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Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Despite flashes of inspiration, this sequel to the unexpectedly compelling Maleficent can't seem to get out of its own way.
Despite flashes of inspiration, this sequel to the unexpectedly compelling Maleficent can't seem to get out of its own way.
It's clear that success has allowed Waititi to hire all the right people to execute his vision. And yet I left Jojo Rabbit thinking that…
Roger Ebert on James Ivory's "Howards End".
"The Ballad of Narayama" is a Japanese film of great beauty and elegant artifice, telling a story of startling cruelty. What a space it opens…
A remembrance of two legendary groundbreaking Divas who recently passed away, actress Diahann Carroll and opera singer Jessye Norman.
An article about the International Documentary Association's (IDA's) Documentary Magazine Editorial Fellowship Initiative.
A remembrance of two legendary groundbreaking Divas who recently passed away, actress Diahann Carroll and opera singer Jessye Norman.
An article about the International Documentary Association's (IDA's) Documentary Magazine Editorial Fellowship Initiative.
An FFC takes a look at the stunning performance at the center of Todd Phillips' Joker and what the film says about heroes, villains, and…
If this movie wasn't so dumb, I would have probably found all of this offensive.
The latest on streaming and Blu-ray, including Crawl, Annabelle Comes Home, Midsommar, and a great Criterion box set of Von Sternberg films.
A TV review of Netflix's Living with Yourself, starring Paul Rudd and Paul Rudd.
William Friedkin's "Killer Joe" is one hell of a movie. It left me speechless. I can't say I loved it. I can't say I hated it. It is expertly directed, flawlessly cast and written with merciless black humor by Tracy Letts. It's about the Smiths, the stupidest family I've ever seen in a movie that's not a comedy.
The Smiths live in a trailer that is apparently somewhere near Dallas, although we never see a street or a skyline suggesting the city. Our clue is the Dallas police car used by Killer Joe. Whoever painted it must have known where he was. Killer Joe is not stupid, but he makes the mistake of never realizing just how dumb the Smiths are. He's played by Matthew McConaughey, soon after "Magic Mike," and both films take advantage of his reptilian charm and his snaky, hunky, me-first aura. This is one of his best performances.
Killer Joe is known as a cop who sometimes hires out as a contract killer. His services are mentioned to Chris Smith (Emile Hirsch), a witless young man who desperately needs to find money to pay drug dealers before they kill him. He suggests to his father, Ansel (Thomas Haden Church), that they hire Joe to kill Chris' mother (Ansel's first wife) so they can collect on her life insurance policy. We never meet the intended victim, but she will obviously not be missed; when kid sister Dottie (Juno Temple), the youngest person in the film, overhears them, she says it sounds like a good idea. "What good is she doing anyone?" Chris asks, begging the question of what good he, Ansel and Dottie are doing anyone.
There is one more Smith, Sharla (Gina Gershon), who is Ansel's current wife, and Chris and Dottie's stepmother. Falling out of her dress, with her mascara often smudged, she could be the poster child for that underused word "slattern." She not only goes along with the scheme but may have more to do with it than anyone realizes.
The film depicts a world that is holding onto habitability by its fingernails. Filmed by the great cinematographer Caleb Deschanel, it depicts a place where a billiard parlor has one table, fires burn all night in empty oil drums, chained pitbulls bark and slather, the nights are dark and stormy, and the flat-screen TV seems to be playing the same video about monster trucks over and over again. Striking a blow for good taste, Killer Joe eventually lifts the TV over his head and smashes it to the floor.
Almost everyone gets smashed to the floor in this movie — Chris twice, by drug dealers and Killer Joe. There are a lot of broken noses, swollen purple cheekbones and bloody faces. There is also a lot of nudity and sex, and McConaughey has an eerie power in one scene where he smoothly stage-manages Dottie in her deflowering, and another where fellatio is performed on a fried chicken drumstick. The movie is rated NC-17, and rightly so, and answers the question of how much sex and violence a mainstream movie requires to earn that rating. In my opinion, the MPAA should set the bar lower. The MPAA cautions, "graphic disturbing content involving violence and sexuality, and a scene of brutality." A scene of brutality — singular? I counted six.
Friedkin and Letts have worked before as director and writer, in the claustrophobic masterpiece "Bug" (2006). They swing for the fences. "Killer Joe" played at Chicago's small Next and Profiles theaters, and then moved over to the larger Royal George, winning rave reviews ("this anatomy of depravity" — Hedy Weiss, Sun-Times). I can hardly imagine the experience of it onstage; it epitomizes the physicality that's typical of Chicago theater. As a film, it's something else. The audience laughed at the right places, applauded at the end and walked out talking about how disgusting it was.
A tribute to Robert Forster.
This message came to me from a reader named Peter Svensland. He and a fr...
The experts sound off on what films to watch in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day.
A short film about two friends trying to get through a period of loss.


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Proposed play clock changes won't stop the death of defense
Every once in a while you just have to lay it out, no matter how hard it is for others to hear.
There's too much scoring in college football.
MORE: Okla. State's Gundy rips idea | See what's proposed | 10 Spot: QBs ready for promotions
SN PICKS: Alabama's 10 all-time best players
There, everyone secure with that concept? Now let's address the real reason the NCAA rules committee has proposed new limits on when the ball can be snapped.
Defense is dying.
So to find a level playing field on both sides of the ball; to give defenses a better opportunity to compete, change must be made to counterbalance what is now clearly out of whack.
Case in point: the proposed play clock rule changes.
The problem is, the real message is distorted because no one wants to admit that defense has become play and pray as college football has progressed through the BCS era. Instead, we use some inane "player safety" argument as the foundation of why offenses — under a new proposal — can't snap the ball for the first 11 seconds of the 40-second play clock.
PHOTOS: College football icons | Top 10 for 2014 | New coaches
Listen to Mike Stoops, Oklahoma's defensive coordinator and a guy who has coached some of the nation's best defenses in the BCS era, explain the real message:
"It's a completely different game now," Stoops says. "You've got big, strong athletic guys on the other side of the ball, and the goal is to spread the defense and create matchup problems. You've got splits on the offensive line that you'd never see in the past; linemen are so athletic, they can cover ground and create a larger area of the point of attack. You've got 325-pound offensive linemen with tremendous athletic ability pulling in the run game, and the screen pass game.
"You've got skill players that are getting faster and stronger, and a whole lot better than they were years ago. There's speed everywhere on the field. Now throw in the dual-threat quarterback, a guy that you have to account for every single snap. They're going to find a weakness. It's only a matter of time."
And this is what happens when they do: In the first year of the BCS in 1998, there were 33 teams that averaged more than 30 points a game. Last season, there were 57.
In 1998, there were 31 teams that averaged more than 400 yards a game. Last season, 71 teams surpassed 400 yards a game.
Last season, 63 teams averaged at least 40 percent on third-down conversions, and 32 teams were 45 percent or better. Any coach at any level will tell you converting 40 percent or more on third down translates to winning football.
Converting more than 45 percent is championship football.
The NCAA only began keeping track of third-down conversions in 2005, but consider this: in 2005, 16 teams averaged 45 percent or better in third-down conversions. That key number — maybe the most important statistic to illustrate an offense's success — has doubled in nine years.
"It's more athletic and gifted players, and it's rules that benefit the offense," former Georgia and current Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham told me last year. "You can't get your hands on the receivers, and there's holding on every play that isn't called. It's football these days; games go down to the last series. I tell our guys, I don't care what happened the previous 59 minutes. We just need one stop now."
Florida State and Auburn combined for 65 points in the BCS National Championship Game. UCF and Baylor combined for 97 points in the Fiesta Bowl; Oklahoma and Alabama had 76 in the Sugar, and Ohio State and Clemson had 75 in the Orange.
All four of those games were played after significant time off, in most cases at least a month from the previous game. Offenses, because of timing issues related to the layoff, shouldn't be as prolific in these games.
Yet they are, and have been for years now as players continue to improve athletically and offenses continue to take advantage of it — and defenses continue to feel the brunt of it all.
So a new rule could prevent the offense from snapping in the first 11 seconds of a play. Do you really think that's going to slow down offenses?
If you're snapping with 28 seconds remaining on the play clock, you're still running tempo, still wearing down an opponent, still taking advantage of your speed and skill to expose a defense. And the defense still is on the short end of it all.
Playing and praying.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Compare quotes from 3 local auto locksmiths
Extreme Locks > Lost-ford-key > Belfast
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Our engineers will meet you anywhere in or close to the Belfast area and they can provide spare car keys or replace lost car keys within about 60 minutes from the time they arrive at your vehicle.
Lost and stolen ford car keys in Belfast should be treated differently than simple car key repairs or replacements of faulty car keys as there could be a third party who has your lost or stolen key. In this situation we will delete all the keys from your vehicle and provide a brand new key for your car.
If you do not have a spare car key and you have lost your only key for your ford then we will have to program 2 new car keys for your vehicle as a ford must have 2 keys registered in its memory for the car to work.
No matter what you need from a ford car key specialist in Belfast you can count on our team here at Extreme Locks Ltd to provide a quality service as quickly as possible.
Belfast is a city in some nearby surrounding towns near Belfast are Edenderry , Mallusk, Newtownabbey, Holywood, Ballylesson, Dunmurry, Dundonald, Drumbeg, Ballyskeagh, Drumbo, Milltown , Moneyreagh


text:
|Computer-controlled testing process and device for administering an examination
|Samph et al.
|Testing system including removable storage means for transfer of test related data and means for issuing a certification upon successful completion of the test
|Samph et al.
|Automated answer evaluation and scoring system and method
|Image processing system for documentary data
|Keogh et al.
|Method and apparatus for correlating respiration and heartbeat variability
|Method and apparatus for storing and merging multiple optically scanned images
|Medical information system with automatic updating of task list in response to entering orders and charting interventions on associated forms
|Brimm et al.
|Computerized mastery testing system, a computer administered variable length sequential testing system for making pass/fail decisions
|Lewis et al.
|Open ended question analysis system and method
|Bishop et al.
|Hierarchical database conversion with conditional write
|Alexander, Jr. et al.
|Method for generating patient-specific flowsheets by adding/deleting parameters
|Norden-Paul et al.
|Method for providing an on line help facility for interactive information handling systems
|Johnson et al.
a) receive means for electronically receiving a plurality of answers for test questions, the answers each comprising an electronic representation of at least a portion of a test answer sheet;
b) organization means for electronically dividing the test questions by resolution expertise and for electronically organizing into separate groupings answers to questions related to resolution expertise; and
c) display means for electronically presenting to a test resolver a particular one of the groupings such that the test resolver can selectively view and score the answers to the test questions related to the resolver's resolution expertise.
The present invention relates to a system for processing answers to test questions.
The scoring of test answer sheets involves complex problems. These test answer sheets typically include a series of response positions such as, for example, "bubbles," ovals, or rectangles. A person taking a test would, for example, darken in an appropriate oval with a pencil to answer a multiple choice question. These test answer sheets may also include handwritten answers, such as essay or short answer questions. Systems for scanning and scoring the bubbles on such answer sheets are known in the art. Increased difficulties are encountered, however, when such answer sheets either include other types of answers, such as handwritten answers, or cannot be machine graded. For example, if the student has failed to include his or her name on the test answer sheet, the system may be unable to machine score the test answer.
The goals in scoring test answers that cannot be machine scored include efficiency and consistency. These test answer sheets are typically scored by test resolvers either by manually scoring the physical test answer sheet or scoring an electronic representation of the test answer sheet on a computer. Ideally, the scores provided by the various test resolvers for a particular test question should be consistent, since the scores are used in comparing performance of the students against one another. In addition, a test resolver should ideally work efficiently so as to maintain consistently high scoring rates. The test resolver should not have such a high scoring rate that the consistency or quality of scoring significantly declines; likewise, the test resolver should not have such a low scoring rate that the too few answer sheets are being scored. This manual scoring of test answer sheets, however, makes it difficult to monitor the consistency of scoring among the various test resolvers.
In many situations, test resolvers actually travel to a particular location so that all test resolvers may simultaneously score test answer sheets. Requiring the test resolvers to travel to a given location is inconvenient for the resolvers and expensive for those who administer the tests. Furthermore, tracking the performance of test resolvers against both their own performance and the performance of other resolvers can be very difficult with a manual scoring environment.
The process of resolving test questions is currently done manually, and this presents problems. A resolver is manually presented with the actual test answer sheets for scoring. This process is relatively inefficient, since the resolvers must score the answer sheets one at a time and in the order in which they are presented. Also, manual scoring systems do not have the capability to efficiently gather and categorize the test answers for subsequent analysis. Therefore, with a manual system it is very difficult to determine how teaching methods should be changed to decrease, for example, the number of incorrect answers.
A need thus exists for a system that promotes and achieves consistency and efficiency in scoring or resolving of tests.
The present multiple test item scoring system facilitates the speed at which answers to test questions are processed. The system efficiently organizes, groups, and displays the answers to the questions such that a test resolver can simultaneously view multiple answers. The system receives a plurality of answers for test questions. The answers each comprise an electronic representation, such as a scanned image, of at least a portion of a test answer sheet. After receiving the test answers, the system organizes the answers into separate groupings, typically by resolution expertise of the test resolver. Finally, the system displays to a test resolver a particular one of the groupings such that the test resolver can selectively view and score the answers to the test questions related to the resolver's resolution expertise,
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a network that incorporates the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a portion of the network shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the scanning configuration in the network of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the server in the network of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of receiving and processing of test items.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart of multiple item scoring.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart of categorized (special) item reporting.
FIGS. 8-10 are a flow chart of collaborative scoring.
FIG. 11 is a flow chart of quality item processing.
FIG. 12 is a flow chart of resolver monitoring and feedback,
FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an on-line scoring guide system.
FIG. 14 is an example of a user interface for use with multiple item scoring.
In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration for a network that incorporates the present invention. This configuration is shown as an example only; many different hardware configurations are available, as recognized by one skilled in the art, for implementing the software processing functions described below. The network shown comprises a mainframe computer 20 interfaced through a backbone token ring to a plurality of RISC servers 11, 12 and 13. Each RISC server is interfaced to a token ring that contains work stations and scanners. The RISC server 11 is connected in token ring 1 to scanners 14 and work stations 19. The RISC server 12 is connected in token ring 2 to scanner 15 and work stations 18. The RISC server 13 is connected in token ring 3 to scanners 16 and work stations 17. The mainframe computer 20 is also connected to a high capacity printer 22 and a low capacity printer 21 for printing reports of stored data within the system.
The system uses the scanners for reading in test answer sheets. These test answer sheets may comprise, for example, test forms with "bubbles" or ovals representing possible answers, handwritten essays, or other various types of written or printed information. After receiving the scanned test data, the system within the RISC servers can process those scanned test answer sheets to generate test items of interest from the answer sheets. A test item is, therefore, an electronic representation of at least a portion of a test answer sheet. The system may distribute these test items to the work stations for on-line scoring. A test scorer at a work station can then score the test item and enter a test score. The system receives the test scores via the network and the RISC servers and distributes the scores to an appropriate computer for subsequent printing and reporting; the appropriate computer may include, for example, the mainframe computer 20 or a server. The system may also transmit the test scores to, for example, a disk or telephone line.
FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of a portion of the network shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the scanning units shown in FIG. 1 typically comprise a scanner 25 interfaced to a computer 24 and personal computer (PC) 26. FIG. 3 shows a more detailed block diagram of a scanning unit. The scanner 25 contains a camera 31 for optically reading in a test answer sheet, and further contains optical mark recognition (OMR) logic 32 for processing the scanned data received from camera 31. The PC 26, preferably implemented with a high performance 486-level PC, contains a frame buffer 23 for receiving the scanned image data from the scanner 25.
The computer 24, preferably implemented with an HP 1000, is interfaced to the scanner 25 and PC 26 for controlling the operation of the scanning unit. The computer 24 is optional; the system may alternatively be configured such that all of the functionality of the computer 24 is within the PC 26. The computer 24 controls the scanner via the OMR logic 32 and thus controls when image data is scanned in and subsequently transferred to the PC 26. The PC 26 essentially acts as a buffer for holding the image data. The computer 24 further controls when the PC 26 will interrogate the image data for transmission to a server 27 for subsequent processing and scoring. The PC 26 can also electronically remove or "clip" an area of interest from the image data, which represents at least a portion of the scanned test answer sheets.
Examples of two systems for storing and extracting information from scanned images of test answer sheets are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,134,669 and 5,103,490, both of which are assigned to National Computer Systems, Inc. and are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.
The server 27 receives the image data, which includes test items, and provides for processing and control of the image data. This portion, which may be a test item, is then distributed to the work stations 28, 29 and 30 for subsequent scoring. A test resolver (scorer) at the work station typically receives the test item, performs the scoring, and transmits the score to the receiving computer.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the hardware and software functions in a server in the network of FIG. 1. A scan control module 31 interfaces with the scanner PC 26 and receives the image data. The image data is stored in a raw item database 36- The central application repository (CAR) 33 typically stores document definitions and handling criteria. The document process queue 37 functions as a buffer into a main processing module 45 in server 27
The main processing module 45 controls the processing of test items. It controls the transmission of test items to the work stations for scoring and the transmission of scores to the mainframe computer 20. The main processing module 45 also monitors the performance of the test resolvers to maintain consistent and efficient resolving of test items, as is explained below.
The main processing module 45 typically contains the following basic functions, which are controlled by system management module 32. A work flow module 38 receives image data from the database 36 and controls the flow of data into an edit process module 39. The edit process module 39 may perform machine scoring of the test items. For those test items which cannot be machine scored, or possibly for other test items, the system transmits such test items to the job build function 40. The job build function 40 determines what type of subsequent scoring is required for the test item and, for example, which work station will receive the test item. A job send module 41 receives the test item and transmits it to a router 42, which in turn transmits the test item to a send/receive communication module 43. Edit work module 34 and edit server module 35 control the flow of test items into and out of server 27. Incoming data, such as test answers from the work station, are transmitted through modules 34 and 35 to a job receive module 44. The job receive module transmits the data to the edit process module 39 for subsequent storage within the database 36.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of typical scanning and processing of test and answer sheets. The document processing system receives the test answer sheets, or other documents, at step 50 and performs initial clerical preparation of the documents (step 51) for scanning at step 52. The system at step 52 scans the documents for OMR and other image data. The system may then process the OMR bubbles at step 53 and store the data in the work-in-process storage (WIP) at step 54. The system at step 56 can "clip" areas of interest from the scanned image. The step of "clipping" involves electronically removing, typically in software, a portion of the test item or scanned image. These "clipped" areas may comprise any portion of a test answer sheet; for example, a handwritten essay or selected response positions. The system may also receive image data directly from foreign sources, magnetic or electronic, and store the data in raw item database 36. Subsequent operations on the data are the same regardless as to the source of the data. After "clipping" areas of interest from the image, the system stores the test items at step 57 in the work-in-process storage 55.
The system waits at step 55 until it determines that a test item is ready to be resolved or scored. If multiple resolution items are present within the image data, as determined at step 59, then the system sends the test item to multiple item processing at step 63. Otherwise, the system performs other resolution processes on the data at step 60 and stores the result in work-in-process storage 55 at step 61. Other resolution processes may include, for example, machine scoring, raw key entry, and analytic resolving.
Analytic resolving or scoring may include, for example, map comparisons such as bit-mapped comparisons between two test items. The map comparisons allow a test resolver to compare, for example, the answers of a respondent over time to track the respondent's progress. For example, the analytic scoring may involve comparing two hand-drawn circles by the respondent to determine if the respondent's accuracy in drawing circles has improved over time. Analytic scoring may also include, for example, circling or electronically indicating misspelled words and punctuation errors in an answer such as an essay.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart of typical multiple item processing. The system at step 64 typically first fetches a multiple item image from the work-in-process storage. The image is stored in a multiple item display memory 65 and a multiple item display storage 69 for subsequent display to a resolver. The system continues to receive multiple items until either the item display is full, as determined at step 66, or no more multiple items are present as determined at step 68. As long as the display is not full and additional multiple items are present, the system preferably scans the work-in-process storage at step 67 for additional items. When the multiple item display is full or no more multiple items are present, the system sends the compiled multiple items to a resolver at step 70 and displays the multiple test items on the resolver display 71.
The system typically transmits test items to a particular resolver based upon the resolver's resolution expertise. For example, a certain resolver may be assigned to score all of the test items relating to science questions. Resolution expertise may also comprise, for example, math, english, history, geography, foreign languages, or other subjects.
An example of an interface on the resolver display is shown in FIG. 14. The interface typically comprises a plurality of cells 74, with each cell containing one test item to be resolved. After displaying the.multiple items in the cells of the resolver display, the system allows the resolver at step 72 to score the multiple items. A test resolver would typically indicate the score of the answers by using a "mouse," light pen, touch screen, voice input, or some other type of cursor control or input device.
In the example shown in FIG. 14, the correct answer is "four" and the incorrect answers are indicated by the shading. Alternatively, a resolver could indicate the correct answers. The advantage of the multiple item system arises from the simultaneous display of test items in the cells 74, which allows a test resolver to quickly score many test items and thus achieve a faster response time in comparison to the display and scoring of only a single test item at a time. Even the simultaneous display of two items increases response time. As the matrix of cells increases, the simultaneous display of test items achieves a significant increase in response time and resolver attention and focus.
After scoring or resolving, the system receives the results at step 73 for subsequent storage in work-in-process storage 55. A test resolver typically transmits the results of resolving all displayed test items in the cells as a single unit for batch processing.
FIG. 7 is a typical flow chart of categorized (special) item reporting. Categorized item reporting allows the system to both group answers according to predefined categories and monitor processes used by the students or test-takers in arriving at a given answer. The categories in which test answers may be grouped include, for example, incorrect answers and correct answers within a curriculum unit within an instructional grouping and requested time frames; for example, all of the incorrect math answers in a particular instructor's class during the previous school year. Other groupings are possible depending upon the needs of the test resolvers and instructors who teach the material to which the test relates.
In addition, the system may merge an image of a test item with the corresponding score. In order to facilitate teaching of material to which the test relates, the system typically merges a test item representing an incorrect answer with the corresponding score. By reporting the actual test item, an instructor may gain insight into a thought process used by the student in arriving at the incorrect answer. Therefore, by having some knowledge of why a student answered a test question incorrectly, an instructor can take measures to change or modify teaching strategies to correct the situation.
The categorized item reporting normally comprises the following functions. The system at step 75 scans the work-in-process storage for items that are ready to be reported. If test items are ready for reporting, as determined at step 76, the system processes the data at step 77 for generating an appropriate report of the data. At step 78,. the system scans the central application repository for definitions of categorized (special) items. As special items are available for reporting, as determined at step 79, the system retrieves the special items at step 80 and can merge it at step 81 with other report information, such as the corresponding test items, as explained above. The system then distributes a report at step 82, which can be a printed report.
FIGS. 8-11 are a flow chart of a typical collaborative scoring system. The collaborative scoring system provides for functions to achieve fairness and objectivity in resolving of test items. The collaborative scoring, for example, allows two resolvers to score the same item and, if the answers are not within a certain predefined range, provides for subsequent processing to resolve the discrepancy.
The system at steps 83 and 84 determines if items are available for scoring. At step 85, the system receives collaborative scoring requirements from the database and determines at step 86 if collaborative scoring is required. Examples of collaborative scoring requirements are illustrated below. If collaborative scoring has been specified, the system retrieves the item to be scored from the work-in-process database at step 87 and sends the item to resolvers 1 and 2 at steps 88 and 91.
The system is further able to choose resolvers according to selection criteria at steps 89 and 90. The selection criteria of the resolvers for scoring answers may include, for example, race, gender, or geographic location. The ability of the system to assign test resolvers to score particular test items provides the basis for increased fairness and consistency in the scoring of tests. For example, the system may assign test resolvers to test items based on the same racial classification, meaning that the test resolver has the same racial classification as the student or respondent whose test the resolver is scoring. The system may also assign test resolvers to test items based on a different, forced different, or preferred blend of classifications. The system monitors consistency in scoring based on the selection criteria and, more importantly, can change the selection criteria to ensure consistent and fair scoring of test items.
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing additional typical functions of the collaborative scoring. At steps 92 and 93, the system displays the items to resolvers 1 and 2 for scoring. The system may further track the average scores of resolvers and not send the same test item to two resolvers who have provided average scores within a predefined range. This also helps to achieve consistency in scoring. For example, if two scorers each have provided high average scores in the past, as determined by the system, these two scorers should preferably not be collaboratively scoring the same test items, since it could result in "inflated" scores for particular test items.
The system records the scores from resolvers 1 and 2 at steps 94 and 95, respectively, and stores such scores in a temporary storage 96. At step 97, the system compares the scores according to criteria specified in the central application repository. Such criteria may include, for example, requiring that the scores be within a predefined percentage of each other. If the scores meet the criteria as determined at step 98, the system records the score in the work-in-process database at step 46. Otherwise, if the scores do not meet the criteria, the system determines at step 99 if the scores of the resolvers must agree. If the first two resolvers scores do not need to agree, then the system preferably transmits the test item to a third resolver to "cure" the discrepancy in the first two scores. At step 100, the system determines if the third resolver should see the first scores.
FIG. 10 shows additional typical processing of the collaborative scoring. If the original resolvers 1 and 2 must agree on a score, then the system executes steps 101-105. 105. The system then typically first displays to each resolver the other resolver's score at steps 101 and 102 so that each resolver can see the score determined by the other resolver. At step 103, the system establishes a communication between the two resolvers. Such a communication link may be, for example, an electronic mail link so that the scorers can exchange information regarding the reasoning behind the score provided. At step 104, the resolvers work together to determine a single agreed-upon score for the test item. The system may prevent the resolvers 1 and 2 from receiving another test item until they have entered an agreed-upon score for the previous test item. Finally, at step 105, the system stores the agreed-upon score in the work-in-process database.
Instead of allowing the resolvers to work together to record an agreed-upon score, the system may optionally record either a greater value of the first and second test scores, a lower value of the first and second test scores, or an average value of the first and second test scores.
If the collaborative scoring criteria specifies that the third resolver should arbitrate the discrepancy and determine a score, then the system displays scores from the resolvers 1 and 2 at step 106 for resolver 3. The third resolver (resolver 3) then typically enters a score for the test item at step 107, and the system records the score in the work-in-process database at step 108.
If the collaborative scoring requirement specifies that the third resolver should not see the first two scores, then the system executes steps 109-111. At step 109, the system displays the test item for the third resolver. The third resolver then typically enters a score at step 110, and the system records the score in the work-in-process database at step 111.
FIG. 11 is a typical flow chart of the use of quality items in the scoring process. The system can use quality items to check and monitor the accuracy of the scoring for selected test resolvers in order to maintain consistent and high quality scoring of test items. At step 112, the system determines or receives the quality criteria. The quality criteria may be, for example, a predetermined test item with a known "correct" score.
The system then waits for a scheduled quality check at step 113. At the quality check, the system, at step 114, sends the known quality item to the scheduled resolver. At step 116, the system updates the resolver's quality profile based on the evaluation at step 115. If the resolver should receive a quality result, as determined at step 117, the system displays the quality profile to the resolver at step 118. At step 119, the system sends the quality profile to a manager for subsequent review. At step 120, the system takes action required to assure scoring accuracy.
FIG. 12 is a flow chart of typical resolver monitoring and feedback. The primary factors in monitoring performance typically include: (1) validity; (2) reliability; and (3) speed. In monitoring these factors, the system promotes repeatability of scoring. These factors may be monitored by tracking a resolver's performance against past performance of the resolver or against some known goal.
Validity is typically measured by determining if a particular resolver is applying the scoring key correctly to test items or, in other words, scoring test items as an expert would score the same items. Reliability is typically measured by determining if a particular will resolve the same test item the same way over time (providing consistent scoring). Speed is typically measured by comparing a resolver's scoring rate with past scoring rates of the resolver or other scoring rates, such as average scoring rates or benchmark scoring rates.
At step 121, the system typically continually monitors the resolver's performance and updates the performance. Monitoring the resolver's performance may include, as explained above, monitoring the resolver's validity, reliability, and speed in resolving test items. The system periodically, according to predefined criteria, performs performance checks of the test resolvers. Predefined criteria may include, for example: a time period; recalls (how often a resolver evaluates his or her own work); requesting help; the number of agreements among multiple resolvers; the amount of deviation between the resolver's score and a known score, which may be determined using quality items; the frequency of these deviations; the speed at which a resolver enters a response during resolving of test items; the length of time between scores entered by a test resolver; a test resolver's previous scoring rate, an average scoring rate of a test resolver; average scoring rates of other test resolvers; or some predetermined benchmark scoring rate.
At step 122, the system determines whether it is time for a scheduled performance check according to the predetermined criteria. If it is time for a performance check, the system at step 123 compares the resolvers' current performance, as determined at step 121, with the stored performance criteria. At step 124, the system determines if there is a discrepancy in the resolver's performance according to the predetermined criteria. For example, the system may determine if the resolver's current scoring rate is within a predefined percentage of the average scoring rate in order to ensure efficient scoring by the test resolver. If there is no discrepancy, the system returns to monitoring the resolver's performance. In addition, the system may store the resolver's current performance values for later processing. Otherwise, the system reports the discrepancy at step 125.
At step 126, the system determines if it should recommend a break in scoring to the resolver. If according to predetermined performance criteria, the system should recommend a break in scoring, then the system signals the resolver at step 128 to halt scoring. Predefined performance criteria may include, for example, deviations in the resolver's validity, reliability, or speed of resolving test items. Examples of predefined performance criteria are provided above with respect to the monitoring of resolvers' performance.
When the resolver stops scoring, the system may provide the resolver with the option of requesting diversionary activities. Diversionary activities are designed to provide the test resolver with a rest period and "break" from scoring to increase efficiency. Examples of diversionary activities include computer games and cross word puzzles. If the resolver has requested such diversionary activities, as determined at step 129, then the system transmits a diversionary activity to the resolver at step 130. Otherwise, the system returns to monitoring the resolver's scoring rate when the resolver resumes the scoring.
If the system at step 126 does not recommend a break in scoring based on the discrepancy, then the system may optionally provide the resolver with diversionary activities as determined at step 127. If the resolver should receive the diversionary activities, then the system sends such activities to the resolver at step 130. Otherwise the system returns to monitoring the resolver's scoring rate.
FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a typical on-line scoring guide system. The on-line scoring guide increases scoring efficiency by allowing the resolver to request scoring rules in order to assist in scoring a particular test item. In response to the request, the system displays scoring rules corresponding to a test question for the test item currently displayed to the resolver. A resolver may thus quickly have specific scoring rules available on-line while scoring test items. This promotes scoring efficiency and reduces unnecessary break times resulting from determining how to score a particular test item.
At step 131, the system sends a test item to a resolver for scoring and displays the test item at step 132. If the resolver has requested scoring rules, as determined at step 133, then the system interrogates a stored scoring guide to locate scoring rules that correspond to a test question for the test item currently displayed to the resolver. The system retrieves those particular scoring rules at step 135 and displays them to the resolver at step 136. The system preferably uses a multi-tasking environment in order to simultaneously display the scoring rules and the test item. At step 134, the system waits for the resolver to score the test item. At step 137, the system stores the test score entered by the resolver into the work-in-process storage.
As described above, the present invention is a system that processes test items. The various functions used in processing the test items promote efficient, high quality, and consistent scoring of test items.
While the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that many modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations thereof. For example, a different hardware configuration may be used without departing from the scope of the invention and many variations of the processes described may be used. It is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.


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text: Korean Job Discussion Forums :: View topic - GG Hobby Bands in Korea Speak Korean Now! Korean Job Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in GG Hobby Bands in Korea Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> General Discussion Forum View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message AustinKJLeeJoined: 29 Oct 2012Location: Seoul Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2012 9:03 pm Post subject: GG Hobby Bands in Korea HI, If you can play any musical instruments(guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, vocals), please join our GG Hobby bands in near Seoul. One subway station(Cheolsan) from Gasan Digital Station in Seoul. We have 8 teams in GG Hobby Bands and 4 subscription concerts in a year. You can have many Korean guys interested in music like Rock, Pops and K-Pops. Weekdays : from 8 pm to 11 pm (one team per day) Weekends, Sunday, Holidays : 9am to 11pm Pleae visit cafe.daum.net/bandss fee : 40,000won / month Mobile: 010-2546-6848 Austin KJ Lee Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> General Discussion Forum All times are GMT - 8 Hours Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Forums:----------------FAQJob-related Discussion ForumGeneral Discussion ForumOff-Topic ForumTravel ForumCurrent Events ForumTechnology ForumBuy/Sell/Trade Forum You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling. Contact Dave's ESL Cafe Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved. Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group TEFL International Supports Dave's ESL Cafe


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No biggie. The next morning I brought in super glue from home, and carefully put it back together. Pissy walked in just as I was finishing up.
Dr. Pissy: "What are you working on?"
Dr. Grumpy: "The C-spine model. I accidentally broke a vertebrae, and had to glue it back."
Dr. Pissy: "Where?"
Dr. Grumpy: "Right here" (points to part of model) "It snapped off when it hit the floor."
Dr. Pissy: "Looks good. I can't even see the crack."
Dr. Grumpy: "Yeah, it was easy. I can't believe they pay neurosurgeons so much to do this."


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A wealthy Burr Ridge Democrat who'd been exploring a run for Congress today suspended that effort and is backing former U.S. Rep. Bill Foster's bid to return to Washington.
John Atkinson initially planned to challenge Democratic Southwest Side Rep. Dan Lipinkski from the current 3rd Congressional District. Atkinson, a business executive, had raised more than $535,000 in the first half of this year, federal election spending reports showed, including $270,000 that he loaned his campaign.
But in redrawing the state's political borders following last year's federal census, Democrats led by Lipinski ally Michael Madigan drew Atkinson into the new 11th Congressional District that stretches from New Lenox and Joliet north through Bolingbrook and takes in Burr Ridge on the northeast and Aurora on the northwest.
"After giving the matter careful consideration, I believe that it is in the best interest of my community and the state for me to suspend my exploratory campaign and support Bill Foster in his effort to become my congressman in the new 11th Congressional District," Atkinson said in a statement.
Saying that Foster, of Batavia, has taken "courageous votes" on some issues, but that he does "not agree with him 100 percent of the time," Atkinson said, "I think it's more important for me to support a candidate like Bill Foster than to run against him just because I want to serve."
Atkinson is a progressive activist who had chafed at Lipinski's sometimes conservative social stances. Foster won a special election to replace retired Republican U.S. House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert of Plano and then won a full two-year term before being ousted last November from the current far west suburban 14th District by Republican Randy Hultgren, a former state senator.
Atkinson's decision is part of the early jockeying over Congress, even though Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn has not signed into law the Democratic-passed redistricting map. The map was designed to unravel last year's mid-term elections which saw Republicans pick up four seats and hold onto a fifth seat. The new map could give Democrats at least three of the new 18 seats.


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HDS7 - SKF Flex seals
The ingress of water and solid contaminants is a common cause of bearing failures. To solve this, SKF developed the HDS7 seal with enhanced exclusion capabilities (fig 1). It was originally designed for grease lubricated bearings in rolling mill stands, where water and scale are a constant threat to bearing service life. The HDS7 is also recommended for use in large gearboxes, coal pulverizers and cement grinders. Customers have reported that the HDS7 seal is easier to install and provides longer service life than similar seal designs.
The HDS7 seal features an optimized non-spring-loaded lip profile, designed to retain grease and aggressively pump contaminants away from the lip. The lip concept of HDS7 seals also reduces radial loads, which otherwise can lead to elevated underlip temperatures and increased seal wear.
The HDS7 seal is available with a nitrile sealing lip for general use, SKF Duralip for increased wear resistance in abrasive environments and SKF Duratemp that combines improved wear resistance with increased temperature capability. For certain applications, SKF Duralife can also be specified. For additional information about different sealing lip materials, refer to the section Sealing lip materials.
Spacer lugs are available as an option. For additional information, refer to the section Additional design features.
HDS7 seals are available for all shaft diameters within the ranges listed in the table. A selection of available sizes is listed in the product table. Contact your SKF sales representative for additional information regarding availability.


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No surprises, or new faces, on the practice field today, as the Raiders get in one last practice before breaking for four days during the bye week.
Cornerback Shawntae Spencer (foot), right offensive tackle Khalif Barnes (groin), defensive tackle Richard Seymour (unknown) and tight end Richard Gordon (hamstring) are the only players not taking part in the proceedings.
Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (concussion) is practicing for the second straight day. We spotted him running routes and catching passes, too, which bodes well for a return against the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 14.
Not sure what's up with Seymour not practicing. He was here Monday and Tuesday. Best guess is, coach Dennis Allen gave Seymour the day off so that Seymour could fly to Georgia to spend more time with his family. That has been the case in recent seasons.
— Word is circulating that the league will consider moving the Raiders-Jaguars game to Monday night, Oct. 22, if the A's advance to the American League Championship Series.
The A's could host Game 6 and or 7 that weekend, depending upon how things play out. Not worth worrying about this early, but be forewarned if you have tickets to that game.


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Ryan is a Very Helpful and Nice Guy
Fund: Storm Ventures, Inc.
Posted by haiying on 2008-05-13
I pitched my company to him and it was a great meeting. We were early for them and I ended up taking angel money. Since then we have been engaged in many conversations about business model and I have received lots of help from Ryan: sending me related market news, connecting me with domain experts, and introducing partner companies upon my request. He is really a nice guy and very helpful even though Storm didn't invest my company.PRIVATE: Members Only


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- Living
- Dining
- Bedroom
- Outdoor
- Office
- Storage
- Lighting
- Accessories & Complements
Once more, Starck's creative genius and Kartell's technology bring to life a revolutionary and fascinating design: La Boheme, a collection of stools in precious vase shapes. There are two designs: La Boheme 2 and La Boheme 3. The two shapes reflect classic Greek vase styles, one an elongated Amphora with a wide base and the other a stout Stamnos shape. Each design highlights a different aspect of the case as an object, in terms of the delicate and precious appearance and the stable and functional seat. Only exclusive technology, used for the first time in the design sector by Kartell, has allowed the creation of a collection of stools which are completely transparent and whose shape holds remarkable aesthetic impact. La Boheme stools suit any place, in the living room and in the garden, on the balcony and in the kitchen. The elegance of the design, colours and material set these vases apart, ideal for creative and original decoration and for personalizing any setting.
REMINDER: The La Boheme 2 Vases are not designed to be filled with water. Simple fact is that the vases are not watertight and they will leak! The vase is better suited for decorative use with dry foliage, rather than fresh cut flowers that require water to survive.
|Product Type
|Philippe Starck
|Year of Design
|Country of Origin
|La Boheme 2 Vase Diam 34 x 42.5h cm
You can send us a message to request more information about this product. Just fill in the form below.
How long until you receive your Online Order?
Depending on your location, delivery will be within five (5) to ten (10) business days for items that are "In stock". Delivery to remote areas may take longer but our aim is to deliver your order as quickly as possible.
Space does not ship internationally.
Delivery Services - White Glove Service
White Glove Service is the term we use for our premium delivery service. You may contact us to book the Space White Glove Delivery Service for any deliveries within 100km from the Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane CBD.
From Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane this service will cost between,
The Space White Glove Service includes delivery by our experienced warehouse team who will deliver, unpack, assemble (if required) your purchase and dispose of the packaging materials.
Delivery Services - Courier or Post
Express 500g, Small, Medium, Large or Oversized Orders will be delivered via Post or Courier and costs will be calculated based on volume and distance in the checkout. Please note for delivery of bulky items to remote areas, we may be required to obtain a quote separately, please contact us directly to place your Order.
Please note that a signature will be required upon delivery at the nominated address. Delivery will occur between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday - Friday and we are unable provide an exact time or call prior to delivery.
If an exact time or call is required prior to delivery, we recommend contacting us to organise White Glove Service.
Technical Sheet (La_Boheme.pdf, 44 Kb) [Download]
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April 10, 2014
Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19
An unexpected visit from someone who lives far away is likely to throw your schedule off kilter, Aries. Even though you'll be glad to see your friend, the visit could require a lot of calls to break appointments and postpone meetings. Once that's done, however, you'll have a good visit. You and your friend should each have a lot to report. You'll talk for hours. Relax and have some fun!
Taurus Apr 20 – May 20
An unexpected financial setback could have you reeling at first, Taurus. Perhaps an emergency, such as a toothache or car breakdown, requires a substantial expenditure that you hadn't planned for. You can probably find a way to deal with the crisis. You may have resources to draw upon that you aren't aware of now. Go over all your finances and you could be pleasantly surprised. Hang in there!
Gemini May 21 - Jun 20
You could be feeling restless and frustrated due to a temporary separation from a partner, Gemini, perhaps a business partner but more likely a romantic one. Phone contact could be difficult as well, because you could both be busy and keep missing each other. Find something fascinating to do that will take your mind off the situation. Get together with friends and have some fun. The time will pass more quickly.
Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22
A rather disconcerting rumor about your job could reach your ears, Cancer. Perhaps you'll hear that the company is being sold or undergoing a shakeup in the hierarchy. You might get caught up in a frenzy of worry about whether or not you'll stay on. Before jumping to any conclusions, phone someone who knows what's going on and find out the truth. What you've heard is probably just gossip.
Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22
A number of great ideas either for new creative projects or enhancing ongoing ones could pop into your head during the day, Leo. If you don't write them down immediately, they could just as easily pop right out again, never to return! With all your responsibilities, you could have a rather frantic day as your mind constantly shifts from one focus to another. Stay with it. You can handle it.
Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22
A person with whom you work, probably a woman, could leave suddenly without notice or stated reason, Virgo. This could be confusing, and you might find yourself wondering if there are changes within the company that you know nothing about. Try to learn exactly why this person left. If you can't ask him or her directly, discreetly ask someone who might know. It's important, if nothing else, for relieving your anxiety.
Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22
Someone you've wanted to hear from for a long time, perhaps an old friend who lives far away, could ring you up today while you're out, Libra. You'll be happy to get the message, but it could result in a frustrating game of phone tag throughout the day. Don't get so irritated you give up. Keep trying. You'll eventually touch base, and you'll be glad you did!
Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21
A rather upsetting dream could disturb your sleep tonight, Scorpio. When you wake up and focus on the real world, it could seem so bizarre as to not be worthy of serious consideration. Nonetheless, write it down. After some time has passed, go over the symbols and see what they suggest to you. The dream is trying to tell you something about a specific situation in your life, albeit in a weird way!
Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21
A colleague or possibly a romantic partner could be in a rather touchy mood today, Sagittarius. Therefore, you might find this person difficult to deal with. You could get a bit irritated and wonder if this person is worth the aggravation he or she is causing you. Don't do anything foolish. This mood will pass. Try to stay out of your friend's way, if possible. All should be back to normal by tomorrow.
Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19
You tend to be very intuitive, Capricorn, but today you could find your psychic abilities short-circuit. If you give readings, don't schedule any for today. This isn't to say your abilities are blocked, but they aren't as dependable as they usually are. Likewise, your imagination isn't as reliable either. Don't worry. This is just typical writer's or artist's block. You'll be back to normal by tomorrow.
Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18
Some rather upsetting news about a friend could come to you today, Aquarius, probably over the phone. This could be the truth, but more likely the facts have been distorted in the retelling. In fact, what you're hearing may actually be nothing more than gossip. Phone someone who might know what's really going on, preferably the friend you heard about, and check the facts before driving yourself crazy.
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20
Your health is making life weird today -- though there may not be anything you can put your finger on. Try to get a check-up or, better, take a positive step toward better living. Your ability to communicate skillfully will be prized now, and you may be working on a book or major magazine feature, or filming a pilot on a TV show, as some examples.


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A Christchurch man threatened to douse himself in petrol and set himself on fire in Hagley Park in a last-ditch effort to resolve an insurance dispute over his quake-damaged house.
The incident earlier this year has raised concerns that similarly desperate Cantabrians might give up before they seek help over insurance settlement grievances.
Insurance and Savings Ombudsman Karen Stevens, whose office deals with insurance disputes after internal complaints processes are exhausted, detailed the incident at an international conference of government and industry watchdogs in Wellington today.
The man had contacted her office in June after his insurer refused to deal with him except through its lawyer.
The insurer had agreed to settle, but when the man still had not been paid out after agreeing to buy another property he became "very angry and upset".
"His contact with the insurer became more and more fraught. He had no confidence in the people he was dealing with and then the insurer told him that he could not deal with all of the staff - he was only allowed to deal with the legal counsel."
Ms Stevens said in total desperation, he threatened to "douse himself in petrol and set fire to himself in Hagley Park".
"He said that it was the only way that he could get the proceeds of his life policy to pay for the purchase of the property for his wife."
The insurer eventually paid out his claim but refused to have anything further to do with him after contacting police, saying he was a danger to himself and its staff.
Ms Stevens said the man approached her office seeking help to restore his relationship with the insurer.
The office did not launch a formal investigation but helped to restore contact, which the insurer agreed to - provided the man was not abusive or threatening to staff.
Ms Stevens was concerned similarly desperate people might give up before contacting her office.
"This is a real challenge to us going forward - to make sure that all consumers with complaints who can access the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman scheme actually get to our scheme, so that if we can help them, we do help them."
Ms Stevens said a big part of that was getting the right information to consumers.
The Insurance and Savings Ombudsman has investigated about 40 complaints and received about 800 inquiries since the September 4, 2010 earthquake.
The inquiries at first were about delays, how to contact Earthquake Commission and whether or not customers were covered.
But with time, the number of complaints about temporary accommodation and settlements grew.
"All sorts of issues have arisen that you couldn't have contemplated before this disaster."
Ms Stevens said the Ombudsman scheme could make decisions only on one-off investigations, rather than general rulings, and insurers could choose not to accept a decision.
Legal precedent may be needed settle more complex issues, such as whether insurers had to pay for the actual damage to red zone houses, or to pay out a insurance claim in full.
Chief Human Rights Commissioner David Rutherford told the conference that business and human rights was an emerging area. In New Zealand, a number of insurers had signed up to international agreements to abide by international human rights norms.
The conference also heard from Japanese and Australian Ombudsman officials who discussed their responses to recent natural disasters - including last year's earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and the floods and cyclones that hit Queensland two year's ago.


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The guy who filmed this video pulled over because Superman flew overhead. Wouldn't you?
According to YouTube poster Triathlonky, the Superman flyer seen here is most likely a custom job, meaning that you can't just run out and buy one. But, man, there's a lot to admire in the sculpt and swoop of the thing. I love the spread-out arms and fluttering cape. And because it's nearly life-size, it almost seems like Kal-El is watching over us. If Warner Bros doesn't have some kind of thing like this on shelves when the Man of Steel movie opens, then Lex Luthor will have won.


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Office 2011 for Mac: Adding Shadows, Glow, and Reflection to Shapes
Office 2011 for Mac makes it easy to add effects to shapes. In addition to being able to format the inside of a shape, you can use the different tabs of the Format Shape dialog in Office 2011 applications to choose shadows, glow effects and reflections to adorn the outer part of your shape.
Formatting a shape's shadow in Office 2011
When you use the Shadow formatting controls of the Format Shape dialog, you can choose from inner, outer, and perspective shadow styles.
After you choose a shadow style, you can control several aspects of the shadow by using slider and spinner controls: angle, color, size, blur, distance from the shape, and transparency. To turn shadows on or off, select or deselect the Shadow check box.
Adding a glow effect to a shape in Office 2011
Similar to the shadow effect is the glow effect. It's like a shadow, but it surrounds the entire shape like a halo instead of being directional. To add a glow effect, in the Glow and Soft Edges tab of the Format Shape dialog, click the Color pop-up menu and choose a color. Drag the sliders or use the spinner controls to adjust the size of the glow and how transparent it is.
The same dialog has an option for Soft Edges, which is like an inverse of a glow because it eats into the shape area itself rather than growing it larger. You can decide how big the optional soft edges should be. As with most special effects, limit using glow to specific purposes so you don't overuse it.
Adding reflection to a shape in Office 2011
Reflection is a popular feature, but be careful not to overuse it. If you've added reflection from the Ribbon and wondered whether you can fine-tune how the reflection looks, the Format Shape dialog is the place. You can control the following aspects of the reflection:
Reflection: When the check box is selected, the shape has reflection.
Transparency: Use the slider or spinner to adjust see-through.
Size: Use the slider or spinner to adjust the reflection's size.
Distance: The slider and spinner determine how far away the reflection will be from the shape.
Rotate Reflection with Shape: When selected, the reflection will rotate when the shape is rotated.


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MONTE CARLO, MONACO – Rafael Nadal's mastery of the Monte Carlo clay courts seems to be over.
The top-ranked Spaniard hopes his confidence isn't gone, too.
Nadal lost to fellow Spaniard David Ferrer 7-6 (7-1), 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters on Friday, his earliest exit since 2003 at a tournament that helped build his reputation as perhaps the greatest clay-court player of all time. Nadal won eight consecutive titles here from 2005-12, before losing to Novak Djokovic in last year's final.
This was Nadal's first loss on clay to Ferrer since 2004, and the 13-time Grand Slam champion said he is still trying to find his best form after a disappointing loss to Stanislas Wawrinka in the Australian Open final.
"After what happened in Australia, (it) was little bit harder for me to find again the intensity, the confidence, the inside power that always I have," Nadal said. "Even if I won Rio, I played the final in Miami, you know, (this) remains something in my mind and in my game."
Djokovic looked like he might follow him out, but the Serb finally got the better of the unseeded Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 to set up a 34th career meeting against 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer.
"I started very poorly. Garcia-Lopez played well and I had to work for this win," Djokovic said. "I finally started to play as I wanted in the second set."
Federer leads Djokovic 17-16 in head-to-heads and they are 1-1 this year, with Federer beating him in the Dubai Championship semifinals and Djokovic winning their final at Indian Wells.
The Serb was close to losing against Garcia-Lopez, saving a break point in the fifth game of the second set and two more when trailing 15-40 in his next service game.
Djokovic then made a crucial break to take a 5-3 lead, served out the set, and then broke Garcia-Lopez twice at the start of the third.
Ferrer hardly needed to dig deep as Nadal committed 44 unforced errors and gave away 10 break-point chances on his serve.
"I didn't play the right way. I didn't play with the right intensity with my forehand. I played too short," Nadal said. "I give him the chance to have the control of the point almost all the time."
A day after becoming the 11th man in the Open era to reach 300 wins on clay, Nadal was broken four times in the face of Ferrer's relentless attack.
"All losses feel bad but especially on clay," Nadal said. "I'm not happy with how I'm playing."
The first set-statistics make for ugly reading, with Nadal making only 54 percent of his first serves, and hitting a meager five winners on his normally trusty forehand.
The sixth-seeded Ferrer next faces the third-seeded Wawrinka, who reached his first semifinal since the Australian Open by beating eighth-seeded Milos Raonic of Canada 7-6 (7-5), 6-2. Fourth-seeded Roger Federer also reached the last four in an error-strewn 2-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1 win against No. 9 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France, where he was two points from defeat at 0-30 serving at 6-5 down in the second set.
Federer, who improved to 11-4 against Tsonga, wasted 15 straight break points and three set points in the second set But at 6-6 in the tiebreaker, Tsonga hit a wild forehand into the net and Federer leveled the match with a volley winner.
"It was just many things went wrong at the wrong time for me: Jo playing well, me playing wrong at certain times, wrong shot selections," Federer said. "I'm happy I found the way to tough it out."


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Oral Insulin for Prevention of Diabetes in Relatives at Risk for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00419562
Recruitment Status : Unknown
Verified March 2017 by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
Recruitment status was: Active, not recruiting
First Posted : January 8, 2007
Last Update Posted : March 28, 2017
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- Results Submitted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system (the part of the body which helps fight infections) mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin (islet cells found in the pancreas). As these cells are destroyed, the body's ability to produce insulin decreases. There is evidence suggesting that repeated oral administration of an autoantigen (the same protein that the immune system is reacting to) may introduce a protective immunity and cause the immune system to stop its attack. An earlier, large scale study was done to see if oral insulin could delay or prevent the development of Type 1 diabetes in relatives at risk for developing Type 1 diabetes. The overall results showed that for the entire study population, oral insulin did not delay or prevent Type 1 diabetes. However, an analysis that was done after the conclusion of the trial suggested a potential beneficial effect in a subgroup of participants. The participants who seemed to benefit from oral insulin had higher levels of insulin autoantibodies which are directed against insulin itself ( called mIAA).
The Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet study group will further explore the potential role of oral insulin to delay or prevent Type 1 diabetes in a similar group of people. The study will also include a secondary group of individuals at different levels of risk than those in the primary cohort to gather information for future studies.
|Condition or disease
|Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
|Drug: Oral Insulin
|Phase 3
Eligible participants will be randomized to receive either oral insulin (7.5 mg of recombinant human insulin crystals) or placebo daily.
All participants randomized into this study will be seen at a study site for a follow-up evaluation, three and six months after randomization, and every six months thereafter. Participants will be contacted by phone between 6-monthly clinic visits to assess changes in diabetes status, medication compliance and adverse events. These phone contacts will occur approximately 3 months from the date of the participants previous clinic visit.
At the study visits, participants will undergo assessments of their insulin production, immunologic status, and overall health. As the primary outcome measure, subjects will be followed until development of type 1 diabetes or the conclusion of the study. The trial is expected to last approximately 7-8 years or until the required amount of information is gathered.
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Estimated Enrollment :
|400 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Parallel Assignment
|Triple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|Oral Insulin for Prevention of Diabetes in Relatives at Risk for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
|Study Start Date :
|February 2007
|Actual Primary Completion Date :
|December 2016
|Estimated Study Completion Date :
|June 2017
Experimental: 1
7.5 mg oral insulin capsules given before breakfast on a daily basis.
Drug: Oral Insulin
7.5 mg oral insulin or placebo given before breakfast on a daily basis.
Placebo Comparator: 2
Placebo capsule designed to mimic appearance of treatment capsule
Drug: Oral Insulin
7.5 mg oral insulin or placebo given before breakfast on a daily basis.
- Effect of treatment with oral insulin versus placebo in individuals in the primary stratum ( ICA+ confirmed or GAD65 and ICA512 positive on the same sample with confirmation of at least one of these autoantibodies). [ Time Frame: Metabolic and immunological tests will be conducted every 6 months ]
- Secondary analyses will be done to assess the effects of oral insulin versus placebo in other categories of subjects defined using different combinations of autoantibodies and metabolic status. [ Time Frame: Metabolic and immunological testing will be conducted every 6 months ]
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|3 Years to 45 Years (Child, Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Have a proband with T1DM. A proband is an individual diagnosed with diabetes before age 40 and started on insulin therapy within 1-year of diagnosis. Probands considered to have type 1 diabetes by their physician who do not meet this definition will be referred to the TrialNet Eligibility Committee.
- If the proband is a parent, sibling or a child, the study participant must be 3 -45 years of age. If the proband is a second or third degree relative (i.e. niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, grandparent, cousin, or half-sibling), the study participant must be 3-20 years of age.
- Willing to sign Informed Consent Form.
OGTT performed within 7 weeks prior to randomization in which:
- fasting plasma glucose < 110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/l), and
- 2 hour plasma glucose < 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/l)
- mIAA confirmed positive within the previous six months.
- Two samples with at least one autoantibody other than mIAA positive within the previous six months.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Does not satisfy the above inclusion criteria. Subjects with mIAA positive but no other autoantibodies positive are not eligible for randomization.
- Has severe active disease, e.g. chronic active hepatitis, severe cardiac, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, immune deficiency and/or disease that is likely to limit life expectancy or lead to therapies such as immunosuppression during the time of the study.
- Prior participation in a trial for prevention of T1DM, e.g. nicotinamide, insulin, immunosuppressive drugs.
- History of treatment with insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent.
- History of therapy with immunosuppressive drugs or glucocorticoids within the past two years for a period of more than three months.
- Ongoing use of medications known to influence glucose, i.e. sulfonylureas, growth hormone, metformin, anticonvulsants, thiazide or potassium depleting diuretics, beta adrenergic blockers, niacin. Subjects on such medications should be changed to a suitable alternative, if available, and will become eligible one month after medication is discontinued.
- Pregnant or intends to become pregnant while on study or lactating.
- Deemed unlikely or unable to comply with the protocol.
OGTT that reveals Diabetes, Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), or Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG).
Diabetes is defined by:
- fasting plasma glucose ³ 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/l), OR
- 2 hour plasma glucose ³ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/l)
IGT is defined by:
- fasting plasma glucose < 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/l), and
- 2 hour plasma glucose 140-199 mg/dL (7.8 - 11mmol/l),
IFG is defined by:
- fasting plasma glucose 110-125 mg/dL (6.1-6.9 mmol/l) AND
- 2 hour plasma glucose < 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/l)
- Subject has HLA DQA1*0102, DQB1*0602 haplotype.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00419562
|United States, California
|University of California-San Francisco
|San Francisco, California, United States, 94143
|Stanford University
|Stanford, California, United States, 94305
|United States, Colorado
|Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes
|Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80010
|United States, Connecticut
|Yale University
|New Haven, Connecticut, United States, 06520
|United States, Florida
|University of Florida
|Gainesville, Florida, United States, 32610-0296
|University of Miami
|Miami, Florida, United States, 33136
|United States, Indiana
|Indiana University-Riley Hospital for Children
|Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, 46202
|United States, Minnesota
|University of Minnesota
|Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55455
|United States, New York
|Columbia University
|New York, New York, United States, 10032
|United States, Pennsylvania
|Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh
|Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213
|United States, Tennessee
|Vanderbilt Eskind Diabetes Clinic
|Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37232-8160
|United States, Texas
|University of Texas
|Dallas, Texas, United States, 75235-8858
|United States, Washington
|Benaroya Research Institute
|Seattle, Washington, United States, 98101
|Australia, Victoria
|Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
|Parkville, Victoria, Australia, 3050
|Canada, Ontario
|The Hospital for Sick Children
|Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G1X8
|University of Turku
|Turku, Finland, FIN-20520
|San Raffaele Hospital
|Milan, Italy, 20132
|United Kingdom
|University of Bristol
|Bristol, United Kingdom, BS10 5NB
|Study Chair:
|Carla J Greenbaum, M.D.
|Benaroya Research Institute
|Principal Investigator:
|Jeff Krischer, Ph.D.
|University of South Florida
Additional Information:
Publications automatically indexed to this study by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number):
|Responsible Party:
|National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT00419562 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
Oral Insulin (IND)
|First Posted:
|January 8, 2007 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|March 28, 2017
|Last Verified:
|March 2017
oral insulin
self tolerance
oral tolerance
"at risk" for developing type 1 diabetes
juvenile diabetes
diabetes mellitus
Type 1 diabetes TrialNet
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
Glucose Metabolism Disorders
Metabolic Diseases
Endocrine System Diseases
Autoimmune Diseases
Immune System Diseases
Insulin, Globin Zinc
Hypoglycemic Agents
Physiological Effects of Drugs


text:
Cummy Feet
Feet Covered in Cum
See her feet covered in jizz with lots of gooey toes and soles as you watch her feet get splashed with cum.
Toe Cum
Cummy Toes
Cum on her toes
Toes Covered in Cum
Cum covered toes from all sorts of toe sex.
Soles Cum
Cummy Soles
Cum on her Soles
Soles Covered in Cum
Cum covered soles from all sorts of soles sex.
Foot Fucking
Fucking her feet
Feet Getting Fucked
Cummy Feet
Cum covered soles and toes from all sorts of foot sex.
Sleepy Toes
Sleepy Soles
Sleepy Feet
Cum on her sleeping feet
Even when she's asleep her feet are still the subject of hard cock and getting covered in cum.
Wearing footwear is fun so her pretty feet get into gear wearing all types of foot fashion.
Toenail Polish
Pretty girls' feet decorated with jewelry and other feet and toe accessories before having foot fun.
Filthy Soles
Foot Humiliation
Barefoot Outdoors
Natural Feet
Clean feet get dirty in more ways than one when she goes outside or stays indoors for some barefoot fun.
Copyright © 2009-2019 - Footsees.com


text:
DanSource necesitaba un nuevo diseño de página web y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 372 diseños de 52 diseñadores freelance.
The Business Source - http://www.thebusinesssource.com
We are a 12 year old web company that creates summaries of great business books.
People just don't have the time to do all the reading they need to and we offer a helping hand by delivering the key ideas and strategies form each book.
We deal with business people but we're not stodgy or overly conservative. We deliver a great high quality product with flair and creativity.
Our target market is people who work in offices and are typically managers, executives, supervisors and other types of leaders.
The site we are reinvigorating together is http://www.thebusinesssource . com.
Files - I would like multi-layered PSD files.
We are looking for a clean, sophisticated design with a little flair.
See the attached file "Idea of Layout for 99Designs Designers.pdf" for more details.
Two of our competitors have nice designs but are a little too busy for us. Their sites are www . summary . com and www . getabstract . com.
The basic layout and content of these competitors is in line with what we need - but we would like a cleaner design - below are our specific requirements.
We prefer our logo, toll free number and "Member Sign In" to be at the top of the page. Beside or below the logo we would like the words "Business Book Summaries"
We want to briefly describe what we do and this needs to be prominent (above the fold).
We will be offering 2 free book summaries just like our competitor's and that needs to be prominent (above the fold) - along with images of two book jackets and a form asking for first name and email address.
We want to feature/briefly describe our programs/products (like summary . com) The programs/products are the Executive Business Program, Business success...in a nutshell and Business Essentials Library.


text:
On February 1, 2014 Discogs changed their terms of use. They now require authentication for all album art downloads and also limit total downloads to 1,000 per day. I am currently working on adding authentication support however the limit of 1,000 images per day is an application limit, not a user limit, so I'm not sure how that will work with Tag's user base.
I am also investigating adding MusicBrainz cover art support.
Discogs album art
Discuss Tag, a metadata editor for audio files.
Post Reply
1 post • Page 1 of 1
Post Reply
1 post • Page 1 of 1


text:
Without any fanfare, the merge function shows up on FamilySearch Family Tree! I got the notice as a comment to one of my posts. This is the last big piece of the puzzle going into place. The selection shows up as a menu item called "Tools" with a link to "Possible Duplicates" on the Individual page of a person in the file with duplicates. Here is a screen shot of one of my ancestors with the selection indicated by the arrow:
Good news, clicking on the link lists a number of possible duplicates. Here is the results for this ancestor:
I know that this particular person exceeds the arbitrary limit imposed by FamilySearch on the number of individuals that can be combined in New.FamilySearch.org, so perhaps there is a similar limitation in Family Tree? Or there is some size limitation or another?
Does this render the entire program useless for me and thousands of others in the same situation with huge numbers of duplicates? Stay tuned folks for the next exciting episode. Will James Tanner be shortly out of the FamilySearch Family Tree family?
My best guess at this point is that all of the wrong relationships have to be resolved before anything else works.
----time passes---
After working through an almost impossible tangle of wrong parent/child relationships and deleting those that showed Sidney Tanner as the child of his grandfather and/or grandmother, I tried the merge again. No luck. Untangling the Gordian's Knot of relatives makes no difference to the merge function. The two identical people cannot be merged.
Patience is virtue. Will FamilySearch untangle this conundrum? Will I ever be able to use the FamilySearch Family Tree program? We are still in the stay tuned mode.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
The Last Piece Falls Into Place? -- Merge Comes to FamilySearch Family Tree?
2 comments:
I'm having the same problem. I think patience is the only appropriate response here.ReplyDelete
It works for persons with few possible duplicates.
As noted in prior comment about "merge" feature, Ron Tanner has stated that for some period of time FS-FT will still be synchronized with new.FS, and where an individual's file in n.FS is too large to combine further the attempt to merge in FS-FT will not work. This comment was in the getsatisfaction.com message board.ReplyDelete
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text:
Nice work! Enjoy the show!
Link Copied!
U.S. regulator says Boeing 737 MAX 8 'airworthy'
Opening Sequence
Ex-Trump adviser testifies in impeachment probe
Stocks slip amid lack of detail on trade deal
Fort Worth police face backlash after shooting
Hunter Biden wades into impeachment fight
Damascus cements its new Kurd alliance
Spain jails Catalan separatist leaders
Airbus: WTO clears U.S. to target EU goods
Pioneers in fight against poverty win Nobel
World in Pictures
Closing Sequence


text:
A E Mark, Inc necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 48 diseños de 13 diseñadores freelance.
Mix 'n Sip
Mix 'n Sip is an interactive website (under construction) for people who love the art of the cocktail. Patrons will be able to browse recipes, add their own creations and review others. The style is to be modern yet evocative of an era when sipping cocktails was quite "de rigeur".
Anyone who loves the art of the cocktail.
I'd like the logo to combine a female figure with the Mix 'n Sip name in such a way that the figure and name can be used separately - see what I mean at http://www.truckstopgourmet.com and http://www.corkd.com.
The look should be modern but classy and convey exactly what the site is about.
The logo will be on a white background and should incorporate the colors black and red (CC0000). It's OK to add a splash of additional color such as turquoise or green.
The finished product should be capable of being used for all print and web-based applications. I'm not savvy about the technical side of things but I understand that means I need this in vector, jpg and other formats.
That said, I'm open to any other creations if you think you have a great concept.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


text:
Liverpool's door open to Carragher
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has promised Jamie Carragher there will always be a job for him at the club after he retires as a player this weekend.
The 35-year-old will make his 737th and final Reds appearance against QPR on Sunday before moving into television punditry next season. However, Werner said the club would welcome back Carragher's experience with open arms.
"We wish Jamie well in his new career and the door will always be open for him at Liverpool," he told the Liverpool Echo.
"I really hope we see him back at the club one day because with all that experience and knowledge we know he has so much to offer.
"Whether it's as a coach, an analyst or whatever, there will always be a job for him here.
"We hoped he would play on for another season but we fully respect his decision to retire.
"He wants to leave the party before the last call and I understand that.
"I have nothing but admiration for him - both on and off the field.
"It's a big challenge to try to replace him. He's a unique individual and I think finding another player just like him will be impossible."
PA Media


text:
The Odd Lot improv comedy troupe
More fun than anything else. Ever.
In the tradition of The Groundlings, Second City, and Whose Line is it Anyway?, The Odd Lot Comedy Troupe presents live, in the moment, hilarity with a showcase of improvisational comedy. There's no telling where the evening will take you! Appropriate comedy for a PG crowd.
$5 (or what you can)
8 p.m.