text:
|Enterprise Bill
Mr. Tony McWalter (Hemel Hempstead): I wonder whether the hon. Gentleman thinks that the clause is partly intended to deal with cases in which the OFT is not fulfilling its duties as we should all like it to. If a Minister used the power, it would represent an expression of no confidence in the OFT, and presumably a review of its membership might follow. My experience with West Hertfordshire health authority has led me to want to have its members dismissed. The OFT might be as incompetent as that public body, and the Minister might need to send a shot up the gunnels.
Mr. Waterson: Across the gunnels is probably the correct nautical expression—a shot up the gunnels sounds potentially far more disastrous.
The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent point, but sadly he is entirely off-message, as the Government have suggested quite the opposite to everyone, including industry and hon. Members. The last thing that Ministers want is for the Derbyshire-Hemel Hempstead axis to come pounding on Ministers' doors and saying, ''I'm fed up with this—there's a factory closing in my constituency and the OFT is almost as bad as West Hertfordshire health authority, so what are you going to do about it?'' Ideally, the Minister should reply, ''There's nothing I can do about it, squire. It is not down to me—it's down to an independent body that employs wonderful people and has massive new resources. In the bad old days of Mrs. Block-it and the Tories, of course, we could have done something about it, but not anymore. We are just getting on with the business of governing the country and trying to get a third term.''
That is the theme that runs, like the word ''Blackpool'' through a stick of rock, through the entirety of this part of the Bill, apart from this clause. Although I understand the point being made by the hon. Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mr. McWalter), both he and the hon. Member for North-East Derbyshire (Mr. Barnes) are talking about a different piece of legislation.
Column Number: 435
The debate has thrown up a whole series of questions for the Minister, and I shall listen agog to his response.
Mr. Lansley: I am happy to concur with my hon. Friend. I shall not quote the White Paper at great length, but it is curious to discover in the proposals for the market investigation regime a whole series of paragraphs on the role of Ministers but no specific reference or foreshadowing of the clause. On the contrary, paragraph 6.42 says:
Although subsequent paragraphs express reservations in relation to exceptional public interest cases or major divestment remedies, at no point does the White Paper say that decisions on competition will be made by the Competition Commission, but decisions on references to the commission by the OFT and other sector regulators will not be made solely by the competition authorities—they will be interfered with by Ministers.
The provision is completely contrary to the thrust of the Bill and it is astonishing that Ministers should want to include it. The question of public interest cases is not involved here. I imagine that the hon. Members for North-East Derbyshire and for Hemel Hempstead might want to go to Ministers and use the public interest provisions, which we shall discuss later. However, we are dealing only with competition matters at this point. On competition grounds, the Government propose to retain a power for the Secretary of State to set aside the view of the competition authorities on competition matters, which will undermine the predictability and consistency that Ministers claim to want and to be pursuing in the Bill as a whole. Frankly, one could take out the clause and there would be no negative consequences, only positive ones.
Mr. Djanogly: I totally concur with my hon. Friends the Members for Eastbourne and for South Cambridgeshire on whether a Minister should have the right to be satisfied with a decision by the OFT in those circumstances.
Materiality is another aspect of the clause that has not yet been mentioned. Subsection (2) will allow a Minister to make a reference if they suspect that any feature or features will distort competition, and there is a materiality aspect to that. It is not only a question of whether a Minister is satisfied, but a question of the basis on which they can be satisfied. The clause works on the basis that there is no bottom line or level at which it would or would not be acceptable for a Minister to refer. They can refer for any reason at all, which is why clause 124 is inadequate.
Mr. Field: Much has been said already on the clause, so I shall speak only briefly.
Column Number: 436
I have spoken about mergers on a number of earlier occasions in the consideration of part 3. I instinctively feel that it is naďve to believe that mergers do not have a political angle. To that extent, I have always had some sympathy with the view that there should potentially be some ministerial input on mergers. There is, however, no justification for ministerial input into market investigations. Indeed, our concern is that that will allow Ministers to play to the tabloid gallery when it whips up a furore about a particular market. A Minister may insist on a reference, but they will not have any sort of balancing veto on a reference put forward by the OFT. In other words, ministerial power will be one way, rather than two way, in relation to OFT references, and, egged on by the mob, a Minister will be able to use that power to appear to rescue the situation as and when it suits them, which is not sensible, especially in relation to market investigations.
There are other areas of the Bill in which some ministerial input may be a sensible way forward. That is, in a sense, a matter of—dare I use the phrase—political philosophy, and I am sure that such commercial thinking changes from one era to the next. There is absolutely no justification for any ministerial intervention on market investigations.
Mr. Carmichael: I shall likewise be brief. Frankly, it sticks in my craw to agree with the hon. Member for Eastbourne time after time, and I now find myself in a position in which I agree with four Conservative Members, which is more than even I can stand.
Mr. Waterson: Just to probe the hon. Gentleman, does it stick in his craw because I am a Conservative, because I represent an English seat or because I took my seat off a Liberal Democrat—or all three?
Mr. Carmichael: The fact that the hon. Gentleman is a Conservative is certainly enough for me. The fact that his seat is in England is of no consequence whatsoever. I am married to an Englishwoman—
Mr. Waterson: Very broad minded.
Mr. Carmichael: It is certainly broad minded on her part. I hold no part in xenophobia against the English. The hon. Gentleman took his seat from a Liberal Democrat, but I am sure that that is a fault that will be mended in time.
The clause is a sensible backstop position. We are dealing with what I expect will be a very small number of cases. At the end of the day, the business of Ministers and politicians is to take hard decisions and not simply to abdicate all responsibility. The clause may be inconsistent with some of the ministerial press releases that have been put out, but I certainly would not damn it for that reason. What we have is a sensible backstop position. In circumstances in which the OFT has taken a decision that, in the wider sense, may be acceptable to it but will not be acceptable to the wider community, there should be some recourse for the Minister to make that clear.
6.15 pm
Mr. McWalter: I am grateful that the hon. Member for Eastbourne took my intervention, because it gave rise to a lively debate that has flushed out the clear
Column Number: 437differences between the sides in the debate. I get the strong impression that those on the Opposition Benches—at least, those on the Conservative Benches—would like the OFT to be as inefficient as I claim that the West Hertfordshire health authority is, on the basis that it would be supine and inefficient, and business could just get on with doing its stuff without anyone asking whether the climate in which they were conducting their business was actually one of fair competition. I believe that it is important that the function be delivered effectively because, as has been said repeatedly in the debate, that would be to the benefit of good business. I hope that the Minister will not feel inclined to accept the argument that has been made by Opposition Members.
Mr. Barnes: The Fair Trading Act 1973 allows references by the Secretary of State on competition and public interest grounds. My understanding is that, as a matter of policy since the early 1980s, different Governments have seldom used public interest grounds to make references. However, Secretaries of State must have made several references to the Competition Commission, despite what has been said. It might be interesting to know how many there were and what the Government's policy is on references under the clause. If their policy is the same as that for public interest, Opposition Members have nothing to worry about.
Mr. Alexander: To be perfectly honest, I am not quite sure where to start, given the range of comments and the excitement generated by the clause. Perhaps the obvious place to begin is with the comments of the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland. As the debate proceeded, I found myself having ever more in common with him. We both represent Scottish seats, we both have English wives, and we both think that the clause is sensible and logical.
I assure my hon. Friends the Members for North-East Derbyshire and for Hemel Hempstead that, emboldened by their remarks, I shall reject Conservative Members' view and urge the Committee to do so. The accusation levelled at the Government is that the clause contains a word-processing aberration. I would have had more sympathy with the Opposition's comments if they had used the word ''remedy'' in place of ''reference.'' That is the key point and the sense of proportion that must be brought to the discussion.
The danger is—again, this turns on quite an important point—that, had we not had such a power, an opportunistic Opposition might have said that it was an outrageous breach of parliamentary accountability and would have argued for appropriate accountability. Therefore, it is important to recognise that retaining a reserve power for Ministers to make references in exceptional circumstances will enhance the overall accountability of the new regime. Subsection (3) specifies that, like the OFT and certain sectoral regulators, Ministers will be able to refer a market only if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that one feature or more of a market is preventing, restricting or distorting competition in the supply or acquisition of specified goods or services.
Column Number: 438
For clarification, I confirm that the Minister must satisfy the same reference criteria as the OFT. As with references made by the competition authorities, ministerial references will be subject to review by the competition appeal tribunal. We intend that the primary responsibility for making market investigation references should lie with the independent competition authorities—for these purposes, the OFT and certain sectoral regulators—which is entirely consistent with the spirit and letter of the White Paper and discussions on the Bill. Under the new regime, Ministers will no longer be able to veto references made by the OFT and certain sectoral regulators.
In line with the intention, Ministers' power to make a market investigation reference is more constrained than their power to make monopoly references under the Fair Trading Act. Subsections (1) and (2) specify that Ministers will be able to refer markets only in exceptional circumstances in which they are not satisfied with a decision of the OFT not to make a market investigation reference to the Competition Commission, or in which they are satisfied that the OFT or relevant sectoral regulator is aware of the evidence that has led to a suspicion but that it is not likely to reach a decision on whether to make a reference within a reasonable time.
Therefore, the reserve power is consistent with our decision to take Ministers out of the vast majority of decisions in competition cases. The reserve power allows Ministers only to request that a decision be made. I return to the point with which I began my remarks: there is a fundamental difference between a reference and a remedy. We are asking only that Ministers be allowed to request that a decision be made, but that does not entitle them to any involvement in the decision-making process itself.
|©Parliamentary copyright 2002
|Prepared 1 May 2002


text:
Sam Houston Stephen Austin Seige at the Alamo General Statesman Military Hero President of Republic of Texas Vocab Dictator: A ruler with absolute power and authority Tejanos: People of Mexican decent born in Texas Alamo: Old Spanish mission Siege: Enemy forces try to capture a city or fort often by surrounding and bombarding it Battle of San Jacinto: Lasted 18 Minutes; by San Jacinto River; 630 Mexicans killed; 700 captured, next day captured Santa Anna forcing him to sign treaty Lone Star Republic: Texans carried flag with single white star.After winning independance; this is what they were nicknamed. Annex: add on Son of Austin With Stepehen leading they won independance over Spain. 4,000 mexicans lived in Texas. Gathered 300 families to move to texas. 1821 they began settling. Came from cotton country. Brought slaves. 20,000 Americans ended up moving to Texas. Started February 23, 1836 Sent letter to the people of Texas; all Americans in World "I shall never surrender or retreat.
I call on you in the name of Liberty, of Patriotism, and of everything dear to the American character. To come to our aid with (speed)...Victory or Death!"-
William B.Travis: Letter to Texans Feb.24,1836 Ended March 6, 1836 180 Texans; 1,500 Mexicans lay DEAD! the end Thanks for watching :) Republic of Texas Presetated By: Marissa Michaela &
Present Remotely
Send the link below via email or IMCopy
Present to your audienceStart remote presentation
- Invited audience members will follow you as you navigate and present
- People invited to a presentation do not need a Prezi account
- This link expires 10 minutes after you close the presentation
- A maximum of 30 users can follow your presentation
- Learn more about this feature in our knowledge base article
Republic of Texas
In 1835, American settlers in Texas revolted against Mexican Rule;In 1836 set up Republic of Texas.
Cala Luthmanon 30 March 2011
Comments (0)
Please log in to add your comment.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
No. of Comments: 0
Add comments |
More comments
The City of London Information Centre showcases how contemporary design can be used to great effect in a heritage context.
The ambitious brief called for a new structure to accommodate a state-of-the-art information service. In addition to serving as an exemplar of sustainable design, championing accessibility for visitors and employees alike, it also required a dynamic contemporary structure to be a local landmark in its own right and interact sensitively with its historic context.
Located to the south-west of the South Transept of St Paul's Cathedral, on one of London's principal tourist routes, the building also sees substantial pedestrian movement. The combined sensitivity and prominence of this site posed a unique design challenge. Extensive analysis of the context and lines of sight informed the position, scale, orientation and profile; the final location ensures that the structure does not impinge on key views of St Paul's but is calibrated to establish a dialogue with its historic neighbour.
The large spans and cantilevers were achieved using a steel frame braced by a structural ply skin and clad in externally vented stainless steel panels. The full-height glazed frontage ensures that the public front-of-house area is bathed in daylight while being orientated to avoid excessive solar gain. The yellow panels lining the interior are Trespa, a recycled timber product. Triangular rooflights draw light into the interior, and daylight sensors regulate the artificial lighting. All furniture is constructed from recycled timber. The building envelope is highly insulated, uses borehole cooling and rainwater is recycled.
St. James's Market Development
WAN interviews Make's John Puttick and Ken Shuttleworth
The Gateway Building - Sutton Bonington
Newcastle Science Central
More Projects
Technical Architects
Senior Architect
Please enter above code:
Cannot read the code? Please click hereOR click on the image to reload.
Click here to view the NEWS IN PICTURES tablet site


text:
You are hereHome ›
Narrow Search
Now showing results 1-2 of 2
This quantitative experiment involves lab teams in comparing a sample of room air with one of the greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, or methane - and measuring their heat capacity. The activity requires an infrared heat source, such... (View More) as a heat lamp, two 2L beverage bottles, #4 one hole rubber stoppers, and a thermometer or temperature probe, volumetric flasks, a graduated cylinder, and tubing. Nitrous oxide can be obtained from a dentist, methane from gas jets in a chemistry lab, and becomes CO² can be generated using vinegar and baking soda. A worksheet guides student calculations of heat capacity of the different samples. The investigation s is supported by the textbook, Climate Change, part of the Global System Science, an interdisciplinary course for high school students that emphasizes how scientists from a wide variety of fields work together to understand significant problems of global impact. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Over $20 per group of students
This activity guides students through sampling, identification and counting of macroinvertebrates sampled in a GLOBE hydrology study site, and understand how the taxa composition found in the sample can be an indicator of water quality and ecosystem... (View More) health. The resource includes 8 field and laboratory protocols. This resource is a protocol within the Hydrology chapter of the GLOBE Teacher's Guide. GLOBE (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment) is a worldwide, hands-on, K-12 school-based science education program. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Over $20


text:
Entrepreneurship educators from Latvia participate in the networking event
A networking event, "Entrepreneurship education and Central Baltic networks", took place on 13-14 March in Helsinki, Finland. Representatives from Baltic and Finnish educational institutions, business laboratories, and municipalities participated in the event.
The networking event consisted of two parts, which included lectures, presentations and case studies, where local representatives shared their experiences and introduced new ideas and educational methods in the field of entrepreneurial education in Finland. Participants learned about guidelines for entrepreneurship education in Finland, received information about the Aalto University Business Start-Up Centre, Finland's entrepreneurship education projects, and other useful information about situation in Finland.
SSE Riga, as one of the project partners, organised participation of Latvian entrepreneurship educators in the networking event, including representatives of the University of Latvia, University of Agriculture, Liepaja University, Daugavpils University, Ventspils University College, Vidzeme University College, Jobs&Society Latvia and SSE Riga Business Lab.
Participants highly appreciated the opportunity to learn about Finnish experience in entrepreneurship education. "The main benefit from this event was that I got support for my ideas of entrepreneurship education, and saw how the government of Finland cares about the future of their youth, they are forward – looking, and know how to successfully manage these processes. They also know how to educate society, educators, and academic staff so all of them can manage to work together as a united team, thus promoting the development of a sustainable society." Dr.oec. professor emeritus at the University of Latvia, Veronika Bikse.
The event was organised for the promotion of more entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviours in entrepreneurship education in the Central Baltics, within the CB Entreint project financed by the Central Baltic programme 2007-2013.


text:
Send Results to This Email:
Street Address:
Street Address:
« Back
« Back | Forward »
MEMPHIS (AP) – The Memphis Grizzlies have signed forward James Johnson of the NBA Development League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
The Grizzlies announced the move Monday.
The 6-foot-9, 245-pound Johnson has been averaging 18.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists in his 10 starts with Rio Grande Valley this season. Johnson has played 219 games in four seasons with Chicago, Toronto and Sacramento, and he was with Atlanta this preseason before being waived Oct. 21. Johnson was drafted by Chicago with the 16th selection overall in 2009 after two seasons at Wake Forest.
The Grizzlies currently are without center Marc Gasol and reserve swingman Quincy Pondexter is out indefinitely due to injuries.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Sign-Up For Our Free Email Edition
Get the news first with our daily email
Learn more about seminars and training events hosted by The Daily News and Chandler
Issues | About
The Memphis News: Business, politics, and the public interest.
Copyright 1995 -
by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved


text:
Welcome To Chattanooga Appliance
Let us be your source for ALL of your home appliance repair needs. We make all appliance repairs in your home or business, at competitive prices anyone can afford. With over 16 years in business, we are the most reputable appliance repair company around. Our team lives up to the expected trust, professionalism, expertise, and standards associated with appliance service and repair.
Products We Service
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Ice Machines
- Ice Makers
- Wine Coolers
- Beverage Coolers
- Ovens
- Ranges
- Cooktops
- Microwaves
- Washing Machines
- Dryers
- Dishwashers
- Garbage Disposals


text:
At 10 am cypriot time, a ship flying the flag of Gibraltar was rammed by surrounding Israeli gunboats. The Dignity is carrying 3 tons of aid and passengers from around the world. Journalists (including CNN's Karl Penhaul), human rights activists, doctors and US representative Cynthia McKinney. Shots were fired into the water by the Israeli Navy.
The ship was rammed in international waters, 90 miles off the Gaza coast, and is said to be taking on water. There are no reported injuries to the passengers on board. Lebanon has granted a permission to dock and will lend assistance. (Free Gaza website)
SS Dignity has docked in Lebanon as jubilant crowds welcome the vessel. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor has suggested the incident occurred when SS Liberty tried to outmaneuver the Israeli gunboats, crashing into one of them (yalibnan). This statement is in direct conflict Free Gaza's version of events. Cyprus (who previously had port authorities search the boat for dangerous cargo) and Lebanon's governments intend to protest Israel.
CNN's reporter on board the ship claims the SS Dignity was rammed without warning and later was accused by the Israelis of being involved in terrorist activities. Images from CNN show damage to the boat. Cynthia McKinney claims yacht was rammed 3 times and calls for Obama to make a statement on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The CNN report also highlights claims the SS Dignity attempted to run the blcokade. Cynthia McKinney dismissed the claims as misinformation. CNN


text:
Know more about this business than we do? Cool! Please submit any corrections or missing details you may have.Help us make it right
Be the first OregonLive.com user to add photos or videos of Triangle Corporate Park III
Triangle Corporate Park III can be found at Sw 68th Pky 13221. The following is offered: Real Estate Agents. The entry is present with us since Sep 8, 2010 and was last updated on Nov 14, 2013. In Portland there are 40 other Real Estate Agents. An overview can be found here.
Triangle Corporate Park III is located at 13221 SW 68th Pkwy, Portland, OR. This location is in the Tigard Neighborhood Area 5 neighborhood. This business specializes in Real Estate Agents.


text:
Hotspot Road Trip, Part 5 - Page 2
October 27, 2004
In August, Truckstop.net brought its 500th hotspot online at the Baker Truck Corral in Baker City, Oregon. The company also recently inked a roaming deal with Sprint.
"With this Wi-Fi service agreement, Sprint and Truckstop.net continue to help our customers stay connected, whether they're in an airport, at a hotel, or out on the open road," says Wes Dittmer, general manager of WLAN services at Sprint. Truckstop.net CEO Scott Moscrip adds that this partnership would extend the network's reach beyond truckers to other travelers.
"This is an obvious compliment to our ability to service mobile sales forces, RVers, and other non-transportation oriented users who frequent truck stops and travel plazas during their time on the road," Moscrip says.
Flying J's Brian McCaul believes that competition is a good thing in this sector. "Typical business travelers have ubiquitous coverage because they're in airports, business-class hotels, and conference centers," he says. "Truckers don't have that luxury, especially out west, so the more options they have, the better." McCaul believes that there's enough demand to support two competing truck-stop networks, and he notes that the demographic groups that Flying J and Truckstop.net serve insulate them from some of the issues that other hotspot WISPs face.
For truckers, even if a small town along their route has a hotspot, it isn't necessarily useful for them because a trip off of the interstate and into town to visit a Starbucks hotspot is impractical. Not only do coffee houses cater more to office workers than truckers, but there's also the basic matter of where to park the truck. And since time is always a factor, many truckers want to multi-task, checking email during lunch or while the truck is being refueled. Moreover, truck stops are insulated from competition from the free sites cropping up in many cities. Again, it's just not practical for highway travelers, and especially truckers, to seek them out. As long as the price point is reasonable, McCaul believes that there will be plenty of truck-stop Wi-Fi patrons.
For the moment, Wi-Fi truck stops are focusing on access, but according to McCaul, a number of new wireless applications will soon followeverything from asset tracking and telematics to automated trip planning apps that plot affordable routes based on fuel prices and tolls.
With Wi-Fi in place, the future of the high-tech trucker could involve linked systems communicating to one another. So, the in-vehicle safety system could tell the route planning system that the driver has been on the road long enough to need a break, and an alert can then be sent to the driver to pull off at the next exit. All of these systems could be swapping data over Wi-Fi. Even the simple capability of wirelessly sending mileage, load, and vehicle information to each state's weight station could save truckers significant time and money.
Jeff Vance is a freelance technology writer and consultant, who focuses on trends in wireless communications, next-generation networking, and Internet infrastructure. If you have ideas about hotspots he should visit or questions he should investigate while on the road, you can contact him at email@example.com.


text:
Soy Wax Candles
New Products For August - Soy Wax Candles
Hawaiian Honeybee Sc...$10.00
Sherock's Study Scen...$10.00
Candy Apple Scent 8-Step Right Up folks. The carnival can last all year long wit...$10.00
Lemon Verbena Scent...$10.00
TARDIS Scent 8-ozDr. Who fans, TARDIS is a sweet, caramelized (almost burned)...$10.00
Violet Black Lace ScSteampunk week at the 2015 Bristol Renaissance Faire reveale...$10.00
Faerie WIngs Scent CIf you listen carefully you may hear the Fae gently waving t...$10.00
Unicorn Farts ScentUnicorn What? A rainbow of fruity, delicious scent starting ...$10.00


text:
German federal prosecutors say they suspect Wednesday's fatal shooting of two U.S. airmen at Frankfurt airport was motivated by Islamic extremism
The suspected gunman, 21-year-old Arif Uka from Kosovo, opened fire on a bus transporting U.S. Air Force members at the airport.
He is expected to appear before a judge Thursday in Germany.
U.S. President Barack Obama said he is saddened and outraged by the attack.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her condolences to the victims and their families, saying the government will do everything to find out what happened.
The government of Kosovo also condemning the shooting.


text: Fidenza to Siderno trains might be a good value for money solution: travelling in Italy by train is often rather cheap and faster than taking a bus indeed Trains leave from Fidenza and arrive at Siderno every about 2 hours on average. If travelling with Trenitalia, you need to know the Fidenza to Siderno train schedule: the first train leaves at 07:15, while the last ride is at 22:42. A Fidenza to Siderno train cost about 86.5 €. But how long is the train ride from Fidenza to Siderno? Your journey takes about 16 hours on average.


text:
2006 Nidelv Boats 25 Classic
- Description
- View Full Specifications
- Year:
- 2006
- Length:
- 26'
- Engine/Fuel Type:
- Single / diesel
- Located In:
- Sibenik, Croatia
- Hull Material:
- Fiberglass
- 1590-2371344
- Current Price:
- EUR 45,000 Tax Paid (US$ 51,066)
LOA: 7.91 m
Beam: 2.75 m
Draft: 0.80 m
Displacement: 2250 kg
No. Cabins: 1
No. Berths: 4
No. Bathrooms/Heads: 1
Engine: Yanmar 71 KW Diesel
Engine Work Hours: 840
Fuel Tanks Capacity: 135 l
Water Tanks Capacity: 135 l
Holding Tank capacity: 120 l
This small Norwegian cruiser is a rugged and simple boat with one cabin, and four berths, and one bathroom with head, shower and sink. A perfect little boat for relaxing cruiser near the coast.
Electronics Equipment:
Compass, GPS, VHF, Radio, CD player.
Inside Equipment:
Bow thruster, Marine head
Outside Equipment/Extras:
Swimming ladder, Electric windlass.
The boat is registered under the Coatian Flag. TAX PAID.
Please contact Master User at +385 (0)98 222 949
Additional Specs, Equipment and Information:
LOA: 7.91 m
Beam: 2.75 m
Displacement: 2250 kgs
Total Power: 71 KW
Engine 1:
Engine Brand: Yanmar
Engine Type: Inboard
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel
Engine Hours: 840
Propeller: 3 blade propeller
Engine Power: 71 KW
Fresh Water Tanks: (135 Liters)
Fuel Tanks: (135 Liters)
Holding Tanks: (120 Liters)
Number of single berths: 4
Number of cabins: 1
Number of heads: 1
Number of bathrooms: 1
CD player
Inside Equipment
Marine head
Bow thruster
Outside Equipment/Extras
Swimming ladder
Electric windlass
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Visit Website


text:
Journal Menu► ▼ Journal Menu
E-Mail Alert
Journal Browser► ▼ Journal Browser
Special Issue "Selected Papers from SSTT2016"
A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2017)
Special Issue Editors
Guest Editor
Dr. Robert Lancaster
Materials Research Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
Website | E-Mail
Phone: +44 1792 295965
Fax: +44 1792 295693
Interests: miniaturised characterisation; thermo-mechanical fatigue; nickel superalloys (single crystals, polycrystalline materials); titanium alloys; failure analysis; non-destructive evaluation; fatigue; fatigue lifing; advanced manufacturing methods
Co-Guest Editor
Prof. Dr. Shou Binan
China Special Equipment Inspection and Research Institute, Beijing, China
Interests: inspection; research & development; miniature test techniques; steel
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Small scale testing is now receiving world-wide attention for the considerable cost saving benefits that it can offer whilst providing useful mechanical property information for highly localized regions, such as weldments and heat affected zones. As such, miniaturized testing is now being adopted for a wide range of applications, where subtle to significant microstructural changes are found across components. Given the success of such approaches, efforts have been made in correlating uniaxial test data with results generated from small-scale test techniques, which, in turn, have heralded the development of a European Code of Practise for small punch testing.
The 4th International Conference on Small Scale Test Techniques is due to take place in Shanghai, China, from 12–14 October, 2016, and will bring together leading researchers and scientists from academia and industry to discuss recent developments in this growing field of research. This inaugural Special Issue will collate a series of papers from the ever expanding small scale testing community to showcase the diversity and innovative nature of the research that is currently developing across the world on a broad scope of materials and applications
Dr. Robert Lancaster
Professor Karel Matocha
Professor Shou Binan
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
- miniaturized testing
- small punch test
- rupture
- fracture toughness
- finite element analysis


text:
Investment Opportunity in Nepal . Prof. Sri Ram Poudyal , Ph.D . Chairman, Institute of Policy Research Government of Nepal Board Director, Nepal Rastra Bank. Introduction about Nepal. Current Economic Status (2013). Status of FDI in world. Nepal ranking in world.
Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author.While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server.
Prof. Sri Ram Poudyal, Ph.D.
Chairman, Institute of Policy Research
Government of Nepal
Board Director, Nepal Rastra Bank
S : < NRS 30 million
M : NRS 30 >= 100 million
L: 100 million and over
1. Hydropower projects above 500MW.
2. Roads and transportation infrastructure – key focus projects will include a Kathmandu-Terai fast track road project, mid-hill highway, and north-south corridor connecting India and China.
3. Airports – Construction of a second international airport and overhaul of the existing Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), upgrading of regional airports - key to commerce and tourism development.
4. Agribusiness and Medicinal herb processing facilities.
5. Solid Waste Management & Treatment, Chemical Fertilizer Industries, and Petroleum Refineries.
6. Banks and Financial Institutions – establishment of an infrastructure financing institution, BFI with more than 51% foreign ownership, Insurance and re-Insurance companies.
7. Medical colleges, Hospitals and Nursing Homes with three hundred beds or more.
8. Special Economic Zones - They can be catalytic in attracting investors, bringing new technologies and jobs in the short to medium term, while providing a useful framework as a pilot and testing ground for broader economic reforms in the country.
9. Any "Infrastructure or Service Industry" (means any industry in construction, mining, tourism and aviation) that has a paid up capital or project cost exceeding Rs. 10 billion.
Threshold for FDI: US$ 50 thousand
Foreign investors are permitted to own up to 100 percent equity share in industries except in the following areas.
Fixed Capital
> NRs. 10 bln.
Application at DOI
Fixed Capital
> NRs. 2 bln.
Approved by Industrial Promotion Board
Application at IB
Company Registration
Industry Registration/Tax Registration
Approved by
Director General of DOI
Issuance of FDI Approval Letter
Commissioning of IndustryStreamlined FDI Approval Process
Department of Industry, October 2013
5 years visa


text:
Experience an amazing culinary journey, diverse cuisines and contemporary fusion food culture at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. This decade old celebration is one of the best culinary festivals around Australia.
With many new programs, workshops and food stalls, this event certainly attracts many food lovers from all across the nation. Many restaurants also take part in the event and a number of celebrity chefs also come here to give presentations and run workshops.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2019 Dates, Ticket Prices & Program
For wine lovers, attendees find award-winning vintages here, with winemakers from the Yarra Valley, Coonawarra and many more, coming here to display their latest creations. Wine lovers will get a chance to taste some of the best wines produced around Australia.
You will see many popular chefs, winemakers, producers, artisans and sommeliers at this festival. The event also welcomes guests to taste a variety of different cuisines, with each dish carefully prepared from fresh local ingredients and produce.
There will be an Opening Night event at the House of Food and Wine where you can enjoy tasty food and drinks with six drinks and six dishes included in the price of your ticket. The famous 'World's Longest Lunch' is also celebrated during the event. Featuring more than 22 regional delicacies, fifty award-winning wines and tasty desserts, the longest lunch is something that any foodie can't afford to miss.
Come and see for yourself why this event is one of the best food and wine shows in town.


text:
Services on Demand
Related links
- Cited by Google
- Similars in SciELO
- Similars in Google
- uBio
Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia
Print version ISSN 0031-1049
Pap. Avulsos Zool. (São Paulo) vol.51 no.8 São Paulo 2011
A new species of Neotropical freshwater stingray of the genus Potamotrygon Garman, 1877 from the Río Madrede Díos, Peru (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygonidae)
João Paulo C.B. da SilvaI,II; Marcelo R. de CarvalhoI,III
IDepartamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo. Rua do Matão, Travessa 14, nº 101, CEP 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
IIE-mail: email@example.com
IIIE-mail: email@example.com
Potamotrygon tatianae sp. nov., is described from Río Madre de Díos, Peru, upper Rio Madeira basin. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by a unique combination of characters, including its dorsal color pattern formed by a relatively slender, highly convoluted, beige to dark brown vermicular pattern, a single row of dorsal tail spines, and a relatively longer tail posterior to caudal stings. Potamotrygon tatianae sp. nov., occurs sympatrically with other species of Potamotrygon (P. falkneri, P. orbignyi and P. motoro). From the similar species P. falkneri, P. tatianae sp. nov., is further distinguished by the absence of circular, reniform, and oval spots, by its proportionally much longer tail, by having dorsal tail spines in one irregular row, and by features of the ventral lateral-line canal, dermal denticles and neurocranium. From P. orbignyi, the new species is distinct by lacking a reticulate pattern on dorsal disc and by the presence of two angular cartilages. From P. motoro, P. tatianae sp. nov., is further separated by the lack of ocelli formed by strong black concentric rings, by the more flattened aspect of its head and disc, and by having smaller and more numerous teeth. The discovery of a new species that so closely resembles a congeneric form in color pattern, a feature highly variable within the latter, highlights the importance of examining large series of individuals and of detailed morphological analyses in revealing the potentially highly cryptic nature of the diversity within the family.
Keywords: Potamotrygon tatianae sp. nov.; Potamotrygon falkneri; Taxonomy; Morphology; Cryptic species; Río Madeira; South America
Potamotrygon tatianae sp. nov., é descrita do Río Madre de Díos, Peru, alto da bacia do Río Madeira. Essa nova espécie é distinta de todas as espécies congenéricas por uma combinação única de caracteres, incluindo sua coloração dorsal formada por um padrão vermicular de cor bege a marrom escuro, relativamente delgado e altamente convoluto, uma única fileira mediana dorsal de espinhos sobre a cauda e uma cauda relativamente longa posteriormente aos ferrões caudais. Potamotrygon tatianae sp. nov., ocorre em simpatria com outras espécies de Potamotrygon (P. falkneri, P. orbignyi and P. motoro). Da espécie similar P. falkneri, P.tatianae sp. nov., é também distinguida pela ausência de manchas circulares, reniformes e ovais, por sua cauda proporcionalmente mais longa, por apresentar espinhos caudais em uma única fileira irregular e por caracteres dos canais ventrais da linha lateral, dentículos dérmicos e neurocrânio. De P. orbignyi, a nova espécie é distinguida pela ausência de um padrão reticulado no dorso do disco e pela presença de duas cartilagens angulares. De P. motoro, P. tatianae sp. nov., é separada pela ausência de ocelos formados por anéis negros concêntricos intensos, pelo aspecto mais achatado da cabeça e disco e pela presença de dentes menores e mais numerosos. A descoberta de uma espécie nova que é semelhante a uma outra espécie congenérica que possui um padrão de colorido dorsal semelhante, um caráter muito variável nesta espécie, ressalta a importância de examinar séries grandes de indivíduos e de análises morfológicas detalhadas para revelar a natureza potencialmente críptica da diversidade dentro da família.
Palavras-chave: Potamotrygon tatianae sp. nov.; Potamotrygon falkneri; Taxonomia; Morfologia; Espécies crípticas; Río Madeira; América do Sul
Species of Potamotrygonidae Garman, 1913 are well known members of the Neotropical fish fauna, but perhaps more notoriously from the injuries they may accidentally cause than from their unique biological properties or intriguing evolutionary history. Unlike any other living family of rays, potamotrygonids diversified in the (South American) freshwater environment (Thorson et al., 1983; Lovejoy, 1996; Lovejoy et al., 1998; Carvalho et al., 2003, 2004). Four potamotrygonid genera are currently recognized: Paratrygon Duméril, 1865, Potamotrygon Garman, 1877, Plesiotrygon Rosa, Castello & Thorson, 1987 (Rosa et al., 1987; Carvalho et al., 2003) and the recently described Heliotrygon (Carvalho & Lovejoy, 2011). Potamotrygon is the most diverse genus with approximately 20 valid species (Carvalho et al., 2003; Rosa et al., 2008).
The present paper describes and compares with congeners a new species of Potamotrygon from Río Madre de Díos, Peru. This species was discovered during the preparation of a taxonomic revision of Potamotrygon falkneri Castex & Maciel, 1963, in which it was presented as Potamotrygon sp. (Silva & Carvalho, 2011). However, after a thorough morphological analysis of this form (more in-depth than in Silva & Carvalho, 2011), and a re-examination of material of Potamotrygon falkneri, it became evident that Potamotrygon sp. represents a new species, described here as Potamotrygon tatianae sp. nov. Although this new species has a color pattern that resembles P. falkneri, and overlaps in many morphological characters, it represents the only group of specimens that could not be placed among the limits of variation found within P. falkneri. Characters that separate the new species from P. falkneri were found in its distinct dermal denticles, ventral lateral-line canal system, neurocranial morphology, proportions of its tail, and conspicuous color pattern. The discovery of this new species demonstrates that much of the diversity within the family may be highly cryptic, requiring the examination of large series of specimens.
Measurements of specimens were modified from Bigelow & Schroeder (1953) and Rosa (1985), and are listed and further described in Carvalho & Lovejoy (2011) and Silva & Carvalho (2011). Measurements were transformed into percentages of disc width (% DW) to allow direct comparisons.
Counts are according to Compagno & Roberts (1982) and Rosa (1985), excluding lower median teeth, mid-dorsal spines, and caudal vertebrae to base of sting, which were not recorded. Skeletal structures were studied from dissected and radiographed specimens; anatomical structures were subsequently preserved in ethanol (70%). Photographs were taken with a high-resolution digital camera, and illustrations were done employing a stereomicroscope equipped with a camera lucida attachment. X-ray radiographs were taken on Kodak mammography film (Min-R2000). Terminology for skeletal structures follows Nishida (1990) and Carvalho et al. (2004), for dermal denticles Deynat & Séret (1996), for internal and external clasper components Taniuchi & Ishihara (1990), for dentition Compagno (1973), and for lateral-line canals Garman (1888), Ewart & Mitchell (1892), and Chu & Wen (1979).
Material examined is from Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Philadelphia (ANSP), Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago (FMNH); Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles (LACM); Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo (MZUSP); and Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (UMMZ). Abbreviations used throughout the text include DL for disc length, DW for disc width and TL for total length.
Family Potamotrygonidae Garman, 1913 Genus Potamotrygon Garman, 1877 Potamotrygon tatianae, sp. nov. (Figures 1-12, Tables 1-2)
Potamotrygon sp: Silva & Carvalho, 2011: 209, 212, 223, 224, 227, 228, figs. 12-13 (redescription of Potamotrygon falkneri).
MZUSP 107673 (adult male, 348 mm DW), Río Madre de Díos, municipal district of Boca Manu, upper Amazon basin, state of Madre de Dios, Peru, 12°40'S, 71°04'06"W, May 2001, coll. F.B. Reyda (Figure 1).
MZUSP 107667 (adult male, 362 mm DW), Río Madre de Díos, municipal district of Boca Manu, upper Amazon basin, state of Madre de Díos, Peru, 12°40'S, 71°04'06"W, May 2001, coll. F.B. Reyda (Figure 2); MZUSP 107668 (PREADULT ?female, 265 mm DW), same data as MZUSP 107667 (Figure 3).
Non type material
MZUSP 107669 (adult male, 293 mm DW), Río Madre de Díos, municipal district of Boca Manu, upper Amazon basin, state of Madre de Díos, Peru, 12°40'S, 71°04'06"W, May 2001, coll. F.B. Reyda; MZUSP 107670 (adult male, 300 mm DW), same data as MZUSP 107669; MZUSP 107671 (adult male, 351 mm DW), same data as MZUSP 107669; MZUSP 107672 (preadult? male, 291 mm DW), same data as MZUSP 107669.
A species of Potamotrygon distinguished from congeners by the following unique combination of characters: dorsal disc with dark background, with a beige or light brown, closely packed and highly convoluted vermicular pattern; a single row of irregular spines on dorsal tail midline; and presence of star-shaped, asymmetrical and minute dermal denticles, rarely with crown dichotomies, and concentrated over central region of disc. In relation to species of Potamotrygon in the upper Río Madeira basin, P. tatianae sp. nov., is further distinguished from P. motoro (Müller & Henle, 1841) by lacking on disc ocelli formed by strong black concentric rings, by the more flattened aspect of its disc, by presenting much smaller dermal denticles, and considerably smaller eyes. From P. orbignyi (Castelnau, 1855), P. tatianae sp. nov., is further distinguished by lacking a dorsal reticulate pattern, presence of two angular cartilages, and lower number of total pectoral radials (modal values 97 vs. 90, respectively). Potamotrygon tatianae sp. nov., is distinguished from P. falkneri by having tail spines in one irregular row (instead of in one to three irregular rows), lower total pectoral radial count (90-93 vs. 94-100, respectively), by presenting a proportionally much longer tail (mean values 109% vs. 93.5% of DW, respectively), by presenting teeth with no prominent cusps in adult males (males usually with prominent cusps in P. falkneri), and by presenting spots on dorsal disc that are exclusively vermicular, not occurring as independent spots (many specimens with individual spots on background, these mostly circular, reniform, or oval, with diameter equal to or smaller than eye in P. falkneri).
Morphometric and meristic data are presented in Tables 1 and 2.
External morphology: Disc oval, longer than wide (DL varying from 102.6 to 131.2% of DW) (Figures 1-5). Anterior margin of disc convex, with a small fleshy protuberance on snout. Posterior margins of disc also convex. Disc dorsoventrally compressed. Anterior portion of disc with small, prominent, and oval shaped eyes (Figure 6). Spiracles oval and small (two to three times eye diameter) situated posterior to orbits and projecting obliquely from midline. Interspiracular distance approximately 1.6 times greater than interorbital distance. Nasal curtain partially covering mouth and presenting small, fringed posterior margin (Figure 6). Mouth small (mouth width ranging from 7.8 to 11% DW); mouth opening relatively straight across, and with five buccal papillae, two lateral and three central. One of three central papillae closer to lower jaw tooth plate. Mouth width and internarial space about equal. Labial ridges present. Teeth set in quincunx, with narrow and arched upper tooth plate, and wide and trapezoidal lower tooth plate. Tooth rows varying from 36-46 on upper jaw and 33-45 on lower jaw. Teeth relatively small, wider than long, and with flattened, elliptical, or lozenge-shaped crowns. Cusps rounded in males, or absent. Tooth plates presenting dignathic heterodonty. Teeth in lateral rows with elliptical crowns and generally lacking cusps. Teeth in central rows more robust, with lozenge-shaped crowns and rounded cusps; sexual dimorphism not present. Roots bilobed (holaulacorhize), with lobes separated by a shallow basal median groove.
Branchial basket relatively narrow and short, with space between first branchial slits from 22.7 to 28.2% of DW, and distance between first and last branchial slits from 15.8 to 19% of DW. Pelvic fins wider than long, partially covered by disc, and with posterior margins exposed posterior to disc margins. Clasper dorsoventrally depressed (Figure 7A), wider at bases and narrowing toward tips. Clasper groove beginning proximally at level of posterior margin of pelvics. Anterior half of clasper groove running obliquely from inner margin to outer margin of clasper. Posterior half of clasper groove curving inward at level of dorsal pseudosiphon, reaching midline and extending to clasper tip. Dorsal pseudosiphon well developed near inner edge, elliptical, and obliquely oriented in relation to midline. Ventral pseudosiphon also well developed, located at lateral distal edge of clasper.
Tail elongated (mean tail length 109% of DW) and wide (mean width 15.5% of DW), with proximal portion slightly depressed dorsoventrally, and tapering from base to just posterior to caudal sting insertion. Distal portion of tail, posterior to sting base, laterally compressed and presenting membranous dorsal and ventral caudal folds (these about 3 mm in height). Dorsal caudal fold originating underneath sting tip and extending to tail extremity. Ventral caudal fold originating at level ventral to sting base, extending to tail extremity. One irregular row of spines on middorsal tail extending from base of tail to level of sting origin. Enlarged spines on tail with rounded bases.
Dermal denticles: Disc with scattered dermal denticles mainly on midregion, from interorbital area to tail base (Figure 8). Denticles on middisc with predominantly four crown ridges. Crown ridges rarely showing crown dichotomies. In dorsal view, denticles asymmetrical and star-shaped due to different lengths of crown ridges. Denticles in central region with wide and flattened crown plates, bearing pointed projections. Anterior crowns ridges or closer to crown plate projection shorter than posterior ones. Minute dermal denticles interspersed with larger denticles, exhibiting two crown ridges. Denticles become dispersed and smaller farther away from central disc region, with crown ridges becoming less evident. Denticles on disc margins practically absent. Dermal denticles also occur around and on margins of spiracle openings, as well as on orbits. Denticles devoid of crown ridges, but with pointed crowns, occur exclusively on spiracle superior margins, whereas denticles with two crown ridges occur on remaining regions. Pelvic fins and claspers devoid of dermal denticles. Denticles on dorsal tail small, devoid of crown ridges and with crowns sharply pointed. Dorsal caudal fold presenting numerous very small dermal denticles; ventral caudal fold devoid of dermal denticles. Dermal denticles also occur on lateral tail region, from slightly anterior to sting base to distal tail extremity. Denticles more developed near base of caudal stings.
Coloration: Disc background color generally blackish-brown. Spots on background close together, narrow, with variable extensions and presenting exclusively vermicular shapes (Figures 1-5). Spots beige, light beige or dark brown. Some specimens presenting irregular vermicular spots forming strong vermicular patterns (Figure 4). Spots on central region narrower than the ones positioned marginally. In addition, small circular spots on disc edges present in most specimens. Pelvic fins dorsally similar to disc. Dorsal tail also with same basic color pattern. Ventral medial region of disc white in majority of specimens. In some cases, within white background, small, rounded grey spots occur laterally and posterolaterally to gill slits. These spots scattered anteriorly, and coalesce posterioly. In some specimens, rounded and scattered gray spots also occur within the space between branchial slits. Border of disc margins gray, from level of nasal slits to posterior region of disc. Some specimens predominantly gray ventrally, with white embracing only a small portion of anterior region. In these specimens, branchial slits surrounded by gray coloration. Light gray and white circular spots may occur over gray background. Closely packed spots form continuous stripes on lateral borders of disc. In region posterior to branchial slits, a black oval spot of varying shape and intensity occurs. Pelvic fins with predominantly white ventral coloration. Dark gray coloration restricted to fine bands on posterior region of fins, presenting small circular light gray spots. Ventral tail region with white circular and sometimes vermicular spots restricted to tail borders, over a light gray background. At ventral midtail, gray background coloration homogeneous and without spots.
Sensory canal system: Characteristics of ventral lateral-line canals in Potamotrygon tatianae consist of: suborbital loop originated from the infraorbital canal, close to hyomandibular canal anteriorly, and with prominent extension projecting towards middle portion of disc; numerous anterior subpleural tubules projecting from hyomandibular canal on anteriormost part of the disc; hyomandibular canal presenting a distinct undulation towards disc margin after anterior subpleural tubules; hyomandibular jugular component notoriously undulated at level of first three branchial slits; jugular canal presents a marked undulation adjacent to branchial slits; hyomandibular subpleural component presents a marked and wide undulation at level of branchial slits; mandibular canal short, obliquely oriented and with two marked undulations on its proximal portion; infraorbital loop with weak undulations at its internal corners; orbitonasal component of supraorbital canal highly undulated; final ascendant part of suborbital component highly undulated; prenasal loop short and straight; posterior subpleural tubule usually single and projecting obliquely from subpleural loop to posterolateral margin of disc. Subpleural loop also more extended posteriorly (after anterior margins of pelvic fins) (Figure 9).
Neurocranium: Neurocranium longer than wide, with elliptic and ventrolaterally expanded nasal capsules (Figure 10). Preorbital processes short and curved backwards. Postorbital processes wide, shelf-like and anterolaterally expanded. Triangular supraorbital processes slightly anterior to postorbital processes. Supraorbital crests extending from region posterior to preorbital processes to postorbital processes. Condyles of antorbital cartilages on posterolateral extremities of nasal capsules. Precerebral fontanelle and frontoparietal fontanelle partially separated by a well developed epiphysial bar. Hyomandibular facet located on ventrolateral corner of otic region. Dorsally, presence of anterior foramen for preorbital canal, and several foramina for the superficial ophthalmic nerve, piercing supraorbital crest. Paired internal carotid artery foramina near ventrolateral edges of neurocranium. Laterally, neurocranium with oval eye-stalk just posterior to wide and oval optic nerve foramen. Oculomotor nerve foramen dorsal to eye-stalk. A bridge-like lateral commisure present external to hyomandibular branch of facial nerve foramen. Posterior foramen for preorbital canal located dorsally, at junction of nasal capsule and orbit. Anterior cerebral vein foramen anterior located to optic nerve foramen. Efferent spiracular artery foramen posteroventral to eye-stalk. Orbital fissure located above and slightly anterior to hyomandibular branch of facial nerve foramen. Foramen magnum circular. Articular surface and occipital condyles ventral to foramen magnum. Vagus nerve foramen positioned laterally to foramen magnum; glossopharyngeal nerve foramen located dorsolaterally to occipital condyles. Anterior endolymphatic foramen and posterior perilymphatic foramen in parietal fossa dorsally in otic region.
Hyomandibular arch: Hyomandibular cartilages elongate, wide and laterally compressed (Figure 11). Hyomandibula articulates with Meckel's cartilage by means of robust hyomandibular-Meckelian ligament in which anterior and posterior angular cartilages are embedded; anterior angular more robust than posterior. Meckel's cartilage and palatoquadrate flattened; antimeres of both arches not fused symphysially. Palatoquadrate slightly arched, straight at dorsal border and with pronounced curvature on proximal region of ventral margin. Robust posterior triangular projections present close to lateral edges of palatoquadrates. Meckel's cartilages more arched than palatoquadrates, with striking curvature on dorsal margins and with a pronounced concavity on inner corners that articulate with palatoquadrates. A marked curvature present on external aspect of Meckel's cartilage for attachment of hyomandibular-Meckelian ligament. Ventrolateral processes projecting from both extremities of Meckel's cartilages.
Claspers: Dorsal terminal 2 long, narrow and oval-shaped with a marked groove present along its proximal portion (Figures 7B-C). Dorsal marginal trapezoidal and with a notorious groove along its axis. Accessory terminal elongated and fusiform, underlying dorsal terminal 2. Ventral terminal broad, long and oval. Ventral marginal long and narrow, with pointed anterior tip. Axial cartilage) straight, depressed anterioly and distally cylindrical, tapering toward extremity. First basal segment connecting to basipterygium and second basal segment linked to proximal part of axial cartilage. Beta cartilage originating at first basal segment and distally articulated with dorsal marginal.
Geographical distribution
Potamotrygon tatianae is known only from Río Madre de Díos, upper Río Madeira basin, Peru (Figure 12).
This new species honors Tatiana Raso de Moraes Possato, a late student of biology that was an enthusiastic researcher of chondrichthyans, in particular potamotrygonids.
All specimens of P. tatianae including the type specimens, had their stings removed upon capture; consequently, morphometric data from this structure could not be analyzed. Potamotrygon tatianae has been erroneously identified as Potamotrygon castexi in systematic collections. This mistaken identification was due to similarities in dorsal disc color (vermiculate pattern), which figured as an important character in the original description of P. castexi by Castello & Yagolkowski (1969). However, a recent systematic revision of P. falkneri, based on large series of specimens including material similar to the holotype of P. castexi and from close to its type-locality, confirmed that this species is a junior synonym of P. falkneri, which is highly variable in coloration (Silva & Carvalho, 2011). Potamotrygon tatianae was previously presented, and provisionally separated, from P. falkneri in that same taxonomic work (as Potamotrygon sp.). This species is described here after a more in-depth study of its morphology.
Comparative material
Potamotrygon falkneri: ANSP 142482 (adult male, 429 mm DW), Río Manu below Boca Pinquen, Gomero, Peru, 12°11'S, 70°58'W, 10 Aug 1977; ANSP 142483 (adult male, 265 mm DW), same data as ANSP 142482; FMNH 84091 (male, 354 mm DW), Río San Alejandro, near Puerto Nuevo, Río Pachitea drainage, Peru; LACM 39934-1 (female, 286 mm DW), Río Yutupis, Shiringa, Amazonas, Peru; LACM 39942-1 (male, 432 mm DW), same data as LACM 39934-1; LACM 41772-2 (male, 225 mm DW), Río Santiago, small "quebrada" across from La Poza, Amazonas, Peru; UMMZ 204551 (female, 366 mm DW), Río Itenez, 9 km southwest of Costa Marques, state of Rondônia, Brazil, 12°32.4'S, 64°16.6'W, 18 Sep 1964.
Potamotrygon orbignyi: MZUSP 14775 (male, 302 mm DW), rio Tocantins, lagoa em frente à Jabotal, municipal district of Jabotal, Amazon basin, Pará, Brazil; MZUSP 14791 (male, 167 mm DW), lagoa marginal do rio Tocantins, municipal district of Baião, Amazon basin, Pará, Brazil, 02°50'S, 49°40'W.
Potamotrygon motoro: MZUSP (uncat.) PU-24 (male, 306 mm DW), Río Madre de Díos, municipal district of Boca Manu, upper Amazon basin, state of Madre de Dios, Peru, 12°40'36"S, 71°13'58"W, 2002.
Potamotrygon tatianae was briefly, but only tentatively presented as distinct in a recent taxonomic revision of P. falkneri (Silva & Carvalho, 2011), but the acquisition of new morphological data, concerning dermal denticle morphology, ventral lateral-line system, and skeletal anatomy, further corroborated that it represents a separate species. Although occurring sympatrically with P. falkneri in Río Madre de Díos, and P. falkneri is a species with a demonstrably high intraspecific variation in color pattern, we were able to conclude that P. tatianae does not represent an example of this variation because it can be distinguished by other internal and external morphological features. Potamotrygon tatianae was compared to all valid species of Potamotrygon, including species presently being described. Our comparisons, however, are restricted here to sympatric species, with special attention given to P. falkneri.
Silva & Carvalho (2011) presented a series of external morphological characters, in addition to morphometric and meristic data, which separated P. tatianae from P. falkneri. These characters are expanded here, with the inclusion of further features from internal anatomy. Potamotygon tatianae can be distinguished from P. falkneri by the following external characters: presence of a single row of spines over dorsal tail, not nearly as irregularly arranged (vs. one to three highly irregular rows in P. falkneri); dermal denticles rarely presenting crown dichotomies and with flattened, wide and pointed, highly protruded crown plates (vs. high number crown dichotomies and rounded, small-sized crown plates in P. falkneri); teeth with rounded cusps in males, with males and females presenting equal-sized, morphologically similar teeth (vs. some males bearing triangular prominent cusps in P. falkneri); tail homogeneously gray on its central, ventral portion, with irregular white spots scattered laterally (vs. disorganized reticulated pattern on tail, formed by irregular vermicular white spots in P. falkneri); coloration on dorsal disc exclusively composed of slender, closely packed vermiculations (vs. reniform, and oval spots on background with diameter equal to or smaller than eye diameter in P. falkneri) (Figure 13). A meristic feature that also supports P. tatianae as a distinct species is the slightly lower number of total pectoral radials (modal values 90 vs. 97, respectively). Potamotrygon tatianae has a considerably longer tail region posterior to sting insertion (mean 109% of DW, n = 7), compared to P. falkneri from Paraná-Paraguay and upper Amazon basins (mean 87.9% DW, n = 65 and mean 93.5% DW, n = 10, respectively). This greater tail extension is not related to the number of total vertebrae, but is associated to the presence of a longer cartilaginous rod which supports the distal part of tail posterior to last vertebral centrum (individual centra do not occur posterior to caudal stings). For some measurements, P. tatianae has higher proportional values compared with P. falkneri from upper Amazon and Paraná-Paraguay basins: snout to cloaca (mean 92.4% DW, n = 7 vs. mean 89.2% DW, n = 10 and mean 87.3% DW, n = 65, respectively), pelvic fin width (mean 62.2% DW, n = 7 vs. mean 58.1% DW, n = 10 and mean 57% DW, n = 65, respectively), and branchial basket length (mean 17.1% DW, n = 7 vs. mean 15.1 % DW, n = 10 and mean 15.7% DW, n = 65, respectively).
The ventral lateral-line canal system (Figure 9) differs between P. tatianae and P. falkneri in the following characters: the hyomandibular canal presents in P. tatianae a distinctive undulation towards outer disc margin just before the beginning of anterior subpleural tubules (absent in P. falkneri); hyomandibular subpleural component with a marked and wide undulation in P. tatianae at level of branchial slits (devoid of any evident undulation in P. falkneri; orbitonasal component of supraorbital canal highly undulated in P. tatianae (rather homogeneous in P. falkneri); and subpleural loop also more extended posteriorly, surpassing the limits of anterior margins of pelvic fins in P. tatianae (not extended posteriorly in P. falkneri).
In relation to the neurocranium (Figure 10), P. tatianae has the anterior cerebral vein foramen farther from the optic nerve foramen and closer to posterior foramen for preorbital canal when compared with P. falkneri (three specimens of P. falkneri examined, one of P. tatianae). Additionally, in P. tatianae, the efferent spiracular artery foramen is not closely positioned to the optic nerve foramen and eye stalk as it is in P. falkneri, but is more ventrally situated, closer to neurocranial shelf.
Potamotrygon tatianae is further distinguished from P. orbignyi (more information on this species is provided in Silva, 2010) by the absence of a strong reticulate dorsal pattern that forms hexagonal figures (that are sometimes interrupted) on dorsal disc, presence of two angular cartilages (a single, long anterior angular cartilage in P. orbignyi), teeth with rounded cusps (teeth with three pointed cusps in P. orbignyi), slight higher number of total pectoral radials (modal 90 vs. 97 in P. orbignyi), suborbital loop close to the hyomandibular canal anteriorly (suborbital loop far from hyomandibular canal anteriorly in P. orbignyi), neurocranium highly calcified and with preorbital process not much developed (neurocranium less calcified and with well developed, lateroposteriorly extended preorbital process in P. orbignyi), and considerably wider (mean 15.5% DW vs. 11.7% DW in P. orbignyi) and longer (mean 109.0% DW vs. 92.0% DW in P. orbignyi) tail region.
Potamotrygon tatianae is differentiated from P. motoro (Rosa, 1985) by the lack of ocelli on dorsal disc, smaller lozenge-shaped teeth on both jaws (large placoid-like teeth on both jaws in P. motoro), a greater number of tooth rows in both jaws (36-44/33-45 vs. 18-39/20-39 in P. motoro), smaller dermal denticles with a lower number of crown ridges (greater denticles with an elevated number of crown ridges in P. motoro), eyes proportionally smaller (mean 3.2% DW vs. 4.2% DW in P. motoro), disc length noticeably longer (102.6-131.2% DW vs. 95-119% DW in P. motoro), and number of total vertebrae slightly greater (123-132 vs. 112-128 in P. motoro).
The discovery of a new species so similar to a pre-existing, valid species that is widely distributed (P. falkneri), and which is demonstrably highly variable in color pattern (and in a few other characters as well, such as in number of dorsal tail spine rows), highlights that much cryptic diversity may exist in the family. Such cryptic diversity can only be brought to light through the examination of large, well represented series of specimens. This discovery also highlights the continual importance of morphology in uncovering such cryptic diversity, as dissections and close inspection of the ventral lateral-line canals, dermal denticles and neurocrania were of paramount importance in separating P. tatianae from P. falkneri.
João Pedro Fontenelle, from the Laboratório de Ictiologia da Universidade de São Paulo is especially thanked for his tireless efforts related to this project. Diego B. Vaz, Andrea Paixão and André Casas, from the same lab, and Murilo Carvalho (Departamento de Biologia, FFCLRP-USP), are acknowledged for their assistance in numerous ways. José Lima de Figueiredo (MZUSP) is thanked for his significant help and support during visits to the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo. For hospitality during visits to the AMNH in New York, we thank B. Schelly, B. Brown, R. Arindell, M. Stiassny, J. Sparks and S. Schaeffer. For sending specimens to be examined in New York, we are grateful to M. Sabaj Perez and J. Lundberg (ANSP), M.A. Rogers and M. Westneat (FMNH), J. Seigel and C. Thacker (LACM), and G. Smith (UMMZ). Gilmar de Oliveira (Radiologia, Hospital Central, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto) is sincerely thanked for taking radiographs of Potamotrygon tatianae specimens. We are grateful to Fernando Marques (Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, USP) for making available material of P. falkneri used in this study (field work supported by Fapesp). This project was funded by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) through grants to the first (05/52985-4) and second (02/06459-0; 10/51193-5) authors. MRC also acknowledges financial support from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq 303061/2008-1).
Bigelow, H.B. & Schroeder, W.C. 1953. The Fishes of the Western North Atlantic, Part II. Sawfishes, Skates, Rays and Chimaeroids. Memoirs of the Sears Foundation for Marine Research, 588p. [ Links ]
Carvalho, M.R. de & Lovejoy, N.R. 2011. Morphology and phylogenetic relationships of a remarkable new genus and two new species of Neotropical freshwater stingrays from the Amazon basin (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygonidae). Zootaxa, 2776:13-48. [ Links ]
Carvalho, M.R. de; Lovejoy, N.R. & Rosa, R.S. 2003. Family Potamotrygonidae. In: Reis, R.E.; Feraris Jr., C.J. & Kullander, S.O. (Eds.), Checklist of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America. EDIPUCRS, Porto Alegre, p. 22-29. [ Links ]
Carvalho, M.R. de; Maisey, J.G. & Grande, L. 2004. Freshwater stingrays of the Green River Formation of Wyoming (Early Eocene), with the description of a new genus and species and an analysis of its phylogenetic relationships (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, 284:1-136. [ Links ]
Castello, H.P. & Yagolkowski, D.R. 1969. Potamotrygon castexi (Condrichthyes, Potamotrygonidae), a new species of freshwater sting-ray for the Paraná River. Acta Scientifica, 6:1-21. [ Links ]
Castex, M.N. & Maciel, I. 1963. Caracteristicas del Potamotrygon falkneri sp. nov. In: El género Potamotrygon en el Paraná medio. Anales del Museo Provincial de Ciencias Naturales Florentino Ameghino, Zoologia, 2(1):56-61. [ Links ]
Chu, Y.T. & Wen, C.M. 1979. A study of the lateral-line canals system and that of Lorenzini ampullae and tubules of Elasmobranchiate fishes of China. Science and Technology Press, Shangai. (Monograph of Fishes of China, 2). [ Links ]
Compagno, L.J.V. & Roberts, T. 1982. Freshwater stingrays (Dasyatidae) of southeast Asia and New Guinea, with descriptions of a new species of Himantura and reports of unidentified species. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 7(4):321-339. [ Links ]
Compagno, L.J.V. 1973. Interrelationships of living elasmobranchs. In: Greenwood, P.H.; Patterson, C. & Miles, R.S. (Eds.), Interrelationships of fishes. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 53:15-61. [ Links ]
Deynat, P. & Séret, B. 1996. Le revêntement cutané des raies (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii, Batoidea) I - Morphologie et arrangement des denticules cutanés. Annales des Sciences Naturelles, Zoologie, 17(2):65-83. [ Links ]
Ewart, J.C. & Mitchell, H.C. 1892. On the lateral sense organs of elasmobranchs. II. The sensory canals of the common skate (Raja batis). Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 37:87-105. [ Links ]
Garman, S. 1888. On the lateral canal system of the Selachia and Holocephala. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, 17:57-119. [ Links ]
Lovejoy, N.R. 1996. Systematics of myliobatoid elasmobranchs: with enphasis on the phylogeny and historical biogeography of neotropical freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygonidae: Rajiformes). Zoological Journal of the Linnaean Society, 117:207-257. [ Links ]
Lovejoy, N.R.; Birminghan, E. & Martin, A.P. 1998. South American rays came in with the sea. Nature, 396:421-422. [ Links ]
Nishida, K. 1990. Phylogeny of the suborder Myliobatidoidei. Memoirs of the Faculty of Fisheries Hokkaido University, 37(1/2):1-108. [ Links ]
Rosa, R.S. 1985. A systematic revision of the South American freshwater stingrays (Chondricthyes: Potamotrygonidae). (PhD Thesis). College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, 523p. [ Links ]
Rosa, R.S.; Carvalho, M.R. de & Wanderley, C.A. 2008. Potamotrygon boesemani (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae), a new species of Neotropical freshwater stingray from Surinam. Neotropical Ichthyology, 6(1):1-8. [ Links ]
Rosa, R.S.; Castello, H. & Thorson, T.B. 1987. Plesiotrygon iwamae, a new genus and species of neotropical freshwater stingray. Copeia, 1987(2):447-458. [ Links ]
Silva, J.P.C.B. da & Carvalho, M.R. de. 2011. A taxonomic and morphological redescription of Potamotrygon falkneri Castex & Maciel, 1963 (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae). Neotropical Ichthyology, 9(1):209-232. [ Links ]
Silva, J.P.C.B. da. 2010. Revisão taxonômica e morfológica do complexo Potamotrygon orbignyi (Castelnau, 1855) (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae). (Master's Dissertation). Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 198p. [ Links ]
Taniuchi, T. & Ishihara, H. 1990. Anatomical Comparison of Claspers of Freswater Stingrays (Dasyatidae and Potamotrygonidae). Japanese Journal of Ichthyology, 37(1):10-16. [ Links ]
Thorson, T.B.; Brooks, D.R. & Mayes, M.A. 1983. The evolution of freshwater adaptation in stingrays. National Geographic Society Research Reports, 15:663-694. [ Links ]
Recebido em: 02.03.2011
Aceito em: 03.04.2011
Impresso em: 04.05.2011


text:
Ease of recording and saving combined with customization and multiple options for sharing (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Evernote, email, and more) have made Shot MeMo as popular for social networking as for practical note taking purposes.
Seoul, South Korea (PRWEB) March 12, 2012
GKProject's Shot MeMo has already acquired a loyal fan base. That popularity is poised for exponential growth, now that word of mouth has secured the application's good reputation and GKProject has opted to offer Shot MeMo for free in the iTunes App Store for a limited period of time.
Shot MeMo's popularity upon release was no doubt due in some part to its low introductory retail price—only $0.99. But being an inexpensive choice was only the beginning for the helpful utility and social application. Shot MeMo takes a simple-sounding feature set—letting users create digital memos which incorporate their own photos—and turns it into a must-have iPhone utility with the aid of a beautifully designed interface and numerous customization options. Users can choose from a wide range of fonts, text sizes and colors for their message, utilize photos from their device gallery or snap a photo from within Shot MeMo itself, and easily share their memos and memories quickly and easily. Additionally, an in-app one-time purchase allows access to a broad selection of different memo paper backgrounds for further personalization.
Ease of recording and saving combined with customization and multiple options for sharing (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Evernote, email, and more) have made Shot MeMo as popular for social networking as for practical note taking purposes.
Shot Memo is compatible with most iOS devices running iOS 4.0 or later, including many iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad models. It is available now in the iTunes App Store, and for a limited period of time, there is no charge to download.
- Camera:
Snap a shot, add notes, and save or share with the touch of a finger!
- Album:
Already snapped the pic you want to create a memo with? No problem. Browse your gallery within the app, and take advantage of ShotMeMo's features after the fact.
- Setup:
Our simple toggle-based menu makes setting up simple and quick.
- Jotting down notes when you're in a hurry:
There's no need to schlep a notebook. Shot MeMo has all of the practicality of paper and pen note-taking, with greater convenience and functionality.
- Preserve your special moments:
Whether it's a gift you received, the highlights of your trip, or the expression on someone special's face at a once in a lifetime moment, Shot MeMo makes it quick, easy and convenient to keep your memories fresh and share them in an instant.
iTunes: [http://itunes.apple.com/app/shot-memo/id469613762?mt=8


text:
|Draft Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2001
Mr. Clifton-Brown: Does my hon. Friend agree that if the fee is inadequate for each local authority to recover its costs fully, under the Government's best value initiative each will be forced to adopt a minimalist approach? Would we not be doing our constituents a disservice by agreeing the statutory instrument?
Tim Loughton: I fear that my hon. Friend is correct, which is why I tend towards recommending to my colleagues that we vote against the statutory instrument. We know that, because of the extra bureaucracy of best value and assorted other things, the cost of planning applications to local authorities is greater. In my authorityI presume that it is the same across the board under best valuea ``bog standard'' planning application must be accompanied by a planning applicant's declaration of ethnic origin. Many other pieces of information that may be deemed to be subsidiary to approval for a planning application are also required, which is absurd. On the basis of the Minister's comments over the past 50 minutes, the constituents of all members of the Committee are not guaranteed a better service, and there is no guarantee of any financial incentive for better environmental practice by the mobile phone companies that pay the fee.
Mr. Don Foster: May I stiffen the hon. Gentleman's sinews in respect of how he may choose to vote at the end of our deliberation? Under the current fee structure, my local authorityhe may accept that this is so for his local authorityloses £215 per consultation by attempting to consult on matters in the way that it thinks is appropriate. Under the new proposals, it will still make a loss, but a smaller one of £60. As the local authority will still make a loss, does the hon. Gentleman believe that it is likely to be able to improve the way that consultations are carried out, or will we continue in exactly the same way as now?
Tim Loughton: That is precisely the point that I thought that I had made, and I strengthened my own sinews by making it earlier in the debate. As I said, the result could be the status quo for the planning authority in the consultation process. I am not surprised by the figures mentioned by the hon. Member for Bath about his local authority of Bath and North East Somerset, which is Liberal controlled.
Mr. Foster: It is of no overall control.
Tim Loughton: Well, it may be of no overall control, but it has a strong Liberal interference. The area is very Liberal.
The Chairman: Order. A discussion about the political control of a particular local authority is not within the terms of the regulations.
Tim Loughton: I was quoting the amount of between £250 and £300 that the hon. Member for Bath mentioned that it would cost his authority to process an application. He claims that that is typicalI doubt it. There is little wonder that he said that the fee was insufficient and should be increased. It is an automatic Liberal reaction to want more stealth taxes, and to increase fees regardless of the service offered. Other authorities probably offer the service more cheaply. I have no doubt that my local authority, which has been in Conservative control since 7 June, will be able to offer the service more cheaply.
The Chairman: Order. The hon. Gentleman is straying very far from the regulations.
Tim Loughton: I apologise, but I am having a lot of fun in the process.
I turn to a simple question, the answer to which I hope the Minister will have at her fingertips to support the thrust of the statutory instrument. How many planning applications for mobile phone masts under 15 m have been subsequently withdrawn or greatly altered as a result of the existing consultation process? The real question is whether the existing consultation process, or even one that is extended to 56 days, has any result. Do not such feeble changes to planning regulations, for which there is a not so feeble increase in fees, have no teeth whatever?
Ultimately, the mobile phone company, in the absence of any substantial objectionwithin a limited band of substantial objectionscan go ahead anyway. If it goes ahead on the basis of a sham additional consultation, and a sham increased notification, it adds insult to injury to the many thousands of constituents who are worried about the proliferation of mobile phone masts for health reasons or because they are an environmental eyesore. It is not good enough that the Minister is unable to answer the basic questions on which the fee increase is predicated, let alone questions about all the other great remits or environmental concerns referred to in the Stewart report, which, as we know, we shall not discuss again.
The Minister cannot answer basic questions about how much the applications already cost to substantiate whether the existing fee of £190 for applications for masts of more than 15 m is in the right ball park. How, therefore, can she expect us to vote through the statutory instrument to merit a 540 per cent. fee increase that may have a negative effect on the extent of consultation and notification, which is woefully inadequate at the moment? On that basis, unless the Minister can redeem herself in responding to those queries, we shall vote against the statutory instrument.
We want more effective regulation of mobile phone masts that is in tune with the concerns of local people, but the statutory instrument does the reverse. It does no service to our constituents and, in many casescertainly in expensively run local authorities such as that of the hon. Member for Bathit will merely help to lessen the losses made by planning authorities on such applications. That is not the point of the statutory instrument as I interpret it, but that is what will be achieved by the shoddy way in which the Minister has approached the matter.
5.22 pm
Ms Keeble: The hon. Gentleman seems to think that the regulations are being introduced to support planning processes that are already in place. That is not the case, but I am not sure that he realises that. The point of the increased fee is to make it possible to change the regulations and introduce tighter procedures, which he professes to support. Otherwise, there is a real risk that the new procedures will be introduced without any money to back them up. There has been no dissension in the Room with regard to introducing new regulations that provide more protection for the public interest and more opportunity for members of the public to have a say in what happens about mobile phone masts. In addition, people who want a better service from their mobile phones have an interest in the erection of mobile phone masts. Two conflicting interests must therefore be satisfied.
If we are considering a new procedure for mobile phone masts that were not previously subject to regulation, we must look for parity with another fee that is charged. In relation to the procedure for masts of less than 15 m, the parity that we sought was with the fee charged for those of more than 15 m. That seems absolutely straightforward. That system is indeed under review, but we must still look at parity. Otherwise, we will end up charging more for the smaller masts than the larger masts, which would be a nonsense. It would be an even bigger nonsense to expect local authorities to introduce new and unnecessary procedures and not expect them to see any financial return. That is what would happen if the hon. Gentleman voted against the measure. I do not understand how he could then broadcast to his constituents that he supports their right to have a say in such sensitive issues, which people rightly or wrongly perceive to be connected with their health, when he is against providing the opportunity for the local authority to charge a fee. That would be the logical consequence of what he is proposing. He must redeem himself and be consistent.
Tim Loughton: The Minister has still not answered the question. What better consultation and increased notification will happen as a result of the measure? She said that the fees should be seen in tandem with the better regulations that are being introduced, such as the national database and the emissions surveys of mobile phone masts. In my understanding, neither of those regulations are the responsibility of local authorities. If they are, they will cost them a lot of money. Apart from the time of the consultation, what will local authorities have to do with the new regulations?
Ms Keeble: Continuing research is being done into the health implications, but we are not dealing with those implications this afternoon. We are discussing the planning process and planning system. The new regulations are not themselves being debated this afternoon, as they will be introduced through a different process. We run the real risk of introducing tighter regulations, which everybody wants, without having agreed any commensurate fee structure. That structure is important, and I am sure that most members of the Committee think that it is important. Clearly, the hon. Member for Bath thinks that it is important, because he said that the fee should be much higher. On the other hand, the hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham suggests that he will vote against the regulations, which would mean no fee at all.
The hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham said that no information had been given on how the consultation and notification would be improved by the measure. The simple answer is that when the new regulations come into forcewhich is not yet, because we are simply talking about the fee structure at this pointthey will apply to phone masts under 15 m, which are presently not regulated at all.
All the proposals that we are introducing in that respect are new and represent a real improvement for members of the public. Notices were not required to be put up beforenor was information required to be given to school governors, which everyone knows to be a major issue. The measure relating to the extension of time also represents a real improvement on current arrangements. Those changes, which were announced on 16 March, which are not yet in force and for which we are discussing only the fees this afternoon, represent a considerable strengthening of the planning arrangements for telecom masts.
The consultation arrangement for masts of 15 m and below will be exactly the same as for masts above that height, when the new regulations are introduced. To give local planning authorities more time to consult local people and consider their views, we are increasing the period for authorities to decide application for prior approval to a uniform 56 days. That is double the period that they have now to consider masts on buildings and 50 per cent. longer than the existing period for ground-based masts.
In recognition of the extra work for local authorities, the fee would increase from £35 to £190. That represents a five-fold increase to give local authorities the resources that they need to do all that extra work. We are placing great emphasis on the importance of proper consultation, not just once an application has been submitted but in prior discussion, so that operators, local authorities and local people develop solutions in partnership. The changes that we intend to make strike the right balance by improving consultation with local people, ensuring that the decision-making process is not open-ended and giving the 43 million people who use mobile phones the service that they want.
Question put:
The Committee divided: Ayes 8, Noes 4.
Division No. 1]
Committee rose at twenty-nine minutes to Six o'clock.
The following Members attended the Committee:
|©Parliamentary copyright 2001
|Prepared 9 July 2001


text:
When the Enterprise finds one guy who may be two guys (or two guys who may be one guy) on an uninhabited planet along with an undetectable source of radiation, it's up to Kirk, Spock and McCoy to figure out the intricacies of "The Alternative Factor."
Mission Log #27 – Episode 027 – The Alternative Factor
Dude, the sensors have a range. But if it's in range, and not in an alternate universe, it can sense it. And, like, there's totally stuff that can block them. I'm just saying, if there's a thing, and we can see it, but the sensors say it's not there, we can pretty much guess where it is, and in the universe isn't it.


text:
International non-government companies (INGO's) have been operating in China in increasing numbers over the last few years. Now China has adopted a brand-new law to control them. Previously there have actually been no uniform guidelines managing these companies, and lots of that are currently active were not signed up and have likewise been running without workplaces or long-term personnel based in China.
All foreign foundations, charities, advocacy organizations and academic exchange programs need to sign up with Public Security Bureaus (PSBs) for permission to conduct their activities; they must likewise have approved Chinese sponsors. The new law likewise permits ING's to carry out exchanges and cooperation with certain Chinese partners engaged in research and technology, scholastic exchanges and joint research study, although the scope of these activities awaits even more definition. As is common with Chinese legislation, numerous information has yet to appear.
INGO's had to report to PSB's each year and send to evaluations of their offices and bank accounts. They cannot participate in fundraising in China. Their registration can be cancelled under an unclear arrangement that states punishable creating reports, participating in disparagement or publishing other damaging info that threatens state security or damages the national interest.
The certain areas where they can now operate are the economy, education, science, culture, health, sports and the environment; others may be included later. The federal government has actually allowed nonprofits operating in these locations to attend to a range of issues raised by China s quick financial development. In the meantime, the incident of color transformations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia frequently with NGO's included prompted federal government anxiety about INGOs connected with human rights problems like the Ford Foundation (DeYong Yin, China's Attitude toward Foreign NGOs).
The thrust of the brand-new law is very clear: It is consistent with a vigorous neo-Maoist campaign released by President Xi Jinping versus foreign ideologies and other influences on Chinese social and political development, and is meant to enhance control by the Chinese Communist Party over Chinese society.
Just how much more difficult will operation of INGO's be under the new law? Mark Sidel, a professor of law at the University of Wisconsin, writes that the brand-new law signals a closing to the world.
The lack of law and legal reform from the categories designated as acceptable develops unpredictability about INGOs that have been active in these locations. Previously unregistered INGOs will presumably be excluded from working on law reform, but INGOs currently running legally in China are being assured structured reregistration treatments, and it is therefore uncertain what will occur to those now taken part in law reform projects. Will promotion of such tasks by any of them be impacted by the new law and the limiting environment it signifies? This is specifically essential to judicial reform.
Judicial reform has been in the works since late 2013, despite the fact that harassment and criminal penalty of activists and dissenters continues. The Supreme People s Court Reform Plan Outline released in February 2015 focus on lessening control over the courts by regional party and government officials and establishing a hearing-controlled procedural system. Development towards these goals would improve system s operation, professionalism and autonomy.
Judicial reform is an unique and restricted sphere, however as long as neo-Maoist authoritarianism inhibits reflection and discussion on China s governance, especially when Western concepts and organizations are favorably pointed out, other law-related reforms may be slowed. The major barrier is that Mao s legacy and the party s function in Chinese history cannot be objectively reconsidered under the present rule of Xi Jinping. China's leader today continues to reinforce Mao's standard difference in between good friends and opponents, without any one in between.
More essentially, writer Andrew Browne emphasizes the link in between Mao and Xi: Like Mao [Xi] thinks in the power not of institutional constraints but of ideology to mold human nature and reform behavior. As long as Xi insists on the primacy of this adherence to ideology, the neo-Maoism to which he sticks will reign supreme over reform.
How the brand-new law will be obtained penalizing hazards to state security and the national interest can t be predicted, although the current political atmosphere is not welcoming to foreign idea and practice contaminated by the feared Western ideology. Constant with this mindset, we can expect an ongoing government posture hostile to INGOs that deal with law reform.


text:
I recently hit an annoying problem with org-mode: batch exports of gnuplot where failing with a mysterious error (full details here). To make a long story short, I was told to upgrade to latest org-mode from git. I followed the instructions on the brilliant org-mode FAQ and got there in no time.
But then it hit me, I needed to provided support for latest org mode in batch mode too! I tend to use default emacs settings in batch mode - well, lets put it this way, I never needed anything else - so I wasn't too sure how to do this. Last thing you need is your batch mode taking 1 minute to bootstrap because its running your full .emacs initialisation. And lord knows cunene ain't getting any smaller.
So after some fumbling I hacked myself a quick export.el that bootstraps a minimal latest org-mode:
(setq dotfiles-dir "~/.emacs.d/lisp")(setq kill-buffer-query-functions(remove 'process-kill-buffer-query-functionkill-buffer-query-functions))(add-to-list 'load-path (concat dotfiles-dir "/other/gnuplot-mode"))(add-to-list 'load-path (concat dotfiles-dir "/other/org-mode"))(load-file (concat dotfiles-dir "/other/org-mode/lisp/org-install.el"))(org-babel-do-load-languages'org-babel-load-languages'((emacs-lisp . t)(sh . t)(gnuplot . t)(R . t)))(setq org-confirm-babel-evaluate nil)(require 'org-install)(require 'org)
You may notice the setq kill-buffer-query-functions bit. This was to stop a really annoying message coming from gnuplot:
Buffer "*gnuplot-version*" has a running process; kill it? (yes or no)
Googling didn't reveal any direct solutions to the problem, which is a bit worrying; I wonder if I'm getting this because I'm running latest gnuplot mode. At any rate, I managed to knocked up this hack based on some other process related problem and it made the problem go away. The full incantation for emacs is:
$ /usr/bin/emacs --batch --no-site-file --directory ${org_path}/lisp/ \--directory ${org_path}/contrib/lisp/ \--load export.el --visit ${target} --eval '(org-export-as-html-batch)'
Replacing ${org_path} with the path to your git clone of org mode and ${target} with the org file you want to generate HTML for.