= NativeMethods.LoadPage (doc, i); // loads the page (first page number is 0)
 Rectangle b = new Rectangle ();
 b = NativeMethods.BoundPage (doc, p, ref b); // gets the page size
 using (var bmp = RenderPage (ctx, doc, p, b)) { // renders the page and converts the result to Bitmap
 bmp.Save ((i+1) + ".png"); // saves the bitmap to a file
 NativeMethods.FreePage (doc, p); // releases the resources consumed by the page
 NativeMethods.CloseDocument (doc); // releases the resources
 NativeMethods.CloseStream (stm);
 NativeMethods.FreeContext (ctx);
You can see that the flow of the above code is quite clean.
The rendition of the page
What is left undone is that we have not yet written the code for the RenderPage function. We will finish it with the following lines of code.
static Bitmap RenderPage (IntPtr context, IntPtr document, IntPtr page, Rectangle pageBound) {
 Matrix ctm = new Matrix ();
 IntPtr pix = IntPtr.Zero;
 IntPtr dev = IntPtr.Zero;
 int width = (int)(pageBound.Right - pageBound.Left); // gets the size of the page
 int height = (int)(pageBound.Bottom - pageBound.Top);
 ctm.A = ctm.D = 1; // sets the matrix as the identity matrix (1,0,0,1,0,0)
 // creates a pixmap the same size as the width and height of the page
 pix = NativeMethods.NewPixmap (context,
 NativeMethods.LookupDeviceColorSpace (context, "DeviceRGB"), width, height);
 // sets white color as the background color of the pixmap
 NativeMethods.ClearPixmap (context, pix, 0xFF);
 // creates a drawing device
 dev = NativeMethods.NewDrawDevice (context, pix);
 // draws the page on the device created from the pixmap
 NativeMethods.RunPage (document, page, dev, ctm, IntPtr.Zero);
 NativeMethods.FreeDevice (dev); // frees the resources consumed by the device
 dev = IntPtr.Zero;
 // creates a colorful bitmap of the same size of the pixmap
 Bitmap bmp = new Bitmap (width, height, PixelFormat.Format24bppRgb);
 var imageData = bmp.LockBits (new System.Drawing.Rectangle (0, 0,
 width, height), ImageLockMode.ReadWrite, bmp.PixelFormat);
 unsafe { // converts the pixmap data to Bitmap data
 // gets the rendered data from the pixmap
 byte* ptrSrc = (byte*)NativeMethods.GetSamples (context, pix);
 byte* ptrDest = (byte*)imageData.Scan0;
 byte* pl = ptrDest;
 byte* sl = ptrSrc;
 //Swap these here instead of in MuPDF because most pdf images will be rgb or cmyk.
 //Since we are going through the pixels one by one
 //anyway swap here to save a conversion from rgb to bgr.
 pl[2] = sl[0]; //b-r
 pl[1] = sl[1]; //g-g
 pl[0] = sl[2]; //r-b
 //sl[3] is the alpha channel, we will skip it here
 pl += 3;
 sl += 4;
 ptrDest += imageData.Stride;
 ptrSrc += width * 4;
 // free bitmap in memory
 bmp.UnlockBits (imageData);
 NativeMethods.DropPixmap (context, pix);
 return bmp;
OK, everything is ALMOST done. Just run the program and see each PDF pages in test.pdf converted into PNG files.
Points of Interest
There are quite a few problems you need to notice during practical development.
The first thing to notice is exceptions: documents may be corrupted, engaged, etc. Mupdf library does throw exceptions when such kinds of problems occur. However, since we are doing P/Invokes. All we can do is to catch the AccessViolationException, and rethrow specific, redefined exceptions, for example, PdfDocumentException can be retrown when we catch an exception while loading a document. The key is to find out when the exceptions will be thrown. You can find out information in the *.h files.
The second thing to notice is to remember releasing the resources. You may develop classes to encapsulate the creation and destroy of objects. For example, you may write a MupdfPage class to handle stuff about fz_page. Inside the constructor of MupdfPage, it creates the fz_page instance. The class should implement the IDisposable interface and put the P/Invoke code for fz_free_page in the Dispose method to release the resources.
The third thing to think about is to expand the functionalities of your wrapper. Currently the wrapper introduced by this article allows you to convert PDF pages into pictures. You may want to do more things and have more fun out of Mupdf. There're several ways:
 1. Dig more out of the pdf.h and pdf\*.h. There are a lot more functions not covered by this article in that file. For example, you can find functions to open password protected documents (search for pdf_needs_password and pdf_authenticate_password).
 2. Learn from examples and existing open-source projects. The official Mupdf website has provided several examples and the above C header files online. The three projects mentioned in this article are also good references for you to go further.
 3. Notice again: The libmupdf.dll file compiled by the SumatraPDF project does not contain all "fz_" functions in the fitz.h file, but you can find the actual implementations from pdf.h. To find out what functions are missing, you can lookup the function names in the libmupdf.def file of the SumatraPDF source code. If a function name is listed there, it may be used in your P/Invoke code; otherwise, use the functions in pdf.h instead.
The fourth thing to consider is running on 64-bit machines. This is one of the most common issues when using P/Invoke. The DLL provided in the download of this article, compiled from the source code of SumatraPDF is 32-bit. It must be called from the 32-bit.NET Framework. On the 64-bit machines, the default.NET Framework will be the 64-bit one, which will fail when P/Invoking the 32-bit Mupdf DLL. Rather than recompiling the Mupdf DLL as a 64-bit DLL, you can instead change the CPU platform of the C# project from Any CPU to x86. Therefore, the compiled.NET program will be forced to run on the 32-bit.NET Framework and work well with the 32-bit Mupdf DLL.
The fifth thing to think about may be the basic of image processing. In our example, we render the PDF page with the default resolution. But what if we want it to be smaller (as page thumbnails) or bigger (for easier reading)? The "zoom" factor of the image lies in the Matrix structure that we pass into the RunPage function. If we modify its A and D number, the image will be scaled horizontally and vertically respectively (modifying other values will cause the image to be rotated, sheared or translated). If we set A or D to negative values, the rendered image will be flipped horizontally or vertically. By the way, don't forget to resize the dimension of the rendered pixmap and Bitmap to hold the resized image. Here's the code for your reference. You may probably program the zoomX and zoomY as parameters of the RenderPage function and replace the second code block in the original function with the rest lines of code below.
float zoomX = 1.0, zoomY = 1.0;
int width = (int)(zoomX * (pageBound.Right - pageBound.Left)); // gets the size of the scaled page
int height = (int)(zoomY * (pageBound.Bottom - pageBound.Top));
ctm.A = zoomX;
ctm.D = zoomY; // sets the matrix as (zoomX,0,0,zoomY,0,0)
 - The pdfviewer-win32 project has introduced me to XPDF and Mupdf.
 - The mupdf-converter project has inspired me to write this wrapper without using C++/CLI.
 - The SumatraPDF project has helped a lot on compiling the DLL file.
 - Updated location of the SumatraPDF project. 2014-12-30
 - Once again, revised to reflect the recent changes in SumatraPDF and MuPDF. 2014-10-9
 - Revised to reflect the recent changes in SumatraPDF and MuPDF. 2013-9-29
 - License changed to GPL3 (compatible to MuPDF's). 2013-3-28.
About the Author
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Chinese Poetry Lover.
Comments and Discussions
Questioni can not get 300dpi picture Pinmembersinotitan3-Mar-15 23:50
AnswerRe: i can not get 300dpi picture Pinmemberwmjordan4-Mar-15 15:44
GeneralRe: i can not get 300dpi picture Pinmembersinotitan4-Mar-15 22:38
QuestionI got message "An unhandled exception of type 'System.BadImageFormatException' occurred in MupdfSharp.exe


Who was Halime Hatun and When Did She Die?
Interesting Historical Facts about the Mother of Osman Gazi
Halime Hatun's death continues to be investigated by people who are curious about historical details. Halime Hatun, the wife of Ertugrul Gazi and the mother of Osman Gazi who founded the Ottoman Empire, has begun to be on the agenda recently as a popular historical figure with her death.
The lady that gave direction to the history was buried in Ertugrul Gazi Tomb in Söğüt district of Bilecik and gave birth to three sons. Who was Halime Hatun (also known as Halime Sultan) and how did she die? Here are the details of the topic.
Halime Hatun, the wife of Ertugrul Bey, was also the mother of Osman Bey who is the founder of the Ottoman Empire. The grave of Halime Hatun, who has a very important role in the development and growth of Kayı Tribe which is the origin of the Ottoman Empire, is located in the tomb of Ertugrul Gazi in Söğüt district of Bilecik. So, who was Halime Hatun and how old was she when she died? Here is the detailed information about the important historical figure.
Halime Hatun is mentioned by more than one name in history, as Halime Sultan and Haime Hanım. Although there is no information about her date of birth, Halime Hatun is known to have passed away in the year 1282.
Halime Hatun was the wife of Ertugrul Gazi, the leader of Kayı Tribe and the son of Suleyman Shah and his wife Hayme Hatun.
Halime Hatun and Ertugrul Bey had three sons. Their names were; Saru Batu Savcı Bey (died in 1287), Gündüz Alp (died in 1306), and Osman Gazi (_PHONE_).
The grave of Halime Hanim, who passed away in 1281, is in the garden of the tomb of her husband Ertugrul Gazi in Sogut. It was built by Osman Gazi.
Where was Ertugrul Gazi and Halime Hatun Buried?
Ertugrul Gazi Mausoleum is the tomb of Ertuğrul Bey and it was built in the late 13th century and its exact construction date is not known. It was first built as an open grave by Osman Bey and later turned into a tomb by Mehmet Çelebi I.
In 1757, the tomb was renovated by Sultan III. Mustafa and the initial construction plan of the tomb were changed. In 1886, it was restored by Abdulhamid II. and a fountain was added beside it.
The tomb of Ertugrul Gazi has a hexagonal plan, covered with a dome, and is accessed after a rectangular entrance. There are two windows next to that entrance. The walls of the tomb are built of one row of stones and two rows of bricks. Rectangular windows were opened on the west and southeast walls inside the tomb where the coffin is located.
Who was Halime Hatun and When Did She Die?
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Abstract nature photography is strikingly beautiful; it often ends up on the walls of art collectors and galleries. But what actually is it? And how can you create gorgeous abstract nature shots of your own?
In this article, I share everything you need to know to get started, including:
- A handful of abstract nature photo ideas
- Simple techniques to make your nature shots look more abstract
- Plenty of examples!
Ready to let your creativity run wild? Then let's dive right in, starting with the basics:
What is abstract nature photography?
Abstract nature photography is all about portraying natural subjects in unrecognizable ways. Abstract shooters use various tools – such as close-up lenses, interesting light, and clever framing – to detach a physical subject from the viewer's perception of it.
For instance, a standard photographer, when presented with ice on a window, often captures an image that clearly says, "This is ice on a window." But an abstract photographer makes creative choices that show the ice in a different light. For instance, they might use shallow depth of field effects and a sideways angle to highlight individual pieces of ice. Or they might use a macro lens to capture a whole world of tiny detail, as I did here:
Contrary to popular belief, abstract nature photos are not all blurry and shadowy. It's true that abstract art is a space for impression and imagination, but the photos themselves can be bright, clear, and sharp.
Note that, by creating a distance from the world's physical content, abstract images open up a space to explore associations, feelings, and reactions. Through detachment from the concrete, the viewer can find their own meanings in each photo!
The best subjects for abstract nature photography
While you can technically capture abstract nature shots of just about any subject, it often helps to find items with clear patterns and/or plenty of tiny detail.
For instance, photographers love to capture close-ups of ice and snow. A macro lens will help you highlight the intricate detail present in each tiny snowflake or ice crystal; hence, it's possible to create breathtaking images of ice on windows, snow on trees, dripping icicles, and so much more.
Water is another great abstract nature subject. I recommend using a telephoto lens to ensure you fill the entire frame with water. And head out in the morning or evening. That way, you can capture plenty of beautiful water reflections (which are produced by the low sun).
You can also use a macro lens to create abstract flower and leaf shots. The closer you can get to your subject, the better; aim to highlight various details, such as the line of a flower petal or the veins of a leaf. It often helps to use a shallow depth of field, which will create pleasing bokeh and put emphasis on the in-focus areas.
Abstract nature photography: the basics
To create abstract photos, you must start with a concrete subject. After all, if you don't have a subject, you'll have nothing to photograph!
Once you've found your subject – and I shared lots of ideas in the previous section – analyze it for a few moments. Recognize the conventional ways you can take a photo. And then do what you can to go in another direction.
For instance, you might:
- Find a new vantage point (down low or up high)
- Get in close (via a macro lens or another macro technique)
- Shoot from above (using a drone or a helicopter)
- Wait for the light to create interesting shadow patterns (usually in the early morning or late evening)
- Try a creative technique (such as intentional camera movement)
(Note: If you're curious about any of these techniques, I explore several in greater depth throughout the article.)
You can use my suggestions, or you can try out ideas of your own. What's important is that you spend time testing out creative approaches. Don't be afraid to fail, either; abstract photographers often capture many misses for each hit.
And as you go along, make sure you frequently check your images on the LCD. That way, you can ensure you've nailed the exposure, plus you can evaluate whether you've successfully abstracted each subject. If the results aren't quite what you hoped, then make some tweaks to your approach and try again!
How to capture beautiful abstract nature photos: 5 tips
In this section, I share a handful of tips and techniques to help you take amazing abstract shots.
1. Distance makes a huge difference
Abstract nature photographers have plenty of options, but one of the quickest ways to start producing stunning abstractions is by changing your distance. In other words, get very close to your subject, or get very far away.
If you can get up close, you can show the viewer all sorts of details that are barely visible to the naked eye. And they'll have an intense experience as your photo reveals a whole new natural world.
The best way to do close-up abstract nature photos is with a macro lens; it'll offer outstanding sharpness, beautiful all-around image quality, and excellent handling. Unfortunately, macro lenses are pretty expensive, so if you're on a budget, I'd encourage you to consider other close-up techniques, such as reverse-lens options. The image quality won't be quite as good and the handling can be tough, but you can still capture pro-level shots, especially if you lean into the optical defects introduced by the process.
Getting far enough away from your subject to create an abstract shot is more difficult. You'll generally need a drone, though a helicopter is another good option. Here's an image of the ocean taken from high above:
The key is to get high enough so that your subject is no longer recognizable. Then create compositions using the patterns and geometry that are visible from high above.
2. Don't be afraid to miss focus
Not all abstract nature photos are out of focus…
…but if you do get the focus wrong on purpose, the results can be incredible.
For this, you'll need to switch your lens over to manual focus. Find a subject – the more colorful, the better – then turn the focus ring until you've created a beautiful effect:
It also helps to use a longer lens and a wider aperture; that way, you get plenty of blur. I'd recommend working with at least a 50mm lens, and a 70-200mm lens is another great choice (plus it'll give you more framing options).
If you're struggling to find potential subjects, try squinting or defocusing your eyes. It'll give you an idea of how the scene might look when out of focus. And once you locate a good subject, be sure to take plenty of shots (remember, abstract photography can be very hit and miss!).
3. Experiment with different shutter speeds
Time is always of the essence when it comes to photography, and abstract nature photography is no exception. More specifically, by carefully choosing your shutter speed, you can create gorgeous abstract art.
For instance, if you lengthen the shutter speed to 1/30s or greater, you can capture a beautiful moving-water blur. You can also photograph slightly moving subjects – like flowers trembling in the wind – and get stunning results. And by changing up your shutter speeds, you can create a series of very different shots with the same moving object.
Another option is to move your camera instead of the subject. Pick a longer shutter speed, hit the shutter button, and drag your camera right to left or up and down. It's a great way to photograph flowers, ocean scenes, and forest landscapes. It's how I captured this flower shot:
4. Use a shallow depth of field
The wider your aperture, the shallower the depth of field – and the more interesting the result.
By dialing in an aperture of f/2.8, f/1.8, or even f/1.4, you can take photos with a tiny focus plane. The viewer can anchor themselves on that tiny sliver of sharpness, and they can appreciate the impressionistic blur in the foreground and background.
When working with a shallow depth of field, I generally recommend shooting handheld. Because it's very easy to accidentally miss focus, take lots of photos (you can even try using your camera's continuous shooting mode). And I'd also encourage you to try focusing manually; it'll help you set your point of focus in the perfect spot.
5. Look for color combinations
When you're just starting out in abstract nature photography, it makes sense to focus on creative techniques. You must learn how to capture your subjects in a whole new way – by using lengthy shutter speeds, by getting up close, and by working with a shallow depth of field.
But once you become skilled in creative techniques, you should focus on another key element: color.
You see, by carefully choosing and combining different colors in your photos, you can create different moods. You can add balance or tension, emphasize contrast or unity.
I'd recommend starting with the basic color wheel. Learn how opposite colors, such as red and green, produce contrast. Learn how similar colors, such as blue and purple, produce harmony. Then look into more advanced color combinations.
Then, when you're out shooting, look for different colors. Don't forget about creative techniques, of course, but instead incorporate the colors into your abstract shots. Let the colors enhance your images. Make sense?
Abstract nature photography: final words
If you're just getting started with nature photography, an abstract approach will help you get to know your camera, try out different techniques, and capture beautiful photos in the process.
If you're a more experienced nature shooter, an abstract approach will help you explore and expand your creativity.
Regardless, remember the tips I've shared. Don't be afraid to adjust your focus, carefully choose your shutter speed, and pay attention to color.
And have plenty of fun

source: openbmb/Ultra-FineWeb


text:
Last week I introduced the leadership style matrix and talked about how it provides a framework for thinking about leading differently in different situations (hence the term situational leadership). Today we're going to take a look at how leaders know which quadrant to lead from.
To answer the question, "How should I lead in this situation?" one must be able to first identify what the situation is and figure out how prepared the follower is to be successful. Remember my examples last week: fixing plumbing, installing an outdoor electrical socket, building a treehouse, and mowing the lawn. I put all four of those examples under the larger umbrella of "work around the house". For different jobs around the house I had different levels of readiness, and, hence, I really need different levels of leadership.
So there are four basic steps to using the SitLead model, and today we'll spend our time looking at and understanding the first two. The four steps are:
- Identify the task
- Diagnose readiness
- Match and communicate leadership style
- Manage the movement
A key concept in understanding the SitLead model is that if step 1 is not done accurately – or skipped entirely – the model falls apart. Using examples from the last post, if you were my leader you would need to lead me differently if I was installing plumbing, building a tree house, or mowing the lawn.
And that's step 1 – it really is as simple as that. In a classroom it's identifying the standard to be learned that day, and in leadership it's as simple as answering the question, "What is it I am asking my follower to do right now?" Once the task is identified then the leader can move on to step 2, which is to identify the follower's readiness in successfully completing that task. Do they need detailed directions, can they handle it on their own, or is it somewhere in-between? Do they need a lot of encouragement and support from me or something more along the lines of a simple check-in and a "way-to-go!" at the end?
When diagnosing readiness there are two basic ideas that influence someone's readiness to do a task, and, as a result, indicate the leadership style the leader will use. The two ideas are ability and willingness. If we recreate the matrix from last week, but use ability and willingness as the axes, we get this:
While this diagram illustrates how the two areas of ability and willingness interact, we need to make some changes to it in order to make it align with the leadership matrix. So let's do this: since we thought of leadership style as a matrix, let's think of a person's readiness as a continuum, with ability being the primary indicator and willingness being the secondary indicator:
So you'll see here immediately we have two sides to the model: on the right is someone who has low ability while on the left side is someone who has high ability. Just to clean up the model a little bit let's change the terms to simplify things:
Defining these two terms (Ability and Willingness) is key to understanding this step. The former is easier to define but possibly harder (for us in education) to accept. Ability is defined by someone performing at a sustained, acceptable level. It is answering the question, "Is this person currently doing what is expected and doing it well?" If the answer is "Yes" then we diagnose their readiness as "Able"; if the answer is "No" then we diagnose their readiness as "Unable". This is crucial to understanding the model. Ability and capability are not synonymous. Just because someone can do something does not mean that they are doing something. Go back to my example of fixing plumbing. Am I capable of fixing plumbing? Well, with enough training and support, probably. But am I able to fix my currently leaking toilet? No, I am not. And so I need someone to lead me based off my capability, not off my ability.
Let's apply this to the classroom: just because a student has the potential (capability) to learn a concept or demonstrate a skill does not mean they currently know it or are demonstrating it. Every teacher I know believes that students can learn. And at the same time every teacher I know also struggles to figure out how to support students when they aren't learning. That is the difference between Able and Capable.
The second term (Willingness) is diagnosed after diagnosing ability. Once we determine ability we have to answer the question, "Is this person willing to perform the task?" If they are then we diagnose their readiness as "Willing"; if they are not then we diagnose their readiness as "Unwilling". Willingness itself is a vague term, so let's clarify what we mean by that… Someone who is Willing is confident, motivated, and committed to doing the task. Someone who is Unwilling is lacking in one or more of those three areas (ie, they might be unconfident, unmotivated, or uncommitted – but they don't necessarily have to be all three).
I think an example is probably needed at this point… Let's go back to my previous examples and see how we would diagnose me:
- Fixing Plumbing: Am I currently able to fix a plumbing problem? The answer is no, so I'm unable. Am I willing to fix a plumbing problem? No – I hate plumbing. So I am Unwilling. My readiness level for plumbing is:
- Running an electrical outlet: Am I currently able to run an electrical outlet?The answer is no, partly because in that specific example I had never done it before, so I'm unable. But am I willing to do it? Yes, in the example I provided I was perfectly willing – but I needed support and guidance. So my readiness level for running an electrical outlet outside is:
- Building a treehouse: Am I currently able to build an outdoor structure with wood? The answer was yes – I have built decks, swing sets, and other outdoor "stuff" with wood, so I'm able. Am I willing to doit? Yes, I'm willing,but I'm also unconfident since I have never done it before. For the same of simplicity, since "unconfident" isn't a word we use often, let's say I'm "insecure"). So since I am insecure – even though I might want to do it – I am unwilling. My readiness level is:
- Finally, let's look at mowing the grass: Am I currently able to mow my lawn?. The answer is yes – so I am Able. Am I willing to mow my lawn? The answer is yes – I am confident I can do it, I'm committed to making it happen, and I'm motivated to do it. So my readiness level is:
Once readiness is identified then we can actually decide how to lead that person, but we'll get to that next week. For now, I'd encourage you to spend the next week thinking through these terms and seeing how it impacts your response to people around you – even if those people are students in your classroom. Are they able to perform the task you're asking them to do? Are they willing (meaning are they confident, committed, and motivated)? How might the answers to those two questions impact your interactions with them?


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Solar thermal energy costs to drop by 2020
The CSIRO-led Australian Solar Thermal Research Initiative (ASTRI) confidently announced low-cost zero-emission energy is within reach. The $87 million collaboration between researchers, universities, and the renewable energy industry, aims to lower the generation cost of solar thermal power from 25 cents per kilowatt hour to 12 cents by 2020. If achieved, solar thermal technology will be competitive with other renewable energy sources as well as traditional fossil fuel sources.
Solar thermal energy technology
Solar thermal technology, which uses concentrated solar energy to power steam turbines, is said to have an advantage in terms of benefits compared to other clean and renewable energy sources. For example, unlike photovoltaic technology, some of the heat energy collected during the daytime in a solar thermal power plant can be stored overnight. However generation costs under solar thermal are still higher compared to hydro, wind, photovoltaic, and most specially fossil fuel energy sources.
ASTRI goals and action plan
Under the helm of its new director Manuel Blanco, ASTRI is undertaking the necessary steps to make solar thermal power generation more efficient and less costly. With these efforts, it is expected that the costs of building solar power plants will decrease by as much as 50%, while increasing solar power plants' operating hours by 50%. Operating and maintenance costs will also decrease significantly.
Dr Blanco, who has previously headed Spain's National Renewable Energy Centre (CENER) is upbeat about Australia's potential for being a world leader in solar thermal energy production. "Australia has one of the best solar resources in the world. It is a natural fit for an international solar thermal research collaboration to use this resource and our expertise to make solar power the cheapest, cleanest energy source it can be," Dr Blanco enthuses in a recent media release.
Image credit: Bilfinger

source: m-a-p/FineFineWeb


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Location: Milky WayKrogan DMZNith System First planet
Prerequisite: Priority: Sur'Kesh (Mass Effect 3)
The class-B blue giant Nith was once the most strategically valuable system within krogan territory. Though far too hot for habitation, Nith emits thousands of times the energy of a main sequence star like Earth's Sol. With help from salarian uplift teams, the krogan constructed a chain of solar power collector stations in orbit around Nith. These vast arrays beamed power to particle accelerators on the surface of Mantun, which manufactured antiproton fuel for warship thrusters. In the Krogan Rebellions the Spectre agents managed to get a virus into the computers of the solar power arrays; every fifth array suddenly applied braking thrusters. The arrays behind them "piled up", and all were reduced to wreckage. This has since dispersed into a relatively stable ring system. The krogan never had the resources to rebuild the solar arrays, depriving them of their fleet's main fuel supply for the remainder of the war. The particle accelerators still exist on Mantun but have not been used in thousands of years.
Mineral DepositsEdit
Initial Scanner Result: Rich
Mineral Amount Approximate Value
Palladium Medium 5,800
Platinum Medium 5,600
Iridium High 15,700
Element Zero Low 4,800
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
For Rastra in music, see Rastrum.
Rastra is a tradename for a particular insulating concrete form (ICF) used to make walls for buildings. It is one of the earliest such products, in production since 1972, and is composed of concrete and thastyron. Thastyron is a mixture of plastic foam and binder that is composed of eighty-five percent recycled post consumer polystyrene waste that are molded into blocks. The main components of rastra are cement, water and expanded polystyrene.
Rastra is sustainable in its production because no energy is used in the curing process, and only one to three kilowatt hour (kWh) is required to make each block. After the blocks are trimmed to exact size, the remaining debris is recycled to create new blocks. No byproducts are released in the production process that are considered a burden to the environment.[1]
Rastra blocks come in different sizes, and can be easily cut with woodworking tools to form the desired shape. These blocks are commonly attached together with clamps or glue to form a grid-like system. Rebar is then run through the grid, which is then filled with concrete.
Polystyrene concrete was invented in 1960. BASF, a German chemical conglomerate, originally created this product, but found no successful applications. An Austrian-Swiss-based company modified the product and created what is known as Rastra.[1]
Fire rating[edit]
As a thermal barrier, Rastra has a four-hour fire rating with no flame spread and no smoke development. A five-hour fire endurance test of a ten-inch-thick wall with temperatures exceeding two thousand degrees Fahrenheit on the face of the wall showed that the wall did not conduct heat. This lowers the number of health hazards during a fire and also makes building repairs easier afterwards.[1]
Physical properties[edit]
Thastyron has a compressive strength of 56 pound-force per square inch (psi) and a tensile strength of 43 psi. Rastra has a low toxicity level. Rastra is highly frost, fungus, and mildew-resistant. The sound insulation is greater than 50 decibel(dB).[1]
As a heat insulation, rastra keeps a room at a constant temperature and evens out temperature changes, both of which can lower energy use. It also has a low heat penetration depth.[citation needed]
External links[edit]


- The Travel Search Engine
Andros Travel Guide
Andros Postcard
Overview Things to do Suitability Country Info (Bahamas)
Andros Island is the largest island of the Bahamas at roughly 2300 square miles (6,000 km²) in area and 104 miles (167 km) long and 40 miles (64 km) wide at its widest point.
Well known for it's world-class bone fishing and blue hole scuba diving, Andros Island is one of the last frontiers in the Bahamas. Fewer visitors = quiet, uncrowded beaches and a terrific place for quiet and peace. On land, little happens on Andros Island, there are dozens of little settlements with only about 10,000 people dotted around. The people are primarily interested in fishing, catching land crabs in season, hanging out and doing nothing.
The island is filled with natural beauty. Andros has the second largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere at one hundred and forty miles (64 km) long with a drop off of over six thousand feet (1.8 km. The water above the reef is only about twelve feet (4 m) deep on average too. There are more than fourty square miles (104 km²) of rainforest area and the swamp land that is inhabited by more than 50 species of orchids. Andros is actually made up of two different islands adjoined by these deep swamp lands. Two hundred different types of birds are native to the island. Andros is also the least explored island of the Bahamas.
Road trips around Andros Island can be an adventure in patience. The road conditions are pretty awful in a lot of areas, but there are usually lots of interesting experiences along its stretches.
Current Weather
Andros Town, BHS
Temperature: 25°C
Humidity: 54
Wind: 10 mph SSE
5 day forecast (click to dropdown)


Short Essay On Importance Of Physical Exercise
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Article Title
A Tangle of Brungles
Karen Abbott
Outstanding, Primary, Shobha Viswanath, Culpeo S. Fox, Witches, Halloween, Romance, Groom, Brew, Group Names, Vocabulary
Document Type
Book Review
How surprising is it to discover that a "clowder" really is the word for a bunch of cats? As four bewitching members of a coven put together a brew to summon a groom, readers will discover a whole slew of disturbing new vocabulary words. Cobras, for example, are a "quiver" when they gather together. A group of mice is a very apropos "mischief." Find out more as the witches gather toads, goldfish, worms, and more—only to discover that the desired groom, Brungles himself, is less than willing to find matrimonial bliss.


text:
Utrecht is the fifth largest inland port in the Netherlands. The port authority is part of the Public Works department of the city of Utrecht. The port authority oversees the running of the industrial and recreational river transport in municipal waters.
The Port Authority is tasked with:
- Provision of berths: the port authority provides berths for recreational boats within the city. It collects fees from boats that moor in Utrecht and is responsible for the facilities available at Bartholomé Bridge. These facilities are open from June to September;
- Supervision of loading and unloading on the industrial grounds at Lage Weide;
- Location of loading and unloading docks on the industrial grounds at Lage Weide;
- Coordination of mooring spaces for residential boats: the port authority is responsible for issuing permits for residential barges mooring in Utrecht, collecting port fees and provide information and advice.
Advisory role: the port authority has an advisory role with the Public Works department of the city, regarding festivities on and around the water.
Operation of locks and bridges: Utrecht has 19 movable bridges. The port authority operates bridges and collects royalties. All recreational boats that pass the lock Weerdsluis also receive a navigation map.
Cleaning the waterway, mandated by the Administration of water, dikes and polders: with a specially designed boat, the port collects the waste on the waterway in the city of Utrecht. It is also responsible for taking out the bikes fallen into the water.
City distribution through the waterway: with the "beer-boat", the port is responsible for the supply of beverage to the hospitality industry located along the canal. An hourly rate is also applied when the port uses such boat for the transport of goods on behalf of individuals and / or companies.


text:
Description of project aims
Micro rain radar ground station in Stornoway at Lews Castle College
GPM is an international satellite mission that uses multiple satellites orbiting Earth to collect rain, snow and other precipitation data worldwide every three hours. On February 27th, 2014, NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched a Core Observatory satellite carrying advanced instruments that improve our precipitation-measuring capabilities and bring all the data from the partner satellites into a unified global dataset.
|Effective start/end date
|1/06/15 → …
- University of the Highlands and Islands (lead)
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Ctr., USA
Explore the research topics touched on by this project. These labels are generated based on the underlying awards/grants. Together they form a unique fingerprint.


text:
The Heritage Highway
By the 1820s, several garrison towns had been built between Launceston and Hobart, and by the middle of the 19th century, convict labor had produced what was considered to be the finest highway of its time in Australia. Today, many of the towns along the Heritage Highway harbor magnificent examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture. It takes about 2 hours to drive between Launceston and Hobart on this route (also known as the A1, or the Midland Hwy.), but you could easily spend a couple of days exploring. Picturesque Ross (121km/75 miles north of Hobart or 78km/48 miles south of Launceston) is one of Tasmania's best-preserved historic villages. Ross was established as a garrison town in 1812 on a strategically important crossing point on the Macquarie River. Ross Bridge, the third oldest in Australia, was built in 1836. The bridge is decorated with Celtic symbols, animals, and faces of notable people of the time. It is lit up at night, and there are good views of it from the river's north bank.
The town's main crossroads is the site of four historic buildings, humorously known as "Temptation" (the Man-o'-Ross Hotel), "Salvation" (the Catholic church), "Recreation" (the town hall), and "Damnation" (the old jail). The Tasmanian Wool Centre, 48 Church St., details the growth of the region and the wool industry since settlement. It also houses the Ross Visitor Information Centre (tel. 03/6381 5466; _URL_), and both are open daily from 9am to 5pm. If you are so charmed you want to stay overnight, try the historic Colonial Cottages of Ross (tel. 03/6381 5354; _URL_) or the Ross Bakery Inn (tel. 03/6381 5246; _URL_), an 1832 convict-built coaching inn. Both are on Church Street.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


text:
The school lays emphasis on overall development of the students. So we conduct a lot of activities that increases the creativity and other practical skills of the students.
When students are physically fit, they will achieve more academically. Sport develops a sense of friendliness among the children and develop their team spirit. It helps children to develop mental and physical toughness. This is because sports improve their blood circulation and their physical well-being. At GVIS Machhiwara we provide students with proper training and suitable environment for various games.
Chandigarh Road, Khamanon Khurd, District Fatehgarh Sahib – 141801


text:
Proximate and Ultimate Perspectives on the Maintenance of a Unisexual-Bisexual Mating Complex: Importance of Behavioral Syndromes and Stress Hormones
MetadataShow full metadata
The persistence of gynogenetic organisms is an evolutionary paradox. An ideal system for examining the persistence of gynogens is the unisexual-bisexual mating complex of the unisexual Amazon molly (Poecilia formosa), and the bisexual, host species, the sailfin molly (P. latipinna) and the Atlantic molly (P. mexicana). Insight into the maintenance of this mating complex might be enhanced by taking a more holistic view of male and female behavior through a behavioral syndrome framework. Studies of behavioral syndromes examine individual consistency and repeatability through time in suites of correlated behavioral traits. In this study, I examined whether male sailfin mollies (n=50) exhibited behavioral syndromes (BS) and if there was a relationship between BS and male mate preference as well as stress hormone production. Additionally, I examined whether female sailfin mollies and Amazon mollies (n=40 of each species) exhibited behavioral syndromes. Furthermore, I examined whether there were differences in BS across species, whether there was a relationship between BS and stress hormone production, and whether there was a difference in stress hormone production across species. Male sailfin mollies exhibited a BS, with multiple correlations among activity, boldness and exploration traits, as well as correlations among activity and social traits. I did not find a significant relationship between BS in males and male mate preference; however, there was a relationship between boldness and baseline cortisol production. I did not detect a significant difference in BS between female sailfin mollies or Amazon mollies, although I found a relationship between the stress response and boldness and explorative behaviors, as well as a difference in stress hormone production between species. Taken together, these results suggest that there is a proximate link between BS and stress hormones; however, the ultimate relationship between BS and the maintenance of the unisexual-bisexual mating complex is less clear.


text: The Jardin des Plantes menagerie was established in the context of the French Revolution in opposition to princely and commercial menageries. Considered by historians as the first zoological garden, it would become a model, inspiring the foundation of other, powerful institutions, such as the London Zoo (1828). Its designers intended to resolve old tensions regarding the status of wild animals and to build more symmetrical relationships with them. This article aims to shed additional light on this movement, from the revolutionary seizures of animals deposited at the National Museum of Natural History to the construction of the first permanent building erected for the 'ferocious beasts' (_PHONE_). Taking into account the animal side of history, in line with the recent animal turn, it posits that the designers of the Jardin des Plantes menagerie reinforced precisely the carceral constraints some of them intended to renounce. In so doing, they determined and shaped modes of interacting with nonhuman animals that, ever since, have continued to permeate our relationships with them.


Care of Mice and Rats
Chipmunks and Squirrels
How do you keep a baby mouse warm?
Top Answer
User Avatar
Wiki User
Answered 2006-12-27 23:19:28
Baby mice sleep a lot to keep their bodies worm. But you can wrap it in a blanket so it doesn't lose body temperature
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Still Have Questions?
Related Questions
Can you give abandon baby mice baths?
I would never bath a baby mouse personally. If you keep it you can try it with mildly warm water when it is mature.
Can a baby mouse have water?
yes, a baby mouse can have water because when you raise them you give them warm milk and your supposed to mix water with the milk.
How do you keep a baby bird warm?
I found a baby blackbird and what i did to keep it warm was to put it into cotton wool then put it in your bra so your body heat keeps it warm.
What do toucans do to baby toucans?
they keep the baby toucans warm
Your mouse had babies and its covering them up what do you do?
she is doing that to keep them warm... Dont do anything.. let the mouse do what it is doing.
How does a female penguin keep their baby warm?
First of all the male keeps the baby penguin warm. and all the male penguin huddle together to keep there baby's warm.
What kind of environment should a baby abandoned mouse stay in?
WHAT ENVIORMENT SHOULD A BABY MOUSE STAY IN? I found a baby mouse the other day on my porch. I have a little fishtank that is empty. It has a built in light and gravel. The mouse is teeny! During the day, I keep the light on to keep it warm....... even though it acts like it doesn't like it. But at night, I turn it off. Mice DO like the dark. If it gets cold, it'll bury itself in the gravel... if it is a mouse and has that instinct. By the way, I named him RobertBob for short. : )
Why do cats heat?
Well to keep their baby warm if it is having a baby but if not then to kepp it's self warm!
Why does a mouse have thick covering of fur?
To reduce heat loss and to keep warm. :)
Why does a kangaroo carry its baby in a pouch?
to keep the baby kangaroo safe and warm
How do you keep a baby duck egg warm?
An incubator.
What do you put a baby mouse in?
If you have a baby mouse, dont put in a bathtub. Put it somewhere safe like maybe back outside. If you continue to keep this baby mouse, though, try a shoebox with tissues. That way the mouse can eat the tissues and have a comfy bed.
How do I protect baby chicks?
Keep them in a place where nothing can get in to them and keep them warm and dry.
Why do penguins keep their eggs warm?
They want to keep the baby penguin that's in it warm and if it gets too cold it will die!
What do you do if you found a injured baby mouse?
keep it warm with leaves and grass don't dive it cheese they like guiney pig food better give it a drink now and again and REMEMBER TO KEEP IT AWAY FROM CATS AND FOXES
How do baby penguins keep warm?
the fathers all huddle together and all of the baby penguin huddle in the middle so they are warm
How do you keep baby eggs warm?
Penguin baby eggs are kept warm by the father while the mother looks more food
What do you do if your mouse is congested?
Try and keep him very warm. Make sure it has plenty of water.
How do you care for a newborn mouse with no mother?
You can feed it puppy formula and keep it warm,but not overheat!
How do you keep your baby rabbits warm when they are outside?
bundle them up in a blanket or baby clothes!
How long will a baby mouse whose eyes aren't open yet live if they don't eat?
maybe a week (but to keep it alive you need to feed it warm milk from a small tube
How do you save a baby egg?
keep it warm and safe I guess
What do you have to do to care for newborn baby kittens?
stamp on them to keep them warm
How do I look after a wild baby mouse that has just been attacked and appears to have no external injuries?
keep it in a very warm environment, keep an eye out for any blood in its stool, and feed it baby soy formula every 3-4 hours during the day and twice during the night
What is the term for a baby mouse?
baby mouse.


text:
Reviewed by CBC Reviewer
After reading this NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for 2011, it will be impossible to smell the roses without first counting their petals! The photos, text, and graphic design all make this big and beautiful book on Fibonacci numbers in nature ideal to share with students of all ages.
Using photographs of natural objects, simple text, and labeled photographs to increase clarity, the author shows readers that many flowers and other natural objects display Fibonacci's sequence—1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, and even more! The graphics are artfully designed to highlight those patterns in more complex objects like pine cones, pineapples, and shells.
It is clear that nature is ordered by mathematics; students will find the integration both natural and fascinating. There's a glossary, acknowledgements, and a section at the end offering "More about Fibonacci Numbers."
Review posted on 3/20/2011

source: HuggingFaceFW/fineweb-edu


text:
General-purpose machine gun
||This article is incomplete. (July 2011)|
||This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2007)|
A general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) is a belt-fed weapon used in a variety of roles, from bipodor tripod-mounted infantry support to deployment as a helicopter door gun or a vehicle-mounted support weapon. It can provide fire support for vehicles or infantry from a variety of mounts.
In modern practice, it is an air-cooled medium machine gun, firing rifle cartridges such as the 7.62×51mm NATO, 7.62×54mmR Warsaw pact, or 7.92x57mm Mauser. It is generally operated from a stationary position from either a bipod or tripod, or otherwise mounted on a vehicle, as it is usually too powerful and heavy to be fired effectively on foot from an unsupported standing position or on the move.
The GPMG barrel can be removed and replaced within seconds - in use, the barrel quickly heats up, necessitating its replacement after 400 rounds of continuous fire; once cooled down, the barrel can be reused.
The first general purpose machine gun was proposed by Vladimir Fyodorov in the early 1920. Ten years later the idea resurfaced in Denmark and Czechoslovakia, some time later - in Germany. "In 1934 the Germans adopted the MG 34. The MG 42, that succeeded it at the end of 1942, had better-functioning automatics and was cheaper to manufacture, but neither did the MG-42 meet the requirements of the army, which is evident from the continuous work on its improvement. The rapid attempt to modernize the system in 1945 had no practical significance whatsoever due to the end of WW2." The concept was successful enough to be adopted in many post-WWII armies.
Notable post-WWII examples
- Belgian FN MAG, the most widely used GPMG among NATO and other western armies.
- American M60 (later replaced by the M240 (an FN MAG variant) in US service).
- German MG3, a direct descendant of the MG 42, is still in service with the German Army and others.
- Russian PK/PKM family of multi-purpose machine-guns, widely exported.
- People's Republic of China, the Type 67 and later improved models.
- South African Vektor SS-77.
See also
- Kalashnikov, Mikhail Timofeyevich (1992). "Чемодан со стволами". Записки конструктора-оружейника. Voyenny'ye Memuary (in Russian). Moscow: Voenizdat. p. 237. ISBN 5-203-01290-3.
- Bolotin, David Naumovich (1995). "Глава седьмая. Станковые пулемёты" [Chapter Seven. Heavy (Medium) Machine Guns] (PDF). История советского стрелкового оружия и патронов [The History of Soviet Small-arms and Ammunition]. Voyenno-Istoricheskaya Biblioteka (in Russian). Saint Petersburg: Poligon. p. 202. ISBN 5-85503-072-5.


Production Lighting: How To Do Low Key Lighting
Low key lighting is a style of lighting that is commonly used by photographers and filmographers. Generally speaking, most people set up low key lighting so that they can achieve the chiaroscuro effect. With the chiaroscuro effect, you are looking for bold differences between light and dark colors. Low key lighting has a lighting ratio of approximately 8 to 1. As the lighting ratio increases, so does the contrast of the image. In comparison, high key lighting can have a lighting ratio that is as low as 1 to 1.
The standard method of lighting that most photographers use is three point lighting. With three point lighting, you are using a key light, a back light and a fill light. The goal of three point lighting is to achieve even illumination. Low key lighting is the exact opposite of three point lighting. Low key lighting only requires the use of a single key light. You are not looking for even illumination with low key lighting. Instead, you want a lightly colored subject to stand out in front of a dark background.
Step 1: Setting Up the Background
You cannot use a light background for low key lighting. When it comes to low key lighting, the darker the background is, the better. It is not a must that you use a black background, but it is highly recommended. If you cannot use a black background, a very dark blue one will work.
Step 2: Staging the Subject
The subject of your photograph should be wearing dark clothing. If possible, it is best if the clothing that the subject is wearing is the same color as the background. The goal of low key lighting is not to place an emphasis on the attire of your subject. Instead, you want to place an emphasis on the face or body part of your subject.
Step 3: Setting up the Key Light
In order to ensure maximal results when setting up low key lighting, you should place your key light to either side of the subject you are photographing. You should begin by setting up your key light in a 45 degree setup. A 45 degree setup requires the key light to be placed 45 degrees to the face of your subject. The key light should be placed slightly above the head of your subject. By placing the key light to the side of your subject, you will be preventing the background from lightening up.
Once you set your key light up, take a look to see if any adjustments need to be made. If you need the background to appear darker in your images, you can move the key light further away from your subject. You just need to make sure that the light remains on the edge of your subject. Once you have the key light configured correctly, you are ready to begin taking shots with low key lighting.
Popular Cameras for High Quality Photos:


Let $F(k,n)$ be the number of permutations of an n-element set that fix exactly $k$ elements.
We know:
 1. $F(n,n) = 1$
 2. $F(n-1,n) = 0$
 3. $F(n-2,n) = \binom {n} {2}$
 4. $F(0,n) = n! \cdot \sum_{k=0}^n \frac {(-1)^k}{k!}$ (the subfactorial)
The summation formula is obviously
$\displaystyle\sum_{k=0}^n F(k,n) = n!$
A recursive definition of $F(k,n)$ is (my claim):
$$F(k,n) = \binom {n} {k} \cdot \Big( k! - \displaystyle\sum_{i=0}^{k-1} F(i,k) \Big)$$
Question 1: Is there a common name for the "generalized factorial" $F(k,n)$?
Question 2: Does anyone know a closed form for $F(k,n)$ or have an idea how to get it from the recursive definition? (generating function?)
The "semi-exponential" generating function for these is
$\sum_{n=0}^\infty \sum_{k=0}^n {F(k,n) z^n u^k \over n!} = {\exp((u-1)z) \over 1-z}$
which follows from the exponential formula.
These numbers are apparently called the rencontres numbers although I'm not sure how standard that name is.
Now, how do we get a formula for these numbers out of this? First note that
$$exp((u-1)z) = 1 + (u-1)z + {(u-1)^2 \over 2!} z^2 + {(u-1)^3 \over 3!} z^3 + \cdots $$
and therefore the "coefficient" (actually a polynomial in $u$) of $z^n$ in $exp((u-1)z)/(1-z)$ is
$$ P_n(u) = 1 + (u-1) + {(u-1)^2 \over 2!} + \cdots + {(u-1)^n \over n!} = \sum_{j=0}^n {{(u-1)^j } \over j!} $$
since division of a generating function by $1-z$ has the effect of taking partial sums of the coefficients.
The coefficient of $u^k$ in $P_n(u)$ (which I'll denote $[u^k] P_n(u)$, where $[u^k]$ denotes taking the $u^k$-coefficient) is then
$$ [u^k] P_n(u) = \sum_{j=0}^n [u^k] {(u-1)^j \over j!} $$
But we only need to do the sum for $j = k, \ldots, n$; the lower terms are zero, since they are the $u^k$-coefficient of a polynomial of degree less than $k$. So
$$ [u^k] P_n(u) = \sum_{j=k}^n [u^k] {(u-1)^j \over j!} $$
and by the binomial theorem,
$$ [u^k] P_n(u) = \sum_{j=k}^n {(-1)^{j-k} \over k! (j-k)!} $$
Finally, $F(k,n) = n! [u^k] P_n(u)$, and so we have
$$ F(k,n) = n! \sum_{j=k}^n {(-1)^{j-k} \over k!(j-k)!} $$
 - $\begingroup$ Thanks. Am I - as an MO user - supposed to know how to get the closed form for F(k,n) from this "semi-exponential" generating function? $\endgroup$ – Hans-Peter Stricker Dec 21 '09 at 16:35
 - $\begingroup$ Not necessarily. It's not hard, though; I'll edit the solution to explain that. $\endgroup$ – Michael Lugo Dec 21 '09 at 16:57
 - $\begingroup$ The name "recontres numbers" is standard in the following ways: (1) EIS, (2) canonical name in Wikipedia, (3) 10 hits in Google Scholar. Although that last one is not a huge number, if you take all three together, it's plenty standard enough for a relatively obscure concept. $\endgroup$ – Greg Kuperberg Dec 21 '09 at 17:38
 - 1
 $\begingroup$ My claim that the name was nonstandard was entirely subjective; basically, this is something that I felt I should have known a name for, and the name was new to me. $\endgroup$ – Michael Lugo Dec 21 '09 at 17:50
A permutation of {1,..., n} with k fixed points is determined by choosing which k elements of {1,..., n} it fixes and choosing a derangement of the remaining n-k elements. So,
$F(k, n) = {n \choose k} F(0, n-k)$.
(This formula is also on the page Michael Lugo linked to.) You have already given one formula for the number of derangements on n letters. Another one is F(0, n) = the nearest integer to n!/e.
Various links on this answer have expired, so I thought I would add an answer.
One can use inclusion--exclusion. First, note (as in _USER_'s answer) that $$ F(k,n) = \binom kn F(0,n-k). $$ So it is sufficient to only study permutations with no fixed points. This is known as the number of derangements. Various proofs using inclusion--exclusion can be found on Wikipedia:
Your Answer


text:
Dubai – MENA Herald: du, the region's first full member operator of the Global Certification Forum (GCF), welcomed regional and global telcos to the first MENA standardisation conference in association with GCF. A series of knowledge sharing workshops, held at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel on July 19 and 20, presented topics related to GCF such as regulations and certification, live network field trials, and a roadmap to internet of things and 5G and how these can add value for the industry and consumers throughout the Middle East.
The agenda consisted of several workshops one of which gave an introduction to GCF, its regulations, and the business benefits of device certification. One workshop, An Operator's Guide to GCF Certification, gave an overview of the current scope of certification, including its new features and how devices are certified. The workshop of Roadmap included an explanation of how the scheme has evolved to accommodate new technologies such as 4G LTE, NFC, VoLTE, and RTE, opportunities presented by Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G in the mobile industry, and how certification can ultimately add value to a variety of business models. The Live Network Field Trials workshop highlighted how network field trials can detect product issues prior to commercial launch and test configurations under different network conditions.
The event days were split between operators and other vendors, to gain holistic insights into industry perspectives. The first day of the event focused on the input and feedback from telecom operators around the region, including the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority in Dubai. The focus on the second day was more geared towards terminal vendors, chipset vendors, SIM vendors, and test system vendors.
Saleem AlBlooshi, Executive Vice President of Network Development and Operations at du, said: "We are extremely pleased with the success of the event, which brought industry experts together to help achieve simplicity and convenience for customers throughout the region. The GCF cooperation will enable us to enhance the end-user experience, device quality, and service quality. This is a positive step towards creating a GCC-GCF standard which will enable the two way technology sync among the GCC countries, reduce the certification cost and will encourage the Terminal vendors to adopt the standard."
The workshop built on the growing connections between GCF and the mobile industry in the Gulf. In January 2015, shortly after it officially became a GCF Field Trial Qualified Operator, du hosted GCF's Conformance Agreement Group and Field Trial and Interoperability Agreement Group for the first time in the region. du became a GCF full Operator Member around mid-2015. This workshop was a precursor to GCF's principle decision-making body, its Steering Group, planned meeting in Dubai in December 2016.
"The workshops held with mobile industry stakeholders in the Middle East gave us the insights we require to ensure an increase in the value of GCF device certification in the region," said Lars Nielsen, GCF General Manager.
While GCF Certification has been developed to serve the global market for mobile devices, the aim of the workshop was for GCF to identify whether additional information could be provided through its database of certified devices that could add value in different regional markets. Questions that were asked include: does the device incorporate Arabic language support, support all frequencies in the region, comply with all regulated security standards, close the gap of non-branded devices, offer best user experience and mature quality for both user and network.


read the data
transmit_data <= input_data;
ACK <= '1';
wait until RQ = '0';
ACK <= '0';
end process consumer;
end handshake_func;
Example of Asynchronous Communication
Veton Këpuska
attributes
Attributes
 - D flip-flop example introduced the idea of an attribute of a signal. Attributes can be used to return various types of information about the signal.
 - Example:
 - Determining if an event has occurred,
 - Amount of time that has elapsed since the last event occurred on the signal:
 - Clk'last_event
 - etc.
 - In effect, when simulator executes the above statement a function call occurs that checks this property. This function returns the time since the last event occurred on signal clk. Such attributes are referred to as function attributes.
Veton Këpuska
attributes1
Attributes
 - There are numerous other classes of attributes. Only one additional one will be described in this section: value attribute.
 - These attributes return values.
Veton Këpuska
attributes2
Attributes
 - Example 1: Memory model described earlier contains the definition of a new type as follows:
type mem_array is array(0 to 7) of std_logic_vector(31 downto 0);
 - mem_array'left = 0;
 - mem_array'ascending = true;
 - mem_array'length = 8;
Veton Këpuska
attributes3
Attributes
 - Example 2: When describing models of state machines it is useful to have the following data type (enumerated) defined:
type state_type is (state0,state1,state2,state3);
 - state_type'left = state0;
 - state_type'right = state3;
Veton Këpuska
attributes4
Attributes
 - Example 3: A very useful attribute of arrays is the range attribute. Consider a loop that scans all of the elements in an array value_array. The index range is returned by the value_array'range:
foriinvalue_array'range loop
my_var := value_array(i);
end loop;
Veton Këpuska
generating clocks and periodic waveforms
Generating Clocks and Periodic Waveforms
 - Wait statements provide the programmer with explicit control over the reactivation of processes. Thus they can be used for generating periodic waveforms as shown in following example.
 - Example of Generating Periodic Waveforms:
 - We have seen previously that we can assign to signals several future events as in this example:
signal <= '0', '1' after 10 ns, '0' after 20 ns, '1' after 40 ns;
 - This signal can be used within a process to be executed repeatedly thus producing a periodic waveform as presented in the next slide.
 - Note that in VHDL upon initialization of the model all processes are executed.
Veton Këpuska
generating clocks and periodic waveforms1
Generating Clocks and Periodic Waveforms
library IEEE;
use IEEE.std_logic_1164.all;
entity periodic is
port (Z: out std_logic);
end periodic;
architecture periodic_func of periodic is
begin
process
begin
Z <= '0', '1' after 10 ns, '0' after 20 ns, '1' after 40 ns;
wait for 50 ns;
end process;
end periodic_func;
Veton Këpuska
generating clocks and periodic waveforms2
Generating Clocks and Periodic Waveforms
 - Example of a Two-Phase Clock: Following VHDL code depicts an example of generation of non-overlapping clocks and reset pulses.
Veton Këpuska
generating clocks and periodic waveforms3
library IEEE;
use IEEE.std_logic_1164.all;
entity two_phase is
port (phi1,phi2,reset: out std_logic);
end two_phase;
architecture two_phase_func of two_phase is
begin
reset_process: reset <= '1', '0' after 10 ns;
clock_process: process
begin
phi1 <= '1', '0' after 10 ns;
phi2 <= '0', '1' after 12 ns, '0' after 18 ns;
wait for 20 ns;
end process clock_process;
end two_phase_func;
Two phase non-overlapping clocks
Generating Clocks and Periodic Waveforms
Veton Këpuska
modeling state machines
Modeling State Machines
 - The examples described up to now used only combinational and sequential circuits in isolation.
 - Processes that model combinational circuits are sensitive to the inputs; and are activated whenever an event occurs on an input signal.
 - Sequential devices on the other hand retain information stored in internal devices (e.g., flip-flops and latches) and their outputs depends on their current state as well as current inputs.
 - Sequential devices typically update their values at discrete points in time determined by a periodic signal (e.g., clock).
 - With finite number of storage elements, the number of unique states is finite and such circuits are referred to as finite state machines.
Veton Këpuska
general finite state machine
General Finite State Machine
Inputs
Outputs
Combinational
Logic
Sequential
Circuit
Clk
Veton Këpuska
example of finite state machine
Example of Finite State Machine
 - Convention: Input/Output
0/1
s1
s0
1/0
0/1
1/0
Veton Këpuska
example of finite state machine synchronous implementation
library IEEE;
use IEEE.std_logic_1164.all;
entity state_machine is
port (reset,clk,x: in std_logic;
z: out std_logic;
end state_machine;
architecture state_machine_func of state_machine is
type state_type is (state0, state1);
signal state,next_state: state_type := state0;
begin
comb_process: process (state, x)
begin
case state is
when state0 =>
if x = '0' then
next_state <= state1;
z <= '1';
else
next_state <= state0;
z <= '0';
endif
when state1 =>
if x = '1' then
next_state <= state0;
z <= '0';
else
next_state <= state1;
z <= '1';
endif
end case;
end process comb_process;
Example of Finite State MachineSynchronous Implementation
Veton Këpuska
example of finite state machine cont
Example of Finite State Machine (cont.)
clk_process: process
begin
-- wait until raising edge
wait until (clk'event and clk = '1');
-- check for reset
if reset = '1' then
state <= state_type'left;
else
state <= next_state;
end if;
end process clk_process;
end state_machine_func;
Veton Këpuska
example of finite state machine asynchronous implementation
library IEEE;
use IEEE.std_logic_1164.all;
entity state_machine is
port (reset,clk,x: in std_logic;
z: out std_logic;
end state_machine;
architecture state_machine_func of state_machine is
type state_type is (state0, state1);
signal state,next_state: state_type := state0;
begin
output_process: process (state, x)
begin
case state is
when state0 =>
if x = '1' then
z <= '0';
else
z <= '1';
endif
when state1 =>
if x = '1' then
z <= '0';
else
z <= '1';
endif
end case;
end process output_process;
Example of Finite State MachineAsynchronous Implementation
Veton Këpuska
example of finite state machine cont1
next_state_process: process
begin
-- set next_state depending upon
-- the current state and input signal
case state is
when state0 =>
if x = '1' then
next_state <= state0;
else
next_state <= state1;
endif
when state1 =>
if x = '1' then
next_state <= state0;
else
next_state <= state1;
endif
end case;
end process next_state_process;
clk_process: process
begin
-- wait until raising edge
wait until (clk'evnet and clk = '1');
-- check for reset
if reset = '1' then
state <= state_type'left;
else
state <= next_state;
end if;
end process clk_process;
end state_machine_func;
Example of Finite State Machine (cont.)
Veton Këpuska
digression on finite state machines
Digression on Finite State Machines
 - The most general model of sequential circuit has inputs, outputs and internal states.
 - Two types of models are distinguished based on the way the output is generated:
 - Mealy model and
 - Moore model
 - In the Mealy model the output is a function of both the present state and the input.
 - In the Moore model the output is a function of present state only.
Veton Këpuska


text:
Claim Your Author Page
Magnetic fields (MF) have been reported widely as pre-sowing seeds treatment to increase their vigour, seedling growth and the plants' yield. Although, it has been shown that MF could affect seed… (More)
A new fiber optical sensor was developed for the determination of 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP). The sensor was based on DCP oxidation by oxygen with the catalysis of iron(III) tetrasulfophthalocyanine… (More)
Inverted focometer is a transformation of the traditional focomete, and optical lens focal length is an important technical indicators of optical system.The inverted focometer was used to measure the… (More)
Summarizes and expatiates the difficulty in assembly technology and in the course of implement of HP section and valve of the nuclear power steam turbine (W900A).


text:
Junior Achievement of Alaska Career Opportunities
- Provides support for JA quality program growth and expansion in communities outside of Anchorage.
- Meeting annual goals set by the President and the Board of Directors;
- Responsible for continuing to develop and grow the Rural Alaska Initiative, specifically geared to educate and inspire young people in villages around the state.
- Provide training for teachers and volunteers in Anchorage and for remote volunteers;
- Attend annual JA in a Day events in Anchorage and communities,
- Recruit volunteers to fill classroom needs when necessary;
- Recruit and renew commitments from schools/teachers in outlying communities;
- Follow up with programs and collect registrations in a timely manner;
- Maintain accurate records;
- Follows up with programs and collects registrations in a timely manner, able to provide regular updates to President on year to date progress relative to current goals;
- Assures program quality through face-to-face meetings (when possible), phone calls, classroom monitoring, and follow-up surveys;
- Manage inventory for accuracy
- Assist with community needs for volunteer recruitment and recognition;
- Responsible for increasing public awareness of JA;
- Assists all program related Board Committees;
"Junior Achievement has given me a sense of what adults go through with budget issues."
"Junior Achievement reinforced concepts for me to remember later in life."
"I thought the experience was amazing. The presentation was unlike anything I've seen."
"I liked how the Junior Achievement volunteer explained his job to us."


text:
Hailstones Surprise La Carlota Residents
Barangay San Miguel, La Carlota City residents were surprised when hailstorms rained down in their community at about 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon.
Hailstones are small balls of ice that fall like rain from the sky.
In a DYWB Bombo Radyo Bacolod interview with Dr. Zeaphard Gerhart Caelian, head of the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Management Program Division,confirmed the occurrence of the 8.5 millimeters rain and the hailstones in the barangay.
Caelian explained during the Bombo interview, that hailstones occur when during a warm temperature a thunderstorm suddenly happens.
A thunderstorm is a transient storm of lightning and thunder, usually with rain and gusty winds, sometimes with hail, produced by cumulonimbus clouds.
He said hailstones have no negative effects on plants and animals.*(Arman P. Toga)


Why are Inverter Generators so Quiet? [2023]
Reit Mountain in Valfurva (SO)
Inverter generators have gained popularity in recent years due to their quiet operation. But what exactly makes them so quiet? In this article, we will delve into the world of inverter generators and explore the reasons behind their low noise levels. So if you've ever wondered why inverter generators are quieter than traditional generators, keep on reading to find out!
Table of Contents
Quick Answer
Inverter generators are designed with advanced technology that allows them to produce electricity for your appliances while maintaining a quiet operation. Unlike traditional generators, which run at a constant speed, inverter generators adjust their engine speed according to the power demand, resulting in less noise. Some of the top-rated inverter generators on the market include the Honda EU2200i and the Champion 3100-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator.
What is an Inverter Generator?
Before we dive into the specifics of why inverter generators are quiet, let's first define what an inverter generator is. An inverter generator is a type of generator that converts the AC power produced by the engine into DC power and then inverts it back into clean AC power. This process allows inverter generators to produce stable and consistent power, making them ideal for powering sensitive electronic devices such as laptops, smartphones, and televisions.
Why are Inverter Generators so Quiet?
Now let's get to the crux of the matter – why are inverter generators so quiet? The key lies in the advanced technology they employ, which enables them to adjust their engine speed to meet the power demand. Unlike traditional generators that run at a constant speed, inverter generators can operate at variable speeds, optimizing fuel consumption and reducing noise output.
Inverter generators utilize an electronic inverter to convert the raw power produced by the engine into a stable and clean electrical waveform. The inverter controls the engine speed based on the power requirement, resulting in a quieter operation. By only running at the necessary speed to meet the power demands, inverter generators can significantly reduce their noise levels compared to traditional generators.
Additionally, inverter generators are built with sound-dampening materials and insulation to further reduce noise. The combination of advanced technology and noise-reducing design elements makes inverter generators a much quieter choice for powering your essential appliances and equipment.
Pros and Cons of Inverter Generators
Now that we understand why inverter generators are quiet, let's take a look at some of their pros and cons:
Pros:
 - Quiet operation: As we've established, inverter generators are significantly quieter than traditional generators, making them ideal for camping trips, outdoor events, and other quiet environments.
 - Fuel efficiency: Inverter generators adjust their engine speed according to the power demand, which results in better fuel consumption compared to traditional generators.
 - Clean power output: The stable and clean power produced by inverter generators makes them suitable for powering sensitive electronic devices without the risk of damage.
 - Portability: Many inverter generators are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport and store.
Cons:
 - Higher cost: Inverter generators tend to be more expensive than traditional generators due to their advanced technology and quieter operation.
 - Limited power output: While inverter generators are great for powering small to medium-sized appliances, they may not have enough power to run larger equipment or multiple high-wattage devices simultaneously.
How Do Inverter Generators Compare to Traditional Generators?
Inverter generators have several advantages over traditional generators when it comes to noise level and overall performance. Here's a quick comparison:
Aspect Inverter Generators Traditional Generators
Noise Level ✅ Quieter operation ❌ Noisier operation
Fuel Efficiency ✅ Better fuel consumption ❌ Higher fuel consumption
Power Output Quality ✅ Clean and stable power output ❌ Less stable power output
Portability ✅ Compact and lightweight for easy transport ❌ Bulkier and heavier
Price ❌ Higher cost due to advanced technology and quieter operation ✅ Lower cost for comparable power output
FAQ
Are inverter generators quieter than normal generators?
Yes, inverter generators are generally quieter than traditional generators. Their ability to adjust engine speed based on power demands and the use of sound-dampening materials result in significantly lower noise levels compared to traditionally designed generators.
Is it better to have an inverter or a generator?
The choice between an inverter generator and a traditional generator depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize quiet operation, fuel efficiency, and clean power output for sensitive electronics, an inverter generator is the better option. However, if you require higher power output for larger equipment or multiple devices, a traditional generator may be more suitable.
What is special about an inverter generator?
One of the main features that sets inverter generators apart is their ability to produce clean and stable power that is safe for sensitive electronics. They also offer quieter operation and better fuel efficiency compared to traditional generators.
Why are Honda generators so much quieter?
Honda generators are known for their quiet operation due to their advanced technology and meticulous design. Honda invests heavily in research and development to optimize their generators' performance while minimizing noise output. The result is a range of generators, including inverter models, that are among the quietest in the industry.
Quick Tips and Facts
 - Inverter generators are an excellent choice for camping trips, tailgating, and other outdoor activities where noise levels need to be minimized.
 - The noise level of an inverter generator is measured in decibels (dB). Higher decibel ratings indicate louder operation.
 - Inverter generators can power a wide range of devices, from small appliances and electronics to power tools and RV air conditioners.
 - Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and spark plug replacements, is crucial for keeping your inverter generator running smoothly and quietly.
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text:
Our quality & food safety policy is set out below. It is owned and endorsed by the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee of the Board of Directors; responsibility for the successful implementation of this programme belongs with every Coca‑Cola Hellenic employee at each level and function in the organisation.
Coca‑Cola Hellenic believes that success depends on the supply of high quality products, packages and services that meet or exceed customer and consumer expectations of premium brand products. Fundamental to this belief is the responsibility to ensure the food safety of all products that the Company manufactures.
The Company is committed to continually enhance the reputation of the brands it produces and maintain consumer confidence in its products through the development and implementation of quality and food safety systems, standards and practices. All Coca‑Cola Hellenic operations commit to continuous improvement, which is measured, evaluated and validated for effectiveness through internal and external audits.
The Company believes that the responsibility for achieving quality commitments lies with each Coca‑Cola Hellenic employee in the execution of their jobs and their relationship with stakeholders. Food safety is the responsibility of all employees that have direct influence on ingredients, packaging, manufacturing, storage and the transport of products.
The following food safety and quality principles are the foundation of the Coca‑Cola Hellenic commitment to quality:
- Manufacture and deliver products that meet the highest food safety and quality standards.
- Meet or exceed all statutory and regulatory requirements for quality and food safety.
- Ensure sustainable food safety and quality performance through implementation and certification of effective quality management systems compliant with ISO 9001:2008, ISO 22000:2005, FSSC 22000 and The Coca‑Cola Management System standards in all operations and PAS 223:2011 where applicable.
- Validate the effectiveness of the food safety and quality management systems through internal and external audit processes recognised by the International Standards Organisation and The Coca‑Cola Company.
- Build food safety and quality capability through structured programmes that develop technical skills, increase awareness, manage risk and drive increasing levels of excellence.
- Continually review food safety policies, standards and procedures to effectively manage food safety risks associated with changes in products, processes and technologies.
- Include food safety and quality strategies in the annual business planning process to ensure that food safety and quality remains an integral part of operations.
- Set annual measurable food safety and quality objectives for all operations, and at group level, to ensure continuous improvement and compliance with all standards.
- Ensure that suppliers and contractors embrace the same food safety and quality commitments, and monitor the materials and services they supply through audits and incoming goods inspections.
- Communicate food safety requirements to suppliers, contractors, customers and consumers by establishing specifications for ingredients and packaging materials, product storage and consumer guidelines.
- Communicate food safety and quality aspects, strategies and performance to associates, consumers, customers and principal stakeholders that have an impact on, or are affected by the Company's food safety and quality management systems.


Obscurify privacy sensitive data with PostGIS
If you want to show data in your GIS or webmap that is privacy sensitive, you should obscure the data to avoid privacy related problems. With PostGIS it's easy to do by creating an altered table of the original data.
Example data
For this example I created a PostGIS table with points in a 100m x 100m grid. This makes it easier to show how the data is obscured. Of course your own data will probably be a table with address points or something like that. If you want to obscure your own data always make sure the table itself doesn't contain privacy sensitive data.
The example table (public.example) has 2 fields: gid as a serial and geom as a geometry. The resulting table will have the same fields.
The green dots are the original example data. To explain the effect of the obscurification, they are spread equally over the map.
The plan
To obscure the geometry data we will move the original point to a random place inside a 100m x 100m rectangle around the original point and save it as a new table.
The plan is to create new points inside the 100m x 100m rectangles around the original points.
The code
We will create a new table public.example_obscured where the only thing that changed, is the location of the point. Each point will be randomly moved between 0 and 50 meter to the left or to the right and randomly between 0 and 50 meter up or down. The unit of this displacement is meter, because the unit of CRS of the source data is meter. If your table's CRS is in feet, the displacement will be in feet.
The code to achieve this result is:
CREATE TABLE example_obscured AS
 SELECT
 gid,
 st_point(st_x(geom)-50+random()*100, st_y(geom)-50+random()*100) geom
 FROM example;
The green dots are the original example data and the red dots are the obscured points.
The result
The result is that your sensitive data is no longer linked to an exact location, but instead can be seen on the map somewhere in the area of the original point.
The red dots are the obscured points and they probably still show the general idea of the data but the points no longer can be linked to an exact location (address, person,…).
Other options
Not copying the data
Instead of creating a new table you could also create a view or a materialized view instead of a table. This could be an option if your original data changes often.
Changing the amount of obscurification
Depending on the type of data it can be useful to change the amount of obscurification.
In the example we used 100m x 100m rectangles and therefore used the following randomizing code:
st_point(st_x(geom)-50+random()*100, st_y(geom)-50+random()*100) geom
If you would like to move the points inside a 500m x 500m rectangle you should use the following randomizing code:
st_point(st_x(geom)-250+random()*500, st_y(geom)-250+random()*500) geom
Placing your points on a grid
If your original data is not a grid (unlike the example above) another option would be to round the coordinates so they end up in a grid. The disadvantage of this approach is that if you have multiple points near each other in the original data they will end up on top of each other in the obscured data.
The obscurification code for 100m x 100m grid to do this would be:
st_point(round(st_x(geom)/100)*100, round(st_y(geom)/100)*100) geom
Use the same technique in QGIS
You can use the same technique in QGIS with the use of a Geometry Generator Style. An example of this style can be found in my "QGIS Geometry Generator examples" repository on Gitlab.
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text:
- Poster presentation
- Open Access
Stopping clinical trials early for futility: retrospective analysis of several randomised clinical studies
© Jitlal et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2011
Published: 13 December 2011
Phase III clinical trials are generally large and expensive, so stopping early for futility is a potentially attractive approach. It could avoid using further patients and funds on an ineffective intervention. We aimed to see how well futility performs for clinical trials in practice.
Materials and methods
We retrospectively applied a futility method to ten cancer trials, in which the final hazard ratios (HR) showed a large, moderate, or no treatment benefit. The target sample size was reached in all. The conditional power (CP) is the probability of obtaining a HR of a specified magnitude, which is statistically significant. Futility analyses were applied after 25, 50 and 75% of patients were recruited, or events observed. Two methods were used, assuming future data are consistent with either (i) the target HR, or (ii) the observed interim HR. Low CP suggests futility.
Futility analyses could stop some trials with no overall benefit, but not all, depending on the method used and timepoint. For example, after observing 50% of the target number of events, and assuming that future data is consistent with observed data, 4 out of 5 trials with no benefit could be stopped early (CP≤9%). Among 3 (of these 4) studies, trial duration could be reduced by 4-40 months, saving £44k-£385k. The other trial would have already finished accrual and hence no savings made. Of concern is that all 4 trials with moderate treatment effects could have stopped early at some point. For example, assuming that future data is consistent with the observed data, these trials could have stopped after 25% of patient accrual (CP≤9%). However, the final HRs for all four trials showed clinically worthwhile benefits.
Appropriate application of futility methods can substantially shorten trial duration and reduce costs for trials which ultimately show no benefit. However, studies with moderate treatment effects could be stopped early, whilst some studies with no effect may not have been detected as such. Futility needs to be applied with great care to avoid missing a worthwhile treatment. We suggest several criteria for stopping a trial early: low CP (e.g. ≤15%); sufficient number of events; remaining patient accrual is likely to take several months; and lack of evidence of a benefit for important secondary endpoints and pre-defined subgroups.
This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (_URL_ which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.