch then uses this information for making better choices for handoff at appropriate times. it breaks the connection and then provides a new connection with the new site. voice band data and SMS as well as bandwidth intensive application such as multimedia and video conferencing. it ensures that there will be no interference from simultaneous transmissions.
When moving from one cell site to other. The second problem in TDMA is that it is subjected to multipath distortion. each cell is surrounded by 6 neighbouring cells (thus a cell is generally drawn as a hexagon). Cellular networks are based on the use of a central transmitter-receiver in each cell. written BTS). circular zones that overlap to cover a geographical area. a time limit can be used on the system. The smaller the radius of a cell. Once the time limit is expired. To overcome this distortion. the user will not receive a dial tone. called a "base station" (or Base Transceiver Station. The concept of cellular network Mobile telephone networks are based on the concept of cells. So. adjacent cells cannot use the same . in highly populated urban areas. the signal is ignored. the higher is the available bandwidth. there are cells with a radius of a few hundred meters. while huge cells of up to 30 kilometers provide coverage in rural areas. if all the time slots in the cell in which the user is currently in are already occupied. In a cellular network.TDMA is the most cost effective technology to convert an analog system to digital. if all the time slots in this cell are full the user might be disconnected. Disadvantages of TDMA: One major disadvantage using TDMA technology is that the users has a predefined time slot. To avoid interference. Likewise.
managed by the telephone network operator. the user terminal is called a mobile station. Each SIM card also has a unique (and secret) identification number called IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity). The MSC is generally connected to databases that provide additional functions: . which connects them to the public telephone network and the Internet. The system consisting of the base station controller and its connected base stations is called the Base Station Subsystem (BSS). two cells using the same frequency range must be separated by a distance of two to three times the diameter of the cell. In practice. Communications occur through a radio link (air interface) between a mobile station and a base station.frequency. Architecture of the GSM Network In a GSM network. which is responsible for managing user identities. Finally. their location and establishment of communications with other subscribers. All the base stations of a cellular network are connected to a base station controller (BSC) which is responsible for managing distribution of the resources. This code can be protected using a 4-digit key called a PIN code. A mobile station is made up of a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card allowing the user to be uniquely identified and a mobile terminal. The terminals (devices) are identified by a unique 15-digit identification number called IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). The SIM card therefore allows each user to be identified independently of the terminal used during communication with a base station. the base station controllers are themselves physically connected to the Mobile Switching Centre (MSC). The MSC belongs to a Network Station Subsystem (NSS).
The Visitor Location Register (VLR) is a database containing information of users other than the local subscribers. The VLR retrieves the data of a new user from the HLR of the user's subscriber zone. The Authentication Centre (AUC) is responsible for verifying user identities. 2. . 3. movement from one operator network to another. A modem converts between these two forms. Computer information is stored digitally.e.. whereas information transmitted over telephone lines is transmitted in the form of analog waves. Introduction to Modem: Modem stands for modulator-demodulator.1.) of the subscribers registered in the area of the switch (MSC). The Home Location Register (HLR) is a database containing information (geographic position. 4. Finally. The Equipment Identify Register (EIR) is a database listing the mobile terminals. administrative information etc. The cellular network formed in this way is designed to support mobility via management of handovers (movements from one cell to another). A modem is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over telephone or cable lines. The data is maintained as long as the user is in the zone and is deleted when the user leaves or after a long period of inactivity (terminal off). GSM networks support the concept of roaming i. 5.
Voice/data: Many modems support a switch to change between voice and data modes.34 are official standards. In voice mode. the faster the transmission rate. The fastest modems run at 57.Fortunately. modems are measured in terms of bits per second (bps).600 bps. a number of different protocols for formatting data to be transmitted over telephone lines exist. Consequently. At higher speeds. which almost all personal computers have. Modems that support a voice/data switch have a built-in loudspeaker and microphone for voice communication. Auto-answer: An auto-answer modem enables the computer to receive calls in the absence of the operator. the modem acts like a regular telephone. Most modems have built-in support for the more common protocols at slow data transmission speeds at least. Some. the following characteristics distinguish one modem from another: Bps: How fast the modem can transmit and receive data. In data mode. most modems can communicate with each other. At slow rates. which enables them to send data at faster rates. modems are measured in terms of baud rates. Data compression: Some modems perform data compression. There are also modems that come as an expansion board that can be inserted into a vacant expansion slot. While the modem interfaces are standardized. while others have been developed by private companies. the modem acts like a regular modem. The slowest rate is 300 baud (about 25 cps). however. like CCITT V. At high transmission speeds. Apart from the transmission protocols that they support. the protocols are less standardized. the modem at the receiving end must be able to decompress the data using the same compression technique. the faster the data can be sent and received. It should be noted that the data cannot be received at a faster rate than it is being sent. there is one standard interface for connecting external modems to computers called RS-232. However. . Obviously. any external modem can be attached to any computer that has an RS-232 port. These are sometimes called onboard or internal modems. although they can achieve even higher data transfer rates by compressing the data.
The main difference between them is that a dial-up modem sends and receives data through a fixed telephone line while a wireless modem sends and receives data through radio waves. which mean that they can send and receive faxes. A GSM modem can be an external device or a PC Card / PCMCIA Card. A GSM modem in the form of a PC Card / PCMCIA Card is designed for use with a laptop computer. Typically. a GSM modem requires a SIM card from a wireless carrier in order to operate. . Flash memory: Some modems come with flash memory rather than conventional ROM which means that the communications protocols can be easily updated if necessary. A wireless modem behaves like a dial-up modem. GSM Modem: A GSM modem is a wireless modem that works with a GSM wireless network. It should be inserted into one of the PC Card / PCMCIA Card slots of a laptop computer. an external GSM modem is connected to a computer through a serial cable or a USB cable. Like a GSM mobile phone. Fax capability: Most modern modems are fax modems.
Sending SMS messages.1 Introduction Hardware design deals in drawing the schematic on the plane paper according to the application. carrying out the PCB layout of the schematic tested on breadboard. finally preparing the board and testing the designed hardware. International Mobile Subscriber Identity) State of the SIM card Service code (operator) Authentication key PIN (Personal Identification Code) PUK (Personal Unlock Code) Computers use AT commands to control modems. Monitoring the signal strength. These extended AT commands are defined in the GSM standards. testing the schematic design over the breadboard using the various IC’s to find if the design meets the objective. Chapter 3 Hardware design considerations 3. writing and deleting SMS messages. the following operations can be performed: • • • • • Reading. Reading. In addition to the standard AT commands. With the extended AT commands. The block diagram discusses about the required components . Monitoring the charging status and charge level of the battery.A SIM card contains the following information: • • • • • • • Subscriber telephone number (MSISDN) International subscriber number (IMSI. GSM modems support an extended set of AT commands. writing and searching phone book entries. The project design and principle are explained in this chapter using the block diagram and circuit diagram. Both GSM modems and dial-up modems support a common set of standard AT commands.
input i. reset circuit 6.2 components used Fig: Block diagram for the project design The components used are 1. lcd display 7. 3. The a. power supply 2. ignition switch 10.e. buzzer 8.3 power supply The input to the circuit is applied from the regulated power supply.. crystal circuit 5. gsm modem 9. micro controller 3.of the design and working condition is explained using circuit diagram and system wiring diagram. 230V from the mains supply is step down by the transformer to 12V and is fed to a . sensors 4.c. max 232 3.
this voltage is given to a voltage regulator to obtain a pure constant dc voltage. a step down transformer is employed to decrease the voltage to a required level.c input available at the mains supply i. It converts A. But these voltages cannot be obtained directly.e. into pulsating D.C. Rectifier: The output from the transformer is fed to the rectifier. DC voltages are required to operate various electronic equipment and these voltages are 5V.c voltage. Now. 9V or 12V. the output voltage from the rectifier is fed to a filter to remove any a. Thus the a. So in order to get a pure d. The rectifier may be a half wave or a full wave rectifier.rectifier. This is done by a transformer.. Transformer: Usually. Filter: . 230V is to be brought down to the required voltage level.c voltage. a bridge rectifier is used because of its merits like good stability and full wave rectification. The output obtained from the rectifier is a pulsating d. In this project.C. Thus.c components present even after rectification.
12 represent the required output voltage levels. voltage received at this point changes. the baud rate and voltage levels of Microcontroller and PC should be the same. Therefore a regulator is applied at the output stage. Voltage regulator: As the name itself implies. Thus this IC converts RS232 voltage levels to microcontroller voltage levels and vice versa. D.C. MAX232 IC is used. To ensure data transfer between PC and microcontroller.C. MAX232 IC chips are commonly referred to as line drivers. A voltage regulator is an electrical regulator designed to automatically maintain a constant voltage level.. . It removes the ripples from the output of rectifier and smoothens the D. 7805 and 7812 voltage regulators are to be used. 3. Output received from this filter is constant until the mains voltage and load is maintained constant. if either of the two is varied.4 Max 232 Max232 IC is a specialized circuit which makes standard voltages as required by RS232 standards. The voltage levels of microcontroller are logic1 and logic 0 i. This IC provides best noise rejection and very reliable against discharges and short circuits. However. The first number 78 represents positive supply and the numbers 05. logic 1 is +5V and logic 0 is 0V. RS232 voltage levels are considered and they are: logic 1 is taken as -3V to -25V and logic 0 as +3V to +25V. In order to obtain these voltage levels. in order to equal these voltage levels.e. power supply of 5V and 12V are required. In this project.Capacitive filter is used in this project. it regulates the input applied to it. But for PC. So.
to connect any RS232 to a microcontroller system.5. The LED used in this arrangement is a high intensity LED. its input and output voltage levels are not TTL compatible. As sensor.RS232 CABLE: To allow compatibility among data communication equipment. 3. Heart beat is sensed by using a high intensity type LED and LDR. The Heartbeat sensor used is basically a LED and LDR arrangement. Various noise sources may produce disturbance signals with amplitudes equal or even higher than the amplitude of . a photo diode or a photo transistor can be used. The very small changes in reflectivity or in transmittance caused by the varying blood content of human tissue are almost invisible.5 Sensors The sensors used in this project are Heartbeat and Temperature sensor. The finger is placed between the LED and LDR. The skin may be illuminated with visible (red) using transmitted or reflected light for detection. Since the standard was set long before the advent of the TTL logic family. For this reason.1 LED and LDR arrangement The Heartbeat sensor used in this project is basically a LED and LDR arrangement. an interfacing standard called RS232 is used. voltage converters such as MAX232 are used to convert the TTL logic levels to the RS232 voltage levels and vice versa 3.
it has very low self-heating. or with plus and minus supplies. The LM35 requires no external calibration since it is internally calibrated.2 Precision Centigrade Temperature Sensor LM35 converts temperature value into electrical signals. It can be used with single power supplies. The LM35’s low output impedance.0 mV/°C scale factor 0.1°C in still air. 3. The setup described here uses a red LED for transmitted light illumination and a LDR as detector.the pulse signal. With only slight changes in the preamplifier circuit the same hardware and software could be used with other illumination and detection concepts. and precise inherent calibration make interfacing to readout or control circuitry especially easy.5°C accuracy guaranteed (at +25°C) . less than 0. Valid pulse measurement therefore requires extensive preprocessing of the raw signal. . As it draws only 60 μA from its supply. The LM35 does not require any external calibration or trimming to provide typical accuracies of ±1⁄4°C at room temperature and ±3⁄4°C over a full −55 to +150°C temperature range. LM35 series sensors are precision integrated-circuit temperature sensors whose output voltage is linearly proportional to the Celsius temperature. linear output.5. Features Calibrated directly in ° Celsius (Centigrade) Linear + 10.
The arrangement of this sensor in our board is as shown in the figure below. In this we directly connect the output of the sensor to the base of the transistor as of LM35 for every 1˚C rise of temperature the output will increase for 10mV. 0. Hence the transistor gets on and the output is sensed by the microcontroller.7V which is enough for the transistor junction to be biased.08°C in still air Nonlinearity only ±1⁄4°C typical Low impedance output. 0.1 W for 1 mA load The characteristic of this LM35 sensor is: For each degree of centigrade temperature it outputs 10milli volts. Now if the temperature reaches 70˚C the output voltage will be 0. . Rated for full −55° to +150°C range Suitable for remote applications Low cost due to wafer-level trimming Operates from 4 to 30 volts Less than 60 μA current drain Low self-heating.
we have used the Orcad design software for PCB circuit design. The Proload programmer has been used to write this compile code into the microcontroller Algorithm Serial Programming Algorithm To program and verify the AT89S52 in the serial programming mode.Operation: The number of SMS messages that can be processed by a GSM modem per minute is very low i. Chapter 4 Software implementation Introduction The firmware part deals in programming the microcontroller so that it can control the operation of the IC’s used in the implementation. the following sequence is recommended: . the Keil µv3 software development tool to write and compile the source code. about 6 to 10 SMS messages per minute..e. In the present work. which has been written in the C language.
1 C file #include<reg51.h> sbit MOTOR sbit buz sbit sw = = = P2^4. bit l1=0.b.3. The write cycle is self timed and typically takes less than 1 ms at 5V.status=0. UART_init(). If a crystal is not connected across pins XTAL1 and XTAL2.5.l2=0. lcdcmd(0x85). 4. Power-up sequence: Apply power between VCC and GND pins.h" #include<string.jjj.ccount. . apply a 3 MHz to 33 MHz clock to XTAL1 pin and wait for at least 10 milliseconds. At the end of a programming session. RST can be set low to commence normal device operation source code 4. unsigned char a. lcd_init().control=0. Enable serial programming by sending the Programming Enable serial instruction to pin MOSI/P1.c1[]="at". 5.1. The frequency of the shift clock supplied at pin SCK/P1.h" #include"eeprom. Any memory location can be verified by using the Read instruction which returns the content at the selected address at serial output MISO/P1.6. MOTOR=0. sw=1.count.h" #include"UART.h> #include"lcddisplay. P2^7. Set RST pin to "H".i. unsigned char mobilenum[]. The Code array is programmed one byte at a time by supplying the address and data together with the appropriate Write instruction. void main() { code unsigned char msg1[]="WELCOME".c2[]="ate0". 3. unsigned char GSMdata[43]. unsigned char numcnt. 2. buz=0.b1.7 needs to be less than the CPU clock at XTAL1 divided by 16. P2^5.
ch_send_to_modem('"'). RI=0. lcdcmd(0x01). msgdisplay("SECURITY SYSTEM"). // not. while(RI==0). lcdcmd(0xc0). if(a==0xff) for(i=0. msgdisplay("SYSTEM CONNECTED").msgdisplay(msg1). msgdisplay("VEHICLE"). delay(100). delay(100). enter(). delay(200).. st: lcdcmd(0x01). } lcdcmd(0x01). msgdisplay("GSM modem"). send_to_modem(c1). msgdisplay(mobilenum). delay(300). delay(500). . enter(). enter(). send_to_modem(c2).i++) { write_eeprom(i. } if(control) { send_to_modem("at+cmgs="). // TO CHECKING GSM MODEM. //to avoid echo signals.. send_to_modem("at+cmgf=1").i<10. send_to_modem(mobilenum). ch_send_to_modem('"'). while(RI==1) { RI=0. a=read_eeprom(0). lcdcmd(0xC0). lcdcmd(0x01).mobilenum[i]). msgdisplay("searching for").
b=SBUF. RI=0. RI=0. RI=0. if(l1) { lcdcmd(0x01). while(RI==0). msgdisplay("vehicle on"). b=SBUF. send_to_modem("vehicle stopped } if(l2) { lcdcmd(0x01). RI=0. if(b=='C') { while(RI==0). lcdcmd(0x01). } if(RI==1) { RI=0. goto st. b=SBUF. while(sw==0). send_to_modem("vehicle on"). . msgdisplay("vehicle stopped"). } while(1) { if((sw==0)&&(status==0)) { buz=0. while(RI==0). b=SBUF. b=SBUF. } control=l1=l2=0. RI=0. } if(b=='T') { "). if(b=='M') { while(RI==0). b=SBUF. MOTOR=1. while(RI==0).enter(). msgdisplay("vehicle on").
RI=0. jjj=0. if(b=='I') lcdcmd(0x01). ccount+=1. b=SBUF. ch_send_to_modem(b). numcnt++. } mobilenum[10]='\0'. ccount=0.') { if(numcnt<15) { if(numcnt>4) mobilenum[numcnt-5]=b. send_to_modem("at+cmgd="). delay(100). b1=b.} { while(RI==0). msgdisplay("message reading"). numcnt=0. send_to_modem("at+cmgr="). while(count!=3) { while(RI==0). count=0. . lcdcmd(0xc0). lcdcmd(0x01). if(b=='. b=SBUF. if(b==10) count+=1. msgdisplay("NEW message "). lcdcmd(0x01). } if(count==2) GSMdata[jjj++]=SBUF. msgdisplay(gpsdata). a=0. RI=0. ch_send_to_modem(b1). enter(). enter(). a=1. } else a=0. delay(500).
l1=1. TH1=0xFD. } } } 4. void enter (void). TR1=1. .2 UART #include<reg51.h> void UART_init(void). buz=0. void UART_init(void) { TMOD=0x20. status=0.msgdisplay(mobilenum). control=1."STOP")) { MOTOR=0. buz=1. void ch_send_to_modem (unsigned char single_char). } if(!strcmp(gpsdata. } } goto st. if(!strcmp(gpsdata. delay(500). void send_to_modem (unsigned char s[]). l2=1. control=1. SCON=0x50.3. status=1."123")) { MOTOR=1.
TI=0. delay(10). // After sending commands to GSM modem you must be send Enter's ASC values. delay(100). TR1=1. TI=0. } void enter (void) { SBUF=13. SCON=0x50. while(TI==0). while(TI==0). SBUF=single_char. } // enter(). } void ch_send_to_modem (unsigned char single_char) { TMOD=0x20. for(r=0.} void send_to_modem (unsigned char s[]) { unsigned char r.s[r]!='\0'. while(TI==0). TH1=0xFd. SBUF=10. // Enter ASC values are 13 and 10. } . TI=0. TI=0. while(TI==0).r++) // to send the command to GSM modem to avoid echo signal { // the command is "ate0". SBUF=s[r].
Keil Compiler: .Chapter 5 Application Implementation 5. The working of each software tool is explained below in detail.1 Hardware implementation 5.2 software implementation Software Tools Required Keil µv3. Proload are the two software tools used to program microcontroller.
that hex code has to be dumped into the microcontroller and this is done by the Proload. Proload: Proload is software which accepts only hex files. This microcontroller has a program in . Once the machine code is converted into hex code. Proload is a programmer which itself contains a microcontroller in it other than the one which is to be programmed.Keil compiler is software used where the machine language code is written and compiled. After compilation. Keil compiler also supports C language code. the machine source code is converted into hex code which is to be dumped into the microcontroller for further processing.
Thus this is accomplished from the power supply board with an output of 12volts. It should be noted that this programmer kit contains a power supply section in the board itself but in order to switch on that power supply. Features • • • • • • • • • Supports major Atmel 89 series devices Auto Identify connected hardware and devices Error checking and verification in-built Lock of programs in chip supported to prevent program copying 20 and 40 pin ZIF socket on-board Auto Erase before writing and Auto Verify after writing Informative status bar and access to latest programmed file Simple and Easy to use Works on 57600 speed Chapter 6 Results and Discussions written in such a way that it accepts the hex file from the Keil compiler and dumps this hex file into the microcontroller which is to be programmed. a source is required. this power supply is given from the power supply circuit designed above. As the Proload programmer kit requires power supply to be operated.1 Results .
Design is done to meet all the specifications and requirements. . It can be concluded that the design implemented in the present work provide portability. Software tools like Keil Uvision Simulator. check the values.2 Conclusion The implementation of GSM based Vehicle Security system is done successfully. Circuit is implemented in Orcad and implemented on the microcontroller board. Working procedure: GSM based vehicle security system is an Embedded system that provides security to the vehicles using GSM technology. alert the buzzer and also send the predefined message to the user mobile through GSM modem is the main job carried out by the microcontroller. 5. The total circuit is completely verified functionally and is following the application software. After assembling the circuit on the PCB.1. check it for proper connections before switching on the power supply. Orcad Lite for the schematic diagram have been used to develop the software code before realizing the hardware. Continuously reading the output values from the sensors. The mechanism is controlled by the microcontroller. flexibility and the data transmission is also done with low power consumption. Proload to dump the source code into the microcontroller. if they are triggered.Assemble the circuit on the PCB as shown in Fig 5. The communication is properly done without any interference between different modules in the design. The performance has been verified both in software simulator and hardware design.
atmel.The working of the project is as below: Whenever the user wants to start his vehicle. the microcontroller detects this and sends the predefined message to the user mobile.national. When this switch is pressed.V. he has to press the ignition . the user can know that someone is trying to take away the vehicle and can immediately send the predefined message to stop the vehicle to the controlling unit.Prasad -Lawrence Harte http://www.gaonkar ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS INTRDUCTION TO GSM -D.microsoftsearch. If anyone other than the user or the driver presses the switch. the user can now send the predefined message in the form of a password to start or stop the vehicle. Thus. the user can have the complete control of the vehicle in his http://www. the user receives the message from the controlling unit and http://www. After the user gets the message to his mobile. The motor of the vehicle is operated when the controller receives the message from the user mobile BIBLIOGRAPHY THE 8051 MICROCONTROLLER AND EMBEDDED SYSTEMS -Muhammad ali mazidi -janice gillispie mazidi THE 8051 MICROCONTROLLER ARCHITECTURE.PROGRAMING AND APPLICATIONS -Kenneth j.Ayala -Ramesh s.
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Sunday, November 20, 2011
Servo installation
I've been installing servos in the firsts switches of the main level. I'm using an Uhlenbrock servo decoder with relays (to feed frogs). Servos (also from Uhlenbrock) are not the best by far, but they come with two different supports (aluminium angles), 3 different bars and mounting screws.
Decoder is not LOCONET compatible. It is wired to the DCC loop but it's also connected to an independent power supply to avoid the typical servo initial movement if you have to cut the power from the central station to the tracks in case of derailment or short circuit.
4 different positions can be programmed for each servo and assigned to a different red or green key. Also speed and bouncing effect (for barriers) is configurable. Decoder can be configured from the station (in CV program) or directly pressing a button in the decoder.
That's the first test, the movement can be really realistic:
1. Very interesting! Is that a Minitrix switch in the video or another brand?
Someday I hope to adapt servos and replace the Minitrix solenoid motors, but how to connect the wire from the servo to the switch is a question I wonder about.
Thank you (sorry for the english!)
2. Hi Jerry! Thanks for your comment! it's not Minitrix, it's Peco Code 55. It's not possible to connect a servo to a Minitrix switch. Minitrix is prepared just for their solenoid motors. I also used Minitrix for the hidden station (both tracks and solenoid motors), but then I tried PECO and now I'm in love with it!!
Realistic tracks, simple and reliable design, and you can drive them with servos (from any brand) or solenoid motors also hidden under table.
3. Thank you Dani! I hear a lot of positive comments about the Peco Code 55! They look great too! | dclm_edu |
These are the cities that I know have support group meetings. To find out more information about each city, hover over the support group tab and you will be able to click on each city to find out more information regarding that support group such as sponsors, the contact person and websites.
If you know of a support group that is not listed below, please let us know by sharing the following information for us.
This page will list the dates of the support group meetings. Keep posted to this page because the dates have been known to change at the last minute. For the most recent information, please contact each group individually. Contact information can be found on the informational page for each group.
Check out these web tabs for each group:
Asheville NC _ new group – not linked yet, but in tab | fineweb_edu |
Workforce ageing and economic productivity. The role of supply and demand for labor for the G7 countries
Thomas Fent, Vienna Institute of Demography
Alexia Fuernkranz-Prskawetz, Vienna Institute of Demography
Ross Guest, Griffith University
The aim of this paper is to study the sensitivity of projected economic productivity (measured by output per worker) for the G7 countries with respect to projected labor force participation rates, the age-productivity profiles of workers and the degree of substitutability of workers at different ages. Simulations suggest that in a pure labor economy, the assumption of imperfect substitution of workers at different ages implies a dividend from workforce ageing during the next decades. Workforce ageing implies that the actual age distribution of the workforce can be expected to shift closer to the optimal age distribution generating a dividend in terms of aggregate productivity. Simulations suggest that the dividend is likely to be non-trivial in magnitude, although the size of the effect depends very much on the values of elasticities of substitution about which little is known.
See paper
Presented in Session 61: Ageing and the economy | dclm_edu |
Main Difference: The difference between Compound and Complex Sentences is that Compound sentence is a sentence that has multiple independent clauses, but no dependent clause. Complex sentence is a sentence that has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
What is a Compound Sentence
A Compound Sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses. An independent clause is a clause that expresses a complete thought or idea. For example,
She drank milk.
In a compound sentence, the clauses are connected by a coordinating conjunction. There are only seven coordinating conjunctions in English. They are, For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet and So. Look at the examples below to understand the formation of a compound sentence before.
The train was late – Independent Clause 1 SO= coordinating conjunction
I took the bus – Independent Clause 2
The train was late, so I took the bus = Independent Clause 1 + coordinating conjunction + Independent Clause 2
We waited for 2 hours, but he didn’t come.
My mother prepared lunch, and I helped her.
What is a Complex Sentence
A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses connected to it. A dependent clause is a clause that does not express a complete thought.
Examples of dependent clauses:
while he waited for the drink
although they share some similar properties
whenever he talks about that experience
In complex sentences, the clauses are connected by subordinating conjunctions. Some common subordinating conjunctions include when, until, because, while, if, although, after, as, before, whenever, since, and whereas.
An independent clause is joined with one or more dependent clause by a subordinating conjunction to form a complex sentence.
Independent clause: He realized that the bus was late
Dependent Clause: While he was waiting at the bus station
Complex sentence: He realized that the bus was late while he was waiting at the bus station.
You can construct a complex sentence by including the dependent clause first, followed by the independent clause.
When I told him that I was resigning from the job, he was shocked.
You can also write the independent clause first, followed by the dependent clause, as given below.
He was shocked when I told him that I was resigning from the job.
Note that a comma should be used at the end of the dependent clause if you are writing the dependent clause first. However, if you are including the independent clause first, a comma should not be used. You can observe this difference in the two examples above.
I realized that there were many mistakes in the accounts after he resigned from the job.
When I gave my mother her present, she hugged me tight.
I didn’t visit her as she doesn’t like visitors.
What is the Difference between Compound and Complex Sentences
Definition of Compound and Complex Sentences
Compound Sentence: Complex sentence is a sentence that contains multiple independent clause, but no dependent clause.
Complex Sentence: Compound sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clause.
Characteristics of Compound and Complex Sentences
Compound Sentence: A compound sentence contains more than one independent clause.
Complex Sentence: A complex sentence contains only one independent clause.
Compound Sentence: Compound sentences do not have any dependent clauses.
Complex Sentence: Complex sentences have one or more independent clauses.
Compound Sentence: The two clauses are combined by a coordinating conjunction.
Complex Sentence: The two clauses are combined by a subordinating conjunction.
Beginning of the sentence
Compound Sentence: A coordinating conjunction cannot be used at the beginning of the sentence
Complex Sentence: A subordinating conjunction can be used at the beginning of the sentence. | fineweb_edu |
Butterfly Valve
Butterfly Valve
What is a Butterfly Valve ?
Types of Butterfly Valve
Types of Butterfly Valves
Application of Butterfly Valves
• Slurry and similar services
• Vacuum service
The valve actuator operates the stem and disc to open and close the valve. There are several types of actuators to consider depending on the needs of the system such as the torque necessary to operate the valve, speed and the need for automatic actuation.
Manual/ hand operated actuators use a hand-wheel or crank to open or close the valve. They are not automatic but offer the user the ability to position the valve as needed. Manual actuators are used in remote systems that may not have access to power, however they are not practical for applications that involve large valves. The hand-wheel can be fixed to a stem or hammer which allows for the valve to be pounded open or closed if necessary. Gear-heads can be added for additional mechanical advantage and open/close speed.
Hand operated actuator.
Solenoid operated valves use hydraulic fluid for automatic control of valve opening or closing. Manual valves can also be used, with a solenoid valve, for controlling the hydraulic fluid; thus providing semi-automatic operation. A solenoid is a designed electromagnet. When an electric current is applied, a magnetic field is generated around the wire. An iron "T" or plunger is put in the center of the coil to concentrate the magnetism. Since iron is a strong magnetic conductor and air is not, the "T" is drawn by the magnetic field into a position where the magnetism can travel 100% through the metal conductor. The moveable "T" acts as the actuator of the valve. Solenoid valves can be arranged such that power to the solenoid either opens or closes the valve. One application of solenoid valves is to supply the air to systems like pneumatic valve actuators. These valves are not practical for large systems because their size and power requirements would be excessive.
Electric motor actuators permit manual, semi-automatic, and automatic operation of the valve. Electric actuators are the most common actuator type for butterfly valves because the valve can be operated remotely, and the actuator is reliable and maintenance-free. The high speed motor is usually reversible and used for open and close functions. The actuator is connected through a gear train to reduce the motor speed and thereby increase the torque. The actuator is operated either by the position of the valve or by the torque of the motor. A limit switch can be included to automatically stop the motor at fully open and fully closed.
Pneumatic operated valves can be automatic or semi-automatic. They function by translating an air signal into valve stem motion by air pressure acting on a diaphragm or piston connected to the stem. Pneumatic actuators are fast-acting for use in throttle valves and for open-close positioning.
Hydraulic actuators provide for semi-automatic or automatic positioning of the valve. They are used when a large force is required to open the valve, such as a main steam valve. With no fluid pressure, the spring force holds the valve in the closed position. Fluid enters the chamber, changing the pressure. When the force of the hydraulic fluid is greater than the spring force, the piston moves upward and valve opens. To close the valve, hydraulic fluid (such as water or oil) is fed to either side of the piston while the other side is drained or bled. Hydraulic actuators are available in a wide range of sizes and are economical to use in a valve system as well as with a single valve.
Self-actuated valves use the system fluid to position the valve. These are commonly found in relief valves, safety valves, check valves, and steam traps. Because these actuators use the fluid in the system, no external power is required.
Valve Parts
Butterfly valves have a unique body construction and motion when compared to other types of valves.
Body Construction
Butterfly valves get their name from the shape of the body and closure elements. They have a simple design that consists of fewer parts, making repair and maintenance easy.
Valve body- Butterfly valves have bodies that fit between two pipe flanges. There are two types of valve bodies, the lug type and the wafer type.
Butterfly valve body types.
The lug body has protruding legs that provide bolt holes matching those in the pipe flange. This style has metal inserts installed in the valve's bolt holes. The valve is installed between two flanges using a separate set of bolts for each flange. The advantage of the lug body style is it allows for dead-end service or removal of downstream piping.
The wafer body style is installed between two flanges using bolts or nuts and studs. It does not have protruding legs. The shape is light-weight and has a lower initial and installation cost. However, some wafer body styles will not form a proper seal so care should be taken to avoid placing it between slip-on or screwed flange types. Wafer style valves are easier to replace and install.
When replacing a wafer body style, the conveying lines need to be drained because there is nothing to seal material either upstream or downstream from the removal point.
Valve seat
Most butterfly valves use an elastomeric seat and the disc seals against it. The seat utilizes an interference fit between the disc edge and the seat to provide shutoff. The flow is stopped when the valve disc seals against a seat on the inside diameter of the valve body. It may be bonded to the body or pressed or locked in. Other seal arrangements use a clamp-ring and backing-ring on a serrated edge rubber ring to block extrusion of the O-ring. In high-performance designs, the seal maybe provided by an interference-fit seat design of a line-energizes seat design. The seal is created by the pressure in the pipeline increasing the interference between the seat and disc edge. The seats of inexpensive valves may be molded into the body and cannot be repaired or replaced but in most precision valves the seats are repairable and replaceable.
Valve disc and stem assemblies
Butterfly valves have separate stem and disc pieces that are fastened together by one of two methods. In the first method, the stem is secured with bolts or pins that go through the disc. The second method allows the disc to "float" and find its center in the seat by shaping the upper stem bore to fit a squared or hex-shaped stem. The second method of assembly can be used for corrosive applications because external stem fasteners are eliminated and covered discs can be used. The disc is held in position by the stem which must stand beyond the bottom of the disc to the bottom of the valve body. The seal is accomplished with an O-ring or standard stuffing box. The fluid in the system will come into contact with the seal so it is important to pick a steal durable enough for the media used in the system. Since the stem in most butterfly valves is protected from the media, the material can be selected with respect to cost and mechanical properties. However, in high performance types the stem is in contact with the media so the stem material must be compatible. The stem must also provide the required strength to seat and unseat the disc from the seat. | dclm_edu |
By: Marcella Hayes Muhammad / Artist
I recently received an invitation from a company that has artists use their original designs to place onto a collection of garments. This company is called Vida. There are silk tops, 100% Modal scarves, silk square scarves, sleeveless tops, pocket squares for men, and knit tops. I am so glad that I have the capacity to edit my designs to fit the required parameters for reproduction onto fabric. In 2005 my sister, Dianne Quarles, and I went to New York to meet with representatives from Burlington Mills to discuss original designs for fabric. We made our presentation and were very encouraged by the representatives that they were very interested. But the economy was taking a drastic turn and after a while we were informed that Burlington Mills was to be purchased by another entity, new personnel put into place, and moved to Brazil. That was the end of that opportunity and then the bottom dropped out of the industry and licensing to individual artists was not lucrative enough. Only the large corporations like Disney and the like were being licensed. Have you noticed that you can buy fabric with a sleeping beauty print or children’s and adult clothing with the multitude of characters from movies and cartoons?
I say all that because, in getting prepared for Burlington I had learned how to interpret my original designs into fabric prints and they were already categorized, formatted and ready to present. So I was more than ready! Vida is interested in the individual artist and their designs to present on fabric garments that they are producing as an on demand product. I am very excited to work with this international company that embraces diversity.
In order to be truly represented by them, I need 10 sales or more to become a Vida Slate designer and have my collection featured on Vida social media page. Customers who buy the first ten pieces each receive a $25.00 Vida gift card. If I am able to have 50 sales, I will be a Vida gold designer and will be featured on the Vida homepage. So I am motivated to boost sales on my collection and have my customers enjoy my original designs that are unique and reflect my African American culture with ancestry influences.
So please, go to the link above, and shop my collection and make several purchases for yourself, someone you care about, or for a special occasion. Be sure to pass this along to your friends as well. I thank you in advance, and happy shopping! | fineweb_edu |
Digg Revolts over take down of: 09 f9 11 02 9d 74 e3 5b d8 41 56 c5 63 56 88 c0
If you are not a geek, you probably have no idea what the head line for this blog post means. If I were a citizen of the United States, living in the US, I would have just broken the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by simply having posted the following jumble of numbers and letters:
Why you ask… Well, that jumble of letters and numbers is the hexadecimal key needed to decrypt and watch the new HD DVDs. According to US law, because I am publishing information that could help someone circumvent copy protection software, I am breaking the DMCA. The knowledge and software tools to break the copy protection of regular DVDs has been widely known for some time now.
So why would I want to circumvent the copy protection of a HD DVD, or a DVD for that matter… unless I were a criminal wanting to steal the contents of the DVD? There are a number of reasons why:
1. If I want to play a HD DVD on my laptop, there is currently no way to do it unless I circumvent the copy protection and copy the contents of the DVD on to my laptop. Currently there are very few laptops with HD DVD drives.
2. If I want to play a HD DVD on my Linux computers at home I will have to circumvent the copy protection. There are no legal HD DVD players for Linux. If I want to play a HD DVD on my Linux computers I will have to use “illegal” software to do so (using the above key).
3. If I want to play a HD DVD on my iPod I will have to circumvent the copy protection to do so.
4. If I wanted to take a small piece of video to play as part of a class presentation (which is perfectly legal under the fair use doctrine in copyright law) I would have to break the DMCA in order to capture that little bit of video.
The copy protection built into HD DVDs severely limits how and where I can watch the movies. In the case of the iPod, I could pay for another version of the movie so I would watch it on my iPod, but I don’t really want to pay double just to watch the movie on another device. Buying multiple copies of the same movie would make the Movie Picture Association of America (MPAA) happy though; and richer. Somehow I think greed and the buying of politicians votes are part of this long and sordid story.
In any case, once the hex key had been discovered (The person who cracked the key said he did so in order to watch movies on his laptop), someone posted the key to the Digg.com social web site. Shortly after, Digg received a DMCA take down notice from lawyers representing the group who created the HD DVD encryption technology. Digg took down the posting, but it was immediately posted again, and promoted to the home page. Digg tried to take down all the postings, but by Tuesday evening they had given up. Every single page promoted to the home page of the web site had the offending key in the posting. Kevin Rose, the founder of Digg, wrote on his blog:
After seeing the hundreds of stories and reading thousands of comments, you’ve made it clear. You’d rather see Digg go down fighting than bow down to a bigger company. We hear you and effective immediately we won’t delete stories or comments containing the code and will deal with whatever the consequences might be. If we lose, then what the hell, at least we died trying.
Kevin and the Digg community know how moronic and unfair the Movie industry is behaving. Real criminals will not be stopped by the DMCA or copy protection. They only hurt people who want to have some choice in how they consume their digital content.
Canada does not yet have an equivalent to the DMCA, but it looks like it might be coming. Michael Geist, a law professor, talks about the “Canadian DMCA” which will probably be introduced in Parliament this spring, in the guise of copyright reform. Write your federal politician, and let’s make sure we don’t get our own version of a very bad law.
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Age of universe vs size
1. Dec 6, 2014 #1
Please help me understand this.
The age of the universe is given as being about 13.8 billion years. The size of the universe is estimated to be 93 billion light years
( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universe)
Since the oldest light to reach us comes from 13.8 light years away, why do we estimate that the universe has a radius of 46+ billion light years instead of 13.8 ?
I know that the universe expanded faster than the speed of light but why do we think that and why 93 billion light years?
Thank you.
2. jcsd
3. Dec 6, 2014 #2
Doug Huffman
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Gold Member
4. Dec 6, 2014 #3
First of all, it is important to emphasize this is the size of the observable universe, the part of the universe we can receive light from.
Second, the radius is larger than 13.8 light years since the universe expands during the journey the photons make to reach us. So, the point where a photon that reaches us today started from can be 46+ billion light years away since it was much closer to us when the journey started.
5. Dec 6, 2014 #4
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If the universe were static, that is not expanding, then you could indeed do the simple calculation of the speed of light times the age of the universe to find out where the farthest objects you can see were at the time of emission (and still are).
However, since the space in-between the source and the observer has been expanding, such calculations won't give you the right answer. The light has to travel the extra bits of space, so it takes it more time to reach us than it would in a static universe.
In the expanding universe the light coming from faraway objects that you see was emitted closer than c*t, and the objects are at this very moment farther than c*t. The 46 billion ly figure is the distance to the farthest objects we see now, if you could stop the expansion and measure the distance as it is NOW. The distance to those objects at the time of emission was much closer - about 42 million ly.
@Doug Huffman : I think inflation doesn't need to be invoked here, the confusion stems purely from not taking into account the regular expansion.
6. Dec 6, 2014 #5
Thank you all.
I forgot that the universe is expanding further during the 13.8 billion years it takes for the oldest light to reach us. | dclm_edu |
# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
A, B = map(int, input().split())
print(['Impossible', 'Possible'][A%3 == 0 or B%3 == 0 or (A+B) %3 == 0]) | stack_edu |
| < October >
|Normal Max/ High Temperature
|Min/ Low Temperature
|Number of Wet Days (probability of rain on a day)
|Average Sunlight per day
|Average Daylight per day
|Sunny (Cloudy) Daylight Hours
|Sun altitude at solar noon on the 21st day.
- The average temperature in Shreveport, Louisiana in October is somewhat warm at 19.2 °C (66.56 °F).
- Afternoons can be hot with average high temperatures reaching 25.9 °C (78.6 °F).
- Overnight temperatures are generally quite mild with an average low of 12.4 °C (54.3 °F).
- The average diurnal temperature range/ variation in October is 13.5 °C (24.3 °F).
- The weather in October is hardly arid with periodic rain. Circa 94.7mm (3.7in) of fluid is dumped during an average of 6 days.
- The skies in Shreveport, Louisiana are quite sunny with an average of a sizable 8:50 of intense sunlight per day.
- The shortest day is 10:50 long and the longest day is 11:47 long with an average length of 11:18.
- There are approximately 2:19 per day when bright sunshine is absent due to cloud, haze or the sun being too low on the horizon to register.
- It is sunny approximately 79.2% of daylight hours and cloudy 20.8% of daylight hours.
Check the distance to and compare the Shreveport, Louisiana October averages with somewhere beginning with:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | All
Weather Trend Graph for October in Shreveport, Louisiana, Usa
Navigate to October Weather in Locations Surrounding Shreveport, Louisiana: | fineweb_edu |
This product is an active protein and may elicit a biological response in vivo, handle with caution.
Angiostatin is an internal proteolytic fragment of plasminogen, containing at least three Kringle domains. The Kringle domains have specific anti-migratory and anti-proliferative activities.
Angiostatin, an endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor, inhibits endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo. It is a potent and specific natural inhibitor of angiogenisis and metastatic tumor
SDS-PAGE - Angiostatin protein (Active) (ab88558)
4-12% SDS-PAGE analysis of Reduced and Non-reduced samples of ab88558 (1µg).
Molecular weight markers: Myosin (191 kDa), Phosphorylase B (97 kDa), BSA (64 kDa), Glutamic Dehydrogenase (51 kDa), Alcohol Dehydrogenase (39 kDa), Carbonic Anhydrase (28 kDa), Myoglobin Red (19 kDa), Lysozyme (14 kDa)
has not yet been referenced specifically in any publications. | fineweb_edu |
November 3, 2017
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What: 2017 Heart Burn (part of the Burn Series)
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Online registration fee is $44.50. Use promo code PRGM to save $5.
Register here: https://www.philarockgym.com/heart-burn/
This Climber's Briefing is issued by USA Climbing. Please read it thoroughly and notice the items in RED. If you don't already know...
Here are a few things I thought might be helpful to new climbers and some good reminders for experienced climbers. This is just a guide, ...
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Here is some info I gathered for the "The Red" Please fill out this medical authorization form and email/fax/hand to Tom. Ac... | fineweb_edu |
So anyway the movie started after me and FetlifeChick were talking about how guys suck at talking to girls while they resort to rophynol or something. The film starts out in 1999 which I think was a passive aggressive way of Toho and Warner Bros. kicking Roland Emmerich in the dick for that piece of reptile shit called Godzilla back in 1998. In other words I think this was Hollywood's way of letting it go and getting back to what Godzilla was meant to do; make movie goers giddy while saying, "Holy Shit!" repeatedly like they just saw Miley Cyrus sodomize herself with a crack pipe as Rob Ford lights it up; the pipe not Miley Cyrus's asshole.
The film starts out in the Philippines with the sight of Ken Watanabe which makes sense since if a Hollywood production has some sort of Japanese theme it must have Ken Watanabe. That seems to be the theme ever since The Last Samurai. They might as well call him Ken "This film has some Japanese shit" Watanabe. That's not to say he isn't a great actor; he's one of my personal favorites actually since I really liked the Last Samurai even if Tom Cruise survived. Watanabe and his female scientist colleague are investigating this massive fossil that appears to be radioactive. They realize that another monster must have busted out of it and they find their evidence in the form of a massive hole punched out of one of the cave walls. We are greeted to the site of what looks like a monster that dragged its ass along the ground for about half a mile before finding the ocean. Maybe it didn't wipe properly.
The next act has the one and only Bryan Cranston and his character's wife talking about some non-Heisenberg related shit and then you are greeted to sights and sounds of Cranston speaking Japanese. This only makes me wonder what Breaking Bad would have been like if Heisenberg was driving around the foothills of Mt. Fuji while cooking meth in an RV. Instead of ranting about precursors and methylamine while dodging angry Mexicans and Feds; Cranston is ranting about radiation levels and seismic readings. The science talk alone makes me think there is going to a Breaking Bad moment where Cranston brings down one of the monsters using red phosphorus. I'll be honest, one my major reasons for seeing this movie was to see Bryan Cranston. I wanted to see Heisenberg against the King of the Monsters.
After some shit goes down at the Nuclear Plant where Cranston's character (Joe Brody) has to watch his wife die he cries and for once he isn't doing to protect his meth empire. The plant eventually completely crumbles to the ground in a sight that will obviously draw comparisons to Fukushima which will probably lead to some crack pot conspiracy theorists claiming the that US government lied about Fukushima to hide a giant monster. This is all witnessed by Joe Brody's son Ford who is just in grade school at the time.
The film flashes forward 15 years and now Ford has a military and his job is working in the hurt locker i.e. Explosive Ordinance Disposal i.e. E.O.D. i.e. defusing bombs. He may not look as impressive as Jeremy Renner but fuck it, this is about Heisenberg and Godzilla. Ford is obviously getting back from a deployment and his commander mentions something about his wife. In other words its time for Ford to get laid because I highly doubt that the US military allows for their soldiers to rape goats; maybe Iraqi women but not goats. Ford gets home and the wife is there. Ford tells his son that he'll be able to eat cake everyday which is cute because I guess parents lying to their kids is adorable in a Halmark sort of way. After they put the little gullible brat to bed Ford and his wife start giving each other "fuck me eyes". I am depressed when I realize this film has a PG-13 rating but then again Ford's wife doesn't look like she has much in the way of tits.
Right when it looks like Ford is about to round second and go for an inside the cunt home run the phone rings and like a bitch Ford's wife stops. Ladies, you can return a phone call but it's hard to undo a case of blue balls. On the other end of the line is someone at the Japanese consulate that informs Ford's wife that Ford's dad has been arrested for being in the quarantined area of where that nuclear plant went full on Jenga 15 years prior. Ford packs his bags, blue balls and all, to head to Japan to bail his blue balling Heisenberg father out. At least he didn't cripple his wife and rig a bomb to her wheel chair to blow half of Ford's face off. I guess blue balls aren't that bad after all. That's not an invitation ladies; not one at all.
In the next scene Ford is seen in a Japanese police station waiting for Joe/Heisenberg to be released which shows that he is better son than Walter White Jr. since he doesn't bitch about shit or have cerebral palsy. Joe gets released and they go back to Joe's apartment and from all of the newspaper clippings on Joe's wall it is obvious Joe has definitely gone full Ron Paul with the conspiracy theories. Why Libertarians haven't nominated Bryan Cranston for a presidential run is beyond me. First rule of nominating a presidential candidate is to nominate someone that the majority will actually vote for. That's how both Regean and Obama got elected.
Joe/Heisenberg convinces Ford to go back to the quarantined zone that he just got arrested at and off they go. They arrive by boat and walk around in Hazmat suits that look like they were specially designed to be sold at a Military Surplus store or Goodwill. That's when a pack of dogs is seen running by, in good health, which is quite odd since the place is supposed to be soaked in lethal doses of radiation since the plant supposedly underwent a nuclear meltdown. After getting a zilch reading on his radiation detector Joe pulls the mask off and explains to Ford that there is zero radiation as well as to stop complaining like a bitch. Off in the distance they see a bunch lights and secretive military shit where the plant once stood. Maybe Joe's Libertarian sense was tingling for accurate reasons after all. They get captured by these same shadowy figures and get taken to where the plant once stood so that Joe/Heisenberg can be questioned.
It's during this questioning that Joe has his Heisenberg moment. If you watched the trailer then you probably heard part of it but for the sake of the review here's how of it goes, "The truth is that you are hiding something out there----AND I HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!!!!!" The rest of the scene is just as epic and is pretty much the only dialogue requiring artistic merit that is needed for a film that has monsters smashing skyscrapers like they are owed larvae support. Yes larvae is a spoiler but if you want a review that is spoiler free then go read a review from someone that doesn't use going to the movies as an excuse to get laid.
After this scene the shit hits the proverbial fan and the first monster in the film wakes up after gorging itself enough on cesium-137 to get its lazy ass up. At first I thought it was Mothra but it was later called MUTO but the praying Mantis/Insect appearance of it is obviously paying homage to the giant Moth. The spectacle is impressive and the MUTO wrecks shit in a way that would impress an ex of Tiger Wood's. It was great until he knocked out a platform; a platform that Joe/Heisenberg was on. Joe/Heisenberg falls into the rubble but the film doesn't show anything definitive until a later scene where he is shown being zipped up into a body bag. I nearly lost my shit but kept my cool since there was a girl that was fun to fuck next to me and last thing I wanted to do was scare her off. Seeing as I am at laptop now though let me vent:
WHAT THE FUCK WARNER BROS???? 20 MINUTES? 20 GODDAMN MINUTES WHEN YOU HAVE ADVERTISED BRYAN CANSTON IN THIS MOVIE FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS NOW????? YOU KILL THE HEISENBERG AND DIDN'T EVEN HAVE THE COMMON DECENCY TO GIVE HIS CHARACTER LUNG CANCER IN THIS MOVIE????? WAS GIANCARLO ESPOSITO BEHIND THE SCRIPT WRITING???? YEAH, FUCK YOU WARNER BROS!!!
Okay, now that I have that out of the way I can go back to giving a review free of emotion. Amazingly Joe/Heisenberg dying is just the movie getting warmed up as there are a shit load of buildings that need destroying in Honolulu after the MUTO gets done eating some nuclear warheads from a submarine that it flung into the jungle on the outskirts of the city. Shit gets crazy as it begins to wreck havoc but then Godzilla shows up after after causing a tsunami. The physics of how a creature the size of a skrycraper can cause a 10 meter high tsunami isn't fully explained but then again this is Hollywood; not a lesson in fluid dynamics and plate tectonics. Godzilla and the MUTO begin a battle royale at the Honolulu airport and then the movie flash forwards to the next act since I guess enough of the city had been destroyed and the MUTO wanted to fly off like a bitch.
A bunch of drama happens involving a nuclear waste stockpile in the Nevada and Las Vegas getting destroyed by an even bigger, wingless MUTO whom is apparently in heat and is in need of some thermonuclear flying praying mantis cock. It gets even better when the monsters converge on San Francisco for the climactic battle. I don't know if the writers have some odd fetish that involves Lady and the Tramp and nuclear warheads but there is a scene where the male and female MUTOs making out with the nuclear warhead like its the spaghetti being shared before the inevitable doggy kiss between Darling and Tramp. If that is too G-Rated for you then just imagine the two german chicks from "Two Girls, One Cup" but instead them making out over a cup filled with human feces it's a nuclear warhead.
The funny thing is that isn't the end of the odd radioactive bestiality fetish that the movie has going on as in the final climax Godzilla pulls the female MUTO's mouth wide open like its hard core rape porn and shoots a load of his Thermonuclear plasma into the MUTO's before ripping her head off. Nothing like using non-human characters to avoid getting slapped with a R-rating. I definitely give the scene points for kink factor. Actually that's what I would say if I was raised in West Virginia. It was still a bad ass battle scene and I'm sure it gave some comic nerds an erection because that couldn't find a chick whose mouth they could shoot a load into before heading to the theatre.
Then the in one of the final scenes I nearly had a cynic overload because Joe has to get a boat to take nuclear bomb that was rigged to blow and kill the monsters out of the city which isn't that bad of an idea until you run the math. The boat looked to be moving at a speed of about 20 mph tops and there was only 5 minutes left on the timer before the boat even made it to the Golden Gate bridge and earlier in the movie it was said that the bomb would make the ones used in nuclear tests in the Pacific, "look like a firecracker." Amazingly though the bomb needed only less than two miles to be to put the city outside of the blast radius so either the boat had some rocket propulsion system miraculously installed in 5 minutes or the bombs that were used in the Pacific made the THEY were using look like a firecracker. Huge contradiction there but then again its Hollywood. Just imagine the scene with the nuke at the end of Dark Knight Rises and you'll understand your my cynicism.
So overall I give the movie a score of "Braggable". The dialogue did its job and it built it to a very entertaining climax just like FetlifeChick. While the plot holes are noticeable but not unforgivable; It's worth the ticket. | fineweb_edu |
The Inner child is one of the most powerful aspects of your self. In this workshop we will spend time supporting your inner child to heal and be held in love. There will be teachings from Ishtar, activations from the Ascended Masters, a past life recall meditation and many tools and meditations offered to support you to work with your unresolved aspects in a deep and meaningful way.
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COST: E330 for 2 day workshop (does not include lodging) | fineweb_edu |
I’m sure I’m not the only one saying this but I can’t believe it’s already a week into December… Where did all my time go? My first year in a new teaching job and now it’s halfway over! Honestly I feel like I’m drowning a little, but not even because of my job.
This gift giving season, I’ve gotten a lot more orders through my Etsy shop and it’s been a bit of a challenge trying to balance time at work with time working on knitting at home. In retrospect, I should have been more prepared, maybe had a few items already made instead of doing it 100% made-to-order… But hey, now I know for next year! I’m down to only 5 orders left to fill before I fly back to Ohio for winter break.
My issue now is that I have so many ideas of things that I’d like to make for myself, or to possibly list, but I feel like I have no time to get to them because I’m busy filling orders! Which I guess is a good problem to have so I shouldn’t complain.
I just wish there were more hours in the day! Don’t we all?? | fineweb_edu |
Euro Security Watch with Mathew J. Schwartz
Endpoint Security , Fraud Management & Cybercrime , Multi-factor Authentication
Why Are We So Stupid About Passwords? German Edition
Politicians' All-Star Password Picks: '123' and 'ILoveYou'
Why Are We So Stupid About Passwords? German Edition
Source: SplashData's "Worst Passwords of 2018"
Never ascribe to advanced hackers that which can be adequately explained by the anger of a young man who turns poor password choices to his advantage.
See Also: Unlocking IAM - Balancing Frictionless Registration & Data Integrity
That's one obvious takeaway from the "hackerangriff" - hacker attack - that resulted in the leak of personal contact details and other information for 1,000 German politicians, celebrities and journalists (see: German Police Identify Suspect Behind Massive Data Leak).
"Use a password manager - it means you can have truly strong passwords that you'll never remember, which are always the best passwords."
The dox - data leak - included private mobile phone numbers for some of the country's top political figures, as well as copies of sensitive chat messages and photographs of children, among other sensitive material.
The culprit appears to be what so many information security experts predicted: Not an "advanced persistent threat" - APT - hacker crew working from Russia or another nation-state, but rather the functional equivalent of an "advanced persistent teenager."
Indeed, police say that a 20-year-old man that they arrested on Sunday confessed to the crimes on Monday. Due to the suspect's age, he's set to be tried in juvenile court, where he faces a maximum three-year prison sentence (see: Germany's Mega-Leak Takeaway: Noisy Young Hacker Got Caught).
Give credit to German police for quickly identifying a suspect, as well as declining to guess about who might have been involved before they did so. That's a far cry from the anonymous government sources who in other countries remain so ready to ascribe every new bank hack to Russia and every mass data theft to China (see: Reports: China Suspected in Marriott Database Breach).
"There are enough security challenges in our industry without incidents being overhyped in order to gain media attention or sales leads," Brian Honan, who heads Dublin-based cybersecurity consultancy BH Consulting, tells me.
Breached: Email, Cloud, Social Media
Germany's interior ministry last week said that the attacker likely acquired the data by breaching victims' email and social media accounts and cloud services, says Thomas Rid, a professor of strategic studies at Johns Hopkins University, via Twitter.
An unnamed investigator told German weekly news magazine Der Spiegel that the suspect apparently didn't understand the impact that his actions might have.
If so, the 20-year-old student is hardly the first would-be hacker to seemingly not comprehend the potential impact of his crimes (see: Satori Botnet's Alleged Developer Rearrested).
Reminder: Pick Strong Passwords
SplashData's "worst passwords of 2018," based on its review of 5 million passwords that leaked on the internet last year, compared to their prevalence in 2017 data dumps
This incident should remind everyone - public figure or not - that if they don't take cybersecurity seriously, they may pay a data security cost, potentially at the hands of an angry 20-year-old.
"Bad passwords were one of the reasons he had it so easy," Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer told reporters on Tuesday, the Guardian reported. "I was shocked at how simple most passwords were: 'ILoveYou', '1,2,3.' A whole array of really simple things."
In an ideal world, people wouldn't have to rely on passwords anymore to secure their information. But this is 2019, and that's not the world we live in (see: Why Are We *Still* So Stupid About Passwords?).
"Victim blaming is pointless; human behavior should be central to security design, and as humans we all do the same things that can be exploited by hackers," says Alan Woodward, a professor of computer science at the University of Surrey. "Our worst sin is that we are all slightly lazy with regard to security because we think it will never happen to us."
Industry Failure
Honan, who founded Ireland's first computer emergency response team and advises the EU's law enforcement intelligence agency Europol, says he's not surprised that many of the German victims appeared to have picked poor passwords.
"Many people do not see their email or social media accounts as high-value assets, and as a result may practice poor security hygiene," he tells me. "We as an industry have failed to provide users with the user experience and tools to make and maintain their online personas in a secure manner. As an industry we need to provide more secure means, both technical and educational, for people to secure their accounts and systems."
Secure More, Remember Less
Woodward says one essential resource for anyone who uses a password or who programs systems that require them is the "spot on" password guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Center, the public-facing component of U.K. intelligence agency GCHQ (see: Successful Security? Stop Blaming Users).
Source: NCSC
One thing anyone who wants to avoid becoming a victim of these types of attacks should do is ensure they always use a unique, relatively complex password for every online service. Once picked, it need never be changed, unless the site or service gets breached.
"I also personally recommend using a password manager - it means you can have truly strong passwords that you'll never remember, which are always the best passwords," Woodward tells me.
"Yes, password managers can be a single point of failure, but choose a really strong password for that and you have to remember only the one," he adds. "And yes if the provider were breached we'd all be in the poo; but you have to do due diligence and pick one you trust."
About the Author
Mathew J. Schwartz
Mathew J. Schwartz
Executive Editor, DataBreachToday & Europe
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Director: Andrew Adamson
Writer: Andrew Adamson/Ann Peacock/Christopher Markus/Stephen McFeely
Producer: Mark Johnson/Phillip Steuer
Starring: Georgie Henley/Skandar Keynes/William Moseley/Anna Popplewell/Tilda Swinton/Liam Neeson/James McAvoy/Ray Winstone/Dawn French
BBFC Certification: PG
Duration: 150 minutes
The Chronicles of Narnia is originally a book series consisting of seven books written by C.S Lewis, which were filled with imagination and loveable characters. However, the question that is asked is whether the movies do justice to the books. For The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, I can say yes. Four siblings find an enchanted land named Narnia and they learn of their destiny to free it from the icy clutches of the evil White Witch with the help of Aslan, a wise lion and other mythical creatures. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe tells a brilliant and magical story, touching on subjects of betrayal, loyalty and sacrifice. The story itself is a well-done adaptation and is sure to entertain adults and children alike with it’s charming storytelling and it’s well-written script. Not only is the story brilliantly entertaining and quite captivating in some parts but it’s also brilliantly casted as the actors who play the Pevensie children were good. Georgie Henley who plays Lucy and Skandar Heynes, who plays Edmund were the best out of the four. Anna Popplewell wasn’t bad as Susan but her performance felt a little wooden sometimes and lacked emotion in a couple of parts as well. William Moseley, who played Peter, is the worst out of the four as he was constantly wooden and you just didn’t believe his performance or his character. However, the best actress in the entire movie is, without a doubt, Tilda Swinton, who plays the terrifyingly cold White Witch, Jadis. The rest of the cast had done a good job and the voice acting in the movie was well-done. Dawn French and Ray Winstone lend their voices as the funny Mr and Mrs. Beaver and Liam Neeson provides the voice of the wise and mighty lion, Aslan.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is quite impressive but when it came to the special effects and the CGI, they had really pushed the boat out as the animals and mythical creatures looked quite realistic. There were a few parts which were impressive but it’s charm and breathtakingly gorgeous locations made Narnia feel more real and more magical than the mythical creatures or the talking animals. Andrew Adamson, the director, has done a great job in making this movie adaptation as it’s quite faithful to the book itself, although there are a few tweaks. However, there were a couple of emotional scenes in the movie that were spot-on and Narnia itself is beautiful. The writing is also very good as the story is loyal to the book and also has that same magical feeling that the books had when you read them. Overall, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a great movie to watch just in time for Christmas and it’s sure to entertain the whole family.
For me, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is such a brilliant fantasy movie with great storytelling and a couple of emotional scenes. The special effects were magnificent and they’re something most people would not fault as it made everything look realistic instead of cheap. The movie is quite enjoyable and those who have read the book will not be disappointed. Don’t expect The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe to be perfect but don’t expect it to be disappointing either as you’ll find something in the movie that you’ll like. Whether it be the story, the characters, the locations or the special effects, everyone will find something they love about Narnia. | fineweb_edu |
Georgia Tech students got tricked hard by this AI
Georgia Institute of Technology
Original news release was issued by Georgia Institute of Technology by Jason Maderer.
At Georgia Tech, Knowledge Based Artificial Intelligence (KBAI) is a mandatory class when pursuing online master’s degree in Computer Science. It is taught by Professor Ashok Goel and as it happens with popular classes, the students have questions even before they start. For the most part, it is the job of teaching assistants (TA) to answer them, but even then it might not be enough to answer 10 000 questions asked about Ashok Goel’s class. So far, professor Goel had the help of eight TAs, but this semester, he ‘hired’ another one.
Model Release-NO
Ashok Goel in the classroom
Her name is Jill Watson. Naturally she inherited her surname after her parent – IBM’s Watson Platform. Jill is a computer, a virtual teaching assistant, first of its kind. Jill’s origins go back to the last year, when Ashok Goel, together with graduate students, got access to all the questions and answers on the forum of KBAI course. They they let Miss Jill Watson to go over them, and prepare for the start of the next semester.
“Initially her answers weren’t good enough because she would get stuck on keywords,” said Lalith Polepeddi, one of the graduate students who co-developed the virtual TA. “For example, a student asked about organizing a meet-up to go over video lessons with others, and Jill gave an answer referencing a textbook that could supplement the video lessons — same keywords — but different context.”
This was predicted, and that is why her initial answers were not visible to the students. Jill just had to get accustomed to the job, and soon she was answering with 97 percent certainty that she is correct. Goel and his team concluded in March, that she could interact directly with the students, if the certainty is at least 97%. Other replies were supervised by human TAs. On April 26, Goel told his students, that they were unknowingly interacting with an AI, while studying it.
One student (out of three hundred) however, had some suspicions about Jill back in February.
“We were taking an AI course, so I had to imagine that it was possible there might be an AI lurking around,” said Tyson Bailey, who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The realization was overwhelming for the students, even mind-blowing for some. The goal of Jill is to answer 40% of all the questions by the end of this year. It is also noted that next semester she will return under a different name. Virtual teaching assistant technology could be used on many different schools, saving a lot of valuable time.
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New Mexico Earned Income Tax Credit
New Mexico has enacted a state version of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Modeled after the federal credit, the state follows the same requirements for eligibility and income. A resident who was eligible to claim the federal credit will also be able to claim the state version, as the rules are similar. The EITC is a substantial credit that seeks to reduce poverty in working families with low income, and can be incredibly beneficial to the taxpayer when they file their return.
In New Mexico, the state EITC is offered at 10% of the federal credit, and is fully refundable. Refundability is the key to the success of the EITC as it returns money to the taxpayer, letting the family keep more of what they earned throughout the year, and therefore reducing poverty.
Any portion of the credit that exceeds the resident's tax liability can be issued as a refund, and a family with zero liability can receive the entire credit as a refund. The EITC can be used to offset the state income tax amount, and then can be used against other state or local taxes that the family may owe. For low income families, this credit can be very beneficial in making ends meet at tax time. | dclm_edu |
St Patricks Day Barbie Dress-Up is a free Barbie Dress Up Games.
Dress Barbie in festive, green threads for the St. Patrick's Day celebration! Your classic doll can wear all sorts of gowns, hats, and shoes. Mix and match Irish items for a completely authentic look. Strike a pose with a pot of gold!
We hope you had fun with this great Games For Girls.
St Patricks Day Barbie Dress-Up is an online Barbie Dress Up Games which you can play for free. It has been played 451 times. St Patricks Day Barbie Dress-Up is one of the many Games For Girls that we feature. If you want to play more games, check out Barbie Tea Time Dress-Up game or Barbie Castle Dress-Up game or Barbie Army Dress-Up game. To play even more games, head over to the Barbie Dress Up Games page, the Barbie Games page, the Dress Up Games page or just check out the all time Best games page. | fineweb_edu |
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I’ll criticise Destiny 2 as much as anyone here will, but the honest truth…is that I’ll devour any new Destiny content that comes my way. It feels like it has been forever since Curse of Osiris dropped, raking in mediocre scores and doing little to extend Destiny 2’s endgame. It’s not that Curse of Osiris was bad, but rather that it was a more modest experience than what fans had expected. It was…okay. The only problem, is that okay just isn’t good enough for a game with the scope of Destiny 2, that requires a significant emotional and financial investment from its fans.
You don’t have to have something massive along the lines of of The Taken King to re-energise Destiny 2 however. Just look at Destiny 1’s House of Wolves DLC content as a positive example of how to keep fans around for the next slice of content: A Prison of Elders arena kept fireteams in regular contact, hunting down Fallen Wolf parties never got old when decent loot was at stake and uncovering new Exotics was a driving force for many a Guardian.
Will the Warmind expansion be that Hail Mary that Destiny 2 needs? I certainly hope so, as the content that it’s promising looks tasty enough to keep the game world alive until September’s next big expansion. Here’s a quick look at it:
If you can’t watch the trailer, here’s a few quick notes from it:
- Warmind features a return to Mars
- The new location to explore will be the Hellas Basin
- Looks like the Hive will take a central role this time with the “Hive Escalation Protocol” that teases a new mob mode
- Upgraded Exotics will be discussed
- New Crucible changes
All of that will be discussed later today in a Twitch livestream that features Bungie staffers such as Josh Hamrick, Jon Weisnewski, Evan Nikolich, Benjamin Wommack, Jacob Benton and Kevin Yanes, alongside Brent Gibson from Vicarious Vision. That kicks off at 10AM PT, which in Central African Time translates to 19:00PM.
Which is perfect, because that’s just before my bedtime.
Last Updated: April 24, 2018 | fineweb_edu |
As Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples, he surprises them by washing their feet. In this talk, Liam considers our need to be made clean, and shows how God subverts our expectations and lowers himself to raise us up.
Stretching back to 2006, our archive contains hundreds of sermons from the ChristChurch London teaching team, and many guest speakers. Browse by series, or search by Bible passage or theme. To download a talk, just right click the 'download' link and save. | fineweb_edu |
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