text:
Investigation of the through-plane impedance technique for evaluation of anisotropy of proton conducting polymer membranes
Tatyana Soboleva a, Zhong Xie b,*, Zhiqing Shi b, Emily Tsang a, Titichai Navessinb, Steven Holdcroft a,b,*
aDepartment of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby BC, Canada V5A 1S6
bInstitute for Fuel Cell Innovation, National Research Council Canada, 4250 Wesbrook, Mall Vancouver BC, Canada V6T 1W5
Two-probe electrochemical cells were designed for proton conductivity evaluation in the X, Y and Z directions using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Nafion® 112, 115, 1135, 117 and 211 membranes were used to examine the conductivity in the three given directions, and to determine the influence of cell configuration and probe geometry on the accuracy and reproducibility of the measurement. Emphasis is placed on obtaining an understanding of the real system and adequate transfer of the physical processes into the form of the equivalent circuit for the extraction of reliable conductivity data. In order to verify that the method can determine anisotropic conductivity, novel fluorous block copolymers with various anisotropic phase segregated morphologies were evaluated. All polymer electrolyte membranes examined exhibited a Nyquist plot response in the form of a straight line with an angle of approximately 70°80° to the Z'-axis. Interfacial capacitance, membrane bulk resistance and membrane bulk capacitance were considered as contributing parameters to the impedance of the system; high frequency inductance and contact resistance were instrumentally minimized. A marginally anisotropic conductivity (σ=/σ┴ = 1.01.4) was found in all Nafion® samples. Fluorous block copolymers with disordered morphology exhibited higher conductivity in the through-plane direction by a factor of 1.4. For the polymers with perforated lamellae and lamellae morphologies, in-plane conductivities were larger by factors of 2.4 and 5.5, respectively.
1. Introduction
Proton conductivity is a crucial criterion for evaluating fuel cell performance as well as the practicability of novel PEM materials. Commonly, proton conductivity is measured along the plane of the membrane [13]. However, in practice, the membrane requires proton conduction perpendicular to the membrane. Relying only on in-plane conductivity values could lead to inaccuracies in estimating the membrane performance especially in the case of materials exhibiting morphological anisotropy. This fact increases the importance of implementing the through-plane conductivity technique in studies of fuel cell membranes.
There are several reports in the literature on the anisotropic morphology of Nafion and the expectation that anisotropic proton conductivity is dependent on the membrane casting method and membrane pre-treatment procedure, e.g., hot-pressing [410]. Studies of novel polymer materials for fuel cell applications such as sulfonated polyimides show distinct morphological anisotropy [11,12] and anisotropic proton conductivity.
There are few reports [4,5,7,10,1322] on the application of the ex situ through-plane impedance technique for ion conducting membranes using various methodology and apparatus for the through-plane conductivity measurement. A through-plane measurement has been described by Ma et al. and consisted of two Pt sheets coated on one face using 5 lL of 5% Nafion dispersion [7]. Nafion membranes were sandwiched between two electrodes and hot-pressed. The corresponding 4-probe arrangement was prepared by sandwiching and hot-pressing two polyester-coated wire electrodes between three Nafion membranes. In another example, Pt microelectrodes were placed in contact with both sides of a Nafion sample [13]. An electrochemical cell comprising of a Nafion membrane sandwiched between two carbon paper electrodes was used by Ramya et al. [19]. A cell equipped with mercury electrodes was used by Blachot et al. [12] to measure ionic conductivity of sulfonated polyimide membranes. A 2-probe stainless steel electrochemical cell was used to measure ionic conductivity of alkaline membranes by Wu et al. [14,17] and Yang [16]. A cell comprising of graphite current collectors, carbon paper electrodes was used by Silva et al. [21]. Nafion membranes were inserted between two carbon paper porous disks and were hot-pressed in a similar way as that of membrane-electrode assemblies. In these experiments, the applied frequency ranged from 0.01 Hz to 5 MHz, and in most cases a response in the form of a straight line inclined to the Z'-axis in the Nyquist plot was reported. However, detailed information about the cell configuration and the data extraction methods are sparse, yet they are crucial to the unambiguous interpretation of impedance spectra.
It is generally believed that the in-plane conductivity measurements are easier to carry out and provide greater accuracy due to the larger cell constant, L/A, where L is the distance between electrodes, usually several millimeters, and A is the cross-sectional area of the sample. Thus, the main contribution to the measured impedance comes from the bulk membrane, and other interfering resistances are negligibly small. However, in the through-plane arrangement, the cell constant is small, since L corresponds to the membrane thickness, in the range of micrometers, and A is the area of the electrodes, which is generally much larger. Thus, the impedance contributions from the interfacial region between the polymer membrane and the electrodes are more important.
In this paper, a simple 2-probe electrochemical cell consisting of 2 Pt electrodes that sandwiches the membrane is used to measure through-plane proton conductivity of a series of Nafion membranes (Z-direction). Emphasis is placed on understanding the physical processes in the system and the meaningful construction of the equivalent circuit that allows for the reliable extraction of conductivity data. A 2-probe in-plane conductivity cell is used to evaluate proton conductivity in 2 planar directions (X and Y directions). Model membranes based on block copolymers of sulfonated poly([vinylidene difluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene]-b-styrene, comprising of a nonionic fluorous block and a sulfonated ionic block (see Scheme 1), and exhibiting well-defined phase separation and anisotropy are evaluated to elucidate the sensitivity of the technique to the morphological anisotropy [23]. Samples possessing disordered, perforated lamellar and lamellar morphologies are used in this work.
Scheme 1. Structure of the flourous-block-ionic diblock copolymer.
2. Experimental
2.1. Materials
Nafion 112, 115, 117 and 1135 membranes from DuPont were pretreated with 3% H2O2, deionized water and 2 M HCl aqueous solution at 100 °C for 30 min and stored in water. Nafion 211 membrane samples were soaked in deionized water for 24 h prior to use. The IEC for all Nafion membranes is 0.91 mmol/g according to specifications. Hydrated thicknesses are 60, 158, 216, 105 and 28 μm for Nafion 112, 115, 117, 1135 and 211, respectively.
Partially sulfonated poly([vinylidene diflouride-co-hexafluoropropylene]- b-styrene) block copolymers were synthesized by Shi et al. A detailed procedure of this synthesis is described elsewhere [24,25]. Copolymers with different contents of the polystyrene segment and with different degrees of sulfonation were prepared by dissolving received copolymer samples in THF solvent (P99%) and casting on a Teflon sheet. Samples were allowed to dry in air for 2 h, and under vacuum for 24 h. The copolymer consisting of 10 wt% polystyrene sample (1) possessed a disordered morphology; the 30 wt% polystyrene sample (2) phase segregated into a perforated lamellar morphology; and the sample consisting of 25 wt% of the polystyrene ionic block (3) possessed a lamellar morphology. The films possessed thicknesses ranging between 35 and 100 lm. Membranes were immersed into 2 M HCl and deionized water for 24 h, respectively, washed, and stored in deionized water. The IECs for the samples (1), (2) and (3) are 1.20 mmol/g, 0.89 mmol/g and 0.69 mmol/g, respectively. The cross-sectional TEM micrographs of these membranes, together with a representative Nafion membrane are shown in Fig. 1. The method for acquiring these TEMs has been reported extensively elsewhere [24,25]. The dark regions represent ionic domains.
Fig. 1. TEM micrographs of (a) Nafion and fluorous block copolymers:
(b) disordered morphology, (c) perforated lamellae morphology and (d) lamellae morphology.
2.2. Instrumentation and electrochemical cells
Impedance measurements were performed using a Solartron impedance analyzer SI 1260 in the frequency range from 10 MHz to 100 Hz and 100 mV amplitude. Z plot/Z view software package was used to set measurement parameters and to analyze data.
The through-plane conductivity cell was constructed from two PTFE blocks and Pt sheets (0.1 mm thick) as illustrated in Fig. 2a. Pt sheets were attached to the PTFE blocks to create the electrode area. The PTFE blocks were held together by two nylon screws. Pt electrodes were connected to the Solartron impedance analyzer by means of pins. Prior to conducting the measurements, the cell was calibrated to determine the high frequency inductance of the cell by measuring impedance of the shorted cell, and of the opened cell. Both data files were saved and subsequently used as nulling files in Z plot software. Membranes were cut into ~5 x 5mm samples for the through-plane impedance measurement. The sample was sandwiched between two Pt electrodes, and the cell was tightened with screws. Compression pressure applied on the membrane was estimated using Pressurex® pressure indicating films sensitive to the range of pressures between 350 psi and 1400 psi (film type low). The cell was immersed in deionized water at 20 °C and impedance data was collected.
Fig. 2. (a) In-plane and (b) through-plane impedance cells showing the probe arrangement.
Two PTFE blocks and Pt sheets 0.1 mm thick were used to construct the in-plane conductivity cell. Two Pt sheets 10 x 10 mm were attached to one of the PTFE blocks the distance between them was 5 mm, Fig. 2b. PTFE blocks were connected by means of nylon screws. Membranes were cut into ~10 x 10 mm pieces and placed between electrodes. The entire setup was placed in deionized water at 20 °C. Impedance was measured in two perpendicular in-plane directions, the X and Y directions.
In both cases, conductivity was calculated:
σ = L ÷ (R • A') (1)
where L corresponds to the electrode separation: the gap between electrodes for in-plane measurements and the thickness of the polymer film for through-plane measurements. A is the membrane cross-sectional area in case of the in-plane setup and the area of the electrodes in case of the through-plane setup. R is the bulk membrane resistance.
3. Results and discussion
3.1. Equivalent circuit diagram
Interpretation and quantification of the impedance spectrum requires understanding of the processes occurring and an appropriate equivalent electric circuit model. However, in practice the simplicity of the model is as important as its adequate reflection of the real system. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the physical processes in the cell and to identify the main components contributing into the overall impedance of the system in order to determine an accurate representation in the form of an equivalent circuit. In the through-plane assembly, by placing the proton conducting polymer film between two Pt electrodes, a blocking electrode/electrolyte interface is created. An idealized circuit for such a system can be represented by the equivalent electric circuit shown in Fig. 3a. Each membrane/electrode interface is represented by a parallel combination of a capacitance, corresponding to the capacitance of the double layers, Cint1 and Cint2, and a resistance, that models the resistance of the blocking interfaces, Rint1 and Rint2. The impedance of the polymer electrolyte film constitutes the bulk resistance, Rb, in parallel with the bulk membrane capacitance, Cb. The impedance of the cell hardware is not included in the circuit since the cell is calibrated by shorting before usage and the impedance of the electrodes is automatically subtracted from the measured value, as described in the Section 2.
Fig. 3. Equivalent circuits for the proton conducting membrane sandwiched
between two electrodes. (a) Idealized circuit: Rint1, Rint2 and Cint1, Cint2 represent the
impedances of the membrane-electrode interfaces; Rbulk and Cbulk represent the bulk
membrane resistance and capacitance, respectively. (b) Simplified equivalent
circuit used to fit the experimental data.
Since Faradaic charge cannot cross the interface, the behavior of the electrode/electrolyte interface is merely capacitive [15,2629] and resistances Rint1 and Rint2 can be omitted from the circuit. The double layer capacitance, in turn, has two parts in series: the Helmholtz compact layer capacitance and the diffuse double layer capacitance. The former is a weakly varying function of applied potential, usually in the range of several μF. The latter varies exponentially with potential but for the measurements using small potential differences its contribution to the overall capacitance is negligibly small [15,26]. Thus, the dominant process at the proton conducting medium/blocking electrode interface can be represented by the double layer capacitance of the Helmholtz layer.
An ideal capacitive behavior would result in the vertical linear line in the Z' vs. Z'' diagram. However, it is generally recognized that capacitance at solid electrodes deviates from ideal behavior in the form of a phase-angle frequency dependency. This capacitive dispersion is due to irregularities of the electrode surface, expressed as so-called fractal geometry [28]. Thus the interfacial impedance can be described by a constant phase element (CPE):
Z(w) = 1 / (iwCdl)n' (2)
where, Cdl is independent of w, and ½ < n < 1 (if n = 1, Eq. (2) becomes the impedance of a pure capacitor)[15]. The real part is resistive and the imaginary part is capacitive, both proportional to w½. Interfacial resistance arising with the formation of the double layer by protons traveling to/from the interface is negligible small at high frequencies (w >>1/(R x C)) [27] since the distance they need to travel is in the range of several Ångstroms (thickness of the Helmholtz compact layer), which is insignificantly small compared to the thickness of the polymer film, which is in the range of 30160 lm. Thus, the through-plane impedance can be expressed in terms of the electric circuit elements as shown in Fig. 3b, where CPEdl represents interfacial capacitance; Rb in parallel with Cb are the bulk resistance and bulk capacitance of the membrane, respectively.
According to the equivalent circuit (Fig. 3b), the impedance can be expressed as:
Z(w) = ((1 / Rb) + (iwCb)-1) - (1 /(iwCdl)n (3)
and the impedance spectra are expected to comprise of a semicircle in the high frequency region, corresponding to the bulk membrane impedance, and an inclined spur in the low frequency region, corresponding to interfacial capacitance [30].
3.2. Instrumental mitigation of the interfering factors
3.2.1. Eliminating the contact resistance
Further examination of the experimental arrangement raises the question of the quality of the contact between the electrodes and the polymer membrane, and its effect on the overall impedance. There are two scenarios in which the contact region significantly impacts the measured impedance of the system. Since all used membranes are fully hydrated and the measurements are conducted in deionized water, it is possible that a thin layer of water is present at the region of contact. This could lead to an overestimation of the bulk resistance of the polymer film. Another possible source of inaccuracy may arise if the membranes morphology is different at the region of contact than in the bulk. Although accounting for these factors in the equivalent circuit seems reasonable, it increases the inaccuracy of experimental fitting since the magnitude of these features is difficult to estimate and is an unknown function of clamping pressure and the geometry of the probe. Based on these considerations, the equivalent circuit shown in Fig. 3b is used for the all through-plane impedance data fitting, and interfacial impedances are minimized instrumentally. The effect of improving the quality of the contact by increasing the cell compression is shown in Fig. 4a. Experimentally, the impedance response shifts to the left on the real axis with increasing compression, and converges to a common value, beyond which no further shift is observed upon further compression.
Fig. 4. (a) Through-plane impedance responses of Nafion 115 under different
clamping pressures, Nyquist plots. (○) 450 psi, (▼) 850 psi, (∆) 1100 psi, (■)
1200 psi, (●) 1300 psi and (b) Effect of increasing clamping pressure on measured
resistance of Nafion 115.
The filled squares in Fig. 4a represent the initial through-plane impedance spectra and filled circles correspond to the converged impedance plot, obtained at a clamping pressure of ~1300 psi. Furthermore, an increase of the angle of inclination of the linear portion of the spectrum from 55° to 70° is observed. An angle of 70° 80° is characteristic of double layer formation at a rough electrode interface. This observation suggests that under pressure the roughness of the membrane/electrode contact decreases. It is important to note that no change in membrane thickness was observed after conducting measurements under given clamping pressures. A plot of measured resistance under estimated clamping pressure is shown in Fig. 4b. It is seen that for a clamping pressure of ≥1200 psi the resistance is relatively constant and minimal.
3.2.2. Correction for high frequency inductance
Inductance is one of the interfering factors in the through-plane impedance measurement. It usually appears in the fourth quadrant of the Nyquist plot in the high frequency region and in the most cases it is caused by external wiring that connects the potentiostat to the cell and by the electrodes themselves. Inductance is strongly related to the length and nature of the connecting wires; the shorter the wire length, the smaller the effect of inductance. Since the value of the membrane resistance is extracted from the high frequency region of the spectra, it is necessary to account and eliminate the contribution by inductance. This can be readily done by calibrating the cell by shorting, as described in experimental section. Impedance responses of a Nafion 115 membrane are shown in the Fig. 5, before (filled squares) and after (open squares) subtracting the cell inductance contribution.
Fig. 5. Through-plane impedance response of Nafion 115 before (■)
and after (□) correcting for inductances.
3.3. Interpretation of the through-plane impedance spectrum
The polymer electrolyte membranes examined in this work exhibited an impedance response characterized by a straight line with an angle of 70°80° to the Z'-axis in the range of frequencies between 1 MHz and 100 Hz. This is believed to be typical of the formation of double layer capacitance at a blocking electrode/electrolyte interface [26]. The onset of the semicircle observed in Fig. 5 at frequencies approaching 1 MHz is attributed to the impedance of the polymer electrolyte membrane to the conduction of protons.
3.3.1. Characteristic peak frequency
Resolution of the semicircle depends on the characteristic peak frequency, wp, of the given system, which in turn is a function of the dielectric relaxation time of the material. The characteristic peak frequency is calculated as follows:
wp = 1 / (RbCb) (4)
where Rb is bulk resistance of polymer membrane and Cb is bulk capacitance. RbCb is the time constant (t) or the dielectric relaxation time of the material. If the time constant is sufficiently small that it satisfies the condition wmaxt<<1, little or none of the semicircle can be observed in the Nyquist plot. The peak frequency of a complete semicircle satisfies wpt = 1; and only when wmaxt>>1 is the full semicircle obtained [30]. In the case of Nafion membranes, it is expected that the dielectric relaxation time is very low and thus higher frequencies are required to completely resolve the semicircle; often, as in this case, these higher frequencies cannot be attained with typical electrochemical frequency response analyzers. In order to verify that the arc observed in Fig. 5 truly represents the onset of a semicircle, and hence is due to the bulk membrane material, the impedance plot was fit in the equivalent circuit shown in Fig. 3b; the experimental and fitted data are shown in Fig. 6.
Fig. 6. Nyquist plot for Nafion 115 () fitting and (■) experimental data.
Rb for Nafion 115 obtained from the fitting is 0.97 (±0.01)Ω and the bulk capacitance is 7.0 (±0.5) x 10-9 F. The frequency-dependent constant phase element (CPE) comprises of two elements: CPE-T, that models double layer capacitance at the membrane/ electrode interface, corresponding to Cdl in Eq. (2); and CPE-P, that is related to the roughness of the membrane-electrode contact represented by n in Eq. (2). The value of n varies between 1 for a very smooth surface and 0.5 for a highly rough surface. Numerical values for these parameters obtained from fitting are 3.79 (±0.03) x 10-6 F for CPE-T and 0.933 (±0.006) for CPE-P.
The parameters obtained from the fit were then used to simulate impedance responses over more broader range of frequencies, i.e., much higher than experimentally attained. Nyquist plots for these simulations obtained for frequencies in the range of 100 Hz to 10 MHz, 20 MHz, 100 MHz and 1 GHz are shown in Fig. 7. As it is seen from the simulation, the semicircle passes through the coordinates origin and thus its diameter can be accepted as the membrane resistance as it is commonly accepted for in-plane conductivity measurements. From these spectra, the characteristic peak frequency for Nafion 115 membrane is ~20 MHz. The simulated Nyquist plot over the experimentally assessable frequency range, showing only the partial semicircle, is in good agreement with the experimental data, as illustrated in Fig. 6. Theoretical determination of the characteristic peak frequency requires the estimation of the bulk capacitance based on the information about the dielectric constant of the Nafion membrane:
Cb = εε0 (APEM / L) (5)
where APEM is the area of the PEM sample; L is the distance between electrodes (thickness of the membrane); ε0 is the permittivity of free space, and has the value 8.854 x 1012 F m-1; ε is the dielectric constant for fully hydrated (λ = 22) Nafion membrane, and is ~32. This value was obtained by extrapolating the data for dielectric constants at different hydration levels as reported by Paddison et al. [31], and for which, the value of Cb is calculated to be 5.3 x 10-11 F. Accordingly, the PEM characteristic peak frequency should be in the range of 510 GHz. However, simulation of the impedance spectra using parameters extracted from experimental data, yield a peak frequency of ~20 MHz, which implies the actual Cb is in the range of 1 x 10-8 F. This finding leads to the conclusion that the membrane bulk capacitance is determined by the interplay of the additional processes besides the dielectric relaxation of the basic polymer material. This increase in bulk membrane capacitance might be due to polarization of water inside of the nano-sized pores and in close proximity to the sulfonic groups; and possibly from the interaction of the protons with the negative charges on the sulfonic groups.
Fig. 7. Simulation Nyquist plots using the equivalent circuit shown in Fig. 3b and
parameters obtained from experiment at frequency range from (■) 100 Hz to
10 MHz, (○) 100 Hz to 20 MHz, (▲) 100 Hz to 100 MHz and (◊) 100 Hz to
1 GHz. Parameters: CPE-T = 3.79 x 10-6 F, CPE-P = 0.933, Rb = 0.97 Ω and Cb
= 7.00 x 10-9 F.
3.4. Data extraction
Many studies describe the evaluation of through-plane membrane resistance by simply taking a linear extrapolation of the impedance spike in the Nyquist plot to the Z0-axis and by accepting the intercept as the Rb value [11,12,14,16,17]. A more accurate method is to use the diameter of the semicircle; but, unfortunately, complete semicircles are not usually attainable. In this section, conductivity data extracted from impedance plots by two methods are compared. The first method involves simple extrapolation; the second fitting of the impedance data to the equivalent circuit shown in Fig. 3b. For Nafion 117, the value of the membrane resistance assessed by linear extrapolation was 1.21 Ω; from an equivalent circuit analysis, a value of 1.18 Ω was obtained, i.e., a <3% deviation. For Nafion 112 the values were 0.45 Ω and 0.50 Ω for linear extrapolation and fitting, respectively, i.e., a 10% deviation. It is important to note that fitting errors for the Rb value for Nafion 117 and Nafion 112 are 1.2% and 2.0%, respectively.
Table 1 shows a summary of the data for measured throughplane resistance and the calculated conductivity for Nafion 115 before and after correction for (a) contact resistance, (b) inductance, as well as a comparison of the two data extraction methods.
Table 1 Measured resistance and calculated conductivity values of Nafion
115 before and after mitigation of interfering effects
In summary, various correction factors should be considered when obtaining reliable through-plane conductivity data. The effects of these corrections can be summarized in the following manner: a cursory through-plane impedance measurement of Nafion 115 yielded a through-plane resistance (by extrapolation to the Z'-axis) of 8 X (this will vary with initial clamping pressure, electrode area, polymer thickness); increasing the clamping pressure reduced this to 1.80 Ω; after correcting for inductance the extrapolated resistance was reduced to 1.00 Ω; and by fitting the impedance plot to the equivalent circuit, the value was 0.97 Ω.
3.5. Anisotropicisotropic proton conductivity
The impedance of various Nafion membranes (112, 1135, 115, 117, 211) was measured in the plane of the sample in two perpendicular directions, X and Y. Through-plane impedance was measured in a 0.29 cm² cell. Nyquist plots similar to that shown in Fig. 6 were obtained in all cases (Fig. 8a) and membrane bulk resistance values were extracted by analyzing the spectra in the context of equivalent circuit. Fitting errors for all membranes were under 6%.
Fig. 8. (a) Experimental through-plane impedance spectra for (□) Nafion 117, (o)
Nafion 115, (∆) Nafion 112, (۷) Nafion 1135, (◊) Nafion 211 and corresponding fits
() and (b) experimental through-plane impedance spectra for fluorous block
copolymers: (□) lamellae, (o) perforated lamellae, (◊) disordered morphologies
and corresponding fits ().
XYZ-conductivity data and the degree of anisotropy, expressed as the ratio of the in-plane to the through-plane conductivity, are presented in Table 2. All samples demonstrate isotropic proton conductivity in the two (X,Y) in-plane directions. A small degree of anisotropy in the through-plane direction was observed for all Nafion samples with the exception of Nafion 211. The highest degree of anisotropy is observed for Nafion 112, with the through-plane conductivity ~30% lower than the in-plane. The morphology of Nafion is still a subject of much research interest but its microstructure and nanostructure depend strongly on the method of membrane preparation. It is reported that membranes drawn perpendicular or parallel to the extruding direction demonstrate relatively anisotropic morphology, whereas quite isotropic morphologies are obtained when the membranes are processed with a simultaneous biaxial draw [6]. Anisotropic proton conductivity of Nafion 117 was reported by Gardner et al. [4,5]: through-plane conductivity (0.024 S/cm) was found to be ~70% lower than in-plane conductivity (0.086 S/cm). Two alternative explanations were provided to justify the observed results. Authors ascribed conductance anisotropy to the orientation of ionic clusters at the interface; and the orientation of the Nafion chains along the direction of membrane extrusion.
Table 2 In-plane and through-plane conductivity of Nafion membranes
and the degree of anisotropy
The reverse trend in anisotropy was presented by Yamada et al. [9]: through-plane conductivity for the Nafion 112 was reported to reach an atypically high value of 0.37 S/cm at 90 °C and 100% RH; 0.13 S/cm was reported for in-plane conductivity at 50 °C. Isotropic conductivities for Nafion 117, 115 and 112 were reported by Silva et al., however, conductivity values were lower than observed in this work, e.g., 0.048 S/cm for Nafion 117, 0.033 S/cm for Nafion 115 and 0.023 S/cm for Nafion 112 [21].
Our results point to a marginally anisotropic proton conductance and hence a slightly anisotropic phase separated morphology. Overall, this finding is consistent with information on the manufacture of Nafion. As expected, anisotropic morphology was found in the extruded membranes (Nafion 112, 115, 117 and 1135). However, isotropic conducting behavior was found in Nafion 211 that is a solution-cast membrane where no particular orientation of the polymer chains or conducting clusters is expected. Further morphological analysis would be helpful to explain the reason why extruded Nafion membranes differ in the degree of anisotropy from each other. Dependence of the through-plane membrane conductivity on thickness was also reported in [22] where the authors ascribe this behavior to variation of temperature and pressure during the extrusion of the membranes of different thicknesses. However, the purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the analytical methodology for obtaining conductivity data rather than understanding the morphological nuances of particular membranes, which requires additional methods of materials characterization.
Finally, we investigate three different fluorous block copolymers, each with similar composition, but each with a distinct morphology: disordered, perforated lamellae, and lamellae, as determined previously [24,25], representing increased anisotropy of the ionic, phase segregated domains. Previous studies indicate that the perforated lamellae and lamellae lie parallel to the membranes surface, as a result of their being cast from solution [24,32]. The impedance spectra for these three copolymers are shown in Fig. 8b. Conductivity in the X, Y, and Z directions is presented in Table 3. Similar to Nafion, isotropic proton conductivity in two inplane (X, Y) directions was observed.
Table 3 In-plane and through-plane conductivity of fluorous block
copolymers possessing different morphologies
The deviation in through-plane conductivity values obtained by simple extrapolation versus fitting of the impedance data to the equivalent circuit was more significant for the fluorous block copolymer membranes. For the block copolymer membrane (3), linear extrapolation yields a membrane resistance of 17.8 Ω, whereas fitting with an equivalent circuit yielded a value of 22.4 Ω, a 21% deviation. Similarly, for the perforated lamellae sample (2), extrapolated and fitted values deviate from each other by 20%, 1.70 Ω and 2.13 Ω, respectively. For the morphologically disordered sample (1), the deviation was significantly lower ~2.2%.
For the purpose of obtaining the most accurate through-plane conductivity data, we used fitted impedance plots. Comparison of in-plane and through-plane data for the three fluorous block copolymer membranes revealed an anisotropy in conductivity consistent with the ionic anisotropy visualized by TEM. The in-plane to through-plane anisotropy increased from 0.7 to 2.4 to 5.4, for disordered (1), perforated lamellae (2) and lamellae morphologies (3), respectively. Fluorous membrane (1) was more conductive in the through plane direction for reasons that are not understood, but are being explored. For the lamellae membrane (3), the in-plane conductivity exceeds the through-plane by factor of 5.4. This suggests that the hydrophilic proton conducting layers are oriented along the plane of the membrane in such a way that hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers are marginally parallel to the membranes surface, which is consistent with the visualized lamellar morphology. As expected, anisotropy of the perforated lamellar (2), which can also be described as a slightly disordered lamellae morphology, lies between (1) and (2).
4. Conclusions
A two-probe electrochemical cell was used to evaluate the through-plane conductivity of polymer electrolyte membranes. It was found that main parameters contributing to the electrochemical impedance are membrane bulk resistance, bulk capacitance and interfacial double layer capacitance. Through-plane impedance spectra were found to be distorted significantly by contact resistance and inductance. However, these can be minimized instrumentally and through calibration. The impedance of the bulk membrane was extracted by fitting the impedance spectra using an equivalent circuit. This method was found to provide more reproducible and accurate data than simply extrapolating the low frequency line to the Z'-axis.
A study of the proton conductivity of various Nafion membranes demonstrated a slight anisotropy with the in-plane conductivity over the through-plane conductivity with the exception of Nafion 211. Novel fluorous solid polymer electrolytes possessing three different distinct morphology types showed anisotropic proton conductivity properties that were consistent with the visualized anisotropy of the ionic domains, and provided further confirmation of the reliability of the methodology for determining through-plane conductivity.
The authors thank Dr. Michael Eikerling for discussions on EIS. We would also like to thank the Machine Shop at Simon Fraser University for their assistance in manufacturing the conductivity cells.
- T.A. Zawodzinski, M. Neeman, L.O. Sillerud, S. Gottesfeld, J. Phys. Chem. 95 (1991) 6040.
- J.J. Fontanella, M.G. McLin, M.C. Wintersgill, J.P. Calame, S.G. Greenbaum, Solid State Ion. 66 (1993) 1.
- T.A. Zawodzinski, C. Derouin, S. Radzinski, R.J. Sherman, V.T. Smith, T.E. Springer, S. Gottesfeld, J. Electrochem. Soc. 140 (1993) 1041.
- C.L. Gardner, A.V. Anantaraman, J. Electroanal. Chem. 395 (1995) 67.
- C.L. Gardner, A.V. Anantaraman, J. Electroanal. Chem. 449 (1998) 209.
- K.A. Mauritz, R.B. Moore, Chem. Rev. 104 (2004) 4535.
- S. Ma, Z. Siroma, H. Tanaka, J. Electrochem. Soc. 153 (2006) A2274.
- K.M. Cable, K.A. Maurtiz, R.B. Moore, Chem. Mater. 7 (1995) 1601.
- O. Yamada, Y. Yin, K. Tanaka, H. Kita, K. Okamoto, Electrochim. Acta 50 (2005) 2655.
- Y.A. Elabd, C.W. Walker, F.L. Beyer, J. Membr. Sci. 231 (2004) 181.
- W. Essafi, G. Gebel, R. Mercier, Macromolecules 37 (2004) 431.
- J.F. Blachot, O. Diat, J.L. Putaux, A.L. Rollet, L. Rubatat, C. Vallois, M. Muller, G. Gebel, J. Membr. Sci. 214 (2003) 31.
- A. Parthasarathy, B. Dave, S. Srinivasan, A.J. Appleby, C.R. Martin, J. Electrochem. Soc. 139 (1992) 1634.
- G.M. Wu, S.J. Lin, C.C. Yang, J. Membr. Sci. 284 (2006) 120.
- J.C. Wang, Electrochim. Acta 38 (1993) 2111.
- C.C. Yang, S.J. Lin, J. Power Sources 112 (2002) 497.
- G.M. Wu, S.J. Lin, C.C. Yang, J. Membr. Sci. 275 (2006) 127.
- M.C. Wintersgill, J.J. Fontanella, Electrochim. Acta 43 (1998) 1533.
- K. Ramya, G. Velayutham, C.K. Subramaniam, N. Rajalakshmi, K.S. Dhathathreyan, J. Power Sources 160 (2006) 10.
- V. Tricoli, N. Carretta, M. Bartolozzi, J. Electrochem. Soc. 147 (2000) 1286.
- R.F. Silva, A. De Francesco, A. Pozio, J. Power Sources 134 (2004) 18.
- S. Slade, S.A. Campbell, T.R. Ralph, F.C. Walsh, J. Electrochem. Soc. 149 (2002) A1556.
- Y. Yang, S. Holdcroft, Fuel Cell 5 (2005) 171.
- Z.Q. Shi, S. Holdcroft, Macromolecules 38 (2005) 4193.
- Z.Q. Shi, S. Holdcroft, Macromolecules 37 (2004) 2084.
- A. Karthikeyan, P. Vinatier, A. Levasseur, Bull. Mater. Sci. 23 (2000) 179.
- A.H.C.H. Hamann, W. Vielstich, Electrochemistry, Wiley VCH, 1998.
- E. Barsoukov, Impedance Spectroscopy: Theory, Experiment, and Applications, Wiley-Interscience, 2005.
- A.J. Bard, L.R. Faulkner, Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications, John Wiley & Sons, 2001.
- J.R. Macdonald, Impedance Spectroscopy: Emphasizing Solid Materials and Systems, John Wiley & Sons, 1987.
- S.J. Paddison, D.W. Reagor, T.A. Zawodzinski, J. Electroanal. Chem. 459 (1998) 91.
- E.M.W. Tsang, Z. Shi, T. Soboleva, S.Holdcroft, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 129 (2007) 15106.


text:
As a service provider in real estate brokering, the Allgemeiner Grund & Boden Fundus is continuously on the search for new talent. You are a real estate agent who is familiar with the area, a talented lateral entrant, or a talented business assistant? Regardless your expertise or interest in real estate, if you are passionate, then we offer the following challenges. Join our successful team and enrich it with your dynamism!
In over 20 years, we've built ourselves into a prestigious real estate agency. We operate primarily in Berlin as a premiere agency in the brokering of exclusive single-family homes and villas, high-end condominiums and construction sites, lucrative investment and commercial properties as well as international real estate. The highly motivated real estate experts at the Allgemeiner Grund & Boden Fundus work together with marketing, public relations, technical, and accounting experts to present a professional range of services in Berlin, Potsdam, and Leipzig, as well as the rest of Germany. At our offices located at some of Berlin's best addresses, as well as our other branches, we are always looking for proactive employees and experienced experts in the field. Peruse the job postings below and apply with the necessary documents (resume, etc.). We look forward to your application!
As an IHK member and training company we promote professionalism and transparency by the Berlin real estate market.
We offer our employees excellent career prospects in qualified a distinguished and expanding company.
We attach great importance to a collegial working atmosphere. We are also very active for social projects as well as in sponsorship.
In over 20 years we could grow into a reputable company in the real estate brokerage.
Whether professional or motivated young career starter: If you want to professionally and personally develop, you are at the right place with us.
We offer our employees a company pension plan with exclusive group rates and provide drinks and fruit baskets.
AGBF enables me to achieve my goals with the help of a strong, competent and dedicated team. Here I can work independently, contribute new ideas and benefit from the experience of a successful company.
To work at AGBF means fulfilling our customers' life dreams and meeting new challenges every day. An above-average income is possible thanks to your own performance, communication skills, flexibility and a team to support you in the background.
I'll never forget the feeling of selling someone a part of their future; this is always exciting for me. What I learned at the AGBF is: whoever plays to their strengths and knows how to combine them with the power of the company, will succeed!
The varied tasks, a high degree of personal responsibility as well as a collegial environment have proven to me to have made the right decision in going with the AGBF.
Anyone looking for an employer who offers a stimulating environment, is loyal and fair and offers interesting career opportunities is right at AGBF.
Do you want to be regularly informed about our product range? Then use our free and non-binding e-mail service, and receive our newsletter.Register now

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Tokimeki Experience! Mae e Susume!
Posted by Uchiha Dhany release on September 23rd, 2011
For Cliquers Smansa,,,
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
We have detected that you are using adblock in your browser
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


text:
Roof Mount Powered Attic Fan – The correct HVAC may also make sure your real estate is functioning at its optimum efficiency and could have a considerable effect on energy bill savings and comfort amounts. These fans save on electricity and happen to be easy to install. A BPI-qualified inspector is going to be qualified to the greatest professional standard and can use state-of-the-art apparatus to determine energy inefficiencies which are generally hidden. The older roof cannot be thought to be an adequate layer of protection. Possessing the right wire gauge too is definitely important. In the event of metal roofs, you can view loose rust and nails. In addition, it aids the hot water heater run better. Moving oxygen via your attic will absolutely lower the temperature within this cavity. Along with energy loss, duct leakages can impact the temperature variations in every room in your premises.
If they aren't clean then there can be the chance of blocked air inlets and another risk also. This condensation can trigger fungus to improve in the attic then. Moreover, the ventilators as well run on natural supply of energy, therefore emerge as eco-friendly. Winters contain a different influence on the top like humidity, dripping, and wetness within the available space. Condensation can cause some considerable troubles, and excessive moisture throughout the house shouldn't become ignored as it could create serious structural harm like wood rot and damp. In case the stagnant moist oxygen isn't extracted from the attic through the winter time, condensation can form in the attic.
Also, anything stored in the attic can get damaged consequently of the excessive heat develop. As building scientist Joseph Lstiburek clarifies, In a scenario where mechanical systems or ductwork must be in the attic space or when there are many of penetrations in the ceiling beneath the attic, it's most effective to bring the entire attic spot within the thermal envelope. The type or kind of roof vents you need is dependent on several factors. Ventilation is essential once and for all health as well. It is VERY simple. To work, ridge vents need to be installed with the same or increased level of soffit ventilation slightly. Firstly we'll discuss genuine ventilation systems. The different one is electrical ventilation that's managed with the way of electricity. The absolute most basic is interior exceptional ventilation that intends to supply fresh air within a building as some of the existing ventilation system.
Resolving energy inefficiencies is among the wisest investments you'll be able to undertake for a mature home because it's an investment available value and longevity of your house using your family's comfort and ease and safe practices. Insulation requirements change from state to convey, and your home inspector is aware of what the true home requirements. Wanting ventilation is a drawback on not the wellness of residents but in addition just, the lifespan is damaged by it of the building. Get in touch with us at 1-844-545-5135 or find an net estimate for your entire roofing requirements. You must have a Houston roofing enterprise examine your house to make certain that you have enough roof vents to do the job. The professionals at Kaiser Roofing and Siding can help you pick the most suitable roof vents for your house.
Duct tape won't resolve the issue, even temporarily, since it will dry up and can even make the issue worse. Gypsum board that's equipped to dry entirely within an ideal time can usually become restored to preflood condition with just aesthetic restoration. The local water utility or a professional contractor may have the ability to provide extra information and suggestions. If you have a home in some spot wherein high humidity amounts prevail, then you have to keep an eye on black mold boost and side effects associated with that. The majority of these things you can virtually do by yourself. All you want to do is, perform a keen study of your attic and master the temperature level in a variety of seasons.


text:
Wimao – Ecological Composites
Wimao designs and manufactures materials and biocomposite products made of recycled materials.
Our products are environmentally friendly and their design and production is profitable. On average, we eliminate a kilogram of greenhouse gas emissions for each kilogram of our products.
Our aim is to promote the circular economy and to find new ways to take advantage of a variety of raw materials and recycled materials!


text:
Legalising playing can aid generate jobs, salary
for the reason that the enforcement corporations have been unable to curb the unfold of illegal playing within the nation, the legislations commission of India has informed that the govt should still consider legalising gambling and making a bet as a regulated endeavor. In 2016, while analyzing the Justice RM Lodha panel's ideas on legalising making a bet in game, prompted by allegations of match-fixing within the Indian Premier League, the Supreme court docket had mandated the fee to determine the subject. daftar poker The fee's document, submitted to the government remaining week, suggests changes in law to adjust playing and making a bet. probably the most techniques says that consistent with the changing times, the State may still re-check the ban on gambling . "With the introduction of on-line playing and the anonymity it ensures, gambling and betting activities have received a worldwide presence. It has, hence, turn into greater difficult for international locations to display screen or curb these activities," says the file. The commentary isn't too distinct from what American economist Gary Becker, a Nobel Laureate, once referred to: "I favour allowing online gambling, given the vulnerable arguments against it, the usual human desire to gamble, and also that addictive facets of gambling are drastically exaggerated." in the State of Bombay vs RMD Chamarbaugwalla case in 1957, the Supreme court had accompanied that even the legendary Kautilya, celebrated for his strategical acumen, wasn't averse to the State earning income from playing.
For the list, playing is unlawful in India. India's gaming legal guidelines are ruled via the public playing Act, 1867, by which any contract in keeping with a wager or opportunity is termed as void. enabling having a bet or playing will entail amending the provisions of the Act. however significant-scale illegal betting continues regardless, within the method, depriving the State of earnings-earning opportunities. an excellent option may be to legalise, regulate and tax the consequent salary. This may help curb unlawful syndicates. rules of the sector additionally makes sense if one considers the extent of unlawful playing in the country. In a record on the field in 2013, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and business had referred to there changed into an informal Rs 300,000 crore annual making a bet trade in India.
Recommending linking the betting volume with the player's N card and Aadhaar card, the law panel has additionally asked the govt to adjust the international direct investment FDI coverage to permit FDI within the on line casino and online gaming business. even as India continues to follow an antiquated British-period statute, the uk itself is among the international locations that legalised gambling and making a bet many years ago. other than profits, legalising and regulating the gambling sector could also assist generate positive employment. The regulated gambling industry within the uk, as an example, hires greater than a hundred,000 people. Japan , which has the greatest country wide betting market in the world, allows for betting on horse racing, biking, bike racing and boat racing. In India, too, relevant and state governments can earn thousands and thousands of rupees in revenue from taxes on gambling.nonetheless, regardless of the clear expertise for profits, such a circulate for deregulation should be performed whereas ensuring that the vulnerable sections of society are protected. a robust regulatory framework governing the sphere will be sure that americans do not fall prey to the excesses of gambling. To that conclusion, the legislations panel has recommended inserting restrictions on playing by means of kids and kids beneath the age of 18 years and people who are beneath the poverty line to whom the State provides genial security measures.


text:
New Consultants who sign up during JULY will receive their choice of a new Fundamental paper packet bundled together with its coordinating Complements FREE—and that's in addition to the $60 CAD in Select Product Credit they get for signing up!
This Early Bird Special is an excellent opportunity for those that simply can't wait to get their hands on the exciting new products coming in Annual Inspirations 2016–2017 idea book.
Did you have an eye for being creative, do you want to be a part of a group that strives on being a close nit team, do you long to refine your scrappy skills? We have a place for everyone, whether you are looking to share your creativity, get quality supplies at a discount, or be a business savvy guru. By becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant, you become a part of a community of ladies that shares your same passions.
It's easy to join. Start by clicking HERE and completing the form. As part of your enrollment you will purchase the Consultant Kit for only $95, each kit has an abundance of goodies valued over $240! Along with your kit you will receive $60 in Select Product Credit that you can use to purchase the creative supplies of your choice! How amazing is that, choose what you like out of the NEW not released to customers Annual Inspirations book!
What does My Team have to offer you?
Access to a private Facebook page for coaching, support and inspiration
Access to my Artwork to use with your customers and yourself
Extra income to help with paying for your hobby or your bills, kids activities etc
Opportunity to attend corporate and team events in different locations around Canada and the US and mingle with some of the top consultants around
Discounted products and early sneak peeks of new product
A top notch group of consultants who inspire and uplift you
Are you ready?
STTT... What is this?
It is a program that allows you to earn more free product with sales in your first 90 days! YAY more free stuff!
Contact me for more details or join today, you won't look back!


text:
Disneys Cars
Pertinent Information
- Classic Displays has been in partnership with the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights for many years. One such project that was worked on was to create an animated display for the Disney Pixar movie Cars. As such, Classic Displays went about designing and building this 20' x 30' display which now sits proudly in the Niagara Parks each any every winter.


text:
All BrightTALK
Business Management
Human Resources
Information Technology
Research & Development
Hi [[ session.user.profile.firstName ]]
Channels I own
My feed
Watch later
My viewing history
My channels
Add profile photo
Change profile photo
Edit profile
Log out
All BrightTALK
Information Technology
Human Resources
Business Management
Research & Development
Log in
Join now
My account
Channels I own
My feed
Watch later
My viewing history
My channels
Edit profile
Log out
All BrightTALK
Information Technology
Human Resources
Business Management
Research & Development
Log in
Join now
My account
Channels I own
My feed
Watch later
My viewing history
My channels
Edit profile
Log out
Community information
With laws governing employment practices becoming ever more tangled with globalization and the advent of social media, it's important to have access to resources that keep you up-to-date. These regulations, known as labour law, labor law or employment law, dictate legal obligations between employers and employees. The thousands of professionals in the BrightTALK employment law community are exchanging information about employment contract law and employment law advice with webinars and videos. Join them for free employment law webinars and attend live presentations to have your questions answered by industry experts.
Share this content
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Twitter
Share on Facebook
Share on Google+
Listing type
Webinars and videos
Live and recorded
Could millennials be the key to ending the productivity crisis?
Mark Elwood, Marketing Director, TeleWare
Dec 13 2018
50 mins
By 2025, it is estimated that 75% of the workforce will be millennials. With rapidly changing expectations on how, when and where employees want to work, technology is going to play an increasingly important role in attracting and retaining talent.
Join our discussion to find out how the millennial demand for mobility in the workplace could help solve the productivity crisis. Our panel of experts will share their views on:
• Understanding the needs of the millennial worker
• The key steps to providing the right technology within your digital transformation programme
• Why mobility and flexible working is the key to hiring and retaining a millennial workforce
• Demonstrating the proven link between mobility and productivity
This webinar will be hosted by Mark Elwood, Marketing Director, TeleWare. Panellists will include Andrew Fawcett, product manager, TeleWare and guest experts, Dr Lucy Green from Larato and Vicky Ryder from Microsoft
Read more >
Watch now
Ask the Experts: How to adopt a BYOD policy that will delight your employees
Mark Elwood
Dec 5 2018
24 mins
Employee expectations to technology are changing rapidly. In their personal lives they often use the very latest technology, but often that can be difficult for firms to replicate. So, BYOD is becoming increasingly attractive for many employees who would like to use the technology they know and love for business as well as pleasure.
Join our panel of experts who will explore how BYOD strategies are evolving and how Re:Call from TeleWare could be the secret weapon you didn't know you needed.
Read more >
Watch now
Introducing Re:Call
Dec 4 2018
1 min
Introducing Re:Call - An App that gives you a second number on your personal phone for business calls and SMS
Read more >
Watch now
Microsoft Future Decoded
Mark Elwood
Nov 29 2018
2 mins
Launching Re:Call from TeleWare at Microsoft's premier UK event. The TeleWare stand was a great success. Watch the video today
Read more >
Watch now
How To Create A Mobile-First People Strategy To Modernise Employment
Mark Elwood
Nov 22 2018
46 mins
Just 29% of UK employees work for firms that operate flexible working policies for all employees according to recent research commissioned by TeleWare.
This highlights the stark differences in how firms are creating workforces who can work flexibly in an increasingly mobile environment. One thing is certain, tools that enable employees to work wherever and whenever they want to are here to stay, but how firms deploy them could be the difference between success or failure.
Join us in the latest webinar in our mobility and productivity programme where we will share exclusive insight into mobile and flexible working practices.
Join our panel of experts to find out:
•The impact on businesses who fail to deliver changing flexible working expectations
•The technological advancements that are helping firms operate flexibly
•The benefits and the pitfalls of a more mobility enabled workforce
•The barriers to successful adoption and how you can overcome them.
Steve Haworth, CEO, TeleWare
Andrew Fawcett, Product Manager, TeleWare
Read more >
Watch now
Re:Call from TeleWare at Microsoft Future Decoded 2018
Mark Elwood - Marketing Director, TeleWare
Nov 12 2018
2 mins
Check out our highlights video from Future Decoded 2018 to see what we got up to (you might have even made the final cut!).
Read more >
Watch now
Answers to the World's Scariest Employment Law Questions
Mark Toth, Chief Legal Officer of ManpowerGroup™ North America, and Neil Alexander, of Littler Mendelson.
Oct 31 2018
62 mins
Join ManpowerGroup for a complimentary webinar designed to reduce your employment law nightmares.
In this engaging and interactive webinar, Mark Toth of ManpowerGroup and guest Neil Alexander of Littler Mendelson will answer the world's most terrifying employment law questions. Mark and Neil will not only address the questions that keep you awake at night but also ensure that you get all the latest employment law news on everything from hiring to firing and beyond.
After this fast-paced hour, you'll walk away with:
-Answers to difficult legal questions
-Up-to-the-minute information on the latest employment law developments
-Tips and tools on everything from hiring to firing
-Practical solutions based on real-life examples
Your host is Mark Toth, Chief Legal Officer of ManpowerGroup™ North America, a former partner in a major employment law firm, and widely known for his ability to present legal and HR issues in a uniquely entertaining style.
Special guest Neil Alexander, of Littler Mendelson, has represented companies in employment disputes all across the U.S. for the last 25 years. Neil's practice focus includes unfair competition disputes, whistle blower and retaliation claims, ADA and FMLA disputes, wrongful termination claims and allegations of harassment or discrimination.
ManpowerGroup is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CPSM or SHRMSCPSM. This program is valid for 1 PDC for the SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit www.shrmcertification.org
This webinar is approved for 1 HRCI credit. The use of the HRCI seal confirms that this activity has met HR Certification Institute's® (HRCI®) criteria for recertification credit pre-approval.
Read more >
Watch now
Introducing Re:Call
Sep 18 2018
1 min
Introducing Re:Call - An App that gives you a second number on your personal phone for business calls and SMS
Read more >
Watch now
Why Brexit will hurt productivity in Financial Services the most...
Mark Elwood - Marketing Director, TeleWare
Jul 11 2018
45 mins
... and the technologies that will prevent it.
Join this webinar to hear how technology is creating a mobility enabled workforce to increase productivity in financial services and the lessons other sectors can learn.
In the words of Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman 'productivity isn't everything, but in the long run it is almost everything.'
Creating a modern workforce that has access to the technology that will improve productivity is key to ending the productivity crisis. TeleWare, working with Financial Services clients are helping create a mobile enabled workforce designed to improve productivity. These lessons can be adopted in many vertical sectors, particularly in a post GDPR and Brexit world.
Find out:
• Why you should be focusing on increasing productivity in your business
• How enabling your employees to use the latest technology with no cost to your business can improve employee satisfaction and create growth
• Why mobility is the secret weapon in the fight against stagnant productivity growth
• Which technologies you should be thinking about to create a mobility enabled workforce
Target Audience:
• Finance, Retail, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Construction, Health
• UK & Ireland
• SME – Enterprise
• IT, Operations role profiles
Join us for this insightful webinar that explores the technologies firms are adopting to help increase productivity and to beat their competition.
Read more >
Watch now
Ask the Expert : Mobile communications recording in a post GDPR & MiFID II world
Steve Haworth CEO, TeleWare, Andrew Fawcett, Product Manager, TeleWare, Nigel Simpson, Head of Sales, TeleWare, Mark Elwood,
May 10 2018
39 mins
Tune in to the latest TeleWare webinar where you can ask our panel of experts about your mobile recording requirements. Find out:
• The do's and don'ts of mobile recording under MiFID II and GDPR
• How are banks and other financial institutions deploying mobile recording?
• How to get more value from your investment in mobile recording
• Mobile recording and BYOD
• Apps Vs SIM recording – which is right for your business
This thought-provoking webinar will provide insights into these and other issues and help you pinpoint the main considerations in implementing a communications recording strategy for your business. With lots of opportunities to ask our experts, you can get the answers to your burning questions.
Read more >
Watch now
Understanding Next-Generation Cloud for MiFID II & Financial Services
Mark Elwood, Marketing Director, TeleWare
Feb 27 2018
41 mins
New regulations such as MiFID II mean that the regulatory requirement for recording, storage and retrieval of communication data has grown exponentially. Infrastructure and governance overheads and security must be managed wisely, utilising next generation technologies where available to ensure compliance is cost-effective, robust and meets required SLAs.
Join a group of industry experts including TeleWare and Microsoft to hear more about how financial markets players are turning to the cloud to meet and surpass exacting standards in recording, storage, retrieval and governance for communications data.
This webinar will be an interactive panel session discussing:
• Cloud services for Cap Markets - how have cloud services developed to meet the exacting standards of the investment banks and brokers?
• Why now is the time for cloud services in capital markets.
• Voice and eCommunication recording – why the cloud is taking the sting out of the increased data storage requirements for MiFIDII.
• Compliance-specific requirements – including data security and in-country storage.
• Hybrid deployment models – leveraging cloud services alongside existing enterprise environments.
• Cost factors – how TCO can be significantly reduced by intelligent outsourcing, including cost of governance, security and compliance.
• Reaching new heights – methods of migration, deployment and ongoing data management.
• And why uncertainty about Brexit is driving the need for more flexibility to scale up or down across different geographies.
The session will be hosted by Mark Elwood, Marketing Director, TeleWare
Ian Salmon, Director, IgniteG2M Limited. Specialist regulatory advisers
Andrew Fawcett, MiFID II Product Manager, TeleWare
Hannah Cawthorne, Financial Services Industry Lead, Microsoft
Read more >
Watch now
The TeleWare Microsoft Story
Mark Elwood
Oct 10 2017
3 mins
TeleWare work in collaboration with Microsoft to help our partners and their customers achieve more through better communications. This short video explains how.
Read more >
Watch now
Andy Dunbar, Vicky Ryder
Sep 14 2017
33 mins
With little over 100 days until MiFID II comes into force, investment firms, trading houses, banks and other affected businesses are deep into the research phase of their projects.
Join our latest webinar for exclusive access to research carried out on behalf of TeleWare to understand how ready businesses really are. Where they see the key challenges and how best to overcome these barriers.
TeleWare research initiative carried out by Censuswide asked 100 compliance and IT managers about the record keeping aspects of their projects. In this webinar, we will explore the responses and cover ways in which firms can be addressing some of the common challenges.
We will be discussing:
* How ready do firms believe they are now and will be by 3rd January 2018
* What aspects of 'record keeping, trade reconstruction and surveillance' within MiFID II are causing most concern?
* What benefits will MiFID II bring to firms?
* The technology that is helping firms meet their new MiFID II regulatory requirements
Hosted by SoftwareONE with guest speakers from compliant recording and analytics specialists TeleWare, this will provide practical insight to help unlock the potential benefits that MiFID II can bring.
We will be discussing:
* What impact getting ready for MiFID II is having on businesses
* What technology is being employed to help with compliance
* How businesses are planning to create growth despite greater regulation
* Is everybody going to be ready in time and what happens if not?
The session will be hosted by:
Andy Dunbar from SoftwareONE
We will also be joined by Vicky Ryder from TeleWare
Read more >
Watch now
Cyber Security and Insider Threats: Turning Policies into Procedures
Ingrid Fredeen, J.D, VP and Senior Product Manager, NAVEXEngage, and Pamela Passman, President and CEOCREATe Compliance
Jul 20 2017
64 mins
Unfortunately, even the best technological defenses won't protect your company's intellectual property and data if your employees inadvertently or intentionally take actions to compromise confidential information. The key to mitigating risk for your organization is to provide all employees with policies, processes and training on cyber security awareness.
Join this presentation with CREATe Compliance where we discuss:
- Elements of an effective cyber security program – addressing 'people, process and technology'
- Spotlight on insiders: Mitigating risks from employees, contractors and third parties
- Emerging trends: Assessing your enterprise's cyber security capabilities; training your workforce on cyber security
Read more >
Watch now
Strategies for Staying Ahead of Bribery and Corruption Challenges
Kevin Braine and John Arvanitis from Kroll, and Erica Salmon Byrne from Ethisphere
Apr 19 2017
74 mins
In this interactive webinar, you will have the opportunity to learn about proven strategies and best practices for solving compliance challenges from our world-leading experts in FCPA, UK Bribery Act, and the growing number of international compliance laws.
Join in the conversation with Kevin Braine, Joe Spinelli and John Arvanitis from Kroll, and Erica Salmon Byrne from Ethisphere, as they share their insights on the practical implications of the most significant findings in the ABC Report, including the growing concern over third party and reputation risk.
All participants will receive a digital copy of the ABC Report with statistics helpful for benchmarking their compliance programs.
Read more >
Watch now
Rx For Healthcare Talent
Raleen Gagnon and Sara McCarville of ManpowerGroup Solutions and Chris Vaughan of Boston University School of Medicine
Feb 22 2017
60 mins
Healthcare candidates are one of today's most competitive talent markets. In order to attract and retain these candidates, employers need to understand their job search preferences and motivators for career change.
During this webinar, experts from ManpowerGroup Solutions and the Boston University School of Medicine will discuss the evolving healthcare marketplace as well as new workforce and recruiting strategies — and how this is raising the bar for patient care.
By participating in this webinar, you will:
1. Understand key workforce trends related to talent supply and demand in healthcare
2. Learn how healthcare employers can attract and retain talent in a competitive marketplace
3. Find out how hospitals and clinics are shifting their workforce strategy
Presented by Raleen Gagnon and Sara McCarville of ManpowerGroup Solutions and Chris Vaughan of Boston University School of Medicine
* Please note this webinar is not eligible for HRCI credit.
Read more >
Watch now
Flexible and Family Friendly Working for Universities as Employers
Susanne Jacobs
Feb 8 2017
60 mins
As we move into the next industrial age the skills needed to attract, engage and retain talent are shifting. Employee gender balance is critical to the success of any organisation and creating a flexible family friendly environment is a part of the equation to fully harness female talent and progression.
This webinar will explore the return on investment from establishing flexible family friendly workplaces and how this directly supports your application and success for Athena SWAN. The session will look at both the economics and neuroscience of sustainable high performance and the correlation to flexible family friendly workplaces as well as a road map to implement change.
Join us on February 8th at 12 noon to see this informative session and case studies from the University of Manchester, Kings College London and the University of Suffolk.
Read more >
Watch now
Operate with Confidence: Responding to the Changing Risk Environment in LATAM
Brian Weihs and Ian Cook with Kroll Investigations and Disputes and John Fanning with Kroll Compliance
Dec 13 2016
62 mins
Whether operating in the region or conducting business through third parties, the shifting risk and regulatory landscape in Latin America poses many challenges. With local nuances, a one-size-fits-all approach to compliance and due diligence might do little more than provide a false sense of security.
Join Kroll's experts as they discuss the changing risk environment in Latin America and the potential implications on your risk mitigation and due diligence programs in the region.
- Corruption risks and trends in Latin America
- Understanding local nuances: What you need to know when conducting business with third parties in the region
- Best practices for risk mitigation and due diligence
Read more >
Watch now
Next Generation Data Breach Response: Preparing Your C-Suite and Board
King & Spalding, Rite Aid, and Kroll
Dec 8 2016
58 mins
In today's complex and ever-changing security landscape, every C-Suite and Board knows of cyber risk, but what does it really mean to be prepared to respond to a data breach incident? Top executives do not have to become cyber security experts, but they must make sure their organization's breach response plans and strategies are defined and set. While they will not directly lead technical, legal and notification efforts to address data breaches, they do need to act as internal champions of proper planning and prevention.
Identifying and closing security gaps, directing communication channels, and developing and regularly testing incident response plans are as important now as managing any other business risk or concern. Therefore, company leadership must take charge and direct their organizations to conduct extensive preparation efforts to mitigate those risks and make certain everyone stands ready to execute against the established procedures and policies when a breach occurs.
In this webinar, you will hear from experts who have been on the inside and outside of data breach response efforts. You will learn:
•Why the C-Suite and Board need to champion planning and prevention efforts.
•How to get Executive buy-in.
•Ways to build stronger response structures from the top.
•How to construct response architectures. Who needs to be responsible for what?
•Cyber Risk – What are the latest threats and what does the C-Suite and Board need to understand?
•Developing and directing an Incident Response Plan: Where do the C-Suite and Board fit in?
•Examples our experts have seen – the good and the bad
Read more >
Watch now
Spotlight Asia – Investing in India's Growth Story
Reshmi Khurana, Kroll's Managing Director and Head of South Asia, and Tarun Bhatia, Managing Director at Kroll
Oct 19 2016
69 mins
India remains an attractive destination for foreign investors as its economic fundamentals and optimism about its prospects remain strong. From a macroeconomic perspective, India is one of the fastest growing major emerging markets, with recent projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) pointing to a fiscal growth of 7.4% versus a 6.6% expansion in China for 2016. Politically, it is more stable than in previous cycles, with the BJP led government initiating a number of reforms and regulatory measures that are instilling economic confidence and raising India's attractiveness as a destination for FDI. The country's demographics are equally promising: India is home to 18% of the world's working-age population (ages 15-64), a growing middle class with increasing purchasing power and a corporate sector that is flexing its muscle domestically and globally.
Join Kroll's team as they share the shifting dynamics of investing in India, replete with both risks and rich rewards at every turn. It includes an in-depth commentary by Reshmi Khurana, Kroll's Managing Director and Head of South Asia, and Tarun Bhatia, Managing Director at Kroll, who will discuss the most urgent risks of cross-border deal-making, offering insights on conducting pre-transactional due diligence on
Read more >
Watch now
Skype for Business Enterprise Voice Vs compliance and security.
Aug 4 2016
26 mins
Find out how your business can have both.
Cloud technology is transforming the communications landscape faster than ever before, but it can be difficult to keep up if you're operating in a heavily regulated industry. We will explain how your business can get to grips with the latest Microsoft Office 365 technology, whilst maintaining FCA, Dodd Frank and other regulatory and governance requirements. We will also explain how your business can save up to 60% compared to your existing voice estate, by adopting Skype for Business. Register today.
Read more >
Watch now
What Does a World-Class Compliance Program for Endowments Look Like?
Michael Lukasek, CPA, Managing Director, Office of Investments, University of Pennsylvania
Jul 15 2016
55 mins
In 2015, charitable donations to colleges and universities reached an all-time high of $40.3 billion. As university endowments seek greater returns in a diverse international marketplace, the challenges from investing in funds in high-risk jurisdictions increase exponentially.
Join Kroll Associate Managing Director John Arvanitis and guest Michael A. Lukasek, CPA, Managing Director of the University of Pennsylvania's Office of Investments, to discuss how to build a world-class compliance program for endowments. Participants in this webinar will gain insights into topics including:
Best practices for vetting and engaging with investments and fund managers in high-risk jurisdictions.
How to establish protocols in preparation for the compliance requirements of the changing regulatory environment.
Three reasons why you join us on July 15
1. Regulatory regimes around the world are evolving and expanding. Higher education endowments must ensure compliance with not only all federal and state laws, but increasingly, foreign regulations as well.
2. Recently, a number of legislative proposals have been advanced that seek to regulate endowment activity and revoke tax-exempt status, leading to heightened scrutiny of and public visibility into endowments and their activities.
3. Expanding into high-return but high-risk jurisdictions can also intensify reputational risks to institutions.
Read more >
Watch now
Strategies for Staying Ahead of Bribery and Corruption Challenges
Kevin Braine and Joe Spinelli (Kroll); Erica Salmon Byrne (Ethisphere)
Jun 22 2016
64 mins
Earlier this year, hundreds of senior compliance leaders told Kroll and Ethisphere what they perceive to be their greatest risks in our 2016 Anti-Bribery and Corruption Report. Do you share the same challenges? Are you aware of or giving the requisite attention to new risks that have emerged? More important, what are the most effective ways to stay ahead of bribery and corruption challenges in 2016 and beyond?
In this interactive webinar on June 22, you will have the opportunity to learn about proven strategies and best practices for solving compliance challenges from our world-leading experts in FCPA, UK Bribery Act, and the growing number of international compliance laws.
Join in the conversation with Kevin Braine and Joe Spinelli from Kroll, and Erica Salmon Byrne from Ethisphere, as they share their insights on the practical implications of the most significant findings in the ABC Report, including the growing concerns over personal liability. All participants will also receive a digital copy of the ABC Report with statistics helpful for benchmarking their compliance programs.
Read more >
Watch now
影山正:シニア・マネジング・ディレクター、アジア太平洋地域統括責任者、坂出國雄:マネジング・ディレクター、ジャパンデスクヘッド、オットー マンフレッド 倉雄:ドウェイン・モリス・ベトナム法律事務所
May 24 2016
89 mins
Read more >
Watch now
Vietnam: Risks and opportunities in Asia's next emerging market
Richard Dailly, Managing Director at Kroll and Giles Cooper, Partner, and Manfred Otto, Associate at Duane Morris
May 11 2016
89 mins
Vietnam continues to be a major foreign direct investment destination in Asia Pacific. The country has positive macro-economic factors demonstrated by its solid and continued GDP growth, a number of free trade agreements, improving infrastructure and a young demographic and low labor costs which has encouraged businesses to relocate there. However, there remain a number of potential uncertainties and risks for inbound investors given the new government administration following the Communist Party of Vietnam's 12th National Congress in January. The geo-political situation around the South China Sea is also an issue for those operating in Vietnam, and limitations in obtaining information and disclosures can present challenges to parties executing transactions.
Join Kroll and Duane Morris to learn about the risks and opportunities offered by Vietnam. Richard Dailly, Managing Director at Kroll, Giles Cooper, Partner, and Manfred Otto, Associate at Duane Morris will share more about Vietnam as an investment destination, what the legal and political risks are of doing business there and how the new administration and free trade agreements could affect inward foreign investment. They will also address the complexities of running a business in Vietnam, reviewing operational risks from investigations Kroll has conducted, Duane Morris's experiences with respect to due diligence of Vietnamese partners, compliant and workable solutions.
Read more >
Watch now
Ask the Experts – Challenges & Opportunities with Mobile Workforces & UC
Mark Elwood - Marketing Director, TeleWare
Feb 27 2019
10:00 am
45 mins
Mobile working is happening in increasing numbers of businesses. The prize is enormous for businesses who get mobile working right in terms of productivity improvements and happier employees. However recent research carried out on behalf of TeleWare highlight several challenges employers and employees face with increasingly mobile workforces.
So, why aren't more businesses and employees getting more benefits out of mobile working?
Join our panel discussion to find out more about these insights and toget all your questions answered live on how to overcome these challenges.
Topics we plan to cover:
• The top 3 challenges employees face when working remotely
• Is GDPR holding you back unnecessarily?
• Which types of applications, unified communications and collaboration tools are making an impact
• Why cloud communication technology is crucial to mobility, productivity and connectivity
As well as sharing exclusive content, there will be opportunities to ask our expert panellists about any burning issues around mobile working beforehand or during the webinar. So, if there is anything you would like to cover, please get in touch.
Marketing Director, Mark Elwood will host the session and he will be joined by experts:
• Steve Haworth – TeleWare CEO
• Nigel Simpson – Sales Manager
Read more >
Save your seat
Load more


text:
Who We Serve
Since 1999, the SBDC-West Plains office has served nearly 1,000 clients resulting in over 100 new businesses in the Ozarks with over 250 net new jobs created! Clients have received over $25 million in loans and investments and credit SBDC with over $43 million in new sales!
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helps both established small businesses and those just beginning. We work with Missouri entrepreneurs and small businesses that are for-profit (not a non-profit charitable or educational organization). Whether you are currently in business or thinking about starting a business, the SBDC can assist you in your venture!
Service Area
The SBDC hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains serves entrepreneurs in seven counties across the South Central Missouri Ozarks region: Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas and Wright.
Small Business Guidelines
- Manufacturers employing up to 500
- Wholesalers employing up to 100
- Retailers with annual gross sales of up to $6.5 million
- Service businesses with gross revenues of up to $6.5 million
- General construction firms with average annual receipts of up to $31 million
- Special trade construction with average annual receipts not exceeding $13 million
- Agriculture with average annual receipts of up to $750,000
Missouri SBDCs are part of a statewide network through the University of Missouri Extension Business Development Program. The term "small business" is defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in the Code of Federal Regulations (13 C.F.R. 121). To determine if you are a small business, please reference the SBA Small Business Size Standards. You will need your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. You can also use the SBA Size Standard Tool to assist in determining if you qualify as a small business concern.
Small Business Success
There are several ways SBDC clients can share their business success.
- Success Story - The SBDC hosted by MSU-WP selects several clients annually to be featured in our Missouri Business Development Program newsletter and some success stories also get featured in the national ASBDC newsletter. If you would like to share your small business success, please provide the information needed per the National SBDC Success Template. Our communications team will also follow-up with a 30-minute phone interview.
- Advocacy Day - The Missouri Business Development Program (MBDP) Advocacy Day is celebrated annually with members of the Missouri Legislature. Select clients who have shared a Success Story can be nominated to receive an Excellence in Business award. Recipients are invited to Jefferson City, Missouri to be formally recognized and receive a resolution from their state senator or representative.
- SBA Awards - The SBA celebrates small business success with a number of prestigious annual awards including the Small Business Person of the Year award. This is an excellent way to share your story and garner additional promotional opportunities.
Services For Growth Companies (fee-based)
Economic Gardening
Advanced Domestic Marketing
Economic Gardening (EG) is an innovative, entrepreneur-centered growth strategy for developing sustainable job growth in local economies. Sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation, our EG team targets high-growth clients and gives them access to high-level market information and strategies to expand revenue. The program generates truly sustainable economic growth for communities, regions and states. The MO SBTDC EG team can provide up to 10 market research, search engine optimization and geographic information science services:
Market Research
- Investigate viable adjacent industries with data from industry reports, capital investments, and other available data
- Create a list of potential competitors using North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes and advanced industry and market search processes
- Identify "watering holes," where key industry individuals gather, for top industries from adjacent markets
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Comprehensive website review with competitive analysis
- Digital marketing strategies for qualified sales leads
- Keyword research
- Customized RSS Feeds for company milestones and sales opportunities
Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- Map current customer locations and review industry codes for targeted prospecting
- Develop outreach lists
- Develop industry concentrations
Strategic Planning
Endorsed by Drs. Robert Kaplan and David Norton (developers of the balanced scorecard) and delivered by certified MO SBTDC counselors, this seven-session planning process provides a framework to focus awareness and embed strategy management and execution capabilities in your organization, improving governance, agility and performance. Strategic planning can help you:
- Understand effective strategy development and translation
- Develop a complete strategy map
- Properly design and deploy a balanced scorecard
- Cascade and align strategy
- Link strategy and operations
- Monitor, test and adapt strategies and improve decision-making
ProfitCents Financial Analysis
This financial analysis, data analysis and industry comparison service provides real-time industry data on private companies to benchmark and track industry trends, while providing ratio analysis and comparisons with recommendations for improving financial performance. ProfitCents provides:
- Benchmarked data to similar Missouri businesses
- 60 ratios and metrics
- Comparisons based on market knowledge
- Easy-to-understand reports
- Cash-flow projections
- Real-time industry benchmarks
- Ratio and liquidity analysis
- Financial projections
Balanced Scorecards
Measure, Manage, Succeed
The balanced scorecard is a measurement and management system that channels the energies, abilities and knowledge of people in your company to achieve specific business goals. It measures performance in key areas though a nine-step process:
- Articulating key factors to your success
- Organizing them into categories
- Selecting measures to manage performance
- Establishing goals for each measure
- Narrowing these measures to a vital few
- Developing a data collection system
- Communicating what is important
- Making the measures meaningful to everyone in the company
- Evaluating, revising and redeploying current strategies
Strategic Management Assessment Review Tool (SMART)
SMART is an assessment based upon the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, an excellent framework to compare best practices. Whether you choose a free, counselor-facilitated self-assessment, a QuikSMART, or a full SMART assessment conducted by a team of our counselors, SMART examines current practices and opportunities and provides feedback in seven key categories, including customer and market focus, strategic planning, process management, human resources, information and analysis, leadership and results.
Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
The SBTDC hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains is located in the West Plains Civic Center on the mezzanine level (west entrance). The SBTDC is part of University/Community Programs. Please come visit us!
The SBTDC-West Plains is a satellite office of the SBTDC-Springfield and part of the Missouri Business Development Program. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.


text:
"Beekeeper Suit Protection Bill" SigningCeremony on 8-16-2012
Stacy Ferris, Photography for Governor Rick Scott
The State Preemption/Apiculture Bill 1197 a.k.a. "Beekeeper Protection Bill" signing with Florida Governor Scott at his office, Tallahassee, FL. This bill gives the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) exclusive authority to regulate beekeeping suits, apiaries and their locations. FSBA representatives were invited to the governor's office to take part and witness the event. View the Actual Statue 586.10 .
Beekeeper suits provide protection against bee stings.
Place mouse on small images below to zoom magnify examine larger photos: Left to Right (above) Tony Hogg, Rebecca Cowan Hogg, Samuel Hogg, Gary J. Ranker, Gov. Rick Scott, Melissa Councell, B Keith Councell, Elmore Herman Place mouse on small images above to zoom magnify examine larger photos:
In attendance were Tony Hogg (Legislative Committee Co-Chair), Gary Ranker (FSBA President), past FSBA President Elmore Herman, Melissa and Keith Councell (FSBA Vice President), Becky Hogg, Sam Hogg, and of course Governor Rick Scott.


text:
The Top 5 foods you didn't know were terrible for you.
Although margarine is supposed to be cholesterol free and better for you than regular butter and oils, this could not be more false. Margarine is the number 1 source for trans fats and can elevate cholesterol and damage blood vessel walls far more than regular butter or oils ever could. So the next time you think about getting fake butter, just dont.
The cow was domesticated only 8000 years ago. Meaning that the stomach's ability to digest milk products is completely unnatural and is a scientific and evolutionary mystery. The stomach should especially not be able to digest chemically altered and pasteurized milk which almost all whole milk in the US us. The chemical pasteurization process that milk undergoes completely kills the vitamins and the digestive enzymes, denatures the proteins, reduces the availability of minerals and turns the fat rancid, But we drink it because its "good for you". Homogenization further renders the fat and protein completely indigestible. Growth hormones and antibiotics are either fed or injected into the cows to make them produce more milk and kill diseases. These hormones and antibiotics contribute to intestinal inflammation, allergic response, fat storage, and tumor growth.
3. Quaker 100% Natural Granola and Honey Bits
Although Quaker Oats sound like a perfectly healthy and nutritious morsel, they are actually on the dark side of the food pyramid. One cup contains 528 calories, 28g of fat and 60g of carbohydrates. That's more fat and sugar than a regular McDonalds cheeseburger. Mother nature had no intention of digesting scoops of oats covered in three teaspoons of sugar and delicious artery clogging fats.
A large bucket of unbuttered movie theater popcorn popped in coconut oil has almost three days recommendation of cholesterol intake, in the one bucket, unbuttered. Adding the butter, which is not real butter it's actually synthetic oil, boosts the fat intake from three days to just over four. That is the equivalent of eating eight big macs and a large coke. Yes you read that correctly, buttered movie popcorn has the equivalent nutritional value of eight big macs and a large coke. Some theaters have switched from coconut oil to vegetable oil but its no better; at the right temperature these oils become rancid and indigestible.
One packet of ramen noodles contain so much sodium that its almost healthier to eat a straight packet of salt. Boasting 1780 mg of sodium per bag of noodles, excluding the little packet of flavoring witch puts it up to almost 3000 mgs. The average amount of sodium intake an adult should have in a day? 2,300!
By: Daniel Gallo


text:
YouTube is probably the most well known of sites which allows you to listen, watch and upload free content such as music and video. However just recently YouTube has introduced a copyright detecting mechanism called the Creative Commons License, too the annoyance of me and others who love free music.
Basically all music/videos that have not paid the fee set by YouTube or have infringed copyright laws in some way were deleted from YouTube. So all the free music I was lapping up has gone.
To use materials you have to ask for authority or pay the fee, which is something like ten dollars a month. This was created to prevent people from making a profit of a piece of music or video which isn't theirs, so this means that YouTube would gain a greater a profit and so would those who did the work. Online TV programmes YouTube doesn't adhere to regulators like Ofcom or the Watershed adding more freedom to uploadable content – which is one of YouTubes greatest attractions and advantage over its competitors.
The obvious advantage of YouTube using the Creative Commons License is that money or recognition goes to the rightful owner or producer.
A big limitation for me is that I can't listen to everything anymore, sad times.


text:
The older I get, the more my tastes change. What interested me and inspired me years ago, isn't necessarily what inspires me now. While I still love the contrast between black and white (I don't think that will ever go away) I find myself wanting something more calming. So when I was contacted by the Florida office of global real estate firm, Douglas Elliman, to participate in this Florida Room Challenge, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to sit down and take a look at what I would love in my home.
My bedroom has continued to be this unfinished, bore of a room. Out of sight, out of mind right?
So I chose my bedroom as the room I would love to create a decor board for.
I have the extreme privilege of living in a place that most people only get to visit on vacation. I'm 20 minutes from my choice of beach and owning a winter coat is optional. We get to sunbathe and enjoy the warmth of the sun (while wearing sunscreen of course!) and just enjoy the best parts of living in Florida. But despite enjoying what the natural beauty around us the idea of a beach theme for my home has never appealed to me. Well, not in the traditional sense.
To me, using the beach to inspire the decor of your home is best when it's a little more subtle. It's not necessary to cover the place with starfish and "the beach is this way" signs. You don't have to put up paintings of flip flops in the sand or fill every vase with shells. Not that anything is wrong with decorating with any of these if that is your design aesthetic, but it's just not mine.
In this Florida Room Challenge, I decided to approach it as a more beach-inspired look, as opposed to a beach-themed room. I wanted to incorporate the varying colors of the ocean, from blue to green and to keep the design light an airy. One of my favorite things about living in Florida, is that we get to enjoy the sunshine all year round. When that sun seeps into the house and fills the home with that perfect light, it is just beyond beautiful.
If you want a room that makes you feel like you can enjoy Florida all year long, even if you don't live in Florida, you have to capture the natural beauty that we get to experience. The light, the natural drift woods, the calming colors of the ocean. To me, this is what I have grown to love about the Sunshine State.
I mean, look at how BEAUTIFUL these beaches are! Here are just some of the pictures I have snapped while out at one of our many beaches throughout the gulf. The sun never quits!
These pictures were taken at different beaches or on different days. The ocean always looks different from visit to visit. If we have a storm, the water is a little darker, if it has been still for many days, then the water is clearer and more blue. The colors vary from every shade of green and blue. That is what I wanted to capture in my style board. Calm, beautiful, natural, sun-inviting, simple.
Basket: Williams Sonoma $189 | Bed: Joss & Main $406 | Comforter: Sleep Philosophy $90 | Curtains: Ikea $30
There are so many ways to style your home to help bring in the beautiful of Florida. Even when you are thousands of miles away and perhaps the cold is nipping at you, you can always find away to bring some of that sunshine in doors. If you prefer a more subtle beach-inspired room, like I do, then here are a few tips to help you incorporate this style into your home.
1. Don't be too matchy-matchy.
Don't use the same shade of color for every accent piece. Changing up the shades of blue or white, will keep it from looking like you theme is a certain color. In simple terms, coordinate, don't match.
2. Incorporate natural elements.
Think driftwood, woven textiles, live plants. They will help bring the space together and give it a more authentic beach feel.
3. Think light.
As I mentioned above, the natural light that we always have, is a major element of Florida living. Colors like white are going to help the light bounce around the room a little better. A mirror also helps the light fill the room. Choosing furniture made of drift wood or made to look like driftwood, give the room a white-washed, almost unbleached room. Trust me, this is a very Floridan thing for anything left outside to get sun-bleached.
4. Upcycle what you already have and think crafty.
While, I completely ignored having a budget while creating the look for this room, you don't have to spend a ton of money to get the same feel. Sand down any old night stands you have or give them a nice coat of paint and then distress them to give them a weathered look. Use baskets for plants that you already have around. Buying new pillows is unnecessary when you can give them a quick update by buying only pillow covers. Upcycle an old mirror with a glue gun and pieces of wood to create something similar to what is seen above. I'm totally a fan of the craft and saving money, so if you can spare the time and feel like getting down, you can save yourself a LOT of money and create a look for much less. (Not so crafty? Check out CopyCatChic to see less expensive finds of some high priced home decor!)
5. Keep it simple.
Don't overcrowd the room with more things. Keep it simple and instead use pattern to bring a room a more cohesive look. Design is in the details, but that does not mean that every inch of a place needs to be over designed. (Plus, it's also much less to dust.)
Well, I hope you liked the room! I found so many great items that I thought were so beautiful I needed to share. I was able to find some great finds on Amazon for you.
You can check them out below.


text: The oldest parts of the castle from the 12th century were built by Gerard, Count of Sponheim. The large palace and the rounded towers are probably from around 1400 when the Lords of Brandenbourg lived there In 1634, Claude of Lannoy built the reception halls, including the large Knights' Hall in the Spanish style of Flanders. In 1660, stables, storerooms and administrative buildings were added. Finally, in the 18th century, new stables were built. The castle was destroyed in the Second World War during the Battle of the Bulge. The castle is now completely destroyed and houses now a museum and offices.