text:
Distance between Hyesan and Yangp'yŏng
Distance from Hyesan to Yangp'yŏng is 273 miles / 439 kilometers and driving distance is 457 miles or 736 kilometers. Travel time by car is about 9 hours 25 minutes.
Map showing the distance from Hyesan to Yangp'yŏng
|Air distance:||miles km|
|Driving distance:||miles km|
Time difference between Hyesan and Yangp'yŏng
There is no time difference between Hyesan and Yangp'yŏng. Current local time in Hyesan and Yangp'yŏng is 22:59 KST (2023-03-23)


text:
Comprehensive Emergency Evacuation Drill
With the participation of Civil Defense, on 10th Jun 2015 IMCO had conducted comprehensive emergency evacuation drill for all its staff, students, visitors and contractors with semi-real scenario (fighting fire in petrochemical work shop). By the great effort form IMCO fire wardens team all IMCO occupants had evacuated out of the buildings in around three minutes and gathered at the designated assembly points.
Health and Safety Policy Statement
The Management of International Maritime College Oman attaches the greatest importance to safeguarding the health and safety of all staff, students, visitors and others who use the premises, and regards the promotion of health and safety measures as a mutual objective for management and employees at all levels.
It is our policy to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of all employees, students and any other persons who may be directly affected by the activities of the College.
IMCO will, so far as is reasonably practicable:
- Aim to achieve compliance with legal requirements through good occupational health and safety performance.
- Provide adequate resources to implement this policy.
- Establish and maintain a safe and healthy study and working environment.
- Ensure that significant risks arising from work activities under our control are eliminated or adequately controlled.
- Develop and implement appropriate occupational health and safety procedures, and safe study and working practices.
- Include the management of health and safety as a specific responsibility of managers at all levels.
- Ensure this policy is understood and implemented throughout the organization.
- Involve employees in health and safety decisions through consultation and co-operation.
- Maintain study classes and workplaces under our control in a condition that is safe and without risk to health.
- Regularly review compliance with the policy and the management system that support it.
- Provide sufficient information, instruction and supervision to enable all students and employees to avoid hazards and contribute to their own health and safety at work.
- Ensure that students and employees receive appropriate training, and are competent to carry out their designated responsibilities.
Risk Management Policy Statement
International Maritime College Oman (IMCO) defines risk as "the threat or possibility that an action or event will adversely or beneficially affect an organization's ability to achieve its objectives." Risks may thus be either opportunities or threats.
IMCO is proactive in its approach to risk management, balances the cost of managing risk with anticipated benefits, and undertakes contingency planning in the event that critical risks are realized.
The objective of the College's Risk Management processes is to add value to normal management processes by providing a mechanism for:
- Identifying systemic risks that could occur at the International Maritime College Oman.
- Recognizing that there are a panoply of risks that attend any action and be prepared, to the extent possible, to withstand the financial impact of them.
- Minimizing the chances of the adverse event occurring and its potential, by implementing and enforcing safety measures
- Shifting the burden of the financial impact of the adverse event to a third part.
- Identifying whether the College's strategic risks are both understood and managed at an appropriate level.
It is the responsibility of all Management members, staffs, students and volunteers to identify, analyze, evaluate, respond, monitor and communicate risks associated with any activity, function or process within their relevant scope of responsibility and authority.

source: openbmb/Ultra-FineWeb


What Is A Boat Helm?
Are you curious to know what is a boat helm? You have come to the right place as I am going to tell you everything about a boat helm in a very simple explanation. Without further discussion let's begin to know what is a boat helm?
What Is A Boat Helm?
A boat helm is the steering mechanism of a boat or ship. It is the device that is used to control the direction of the boat and is typically located in the cockpit or bridge of the vessel. The boat helm is a critical component of a boat's control system and is responsible for allowing the captain or operator to steer the boat in the desired direction.
There are several different types of boat helms, each with its own unique design and features. The most common type of boat helm is the wheel helm, which consists of a circular wheel that the operator turns to steer the boat. Other types of boat helms include the tiller helm, which uses a lever to control the rudder, and the joystick helm, which uses electronic controls to maneuver the boat.
The design and operation of a boat helm will vary depending on the type of boat and its intended use. For example, larger boats and ships may have more advanced and complex helms, with multiple control systems and backup systems to ensure safe and reliable operation. Smaller boats, on the other hand, may have simpler and more basic helms, designed to be easy to operate and maintain.
Regardless of the type of boat or its intended use, the boat helm is an essential component of the vessel and is responsible for ensuring the safety and navigation of the boat. To ensure that the boat helm is functioning properly and effectively, it is important to conduct regular maintenance and inspections and to address any issues or problems as soon as they arise.
In conclusion, the boat helm is a critical component of a boat's control system and is responsible for allowing the operator to steer the boat in the desired direction. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a beginner, understanding the function and importance of the boat helm is an important step towards safe and enjoyable boating.
On GetDailyBuzz you will get to know beneficial information which required in your daily life.
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FAQ
What Does Helm Mean On The Boat?
Helm – A tiller or wheel and any associated equipment for steering a ship or boat. Ours is a wheel and we let our passengers take the helm at times during the cruise.
Where Is The Helm Located On A Boat?
 1. Helm. The helm of a boat is the area where the steering wheel is located. Typically accompanied by a series of controls, the helm is where the captain operates the boat.
Who Is At The Helm Of A Boat?
The person at the helm is the person in charge, and if you happen to be at sea, that person is the one steering the boat with a device called a helm, the mechanism that keeps the boat on course.
Is The Helm The Front Of A Boat?
The helm of a boat is where the helmsman or captain steers the boat using either a tiller or rudder. It is located towards the back of the boat, near the stern.
Why Is It Called A Helm?
The word "helm" comes from an Old English word meaning "rudder." As mentioned, the rudder is the physical mechanism used to turn the boat which can be controlled through the tiller or steering wheel. Without the interference of customization, the ship's steering wheel is on the starboard side or the right side.
How Does A Boat Steering Helm Work?
The helm is responsible for converting the rotating motion of the steering wheel into a push-pull action on the cable. This cable directs the rudder to move left or right to steer the boat in the skipper's desired direction. Most helms are rotary and use gears to move the rudder.
What Are The 4 Sides Of A Boat Called?
Now let's learn the words for the front, rear, left and right sides of the boat. The front of a boat is called the bow, while the rear of a boat is called the stern. When looking towards the bow, the left-hand side of the boat is the port side. And starboard is the corresponding word for the right side of a boat.
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I Have Covered All The Following Queries And Topics In The Above Article
What Is The Helm Of A Boat
What Is A Boat Helm
What Is The Helm On A Boat
What Is Helm On A Boat
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Helm Meaning
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Stern Of A Boat
Boat Steering Helm
Bow Of A Boat
What Is The Front Of A Boat Called
What Is A Boat Helm


text:
I say, there's a zebra crossing Piccadilly! How the Georgians kept kangaroos and electric eels as pets in their back gardens
- Wealthy Georgians went mad for exotic creatures
- Lions, rhinoceros and orangutans were kept in British houses
- Canaries and goldfish were unusual Georgian pets that are still pets today
Exotic animals such as zebras used to be pets
The Georgian Menagerie
by Christopher Plumb
(I. B. Tauris £20)
A young Irishman visiting London in the late 18th century wrote home to his father in some astonishment about the sights the capital had to offer.
Walking down Piccadilly, he had met a porter carrying a live kangaroo.
'After smelling at the man's ear for a long time, it gave it a terrible bite, and nearly clipped it off.' Enraged, the porter threw the kangaroo to the ground and made as if to beat it.
A passing drayman leapt to defend the kangaroo, giving the porter 'a hearty drubbing'.
He then lifted the animal on to his own cart, consulted the luggage label tied to its feet and dutifully drove the kangaroo to the address of the wealthy household that had purchased this bizarre creature.
The kangaroo had come from Mr Gilbert Pidcock's menagerie at Exeter Exchange in London where, from 1793 to Pidcock's death in 1810, he presented 'the greatest assemblage of foreign birds and animals ever exhibited in the kingdom'. Visitors paid an entrance fee to see his zebra (bought for £300), his lion (£400) and his rhinoceros (£700) - or bought their own.
Pidcock wasn't the only man in Britain risking enormous sums of money on a menagerie of animals. As historian Christopher Plumb reveals in this entertaining book, England went mad for exotic creatures of all stripes and spots in the 18th century.
In an age before anyone had thought of animal protection, some of these creatures had a tough time of it - such as the five electric eels transported from the rivers of Dutch Guiana to a cramped tank in exhibition rooms on Haymarket, where visitors were charged for the thrill of receiving electric shocks from the poor creatures. This proved so popular that the man-handled eels became exhausted, and openings were reduced to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
THE GEORGIAN MENAGERIE by Christopher Plumb
Then there was poor old Chunee the elephant, a 'celebrity' of the Exeter 'Change menagerie. When the urge to mate came upon him, the usually docile Chunee became enraged and stormed his pen, tearing iron and wooden fittings from the wall. Arsenic and mercury administered in oranges and buns did nothing to subdue him, and soldiers and keepers armed with muskets were summoned. It took more than 150 musket balls and an hour's agony before Chunee was killed.
Animals in private homes, however, were much loved. Queen Anne doted on her zebra, inspiring scurrilous satirical poems about The Queen's Ass. Lady Shelburne was devastated by the death of the family's orangutan, writing on Christmas Day 1768 that he had been killed by the night's 'intense cold' in Wiltshire.
A handful of the more unusual Georgian pets continue to share our homes. We still keep canaries, and what child has not at some time owned a goldfish? These once-exotic curiosities arrived in London in the 1760s; by the end of the century they were so common they were seen swimming in ditches.
We no longer keep elephants, camels, zebras and cheetahs as pets. It's right that we do not raise orangutans in our gardens or flamingos in our kitchens, but how extraordinary to read about an age when kangaroos hopped the streets of London.

source: m-a-p/FineFineWeb


text:
Are you lost on your bike? Fear not! The Vibrobelt could send you in the right direction. This smart belt will send subtle vibrations to guide bicyclists to their destinations.
The Vibrobelt was developed by Haska Steltenpohl and Anders Bouwer in the Intelligent Systems Lab at the University of Amsterdam. Their goal was to find a way to gently steer bicyclists to a location so they avoid being dangerously distracted by visual maps, GPS screens or smartphones.
Worn around the waist, the Vibrobelt gives waypoint, distance and endpoint information using directional tactile cues, according to its creators. The belt works by taking information about the route and translating it into unique buzzes that indicate where the bicyclist should go. For example, the vibration for going left is different from the one for going straight.
When the two researchers tested the belt against a GPS screen on a group of 20 volunteers who were taking unfamiliar routes, they found that everyone made it to their destinations just fine. However, the volunteers who used the Vibrobelt were able to navigate more quickly, remembered the route they took and could recall landmarks along it better. Paul Marks, writing for New Scientist, called the Vibrobelt "satnav for your waist."
Bouwer and Steltenpohl plan to refine their system and their paper about the Vibrobelt was accepted for the International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces, which takes place in Santa Monica next month. Wonder if they considered a smart bicycle seat cover. Although something like that might end up being a bit too, um, distracting.
Credit: Richard Masoner

source: HuggingFaceFW/fineweb-edu


text:
Next Application Deadline is April 15, 2023
Nine environmental science and engineering students have been awarded scholarships through Ohio EPA's Environmental Education Fund to study at Ohio colleges and universities. Students were selected based on academic performance, as well as research, employment/internships, leadership, letters of recommendation from education or environmental professionals, and other specified criteria.
"By investing in these environmental scholars today, we are actually investing in protecting the environment far into the future," said Ohio EPA Director Laurie A. Stevenson. "We look forward to seeing their future work as well."
Students (listed with their colleges, hometowns, and majors) receiving a $5,000 scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year are:
- Semra Dervisevic, Cleveland State University, Lakewood, environmental science and environmental studies;
- Catherine Kirk, Otterbein University, Sardinia, biology and biochemistry;
- Hannah Leibman, University of Cincinnati, Prospect, Ky., environmental engineering;
- Jenna Schniegenberg, University of Cincinnati, Brecksville, chemical engineering;
- Sunniva Sheffield, Oberlin College, Pittsford, N.Y., environmental studies and biochemistry
- Taylor Shimek, Muskingum University, Zanesville, conservation science;
- Hanna Sturgeon, Otterbein University, Newark, environmental science and sustainability studies;
- Justin Thompson, Kent State University, Ashtabula, environmental studies; and
- Kylie Youst, Kent State University, Hanoverton, environmental studies.
Among the research or environmental work experience projects of this year's recipients: impact of California wildfires on urban air quality, oxidation for removal of microcystins from drinking water, design of lithium-ion batteries for storage optimization, impacts of biochar applications on soil and plant health, nuclear resonance imaging of organic aerosols, obligate grassland birds, environmental climate justice, and community gardens.
A total of $45,000 was awarded this year. Since the scholarship program began in 2000, more than $1 million has been awarded statewide to 398 students at 52 Ohio colleges and universities. Funding comes from civil penalties collected by Ohio EPA for violations of air and water pollution control laws. The scholarship program is administered by the Ohio Academy of Science.
The next application deadline for scholarships is April 15, 2023. Additional information about the scholarship is available by calling Ohio EPA's Office of Environmental Education at _PHONE_ or visiting _URL_ To learn more about the Ohio Academy of Science, call _PHONE_ or visit _URL_.


text:
Mulch has sometimes been known to smoke and heat up, and in some cases, it can even ignite spontaneously. The main issue is that some types of mulch are highly flammable, and the fire they produce can extend to nearby buildings and forests, which can lead to an extensive fire that would threaten human and animal life alike.
Of course, mulch doesn't usually produce fire on its own. Typically, smoking materials such as cigarette buts can make their way to the mulch, and cause it to smoke or even ignite. Also, if the mulch is pushed deeper into the ground, the heat and pressure can build up, leading to it producing an open flame.
To prevent mulch from bursting into an open flame in a dry area, you can take a few precautions:
- Dispose of all your smoking materials responsibly, and avoid smoking in the area where your mulch is located.
- Regularly water your garden to make sure that the mulch is constantly moist – even when there's a drought or the weather is uncommonly warm and dry.
- Use less flammable mulch, such as pine bark nuggets or shredded hardwood.
- Add a rock bed barrier between your garden and any nearby buildings, including your home.
For any questions you have contact _URL_


you guys think one job pays more than the other? I'm thinking cybersecurity analysts might make bank with all the demand for protection against cyber attacks.
darrel l. 5 months ago
Telecom specialists focus more on setting up and maintaining communication systems, while cybersecurity analysts are all about protecting those systems from hackers and cyber attacks. So, kinda different, right?
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Telecommunications Specialist Job Outlook and Career Opportunities
Telecommunications Specialist Job Outlook and Career Opportunities
In today's digital age, the telecommunications industry is growing rapidly. As technology evolves and becomes increasingly sophisticated, businesses are relying on telecommunications specialists to keep them connected and ensure smooth operations. The demand for these skilled professionals is skyrocketing, and it's no surprise why.
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Telecommunications Specialist Salary Trends: Industry Analysis
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Working in the telecommunications industry can offer a rewarding career path for professionals with a passion for technology and communication. As a telecommunications specialist, individuals play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of communication networks, managing equipment, and troubleshooting issues.
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The Role of Telecommunications Specialists in Modern Businesses
The Role of Telecommunications Specialists in Modern Businesses
In today's fast-paced business landscape, efficiency is the key to success. Every moment wasted is a missed opportunity, making it crucial for businesses to operate smoothly and seamlessly. Telecommunications plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal, offering a range of innovative solutions that streamline business operations.
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13 Things to Check if Land Title is Authentic or Fake
It is everybody's knowledge that documents can easily be faked in the Philippines. From birth certificates to college diplomas, such materials can quickly be passed off as exact copies.
It has been well-known not just in the country, but also overseas. Workers from the Philippines lead in the number of submitted bogus documents in Saudi Arabia that POEA has been reminding job applicants to use genuine materials.
In the property sector, there are regulations in place to deter scammers who prey on legitimate property owners; there are still cases reported where property buyers are lured into buying lots but receive a fake certificate of land titles. Part of the problem is that buyers are unaware of the tell-tale signs of a phony document being presented to them. As an example, a news release by Inquirer told early 2015 about the arrest of members of a syndicate engaged in sale and mortgage of fake titles.
Before you could get trapped by similar bogus sellers, Ms. Ruby Valdez, a land registration examiner from the Land Registration Authority of the Philippines, advises on the following quick-check items to verify if a document is fake or genuine.
Physical appearance of land title
 1. The paper used for an authentic certificate of land titles is of a special kind and supplied by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Hence, its texture is different from those commercially available papers.
 2. The texture of the genuine title is similar to that of a bank check.
 3. It has a watermark that says, "LRA."
 4. The color of an old version of the title is light yellow, while that of an e-title is pale straw.
 5. When subjected to UV light, tiny fibers in the paper emit a small fluorescent effect.
Text characteristics
 1. "Judicial Form No. 108-D" appears on top of an Original Certificate of Title.
 2. "Judicial Form No. 109-D" appears on top of a Transfer Certificate of Title.
 3. Serial numbers are printed in red color while the owner's duplicate should display black digits.
 4. The last two digits of the page number in the upper right-hand side should correspond to the last two digits of the TCT number.
 6. For e-Titles, all entries should be computer encoded and printed, unlike the old versions which were manually type-written
 7. The seal on the lower left-hand side should be dark red and does not blot when a little water check is done.
 8. Signatures:
 - for Judicial OCT, it should have two names present – the Administrator and the Registrar, while for TCT, only the name of the Registrar is current.
 - For Administrative Titles: one signature from a PENRO or CENRO officer and another from the registrar.
Having these preliminary tests should give you an idea of the type of document you are receiving: original or fake. If you have verified from the above list that the text appears genuine, it does not mean it is 100% authentic. You need to confirm with relevant agencies such as the Land Registration Authority, the Registry of Deeds, or the nearest local and municipal offices to the property location.
Although the step is straightforward and the amount of time to invest in verifying this document's authenticity is barely a minute, it is not a guarantee the certificate of land title is genuine. A modern and convenient way to secure your ownership is through e-titles.
Why you should consider converting your paper titles to e-titles
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After debugging a particularly tricky issue in VB.NET involving the order in which instance variables are initialized, I discovered that there is a breaking discrepancy between the behavior that I expected from C# and the actual behavior in VB.NET.
Nota bene: This question concerns a slight discrepancy in the behaviors of VB.NET and C#. If you're a language bigot that is unable to provide an answer other than "that's why you should use C#, noob", there is nothing for you to see here; kindly move along.
Specifically, I expected the behavior outlined by the C# Language Specification (emphasis added):
When an instance constructor has no constructor initializer, or it has a constructor initializer of the form base(...), that constructor implicitly performs the initializations specified by the variable-initializers of the instance fields declared in its class. This corresponds to a sequence of assignments that are executed immediately upon entry to the constructor and before the implicit invocation of the direct base class constructor. The variable initializers are executed in the textual order in which they appear in the class declaration.
Contrast that with the portion of the VB.NET Language Specification concerning Instance Constructors, which says (emphasis added):
When a constructor's first statement is of the form MyBase.New(...), the constructor implicitly performs the initializations specified by the variable initializers of the instance variables declared in the type. This corresponds to a sequence of assignments that are executed immediately after invoking the direct base type constructor. Such ordering ensures that all base instance variables are initialized by their variable initializers before any statements that have access to the instance are executed.
The discrepancy here is immediately obvious. C# initializes class-level variables before calling the base constructor. VB.NET does exactly the reverse, apparently preferring to call the base constructor before setting the values of instance fields.
If you want to see some code, this related question provides a more concrete example of the divergent behavior. Unfortunately, it does not provide any hints as to how one might coerce VB.NET into following the model established by C#.
I'm less interested in why the designers of the two languages chose such divergent approaches than I am in possible workarounds for the problem. Ultimately, my question is as follows: Is there any way that I can write or structure my code in VB.NET to force instance variables to be initialized before the base type's constructor is called, as is the standard behavior in C#?
share|improve this question
I don't believe it's possible to change this - and the VB compiler will fight against any attempts to do so. If you're relying on such behaviour, it's usually an indication of problems elsewhere in your code. There has been advice against calling virtual members within constructors for a long time (as in the sample code in the other question) – Damien_The_Unbeliever Jan 5 '11 at 9:45
_USER_: You're right about it being bad practice to call virtual members within constructors. Unfortunately, that decision wasn't mine to make. I'm subclassing a type provided by the Framework while also overriding one of its virtual methods. I am pretty sure that the problems lie outside of my code, and the only thing I can think of to fix this screams "ugly hack" to me. – Cody Gray Jan 5 '11 at 9:49
+1 interesting question. Also a good nota bene – MarkJ Jan 5 '11 at 12:34
see also stackoverflow.com/q/_PHONE_/185593 – serhio Sep 25 '12 at 15:09
2 Answers 2
up vote 8 down vote accepted
If you have virtual members that are going to be invoked during construction (against best advice, but we've already agreed on that), then you need to move your initialization into a separate method, that can protect itself against multiple calls (i.e. if init has already happened, return immediately). That method will then be invoked by the virtual members and your constructor, before they rely on initialization having occurred.
It's a bit messy, and may represent a minor performance penalty, but there's little else you can do in VB.
share|improve this answer
Any well-written class must either ensure any virtual members which could possibly be invoked on a partially-constructed instance will behave sensibly. C# takes the philosophy that a class instance whose field initializers have run will be in a sufficiently-sensible state to allow virtual methods to be used. VB.net takes the philosophy that allowing field initializers to make use of a partially-constructed object (and--with a little work--any parameters passed to the constructor) is more useful than a guarantee that field initializers will run before any virtual methods are called.
IMHO, the right approach from a language-design standpoint would have been to provide a convenient means of indicating that specified field initializers should be run "early" or "late", since there are times each can be useful (though I prefer the "late" style, since it allows constructor parameters to be made available to field initializers). For example:
Class ParamPasserBase(Of T)'Generic class for passing one constructor parameter
 Protected ConstructorParam1 As T
 Sub New(Param As T)
 ConstructorParam1 = Param
 End SUb
End Class
Class MyThing
 Inherits ParamPasserBase(Of Integer)
 Dim MyArray(ConstructorParam1-1) As String
 Sub New(ArraySize As Integer)
 End Sub
End Class
In C#, there's no nice way to have field declarations or initializers make use of arguments passed to a constructor. In vb, it can be done reasonably cleanly as illustrated above. Note that in vb, it's also possible to use a by-reference constructor parameter to smuggle out a copy of the object under construction before any field initializers are run; if a class's Dispose routine is properly written to deal with partially-constructed objects, an object which throws in its constructor can be properly cleaned up.
share|improve this answer
I'm not sure I follow what you're trying to say here. I don't have the ability to redesign either language, and I'm not particularly arguing over the relative merit of the choices. Furthermore, where does RIAA() come from in your code sample? You say that one can do this now in VB.NET. I'm not familiar with the syntax. Is RIAA() a custom wrapper class that you've written? And how is that different from a using statement? Beyond that, what's the distinction between "older" VB.NET and "newer" VB.NET? One is type safe and the other isn't? What does destruction have to do with the question? – Cody Gray Feb 12 '11 at 4:22
_USER_ Gray: RIAA is a class method which registers an IDisposable for deterministic automatic cleanup (in the style of C++/RIAA) and then returns it. In vb.net, the field initializers run after the list of disposables is created, so the RIAA method can add them to that list. VB.Net also allows an object under construction to be smuggled out of the constructor, so the constructor can be wrapped in a factory method which will clean up any registered IDisposable objects if the constructor throws. – supercat Feb 12 '11 at 5:48
Can you give me a link to where this RIAA method is discussed? I can't find the documentation online. I'm also not sure what disposing items has to do with initializing instance variables before the base class constructor is called. My question is not even about objects, much less those that implement IDisposable. The test case was actually an Integer or Boolean type, both of which are value types and do not need to disposed. RIAA is as useless here as it is irrelevant. – Cody Gray Feb 12 '11 at 5:51
_USER_ Gray: Sorry I was unclear. RIAA is a method in some of my classes which achieves the stated functionality when used in conjunction with other code. My point was that vb.net allows one to declare, initialize, and clean up an field in a single line of code, rather than having to have one area of the source code for object declarations, another area for initialization, and a third area for cleanup. Keeping all three aspects of a field together seems cleaner and less error-prone than having them separate. – supercat Feb 12 '11 at 5:55
I still don't get it. First of all, how is a method you've implemented in your own programs going to help me here? Second, the rationale behind implementing such a method escapes me. You can wrap the object in a using statement, which has the additional benefit of limiting its scope. I don't have any problems with the syntax of the language; my issue is with the behavior described in the spec. And third, what does this have to do with value types that don't implement IDisposable? The question I linked to with some sample code isn't calling any constructors. RIAA won't do any good there. – Cody Gray Feb 12 '11 at 5:59
Your Answer


text:
Soconusco is a region of the Mexican state of Chiapas. It is in the most southern part of the state. It borders the Republic of Guatemala on the southeast, the regions Costa, Sierra and Fraylesca of Chiapas on the east and north, and the shore of the Pacific Ocean on the southwest. It is a region of rich lowlands and foothills. The economic center of Soconusco is Tapachula.
The name comes from the Nahuatl word xoconostle, meaning the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. It was, under the Mexican culture, the farthest region of trade. The area provided jaguar pelts, cacao, and quetzal feathers for the ruling classes in the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan.


TRS Billing FAQs
How is the Interstate TRS Fund assessment calculated?
The assessment is calculated based on the 499-A data that is due to USAC by April 1st. There will be two separate transactions listed on the invoices starting in July 2020 due to the FCC Order 19-118 that initiated a second obligation to be calculated to help cover the Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IPCTS) costs. One obligation will be calculated based on the Interstate and International revenues (499-A form Line 514b) multiplied by the non-IPCTS approved rate and the second obligation will be calculated on the total TRS revenues (499-A form Line 514a) multiplied by the IPCTS approved rate.
What changes cause the assessment to be higher than in previous years, other than the amount reported on the 499-A form?
The assessment rate changes each year. Contemporary rate information can be found here.
Why do you use a portal for payment?
In December 2019, the Telecommunications Relay Service Fund account was moved inside of the United States Treasury. All payments must be initiated through the RL Pay Site. Through this portal:
 - Invoices are delivered faster than USPS can deliver it.
 - You have the flexibility to print your invoice whenever you like.
 - The time between receiving the TRS invoice and the due date are greatly expanded.
 - You can review unpaid and paid invoices.
 - All payments must be received by 3pm on the Thursday before the invoice is due to allow adequate processing time. Payments received after this, may result in the company being placed on Red Light Status.
 - The expense your company experiences (for the check stock, envelope, mailing, and handling costs) is reduced.
 - Copies of the invoice can be distributed more widely at reduced expense in less time.
 - RolkaLoube can quickly keep your contact information up to date.
What do I do if I forgot my portal password, or if I try to log in to the portal, and receive an "invalid login" message?
Use the "Forgot Password" option:
 - Select forgot password, and enter your email address associated with the portal account.
 - You will receive an email from the website with a link to reset your password. If you do not see the message within 60 minutes, please check your spam/junk folder.
 - If you are unsure of which email address is linked to your portal account, please contact requesting a password reset.
 - Once you reset your password, you will be able to log into the portal with the new password.
Why do we receive a notification from the TRS Fund that our invoice is available on the portal instead of receiving it via USPS?
RolkaLoube recognizes that your company may be used to receiving Interstate TRS Fund invoices through USPS. We have set up a modern electronic portal which will notify you via email when a new invoice has been posted to RL Pay. Please contact RolkaLoube if you need to discuss the delivery of invoices.
For payments authorized through the portal, what is the ACH information we would expect to see when clearing our account?
You will see the following information displayed on your banking statement: "TRS Payment Obligation."
I clicked to download my invoice and I am unable to find it.
Once you click "Download my Invoice," the invoice will be downloaded into your downloads folder on your computer. Please check your downloads folder on your computer once the processing flag has cleared, for a copy of your invoice.
What is the penalty for filing a late 499-A form?
All companies are subject to late filing sanctions regarding the Form 499-A, as it is a required filing regardless of de minimis status. If a TRS Fund contributor is more than 30 days late (i.e., delinquent) in filing a Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet ("Worksheet") Form 499-A, the Administrator may assess an administrative remedial charge for reasonable administrative expenses resulting from improper filing or failure to file, as well as interest on overdue contributions. The minimum administratively imposed remedial charge for failure to timely submit a Worksheet is $100. The Commission may also pursue enforcement action against delinquent contributors and late filers as well as assess costs for collection activities, in addition to those imposed by the Administrator.
What are my options for how my company is billed?
The fund offers annual billing or monthly billing. If your company's annual assessment is more than $1200, and your account has been in good standing, you will be sent a monthly invoice for 1/12 of your annual assessment. If your annual assessment is below $1200, or your account has not been in good standing, you will be invoiced for your full annual assessment.
If your company is being billed monthly and you wish to be billed the remaining amount for the year, you can request this change via an email to Companies who are being billed monthly and want to overpay are welcome to do so when making a payment through the portal. See the RL Pay User Guide for instructions on how to pay via the new portal.
We do understand that situations arise. Any other payment plans will need to be requested by submitting a payment plan request to Our accounting department will then review your account and respond with the options that you have for a payment plan.
How is the late payment fee determined?
The finance charge rate applicable to late payments is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) interest rate for underpayments for the calendar quarter beginning July 1st. The rate can be found on the IRS website,, or at 26 CFR _PHONE_-1. The minimum late payment penalty charged each month will be $1.00. There will be a $35.00 administrative charge per invoice for delinquencies that are 30 days overdue.
Our 499-A form was filed on time, but we have been assessed a late filing charge. Why?
As the Interstate TRS Fund administrator, RolkaLoube receives filing data from USAC. If we have assessed a late filing penalty, but your company's filing was timely, contact USAC to have them correct the data they have provided to us. RolkaLoube can only adjust your account after USAC corrects the data. USAC can be reached at _PHONE_ or
Where can I find FCC Form 499-A information
You can find Form 499-A information on USAC's website at
What are the payment options?
All payments must be initiated through the RL Pay billing and collections portal at Through the site, you can either pay online via credit card by selecting Pay Online Now, or set up an ACH debit or credit transfer from your bank by selecting the ACH option.
Can we send payment via check for our contribution payment?
We are no longer accepting check payments. For available payment options, see above, under payment options.
Can we pay by wire transfer?
Wire transfers are no longer accepted. For available payment options, see above, under payment options.
Where can I find a completed W9 for the Interstate TRS Fund?
Click here: Interstate TRS Fund W9 Form.
How can I contact USAC?
You can contact USAC at _PHONE_ or
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Questions can be directed to RolkaLoube's Customer Service Team at _PHONE_ Option #1, or
Are there costs that the NDBEDP will not cover?
Yes. Please see "Examples of Reimbursable Expenses" for a list of expenses that are reimbursable and those that are not.
Does the NDBEDP reimburse for the cost of cables, switches, clamps, and adaptive accessories necessary to use the distributed equipment?
Yes. The reasonable costs of cables, switches, clamps, and adaptive accessories will be reimbursed by the NDBEDP if they are necessary for the consumer to use the equipment distributed. Personal accessories that facilitate or enable other life functions are not reimbursable (e.g., a wheelchair to facilitate mobility).
Are the costs of alerting devices reimbursable?
Yes. The reasonable costs of alerting devices such as flashing lights are reimbursable when they are necessary to use the equipment distributed to make telecommunications, internet access, or advanced communications accessible to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind. Assistive lighting that is used separate and apart from the distributed equipment is not reimbursable.
Are the costs for batteries or upgrades reimbursable for equipment that was not distributed by the NDBEDP?
Yes. The NDBEDP will reimburse for batteries or upgrades on previously distributed equipment (hardware, software, applications, etc.) as long as these are reasonable and necessary to make telecommunications, internet access, or advanced communications accessible to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind.
When an equipment recipient moves to another state, which state certified program will be responsible for the upkeep of the equipment?
When an equipment recipient relocates to another state, the former state's certified program will no longer be responsible for upkeep of the recipient's equipment, nor will it be permitted to seek reimbursement for maintenance of such equipment no longer in use within the former state. In such cases, upon the request of the recipient, the former state must transfer the recipient's account and any control over the distributed equipment to the new state's certified program. The certified program in the state where the recipient relocates then will be responsible for the cost of upkeep of the distributed equipment. If the recipient needs new equipment after relocating, the recipient will be permitted to apply for such equipment in the new state.
Is there a searchable national database that certified programs can use to determine if program applicants have received NDBEDP equipment in another state?
With the start of the permanent program, the FCC was tasked with developing


text:
Werner, J. (2020). The effect of reading literary fiction on theory of mind. The Young Researcher, 4 (1), 108-147.
Theory of Mind is the ability to make inferences about the mental states of others. A positive correlation was drawn between theory of mind and language. Studies have shown that reading literary fiction positively impacts Theory of Mind abilities in adults, but no research has delved into a focus on younger age groups. This study investigates whether reading literary fiction increases Theory of Mind abilities in children. A quasi experimental quantitative method was conducted using matched sampling. Paired T-tests were run to compare pre and post test scores. The results indicate that reading literary fiction may cause an increase in children's Theory of Mind abilities at least temporarily, emulating the effect it has in adults. This research is of relevance to the recent debates on the inclusion of fiction in school curriculums and emotional intelligence in business. Further research should be conducted to ensure a more representative population is tested; these findings can be used to inform future work in this area.
Keywords: Affective Theory of Mind (Theory of Mind), Cognitive Theory of Mind (Theory of Mind), literary fiction, emotional intelligence.


text:
- Give a Gift to Education
- Just For Kids
- For Teachers
Time Travel Trunks
Our latest educational program is a time travel trunk that brings the Museum right into your classroom or educational program. Each trunk focuses on a different theme of timekeeping and is intended for use with groups of all age ranges from preschool to high school. Your group or class will embark on an exploration of time and timekeeping using the activities and artifacts in the trunk. Each trunk includes user guidelines, theme-related activities and lessons that relate to Pennsylvania State Standards of Education (if in PA), props, artifacts, and other related materials.
Discover the Treasures of Time
This trunk is an introductory kit to learning about the concepts of time, its role in our world, and how methods of timekeeping have changed. Choose from activities including making a recyclable water clock, learning the science behind the pendulum, to discovering how fruit can keep time.
Cultural Calendars: Chinese New Year Celebration
This trunk uses the Chinese New Year celebration to help students understand the unique timekeeping aspect of cultural calendar systems by comparing the Chinese New Year with Western celebrations of the New Year holiday. Teachers can help students create a mini-Chinese New Year celebration in their classroom.
Cultural Calendars: Native American Timekeeping Travel Trunk
Children will learn how Native Americans kept track of time. Crafts that recreate timekeeping pieces include calendar sticks, winter counts, and an Aztec calendar. Directions, samples of completed crafts, and explanations of the craft with the historical background are included.
Availability and Cost: Time Travel Trunks can be checked out for 2 weeks at a time, with reservations needed at least 1 week in advance. Trunks can either be picked up at the Museum during regular hours or shipped to you (your organization will be charged the shipping charges). For an additional fee a National Watch and Clock Museum educator will visit for one full day to facilitate activities.
Fee Rental period
Time Travel Trunk $50* 2 weeks
Time Travel Trunk + Museum Educator $150*+ 2 weeks (trunk) +1 school day (educator)
* Shipping costs not included
+ If requesting museum educator outside of 30-mile radius from museum, additional travel fees will apply and reservations are needed at least two weeks in advance.


Find Lesson Plans on! GettyGames
[teacherartexchange] Daily Warm-Ups in Art
Date: Thu Nov 23 2006 - 12:19:27 PST
Hey All,
I have been interested in doing daily warm-ups in art class due to the
energy and craziness of the students in most of my classes and especially because
they are 1 1/2 hours long. My students tend to finish SOOO quickly and they
learning has just barely skimmed the surface. I just bought this book called
"Daily Warm-Ups: Art Level 1" by Walch Publishing, however I was just
wondering how many other teachers use art warm-ups to lead up to larger projects.
Right now I have just started a Mandala Unit with my students and we are
going to create 4 mini-mandalas and then combine those styles to create a larger
one for each individual student.
How do warm-ups work for you? How long are they? Do they always have to
relate to the lesson?
Let me know what you think!
To unsubscribe go to


IEC 62271-215:2021
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 215: Phase comparator used with VDIS
Kehtiv alates 29.06.2021
Direktiivid või määrused
Standardi ajalugu
IEC 62271-215:2021 is applicable to phase comparators designed to be plugged into the testing points of a voltage detecting and indicating system (VDIS) according to IEC 62271-213, to give an indication of the result of a phase comparison. The main usage is to provide a clear evidence of the phase relationship between two energized parts of a high-voltage network, at the same nominal voltage and frequency before coupling them. This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61243-5 published in 1997 and the first edition of IEC 62271-206 published in 2011. This edition constitutes a merging of the content of IEC 61243-5 and IEC 62271-206. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous editions of IEC 61243-5 and IEC 62271-206: - the document does not include the specific phase comparators (SPCs) as defined in IEC 61243-5, which was specific to manufacturers, and takes back the technical principles of the universal phase comparator (UPC) for VDIS of all manufacturers; - the phase comparator for sequential connected operation is introduced to facilitate the operation of phase comparation of large MV panels.
272,22 € koos KM-ga
272,22 € koos KM-ga
Standardi monitooring


I can get the title of the active menu using
$menu = &Jsite::getMenu();
$menuname = $menu->getActive()->title;
But how can I access it's parent title?
Try this code:
$menu = JFactory::getApplication()->getMenu();
$parent = $menu->getItem( $menu->getActive()->parent_id );
$parentname = $parent->title
If you need the link
$parentlink = JRoute::_( $parent->link. '&Itemid='. $parent->id );
 - While this answer is correct, you should check the return value of getActive() because there maybe is no active menu and you get a non-object back (I think null) – Harald Leithner Apr 22 '14 at 18:24
The method getActive return a object with the active menu properties including the parent_id. The JMenu class has a method getItem($id), where $id is a menu id. This method return the same type of object that getActive. So, you can do something like this:
$parent_id = $menu->getActive()->parent_id;
$parent_title = $menu->getItem($parent_id)->title;
Since you can get the active menu, you can get the rest by getting the tree. This is usefull to traverse the item list, not just the parent!
So that you understand better, I'm spliting the answer in parts:
1. Create a variable for the active menu (for simplicity and portability):
$menu = &JSite::getMenu();
$active = $menu->getActive();
2. Pick the previous/parent menu by getting the previous item in the tree:
$parent_item_id = $active->tree[count($active->tree) - 2];
NOTE: the tree is an array, and starts with zero, that's why I am subtracting by 2.
3. Finally get the menu title:
Mind you that you also need to add some checks to see if there is an active menu, and/or other error checks.
 - You shouldn't use $menu = &JSite::getMenu();, because it is not a static function. The correct way is to use the code as specified by _USER_. – Don Gilbert Apr 22 '14 at 19:13
Your Answer


text:
Safety Monitoring Relays
Emergency stops to high-powered machinery and electrically powered tools are sometimes required if there's a malfunction, blackout or other workplace disruption. That's when a safety monitoring relay becomes essential to your job. These relays are designed to start or execute commands to stop a machine when there's a hazard or required work stoppage. Choose from electrical relays, safety relays, programmable relays and more. For more relay products, check out Zoro's selection of voltage sensor relays and relay accessories like adapters, mounting track, sensors and more.


text:
- How much do counselors with a masters make?
- How much can you make with a masters in social work?
- Are psychologists better than social workers?
- Is a Lcsw a therapist?
- Is getting a masters in counseling worth it?
- Can you be a counselor with a masters in social work?
- Which is better LPC or LCSW?
- Why do counselors get paid so little?
- Where do mental health counselors make the most money?
- How do I get a masters in social work paid for?
- How much money does a LPC make?
- What type of counselor gets paid the most?
- Is there a demand for counselors?
- Do social workers or counselors make more money?
- What is the difference between school counselor and social worker?
- What's the highest paying social work job?
- Where are the highest paid social workers?
- Are counselors in high demand?
- Do social workers make more than teachers?
- What type of therapist makes the most money?
- How long is a masters in counseling?
- How much does a private practice counselor make?
- Is an LPC a therapist?
How much do counselors with a masters make?
According to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for someone with a master's in counseling psychology is $70,000..
How much can you make with a masters in social work?
What can you expect to earn with a master's in social work? With an MSW, you should expect to make between $50,000 to $60,000 annually. According to Indeed, "those with 10-19 years experience earn a median salary of $52,000; and those with 20-29 years experience earn a median annual salary of $60,000."
Are psychologists better than social workers?
Social workers contribute to the human services field by providing holistic solutions to the social, behavioral, economic or health problems faced by their clients. Whereas, psychologists focus their efforts specifically on helping their patients address potentially damaging mental health issues.
Is a Lcsw a therapist?
The LCSW practices a type of mental health therapy that is strength based, meaning that they work with the client to find out what strong natural skills and talents they possess that can be used as a launching point to tackle issues causing hardship in the individual's life.
Is getting a masters in counseling worth it?
Yes, a masters in mental health counseling is likely worth it. With a median salary of $47,210 and 16% average job growth (Bureau of Labor Statistics), a degree in mental health counseling can help you launch a career in this human services field.
Can you be a counselor with a masters in social work?
Counseling represents a facet of social work, but social workers can only provide counseling if they have achieved a certain level of education and licensure — usually a master's degree alongside a clinical license.
Which is better LPC or LCSW?
LCSW has the advantage in all areas except for one: training. LPCs and LMHCs are better trained in therapy. However, the LCSW has more flexibility in doing private practice and working for an employer. Whatever program you choose, just make sure the social work program is CSWE accredited.
Why do counselors get paid so little?
The real reason counselors get paid what they do is quite simply, economics. One reason for the apparently low salaries is that practitioners accept those salaries. … Electricians have a median salary around $50k and it takes 5-6 years to become a journeyman electrician — that includes 4-5 years working as an apprentice.
Where do mental health counselors make the most money?
Best-Paying States for Mental Health Counselors The states and districts that pay Mental Health Counselors the highest mean salary are New Jersey ($83,050), District of Columbia ($66,080), California ($65,020), Connecticut ($64,590), and New York ($63,520).
How do I get a masters in social work paid for?
The following is a list of ten sources for MSW scholarships and grants that are available to graduate students pursuing their Master's of Social Work.Virtual Academic Center Scholarship.Yellow Ribbon Program.American Association of University Women (AAUW)Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund.Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)More items…•
How much money does a LPC make?
What Is the Average Licensed Professional Counselor Salary by StateStateAnnual SalaryHourly WageCalifornia$65,333$31.41Delaware$65,258$31.37Mississippi$65,172$31.33Vermont$64,578$31.0546 more rows
What type of counselor gets paid the most?
Here's a brief rundown of five of the hottest and highest paying counseling jobs today.School Counselor. … Career Counselor. … Mental Health, Marriage and Family Counselor. … Rehabilitation Counselor. … Gerontological Counselor.
Is there a demand for counselors?
According to the BLS, the demand for mental health counselors is expected to grow by 25% through 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. National long-term projections of employment growth may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
Do social workers or counselors make more money?
counseling salary information can vary depending on the particular career, the setting, certifications, educational background, and experience level. Salaries for social work career paths in the following list range from about $47,000-$57,600, while the included counseling careers extend from about $44,600-$47,000.
What is the difference between school counselor and social worker?
Addressing Issues that Affect a Child's Development and Education. According to The Classroom, school counselors address issues that affect a child's psychological development. … On the other hand, social workers in schools address social issues that affect a child's development and education.
What's the highest paying social work job?
The 10 Best Careers in Social WorkSubstance Use and Recovery Treatment Counselor. Median Salary: $42,170. … Mental Health Counselor. Median Salary: $42,170. … Marriage and Family Counselor. Median Salary: $42,350. … Medical Social Worker. Median Salary: $59,420. … School Social Worker. … Foster Care Social Worker. … Child and Family Therapist. … Corporate Social Responsibility.More items…•
Where are the highest paid social workers?
Highest Paying States and Industries for Social Workers Healthcare social workers also make high annual mean salaries in California ($79,620), Oregon ($74,050), Connecticut ($72,980), and Nevada ($72,640).
Are counselors in high demand?
Job Outlook Employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Increasing school enrollment is expected to lead to employment growth of these workers.
Do social workers make more than teachers?
Social worker salaries varied from $43,340 for mental health and substance abuse social workers to $54,870 for clinical social workers in 2012. Preschool and kindergarten teachers earned an average of $37,800 in 2012, while elementary and middle school teachers earned $56,180 and high school teachers earned $57,710.
What type of therapist makes the most money?
Highest Paying Psychology CareersPsychiatrist. Average Yearly Salary: $216,090. … Industrial-Organizational Psychologist. Average Yearly Salary: $102,530. … Neuropsychologist. Average Yearly Salary: $93,440. … Engineering Psychologist. Average Yearly Salary: $90,340. … Psychology Teacher. … Clinical Psychologist. … Counseling Psychologist. … School Psychologist.More items…
How long is a masters in counseling?
Answer: Master's in counseling programs are generally designed to be completed in four academic semester, or roughly two years of full-time enrollment. Students who enroll part-time in a counseling program may take three or more years to complete the degree.
How much does a private practice counselor make?
National Average As of Jan 10, 2021, the average annual pay for a Private Practice Therapist in the United States is $97,696 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $46.97 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,879/week or $8,141/month.
Is an LPC a therapist?
Licensed professional counselors (LPCs), also called licensed clinical professional counselors or licensed mental health counselors in some states, focus on mental, emotional, and behavioral issues in a variety of healthcare settings.


Monitoring and Evaluation
The Breakdown: How do we monitor and evaluate impact?
Performance management and the evaluation of our effectiveness are critical to AALEAD's success and sustainability. Our programs focus on three outcome areas: Educational Empowerment, Identity, and Leadership. We set goals for each outcome area and track specific activities (outputs) for every youth enrolled in programs to make sure all youth are provided the opportunities and activities that we believe will impact outcomes.
Ways we gather data:
 - Conducting frequent reflection activities with youth to collect youth feedback and learn what worked and what needs improvement
 - Recording program attendance to monitor the number of youth participating in each program activity, workshop, or event and accessing the opportunities we provide to track our progress in reaching AALEAD program goals
 - Collecting youth report cards to monitor academic progress and identify any youth who may be facing academic challenges to provide individualized support
 - Reviewing monthly mentor logs completed by mentors to monitor mentoring pairs' progress toward reaching AALEAD program goals
 - Administering preand post-program surveys for school year programs, as well as administering satisfaction surveys to youth and guardians to measure the outcomes of our programming. Our preand postsurveys use measures from PerformWell, a database of survey tools, that we chose in consultation with staff from Child Trends, a research organization.
The process of collecting and reviewing data is ongoing throughout the year, with staff inputting data into our data management software, Apricot. Data entered into Apricot is reviewed at supervisory 1-on-1 meetings and monthly programs meetings to assess staff progress toward reaching goals, identify any weaknesses in program implementation, and flag any individual youth who may need additional support.
The Build Up: Why do we monitor and evaluate impact?
With the data AALEAD collects each year, we are able to evaluate our process, determine how faithfully we follow our program model and how many youth completed all of the activities that we provided. We are able to examine if there are patterns in activity gaps or in youth who did not participate in specific activities. We also examine youth and parent satisfaction, self-reported outcomes, and with the preand post-program surveys and comparisons to previous years, we look for hints at how our programs may be impacting youth outcomes. Of course, many other factors influence youth outcomes and we are trying to determine AALEAD's specific impact. Currently, data specific to low-income and underserved Asian Pacific American youth is sparse. AALEAD is in a unique position to meet the specific needs of our target youth, including needs bound by cultural differences and language barriers that are going unmet and under the radar. We collect this data now to build a database for future research. In the near future, we hope to have a professional evaluator examine cohorts of our youth, triangulate, and help us to determine what specific activities have the greatest impact on our youth. AALEAD uses performance management results to continuously improve our programs and ensure we are reaching all youth who are in need.
Email Newsletters with VerticalResponse


text:
Life is a cycle, a matter of birth and death, acceptance of an end, and readiness to rebirth. The ancient meaning of antlers is rebirth – seasonally, they die, fall off, and grow back. They are extensions of an animal's skull and are a single bone structure, generally found only on male members of the deer family.
In Nordic mythology, a deer represents sensitivity, intuition, and gentleness, bringing harmony, happiness, peace, and longevity with its presence. Peaceful by nature, deer developed antlers in order to protect itself from the outer world dangers.
These jewelry pieces are symbols of instinctive protection, spiritual authority and regeneration. The design of ANTLERS collection is minimalist and nature-inspired, yet maintaining the strong organic shapes recalling the lines of antlers.


text:
OpenDCL 7.0 is now officially released as a stable version after over 2 years of development and testing. The new release adds support for AutoCAD, Bricscad, and ZWCAD+ on Microsoft Windows, giving the growing number of lisp developers a user interface framework with the same cross platform support as their programming language.
Archive for the 'Studio/Editor' Category
The Localization Project for OpenDCL has begun. He's a screenshot of the first pass at translating the properties window to German.
Other languages are currently underway.
If you'd like to help out in the translation process, please follow this link and let us know.
Over the last few builds (alpha 3-5), there have been a number of new features that have been added to OpenDCL 5. Here is a quick recap if you haven't been keeping up. Remember these new functions are still an Alpha work in progress, so make a backup before converting your existing projects. (Click on the thumbnail images below to see an enlarged version of them. Some are short videos showing the new stuff in action)
- Palette forms are now available.
- Here you'll see how to insert the palette in the editor.
- Most controls have a new Drag & Drop framework that allows them to handle the Drag & Drop events without any Lisp code at all.
- Most controls now have a transparent background.
- Now you can import an image with a transparent background into a picture box. Set the background color of the image to 192,192,192, then set the picture box background to transparent.
- A new delay function has been added: (dcl_DelayedInvoke ). This function executes a command after a set period of time (specified in milliseconds). If the command name starts with "c:", it will call the lisp function with that name. It also runs in the background, so you can keep working in Acad while the timer is still running. Unlike (command ".DELAY") where it freezes Acad & waits until the timer is done. This can be used for things like splash screens or other time-controlled activities, maybe a file system watcher or a chat application.
- Check boxes now support three states, and their 'Value' property is no longer a boolean, but an integer (0 = Unchecked, 1 = Checked, 2 = Indeterminate). Therefore, if you had code that checked whether a check box was checked via (if (dcl_Control_GetValue ) …), you'll need to change this to (if (= 1 (dcl_Control_GetValue )) …)
As Owen mentioned in his last post, OpenDCL 4.1 now supports Windows Visual Styles. So what's that mean? As you've probably noticed, each major version of Windows comes with a new set of visual styles or themes (Win2000, XP,


ML Career Presentation (Individual Performance Event) ARIZONA ONLY
This event allows members to combine career research with verbal presentation skills. One of the goals of FBLA is to prepare members for the workforce. This event begins that process through career exploration.
Each Middle Level chapter may enter members who are on record in the FBLA-PBL Online Membership System as having paid dues by the officially published deadline for the current school year.
Spring Competition Procedure
Members are to identify their dream career and conduct research for your presentation. The presentation should include the following information (but can include more):
1) What type of education is needed to enter into this career?
2) Is this career in high demand?
3) What part of the country would have the most of these types of careers?
4) What is the average starting pay for this career?
Based on their research members will create a "Dream Career" board on a tri fold presentation board. The board can include computer generated items, hand written items, etc. The more creative the better. We will NOT provide power however. Members will have up to 5 minutes to set up their presentation board and materials. The presentation will be 2-5 minutes long and will answer the four questions listed above plus provide any additional information that is relevant to the career.
Chapters may enter an unlimited amount of individuals at competition. The top three (3) winners are recognized.
CLICK HERE for the the rating sheet
Missey Goodman, State Adviser
Office: _PHONE_
Fax: _PHONE_
 - YouTube


Skip to definition.
Noun: morals mor-ulz [N. Amer], mó-rulz [Brit]
 1. Motivation based on ideas of right and wrong
 - ethical motive, ethics, morality
Noun: moral mor-ul [N. Amer], mó-rul [Brit]
 1. The significance of a story or event
 "the moral of the story is to love thy neighbour";
 - lesson
Type of: import, meaning, motivation, motive, need, significance, signification
Encyclopedia: Morals


text:
Truck drivers travel hundreds of kilometres daily, and a robust and consistent maintenance checklist can be the difference between a functional fleet and one that leaves you stranded, costing you money, affecting productivity, reputation, and your bottom line.1
"As a rule, always check commercial batteries during routine maintenance," said Murray Long, Managing Director of South Africa's innovative energy solutions provider, First National Battery. "If there's any physical damage to the battery, it should be tested and replaced by a fitment specialist and sent for recycling." Murray went on to explain that batteries contain harmful elements that can cause injury if not handled correctly.
Why commercial batteries fail
Batteries can fail for several reasons, and when they do, it's bad for business operations and a safety issue. These reasons can include,
Four tips to extend your commercial battery life and keep your fleet powered up
1. Check your battery voltage during routine maintenance to ensure it does not fall below 12.4V.
2. Clean all dirt from the battery surface as this can lead to tracking to earth.
3. Check to see that connections from the vehicle alternator to the battery terminals are tight and free of corrosion and dirt.
4. Improve the operating temperature of the battery. This can be by shielding against the source of heat or by improving the ventilation of cool air around the battery.
What's more, South Africa has extreme operating temperatures that's pushed some Original Equipment Manufacturers ((OEMs) to move the battery at increased manufacturing cost from the engine bay to inside the vehicle cabin or boot just to ensure more stable operating temperatures. Also, these OEMs have battery management systems incorporated into the vehicle electronics to ensure proper charging and voltage control.
Managing a fleet of trucks has many challenges and maintaining the vehicles' batteries is one small task that can have a big impact on your drivers' jobs and safety. Many local logistics companies use a range of locally manufactured commercial batteries that are reliable, have a long life, and have improved performance and safety to keep their fleet on the road. These batteries also pass the SANS 60095-1 Class B vibration test, which means they can withstand rugged terrain and poor road conditions, which long-distance haulers often face.
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Registration also gives you access to both Positive Impact & Green Economy Journal Digital Magazines and Newsletters


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US: +1 202‑277‑3853 MG: +261 (0)33‑05‑392‑80
Phones, Drones, and Offline Data Collection
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Phones, Drones, and Offline Data Collection
0
Phones, Drones, and Offline Data Collection
Repost: Written by me, originally published on the DataWinners site for Human Network International
This was originally published as "Phones, Drones, and DataWinners." The post has been updated to reflect the fact that the concept would work with any smartphone app that facilitates offline data collection.
No roads. No cell tower. No Wi-Fi. How could you use a smartphone app when your data senders have no way to submit the data they have collected?
Recently we've seen some innovative examples of projects the global health sector that use either remotely piloted drones or autonomous drones to reach remote locations quickly.
Remote towns that lack the infrastructure to receive medical supplies and send information are susceptible to an increase in maladies. Drones can bypass the inefficiency of the physical landscape to lessen a town's vulnerability.
The United Nations Population Fund has experimented with delivering condoms and other medical supplies to remote villages in Ghana using remotely piloted drones. Stony Brook University successfully tested using autonomous drones to deliver medicines and supplies to a distant village in Madagascar, and return with blood and fecal samples.
Could these drones also shuttle a smartphone loaded with the an offline-capable smartphone app, and provide the health workers with the benefits of a robust data collection system?
With the use of two smartphones and a physical means of transportation, data can be uploaded into the network in a timely and reliable way. Where a network connection is not an option, drones have a data speed advantage over other forms of data delivery.
A Scenario: One Drone, Two Phones
In a remote clinic health workers work offline using Smartphone A with the smartphone app to track patient health information, medical supplies, etc.
Drone at Headquarters
Smartphone A is used offline to collect data at the remote location. Headquarters is online.
Workers in the main clinic place Smartphone B into the cargo compartment of the drone. The drone then travels from a main clinic to the remote town. Upon arrival, the workers remove the incoming medical supplies and Smartphone B. They load the drone with their lab samples and Smartphone A.
Drone at remote site
At the remote site Smartphone B is removed from the drone, Smartphone A is inserted.
The autonomous drone then makes its way back to the main clinic where the workers receive Smartphone A. Smartphone A was filled with data at the remote clinic, which is then submitted to the main system with the use of an available cellular or Wi-Fi network.
Drone returns to headquarters
At headquarters the finalized Questionnaires can be submitted from Smartphone A.
With this hypothetical scenario, the remote clinic delivers better quality of care thanks the ability to exchange medicines and lab samples rapidly with headquarters. And with a well-chosen smartphone app the headquarters can better support the remote clinic with near-real-time information on patients and health worker management.
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We are the Local Environment Group for the area around Prestwood in Buckinghamshire, including Great Missenden,
The Hampdens, The Kingshills, North Dean and Speen
We aim to protect and enhance the quality of the natural environment through the involvement of local people.
The Chilterns are renowned for their wide diversity of Natural Habitats - from chalk grasslands to ancient woodlands - from rich farmland in the valleys to poor heathland on the hilltops.
Each habitat supports its own range of Notable Species.
Follow the links above to explore the richness of our natural environment.
The first 41 well-illustrated sections of this comprehensive flora by Tony Marshall documents trees and large shrubs, spore-bearing plants and some monocotyledons.
|Activities for Children|
|Publicity & Liaison|
|Walks and Visits|
|Junior Photo Competition|
|Junior Photo Competition Entry Form|
|2017 Photo Competition Results|
|Great Missenden Library|
|Angling Spring Wood|
|Hedges and Special Trees Project|
|Kiln Common Orchard|
|Prestwood Nature Reserve|
|Boug's Meadow History|
|Why no car park at Boug's Meadow|
|Butterfly Transect Route|
|Kiln Common Orchard Planting Plan|
|Ecological Flora of the Central Chilterns|
|Flowering Plants: Arable Land|
|Flowering Plants: Disturbed Land|
|Flowering Plants: Meadows|
|Flowering Plants: Ponds|
|Flowering Plants: Roadsides|
|Flowering Plants: Woodlands & Hedgerows|
|Grasses, Sedges & Rushes|
|Bees and Wasps|
|Mosses & Liverworts|
|Ancient Trees & Parkland|
|Heathland & Acid Grassland|
|Collings Hanger Pond|
|Kiln Corner Pond|


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ArcGIS Enterprise on Amazon Web Services and the AWS Management Console
The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Management Console is a web application that you can use to administer the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances and other resources that you have created on AWS. Typically, you use ArcGIS Enterprise on Amazon Web Services deployment tools to create deployments and then you use the AWS Management Console to prepare resources and accomplish advanced administrative tasks such as adjusting security group rules or attaching more storage to your instances.
For information on which browser version to use with AWS Management Console, see the AWS documentation.
Advanced users who require more specialized configurations can create deployments using the AWS Management Console. In many cases, you can create EC2 instances using an Esri ArcGIS Enterprise Amazon Machine Image (AMI), which includes ArcGIS Enterprise software. Or, if you require a different operating system, for example, you may create EC2 instances from a different AMI and install and configure ArcGIS Enterprise on these instances.
Creating a deployment using the AWS Management Console is a multistep process that requires architectural planning and an understanding of Amazon Web Services.
The following is a summary example of a basic workflow to deploy ArcGIS Enterprise using the AWS Management Console and an Esri AMI. The approach you take may vary based on your deployment needs.
 1. Prepare to deploy on AWS.
 - Create an Amazon account and make sure it includes EC2 access.
 - The first time you use a new Amazon Machine Image, accept AWS Marketplace terms.
 - Create Amazon security groups for ArcGIS, configuring at least one security group that allows remote access.
 - For ArcGIS Enterprise deployments on a single EC2 instance, configure an Amazon Elastic IP address and map a fully qualified domain name to the IP address. Create the Elastic IP address in the same Amazon region as your deployment.
 - For deployments that include multiple machines (multiple EC2 instances), create Elastic Load Balancers (Classic) in the same Amazon region as your deployment. Create CNAME DNS mappings for each load balancer.
 2. Launch an AWS instance to create a base ArcGIS Enterprise deployment or a highly available portal and connect to the instance to license software.
 3. Create the ArcGIS Server roles you require and federate them with the portal.
 - Launch an EC2 instance for each federated server site you require. Use the same Esri AMI you used to create the portal.
 - Federate each site with the portal.
 4. If your users will publish services that reference registered data, set up a place to store your data on AWS.
 5. Move your data to AWS.
 6. Customize security on your AWS instances.
 7. Configure the ArcGIS Enterprise portal to meet your organization's needs.
 8. Prepare your production environment.
This help system describes many of the steps summarized above. Another helpful resource is the Amazon Web Services documentation, which explains how to use the AWS Management Console and how to program with Amazon Web Services.


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SUMMARY: NASA's remotely piloted Helios aircraft was destroyed on Thursday when it broke up over the Pacific Ocean near the Hawaiian Islands. The Helios is a large flying covered with solar cells which is designed to fly at very high altitudes for very long durations - it broke the world altitude record when it reached 29,500 metres in August, 2001. In the future, fleets of these aircraft could replace the services of satellites for a fraction of the cost. The cause of the accident isn't known.
What do you think about this story? Post your comments below.


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Popular Science Kids
Weird, Wild & Wonderful: Amazing Animals From Tiny to Tall, Furry to Feathered & Sea to Sky
Other Editions of This Title:
The Giant Book of Anmials will give kids a close-up look at many of these, both familiar and unfamiliar, from the huge blue whale to the tiny pink fairy armadillo and dozens of other animals from all around the globe. They'll also get a fanciful glimpse of a few mythical creatures that have only existed in legendary tales, as well as a look at very real animals that are now permanently gone from the planet. Finally, kids will learn about some of the many species that are critically endangered today, giving them their first awareness of how important it is to respect and protect all of Earth's animal life.
Centennial Kids, 9781951274863, 128pp.
Publication Date: November 16, 2021


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Rage against the Bathing Machine
Neatorama just featured this great and strange photo of bathing machines, and I was completely intrigued. Apparently, the sheds on wheels were popular in the 19th century (even Queen Victoria had one!) and were there to--what else?-- protect a woman's chastity. At the time, beaches were segregated, so men and women used separate sections. In fact, because it was considered coarse to see a woman in her bathing suit, ladies entered the machines in their street clothes, changed into their swimwear in the dark room (there were no openings for light in the sheds), and then had the little room pulled toward the water.
To actually enjoy the ocean, women employed "dippers" to help them descend into the water at an appropriate pace, dunk them with appropriate vigor, and pull them out at the appropriate time (there were a lot of rules). Perhaps the most fascinating thing about the bathing machines, though, isn't the fact that they existed, but just how prevalent they were. While some beaches and resorts used horses to pull the things into the water, others had wooden ramps for the wheels, and steam-powered cables to push and pull the machines in and out. Once mixed gender beaches became the norm in the early 1900's, however, the machines went the way of the dinosaurs. Story via the geniuses over at Neatorama.


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System Properties is a section of Microsoft Windows for editing operating system settings, including hardware settings, connectivity, user profiles, security settings, and the computer name. The image below shows an example of how the system properties window looks in Windows 10.
How do I open System Properties?
- Press the Windows key + Pause/Break key on the keyboard. Or, right-click the This PC application (in Windows 10) or My Computer (previous versions of Windows), and select Properties.
- Under Control Panel Home, click one of the bottom three options.


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Source and receiver deghosting by demigration-based supervised learning
Journal article, Peer reviewed
MetadataVis full innførsel
OriginalversjonGeophysical Prospecting. 2022. 10.1111/_PHONE_.13253
Deghosting of marine seismic data is an important and challenging step in the seismic processing flow. We describe a novel approach to train a supervised convolutional neural network to perform joint source and receiver deghosting of single-component (hydrophone) data. The training dataset is generated by demigration of stacked depth migrated images into shot gathers with and without ghosts using the actual source and receiver locations from a real survey. To create demigrated data with ghosts, we need an estimate of the depth of the sources and receivers and the reflectivity of the sea surface. In the training process, we systematically perturbed these parameters to create variability in the ghost timing and amplitude and show that this makes the convolutional neural network more robust to variability in source/receiver depth, swells and sea surface reflectivity. We tested the new method on the Marmousi synthetic data and real North Sea field data and show that, in some respects, it performs better than a standard deterministic deghosting method based on least-squares inversion in the τ-p domain. On the synthetic data, we also demonstrate the robustness of the new method to variations in swells and sea-surface reflectivity.


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What do "parergonal" and "parergon" mean in the following sentence? Can anybody suggest some synonym?
Thus, the figurative signification of structure does not escape but instead confirms the parergonal and supplemental status of ornament. If structure in its metaphorical sense is the fully conceived structured idea of the building, then ornament becomes the parergon that reifies the underlying essential idea, the recessive unseen structure. (Source: "Structure/ornament and the Modern Figuration of Architecture" by Anne-Marie Sankovitch)
I checked them out in American Heritage Online English dictionary and Wikipedia, but I wasn't able to figure it out, and I'm struggling because I'm actually not able to understand what Anne-Marie Sankovitch said.
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closed as general reference by Marthaª, MετάEd, TimLymington, tchrist, Mahnax Aug 27 '12 at 17:18
Did you try "define: parergon" using Google, a method that was suggested to you in the answer to a different question of yours? Also, Wikipedia is not a dictionary, so if you are looking for definitions, it is not a good source. You might try Wiktionary instead. Also, since you are reading academic articles, you should probably consult a more sophisticated dictionary. – KitFox Aug 27 '12 at 17:02
Also, "parergon" is defined earlier in that very article. – KitFox Aug 27 '12 at 17:06
1 Answer 1
From the OED's entry for parergon:
parergon /pəˈrɝːgɒn/.
Pl. parerga (in 7 erron. parergas).
Etymology: L. parergon an extra ornament in art, a. Gr. πάρεργον by-work, subordinate or secondary business, etc., sb. use of neuter of πάρεργος beside or in addition to the main work, f. παρά beside + ἕργον work.
 1. In Painting: Something subordinate or accessory to the main subject; hence, generally and fig., ornamental accessory or addition, grace, embellishment.? Obs.
 2. By-work, subordinate or secondary work or business; work apart from one's main business or ordinary employment. Also a work, composition, etc., that is secondary to or a derivative of a larger or greater work; an opusculum.
 3. † A supplemental work. (As title of a book.)
Note that senses 1 and 3 are both considered obsolete.
I suggest you gain access to an unabridged dictionary. You aren't going to be happy with all the words that these so-called "learners" dictionaries leave out, like oh maybe... opusculum.
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When engineers perform electromagnetic-compatibility testing of microwave equipment, they can take advantage of the BHA9118 double-ridged horn antenna. It features linear polarization and offers 5.5- to 15-dBi gain, depending upon the frequency. The field strength capability at one meter is 250 V/meter. A standard N-type coax connector is provided for low-voltage standing-wave ratio and high-voltage handling. The antenna mounts on a standard tripod, which uses a standard quarter-inch camera thread hole. Position can be horizontal, vertical, or at a 45° angle. The BHA9118 meets all relevant ANSI, FCC, IEC, IEEE, IL, and SAE standards. Price is $3200.
Schaffner EMC Inc.


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Let X be a (finite dimensional) manifold. Consider smooth mapping space $$PX = C^\infty(I, X)$$ where I = [0,1] is the closed interval. Is this space paracompact? What if we fix a point x in X and consider the pointed path space, is this space paracompact?
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1 Answer 1
up vote 3 down vote accepted
What topology do you want on $C^\infty(I,X)$? One natural topology, the one of uniform convergence of all derivatives, is metrizable, so paracompact.
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Your Answer


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Unless you forget the Sunday joint in the oven, a burning smell from any electrical appliance is something you should take very seriously. It's generally a sign that the machine is about to break down, and it could well indicate that it's in a dangerous condition. If you smell burning in or around your washing machine you need to take immediate steps.
Where is the Smell Coming From?
If the smell is clearly coming from the washing machine itself, switch it off and unplug it immediately. If the smell appears to be coming from the plug, plug socket, or wire, switch off the power to the circuit and wait for everything to cool down before unplugging.
In either event, don't use your machine until it's been assessed by a service engineer. A burning smell from this appliance is a sign that you need urgent washing machine repairs. There are a number of things your engineer will check.
1. The drive belt
A worn or damaged drive belt can slip, this causes friction which leads to the belt overheating, resulting in a very distinctive burning rubber smell, indicating that the worn belt needs to be replaced. While this task isn't especially complicated it's still best undertaken by a qualified repairman. Washing machine motors generate a lot of static and it's possible to get a very nasty shock from one even when the appliance is unplugged.
2. Drive motor pulleys
Pulleys can rust or degrade over time, and once this has happened they will generate friction when the machine is in operation. At worst a damaged pulley can seize up totally, which will put a strain on the drive belt and lead to overheating.
3. The drive motor
Like the pulleys and belts around it, the drive motor itself can overheat and cause a burning smell. Sometimes this is as a result of a primary fault in the motor, other times a fault in a belt or pulley can cause the motor to burn out. A competent engineer will generally check all of this, to determine the full extent of the work to be done before starting your washing machine repairs. Replacing one or two components is likely to be cost effective but if several parts are faulty it might be more cost-effective to replace the machine.
4. Electrical faults within the machine
Faults in the wiring or water coming into contact with the electrical components of your machine could result in an electrical burning smell from within the washing machine. Switch it off, isolate it from the power supply and call an engineer.
Reduce the risk of your washing machine developing faults
Every home appliance has a usable lifespan and sooner or later faults will develop, but there are a few things you can do to maximise the chances of getting the longest possible use from your washing machine. Attending to faults as soon as you notice them will always keep your washing machine repair bills down in the long run. A single faulty component could cause a cascade of other problems to develop, so delaying repairs may increase the work that needs to be done and the cost of doing it. Apart from this, the very best favour you can do your washer is to not overload it. Overloading puts excessive strain on the belt, the pulleys and the motor itself making their failure more likely.


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TB blackspots: Over 3,800 herds locked up in 2017
Some 3,885 herds were restricted or locked up with TB at some point throughout 2017, figures released by the Department of Agriculture show. When compared to 2016, that's an increase 5.5%.
In addition, some 17,266 reactors (test-positive animals) were identified nationally – up on the number witnessed throughout 2016. This translates to a herd incidence rate of 3.47% nationally, which is up from 3.27% in 2016.
Continuing on recent trends, the TB blackspots identified are once again located to the east of the country – namely Wicklow, Meath and Dublin. The counties of Waterford, Donegal and Mayo had the lowest herd incidence rates.
Wicklow (west) recorded the highest herd incidence rate of 11.05%, with 61 herds restricted – at some point – of the 552 tested throughout the year.
Wicklow (east) takes second place with a herd incidence of 5.97%, whereas Longford had the lowest number of reactors and herd incidence at 73 and 2.21% respectively.
In Munster, the highest herd incidence rate was recorded in Cork (north) at 4.72%. This was closely followed by Tipperary (north) at 4.26%.
However, Waterford had the lowest number of herds restricted and reactors at 36 and 149 respectively.
Ulster and Connacht
Farmers in Cavan experienced the highest rates of TB in the Ulster and Connacht region. Of the 4,757 herds tested throughout the year, 263 were restricted due to the identification of a reactor.
In addition, over 1,000 reactors were detected in Monaghan, 975 in Galway and 507 in Mayo. However, Donegal recorded the lowest herd incidence at 2%.


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Commentary: Water leaking through the ceiling in malls could point to issues in Singapore's built environment
Newer buildings with award-winning designs cannot replace the safety and health of workers, users and occupants, say NUS professors Daniel Wong and Gabriel Kor.
SINGAPORE: On Aug 6, parts of a false ceiling at NEX shopping centre in Serangoon crumbled onto the floor following a water leakage incident.
The next day, Westgate mall in Jurong East reported that a broken pipe from a unit on the fourth floor had caused water to leak to the atrium on the second floor, with online videos showing water trickling down from a cracked false ceiling.
The back-to-back incidents remind us of the need to take care of our buildings.
Why is this happening in a first-world country like Singapore? Are we seeing the beginnings of neglect or were these one-time incidents?
NEX was opened in November 2010, while Westgate was opened in December 2013. Irrespective of the year they were built, it is essential to operate and maintain these million-dollar assets to ensure lives are protected and revenues remain healthy.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has projected total construction demand to reach between S$25 billion and S$32 billion per year from 2023 to 2026, supported by public sector projects.
In line with the Singapore Government's ambitions to develop a world-class infrastructure and built environment, we have been pushing the ambit of sustainability, resilience, wellness and digitalisation.
However, it has been harder to retain built environment experts such as architects, engineers, project managers, facility managers and quantity surveyors, as they seek greener pastures for better salaries and opportunities.
This brain drain leaves junior staff with little or no practical training. Perhaps it is timely to relook the human capital deployed in relation to the value of invested assets.
AWARD-WINNING DESIGNS CANNOT REPLACE SAFETY
As a nation, we have found the economic drive to improve construction, operations and maintenance costs by outsourcing and having outcome-based contracts where payment is tied to measurable requirements.
Could this be the early warnings of a need for a more focused and collaborative approach to projects and facilities?
In terms of time and cost, developers now have a shorter construction time to get their buildings up, particularly when you consider higher sustainability standards and regulatory compliances for COVID-19 that need fulfilling. This is followed by short-term contracts of one to two years' maintenance.
Such is the prevalence of this old practice, and it is timely to reset the outdated cycle. Newer buildings with award-winning designs cannot replace the safety and health of workers, users and occupants.
LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS OF BUILDINGS WITH IMPERFECTIONS
And what about the legal ramifications to the owners of building assets with the imperfections? From a regulatory perspective, penal consequences may flow from the Building Control Act as well as the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
There are provisions in the Building Control Act that allow BCA to step in and order the building owner to carry out investigations and repair works. Periodic structural and facade inspections are also the norm with the latter being the more recent enhancement in building control law.
Failure to adhere to such laws results in fines. The Workplace Safety and Health Act places obligations on the building owner as the principal to ensure the safety of those who work upon their premises.
From a civil law standpoint, businesses and individuals adversely affected by these defects in the buildings may have legal recourse to the building owners for damages via tort law namely negligence, occupier's liability, and possibly even private nuisance.
Dispute resolution methods may include the Small Claims Tribunals, mediation and, as a last resort, litigation. An out-of-court settlement is usually preferred due to confidentiality concerns.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
So, what can we do to address the issues? First, there should be more access to more government-published benchmark construction and facilities maintenance cost data.
This cost data can determine realistic budgets for the next tender if it is professionally costed. With a fair and reasonable estimated procurement value, contractors can hire more experts for better supervision.
Second, infrastructure development, as well as project and facilities management, involve a multitude of skills. These skills are important to deliver the best-in-class infrastructure and buildings with a life-long objective to be sustainable and resilient.
To achieve this, sufficient human capital - especially at technical to middle management levels - must be addressed. The human capital factor cannot be understated.
With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore is realising that our reliance on foreign manpower and imported materials is not sustainable. With top management wanting middle management to tighten operating expenses, it is inevitable there may be more of such workplace incidents.
Moving forward, we must embrace technology and training to deliver better outcomes. Benchmarking is not only for profits, but also for safety and health.
If workers are not being supervised or a team is being stretched beyond limits, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There must be a paradigm shift in the way we support our built environment experts.
International company CBRE estimates that facilities management costs in the United States have risen about 17 per cent since January 2019 due to the tight labour market and rising material costs.
In Singapore, we will probably see an increase of at least 20 per cent to 30 per cent in cost for construction and facilities, based on recent trends in public and private tenders. In addition, the cost of new technology and sustainability measures will add to the many things needed to operate and maintain.
This should be commensurate with the projected salaries of built environment experts.
The total capital expenditure will lead to a higher cost for operating a building, but in the long run, can Singapore afford to avoid this cost?
Daniel Wong Hwee Boon is an Associate Professor practising projects and facilities management. Gabriel Kor Meng Chiat is an Associate Professor of Law instructing students and industry on facilities management law. Both are professors from the Department of the Built Environment at the National University of Singapore.