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{instruction} ========== In your answer, refer only to the context document. Do not employ any outside knowledge {question} ========== [user request] {passage 0} ========== [context document]
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List and summarize the established exceptions to the general rule that employees are not protected by FECA when injured while traveling between home and work. Answer should not exceed 150 words.
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U.S. Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs Procedure Manual Division of Federal Employees' Compensation (DFEC) FECA Part 2 6. To and From Work. Employees do not generally have the protection of the FECA when injured while en route between work and home. a. Exceptions. There are five well-established exceptions to this general rule. These exceptions are: (1) Where the employment requires the employee to travel; (2) Where the employer contracts for and furnishes transportation to and from work; (3) Where the employee is subject to emergency duty, as in the case of firefighters; (4) Where the employee uses the highway or public transportation to do something incidental to employment with the knowledge and approval of the employer; and (5) Where the employee is required to travel during a curfew established by local, municipal, county or state authorities because of civil disturbances or for other reasons. b. Where the Employment Requires the Employee to Travel. This situation will not occur in the case of an employee having a fixed place of employment unless on an errand or special mission. It usually involves an employee who performs all or most of the work away from the industrial premises, such as a chauffeur, truck driver, or messenger. In cases of this type the official superior should be requested to submit a supplemental statement fully describing the employee's assigned duties and showing how and in what manner the work required the employee to travel, whether on the highway or by public transportation. In injury cases a similar statement should be obtained from the injured employee. c. Where the Employer Contracts for and Furnishes Transportation to and from Work. Where this expectation is claimed, the official superior should be requested to submit a supplemental statement showing, with appropriate explanation, whether the employee's transportation was furnished or otherwise provided by contract by contract by the employer. In injury cases a similar statement should be obtained from the injured employee. Also see Program Memorandum 104 dated October 24, 1969. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-59) amends Title 31, Section 1344 of the U.S. Code to allow Federal agencies in the National Capitol Region to pay for the costs of shuttle buses or other means of transportation between the place of employment and mass transit facilities. The bill statues that for "purpose of any determination under chapter 81 of title 5 ... an individual shall not be considered to be 'in the performance of duty' or 'acting within the scope of his or her employment' by virtue of the fact that such individual is receiving transportation services" under this legislation. IF it is determined that a shuttle bus or other means of transportation to and from mass transit is authorized under this statue, then the injury is not considered to have occurred within the performance of duty. When requesting information from the agency about the employer-provided conveyance, the agency should be asked whether the service in question was provided pursuant to the above statutory authority. d. Where the Employee is Subject to Emergency Duty. (1) When it is alleged that the employee was subject to emergency duty, the official superior should be requested to submit: (a) A copy of the injured employee's official position description, or other document showing that as the occasion arose, the duties did in fact require the performance of emergency duty; and (b) A specific statement showing that at the time of the injury the employee was in fact traveling to or from work because of emergency duty. (2) In disability cases, a statement from the injured employee should be requested showing whether at the time of the injury the employee was in fact going to or from work because of emergency duty. e. Where the Employee Uses the Highway or Public Transportation to Perform a Service for the Employer. (1) Where this exception is claimed, the official superior should be requested to submit a statement showing: (a) The precise duty the employee had performed or was expected to perform for the employer during the trip in question; and (b) Whether this was being done upon directions of the employer and, if not, whether the employer had prior knowledge of and had previously approved the employee's activity. (2) In disability cases the injured employee should be requested to submit a similar statement. f. Travel During a Curfew. (1) When it has been determined that the employee was required to travel during a curfew established by local, municipal, county or state authorities because of civil disturbances or for other reasons, the official superior should be requested to submit: (a) The reason the employee was requested to report for duty; (b) Whether other employees were given administrative leave because of the curfew; and (c) Whether the injury resulted from a specific hazard caused by the imposition of the curfew, such as an attack by rioting citizens. (2) In disability cases the injured employee should be requested to submit a similar statement. (3) When all the facts are developed, the case should be referred to the National Office.
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{instruction} ========== In your answer, refer only to the context document. Do not employ any outside knowledge {question} ========== List and summarize the established exceptions to the general rule that employees are not protected by FECA when injured while traveling between home and work. Answer should not exceed 150 words. {passage 0} ========== U.S. Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs Procedure Manual Division of Federal Employees' Compensation (DFEC) FECA Part 2 6. To and From Work. Employees do not generally have the protection of the FECA when injured while en route between work and home. a. Exceptions. There are five well-established exceptions to this general rule. These exceptions are: (1) Where the employment requires the employee to travel; (2) Where the employer contracts for and furnishes transportation to and from work; (3) Where the employee is subject to emergency duty, as in the case of firefighters; (4) Where the employee uses the highway or public transportation to do something incidental to employment with the knowledge and approval of the employer; and (5) Where the employee is required to travel during a curfew established by local, municipal, county or state authorities because of civil disturbances or for other reasons. b. Where the Employment Requires the Employee to Travel. This situation will not occur in the case of an employee having a fixed place of employment unless on an errand or special mission. It usually involves an employee who performs all or most of the work away from the industrial premises, such as a chauffeur, truck driver, or messenger. In cases of this type the official superior should be requested to submit a supplemental statement fully describing the employee's assigned duties and showing how and in what manner the work required the employee to travel, whether on the highway or by public transportation. In injury cases a similar statement should be obtained from the injured employee. c. Where the Employer Contracts for and Furnishes Transportation to and from Work. Where this expectation is claimed, the official superior should be requested to submit a supplemental statement showing, with appropriate explanation, whether the employee's transportation was furnished or otherwise provided by contract by contract by the employer. In injury cases a similar statement should be obtained from the injured employee. Also see Program Memorandum 104 dated October 24, 1969. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-59) amends Title 31, Section 1344 of the U.S. Code to allow Federal agencies in the National Capitol Region to pay for the costs of shuttle buses or other means of transportation between the place of employment and mass transit facilities. The bill statues that for "purpose of any determination under chapter 81 of title 5 ... an individual shall not be considered to be 'in the performance of duty' or 'acting within the scope of his or her employment' by virtue of the fact that such individual is receiving transportation services" under this legislation. IF it is determined that a shuttle bus or other means of transportation to and from mass transit is authorized under this statue, then the injury is not considered to have occurred within the performance of duty. When requesting information from the agency about the employer-provided conveyance, the agency should be asked whether the service in question was provided pursuant to the above statutory authority. d. Where the Employee is Subject to Emergency Duty. (1) When it is alleged that the employee was subject to emergency duty, the official superior should be requested to submit: (a) A copy of the injured employee's official position description, or other document showing that as the occasion arose, the duties did in fact require the performance of emergency duty; and (b) A specific statement showing that at the time of the injury the employee was in fact traveling to or from work because of emergency duty. (2) In disability cases, a statement from the injured employee should be requested showing whether at the time of the injury the employee was in fact going to or from work because of emergency duty. e. Where the Employee Uses the Highway or Public Transportation to Perform a Service for the Employer. (1) Where this exception is claimed, the official superior should be requested to submit a statement showing: (a) The precise duty the employee had performed or was expected to perform for the employer during the trip in question; and (b) Whether this was being done upon directions of the employer and, if not, whether the employer had prior knowledge of and had previously approved the employee's activity. (2) In disability cases the injured employee should be requested to submit a similar statement. f. Travel During a Curfew. (1) When it has been determined that the employee was required to travel during a curfew established by local, municipal, county or state authorities because of civil disturbances or for other reasons, the official superior should be requested to submit: (a) The reason the employee was requested to report for duty; (b) Whether other employees were given administrative leave because of the curfew; and (c) Whether the injury resulted from a specific hazard caused by the imposition of the curfew, such as an attack by rioting citizens. (2) In disability cases the injured employee should be requested to submit a similar statement. (3) When all the facts are developed, the case should be referred to the National Office. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA/regs/compliance/DFECfolio/FECA-PT2/group1#20805
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{instruction} ========== In your answer, refer only to the context document. Do not employ any outside knowledge {question} ========== [user request] {passage 0} ========== [context document]
EVIDENCE:
U.S. Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs Procedure Manual Division of Federal Employees' Compensation (DFEC) FECA Part 2 6. To and From Work. Employees do not generally have the protection of the FECA when injured while en route between work and home. a. Exceptions. There are five well-established exceptions to this general rule. These exceptions are: (1) Where the employment requires the employee to travel; (2) Where the employer contracts for and furnishes transportation to and from work; (3) Where the employee is subject to emergency duty, as in the case of firefighters; (4) Where the employee uses the highway or public transportation to do something incidental to employment with the knowledge and approval of the employer; and (5) Where the employee is required to travel during a curfew established by local, municipal, county or state authorities because of civil disturbances or for other reasons. b. Where the Employment Requires the Employee to Travel. This situation will not occur in the case of an employee having a fixed place of employment unless on an errand or special mission. It usually involves an employee who performs all or most of the work away from the industrial premises, such as a chauffeur, truck driver, or messenger. In cases of this type the official superior should be requested to submit a supplemental statement fully describing the employee's assigned duties and showing how and in what manner the work required the employee to travel, whether on the highway or by public transportation. In injury cases a similar statement should be obtained from the injured employee. c. Where the Employer Contracts for and Furnishes Transportation to and from Work. Where this expectation is claimed, the official superior should be requested to submit a supplemental statement showing, with appropriate explanation, whether the employee's transportation was furnished or otherwise provided by contract by contract by the employer. In injury cases a similar statement should be obtained from the injured employee. Also see Program Memorandum 104 dated October 24, 1969. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-59) amends Title 31, Section 1344 of the U.S. Code to allow Federal agencies in the National Capitol Region to pay for the costs of shuttle buses or other means of transportation between the place of employment and mass transit facilities. The bill statues that for "purpose of any determination under chapter 81 of title 5 ... an individual shall not be considered to be 'in the performance of duty' or 'acting within the scope of his or her employment' by virtue of the fact that such individual is receiving transportation services" under this legislation. IF it is determined that a shuttle bus or other means of transportation to and from mass transit is authorized under this statue, then the injury is not considered to have occurred within the performance of duty. When requesting information from the agency about the employer-provided conveyance, the agency should be asked whether the service in question was provided pursuant to the above statutory authority. d. Where the Employee is Subject to Emergency Duty. (1) When it is alleged that the employee was subject to emergency duty, the official superior should be requested to submit: (a) A copy of the injured employee's official position description, or other document showing that as the occasion arose, the duties did in fact require the performance of emergency duty; and (b) A specific statement showing that at the time of the injury the employee was in fact traveling to or from work because of emergency duty. (2) In disability cases, a statement from the injured employee should be requested showing whether at the time of the injury the employee was in fact going to or from work because of emergency duty. e. Where the Employee Uses the Highway or Public Transportation to Perform a Service for the Employer. (1) Where this exception is claimed, the official superior should be requested to submit a statement showing: (a) The precise duty the employee had performed or was expected to perform for the employer during the trip in question; and (b) Whether this was being done upon directions of the employer and, if not, whether the employer had prior knowledge of and had previously approved the employee's activity. (2) In disability cases the injured employee should be requested to submit a similar statement. f. Travel During a Curfew. (1) When it has been determined that the employee was required to travel during a curfew established by local, municipal, county or state authorities because of civil disturbances or for other reasons, the official superior should be requested to submit: (a) The reason the employee was requested to report for duty; (b) Whether other employees were given administrative leave because of the curfew; and (c) Whether the injury resulted from a specific hazard caused by the imposition of the curfew, such as an attack by rioting citizens. (2) In disability cases the injured employee should be requested to submit a similar statement. (3) When all the facts are developed, the case should be referred to the National Office.
USER:
List and summarize the established exceptions to the general rule that employees are not protected by FECA when injured while traveling between home and work. Answer should not exceed 150 words.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 26 | 31 | 850 | null | 635 |
Only form your answer with the information provided in the text. Give your answer in a bullet point format.
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What are all the price breakdowns the Build Back Better plan provides in its two examples?
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As part of the Build Back Better plan, the Biden Administration has proposed several policies to address these long-standing cost pressures. Families with young children will tend to benefit most from the proposed expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC), universal preschool, and improvements in the quality of childcare and a reduction in associated out-of-pocket costs. Proposals to lower prescription drug cost through Medicare-negotiated prices, add dental and vision benefits to Medicare, and expand access to home- and community-based care through Medicaid are likely to be more beneficial to households with elderly members. Here, we present two illustrative families as benchmarks for how pieces of Build Back Better aim to help different types of families meet their needs. Specific numbers will vary depending on factors like age, state of residence, and number of children, but these examples try to convey the breadth of the different family policies included in the Administration’s plans. The first example is a family of four with two young children age 4 and 6 living in Indiana. The parents are both 28 years old, have full-time jobs, and together earn $65,000 per year. While the parents are at work, they send the younger child to a high-quality Indiana preschool that costs $9,000 annually.11 Build Back Better would dramatically reduce costs for this Indiana family example. Under Build Back Better’s CTC expansion, the family would receive an extra $2,600 in tax credits.12 Universal preschool would erase the $9,000 they currently spend. All told, Build Back Better would help the Indiana family make ends meet with $11,600 in family cost reductions. The second illustrative family lives in Arizona, with two parents who together earn $85,000 per year and an adult child who lives with them and attends a community college. The family also cares for an elderly parent who needs arthritis medicine, which costs $5,500 per year out-ofpocket, and an eye exam to get a new pair of glasses. Build Back Better would help this Arizona family by making education and health care more affordable. The community college student would be eligible for two years of free community college education, saving the family $2,400 per year.13 Prescription drug reform would cap outof-pocket costs for the elderly parent’s prescription drugs, saving the family another $2,400 per year.14 Finally, new vision benefits under Medicare would pay for the elderly parent’s eye exam and new glasses and lenses, saving $450.15 All told, Build Back Better policies would save this Arizona family $5,250 in annual costs.
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System instruction: Only form your answer with the information provided in the text. Give your answer in a bullet point format. Question: What are all the price breakdowns the Build Back Better plan provides in its two examples? Context: As part of the Build Back Better plan, the Biden Administration has proposed several policies to address these long-standing cost pressures. Families with young children will tend to benefit most from the proposed expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC), universal preschool, and improvements in the quality of childcare and a reduction in associated out-of-pocket costs. Proposals to lower prescription drug cost through Medicare-negotiated prices, add dental and vision benefits to Medicare, and expand access to home- and community-based care through Medicaid are likely to be more beneficial to households with elderly members. Here, we present two illustrative families as benchmarks for how pieces of Build Back Better aim to help different types of families meet their needs. Specific numbers will vary depending on factors like age, state of residence, and number of children, but these examples try to convey the breadth of the different family policies included in the Administration’s plans. The first example is a family of four with two young children age 4 and 6 living in Indiana. The parents are both 28 years old, have full-time jobs, and together earn $65,000 per year. While the parents are at work, they send the younger child to a high-quality Indiana preschool that costs $9,000 annually.11 Build Back Better would dramatically reduce costs for this Indiana family example. Under Build Back Better’s CTC expansion, the family would receive an extra $2,600 in tax credits.12 Universal preschool would erase the $9,000 they currently spend. All told, Build Back Better would help the Indiana family make ends meet with $11,600 in family cost reductions. The second illustrative family lives in Arizona, with two parents who together earn $85,000 per year and an adult child who lives with them and attends a community college. The family also cares for an elderly parent who needs arthritis medicine, which costs $5,500 per year out-ofpocket, and an eye exam to get a new pair of glasses. Build Back Better would help this Arizona family by making education and health care more affordable. The community college student would be eligible for two years of free community college education, saving the family $2,400 per year.13 Prescription drug reform would cap outof-pocket costs for the elderly parent’s prescription drugs, saving the family another $2,400 per year.14 Finally, new vision benefits under Medicare would pay for the elderly parent’s eye exam and new glasses and lenses, saving $450.15 All told, Build Back Better policies would save this Arizona family $5,250 in annual costs.
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Only form your answer with the information provided in the text. Give your answer in a bullet point format.
EVIDENCE:
As part of the Build Back Better plan, the Biden Administration has proposed several policies to address these long-standing cost pressures. Families with young children will tend to benefit most from the proposed expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC), universal preschool, and improvements in the quality of childcare and a reduction in associated out-of-pocket costs. Proposals to lower prescription drug cost through Medicare-negotiated prices, add dental and vision benefits to Medicare, and expand access to home- and community-based care through Medicaid are likely to be more beneficial to households with elderly members. Here, we present two illustrative families as benchmarks for how pieces of Build Back Better aim to help different types of families meet their needs. Specific numbers will vary depending on factors like age, state of residence, and number of children, but these examples try to convey the breadth of the different family policies included in the Administration’s plans. The first example is a family of four with two young children age 4 and 6 living in Indiana. The parents are both 28 years old, have full-time jobs, and together earn $65,000 per year. While the parents are at work, they send the younger child to a high-quality Indiana preschool that costs $9,000 annually.11 Build Back Better would dramatically reduce costs for this Indiana family example. Under Build Back Better’s CTC expansion, the family would receive an extra $2,600 in tax credits.12 Universal preschool would erase the $9,000 they currently spend. All told, Build Back Better would help the Indiana family make ends meet with $11,600 in family cost reductions. The second illustrative family lives in Arizona, with two parents who together earn $85,000 per year and an adult child who lives with them and attends a community college. The family also cares for an elderly parent who needs arthritis medicine, which costs $5,500 per year out-ofpocket, and an eye exam to get a new pair of glasses. Build Back Better would help this Arizona family by making education and health care more affordable. The community college student would be eligible for two years of free community college education, saving the family $2,400 per year.13 Prescription drug reform would cap outof-pocket costs for the elderly parent’s prescription drugs, saving the family another $2,400 per year.14 Finally, new vision benefits under Medicare would pay for the elderly parent’s eye exam and new glasses and lenses, saving $450.15 All told, Build Back Better policies would save this Arizona family $5,250 in annual costs.
USER:
What are all the price breakdowns the Build Back Better plan provides in its two examples?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 19 | 16 | 414 | null | 554 |
Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. [user request] [context document]
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What are the main differences between owning an LLC or Sole proprietorship? Which is better for a small business? what are the steps I would have to take to get either one?
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Your business structure affects how much you pay in taxes, your ability to raise money, the paperwork you need to file, and your personal liability. You'll need to choose a business structure before you register your business with the state. Most businesses will also need to get a tax ID number and file for the appropriate licenses and permits. Choose carefully. While you may convert to a different business structure in the future, there may be restrictions based on your location. This could also result in tax consequences and unintended dissolution, among other complications. Consulting with business counselors, attorneys, and accountants can prove helpful. Review common business structures Sole proprietorship A sole proprietorship is easy to form and gives you complete control of your business. You're automatically considered to be a sole proprietorship if you do business activities but don't register as any other kind of business. Sole proprietorships do not produce a separate business entity. This means your business assets and liabilities are not separate from your personal assets and liabilities. You can be held personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business. Sole proprietors are still able to get a trade name. It can also be hard to raise money because you can't sell stock, and banks are hesitant to lend to sole proprietorships. Sole proprietorships can be a good choice for low-risk businesses and owners who want to test their business idea before forming a more formal business. Partnership Partnerships are the simplest structure for two or more people to own a business together. There are two common kinds of partnerships: limited partnerships (LP) and limited liability partnerships (LLP). Limited partnerships have only one general partner with unlimited liability, and all other partners have limited liability. The partners with limited liability also tend to have limited control over the company, which is documented in a partnership agreement. Profits are passed through to personal tax returns, and the general partner — the partner without limited liability — must also pay self-employment taxes. Limited liability partnerships are similar to limited partnerships, but give limited liability to every owner. An LLP protects each partner from debts against the partnership, they won't be responsible for the actions of other partners. Partnerships can be a good choice for businesses with multiple owners, professional groups (like attorneys), and groups who want to test their business idea before forming a more formal business. Limited liability company (LLC) An LLC lets you take advantage of the benefits of both the corporation and partnership business structures. LLCs protect you from personal liability in most instances, your personal assets — like your vehicle, house, and savings accounts — won't be at risk in case your LLC faces bankruptcy or lawsuits. Profits and losses can get passed through to your personal income without facing corporate taxes. However, members of an LLC are considered self-employed and must pay self-employment tax contributions towards Medicare and Social Security. LLCs can have a limited life in many states. When a member joins or leaves an LLC, some states may require the LLC to be dissolved and re-formed with new membership — unless there's already an agreement in place within the LLC for buying, selling, and transferring ownership. LLCs can be a good choice for medium- or higher-risk businesses, owners with significant personal assets they want protected, and owners who want to pay a lower tax rate than they would with a corporation. Corporation C corp A corporation, sometimes called a C corp, is a legal entity that's separate from its owners. Corporations can make a profit, be taxed, and can be held legally liable. Corporations offer the strongest protection to its owners from personal liability, but the cost to form a corporation is higher than other structures. Corporations also require more extensive record-keeping, operational processes, and reporting. Unlike sole proprietors, partnerships, and LLCs, corporations pay income tax on their profits. In some cases, corporate profits are taxed twice — first, when the company makes a profit, and again when dividends are paid to shareholders on their personal tax returns. Corporations have a completely independent life separate from its shareholders. If a shareholder leaves the company or sells his or her shares, the C corp can continue doing business relatively undisturbed. Corporations have an advantage when it comes to raising capital because they can raise funds through the sale of stock, which can also be a benefit in attracting employees. Corporations can be a good choice for medium- or higher-risk businesses, those that need to raise money, and businesses that plan to "go public" or eventually be sold. S corp An S corporation, sometimes called an S corp, is a special type of corporation that's designed to avoid the double taxation drawback of regular C corps. S corps allow profits, and some losses, to be passed through directly to owners' personal income without ever being subject to corporate tax rates. Not all states tax S corps equally, but most recognize them the same way the federal government does and tax the shareholders accordingly. Some states tax S corps on profits above a specified limit and other states don't recognize the S corp election at all, simply treating the business as a C corp. S corps must file with the IRS to get S corp status, a different process from registering with their state. There are special limits on S corps. Check the IRS website for eligibility requirements(Link is external). You'll still have to follow the strict filing and operational processes of a C corp. S corps also have an independent life, just like C corps. If a shareholder leaves the company or sells his or her shares, the S corp can continue doing business relatively undisturbed. S corps can be a good choice for a businesses that would otherwise be a C corp, but meet the criteria to file as an S corp Compare business structures Compare the general traits of these business structures, but remember that ownership rules, liability, taxes, and filing requirements for each business structure can vary by state. The following table is intended only as a guideline. Please confer with a business tax specialist to confirm your specific business needs. Business structure Ownership Liability Taxes Sole proprietorship One person Unlimited personal liability Self-employment tax Partnerships Two or more people Unlimited personal liability unless structured as a limited partnership Self-employment tax (except for limited partners) Limited liability company (LLC) One or more people Owners are not personally liable Self-employment tax
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Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. What are the main differences between owning an LLC or Sole proprietorship? Which is better for a small business? what are the steps I would have to take to get either one? Your business structure affects how much you pay in taxes, your ability to raise money, the paperwork you need to file, and your personal liability. You'll need to choose a business structure before you register your business with the state. Most businesses will also need to get a tax ID number and file for the appropriate licenses and permits. Choose carefully. While you may convert to a different business structure in the future, there may be restrictions based on your location. This could also result in tax consequences and unintended dissolution, among other complications. Consulting with business counselors, attorneys, and accountants can prove helpful. Review common business structures Sole proprietorship A sole proprietorship is easy to form and gives you complete control of your business. You're automatically considered to be a sole proprietorship if you do business activities but don't register as any other kind of business. Sole proprietorships do not produce a separate business entity. This means your business assets and liabilities are not separate from your personal assets and liabilities. You can be held personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business. Sole proprietors are still able to get a trade name. It can also be hard to raise money because you can't sell stock, and banks are hesitant to lend to sole proprietorships. Sole proprietorships can be a good choice for low-risk businesses and owners who want to test their business idea before forming a more formal business. Partnership Partnerships are the simplest structure for two or more people to own a business together. There are two common kinds of partnerships: limited partnerships (LP) and limited liability partnerships (LLP). Limited partnerships have only one general partner with unlimited liability, and all other partners have limited liability. The partners with limited liability also tend to have limited control over the company, which is documented in a partnership agreement. Profits are passed through to personal tax returns, and the general partner — the partner without limited liability — must also pay self-employment taxes. Limited liability partnerships are similar to limited partnerships, but give limited liability to every owner. An LLP protects each partner from debts against the partnership, they won't be responsible for the actions of other partners. Partnerships can be a good choice for businesses with multiple owners, professional groups (like attorneys), and groups who want to test their business idea before forming a more formal business. Limited liability company (LLC) An LLC lets you take advantage of the benefits of both the corporation and partnership business structures. LLCs protect you from personal liability in most instances, your personal assets — like your vehicle, house, and savings accounts — won't be at risk in case your LLC faces bankruptcy or lawsuits. Profits and losses can get passed through to your personal income without facing corporate taxes. However, members of an LLC are considered self-employed and must pay self-employment tax contributions towards Medicare and Social Security. LLCs can have a limited life in many states. When a member joins or leaves an LLC, some states may require the LLC to be dissolved and re-formed with new membership — unless there's already an agreement in place within the LLC for buying, selling, and transferring ownership. LLCs can be a good choice for medium- or higher-risk businesses, owners with significant personal assets they want protected, and owners who want to pay a lower tax rate than they would with a corporation. Corporation C corp A corporation, sometimes called a C corp, is a legal entity that's separate from its owners. Corporations can make a profit, be taxed, and can be held legally liable. Corporations offer the strongest protection to its owners from personal liability, but the cost to form a corporation is higher than other structures. Corporations also require more extensive record-keeping, operational processes, and reporting. Unlike sole proprietors, partnerships, and LLCs, corporations pay income tax on their profits. In some cases, corporate profits are taxed twice — first, when the company makes a profit, and again when dividends are paid to shareholders on their personal tax returns. Corporations have a completely independent life separate from its shareholders. If a shareholder leaves the company or sells his or her shares, the C corp can continue doing business relatively undisturbed. Corporations have an advantage when it comes to raising capital because they can raise funds through the sale of stock, which can also be a benefit in attracting employees. Corporations can be a good choice for medium- or higher-risk businesses, those that need to raise money, and businesses that plan to "go public" or eventually be sold. S corp An S corporation, sometimes called an S corp, is a special type of corporation that's designed to avoid the double taxation drawback of regular C corps. S corps allow profits, and some losses, to be passed through directly to owners' personal income without ever being subject to corporate tax rates. Not all states tax S corps equally, but most recognize them the same way the federal government does and tax the shareholders accordingly. Some states tax S corps on profits above a specified limit and other states don't recognize the S corp election at all, simply treating the business as a C corp. S corps must file with the IRS to get S corp status, a different process from registering with their state. There are special limits on S corps. Check the IRS website for eligibility requirements(Link is external). You'll still have to follow the strict filing and operational processes of a C corp. S corps also have an independent life, just like C corps. If a shareholder leaves the company or sells his or her shares, the S corp can continue doing business relatively undisturbed. S corps can be a good choice for a businesses that would otherwise be a C corp, but meet the criteria to file as an S corp Compare business structures Compare the general traits of these business structures, but remember that ownership rules, liability, taxes, and filing requirements for each business structure can vary by state. The following table is intended only as a guideline. Please confer with a business tax specialist to confirm your specific business needs. Business structure Ownership Liability Taxes Sole proprietorship One person Unlimited personal liability Self-employment tax Partnerships Two or more people Unlimited personal liability unless structured as a limited partnership Self-employment tax (except for limited partners) Limited liability company (LLC) One or more people Owners are not personally liable Self-employment tax https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure
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Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. [user request] [context document]
EVIDENCE:
Your business structure affects how much you pay in taxes, your ability to raise money, the paperwork you need to file, and your personal liability. You'll need to choose a business structure before you register your business with the state. Most businesses will also need to get a tax ID number and file for the appropriate licenses and permits. Choose carefully. While you may convert to a different business structure in the future, there may be restrictions based on your location. This could also result in tax consequences and unintended dissolution, among other complications. Consulting with business counselors, attorneys, and accountants can prove helpful. Review common business structures Sole proprietorship A sole proprietorship is easy to form and gives you complete control of your business. You're automatically considered to be a sole proprietorship if you do business activities but don't register as any other kind of business. Sole proprietorships do not produce a separate business entity. This means your business assets and liabilities are not separate from your personal assets and liabilities. You can be held personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business. Sole proprietors are still able to get a trade name. It can also be hard to raise money because you can't sell stock, and banks are hesitant to lend to sole proprietorships. Sole proprietorships can be a good choice for low-risk businesses and owners who want to test their business idea before forming a more formal business. Partnership Partnerships are the simplest structure for two or more people to own a business together. There are two common kinds of partnerships: limited partnerships (LP) and limited liability partnerships (LLP). Limited partnerships have only one general partner with unlimited liability, and all other partners have limited liability. The partners with limited liability also tend to have limited control over the company, which is documented in a partnership agreement. Profits are passed through to personal tax returns, and the general partner — the partner without limited liability — must also pay self-employment taxes. Limited liability partnerships are similar to limited partnerships, but give limited liability to every owner. An LLP protects each partner from debts against the partnership, they won't be responsible for the actions of other partners. Partnerships can be a good choice for businesses with multiple owners, professional groups (like attorneys), and groups who want to test their business idea before forming a more formal business. Limited liability company (LLC) An LLC lets you take advantage of the benefits of both the corporation and partnership business structures. LLCs protect you from personal liability in most instances, your personal assets — like your vehicle, house, and savings accounts — won't be at risk in case your LLC faces bankruptcy or lawsuits. Profits and losses can get passed through to your personal income without facing corporate taxes. However, members of an LLC are considered self-employed and must pay self-employment tax contributions towards Medicare and Social Security. LLCs can have a limited life in many states. When a member joins or leaves an LLC, some states may require the LLC to be dissolved and re-formed with new membership — unless there's already an agreement in place within the LLC for buying, selling, and transferring ownership. LLCs can be a good choice for medium- or higher-risk businesses, owners with significant personal assets they want protected, and owners who want to pay a lower tax rate than they would with a corporation. Corporation C corp A corporation, sometimes called a C corp, is a legal entity that's separate from its owners. Corporations can make a profit, be taxed, and can be held legally liable. Corporations offer the strongest protection to its owners from personal liability, but the cost to form a corporation is higher than other structures. Corporations also require more extensive record-keeping, operational processes, and reporting. Unlike sole proprietors, partnerships, and LLCs, corporations pay income tax on their profits. In some cases, corporate profits are taxed twice — first, when the company makes a profit, and again when dividends are paid to shareholders on their personal tax returns. Corporations have a completely independent life separate from its shareholders. If a shareholder leaves the company or sells his or her shares, the C corp can continue doing business relatively undisturbed. Corporations have an advantage when it comes to raising capital because they can raise funds through the sale of stock, which can also be a benefit in attracting employees. Corporations can be a good choice for medium- or higher-risk businesses, those that need to raise money, and businesses that plan to "go public" or eventually be sold. S corp An S corporation, sometimes called an S corp, is a special type of corporation that's designed to avoid the double taxation drawback of regular C corps. S corps allow profits, and some losses, to be passed through directly to owners' personal income without ever being subject to corporate tax rates. Not all states tax S corps equally, but most recognize them the same way the federal government does and tax the shareholders accordingly. Some states tax S corps on profits above a specified limit and other states don't recognize the S corp election at all, simply treating the business as a C corp. S corps must file with the IRS to get S corp status, a different process from registering with their state. There are special limits on S corps. Check the IRS website for eligibility requirements(Link is external). You'll still have to follow the strict filing and operational processes of a C corp. S corps also have an independent life, just like C corps. If a shareholder leaves the company or sells his or her shares, the S corp can continue doing business relatively undisturbed. S corps can be a good choice for a businesses that would otherwise be a C corp, but meet the criteria to file as an S corp Compare business structures Compare the general traits of these business structures, but remember that ownership rules, liability, taxes, and filing requirements for each business structure can vary by state. The following table is intended only as a guideline. Please confer with a business tax specialist to confirm your specific business needs. Business structure Ownership Liability Taxes Sole proprietorship One person Unlimited personal liability Self-employment tax Partnerships Two or more people Unlimited personal liability unless structured as a limited partnership Self-employment tax (except for limited partners) Limited liability company (LLC) One or more people Owners are not personally liable Self-employment tax
USER:
What are the main differences between owning an LLC or Sole proprietorship? Which is better for a small business? what are the steps I would have to take to get either one?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 24 | 32 | 1,082 | null | 20 |
The answer you present must be derived solely from the information within the prompt. No past knowledge or external sources can be used. If the context alone isn't enough to answer the prompt, please say so.
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What does H.R. 4611 entail?
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Campaign Finance Policy: Recent Developments Updated August 27, 2024 No federal statute or regulation specifically addresses artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigns. The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) and Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations govern conduct that calls for election or defeat of federal candidates or solicits funds. They also regulate some advertisements (electioneering communications) that refer to clearly identified federal candidates during preelection periods that do not call for election or defeat. Disclaimer requirements that mandate attribution for communications regulated by campaign finance law appear to apply to ads created with AI. Those requirements do not mandate that such advertising alert the audience, or regulators, to the presence of AI-generated content. Campaign management decisions, such as which technology to use, are generally not subject to regulation. This updated CRS Insight discusses recent developments that could be relevant as Congress monitors or considers legislation related to AI and campaign finance policy. It does not address legal issues. Other CRS products provide information on generative AI and other AI policy areas. AI in Political Campaigns, and Recent Legislative Developments Recent policy attention to AI in campaigns focuses on “deepfakes,” referring to artificially manipulated audio or video content in political advertising. Such advertising appears to present new challenges for campaigns and voters about how to determine whether communications are authentic. Recent legislation proposes disclaimers, reporting requirements, or prohibitions on deepfakes in federal campaigns or elections. Bills introduced in the 118th Congress include H.R. 3044; H.R. 3106; H.R. 3831; H.R. 4611; H.R. 5586; H.R. 8384; H.R. 8668; S. 686; S. 1596; S. 2770; and S. 3875. The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration reported an amended version of S. 3875 on May 15, 2024. The bill would amend FECA to require disclaimers on certain political advertisements that are generated using AI. Legislation (H.R. 1; H.R. 5314) addressing various elections topics, including some provisions concerning deepfakes, passed the House in the 117th Congress but was not enacted. In May 2023, the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) issued a statement explaining that its board of directors unanimously “condemn[ed] use of deceptive generative AI content in political campaigns” as inconsistent with the organization’s code of ethics. The AAPC position represents a Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov IN12222 Congressional Research Service 2 voluntary professional standard, not a regulatory requirement. The AAPC also stated its support for a February 2024 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) declaratory ruling that calls made with AI-generated voices are “artificial” under the Automated Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (47 U.S.C. §227), and that using AI-generated voice for robocalls absent prior consumer consent is “illegal.” FCC activity on robocalls is otherwise beyond the scope of this Insight. Despite the focus on AI’s role in political advertising, AI also can serve campaign-management functions. For example, political professionals or volunteers could use AI to automate, or supplement human labor to complete, various internal campaign tasks. According to media reports, campaigns have used AI to perform data analysis, compile opposition research, or draft fundraising appeals. Federal Election Commission Rulemaking Activity On June 22, 2023, members of the FEC deadlocked on whether to issue a notice of availability (NOA) to receive comments on an AI rulemaking petition from the interest group Public Citizen. The request asked the FEC to issue rules specifying that the FEC fraudulent misrepresentation of campaign authority prohibition (52 U.S.C. §30124) applied to AI-generated ads. At the June 22 meeting, some commissioners expressed skepticism about the agency’s statutory authority to regulate AI ads; others expressed support for a rulemaking. On July 13, 2023, several Members of Congress wrote to the commission expressing “disappoint[ment]” with the FEC’s action and requested additional information. Also on July 13, 2023, Public Citizen submitted a new rulemaking petition. The commission considered the new petition on August 10, 2023. In this case, it approved an NOA. Discussion at the August 10 meeting suggested that at least some commissioners continued to have reservations about the commission’s authority concerning regulating AI ads in particular; about the appropriateness of the FECA fraudulent misrepresentation provision as an avenue to do so; or both. Fifty-two Members of Congress submitted joint comments encouraging the FEC to adopt rules specifying that the fraudulent-misrepresentation provisions apply to ads created using generative AI, and to require disclaimers on ads created with the technology. In August 2024, three commissioners proposed a notice of disposition (NOD) for the second Public Citizen rulemaking request, following the NOA noted above. The draft proposes to explain that the commission declines to issue rules in this instance for, among other reasons, lack of statutory authority. The commission is scheduled to consider the draft NOD on August 29. FEC Responses to Federal Communications Commission Activity Some House and Senate activity has examined a proposed FCC rulemaking that does not directly implicate campaign finance policy and which is largely beyond the scope of this Insight. On July 25, 2024, the FCC approved a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), published in the Federal Register on August 5. If approved, the rules would require certain licensees (e.g., broadcasters) to (1) announce on air that a political ad contains “AI-generated content”; and (2) include the information in their “political files” of advertising contracts. Another CRS product discusses identification requirements on political advertising in telecommunications law and regulation. On June 3, 2024, FEC Chair Sean Cooksey wrote to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, stating that the reportedly forthcoming FCC proposed rules would infringe on FEC jurisdiction and could cause confusion before the general election. Three days later, FEC Vice Chair Ellen Weintraub wrote to Rosenworcel stating that the FCC could add telecommunications expertise to AI regulation. It is unclear how or whether the FEC might respond if the FCC adopted the proposed rules. Congressional Research Service 3 IN12222 · VERSION 5 · UPDATED Potential Policy Considerations for Congress If pursuing legislation, Congress might need to determine whether to do so narrowly, such as by addressing specific AI issues, or to also address other campaign finance or elections topics. Congress has pursued both approaches to campaign finance regulation recently. If Congress chose to task the FEC with pursuing rulemaking without also providing additional statutory guidance, it is possible that the commission would be unable to agree, with the four of six minimum required votes, about how to proceed. Maintaining the status quo likely would reinforce the emerging debate about whether additional regulation is needed, including about what role industry should play. Congress could also require agency (or committee or task force) study of AI issues before, or in addition to, other policymaking. Amending FECA would be a typical approach to further regulate ads that are made by political committees; or that solicit funds, engage in express advocacy, or refer to federal candidates through electioneering communications. Although Congress could also amend FECA or another statute to require disclaimers on ads that do not meet those requirements (e.g., issue advocacy), federal campaign finance law currently generally does not regulate issue advocacy. As noted above, amending telecommunications law or regulation could affect broadcasters or other entities that transmit ads, and could affect issue advocacy in ways that campaign finance law and regulation do not. Prohibiting AI-generated ads might raise First Amendment concerns, such as those discussed in another CRS campaign finance product. Author Information R. Sam Garrett Specialist in American National Government
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System instruction: [The answer you present must be derived solely from the information within the prompt. No past knowledge or external sources can be used. If the context alone isn't enough to answer the prompt, please say so.] context: [Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Campaign Finance Policy: Recent Developments Updated August 27, 2024 No federal statute or regulation specifically addresses artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigns. The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) and Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations govern conduct that calls for election or defeat of federal candidates or solicits funds. They also regulate some advertisements (electioneering communications) that refer to clearly identified federal candidates during preelection periods that do not call for election or defeat. Disclaimer requirements that mandate attribution for communications regulated by campaign finance law appear to apply to ads created with AI. Those requirements do not mandate that such advertising alert the audience, or regulators, to the presence of AI-generated content. Campaign management decisions, such as which technology to use, are generally not subject to regulation. This updated CRS Insight discusses recent developments that could be relevant as Congress monitors or considers legislation related to AI and campaign finance policy. It does not address legal issues. Other CRS products provide information on generative AI and other AI policy areas. AI in Political Campaigns, and Recent Legislative Developments Recent policy attention to AI in campaigns focuses on “deepfakes,” referring to artificially manipulated audio or video content in political advertising. Such advertising appears to present new challenges for campaigns and voters about how to determine whether communications are authentic. Recent legislation proposes disclaimers, reporting requirements, or prohibitions on deepfakes in federal campaigns or elections. Bills introduced in the 118th Congress include H.R. 3044; H.R. 3106; H.R. 3831; H.R. 4611; H.R. 5586; H.R. 8384; H.R. 8668; S. 686; S. 1596; S. 2770; and S. 3875. The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration reported an amended version of S. 3875 on May 15, 2024. The bill would amend FECA to require disclaimers on certain political advertisements that are generated using AI. Legislation (H.R. 1; H.R. 5314) addressing various elections topics, including some provisions concerning deepfakes, passed the House in the 117th Congress but was not enacted. In May 2023, the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) issued a statement explaining that its board of directors unanimously “condemn[ed] use of deceptive generative AI content in political campaigns” as inconsistent with the organization’s code of ethics. The AAPC position represents a Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov IN12222 Congressional Research Service 2 voluntary professional standard, not a regulatory requirement. The AAPC also stated its support for a February 2024 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) declaratory ruling that calls made with AI-generated voices are “artificial” under the Automated Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (47 U.S.C. §227), and that using AI-generated voice for robocalls absent prior consumer consent is “illegal.” FCC activity on robocalls is otherwise beyond the scope of this Insight. Despite the focus on AI’s role in political advertising, AI also can serve campaign-management functions. For example, political professionals or volunteers could use AI to automate, or supplement human labor to complete, various internal campaign tasks. According to media reports, campaigns have used AI to perform data analysis, compile opposition research, or draft fundraising appeals. Federal Election Commission Rulemaking Activity On June 22, 2023, members of the FEC deadlocked on whether to issue a notice of availability (NOA) to receive comments on an AI rulemaking petition from the interest group Public Citizen. The request asked the FEC to issue rules specifying that the FEC fraudulent misrepresentation of campaign authority prohibition (52 U.S.C. §30124) applied to AI-generated ads. At the June 22 meeting, some commissioners expressed skepticism about the agency’s statutory authority to regulate AI ads; others expressed support for a rulemaking. On July 13, 2023, several Members of Congress wrote to the commission expressing “disappoint[ment]” with the FEC’s action and requested additional information. Also on July 13, 2023, Public Citizen submitted a new rulemaking petition. The commission considered the new petition on August 10, 2023. In this case, it approved an NOA. Discussion at the August 10 meeting suggested that at least some commissioners continued to have reservations about the commission’s authority concerning regulating AI ads in particular; about the appropriateness of the FECA fraudulent misrepresentation provision as an avenue to do so; or both. Fifty-two Members of Congress submitted joint comments encouraging the FEC to adopt rules specifying that the fraudulent-misrepresentation provisions apply to ads created using generative AI, and to require disclaimers on ads created with the technology. In August 2024, three commissioners proposed a notice of disposition (NOD) for the second Public Citizen rulemaking request, following the NOA noted above. The draft proposes to explain that the commission declines to issue rules in this instance for, among other reasons, lack of statutory authority. The commission is scheduled to consider the draft NOD on August 29. FEC Responses to Federal Communications Commission Activity Some House and Senate activity has examined a proposed FCC rulemaking that does not directly implicate campaign finance policy and which is largely beyond the scope of this Insight. On July 25, 2024, the FCC approved a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), published in the Federal Register on August 5. If approved, the rules would require certain licensees (e.g., broadcasters) to (1) announce on air that a political ad contains “AI-generated content”; and (2) include the information in their “political files” of advertising contracts. Another CRS product discusses identification requirements on political advertising in telecommunications law and regulation. On June 3, 2024, FEC Chair Sean Cooksey wrote to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, stating that the reportedly forthcoming FCC proposed rules would infringe on FEC jurisdiction and could cause confusion before the general election. Three days later, FEC Vice Chair Ellen Weintraub wrote to Rosenworcel stating that the FCC could add telecommunications expertise to AI regulation. It is unclear how or whether the FEC might respond if the FCC adopted the proposed rules. Congressional Research Service 3 IN12222 · VERSION 5 · UPDATED Potential Policy Considerations for Congress If pursuing legislation, Congress might need to determine whether to do so narrowly, such as by addressing specific AI issues, or to also address other campaign finance or elections topics. Congress has pursued both approaches to campaign finance regulation recently. If Congress chose to task the FEC with pursuing rulemaking without also providing additional statutory guidance, it is possible that the commission would be unable to agree, with the four of six minimum required votes, about how to proceed. Maintaining the status quo likely would reinforce the emerging debate about whether additional regulation is needed, including about what role industry should play. Congress could also require agency (or committee or task force) study of AI issues before, or in addition to, other policymaking. Amending FECA would be a typical approach to further regulate ads that are made by political committees; or that solicit funds, engage in express advocacy, or refer to federal candidates through electioneering communications. Although Congress could also amend FECA or another statute to require disclaimers on ads that do not meet those requirements (e.g., issue advocacy), federal campaign finance law currently generally does not regulate issue advocacy. As noted above, amending telecommunications law or regulation could affect broadcasters or other entities that transmit ads, and could affect issue advocacy in ways that campaign finance law and regulation do not. Prohibiting AI-generated ads might raise First Amendment concerns, such as those discussed in another CRS campaign finance product. Author Information R. Sam Garrett Specialist in American National Government] question: [What does H.R. 4611 entail?]
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The answer you present must be derived solely from the information within the prompt. No past knowledge or external sources can be used. If the context alone isn't enough to answer the prompt, please say so.
EVIDENCE:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Campaign Finance Policy: Recent Developments Updated August 27, 2024 No federal statute or regulation specifically addresses artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigns. The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) and Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations govern conduct that calls for election or defeat of federal candidates or solicits funds. They also regulate some advertisements (electioneering communications) that refer to clearly identified federal candidates during preelection periods that do not call for election or defeat. Disclaimer requirements that mandate attribution for communications regulated by campaign finance law appear to apply to ads created with AI. Those requirements do not mandate that such advertising alert the audience, or regulators, to the presence of AI-generated content. Campaign management decisions, such as which technology to use, are generally not subject to regulation. This updated CRS Insight discusses recent developments that could be relevant as Congress monitors or considers legislation related to AI and campaign finance policy. It does not address legal issues. Other CRS products provide information on generative AI and other AI policy areas. AI in Political Campaigns, and Recent Legislative Developments Recent policy attention to AI in campaigns focuses on “deepfakes,” referring to artificially manipulated audio or video content in political advertising. Such advertising appears to present new challenges for campaigns and voters about how to determine whether communications are authentic. Recent legislation proposes disclaimers, reporting requirements, or prohibitions on deepfakes in federal campaigns or elections. Bills introduced in the 118th Congress include H.R. 3044; H.R. 3106; H.R. 3831; H.R. 4611; H.R. 5586; H.R. 8384; H.R. 8668; S. 686; S. 1596; S. 2770; and S. 3875. The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration reported an amended version of S. 3875 on May 15, 2024. The bill would amend FECA to require disclaimers on certain political advertisements that are generated using AI. Legislation (H.R. 1; H.R. 5314) addressing various elections topics, including some provisions concerning deepfakes, passed the House in the 117th Congress but was not enacted. In May 2023, the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) issued a statement explaining that its board of directors unanimously “condemn[ed] use of deceptive generative AI content in political campaigns” as inconsistent with the organization’s code of ethics. The AAPC position represents a Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov IN12222 Congressional Research Service 2 voluntary professional standard, not a regulatory requirement. The AAPC also stated its support for a February 2024 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) declaratory ruling that calls made with AI-generated voices are “artificial” under the Automated Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (47 U.S.C. §227), and that using AI-generated voice for robocalls absent prior consumer consent is “illegal.” FCC activity on robocalls is otherwise beyond the scope of this Insight. Despite the focus on AI’s role in political advertising, AI also can serve campaign-management functions. For example, political professionals or volunteers could use AI to automate, or supplement human labor to complete, various internal campaign tasks. According to media reports, campaigns have used AI to perform data analysis, compile opposition research, or draft fundraising appeals. Federal Election Commission Rulemaking Activity On June 22, 2023, members of the FEC deadlocked on whether to issue a notice of availability (NOA) to receive comments on an AI rulemaking petition from the interest group Public Citizen. The request asked the FEC to issue rules specifying that the FEC fraudulent misrepresentation of campaign authority prohibition (52 U.S.C. §30124) applied to AI-generated ads. At the June 22 meeting, some commissioners expressed skepticism about the agency’s statutory authority to regulate AI ads; others expressed support for a rulemaking. On July 13, 2023, several Members of Congress wrote to the commission expressing “disappoint[ment]” with the FEC’s action and requested additional information. Also on July 13, 2023, Public Citizen submitted a new rulemaking petition. The commission considered the new petition on August 10, 2023. In this case, it approved an NOA. Discussion at the August 10 meeting suggested that at least some commissioners continued to have reservations about the commission’s authority concerning regulating AI ads in particular; about the appropriateness of the FECA fraudulent misrepresentation provision as an avenue to do so; or both. Fifty-two Members of Congress submitted joint comments encouraging the FEC to adopt rules specifying that the fraudulent-misrepresentation provisions apply to ads created using generative AI, and to require disclaimers on ads created with the technology. In August 2024, three commissioners proposed a notice of disposition (NOD) for the second Public Citizen rulemaking request, following the NOA noted above. The draft proposes to explain that the commission declines to issue rules in this instance for, among other reasons, lack of statutory authority. The commission is scheduled to consider the draft NOD on August 29. FEC Responses to Federal Communications Commission Activity Some House and Senate activity has examined a proposed FCC rulemaking that does not directly implicate campaign finance policy and which is largely beyond the scope of this Insight. On July 25, 2024, the FCC approved a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), published in the Federal Register on August 5. If approved, the rules would require certain licensees (e.g., broadcasters) to (1) announce on air that a political ad contains “AI-generated content”; and (2) include the information in their “political files” of advertising contracts. Another CRS product discusses identification requirements on political advertising in telecommunications law and regulation. On June 3, 2024, FEC Chair Sean Cooksey wrote to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, stating that the reportedly forthcoming FCC proposed rules would infringe on FEC jurisdiction and could cause confusion before the general election. Three days later, FEC Vice Chair Ellen Weintraub wrote to Rosenworcel stating that the FCC could add telecommunications expertise to AI regulation. It is unclear how or whether the FEC might respond if the FCC adopted the proposed rules. Congressional Research Service 3 IN12222 · VERSION 5 · UPDATED Potential Policy Considerations for Congress If pursuing legislation, Congress might need to determine whether to do so narrowly, such as by addressing specific AI issues, or to also address other campaign finance or elections topics. Congress has pursued both approaches to campaign finance regulation recently. If Congress chose to task the FEC with pursuing rulemaking without also providing additional statutory guidance, it is possible that the commission would be unable to agree, with the four of six minimum required votes, about how to proceed. Maintaining the status quo likely would reinforce the emerging debate about whether additional regulation is needed, including about what role industry should play. Congress could also require agency (or committee or task force) study of AI issues before, or in addition to, other policymaking. Amending FECA would be a typical approach to further regulate ads that are made by political committees; or that solicit funds, engage in express advocacy, or refer to federal candidates through electioneering communications. Although Congress could also amend FECA or another statute to require disclaimers on ads that do not meet those requirements (e.g., issue advocacy), federal campaign finance law currently generally does not regulate issue advocacy. As noted above, amending telecommunications law or regulation could affect broadcasters or other entities that transmit ads, and could affect issue advocacy in ways that campaign finance law and regulation do not. Prohibiting AI-generated ads might raise First Amendment concerns, such as those discussed in another CRS campaign finance product. Author Information R. Sam Garrett Specialist in American National Government
USER:
What does H.R. 4611 entail?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| true | 36 | 5 | 1,219 | null | 344 |
For this task, you are required to use only the information that is provided in the prompt. You cannot use any outside information or sources. Do not reference any knowledge outside of what is explicitly provided.
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What are the criteria that must be met for a precedent to be overruled?
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The more difficult question in this case is stare decisis— that is, whether to overrule the Roe decision. The principle of stare decisis requires respect for the 6 DOBBS v. JACKSON WOMEN’S HEALTH ORGANIZATION KAVANAUGH, J., concurring Court’s precedents and for the accumulated wisdom of the judges who have previously addressed the same issue. Stare decisis is rooted in Article III of the Constitution and is fundamental to the American judicial system and to the stability of American law. Adherence to precedent is the norm, and stare decisis imposes a high bar before this Court may overrule a precedent. This Court’s history shows, however, that stare decisis is not absolute, and indeed cannot be absolute. Otherwise, as the Court today explains, many long-sinceoverruled cases such as Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U. S. 537 (1896); Lochner v. New York, 198 U. S. 45 (1905); Minersville School Dist. v. Gobitis, 310 U. S. 586 (1940); and Bowers v. Hardwick, 478 U. S. 186 (1986), would never have been overruled and would still be the law. In his canonical Burnet opinion in 1932, Justice Brandeis stated that in “cases involving the Federal Constitution, where correction through legislative action is practically impossible, this Court has often overruled its earlier decisions.” Burnet v. Coronado Oil & Gas Co., 285 U. S. 393, 406−407 (1932) (dissenting opinion). That description of the Court’s practice remains accurate today. Every current Member of this Court has voted to overrule precedent. And over the last 100 years beginning with Chief Justice Taft’s appointment in 1921, every one of the 48 Justices appointed to this Court has voted to overrule precedent. Many of those Justices have voted to overrule a substantial number of very significant and longstanding precedents. See, e.g., Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U. S. 644 (2015) (overruling Baker v. Nelson); Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U. S. 483 (1954) (overruling Plessy v. Ferguson); West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish, 300 U. S. 379 (1937) (overruling Adkins v. Children’s Hospital of D. C. and in effect Lochner v. New York). But that history alone does not answer the critical question: When precisely should the Court overrule an erroneous constitutional precedent? The history of stare decisis in Cite as: 597 U. S. ____ (2022) 7 KAVANAUGH, J., concurring this Court establishes that a constitutional precedent may be overruled only when (i) the prior decision is not just wrong, but is egregiously wrong, (ii) the prior decision has caused significant negative jurisprudential or real-world consequences, and (iii) overruling the prior decision would not unduly upset legitimate reliance interests. See Ramos v. Louisiana, 590 U. S. ___, ___−___ (2020) (KAVANAUGH, J., concurring in part) (slip op., at 7−8). Applying those factors, I agree with the Court today that Roe should be overruled. The Court in Roe erroneously assigned itself the authority to decide a critically important moral and policy issue that the Constitution does not grant this Court the authority to decide. As Justice Byron White succinctly explained, Roe was “an improvident and extravagant exercise of the power of judicial review” because “nothing in the language or history of the Constitution” supports a constitutional right to abortion. Bolton, 410 U. S., at 221−222 (dissenting opinion). Of course, the fact that a precedent is wrong, even egregiously wrong, does not alone mean that the precedent should be overruled. But as the Court today explains, Roe has caused significant negative jurisprudential and realworld consequences. By taking sides on a difficult and contentious issue on which the Constitution is neutral, Roe overreached and exceeded this Court’s constitutional authority; gravely distorted the Nation’s understanding of this Court’s proper constitutional role; and caused significant harm to what Roe itself recognized as the State’s “important and legitimate interest” in protecting fetal life. 410 U. S., at 162. All of that explains why tens of millions of Americans—and the 26 States that explicitly ask the Court to overrule Roe—do not accept Roe even 49 years later. Under the Court’s longstanding stare decisis principles, Roe 8 DOBBS v. JACKSON WOMEN’S HEALTH ORGANIZATION KAVANAUGH, J., concurring should be overruled.3 But the stare decisis analysis here is somewhat more complicated because of Casey. In 1992, 19 years after Roe, Casey acknowledged the continuing dispute over Roe. The Court sought to find common ground that would resolve the abortion debate and end the national controversy. After careful and thoughtful consideration, the Casey plurality reaffirmed a right to abortion through viability (about 24 weeks), while also allowing somewhat more regulation of abortion than Roe had allowed.4 I have deep and unyielding respect for the Justices who wrote the Casey plurality opinion. And I respect the Casey plurality’s good-faith effort to locate some middle ground or compromise that could resolve this controversy for America. But as has become increasingly evident over time, Casey’s —————— 3 I also agree with the Court’s conclusion today with respect to reliance. Broad notions of societal reliance have been invoked in support of Roe, but the Court has not analyzed reliance in that way in the past. For example, American businesses and workers relied on Lochner v. New York, 198 U. S. 45 (1905), and Adkins v. Children’s Hospital of D. C., 261 U. S. 525 (1923), to construct a laissez-faire economy that was free of substantial regulation. In West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish, 300 U. S. 379 (1937), the Court nonetheless overruled Adkins and in effect Lochner. An entire region of the country relied on Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U. S. 537 (1896), to enforce a system of racial segregation. In Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U. S. 483 (1954), the Court overruled Plessy. Much of American society was built around the traditional view of marriage that was upheld in Baker v. Nelson, 409 U. S. 810 (1972), and that was reflected in laws ranging from tax laws to estate laws to family laws. In Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U. S. 644 (2015), the Court nonetheless overruled Baker. 4As the Court today notes, Casey’s approach to stare decisis pointed in two directions. Casey reaffirmed Roe’s viability line, but it expressly overruled the Roe trimester framework and also expressly overruled two landmark post-Roe abortion cases—Akron v. Akron Center for Reproductive Health, Inc., 462 U. S. 416 (1983), and Thornburgh v. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 476 U. S. 747 (1986). See Casey, 505 U. S., at 870, 872−873, 878−879, 882. Casey itself thus directly contradicts any notion of absolute stare decisis in abortion cases. Cite as: 597 U. S. ____ (2022) 9 KAVANAUGH, J., concurring well-intentioned effort did not resolve the abortion debate. The national division has not ended. In recent years, a significant number of States have enacted abortion restrictions that directly conflict with Roe. Those laws cannot be dismissed as political stunts or as outlier laws. Those numerous state laws collectively represent the sincere and deeply held views of tens of millions of Americans who continue to fervently believe that allowing abortions up to 24 weeks is far too radical and far too extreme, and does not sufficiently account for what Roe itself recognized as the State’s “important and legitimate interest” in protecting fetal life. 410 U. S., at 162. In this case, moreover, a majority of the States—26 in all—ask the Court to overrule Roe and return the abortion issue to the States. In short, Casey’s stare decisis analysis rested in part on a predictive judgment about the future development of state laws and of the people’s views on the abortion issue. But that predictive judgment has not borne out. As the Court today explains, the experience over the last 30 years conflicts with Casey’s predictive judgment and therefore undermines Casey’s precedential force.5
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System instruction: For this task, you are required to use only the information that is provided in the prompt. You cannot use any outside information or sources. Do not reference any knowledge outside of what is explicitly provided. Question: What are the criteria that must be met for a precedent to be overruled? Context: The more difficult question in this case is stare decisis— that is, whether to overrule the Roe decision. The principle of stare decisis requires respect for the 6 DOBBS v. JACKSON WOMEN’S HEALTH ORGANIZATION KAVANAUGH, J., concurring Court’s precedents and for the accumulated wisdom of the judges who have previously addressed the same issue. Stare decisis is rooted in Article III of the Constitution and is fundamental to the American judicial system and to the stability of American law. Adherence to precedent is the norm, and stare decisis imposes a high bar before this Court may overrule a precedent. This Court’s history shows, however, that stare decisis is not absolute, and indeed cannot be absolute. Otherwise, as the Court today explains, many long-sinceoverruled cases such as Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U. S. 537 (1896); Lochner v. New York, 198 U. S. 45 (1905); Minersville School Dist. v. Gobitis, 310 U. S. 586 (1940); and Bowers v. Hardwick, 478 U. S. 186 (1986), would never have been overruled and would still be the law. In his canonical Burnet opinion in 1932, Justice Brandeis stated that in “cases involving the Federal Constitution, where correction through legislative action is practically impossible, this Court has often overruled its earlier decisions.” Burnet v. Coronado Oil & Gas Co., 285 U. S. 393, 406−407 (1932) (dissenting opinion). That description of the Court’s practice remains accurate today. Every current Member of this Court has voted to overrule precedent. And over the last 100 years beginning with Chief Justice Taft’s appointment in 1921, every one of the 48 Justices appointed to this Court has voted to overrule precedent. Many of those Justices have voted to overrule a substantial number of very significant and longstanding precedents. See, e.g., Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U. S. 644 (2015) (overruling Baker v. Nelson); Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U. S. 483 (1954) (overruling Plessy v. Ferguson); West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish, 300 U. S. 379 (1937) (overruling Adkins v. Children’s Hospital of D. C. and in effect Lochner v. New York). But that history alone does not answer the critical question: When precisely should the Court overrule an erroneous constitutional precedent? The history of stare decisis in Cite as: 597 U. S. ____ (2022) 7 KAVANAUGH, J., concurring this Court establishes that a constitutional precedent may be overruled only when (i) the prior decision is not just wrong, but is egregiously wrong, (ii) the prior decision has caused significant negative jurisprudential or real-world consequences, and (iii) overruling the prior decision would not unduly upset legitimate reliance interests. See Ramos v. Louisiana, 590 U. S. ___, ___−___ (2020) (KAVANAUGH, J., concurring in part) (slip op., at 7−8). Applying those factors, I agree with the Court today that Roe should be overruled. The Court in Roe erroneously assigned itself the authority to decide a critically important moral and policy issue that the Constitution does not grant this Court the authority to decide. As Justice Byron White succinctly explained, Roe was “an improvident and extravagant exercise of the power of judicial review” because “nothing in the language or history of the Constitution” supports a constitutional right to abortion. Bolton, 410 U. S., at 221−222 (dissenting opinion). Of course, the fact that a precedent is wrong, even egregiously wrong, does not alone mean that the precedent should be overruled. But as the Court today explains, Roe has caused significant negative jurisprudential and realworld consequences. By taking sides on a difficult and contentious issue on which the Constitution is neutral, Roe overreached and exceeded this Court’s constitutional authority; gravely distorted the Nation’s understanding of this Court’s proper constitutional role; and caused significant harm to what Roe itself recognized as the State’s “important and legitimate interest” in protecting fetal life. 410 U. S., at 162. All of that explains why tens of millions of Americans—and the 26 States that explicitly ask the Court to overrule Roe—do not accept Roe even 49 years later. Under the Court’s longstanding stare decisis principles, Roe 8 DOBBS v. JACKSON WOMEN’S HEALTH ORGANIZATION KAVANAUGH, J., concurring should be overruled.3 But the stare decisis analysis here is somewhat more complicated because of Casey. In 1992, 19 years after Roe, Casey acknowledged the continuing dispute over Roe. The Court sought to find common ground that would resolve the abortion debate and end the national controversy. After careful and thoughtful consideration, the Casey plurality reaffirmed a right to abortion through viability (about 24 weeks), while also allowing somewhat more regulation of abortion than Roe had allowed.4 I have deep and unyielding respect for the Justices who wrote the Casey plurality opinion. And I respect the Casey plurality’s good-faith effort to locate some middle ground or compromise that could resolve this controversy for America. But as has become increasingly evident over time, Casey’s —————— 3 I also agree with the Court’s conclusion today with respect to reliance. Broad notions of societal reliance have been invoked in support of Roe, but the Court has not analyzed reliance in that way in the past. For example, American businesses and workers relied on Lochner v. New York, 198 U. S. 45 (1905), and Adkins v. Children’s Hospital of D. C., 261 U. S. 525 (1923), to construct a laissez-faire economy that was free of substantial regulation. In West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish, 300 U. S. 379 (1937), the Court nonetheless overruled Adkins and in effect Lochner. An entire region of the country relied on Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U. S. 537 (1896), to enforce a system of racial segregation. In Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U. S. 483 (1954), the Court overruled Plessy. Much of American society was built around the traditional view of marriage that was upheld in Baker v. Nelson, 409 U. S. 810 (1972), and that was reflected in laws ranging from tax laws to estate laws to family laws. In Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U. S. 644 (2015), the Court nonetheless overruled Baker. 4As the Court today notes, Casey’s approach to stare decisis pointed in two directions. Casey reaffirmed Roe’s viability line, but it expressly overruled the Roe trimester framework and also expressly overruled two landmark post-Roe abortion cases—Akron v. Akron Center for Reproductive Health, Inc., 462 U. S. 416 (1983), and Thornburgh v. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 476 U. S. 747 (1986). See Casey, 505 U. S., at 870, 872−873, 878−879, 882. Casey itself thus directly contradicts any notion of absolute stare decisis in abortion cases. Cite as: 597 U. S. ____ (2022) 9 KAVANAUGH, J., concurring well-intentioned effort did not resolve the abortion debate. The national division has not ended. In recent years, a significant number of States have enacted abortion restrictions that directly conflict with Roe. Those laws cannot be dismissed as political stunts or as outlier laws. Those numerous state laws collectively represent the sincere and deeply held views of tens of millions of Americans who continue to fervently believe that allowing abortions up to 24 weeks is far too radical and far too extreme, and does not sufficiently account for what Roe itself recognized as the State’s “important and legitimate interest” in protecting fetal life. 410 U. S., at 162. In this case, moreover, a majority of the States—26 in all—ask the Court to overrule Roe and return the abortion issue to the States. In short, Casey’s stare decisis analysis rested in part on a predictive judgment about the future development of state laws and of the people’s views on the abortion issue. But that predictive judgment has not borne out. As the Court today explains, the experience over the last 30 years conflicts with Casey’s predictive judgment and therefore undermines Casey’s precedential force.5
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For this task, you are required to use only the information that is provided in the prompt. You cannot use any outside information or sources. Do not reference any knowledge outside of what is explicitly provided.
EVIDENCE:
The more difficult question in this case is stare decisis— that is, whether to overrule the Roe decision. The principle of stare decisis requires respect for the 6 DOBBS v. JACKSON WOMEN’S HEALTH ORGANIZATION KAVANAUGH, J., concurring Court’s precedents and for the accumulated wisdom of the judges who have previously addressed the same issue. Stare decisis is rooted in Article III of the Constitution and is fundamental to the American judicial system and to the stability of American law. Adherence to precedent is the norm, and stare decisis imposes a high bar before this Court may overrule a precedent. This Court’s history shows, however, that stare decisis is not absolute, and indeed cannot be absolute. Otherwise, as the Court today explains, many long-sinceoverruled cases such as Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U. S. 537 (1896); Lochner v. New York, 198 U. S. 45 (1905); Minersville School Dist. v. Gobitis, 310 U. S. 586 (1940); and Bowers v. Hardwick, 478 U. S. 186 (1986), would never have been overruled and would still be the law. In his canonical Burnet opinion in 1932, Justice Brandeis stated that in “cases involving the Federal Constitution, where correction through legislative action is practically impossible, this Court has often overruled its earlier decisions.” Burnet v. Coronado Oil & Gas Co., 285 U. S. 393, 406−407 (1932) (dissenting opinion). That description of the Court’s practice remains accurate today. Every current Member of this Court has voted to overrule precedent. And over the last 100 years beginning with Chief Justice Taft’s appointment in 1921, every one of the 48 Justices appointed to this Court has voted to overrule precedent. Many of those Justices have voted to overrule a substantial number of very significant and longstanding precedents. See, e.g., Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U. S. 644 (2015) (overruling Baker v. Nelson); Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U. S. 483 (1954) (overruling Plessy v. Ferguson); West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish, 300 U. S. 379 (1937) (overruling Adkins v. Children’s Hospital of D. C. and in effect Lochner v. New York). But that history alone does not answer the critical question: When precisely should the Court overrule an erroneous constitutional precedent? The history of stare decisis in Cite as: 597 U. S. ____ (2022) 7 KAVANAUGH, J., concurring this Court establishes that a constitutional precedent may be overruled only when (i) the prior decision is not just wrong, but is egregiously wrong, (ii) the prior decision has caused significant negative jurisprudential or real-world consequences, and (iii) overruling the prior decision would not unduly upset legitimate reliance interests. See Ramos v. Louisiana, 590 U. S. ___, ___−___ (2020) (KAVANAUGH, J., concurring in part) (slip op., at 7−8). Applying those factors, I agree with the Court today that Roe should be overruled. The Court in Roe erroneously assigned itself the authority to decide a critically important moral and policy issue that the Constitution does not grant this Court the authority to decide. As Justice Byron White succinctly explained, Roe was “an improvident and extravagant exercise of the power of judicial review” because “nothing in the language or history of the Constitution” supports a constitutional right to abortion. Bolton, 410 U. S., at 221−222 (dissenting opinion). Of course, the fact that a precedent is wrong, even egregiously wrong, does not alone mean that the precedent should be overruled. But as the Court today explains, Roe has caused significant negative jurisprudential and realworld consequences. By taking sides on a difficult and contentious issue on which the Constitution is neutral, Roe overreached and exceeded this Court’s constitutional authority; gravely distorted the Nation’s understanding of this Court’s proper constitutional role; and caused significant harm to what Roe itself recognized as the State’s “important and legitimate interest” in protecting fetal life. 410 U. S., at 162. All of that explains why tens of millions of Americans—and the 26 States that explicitly ask the Court to overrule Roe—do not accept Roe even 49 years later. Under the Court’s longstanding stare decisis principles, Roe 8 DOBBS v. JACKSON WOMEN’S HEALTH ORGANIZATION KAVANAUGH, J., concurring should be overruled.3 But the stare decisis analysis here is somewhat more complicated because of Casey. In 1992, 19 years after Roe, Casey acknowledged the continuing dispute over Roe. The Court sought to find common ground that would resolve the abortion debate and end the national controversy. After careful and thoughtful consideration, the Casey plurality reaffirmed a right to abortion through viability (about 24 weeks), while also allowing somewhat more regulation of abortion than Roe had allowed.4 I have deep and unyielding respect for the Justices who wrote the Casey plurality opinion. And I respect the Casey plurality’s good-faith effort to locate some middle ground or compromise that could resolve this controversy for America. But as has become increasingly evident over time, Casey’s —————— 3 I also agree with the Court’s conclusion today with respect to reliance. Broad notions of societal reliance have been invoked in support of Roe, but the Court has not analyzed reliance in that way in the past. For example, American businesses and workers relied on Lochner v. New York, 198 U. S. 45 (1905), and Adkins v. Children’s Hospital of D. C., 261 U. S. 525 (1923), to construct a laissez-faire economy that was free of substantial regulation. In West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish, 300 U. S. 379 (1937), the Court nonetheless overruled Adkins and in effect Lochner. An entire region of the country relied on Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U. S. 537 (1896), to enforce a system of racial segregation. In Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U. S. 483 (1954), the Court overruled Plessy. Much of American society was built around the traditional view of marriage that was upheld in Baker v. Nelson, 409 U. S. 810 (1972), and that was reflected in laws ranging from tax laws to estate laws to family laws. In Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U. S. 644 (2015), the Court nonetheless overruled Baker. 4As the Court today notes, Casey’s approach to stare decisis pointed in two directions. Casey reaffirmed Roe’s viability line, but it expressly overruled the Roe trimester framework and also expressly overruled two landmark post-Roe abortion cases—Akron v. Akron Center for Reproductive Health, Inc., 462 U. S. 416 (1983), and Thornburgh v. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 476 U. S. 747 (1986). See Casey, 505 U. S., at 870, 872−873, 878−879, 882. Casey itself thus directly contradicts any notion of absolute stare decisis in abortion cases. Cite as: 597 U. S. ____ (2022) 9 KAVANAUGH, J., concurring well-intentioned effort did not resolve the abortion debate. The national division has not ended. In recent years, a significant number of States have enacted abortion restrictions that directly conflict with Roe. Those laws cannot be dismissed as political stunts or as outlier laws. Those numerous state laws collectively represent the sincere and deeply held views of tens of millions of Americans who continue to fervently believe that allowing abortions up to 24 weeks is far too radical and far too extreme, and does not sufficiently account for what Roe itself recognized as the State’s “important and legitimate interest” in protecting fetal life. 410 U. S., at 162. In this case, moreover, a majority of the States—26 in all—ask the Court to overrule Roe and return the abortion issue to the States. In short, Casey’s stare decisis analysis rested in part on a predictive judgment about the future development of state laws and of the people’s views on the abortion issue. But that predictive judgment has not borne out. As the Court today explains, the experience over the last 30 years conflicts with Casey’s predictive judgment and therefore undermines Casey’s precedential force.5
USER:
What are the criteria that must be met for a precedent to be overruled?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 36 | 14 | 1,279 | null | 271 |
You must only use information from the context. Please provide the answer in bullet points. if you are providing information from a quote then reference the quote's organisation.
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How do consumer's feel about sustainability issues?
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A couple of experts suggests that some sustainability issues such as health, nutrition and safety are more pertinent to mainstream consumers because they are more likely to affect them personally. These could potentially act as triggers to sensitise consumers to a wider range of sustainability issues: There’s a hierarchy and it starts with the personal. They expect [retailers] to pay close attention to those aspects of sustainability that might affect their health or the quality of the product. A bit further down there are the sort of broader citizenship areas that might more broadly affect them CR Expert/SRI Nevertheless, some see the need for further encouragement and support to take consumers down this path, and reject the view that consumers will take the lead in pressurising retailers to be more sustainable: I don’t think there will be a consumer-led revolution. I think consumers will need to be persuaded and brought along to give their permission to companies and governments to take the action that needs taking, not the other way round CR Expert/SRI There is also a sense that consumers need carrots not sticks and that successful retailers will be those that are better at persuading consumers of the benefits of making sustainable choices: Ultimately I think it’s not going to be very successful if consumers have to feel they’re giving things up, that there are things they can’t do. Where it seems to have been successful is if it’s presented as an opportunity to make a difference NGO/Interest Group
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Context: A couple of experts suggests that some sustainability issues such as health, nutrition and safety are more pertinent to mainstream consumers because they are more likely to affect them personally. These could potentially act as triggers to sensitise consumers to a wider range of sustainability issues: There’s a hierarchy and it starts with the personal. They expect [retailers] to pay close attention to those aspects of sustainability that might affect their health or the quality of the product. A bit further down there are the sort of broader citizenship areas that might more broadly affect them CR Expert/SRI Nevertheless, some see the need for further encouragement and support to take consumers down this path, and reject the view that consumers will take the lead in pressurising retailers to be more sustainable: I don’t think there will be a consumer-led revolution. I think consumers will need to be persuaded and brought along to give their permission to companies and governments to take the action that needs taking, not the other way round CR Expert/SRI There is also a sense that consumers need carrots not sticks and that successful retailers will be those that are better at persuading consumers of the benefits of making sustainable choices: Ultimately I think it’s not going to be very successful if consumers have to feel they’re giving things up, that there are things they can’t do. Where it seems to have been successful is if it’s presented as an opportunity to make a difference NGO/Interest Group System instructions: You must only use information from the context. Please provide the answer in bullet points. if you are providing information from a quote then reference the quote's organisation. User question: How do consumer's feel about sustainability issues?
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You must only use information from the context. Please provide the answer in bullet points. if you are providing information from a quote then reference the quote's organisation.
EVIDENCE:
A couple of experts suggests that some sustainability issues such as health, nutrition and safety are more pertinent to mainstream consumers because they are more likely to affect them personally. These could potentially act as triggers to sensitise consumers to a wider range of sustainability issues: There’s a hierarchy and it starts with the personal. They expect [retailers] to pay close attention to those aspects of sustainability that might affect their health or the quality of the product. A bit further down there are the sort of broader citizenship areas that might more broadly affect them CR Expert/SRI Nevertheless, some see the need for further encouragement and support to take consumers down this path, and reject the view that consumers will take the lead in pressurising retailers to be more sustainable: I don’t think there will be a consumer-led revolution. I think consumers will need to be persuaded and brought along to give their permission to companies and governments to take the action that needs taking, not the other way round CR Expert/SRI There is also a sense that consumers need carrots not sticks and that successful retailers will be those that are better at persuading consumers of the benefits of making sustainable choices: Ultimately I think it’s not going to be very successful if consumers have to feel they’re giving things up, that there are things they can’t do. Where it seems to have been successful is if it’s presented as an opportunity to make a difference NGO/Interest Group
USER:
How do consumer's feel about sustainability issues?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 28 | 7 | 250 | null | 413 |
Base your response strictly on the provided document only. Answer in less than 5 words. Do not include numbers.
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What date did this executive order go into effect?
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**AN ORDER TEMPORARILY MODIFYING CERTAIN IN-PERSON NOTARIZATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT REQUIREMENTS** WHEREAS, I proclaimed a state of emergency on March 15, 2020 to authorize the use of emergency powers in order to expand and expedite the State's response to the many different effects ofCOVID-19; and WHEREAS, the in-person services of notaries public and witnesses are required to complete and validate a wide variety of important personal and commercial transactions; and WHEREAS, it is now necessary for those services to be provided remotely to ensure the social distancing recommended by the United States and Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and WHEREAS, a governor's emergency powers pursuant to 37-B M.R.S. §742(l)(C)(l) and §834 expressly include the authority to suspend the enforcement of statutes, orders or rules where strict compliance therewith would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency; and WHEREAS, this Order will enable citizens, especially those who are elderly or have serious underlying health conditions, to continue to seek and obtain critical estate planning instruments, such as Last Will and Testaments, Financial Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Powers of Attorney, and for all persons to conduct other important business that requires sworn statements or affidavits, in a manner that reduces in-person contact and promotes social distancing; and WHEREAS, the requirements of this Order are designed to protect the reliability of in-person notary acknowledgments, sworn statements and affidavits; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, pursuant to 37-B M.R.S. Ch. 13, including but not limited to the provisions cited above, do hereby Order as follows: I. APPLICATION This Order applies to all provisions of Maine law that require a signature to be acknowledged, witnessed or notarized in person, with the exceptions of: (a) solemnizing marriages, (b) administering oaths to circulators of state or local direct initiative or referendum petitions and nomination petitions of candidates for electoral office, and ( c) absentee ballots in state and local elections. This Order authorizes remote, not electronic, notarization. All requirements under Maine law pertaining to the taking of sworn statements and acknowledgments by notaries and those authorized to perform notarial acts, other than the requirement to appear in person, remain in effect during the effective period of this Order. II. ORDERS While this Order is in effect, with the exceptions noted in Part I of this Order, the enforcement of those provisions of Maine law that require the physical presence of the person whose oath is being taken ("the Signatory") at the same location as the Notary Public or other person authorized to perform a notarial act ("the Notary") and any witness to the signing are hereby suspended provided the conditions set forth in paragraphs A-G of this Section are met. A. The Notary must be physically within the State while performing the notarial act and must follow any additional guidance for remote notarization issued by the Maine Secretary of State. B. The act of notarization or witnessing required by Maine law may be completed remotely via two-way audio-video communication technology, provided that: I. The two-way audio-video communication technology must allow direct contemporaneous interaction between the individual signing the document ("the Signatory"), the Notary and any witness by sight and sound in real time ( e.g. with no pre-recordings); 2. The Signatory must be reasonably identified by the Notary by one or more of the following: (a) is personally !mown to the Notary; (b) presented a valid photo identification to the Notary during the video conference; ( c) the oath or affirmation of a witness who: (i) is in the physical presence of either the Notary or the Signatory; or (ii) is able to communicate with the Notary and the Signatory simultaneously by sight and sound through an electronic device or process at the time of the notarization, if the witness has personal knowledge of the individual and has been reasonably identified by the Notary under clauses (a) or (b) herein. 3. The Signatory must attest to being physically located in Maine and affirmatively state the name of the county in which the Signatory is located at the time of execution during the two-way audio-video communication; 4. The Notary and any witness must attest to being physically located in Maine during the two-way audio-video communication; 5. For Wills and Powers of Attorney, the Notary or at least one witness must be an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Maine; 6. Before any documents are signed, the Notary must be able to view by camera the entire space in which the Signatory and any witness is located, and any person who is present in those spaces must state their name while on video and in clear view of the Notary; 7. The Signatory must affirmatively state on the two-way audio-video communication what document the Signatory is signing and the Notary must be provided with a copy of the document prior to the signing; 8. Each page of the document being witnessed must be shown to the Notary and any witness on the two-way audio-video communication in a means clearly legible to the Notary and initialed by the Signatory in the presence of the Notary and any witness; 9. The act of signing and initialing must be captured sufficiently up close on the two-way audio-video communication for the Notary to observe; 10. Any witness or witnesses required or permitted to properly execute any original document or documents according to Maine Law may similarly witness the signing of the document by the Signatory utilizing two-way audio-video communication described in paragraph 1 and may sign as a witness to the document upon receipt of the original document; 11. The Signatory must transmit by fax or electronic means (which may include transmitting a photograph of every page by cellphone) a legible copy of the entire signed document directly to the Notary and any witness, immediately after signing the document, or, if that is not possible, no later than 24 hours after the Signatory's execution of the document; 12. The Signatory must send the original signed document directly to the witness within 48 hours ( or 2 days) after the Signatory's execution of the document, or to the Notary if no witness is involved; 13. Within 48 hours after receiving the original document from the Signatory, the witness must sign it and sent to the second witness, if any, or to the Notary if no other witness is involved. The official date and time of each witness's signature shall be the date and time when the witness witnesses the Signatory's signature via the two-way audio-video communication technology described in paragraph 1; 14. Upon review of the original document and satisfactory comparison with the faxed or electronic document provided on the date of signing, the Notary shall notarize the original document within 48 hours of receipt thereof, and the official date and time of the notarization shall be the date and time when the Notary witnessed the signature via the two-way audio-video technology and shall add the following language below the Notary and or Witness signature lines: "Notarized (and/or Witnessed) remotely, in accordance with Executive Order 37 FY 19/20"; and 15. A recording of the two-way audio-video communication must be made and preserved by the Notary for a period of at least 5 years from the date of the notarial act. The Notary shall provide a copy of the recording to the Signatory and the Secretary of State upon request. C. Any document that is required under any law of the State of Maine to be notarized "in the presence and hearing" or similar language of a Signatory, and that is signed, notarized or witnessed in accordance with the terms of this Executive Order shall be deemed to have been signed and/or notarized in the presence and hearing of the Signatory. D. Nothing in this Order shall require a Notary to perform remote notarization. E. The validity and recognition of a notarization or witness under this Order shall not prevent an aggrieved person from seeking to invalidate a record or transaction that is the subject of a notarization or from seeking other remedies based on State or Federal law other than this Order for any reason not addressed in this Order, such as incapacity, absence of authority or undue influence. F. The failure of a Notary or a witness to meet a requirement specified in this Order shall not invalidate or impair the recognition of a notarization performed by the Notary if it was performed in substantial compliance with this Order. G. The Secretary of State is authorized to issue guidance consistent with this Order to protect the integrity of the remote notarization process. III. INTEGRITY A primary and essential purpose of this Order is to safeguard the integrity of transactions and the important personal interests served by those transactions. Persons who violate the rights of others during a remote notarization are subject to all pertinent civil remedies and criminal penalties. IV. JUDICIAL NOTICE A copy of this Order shall for notice be provided to the Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. I intend further that the acts, records and proceedings under this Order receive full faith and credit in the courts of the United States and other states. V. EFFECTIVE DATE This Order shall take effect on April 8, 2020 and, unless sooner amended or rescinded, terminates 30 days after the termination of the COVID-19 state of emergency.
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<question> ======= What date did this executive order go into effect? <context> ======= **AN ORDER TEMPORARILY MODIFYING CERTAIN IN-PERSON NOTARIZATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT REQUIREMENTS** WHEREAS, I proclaimed a state of emergency on March 15, 2020 to authorize the use of emergency powers in order to expand and expedite the State's response to the many different effects ofCOVID-19; and WHEREAS, the in-person services of notaries public and witnesses are required to complete and validate a wide variety of important personal and commercial transactions; and WHEREAS, it is now necessary for those services to be provided remotely to ensure the social distancing recommended by the United States and Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and WHEREAS, a governor's emergency powers pursuant to 37-B M.R.S. §742(l)(C)(l) and §834 expressly include the authority to suspend the enforcement of statutes, orders or rules where strict compliance therewith would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency; and WHEREAS, this Order will enable citizens, especially those who are elderly or have serious underlying health conditions, to continue to seek and obtain critical estate planning instruments, such as Last Will and Testaments, Financial Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Powers of Attorney, and for all persons to conduct other important business that requires sworn statements or affidavits, in a manner that reduces in-person contact and promotes social distancing; and WHEREAS, the requirements of this Order are designed to protect the reliability of in-person notary acknowledgments, sworn statements and affidavits; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, pursuant to 37-B M.R.S. Ch. 13, including but not limited to the provisions cited above, do hereby Order as follows: I. APPLICATION This Order applies to all provisions of Maine law that require a signature to be acknowledged, witnessed or notarized in person, with the exceptions of: (a) solemnizing marriages, (b) administering oaths to circulators of state or local direct initiative or referendum petitions and nomination petitions of candidates for electoral office, and ( c) absentee ballots in state and local elections. This Order authorizes remote, not electronic, notarization. All requirements under Maine law pertaining to the taking of sworn statements and acknowledgments by notaries and those authorized to perform notarial acts, other than the requirement to appear in person, remain in effect during the effective period of this Order. II. ORDERS While this Order is in effect, with the exceptions noted in Part I of this Order, the enforcement of those provisions of Maine law that require the physical presence of the person whose oath is being taken ("the Signatory") at the same location as the Notary Public or other person authorized to perform a notarial act ("the Notary") and any witness to the signing are hereby suspended provided the conditions set forth in paragraphs A-G of this Section are met. A. The Notary must be physically within the State while performing the notarial act and must follow any additional guidance for remote notarization issued by the Maine Secretary of State. B. The act of notarization or witnessing required by Maine law may be completed remotely via two-way audio-video communication technology, provided that: I. The two-way audio-video communication technology must allow direct contemporaneous interaction between the individual signing the document ("the Signatory"), the Notary and any witness by sight and sound in real time ( e.g. with no pre-recordings); 2. The Signatory must be reasonably identified by the Notary by one or more of the following: (a) is personally !mown to the Notary; (b) presented a valid photo identification to the Notary during the video conference; ( c) the oath or affirmation of a witness who: (i) is in the physical presence of either the Notary or the Signatory; or (ii) is able to communicate with the Notary and the Signatory simultaneously by sight and sound through an electronic device or process at the time of the notarization, if the witness has personal knowledge of the individual and has been reasonably identified by the Notary under clauses (a) or (b) herein. 3. The Signatory must attest to being physically located in Maine and affirmatively state the name of the county in which the Signatory is located at the time of execution during the two-way audio-video communication; 4. The Notary and any witness must attest to being physically located in Maine during the two-way audio-video communication; 5. For Wills and Powers of Attorney, the Notary or at least one witness must be an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Maine; 6. Before any documents are signed, the Notary must be able to view by camera the entire space in which the Signatory and any witness is located, and any person who is present in those spaces must state their name while on video and in clear view of the Notary; 7. The Signatory must affirmatively state on the two-way audio-video communication what document the Signatory is signing and the Notary must be provided with a copy of the document prior to the signing; 8. Each page of the document being witnessed must be shown to the Notary and any witness on the two-way audio-video communication in a means clearly legible to the Notary and initialed by the Signatory in the presence of the Notary and any witness; 9. The act of signing and initialing must be captured sufficiently up close on the two-way audio-video communication for the Notary to observe; 10. Any witness or witnesses required or permitted to properly execute any original document or documents according to Maine Law may similarly witness the signing of the document by the Signatory utilizing two-way audio-video communication described in paragraph 1 and may sign as a witness to the document upon receipt of the original document; 11. The Signatory must transmit by fax or electronic means (which may include transmitting a photograph of every page by cellphone) a legible copy of the entire signed document directly to the Notary and any witness, immediately after signing the document, or, if that is not possible, no later than 24 hours after the Signatory's execution of the document; 12. The Signatory must send the original signed document directly to the witness within 48 hours ( or 2 days) after the Signatory's execution of the document, or to the Notary if no witness is involved; 13. Within 48 hours after receiving the original document from the Signatory, the witness must sign it and sent to the second witness, if any, or to the Notary if no other witness is involved. The official date and time of each witness's signature shall be the date and time when the witness witnesses the Signatory's signature via the two-way audio-video communication technology described in paragraph 1; 14. Upon review of the original document and satisfactory comparison with the faxed or electronic document provided on the date of signing, the Notary shall notarize the original document within 48 hours of receipt thereof, and the official date and time of the notarization shall be the date and time when the Notary witnessed the signature via the two-way audio-video technology and shall add the following language below the Notary and or Witness signature lines: "Notarized (and/or Witnessed) remotely, in accordance with Executive Order 37 FY 19/20"; and 15. A recording of the two-way audio-video communication must be made and preserved by the Notary for a period of at least 5 years from the date of the notarial act. The Notary shall provide a copy of the recording to the Signatory and the Secretary of State upon request. C. Any document that is required under any law of the State of Maine to be notarized "in the presence and hearing" or similar language of a Signatory, and that is signed, notarized or witnessed in accordance with the terms of this Executive Order shall be deemed to have been signed and/or notarized in the presence and hearing of the Signatory. D. Nothing in this Order shall require a Notary to perform remote notarization. E. The validity and recognition of a notarization or witness under this Order shall not prevent an aggrieved person from seeking to invalidate a record or transaction that is the subject of a notarization or from seeking other remedies based on State or Federal law other than this Order for any reason not addressed in this Order, such as incapacity, absence of authority or undue influence. F. The failure of a Notary or a witness to meet a requirement specified in this Order shall not invalidate or impair the recognition of a notarization performed by the Notary if it was performed in substantial compliance with this Order. G. The Secretary of State is authorized to issue guidance consistent with this Order to protect the integrity of the remote notarization process. III. INTEGRITY A primary and essential purpose of this Order is to safeguard the integrity of transactions and the important personal interests served by those transactions. Persons who violate the rights of others during a remote notarization are subject to all pertinent civil remedies and criminal penalties. IV. JUDICIAL NOTICE A copy of this Order shall for notice be provided to the Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. I intend further that the acts, records and proceedings under this Order receive full faith and credit in the courts of the United States and other states. V. EFFECTIVE DATE This Order shall take effect on April 8, 2020 and, unless sooner amended or rescinded, terminates 30 days after the termination of the COVID-19 state of emergency. <task instructions> ======= Base your response strictly on the provided document only. Answer in less than 5 words. Do not include numbers.
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Base your response strictly on the provided document only. Answer in less than 5 words. Do not include numbers.
EVIDENCE:
**AN ORDER TEMPORARILY MODIFYING CERTAIN IN-PERSON NOTARIZATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT REQUIREMENTS** WHEREAS, I proclaimed a state of emergency on March 15, 2020 to authorize the use of emergency powers in order to expand and expedite the State's response to the many different effects ofCOVID-19; and WHEREAS, the in-person services of notaries public and witnesses are required to complete and validate a wide variety of important personal and commercial transactions; and WHEREAS, it is now necessary for those services to be provided remotely to ensure the social distancing recommended by the United States and Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and WHEREAS, a governor's emergency powers pursuant to 37-B M.R.S. §742(l)(C)(l) and §834 expressly include the authority to suspend the enforcement of statutes, orders or rules where strict compliance therewith would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency; and WHEREAS, this Order will enable citizens, especially those who are elderly or have serious underlying health conditions, to continue to seek and obtain critical estate planning instruments, such as Last Will and Testaments, Financial Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Powers of Attorney, and for all persons to conduct other important business that requires sworn statements or affidavits, in a manner that reduces in-person contact and promotes social distancing; and WHEREAS, the requirements of this Order are designed to protect the reliability of in-person notary acknowledgments, sworn statements and affidavits; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, pursuant to 37-B M.R.S. Ch. 13, including but not limited to the provisions cited above, do hereby Order as follows: I. APPLICATION This Order applies to all provisions of Maine law that require a signature to be acknowledged, witnessed or notarized in person, with the exceptions of: (a) solemnizing marriages, (b) administering oaths to circulators of state or local direct initiative or referendum petitions and nomination petitions of candidates for electoral office, and ( c) absentee ballots in state and local elections. This Order authorizes remote, not electronic, notarization. All requirements under Maine law pertaining to the taking of sworn statements and acknowledgments by notaries and those authorized to perform notarial acts, other than the requirement to appear in person, remain in effect during the effective period of this Order. II. ORDERS While this Order is in effect, with the exceptions noted in Part I of this Order, the enforcement of those provisions of Maine law that require the physical presence of the person whose oath is being taken ("the Signatory") at the same location as the Notary Public or other person authorized to perform a notarial act ("the Notary") and any witness to the signing are hereby suspended provided the conditions set forth in paragraphs A-G of this Section are met. A. The Notary must be physically within the State while performing the notarial act and must follow any additional guidance for remote notarization issued by the Maine Secretary of State. B. The act of notarization or witnessing required by Maine law may be completed remotely via two-way audio-video communication technology, provided that: I. The two-way audio-video communication technology must allow direct contemporaneous interaction between the individual signing the document ("the Signatory"), the Notary and any witness by sight and sound in real time ( e.g. with no pre-recordings); 2. The Signatory must be reasonably identified by the Notary by one or more of the following: (a) is personally !mown to the Notary; (b) presented a valid photo identification to the Notary during the video conference; ( c) the oath or affirmation of a witness who: (i) is in the physical presence of either the Notary or the Signatory; or (ii) is able to communicate with the Notary and the Signatory simultaneously by sight and sound through an electronic device or process at the time of the notarization, if the witness has personal knowledge of the individual and has been reasonably identified by the Notary under clauses (a) or (b) herein. 3. The Signatory must attest to being physically located in Maine and affirmatively state the name of the county in which the Signatory is located at the time of execution during the two-way audio-video communication; 4. The Notary and any witness must attest to being physically located in Maine during the two-way audio-video communication; 5. For Wills and Powers of Attorney, the Notary or at least one witness must be an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Maine; 6. Before any documents are signed, the Notary must be able to view by camera the entire space in which the Signatory and any witness is located, and any person who is present in those spaces must state their name while on video and in clear view of the Notary; 7. The Signatory must affirmatively state on the two-way audio-video communication what document the Signatory is signing and the Notary must be provided with a copy of the document prior to the signing; 8. Each page of the document being witnessed must be shown to the Notary and any witness on the two-way audio-video communication in a means clearly legible to the Notary and initialed by the Signatory in the presence of the Notary and any witness; 9. The act of signing and initialing must be captured sufficiently up close on the two-way audio-video communication for the Notary to observe; 10. Any witness or witnesses required or permitted to properly execute any original document or documents according to Maine Law may similarly witness the signing of the document by the Signatory utilizing two-way audio-video communication described in paragraph 1 and may sign as a witness to the document upon receipt of the original document; 11. The Signatory must transmit by fax or electronic means (which may include transmitting a photograph of every page by cellphone) a legible copy of the entire signed document directly to the Notary and any witness, immediately after signing the document, or, if that is not possible, no later than 24 hours after the Signatory's execution of the document; 12. The Signatory must send the original signed document directly to the witness within 48 hours ( or 2 days) after the Signatory's execution of the document, or to the Notary if no witness is involved; 13. Within 48 hours after receiving the original document from the Signatory, the witness must sign it and sent to the second witness, if any, or to the Notary if no other witness is involved. The official date and time of each witness's signature shall be the date and time when the witness witnesses the Signatory's signature via the two-way audio-video communication technology described in paragraph 1; 14. Upon review of the original document and satisfactory comparison with the faxed or electronic document provided on the date of signing, the Notary shall notarize the original document within 48 hours of receipt thereof, and the official date and time of the notarization shall be the date and time when the Notary witnessed the signature via the two-way audio-video technology and shall add the following language below the Notary and or Witness signature lines: "Notarized (and/or Witnessed) remotely, in accordance with Executive Order 37 FY 19/20"; and 15. A recording of the two-way audio-video communication must be made and preserved by the Notary for a period of at least 5 years from the date of the notarial act. The Notary shall provide a copy of the recording to the Signatory and the Secretary of State upon request. C. Any document that is required under any law of the State of Maine to be notarized "in the presence and hearing" or similar language of a Signatory, and that is signed, notarized or witnessed in accordance with the terms of this Executive Order shall be deemed to have been signed and/or notarized in the presence and hearing of the Signatory. D. Nothing in this Order shall require a Notary to perform remote notarization. E. The validity and recognition of a notarization or witness under this Order shall not prevent an aggrieved person from seeking to invalidate a record or transaction that is the subject of a notarization or from seeking other remedies based on State or Federal law other than this Order for any reason not addressed in this Order, such as incapacity, absence of authority or undue influence. F. The failure of a Notary or a witness to meet a requirement specified in this Order shall not invalidate or impair the recognition of a notarization performed by the Notary if it was performed in substantial compliance with this Order. G. The Secretary of State is authorized to issue guidance consistent with this Order to protect the integrity of the remote notarization process. III. INTEGRITY A primary and essential purpose of this Order is to safeguard the integrity of transactions and the important personal interests served by those transactions. Persons who violate the rights of others during a remote notarization are subject to all pertinent civil remedies and criminal penalties. IV. JUDICIAL NOTICE A copy of this Order shall for notice be provided to the Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. I intend further that the acts, records and proceedings under this Order receive full faith and credit in the courts of the United States and other states. V. EFFECTIVE DATE This Order shall take effect on April 8, 2020 and, unless sooner amended or rescinded, terminates 30 days after the termination of the COVID-19 state of emergency.
USER:
What date did this executive order go into effect?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 19 | 9 | 1,573 | null | 747 |
Draw your answer only from information within the text provided. Ensure that the response explains any terms that may be industry or product-specific.
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Paraphrase this article.
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Fiber-optic communications was born at a time whenthe telecommunications industry had grown cautious and conservative after making telephone service ubiquitous in the United States and widely available in other developed countries. The backbones of the long distance telephone network were chains of microwave relay towers, which engineers had planned to replace by buried pipelines carrying millimeter waves in the 60-GHz range, starting in the 1970s. Bell Telephone Laboratories were quick to begin research on optical communications after the invention of the laser, but they spent the 1960s studying beam transmission through buried hollow confocal waveguides, expecting laser communications to be the next generation after the millimeter waveguide, on a technology timetable spanning decades. Corning’s invention of the low-loss fiber in 1970 changed all that. Bell abandoned the hollow optical guide in 1972 and never put any millimeter waveguide into commercial service after completing a field test in the mid-1970s. But telephone engineers remained wary of installing fiber without exhaustive tests and field trials. Bell engineers developed and exhaustively tested the first generation of fiber-optic systems, based on multimode graded-index fibers transmitting 45 Mb/s at 850 nm over spans of 10 km, connecting local telephone central offices. Deployment began slowly in the late 1970s, and soon a second fiber window opened at 1300nm, allowing a doubling of speed and transmission distance. In 1980, AT&T announced plans to extend multimode fiber into its long-haul network, by laying a 144-fiber cable between Boston and Washington with repeaters spaced every 7 km along an existing right of way. Yet by then change was accelerating in the no-longer stodgy telecommunications industry. Two crucial choices in system design and the breakup of AT&T were about to launch the modern fiber-optic communications industry. In 1980, Bell Labs announced that the next generation of transoceanic telephone cables would use single-mode fiber instead of the copper coaxial cables used since the first transatlantic phone cable in 1956. In 1982, the upstart MCI Communications picked single-mode fiber as the backbone of its new North American longdistance phone network, replacing the microwave towers that gave the company its original name, Microwave Communications Inc. That same year, AT&T agreed to divest its seven regional telephone companies to focus on long-distance service, computing, and communications hardware. The submarine fiber decision was a bold bet on a new technology based on desperation. Regulators had barred AT&T from operating communication satellites since the mid-1960s. Coax had reached its practical limit for intercontinental cables. Only single-mode fiber transmitting at 1310 nm could transmit 280 Mb/s through 50-km spans stretching more than 6000 km across the Atlantic. AT&T and its partners British Telecom and France Telecom set a target of 1988 for installing TAT-8, the first transatlantic fiber cable. More submarine fiber cables would follow. In 1982, MCI went looking for new technology to upgrade its long-distance phone network. Visits to British Telecom Research Labs and Japanese equipment makers convinced them that single-mode fiber transmitting 400 Mb/s at 1310 nm was ready for installation. AT&T and Sprint soon followed, with Sprint ads promoting the new fiber technology by claiming that callers could hear a pin drop over it. Fueled by the breakup of AT&T and intense competition for long-distance telephone service, fiber sales boomed as new long-haul networks were installed, then slumped briefly after their completion. The switch to single-mode fiber opened the room to further system improvements. By 1987, terrestrial long-distance backbone systems were carrying 800 Mb/s, and systems able to transmit 1.7 Gb/s were in development. Long-distance traffic increased as competition reduced long-distance rates, and developers pushed for the next transmission milestone of 2.5 Gb/s. Telecommunications was becoming an important part of the laser and optics market, pushing development of products including diode lasers, receivers, and optical connectors. Fiber optics had shifted the telephone industry into overdrive. Two more technological revolutions in their early stages in the late 1980s would soon shift telecommunications to warp speed. One came from the optical world, the fiber amplifier. The other came from telecommunications—the Internet. Even inthe late 1980s, the bulk of telecommunications traffic consisted of telephone conversations. (Cable television networks carried analog signals and were separate from the usual world of telecommunications.) Telephony was a mature industry, with traffic volume growing about 10% a year. Fiber traffic was increasing faster than that because fiber was displacing older technologies including microwave relays and geosynchronous communication satellites. Telecommunications networks also carried some digital data, but the overall volume was small. The ideas that laid the groundwork for the Internet date back to the late 1960s. Universities began installing terminals so students and faculty could access mainframe computers, ARPANET began operations to connect universities, and telephone companies envisioned linking home users to mainframes through telephone wiring. Special terminals were hooked to television screens for early home information services called videotex. But those data services attracted few customers, and data traffic remained limited until the spread of personal computers in the 1980s. The first personal computer modems sent 300 bits/s through phone lines, a number that soon rose to 1200 bits/s. Initially the Internet was limited to academic and government users, so other PC users accessed private networks such as CompuServe and America Online, but private Internet accounts became available by 1990. The World Wide Web was launched in 1991 at the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN)and initially grew slowly. Butin 1994the numberofserverssoaredfrom500 to 10,000, and the data floodgates were loosed. Digital traffic soared. By good fortune, the global fiber-optic backbone network was already in place as data traffic started to soar. Construction expenses are a major part of network costs, so multi-fiber cables were laid that in the mid-1980s were thought to be adequate to support many years of normal traffic growth. That kept the “Information Superhighway” from becoming a global traffic jam as data traffic took off. The impact of fiber is evident in Fig. 1, a chart presented by Donald Keck during his 2011 CLEO plenary talk. Diverse new technologies had increased data transmission rates since 1850. Fiber optics became the dominant technology after 1980 and is responsible for the change in slope of the data-rate growth. Even morefortunately, Internet traffic was growing in phase with the development of a vital new optical technology, the optical fiber amplifier. Early efforts to develop all-optical amplifiers focused on semiconductor sources, because they could be easily matched to signal wavelengths, but experiments in the middle to late 1980s found high noise levels. Attention turned to fiber amplifiers after David Payne demonstrated the first erbium-doped fiber amplifier in 1987. (See Digonnet’s chapter on p. 195.) Elias Snitzer had demonstrated a neodymium-doped optical amplifier at American Optical in 1964, but it had not caught on because it required flashlamp pumping. Erbium was the right material at the right time. Its gain band fell in the 1550-nm window where optical fibers have minimum attenuation. Within a couple of years, British Telecom Labs had identified a diode-laser pump band at 980 nm and Snitzer, then at Polaroid, had found another at 1480 nm. By 1989, diode-pumped fiber amplifiers looked like good replacements for cumbersome electro-optic repeaters. What launched the bandwidth revolution was the ability of fiber amplifiers to handle wavelength division multiplexed signals. The first tests started with only a few wavelengths and a single amplifier; then developers added more wavelengths and additional amplifiers. The good news was that wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) multiplied capacity by the number of channels that could be squeezed into the transmission band. The bad news was that WDM also multiplied the number of potential complications.
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System Instructions: Draw your answer only from information within the text provided. Ensure that the response explains any terms that may be industry or product-specific. Question: Paraphrase this article. Context: Fiber-optic communications was born at a time whenthe telecommunications industry had grown cautious and conservative after making telephone service ubiquitous in the United States and widely available in other developed countries. The backbones of the long distance telephone network were chains of microwave relay towers, which engineers had planned to replace by buried pipelines carrying millimeter waves in the 60-GHz range, starting in the 1970s. Bell Telephone Laboratories were quick to begin research on optical communications after the invention of the laser, but they spent the 1960s studying beam transmission through buried hollow confocal waveguides, expecting laser communications to be the next generation after the millimeter waveguide, on a technology timetable spanning decades. Corning’s invention of the low-loss fiber in 1970 changed all that. Bell abandoned the hollow optical guide in 1972 and never put any millimeter waveguide into commercial service after completing a field test in the mid-1970s. But telephone engineers remained wary of installing fiber without exhaustive tests and field trials. Bell engineers developed and exhaustively tested the first generation of fiber-optic systems, based on multimode graded-index fibers transmitting 45 Mb/s at 850 nm over spans of 10 km, connecting local telephone central offices. Deployment began slowly in the late 1970s, and soon a second fiber window opened at 1300nm, allowing a doubling of speed and transmission distance. In 1980, AT&T announced plans to extend multimode fiber into its long-haul network, by laying a 144-fiber cable between Boston and Washington with repeaters spaced every 7 km along an existing right of way. Yet by then change was accelerating in the no-longer stodgy telecommunications industry. Two crucial choices in system design and the breakup of AT&T were about to launch the modern fiber-optic communications industry. In 1980, Bell Labs announced that the next generation of transoceanic telephone cables would use single-mode fiber instead of the copper coaxial cables used since the first transatlantic phone cable in 1956. In 1982, the upstart MCI Communications picked single-mode fiber as the backbone of its new North American longdistance phone network, replacing the microwave towers that gave the company its original name, Microwave Communications Inc. That same year, AT&T agreed to divest its seven regional telephone companies to focus on long-distance service, computing, and communications hardware. The submarine fiber decision was a bold bet on a new technology based on desperation. Regulators had barred AT&T from operating communication satellites since the mid-1960s. Coax had reached its practical limit for intercontinental cables. Only single-mode fiber transmitting at 1310 nm could transmit 280 Mb/s through 50-km spans stretching more than 6000 km across the Atlantic. AT&T and its partners British Telecom and France Telecom set a target of 1988 for installing TAT-8, the first transatlantic fiber cable. More submarine fiber cables would follow. In 1982, MCI went looking for new technology to upgrade its long-distance phone network. Visits to British Telecom Research Labs and Japanese equipment makers convinced them that single-mode fiber transmitting 400 Mb/s at 1310 nm was ready for installation. AT&T and Sprint soon followed, with Sprint ads promoting the new fiber technology by claiming that callers could hear a pin drop over it. Fueled by the breakup of AT&T and intense competition for long-distance telephone service, fiber sales boomed as new long-haul networks were installed, then slumped briefly after their completion. The switch to single-mode fiber opened the room to further system improvements. By 1987, terrestrial long-distance backbone systems were carrying 800 Mb/s, and systems able to transmit 1.7 Gb/s were in development. Long-distance traffic increased as competition reduced long-distance rates, and developers pushed for the next transmission milestone of 2.5 Gb/s. Telecommunications was becoming an important part of the laser and optics market, pushing development of products including diode lasers, receivers, and optical connectors. Fiber optics had shifted the telephone industry into overdrive. Two more technological revolutions in their early stages in the late 1980s would soon shift telecommunications to warp speed. One came from the optical world, the fiber amplifier. The other came from telecommunications—the Internet. Even inthe late 1980s, the bulk of telecommunications traffic consisted of telephone conversations. (Cable television networks carried analog signals and were separate from the usual world of telecommunications.) Telephony was a mature industry, with traffic volume growing about 10% a year. Fiber traffic was increasing faster than that because fiber was displacing older technologies including microwave relays and geosynchronous communication satellites. Telecommunications networks also carried some digital data, but the overall volume was small. The ideas that laid the groundwork for the Internet date back to the late 1960s. Universities began installing terminals so students and faculty could access mainframe computers, ARPANET began operations to connect universities, and telephone companies envisioned linking home users to mainframes through telephone wiring. Special terminals were hooked to television screens for early home information services called videotex. But those data services attracted few customers, and data traffic remained limited until the spread of personal computers in the 1980s. The first personal computer modems sent 300 bits/s through phone lines, a number that soon rose to 1200 bits/s. Initially the Internet was limited to academic and government users, so other PC users accessed private networks such as CompuServe and America Online, but private Internet accounts became available by 1990. The World Wide Web was launched in 1991 at the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN)and initially grew slowly. Butin 1994the numberofserverssoaredfrom500 to 10,000, and the data floodgates were loosed. Digital traffic soared. By good fortune, the global fiber-optic backbone network was already in place as data traffic started to soar. Construction expenses are a major part of network costs, so multi-fiber cables were laid that in the mid-1980s were thought to be adequate to support many years of normal traffic growth. That kept the “Information Superhighway” from becoming a global traffic jam as data traffic took off. The impact of fiber is evident in Fig. 1, a chart presented by Donald Keck during his 2011 CLEO plenary talk. Diverse new technologies had increased data transmission rates since 1850. Fiber optics became the dominant technology after 1980 and is responsible for the change in slope of the data-rate growth. Even morefortunately, Internet traffic was growing in phase with the development of a vital new optical technology, the optical fiber amplifier. Early efforts to develop all-optical amplifiers focused on semiconductor sources, because they could be easily matched to signal wavelengths, but experiments in the middle to late 1980s found high noise levels. Attention turned to fiber amplifiers after David Payne demonstrated the first erbium-doped fiber amplifier in 1987. (See Digonnet’s chapter on p. 195.) Elias Snitzer had demonstrated a neodymium-doped optical amplifier at American Optical in 1964, but it had not caught on because it required flashlamp pumping. Erbium was the right material at the right time. Its gain band fell in the 1550-nm window where optical fibers have minimum attenuation. Within a couple of years, British Telecom Labs had identified a diode-laser pump band at 980 nm and Snitzer, then at Polaroid, had found another at 1480 nm. By 1989, diode-pumped fiber amplifiers looked like good replacements for cumbersome electro-optic repeaters. What launched the bandwidth revolution was the ability of fiber amplifiers to handle wavelength division multiplexed signals. The first tests started with only a few wavelengths and a single amplifier; then developers added more wavelengths and additional amplifiers. The good news was that wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) multiplied capacity by the number of channels that could be squeezed into the transmission band. The bad news was that WDM also multiplied the number of potential complications.
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Draw your answer only from information within the text provided. Ensure that the response explains any terms that may be industry or product-specific.
EVIDENCE:
Fiber-optic communications was born at a time whenthe telecommunications industry had grown cautious and conservative after making telephone service ubiquitous in the United States and widely available in other developed countries. The backbones of the long distance telephone network were chains of microwave relay towers, which engineers had planned to replace by buried pipelines carrying millimeter waves in the 60-GHz range, starting in the 1970s. Bell Telephone Laboratories were quick to begin research on optical communications after the invention of the laser, but they spent the 1960s studying beam transmission through buried hollow confocal waveguides, expecting laser communications to be the next generation after the millimeter waveguide, on a technology timetable spanning decades. Corning’s invention of the low-loss fiber in 1970 changed all that. Bell abandoned the hollow optical guide in 1972 and never put any millimeter waveguide into commercial service after completing a field test in the mid-1970s. But telephone engineers remained wary of installing fiber without exhaustive tests and field trials. Bell engineers developed and exhaustively tested the first generation of fiber-optic systems, based on multimode graded-index fibers transmitting 45 Mb/s at 850 nm over spans of 10 km, connecting local telephone central offices. Deployment began slowly in the late 1970s, and soon a second fiber window opened at 1300nm, allowing a doubling of speed and transmission distance. In 1980, AT&T announced plans to extend multimode fiber into its long-haul network, by laying a 144-fiber cable between Boston and Washington with repeaters spaced every 7 km along an existing right of way. Yet by then change was accelerating in the no-longer stodgy telecommunications industry. Two crucial choices in system design and the breakup of AT&T were about to launch the modern fiber-optic communications industry. In 1980, Bell Labs announced that the next generation of transoceanic telephone cables would use single-mode fiber instead of the copper coaxial cables used since the first transatlantic phone cable in 1956. In 1982, the upstart MCI Communications picked single-mode fiber as the backbone of its new North American longdistance phone network, replacing the microwave towers that gave the company its original name, Microwave Communications Inc. That same year, AT&T agreed to divest its seven regional telephone companies to focus on long-distance service, computing, and communications hardware. The submarine fiber decision was a bold bet on a new technology based on desperation. Regulators had barred AT&T from operating communication satellites since the mid-1960s. Coax had reached its practical limit for intercontinental cables. Only single-mode fiber transmitting at 1310 nm could transmit 280 Mb/s through 50-km spans stretching more than 6000 km across the Atlantic. AT&T and its partners British Telecom and France Telecom set a target of 1988 for installing TAT-8, the first transatlantic fiber cable. More submarine fiber cables would follow. In 1982, MCI went looking for new technology to upgrade its long-distance phone network. Visits to British Telecom Research Labs and Japanese equipment makers convinced them that single-mode fiber transmitting 400 Mb/s at 1310 nm was ready for installation. AT&T and Sprint soon followed, with Sprint ads promoting the new fiber technology by claiming that callers could hear a pin drop over it. Fueled by the breakup of AT&T and intense competition for long-distance telephone service, fiber sales boomed as new long-haul networks were installed, then slumped briefly after their completion. The switch to single-mode fiber opened the room to further system improvements. By 1987, terrestrial long-distance backbone systems were carrying 800 Mb/s, and systems able to transmit 1.7 Gb/s were in development. Long-distance traffic increased as competition reduced long-distance rates, and developers pushed for the next transmission milestone of 2.5 Gb/s. Telecommunications was becoming an important part of the laser and optics market, pushing development of products including diode lasers, receivers, and optical connectors. Fiber optics had shifted the telephone industry into overdrive. Two more technological revolutions in their early stages in the late 1980s would soon shift telecommunications to warp speed. One came from the optical world, the fiber amplifier. The other came from telecommunications—the Internet. Even inthe late 1980s, the bulk of telecommunications traffic consisted of telephone conversations. (Cable television networks carried analog signals and were separate from the usual world of telecommunications.) Telephony was a mature industry, with traffic volume growing about 10% a year. Fiber traffic was increasing faster than that because fiber was displacing older technologies including microwave relays and geosynchronous communication satellites. Telecommunications networks also carried some digital data, but the overall volume was small. The ideas that laid the groundwork for the Internet date back to the late 1960s. Universities began installing terminals so students and faculty could access mainframe computers, ARPANET began operations to connect universities, and telephone companies envisioned linking home users to mainframes through telephone wiring. Special terminals were hooked to television screens for early home information services called videotex. But those data services attracted few customers, and data traffic remained limited until the spread of personal computers in the 1980s. The first personal computer modems sent 300 bits/s through phone lines, a number that soon rose to 1200 bits/s. Initially the Internet was limited to academic and government users, so other PC users accessed private networks such as CompuServe and America Online, but private Internet accounts became available by 1990. The World Wide Web was launched in 1991 at the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN)and initially grew slowly. Butin 1994the numberofserverssoaredfrom500 to 10,000, and the data floodgates were loosed. Digital traffic soared. By good fortune, the global fiber-optic backbone network was already in place as data traffic started to soar. Construction expenses are a major part of network costs, so multi-fiber cables were laid that in the mid-1980s were thought to be adequate to support many years of normal traffic growth. That kept the “Information Superhighway” from becoming a global traffic jam as data traffic took off. The impact of fiber is evident in Fig. 1, a chart presented by Donald Keck during his 2011 CLEO plenary talk. Diverse new technologies had increased data transmission rates since 1850. Fiber optics became the dominant technology after 1980 and is responsible for the change in slope of the data-rate growth. Even morefortunately, Internet traffic was growing in phase with the development of a vital new optical technology, the optical fiber amplifier. Early efforts to develop all-optical amplifiers focused on semiconductor sources, because they could be easily matched to signal wavelengths, but experiments in the middle to late 1980s found high noise levels. Attention turned to fiber amplifiers after David Payne demonstrated the first erbium-doped fiber amplifier in 1987. (See Digonnet’s chapter on p. 195.) Elias Snitzer had demonstrated a neodymium-doped optical amplifier at American Optical in 1964, but it had not caught on because it required flashlamp pumping. Erbium was the right material at the right time. Its gain band fell in the 1550-nm window where optical fibers have minimum attenuation. Within a couple of years, British Telecom Labs had identified a diode-laser pump band at 980 nm and Snitzer, then at Polaroid, had found another at 1480 nm. By 1989, diode-pumped fiber amplifiers looked like good replacements for cumbersome electro-optic repeaters. What launched the bandwidth revolution was the ability of fiber amplifiers to handle wavelength division multiplexed signals. The first tests started with only a few wavelengths and a single amplifier; then developers added more wavelengths and additional amplifiers. The good news was that wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) multiplied capacity by the number of channels that could be squeezed into the transmission band. The bad news was that WDM also multiplied the number of potential complications.
USER:
Paraphrase this article.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 23 | 3 | 1,255 | null | 664 |
Respond using only the information found within the text provided in the prompt. Avoid any mention of the government, its agencies, or specific regulations. If there are multiple paragraphs, each paragraph should be no longer than four sentences and must contain a clear introductory statement in the first sentence. If appropriate, format the response as a bulleted list. If information found in the text seems likely related to any legal or regulatory compliance, please include a disclaimer at the end of the response, in italics and enclosed in brackets, that explains the response is based only on the information provided.
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What are ten strategies that are accepted for controlling disease in organic crops?
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Crop pest, weed, and disease management practice (§205.206) Producers must implement management practices to prevent crop pests, weeds, and diseases that include but are not limited to the following: Accepted pest controls: Crop rotation and soil and crop nutrient management practices as outlined above. Sanitation measures to remove disease vectors, weeds seeds and pest organisms. Cultural practices to enhance crop health such as plant species and variety selection with regard to suitability for site-specific conditions and resistance to pests, weeds, and disease. Mechanical and physical methods for controlling pest problems, such as: o Biological controls (natural predators and parasites, habitat to promote biodiversity) o Nonsynthetic controls such as lures, traps, fencing and repellants Accepted weed controls: Mulching with fully biodegradable materials Mowing Livestock grazing Hand weeding or mechanical cultivation Flame, heat, or electrical means Plastic or synthetic mulches if removed from the field at the end of the growing/harvest season Accepted disease controls: Management practices which suppress the spread of disease organisms. Examples include plant spacing, choosing resistant varieties, and crop rotations. In greenhouses, this can also include the proper control of environmental factors such as ventilation, humidity and temperature. Application of nonsynthetic biological, botanical, or mineral inputs When the above pest, weed and disease preventative management practices are not sufficient, the following practices are accepted: Application of a biological or botanical substance Application of a substance included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production Prohibited controls: Synthetic mulches or remnants left to photo-degrade in the field Synthetic herbicides, pesticides or fungicides with the exception of those included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production Newspaper with color inks Biodegradable plastic mulch films not compliant with the NOP guidance Nonsynthetic substances included on the National List of nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production Post-Harvest Handling (§205.270 – 205.272) Sanitation Proper sanitation is required at all levels of handling, transport and storage. The use of disinfectants (chlorine materials, hydrogen peroxide) applied to storage containers and handling equipment must be consistent with the National List. Irrigation and Wash Water Ground and surface waters are a potential source for a wide range of contaminants. Verify your certifier’s recommendations for water testing of irrigation and wash water. Water used in direct post-harvest crop or food contact is permitted to contain chlorine materials at levels approved by the Food and Drug Administration or the Environmental Protection Agency for such purpose. However, rinsing with potable water that does not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit for the chlorine material under the Safe Drinking Water Act (4ppm) must immediately follow this permitted use. Certified operators should monitor the chlorine level of the final rinse water, the point at which the water last contacts the organic product. The level of chlorine in the final rinse water must meet limits as set forth by the Safe Drinking Water Act (4ppm). Commingling and contact with prohibited substances It is required that producers implement measures to prevent the commingling of organic and nonorganic products. It is also required that organic producers protect organic products from contact with prohibited substances. Split Operations Operations that choose to produce organic and non-organic livestock products or to hire services from custom operators that may service non-organic and organic clients, must implement measures necessary to prevent the commingling of organic and non-organic crop products. Accepted practices Mechanical or biological methods including but not limited to cooking, baking, heating, drying, preserving, dehydrating, freezing, and chilling crop products. Non-synthetic materials, such as rock powders, diatomaceous earth, and herbal preparations to repel storage pests, must be consistent with the National List of nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production. The use of synthetic materials, such as floating agents, must be consistent with the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production.
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What are ten strategies that are accepted for controlling disease in organic crops? quoted text: Crop pest, weed, and disease management practice (§205.206) Producers must implement management practices to prevent crop pests, weeds, and diseases that include but are not limited to the following: Accepted pest controls: Crop rotation and soil and crop nutrient management practices as outlined above. Sanitation measures to remove disease vectors, weeds seeds and pest organisms. Cultural practices to enhance crop health such as plant species and variety selection with regard to suitability for site-specific conditions and resistance to pests, weeds, and disease. Mechanical and physical methods for controlling pest problems, such as: o Biological controls (natural predators and parasites, habitat to promote biodiversity) o Nonsynthetic controls such as lures, traps, fencing and repellants Accepted weed controls: Mulching with fully biodegradable materials Mowing Livestock grazing Hand weeding or mechanical cultivation Flame, heat, or electrical means Plastic or synthetic mulches if removed from the field at the end of the growing/harvest season Accepted disease controls: Management practices which suppress the spread of disease organisms. Examples include plant spacing, choosing resistant varieties, and crop rotations. In greenhouses, this can also include the proper control of environmental factors such as ventilation, humidity and temperature. Application of nonsynthetic biological, botanical, or mineral inputs When the above pest, weed and disease preventative management practices are not sufficient, the following practices are accepted: Application of a biological or botanical substance Application of a substance included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production Prohibited controls: Synthetic mulches or remnants left to photo-degrade in the field Synthetic herbicides, pesticides or fungicides with the exception of those included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production Newspaper with color inks Biodegradable plastic mulch films not compliant with the NOP guidance Nonsynthetic substances included on the National List of nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production Post-Harvest Handling (§205.270 – 205.272) Sanitation Proper sanitation is required at all levels of handling, transport and storage. The use of disinfectants (chlorine materials, hydrogen peroxide) applied to storage containers and handling equipment must be consistent with the National List. Irrigation and Wash Water Ground and surface waters are a potential source for a wide range of contaminants. Verify your certifier’s recommendations for water testing of irrigation and wash water. Water used in direct post-harvest crop or food contact is permitted to contain chlorine materials at levels approved by the Food and Drug Administration or the Environmental Protection Agency for such purpose. However, rinsing with potable water that does not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit for the chlorine material under the Safe Drinking Water Act (4ppm) must immediately follow this permitted use. Certified operators should monitor the chlorine level of the final rinse water, the point at which the water last contacts the organic product. The level of chlorine in the final rinse water must meet limits as set forth by the Safe Drinking Water Act (4ppm). Commingling and contact with prohibited substances It is required that producers implement measures to prevent the commingling of organic and nonorganic products. It is also required that organic producers protect organic products from contact with prohibited substances. Split Operations Operations that choose to produce organic and non-organic livestock products or to hire services from custom operators that may service non-organic and organic clients, must implement measures necessary to prevent the commingling of organic and non-organic crop products. Accepted practices Mechanical or biological methods including but not limited to cooking, baking, heating, drying, preserving, dehydrating, freezing, and chilling crop products. Non-synthetic materials, such as rock powders, diatomaceous earth, and herbal preparations to repel storage pests, must be consistent with the National List of nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production. The use of synthetic materials, such as floating agents, must be consistent with the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production. system instruction: Respond using only the information found within the text provided in the prompt. Avoid any mention of the government, its agencies, or specific regulations. If there are multiple paragraphs, each paragraph should be no longer than four sentences and must contain a clear introductory statement in the first sentence. If appropriate, format the response as a bulleted list. If information found in the text seems likely related to any legal or regulatory compliance, please include a disclaimer at the end of the response, in italics and enclosed in brackets, that explains the response is based only on the information provided.
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Respond using only the information found within the text provided in the prompt. Avoid any mention of the government, its agencies, or specific regulations. If there are multiple paragraphs, each paragraph should be no longer than four sentences and must contain a clear introductory statement in the first sentence. If appropriate, format the response as a bulleted list. If information found in the text seems likely related to any legal or regulatory compliance, please include a disclaimer at the end of the response, in italics and enclosed in brackets, that explains the response is based only on the information provided.
EVIDENCE:
Crop pest, weed, and disease management practice (§205.206) Producers must implement management practices to prevent crop pests, weeds, and diseases that include but are not limited to the following: Accepted pest controls: Crop rotation and soil and crop nutrient management practices as outlined above. Sanitation measures to remove disease vectors, weeds seeds and pest organisms. Cultural practices to enhance crop health such as plant species and variety selection with regard to suitability for site-specific conditions and resistance to pests, weeds, and disease. Mechanical and physical methods for controlling pest problems, such as: o Biological controls (natural predators and parasites, habitat to promote biodiversity) o Nonsynthetic controls such as lures, traps, fencing and repellants Accepted weed controls: Mulching with fully biodegradable materials Mowing Livestock grazing Hand weeding or mechanical cultivation Flame, heat, or electrical means Plastic or synthetic mulches if removed from the field at the end of the growing/harvest season Accepted disease controls: Management practices which suppress the spread of disease organisms. Examples include plant spacing, choosing resistant varieties, and crop rotations. In greenhouses, this can also include the proper control of environmental factors such as ventilation, humidity and temperature. Application of nonsynthetic biological, botanical, or mineral inputs When the above pest, weed and disease preventative management practices are not sufficient, the following practices are accepted: Application of a biological or botanical substance Application of a substance included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production Prohibited controls: Synthetic mulches or remnants left to photo-degrade in the field Synthetic herbicides, pesticides or fungicides with the exception of those included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production Newspaper with color inks Biodegradable plastic mulch films not compliant with the NOP guidance Nonsynthetic substances included on the National List of nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production Post-Harvest Handling (§205.270 – 205.272) Sanitation Proper sanitation is required at all levels of handling, transport and storage. The use of disinfectants (chlorine materials, hydrogen peroxide) applied to storage containers and handling equipment must be consistent with the National List. Irrigation and Wash Water Ground and surface waters are a potential source for a wide range of contaminants. Verify your certifier’s recommendations for water testing of irrigation and wash water. Water used in direct post-harvest crop or food contact is permitted to contain chlorine materials at levels approved by the Food and Drug Administration or the Environmental Protection Agency for such purpose. However, rinsing with potable water that does not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit for the chlorine material under the Safe Drinking Water Act (4ppm) must immediately follow this permitted use. Certified operators should monitor the chlorine level of the final rinse water, the point at which the water last contacts the organic product. The level of chlorine in the final rinse water must meet limits as set forth by the Safe Drinking Water Act (4ppm). Commingling and contact with prohibited substances It is required that producers implement measures to prevent the commingling of organic and nonorganic products. It is also required that organic producers protect organic products from contact with prohibited substances. Split Operations Operations that choose to produce organic and non-organic livestock products or to hire services from custom operators that may service non-organic and organic clients, must implement measures necessary to prevent the commingling of organic and non-organic crop products. Accepted practices Mechanical or biological methods including but not limited to cooking, baking, heating, drying, preserving, dehydrating, freezing, and chilling crop products. Non-synthetic materials, such as rock powders, diatomaceous earth, and herbal preparations to repel storage pests, must be consistent with the National List of nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production. The use of synthetic materials, such as floating agents, must be consistent with the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production.
USER:
What are ten strategies that are accepted for controlling disease in organic crops?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 100 | 13 | 667 | null | 183 |
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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My aunt was just diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. I want to know more about the disease. Using this article as a reference, please explain the symptom and treatments for SCA.
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How common is sickle cell anemia Prevalence Risk factors Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Summary Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a disorder that affects a person’s blood. Some research indicates that hundreds of thousands of people around the world experience this condition. SCA is a genetic blood disorder that affects red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. In people with SCA, these red blood cells change shape from round to crescent, or sickle shaped, due to problems with the hemoglobin in the cells. This can block blood flow to a person’s smaller blood vessels, causing pain and organ damage. SCA is one of a group of inherited red blood cell conditions that doctors refer to as sickle cell disease (SCD). SCA is usually the most severe form of SCD. SCD and SCA affect significant numbers of people globally. This article discusses SCA prevalence, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Sickle cell anemia prevalence yacobchuk/Getty Images According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, SCD affects millions of people throughout the world. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states that SCD affects more than 20 millionTrusted Source individuals worldwide. However, the CDC also states the exact number of people in the United States with SCD is unknown. They estimate that: SCD affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States. around 1 out of every 365 Black or African American babies have SCD around 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic American babies have SCD There is a lack of current scientific data about how many people have SCA, which is a severe formTrusted Source of SCD. A 2022 review of research stated that more than 312,000Trusted Source children are born with SCA annually. However, the review used older data from 2011 to 2013 to provide this statistic. Sickle cell anemia risk factors SCA is a genetic condition that a person has from birthTrusted Source, so people cannot develop it any other way. People refer to the atypical genes that characterize the condition and cause SCA as sickle cell genes. If a person has one sickle cell gene, they have sickle cell trait (SCT). People with SCT typically do not have health problems as a result of the gene. However, they can still pass the sickle cell gene on if they have children. If someone inherits two sickle cell genes, they will have a form of SCD that may include SCA. They inherit one gene from each biological parent. If they have SCA, both their parents must have had SCD, SCT, or SCA. SCD is more common in some ethnic groups, such as: people of African descent Hispanic Americans from Central and South America people with Middle Eastern heritage individuals of Asian descent people with Indian heritage individuals of Mediterranean descent According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 13Trusted Source Black or African American babies have SCT. Learn more about SCA in African Americans. Symptoms to look out for People with SCA may have symptoms that appear at ages 5–6 months, including: painful swelling in hands and feet tiredness fussiness jaundice, which describes yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes SCA symptoms can vary between people. Individuals with SCA may also developTrusted Source severe complications, such as: acute chest syndrome frequent serious infections severe anemia, which may cause shortness of breath and tiredness, among other symptoms sickle cell pain crises delayed growth lung problems strokes Sickle cell anemia diagnosis Healthcare professionals typically diagnoseTrusted Source SCA blood tests. They usually do so during pregnancy or soon after birth as part of routine screening. Healthcare professionals now test all newborns in the United States for SCA. People can have testing at any age to determine if they have SCA. They can also have blood or genetic testing to find out if they are at risk of having a child with the condition. They may carry the genes necessary for their children to have SCA, even if they do not have it themselves. Sickle cell anemia treatment People with SCA need lifelong treatment, which may include: preventing or managing painful episodes with self-care methods, such as staying hydrated and warm regular blood transfusions for a person’s symptoms or damage due to SCA emergency blood transfusions if a person develops severe anemia medication to reduce symptoms, such as hydroxyurea pain relief medications daily antibiotics for children under 5 yearsTrusted Source and regular vaccinations to reduce their risk of infection The only approved therapies that may be able to cure SCD are bone marrow or stem cell transplants. However, both these treatments carry significant risks — they may have serious side effects or be fatal. Summary Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an inherited condition that affects a person’s red blood cells. It is a severe form of sickle cell disease (CSD). Some estimates suggest SCA affects hundreds of thousandsTrusted Source of people worldwide, while other health experts believe SCD affects millionsTrusted Source. People with forms of SCD have symptoms that can vary in severity, and some complications of SCD can be potentially fatal. However, there are a range of treatments to help manage the symptoms of SCD.
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= How common is sickle cell anemia Prevalence Risk factors Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Summary Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a disorder that affects a person’s blood. Some research indicates that hundreds of thousands of people around the world experience this condition. SCA is a genetic blood disorder that affects red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. In people with SCA, these red blood cells change shape from round to crescent, or sickle shaped, due to problems with the hemoglobin in the cells. This can block blood flow to a person’s smaller blood vessels, causing pain and organ damage. SCA is one of a group of inherited red blood cell conditions that doctors refer to as sickle cell disease (SCD). SCA is usually the most severe form of SCD. SCD and SCA affect significant numbers of people globally. This article discusses SCA prevalence, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Sickle cell anemia prevalence yacobchuk/Getty Images According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, SCD affects millions of people throughout the world. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states that SCD affects more than 20 millionTrusted Source individuals worldwide. However, the CDC also states the exact number of people in the United States with SCD is unknown. They estimate that: SCD affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States. around 1 out of every 365 Black or African American babies have SCD around 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic American babies have SCD There is a lack of current scientific data about how many people have SCA, which is a severe formTrusted Source of SCD. A 2022 review of research stated that more than 312,000Trusted Source children are born with SCA annually. However, the review used older data from 2011 to 2013 to provide this statistic. Sickle cell anemia risk factors SCA is a genetic condition that a person has from birthTrusted Source, so people cannot develop it any other way. People refer to the atypical genes that characterize the condition and cause SCA as sickle cell genes. If a person has one sickle cell gene, they have sickle cell trait (SCT). People with SCT typically do not have health problems as a result of the gene. However, they can still pass the sickle cell gene on if they have children. If someone inherits two sickle cell genes, they will have a form of SCD that may include SCA. They inherit one gene from each biological parent. If they have SCA, both their parents must have had SCD, SCT, or SCA. SCD is more common in some ethnic groups, such as: people of African descent Hispanic Americans from Central and South America people with Middle Eastern heritage individuals of Asian descent people with Indian heritage individuals of Mediterranean descent According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 13Trusted Source Black or African American babies have SCT. Learn more about SCA in African Americans. Symptoms to look out for People with SCA may have symptoms that appear at ages 5–6 months, including: painful swelling in hands and feet tiredness fussiness jaundice, which describes yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes SCA symptoms can vary between people. Individuals with SCA may also developTrusted Source severe complications, such as: acute chest syndrome frequent serious infections severe anemia, which may cause shortness of breath and tiredness, among other symptoms sickle cell pain crises delayed growth lung problems strokes Sickle cell anemia diagnosis Healthcare professionals typically diagnoseTrusted Source SCA blood tests. They usually do so during pregnancy or soon after birth as part of routine screening. Healthcare professionals now test all newborns in the United States for SCA. People can have testing at any age to determine if they have SCA. They can also have blood or genetic testing to find out if they are at risk of having a child with the condition. They may carry the genes necessary for their children to have SCA, even if they do not have it themselves. Sickle cell anemia treatment People with SCA need lifelong treatment, which may include: preventing or managing painful episodes with self-care methods, such as staying hydrated and warm regular blood transfusions for a person’s symptoms or damage due to SCA emergency blood transfusions if a person develops severe anemia medication to reduce symptoms, such as hydroxyurea pain relief medications daily antibiotics for children under 5 yearsTrusted Source and regular vaccinations to reduce their risk of infection The only approved therapies that may be able to cure SCD are bone marrow or stem cell transplants. However, both these treatments carry significant risks — they may have serious side effects or be fatal. Summary Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an inherited condition that affects a person’s red blood cells. It is a severe form of sickle cell disease (CSD). Some estimates suggest SCA affects hundreds of thousandsTrusted Source of people worldwide, while other health experts believe SCD affects millionsTrusted Source. People with forms of SCD have symptoms that can vary in severity, and some complications of SCD can be potentially fatal. However, there are a range of treatments to help manage the symptoms of SCD. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-common-is-sickle-cell-anemia#summary ================ <QUESTION> ======= My aunt was just diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. I want to know more about the disease. Using this article as a reference, please explain the symptom and treatments for SCA. ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
EVIDENCE:
How common is sickle cell anemia Prevalence Risk factors Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Summary Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a disorder that affects a person’s blood. Some research indicates that hundreds of thousands of people around the world experience this condition. SCA is a genetic blood disorder that affects red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. In people with SCA, these red blood cells change shape from round to crescent, or sickle shaped, due to problems with the hemoglobin in the cells. This can block blood flow to a person’s smaller blood vessels, causing pain and organ damage. SCA is one of a group of inherited red blood cell conditions that doctors refer to as sickle cell disease (SCD). SCA is usually the most severe form of SCD. SCD and SCA affect significant numbers of people globally. This article discusses SCA prevalence, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Sickle cell anemia prevalence yacobchuk/Getty Images According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, SCD affects millions of people throughout the world. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states that SCD affects more than 20 millionTrusted Source individuals worldwide. However, the CDC also states the exact number of people in the United States with SCD is unknown. They estimate that: SCD affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States. around 1 out of every 365 Black or African American babies have SCD around 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic American babies have SCD There is a lack of current scientific data about how many people have SCA, which is a severe formTrusted Source of SCD. A 2022 review of research stated that more than 312,000Trusted Source children are born with SCA annually. However, the review used older data from 2011 to 2013 to provide this statistic. Sickle cell anemia risk factors SCA is a genetic condition that a person has from birthTrusted Source, so people cannot develop it any other way. People refer to the atypical genes that characterize the condition and cause SCA as sickle cell genes. If a person has one sickle cell gene, they have sickle cell trait (SCT). People with SCT typically do not have health problems as a result of the gene. However, they can still pass the sickle cell gene on if they have children. If someone inherits two sickle cell genes, they will have a form of SCD that may include SCA. They inherit one gene from each biological parent. If they have SCA, both their parents must have had SCD, SCT, or SCA. SCD is more common in some ethnic groups, such as: people of African descent Hispanic Americans from Central and South America people with Middle Eastern heritage individuals of Asian descent people with Indian heritage individuals of Mediterranean descent According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 13Trusted Source Black or African American babies have SCT. Learn more about SCA in African Americans. Symptoms to look out for People with SCA may have symptoms that appear at ages 5–6 months, including: painful swelling in hands and feet tiredness fussiness jaundice, which describes yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes SCA symptoms can vary between people. Individuals with SCA may also developTrusted Source severe complications, such as: acute chest syndrome frequent serious infections severe anemia, which may cause shortness of breath and tiredness, among other symptoms sickle cell pain crises delayed growth lung problems strokes Sickle cell anemia diagnosis Healthcare professionals typically diagnoseTrusted Source SCA blood tests. They usually do so during pregnancy or soon after birth as part of routine screening. Healthcare professionals now test all newborns in the United States for SCA. People can have testing at any age to determine if they have SCA. They can also have blood or genetic testing to find out if they are at risk of having a child with the condition. They may carry the genes necessary for their children to have SCA, even if they do not have it themselves. Sickle cell anemia treatment People with SCA need lifelong treatment, which may include: preventing or managing painful episodes with self-care methods, such as staying hydrated and warm regular blood transfusions for a person’s symptoms or damage due to SCA emergency blood transfusions if a person develops severe anemia medication to reduce symptoms, such as hydroxyurea pain relief medications daily antibiotics for children under 5 yearsTrusted Source and regular vaccinations to reduce their risk of infection The only approved therapies that may be able to cure SCD are bone marrow or stem cell transplants. However, both these treatments carry significant risks — they may have serious side effects or be fatal. Summary Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an inherited condition that affects a person’s red blood cells. It is a severe form of sickle cell disease (CSD). Some estimates suggest SCA affects hundreds of thousandsTrusted Source of people worldwide, while other health experts believe SCD affects millionsTrusted Source. People with forms of SCD have symptoms that can vary in severity, and some complications of SCD can be potentially fatal. However, there are a range of treatments to help manage the symptoms of SCD.
USER:
My aunt was just diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. I want to know more about the disease. Using this article as a reference, please explain the symptom and treatments for SCA.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 49 | 31 | 855 | null | 140 |
[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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As a software architect, I'm considering microservices for a large-scale system. Can you explain the differences between microservices and monolithic architectures in terms of scalability, deployment and fault isolation? Also, what challenges arise in microservices regarding data consistency and inter-service communication ? Please provide your response in less than 200 words.
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Microservices Architecture: A Paradigm Shift in Distributed Systems The evolution of software architecture has led to the emergence of microservices as a dominant paradigm in distributed systems design. This architectural style represents a significant departure from traditional monolithic structures, offering enhanced scalability, flexibility, and resilience. However, it also introduces new challenges that must be carefully considered during implementation. Microservices vs. Monolithic Architectures Scalability: Monolithic architectures, characterized by their single-tiered software application structure, often face scalability issues as the codebase grows. Scaling requires replication of the entire application, leading to inefficient resource utilization. In contrast, microservices allow for independent scaling of individual components. This granular scalability enables organizations to allocate resources more efficiently, scaling only the services that require additional capacity. Deployment: Deployment in monolithic systems typically involves updating the entire application, even for minor changes. This process can be time-consuming and risky, potentially affecting the entire system's stability. Microservices, however, facilitate continuous deployment and integration (CI/CD) practices. Each service can be deployed independently, reducing deployment complexity and allowing for more frequent updates with minimal system-wide impact. Fault Isolation: In monolithic architectures, a fault in any module can potentially bring down the entire system. Microservices architecture inherently provides better fault isolation. Since services are independent, a failure in one service does not necessarily affect the others, enhancing overall system resilience. Challenges in Adopting Microservices While microservices offer numerous advantages, their adoption is not without challenges: Data Consistency: Maintaining data consistency across distributed services is a significant challenge. The distributed nature of microservices often necessitates the implementation of eventual consistency models, which can complicate application logic and user experience. Techniques such as event sourcing and CQRS (Command Query Responsibility Segregation) are often employed to address these issues, but they introduce their own complexities. Inter-service Communication: As the number of services grows, the complexity of inter-service communication increases exponentially. This can lead to network latency issues and potential points of failure. Implementing robust service discovery mechanisms, efficient load balancing, and resilient communication patterns (e.g., circuit breakers, retries) becomes crucial. Distributed Transactions: Ensuring transactional integrity across multiple services is challenging. The lack of a centralized database often requires the implementation of complex distributed transaction patterns such as the Saga pattern or two-phase commit protocols. Operational Complexity: The distributed nature of microservices increases operational complexity. Monitoring, logging, and debugging become more challenging as the system is spread across multiple services. Implementing comprehensive observability solutions becomes essential for effective system management. Service Boundaries: Defining appropriate service boundaries is crucial for the success of a microservices architecture. Incorrectly defined boundaries can lead to tightly coupled services, negating many of the benefits of this architectural style. Implementation Considerations When implementing a microservices architecture, several key factors must be considered: API Gateway: An API gateway acts as a single entry point for all client requests, routing them to appropriate services. It can also handle cross-cutting concerns such as authentication, rate limiting, and request/response transformation. Service Discovery: Dynamic service discovery mechanisms are essential in microservices environments where service instances may come and go frequently. Tools like Consul or Eureka are often used for this purpose. Containerization and Orchestration: Container technologies like Docker, coupled with orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes, have become de facto standards in microservices deployments. They provide consistency across development and production environments and facilitate efficient resource utilization. Event-Driven Architecture: Adopting an event-driven approach can help decouple services and improve system responsiveness. Technologies like Apache Kafka or RabbitMQ are commonly used for implementing event-driven architectures in microservices. Polyglot Persistence: Microservices allow for the use of different data storage technologies for different services based on their specific requirements. This polyglot persistence approach can optimize data storage and retrieval for each service. Conclusion Microservices architecture offers significant advantages in terms of scalability, deployment flexibility, and fault isolation. However, it also introduces complexities in data consistency management, inter-service communication, and operational overhead. Successful implementation requires careful consideration of these challenges and the adoption of appropriate patterns and technologies to address them. As with any architectural decision, the choice to adopt microservices should be based on a thorough analysis of the specific requirements and constraints of the system being developed.
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[question] As a software architect, I'm considering microservices for a large-scale system. Can you explain the differences between microservices and monolithic architectures in terms of scalability, deployment and fault isolation? Also, what challenges arise in microservices regarding data consistency and inter-service communication ? Please provide your response in less than 200 words. ===================== [text] Microservices Architecture: A Paradigm Shift in Distributed Systems The evolution of software architecture has led to the emergence of microservices as a dominant paradigm in distributed systems design. This architectural style represents a significant departure from traditional monolithic structures, offering enhanced scalability, flexibility, and resilience. However, it also introduces new challenges that must be carefully considered during implementation. Microservices vs. Monolithic Architectures Scalability: Monolithic architectures, characterized by their single-tiered software application structure, often face scalability issues as the codebase grows. Scaling requires replication of the entire application, leading to inefficient resource utilization. In contrast, microservices allow for independent scaling of individual components. This granular scalability enables organizations to allocate resources more efficiently, scaling only the services that require additional capacity. Deployment: Deployment in monolithic systems typically involves updating the entire application, even for minor changes. This process can be time-consuming and risky, potentially affecting the entire system's stability. Microservices, however, facilitate continuous deployment and integration (CI/CD) practices. Each service can be deployed independently, reducing deployment complexity and allowing for more frequent updates with minimal system-wide impact. Fault Isolation: In monolithic architectures, a fault in any module can potentially bring down the entire system. Microservices architecture inherently provides better fault isolation. Since services are independent, a failure in one service does not necessarily affect the others, enhancing overall system resilience. Challenges in Adopting Microservices While microservices offer numerous advantages, their adoption is not without challenges: Data Consistency: Maintaining data consistency across distributed services is a significant challenge. The distributed nature of microservices often necessitates the implementation of eventual consistency models, which can complicate application logic and user experience. Techniques such as event sourcing and CQRS (Command Query Responsibility Segregation) are often employed to address these issues, but they introduce their own complexities. Inter-service Communication: As the number of services grows, the complexity of inter-service communication increases exponentially. This can lead to network latency issues and potential points of failure. Implementing robust service discovery mechanisms, efficient load balancing, and resilient communication patterns (e.g., circuit breakers, retries) becomes crucial. Distributed Transactions: Ensuring transactional integrity across multiple services is challenging. The lack of a centralized database often requires the implementation of complex distributed transaction patterns such as the Saga pattern or two-phase commit protocols. Operational Complexity: The distributed nature of microservices increases operational complexity. Monitoring, logging, and debugging become more challenging as the system is spread across multiple services. Implementing comprehensive observability solutions becomes essential for effective system management. Service Boundaries: Defining appropriate service boundaries is crucial for the success of a microservices architecture. Incorrectly defined boundaries can lead to tightly coupled services, negating many of the benefits of this architectural style. Implementation Considerations When implementing a microservices architecture, several key factors must be considered: API Gateway: An API gateway acts as a single entry point for all client requests, routing them to appropriate services. It can also handle cross-cutting concerns such as authentication, rate limiting, and request/response transformation. Service Discovery: Dynamic service discovery mechanisms are essential in microservices environments where service instances may come and go frequently. Tools like Consul or Eureka are often used for this purpose. Containerization and Orchestration: Container technologies like Docker, coupled with orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes, have become de facto standards in microservices deployments. They provide consistency across development and production environments and facilitate efficient resource utilization. Event-Driven Architecture: Adopting an event-driven approach can help decouple services and improve system responsiveness. Technologies like Apache Kafka or RabbitMQ are commonly used for implementing event-driven architectures in microservices. Polyglot Persistence: Microservices allow for the use of different data storage technologies for different services based on their specific requirements. This polyglot persistence approach can optimize data storage and retrieval for each service. Conclusion Microservices architecture offers significant advantages in terms of scalability, deployment flexibility, and fault isolation. However, it also introduces complexities in data consistency management, inter-service communication, and operational overhead. Successful implementation requires careful consideration of these challenges and the adoption of appropriate patterns and technologies to address them. As with any architectural decision, the choice to adopt microservices should be based on a thorough analysis of the specific requirements and constraints of the system being developed. https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/microservices-architecture-on-azure-kubernetes-service/ ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
EVIDENCE:
Microservices Architecture: A Paradigm Shift in Distributed Systems The evolution of software architecture has led to the emergence of microservices as a dominant paradigm in distributed systems design. This architectural style represents a significant departure from traditional monolithic structures, offering enhanced scalability, flexibility, and resilience. However, it also introduces new challenges that must be carefully considered during implementation. Microservices vs. Monolithic Architectures Scalability: Monolithic architectures, characterized by their single-tiered software application structure, often face scalability issues as the codebase grows. Scaling requires replication of the entire application, leading to inefficient resource utilization. In contrast, microservices allow for independent scaling of individual components. This granular scalability enables organizations to allocate resources more efficiently, scaling only the services that require additional capacity. Deployment: Deployment in monolithic systems typically involves updating the entire application, even for minor changes. This process can be time-consuming and risky, potentially affecting the entire system's stability. Microservices, however, facilitate continuous deployment and integration (CI/CD) practices. Each service can be deployed independently, reducing deployment complexity and allowing for more frequent updates with minimal system-wide impact. Fault Isolation: In monolithic architectures, a fault in any module can potentially bring down the entire system. Microservices architecture inherently provides better fault isolation. Since services are independent, a failure in one service does not necessarily affect the others, enhancing overall system resilience. Challenges in Adopting Microservices While microservices offer numerous advantages, their adoption is not without challenges: Data Consistency: Maintaining data consistency across distributed services is a significant challenge. The distributed nature of microservices often necessitates the implementation of eventual consistency models, which can complicate application logic and user experience. Techniques such as event sourcing and CQRS (Command Query Responsibility Segregation) are often employed to address these issues, but they introduce their own complexities. Inter-service Communication: As the number of services grows, the complexity of inter-service communication increases exponentially. This can lead to network latency issues and potential points of failure. Implementing robust service discovery mechanisms, efficient load balancing, and resilient communication patterns (e.g., circuit breakers, retries) becomes crucial. Distributed Transactions: Ensuring transactional integrity across multiple services is challenging. The lack of a centralized database often requires the implementation of complex distributed transaction patterns such as the Saga pattern or two-phase commit protocols. Operational Complexity: The distributed nature of microservices increases operational complexity. Monitoring, logging, and debugging become more challenging as the system is spread across multiple services. Implementing comprehensive observability solutions becomes essential for effective system management. Service Boundaries: Defining appropriate service boundaries is crucial for the success of a microservices architecture. Incorrectly defined boundaries can lead to tightly coupled services, negating many of the benefits of this architectural style. Implementation Considerations When implementing a microservices architecture, several key factors must be considered: API Gateway: An API gateway acts as a single entry point for all client requests, routing them to appropriate services. It can also handle cross-cutting concerns such as authentication, rate limiting, and request/response transformation. Service Discovery: Dynamic service discovery mechanisms are essential in microservices environments where service instances may come and go frequently. Tools like Consul or Eureka are often used for this purpose. Containerization and Orchestration: Container technologies like Docker, coupled with orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes, have become de facto standards in microservices deployments. They provide consistency across development and production environments and facilitate efficient resource utilization. Event-Driven Architecture: Adopting an event-driven approach can help decouple services and improve system responsiveness. Technologies like Apache Kafka or RabbitMQ are commonly used for implementing event-driven architectures in microservices. Polyglot Persistence: Microservices allow for the use of different data storage technologies for different services based on their specific requirements. This polyglot persistence approach can optimize data storage and retrieval for each service. Conclusion Microservices architecture offers significant advantages in terms of scalability, deployment flexibility, and fault isolation. However, it also introduces complexities in data consistency management, inter-service communication, and operational overhead. Successful implementation requires careful consideration of these challenges and the adoption of appropriate patterns and technologies to address them. As with any architectural decision, the choice to adopt microservices should be based on a thorough analysis of the specific requirements and constraints of the system being developed.
USER:
As a software architect, I'm considering microservices for a large-scale system. Can you explain the differences between microservices and monolithic architectures in terms of scalability, deployment and fault isolation? Also, what challenges arise in microservices regarding data consistency and inter-service communication ? Please provide your response in less than 200 words.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 28 | 51 | 688 | null | 202 |
Solely utilize information found in the text within the prompt to answer, do not rely on any other information when drawing conclusions. Try to avoid using complex legal terms, simplify for easier reading where possible.
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Give the names of all of the courts in which Smith's case has been considered according to the context document.
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Before trial, Smith moved to dismiss the indictment for lack of venue, citing the Constitution’s Venue Clause, Art. III, §2, cl. 3, and its Vicinage Clause, Amdt. 6. Smith argued that trial in the Northern District of Florida was improper because he had accessed StrikeLines’ website from his home in Mobile (in the Southern District of Alabama) and the servers storing StrikeLines’ data were located in Orlando (in the Middle District of Florida). The District Court concluded that factual disputes related to venue should be resolved by the jury and denied Smith’s motion to dismiss without prejudice. The jury found Smith guilty, and Smith moved for a judgment of acquittal based on improper venue. See Fed. Rule Crim. Proc. 29. The District Court denied the motion, reasoning that the effects of Smith’s crime were felt at StrikeLines’ headquarters, located in the Northern District of Florida. On appeal, the Eleventh Circuit determined that venue was improper, but disagreed with Smith that a trial in an improper venue barred reprosecution. The Eleventh Circuit therefore vacated Smith’s conviction for theft of trade secrets. Held: The Constitution permits the retrial of a defendant following a trial in an improper venue conducted before a jury drawn from the wrong district. Pp. 3–16. (a) Except as prohibited by the Double Jeopardy Clause, it “has long been the rule that when a defendant obtains a reversal of a prior, unsatisfied conviction, he may be retried in the normal course of events.” United States v. Ewell, 383 U. S. 116, 121. In all circumstances outside of the Speedy Trial Clause, the strongest appropriate remedy for trial error is a new trial, not a judgment barring reprosecution. Pp. 3–4. 2 SMITH v. UNITED STATES Syllabus (1) Text and precedent provide no basis for concluding that violations of the Venue and Vicinage Clauses are exceptions to the retrial rule. The Venue Clause mandates that the “Trial of all Crimes . . . shall be held in the State where the . . . Crimes shall have been committed.” Art. III, §2, cl. 3. Nothing about this language suggests that a new trial in the proper venue is not an adequate remedy for its violation. Smith primarily argues that the Venue Clause aims to prevent the infliction of additional harm on a defendant who has already undergone the hardship of an initial trial in a distant and improper place. But the mere burden of a second trial has never justified an exemption from the retrial rule. See Ewell, 383 U. S., at 121. Indeed, while the most convenient trial venue for a defendant would presumably be where he lives, the Venue Clause is keyed to the location of the alleged crimes. The Clause does not allow “variation . . . for convenience of the . . . accused,” Johnston v. United States, 351 U. S. 215, 221, and this Court has repeatedly rejected objections based on the hardships created when a defendant is prosecuted far from home.
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Solely utilize information found in the text within the prompt to answer, do not rely on any other information when drawing conclusions. Try to avoid using complex legal terms, simplify for easier reading where possible. Before trial, Smith moved to dismiss the indictment for lack of venue, citing the Constitution’s Venue Clause, Art. III, §2, cl. 3, and its Vicinage Clause, Amdt. 6. Smith argued that trial in the Northern District of Florida was improper because he had accessed StrikeLines’ website from his home in Mobile (in the Southern District of Alabama) and the servers storing StrikeLines’ data were located in Orlando (in the Middle District of Florida). The District Court concluded that factual disputes related to venue should be resolved by the jury and denied Smith’s motion to dismiss without prejudice. The jury found Smith guilty, and Smith moved for a judgment of acquittal based on improper venue. See Fed. Rule Crim. Proc. 29. The District Court denied the motion, reasoning that the effects of Smith’s crime were felt at StrikeLines’ headquarters, located in the Northern District of Florida. On appeal, the Eleventh Circuit determined that venue was improper, but disagreed with Smith that a trial in an improper venue barred reprosecution. The Eleventh Circuit therefore vacated Smith’s conviction for theft of trade secrets. Held: The Constitution permits the retrial of a defendant following a trial in an improper venue conducted before a jury drawn from the wrong district. Pp. 3–16. (a) Except as prohibited by the Double Jeopardy Clause, it “has long been the rule that when a defendant obtains a reversal of a prior, unsatisfied conviction, he may be retried in the normal course of events.” United States v. Ewell, 383 U. S. 116, 121. In all circumstances outside of the Speedy Trial Clause, the strongest appropriate remedy for trial error is a new trial, not a judgment barring reprosecution. Pp. 3–4. 2 SMITH v. UNITED STATES Syllabus (1) Text and precedent provide no basis for concluding that violations of the Venue and Vicinage Clauses are exceptions to the retrial rule. The Venue Clause mandates that the “Trial of all Crimes . . . shall be held in the State where the . . . Crimes shall have been committed.” Art. III, §2, cl. 3. Nothing about this language suggests that a new trial in the proper venue is not an adequate remedy for its violation. Smith primarily argues that the Venue Clause aims to prevent the infliction of additional harm on a defendant who has already undergone the hardship of an initial trial in a distant and improper place. But the mere burden of a second trial has never justified an exemption from the retrial rule. See Ewell, 383 U. S., at 121. Indeed, while the most convenient trial venue for a defendant would presumably be where he lives, the Venue Clause is keyed to the location of the alleged crimes. The Clause does not allow “variation . . . for convenience of the . . . accused,” Johnston v. United States, 351 U. S. 215, 221, and this Court has repeatedly rejected objections based on the hardships created when a defendant is prosecuted far from home. Give the names of all of the courts in which Smith's case has been considered according to the context document.
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Solely utilize information found in the text within the prompt to answer, do not rely on any other information when drawing conclusions. Try to avoid using complex legal terms, simplify for easier reading where possible.
EVIDENCE:
Before trial, Smith moved to dismiss the indictment for lack of venue, citing the Constitution’s Venue Clause, Art. III, §2, cl. 3, and its Vicinage Clause, Amdt. 6. Smith argued that trial in the Northern District of Florida was improper because he had accessed StrikeLines’ website from his home in Mobile (in the Southern District of Alabama) and the servers storing StrikeLines’ data were located in Orlando (in the Middle District of Florida). The District Court concluded that factual disputes related to venue should be resolved by the jury and denied Smith’s motion to dismiss without prejudice. The jury found Smith guilty, and Smith moved for a judgment of acquittal based on improper venue. See Fed. Rule Crim. Proc. 29. The District Court denied the motion, reasoning that the effects of Smith’s crime were felt at StrikeLines’ headquarters, located in the Northern District of Florida. On appeal, the Eleventh Circuit determined that venue was improper, but disagreed with Smith that a trial in an improper venue barred reprosecution. The Eleventh Circuit therefore vacated Smith’s conviction for theft of trade secrets. Held: The Constitution permits the retrial of a defendant following a trial in an improper venue conducted before a jury drawn from the wrong district. Pp. 3–16. (a) Except as prohibited by the Double Jeopardy Clause, it “has long been the rule that when a defendant obtains a reversal of a prior, unsatisfied conviction, he may be retried in the normal course of events.” United States v. Ewell, 383 U. S. 116, 121. In all circumstances outside of the Speedy Trial Clause, the strongest appropriate remedy for trial error is a new trial, not a judgment barring reprosecution. Pp. 3–4. 2 SMITH v. UNITED STATES Syllabus (1) Text and precedent provide no basis for concluding that violations of the Venue and Vicinage Clauses are exceptions to the retrial rule. The Venue Clause mandates that the “Trial of all Crimes . . . shall be held in the State where the . . . Crimes shall have been committed.” Art. III, §2, cl. 3. Nothing about this language suggests that a new trial in the proper venue is not an adequate remedy for its violation. Smith primarily argues that the Venue Clause aims to prevent the infliction of additional harm on a defendant who has already undergone the hardship of an initial trial in a distant and improper place. But the mere burden of a second trial has never justified an exemption from the retrial rule. See Ewell, 383 U. S., at 121. Indeed, while the most convenient trial venue for a defendant would presumably be where he lives, the Venue Clause is keyed to the location of the alleged crimes. The Clause does not allow “variation . . . for convenience of the . . . accused,” Johnston v. United States, 351 U. S. 215, 221, and this Court has repeatedly rejected objections based on the hardships created when a defendant is prosecuted far from home.
USER:
Give the names of all of the courts in which Smith's case has been considered according to the context document.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 35 | 20 | 496 | null | 843 |
You must generate a response using only this provided document. Do not use any other outside source to support your claims. If you are unable to answer the request using the supporting document only, then you must respond with "please support more relevant documents so that I may answer your request accurately".
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What do the ratings say that are 2 stars and below?
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Top positive review Positive reviews› Jodi P 5.0 out of 5 stars Is as described Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023 Like the balls, good for exercising fingers. A bit small for full hand workout 3 people found this helpful Top critical review Critical reviews› Bonnie Rosenstock 3.0 out of 5 stars Not very substantial Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2023 Too small. So not very good workout. 2 people found this helpful Search SORT BY Top reviewsMost recent Top reviews FILTER BY All reviewersVerified purchase only All reviewers All stars5 star only4 star only3 star only2 star only1 star onlyPositive reviewsCritical reviews All stars Text, image, videoImage and video reviews only Text, image, video 3,286 total ratings, 194 with reviews From the United States Jodi P 5.0 out of 5 stars Is as described Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023 Verified Purchase Like the balls, good for exercising fingers. A bit small for full hand workout 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report Jesse B 5.0 out of 5 stars Great exercise for your hands Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2024 Verified Purchase Have a little arthritis in both hands, and I use the balls to exercise my grip. Works great. Helpful Report Ronda Sasser 4.0 out of 5 stars Good for PT Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2023 Verified Purchase Good for strength training your hands after shoulder surgery. Helpful Report Marie Skinner 5.0 out of 5 stars Just what i was looking for. Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024 Verified Purchase As a massage therapist, i use my hands a lot. I got these balls to strengthen them. The balls are easy to use. Helpful Report Bonnie Rosenstock 3.0 out of 5 stars Not very substantial Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2023 Verified Purchase Too small. So not very good workout. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Paul Gabriel Wiener 5.0 out of 5 stars They do what they're supposed to do Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2022 Verified Purchase Set of 3 squeeze balls. Yellow is pretty soft, orange is moderately firm, and blue is kind of tough. They've got a good texture. Just rough enough to have some grip without being irritating to hold. They helped strengthen my arms in preparation for some IV treatment, and they're also just fun to squeeze. They'd make good juggling practice balls, too, if you're into that. 7 people found this helpful Helpful Report E. Nawrocki 5.0 out of 5 stars A little sticky at first Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2023 Verified Purchase These were a little sticky at first but got better during use. Helped with my hands that had some ligament damage. One person found this helpful Helpful Report DianaQ 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Squishy Balls Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2022 Verified Purchase Broke my arm in three places and wound up with a big, purple, swollen hand. Surgeon suggested this type of hand exercise to get my hand back to normal. I have poor circulation in the other hand (goes to sleep easily) so now I do two-handed squishy ball squeezes as I watch TV in the evening. It’s clearly benefiting both hands! Good value for the money spent. Zippered case keeps them clean. Don’t know why anyone would need to spend more on exercise balls like these. 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report Richard Lyda 4.0 out of 5 stars Squeeze balls Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2023 Verified Purchase They are squeeze balls for medical purposes They squeeze what can I say Helpful Report Prairie Gal 3.0 out of 5 stars Just ok Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023 Verified Purchase There was no indication of the colors and resistance levels and it is very hard to feel the difference! Ok for the money paid! One person found this helpful From the United States Wesismore 2.0 out of 5 stars Not what I wanted Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2024 Verified Purchase These feel cheap. They say that there are 3 levels of resistence which is nonsense. Both I and my mother who I bought these for, couldn't tell/feel the differences among them. Also, they say they are 2 inches across, they are not. They measure smaller and feel as such in ones hand. I am returning for a refund. Helpful Report Norine McDonald Tepas 4.0 out of 5 stars PT Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2023 Verified Purchase Suggested by my Doctor and PT Helpful Report J. Smith 4.0 out of 5 stars Different strengths are great Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2023 Verified Purchase I like the idea I can have the option of the different strengths. I wish they were a little bit bigger. I have osteoarthritis in my fingers and the stress balls really help. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Marie 4.0 out of 5 stars Stress Balls Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2023 Verified Purchase They are Ok Helpful Report Francisco 4.0 out of 5 stars Quite good Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2023 Verified Purchase Pretty happy with them. Wish they were bigger, but otherwise got what I wanted 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Angela C. Adams 5.0 out of 5 stars soft Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2023 Verified Purchase easy to use One person found this helpful Helpful Report Angela K. 4.0 out of 5 stars Smaller than expected Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2023 Verified Purchase Like the material. It’s easy to grip and not slippery. Many options for hand and finger strengthening 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Charles L. 4.0 out of 5 stars A bit small for a woman's hand Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2023 Verified Purchase A bit small to do physical therapy for an average woman's hand, but otherwise very good. 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report Debora Vardeman 5.0 out of 5 stars Our Grand dogs love them Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2023 Verified Purchase We buy these for our grand dogs as they are small enough for them to grab by the mouth and bring back to us. Due to what they are made of, the dogs can not tear them apart. We also have a niece dog that visits and she goes nuts over them. Very well made. Helpful Report Maureen 5.0 out of 5 stars 3 firmness levels…works great! Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2023 Verified Purchase I used this for exercising my hand. Loved that the colors correspond to the firmness levels. 3 people found this helpful From the United States Sharon DeLorenzo 3.0 out of 5 stars Very small Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2023 Verified Purchase Purchase this as part of OT after shoulder replacement to strengthen my hand grip. I am the petite woman and these are very small did not like at all. Returned 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report dale decarlo 2.0 out of 5 stars Too small Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2024 Verified Purchase The person in the picture must have tiny little hands. These were very small. Helpful Report Robert 3.0 out of 5 stars excersise ball Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2023 Verified Purchase Image is mis leading. To small. Dont reccomend to buy. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Debby 4.0 out of 5 stars I bought it for me Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2022 Verified Purchase Broke my wrist and need them for therapy 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Christy 5.0 out of 5 stars 100% helpful Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2023 Verified Purchase Love these. I'm trying to build up wrist/finger strength and these are great way to start. I can use at desk during work. One person found this helpful Helpful Report David C. Fischer 2.0 out of 5 stars Too small Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2023 Verified Purchase Too small to be of much use Helpful Report Kathleen S. Jablonski 4.0 out of 5 stars Smaller than expected, but a good feel in my hand. Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2022 Verified Purchase Smaller than expected, but a good feel in my hand. I’m not sure I like the sort of sticky feeling to the gel, but on the overall, I think it’s a great value. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Brittany Chavarria 5.0 out of 5 stars Lo recomiendo Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2023 Verified Purchase Las pelotas son de un buen tamaño, tienen diferentes intensidades y es de muy buen material One person found this helpful Helpful Report Translate review to English Emily 5.0 out of 5 stars Makes hands feel better. Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2023 Verified Purchase Using them seems to help my arthritis Helpful Report Sara Martin 5.0 out of 5 stars Good Product Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2023 Verified Purchase Will use this product in physical therapy From the United States Beth 5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2023 Verified Purchase Has improved grip and strength Helpful Report Lee W. 4.0 out of 5 stars For my RA and carpal tunnel hand exercises Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2020 Verified Purchase What I like: The size is just right for the average women's hands and it has three levels of resistance-yellow/softer resistance, orange/medium resistance, blue/ harder resistance. Just enough resistance so that you can press them but not collapse them. Each came in its own little zip lock bag. What I kinda don't like: Feel weird...They are sticky like those toys my kids use to play with that you throw at the wall and it sticks, then it slowly 'crawls' back down. So I use it inside of its plastic bag. Crinkly but works. 22 people found this helpful Helpful Report D. Lefever 5.0 out of 5 stars Great for weak, elderly hands Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2023 Verified Purchase My doctor said to buy these, and I use occasionally every night while watching TV. Fingers are stronger and I'm dropping a lot less. Keep away from dogs. 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report Nancy Alameda 5.0 out of 5 stars Too small Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2021 Verified Purchase I just really like them. I think they’ll be very helpful for my old painful hands. After having used them for several days I’ve come to the conclusion that they are too small. I’m only able to squeeze with my first three fingers. My thumb and pinky finger are uninvolved. I will send them back and have already ordered a different set. I think these would be great for kids, but I don’t know why kids would need them, unless for an injury. 6 people found this helpful Helpful Report Thuong Le 4.0 out of 5 stars Good Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2022 Verified Purchase I practiced it every night and it worked. My hand feel better and wasn’t numb when I woke up. Helpful Report JONATHAN V. 5.0 out of 5 stars Good to have Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2023 Verified Purchase Great to have One person found this helpful Helpful Report Samuel Moore II 4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2022 Verified Purchase My father had a stroke in Dec 2021 He lost a little strength in his left hand, these were perfect for him. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Tikiroom2435 3.0 out of 5 stars No chart or label with firmness of each ball. Sticky to the touch. Okay for the price. Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2020 Verified Purchase Ordered these balls for therapy after thumb ligament joint reconstruction surgery for osteoarthritis. Great price but you get what you pay for. The balls are good size for my small hands but they are sticky to the touch. The balls have imperfections which i can feel on my skin...weird. Was very disappointed the balls arrived with no chart or instructions stating the firmness of each color. The orange and yellow were so similar in firmness, I couldn’t tell which was which. My memory is not the best but hate I have to keep looking up the chart photo on the Amazon listing to see which is which. For the price, these are ok for me to start with but I think a cloth covered stress ball work better in my situation. 8 people found this helpful Helpful Report Litigator Rater 2.0 out of 5 stars No instructions for use of the product Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2023 Verified Purchase I received three spheres of varying color and density, in a clear cellophane envelope. There were no instructions for use or maintenance. Inasmuch as these are advertised for exercise, it is unfair that the promotional instructions are not provided to the buyers of the product. I suppose the only way to see the ads on Amazon is through screen captures. Helpful Report Isbel feliz 5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2023 Verified Purchase Que llegaron intactas From the United States Robert F Anderson 1.0 out of 5 stars sticky lint traps that I dont even want to touch!!! Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2024 Verified Purchase sticky lint traps that I dont even want to touch let alone exercise!!! Total waste of money. Helpful Report BILL SKEBECK 5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice product! Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2022 Verified Purchase Satisfied with product. First package came empty but Amazon customer service immediately corrected this and sent the order very quickly and got the right package quickly....all good! One person found this helpful Helpful Report darknology 3.0 out of 5 stars Gummy Balls Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2022 Verified Purchase They have a gummy/sticky feel, which I find unpleasant. They each have a different consistency - as advertised. I prefer the 2.5-inch ball that I have. Impressive colors, though. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report G. Boehm 5.0 out of 5 stars Received my order a few days ago Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2023 Verified Purchase It was what I wanted Helpful Report all way seen 5.0 out of 5 stars 3 different level of softness. perfect for elders Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2023 Verified Purchase my mother likes these smaller size relief balls. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Sharon 3.0 out of 5 stars VERY SMALL Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2021 Verified Purchase These balls are very small (even for a woman's hands) and they are sticky/slimy at first touch. After a bit of use (reluctantly) they do "dry up" somewhat. I needed to try them because I couldn't find "stress balls" anywhere locally and I need them for finger stiffness resulting from a broken wrist. I will likely return these when I find larger ones to buy from Amazon. Disappointed. 4 people found this helpful Helpful Report Richard B. 3.0 out of 5 stars Misleading Ad Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2022 Verified Purchase Misleading, certainly shows what looks like a carry bag in the ad, but you don't get one. But the pic of a carry bag (look alike) swayed the decision to buy it. Why show something that is not included, unless you wanted to sway a person's choice. One person found this helpful Helpful Report SFR 4.0 out of 5 stars Works best for small hands Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2021 Verified Purchase My hands are not small but the balls work okay. Helpful Report Karin M 4.0 out of 5 stars A decent option Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2021 Verified Purchase I'm not really able to tell a difference in the strength on these, and they are just a bit too small. Helpful Report Kindle Customer 4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the money Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2021 Verified Purchase These work well for what I needed them for help with my hands that have tendinitis From the United States Shmuelman 5.0 out of 5 stars I thought they would be too small... Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2022 Verified Purchase but when I started using them they are just right. Very comfortable and addictive to use. Helpful Report Grace Laine 4.0 out of 5 stars Addictive Therapy Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2020 Verified Purchase I need these for numbness in my hands and fingers and use them habitually, either squeezing them or rolling them in my palm for dexterity. There's a slight difference in thickness - mostly felt in the blue ball. They're addictive and helpful. One person found this helpful Helpful Report WildWest 5.0 out of 5 stars Do the job Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2021 Verified Purchase Price point was great; definitely very different firmness. I used these after a bicep tendon reattachment and had the three for only a bit more than the kids tennis ball my physical therapist recommended. Helpful Report ARMANDO BALTAZAR 4.0 out of 5 stars Too small for a mans hand Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2021 Verified Purchase The balls are too small for a mans hand Helpful Report mnt 5.0 out of 5 stars these are great Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2021 Verified Purchase Only drawback is they don't come with the instructions for different exercises. Balls are nicely made and a great substance. Just started with the yellow, which is lightest resistance but appreciate having the others to upgrade to appropriately. They feel good to the touch. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report SILKOAK 5.0 out of 5 stars good prodict Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2022 Verified Purchase I ordered the balls to exercise my arthritic fingers and i do this numerous times a day. It will take awhile but hope it helps. Helpful Report Rainey 5.0 out of 5 stars Hand therapeutic exercise balls Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2022 Verified Purchase These are just as good as the Gaiam products. One person found this helpful Helpful Report LZee 5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2022 Verified Purchase My Mom uses it for her arthritis. Her massage therapist had great comments about it. Mom is happy Helpful Report Vince D 5.0 out of 5 stars Does the job Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2021 Verified Purchase I see reviews stating that there’s not much of a difference in resistance between the three. There’s a significant difference to someone rehabbing a hand injury. Well worth trying for the price. Helpful Report Mileyka 5.0 out of 5 stars Muy prácticas Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2022 Verified Purchase Buena inversión porque no son muy grandes. Que se pueden llevar para cualquier lugar y así mantener ejercitadas las manos y dedos. From the United States Sue 4.0 out of 5 stars it works great for my needs Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2021 Verified Purchase I like that it fits in my hands perfectly. Just firm enough to work my hands. Helpful Report L. Key 5.0 out of 5 stars Exercise for broken wrist Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2021 Verified Purchase These are great to help a broken wrist heal! My wrist stopped hurting after I started using the ball! I highly recommend these to anyone who has broken their wrist!! Helpful Report Lorie 5.0 out of 5 stars These Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2021 Verified Purchase These balls are so good to use because I have rheumatoid arthritis and it helps my hands so much. I need to strengthen my hands and this has helped so much. Helpful Report Amazon Customer 5.0 out of 5 stars Love them! Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2020 Verified Purchase A teacher I work with had one and didn't know where to find it- I lucked up and these are exactly the same. I like this because it doesn't seem like you can break them, without actively using some sharp to do so. The middle schoolers I work with love using these! Helpful Report J G Stamps 5.0 out of 5 stars Great non slippery squeeze balls in bright colors Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2020 Verified Purchase Bought these for my elderly mom who had a stroke and wanted to re-teach her left hand to grip. These are perfect for her, not slippery, brightly colored, and progressive strengths. Anybody wanting to build up grip and forearms will enjoy. Also stress relieving in 2020. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Betty C. Shaheen 5.0 out of 5 stars Therapy for hand Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2022 Verified Purchase Good for therapy on hand.. Just right size for my hand. Helpful Report J. Hatch 3.0 out of 5 stars Too small Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2022 Verified Purchase The balls seem to be good quality but they should be bigger to engage all fingers and thumb Helpful Report Kimmy in MD 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Exercise Tool! Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2022 Verified Purchase Love these bands for working legs and glutes! Helpful Report May 5.0 out of 5 stars Good therapeutic item Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2021 Verified Purchase Perfect item for my own home PT therapy . If you have had a broken hand in past or now, get this item to help with the therapy healing process Helpful Report Denise 3.0 out of 5 stars All the same? Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2021 Verified Purchase Purchased these for a family member in rehab. I could not determine the different resistance levels they all felt the same. In the end he didn't use. Helpful Report From the United States Frank 4.0 out of 5 stars Good product Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2021 Verified Purchase Good product. Very useful. Helpful Report Alicia G 5.0 out of 5 stars Good Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2022 Verified Purchase Good exercise motivation Helpful Report DB 4.0 out of 5 stars good Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2021 Verified Purchase worked well Helpful Report NonnaVO 5.0 out of 5 stars Just what my husband was looking for Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2022 Verified Purchase Good value for the cost. Helpful with exercise of arthritic hands Helpful Report LW 3.0 out of 5 stars They work price is good. Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2021 Verified Purchase They aren't marked so you know which size is the easiest to the hardest. Which makes it hard to know if you are using the right one. Helpful Report Barabara Sagraves 5.0 out of 5 stars Great for hand exercise Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2021 Verified Purchase Husband has had shoulder surgery. These have kept his hand from swelling because he can’t move his shoulder or arm. Helpful Report Cindylou 3.0 out of 5 stars Okay Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2022 Verified Purchase I was looking for something softer Helpful Report Alan 5.0 out of 5 stars These are just what I was looking for. The size is just right and they are easy to use. Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2021 Verified Purchase These are just what I was looking for. The size is just right and they are easy to use. Helpful Report Fran 4.0 out of 5 stars Great hand massage Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2021 Verified Purchase Great for arthritic hands Helpful Report 2004done 2.0 out of 5 stars 3 of the same Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2021 Verified Purchase Not much difference in the three,, unless you don't like the color. Trying to rehab myself from a broken wrist, so practicing juggling is a fun part of it ( no, I can't juggle any longer, but couldn't before either as the saying goes). I AM able to deflect with fingertips' strength now, so it is working. I use a rolled up towel for flexing (which I thought these would work), but these are only for strength exercise. Can't really recommend them, other than for juggling (they're much better than using eggs). From the United States Karenv 5.0 out of 5 stars Great size and good resistance Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2020 Verified Purchase These stress balls are smaller than I expected but they are actually perfect for my hand. The increasingly hard resistance is just what I need to strengthen my hand after a fracture. Helpful Report Jose V. 4.0 out of 5 stars good quality product for this price Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2020 Verified Purchase Nice and easy to use. Good quality to this price Helpful Report Mark Ashworth 3.0 out of 5 stars Too small for my hands Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2021 Verified Purchase I like the variation in resistance but they are too small for my hands which are not very large. I have to use two balls at a time which is awkward. Helpful Report i m irene 5.0 out of 5 stars Good for rehab in broken arm Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2021 Verified Purchase Do not let animals get this. It is not a toy Helpful Report Nelson 5.0 out of 5 stars Strength ball Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2022 Verified Purchase Fix in my plan very easily Helpful Report dave ratalsky 5.0 out of 5 stars Good Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2021 Verified Purchase They’re round and squeezable. They do what they were made for. Enough said. Helpful Report rochelle conner 5.0 out of 5 stars good fit Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2022 Verified Purchase none Helpful Report Bob D Weakley 5.0 out of 5 stars They are just I was looking for and I expected Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2021 Verified Purchase I like the size of them and how easy to always have one on all the time. Helpful Report Drew 4.0 out of 5 stars Good Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2020 Verified Purchase They do the job Helpful Report GL 5.0 out of 5 stars They do make a difference Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2021 Verified Purchase When you do the exercises everyday there is a sizable difference. Also, just squeezing the ball is a good stress reliever From the United States Robert E Gauldin 5.0 out of 5 stars Great exercise balls. Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2020 Verified Purchase I find the useful for hand exercises. They do feel a bit sticky but don't seem to p pick up any dirt. I'm very pleased with them. Helpful Report DebbieA 5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect in every way , and great to get hands strengthened Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2019 Verified Purchase Perfect size, squeeze resistance, and can use for hours to help add dexterity to weakened hands! I would prefer that they all came in one zip top bag though, but overall these balls rock!! 8 people found this helpful Helpful Report Barbara 5.0 out of 5 stars very effective Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2021 Verified Purchase The balls are very helpful for an exercise for my arthritic and neuropathy hands. Helpful Report K. Johansen 2.0 out of 5 stars Not recommended Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2021 Verified Purchase Got these and was surprised at how small they are, so small that I doubt they would even be good for a kid. The difference in tension is also pretty bad, not much difference at all. Of course these are made in china. Will go back to the devices I was using, thought maybe these would be good, but I do not recommend them One person found this helpful Helpful Report James P. Bontrager 3.0 out of 5 stars Way to much wrapping! Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2021 Verified Purchase Average Helpful Report Anthony 5.0 out of 5 stars Great for rehabilitation of the hand. Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2020 Verified Purchase I bought these for my mother after she broke her wrist so she could rebuild strength in her hand and she loves them. Helpful Report Jesse 5.0 out of 5 stars Get them Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2021 Verified Purchase Just had carpal tunnel surgery and this is getting my hand back to strength fast. Helpful Report adonais d. 5.0 out of 5 stars Están muy colada lo recomiendo Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2021 Verified Purchase Me gusto muy suave para mis mano lo recomiendo Helpful Report Translate review to English stephanie D 5.0 out of 5 stars I haven’t used the balls very long, but they seem to help pain. Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2020 Verified Purchase I am using the exercise balls to relieve the arthritis in my hands. I have trigger fingers on both hands and the exercise seems to help. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Customer 777 2.0 out of 5 stars Easy to bite in half for child or dementia patient so be careful Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2022 Verified Purchase Easy to bite Chunks out be careful not for children or confused elderly
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You must generate a response using only this provided document. Do not use any other outside source to support your claims. If you are unable to answer the request using the supporting document only, then you must respond with "please support more relevant documents so that I may answer your request accurately". What do the ratings say that are 2 stars and below? Top positive review Positive reviews› Jodi P 5.0 out of 5 stars Is as described Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023 Like the balls, good for exercising fingers. A bit small for full hand workout 3 people found this helpful Top critical review Critical reviews› Bonnie Rosenstock 3.0 out of 5 stars Not very substantial Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2023 Too small. So not very good workout. 2 people found this helpful Search SORT BY Top reviewsMost recent Top reviews FILTER BY All reviewersVerified purchase only All reviewers All stars5 star only4 star only3 star only2 star only1 star onlyPositive reviewsCritical reviews All stars Text, image, videoImage and video reviews only Text, image, video 3,286 total ratings, 194 with reviews From the United States Jodi P 5.0 out of 5 stars Is as described Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023 Verified Purchase Like the balls, good for exercising fingers. A bit small for full hand workout 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report Jesse B 5.0 out of 5 stars Great exercise for your hands Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2024 Verified Purchase Have a little arthritis in both hands, and I use the balls to exercise my grip. Works great. Helpful Report Ronda Sasser 4.0 out of 5 stars Good for PT Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2023 Verified Purchase Good for strength training your hands after shoulder surgery. Helpful Report Marie Skinner 5.0 out of 5 stars Just what i was looking for. Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024 Verified Purchase As a massage therapist, i use my hands a lot. I got these balls to strengthen them. The balls are easy to use. Helpful Report Bonnie Rosenstock 3.0 out of 5 stars Not very substantial Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2023 Verified Purchase Too small. So not very good workout. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Paul Gabriel Wiener 5.0 out of 5 stars They do what they're supposed to do Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2022 Verified Purchase Set of 3 squeeze balls. Yellow is pretty soft, orange is moderately firm, and blue is kind of tough. They've got a good texture. Just rough enough to have some grip without being irritating to hold. They helped strengthen my arms in preparation for some IV treatment, and they're also just fun to squeeze. They'd make good juggling practice balls, too, if you're into that. 7 people found this helpful Helpful Report E. Nawrocki 5.0 out of 5 stars A little sticky at first Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2023 Verified Purchase These were a little sticky at first but got better during use. Helped with my hands that had some ligament damage. One person found this helpful Helpful Report DianaQ 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Squishy Balls Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2022 Verified Purchase Broke my arm in three places and wound up with a big, purple, swollen hand. Surgeon suggested this type of hand exercise to get my hand back to normal. I have poor circulation in the other hand (goes to sleep easily) so now I do two-handed squishy ball squeezes as I watch TV in the evening. It’s clearly benefiting both hands! Good value for the money spent. Zippered case keeps them clean. Don’t know why anyone would need to spend more on exercise balls like these. 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report Richard Lyda 4.0 out of 5 stars Squeeze balls Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2023 Verified Purchase They are squeeze balls for medical purposes They squeeze what can I say Helpful Report Prairie Gal 3.0 out of 5 stars Just ok Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023 Verified Purchase There was no indication of the colors and resistance levels and it is very hard to feel the difference! Ok for the money paid! One person found this helpful From the United States Wesismore 2.0 out of 5 stars Not what I wanted Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2024 Verified Purchase These feel cheap. They say that there are 3 levels of resistence which is nonsense. Both I and my mother who I bought these for, couldn't tell/feel the differences among them. Also, they say they are 2 inches across, they are not. They measure smaller and feel as such in ones hand. I am returning for a refund. Helpful Report Norine McDonald Tepas 4.0 out of 5 stars PT Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2023 Verified Purchase Suggested by my Doctor and PT Helpful Report J. Smith 4.0 out of 5 stars Different strengths are great Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2023 Verified Purchase I like the idea I can have the option of the different strengths. I wish they were a little bit bigger. I have osteoarthritis in my fingers and the stress balls really help. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Marie 4.0 out of 5 stars Stress Balls Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2023 Verified Purchase They are Ok Helpful Report Francisco 4.0 out of 5 stars Quite good Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2023 Verified Purchase Pretty happy with them. Wish they were bigger, but otherwise got what I wanted 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Angela C. Adams 5.0 out of 5 stars soft Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2023 Verified Purchase easy to use One person found this helpful Helpful Report Angela K. 4.0 out of 5 stars Smaller than expected Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2023 Verified Purchase Like the material. It’s easy to grip and not slippery. Many options for hand and finger strengthening 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Charles L. 4.0 out of 5 stars A bit small for a woman's hand Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2023 Verified Purchase A bit small to do physical therapy for an average woman's hand, but otherwise very good. 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report Debora Vardeman 5.0 out of 5 stars Our Grand dogs love them Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2023 Verified Purchase We buy these for our grand dogs as they are small enough for them to grab by the mouth and bring back to us. Due to what they are made of, the dogs can not tear them apart. We also have a niece dog that visits and she goes nuts over them. Very well made. Helpful Report Maureen 5.0 out of 5 stars 3 firmness levels…works great! Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2023 Verified Purchase I used this for exercising my hand. Loved that the colors correspond to the firmness levels. 3 people found this helpful From the United States Sharon DeLorenzo 3.0 out of 5 stars Very small Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2023 Verified Purchase Purchase this as part of OT after shoulder replacement to strengthen my hand grip. I am the petite woman and these are very small did not like at all. Returned 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report dale decarlo 2.0 out of 5 stars Too small Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2024 Verified Purchase The person in the picture must have tiny little hands. These were very small. Helpful Report Robert 3.0 out of 5 stars excersise ball Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2023 Verified Purchase Image is mis leading. To small. Dont reccomend to buy. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Debby 4.0 out of 5 stars I bought it for me Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2022 Verified Purchase Broke my wrist and need them for therapy 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Christy 5.0 out of 5 stars 100% helpful Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2023 Verified Purchase Love these. I'm trying to build up wrist/finger strength and these are great way to start. I can use at desk during work. One person found this helpful Helpful Report David C. Fischer 2.0 out of 5 stars Too small Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2023 Verified Purchase Too small to be of much use Helpful Report Kathleen S. Jablonski 4.0 out of 5 stars Smaller than expected, but a good feel in my hand. Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2022 Verified Purchase Smaller than expected, but a good feel in my hand. I’m not sure I like the sort of sticky feeling to the gel, but on the overall, I think it’s a great value. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Brittany Chavarria 5.0 out of 5 stars Lo recomiendo Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2023 Verified Purchase Las pelotas son de un buen tamaño, tienen diferentes intensidades y es de muy buen material One person found this helpful Helpful Report Translate review to English Emily 5.0 out of 5 stars Makes hands feel better. Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2023 Verified Purchase Using them seems to help my arthritis Helpful Report Sara Martin 5.0 out of 5 stars Good Product Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2023 Verified Purchase Will use this product in physical therapy From the United States Beth 5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2023 Verified Purchase Has improved grip and strength Helpful Report Lee W. 4.0 out of 5 stars For my RA and carpal tunnel hand exercises Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2020 Verified Purchase What I like: The size is just right for the average women's hands and it has three levels of resistance-yellow/softer resistance, orange/medium resistance, blue/ harder resistance. Just enough resistance so that you can press them but not collapse them. Each came in its own little zip lock bag. What I kinda don't like: Feel weird...They are sticky like those toys my kids use to play with that you throw at the wall and it sticks, then it slowly 'crawls' back down. So I use it inside of its plastic bag. Crinkly but works. 22 people found this helpful Helpful Report D. Lefever 5.0 out of 5 stars Great for weak, elderly hands Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2023 Verified Purchase My doctor said to buy these, and I use occasionally every night while watching TV. Fingers are stronger and I'm dropping a lot less. Keep away from dogs. 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report Nancy Alameda 5.0 out of 5 stars Too small Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2021 Verified Purchase I just really like them. I think they’ll be very helpful for my old painful hands. After having used them for several days I’ve come to the conclusion that they are too small. I’m only able to squeeze with my first three fingers. My thumb and pinky finger are uninvolved. I will send them back and have already ordered a different set. I think these would be great for kids, but I don’t know why kids would need them, unless for an injury. 6 people found this helpful Helpful Report Thuong Le 4.0 out of 5 stars Good Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2022 Verified Purchase I practiced it every night and it worked. My hand feel better and wasn’t numb when I woke up. Helpful Report JONATHAN V. 5.0 out of 5 stars Good to have Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2023 Verified Purchase Great to have One person found this helpful Helpful Report Samuel Moore II 4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2022 Verified Purchase My father had a stroke in Dec 2021 He lost a little strength in his left hand, these were perfect for him. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Tikiroom2435 3.0 out of 5 stars No chart or label with firmness of each ball. Sticky to the touch. Okay for the price. Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2020 Verified Purchase Ordered these balls for therapy after thumb ligament joint reconstruction surgery for osteoarthritis. Great price but you get what you pay for. The balls are good size for my small hands but they are sticky to the touch. The balls have imperfections which i can feel on my skin...weird. Was very disappointed the balls arrived with no chart or instructions stating the firmness of each color. The orange and yellow were so similar in firmness, I couldn’t tell which was which. My memory is not the best but hate I have to keep looking up the chart photo on the Amazon listing to see which is which. For the price, these are ok for me to start with but I think a cloth covered stress ball work better in my situation. 8 people found this helpful Helpful Report Litigator Rater 2.0 out of 5 stars No instructions for use of the product Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2023 Verified Purchase I received three spheres of varying color and density, in a clear cellophane envelope. There were no instructions for use or maintenance. Inasmuch as these are advertised for exercise, it is unfair that the promotional instructions are not provided to the buyers of the product. I suppose the only way to see the ads on Amazon is through screen captures. Helpful Report Isbel feliz 5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2023 Verified Purchase Que llegaron intactas From the United States Robert F Anderson 1.0 out of 5 stars sticky lint traps that I dont even want to touch!!! Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2024 Verified Purchase sticky lint traps that I dont even want to touch let alone exercise!!! Total waste of money. Helpful Report BILL SKEBECK 5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice product! Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2022 Verified Purchase Satisfied with product. First package came empty but Amazon customer service immediately corrected this and sent the order very quickly and got the right package quickly....all good! One person found this helpful Helpful Report darknology 3.0 out of 5 stars Gummy Balls Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2022 Verified Purchase They have a gummy/sticky feel, which I find unpleasant. They each have a different consistency - as advertised. I prefer the 2.5-inch ball that I have. Impressive colors, though. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report G. Boehm 5.0 out of 5 stars Received my order a few days ago Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2023 Verified Purchase It was what I wanted Helpful Report all way seen 5.0 out of 5 stars 3 different level of softness. perfect for elders Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2023 Verified Purchase my mother likes these smaller size relief balls. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Sharon 3.0 out of 5 stars VERY SMALL Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2021 Verified Purchase These balls are very small (even for a woman's hands) and they are sticky/slimy at first touch. After a bit of use (reluctantly) they do "dry up" somewhat. I needed to try them because I couldn't find "stress balls" anywhere locally and I need them for finger stiffness resulting from a broken wrist. I will likely return these when I find larger ones to buy from Amazon. Disappointed. 4 people found this helpful Helpful Report Richard B. 3.0 out of 5 stars Misleading Ad Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2022 Verified Purchase Misleading, certainly shows what looks like a carry bag in the ad, but you don't get one. But the pic of a carry bag (look alike) swayed the decision to buy it. Why show something that is not included, unless you wanted to sway a person's choice. One person found this helpful Helpful Report SFR 4.0 out of 5 stars Works best for small hands Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2021 Verified Purchase My hands are not small but the balls work okay. Helpful Report Karin M 4.0 out of 5 stars A decent option Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2021 Verified Purchase I'm not really able to tell a difference in the strength on these, and they are just a bit too small. Helpful Report Kindle Customer 4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the money Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2021 Verified Purchase These work well for what I needed them for help with my hands that have tendinitis From the United States Shmuelman 5.0 out of 5 stars I thought they would be too small... Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2022 Verified Purchase but when I started using them they are just right. Very comfortable and addictive to use. Helpful Report Grace Laine 4.0 out of 5 stars Addictive Therapy Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2020 Verified Purchase I need these for numbness in my hands and fingers and use them habitually, either squeezing them or rolling them in my palm for dexterity. There's a slight difference in thickness - mostly felt in the blue ball. They're addictive and helpful. One person found this helpful Helpful Report WildWest 5.0 out of 5 stars Do the job Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2021 Verified Purchase Price point was great; definitely very different firmness. I used these after a bicep tendon reattachment and had the three for only a bit more than the kids tennis ball my physical therapist recommended. Helpful Report ARMANDO BALTAZAR 4.0 out of 5 stars Too small for a mans hand Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2021 Verified Purchase The balls are too small for a mans hand Helpful Report mnt 5.0 out of 5 stars these are great Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2021 Verified Purchase Only drawback is they don't come with the instructions for different exercises. Balls are nicely made and a great substance. Just started with the yellow, which is lightest resistance but appreciate having the others to upgrade to appropriately. They feel good to the touch. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report SILKOAK 5.0 out of 5 stars good prodict Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2022 Verified Purchase I ordered the balls to exercise my arthritic fingers and i do this numerous times a day. It will take awhile but hope it helps. Helpful Report Rainey 5.0 out of 5 stars Hand therapeutic exercise balls Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2022 Verified Purchase These are just as good as the Gaiam products. One person found this helpful Helpful Report LZee 5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2022 Verified Purchase My Mom uses it for her arthritis. Her massage therapist had great comments about it. Mom is happy Helpful Report Vince D 5.0 out of 5 stars Does the job Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2021 Verified Purchase I see reviews stating that there’s not much of a difference in resistance between the three. There’s a significant difference to someone rehabbing a hand injury. Well worth trying for the price. Helpful Report Mileyka 5.0 out of 5 stars Muy prácticas Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2022 Verified Purchase Buena inversión porque no son muy grandes. Que se pueden llevar para cualquier lugar y así mantener ejercitadas las manos y dedos. From the United States Sue 4.0 out of 5 stars it works great for my needs Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2021 Verified Purchase I like that it fits in my hands perfectly. Just firm enough to work my hands. Helpful Report L. Key 5.0 out of 5 stars Exercise for broken wrist Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2021 Verified Purchase These are great to help a broken wrist heal! My wrist stopped hurting after I started using the ball! I highly recommend these to anyone who has broken their wrist!! Helpful Report Lorie 5.0 out of 5 stars These Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2021 Verified Purchase These balls are so good to use because I have rheumatoid arthritis and it helps my hands so much. I need to strengthen my hands and this has helped so much. Helpful Report Amazon Customer 5.0 out of 5 stars Love them! Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2020 Verified Purchase A teacher I work with had one and didn't know where to find it- I lucked up and these are exactly the same. I like this because it doesn't seem like you can break them, without actively using some sharp to do so. The middle schoolers I work with love using these! Helpful Report J G Stamps 5.0 out of 5 stars Great non slippery squeeze balls in bright colors Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2020 Verified Purchase Bought these for my elderly mom who had a stroke and wanted to re-teach her left hand to grip. These are perfect for her, not slippery, brightly colored, and progressive strengths. Anybody wanting to build up grip and forearms will enjoy. Also stress relieving in 2020. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Betty C. Shaheen 5.0 out of 5 stars Therapy for hand Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2022 Verified Purchase Good for therapy on hand.. Just right size for my hand. Helpful Report J. Hatch 3.0 out of 5 stars Too small Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2022 Verified Purchase The balls seem to be good quality but they should be bigger to engage all fingers and thumb Helpful Report Kimmy in MD 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Exercise Tool! Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2022 Verified Purchase Love these bands for working legs and glutes! Helpful Report May 5.0 out of 5 stars Good therapeutic item Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2021 Verified Purchase Perfect item for my own home PT therapy . If you have had a broken hand in past or now, get this item to help with the therapy healing process Helpful Report Denise 3.0 out of 5 stars All the same? Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2021 Verified Purchase Purchased these for a family member in rehab. I could not determine the different resistance levels they all felt the same. In the end he didn't use. Helpful Report From the United States Frank 4.0 out of 5 stars Good product Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2021 Verified Purchase Good product. Very useful. Helpful Report Alicia G 5.0 out of 5 stars Good Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2022 Verified Purchase Good exercise motivation Helpful Report DB 4.0 out of 5 stars good Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2021 Verified Purchase worked well Helpful Report NonnaVO 5.0 out of 5 stars Just what my husband was looking for Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2022 Verified Purchase Good value for the cost. Helpful with exercise of arthritic hands Helpful Report LW 3.0 out of 5 stars They work price is good. Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2021 Verified Purchase They aren't marked so you know which size is the easiest to the hardest. Which makes it hard to know if you are using the right one. Helpful Report Barabara Sagraves 5.0 out of 5 stars Great for hand exercise Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2021 Verified Purchase Husband has had shoulder surgery. These have kept his hand from swelling because he can’t move his shoulder or arm. Helpful Report Cindylou 3.0 out of 5 stars Okay Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2022 Verified Purchase I was looking for something softer Helpful Report Alan 5.0 out of 5 stars These are just what I was looking for. The size is just right and they are easy to use. Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2021 Verified Purchase These are just what I was looking for. The size is just right and they are easy to use. Helpful Report Fran 4.0 out of 5 stars Great hand massage Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2021 Verified Purchase Great for arthritic hands Helpful Report 2004done 2.0 out of 5 stars 3 of the same Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2021 Verified Purchase Not much difference in the three,, unless you don't like the color. Trying to rehab myself from a broken wrist, so practicing juggling is a fun part of it ( no, I can't juggle any longer, but couldn't before either as the saying goes). I AM able to deflect with fingertips' strength now, so it is working. I use a rolled up towel for flexing (which I thought these would work), but these are only for strength exercise. Can't really recommend them, other than for juggling (they're much better than using eggs). From the United States Karenv 5.0 out of 5 stars Great size and good resistance Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2020 Verified Purchase These stress balls are smaller than I expected but they are actually perfect for my hand. The increasingly hard resistance is just what I need to strengthen my hand after a fracture. Helpful Report Jose V. 4.0 out of 5 stars good quality product for this price Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2020 Verified Purchase Nice and easy to use. Good quality to this price Helpful Report Mark Ashworth 3.0 out of 5 stars Too small for my hands Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2021 Verified Purchase I like the variation in resistance but they are too small for my hands which are not very large. I have to use two balls at a time which is awkward. Helpful Report i m irene 5.0 out of 5 stars Good for rehab in broken arm Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2021 Verified Purchase Do not let animals get this. It is not a toy Helpful Report Nelson 5.0 out of 5 stars Strength ball Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2022 Verified Purchase Fix in my plan very easily Helpful Report dave ratalsky 5.0 out of 5 stars Good Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2021 Verified Purchase They’re round and squeezable. They do what they were made for. Enough said. Helpful Report rochelle conner 5.0 out of 5 stars good fit Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2022 Verified Purchase none Helpful Report Bob D Weakley 5.0 out of 5 stars They are just I was looking for and I expected Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2021 Verified Purchase I like the size of them and how easy to always have one on all the time. Helpful Report Drew 4.0 out of 5 stars Good Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2020 Verified Purchase They do the job Helpful Report GL 5.0 out of 5 stars They do make a difference Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2021 Verified Purchase When you do the exercises everyday there is a sizable difference. Also, just squeezing the ball is a good stress reliever From the United States Robert E Gauldin 5.0 out of 5 stars Great exercise balls. Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2020 Verified Purchase I find the useful for hand exercises. They do feel a bit sticky but don't seem to p pick up any dirt. I'm very pleased with them. Helpful Report DebbieA 5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect in every way , and great to get hands strengthened Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2019 Verified Purchase Perfect size, squeeze resistance, and can use for hours to help add dexterity to weakened hands! I would prefer that they all came in one zip top bag though, but overall these balls rock!! 8 people found this helpful Helpful Report Barbara 5.0 out of 5 stars very effective Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2021 Verified Purchase The balls are very helpful for an exercise for my arthritic and neuropathy hands. Helpful Report K. Johansen 2.0 out of 5 stars Not recommended Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2021 Verified Purchase Got these and was surprised at how small they are, so small that I doubt they would even be good for a kid. The difference in tension is also pretty bad, not much difference at all. Of course these are made in china. Will go back to the devices I was using, thought maybe these would be good, but I do not recommend them One person found this helpful Helpful Report James P. Bontrager 3.0 out of 5 stars Way to much wrapping! Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2021 Verified Purchase Average Helpful Report Anthony 5.0 out of 5 stars Great for rehabilitation of the hand. Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2020 Verified Purchase I bought these for my mother after she broke her wrist so she could rebuild strength in her hand and she loves them. Helpful Report Jesse 5.0 out of 5 stars Get them Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2021 Verified Purchase Just had carpal tunnel surgery and this is getting my hand back to strength fast. Helpful Report adonais d. 5.0 out of 5 stars Están muy colada lo recomiendo Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2021 Verified Purchase Me gusto muy suave para mis mano lo recomiendo Helpful Report Translate review to English stephanie D 5.0 out of 5 stars I haven’t used the balls very long, but they seem to help pain. Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2020 Verified Purchase I am using the exercise balls to relieve the arthritis in my hands. I have trigger fingers on both hands and the exercise seems to help. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Customer 777 2.0 out of 5 stars Easy to bite in half for child or dementia patient so be careful Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2022 Verified Purchase Easy to bite Chunks out be careful not for children or confused elderly
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EVIDENCE:
Top positive review Positive reviews› Jodi P 5.0 out of 5 stars Is as described Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023 Like the balls, good for exercising fingers. A bit small for full hand workout 3 people found this helpful Top critical review Critical reviews› Bonnie Rosenstock 3.0 out of 5 stars Not very substantial Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2023 Too small. So not very good workout. 2 people found this helpful Search SORT BY Top reviewsMost recent Top reviews FILTER BY All reviewersVerified purchase only All reviewers All stars5 star only4 star only3 star only2 star only1 star onlyPositive reviewsCritical reviews All stars Text, image, videoImage and video reviews only Text, image, video 3,286 total ratings, 194 with reviews From the United States Jodi P 5.0 out of 5 stars Is as described Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023 Verified Purchase Like the balls, good for exercising fingers. A bit small for full hand workout 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report Jesse B 5.0 out of 5 stars Great exercise for your hands Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2024 Verified Purchase Have a little arthritis in both hands, and I use the balls to exercise my grip. Works great. Helpful Report Ronda Sasser 4.0 out of 5 stars Good for PT Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2023 Verified Purchase Good for strength training your hands after shoulder surgery. Helpful Report Marie Skinner 5.0 out of 5 stars Just what i was looking for. Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024 Verified Purchase As a massage therapist, i use my hands a lot. I got these balls to strengthen them. The balls are easy to use. Helpful Report Bonnie Rosenstock 3.0 out of 5 stars Not very substantial Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2023 Verified Purchase Too small. So not very good workout. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Paul Gabriel Wiener 5.0 out of 5 stars They do what they're supposed to do Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2022 Verified Purchase Set of 3 squeeze balls. Yellow is pretty soft, orange is moderately firm, and blue is kind of tough. They've got a good texture. Just rough enough to have some grip without being irritating to hold. They helped strengthen my arms in preparation for some IV treatment, and they're also just fun to squeeze. They'd make good juggling practice balls, too, if you're into that. 7 people found this helpful Helpful Report E. Nawrocki 5.0 out of 5 stars A little sticky at first Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2023 Verified Purchase These were a little sticky at first but got better during use. Helped with my hands that had some ligament damage. One person found this helpful Helpful Report DianaQ 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Squishy Balls Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2022 Verified Purchase Broke my arm in three places and wound up with a big, purple, swollen hand. Surgeon suggested this type of hand exercise to get my hand back to normal. I have poor circulation in the other hand (goes to sleep easily) so now I do two-handed squishy ball squeezes as I watch TV in the evening. It’s clearly benefiting both hands! Good value for the money spent. Zippered case keeps them clean. Don’t know why anyone would need to spend more on exercise balls like these. 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report Richard Lyda 4.0 out of 5 stars Squeeze balls Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2023 Verified Purchase They are squeeze balls for medical purposes They squeeze what can I say Helpful Report Prairie Gal 3.0 out of 5 stars Just ok Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023 Verified Purchase There was no indication of the colors and resistance levels and it is very hard to feel the difference! Ok for the money paid! One person found this helpful From the United States Wesismore 2.0 out of 5 stars Not what I wanted Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2024 Verified Purchase These feel cheap. They say that there are 3 levels of resistence which is nonsense. Both I and my mother who I bought these for, couldn't tell/feel the differences among them. Also, they say they are 2 inches across, they are not. They measure smaller and feel as such in ones hand. I am returning for a refund. Helpful Report Norine McDonald Tepas 4.0 out of 5 stars PT Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2023 Verified Purchase Suggested by my Doctor and PT Helpful Report J. Smith 4.0 out of 5 stars Different strengths are great Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2023 Verified Purchase I like the idea I can have the option of the different strengths. I wish they were a little bit bigger. I have osteoarthritis in my fingers and the stress balls really help. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Marie 4.0 out of 5 stars Stress Balls Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2023 Verified Purchase They are Ok Helpful Report Francisco 4.0 out of 5 stars Quite good Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2023 Verified Purchase Pretty happy with them. Wish they were bigger, but otherwise got what I wanted 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Angela C. Adams 5.0 out of 5 stars soft Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2023 Verified Purchase easy to use One person found this helpful Helpful Report Angela K. 4.0 out of 5 stars Smaller than expected Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2023 Verified Purchase Like the material. It’s easy to grip and not slippery. Many options for hand and finger strengthening 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Charles L. 4.0 out of 5 stars A bit small for a woman's hand Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2023 Verified Purchase A bit small to do physical therapy for an average woman's hand, but otherwise very good. 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report Debora Vardeman 5.0 out of 5 stars Our Grand dogs love them Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2023 Verified Purchase We buy these for our grand dogs as they are small enough for them to grab by the mouth and bring back to us. Due to what they are made of, the dogs can not tear them apart. We also have a niece dog that visits and she goes nuts over them. Very well made. Helpful Report Maureen 5.0 out of 5 stars 3 firmness levels…works great! Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2023 Verified Purchase I used this for exercising my hand. Loved that the colors correspond to the firmness levels. 3 people found this helpful From the United States Sharon DeLorenzo 3.0 out of 5 stars Very small Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2023 Verified Purchase Purchase this as part of OT after shoulder replacement to strengthen my hand grip. I am the petite woman and these are very small did not like at all. Returned 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report dale decarlo 2.0 out of 5 stars Too small Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2024 Verified Purchase The person in the picture must have tiny little hands. These were very small. Helpful Report Robert 3.0 out of 5 stars excersise ball Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2023 Verified Purchase Image is mis leading. To small. Dont reccomend to buy. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Debby 4.0 out of 5 stars I bought it for me Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2022 Verified Purchase Broke my wrist and need them for therapy 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Christy 5.0 out of 5 stars 100% helpful Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2023 Verified Purchase Love these. I'm trying to build up wrist/finger strength and these are great way to start. I can use at desk during work. One person found this helpful Helpful Report David C. Fischer 2.0 out of 5 stars Too small Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2023 Verified Purchase Too small to be of much use Helpful Report Kathleen S. Jablonski 4.0 out of 5 stars Smaller than expected, but a good feel in my hand. Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2022 Verified Purchase Smaller than expected, but a good feel in my hand. I’m not sure I like the sort of sticky feeling to the gel, but on the overall, I think it’s a great value. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Brittany Chavarria 5.0 out of 5 stars Lo recomiendo Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2023 Verified Purchase Las pelotas son de un buen tamaño, tienen diferentes intensidades y es de muy buen material One person found this helpful Helpful Report Translate review to English Emily 5.0 out of 5 stars Makes hands feel better. Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2023 Verified Purchase Using them seems to help my arthritis Helpful Report Sara Martin 5.0 out of 5 stars Good Product Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2023 Verified Purchase Will use this product in physical therapy From the United States Beth 5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2023 Verified Purchase Has improved grip and strength Helpful Report Lee W. 4.0 out of 5 stars For my RA and carpal tunnel hand exercises Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2020 Verified Purchase What I like: The size is just right for the average women's hands and it has three levels of resistance-yellow/softer resistance, orange/medium resistance, blue/ harder resistance. Just enough resistance so that you can press them but not collapse them. Each came in its own little zip lock bag. What I kinda don't like: Feel weird...They are sticky like those toys my kids use to play with that you throw at the wall and it sticks, then it slowly 'crawls' back down. So I use it inside of its plastic bag. Crinkly but works. 22 people found this helpful Helpful Report D. Lefever 5.0 out of 5 stars Great for weak, elderly hands Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2023 Verified Purchase My doctor said to buy these, and I use occasionally every night while watching TV. Fingers are stronger and I'm dropping a lot less. Keep away from dogs. 3 people found this helpful Helpful Report Nancy Alameda 5.0 out of 5 stars Too small Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2021 Verified Purchase I just really like them. I think they’ll be very helpful for my old painful hands. After having used them for several days I’ve come to the conclusion that they are too small. I’m only able to squeeze with my first three fingers. My thumb and pinky finger are uninvolved. I will send them back and have already ordered a different set. I think these would be great for kids, but I don’t know why kids would need them, unless for an injury. 6 people found this helpful Helpful Report Thuong Le 4.0 out of 5 stars Good Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2022 Verified Purchase I practiced it every night and it worked. My hand feel better and wasn’t numb when I woke up. Helpful Report JONATHAN V. 5.0 out of 5 stars Good to have Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2023 Verified Purchase Great to have One person found this helpful Helpful Report Samuel Moore II 4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2022 Verified Purchase My father had a stroke in Dec 2021 He lost a little strength in his left hand, these were perfect for him. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Tikiroom2435 3.0 out of 5 stars No chart or label with firmness of each ball. Sticky to the touch. Okay for the price. Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2020 Verified Purchase Ordered these balls for therapy after thumb ligament joint reconstruction surgery for osteoarthritis. Great price but you get what you pay for. The balls are good size for my small hands but they are sticky to the touch. The balls have imperfections which i can feel on my skin...weird. Was very disappointed the balls arrived with no chart or instructions stating the firmness of each color. The orange and yellow were so similar in firmness, I couldn’t tell which was which. My memory is not the best but hate I have to keep looking up the chart photo on the Amazon listing to see which is which. For the price, these are ok for me to start with but I think a cloth covered stress ball work better in my situation. 8 people found this helpful Helpful Report Litigator Rater 2.0 out of 5 stars No instructions for use of the product Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2023 Verified Purchase I received three spheres of varying color and density, in a clear cellophane envelope. There were no instructions for use or maintenance. Inasmuch as these are advertised for exercise, it is unfair that the promotional instructions are not provided to the buyers of the product. I suppose the only way to see the ads on Amazon is through screen captures. Helpful Report Isbel feliz 5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2023 Verified Purchase Que llegaron intactas From the United States Robert F Anderson 1.0 out of 5 stars sticky lint traps that I dont even want to touch!!! Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2024 Verified Purchase sticky lint traps that I dont even want to touch let alone exercise!!! Total waste of money. Helpful Report BILL SKEBECK 5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice product! Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2022 Verified Purchase Satisfied with product. First package came empty but Amazon customer service immediately corrected this and sent the order very quickly and got the right package quickly....all good! One person found this helpful Helpful Report darknology 3.0 out of 5 stars Gummy Balls Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2022 Verified Purchase They have a gummy/sticky feel, which I find unpleasant. They each have a different consistency - as advertised. I prefer the 2.5-inch ball that I have. Impressive colors, though. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report G. Boehm 5.0 out of 5 stars Received my order a few days ago Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2023 Verified Purchase It was what I wanted Helpful Report all way seen 5.0 out of 5 stars 3 different level of softness. perfect for elders Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2023 Verified Purchase my mother likes these smaller size relief balls. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Sharon 3.0 out of 5 stars VERY SMALL Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2021 Verified Purchase These balls are very small (even for a woman's hands) and they are sticky/slimy at first touch. After a bit of use (reluctantly) they do "dry up" somewhat. I needed to try them because I couldn't find "stress balls" anywhere locally and I need them for finger stiffness resulting from a broken wrist. I will likely return these when I find larger ones to buy from Amazon. Disappointed. 4 people found this helpful Helpful Report Richard B. 3.0 out of 5 stars Misleading Ad Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2022 Verified Purchase Misleading, certainly shows what looks like a carry bag in the ad, but you don't get one. But the pic of a carry bag (look alike) swayed the decision to buy it. Why show something that is not included, unless you wanted to sway a person's choice. One person found this helpful Helpful Report SFR 4.0 out of 5 stars Works best for small hands Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2021 Verified Purchase My hands are not small but the balls work okay. Helpful Report Karin M 4.0 out of 5 stars A decent option Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2021 Verified Purchase I'm not really able to tell a difference in the strength on these, and they are just a bit too small. Helpful Report Kindle Customer 4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the money Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2021 Verified Purchase These work well for what I needed them for help with my hands that have tendinitis From the United States Shmuelman 5.0 out of 5 stars I thought they would be too small... Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2022 Verified Purchase but when I started using them they are just right. Very comfortable and addictive to use. Helpful Report Grace Laine 4.0 out of 5 stars Addictive Therapy Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2020 Verified Purchase I need these for numbness in my hands and fingers and use them habitually, either squeezing them or rolling them in my palm for dexterity. There's a slight difference in thickness - mostly felt in the blue ball. They're addictive and helpful. One person found this helpful Helpful Report WildWest 5.0 out of 5 stars Do the job Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2021 Verified Purchase Price point was great; definitely very different firmness. I used these after a bicep tendon reattachment and had the three for only a bit more than the kids tennis ball my physical therapist recommended. Helpful Report ARMANDO BALTAZAR 4.0 out of 5 stars Too small for a mans hand Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2021 Verified Purchase The balls are too small for a mans hand Helpful Report mnt 5.0 out of 5 stars these are great Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2021 Verified Purchase Only drawback is they don't come with the instructions for different exercises. Balls are nicely made and a great substance. Just started with the yellow, which is lightest resistance but appreciate having the others to upgrade to appropriately. They feel good to the touch. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report SILKOAK 5.0 out of 5 stars good prodict Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2022 Verified Purchase I ordered the balls to exercise my arthritic fingers and i do this numerous times a day. It will take awhile but hope it helps. Helpful Report Rainey 5.0 out of 5 stars Hand therapeutic exercise balls Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2022 Verified Purchase These are just as good as the Gaiam products. One person found this helpful Helpful Report LZee 5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2022 Verified Purchase My Mom uses it for her arthritis. Her massage therapist had great comments about it. Mom is happy Helpful Report Vince D 5.0 out of 5 stars Does the job Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2021 Verified Purchase I see reviews stating that there’s not much of a difference in resistance between the three. There’s a significant difference to someone rehabbing a hand injury. Well worth trying for the price. Helpful Report Mileyka 5.0 out of 5 stars Muy prácticas Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2022 Verified Purchase Buena inversión porque no son muy grandes. Que se pueden llevar para cualquier lugar y así mantener ejercitadas las manos y dedos. From the United States Sue 4.0 out of 5 stars it works great for my needs Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2021 Verified Purchase I like that it fits in my hands perfectly. Just firm enough to work my hands. Helpful Report L. Key 5.0 out of 5 stars Exercise for broken wrist Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2021 Verified Purchase These are great to help a broken wrist heal! My wrist stopped hurting after I started using the ball! I highly recommend these to anyone who has broken their wrist!! Helpful Report Lorie 5.0 out of 5 stars These Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2021 Verified Purchase These balls are so good to use because I have rheumatoid arthritis and it helps my hands so much. I need to strengthen my hands and this has helped so much. Helpful Report Amazon Customer 5.0 out of 5 stars Love them! Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2020 Verified Purchase A teacher I work with had one and didn't know where to find it- I lucked up and these are exactly the same. I like this because it doesn't seem like you can break them, without actively using some sharp to do so. The middle schoolers I work with love using these! Helpful Report J G Stamps 5.0 out of 5 stars Great non slippery squeeze balls in bright colors Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2020 Verified Purchase Bought these for my elderly mom who had a stroke and wanted to re-teach her left hand to grip. These are perfect for her, not slippery, brightly colored, and progressive strengths. Anybody wanting to build up grip and forearms will enjoy. Also stress relieving in 2020. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Betty C. Shaheen 5.0 out of 5 stars Therapy for hand Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2022 Verified Purchase Good for therapy on hand.. Just right size for my hand. Helpful Report J. Hatch 3.0 out of 5 stars Too small Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2022 Verified Purchase The balls seem to be good quality but they should be bigger to engage all fingers and thumb Helpful Report Kimmy in MD 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Exercise Tool! Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2022 Verified Purchase Love these bands for working legs and glutes! Helpful Report May 5.0 out of 5 stars Good therapeutic item Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2021 Verified Purchase Perfect item for my own home PT therapy . If you have had a broken hand in past or now, get this item to help with the therapy healing process Helpful Report Denise 3.0 out of 5 stars All the same? Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2021 Verified Purchase Purchased these for a family member in rehab. I could not determine the different resistance levels they all felt the same. In the end he didn't use. Helpful Report From the United States Frank 4.0 out of 5 stars Good product Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2021 Verified Purchase Good product. Very useful. Helpful Report Alicia G 5.0 out of 5 stars Good Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2022 Verified Purchase Good exercise motivation Helpful Report DB 4.0 out of 5 stars good Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2021 Verified Purchase worked well Helpful Report NonnaVO 5.0 out of 5 stars Just what my husband was looking for Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2022 Verified Purchase Good value for the cost. Helpful with exercise of arthritic hands Helpful Report LW 3.0 out of 5 stars They work price is good. Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2021 Verified Purchase They aren't marked so you know which size is the easiest to the hardest. Which makes it hard to know if you are using the right one. Helpful Report Barabara Sagraves 5.0 out of 5 stars Great for hand exercise Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2021 Verified Purchase Husband has had shoulder surgery. These have kept his hand from swelling because he can’t move his shoulder or arm. Helpful Report Cindylou 3.0 out of 5 stars Okay Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2022 Verified Purchase I was looking for something softer Helpful Report Alan 5.0 out of 5 stars These are just what I was looking for. The size is just right and they are easy to use. Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2021 Verified Purchase These are just what I was looking for. The size is just right and they are easy to use. Helpful Report Fran 4.0 out of 5 stars Great hand massage Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2021 Verified Purchase Great for arthritic hands Helpful Report 2004done 2.0 out of 5 stars 3 of the same Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2021 Verified Purchase Not much difference in the three,, unless you don't like the color. Trying to rehab myself from a broken wrist, so practicing juggling is a fun part of it ( no, I can't juggle any longer, but couldn't before either as the saying goes). I AM able to deflect with fingertips' strength now, so it is working. I use a rolled up towel for flexing (which I thought these would work), but these are only for strength exercise. Can't really recommend them, other than for juggling (they're much better than using eggs). From the United States Karenv 5.0 out of 5 stars Great size and good resistance Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2020 Verified Purchase These stress balls are smaller than I expected but they are actually perfect for my hand. The increasingly hard resistance is just what I need to strengthen my hand after a fracture. Helpful Report Jose V. 4.0 out of 5 stars good quality product for this price Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2020 Verified Purchase Nice and easy to use. Good quality to this price Helpful Report Mark Ashworth 3.0 out of 5 stars Too small for my hands Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2021 Verified Purchase I like the variation in resistance but they are too small for my hands which are not very large. I have to use two balls at a time which is awkward. Helpful Report i m irene 5.0 out of 5 stars Good for rehab in broken arm Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2021 Verified Purchase Do not let animals get this. It is not a toy Helpful Report Nelson 5.0 out of 5 stars Strength ball Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2022 Verified Purchase Fix in my plan very easily Helpful Report dave ratalsky 5.0 out of 5 stars Good Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2021 Verified Purchase They’re round and squeezable. They do what they were made for. Enough said. Helpful Report rochelle conner 5.0 out of 5 stars good fit Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2022 Verified Purchase none Helpful Report Bob D Weakley 5.0 out of 5 stars They are just I was looking for and I expected Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2021 Verified Purchase I like the size of them and how easy to always have one on all the time. Helpful Report Drew 4.0 out of 5 stars Good Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2020 Verified Purchase They do the job Helpful Report GL 5.0 out of 5 stars They do make a difference Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2021 Verified Purchase When you do the exercises everyday there is a sizable difference. Also, just squeezing the ball is a good stress reliever From the United States Robert E Gauldin 5.0 out of 5 stars Great exercise balls. Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2020 Verified Purchase I find the useful for hand exercises. They do feel a bit sticky but don't seem to p pick up any dirt. I'm very pleased with them. Helpful Report DebbieA 5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect in every way , and great to get hands strengthened Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2019 Verified Purchase Perfect size, squeeze resistance, and can use for hours to help add dexterity to weakened hands! I would prefer that they all came in one zip top bag though, but overall these balls rock!! 8 people found this helpful Helpful Report Barbara 5.0 out of 5 stars very effective Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2021 Verified Purchase The balls are very helpful for an exercise for my arthritic and neuropathy hands. Helpful Report K. Johansen 2.0 out of 5 stars Not recommended Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2021 Verified Purchase Got these and was surprised at how small they are, so small that I doubt they would even be good for a kid. The difference in tension is also pretty bad, not much difference at all. Of course these are made in china. Will go back to the devices I was using, thought maybe these would be good, but I do not recommend them One person found this helpful Helpful Report James P. Bontrager 3.0 out of 5 stars Way to much wrapping! Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2021 Verified Purchase Average Helpful Report Anthony 5.0 out of 5 stars Great for rehabilitation of the hand. Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2020 Verified Purchase I bought these for my mother after she broke her wrist so she could rebuild strength in her hand and she loves them. Helpful Report Jesse 5.0 out of 5 stars Get them Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2021 Verified Purchase Just had carpal tunnel surgery and this is getting my hand back to strength fast. Helpful Report adonais d. 5.0 out of 5 stars Están muy colada lo recomiendo Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2021 Verified Purchase Me gusto muy suave para mis mano lo recomiendo Helpful Report Translate review to English stephanie D 5.0 out of 5 stars I haven’t used the balls very long, but they seem to help pain. Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2020 Verified Purchase I am using the exercise balls to relieve the arthritis in my hands. I have trigger fingers on both hands and the exercise seems to help. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Customer 777 2.0 out of 5 stars Easy to bite in half for child or dementia patient so be careful Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2022 Verified Purchase Easy to bite Chunks out be careful not for children or confused elderly
USER:
What do the ratings say that are 2 stars and below?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 52 | 11 | 5,157 | null | 612 |
You can only respond to the prompt using information in the context block and no other sources.
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Was Q3 performance better in Asia or the US?
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Thank you, Tiffany, and thank you for joining us this afternoon. Let me start by laying out our results for this quarter. Our Q3 total company revenue was $9.1 billion, up 1% year-over-year and 6% over Q2. Our global comparable store sales declined 3% year-over-year driven by a negative 2% comp growth in North America and a negative 14% comp growth in China and partially offset by strong performance in Japan. Our global operating margins contracted by 70 basis points to 16.7% and overall earnings per share for the quarter was $0.93. Our total company results were in line with guidance, but international performance, particularly in China, was challenged. We are not satisfied with the results, but our actions are making an impact, leading business and operational indicators are trending in the right direction ahead of our financial results and our runway for improvement is long. We see green shoots in our US business driven by the three-part action plan outlined last quarter. First, meet and unlock capacity for new demand through a relentless focus on improvements to our US store operations and on elevating the experience we create for our partners and customers. Second, attract new customers and drive transaction growth by launching and integrating more exciting new products with relevant marketing while maintaining our focus on core coffee forward offerings. And third, reach new customers, and demonstrate our value by making sure customers believe the Starbucks experience is worth it every time. First, our largest opportunity, meet and unlock capacity for new demand. A relentless focus on improving operational execution across our nearly 10,000 US company-operated stores is the cornerstone of our near term plan. While it is early days of progress, our plan is working. If you walk away from today's call with one thought, let it be the significant changes and long-term upside potential taking place within our US stores and across our end-to-end supply chain to unlock growth, enhance the customer experience, and drive cost efficiencies. Within our stores, we've seen material positive momentum across core store health and performance metrics with notable improvements in partner scheduling and turnover, critical store issues, and inventory management. Stores ranked in our top two operational performance quartiles reached a new high during the quarter, a 28% upwards shift from Q2, but we have more opportunity. Our focus on operational excellence driven by Reinvention plan has led to a multi-second year-over-year improvement in out-of-the-window times, a nearly 50% reduction in calls received by our Customer Contact Center for my order took too long and Mobile Order & Pay and delivery uptime rates of 99%. These are key indicators of our work to drive growth by addressing customer wait times, product availability, and the customer experience. This quarter, we also introduced phase one of our Siren Craft System, which includes several process and partner driven enhancements to our US store operations. Changes include a new peak time play caller role, strategic investments in partner hours, training, new routines, simple enhancements to technology, and an evolved beverage build process. Early deployment across 1,200 stores demonstrated a material incremental improvement across key performance, throughput efficiency, and reliability metrics. Encouraged by this, we fully deployed Siren Craft System process improvements across our entire portfolio of US company-operated stores this week. Later this quarter, we will begin rolling out a simple refit to our espresso machines which we expect to improve espresso throughput by up to 15% without compromising quality, and with a minor software change in our store production systems, we have a similar ability to improve food throughput. When paired with Siren System equipment announced as part of our Reinvention plan, these new processes become a force multiplier that we expect to drive a true step change improvement. Early assessments demonstrate the capability to drive a 10 to 20 second wait time reduction and a resulting comp opportunity range of 1% to 1.5%. Leveraging our Deep Brew analytics platform, we have identified customer experience outlier stores, approximately 10% of our network, and have developed targeted plans to address and improve them including accelerated Siren System deployment. Similarly, we are accelerating the pace of our new store builds and renovations with 580 net new builds and more than 800 renovations planned in North America for FY 2024. Store development efforts are focused on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where we see population growth and forecast both underserved demand and high incrementality. Increasingly, these new store builds and renovations also include Siren System equipment. In line with prior guidance, we remain on track to deploy equipment in less than 10% of company-operated stores by the end of FY 2024 and about 40% by the end of FY 2026. Building on our pilot, Starbucks and Gopuff have agreed to terms for an expanded relationship to open 100 delivery-only kitchens across the US. We're also accelerating the rollout of digital storyboards with target deployment across most US stores in the next two years, a year earlier than originally anticipated. Lastly, we're working in other ways to enhance the café experience. This includes new and expanded seating options that elevate many stores, while upholding a safe and inviting place for partners and customers. A key outcome of our operational efforts has been material and sustained improvements to the partner experience. Driven by precision partner-centric staffing and scheduling efforts, we ended the quarter with a new post-pandemic low partner turnover rate, the best shift completion rate in two years and a 13% improvement in average hours per partner, now the highest on record. These initiatives create more stability in our stores, provide more predictability for our partners and sustain our experience flywheel. Looking beyond our stores, we continue to realize new efficiencies, cost savings, and performance improvements across our end-to-end supply chain thanks to strong support from our suppliers and we see even more headroom. We have a structured process to realize significant continued improvements across our end-to-end supply chain. We are ahead of plan on productivity. We expect our productivity to drive efficiency and unlock capital from areas that don't touch the customer. In turn, these savings will enable us to target investments that drive value for our customers beginning later in Q4, reigniting our North American flywheel for growth. We're early days on this journey, building both our strategic sourcing and revenue management capabilities. Our second priority is to drive demand through relevant product innovation with coffee at our core. We've seen meaningful improvement here as well. This quarter, we drove traffic into our stores through an engaging and innovative pipeline of products supported by integrated marketing campaigns. Cold share was up 1% year-over-year, representing 76% of our beverage mix through the quarter. Our newly formulated Iced Coffee received positive feedback. Our strength in cold espresso innovation continued to drive the platform's growth, up 4% year-over-year. And we launched Starbucks Milano Duetto, whole bean coffee in Milan, ahead of a global launch this October. Beyond coffee, our new Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers, beverages with Pearls, drove the highest week- one product launch in our history. Their success buoyed the entire Starbucks Refreshers beverage platform to an all-time high during the quarter. As mentioned in Q2, we continue to build out our 24-month product pipeline while accelerating our pace of innovation. For example, recognizing the growing appeal and opportunity created by the energy category, we launched a new Handcrafted Iced Energy beverages across our US stores in just three months compared to a normal 12 to 18 months. Looking forward, we believe our Q4 product offerings, including the return of Pumpkin Spice combined with supporting marketing activities and offers, provides the right formula to drive customer interest, demand, and deeper engagement with both new and existing customers. Our third and final near-term priority is to reach new customers and demonstrate the value we offer by ensuring the Starbucks experience is worth it every time. Recognizing the premium position of our brand, we've been measured in our use of offers. During this quarter, only 14% of our transactions were driven by offers compared to a competitor average of 29%. Of offer-driven transactions, 10% was star-based offers targeted to Starbucks Rewards Members. Only 4% were driven by price- based offers.
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System Instructions: You can only respond to the prompt using information in the context block and no other sources. Question: Was Q3 performance better in Asia or the US? Context block: Thank you, Tiffany, and thank you for joining us this afternoon. Let me start by laying out our results for this quarter. Our Q3 total company revenue was $9.1 billion, up 1% year-over-year and 6% over Q2. Our global comparable store sales declined 3% year-over-year driven by a negative 2% comp growth in North America and a negative 14% comp growth in China and partially offset by strong performance in Japan. Our global operating margins contracted by 70 basis points to 16.7% and overall earnings per share for the quarter was $0.93. Our total company results were in line with guidance, but international performance, particularly in China, was challenged. We are not satisfied with the results, but our actions are making an impact, leading business and operational indicators are trending in the right direction ahead of our financial results and our runway for improvement is long. We see green shoots in our US business driven by the three-part action plan outlined last quarter. First, meet and unlock capacity for new demand through a relentless focus on improvements to our US store operations and on elevating the experience we create for our partners and customers. Second, attract new customers and drive transaction growth by launching and integrating more exciting new products with relevant marketing while maintaining our focus on core coffee forward offerings. And third, reach new customers, and demonstrate our value by making sure customers believe the Starbucks experience is worth it every time. First, our largest opportunity, meet and unlock capacity for new demand. A relentless focus on improving operational execution across our nearly 10,000 US company-operated stores is the cornerstone of our near term plan. While it is early days of progress, our plan is working. If you walk away from today's call with one thought, let it be the significant changes and long-term upside potential taking place within our US stores and across our end-to-end supply chain to unlock growth, enhance the customer experience, and drive cost efficiencies. Within our stores, we've seen material positive momentum across core store health and performance metrics with notable improvements in partner scheduling and turnover, critical store issues, and inventory management. Stores ranked in our top two operational performance quartiles reached a new high during the quarter, a 28% upwards shift from Q2, but we have more opportunity. Our focus on operational excellence driven by Reinvention plan has led to a multi-second year-over-year improvement in out-of-the-window times, a nearly 50% reduction in calls received by our Customer Contact Center for my order took too long and Mobile Order & Pay and delivery uptime rates of 99%. These are key indicators of our work to drive growth by addressing customer wait times, product availability, and the customer experience. This quarter, we also introduced phase one of our Siren Craft System, which includes several process and partner driven enhancements to our US store operations. Changes include a new peak time play caller role, strategic investments in partner hours, training, new routines, simple enhancements to technology, and an evolved beverage build process. Early deployment across 1,200 stores demonstrated a material incremental improvement across key performance, throughput efficiency, and reliability metrics. Encouraged by this, we fully deployed Siren Craft System process improvements across our entire portfolio of US company-operated stores this week. Later this quarter, we will begin rolling out a simple refit to our espresso machines which we expect to improve espresso throughput by up to 15% without compromising quality, and with a minor software change in our store production systems, we have a similar ability to improve food throughput. When paired with Siren System equipment announced as part of our Reinvention plan, these new processes become a force multiplier that we expect to drive a true step change improvement. Early assessments demonstrate the capability to drive a 10 to 20 second wait time reduction and a resulting comp opportunity range of 1% to 1.5%. Leveraging our Deep Brew analytics platform, we have identified customer experience outlier stores, approximately 10% of our network, and have developed targeted plans to address and improve them including accelerated Siren System deployment. Similarly, we are accelerating the pace of our new store builds and renovations with 580 net new builds and more than 800 renovations planned in North America for FY 2024. Store development efforts are focused on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where we see population growth and forecast both underserved demand and high incrementality. Increasingly, these new store builds and renovations also include Siren System equipment. In line with prior guidance, we remain on track to deploy equipment in less than 10% of company-operated stores by the end of FY 2024 and about 40% by the end of FY 2026. Building on our pilot, Starbucks and Gopuff have agreed to terms for an expanded relationship to open 100 delivery-only kitchens across the US. We're also accelerating the rollout of digital storyboards with target deployment across most US stores in the next two years, a year earlier than originally anticipated. Lastly, we're working in other ways to enhance the café experience. This includes new and expanded seating options that elevate many stores, while upholding a safe and inviting place for partners and customers. A key outcome of our operational efforts has been material and sustained improvements to the partner experience. Driven by precision partner-centric staffing and scheduling efforts, we ended the quarter with a new post-pandemic low partner turnover rate, the best shift completion rate in two years and a 13% improvement in average hours per partner, now the highest on record. These initiatives create more stability in our stores, provide more predictability for our partners and sustain our experience flywheel. Looking beyond our stores, we continue to realize new efficiencies, cost savings, and performance improvements across our end-to-end supply chain thanks to strong support from our suppliers and we see even more headroom. We have a structured process to realize significant continued improvements across our end-to-end supply chain. We are ahead of plan on productivity. We expect our productivity to drive efficiency and unlock capital from areas that don't touch the customer. In turn, these savings will enable us to target investments that drive value for our customers beginning later in Q4, reigniting our North American flywheel for growth. We're early days on this journey, building both our strategic sourcing and revenue management capabilities. Our second priority is to drive demand through relevant product innovation with coffee at our core. We've seen meaningful improvement here as well. This quarter, we drove traffic into our stores through an engaging and innovative pipeline of products supported by integrated marketing campaigns. Cold share was up 1% year-over-year, representing 76% of our beverage mix through the quarter. Our newly formulated Iced Coffee received positive feedback. Our strength in cold espresso innovation continued to drive the platform's growth, up 4% year-over-year. And we launched Starbucks Milano Duetto, whole bean coffee in Milan, ahead of a global launch this October. Beyond coffee, our new Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers, beverages with Pearls, drove the highest week- one product launch in our history. Their success buoyed the entire Starbucks Refreshers beverage platform to an all-time high during the quarter. As mentioned in Q2, we continue to build out our 24-month product pipeline while accelerating our pace of innovation. For example, recognizing the growing appeal and opportunity created by the energy category, we launched a new Handcrafted Iced Energy beverages across our US stores in just three months compared to a normal 12 to 18 months. Looking forward, we believe our Q4 product offerings, including the return of Pumpkin Spice combined with supporting marketing activities and offers, provides the right formula to drive customer interest, demand, and deeper engagement with both new and existing customers. Our third and final near-term priority is to reach new customers and demonstrate the value we offer by ensuring the Starbucks experience is worth it every time. Recognizing the premium position of our brand, we've been measured in our use of offers. During this quarter, only 14% of our transactions were driven by offers compared to a competitor average of 29%. Of offer-driven transactions, 10% was star-based offers targeted to Starbucks Rewards Members. Only 4% were driven by price- based offers.
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You can only respond to the prompt using information in the context block and no other sources.
EVIDENCE:
Thank you, Tiffany, and thank you for joining us this afternoon. Let me start by laying out our results for this quarter. Our Q3 total company revenue was $9.1 billion, up 1% year-over-year and 6% over Q2. Our global comparable store sales declined 3% year-over-year driven by a negative 2% comp growth in North America and a negative 14% comp growth in China and partially offset by strong performance in Japan. Our global operating margins contracted by 70 basis points to 16.7% and overall earnings per share for the quarter was $0.93. Our total company results were in line with guidance, but international performance, particularly in China, was challenged. We are not satisfied with the results, but our actions are making an impact, leading business and operational indicators are trending in the right direction ahead of our financial results and our runway for improvement is long. We see green shoots in our US business driven by the three-part action plan outlined last quarter. First, meet and unlock capacity for new demand through a relentless focus on improvements to our US store operations and on elevating the experience we create for our partners and customers. Second, attract new customers and drive transaction growth by launching and integrating more exciting new products with relevant marketing while maintaining our focus on core coffee forward offerings. And third, reach new customers, and demonstrate our value by making sure customers believe the Starbucks experience is worth it every time. First, our largest opportunity, meet and unlock capacity for new demand. A relentless focus on improving operational execution across our nearly 10,000 US company-operated stores is the cornerstone of our near term plan. While it is early days of progress, our plan is working. If you walk away from today's call with one thought, let it be the significant changes and long-term upside potential taking place within our US stores and across our end-to-end supply chain to unlock growth, enhance the customer experience, and drive cost efficiencies. Within our stores, we've seen material positive momentum across core store health and performance metrics with notable improvements in partner scheduling and turnover, critical store issues, and inventory management. Stores ranked in our top two operational performance quartiles reached a new high during the quarter, a 28% upwards shift from Q2, but we have more opportunity. Our focus on operational excellence driven by Reinvention plan has led to a multi-second year-over-year improvement in out-of-the-window times, a nearly 50% reduction in calls received by our Customer Contact Center for my order took too long and Mobile Order & Pay and delivery uptime rates of 99%. These are key indicators of our work to drive growth by addressing customer wait times, product availability, and the customer experience. This quarter, we also introduced phase one of our Siren Craft System, which includes several process and partner driven enhancements to our US store operations. Changes include a new peak time play caller role, strategic investments in partner hours, training, new routines, simple enhancements to technology, and an evolved beverage build process. Early deployment across 1,200 stores demonstrated a material incremental improvement across key performance, throughput efficiency, and reliability metrics. Encouraged by this, we fully deployed Siren Craft System process improvements across our entire portfolio of US company-operated stores this week. Later this quarter, we will begin rolling out a simple refit to our espresso machines which we expect to improve espresso throughput by up to 15% without compromising quality, and with a minor software change in our store production systems, we have a similar ability to improve food throughput. When paired with Siren System equipment announced as part of our Reinvention plan, these new processes become a force multiplier that we expect to drive a true step change improvement. Early assessments demonstrate the capability to drive a 10 to 20 second wait time reduction and a resulting comp opportunity range of 1% to 1.5%. Leveraging our Deep Brew analytics platform, we have identified customer experience outlier stores, approximately 10% of our network, and have developed targeted plans to address and improve them including accelerated Siren System deployment. Similarly, we are accelerating the pace of our new store builds and renovations with 580 net new builds and more than 800 renovations planned in North America for FY 2024. Store development efforts are focused on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where we see population growth and forecast both underserved demand and high incrementality. Increasingly, these new store builds and renovations also include Siren System equipment. In line with prior guidance, we remain on track to deploy equipment in less than 10% of company-operated stores by the end of FY 2024 and about 40% by the end of FY 2026. Building on our pilot, Starbucks and Gopuff have agreed to terms for an expanded relationship to open 100 delivery-only kitchens across the US. We're also accelerating the rollout of digital storyboards with target deployment across most US stores in the next two years, a year earlier than originally anticipated. Lastly, we're working in other ways to enhance the café experience. This includes new and expanded seating options that elevate many stores, while upholding a safe and inviting place for partners and customers. A key outcome of our operational efforts has been material and sustained improvements to the partner experience. Driven by precision partner-centric staffing and scheduling efforts, we ended the quarter with a new post-pandemic low partner turnover rate, the best shift completion rate in two years and a 13% improvement in average hours per partner, now the highest on record. These initiatives create more stability in our stores, provide more predictability for our partners and sustain our experience flywheel. Looking beyond our stores, we continue to realize new efficiencies, cost savings, and performance improvements across our end-to-end supply chain thanks to strong support from our suppliers and we see even more headroom. We have a structured process to realize significant continued improvements across our end-to-end supply chain. We are ahead of plan on productivity. We expect our productivity to drive efficiency and unlock capital from areas that don't touch the customer. In turn, these savings will enable us to target investments that drive value for our customers beginning later in Q4, reigniting our North American flywheel for growth. We're early days on this journey, building both our strategic sourcing and revenue management capabilities. Our second priority is to drive demand through relevant product innovation with coffee at our core. We've seen meaningful improvement here as well. This quarter, we drove traffic into our stores through an engaging and innovative pipeline of products supported by integrated marketing campaigns. Cold share was up 1% year-over-year, representing 76% of our beverage mix through the quarter. Our newly formulated Iced Coffee received positive feedback. Our strength in cold espresso innovation continued to drive the platform's growth, up 4% year-over-year. And we launched Starbucks Milano Duetto, whole bean coffee in Milan, ahead of a global launch this October. Beyond coffee, our new Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers, beverages with Pearls, drove the highest week- one product launch in our history. Their success buoyed the entire Starbucks Refreshers beverage platform to an all-time high during the quarter. As mentioned in Q2, we continue to build out our 24-month product pipeline while accelerating our pace of innovation. For example, recognizing the growing appeal and opportunity created by the energy category, we launched a new Handcrafted Iced Energy beverages across our US stores in just three months compared to a normal 12 to 18 months. Looking forward, we believe our Q4 product offerings, including the return of Pumpkin Spice combined with supporting marketing activities and offers, provides the right formula to drive customer interest, demand, and deeper engagement with both new and existing customers. Our third and final near-term priority is to reach new customers and demonstrate the value we offer by ensuring the Starbucks experience is worth it every time. Recognizing the premium position of our brand, we've been measured in our use of offers. During this quarter, only 14% of our transactions were driven by offers compared to a competitor average of 29%. Of offer-driven transactions, 10% was star-based offers targeted to Starbucks Rewards Members. Only 4% were driven by price- based offers.
USER:
Was Q3 performance better in Asia or the US?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 17 | 9 | 1,371 | null | 124 |
{instruction} ========== In your answer, refer only to the context document. Do not employ any outside knowledge {question} ========== [user request] {passage 0} ========== [context document]
|
I got a speeding ticket the other day and really can't afford to pay it, or the premium increase it would cause on my insurance. What can I do to get it dismissed?
|
Noticing the flashing police lights in your rearview mirror is bad enough. Facing the results of a speeding ticket is much, much worse. A first offense could increase your car insurance base premium by about 15-27 percent; a second minor conviction can inflate it an additional 40 percent. The rate increase doesn't last just a few weeks — increases last an average of three years. Depending on your driving record and your state's point system, your ticket may cost you your driving privileges. So just how much do you want to lose your license? Read on to find out just how you can beat a speeding ticket, in or out of court. Getting a dismissal While it may sound impossible, your state may allow you to simply pretend like your speeding ticket never happened. Find out from your state's DMV or traffic court if there are ways to dismiss your ticket. If you have a clean record and your state allows it, this may be an option. Some southern states defer judgment if you don't get any tickets for the next six months. Rhode Island will even consider dismissal if the amount that exceeded the speed limit is less than 20 miles per hour over the posted limit and you have no vehicular violations in three years. Attend driving school Your other option to beat a ticket and stay out of court may be attending a driving school. While each state's policies are different, generally, once you submit your certificate of completion to the court, minor convictions are erased from your record. While this option is more expensive than a simple dismissal, the cost is mostly in time. In some states, classes are offered only once a year or every 18 months, and class time varies between 6 to 8 hours. You may still be subject to paying a fine for your ticket and school tuition, which averages around $50 to $80. Some states offer traffic school courses online. Talk to the judge If dismissal or traffic school won't work for you, or if you truly feel you've been unfairly ticketed, it's time to put the court system to work for you. Going to court can intimidate anybody, particularly the inexperienced, yet just showing up gives you an advantage. Only 3-5 percent of all tickets are contested. Half of those who contest their tickets have their cases dismissed altogether, while the other half receives reduced fines or plea bargains. A reasonable defense will steel your resolve, and increase your chances for success in beating your ticket. Know thy case Keep a copy of your ticket and, as soon as possible, document the circumstances under which you were driving and ticketed. Describe the who, what, when, where, and why you were cited. Know who the officer is and what was said, and solicit the help of witnesses, such as passengers. Know the charges and study the law that is allegedly violated. Describe when and where the alleged violation and ticketing occurred. Cite anything that can be material, such as the flow of traffic, road conditions, or how the officer's view of you was obstructed. Classifications of common defenses Necessity defenses. These types of defenses are recognized in all 50 states. It means there was an emergency, not of your own making. Examples of necessity defenses are based on the premise that one had to speed up briefly to avoid an accident. Avoiding accidents such as being rear-ended by an aggressive tailgater, crashing into a car entering the highway, or getting rolled on by an out of control truck are examples of necessity defenses. However, speeding in order to rush to personal events or for personal reasons will garner no sympathy from the court. Obstruction of speed limit. This defense means you are going to argue the speed sign was hidden. However, there are still default speed limits for un-posted roads. If, for example, you were driving in a zone, where the 35 mph sign was creatively painted into 85 mph, you are guilty if you exceeded the 35 mph. You need to check if the sign posting in the area in which you were cited is in compliance with state or local regulations. Technical defenses. These defenses challenge the method the officer used in clocking your speed. This requires pre-trial investigation of determining the method used by the officer, such as radar, laser, or pacing, then challenging that method. You need to determine if the equipment was maintained properly and if it was functional in the range the officer used it. However, because of required maintenance and verification by most jurisdictions, the success rate of this defense is usually minimal. There are 35 million tickets issued each year. Consider what would happen if all these were contested in court and how much money drivers are paying unnecessarily. By going to court, the only thing you stand to lose is your time and the amount of the original fine. Statistics show you are likely to either win or have the fine reduced. Silently submitting by paying the fine without taking steps to contest it, will result in higher insurance and a sullied driver's record.
|
{instruction} ========== In your answer, refer only to the context document. Do not employ any outside knowledge {question} ========== I got a speeding ticket the other day and really can't afford to pay it, or the premium increase it would cause on my insurance. What can I do to get it dismissed? {passage 0} ========== Noticing the flashing police lights in your rearview mirror is bad enough. Facing the results of a speeding ticket is much, much worse. A first offense could increase your car insurance base premium by about 15-27 percent; a second minor conviction can inflate it an additional 40 percent. The rate increase doesn't last just a few weeks — increases last an average of three years. Depending on your driving record and your state's point system, your ticket may cost you your driving privileges. So just how much do you want to lose your license? Read on to find out just how you can beat a speeding ticket, in or out of court. Getting a dismissal While it may sound impossible, your state may allow you to simply pretend like your speeding ticket never happened. Find out from your state's DMV or traffic court if there are ways to dismiss your ticket. If you have a clean record and your state allows it, this may be an option. Some southern states defer judgment if you don't get any tickets for the next six months. Rhode Island will even consider dismissal if the amount that exceeded the speed limit is less than 20 miles per hour over the posted limit and you have no vehicular violations in three years. Attend driving school Your other option to beat a ticket and stay out of court may be attending a driving school. While each state's policies are different, generally, once you submit your certificate of completion to the court, minor convictions are erased from your record. While this option is more expensive than a simple dismissal, the cost is mostly in time. In some states, classes are offered only once a year or every 18 months, and class time varies between 6 to 8 hours. You may still be subject to paying a fine for your ticket and school tuition, which averages around $50 to $80. Some states offer traffic school courses online. Talk to the judge If dismissal or traffic school won't work for you, or if you truly feel you've been unfairly ticketed, it's time to put the court system to work for you. Going to court can intimidate anybody, particularly the inexperienced, yet just showing up gives you an advantage. Only 3-5 percent of all tickets are contested. Half of those who contest their tickets have their cases dismissed altogether, while the other half receives reduced fines or plea bargains. A reasonable defense will steel your resolve, and increase your chances for success in beating your ticket. Know thy case Keep a copy of your ticket and, as soon as possible, document the circumstances under which you were driving and ticketed. Describe the who, what, when, where, and why you were cited. Know who the officer is and what was said, and solicit the help of witnesses, such as passengers. Know the charges and study the law that is allegedly violated. Describe when and where the alleged violation and ticketing occurred. Cite anything that can be material, such as the flow of traffic, road conditions, or how the officer's view of you was obstructed. Classifications of common defenses Necessity defenses. These types of defenses are recognized in all 50 states. It means there was an emergency, not of your own making. Examples of necessity defenses are based on the premise that one had to speed up briefly to avoid an accident. Avoiding accidents such as being rear-ended by an aggressive tailgater, crashing into a car entering the highway, or getting rolled on by an out of control truck are examples of necessity defenses. However, speeding in order to rush to personal events or for personal reasons will garner no sympathy from the court. Obstruction of speed limit. This defense means you are going to argue the speed sign was hidden. However, there are still default speed limits for un-posted roads. If, for example, you were driving in a zone, where the 35 mph sign was creatively painted into 85 mph, you are guilty if you exceeded the 35 mph. You need to check if the sign posting in the area in which you were cited is in compliance with state or local regulations. Technical defenses. These defenses challenge the method the officer used in clocking your speed. This requires pre-trial investigation of determining the method used by the officer, such as radar, laser, or pacing, then challenging that method. You need to determine if the equipment was maintained properly and if it was functional in the range the officer used it. However, because of required maintenance and verification by most jurisdictions, the success rate of this defense is usually minimal. There are 35 million tickets issued each year. Consider what would happen if all these were contested in court and how much money drivers are paying unnecessarily. By going to court, the only thing you stand to lose is your time and the amount of the original fine. Statistics show you are likely to either win or have the fine reduced. Silently submitting by paying the fine without taking steps to contest it, will result in higher insurance and a sullied driver's record. https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/beat-a-speeding-ticket-what-you-need-to-know
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{instruction} ========== In your answer, refer only to the context document. Do not employ any outside knowledge {question} ========== [user request] {passage 0} ========== [context document]
EVIDENCE:
Noticing the flashing police lights in your rearview mirror is bad enough. Facing the results of a speeding ticket is much, much worse. A first offense could increase your car insurance base premium by about 15-27 percent; a second minor conviction can inflate it an additional 40 percent. The rate increase doesn't last just a few weeks — increases last an average of three years. Depending on your driving record and your state's point system, your ticket may cost you your driving privileges. So just how much do you want to lose your license? Read on to find out just how you can beat a speeding ticket, in or out of court. Getting a dismissal While it may sound impossible, your state may allow you to simply pretend like your speeding ticket never happened. Find out from your state's DMV or traffic court if there are ways to dismiss your ticket. If you have a clean record and your state allows it, this may be an option. Some southern states defer judgment if you don't get any tickets for the next six months. Rhode Island will even consider dismissal if the amount that exceeded the speed limit is less than 20 miles per hour over the posted limit and you have no vehicular violations in three years. Attend driving school Your other option to beat a ticket and stay out of court may be attending a driving school. While each state's policies are different, generally, once you submit your certificate of completion to the court, minor convictions are erased from your record. While this option is more expensive than a simple dismissal, the cost is mostly in time. In some states, classes are offered only once a year or every 18 months, and class time varies between 6 to 8 hours. You may still be subject to paying a fine for your ticket and school tuition, which averages around $50 to $80. Some states offer traffic school courses online. Talk to the judge If dismissal or traffic school won't work for you, or if you truly feel you've been unfairly ticketed, it's time to put the court system to work for you. Going to court can intimidate anybody, particularly the inexperienced, yet just showing up gives you an advantage. Only 3-5 percent of all tickets are contested. Half of those who contest their tickets have their cases dismissed altogether, while the other half receives reduced fines or plea bargains. A reasonable defense will steel your resolve, and increase your chances for success in beating your ticket. Know thy case Keep a copy of your ticket and, as soon as possible, document the circumstances under which you were driving and ticketed. Describe the who, what, when, where, and why you were cited. Know who the officer is and what was said, and solicit the help of witnesses, such as passengers. Know the charges and study the law that is allegedly violated. Describe when and where the alleged violation and ticketing occurred. Cite anything that can be material, such as the flow of traffic, road conditions, or how the officer's view of you was obstructed. Classifications of common defenses Necessity defenses. These types of defenses are recognized in all 50 states. It means there was an emergency, not of your own making. Examples of necessity defenses are based on the premise that one had to speed up briefly to avoid an accident. Avoiding accidents such as being rear-ended by an aggressive tailgater, crashing into a car entering the highway, or getting rolled on by an out of control truck are examples of necessity defenses. However, speeding in order to rush to personal events or for personal reasons will garner no sympathy from the court. Obstruction of speed limit. This defense means you are going to argue the speed sign was hidden. However, there are still default speed limits for un-posted roads. If, for example, you were driving in a zone, where the 35 mph sign was creatively painted into 85 mph, you are guilty if you exceeded the 35 mph. You need to check if the sign posting in the area in which you were cited is in compliance with state or local regulations. Technical defenses. These defenses challenge the method the officer used in clocking your speed. This requires pre-trial investigation of determining the method used by the officer, such as radar, laser, or pacing, then challenging that method. You need to determine if the equipment was maintained properly and if it was functional in the range the officer used it. However, because of required maintenance and verification by most jurisdictions, the success rate of this defense is usually minimal. There are 35 million tickets issued each year. Consider what would happen if all these were contested in court and how much money drivers are paying unnecessarily. By going to court, the only thing you stand to lose is your time and the amount of the original fine. Statistics show you are likely to either win or have the fine reduced. Silently submitting by paying the fine without taking steps to contest it, will result in higher insurance and a sullied driver's record.
USER:
I got a speeding ticket the other day and really can't afford to pay it, or the premium increase it would cause on my insurance. What can I do to get it dismissed?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 26 | 33 | 862 | null | 817 |
[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
|
Summarize the user's primary intent for the article and give evidence. How does the expiration of this Act affect me if I make less than 400,000 as a couple business owner?
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Crapo Statement at Hearing on the 2025 Tax Policy Debate Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing entitled, “The 2025 Tax Policy Debate and Tax Avoidance Strategies.” As prepared for delivery: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This hearing is a timely hearing on one of the more critical issues that will face our nation next year and frankly, is facing us right now. “We’ll have an opportunity to talk about the reality of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which is the focus of the debate next year, and what it really does. “The reality, contrary to what is often said by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, is that the TCJA that was put into place when the Republicans and President Trump controlled the congress, had a massive positive effect on everyone in America. “The economy grew to be the strongest economy, I think, in any of our lifetimes, unemployment was at historic lows, wage growth and job growth was increasing month after month, inflation was at 2 percent rates, and we were moving ahead rapidly and strongly. “Americans today, though, are rightly concerned about rising living costs, slow job growth and an unemployment rate that remains above 4 percent. Not to mention the inflation rate that cumulatively, over just the last three and a half years, is well over 20 percent. “Taxpayers already face too much uncertainty as they look to work, save and invest in this economic environment. And given the litany of tax hike proposals on the table from many of my Democratic colleagues, no area is more uncertain as we head into this election than tax. “When it comes to the 2025 tax policy debate, those proposing all these tax increases continue to avoid a fundamental question: will they allow the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to expire and inflict multi-trillion-dollar tax hikes on the American people? “Vice President Harris has largely avoided policy specifics and adopted rhetoric about taxing the wealthy and corporations, which ignores the reality of what our current tax code means for middle-income taxpayers. “TCJA lowered tax rates across the board, providing trillions of dollars in tax savings, with middle-income taxpayers receiving the largest proportional benefit of the cuts. “It also doubled the standard deduction, and doubled and expanded the child tax credit, which made the tax code simpler and provided targeted tax relief for the middle class. “If these provisions are allowed to expire, individuals making less than $400,000 per year would face a tax increase at the end of 2025 of more than $2 trillion, breaking the Biden-Harris pledge not to impose tax hikes on the middle class. “And that does not even account for inflation. By the end of this year, that pledge would need to be increased to nearly $500,000 to account for the crushing inflation that families have experienced under the Biden-Harris Administration. The pledge also ignores the marriage penalty for couples who together make more than $400,000, but who if filing separately would be well below it. “Despite her promise to help those starting businesses, Vice President Harris has also not addressed the 20 percent deduction for pass-throughs—the chosen business form for 95 percent of American businesses. Small business owners have repeatedly said extending this deduction is their top priority, stressing that it enables them to create new jobs, pay their employees more and reinvest in their businesses. “Unless Congress moves to extend these provisions by the end of next year, taxpayers would face the largest tax increase in U.S. history. “Despite critics’ rhetoric that the TCJA was simply a ‘tax break for billionaires,’ the law provided a tax break for 80 percent of Americans, and actually limited tax breaks for the wealthy by reducing costly deductions. “For example, the TCJA limited the state and local tax deduction (SALT), effectively a subsidy for many high-income residents in high-tax states like California and New York. “In stark contrast, Senate Democrats pledged as recently as last month to end the cap on SALT, which even the left-leaning Tax Policy Center said would ‘overwhelmingly benefit high income households.’ “By endorsing the Biden budget, Vice President Harris is calling for $5 trillion of tax increases on Americans, which would clearly hit Americans across the income spectrum, and hurt job creators and workers across the country: tax hikes on individuals and families; tax hikes on small business owners, including a top pass-through rate of 44.6 percent, which amounts to a tax increase of more than 50 percent; tax hikes on corporations, and we all know that the burden of the corporate tax is paid by workers, consumers and retirees; tax hikes on savings and investment; and another round of super-sized funding for IRS audits. “Again, these far-left proposals are often presented under the guise of ‘taxing the rich’ and ‘paying one’s fair share.’ “But facts matter. “In fact, the TCJA made the tax code even more progressive, with the share of income taxes paid by high income earners actually increasing, while the bottom 50 percent of earners received the largest reduction in average tax rates. “The Biden-Harris Administration has repeatedly—and falsely—claimed that the federal tax rate for high-income earners is only 8 percent, but the Joint Committee on Taxation recently confirmed their average rate is quadruple that amount, at 34 percent. “As this Committee considers tax policy in the year ahead, the American people deserve more than empty platitudes and $5 trillion in tax hike proposals that even a fully Democrat Congress could not pass. “They deserve careful deliberation of policies that will provide economic growth, tax certainty and opportunities for all Americans. “I am committed to helping all hardworking taxpayers get ahead and I will work with anyone, from either party, who is ready to focus on that priority. “We have an excellent panel before us today. “Thank you all for being here. I look forward to hearing your testimony.”
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[question] Summarize the user's primary intent for the article and give evidence. How does the expiration of this Act affect me if I make less than 400,000 as a couple business owner? ===================== [text] Crapo Statement at Hearing on the 2025 Tax Policy Debate Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing entitled, “The 2025 Tax Policy Debate and Tax Avoidance Strategies.” As prepared for delivery: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This hearing is a timely hearing on one of the more critical issues that will face our nation next year and frankly, is facing us right now. “We’ll have an opportunity to talk about the reality of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which is the focus of the debate next year, and what it really does. “The reality, contrary to what is often said by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, is that the TCJA that was put into place when the Republicans and President Trump controlled the congress, had a massive positive effect on everyone in America. “The economy grew to be the strongest economy, I think, in any of our lifetimes, unemployment was at historic lows, wage growth and job growth was increasing month after month, inflation was at 2 percent rates, and we were moving ahead rapidly and strongly. “Americans today, though, are rightly concerned about rising living costs, slow job growth and an unemployment rate that remains above 4 percent. Not to mention the inflation rate that cumulatively, over just the last three and a half years, is well over 20 percent. “Taxpayers already face too much uncertainty as they look to work, save and invest in this economic environment. And given the litany of tax hike proposals on the table from many of my Democratic colleagues, no area is more uncertain as we head into this election than tax. “When it comes to the 2025 tax policy debate, those proposing all these tax increases continue to avoid a fundamental question: will they allow the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to expire and inflict multi-trillion-dollar tax hikes on the American people? “Vice President Harris has largely avoided policy specifics and adopted rhetoric about taxing the wealthy and corporations, which ignores the reality of what our current tax code means for middle-income taxpayers. “TCJA lowered tax rates across the board, providing trillions of dollars in tax savings, with middle-income taxpayers receiving the largest proportional benefit of the cuts. “It also doubled the standard deduction, and doubled and expanded the child tax credit, which made the tax code simpler and provided targeted tax relief for the middle class. “If these provisions are allowed to expire, individuals making less than $400,000 per year would face a tax increase at the end of 2025 of more than $2 trillion, breaking the Biden-Harris pledge not to impose tax hikes on the middle class. “And that does not even account for inflation. By the end of this year, that pledge would need to be increased to nearly $500,000 to account for the crushing inflation that families have experienced under the Biden-Harris Administration. The pledge also ignores the marriage penalty for couples who together make more than $400,000, but who if filing separately would be well below it. “Despite her promise to help those starting businesses, Vice President Harris has also not addressed the 20 percent deduction for pass-throughs—the chosen business form for 95 percent of American businesses. Small business owners have repeatedly said extending this deduction is their top priority, stressing that it enables them to create new jobs, pay their employees more and reinvest in their businesses. “Unless Congress moves to extend these provisions by the end of next year, taxpayers would face the largest tax increase in U.S. history. “Despite critics’ rhetoric that the TCJA was simply a ‘tax break for billionaires,’ the law provided a tax break for 80 percent of Americans, and actually limited tax breaks for the wealthy by reducing costly deductions. “For example, the TCJA limited the state and local tax deduction (SALT), effectively a subsidy for many high-income residents in high-tax states like California and New York. “In stark contrast, Senate Democrats pledged as recently as last month to end the cap on SALT, which even the left-leaning Tax Policy Center said would ‘overwhelmingly benefit high income households.’ “By endorsing the Biden budget, Vice President Harris is calling for $5 trillion of tax increases on Americans, which would clearly hit Americans across the income spectrum, and hurt job creators and workers across the country: tax hikes on individuals and families; tax hikes on small business owners, including a top pass-through rate of 44.6 percent, which amounts to a tax increase of more than 50 percent; tax hikes on corporations, and we all know that the burden of the corporate tax is paid by workers, consumers and retirees; tax hikes on savings and investment; and another round of super-sized funding for IRS audits. “Again, these far-left proposals are often presented under the guise of ‘taxing the rich’ and ‘paying one’s fair share.’ “But facts matter. “In fact, the TCJA made the tax code even more progressive, with the share of income taxes paid by high income earners actually increasing, while the bottom 50 percent of earners received the largest reduction in average tax rates. “The Biden-Harris Administration has repeatedly—and falsely—claimed that the federal tax rate for high-income earners is only 8 percent, but the Joint Committee on Taxation recently confirmed their average rate is quadruple that amount, at 34 percent. “As this Committee considers tax policy in the year ahead, the American people deserve more than empty platitudes and $5 trillion in tax hike proposals that even a fully Democrat Congress could not pass. “They deserve careful deliberation of policies that will provide economic growth, tax certainty and opportunities for all Americans. “I am committed to helping all hardworking taxpayers get ahead and I will work with anyone, from either party, who is ready to focus on that priority. “We have an excellent panel before us today. “Thank you all for being here. I look forward to hearing your testimony.” https://www.finance.senate.gov/ranking-members-news/crapo-statement-at-hearing-on-the-2025-tax-policy-debate ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
EVIDENCE:
Crapo Statement at Hearing on the 2025 Tax Policy Debate Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing entitled, “The 2025 Tax Policy Debate and Tax Avoidance Strategies.” As prepared for delivery: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This hearing is a timely hearing on one of the more critical issues that will face our nation next year and frankly, is facing us right now. “We’ll have an opportunity to talk about the reality of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which is the focus of the debate next year, and what it really does. “The reality, contrary to what is often said by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, is that the TCJA that was put into place when the Republicans and President Trump controlled the congress, had a massive positive effect on everyone in America. “The economy grew to be the strongest economy, I think, in any of our lifetimes, unemployment was at historic lows, wage growth and job growth was increasing month after month, inflation was at 2 percent rates, and we were moving ahead rapidly and strongly. “Americans today, though, are rightly concerned about rising living costs, slow job growth and an unemployment rate that remains above 4 percent. Not to mention the inflation rate that cumulatively, over just the last three and a half years, is well over 20 percent. “Taxpayers already face too much uncertainty as they look to work, save and invest in this economic environment. And given the litany of tax hike proposals on the table from many of my Democratic colleagues, no area is more uncertain as we head into this election than tax. “When it comes to the 2025 tax policy debate, those proposing all these tax increases continue to avoid a fundamental question: will they allow the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to expire and inflict multi-trillion-dollar tax hikes on the American people? “Vice President Harris has largely avoided policy specifics and adopted rhetoric about taxing the wealthy and corporations, which ignores the reality of what our current tax code means for middle-income taxpayers. “TCJA lowered tax rates across the board, providing trillions of dollars in tax savings, with middle-income taxpayers receiving the largest proportional benefit of the cuts. “It also doubled the standard deduction, and doubled and expanded the child tax credit, which made the tax code simpler and provided targeted tax relief for the middle class. “If these provisions are allowed to expire, individuals making less than $400,000 per year would face a tax increase at the end of 2025 of more than $2 trillion, breaking the Biden-Harris pledge not to impose tax hikes on the middle class. “And that does not even account for inflation. By the end of this year, that pledge would need to be increased to nearly $500,000 to account for the crushing inflation that families have experienced under the Biden-Harris Administration. The pledge also ignores the marriage penalty for couples who together make more than $400,000, but who if filing separately would be well below it. “Despite her promise to help those starting businesses, Vice President Harris has also not addressed the 20 percent deduction for pass-throughs—the chosen business form for 95 percent of American businesses. Small business owners have repeatedly said extending this deduction is their top priority, stressing that it enables them to create new jobs, pay their employees more and reinvest in their businesses. “Unless Congress moves to extend these provisions by the end of next year, taxpayers would face the largest tax increase in U.S. history. “Despite critics’ rhetoric that the TCJA was simply a ‘tax break for billionaires,’ the law provided a tax break for 80 percent of Americans, and actually limited tax breaks for the wealthy by reducing costly deductions. “For example, the TCJA limited the state and local tax deduction (SALT), effectively a subsidy for many high-income residents in high-tax states like California and New York. “In stark contrast, Senate Democrats pledged as recently as last month to end the cap on SALT, which even the left-leaning Tax Policy Center said would ‘overwhelmingly benefit high income households.’ “By endorsing the Biden budget, Vice President Harris is calling for $5 trillion of tax increases on Americans, which would clearly hit Americans across the income spectrum, and hurt job creators and workers across the country: tax hikes on individuals and families; tax hikes on small business owners, including a top pass-through rate of 44.6 percent, which amounts to a tax increase of more than 50 percent; tax hikes on corporations, and we all know that the burden of the corporate tax is paid by workers, consumers and retirees; tax hikes on savings and investment; and another round of super-sized funding for IRS audits. “Again, these far-left proposals are often presented under the guise of ‘taxing the rich’ and ‘paying one’s fair share.’ “But facts matter. “In fact, the TCJA made the tax code even more progressive, with the share of income taxes paid by high income earners actually increasing, while the bottom 50 percent of earners received the largest reduction in average tax rates. “The Biden-Harris Administration has repeatedly—and falsely—claimed that the federal tax rate for high-income earners is only 8 percent, but the Joint Committee on Taxation recently confirmed their average rate is quadruple that amount, at 34 percent. “As this Committee considers tax policy in the year ahead, the American people deserve more than empty platitudes and $5 trillion in tax hike proposals that even a fully Democrat Congress could not pass. “They deserve careful deliberation of policies that will provide economic growth, tax certainty and opportunities for all Americans. “I am committed to helping all hardworking taxpayers get ahead and I will work with anyone, from either party, who is ready to focus on that priority. “We have an excellent panel before us today. “Thank you all for being here. I look forward to hearing your testimony.”
USER:
Summarize the user's primary intent for the article and give evidence. How does the expiration of this Act affect me if I make less than 400,000 as a couple business owner?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 28 | 31 | 995 | null | 59 |
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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I remember vaguely hearing about the Glass-Steagall Act while I was in college and that it was removed. What is the act exactly, and what are some of the pros and cons of the act being repealed?
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The Glass-Steagall Act was passed under FDR as a response to the stock market crash of 1929. It effected a wall between commercial banking and investment banking, only to be partially repealed in 1999. While there exists consensus around what the Glass-Steagall Act pertains to, there’s disagreement around its influence on the financial markets. In particular, the debate has centered around the repeal’s effects on the 2008 financial crisis and whether it was a principal cause of the crisis. Notably, it remains relevant despite the introduction of recent legislation. In 2010, the Obama administration enacted the Dodd-Frank Act in response to the financial crisis. Similar to Glass-Steagall, it attempted to promote financial stability and protect the consumer, but Dodd-Frank did not reinstate the repealed provisions of Glass-Steagall. In the aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash, the Pecora Commission was tasked with investigating its causes. The Commission identified issues including risky securities investments that endangered bank deposits, unsound loans made to companies in which banks were invested, and conflicts of interest. Other issues included a blurring of the distinction between uninsured and insured practices, or an abusive practice of requiring joint purchases of multiple products. Congress attempted to address these issues with the Banking Act of 1933 and other legislation. While the effects of the Glass-Steagall Act were wide-ranging, it is equally important to note what the Glass-Steagall Act did not do. Beyond limiting the scope of activities for commercial and investment banks, the Act was not intended to limit the size or volume of such activities. Therefore, returning to the example of J.P. Morgan & Co., while the Act prohibited the bank from conducting all the same activities within a single organization, it did not prohibit the same activities (type and volume) if carried out separately through JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley. So when was the Glass-Steagall Act repealed? By the late 1990s, the Glass-Steagall Act had essentially become ineffective. In November 1999, then-President Bill Clinton signed the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) into effect. GLBA repealed Sections 20 and 32 of the Glass-Steagall Act, which had prohibited the interlocking of commercial and investment activities. The partial repeal allowed for universal banking, which combines commercial and investment banking services under one roof. Many experts view GLBA as “ratifying, rather than revolutionizing” in that it simply formalized a change that was already ongoing. However, GLBA left intact Sections 16 and 21, which are still in place today. These continue to have practical effects on the industry today. For instance, they limit investment management firms such as Bridgewater Associates from offering checking accounts and prohibit commercial banks such as Wells Fargo from dealing in risky securities such as cattle futures. Between 1998 and 2006, the housing market and housing prices rose to previously unseen highs. As many readers already know, the market’s later crash was a primary cause of the Financial Crisis. A major determinant of the housing boom was the utilization of imprudent lending standards and subsequent growth of subprime mortgage loans. Most of these loans were made to homebuyers with factors that prevented them from qualifying for a prime loan. Many subprime loans also included tricky features that kept the initial payments low but subjected borrowers to risk if interest rates rose or house prices declined. Unfortunately, when housing prices started to fall, many borrowers found that they owed more on their houses than they were worth. According to the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC), which conducted the official government investigation into the crisis, the percentage of borrowers who defaulted on their mortgages months after the loan nearly doubled from 2006 to late 2007. Suspicious activity reports related to mortgage fraud grew 20-fold between 1996 and 2005, more than doubling between 2005 and 2009 (Chart 4). The losses from this fraud have been estimated at $112 billion. Did the Glass-Steagall Act’s repeal contribute to the deterioration in underwriting standards that fueled the housing boom and eventual collapse? Predictably, opinions are divided. On the one hand, those who believe the absence of Glass-Steagall did not cause the crisis highlight that offering mortgages has always been a core business for commercial banks, and so the banking system has always been exposed to high default rates in residential mortgages. Glass-Steagall was never intended to address or regulate loan qualification standards. In addition, while the Glass-Steagall Act limited the investment activities of commercial banks, it did not prevent non-depositories from extending mortgages that competed with commercial banks, or from selling these mortgages to investment banks. It also did not prevent investment banks from securitizing the mortgages to then sell to institutional investors. Nor did it address the incentives of the institutions that originated mortgages or sold mortgage-related securities. Because it did not directly address these issues, it’s unlikely the Glass-Steagall Act could have prevented the decline in mortgage underwriting standards that led to the housing boom of the 2000s. On the other hand, those who argue that the absence of Glass-Steagall did cause the crisis believe that the decline in underwriting standards was in fact partially, or indirectly, caused by the Act’s absence. Readers will recall from the beginning of the article that Glass-Steagall’s provisions addressed the conflicts of interest and other potential abuses of universal banks. After Glass-Steagall’s repeal, it is feasible that universal banks aimed to establish an initial market share in the securities market by lowering underwriting standards. Separately, universal banks might also self-deal and favor their own interests over those of their customers. Both of these incentives could have led to or exacerbated the decline in underwriting standards. While these results are not entirely conclusive, it does suggest that Glass-Steagall’s absence could have worsened underwriting standards. Had Glass-Steagall been in place, these universal banking institutions would not have been created. Nevertheless, the regulation would not have prevented new, investment-only entrants also looking to gain market share. And as we’ve already mentioned, the Glass-Steagall Act never directly addressed loan qualification standards or prevented non-depositors from extending, repackaging, and selling mortgages. It’s therefore unlikely that the Glass-Steagall Act could have prevented the decline in mortgage underwriting standards, but its absence could have aggravated the situation. The second major topic of discussion related to Glass-Steagall and the financial crisis surrounds the issue of “too big to fail” and systemic risks. When the failure of an institution could result in systemic risks, whereby there would be contagious, widespread harm to financial institutions, it was deemed too big to fail (TBTF). TBTF institutions are so large, interconnected, and important that their failure would be disastrous to the greater economic system. Should they fail, the associated costs are absorbed by government and taxpayers. If one accepts that systemic risk and TBTF institutions were major contributors to the 2008 crisis, then the debate turns to whether the absence of Glass-Steagall contributed to the creation of TBTF institutions and their disastrous effects. After all, the repeal of Glass-Steagall in 1999 set in motion the wave of mega-mergers that created huge financial conglomerates, many of which fall firmly within the TBTF camp. Ironically, Glass-Steagall’s repeal actually allowed for the rescue of many large institutions after the crisis: After all, JPMorgan Chase rescued Bear Stearns and Bank of America rescued Merrill Lynch, which would have been impermissible prior to the 1999 repeal. Both were already involved in commercial and investment banking when they saved the two failing investment banks. On balance, therefore, the evidence does not seem to support the view that Glass-Steagall’s absence was a cause of the financial crisis. Overall, while the general consensus is that Glass-Steagall's absence was not a principal cause of the crisis, the underlying culture of excessive risk-taking and short-term profit was real.
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= The Glass-Steagall Act was passed under FDR as a response to the stock market crash of 1929. It effected a wall between commercial banking and investment banking, only to be partially repealed in 1999. While there exists consensus around what the Glass-Steagall Act pertains to, there’s disagreement around its influence on the financial markets. In particular, the debate has centered around the repeal’s effects on the 2008 financial crisis and whether it was a principal cause of the crisis. Notably, it remains relevant despite the introduction of recent legislation. In 2010, the Obama administration enacted the Dodd-Frank Act in response to the financial crisis. Similar to Glass-Steagall, it attempted to promote financial stability and protect the consumer, but Dodd-Frank did not reinstate the repealed provisions of Glass-Steagall. In the aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash, the Pecora Commission was tasked with investigating its causes. The Commission identified issues including risky securities investments that endangered bank deposits, unsound loans made to companies in which banks were invested, and conflicts of interest. Other issues included a blurring of the distinction between uninsured and insured practices, or an abusive practice of requiring joint purchases of multiple products. Congress attempted to address these issues with the Banking Act of 1933 and other legislation. While the effects of the Glass-Steagall Act were wide-ranging, it is equally important to note what the Glass-Steagall Act did not do. Beyond limiting the scope of activities for commercial and investment banks, the Act was not intended to limit the size or volume of such activities. Therefore, returning to the example of J.P. Morgan & Co., while the Act prohibited the bank from conducting all the same activities within a single organization, it did not prohibit the same activities (type and volume) if carried out separately through JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley. So when was the Glass-Steagall Act repealed? By the late 1990s, the Glass-Steagall Act had essentially become ineffective. In November 1999, then-President Bill Clinton signed the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) into effect. GLBA repealed Sections 20 and 32 of the Glass-Steagall Act, which had prohibited the interlocking of commercial and investment activities. The partial repeal allowed for universal banking, which combines commercial and investment banking services under one roof. Many experts view GLBA as “ratifying, rather than revolutionizing” in that it simply formalized a change that was already ongoing. However, GLBA left intact Sections 16 and 21, which are still in place today. These continue to have practical effects on the industry today. For instance, they limit investment management firms such as Bridgewater Associates from offering checking accounts and prohibit commercial banks such as Wells Fargo from dealing in risky securities such as cattle futures. Between 1998 and 2006, the housing market and housing prices rose to previously unseen highs. As many readers already know, the market’s later crash was a primary cause of the Financial Crisis. A major determinant of the housing boom was the utilization of imprudent lending standards and subsequent growth of subprime mortgage loans. Most of these loans were made to homebuyers with factors that prevented them from qualifying for a prime loan. Many subprime loans also included tricky features that kept the initial payments low but subjected borrowers to risk if interest rates rose or house prices declined. Unfortunately, when housing prices started to fall, many borrowers found that they owed more on their houses than they were worth. According to the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC), which conducted the official government investigation into the crisis, the percentage of borrowers who defaulted on their mortgages months after the loan nearly doubled from 2006 to late 2007. Suspicious activity reports related to mortgage fraud grew 20-fold between 1996 and 2005, more than doubling between 2005 and 2009 (Chart 4). The losses from this fraud have been estimated at $112 billion. Did the Glass-Steagall Act’s repeal contribute to the deterioration in underwriting standards that fueled the housing boom and eventual collapse? Predictably, opinions are divided. On the one hand, those who believe the absence of Glass-Steagall did not cause the crisis highlight that offering mortgages has always been a core business for commercial banks, and so the banking system has always been exposed to high default rates in residential mortgages. Glass-Steagall was never intended to address or regulate loan qualification standards. In addition, while the Glass-Steagall Act limited the investment activities of commercial banks, it did not prevent non-depositories from extending mortgages that competed with commercial banks, or from selling these mortgages to investment banks. It also did not prevent investment banks from securitizing the mortgages to then sell to institutional investors. Nor did it address the incentives of the institutions that originated mortgages or sold mortgage-related securities. Because it did not directly address these issues, it’s unlikely the Glass-Steagall Act could have prevented the decline in mortgage underwriting standards that led to the housing boom of the 2000s. On the other hand, those who argue that the absence of Glass-Steagall did cause the crisis believe that the decline in underwriting standards was in fact partially, or indirectly, caused by the Act’s absence. Readers will recall from the beginning of the article that Glass-Steagall’s provisions addressed the conflicts of interest and other potential abuses of universal banks. After Glass-Steagall’s repeal, it is feasible that universal banks aimed to establish an initial market share in the securities market by lowering underwriting standards. Separately, universal banks might also self-deal and favor their own interests over those of their customers. Both of these incentives could have led to or exacerbated the decline in underwriting standards. While these results are not entirely conclusive, it does suggest that Glass-Steagall’s absence could have worsened underwriting standards. Had Glass-Steagall been in place, these universal banking institutions would not have been created. Nevertheless, the regulation would not have prevented new, investment-only entrants also looking to gain market share. And as we’ve already mentioned, the Glass-Steagall Act never directly addressed loan qualification standards or prevented non-depositors from extending, repackaging, and selling mortgages. It’s therefore unlikely that the Glass-Steagall Act could have prevented the decline in mortgage underwriting standards, but its absence could have aggravated the situation. The second major topic of discussion related to Glass-Steagall and the financial crisis surrounds the issue of “too big to fail” and systemic risks. When the failure of an institution could result in systemic risks, whereby there would be contagious, widespread harm to financial institutions, it was deemed too big to fail (TBTF). TBTF institutions are so large, interconnected, and important that their failure would be disastrous to the greater economic system. Should they fail, the associated costs are absorbed by government and taxpayers. If one accepts that systemic risk and TBTF institutions were major contributors to the 2008 crisis, then the debate turns to whether the absence of Glass-Steagall contributed to the creation of TBTF institutions and their disastrous effects. After all, the repeal of Glass-Steagall in 1999 set in motion the wave of mega-mergers that created huge financial conglomerates, many of which fall firmly within the TBTF camp. Ironically, Glass-Steagall’s repeal actually allowed for the rescue of many large institutions after the crisis: After all, JPMorgan Chase rescued Bear Stearns and Bank of America rescued Merrill Lynch, which would have been impermissible prior to the 1999 repeal. Both were already involved in commercial and investment banking when they saved the two failing investment banks. On balance, therefore, the evidence does not seem to support the view that Glass-Steagall’s absence was a cause of the financial crisis. Overall, while the general consensus is that Glass-Steagall's absence was not a principal cause of the crisis, the underlying culture of excessive risk-taking and short-term profit was real. https://www.toptal.com/finance/investment-banking-freelancer/glass-steagall-act ================ <QUESTION> ======= I remember vaguely hearing about the Glass-Steagall Act while I was in college and that it was removed. What is the act exactly, and what are some of the pros and cons of the act being repealed? ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
|
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
EVIDENCE:
The Glass-Steagall Act was passed under FDR as a response to the stock market crash of 1929. It effected a wall between commercial banking and investment banking, only to be partially repealed in 1999. While there exists consensus around what the Glass-Steagall Act pertains to, there’s disagreement around its influence on the financial markets. In particular, the debate has centered around the repeal’s effects on the 2008 financial crisis and whether it was a principal cause of the crisis. Notably, it remains relevant despite the introduction of recent legislation. In 2010, the Obama administration enacted the Dodd-Frank Act in response to the financial crisis. Similar to Glass-Steagall, it attempted to promote financial stability and protect the consumer, but Dodd-Frank did not reinstate the repealed provisions of Glass-Steagall. In the aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash, the Pecora Commission was tasked with investigating its causes. The Commission identified issues including risky securities investments that endangered bank deposits, unsound loans made to companies in which banks were invested, and conflicts of interest. Other issues included a blurring of the distinction between uninsured and insured practices, or an abusive practice of requiring joint purchases of multiple products. Congress attempted to address these issues with the Banking Act of 1933 and other legislation. While the effects of the Glass-Steagall Act were wide-ranging, it is equally important to note what the Glass-Steagall Act did not do. Beyond limiting the scope of activities for commercial and investment banks, the Act was not intended to limit the size or volume of such activities. Therefore, returning to the example of J.P. Morgan & Co., while the Act prohibited the bank from conducting all the same activities within a single organization, it did not prohibit the same activities (type and volume) if carried out separately through JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley. So when was the Glass-Steagall Act repealed? By the late 1990s, the Glass-Steagall Act had essentially become ineffective. In November 1999, then-President Bill Clinton signed the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) into effect. GLBA repealed Sections 20 and 32 of the Glass-Steagall Act, which had prohibited the interlocking of commercial and investment activities. The partial repeal allowed for universal banking, which combines commercial and investment banking services under one roof. Many experts view GLBA as “ratifying, rather than revolutionizing” in that it simply formalized a change that was already ongoing. However, GLBA left intact Sections 16 and 21, which are still in place today. These continue to have practical effects on the industry today. For instance, they limit investment management firms such as Bridgewater Associates from offering checking accounts and prohibit commercial banks such as Wells Fargo from dealing in risky securities such as cattle futures. Between 1998 and 2006, the housing market and housing prices rose to previously unseen highs. As many readers already know, the market’s later crash was a primary cause of the Financial Crisis. A major determinant of the housing boom was the utilization of imprudent lending standards and subsequent growth of subprime mortgage loans. Most of these loans were made to homebuyers with factors that prevented them from qualifying for a prime loan. Many subprime loans also included tricky features that kept the initial payments low but subjected borrowers to risk if interest rates rose or house prices declined. Unfortunately, when housing prices started to fall, many borrowers found that they owed more on their houses than they were worth. According to the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC), which conducted the official government investigation into the crisis, the percentage of borrowers who defaulted on their mortgages months after the loan nearly doubled from 2006 to late 2007. Suspicious activity reports related to mortgage fraud grew 20-fold between 1996 and 2005, more than doubling between 2005 and 2009 (Chart 4). The losses from this fraud have been estimated at $112 billion. Did the Glass-Steagall Act’s repeal contribute to the deterioration in underwriting standards that fueled the housing boom and eventual collapse? Predictably, opinions are divided. On the one hand, those who believe the absence of Glass-Steagall did not cause the crisis highlight that offering mortgages has always been a core business for commercial banks, and so the banking system has always been exposed to high default rates in residential mortgages. Glass-Steagall was never intended to address or regulate loan qualification standards. In addition, while the Glass-Steagall Act limited the investment activities of commercial banks, it did not prevent non-depositories from extending mortgages that competed with commercial banks, or from selling these mortgages to investment banks. It also did not prevent investment banks from securitizing the mortgages to then sell to institutional investors. Nor did it address the incentives of the institutions that originated mortgages or sold mortgage-related securities. Because it did not directly address these issues, it’s unlikely the Glass-Steagall Act could have prevented the decline in mortgage underwriting standards that led to the housing boom of the 2000s. On the other hand, those who argue that the absence of Glass-Steagall did cause the crisis believe that the decline in underwriting standards was in fact partially, or indirectly, caused by the Act’s absence. Readers will recall from the beginning of the article that Glass-Steagall’s provisions addressed the conflicts of interest and other potential abuses of universal banks. After Glass-Steagall’s repeal, it is feasible that universal banks aimed to establish an initial market share in the securities market by lowering underwriting standards. Separately, universal banks might also self-deal and favor their own interests over those of their customers. Both of these incentives could have led to or exacerbated the decline in underwriting standards. While these results are not entirely conclusive, it does suggest that Glass-Steagall’s absence could have worsened underwriting standards. Had Glass-Steagall been in place, these universal banking institutions would not have been created. Nevertheless, the regulation would not have prevented new, investment-only entrants also looking to gain market share. And as we’ve already mentioned, the Glass-Steagall Act never directly addressed loan qualification standards or prevented non-depositors from extending, repackaging, and selling mortgages. It’s therefore unlikely that the Glass-Steagall Act could have prevented the decline in mortgage underwriting standards, but its absence could have aggravated the situation. The second major topic of discussion related to Glass-Steagall and the financial crisis surrounds the issue of “too big to fail” and systemic risks. When the failure of an institution could result in systemic risks, whereby there would be contagious, widespread harm to financial institutions, it was deemed too big to fail (TBTF). TBTF institutions are so large, interconnected, and important that their failure would be disastrous to the greater economic system. Should they fail, the associated costs are absorbed by government and taxpayers. If one accepts that systemic risk and TBTF institutions were major contributors to the 2008 crisis, then the debate turns to whether the absence of Glass-Steagall contributed to the creation of TBTF institutions and their disastrous effects. After all, the repeal of Glass-Steagall in 1999 set in motion the wave of mega-mergers that created huge financial conglomerates, many of which fall firmly within the TBTF camp. Ironically, Glass-Steagall’s repeal actually allowed for the rescue of many large institutions after the crisis: After all, JPMorgan Chase rescued Bear Stearns and Bank of America rescued Merrill Lynch, which would have been impermissible prior to the 1999 repeal. Both were already involved in commercial and investment banking when they saved the two failing investment banks. On balance, therefore, the evidence does not seem to support the view that Glass-Steagall’s absence was a cause of the financial crisis. Overall, while the general consensus is that Glass-Steagall's absence was not a principal cause of the crisis, the underlying culture of excessive risk-taking and short-term profit was real.
USER:
I remember vaguely hearing about the Glass-Steagall Act while I was in college and that it was removed. What is the act exactly, and what are some of the pros and cons of the act being repealed?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 49 | 37 | 1,277 | null | 782 |
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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What are the most common ways to save money for the Halloween season? Make the response less than 500 words but more than 300 words.
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Americans love Halloween. What other night can you dress like a hot dog and eat all your favorite sweets? But the problem is, we may love it a little too much. This year, Americans plan to spend around $10.6 billion—that’s billion with a B—on Halloween.1 That’s about $100 per person! If you’re tight on cash, spending that much might sound scary. But the good news is: You don’t have to spend a zombie arm and a leg to have a good time. Try these seven tricks to stick to your Halloween budget. 1. Costumes One of my favorite parts of Halloween is the costumes, hands down—from seeing adorable babies dressed as koalas to entire families decked out as the Addams Family. But when you start buying costumes for your own family, you realize just how pricey they can get! So, instead of buying a $40 Ninja Turtles costume for each of your four boys or sewing some DIY versions from scratch, turn hunting for costumes into a family game. Here’s how it works: Head to the consignment shop or thrift store with your family and give each of your kids an envelope with $5 or $10 inside. Split up into teams to pick out a costume or find materials to make a custom creation. When time’s up and purchases are made, head home and have the kids dig into their closets for the rest of their costumes. There’s nothing like a happy homemade Halloween! Don’t forget, just like kids grow out of clothes, they also grow out of Halloween costumes. Check with your friends and neighbors to see if they’ll let you borrow a costume this year. You don’t need to drop big money for a brand-new Hulk outfit when little Timmy down the street has one your kid can borrow for the night. 2. Decorations Halloween is a really big deal for some people—and a single pumpkin on the front porch just won’t cut it (especially if you’re easily inspired by fall décor on Instagram and Pinterest). But if you’re not careful, buying Halloween décor year after year can really take a bite out of your budget. Pro tip: If you need to stretch a dollar, hit up your local dollar store for decorations. And if you love going all out for Halloween, start saving and reusing your decorations. Since Halloween is almost as big of a deal as Christmas at your house, prep for it the same way. Instead of throwing away decorations at the end of the season, save some to reuse each year. Store your ghouls and goblins in a reusable tub once the season is over, and pull them out next year. 3. Candy It’s no secret that candy is pricey stuff. But living in a neighborhood that gets carloads of kids every year doesn’t mean you have to buy barrels of candy. If you know you’ll be visited by 50 to 100 princesses and superheroes, skip the fancy chocolate bars and grab a bulk bag of assorted candy instead. Be on the lookout for coupons and any two-for-one deals, but don’t feel like you need to get the brand-name stuff either. Just buy what you can afford, even if that means store brand. Trick-or-treaters get a lot of sugar, so don’t think you’re holding out on them if you buy generic. And when the candy’s gone, it’s gone. Early birds get the gummy worms, and when you’ve run out, you can turn the lights off and relax. And one more tip when it comes to candy—keep track of how many trick-or-treaters visit your house so you can plan for next year. There’s no need to overbuy and get stuck eating all the leftovers (unless that’s what you were hoping for). 4. Pumpkins For something that turns into a pile of moldy mush a few weeks after you buy it, pumpkins sure cost a pretty penny. And they’re kind of like potato chips: You can’t have just one. It can be super tempting to stage 20 pumpkins across our porches, decks and tables. Money Start budgeting with EveryDollar today! Don’t get me wrong—pumpkins are fun. But it’s way too easy to overspend on them. So give yourself a pumpkin budget. Seriously. Let the kids each pick one or cap yourself at $15. That way, you can keep the spending in check. And when you’re ready to buy pumpkins, going to the pumpkin patch is a blast, but not the best place to buy them if you’re on a budget. Instead, buy pumpkins from the grocery store, and look for two-for-one deals that pop up. Because when it all boils down to it, a pumpkin is a pumpkin. 5. Greeting Cards Do people really send out Halloween greeting cards? When was the last time you got a “Have a Batty Halloween” card in your mailbox? Well, nearly 45% of those surveyed by the National Retail Federation in 2021 said they planned to buy Halloween greeting cards, so somebody’s doing it.2 But you can make a spooky greeting card without dropping $6 on a glitter-bomb skeleton card for your favorite niece. Use some cardstock and get creative by drawing all kinds of creepy characters. Don’t forget to tape on a little something sweet too! However, if your heart is set on a store-bought card, look for the two-for-a-dollar kind. And remember, you don’t have to send a card. 6. Fall Activities There are plenty of harvest and Halloween festivals this time of year—and they’re usually free! Plus, there are plenty of other budget-friendly activities for the family. Spend the day walking around a farm or enjoying a hayride. Take a drive out of town to look at the leaves changing colors. Go apple picking or enjoy a fall festival. Take advantage of what’s already going on in your church or community, and budget a little extra for any special food or rides. Festive fall food can really add up if you’re not careful, so save some cash by packing a picnic and a comfy quilt. 7. Family Traditions Pick out a weekend or two for some quality time together with friends or your family this fall. If you’re tired of carving pumpkins or dressing up, why not start some new budget-friendly traditions? How about a fall-themed cooking or baking day? Try caramel apples, pumpkin pie and jack-o’-lantern pizzas (use pepperoni and veggies to make the face). Or have everyone vote for their favorite fall movies, then hunker down on the couch to get cozy and eat all those tasty treats you cooked up while you watch. If you’d rather be outside enjoying the leaves, head over to the park for a scavenger hunt and enjoy the scenery while you search. It’s 100% possible to have a memorable Halloween on a bite-size budget! Trust me, you’ll have more fun knowing you’re not wrecking your money goals to celebrate. Don’t let Halloween haunt your budget—so make sure you know exactly where each dollar is going this season with EveryDollar, our free budget tool.
|
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= Americans love Halloween. What other night can you dress like a hot dog and eat all your favorite sweets? But the problem is, we may love it a little too much. This year, Americans plan to spend around $10.6 billion—that’s billion with a B—on Halloween.1 That’s about $100 per person! If you’re tight on cash, spending that much might sound scary. But the good news is: You don’t have to spend a zombie arm and a leg to have a good time. Try these seven tricks to stick to your Halloween budget. 1. Costumes One of my favorite parts of Halloween is the costumes, hands down—from seeing adorable babies dressed as koalas to entire families decked out as the Addams Family. But when you start buying costumes for your own family, you realize just how pricey they can get! So, instead of buying a $40 Ninja Turtles costume for each of your four boys or sewing some DIY versions from scratch, turn hunting for costumes into a family game. Here’s how it works: Head to the consignment shop or thrift store with your family and give each of your kids an envelope with $5 or $10 inside. Split up into teams to pick out a costume or find materials to make a custom creation. When time’s up and purchases are made, head home and have the kids dig into their closets for the rest of their costumes. There’s nothing like a happy homemade Halloween! Don’t forget, just like kids grow out of clothes, they also grow out of Halloween costumes. Check with your friends and neighbors to see if they’ll let you borrow a costume this year. You don’t need to drop big money for a brand-new Hulk outfit when little Timmy down the street has one your kid can borrow for the night. 2. Decorations Halloween is a really big deal for some people—and a single pumpkin on the front porch just won’t cut it (especially if you’re easily inspired by fall décor on Instagram and Pinterest). But if you’re not careful, buying Halloween décor year after year can really take a bite out of your budget. Pro tip: If you need to stretch a dollar, hit up your local dollar store for decorations. And if you love going all out for Halloween, start saving and reusing your decorations. Since Halloween is almost as big of a deal as Christmas at your house, prep for it the same way. Instead of throwing away decorations at the end of the season, save some to reuse each year. Store your ghouls and goblins in a reusable tub once the season is over, and pull them out next year. 3. Candy It’s no secret that candy is pricey stuff. But living in a neighborhood that gets carloads of kids every year doesn’t mean you have to buy barrels of candy. If you know you’ll be visited by 50 to 100 princesses and superheroes, skip the fancy chocolate bars and grab a bulk bag of assorted candy instead. Be on the lookout for coupons and any two-for-one deals, but don’t feel like you need to get the brand-name stuff either. Just buy what you can afford, even if that means store brand. Trick-or-treaters get a lot of sugar, so don’t think you’re holding out on them if you buy generic. And when the candy’s gone, it’s gone. Early birds get the gummy worms, and when you’ve run out, you can turn the lights off and relax. And one more tip when it comes to candy—keep track of how many trick-or-treaters visit your house so you can plan for next year. There’s no need to overbuy and get stuck eating all the leftovers (unless that’s what you were hoping for). 4. Pumpkins For something that turns into a pile of moldy mush a few weeks after you buy it, pumpkins sure cost a pretty penny. And they’re kind of like potato chips: You can’t have just one. It can be super tempting to stage 20 pumpkins across our porches, decks and tables. Money Start budgeting with EveryDollar today! Don’t get me wrong—pumpkins are fun. But it’s way too easy to overspend on them. So give yourself a pumpkin budget. Seriously. Let the kids each pick one or cap yourself at $15. That way, you can keep the spending in check. And when you’re ready to buy pumpkins, going to the pumpkin patch is a blast, but not the best place to buy them if you’re on a budget. Instead, buy pumpkins from the grocery store, and look for two-for-one deals that pop up. Because when it all boils down to it, a pumpkin is a pumpkin. 5. Greeting Cards Do people really send out Halloween greeting cards? When was the last time you got a “Have a Batty Halloween” card in your mailbox? Well, nearly 45% of those surveyed by the National Retail Federation in 2021 said they planned to buy Halloween greeting cards, so somebody’s doing it.2 But you can make a spooky greeting card without dropping $6 on a glitter-bomb skeleton card for your favorite niece. Use some cardstock and get creative by drawing all kinds of creepy characters. Don’t forget to tape on a little something sweet too! However, if your heart is set on a store-bought card, look for the two-for-a-dollar kind. And remember, you don’t have to send a card. 6. Fall Activities There are plenty of harvest and Halloween festivals this time of year—and they’re usually free! Plus, there are plenty of other budget-friendly activities for the family. Spend the day walking around a farm or enjoying a hayride. Take a drive out of town to look at the leaves changing colors. Go apple picking or enjoy a fall festival. Take advantage of what’s already going on in your church or community, and budget a little extra for any special food or rides. Festive fall food can really add up if you’re not careful, so save some cash by packing a picnic and a comfy quilt. 7. Family Traditions Pick out a weekend or two for some quality time together with friends or your family this fall. If you’re tired of carving pumpkins or dressing up, why not start some new budget-friendly traditions? How about a fall-themed cooking or baking day? Try caramel apples, pumpkin pie and jack-o’-lantern pizzas (use pepperoni and veggies to make the face). Or have everyone vote for their favorite fall movies, then hunker down on the couch to get cozy and eat all those tasty treats you cooked up while you watch. If you’d rather be outside enjoying the leaves, head over to the park for a scavenger hunt and enjoy the scenery while you search. It’s 100% possible to have a memorable Halloween on a bite-size budget! Trust me, you’ll have more fun knowing you’re not wrecking your money goals to celebrate. Don’t let Halloween haunt your budget—so make sure you know exactly where each dollar is going this season with EveryDollar, our free budget tool. https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/5-money-saving-tricks-for-happier-halloween?srsltid=AfmBOoozsyg8q63H1t5yGvb12_1N6lX5_tAKP336LoR7LBOcS-2WYyjc ================ <QUESTION> ======= What are the most common ways to save money for the Halloween season? Make the response less than 500 words but more than 300 words. ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
|
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
EVIDENCE:
Americans love Halloween. What other night can you dress like a hot dog and eat all your favorite sweets? But the problem is, we may love it a little too much. This year, Americans plan to spend around $10.6 billion—that’s billion with a B—on Halloween.1 That’s about $100 per person! If you’re tight on cash, spending that much might sound scary. But the good news is: You don’t have to spend a zombie arm and a leg to have a good time. Try these seven tricks to stick to your Halloween budget. 1. Costumes One of my favorite parts of Halloween is the costumes, hands down—from seeing adorable babies dressed as koalas to entire families decked out as the Addams Family. But when you start buying costumes for your own family, you realize just how pricey they can get! So, instead of buying a $40 Ninja Turtles costume for each of your four boys or sewing some DIY versions from scratch, turn hunting for costumes into a family game. Here’s how it works: Head to the consignment shop or thrift store with your family and give each of your kids an envelope with $5 or $10 inside. Split up into teams to pick out a costume or find materials to make a custom creation. When time’s up and purchases are made, head home and have the kids dig into their closets for the rest of their costumes. There’s nothing like a happy homemade Halloween! Don’t forget, just like kids grow out of clothes, they also grow out of Halloween costumes. Check with your friends and neighbors to see if they’ll let you borrow a costume this year. You don’t need to drop big money for a brand-new Hulk outfit when little Timmy down the street has one your kid can borrow for the night. 2. Decorations Halloween is a really big deal for some people—and a single pumpkin on the front porch just won’t cut it (especially if you’re easily inspired by fall décor on Instagram and Pinterest). But if you’re not careful, buying Halloween décor year after year can really take a bite out of your budget. Pro tip: If you need to stretch a dollar, hit up your local dollar store for decorations. And if you love going all out for Halloween, start saving and reusing your decorations. Since Halloween is almost as big of a deal as Christmas at your house, prep for it the same way. Instead of throwing away decorations at the end of the season, save some to reuse each year. Store your ghouls and goblins in a reusable tub once the season is over, and pull them out next year. 3. Candy It’s no secret that candy is pricey stuff. But living in a neighborhood that gets carloads of kids every year doesn’t mean you have to buy barrels of candy. If you know you’ll be visited by 50 to 100 princesses and superheroes, skip the fancy chocolate bars and grab a bulk bag of assorted candy instead. Be on the lookout for coupons and any two-for-one deals, but don’t feel like you need to get the brand-name stuff either. Just buy what you can afford, even if that means store brand. Trick-or-treaters get a lot of sugar, so don’t think you’re holding out on them if you buy generic. And when the candy’s gone, it’s gone. Early birds get the gummy worms, and when you’ve run out, you can turn the lights off and relax. And one more tip when it comes to candy—keep track of how many trick-or-treaters visit your house so you can plan for next year. There’s no need to overbuy and get stuck eating all the leftovers (unless that’s what you were hoping for). 4. Pumpkins For something that turns into a pile of moldy mush a few weeks after you buy it, pumpkins sure cost a pretty penny. And they’re kind of like potato chips: You can’t have just one. It can be super tempting to stage 20 pumpkins across our porches, decks and tables. Money Start budgeting with EveryDollar today! Don’t get me wrong—pumpkins are fun. But it’s way too easy to overspend on them. So give yourself a pumpkin budget. Seriously. Let the kids each pick one or cap yourself at $15. That way, you can keep the spending in check. And when you’re ready to buy pumpkins, going to the pumpkin patch is a blast, but not the best place to buy them if you’re on a budget. Instead, buy pumpkins from the grocery store, and look for two-for-one deals that pop up. Because when it all boils down to it, a pumpkin is a pumpkin. 5. Greeting Cards Do people really send out Halloween greeting cards? When was the last time you got a “Have a Batty Halloween” card in your mailbox? Well, nearly 45% of those surveyed by the National Retail Federation in 2021 said they planned to buy Halloween greeting cards, so somebody’s doing it.2 But you can make a spooky greeting card without dropping $6 on a glitter-bomb skeleton card for your favorite niece. Use some cardstock and get creative by drawing all kinds of creepy characters. Don’t forget to tape on a little something sweet too! However, if your heart is set on a store-bought card, look for the two-for-a-dollar kind. And remember, you don’t have to send a card. 6. Fall Activities There are plenty of harvest and Halloween festivals this time of year—and they’re usually free! Plus, there are plenty of other budget-friendly activities for the family. Spend the day walking around a farm or enjoying a hayride. Take a drive out of town to look at the leaves changing colors. Go apple picking or enjoy a fall festival. Take advantage of what’s already going on in your church or community, and budget a little extra for any special food or rides. Festive fall food can really add up if you’re not careful, so save some cash by packing a picnic and a comfy quilt. 7. Family Traditions Pick out a weekend or two for some quality time together with friends or your family this fall. If you’re tired of carving pumpkins or dressing up, why not start some new budget-friendly traditions? How about a fall-themed cooking or baking day? Try caramel apples, pumpkin pie and jack-o’-lantern pizzas (use pepperoni and veggies to make the face). Or have everyone vote for their favorite fall movies, then hunker down on the couch to get cozy and eat all those tasty treats you cooked up while you watch. If you’d rather be outside enjoying the leaves, head over to the park for a scavenger hunt and enjoy the scenery while you search. It’s 100% possible to have a memorable Halloween on a bite-size budget! Trust me, you’ll have more fun knowing you’re not wrecking your money goals to celebrate. Don’t let Halloween haunt your budget—so make sure you know exactly where each dollar is going this season with EveryDollar, our free budget tool.
USER:
What are the most common ways to save money for the Halloween season? Make the response less than 500 words but more than 300 words.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 49 | 25 | 1,174 | null | 426 |
Your task is to answer questions using information provided in the context block, without referring to external sources or prior knowledge. Format your response using bullet points.
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List the reasons that resulted in decreased emission of GHGs from ethanol production.
|
A new USDA report, titled “A Life-Cycle Analysis of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Corn-Based Ethanol,” finds that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with producing corn-based ethanol in the United States are about 43 percent lower than gasoline when measured on an energy equivalent basis. Unlike other studies of GHG benefits, which relied on forecasts of future ethanol production systems and expected impacts on the farm sector, this study reviewed how the industry and farm sectors have performed over the past decade to assess the current GHG profile of corn-based ethanol. The report shows that the reductions in GHG emissions were driven by a variety of improvements in ethanol production, spanning from the corn field to the ethanol refinery. Farmers are producing corn more efficiently and using conservation practices that reduce GHG emissions, including reduced tillage, cover crops, and improved nitrogen management. Both corn yields and the efficiency of ethanol production technologies are also improving. Previous estimates of ethanol’s GHG balance report lower efficiencies, largely due to anticipated conversion of grasslands and forests to commodity production as a result of increased demand for corn used in ethanol production. However, recent studies of international agricultural land use trends show that since 2004, the primary land use change response of the world's farmers to rising commodity prices has been to use available land resources more efficiently rather than to expand the amount of land used for farming.
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A new USDA report, titled “A Life-Cycle Analysis of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Corn-Based Ethanol,” finds that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with producing corn-based ethanol in the United States are about 43 percent lower than gasoline when measured on an energy equivalent basis. Unlike other studies of GHG benefits, which relied on forecasts of future ethanol production systems and expected impacts on the farm sector, this study reviewed how the industry and farm sectors have performed over the past decade to assess the current GHG profile of corn-based ethanol. The report shows that the reductions in GHG emissions were driven by a variety of improvements in ethanol production, spanning from the corn field to the ethanol refinery. Farmers are producing corn more efficiently and using conservation practices that reduce GHG emissions, including reduced tillage, cover crops, and improved nitrogen management. Both corn yields and the efficiency of ethanol production technologies are also improving. Previous estimates of ethanol’s GHG balance report lower efficiencies, largely due to anticipated conversion of grasslands and forests to commodity production as a result of increased demand for corn used in ethanol production. However, recent studies of international agricultural land use trends show that since 2004, the primary land use change response of the world's farmers to rising commodity prices has been to use available land resources more efficiently rather than to expand the amount of land used for farming. Ethanol GHG Balance Highlights Ethanol production in the United States increased significantly over the past decade—from 3.9 to 14.8 billion gallons per year between 2005 and 2015. The report projects that the GHG profile of corn ethanol will be almost 50 percent lower than gasoline in 2022 if current trends in corn yields, process fuel switching, and improvements in trucking fuel efficiency continue. If additional conservation practices and efficiency improvements are pursued, such as the practices outlined in USDA’s Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry strategy, the GHG benefits of corn ethanol are even more pronounced over gasoline—about 76 percent. On-farm conservation practices, such as reduced tillage, cover crops, and nitrogen management, are estimated to improve the GHG balance of corn ethanol by about 14 percent Your task is to answer questions using information provided in the above text, without referring to external sources or prior knowledge. Format your response using bullet points. Question: List the reasons that resulted in decreased emission of GHGs from ethanol production.
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Your task is to answer questions using information provided in the context block, without referring to external sources or prior knowledge. Format your response using bullet points.
EVIDENCE:
A new USDA report, titled “A Life-Cycle Analysis of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Corn-Based Ethanol,” finds that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with producing corn-based ethanol in the United States are about 43 percent lower than gasoline when measured on an energy equivalent basis. Unlike other studies of GHG benefits, which relied on forecasts of future ethanol production systems and expected impacts on the farm sector, this study reviewed how the industry and farm sectors have performed over the past decade to assess the current GHG profile of corn-based ethanol. The report shows that the reductions in GHG emissions were driven by a variety of improvements in ethanol production, spanning from the corn field to the ethanol refinery. Farmers are producing corn more efficiently and using conservation practices that reduce GHG emissions, including reduced tillage, cover crops, and improved nitrogen management. Both corn yields and the efficiency of ethanol production technologies are also improving. Previous estimates of ethanol’s GHG balance report lower efficiencies, largely due to anticipated conversion of grasslands and forests to commodity production as a result of increased demand for corn used in ethanol production. However, recent studies of international agricultural land use trends show that since 2004, the primary land use change response of the world's farmers to rising commodity prices has been to use available land resources more efficiently rather than to expand the amount of land used for farming.
USER:
List the reasons that resulted in decreased emission of GHGs from ethanol production.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 27 | 13 | 235 | null | 585 |
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
|
How does interleaving improve sensitivity when compared to A/B tests? What does interleaving do better? Please explain in 4 sentences or less, and make sure there's no jargon.
|
Handles dilution from competitive pairs Interleaved designs also drive up sensitivity by showing if the experience exposed to the user is truly different between treatment and control. An interleaved design generates final output from two lists, allowing us to identify immediately whether those lists are too similar, as shown in Figure 4 below. In most machine learning applications, different modeling approaches are improvings things on the margin. In many cases, the search results returned by two rankers will largely overlap. An interleaved design lets us measure this overlap and analyze the data for competitive pairs — where rankers disagree on the recommendation — which leads to a signal boost. Figure 4: The original lists used here in interleaving are essentially identical except for the last elements. This means that if a user clicks on any of the top four choices, they are not actually contributing to signaling which ranker is preferred. Handles dilution from non-engagement An interesting observation we made when looking at interleaved experiments – as well as search and ranking experiments in general – is that many user actions make it look as if the user is not paying attention or making any choices on the presented content. For instance, although we would generate a carousel with interleaved options, the user would not actively engage with the content and make a decision. As a result, including this data in interleaved analyses dilutes the signal. Here is another way to understand non-engagement. Let's say we present a user with two drinks – Coke and Pepsi – and ask them which they like more. If the user does not engage or refuses to try any options, it might indicate: The user is not interested in the presented results. The user is not in a decision-making mindset at the moment. While these are important insights, examining data from this undifferentiated feedback does not help to determine user preference or understand which drink is preferred. Attention and non-engagement is a fascinating research subject; many folks approach it by looking at additional metrics such as dwell time or how often a user backtracks as per Chucklin and Rijke, 2016. Fortunately, interleaving allows us to identify non-engagement more effectively so that we may remove impressions that are not meaningful. If a user does not take an action, we simply remove the exposure rather than marking the performance of the interleaved ranker as a tie.ctively so that we may remove impressions that are not meaningful. If a user does not take an action, we simply remove the exposure rather than marking the performance of the interleaved ranker as a tie. A/B tests can't effectively address non-engagement because they treat all data equally, including non-engaged interactions, which dilutes the signal and obscures true user preferences. Results Table 2 shows results across five online experiments in which we provide the average relative sensitivity improvement across different methods relative to an A/B setup. Across several experiments, we found that removing dilution helped boost interleaving sensitivity even more, which leads to much smaller required sample sizes. These results were so surprising even to us that we had to stop several times to conduct additional A/A tests to validate that we had not introduced a bug in our SDK, analysis pipeline, or metrics computation. Experiment Vanilla Interleaving Vanilla Interleaving + Removing Dilution % Traffic Used Exp 1 34x 282x <5% Exp 2 67x 482x <5% Exp 3 68x 312x <5% Exp 4 109x 545x <5% Exp 5 60x 301x <5% Avg Improvement ~67x ~384x Table 2: We observed very large sensitivity gains across several experiments. Overall, removing dilution helped improve sensitivity even more. Note that we observed these results while interleaving traffic was getting 1/20th of the A/B traffic. It’s important to highlight that the sensitivity improvement depends on the metric. For clickthrough rate, we have observed half of the sensitivity boost observed in the checkout-conversion metric. Nonetheless, across all use cases we found that removing dilutive exposures drives very large gains in sensitivity.
|
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= Handles dilution from competitive pairs Interleaved designs also drive up sensitivity by showing if the experience exposed to the user is truly different between treatment and control. An interleaved design generates final output from two lists, allowing us to identify immediately whether those lists are too similar, as shown in Figure 4 below. In most machine learning applications, different modeling approaches are improvings things on the margin. In many cases, the search results returned by two rankers will largely overlap. An interleaved design lets us measure this overlap and analyze the data for competitive pairs — where rankers disagree on the recommendation — which leads to a signal boost. Figure 4: The original lists used here in interleaving are essentially identical except for the last elements. This means that if a user clicks on any of the top four choices, they are not actually contributing to signaling which ranker is preferred. Handles dilution from non-engagement An interesting observation we made when looking at interleaved experiments – as well as search and ranking experiments in general – is that many user actions make it look as if the user is not paying attention or making any choices on the presented content. For instance, although we would generate a carousel with interleaved options, the user would not actively engage with the content and make a decision. As a result, including this data in interleaved analyses dilutes the signal. Here is another way to understand non-engagement. Let's say we present a user with two drinks – Coke and Pepsi – and ask them which they like more. If the user does not engage or refuses to try any options, it might indicate: The user is not interested in the presented results. The user is not in a decision-making mindset at the moment. While these are important insights, examining data from this undifferentiated feedback does not help to determine user preference or understand which drink is preferred. Attention and non-engagement is a fascinating research subject; many folks approach it by looking at additional metrics such as dwell time or how often a user backtracks as per Chucklin and Rijke, 2016. Fortunately, interleaving allows us to identify non-engagement more effectively so that we may remove impressions that are not meaningful. If a user does not take an action, we simply remove the exposure rather than marking the performance of the interleaved ranker as a tie.ctively so that we may remove impressions that are not meaningful. If a user does not take an action, we simply remove the exposure rather than marking the performance of the interleaved ranker as a tie. A/B tests can't effectively address non-engagement because they treat all data equally, including non-engaged interactions, which dilutes the signal and obscures true user preferences. Results Table 2 shows results across five online experiments in which we provide the average relative sensitivity improvement across different methods relative to an A/B setup. Across several experiments, we found that removing dilution helped boost interleaving sensitivity even more, which leads to much smaller required sample sizes. These results were so surprising even to us that we had to stop several times to conduct additional A/A tests to validate that we had not introduced a bug in our SDK, analysis pipeline, or metrics computation. Experiment Vanilla Interleaving Vanilla Interleaving + Removing Dilution % Traffic Used Exp 1 34x 282x <5% Exp 2 67x 482x <5% Exp 3 68x 312x <5% Exp 4 109x 545x <5% Exp 5 60x 301x <5% Avg Improvement ~67x ~384x Table 2: We observed very large sensitivity gains across several experiments. Overall, removing dilution helped improve sensitivity even more. Note that we observed these results while interleaving traffic was getting 1/20th of the A/B traffic. It’s important to highlight that the sensitivity improvement depends on the metric. For clickthrough rate, we have observed half of the sensitivity boost observed in the checkout-conversion metric. Nonetheless, across all use cases we found that removing dilutive exposures drives very large gains in sensitivity. https://careers.doordash.com/blog/doordash-experimentation-with-interleaving-designs/ ================ <QUESTION> ======= How does interleaving improve sensitivity when compared to A/B tests? What does interleaving do better? Please explain in 4 sentences or less, and make sure there's no jargon. ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
|
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
EVIDENCE:
Handles dilution from competitive pairs Interleaved designs also drive up sensitivity by showing if the experience exposed to the user is truly different between treatment and control. An interleaved design generates final output from two lists, allowing us to identify immediately whether those lists are too similar, as shown in Figure 4 below. In most machine learning applications, different modeling approaches are improvings things on the margin. In many cases, the search results returned by two rankers will largely overlap. An interleaved design lets us measure this overlap and analyze the data for competitive pairs — where rankers disagree on the recommendation — which leads to a signal boost. Figure 4: The original lists used here in interleaving are essentially identical except for the last elements. This means that if a user clicks on any of the top four choices, they are not actually contributing to signaling which ranker is preferred. Handles dilution from non-engagement An interesting observation we made when looking at interleaved experiments – as well as search and ranking experiments in general – is that many user actions make it look as if the user is not paying attention or making any choices on the presented content. For instance, although we would generate a carousel with interleaved options, the user would not actively engage with the content and make a decision. As a result, including this data in interleaved analyses dilutes the signal. Here is another way to understand non-engagement. Let's say we present a user with two drinks – Coke and Pepsi – and ask them which they like more. If the user does not engage or refuses to try any options, it might indicate: The user is not interested in the presented results. The user is not in a decision-making mindset at the moment. While these are important insights, examining data from this undifferentiated feedback does not help to determine user preference or understand which drink is preferred. Attention and non-engagement is a fascinating research subject; many folks approach it by looking at additional metrics such as dwell time or how often a user backtracks as per Chucklin and Rijke, 2016. Fortunately, interleaving allows us to identify non-engagement more effectively so that we may remove impressions that are not meaningful. If a user does not take an action, we simply remove the exposure rather than marking the performance of the interleaved ranker as a tie.ctively so that we may remove impressions that are not meaningful. If a user does not take an action, we simply remove the exposure rather than marking the performance of the interleaved ranker as a tie. A/B tests can't effectively address non-engagement because they treat all data equally, including non-engaged interactions, which dilutes the signal and obscures true user preferences. Results Table 2 shows results across five online experiments in which we provide the average relative sensitivity improvement across different methods relative to an A/B setup. Across several experiments, we found that removing dilution helped boost interleaving sensitivity even more, which leads to much smaller required sample sizes. These results were so surprising even to us that we had to stop several times to conduct additional A/A tests to validate that we had not introduced a bug in our SDK, analysis pipeline, or metrics computation. Experiment Vanilla Interleaving Vanilla Interleaving + Removing Dilution % Traffic Used Exp 1 34x 282x <5% Exp 2 67x 482x <5% Exp 3 68x 312x <5% Exp 4 109x 545x <5% Exp 5 60x 301x <5% Avg Improvement ~67x ~384x Table 2: We observed very large sensitivity gains across several experiments. Overall, removing dilution helped improve sensitivity even more. Note that we observed these results while interleaving traffic was getting 1/20th of the A/B traffic. It’s important to highlight that the sensitivity improvement depends on the metric. For clickthrough rate, we have observed half of the sensitivity boost observed in the checkout-conversion metric. Nonetheless, across all use cases we found that removing dilutive exposures drives very large gains in sensitivity.
USER:
How does interleaving improve sensitivity when compared to A/B tests? What does interleaving do better? Please explain in 4 sentences or less, and make sure there's no jargon.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 49 | 28 | 664 | null | 726 |
This task requires you to answer questions based solely on the information provided in the prompt. You are not allowed to use any external resources or prior knowledge. Please limit your response to 200 words and avoid using bullet points.
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How much jail time could I, as a Virginia resdent face for my 60 Marijuana plants?
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Code of Virginia Title 4.1. Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Subtitle II. Cannabis Control Act Chapter 11. Possession of Retail Marijuana and Retail Marijuana Products; Prohibited Practices Generally § 4.1-1101. Home cultivation of marijuana for personal use; penalties A. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (c) of § 18.2-248.1, a person 21 years of age or older may cultivate up to four marijuana plants for personal use at their place of residence; however, at no point shall a household contain more than four marijuana plants. For purposes of this section, a "household" means those individuals, whether related or not, who live in the same house or other place of residence. A person may only cultivate marijuana plants pursuant to this section at such person's main place of residence. A violation of this subsection shall be punishable as follows: 1. For possession of more than four marijuana plants but no more than 10 marijuana plants, (i) a civil penalty of $250 for a first offense, (ii) a Class 3 misdemeanor for a second offense, and (iii) a Class 2 misdemeanor for a third and any subsequent offense; 2. For possession of more than 10 but no more than 49 marijuana plants, a Class 1 misdemeanor; 3. For possession of more than 49 but no more than 100 marijuana plants, a Class 6 felony; and 4. For possession of more than 100 marijuana plants, a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. B. A person who cultivates marijuana for personal use pursuant to this section shall: 1. Ensure that no marijuana plant is visible from a public way without the use of aircraft, binoculars, or other optical aids; 2. Take precautions to prevent unauthorized access by persons younger than 21 years of age; and 3. Attach to each marijuana plant a legible tag that includes the person's name, driver's license or identification number, and a notation that the marijuana plant is being grown for personal use as authorized under this section. Any person who violates this subsection is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $25. The penalty for any violations of this section by an adult shall be prepayable according to the procedures in § 16.1-69.40:2. C. A person shall not manufacture marijuana concentrate from home-cultivated marijuana. The owner of a property or parcel or tract of land may not intentionally or knowingly allow another person to manufacture marijuana concentrate from home-cultivated marijuana within or on that property or land. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551;2022, Sp. Sess. I, c. 2;2023, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1. 1 9/11/2024 12:00:00 The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section(s) may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose provisions have expired.
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system instruction: This task requires you to answer questions based solely on the information provided in the prompt. You are not allowed to use any external resources or prior knowledge. Please limit your response to 200 words and avoid using bullet points. question: How much jail time could I, as a Virginia resdent face for my 60 Marijuana plants? context block: Code of Virginia Title 4.1. Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Subtitle II. Cannabis Control Act Chapter 11. Possession of Retail Marijuana and Retail Marijuana Products; Prohibited Practices Generally § 4.1-1101. Home cultivation of marijuana for personal use; penalties A. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (c) of § 18.2-248.1, a person 21 years of age or older may cultivate up to four marijuana plants for personal use at their place of residence; however, at no point shall a household contain more than four marijuana plants. For purposes of this section, a "household" means those individuals, whether related or not, who live in the same house or other place of residence. A person may only cultivate marijuana plants pursuant to this section at such person's main place of residence. A violation of this subsection shall be punishable as follows: 1. For possession of more than four marijuana plants but no more than 10 marijuana plants, (i) a civil penalty of $250 for a first offense, (ii) a Class 3 misdemeanor for a second offense, and (iii) a Class 2 misdemeanor for a third and any subsequent offense; 2. For possession of more than 10 but no more than 49 marijuana plants, a Class 1 misdemeanor; 3. For possession of more than 49 but no more than 100 marijuana plants, a Class 6 felony; and 4. For possession of more than 100 marijuana plants, a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. B. A person who cultivates marijuana for personal use pursuant to this section shall: 1. Ensure that no marijuana plant is visible from a public way without the use of aircraft, binoculars, or other optical aids; 2. Take precautions to prevent unauthorized access by persons younger than 21 years of age; and 3. Attach to each marijuana plant a legible tag that includes the person's name, driver's license or identification number, and a notation that the marijuana plant is being grown for personal use as authorized under this section. Any person who violates this subsection is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $25. The penalty for any violations of this section by an adult shall be prepayable according to the procedures in § 16.1-69.40:2. C. A person shall not manufacture marijuana concentrate from home-cultivated marijuana. The owner of a property or parcel or tract of land may not intentionally or knowingly allow another person to manufacture marijuana concentrate from home-cultivated marijuana within or on that property or land. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551;2022, Sp. Sess. I, c. 2;2023, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1. 1 9/11/2024 12:00:00 The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section(s) may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose provisions have expired.
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This task requires you to answer questions based solely on the information provided in the prompt. You are not allowed to use any external resources or prior knowledge. Please limit your response to 200 words and avoid using bullet points.
EVIDENCE:
Code of Virginia Title 4.1. Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Subtitle II. Cannabis Control Act Chapter 11. Possession of Retail Marijuana and Retail Marijuana Products; Prohibited Practices Generally § 4.1-1101. Home cultivation of marijuana for personal use; penalties A. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (c) of § 18.2-248.1, a person 21 years of age or older may cultivate up to four marijuana plants for personal use at their place of residence; however, at no point shall a household contain more than four marijuana plants. For purposes of this section, a "household" means those individuals, whether related or not, who live in the same house or other place of residence. A person may only cultivate marijuana plants pursuant to this section at such person's main place of residence. A violation of this subsection shall be punishable as follows: 1. For possession of more than four marijuana plants but no more than 10 marijuana plants, (i) a civil penalty of $250 for a first offense, (ii) a Class 3 misdemeanor for a second offense, and (iii) a Class 2 misdemeanor for a third and any subsequent offense; 2. For possession of more than 10 but no more than 49 marijuana plants, a Class 1 misdemeanor; 3. For possession of more than 49 but no more than 100 marijuana plants, a Class 6 felony; and 4. For possession of more than 100 marijuana plants, a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. B. A person who cultivates marijuana for personal use pursuant to this section shall: 1. Ensure that no marijuana plant is visible from a public way without the use of aircraft, binoculars, or other optical aids; 2. Take precautions to prevent unauthorized access by persons younger than 21 years of age; and 3. Attach to each marijuana plant a legible tag that includes the person's name, driver's license or identification number, and a notation that the marijuana plant is being grown for personal use as authorized under this section. Any person who violates this subsection is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $25. The penalty for any violations of this section by an adult shall be prepayable according to the procedures in § 16.1-69.40:2. C. A person shall not manufacture marijuana concentrate from home-cultivated marijuana. The owner of a property or parcel or tract of land may not intentionally or knowingly allow another person to manufacture marijuana concentrate from home-cultivated marijuana within or on that property or land. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551;2022, Sp. Sess. I, c. 2;2023, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1. 1 9/11/2024 12:00:00 The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section(s) may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose provisions have expired.
USER:
How much jail time could I, as a Virginia resdent face for my 60 Marijuana plants?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 40 | 16 | 486 | null | 334 |
<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
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According to the reference text, how does the criteria for a DUI change when the offending party is a minor? Using only the reference text, what is the criteria for a felony DUI versus a misdemeanor?
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First DUI Offense A first offense DUI in California is a misdemeanor typically punished by: Penalties & Fee's: $390.00+ License Suspension: 6 - 16 months Jail: Up to 6 Months Alcohol Treatment: 3 Months Confronting a first DUI offense in Los Angeles can be a daunting experience, one that necessitates a nuanced understanding of specific DUI laws. The stakes are notably high; a conviction carries ramifications that can ripple through your personal and professional life. It's crucial to seek the guidance of a seasoned Los Angeles DUI attorney, versed in the intricacies of DUI defense. At The H Law, our legal acumen is geared towards mitigating the penalties that come with a DUI. These penalties often include fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI education programs, and, in some cases, incarceration. Our strategic approach in DUI defense frames a robust representation, crafted to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution's case. In Los Angeles, the law doesn't take DUI lightly, and neither should you. Securing expert legal defense early can significantly alter the outcome of a first Los Angeles DUI offense. Second DUI Offense When convicted of a 2nd DUI in California, the penalties typically imposed by the court are as follows: Penalties & Fee's: $2,000 License Suspension: Two years Jail: Minimum of 96 hours Alcohol Treatment: 18-30 months Facing a second DUI charge in Los Angeles can be a profoundly unsettling experience, with the potential for more severe consequences compared to a first offense. The stakes are undeniably higher, as Los Angeles DUI laws prescribe harsher penalties that may include longer jail time, increased fines, mandatory attendance at DUI school, and extended driver's license suspension. Additionally, the imposition of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle may become a requisite. Here at The H Law, we understand the gravity of a second DUI and the impact it holds over your freedom and future. With our expert DUI attorneys by your side, you can navigate the complex legal landscapes of DUI charges and work tirelessly towards a favorable outcome. Third DUI Offense When convicted of a 3rd Offense DUI in California, the penalties typically imposed by the court are as follows: Penalties & Fee's: $2,500 to $3,000 License Suspension: 3-year Revocation Jail: Minimum of 120 days to One year Alcohol Treatment: 30 Months+ Addressing a third DUI offense in Los Angeles carries severe consequences, warranting the astute legal counsel provided by The H Law. With penalties escalating sharply from the first and second offenses, it is paramount to understand the gravity of a third Los Angeles DUI charge. Under California law, a third DUI conviction within a 10-year period can result in significantly increased jail time, stringent probation conditions, and mandatory alcohol programs. Moreover, the financial implications are profound, encompassing steep fines and surcharges, which underscore the necessity of a determined defense strategy. The expertise of The H Law in defending against DUI charges is pivotal; our approach is tailored to navigate the intricacies of DUI laws, ensuring the most favorable outcome possible. Underage DUI Offense When dealing with an underage DUI in Los Angeles, it's crucial to understand the unique aspects of California DUI laws that apply. The state imposes a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol can result in a DUI charge. At The H Law, we're well-versed in the nuances of Los Angeles DUI cases, including those impacting lives of younger drivers. With stricter penalties and potential long-term consequences on educational and employment opportunities, an underage DUI can be particularly damaging. It's essential to have a knowledgeable Los Angeles drunk driving attorney who can navigate the complexities of these offenses. Our expertise in California DUI law enables us to provide a robust defense for those facing underage DUI allegations, aiming to minimize the impact on their future. Choose The H Law to ensure your rights are fervently protected in the face of these significant legal challenges. Felony DUI Offense The consequences of a Felony DUI vary greatly. However, a few penalties could be: Penalties & Fee's: $1015-5000, plus restitution License Suspension: up to 5 years Jail: 16 months to 16 years Alcohol Treatment: 18 or 30 months When facing a felony DUI charge in Los Angeles, it's imperative to understand the gravity of the situation. Unlike misdemeanor DUI charges, a felony DUI can carry severe consequences, including significant jail time, hefty fines, and a lasting impact on one's civil liberties and future opportunities. If you've been charged with a felony DUI, swift and strategic legal intervention is crucial. The enhanced penalties are direct outcomes of either prior DUI convictions, inflicting bodily harm, or other aggravating factors. Such charges demand a highly qualified Los Angeles DUI attorney to meticulously analyze the details of your case to protect your rights. With the right defense, even serious DUI charges can be challenged, potentially mitigating the severe repercussions of a felony DUI conviction.
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> According to the reference text, how does the criteria for a DUI change when the offending party is a minor? Using only the reference text, what is the criteria for a felony DUI versus a misdemeanor? <TEXT> First DUI Offense A first offense DUI in California is a misdemeanor typically punished by: Penalties & Fee's: $390.00+ License Suspension: 6 - 16 months Jail: Up to 6 Months Alcohol Treatment: 3 Months Confronting a first DUI offense in Los Angeles can be a daunting experience, one that necessitates a nuanced understanding of specific DUI laws. The stakes are notably high; a conviction carries ramifications that can ripple through your personal and professional life. It's crucial to seek the guidance of a seasoned Los Angeles DUI attorney, versed in the intricacies of DUI defense. At The H Law, our legal acumen is geared towards mitigating the penalties that come with a DUI. These penalties often include fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI education programs, and, in some cases, incarceration. Our strategic approach in DUI defense frames a robust representation, crafted to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution's case. In Los Angeles, the law doesn't take DUI lightly, and neither should you. Securing expert legal defense early can significantly alter the outcome of a first Los Angeles DUI offense. Second DUI Offense When convicted of a 2nd DUI in California, the penalties typically imposed by the court are as follows: Penalties & Fee's: $2,000 License Suspension: Two years Jail: Minimum of 96 hours Alcohol Treatment: 18-30 months Facing a second DUI charge in Los Angeles can be a profoundly unsettling experience, with the potential for more severe consequences compared to a first offense. The stakes are undeniably higher, as Los Angeles DUI laws prescribe harsher penalties that may include longer jail time, increased fines, mandatory attendance at DUI school, and extended driver's license suspension. Additionally, the imposition of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle may become a requisite. Here at The H Law, we understand the gravity of a second DUI and the impact it holds over your freedom and future. With our expert DUI attorneys by your side, you can navigate the complex legal landscapes of DUI charges and work tirelessly towards a favorable outcome. Third DUI Offense When convicted of a 3rd Offense DUI in California, the penalties typically imposed by the court are as follows: Penalties & Fee's: $2,500 to $3,000 License Suspension: 3-year Revocation Jail: Minimum of 120 days to One year Alcohol Treatment: 30 Months+ Addressing a third DUI offense in Los Angeles carries severe consequences, warranting the astute legal counsel provided by The H Law. With penalties escalating sharply from the first and second offenses, it is paramount to understand the gravity of a third Los Angeles DUI charge. Under California law, a third DUI conviction within a 10-year period can result in significantly increased jail time, stringent probation conditions, and mandatory alcohol programs. Moreover, the financial implications are profound, encompassing steep fines and surcharges, which underscore the necessity of a determined defense strategy. The expertise of The H Law in defending against DUI charges is pivotal; our approach is tailored to navigate the intricacies of DUI laws, ensuring the most favorable outcome possible. Underage DUI Offense When dealing with an underage DUI in Los Angeles, it's crucial to understand the unique aspects of California DUI laws that apply. The state imposes a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol can result in a DUI charge. At The H Law, we're well-versed in the nuances of Los Angeles DUI cases, including those impacting lives of younger drivers. With stricter penalties and potential long-term consequences on educational and employment opportunities, an underage DUI can be particularly damaging. It's essential to have a knowledgeable Los Angeles drunk driving attorney who can navigate the complexities of these offenses. Our expertise in California DUI law enables us to provide a robust defense for those facing underage DUI allegations, aiming to minimize the impact on their future. Choose The H Law to ensure your rights are fervently protected in the face of these significant legal challenges. Felony DUI Offense The consequences of a Felony DUI vary greatly. However, a few penalties could be: Penalties & Fee's: $1015-5000, plus restitution License Suspension: up to 5 years Jail: 16 months to 16 years Alcohol Treatment: 18 or 30 months When facing a felony DUI charge in Los Angeles, it's imperative to understand the gravity of the situation. Unlike misdemeanor DUI charges, a felony DUI can carry severe consequences, including significant jail time, hefty fines, and a lasting impact on one's civil liberties and future opportunities. If you've been charged with a felony DUI, swift and strategic legal intervention is crucial. The enhanced penalties are direct outcomes of either prior DUI convictions, inflicting bodily harm, or other aggravating factors. Such charges demand a highly qualified Los Angeles DUI attorney to meticulously analyze the details of your case to protect your rights. With the right defense, even serious DUI charges can be challenged, potentially mitigating the severe repercussions of a felony DUI conviction. https://www.thehfirm.com/california/los-angeles-dui-laws-charges-penalty-guides-and-attorneys
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
EVIDENCE:
First DUI Offense A first offense DUI in California is a misdemeanor typically punished by: Penalties & Fee's: $390.00+ License Suspension: 6 - 16 months Jail: Up to 6 Months Alcohol Treatment: 3 Months Confronting a first DUI offense in Los Angeles can be a daunting experience, one that necessitates a nuanced understanding of specific DUI laws. The stakes are notably high; a conviction carries ramifications that can ripple through your personal and professional life. It's crucial to seek the guidance of a seasoned Los Angeles DUI attorney, versed in the intricacies of DUI defense. At The H Law, our legal acumen is geared towards mitigating the penalties that come with a DUI. These penalties often include fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI education programs, and, in some cases, incarceration. Our strategic approach in DUI defense frames a robust representation, crafted to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution's case. In Los Angeles, the law doesn't take DUI lightly, and neither should you. Securing expert legal defense early can significantly alter the outcome of a first Los Angeles DUI offense. Second DUI Offense When convicted of a 2nd DUI in California, the penalties typically imposed by the court are as follows: Penalties & Fee's: $2,000 License Suspension: Two years Jail: Minimum of 96 hours Alcohol Treatment: 18-30 months Facing a second DUI charge in Los Angeles can be a profoundly unsettling experience, with the potential for more severe consequences compared to a first offense. The stakes are undeniably higher, as Los Angeles DUI laws prescribe harsher penalties that may include longer jail time, increased fines, mandatory attendance at DUI school, and extended driver's license suspension. Additionally, the imposition of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle may become a requisite. Here at The H Law, we understand the gravity of a second DUI and the impact it holds over your freedom and future. With our expert DUI attorneys by your side, you can navigate the complex legal landscapes of DUI charges and work tirelessly towards a favorable outcome. Third DUI Offense When convicted of a 3rd Offense DUI in California, the penalties typically imposed by the court are as follows: Penalties & Fee's: $2,500 to $3,000 License Suspension: 3-year Revocation Jail: Minimum of 120 days to One year Alcohol Treatment: 30 Months+ Addressing a third DUI offense in Los Angeles carries severe consequences, warranting the astute legal counsel provided by The H Law. With penalties escalating sharply from the first and second offenses, it is paramount to understand the gravity of a third Los Angeles DUI charge. Under California law, a third DUI conviction within a 10-year period can result in significantly increased jail time, stringent probation conditions, and mandatory alcohol programs. Moreover, the financial implications are profound, encompassing steep fines and surcharges, which underscore the necessity of a determined defense strategy. The expertise of The H Law in defending against DUI charges is pivotal; our approach is tailored to navigate the intricacies of DUI laws, ensuring the most favorable outcome possible. Underage DUI Offense When dealing with an underage DUI in Los Angeles, it's crucial to understand the unique aspects of California DUI laws that apply. The state imposes a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol can result in a DUI charge. At The H Law, we're well-versed in the nuances of Los Angeles DUI cases, including those impacting lives of younger drivers. With stricter penalties and potential long-term consequences on educational and employment opportunities, an underage DUI can be particularly damaging. It's essential to have a knowledgeable Los Angeles drunk driving attorney who can navigate the complexities of these offenses. Our expertise in California DUI law enables us to provide a robust defense for those facing underage DUI allegations, aiming to minimize the impact on their future. Choose The H Law to ensure your rights are fervently protected in the face of these significant legal challenges. Felony DUI Offense The consequences of a Felony DUI vary greatly. However, a few penalties could be: Penalties & Fee's: $1015-5000, plus restitution License Suspension: up to 5 years Jail: 16 months to 16 years Alcohol Treatment: 18 or 30 months When facing a felony DUI charge in Los Angeles, it's imperative to understand the gravity of the situation. Unlike misdemeanor DUI charges, a felony DUI can carry severe consequences, including significant jail time, hefty fines, and a lasting impact on one's civil liberties and future opportunities. If you've been charged with a felony DUI, swift and strategic legal intervention is crucial. The enhanced penalties are direct outcomes of either prior DUI convictions, inflicting bodily harm, or other aggravating factors. Such charges demand a highly qualified Los Angeles DUI attorney to meticulously analyze the details of your case to protect your rights. With the right defense, even serious DUI charges can be challenged, potentially mitigating the severe repercussions of a felony DUI conviction.
USER:
According to the reference text, how does the criteria for a DUI change when the offending party is a minor? Using only the reference text, what is the criteria for a felony DUI versus a misdemeanor?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 20 | 36 | 817 | null | 64 |
You must draw your answer from the below text only. You must not use any outside resources or prior knowledge. Limit your answer to 100 words or fewer.
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What is the deeming rule?
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Circuit Split over the Food and Drug Administration’s Denial of Applications Seeking to Market Flavored E-Cigarettes, Part 1 of 2 April 5, 2024 Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products—products that go by many common names, such as e-cigarettes and vape pens—are generally required to receive prior authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be lawfully marketed in the United States. Before FDA issued regulations in 2016 to subject these products to the premarket review process, however, many of them were already being sold on the U.S. market and were allowed to remain there while FDA implemented the application and review process. These products come in a variety of forms and flavors, from tobacco and menthol flavors based on the flavors of traditional combustible cigarettes to other flavors based on the flavors of fruit, candy, and other sweets (“flavored ENDS products”). While limited studies of certain ENDS products show that they contain substantially lower levels of toxins than combustible cigarettes, indicating a benefit to current adult smokers who switch completely to using ENDS products, flavored ENDS products have been shown to be particularly attractive to youth. In a 2016-2017 study, for instance, 93.2% of youth ENDS product users reported that their first use was with a flavored product. In 2018, the Surgeon General issued an advisory on the “e-cigarette epidemic among youth.” Since the initial deadline in September 2020 for ENDS product manufacturers to submit their premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs), FDA has received millions of applications for ENDS products. To date, the agency has authorized 23 tobacco-flavored ENDS products for lawful marketing and has not authorized any flavored ENDS products. Many applicants that have received a marketing denial order (MDO) for their flavored ENDS products have filed petitions in U.S. Courts of Appeals throughout the country to challenge the denial of their PMTAs. Of the courts that have considered these petitions, the Second, Third, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, Ninth, Tenth, and D.C. Circuits have sided with FDA and denied the petitions or requests to stay the agency’s MDOs. The Eleventh and Fifth Circuits, on the other hand, have sided with the ENDS manufacturers and vacated FDA’s MDOs, remanding the applications to FDA for reconsideration. This circuit split sets the stage for potential Supreme Court review regarding what information FDA may require applicants seeking to market flavored ENDS products to provide as part of Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov LSB11141 Congressional Research Service 2 their PMTAs. This two-part Sidebar examines the circuit split. Part I provides an overview of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA) regulatory framework, relevant FDA actions related to ENDS products, and the agency’s review and denial of the PMTAs involving flavored ENDS products. Part II provides an overview of the litigation challenging those FDA orders, the court decisions to date, and certain preliminary observations for consideration by Congress. Background on TCA’s Statutory Framework In 2009, Congress enacted the TCA, which established the central federal regulatory regime for the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products. Among other things, the TCA required all new tobacco products—that is, those not commercially marketed in the United States prior to February 15, 2007—to receive prior authorization from FDA before they can be marketed to the public. In establishing this regulatory regime, the TCA aims to balance competing interests in protecting the public’s health against the harmful effects of smoking and youth tobacco use, while preserving access to lawfully marketed tobacco products for adult consumers. To further this goal, the TCA grants FDA “primary Federal regulatory authority” over tobacco products and establishes a premarket review process for new tobacco products. Such products generally may not be marketed until the manufacturer submits a PMTA and receives a marketing granted order (MGO) from the Center for Tobacco Products, established within FDA to implement the TCA. The TCA permits FDA to issue an MGO only upon certain findings, including a conclusion that “permitting such tobacco product to be marketed would be appropriate for the protection of the public health,” or APPH. This APPH determination must be made “with respect to the risks and benefits to the population as a whole, including users and nonusers of the tobacco product,” taking into account the likelihood that existing users of tobacco products will stop using such products and the likelihood that those who do not use such products will start using them. The TCA directs FDA, in making this evaluation, to consult a range of evidence, including “information submitted to the Secretary as part of the [PMTA] and any other information before the Secretary with respect to such tobacco product.” Such information may include “when appropriate . . . well-controlled investigations, which may include 1 or more clinical investigations by experts qualified by training and experience to evaluate the tobacco product,” as well as other “valid scientific evidence” determined by the Secretary to be sufficient to evaluate the tobacco product. While the TCA explicitly applies to cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco, and smokeless tobacco, the statute also authorizes FDA to deem other tobacco products subject to the law. In 2016, FDA invoked this authority and promulgated what is known as the Deeming Rule, which subjected ENDS products to the TCA’s regulatory regime.
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You must draw your answer from the below text only. You must not use any outside resources or prior knowledge. Limit your answer to 100 words or fewer. Circuit Split over the Food and Drug Administration’s Denial of Applications Seeking to Market Flavored E-Cigarettes, Part 1 of 2 April 5, 2024 Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products—products that go by many common names, such as e-cigarettes and vape pens—are generally required to receive prior authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be lawfully marketed in the United States. Before FDA issued regulations in 2016 to subject these products to the premarket review process, however, many of them were already being sold on the U.S. market and were allowed to remain there while FDA implemented the application and review process. These products come in a variety of forms and flavors, from tobacco and menthol flavors based on the flavors of traditional combustible cigarettes to other flavors based on the flavors of fruit, candy, and other sweets (“flavored ENDS products”). While limited studies of certain ENDS products show that they contain substantially lower levels of toxins than combustible cigarettes, indicating a benefit to current adult smokers who switch completely to using ENDS products, flavored ENDS products have been shown to be particularly attractive to youth. In a 2016-2017 study, for instance, 93.2% of youth ENDS product users reported that their first use was with a flavored product. In 2018, the Surgeon General issued an advisory on the “e-cigarette epidemic among youth.” Since the initial deadline in September 2020 for ENDS product manufacturers to submit their premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs), FDA has received millions of applications for ENDS products. To date, the agency has authorized 23 tobacco-flavored ENDS products for lawful marketing and has not authorized any flavored ENDS products. Many applicants that have received a marketing denial order (MDO) for their flavored ENDS products have filed petitions in U.S. Courts of Appeals throughout the country to challenge the denial of their PMTAs. Of the courts that have considered these petitions, the Second, Third, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, Ninth, Tenth, and D.C. Circuits have sided with FDA and denied the petitions or requests to stay the agency’s MDOs. The Eleventh and Fifth Circuits, on the other hand, have sided with the ENDS manufacturers and vacated FDA’s MDOs, remanding the applications to FDA for reconsideration. This circuit split sets the stage for potential Supreme Court review regarding what information FDA may require applicants seeking to market flavored ENDS products to provide as part of Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov LSB11141 Congressional Research Service 2 their PMTAs. This two-part Sidebar examines the circuit split. Part I provides an overview of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA) regulatory framework, relevant FDA actions related to ENDS products, and the agency’s review and denial of the PMTAs involving flavored ENDS products. Part II provides an overview of the litigation challenging those FDA orders, the court decisions to date, and certain preliminary observations for consideration by Congress. Background on TCA’s Statutory Framework In 2009, Congress enacted the TCA, which established the central federal regulatory regime for the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products. Among other things, the TCA required all new tobacco products—that is, those not commercially marketed in the United States prior to February 15, 2007—to receive prior authorization from FDA before they can be marketed to the public. In establishing this regulatory regime, the TCA aims to balance competing interests in protecting the public’s health against the harmful effects of smoking and youth tobacco use, while preserving access to lawfully marketed tobacco products for adult consumers. To further this goal, the TCA grants FDA “primary Federal regulatory authority” over tobacco products and establishes a premarket review process for new tobacco products. Such products generally may not be marketed until the manufacturer submits a PMTA and receives a marketing granted order (MGO) from the Center for Tobacco Products, established within FDA to implement the TCA. The TCA permits FDA to issue an MGO only upon certain findings, including a conclusion that “permitting such tobacco product to be marketed would be appropriate for the protection of the public health,” or APPH. This APPH determination must be made “with respect to the risks and benefits to the population as a whole, including users and nonusers of the tobacco product,” taking into account the likelihood that existing users of tobacco products will stop using such products and the likelihood that those who do not use such products will start using them. The TCA directs FDA, in making this evaluation, to consult a range of evidence, including “information submitted to the Secretary as part of the [PMTA] and any other information before the Secretary with respect to such tobacco product.” Such information may include “when appropriate . . . well-controlled investigations, which may include 1 or more clinical investigations by experts qualified by training and experience to evaluate the tobacco product,” as well as other “valid scientific evidence” determined by the Secretary to be sufficient to evaluate the tobacco product. While the TCA explicitly applies to cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco, and smokeless tobacco, the statute also authorizes FDA to deem other tobacco products subject to the law. In 2016, FDA invoked this authority and promulgated what is known as the Deeming Rule, which subjected ENDS products to the TCA’s regulatory regime. QUESTION What is the deeming rule?
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You must draw your answer from the below text only. You must not use any outside resources or prior knowledge. Limit your answer to 100 words or fewer.
EVIDENCE:
Circuit Split over the Food and Drug Administration’s Denial of Applications Seeking to Market Flavored E-Cigarettes, Part 1 of 2 April 5, 2024 Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products—products that go by many common names, such as e-cigarettes and vape pens—are generally required to receive prior authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be lawfully marketed in the United States. Before FDA issued regulations in 2016 to subject these products to the premarket review process, however, many of them were already being sold on the U.S. market and were allowed to remain there while FDA implemented the application and review process. These products come in a variety of forms and flavors, from tobacco and menthol flavors based on the flavors of traditional combustible cigarettes to other flavors based on the flavors of fruit, candy, and other sweets (“flavored ENDS products”). While limited studies of certain ENDS products show that they contain substantially lower levels of toxins than combustible cigarettes, indicating a benefit to current adult smokers who switch completely to using ENDS products, flavored ENDS products have been shown to be particularly attractive to youth. In a 2016-2017 study, for instance, 93.2% of youth ENDS product users reported that their first use was with a flavored product. In 2018, the Surgeon General issued an advisory on the “e-cigarette epidemic among youth.” Since the initial deadline in September 2020 for ENDS product manufacturers to submit their premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs), FDA has received millions of applications for ENDS products. To date, the agency has authorized 23 tobacco-flavored ENDS products for lawful marketing and has not authorized any flavored ENDS products. Many applicants that have received a marketing denial order (MDO) for their flavored ENDS products have filed petitions in U.S. Courts of Appeals throughout the country to challenge the denial of their PMTAs. Of the courts that have considered these petitions, the Second, Third, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, Ninth, Tenth, and D.C. Circuits have sided with FDA and denied the petitions or requests to stay the agency’s MDOs. The Eleventh and Fifth Circuits, on the other hand, have sided with the ENDS manufacturers and vacated FDA’s MDOs, remanding the applications to FDA for reconsideration. This circuit split sets the stage for potential Supreme Court review regarding what information FDA may require applicants seeking to market flavored ENDS products to provide as part of Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov LSB11141 Congressional Research Service 2 their PMTAs. This two-part Sidebar examines the circuit split. Part I provides an overview of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA) regulatory framework, relevant FDA actions related to ENDS products, and the agency’s review and denial of the PMTAs involving flavored ENDS products. Part II provides an overview of the litigation challenging those FDA orders, the court decisions to date, and certain preliminary observations for consideration by Congress. Background on TCA’s Statutory Framework In 2009, Congress enacted the TCA, which established the central federal regulatory regime for the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products. Among other things, the TCA required all new tobacco products—that is, those not commercially marketed in the United States prior to February 15, 2007—to receive prior authorization from FDA before they can be marketed to the public. In establishing this regulatory regime, the TCA aims to balance competing interests in protecting the public’s health against the harmful effects of smoking and youth tobacco use, while preserving access to lawfully marketed tobacco products for adult consumers. To further this goal, the TCA grants FDA “primary Federal regulatory authority” over tobacco products and establishes a premarket review process for new tobacco products. Such products generally may not be marketed until the manufacturer submits a PMTA and receives a marketing granted order (MGO) from the Center for Tobacco Products, established within FDA to implement the TCA. The TCA permits FDA to issue an MGO only upon certain findings, including a conclusion that “permitting such tobacco product to be marketed would be appropriate for the protection of the public health,” or APPH. This APPH determination must be made “with respect to the risks and benefits to the population as a whole, including users and nonusers of the tobacco product,” taking into account the likelihood that existing users of tobacco products will stop using such products and the likelihood that those who do not use such products will start using them. The TCA directs FDA, in making this evaluation, to consult a range of evidence, including “information submitted to the Secretary as part of the [PMTA] and any other information before the Secretary with respect to such tobacco product.” Such information may include “when appropriate . . . well-controlled investigations, which may include 1 or more clinical investigations by experts qualified by training and experience to evaluate the tobacco product,” as well as other “valid scientific evidence” determined by the Secretary to be sufficient to evaluate the tobacco product. While the TCA explicitly applies to cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco, and smokeless tobacco, the statute also authorizes FDA to deem other tobacco products subject to the law. In 2016, FDA invoked this authority and promulgated what is known as the Deeming Rule, which subjected ENDS products to the TCA’s regulatory regime.
USER:
What is the deeming rule?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| true | 28 | 5 | 869 | null | 616 |
You are given a reference document. You must only use information found in the reference document to answer the question asked.
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What are the six "recession-proof" careers?
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Top 6 Recession-Proof Careers By Team Stash Here are six examples of jobs that are likely to survive a financial slump. While no career is completely recession proof, plenty of jobs withstand economic downturns well. In fact, people with jobs in healthcare, education, and technical fields often thrive during recessions. Here are six examples of jobs that are likely to survive a financial slump. They’re also unlikely to succumb to automation anytime soon. Learn more >> How to prepare for a recession Mental Health Counselors Counselors and psychologists are often in higher demand during recessions than when the economy is humming. Job loss, or the fear of it, induces financial stress which can negatively impact all areas of a person’s life. Counselors help people learn to cope. Demand for marriage and family therapists also increases during recessions since divorce rates tend to spike during periods of economic uncertainty. Mental health counselors need a post-graduate degree and have a median income of about $44,000 a year. Dental Hygienists People require dental care in every type of economic situation, making the dental field virtually recession proof. Dental hygienists educate patients, clean teeth, and provide assistance during complex procedures. They often have more interaction with patients than dentists do. Dental hygienists need a two-year degree and have a median income of about $73,000 a year. Software Developers Demand for talented software developers is soaring and shows no signs of slowing down, even during times of economic duress. Companies are racing to take advantage of big data and are always looking to improve their mobile presence. App development is still huge, and developers that stay current have a wide range of career options available to them. Software developers have a median income of about $102,000 a year. Educators People need education regardless of the way the economy is performing. In fact, many people head back to school during recessions to shore up their skills or learn new ones, and there’s always a need for preschool, elementary, and secondary teachers. Educators need a bachelor’s degree or higher. High school teachers have a median income of about $58,000 a year, and elementary teachers have a median income of about $55,000 a year. Postsecondary educators have a median income of about $75,000 a year. Information Technology Staff IT professionals are always in high demand. In fact, demand is so high that even if your employer reduces its IT workforce during a recession, it’s likely other companies will expand theirs. While outsourcing is a valid concern for workers in the field, enough jobs must remain on site to make it a great career choice. Network and database administration are two strong areas within the larger IT arena. IT professionals need a bachelor’s degree or higher, although some companies will waive this requirement for employees with the right technical skills. They have a median income of about $82,000 a year. Sales Representatives Sales departments have such an enormous impact on a company’s gross income that employers tend to expand them during recessions. Since sales reps are such an integral part of a company’s success, especially during times of slow or negative economic growth, high-performers can expect significant job security. Many sales reps work on a commission basis; if a sales rep doesn’t produce, his income shrinks. This makes it relatively safe for companies to hire and retain them during recessions. Sales reps in non-technical positions often only need a high school diploma. Reps in technical and scientific areas need a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to the products they sell. Pay varies widely according to field and experience, but they have a median income of about $60,000 a year. Finding a recession-proof job that pays well and you enjoy is often challenging, but can be done. Plenty of great options exist. All you have to do is choose one and obtain the necessary skills and education.
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You are given a reference document. You must only use information found in the reference document to answer the question asked. What are the six "recession-proof" careers? Top 6 Recession-Proof Careers By Team Stash Here are six examples of jobs that are likely to survive a financial slump. While no career is completely recession proof, plenty of jobs withstand economic downturns well. In fact, people with jobs in healthcare, education, and technical fields often thrive during recessions. Here are six examples of jobs that are likely to survive a financial slump. They’re also unlikely to succumb to automation anytime soon. Learn more >> How to prepare for a recession Mental Health Counselors Counselors and psychologists are often in higher demand during recessions than when the economy is humming. Job loss, or the fear of it, induces financial stress which can negatively impact all areas of a person’s life. Counselors help people learn to cope. Demand for marriage and family therapists also increases during recessions since divorce rates tend to spike during periods of economic uncertainty. Mental health counselors need a post-graduate degree and have a median income of about $44,000 a year. Dental Hygienists People require dental care in every type of economic situation, making the dental field virtually recession proof. Dental hygienists educate patients, clean teeth, and provide assistance during complex procedures. They often have more interaction with patients than dentists do. Dental hygienists need a two-year degree and have a median income of about $73,000 a year. Software Developers Demand for talented software developers is soaring and shows no signs of slowing down, even during times of economic duress. Companies are racing to take advantage of big data and are always looking to improve their mobile presence. App development is still huge, and developers that stay current have a wide range of career options available to them. Software developers have a median income of about $102,000 a year. Educators People need education regardless of the way the economy is performing. In fact, many people head back to school during recessions to shore up their skills or learn new ones, and there’s always a need for preschool, elementary, and secondary teachers. Educators need a bachelor’s degree or higher. High school teachers have a median income of about $58,000 a year, and elementary teachers have a median income of about $55,000 a year. Postsecondary educators have a median income of about $75,000 a year. Information Technology Staff IT professionals are always in high demand. In fact, demand is so high that even if your employer reduces its IT workforce during a recession, it’s likely other companies will expand theirs. While outsourcing is a valid concern for workers in the field, enough jobs must remain on site to make it a great career choice. Network and database administration are two strong areas within the larger IT arena. IT professionals need a bachelor’s degree or higher, although some companies will waive this requirement for employees with the right technical skills. They have a median income of about $82,000 a year. Sales Representatives Sales departments have such an enormous impact on a company’s gross income that employers tend to expand them during recessions. Since sales reps are such an integral part of a company’s success, especially during times of slow or negative economic growth, high-performers can expect significant job security. Many sales reps work on a commission basis; if a sales rep doesn’t produce, his income shrinks. This makes it relatively safe for companies to hire and retain them during recessions. Sales reps in non-technical positions often only need a high school diploma. Reps in technical and scientific areas need a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to the products they sell. Pay varies widely according to field and experience, but they have a median income of about $60,000 a year. Finding a recession-proof job that pays well and you enjoy is often challenging, but can be done. Plenty of great options exist. All you have to do is choose one and obtain the necessary skills and education.
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You are given a reference document. You must only use information found in the reference document to answer the question asked.
EVIDENCE:
Top 6 Recession-Proof Careers By Team Stash Here are six examples of jobs that are likely to survive a financial slump. While no career is completely recession proof, plenty of jobs withstand economic downturns well. In fact, people with jobs in healthcare, education, and technical fields often thrive during recessions. Here are six examples of jobs that are likely to survive a financial slump. They’re also unlikely to succumb to automation anytime soon. Learn more >> How to prepare for a recession Mental Health Counselors Counselors and psychologists are often in higher demand during recessions than when the economy is humming. Job loss, or the fear of it, induces financial stress which can negatively impact all areas of a person’s life. Counselors help people learn to cope. Demand for marriage and family therapists also increases during recessions since divorce rates tend to spike during periods of economic uncertainty. Mental health counselors need a post-graduate degree and have a median income of about $44,000 a year. Dental Hygienists People require dental care in every type of economic situation, making the dental field virtually recession proof. Dental hygienists educate patients, clean teeth, and provide assistance during complex procedures. They often have more interaction with patients than dentists do. Dental hygienists need a two-year degree and have a median income of about $73,000 a year. Software Developers Demand for talented software developers is soaring and shows no signs of slowing down, even during times of economic duress. Companies are racing to take advantage of big data and are always looking to improve their mobile presence. App development is still huge, and developers that stay current have a wide range of career options available to them. Software developers have a median income of about $102,000 a year. Educators People need education regardless of the way the economy is performing. In fact, many people head back to school during recessions to shore up their skills or learn new ones, and there’s always a need for preschool, elementary, and secondary teachers. Educators need a bachelor’s degree or higher. High school teachers have a median income of about $58,000 a year, and elementary teachers have a median income of about $55,000 a year. Postsecondary educators have a median income of about $75,000 a year. Information Technology Staff IT professionals are always in high demand. In fact, demand is so high that even if your employer reduces its IT workforce during a recession, it’s likely other companies will expand theirs. While outsourcing is a valid concern for workers in the field, enough jobs must remain on site to make it a great career choice. Network and database administration are two strong areas within the larger IT arena. IT professionals need a bachelor’s degree or higher, although some companies will waive this requirement for employees with the right technical skills. They have a median income of about $82,000 a year. Sales Representatives Sales departments have such an enormous impact on a company’s gross income that employers tend to expand them during recessions. Since sales reps are such an integral part of a company’s success, especially during times of slow or negative economic growth, high-performers can expect significant job security. Many sales reps work on a commission basis; if a sales rep doesn’t produce, his income shrinks. This makes it relatively safe for companies to hire and retain them during recessions. Sales reps in non-technical positions often only need a high school diploma. Reps in technical and scientific areas need a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to the products they sell. Pay varies widely according to field and experience, but they have a median income of about $60,000 a year. Finding a recession-proof job that pays well and you enjoy is often challenging, but can be done. Plenty of great options exist. All you have to do is choose one and obtain the necessary skills and education.
USER:
What are the six "recession-proof" careers?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 21 | 6 | 650 | null | 482 |
Respond using only the information contained in the provided text.
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Find and summarize the following three things, using three sentences for each one: The reason for this appeal The judgment The reasons for the judgment
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Background to the Appeal This appeal forms part of long-running litigation about discharges of foul water contaminated with untreated sewage into the Manchester Ship Canal. The Supreme Court is asked to decide whether the owner of the beds and banks of the canal, the Manchester Ship Canal Company Ltd (“the Canal Company”), can bring a claim in nuisance or trespass when the canal is polluted by discharges of foul water from outfalls maintained by the statutory sewerage undertaker, United Utilities Water Ltd (“United Utilities”). United Utilities is the statutory sewerage undertaker for the North West of England. Its sewerage network includes around 100 outfalls from which material emanating from sewers, sewage treatment works and pumping stations is discharged into the canal. When it is operating within its hydraulic capacity, the discharges are of surface water or treated effluent, but when the system’s hydraulic capacity is exceeded at least some of the outfalls discharge foul water into the canal. There is no suggestion that these polluting discharges are caused by negligence or deliberate wrongdoing on the part of United Utilities. However, they could be avoided if United Utilities invested in improved infrastructure and treatment processes. The Canal Company threatened to bring a claim against United Utilities for trespass and nuisance. In response, United Utilities asked the court to make a declaration that the Canal Company had no right of action. The court was not asked to decide whether the Canal Company’s claim would be successful on the relevant facts. Rather, the question was whether the claim would be inconsistent with and therefore barred by the statutory scheme for regulating sewerage established by the Water Industry Act 1991 (“the 1991 Act”). The High Court judge agreed to make the declaration requested by United Utilities. His decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal. The implication of these judgments is that no owner of a canal (or other watercourse or body of water) can bring a claim based on nuisance or trespass against a sewerage undertaker in respect of polluting discharges into the water, unless the sewerage undertaker is guilty of negligence or deliberate wrongdoing. A claim of this kind would be prevented even if the polluting discharges were frequent and had significant and damaging effects on the owner’s commercial or other interests, or on its ability to enjoy its property. The Canal Company appeals to the Supreme Court. Judgment The Supreme Court unanimously allows the Canal Company’s appeal. It holds that the 1991 Act does not prevent the Canal Company from bringing a claim in nuisance or trespass when the canal is polluted by discharges of foul water from United Utilities’ outfalls, even if there has been no negligence or deliberate misconduct. Lord Reed and Lord Hodge give a joint judgment with which the other members of the Court agree. Reasons for the Judgment The starting point is that the owner of a canal or other watercourse has a property right in the watercourse, including a right to preserve the quality of the water. That right is protected by the common law. The discharge of polluting effluent into a privately-owned watercourse is an actionable nuisance at common law if the pollution interferes with the owner’s use or enjoyment of its property. The Supreme Court is, therefore, asked to decide whether the 1991 Act excludes common law rights of action in nuisance and trespass. This is a question of statutory interpretation [108]-[110]. A body which exercises statutory powers, such as a sewerage undertaker, is liable in the same way as any other person if it is responsible for a nuisance, trespass or other tort, unless either it: (i) is acting within its statutory powers, or (ii) has been granted some statutory immunity from suit. If a sewerage undertaker interferes with a person’s rights, it is therefore necessary to distinguish between interferences which Parliament has authorised, which are lawful, and interferences which Parliament has not authorised, which are unlawful. When drawing this distinction, two principles are relevant. First, a person’s rights to the peaceful enjoyment of its property and to access the courts are protected by both the common law and the Human Rights Act 1998. The principle of legality holds that fundamental rights cannot be overridden by general or ambiguous words. A statute will, therefore, only authorise what would otherwise be an unlawful interference with property rights, or deprive a person of the right to bring a legal claim, if this is clear from or a necessary implication of the express language used by Parliament. Secondly, Parliament will not be taken to have intended that statutory powers should be exercised, or duties performed, in a way which interferes with private rights, unless the interference is inevitable [15]-[21]. The 1991 Act does not expressly authorise United Utilities to cause a nuisance or to trespass by discharging foul water through the outfalls into the canal. United Utilities’ entitlement to use the outfalls derives from section 116 of the 1991 Act. However, this entitlement is subject to a number of statutory protections for watercourses. Section 117(5) provides that nothing in section 116 (or the other relevant sewerage provisions of the 1991 Act) authorises a sewerage undertaker to use a sewer, drain or outfall to convey foul water into a watercourse. Sewerage undertakers therefore do not have statutory authority to discharge untreated sewage into watercourses. Section 117(6) prevents a sewerage undertaker from carrying out its functions under the relevant sewerage provisions so as to create a nuisance. Section 94(4) makes it clear that the common law remedies for nuisance – such as an injunction or damages – are available in addition to any remedy available by virtue of section 94. Section 186(3) further protects the owners of watercourses, and other rights-holders, by stating that nothing in the relevant sewerage provisions authorises a sewerage undertaker to damage a watercourse, or the quality of the water in it, without consent [60]-[62], [65], [111]-[112], [116]. The polluting discharges similarly cannot be regarded as having been impliedly authorised by Parliament, since they are not an inevitable consequence of a sewerage undertaker’s performance of its statutory powers and duties. In the present case, the discharges could be avoided if United Utilities invested in improved infrastructure and treatment processes [113]. If Parliament has not authorised an interference with private law rights, it would normally follow that a claimant can enforce those rights at common law. Furthermore, since sections 117(5) and 186(3) limit the authority conferred on sewerage undertakers by the 1991 Act, there must be a common law remedy where those limits are exceeded: otherwise, the sections would have no purpose [114]-[115]. However, United Utilities argues that the Canal Company has no cause of action because the only way to avoid the discharges of foul water into the canal would be to construct new sewerage infrastructure. It relies on the House of Lords’ decision in Marcic v Thames Water Utilities Ltd [2003] UKHL 66 (“Marcic”), which it says established that Parliament’s intention was that the construction of new sewerage infrastructure should be a matter for the Secretary of State or the regulator, the Water Services Regulation Authority (known as “Ofwat”), not the courts [106]. The Supreme Court rejects this argument. There are a number of indications that Parliament did not intend the 1991 Act to exclude a claimant’s right to enforce its private property right in a watercourse. First, section 186(7) provides for arbitration where water quality has been damaged without consent, at the option of the party complaining. This strongly suggests that the complainant could alternatively choose to pursue a common law claim [66], [117]. Secondly, section 180 of the 1991 Act gives effect to Schedule 12, which makes provision for statutory compensation. Compensation is available for damage caused by the authorised acts of sewerage undertakers, but not for damage caused by acts which are unauthorised, such as the discharges of foul water into the canal. This indicates that the victims of unauthorised damage retain their common law rights of action. Otherwise, they would be left without any remedy for the damage they have suffered, which would be anomalous. They would also be treated less favourably than the victims of authorised damage, which would be perverse [64], [118]-[121]. Thirdly, depriving the victims of a nuisance or trespass of their common law rights of action would be a substantial change to the law as it stood before the 1991 Act was enacted. It is unlikely that a change of this kind would have been made in a consolidation statute. Consolidation acts are not designed to make substantive changes to the law, but rather to reorganise and restate the existing law so that it is clearer and easier to understand.
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Respond using only the information contained in the provided text. Find and summarize the following three things, using three sentences for each one: The reason for this appeal The judgment The reasons for the judgment Background to the Appeal This appeal forms part of long-running litigation about discharges of foul water contaminated with untreated sewage into the Manchester Ship Canal. The Supreme Court is asked to decide whether the owner of the beds and banks of the canal, the Manchester Ship Canal Company Ltd (“the Canal Company”), can bring a claim in nuisance or trespass when the canal is polluted by discharges of foul water from outfalls maintained by the statutory sewerage undertaker, United Utilities Water Ltd (“United Utilities”). United Utilities is the statutory sewerage undertaker for the North West of England. Its sewerage network includes around 100 outfalls from which material emanating from sewers, sewage treatment works and pumping stations is discharged into the canal. When it is operating within its hydraulic capacity, the discharges are of surface water or treated effluent, but when the system’s hydraulic capacity is exceeded at least some of the outfalls discharge foul water into the canal. There is no suggestion that these polluting discharges are caused by negligence or deliberate wrongdoing on the part of United Utilities. However, they could be avoided if United Utilities invested in improved infrastructure and treatment processes. The Canal Company threatened to bring a claim against United Utilities for trespass and nuisance. In response, United Utilities asked the court to make a declaration that the Canal Company had no right of action. The court was not asked to decide whether the Canal Company’s claim would be successful on the relevant facts. Rather, the question was whether the claim would be inconsistent with and therefore barred by the statutory scheme for regulating sewerage established by the Water Industry Act 1991 (“the 1991 Act”). The High Court judge agreed to make the declaration requested by United Utilities. His decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal. The implication of these judgments is that no owner of a canal (or other watercourse or body of water) can bring a claim based on nuisance or trespass against a sewerage undertaker in respect of polluting discharges into the water, unless the sewerage undertaker is guilty of negligence or deliberate wrongdoing. A claim of this kind would be prevented even if the polluting discharges were frequent and had significant and damaging effects on the owner’s commercial or other interests, or on its ability to enjoy its property. The Canal Company appeals to the Supreme Court. Judgment The Supreme Court unanimously allows the Canal Company’s appeal. It holds that the 1991 Act does not prevent the Canal Company from bringing a claim in nuisance or trespass when the canal is polluted by discharges of foul water from United Utilities’ outfalls, even if there has been no negligence or deliberate misconduct. Lord Reed and Lord Hodge give a joint judgment with which the other members of the Court agree. Reasons for the Judgment The starting point is that the owner of a canal or other watercourse has a property right in the watercourse, including a right to preserve the quality of the water. That right is protected by the common law. The discharge of polluting effluent into a privately-owned watercourse is an actionable nuisance at common law if the pollution interferes with the owner’s use or enjoyment of its property. The Supreme Court is, therefore, asked to decide whether the 1991 Act excludes common law rights of action in nuisance and trespass. This is a question of statutory interpretation [108]-[110]. A body which exercises statutory powers, such as a sewerage undertaker, is liable in the same way as any other person if it is responsible for a nuisance, trespass or other tort, unless either it: (i) is acting within its statutory powers, or (ii) has been granted some statutory immunity from suit. If a sewerage undertaker interferes with a person’s rights, it is therefore necessary to distinguish between interferences which Parliament has authorised, which are lawful, and interferences which Parliament has not authorised, which are unlawful. When drawing this distinction, two principles are relevant. First, a person’s rights to the peaceful enjoyment of its property and to access the courts are protected by both the common law and the Human Rights Act 1998. The principle of legality holds that fundamental rights cannot be overridden by general or ambiguous words. A statute will, therefore, only authorise what would otherwise be an unlawful interference with property rights, or deprive a person of the right to bring a legal claim, if this is clear from or a necessary implication of the express language used by Parliament. Secondly, Parliament will not be taken to have intended that statutory powers should be exercised, or duties performed, in a way which interferes with private rights, unless the interference is inevitable [15]-[21]. The 1991 Act does not expressly authorise United Utilities to cause a nuisance or to trespass by discharging foul water through the outfalls into the canal. United Utilities’ entitlement to use the outfalls derives from section 116 of the 1991 Act. However, this entitlement is subject to a number of statutory protections for watercourses. Section 117(5) provides that nothing in section 116 (or the other relevant sewerage provisions of the 1991 Act) authorises a sewerage undertaker to use a sewer, drain or outfall to convey foul water into a watercourse. Sewerage undertakers therefore do not have statutory authority to discharge untreated sewage into watercourses. Section 117(6) prevents a sewerage undertaker from carrying out its functions under the relevant sewerage provisions so as to create a nuisance. Section 94(4) makes it clear that the common law remedies for nuisance – such as an injunction or damages – are available in addition to any remedy available by virtue of section 94. Section 186(3) further protects the owners of watercourses, and other rights-holders, by stating that nothing in the relevant sewerage provisions authorises a sewerage undertaker to damage a watercourse, or the quality of the water in it, without consent [60]-[62], [65], [111]-[112], [116]. The polluting discharges similarly cannot be regarded as having been impliedly authorised by Parliament, since they are not an inevitable consequence of a sewerage undertaker’s performance of its statutory powers and duties. In the present case, the discharges could be avoided if United Utilities invested in improved infrastructure and treatment processes [113]. If Parliament has not authorised an interference with private law rights, it would normally follow that a claimant can enforce those rights at common law. Furthermore, since sections 117(5) and 186(3) limit the authority conferred on sewerage undertakers by the 1991 Act, there must be a common law remedy where those limits are exceeded: otherwise, the sections would have no purpose [114]-[115]. However, United Utilities argues that the Canal Company has no cause of action because the only way to avoid the discharges of foul water into the canal would be to construct new sewerage infrastructure. It relies on the House of Lords’ decision in Marcic v Thames Water Utilities Ltd [2003] UKHL 66 (“Marcic”), which it says established that Parliament’s intention was that the construction of new sewerage infrastructure should be a matter for the Secretary of State or the regulator, the Water Services Regulation Authority (known as “Ofwat”), not the courts [106]. The Supreme Court rejects this argument. There are a number of indications that Parliament did not intend the 1991 Act to exclude a claimant’s right to enforce its private property right in a watercourse. First, section 186(7) provides for arbitration where water quality has been damaged without consent, at the option of the party complaining. This strongly suggests that the complainant could alternatively choose to pursue a common law claim [66], [117]. Secondly, section 180 of the 1991 Act gives effect to Schedule 12, which makes provision for statutory compensation. Compensation is available for damage caused by the authorised acts of sewerage undertakers, but not for damage caused by acts which are unauthorised, such as the discharges of foul water into the canal. This indicates that the victims of unauthorised damage retain their common law rights of action. Otherwise, they would be left without any remedy for the damage they have suffered, which would be anomalous. They would also be treated less favourably than the victims of authorised damage, which would be perverse [64], [118]-[121]. Thirdly, depriving the victims of a nuisance or trespass of their common law rights of action would be a substantial change to the law as it stood before the 1991 Act was enacted. It is unlikely that a change of this kind would have been made in a consolidation statute. Consolidation acts are not designed to make substantive changes to the law, but rather to reorganise and restate the existing law so that it is clearer and easier to understand.
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Respond using only the information contained in the provided text.
EVIDENCE:
Background to the Appeal This appeal forms part of long-running litigation about discharges of foul water contaminated with untreated sewage into the Manchester Ship Canal. The Supreme Court is asked to decide whether the owner of the beds and banks of the canal, the Manchester Ship Canal Company Ltd (“the Canal Company”), can bring a claim in nuisance or trespass when the canal is polluted by discharges of foul water from outfalls maintained by the statutory sewerage undertaker, United Utilities Water Ltd (“United Utilities”). United Utilities is the statutory sewerage undertaker for the North West of England. Its sewerage network includes around 100 outfalls from which material emanating from sewers, sewage treatment works and pumping stations is discharged into the canal. When it is operating within its hydraulic capacity, the discharges are of surface water or treated effluent, but when the system’s hydraulic capacity is exceeded at least some of the outfalls discharge foul water into the canal. There is no suggestion that these polluting discharges are caused by negligence or deliberate wrongdoing on the part of United Utilities. However, they could be avoided if United Utilities invested in improved infrastructure and treatment processes. The Canal Company threatened to bring a claim against United Utilities for trespass and nuisance. In response, United Utilities asked the court to make a declaration that the Canal Company had no right of action. The court was not asked to decide whether the Canal Company’s claim would be successful on the relevant facts. Rather, the question was whether the claim would be inconsistent with and therefore barred by the statutory scheme for regulating sewerage established by the Water Industry Act 1991 (“the 1991 Act”). The High Court judge agreed to make the declaration requested by United Utilities. His decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal. The implication of these judgments is that no owner of a canal (or other watercourse or body of water) can bring a claim based on nuisance or trespass against a sewerage undertaker in respect of polluting discharges into the water, unless the sewerage undertaker is guilty of negligence or deliberate wrongdoing. A claim of this kind would be prevented even if the polluting discharges were frequent and had significant and damaging effects on the owner’s commercial or other interests, or on its ability to enjoy its property. The Canal Company appeals to the Supreme Court. Judgment The Supreme Court unanimously allows the Canal Company’s appeal. It holds that the 1991 Act does not prevent the Canal Company from bringing a claim in nuisance or trespass when the canal is polluted by discharges of foul water from United Utilities’ outfalls, even if there has been no negligence or deliberate misconduct. Lord Reed and Lord Hodge give a joint judgment with which the other members of the Court agree. Reasons for the Judgment The starting point is that the owner of a canal or other watercourse has a property right in the watercourse, including a right to preserve the quality of the water. That right is protected by the common law. The discharge of polluting effluent into a privately-owned watercourse is an actionable nuisance at common law if the pollution interferes with the owner’s use or enjoyment of its property. The Supreme Court is, therefore, asked to decide whether the 1991 Act excludes common law rights of action in nuisance and trespass. This is a question of statutory interpretation [108]-[110]. A body which exercises statutory powers, such as a sewerage undertaker, is liable in the same way as any other person if it is responsible for a nuisance, trespass or other tort, unless either it: (i) is acting within its statutory powers, or (ii) has been granted some statutory immunity from suit. If a sewerage undertaker interferes with a person’s rights, it is therefore necessary to distinguish between interferences which Parliament has authorised, which are lawful, and interferences which Parliament has not authorised, which are unlawful. When drawing this distinction, two principles are relevant. First, a person’s rights to the peaceful enjoyment of its property and to access the courts are protected by both the common law and the Human Rights Act 1998. The principle of legality holds that fundamental rights cannot be overridden by general or ambiguous words. A statute will, therefore, only authorise what would otherwise be an unlawful interference with property rights, or deprive a person of the right to bring a legal claim, if this is clear from or a necessary implication of the express language used by Parliament. Secondly, Parliament will not be taken to have intended that statutory powers should be exercised, or duties performed, in a way which interferes with private rights, unless the interference is inevitable [15]-[21]. The 1991 Act does not expressly authorise United Utilities to cause a nuisance or to trespass by discharging foul water through the outfalls into the canal. United Utilities’ entitlement to use the outfalls derives from section 116 of the 1991 Act. However, this entitlement is subject to a number of statutory protections for watercourses. Section 117(5) provides that nothing in section 116 (or the other relevant sewerage provisions of the 1991 Act) authorises a sewerage undertaker to use a sewer, drain or outfall to convey foul water into a watercourse. Sewerage undertakers therefore do not have statutory authority to discharge untreated sewage into watercourses. Section 117(6) prevents a sewerage undertaker from carrying out its functions under the relevant sewerage provisions so as to create a nuisance. Section 94(4) makes it clear that the common law remedies for nuisance – such as an injunction or damages – are available in addition to any remedy available by virtue of section 94. Section 186(3) further protects the owners of watercourses, and other rights-holders, by stating that nothing in the relevant sewerage provisions authorises a sewerage undertaker to damage a watercourse, or the quality of the water in it, without consent [60]-[62], [65], [111]-[112], [116]. The polluting discharges similarly cannot be regarded as having been impliedly authorised by Parliament, since they are not an inevitable consequence of a sewerage undertaker’s performance of its statutory powers and duties. In the present case, the discharges could be avoided if United Utilities invested in improved infrastructure and treatment processes [113]. If Parliament has not authorised an interference with private law rights, it would normally follow that a claimant can enforce those rights at common law. Furthermore, since sections 117(5) and 186(3) limit the authority conferred on sewerage undertakers by the 1991 Act, there must be a common law remedy where those limits are exceeded: otherwise, the sections would have no purpose [114]-[115]. However, United Utilities argues that the Canal Company has no cause of action because the only way to avoid the discharges of foul water into the canal would be to construct new sewerage infrastructure. It relies on the House of Lords’ decision in Marcic v Thames Water Utilities Ltd [2003] UKHL 66 (“Marcic”), which it says established that Parliament’s intention was that the construction of new sewerage infrastructure should be a matter for the Secretary of State or the regulator, the Water Services Regulation Authority (known as “Ofwat”), not the courts [106]. The Supreme Court rejects this argument. There are a number of indications that Parliament did not intend the 1991 Act to exclude a claimant’s right to enforce its private property right in a watercourse. First, section 186(7) provides for arbitration where water quality has been damaged without consent, at the option of the party complaining. This strongly suggests that the complainant could alternatively choose to pursue a common law claim [66], [117]. Secondly, section 180 of the 1991 Act gives effect to Schedule 12, which makes provision for statutory compensation. Compensation is available for damage caused by the authorised acts of sewerage undertakers, but not for damage caused by acts which are unauthorised, such as the discharges of foul water into the canal. This indicates that the victims of unauthorised damage retain their common law rights of action. Otherwise, they would be left without any remedy for the damage they have suffered, which would be anomalous. They would also be treated less favourably than the victims of authorised damage, which would be perverse [64], [118]-[121]. Thirdly, depriving the victims of a nuisance or trespass of their common law rights of action would be a substantial change to the law as it stood before the 1991 Act was enacted. It is unlikely that a change of this kind would have been made in a consolidation statute. Consolidation acts are not designed to make substantive changes to the law, but rather to reorganise and restate the existing law so that it is clearer and easier to understand.
USER:
Find and summarize the following three things, using three sentences for each one: The reason for this appeal The judgment The reasons for the judgment
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 10 | 25 | 1,446 | null | 330 |
For this task, return an answer which is based solely on the context provided to you. If you find that you can not answer the question using only the context provided, say "There is not enough information in the text provided to sufficiently answer this question."
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Explain the differences between demand-pull inflation and cost-push inflation with examples.
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Demand-Pull Inflation Inflation that is caused by an increase in aggregate demand (overall spending) absent a proportional increase in aggregate supply (overall production) is known as demand-pull inflation. When aggregate demand increases by more than its trend rate, typically the productive capacity of the economy does not immediately adjust to meet higher demand, particularly if the economy is at or near full employment.16 In response to the increased demand in the economy, producers will attempt to increase the quantity of goods and services they provide. To increase production, producers may attempt to hire more workers by increasing wages. Assuming producers are not willing to eat into profits in order to ramp up production,17 they are likely to increase the prices of their final goods and services to compensate themselves for the increase in wages (which increases production costs), thereby creating inflation.18 Inflation can work to lower demand and increase supply and thus can be the means to bring supply and demand back into equilibrium, particularly in an overheating economy in which demand has risen above what the economy can produce at full employment.19 Any number of factors could contribute to increases in aggregate demand, including the normal ebbs and flows of the business cycle, consumer and investor sentiment, the value of the dollar, and fiscal and monetary policy, among others. Expansionary fiscal policies include an increase in the budget deficit by lowering taxes or increasing government spending or transfers to individuals. Such policies work to increase overall spending in the economy by driving up consumer demand, in the case of lower taxes, or both consumer demand and government purchases in the case of increased spending. This in turn can lead to increased production and decreasing unemployment levels. The downside to achieving these benefits through expansionary fiscal policy is that it can result in demand-pull inflation in the short term, particularly if the economy is at full employment. Expansionary fiscal policy is unlikely to cause sustained inflation, as it typically involves temporary increases in spending. Such one-time increases may produce similar one-time increases in inflation but would be likely to cause persistent increases in inflation only if such policy were persistently applied. Additionally, monetary policy can potentially be used to offset the inflationary effects of such policy. Cost-Push Inflation Inflation that is caused by a decrease in aggregate supply as a result of increases in the cost of production absent a proportional decrease in aggregate demand is known as cost-push inflation. An increase in the cost of raw materials or any of the factors of production—land, labor, capital, entrepreneurship—will result in increased production costs.23 Assuming producers’ productivity is at or near its maximum, producers will not be able to maintain existing profit margins in response. Much the same as the demand-side issue, if producers cannot or will not accept lowered profits, they will raise prices.24 The classic example of cost-push inflation is the result of a commodity price shock, which sharply decreases the supply of a given commodity and increases its price. Certain commodities are inputs in the production process, and as the price of an important input good increases, so does the price of the final goods and services, resulting in inflation. Cost-push inflation, especially when caused by a supply shock, tends to result in only a temporary increase in inflation unless accommodated by monetary policy. Supply disruptions are often alleviated naturally, and for inflation to be persistently high, supply shock after supply shock would need to occur.25 One of the reasons a commodity shock in particular is a widely cited example of something that causes cost-push inflation is that demand for many commodities is considered to be inelastic. The elasticity of demand refers to how consumers’ appetite for a good changes given the price it is offered at.26 A completely inelastic good is one that consumers would purchase at the same rate regardless of the price. For example, demand for oil and its derivative petroleum products—such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and petrochemicals—is generally fairly inelastic, because they are necessary purchases for consumers and businesses, with few substitutes readily available. Another commonly cited example of cost-push inflation is caused by increases in the cost of labor, often referred to as wage-push inflation. An increase in the federal minimum wage, for example, could theoretically cause inflation. When producers need to pay their workers more, they may opt to pass that cost along to the consumer, reduce profits to pay the increased cost, or decrease the amount of workers they employ to keep costs down. The extent to which an increase in wages affects the price level depends largely on how many workers are affected by the wage increase and the size of the increase. In the case of the minimum wage, very few workers or very many workers could be affected, depending on the level of increase.
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For this task, return an answer which is based solely on the context provided to you. If you find that you can not answer the question using only the context provided, say "There is not enough information in the text provided to sufficiently answer this question." Context: Demand-Pull Inflation Inflation that is caused by an increase in aggregate demand (overall spending) absent a proportional increase in aggregate supply (overall production) is known as demand-pull inflation. When aggregate demand increases by more than its trend rate, typically the productive capacity of the economy does not immediately adjust to meet higher demand, particularly if the economy is at or near full employment.16 In response to the increased demand in the economy, producers will attempt to increase the quantity of goods and services they provide. To increase production, producers may attempt to hire more workers by increasing wages. Assuming producers are not willing to eat into profits in order to ramp up production,17 they are likely to increase the prices of their final goods and services to compensate themselves for the increase in wages (which increases production costs), thereby creating inflation.18 Inflation can work to lower demand and increase supply and thus can be the means to bring supply and demand back into equilibrium, particularly in an overheating economy in which demand has risen above what the economy can produce at full employment.19 Any number of factors could contribute to increases in aggregate demand, including the normal ebbs and flows of the business cycle, consumer and investor sentiment, the value of the dollar, and fiscal and monetary policy, among others. Expansionary fiscal policies include an increase in the budget deficit by lowering taxes or increasing government spending or transfers to individuals. Such policies work to increase overall spending in the economy by driving up consumer demand, in the case of lower taxes, or both consumer demand and government purchases in the case of increased spending. This in turn can lead to increased production and decreasing unemployment levels. The downside to achieving these benefits through expansionary fiscal policy is that it can result in demand-pull inflation in the short term, particularly if the economy is at full employment. Expansionary fiscal policy is unlikely to cause sustained inflation, as it typically involves temporary increases in spending. Such one-time increases may produce similar one-time increases in inflation but would be likely to cause persistent increases in inflation only if such policy were persistently applied. Additionally, monetary policy can potentially be used to offset the inflationary effects of such policy. Cost-Push Inflation Inflation that is caused by a decrease in aggregate supply as a result of increases in the cost of production absent a proportional decrease in aggregate demand is known as cost-push inflation. An increase in the cost of raw materials or any of the factors of production—land, labor, capital, entrepreneurship—will result in increased production costs.23 Assuming producers’ productivity is at or near its maximum, producers will not be able to maintain existing profit margins in response. Much the same as the demand-side issue, if producers cannot or will not accept lowered profits, they will raise prices.24 The classic example of cost-push inflation is the result of a commodity price shock, which sharply decreases the supply of a given commodity and increases its price. Certain commodities are inputs in the production process, and as the price of an important input good increases, so does the price of the final goods and services, resulting in inflation. Cost-push inflation, especially when caused by a supply shock, tends to result in only a temporary increase in inflation unless accommodated by monetary policy. Supply disruptions are often alleviated naturally, and for inflation to be persistently high, supply shock after supply shock would need to occur.25 One of the reasons a commodity shock in particular is a widely cited example of something that causes cost-push inflation is that demand for many commodities is considered to be inelastic. The elasticity of demand refers to how consumers’ appetite for a good changes given the price it is offered at.26 A completely inelastic good is one that consumers would purchase at the same rate regardless of the price. For example, demand for oil and its derivative petroleum products—such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and petrochemicals—is generally fairly inelastic, because they are necessary purchases for consumers and businesses, with few substitutes readily available. Another commonly cited example of cost-push inflation is caused by increases in the cost of labor, often referred to as wage-push inflation. An increase in the federal minimum wage, for example, could theoretically cause inflation. When producers need to pay their workers more, they may opt to pass that cost along to the consumer, reduce profits to pay the increased cost, or decrease the amount of workers they employ to keep costs down. The extent to which an increase in wages affects the price level depends largely on how many workers are affected by the wage increase and the size of the increase. In the case of the minimum wage, very few workers or very many workers could be affected, depending on the level of increase. Question: Explain the differences between demand-pull inflation and cost-push inflation with examples.
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For this task, return an answer which is based solely on the context provided to you. If you find that you can not answer the question using only the context provided, say "There is not enough information in the text provided to sufficiently answer this question."
EVIDENCE:
Demand-Pull Inflation Inflation that is caused by an increase in aggregate demand (overall spending) absent a proportional increase in aggregate supply (overall production) is known as demand-pull inflation. When aggregate demand increases by more than its trend rate, typically the productive capacity of the economy does not immediately adjust to meet higher demand, particularly if the economy is at or near full employment.16 In response to the increased demand in the economy, producers will attempt to increase the quantity of goods and services they provide. To increase production, producers may attempt to hire more workers by increasing wages. Assuming producers are not willing to eat into profits in order to ramp up production,17 they are likely to increase the prices of their final goods and services to compensate themselves for the increase in wages (which increases production costs), thereby creating inflation.18 Inflation can work to lower demand and increase supply and thus can be the means to bring supply and demand back into equilibrium, particularly in an overheating economy in which demand has risen above what the economy can produce at full employment.19 Any number of factors could contribute to increases in aggregate demand, including the normal ebbs and flows of the business cycle, consumer and investor sentiment, the value of the dollar, and fiscal and monetary policy, among others. Expansionary fiscal policies include an increase in the budget deficit by lowering taxes or increasing government spending or transfers to individuals. Such policies work to increase overall spending in the economy by driving up consumer demand, in the case of lower taxes, or both consumer demand and government purchases in the case of increased spending. This in turn can lead to increased production and decreasing unemployment levels. The downside to achieving these benefits through expansionary fiscal policy is that it can result in demand-pull inflation in the short term, particularly if the economy is at full employment. Expansionary fiscal policy is unlikely to cause sustained inflation, as it typically involves temporary increases in spending. Such one-time increases may produce similar one-time increases in inflation but would be likely to cause persistent increases in inflation only if such policy were persistently applied. Additionally, monetary policy can potentially be used to offset the inflationary effects of such policy. Cost-Push Inflation Inflation that is caused by a decrease in aggregate supply as a result of increases in the cost of production absent a proportional decrease in aggregate demand is known as cost-push inflation. An increase in the cost of raw materials or any of the factors of production—land, labor, capital, entrepreneurship—will result in increased production costs.23 Assuming producers’ productivity is at or near its maximum, producers will not be able to maintain existing profit margins in response. Much the same as the demand-side issue, if producers cannot or will not accept lowered profits, they will raise prices.24 The classic example of cost-push inflation is the result of a commodity price shock, which sharply decreases the supply of a given commodity and increases its price. Certain commodities are inputs in the production process, and as the price of an important input good increases, so does the price of the final goods and services, resulting in inflation. Cost-push inflation, especially when caused by a supply shock, tends to result in only a temporary increase in inflation unless accommodated by monetary policy. Supply disruptions are often alleviated naturally, and for inflation to be persistently high, supply shock after supply shock would need to occur.25 One of the reasons a commodity shock in particular is a widely cited example of something that causes cost-push inflation is that demand for many commodities is considered to be inelastic. The elasticity of demand refers to how consumers’ appetite for a good changes given the price it is offered at.26 A completely inelastic good is one that consumers would purchase at the same rate regardless of the price. For example, demand for oil and its derivative petroleum products—such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and petrochemicals—is generally fairly inelastic, because they are necessary purchases for consumers and businesses, with few substitutes readily available. Another commonly cited example of cost-push inflation is caused by increases in the cost of labor, often referred to as wage-push inflation. An increase in the federal minimum wage, for example, could theoretically cause inflation. When producers need to pay their workers more, they may opt to pass that cost along to the consumer, reduce profits to pay the increased cost, or decrease the amount of workers they employ to keep costs down. The extent to which an increase in wages affects the price level depends largely on how many workers are affected by the wage increase and the size of the increase. In the case of the minimum wage, very few workers or very many workers could be affected, depending on the level of increase.
USER:
Explain the differences between demand-pull inflation and cost-push inflation with examples.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 46 | 11 | 806 | null | 40 |
You will use only the information presented by the user when answering the user's questions. You will not use external sources or your own stored data to answer these questions.
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What are the mentioned pros and cons of using historical precedent to decide the case in the context block?
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The Supreme Court’s Opinion The Court, in an opinion by Chief Justice Roberts, held that § 922(g)(8) is consistent with the Second Amendment, reversing the Fifth Circuit and rejecting Rahimi’s challenge to the law.64 The Court emphasized that the scope of the Second Amendment is not limited to those laws that “precisely match . . . historical precursors” or that are “identical” to laws from 1791, as if the Second Amendment were “trapped in amber.”65 Instead, the Court explained that, under Bruen, a court is required to assess whether a challenged law is “relevantly similar” to laws from the country’s regulatory tradition, with “why and how” the challenged law burdens the Second Amendment right being the “central” considerations in this inquiry.66 In the context of § 922(g)(8), the Court determined that sufficient historical support existed for the principle that, “[w]hen an individual poses a clear threat of physical violence to another, the threatening individual may be disarmed.”67 The Court found that surety laws, which were designed to prevent firearm violence by requiring an individual who posed a credible threat of violence to another to post a surety, and “going armed” laws, which punished individuals who had menaced others or disturbed the public order with firearms through imprisonment or disarmament, established a historical tradition of similar firearm regulation.68 In the Court’s view, 57 Id. at 456. “Going armed” laws refer to the ancient criminal offense of “going armed to terrify the King’s subjects.” Id. at 457. Surety laws were common law allowing an individual who could show “just cause to fear” injury from another to “demand surety of the peace against such person.” Id. at 459. The individual causing fear would then be required to post monetary surety or be forbidden from carrying arms. Id. 58 Id. at 460. 59 Id. at 461. 60 Petition for Writ of Certiorari, United States v. Rahimi, No. 22-915 (U.S. Mar. 17, 2023). 61 Rahimi, 143 S. Ct. at 2688–89. 62 Petition for Writ of Certiorari, supra note footnote 60, at I. 63 Rahimi, 61 F.4th at 449 n.2. 64 United States v. Rahimi, 144 S. Ct. 1889, 1898 (2024). 65 Id. at 1897–98. 66 Id. at 1898. 67 Id. at 1901. 68 Id. at 1901–02. Congressional Research Service 6 Supreme Court Term October 2023: A Review of Selected Major Rulings § 922(g)(8), which disarms an individual found by a judge to threaten the physical safety of another, “fits neatly” within this tradition.69 The Court emphasized that § 922(g)(8) is of “limited duration,” prohibiting firearm possession for only as long as the individual is subject to the restraining order, and Rahimi himself was subject to the order for up to two years after his release from prison.70 The Court also explained that, historically, individuals could be imprisoned for threatening others with firearms, so the regulatory burden imposed by § 922(g)(8) was less than the more severe penalty of imprisonment.71 Finally, the Court rejected the government’s argument that Rahimi may be disarmed simply because he is not “responsible,” clarifying that, although the Court’s precedents describe “responsible” individuals as those who enjoy the Second Amendment right, this wording was a vague description rather than a legal line being drawn.72 Concurring and Dissenting Opinions A majority of the Court—six Justices in total—wrote separately to concur or dissent, offering their individual views on how the Second Amendment and the Bruen standard should be properly interpreted both in this case and in future cases. Justice Sotomayor’s concurring opinion, joined by Justice Kagan, expressed her continued view that Bruen was wrongly decided and that a different legal standard should apply to Second Amendment cases.73 She wrote separately to emphasize that when applying the Bruen historical tradition standard, however, the majority’s methodology was the “right one.”74 In Justice Sotomayor’s view, this is an “easy case,” as § 922(g)(8) is “wholly consistent” with historical firearms regulations.75 By contrast, she criticized the dissenting view as too “rigid,” characterizing it as “insist[ing] that the means of addressing that problem cannot be ‘materially different’ from the means that existed in the eighteenth century,” which would unduly hamstring modern policy efforts.76 In his concurring opinion, Justice Gorsuch underscored the difficulty in maintaining a facial challenge to a law, which requires a showing that the law has no constitutional applications.77 He also defended the Bruen historical tradition standard, arguing that the original meaning of the Constitution, while “an imperfect guide,” provides proper constraints on judicial decisionmaking and is better than unbounded alternatives such as an interest-balancing inquiry.78 Justice Gorsuch also cautioned that the Court decided a narrow question—whether § 922(g)(3) “has any lawful scope”—and that future defendants could argue that § 922(g)(3) was unconstitutional under particular facts.79 69 Id. at 1901. 70 Id. at 1902. 71 Id. 72 Id. at 1903. 73 Id. at 1904 (Sotomayor, J., concurring). 74 Id. 75 Id. 76 Id. at 1905. 77 Id. at 1907 (Gorsuch, J., concurring). 78 Id. at 1909. 79 Id. at 1910. Congressional Research Service 7 Supreme Court Term October 2023: A Review of Selected Major Rulings Justice Kavanaugh concurred to expound his view on the roles of text, history, and precedent in constitutional interpretation. He explained that unambiguous text controls and that history, rather than policy, is a more neutral and principled guide for constitutional decisionmaking when the text is unclear.80 Using historical examples, Justice Kavanaugh illustrated his view on how pre- and post-ratification history may inform the meaning of vague constitutional text.81 Next, he argued that balancing tests in constitutional cases are a relatively recent development, generally depart from tests centered on text and history, are inherently subjective, and should not be extended to the Second Amendment arena.82 Finally, he opined that the majority’s opinion was faithful to his perception of the appropriate roles of text, history, and precedent in constitutional adjudication in this particular case.83 Justice Barrett wrote a concurring opinion to explain her understanding of the relationship between Bruen’s historical tradition test and originalism as a method of constitutional interpretation. In her view, historical tradition is a means to understand original meaning, and, accordingly, historical practice around the time of ratification should be the focus of the legal inquiry.84 In her view, history demonstrates that, “[s]ince the founding, our Nation’s firearm laws have included provisions preventing individuals who threaten physical harm to others from misusing firearms.” Justice Barrett agreed with the majority that § 922(g)(8) “fits well within that principle.”85 Justice Jackson also wrote a concurring opinion, agreeing that the majority fairly applied Bruen as precedent.86 She wrote separately to highlight what she perceived as problems with applying the history-and-tradition standard in a workable manner.87 She argued that Rahimi illustrates the “pitfalls of Bruen’s approach” by demonstrating the difficulty of sifting through the historical record and determining whether historical evidence establishes a tradition of sufficiently analogous regulation.88 The numerous unanswered questions that remain even after Rahimi, in her view, result in “the Rule of Law suffer[ing].”89 Stating that legal standards should “foster stability, facilitate consistency, and promote predictability,” Justice Jackson concluded by arguing that “Bruen’s history-focused test ticks none of those boxes.”90 Justice Thomas was the sole dissenter. In his view, the historical examples cited by the majority were not sufficient to establish a tradition of firearm regulation that justified § 922(g)(8).91 According to Justice Thomas, courts should look to two metrics to evaluate whether historical examples of regulation are analogous to modern enactments: “how and why the regulations burden a law-abiding citizen’s right to armed self-defense.”92 In his view, the two categories of evidence proffered by the government—historical laws disarming “dangerous” individuals and historical characterization of the right to bear arms as belonging only to “peaceable” citizens— 80 Id. at 1912 (Kavanaugh, J., concurring). 81 Id. at 1913–19. 82 Id. at 1921. 83 Id. at 1923. 84 Id. at 1924 (Barrett, J., concurring). 85 Id. at 1926 (quoting Rahimi, 144 S. Ct. at 1896 (majority opinion)). 86 Id. (Jackson, J., concurring). 87 Id. at 1928. 88 Id. 89 Id. at 1929. 90 Id. 91 Id. at 1930 (Thomas, J., dissenting). 92 Id. at 1931–32. Congressional Research Service 8 Supreme Court Term October 2023: A Review of Selected Major Rulings did not impose comparable burdens as § 922(g)(8).93 Justice Thomas argued that § 922(g)(8) was enacted in response to “interpersonal violence,” whereas the historical English laws were concerned with insurrection and rebellion.94 Ultimately, Rahimi could have been disarmed, in Justice Thomas’s view, through criminal conviction but not through a restraining order.95
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You will use only the information presented by the user when answering the user's questions. You will not use external sources or your own stored data to answer these questions. What are the mentioned pros and cons of using historical precedent to decide the case in the context block? The Supreme Court’s Opinion The Court, in an opinion by Chief Justice Roberts, held that § 922(g)(8) is consistent with the Second Amendment, reversing the Fifth Circuit and rejecting Rahimi’s challenge to the law.64 The Court emphasized that the scope of the Second Amendment is not limited to those laws that “precisely match . . . historical precursors” or that are “identical” to laws from 1791, as if the Second Amendment were “trapped in amber.”65 Instead, the Court explained that, under Bruen, a court is required to assess whether a challenged law is “relevantly similar” to laws from the country’s regulatory tradition, with “why and how” the challenged law burdens the Second Amendment right being the “central” considerations in this inquiry.66 In the context of § 922(g)(8), the Court determined that sufficient historical support existed for the principle that, “[w]hen an individual poses a clear threat of physical violence to another, the threatening individual may be disarmed.”67 The Court found that surety laws, which were designed to prevent firearm violence by requiring an individual who posed a credible threat of violence to another to post a surety, and “going armed” laws, which punished individuals who had menaced others or disturbed the public order with firearms through imprisonment or disarmament, established a historical tradition of similar firearm regulation.68 In the Court’s view, 57 Id. at 456. “Going armed” laws refer to the ancient criminal offense of “going armed to terrify the King’s subjects.” Id. at 457. Surety laws were common law allowing an individual who could show “just cause to fear” injury from another to “demand surety of the peace against such person.” Id. at 459. The individual causing fear would then be required to post monetary surety or be forbidden from carrying arms. Id. 58 Id. at 460. 59 Id. at 461. 60 Petition for Writ of Certiorari, United States v. Rahimi, No. 22-915 (U.S. Mar. 17, 2023). 61 Rahimi, 143 S. Ct. at 2688–89. 62 Petition for Writ of Certiorari, supra note footnote 60, at I. 63 Rahimi, 61 F.4th at 449 n.2. 64 United States v. Rahimi, 144 S. Ct. 1889, 1898 (2024). 65 Id. at 1897–98. 66 Id. at 1898. 67 Id. at 1901. 68 Id. at 1901–02. Congressional Research Service 6 Supreme Court Term October 2023: A Review of Selected Major Rulings § 922(g)(8), which disarms an individual found by a judge to threaten the physical safety of another, “fits neatly” within this tradition.69 The Court emphasized that § 922(g)(8) is of “limited duration,” prohibiting firearm possession for only as long as the individual is subject to the restraining order, and Rahimi himself was subject to the order for up to two years after his release from prison.70 The Court also explained that, historically, individuals could be imprisoned for threatening others with firearms, so the regulatory burden imposed by § 922(g)(8) was less than the more severe penalty of imprisonment.71 Finally, the Court rejected the government’s argument that Rahimi may be disarmed simply because he is not “responsible,” clarifying that, although the Court’s precedents describe “responsible” individuals as those who enjoy the Second Amendment right, this wording was a vague description rather than a legal line being drawn.72 Concurring and Dissenting Opinions A majority of the Court—six Justices in total—wrote separately to concur or dissent, offering their individual views on how the Second Amendment and the Bruen standard should be properly interpreted both in this case and in future cases. Justice Sotomayor’s concurring opinion, joined by Justice Kagan, expressed her continued view that Bruen was wrongly decided and that a different legal standard should apply to Second Amendment cases.73 She wrote separately to emphasize that when applying the Bruen historical tradition standard, however, the majority’s methodology was the “right one.”74 In Justice Sotomayor’s view, this is an “easy case,” as § 922(g)(8) is “wholly consistent” with historical firearms regulations.75 By contrast, she criticized the dissenting view as too “rigid,” characterizing it as “insist[ing] that the means of addressing that problem cannot be ‘materially different’ from the means that existed in the eighteenth century,” which would unduly hamstring modern policy efforts.76 In his concurring opinion, Justice Gorsuch underscored the difficulty in maintaining a facial challenge to a law, which requires a showing that the law has no constitutional applications.77 He also defended the Bruen historical tradition standard, arguing that the original meaning of the Constitution, while “an imperfect guide,” provides proper constraints on judicial decisionmaking and is better than unbounded alternatives such as an interest-balancing inquiry.78 Justice Gorsuch also cautioned that the Court decided a narrow question—whether § 922(g)(3) “has any lawful scope”—and that future defendants could argue that § 922(g)(3) was unconstitutional under particular facts.79 69 Id. at 1901. 70 Id. at 1902. 71 Id. 72 Id. at 1903. 73 Id. at 1904 (Sotomayor, J., concurring). 74 Id. 75 Id. 76 Id. at 1905. 77 Id. at 1907 (Gorsuch, J., concurring). 78 Id. at 1909. 79 Id. at 1910. Congressional Research Service 7 Supreme Court Term October 2023: A Review of Selected Major Rulings Justice Kavanaugh concurred to expound his view on the roles of text, history, and precedent in constitutional interpretation. He explained that unambiguous text controls and that history, rather than policy, is a more neutral and principled guide for constitutional decisionmaking when the text is unclear.80 Using historical examples, Justice Kavanaugh illustrated his view on how pre- and post-ratification history may inform the meaning of vague constitutional text.81 Next, he argued that balancing tests in constitutional cases are a relatively recent development, generally depart from tests centered on text and history, are inherently subjective, and should not be extended to the Second Amendment arena.82 Finally, he opined that the majority’s opinion was faithful to his perception of the appropriate roles of text, history, and precedent in constitutional adjudication in this particular case.83 Justice Barrett wrote a concurring opinion to explain her understanding of the relationship between Bruen’s historical tradition test and originalism as a method of constitutional interpretation. In her view, historical tradition is a means to understand original meaning, and, accordingly, historical practice around the time of ratification should be the focus of the legal inquiry.84 In her view, history demonstrates that, “[s]ince the founding, our Nation’s firearm laws have included provisions preventing individuals who threaten physical harm to others from misusing firearms.” Justice Barrett agreed with the majority that § 922(g)(8) “fits well within that principle.”85 Justice Jackson also wrote a concurring opinion, agreeing that the majority fairly applied Bruen as precedent.86 She wrote separately to highlight what she perceived as problems with applying the history-and-tradition standard in a workable manner.87 She argued that Rahimi illustrates the “pitfalls of Bruen’s approach” by demonstrating the difficulty of sifting through the historical record and determining whether historical evidence establishes a tradition of sufficiently analogous regulation.88 The numerous unanswered questions that remain even after Rahimi, in her view, result in “the Rule of Law suffer[ing].”89 Stating that legal standards should “foster stability, facilitate consistency, and promote predictability,” Justice Jackson concluded by arguing that “Bruen’s history-focused test ticks none of those boxes.”90 Justice Thomas was the sole dissenter. In his view, the historical examples cited by the majority were not sufficient to establish a tradition of firearm regulation that justified § 922(g)(8).91 According to Justice Thomas, courts should look to two metrics to evaluate whether historical examples of regulation are analogous to modern enactments: “how and why the regulations burden a law-abiding citizen’s right to armed self-defense.”92 In his view, the two categories of evidence proffered by the government—historical laws disarming “dangerous” individuals and historical characterization of the right to bear arms as belonging only to “peaceable” citizens— 80 Id. at 1912 (Kavanaugh, J., concurring). 81 Id. at 1913–19. 82 Id. at 1921. 83 Id. at 1923. 84 Id. at 1924 (Barrett, J., concurring). 85 Id. at 1926 (quoting Rahimi, 144 S. Ct. at 1896 (majority opinion)). 86 Id. (Jackson, J., concurring). 87 Id. at 1928. 88 Id. 89 Id. at 1929. 90 Id. 91 Id. at 1930 (Thomas, J., dissenting). 92 Id. at 1931–32. Congressional Research Service 8 Supreme Court Term October 2023: A Review of Selected Major Rulings did not impose comparable burdens as § 922(g)(8).93 Justice Thomas argued that § 922(g)(8) was enacted in response to “interpersonal violence,” whereas the historical English laws were concerned with insurrection and rebellion.94 Ultimately, Rahimi could have been disarmed, in Justice Thomas’s view, through criminal conviction but not through a restraining order.95
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You will use only the information presented by the user when answering the user's questions. You will not use external sources or your own stored data to answer these questions.
EVIDENCE:
The Supreme Court’s Opinion The Court, in an opinion by Chief Justice Roberts, held that § 922(g)(8) is consistent with the Second Amendment, reversing the Fifth Circuit and rejecting Rahimi’s challenge to the law.64 The Court emphasized that the scope of the Second Amendment is not limited to those laws that “precisely match . . . historical precursors” or that are “identical” to laws from 1791, as if the Second Amendment were “trapped in amber.”65 Instead, the Court explained that, under Bruen, a court is required to assess whether a challenged law is “relevantly similar” to laws from the country’s regulatory tradition, with “why and how” the challenged law burdens the Second Amendment right being the “central” considerations in this inquiry.66 In the context of § 922(g)(8), the Court determined that sufficient historical support existed for the principle that, “[w]hen an individual poses a clear threat of physical violence to another, the threatening individual may be disarmed.”67 The Court found that surety laws, which were designed to prevent firearm violence by requiring an individual who posed a credible threat of violence to another to post a surety, and “going armed” laws, which punished individuals who had menaced others or disturbed the public order with firearms through imprisonment or disarmament, established a historical tradition of similar firearm regulation.68 In the Court’s view, 57 Id. at 456. “Going armed” laws refer to the ancient criminal offense of “going armed to terrify the King’s subjects.” Id. at 457. Surety laws were common law allowing an individual who could show “just cause to fear” injury from another to “demand surety of the peace against such person.” Id. at 459. The individual causing fear would then be required to post monetary surety or be forbidden from carrying arms. Id. 58 Id. at 460. 59 Id. at 461. 60 Petition for Writ of Certiorari, United States v. Rahimi, No. 22-915 (U.S. Mar. 17, 2023). 61 Rahimi, 143 S. Ct. at 2688–89. 62 Petition for Writ of Certiorari, supra note footnote 60, at I. 63 Rahimi, 61 F.4th at 449 n.2. 64 United States v. Rahimi, 144 S. Ct. 1889, 1898 (2024). 65 Id. at 1897–98. 66 Id. at 1898. 67 Id. at 1901. 68 Id. at 1901–02. Congressional Research Service 6 Supreme Court Term October 2023: A Review of Selected Major Rulings § 922(g)(8), which disarms an individual found by a judge to threaten the physical safety of another, “fits neatly” within this tradition.69 The Court emphasized that § 922(g)(8) is of “limited duration,” prohibiting firearm possession for only as long as the individual is subject to the restraining order, and Rahimi himself was subject to the order for up to two years after his release from prison.70 The Court also explained that, historically, individuals could be imprisoned for threatening others with firearms, so the regulatory burden imposed by § 922(g)(8) was less than the more severe penalty of imprisonment.71 Finally, the Court rejected the government’s argument that Rahimi may be disarmed simply because he is not “responsible,” clarifying that, although the Court’s precedents describe “responsible” individuals as those who enjoy the Second Amendment right, this wording was a vague description rather than a legal line being drawn.72 Concurring and Dissenting Opinions A majority of the Court—six Justices in total—wrote separately to concur or dissent, offering their individual views on how the Second Amendment and the Bruen standard should be properly interpreted both in this case and in future cases. Justice Sotomayor’s concurring opinion, joined by Justice Kagan, expressed her continued view that Bruen was wrongly decided and that a different legal standard should apply to Second Amendment cases.73 She wrote separately to emphasize that when applying the Bruen historical tradition standard, however, the majority’s methodology was the “right one.”74 In Justice Sotomayor’s view, this is an “easy case,” as § 922(g)(8) is “wholly consistent” with historical firearms regulations.75 By contrast, she criticized the dissenting view as too “rigid,” characterizing it as “insist[ing] that the means of addressing that problem cannot be ‘materially different’ from the means that existed in the eighteenth century,” which would unduly hamstring modern policy efforts.76 In his concurring opinion, Justice Gorsuch underscored the difficulty in maintaining a facial challenge to a law, which requires a showing that the law has no constitutional applications.77 He also defended the Bruen historical tradition standard, arguing that the original meaning of the Constitution, while “an imperfect guide,” provides proper constraints on judicial decisionmaking and is better than unbounded alternatives such as an interest-balancing inquiry.78 Justice Gorsuch also cautioned that the Court decided a narrow question—whether § 922(g)(3) “has any lawful scope”—and that future defendants could argue that § 922(g)(3) was unconstitutional under particular facts.79 69 Id. at 1901. 70 Id. at 1902. 71 Id. 72 Id. at 1903. 73 Id. at 1904 (Sotomayor, J., concurring). 74 Id. 75 Id. 76 Id. at 1905. 77 Id. at 1907 (Gorsuch, J., concurring). 78 Id. at 1909. 79 Id. at 1910. Congressional Research Service 7 Supreme Court Term October 2023: A Review of Selected Major Rulings Justice Kavanaugh concurred to expound his view on the roles of text, history, and precedent in constitutional interpretation. He explained that unambiguous text controls and that history, rather than policy, is a more neutral and principled guide for constitutional decisionmaking when the text is unclear.80 Using historical examples, Justice Kavanaugh illustrated his view on how pre- and post-ratification history may inform the meaning of vague constitutional text.81 Next, he argued that balancing tests in constitutional cases are a relatively recent development, generally depart from tests centered on text and history, are inherently subjective, and should not be extended to the Second Amendment arena.82 Finally, he opined that the majority’s opinion was faithful to his perception of the appropriate roles of text, history, and precedent in constitutional adjudication in this particular case.83 Justice Barrett wrote a concurring opinion to explain her understanding of the relationship between Bruen’s historical tradition test and originalism as a method of constitutional interpretation. In her view, historical tradition is a means to understand original meaning, and, accordingly, historical practice around the time of ratification should be the focus of the legal inquiry.84 In her view, history demonstrates that, “[s]ince the founding, our Nation’s firearm laws have included provisions preventing individuals who threaten physical harm to others from misusing firearms.” Justice Barrett agreed with the majority that § 922(g)(8) “fits well within that principle.”85 Justice Jackson also wrote a concurring opinion, agreeing that the majority fairly applied Bruen as precedent.86 She wrote separately to highlight what she perceived as problems with applying the history-and-tradition standard in a workable manner.87 She argued that Rahimi illustrates the “pitfalls of Bruen’s approach” by demonstrating the difficulty of sifting through the historical record and determining whether historical evidence establishes a tradition of sufficiently analogous regulation.88 The numerous unanswered questions that remain even after Rahimi, in her view, result in “the Rule of Law suffer[ing].”89 Stating that legal standards should “foster stability, facilitate consistency, and promote predictability,” Justice Jackson concluded by arguing that “Bruen’s history-focused test ticks none of those boxes.”90 Justice Thomas was the sole dissenter. In his view, the historical examples cited by the majority were not sufficient to establish a tradition of firearm regulation that justified § 922(g)(8).91 According to Justice Thomas, courts should look to two metrics to evaluate whether historical examples of regulation are analogous to modern enactments: “how and why the regulations burden a law-abiding citizen’s right to armed self-defense.”92 In his view, the two categories of evidence proffered by the government—historical laws disarming “dangerous” individuals and historical characterization of the right to bear arms as belonging only to “peaceable” citizens— 80 Id. at 1912 (Kavanaugh, J., concurring). 81 Id. at 1913–19. 82 Id. at 1921. 83 Id. at 1923. 84 Id. at 1924 (Barrett, J., concurring). 85 Id. at 1926 (quoting Rahimi, 144 S. Ct. at 1896 (majority opinion)). 86 Id. (Jackson, J., concurring). 87 Id. at 1928. 88 Id. 89 Id. at 1929. 90 Id. 91 Id. at 1930 (Thomas, J., dissenting). 92 Id. at 1931–32. Congressional Research Service 8 Supreme Court Term October 2023: A Review of Selected Major Rulings did not impose comparable burdens as § 922(g)(8).93 Justice Thomas argued that § 922(g)(8) was enacted in response to “interpersonal violence,” whereas the historical English laws were concerned with insurrection and rebellion.94 Ultimately, Rahimi could have been disarmed, in Justice Thomas’s view, through criminal conviction but not through a restraining order.95
USER:
What are the mentioned pros and cons of using historical precedent to decide the case in the context block?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
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Use only the provided text to answer the question. Don't use numbered or bulleted lists. Instead, your response should be in paragraph form.
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What is the market breakdown of 100+ seat commercial aircraft as reported in this article?
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Industry Analysis Overview of the Industry The Aerospace and Defense industry has seen accelerated growth in the past couple of years. The rising demand in today’s environment for military equipment has added to this huge success. The rapid growth rate of nations like China and India has contributed to the rising demand for passenger aircrafts for travel. The increase in the world’s growth rate also helps benefit the Boeing Co. The Aerospace industry has recorded annual sales growth of 8.2% for the five years through 2005, and 10.4% for the past three years. Net income rose by 12.4% annually over the five year period, and 20.8% annually over the past three years. For the five year period ending in September of 2006, the S&P 500 Aerospace and Defense industry index had outperformed the S&P 500 by 71%. The result for the three year period was the same. The industry returned 87%, while the S&P 500 returned 42%. The Aerospace industry has been revitalized and has been booming due to a strong wave of global economic growth and the emergence of countries such as China and India as economic powers. The rise of wealth in the Middle East has also added to the booming success. This massive growth throughout the world has spurred huge gains in business travel, as well as in air cargo traffic. Boeing saw its orders from China jump to 143 commercial jets in 2005, and 114 for the nine months through September 2006. India ordered 98 planes from Boeing in 2005. Middle East orders also rose to 44 in 2005. Also, rising income levels, in some countries, have added to the company’s success, due to the greater mobility amongst people in such regions. The defense market has experienced massive growth since the terrorist attacks of 2001, as a result of the U.S. government funding the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since the wars have begun, the U.S. government and the governments of other nations have splurged and put a lot of money into defense. Safety and national security has become a huge profit gainer for the Aerospace and Defense industry. Also, it is believed that the United States and its allies are locked in a struggle for control that will continue in years to come. This will increase the need for expenditures in the future for military equipment. One issue that has risen is that while defense is benefiting from the current environment in which we live, air travel is not, as a result of the attacks in 2001. This could very well decrease commercial air travel. Commercial Aircraft Based on total unit orders of 100-plus seat jetliners in 2005 (latest available), Boeing and Airbus control about 49% and 51%, respectively, of the global commercial jetliner market. Demand for jetliners is driven primarily by growth in the global 100-plus seat commercial aircraft fleet. Independent research firm Avitas Inc., projects that the global fleet of 100- plus seat jetliners will grow at a 4.3% compound annual rate over the next 20 years, due to its projection of a 5.9% compound annual growth in passenger traffic over the same period. We believe that, given the economic development of many former third-world countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, etc., fleet growth should continue at an above- average rate for the foreseeable future. One of the things that helps Boeing in this segment of their business is their Six Sigma methodology. Six Sigma aids manufacturers in their quest to design, build and deliver near- perfect products by reducing defects and variation, and improving quality, resulting in substantial cost savings. Six Sigma refers to manufacturing processes that produce a level of quality at 3.4 defects per million opportunities. Most U.S. companies operate at a rate of 66,807 defects per million, or "3.0 Sigma." Boeings’ current main plant location is in Seattle, Washington. Although Boeing mostly outsourcers many of its business products and flies them in, they still remain to have a presence in the States. Military Segment Examining Boeings’ military weapons segment, demand for IDS's equipment and systems is primarily driven by growth in the procurement and Research and Development sectors of the U.S. defense budget, which accounts for about 40% of global military weapons spending. Based on U.S. Department of Defense statistics, from fiscal year 1995 through fiscal year 2005, the procurement and Research and Development sectors of the total U.S. defense budget grew at 8.0% and 5.1% average annual rates, respectively. It is believed that two factors contributed to this strong growth: cuts to the defense budget that occurred during the Clinton presidential administration, which resulted in the need for increased defense spending in later years, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We expect defense budgets to continue to grow, but at much slower rates, going forward. This will be especially evident as the U.S. decreases its presence in Iraq in the near future. Outlook on Aerospace and Defense The fundamental outlook for the Aerospace & Defense industry is positive. We believe many companies in the Aerospace & Defense area will record solid earnings per share gains in the near term, due to our nation's current military action, plus the high growth in nations such as China and India. The outlook for the defense segment is strongly positive. We believe that the ongoing military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, potential threats from Islamic terrorists, North Korea and Iran, as well as a military buildup in China, will make it necessary to continue funding the defense segment. At the same time, we believe that a number of defense contractors have become more efficient, have shown strong cash flow, and have engaged in significant share repurchases and dividend increases. However, there is also the potential likelihood of the risk of declining defense spending following the recent Democratic win of Congress. The outlook for the commercial aircraft segment is especially positive. In looking at the 100- plus-seat commercial aircraft-making sector, we expect that the global airline industry, the largest customer of passenger jets, will continue to have strong passenger traffic growth, which the International Air Transport Associations projects at over 4.5% in 2007. Following the 9/11 attacks, global airlines were hit by large declines in air traffic. However, passenger traffic has picked up significantly in recent years, boosted by global economic growth and attractive fares. Boeing currently has a higher price-to-earnings ratio than typically desired for a value investor. However, this high ratio is due to Boeings’ very high growth potential. Boeing currently receives the most contracts in their industry, whether it is in the commercial aircraft segment of their business, or the military segment of their business. Furthermore, Boeing has surpassed its earnings estimates for the most recent quarter (ending March 31, 2007) by a whopping 27%. Orders are pouring into the company on an almost daily basis. This is for a hundred million dollar product! The price for a 787 Dreamliner ranges from $138 million to $188 million per plane. Customers include: Air New Zealand (787-9, eight), Blue Panorama (four), First Choice Airways (eight), Continental (20), Japan Airlines (30 + 20 options), Vietnam Airlines (four), Chinese Airlines (60), Icelandair (four), Ethiopian Airlines (ten), Korean Airlines (ten + ten options), Northwest Airlines (18 + 50 options), Air Canada (14 + 46 options), Air India (27), Royal Air Maroc (four), LOT (seven), China Southern (ten), ILFC (20), Qantas (45 + 20 options), Kenya Airways (six), Singapore Airlines (787-9, 20 + 20 options), Air Pacific (787-9, five + three options), Monarch Airlines (787-8, six + four options). DJ US Aerospace & Defense Index vs. Boeing: 5 Year Trend DJ US Aerospa ce & Defense Index VS Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman: 5 Year Trend
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Use only the provided text to answer the question. Don't use numbered or bulleted lists. Instead, your response should be in paragraph form. What is the market breakdown of 100+ seat commercial aircraft as reported in this article? Industry Analysis Overview of the Industry The Aerospace and Defense industry has seen accelerated growth in the past couple of years. The rising demand in today’s environment for military equipment has added to this huge success. The rapid growth rate of nations like China and India has contributed to the rising demand for passenger aircrafts for travel. The increase in the world’s growth rate also helps benefit the Boeing Co. The Aerospace industry has recorded annual sales growth of 8.2% for the five years through 2005, and 10.4% for the past three years. Net income rose by 12.4% annually over the five year period, and 20.8% annually over the past three years. For the five year period ending in September of 2006, the S&P 500 Aerospace and Defense industry index had outperformed the S&P 500 by 71%. The result for the three year period was the same. The industry returned 87%, while the S&P 500 returned 42%. The Aerospace industry has been revitalized and has been booming due to a strong wave of global economic growth and the emergence of countries such as China and India as economic powers. The rise of wealth in the Middle East has also added to the booming success. This massive growth throughout the world has spurred huge gains in business travel, as well as in air cargo traffic. Boeing saw its orders from China jump to 143 commercial jets in 2005, and 114 for the nine months through September 2006. India ordered 98 planes from Boeing in 2005. Middle East orders also rose to 44 in 2005. Also, rising income levels, in some countries, have added to the company’s success, due to the greater mobility amongst people in such regions. The defense market has experienced massive growth since the terrorist attacks of 2001, as a result of the U.S. government funding the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since the wars have begun, the U.S. government and the governments of other nations have splurged and put a lot of money into defense. Safety and national security has become a huge profit gainer for the Aerospace and Defense industry. Also, it is believed that the United States and its allies are locked in a struggle for control that will continue in years to come. This will increase the need for expenditures in the future for military equipment. One issue that has risen is that while defense is benefiting from the current environment in which we live, air travel is not, as a result of the attacks in 2001. This could very well decrease commercial air travel. Commercial Aircraft Based on total unit orders of 100-plus seat jetliners in 2005 (latest available), Boeing and Airbus control about 49% and 51%, respectively, of the global commercial jetliner market. Demand for jetliners is driven primarily by growth in the global 100-plus seat commercial aircraft fleet. Independent research firm Avitas Inc., projects that the global fleet of 100- plus seat jetliners will grow at a 4.3% compound annual rate over the next 20 years, due to its projection of a 5.9% compound annual growth in passenger traffic over the same period. We believe that, given the economic development of many former third-world countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, etc., fleet growth should continue at an above- average rate for the foreseeable future. One of the things that helps Boeing in this segment of their business is their Six Sigma methodology. Six Sigma aids manufacturers in their quest to design, build and deliver near- perfect products by reducing defects and variation, and improving quality, resulting in substantial cost savings. Six Sigma refers to manufacturing processes that produce a level of quality at 3.4 defects per million opportunities. Most U.S. companies operate at a rate of 66,807 defects per million, or "3.0 Sigma." Boeings’ current main plant location is in Seattle, Washington. Although Boeing mostly outsourcers many of its business products and flies them in, they still remain to have a presence in the States. Military Segment Examining Boeings’ military weapons segment, demand for IDS's equipment and systems is primarily driven by growth in the procurement and Research and Development sectors of the U.S. defense budget, which accounts for about 40% of global military weapons spending. Based on U.S. Department of Defense statistics, from fiscal year 1995 through fiscal year 2005, the procurement and Research and Development sectors of the total U.S. defense budget grew at 8.0% and 5.1% average annual rates, respectively. It is believed that two factors contributed to this strong growth: cuts to the defense budget that occurred during the Clinton presidential administration, which resulted in the need for increased defense spending in later years, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We expect defense budgets to continue to grow, but at much slower rates, going forward. This will be especially evident as the U.S. decreases its presence in Iraq in the near future. Outlook on Aerospace and Defense The fundamental outlook for the Aerospace & Defense industry is positive. We believe many companies in the Aerospace & Defense area will record solid earnings per share gains in the near term, due to our nation's current military action, plus the high growth in nations such as China and India. The outlook for the defense segment is strongly positive. We believe that the ongoing military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, potential threats from Islamic terrorists, North Korea and Iran, as well as a military buildup in China, will make it necessary to continue funding the defense segment. At the same time, we believe that a number of defense contractors have become more efficient, have shown strong cash flow, and have engaged in significant share repurchases and dividend increases. However, there is also the potential likelihood of the risk of declining defense spending following the recent Democratic win of Congress. The outlook for the commercial aircraft segment is especially positive. In looking at the 100- plus-seat commercial aircraft-making sector, we expect that the global airline industry, the largest customer of passenger jets, will continue to have strong passenger traffic growth, which the International Air Transport Associations projects at over 4.5% in 2007. Following the 9/11 attacks, global airlines were hit by large declines in air traffic. However, passenger traffic has picked up significantly in recent years, boosted by global economic growth and attractive fares. Boeing currently has a higher price-to-earnings ratio than typically desired for a value investor. However, this high ratio is due to Boeings’ very high growth potential. Boeing currently receives the most contracts in their industry, whether it is in the commercial aircraft segment of their business, or the military segment of their business. Furthermore, Boeing has surpassed its earnings estimates for the most recent quarter (ending March 31, 2007) by a whopping 27%. Orders are pouring into the company on an almost daily basis. This is for a hundred million dollar product! The price for a 787 Dreamliner ranges from $138 million to $188 million per plane. Customers include: Air New Zealand (787-9, eight), Blue Panorama (four), First Choice Airways (eight), Continental (20), Japan Airlines (30 + 20 options), Vietnam Airlines (four), Chinese Airlines (60), Icelandair (four), Ethiopian Airlines (ten), Korean Airlines (ten + ten options), Northwest Airlines (18 + 50 options), Air Canada (14 + 46 options), Air India (27), Royal Air Maroc (four), LOT (seven), China Southern (ten), ILFC (20), Qantas (45 + 20 options), Kenya Airways (six), Singapore Airlines (787-9, 20 + 20 options), Air Pacific (787-9, five + three options), Monarch Airlines (787-8, six + four options). DJ US Aerospace & Defense Index vs. Boeing: 5 Year Trend DJ US Aerospa ce & Defense Index VS Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman: 5 Year Trend
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Use only the provided text to answer the question. Don't use numbered or bulleted lists. Instead, your response should be in paragraph form.
EVIDENCE:
Industry Analysis Overview of the Industry The Aerospace and Defense industry has seen accelerated growth in the past couple of years. The rising demand in today’s environment for military equipment has added to this huge success. The rapid growth rate of nations like China and India has contributed to the rising demand for passenger aircrafts for travel. The increase in the world’s growth rate also helps benefit the Boeing Co. The Aerospace industry has recorded annual sales growth of 8.2% for the five years through 2005, and 10.4% for the past three years. Net income rose by 12.4% annually over the five year period, and 20.8% annually over the past three years. For the five year period ending in September of 2006, the S&P 500 Aerospace and Defense industry index had outperformed the S&P 500 by 71%. The result for the three year period was the same. The industry returned 87%, while the S&P 500 returned 42%. The Aerospace industry has been revitalized and has been booming due to a strong wave of global economic growth and the emergence of countries such as China and India as economic powers. The rise of wealth in the Middle East has also added to the booming success. This massive growth throughout the world has spurred huge gains in business travel, as well as in air cargo traffic. Boeing saw its orders from China jump to 143 commercial jets in 2005, and 114 for the nine months through September 2006. India ordered 98 planes from Boeing in 2005. Middle East orders also rose to 44 in 2005. Also, rising income levels, in some countries, have added to the company’s success, due to the greater mobility amongst people in such regions. The defense market has experienced massive growth since the terrorist attacks of 2001, as a result of the U.S. government funding the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since the wars have begun, the U.S. government and the governments of other nations have splurged and put a lot of money into defense. Safety and national security has become a huge profit gainer for the Aerospace and Defense industry. Also, it is believed that the United States and its allies are locked in a struggle for control that will continue in years to come. This will increase the need for expenditures in the future for military equipment. One issue that has risen is that while defense is benefiting from the current environment in which we live, air travel is not, as a result of the attacks in 2001. This could very well decrease commercial air travel. Commercial Aircraft Based on total unit orders of 100-plus seat jetliners in 2005 (latest available), Boeing and Airbus control about 49% and 51%, respectively, of the global commercial jetliner market. Demand for jetliners is driven primarily by growth in the global 100-plus seat commercial aircraft fleet. Independent research firm Avitas Inc., projects that the global fleet of 100- plus seat jetliners will grow at a 4.3% compound annual rate over the next 20 years, due to its projection of a 5.9% compound annual growth in passenger traffic over the same period. We believe that, given the economic development of many former third-world countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, etc., fleet growth should continue at an above- average rate for the foreseeable future. One of the things that helps Boeing in this segment of their business is their Six Sigma methodology. Six Sigma aids manufacturers in their quest to design, build and deliver near- perfect products by reducing defects and variation, and improving quality, resulting in substantial cost savings. Six Sigma refers to manufacturing processes that produce a level of quality at 3.4 defects per million opportunities. Most U.S. companies operate at a rate of 66,807 defects per million, or "3.0 Sigma." Boeings’ current main plant location is in Seattle, Washington. Although Boeing mostly outsourcers many of its business products and flies them in, they still remain to have a presence in the States. Military Segment Examining Boeings’ military weapons segment, demand for IDS's equipment and systems is primarily driven by growth in the procurement and Research and Development sectors of the U.S. defense budget, which accounts for about 40% of global military weapons spending. Based on U.S. Department of Defense statistics, from fiscal year 1995 through fiscal year 2005, the procurement and Research and Development sectors of the total U.S. defense budget grew at 8.0% and 5.1% average annual rates, respectively. It is believed that two factors contributed to this strong growth: cuts to the defense budget that occurred during the Clinton presidential administration, which resulted in the need for increased defense spending in later years, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We expect defense budgets to continue to grow, but at much slower rates, going forward. This will be especially evident as the U.S. decreases its presence in Iraq in the near future. Outlook on Aerospace and Defense The fundamental outlook for the Aerospace & Defense industry is positive. We believe many companies in the Aerospace & Defense area will record solid earnings per share gains in the near term, due to our nation's current military action, plus the high growth in nations such as China and India. The outlook for the defense segment is strongly positive. We believe that the ongoing military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, potential threats from Islamic terrorists, North Korea and Iran, as well as a military buildup in China, will make it necessary to continue funding the defense segment. At the same time, we believe that a number of defense contractors have become more efficient, have shown strong cash flow, and have engaged in significant share repurchases and dividend increases. However, there is also the potential likelihood of the risk of declining defense spending following the recent Democratic win of Congress. The outlook for the commercial aircraft segment is especially positive. In looking at the 100- plus-seat commercial aircraft-making sector, we expect that the global airline industry, the largest customer of passenger jets, will continue to have strong passenger traffic growth, which the International Air Transport Associations projects at over 4.5% in 2007. Following the 9/11 attacks, global airlines were hit by large declines in air traffic. However, passenger traffic has picked up significantly in recent years, boosted by global economic growth and attractive fares. Boeing currently has a higher price-to-earnings ratio than typically desired for a value investor. However, this high ratio is due to Boeings’ very high growth potential. Boeing currently receives the most contracts in their industry, whether it is in the commercial aircraft segment of their business, or the military segment of their business. Furthermore, Boeing has surpassed its earnings estimates for the most recent quarter (ending March 31, 2007) by a whopping 27%. Orders are pouring into the company on an almost daily basis. This is for a hundred million dollar product! The price for a 787 Dreamliner ranges from $138 million to $188 million per plane. Customers include: Air New Zealand (787-9, eight), Blue Panorama (four), First Choice Airways (eight), Continental (20), Japan Airlines (30 + 20 options), Vietnam Airlines (four), Chinese Airlines (60), Icelandair (four), Ethiopian Airlines (ten), Korean Airlines (ten + ten options), Northwest Airlines (18 + 50 options), Air Canada (14 + 46 options), Air India (27), Royal Air Maroc (four), LOT (seven), China Southern (ten), ILFC (20), Qantas (45 + 20 options), Kenya Airways (six), Singapore Airlines (787-9, 20 + 20 options), Air Pacific (787-9, five + three options), Monarch Airlines (787-8, six + four options). DJ US Aerospace & Defense Index vs. Boeing: 5 Year Trend DJ US Aerospa ce & Defense Index VS Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman: 5 Year Trend
USER:
What is the market breakdown of 100+ seat commercial aircraft as reported in this article?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 23 | 15 | 1,284 | null | 713 |
Answer this question in one concise paragraph. Use the text provided. Do not use text from any other online source.
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How can review mining ensure it represents low-frequency terms in customer reviews?
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**Mining and Summarizing Customer Reviews** Minqing Hu and Bing Liu Department of Computer Science University of Illinois at Chicago 851 South Morgan Street Chicago, IL 60607-7053 {mhu1, liub}@cs.uic.edu 1. INTRODUCTION With the rapid expansion of e-commerce, more and more products are sold on the Web, and more and more people are also buying products online. In order to enhance customer satisfaction and shopping experience, it has become a common practice for online merchants to enable their customers to review or to express opinions on the products that they have purchased. With more and more common users becoming comfortable with the Web, an increasing number of people are writing reviews. As a result, the number of reviews that a product receives grows rapidly. Some popular products can get hundreds of reviews at some large merchant sites. Furthermore, many reviews are long and have only a few sentences containing opinions on the product. This makes it hard for a potential customer to read them to make an informed decision on whether to purchase the product. If he/she only reads a few reviews, he/she may get a biased view. The large number of reviews also makes it hard for product manufacturers to keep track of customer opinions of their products. For a product manufacturer, there are additional difficulties because many merchant sites may sell its products, and the manufacturer may (almost always) produce many kinds of products. In this research, we study the problem of generating feature-based summaries of customer reviews of products sold online. Here, features broadly mean product features (or attributes) and functions. Given a set of customer reviews of a particular product, the task involves three subtasks: (1) identifying features of the product that customers have expressed their opinions on (called product features); (2) for each feature, identifying review sentences that give positive or negative opinions; and (3) producing a summary using the discovered information. Let us use an example to illustrate a feature-based summary. Assume that we summarize the reviews of a particular digital camera, digital_camera_1. The summary looks like the following: Digital_camera_1: Feature: **picture quality** Positive: 253 <individual review sentences> Negative: 6 <individual review sentences> Feature: **size** Positive: 134 <individual review sentences> Negative: 10 <individual review sentences> … **Figure 1: An example summary** In Figure 1, picture quality and (camera) size are the product features. There are 253 customer reviews that express positive opinions about the picture quality, and only 6 that express negative opinions. The <individual review sentences> link points to the specific sentences and/or the whole reviews that give positive or negative comments about the feature. With such a feature-based summary, a potential customer can easily see how the existing customers feel about the digital camera. If he/she is very interested in a particular feature, he/she can drill down by following the <individual review sentences> link to see why existing customers like it and/or what they complain about. For a manufacturer, it is possible to combine summaries from multiple merchant sites to produce a single report for each of its products. Our task is different from traditional text summarization in a number of ways. First of all, a summary in our case is structured rather than another (but shorter) free text document as produced by most text summarization systems. Second, we are only interested in features of the product that customers have opinions on and also whether the opinions are positive or negative. We do not summarize the reviews by selecting or rewriting a subset of the original sentences from the reviews to capture their main points as in traditional text summarization. As indicated above, our task is performed in three main steps: (1) Mining product features that have been commented on by customers. We make use of both data mining and natural language processing techniques to perform this task. For completeness, we will summarize its techniques in this paper and also present a comparative evaluation. (2) Identifying opinion sentences in each review and deciding whether each opinion sentence is positive or negative. Note that these opinion sentences must contain one or more product features identified above. To decide the opinion orientation of each sentence (whether the opinion expressed in the sentence is positive or negative), we perform three subtasks. First, a set of adjective words (which are normally used to express opinions) is identified using a natural language processing method. These words are also called opinion words in this paper. Second, for each opinion word, we determine its semantic orientation, e.g., positive or negative. A bootstrapping technique is proposed to perform this task using WordNet. Finally, we decide the opinion orientation of each sentence. An effective algorithm is also given for this purpose. (3) Summarizing the results. This step aggregates the results of previous steps and presents them in the format of Figure 1. 2. RELATED WORK Existing text summarization techniques mainly fall in one of the two categories: template instantiation and passage extraction. Work in the former framework emphasizes on identification and extraction of certain core entities and facts in a document, which are packaged in a template. This framework requires background knowledge in order to instantiate a template to a suitable level of detail. Therefore, it is not domain or genre independent. This is different from our work as our techniques do not fill any template and are domain independent. The passage extraction framework identifies certain segments of the text (typically sentences) that are the most representative of the document’s content. Our work is different in that we do not extract representative sentences, but identify and extract those specific product features and the opinions related to them. Boguraev and Kennedy propose to find a few very prominent expressions, objects or events in a document and use them to help summarize the document. Our work is again different as we find all product features in a set of customer reviews regardless whether they are prominent or not. Thus, our summary is not a traditional text summary. Most existing works on text summarization focus on a single document. Some researchers also studied summarization of multiple documents covering similar information. Their main purpose is to summarize the similarities and differences in the information content among these documents. Our work is related but quite different because we aim to find the key features that are talked about in multiple reviews. We do not summarize similarities and differences of reviews. In terminology finding, there are basically two techniques for discovering terms in corpora: symbolic approaches that rely on syntactic description of terms, namely noun phrases, and statistical approaches that exploit the fact that the words composing a term tend to be found close to each other and reoccurring. However, using noun phrases tends to produce too many non-terms (low precision), while using reoccurring phrases misses many low frequency terms, terms with variations, and terms with only one word. Our association mining based technique does not have these problems, and we can also find infrequent features by exploiting the fact that we are only interested in features that the users have expressed opinions on. 3. THE PROPOSED TECHNIQUES The inputs to the system are a product name and an entry Web page for all the reviews of the product. The output is the summary of the reviews as the one shown in the introduction section. The system performs the summarization in three main steps (as discussed before): (1) mining product features that have been commented on by customers; (2) identifying opinion sentences in each review and deciding whether each opinion sentence is positive or negative; (3) summarizing the results. These steps are performed in multiple sub-steps. Given the inputs, the system first downloads (or crawls) all the reviews, and put them in the review database. It then finds those “hot” (or frequent) features that many people have expressed their opinions on. After that, the opinion words are extracted using the resulting frequent features, and semantic orientations of the opinion words are identified with the help of WordNet. Using the extracted opinion words, the system then finds those infrequent features. In the last two steps, the orientation of each opinion sentence is identified and a final summary is produced. Note that POS tagging is the part-of-speech tagging from natural language processing, which helps us to find opinion features. 4. CONCLUSIONS Our experimental results indicate that the proposed techniques are very promising in performing their tasks. We believe that this problem will become increasingly important as more people are buying and expressing their opinions on the Web. Summarizing the reviews is not only useful to common shoppers, but also crucial to product manufacturers. In our future work, we plan to further improve and refine our techniques, and to deal with the outstanding problems identified above, i.e., pronoun resolution, determining the strength of opinions, and investigating opinions expressed with adverbs, verbs and nouns. Finally, we will also look into monitoring of customer reviews. We believe that monitoring will be particularly useful to product manufacturers because they want to know any new positive or negative comments on their products whenever they are available. The keyword here is new. Although a new review may be added, it may not contain any new information.
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{Question} ================== How can review mining ensure it represents low-frequency terms in customer reviews? ---------------- {System Instruction} ================== Answer this question in one concise paragraph. Use the text provided. Do not use text from any other online source. ---------------- {Document} ================== **Mining and Summarizing Customer Reviews** Minqing Hu and Bing Liu Department of Computer Science University of Illinois at Chicago 851 South Morgan Street Chicago, IL 60607-7053 {mhu1, liub}@cs.uic.edu 1. INTRODUCTION With the rapid expansion of e-commerce, more and more products are sold on the Web, and more and more people are also buying products online. In order to enhance customer satisfaction and shopping experience, it has become a common practice for online merchants to enable their customers to review or to express opinions on the products that they have purchased. With more and more common users becoming comfortable with the Web, an increasing number of people are writing reviews. As a result, the number of reviews that a product receives grows rapidly. Some popular products can get hundreds of reviews at some large merchant sites. Furthermore, many reviews are long and have only a few sentences containing opinions on the product. This makes it hard for a potential customer to read them to make an informed decision on whether to purchase the product. If he/she only reads a few reviews, he/she may get a biased view. The large number of reviews also makes it hard for product manufacturers to keep track of customer opinions of their products. For a product manufacturer, there are additional difficulties because many merchant sites may sell its products, and the manufacturer may (almost always) produce many kinds of products. In this research, we study the problem of generating feature-based summaries of customer reviews of products sold online. Here, features broadly mean product features (or attributes) and functions. Given a set of customer reviews of a particular product, the task involves three subtasks: (1) identifying features of the product that customers have expressed their opinions on (called product features); (2) for each feature, identifying review sentences that give positive or negative opinions; and (3) producing a summary using the discovered information. Let us use an example to illustrate a feature-based summary. Assume that we summarize the reviews of a particular digital camera, digital_camera_1. The summary looks like the following: Digital_camera_1: Feature: **picture quality** Positive: 253 <individual review sentences> Negative: 6 <individual review sentences> Feature: **size** Positive: 134 <individual review sentences> Negative: 10 <individual review sentences> … **Figure 1: An example summary** In Figure 1, picture quality and (camera) size are the product features. There are 253 customer reviews that express positive opinions about the picture quality, and only 6 that express negative opinions. The <individual review sentences> link points to the specific sentences and/or the whole reviews that give positive or negative comments about the feature. With such a feature-based summary, a potential customer can easily see how the existing customers feel about the digital camera. If he/she is very interested in a particular feature, he/she can drill down by following the <individual review sentences> link to see why existing customers like it and/or what they complain about. For a manufacturer, it is possible to combine summaries from multiple merchant sites to produce a single report for each of its products. Our task is different from traditional text summarization in a number of ways. First of all, a summary in our case is structured rather than another (but shorter) free text document as produced by most text summarization systems. Second, we are only interested in features of the product that customers have opinions on and also whether the opinions are positive or negative. We do not summarize the reviews by selecting or rewriting a subset of the original sentences from the reviews to capture their main points as in traditional text summarization. As indicated above, our task is performed in three main steps: (1) Mining product features that have been commented on by customers. We make use of both data mining and natural language processing techniques to perform this task. For completeness, we will summarize its techniques in this paper and also present a comparative evaluation. (2) Identifying opinion sentences in each review and deciding whether each opinion sentence is positive or negative. Note that these opinion sentences must contain one or more product features identified above. To decide the opinion orientation of each sentence (whether the opinion expressed in the sentence is positive or negative), we perform three subtasks. First, a set of adjective words (which are normally used to express opinions) is identified using a natural language processing method. These words are also called opinion words in this paper. Second, for each opinion word, we determine its semantic orientation, e.g., positive or negative. A bootstrapping technique is proposed to perform this task using WordNet. Finally, we decide the opinion orientation of each sentence. An effective algorithm is also given for this purpose. (3) Summarizing the results. This step aggregates the results of previous steps and presents them in the format of Figure 1. 2. RELATED WORK Existing text summarization techniques mainly fall in one of the two categories: template instantiation and passage extraction. Work in the former framework emphasizes on identification and extraction of certain core entities and facts in a document, which are packaged in a template. This framework requires background knowledge in order to instantiate a template to a suitable level of detail. Therefore, it is not domain or genre independent. This is different from our work as our techniques do not fill any template and are domain independent. The passage extraction framework identifies certain segments of the text (typically sentences) that are the most representative of the document’s content. Our work is different in that we do not extract representative sentences, but identify and extract those specific product features and the opinions related to them. Boguraev and Kennedy propose to find a few very prominent expressions, objects or events in a document and use them to help summarize the document. Our work is again different as we find all product features in a set of customer reviews regardless whether they are prominent or not. Thus, our summary is not a traditional text summary. Most existing works on text summarization focus on a single document. Some researchers also studied summarization of multiple documents covering similar information. Their main purpose is to summarize the similarities and differences in the information content among these documents. Our work is related but quite different because we aim to find the key features that are talked about in multiple reviews. We do not summarize similarities and differences of reviews. In terminology finding, there are basically two techniques for discovering terms in corpora: symbolic approaches that rely on syntactic description of terms, namely noun phrases, and statistical approaches that exploit the fact that the words composing a term tend to be found close to each other and reoccurring. However, using noun phrases tends to produce too many non-terms (low precision), while using reoccurring phrases misses many low frequency terms, terms with variations, and terms with only one word. Our association mining based technique does not have these problems, and we can also find infrequent features by exploiting the fact that we are only interested in features that the users have expressed opinions on. 3. THE PROPOSED TECHNIQUES The inputs to the system are a product name and an entry Web page for all the reviews of the product. The output is the summary of the reviews as the one shown in the introduction section. The system performs the summarization in three main steps (as discussed before): (1) mining product features that have been commented on by customers; (2) identifying opinion sentences in each review and deciding whether each opinion sentence is positive or negative; (3) summarizing the results. These steps are performed in multiple sub-steps. Given the inputs, the system first downloads (or crawls) all the reviews, and put them in the review database. It then finds those “hot” (or frequent) features that many people have expressed their opinions on. After that, the opinion words are extracted using the resulting frequent features, and semantic orientations of the opinion words are identified with the help of WordNet. Using the extracted opinion words, the system then finds those infrequent features. In the last two steps, the orientation of each opinion sentence is identified and a final summary is produced. Note that POS tagging is the part-of-speech tagging from natural language processing, which helps us to find opinion features. 4. CONCLUSIONS Our experimental results indicate that the proposed techniques are very promising in performing their tasks. We believe that this problem will become increasingly important as more people are buying and expressing their opinions on the Web. Summarizing the reviews is not only useful to common shoppers, but also crucial to product manufacturers. In our future work, we plan to further improve and refine our techniques, and to deal with the outstanding problems identified above, i.e., pronoun resolution, determining the strength of opinions, and investigating opinions expressed with adverbs, verbs and nouns. Finally, we will also look into monitoring of customer reviews. We believe that monitoring will be particularly useful to product manufacturers because they want to know any new positive or negative comments on their products whenever they are available. The keyword here is new. Although a new review may be added, it may not contain any new information.
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Answer this question in one concise paragraph. Use the text provided. Do not use text from any other online source.
EVIDENCE:
**Mining and Summarizing Customer Reviews** Minqing Hu and Bing Liu Department of Computer Science University of Illinois at Chicago 851 South Morgan Street Chicago, IL 60607-7053 {mhu1, liub}@cs.uic.edu 1. INTRODUCTION With the rapid expansion of e-commerce, more and more products are sold on the Web, and more and more people are also buying products online. In order to enhance customer satisfaction and shopping experience, it has become a common practice for online merchants to enable their customers to review or to express opinions on the products that they have purchased. With more and more common users becoming comfortable with the Web, an increasing number of people are writing reviews. As a result, the number of reviews that a product receives grows rapidly. Some popular products can get hundreds of reviews at some large merchant sites. Furthermore, many reviews are long and have only a few sentences containing opinions on the product. This makes it hard for a potential customer to read them to make an informed decision on whether to purchase the product. If he/she only reads a few reviews, he/she may get a biased view. The large number of reviews also makes it hard for product manufacturers to keep track of customer opinions of their products. For a product manufacturer, there are additional difficulties because many merchant sites may sell its products, and the manufacturer may (almost always) produce many kinds of products. In this research, we study the problem of generating feature-based summaries of customer reviews of products sold online. Here, features broadly mean product features (or attributes) and functions. Given a set of customer reviews of a particular product, the task involves three subtasks: (1) identifying features of the product that customers have expressed their opinions on (called product features); (2) for each feature, identifying review sentences that give positive or negative opinions; and (3) producing a summary using the discovered information. Let us use an example to illustrate a feature-based summary. Assume that we summarize the reviews of a particular digital camera, digital_camera_1. The summary looks like the following: Digital_camera_1: Feature: **picture quality** Positive: 253 <individual review sentences> Negative: 6 <individual review sentences> Feature: **size** Positive: 134 <individual review sentences> Negative: 10 <individual review sentences> … **Figure 1: An example summary** In Figure 1, picture quality and (camera) size are the product features. There are 253 customer reviews that express positive opinions about the picture quality, and only 6 that express negative opinions. The <individual review sentences> link points to the specific sentences and/or the whole reviews that give positive or negative comments about the feature. With such a feature-based summary, a potential customer can easily see how the existing customers feel about the digital camera. If he/she is very interested in a particular feature, he/she can drill down by following the <individual review sentences> link to see why existing customers like it and/or what they complain about. For a manufacturer, it is possible to combine summaries from multiple merchant sites to produce a single report for each of its products. Our task is different from traditional text summarization in a number of ways. First of all, a summary in our case is structured rather than another (but shorter) free text document as produced by most text summarization systems. Second, we are only interested in features of the product that customers have opinions on and also whether the opinions are positive or negative. We do not summarize the reviews by selecting or rewriting a subset of the original sentences from the reviews to capture their main points as in traditional text summarization. As indicated above, our task is performed in three main steps: (1) Mining product features that have been commented on by customers. We make use of both data mining and natural language processing techniques to perform this task. For completeness, we will summarize its techniques in this paper and also present a comparative evaluation. (2) Identifying opinion sentences in each review and deciding whether each opinion sentence is positive or negative. Note that these opinion sentences must contain one or more product features identified above. To decide the opinion orientation of each sentence (whether the opinion expressed in the sentence is positive or negative), we perform three subtasks. First, a set of adjective words (which are normally used to express opinions) is identified using a natural language processing method. These words are also called opinion words in this paper. Second, for each opinion word, we determine its semantic orientation, e.g., positive or negative. A bootstrapping technique is proposed to perform this task using WordNet. Finally, we decide the opinion orientation of each sentence. An effective algorithm is also given for this purpose. (3) Summarizing the results. This step aggregates the results of previous steps and presents them in the format of Figure 1. 2. RELATED WORK Existing text summarization techniques mainly fall in one of the two categories: template instantiation and passage extraction. Work in the former framework emphasizes on identification and extraction of certain core entities and facts in a document, which are packaged in a template. This framework requires background knowledge in order to instantiate a template to a suitable level of detail. Therefore, it is not domain or genre independent. This is different from our work as our techniques do not fill any template and are domain independent. The passage extraction framework identifies certain segments of the text (typically sentences) that are the most representative of the document’s content. Our work is different in that we do not extract representative sentences, but identify and extract those specific product features and the opinions related to them. Boguraev and Kennedy propose to find a few very prominent expressions, objects or events in a document and use them to help summarize the document. Our work is again different as we find all product features in a set of customer reviews regardless whether they are prominent or not. Thus, our summary is not a traditional text summary. Most existing works on text summarization focus on a single document. Some researchers also studied summarization of multiple documents covering similar information. Their main purpose is to summarize the similarities and differences in the information content among these documents. Our work is related but quite different because we aim to find the key features that are talked about in multiple reviews. We do not summarize similarities and differences of reviews. In terminology finding, there are basically two techniques for discovering terms in corpora: symbolic approaches that rely on syntactic description of terms, namely noun phrases, and statistical approaches that exploit the fact that the words composing a term tend to be found close to each other and reoccurring. However, using noun phrases tends to produce too many non-terms (low precision), while using reoccurring phrases misses many low frequency terms, terms with variations, and terms with only one word. Our association mining based technique does not have these problems, and we can also find infrequent features by exploiting the fact that we are only interested in features that the users have expressed opinions on. 3. THE PROPOSED TECHNIQUES The inputs to the system are a product name and an entry Web page for all the reviews of the product. The output is the summary of the reviews as the one shown in the introduction section. The system performs the summarization in three main steps (as discussed before): (1) mining product features that have been commented on by customers; (2) identifying opinion sentences in each review and deciding whether each opinion sentence is positive or negative; (3) summarizing the results. These steps are performed in multiple sub-steps. Given the inputs, the system first downloads (or crawls) all the reviews, and put them in the review database. It then finds those “hot” (or frequent) features that many people have expressed their opinions on. After that, the opinion words are extracted using the resulting frequent features, and semantic orientations of the opinion words are identified with the help of WordNet. Using the extracted opinion words, the system then finds those infrequent features. In the last two steps, the orientation of each opinion sentence is identified and a final summary is produced. Note that POS tagging is the part-of-speech tagging from natural language processing, which helps us to find opinion features. 4. CONCLUSIONS Our experimental results indicate that the proposed techniques are very promising in performing their tasks. We believe that this problem will become increasingly important as more people are buying and expressing their opinions on the Web. Summarizing the reviews is not only useful to common shoppers, but also crucial to product manufacturers. In our future work, we plan to further improve and refine our techniques, and to deal with the outstanding problems identified above, i.e., pronoun resolution, determining the strength of opinions, and investigating opinions expressed with adverbs, verbs and nouns. Finally, we will also look into monitoring of customer reviews. We believe that monitoring will be particularly useful to product manufacturers because they want to know any new positive or negative comments on their products whenever they are available. The keyword here is new. Although a new review may be added, it may not contain any new information.
USER:
How can review mining ensure it represents low-frequency terms in customer reviews?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 20 | 12 | 1,529 | null | 488 |
{instruction} ========== In your answer, refer only to the context document. Do not employ any outside knowledge {question} ========== [user request] {passage 0} ========== [context document]
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Im trying to do research on fine ceramics from Japan, but why am I getting so much info about electronics? Why would they use clay in advanced technology when we have metal? Is it just because it's cheap?
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Advanced ceramics are an integral part ofmodern technology. Most of these productsplay crucial functions ‘behind the scenes’ in anumber of applications in everyday life. Theyusually offer superior performance that cannotbe replicated easily by other materials (Riedel,2013). Advanced ceramics today play a keyrole in technologies such as energy and theenvironment, transport, the life sciences, andcommunication and information technology(Greil, 2002). The terminology for defining this type ofceramics differs from continent to continent(Kulik, 1999). In the Japanese literature it’snormally referred to as ‘fine’ ceramics, and inAmerican literature as ‘advanced’ or‘technical’ ceramics (Kulik, 1999). In theEuropean context the term ‘technical’ ceramicsis more frequently used (Kulik, 1999). Afurther classification, depending on the use, iscommon in the UK, where the term ‘technicalceramics’ is further subdivided into functionalceramics to refer to electronic applications andstructural ceramics to refer mostly tomechanically loaded components (Kulik,1999).Advanced ceramics possess uniqueproperties that cannot be obtained inconventional materials, such as highrefractoriness and hardness, low density, lowcoefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), andhigher working temperatures (can maintaingood mechanical properties at hightemperatures). Moreover, there are reportswhich have proven that the cost of producingceramic materials is lower compared to metallicmaterials, and raw material reserves forceramics are abundant (Kulik, 1999).Resources for the production of metals andtheir alloys are dwindling, and thecontinuously increasing demand forengineering products requires alternativematerials to be identified. Over the past fewdecades advanced ceramics have made inroadsin a number of critical applications in everydaylife. It is noteworthy to mention here thatwithout sparkplugs made of alumina (Al2O3)ceramic, vehicle technology would not be soadvanced, moreover metallurgy would not beso reliable without refractories (Kulik, 1999).These are the hard facts behind commonplaceproducts that we normally take for granted.Although ceramics play a crucial role in anumber of technologies due to their uniquecombination of properties, it must be notedthat as structural materials they still face stiffcompetition from cheap metals, alloys, andcomposites (Kulik, 1999). Thus the majorbarriers to the broad application of advancedceramic materials include the lack ofspecifications and databases, high scale-upcosts, and lack of repair methods (Freitag andRicherson, 1998). However, over the years alot of progress has been made to alleviatethese deficiencies through new materialdiscoveries, improvements in properties, andimproved design methods (Freitag andRicherson, 1998). The term ’advanced ceramics’ was coined in the 1970s todesignate a new category of engineering materials that wereto drive new technologies into the 21st century (Charreyron,2013). Since then there has been phenomenal growth in thetechnological advancement of these materials. A report fromResearch and Markets projected the advanced ceramicsmarket to reach US$10.4 billion by 2021, growing at acompounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%(Charreyron, 2013). This growth is attributed to theincreasing use of advanced ceramic materials as alternativesto metals and plastics, with key drivers being the medical,electronics, and transport industries. The analog-to-digitalshift in consumer products has seen massive growth inelectronic device content in a number of applications. Forinstance, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) replaced cathode raytubes and DVDs replaced VHS tapes and players. Thisbasically points to significant growth for ceramic capacitorsand other ceramic electronic components. The largest share ofthe market has always been in the electronics industry,representing approximately more than 70% of production,but positive and negative shifts are expected according tochanges in demand (Kulik, 1999). Advanced ceramics are produced from three main classesof materials, namely oxides, carbides, and nitrides, with asmall quantity accounting for mixed compounds (WorldAdvanced Ceramics, 1966). Japan has been at the forefrontfor a number of years, owing partly to the high degree ofcooperation between companies in investigations anddevelopments (dynamic partnership) and high exportvolumes (Kulik, 1999; Charreyron, 2013). The major volumeof production in Japan is represented by electronic ceramics,accounting for up to 80% of total production (Kulik, 1999).The second largest producer of advanced ceramics is NorthAmerica, where the industry has been driven by massivegovernment financing of research and design development.The main difference between the two approaches is thatNorth America plays a leading role in technology andJapanese companies lead in the applications of advancedceramics. Such approaches have been successfully adopted bya number of European countries that now contributeextensively to the advanced technology market. One suchcountry is Germany, which is home to a number ofcompanies that compete for advanced technology projectsthroughout the world. One of the most significant advances in ceramics research inthe past two decades has been improvements in fracturetoughness, especially for structural ceramics. On acomparative basis, glass has a fracture toughness of 1MPa.m0.5 and most conventional ceramics range from about2–3 MPa.m0.5; steel is about 40 MPa.m0.5 (Freitag andRicherson, 1998). Some advanced ceramics such astransformation toughened zirconia-ZrO2have toughness ofabout 15 MPa.m0.5, which is higher than that of tungsten-carbide cobalt (WC-Co) cermet and cast iron (Freitag andRicherson, 1998). This has dramatically improved theresistance to contact stress and handling damage, thusimparting high reliability and durability comparable to that ofmetals and WC-Co cermets (Freitag and Richerson, 1998).Prior to 1970, most ceramic materials had strengths wellbelow 345 MPa, but nowadays advanced ceramics such assilicon nitride (Si3N4) and toughened zirconia (ZrO2) arecommercially available with strengths above 690 MPa(Freitag and Richerson, 1998).The detailed mechanism of transformation tougheningcan be found elsewhere (Matizamhuka, 2016). However,what is important to note is that fracture toughness values 3–6 times higher than monolithic ZrO2ceramics have beenachieved by transformation toughening. Several othertechniques have been developed over the years to improvefracture toughness of advanced ceramics, such as the use ofmore ductile binders and reinforcement with fibres, whiskers,or second-phase particles. Details of such techniques can befound in the open literature (Matizamhuka, 2016).On the other hand, the high cost of ceramic componentshas been attributed to the lack of large-scale production withminimum losses in the production line. Ceramic-basedmaterials often compete against engineering materials withlower upfront costs, and it is often difficult to convincecustomers to pay a premium in exchange for performancebenefits (Charreyron, 2013). Design, process technology, andmachining technology still need to develop significantly toachieve cost-effective levels of high-volume production,consequently reducing the cost of components. A strategyused by previous market pioneers is that of forward pricingand continued government subsidies in anticipation of futuremarket growth. The recent phenomenal growth in theadvanced ceramics industry could easily translate into agreater market share in future, but this can happen only ifmajor breakthroughs are achieved in fundamental andapplied research (Liang and Dutta, 2001).
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{instruction} ========== In your answer, refer only to the context document. Do not employ any outside knowledge {question} ========== Im trying to do research on fine ceramics from Japan, but why am I getting so much info about electronics? Why would they use clay in advanced technology when we have metal? Is it just because it's cheap? {passage 0} ========== Advanced ceramics are an integral part ofmodern technology. Most of these productsplay crucial functions ‘behind the scenes’ in anumber of applications in everyday life. Theyusually offer superior performance that cannotbe replicated easily by other materials (Riedel,2013). Advanced ceramics today play a keyrole in technologies such as energy and theenvironment, transport, the life sciences, andcommunication and information technology(Greil, 2002). The terminology for defining this type ofceramics differs from continent to continent(Kulik, 1999). In the Japanese literature it’snormally referred to as ‘fine’ ceramics, and inAmerican literature as ‘advanced’ or‘technical’ ceramics (Kulik, 1999). In theEuropean context the term ‘technical’ ceramicsis more frequently used (Kulik, 1999). Afurther classification, depending on the use, iscommon in the UK, where the term ‘technicalceramics’ is further subdivided into functionalceramics to refer to electronic applications andstructural ceramics to refer mostly tomechanically loaded components (Kulik,1999).Advanced ceramics possess uniqueproperties that cannot be obtained inconventional materials, such as highrefractoriness and hardness, low density, lowcoefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), andhigher working temperatures (can maintaingood mechanical properties at hightemperatures). Moreover, there are reportswhich have proven that the cost of producingceramic materials is lower compared to metallicmaterials, and raw material reserves forceramics are abundant (Kulik, 1999).Resources for the production of metals andtheir alloys are dwindling, and thecontinuously increasing demand forengineering products requires alternativematerials to be identified. Over the past fewdecades advanced ceramics have made inroadsin a number of critical applications in everydaylife. It is noteworthy to mention here thatwithout sparkplugs made of alumina (Al2O3)ceramic, vehicle technology would not be soadvanced, moreover metallurgy would not beso reliable without refractories (Kulik, 1999).These are the hard facts behind commonplaceproducts that we normally take for granted.Although ceramics play a crucial role in anumber of technologies due to their uniquecombination of properties, it must be notedthat as structural materials they still face stiffcompetition from cheap metals, alloys, andcomposites (Kulik, 1999). Thus the majorbarriers to the broad application of advancedceramic materials include the lack ofspecifications and databases, high scale-upcosts, and lack of repair methods (Freitag andRicherson, 1998). However, over the years alot of progress has been made to alleviatethese deficiencies through new materialdiscoveries, improvements in properties, andimproved design methods (Freitag andRicherson, 1998). The term ’advanced ceramics’ was coined in the 1970s todesignate a new category of engineering materials that wereto drive new technologies into the 21st century (Charreyron,2013). Since then there has been phenomenal growth in thetechnological advancement of these materials. A report fromResearch and Markets projected the advanced ceramicsmarket to reach US$10.4 billion by 2021, growing at acompounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%(Charreyron, 2013). This growth is attributed to theincreasing use of advanced ceramic materials as alternativesto metals and plastics, with key drivers being the medical,electronics, and transport industries. The analog-to-digitalshift in consumer products has seen massive growth inelectronic device content in a number of applications. Forinstance, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) replaced cathode raytubes and DVDs replaced VHS tapes and players. Thisbasically points to significant growth for ceramic capacitorsand other ceramic electronic components. The largest share ofthe market has always been in the electronics industry,representing approximately more than 70% of production,but positive and negative shifts are expected according tochanges in demand (Kulik, 1999). Advanced ceramics are produced from three main classesof materials, namely oxides, carbides, and nitrides, with asmall quantity accounting for mixed compounds (WorldAdvanced Ceramics, 1966). Japan has been at the forefrontfor a number of years, owing partly to the high degree ofcooperation between companies in investigations anddevelopments (dynamic partnership) and high exportvolumes (Kulik, 1999; Charreyron, 2013). The major volumeof production in Japan is represented by electronic ceramics,accounting for up to 80% of total production (Kulik, 1999).The second largest producer of advanced ceramics is NorthAmerica, where the industry has been driven by massivegovernment financing of research and design development.The main difference between the two approaches is thatNorth America plays a leading role in technology andJapanese companies lead in the applications of advancedceramics. Such approaches have been successfully adopted bya number of European countries that now contributeextensively to the advanced technology market. One suchcountry is Germany, which is home to a number ofcompanies that compete for advanced technology projectsthroughout the world. One of the most significant advances in ceramics research inthe past two decades has been improvements in fracturetoughness, especially for structural ceramics. On acomparative basis, glass has a fracture toughness of 1MPa.m0.5 and most conventional ceramics range from about2–3 MPa.m0.5; steel is about 40 MPa.m0.5 (Freitag andRicherson, 1998). Some advanced ceramics such astransformation toughened zirconia-ZrO2have toughness ofabout 15 MPa.m0.5, which is higher than that of tungsten-carbide cobalt (WC-Co) cermet and cast iron (Freitag andRicherson, 1998). This has dramatically improved theresistance to contact stress and handling damage, thusimparting high reliability and durability comparable to that ofmetals and WC-Co cermets (Freitag and Richerson, 1998).Prior to 1970, most ceramic materials had strengths wellbelow 345 MPa, but nowadays advanced ceramics such assilicon nitride (Si3N4) and toughened zirconia (ZrO2) arecommercially available with strengths above 690 MPa(Freitag and Richerson, 1998).The detailed mechanism of transformation tougheningcan be found elsewhere (Matizamhuka, 2016). However,what is important to note is that fracture toughness values 3–6 times higher than monolithic ZrO2ceramics have beenachieved by transformation toughening. Several othertechniques have been developed over the years to improvefracture toughness of advanced ceramics, such as the use ofmore ductile binders and reinforcement with fibres, whiskers,or second-phase particles. Details of such techniques can befound in the open literature (Matizamhuka, 2016).On the other hand, the high cost of ceramic componentshas been attributed to the lack of large-scale production withminimum losses in the production line. Ceramic-basedmaterials often compete against engineering materials withlower upfront costs, and it is often difficult to convincecustomers to pay a premium in exchange for performancebenefits (Charreyron, 2013). Design, process technology, andmachining technology still need to develop significantly toachieve cost-effective levels of high-volume production,consequently reducing the cost of components. A strategyused by previous market pioneers is that of forward pricingand continued government subsidies in anticipation of futuremarket growth. The recent phenomenal growth in theadvanced ceramics industry could easily translate into agreater market share in future, but this can happen only ifmajor breakthroughs are achieved in fundamental andapplied research (Liang and Dutta, 2001). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327770223_Advanced_ceramics_-_The_new_frontier_in_modern-day_technology_Part_I
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{instruction} ========== In your answer, refer only to the context document. Do not employ any outside knowledge {question} ========== [user request] {passage 0} ========== [context document]
EVIDENCE:
Advanced ceramics are an integral part ofmodern technology. Most of these productsplay crucial functions ‘behind the scenes’ in anumber of applications in everyday life. Theyusually offer superior performance that cannotbe replicated easily by other materials (Riedel,2013). Advanced ceramics today play a keyrole in technologies such as energy and theenvironment, transport, the life sciences, andcommunication and information technology(Greil, 2002). The terminology for defining this type ofceramics differs from continent to continent(Kulik, 1999). In the Japanese literature it’snormally referred to as ‘fine’ ceramics, and inAmerican literature as ‘advanced’ or‘technical’ ceramics (Kulik, 1999). In theEuropean context the term ‘technical’ ceramicsis more frequently used (Kulik, 1999). Afurther classification, depending on the use, iscommon in the UK, where the term ‘technicalceramics’ is further subdivided into functionalceramics to refer to electronic applications andstructural ceramics to refer mostly tomechanically loaded components (Kulik,1999).Advanced ceramics possess uniqueproperties that cannot be obtained inconventional materials, such as highrefractoriness and hardness, low density, lowcoefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), andhigher working temperatures (can maintaingood mechanical properties at hightemperatures). Moreover, there are reportswhich have proven that the cost of producingceramic materials is lower compared to metallicmaterials, and raw material reserves forceramics are abundant (Kulik, 1999).Resources for the production of metals andtheir alloys are dwindling, and thecontinuously increasing demand forengineering products requires alternativematerials to be identified. Over the past fewdecades advanced ceramics have made inroadsin a number of critical applications in everydaylife. It is noteworthy to mention here thatwithout sparkplugs made of alumina (Al2O3)ceramic, vehicle technology would not be soadvanced, moreover metallurgy would not beso reliable without refractories (Kulik, 1999).These are the hard facts behind commonplaceproducts that we normally take for granted.Although ceramics play a crucial role in anumber of technologies due to their uniquecombination of properties, it must be notedthat as structural materials they still face stiffcompetition from cheap metals, alloys, andcomposites (Kulik, 1999). Thus the majorbarriers to the broad application of advancedceramic materials include the lack ofspecifications and databases, high scale-upcosts, and lack of repair methods (Freitag andRicherson, 1998). However, over the years alot of progress has been made to alleviatethese deficiencies through new materialdiscoveries, improvements in properties, andimproved design methods (Freitag andRicherson, 1998). The term ’advanced ceramics’ was coined in the 1970s todesignate a new category of engineering materials that wereto drive new technologies into the 21st century (Charreyron,2013). Since then there has been phenomenal growth in thetechnological advancement of these materials. A report fromResearch and Markets projected the advanced ceramicsmarket to reach US$10.4 billion by 2021, growing at acompounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%(Charreyron, 2013). This growth is attributed to theincreasing use of advanced ceramic materials as alternativesto metals and plastics, with key drivers being the medical,electronics, and transport industries. The analog-to-digitalshift in consumer products has seen massive growth inelectronic device content in a number of applications. Forinstance, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) replaced cathode raytubes and DVDs replaced VHS tapes and players. Thisbasically points to significant growth for ceramic capacitorsand other ceramic electronic components. The largest share ofthe market has always been in the electronics industry,representing approximately more than 70% of production,but positive and negative shifts are expected according tochanges in demand (Kulik, 1999). Advanced ceramics are produced from three main classesof materials, namely oxides, carbides, and nitrides, with asmall quantity accounting for mixed compounds (WorldAdvanced Ceramics, 1966). Japan has been at the forefrontfor a number of years, owing partly to the high degree ofcooperation between companies in investigations anddevelopments (dynamic partnership) and high exportvolumes (Kulik, 1999; Charreyron, 2013). The major volumeof production in Japan is represented by electronic ceramics,accounting for up to 80% of total production (Kulik, 1999).The second largest producer of advanced ceramics is NorthAmerica, where the industry has been driven by massivegovernment financing of research and design development.The main difference between the two approaches is thatNorth America plays a leading role in technology andJapanese companies lead in the applications of advancedceramics. Such approaches have been successfully adopted bya number of European countries that now contributeextensively to the advanced technology market. One suchcountry is Germany, which is home to a number ofcompanies that compete for advanced technology projectsthroughout the world. One of the most significant advances in ceramics research inthe past two decades has been improvements in fracturetoughness, especially for structural ceramics. On acomparative basis, glass has a fracture toughness of 1MPa.m0.5 and most conventional ceramics range from about2–3 MPa.m0.5; steel is about 40 MPa.m0.5 (Freitag andRicherson, 1998). Some advanced ceramics such astransformation toughened zirconia-ZrO2have toughness ofabout 15 MPa.m0.5, which is higher than that of tungsten-carbide cobalt (WC-Co) cermet and cast iron (Freitag andRicherson, 1998). This has dramatically improved theresistance to contact stress and handling damage, thusimparting high reliability and durability comparable to that ofmetals and WC-Co cermets (Freitag and Richerson, 1998).Prior to 1970, most ceramic materials had strengths wellbelow 345 MPa, but nowadays advanced ceramics such assilicon nitride (Si3N4) and toughened zirconia (ZrO2) arecommercially available with strengths above 690 MPa(Freitag and Richerson, 1998).The detailed mechanism of transformation tougheningcan be found elsewhere (Matizamhuka, 2016). However,what is important to note is that fracture toughness values 3–6 times higher than monolithic ZrO2ceramics have beenachieved by transformation toughening. Several othertechniques have been developed over the years to improvefracture toughness of advanced ceramics, such as the use ofmore ductile binders and reinforcement with fibres, whiskers,or second-phase particles. Details of such techniques can befound in the open literature (Matizamhuka, 2016).On the other hand, the high cost of ceramic componentshas been attributed to the lack of large-scale production withminimum losses in the production line. Ceramic-basedmaterials often compete against engineering materials withlower upfront costs, and it is often difficult to convincecustomers to pay a premium in exchange for performancebenefits (Charreyron, 2013). Design, process technology, andmachining technology still need to develop significantly toachieve cost-effective levels of high-volume production,consequently reducing the cost of components. A strategyused by previous market pioneers is that of forward pricingand continued government subsidies in anticipation of futuremarket growth. The recent phenomenal growth in theadvanced ceramics industry could easily translate into agreater market share in future, but this can happen only ifmajor breakthroughs are achieved in fundamental andapplied research (Liang and Dutta, 2001).
USER:
Im trying to do research on fine ceramics from Japan, but why am I getting so much info about electronics? Why would they use clay in advanced technology when we have metal? Is it just because it's cheap?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 26 | 38 | 1,000 | null | 714 |
Only use information from the context in your response. Focus on things someone can do without help from a professional.
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How can I mitigate the risks of investing?
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What about risk? All investments involve taking on risk. It’s important that you go into any investment in stocks, bonds or mutual funds with a full understanding that you could lose some or all of your money in any one investment. While over the long term the stock market has historically provided around 10% annual returns (closer to 6% or 7% “real” returns when you subtract for the effects of inflation), the long term does sometimes take a rather long, long time to play out. Those who invested all of their money in the stock market at its peak in 1929 (before the stock market crash) would wait over 20 years to see the stock market return to the same level. However, those that kept adding money to the market throughout that time would have done very well for themselves, as the lower cost of stocks in the 1930s made for some hefty gains for those who bought and held over the course of the next twenty years or more. It is often said that the greater the risk, the greater the potential reward in investing, but taking on unnecessary risk is often avoidable. Investors best protect themselves against risk by spreading their money among various investments, hoping that if one investment loses money, the other investments will more than make up for those losses. This strategy, called “diversification,” can be neatly summed up as, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Investors also protect themselves from the risk of investing all their money at the wrong time (think 1929) by following a consistent pattern of adding new money to their investments over long periods of time. Once you’ve saved money for investing, consider carefully all your options and think about what diversification strategy makes sense for you. While the SEC cannot recommend any particular investment product, you should know that a vast array of investment products exists—including stocks and stock mutual funds, corporate and municipal bonds, bond mutual funds, certificates of deposit, money market funds, and U.S. Treasury securities. Diversification can’t guarantee that your investments won’t suffer if the market drops. But it can improve the chances that you won’t lose money, or that if you do, it won’t be as much as if you weren’t diversified. What are the best investments for me? The answer depends on when you will need the money, your goals, and if you will be able to sleep at night if you purchase a risky investment where you could lose your principal. For instance, if you are saving for retirement, and you have 35 years before you retire, you may want to consider riskier investment products, knowing that if you stick to only the “savings” products or to less risky investment products, your money will grow too slowly—or, given inflation and taxes, you may lose the purchasing power of your money. A frequent mistake people make is putting money they will not need for a very long time in investments that pay a low amount of interest. On the other hand, if you are saving for a short-term goal, five years or less, you don’t want to choose risky investments, because when it’s time to sell, you may have to take a loss. Since investments often move up and down in value rapidly, you want to make sure that you can wait and sell at the best possible time. How Can I Protect Myself? ASK QUESTIONS! You can never ask a dumb question about your investments and the people who help you choose them, especially when it comes to how much you will be paying for any investment, both in upfront costs and ongoing management fees. Here are some questions you should ask when choosing an investment professional or someone to help you: • What training and experience do you have? How long have you been in business? • What is your investment philosophy? Do you take a lot of risks or are you more concerned about the safety of my money? • Describe your typical client. Can you provide me with references, the names of people who have invested with you for a long time? • How do you get paid? By commission? Based on a percentage of assets you manage? Another method? Do you get paid more for selling your own firm’s products? • How much will it cost me in total to do business with you? Your investment professional should understand your investment goals, whether you’re saving to buy a home, paying for your children’s education, or enjoying a comfortable retirement. Your investment professional should also understand your tolerance for risk. That is, how much money can you afford to lose if the value of one of your investments declines? An investment professional has a duty to make sure that he or she only recommends investments that are suitable for you. That is, that the investment makes sense for you based on your other securities holdings, your financial situation, your means, and any other information that your investment professional thinks is important. The best investment professional is one who fully understands your objectives and matches investment recommendations to your goals. You’ll want someone you can understand, because your investment professional should teach you about investing and the investment products. How Should I Monitor My Investments? Investing makes it possible for your money to work for you. In a sense, your money has become your employee, and that makes you the boss. You’ll want to keep a close watch on how your employee, your money, is doing. Some people like to look at the stock quotations every day to see how their investments have done. That’s probably too often. You may get too caught up in the ups and downs of the “trading” value of your investment, and sell when its value goes down temporarily—even though the performance of the company is still stellar. Remember, you’re in for the long haul. Some people prefer to see how they’re doing once a year. That’s probably not often enough. What’s best for you will most likely be somewhere in between, based on your goals and your investments. But it’s not enough to simply check an investment’s performance. You should compare that performance against an index of similar investments over the same period of time to see if you are getting the proper returns for the amount of risk that you are assuming. You should also compare the fees and commissions that you’re paying to what other investment professionals charge. While you should monitor performance regularly, you should pay close attention every time you send your money somewhere else to work. Every time you buy or sell an investment you will receive a confirmation slip from your broker. Make sure each trade was completed according to your instructions. Make sure the buying or selling price was what your broker quoted. And make sure the commissions or fees are what your broker said they would be. Watch out for unauthorized trades in your account. If you get a confirmation slip for a transaction that you didn’t approve beforehand, call your broker. It may have been a mistake. If your broker refuses to correct it, put your complaint in writing and send it to the firm’s compliance officer. Serious complaints should always be made in writing. Remember, too, that if you rely on your investment professional for advice, he or she has an obligation to recommend investments that match your investment goals and tolerance for risk. Your investment professional should not be recommending trades simply to generate commissions. That’s called “churning,” and it’s illegal. How Can I Avoid Problems? Choosing someone to help you with your investments is one of the most important investment decisions you will ever make. While most investment professionals are honest and hardworking, you must watch out for those few unscrupulous individuals. They can make your life’s savings disappear in an instant. Securities regulators and law enforcement officials can and do catch these criminals. But putting them in jail doesn’t always get your money back. Too often, the money is gone. The good news is you can avoid potential problems by protecting yourself. Let’s say you’ve already met with several investment professionals based on recommendations from friends and others you trust, and you’ve found someone who clearly understands your investment objectives. Before you hire this person, you still have more homework. Make sure the investment professional and her firm are registered with the SEC and licensed to do business in your state. And find out from your state’s securities regulator whether the investment professional or her firm have ever been disciplined, or whether they have any complaints against them. You’ll find contact information for securities regulators in the U.S. by visiting the website of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) at www.nasaa.org or by calling (202) 737-0900. You should also find out as much as you can about any investments that your investment professional recommends. First, make sure the investments are registered. Keep in mind, however, the mere fact that a company has registered and files reports with the SEC doesn’t guarantee that the company will be a good investment. Likewise, the fact that a company hasn’t registered and doesn’t file reports with the SEC doesn’t mean the company is a fraud. Still, you may be asking for serious losses if, for instance, you invest in a small, thinly traded company that isn’t widely known solely on the basis of what you may have read online. One simple phone call to your state regulator could prevent you from squandering your money on a scam. Be wary of promises of quick profits, offers to share “inside information,” and pressure to invest before you have an opportunity to investigate. These are all warning signs of fraud. Ask your investment professional for written materials and prospectuses, and read them before you invest. If you have questions, now is the time to ask.• How will the investment make money? • How is this investment consistent with my investment goals? • What must happen for the investment to increase in value? • What are the risks? • Where can I get more information? Finally, it’s always a good idea to write down everything your investment professional tells you. Accurate notes will come in handy if ever there’s a problem. Some investments make money. Others lose money. That’s natural, and that’s why you need a diversified portfolio to minimize your risk. But if you lose money because you’ve been cheated, that’s not natural, that’s a problem. Sometimes all it takes is a simple phone call to your investment professional to resolve a problem. Maybe there was an honest mistake that can be corrected. If talking to the investment professional doesn’t resolve the problem, talk to the firm’s manager, and write a letter to confirm your conversation. If that doesn’t lead to a resolution, you may have to initiate private legal action. You may need to take action quickly because legal time limits for doing so vary. Your local bar association can provide referrals for attorneys who specialize in securities law. At the same time, call or write to us and let us know what the problem was. Investor complaints are very important to the SEC. You may think you’re the only one experiencing a problem, but typically, you’re not alone. Sometimes it takes only one investor’s complaint to trigger an investigation that exposes a bad broker or an illegal scheme. Complaints can be filed online with us by going to www.sec.gov/complaint.shtml.
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Only use information from the context in your response. Focus on things someone can do without help from a professional. How can I mitigate the risks of investing? What about risk? All investments involve taking on risk. It’s important that you go into any investment in stocks, bonds or mutual funds with a full understanding that you could lose some or all of your money in any one investment. While over the long term the stock market has historically provided around 10% annual returns (closer to 6% or 7% “real” returns when you subtract for the effects of inflation), the long term does sometimes take a rather long, long time to play out. Those who invested all of their money in the stock market at its peak in 1929 (before the stock market crash) would wait over 20 years to see the stock market return to the same level. However, those that kept adding money to the market throughout that time would have done very well for themselves, as the lower cost of stocks in the 1930s made for some hefty gains for those who bought and held over the course of the next twenty years or more. It is often said that the greater the risk, the greater the potential reward in investing, but taking on unnecessary risk is often avoidable. Investors best protect themselves against risk by spreading their money among various investments, hoping that if one investment loses money, the other investments will more than make up for those losses. This strategy, called “diversification,” can be neatly summed up as, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Investors also protect themselves from the risk of investing all their money at the wrong time (think 1929) by following a consistent pattern of adding new money to their investments over long periods of time. Once you’ve saved money for investing, consider carefully all your options and think about what diversification strategy makes sense for you. While the SEC cannot recommend any particular investment product, you should know that a vast array of investment products exists—including stocks and stock mutual funds, corporate and municipal bonds, bond mutual funds, certificates of deposit, money market funds, and U.S. Treasury securities. Diversification can’t guarantee that your investments won’t suffer if the market drops. But it can improve the chances that you won’t lose money, or that if you do, it won’t be as much as if you weren’t diversified. What are the best investments for me? The answer depends on when you will need the money, your goals, and if you will be able to sleep at night if you purchase a risky investment where you could lose your principal. For instance, if you are saving for retirement, and you have 35 years before you retire, you may want to consider riskier investment products, knowing that if you stick to only the “savings” products or to less risky investment products, your money will grow too slowly—or, given inflation and taxes, you may lose the purchasing power of your money. A frequent mistake people make is putting money they will not need for a very long time in investments that pay a low amount of interest. On the other hand, if you are saving for a short-term goal, five years or less, you don’t want to choose risky investments, because when it’s time to sell, you may have to take a loss. Since investments often move up and down in value rapidly, you want to make sure that you can wait and sell at the best possible time. How Can I Protect Myself? ASK QUESTIONS! You can never ask a dumb question about your investments and the people who help you choose them, especially when it comes to how much you will be paying for any investment, both in upfront costs and ongoing management fees. Here are some questions you should ask when choosing an investment professional or someone to help you: • What training and experience do you have? How long have you been in business? • What is your investment philosophy? Do you take a lot of risks or are you more concerned about the safety of my money? • Describe your typical client. Can you provide me with references, the names of people who have invested with you for a long time? • How do you get paid? By commission? Based on a percentage of assets you manage? Another method? Do you get paid more for selling your own firm’s products? • How much will it cost me in total to do business with you? Your investment professional should understand your investment goals, whether you’re saving to buy a home, paying for your children’s education, or enjoying a comfortable retirement. Your investment professional should also understand your tolerance for risk. That is, how much money can you afford to lose if the value of one of your investments declines? An investment professional has a duty to make sure that he or she only recommends investments that are suitable for you. That is, that the investment makes sense for you based on your other securities holdings, your financial situation, your means, and any other information that your investment professional thinks is important. The best investment professional is one who fully understands your objectives and matches investment recommendations to your goals. You’ll want someone you can understand, because your investment professional should teach you about investing and the investment products. How Should I Monitor My Investments? Investing makes it possible for your money to work for you. In a sense, your money has become your employee, and that makes you the boss. You’ll want to keep a close watch on how your employee, your money, is doing. Some people like to look at the stock quotations every day to see how their investments have done. That’s probably too often. You may get too caught up in the ups and downs of the “trading” value of your investment, and sell when its value goes down temporarily—even though the performance of the company is still stellar. Remember, you’re in for the long haul. Some people prefer to see how they’re doing once a year. That’s probably not often enough. What’s best for you will most likely be somewhere in between, based on your goals and your investments. But it’s not enough to simply check an investment’s performance. You should compare that performance against an index of similar investments over the same period of time to see if you are getting the proper returns for the amount of risk that you are assuming. You should also compare the fees and commissions that you’re paying to what other investment professionals charge. While you should monitor performance regularly, you should pay close attention every time you send your money somewhere else to work. Every time you buy or sell an investment you will receive a confirmation slip from your broker. Make sure each trade was completed according to your instructions. Make sure the buying or selling price was what your broker quoted. And make sure the commissions or fees are what your broker said they would be. Watch out for unauthorized trades in your account. If you get a confirmation slip for a transaction that you didn’t approve beforehand, call your broker. It may have been a mistake. If your broker refuses to correct it, put your complaint in writing and send it to the firm’s compliance officer. Serious complaints should always be made in writing. Remember, too, that if you rely on your investment professional for advice, he or she has an obligation to recommend investments that match your investment goals and tolerance for risk. Your investment professional should not be recommending trades simply to generate commissions. That’s called “churning,” and it’s illegal. How Can I Avoid Problems? Choosing someone to help you with your investments is one of the most important investment decisions you will ever make. While most investment professionals are honest and hardworking, you must watch out for those few unscrupulous individuals. They can make your life’s savings disappear in an instant. Securities regulators and law enforcement officials can and do catch these criminals. But putting them in jail doesn’t always get your money back. Too often, the money is gone. The good news is you can avoid potential problems by protecting yourself. Let’s say you’ve already met with several investment professionals based on recommendations from friends and others you trust, and you’ve found someone who clearly understands your investment objectives. Before you hire this person, you still have more homework. Make sure the investment professional and her firm are registered with the SEC and licensed to do business in your state. And find out from your state’s securities regulator whether the investment professional or her firm have ever been disciplined, or whether they have any complaints against them. You’ll find contact information for securities regulators in the U.S. by visiting the website of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) at www.nasaa.org or by calling (202) 737-0900. You should also find out as much as you can about any investments that your investment professional recommends. First, make sure the investments are registered. Keep in mind, however, the mere fact that a company has registered and files reports with the SEC doesn’t guarantee that the company will be a good investment. Likewise, the fact that a company hasn’t registered and doesn’t file reports with the SEC doesn’t mean the company is a fraud. Still, you may be asking for serious losses if, for instance, you invest in a small, thinly traded company that isn’t widely known solely on the basis of what you may have read online. One simple phone call to your state regulator could prevent you from squandering your money on a scam. Be wary of promises of quick profits, offers to share “inside information,” and pressure to invest before you have an opportunity to investigate. These are all warning signs of fraud. Ask your investment professional for written materials and prospectuses, and read them before you invest. If you have questions, now is the time to ask.• How will the investment make money? • How is this investment consistent with my investment goals? • What must happen for the investment to increase in value? • What are the risks? • Where can I get more information? Finally, it’s always a good idea to write down everything your investment professional tells you. Accurate notes will come in handy if ever there’s a problem. Some investments make money. Others lose money. That’s natural, and that’s why you need a diversified portfolio to minimize your risk. But if you lose money because you’ve been cheated, that’s not natural, that’s a problem. Sometimes all it takes is a simple phone call to your investment professional to resolve a problem. Maybe there was an honest mistake that can be corrected. If talking to the investment professional doesn’t resolve the problem, talk to the firm’s manager, and write a letter to confirm your conversation. If that doesn’t lead to a resolution, you may have to initiate private legal action. You may need to take action quickly because legal time limits for doing so vary. Your local bar association can provide referrals for attorneys who specialize in securities law. At the same time, call or write to us and let us know what the problem was. Investor complaints are very important to the SEC. You may think you’re the only one experiencing a problem, but typically, you’re not alone. Sometimes it takes only one investor’s complaint to trigger an investigation that exposes a bad broker or an illegal scheme. Complaints can be filed online with us by going to www.sec.gov/complaint.shtml.
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Only use information from the context in your response. Focus on things someone can do without help from a professional.
EVIDENCE:
What about risk? All investments involve taking on risk. It’s important that you go into any investment in stocks, bonds or mutual funds with a full understanding that you could lose some or all of your money in any one investment. While over the long term the stock market has historically provided around 10% annual returns (closer to 6% or 7% “real” returns when you subtract for the effects of inflation), the long term does sometimes take a rather long, long time to play out. Those who invested all of their money in the stock market at its peak in 1929 (before the stock market crash) would wait over 20 years to see the stock market return to the same level. However, those that kept adding money to the market throughout that time would have done very well for themselves, as the lower cost of stocks in the 1930s made for some hefty gains for those who bought and held over the course of the next twenty years or more. It is often said that the greater the risk, the greater the potential reward in investing, but taking on unnecessary risk is often avoidable. Investors best protect themselves against risk by spreading their money among various investments, hoping that if one investment loses money, the other investments will more than make up for those losses. This strategy, called “diversification,” can be neatly summed up as, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Investors also protect themselves from the risk of investing all their money at the wrong time (think 1929) by following a consistent pattern of adding new money to their investments over long periods of time. Once you’ve saved money for investing, consider carefully all your options and think about what diversification strategy makes sense for you. While the SEC cannot recommend any particular investment product, you should know that a vast array of investment products exists—including stocks and stock mutual funds, corporate and municipal bonds, bond mutual funds, certificates of deposit, money market funds, and U.S. Treasury securities. Diversification can’t guarantee that your investments won’t suffer if the market drops. But it can improve the chances that you won’t lose money, or that if you do, it won’t be as much as if you weren’t diversified. What are the best investments for me? The answer depends on when you will need the money, your goals, and if you will be able to sleep at night if you purchase a risky investment where you could lose your principal. For instance, if you are saving for retirement, and you have 35 years before you retire, you may want to consider riskier investment products, knowing that if you stick to only the “savings” products or to less risky investment products, your money will grow too slowly—or, given inflation and taxes, you may lose the purchasing power of your money. A frequent mistake people make is putting money they will not need for a very long time in investments that pay a low amount of interest. On the other hand, if you are saving for a short-term goal, five years or less, you don’t want to choose risky investments, because when it’s time to sell, you may have to take a loss. Since investments often move up and down in value rapidly, you want to make sure that you can wait and sell at the best possible time. How Can I Protect Myself? ASK QUESTIONS! You can never ask a dumb question about your investments and the people who help you choose them, especially when it comes to how much you will be paying for any investment, both in upfront costs and ongoing management fees. Here are some questions you should ask when choosing an investment professional or someone to help you: • What training and experience do you have? How long have you been in business? • What is your investment philosophy? Do you take a lot of risks or are you more concerned about the safety of my money? • Describe your typical client. Can you provide me with references, the names of people who have invested with you for a long time? • How do you get paid? By commission? Based on a percentage of assets you manage? Another method? Do you get paid more for selling your own firm’s products? • How much will it cost me in total to do business with you? Your investment professional should understand your investment goals, whether you’re saving to buy a home, paying for your children’s education, or enjoying a comfortable retirement. Your investment professional should also understand your tolerance for risk. That is, how much money can you afford to lose if the value of one of your investments declines? An investment professional has a duty to make sure that he or she only recommends investments that are suitable for you. That is, that the investment makes sense for you based on your other securities holdings, your financial situation, your means, and any other information that your investment professional thinks is important. The best investment professional is one who fully understands your objectives and matches investment recommendations to your goals. You’ll want someone you can understand, because your investment professional should teach you about investing and the investment products. How Should I Monitor My Investments? Investing makes it possible for your money to work for you. In a sense, your money has become your employee, and that makes you the boss. You’ll want to keep a close watch on how your employee, your money, is doing. Some people like to look at the stock quotations every day to see how their investments have done. That’s probably too often. You may get too caught up in the ups and downs of the “trading” value of your investment, and sell when its value goes down temporarily—even though the performance of the company is still stellar. Remember, you’re in for the long haul. Some people prefer to see how they’re doing once a year. That’s probably not often enough. What’s best for you will most likely be somewhere in between, based on your goals and your investments. But it’s not enough to simply check an investment’s performance. You should compare that performance against an index of similar investments over the same period of time to see if you are getting the proper returns for the amount of risk that you are assuming. You should also compare the fees and commissions that you’re paying to what other investment professionals charge. While you should monitor performance regularly, you should pay close attention every time you send your money somewhere else to work. Every time you buy or sell an investment you will receive a confirmation slip from your broker. Make sure each trade was completed according to your instructions. Make sure the buying or selling price was what your broker quoted. And make sure the commissions or fees are what your broker said they would be. Watch out for unauthorized trades in your account. If you get a confirmation slip for a transaction that you didn’t approve beforehand, call your broker. It may have been a mistake. If your broker refuses to correct it, put your complaint in writing and send it to the firm’s compliance officer. Serious complaints should always be made in writing. Remember, too, that if you rely on your investment professional for advice, he or she has an obligation to recommend investments that match your investment goals and tolerance for risk. Your investment professional should not be recommending trades simply to generate commissions. That’s called “churning,” and it’s illegal. How Can I Avoid Problems? Choosing someone to help you with your investments is one of the most important investment decisions you will ever make. While most investment professionals are honest and hardworking, you must watch out for those few unscrupulous individuals. They can make your life’s savings disappear in an instant. Securities regulators and law enforcement officials can and do catch these criminals. But putting them in jail doesn’t always get your money back. Too often, the money is gone. The good news is you can avoid potential problems by protecting yourself. Let’s say you’ve already met with several investment professionals based on recommendations from friends and others you trust, and you’ve found someone who clearly understands your investment objectives. Before you hire this person, you still have more homework. Make sure the investment professional and her firm are registered with the SEC and licensed to do business in your state. And find out from your state’s securities regulator whether the investment professional or her firm have ever been disciplined, or whether they have any complaints against them. You’ll find contact information for securities regulators in the U.S. by visiting the website of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) at www.nasaa.org or by calling (202) 737-0900. You should also find out as much as you can about any investments that your investment professional recommends. First, make sure the investments are registered. Keep in mind, however, the mere fact that a company has registered and files reports with the SEC doesn’t guarantee that the company will be a good investment. Likewise, the fact that a company hasn’t registered and doesn’t file reports with the SEC doesn’t mean the company is a fraud. Still, you may be asking for serious losses if, for instance, you invest in a small, thinly traded company that isn’t widely known solely on the basis of what you may have read online. One simple phone call to your state regulator could prevent you from squandering your money on a scam. Be wary of promises of quick profits, offers to share “inside information,” and pressure to invest before you have an opportunity to investigate. These are all warning signs of fraud. Ask your investment professional for written materials and prospectuses, and read them before you invest. If you have questions, now is the time to ask.• How will the investment make money? • How is this investment consistent with my investment goals? • What must happen for the investment to increase in value? • What are the risks? • Where can I get more information? Finally, it’s always a good idea to write down everything your investment professional tells you. Accurate notes will come in handy if ever there’s a problem. Some investments make money. Others lose money. That’s natural, and that’s why you need a diversified portfolio to minimize your risk. But if you lose money because you’ve been cheated, that’s not natural, that’s a problem. Sometimes all it takes is a simple phone call to your investment professional to resolve a problem. Maybe there was an honest mistake that can be corrected. If talking to the investment professional doesn’t resolve the problem, talk to the firm’s manager, and write a letter to confirm your conversation. If that doesn’t lead to a resolution, you may have to initiate private legal action. You may need to take action quickly because legal time limits for doing so vary. Your local bar association can provide referrals for attorneys who specialize in securities law. At the same time, call or write to us and let us know what the problem was. Investor complaints are very important to the SEC. You may think you’re the only one experiencing a problem, but typically, you’re not alone. Sometimes it takes only one investor’s complaint to trigger an investigation that exposes a bad broker or an illegal scheme. Complaints can be filed online with us by going to www.sec.gov/complaint.shtml.
USER:
How can I mitigate the risks of investing?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 20 | 8 | 1,925 | null | 787 |
Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. [user request] [context document]
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What is the ID and name of the FMR bulletin, when is a briefing expected from each department, and which departments should provide it? Also, when do operating plans need to be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations? Which cabinet departments are specifically mentioned?
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This Committee Report provides additional direction and specificity on the uses of funds provided in this bill. During fiscal year 2025, for the purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended, with respect to appropriations contained in the accompanying bill, the terms ``program, project, and activity'' [PPA] shall mean any item for which a dollar amount is contained in appropriations acts (including joint resolutions providing continuing appropriations) or accompanying reports of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, or accompanying conference reports and joint explanatory statements of the committee of conference. The Committee continues longstanding reprogramming requirements and limitations regarding changes to funding for PPAs. The Committee expects agencies to submit any reprogramming requests in compliance with requirements of this act and to provide a thorough explanation of the proposed reallocations, including a detailed justification of increases and reductions. The Committee expects each agency to manage the expenditures of its programs and activities to remain within the amounts appropriated by Congress. The Committee also continues the longstanding requirement that each agency submit an operating plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not later than 45 days after enactment of this act, in order to establish the baseline for application of reprogramming and transfer authorities provided in this act. The operating plan should include at minimum funding for PPAs as specified above. The Committee reminds agencies funded by this act of their obligation to uphold the Federal trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribes and Federal obligations to the Native Hawaiian Community. This includes upholding treaty and reserved rights, and any other rights and obligations under Federal law; supporting self-determination efforts by Native communities; fulfilling obligations under Presidential Memoranda and Executive Orders; and conducting early and robust government-to-government consultation with Tribes, and meaningful outreach and engagement with Native Hawaiians. The Committee also directs the Secretary of Education, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Secretary of Labor to release public reports detailing how the Departments are addressing antisemitism, including by implementing the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. The Committee directs the Secretary of Education, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Secretary of Labor to brief the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 90 days after enactment of this act regarding any strategic plans developed by the Department over the three prior fiscal years outlining the ways that the Department has promoted voter registration, and voter participation. The Committee is encouraged by the General Services Administration's Bulletin FMR C-2024-01, ``Safety Station Program Guidelines in Federal Facilities'' that was issued on December 21, 2023. The Committee encourages all Departments covered in this act to implement these guidelines and establish safety stations in each public building that include automated external defibrillators, opioid reversal agents, and hemorrhagic control programs and requests a briefing from each Department within 90 days of enactment of this act on progress towards implementing these guidelines. The Committee continues to appreciate the close working relationship with the various budget offices of the agencies funded in this bill. Maintaining these relationships is critical for the Committee to perform its duties in both developing these funding requirements and recommendations and providing oversight over the execution of funds.
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Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. What is the ID and name of the FMR bulletin, when is a briefing expected from each department, and which departments should provide it? Also, when do operating plans need to be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations? Which cabinet departments are specifically mentioned? This Committee Report provides additional direction and specificity on the uses of funds provided in this bill. During fiscal year 2025, for the purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended, with respect to appropriations contained in the accompanying bill, the terms ``program, project, and activity'' [PPA] shall mean any item for which a dollar amount is contained in appropriations acts (including joint resolutions providing continuing appropriations) or accompanying reports of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, or accompanying conference reports and joint explanatory statements of the committee of conference. The Committee continues longstanding reprogramming requirements and limitations regarding changes to funding for PPAs. The Committee expects agencies to submit any reprogramming requests in compliance with requirements of this act and to provide a thorough explanation of the proposed reallocations, including a detailed justification of increases and reductions. The Committee expects each agency to manage the expenditures of its programs and activities to remain within the amounts appropriated by Congress. The Committee also continues the longstanding requirement that each agency submit an operating plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not later than 45 days after enactment of this act, in order to establish the baseline for application of reprogramming and transfer authorities provided in this act. The operating plan should include at minimum funding for PPAs as specified above. The Committee reminds agencies funded by this act of their obligation to uphold the Federal trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribes and Federal obligations to the Native Hawaiian Community. This includes upholding treaty and reserved rights, and any other rights and obligations under Federal law; supporting self-determination efforts by Native communities; fulfilling obligations under Presidential Memoranda and Executive Orders; and conducting early and robust government-to-government consultation with Tribes, and meaningful outreach and engagement with Native Hawaiians. The Committee also directs the Secretary of Education, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Secretary of Labor to release public reports detailing how the Departments are addressing antisemitism, including by implementing the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. The Committee directs the Secretary of Education, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Secretary of Labor to brief the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 90 days after enactment of this act regarding any strategic plans developed by the Department over the three prior fiscal years outlining the ways that the Department has promoted voter registration, and voter participation. The Committee is encouraged by the General Services Administration's Bulletin FMR C-2024-01, ``Safety Station Program Guidelines in Federal Facilities'' that was issued on December 21, 2023. The Committee encourages all Departments covered in this act to implement these guidelines and establish safety stations in each public building that include automated external defibrillators, opioid reversal agents, and hemorrhagic control programs and requests a briefing from each Department within 90 days of enactment of this act on progress towards implementing these guidelines. The Committee continues to appreciate the close working relationship with the various budget offices of the agencies funded in this bill. Maintaining these relationships is critical for the Committee to perform its duties in both developing these funding requirements and recommendations and providing oversight over the execution of funds. https://www.congress.gov/congressional-report/118th-congress/senate-report/207/1
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Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. [user request] [context document]
EVIDENCE:
This Committee Report provides additional direction and specificity on the uses of funds provided in this bill. During fiscal year 2025, for the purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended, with respect to appropriations contained in the accompanying bill, the terms ``program, project, and activity'' [PPA] shall mean any item for which a dollar amount is contained in appropriations acts (including joint resolutions providing continuing appropriations) or accompanying reports of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, or accompanying conference reports and joint explanatory statements of the committee of conference. The Committee continues longstanding reprogramming requirements and limitations regarding changes to funding for PPAs. The Committee expects agencies to submit any reprogramming requests in compliance with requirements of this act and to provide a thorough explanation of the proposed reallocations, including a detailed justification of increases and reductions. The Committee expects each agency to manage the expenditures of its programs and activities to remain within the amounts appropriated by Congress. The Committee also continues the longstanding requirement that each agency submit an operating plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not later than 45 days after enactment of this act, in order to establish the baseline for application of reprogramming and transfer authorities provided in this act. The operating plan should include at minimum funding for PPAs as specified above. The Committee reminds agencies funded by this act of their obligation to uphold the Federal trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribes and Federal obligations to the Native Hawaiian Community. This includes upholding treaty and reserved rights, and any other rights and obligations under Federal law; supporting self-determination efforts by Native communities; fulfilling obligations under Presidential Memoranda and Executive Orders; and conducting early and robust government-to-government consultation with Tribes, and meaningful outreach and engagement with Native Hawaiians. The Committee also directs the Secretary of Education, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Secretary of Labor to release public reports detailing how the Departments are addressing antisemitism, including by implementing the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. The Committee directs the Secretary of Education, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Secretary of Labor to brief the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 90 days after enactment of this act regarding any strategic plans developed by the Department over the three prior fiscal years outlining the ways that the Department has promoted voter registration, and voter participation. The Committee is encouraged by the General Services Administration's Bulletin FMR C-2024-01, ``Safety Station Program Guidelines in Federal Facilities'' that was issued on December 21, 2023. The Committee encourages all Departments covered in this act to implement these guidelines and establish safety stations in each public building that include automated external defibrillators, opioid reversal agents, and hemorrhagic control programs and requests a briefing from each Department within 90 days of enactment of this act on progress towards implementing these guidelines. The Committee continues to appreciate the close working relationship with the various budget offices of the agencies funded in this bill. Maintaining these relationships is critical for the Committee to perform its duties in both developing these funding requirements and recommendations and providing oversight over the execution of funds.
USER:
What is the ID and name of the FMR bulletin, when is a briefing expected from each department, and which departments should provide it? Also, when do operating plans need to be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations? Which cabinet departments are specifically mentioned?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 24 | 44 | 535 | null | 132 |
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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I own a small jewelry retail business with three employees and want to improve profitability by reducing theft. My store is located in a shopping mall, with one entry and exit. We just opened a few months ago and my new loss prevention manager needs four strategies we can implement focusing on customer awareness to help turn my business around. We have about three cameras using CCTV and a POS system on two registers. We are a high traffic store and I need these strategies quick, we open in a few hours.
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Loss prevention is how you prevent inventory loss and preserve profits. It’s a critical concern for retailers, amounting to over $94.5 billion in U.S. retail losses in 2021. It’s no wonder some 45% of retailers increased their loss prevention budgets in 2022. They know that theft, fraud, and unexplained inventory shrinkage can quickly eat up profits. Loss prevention is any practice designed to reduce a business's losses from theft, fraud, and operational errors. The goal of loss prevention is to eliminate preventable loss and preserve profits. It’s primarily found in retail, but also exists in other business environments. Managing loss prevention can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a small to mid-sized operation. By implementing a few key security measures, however, you can reduce your risk of loss and improve profitability. Retail loss prevention consists of identifying shrinkage causes and following up with solutions. Businesses often implement strategies like hiring a loss prevention manager or installing security cameras to improve loss prevention and increase profits. It occurs in various scenarios, such as misappropriation of funds, time theft, falsified expense reports, etc. Internal theft can be caused by both customers and employees and can cost organizations thousands of dollars annually. You can also keep your store safe by monitoring activity with CCTV (closed-circuit television). These cameras can watch entry points into the store, like the customer entrance and loading docks. They record what's going on so you can see if anyone's trying to get in who shouldn't. Using CCTV also acts as a deterrent for potential thieves. It gives the appearance of strong security and shows you take losses seriously. Over 93% of retailers have a security policy or “code of conduct” for preventing loss and keeping people safe. For customers, your policy may include: Guidelines for respecting other customers and employees. Directions for reporting potential theft to store staff. Rules against stealing or damaging items. Train your employees on the rules and expectations of your security policy. Meetings and trainings are good ways to remind employees about the policy. To remind customers about the rules, you can also post signs around the store. inventory control is a system that retailers use to manage and track their inventory levels. This includes tracking product flow in and out of the store and keeping accurate sales records. You can reduce inventory losses and boost profits by implementing an inventory control system. It's important for retailers to invest in effective employee training to prevent shoplifting and other types of fraud. Educating staff on recognizing and preventing crimes can further protect your business and customers. There are many types of awareness and education programs. The NRF’s National Security Survey asked which programs retailers used to train and educate team members about loss prevention and retail asset protection. Here are the top initiatives they found: Anonymous telephone “hotline” program (87.9%) Active shooter training programs (84.5%) Bulletin board notices/posters (82.8%) Internet/computer-based training videos (79.3%) Face-to-face training during new hire orientation (74.1%) Anonymous online/email notification program (60.3%) It's easy to get loss prevention training. You can take an online course from Loss Prevention Academy or Loss Prevention Foundation or hire a third-party security and loss prevention expert to train your employees. Put up anti-theft signs. Signage around your store can help keep losses at a minimum. These are small reminders for potential shoplifters that tell them not to steal from your store. It can help deter people who don’t want to pay for items, especially if they know they are on camera. Use a third-party accountant. Work with an external accountant to ensure your accounts are accurate and up-to-date. They can give you an unbiased look at your records, identify any discrepancies in your profits and losses, and help you track inventory more effectively. Use your POS to identify loss. Sales and inventory reports help identify trends in missing items. It can also highlight patterns in gift card sales, returns and exchanges, and provide insight into who was working during times when suspicious activity took place. Hire a loss prevention specialist. These professionals are trained to identify potential areas of vulnerability and implement measures to help combat theft or fraud. Although Sears Canada finished shutting all its doors in early 2018, we can still learn from its example on the loss prevention front. Sears Canada focused on combining old standbys and cutting-edge technology. It armed loss prevention personnel with the best tools, not just the newest. It relied on video surveillance in all Sears Canada stores—but not to catch shoplifters after the fact. The loss prevention team used data and video analysis of in-store surveillance cameras to identify patterns, like areas of the store where customers spent a lot of time. By analyzing these patterns and sharing them across all stores, the team was better able to train their focus on “hot spots,” or areas prone to theft activity, and to catch shoplifting behaviors before they became a problem. One of the bigger retail developments of the past decade has been the appearance of self-checkout lines at major chains. Eliminating the cashier (scanning each item, interacting with customers, observing behavior) presents an obvious barrier to loss prevention efforts. Target approached this problem by leaning hard into one of the anti-shoplifting tactics above: conspicuous surveillance. If you’ve gone through self-checkout at a Target store recently, you might have noticed—right at eye level—your own face staring back at you. “You’re being monitored,” it reminds you. Target also trains surveillance on the scanner, so loss prevention personnel can see which items the customer scanned and which they didn't.
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= Loss prevention is how you prevent inventory loss and preserve profits. It’s a critical concern for retailers, amounting to over $94.5 billion in U.S. retail losses in 2021. It’s no wonder some 45% of retailers increased their loss prevention budgets in 2022. They know that theft, fraud, and unexplained inventory shrinkage can quickly eat up profits. Loss prevention is any practice designed to reduce a business's losses from theft, fraud, and operational errors. The goal of loss prevention is to eliminate preventable loss and preserve profits. It’s primarily found in retail, but also exists in other business environments. Managing loss prevention can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a small to mid-sized operation. By implementing a few key security measures, however, you can reduce your risk of loss and improve profitability. Retail loss prevention consists of identifying shrinkage causes and following up with solutions. Businesses often implement strategies like hiring a loss prevention manager or installing security cameras to improve loss prevention and increase profits. It occurs in various scenarios, such as misappropriation of funds, time theft, falsified expense reports, etc. Internal theft can be caused by both customers and employees and can cost organizations thousands of dollars annually. You can also keep your store safe by monitoring activity with CCTV (closed-circuit television). These cameras can watch entry points into the store, like the customer entrance and loading docks. They record what's going on so you can see if anyone's trying to get in who shouldn't. Using CCTV also acts as a deterrent for potential thieves. It gives the appearance of strong security and shows you take losses seriously. Over 93% of retailers have a security policy or “code of conduct” for preventing loss and keeping people safe. For customers, your policy may include: Guidelines for respecting other customers and employees. Directions for reporting potential theft to store staff. Rules against stealing or damaging items. Train your employees on the rules and expectations of your security policy. Meetings and trainings are good ways to remind employees about the policy. To remind customers about the rules, you can also post signs around the store. inventory control is a system that retailers use to manage and track their inventory levels. This includes tracking product flow in and out of the store and keeping accurate sales records. You can reduce inventory losses and boost profits by implementing an inventory control system. It's important for retailers to invest in effective employee training to prevent shoplifting and other types of fraud. Educating staff on recognizing and preventing crimes can further protect your business and customers. There are many types of awareness and education programs. The NRF’s National Security Survey asked which programs retailers used to train and educate team members about loss prevention and retail asset protection. Here are the top initiatives they found: Anonymous telephone “hotline” program (87.9%) Active shooter training programs (84.5%) Bulletin board notices/posters (82.8%) Internet/computer-based training videos (79.3%) Face-to-face training during new hire orientation (74.1%) Anonymous online/email notification program (60.3%) It's easy to get loss prevention training. You can take an online course from Loss Prevention Academy or Loss Prevention Foundation or hire a third-party security and loss prevention expert to train your employees. Put up anti-theft signs. Signage around your store can help keep losses at a minimum. These are small reminders for potential shoplifters that tell them not to steal from your store. It can help deter people who don’t want to pay for items, especially if they know they are on camera. Use a third-party accountant. Work with an external accountant to ensure your accounts are accurate and up-to-date. They can give you an unbiased look at your records, identify any discrepancies in your profits and losses, and help you track inventory more effectively. Use your POS to identify loss. Sales and inventory reports help identify trends in missing items. It can also highlight patterns in gift card sales, returns and exchanges, and provide insight into who was working during times when suspicious activity took place. Hire a loss prevention specialist. These professionals are trained to identify potential areas of vulnerability and implement measures to help combat theft or fraud. Although Sears Canada finished shutting all its doors in early 2018, we can still learn from its example on the loss prevention front. Sears Canada focused on combining old standbys and cutting-edge technology. It armed loss prevention personnel with the best tools, not just the newest. It relied on video surveillance in all Sears Canada stores—but not to catch shoplifters after the fact. The loss prevention team used data and video analysis of in-store surveillance cameras to identify patterns, like areas of the store where customers spent a lot of time. By analyzing these patterns and sharing them across all stores, the team was better able to train their focus on “hot spots,” or areas prone to theft activity, and to catch shoplifting behaviors before they became a problem. One of the bigger retail developments of the past decade has been the appearance of self-checkout lines at major chains. Eliminating the cashier (scanning each item, interacting with customers, observing behavior) presents an obvious barrier to loss prevention efforts. Target approached this problem by leaning hard into one of the anti-shoplifting tactics above: conspicuous surveillance. If you’ve gone through self-checkout at a Target store recently, you might have noticed—right at eye level—your own face staring back at you. “You’re being monitored,” it reminds you. Target also trains surveillance on the scanner, so loss prevention personnel can see which items the customer scanned and which they didn't. https://www.shopify.com/retail/loss-prevention#3 ================ <QUESTION> ======= I own a small jewelry retail business with three employees and want to improve profitability by reducing theft. My store is located in a shopping mall, with one entry and exit. We just opened a few months ago and my new loss prevention manager needs four strategies we can implement focusing on customer awareness to help turn my business around. We have about three cameras using CCTV and a POS system on two registers. We are a high traffic store and I need these strategies quick, we open in a few hours. ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
EVIDENCE:
Loss prevention is how you prevent inventory loss and preserve profits. It’s a critical concern for retailers, amounting to over $94.5 billion in U.S. retail losses in 2021. It’s no wonder some 45% of retailers increased their loss prevention budgets in 2022. They know that theft, fraud, and unexplained inventory shrinkage can quickly eat up profits. Loss prevention is any practice designed to reduce a business's losses from theft, fraud, and operational errors. The goal of loss prevention is to eliminate preventable loss and preserve profits. It’s primarily found in retail, but also exists in other business environments. Managing loss prevention can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a small to mid-sized operation. By implementing a few key security measures, however, you can reduce your risk of loss and improve profitability. Retail loss prevention consists of identifying shrinkage causes and following up with solutions. Businesses often implement strategies like hiring a loss prevention manager or installing security cameras to improve loss prevention and increase profits. It occurs in various scenarios, such as misappropriation of funds, time theft, falsified expense reports, etc. Internal theft can be caused by both customers and employees and can cost organizations thousands of dollars annually. You can also keep your store safe by monitoring activity with CCTV (closed-circuit television). These cameras can watch entry points into the store, like the customer entrance and loading docks. They record what's going on so you can see if anyone's trying to get in who shouldn't. Using CCTV also acts as a deterrent for potential thieves. It gives the appearance of strong security and shows you take losses seriously. Over 93% of retailers have a security policy or “code of conduct” for preventing loss and keeping people safe. For customers, your policy may include: Guidelines for respecting other customers and employees. Directions for reporting potential theft to store staff. Rules against stealing or damaging items. Train your employees on the rules and expectations of your security policy. Meetings and trainings are good ways to remind employees about the policy. To remind customers about the rules, you can also post signs around the store. inventory control is a system that retailers use to manage and track their inventory levels. This includes tracking product flow in and out of the store and keeping accurate sales records. You can reduce inventory losses and boost profits by implementing an inventory control system. It's important for retailers to invest in effective employee training to prevent shoplifting and other types of fraud. Educating staff on recognizing and preventing crimes can further protect your business and customers. There are many types of awareness and education programs. The NRF’s National Security Survey asked which programs retailers used to train and educate team members about loss prevention and retail asset protection. Here are the top initiatives they found: Anonymous telephone “hotline” program (87.9%) Active shooter training programs (84.5%) Bulletin board notices/posters (82.8%) Internet/computer-based training videos (79.3%) Face-to-face training during new hire orientation (74.1%) Anonymous online/email notification program (60.3%) It's easy to get loss prevention training. You can take an online course from Loss Prevention Academy or Loss Prevention Foundation or hire a third-party security and loss prevention expert to train your employees. Put up anti-theft signs. Signage around your store can help keep losses at a minimum. These are small reminders for potential shoplifters that tell them not to steal from your store. It can help deter people who don’t want to pay for items, especially if they know they are on camera. Use a third-party accountant. Work with an external accountant to ensure your accounts are accurate and up-to-date. They can give you an unbiased look at your records, identify any discrepancies in your profits and losses, and help you track inventory more effectively. Use your POS to identify loss. Sales and inventory reports help identify trends in missing items. It can also highlight patterns in gift card sales, returns and exchanges, and provide insight into who was working during times when suspicious activity took place. Hire a loss prevention specialist. These professionals are trained to identify potential areas of vulnerability and implement measures to help combat theft or fraud. Although Sears Canada finished shutting all its doors in early 2018, we can still learn from its example on the loss prevention front. Sears Canada focused on combining old standbys and cutting-edge technology. It armed loss prevention personnel with the best tools, not just the newest. It relied on video surveillance in all Sears Canada stores—but not to catch shoplifters after the fact. The loss prevention team used data and video analysis of in-store surveillance cameras to identify patterns, like areas of the store where customers spent a lot of time. By analyzing these patterns and sharing them across all stores, the team was better able to train their focus on “hot spots,” or areas prone to theft activity, and to catch shoplifting behaviors before they became a problem. One of the bigger retail developments of the past decade has been the appearance of self-checkout lines at major chains. Eliminating the cashier (scanning each item, interacting with customers, observing behavior) presents an obvious barrier to loss prevention efforts. Target approached this problem by leaning hard into one of the anti-shoplifting tactics above: conspicuous surveillance. If you’ve gone through self-checkout at a Target store recently, you might have noticed—right at eye level—your own face staring back at you. “You’re being monitored,” it reminds you. Target also trains surveillance on the scanner, so loss prevention personnel can see which items the customer scanned and which they didn't.
USER:
I own a small jewelry retail business with three employees and want to improve profitability by reducing theft. My store is located in a shopping mall, with one entry and exit. We just opened a few months ago and my new loss prevention manager needs four strategies we can implement focusing on customer awareness to help turn my business around. We have about three cameras using CCTV and a POS system on two registers. We are a high traffic store and I need these strategies quick, we open in a few hours.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 49 | 92 | 926 | null | 380 |
Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. [user request] [context document]
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Do local credit unions review and assess loan applications differently from a national chain such as Bank of America? What are the differences between their loan approval processes?
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Over 93% of Americans have some type of financial transactional account, including checking, savings, money market, and call accounts. However, despite desiring a variety of choices in order to make informed decisions for their families and businesses, most Americans choose large national and regional banking institutions for their financial needs. In fact, big banks account for 74.8% of the total financial account market while smaller banking institutions and credit unions account for only 18.2% and 7%, respectively. Why the disparity? Although credit unions have been providing financial services in the U.S. for over 100 years, many people simply don’t know how they differ from a typical bank. The popularity of credit unions exploded in the first half of the 20th century and especially during the Great Depression. During this time, consumer credit from banking institutions was tight, leading many Americans to demand alternative banking choices. Credit unions were more likely to approve “risky” loans and provide services to people with less-than-perfect credit. Credit unions gained so much popularity that President Franklin Roosevelt enacted the Federal Credit Union Act in 1934, which established the National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”) in order to better regulate federal credit unions and insure money deposited into credit union accounts. Credit unions and banks have a variety of major and minor differences, which boil down to business structure, product offerings, customer service, and membership requirements. These differences may be viewed as advantages or drawbacks, depending on your financial needs and preferences. One of the most important and major differences between banks and credit unions is business structure. A bank – whether it’s a small local provider or a national chain – is a for-profit enterprise. Similar to any other for-profit business, banks want to increase sales while reducing costs. If a bank is a public company, it’s governed by a board of directors and sells shares of its stock to investors. Conversely, credit unions are member-owned not-for-profit cooperatives. Specifically, if you open any type of account at a credit union, you’re considered a part-owner of that union. As such, credit union members enjoy certain benefits such as the ability to elect a volunteer board in charge of making important decisions on services, fees, and overall credit union management. Members also benefit from profit sharing in the form of reduced fees and dividends. As a result, credit unions typically consist of small, independent businesses or local chains. When it comes to customer service, credit unions outrank other financial institutions. According to the most recent annual American Customer Satisfaction Index (“ACSI”) report, credit unions scored an 85 for customer satisfaction, while the average bank scored a 76. The ACSI measured a variety of factors, including expectations, quality, value, loyalty, and complaint rates. Credit unions have outscored banks on all major factors for seven consecutive years. What makes credit unions so customer friendly? The reasons relate not only to their lower product rates and fees, but also to how they operate. As small not-for-profit cooperatives serving the local community, credit unions are more likely to work with people with poor or no credit that have been turned down by larger banks to obtain loans. Furthermore, some credit unions that serve low-income populations quality for the NCUA low-income designation, which entitles them and their members to additional benefits. In addition, credit unions work toward the betterment of their members and the surrounding community by offering a variety of local supports, such as sponsoring neighborhood or town projects, offering personal finance classes, providing microloans to people or businesses that don’t qualify for more traditional loans, and even offering scholarships and grants for local students. Similar to shopping at a large national big-box retailer versus a small mom-and-pop store, banks and credit unions provide similar financial benefits – but the products and types of services can be significantly different. Banks, especially large, national chains, generally provide more products – such as a variety of checking and saving account types, CDs, IRAs, and even credit cards. The variety allows individuals and businesses to find what works best for them. Credit unions, on the other hand, don’t always have the resources to offer the product variety that a larger bank could. However, as they are not-for-profit organizations, credit unions are able to offer lower fees and higher interest rates on the products they do carry as compared to a traditional bank. In addition to fewer product offerings, credit unions typically do not offer the same amenities as banks. With advanced online and mobile banking options, remote check deposits, and ubiquitous branches and ATMs – there’s a reason why banks control 93% of the financial account market. Quite simply, banks have the resources and economy of scale to invest in state-of-the-art, convenient services that customers want. Conversely, as credit unions are dedicated to serving a small, local population, there are typically only a few branches. Most credit unions do not maintain the capital to invest in cutting-edge services, and typically only offer rudimentary online banking options. However, although individual credit unions do not maintain a large number of branches, many credit unions belong to larger cooperatives that share resources, such as ATMs. This is especially important for today’s banking customer that requires on-the-go convenience and access to free ATMs. Lastly, a major difference between credit unions and banks is membership requirements. As mentioned, credit unions are member-owned and operated cooperatives, while banks are either private or public business enterprises. Banks are open to the public, and are free to do business with whomever they want. Credit unions, on the other hand, are required by law to restrict membership to certain communities tied by a “membership field” based on common occupations or association membership, family ties, or location. Most credit unions base their membership on locality, such as a town or region, while others may only serve certain professions, such as teachers or those in law enforcement. The NCUA changed its field of membership regulations in 2003 in order to increase credit union membership. The new rules expand what constitutes an occupational common bond as well as a community. The new regulations also eliminated several mandatory factors determining common bonds and membership fields. This has allowed credit unions that were once relatively inaccessible to open their doors to more types of consumers. Credit unions are enjoying increased interest in the wake of the recession and amidst consumer backlash against “too big to fail” banks. In 2011, a grassroots movement capitalized on feelings of consumer unrest by promoting Bank Transfer Day, urging Americans to move their accounts from big, national banks to community banks or credit unions. While over 600,000 people reportedly made the switch on Bank Transfer Day, the much-publicized movement continued to gain momentum. Approximately 5.6 million people moved their bank accounts in the fourth quarter of 2011, of which 11% was attributed to the Bank Transfer Day movement. Since that time, interest in credit unions has continued to gain momentum. Credit union membership increased 3.5% in 2015, the fastest annual advance since 1994. As with any decision, there are advantages and disadvantages to choosing either institution for your financial needs; it’s important to consider your needs, lifestyle, and goals. For example, an individual running a small consulting firm who regularly travels internationally may opt for a large bank due to its plethora of technology amenities and international presence. Conversely, the owner of a local shop may choose a credit union, preferring to support another local business and who appreciates the no frill, hands-on customer service.
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Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. Do local credit unions review and assess loan applications differently from a national chain such as Bank of America? What are the differences between their loan approval processes? Over 93% of Americans have some type of financial transactional account, including checking, savings, money market, and call accounts. However, despite desiring a variety of choices in order to make informed decisions for their families and businesses, most Americans choose large national and regional banking institutions for their financial needs. In fact, big banks account for 74.8% of the total financial account market while smaller banking institutions and credit unions account for only 18.2% and 7%, respectively. Why the disparity? Although credit unions have been providing financial services in the U.S. for over 100 years, many people simply don’t know how they differ from a typical bank. The popularity of credit unions exploded in the first half of the 20th century and especially during the Great Depression. During this time, consumer credit from banking institutions was tight, leading many Americans to demand alternative banking choices. Credit unions were more likely to approve “risky” loans and provide services to people with less-than-perfect credit. Credit unions gained so much popularity that President Franklin Roosevelt enacted the Federal Credit Union Act in 1934, which established the National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”) in order to better regulate federal credit unions and insure money deposited into credit union accounts. Credit unions and banks have a variety of major and minor differences, which boil down to business structure, product offerings, customer service, and membership requirements. These differences may be viewed as advantages or drawbacks, depending on your financial needs and preferences. One of the most important and major differences between banks and credit unions is business structure. A bank – whether it’s a small local provider or a national chain – is a for-profit enterprise. Similar to any other for-profit business, banks want to increase sales while reducing costs. If a bank is a public company, it’s governed by a board of directors and sells shares of its stock to investors. Conversely, credit unions are member-owned not-for-profit cooperatives. Specifically, if you open any type of account at a credit union, you’re considered a part-owner of that union. As such, credit union members enjoy certain benefits such as the ability to elect a volunteer board in charge of making important decisions on services, fees, and overall credit union management. Members also benefit from profit sharing in the form of reduced fees and dividends. As a result, credit unions typically consist of small, independent businesses or local chains. When it comes to customer service, credit unions outrank other financial institutions. According to the most recent annual American Customer Satisfaction Index (“ACSI”) report, credit unions scored an 85 for customer satisfaction, while the average bank scored a 76. The ACSI measured a variety of factors, including expectations, quality, value, loyalty, and complaint rates. Credit unions have outscored banks on all major factors for seven consecutive years. What makes credit unions so customer friendly? The reasons relate not only to their lower product rates and fees, but also to how they operate. As small not-for-profit cooperatives serving the local community, credit unions are more likely to work with people with poor or no credit that have been turned down by larger banks to obtain loans. Furthermore, some credit unions that serve low-income populations quality for the NCUA low-income designation, which entitles them and their members to additional benefits. In addition, credit unions work toward the betterment of their members and the surrounding community by offering a variety of local supports, such as sponsoring neighborhood or town projects, offering personal finance classes, providing microloans to people or businesses that don’t qualify for more traditional loans, and even offering scholarships and grants for local students. Similar to shopping at a large national big-box retailer versus a small mom-and-pop store, banks and credit unions provide similar financial benefits – but the products and types of services can be significantly different. Banks, especially large, national chains, generally provide more products – such as a variety of checking and saving account types, CDs, IRAs, and even credit cards. The variety allows individuals and businesses to find what works best for them. Credit unions, on the other hand, don’t always have the resources to offer the product variety that a larger bank could. However, as they are not-for-profit organizations, credit unions are able to offer lower fees and higher interest rates on the products they do carry as compared to a traditional bank. In addition to fewer product offerings, credit unions typically do not offer the same amenities as banks. With advanced online and mobile banking options, remote check deposits, and ubiquitous branches and ATMs – there’s a reason why banks control 93% of the financial account market. Quite simply, banks have the resources and economy of scale to invest in state-of-the-art, convenient services that customers want. Conversely, as credit unions are dedicated to serving a small, local population, there are typically only a few branches. Most credit unions do not maintain the capital to invest in cutting-edge services, and typically only offer rudimentary online banking options. However, although individual credit unions do not maintain a large number of branches, many credit unions belong to larger cooperatives that share resources, such as ATMs. This is especially important for today’s banking customer that requires on-the-go convenience and access to free ATMs. Lastly, a major difference between credit unions and banks is membership requirements. As mentioned, credit unions are member-owned and operated cooperatives, while banks are either private or public business enterprises. Banks are open to the public, and are free to do business with whomever they want. Credit unions, on the other hand, are required by law to restrict membership to certain communities tied by a “membership field” based on common occupations or association membership, family ties, or location. Most credit unions base their membership on locality, such as a town or region, while others may only serve certain professions, such as teachers or those in law enforcement. The NCUA changed its field of membership regulations in 2003 in order to increase credit union membership. The new rules expand what constitutes an occupational common bond as well as a community. The new regulations also eliminated several mandatory factors determining common bonds and membership fields. This has allowed credit unions that were once relatively inaccessible to open their doors to more types of consumers. Credit unions are enjoying increased interest in the wake of the recession and amidst consumer backlash against “too big to fail” banks. In 2011, a grassroots movement capitalized on feelings of consumer unrest by promoting Bank Transfer Day, urging Americans to move their accounts from big, national banks to community banks or credit unions. While over 600,000 people reportedly made the switch on Bank Transfer Day, the much-publicized movement continued to gain momentum. Approximately 5.6 million people moved their bank accounts in the fourth quarter of 2011, of which 11% was attributed to the Bank Transfer Day movement. Since that time, interest in credit unions has continued to gain momentum. Credit union membership increased 3.5% in 2015, the fastest annual advance since 1994. As with any decision, there are advantages and disadvantages to choosing either institution for your financial needs; it’s important to consider your needs, lifestyle, and goals. For example, an individual running a small consulting firm who regularly travels internationally may opt for a large bank due to its plethora of technology amenities and international presence. Conversely, the owner of a local shop may choose a credit union, preferring to support another local business and who appreciates the no frill, hands-on customer service. https://blog.glia.com/4-major-differences-credit-unions-banks/
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Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. [user request] [context document]
EVIDENCE:
Over 93% of Americans have some type of financial transactional account, including checking, savings, money market, and call accounts. However, despite desiring a variety of choices in order to make informed decisions for their families and businesses, most Americans choose large national and regional banking institutions for their financial needs. In fact, big banks account for 74.8% of the total financial account market while smaller banking institutions and credit unions account for only 18.2% and 7%, respectively. Why the disparity? Although credit unions have been providing financial services in the U.S. for over 100 years, many people simply don’t know how they differ from a typical bank. The popularity of credit unions exploded in the first half of the 20th century and especially during the Great Depression. During this time, consumer credit from banking institutions was tight, leading many Americans to demand alternative banking choices. Credit unions were more likely to approve “risky” loans and provide services to people with less-than-perfect credit. Credit unions gained so much popularity that President Franklin Roosevelt enacted the Federal Credit Union Act in 1934, which established the National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”) in order to better regulate federal credit unions and insure money deposited into credit union accounts. Credit unions and banks have a variety of major and minor differences, which boil down to business structure, product offerings, customer service, and membership requirements. These differences may be viewed as advantages or drawbacks, depending on your financial needs and preferences. One of the most important and major differences between banks and credit unions is business structure. A bank – whether it’s a small local provider or a national chain – is a for-profit enterprise. Similar to any other for-profit business, banks want to increase sales while reducing costs. If a bank is a public company, it’s governed by a board of directors and sells shares of its stock to investors. Conversely, credit unions are member-owned not-for-profit cooperatives. Specifically, if you open any type of account at a credit union, you’re considered a part-owner of that union. As such, credit union members enjoy certain benefits such as the ability to elect a volunteer board in charge of making important decisions on services, fees, and overall credit union management. Members also benefit from profit sharing in the form of reduced fees and dividends. As a result, credit unions typically consist of small, independent businesses or local chains. When it comes to customer service, credit unions outrank other financial institutions. According to the most recent annual American Customer Satisfaction Index (“ACSI”) report, credit unions scored an 85 for customer satisfaction, while the average bank scored a 76. The ACSI measured a variety of factors, including expectations, quality, value, loyalty, and complaint rates. Credit unions have outscored banks on all major factors for seven consecutive years. What makes credit unions so customer friendly? The reasons relate not only to their lower product rates and fees, but also to how they operate. As small not-for-profit cooperatives serving the local community, credit unions are more likely to work with people with poor or no credit that have been turned down by larger banks to obtain loans. Furthermore, some credit unions that serve low-income populations quality for the NCUA low-income designation, which entitles them and their members to additional benefits. In addition, credit unions work toward the betterment of their members and the surrounding community by offering a variety of local supports, such as sponsoring neighborhood or town projects, offering personal finance classes, providing microloans to people or businesses that don’t qualify for more traditional loans, and even offering scholarships and grants for local students. Similar to shopping at a large national big-box retailer versus a small mom-and-pop store, banks and credit unions provide similar financial benefits – but the products and types of services can be significantly different. Banks, especially large, national chains, generally provide more products – such as a variety of checking and saving account types, CDs, IRAs, and even credit cards. The variety allows individuals and businesses to find what works best for them. Credit unions, on the other hand, don’t always have the resources to offer the product variety that a larger bank could. However, as they are not-for-profit organizations, credit unions are able to offer lower fees and higher interest rates on the products they do carry as compared to a traditional bank. In addition to fewer product offerings, credit unions typically do not offer the same amenities as banks. With advanced online and mobile banking options, remote check deposits, and ubiquitous branches and ATMs – there’s a reason why banks control 93% of the financial account market. Quite simply, banks have the resources and economy of scale to invest in state-of-the-art, convenient services that customers want. Conversely, as credit unions are dedicated to serving a small, local population, there are typically only a few branches. Most credit unions do not maintain the capital to invest in cutting-edge services, and typically only offer rudimentary online banking options. However, although individual credit unions do not maintain a large number of branches, many credit unions belong to larger cooperatives that share resources, such as ATMs. This is especially important for today’s banking customer that requires on-the-go convenience and access to free ATMs. Lastly, a major difference between credit unions and banks is membership requirements. As mentioned, credit unions are member-owned and operated cooperatives, while banks are either private or public business enterprises. Banks are open to the public, and are free to do business with whomever they want. Credit unions, on the other hand, are required by law to restrict membership to certain communities tied by a “membership field” based on common occupations or association membership, family ties, or location. Most credit unions base their membership on locality, such as a town or region, while others may only serve certain professions, such as teachers or those in law enforcement. The NCUA changed its field of membership regulations in 2003 in order to increase credit union membership. The new rules expand what constitutes an occupational common bond as well as a community. The new regulations also eliminated several mandatory factors determining common bonds and membership fields. This has allowed credit unions that were once relatively inaccessible to open their doors to more types of consumers. Credit unions are enjoying increased interest in the wake of the recession and amidst consumer backlash against “too big to fail” banks. In 2011, a grassroots movement capitalized on feelings of consumer unrest by promoting Bank Transfer Day, urging Americans to move their accounts from big, national banks to community banks or credit unions. While over 600,000 people reportedly made the switch on Bank Transfer Day, the much-publicized movement continued to gain momentum. Approximately 5.6 million people moved their bank accounts in the fourth quarter of 2011, of which 11% was attributed to the Bank Transfer Day movement. Since that time, interest in credit unions has continued to gain momentum. Credit union membership increased 3.5% in 2015, the fastest annual advance since 1994. As with any decision, there are advantages and disadvantages to choosing either institution for your financial needs; it’s important to consider your needs, lifestyle, and goals. For example, an individual running a small consulting firm who regularly travels internationally may opt for a large bank due to its plethora of technology amenities and international presence. Conversely, the owner of a local shop may choose a credit union, preferring to support another local business and who appreciates the no frill, hands-on customer service.
USER:
Do local credit unions review and assess loan applications differently from a national chain such as Bank of America? What are the differences between their loan approval processes?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 24 | 28 | 1,251 | null | 138 |
<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
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Summarize this biomedical journal article for a layperson. In the summary be sure to include information about the following things: 1. what type of experimental and statistical methods were used to generate and analyze the data? 2. when did PE lipids (a type of GP lipid) reach their peak levels during worm development, 3. how were the alimentary and reproductive tracts differentiated from the other types of tissues examined, and 4. how did GL abundance compare between the male and female reproductive tracts of the worms used in the study?
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PCA of the developmental lipidome of A. suum showed that the difference in the quantity of lipids among five developmental stages/sexes (i.e. L3-egg, L3-lung, L4, Af and Am) was greater than variation within a particular stage (i.e. among four replicates) (Fig 3). The two-dimensional diagram (Fig 3) reveals a clear division of the lipidomic data set into three distinct groups, corresponding to L3-egg, L3-lung and the intestinal stages (i.e. L4, Af and Am). Interestingly, limited variation in lipid amount was observed among adult stages. Of all five developmental stages/sexes, the largest amount of total lipids was measured in third-stage larvae (i.e. L3-egg and L3-lung) (Fig 4A). The semi-quantitative analysis revealed that third-stage larvae (i.e. L3-egg and L3-lung) contained > 150 and 100 μM/mg (micromole of lipids per milligram of dry worm body weight), respectively, whereas ≤ 35 μM/mg were measured in other developmental stages/sexes (i.e. L4, Af and Am) (Fig 4A). As expected, lipid categories GP (n = 155 to 253) and GL (n = 44 to 109), for which a large number of lipids species were identified (Table 1), contributed predominantly to the lipid abundance in A. suum across five key developmental stages/sexes (Fig 5 and S1 Fig). The overall GP abundance reached a peak in third-stage larvae (i.e. L3-egg and L3-lung), was significantly lower in later developmental stages/sexes (i.e. L4, Af and Am). Membrane structure-related lipid classes, such as PC, PE and PI, contributed significantly to a low overall GP abundance (Fig 6 and S2 Fig). Individual PC, PE and PI lipid species, such as PC (36:3), PE (O-36:1) and PI (38:4), which contained even-numbered fatty acyl chains (e.g., 18:0, 18:1 or 18:2) predominated in the third-stage larvae (S3 Table). Additionally, LPC, LPE, LPG and LPS classes peaked in L3-lung, and then were substantially reduced during the migration from lung (i.e. L3-lung) to the small intestine (i.e. L4, Af and Am) (S2 Fig). Within the GL category, a significantly higher abundance of TG was measured in L3-egg compared with all other stages/sexes studied (Fig 6). Notably, TG exhibited a slightly higher level in Af than in Am. Deeper analysis of individual lipid species showed that TG lipids with C18 fatty acyl chains (e.g. 18:0, 18:1, 18:2 and 18:3) predominated and that many of these lipids (n = 9) showed a high abundance (> 1 μM/mg) for the TG class (S3 Table). Nevertheless, a significantly higher level of total saturated lipid was observed in L3-lung, whereas high levels of ether-linked lipid were detected in the L3-egg and L3-lung (Fig 7). All lipid classes and individual lipid species as well as their differences in abundance among developmental stages/sexes are given in S2–S4 Figs and S3 Table. The two-dimensional PCA showed that lipidomic data of organ systems for male adult Ascaris (i.e. MRT, MAT and MBW) and the body wall from the female worm (i.e. FBW) clustered tightly together, to the exclusion of the reproductive and alimentary tracts of female Ascaris (i.e. FRT and FAT) (Fig 8). Semi-quantitative analysis of the organ systems showed an enrichment of total lipids in the reproductive and alimentary tracts of adult Ascaris (Fig 4B). FRT (141 μM/mg) had > 4 times more lipid overall as compared with MBW (32 μM/mg). Except for the reproductive tract, a comparisons of the same organ system between the sexes showed that the female worm had more total lipids than the male. Similar to the developmental lipidome, GP (ranged 27–134 μM/mg) and GL (ranged 3–49 μM/mg) were the two most abundant lipid categories in A. suum at an organ system level, whereas only small amounts (range: 1–11 μM/mg) of lipids of the SP category were detected (Fig 5 and S1 Fig). Regarding the reproductive tract, the overall GP abundance was significantly higher in male (134 μM/mg) than in female (69 μM/mg) (Fig 5B). In contrast, GL abundance showed the opposite trend, with significantly higher levels in FRT (49 μM/mg) than in MRT (3 μM/mg) (Fig 5D). A deeper analysis of the lipidomic data set according to organ system revealed differences primarily in the lipids in the PC, PE and TG classes, characterised by a higher abundance of individual PC species (e.g. PC (16:0_20:4), PC (18:0e_20:2), PC (18:1_20:2) and PC (20:1_18:2)) and PE species (e.g. PE (O-18:0_18:1), PE (O-18:0_20:1)) in FRT compared with MRT; and a higher abundance of TG species, such as TG (17:0_18:2_6:0), TG (18:0_18:1_18:2) and TG (18:1_18:1_6:0), in MRT (S3 Table). In the alimentary tract, the total GL amount was more abundant in female (36 μM/mg) than in male (3 μM/mg), whereas the overall GP in the alimentary tract was at a comparable level (nearly 60 μM/mg) in female and male. Notably, individual TG species with even-numbered fatty acyl chains, such as TG (16:0_16:1_18:1), TG (16:1_18:1_18:2) and TG (18:0_18:1_18:2), differed markedly in abundance between FAT and MAT. There was no significant difference in the abundance of overall GP and GL in the body wall. Subsequent analyses revealed that both saturated and either-linked lipids were highly abundant in the reproductive and alimentary tracts of both female and male worms, with no significant difference between the sexes. All lipid classes and individual lipid species as well as their abundance levels in the organ systems are displayed in S2–S4 Figs and S3 Table.
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> Summarize this biomedical journal article for a layperson. In the summary be sure to include information about the following things: 1. what type of experimental and statistical methods were used to generate and analyze the data? 2. when did PE lipids (a type of GP lipid) reach their peak levels during worm development, 3. how were the alimentary and reproductive tracts differentiated from the other types of tissues examined, and 4. how did GL abundance compare between the male and female reproductive tracts of the worms used in the study? <TEXT> PCA of the developmental lipidome of A. suum showed that the difference in the quantity of lipids among five developmental stages/sexes (i.e. L3-egg, L3-lung, L4, Af and Am) was greater than variation within a particular stage (i.e. among four replicates) (Fig 3). The two-dimensional diagram (Fig 3) reveals a clear division of the lipidomic data set into three distinct groups, corresponding to L3-egg, L3-lung and the intestinal stages (i.e. L4, Af and Am). Interestingly, limited variation in lipid amount was observed among adult stages. Of all five developmental stages/sexes, the largest amount of total lipids was measured in third-stage larvae (i.e. L3-egg and L3-lung) (Fig 4A). The semi-quantitative analysis revealed that third-stage larvae (i.e. L3-egg and L3-lung) contained > 150 and 100 μM/mg (micromole of lipids per milligram of dry worm body weight), respectively, whereas ≤ 35 μM/mg were measured in other developmental stages/sexes (i.e. L4, Af and Am) (Fig 4A). As expected, lipid categories GP (n = 155 to 253) and GL (n = 44 to 109), for which a large number of lipids species were identified (Table 1), contributed predominantly to the lipid abundance in A. suum across five key developmental stages/sexes (Fig 5 and S1 Fig). The overall GP abundance reached a peak in third-stage larvae (i.e. L3-egg and L3-lung), was significantly lower in later developmental stages/sexes (i.e. L4, Af and Am). Membrane structure-related lipid classes, such as PC, PE and PI, contributed significantly to a low overall GP abundance (Fig 6 and S2 Fig). Individual PC, PE and PI lipid species, such as PC (36:3), PE (O-36:1) and PI (38:4), which contained even-numbered fatty acyl chains (e.g., 18:0, 18:1 or 18:2) predominated in the third-stage larvae (S3 Table). Additionally, LPC, LPE, LPG and LPS classes peaked in L3-lung, and then were substantially reduced during the migration from lung (i.e. L3-lung) to the small intestine (i.e. L4, Af and Am) (S2 Fig). Within the GL category, a significantly higher abundance of TG was measured in L3-egg compared with all other stages/sexes studied (Fig 6). Notably, TG exhibited a slightly higher level in Af than in Am. Deeper analysis of individual lipid species showed that TG lipids with C18 fatty acyl chains (e.g. 18:0, 18:1, 18:2 and 18:3) predominated and that many of these lipids (n = 9) showed a high abundance (> 1 μM/mg) for the TG class (S3 Table). Nevertheless, a significantly higher level of total saturated lipid was observed in L3-lung, whereas high levels of ether-linked lipid were detected in the L3-egg and L3-lung (Fig 7). All lipid classes and individual lipid species as well as their differences in abundance among developmental stages/sexes are given in S2–S4 Figs and S3 Table. The two-dimensional PCA showed that lipidomic data of organ systems for male adult Ascaris (i.e. MRT, MAT and MBW) and the body wall from the female worm (i.e. FBW) clustered tightly together, to the exclusion of the reproductive and alimentary tracts of female Ascaris (i.e. FRT and FAT) (Fig 8). Semi-quantitative analysis of the organ systems showed an enrichment of total lipids in the reproductive and alimentary tracts of adult Ascaris (Fig 4B). FRT (141 μM/mg) had > 4 times more lipid overall as compared with MBW (32 μM/mg). Except for the reproductive tract, a comparisons of the same organ system between the sexes showed that the female worm had more total lipids than the male. Similar to the developmental lipidome, GP (ranged 27–134 μM/mg) and GL (ranged 3–49 μM/mg) were the two most abundant lipid categories in A. suum at an organ system level, whereas only small amounts (range: 1–11 μM/mg) of lipids of the SP category were detected (Fig 5 and S1 Fig). Regarding the reproductive tract, the overall GP abundance was significantly higher in male (134 μM/mg) than in female (69 μM/mg) (Fig 5B). In contrast, GL abundance showed the opposite trend, with significantly higher levels in FRT (49 μM/mg) than in MRT (3 μM/mg) (Fig 5D). A deeper analysis of the lipidomic data set according to organ system revealed differences primarily in the lipids in the PC, PE and TG classes, characterised by a higher abundance of individual PC species (e.g. PC (16:0_20:4), PC (18:0e_20:2), PC (18:1_20:2) and PC (20:1_18:2)) and PE species (e.g. PE (O-18:0_18:1), PE (O-18:0_20:1)) in FRT compared with MRT; and a higher abundance of TG species, such as TG (17:0_18:2_6:0), TG (18:0_18:1_18:2) and TG (18:1_18:1_6:0), in MRT (S3 Table). In the alimentary tract, the total GL amount was more abundant in female (36 μM/mg) than in male (3 μM/mg), whereas the overall GP in the alimentary tract was at a comparable level (nearly 60 μM/mg) in female and male. Notably, individual TG species with even-numbered fatty acyl chains, such as TG (16:0_16:1_18:1), TG (16:1_18:1_18:2) and TG (18:0_18:1_18:2), differed markedly in abundance between FAT and MAT. There was no significant difference in the abundance of overall GP and GL in the body wall. Subsequent analyses revealed that both saturated and either-linked lipids were highly abundant in the reproductive and alimentary tracts of both female and male worms, with no significant difference between the sexes. All lipid classes and individual lipid species as well as their abundance levels in the organ systems are displayed in S2–S4 Figs and S3 Table. https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0008848
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
EVIDENCE:
PCA of the developmental lipidome of A. suum showed that the difference in the quantity of lipids among five developmental stages/sexes (i.e. L3-egg, L3-lung, L4, Af and Am) was greater than variation within a particular stage (i.e. among four replicates) (Fig 3). The two-dimensional diagram (Fig 3) reveals a clear division of the lipidomic data set into three distinct groups, corresponding to L3-egg, L3-lung and the intestinal stages (i.e. L4, Af and Am). Interestingly, limited variation in lipid amount was observed among adult stages. Of all five developmental stages/sexes, the largest amount of total lipids was measured in third-stage larvae (i.e. L3-egg and L3-lung) (Fig 4A). The semi-quantitative analysis revealed that third-stage larvae (i.e. L3-egg and L3-lung) contained > 150 and 100 μM/mg (micromole of lipids per milligram of dry worm body weight), respectively, whereas ≤ 35 μM/mg were measured in other developmental stages/sexes (i.e. L4, Af and Am) (Fig 4A). As expected, lipid categories GP (n = 155 to 253) and GL (n = 44 to 109), for which a large number of lipids species were identified (Table 1), contributed predominantly to the lipid abundance in A. suum across five key developmental stages/sexes (Fig 5 and S1 Fig). The overall GP abundance reached a peak in third-stage larvae (i.e. L3-egg and L3-lung), was significantly lower in later developmental stages/sexes (i.e. L4, Af and Am). Membrane structure-related lipid classes, such as PC, PE and PI, contributed significantly to a low overall GP abundance (Fig 6 and S2 Fig). Individual PC, PE and PI lipid species, such as PC (36:3), PE (O-36:1) and PI (38:4), which contained even-numbered fatty acyl chains (e.g., 18:0, 18:1 or 18:2) predominated in the third-stage larvae (S3 Table). Additionally, LPC, LPE, LPG and LPS classes peaked in L3-lung, and then were substantially reduced during the migration from lung (i.e. L3-lung) to the small intestine (i.e. L4, Af and Am) (S2 Fig). Within the GL category, a significantly higher abundance of TG was measured in L3-egg compared with all other stages/sexes studied (Fig 6). Notably, TG exhibited a slightly higher level in Af than in Am. Deeper analysis of individual lipid species showed that TG lipids with C18 fatty acyl chains (e.g. 18:0, 18:1, 18:2 and 18:3) predominated and that many of these lipids (n = 9) showed a high abundance (> 1 μM/mg) for the TG class (S3 Table). Nevertheless, a significantly higher level of total saturated lipid was observed in L3-lung, whereas high levels of ether-linked lipid were detected in the L3-egg and L3-lung (Fig 7). All lipid classes and individual lipid species as well as their differences in abundance among developmental stages/sexes are given in S2–S4 Figs and S3 Table. The two-dimensional PCA showed that lipidomic data of organ systems for male adult Ascaris (i.e. MRT, MAT and MBW) and the body wall from the female worm (i.e. FBW) clustered tightly together, to the exclusion of the reproductive and alimentary tracts of female Ascaris (i.e. FRT and FAT) (Fig 8). Semi-quantitative analysis of the organ systems showed an enrichment of total lipids in the reproductive and alimentary tracts of adult Ascaris (Fig 4B). FRT (141 μM/mg) had > 4 times more lipid overall as compared with MBW (32 μM/mg). Except for the reproductive tract, a comparisons of the same organ system between the sexes showed that the female worm had more total lipids than the male. Similar to the developmental lipidome, GP (ranged 27–134 μM/mg) and GL (ranged 3–49 μM/mg) were the two most abundant lipid categories in A. suum at an organ system level, whereas only small amounts (range: 1–11 μM/mg) of lipids of the SP category were detected (Fig 5 and S1 Fig). Regarding the reproductive tract, the overall GP abundance was significantly higher in male (134 μM/mg) than in female (69 μM/mg) (Fig 5B). In contrast, GL abundance showed the opposite trend, with significantly higher levels in FRT (49 μM/mg) than in MRT (3 μM/mg) (Fig 5D). A deeper analysis of the lipidomic data set according to organ system revealed differences primarily in the lipids in the PC, PE and TG classes, characterised by a higher abundance of individual PC species (e.g. PC (16:0_20:4), PC (18:0e_20:2), PC (18:1_20:2) and PC (20:1_18:2)) and PE species (e.g. PE (O-18:0_18:1), PE (O-18:0_20:1)) in FRT compared with MRT; and a higher abundance of TG species, such as TG (17:0_18:2_6:0), TG (18:0_18:1_18:2) and TG (18:1_18:1_6:0), in MRT (S3 Table). In the alimentary tract, the total GL amount was more abundant in female (36 μM/mg) than in male (3 μM/mg), whereas the overall GP in the alimentary tract was at a comparable level (nearly 60 μM/mg) in female and male. Notably, individual TG species with even-numbered fatty acyl chains, such as TG (16:0_16:1_18:1), TG (16:1_18:1_18:2) and TG (18:0_18:1_18:2), differed markedly in abundance between FAT and MAT. There was no significant difference in the abundance of overall GP and GL in the body wall. Subsequent analyses revealed that both saturated and either-linked lipids were highly abundant in the reproductive and alimentary tracts of both female and male worms, with no significant difference between the sexes. All lipid classes and individual lipid species as well as their abundance levels in the organ systems are displayed in S2–S4 Figs and S3 Table.
USER:
Summarize this biomedical journal article for a layperson. In the summary be sure to include information about the following things: 1. what type of experimental and statistical methods were used to generate and analyze the data? 2. when did PE lipids (a type of GP lipid) reach their peak levels during worm development, 3. how were the alimentary and reproductive tracts differentiated from the other types of tissues examined, and 4. how did GL abundance compare between the male and female reproductive tracts of the worms used in the study?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 20 | 90 | 872 | null | 121 |
Draw your answer only from the text below.
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Please describe modifications to insulin that have resulted in improvements in safety, effectiveness, and convenience to patients. Please describe just one modification that pertains to the three areas listed above.
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Insulin is a small protein composed of 51 amino acids. Because insulin is derived from a living organism, it is considered a biologic, or biological product (the text box below defines biologics and describes their regulatory framework). Since the discovery of insulin, incremental modifications over time have resulted in improvements in safety, effectiveness, and convenience to patients.5 Insulin was discovered in 1921 by two University of Toronto researchers who sold their U.S. patents to the university for $1 each, so the drug could be produced at a reasonable cost.6 Facing challenges manufacturing sufficient quantities of insulin for the North American market, in 1923, the University of Toronto team partnered with—and licensed manufacturing rights to—several pharmaceutical companies.7 Commercially available insulins today differ from the insulin discovered by the Toronto team. The original insulin was a short-acting product with a duration of action of 6-8 hours, making it less suitable for providing 24-hour coverage. In the late 1930s through the 1950s, researchers altered regular insulin by adding substances (e.g., protamine and zinc) to gain longer action, resulting in what are now called intermediate-acting insulins. One such advance, Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH), was patented in 1946. It allowed for the combination of two types of insulin (long-acting and short-acting insulin) in premixed vials, making a single daily injection possible for some patients.8 At that time, insulin was obtained by extraction from animals. As animal-derived products, insulins were subject to problems inherent to animal-tissue extracts, such as impurities, which could cause immunologic reactions impacting their safety and effectiveness.9 Insulin production has changed over the years, as researchers altered insulin to improve the patient experience. In the late 1970s, advancements in biotechnology allowed for the replacement of animal insulin extracted from cattle and pig pancreases with human insulin produced using recombinant DNA technology. In 1982, Eli Lilly brought the first recombinant human insulins to the U.S. market: Humulin R (regular) and N (NPH). In the late 1980s, advancements in recombinant technology allowed scientists to modify insulin’s structure to improve its physiological effects. This advancement resulted in the development of insulin analogs, which more closely replicate normal insulin patterns in the body. In 1996, Humalog (insulin lispro) became the first rapid-acting insulin analog to be approved, followed by Novolog (insulin aspart) in 2000, and others thereafter.10 This same technology allowed for the development of long-acting insulin analogs. In 2000, Lantus (insulin glargine) became the first long-acting insulin analog, and others followed.11 Some studies have questioned whether the more expensive analogs provide an advantage over regular insulin in controlling glucose levels or preventing diabetes-related complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.12 In addition to modifications to insulin itself, associated delivery devices, such as insulin pens, have provided a more convenient route of administration for patients compared with syringes. Subsequent patenting of these modifications upon approval has shielded insulin products from competition for extended periods. As new insulin products entered the market, insulin manufacturers discontinued many older versions of these products. The regulatory framework created challenges for bringing generic insulins to the market.13
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Draw your answer only from the text below. Please describe modifications to insulin that have resulted in improvements in safety, effectiveness, and convenience to patients. Please describe just one modification that pertains to the three areas listed above. Insulin is a small protein composed of 51 amino acids. Because insulin is derived from a living organism, it is considered a biologic, or biological product (the text box below defines biologics and describes their regulatory framework). Since the discovery of insulin, incremental modifications over time have resulted in improvements in safety, effectiveness, and convenience to patients.5 Insulin was discovered in 1921 by two University of Toronto researchers who sold their U.S. patents to the university for $1 each, so the drug could be produced at a reasonable cost.6 Facing challenges manufacturing sufficient quantities of insulin for the North American market, in 1923, the University of Toronto team partnered with—and licensed manufacturing rights to—several pharmaceutical companies.7 Commercially available insulins today differ from the insulin discovered by the Toronto team. The original insulin was a short-acting product with a duration of action of 6-8 hours, making it less suitable for providing 24-hour coverage. In the late 1930s through the 1950s, researchers altered regular insulin by adding substances (e.g., protamine and zinc) to gain longer action, resulting in what are now called intermediate-acting insulins. One such advance, Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH), was patented in 1946. It allowed for the combination of two types of insulin (long-acting and short-acting insulin) in premixed vials, making a single daily injection possible for some patients.8 At that time, insulin was obtained by extraction from animals. As animal-derived products, insulins were subject to problems inherent to animal-tissue extracts, such as impurities, which could cause immunologic reactions impacting their safety and effectiveness.9 Insulin production has changed over the years, as researchers altered insulin to improve the patient experience. In the late 1970s, advancements in biotechnology allowed for the replacement of animal insulin extracted from cattle and pig pancreases with human insulin produced using recombinant DNA technology. In 1982, Eli Lilly brought the first recombinant human insulins to the U.S. market: Humulin R (regular) and N (NPH). In the late 1980s, advancements in recombinant technology allowed scientists to modify insulin’s structure to improve its physiological effects. This advancement resulted in the development of insulin analogs, which more closely replicate normal insulin patterns in the body. In 1996, Humalog (insulin lispro) became the first rapid-acting insulin analog to be approved, followed by Novolog (insulin aspart) in 2000, and others thereafter.10 This same technology allowed for the development of long-acting insulin analogs. In 2000, Lantus (insulin glargine) became the first long-acting insulin analog, and others followed.11 Some studies have questioned whether the more expensive analogs provide an advantage over regular insulin in controlling glucose levels or preventing diabetes-related complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.12 In addition to modifications to insulin itself, associated delivery devices, such as insulin pens, have provided a more convenient route of administration for patients compared with syringes. Subsequent patenting of these modifications upon approval has shielded insulin products from competition for extended periods. As new insulin products entered the market, insulin manufacturers discontinued many older versions of these products. The regulatory framework created challenges for bringing generic insulins to the market.13
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Draw your answer only from the text below.
EVIDENCE:
Insulin is a small protein composed of 51 amino acids. Because insulin is derived from a living organism, it is considered a biologic, or biological product (the text box below defines biologics and describes their regulatory framework). Since the discovery of insulin, incremental modifications over time have resulted in improvements in safety, effectiveness, and convenience to patients.5 Insulin was discovered in 1921 by two University of Toronto researchers who sold their U.S. patents to the university for $1 each, so the drug could be produced at a reasonable cost.6 Facing challenges manufacturing sufficient quantities of insulin for the North American market, in 1923, the University of Toronto team partnered with—and licensed manufacturing rights to—several pharmaceutical companies.7 Commercially available insulins today differ from the insulin discovered by the Toronto team. The original insulin was a short-acting product with a duration of action of 6-8 hours, making it less suitable for providing 24-hour coverage. In the late 1930s through the 1950s, researchers altered regular insulin by adding substances (e.g., protamine and zinc) to gain longer action, resulting in what are now called intermediate-acting insulins. One such advance, Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH), was patented in 1946. It allowed for the combination of two types of insulin (long-acting and short-acting insulin) in premixed vials, making a single daily injection possible for some patients.8 At that time, insulin was obtained by extraction from animals. As animal-derived products, insulins were subject to problems inherent to animal-tissue extracts, such as impurities, which could cause immunologic reactions impacting their safety and effectiveness.9 Insulin production has changed over the years, as researchers altered insulin to improve the patient experience. In the late 1970s, advancements in biotechnology allowed for the replacement of animal insulin extracted from cattle and pig pancreases with human insulin produced using recombinant DNA technology. In 1982, Eli Lilly brought the first recombinant human insulins to the U.S. market: Humulin R (regular) and N (NPH). In the late 1980s, advancements in recombinant technology allowed scientists to modify insulin’s structure to improve its physiological effects. This advancement resulted in the development of insulin analogs, which more closely replicate normal insulin patterns in the body. In 1996, Humalog (insulin lispro) became the first rapid-acting insulin analog to be approved, followed by Novolog (insulin aspart) in 2000, and others thereafter.10 This same technology allowed for the development of long-acting insulin analogs. In 2000, Lantus (insulin glargine) became the first long-acting insulin analog, and others followed.11 Some studies have questioned whether the more expensive analogs provide an advantage over regular insulin in controlling glucose levels or preventing diabetes-related complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.12 In addition to modifications to insulin itself, associated delivery devices, such as insulin pens, have provided a more convenient route of administration for patients compared with syringes. Subsequent patenting of these modifications upon approval has shielded insulin products from competition for extended periods. As new insulin products entered the market, insulin manufacturers discontinued many older versions of these products. The regulatory framework created challenges for bringing generic insulins to the market.13
USER:
Please describe modifications to insulin that have resulted in improvements in safety, effectiveness, and convenience to patients. Please describe just one modification that pertains to the three areas listed above.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 8 | 30 | 505 | null | 46 |
Respond with only information from the given context. Respond in list form with descriptions for each item.
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What are the organizational factors of productivity in knowledge work?
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Organisational input factors Already the terms knowledge-intensive organisation and knowledge workers highlight the fact that human capital of employees is the most important input. Their ability to convert previous knowledge and experiences into new solutions forms the base for organisations’ operation. It is, in fact, what pure knowledge-intensive organisations are selling. Essential are not only the knowledge reserves of the workers, but also what they are able to do with them. (Drucker 1999, p. 84) Characteristic to knowledge work is also the element of learning. For example a person working in product development has to be able to observe his research subject and to learn from it, as well as to be able to apply the things he learns into new products. To a certain point, also a knowledge worker’s productivity can be increased by education, but above all, as Polanyi (1966) states it, most of the exploitable human capital is tacit in nature and is formed through experience rather than learned from books (according to Nonaka and Takeuchi 1995, pp. 59-61). Because human memory is limited, it is relevant that workers can share their information and knowledge with each other – learn themselves but also teach others (Drucker 1999, pp. 84). Learning and the ability to create new things are also highlighted when the organisation’s objective is to innovate. Organisation’s innovativeness can be defined as an ability to maintain existing success factors at the same time, when new solutions are made in order to ensure competitive advantage also in future (Pöyhönen 2004, Ståhle et al. 2004, p. 13). The innovative potential is basically in the employees, but it can be brought about by different managerial actions. It requires at least an implication from the management that innovative behaviour is what is expected from the employee. Innovativeness appears as worker’s ability to create new solutions and not just relying on existing practises and models. On the other hand, sharing of information is important when we think about information used in work process. This includes not only information that is gathered from the customer but 6 also information, which already exists in the organisation but is not specifically “owned” by certain employee. Just as in manual work, waiting and searching for resources hinders productivity of a knowledge worker – their resources are only immaterial in nature and it might be more difficult to pay attention to the time used in looking for information. It often is a part of the work to look for adequate new information. However, it is not productive that employees should spend time looking for information that already exists but is too difficult to find. Although information systems are nowadays used by virtually all companies, and are therefore seen more as a tool instead of a resource, their importance in information sharing is undeniable. Especially important is the worker’s ability to exploit them in their work and that information systems support the way an organisation answers to its customer’s needs. (Ståhle et al. 2004, p. 78) Information systems are, however, quite useless if the quality of information they include is low – information is, for example, wrong or incomplete. Knowledge workers make decisions based on the information available, and if it is unsatisfactory, outcome of the process can be poor in quality or even totally unusable for the customer. Information should not be shared only between the workers within organisation, but also with all interest groups. Organisational networks are a part of intellectual capital. An organisation can enforce some networks (customers, subcontractors, distributors, research partners etc.; Edvinsson and Malone 1997, p. 11) and provide its employees with sufficient means to attain information needed in their work. Insufficient networks can result in a deficit of information, which will evidently lead to inability to answer to customers’ needs and loss of competitive advantage. Although knowledge work is distinctively described as something, where the workers themselves decide, how they manage their tasks (Pepitone 2002 refers to the amount of discretion required), in every organization there are certain standards, routines and practices that have come about in the course of time. They are based on mental models that the members share, and often reflect the values, norms, beliefs and myths of the organisation (Juuti 2003 and Schein 1987 according to Ståhle et al. 2004. p. 82). These standards can either support working or hinder it. Anyhow, they do exist and should not be neglected when examining productivity. Castells (2000) has argued, that standardisation of work processes intensifies also knowledge work especially when there is interaction between different actors of the process (see also McKenzie and van Winkelen 2004, p. 40). On the other hand both Jackson (1999) and Blom et al. (2001) have emphasised the ability of a knowledge-intensive organisation to utilise new practices to concentrate on allowing employees to determine their own approaches. Time used in production is a rather complex input factor. Traditionally, productivity is seen increased if the output has been produced in shorter time period. This often happens also in knowledge work: when the workers learn how to do things and have more experience to which they can relate new problems they can perform similar tasks faster than before. However, there is a limit for how much time used can be decreased before the quality of work is eroded. In knowledge work, “quality is the essence of the output” (Drucker 1999, p. 84). Also, if a worker has too much time or too little work to do, his productivity can suffer. The key issue is to find the right balance. Working environment and its effect on productivity has been researched rather extensively. It is also the area, where subjective productivity measurement has been mostly used. Lighting, air conditioning, cleaning, heating, noise controlling as well as office layouts are known to affect productivity (see for example Seppänen 2004 or Oseland and Bartlett 1999). Working environment at its worst prevents employees from doing their job and its best can contribute to innovative atmosphere (Davenport et al. 2002; Ståhle et al. 2004, pp. 78-82) Working environment includes not only physical facilities but also the psychological atmosphere and the organisational culture. They can actually be even more important in knowledge work, as 7 for example acceptance of new ideas (Kanter 1987, p. 181), common language (DeSimone and Hatsopoulos 1995: Von Krogh 1998), values and goals (West 1990) as well as approval of different people and taking failures as part of innovative work are known to support innovative atmosphere in organisations (in Ståhle et al. 2004, pp. 82-95). But above all, even if the workers of knowledge-intensive organisation have all the other inputs described – human capital, knowledge and experiences, information systems, perfect working environment etc. – not much can be done with it, if they do not know what they are pursuing for. The clear aim of working is the essential for succeeding. As Drucker (1999, p. 84) puts it, the productivity assessment in knowledge work should always be based on the questions “What is the worker’s actual task?” instead of “How should the work be done?”. Therefore, in order to be able to fulfil their task, knowledge workers should be clearly aware what it is that the organisation wants them to do, and this should always be the first input to any process.
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Respond with only information from the given context. Respond in list form with descriptions for each item. What are the organizational factors of productivity in knowledge work? Organisational input factors Already the terms knowledge-intensive organisation and knowledge workers highlight the fact that human capital of employees is the most important input. Their ability to convert previous knowledge and experiences into new solutions forms the base for organisations’ operation. It is, in fact, what pure knowledge-intensive organisations are selling. Essential are not only the knowledge reserves of the workers, but also what they are able to do with them. (Drucker 1999, p. 84) Characteristic to knowledge work is also the element of learning. For example a person working in product development has to be able to observe his research subject and to learn from it, as well as to be able to apply the things he learns into new products. To a certain point, also a knowledge worker’s productivity can be increased by education, but above all, as Polanyi (1966) states it, most of the exploitable human capital is tacit in nature and is formed through experience rather than learned from books (according to Nonaka and Takeuchi 1995, pp. 59-61). Because human memory is limited, it is relevant that workers can share their information and knowledge with each other – learn themselves but also teach others (Drucker 1999, pp. 84). Learning and the ability to create new things are also highlighted when the organisation’s objective is to innovate. Organisation’s innovativeness can be defined as an ability to maintain existing success factors at the same time, when new solutions are made in order to ensure competitive advantage also in future (Pöyhönen 2004, Ståhle et al. 2004, p. 13). The innovative potential is basically in the employees, but it can be brought about by different managerial actions. It requires at least an implication from the management that innovative behaviour is what is expected from the employee. Innovativeness appears as worker’s ability to create new solutions and not just relying on existing practises and models. On the other hand, sharing of information is important when we think about information used in work process. This includes not only information that is gathered from the customer but 6 also information, which already exists in the organisation but is not specifically “owned” by certain employee. Just as in manual work, waiting and searching for resources hinders productivity of a knowledge worker – their resources are only immaterial in nature and it might be more difficult to pay attention to the time used in looking for information. It often is a part of the work to look for adequate new information. However, it is not productive that employees should spend time looking for information that already exists but is too difficult to find. Although information systems are nowadays used by virtually all companies, and are therefore seen more as a tool instead of a resource, their importance in information sharing is undeniable. Especially important is the worker’s ability to exploit them in their work and that information systems support the way an organisation answers to its customer’s needs. (Ståhle et al. 2004, p. 78) Information systems are, however, quite useless if the quality of information they include is low – information is, for example, wrong or incomplete. Knowledge workers make decisions based on the information available, and if it is unsatisfactory, outcome of the process can be poor in quality or even totally unusable for the customer. Information should not be shared only between the workers within organisation, but also with all interest groups. Organisational networks are a part of intellectual capital. An organisation can enforce some networks (customers, subcontractors, distributors, research partners etc.; Edvinsson and Malone 1997, p. 11) and provide its employees with sufficient means to attain information needed in their work. Insufficient networks can result in a deficit of information, which will evidently lead to inability to answer to customers’ needs and loss of competitive advantage. Although knowledge work is distinctively described as something, where the workers themselves decide, how they manage their tasks (Pepitone 2002 refers to the amount of discretion required), in every organization there are certain standards, routines and practices that have come about in the course of time. They are based on mental models that the members share, and often reflect the values, norms, beliefs and myths of the organisation (Juuti 2003 and Schein 1987 according to Ståhle et al. 2004. p. 82). These standards can either support working or hinder it. Anyhow, they do exist and should not be neglected when examining productivity. Castells (2000) has argued, that standardisation of work processes intensifies also knowledge work especially when there is interaction between different actors of the process (see also McKenzie and van Winkelen 2004, p. 40). On the other hand both Jackson (1999) and Blom et al. (2001) have emphasised the ability of a knowledge-intensive organisation to utilise new practices to concentrate on allowing employees to determine their own approaches. Time used in production is a rather complex input factor. Traditionally, productivity is seen increased if the output has been produced in shorter time period. This often happens also in knowledge work: when the workers learn how to do things and have more experience to which they can relate new problems they can perform similar tasks faster than before. However, there is a limit for how much time used can be decreased before the quality of work is eroded. In knowledge work, “quality is the essence of the output” (Drucker 1999, p. 84). Also, if a worker has too much time or too little work to do, his productivity can suffer. The key issue is to find the right balance. Working environment and its effect on productivity has been researched rather extensively. It is also the area, where subjective productivity measurement has been mostly used. Lighting, air conditioning, cleaning, heating, noise controlling as well as office layouts are known to affect productivity (see for example Seppänen 2004 or Oseland and Bartlett 1999). Working environment at its worst prevents employees from doing their job and its best can contribute to innovative atmosphere (Davenport et al. 2002; Ståhle et al. 2004, pp. 78-82) Working environment includes not only physical facilities but also the psychological atmosphere and the organisational culture. They can actually be even more important in knowledge work, as 7 for example acceptance of new ideas (Kanter 1987, p. 181), common language (DeSimone and Hatsopoulos 1995: Von Krogh 1998), values and goals (West 1990) as well as approval of different people and taking failures as part of innovative work are known to support innovative atmosphere in organisations (in Ståhle et al. 2004, pp. 82-95). But above all, even if the workers of knowledge-intensive organisation have all the other inputs described – human capital, knowledge and experiences, information systems, perfect working environment etc. – not much can be done with it, if they do not know what they are pursuing for. The clear aim of working is the essential for succeeding. As Drucker (1999, p. 84) puts it, the productivity assessment in knowledge work should always be based on the questions “What is the worker’s actual task?” instead of “How should the work be done?”. Therefore, in order to be able to fulfil their task, knowledge workers should be clearly aware what it is that the organisation wants them to do, and this should always be the first input to any process.
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Respond with only information from the given context. Respond in list form with descriptions for each item.
EVIDENCE:
Organisational input factors Already the terms knowledge-intensive organisation and knowledge workers highlight the fact that human capital of employees is the most important input. Their ability to convert previous knowledge and experiences into new solutions forms the base for organisations’ operation. It is, in fact, what pure knowledge-intensive organisations are selling. Essential are not only the knowledge reserves of the workers, but also what they are able to do with them. (Drucker 1999, p. 84) Characteristic to knowledge work is also the element of learning. For example a person working in product development has to be able to observe his research subject and to learn from it, as well as to be able to apply the things he learns into new products. To a certain point, also a knowledge worker’s productivity can be increased by education, but above all, as Polanyi (1966) states it, most of the exploitable human capital is tacit in nature and is formed through experience rather than learned from books (according to Nonaka and Takeuchi 1995, pp. 59-61). Because human memory is limited, it is relevant that workers can share their information and knowledge with each other – learn themselves but also teach others (Drucker 1999, pp. 84). Learning and the ability to create new things are also highlighted when the organisation’s objective is to innovate. Organisation’s innovativeness can be defined as an ability to maintain existing success factors at the same time, when new solutions are made in order to ensure competitive advantage also in future (Pöyhönen 2004, Ståhle et al. 2004, p. 13). The innovative potential is basically in the employees, but it can be brought about by different managerial actions. It requires at least an implication from the management that innovative behaviour is what is expected from the employee. Innovativeness appears as worker’s ability to create new solutions and not just relying on existing practises and models. On the other hand, sharing of information is important when we think about information used in work process. This includes not only information that is gathered from the customer but 6 also information, which already exists in the organisation but is not specifically “owned” by certain employee. Just as in manual work, waiting and searching for resources hinders productivity of a knowledge worker – their resources are only immaterial in nature and it might be more difficult to pay attention to the time used in looking for information. It often is a part of the work to look for adequate new information. However, it is not productive that employees should spend time looking for information that already exists but is too difficult to find. Although information systems are nowadays used by virtually all companies, and are therefore seen more as a tool instead of a resource, their importance in information sharing is undeniable. Especially important is the worker’s ability to exploit them in their work and that information systems support the way an organisation answers to its customer’s needs. (Ståhle et al. 2004, p. 78) Information systems are, however, quite useless if the quality of information they include is low – information is, for example, wrong or incomplete. Knowledge workers make decisions based on the information available, and if it is unsatisfactory, outcome of the process can be poor in quality or even totally unusable for the customer. Information should not be shared only between the workers within organisation, but also with all interest groups. Organisational networks are a part of intellectual capital. An organisation can enforce some networks (customers, subcontractors, distributors, research partners etc.; Edvinsson and Malone 1997, p. 11) and provide its employees with sufficient means to attain information needed in their work. Insufficient networks can result in a deficit of information, which will evidently lead to inability to answer to customers’ needs and loss of competitive advantage. Although knowledge work is distinctively described as something, where the workers themselves decide, how they manage their tasks (Pepitone 2002 refers to the amount of discretion required), in every organization there are certain standards, routines and practices that have come about in the course of time. They are based on mental models that the members share, and often reflect the values, norms, beliefs and myths of the organisation (Juuti 2003 and Schein 1987 according to Ståhle et al. 2004. p. 82). These standards can either support working or hinder it. Anyhow, they do exist and should not be neglected when examining productivity. Castells (2000) has argued, that standardisation of work processes intensifies also knowledge work especially when there is interaction between different actors of the process (see also McKenzie and van Winkelen 2004, p. 40). On the other hand both Jackson (1999) and Blom et al. (2001) have emphasised the ability of a knowledge-intensive organisation to utilise new practices to concentrate on allowing employees to determine their own approaches. Time used in production is a rather complex input factor. Traditionally, productivity is seen increased if the output has been produced in shorter time period. This often happens also in knowledge work: when the workers learn how to do things and have more experience to which they can relate new problems they can perform similar tasks faster than before. However, there is a limit for how much time used can be decreased before the quality of work is eroded. In knowledge work, “quality is the essence of the output” (Drucker 1999, p. 84). Also, if a worker has too much time or too little work to do, his productivity can suffer. The key issue is to find the right balance. Working environment and its effect on productivity has been researched rather extensively. It is also the area, where subjective productivity measurement has been mostly used. Lighting, air conditioning, cleaning, heating, noise controlling as well as office layouts are known to affect productivity (see for example Seppänen 2004 or Oseland and Bartlett 1999). Working environment at its worst prevents employees from doing their job and its best can contribute to innovative atmosphere (Davenport et al. 2002; Ståhle et al. 2004, pp. 78-82) Working environment includes not only physical facilities but also the psychological atmosphere and the organisational culture. They can actually be even more important in knowledge work, as 7 for example acceptance of new ideas (Kanter 1987, p. 181), common language (DeSimone and Hatsopoulos 1995: Von Krogh 1998), values and goals (West 1990) as well as approval of different people and taking failures as part of innovative work are known to support innovative atmosphere in organisations (in Ståhle et al. 2004, pp. 82-95). But above all, even if the workers of knowledge-intensive organisation have all the other inputs described – human capital, knowledge and experiences, information systems, perfect working environment etc. – not much can be done with it, if they do not know what they are pursuing for. The clear aim of working is the essential for succeeding. As Drucker (1999, p. 84) puts it, the productivity assessment in knowledge work should always be based on the questions “What is the worker’s actual task?” instead of “How should the work be done?”. Therefore, in order to be able to fulfil their task, knowledge workers should be clearly aware what it is that the organisation wants them to do, and this should always be the first input to any process.
USER:
What are the organizational factors of productivity in knowledge work?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 17 | 10 | 1,213 | null | 346 |
[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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What is the differences and advantages of using wastewater as a surveillance tool as opposed to clinical testing? Despite using wastewater as a surveillance method, what piece of information if missing makes it a challenge to detect VOIs and VOCs? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Illumina seq and Nanopore seq? What has past studies lacked that this study brings to light? What has led to the increase of NGS methods to detect variants? Why would using both seq methods produce a more robust variant call?
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1. Introduction The SARS-CoV-2 genome is constantly evolving, with mutations happening at a rate of about once every 2 weeks [1]. While not all mutations change the characteristics of the virus, some mutations have proven to be of greater concern. Variants of interest (VOI) are labelled as such when an observed lineage is shown to have mutations potentially causing increased transmissibility or virulence, among other attributes [2]. Health organisations may reclassify these variants as variants of concern (VOC) if there is a demonstrable impact on epidemiological data. These viruses are labelled by WHO and assigned a lineage based on PANGO nomenclature [3]. Wastewater surveillance has emerged as a crucial tool in tracking mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Samples of untreated wastewater can be collected to provide useful information about the spread of COVID-19 in the community, without relying on clinical testing [4,5]. As clinical sampling mainly relies on symptomatic testing, wastewater sampling can provide unbiased and consistent data which can be used to inform appropriate public health responses. It is used to detect variants earlier and provide more context on the transmissibility and COVID-19 levels in communities, particularly where access to clinical testing is not readily available. As wastewater samples consist of a mixture of fragmented RNA from many sources, it can be difficult to accurately identify mutations and variants, particularly those without a known lineage [6]. Next-generation sequencing has proven to be an important tool in pandemic surveillance, particularly in the early detection and spread of variants [7-9]. With a high rate of occurrence of mutations and increased transmissibility, the need to provide high throughput data generation in a relatively short time frame has led to the development of a number of tools and protocols using next-generation sequencing, such as SARS-CoV-2 specific primers and tools to determine lineage in samples. These sequencing methods have been useful in analysing clinical and environmental samples, assisting in tracking viral load, transmission, contact tracing, and virus evolution [8]. Illumina and Nanopore sequencing are two next-generation sequencing technologies that have become major tools in genomic research. Illumina sequencing is a second-generation sequencing technology that uses sequencing by synthesis (SBS), where a reversible fluorescent terminator is used to detect the nucleotide sequence [10,11]. Nanopore sequencing is a thirdgeneration sequencing technology that uses the current changes in a charged protein nanopore from the molecule passing through to determine the specific sequence [10,12]. Multiple studies have been done on the comparison of Nanopore and Illumina sequencing, highlighting their various advantages in different applications [13-15]. Illumina sequencing is widely regarded as being highly accurate, consistently sequencing around 99.5-99.9% accuracy, and the higher depth of reads enables it to be a useful tool in circumstances with poor sequencing coverage, such as wastewater surveillance [16]. Nanopore sequencing has the ability to produce ultra-long reads, only limited by the sample preparation and quality, and is useful in genomic assembly and spanning entire regions of repetitive bases and structural variation [17]. Furthermore, real-time analysis of sequences and portability of sequencing devices has benefits in the field. Studies have been completed comparing Illumina and Nanopore sequencing on clinical and wastewater SARSCoV-2 samples, which focuses on benchmarking parameters such as genome coverage and depth and variant calling on samples. However, they did not explore the combination of the two sequencing technologies as a method to improve detection of variants [18-20]. In this work, we look to highlight the advantages of both Illumina and Nanopore sequencing in tracking SARSCoV-2 variants from wastewater samples. Mutational analysis on samples sequenced with both methods allows for a comparison of major variants identified among each dataset.
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[question] What is the differences and advantages of using wastewater as a surveillance tool as opposed to clinical testing? Despite using wastewater as a surveillance method, what piece of information if missing makes it a challenge to detect VOIs and VOCs? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Illumina seq and Nanopore seq? What has past studies lacked that this study brings to light? What has led to the increase of NGS methods to detect variants? Why would using both seq methods produce a more robust variant call? ===================== [text] 1. Introduction The SARS-CoV-2 genome is constantly evolving, with mutations happening at a rate of about once every 2 weeks [1]. While not all mutations change the characteristics of the virus, some mutations have proven to be of greater concern. Variants of interest (VOI) are labelled as such when an observed lineage is shown to have mutations potentially causing increased transmissibility or virulence, among other attributes [2]. Health organisations may reclassify these variants as variants of concern (VOC) if there is a demonstrable impact on epidemiological data. These viruses are labelled by WHO and assigned a lineage based on PANGO nomenclature [3]. Wastewater surveillance has emerged as a crucial tool in tracking mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Samples of untreated wastewater can be collected to provide useful information about the spread of COVID-19 in the community, without relying on clinical testing [4,5]. As clinical sampling mainly relies on symptomatic testing, wastewater sampling can provide unbiased and consistent data which can be used to inform appropriate public health responses. It is used to detect variants earlier and provide more context on the transmissibility and COVID-19 levels in communities, particularly where access to clinical testing is not readily available. As wastewater samples consist of a mixture of fragmented RNA from many sources, it can be difficult to accurately identify mutations and variants, particularly those without a known lineage [6]. Next-generation sequencing has proven to be an important tool in pandemic surveillance, particularly in the early detection and spread of variants [7-9]. With a high rate of occurrence of mutations and increased transmissibility, the need to provide high throughput data generation in a relatively short time frame has led to the development of a number of tools and protocols using next-generation sequencing, such as SARS-CoV-2 specific primers and tools to determine lineage in samples. These sequencing methods have been useful in analysing clinical and environmental samples, assisting in tracking viral load, transmission, contact tracing, and virus evolution [8]. Illumina and Nanopore sequencing are two next-generation sequencing technologies that have become major tools in genomic research. Illumina sequencing is a second-generation sequencing technology that uses sequencing by synthesis (SBS), where a reversible fluorescent terminator is used to detect the nucleotide sequence [10,11]. Nanopore sequencing is a thirdgeneration sequencing technology that uses the current changes in a charged protein nanopore from the molecule passing through to determine the specific sequence [10,12]. Multiple studies have been done on the comparison of Nanopore and Illumina sequencing, highlighting their various advantages in different applications [13-15]. Illumina sequencing is widely regarded as being highly accurate, consistently sequencing around 99.5-99.9% accuracy, and the higher depth of reads enables it to be a useful tool in circumstances with poor sequencing coverage, such as wastewater surveillance [16]. Nanopore sequencing has the ability to produce ultra-long reads, only limited by the sample preparation and quality, and is useful in genomic assembly and spanning entire regions of repetitive bases and structural variation [17]. Furthermore, real-time analysis of sequences and portability of sequencing devices has benefits in the field. Studies have been completed comparing Illumina and Nanopore sequencing on clinical and wastewater SARSCoV-2 samples, which focuses on benchmarking parameters such as genome coverage and depth and variant calling on samples. However, they did not explore the combination of the two sequencing technologies as a method to improve detection of variants [18-20]. In this work, we look to highlight the advantages of both Illumina and Nanopore sequencing in tracking SARSCoV-2 variants from wastewater samples. Mutational analysis on samples sequenced with both methods allows for a comparison of major variants identified among each dataset. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.07.24311639v1.full.pdf ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
EVIDENCE:
1. Introduction The SARS-CoV-2 genome is constantly evolving, with mutations happening at a rate of about once every 2 weeks [1]. While not all mutations change the characteristics of the virus, some mutations have proven to be of greater concern. Variants of interest (VOI) are labelled as such when an observed lineage is shown to have mutations potentially causing increased transmissibility or virulence, among other attributes [2]. Health organisations may reclassify these variants as variants of concern (VOC) if there is a demonstrable impact on epidemiological data. These viruses are labelled by WHO and assigned a lineage based on PANGO nomenclature [3]. Wastewater surveillance has emerged as a crucial tool in tracking mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Samples of untreated wastewater can be collected to provide useful information about the spread of COVID-19 in the community, without relying on clinical testing [4,5]. As clinical sampling mainly relies on symptomatic testing, wastewater sampling can provide unbiased and consistent data which can be used to inform appropriate public health responses. It is used to detect variants earlier and provide more context on the transmissibility and COVID-19 levels in communities, particularly where access to clinical testing is not readily available. As wastewater samples consist of a mixture of fragmented RNA from many sources, it can be difficult to accurately identify mutations and variants, particularly those without a known lineage [6]. Next-generation sequencing has proven to be an important tool in pandemic surveillance, particularly in the early detection and spread of variants [7-9]. With a high rate of occurrence of mutations and increased transmissibility, the need to provide high throughput data generation in a relatively short time frame has led to the development of a number of tools and protocols using next-generation sequencing, such as SARS-CoV-2 specific primers and tools to determine lineage in samples. These sequencing methods have been useful in analysing clinical and environmental samples, assisting in tracking viral load, transmission, contact tracing, and virus evolution [8]. Illumina and Nanopore sequencing are two next-generation sequencing technologies that have become major tools in genomic research. Illumina sequencing is a second-generation sequencing technology that uses sequencing by synthesis (SBS), where a reversible fluorescent terminator is used to detect the nucleotide sequence [10,11]. Nanopore sequencing is a thirdgeneration sequencing technology that uses the current changes in a charged protein nanopore from the molecule passing through to determine the specific sequence [10,12]. Multiple studies have been done on the comparison of Nanopore and Illumina sequencing, highlighting their various advantages in different applications [13-15]. Illumina sequencing is widely regarded as being highly accurate, consistently sequencing around 99.5-99.9% accuracy, and the higher depth of reads enables it to be a useful tool in circumstances with poor sequencing coverage, such as wastewater surveillance [16]. Nanopore sequencing has the ability to produce ultra-long reads, only limited by the sample preparation and quality, and is useful in genomic assembly and spanning entire regions of repetitive bases and structural variation [17]. Furthermore, real-time analysis of sequences and portability of sequencing devices has benefits in the field. Studies have been completed comparing Illumina and Nanopore sequencing on clinical and wastewater SARSCoV-2 samples, which focuses on benchmarking parameters such as genome coverage and depth and variant calling on samples. However, they did not explore the combination of the two sequencing technologies as a method to improve detection of variants [18-20]. In this work, we look to highlight the advantages of both Illumina and Nanopore sequencing in tracking SARSCoV-2 variants from wastewater samples. Mutational analysis on samples sequenced with both methods allows for a comparison of major variants identified among each dataset.
USER:
What is the differences and advantages of using wastewater as a surveillance tool as opposed to clinical testing? Despite using wastewater as a surveillance method, what piece of information if missing makes it a challenge to detect VOIs and VOCs? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Illumina seq and Nanopore seq? What has past studies lacked that this study brings to light? What has led to the increase of NGS methods to detect variants? Why would using both seq methods produce a more robust variant call?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 28 | 88 | 597 | null | 184 |
Only information from the provided context can be used to respond to user requests. Information not in the source text should be disregarded. Any surnames used in your responses must be given in all capitals.
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I'm interested in learning more about Kahneman, and I think the book they're referring to is Thinking Fast and Thinking Slow. What search terms should I use to identify the work mentioned in this text?
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The emergence of foundation models, especially Large Language Models (LLMs), has revolutionized the field of artificial intelligence. These models, exemplified by their extensive training data and capacity for generalization, have dramatically expanded the horizons of computational linguistics, text understanding, and text generation [5, 10, 34–37]. However, a critical challenge faced by LLMs is their limited efficacy in executing complex reasoning tasks, particularly in areas requiring deep, abstract thought such as advanced mathematics [25]. This limitation points towards a need for enhanced methodologies that can augment LLMs’ reasoning faculties. The root of this challenge lies in the architecture of modern LLMs, which is predominantly oriented toward auto-regressive token prediction [5, 35, 36]. While efficient for a broad spectrum of tasks, this approach is not meticulously designed to support the depth and sophistication of human-like analytical thinking. This discrepancy is highlighted by the dual-process theory of cognitive psychology, articulated by Kahneman [21], which differentiates the fast, intuitive responses of System 1 thinking from the slower, more deliberate reasoning of System 2 thinking. LLMs, in their typical operations, mirror System 1 processes and thus encounter difficulties with tasks that require the more deliberate, structured approach characteristic of System 2 thinking. Attempts to bridge this gap have led to the development of innovative methodologies such as Chain-of-Thought (CoT) [44] and Tree-of-Thought (ToT) [28, 49], which guide LLMs in articulating intermediate steps in reasoning tasks. These methods, although valuable, have not fully realized the depth and flexibility of human cognitive processes in an abstract sense. In response to these challenges, we introduce Meta Prompting (MP) and establish a theoretical framework for it, a novel approach that represents a substantial advance in the field of LLM reasoning. Meta Prompting extends beyond existing methods by abstracting and generalizing key principles for enhanced cognitive processing. Unlike its predecessors, Meta Prompting shifts the focus from content-driven reasoning to a more structure-oriented perspective. This method draws inspiration from category theory and type theory, establishing a functorial relationship between tasks and their corresponding prompts. This categorical approach allows for a more systematic and adaptable framework, capable of addressing a wide range of cognitive tasks with depth and nuance akin to human reasoning. Furthermore, a pivotal aspect of meta prompting is its application to Meta Prompting for prompting tasks in an in-context and recursive way utilizing the functorial and compositional properties of Meta Prompting, which we call Recursive Meta Prompting (RMP). This concept, akin to metaprogramming in programming language theory, involves using LLMs to design new prompts autonomously. The functorial nature of Meta Prompting allows for this advanced capability, where LLMs can not only solve problems but also generate the structures to solve them. This self-referential and recursive ability marks a significant leap in LLMs’ autonomy and adaptability. The practical efficacy of the Meta Prompting framework is empirically validated through a series of experiments, ranging from solving the Game of 24 puzzles [49] to addressing complex MATH problems [17], underscoring the Meta Prompting’s versatility and empowering LLMs with advanced reasoning capabilities. In summary, our contributions can be listed as follows: • We propose the structured and syntax-oriented Meta Prompting (MP), and introduce a theoretical framework for meta prompting based on category theory. We further investigate meta prompting for prompting tasks and Recursive Meta Prompting (RMP) in a metaprogramming-like manner. • Our experiments on solving MATH problems with a Qwen-72B base language model [3] equipped with meta prompt without instruction-tuning to solve MATH problems with accuracy at 46.3% which surpasses the supervised fine-tuned counterpart trained with extensive mathematical QA instruction pairs and even the initial version of GPT-4, solving GSM8K problems with 83.5% accuracy with zero-shot meta-prompted Qwen-72B base language model, and solving the Game of 24 tasks with 100% success rate using GPT-4, show the efficacy of meta prompting in problem-solving and in-context alignment.
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Only information from the provided context can be used to respond to user requests. Information not in the source text should be disregarded. Any surnames used in your responses must be given in all capitals. The emergence of foundation models, especially Large Language Models (LLMs), has revolutionized the field of artificial intelligence. These models, exemplified by their extensive training data and capacity for generalization, have dramatically expanded the horizons of computational linguistics, text understanding, and text generation [5, 10, 34–37]. However, a critical challenge faced by LLMs is their limited efficacy in executing complex reasoning tasks, particularly in areas requiring deep, abstract thought such as advanced mathematics [25]. This limitation points towards a need for enhanced methodologies that can augment LLMs’ reasoning faculties. The root of this challenge lies in the architecture of modern LLMs, which is predominantly oriented toward auto-regressive token prediction [5, 35, 36]. While efficient for a broad spectrum of tasks, this approach is not meticulously designed to support the depth and sophistication of human-like analytical thinking. This discrepancy is highlighted by the dual-process theory of cognitive psychology, articulated by Kahneman [21], which differentiates the fast, intuitive responses of System 1 thinking from the slower, more deliberate reasoning of System 2 thinking. LLMs, in their typical operations, mirror System 1 processes and thus encounter difficulties with tasks that require the more deliberate, structured approach characteristic of System 2 thinking. Attempts to bridge this gap have led to the development of innovative methodologies such as Chain-of-Thought (CoT) [44] and Tree-of-Thought (ToT) [28, 49], which guide LLMs in articulating intermediate steps in reasoning tasks. These methods, although valuable, have not fully realized the depth and flexibility of human cognitive processes in an abstract sense. In response to these challenges, we introduce Meta Prompting (MP) and establish a theoretical framework for it, a novel approach that represents a substantial advance in the field of LLM reasoning. Meta Prompting extends beyond existing methods by abstracting and generalizing key principles for enhanced cognitive processing. Unlike its predecessors, Meta Prompting shifts the focus from content-driven reasoning to a more structure-oriented perspective. This method draws inspiration from category theory and type theory, establishing a functorial relationship between tasks and their corresponding prompts. This categorical approach allows for a more systematic and adaptable framework, capable of addressing a wide range of cognitive tasks with depth and nuance akin to human reasoning. Furthermore, a pivotal aspect of meta prompting is its application to Meta Prompting for prompting tasks in an in-context and recursive way utilizing the functorial and compositional properties of Meta Prompting, which we call Recursive Meta Prompting (RMP). This concept, akin to metaprogramming in programming language theory, involves using LLMs to design new prompts autonomously. The functorial nature of Meta Prompting allows for this advanced capability, where LLMs can not only solve problems but also generate the structures to solve them. This self-referential and recursive ability marks a significant leap in LLMs’ autonomy and adaptability. The practical efficacy of the Meta Prompting framework is empirically validated through a series of experiments, ranging from solving the Game of 24 puzzles [49] to addressing complex MATH problems [17], underscoring the Meta Prompting’s versatility and empowering LLMs with advanced reasoning capabilities. In summary, our contributions can be listed as follows: • We propose the structured and syntax-oriented Meta Prompting (MP), and introduce a theoretical framework for meta prompting based on category theory. We further investigate meta prompting for prompting tasks and Recursive Meta Prompting (RMP) in a metaprogramming-like manner. • Our experiments on solving MATH problems with a Qwen-72B base language model [3] equipped with meta prompt without instruction-tuning to solve MATH problems with accuracy at 46.3% which surpasses the supervised fine-tuned counterpart trained with extensive mathematical QA instruction pairs and even the initial version of GPT-4, solving GSM8K problems with 83.5% accuracy with zero-shot meta-prompted Qwen-72B base language model, and solving the Game of 24 tasks with 100% success rate using GPT-4, show the efficacy of meta prompting in problem-solving and in-context alignment. I'm interested in learning more about Kahneman, and I think the book they're referring to is Thinking Fast and Thinking Slow. What search terms should I use to identify the work mentioned in this text?
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Only information from the provided context can be used to respond to user requests. Information not in the source text should be disregarded. Any surnames used in your responses must be given in all capitals.
EVIDENCE:
The emergence of foundation models, especially Large Language Models (LLMs), has revolutionized the field of artificial intelligence. These models, exemplified by their extensive training data and capacity for generalization, have dramatically expanded the horizons of computational linguistics, text understanding, and text generation [5, 10, 34–37]. However, a critical challenge faced by LLMs is their limited efficacy in executing complex reasoning tasks, particularly in areas requiring deep, abstract thought such as advanced mathematics [25]. This limitation points towards a need for enhanced methodologies that can augment LLMs’ reasoning faculties. The root of this challenge lies in the architecture of modern LLMs, which is predominantly oriented toward auto-regressive token prediction [5, 35, 36]. While efficient for a broad spectrum of tasks, this approach is not meticulously designed to support the depth and sophistication of human-like analytical thinking. This discrepancy is highlighted by the dual-process theory of cognitive psychology, articulated by Kahneman [21], which differentiates the fast, intuitive responses of System 1 thinking from the slower, more deliberate reasoning of System 2 thinking. LLMs, in their typical operations, mirror System 1 processes and thus encounter difficulties with tasks that require the more deliberate, structured approach characteristic of System 2 thinking. Attempts to bridge this gap have led to the development of innovative methodologies such as Chain-of-Thought (CoT) [44] and Tree-of-Thought (ToT) [28, 49], which guide LLMs in articulating intermediate steps in reasoning tasks. These methods, although valuable, have not fully realized the depth and flexibility of human cognitive processes in an abstract sense. In response to these challenges, we introduce Meta Prompting (MP) and establish a theoretical framework for it, a novel approach that represents a substantial advance in the field of LLM reasoning. Meta Prompting extends beyond existing methods by abstracting and generalizing key principles for enhanced cognitive processing. Unlike its predecessors, Meta Prompting shifts the focus from content-driven reasoning to a more structure-oriented perspective. This method draws inspiration from category theory and type theory, establishing a functorial relationship between tasks and their corresponding prompts. This categorical approach allows for a more systematic and adaptable framework, capable of addressing a wide range of cognitive tasks with depth and nuance akin to human reasoning. Furthermore, a pivotal aspect of meta prompting is its application to Meta Prompting for prompting tasks in an in-context and recursive way utilizing the functorial and compositional properties of Meta Prompting, which we call Recursive Meta Prompting (RMP). This concept, akin to metaprogramming in programming language theory, involves using LLMs to design new prompts autonomously. The functorial nature of Meta Prompting allows for this advanced capability, where LLMs can not only solve problems but also generate the structures to solve them. This self-referential and recursive ability marks a significant leap in LLMs’ autonomy and adaptability. The practical efficacy of the Meta Prompting framework is empirically validated through a series of experiments, ranging from solving the Game of 24 puzzles [49] to addressing complex MATH problems [17], underscoring the Meta Prompting’s versatility and empowering LLMs with advanced reasoning capabilities. In summary, our contributions can be listed as follows: • We propose the structured and syntax-oriented Meta Prompting (MP), and introduce a theoretical framework for meta prompting based on category theory. We further investigate meta prompting for prompting tasks and Recursive Meta Prompting (RMP) in a metaprogramming-like manner. • Our experiments on solving MATH problems with a Qwen-72B base language model [3] equipped with meta prompt without instruction-tuning to solve MATH problems with accuracy at 46.3% which surpasses the supervised fine-tuned counterpart trained with extensive mathematical QA instruction pairs and even the initial version of GPT-4, solving GSM8K problems with 83.5% accuracy with zero-shot meta-prompted Qwen-72B base language model, and solving the Game of 24 tasks with 100% success rate using GPT-4, show the efficacy of meta prompting in problem-solving and in-context alignment.
USER:
I'm interested in learning more about Kahneman, and I think the book they're referring to is Thinking Fast and Thinking Slow. What search terms should I use to identify the work mentioned in this text?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 35 | 35 | 632 | null | 53 |
Please limit your knowledge to the document. Avoid generalizations and ensure accuracy by directly referencing the document's arguments and examples.
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What optional mitigations does the NSA recommend for Windows infrastructures against BlackLotus?
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National Security Agency | Cybersecurity Information BlackLotus Mitigation Guide Executive summary BlackLotus is a recently publicized malware product garnering significant attention within tech media. Similar to 2020’s BootHole (CVE-2020-10713), BlackLotus takes advantage of a boot loader flaw—specifically CVE-2022-21894 Secure Boot bypass known as “Baton Drop”—to take control of an endpoint from the earliest phase of software boot. Microsoft ® issued patches for supported versions of Windows to correct boot loader logic. However, patches were not issued to revoke trust in unpatched boot loaders via the Secure Boot Deny List Database (DBX). Administrators should not consider the threat fully remediated as boot loaders vulnerable to Baton Drop are still trusted by Secure Boot. As described in this Cybersecurity Information Sheet (CSI), NSA recommends infrastructure owners take action by hardening user executable policies and monitoring the integrity of the boot partition. An optional advanced mitigation is to customize Secure Boot policy by adding DBX records to Windows® endpoints or removing the Windows Production CA certificate from Linux® endpoints. BlackLotus boot security threat NSA recognizes significant confusion regarding the threat posed by BlackLotus. Some organizations use terms like “unstoppable,” “unkillable,” and “unpatchable” to describe the threat. Other organizations believe there is no threat due to patches that Microsoft released in January 2022 and early 2023 for supported versions of Windows. [1] The risk exists somewhere between both extremes. BlackLotus shares some characteristics with Boot Hole (CVE-2020-10713). [2] Instead of breaking the Linux boot security chain, BlackLotus targets Windows boot by exploiting a flaw in older boot loaders—also called boot managers—to set off a chain of malicious actions that compromise endpoint security. Exploitation of Baton Drop (CVE-2022-21894) allows BlackLotus to strip the Secure Boot policy and prevent its enforcement. Unlike Boot Hole, the vulnerable boot loaders have not been added to the Secure Boot DBX revocation list. Because the vulnerable boot loaders are not listed within the DBX, attackers can substitute fully patched boot loaders with vulnerable versions to execute BlackLotus. NSA recommends system administrators within DoD and other networks take action. BlackLotus is not a firmware threat, but instead targets the earliest software stage of boot. U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 1 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide Defensive software solutions can be configured to detect and prevent the installation of the BlackLotus payload or the reboot event that starts its execution and implantation. NSA believes that currently published patches could provide a false sense of security for some infrastructures. Because BlackLotus integrates Shim and GRUB into its implantation routine, Linux administrators should also be vigilant for variants affecting popular Linux distributions. Mitigation recommendations Action 1: Update recovery media and activate optional mitigations Recommended for all Windows infrastructures. Not applicable to Linux infrastructures. NSA recommends Windows administrators install the latest security patches for their endpoints. Microsoft patches from May 2023 contain optional software mitigations to prevent rollback of the boot manager and kernel to versions vulnerable to Baton Drop and BlackLotus. The optional mitigations – including a Code Integrity Boot Policy – should be enabled after the organization has updated its Windows installation, recovery, and diagnostic software to the latest available versions. [3] Infrastructure administrators should note that Windows 10 and 11 have applicable security updates and ongoing mitigation deployments for BlackLotus. Older, unsupported Windows versions will not receive the full complement of BlackLotus mitigation measures. Windows infrastructures should migrate to supported versions of Windows if running an unsupported release. [3] Action 2: Harden defensive policies Recommended for all infrastructures. The malware install process for BlackLotus places an older Windows boot loader Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) binary into the boot partition, disables Memory Integrity, disables BitLocker, and reboots the device. Many endpoint security products (e.g., Endpoint Detection and Response, host-based security suites, user-monitoring packages) can be configured to block one or more of these events outside of a legitimate, scheduled update. Configure defensive software to scrutinize changes to the EFI boot partition in particular. Alternatively, leverage application allow lists to permit only known and trusted executables. Action 3: Monitor device integrity measurements and boot configuration Recommended for most infrastructures. Many endpoint security products and firmware monitoring tools provide integrity-scanning features. Configure these products and tools to monitor the composition of the EFI boot partition. Leverage these tools to look for unexpected U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 2 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide changes in bootmgfw.efi, bootmgr.efi, or the introduction of additional unexpected EFI binaries (e.g., shimx64.efi or grubx64.efi). Changes to the boot partition are infrequent and warrant additional scrutiny. If unexpected changes are detected within the EFI boot partition, prevent the device from rebooting. Endpoint and host defensive suites may allow creating rules or triggers that can be paired with group policies to temporarily restrict reboot. Remediate the boot partition to a known good state before permitting reboot. A reboot will execute EFI binaries and can implant BlackLotus. Microsoft has published specific information regarding the staging of BlackLotus components, alterations to Windows registry values, and network indicators. Full specifics can be found at the Microsoft Incident Response blog. [4] Action 4: Customize UEFI Secure Boot 4.A. Instructions for Windows infrastructures. Expertly administered and exposed infrastructures only. Not recommended due to limited long-term effectiveness. BlackLotus relies upon older (pre-January 2022), signed Windows boot loader images to implant a system. Secure Boot can be updated with DBX deny list hashes that prevent executing older and vulnerable boot loaders. Public reporting [5] provides indications as to which boot managers are observed exploited in the wild. In 2020, NSA published "UEFI Secure Boot Customization" to provide guidance on modifying Secure Boot. Adding DBX hashes qualifies as a partial customization action covered in section 4 "Customization," starting on page 7, and continuing through section 4.4.3 “Update the DB or DBX.” [6] Additionally, a GitHub.com repository has been set up with some helpful scripts and guides to accomplish customization. [7] Note: Adding boot loader hashes to the DBX may render many Windows install and recovery images, discs, and removable media drives unbootable. Microsoft provides updated install and recovery images for Windows 11 and 10. Only update the DBX after acquiring install and recovery media with the January 2022 or later patch assortment applied (e.g., version 22H1 or newer). Warning: The following DBX hashes may be combined with the Secure Boot Customization steps to revoke trust in select boot loaders vulnerable to Baton Drop. [6] However, more vulnerable boot loaders exist than the DBX can contain. BlackLotus developers can rapidly switch to alternate vulnerable boot loaders to evade DBX customization. Mitigating BlackLotus U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 3 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide via DBX updates is not recommended. Action 1’s patches and optional mitigations are recommended instead. Table: DBX hashes # UEFI Secure Boot DBX Hashes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nstructions for Linux infrastructures. Expertly administered and exposed infrastructures only. Linux system administrators may forego adding DBX hashes in favor of removing the Microsoft Windows Production CA 2011 certificate from Secure Boot’s DB. The total number of Baton Drop-vulnerable boot loaders signed by the key associated with the Production CA’s certificate is thought to exceed the available DBX memory. Removing the certificate negates the need to add DBX entries related to Baton Drop and BlackLotus. Linux administrators will still need the Microsoft Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Third Party Marketplace CA 2011 certificate to utilize Secure Boot with leading Linux distributions. [6] Do not place the Windows Production CA 2011 certificate in the Machine Owner Key Exclusion (MOKX) list in lieu of removing it from the DB. Utilizing MOKX in this way will cause the revoked certificate to still be trusted between firmware initialization and the initialization of Shim’s Secure Boot extensions. The Windows Production CA 2011 certificate must be restored if converting the device from Linux to Windows. Microsoft provides the certificate for download via their resources for system manufacturers. [9] U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 4 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide Frequently asked questions 1. Is BlackLotus a firmware implant? No. BlackLotus is boot software. The UEFI boot process involves several phases. Execution control flow transitions from firmware to software following the Boot Device Select phase. [8] 2. Can BlackLotus be removed or quarantined? Yes, prior to execution. Devices that boot to a BlackLotus EFI binary will need to be completely reimaged. Attempts to remove BlackLotus following installation result in kernel errors. 3. Does BlackLotus bypass Secure Boot? An initial bypass is followed by poisoning that configures Secure Boot to trust the malware. An older, vulnerable boot loader that is trusted by Secure Boot is necessary to strip the Secure Boot policy from being enforced so that BlackLotus can implant its entire software stack. Subsequent boots extend the Microsoft UEFI signing ecosystem with a malicious BlackLotus certificate. Thus, Secure Boot will trust the malware. 4. Which version of Windows is affected? BlackLotus targets Windows 11 and 10. Variants may exist to target older, UEFI-booting versions of Windows. Patches are available for Windows 8.1, 10, and 11. 5. Is Linux affected? Is there a version of BlackLotus that targets Linux? No, not that has been identified at this time. BlackLotus does incorporate some Linux boot binaries, but the malware targets Windows OS software. No Linux-targeting variant has been observed. 6. Is BlackLotus really unstoppable? No – BlackLotus is very stoppable on fully updated Windows endpoints, Secure Bootcustomized devices, or Linux endpoints. Microsoft has released patches and continues to harden mitigations against BlackLotus and Baton Drop. [1], [3], [4] The Linux community may remove the Microsoft Windows Production CA 2011 certificate on devices that exclusively boot Linux. Mitigation options available today will be reinforced by changes to vendor Secure Boot certificates in the future (some certificates are expiring starting in 2026). 7. Where can I find more public information? NSA is aware of several technically deep analysis reports posted online from security researchers and vendors. One thorough source of public information is ESET Security’s blog U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 5 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide referenced as [5] in this report. Another source of information is the Microsoft Security Response Center. [3], [4] 8. Should I reconfigure Secure Boot? No. Secure Boot is best left enabled in standard mode. Only advanced infrastructures and expert administrators should engage the custom/user-defined mode. Some security software may require additional certificates or hashes to be added to the DB allow list or DBX deny list. No one should disable Secure Boot on an endpoint built within the past 5 years. 9. Can a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) stop BlackLotus? No. A TPM can only detect BlackLotus. Implant boot binaries are delivered to the EFI boot partition after the TPM has recorded boot time measurements. Upon the next reboot, the TPM captures measurements showing a BlackLotus infection. However, a TPM can only detect – not prevent – implantation as the TPM is an observer and container of integrity indicator data. A TPM does not have an active enforcement capability. In a Network Access Control (NAC) infrastructure based on TPM attestation, NAC would prevent infected machines from accessing protected resources by indicating changes in Platform Configuration Registers (PCRs) 4-7. NAC also provides an opportunity to remediate affected endpoints prior to connecting to a protected resource. 10. Can TPM-extended Shim / TrustedShim (T-Shim) stop BlackLotus? No. T-Shim checks TPM measurements recorded prior to the main boot loader. Secure Boot is responsible for enforcement following T-Shim. 11. What is Secure Boot customization? Customization involves one of the following: Partial customization – augmenting the Microsoft and system vendor Secure Boot ecosystem with additional DB and DBX entries as necessary to enable signature and hash checks on unsupported/custom software or block unwanted software. Full customization – replacing all vendor and Microsoft certificates and hashes with those generated and selected by the infrastructure owner (requires specialized knowledge of hardware values). U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 6 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide 12. How does BlackLotus compare to Boot Hole? Boot Hole involved flaws in Secure Boot-signed GRUB boot loaders. A configuration file could be created to cause buffer overflows and arbitrary code execution at boot time. Secure Boot could be ignored and completely bypassed. BlackLotus is sophisticated malware observed in the wild. It exploits a flaw (known as Baton Drop) in Secure Boot-signed copies of the Windows Boot Manager to truncate the Secure Boot policy values. Instead of stopping due to the lack DB and DBX values, the vulnerable boot manager allows boot to continue. BlackLotus injects a version of Shim utilizing its own Machine Owner Key (MOK) – similar to the allow list DB – to vouch for signatures on its own malicious binaries. The result is Secure Boot remains enforcing while silently poisoned and permitting malware to execute. 13. Why doesn’t NSA recommend setting up a custom Secure Boot ecosystem as a mitigation? NSA has internally piloted efforts to exclusively rely on custom certificates and hashes to define Secure Boot policy. Pilot efforts have proven effective at preventing threats like BlackLotus, Baton Drop, BootHole, and similar prior to discovery. However, the administrative overhead and vendor collaboration necessary represent a resource investment not appropriate for most enterprise infrastructures. The process of fully customizing Secure Boot is also not capable of being automated outside of a narrow selection of workstation and server products. 14. Can Trusted eXecution Technology (TXT) stop BlackLotus? Yes, if and only if the TPM non-volatile memory (NVRAM) policy is set to boot a specific boot loader. In practice, setting a specific boot loader has caused administrative challenges when handling updates that affect the EFI boot partition. TXT is not a recommended mitigation given the likelihood to render endpoints temporarily unbootable. 15. Are virtual machines affected? Yes. VMs boot into a virtual UEFI environment. BlackLotus targets the OS software boot loaders that execute following the virtual firmware initialization. Works cited [1] Microsoft Security Response Center (2022), January 2022 Security Updates. https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/releaseNote/2022-Jan [2] Eclypsium (2020), There’s a Hole in the Boot. https://eclypsium.com/2020/07/29/theres-a-hole-in-the-boot [3] Microsoft Security Response Center (2023), KB5025885: How to manage the Windows Boot Manager revocations for Secure Boot changes associated with CVE-2023-24932. https://support.microsoft.com/help/5025885 U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 7 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide [4] Microsoft Incident Response (2023), Guidance for investigating attacks using CVE-2022-21894: The BlackLotus campaign. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/2023/04/11/guidance-for-investigatingattacks-using-cve-2022-21894-the-blacklotus-campaign [5] Smolar, Martin (2023), BlackLotus UEFI Bootkit: Myth Confirmed. https://www.welivesecurity.com/2023/03/01/blacklotus-uefi-bootkit-myth-confirmed [6] National Security Agency (2020), UEFI Secure Boot Customization [S/N: U/OO/168873-20]. https://media.defense.gov/2020/Sep/15/2002497594/-1/-1/0/CTR-UEFI-SECURE-BOOTCUSTOMIZATION-20200915.PDF/CTR-UEFI-SECURE-BOOT-CUSTOMIZATION-20200915.PDF [7] National Security Agency (2020), UEFI Secure Boot Customization. https://github.com/nsacyber/Hardware-and-Firmware-Security-Guidance/tree/master/secureboot [8] Carnegie Mellon University (2022), UEFI – Terra Firma for Attackers. https://insights.sei.cmu.edu/blog/uefi-terra-firma-for-attackers/ [9] Microsoft (2022), Windows Secure Boot Key Creation and Management Guidance. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-secure-boot-keycreation-and-management-guidance Disclaimer of endorsement The information and opinions contained in this document are provided "as is" and without any warranties or guarantees. Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. This guidance shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. Purpose This document was developed in furtherance of NSA’s cybersecurity missions, including its responsibilities to identify and disseminate threats to National Security Systems, Department of Defense, and Defense Industrial Base information systems, and to develop and issue cybersecurity specifications and mitigations. This information may be shared broadly to reach all appropriate stakeholders. Contact Cybersecurity Report Questions and Feedback: [email protected] Defense Industrial Base Inquiries and Cybersecurity Services: [email protected] Media Inquiries / Press Desk: 443-634-0721, [email protected] U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 8
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Please limit your knowledge to the document. Avoid generalizations and ensure accuracy by directly referencing the document's arguments and examples. What optional mitigations does the NSA recommend for Windows infrastructures against BlackLotus? National Security Agency | Cybersecurity Information BlackLotus Mitigation Guide Executive summary BlackLotus is a recently publicized malware product garnering significant attention within tech media. Similar to 2020’s BootHole (CVE-2020-10713), BlackLotus takes advantage of a boot loader flaw—specifically CVE-2022-21894 Secure Boot bypass known as “Baton Drop”—to take control of an endpoint from the earliest phase of software boot. Microsoft ® issued patches for supported versions of Windows to correct boot loader logic. However, patches were not issued to revoke trust in unpatched boot loaders via the Secure Boot Deny List Database (DBX). Administrators should not consider the threat fully remediated as boot loaders vulnerable to Baton Drop are still trusted by Secure Boot. As described in this Cybersecurity Information Sheet (CSI), NSA recommends infrastructure owners take action by hardening user executable policies and monitoring the integrity of the boot partition. An optional advanced mitigation is to customize Secure Boot policy by adding DBX records to Windows® endpoints or removing the Windows Production CA certificate from Linux® endpoints. BlackLotus boot security threat NSA recognizes significant confusion regarding the threat posed by BlackLotus. Some organizations use terms like “unstoppable,” “unkillable,” and “unpatchable” to describe the threat. Other organizations believe there is no threat due to patches that Microsoft released in January 2022 and early 2023 for supported versions of Windows. [1] The risk exists somewhere between both extremes. BlackLotus shares some characteristics with Boot Hole (CVE-2020-10713). [2] Instead of breaking the Linux boot security chain, BlackLotus targets Windows boot by exploiting a flaw in older boot loaders—also called boot managers—to set off a chain of malicious actions that compromise endpoint security. Exploitation of Baton Drop (CVE-2022-21894) allows BlackLotus to strip the Secure Boot policy and prevent its enforcement. Unlike Boot Hole, the vulnerable boot loaders have not been added to the Secure Boot DBX revocation list. Because the vulnerable boot loaders are not listed within the DBX, attackers can substitute fully patched boot loaders with vulnerable versions to execute BlackLotus. NSA recommends system administrators within DoD and other networks take action. BlackLotus is not a firmware threat, but instead targets the earliest software stage of boot. U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 1 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide Defensive software solutions can be configured to detect and prevent the installation of the BlackLotus payload or the reboot event that starts its execution and implantation. NSA believes that currently published patches could provide a false sense of security for some infrastructures. Because BlackLotus integrates Shim and GRUB into its implantation routine, Linux administrators should also be vigilant for variants affecting popular Linux distributions. Mitigation recommendations Action 1: Update recovery media and activate optional mitigations Recommended for all Windows infrastructures. Not applicable to Linux infrastructures. NSA recommends Windows administrators install the latest security patches for their endpoints. Microsoft patches from May 2023 contain optional software mitigations to prevent rollback of the boot manager and kernel to versions vulnerable to Baton Drop and BlackLotus. The optional mitigations – including a Code Integrity Boot Policy – should be enabled after the organization has updated its Windows installation, recovery, and diagnostic software to the latest available versions. [3] Infrastructure administrators should note that Windows 10 and 11 have applicable security updates and ongoing mitigation deployments for BlackLotus. Older, unsupported Windows versions will not receive the full complement of BlackLotus mitigation measures. Windows infrastructures should migrate to supported versions of Windows if running an unsupported release. [3] Action 2: Harden defensive policies Recommended for all infrastructures. The malware install process for BlackLotus places an older Windows boot loader Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) binary into the boot partition, disables Memory Integrity, disables BitLocker, and reboots the device. Many endpoint security products (e.g., Endpoint Detection and Response, host-based security suites, user-monitoring packages) can be configured to block one or more of these events outside of a legitimate, scheduled update. Configure defensive software to scrutinize changes to the EFI boot partition in particular. Alternatively, leverage application allow lists to permit only known and trusted executables. Action 3: Monitor device integrity measurements and boot configuration Recommended for most infrastructures. Many endpoint security products and firmware monitoring tools provide integrity-scanning features. Configure these products and tools to monitor the composition of the EFI boot partition. Leverage these tools to look for unexpected U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 2 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide changes in bootmgfw.efi, bootmgr.efi, or the introduction of additional unexpected EFI binaries (e.g., shimx64.efi or grubx64.efi). Changes to the boot partition are infrequent and warrant additional scrutiny. If unexpected changes are detected within the EFI boot partition, prevent the device from rebooting. Endpoint and host defensive suites may allow creating rules or triggers that can be paired with group policies to temporarily restrict reboot. Remediate the boot partition to a known good state before permitting reboot. A reboot will execute EFI binaries and can implant BlackLotus. Microsoft has published specific information regarding the staging of BlackLotus components, alterations to Windows registry values, and network indicators. Full specifics can be found at the Microsoft Incident Response blog. [4] Action 4: Customize UEFI Secure Boot 4.A. Instructions for Windows infrastructures. Expertly administered and exposed infrastructures only. Not recommended due to limited long-term effectiveness. BlackLotus relies upon older (pre-January 2022), signed Windows boot loader images to implant a system. Secure Boot can be updated with DBX deny list hashes that prevent executing older and vulnerable boot loaders. Public reporting [5] provides indications as to which boot managers are observed exploited in the wild. In 2020, NSA published "UEFI Secure Boot Customization" to provide guidance on modifying Secure Boot. Adding DBX hashes qualifies as a partial customization action covered in section 4 "Customization," starting on page 7, and continuing through section 4.4.3 “Update the DB or DBX.” [6] Additionally, a GitHub.com repository has been set up with some helpful scripts and guides to accomplish customization. [7] Note: Adding boot loader hashes to the DBX may render many Windows install and recovery images, discs, and removable media drives unbootable. Microsoft provides updated install and recovery images for Windows 11 and 10. Only update the DBX after acquiring install and recovery media with the January 2022 or later patch assortment applied (e.g., version 22H1 or newer). Warning: The following DBX hashes may be combined with the Secure Boot Customization steps to revoke trust in select boot loaders vulnerable to Baton Drop. [6] However, more vulnerable boot loaders exist than the DBX can contain. BlackLotus developers can rapidly switch to alternate vulnerable boot loaders to evade DBX customization. Mitigating BlackLotus U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 3 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide via DBX updates is not recommended. Action 1’s patches and optional mitigations are recommended instead. Table: DBX hashes # UEFI Secure Boot DBX Hashes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nstructions for Linux infrastructures. Expertly administered and exposed infrastructures only. Linux system administrators may forego adding DBX hashes in favor of removing the Microsoft Windows Production CA 2011 certificate from Secure Boot’s DB. The total number of Baton Drop-vulnerable boot loaders signed by the key associated with the Production CA’s certificate is thought to exceed the available DBX memory. Removing the certificate negates the need to add DBX entries related to Baton Drop and BlackLotus. Linux administrators will still need the Microsoft Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Third Party Marketplace CA 2011 certificate to utilize Secure Boot with leading Linux distributions. [6] Do not place the Windows Production CA 2011 certificate in the Machine Owner Key Exclusion (MOKX) list in lieu of removing it from the DB. Utilizing MOKX in this way will cause the revoked certificate to still be trusted between firmware initialization and the initialization of Shim’s Secure Boot extensions. The Windows Production CA 2011 certificate must be restored if converting the device from Linux to Windows. Microsoft provides the certificate for download via their resources for system manufacturers. [9] U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 4 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide Frequently asked questions 1. Is BlackLotus a firmware implant? No. BlackLotus is boot software. The UEFI boot process involves several phases. Execution control flow transitions from firmware to software following the Boot Device Select phase. [8] 2. Can BlackLotus be removed or quarantined? Yes, prior to execution. Devices that boot to a BlackLotus EFI binary will need to be completely reimaged. Attempts to remove BlackLotus following installation result in kernel errors. 3. Does BlackLotus bypass Secure Boot? An initial bypass is followed by poisoning that configures Secure Boot to trust the malware. An older, vulnerable boot loader that is trusted by Secure Boot is necessary to strip the Secure Boot policy from being enforced so that BlackLotus can implant its entire software stack. Subsequent boots extend the Microsoft UEFI signing ecosystem with a malicious BlackLotus certificate. Thus, Secure Boot will trust the malware. 4. Which version of Windows is affected? BlackLotus targets Windows 11 and 10. Variants may exist to target older, UEFI-booting versions of Windows. Patches are available for Windows 8.1, 10, and 11. 5. Is Linux affected? Is there a version of BlackLotus that targets Linux? No, not that has been identified at this time. BlackLotus does incorporate some Linux boot binaries, but the malware targets Windows OS software. No Linux-targeting variant has been observed. 6. Is BlackLotus really unstoppable? No – BlackLotus is very stoppable on fully updated Windows endpoints, Secure Bootcustomized devices, or Linux endpoints. Microsoft has released patches and continues to harden mitigations against BlackLotus and Baton Drop. [1], [3], [4] The Linux community may remove the Microsoft Windows Production CA 2011 certificate on devices that exclusively boot Linux. Mitigation options available today will be reinforced by changes to vendor Secure Boot certificates in the future (some certificates are expiring starting in 2026). 7. Where can I find more public information? NSA is aware of several technically deep analysis reports posted online from security researchers and vendors. One thorough source of public information is ESET Security’s blog U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 5 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide referenced as [5] in this report. Another source of information is the Microsoft Security Response Center. [3], [4] 8. Should I reconfigure Secure Boot? No. Secure Boot is best left enabled in standard mode. Only advanced infrastructures and expert administrators should engage the custom/user-defined mode. Some security software may require additional certificates or hashes to be added to the DB allow list or DBX deny list. No one should disable Secure Boot on an endpoint built within the past 5 years. 9. Can a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) stop BlackLotus? No. A TPM can only detect BlackLotus. Implant boot binaries are delivered to the EFI boot partition after the TPM has recorded boot time measurements. Upon the next reboot, the TPM captures measurements showing a BlackLotus infection. However, a TPM can only detect – not prevent – implantation as the TPM is an observer and container of integrity indicator data. A TPM does not have an active enforcement capability. In a Network Access Control (NAC) infrastructure based on TPM attestation, NAC would prevent infected machines from accessing protected resources by indicating changes in Platform Configuration Registers (PCRs) 4-7. NAC also provides an opportunity to remediate affected endpoints prior to connecting to a protected resource. 10. Can TPM-extended Shim / TrustedShim (T-Shim) stop BlackLotus? No. T-Shim checks TPM measurements recorded prior to the main boot loader. Secure Boot is responsible for enforcement following T-Shim. 11. What is Secure Boot customization? Customization involves one of the following: Partial customization – augmenting the Microsoft and system vendor Secure Boot ecosystem with additional DB and DBX entries as necessary to enable signature and hash checks on unsupported/custom software or block unwanted software. Full customization – replacing all vendor and Microsoft certificates and hashes with those generated and selected by the infrastructure owner (requires specialized knowledge of hardware values). U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 6 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide 12. How does BlackLotus compare to Boot Hole? Boot Hole involved flaws in Secure Boot-signed GRUB boot loaders. A configuration file could be created to cause buffer overflows and arbitrary code execution at boot time. Secure Boot could be ignored and completely bypassed. BlackLotus is sophisticated malware observed in the wild. It exploits a flaw (known as Baton Drop) in Secure Boot-signed copies of the Windows Boot Manager to truncate the Secure Boot policy values. Instead of stopping due to the lack DB and DBX values, the vulnerable boot manager allows boot to continue. BlackLotus injects a version of Shim utilizing its own Machine Owner Key (MOK) – similar to the allow list DB – to vouch for signatures on its own malicious binaries. The result is Secure Boot remains enforcing while silently poisoned and permitting malware to execute. 13. Why doesn’t NSA recommend setting up a custom Secure Boot ecosystem as a mitigation? NSA has internally piloted efforts to exclusively rely on custom certificates and hashes to define Secure Boot policy. Pilot efforts have proven effective at preventing threats like BlackLotus, Baton Drop, BootHole, and similar prior to discovery. However, the administrative overhead and vendor collaboration necessary represent a resource investment not appropriate for most enterprise infrastructures. The process of fully customizing Secure Boot is also not capable of being automated outside of a narrow selection of workstation and server products. 14. Can Trusted eXecution Technology (TXT) stop BlackLotus? Yes, if and only if the TPM non-volatile memory (NVRAM) policy is set to boot a specific boot loader. In practice, setting a specific boot loader has caused administrative challenges when handling updates that affect the EFI boot partition. TXT is not a recommended mitigation given the likelihood to render endpoints temporarily unbootable. 15. Are virtual machines affected? Yes. VMs boot into a virtual UEFI environment. BlackLotus targets the OS software boot loaders that execute following the virtual firmware initialization. Works cited [1] Microsoft Security Response Center (2022), January 2022 Security Updates. https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/releaseNote/2022-Jan [2] Eclypsium (2020), There’s a Hole in the Boot. https://eclypsium.com/2020/07/29/theres-a-hole-in-the-boot [3] Microsoft Security Response Center (2023), KB5025885: How to manage the Windows Boot Manager revocations for Secure Boot changes associated with CVE-2023-24932. https://support.microsoft.com/help/5025885 U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 7 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide [4] Microsoft Incident Response (2023), Guidance for investigating attacks using CVE-2022-21894: The BlackLotus campaign. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/2023/04/11/guidance-for-investigatingattacks-using-cve-2022-21894-the-blacklotus-campaign [5] Smolar, Martin (2023), BlackLotus UEFI Bootkit: Myth Confirmed. https://www.welivesecurity.com/2023/03/01/blacklotus-uefi-bootkit-myth-confirmed [6] National Security Agency (2020), UEFI Secure Boot Customization [S/N: U/OO/168873-20]. https://media.defense.gov/2020/Sep/15/2002497594/-1/-1/0/CTR-UEFI-SECURE-BOOTCUSTOMIZATION-20200915.PDF/CTR-UEFI-SECURE-BOOT-CUSTOMIZATION-20200915.PDF [7] National Security Agency (2020), UEFI Secure Boot Customization. https://github.com/nsacyber/Hardware-and-Firmware-Security-Guidance/tree/master/secureboot [8] Carnegie Mellon University (2022), UEFI – Terra Firma for Attackers. https://insights.sei.cmu.edu/blog/uefi-terra-firma-for-attackers/ [9] Microsoft (2022), Windows Secure Boot Key Creation and Management Guidance. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-secure-boot-keycreation-and-management-guidance Disclaimer of endorsement The information and opinions contained in this document are provided "as is" and without any warranties or guarantees. Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. This guidance shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. Purpose This document was developed in furtherance of NSA’s cybersecurity missions, including its responsibilities to identify and disseminate threats to National Security Systems, Department of Defense, and Defense Industrial Base information systems, and to develop and issue cybersecurity specifications and mitigations. This information may be shared broadly to reach all appropriate stakeholders. Contact Cybersecurity Report Questions and Feedback: [email protected] Defense Industrial Base Inquiries and Cybersecurity Services: [email protected] Media Inquiries / Press Desk: 443-634-0721, [email protected] U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 8
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Please limit your knowledge to the document. Avoid generalizations and ensure accuracy by directly referencing the document's arguments and examples.
EVIDENCE:
National Security Agency | Cybersecurity Information BlackLotus Mitigation Guide Executive summary BlackLotus is a recently publicized malware product garnering significant attention within tech media. Similar to 2020’s BootHole (CVE-2020-10713), BlackLotus takes advantage of a boot loader flaw—specifically CVE-2022-21894 Secure Boot bypass known as “Baton Drop”—to take control of an endpoint from the earliest phase of software boot. Microsoft ® issued patches for supported versions of Windows to correct boot loader logic. However, patches were not issued to revoke trust in unpatched boot loaders via the Secure Boot Deny List Database (DBX). Administrators should not consider the threat fully remediated as boot loaders vulnerable to Baton Drop are still trusted by Secure Boot. As described in this Cybersecurity Information Sheet (CSI), NSA recommends infrastructure owners take action by hardening user executable policies and monitoring the integrity of the boot partition. An optional advanced mitigation is to customize Secure Boot policy by adding DBX records to Windows® endpoints or removing the Windows Production CA certificate from Linux® endpoints. BlackLotus boot security threat NSA recognizes significant confusion regarding the threat posed by BlackLotus. Some organizations use terms like “unstoppable,” “unkillable,” and “unpatchable” to describe the threat. Other organizations believe there is no threat due to patches that Microsoft released in January 2022 and early 2023 for supported versions of Windows. [1] The risk exists somewhere between both extremes. BlackLotus shares some characteristics with Boot Hole (CVE-2020-10713). [2] Instead of breaking the Linux boot security chain, BlackLotus targets Windows boot by exploiting a flaw in older boot loaders—also called boot managers—to set off a chain of malicious actions that compromise endpoint security. Exploitation of Baton Drop (CVE-2022-21894) allows BlackLotus to strip the Secure Boot policy and prevent its enforcement. Unlike Boot Hole, the vulnerable boot loaders have not been added to the Secure Boot DBX revocation list. Because the vulnerable boot loaders are not listed within the DBX, attackers can substitute fully patched boot loaders with vulnerable versions to execute BlackLotus. NSA recommends system administrators within DoD and other networks take action. BlackLotus is not a firmware threat, but instead targets the earliest software stage of boot. U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 1 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide Defensive software solutions can be configured to detect and prevent the installation of the BlackLotus payload or the reboot event that starts its execution and implantation. NSA believes that currently published patches could provide a false sense of security for some infrastructures. Because BlackLotus integrates Shim and GRUB into its implantation routine, Linux administrators should also be vigilant for variants affecting popular Linux distributions. Mitigation recommendations Action 1: Update recovery media and activate optional mitigations Recommended for all Windows infrastructures. Not applicable to Linux infrastructures. NSA recommends Windows administrators install the latest security patches for their endpoints. Microsoft patches from May 2023 contain optional software mitigations to prevent rollback of the boot manager and kernel to versions vulnerable to Baton Drop and BlackLotus. The optional mitigations – including a Code Integrity Boot Policy – should be enabled after the organization has updated its Windows installation, recovery, and diagnostic software to the latest available versions. [3] Infrastructure administrators should note that Windows 10 and 11 have applicable security updates and ongoing mitigation deployments for BlackLotus. Older, unsupported Windows versions will not receive the full complement of BlackLotus mitigation measures. Windows infrastructures should migrate to supported versions of Windows if running an unsupported release. [3] Action 2: Harden defensive policies Recommended for all infrastructures. The malware install process for BlackLotus places an older Windows boot loader Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) binary into the boot partition, disables Memory Integrity, disables BitLocker, and reboots the device. Many endpoint security products (e.g., Endpoint Detection and Response, host-based security suites, user-monitoring packages) can be configured to block one or more of these events outside of a legitimate, scheduled update. Configure defensive software to scrutinize changes to the EFI boot partition in particular. Alternatively, leverage application allow lists to permit only known and trusted executables. Action 3: Monitor device integrity measurements and boot configuration Recommended for most infrastructures. Many endpoint security products and firmware monitoring tools provide integrity-scanning features. Configure these products and tools to monitor the composition of the EFI boot partition. Leverage these tools to look for unexpected U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 2 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide changes in bootmgfw.efi, bootmgr.efi, or the introduction of additional unexpected EFI binaries (e.g., shimx64.efi or grubx64.efi). Changes to the boot partition are infrequent and warrant additional scrutiny. If unexpected changes are detected within the EFI boot partition, prevent the device from rebooting. Endpoint and host defensive suites may allow creating rules or triggers that can be paired with group policies to temporarily restrict reboot. Remediate the boot partition to a known good state before permitting reboot. A reboot will execute EFI binaries and can implant BlackLotus. Microsoft has published specific information regarding the staging of BlackLotus components, alterations to Windows registry values, and network indicators. Full specifics can be found at the Microsoft Incident Response blog. [4] Action 4: Customize UEFI Secure Boot 4.A. Instructions for Windows infrastructures. Expertly administered and exposed infrastructures only. Not recommended due to limited long-term effectiveness. BlackLotus relies upon older (pre-January 2022), signed Windows boot loader images to implant a system. Secure Boot can be updated with DBX deny list hashes that prevent executing older and vulnerable boot loaders. Public reporting [5] provides indications as to which boot managers are observed exploited in the wild. In 2020, NSA published "UEFI Secure Boot Customization" to provide guidance on modifying Secure Boot. Adding DBX hashes qualifies as a partial customization action covered in section 4 "Customization," starting on page 7, and continuing through section 4.4.3 “Update the DB or DBX.” [6] Additionally, a GitHub.com repository has been set up with some helpful scripts and guides to accomplish customization. [7] Note: Adding boot loader hashes to the DBX may render many Windows install and recovery images, discs, and removable media drives unbootable. Microsoft provides updated install and recovery images for Windows 11 and 10. Only update the DBX after acquiring install and recovery media with the January 2022 or later patch assortment applied (e.g., version 22H1 or newer). Warning: The following DBX hashes may be combined with the Secure Boot Customization steps to revoke trust in select boot loaders vulnerable to Baton Drop. [6] However, more vulnerable boot loaders exist than the DBX can contain. BlackLotus developers can rapidly switch to alternate vulnerable boot loaders to evade DBX customization. Mitigating BlackLotus U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 3 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide via DBX updates is not recommended. Action 1’s patches and optional mitigations are recommended instead. Table: DBX hashes # UEFI Secure Boot DBX Hashes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nstructions for Linux infrastructures. Expertly administered and exposed infrastructures only. Linux system administrators may forego adding DBX hashes in favor of removing the Microsoft Windows Production CA 2011 certificate from Secure Boot’s DB. The total number of Baton Drop-vulnerable boot loaders signed by the key associated with the Production CA’s certificate is thought to exceed the available DBX memory. Removing the certificate negates the need to add DBX entries related to Baton Drop and BlackLotus. Linux administrators will still need the Microsoft Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Third Party Marketplace CA 2011 certificate to utilize Secure Boot with leading Linux distributions. [6] Do not place the Windows Production CA 2011 certificate in the Machine Owner Key Exclusion (MOKX) list in lieu of removing it from the DB. Utilizing MOKX in this way will cause the revoked certificate to still be trusted between firmware initialization and the initialization of Shim’s Secure Boot extensions. The Windows Production CA 2011 certificate must be restored if converting the device from Linux to Windows. Microsoft provides the certificate for download via their resources for system manufacturers. [9] U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 4 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide Frequently asked questions 1. Is BlackLotus a firmware implant? No. BlackLotus is boot software. The UEFI boot process involves several phases. Execution control flow transitions from firmware to software following the Boot Device Select phase. [8] 2. Can BlackLotus be removed or quarantined? Yes, prior to execution. Devices that boot to a BlackLotus EFI binary will need to be completely reimaged. Attempts to remove BlackLotus following installation result in kernel errors. 3. Does BlackLotus bypass Secure Boot? An initial bypass is followed by poisoning that configures Secure Boot to trust the malware. An older, vulnerable boot loader that is trusted by Secure Boot is necessary to strip the Secure Boot policy from being enforced so that BlackLotus can implant its entire software stack. Subsequent boots extend the Microsoft UEFI signing ecosystem with a malicious BlackLotus certificate. Thus, Secure Boot will trust the malware. 4. Which version of Windows is affected? BlackLotus targets Windows 11 and 10. Variants may exist to target older, UEFI-booting versions of Windows. Patches are available for Windows 8.1, 10, and 11. 5. Is Linux affected? Is there a version of BlackLotus that targets Linux? No, not that has been identified at this time. BlackLotus does incorporate some Linux boot binaries, but the malware targets Windows OS software. No Linux-targeting variant has been observed. 6. Is BlackLotus really unstoppable? No – BlackLotus is very stoppable on fully updated Windows endpoints, Secure Bootcustomized devices, or Linux endpoints. Microsoft has released patches and continues to harden mitigations against BlackLotus and Baton Drop. [1], [3], [4] The Linux community may remove the Microsoft Windows Production CA 2011 certificate on devices that exclusively boot Linux. Mitigation options available today will be reinforced by changes to vendor Secure Boot certificates in the future (some certificates are expiring starting in 2026). 7. Where can I find more public information? NSA is aware of several technically deep analysis reports posted online from security researchers and vendors. One thorough source of public information is ESET Security’s blog U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 5 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide referenced as [5] in this report. Another source of information is the Microsoft Security Response Center. [3], [4] 8. Should I reconfigure Secure Boot? No. Secure Boot is best left enabled in standard mode. Only advanced infrastructures and expert administrators should engage the custom/user-defined mode. Some security software may require additional certificates or hashes to be added to the DB allow list or DBX deny list. No one should disable Secure Boot on an endpoint built within the past 5 years. 9. Can a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) stop BlackLotus? No. A TPM can only detect BlackLotus. Implant boot binaries are delivered to the EFI boot partition after the TPM has recorded boot time measurements. Upon the next reboot, the TPM captures measurements showing a BlackLotus infection. However, a TPM can only detect – not prevent – implantation as the TPM is an observer and container of integrity indicator data. A TPM does not have an active enforcement capability. In a Network Access Control (NAC) infrastructure based on TPM attestation, NAC would prevent infected machines from accessing protected resources by indicating changes in Platform Configuration Registers (PCRs) 4-7. NAC also provides an opportunity to remediate affected endpoints prior to connecting to a protected resource. 10. Can TPM-extended Shim / TrustedShim (T-Shim) stop BlackLotus? No. T-Shim checks TPM measurements recorded prior to the main boot loader. Secure Boot is responsible for enforcement following T-Shim. 11. What is Secure Boot customization? Customization involves one of the following: Partial customization – augmenting the Microsoft and system vendor Secure Boot ecosystem with additional DB and DBX entries as necessary to enable signature and hash checks on unsupported/custom software or block unwanted software. Full customization – replacing all vendor and Microsoft certificates and hashes with those generated and selected by the infrastructure owner (requires specialized knowledge of hardware values). U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 6 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide 12. How does BlackLotus compare to Boot Hole? Boot Hole involved flaws in Secure Boot-signed GRUB boot loaders. A configuration file could be created to cause buffer overflows and arbitrary code execution at boot time. Secure Boot could be ignored and completely bypassed. BlackLotus is sophisticated malware observed in the wild. It exploits a flaw (known as Baton Drop) in Secure Boot-signed copies of the Windows Boot Manager to truncate the Secure Boot policy values. Instead of stopping due to the lack DB and DBX values, the vulnerable boot manager allows boot to continue. BlackLotus injects a version of Shim utilizing its own Machine Owner Key (MOK) – similar to the allow list DB – to vouch for signatures on its own malicious binaries. The result is Secure Boot remains enforcing while silently poisoned and permitting malware to execute. 13. Why doesn’t NSA recommend setting up a custom Secure Boot ecosystem as a mitigation? NSA has internally piloted efforts to exclusively rely on custom certificates and hashes to define Secure Boot policy. Pilot efforts have proven effective at preventing threats like BlackLotus, Baton Drop, BootHole, and similar prior to discovery. However, the administrative overhead and vendor collaboration necessary represent a resource investment not appropriate for most enterprise infrastructures. The process of fully customizing Secure Boot is also not capable of being automated outside of a narrow selection of workstation and server products. 14. Can Trusted eXecution Technology (TXT) stop BlackLotus? Yes, if and only if the TPM non-volatile memory (NVRAM) policy is set to boot a specific boot loader. In practice, setting a specific boot loader has caused administrative challenges when handling updates that affect the EFI boot partition. TXT is not a recommended mitigation given the likelihood to render endpoints temporarily unbootable. 15. Are virtual machines affected? Yes. VMs boot into a virtual UEFI environment. BlackLotus targets the OS software boot loaders that execute following the virtual firmware initialization. Works cited [1] Microsoft Security Response Center (2022), January 2022 Security Updates. https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/releaseNote/2022-Jan [2] Eclypsium (2020), There’s a Hole in the Boot. https://eclypsium.com/2020/07/29/theres-a-hole-in-the-boot [3] Microsoft Security Response Center (2023), KB5025885: How to manage the Windows Boot Manager revocations for Secure Boot changes associated with CVE-2023-24932. https://support.microsoft.com/help/5025885 U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 7 NSA | BlackLotus Mitigation Guide [4] Microsoft Incident Response (2023), Guidance for investigating attacks using CVE-2022-21894: The BlackLotus campaign. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/2023/04/11/guidance-for-investigatingattacks-using-cve-2022-21894-the-blacklotus-campaign [5] Smolar, Martin (2023), BlackLotus UEFI Bootkit: Myth Confirmed. https://www.welivesecurity.com/2023/03/01/blacklotus-uefi-bootkit-myth-confirmed [6] National Security Agency (2020), UEFI Secure Boot Customization [S/N: U/OO/168873-20]. https://media.defense.gov/2020/Sep/15/2002497594/-1/-1/0/CTR-UEFI-SECURE-BOOTCUSTOMIZATION-20200915.PDF/CTR-UEFI-SECURE-BOOT-CUSTOMIZATION-20200915.PDF [7] National Security Agency (2020), UEFI Secure Boot Customization. https://github.com/nsacyber/Hardware-and-Firmware-Security-Guidance/tree/master/secureboot [8] Carnegie Mellon University (2022), UEFI – Terra Firma for Attackers. https://insights.sei.cmu.edu/blog/uefi-terra-firma-for-attackers/ [9] Microsoft (2022), Windows Secure Boot Key Creation and Management Guidance. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-secure-boot-keycreation-and-management-guidance Disclaimer of endorsement The information and opinions contained in this document are provided "as is" and without any warranties or guarantees. Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. This guidance shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. Purpose This document was developed in furtherance of NSA’s cybersecurity missions, including its responsibilities to identify and disseminate threats to National Security Systems, Department of Defense, and Defense Industrial Base information systems, and to develop and issue cybersecurity specifications and mitigations. This information may be shared broadly to reach all appropriate stakeholders. Contact Cybersecurity Report Questions and Feedback: [email protected] Defense Industrial Base Inquiries and Cybersecurity Services: [email protected] Media Inquiries / Press Desk: 443-634-0721, [email protected] U/OO/167397-23 | PP-23-1628 | JUN 2023 Ver. 1.0 8
USER:
What optional mitigations does the NSA recommend for Windows infrastructures against BlackLotus?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| true | 20 | 12 | 2,603 | null | 661 |
You must only respond to the prompt using information in the context block and no other sources.
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How do licenses negotiated for theaters carry over to television?
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The PROs As mentioned above, although musical compositions were expressly made subject to copyright protection starting in 1831, Congress did not grant music creators the exclusive right to publicly perform their compositions until 1897.108 Though this right represented a new way for copyright owners to derive profit from their musical works, the sheer number and fleeting nature of public performances made it impossible for copyright owners to individually negotiate with each user for every use, or detect every case of infringement.109 ASCAP was established in 1914, followed by other PROs, to address the logistical issue of how to license and collect payment for the public performance of musical works in a wide range of settings.110 Today, the PROs provide various different types of licenses depending upon the nature of the use. Anyone who publicly performs a musical work may obtain a license from a PRO, including terrestrial, satellite and internet radio stations, broadcast and cable television stations, online services, bars, restaurants, live performance venues, and commercial establishments that play background music. Most commonly, licensees obtain a blanket license, which allows the licensee to publicly perform any of the musical works in a PRO’s repertoire for a flat fee or a percentage of total revenues.111 Some users opt for a blanket license due to its broad coverage of musical works and relative simplicity as compared to other types of licenses. Large commercial establishments such as bars, restaurants, concert venues, stores, and hotels often enter into blanket licenses to cover their uses, paying either a percentage of gross revenues or an annual flat fee, depending on the establishment and the type and amount of use.112 Terrestrial radio stations obtain blanket licenses from PROs as well, usually by means of the RMLC.113 Many television stations, through the TMLC, also obtain blanket licenses.114 Less commonly used licenses include the per-program or per-segment license, which allows the licensee to publicly perform any of the musical works in the PRO’s repertoire for specified programs or parts of their programming, in exchange for a flat fee or a percentage of that program’s advertising revenue.115 Unlike a blanket license, the perprogram or per-segment license requires more detailed reporting information, including program titles, the specific music selections used, and usage dates, making the license more burdensome for the licensee to administer.116 Users can also license music directly from music publishers through a direct license or a source license. A direct license is simply a license agreement directly negotiated between the copyright owner and the user who intends to publicly perform the musical work. Source licenses are commonly used in the motion picture industry, because the PROs are prohibited from licensing public performance rights directly to movie theater owners.117 Instead, film producers license public performance rights for the music used in films at the same time as the synchronization rights, and pass the performance rights along to the theaters that will be showing their films.118 In the context of motion pictures, source licenses do not typically encompass non-theatrical performances, such as on television. Thus, television stations, cable companies, and online services such as Netflix and Hulu must obtain public performance licenses from the PROs to cover the public performance of musical works in the shows and movies they transmit to end users.119
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System instruction: You must only respond to the prompt using information in the context block and no other sources. Prompt: How do licenses negotiated for theaters carry over to television? Context block: The PROs As mentioned above, although musical compositions were expressly made subject to copyright protection starting in 1831, Congress did not grant music creators the exclusive right to publicly perform their compositions until 1897.108 Though this right represented a new way for copyright owners to derive profit from their musical works, the sheer number and fleeting nature of public performances made it impossible for copyright owners to individually negotiate with each user for every use, or detect every case of infringement.109 ASCAP was established in 1914, followed by other PROs, to address the logistical issue of how to license and collect payment for the public performance of musical works in a wide range of settings.110 Today, the PROs provide various different types of licenses depending upon the nature of the use. Anyone who publicly performs a musical work may obtain a license from a PRO, including terrestrial, satellite and internet radio stations, broadcast and cable television stations, online services, bars, restaurants, live performance venues, and commercial establishments that play background music. Most commonly, licensees obtain a blanket license, which allows the licensee to publicly perform any of the musical works in a PRO’s repertoire for a flat fee or a percentage of total revenues.111 Some users opt for a blanket license due to its broad coverage of musical works and relative simplicity as compared to other types of licenses. Large commercial establishments such as bars, restaurants, concert venues, stores, and hotels often enter into blanket licenses to cover their uses, paying either a percentage of gross revenues or an annual flat fee, depending on the establishment and the type and amount of use.112 Terrestrial radio stations obtain blanket licenses from PROs as well, usually by means of the RMLC.113 Many television stations, through the TMLC, also obtain blanket licenses.114 Less commonly used licenses include the per-program or per-segment license, which allows the licensee to publicly perform any of the musical works in the PRO’s repertoire for specified programs or parts of their programming, in exchange for a flat fee or a percentage of that program’s advertising revenue.115 Unlike a blanket license, the perprogram or per-segment license requires more detailed reporting information, including program titles, the specific music selections used, and usage dates, making the license more burdensome for the licensee to administer.116 Users can also license music directly from music publishers through a direct license or a source license. A direct license is simply a license agreement directly negotiated between the copyright owner and the user who intends to publicly perform the musical work. Source licenses are commonly used in the motion picture industry, because the PROs are prohibited from licensing public performance rights directly to movie theater owners.117 Instead, film producers license public performance rights for the music used in films at the same time as the synchronization rights, and pass the performance rights along to the theaters that will be showing their films.118 In the context of motion pictures, source licenses do not typically encompass non-theatrical performances, such as on television. Thus, television stations, cable companies, and online services such as Netflix and Hulu must obtain public performance licenses from the PROs to cover the public performance of musical works in the shows and movies they transmit to end users.119
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You must only respond to the prompt using information in the context block and no other sources.
EVIDENCE:
The PROs As mentioned above, although musical compositions were expressly made subject to copyright protection starting in 1831, Congress did not grant music creators the exclusive right to publicly perform their compositions until 1897.108 Though this right represented a new way for copyright owners to derive profit from their musical works, the sheer number and fleeting nature of public performances made it impossible for copyright owners to individually negotiate with each user for every use, or detect every case of infringement.109 ASCAP was established in 1914, followed by other PROs, to address the logistical issue of how to license and collect payment for the public performance of musical works in a wide range of settings.110 Today, the PROs provide various different types of licenses depending upon the nature of the use. Anyone who publicly performs a musical work may obtain a license from a PRO, including terrestrial, satellite and internet radio stations, broadcast and cable television stations, online services, bars, restaurants, live performance venues, and commercial establishments that play background music. Most commonly, licensees obtain a blanket license, which allows the licensee to publicly perform any of the musical works in a PRO’s repertoire for a flat fee or a percentage of total revenues.111 Some users opt for a blanket license due to its broad coverage of musical works and relative simplicity as compared to other types of licenses. Large commercial establishments such as bars, restaurants, concert venues, stores, and hotels often enter into blanket licenses to cover their uses, paying either a percentage of gross revenues or an annual flat fee, depending on the establishment and the type and amount of use.112 Terrestrial radio stations obtain blanket licenses from PROs as well, usually by means of the RMLC.113 Many television stations, through the TMLC, also obtain blanket licenses.114 Less commonly used licenses include the per-program or per-segment license, which allows the licensee to publicly perform any of the musical works in the PRO’s repertoire for specified programs or parts of their programming, in exchange for a flat fee or a percentage of that program’s advertising revenue.115 Unlike a blanket license, the perprogram or per-segment license requires more detailed reporting information, including program titles, the specific music selections used, and usage dates, making the license more burdensome for the licensee to administer.116 Users can also license music directly from music publishers through a direct license or a source license. A direct license is simply a license agreement directly negotiated between the copyright owner and the user who intends to publicly perform the musical work. Source licenses are commonly used in the motion picture industry, because the PROs are prohibited from licensing public performance rights directly to movie theater owners.117 Instead, film producers license public performance rights for the music used in films at the same time as the synchronization rights, and pass the performance rights along to the theaters that will be showing their films.118 In the context of motion pictures, source licenses do not typically encompass non-theatrical performances, such as on television. Thus, television stations, cable companies, and online services such as Netflix and Hulu must obtain public performance licenses from the PROs to cover the public performance of musical works in the shows and movies they transmit to end users.119
USER:
How do licenses negotiated for theaters carry over to television?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 17 | 10 | 542 | null | 604 |
Respond only using information contained within the prompt. Do not use any external information or knowledge when answering. Answer as a non-expert only. Give your answer simply with easy to understand language.
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What are the potential harmful side effects of semaglutide?
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According to the EPAR for semaglutide, eight completed phase 3 trials and a cardiovascular outcomes trial provided safety data relating to approximately 4,800 patients and over 5,600 patient years of exposure. [12] Additional safety data is also available from the SUSTAIN 7 which assessed semaglutide and dulaglutide. [9] Adverse events The EPAR states that “The safety profile of semaglutide is generally consistent with those reported for other drugs in the GLP-1 RA class”. The EMA noted that the rates of gastrointestinal adverse events were higher for semaglutide compared to exenatide, sitagliptin and insulin glargine. [12] However the open label SUSTAIN 7 study found that the frequency of gastrointestinal adverse effects were similar between semaglutide and dulaglutide groups. [9] A significantly increased risk of diabetic retinopathy complications was observed with semaglutide as compared with placebo. This increased risk was particularly marked in patients with preexisting diabetic retinopathy at baseline and co-use of insulin. Although it is recognised that intensified glycaemic control may precipitate early worsening of diabetic retinopathy, clinical trials data did not demonstrate a decrease in the risk of diabetic retinopathy over the course of two years, and data also suggests that semaglutide was associated with retinopathy in patients with only small HbA1c reductions. [12] A specific warning has been included in the SPC for semaglutide outlining the increased risk of diabetic retinopathy complications in patients with existing diabetic retinopathy treated with insulin. [15] The SPC for semaglutide lists the following adverse events [13]: Table 2. Adverse reactions from long-term controlled phase 3a trials including the cardiovascular 7 Date: December 2018 outcomes trial. MedDRA system organ class Very common Common Uncommon Rare Immune system disorders Anaphylactic reaction Metabolism and nutrition disorders Hypoglycaemia when used with insulin or sulfonylurea Hypoglycaemia when used with other OADs Decreased appetite Nervous system disorders Dizziness Dysgeusia Eye disorders Diabetic retinopathy complications Cardiac disorders Increased heart rate Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea Diarrhoea Vomiting Abdominal pain Abdominal distension Constipation Dyspepsia Gastritis Gastrooesophageal reflux disease Eructation Flatulence Hepatobiliary disorders Cholelithiasis General disorders and administration site conditions Fatigue Injection site reactions Investigations Increased lipase Increased amylase Weight decreased
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What are the potential harmful side effects of semaglutide? Respond only using information contained within the prompt. Do not use any external information or knowledge when answering. Answer as a non-expert only. Give your answer simply with easy to understand language. The text: According to the EPAR for semaglutide, eight completed phase 3 trials and a cardiovascular outcomes trial provided safety data relating to approximately 4,800 patients and over 5,600 patient years of exposure. [12] Additional safety data is also available from the SUSTAIN 7 which assessed semaglutide and dulaglutide. [9] Adverse events The EPAR states that “The safety profile of semaglutide is generally consistent with those reported for other drugs in the GLP-1 RA class”. The EMA noted that the rates of gastrointestinal adverse events were higher for semaglutide compared to exenatide, sitagliptin and insulin glargine. [12] However the open label SUSTAIN 7 study found that the frequency of gastrointestinal adverse effects were similar between semaglutide and dulaglutide groups. [9] A significantly increased risk of diabetic retinopathy complications was observed with semaglutide as compared with placebo. This increased risk was particularly marked in patients with preexisting diabetic retinopathy at baseline and co-use of insulin. Although it is recognised that intensified glycaemic control may precipitate early worsening of diabetic retinopathy, clinical trials data did not demonstrate a decrease in the risk of diabetic retinopathy over the course of two years, and data also suggests that semaglutide was associated with retinopathy in patients with only small HbA1c reductions. [12] A specific warning has been included in the SPC for semaglutide outlining the increased risk of diabetic retinopathy complications in patients with existing diabetic retinopathy treated with insulin. [15] The SPC for semaglutide lists the following adverse events [13]: Table 2. Adverse reactions from long-term controlled phase 3a trials including the cardiovascular 7 Date: December 2018 outcomes trial. MedDRA system organ class Very common Common Uncommon Rare Immune system disorders Anaphylactic reaction Metabolism and nutrition disorders Hypoglycaemia when used with insulin or sulfonylurea Hypoglycaemia when used with other OADs Decreased appetite Nervous system disorders Dizziness Dysgeusia Eye disorders Diabetic retinopathy complications Cardiac disorders Increased heart rate Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea Diarrhoea Vomiting Abdominal pain Abdominal distension Constipation Dyspepsia Gastritis Gastrooesophageal reflux disease Eructation Flatulence Hepatobiliary disorders Cholelithiasis General disorders and administration site conditions Fatigue Injection site reactions Investigations Increased lipase Increased amylase Weight decreased
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Respond only using information contained within the prompt. Do not use any external information or knowledge when answering. Answer as a non-expert only. Give your answer simply with easy to understand language.
EVIDENCE:
According to the EPAR for semaglutide, eight completed phase 3 trials and a cardiovascular outcomes trial provided safety data relating to approximately 4,800 patients and over 5,600 patient years of exposure. [12] Additional safety data is also available from the SUSTAIN 7 which assessed semaglutide and dulaglutide. [9] Adverse events The EPAR states that “The safety profile of semaglutide is generally consistent with those reported for other drugs in the GLP-1 RA class”. The EMA noted that the rates of gastrointestinal adverse events were higher for semaglutide compared to exenatide, sitagliptin and insulin glargine. [12] However the open label SUSTAIN 7 study found that the frequency of gastrointestinal adverse effects were similar between semaglutide and dulaglutide groups. [9] A significantly increased risk of diabetic retinopathy complications was observed with semaglutide as compared with placebo. This increased risk was particularly marked in patients with preexisting diabetic retinopathy at baseline and co-use of insulin. Although it is recognised that intensified glycaemic control may precipitate early worsening of diabetic retinopathy, clinical trials data did not demonstrate a decrease in the risk of diabetic retinopathy over the course of two years, and data also suggests that semaglutide was associated with retinopathy in patients with only small HbA1c reductions. [12] A specific warning has been included in the SPC for semaglutide outlining the increased risk of diabetic retinopathy complications in patients with existing diabetic retinopathy treated with insulin. [15] The SPC for semaglutide lists the following adverse events [13]: Table 2. Adverse reactions from long-term controlled phase 3a trials including the cardiovascular 7 Date: December 2018 outcomes trial. MedDRA system organ class Very common Common Uncommon Rare Immune system disorders Anaphylactic reaction Metabolism and nutrition disorders Hypoglycaemia when used with insulin or sulfonylurea Hypoglycaemia when used with other OADs Decreased appetite Nervous system disorders Dizziness Dysgeusia Eye disorders Diabetic retinopathy complications Cardiac disorders Increased heart rate Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea Diarrhoea Vomiting Abdominal pain Abdominal distension Constipation Dyspepsia Gastritis Gastrooesophageal reflux disease Eructation Flatulence Hepatobiliary disorders Cholelithiasis General disorders and administration site conditions Fatigue Injection site reactions Investigations Increased lipase Increased amylase Weight decreased
USER:
What are the potential harmful side effects of semaglutide?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 32 | 9 | 348 | null | 536 |
Provide your response in a professional and formal tone. Use the information given in the document without referring to external sources or requiring additional context. Avoid using technical jargon or acronyms that are not explained within the document.
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What are all of the different landline features available on the 5ESS Class 5 electronic switching system?
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CentraNet CustoPAK ® ® USER GUI DE Telephone Number Verizon Telephone Number Switch Type: GTD-5 5ESS DMS 100 DMS 10 © 2002 Verizon Communications www.verizon.com/smallbiz Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3056-0402Thank You for Selecting Verizon CentraNet ® CustoPAK® Service. 1 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engineTable of Contents Introduction to This Guide.............................................................................. 4 Overview of Your CustoPAK System ............................................................... 6 Terms You Should Know................................................................................ 8 CustoPAK Basic Features ✓ Assume Dial “9” .................................................................................. 9 ❑ ✓ ❑ Call Hold ............................................................................................. 10 ✓ Call Transfer ........................................................................................ 11 ❑ ✓ Consultation Hold ................................................................................ 12 ❑ ✓ Direct Inward/Outward Dialing (DID/DOD).............................................. 13 ❑ ✓ Distinctive Ringing (Inside/Outside Ringing) ......................................... 13 ❑ ✓ Intercom ............................................................................................. 14 ❑ ✓ Three-Way Calling ............................................................................... 15 ❑ ✓ Touch-Tone ......................................................................................... 16 ❑ CustoPAK Selectable Features ❑ Automatic Callback .............................................................................. 18 ❑ Call Forwarding Options ....................................................................... 19 ❑ Call Forwarding ................................................................................... 20 ❑ Call Forwarding – Busy Line................................................................. 22 ❑ Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer ........................................................... 23 ❑ Call Pick-Up – Group ........................................................................... 24 ❑ Call Restriction Options ........................................................................ 25 ❑ Call Waiting ....................................................................................... 26 ❑ Cancel Call Waiting (Tone Block) ......................................................... 27 ❑ Dial Call Waiting (for Intercom dialing)................................................... 28 ❑ Hunting ............................................................................................. 29 ❑ Speed Dialing .................................................................................... 30 2 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CustoPAK Optional Features ❑ 69 .................................................................................................. 32 ❑ Busy Redial ....................................................................................... 33 ❑ Call Block ( 60)................................................................................. 34 ❑ Call Park ........................................................................................... 35 ❑ Call Park – Directed .......................................................................... 36 ❑ Call Trace .......................................................................................... 37 ❑ Caller ID ........................................................................................... 38 ❑ Caller ID – Number Only .................................................................... 39 ❑ Enhanced Call Forwarding .................................................................. 40 ❑ Executive Busy Override ..................................................................... 41 ❑ Last Number Redial ........................................................................... 41 ❑ Priority Call........................................................................................ 42 ❑ Select Call Forwarding ....................................................................... 43 Voice Mail and CustoPAK ............................................................................ 44 * * Appendix.................................................................................................... 45 Intercom Code Charts............................................................................. 46 Speed Dialing Code Charts ..................................................................... 49 CustoPAK Feature Activation/Deactivation Codes ...................................... 52 Feature Availability by Switch Type .......................................................... 53 Your CustoPAK Feature Selections........................................................... 54 Please be sure to read the Introduction and Overview sections of this guide prior to operating your new CustoPAK system. 3Introduction to This Guide This guide is intended to provide you with information to help you learn to operate the features within your new CustoPAK system and get the most out of its many benefits. Before you begin using your new CustoPAK system, it is important to know your switch type, or the type of equipment in the Verizon central office that handles your telephone service. Your switch type is shown on the front cover of this guide and may affect which features are available with your CustoPAK system. Basic Features are automatically activated for each of your lines when you purchase your CustoPAK system.Upon installation of your system, your Verizon representative will assist you in filling out your Feature Grid (see Appendix). Once complete, this grid indicates which features you have selected for each of your CustoPAK lines. The Appendix section also contains your Intercom and Speed Calling code charts. You may wish to make copies of these handy tools and distribute them to other users in your CustoPAK system for easy reference. Selectable Features are available for each of your CustoPAK lines at no additional monthly charge, but must be installed to be used.1The Overview section which follows this Introduction will begin to acquaint you with your new CustoPAK system and the many benefits it provides. Optional Features are available at an additional charge per line and must also be installed to be used.1We are delighted that you have chosen Verizon. We hope this guide makes the transition to your new CustoPAK system as smooth as possible. The Features section of this guide describes the three types of features which are available to choose from: You may select as many or as few of the Selectable and Optional features as you like for each of your CustoPAK lines, and may change them at any time. Should you need assistance selecting additional features or changing features, your Verizon representative is available to guide you. All features available with CustoPAK are included in this guide regardless of whether you have selected them for your system. 1 To install these features, contact your Verizon representative. Installation charges may apply. 4 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine For Customer Services, call 1-800 -483-5000 In Hawaii, call 643-4411 5Overview of Your CustoPAK System Your CustoPAK system is a central office-based service, meaning all equipment required to operate the system is in the Verizon central office. That also means you have purchased a reliable, worry-free telephone system, as our central offices are monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your CustoPAK system can grow as your business grows. It has the capacity to handle up to 30 telephone lines, and offers a flexible package of features designed specifically with the small business customer in mind. You can select which features you want for each of your CustoPAK lines based on your business and communications needs. You may add or change features at any time by contacting your Verizon representative (additional charges may apply). CustoPAK can be customized to perform as a complete telephone system working on standard single-line telephones or as feature-rich access lines enhancing your existing telephone system. When used with existing telephone systems, features like Call Transfer, Three-Way Calling and Consultation Hold give you the functionality of a built-in second line. When using these features, other lines remain free for incoming or outgoing calls. And, Call Forwarding and Call Transfer allow you to easily transfer your calls to another location outside your system without additional equipment. Most of the features are activated by the use of codes. You’ll find all of the information required to activate the CustoPAK features listed in the Features section of this guide. Your CustoPAK system comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee (except California). We are confident that this system is the right solution for your business needs. However, with this guarantee you are entitled to a full credit of the CustoPAK charges and a change back to your previous Verizon service if you are not satisfied and notify us within 30 calendar days. Repair The Repair Center handles service problems and out-of-service conditions on your telephone lines and/or features, and the wiring to your location. It does not handle and cannot fix your telephone equipment. For problems with the wiring inside your business, you may repair it yourself, hire a contractor or an electrician, or call Verizon. Verizon does this type of repair for a fee based on the amount of time and the cost of the materials required to correct the problem. For information on these services, contact your Verizon representative. The Verizon repair number is 1-800-483-2000. The Repair Center is open 24 hours a day, including holidays. Help Desk The CentraNet/Voice Mail Help Desk was established to answer your questions about the operation of your CentraNet CustoPAK and Voice Mail services. Our Help Desk will explain how the services and features operate, e.g., How do I transfer a call? How do I reset my Passcode? If you have questions about your CentraNet CustoPAK service, please call the Help Desk at 1-800 - 483 -2000. The Help Desk is available Monday-Friday between the hours of 5 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday between the hours of 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. Pacific Time. The Help Desk is closed on Sunday. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Verizon is in the process of updating all our central office switches to provide access to Per Call Blocking. This feature allows you to prevent the appearance of your phone number on Caller ID display units on a per call basis. Press * 6 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 6 7 before placing an outgoing call to activate this feature. 7Terms You Should KnowCustoPAK Basic Features Confirmation Tone Three short bursts of tone heard when using some CustoPAK features. The confirmation tone lets you know you have completed the activation or deactivation of the features.The features listed in this section are automatically included on each of your CustoPAK lines. These basic features are the backbone of your new CustoPAK system. Three of these features, Consultation Hold, Call Transfer and Three-Way Calling provide you with the functionality of a built-in second line. Regional Calling Area The area within which Verizon can provide local and regional toll calling services. Switch Type This term identifies the types of equipment in Verizon’s central office that handles your telephone service. Your switch type is shown on the front cover of this guide. It is very important to be aware of your switch type, as it may affect which features are available with your CustoPAK system. Assume Dial “9” This convenient feature allows you to place calls outside of the CustoPAK system without having to dial the access code “9”. NOTE: Verizon has automatically activated this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. Switchhook The buttons or bar generally located under the receiver on a standard desk telephone or electronic set. The switchhook initiates dial tone and is used to operate some of the CustoPAK features. Tap Flash Recall Link These terms refer to preprogrammed buttons on some telephones, that when used replace the switchhook. If your telephone is equipped with one of these buttons, always use it instead of the switchhook to operate the CustoPAK features. 8 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9Call HoldNOTES: Call Hold allows you to place an established call on hold for an extended period of time—provided neither you nor the other person hangs up—freeing up the line to place or receive another call. Use Call Hold to help improve response time while reducing equipment costs and callbacks.1.) Only one call can be placed on hold at a time per telephone line. 2.) A holding call cannot be added to another call. 3.) Call Hold overrides Dial Call Waiting and Call Waiting. When you put a call on hold to use the line to make or receive a second call, a third incoming call will receive a busy signal. To place an established call on hold: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Call Transfer Listen for dial tone.Press *You will hear confirmation tone, followed by dial tone.This valuable feature enables you to transfer an incoming call to any other number either inside or outside of your CustoPAK system. You can privately speak with the called party to announce the call prior to completing the transfer. Use Call Transfer as an efficient way to process misdirected calls and reduce message-taking and call handling time. The call is on hold. Place the handset beside the telephone—do not hang up!To transfer an incoming call: 0 1 . To place another call, while the first caller is on hold:Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for dial tone. To transfer to an internal CustoPAK line, dial the intercom code assigned to the internal line. To transfer to an outside line dial the number to which you wish to transfer the call. Privately announce the transfer to the recipient. Hang up. Key in destination phone number of the third party. Wait for the party to answer. If you encounter a busy signal, no answer or if an error is made in dialing, press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set) twice to connect to the original party. When party answers you may consult privately. To return to a call that is on hold: Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for confirmation tone. Press * 0 1 (you may now talk to the person that was on hold). -OR- Hang up (your phone will ring). Lift the handset (you may now talk to the party that was on hold). 10 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine -OR- Hang up (the call is automatically transferred). NOTES: 1.) If you receive a busy signal, no answer or if an error is made in dialing, press the switchhook twice to reconnect to the original call. 2.) You cannot transfer a call while on a Three-Way or Call Waiting call. 3.) A call placed from a CustoPAK line to a number outside the system cannot be transferred to another number outside the system. 4.) Call Transfer may generate local, regional toll or long distance charges. 11Consultation HoldDirect Inward/Outward Dialing (DID/DOD) Consultation Hold provides a temporary or “soft” hold without having to dial an activation code. This allows you to place another call for private consultation or to initiate a three-way call. Use Consultation Hold to quickly verify customer inquiries and reduce costly and time-consuming callbacks.Direct Inward Dialing allows you to receive incoming calls directly at your station. This can help enhance customer service by allowing incoming callers to quickly reach you without the delay of a call transfer. Direct Outward Dialing improves efficiency by enabling you to place calls to locations outside the system without first dialing an access code or going through a central attendant. To place a call on hold: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for dial tone. Dial the third party (if you encounter a busy signal, no answer or if an error is made in dialing, press the switchhook twice to reconnect to the original call). When the third party answers, you may consult privately before reconnecting to the original call. To return to the original caller: Allow the third party to hang up. Press the switchhook twice (if the switchhook is only pressed once, a three-way call will be established). NOTES: 1.) Consultation Hold overrides Dial Call Waiting and Call Waiting. When you put a call on hold to use the line to place a second call, a third incoming call will receive a busy signal. 2.) Call Forwarding cannot be activated while a call is on Consultation Hold. 12 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTE: Verizon has automatically activated this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. Distinctive Ringing (Inside/Outside Ringing) CustoPAK Distinctive Ringing provides you with the ability to distinguish between internal and external incoming calls, allowing you to greet customers and callers from outside of your system more professionally. Internal calls—calls placed by someone within the CustoPAK system using the Intercom feature—will ring with a single ring. External calls—calls made from outside of the CustoPAK system— are identified by a double ring. This feature is not available in the GTD-5 switch. NOTES: 1.) Many telephone sets have their own distinctive ringing patterns that are not associated with CustoPAK Distinctive Ringing. 2.) Priority Call and Distinctive Ringing cannot be on the same CustoPAK line, since they share the same ring patterns. 3.) On forwarded calls, the ring pattern will be based on the original line, not the forwarding line. 4.) On transferred calls, the ring pattern will be based on the transferring line, not the original line. 5.) Verizon has automatically activated this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 13IntercomThree-Way Calling The Intercom feature allows you to speak to, or transfer a call to, any other person within your CustoPAK system—without incurring local usage charges. Simply dial the two-digit code that was assigned to the line. See the Appendix on page 45 of this guide to locate the Intercom Code Chart for your switch type. The intercom codes are pre-assigned and programmed by Verizon.Three-Way Calling enables you to add a third party from either inside or outside of your CustoPAK system to any established call to create a three-way conference arrangement. This maximizes line efficiency and reduces costly and time-consuming callbacks by allowing you to obtain answers to urgent inquiries from two separate sources in a single call — reducing the costs and lost productivity of multiple telephone calls. To use the Intercom feature: Pick up the handset and listen for dial tone. Dial the intercom code: 20#– 49 #2–#for DMS 10 switch types. 7 # for 5ESS, GTD-5 and DMS 100 switch types. NOTE: For the Intercom feature to function properly, individual telephone numbers must be assigned to a Multi-Line Hunt group. While engaged in a two-way conversation: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for dial tone. Dial the number of the party you wish to add to the call (if you encounter a busy signal, no answer or an error is made in dialing, press the switchhook twice or hang up to reconnect to the original call). Announce that you are setting up a conference call. Press the switchhook again (the three-way conference is established). NOTES: 1.) You may use Three-Way Calling to add another person no matter who placed the original call. However, if you placed both calls and they are outside of your CustoPAK system, when you hang up the other two people will automatically disconnect. 2.) Three-Way Calling may generate local, regional toll or long distance charges. If you hang up, you will be billed the appropriate charges for the portion of the call for which you are responsible. 3.) You cannot establish a three-way call using the Automatic Callback feature. 4.) A three-way conference cannot be made between an established call and a Call Waiting call. 14 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 15Touch-Tone Touch-Tone provides the ability to push-button dial on tone-signaling telephones to access CustoPAK features and dial telephone numbers. Rotary dial telephones are not compatible with CustoPAK service. NOTE: Verizon has automatically activated this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 16 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CustoPAK Selectable Features The features listed in this section are available for each of your CustoPAK lines at no additional monthly charge. You may select as many or as few of these features as you like, giving you the flexibility to customize each individual CustoPAK line in the manner which best suits your business. As you read through this sec- tion, be aware of your switch type (found on the front cover of this guide), since some features are not available for certain switch types. To add or change features at any time after your initial installation, contact your Verizon representative. 17Automatic CallbackCall Forwarding Options When you encounter a busy line within your CustoPAK system, a code can be dialed which will connect you when both lines are idle. The request will remain active for 30 minutes unless canceled. Use Automatic Callback to increase productivity by eliminating “telephone tag”, manual callbacks and unnecessary dialing. This feature only works within the CustoPAK system, and the system can only accommodate one request at a time per line. This feature is not available in the GTD-5 switch type.Your CustoPAK system can be equipped with one or all of its five Call Forwarding options. You may select or combine these features to meet your business needs. The Call Forwarding options and their descriptions can be found by referring to the list below: Option Section Page Call Forwarding ..................................... Selectable Features .................................. 20 To activate Automatic Callback once you’ve reached a busy line within your CustoPAK system:Call Forwarding – Busy Line ................. Selectable Features .................................. 22 Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set).Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer............ Selectable Features .................................. 23 Listen for dial tone.Press *Listen for confirmation tone.Hang up (when the called line is idle, your line will ring with a distinctive ring). 5 Enhanced Call Forwarding1 .................... Optional Features ..................................... 40 Select Call Forwarding1.......................... Optional Features ..................................... 43 2 . To cancel an Automatic Callback request: Lift handset and press Listen for confirmation tone. Hang up. # 5 2 . NOTES: 1.) If an Automatic Callback is not answered by the originating station, the request will be canceled. 2.) Automatic Callback can only be active on one station at a time. 3.) An Automatic Callback request can only be activated if the called number is in a busy condition and within the CustoPAK group. 1 18 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Additional charges apply. 19Call ForwardingNOTES: This Call Forwarding option allows you to have all incoming calls forwarded to a pre-determined telephone number either inside or outside the CustoPAK system. Call Forwarding provides you with the flexibility to choose your own forward-to number, to change it as often as you like and to turn the feature on or off as needed. When activated, it overrides Call Forwarding – Busy Line/ Don’t Answer and gives you the mobility you need to be productive outside the office and after hours.1.) Calls forwarded outside the system are subject to local, regional toll or long distance charges, as applicable. 2.) To confirm that Call Forwarding is on, press * 7 2 and if the feature is on you will hear a fast busy tone. If it is off you’ll hear normal dial tone. 3.) You can place calls when Call Forwarding is on, however, you cannot answer incoming calls. You will hear one short ring each time a call forwards to remind you that the service is on. 4.) Call Forwarding overrides Call Waiting, Dial Call Waiting, Hunting arrange- ments and Call Forwarding – Busy Line/Don’t Answer. 5.) Voice Mail service will not work when Call Forwarding is on, unless you have activated forwarding to the Voice Mail service access number. 6.) A line with Call Forwarding activated cannot have an Automatic Callback request initiated against it. To turn Call Forwarding on: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * At the tone, dial the telephone number you want your calls forwarded to. When the call is answered, the feature has been activated. If the call is not answered, hang up and repeat the above steps within two minutes. The feature is activated when you hear the confirmation tone. 7 2 . To turn Call Forwarding off: Press * 7 3 (two short tones indicate that the service has been turned off). 20 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 21Call Forwarding – Busy LineCall Forwarding – Don’t Answer This feature automatically routes incoming calls to a pre-determined number (either inside or outside of your CustoPAK system) when your line is busy. Use Call Forwarding – Busy Line to improve customer service by forwarding calls to alternate answering points, ensuring that all incoming calls are covered. This feature can be separate on the line or can be combined with Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer. The forward-to number must be programmed by Verizon.This feature automatically routes incoming calls to a telephone number (either inside or outside of your CustoPAK system, or to Voice Messaging) when your line is unanswered after a pre-determined number of rings (4-ring maximum). Use Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer to improve customer service by forwarding calls to alternate answering points, ensuring that no opportunities are lost due to an unanswered call. This feature can be separate on the line or can be combined with Call Forwarding – Busy Line. The forward-to number must be programmed by Verizon. NOTES: 1.) Calls forwarded outside the system are subject to local, regional toll or long distance charges, as applicable. 2.) Call Forwarding – Busy Line overrides Dial Call Waiting (see page 29). Therefore, if you place a call to a number with Call Forwarding – Busy Line, the call is forwarded and the Dial Call Waiting treatment is not given during a busy condition. 3.) Call Forwarding overrides Call Forwarding – Busy Line. 4.) For Multi-Line Hunt groups, Call Forwarding – Busy Line can only be assigned on a group basis and will apply to every line in the group. 5.) Call Forwarding – Busy Line can only be assigned to the last member of a Series Hunt group. 6.) If you have Voice Messaging, it is not necessary to subscribe to this feature. 7.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 22 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTES: 1.) Calls forwarded outside the system are subject to local, regional toll or long distance charges, as applicable. 2.) Call Forwarding overrides Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer. 3.) Call Waiting and Dial Call Waiting override Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer. 4.) For Multi-Line Hunt groups, Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer can only be assigned on a group basis and will apply to every line in the group. 5.) If the forward-to number is busy, the call will not forward. The line will continue to ring, or you may get a busy signal, depending upon the location of the forward-to number. 6.) If you have Voice Messaging, it is not necessary to subscribe to this feature. 7.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 23Call Pick-Up – GroupCall Restriction Options Call Pick-Up – Group enables you to answer (pick-up) calls directed to any other line within your Call Pick-Up group by dialing a code. If more than one person tries to pick-up the call, the first user will receive the call, and the others will receive a busy signal as confirmation that the call was answered. Use Call Pick-Up – Group to provide maximum call coverage and ensure against missed calls.This feature enables you to select and control the incoming and outgoing calling capabilities of each of your CustoPAK lines. Each line can only be equipped with one Call Restriction option, which has been programmed by Verizon. To use Call Pick-Up – Group: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 1 7 NOTE: Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. If you want to add or update Call Restriction options, please contact your Verizon representative. (the incoming call is connected to your station). To use Call Pick-Up – Group when you are already on the phone: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for dial tone. Press * 0 1 to put the first call on hold. Press * 1 7 (the incoming call is connected to your station). NOTES: 1.) You cannot use Call Pick-Up – Group to connect to an Automatic Callback call. 2.) If more than one line in your Call Pick-Up group is ringing, you cannot select which line to answer. The system will automatically direct the pick-up to the call that came in first. 3.) All lines in a Multi-Line Hunt group must be in the same Call Pick-Up group. 24 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 25Call Waiting This valuable feature provides an audible tone while you are on the line that alerts you of another incoming call. You then have the option to either place the present call on hold to answer the incoming call or to disregard it. The calling party will receive ringing tone instead of a busy tone. Use Call Waiting to maximize line efficiency and improve customer service by ensuring prompt responses to urgent inquiries. Cancel Call Waiting (Tone Block) When you don’t want to be disturbed or interrupted during an important call, you can temporarily deactivate Call Waiting. You can activate Cancel Call Waiting before you place a call or at any point during the conversation. Cancel Call Waiting works only for the length of one call. When you hang up, Call Waiting returns automatically to your phone. To cancel the Call Waiting tone before placing a call: After hearing the Call Waiting tone: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Either end your first call or tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold.Press * Press and release the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set) to put the first person on hold and answer the second call in the GTD-5 switch.Listen for confirmation tone, followed by normal dial tone. Dial the telephone number. 7 0 . To cancel the Call Waiting tone during a call: Press and release the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set), listen for the flash tone, then dial * 0 1 to put the first person on hold and answer the second call in the DMS 100, DMS 10 and 5ESS switches (may also be required for GTD-5 switch).Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Press * To return to the first call and put the second call on hold, repeat bullet two or three (depending on switch type). You can alternate between calls as often as desired by repeating bullets two or three (depending on switch type).NOTE: In some areas you can only activate Cancel Call Waiting before placing a call. 7 0 (you will reconnect automatically to your call). NOTES: 1.) Call Waiting allows you to have two calls on your line at the same time (one on hold and one to whom you are talking). A third caller will hear a busy signal. 2.) Call Waiting cannot be assigned to lines in a Multi-Line Hunt group. 3.) Call Waiting overrides Call Forwarding – Busy Line/Don’t Answer. 4.) Call Forwarding overrides Dial Call Waiting. 5.) Series Hunting overrides Call Waiting, which should be assigned to the last number of a Series Hunt group. 6.) A three-way conference cannot be made between an established call and a Call Waiting call. 7.) If Call Waiting and Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer are active on the same line and you choose to ignore the Call Waiting tone, the call will forward to your Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer number. 26 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 27Dial Call Waiting (for Intercom dialing)Hunting This feature allows you to send a Call Waiting tone to another line within your CustoPAK system when that line is busy, letting the called party know that some- one is trying to reach them. The called party then has the option to answer or ignore the Call Waiting tone. Use Dial Call Waiting to help ensure the timely and efficient flow of information within your business. This feature is not available for GTD-5 switch types.Hunting allows your business to reduce busy signals and increase accessibility by expanding call coverage. A Hunting arrangement begins with a call to a lead, or pilot number and searches for an idle line beginning with the first number of a pre-assigned Hunt group and ending with the last number in the group. Upon dialing an internal station number and hearing a busy tone: Hang up. Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * Dial the number of the busy station (the called party hears a Call Waiting tone). Remain off-hook until the called party answers. 5 4 and listen for confirmation tone. NOTES: NOTES: 1.) When a Multi-Line Hunt group is assigned to a CustoPAK customer, individual telephone numbers must be assigned in order for the Intercom feature to work. 2.) Call Waiting cannot be assigned to lines in a Hunt group. 3.) Automatic Callback cannot be activated against lines in a Hunt group. 4.) Call Forwarding and Call Forwarding – Busy Line/Don’t Answer can only be assigned to a Multi-Line Hunt group on a group basis. 5.) All lines in a Multi-Line Hunt group must be in the same Call Pick-Up group. 6.) Caller ID will work in a Hunt group, however, the feature must be assigned to every line in the Hunt group. 7.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 1.) Dial Call Waiting only works within your CustoPAK system. 2.) Dial Call Waiting cannot be assigned to lines in a Multi-Line Hunt group. 3.) Dial Call Waiting overrides Call Forwarding – Busy Line/Don’t Answer. 4.) Call Forwarding overrides Dial Call Waiting. 5.) If Call Waiting and Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer are active on the same line and the called party chooses to ignore the Dial Call Waiting tone, the call will forward to the called party’s Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer number. 6 .) Series Hunting overrides Dial Call Waiting, which should be assigned to the last number of a Series Hunt group. 28 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 29Speed Dialing Speed Dialing allows you to call frequently dialed numbers by using an abbreviated code, reducing dialing time and time spent searching for telephone numbers. Speed Dialing gives you the flexibility to create and edit your own Speed Dialing list. The Speed Dialing short list consists of 8 numbers unless you have a 5ESS switch type, which provides a 6-number Speed Dialing list. CustoPAK Optional Features The following features are available for each of your CustoPAK lines at an additional monthly charge per line. As you read through this section, be aware of your switch type (found on the front cover of this guide), since some of these Optional features are not available for certain switch types. To add or change any of these features after your initial installation, contact your Verizon representative. To establish/add or change a number on your Speed Dialing list: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 7 4 Press 1 (GTD-5 only, skip this step in all other switches). Press the Speed Dialing code numbers to be programmed (2-9 for all switches except 5ESS, press 2-7 for 5ESS). Dial the telephone number to be assigned to the code, along with any required access codes, ( i.e., long distance carrier access code) up to 28 digits. Listen for confirmation tone. Hang up. Repeat steps for each code number to be programmed. # and listen for confirmation tone. To place a Speed Call from the short list: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press # 1 (all switches) and then dial the Speed Dialing code number (2-9 or 2-7 depending on what switch type you have). See page 50 for Speed Dialing code charts. Wait for party to answer. NOTES: 1.) OPTIONAL: After you press # 1 and the code number, press # again for a quicker connection. 2.) Service codes such as 911, cannot be programmed. 3.) Fully restricted lines cannot have Speed Dialing. 4.) Customers may experience a 2- to 3-second timing delay when activating Speed Dialing codes that match other feature activation codes. 30 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 31* 69Busy Redial This convenient feature automatically stores and allows you to redial the number of the last person who called you. *69 only works on calls made from numbers within your regional calling area and can be used whether you answered the last call or not. If you return the call and the number is busy, *69 will monitor the busy line and attempt to connect your call for up to 30 minutes, unless canceled. In most cases, your phone will ring with a series of short-short-long rings when the number you called is no longer busy. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type.After reaching a busy line within your regional calling area, this convenient service allows you to dial a code that will automatically connect you when both lines are idle. Once activated, Busy Redial will monitor the busy line and attempt to connect your call for up to 30 minutes, unless canceled. You will be alerted with a special ring when the call is returned. You can use Busy Redial to help reduce multiple callbacks, dialing time and lost productivity. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. After dialing a busy number: To activate * 69: Hang up. Lift the handset and listen for dial tone.Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press *Press * 6 6 . You will hear two normal ringing tones or an announce- ment. If the called number is still busy, a voice recording will tell you that your call is next in line. Hang up. When the number you called is no longer busy, your telephone will ring with a series of short-short-long rings (ringing tones may vary). Lift the handset. You will hear normal ringing tone. 6 9 (a voice recording may provide additional instructions). To deactivate * 69: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 8 9 . NOTES: 1.) If you hear the Call Waiting tone while you are on the line, you have two choices: you can use *69 to call back later, or you can use Call Waiting during the call. 2.) A *69 callback will not activate a Call Waiting tone; the line must be idle. 3.) *69 and Automatic Callback cannot be on the same line. 4.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 5.) *69 ring patterns may duplicate those of Distinctive Ringing. 6.) *69 will not work when activated against a line with Call Forwarding. 32 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To deactivate Busy Redial: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 8 6 . NOTES: 1.) The number you called will not ring until you pick up your telephone. 2.) Occasionally, the person you are calling uses the phone before Busy Redial can complete your call. If this happens, a voice recording will tell you to hang up and reactivate Busy Redial. 3.) You can use Busy Redial to return calls to more than one busy number at a time. 4.) When your phone rings with a short-short-long ring, you need to answer by the third series of rings or Busy Redial will pause and try to complete your call 5 minutes later. 5.) Busy Redial and Automatic Callback cannot be on the same line. 6.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 7.) Busy Redial will not activate a Call Waiting tone. 33Call Block (*60) Call Block provides you with the capability to block up to 12 external telephone numbers (within your regional calling area) from calling your number, preventing unwanted and nuisance calls. Once activated, any calls from these 12 numbers will be routed to an intercept message. For your protection, calls from outside of your regional calling area and operator-handled calls cannot be blocked. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type.Call Park To access the Call Block feature:To “park” a call against your number: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone.Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press *Listen to the voice-recorded instructions for Call Block options.Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Press * Hang-up. 6 0 . GTD-5 switch type only: If you are a member of a Hunt group, you must: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press Listen to the voice-recorded instructions for Call Block options. # 6 0 . Call Park functions like Call Pick-Up except that the call is already in progress. You can “park” an established call on your line against your own number, freeing up your line to place or receive another call. The parked call can be retrieved from any other station within the CustoPAK system, including your own. Only one call can be parked against a CustoPAK line at a given time. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. 1 1 and listen for confirmation tone. To retrieve a call you “parked” against your number: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * Begin your conversation. 1 3 and listen for confirmation tone. NOTES: 1.) Blocked calls will not be forwarded on any Call Forwarding arrangement and will not appear on Caller ID displays. 2.) Call Block takes precedence over Series Hunting. 3.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 34 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTES: 1.) If a parked call is not retrieved, the parking station will be recalled when idle. 2.) A station in the “call parked” condition cannot use the Three-Way Calling feature. 3.) Call Waiting will not activate against a number in a “parked” condition. 35Call Park – DirectedCall Trace This feature is an enhancement to Call Park. It performs the same functions as Call Park, but it allows you to park calls against any number in the CustoPAK system except your own. Only one call can be parked against a CustoPAK line at a given time. This feature is not available for GTD-5 and DMS 10 switch types.This protective feature enables you to trace the number of the last threatening or harassing call received, as long as the call originates from within your regional calling area. The calling party’s number will automatically be reported to Verizon, and in some areas you will be charged for each successful trace. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. To park a call against another CustoPAK number: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Press * 1 4 . If you receive a life-threatening or harassing call: Hang up. Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * A voice recording will tell you if the call trace has been completed successfully. To take legal action, record the exact date and time of the call and contact Verizon within 10 days at the number provided by the voice recording. If you forget that number, call the Customer Contact Center for assistance. If the situation is an emergency, call your local law enforcement agency. Dial the Intercom number of the station where you wish to park the call. Hang-up. To retrieve parked calls from any line: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 1 2 . If a call is parked against the line from which you are retrieving it, you will be automatically connected. If you are retrieving the call from a different line, dial the Intercom number of the line that the call is parked against. Begin your conversation. NOTES: 1.) If a parked call is not retrieved, the parking station will be recalled when idle. 2.) The station in the “call parked” condition and the station with Call Park – Directed activated cannot use the Three-Way Calling or Executive Busy Override features. 3.) Call Waiting will not activate against a number in a “parked” condition. 4.) Call Park – Directed cannot be used to answer an Automatic Callback call. 5.) Call Park – Directed cannot be activated against a line with Call Forwarding. 6.) Call Park – Directed cannot be applied to a member of a Hunt group. 7.) Call Park – Directed overrides Series Hunting and Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer. 8.) The Call Park – Directed access code and the station number must be dialed before you know if the call has already been retrieved. 36 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5 7 and follow the voice-recorded instructions. NOTES: 1.) If you successfully trace a call and choose to take further action, you must contact Verizon within 10 days or the call record will no longer be stored in the system. 2.) The records of any Call Trace request will be released only to a law enforcement agency. 3.) In some areas, Call Trace is available on a pay-per-use or subscription basis. 4.) Call Trace cannot trace a call that was forwarded by way of Call Forwarding or Call Forwarding – Busy Line. 5.) If Call Trace is activated after receiving a Call Waiting tone, the waiting call will be traced, whether answered or not. 6.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 37Caller IDCaller ID – Number Only Caller ID, along with compatible display telephones or separate Caller ID display box, lets you view the listed name and number of the incoming call before you pick it up. Use Caller ID to help improve customer service by personalizing your greetings and gathering information pertinent to a call before you answer it. You can also use the service to prioritize and screen calls when you are expecting an important call from a customer or supplier. Caller ID display devices vary in design, available features and the amount of information that may be retained in memory. The service will display information between the first and second rings for most calls, including long distance. However, some calls may be shown as “Out-of-Area” or as “Private Number” and the information will not be displayed. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type.Caller ID – Number Only, along with compatible display telephones or separate Caller ID display box, lets you view the number of the incoming call before you pick it up. Use Caller ID – Number Only to help improve customer service by personalizing your greetings and gathering information pertinent to a call before you answer it. You can also use the service to prioritize and screen calls when you are expecting an important call from a customer or supplier. Caller ID display devices vary in design, available features and the amount of numbers that may be retained in memory. Caller ID will display numbers between the first and second rings for most calls, including long distance. However, some calls may be shown as “Out-of-Area” or as “Private Number” and the number will not be displayed. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. NOTES:NOTES: 1.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 2.) If Call Forwarding or Select Call Forwarding is activated, the call information will not be displayed at the forward-from location, but will be passed to the forward-to number. 3.) With Call Forwarding – Busy Line, the call information will not be passed to the forward-to number. 4.) With Call Waiting, the call information will not be displayed, unless the line has Call Waiting ID and the phone has the appropriate display unit. 5.) Caller ID is not available with Off Premises station lines or Foreign Exchange station lines. 6.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose.1.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 2.) If Call Forwarding or Select Call Forwarding is activated, the calling number will not be displayed at the forward-from location, but will be passed to the forward-to number. 3.) With Call Forwarding – Busy Line, the calling number will not be passed to forward-to number. 4.) With Call Waiting, the calling number will not be displayed, unless the line has Call Waiting ID and the phone has the appropriate display unit. 5.) Caller ID – Number Only is not available with Off Premises station lines or Foreign Exchange station lines. 6.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 38 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 39Enhanced Call ForwardingExecutive Busy Override Using a toll free 800 number, you can forward calls from anywhere in the country to any other number of your choice (pager, cellular phone, work phone or home phone). Enhanced Call Forwarding has been installed with a default destination number that you have chosen, and provides you with the flexibility to override the default number whenever necessary. This feature is not avail- able in the DMS 10 switch type.Executive Busy Override allows you to gain access to a busy line within your CustoPAK system by dialing a code, thus establishing a three-way call. The called number will receive a warning tone prior to the establishment of the three-way conference call. The person to whom the called party is speaking can be either inside or outside of the CustoPAK system. This feature is not available in the GTD-5 switch type. While using Enhanced Call Forwarding, certain buttons always have the same standard function:Upon reaching a busy internal station: Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Press * 4 0 (both parties will hear break-in tone and you can now join the conversation). Press8to jump to the Main Menu.Press9to hear a menu again.Press0to hear help information.Press * to return to the previous menu.NOTES: If you’re entering a string of digits (a phone number or a time) and make a mistake, press * to clear the entry so you can start over again.After entering a string of digits, press # to end the string.1.) If a three-way conference is already in progress on the called number, the feature will not operate. 2.) If the called party presses the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on the telephone set), the overriding party will be disconnected from the three-way call. If any of the three parties hang up, the remaining two parties will still be connected. Calling Enhanced Call Forwarding From a touch-tone telephone: Dial 1-888-483-3230. Enter your 10-digit Enhanced Call Forwarding account number, then press Enter your Verizon-provided temporary PIN, then press # . If this is the first time you’ve used Enhanced Call Forwarding, you’ll be prompted to create your new 6- to 10-digit PIN. Refer to your Enhanced Call Forwarding User Guide for detailed information on how to use this feature. # . Last Number Redial This convenient service enables you to be connected to the last number you dialed. Use Last Number Redial to save time and improve efficiency by reducing dialing time and time spent looking for telephone numbers. This feature is not available for 5ESS and DMS 10 switch types. To be connected to the last number you dialed: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press # 7 7 and wait for the call to connect. NOTE: If you called both numbers when establishing a three-way conference, the second number is the one stored for a Last Number Redial request. 40 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 41Priority CallSelect Call Forwarding Priority Call enables you to program up to 12 numbers—from within your regional calling area—to be identified with a special ring pattern (short-long- short). Use Priority Call to help you know when an important call comes in so you can give superior service to your high-priority callers. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type.Select Call Forwarding lets you program up to 12 numbers — from within your regional calling area— that you wish to have call forwarded. When a number on your Select Call Forwarding list calls you, it will be forwarded to the number you have programmed to receive the call. Calls from all other numbers will be handled in the normal manner. You can program calls to forward to virtually any number— local or long distance — and Select Call Forwarding allows you to change your forward-to number whenever necessary. Use Select Call Forwarding to remain accessible and give top priority to your most important callers. This feature may generate local, regional toll or long distance charges. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. To turn Priority Call on or off: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * Listen to the voice recording for instructions on how to turn Priority Call on or off, and how to change or review your Priority Call list. 6 1 . To update your Priority Call list: Press * 6 1 and follow the voice-recorded instructions. If your list is full, you must erase one number before you can add another. To turn Select Call Forwarding on or off: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * Listen to the voice recording for instructions on how to turn your Select Call Forwarding service on and off and how to change or review your Select Call Forwarding list. NOTES: 1.) The Priority Call special ring will not follow a Call Forwarding or Select Call Forwarding call. 2.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 3.) The Priority Call special ring will not hunt. 4.) This feature will not work on a Hunt group’s pilot number. 6 3 . To update your Select Call Forwarding list: Press * 6 3 and follow the voice-recorded instructions. If your list is full, you must delete one number before you can add another. NOTES: 1.) When Select Call Forwarding is on and a call forwards: - Calls from numbers on your Select Call Forwarding list cannot be answered at the forward-from number, however, they will generate one short ring to remind you that the call is being forwarded. The forward-to number will ring normally. - All calls from numbers not on your Select Call Forwarding list will ring normally and can be answered. - If you also have Call Forwarding and it is turned on, all calls from phone numbers not on your Select Forwarding list will forward to the number you have chosen as the Call Forwarding Select destination. 2.) Blocked calls will not forward. 3.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 4.) Select Call Forwarding overrides all other Call Forwarding arrangements. 42 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 43Voice Mail and CustoPAKAppendix Verizon Voice Mail offers an efficient, businesslike way to capture important messages when you’re away from the office or on the phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you are unable to answer your line, or you are using your line (line busy), up to 3 calls can forward to your mailbox.Intercom Code Charts GTD-5, 5ESS and DMS 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 You can set up your Verizon Voice Mail to enable callers to transfer out of the mailbox to a local telephone number selected by you for live answering. In addition to a Main Greeting, Verizon Voice Mail offers the option of an Alternate Greeting for times when you are away from the office. If you wish to transfer a caller on your line to another CustoPAK line which has Verizon Voice Mail: Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Dial the Intercom number. IF the line is answered, press the switchhook for a three-way call. If you wish to exit, simply hang up and the two parties will remain in conference. IF the line is not answered, you can hang up after the first ring, and the caller will forward to the second station line user’s mailbox greeting. The caller can then leave a recorded message in the second mailbox user’s mailbox. DMS 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Speed Dialing Code Charts GTD-5, DMS 100 and DMS 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 5ESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 CustoPAK Feature Activation/Deactivation Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Feature Availability by Switch Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Your CustoPAK Feature Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 NOTE: Please refer to the Verizon Voice Mail User Guide for information on how to use your mailbox. 44 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 45Intercom Code Charts GTD-5, 5ESS and DMS 100 Intercom Code Chart The following charts are provided for you to list your Intercom codes. Each telephone number has been assigned an intercom code, and depending on your switch type, you must press # either before or after the Intercom code number. These Intercom codes have been programmed by Verizon. Instructions for using the Intercom feature are found below and also on page 14 of this guide. To make an Intercom call: Pick up the handset and listen for dial tone. Press the Intercom code 2 Press the Intercom code # 0 2 #–49 –#7(DMS 10). # (GTD-5, 5ESS and DMS 100). 46 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Name Code Telephone Number 20# 21# 22# 23# 24# 25# 26# 27# 28# 29# 30# 31# 32# 33# 34# 35# 36# 37# 38# 39# 40# 41# 42# 43# 44# 45# 46# 47# 48# 49# 47Speed Dialing Code Charts DMS 10 Intercom Code Chart Name Code Telephone Number #2 #3 #4 #5 The following charts are provided for you to list your Speed Dialing codes. The length of your individual Speed Dialing list is determined by your switch type. Your switch type can be found on the front cover of this guide. Be sure to use the Speed Dialing list that corresponds to your switch type. The instructions for setting up a list and making calls using Speed Dialing can be found below and also on page 30 of this guide. To establish or change your Speed Dialing list: #6 #7 Lift the receiver and listen for dial tone. Press * Press # 7 4 and listen for dial tone. 1 .(GTD-5 only, skip this step in all other switches). Press the Speed Dialing 1-digit code number to be programmed (see pages 50-51). Dial the telephone number to be assigned to the code. Listen for confirmation tone. Hang up. Repeat steps for each Speed Dialing code number to be programmed. To make a call using Speed Dialing: 48 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Lift the receiver and listen for dial tone. Press # 1 .(all switches) and then dial the Speed Dialing code number (see pages 50-51). You will hear the called number ringing. Wait for party to answer. 49GTD-5, DMS 100 and DMS 10 Speed Dialing List Name Code Telephone Number 5ESS Speed Dialing List Name Code 22 33 44 55 66 77 Telephone Number 8 9 50 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 51CustoPAK® Feature Activation/Deactivation Codes FeatureActivation Code *69 Automatic Callback Busy Redial Call Block Call Forwarding Call Hold Call Park Call Park – Directed Call Pick-Up – Group Call Trace Cancel Call Waiting Dial Call Waiting Executive Busy Override*69 *52 *66 *60 *72 *01 *11 *14 *17 *57 *70 *54 *40 20# - 49# for 5ESS, IntercomGTD-5 and DMS 100. #2 - #7 for DMS 10. #77 61 63 74, then #1 (GTD-5 only) to program. 2 - 9 to use feature for all switches, except the 5ESS. 2 - 7 to use feature for the 5ESS. Last Number Redial Priority Call Select Call Forwarding * Speed Dialing * * Deactivation or Retrieval Code 89 #52 86 * * *73 *01 *13 *12 Feature Availability by Switch Type Feature GTD-5 Basic Features Assume Dial “9” Call Hold Call Transfer Consultation Hold Direct Inward/Outward Dialing (DID/DOD) Distinctive Ringing (Inside/Outside Ringing) Intercom Dialing Three-Way Calling Touch-Tone Selectable Features Automatic Callback Call Forwarding Call Forwarding – Busy Line Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer Call Pick-Up – Group Call Restriction Options Call Waiting Cancel Call Waiting Dial Call Waiting Hunting Speed Dialing Optional Features: 69 Busy Redial Call Block ( 60) Call Park Call Park – Directed Call Trace Caller ID services Enhanced Call Forwarding Executive Busy Override Last Number Redial Priority Call Select Call Forwarding Voice Mail * * 52 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(30) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(8) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Switch Type 5ESS DMS 100 DMS 10 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(30) ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(30) ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(6) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(6)✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(8)✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(8) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 53Your CustoPAK® Feature Selections Feature Telephone Numbers Basic Features Assume Dial “9” Call Hold Call Transfer Consultation Hold Direct Inward/Outward Dialing (DID/DOD) Distinctive Ringing (Inside/Outside Ringing) Intercom Dialing Three-Way Calling Touch-Tone Selectable Features Automatic Callback Call Forwarding Call Forwarding – Busy Line Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer Call Pick-Up – Group Call Restriction Options Call Waiting Cancel Call Waiting Dial Call Waiting Hunting Speed Calling Optional Features: 69 Busy Redial Call Block ( 60) Call Park Call Park – Directed Call Trace Caller ID services Enhanced Call Forwarding Executive Busy Override Last Number Redial Priority Call Select Call Forwarding Voice Mail * * 54 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 55Notes __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 56 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
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Provide your response in a professional and formal tone. Use the information given in the document without referring to external sources or requiring additional context. Avoid using technical jargon or acronyms that are not explained within the document. What are all of the different landline features available on the 5ESS Class 5 electronic switching system? CentraNet CustoPAK ® ® USER GUI DE Telephone Number Verizon Telephone Number Switch Type: GTD-5 5ESS DMS 100 DMS 10 © 2002 Verizon Communications www.verizon.com/smallbiz Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3056-0402Thank You for Selecting Verizon CentraNet ® CustoPAK® Service. 1 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engineTable of Contents Introduction to This Guide.............................................................................. 4 Overview of Your CustoPAK System ............................................................... 6 Terms You Should Know................................................................................ 8 CustoPAK Basic Features ✓ Assume Dial “9” .................................................................................. 9 ❑ ✓ ❑ Call Hold ............................................................................................. 10 ✓ Call Transfer ........................................................................................ 11 ❑ ✓ Consultation Hold ................................................................................ 12 ❑ ✓ Direct Inward/Outward Dialing (DID/DOD).............................................. 13 ❑ ✓ Distinctive Ringing (Inside/Outside Ringing) ......................................... 13 ❑ ✓ Intercom ............................................................................................. 14 ❑ ✓ Three-Way Calling ............................................................................... 15 ❑ ✓ Touch-Tone ......................................................................................... 16 ❑ CustoPAK Selectable Features ❑ Automatic Callback .............................................................................. 18 ❑ Call Forwarding Options ....................................................................... 19 ❑ Call Forwarding ................................................................................... 20 ❑ Call Forwarding – Busy Line................................................................. 22 ❑ Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer ........................................................... 23 ❑ Call Pick-Up – Group ........................................................................... 24 ❑ Call Restriction Options ........................................................................ 25 ❑ Call Waiting ....................................................................................... 26 ❑ Cancel Call Waiting (Tone Block) ......................................................... 27 ❑ Dial Call Waiting (for Intercom dialing)................................................... 28 ❑ Hunting ............................................................................................. 29 ❑ Speed Dialing .................................................................................... 30 2 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CustoPAK Optional Features ❑ 69 .................................................................................................. 32 ❑ Busy Redial ....................................................................................... 33 ❑ Call Block ( 60)................................................................................. 34 ❑ Call Park ........................................................................................... 35 ❑ Call Park – Directed .......................................................................... 36 ❑ Call Trace .......................................................................................... 37 ❑ Caller ID ........................................................................................... 38 ❑ Caller ID – Number Only .................................................................... 39 ❑ Enhanced Call Forwarding .................................................................. 40 ❑ Executive Busy Override ..................................................................... 41 ❑ Last Number Redial ........................................................................... 41 ❑ Priority Call........................................................................................ 42 ❑ Select Call Forwarding ....................................................................... 43 Voice Mail and CustoPAK ............................................................................ 44 * * Appendix.................................................................................................... 45 Intercom Code Charts............................................................................. 46 Speed Dialing Code Charts ..................................................................... 49 CustoPAK Feature Activation/Deactivation Codes ...................................... 52 Feature Availability by Switch Type .......................................................... 53 Your CustoPAK Feature Selections........................................................... 54 Please be sure to read the Introduction and Overview sections of this guide prior to operating your new CustoPAK system. 3Introduction to This Guide This guide is intended to provide you with information to help you learn to operate the features within your new CustoPAK system and get the most out of its many benefits. Before you begin using your new CustoPAK system, it is important to know your switch type, or the type of equipment in the Verizon central office that handles your telephone service. Your switch type is shown on the front cover of this guide and may affect which features are available with your CustoPAK system. Basic Features are automatically activated for each of your lines when you purchase your CustoPAK system.Upon installation of your system, your Verizon representative will assist you in filling out your Feature Grid (see Appendix). Once complete, this grid indicates which features you have selected for each of your CustoPAK lines. The Appendix section also contains your Intercom and Speed Calling code charts. You may wish to make copies of these handy tools and distribute them to other users in your CustoPAK system for easy reference. Selectable Features are available for each of your CustoPAK lines at no additional monthly charge, but must be installed to be used.1The Overview section which follows this Introduction will begin to acquaint you with your new CustoPAK system and the many benefits it provides. Optional Features are available at an additional charge per line and must also be installed to be used.1We are delighted that you have chosen Verizon. We hope this guide makes the transition to your new CustoPAK system as smooth as possible. The Features section of this guide describes the three types of features which are available to choose from: You may select as many or as few of the Selectable and Optional features as you like for each of your CustoPAK lines, and may change them at any time. Should you need assistance selecting additional features or changing features, your Verizon representative is available to guide you. All features available with CustoPAK are included in this guide regardless of whether you have selected them for your system. 1 To install these features, contact your Verizon representative. Installation charges may apply. 4 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine For Customer Services, call 1-800 -483-5000 In Hawaii, call 643-4411 5Overview of Your CustoPAK System Your CustoPAK system is a central office-based service, meaning all equipment required to operate the system is in the Verizon central office. That also means you have purchased a reliable, worry-free telephone system, as our central offices are monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your CustoPAK system can grow as your business grows. It has the capacity to handle up to 30 telephone lines, and offers a flexible package of features designed specifically with the small business customer in mind. You can select which features you want for each of your CustoPAK lines based on your business and communications needs. You may add or change features at any time by contacting your Verizon representative (additional charges may apply). CustoPAK can be customized to perform as a complete telephone system working on standard single-line telephones or as feature-rich access lines enhancing your existing telephone system. When used with existing telephone systems, features like Call Transfer, Three-Way Calling and Consultation Hold give you the functionality of a built-in second line. When using these features, other lines remain free for incoming or outgoing calls. And, Call Forwarding and Call Transfer allow you to easily transfer your calls to another location outside your system without additional equipment. Most of the features are activated by the use of codes. You’ll find all of the information required to activate the CustoPAK features listed in the Features section of this guide. Your CustoPAK system comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee (except California). We are confident that this system is the right solution for your business needs. However, with this guarantee you are entitled to a full credit of the CustoPAK charges and a change back to your previous Verizon service if you are not satisfied and notify us within 30 calendar days. Repair The Repair Center handles service problems and out-of-service conditions on your telephone lines and/or features, and the wiring to your location. It does not handle and cannot fix your telephone equipment. For problems with the wiring inside your business, you may repair it yourself, hire a contractor or an electrician, or call Verizon. Verizon does this type of repair for a fee based on the amount of time and the cost of the materials required to correct the problem. For information on these services, contact your Verizon representative. The Verizon repair number is 1-800-483-2000. The Repair Center is open 24 hours a day, including holidays. Help Desk The CentraNet/Voice Mail Help Desk was established to answer your questions about the operation of your CentraNet CustoPAK and Voice Mail services. Our Help Desk will explain how the services and features operate, e.g., How do I transfer a call? How do I reset my Passcode? If you have questions about your CentraNet CustoPAK service, please call the Help Desk at 1-800 - 483 -2000. The Help Desk is available Monday-Friday between the hours of 5 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday between the hours of 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. Pacific Time. The Help Desk is closed on Sunday. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Verizon is in the process of updating all our central office switches to provide access to Per Call Blocking. This feature allows you to prevent the appearance of your phone number on Caller ID display units on a per call basis. Press * 6 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 6 7 before placing an outgoing call to activate this feature. 7Terms You Should KnowCustoPAK Basic Features Confirmation Tone Three short bursts of tone heard when using some CustoPAK features. The confirmation tone lets you know you have completed the activation or deactivation of the features.The features listed in this section are automatically included on each of your CustoPAK lines. These basic features are the backbone of your new CustoPAK system. Three of these features, Consultation Hold, Call Transfer and Three-Way Calling provide you with the functionality of a built-in second line. Regional Calling Area The area within which Verizon can provide local and regional toll calling services. Switch Type This term identifies the types of equipment in Verizon’s central office that handles your telephone service. Your switch type is shown on the front cover of this guide. It is very important to be aware of your switch type, as it may affect which features are available with your CustoPAK system. Assume Dial “9” This convenient feature allows you to place calls outside of the CustoPAK system without having to dial the access code “9”. NOTE: Verizon has automatically activated this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. Switchhook The buttons or bar generally located under the receiver on a standard desk telephone or electronic set. The switchhook initiates dial tone and is used to operate some of the CustoPAK features. Tap Flash Recall Link These terms refer to preprogrammed buttons on some telephones, that when used replace the switchhook. If your telephone is equipped with one of these buttons, always use it instead of the switchhook to operate the CustoPAK features. 8 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9Call HoldNOTES: Call Hold allows you to place an established call on hold for an extended period of time—provided neither you nor the other person hangs up—freeing up the line to place or receive another call. Use Call Hold to help improve response time while reducing equipment costs and callbacks.1.) Only one call can be placed on hold at a time per telephone line. 2.) A holding call cannot be added to another call. 3.) Call Hold overrides Dial Call Waiting and Call Waiting. When you put a call on hold to use the line to make or receive a second call, a third incoming call will receive a busy signal. To place an established call on hold: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Call Transfer Listen for dial tone.Press *You will hear confirmation tone, followed by dial tone.This valuable feature enables you to transfer an incoming call to any other number either inside or outside of your CustoPAK system. You can privately speak with the called party to announce the call prior to completing the transfer. Use Call Transfer as an efficient way to process misdirected calls and reduce message-taking and call handling time. The call is on hold. Place the handset beside the telephone—do not hang up!To transfer an incoming call: 0 1 . To place another call, while the first caller is on hold:Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for dial tone. To transfer to an internal CustoPAK line, dial the intercom code assigned to the internal line. To transfer to an outside line dial the number to which you wish to transfer the call. Privately announce the transfer to the recipient. Hang up. Key in destination phone number of the third party. Wait for the party to answer. If you encounter a busy signal, no answer or if an error is made in dialing, press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set) twice to connect to the original party. When party answers you may consult privately. To return to a call that is on hold: Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for confirmation tone. Press * 0 1 (you may now talk to the person that was on hold). -OR- Hang up (your phone will ring). Lift the handset (you may now talk to the party that was on hold). 10 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine -OR- Hang up (the call is automatically transferred). NOTES: 1.) If you receive a busy signal, no answer or if an error is made in dialing, press the switchhook twice to reconnect to the original call. 2.) You cannot transfer a call while on a Three-Way or Call Waiting call. 3.) A call placed from a CustoPAK line to a number outside the system cannot be transferred to another number outside the system. 4.) Call Transfer may generate local, regional toll or long distance charges. 11Consultation HoldDirect Inward/Outward Dialing (DID/DOD) Consultation Hold provides a temporary or “soft” hold without having to dial an activation code. This allows you to place another call for private consultation or to initiate a three-way call. Use Consultation Hold to quickly verify customer inquiries and reduce costly and time-consuming callbacks.Direct Inward Dialing allows you to receive incoming calls directly at your station. This can help enhance customer service by allowing incoming callers to quickly reach you without the delay of a call transfer. Direct Outward Dialing improves efficiency by enabling you to place calls to locations outside the system without first dialing an access code or going through a central attendant. To place a call on hold: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for dial tone. Dial the third party (if you encounter a busy signal, no answer or if an error is made in dialing, press the switchhook twice to reconnect to the original call). When the third party answers, you may consult privately before reconnecting to the original call. To return to the original caller: Allow the third party to hang up. Press the switchhook twice (if the switchhook is only pressed once, a three-way call will be established). NOTES: 1.) Consultation Hold overrides Dial Call Waiting and Call Waiting. When you put a call on hold to use the line to place a second call, a third incoming call will receive a busy signal. 2.) Call Forwarding cannot be activated while a call is on Consultation Hold. 12 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTE: Verizon has automatically activated this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. Distinctive Ringing (Inside/Outside Ringing) CustoPAK Distinctive Ringing provides you with the ability to distinguish between internal and external incoming calls, allowing you to greet customers and callers from outside of your system more professionally. Internal calls—calls placed by someone within the CustoPAK system using the Intercom feature—will ring with a single ring. External calls—calls made from outside of the CustoPAK system— are identified by a double ring. This feature is not available in the GTD-5 switch. NOTES: 1.) Many telephone sets have their own distinctive ringing patterns that are not associated with CustoPAK Distinctive Ringing. 2.) Priority Call and Distinctive Ringing cannot be on the same CustoPAK line, since they share the same ring patterns. 3.) On forwarded calls, the ring pattern will be based on the original line, not the forwarding line. 4.) On transferred calls, the ring pattern will be based on the transferring line, not the original line. 5.) Verizon has automatically activated this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 13IntercomThree-Way Calling The Intercom feature allows you to speak to, or transfer a call to, any other person within your CustoPAK system—without incurring local usage charges. Simply dial the two-digit code that was assigned to the line. See the Appendix on page 45 of this guide to locate the Intercom Code Chart for your switch type. The intercom codes are pre-assigned and programmed by Verizon.Three-Way Calling enables you to add a third party from either inside or outside of your CustoPAK system to any established call to create a three-way conference arrangement. This maximizes line efficiency and reduces costly and time-consuming callbacks by allowing you to obtain answers to urgent inquiries from two separate sources in a single call — reducing the costs and lost productivity of multiple telephone calls. To use the Intercom feature: Pick up the handset and listen for dial tone. Dial the intercom code: 20#– 49 #2–#for DMS 10 switch types. 7 # for 5ESS, GTD-5 and DMS 100 switch types. NOTE: For the Intercom feature to function properly, individual telephone numbers must be assigned to a Multi-Line Hunt group. While engaged in a two-way conversation: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for dial tone. Dial the number of the party you wish to add to the call (if you encounter a busy signal, no answer or an error is made in dialing, press the switchhook twice or hang up to reconnect to the original call). Announce that you are setting up a conference call. Press the switchhook again (the three-way conference is established). NOTES: 1.) You may use Three-Way Calling to add another person no matter who placed the original call. However, if you placed both calls and they are outside of your CustoPAK system, when you hang up the other two people will automatically disconnect. 2.) Three-Way Calling may generate local, regional toll or long distance charges. If you hang up, you will be billed the appropriate charges for the portion of the call for which you are responsible. 3.) You cannot establish a three-way call using the Automatic Callback feature. 4.) A three-way conference cannot be made between an established call and a Call Waiting call. 14 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 15Touch-Tone Touch-Tone provides the ability to push-button dial on tone-signaling telephones to access CustoPAK features and dial telephone numbers. Rotary dial telephones are not compatible with CustoPAK service. NOTE: Verizon has automatically activated this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 16 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CustoPAK Selectable Features The features listed in this section are available for each of your CustoPAK lines at no additional monthly charge. You may select as many or as few of these features as you like, giving you the flexibility to customize each individual CustoPAK line in the manner which best suits your business. As you read through this sec- tion, be aware of your switch type (found on the front cover of this guide), since some features are not available for certain switch types. To add or change features at any time after your initial installation, contact your Verizon representative. 17Automatic CallbackCall Forwarding Options When you encounter a busy line within your CustoPAK system, a code can be dialed which will connect you when both lines are idle. The request will remain active for 30 minutes unless canceled. Use Automatic Callback to increase productivity by eliminating “telephone tag”, manual callbacks and unnecessary dialing. This feature only works within the CustoPAK system, and the system can only accommodate one request at a time per line. This feature is not available in the GTD-5 switch type.Your CustoPAK system can be equipped with one or all of its five Call Forwarding options. You may select or combine these features to meet your business needs. The Call Forwarding options and their descriptions can be found by referring to the list below: Option Section Page Call Forwarding ..................................... Selectable Features .................................. 20 To activate Automatic Callback once you’ve reached a busy line within your CustoPAK system:Call Forwarding – Busy Line ................. Selectable Features .................................. 22 Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set).Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer............ Selectable Features .................................. 23 Listen for dial tone.Press *Listen for confirmation tone.Hang up (when the called line is idle, your line will ring with a distinctive ring). 5 Enhanced Call Forwarding1 .................... Optional Features ..................................... 40 Select Call Forwarding1.......................... Optional Features ..................................... 43 2 . To cancel an Automatic Callback request: Lift handset and press Listen for confirmation tone. Hang up. # 5 2 . NOTES: 1.) If an Automatic Callback is not answered by the originating station, the request will be canceled. 2.) Automatic Callback can only be active on one station at a time. 3.) An Automatic Callback request can only be activated if the called number is in a busy condition and within the CustoPAK group. 1 18 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Additional charges apply. 19Call ForwardingNOTES: This Call Forwarding option allows you to have all incoming calls forwarded to a pre-determined telephone number either inside or outside the CustoPAK system. Call Forwarding provides you with the flexibility to choose your own forward-to number, to change it as often as you like and to turn the feature on or off as needed. When activated, it overrides Call Forwarding – Busy Line/ Don’t Answer and gives you the mobility you need to be productive outside the office and after hours.1.) Calls forwarded outside the system are subject to local, regional toll or long distance charges, as applicable. 2.) To confirm that Call Forwarding is on, press * 7 2 and if the feature is on you will hear a fast busy tone. If it is off you’ll hear normal dial tone. 3.) You can place calls when Call Forwarding is on, however, you cannot answer incoming calls. You will hear one short ring each time a call forwards to remind you that the service is on. 4.) Call Forwarding overrides Call Waiting, Dial Call Waiting, Hunting arrange- ments and Call Forwarding – Busy Line/Don’t Answer. 5.) Voice Mail service will not work when Call Forwarding is on, unless you have activated forwarding to the Voice Mail service access number. 6.) A line with Call Forwarding activated cannot have an Automatic Callback request initiated against it. To turn Call Forwarding on: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * At the tone, dial the telephone number you want your calls forwarded to. When the call is answered, the feature has been activated. If the call is not answered, hang up and repeat the above steps within two minutes. The feature is activated when you hear the confirmation tone. 7 2 . To turn Call Forwarding off: Press * 7 3 (two short tones indicate that the service has been turned off). 20 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 21Call Forwarding – Busy LineCall Forwarding – Don’t Answer This feature automatically routes incoming calls to a pre-determined number (either inside or outside of your CustoPAK system) when your line is busy. Use Call Forwarding – Busy Line to improve customer service by forwarding calls to alternate answering points, ensuring that all incoming calls are covered. This feature can be separate on the line or can be combined with Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer. The forward-to number must be programmed by Verizon.This feature automatically routes incoming calls to a telephone number (either inside or outside of your CustoPAK system, or to Voice Messaging) when your line is unanswered after a pre-determined number of rings (4-ring maximum). Use Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer to improve customer service by forwarding calls to alternate answering points, ensuring that no opportunities are lost due to an unanswered call. This feature can be separate on the line or can be combined with Call Forwarding – Busy Line. The forward-to number must be programmed by Verizon. NOTES: 1.) Calls forwarded outside the system are subject to local, regional toll or long distance charges, as applicable. 2.) Call Forwarding – Busy Line overrides Dial Call Waiting (see page 29). Therefore, if you place a call to a number with Call Forwarding – Busy Line, the call is forwarded and the Dial Call Waiting treatment is not given during a busy condition. 3.) Call Forwarding overrides Call Forwarding – Busy Line. 4.) For Multi-Line Hunt groups, Call Forwarding – Busy Line can only be assigned on a group basis and will apply to every line in the group. 5.) Call Forwarding – Busy Line can only be assigned to the last member of a Series Hunt group. 6.) If you have Voice Messaging, it is not necessary to subscribe to this feature. 7.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 22 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTES: 1.) Calls forwarded outside the system are subject to local, regional toll or long distance charges, as applicable. 2.) Call Forwarding overrides Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer. 3.) Call Waiting and Dial Call Waiting override Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer. 4.) For Multi-Line Hunt groups, Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer can only be assigned on a group basis and will apply to every line in the group. 5.) If the forward-to number is busy, the call will not forward. The line will continue to ring, or you may get a busy signal, depending upon the location of the forward-to number. 6.) If you have Voice Messaging, it is not necessary to subscribe to this feature. 7.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 23Call Pick-Up – GroupCall Restriction Options Call Pick-Up – Group enables you to answer (pick-up) calls directed to any other line within your Call Pick-Up group by dialing a code. If more than one person tries to pick-up the call, the first user will receive the call, and the others will receive a busy signal as confirmation that the call was answered. Use Call Pick-Up – Group to provide maximum call coverage and ensure against missed calls.This feature enables you to select and control the incoming and outgoing calling capabilities of each of your CustoPAK lines. Each line can only be equipped with one Call Restriction option, which has been programmed by Verizon. To use Call Pick-Up – Group: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 1 7 NOTE: Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. If you want to add or update Call Restriction options, please contact your Verizon representative. (the incoming call is connected to your station). To use Call Pick-Up – Group when you are already on the phone: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for dial tone. Press * 0 1 to put the first call on hold. Press * 1 7 (the incoming call is connected to your station). NOTES: 1.) You cannot use Call Pick-Up – Group to connect to an Automatic Callback call. 2.) If more than one line in your Call Pick-Up group is ringing, you cannot select which line to answer. The system will automatically direct the pick-up to the call that came in first. 3.) All lines in a Multi-Line Hunt group must be in the same Call Pick-Up group. 24 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 25Call Waiting This valuable feature provides an audible tone while you are on the line that alerts you of another incoming call. You then have the option to either place the present call on hold to answer the incoming call or to disregard it. The calling party will receive ringing tone instead of a busy tone. Use Call Waiting to maximize line efficiency and improve customer service by ensuring prompt responses to urgent inquiries. Cancel Call Waiting (Tone Block) When you don’t want to be disturbed or interrupted during an important call, you can temporarily deactivate Call Waiting. You can activate Cancel Call Waiting before you place a call or at any point during the conversation. Cancel Call Waiting works only for the length of one call. When you hang up, Call Waiting returns automatically to your phone. To cancel the Call Waiting tone before placing a call: After hearing the Call Waiting tone: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Either end your first call or tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold.Press * Press and release the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set) to put the first person on hold and answer the second call in the GTD-5 switch.Listen for confirmation tone, followed by normal dial tone. Dial the telephone number. 7 0 . To cancel the Call Waiting tone during a call: Press and release the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set), listen for the flash tone, then dial * 0 1 to put the first person on hold and answer the second call in the DMS 100, DMS 10 and 5ESS switches (may also be required for GTD-5 switch).Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Press * To return to the first call and put the second call on hold, repeat bullet two or three (depending on switch type). You can alternate between calls as often as desired by repeating bullets two or three (depending on switch type).NOTE: In some areas you can only activate Cancel Call Waiting before placing a call. 7 0 (you will reconnect automatically to your call). NOTES: 1.) Call Waiting allows you to have two calls on your line at the same time (one on hold and one to whom you are talking). A third caller will hear a busy signal. 2.) Call Waiting cannot be assigned to lines in a Multi-Line Hunt group. 3.) Call Waiting overrides Call Forwarding – Busy Line/Don’t Answer. 4.) Call Forwarding overrides Dial Call Waiting. 5.) Series Hunting overrides Call Waiting, which should be assigned to the last number of a Series Hunt group. 6.) A three-way conference cannot be made between an established call and a Call Waiting call. 7.) If Call Waiting and Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer are active on the same line and you choose to ignore the Call Waiting tone, the call will forward to your Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer number. 26 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 27Dial Call Waiting (for Intercom dialing)Hunting This feature allows you to send a Call Waiting tone to another line within your CustoPAK system when that line is busy, letting the called party know that some- one is trying to reach them. The called party then has the option to answer or ignore the Call Waiting tone. Use Dial Call Waiting to help ensure the timely and efficient flow of information within your business. This feature is not available for GTD-5 switch types.Hunting allows your business to reduce busy signals and increase accessibility by expanding call coverage. A Hunting arrangement begins with a call to a lead, or pilot number and searches for an idle line beginning with the first number of a pre-assigned Hunt group and ending with the last number in the group. Upon dialing an internal station number and hearing a busy tone: Hang up. Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * Dial the number of the busy station (the called party hears a Call Waiting tone). Remain off-hook until the called party answers. 5 4 and listen for confirmation tone. NOTES: NOTES: 1.) When a Multi-Line Hunt group is assigned to a CustoPAK customer, individual telephone numbers must be assigned in order for the Intercom feature to work. 2.) Call Waiting cannot be assigned to lines in a Hunt group. 3.) Automatic Callback cannot be activated against lines in a Hunt group. 4.) Call Forwarding and Call Forwarding – Busy Line/Don’t Answer can only be assigned to a Multi-Line Hunt group on a group basis. 5.) All lines in a Multi-Line Hunt group must be in the same Call Pick-Up group. 6.) Caller ID will work in a Hunt group, however, the feature must be assigned to every line in the Hunt group. 7.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 1.) Dial Call Waiting only works within your CustoPAK system. 2.) Dial Call Waiting cannot be assigned to lines in a Multi-Line Hunt group. 3.) Dial Call Waiting overrides Call Forwarding – Busy Line/Don’t Answer. 4.) Call Forwarding overrides Dial Call Waiting. 5.) If Call Waiting and Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer are active on the same line and the called party chooses to ignore the Dial Call Waiting tone, the call will forward to the called party’s Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer number. 6 .) Series Hunting overrides Dial Call Waiting, which should be assigned to the last number of a Series Hunt group. 28 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 29Speed Dialing Speed Dialing allows you to call frequently dialed numbers by using an abbreviated code, reducing dialing time and time spent searching for telephone numbers. Speed Dialing gives you the flexibility to create and edit your own Speed Dialing list. The Speed Dialing short list consists of 8 numbers unless you have a 5ESS switch type, which provides a 6-number Speed Dialing list. CustoPAK Optional Features The following features are available for each of your CustoPAK lines at an additional monthly charge per line. As you read through this section, be aware of your switch type (found on the front cover of this guide), since some of these Optional features are not available for certain switch types. To add or change any of these features after your initial installation, contact your Verizon representative. To establish/add or change a number on your Speed Dialing list: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 7 4 Press 1 (GTD-5 only, skip this step in all other switches). Press the Speed Dialing code numbers to be programmed (2-9 for all switches except 5ESS, press 2-7 for 5ESS). Dial the telephone number to be assigned to the code, along with any required access codes, ( i.e., long distance carrier access code) up to 28 digits. Listen for confirmation tone. Hang up. Repeat steps for each code number to be programmed. # and listen for confirmation tone. To place a Speed Call from the short list: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press # 1 (all switches) and then dial the Speed Dialing code number (2-9 or 2-7 depending on what switch type you have). See page 50 for Speed Dialing code charts. Wait for party to answer. NOTES: 1.) OPTIONAL: After you press # 1 and the code number, press # again for a quicker connection. 2.) Service codes such as 911, cannot be programmed. 3.) Fully restricted lines cannot have Speed Dialing. 4.) Customers may experience a 2- to 3-second timing delay when activating Speed Dialing codes that match other feature activation codes. 30 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 31* 69Busy Redial This convenient feature automatically stores and allows you to redial the number of the last person who called you. *69 only works on calls made from numbers within your regional calling area and can be used whether you answered the last call or not. If you return the call and the number is busy, *69 will monitor the busy line and attempt to connect your call for up to 30 minutes, unless canceled. In most cases, your phone will ring with a series of short-short-long rings when the number you called is no longer busy. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type.After reaching a busy line within your regional calling area, this convenient service allows you to dial a code that will automatically connect you when both lines are idle. Once activated, Busy Redial will monitor the busy line and attempt to connect your call for up to 30 minutes, unless canceled. You will be alerted with a special ring when the call is returned. You can use Busy Redial to help reduce multiple callbacks, dialing time and lost productivity. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. After dialing a busy number: To activate * 69: Hang up. Lift the handset and listen for dial tone.Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press *Press * 6 6 . You will hear two normal ringing tones or an announce- ment. If the called number is still busy, a voice recording will tell you that your call is next in line. Hang up. When the number you called is no longer busy, your telephone will ring with a series of short-short-long rings (ringing tones may vary). Lift the handset. You will hear normal ringing tone. 6 9 (a voice recording may provide additional instructions). To deactivate * 69: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 8 9 . NOTES: 1.) If you hear the Call Waiting tone while you are on the line, you have two choices: you can use *69 to call back later, or you can use Call Waiting during the call. 2.) A *69 callback will not activate a Call Waiting tone; the line must be idle. 3.) *69 and Automatic Callback cannot be on the same line. 4.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 5.) *69 ring patterns may duplicate those of Distinctive Ringing. 6.) *69 will not work when activated against a line with Call Forwarding. 32 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To deactivate Busy Redial: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 8 6 . NOTES: 1.) The number you called will not ring until you pick up your telephone. 2.) Occasionally, the person you are calling uses the phone before Busy Redial can complete your call. If this happens, a voice recording will tell you to hang up and reactivate Busy Redial. 3.) You can use Busy Redial to return calls to more than one busy number at a time. 4.) When your phone rings with a short-short-long ring, you need to answer by the third series of rings or Busy Redial will pause and try to complete your call 5 minutes later. 5.) Busy Redial and Automatic Callback cannot be on the same line. 6.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 7.) Busy Redial will not activate a Call Waiting tone. 33Call Block (*60) Call Block provides you with the capability to block up to 12 external telephone numbers (within your regional calling area) from calling your number, preventing unwanted and nuisance calls. Once activated, any calls from these 12 numbers will be routed to an intercept message. For your protection, calls from outside of your regional calling area and operator-handled calls cannot be blocked. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type.Call Park To access the Call Block feature:To “park” a call against your number: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone.Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press *Listen to the voice-recorded instructions for Call Block options.Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Press * Hang-up. 6 0 . GTD-5 switch type only: If you are a member of a Hunt group, you must: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press Listen to the voice-recorded instructions for Call Block options. # 6 0 . Call Park functions like Call Pick-Up except that the call is already in progress. You can “park” an established call on your line against your own number, freeing up your line to place or receive another call. The parked call can be retrieved from any other station within the CustoPAK system, including your own. Only one call can be parked against a CustoPAK line at a given time. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. 1 1 and listen for confirmation tone. To retrieve a call you “parked” against your number: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * Begin your conversation. 1 3 and listen for confirmation tone. NOTES: 1.) Blocked calls will not be forwarded on any Call Forwarding arrangement and will not appear on Caller ID displays. 2.) Call Block takes precedence over Series Hunting. 3.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 34 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTES: 1.) If a parked call is not retrieved, the parking station will be recalled when idle. 2.) A station in the “call parked” condition cannot use the Three-Way Calling feature. 3.) Call Waiting will not activate against a number in a “parked” condition. 35Call Park – DirectedCall Trace This feature is an enhancement to Call Park. It performs the same functions as Call Park, but it allows you to park calls against any number in the CustoPAK system except your own. Only one call can be parked against a CustoPAK line at a given time. This feature is not available for GTD-5 and DMS 10 switch types.This protective feature enables you to trace the number of the last threatening or harassing call received, as long as the call originates from within your regional calling area. The calling party’s number will automatically be reported to Verizon, and in some areas you will be charged for each successful trace. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. To park a call against another CustoPAK number: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Press * 1 4 . If you receive a life-threatening or harassing call: Hang up. Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * A voice recording will tell you if the call trace has been completed successfully. To take legal action, record the exact date and time of the call and contact Verizon within 10 days at the number provided by the voice recording. If you forget that number, call the Customer Contact Center for assistance. If the situation is an emergency, call your local law enforcement agency. Dial the Intercom number of the station where you wish to park the call. Hang-up. To retrieve parked calls from any line: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 1 2 . If a call is parked against the line from which you are retrieving it, you will be automatically connected. If you are retrieving the call from a different line, dial the Intercom number of the line that the call is parked against. Begin your conversation. NOTES: 1.) If a parked call is not retrieved, the parking station will be recalled when idle. 2.) The station in the “call parked” condition and the station with Call Park – Directed activated cannot use the Three-Way Calling or Executive Busy Override features. 3.) Call Waiting will not activate against a number in a “parked” condition. 4.) Call Park – Directed cannot be used to answer an Automatic Callback call. 5.) Call Park – Directed cannot be activated against a line with Call Forwarding. 6.) Call Park – Directed cannot be applied to a member of a Hunt group. 7.) Call Park – Directed overrides Series Hunting and Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer. 8.) The Call Park – Directed access code and the station number must be dialed before you know if the call has already been retrieved. 36 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5 7 and follow the voice-recorded instructions. NOTES: 1.) If you successfully trace a call and choose to take further action, you must contact Verizon within 10 days or the call record will no longer be stored in the system. 2.) The records of any Call Trace request will be released only to a law enforcement agency. 3.) In some areas, Call Trace is available on a pay-per-use or subscription basis. 4.) Call Trace cannot trace a call that was forwarded by way of Call Forwarding or Call Forwarding – Busy Line. 5.) If Call Trace is activated after receiving a Call Waiting tone, the waiting call will be traced, whether answered or not. 6.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 37Caller IDCaller ID – Number Only Caller ID, along with compatible display telephones or separate Caller ID display box, lets you view the listed name and number of the incoming call before you pick it up. Use Caller ID to help improve customer service by personalizing your greetings and gathering information pertinent to a call before you answer it. You can also use the service to prioritize and screen calls when you are expecting an important call from a customer or supplier. Caller ID display devices vary in design, available features and the amount of information that may be retained in memory. The service will display information between the first and second rings for most calls, including long distance. However, some calls may be shown as “Out-of-Area” or as “Private Number” and the information will not be displayed. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type.Caller ID – Number Only, along with compatible display telephones or separate Caller ID display box, lets you view the number of the incoming call before you pick it up. Use Caller ID – Number Only to help improve customer service by personalizing your greetings and gathering information pertinent to a call before you answer it. You can also use the service to prioritize and screen calls when you are expecting an important call from a customer or supplier. Caller ID display devices vary in design, available features and the amount of numbers that may be retained in memory. Caller ID will display numbers between the first and second rings for most calls, including long distance. However, some calls may be shown as “Out-of-Area” or as “Private Number” and the number will not be displayed. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. NOTES:NOTES: 1.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 2.) If Call Forwarding or Select Call Forwarding is activated, the call information will not be displayed at the forward-from location, but will be passed to the forward-to number. 3.) With Call Forwarding – Busy Line, the call information will not be passed to the forward-to number. 4.) With Call Waiting, the call information will not be displayed, unless the line has Call Waiting ID and the phone has the appropriate display unit. 5.) Caller ID is not available with Off Premises station lines or Foreign Exchange station lines. 6.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose.1.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 2.) If Call Forwarding or Select Call Forwarding is activated, the calling number will not be displayed at the forward-from location, but will be passed to the forward-to number. 3.) With Call Forwarding – Busy Line, the calling number will not be passed to forward-to number. 4.) With Call Waiting, the calling number will not be displayed, unless the line has Call Waiting ID and the phone has the appropriate display unit. 5.) Caller ID – Number Only is not available with Off Premises station lines or Foreign Exchange station lines. 6.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 38 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 39Enhanced Call ForwardingExecutive Busy Override Using a toll free 800 number, you can forward calls from anywhere in the country to any other number of your choice (pager, cellular phone, work phone or home phone). Enhanced Call Forwarding has been installed with a default destination number that you have chosen, and provides you with the flexibility to override the default number whenever necessary. This feature is not avail- able in the DMS 10 switch type.Executive Busy Override allows you to gain access to a busy line within your CustoPAK system by dialing a code, thus establishing a three-way call. The called number will receive a warning tone prior to the establishment of the three-way conference call. The person to whom the called party is speaking can be either inside or outside of the CustoPAK system. This feature is not available in the GTD-5 switch type. While using Enhanced Call Forwarding, certain buttons always have the same standard function:Upon reaching a busy internal station: Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Press * 4 0 (both parties will hear break-in tone and you can now join the conversation). Press8to jump to the Main Menu.Press9to hear a menu again.Press0to hear help information.Press * to return to the previous menu.NOTES: If you’re entering a string of digits (a phone number or a time) and make a mistake, press * to clear the entry so you can start over again.After entering a string of digits, press # to end the string.1.) If a three-way conference is already in progress on the called number, the feature will not operate. 2.) If the called party presses the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on the telephone set), the overriding party will be disconnected from the three-way call. If any of the three parties hang up, the remaining two parties will still be connected. Calling Enhanced Call Forwarding From a touch-tone telephone: Dial 1-888-483-3230. Enter your 10-digit Enhanced Call Forwarding account number, then press Enter your Verizon-provided temporary PIN, then press # . If this is the first time you’ve used Enhanced Call Forwarding, you’ll be prompted to create your new 6- to 10-digit PIN. Refer to your Enhanced Call Forwarding User Guide for detailed information on how to use this feature. # . Last Number Redial This convenient service enables you to be connected to the last number you dialed. Use Last Number Redial to save time and improve efficiency by reducing dialing time and time spent looking for telephone numbers. This feature is not available for 5ESS and DMS 10 switch types. To be connected to the last number you dialed: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press # 7 7 and wait for the call to connect. NOTE: If you called both numbers when establishing a three-way conference, the second number is the one stored for a Last Number Redial request. 40 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 41Priority CallSelect Call Forwarding Priority Call enables you to program up to 12 numbers—from within your regional calling area—to be identified with a special ring pattern (short-long- short). Use Priority Call to help you know when an important call comes in so you can give superior service to your high-priority callers. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type.Select Call Forwarding lets you program up to 12 numbers — from within your regional calling area— that you wish to have call forwarded. When a number on your Select Call Forwarding list calls you, it will be forwarded to the number you have programmed to receive the call. Calls from all other numbers will be handled in the normal manner. You can program calls to forward to virtually any number— local or long distance — and Select Call Forwarding allows you to change your forward-to number whenever necessary. Use Select Call Forwarding to remain accessible and give top priority to your most important callers. This feature may generate local, regional toll or long distance charges. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. To turn Priority Call on or off: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * Listen to the voice recording for instructions on how to turn Priority Call on or off, and how to change or review your Priority Call list. 6 1 . To update your Priority Call list: Press * 6 1 and follow the voice-recorded instructions. If your list is full, you must erase one number before you can add another. To turn Select Call Forwarding on or off: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * Listen to the voice recording for instructions on how to turn your Select Call Forwarding service on and off and how to change or review your Select Call Forwarding list. NOTES: 1.) The Priority Call special ring will not follow a Call Forwarding or Select Call Forwarding call. 2.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 3.) The Priority Call special ring will not hunt. 4.) This feature will not work on a Hunt group’s pilot number. 6 3 . To update your Select Call Forwarding list: Press * 6 3 and follow the voice-recorded instructions. If your list is full, you must delete one number before you can add another. NOTES: 1.) When Select Call Forwarding is on and a call forwards: - Calls from numbers on your Select Call Forwarding list cannot be answered at the forward-from number, however, they will generate one short ring to remind you that the call is being forwarded. The forward-to number will ring normally. - All calls from numbers not on your Select Call Forwarding list will ring normally and can be answered. - If you also have Call Forwarding and it is turned on, all calls from phone numbers not on your Select Forwarding list will forward to the number you have chosen as the Call Forwarding Select destination. 2.) Blocked calls will not forward. 3.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 4.) Select Call Forwarding overrides all other Call Forwarding arrangements. 42 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 43Voice Mail and CustoPAKAppendix Verizon Voice Mail offers an efficient, businesslike way to capture important messages when you’re away from the office or on the phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you are unable to answer your line, or you are using your line (line busy), up to 3 calls can forward to your mailbox.Intercom Code Charts GTD-5, 5ESS and DMS 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 You can set up your Verizon Voice Mail to enable callers to transfer out of the mailbox to a local telephone number selected by you for live answering. In addition to a Main Greeting, Verizon Voice Mail offers the option of an Alternate Greeting for times when you are away from the office. If you wish to transfer a caller on your line to another CustoPAK line which has Verizon Voice Mail: Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Dial the Intercom number. IF the line is answered, press the switchhook for a three-way call. If you wish to exit, simply hang up and the two parties will remain in conference. IF the line is not answered, you can hang up after the first ring, and the caller will forward to the second station line user’s mailbox greeting. The caller can then leave a recorded message in the second mailbox user’s mailbox. DMS 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Speed Dialing Code Charts GTD-5, DMS 100 and DMS 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 5ESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 CustoPAK Feature Activation/Deactivation Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Feature Availability by Switch Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Your CustoPAK Feature Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 NOTE: Please refer to the Verizon Voice Mail User Guide for information on how to use your mailbox. 44 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 45Intercom Code Charts GTD-5, 5ESS and DMS 100 Intercom Code Chart The following charts are provided for you to list your Intercom codes. Each telephone number has been assigned an intercom code, and depending on your switch type, you must press # either before or after the Intercom code number. These Intercom codes have been programmed by Verizon. Instructions for using the Intercom feature are found below and also on page 14 of this guide. To make an Intercom call: Pick up the handset and listen for dial tone. Press the Intercom code 2 Press the Intercom code # 0 2 #–49 –#7(DMS 10). # (GTD-5, 5ESS and DMS 100). 46 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Name Code Telephone Number 20# 21# 22# 23# 24# 25# 26# 27# 28# 29# 30# 31# 32# 33# 34# 35# 36# 37# 38# 39# 40# 41# 42# 43# 44# 45# 46# 47# 48# 49# 47Speed Dialing Code Charts DMS 10 Intercom Code Chart Name Code Telephone Number #2 #3 #4 #5 The following charts are provided for you to list your Speed Dialing codes. The length of your individual Speed Dialing list is determined by your switch type. Your switch type can be found on the front cover of this guide. Be sure to use the Speed Dialing list that corresponds to your switch type. The instructions for setting up a list and making calls using Speed Dialing can be found below and also on page 30 of this guide. To establish or change your Speed Dialing list: #6 #7 Lift the receiver and listen for dial tone. Press * Press # 7 4 and listen for dial tone. 1 .(GTD-5 only, skip this step in all other switches). Press the Speed Dialing 1-digit code number to be programmed (see pages 50-51). Dial the telephone number to be assigned to the code. Listen for confirmation tone. Hang up. Repeat steps for each Speed Dialing code number to be programmed. To make a call using Speed Dialing: 48 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Lift the receiver and listen for dial tone. Press # 1 .(all switches) and then dial the Speed Dialing code number (see pages 50-51). You will hear the called number ringing. Wait for party to answer. 49GTD-5, DMS 100 and DMS 10 Speed Dialing List Name Code Telephone Number 5ESS Speed Dialing List Name Code 22 33 44 55 66 77 Telephone Number 8 9 50 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 51CustoPAK® Feature Activation/Deactivation Codes FeatureActivation Code *69 Automatic Callback Busy Redial Call Block Call Forwarding Call Hold Call Park Call Park – Directed Call Pick-Up – Group Call Trace Cancel Call Waiting Dial Call Waiting Executive Busy Override*69 *52 *66 *60 *72 *01 *11 *14 *17 *57 *70 *54 *40 20# - 49# for 5ESS, IntercomGTD-5 and DMS 100. #2 - #7 for DMS 10. #77 61 63 74, then #1 (GTD-5 only) to program. 2 - 9 to use feature for all switches, except the 5ESS. 2 - 7 to use feature for the 5ESS. Last Number Redial Priority Call Select Call Forwarding * Speed Dialing * * Deactivation or Retrieval Code 89 #52 86 * * *73 *01 *13 *12 Feature Availability by Switch Type Feature GTD-5 Basic Features Assume Dial “9” Call Hold Call Transfer Consultation Hold Direct Inward/Outward Dialing (DID/DOD) Distinctive Ringing (Inside/Outside Ringing) Intercom Dialing Three-Way Calling Touch-Tone Selectable Features Automatic Callback Call Forwarding Call Forwarding – Busy Line Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer Call Pick-Up – Group Call Restriction Options Call Waiting Cancel Call Waiting Dial Call Waiting Hunting Speed Dialing Optional Features: 69 Busy Redial Call Block ( 60) Call Park Call Park – Directed Call Trace Caller ID services Enhanced Call Forwarding Executive Busy Override Last Number Redial Priority Call Select Call Forwarding Voice Mail * * 52 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(30) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(8) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Switch Type 5ESS DMS 100 DMS 10 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(30) ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(30) ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(6) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(6)✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(8)✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(8) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 53Your CustoPAK® Feature Selections Feature Telephone Numbers Basic Features Assume Dial “9” Call Hold Call Transfer Consultation Hold Direct Inward/Outward Dialing (DID/DOD) Distinctive Ringing (Inside/Outside Ringing) Intercom Dialing Three-Way Calling Touch-Tone Selectable Features Automatic Callback Call Forwarding Call Forwarding – Busy Line Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer Call Pick-Up – Group Call Restriction Options Call Waiting Cancel Call Waiting Dial Call Waiting Hunting Speed Calling Optional Features: 69 Busy Redial Call Block ( 60) Call Park Call Park – Directed Call Trace Caller ID services Enhanced Call Forwarding Executive Busy Override Last Number Redial Priority Call Select Call Forwarding Voice Mail * * 54 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 55Notes __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 56 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
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Provide your response in a professional and formal tone. Use the information given in the document without referring to external sources or requiring additional context. Avoid using technical jargon or acronyms that are not explained within the document.
EVIDENCE:
CentraNet CustoPAK ® ® USER GUI DE Telephone Number Verizon Telephone Number Switch Type: GTD-5 5ESS DMS 100 DMS 10 © 2002 Verizon Communications www.verizon.com/smallbiz Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3056-0402Thank You for Selecting Verizon CentraNet ® CustoPAK® Service. 1 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engineTable of Contents Introduction to This Guide.............................................................................. 4 Overview of Your CustoPAK System ............................................................... 6 Terms You Should Know................................................................................ 8 CustoPAK Basic Features ✓ Assume Dial “9” .................................................................................. 9 ❑ ✓ ❑ Call Hold ............................................................................................. 10 ✓ Call Transfer ........................................................................................ 11 ❑ ✓ Consultation Hold ................................................................................ 12 ❑ ✓ Direct Inward/Outward Dialing (DID/DOD).............................................. 13 ❑ ✓ Distinctive Ringing (Inside/Outside Ringing) ......................................... 13 ❑ ✓ Intercom ............................................................................................. 14 ❑ ✓ Three-Way Calling ............................................................................... 15 ❑ ✓ Touch-Tone ......................................................................................... 16 ❑ CustoPAK Selectable Features ❑ Automatic Callback .............................................................................. 18 ❑ Call Forwarding Options ....................................................................... 19 ❑ Call Forwarding ................................................................................... 20 ❑ Call Forwarding – Busy Line................................................................. 22 ❑ Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer ........................................................... 23 ❑ Call Pick-Up – Group ........................................................................... 24 ❑ Call Restriction Options ........................................................................ 25 ❑ Call Waiting ....................................................................................... 26 ❑ Cancel Call Waiting (Tone Block) ......................................................... 27 ❑ Dial Call Waiting (for Intercom dialing)................................................... 28 ❑ Hunting ............................................................................................. 29 ❑ Speed Dialing .................................................................................... 30 2 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CustoPAK Optional Features ❑ 69 .................................................................................................. 32 ❑ Busy Redial ....................................................................................... 33 ❑ Call Block ( 60)................................................................................. 34 ❑ Call Park ........................................................................................... 35 ❑ Call Park – Directed .......................................................................... 36 ❑ Call Trace .......................................................................................... 37 ❑ Caller ID ........................................................................................... 38 ❑ Caller ID – Number Only .................................................................... 39 ❑ Enhanced Call Forwarding .................................................................. 40 ❑ Executive Busy Override ..................................................................... 41 ❑ Last Number Redial ........................................................................... 41 ❑ Priority Call........................................................................................ 42 ❑ Select Call Forwarding ....................................................................... 43 Voice Mail and CustoPAK ............................................................................ 44 * * Appendix.................................................................................................... 45 Intercom Code Charts............................................................................. 46 Speed Dialing Code Charts ..................................................................... 49 CustoPAK Feature Activation/Deactivation Codes ...................................... 52 Feature Availability by Switch Type .......................................................... 53 Your CustoPAK Feature Selections........................................................... 54 Please be sure to read the Introduction and Overview sections of this guide prior to operating your new CustoPAK system. 3Introduction to This Guide This guide is intended to provide you with information to help you learn to operate the features within your new CustoPAK system and get the most out of its many benefits. Before you begin using your new CustoPAK system, it is important to know your switch type, or the type of equipment in the Verizon central office that handles your telephone service. Your switch type is shown on the front cover of this guide and may affect which features are available with your CustoPAK system. Basic Features are automatically activated for each of your lines when you purchase your CustoPAK system.Upon installation of your system, your Verizon representative will assist you in filling out your Feature Grid (see Appendix). Once complete, this grid indicates which features you have selected for each of your CustoPAK lines. The Appendix section also contains your Intercom and Speed Calling code charts. You may wish to make copies of these handy tools and distribute them to other users in your CustoPAK system for easy reference. Selectable Features are available for each of your CustoPAK lines at no additional monthly charge, but must be installed to be used.1The Overview section which follows this Introduction will begin to acquaint you with your new CustoPAK system and the many benefits it provides. Optional Features are available at an additional charge per line and must also be installed to be used.1We are delighted that you have chosen Verizon. We hope this guide makes the transition to your new CustoPAK system as smooth as possible. The Features section of this guide describes the three types of features which are available to choose from: You may select as many or as few of the Selectable and Optional features as you like for each of your CustoPAK lines, and may change them at any time. Should you need assistance selecting additional features or changing features, your Verizon representative is available to guide you. All features available with CustoPAK are included in this guide regardless of whether you have selected them for your system. 1 To install these features, contact your Verizon representative. Installation charges may apply. 4 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine For Customer Services, call 1-800 -483-5000 In Hawaii, call 643-4411 5Overview of Your CustoPAK System Your CustoPAK system is a central office-based service, meaning all equipment required to operate the system is in the Verizon central office. That also means you have purchased a reliable, worry-free telephone system, as our central offices are monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your CustoPAK system can grow as your business grows. It has the capacity to handle up to 30 telephone lines, and offers a flexible package of features designed specifically with the small business customer in mind. You can select which features you want for each of your CustoPAK lines based on your business and communications needs. You may add or change features at any time by contacting your Verizon representative (additional charges may apply). CustoPAK can be customized to perform as a complete telephone system working on standard single-line telephones or as feature-rich access lines enhancing your existing telephone system. When used with existing telephone systems, features like Call Transfer, Three-Way Calling and Consultation Hold give you the functionality of a built-in second line. When using these features, other lines remain free for incoming or outgoing calls. And, Call Forwarding and Call Transfer allow you to easily transfer your calls to another location outside your system without additional equipment. Most of the features are activated by the use of codes. You’ll find all of the information required to activate the CustoPAK features listed in the Features section of this guide. Your CustoPAK system comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee (except California). We are confident that this system is the right solution for your business needs. However, with this guarantee you are entitled to a full credit of the CustoPAK charges and a change back to your previous Verizon service if you are not satisfied and notify us within 30 calendar days. Repair The Repair Center handles service problems and out-of-service conditions on your telephone lines and/or features, and the wiring to your location. It does not handle and cannot fix your telephone equipment. For problems with the wiring inside your business, you may repair it yourself, hire a contractor or an electrician, or call Verizon. Verizon does this type of repair for a fee based on the amount of time and the cost of the materials required to correct the problem. For information on these services, contact your Verizon representative. The Verizon repair number is 1-800-483-2000. The Repair Center is open 24 hours a day, including holidays. Help Desk The CentraNet/Voice Mail Help Desk was established to answer your questions about the operation of your CentraNet CustoPAK and Voice Mail services. Our Help Desk will explain how the services and features operate, e.g., How do I transfer a call? How do I reset my Passcode? If you have questions about your CentraNet CustoPAK service, please call the Help Desk at 1-800 - 483 -2000. The Help Desk is available Monday-Friday between the hours of 5 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday between the hours of 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. Pacific Time. The Help Desk is closed on Sunday. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Verizon is in the process of updating all our central office switches to provide access to Per Call Blocking. This feature allows you to prevent the appearance of your phone number on Caller ID display units on a per call basis. Press * 6 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 6 7 before placing an outgoing call to activate this feature. 7Terms You Should KnowCustoPAK Basic Features Confirmation Tone Three short bursts of tone heard when using some CustoPAK features. The confirmation tone lets you know you have completed the activation or deactivation of the features.The features listed in this section are automatically included on each of your CustoPAK lines. These basic features are the backbone of your new CustoPAK system. Three of these features, Consultation Hold, Call Transfer and Three-Way Calling provide you with the functionality of a built-in second line. Regional Calling Area The area within which Verizon can provide local and regional toll calling services. Switch Type This term identifies the types of equipment in Verizon’s central office that handles your telephone service. Your switch type is shown on the front cover of this guide. It is very important to be aware of your switch type, as it may affect which features are available with your CustoPAK system. Assume Dial “9” This convenient feature allows you to place calls outside of the CustoPAK system without having to dial the access code “9”. NOTE: Verizon has automatically activated this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. Switchhook The buttons or bar generally located under the receiver on a standard desk telephone or electronic set. The switchhook initiates dial tone and is used to operate some of the CustoPAK features. Tap Flash Recall Link These terms refer to preprogrammed buttons on some telephones, that when used replace the switchhook. If your telephone is equipped with one of these buttons, always use it instead of the switchhook to operate the CustoPAK features. 8 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 9Call HoldNOTES: Call Hold allows you to place an established call on hold for an extended period of time—provided neither you nor the other person hangs up—freeing up the line to place or receive another call. Use Call Hold to help improve response time while reducing equipment costs and callbacks.1.) Only one call can be placed on hold at a time per telephone line. 2.) A holding call cannot be added to another call. 3.) Call Hold overrides Dial Call Waiting and Call Waiting. When you put a call on hold to use the line to make or receive a second call, a third incoming call will receive a busy signal. To place an established call on hold: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Call Transfer Listen for dial tone.Press *You will hear confirmation tone, followed by dial tone.This valuable feature enables you to transfer an incoming call to any other number either inside or outside of your CustoPAK system. You can privately speak with the called party to announce the call prior to completing the transfer. Use Call Transfer as an efficient way to process misdirected calls and reduce message-taking and call handling time. The call is on hold. Place the handset beside the telephone—do not hang up!To transfer an incoming call: 0 1 . To place another call, while the first caller is on hold:Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for dial tone. To transfer to an internal CustoPAK line, dial the intercom code assigned to the internal line. To transfer to an outside line dial the number to which you wish to transfer the call. Privately announce the transfer to the recipient. Hang up. Key in destination phone number of the third party. Wait for the party to answer. If you encounter a busy signal, no answer or if an error is made in dialing, press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set) twice to connect to the original party. When party answers you may consult privately. To return to a call that is on hold: Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for confirmation tone. Press * 0 1 (you may now talk to the person that was on hold). -OR- Hang up (your phone will ring). Lift the handset (you may now talk to the party that was on hold). 10 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine -OR- Hang up (the call is automatically transferred). NOTES: 1.) If you receive a busy signal, no answer or if an error is made in dialing, press the switchhook twice to reconnect to the original call. 2.) You cannot transfer a call while on a Three-Way or Call Waiting call. 3.) A call placed from a CustoPAK line to a number outside the system cannot be transferred to another number outside the system. 4.) Call Transfer may generate local, regional toll or long distance charges. 11Consultation HoldDirect Inward/Outward Dialing (DID/DOD) Consultation Hold provides a temporary or “soft” hold without having to dial an activation code. This allows you to place another call for private consultation or to initiate a three-way call. Use Consultation Hold to quickly verify customer inquiries and reduce costly and time-consuming callbacks.Direct Inward Dialing allows you to receive incoming calls directly at your station. This can help enhance customer service by allowing incoming callers to quickly reach you without the delay of a call transfer. Direct Outward Dialing improves efficiency by enabling you to place calls to locations outside the system without first dialing an access code or going through a central attendant. To place a call on hold: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for dial tone. Dial the third party (if you encounter a busy signal, no answer or if an error is made in dialing, press the switchhook twice to reconnect to the original call). When the third party answers, you may consult privately before reconnecting to the original call. To return to the original caller: Allow the third party to hang up. Press the switchhook twice (if the switchhook is only pressed once, a three-way call will be established). NOTES: 1.) Consultation Hold overrides Dial Call Waiting and Call Waiting. When you put a call on hold to use the line to place a second call, a third incoming call will receive a busy signal. 2.) Call Forwarding cannot be activated while a call is on Consultation Hold. 12 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTE: Verizon has automatically activated this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. Distinctive Ringing (Inside/Outside Ringing) CustoPAK Distinctive Ringing provides you with the ability to distinguish between internal and external incoming calls, allowing you to greet customers and callers from outside of your system more professionally. Internal calls—calls placed by someone within the CustoPAK system using the Intercom feature—will ring with a single ring. External calls—calls made from outside of the CustoPAK system— are identified by a double ring. This feature is not available in the GTD-5 switch. NOTES: 1.) Many telephone sets have their own distinctive ringing patterns that are not associated with CustoPAK Distinctive Ringing. 2.) Priority Call and Distinctive Ringing cannot be on the same CustoPAK line, since they share the same ring patterns. 3.) On forwarded calls, the ring pattern will be based on the original line, not the forwarding line. 4.) On transferred calls, the ring pattern will be based on the transferring line, not the original line. 5.) Verizon has automatically activated this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 13IntercomThree-Way Calling The Intercom feature allows you to speak to, or transfer a call to, any other person within your CustoPAK system—without incurring local usage charges. Simply dial the two-digit code that was assigned to the line. See the Appendix on page 45 of this guide to locate the Intercom Code Chart for your switch type. The intercom codes are pre-assigned and programmed by Verizon.Three-Way Calling enables you to add a third party from either inside or outside of your CustoPAK system to any established call to create a three-way conference arrangement. This maximizes line efficiency and reduces costly and time-consuming callbacks by allowing you to obtain answers to urgent inquiries from two separate sources in a single call — reducing the costs and lost productivity of multiple telephone calls. To use the Intercom feature: Pick up the handset and listen for dial tone. Dial the intercom code: 20#– 49 #2–#for DMS 10 switch types. 7 # for 5ESS, GTD-5 and DMS 100 switch types. NOTE: For the Intercom feature to function properly, individual telephone numbers must be assigned to a Multi-Line Hunt group. While engaged in a two-way conversation: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for dial tone. Dial the number of the party you wish to add to the call (if you encounter a busy signal, no answer or an error is made in dialing, press the switchhook twice or hang up to reconnect to the original call). Announce that you are setting up a conference call. Press the switchhook again (the three-way conference is established). NOTES: 1.) You may use Three-Way Calling to add another person no matter who placed the original call. However, if you placed both calls and they are outside of your CustoPAK system, when you hang up the other two people will automatically disconnect. 2.) Three-Way Calling may generate local, regional toll or long distance charges. If you hang up, you will be billed the appropriate charges for the portion of the call for which you are responsible. 3.) You cannot establish a three-way call using the Automatic Callback feature. 4.) A three-way conference cannot be made between an established call and a Call Waiting call. 14 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 15Touch-Tone Touch-Tone provides the ability to push-button dial on tone-signaling telephones to access CustoPAK features and dial telephone numbers. Rotary dial telephones are not compatible with CustoPAK service. NOTE: Verizon has automatically activated this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 16 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CustoPAK Selectable Features The features listed in this section are available for each of your CustoPAK lines at no additional monthly charge. You may select as many or as few of these features as you like, giving you the flexibility to customize each individual CustoPAK line in the manner which best suits your business. As you read through this sec- tion, be aware of your switch type (found on the front cover of this guide), since some features are not available for certain switch types. To add or change features at any time after your initial installation, contact your Verizon representative. 17Automatic CallbackCall Forwarding Options When you encounter a busy line within your CustoPAK system, a code can be dialed which will connect you when both lines are idle. The request will remain active for 30 minutes unless canceled. Use Automatic Callback to increase productivity by eliminating “telephone tag”, manual callbacks and unnecessary dialing. This feature only works within the CustoPAK system, and the system can only accommodate one request at a time per line. This feature is not available in the GTD-5 switch type.Your CustoPAK system can be equipped with one or all of its five Call Forwarding options. You may select or combine these features to meet your business needs. The Call Forwarding options and their descriptions can be found by referring to the list below: Option Section Page Call Forwarding ..................................... Selectable Features .................................. 20 To activate Automatic Callback once you’ve reached a busy line within your CustoPAK system:Call Forwarding – Busy Line ................. Selectable Features .................................. 22 Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set).Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer............ Selectable Features .................................. 23 Listen for dial tone.Press *Listen for confirmation tone.Hang up (when the called line is idle, your line will ring with a distinctive ring). 5 Enhanced Call Forwarding1 .................... Optional Features ..................................... 40 Select Call Forwarding1.......................... Optional Features ..................................... 43 2 . To cancel an Automatic Callback request: Lift handset and press Listen for confirmation tone. Hang up. # 5 2 . NOTES: 1.) If an Automatic Callback is not answered by the originating station, the request will be canceled. 2.) Automatic Callback can only be active on one station at a time. 3.) An Automatic Callback request can only be activated if the called number is in a busy condition and within the CustoPAK group. 1 18 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Additional charges apply. 19Call ForwardingNOTES: This Call Forwarding option allows you to have all incoming calls forwarded to a pre-determined telephone number either inside or outside the CustoPAK system. Call Forwarding provides you with the flexibility to choose your own forward-to number, to change it as often as you like and to turn the feature on or off as needed. When activated, it overrides Call Forwarding – Busy Line/ Don’t Answer and gives you the mobility you need to be productive outside the office and after hours.1.) Calls forwarded outside the system are subject to local, regional toll or long distance charges, as applicable. 2.) To confirm that Call Forwarding is on, press * 7 2 and if the feature is on you will hear a fast busy tone. If it is off you’ll hear normal dial tone. 3.) You can place calls when Call Forwarding is on, however, you cannot answer incoming calls. You will hear one short ring each time a call forwards to remind you that the service is on. 4.) Call Forwarding overrides Call Waiting, Dial Call Waiting, Hunting arrange- ments and Call Forwarding – Busy Line/Don’t Answer. 5.) Voice Mail service will not work when Call Forwarding is on, unless you have activated forwarding to the Voice Mail service access number. 6.) A line with Call Forwarding activated cannot have an Automatic Callback request initiated against it. To turn Call Forwarding on: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * At the tone, dial the telephone number you want your calls forwarded to. When the call is answered, the feature has been activated. If the call is not answered, hang up and repeat the above steps within two minutes. The feature is activated when you hear the confirmation tone. 7 2 . To turn Call Forwarding off: Press * 7 3 (two short tones indicate that the service has been turned off). 20 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 21Call Forwarding – Busy LineCall Forwarding – Don’t Answer This feature automatically routes incoming calls to a pre-determined number (either inside or outside of your CustoPAK system) when your line is busy. Use Call Forwarding – Busy Line to improve customer service by forwarding calls to alternate answering points, ensuring that all incoming calls are covered. This feature can be separate on the line or can be combined with Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer. The forward-to number must be programmed by Verizon.This feature automatically routes incoming calls to a telephone number (either inside or outside of your CustoPAK system, or to Voice Messaging) when your line is unanswered after a pre-determined number of rings (4-ring maximum). Use Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer to improve customer service by forwarding calls to alternate answering points, ensuring that no opportunities are lost due to an unanswered call. This feature can be separate on the line or can be combined with Call Forwarding – Busy Line. The forward-to number must be programmed by Verizon. NOTES: 1.) Calls forwarded outside the system are subject to local, regional toll or long distance charges, as applicable. 2.) Call Forwarding – Busy Line overrides Dial Call Waiting (see page 29). Therefore, if you place a call to a number with Call Forwarding – Busy Line, the call is forwarded and the Dial Call Waiting treatment is not given during a busy condition. 3.) Call Forwarding overrides Call Forwarding – Busy Line. 4.) For Multi-Line Hunt groups, Call Forwarding – Busy Line can only be assigned on a group basis and will apply to every line in the group. 5.) Call Forwarding – Busy Line can only be assigned to the last member of a Series Hunt group. 6.) If you have Voice Messaging, it is not necessary to subscribe to this feature. 7.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 22 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTES: 1.) Calls forwarded outside the system are subject to local, regional toll or long distance charges, as applicable. 2.) Call Forwarding overrides Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer. 3.) Call Waiting and Dial Call Waiting override Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer. 4.) For Multi-Line Hunt groups, Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer can only be assigned on a group basis and will apply to every line in the group. 5.) If the forward-to number is busy, the call will not forward. The line will continue to ring, or you may get a busy signal, depending upon the location of the forward-to number. 6.) If you have Voice Messaging, it is not necessary to subscribe to this feature. 7.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 23Call Pick-Up – GroupCall Restriction Options Call Pick-Up – Group enables you to answer (pick-up) calls directed to any other line within your Call Pick-Up group by dialing a code. If more than one person tries to pick-up the call, the first user will receive the call, and the others will receive a busy signal as confirmation that the call was answered. Use Call Pick-Up – Group to provide maximum call coverage and ensure against missed calls.This feature enables you to select and control the incoming and outgoing calling capabilities of each of your CustoPAK lines. Each line can only be equipped with one Call Restriction option, which has been programmed by Verizon. To use Call Pick-Up – Group: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 1 7 NOTE: Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. If you want to add or update Call Restriction options, please contact your Verizon representative. (the incoming call is connected to your station). To use Call Pick-Up – Group when you are already on the phone: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Listen for dial tone. Press * 0 1 to put the first call on hold. Press * 1 7 (the incoming call is connected to your station). NOTES: 1.) You cannot use Call Pick-Up – Group to connect to an Automatic Callback call. 2.) If more than one line in your Call Pick-Up group is ringing, you cannot select which line to answer. The system will automatically direct the pick-up to the call that came in first. 3.) All lines in a Multi-Line Hunt group must be in the same Call Pick-Up group. 24 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 25Call Waiting This valuable feature provides an audible tone while you are on the line that alerts you of another incoming call. You then have the option to either place the present call on hold to answer the incoming call or to disregard it. The calling party will receive ringing tone instead of a busy tone. Use Call Waiting to maximize line efficiency and improve customer service by ensuring prompt responses to urgent inquiries. Cancel Call Waiting (Tone Block) When you don’t want to be disturbed or interrupted during an important call, you can temporarily deactivate Call Waiting. You can activate Cancel Call Waiting before you place a call or at any point during the conversation. Cancel Call Waiting works only for the length of one call. When you hang up, Call Waiting returns automatically to your phone. To cancel the Call Waiting tone before placing a call: After hearing the Call Waiting tone: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Either end your first call or tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold.Press * Press and release the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set) to put the first person on hold and answer the second call in the GTD-5 switch.Listen for confirmation tone, followed by normal dial tone. Dial the telephone number. 7 0 . To cancel the Call Waiting tone during a call: Press and release the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set), listen for the flash tone, then dial * 0 1 to put the first person on hold and answer the second call in the DMS 100, DMS 10 and 5ESS switches (may also be required for GTD-5 switch).Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Press * To return to the first call and put the second call on hold, repeat bullet two or three (depending on switch type). You can alternate between calls as often as desired by repeating bullets two or three (depending on switch type).NOTE: In some areas you can only activate Cancel Call Waiting before placing a call. 7 0 (you will reconnect automatically to your call). NOTES: 1.) Call Waiting allows you to have two calls on your line at the same time (one on hold and one to whom you are talking). A third caller will hear a busy signal. 2.) Call Waiting cannot be assigned to lines in a Multi-Line Hunt group. 3.) Call Waiting overrides Call Forwarding – Busy Line/Don’t Answer. 4.) Call Forwarding overrides Dial Call Waiting. 5.) Series Hunting overrides Call Waiting, which should be assigned to the last number of a Series Hunt group. 6.) A three-way conference cannot be made between an established call and a Call Waiting call. 7.) If Call Waiting and Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer are active on the same line and you choose to ignore the Call Waiting tone, the call will forward to your Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer number. 26 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 27Dial Call Waiting (for Intercom dialing)Hunting This feature allows you to send a Call Waiting tone to another line within your CustoPAK system when that line is busy, letting the called party know that some- one is trying to reach them. The called party then has the option to answer or ignore the Call Waiting tone. Use Dial Call Waiting to help ensure the timely and efficient flow of information within your business. This feature is not available for GTD-5 switch types.Hunting allows your business to reduce busy signals and increase accessibility by expanding call coverage. A Hunting arrangement begins with a call to a lead, or pilot number and searches for an idle line beginning with the first number of a pre-assigned Hunt group and ending with the last number in the group. Upon dialing an internal station number and hearing a busy tone: Hang up. Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * Dial the number of the busy station (the called party hears a Call Waiting tone). Remain off-hook until the called party answers. 5 4 and listen for confirmation tone. NOTES: NOTES: 1.) When a Multi-Line Hunt group is assigned to a CustoPAK customer, individual telephone numbers must be assigned in order for the Intercom feature to work. 2.) Call Waiting cannot be assigned to lines in a Hunt group. 3.) Automatic Callback cannot be activated against lines in a Hunt group. 4.) Call Forwarding and Call Forwarding – Busy Line/Don’t Answer can only be assigned to a Multi-Line Hunt group on a group basis. 5.) All lines in a Multi-Line Hunt group must be in the same Call Pick-Up group. 6.) Caller ID will work in a Hunt group, however, the feature must be assigned to every line in the Hunt group. 7.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 1.) Dial Call Waiting only works within your CustoPAK system. 2.) Dial Call Waiting cannot be assigned to lines in a Multi-Line Hunt group. 3.) Dial Call Waiting overrides Call Forwarding – Busy Line/Don’t Answer. 4.) Call Forwarding overrides Dial Call Waiting. 5.) If Call Waiting and Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer are active on the same line and the called party chooses to ignore the Dial Call Waiting tone, the call will forward to the called party’s Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer number. 6 .) Series Hunting overrides Dial Call Waiting, which should be assigned to the last number of a Series Hunt group. 28 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 29Speed Dialing Speed Dialing allows you to call frequently dialed numbers by using an abbreviated code, reducing dialing time and time spent searching for telephone numbers. Speed Dialing gives you the flexibility to create and edit your own Speed Dialing list. The Speed Dialing short list consists of 8 numbers unless you have a 5ESS switch type, which provides a 6-number Speed Dialing list. CustoPAK Optional Features The following features are available for each of your CustoPAK lines at an additional monthly charge per line. As you read through this section, be aware of your switch type (found on the front cover of this guide), since some of these Optional features are not available for certain switch types. To add or change any of these features after your initial installation, contact your Verizon representative. To establish/add or change a number on your Speed Dialing list: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 7 4 Press 1 (GTD-5 only, skip this step in all other switches). Press the Speed Dialing code numbers to be programmed (2-9 for all switches except 5ESS, press 2-7 for 5ESS). Dial the telephone number to be assigned to the code, along with any required access codes, ( i.e., long distance carrier access code) up to 28 digits. Listen for confirmation tone. Hang up. Repeat steps for each code number to be programmed. # and listen for confirmation tone. To place a Speed Call from the short list: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press # 1 (all switches) and then dial the Speed Dialing code number (2-9 or 2-7 depending on what switch type you have). See page 50 for Speed Dialing code charts. Wait for party to answer. NOTES: 1.) OPTIONAL: After you press # 1 and the code number, press # again for a quicker connection. 2.) Service codes such as 911, cannot be programmed. 3.) Fully restricted lines cannot have Speed Dialing. 4.) Customers may experience a 2- to 3-second timing delay when activating Speed Dialing codes that match other feature activation codes. 30 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 31* 69Busy Redial This convenient feature automatically stores and allows you to redial the number of the last person who called you. *69 only works on calls made from numbers within your regional calling area and can be used whether you answered the last call or not. If you return the call and the number is busy, *69 will monitor the busy line and attempt to connect your call for up to 30 minutes, unless canceled. In most cases, your phone will ring with a series of short-short-long rings when the number you called is no longer busy. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type.After reaching a busy line within your regional calling area, this convenient service allows you to dial a code that will automatically connect you when both lines are idle. Once activated, Busy Redial will monitor the busy line and attempt to connect your call for up to 30 minutes, unless canceled. You will be alerted with a special ring when the call is returned. You can use Busy Redial to help reduce multiple callbacks, dialing time and lost productivity. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. After dialing a busy number: To activate * 69: Hang up. Lift the handset and listen for dial tone.Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press *Press * 6 6 . You will hear two normal ringing tones or an announce- ment. If the called number is still busy, a voice recording will tell you that your call is next in line. Hang up. When the number you called is no longer busy, your telephone will ring with a series of short-short-long rings (ringing tones may vary). Lift the handset. You will hear normal ringing tone. 6 9 (a voice recording may provide additional instructions). To deactivate * 69: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 8 9 . NOTES: 1.) If you hear the Call Waiting tone while you are on the line, you have two choices: you can use *69 to call back later, or you can use Call Waiting during the call. 2.) A *69 callback will not activate a Call Waiting tone; the line must be idle. 3.) *69 and Automatic Callback cannot be on the same line. 4.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 5.) *69 ring patterns may duplicate those of Distinctive Ringing. 6.) *69 will not work when activated against a line with Call Forwarding. 32 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To deactivate Busy Redial: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 8 6 . NOTES: 1.) The number you called will not ring until you pick up your telephone. 2.) Occasionally, the person you are calling uses the phone before Busy Redial can complete your call. If this happens, a voice recording will tell you to hang up and reactivate Busy Redial. 3.) You can use Busy Redial to return calls to more than one busy number at a time. 4.) When your phone rings with a short-short-long ring, you need to answer by the third series of rings or Busy Redial will pause and try to complete your call 5 minutes later. 5.) Busy Redial and Automatic Callback cannot be on the same line. 6.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 7.) Busy Redial will not activate a Call Waiting tone. 33Call Block (*60) Call Block provides you with the capability to block up to 12 external telephone numbers (within your regional calling area) from calling your number, preventing unwanted and nuisance calls. Once activated, any calls from these 12 numbers will be routed to an intercept message. For your protection, calls from outside of your regional calling area and operator-handled calls cannot be blocked. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type.Call Park To access the Call Block feature:To “park” a call against your number: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone.Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press *Listen to the voice-recorded instructions for Call Block options.Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Press * Hang-up. 6 0 . GTD-5 switch type only: If you are a member of a Hunt group, you must: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press Listen to the voice-recorded instructions for Call Block options. # 6 0 . Call Park functions like Call Pick-Up except that the call is already in progress. You can “park” an established call on your line against your own number, freeing up your line to place or receive another call. The parked call can be retrieved from any other station within the CustoPAK system, including your own. Only one call can be parked against a CustoPAK line at a given time. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. 1 1 and listen for confirmation tone. To retrieve a call you “parked” against your number: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * Begin your conversation. 1 3 and listen for confirmation tone. NOTES: 1.) Blocked calls will not be forwarded on any Call Forwarding arrangement and will not appear on Caller ID displays. 2.) Call Block takes precedence over Series Hunting. 3.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 34 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTES: 1.) If a parked call is not retrieved, the parking station will be recalled when idle. 2.) A station in the “call parked” condition cannot use the Three-Way Calling feature. 3.) Call Waiting will not activate against a number in a “parked” condition. 35Call Park – DirectedCall Trace This feature is an enhancement to Call Park. It performs the same functions as Call Park, but it allows you to park calls against any number in the CustoPAK system except your own. Only one call can be parked against a CustoPAK line at a given time. This feature is not available for GTD-5 and DMS 10 switch types.This protective feature enables you to trace the number of the last threatening or harassing call received, as long as the call originates from within your regional calling area. The calling party’s number will automatically be reported to Verizon, and in some areas you will be charged for each successful trace. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. To park a call against another CustoPAK number: Tell the person to whom you are speaking that you are going to put them on hold. Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Press * 1 4 . If you receive a life-threatening or harassing call: Hang up. Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * A voice recording will tell you if the call trace has been completed successfully. To take legal action, record the exact date and time of the call and contact Verizon within 10 days at the number provided by the voice recording. If you forget that number, call the Customer Contact Center for assistance. If the situation is an emergency, call your local law enforcement agency. Dial the Intercom number of the station where you wish to park the call. Hang-up. To retrieve parked calls from any line: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * 1 2 . If a call is parked against the line from which you are retrieving it, you will be automatically connected. If you are retrieving the call from a different line, dial the Intercom number of the line that the call is parked against. Begin your conversation. NOTES: 1.) If a parked call is not retrieved, the parking station will be recalled when idle. 2.) The station in the “call parked” condition and the station with Call Park – Directed activated cannot use the Three-Way Calling or Executive Busy Override features. 3.) Call Waiting will not activate against a number in a “parked” condition. 4.) Call Park – Directed cannot be used to answer an Automatic Callback call. 5.) Call Park – Directed cannot be activated against a line with Call Forwarding. 6.) Call Park – Directed cannot be applied to a member of a Hunt group. 7.) Call Park – Directed overrides Series Hunting and Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer. 8.) The Call Park – Directed access code and the station number must be dialed before you know if the call has already been retrieved. 36 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5 7 and follow the voice-recorded instructions. NOTES: 1.) If you successfully trace a call and choose to take further action, you must contact Verizon within 10 days or the call record will no longer be stored in the system. 2.) The records of any Call Trace request will be released only to a law enforcement agency. 3.) In some areas, Call Trace is available on a pay-per-use or subscription basis. 4.) Call Trace cannot trace a call that was forwarded by way of Call Forwarding or Call Forwarding – Busy Line. 5.) If Call Trace is activated after receiving a Call Waiting tone, the waiting call will be traced, whether answered or not. 6.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 37Caller IDCaller ID – Number Only Caller ID, along with compatible display telephones or separate Caller ID display box, lets you view the listed name and number of the incoming call before you pick it up. Use Caller ID to help improve customer service by personalizing your greetings and gathering information pertinent to a call before you answer it. You can also use the service to prioritize and screen calls when you are expecting an important call from a customer or supplier. Caller ID display devices vary in design, available features and the amount of information that may be retained in memory. The service will display information between the first and second rings for most calls, including long distance. However, some calls may be shown as “Out-of-Area” or as “Private Number” and the information will not be displayed. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type.Caller ID – Number Only, along with compatible display telephones or separate Caller ID display box, lets you view the number of the incoming call before you pick it up. Use Caller ID – Number Only to help improve customer service by personalizing your greetings and gathering information pertinent to a call before you answer it. You can also use the service to prioritize and screen calls when you are expecting an important call from a customer or supplier. Caller ID display devices vary in design, available features and the amount of numbers that may be retained in memory. Caller ID will display numbers between the first and second rings for most calls, including long distance. However, some calls may be shown as “Out-of-Area” or as “Private Number” and the number will not be displayed. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. NOTES:NOTES: 1.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 2.) If Call Forwarding or Select Call Forwarding is activated, the call information will not be displayed at the forward-from location, but will be passed to the forward-to number. 3.) With Call Forwarding – Busy Line, the call information will not be passed to the forward-to number. 4.) With Call Waiting, the call information will not be displayed, unless the line has Call Waiting ID and the phone has the appropriate display unit. 5.) Caller ID is not available with Off Premises station lines or Foreign Exchange station lines. 6.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose.1.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 2.) If Call Forwarding or Select Call Forwarding is activated, the calling number will not be displayed at the forward-from location, but will be passed to the forward-to number. 3.) With Call Forwarding – Busy Line, the calling number will not be passed to forward-to number. 4.) With Call Waiting, the calling number will not be displayed, unless the line has Call Waiting ID and the phone has the appropriate display unit. 5.) Caller ID – Number Only is not available with Off Premises station lines or Foreign Exchange station lines. 6.) Verizon must automatically activate this feature. You cannot activate or deactivate the feature as you choose. 38 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 39Enhanced Call ForwardingExecutive Busy Override Using a toll free 800 number, you can forward calls from anywhere in the country to any other number of your choice (pager, cellular phone, work phone or home phone). Enhanced Call Forwarding has been installed with a default destination number that you have chosen, and provides you with the flexibility to override the default number whenever necessary. This feature is not avail- able in the DMS 10 switch type.Executive Busy Override allows you to gain access to a busy line within your CustoPAK system by dialing a code, thus establishing a three-way call. The called number will receive a warning tone prior to the establishment of the three-way conference call. The person to whom the called party is speaking can be either inside or outside of the CustoPAK system. This feature is not available in the GTD-5 switch type. While using Enhanced Call Forwarding, certain buttons always have the same standard function:Upon reaching a busy internal station: Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Press * 4 0 (both parties will hear break-in tone and you can now join the conversation). Press8to jump to the Main Menu.Press9to hear a menu again.Press0to hear help information.Press * to return to the previous menu.NOTES: If you’re entering a string of digits (a phone number or a time) and make a mistake, press * to clear the entry so you can start over again.After entering a string of digits, press # to end the string.1.) If a three-way conference is already in progress on the called number, the feature will not operate. 2.) If the called party presses the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on the telephone set), the overriding party will be disconnected from the three-way call. If any of the three parties hang up, the remaining two parties will still be connected. Calling Enhanced Call Forwarding From a touch-tone telephone: Dial 1-888-483-3230. Enter your 10-digit Enhanced Call Forwarding account number, then press Enter your Verizon-provided temporary PIN, then press # . If this is the first time you’ve used Enhanced Call Forwarding, you’ll be prompted to create your new 6- to 10-digit PIN. Refer to your Enhanced Call Forwarding User Guide for detailed information on how to use this feature. # . Last Number Redial This convenient service enables you to be connected to the last number you dialed. Use Last Number Redial to save time and improve efficiency by reducing dialing time and time spent looking for telephone numbers. This feature is not available for 5ESS and DMS 10 switch types. To be connected to the last number you dialed: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press # 7 7 and wait for the call to connect. NOTE: If you called both numbers when establishing a three-way conference, the second number is the one stored for a Last Number Redial request. 40 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 41Priority CallSelect Call Forwarding Priority Call enables you to program up to 12 numbers—from within your regional calling area—to be identified with a special ring pattern (short-long- short). Use Priority Call to help you know when an important call comes in so you can give superior service to your high-priority callers. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type.Select Call Forwarding lets you program up to 12 numbers — from within your regional calling area— that you wish to have call forwarded. When a number on your Select Call Forwarding list calls you, it will be forwarded to the number you have programmed to receive the call. Calls from all other numbers will be handled in the normal manner. You can program calls to forward to virtually any number— local or long distance — and Select Call Forwarding allows you to change your forward-to number whenever necessary. Use Select Call Forwarding to remain accessible and give top priority to your most important callers. This feature may generate local, regional toll or long distance charges. This feature is not available in the DMS 10 switch type. To turn Priority Call on or off: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * Listen to the voice recording for instructions on how to turn Priority Call on or off, and how to change or review your Priority Call list. 6 1 . To update your Priority Call list: Press * 6 1 and follow the voice-recorded instructions. If your list is full, you must erase one number before you can add another. To turn Select Call Forwarding on or off: Lift the handset and listen for dial tone. Press * Listen to the voice recording for instructions on how to turn your Select Call Forwarding service on and off and how to change or review your Select Call Forwarding list. NOTES: 1.) The Priority Call special ring will not follow a Call Forwarding or Select Call Forwarding call. 2.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 3.) The Priority Call special ring will not hunt. 4.) This feature will not work on a Hunt group’s pilot number. 6 3 . To update your Select Call Forwarding list: Press * 6 3 and follow the voice-recorded instructions. If your list is full, you must delete one number before you can add another. NOTES: 1.) When Select Call Forwarding is on and a call forwards: - Calls from numbers on your Select Call Forwarding list cannot be answered at the forward-from number, however, they will generate one short ring to remind you that the call is being forwarded. The forward-to number will ring normally. - All calls from numbers not on your Select Call Forwarding list will ring normally and can be answered. - If you also have Call Forwarding and it is turned on, all calls from phone numbers not on your Select Forwarding list will forward to the number you have chosen as the Call Forwarding Select destination. 2.) Blocked calls will not forward. 3.) This feature must be applied to all members of a Hunt group. 4.) Select Call Forwarding overrides all other Call Forwarding arrangements. 42 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 43Voice Mail and CustoPAKAppendix Verizon Voice Mail offers an efficient, businesslike way to capture important messages when you’re away from the office or on the phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you are unable to answer your line, or you are using your line (line busy), up to 3 calls can forward to your mailbox.Intercom Code Charts GTD-5, 5ESS and DMS 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 You can set up your Verizon Voice Mail to enable callers to transfer out of the mailbox to a local telephone number selected by you for live answering. In addition to a Main Greeting, Verizon Voice Mail offers the option of an Alternate Greeting for times when you are away from the office. If you wish to transfer a caller on your line to another CustoPAK line which has Verizon Voice Mail: Press the switchhook (or the Tap/Flash/Recall/Link button, depending on your telephone set). Dial the Intercom number. IF the line is answered, press the switchhook for a three-way call. If you wish to exit, simply hang up and the two parties will remain in conference. IF the line is not answered, you can hang up after the first ring, and the caller will forward to the second station line user’s mailbox greeting. The caller can then leave a recorded message in the second mailbox user’s mailbox. DMS 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Speed Dialing Code Charts GTD-5, DMS 100 and DMS 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 5ESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 CustoPAK Feature Activation/Deactivation Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Feature Availability by Switch Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Your CustoPAK Feature Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 NOTE: Please refer to the Verizon Voice Mail User Guide for information on how to use your mailbox. 44 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 45Intercom Code Charts GTD-5, 5ESS and DMS 100 Intercom Code Chart The following charts are provided for you to list your Intercom codes. Each telephone number has been assigned an intercom code, and depending on your switch type, you must press # either before or after the Intercom code number. These Intercom codes have been programmed by Verizon. Instructions for using the Intercom feature are found below and also on page 14 of this guide. To make an Intercom call: Pick up the handset and listen for dial tone. Press the Intercom code 2 Press the Intercom code # 0 2 #–49 –#7(DMS 10). # (GTD-5, 5ESS and DMS 100). 46 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Name Code Telephone Number 20# 21# 22# 23# 24# 25# 26# 27# 28# 29# 30# 31# 32# 33# 34# 35# 36# 37# 38# 39# 40# 41# 42# 43# 44# 45# 46# 47# 48# 49# 47Speed Dialing Code Charts DMS 10 Intercom Code Chart Name Code Telephone Number #2 #3 #4 #5 The following charts are provided for you to list your Speed Dialing codes. The length of your individual Speed Dialing list is determined by your switch type. Your switch type can be found on the front cover of this guide. Be sure to use the Speed Dialing list that corresponds to your switch type. The instructions for setting up a list and making calls using Speed Dialing can be found below and also on page 30 of this guide. To establish or change your Speed Dialing list: #6 #7 Lift the receiver and listen for dial tone. Press * Press # 7 4 and listen for dial tone. 1 .(GTD-5 only, skip this step in all other switches). Press the Speed Dialing 1-digit code number to be programmed (see pages 50-51). Dial the telephone number to be assigned to the code. Listen for confirmation tone. Hang up. Repeat steps for each Speed Dialing code number to be programmed. To make a call using Speed Dialing: 48 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Lift the receiver and listen for dial tone. Press # 1 .(all switches) and then dial the Speed Dialing code number (see pages 50-51). You will hear the called number ringing. Wait for party to answer. 49GTD-5, DMS 100 and DMS 10 Speed Dialing List Name Code Telephone Number 5ESS Speed Dialing List Name Code 22 33 44 55 66 77 Telephone Number 8 9 50 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 51CustoPAK® Feature Activation/Deactivation Codes FeatureActivation Code *69 Automatic Callback Busy Redial Call Block Call Forwarding Call Hold Call Park Call Park – Directed Call Pick-Up – Group Call Trace Cancel Call Waiting Dial Call Waiting Executive Busy Override*69 *52 *66 *60 *72 *01 *11 *14 *17 *57 *70 *54 *40 20# - 49# for 5ESS, IntercomGTD-5 and DMS 100. #2 - #7 for DMS 10. #77 61 63 74, then #1 (GTD-5 only) to program. 2 - 9 to use feature for all switches, except the 5ESS. 2 - 7 to use feature for the 5ESS. Last Number Redial Priority Call Select Call Forwarding * Speed Dialing * * Deactivation or Retrieval Code 89 #52 86 * * *73 *01 *13 *12 Feature Availability by Switch Type Feature GTD-5 Basic Features Assume Dial “9” Call Hold Call Transfer Consultation Hold Direct Inward/Outward Dialing (DID/DOD) Distinctive Ringing (Inside/Outside Ringing) Intercom Dialing Three-Way Calling Touch-Tone Selectable Features Automatic Callback Call Forwarding Call Forwarding – Busy Line Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer Call Pick-Up – Group Call Restriction Options Call Waiting Cancel Call Waiting Dial Call Waiting Hunting Speed Dialing Optional Features: 69 Busy Redial Call Block ( 60) Call Park Call Park – Directed Call Trace Caller ID services Enhanced Call Forwarding Executive Busy Override Last Number Redial Priority Call Select Call Forwarding Voice Mail * * 52 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(30) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(8) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Switch Type 5ESS DMS 100 DMS 10 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(30) ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(30) ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(6) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(6)✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(8)✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓(8) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 53Your CustoPAK® Feature Selections Feature Telephone Numbers Basic Features Assume Dial “9” Call Hold Call Transfer Consultation Hold Direct Inward/Outward Dialing (DID/DOD) Distinctive Ringing (Inside/Outside Ringing) Intercom Dialing Three-Way Calling Touch-Tone Selectable Features Automatic Callback Call Forwarding Call Forwarding – Busy Line Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer Call Pick-Up – Group Call Restriction Options Call Waiting Cancel Call Waiting Dial Call Waiting Hunting Speed Calling Optional Features: 69 Busy Redial Call Block ( 60) Call Park Call Park – Directed Call Trace Caller ID services Enhanced Call Forwarding Executive Busy Override Last Number Redial Priority Call Select Call Forwarding Voice Mail * * 54 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 55Notes __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 56 Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
USER:
What are all of the different landline features available on the 5ESS Class 5 electronic switching system?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 38 | 17 | 10,381 | null | 856 |
You must draw your answer from the below text. You may NOT use any outside resources. You may NOT use prior knowledge in any way.
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How was the Falcon sensor relevant to this event?
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The use of information technology (IT) across industries has created opportunities for disruptions and vulnerabilities in the supply chain for products and services. For example, some firms may be more susceptible to system failures, data breaches, and cyberattacks than others depending on the security of the IT systems used.1 Recent examples include the February 2024 cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, Inc.,2 and a series of data breaches beginning in April 2024 that may have affected about 165 organizations using Snowflake, a cloud-based data management platform.3 The impact of these disruptions may be more widespread when components of IT systems are concentrated among a limited number of providers. On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (hereinafter CrowdStrike) released a software update with a defective file for devices using the Windows operating system, causing some Windows devices to crash. CrowdStrike and Microsoft subsequently released updated safe files and recovery tools.4 Some users were able to fix the issue by rebooting impacted devices multiple times, while others had to take additional steps.5 CrowdStrike’s faulty update does not appear to be related to a cyberattack or data breach; instead, it is an example of the pervasiveness of some IT components and how an issue with an IT component may affect multiple sectors simultaneously, resulting in a host of disruptions domestically and internationally. This FAQ provides a description of CrowdStrike and the faulty update and discusses how the faulty update affected certain sectors in the United States. How did the faulty CrowdStrike update occur, and what is CrowdStrike? 6 CrowdStrike delivers cybersecurity products and services to its customers via a cloud computing platform—the Falcon platform.7 CrowdStrike, through its cloud-based platform, deploys and installs a software called the Falcon Agent or the Falcon Sensor on each connected endpoint device (e.g., individual computer) of its customers.8 On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike released “a sensor configuration update” over the cloud to its customers’ endpoint computers that were running the Falcon sensor for Windows operating systems.9 The update “triggered a logic error resulting in a system crash and blue screen [error]” on impacted computers.10 Those computers that were online and downloaded the faulty update within a certain time period on that day “were susceptible to a system crash.”11 CrowdStrike’s faulty update does not appear to be related to a cyberattack or data breach. The outage occurred as part of the company’s effort to deliver its cybersecurity services. CrowdStrike claims that its cybersecurity products through the Falcon Agent can identify and prevent “known and unknown malware and fileless attacks” to protect its customers’ endpoint devices while “capturing and recording … endpoint data.”12 The cyberattack events and data captured by the agent are streamed back to the Falcon platform’s cloud infrastructure in real time “in order to be further analyzed” to optimize its cybersecurity algorithms.13 The agent can also be remotely reconfigured in real time to take other actions “as risk and threat postures change.”14 This agent is built to support major computer operating systems, including Microsoft’s Windows.15
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You must draw your answer from the below text. You may NOT use any outside resources. You may NOT use prior knowledge in any way. The use of information technology (IT) across industries has created opportunities for disruptions and vulnerabilities in the supply chain for products and services. For example, some firms may be more susceptible to system failures, data breaches, and cyberattacks than others depending on the security of the IT systems used.1 Recent examples include the February 2024 cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, Inc.,2 and a series of data breaches beginning in April 2024 that may have affected about 165 organizations using Snowflake, a cloud-based data management platform.3 The impact of these disruptions may be more widespread when components of IT systems are concentrated among a limited number of providers. On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (hereinafter CrowdStrike) released a software update with a defective file for devices using the Windows operating system, causing some Windows devices to crash. CrowdStrike and Microsoft subsequently released updated safe files and recovery tools.4 Some users were able to fix the issue by rebooting impacted devices multiple times, while others had to take additional steps.5 CrowdStrike’s faulty update does not appear to be related to a cyberattack or data breach; instead, it is an example of the pervasiveness of some IT components and how an issue with an IT component may affect multiple sectors simultaneously, resulting in a host of disruptions domestically and internationally. This FAQ provides a description of CrowdStrike and the faulty update and discusses how the faulty update affected certain sectors in the United States. How did the faulty CrowdStrike update occur, and what is CrowdStrike? 6 CrowdStrike delivers cybersecurity products and services to its customers via a cloud computing platform—the Falcon platform.7 CrowdStrike, through its cloud-based platform, deploys and installs a software called the Falcon Agent or the Falcon Sensor on each connected endpoint device (e.g., individual computer) of its customers.8 On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike released “a sensor configuration update” over the cloud to its customers’ endpoint computers that were running the Falcon sensor for Windows operating systems.9 The update “triggered a logic error resulting in a system crash and blue screen [error]” on impacted computers.10 Those computers that were online and downloaded the faulty update within a certain time period on that day “were susceptible to a system crash.”11 CrowdStrike’s faulty update does not appear to be related to a cyberattack or data breach. The outage occurred as part of the company’s effort to deliver its cybersecurity services. CrowdStrike claims that its cybersecurity products through the Falcon Agent can identify and prevent “known and unknown malware and fileless attacks” to protect its customers’ endpoint devices while “capturing and recording … endpoint data.”12 The cyberattack events and data captured by the agent are streamed back to the Falcon platform’s cloud infrastructure in real time “in order to be further analyzed” to optimize its cybersecurity algorithms.13 The agent can also be remotely reconfigured in real time to take other actions “as risk and threat postures change.”14 This agent is built to support major computer operating systems, including Microsoft’s Windows.15 How was the Falcon sensor relevant to this event?
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You must draw your answer from the below text. You may NOT use any outside resources. You may NOT use prior knowledge in any way.
EVIDENCE:
The use of information technology (IT) across industries has created opportunities for disruptions and vulnerabilities in the supply chain for products and services. For example, some firms may be more susceptible to system failures, data breaches, and cyberattacks than others depending on the security of the IT systems used.1 Recent examples include the February 2024 cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, Inc.,2 and a series of data breaches beginning in April 2024 that may have affected about 165 organizations using Snowflake, a cloud-based data management platform.3 The impact of these disruptions may be more widespread when components of IT systems are concentrated among a limited number of providers. On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (hereinafter CrowdStrike) released a software update with a defective file for devices using the Windows operating system, causing some Windows devices to crash. CrowdStrike and Microsoft subsequently released updated safe files and recovery tools.4 Some users were able to fix the issue by rebooting impacted devices multiple times, while others had to take additional steps.5 CrowdStrike’s faulty update does not appear to be related to a cyberattack or data breach; instead, it is an example of the pervasiveness of some IT components and how an issue with an IT component may affect multiple sectors simultaneously, resulting in a host of disruptions domestically and internationally. This FAQ provides a description of CrowdStrike and the faulty update and discusses how the faulty update affected certain sectors in the United States. How did the faulty CrowdStrike update occur, and what is CrowdStrike? 6 CrowdStrike delivers cybersecurity products and services to its customers via a cloud computing platform—the Falcon platform.7 CrowdStrike, through its cloud-based platform, deploys and installs a software called the Falcon Agent or the Falcon Sensor on each connected endpoint device (e.g., individual computer) of its customers.8 On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike released “a sensor configuration update” over the cloud to its customers’ endpoint computers that were running the Falcon sensor for Windows operating systems.9 The update “triggered a logic error resulting in a system crash and blue screen [error]” on impacted computers.10 Those computers that were online and downloaded the faulty update within a certain time period on that day “were susceptible to a system crash.”11 CrowdStrike’s faulty update does not appear to be related to a cyberattack or data breach. The outage occurred as part of the company’s effort to deliver its cybersecurity services. CrowdStrike claims that its cybersecurity products through the Falcon Agent can identify and prevent “known and unknown malware and fileless attacks” to protect its customers’ endpoint devices while “capturing and recording … endpoint data.”12 The cyberattack events and data captured by the agent are streamed back to the Falcon platform’s cloud infrastructure in real time “in order to be further analyzed” to optimize its cybersecurity algorithms.13 The agent can also be remotely reconfigured in real time to take other actions “as risk and threat postures change.”14 This agent is built to support major computer operating systems, including Microsoft’s Windows.15
USER:
How was the Falcon sensor relevant to this event?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 25 | 9 | 501 | null | 459 |
Draw your answer from the above text only. Do not use any external information or prior knowledge. Limit your answer to 75 words or fewer.
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Why didn't The Copyright Office recommend amending copyright laws?
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Stop the Presses? Newspapers in the Digital Age During the past 20 years, more than 200 local daily newspapers have either reduced their publication frequency or ceased publishing altogether. Among those that survived, many employ a fraction of the journalists that they did at the turn of the 21st century, and many publish far fewer original, local, and investigative news stories than they did previously. As a result, in order to get local news, thousands of U.S. communities rely on “ghost newspapers” that are shells of their former selves and may rarely employ full-time professional local journalists. Researchers report that, among other societal effects, the lack of a daily newspaper to monitor local governments and publicly traded companies can lead to increased financing costs to make up for investors’ lack of trust. In 2000, daily newspaper industry revenue peaked at $89 billion, adjusted for inflation in 2020 dollars. Twenty years later, the revenue had fallen by 80%. Although some large, national newspapers continue to thrive, the newspaper industry as a whole has contracted. Websites and mobile apps enabling individuals to access news without a subscription have increased competition for readers and advertising. Between that 20-year period, revenue gains from online newspaper advertisements (from $0 to $3.1 billion) have not replaced revenue losses from print newspaper advertisements. Some technology companies both compete and collaborate with newspaper publishers for online advertising revenue. For example, in addition to competing with newspapers’ websites for display advertising revenue, Google sells ad spaces (i.e., areas on websites/mobile apps set aside for online advertisements) on behalf of online publishers. Likewise, Google buys ad spaces on behalf of companies seeking to market goods or services to consumers with advertising (i.e., advertisers). For each step of the process—known as the ad tech stack—Google earns commissions from both buyers and sellers. In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice joined eight states in filing a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the company is violating antitrust laws by engaging in unlawful conduct to monopolize the ad tech stack. An additional 16 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico filed a similar suit in 2021. In January 2021, a judicial panel combined this suit with multiple suits filed by newspaper publishers, advertisers, and others. Google claims these allegations mischaracterize its business and the degree of competition within the ad tech stack. In addition, some online platforms—such as news aggregators (e.g., Apple News and Google News) and social media (e.g., Facebook)—can both enhance and diminish the ability of newspaper publishers to reach viewers. By acting as intermediaries between newspapers and their readers, these online platforms may increase consumers’ awareness of newspapers’ websites and prompt consumers to visit them. Alternatively, the headlines, snippets (small portions) of articles, and photographs displayed by these online platforms may dissuade consumers from visiting newspaper publishers’ own websites. This may impede the newspapers’ ability to collect data about their readers and generate revenues from their websites/mobile apps via subscriptions and advertising. The Copyright Act generally prohibits online platforms from distributing full articles from newspaper publishers without their express consent. Courts determine whether a third party’s use of copyright material violates this law on a case-by-case basis. In June 2022, the U.S. Copyright Office published a report titled Copyright Protections for Publishers at the request of several members from the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. The report assessed the viability of establishing “ancillary copyright” protections for press publishers that would require online news aggregators to pay publishers for using excerpts of their content. The Copyright Office did not recommend amending copyright laws for this purpose, noting that stakeholders who filed comments with the office emphasized that the publishers’ challenges were due more to competition issues rather than copyright issues. Some Members of 118th Congress have introduced bills that may help newspaper publishers. For example, the Advertising Middlemen Endangering Rigorous Internet Competition Accountability Act (S. 1073) would impose certain restrictions related to the ad tech stack. Online advertising revenues that would otherwise accrue to advertising technology firms could flow to the newspaper publishers who sell advertising on their papers’ websites. The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act of 2023 (S. 1094) would potentially increase the relative bargaining power of newspaper publishers.
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Stop the Presses? Newspapers in the Digital Age During the past 20 years, more than 200 local daily newspapers have either reduced their publication frequency or ceased publishing altogether. Among those that survived, many employ a fraction of the journalists that they did at the turn of the 21st century, and many publish far fewer original, local, and investigative news stories than they did previously. As a result, in order to get local news, thousands of U.S. communities rely on “ghost newspapers” that are shells of their former selves and may rarely employ full-time professional local journalists. Researchers report that, among other societal effects, the lack of a daily newspaper to monitor local governments and publicly traded companies can lead to increased financing costs to make up for investors’ lack of trust. In 2000, daily newspaper industry revenue peaked at $89 billion, adjusted for inflation in 2020 dollars. Twenty years later, the revenue had fallen by 80%. Although some large, national newspapers continue to thrive, the newspaper industry as a whole has contracted. Websites and mobile apps enabling individuals to access news without a subscription have increased competition for readers and advertising. Between that 20-year period, revenue gains from online newspaper advertisements (from $0 to $3.1 billion) have not replaced revenue losses from print newspaper advertisements. Some technology companies both compete and collaborate with newspaper publishers for online advertising revenue. For example, in addition to competing with newspapers’ websites for display advertising revenue, Google sells ad spaces (i.e., areas on websites/mobile apps set aside for online advertisements) on behalf of online publishers. Likewise, Google buys ad spaces on behalf of companies seeking to market goods or services to consumers with advertising (i.e., advertisers). For each step of the process—known as the ad tech stack—Google earns commissions from both buyers and sellers. In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice joined eight states in filing a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the company is violating antitrust laws by engaging in unlawful conduct to monopolize the ad tech stack. An additional 16 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico filed a similar suit in 2021. In January 2021, a judicial panel combined this suit with multiple suits filed by newspaper publishers, advertisers, and others. Google claims these allegations mischaracterize its business and the degree of competition within the ad tech stack. In addition, some online platforms—such as news aggregators (e.g., Apple News and Google News) and social media (e.g., Facebook)—can both enhance and diminish the ability of newspaper publishers to reach viewers. By acting as intermediaries between newspapers and their readers, these online platforms may increase consumers’ awareness of newspapers’ websites and prompt consumers to visit them. Alternatively, the headlines, snippets (small portions) of articles, and photographs displayed by these online platforms may dissuade consumers from visiting newspaper publishers’ own websites. This may impede the newspapers’ ability to collect data about their readers and generate revenues from their websites/mobile apps via subscriptions and advertising. The Copyright Act generally prohibits online platforms from distributing full articles from newspaper publishers without their express consent. Courts determine whether a third party’s use of copyright material violates this law on a case-by-case basis. In June 2022, the U.S. Copyright Office published a report titled Copyright Protections for Publishers at the request of several members from the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. The report assessed the viability of establishing “ancillary copyright” protections for press publishers that would require online news aggregators to pay publishers for using excerpts of their content. The Copyright Office did not recommend amending copyright laws for this purpose, noting that stakeholders who filed comments with the office emphasized that the publishers’ challenges were due more to competition issues rather than copyright issues. Some Members of 118th Congress have introduced bills that may help newspaper publishers. For example, the Advertising Middlemen Endangering Rigorous Internet Competition Accountability Act (S. 1073) would impose certain restrictions related to the ad tech stack. Online advertising revenues that would otherwise accrue to advertising technology firms could flow to the newspaper publishers who sell advertising on their papers’ websites. The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act of 2023 (S. 1094) would potentially increase the relative bargaining power of newspaper publishers. Instructions: Draw your answer from the above text only. Do not use any external information or prior knowledge. Limit your answer to 75 words or fewer. Question: Why didn't The Copyright Office recommend amending copyright laws?
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Draw your answer from the above text only. Do not use any external information or prior knowledge. Limit your answer to 75 words or fewer.
EVIDENCE:
Stop the Presses? Newspapers in the Digital Age During the past 20 years, more than 200 local daily newspapers have either reduced their publication frequency or ceased publishing altogether. Among those that survived, many employ a fraction of the journalists that they did at the turn of the 21st century, and many publish far fewer original, local, and investigative news stories than they did previously. As a result, in order to get local news, thousands of U.S. communities rely on “ghost newspapers” that are shells of their former selves and may rarely employ full-time professional local journalists. Researchers report that, among other societal effects, the lack of a daily newspaper to monitor local governments and publicly traded companies can lead to increased financing costs to make up for investors’ lack of trust. In 2000, daily newspaper industry revenue peaked at $89 billion, adjusted for inflation in 2020 dollars. Twenty years later, the revenue had fallen by 80%. Although some large, national newspapers continue to thrive, the newspaper industry as a whole has contracted. Websites and mobile apps enabling individuals to access news without a subscription have increased competition for readers and advertising. Between that 20-year period, revenue gains from online newspaper advertisements (from $0 to $3.1 billion) have not replaced revenue losses from print newspaper advertisements. Some technology companies both compete and collaborate with newspaper publishers for online advertising revenue. For example, in addition to competing with newspapers’ websites for display advertising revenue, Google sells ad spaces (i.e., areas on websites/mobile apps set aside for online advertisements) on behalf of online publishers. Likewise, Google buys ad spaces on behalf of companies seeking to market goods or services to consumers with advertising (i.e., advertisers). For each step of the process—known as the ad tech stack—Google earns commissions from both buyers and sellers. In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice joined eight states in filing a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the company is violating antitrust laws by engaging in unlawful conduct to monopolize the ad tech stack. An additional 16 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico filed a similar suit in 2021. In January 2021, a judicial panel combined this suit with multiple suits filed by newspaper publishers, advertisers, and others. Google claims these allegations mischaracterize its business and the degree of competition within the ad tech stack. In addition, some online platforms—such as news aggregators (e.g., Apple News and Google News) and social media (e.g., Facebook)—can both enhance and diminish the ability of newspaper publishers to reach viewers. By acting as intermediaries between newspapers and their readers, these online platforms may increase consumers’ awareness of newspapers’ websites and prompt consumers to visit them. Alternatively, the headlines, snippets (small portions) of articles, and photographs displayed by these online platforms may dissuade consumers from visiting newspaper publishers’ own websites. This may impede the newspapers’ ability to collect data about their readers and generate revenues from their websites/mobile apps via subscriptions and advertising. The Copyright Act generally prohibits online platforms from distributing full articles from newspaper publishers without their express consent. Courts determine whether a third party’s use of copyright material violates this law on a case-by-case basis. In June 2022, the U.S. Copyright Office published a report titled Copyright Protections for Publishers at the request of several members from the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. The report assessed the viability of establishing “ancillary copyright” protections for press publishers that would require online news aggregators to pay publishers for using excerpts of their content. The Copyright Office did not recommend amending copyright laws for this purpose, noting that stakeholders who filed comments with the office emphasized that the publishers’ challenges were due more to competition issues rather than copyright issues. Some Members of 118th Congress have introduced bills that may help newspaper publishers. For example, the Advertising Middlemen Endangering Rigorous Internet Competition Accountability Act (S. 1073) would impose certain restrictions related to the ad tech stack. Online advertising revenues that would otherwise accrue to advertising technology firms could flow to the newspaper publishers who sell advertising on their papers’ websites. The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act of 2023 (S. 1094) would potentially increase the relative bargaining power of newspaper publishers.
USER:
Why didn't The Copyright Office recommend amending copyright laws?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 25 | 9 | 700 | null | 657 |
[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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I would like the numerical information from the text restated in bullet point lists with the relevant textual descriptors. Please retain the section headings to use for organization. You may simplify word choices for the layperson to understand where applicable.
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The increase in real GDP primarily reflected increases in consumer spending, private inventory investment, and nonresidential fixed investment. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, increased (table 2). Compared to the first quarter, the acceleration in real GDP in the second quarter primarily reflected an upturn in private inventory investment and an acceleration in consumer spending. These movements were partly offset by a downturn in residential fixed investment. Current‑dollar GDP increased 5.5 percent at an annual rate, or $383.2 billion, in the second quarter to a level of $28.65 trillion, an upward revision of $23.2 billion from the previous estimate (tables 1 and 3). More information on the source data that underlie the estimates is available in the "Key Source Data and Assumptions" file on BEA's website. The price index for gross domestic purchases increased 2.4 percent in the second quarter, an upward revision of 0.1 percentage point from the previous estimate. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index increased 2.5 percent, a downward revision of 0.1 percentage point. Excluding food and energy prices, the PCE price index increased 2.8 percent, a downward revision of 0.1 percentage point. Personal Income Current-dollar personal income increased $233.6 billion in the second quarter, a downward revision of $4.0 billion from the previous estimate. The increase primarily reflected increases in compensation and personal current transfer receipts (table 8). Disposable personal income increased $183.0 billion, or 3.6 percent, in the second quarter, a downward revision of $3.2 billion from the previous estimate. Real disposable personal income increased 1.0 percent, unrevised from the prior estimate. Personal saving was $686.4 billion in the second quarter, a downward revision of $34.1 billion from the previous estimate. The personal saving rate—personal saving as a percentage of disposable personal income—was 3.3 percent in the second quarter, a downward revision of 0.2 percentage point. Gross Domestic Income and Corporate Profits Real gross domestic income (GDI) increased 1.3 percent in the second quarter, the same as in the first quarter. The average of real GDP and real GDI, a supplemental measure of U.S. economic activity that equally weights GDP and GDI, increased 2.1 percent in the second quarter, compared with an increase of 1.4 percent in the first quarter (table 1). Profits from current production (corporate profits with inventory valuation and capital consumption adjustments) increased $57.6 billion in the second quarter, in contrast to a decrease of $47.1 billion in the first quarter (table 10). Profits of domestic financial corporations increased $46.4 billion in the second quarter, compared with an increase of $65.0 billion in the first quarter. Profits of domestic nonfinancial corporations increased $29.2 billion, in contrast to a decrease of $114.5 billion. Rest-of-the-world profits decreased $18.0 billion, in contrast to an increase of $2.3 billion. In the second quarter, receipts decreased $6.2 billion, and payments increased $11.8 billion. Updates to GDP With the second estimate, an upward revision to consumer spending was partly offset by downward revisions to nonresidential fixed investment, exports, private inventory investment, federal government spending, state and local government spending, and residential fixed investment. Imports were revised up. For more information, refer to the Technical Note. For information on updates to GDP, refer to the "Additional Information" section that follows. Advance Estimate Second Estimate (Percent change from preceding quarter) Real GDP 2.8 3.0 Current-dollar GDP 5.2 5.5 Real GDI … 1.3 Average of Real GDP and Real GDI … 2.1 Gross domestic purchases price index 2.3 2.4 PCE price index 2.6 2.5 PCE price index excluding food and energy 2.9 2.8
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[question] I would like the numerical information from the text restated in bullet point lists with the relevant textual descriptors. Please retain the section headings to use for organization. You may simplify word choices for the layperson to understand where applicable. ===================== [text] The increase in real GDP primarily reflected increases in consumer spending, private inventory investment, and nonresidential fixed investment. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, increased (table 2). Compared to the first quarter, the acceleration in real GDP in the second quarter primarily reflected an upturn in private inventory investment and an acceleration in consumer spending. These movements were partly offset by a downturn in residential fixed investment. Current‑dollar GDP increased 5.5 percent at an annual rate, or $383.2 billion, in the second quarter to a level of $28.65 trillion, an upward revision of $23.2 billion from the previous estimate (tables 1 and 3). More information on the source data that underlie the estimates is available in the "Key Source Data and Assumptions" file on BEA's website. The price index for gross domestic purchases increased 2.4 percent in the second quarter, an upward revision of 0.1 percentage point from the previous estimate. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index increased 2.5 percent, a downward revision of 0.1 percentage point. Excluding food and energy prices, the PCE price index increased 2.8 percent, a downward revision of 0.1 percentage point. Personal Income Current-dollar personal income increased $233.6 billion in the second quarter, a downward revision of $4.0 billion from the previous estimate. The increase primarily reflected increases in compensation and personal current transfer receipts (table 8). Disposable personal income increased $183.0 billion, or 3.6 percent, in the second quarter, a downward revision of $3.2 billion from the previous estimate. Real disposable personal income increased 1.0 percent, unrevised from the prior estimate. Personal saving was $686.4 billion in the second quarter, a downward revision of $34.1 billion from the previous estimate. The personal saving rate—personal saving as a percentage of disposable personal income—was 3.3 percent in the second quarter, a downward revision of 0.2 percentage point. Gross Domestic Income and Corporate Profits Real gross domestic income (GDI) increased 1.3 percent in the second quarter, the same as in the first quarter. The average of real GDP and real GDI, a supplemental measure of U.S. economic activity that equally weights GDP and GDI, increased 2.1 percent in the second quarter, compared with an increase of 1.4 percent in the first quarter (table 1). Profits from current production (corporate profits with inventory valuation and capital consumption adjustments) increased $57.6 billion in the second quarter, in contrast to a decrease of $47.1 billion in the first quarter (table 10). Profits of domestic financial corporations increased $46.4 billion in the second quarter, compared with an increase of $65.0 billion in the first quarter. Profits of domestic nonfinancial corporations increased $29.2 billion, in contrast to a decrease of $114.5 billion. Rest-of-the-world profits decreased $18.0 billion, in contrast to an increase of $2.3 billion. In the second quarter, receipts decreased $6.2 billion, and payments increased $11.8 billion. Updates to GDP With the second estimate, an upward revision to consumer spending was partly offset by downward revisions to nonresidential fixed investment, exports, private inventory investment, federal government spending, state and local government spending, and residential fixed investment. Imports were revised up. For more information, refer to the Technical Note. For information on updates to GDP, refer to the "Additional Information" section that follows. Advance Estimate Second Estimate (Percent change from preceding quarter) Real GDP 2.8 3.0 Current-dollar GDP 5.2 5.5 Real GDI … 1.3 Average of Real GDP and Real GDI … 2.1 Gross domestic purchases price index 2.3 2.4 PCE price index 2.6 2.5 PCE price index excluding food and energy 2.9 2.8 https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/gross-domestic-product-second-estimate-corporate-profits-preliminary-estimate-second ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
EVIDENCE:
The increase in real GDP primarily reflected increases in consumer spending, private inventory investment, and nonresidential fixed investment. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, increased (table 2). Compared to the first quarter, the acceleration in real GDP in the second quarter primarily reflected an upturn in private inventory investment and an acceleration in consumer spending. These movements were partly offset by a downturn in residential fixed investment. Current‑dollar GDP increased 5.5 percent at an annual rate, or $383.2 billion, in the second quarter to a level of $28.65 trillion, an upward revision of $23.2 billion from the previous estimate (tables 1 and 3). More information on the source data that underlie the estimates is available in the "Key Source Data and Assumptions" file on BEA's website. The price index for gross domestic purchases increased 2.4 percent in the second quarter, an upward revision of 0.1 percentage point from the previous estimate. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index increased 2.5 percent, a downward revision of 0.1 percentage point. Excluding food and energy prices, the PCE price index increased 2.8 percent, a downward revision of 0.1 percentage point. Personal Income Current-dollar personal income increased $233.6 billion in the second quarter, a downward revision of $4.0 billion from the previous estimate. The increase primarily reflected increases in compensation and personal current transfer receipts (table 8). Disposable personal income increased $183.0 billion, or 3.6 percent, in the second quarter, a downward revision of $3.2 billion from the previous estimate. Real disposable personal income increased 1.0 percent, unrevised from the prior estimate. Personal saving was $686.4 billion in the second quarter, a downward revision of $34.1 billion from the previous estimate. The personal saving rate—personal saving as a percentage of disposable personal income—was 3.3 percent in the second quarter, a downward revision of 0.2 percentage point. Gross Domestic Income and Corporate Profits Real gross domestic income (GDI) increased 1.3 percent in the second quarter, the same as in the first quarter. The average of real GDP and real GDI, a supplemental measure of U.S. economic activity that equally weights GDP and GDI, increased 2.1 percent in the second quarter, compared with an increase of 1.4 percent in the first quarter (table 1). Profits from current production (corporate profits with inventory valuation and capital consumption adjustments) increased $57.6 billion in the second quarter, in contrast to a decrease of $47.1 billion in the first quarter (table 10). Profits of domestic financial corporations increased $46.4 billion in the second quarter, compared with an increase of $65.0 billion in the first quarter. Profits of domestic nonfinancial corporations increased $29.2 billion, in contrast to a decrease of $114.5 billion. Rest-of-the-world profits decreased $18.0 billion, in contrast to an increase of $2.3 billion. In the second quarter, receipts decreased $6.2 billion, and payments increased $11.8 billion. Updates to GDP With the second estimate, an upward revision to consumer spending was partly offset by downward revisions to nonresidential fixed investment, exports, private inventory investment, federal government spending, state and local government spending, and residential fixed investment. Imports were revised up. For more information, refer to the Technical Note. For information on updates to GDP, refer to the "Additional Information" section that follows. Advance Estimate Second Estimate (Percent change from preceding quarter) Real GDP 2.8 3.0 Current-dollar GDP 5.2 5.5 Real GDI … 1.3 Average of Real GDP and Real GDI … 2.1 Gross domestic purchases price index 2.3 2.4 PCE price index 2.6 2.5 PCE price index excluding food and energy 2.9 2.8
USER:
I would like the numerical information from the text restated in bullet point lists with the relevant textual descriptors. Please retain the section headings to use for organization. You may simplify word choices for the layperson to understand where applicable.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 28 | 40 | 587 | null | 629 |
<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
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My daughter just turned 16 and we are looking at buying her her first car. We want to make sure that she's safe, especially during winter as we live in Montana where it gets very snowy. She likes to listen to her music from her iPhone while driving. Which car would be our best option?
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Best New Cars for Teens Under $30,000 2024 Toyota Prius Starting Price: $29,045 | Rating: 4.8 2024 Toyota Prius Limited The Toyota Prius is the car that made “hybrid” a household word. Toyota redesigned the Prius for 2023, molding it into the sleek shape of a speedster. Well, it’s not that. However, it still manages an impressive combined driving fuel economy of 57 mpg. Students heading for the snow belt can add all-wheel drive (AWD). Its rear-seat legroom is about average for the segment. The IIHS named the Prius to its Top Safety Pick+ list. Every Prius comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and high-beam assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come standard as well. If the new models are out of your price range, the previous-generation Prius is also an excellent choice. See Toyota Prius models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Honda Civic Starting Price: $25,045 | Rating: 4.7 2024 Honda Civic Sedan in red driving on a road. The Civic made our list of picks for several reasons, including the fact that it’s a frequent Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner. In addition, the all-new Civic retook the throne as our Compact Car Best Buy for 2022 and repeated for 2023 and 2024. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick, and it earned a 5-Star safety rating from NHTSA. It also gets a government-estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. Every 2024 Civic arrives with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Connectivity technology includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, one USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. Honda typically doesn’t offer option packages. To gain more content, you must move up in trim level. And look to the hatchback model ($26,045) for more cargo space. See Honda Civic models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Toyota Corolla Starting Price: $23,145 | Rating: 4.4 2023 Toyota Corolla in white near a lake. The carryover Toyota Corolla was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2023. It also boasts low cost-to-own figures and historically good reliability. The Corolla’s starting price reflects the entry-level LE model. It offers standard equipment like automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, and a rear-seat center armrest. Every 2024 Corolla comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0. This advanced driver assistance technology suite includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beams. The optional Premium Package offers a blind-spot monitor with a rear cross-traffic alert system, which is great for teen drivers. Connectivity features include Bluetooth, voice recognition, four USB ports, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi capability. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) government-certified combined fuel economy is 35 mpg. See Toyota Corolla models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Kia Seltos Starting Price: $25,865 | Rating: 4.8 2024 Kia Seltos SX in white near Palm Springs at sunset. Every version of the surprisingly roomy Kia Seltos subcompact SUV comes with a full suite of safety features, including forward collision warning with emergency braking, driver attention warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, and high-beam assist. To add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, you must move up to the S grade, adding $600 to the bottom line. Connectivity features include Bluetooth with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and one USB port. With a second-row seat large enough to accommodate adults, Seltos also provides class-leading cargo space. See Kia Seltos models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Starting Price: $26,540 | Rating: 4.6 2024 Subaru Crosstrek in blue near white fence. Redesigned for 2024, Subaru’s go-anywhere Crosstrek is an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It comes standard with AWD backed by a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is a respectable 29 mpg combined or 27 in Wilderness trim. Every Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. It also boasts forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is optional or standard on upper trim levels. Connectivity includes dual 7-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wireless is an option), Bluetooth connectivity, and hands-free phone integration. See Subaru Crosstrek models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Hyundai Kona Starting Price: $25,625 | Rating: 4.8 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited in Mirage Green with hills in the background. Totally redesigned for 2024, the Hyundai Kona offers tremendous value as a subcompact SUV with eye-catching exterior styling. Its small size makes parking easy, a big plus for teens. The rear cargo area is well suited to carry gear. In addition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come standard. Fuel economy is as good as 35 mpg on the highway with the gas engine. An all-electric version (EV) is also available. The IIHS named the Kona to the TSP+ list. There is plenty of value here, as even the base SE model comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic collision warning. A 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included. See Hyundai Kona models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Starting Price: $24,395 | Rating: 4.2 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV in white near a cabin. Being one of Chevy’s smaller SUVs doesn’t stop the Trailblazer from being a considerable value. Some exterior restyling for 2024 dramatically improves its curb appeal. Moreover, the increased number of standard features for 2024 makes it more fetching than ever. Its standard advanced safety features include automatic forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning. High-beam assist is also standard. We recommend opting for the $345 Driver Confidence Package that adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s a bargain. Fundamentally unchanged since the IIHS named it a TSP+ winner in 2022, the Trailblazer remains a safe pick for teens. With the most rear-seat legroom in its class and a little better than average cargo space, the Trailblazer is an impressive hauler. At 30 mpg, its combined fuel economy is above average among rivals. You can add AWD for $2,000. See Chevrolet Trailblazer models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Nissan Sentra Starting Price: $22,320 | Rating: 4.0 2024 Nissan Sentra SR in blue near a directional sign. The most affordable new car on this list, the Nissan Sentra offers a bit of sportiness for teens, plus practicality and upscale styling. This compact car has “zero gravity” seats designed to be comfortable when driving to school or a job. The Sentra delivers fuel economy as good as 40 mpg on the highway (34 mpg in mixed city/highway driving), so trips to the gas station won’t be too frequent. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models. In addition to 10 airbags, even the base grade comes with the full suite of SafetyShield 360 driver aids, including auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. Essentially unchanged since it was added to the IIHS 2022 TSP+ list, the Sentra is still a solid safety pick for teens.
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> My daughter just turned 16 and we are looking at buying her her first car. We want to make sure that she's safe, especially during winter as we live in Montana where it gets very snowy. She likes to listen to her music from her iPhone while driving. Which car would be our best option? <TEXT> Best New Cars for Teens Under $30,000 2024 Toyota Prius Starting Price: $29,045 | Rating: 4.8 2024 Toyota Prius Limited The Toyota Prius is the car that made “hybrid” a household word. Toyota redesigned the Prius for 2023, molding it into the sleek shape of a speedster. Well, it’s not that. However, it still manages an impressive combined driving fuel economy of 57 mpg. Students heading for the snow belt can add all-wheel drive (AWD). Its rear-seat legroom is about average for the segment. The IIHS named the Prius to its Top Safety Pick+ list. Every Prius comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and high-beam assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come standard as well. If the new models are out of your price range, the previous-generation Prius is also an excellent choice. See Toyota Prius models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Honda Civic Starting Price: $25,045 | Rating: 4.7 2024 Honda Civic Sedan in red driving on a road. The Civic made our list of picks for several reasons, including the fact that it’s a frequent Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner. In addition, the all-new Civic retook the throne as our Compact Car Best Buy for 2022 and repeated for 2023 and 2024. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick, and it earned a 5-Star safety rating from NHTSA. It also gets a government-estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. Every 2024 Civic arrives with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Connectivity technology includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, one USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. Honda typically doesn’t offer option packages. To gain more content, you must move up in trim level. And look to the hatchback model ($26,045) for more cargo space. See Honda Civic models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Toyota Corolla Starting Price: $23,145 | Rating: 4.4 2023 Toyota Corolla in white near a lake. The carryover Toyota Corolla was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2023. It also boasts low cost-to-own figures and historically good reliability. The Corolla’s starting price reflects the entry-level LE model. It offers standard equipment like automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, and a rear-seat center armrest. Every 2024 Corolla comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0. This advanced driver assistance technology suite includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beams. The optional Premium Package offers a blind-spot monitor with a rear cross-traffic alert system, which is great for teen drivers. Connectivity features include Bluetooth, voice recognition, four USB ports, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi capability. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) government-certified combined fuel economy is 35 mpg. See Toyota Corolla models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Kia Seltos Starting Price: $25,865 | Rating: 4.8 2024 Kia Seltos SX in white near Palm Springs at sunset. Every version of the surprisingly roomy Kia Seltos subcompact SUV comes with a full suite of safety features, including forward collision warning with emergency braking, driver attention warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, and high-beam assist. To add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, you must move up to the S grade, adding $600 to the bottom line. Connectivity features include Bluetooth with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and one USB port. With a second-row seat large enough to accommodate adults, Seltos also provides class-leading cargo space. See Kia Seltos models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Starting Price: $26,540 | Rating: 4.6 2024 Subaru Crosstrek in blue near white fence. Redesigned for 2024, Subaru’s go-anywhere Crosstrek is an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It comes standard with AWD backed by a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is a respectable 29 mpg combined or 27 in Wilderness trim. Every Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. It also boasts forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is optional or standard on upper trim levels. Connectivity includes dual 7-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wireless is an option), Bluetooth connectivity, and hands-free phone integration. See Subaru Crosstrek models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Hyundai Kona Starting Price: $25,625 | Rating: 4.8 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited in Mirage Green with hills in the background. Totally redesigned for 2024, the Hyundai Kona offers tremendous value as a subcompact SUV with eye-catching exterior styling. Its small size makes parking easy, a big plus for teens. The rear cargo area is well suited to carry gear. In addition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come standard. Fuel economy is as good as 35 mpg on the highway with the gas engine. An all-electric version (EV) is also available. The IIHS named the Kona to the TSP+ list. There is plenty of value here, as even the base SE model comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic collision warning. A 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included. See Hyundai Kona models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Starting Price: $24,395 | Rating: 4.2 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV in white near a cabin. Being one of Chevy’s smaller SUVs doesn’t stop the Trailblazer from being a considerable value. Some exterior restyling for 2024 dramatically improves its curb appeal. Moreover, the increased number of standard features for 2024 makes it more fetching than ever. Its standard advanced safety features include automatic forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning. High-beam assist is also standard. We recommend opting for the $345 Driver Confidence Package that adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s a bargain. Fundamentally unchanged since the IIHS named it a TSP+ winner in 2022, the Trailblazer remains a safe pick for teens. With the most rear-seat legroom in its class and a little better than average cargo space, the Trailblazer is an impressive hauler. At 30 mpg, its combined fuel economy is above average among rivals. You can add AWD for $2,000. See Chevrolet Trailblazer models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Nissan Sentra Starting Price: $22,320 | Rating: 4.0 2024 Nissan Sentra SR in blue near a directional sign. The most affordable new car on this list, the Nissan Sentra offers a bit of sportiness for teens, plus practicality and upscale styling. This compact car has “zero gravity” seats designed to be comfortable when driving to school or a job. The Sentra delivers fuel economy as good as 40 mpg on the highway (34 mpg in mixed city/highway driving), so trips to the gas station won’t be too frequent. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models. In addition to 10 airbags, even the base grade comes with the full suite of SafetyShield 360 driver aids, including auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. Essentially unchanged since it was added to the IIHS 2022 TSP+ list, the Sentra is still a solid safety pick for teens. https://www.kbb.com/best-cars/teens/
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
EVIDENCE:
Best New Cars for Teens Under $30,000 2024 Toyota Prius Starting Price: $29,045 | Rating: 4.8 2024 Toyota Prius Limited The Toyota Prius is the car that made “hybrid” a household word. Toyota redesigned the Prius for 2023, molding it into the sleek shape of a speedster. Well, it’s not that. However, it still manages an impressive combined driving fuel economy of 57 mpg. Students heading for the snow belt can add all-wheel drive (AWD). Its rear-seat legroom is about average for the segment. The IIHS named the Prius to its Top Safety Pick+ list. Every Prius comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and high-beam assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come standard as well. If the new models are out of your price range, the previous-generation Prius is also an excellent choice. See Toyota Prius models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Honda Civic Starting Price: $25,045 | Rating: 4.7 2024 Honda Civic Sedan in red driving on a road. The Civic made our list of picks for several reasons, including the fact that it’s a frequent Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner. In addition, the all-new Civic retook the throne as our Compact Car Best Buy for 2022 and repeated for 2023 and 2024. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick, and it earned a 5-Star safety rating from NHTSA. It also gets a government-estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. Every 2024 Civic arrives with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Connectivity technology includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, one USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. Honda typically doesn’t offer option packages. To gain more content, you must move up in trim level. And look to the hatchback model ($26,045) for more cargo space. See Honda Civic models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Toyota Corolla Starting Price: $23,145 | Rating: 4.4 2023 Toyota Corolla in white near a lake. The carryover Toyota Corolla was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2023. It also boasts low cost-to-own figures and historically good reliability. The Corolla’s starting price reflects the entry-level LE model. It offers standard equipment like automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, and a rear-seat center armrest. Every 2024 Corolla comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0. This advanced driver assistance technology suite includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beams. The optional Premium Package offers a blind-spot monitor with a rear cross-traffic alert system, which is great for teen drivers. Connectivity features include Bluetooth, voice recognition, four USB ports, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi capability. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) government-certified combined fuel economy is 35 mpg. See Toyota Corolla models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Kia Seltos Starting Price: $25,865 | Rating: 4.8 2024 Kia Seltos SX in white near Palm Springs at sunset. Every version of the surprisingly roomy Kia Seltos subcompact SUV comes with a full suite of safety features, including forward collision warning with emergency braking, driver attention warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, and high-beam assist. To add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, you must move up to the S grade, adding $600 to the bottom line. Connectivity features include Bluetooth with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and one USB port. With a second-row seat large enough to accommodate adults, Seltos also provides class-leading cargo space. See Kia Seltos models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Starting Price: $26,540 | Rating: 4.6 2024 Subaru Crosstrek in blue near white fence. Redesigned for 2024, Subaru’s go-anywhere Crosstrek is an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It comes standard with AWD backed by a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is a respectable 29 mpg combined or 27 in Wilderness trim. Every Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. It also boasts forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is optional or standard on upper trim levels. Connectivity includes dual 7-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wireless is an option), Bluetooth connectivity, and hands-free phone integration. See Subaru Crosstrek models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Hyundai Kona Starting Price: $25,625 | Rating: 4.8 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited in Mirage Green with hills in the background. Totally redesigned for 2024, the Hyundai Kona offers tremendous value as a subcompact SUV with eye-catching exterior styling. Its small size makes parking easy, a big plus for teens. The rear cargo area is well suited to carry gear. In addition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come standard. Fuel economy is as good as 35 mpg on the highway with the gas engine. An all-electric version (EV) is also available. The IIHS named the Kona to the TSP+ list. There is plenty of value here, as even the base SE model comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic collision warning. A 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included. See Hyundai Kona models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Starting Price: $24,395 | Rating: 4.2 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV in white near a cabin. Being one of Chevy’s smaller SUVs doesn’t stop the Trailblazer from being a considerable value. Some exterior restyling for 2024 dramatically improves its curb appeal. Moreover, the increased number of standard features for 2024 makes it more fetching than ever. Its standard advanced safety features include automatic forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning. High-beam assist is also standard. We recommend opting for the $345 Driver Confidence Package that adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s a bargain. Fundamentally unchanged since the IIHS named it a TSP+ winner in 2022, the Trailblazer remains a safe pick for teens. With the most rear-seat legroom in its class and a little better than average cargo space, the Trailblazer is an impressive hauler. At 30 mpg, its combined fuel economy is above average among rivals. You can add AWD for $2,000. See Chevrolet Trailblazer models for sale near you Compare dealer offers 2024 Nissan Sentra Starting Price: $22,320 | Rating: 4.0 2024 Nissan Sentra SR in blue near a directional sign. The most affordable new car on this list, the Nissan Sentra offers a bit of sportiness for teens, plus practicality and upscale styling. This compact car has “zero gravity” seats designed to be comfortable when driving to school or a job. The Sentra delivers fuel economy as good as 40 mpg on the highway (34 mpg in mixed city/highway driving), so trips to the gas station won’t be too frequent. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models. In addition to 10 airbags, even the base grade comes with the full suite of SafetyShield 360 driver aids, including auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. Essentially unchanged since it was added to the IIHS 2022 TSP+ list, the Sentra is still a solid safety pick for teens.
USER:
My daughter just turned 16 and we are looking at buying her her first car. We want to make sure that she's safe, especially during winter as we live in Montana where it gets very snowy. She likes to listen to her music from her iPhone while driving. Which car would be our best option?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 20 | 55 | 1,224 | null | 168 |
You are instructed to use the text below to answer my question. You are not allowed to use any external resource, prior knowledge, or previous training.
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Summarize this document into easily executable bullet points.
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Week 1, Day 1 What you will see first is the Adventure Screen. This is where you will spend a great deal of time while playing Heroes III. The main window provides you with a close view around your heroes and cities, while the world map (located in the upper-right corner of the screen) shows you a small view of the entire world. Notice that most of the world map is black – that is because until you send a hero to explore an area you won’t know what is there. Don’t worry about any of the other buttons below the World Map, these will be described in greater detail later. Your first hero, Lord Haart, should already be selected (he’s sitting on his horse, waiting for instructions). The first thing we’ll want him to do is visit the town, so place your mouse cursor over the entrance to the town (between the two flag poles). Notice how the horse icon rears up on its hind legs – this means that by traveling to that location, your hero will interact with whatever is there. Also, the name and a short description of the location appears in the Rollover Bar at the bottom of the screen (the rollover bar appears on nearly every screen in Heroes III and gives useful, context sensitive information). When you click on a location, a set of green arrows show the path your hero will take to reach the large green X. It is this X that marks your hero’s destination. Click again on the same location and your hero will move to the castle (a fast way to move is to simply double click on an intended destination – the first click selects the path, the second click sends the hero). When the hero arrives at the entrance to the town, the view will change to the Town Screen. Town Screen This is the Town Screen for the Castle town type (there are eight different town types in Heroes III, each with its own unique creatures and buildings). Most of this screen is taken up by the town view. Any structures or upgrades you build in this town will appear here. As you can see, several structures have already been constructed. Specific information about the town is displayed in the bottom-left corner of the screen, including town income (per day) and troop production (per week). To the right of the town info are two rows of boxes. The top row is for any troops that are currently in the town’s garrison, the bottom row is for any troops currently visiting a town with a hero. The first thing you will want to do is build a Fort. To do so, click on the larger of the two buildings on the left side of the town view – the Town Hall – to enter the Hall Screen. The Hall Screen is where you make all your construction decisions. Any building you can currently build is shown with its name in a green bar. Any building that you can not build, but can be built later is shown with its name in a red bar. If a building has been disabled or can never be built, its name will appear in a gray bar. Once you have completely built or upgraded a structure as high as it will go, its name will be displayed in gold. Click on the picture of the Fort. You will be shown a description of what the Fort does, as well as what resources are required to build it. Click on the Build button (in the lower left hand corner of the popup window) and the Fort will be constructed. Now that you have a Fort, click on it to view the Castle Window. This window shows you information about all seven units that can be produced by this town. Any troop-producing structures (usually referred to as Creature Generators) that are already constructed will show a number of Available units (currently the Guardhouse, Archers’ Tower, and Barracks show units available – the other structures have not been built yet). Click the Exit button (lower right) to return to the Town Screen. The round tower on the right side of the screen is your Mage Guild. It is here that heroes go to learn the spells that they will cast while adventuring. Click on the Mage Guild, then choose to buy a spell book. Since Lord Haart is a Knight, he does not begin with a spell book. All heroes must have a spell book before they can learn or cast spells. Once you agree to purchase a spell book, you are shown the Mage Guild Screen. Each of the spells the Mage Guild offers is listed on scrolls on the various shelves in the guild. Left or right clicking on any spell scroll will show you a description of that spell. When you are ready to leave, click on the Exit button (lower right). Your hero starts with troops, but it’s really just a token force, so you should buy any available troops and add them to his army. Along the hill at the back of your town are three towers. Click on the large central tower. The Recruit Pikemen window is displayed. Using the scroll bar you can select how many troops you wish to purchase, and the total cost is calculated to the right. However, the fastest way to buy troops is to use the Maximum button (the four up arrows at the bottom of the popup window) which will automatically calculate the maximum number of troops available that you can currently afford. Click the Maximum button, then click the Recruit button (bottom center). Notice how there are now Pikemen in the garrison row of your town.
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System instructions: You are instructed to use the text below to answer my question. You are not allowed to use any external resource, prior knowledge, or previous training. Question: Summarize this document into easily executable bullet points. Context: Week 1, Day 1 What you will see first is the Adventure Screen. This is where you will spend a great deal of time while playing Heroes III. The main window provides you with a close view around your heroes and cities, while the world map (located in the upper-right corner of the screen) shows you a small view of the entire world. Notice that most of the world map is black – that is because until you send a hero to explore an area you won’t know what is there. Don’t worry about any of the other buttons below the World Map, these will be described in greater detail later. Your first hero, Lord Haart, should already be selected (he’s sitting on his horse, waiting for instructions). The first thing we’ll want him to do is visit the town, so place your mouse cursor over the entrance to the town (between the two flag poles). Notice how the horse icon rears up on its hind legs – this means that by traveling to that location, your hero will interact with whatever is there. Also, the name and a short description of the location appears in the Rollover Bar at the bottom of the screen (the rollover bar appears on nearly every screen in Heroes III and gives useful, context sensitive information). When you click on a location, a set of green arrows show the path your hero will take to reach the large green X. It is this X that marks your hero’s destination. Click again on the same location and your hero will move to the castle (a fast way to move is to simply double click on an intended destination – the first click selects the path, the second click sends the hero). When the hero arrives at the entrance to the town, the view will change to the Town Screen. Town Screen This is the Town Screen for the Castle town type (there are eight different town types in Heroes III, each with its own unique creatures and buildings). Most of this screen is taken up by the town view. Any structures or upgrades you build in this town will appear here. As you can see, several structures have already been constructed. Specific information about the town is displayed in the bottom-left corner of the screen, including town income (per day) and troop production (per week). To the right of the town info are two rows of boxes. The top row is for any troops that are currently in the town’s garrison, the bottom row is for any troops currently visiting a town with a hero. The first thing you will want to do is build a Fort. To do so, click on the larger of the two buildings on the left side of the town view – the Town Hall – to enter the Hall Screen. The Hall Screen is where you make all your construction decisions. Any building you can currently build is shown with its name in a green bar. Any building that you can not build, but can be built later is shown with its name in a red bar. If a building has been disabled or can never be built, its name will appear in a gray bar. Once you have completely built or upgraded a structure as high as it will go, its name will be displayed in gold. Click on the picture of the Fort. You will be shown a description of what the Fort does, as well as what resources are required to build it. Click on the Build button (in the lower left hand corner of the popup window) and the Fort will be constructed. Now that you have a Fort, click on it to view the Castle Window. This window shows you information about all seven units that can be produced by this town. Any troop-producing structures (usually referred to as Creature Generators) that are already constructed will show a number of Available units (currently the Guardhouse, Archers’ Tower, and Barracks show units available – the other structures have not been built yet). Click the Exit button (lower right) to return to the Town Screen. The round tower on the right side of the screen is your Mage Guild. It is here that heroes go to learn the spells that they will cast while adventuring. Click on the Mage Guild, then choose to buy a spell book. Since Lord Haart is a Knight, he does not begin with a spell book. All heroes must have a spell book before they can learn or cast spells. Once you agree to purchase a spell book, you are shown the Mage Guild Screen. Each of the spells the Mage Guild offers is listed on scrolls on the various shelves in the guild. Left or right clicking on any spell scroll will show you a description of that spell. When you are ready to leave, click on the Exit button (lower right). Your hero starts with troops, but it’s really just a token force, so you should buy any available troops and add them to his army. Along the hill at the back of your town are three towers. Click on the large central tower. The Recruit Pikemen window is displayed. Using the scroll bar you can select how many troops you wish to purchase, and the total cost is calculated to the right. However, the fastest way to buy troops is to use the Maximum button (the four up arrows at the bottom of the popup window) which will automatically calculate the maximum number of troops available that you can currently afford. Click the Maximum button, then click the Recruit button (bottom center). Notice how there are now Pikemen in the garrison row of your town.
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You are instructed to use the text below to answer my question. You are not allowed to use any external resource, prior knowledge, or previous training.
EVIDENCE:
Week 1, Day 1 What you will see first is the Adventure Screen. This is where you will spend a great deal of time while playing Heroes III. The main window provides you with a close view around your heroes and cities, while the world map (located in the upper-right corner of the screen) shows you a small view of the entire world. Notice that most of the world map is black – that is because until you send a hero to explore an area you won’t know what is there. Don’t worry about any of the other buttons below the World Map, these will be described in greater detail later. Your first hero, Lord Haart, should already be selected (he’s sitting on his horse, waiting for instructions). The first thing we’ll want him to do is visit the town, so place your mouse cursor over the entrance to the town (between the two flag poles). Notice how the horse icon rears up on its hind legs – this means that by traveling to that location, your hero will interact with whatever is there. Also, the name and a short description of the location appears in the Rollover Bar at the bottom of the screen (the rollover bar appears on nearly every screen in Heroes III and gives useful, context sensitive information). When you click on a location, a set of green arrows show the path your hero will take to reach the large green X. It is this X that marks your hero’s destination. Click again on the same location and your hero will move to the castle (a fast way to move is to simply double click on an intended destination – the first click selects the path, the second click sends the hero). When the hero arrives at the entrance to the town, the view will change to the Town Screen. Town Screen This is the Town Screen for the Castle town type (there are eight different town types in Heroes III, each with its own unique creatures and buildings). Most of this screen is taken up by the town view. Any structures or upgrades you build in this town will appear here. As you can see, several structures have already been constructed. Specific information about the town is displayed in the bottom-left corner of the screen, including town income (per day) and troop production (per week). To the right of the town info are two rows of boxes. The top row is for any troops that are currently in the town’s garrison, the bottom row is for any troops currently visiting a town with a hero. The first thing you will want to do is build a Fort. To do so, click on the larger of the two buildings on the left side of the town view – the Town Hall – to enter the Hall Screen. The Hall Screen is where you make all your construction decisions. Any building you can currently build is shown with its name in a green bar. Any building that you can not build, but can be built later is shown with its name in a red bar. If a building has been disabled or can never be built, its name will appear in a gray bar. Once you have completely built or upgraded a structure as high as it will go, its name will be displayed in gold. Click on the picture of the Fort. You will be shown a description of what the Fort does, as well as what resources are required to build it. Click on the Build button (in the lower left hand corner of the popup window) and the Fort will be constructed. Now that you have a Fort, click on it to view the Castle Window. This window shows you information about all seven units that can be produced by this town. Any troop-producing structures (usually referred to as Creature Generators) that are already constructed will show a number of Available units (currently the Guardhouse, Archers’ Tower, and Barracks show units available – the other structures have not been built yet). Click the Exit button (lower right) to return to the Town Screen. The round tower on the right side of the screen is your Mage Guild. It is here that heroes go to learn the spells that they will cast while adventuring. Click on the Mage Guild, then choose to buy a spell book. Since Lord Haart is a Knight, he does not begin with a spell book. All heroes must have a spell book before they can learn or cast spells. Once you agree to purchase a spell book, you are shown the Mage Guild Screen. Each of the spells the Mage Guild offers is listed on scrolls on the various shelves in the guild. Left or right clicking on any spell scroll will show you a description of that spell. When you are ready to leave, click on the Exit button (lower right). Your hero starts with troops, but it’s really just a token force, so you should buy any available troops and add them to his army. Along the hill at the back of your town are three towers. Click on the large central tower. The Recruit Pikemen window is displayed. Using the scroll bar you can select how many troops you wish to purchase, and the total cost is calculated to the right. However, the fastest way to buy troops is to use the Maximum button (the four up arrows at the bottom of the popup window) which will automatically calculate the maximum number of troops available that you can currently afford. Click the Maximum button, then click the Recruit button (bottom center). Notice how there are now Pikemen in the garrison row of your town.
USER:
Summarize this document into easily executable bullet points.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 26 | 8 | 967 | null | 399 |
Use only the information provided in the text above. Do not use any external resources or prior knowledge.
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Summarize the proposed changes to Dodd-Frank 1. Explain it in easy to understand language in a numbered list.
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18 While commentators generally agree that maturity transformation is socially valuable,19 the process makes financial nstitutions vulnerable to liquidity “runs.” 20 That is, when a financial institution’s short-term creditors become concerned about its solvency or liquidity, they have incentives to demand immediate conversion of their claims into cash,21 or to reduce their exposure in other ways that force the institution to sell its illiquid assets at significantly discounted prices.22 A “run” on one financial institution can spread to other institutions that do business with it.23 Small banks typically hold deposit balances at larger banks, and large banks, securities firms, and insurance companies often face significant exposure to one another through their over-the-counter derivatives portfolios.24 Accordingly, troubles at one financial institution can spread to others, resulting in additional “runs” and a “contagious panic throughout the financial system that causes otherwise solvent financial institutions to become insolvent.” 25 This type of financial “contagion” can cause asset price implosions as institutions liquidate assets in order to meet creditor demands, further impairing their ability to lend and the ability of businesses to raise capital.26 Faced with a choice between bailouts and economic collapse, policymakers have generally opted for bailouts,27 70 Among other things, Dodd-Frank reformed certain aspects of securities and derivatives markets,71 imposed a variety of requirements related to mortgage standards, 72 and created a new federal agency tasked with consumer financial protection (the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau).73 Other portions of Dodd-Frank are specifically directed at the systemic risk created by TBTF financial institutions. In order to minimize the risks that large financial institutions like Lehman and AIG fail, Title I of Dodd-Frank establishes an enhanced prudential regulatory regime for certain large bank holding companies and non-bank financial companies.74 And in order to resolve systemically important financial institutions in the event that they nevertheless experience financial distress, Title II establishes a new resolution regime available for such institutions outside of the Bankruptcy Code.75 The remaining sections of this report discuss the legal issues raised by Titles I and II, their implementation by federal regulatory agencies, and proposals to reform them. Regulators have traditionally relied upon a variety of tools to minimize the risks of financial institution failures. In order to reduce the risk of insolvency, regulators have imposed capital requirements on commercial and investment banks.76 In order to reduce depositors’ incentives to “run,” regulators require all commercial banks to obtain minimum levels of deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).77 In order to address liquidity problems, the Federal Reserve has the authority to serve as a “lender of last resort” by making “discount window” loans to commercial banks.78 Moreover, the Federal Reserve can lend to non-banks in “unusual and exigent circumstances” pursuant to its authority under Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act.79 However, as the 2007-2009 financial crisis arguably demonstrated, sometimes these measures have proven insufficient to prevent financial institution failures. In response to these concerns, Title I of Dodd-Frank establishes an enhanced prudential regulatory regime for certain large financial institutions.80 Specifically, the Title I regime applies to (1) all bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more, and (2) any non-bank financial companies81 that the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC)82 designates as systemically important.83 Section 165 of Dodd-Frank directs the Federal Reserve to impose prudential standards on these institutions that “are more stringent than” those applicable to other bank holding companies and non-bank financial companies, and that “increase in stringency” based on certain statutorily-prescribed considerations.84 These enhanced standards include 1. risk-based capital requirements and leverage limits; 85 2. liquidity requirements; 86 3. overall risk management requirements; 87 4. a requirement that the relevant companies develop resolution plans (so-called “living wills”) describing how they can be rapidly resolved in the event of material distress or failure; 88 and 5. credit exposure reporting requirements.89 Congress is currently considering whether to change the first basis for imposition of enhanced prudential regulations on financial institutions—the automatic $50 billion threshold for bank holding companies.90 That policy question is addressed in another recent Congressional Research Service report.91 This section of the report accordingly provides a legal overview of (1) FSOC’s process for designating non-banks as systemically important and FSOC’s designations to date, (2) criticisms of FSOC’s designation process and responses, and (3) proposals to reform FSOC’s designation process. Proposed Legislation A number of bills that would alter FSOC’s authority to designate non-banks for enhanced regulation have been introduced in the 115th Congress. The Financial CHOICE Act of 2017, as passed by the House of Representatives in June 2017, would repeal FSOC’s authority to designate non-banks for enhanced regulation altogether.167 H.R. 4061, the Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act of 2017, which was reported out of the House Committee on Financial Services in March 2018, proposes more limited changes to FSOC’s authority.168 Specifically, H.R. 4061 would require FSOC to consider “the appropriateness of the imposition of prudential standards as opposed to other forms of regulation to mitigate the identified risks” in determining whether to designate a non-bank as systemically important.169 The bill would further require that FSOC provide designated companies with the opportunity to submit written materials contesting their designation during FSOC’s annual reevaluation process.170 If FSOC determines during a re-evaluation that a designation should not be rescinded, the bill would require it to provide notice to the designated company “address[ing] with specificity” how it assessed the relevant statutory factors in light of the company’s written submissions.171 The Trump Administration’s Views In November 2017, the Trump Administration’s Treasury Department released a report outlining four general recommendations for reforming FSOC’s process for designating non-banks as systemically important.172 First, the report recommended that FSOC adopt an “activities-based” or “industry-wide” approach to assessing potential risks posed by non-banks.173 Under this approach, FSOC would prioritize identifying specific financial activities and products that could pose risks to financial stability, work with the primary financial regulatory agencies to address those specific risks, and consider individual firms for designation as systemically important only as a matter of last resort if more limited actions aimed at mitigating discrete risks are insufficient to safeguard financial stability.174 Second, the Treasury Department recommended that FSOC “increas[e] the analytical rigor” of its designation analyses.175 Specifically, the Report recommended that FSOC: (1) consider any factors that might mitigate the exposure of a firm’s creditors and counterparties to its financial distress; (2) focus on “plausible” (and not merely “possible”) asset liquidation risks; (3) evaluate the likelihood that a firm will experience financial distress before evaluating how that distress could be transmitted to other firms; (4) consider the benefits and costs of designations; and (5) collapse its three-stage review process into two steps, notifying companies that they are under active review during Stage 1 and voting on proposed designations after the completion of Stage 2.176 Third, the Treasury Department recommended enhancing engagement between FSOC and companies under review, and improving the designation process’s transparency.177 Specifically, the report recommended that FSOC: (1) engage earlier with companies under review and “explain ... the key risks” that FSOC has identified, (2) “undertake greater engagement” with companies’ primary financial regulators, and (3) publicly release explanations of its designation decisions.178 Fourth, the Treasury Department recommended that FSOC provide “a clear off-ramp” for nonbanks designated as systemically important.179 The report recommended that FSOC: (1) highlight the key risks that led to a company’s designation, (2) “adopt a more robust and transparent process for its annual reevaluations” that “make[s] clear how companies can engage with FSOC ... and what information companies should submit during a reevaluation,” (3) “develop a process to enable a designated company to discuss potential changes it could make to address the risks it could pose to financial stability,” and (4) “make clear that the standard it applies in its annual reevaluations is the same as the standard for an initial designation of a nonbank financial company.”
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Summarize the proposed changes to Dodd-Frank 1. Explain it in easy to understand language in a numbered list. 18 While commentators generally agree that maturity transformation is socially valuable,19 the process makes financial nstitutions vulnerable to liquidity “runs.” 20 That is, when a financial institution’s short-term creditors become concerned about its solvency or liquidity, they have incentives to demand immediate conversion of their claims into cash,21 or to reduce their exposure in other ways that force the institution to sell its illiquid assets at significantly discounted prices.22 A “run” on one financial institution can spread to other institutions that do business with it.23 Small banks typically hold deposit balances at larger banks, and large banks, securities firms, and insurance companies often face significant exposure to one another through their over-the-counter derivatives portfolios.24 Accordingly, troubles at one financial institution can spread to others, resulting in additional “runs” and a “contagious panic throughout the financial system that causes otherwise solvent financial institutions to become insolvent.” 25 This type of financial “contagion” can cause asset price implosions as institutions liquidate assets in order to meet creditor demands, further impairing their ability to lend and the ability of businesses to raise capital.26 Faced with a choice between bailouts and economic collapse, policymakers have generally opted for bailouts,27 70 Among other things, Dodd-Frank reformed certain aspects of securities and derivatives markets,71 imposed a variety of requirements related to mortgage standards, 72 and created a new federal agency tasked with consumer financial protection (the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau).73 Other portions of Dodd-Frank are specifically directed at the systemic risk created by TBTF financial institutions. In order to minimize the risks that large financial institutions like Lehman and AIG fail, Title I of Dodd-Frank establishes an enhanced prudential regulatory regime for certain large bank holding companies and non-bank financial companies.74 And in order to resolve systemically important financial institutions in the event that they nevertheless experience financial distress, Title II establishes a new resolution regime available for such institutions outside of the Bankruptcy Code.75 The remaining sections of this report discuss the legal issues raised by Titles I and II, their implementation by federal regulatory agencies, and proposals to reform them. Regulators have traditionally relied upon a variety of tools to minimize the risks of financial institution failures. In order to reduce the risk of insolvency, regulators have imposed capital requirements on commercial and investment banks.76 In order to reduce depositors’ incentives to “run,” regulators require all commercial banks to obtain minimum levels of deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).77 In order to address liquidity problems, the Federal Reserve has the authority to serve as a “lender of last resort” by making “discount window” loans to commercial banks.78 Moreover, the Federal Reserve can lend to non-banks in “unusual and exigent circumstances” pursuant to its authority under Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act.79 However, as the 2007-2009 financial crisis arguably demonstrated, sometimes these measures have proven insufficient to prevent financial institution failures. In response to these concerns, Title I of Dodd-Frank establishes an enhanced prudential regulatory regime for certain large financial institutions.80 Specifically, the Title I regime applies to (1) all bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more, and (2) any non-bank financial companies81 that the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC)82 designates as systemically important.83 Section 165 of Dodd-Frank directs the Federal Reserve to impose prudential standards on these institutions that “are more stringent than” those applicable to other bank holding companies and non-bank financial companies, and that “increase in stringency” based on certain statutorily-prescribed considerations.84 These enhanced standards include 1. risk-based capital requirements and leverage limits; 85 2. liquidity requirements; 86 3. overall risk management requirements; 87 4. a requirement that the relevant companies develop resolution plans (so-called “living wills”) describing how they can be rapidly resolved in the event of material distress or failure; 88 and 5. credit exposure reporting requirements.89 Congress is currently considering whether to change the first basis for imposition of enhanced prudential regulations on financial institutions—the automatic $50 billion threshold for bank holding companies.90 That policy question is addressed in another recent Congressional Research Service report.91 This section of the report accordingly provides a legal overview of (1) FSOC’s process for designating non-banks as systemically important and FSOC’s designations to date, (2) criticisms of FSOC’s designation process and responses, and (3) proposals to reform FSOC’s designation process. Proposed Legislation A number of bills that would alter FSOC’s authority to designate non-banks for enhanced regulation have been introduced in the 115th Congress. The Financial CHOICE Act of 2017, as passed by the House of Representatives in June 2017, would repeal FSOC’s authority to designate non-banks for enhanced regulation altogether.167 H.R. 4061, the Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act of 2017, which was reported out of the House Committee on Financial Services in March 2018, proposes more limited changes to FSOC’s authority.168 Specifically, H.R. 4061 would require FSOC to consider “the appropriateness of the imposition of prudential standards as opposed to other forms of regulation to mitigate the identified risks” in determining whether to designate a non-bank as systemically important.169 The bill would further require that FSOC provide designated companies with the opportunity to submit written materials contesting their designation during FSOC’s annual reevaluation process.170 If FSOC determines during a re-evaluation that a designation should not be rescinded, the bill would require it to provide notice to the designated company “address[ing] with specificity” how it assessed the relevant statutory factors in light of the company’s written submissions.171 The Trump Administration’s Views In November 2017, the Trump Administration’s Treasury Department released a report outlining four general recommendations for reforming FSOC’s process for designating non-banks as systemically important.172 First, the report recommended that FSOC adopt an “activities-based” or “industry-wide” approach to assessing potential risks posed by non-banks.173 Under this approach, FSOC would prioritize identifying specific financial activities and products that could pose risks to financial stability, work with the primary financial regulatory agencies to address those specific risks, and consider individual firms for designation as systemically important only as a matter of last resort if more limited actions aimed at mitigating discrete risks are insufficient to safeguard financial stability.174 Second, the Treasury Department recommended that FSOC “increas[e] the analytical rigor” of its designation analyses.175 Specifically, the Report recommended that FSOC: (1) consider any factors that might mitigate the exposure of a firm’s creditors and counterparties to its financial distress; (2) focus on “plausible” (and not merely “possible”) asset liquidation risks; (3) evaluate the likelihood that a firm will experience financial distress before evaluating how that distress could be transmitted to other firms; (4) consider the benefits and costs of designations; and (5) collapse its three-stage review process into two steps, notifying companies that they are under active review during Stage 1 and voting on proposed designations after the completion of Stage 2.176 Third, the Treasury Department recommended enhancing engagement between FSOC and companies under review, and improving the designation process’s transparency.177 Specifically, the report recommended that FSOC: (1) engage earlier with companies under review and “explain ... the key risks” that FSOC has identified, (2) “undertake greater engagement” with companies’ primary financial regulators, and (3) publicly release explanations of its designation decisions.178 Fourth, the Treasury Department recommended that FSOC provide “a clear off-ramp” for nonbanks designated as systemically important.179 The report recommended that FSOC: (1) highlight the key risks that led to a company’s designation, (2) “adopt a more robust and transparent process for its annual reevaluations” that “make[s] clear how companies can engage with FSOC ... and what information companies should submit during a reevaluation,” (3) “develop a process to enable a designated company to discuss potential changes it could make to address the risks it could pose to financial stability,” and (4) “make clear that the standard it applies in its annual reevaluations is the same as the standard for an initial designation of a nonbank financial company.” Use only the information provided in the text above. Do not use any external resources or prior knowledge.
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Use only the information provided in the text above. Do not use any external resources or prior knowledge.
EVIDENCE:
18 While commentators generally agree that maturity transformation is socially valuable,19 the process makes financial nstitutions vulnerable to liquidity “runs.” 20 That is, when a financial institution’s short-term creditors become concerned about its solvency or liquidity, they have incentives to demand immediate conversion of their claims into cash,21 or to reduce their exposure in other ways that force the institution to sell its illiquid assets at significantly discounted prices.22 A “run” on one financial institution can spread to other institutions that do business with it.23 Small banks typically hold deposit balances at larger banks, and large banks, securities firms, and insurance companies often face significant exposure to one another through their over-the-counter derivatives portfolios.24 Accordingly, troubles at one financial institution can spread to others, resulting in additional “runs” and a “contagious panic throughout the financial system that causes otherwise solvent financial institutions to become insolvent.” 25 This type of financial “contagion” can cause asset price implosions as institutions liquidate assets in order to meet creditor demands, further impairing their ability to lend and the ability of businesses to raise capital.26 Faced with a choice between bailouts and economic collapse, policymakers have generally opted for bailouts,27 70 Among other things, Dodd-Frank reformed certain aspects of securities and derivatives markets,71 imposed a variety of requirements related to mortgage standards, 72 and created a new federal agency tasked with consumer financial protection (the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau).73 Other portions of Dodd-Frank are specifically directed at the systemic risk created by TBTF financial institutions. In order to minimize the risks that large financial institutions like Lehman and AIG fail, Title I of Dodd-Frank establishes an enhanced prudential regulatory regime for certain large bank holding companies and non-bank financial companies.74 And in order to resolve systemically important financial institutions in the event that they nevertheless experience financial distress, Title II establishes a new resolution regime available for such institutions outside of the Bankruptcy Code.75 The remaining sections of this report discuss the legal issues raised by Titles I and II, their implementation by federal regulatory agencies, and proposals to reform them. Regulators have traditionally relied upon a variety of tools to minimize the risks of financial institution failures. In order to reduce the risk of insolvency, regulators have imposed capital requirements on commercial and investment banks.76 In order to reduce depositors’ incentives to “run,” regulators require all commercial banks to obtain minimum levels of deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).77 In order to address liquidity problems, the Federal Reserve has the authority to serve as a “lender of last resort” by making “discount window” loans to commercial banks.78 Moreover, the Federal Reserve can lend to non-banks in “unusual and exigent circumstances” pursuant to its authority under Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act.79 However, as the 2007-2009 financial crisis arguably demonstrated, sometimes these measures have proven insufficient to prevent financial institution failures. In response to these concerns, Title I of Dodd-Frank establishes an enhanced prudential regulatory regime for certain large financial institutions.80 Specifically, the Title I regime applies to (1) all bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more, and (2) any non-bank financial companies81 that the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC)82 designates as systemically important.83 Section 165 of Dodd-Frank directs the Federal Reserve to impose prudential standards on these institutions that “are more stringent than” those applicable to other bank holding companies and non-bank financial companies, and that “increase in stringency” based on certain statutorily-prescribed considerations.84 These enhanced standards include 1. risk-based capital requirements and leverage limits; 85 2. liquidity requirements; 86 3. overall risk management requirements; 87 4. a requirement that the relevant companies develop resolution plans (so-called “living wills”) describing how they can be rapidly resolved in the event of material distress or failure; 88 and 5. credit exposure reporting requirements.89 Congress is currently considering whether to change the first basis for imposition of enhanced prudential regulations on financial institutions—the automatic $50 billion threshold for bank holding companies.90 That policy question is addressed in another recent Congressional Research Service report.91 This section of the report accordingly provides a legal overview of (1) FSOC’s process for designating non-banks as systemically important and FSOC’s designations to date, (2) criticisms of FSOC’s designation process and responses, and (3) proposals to reform FSOC’s designation process. Proposed Legislation A number of bills that would alter FSOC’s authority to designate non-banks for enhanced regulation have been introduced in the 115th Congress. The Financial CHOICE Act of 2017, as passed by the House of Representatives in June 2017, would repeal FSOC’s authority to designate non-banks for enhanced regulation altogether.167 H.R. 4061, the Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act of 2017, which was reported out of the House Committee on Financial Services in March 2018, proposes more limited changes to FSOC’s authority.168 Specifically, H.R. 4061 would require FSOC to consider “the appropriateness of the imposition of prudential standards as opposed to other forms of regulation to mitigate the identified risks” in determining whether to designate a non-bank as systemically important.169 The bill would further require that FSOC provide designated companies with the opportunity to submit written materials contesting their designation during FSOC’s annual reevaluation process.170 If FSOC determines during a re-evaluation that a designation should not be rescinded, the bill would require it to provide notice to the designated company “address[ing] with specificity” how it assessed the relevant statutory factors in light of the company’s written submissions.171 The Trump Administration’s Views In November 2017, the Trump Administration’s Treasury Department released a report outlining four general recommendations for reforming FSOC’s process for designating non-banks as systemically important.172 First, the report recommended that FSOC adopt an “activities-based” or “industry-wide” approach to assessing potential risks posed by non-banks.173 Under this approach, FSOC would prioritize identifying specific financial activities and products that could pose risks to financial stability, work with the primary financial regulatory agencies to address those specific risks, and consider individual firms for designation as systemically important only as a matter of last resort if more limited actions aimed at mitigating discrete risks are insufficient to safeguard financial stability.174 Second, the Treasury Department recommended that FSOC “increas[e] the analytical rigor” of its designation analyses.175 Specifically, the Report recommended that FSOC: (1) consider any factors that might mitigate the exposure of a firm’s creditors and counterparties to its financial distress; (2) focus on “plausible” (and not merely “possible”) asset liquidation risks; (3) evaluate the likelihood that a firm will experience financial distress before evaluating how that distress could be transmitted to other firms; (4) consider the benefits and costs of designations; and (5) collapse its three-stage review process into two steps, notifying companies that they are under active review during Stage 1 and voting on proposed designations after the completion of Stage 2.176 Third, the Treasury Department recommended enhancing engagement between FSOC and companies under review, and improving the designation process’s transparency.177 Specifically, the report recommended that FSOC: (1) engage earlier with companies under review and “explain ... the key risks” that FSOC has identified, (2) “undertake greater engagement” with companies’ primary financial regulators, and (3) publicly release explanations of its designation decisions.178 Fourth, the Treasury Department recommended that FSOC provide “a clear off-ramp” for nonbanks designated as systemically important.179 The report recommended that FSOC: (1) highlight the key risks that led to a company’s designation, (2) “adopt a more robust and transparent process for its annual reevaluations” that “make[s] clear how companies can engage with FSOC ... and what information companies should submit during a reevaluation,” (3) “develop a process to enable a designated company to discuss potential changes it could make to address the risks it could pose to financial stability,” and (4) “make clear that the standard it applies in its annual reevaluations is the same as the standard for an initial designation of a nonbank financial company.”
USER:
Summarize the proposed changes to Dodd-Frank 1. Explain it in easy to understand language in a numbered list.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 18 | 18 | 1,305 | null | 688 |
Write the answer in one paragraph, using full sentences. Use only the document provided. Use language that is easy to understand.
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What purpose does the OSINT serve? Is there a potential for abuse if the OSINT is utilized?
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Title: Fugitive Tracking using Open Source Intelligence ( OSINT) Author: Pranav Waghmare Abstract: The fugitive tracking has been a challenging topic for various law enforcement agencies across the world. The use of technology, social media, and other social media platforms, etc offers unique opportunities to track the digital footprint left by Fugutives. In this research paper, we will explore the methodologies, Legal as well as Ethical Considerations, OSINT mapping, and cyber forensic technologies that can be helpful in tracking fugitives. Introduction : Fugitive tracking has evolved over a period of time but also now has a global framework. Interpol created a global framework and classification of fugitives based on their crime and threat level. They have also created a color-coded system. The local government agencies also have their own classification system for fugitives. Methodologies : OSINT Framework Mapping : The Interpole’s framework for data classification can be incorporated with OSINT. The Interpole classifies fugitives with color codes and also updates the data every hour. This is really for mapping it to OSINT Framework for real-time monitoring and cross-referencing the searches. OSINT comparatively accesses vast resources but the Interpol framework provides the necessary filter to refine the searches. Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968 Here is the overview of the Color code System used by Interpol : ● Red Notice: Red is the highest level of importance and also states the individual wanted by Law enforcement and governments for arrest and extradition For Example: The person who is found guilty of murder and on the run falls under Red Notice ● Blue Notice: The Blue Notice is mainly concerned with gathering enough information about the person of Interest by Law Enforcement. For Example, The people under blue notices are suspects and wanted for questioning by authorities. The gang members whom law enforcement may suspect connected with crime and needed for questioning will fall under Blue Notice ● Green Notice: The green notice fugitive is considered a public safety threat. For Example, Sex Offenders and Drug traffickers will fall under “ Green Notice”. Here the country is making Interpol aware this person is a threat to public safety ● Yellow Notice: Yellow Notice is more about the Identity of the missing individuals or person who is incapable of identifying themselves For Example, a Missing Child who is underage or an individual with mental incapability will be under a Yellow Notice Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968 ● Black Notice: The black notice is issued about unidentified bodies. For Example, If a war crime is committed and mass graves of unidentified bodies are found they come under black notice ● Purple Notice: The purple notice is mainly used to gather information about the operational details of the crime such as devices used or methods used by them to hide. For Example, Drug Tunnels will come under purple notice Cyber Forensics and OSINT : The Digital Footprint creation will be very efficient with the use of OSINT. The geolocation tags, social media posts, and publicly available information about fugitives will help to create a digital footprint and help investigators understand the patterns in fugitive behavior. This also helps to reconstruct the timeline as shown in Figure 1 which can help the investigator understand the events and suspects. Geolocation Tracking: With OSINT we can build geotags of the places an individual has been and cross-check with Interpol notices as they get updated every hour. OSINT also provides information about individuals known associated that can be also valuable in terms of building Geolocation Tracking. For example, One can search the fugitive's location and past history of residential addresses can help to pinpoint their possible location and understand the pattern in their movements Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968 Social Media Monitoring: The social media accounts of fugitives provide essential details about their likes or dislikes, the images and videos posted by them, and the metadata associated with them. Social media also give understanding to their known friends or associates. This can be further matched with witness and journalist statements. The metadata search and social media monitoring can help create a digital footprint and also be searched for further updated information posted by Interpol every hour. Legal and Ethical Consideration : While implementing as well as using OSINT framework it is really essential to keep track of local laws and jurisdiction. There is the possibility that this system can be abused if it falls into the wrong hands, It can be used to track dissidents, political and religious minorities, or opponents. Hence there need to be awareness of local laws as well ethical consideration must be taken into consideration. There have been instances where the Interpol framework was abused in the past but over the period of time, Interpol is evolving. For Example, China issued red notices for Uyghurs. The Interpol latter made firm in their policy that they will not issue notices for individuals who have refugee status in another country and they firmly believe that an individual is innocent until proven guilty. Hence, The Interpol framework mapping into OSINT is essential as Interpol holds the highest standards of Ethical approach in terms of tracking Fugutatives. Conclusion : To Conclude, The OSINT is a highly efficient framework, and mapping into the Interpoles framework makes it a very effective tool with legal and ethical considerations Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968 References: 1. Interpol (2011) Interpole’s Rules on Processing Data: Interpol https://www.interpol.int/en/Who-we-are/Legal-framework/Data-protection 2 C. Rafailă, F. Gurzău, C. Grumăzescu, and I. Bica, "MTAFinder - Unified OSINT platform for efficient data gathering," 2023 15th International Conference on Electronics, Computers and Artificial Intelligence (ECAI), Bucharest, Romania, 2023 3 HOROS, ANDREW J.(2023) 21st Century Open-Source Intelligence and Law Enforcement Utilization 4 Lakomy, Miron. (2023). Open-source intelligence and research on online terrorist communication: Identifying ethical and security dilemmas. 5 Daragh Murray, Yvonne McDermott, K Alexa Koenig, Mapping the Use of Open Source Research in UN Human Rights Investigations, Journal of Human Rights Practice, Volume 14, Issue 2, July 2022, Pages 554–581 ( Figure 1) 6 J. W. Johnsen and K. Franke, "The impact of preprocessing in natural language for open source intelligence and criminal investigation," 2019 IEEE International Conference on Big Data (Big Data), Los Angeles, CA, USA, 2019 Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968
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Write the answer in one paragraph, using full sentences. Use only the document provided. Use language that is easy to understand. What purpose does the OSINT serve? Is there a potential for abuse if the OSINT is utilized? Title: Fugitive Tracking using Open Source Intelligence ( OSINT) Author: Pranav Waghmare Abstract: The fugitive tracking has been a challenging topic for various law enforcement agencies across the world. The use of technology, social media, and other social media platforms, etc offers unique opportunities to track the digital footprint left by Fugutives. In this research paper, we will explore the methodologies, Legal as well as Ethical Considerations, OSINT mapping, and cyber forensic technologies that can be helpful in tracking fugitives. Introduction : Fugitive tracking has evolved over a period of time but also now has a global framework. Interpol created a global framework and classification of fugitives based on their crime and threat level. They have also created a color-coded system. The local government agencies also have their own classification system for fugitives. Methodologies : OSINT Framework Mapping : The Interpole’s framework for data classification can be incorporated with OSINT. The Interpole classifies fugitives with color codes and also updates the data every hour. This is really for mapping it to OSINT Framework for real-time monitoring and cross-referencing the searches. OSINT comparatively accesses vast resources but the Interpol framework provides the necessary filter to refine the searches. Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968 Here is the overview of the Color code System used by Interpol : ● Red Notice: Red is the highest level of importance and also states the individual wanted by Law enforcement and governments for arrest and extradition For Example: The person who is found guilty of murder and on the run falls under Red Notice ● Blue Notice: The Blue Notice is mainly concerned with gathering enough information about the person of Interest by Law Enforcement. For Example, The people under blue notices are suspects and wanted for questioning by authorities. The gang members whom law enforcement may suspect connected with crime and needed for questioning will fall under Blue Notice ● Green Notice: The green notice fugitive is considered a public safety threat. For Example, Sex Offenders and Drug traffickers will fall under “ Green Notice”. Here the country is making Interpol aware this person is a threat to public safety ● Yellow Notice: Yellow Notice is more about the Identity of the missing individuals or person who is incapable of identifying themselves For Example, a Missing Child who is underage or an individual with mental incapability will be under a Yellow Notice Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968 ● Black Notice: The black notice is issued about unidentified bodies. For Example, If a war crime is committed and mass graves of unidentified bodies are found they come under black notice ● Purple Notice: The purple notice is mainly used to gather information about the operational details of the crime such as devices used or methods used by them to hide. For Example, Drug Tunnels will come under purple notice Cyber Forensics and OSINT : The Digital Footprint creation will be very efficient with the use of OSINT. The geolocation tags, social media posts, and publicly available information about fugitives will help to create a digital footprint and help investigators understand the patterns in fugitive behavior. This also helps to reconstruct the timeline as shown in Figure 1 which can help the investigator understand the events and suspects. Geolocation Tracking: With OSINT we can build geotags of the places an individual has been and cross-check with Interpol notices as they get updated every hour. OSINT also provides information about individuals known associated that can be also valuable in terms of building Geolocation Tracking. For example, One can search the fugitive's location and past history of residential addresses can help to pinpoint their possible location and understand the pattern in their movements Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968 Social Media Monitoring: The social media accounts of fugitives provide essential details about their likes or dislikes, the images and videos posted by them, and the metadata associated with them. Social media also give understanding to their known friends or associates. This can be further matched with witness and journalist statements. The metadata search and social media monitoring can help create a digital footprint and also be searched for further updated information posted by Interpol every hour. Legal and Ethical Consideration : While implementing as well as using OSINT framework it is really essential to keep track of local laws and jurisdiction. There is the possibility that this system can be abused if it falls into the wrong hands, It can be used to track dissidents, political and religious minorities, or opponents. Hence there need to be awareness of local laws as well ethical consideration must be taken into consideration. There have been instances where the Interpol framework was abused in the past but over the period of time, Interpol is evolving. For Example, China issued red notices for Uyghurs. The Interpol latter made firm in their policy that they will not issue notices for individuals who have refugee status in another country and they firmly believe that an individual is innocent until proven guilty. Hence, The Interpol framework mapping into OSINT is essential as Interpol holds the highest standards of Ethical approach in terms of tracking Fugutatives. Conclusion : To Conclude, The OSINT is a highly efficient framework, and mapping into the Interpoles framework makes it a very effective tool with legal and ethical considerations Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968 References: 1. Interpol (2011) Interpole’s Rules on Processing Data: Interpol https://www.interpol.int/en/Who-we-are/Legal-framework/Data-protection 2 C. Rafailă, F. Gurzău, C. Grumăzescu, and I. Bica, "MTAFinder - Unified OSINT platform for efficient data gathering," 2023 15th International Conference on Electronics, Computers and Artificial Intelligence (ECAI), Bucharest, Romania, 2023 3 HOROS, ANDREW J.(2023) 21st Century Open-Source Intelligence and Law Enforcement Utilization 4 Lakomy, Miron. (2023). Open-source intelligence and research on online terrorist communication: Identifying ethical and security dilemmas. 5 Daragh Murray, Yvonne McDermott, K Alexa Koenig, Mapping the Use of Open Source Research in UN Human Rights Investigations, Journal of Human Rights Practice, Volume 14, Issue 2, July 2022, Pages 554–581 ( Figure 1) 6 J. W. Johnsen and K. Franke, "The impact of preprocessing in natural language for open source intelligence and criminal investigation," 2019 IEEE International Conference on Big Data (Big Data), Los Angeles, CA, USA, 2019 Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968
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Write the answer in one paragraph, using full sentences. Use only the document provided. Use language that is easy to understand.
EVIDENCE:
Title: Fugitive Tracking using Open Source Intelligence ( OSINT) Author: Pranav Waghmare Abstract: The fugitive tracking has been a challenging topic for various law enforcement agencies across the world. The use of technology, social media, and other social media platforms, etc offers unique opportunities to track the digital footprint left by Fugutives. In this research paper, we will explore the methodologies, Legal as well as Ethical Considerations, OSINT mapping, and cyber forensic technologies that can be helpful in tracking fugitives. Introduction : Fugitive tracking has evolved over a period of time but also now has a global framework. Interpol created a global framework and classification of fugitives based on their crime and threat level. They have also created a color-coded system. The local government agencies also have their own classification system for fugitives. Methodologies : OSINT Framework Mapping : The Interpole’s framework for data classification can be incorporated with OSINT. The Interpole classifies fugitives with color codes and also updates the data every hour. This is really for mapping it to OSINT Framework for real-time monitoring and cross-referencing the searches. OSINT comparatively accesses vast resources but the Interpol framework provides the necessary filter to refine the searches. Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968 Here is the overview of the Color code System used by Interpol : ● Red Notice: Red is the highest level of importance and also states the individual wanted by Law enforcement and governments for arrest and extradition For Example: The person who is found guilty of murder and on the run falls under Red Notice ● Blue Notice: The Blue Notice is mainly concerned with gathering enough information about the person of Interest by Law Enforcement. For Example, The people under blue notices are suspects and wanted for questioning by authorities. The gang members whom law enforcement may suspect connected with crime and needed for questioning will fall under Blue Notice ● Green Notice: The green notice fugitive is considered a public safety threat. For Example, Sex Offenders and Drug traffickers will fall under “ Green Notice”. Here the country is making Interpol aware this person is a threat to public safety ● Yellow Notice: Yellow Notice is more about the Identity of the missing individuals or person who is incapable of identifying themselves For Example, a Missing Child who is underage or an individual with mental incapability will be under a Yellow Notice Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968 ● Black Notice: The black notice is issued about unidentified bodies. For Example, If a war crime is committed and mass graves of unidentified bodies are found they come under black notice ● Purple Notice: The purple notice is mainly used to gather information about the operational details of the crime such as devices used or methods used by them to hide. For Example, Drug Tunnels will come under purple notice Cyber Forensics and OSINT : The Digital Footprint creation will be very efficient with the use of OSINT. The geolocation tags, social media posts, and publicly available information about fugitives will help to create a digital footprint and help investigators understand the patterns in fugitive behavior. This also helps to reconstruct the timeline as shown in Figure 1 which can help the investigator understand the events and suspects. Geolocation Tracking: With OSINT we can build geotags of the places an individual has been and cross-check with Interpol notices as they get updated every hour. OSINT also provides information about individuals known associated that can be also valuable in terms of building Geolocation Tracking. For example, One can search the fugitive's location and past history of residential addresses can help to pinpoint their possible location and understand the pattern in their movements Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968 Social Media Monitoring: The social media accounts of fugitives provide essential details about their likes or dislikes, the images and videos posted by them, and the metadata associated with them. Social media also give understanding to their known friends or associates. This can be further matched with witness and journalist statements. The metadata search and social media monitoring can help create a digital footprint and also be searched for further updated information posted by Interpol every hour. Legal and Ethical Consideration : While implementing as well as using OSINT framework it is really essential to keep track of local laws and jurisdiction. There is the possibility that this system can be abused if it falls into the wrong hands, It can be used to track dissidents, political and religious minorities, or opponents. Hence there need to be awareness of local laws as well ethical consideration must be taken into consideration. There have been instances where the Interpol framework was abused in the past but over the period of time, Interpol is evolving. For Example, China issued red notices for Uyghurs. The Interpol latter made firm in their policy that they will not issue notices for individuals who have refugee status in another country and they firmly believe that an individual is innocent until proven guilty. Hence, The Interpol framework mapping into OSINT is essential as Interpol holds the highest standards of Ethical approach in terms of tracking Fugutatives. Conclusion : To Conclude, The OSINT is a highly efficient framework, and mapping into the Interpoles framework makes it a very effective tool with legal and ethical considerations Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968 References: 1. Interpol (2011) Interpole’s Rules on Processing Data: Interpol https://www.interpol.int/en/Who-we-are/Legal-framework/Data-protection 2 C. Rafailă, F. Gurzău, C. Grumăzescu, and I. Bica, "MTAFinder - Unified OSINT platform for efficient data gathering," 2023 15th International Conference on Electronics, Computers and Artificial Intelligence (ECAI), Bucharest, Romania, 2023 3 HOROS, ANDREW J.(2023) 21st Century Open-Source Intelligence and Law Enforcement Utilization 4 Lakomy, Miron. (2023). Open-source intelligence and research on online terrorist communication: Identifying ethical and security dilemmas. 5 Daragh Murray, Yvonne McDermott, K Alexa Koenig, Mapping the Use of Open Source Research in UN Human Rights Investigations, Journal of Human Rights Practice, Volume 14, Issue 2, July 2022, Pages 554–581 ( Figure 1) 6 J. W. Johnsen and K. Franke, "The impact of preprocessing in natural language for open source intelligence and criminal investigation," 2019 IEEE International Conference on Big Data (Big Data), Los Angeles, CA, USA, 2019 Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4719968
USER:
What purpose does the OSINT serve? Is there a potential for abuse if the OSINT is utilized?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| true | 21 | 17 | 1,039 | null | 172 |
[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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There's this case i can't find anything about, Schembri, but it's in this attached text. Can you summarize the facts and law of the case? Also, don't bother referencing legislative sections, as I'm not a specialist and won't look at the EI Act ever.
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. Molchan v. Canada (Attorney General) [49] The issue in Schembri was whether the Commission was bound to take into account the claimant’s financial circumstances when determining the penalty to impose. The claimant in that case had failed to report his earnings and collected unemployment benefits for several months. The Commission had calculated that the claimant had received a benefit overpayment of $4,130, which it sought to recover. It had also assessed a penalty under section 38 of the EIA, because the claimant had received unemployment benefits by knowingly misreporting his income contrary to paragraph 38(1)(c) of the EIA. In determining the amount of penalty payable, the Commission considered the claimant’s gambling addiction and his efforts to deal with it, and reduced the penalty by 25% to $3,097. The Board of Referees later exonerated the claimant from any penalty. The Umpire then found that the Commission had erred when it failed to undertake, on its own initiative, an inquiry into the claimant’s financial circumstances and whether it would cause the claimant undue hardship to pay the proposed penalty. The Umpire reduced the penalty imposed by the Commission from 75% to 10% of the amount of the overpayment. [50] On judicial review, this Court held that the Commission was not required to initiate its own inquiries into a person’s financial circumstances before it imposed a penalty, noting that claimants have ample opportunities to request a reduction of the penalty on the ground of financial hardship at various stages of the process: before the penalty is imposed, on request for reconsideration and on appeal to the Board of Referees (Schembri at para. 14). Since the claimant had not raised the issue with the Commission and the Board of Referees, this Court decided that the Umpire should have held that the Board had no basis to interfere with the penalty. [51] In my view, this Court’s findings in Schembri do not extend to the reconsideration of a claimant’s entitlement to benefits. The overpayment in Schembri was not in dispute, only the amount of penalty the claimant would have to pay. Subsection 38(1) of the EIA specifies the acts or omissions for which a claimant may be subject to a penalty and subsection 38(2) sets the maximum penalties the Commission may impose. Under section 41 of the EIA, the Commission may rescind the imposition of a penalty or reduce it, on the presentation of new facts or on being satisfied that the penalty was imposed without knowledge of, or on the basis of a mistake as to, some material fact. Furthermore the Commission may issue, under section 41.1, a warning instead of setting the amount of a penalty for an act or omission under subsections 38(2) and 39(2) of the EIA. The Commission thus enjoys a wide discretion in assessing the amount of penalty and may consider financial hardship to the claimant as a mitigating factor. [52] This is consistent with the Commission’s policy regarding penalties, which mentions financial hardship as a possible mitigating circumstance when determining penalties (Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles, section 18.5.2.2). It appears from the record that the Commission did not apply a penalty in Ms. Molchan’s case despite her false statements (Applicant’s record at 130, 173, 178). ..... [55] In my view, the Appeal Division’s comments regarding Ms. Molchan’s ability to seek a write-off of her debt are consistent with the legislation, which sets out a specific procedure, a write-off, for undue hardship cases. Subparagraph 56(1)(f)(ii) of the Employment Insurance Regulations explicitly provides the Commission with the authority to write off an amount payable under section 43 of the EIA if repayment of the amount due would result in undue hardship to the claimant. [56] That said, I am nonetheless of the view that the Appeal Division was clearly cognizant of and empathetic to the financial hardship to Ms. Molchan in having to repay her debt. Like the General Division, the Appeal Division implored the Commission and the Canada Revenue Agency to consider any request by Ms. Molchan to write off her debt, given the circumstances in which the overpayment arose. The Appeal Division even went as far as providing in a footnote the telephone number where she could call to seek relief.
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[question] There's this case i can't find anything about, Schembri, but it's in this attached text. Can you summarize the facts and law of the case? Also, don't bother referencing legislative sections, as I'm not a specialist and won't look at the EI Act ever. ===================== [text] . Molchan v. Canada (Attorney General) [49] The issue in Schembri was whether the Commission was bound to take into account the claimant’s financial circumstances when determining the penalty to impose. The claimant in that case had failed to report his earnings and collected unemployment benefits for several months. The Commission had calculated that the claimant had received a benefit overpayment of $4,130, which it sought to recover. It had also assessed a penalty under section 38 of the EIA, because the claimant had received unemployment benefits by knowingly misreporting his income contrary to paragraph 38(1)(c) of the EIA. In determining the amount of penalty payable, the Commission considered the claimant’s gambling addiction and his efforts to deal with it, and reduced the penalty by 25% to $3,097. The Board of Referees later exonerated the claimant from any penalty. The Umpire then found that the Commission had erred when it failed to undertake, on its own initiative, an inquiry into the claimant’s financial circumstances and whether it would cause the claimant undue hardship to pay the proposed penalty. The Umpire reduced the penalty imposed by the Commission from 75% to 10% of the amount of the overpayment. [50] On judicial review, this Court held that the Commission was not required to initiate its own inquiries into a person’s financial circumstances before it imposed a penalty, noting that claimants have ample opportunities to request a reduction of the penalty on the ground of financial hardship at various stages of the process: before the penalty is imposed, on request for reconsideration and on appeal to the Board of Referees (Schembri at para. 14). Since the claimant had not raised the issue with the Commission and the Board of Referees, this Court decided that the Umpire should have held that the Board had no basis to interfere with the penalty. [51] In my view, this Court’s findings in Schembri do not extend to the reconsideration of a claimant’s entitlement to benefits. The overpayment in Schembri was not in dispute, only the amount of penalty the claimant would have to pay. Subsection 38(1) of the EIA specifies the acts or omissions for which a claimant may be subject to a penalty and subsection 38(2) sets the maximum penalties the Commission may impose. Under section 41 of the EIA, the Commission may rescind the imposition of a penalty or reduce it, on the presentation of new facts or on being satisfied that the penalty was imposed without knowledge of, or on the basis of a mistake as to, some material fact. Furthermore the Commission may issue, under section 41.1, a warning instead of setting the amount of a penalty for an act or omission under subsections 38(2) and 39(2) of the EIA. The Commission thus enjoys a wide discretion in assessing the amount of penalty and may consider financial hardship to the claimant as a mitigating factor. [52] This is consistent with the Commission’s policy regarding penalties, which mentions financial hardship as a possible mitigating circumstance when determining penalties (Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles, section 18.5.2.2). It appears from the record that the Commission did not apply a penalty in Ms. Molchan’s case despite her false statements (Applicant’s record at 130, 173, 178). ..... [55] In my view, the Appeal Division’s comments regarding Ms. Molchan’s ability to seek a write-off of her debt are consistent with the legislation, which sets out a specific procedure, a write-off, for undue hardship cases. Subparagraph 56(1)(f)(ii) of the Employment Insurance Regulations explicitly provides the Commission with the authority to write off an amount payable under section 43 of the EIA if repayment of the amount due would result in undue hardship to the claimant. [56] That said, I am nonetheless of the view that the Appeal Division was clearly cognizant of and empathetic to the financial hardship to Ms. Molchan in having to repay her debt. Like the General Division, the Appeal Division implored the Commission and the Canada Revenue Agency to consider any request by Ms. Molchan to write off her debt, given the circumstances in which the overpayment arose. The Appeal Division even went as far as providing in a footnote the telephone number where she could call to seek relief. http://isthatlegal.ca/index.php?name=EI.penalties ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
EVIDENCE:
. Molchan v. Canada (Attorney General) [49] The issue in Schembri was whether the Commission was bound to take into account the claimant’s financial circumstances when determining the penalty to impose. The claimant in that case had failed to report his earnings and collected unemployment benefits for several months. The Commission had calculated that the claimant had received a benefit overpayment of $4,130, which it sought to recover. It had also assessed a penalty under section 38 of the EIA, because the claimant had received unemployment benefits by knowingly misreporting his income contrary to paragraph 38(1)(c) of the EIA. In determining the amount of penalty payable, the Commission considered the claimant’s gambling addiction and his efforts to deal with it, and reduced the penalty by 25% to $3,097. The Board of Referees later exonerated the claimant from any penalty. The Umpire then found that the Commission had erred when it failed to undertake, on its own initiative, an inquiry into the claimant’s financial circumstances and whether it would cause the claimant undue hardship to pay the proposed penalty. The Umpire reduced the penalty imposed by the Commission from 75% to 10% of the amount of the overpayment. [50] On judicial review, this Court held that the Commission was not required to initiate its own inquiries into a person’s financial circumstances before it imposed a penalty, noting that claimants have ample opportunities to request a reduction of the penalty on the ground of financial hardship at various stages of the process: before the penalty is imposed, on request for reconsideration and on appeal to the Board of Referees (Schembri at para. 14). Since the claimant had not raised the issue with the Commission and the Board of Referees, this Court decided that the Umpire should have held that the Board had no basis to interfere with the penalty. [51] In my view, this Court’s findings in Schembri do not extend to the reconsideration of a claimant’s entitlement to benefits. The overpayment in Schembri was not in dispute, only the amount of penalty the claimant would have to pay. Subsection 38(1) of the EIA specifies the acts or omissions for which a claimant may be subject to a penalty and subsection 38(2) sets the maximum penalties the Commission may impose. Under section 41 of the EIA, the Commission may rescind the imposition of a penalty or reduce it, on the presentation of new facts or on being satisfied that the penalty was imposed without knowledge of, or on the basis of a mistake as to, some material fact. Furthermore the Commission may issue, under section 41.1, a warning instead of setting the amount of a penalty for an act or omission under subsections 38(2) and 39(2) of the EIA. The Commission thus enjoys a wide discretion in assessing the amount of penalty and may consider financial hardship to the claimant as a mitigating factor. [52] This is consistent with the Commission’s policy regarding penalties, which mentions financial hardship as a possible mitigating circumstance when determining penalties (Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles, section 18.5.2.2). It appears from the record that the Commission did not apply a penalty in Ms. Molchan’s case despite her false statements (Applicant’s record at 130, 173, 178). ..... [55] In my view, the Appeal Division’s comments regarding Ms. Molchan’s ability to seek a write-off of her debt are consistent with the legislation, which sets out a specific procedure, a write-off, for undue hardship cases. Subparagraph 56(1)(f)(ii) of the Employment Insurance Regulations explicitly provides the Commission with the authority to write off an amount payable under section 43 of the EIA if repayment of the amount due would result in undue hardship to the claimant. [56] That said, I am nonetheless of the view that the Appeal Division was clearly cognizant of and empathetic to the financial hardship to Ms. Molchan in having to repay her debt. Like the General Division, the Appeal Division implored the Commission and the Canada Revenue Agency to consider any request by Ms. Molchan to write off her debt, given the circumstances in which the overpayment arose. The Appeal Division even went as far as providing in a footnote the telephone number where she could call to seek relief.
USER:
There's this case i can't find anything about, Schembri, but it's in this attached text. Can you summarize the facts and law of the case? Also, don't bother referencing legislative sections, as I'm not a specialist and won't look at the EI Act ever.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 28 | 44 | 704 | null | 496 |
Instructions: * Respond using only the information contained in the prompt or context * Use bullet points when the answer has more than one item or explanation.
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What is the difference between the medicinal treatments for gouty arthritis and pseudogout?
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GOUT A. GOALS 1. Understand pathogenesis of gouty arthritis 2. Learn pharmacologic treatment for gout B. CASE • 55-year-old man with history of episodic pain and swelling in the 1st MTP joints • Started allopurinol one week earlier • Physical examination showed rock-hard lump on right pina and hot, tender purplish-blue swelling in the knee and the left midfoot. • Serum uric acid concentration 7.8 mg/dl • Synovial fluid aspirate contained intracellular needle-shaped crystals with strong negative birefringence THE FOUR PHASES OF GOUT 1. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia Serum urate is typically raised (>7 mg/dl for men and >6 mg/dl for women) for 20 years before the first attack of gouty arthritis or urolithiasis 2. Acute gouty arthritis The first attach usually occurs between the 4th and 6th decades. Onset before the age of 30 years raises the question of an unusual form of gout, perhaps related to an enzymatic defect that causes purine overproduction. Precipitating factors are antihyperuricemic therapy (probenecid, allopurinol), diuretics, IV heparin, cyclosporine, trauma, surgery, alcohol (beer), chronic lead poisoning, dietary excess, hemorrhage, foreign protein therapy, and infections. Medical conditions associated with gout are obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, syndrome X (resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, and dyslipoproteinemia with high levels of plasma triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Usually a single joint is affected, and the first metatarsophalangeal joint is the most commonly affected site. The attack begins suddenly and is common at night. Involvement is usually in the lower extremities. The involved joint becomes dusky, red, and swollen. Pain is intense and “the night is passed in torture”. The pathogenesis of acute gouty arthritis is centered about the monosodium urate crystal, which is always present. Of interest, hyperuricemia is often present but is not necessary for the reaction to occur. Urate crystals, which were likely deposited in synovium, are thought to “flake off” and initiate an intense inflammatory response. The crystals become heavily coated with IgG and iron, both of which increase their inflammatory potential. Leukocytes are necessary for the reaction; almost all of the crystals in an affected joint have been ingested at the height of the reaction. The release of lysosomal mediators and the release of superoxide anion contribute to the local inflammation. Many serum factors mediate the inflammatory response, including complement, fibronectin, IgG, and a number of cytokines among which is transforming growth factor-beta. Leukocytosis, fever, and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate may accompany the acute attack. Radiographs are normal in the acute phase. 3. Intercritical gout. Most patients will have a second attack 6 – 24 months after the first attack. The period between attacks is known as the intercritical period. Joints appear normal during this time. 4. Chronic tophaceous gout. Eventually, patients may enter a phase of chronic polyarticular gout without painfree periods. This may occur 3-42 years after the first attack; the average period is about 12 years. Tophi are a manifestation of the inability to eliminate urate as rapidly as it is produced. Urate deposits appear in the cartilage, synovium, tendons, and soft tissues. A favored location is extensor surfaces and pressure points, and the lesions may resemble rheumatoid nodules. In untreated disease, massive destruction of joints may occur. Tophi have been reported to resolve over periods of years in patients who receive probenecid or allopurinol. E. PRINCIPLES OF THERAPY 1. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia First, consider the multiple causes of secondary hyperuricemia: consider drugs, renal insufficiency, myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative diseases, hemolytic anemia, anemias associate with ineffective erythropoiesis, psoriasis, Paget’s disease of bone, and enzyme defects (see below). Treatment is not recommended for asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Exceptions to this rule are enzyme defects that lead to lifelong hyperuricemia. Exceptions to this rule are enzyme defects that lead to lifelong hyperuricemia (examples: deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase in the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, partial deficiency of HGPRT, superactivity of 5-phosphoribosyl – 1- pyrophosphate) and the hyperuricemia associated with tumor chemotherapy. 2. Acute gouty arthritis Principles of treating acute gout include use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, colchicines, and corticosteroids. Do not attempt to reduce plasma urate concentrations in the patient who is experiencing an acute attack. 1. NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS Treatment of acute gouty arthritis is based upon the judicious use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Many of these agents are effective. Maximum-dose NSAID treatment is started at the first sign of an attack and the dose is lowed within a day or two and continued until the arthritis has resolved. NSAIDS are also effective in the well-established attack. Indocin (starting dose 50 mg po TID or QID) is often employed; the dose is tapered to 0 after about 1 week. Renal insufficiency is a contraindication to this therapy so is active peptic ulcer disease. Consider a history of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract when deciding upon therapy for acute gout. Undesirable side effects of traditional NSAIDS: Gastric/esophageal irritation, exacerbations of peptic ulcers, anti-platelet effects, reversible hepatocellular toxicity, decreased creatinine clearance, skin rashes, aspirin-like reactions in the presence of the rhinitis, nasal polyposis, and asthma syndrome, and headaches and confusion in the elderly. Aspirin increases renal retention of uric acid in low doses, whereas high doses (3.5-5.0 gm/day) are uricosuric. It is avoided as an agent to treat an acute attack of gout. 2. COLCHICINE Colchicine can be used to treat acute gout, but should be limited to low oral doses or cautious intravenous use (the latter for the hospitalized patient only). Colchicine should be used in reduced doses or avoided altogether in the patient with renal insufficiency. Some clinicians will give a brief course of oral colchicines, 2-3 tablets a week, in geriatric patients or patients with renal insufficiency. No patient should receive the traditional high-dose treatment in which numerous tablets of colchicines are given by mouth. This therapy can cause very servere diarrhea and dehydration. Intravenous administration should be given according to strict guidelines: (1) Single IV doses should not exceed 1 to 2 mg and the total cumulative dose should not be > 4mg, (2) No additional colchicines should be prescribed for 7 days, (3) the dose of IV colchicines should be halved in those with creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min and in those > 65 years of age in whom the creatinine clearance is not known. Patients with renal insufficiency, especially those who are on dialysis, are at risk of developing colchicine neuromyopathy. This complication is characterized by elevated CPK and muscle weakness. Discontinuation of colchicine leads to improvement in the myopathy over several w3eeks. Associated neuropathy resolves more slowly. 3. CORTICOSTEROIDS Intraarticular corticosteroids are very useful in breaking attacks of acute gout and have special value when other treatments cannot be utilized. In some instances, ACTH injections or oral corticosteroids are required. F. LONGTERM PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT a. PROPHLAXIS Prophylaxis of the acute attack can be achieved by administering daily low doses of colchicine (0.5 or 0.6 mg tablet by mouth, 1 or 2 times daily; or in the presence of renal insufficiency, one tablet 3 times per week). An alternate prophylactic drug is Indocin, 25 mg by mouth twice a day. ALWAYS USE PROPHYLAXIS WHEN STARTING DRUGS TO LOWER THE SERUM URIC ACID LEVEL. b. URICOSURIG THERAPY Uricosuric agents facilitate urate excretion by the kidney and increase urate clearance and the fractional excretion of filtered urate. Probenecid is the most commonly used drug in this class. It is started at a dose of 0.5 gm/.day, and the dose is increased gradually to 1 – 3 gm/day, given in 2-3 divided doses. Renal insufficiency and a history of nephrolithiasis are contraindications to uricosuric treatment. c. XANTHINE OXIDASE INHIBITION The xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol, is used long-term to lower serum uric acid. It is indicated in overproduction of urate (examples: 24 hour urine uric acid >0.8 gm while on a normal diet; enzyme defect that leads to lifelong overproduction such as deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase), Tophi, renal insufficiency, nephrolithiasis, or intolerance to uricosuric agents. Allopurinol can paradoxically initiate acute polyarticular gout. For this reason, it should never be used in the patient who is experiencing acute gouty arthritis. Remember to start prophylactic treatment and to continue it for at least 6 weeks when allopurinol is started. The dose of allopurinol should be adjusted according to the patient’s renal function. The nomogram for maintenance allopurinol, adapted from Am J Med 76:43, 1984, is: CCr 0, 100 mg every 3 days; CCr 10, 100 mg every 2 days; CCR 20, 100 mg/day; CCR 40, 150 mg/day; CCr 60, 200 mg/day CCr 80, 250 mg/day; CCr 100, 300 mg/day; CCr 120, 350 mg/day CCr 140, 400 mg/day The risk in using allopurinol in renal insufficiency is the allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome. Use of diuretics is also a risk factor. The syndrome develops within 2 – 4 weeks of starting allopurinol and mortality is 20%. It is characterized by skin rash, fever hepatocellular injury, Leukocytosis, eosinophilia, and worsening renal function. Also, be aware that allopurinol causes potentiation of azathioprine, which as a purine analogue is metabolized by xanthine oxidase. The use of allopurinol requires a 50 to 75% reduction in the azathioprine dose. Careful monitoring of the leukocyte count is required; the margin between leucopenia and inadequate immunosuppression is narrow. II. PSEUDEOGOUT Pseudogout refers to articular disease associated with calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals in synovial fluid or synovium. It is often associated with chondrocalcinosis, a radiographic finding in which calcium-containing crystals are visualized in fibrocartilage or articular cartilage. It is discussed here because some clinical features resemble gout. Differentiation from grout is important; the Pseudogout patient should not receive allopurinol. Pseudogout can occur as a hereditary disease, as a sporadic disease, or as a condition that is associated with metabolic diseases or trauma. The hereditary disease usually shows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Pseudogout is clearly associated with OLD AGE, and associations with hyperparathyroidism, hemochromatosis, hypothyroidism, amyloidosis, hypomagnesemia, and hypophosphatasia have been reported. The manifestations of Pseudogout are: 1. Acute inflammation in one or more joints lasting for several days to 2 weeks. Joints commonly involved are: knees (50%), wrists, and shoulders. As with gout, the attacks can occur spontaneously or be provoked by trauma, surgery or severe illness. 2. About one half of these patients have progressive degeneration of numerous joints, and acute flares of arthritis may be superimposed on the degenerative problem. 3. About 50% of patients have pseudo-rheumatoid presentation with multiple joint involvement. Rheumatoid factor is present in 10% of these patients, leading to confusion with rheumatoid arthritis.
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GOUT A. GOALS 1. Understand pathogenesis of gouty arthritis 2. Learn pharmacologic treatment for gout B. CASE • 55-year-old man with history of episodic pain and swelling in the 1st MTP joints • Started allopurinol one week earlier • Physical examination showed rock-hard lump on right pina and hot, tender purplish-blue swelling in the knee and the left midfoot. • Serum uric acid concentration 7.8 mg/dl • Synovial fluid aspirate contained intracellular needle-shaped crystals with strong negative birefringence THE FOUR PHASES OF GOUT 1. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia Serum urate is typically raised (>7 mg/dl for men and >6 mg/dl for women) for 20 years before the first attack of gouty arthritis or urolithiasis 2. Acute gouty arthritis The first attach usually occurs between the 4th and 6th decades. Onset before the age of 30 years raises the question of an unusual form of gout, perhaps related to an enzymatic defect that causes purine overproduction. Precipitating factors are antihyperuricemic therapy (probenecid, allopurinol), diuretics, IV heparin, cyclosporine, trauma, surgery, alcohol (beer), chronic lead poisoning, dietary excess, hemorrhage, foreign protein therapy, and infections. Medical conditions associated with gout are obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, syndrome X (resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, and dyslipoproteinemia with high levels of plasma triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Usually a single joint is affected, and the first metatarsophalangeal joint is the most commonly affected site. The attack begins suddenly and is common at night. Involvement is usually in the lower extremities. The involved joint becomes dusky, red, and swollen. Pain is intense and “the night is passed in torture”. The pathogenesis of acute gouty arthritis is centered about the monosodium urate crystal, which is always present. Of interest, hyperuricemia is often present but is not necessary for the reaction to occur. Urate crystals, which were likely deposited in synovium, are thought to “flake off” and initiate an intense inflammatory response. The crystals become heavily coated with IgG and iron, both of which increase their inflammatory potential. Leukocytes are necessary for the reaction; almost all of the crystals in an affected joint have been ingested at the height of the reaction. The release of lysosomal mediators and the release of superoxide anion contribute to the local inflammation. Many serum factors mediate the inflammatory response, including complement, fibronectin, IgG, and a number of cytokines among which is transforming growth factor-beta. Leukocytosis, fever, and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate may accompany the acute attack. Radiographs are normal in the acute phase. 3. Intercritical gout. Most patients will have a second attack 6 – 24 months after the first attack. The period between attacks is known as the intercritical period. Joints appear normal during this time. 4. Chronic tophaceous gout. Eventually, patients may enter a phase of chronic polyarticular gout without painfree periods. This may occur 3-42 years after the first attack; the average period is about 12 years. Tophi are a manifestation of the inability to eliminate urate as rapidly as it is produced. Urate deposits appear in the cartilage, synovium, tendons, and soft tissues. A favored location is extensor surfaces and pressure points, and the lesions may resemble rheumatoid nodules. In untreated disease, massive destruction of joints may occur. Tophi have been reported to resolve over periods of years in patients who receive probenecid or allopurinol. E. PRINCIPLES OF THERAPY 1. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia First, consider the multiple causes of secondary hyperuricemia: consider drugs, renal insufficiency, myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative diseases, hemolytic anemia, anemias associate with ineffective erythropoiesis, psoriasis, Paget’s disease of bone, and enzyme defects (see below). Treatment is not recommended for asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Exceptions to this rule are enzyme defects that lead to lifelong hyperuricemia. Exceptions to this rule are enzyme defects that lead to lifelong hyperuricemia (examples: deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase in the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, partial deficiency of HGPRT, superactivity of 5-phosphoribosyl – 1- pyrophosphate) and the hyperuricemia associated with tumor chemotherapy. 2. Acute gouty arthritis Principles of treating acute gout include use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, colchicines, and corticosteroids. Do not attempt to reduce plasma urate concentrations in the patient who is experiencing an acute attack. 1. NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS Treatment of acute gouty arthritis is based upon the judicious use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Many of these agents are effective. Maximum-dose NSAID treatment is started at the first sign of an attack and the dose is lowed within a day or two and continued until the arthritis has resolved. NSAIDS are also effective in the well-established attack. Indocin (starting dose 50 mg po TID or QID) is often employed; the dose is tapered to 0 after about 1 week. Renal insufficiency is a contraindication to this therapy so is active peptic ulcer disease. Consider a history of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract when deciding upon therapy for acute gout. Undesirable side effects of traditional NSAIDS: Gastric/esophageal irritation, exacerbations of peptic ulcers, anti-platelet effects, reversible hepatocellular toxicity, decreased creatinine clearance, skin rashes, aspirin-like reactions in the presence of the rhinitis, nasal polyposis, and asthma syndrome, and headaches and confusion in the elderly. Aspirin increases renal retention of uric acid in low doses, whereas high doses (3.5-5.0 gm/day) are uricosuric. It is avoided as an agent to treat an acute attack of gout. 2. COLCHICINE Colchicine can be used to treat acute gout, but should be limited to low oral doses or cautious intravenous use (the latter for the hospitalized patient only). Colchicine should be used in reduced doses or avoided altogether in the patient with renal insufficiency. Some clinicians will give a brief course of oral colchicines, 2-3 tablets a week, in geriatric patients or patients with renal insufficiency. No patient should receive the traditional high-dose treatment in which numerous tablets of colchicines are given by mouth. This therapy can cause very servere diarrhea and dehydration. Intravenous administration should be given according to strict guidelines: (1) Single IV doses should not exceed 1 to 2 mg and the total cumulative dose should not be > 4mg, (2) No additional colchicines should be prescribed for 7 days, (3) the dose of IV colchicines should be halved in those with creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min and in those > 65 years of age in whom the creatinine clearance is not known. Patients with renal insufficiency, especially those who are on dialysis, are at risk of developing colchicine neuromyopathy. This complication is characterized by elevated CPK and muscle weakness. Discontinuation of colchicine leads to improvement in the myopathy over several w3eeks. Associated neuropathy resolves more slowly. 3. CORTICOSTEROIDS Intraarticular corticosteroids are very useful in breaking attacks of acute gout and have special value when other treatments cannot be utilized. In some instances, ACTH injections or oral corticosteroids are required. F. LONGTERM PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT a. PROPHLAXIS Prophylaxis of the acute attack can be achieved by administering daily low doses of colchicine (0.5 or 0.6 mg tablet by mouth, 1 or 2 times daily; or in the presence of renal insufficiency, one tablet 3 times per week). An alternate prophylactic drug is Indocin, 25 mg by mouth twice a day. ALWAYS USE PROPHYLAXIS WHEN STARTING DRUGS TO LOWER THE SERUM URIC ACID LEVEL. b. URICOSURIG THERAPY Uricosuric agents facilitate urate excretion by the kidney and increase urate clearance and the fractional excretion of filtered urate. Probenecid is the most commonly used drug in this class. It is started at a dose of 0.5 gm/.day, and the dose is increased gradually to 1 – 3 gm/day, given in 2-3 divided doses. Renal insufficiency and a history of nephrolithiasis are contraindications to uricosuric treatment. c. XANTHINE OXIDASE INHIBITION The xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol, is used long-term to lower serum uric acid. It is indicated in overproduction of urate (examples: 24 hour urine uric acid >0.8 gm while on a normal diet; enzyme defect that leads to lifelong overproduction such as deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase), Tophi, renal insufficiency, nephrolithiasis, or intolerance to uricosuric agents. Allopurinol can paradoxically initiate acute polyarticular gout. For this reason, it should never be used in the patient who is experiencing acute gouty arthritis. Remember to start prophylactic treatment and to continue it for at least 6 weeks when allopurinol is started. The dose of allopurinol should be adjusted according to the patient’s renal function. The nomogram for maintenance allopurinol, adapted from Am J Med 76:43, 1984, is: CCr 0, 100 mg every 3 days; CCr 10, 100 mg every 2 days; CCR 20, 100 mg/day; CCR 40, 150 mg/day; CCr 60, 200 mg/day CCr 80, 250 mg/day; CCr 100, 300 mg/day; CCr 120, 350 mg/day CCr 140, 400 mg/day The risk in using allopurinol in renal insufficiency is the allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome. Use of diuretics is also a risk factor. The syndrome develops within 2 – 4 weeks of starting allopurinol and mortality is 20%. It is characterized by skin rash, fever hepatocellular injury, Leukocytosis, eosinophilia, and worsening renal function. Also, be aware that allopurinol causes potentiation of azathioprine, which as a purine analogue is metabolized by xanthine oxidase. The use of allopurinol requires a 50 to 75% reduction in the azathioprine dose. Careful monitoring of the leukocyte count is required; the margin between leucopenia and inadequate immunosuppression is narrow. II. PSEUDEOGOUT Pseudogout refers to articular disease associated with calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals in synovial fluid or synovium. It is often associated with chondrocalcinosis, a radiographic finding in which calcium-containing crystals are visualized in fibrocartilage or articular cartilage. It is discussed here because some clinical features resemble gout. Differentiation from grout is important; the Pseudogout patient should not receive allopurinol. Pseudogout can occur as a hereditary disease, as a sporadic disease, or as a condition that is associated with metabolic diseases or trauma. The hereditary disease usually shows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Pseudogout is clearly associated with OLD AGE, and associations with hyperparathyroidism, hemochromatosis, hypothyroidism, amyloidosis, hypomagnesemia, and hypophosphatasia have been reported. The manifestations of Pseudogout are: 1. Acute inflammation in one or more joints lasting for several days to 2 weeks. Joints commonly involved are: knees (50%), wrists, and shoulders. As with gout, the attacks can occur spontaneously or be provoked by trauma, surgery or severe illness. 2. About one half of these patients have progressive degeneration of numerous joints, and acute flares of arthritis may be superimposed on the degenerative problem. 3. About 50% of patients have pseudo-rheumatoid presentation with multiple joint involvement. Rheumatoid factor is present in 10% of these patients, leading to confusion with rheumatoid arthritis. Instructions: * Respond using only the information contained in the prompt or context * Use bullet points when the answer has more than one item or explanation. What is the difference between the medicinal treatments for gouty arthritis and pseudogout?
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Instructions: * Respond using only the information contained in the prompt or context * Use bullet points when the answer has more than one item or explanation.
EVIDENCE:
GOUT A. GOALS 1. Understand pathogenesis of gouty arthritis 2. Learn pharmacologic treatment for gout B. CASE • 55-year-old man with history of episodic pain and swelling in the 1st MTP joints • Started allopurinol one week earlier • Physical examination showed rock-hard lump on right pina and hot, tender purplish-blue swelling in the knee and the left midfoot. • Serum uric acid concentration 7.8 mg/dl • Synovial fluid aspirate contained intracellular needle-shaped crystals with strong negative birefringence THE FOUR PHASES OF GOUT 1. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia Serum urate is typically raised (>7 mg/dl for men and >6 mg/dl for women) for 20 years before the first attack of gouty arthritis or urolithiasis 2. Acute gouty arthritis The first attach usually occurs between the 4th and 6th decades. Onset before the age of 30 years raises the question of an unusual form of gout, perhaps related to an enzymatic defect that causes purine overproduction. Precipitating factors are antihyperuricemic therapy (probenecid, allopurinol), diuretics, IV heparin, cyclosporine, trauma, surgery, alcohol (beer), chronic lead poisoning, dietary excess, hemorrhage, foreign protein therapy, and infections. Medical conditions associated with gout are obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, syndrome X (resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, and dyslipoproteinemia with high levels of plasma triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Usually a single joint is affected, and the first metatarsophalangeal joint is the most commonly affected site. The attack begins suddenly and is common at night. Involvement is usually in the lower extremities. The involved joint becomes dusky, red, and swollen. Pain is intense and “the night is passed in torture”. The pathogenesis of acute gouty arthritis is centered about the monosodium urate crystal, which is always present. Of interest, hyperuricemia is often present but is not necessary for the reaction to occur. Urate crystals, which were likely deposited in synovium, are thought to “flake off” and initiate an intense inflammatory response. The crystals become heavily coated with IgG and iron, both of which increase their inflammatory potential. Leukocytes are necessary for the reaction; almost all of the crystals in an affected joint have been ingested at the height of the reaction. The release of lysosomal mediators and the release of superoxide anion contribute to the local inflammation. Many serum factors mediate the inflammatory response, including complement, fibronectin, IgG, and a number of cytokines among which is transforming growth factor-beta. Leukocytosis, fever, and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate may accompany the acute attack. Radiographs are normal in the acute phase. 3. Intercritical gout. Most patients will have a second attack 6 – 24 months after the first attack. The period between attacks is known as the intercritical period. Joints appear normal during this time. 4. Chronic tophaceous gout. Eventually, patients may enter a phase of chronic polyarticular gout without painfree periods. This may occur 3-42 years after the first attack; the average period is about 12 years. Tophi are a manifestation of the inability to eliminate urate as rapidly as it is produced. Urate deposits appear in the cartilage, synovium, tendons, and soft tissues. A favored location is extensor surfaces and pressure points, and the lesions may resemble rheumatoid nodules. In untreated disease, massive destruction of joints may occur. Tophi have been reported to resolve over periods of years in patients who receive probenecid or allopurinol. E. PRINCIPLES OF THERAPY 1. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia First, consider the multiple causes of secondary hyperuricemia: consider drugs, renal insufficiency, myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative diseases, hemolytic anemia, anemias associate with ineffective erythropoiesis, psoriasis, Paget’s disease of bone, and enzyme defects (see below). Treatment is not recommended for asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Exceptions to this rule are enzyme defects that lead to lifelong hyperuricemia. Exceptions to this rule are enzyme defects that lead to lifelong hyperuricemia (examples: deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase in the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, partial deficiency of HGPRT, superactivity of 5-phosphoribosyl – 1- pyrophosphate) and the hyperuricemia associated with tumor chemotherapy. 2. Acute gouty arthritis Principles of treating acute gout include use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, colchicines, and corticosteroids. Do not attempt to reduce plasma urate concentrations in the patient who is experiencing an acute attack. 1. NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS Treatment of acute gouty arthritis is based upon the judicious use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Many of these agents are effective. Maximum-dose NSAID treatment is started at the first sign of an attack and the dose is lowed within a day or two and continued until the arthritis has resolved. NSAIDS are also effective in the well-established attack. Indocin (starting dose 50 mg po TID or QID) is often employed; the dose is tapered to 0 after about 1 week. Renal insufficiency is a contraindication to this therapy so is active peptic ulcer disease. Consider a history of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract when deciding upon therapy for acute gout. Undesirable side effects of traditional NSAIDS: Gastric/esophageal irritation, exacerbations of peptic ulcers, anti-platelet effects, reversible hepatocellular toxicity, decreased creatinine clearance, skin rashes, aspirin-like reactions in the presence of the rhinitis, nasal polyposis, and asthma syndrome, and headaches and confusion in the elderly. Aspirin increases renal retention of uric acid in low doses, whereas high doses (3.5-5.0 gm/day) are uricosuric. It is avoided as an agent to treat an acute attack of gout. 2. COLCHICINE Colchicine can be used to treat acute gout, but should be limited to low oral doses or cautious intravenous use (the latter for the hospitalized patient only). Colchicine should be used in reduced doses or avoided altogether in the patient with renal insufficiency. Some clinicians will give a brief course of oral colchicines, 2-3 tablets a week, in geriatric patients or patients with renal insufficiency. No patient should receive the traditional high-dose treatment in which numerous tablets of colchicines are given by mouth. This therapy can cause very servere diarrhea and dehydration. Intravenous administration should be given according to strict guidelines: (1) Single IV doses should not exceed 1 to 2 mg and the total cumulative dose should not be > 4mg, (2) No additional colchicines should be prescribed for 7 days, (3) the dose of IV colchicines should be halved in those with creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min and in those > 65 years of age in whom the creatinine clearance is not known. Patients with renal insufficiency, especially those who are on dialysis, are at risk of developing colchicine neuromyopathy. This complication is characterized by elevated CPK and muscle weakness. Discontinuation of colchicine leads to improvement in the myopathy over several w3eeks. Associated neuropathy resolves more slowly. 3. CORTICOSTEROIDS Intraarticular corticosteroids are very useful in breaking attacks of acute gout and have special value when other treatments cannot be utilized. In some instances, ACTH injections or oral corticosteroids are required. F. LONGTERM PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT a. PROPHLAXIS Prophylaxis of the acute attack can be achieved by administering daily low doses of colchicine (0.5 or 0.6 mg tablet by mouth, 1 or 2 times daily; or in the presence of renal insufficiency, one tablet 3 times per week). An alternate prophylactic drug is Indocin, 25 mg by mouth twice a day. ALWAYS USE PROPHYLAXIS WHEN STARTING DRUGS TO LOWER THE SERUM URIC ACID LEVEL. b. URICOSURIG THERAPY Uricosuric agents facilitate urate excretion by the kidney and increase urate clearance and the fractional excretion of filtered urate. Probenecid is the most commonly used drug in this class. It is started at a dose of 0.5 gm/.day, and the dose is increased gradually to 1 – 3 gm/day, given in 2-3 divided doses. Renal insufficiency and a history of nephrolithiasis are contraindications to uricosuric treatment. c. XANTHINE OXIDASE INHIBITION The xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol, is used long-term to lower serum uric acid. It is indicated in overproduction of urate (examples: 24 hour urine uric acid >0.8 gm while on a normal diet; enzyme defect that leads to lifelong overproduction such as deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase), Tophi, renal insufficiency, nephrolithiasis, or intolerance to uricosuric agents. Allopurinol can paradoxically initiate acute polyarticular gout. For this reason, it should never be used in the patient who is experiencing acute gouty arthritis. Remember to start prophylactic treatment and to continue it for at least 6 weeks when allopurinol is started. The dose of allopurinol should be adjusted according to the patient’s renal function. The nomogram for maintenance allopurinol, adapted from Am J Med 76:43, 1984, is: CCr 0, 100 mg every 3 days; CCr 10, 100 mg every 2 days; CCR 20, 100 mg/day; CCR 40, 150 mg/day; CCr 60, 200 mg/day CCr 80, 250 mg/day; CCr 100, 300 mg/day; CCr 120, 350 mg/day CCr 140, 400 mg/day The risk in using allopurinol in renal insufficiency is the allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome. Use of diuretics is also a risk factor. The syndrome develops within 2 – 4 weeks of starting allopurinol and mortality is 20%. It is characterized by skin rash, fever hepatocellular injury, Leukocytosis, eosinophilia, and worsening renal function. Also, be aware that allopurinol causes potentiation of azathioprine, which as a purine analogue is metabolized by xanthine oxidase. The use of allopurinol requires a 50 to 75% reduction in the azathioprine dose. Careful monitoring of the leukocyte count is required; the margin between leucopenia and inadequate immunosuppression is narrow. II. PSEUDEOGOUT Pseudogout refers to articular disease associated with calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals in synovial fluid or synovium. It is often associated with chondrocalcinosis, a radiographic finding in which calcium-containing crystals are visualized in fibrocartilage or articular cartilage. It is discussed here because some clinical features resemble gout. Differentiation from grout is important; the Pseudogout patient should not receive allopurinol. Pseudogout can occur as a hereditary disease, as a sporadic disease, or as a condition that is associated with metabolic diseases or trauma. The hereditary disease usually shows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Pseudogout is clearly associated with OLD AGE, and associations with hyperparathyroidism, hemochromatosis, hypothyroidism, amyloidosis, hypomagnesemia, and hypophosphatasia have been reported. The manifestations of Pseudogout are: 1. Acute inflammation in one or more joints lasting for several days to 2 weeks. Joints commonly involved are: knees (50%), wrists, and shoulders. As with gout, the attacks can occur spontaneously or be provoked by trauma, surgery or severe illness. 2. About one half of these patients have progressive degeneration of numerous joints, and acute flares of arthritis may be superimposed on the degenerative problem. 3. About 50% of patients have pseudo-rheumatoid presentation with multiple joint involvement. Rheumatoid factor is present in 10% of these patients, leading to confusion with rheumatoid arthritis.
USER:
What is the difference between the medicinal treatments for gouty arthritis and pseudogout?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
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Only refer to the attached document in providing your response.
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Summarize the benefits of maternity leave for a mother and for a child.
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Having a baby is no small feat. Fortunately, taking time off work for maternity leave can give a new mother the chance to heal both physically and emotionally, as well as sufficient time to bond with and care for her newborn baby. Countless studies and research show that adequate paid maternity leave has a host of benefits for mother, baby and the entire family, such as decreased rehospitalization rates for both mother and baby, improved stress management and more consistent exercise. However, paid maternity leave is lacking in the U.S., which affects mothers, children and families. Read on to learn more about maternity leave, including the landscape of maternity leave in the U.S. and how maternity leave affects a person’s mental and physical health after childbirth. What Is Maternity Leave? Maternity leave is the time a mother takes off from work after having a baby. It’s generally a time for them to recover from childbirth and adjust to life with a newborn baby. However, maternity leave in the U.S. isn’t standardized, which can make it difficult to define. “The definition and scope of maternity leave and the mechanics of taking leave vary from organization to organization,” says Shayla Thurlow, vice president of people and talent acquisition at The Muse who has developed and administered parental leave programs for large and small organizations across various industries. How Does Maternity Leave Work? The U.S. is one of the few industrialized countries worldwide that doesn’t mandate paid parental leave. Maternity leave is meant to be a time for a mother to give all her focus and attention to her newborn baby, her health and her family, but the length of leave— and whether it’s paid and to what extent—varies based on a number of factors, including where you work, how long you’ve worked for your employer the number of employees they have. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantees coverage for 12 workweeks of unpaid leave per year for qualifying family and medical reasons, including the birth of a baby, adoption or foster care placement, or when you or an immediate family member are seriously ill and in need of care. However, FMLA doesn’t cover all employees. Employers with at least 50 employees must allow parents 12 weeks of job-protected leave to care for their newborn, but pay during this time is not guaranteed, according to the International Labour Organization. To qualify for FMLA coverage: • You must work for a covered employer, including any public agency, any public or private elementary or secondary school, or a private employer with at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius. • You must have worked at the company for at least 12 months. • You must have worked at least 1,250 hours for the company in the 12 months before your leave. Many new mothers take less than 12 weeks of maternity leave for various reasons, including (but not limited to) working for a company that doesn’t offer FMLA coverage and/or being unable to afford being out of work for that long. A 2014 analysis in Maternal and Child Health Journal found 41% of employed women in the U.S. received paid maternity leave for an average of three weeks, with only a 31% wage replacement. The research also noted that, on average, new mothers took 10 weeks of maternity leave, and the majority of women didn’t receive any compensation for that time away from work[1]. As Thurlow points out, some states require paid maternity leave, but it’s usually up to the employer to decide whether to provide paid maternity leave for its employees. “Though 12 weeks of unpaid leave is covered by federal law [in certain cases], many families are not in a financial position to use that time [without pay] and may be unable to have a long maternity leave,” she says. Maternity Leave Trends in the U.S. The U.S. is lacking when it comes to maternity leave benefits. Most adults don’t have access to paid family leave through their employers, according to a 2021 survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, a 2019 Pew Research Center study of 41 nations found the U.S. is the only country that doesn’t mandate any paid leave for new parents. Among the other 40 nations, the smallest amount of paid maternity leave is two months in Ireland while Estonia offers more than a year and a half of paid parental leave[2]. Worldwide, very few countries don’t guarantee paid maternity leave; instead, more than 120 countries offer paid maternity leave and health benefits by law. At the lower end of the spectrum, only 33 countries mandate maternity leave that lasts less than 12 weeks. Meanwhile, as of 2021 in the U.S., only nine states and the District of Columbia have instituted some degree of paid parental leave. How Can Maternity Leave Impact Your Health? Taking maternity leave is essential not only for the health of the newborn, but also for the health of the mother. “Maternity leave [or the 12 weeks after birth] is often referred to as the fourth trimester,” says Suzanne Bovone, M.D., an OBGYN at Obstetrics and Gynecology of San Jose, part of the Pediatrix Medical Group in Campbell, California. “As each trimester of pregnancy brought changes for the woman and baby, the period after delivery is a continuation of change. Inadequate maternity leave can lead not only to anxiety and depression, but also relationship issues and the inability to return to work.” More than 12 weeks is needed for an adequate maternity leave, according to Dr. Bovone. “Many issues that need assistance are not even apparent until three to four months after delivery,” she says. “It almost becomes impossible to juggle the demands of self-care, childcare, relationships and work obligations.” According to Dr. Bovone, some complications of the side effects of the postpartum period may include: • Sleep deprivation • Increased stress levels • Loss of coping mechanisms • Inability to think clearly and ask for help • Negative thoughts and feelings • Pelvic floor issues • Impact on urinary and bowel function • Negative impact on sexual health “It may take months for one to recognize areas that need work,” she adds. “Unfortunately, with limited maternity leave, many [parents] cannot find the time to provide adequate self-care when they’re back at work.” Physical Health The body goes through major physical changes after having a baby, from pelvic floor disruption to urinary and bowel dysfunction. “Just as pregnancy physically changes one’s body over [more than] nine months, [recovery during] the postpartum period takes just as long,” says Dr. Bovone. “Maternity leave is a time for the woman to rest and recover.” Research shows the positive effect maternity leave has on physical health. For instance, a study in the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy observing health data on mothers in Norway both before and after paid maternity leave became mandated by law in 1977 found women who gave birth after 1977 experienced better overall health as they approached middle age. This improvement was particularly noticeable among women who worked low-income jobs and wouldn’t have taken unpaid leave previously—they were less likely to smoke or experience high blood pressure, had lower BMIs and were more likely to exercise regularly[3]. Paid maternity leave can also contribute to decreased infant mortality, as well as mother and infant rehospitalizations, according to a 2020 review in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, which also found paid maternity leave to be associated with an increase in pediatric visit attendance and timely administration of infant immunizations[4]. A 2018 study in Maternal and Child Health Journal found similar results: Women who took paid maternity leave experienced a 47% decrease in the odds of rehospitalization for their infants and a 51% decrease in the odds of being rehospitalized themselves at 21 months postpartum[5]. The 2020 review in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry also found paid maternity leave can lead to an increase in the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. Paid maternity leave may lead to healthier habits as well. The 2018 study in Maternal and Child Health Journalalso found women who took paid maternity leave were nearly twice as likely to exercise and were able to better manage their stress levels compared to those who didn’t take paid maternity leave. Mental Health Maternity leave has a significant impact on mental health as well. “There are huge adjustments that come with a new baby,” says Thurlow. “Changes in family dynamics, sleep deprivation and bonding with a new baby create mental and emotional strains for new parents. The ability to take time off to adjust and create a new normal has proven beneficial for parents’ overall mental and emotional well-being.” Research shows a positive correlation between mental health and paid maternity leave as well. According to the same 2020 review in the Harvard Review of Psychology, paid maternity leave is associated with a decrease in postpartum maternal depression. Meanwhile, a 2012 study in the Journal of Mental Health Policies and Economicsfound having fewer than 12 weeks of maternity leave and fewer than eight weeks of paid maternity leave to be associated with increases in depressive symptoms[6]. And the longer the leave, the better: Longer paid maternity leaves are associated with decreased depressive symptoms until six months postpartum, according to a 2014 study in the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law[7]. Maternity leave can also mean less stress for postpartum mothers, which can trickle down in a positive way to affect family dynamics and relationships as well. A 2013 study in the Journal of Family Issues observed Australian two-parent families and found the length of maternity leave affected a mother’s mental health, quality of parenting and the couple’s relationship. What’s more, mothers who took more than 13 weeks of paid leave experienced significantly less psychological distress[8]. The positive effects of maternity leave aren’t just apparent immediately after a baby is born: Maternity leave can lead to better mental health later in life as well. A 2015 study in Social Science and Medicine using European data found longer maternity leaves to be associated with improved mental health in old age[9]. Emotional Health A mother’s emotional health can be influenced by maternity leave as well. Postpartum emotional health involves identity changes that go along with becoming a parent, says Dr. Bovone. “Our self-identity changes, as well as our relationships and interactions with our partners, families and friends,” she adds. New mothers may find it difficult to ask for help, and some may find being a parent isn’t what they thought it would be. “Priorities may change as well, and some struggle with this new perspective,” says Dr. Bovone. Fortunately, maternity leave can lead to better bonding experiences between mother and child. A 2018 study of 3,850 mothers in the U.S. found a significant correlation between the duration of paid maternity leave and positive mother-child interactions, such as secure attachment and empathy[10]. A decreased chance of domestic violence is also associated with paid parental leave. A 2019 study in Preventive Medicine found paid parental leave can be an effective strategy to prevent future instances of intimate partner violence. This connection could exist because paid leaves maintains household income and prevents financial stressors, increases gender equity (which is associated with less intimate partner violence against women) and gives parents time to bond with a child without having to worry about work[11]. What Experts Say About Maternity Leave Dr. Bovone and Thurlow both agree that adequate paid maternity leave is a necessity for the health and well-being of mothers, children and families as a whole. What’s more, maternity leave should be longer than what’s typically offered, according to Dr. Bovone. “Ideally, a year to care for oneself and the newborn is needed,” she says. “Coverage for breastfeeding issues, mental and emotional health, pelvic floor health and sexual health should be the norm and accessible to all. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports the expansion of postpartum services, but the current medical system at OBGYN offices doesn’t allow adequate time nor payment for these services.” She stresses the importance of improved maternity leave, saying that not only is it beneficial to mothers, but also to families, communities and, ultimately, work environments. Thurlow believes maternity leave should be a minimum of 12 weeks, paid and federally mandated for all employers. “Maternity leave is good, but organizations should provide paid parental leave to truly support parents,” she says. She adds that maternity leave needs to be expanded. “Providing paid leave to a birthing parent shouldn’t be a discussion, but the issue is much larger. Only providing paid leave to a birthing parent doesn’t take into account families that are made whole by adoption, surrogacy or the placement of a child. Additionally, only offering maternity leave places a burden of childcare on one parent.”
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Only refer to the attached document in providing your response. Summarize the benefits of maternity leave for a mother and for a child. Having a baby is no small feat. Fortunately, taking time off work for maternity leave can give a new mother the chance to heal both physically and emotionally, as well as sufficient time to bond with and care for her newborn baby. Countless studies and research show that adequate paid maternity leave has a host of benefits for mother, baby and the entire family, such as decreased rehospitalization rates for both mother and baby, improved stress management and more consistent exercise. However, paid maternity leave is lacking in the U.S., which affects mothers, children and families. Read on to learn more about maternity leave, including the landscape of maternity leave in the U.S. and how maternity leave affects a person’s mental and physical health after childbirth. What Is Maternity Leave? Maternity leave is the time a mother takes off from work after having a baby. It’s generally a time for them to recover from childbirth and adjust to life with a newborn baby. However, maternity leave in the U.S. isn’t standardized, which can make it difficult to define. “The definition and scope of maternity leave and the mechanics of taking leave vary from organization to organization,” says Shayla Thurlow, vice president of people and talent acquisition at The Muse who has developed and administered parental leave programs for large and small organizations across various industries. How Does Maternity Leave Work? The U.S. is one of the few industrialized countries worldwide that doesn’t mandate paid parental leave. Maternity leave is meant to be a time for a mother to give all her focus and attention to her newborn baby, her health and her family, but the length of leave— and whether it’s paid and to what extent—varies based on a number of factors, including where you work, how long you’ve worked for your employer the number of employees they have. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantees coverage for 12 workweeks of unpaid leave per year for qualifying family and medical reasons, including the birth of a baby, adoption or foster care placement, or when you or an immediate family member are seriously ill and in need of care. However, FMLA doesn’t cover all employees. Employers with at least 50 employees must allow parents 12 weeks of job-protected leave to care for their newborn, but pay during this time is not guaranteed, according to the International Labour Organization. To qualify for FMLA coverage: • You must work for a covered employer, including any public agency, any public or private elementary or secondary school, or a private employer with at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius. • You must have worked at the company for at least 12 months. • You must have worked at least 1,250 hours for the company in the 12 months before your leave. Many new mothers take less than 12 weeks of maternity leave for various reasons, including (but not limited to) working for a company that doesn’t offer FMLA coverage and/or being unable to afford being out of work for that long. A 2014 analysis in Maternal and Child Health Journal found 41% of employed women in the U.S. received paid maternity leave for an average of three weeks, with only a 31% wage replacement. The research also noted that, on average, new mothers took 10 weeks of maternity leave, and the majority of women didn’t receive any compensation for that time away from work[1]. As Thurlow points out, some states require paid maternity leave, but it’s usually up to the employer to decide whether to provide paid maternity leave for its employees. “Though 12 weeks of unpaid leave is covered by federal law [in certain cases], many families are not in a financial position to use that time [without pay] and may be unable to have a long maternity leave,” she says. Maternity Leave Trends in the U.S. The U.S. is lacking when it comes to maternity leave benefits. Most adults don’t have access to paid family leave through their employers, according to a 2021 survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, a 2019 Pew Research Center study of 41 nations found the U.S. is the only country that doesn’t mandate any paid leave for new parents. Among the other 40 nations, the smallest amount of paid maternity leave is two months in Ireland while Estonia offers more than a year and a half of paid parental leave[2]. Worldwide, very few countries don’t guarantee paid maternity leave; instead, more than 120 countries offer paid maternity leave and health benefits by law. At the lower end of the spectrum, only 33 countries mandate maternity leave that lasts less than 12 weeks. Meanwhile, as of 2021 in the U.S., only nine states and the District of Columbia have instituted some degree of paid parental leave. How Can Maternity Leave Impact Your Health? Taking maternity leave is essential not only for the health of the newborn, but also for the health of the mother. “Maternity leave [or the 12 weeks after birth] is often referred to as the fourth trimester,” says Suzanne Bovone, M.D., an OBGYN at Obstetrics and Gynecology of San Jose, part of the Pediatrix Medical Group in Campbell, California. “As each trimester of pregnancy brought changes for the woman and baby, the period after delivery is a continuation of change. Inadequate maternity leave can lead not only to anxiety and depression, but also relationship issues and the inability to return to work.” More than 12 weeks is needed for an adequate maternity leave, according to Dr. Bovone. “Many issues that need assistance are not even apparent until three to four months after delivery,” she says. “It almost becomes impossible to juggle the demands of self-care, childcare, relationships and work obligations.” According to Dr. Bovone, some complications of the side effects of the postpartum period may include: • Sleep deprivation • Increased stress levels • Loss of coping mechanisms • Inability to think clearly and ask for help • Negative thoughts and feelings • Pelvic floor issues • Impact on urinary and bowel function • Negative impact on sexual health “It may take months for one to recognize areas that need work,” she adds. “Unfortunately, with limited maternity leave, many [parents] cannot find the time to provide adequate self-care when they’re back at work.” Physical Health The body goes through major physical changes after having a baby, from pelvic floor disruption to urinary and bowel dysfunction. “Just as pregnancy physically changes one’s body over [more than] nine months, [recovery during] the postpartum period takes just as long,” says Dr. Bovone. “Maternity leave is a time for the woman to rest and recover.” Research shows the positive effect maternity leave has on physical health. For instance, a study in the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy observing health data on mothers in Norway both before and after paid maternity leave became mandated by law in 1977 found women who gave birth after 1977 experienced better overall health as they approached middle age. This improvement was particularly noticeable among women who worked low-income jobs and wouldn’t have taken unpaid leave previously—they were less likely to smoke or experience high blood pressure, had lower BMIs and were more likely to exercise regularly[3]. Paid maternity leave can also contribute to decreased infant mortality, as well as mother and infant rehospitalizations, according to a 2020 review in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, which also found paid maternity leave to be associated with an increase in pediatric visit attendance and timely administration of infant immunizations[4]. A 2018 study in Maternal and Child Health Journal found similar results: Women who took paid maternity leave experienced a 47% decrease in the odds of rehospitalization for their infants and a 51% decrease in the odds of being rehospitalized themselves at 21 months postpartum[5]. The 2020 review in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry also found paid maternity leave can lead to an increase in the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. Paid maternity leave may lead to healthier habits as well. The 2018 study in Maternal and Child Health Journalalso found women who took paid maternity leave were nearly twice as likely to exercise and were able to better manage their stress levels compared to those who didn’t take paid maternity leave. Mental Health Maternity leave has a significant impact on mental health as well. “There are huge adjustments that come with a new baby,” says Thurlow. “Changes in family dynamics, sleep deprivation and bonding with a new baby create mental and emotional strains for new parents. The ability to take time off to adjust and create a new normal has proven beneficial for parents’ overall mental and emotional well-being.” Research shows a positive correlation between mental health and paid maternity leave as well. According to the same 2020 review in the Harvard Review of Psychology, paid maternity leave is associated with a decrease in postpartum maternal depression. Meanwhile, a 2012 study in the Journal of Mental Health Policies and Economicsfound having fewer than 12 weeks of maternity leave and fewer than eight weeks of paid maternity leave to be associated with increases in depressive symptoms[6]. And the longer the leave, the better: Longer paid maternity leaves are associated with decreased depressive symptoms until six months postpartum, according to a 2014 study in the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law[7]. Maternity leave can also mean less stress for postpartum mothers, which can trickle down in a positive way to affect family dynamics and relationships as well. A 2013 study in the Journal of Family Issues observed Australian two-parent families and found the length of maternity leave affected a mother’s mental health, quality of parenting and the couple’s relationship. What’s more, mothers who took more than 13 weeks of paid leave experienced significantly less psychological distress[8]. The positive effects of maternity leave aren’t just apparent immediately after a baby is born: Maternity leave can lead to better mental health later in life as well. A 2015 study in Social Science and Medicine using European data found longer maternity leaves to be associated with improved mental health in old age[9]. Emotional Health A mother’s emotional health can be influenced by maternity leave as well. Postpartum emotional health involves identity changes that go along with becoming a parent, says Dr. Bovone. “Our self-identity changes, as well as our relationships and interactions with our partners, families and friends,” she adds. New mothers may find it difficult to ask for help, and some may find being a parent isn’t what they thought it would be. “Priorities may change as well, and some struggle with this new perspective,” says Dr. Bovone. Fortunately, maternity leave can lead to better bonding experiences between mother and child. A 2018 study of 3,850 mothers in the U.S. found a significant correlation between the duration of paid maternity leave and positive mother-child interactions, such as secure attachment and empathy[10]. A decreased chance of domestic violence is also associated with paid parental leave. A 2019 study in Preventive Medicine found paid parental leave can be an effective strategy to prevent future instances of intimate partner violence. This connection could exist because paid leaves maintains household income and prevents financial stressors, increases gender equity (which is associated with less intimate partner violence against women) and gives parents time to bond with a child without having to worry about work[11]. What Experts Say About Maternity Leave Dr. Bovone and Thurlow both agree that adequate paid maternity leave is a necessity for the health and well-being of mothers, children and families as a whole. What’s more, maternity leave should be longer than what’s typically offered, according to Dr. Bovone. “Ideally, a year to care for oneself and the newborn is needed,” she says. “Coverage for breastfeeding issues, mental and emotional health, pelvic floor health and sexual health should be the norm and accessible to all. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports the expansion of postpartum services, but the current medical system at OBGYN offices doesn’t allow adequate time nor payment for these services.” She stresses the importance of improved maternity leave, saying that not only is it beneficial to mothers, but also to families, communities and, ultimately, work environments. Thurlow believes maternity leave should be a minimum of 12 weeks, paid and federally mandated for all employers. “Maternity leave is good, but organizations should provide paid parental leave to truly support parents,” she says. She adds that maternity leave needs to be expanded. “Providing paid leave to a birthing parent shouldn’t be a discussion, but the issue is much larger. Only providing paid leave to a birthing parent doesn’t take into account families that are made whole by adoption, surrogacy or the placement of a child. Additionally, only offering maternity leave places a burden of childcare on one parent.”
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Only refer to the attached document in providing your response.
EVIDENCE:
Having a baby is no small feat. Fortunately, taking time off work for maternity leave can give a new mother the chance to heal both physically and emotionally, as well as sufficient time to bond with and care for her newborn baby. Countless studies and research show that adequate paid maternity leave has a host of benefits for mother, baby and the entire family, such as decreased rehospitalization rates for both mother and baby, improved stress management and more consistent exercise. However, paid maternity leave is lacking in the U.S., which affects mothers, children and families. Read on to learn more about maternity leave, including the landscape of maternity leave in the U.S. and how maternity leave affects a person’s mental and physical health after childbirth. What Is Maternity Leave? Maternity leave is the time a mother takes off from work after having a baby. It’s generally a time for them to recover from childbirth and adjust to life with a newborn baby. However, maternity leave in the U.S. isn’t standardized, which can make it difficult to define. “The definition and scope of maternity leave and the mechanics of taking leave vary from organization to organization,” says Shayla Thurlow, vice president of people and talent acquisition at The Muse who has developed and administered parental leave programs for large and small organizations across various industries. How Does Maternity Leave Work? The U.S. is one of the few industrialized countries worldwide that doesn’t mandate paid parental leave. Maternity leave is meant to be a time for a mother to give all her focus and attention to her newborn baby, her health and her family, but the length of leave— and whether it’s paid and to what extent—varies based on a number of factors, including where you work, how long you’ve worked for your employer the number of employees they have. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantees coverage for 12 workweeks of unpaid leave per year for qualifying family and medical reasons, including the birth of a baby, adoption or foster care placement, or when you or an immediate family member are seriously ill and in need of care. However, FMLA doesn’t cover all employees. Employers with at least 50 employees must allow parents 12 weeks of job-protected leave to care for their newborn, but pay during this time is not guaranteed, according to the International Labour Organization. To qualify for FMLA coverage: • You must work for a covered employer, including any public agency, any public or private elementary or secondary school, or a private employer with at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius. • You must have worked at the company for at least 12 months. • You must have worked at least 1,250 hours for the company in the 12 months before your leave. Many new mothers take less than 12 weeks of maternity leave for various reasons, including (but not limited to) working for a company that doesn’t offer FMLA coverage and/or being unable to afford being out of work for that long. A 2014 analysis in Maternal and Child Health Journal found 41% of employed women in the U.S. received paid maternity leave for an average of three weeks, with only a 31% wage replacement. The research also noted that, on average, new mothers took 10 weeks of maternity leave, and the majority of women didn’t receive any compensation for that time away from work[1]. As Thurlow points out, some states require paid maternity leave, but it’s usually up to the employer to decide whether to provide paid maternity leave for its employees. “Though 12 weeks of unpaid leave is covered by federal law [in certain cases], many families are not in a financial position to use that time [without pay] and may be unable to have a long maternity leave,” she says. Maternity Leave Trends in the U.S. The U.S. is lacking when it comes to maternity leave benefits. Most adults don’t have access to paid family leave through their employers, according to a 2021 survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, a 2019 Pew Research Center study of 41 nations found the U.S. is the only country that doesn’t mandate any paid leave for new parents. Among the other 40 nations, the smallest amount of paid maternity leave is two months in Ireland while Estonia offers more than a year and a half of paid parental leave[2]. Worldwide, very few countries don’t guarantee paid maternity leave; instead, more than 120 countries offer paid maternity leave and health benefits by law. At the lower end of the spectrum, only 33 countries mandate maternity leave that lasts less than 12 weeks. Meanwhile, as of 2021 in the U.S., only nine states and the District of Columbia have instituted some degree of paid parental leave. How Can Maternity Leave Impact Your Health? Taking maternity leave is essential not only for the health of the newborn, but also for the health of the mother. “Maternity leave [or the 12 weeks after birth] is often referred to as the fourth trimester,” says Suzanne Bovone, M.D., an OBGYN at Obstetrics and Gynecology of San Jose, part of the Pediatrix Medical Group in Campbell, California. “As each trimester of pregnancy brought changes for the woman and baby, the period after delivery is a continuation of change. Inadequate maternity leave can lead not only to anxiety and depression, but also relationship issues and the inability to return to work.” More than 12 weeks is needed for an adequate maternity leave, according to Dr. Bovone. “Many issues that need assistance are not even apparent until three to four months after delivery,” she says. “It almost becomes impossible to juggle the demands of self-care, childcare, relationships and work obligations.” According to Dr. Bovone, some complications of the side effects of the postpartum period may include: • Sleep deprivation • Increased stress levels • Loss of coping mechanisms • Inability to think clearly and ask for help • Negative thoughts and feelings • Pelvic floor issues • Impact on urinary and bowel function • Negative impact on sexual health “It may take months for one to recognize areas that need work,” she adds. “Unfortunately, with limited maternity leave, many [parents] cannot find the time to provide adequate self-care when they’re back at work.” Physical Health The body goes through major physical changes after having a baby, from pelvic floor disruption to urinary and bowel dysfunction. “Just as pregnancy physically changes one’s body over [more than] nine months, [recovery during] the postpartum period takes just as long,” says Dr. Bovone. “Maternity leave is a time for the woman to rest and recover.” Research shows the positive effect maternity leave has on physical health. For instance, a study in the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy observing health data on mothers in Norway both before and after paid maternity leave became mandated by law in 1977 found women who gave birth after 1977 experienced better overall health as they approached middle age. This improvement was particularly noticeable among women who worked low-income jobs and wouldn’t have taken unpaid leave previously—they were less likely to smoke or experience high blood pressure, had lower BMIs and were more likely to exercise regularly[3]. Paid maternity leave can also contribute to decreased infant mortality, as well as mother and infant rehospitalizations, according to a 2020 review in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, which also found paid maternity leave to be associated with an increase in pediatric visit attendance and timely administration of infant immunizations[4]. A 2018 study in Maternal and Child Health Journal found similar results: Women who took paid maternity leave experienced a 47% decrease in the odds of rehospitalization for their infants and a 51% decrease in the odds of being rehospitalized themselves at 21 months postpartum[5]. The 2020 review in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry also found paid maternity leave can lead to an increase in the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. Paid maternity leave may lead to healthier habits as well. The 2018 study in Maternal and Child Health Journalalso found women who took paid maternity leave were nearly twice as likely to exercise and were able to better manage their stress levels compared to those who didn’t take paid maternity leave. Mental Health Maternity leave has a significant impact on mental health as well. “There are huge adjustments that come with a new baby,” says Thurlow. “Changes in family dynamics, sleep deprivation and bonding with a new baby create mental and emotional strains for new parents. The ability to take time off to adjust and create a new normal has proven beneficial for parents’ overall mental and emotional well-being.” Research shows a positive correlation between mental health and paid maternity leave as well. According to the same 2020 review in the Harvard Review of Psychology, paid maternity leave is associated with a decrease in postpartum maternal depression. Meanwhile, a 2012 study in the Journal of Mental Health Policies and Economicsfound having fewer than 12 weeks of maternity leave and fewer than eight weeks of paid maternity leave to be associated with increases in depressive symptoms[6]. And the longer the leave, the better: Longer paid maternity leaves are associated with decreased depressive symptoms until six months postpartum, according to a 2014 study in the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law[7]. Maternity leave can also mean less stress for postpartum mothers, which can trickle down in a positive way to affect family dynamics and relationships as well. A 2013 study in the Journal of Family Issues observed Australian two-parent families and found the length of maternity leave affected a mother’s mental health, quality of parenting and the couple’s relationship. What’s more, mothers who took more than 13 weeks of paid leave experienced significantly less psychological distress[8]. The positive effects of maternity leave aren’t just apparent immediately after a baby is born: Maternity leave can lead to better mental health later in life as well. A 2015 study in Social Science and Medicine using European data found longer maternity leaves to be associated with improved mental health in old age[9]. Emotional Health A mother’s emotional health can be influenced by maternity leave as well. Postpartum emotional health involves identity changes that go along with becoming a parent, says Dr. Bovone. “Our self-identity changes, as well as our relationships and interactions with our partners, families and friends,” she adds. New mothers may find it difficult to ask for help, and some may find being a parent isn’t what they thought it would be. “Priorities may change as well, and some struggle with this new perspective,” says Dr. Bovone. Fortunately, maternity leave can lead to better bonding experiences between mother and child. A 2018 study of 3,850 mothers in the U.S. found a significant correlation between the duration of paid maternity leave and positive mother-child interactions, such as secure attachment and empathy[10]. A decreased chance of domestic violence is also associated with paid parental leave. A 2019 study in Preventive Medicine found paid parental leave can be an effective strategy to prevent future instances of intimate partner violence. This connection could exist because paid leaves maintains household income and prevents financial stressors, increases gender equity (which is associated with less intimate partner violence against women) and gives parents time to bond with a child without having to worry about work[11]. What Experts Say About Maternity Leave Dr. Bovone and Thurlow both agree that adequate paid maternity leave is a necessity for the health and well-being of mothers, children and families as a whole. What’s more, maternity leave should be longer than what’s typically offered, according to Dr. Bovone. “Ideally, a year to care for oneself and the newborn is needed,” she says. “Coverage for breastfeeding issues, mental and emotional health, pelvic floor health and sexual health should be the norm and accessible to all. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports the expansion of postpartum services, but the current medical system at OBGYN offices doesn’t allow adequate time nor payment for these services.” She stresses the importance of improved maternity leave, saying that not only is it beneficial to mothers, but also to families, communities and, ultimately, work environments. Thurlow believes maternity leave should be a minimum of 12 weeks, paid and federally mandated for all employers. “Maternity leave is good, but organizations should provide paid parental leave to truly support parents,” she says. She adds that maternity leave needs to be expanded. “Providing paid leave to a birthing parent shouldn’t be a discussion, but the issue is much larger. Only providing paid leave to a birthing parent doesn’t take into account families that are made whole by adoption, surrogacy or the placement of a child. Additionally, only offering maternity leave places a burden of childcare on one parent.”
USER:
Summarize the benefits of maternity leave for a mother and for a child.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 10 | 13 | 2,134 | null | 770 |
Only using the below text to draw your answer from,
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what factors in the cypto market create uncertainty in terms of government oversight and enforcement?
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SEC Jurisdiction and Perceived Crypto-Asset Regulatory Gap: An FTX Case Study November 29, 2022 FTX Trading, a crypto company once valued at $32 billion, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in November 2022. Some of FTX’s largest investors immediately wrote their FTX investments down to $0. More than a million creditors (including individuals and institutions) are caught up in this FTX insolvency. This Insight uses the FTX event as a case study to illustrate the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) regulatory jurisdiction, how it applies to crypto-assets, and perceived weaknesses in the application of the current regulatory framework. SEC Investigation of FTX The SEC and dozens of other federal, state, and international regulatory agencies and prosecutors have engaged with FTX to obtain more information. The SEC generally does not publicly disclose information regarding ongoing investigations. But multiple news sources have reported that the SEC has been investigating FTX.US, FTX’s U.S. subsidiary, for months. While FTX is based overseas and reportedly seeks to block U.S. customers to potentially avoid U.S. jurisdiction, FTX.US provides narrower product offers and is tailored for the U.S. market, and it maintains several U.S. regulatory licenses. Since the FTX crash, the SEC has reportedly expanded its investigation toward FTX and Alameda Research, an FTX-affiliated investment management firm. At issue is whether FTX and its affiliates are involved in certain securities-related activities, which should have been registered with the SEC (or received an exemption) before being sold to investors. To the extent that these are securities transactions that implicate U.S. jurisdiction, a crypto exchange may be subject to the SEC’s regulation, including the Customer Protection Rule, which requires securities broker-dealers to segregate client assets from their proprietary business activities. That rule may have mitigated some of the issues that reportedly led to FTX’s bankruptcy, as the firm is alleged to have loaned client funds to Alameda Research. More importantly, even if the SEC could prove that FTX and its affiliates violated securities regulations, the SEC’s capability to go after FTX is limited to securities activities, which generally do not include commodities and other non-securities instruments that make up the bulk (or even all, depending on whom you ask) of FTX’s business. Some observers believe that the SEC may face difficulty pursuing FTX mainly because of the firm’s offshore status and how existing regulatory frameworks are currently applied Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov IN12052 Congressional Research Service 2 to crypto-assets—certain crypto-asset market segments are generally not subject to federal securities marketplace regulation commonly seen in traditional investments. SEC Jurisdiction The current regulatory landscape for crypto-assets is fragmented. Multiple agencies apply different regulatory approaches to crypto-assets at the federal and state levels. The SEC is the primary regulator overseeing securities offers, sales, and investment activities, including those involving crypto-assets. In general, a security is “the investment of money in a common enterprise with a reasonable expectation of profits to be derived from the efforts of others.” When a crypto-asset meets this criterion, it is subject to the SEC’s jurisdiction. SEC Chair Gensler has repeatedly stated that he believes the vast majority of crypto tokens are securities (while recognizing some crypto-assets are not). Other stakeholders, including the crypto industry, disagree with that assertion. In cases where they are not securities, crypto-assets may be commodities under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA). In such cases, they would be subject to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC’s) jurisdiction, which generally extends to commodities and derivatives. For example, under this framework as currently applied, most initial coin offerings are considered securities, but Bitcoin is considered a commodity, not a security. Securities regulations could also apply if the crypto market intermediaries (e.g., investment advisers, trading platforms, and custodians) are directly engaged in the security-based crypto-asset transactions. In cases where the crypto-assets are securities, the SEC has both (1) enforcement authority that allows the SEC to bring civil enforcement actions, such as anti-fraud and anti-manipulation actions, for securities laws violations after the fact and (2) regulatory authority, including over digital asset securities, which could include registration requirements, oversight, and principles-based regulation. Also, the CEA provides the CFTC with certain enforcement and regulatory authority when it comes to digital asset derivatives. However, the CFTC has enforcement authority, but not regulatory authority, over the spot market of digital asset commodities. Perceived Crypto-Asset Regulatory Gap Because crypto-asset commodities spot market activities receive CFTC oversight that generally pertains to enforcement (but not regulatory) authority, activities in these non-security crypto-asset markets are not subject to the same safeguards as those established in securities markets. Examples of such safeguards include certain rules and regulations that encourage market transparency, conflict-of-interest mitigation, investor protection, and orderly market operations. In the case of FTX, if FTX and its affiliates are involved in the crypto commodities spot market (e.g., the trading of Bitcoin), neither the SEC nor the CFTC would normally regulate these activities. Certain observers, including the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), characterize this framework as having a regulatory gap. FSOC has encouraged Congress to provide explicit rulemaking regulatory authority for federal financial regulators over the spot market for crypto-assets that are not securities. FSOC states that this new rulemaking authority “should not interfere with or weaken market regulators’ current jurisdictional remits.” Policy Questions Some Members of Congress have proposed to redesign SEC and CFTC jurisdiction, and Congress will likely continue to propose changes and explore alternatives. When designing a new regulatory landscape, Congressional Research Service 3 IN12052 · VERSION 1 · NEW policymakers face challenging questions about how (or if) to make crypto-asset securities and commodities regulation more alike. Financial regulators have traditionally followed the “same activity, same risk, same regulation” principle to mitigate the potential risks of regulatory arbitrage. Related questions include: To what extent should the design of the crypto-asset regulation framework align with the existing securities trading and investment regulation? Should different sets of rules be based on the regulatory jurisdiction or the nature of risk exposure and risk mitigation needs? What are the operational costs to the platforms under different alternatives? Should Congress appoint a primary regulator for crypto-asset markets, or should actions such as rulemaking be evenly coordinated across financial agencies that are governing the same or similar entities?
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Only using the below text to draw your answer from, what factors in the cypto market create uncertainty in terms of government oversight and enforcement? SEC Jurisdiction and Perceived Crypto-Asset Regulatory Gap: An FTX Case Study November 29, 2022 FTX Trading, a crypto company once valued at $32 billion, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in November 2022. Some of FTX’s largest investors immediately wrote their FTX investments down to $0. More than a million creditors (including individuals and institutions) are caught up in this FTX insolvency. This Insight uses the FTX event as a case study to illustrate the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) regulatory jurisdiction, how it applies to crypto-assets, and perceived weaknesses in the application of the current regulatory framework. SEC Investigation of FTX The SEC and dozens of other federal, state, and international regulatory agencies and prosecutors have engaged with FTX to obtain more information. The SEC generally does not publicly disclose information regarding ongoing investigations. But multiple news sources have reported that the SEC has been investigating FTX.US, FTX’s U.S. subsidiary, for months. While FTX is based overseas and reportedly seeks to block U.S. customers to potentially avoid U.S. jurisdiction, FTX.US provides narrower product offers and is tailored for the U.S. market, and it maintains several U.S. regulatory licenses. Since the FTX crash, the SEC has reportedly expanded its investigation toward FTX and Alameda Research, an FTX-affiliated investment management firm. At issue is whether FTX and its affiliates are involved in certain securities-related activities, which should have been registered with the SEC (or received an exemption) before being sold to investors. To the extent that these are securities transactions that implicate U.S. jurisdiction, a crypto exchange may be subject to the SEC’s regulation, including the Customer Protection Rule, which requires securities broker-dealers to segregate client assets from their proprietary business activities. That rule may have mitigated some of the issues that reportedly led to FTX’s bankruptcy, as the firm is alleged to have loaned client funds to Alameda Research. More importantly, even if the SEC could prove that FTX and its affiliates violated securities regulations, the SEC’s capability to go after FTX is limited to securities activities, which generally do not include commodities and other non-securities instruments that make up the bulk (or even all, depending on whom you ask) of FTX’s business. Some observers believe that the SEC may face difficulty pursuing FTX mainly because of the firm’s offshore status and how existing regulatory frameworks are currently applied Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov IN12052 Congressional Research Service 2 to crypto-assets—certain crypto-asset market segments are generally not subject to federal securities marketplace regulation commonly seen in traditional investments. SEC Jurisdiction The current regulatory landscape for crypto-assets is fragmented. Multiple agencies apply different regulatory approaches to crypto-assets at the federal and state levels. The SEC is the primary regulator overseeing securities offers, sales, and investment activities, including those involving crypto-assets. In general, a security is “the investment of money in a common enterprise with a reasonable expectation of profits to be derived from the efforts of others.” When a crypto-asset meets this criterion, it is subject to the SEC’s jurisdiction. SEC Chair Gensler has repeatedly stated that he believes the vast majority of crypto tokens are securities (while recognizing some crypto-assets are not). Other stakeholders, including the crypto industry, disagree with that assertion. In cases where they are not securities, crypto-assets may be commodities under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA). In such cases, they would be subject to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC’s) jurisdiction, which generally extends to commodities and derivatives. For example, under this framework as currently applied, most initial coin offerings are considered securities, but Bitcoin is considered a commodity, not a security. Securities regulations could also apply if the crypto market intermediaries (e.g., investment advisers, trading platforms, and custodians) are directly engaged in the security-based crypto-asset transactions. In cases where the crypto-assets are securities, the SEC has both (1) enforcement authority that allows the SEC to bring civil enforcement actions, such as anti-fraud and anti-manipulation actions, for securities laws violations after the fact and (2) regulatory authority, including over digital asset securities, which could include registration requirements, oversight, and principles-based regulation. Also, the CEA provides the CFTC with certain enforcement and regulatory authority when it comes to digital asset derivatives. However, the CFTC has enforcement authority, but not regulatory authority, over the spot market of digital asset commodities. Perceived Crypto-Asset Regulatory Gap Because crypto-asset commodities spot market activities receive CFTC oversight that generally pertains to enforcement (but not regulatory) authority, activities in these non-security crypto-asset markets are not subject to the same safeguards as those established in securities markets. Examples of such safeguards include certain rules and regulations that encourage market transparency, conflict-of-interest mitigation, investor protection, and orderly market operations. In the case of FTX, if FTX and its affiliates are involved in the crypto commodities spot market (e.g., the trading of Bitcoin), neither the SEC nor the CFTC would normally regulate these activities. Certain observers, including the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), characterize this framework as having a regulatory gap. FSOC has encouraged Congress to provide explicit rulemaking regulatory authority for federal financial regulators over the spot market for crypto-assets that are not securities. FSOC states that this new rulemaking authority “should not interfere with or weaken market regulators’ current jurisdictional remits.” Policy Questions Some Members of Congress have proposed to redesign SEC and CFTC jurisdiction, and Congress will likely continue to propose changes and explore alternatives. When designing a new regulatory landscape, Congressional Research Service 3 IN12052 · VERSION 1 · NEW policymakers face challenging questions about how (or if) to make crypto-asset securities and commodities regulation more alike. Financial regulators have traditionally followed the “same activity, same risk, same regulation” principle to mitigate the potential risks of regulatory arbitrage. Related questions include: To what extent should the design of the crypto-asset regulation framework align with the existing securities trading and investment regulation? Should different sets of rules be based on the regulatory jurisdiction or the nature of risk exposure and risk mitigation needs? What are the operational costs to the platforms under different alternatives? Should Congress appoint a primary regulator for crypto-asset markets, or should actions such as rulemaking be evenly coordinated across financial agencies that are governing the same or similar entities?
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Only using the below text to draw your answer from,
EVIDENCE:
SEC Jurisdiction and Perceived Crypto-Asset Regulatory Gap: An FTX Case Study November 29, 2022 FTX Trading, a crypto company once valued at $32 billion, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in November 2022. Some of FTX’s largest investors immediately wrote their FTX investments down to $0. More than a million creditors (including individuals and institutions) are caught up in this FTX insolvency. This Insight uses the FTX event as a case study to illustrate the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) regulatory jurisdiction, how it applies to crypto-assets, and perceived weaknesses in the application of the current regulatory framework. SEC Investigation of FTX The SEC and dozens of other federal, state, and international regulatory agencies and prosecutors have engaged with FTX to obtain more information. The SEC generally does not publicly disclose information regarding ongoing investigations. But multiple news sources have reported that the SEC has been investigating FTX.US, FTX’s U.S. subsidiary, for months. While FTX is based overseas and reportedly seeks to block U.S. customers to potentially avoid U.S. jurisdiction, FTX.US provides narrower product offers and is tailored for the U.S. market, and it maintains several U.S. regulatory licenses. Since the FTX crash, the SEC has reportedly expanded its investigation toward FTX and Alameda Research, an FTX-affiliated investment management firm. At issue is whether FTX and its affiliates are involved in certain securities-related activities, which should have been registered with the SEC (or received an exemption) before being sold to investors. To the extent that these are securities transactions that implicate U.S. jurisdiction, a crypto exchange may be subject to the SEC’s regulation, including the Customer Protection Rule, which requires securities broker-dealers to segregate client assets from their proprietary business activities. That rule may have mitigated some of the issues that reportedly led to FTX’s bankruptcy, as the firm is alleged to have loaned client funds to Alameda Research. More importantly, even if the SEC could prove that FTX and its affiliates violated securities regulations, the SEC’s capability to go after FTX is limited to securities activities, which generally do not include commodities and other non-securities instruments that make up the bulk (or even all, depending on whom you ask) of FTX’s business. Some observers believe that the SEC may face difficulty pursuing FTX mainly because of the firm’s offshore status and how existing regulatory frameworks are currently applied Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov IN12052 Congressional Research Service 2 to crypto-assets—certain crypto-asset market segments are generally not subject to federal securities marketplace regulation commonly seen in traditional investments. SEC Jurisdiction The current regulatory landscape for crypto-assets is fragmented. Multiple agencies apply different regulatory approaches to crypto-assets at the federal and state levels. The SEC is the primary regulator overseeing securities offers, sales, and investment activities, including those involving crypto-assets. In general, a security is “the investment of money in a common enterprise with a reasonable expectation of profits to be derived from the efforts of others.” When a crypto-asset meets this criterion, it is subject to the SEC’s jurisdiction. SEC Chair Gensler has repeatedly stated that he believes the vast majority of crypto tokens are securities (while recognizing some crypto-assets are not). Other stakeholders, including the crypto industry, disagree with that assertion. In cases where they are not securities, crypto-assets may be commodities under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA). In such cases, they would be subject to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC’s) jurisdiction, which generally extends to commodities and derivatives. For example, under this framework as currently applied, most initial coin offerings are considered securities, but Bitcoin is considered a commodity, not a security. Securities regulations could also apply if the crypto market intermediaries (e.g., investment advisers, trading platforms, and custodians) are directly engaged in the security-based crypto-asset transactions. In cases where the crypto-assets are securities, the SEC has both (1) enforcement authority that allows the SEC to bring civil enforcement actions, such as anti-fraud and anti-manipulation actions, for securities laws violations after the fact and (2) regulatory authority, including over digital asset securities, which could include registration requirements, oversight, and principles-based regulation. Also, the CEA provides the CFTC with certain enforcement and regulatory authority when it comes to digital asset derivatives. However, the CFTC has enforcement authority, but not regulatory authority, over the spot market of digital asset commodities. Perceived Crypto-Asset Regulatory Gap Because crypto-asset commodities spot market activities receive CFTC oversight that generally pertains to enforcement (but not regulatory) authority, activities in these non-security crypto-asset markets are not subject to the same safeguards as those established in securities markets. Examples of such safeguards include certain rules and regulations that encourage market transparency, conflict-of-interest mitigation, investor protection, and orderly market operations. In the case of FTX, if FTX and its affiliates are involved in the crypto commodities spot market (e.g., the trading of Bitcoin), neither the SEC nor the CFTC would normally regulate these activities. Certain observers, including the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), characterize this framework as having a regulatory gap. FSOC has encouraged Congress to provide explicit rulemaking regulatory authority for federal financial regulators over the spot market for crypto-assets that are not securities. FSOC states that this new rulemaking authority “should not interfere with or weaken market regulators’ current jurisdictional remits.” Policy Questions Some Members of Congress have proposed to redesign SEC and CFTC jurisdiction, and Congress will likely continue to propose changes and explore alternatives. When designing a new regulatory landscape, Congressional Research Service 3 IN12052 · VERSION 1 · NEW policymakers face challenging questions about how (or if) to make crypto-asset securities and commodities regulation more alike. Financial regulators have traditionally followed the “same activity, same risk, same regulation” principle to mitigate the potential risks of regulatory arbitrage. Related questions include: To what extent should the design of the crypto-asset regulation framework align with the existing securities trading and investment regulation? Should different sets of rules be based on the regulatory jurisdiction or the nature of risk exposure and risk mitigation needs? What are the operational costs to the platforms under different alternatives? Should Congress appoint a primary regulator for crypto-asset markets, or should actions such as rulemaking be evenly coordinated across financial agencies that are governing the same or similar entities?
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what factors in the cypto market create uncertainty in terms of government oversight and enforcement?
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ORIGINAL RESEARCH published: 06 May 2021 doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.637929 Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated Dissociative Identity Disorder Igor Jacob Pietkiewicz* , Anna Bańbura-Nowak, Radosław Tomalski and Suzette Boon Research Centre for Trauma & Dissociation, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Katowice, Poland Edited by: Hamed Ekhtiari, Laureate Institute for Brain Research, United States Reviewed by: Hosein Mohaddes Ardabili, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran Bo Bach, Psychiatry Region Zealand, Denmark *Correspondence: Igor Jacob Pietkiewicz [email protected] Specialty section: This article was submitted to Psychopathology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Psychology Received: 04 December 2020 Accepted: 14 April 2021 Published: 06 May 2021 Citation: Pietkiewicz IJ, Bańbura-Nowak A, Tomalski R and Boon S (2021) Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated Dissociative Identity Disorder. Front. Psychol. 12:637929. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.637929 ICD-10 and DSM-5 do not provide clear diagnosing guidelines for DID, making it difficult to distinguish ‘genuine’ DID from imitated or false-positive cases. This study explores meaning which patients with false-positive or imitated DID attributed to their diagnosis. 85 people who reported elevated levels of dissociative symptoms in SDQ20 participated in clinical assessment using the Trauma and Dissociation Symptoms Interview, followed by a psychiatric interview. The recordings of six women, whose earlier DID diagnosis was disconfirmed, were transcribed and subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five main themes were identified: (1) endorsement and identification with the diagnosis. (2) The notion of dissociative parts justifies identity confusion and conflicting ego-states. (3) Gaining knowledge about DID affects the clinical presentation. (4) Fragmented personality becomes an important discussion topic with others. (5) Ruling out DID leads to disappointment or anger. To avoid misdiagnoses, clinicians should receive more systematic training in the assessment of dissociative disorders, enabling them to better understand subtle differences in the quality of symptoms and how dissociative and non-dissociative patients report them. This would lead to a better understanding of how patients with and without a dissociative disorder report core dissociative symptoms. Some guidelines for a differential diagnosis are provided. Keywords: dissociative identity disorder (DID), false-positive cases, personality disorder, dissociation, differential diagnosis INTRODUCTION Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) was first introduced in DSM-III in 1980 and re-named Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in subsequent editions of the diagnostic manual (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Table 1 shows diagnostic criteria of this disorder in ICD-10, ICD11, and DSM-5. Some healthcare providers perceive it as fairly uncommon or associated with temporary trends (Brand et al., 2016). Even its description in ICD-10 (World Health Organization, 1993) starts with: “This disorder is rare, and controversy exists about the extent to which it is iatrogenic or culture-specific” (p. 160). Yet, according to the guidelines of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, 2011), the prevalence of DID in the general population is estimated between 1 and 3%. The review of global studies on DID in clinical settings by Sar (2011) shows the rate from Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 1 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID TABLE 1 | Diagnostic criteria for dissociative identity disorder. ICD-10 Multiple personality disorder F44.81 (A) Two or more distinct personalities exist within the individual, only one being evident at a time. (B) Each personality has its own memories, preferences, and behavior patterns, and at some time (and recurrently) takes full control of the individual’s behavior. (C) There is inability to recall important personal information which is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness. (D) The symptoms are not due to organic mental disorders (F00–F09) (e.g., in epileptic disorders) or to psychoactive substance-related disorders (F10–F19) (e.g., intoxication or withdrawal). ICD-11 Dissociative identity disorder 6B64 Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by disruption of identity in which there are two or more distinct personality states (dissociative identities) associated with marked discontinuities in the sense of self and agency. Each personality state includes its own pattern of experiencing, perceiving, conceiving, and relating to self, the body, and the environment. At least two distinct personality states recurrently take executive control of the individual’s consciousness and functioning in interacting with others or with the environment, such as in the performance of specific aspects of daily life such as parenting, or work, or in response to specific situations (e.g., those that are perceived as threatening). Changes in personality state are accompanied by related alterations in sensation, perception, affect, cognition, memory, motor control, and behavior. There are typically episodes of amnesia, which may be severe. The symptoms are not better explained by another mental, behavioral or neurodevelopmental disorder and are not due to the direct effects of a substance or medication on the central nervous system, including withdrawal effects, and are not due to a disease of the nervous system or a sleep-wake disorder. The symptoms result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. DSM-5 Dissociative identity disorder 300.14 (A) Disruption of identity characterized by two or more distinct personality states, which may be described in some cultures as an experience of possession. The disruption in identity involves marked discontinuity in sense of self and sense of agency accompanied by related alterations in affect, behavior, consciousness, memory, perception, cognition, and/or sensory-motor functioning. These signs and symptoms may be observed by others or reported by the individual. (B) Recurrent gaps in the recall of everyday events, important personal information, and/or traumatic events that are inconsistent with ordinary forgetting. (C) The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. (D) The disturbance is not a normal part of a broadly accepted cultural or religious practice. Note: In children, the symptoms are not better explained by imaginary playmates or other fantasy play. (E) The symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., blackouts or chaotic behavior during alcohol intoxication) or another medical condition (e.g., complex partial seizures). a false positive diagnosis, which is unfavorable for the patient, because using treatment developed for DID with patients without autonomous dissociative parts may be inefficient or even reinforce their pathology. Authors who wrote about patients inappropriately diagnosed with this disorder used terms such as ‘malingering’ or ‘factitious’ DID (Coons and Milstein, 1994; Thomas, 2001). According to Draijer and Boon (1999), both labels imply that patients intentionally simulate symptoms, either for external gains (financial benefits or justification for one’s actions in court) or for other forms of gratification (e.g., interest from others), while in many cases their motivation is not fully conscious. Getting a DID diagnosis can also provide structure for inner chaos and incomprehensible experiences, and be associated with hope and belief it is real. On the other hand, diagnostic errors often result in inappropriate treatment plans and procedures. Already in 1995 Boon and Draijer stressed that a growing number of people self-diagnosed themselves based on information from literature and the Internet, and reported symptoms by the book during psychiatric or psychological assessment. Based on their observation of 36 patients in whom DID had been ruled out after applying the structured clinical interview SCID-D, these clinicians identified differences between genuine and imitated DID. They classified their participants into three groups: (1) borderline personality disorder, (2) histrionic personality disorder, or (3) persons with severe dissociative symptoms but not DID. Participants in that study reported symptoms similar to DID patients, including: amnesia (but only for unacceptable behavior), depersonalisation, derealisation, identity confusion, and identity alteration. However, they presented themselves and interacted with the therapist in very 0.4 to 14%. However, in studies using clinical diagnostic interviews among psychiatric in-patients, and in European studies these numbers were lower (Friedl et al., 2000). The discrepancies apparently depend on the sample, the methodology and diagnostic interviews used by researchers. Diagnosing complex dissociative disorders (DID or Other Specified Dissociative Disorder, OSDD) is challenging for several reasons. Firstly, patients present a lot of avoidance and rarely report dissociative symptoms spontaneously without direct questioning (Boon and Draijer, 1993; International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, 2011; Dorahy et al., 2014). In addition, standard mental state examination does not include these symptoms and healthcare professionals do not receive appropriate training in diagnosing dissociative disorders (Leonard et al., 2005). Secondly, complex dissociative disorders are polysymptomatic, and specialists would rather diagnose these patients with disorders more familiar to them from clinical practice, e.g., anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, or borderline personality disorder (Boon and Draijer, 1995; Dell, 2006; Brand et al., 2016). For these reasons, complex dissociative disorders are underdiagnosed and often mis-diagnosed. For example, 26.5–40.8% of DID patients would already have been diagnosed and treated for schizophrenia (Putnam et al., 1986; Ross et al., 1989). On the other hand, because there is so much information about DID in the media (Hollywood productions, interviews and testimonies published on YouTube, blogs), people who are confused about themselves and try to find an accurate diagnosis for themselves may learn about DID symptoms on the Internet, identify themselves with the disorder, and later (even unintentionally) report core symptoms in a very convincing way (Draijer and Boon, 1999). This presents a risk of making Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 2 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID different ways. While DID patients are usually reluctant to talk about their symptoms and experience their intrusions as shameful, people who imitated DID were eager to present their problems, sometimes in an exaggerated way, in an attempt to convince the clinician that they suffered from DID (Boon and Draijer, 1995; Draijer and Boon, 1999). Similar observations were expressed by Thomas (2001) saying that people with imitated DID can present their history chronologically, using the first person even when they are highly distressed or allegedly presenting an altered personality, and are comfortable with disclosing information about experiences of abuse. They can talk about intrusions of dissociative parts, hearing voices or difficulties controlling emotions, without shame. Unfortunately, ICD-10, ICD-11, and DSM-5 offer no specific guidelines on how to differentiate patients with personality disorders and dissociative disorders by the manner in which they report symptoms. There are also limited instruments to distinguish between false-positive and false-negative DID. From the clinical perspective, it is also crucial to understand the motives for being diagnosed with DID, and disappointment when this diagnosis is disconfirmed. Accurate assessment can contribute to developing appropriate psychotherapeutic procedures (Boon and Draijer, 1995; Draijer and Boon, 1999). Apart from observations already referred to earlier in this article, there are no qualitative analyses of false-positive DID cases in the past 20 years. Most research was quantitative and compared DID patients and simulators in terms of cognitive functions (Boysen and VanBergen, 2014). This interpretative phenomenological analysis is an idiographic study which explores personal experiences and meaning attributed to conflicting emotions and behaviors in six women who had previously been diagnosed with DID and referred to the Research Centre for Trauma and Dissociation for re-evaluation. It explores how they came to believe they have DID and what had led clinicians to assume that these patients could be suffering from this disorder. Procedure This study is part of a larger project examining alterations in consciousness and dissociative symptoms in clinical and non-clinical groups, held at the Research Centre for Trauma & Dissociation, financed by the National Science Centre, and approved by the Ethical Review Board at the SWPS University of Social Sciences & Humanities. Potential candidates enrolled themselves or were registered by healthcare providers via an application integrated with the website www.e-psyche.eu. They filled in demographic information and completed online tests, including: Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20, Pietkiewicz et al., 2018) and Trauma Experiences Checklist (Nijenhuis et al., 2002). Those with elevated SDQ-20 scores (above 28 points) or those referred for differential diagnosis were consulted and if dissociative symptoms were confirmed, they were invited to participate in an in-depth clinical assessment including a series of interviews, video-recorded and performed at the researcher’s office by the first author who is a psychotherapist and supervisor experienced in the dissociation field. In Poland, there are no gold standards for diagnosing dissociative disorders. The first interview was semi-structured, open-ended and explored the patient’s history, main complaints and motives for participation. It included questions such as: What made you participate in this study? What are your main difficulties or symptoms in daily life? What do you think caused them? Further questions were then asked to explore participants’ experiences and meaning-making. This was followed by the Trauma and Dissociation Symptoms Interview (TADS-I, Boon and Matthess, 2017). The TADS-I is a new semi-structured interview intended to identify DSM-5 and ICD-11 dissociative disorders. The TADS-I differs in several ways from other semi-structured interviews for the assessment of dissociative disorders. Firstly, it includes a significant section on somatoform dissociative symptoms. Secondly, it includes a section addressing other trauma-related symptoms for several reasons: (1) to obtain a more comprehensive clinical picture of possible comorbidities, including symptoms of PTSD and complex PTSD, (2) to gain a better insight into the (possible) dissociative organization of the personality: patient’s dissociative parts hold many of these comorbid symptoms and amnesia, voices or depersonalisation experiences are often associated with these symptoms; and (3) to better distinguish between complex dissociative disorders, personality disorders and other Axis I disorders and false positive DID. Finally, the TADS-I also aims to distinguish between symptoms of pathological dissociation indicating a division of the personality and symptoms which are related to a narrowing or a lowering of consciousness, and not to the structural dissociation of the personality. Validation testing of the TADS-I is currently underway. TADS interviews ranging from 2 to 4 h were usually held in sessions of 90 min. Interview recordings were assessed by three healthcare professionals experienced in the dissociation field, who discussed each case and consensually came up with a diagnosis based on ICD-10. An additional mental state examination was performed by the third author who is a psychiatrist, also experienced in the differential diagnosis of dissociative disorders. He collected medical data, double-checked the most important symptoms, communicated the results and discussed treatment indications. Qualitative data collected from MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was carried out in Poland in 2018 and 2019. Rich qualitative material collected during in-depth clinical assessments was subjected to the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), a popular methodological framework in psychology for exploring people’s personal experiences and interpretations of phenomena (Smith and Osborn, 2008). IPA was selected to build a deeper understanding of how patients who endorsed and identified with dissociative identity disorder made sense of the diagnosis and what it meant for them to be classified as false-positive cases during reassessment. Interpretative phenomenological analysis uses phenomenological, hermeneutic, and idiographic principles. It employs ‘double hermeneutics,’ in which participants share their experiences and interpretations, followed by researchers trying to make sense and comment on these interpretations. IPA uses small, homogenous, purposefully selected samples, and data are carefully analyzed case-by-case (Smith and Osborn, 2008; Pietkiewicz and Smith, 2014). Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 3 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID who also developed the TADS-I. They are all mentors and trainers of the European Society for Trauma and Dissociation, with significant expertise in the assessment of post-traumatic conditions. The first co-investigator (AB) has a master’s degree in psychology and is a Ph.D. candidate. She is also a psychotherapist in training. All authors coded and discussed their understanding of data. Their understanding and interpretations of symptoms reported by participants were influenced by their background knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating patients with personality disorders and dissociative disorders. six patients out of 85 were selected for this interpretative phenomenological analysis, based on the following criteria for inclusion, which could ensure a homogenous sample expected of IPA studies – (a) female, (b) previously diagnosed or referred to rule in/out DID, (c) endorsement and identification with DID, (d) dissociative disorder disconfirmed in the assessment. Interviews with every participant in this study ranged from 3 h 15 min to 7 h 20 min (mean: 6 h). Participants Participants of this IPA were six female patients aged between 22 and 42 years who were selected out of 86 people examined in a larger study exploring dissociation and alterations in consciousness in clinical and non-clinical groups. (Participants in the larger study met criteria of different diagnoses and seven among them had ‘genuine’ DID). These six patients did not meet DID criteria on the TADS-I interview but believed themselves that they qualified for that diagnosis. Four of them had higher education, two were secondary school graduates. All of them registered in the study by themselves hoping to confirm their diagnosis but two (Olga and Katia) were referred by psychiatrists, and the others by psychotherapists. All of them traveled from far away, which showed their strong motivation to participate in the assessment. Four had previously had psychiatric treatment and five had been in psychotherapy due to problems with emotional regulation and relationships. In the cases of Victoria and Dominique, psychotherapy involved working with dissociative parts. None of them recalled any physical or sexual abuse, but three (Dominique, Victoria, and Mary), following therapists’ suggestions, were trying to seek such traumatic memories to justify their diagnosis. They all felt emotionally neglected by carriers in childhood and emotionally abused by significant others. None of them reported symptoms indicating the existence of autonomous dissociative parts. None had symptoms indicating amnesia for daily events, but four declared not remembering single situations associated with conflicting emotions, shame, guilt, or conversations during which they were more focused on internal experiences rather than their interlocutors. None experienced PTSD symptoms (e.g., intrusive traumatic memories and avoidance), autoscopic phenomena (e.g., out-of-body experiences), or clinically significant somatoform symptoms. None had auditory verbal hallucinations but four intensely engaged in daydreaming and experienced imagined conversations as very real. All of them had been seeking information about DID in literature and the Internet. For more information about them see Table 2. Their names have been changed to protect their confidentiality. Data Analysis Verbatim transcriptions were made of all video recordings, which were analyzed together with researchers’ notes using qualitative data-analysis software – NVivo11. Consecutive analytical steps recommended for IPA were employed in the study (Pietkiewicz and Smith, 2014). For each interview, researchers watched the recording and carefully read the transcript several times. They individually made notes about body language, facial expressions, the content and language use, and wrote down their interpretative comments using the ‘annotation’ feature in NVivo10. Next, they categorized their notes into emergent themes by allocating descriptive labels (nodes). The team then compared and discussed their coding and interpretations. They analyzed connections between themes in each interview and between cases, and grouped themes according to conceptual similarities into main themes and sub-themes. Credibility Checks During each interview, participants were encouraged to give examples illustrating reported symptoms or experiences. Clarification questions were asked to negotiate the meaning participants wanted to convey. At the end of the interview, they were also asked questions to check that their responses were thorough. The researchers discussed each case thoroughly and also compared their interpretative notes to compare their understanding of the content and its meaning (the second hermeneutics). RESULTS Participants in this study explained how they concluded they were suffering from DID, developed knowledge about the syndrome and an identity of a DID patient, and how this affected their everyday life and relationships. Five salient themes appeared in all interviews, as listed in Table 3. Each theme is discussed and illustrated with verbatim excerpts from the interviews, in accordance with IPA principles. The Researchers Theme 1: Endorsement and Identification With the Diagnosis The principal investigator (IJP) is a psychotherapist, supervisor, and researcher in the field of community health psychology and clinical psychology. The second co-investigator (RT) is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and supervisor. The third coinvestigator (SB) is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, supervisor, and a consulting expert in forensic psychology, Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org All six participants hoped to confirm they had DID. They read books and browsed the Internet seeking information about dissociation, and watched YouTube videos presenting people describing multiple personalities. Dominique, Victoria, Mary, 4 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID TABLE 2 | Study participants. Name Participant’s characteristics Victoria Age 22, single, lives with parents and younger brother. Stopped her studies after 3 years and was hospitalized in a psychiatric facility for a short period due to problems with emotions and relationships. Reports difficulties with recognizing and expressing emotions, emptiness, feels easily hurt and rejected, afraid of abandonment. Perceives herself as unimportant and worthless, sometimes cuts herself for emotional relief. Maintains superficial relationships, does not trust people; in childhood was frequently left alone with grandparents because her parents traveed; described her parents as setting high expectations, mother as getting easily upset and impulsive. No substance use. No history of physical or sexual trauma. Her maternal grandfather abused alcohol but was not violent; no history of suicides in her family. Scored 38 points in SDQ-20 but no significant somatoform symptoms reported during clinical assessment. Karina Age 22, single, secondary education. Enrolled in university programs twice but stopped. Acting is a hobby; recently worked as a waitress or hostess, currently unemployed. Has had psychiatric treatment for 17 years due to anxiety and problems in relationships. Two short hospital admissions; in psychodynamic psychotherapy in last 2 years. Reports emotional instability, feeling depressed, anxious, and lonely; maintains few relationships; experiences conflicts with expressing anger and needs for dependency, no self-harm. She had periods of using alcohol excessively in the past, currently once a month, no drugs. No family members used psychiatric help. Reports abandonment, emotional and physical abuse in childhood and eagerly talks about these experiences. Scored 68 points in SDQ-20 but no significant somatoform symptoms reported during clinical assessment. Dominique Age 33, higher education, married, three children. Works as a playwright, comes from an artistic family. Was given away to her grandparents as a baby and returned to parents and brothers when she was seven; often felt abandoned and neglected. She had learning difficulties and problems in relationships, mood regulation, auto-aggressive behavior, feelings of emptiness and loneliness. Denies using alcohol or drugs; at secondary school abused marihuana. Her paternal grandmother had psychosis, her father abused marihuana and mother was treated for depression. Reports poverty at home. No suicides in family. Often retreated into her fantasy world in which she developed a story about boys kept in a resocialisation center. Has had psychiatric treatment and counseling for 20 years. Scored 52 points in SDQ-20 but no somatoform symptoms confirmed during clinical assessment. Mary Age 34, higher education, married. Works in the creative industry and engaged in proselytic activities as an active Jehovah’s Witness (joined the organization 10 years earlier, encouraged by her mother). Has had EMDR therapy for 2 years due to problems maintaining relationships and managing anger. When her therapist asked if she felt there were different parts inside her, she started exploring information about DID. She denies smoking or using any drugs, alcohol. Mother suffered from mild depression. No suicides in family. Scored 48 points in SDQ-20 but no somatoform symptoms confirmed during clinical assessment. Olga Age 40, higher education, single. Works in social care. Reports depressive mood, low self-esteem, difficulties with concentration, problems with social contacts. Occasionally uses alcohol in small doses, no drugs. Describes her mother as demanding but also distant and negligent because she was busy with her medical practice. Father withdrawn and depressed but never used psychiatric treatment. No other trauma history. No suicides in family. Tried psychotherapy four times but usually terminated treatment after a while. Her psychiatrist referred her for evaluation of memory problems, and confirming DID. Scored 31 points in SDQ-20; confirms a few somatoform symptoms: headaches, symptoms associated with cystitis, detachment from bodily sensations. Katia Age 42, post-graduate education. Unemployed. On social benefits for 15 years due to neurological and pulmonary symptoms, complications after urological surgeries. Reports low self-esteem, self-loathing, problems in establishing or maintaining relationships, feeling lonely, rejected and not understood. Inclinations toward passive-aggressive behavior toward people representing authority, fatigue, insecurity about her financial situation. Reports no alcohol or drug use. Mother treated for depression. No suicides in family. Scored 69 points in SDQ-20; multiple somatic complaints associated with Lyme disease, describes mother as emotionally and physically abusive, and father as abandoning and unprotecting. Has never used psychotherapy; was referred for consultation by a psychiatrist after persuading him that she had DID symptoms. Participants names have been changed to protect their confidentiality. During an argument with my mother I felt as if some incredible force took control and I smashed the glass in the cabinet with my hand. It was like being under control of an alien force. I started reading about borderline and I thought I had it. I found a webpage about that and told my mother I should see a psychiatrist. I went for a consultation and told her my story. This lady said: “Child, you don’t have borderline, but multiple personality.” She wanted to keep me in the psychiatric unit but I did not agree to stay for observation. (Dominique). TABLE 3 | Salient themes identified during the interpretative phenomenological analysis. Theme 1: Endorsement and identification with the diagnosis Theme 2: Using the notion of dissociative parts to justify identity confusion and conflicting ego-states Theme 3: Gaining knowledge about DID affects the clinical presentation Theme 4: Fragmented personality becomes an important discussion topic with others Theme 5: Ruling out DID leads to disappointment or anger. This led Dominique to research the new diagnosis. Karina also said she was encouraged to seek information about DID, when a doctor suggested she might be suffering with it. When I was 11, I had problems at school and home. Other children made fun of me. My mom took me to a doctor and he said I had borderline, but later I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. That doctor also suggested I had DID and told me that I should read more about this diagnosis. (Karina). and Karina said that a mental health professional suggested this diagnosis to them. Dominique remembers consulting a psychiatrist when she was 15, because she had problems controlling anger at home or in public places. She initially found descriptions of borderline personality captured her experiences well enough, but a psychiatrist refuted the idea and recommended further diagnostics toward a dissociative disorder. However, the girl refused to go to hospital for observation. Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org Victoria and Mary shared similar stories about psychotherapists suggesting the existence of dissociative parts, having readily accepted this new category as a good explanation 5 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID for aggressive impulses or problems with recalling situations evoking guilt or shame. Dominique and Victoria stressed, however, that, apart from feeling emotionally abandoned, they could not trace any significant traumas in their early childhoods, although therapists maintained that such events must be present in dissociative patients. different expectations. Whoever comes up front, then I have these ideas. (Dominique). Dominique neither had amnesia nor found evidence for leading separate lives and engaging herself in activities associated with her characters. She maintained her job as a playwright, and merely imagined alternative scenarios of her life, expressed by her inner heroes. In other parts of the interview, she referred to them as ‘voices inside,’ but admitted she never heard them acoustically. They were her own vivid thoughts representing different, conflicting opinions or impulses. Katia said she felt internally fragmented. There were times when she engaged in certain interests, knowledge and skills, but she later changed her goals. Fifteen years ago she gave up her academic career and went on sickness benefit when she became disabled due to medical problems; she experienced this as a great loss, a failure, which affected her sense of identity and purpose. I have no idea why I have this [DID]. My therapist looked for evidence of childhood trauma, which sounds like the easiest explanation, but I don’t feel I had any horrific memories which I threw out of my consciousness. (Victoria). Katia and Olga had used psychiatric treatment for anxiety and depression for years. After exploring information about different mental disorders they concluded they had DID. They thought there was a similarity between their personal experiences and those of people publishing testimonials about multiple personalities. In recent years I have a growing sense of identity fragmentation. I have problems with defining my identity because it changes. I used to feel more stable in the past. I had these versions of myself which were more dominating, so I had a stronger sense of identity. For example, 20 years ago there was this scientist. I was studying and felt like a scientist, attending conferences. Now I don’t have that and I don’t know who I am. [. . .] I also have changing interests and hobbies because of different personalities. Long ago I liked certain music, played the guitar, sang songs. I don’t do that anymore, I suddenly lost interest in all that. (Katia). I tried to understand this battle inside, leading me to stagnation. I didn’t know how to describe that but I recently bought a book Healing the fragmented selves of trauma survivors, and everything was explained there. Some of these things I have discovered myself and some were new to me. (Olga). Subsequently, Katia presented to her doctor a review of literature about DID, trying to persuade him that she had this disorder. Theme 2: Using the Notion of Dissociative Parts to Justify Identity Confusion and Conflicting Ego-States She described changes in her professional and social lives in terms of switches between dissociative parts. Although she maintained the first person narrative (“I was studying,” “I played,” or “I sang”), indicating some sense of continuity, she thought it proved the existence of two or more distinct personalities. Participants also reported thoughts, temptations, impulses or actions which seemed to evoke conflicting feelings. Attributing them to ‘something inside that is not-me’ could free them from guilt or shame, so they used a metaphor of someone taking over, logging in, or switching. Dominique thought it was inappropriate to express disappointment or anger, but she accepted the thought that her dissociative parts were doing this. Once participants had embraced the idea of having multiple personalities, they seemed to construct inner reality and justify conflicting needs, impulses or behaviors as an expression of dissociative parts. They referred to being uncertain about who they were and having difficulties recognizing personal emotions, needs or interests. Some of them felt it was connected to a negative cognition about themselves as worthless, unimportant, and not deserving to express what they felt or wanted. Victoria said she would rather define herself through the eyes of others: When I’m angry at my therapist, it is not really me but somebody inside who gets angry easily. Greg often switches on in such situations and says: “Tell her this and this”. [. . .] I went to a shop once and discovered that the price on the label was not for a whole package of batteries but a single one. And suddenly Greg switched on and had a row with the cashier. I mean, I did it, but wound up by his anger. This is so weird, I wouldn’t react like that. They just charged incorrectly and I would normally ignore that but Greg said: “I give a shit about their mistakes. I won’t accept that.” What a failure! (Dominique). My therapist asked what I wanted or needed. It turned out that without other people’s expectations or preferences to which I normally adjust, I wouldn’t know who I am or what I want. I usually engage in my friends’ hobbies and do what I think gives them pleasure. Otherwise, I think they will not like me and reject me, because I have nothing to offer. (Victoria). Since a young age, Dominique tended to immerse herself in a fantasy world, developing elaborated scenarios about people living in a youth center administered by a vicious boss. Different characters in her ‘Story’ represented specific features, interests and plans she had. Mary said she had parts that expressed anger, sadness, and needs associated with attachment. She observed them and allowed them to step in, when situations required. Well, there is John who is a teacher and researcher. He teaches mathematics. I have no skills in maths at all. Tim is a philosopher and would like to train philosophers, enroll doctoral studies. He would like me to study philosophy but the rest of the system wants me to be a worrier. Ralf is a caring nurse and would like to become a paramedic. It is difficult to reconcile all these Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org There were situations in my life when the teenager must have been active. She protected me. She is ready to fight; I am not like that at all. I hate violence, and that teenager likes using force to protect me. [. . .] My therapist suggested I call her after this interview if I 6 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID but not necessarily related to trauma. Katia said she recently remembered the picture of the house and garden where she played as a child and associated these experiences with moments of joy. Karina also exemplified her flashbacks with ‘intrusions of happy memories’ which belonged to other personalities: do not feel well. I didn’t accept that but the [inner] girls got upset and told me I needed her help. They made me comply, so I agreed to call her if I do not feel well. It has always been like this. (Mary). During assessment, no participant provided evidence for the existence of autonomous dissociative parts. It seems that the inner characters described by them personified unintegrated egostates which used to evoke conflicting feelings. Sometimes I begin to laugh but this is not my laughter, but the laughter of sheer joy. Someone inside me is very happy and wants to talk about happy childhood memories, make jokes. (Karina). Theme 3: Exploring Personal Experiences via the Lens of Dissociation Mary said a child part of her was responsible for flashbacks and making comments about current situations. However, she later denied hearing voices or having any other Schneider’s symptoms. Reading books, websites and watching videos of people who claimed to have DID, encouraged them to compare themselves, talk about and express ‘multiple personalities.’ The participants became familiar with specialist terms and learned about core symptoms mentioned in psychiatric manuals. I can hear her comments, that she does not like something. I can be flooded by emotions and have flashbacks associated with that child. For example, there is a trigger and I can see things that this child has seen. She is showing me what was happening in her life. (Mary). I read First person plural which helped me understand what this is all about. The drama of the gifted child and The body keeps the score. More and more girls started to appear. There is a 6-month old baby which showed up only 2 months ago, a sad 11-year old teenager, and a 16-year old who thinks I am a loser. I was a teenager like that. Now she is having problems and becoming withdrawn there are fewer switches, because she knows we need to help the little one first. (Mary). Participants discussed their dissociative parts, their names and features, exhibiting neither avoidance nor fear or shame. On the contrary, they seemed to draw pleasure by smiling, showing excitement and eagerness to produce more examples of their unusual experiences. At the beginning of the interview, Karina was very enthusiastic and said, “My heart is beating so fast, as if I were in fight-or-flight mode.” Olga was also inspired by books. Not only did she find similarities to trauma survivors but she made new discoveries and thought there were other experiences she had been unaware of earlier. Victoria started using techniques which literature recommended for stabilization in dissociative disorders. She said these books helped her understand intense emotions and improve concentration. Theme 4: Talking About DID Attracts Attention Not only were multiple personalities a helpful metaphor for expressing conflicting feelings or needs (already mentioned in Theme 2), but they also became an important topic of conversations with family or friends. This explains everything that happens to me, why I get so angry. I also found anchors helpful. I focus on certain objects, sounds or smells which remind me where I am, instead of drifting away into my thoughts. (Victoria). My husband says sometimes: “I would like to talk to the little girl.” He then says that I start behaving differently. I also talk to my therapist using different voices. Sometimes, she addresses them asking questions. If questions are asked directly, they respond, but there are times I do not allow them to speak, because the teenager part can be very mean and attacks people. (Mary). It seemed that exploring information about DID encouraged changes in participants’ clinical presentation. At first, they merely struggled with emotional liability or detachment, internal conflicts, and concentration problems. Later, they started reporting intrusions of dissociative parts or using clinical terms (e.g., flashback) for experiences which were not necessarily clinical symptoms. Dominique said that the characters of her story would often ‘log in’ and take control. She demonstrated that during the interview by changing her voice and going into a ‘trance.’ She created her own metaphors, explaining these experiences and comparing them with those described in literature. She stressed that she never had amnesia and remained aware of what was happening during her ‘trance.’ It may have been easier for Mary to express her needs for dependency and care by ascribing them to a little girl and, because she felt awkward about feeling angry with the therapist, attributing hostile impulses to a teenager could give her a sense of control and reduce guilt. Karina decided to create a videoblog for documenting dissociative parts, and shared her videos with people interested in DID. She said she was surprised to find clips in which she looked dreadful, having her make-up smeared all over the face, because she had no memory of doing that. However, she showed no signs that it bothered her. She discussed the videos with her best friend, a DID fan who had encouraged her to enroll in the study in order to confirm her diagnosis. They were collecting evidence to support the idea that she had a dissociative disorder, which she presented one by one, before being asked about details. I think it is a form of dissociation on the emotional level. I read a lot. . . The minds of Billy Milligan or First person plural. For sure, I do not have an alteration of personality. I have co-consciousness. My theory is, we are like a glove, we all stem from one trunk, but we are like separate fingers. (Dominique). Mark [her friend] reads a lot about DID. He says I sometimes talk in a high voice which is not the way I usually talk. He refers to us as plural. [. . .] In some of these videos I do not move or blink While participants maintained they had flashbacks, they understood them as sudden recollections of past memories Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 7 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID for a minute. I look at some point and there is no expression on my face. I can remember things until this moment, and later I discover myself looking like something from Creepypastas. I am so sorry for people who have to see this. . . and I found my diary. I have been writing diaries since I was seven. I sometimes have no memory for having written something. I need to find these notes because I would like to write a book about a fantasy world and inner conflicts. (Karina). another possibility. It is some information but I have not heard anything new. (Karina). Only Victoria seemed relieved that her DID diagnosis was not confirmed. She was happy to discuss how attachment problems or conflicts with expressing emotions and needs affected her social life and career, and receive guidelines for future treatment. She felt liberated from having to uncover childhood traumas that her therapist expected her to have as a dissociative patient. Dominique and Katia also wrote journals to record dissociative experiences. Katia hoped to be recognized as an expert-by-experience and develop her career in relation to that. She brought with her a script of a book she hoped to publish 1 day. I was hoping that you would find another explanation for my problems. . . for what is wrong with me, why I feel so sensitive or spaced out, because it is annoying. I would like to know what is going on. I don’t think I’ve had any severe trauma but everybody wants to talk about trauma all the time. (Victoria). Theme 5: Ruling Out DID Leads to Disappointment or Anger DISCUSSION Four participants were openly disappointed that their DID diagnosis was not confirmed. They doubted if their descriptions were accurate enough, or they challenged the interviewer’s understanding of the symptoms. Katia also suggested that she was incapable of providing appropriate answers supporting her diagnosis due to amnesia and personality alterations. ICD-10 and DSM-5 provide inadequate criteria for diagnosing DID, basically limited to patients having distinct dissociative identities with their own memories, preferences and behavioral patterns, and episodes of amnesia (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; World Health Organization, 1993). Clinicians without experience of DID may therefore expect patients to present disruptions of identity during a consultation and spontaneously report memory problems. However, trauma specialists view DID as a ‘disorder of hiddenness’ because patients often find their dissociative symptoms bizarre and confusing and do not disclose them readily due to their shame and the phobia of inner experiences (Steele et al., 2005, 2016; Van der Hart et al., 2006). Instead, they tend to undermine their significance, hide them and not report them during consultations unless asked about them directly. Dissociative patients can also be unaware of their amnesia and ignore evidence for having done things they cannot remember because realizing that is too upsetting. Contrary to that, this study and the one conducted in 1999 in the Netherlands by Draijer and Boon, show that some people with personality disorders enthusiastically report DID symptoms by the book, and use the notion of multiple personalities to justify problems with emotional regulation, inner conflicts, or to seek attention. As with Dutch patients, Polish participants were preoccupied with their alternate personalities and two tried to present a ‘switch’ between parts. Their presentations were naïve and often mixed with lay information on DID. However, what they reported could be misleading for clinicians inexperienced in the dissociation field or those lacking the appropriate tools to distinguish a genuine dissociative disorder from an imitated one. Therefore, understanding the subtleties about DID clinical presentation, especially those which are not thoroughly described in psychiatric manuals, is important to come up with a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Various clinicians stress the importance of understanding the quality of symptoms and the mechanisms behind them in order to distinguish on the phenomenological level between borderline and DID patients (Boon and Draijer, 1993; Laddis et al., 2017). Participants in this study reported problems with identity, affect regulation Do you even consider that I might give different answers if you had asked these questions 2 or 5 years ago? I must have erased some examples from my memory and not all experiences belong to me. I know that people can unconsciously modify their narratives and that is why I wanted an objective assessment. [. . .] Nobody believed I was resistant to anesthetics until I was diagnosed with some abnormalities. It was once written in my medical report that I was a hypochondriac. One signature and things become clear to everyone. Sometimes it is better to have the worst diagnosis, but have it. (Katia). She expected that the diagnosis would legitimize her inability to establish satisfactory relationships, work, and become financially independent. For this reason, she also insisted that the final report produced for her should contain information about how she felt maltreated by family or doctors, and revealed her hopes to claim damages for health injury. Mary and Karina were also upset that the interviewers did not believe they had DID. Can you try to imagine how hard it is? I am not making things up? You don’t believe me. I am telling you things and you must be thinking, from the adult perspective: “You are making this up.” Nothing pisses me off more than someone who is trying to prove to others that they have just imagined things. They [dissociative parts] feel neglected again, as always! (Mary). Karina tried to hide her disappointment and claimed she was glad she didn’t have a severe mental illness. However, she thought she would need to build another theory explaining her symptoms. After the interview, she sent more videos trying to prove the assessment results were not accurate. What about my problems then? I am unable to set boundaries, I have anxiety, I fear that a war might break out. If this is not dissociation, then what? I had tests and they ruled out any neurological problems. I came here and ruled out Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 8 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID dissociative parts which are stuck in trauma. In addition to avoidance, this is another characteristic PTSD feature observed in the clinical presentation of DID patients (Van der Hart et al., 2010). Interestingly, participants in this study showed no evidence for intrusions (images, emotions or somatosensory experiences directly related to trauma), but rather problems with emotional regulation (illustrated in sections “Themes 1 and 2”). Asked about intrusive images, emotions or thoughts, some gave examples of distressing thoughts attacking self-image and blaming for their behavior. This, however, was related to attachment problems and difficulties with self-soothing. They also revealed a tendency to indulge themselves in these auto-critical thoughts instead of actively avoiding them, which is often a case in dissociative patients. Some intrusions reported by DID patients are somatoform in nature and connected with dissociative parts stuck in trauma time (Pietkiewicz et al., 2018). Although three participants in this study had very high scores in SDQ-20 indicating that they may have a dissociative disorder (scores of 50–60 are common in DID), further interviews revealed that they aggravated their symptoms and, in fact, had low levels of somatoform dissociation. This shows that tests results should be interpreted with caution and clinicians should always ask patients for specific examples of the symptoms they report. and internal conflicts about expressing their impulses. Some of them also had somatic complaints. These symptoms are common in personality disorders and also in dissociative disorders, which are polysymptomatic by nature. However, the quality of these symptoms and psychological mechanisms behind them may be different. For a differential diagnosis, clinicians need to become familiar with the unique internal dynamics in people who have developed a structural dissociation of personality as a result of trauma. These patients try to cope with everyday life and avoid actively thinking about and discussing traumatic memories, or experiencing symptoms associated with them. Because of that avoidance, they find it challenging to talk about dissociative symptoms with a clinician. Besides experiencing fear of being labeled as insane and sent to hospital, there may be internal conflicts associated with disclosing information. For example, dissociative parts may forbid them to talk about symptoms or past experiences. This conflict can sometimes be indicated by facial expression, involuntary movements, spasms, and also felt by the clinician in his or her countertransference. In other words, it is not only what patients say about their experiences, but how they do this. Therapists’ observations and countertransference may help in assessing the quality of avoidance: How openly or easily do patients report symptoms or adverse life experiences? Is that associated with strong depersonalisation (detachment from feelings and sensations, being absent)? Is there evidence for internal conflicts, shame, fear or feeling blocked when talking about symptoms (often observed in facial expression, tone of voice)? Participants in this study were eager to talk about how others mistreated them and wanted to have that documented on paper. Difficult experiences in the past sometimes triggered intense emotions in them (anger, resentment, and deep sadness) but they did not avoid exploring and communicating these states. On the contrary, they eagerly shared an elaborate narrative of their sorrows and about their inner characters – the multiple personalities they were convinced they had. They became keen on DID and used a variety of resources to familiarize themselves with core symptoms. They also spontaneously reported them, as if they wanted to provide sound evidence about having DID and were ready to defend their diagnosis. Some planned their future based on it (an academic career, writing a book, or a film). During the interviews, it became clear that some perceived having an exotic diagnosis as an opportunity for seeking attention and feeling unique, exhibiting the drama of an ‘unseen child’ (see section “Theme 4”). Understanding a few of the symptoms identified in this study can be useful for differential diagnosis: intrusions, voices, switches, amnesia, use of language, depersonalisation. How they are presented by patients and interpreted by clinicians is important. Voices It is common for DID patients to experience auditory hallucinations (Dorahy et al., 2009; Longden et al., 2019). The voices usually belong to dissociative parts and comment on actions, express needs, likes and dislikes, and encourage self-mutilation. Subsequently, there may be conflicts between ‘voices,’ and the relationship with them is quite complex. Dorahy et al., 2009 observe that auditory hallucinations are more common in DID than in schizophrenia. In dissociative patients they are more complex and responsive, and already appear in childhood. Specifically, child voices are also to be expected in DID (97% in comparison to 6% in psychosis). None of our participants reported auditory hallucinations although one (Dominique) said she had imaginary friends from childhood. While this could sound like a dissociative experience, exploring their experiences showed she had a tendency to absorb herself in her fantasy world and vividly imagine characters in her story (see section “Theme 2”). Switches Literature also shows that it is uncommon for avoidant dissociative patients to present autonomous dissociative parts to a therapist before a good relationship has been established and the phobia for inner experiences reduced (Steele et al., 2005). Sudden switches between dissociative personalities may occur only when the patient is triggered and cannot exercise enough control to hide his or her symptoms. Two participants in this study (Dominique and Karina) tried to present ‘alternate personalities’ and they actually announced this would happen, so that the interviewer did not miss them. Later on, they could Intrusions Triggered by external or internal factors (memories or anything associated with trauma) dissociative patients tend to relive traumatic experiences. In other words, they have intrusive memories, emotions or sensorimotor sensations contained by Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 9 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID attacks to other parts, not-me (see: Dominique in section “Theme 2”). One might suspect it could be evidence for autonomous dissociative parts. However, these participants seem to have had unintegrated, unaccepted self-states and used the concept of DID to make meaning of their internal conflicts. In their narrative they maintained the first-person narrative. None of them provided sound evidence for extreme forms of depersonalisation, such as not feeling the body altogether or out-of-body experiences. There can be many reasons why people develop symptoms which resemble those typical of DID. Suggestions about a dissociative disorder made by healthcare providers can help people justify and explain inner conflicts or interpersonal problems. In this study several clinicians had suggested a dissociative disorder or DID to the patient. Literature on multiple personalities and therapy focused on them, and using expressions such as ‘parts’, ‘dissociating’, ‘switches,’ can also encourage demonstrating such symptoms. There are also secondary gains explained in this study, such as receiving attention and care. Draijer and Boon (1999) observe that people with borderline features justified shameful behavior and avoided responsibility by attributing their actions to ‘alter personalities.’ Such people can declare amnesia for their outbursts of anger, or hitting partners. Others explained their identity confusion and extreme emptiness using the DID model. All their participants reported emotional neglect and felt unseen in their childhood, so they adopted a new DID-patient identity to fill up inner emptiness (Draijer and Boon, 1999). Just like the participants in this study, they were angry when that diagnosis was disconfirmed during the assessment, as if the clinician had taken away something precious from them. This shows that communicating the results should be done with understanding, empathy and care. Patients and clinicians need to understand and discuss reasons for developing a DID-patient identity, its advantages and pitfalls. In countries where clinicians are less familiar with the dissociative pathology, there may be a greater risk for both falsenegative and false-positive DID diagnoses. The latter is caused by the growing popularity of that disorder in media and social networks. People who try to make meaning of their emotional conflicts, attachment problems and difficulties in establishing satisfactory relationships, may find the DID concept attractive. It is important that clinicians who rule out or disconfirm DID, also provide patients with friendly feedback that encourages using treatment for their actual problems. Nevertheless, this may still evoke strong reactions in patients whose feelings and needs have been neglected, rejected or invalidated by significant others. Disconfirming DID may be experienced by them as an attack, taking something away from them, or an indication that they lie. relate to what happened during the alleged switch (no amnesia), maintaining the first-person perspective (I was saying/doing). Contrary to that, dissociative patients experience much shame and fear of disclosing their internal parts (Draijer and Boon, 1999). If they become aware that switches had occurred, they try to make reasonable explanations for the intrusions of parts and unusual behavior (e.g., I must have been very tired and affected by the new medicine I am taking). Amnesia Dell (2006) mentions various indicators of amnesia in patients with DID. However, losing memory for unpleasant experiences may occur in different disorders, usually for behaviors evoking shame or guilt, or for actions under extreme stress (Laddis et al., 2017). All patients in this study had problems with emotional regulation and some said they could not remember what they said or did when they became very upset. With some priming, they could recall and describe events. For this reason, it is recommended to explore evidence for amnesia for pleasant or neutral activities (e.g., doing shopping or cleaning, socializing). According to Laddis et al. (2017) there are different mechanisms underlying memory problems in personality and dissociative disorders. Use of Language Participants in this study often used clinical jargon (e.g., flashbacks, switches, and feeling depersonalized) which indicates they had read about dissociative psychopathology or received psycho-education. However, they often had lay understanding of clinical terms. A good example in this study was having ‘flashbacks’ of neutral or pleasant situations which had once been forgotten. Examples of nightmares did not necessarily indicate reliving traumatic events during sleep (as in PTSD) but expressed conflicts and agitation through symbolic, unrealistic, sometimes upsetting dreams. When talking about behavior of other parts and their preferences, they often maintained a first-person perspective. Requesting patients to provide specific examples is thus crucial. Depersonalisation Detachment from feelings and emotions, bodily sensations and external reality is often present in various disorders (Simeon and Abugel, 2006). While these phenomena have been commonly associated with dissociation, Holmes et al. (2005) stress the differences between detachment (which can be experienced by both dissociative and non-dissociative patients) and compartmentalisation, associated with the existence of dissociative parts. Allen et al. (1999) also stress that extreme absorptive detachment can interfere with noticing feelings and bodily sensations, and also memory. Some participants in this study tended to enter trance-like states or get absorbed in their inner reality, subsequently getting detached from bodily sensations. They also described their feeling of emptiness in terms of detachment from feelings. Nevertheless, none of them disclosed evidence for having distinct dissociative parts. Some of their statements might have been misleading; for example, when they attributed anger Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org Limitations and Further Directions Among the 85 people who participated in a thorough diagnostic assessment, there were six false-positive DID cases, and this study focused on their personal experiences and meaning attributed to the diagnosis. Because IPA studies are highly idiographic, 10 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID TABLE 4 | Red flags for identifying false-positive or imitated DID. This table enumerates suggestive features of false positive or imitated DID cases identified in this study, which should be taken into consideration during diagnostic assessment. 1. Directly or indirectly expects to confirm self-diagnosed DID. 2. DID previously suggested by someone (friend, psychologist, and doctor) without thorough clinical assessment. 3. Keen on DID diagnosis and familiarized with symptoms: read books, watched videos, talked to other patients, participated in a support group for dissociative patients. 4. Uses clinical jargon: parts, alters, dissociating, switch, depersonalisation, etc. 5. Reveals little avoidance: eagerly talks about painful experiences and dissociation, no indicators for genuine shame or inner conflicts associated with disclosing symptoms or parts. 6. Readily justifies losing control of emotions and unacceptable or shameful behavior in terms of not being oneself or being influenced by an alternative personality. 7. No evidence for the intrusions of unwanted and avoided traumatic memories or re-experiencing them in the present. 8. Denies having ego-dystonic thoughts or voices, especially starting in early childhood and child-like voices. Note: Dissociative patients may be afraid, ashamed, or feel it is forbidden to talk about the voices. 9. No evidence of amnesia for neutral or pleasant everyday activities, e.g., working, doing shopping, socializing, playing with children. 10. Tries to control the interview and provide evidence for having DID, e.g., eagerly reports dissociative symptoms without being asked about them. 11. Announces and performs a switch between personalities during clinical assessment, especially before a good relationship with the clinician and trust has been established. 12. Finds apparent gains associated with having DID: receives special interest from family and friends with whom symptoms and personalities are eagerly discussed, runs support groups, blogs or video channels for people with dissociative disorders. 13. Gets upset or disappointed when DID is not confirmed, e.g., demands re-evaluation, excuses oneself for not being accurate enough in giving right answers, wants to provide more evidence. which suggested it was probable they had a dissociative disorder. However, during a clinical diagnostic interview they did not report a cluster of somatoform or psychoform dissociative symptoms and did not meet criteria for any dissociative disorder diagnosis. Clinicians also need to go beyond the face value of a patient’s responses, ask for specific examples, and notice one’s own countertransference. Draijer and Boon (1999) observed that DID patients were often experienced by clinicians as very fragile, and exploring symptoms with people with personality disorders (who try to aggravate them and control the interview) can evoke tiredness or even irritability. It is important that clinicians understand their own responses and use them in the diagnostic process. While psycho-education is considered a crucial element in the initial treatment of dissociative disorders (Van der Hart et al., 2006; Howell, 2011; Steele et al., 2016), patients whose diagnosis has not been confirmed by a thorough diagnostic assessment should not be encouraged to develop knowledge about DID symptomatology, because this may affect their clinical presentation and how they make meaning of their problems. Subsequently, this may lead to a wrong diagnosis and treatment, which can become iatrogenic. they are by nature limited to a small number of participants. There were two important limitations in this research. Firstly, information about the level of psychoform symptoms has not been given, because the validation of the Polish instrument used for that purpose is not complete. Secondly, TADS-I used for collecting clinical data about trauma-related symptoms and dissociation has not been validated, either. Because there are no gold standards in Poland for diagnosing dissociative disorders, video-recordings of diagnostic interviews were carefully analyzed and discussed by all authors to agree upon the diagnosis. Taking this into consideration, further qualitative and quantitative research is recommended to formulate and validate more specific diagnostic criteria for DID and guidelines for the differential diagnosis. CONCLUSION Clinicians need to understand the complexity of DID symptoms and psychological mechanisms responsible for them in order to differentiate between genuine and imitated post-traumatic conditions. There are several features identified in this study which may indicate false-positive or imitated DID shown in Table 4, which should be taken into consideration during diagnostic assessment. In Poland, as in many countries, this requires more systematic training in diagnosis for psychiatrists and clinical psychologists in order to prevent under- and over-diagnosis of dissociative disorders, DID in particular. It is not uncommon that patients exaggerate on self-report questionnaires when they are invested in certain symptoms. In this study, all participants had scores above the cut-off score of 28 on the SDQ-20, a measure to assess somatoform dissociation, Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT The datasets generated for this study are not readily available because data contain highly sensitive clinical material, including medical data which cannot be shared according to local regulations. Requests to access the datasets should be directed to IP, [email protected]. 11 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID interviews and helped in literature review and manuscript preparation. RT performed psychiatric assessment and helped in data analysis and manuscript preparation. SB helped in data analysis and manuscript preparation. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version. ETHICS STATEMENT The studies involving human participants were reviewed and approved by Ethical Review Board at the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The patients/participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study. FUNDING AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS Grant number 2016/22/E/HS6/00306 was obtained for the study “Interpretative phenomenological analysis of depersonalization and derealization in clinical and non-clinical groups.” IP collected qualitative data, performed the analysis, and prepared the manuscript. AB-N transcribed and analyzed the REFERENCES Leonard, D., Brann, S., and Tiller, J. (2005). Dissociative disorders: pathways to diagnosis, clinician attitudes and their impact. Aust. N. Z, J. Psychiatry 39, 940–946. doi: 10.1080/j.1440-1614.2005.01700.x Longden, E., Moskowitz, A., Dorahy, M. J., and Perona-Garcelán, S. (2019). Auditory Verbal Hallucinations: Prevalence, Phenomenology, and the Dissociation Hypothesis Psychosis, Trauma and Dissociation: Evolving Perspectives on Severe Psychopathology. (Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.), 207–222. Nijenhuis, E., van der Hart, O., and Kruger, K. (2002). 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The ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders: Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Guidelines. Geneva: World Health Organization. Copyright © 2021 Pietkiewicz, Bańbura-Nowak, Tomalski and Boon. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 13 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929
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ORIGINAL RESEARCH published: 06 May 2021 doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.637929 Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated Dissociative Identity Disorder Igor Jacob Pietkiewicz* , Anna Bańbura-Nowak, Radosław Tomalski and Suzette Boon Research Centre for Trauma & Dissociation, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Katowice, Poland Edited by: Hamed Ekhtiari, Laureate Institute for Brain Research, United States Reviewed by: Hosein Mohaddes Ardabili, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran Bo Bach, Psychiatry Region Zealand, Denmark *Correspondence: Igor Jacob Pietkiewicz [email protected] Specialty section: This article was submitted to Psychopathology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Psychology Received: 04 December 2020 Accepted: 14 April 2021 Published: 06 May 2021 Citation: Pietkiewicz IJ, Bańbura-Nowak A, Tomalski R and Boon S (2021) Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated Dissociative Identity Disorder. Front. Psychol. 12:637929. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.637929 ICD-10 and DSM-5 do not provide clear diagnosing guidelines for DID, making it difficult to distinguish ‘genuine’ DID from imitated or false-positive cases. This study explores meaning which patients with false-positive or imitated DID attributed to their diagnosis. 85 people who reported elevated levels of dissociative symptoms in SDQ20 participated in clinical assessment using the Trauma and Dissociation Symptoms Interview, followed by a psychiatric interview. The recordings of six women, whose earlier DID diagnosis was disconfirmed, were transcribed and subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five main themes were identified: (1) endorsement and identification with the diagnosis. (2) The notion of dissociative parts justifies identity confusion and conflicting ego-states. (3) Gaining knowledge about DID affects the clinical presentation. (4) Fragmented personality becomes an important discussion topic with others. (5) Ruling out DID leads to disappointment or anger. To avoid misdiagnoses, clinicians should receive more systematic training in the assessment of dissociative disorders, enabling them to better understand subtle differences in the quality of symptoms and how dissociative and non-dissociative patients report them. This would lead to a better understanding of how patients with and without a dissociative disorder report core dissociative symptoms. Some guidelines for a differential diagnosis are provided. Keywords: dissociative identity disorder (DID), false-positive cases, personality disorder, dissociation, differential diagnosis INTRODUCTION Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) was first introduced in DSM-III in 1980 and re-named Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in subsequent editions of the diagnostic manual (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Table 1 shows diagnostic criteria of this disorder in ICD-10, ICD11, and DSM-5. Some healthcare providers perceive it as fairly uncommon or associated with temporary trends (Brand et al., 2016). Even its description in ICD-10 (World Health Organization, 1993) starts with: “This disorder is rare, and controversy exists about the extent to which it is iatrogenic or culture-specific” (p. 160). Yet, according to the guidelines of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, 2011), the prevalence of DID in the general population is estimated between 1 and 3%. The review of global studies on DID in clinical settings by Sar (2011) shows the rate from Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 1 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID TABLE 1 | Diagnostic criteria for dissociative identity disorder. ICD-10 Multiple personality disorder F44.81 (A) Two or more distinct personalities exist within the individual, only one being evident at a time. (B) Each personality has its own memories, preferences, and behavior patterns, and at some time (and recurrently) takes full control of the individual’s behavior. (C) There is inability to recall important personal information which is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness. (D) The symptoms are not due to organic mental disorders (F00–F09) (e.g., in epileptic disorders) or to psychoactive substance-related disorders (F10–F19) (e.g., intoxication or withdrawal). ICD-11 Dissociative identity disorder 6B64 Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by disruption of identity in which there are two or more distinct personality states (dissociative identities) associated with marked discontinuities in the sense of self and agency. Each personality state includes its own pattern of experiencing, perceiving, conceiving, and relating to self, the body, and the environment. At least two distinct personality states recurrently take executive control of the individual’s consciousness and functioning in interacting with others or with the environment, such as in the performance of specific aspects of daily life such as parenting, or work, or in response to specific situations (e.g., those that are perceived as threatening). Changes in personality state are accompanied by related alterations in sensation, perception, affect, cognition, memory, motor control, and behavior. There are typically episodes of amnesia, which may be severe. The symptoms are not better explained by another mental, behavioral or neurodevelopmental disorder and are not due to the direct effects of a substance or medication on the central nervous system, including withdrawal effects, and are not due to a disease of the nervous system or a sleep-wake disorder. The symptoms result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. DSM-5 Dissociative identity disorder 300.14 (A) Disruption of identity characterized by two or more distinct personality states, which may be described in some cultures as an experience of possession. The disruption in identity involves marked discontinuity in sense of self and sense of agency accompanied by related alterations in affect, behavior, consciousness, memory, perception, cognition, and/or sensory-motor functioning. These signs and symptoms may be observed by others or reported by the individual. (B) Recurrent gaps in the recall of everyday events, important personal information, and/or traumatic events that are inconsistent with ordinary forgetting. (C) The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. (D) The disturbance is not a normal part of a broadly accepted cultural or religious practice. Note: In children, the symptoms are not better explained by imaginary playmates or other fantasy play. (E) The symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., blackouts or chaotic behavior during alcohol intoxication) or another medical condition (e.g., complex partial seizures). a false positive diagnosis, which is unfavorable for the patient, because using treatment developed for DID with patients without autonomous dissociative parts may be inefficient or even reinforce their pathology. Authors who wrote about patients inappropriately diagnosed with this disorder used terms such as ‘malingering’ or ‘factitious’ DID (Coons and Milstein, 1994; Thomas, 2001). According to Draijer and Boon (1999), both labels imply that patients intentionally simulate symptoms, either for external gains (financial benefits or justification for one’s actions in court) or for other forms of gratification (e.g., interest from others), while in many cases their motivation is not fully conscious. Getting a DID diagnosis can also provide structure for inner chaos and incomprehensible experiences, and be associated with hope and belief it is real. On the other hand, diagnostic errors often result in inappropriate treatment plans and procedures. Already in 1995 Boon and Draijer stressed that a growing number of people self-diagnosed themselves based on information from literature and the Internet, and reported symptoms by the book during psychiatric or psychological assessment. Based on their observation of 36 patients in whom DID had been ruled out after applying the structured clinical interview SCID-D, these clinicians identified differences between genuine and imitated DID. They classified their participants into three groups: (1) borderline personality disorder, (2) histrionic personality disorder, or (3) persons with severe dissociative symptoms but not DID. Participants in that study reported symptoms similar to DID patients, including: amnesia (but only for unacceptable behavior), depersonalisation, derealisation, identity confusion, and identity alteration. However, they presented themselves and interacted with the therapist in very 0.4 to 14%. However, in studies using clinical diagnostic interviews among psychiatric in-patients, and in European studies these numbers were lower (Friedl et al., 2000). The discrepancies apparently depend on the sample, the methodology and diagnostic interviews used by researchers. Diagnosing complex dissociative disorders (DID or Other Specified Dissociative Disorder, OSDD) is challenging for several reasons. Firstly, patients present a lot of avoidance and rarely report dissociative symptoms spontaneously without direct questioning (Boon and Draijer, 1993; International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, 2011; Dorahy et al., 2014). In addition, standard mental state examination does not include these symptoms and healthcare professionals do not receive appropriate training in diagnosing dissociative disorders (Leonard et al., 2005). Secondly, complex dissociative disorders are polysymptomatic, and specialists would rather diagnose these patients with disorders more familiar to them from clinical practice, e.g., anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, or borderline personality disorder (Boon and Draijer, 1995; Dell, 2006; Brand et al., 2016). For these reasons, complex dissociative disorders are underdiagnosed and often mis-diagnosed. For example, 26.5–40.8% of DID patients would already have been diagnosed and treated for schizophrenia (Putnam et al., 1986; Ross et al., 1989). On the other hand, because there is so much information about DID in the media (Hollywood productions, interviews and testimonies published on YouTube, blogs), people who are confused about themselves and try to find an accurate diagnosis for themselves may learn about DID symptoms on the Internet, identify themselves with the disorder, and later (even unintentionally) report core symptoms in a very convincing way (Draijer and Boon, 1999). This presents a risk of making Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 2 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID different ways. While DID patients are usually reluctant to talk about their symptoms and experience their intrusions as shameful, people who imitated DID were eager to present their problems, sometimes in an exaggerated way, in an attempt to convince the clinician that they suffered from DID (Boon and Draijer, 1995; Draijer and Boon, 1999). Similar observations were expressed by Thomas (2001) saying that people with imitated DID can present their history chronologically, using the first person even when they are highly distressed or allegedly presenting an altered personality, and are comfortable with disclosing information about experiences of abuse. They can talk about intrusions of dissociative parts, hearing voices or difficulties controlling emotions, without shame. Unfortunately, ICD-10, ICD-11, and DSM-5 offer no specific guidelines on how to differentiate patients with personality disorders and dissociative disorders by the manner in which they report symptoms. There are also limited instruments to distinguish between false-positive and false-negative DID. From the clinical perspective, it is also crucial to understand the motives for being diagnosed with DID, and disappointment when this diagnosis is disconfirmed. Accurate assessment can contribute to developing appropriate psychotherapeutic procedures (Boon and Draijer, 1995; Draijer and Boon, 1999). Apart from observations already referred to earlier in this article, there are no qualitative analyses of false-positive DID cases in the past 20 years. Most research was quantitative and compared DID patients and simulators in terms of cognitive functions (Boysen and VanBergen, 2014). This interpretative phenomenological analysis is an idiographic study which explores personal experiences and meaning attributed to conflicting emotions and behaviors in six women who had previously been diagnosed with DID and referred to the Research Centre for Trauma and Dissociation for re-evaluation. It explores how they came to believe they have DID and what had led clinicians to assume that these patients could be suffering from this disorder. Procedure This study is part of a larger project examining alterations in consciousness and dissociative symptoms in clinical and non-clinical groups, held at the Research Centre for Trauma & Dissociation, financed by the National Science Centre, and approved by the Ethical Review Board at the SWPS University of Social Sciences & Humanities. Potential candidates enrolled themselves or were registered by healthcare providers via an application integrated with the website www.e-psyche.eu. They filled in demographic information and completed online tests, including: Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20, Pietkiewicz et al., 2018) and Trauma Experiences Checklist (Nijenhuis et al., 2002). Those with elevated SDQ-20 scores (above 28 points) or those referred for differential diagnosis were consulted and if dissociative symptoms were confirmed, they were invited to participate in an in-depth clinical assessment including a series of interviews, video-recorded and performed at the researcher’s office by the first author who is a psychotherapist and supervisor experienced in the dissociation field. In Poland, there are no gold standards for diagnosing dissociative disorders. The first interview was semi-structured, open-ended and explored the patient’s history, main complaints and motives for participation. It included questions such as: What made you participate in this study? What are your main difficulties or symptoms in daily life? What do you think caused them? Further questions were then asked to explore participants’ experiences and meaning-making. This was followed by the Trauma and Dissociation Symptoms Interview (TADS-I, Boon and Matthess, 2017). The TADS-I is a new semi-structured interview intended to identify DSM-5 and ICD-11 dissociative disorders. The TADS-I differs in several ways from other semi-structured interviews for the assessment of dissociative disorders. Firstly, it includes a significant section on somatoform dissociative symptoms. Secondly, it includes a section addressing other trauma-related symptoms for several reasons: (1) to obtain a more comprehensive clinical picture of possible comorbidities, including symptoms of PTSD and complex PTSD, (2) to gain a better insight into the (possible) dissociative organization of the personality: patient’s dissociative parts hold many of these comorbid symptoms and amnesia, voices or depersonalisation experiences are often associated with these symptoms; and (3) to better distinguish between complex dissociative disorders, personality disorders and other Axis I disorders and false positive DID. Finally, the TADS-I also aims to distinguish between symptoms of pathological dissociation indicating a division of the personality and symptoms which are related to a narrowing or a lowering of consciousness, and not to the structural dissociation of the personality. Validation testing of the TADS-I is currently underway. TADS interviews ranging from 2 to 4 h were usually held in sessions of 90 min. Interview recordings were assessed by three healthcare professionals experienced in the dissociation field, who discussed each case and consensually came up with a diagnosis based on ICD-10. An additional mental state examination was performed by the third author who is a psychiatrist, also experienced in the differential diagnosis of dissociative disorders. He collected medical data, double-checked the most important symptoms, communicated the results and discussed treatment indications. Qualitative data collected from MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was carried out in Poland in 2018 and 2019. Rich qualitative material collected during in-depth clinical assessments was subjected to the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), a popular methodological framework in psychology for exploring people’s personal experiences and interpretations of phenomena (Smith and Osborn, 2008). IPA was selected to build a deeper understanding of how patients who endorsed and identified with dissociative identity disorder made sense of the diagnosis and what it meant for them to be classified as false-positive cases during reassessment. Interpretative phenomenological analysis uses phenomenological, hermeneutic, and idiographic principles. It employs ‘double hermeneutics,’ in which participants share their experiences and interpretations, followed by researchers trying to make sense and comment on these interpretations. IPA uses small, homogenous, purposefully selected samples, and data are carefully analyzed case-by-case (Smith and Osborn, 2008; Pietkiewicz and Smith, 2014). Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 3 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID who also developed the TADS-I. They are all mentors and trainers of the European Society for Trauma and Dissociation, with significant expertise in the assessment of post-traumatic conditions. The first co-investigator (AB) has a master’s degree in psychology and is a Ph.D. candidate. She is also a psychotherapist in training. All authors coded and discussed their understanding of data. Their understanding and interpretations of symptoms reported by participants were influenced by their background knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating patients with personality disorders and dissociative disorders. six patients out of 85 were selected for this interpretative phenomenological analysis, based on the following criteria for inclusion, which could ensure a homogenous sample expected of IPA studies – (a) female, (b) previously diagnosed or referred to rule in/out DID, (c) endorsement and identification with DID, (d) dissociative disorder disconfirmed in the assessment. Interviews with every participant in this study ranged from 3 h 15 min to 7 h 20 min (mean: 6 h). Participants Participants of this IPA were six female patients aged between 22 and 42 years who were selected out of 86 people examined in a larger study exploring dissociation and alterations in consciousness in clinical and non-clinical groups. (Participants in the larger study met criteria of different diagnoses and seven among them had ‘genuine’ DID). These six patients did not meet DID criteria on the TADS-I interview but believed themselves that they qualified for that diagnosis. Four of them had higher education, two were secondary school graduates. All of them registered in the study by themselves hoping to confirm their diagnosis but two (Olga and Katia) were referred by psychiatrists, and the others by psychotherapists. All of them traveled from far away, which showed their strong motivation to participate in the assessment. Four had previously had psychiatric treatment and five had been in psychotherapy due to problems with emotional regulation and relationships. In the cases of Victoria and Dominique, psychotherapy involved working with dissociative parts. None of them recalled any physical or sexual abuse, but three (Dominique, Victoria, and Mary), following therapists’ suggestions, were trying to seek such traumatic memories to justify their diagnosis. They all felt emotionally neglected by carriers in childhood and emotionally abused by significant others. None of them reported symptoms indicating the existence of autonomous dissociative parts. None had symptoms indicating amnesia for daily events, but four declared not remembering single situations associated with conflicting emotions, shame, guilt, or conversations during which they were more focused on internal experiences rather than their interlocutors. None experienced PTSD symptoms (e.g., intrusive traumatic memories and avoidance), autoscopic phenomena (e.g., out-of-body experiences), or clinically significant somatoform symptoms. None had auditory verbal hallucinations but four intensely engaged in daydreaming and experienced imagined conversations as very real. All of them had been seeking information about DID in literature and the Internet. For more information about them see Table 2. Their names have been changed to protect their confidentiality. Data Analysis Verbatim transcriptions were made of all video recordings, which were analyzed together with researchers’ notes using qualitative data-analysis software – NVivo11. Consecutive analytical steps recommended for IPA were employed in the study (Pietkiewicz and Smith, 2014). For each interview, researchers watched the recording and carefully read the transcript several times. They individually made notes about body language, facial expressions, the content and language use, and wrote down their interpretative comments using the ‘annotation’ feature in NVivo10. Next, they categorized their notes into emergent themes by allocating descriptive labels (nodes). The team then compared and discussed their coding and interpretations. They analyzed connections between themes in each interview and between cases, and grouped themes according to conceptual similarities into main themes and sub-themes. Credibility Checks During each interview, participants were encouraged to give examples illustrating reported symptoms or experiences. Clarification questions were asked to negotiate the meaning participants wanted to convey. At the end of the interview, they were also asked questions to check that their responses were thorough. The researchers discussed each case thoroughly and also compared their interpretative notes to compare their understanding of the content and its meaning (the second hermeneutics). RESULTS Participants in this study explained how they concluded they were suffering from DID, developed knowledge about the syndrome and an identity of a DID patient, and how this affected their everyday life and relationships. Five salient themes appeared in all interviews, as listed in Table 3. Each theme is discussed and illustrated with verbatim excerpts from the interviews, in accordance with IPA principles. The Researchers Theme 1: Endorsement and Identification With the Diagnosis The principal investigator (IJP) is a psychotherapist, supervisor, and researcher in the field of community health psychology and clinical psychology. The second co-investigator (RT) is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and supervisor. The third coinvestigator (SB) is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, supervisor, and a consulting expert in forensic psychology, Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org All six participants hoped to confirm they had DID. They read books and browsed the Internet seeking information about dissociation, and watched YouTube videos presenting people describing multiple personalities. Dominique, Victoria, Mary, 4 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID TABLE 2 | Study participants. Name Participant’s characteristics Victoria Age 22, single, lives with parents and younger brother. Stopped her studies after 3 years and was hospitalized in a psychiatric facility for a short period due to problems with emotions and relationships. Reports difficulties with recognizing and expressing emotions, emptiness, feels easily hurt and rejected, afraid of abandonment. Perceives herself as unimportant and worthless, sometimes cuts herself for emotional relief. Maintains superficial relationships, does not trust people; in childhood was frequently left alone with grandparents because her parents traveed; described her parents as setting high expectations, mother as getting easily upset and impulsive. No substance use. No history of physical or sexual trauma. Her maternal grandfather abused alcohol but was not violent; no history of suicides in her family. Scored 38 points in SDQ-20 but no significant somatoform symptoms reported during clinical assessment. Karina Age 22, single, secondary education. Enrolled in university programs twice but stopped. Acting is a hobby; recently worked as a waitress or hostess, currently unemployed. Has had psychiatric treatment for 17 years due to anxiety and problems in relationships. Two short hospital admissions; in psychodynamic psychotherapy in last 2 years. Reports emotional instability, feeling depressed, anxious, and lonely; maintains few relationships; experiences conflicts with expressing anger and needs for dependency, no self-harm. She had periods of using alcohol excessively in the past, currently once a month, no drugs. No family members used psychiatric help. Reports abandonment, emotional and physical abuse in childhood and eagerly talks about these experiences. Scored 68 points in SDQ-20 but no significant somatoform symptoms reported during clinical assessment. Dominique Age 33, higher education, married, three children. Works as a playwright, comes from an artistic family. Was given away to her grandparents as a baby and returned to parents and brothers when she was seven; often felt abandoned and neglected. She had learning difficulties and problems in relationships, mood regulation, auto-aggressive behavior, feelings of emptiness and loneliness. Denies using alcohol or drugs; at secondary school abused marihuana. Her paternal grandmother had psychosis, her father abused marihuana and mother was treated for depression. Reports poverty at home. No suicides in family. Often retreated into her fantasy world in which she developed a story about boys kept in a resocialisation center. Has had psychiatric treatment and counseling for 20 years. Scored 52 points in SDQ-20 but no somatoform symptoms confirmed during clinical assessment. Mary Age 34, higher education, married. Works in the creative industry and engaged in proselytic activities as an active Jehovah’s Witness (joined the organization 10 years earlier, encouraged by her mother). Has had EMDR therapy for 2 years due to problems maintaining relationships and managing anger. When her therapist asked if she felt there were different parts inside her, she started exploring information about DID. She denies smoking or using any drugs, alcohol. Mother suffered from mild depression. No suicides in family. Scored 48 points in SDQ-20 but no somatoform symptoms confirmed during clinical assessment. Olga Age 40, higher education, single. Works in social care. Reports depressive mood, low self-esteem, difficulties with concentration, problems with social contacts. Occasionally uses alcohol in small doses, no drugs. Describes her mother as demanding but also distant and negligent because she was busy with her medical practice. Father withdrawn and depressed but never used psychiatric treatment. No other trauma history. No suicides in family. Tried psychotherapy four times but usually terminated treatment after a while. Her psychiatrist referred her for evaluation of memory problems, and confirming DID. Scored 31 points in SDQ-20; confirms a few somatoform symptoms: headaches, symptoms associated with cystitis, detachment from bodily sensations. Katia Age 42, post-graduate education. Unemployed. On social benefits for 15 years due to neurological and pulmonary symptoms, complications after urological surgeries. Reports low self-esteem, self-loathing, problems in establishing or maintaining relationships, feeling lonely, rejected and not understood. Inclinations toward passive-aggressive behavior toward people representing authority, fatigue, insecurity about her financial situation. Reports no alcohol or drug use. Mother treated for depression. No suicides in family. Scored 69 points in SDQ-20; multiple somatic complaints associated with Lyme disease, describes mother as emotionally and physically abusive, and father as abandoning and unprotecting. Has never used psychotherapy; was referred for consultation by a psychiatrist after persuading him that she had DID symptoms. Participants names have been changed to protect their confidentiality. During an argument with my mother I felt as if some incredible force took control and I smashed the glass in the cabinet with my hand. It was like being under control of an alien force. I started reading about borderline and I thought I had it. I found a webpage about that and told my mother I should see a psychiatrist. I went for a consultation and told her my story. This lady said: “Child, you don’t have borderline, but multiple personality.” She wanted to keep me in the psychiatric unit but I did not agree to stay for observation. (Dominique). TABLE 3 | Salient themes identified during the interpretative phenomenological analysis. Theme 1: Endorsement and identification with the diagnosis Theme 2: Using the notion of dissociative parts to justify identity confusion and conflicting ego-states Theme 3: Gaining knowledge about DID affects the clinical presentation Theme 4: Fragmented personality becomes an important discussion topic with others Theme 5: Ruling out DID leads to disappointment or anger. This led Dominique to research the new diagnosis. Karina also said she was encouraged to seek information about DID, when a doctor suggested she might be suffering with it. When I was 11, I had problems at school and home. Other children made fun of me. My mom took me to a doctor and he said I had borderline, but later I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. That doctor also suggested I had DID and told me that I should read more about this diagnosis. (Karina). and Karina said that a mental health professional suggested this diagnosis to them. Dominique remembers consulting a psychiatrist when she was 15, because she had problems controlling anger at home or in public places. She initially found descriptions of borderline personality captured her experiences well enough, but a psychiatrist refuted the idea and recommended further diagnostics toward a dissociative disorder. However, the girl refused to go to hospital for observation. Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org Victoria and Mary shared similar stories about psychotherapists suggesting the existence of dissociative parts, having readily accepted this new category as a good explanation 5 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID for aggressive impulses or problems with recalling situations evoking guilt or shame. Dominique and Victoria stressed, however, that, apart from feeling emotionally abandoned, they could not trace any significant traumas in their early childhoods, although therapists maintained that such events must be present in dissociative patients. different expectations. Whoever comes up front, then I have these ideas. (Dominique). Dominique neither had amnesia nor found evidence for leading separate lives and engaging herself in activities associated with her characters. She maintained her job as a playwright, and merely imagined alternative scenarios of her life, expressed by her inner heroes. In other parts of the interview, she referred to them as ‘voices inside,’ but admitted she never heard them acoustically. They were her own vivid thoughts representing different, conflicting opinions or impulses. Katia said she felt internally fragmented. There were times when she engaged in certain interests, knowledge and skills, but she later changed her goals. Fifteen years ago she gave up her academic career and went on sickness benefit when she became disabled due to medical problems; she experienced this as a great loss, a failure, which affected her sense of identity and purpose. I have no idea why I have this [DID]. My therapist looked for evidence of childhood trauma, which sounds like the easiest explanation, but I don’t feel I had any horrific memories which I threw out of my consciousness. (Victoria). Katia and Olga had used psychiatric treatment for anxiety and depression for years. After exploring information about different mental disorders they concluded they had DID. They thought there was a similarity between their personal experiences and those of people publishing testimonials about multiple personalities. In recent years I have a growing sense of identity fragmentation. I have problems with defining my identity because it changes. I used to feel more stable in the past. I had these versions of myself which were more dominating, so I had a stronger sense of identity. For example, 20 years ago there was this scientist. I was studying and felt like a scientist, attending conferences. Now I don’t have that and I don’t know who I am. [. . .] I also have changing interests and hobbies because of different personalities. Long ago I liked certain music, played the guitar, sang songs. I don’t do that anymore, I suddenly lost interest in all that. (Katia). I tried to understand this battle inside, leading me to stagnation. I didn’t know how to describe that but I recently bought a book Healing the fragmented selves of trauma survivors, and everything was explained there. Some of these things I have discovered myself and some were new to me. (Olga). Subsequently, Katia presented to her doctor a review of literature about DID, trying to persuade him that she had this disorder. Theme 2: Using the Notion of Dissociative Parts to Justify Identity Confusion and Conflicting Ego-States She described changes in her professional and social lives in terms of switches between dissociative parts. Although she maintained the first person narrative (“I was studying,” “I played,” or “I sang”), indicating some sense of continuity, she thought it proved the existence of two or more distinct personalities. Participants also reported thoughts, temptations, impulses or actions which seemed to evoke conflicting feelings. Attributing them to ‘something inside that is not-me’ could free them from guilt or shame, so they used a metaphor of someone taking over, logging in, or switching. Dominique thought it was inappropriate to express disappointment or anger, but she accepted the thought that her dissociative parts were doing this. Once participants had embraced the idea of having multiple personalities, they seemed to construct inner reality and justify conflicting needs, impulses or behaviors as an expression of dissociative parts. They referred to being uncertain about who they were and having difficulties recognizing personal emotions, needs or interests. Some of them felt it was connected to a negative cognition about themselves as worthless, unimportant, and not deserving to express what they felt or wanted. Victoria said she would rather define herself through the eyes of others: When I’m angry at my therapist, it is not really me but somebody inside who gets angry easily. Greg often switches on in such situations and says: “Tell her this and this”. [. . .] I went to a shop once and discovered that the price on the label was not for a whole package of batteries but a single one. And suddenly Greg switched on and had a row with the cashier. I mean, I did it, but wound up by his anger. This is so weird, I wouldn’t react like that. They just charged incorrectly and I would normally ignore that but Greg said: “I give a shit about their mistakes. I won’t accept that.” What a failure! (Dominique). My therapist asked what I wanted or needed. It turned out that without other people’s expectations or preferences to which I normally adjust, I wouldn’t know who I am or what I want. I usually engage in my friends’ hobbies and do what I think gives them pleasure. Otherwise, I think they will not like me and reject me, because I have nothing to offer. (Victoria). Since a young age, Dominique tended to immerse herself in a fantasy world, developing elaborated scenarios about people living in a youth center administered by a vicious boss. Different characters in her ‘Story’ represented specific features, interests and plans she had. Mary said she had parts that expressed anger, sadness, and needs associated with attachment. She observed them and allowed them to step in, when situations required. Well, there is John who is a teacher and researcher. He teaches mathematics. I have no skills in maths at all. Tim is a philosopher and would like to train philosophers, enroll doctoral studies. He would like me to study philosophy but the rest of the system wants me to be a worrier. Ralf is a caring nurse and would like to become a paramedic. It is difficult to reconcile all these Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org There were situations in my life when the teenager must have been active. She protected me. She is ready to fight; I am not like that at all. I hate violence, and that teenager likes using force to protect me. [. . .] My therapist suggested I call her after this interview if I 6 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID but not necessarily related to trauma. Katia said she recently remembered the picture of the house and garden where she played as a child and associated these experiences with moments of joy. Karina also exemplified her flashbacks with ‘intrusions of happy memories’ which belonged to other personalities: do not feel well. I didn’t accept that but the [inner] girls got upset and told me I needed her help. They made me comply, so I agreed to call her if I do not feel well. It has always been like this. (Mary). During assessment, no participant provided evidence for the existence of autonomous dissociative parts. It seems that the inner characters described by them personified unintegrated egostates which used to evoke conflicting feelings. Sometimes I begin to laugh but this is not my laughter, but the laughter of sheer joy. Someone inside me is very happy and wants to talk about happy childhood memories, make jokes. (Karina). Theme 3: Exploring Personal Experiences via the Lens of Dissociation Mary said a child part of her was responsible for flashbacks and making comments about current situations. However, she later denied hearing voices or having any other Schneider’s symptoms. Reading books, websites and watching videos of people who claimed to have DID, encouraged them to compare themselves, talk about and express ‘multiple personalities.’ The participants became familiar with specialist terms and learned about core symptoms mentioned in psychiatric manuals. I can hear her comments, that she does not like something. I can be flooded by emotions and have flashbacks associated with that child. For example, there is a trigger and I can see things that this child has seen. She is showing me what was happening in her life. (Mary). I read First person plural which helped me understand what this is all about. The drama of the gifted child and The body keeps the score. More and more girls started to appear. There is a 6-month old baby which showed up only 2 months ago, a sad 11-year old teenager, and a 16-year old who thinks I am a loser. I was a teenager like that. Now she is having problems and becoming withdrawn there are fewer switches, because she knows we need to help the little one first. (Mary). Participants discussed their dissociative parts, their names and features, exhibiting neither avoidance nor fear or shame. On the contrary, they seemed to draw pleasure by smiling, showing excitement and eagerness to produce more examples of their unusual experiences. At the beginning of the interview, Karina was very enthusiastic and said, “My heart is beating so fast, as if I were in fight-or-flight mode.” Olga was also inspired by books. Not only did she find similarities to trauma survivors but she made new discoveries and thought there were other experiences she had been unaware of earlier. Victoria started using techniques which literature recommended for stabilization in dissociative disorders. She said these books helped her understand intense emotions and improve concentration. Theme 4: Talking About DID Attracts Attention Not only were multiple personalities a helpful metaphor for expressing conflicting feelings or needs (already mentioned in Theme 2), but they also became an important topic of conversations with family or friends. This explains everything that happens to me, why I get so angry. I also found anchors helpful. I focus on certain objects, sounds or smells which remind me where I am, instead of drifting away into my thoughts. (Victoria). My husband says sometimes: “I would like to talk to the little girl.” He then says that I start behaving differently. I also talk to my therapist using different voices. Sometimes, she addresses them asking questions. If questions are asked directly, they respond, but there are times I do not allow them to speak, because the teenager part can be very mean and attacks people. (Mary). It seemed that exploring information about DID encouraged changes in participants’ clinical presentation. At first, they merely struggled with emotional liability or detachment, internal conflicts, and concentration problems. Later, they started reporting intrusions of dissociative parts or using clinical terms (e.g., flashback) for experiences which were not necessarily clinical symptoms. Dominique said that the characters of her story would often ‘log in’ and take control. She demonstrated that during the interview by changing her voice and going into a ‘trance.’ She created her own metaphors, explaining these experiences and comparing them with those described in literature. She stressed that she never had amnesia and remained aware of what was happening during her ‘trance.’ It may have been easier for Mary to express her needs for dependency and care by ascribing them to a little girl and, because she felt awkward about feeling angry with the therapist, attributing hostile impulses to a teenager could give her a sense of control and reduce guilt. Karina decided to create a videoblog for documenting dissociative parts, and shared her videos with people interested in DID. She said she was surprised to find clips in which she looked dreadful, having her make-up smeared all over the face, because she had no memory of doing that. However, she showed no signs that it bothered her. She discussed the videos with her best friend, a DID fan who had encouraged her to enroll in the study in order to confirm her diagnosis. They were collecting evidence to support the idea that she had a dissociative disorder, which she presented one by one, before being asked about details. I think it is a form of dissociation on the emotional level. I read a lot. . . The minds of Billy Milligan or First person plural. For sure, I do not have an alteration of personality. I have co-consciousness. My theory is, we are like a glove, we all stem from one trunk, but we are like separate fingers. (Dominique). Mark [her friend] reads a lot about DID. He says I sometimes talk in a high voice which is not the way I usually talk. He refers to us as plural. [. . .] In some of these videos I do not move or blink While participants maintained they had flashbacks, they understood them as sudden recollections of past memories Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 7 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID for a minute. I look at some point and there is no expression on my face. I can remember things until this moment, and later I discover myself looking like something from Creepypastas. I am so sorry for people who have to see this. . . and I found my diary. I have been writing diaries since I was seven. I sometimes have no memory for having written something. I need to find these notes because I would like to write a book about a fantasy world and inner conflicts. (Karina). another possibility. It is some information but I have not heard anything new. (Karina). Only Victoria seemed relieved that her DID diagnosis was not confirmed. She was happy to discuss how attachment problems or conflicts with expressing emotions and needs affected her social life and career, and receive guidelines for future treatment. She felt liberated from having to uncover childhood traumas that her therapist expected her to have as a dissociative patient. Dominique and Katia also wrote journals to record dissociative experiences. Katia hoped to be recognized as an expert-by-experience and develop her career in relation to that. She brought with her a script of a book she hoped to publish 1 day. I was hoping that you would find another explanation for my problems. . . for what is wrong with me, why I feel so sensitive or spaced out, because it is annoying. I would like to know what is going on. I don’t think I’ve had any severe trauma but everybody wants to talk about trauma all the time. (Victoria). Theme 5: Ruling Out DID Leads to Disappointment or Anger DISCUSSION Four participants were openly disappointed that their DID diagnosis was not confirmed. They doubted if their descriptions were accurate enough, or they challenged the interviewer’s understanding of the symptoms. Katia also suggested that she was incapable of providing appropriate answers supporting her diagnosis due to amnesia and personality alterations. ICD-10 and DSM-5 provide inadequate criteria for diagnosing DID, basically limited to patients having distinct dissociative identities with their own memories, preferences and behavioral patterns, and episodes of amnesia (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; World Health Organization, 1993). Clinicians without experience of DID may therefore expect patients to present disruptions of identity during a consultation and spontaneously report memory problems. However, trauma specialists view DID as a ‘disorder of hiddenness’ because patients often find their dissociative symptoms bizarre and confusing and do not disclose them readily due to their shame and the phobia of inner experiences (Steele et al., 2005, 2016; Van der Hart et al., 2006). Instead, they tend to undermine their significance, hide them and not report them during consultations unless asked about them directly. Dissociative patients can also be unaware of their amnesia and ignore evidence for having done things they cannot remember because realizing that is too upsetting. Contrary to that, this study and the one conducted in 1999 in the Netherlands by Draijer and Boon, show that some people with personality disorders enthusiastically report DID symptoms by the book, and use the notion of multiple personalities to justify problems with emotional regulation, inner conflicts, or to seek attention. As with Dutch patients, Polish participants were preoccupied with their alternate personalities and two tried to present a ‘switch’ between parts. Their presentations were naïve and often mixed with lay information on DID. However, what they reported could be misleading for clinicians inexperienced in the dissociation field or those lacking the appropriate tools to distinguish a genuine dissociative disorder from an imitated one. Therefore, understanding the subtleties about DID clinical presentation, especially those which are not thoroughly described in psychiatric manuals, is important to come up with a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Various clinicians stress the importance of understanding the quality of symptoms and the mechanisms behind them in order to distinguish on the phenomenological level between borderline and DID patients (Boon and Draijer, 1993; Laddis et al., 2017). Participants in this study reported problems with identity, affect regulation Do you even consider that I might give different answers if you had asked these questions 2 or 5 years ago? I must have erased some examples from my memory and not all experiences belong to me. I know that people can unconsciously modify their narratives and that is why I wanted an objective assessment. [. . .] Nobody believed I was resistant to anesthetics until I was diagnosed with some abnormalities. It was once written in my medical report that I was a hypochondriac. One signature and things become clear to everyone. Sometimes it is better to have the worst diagnosis, but have it. (Katia). She expected that the diagnosis would legitimize her inability to establish satisfactory relationships, work, and become financially independent. For this reason, she also insisted that the final report produced for her should contain information about how she felt maltreated by family or doctors, and revealed her hopes to claim damages for health injury. Mary and Karina were also upset that the interviewers did not believe they had DID. Can you try to imagine how hard it is? I am not making things up? You don’t believe me. I am telling you things and you must be thinking, from the adult perspective: “You are making this up.” Nothing pisses me off more than someone who is trying to prove to others that they have just imagined things. They [dissociative parts] feel neglected again, as always! (Mary). Karina tried to hide her disappointment and claimed she was glad she didn’t have a severe mental illness. However, she thought she would need to build another theory explaining her symptoms. After the interview, she sent more videos trying to prove the assessment results were not accurate. What about my problems then? I am unable to set boundaries, I have anxiety, I fear that a war might break out. If this is not dissociation, then what? I had tests and they ruled out any neurological problems. I came here and ruled out Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 8 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID dissociative parts which are stuck in trauma. In addition to avoidance, this is another characteristic PTSD feature observed in the clinical presentation of DID patients (Van der Hart et al., 2010). Interestingly, participants in this study showed no evidence for intrusions (images, emotions or somatosensory experiences directly related to trauma), but rather problems with emotional regulation (illustrated in sections “Themes 1 and 2”). Asked about intrusive images, emotions or thoughts, some gave examples of distressing thoughts attacking self-image and blaming for their behavior. This, however, was related to attachment problems and difficulties with self-soothing. They also revealed a tendency to indulge themselves in these auto-critical thoughts instead of actively avoiding them, which is often a case in dissociative patients. Some intrusions reported by DID patients are somatoform in nature and connected with dissociative parts stuck in trauma time (Pietkiewicz et al., 2018). Although three participants in this study had very high scores in SDQ-20 indicating that they may have a dissociative disorder (scores of 50–60 are common in DID), further interviews revealed that they aggravated their symptoms and, in fact, had low levels of somatoform dissociation. This shows that tests results should be interpreted with caution and clinicians should always ask patients for specific examples of the symptoms they report. and internal conflicts about expressing their impulses. Some of them also had somatic complaints. These symptoms are common in personality disorders and also in dissociative disorders, which are polysymptomatic by nature. However, the quality of these symptoms and psychological mechanisms behind them may be different. For a differential diagnosis, clinicians need to become familiar with the unique internal dynamics in people who have developed a structural dissociation of personality as a result of trauma. These patients try to cope with everyday life and avoid actively thinking about and discussing traumatic memories, or experiencing symptoms associated with them. Because of that avoidance, they find it challenging to talk about dissociative symptoms with a clinician. Besides experiencing fear of being labeled as insane and sent to hospital, there may be internal conflicts associated with disclosing information. For example, dissociative parts may forbid them to talk about symptoms or past experiences. This conflict can sometimes be indicated by facial expression, involuntary movements, spasms, and also felt by the clinician in his or her countertransference. In other words, it is not only what patients say about their experiences, but how they do this. Therapists’ observations and countertransference may help in assessing the quality of avoidance: How openly or easily do patients report symptoms or adverse life experiences? Is that associated with strong depersonalisation (detachment from feelings and sensations, being absent)? Is there evidence for internal conflicts, shame, fear or feeling blocked when talking about symptoms (often observed in facial expression, tone of voice)? Participants in this study were eager to talk about how others mistreated them and wanted to have that documented on paper. Difficult experiences in the past sometimes triggered intense emotions in them (anger, resentment, and deep sadness) but they did not avoid exploring and communicating these states. On the contrary, they eagerly shared an elaborate narrative of their sorrows and about their inner characters – the multiple personalities they were convinced they had. They became keen on DID and used a variety of resources to familiarize themselves with core symptoms. They also spontaneously reported them, as if they wanted to provide sound evidence about having DID and were ready to defend their diagnosis. Some planned their future based on it (an academic career, writing a book, or a film). During the interviews, it became clear that some perceived having an exotic diagnosis as an opportunity for seeking attention and feeling unique, exhibiting the drama of an ‘unseen child’ (see section “Theme 4”). Understanding a few of the symptoms identified in this study can be useful for differential diagnosis: intrusions, voices, switches, amnesia, use of language, depersonalisation. How they are presented by patients and interpreted by clinicians is important. Voices It is common for DID patients to experience auditory hallucinations (Dorahy et al., 2009; Longden et al., 2019). The voices usually belong to dissociative parts and comment on actions, express needs, likes and dislikes, and encourage self-mutilation. Subsequently, there may be conflicts between ‘voices,’ and the relationship with them is quite complex. Dorahy et al., 2009 observe that auditory hallucinations are more common in DID than in schizophrenia. In dissociative patients they are more complex and responsive, and already appear in childhood. Specifically, child voices are also to be expected in DID (97% in comparison to 6% in psychosis). None of our participants reported auditory hallucinations although one (Dominique) said she had imaginary friends from childhood. While this could sound like a dissociative experience, exploring their experiences showed she had a tendency to absorb herself in her fantasy world and vividly imagine characters in her story (see section “Theme 2”). Switches Literature also shows that it is uncommon for avoidant dissociative patients to present autonomous dissociative parts to a therapist before a good relationship has been established and the phobia for inner experiences reduced (Steele et al., 2005). Sudden switches between dissociative personalities may occur only when the patient is triggered and cannot exercise enough control to hide his or her symptoms. Two participants in this study (Dominique and Karina) tried to present ‘alternate personalities’ and they actually announced this would happen, so that the interviewer did not miss them. Later on, they could Intrusions Triggered by external or internal factors (memories or anything associated with trauma) dissociative patients tend to relive traumatic experiences. In other words, they have intrusive memories, emotions or sensorimotor sensations contained by Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 9 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID attacks to other parts, not-me (see: Dominique in section “Theme 2”). One might suspect it could be evidence for autonomous dissociative parts. However, these participants seem to have had unintegrated, unaccepted self-states and used the concept of DID to make meaning of their internal conflicts. In their narrative they maintained the first-person narrative. None of them provided sound evidence for extreme forms of depersonalisation, such as not feeling the body altogether or out-of-body experiences. There can be many reasons why people develop symptoms which resemble those typical of DID. Suggestions about a dissociative disorder made by healthcare providers can help people justify and explain inner conflicts or interpersonal problems. In this study several clinicians had suggested a dissociative disorder or DID to the patient. Literature on multiple personalities and therapy focused on them, and using expressions such as ‘parts’, ‘dissociating’, ‘switches,’ can also encourage demonstrating such symptoms. There are also secondary gains explained in this study, such as receiving attention and care. Draijer and Boon (1999) observe that people with borderline features justified shameful behavior and avoided responsibility by attributing their actions to ‘alter personalities.’ Such people can declare amnesia for their outbursts of anger, or hitting partners. Others explained their identity confusion and extreme emptiness using the DID model. All their participants reported emotional neglect and felt unseen in their childhood, so they adopted a new DID-patient identity to fill up inner emptiness (Draijer and Boon, 1999). Just like the participants in this study, they were angry when that diagnosis was disconfirmed during the assessment, as if the clinician had taken away something precious from them. This shows that communicating the results should be done with understanding, empathy and care. Patients and clinicians need to understand and discuss reasons for developing a DID-patient identity, its advantages and pitfalls. In countries where clinicians are less familiar with the dissociative pathology, there may be a greater risk for both falsenegative and false-positive DID diagnoses. The latter is caused by the growing popularity of that disorder in media and social networks. People who try to make meaning of their emotional conflicts, attachment problems and difficulties in establishing satisfactory relationships, may find the DID concept attractive. It is important that clinicians who rule out or disconfirm DID, also provide patients with friendly feedback that encourages using treatment for their actual problems. Nevertheless, this may still evoke strong reactions in patients whose feelings and needs have been neglected, rejected or invalidated by significant others. Disconfirming DID may be experienced by them as an attack, taking something away from them, or an indication that they lie. relate to what happened during the alleged switch (no amnesia), maintaining the first-person perspective (I was saying/doing). Contrary to that, dissociative patients experience much shame and fear of disclosing their internal parts (Draijer and Boon, 1999). If they become aware that switches had occurred, they try to make reasonable explanations for the intrusions of parts and unusual behavior (e.g., I must have been very tired and affected by the new medicine I am taking). Amnesia Dell (2006) mentions various indicators of amnesia in patients with DID. However, losing memory for unpleasant experiences may occur in different disorders, usually for behaviors evoking shame or guilt, or for actions under extreme stress (Laddis et al., 2017). All patients in this study had problems with emotional regulation and some said they could not remember what they said or did when they became very upset. With some priming, they could recall and describe events. For this reason, it is recommended to explore evidence for amnesia for pleasant or neutral activities (e.g., doing shopping or cleaning, socializing). According to Laddis et al. (2017) there are different mechanisms underlying memory problems in personality and dissociative disorders. Use of Language Participants in this study often used clinical jargon (e.g., flashbacks, switches, and feeling depersonalized) which indicates they had read about dissociative psychopathology or received psycho-education. However, they often had lay understanding of clinical terms. A good example in this study was having ‘flashbacks’ of neutral or pleasant situations which had once been forgotten. Examples of nightmares did not necessarily indicate reliving traumatic events during sleep (as in PTSD) but expressed conflicts and agitation through symbolic, unrealistic, sometimes upsetting dreams. When talking about behavior of other parts and their preferences, they often maintained a first-person perspective. Requesting patients to provide specific examples is thus crucial. Depersonalisation Detachment from feelings and emotions, bodily sensations and external reality is often present in various disorders (Simeon and Abugel, 2006). While these phenomena have been commonly associated with dissociation, Holmes et al. (2005) stress the differences between detachment (which can be experienced by both dissociative and non-dissociative patients) and compartmentalisation, associated with the existence of dissociative parts. Allen et al. (1999) also stress that extreme absorptive detachment can interfere with noticing feelings and bodily sensations, and also memory. Some participants in this study tended to enter trance-like states or get absorbed in their inner reality, subsequently getting detached from bodily sensations. They also described their feeling of emptiness in terms of detachment from feelings. Nevertheless, none of them disclosed evidence for having distinct dissociative parts. Some of their statements might have been misleading; for example, when they attributed anger Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org Limitations and Further Directions Among the 85 people who participated in a thorough diagnostic assessment, there were six false-positive DID cases, and this study focused on their personal experiences and meaning attributed to the diagnosis. Because IPA studies are highly idiographic, 10 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID TABLE 4 | Red flags for identifying false-positive or imitated DID. This table enumerates suggestive features of false positive or imitated DID cases identified in this study, which should be taken into consideration during diagnostic assessment. 1. Directly or indirectly expects to confirm self-diagnosed DID. 2. DID previously suggested by someone (friend, psychologist, and doctor) without thorough clinical assessment. 3. Keen on DID diagnosis and familiarized with symptoms: read books, watched videos, talked to other patients, participated in a support group for dissociative patients. 4. Uses clinical jargon: parts, alters, dissociating, switch, depersonalisation, etc. 5. Reveals little avoidance: eagerly talks about painful experiences and dissociation, no indicators for genuine shame or inner conflicts associated with disclosing symptoms or parts. 6. Readily justifies losing control of emotions and unacceptable or shameful behavior in terms of not being oneself or being influenced by an alternative personality. 7. No evidence for the intrusions of unwanted and avoided traumatic memories or re-experiencing them in the present. 8. Denies having ego-dystonic thoughts or voices, especially starting in early childhood and child-like voices. Note: Dissociative patients may be afraid, ashamed, or feel it is forbidden to talk about the voices. 9. No evidence of amnesia for neutral or pleasant everyday activities, e.g., working, doing shopping, socializing, playing with children. 10. Tries to control the interview and provide evidence for having DID, e.g., eagerly reports dissociative symptoms without being asked about them. 11. Announces and performs a switch between personalities during clinical assessment, especially before a good relationship with the clinician and trust has been established. 12. Finds apparent gains associated with having DID: receives special interest from family and friends with whom symptoms and personalities are eagerly discussed, runs support groups, blogs or video channels for people with dissociative disorders. 13. Gets upset or disappointed when DID is not confirmed, e.g., demands re-evaluation, excuses oneself for not being accurate enough in giving right answers, wants to provide more evidence. which suggested it was probable they had a dissociative disorder. However, during a clinical diagnostic interview they did not report a cluster of somatoform or psychoform dissociative symptoms and did not meet criteria for any dissociative disorder diagnosis. Clinicians also need to go beyond the face value of a patient’s responses, ask for specific examples, and notice one’s own countertransference. Draijer and Boon (1999) observed that DID patients were often experienced by clinicians as very fragile, and exploring symptoms with people with personality disorders (who try to aggravate them and control the interview) can evoke tiredness or even irritability. It is important that clinicians understand their own responses and use them in the diagnostic process. While psycho-education is considered a crucial element in the initial treatment of dissociative disorders (Van der Hart et al., 2006; Howell, 2011; Steele et al., 2016), patients whose diagnosis has not been confirmed by a thorough diagnostic assessment should not be encouraged to develop knowledge about DID symptomatology, because this may affect their clinical presentation and how they make meaning of their problems. Subsequently, this may lead to a wrong diagnosis and treatment, which can become iatrogenic. they are by nature limited to a small number of participants. There were two important limitations in this research. Firstly, information about the level of psychoform symptoms has not been given, because the validation of the Polish instrument used for that purpose is not complete. Secondly, TADS-I used for collecting clinical data about trauma-related symptoms and dissociation has not been validated, either. Because there are no gold standards in Poland for diagnosing dissociative disorders, video-recordings of diagnostic interviews were carefully analyzed and discussed by all authors to agree upon the diagnosis. Taking this into consideration, further qualitative and quantitative research is recommended to formulate and validate more specific diagnostic criteria for DID and guidelines for the differential diagnosis. CONCLUSION Clinicians need to understand the complexity of DID symptoms and psychological mechanisms responsible for them in order to differentiate between genuine and imitated post-traumatic conditions. There are several features identified in this study which may indicate false-positive or imitated DID shown in Table 4, which should be taken into consideration during diagnostic assessment. In Poland, as in many countries, this requires more systematic training in diagnosis for psychiatrists and clinical psychologists in order to prevent under- and over-diagnosis of dissociative disorders, DID in particular. It is not uncommon that patients exaggerate on self-report questionnaires when they are invested in certain symptoms. In this study, all participants had scores above the cut-off score of 28 on the SDQ-20, a measure to assess somatoform dissociation, Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT The datasets generated for this study are not readily available because data contain highly sensitive clinical material, including medical data which cannot be shared according to local regulations. Requests to access the datasets should be directed to IP, [email protected]. 11 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID interviews and helped in literature review and manuscript preparation. RT performed psychiatric assessment and helped in data analysis and manuscript preparation. SB helped in data analysis and manuscript preparation. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version. ETHICS STATEMENT The studies involving human participants were reviewed and approved by Ethical Review Board at the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The patients/participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study. FUNDING AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS Grant number 2016/22/E/HS6/00306 was obtained for the study “Interpretative phenomenological analysis of depersonalization and derealization in clinical and non-clinical groups.” IP collected qualitative data, performed the analysis, and prepared the manuscript. AB-N transcribed and analyzed the REFERENCES Leonard, D., Brann, S., and Tiller, J. (2005). Dissociative disorders: pathways to diagnosis, clinician attitudes and their impact. Aust. N. Z, J. Psychiatry 39, 940–946. doi: 10.1080/j.1440-1614.2005.01700.x Longden, E., Moskowitz, A., Dorahy, M. J., and Perona-Garcelán, S. (2019). Auditory Verbal Hallucinations: Prevalence, Phenomenology, and the Dissociation Hypothesis Psychosis, Trauma and Dissociation: Evolving Perspectives on Severe Psychopathology. (Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.), 207–222. Nijenhuis, E., van der Hart, O., and Kruger, K. (2002). 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C., Frasquilho, F., et al. (2005). Are there two qualitatively distinct forms of dissociation? a review and some clinical implications. Clin. Psychol. Rev. 25, 1–23. Howell, E. F. (2011). Understanding and Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Relational Approach. New York, NY: Routledge. International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (2011). Guidelines for treating dissociative identity disorder in adults, third revision. J. Trauma Dissociation 12, 115–187. doi: 10.1080/15299732.2011.537247 Laddis, A., Dell, P. F., and Korzekwa, M. (2017). Comparing the symptoms and mechanisms of “dissociation” in dissociative identity disorder and borderline personality disorder. J. Trauma Dissociation 18, 139–173. Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 12 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID World Health Organization (1993). The ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders: Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Guidelines. Geneva: World Health Organization. Copyright © 2021 Pietkiewicz, Bańbura-Nowak, Tomalski and Boon. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 13 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929
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ORIGINAL RESEARCH published: 06 May 2021 doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.637929 Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated Dissociative Identity Disorder Igor Jacob Pietkiewicz* , Anna Bańbura-Nowak, Radosław Tomalski and Suzette Boon Research Centre for Trauma & Dissociation, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Katowice, Poland Edited by: Hamed Ekhtiari, Laureate Institute for Brain Research, United States Reviewed by: Hosein Mohaddes Ardabili, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran Bo Bach, Psychiatry Region Zealand, Denmark *Correspondence: Igor Jacob Pietkiewicz [email protected] Specialty section: This article was submitted to Psychopathology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Psychology Received: 04 December 2020 Accepted: 14 April 2021 Published: 06 May 2021 Citation: Pietkiewicz IJ, Bańbura-Nowak A, Tomalski R and Boon S (2021) Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated Dissociative Identity Disorder. Front. Psychol. 12:637929. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.637929 ICD-10 and DSM-5 do not provide clear diagnosing guidelines for DID, making it difficult to distinguish ‘genuine’ DID from imitated or false-positive cases. This study explores meaning which patients with false-positive or imitated DID attributed to their diagnosis. 85 people who reported elevated levels of dissociative symptoms in SDQ20 participated in clinical assessment using the Trauma and Dissociation Symptoms Interview, followed by a psychiatric interview. The recordings of six women, whose earlier DID diagnosis was disconfirmed, were transcribed and subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five main themes were identified: (1) endorsement and identification with the diagnosis. (2) The notion of dissociative parts justifies identity confusion and conflicting ego-states. (3) Gaining knowledge about DID affects the clinical presentation. (4) Fragmented personality becomes an important discussion topic with others. (5) Ruling out DID leads to disappointment or anger. To avoid misdiagnoses, clinicians should receive more systematic training in the assessment of dissociative disorders, enabling them to better understand subtle differences in the quality of symptoms and how dissociative and non-dissociative patients report them. This would lead to a better understanding of how patients with and without a dissociative disorder report core dissociative symptoms. Some guidelines for a differential diagnosis are provided. Keywords: dissociative identity disorder (DID), false-positive cases, personality disorder, dissociation, differential diagnosis INTRODUCTION Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) was first introduced in DSM-III in 1980 and re-named Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in subsequent editions of the diagnostic manual (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Table 1 shows diagnostic criteria of this disorder in ICD-10, ICD11, and DSM-5. Some healthcare providers perceive it as fairly uncommon or associated with temporary trends (Brand et al., 2016). Even its description in ICD-10 (World Health Organization, 1993) starts with: “This disorder is rare, and controversy exists about the extent to which it is iatrogenic or culture-specific” (p. 160). Yet, according to the guidelines of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, 2011), the prevalence of DID in the general population is estimated between 1 and 3%. The review of global studies on DID in clinical settings by Sar (2011) shows the rate from Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 1 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID TABLE 1 | Diagnostic criteria for dissociative identity disorder. ICD-10 Multiple personality disorder F44.81 (A) Two or more distinct personalities exist within the individual, only one being evident at a time. (B) Each personality has its own memories, preferences, and behavior patterns, and at some time (and recurrently) takes full control of the individual’s behavior. (C) There is inability to recall important personal information which is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness. (D) The symptoms are not due to organic mental disorders (F00–F09) (e.g., in epileptic disorders) or to psychoactive substance-related disorders (F10–F19) (e.g., intoxication or withdrawal). ICD-11 Dissociative identity disorder 6B64 Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by disruption of identity in which there are two or more distinct personality states (dissociative identities) associated with marked discontinuities in the sense of self and agency. Each personality state includes its own pattern of experiencing, perceiving, conceiving, and relating to self, the body, and the environment. At least two distinct personality states recurrently take executive control of the individual’s consciousness and functioning in interacting with others or with the environment, such as in the performance of specific aspects of daily life such as parenting, or work, or in response to specific situations (e.g., those that are perceived as threatening). Changes in personality state are accompanied by related alterations in sensation, perception, affect, cognition, memory, motor control, and behavior. There are typically episodes of amnesia, which may be severe. The symptoms are not better explained by another mental, behavioral or neurodevelopmental disorder and are not due to the direct effects of a substance or medication on the central nervous system, including withdrawal effects, and are not due to a disease of the nervous system or a sleep-wake disorder. The symptoms result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. DSM-5 Dissociative identity disorder 300.14 (A) Disruption of identity characterized by two or more distinct personality states, which may be described in some cultures as an experience of possession. The disruption in identity involves marked discontinuity in sense of self and sense of agency accompanied by related alterations in affect, behavior, consciousness, memory, perception, cognition, and/or sensory-motor functioning. These signs and symptoms may be observed by others or reported by the individual. (B) Recurrent gaps in the recall of everyday events, important personal information, and/or traumatic events that are inconsistent with ordinary forgetting. (C) The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. (D) The disturbance is not a normal part of a broadly accepted cultural or religious practice. Note: In children, the symptoms are not better explained by imaginary playmates or other fantasy play. (E) The symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., blackouts or chaotic behavior during alcohol intoxication) or another medical condition (e.g., complex partial seizures). a false positive diagnosis, which is unfavorable for the patient, because using treatment developed for DID with patients without autonomous dissociative parts may be inefficient or even reinforce their pathology. Authors who wrote about patients inappropriately diagnosed with this disorder used terms such as ‘malingering’ or ‘factitious’ DID (Coons and Milstein, 1994; Thomas, 2001). According to Draijer and Boon (1999), both labels imply that patients intentionally simulate symptoms, either for external gains (financial benefits or justification for one’s actions in court) or for other forms of gratification (e.g., interest from others), while in many cases their motivation is not fully conscious. Getting a DID diagnosis can also provide structure for inner chaos and incomprehensible experiences, and be associated with hope and belief it is real. On the other hand, diagnostic errors often result in inappropriate treatment plans and procedures. Already in 1995 Boon and Draijer stressed that a growing number of people self-diagnosed themselves based on information from literature and the Internet, and reported symptoms by the book during psychiatric or psychological assessment. Based on their observation of 36 patients in whom DID had been ruled out after applying the structured clinical interview SCID-D, these clinicians identified differences between genuine and imitated DID. They classified their participants into three groups: (1) borderline personality disorder, (2) histrionic personality disorder, or (3) persons with severe dissociative symptoms but not DID. Participants in that study reported symptoms similar to DID patients, including: amnesia (but only for unacceptable behavior), depersonalisation, derealisation, identity confusion, and identity alteration. However, they presented themselves and interacted with the therapist in very 0.4 to 14%. However, in studies using clinical diagnostic interviews among psychiatric in-patients, and in European studies these numbers were lower (Friedl et al., 2000). The discrepancies apparently depend on the sample, the methodology and diagnostic interviews used by researchers. Diagnosing complex dissociative disorders (DID or Other Specified Dissociative Disorder, OSDD) is challenging for several reasons. Firstly, patients present a lot of avoidance and rarely report dissociative symptoms spontaneously without direct questioning (Boon and Draijer, 1993; International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, 2011; Dorahy et al., 2014). In addition, standard mental state examination does not include these symptoms and healthcare professionals do not receive appropriate training in diagnosing dissociative disorders (Leonard et al., 2005). Secondly, complex dissociative disorders are polysymptomatic, and specialists would rather diagnose these patients with disorders more familiar to them from clinical practice, e.g., anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, or borderline personality disorder (Boon and Draijer, 1995; Dell, 2006; Brand et al., 2016). For these reasons, complex dissociative disorders are underdiagnosed and often mis-diagnosed. For example, 26.5–40.8% of DID patients would already have been diagnosed and treated for schizophrenia (Putnam et al., 1986; Ross et al., 1989). On the other hand, because there is so much information about DID in the media (Hollywood productions, interviews and testimonies published on YouTube, blogs), people who are confused about themselves and try to find an accurate diagnosis for themselves may learn about DID symptoms on the Internet, identify themselves with the disorder, and later (even unintentionally) report core symptoms in a very convincing way (Draijer and Boon, 1999). This presents a risk of making Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 2 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID different ways. While DID patients are usually reluctant to talk about their symptoms and experience their intrusions as shameful, people who imitated DID were eager to present their problems, sometimes in an exaggerated way, in an attempt to convince the clinician that they suffered from DID (Boon and Draijer, 1995; Draijer and Boon, 1999). Similar observations were expressed by Thomas (2001) saying that people with imitated DID can present their history chronologically, using the first person even when they are highly distressed or allegedly presenting an altered personality, and are comfortable with disclosing information about experiences of abuse. They can talk about intrusions of dissociative parts, hearing voices or difficulties controlling emotions, without shame. Unfortunately, ICD-10, ICD-11, and DSM-5 offer no specific guidelines on how to differentiate patients with personality disorders and dissociative disorders by the manner in which they report symptoms. There are also limited instruments to distinguish between false-positive and false-negative DID. From the clinical perspective, it is also crucial to understand the motives for being diagnosed with DID, and disappointment when this diagnosis is disconfirmed. Accurate assessment can contribute to developing appropriate psychotherapeutic procedures (Boon and Draijer, 1995; Draijer and Boon, 1999). Apart from observations already referred to earlier in this article, there are no qualitative analyses of false-positive DID cases in the past 20 years. Most research was quantitative and compared DID patients and simulators in terms of cognitive functions (Boysen and VanBergen, 2014). This interpretative phenomenological analysis is an idiographic study which explores personal experiences and meaning attributed to conflicting emotions and behaviors in six women who had previously been diagnosed with DID and referred to the Research Centre for Trauma and Dissociation for re-evaluation. It explores how they came to believe they have DID and what had led clinicians to assume that these patients could be suffering from this disorder. Procedure This study is part of a larger project examining alterations in consciousness and dissociative symptoms in clinical and non-clinical groups, held at the Research Centre for Trauma & Dissociation, financed by the National Science Centre, and approved by the Ethical Review Board at the SWPS University of Social Sciences & Humanities. Potential candidates enrolled themselves or were registered by healthcare providers via an application integrated with the website www.e-psyche.eu. They filled in demographic information and completed online tests, including: Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20, Pietkiewicz et al., 2018) and Trauma Experiences Checklist (Nijenhuis et al., 2002). Those with elevated SDQ-20 scores (above 28 points) or those referred for differential diagnosis were consulted and if dissociative symptoms were confirmed, they were invited to participate in an in-depth clinical assessment including a series of interviews, video-recorded and performed at the researcher’s office by the first author who is a psychotherapist and supervisor experienced in the dissociation field. In Poland, there are no gold standards for diagnosing dissociative disorders. The first interview was semi-structured, open-ended and explored the patient’s history, main complaints and motives for participation. It included questions such as: What made you participate in this study? What are your main difficulties or symptoms in daily life? What do you think caused them? Further questions were then asked to explore participants’ experiences and meaning-making. This was followed by the Trauma and Dissociation Symptoms Interview (TADS-I, Boon and Matthess, 2017). The TADS-I is a new semi-structured interview intended to identify DSM-5 and ICD-11 dissociative disorders. The TADS-I differs in several ways from other semi-structured interviews for the assessment of dissociative disorders. Firstly, it includes a significant section on somatoform dissociative symptoms. Secondly, it includes a section addressing other trauma-related symptoms for several reasons: (1) to obtain a more comprehensive clinical picture of possible comorbidities, including symptoms of PTSD and complex PTSD, (2) to gain a better insight into the (possible) dissociative organization of the personality: patient’s dissociative parts hold many of these comorbid symptoms and amnesia, voices or depersonalisation experiences are often associated with these symptoms; and (3) to better distinguish between complex dissociative disorders, personality disorders and other Axis I disorders and false positive DID. Finally, the TADS-I also aims to distinguish between symptoms of pathological dissociation indicating a division of the personality and symptoms which are related to a narrowing or a lowering of consciousness, and not to the structural dissociation of the personality. Validation testing of the TADS-I is currently underway. TADS interviews ranging from 2 to 4 h were usually held in sessions of 90 min. Interview recordings were assessed by three healthcare professionals experienced in the dissociation field, who discussed each case and consensually came up with a diagnosis based on ICD-10. An additional mental state examination was performed by the third author who is a psychiatrist, also experienced in the differential diagnosis of dissociative disorders. He collected medical data, double-checked the most important symptoms, communicated the results and discussed treatment indications. Qualitative data collected from MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was carried out in Poland in 2018 and 2019. Rich qualitative material collected during in-depth clinical assessments was subjected to the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), a popular methodological framework in psychology for exploring people’s personal experiences and interpretations of phenomena (Smith and Osborn, 2008). IPA was selected to build a deeper understanding of how patients who endorsed and identified with dissociative identity disorder made sense of the diagnosis and what it meant for them to be classified as false-positive cases during reassessment. Interpretative phenomenological analysis uses phenomenological, hermeneutic, and idiographic principles. It employs ‘double hermeneutics,’ in which participants share their experiences and interpretations, followed by researchers trying to make sense and comment on these interpretations. IPA uses small, homogenous, purposefully selected samples, and data are carefully analyzed case-by-case (Smith and Osborn, 2008; Pietkiewicz and Smith, 2014). Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 3 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID who also developed the TADS-I. They are all mentors and trainers of the European Society for Trauma and Dissociation, with significant expertise in the assessment of post-traumatic conditions. The first co-investigator (AB) has a master’s degree in psychology and is a Ph.D. candidate. She is also a psychotherapist in training. All authors coded and discussed their understanding of data. Their understanding and interpretations of symptoms reported by participants were influenced by their background knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating patients with personality disorders and dissociative disorders. six patients out of 85 were selected for this interpretative phenomenological analysis, based on the following criteria for inclusion, which could ensure a homogenous sample expected of IPA studies – (a) female, (b) previously diagnosed or referred to rule in/out DID, (c) endorsement and identification with DID, (d) dissociative disorder disconfirmed in the assessment. Interviews with every participant in this study ranged from 3 h 15 min to 7 h 20 min (mean: 6 h). Participants Participants of this IPA were six female patients aged between 22 and 42 years who were selected out of 86 people examined in a larger study exploring dissociation and alterations in consciousness in clinical and non-clinical groups. (Participants in the larger study met criteria of different diagnoses and seven among them had ‘genuine’ DID). These six patients did not meet DID criteria on the TADS-I interview but believed themselves that they qualified for that diagnosis. Four of them had higher education, two were secondary school graduates. All of them registered in the study by themselves hoping to confirm their diagnosis but two (Olga and Katia) were referred by psychiatrists, and the others by psychotherapists. All of them traveled from far away, which showed their strong motivation to participate in the assessment. Four had previously had psychiatric treatment and five had been in psychotherapy due to problems with emotional regulation and relationships. In the cases of Victoria and Dominique, psychotherapy involved working with dissociative parts. None of them recalled any physical or sexual abuse, but three (Dominique, Victoria, and Mary), following therapists’ suggestions, were trying to seek such traumatic memories to justify their diagnosis. They all felt emotionally neglected by carriers in childhood and emotionally abused by significant others. None of them reported symptoms indicating the existence of autonomous dissociative parts. None had symptoms indicating amnesia for daily events, but four declared not remembering single situations associated with conflicting emotions, shame, guilt, or conversations during which they were more focused on internal experiences rather than their interlocutors. None experienced PTSD symptoms (e.g., intrusive traumatic memories and avoidance), autoscopic phenomena (e.g., out-of-body experiences), or clinically significant somatoform symptoms. None had auditory verbal hallucinations but four intensely engaged in daydreaming and experienced imagined conversations as very real. All of them had been seeking information about DID in literature and the Internet. For more information about them see Table 2. Their names have been changed to protect their confidentiality. Data Analysis Verbatim transcriptions were made of all video recordings, which were analyzed together with researchers’ notes using qualitative data-analysis software – NVivo11. Consecutive analytical steps recommended for IPA were employed in the study (Pietkiewicz and Smith, 2014). For each interview, researchers watched the recording and carefully read the transcript several times. They individually made notes about body language, facial expressions, the content and language use, and wrote down their interpretative comments using the ‘annotation’ feature in NVivo10. Next, they categorized their notes into emergent themes by allocating descriptive labels (nodes). The team then compared and discussed their coding and interpretations. They analyzed connections between themes in each interview and between cases, and grouped themes according to conceptual similarities into main themes and sub-themes. Credibility Checks During each interview, participants were encouraged to give examples illustrating reported symptoms or experiences. Clarification questions were asked to negotiate the meaning participants wanted to convey. At the end of the interview, they were also asked questions to check that their responses were thorough. The researchers discussed each case thoroughly and also compared their interpretative notes to compare their understanding of the content and its meaning (the second hermeneutics). RESULTS Participants in this study explained how they concluded they were suffering from DID, developed knowledge about the syndrome and an identity of a DID patient, and how this affected their everyday life and relationships. Five salient themes appeared in all interviews, as listed in Table 3. Each theme is discussed and illustrated with verbatim excerpts from the interviews, in accordance with IPA principles. The Researchers Theme 1: Endorsement and Identification With the Diagnosis The principal investigator (IJP) is a psychotherapist, supervisor, and researcher in the field of community health psychology and clinical psychology. The second co-investigator (RT) is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and supervisor. The third coinvestigator (SB) is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, supervisor, and a consulting expert in forensic psychology, Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org All six participants hoped to confirm they had DID. They read books and browsed the Internet seeking information about dissociation, and watched YouTube videos presenting people describing multiple personalities. Dominique, Victoria, Mary, 4 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID TABLE 2 | Study participants. Name Participant’s characteristics Victoria Age 22, single, lives with parents and younger brother. Stopped her studies after 3 years and was hospitalized in a psychiatric facility for a short period due to problems with emotions and relationships. Reports difficulties with recognizing and expressing emotions, emptiness, feels easily hurt and rejected, afraid of abandonment. Perceives herself as unimportant and worthless, sometimes cuts herself for emotional relief. Maintains superficial relationships, does not trust people; in childhood was frequently left alone with grandparents because her parents traveed; described her parents as setting high expectations, mother as getting easily upset and impulsive. No substance use. No history of physical or sexual trauma. Her maternal grandfather abused alcohol but was not violent; no history of suicides in her family. Scored 38 points in SDQ-20 but no significant somatoform symptoms reported during clinical assessment. Karina Age 22, single, secondary education. Enrolled in university programs twice but stopped. Acting is a hobby; recently worked as a waitress or hostess, currently unemployed. Has had psychiatric treatment for 17 years due to anxiety and problems in relationships. Two short hospital admissions; in psychodynamic psychotherapy in last 2 years. Reports emotional instability, feeling depressed, anxious, and lonely; maintains few relationships; experiences conflicts with expressing anger and needs for dependency, no self-harm. She had periods of using alcohol excessively in the past, currently once a month, no drugs. No family members used psychiatric help. Reports abandonment, emotional and physical abuse in childhood and eagerly talks about these experiences. Scored 68 points in SDQ-20 but no significant somatoform symptoms reported during clinical assessment. Dominique Age 33, higher education, married, three children. Works as a playwright, comes from an artistic family. Was given away to her grandparents as a baby and returned to parents and brothers when she was seven; often felt abandoned and neglected. She had learning difficulties and problems in relationships, mood regulation, auto-aggressive behavior, feelings of emptiness and loneliness. Denies using alcohol or drugs; at secondary school abused marihuana. Her paternal grandmother had psychosis, her father abused marihuana and mother was treated for depression. Reports poverty at home. No suicides in family. Often retreated into her fantasy world in which she developed a story about boys kept in a resocialisation center. Has had psychiatric treatment and counseling for 20 years. Scored 52 points in SDQ-20 but no somatoform symptoms confirmed during clinical assessment. Mary Age 34, higher education, married. Works in the creative industry and engaged in proselytic activities as an active Jehovah’s Witness (joined the organization 10 years earlier, encouraged by her mother). Has had EMDR therapy for 2 years due to problems maintaining relationships and managing anger. When her therapist asked if she felt there were different parts inside her, she started exploring information about DID. She denies smoking or using any drugs, alcohol. Mother suffered from mild depression. No suicides in family. Scored 48 points in SDQ-20 but no somatoform symptoms confirmed during clinical assessment. Olga Age 40, higher education, single. Works in social care. Reports depressive mood, low self-esteem, difficulties with concentration, problems with social contacts. Occasionally uses alcohol in small doses, no drugs. Describes her mother as demanding but also distant and negligent because she was busy with her medical practice. Father withdrawn and depressed but never used psychiatric treatment. No other trauma history. No suicides in family. Tried psychotherapy four times but usually terminated treatment after a while. Her psychiatrist referred her for evaluation of memory problems, and confirming DID. Scored 31 points in SDQ-20; confirms a few somatoform symptoms: headaches, symptoms associated with cystitis, detachment from bodily sensations. Katia Age 42, post-graduate education. Unemployed. On social benefits for 15 years due to neurological and pulmonary symptoms, complications after urological surgeries. Reports low self-esteem, self-loathing, problems in establishing or maintaining relationships, feeling lonely, rejected and not understood. Inclinations toward passive-aggressive behavior toward people representing authority, fatigue, insecurity about her financial situation. Reports no alcohol or drug use. Mother treated for depression. No suicides in family. Scored 69 points in SDQ-20; multiple somatic complaints associated with Lyme disease, describes mother as emotionally and physically abusive, and father as abandoning and unprotecting. Has never used psychotherapy; was referred for consultation by a psychiatrist after persuading him that she had DID symptoms. Participants names have been changed to protect their confidentiality. During an argument with my mother I felt as if some incredible force took control and I smashed the glass in the cabinet with my hand. It was like being under control of an alien force. I started reading about borderline and I thought I had it. I found a webpage about that and told my mother I should see a psychiatrist. I went for a consultation and told her my story. This lady said: “Child, you don’t have borderline, but multiple personality.” She wanted to keep me in the psychiatric unit but I did not agree to stay for observation. (Dominique). TABLE 3 | Salient themes identified during the interpretative phenomenological analysis. Theme 1: Endorsement and identification with the diagnosis Theme 2: Using the notion of dissociative parts to justify identity confusion and conflicting ego-states Theme 3: Gaining knowledge about DID affects the clinical presentation Theme 4: Fragmented personality becomes an important discussion topic with others Theme 5: Ruling out DID leads to disappointment or anger. This led Dominique to research the new diagnosis. Karina also said she was encouraged to seek information about DID, when a doctor suggested she might be suffering with it. When I was 11, I had problems at school and home. Other children made fun of me. My mom took me to a doctor and he said I had borderline, but later I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. That doctor also suggested I had DID and told me that I should read more about this diagnosis. (Karina). and Karina said that a mental health professional suggested this diagnosis to them. Dominique remembers consulting a psychiatrist when she was 15, because she had problems controlling anger at home or in public places. She initially found descriptions of borderline personality captured her experiences well enough, but a psychiatrist refuted the idea and recommended further diagnostics toward a dissociative disorder. However, the girl refused to go to hospital for observation. Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org Victoria and Mary shared similar stories about psychotherapists suggesting the existence of dissociative parts, having readily accepted this new category as a good explanation 5 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID for aggressive impulses or problems with recalling situations evoking guilt or shame. Dominique and Victoria stressed, however, that, apart from feeling emotionally abandoned, they could not trace any significant traumas in their early childhoods, although therapists maintained that such events must be present in dissociative patients. different expectations. Whoever comes up front, then I have these ideas. (Dominique). Dominique neither had amnesia nor found evidence for leading separate lives and engaging herself in activities associated with her characters. She maintained her job as a playwright, and merely imagined alternative scenarios of her life, expressed by her inner heroes. In other parts of the interview, she referred to them as ‘voices inside,’ but admitted she never heard them acoustically. They were her own vivid thoughts representing different, conflicting opinions or impulses. Katia said she felt internally fragmented. There were times when she engaged in certain interests, knowledge and skills, but she later changed her goals. Fifteen years ago she gave up her academic career and went on sickness benefit when she became disabled due to medical problems; she experienced this as a great loss, a failure, which affected her sense of identity and purpose. I have no idea why I have this [DID]. My therapist looked for evidence of childhood trauma, which sounds like the easiest explanation, but I don’t feel I had any horrific memories which I threw out of my consciousness. (Victoria). Katia and Olga had used psychiatric treatment for anxiety and depression for years. After exploring information about different mental disorders they concluded they had DID. They thought there was a similarity between their personal experiences and those of people publishing testimonials about multiple personalities. In recent years I have a growing sense of identity fragmentation. I have problems with defining my identity because it changes. I used to feel more stable in the past. I had these versions of myself which were more dominating, so I had a stronger sense of identity. For example, 20 years ago there was this scientist. I was studying and felt like a scientist, attending conferences. Now I don’t have that and I don’t know who I am. [. . .] I also have changing interests and hobbies because of different personalities. Long ago I liked certain music, played the guitar, sang songs. I don’t do that anymore, I suddenly lost interest in all that. (Katia). I tried to understand this battle inside, leading me to stagnation. I didn’t know how to describe that but I recently bought a book Healing the fragmented selves of trauma survivors, and everything was explained there. Some of these things I have discovered myself and some were new to me. (Olga). Subsequently, Katia presented to her doctor a review of literature about DID, trying to persuade him that she had this disorder. Theme 2: Using the Notion of Dissociative Parts to Justify Identity Confusion and Conflicting Ego-States She described changes in her professional and social lives in terms of switches between dissociative parts. Although she maintained the first person narrative (“I was studying,” “I played,” or “I sang”), indicating some sense of continuity, she thought it proved the existence of two or more distinct personalities. Participants also reported thoughts, temptations, impulses or actions which seemed to evoke conflicting feelings. Attributing them to ‘something inside that is not-me’ could free them from guilt or shame, so they used a metaphor of someone taking over, logging in, or switching. Dominique thought it was inappropriate to express disappointment or anger, but she accepted the thought that her dissociative parts were doing this. Once participants had embraced the idea of having multiple personalities, they seemed to construct inner reality and justify conflicting needs, impulses or behaviors as an expression of dissociative parts. They referred to being uncertain about who they were and having difficulties recognizing personal emotions, needs or interests. Some of them felt it was connected to a negative cognition about themselves as worthless, unimportant, and not deserving to express what they felt or wanted. Victoria said she would rather define herself through the eyes of others: When I’m angry at my therapist, it is not really me but somebody inside who gets angry easily. Greg often switches on in such situations and says: “Tell her this and this”. [. . .] I went to a shop once and discovered that the price on the label was not for a whole package of batteries but a single one. And suddenly Greg switched on and had a row with the cashier. I mean, I did it, but wound up by his anger. This is so weird, I wouldn’t react like that. They just charged incorrectly and I would normally ignore that but Greg said: “I give a shit about their mistakes. I won’t accept that.” What a failure! (Dominique). My therapist asked what I wanted or needed. It turned out that without other people’s expectations or preferences to which I normally adjust, I wouldn’t know who I am or what I want. I usually engage in my friends’ hobbies and do what I think gives them pleasure. Otherwise, I think they will not like me and reject me, because I have nothing to offer. (Victoria). Since a young age, Dominique tended to immerse herself in a fantasy world, developing elaborated scenarios about people living in a youth center administered by a vicious boss. Different characters in her ‘Story’ represented specific features, interests and plans she had. Mary said she had parts that expressed anger, sadness, and needs associated with attachment. She observed them and allowed them to step in, when situations required. Well, there is John who is a teacher and researcher. He teaches mathematics. I have no skills in maths at all. Tim is a philosopher and would like to train philosophers, enroll doctoral studies. He would like me to study philosophy but the rest of the system wants me to be a worrier. Ralf is a caring nurse and would like to become a paramedic. It is difficult to reconcile all these Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org There were situations in my life when the teenager must have been active. She protected me. She is ready to fight; I am not like that at all. I hate violence, and that teenager likes using force to protect me. [. . .] My therapist suggested I call her after this interview if I 6 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID but not necessarily related to trauma. Katia said she recently remembered the picture of the house and garden where she played as a child and associated these experiences with moments of joy. Karina also exemplified her flashbacks with ‘intrusions of happy memories’ which belonged to other personalities: do not feel well. I didn’t accept that but the [inner] girls got upset and told me I needed her help. They made me comply, so I agreed to call her if I do not feel well. It has always been like this. (Mary). During assessment, no participant provided evidence for the existence of autonomous dissociative parts. It seems that the inner characters described by them personified unintegrated egostates which used to evoke conflicting feelings. Sometimes I begin to laugh but this is not my laughter, but the laughter of sheer joy. Someone inside me is very happy and wants to talk about happy childhood memories, make jokes. (Karina). Theme 3: Exploring Personal Experiences via the Lens of Dissociation Mary said a child part of her was responsible for flashbacks and making comments about current situations. However, she later denied hearing voices or having any other Schneider’s symptoms. Reading books, websites and watching videos of people who claimed to have DID, encouraged them to compare themselves, talk about and express ‘multiple personalities.’ The participants became familiar with specialist terms and learned about core symptoms mentioned in psychiatric manuals. I can hear her comments, that she does not like something. I can be flooded by emotions and have flashbacks associated with that child. For example, there is a trigger and I can see things that this child has seen. She is showing me what was happening in her life. (Mary). I read First person plural which helped me understand what this is all about. The drama of the gifted child and The body keeps the score. More and more girls started to appear. There is a 6-month old baby which showed up only 2 months ago, a sad 11-year old teenager, and a 16-year old who thinks I am a loser. I was a teenager like that. Now she is having problems and becoming withdrawn there are fewer switches, because she knows we need to help the little one first. (Mary). Participants discussed their dissociative parts, their names and features, exhibiting neither avoidance nor fear or shame. On the contrary, they seemed to draw pleasure by smiling, showing excitement and eagerness to produce more examples of their unusual experiences. At the beginning of the interview, Karina was very enthusiastic and said, “My heart is beating so fast, as if I were in fight-or-flight mode.” Olga was also inspired by books. Not only did she find similarities to trauma survivors but she made new discoveries and thought there were other experiences she had been unaware of earlier. Victoria started using techniques which literature recommended for stabilization in dissociative disorders. She said these books helped her understand intense emotions and improve concentration. Theme 4: Talking About DID Attracts Attention Not only were multiple personalities a helpful metaphor for expressing conflicting feelings or needs (already mentioned in Theme 2), but they also became an important topic of conversations with family or friends. This explains everything that happens to me, why I get so angry. I also found anchors helpful. I focus on certain objects, sounds or smells which remind me where I am, instead of drifting away into my thoughts. (Victoria). My husband says sometimes: “I would like to talk to the little girl.” He then says that I start behaving differently. I also talk to my therapist using different voices. Sometimes, she addresses them asking questions. If questions are asked directly, they respond, but there are times I do not allow them to speak, because the teenager part can be very mean and attacks people. (Mary). It seemed that exploring information about DID encouraged changes in participants’ clinical presentation. At first, they merely struggled with emotional liability or detachment, internal conflicts, and concentration problems. Later, they started reporting intrusions of dissociative parts or using clinical terms (e.g., flashback) for experiences which were not necessarily clinical symptoms. Dominique said that the characters of her story would often ‘log in’ and take control. She demonstrated that during the interview by changing her voice and going into a ‘trance.’ She created her own metaphors, explaining these experiences and comparing them with those described in literature. She stressed that she never had amnesia and remained aware of what was happening during her ‘trance.’ It may have been easier for Mary to express her needs for dependency and care by ascribing them to a little girl and, because she felt awkward about feeling angry with the therapist, attributing hostile impulses to a teenager could give her a sense of control and reduce guilt. Karina decided to create a videoblog for documenting dissociative parts, and shared her videos with people interested in DID. She said she was surprised to find clips in which she looked dreadful, having her make-up smeared all over the face, because she had no memory of doing that. However, she showed no signs that it bothered her. She discussed the videos with her best friend, a DID fan who had encouraged her to enroll in the study in order to confirm her diagnosis. They were collecting evidence to support the idea that she had a dissociative disorder, which she presented one by one, before being asked about details. I think it is a form of dissociation on the emotional level. I read a lot. . . The minds of Billy Milligan or First person plural. For sure, I do not have an alteration of personality. I have co-consciousness. My theory is, we are like a glove, we all stem from one trunk, but we are like separate fingers. (Dominique). Mark [her friend] reads a lot about DID. He says I sometimes talk in a high voice which is not the way I usually talk. He refers to us as plural. [. . .] In some of these videos I do not move or blink While participants maintained they had flashbacks, they understood them as sudden recollections of past memories Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 7 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID for a minute. I look at some point and there is no expression on my face. I can remember things until this moment, and later I discover myself looking like something from Creepypastas. I am so sorry for people who have to see this. . . and I found my diary. I have been writing diaries since I was seven. I sometimes have no memory for having written something. I need to find these notes because I would like to write a book about a fantasy world and inner conflicts. (Karina). another possibility. It is some information but I have not heard anything new. (Karina). Only Victoria seemed relieved that her DID diagnosis was not confirmed. She was happy to discuss how attachment problems or conflicts with expressing emotions and needs affected her social life and career, and receive guidelines for future treatment. She felt liberated from having to uncover childhood traumas that her therapist expected her to have as a dissociative patient. Dominique and Katia also wrote journals to record dissociative experiences. Katia hoped to be recognized as an expert-by-experience and develop her career in relation to that. She brought with her a script of a book she hoped to publish 1 day. I was hoping that you would find another explanation for my problems. . . for what is wrong with me, why I feel so sensitive or spaced out, because it is annoying. I would like to know what is going on. I don’t think I’ve had any severe trauma but everybody wants to talk about trauma all the time. (Victoria). Theme 5: Ruling Out DID Leads to Disappointment or Anger DISCUSSION Four participants were openly disappointed that their DID diagnosis was not confirmed. They doubted if their descriptions were accurate enough, or they challenged the interviewer’s understanding of the symptoms. Katia also suggested that she was incapable of providing appropriate answers supporting her diagnosis due to amnesia and personality alterations. ICD-10 and DSM-5 provide inadequate criteria for diagnosing DID, basically limited to patients having distinct dissociative identities with their own memories, preferences and behavioral patterns, and episodes of amnesia (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; World Health Organization, 1993). Clinicians without experience of DID may therefore expect patients to present disruptions of identity during a consultation and spontaneously report memory problems. However, trauma specialists view DID as a ‘disorder of hiddenness’ because patients often find their dissociative symptoms bizarre and confusing and do not disclose them readily due to their shame and the phobia of inner experiences (Steele et al., 2005, 2016; Van der Hart et al., 2006). Instead, they tend to undermine their significance, hide them and not report them during consultations unless asked about them directly. Dissociative patients can also be unaware of their amnesia and ignore evidence for having done things they cannot remember because realizing that is too upsetting. Contrary to that, this study and the one conducted in 1999 in the Netherlands by Draijer and Boon, show that some people with personality disorders enthusiastically report DID symptoms by the book, and use the notion of multiple personalities to justify problems with emotional regulation, inner conflicts, or to seek attention. As with Dutch patients, Polish participants were preoccupied with their alternate personalities and two tried to present a ‘switch’ between parts. Their presentations were naïve and often mixed with lay information on DID. However, what they reported could be misleading for clinicians inexperienced in the dissociation field or those lacking the appropriate tools to distinguish a genuine dissociative disorder from an imitated one. Therefore, understanding the subtleties about DID clinical presentation, especially those which are not thoroughly described in psychiatric manuals, is important to come up with a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Various clinicians stress the importance of understanding the quality of symptoms and the mechanisms behind them in order to distinguish on the phenomenological level between borderline and DID patients (Boon and Draijer, 1993; Laddis et al., 2017). Participants in this study reported problems with identity, affect regulation Do you even consider that I might give different answers if you had asked these questions 2 or 5 years ago? I must have erased some examples from my memory and not all experiences belong to me. I know that people can unconsciously modify their narratives and that is why I wanted an objective assessment. [. . .] Nobody believed I was resistant to anesthetics until I was diagnosed with some abnormalities. It was once written in my medical report that I was a hypochondriac. One signature and things become clear to everyone. Sometimes it is better to have the worst diagnosis, but have it. (Katia). She expected that the diagnosis would legitimize her inability to establish satisfactory relationships, work, and become financially independent. For this reason, she also insisted that the final report produced for her should contain information about how she felt maltreated by family or doctors, and revealed her hopes to claim damages for health injury. Mary and Karina were also upset that the interviewers did not believe they had DID. Can you try to imagine how hard it is? I am not making things up? You don’t believe me. I am telling you things and you must be thinking, from the adult perspective: “You are making this up.” Nothing pisses me off more than someone who is trying to prove to others that they have just imagined things. They [dissociative parts] feel neglected again, as always! (Mary). Karina tried to hide her disappointment and claimed she was glad she didn’t have a severe mental illness. However, she thought she would need to build another theory explaining her symptoms. After the interview, she sent more videos trying to prove the assessment results were not accurate. What about my problems then? I am unable to set boundaries, I have anxiety, I fear that a war might break out. If this is not dissociation, then what? I had tests and they ruled out any neurological problems. I came here and ruled out Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 8 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID dissociative parts which are stuck in trauma. In addition to avoidance, this is another characteristic PTSD feature observed in the clinical presentation of DID patients (Van der Hart et al., 2010). Interestingly, participants in this study showed no evidence for intrusions (images, emotions or somatosensory experiences directly related to trauma), but rather problems with emotional regulation (illustrated in sections “Themes 1 and 2”). Asked about intrusive images, emotions or thoughts, some gave examples of distressing thoughts attacking self-image and blaming for their behavior. This, however, was related to attachment problems and difficulties with self-soothing. They also revealed a tendency to indulge themselves in these auto-critical thoughts instead of actively avoiding them, which is often a case in dissociative patients. Some intrusions reported by DID patients are somatoform in nature and connected with dissociative parts stuck in trauma time (Pietkiewicz et al., 2018). Although three participants in this study had very high scores in SDQ-20 indicating that they may have a dissociative disorder (scores of 50–60 are common in DID), further interviews revealed that they aggravated their symptoms and, in fact, had low levels of somatoform dissociation. This shows that tests results should be interpreted with caution and clinicians should always ask patients for specific examples of the symptoms they report. and internal conflicts about expressing their impulses. Some of them also had somatic complaints. These symptoms are common in personality disorders and also in dissociative disorders, which are polysymptomatic by nature. However, the quality of these symptoms and psychological mechanisms behind them may be different. For a differential diagnosis, clinicians need to become familiar with the unique internal dynamics in people who have developed a structural dissociation of personality as a result of trauma. These patients try to cope with everyday life and avoid actively thinking about and discussing traumatic memories, or experiencing symptoms associated with them. Because of that avoidance, they find it challenging to talk about dissociative symptoms with a clinician. Besides experiencing fear of being labeled as insane and sent to hospital, there may be internal conflicts associated with disclosing information. For example, dissociative parts may forbid them to talk about symptoms or past experiences. This conflict can sometimes be indicated by facial expression, involuntary movements, spasms, and also felt by the clinician in his or her countertransference. In other words, it is not only what patients say about their experiences, but how they do this. Therapists’ observations and countertransference may help in assessing the quality of avoidance: How openly or easily do patients report symptoms or adverse life experiences? Is that associated with strong depersonalisation (detachment from feelings and sensations, being absent)? Is there evidence for internal conflicts, shame, fear or feeling blocked when talking about symptoms (often observed in facial expression, tone of voice)? Participants in this study were eager to talk about how others mistreated them and wanted to have that documented on paper. Difficult experiences in the past sometimes triggered intense emotions in them (anger, resentment, and deep sadness) but they did not avoid exploring and communicating these states. On the contrary, they eagerly shared an elaborate narrative of their sorrows and about their inner characters – the multiple personalities they were convinced they had. They became keen on DID and used a variety of resources to familiarize themselves with core symptoms. They also spontaneously reported them, as if they wanted to provide sound evidence about having DID and were ready to defend their diagnosis. Some planned their future based on it (an academic career, writing a book, or a film). During the interviews, it became clear that some perceived having an exotic diagnosis as an opportunity for seeking attention and feeling unique, exhibiting the drama of an ‘unseen child’ (see section “Theme 4”). Understanding a few of the symptoms identified in this study can be useful for differential diagnosis: intrusions, voices, switches, amnesia, use of language, depersonalisation. How they are presented by patients and interpreted by clinicians is important. Voices It is common for DID patients to experience auditory hallucinations (Dorahy et al., 2009; Longden et al., 2019). The voices usually belong to dissociative parts and comment on actions, express needs, likes and dislikes, and encourage self-mutilation. Subsequently, there may be conflicts between ‘voices,’ and the relationship with them is quite complex. Dorahy et al., 2009 observe that auditory hallucinations are more common in DID than in schizophrenia. In dissociative patients they are more complex and responsive, and already appear in childhood. Specifically, child voices are also to be expected in DID (97% in comparison to 6% in psychosis). None of our participants reported auditory hallucinations although one (Dominique) said she had imaginary friends from childhood. While this could sound like a dissociative experience, exploring their experiences showed she had a tendency to absorb herself in her fantasy world and vividly imagine characters in her story (see section “Theme 2”). Switches Literature also shows that it is uncommon for avoidant dissociative patients to present autonomous dissociative parts to a therapist before a good relationship has been established and the phobia for inner experiences reduced (Steele et al., 2005). Sudden switches between dissociative personalities may occur only when the patient is triggered and cannot exercise enough control to hide his or her symptoms. Two participants in this study (Dominique and Karina) tried to present ‘alternate personalities’ and they actually announced this would happen, so that the interviewer did not miss them. Later on, they could Intrusions Triggered by external or internal factors (memories or anything associated with trauma) dissociative patients tend to relive traumatic experiences. In other words, they have intrusive memories, emotions or sensorimotor sensations contained by Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 9 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID attacks to other parts, not-me (see: Dominique in section “Theme 2”). One might suspect it could be evidence for autonomous dissociative parts. However, these participants seem to have had unintegrated, unaccepted self-states and used the concept of DID to make meaning of their internal conflicts. In their narrative they maintained the first-person narrative. None of them provided sound evidence for extreme forms of depersonalisation, such as not feeling the body altogether or out-of-body experiences. There can be many reasons why people develop symptoms which resemble those typical of DID. Suggestions about a dissociative disorder made by healthcare providers can help people justify and explain inner conflicts or interpersonal problems. In this study several clinicians had suggested a dissociative disorder or DID to the patient. Literature on multiple personalities and therapy focused on them, and using expressions such as ‘parts’, ‘dissociating’, ‘switches,’ can also encourage demonstrating such symptoms. There are also secondary gains explained in this study, such as receiving attention and care. Draijer and Boon (1999) observe that people with borderline features justified shameful behavior and avoided responsibility by attributing their actions to ‘alter personalities.’ Such people can declare amnesia for their outbursts of anger, or hitting partners. Others explained their identity confusion and extreme emptiness using the DID model. All their participants reported emotional neglect and felt unseen in their childhood, so they adopted a new DID-patient identity to fill up inner emptiness (Draijer and Boon, 1999). Just like the participants in this study, they were angry when that diagnosis was disconfirmed during the assessment, as if the clinician had taken away something precious from them. This shows that communicating the results should be done with understanding, empathy and care. Patients and clinicians need to understand and discuss reasons for developing a DID-patient identity, its advantages and pitfalls. In countries where clinicians are less familiar with the dissociative pathology, there may be a greater risk for both falsenegative and false-positive DID diagnoses. The latter is caused by the growing popularity of that disorder in media and social networks. People who try to make meaning of their emotional conflicts, attachment problems and difficulties in establishing satisfactory relationships, may find the DID concept attractive. It is important that clinicians who rule out or disconfirm DID, also provide patients with friendly feedback that encourages using treatment for their actual problems. Nevertheless, this may still evoke strong reactions in patients whose feelings and needs have been neglected, rejected or invalidated by significant others. Disconfirming DID may be experienced by them as an attack, taking something away from them, or an indication that they lie. relate to what happened during the alleged switch (no amnesia), maintaining the first-person perspective (I was saying/doing). Contrary to that, dissociative patients experience much shame and fear of disclosing their internal parts (Draijer and Boon, 1999). If they become aware that switches had occurred, they try to make reasonable explanations for the intrusions of parts and unusual behavior (e.g., I must have been very tired and affected by the new medicine I am taking). Amnesia Dell (2006) mentions various indicators of amnesia in patients with DID. However, losing memory for unpleasant experiences may occur in different disorders, usually for behaviors evoking shame or guilt, or for actions under extreme stress (Laddis et al., 2017). All patients in this study had problems with emotional regulation and some said they could not remember what they said or did when they became very upset. With some priming, they could recall and describe events. For this reason, it is recommended to explore evidence for amnesia for pleasant or neutral activities (e.g., doing shopping or cleaning, socializing). According to Laddis et al. (2017) there are different mechanisms underlying memory problems in personality and dissociative disorders. Use of Language Participants in this study often used clinical jargon (e.g., flashbacks, switches, and feeling depersonalized) which indicates they had read about dissociative psychopathology or received psycho-education. However, they often had lay understanding of clinical terms. A good example in this study was having ‘flashbacks’ of neutral or pleasant situations which had once been forgotten. Examples of nightmares did not necessarily indicate reliving traumatic events during sleep (as in PTSD) but expressed conflicts and agitation through symbolic, unrealistic, sometimes upsetting dreams. When talking about behavior of other parts and their preferences, they often maintained a first-person perspective. Requesting patients to provide specific examples is thus crucial. Depersonalisation Detachment from feelings and emotions, bodily sensations and external reality is often present in various disorders (Simeon and Abugel, 2006). While these phenomena have been commonly associated with dissociation, Holmes et al. (2005) stress the differences between detachment (which can be experienced by both dissociative and non-dissociative patients) and compartmentalisation, associated with the existence of dissociative parts. Allen et al. (1999) also stress that extreme absorptive detachment can interfere with noticing feelings and bodily sensations, and also memory. Some participants in this study tended to enter trance-like states or get absorbed in their inner reality, subsequently getting detached from bodily sensations. They also described their feeling of emptiness in terms of detachment from feelings. Nevertheless, none of them disclosed evidence for having distinct dissociative parts. Some of their statements might have been misleading; for example, when they attributed anger Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org Limitations and Further Directions Among the 85 people who participated in a thorough diagnostic assessment, there were six false-positive DID cases, and this study focused on their personal experiences and meaning attributed to the diagnosis. Because IPA studies are highly idiographic, 10 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID TABLE 4 | Red flags for identifying false-positive or imitated DID. This table enumerates suggestive features of false positive or imitated DID cases identified in this study, which should be taken into consideration during diagnostic assessment. 1. Directly or indirectly expects to confirm self-diagnosed DID. 2. DID previously suggested by someone (friend, psychologist, and doctor) without thorough clinical assessment. 3. Keen on DID diagnosis and familiarized with symptoms: read books, watched videos, talked to other patients, participated in a support group for dissociative patients. 4. Uses clinical jargon: parts, alters, dissociating, switch, depersonalisation, etc. 5. Reveals little avoidance: eagerly talks about painful experiences and dissociation, no indicators for genuine shame or inner conflicts associated with disclosing symptoms or parts. 6. Readily justifies losing control of emotions and unacceptable or shameful behavior in terms of not being oneself or being influenced by an alternative personality. 7. No evidence for the intrusions of unwanted and avoided traumatic memories or re-experiencing them in the present. 8. Denies having ego-dystonic thoughts or voices, especially starting in early childhood and child-like voices. Note: Dissociative patients may be afraid, ashamed, or feel it is forbidden to talk about the voices. 9. No evidence of amnesia for neutral or pleasant everyday activities, e.g., working, doing shopping, socializing, playing with children. 10. Tries to control the interview and provide evidence for having DID, e.g., eagerly reports dissociative symptoms without being asked about them. 11. Announces and performs a switch between personalities during clinical assessment, especially before a good relationship with the clinician and trust has been established. 12. Finds apparent gains associated with having DID: receives special interest from family and friends with whom symptoms and personalities are eagerly discussed, runs support groups, blogs or video channels for people with dissociative disorders. 13. Gets upset or disappointed when DID is not confirmed, e.g., demands re-evaluation, excuses oneself for not being accurate enough in giving right answers, wants to provide more evidence. which suggested it was probable they had a dissociative disorder. However, during a clinical diagnostic interview they did not report a cluster of somatoform or psychoform dissociative symptoms and did not meet criteria for any dissociative disorder diagnosis. Clinicians also need to go beyond the face value of a patient’s responses, ask for specific examples, and notice one’s own countertransference. Draijer and Boon (1999) observed that DID patients were often experienced by clinicians as very fragile, and exploring symptoms with people with personality disorders (who try to aggravate them and control the interview) can evoke tiredness or even irritability. It is important that clinicians understand their own responses and use them in the diagnostic process. While psycho-education is considered a crucial element in the initial treatment of dissociative disorders (Van der Hart et al., 2006; Howell, 2011; Steele et al., 2016), patients whose diagnosis has not been confirmed by a thorough diagnostic assessment should not be encouraged to develop knowledge about DID symptomatology, because this may affect their clinical presentation and how they make meaning of their problems. Subsequently, this may lead to a wrong diagnosis and treatment, which can become iatrogenic. they are by nature limited to a small number of participants. There were two important limitations in this research. Firstly, information about the level of psychoform symptoms has not been given, because the validation of the Polish instrument used for that purpose is not complete. Secondly, TADS-I used for collecting clinical data about trauma-related symptoms and dissociation has not been validated, either. Because there are no gold standards in Poland for diagnosing dissociative disorders, video-recordings of diagnostic interviews were carefully analyzed and discussed by all authors to agree upon the diagnosis. Taking this into consideration, further qualitative and quantitative research is recommended to formulate and validate more specific diagnostic criteria for DID and guidelines for the differential diagnosis. CONCLUSION Clinicians need to understand the complexity of DID symptoms and psychological mechanisms responsible for them in order to differentiate between genuine and imitated post-traumatic conditions. There are several features identified in this study which may indicate false-positive or imitated DID shown in Table 4, which should be taken into consideration during diagnostic assessment. In Poland, as in many countries, this requires more systematic training in diagnosis for psychiatrists and clinical psychologists in order to prevent under- and over-diagnosis of dissociative disorders, DID in particular. It is not uncommon that patients exaggerate on self-report questionnaires when they are invested in certain symptoms. In this study, all participants had scores above the cut-off score of 28 on the SDQ-20, a measure to assess somatoform dissociation, Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT The datasets generated for this study are not readily available because data contain highly sensitive clinical material, including medical data which cannot be shared according to local regulations. Requests to access the datasets should be directed to IP, [email protected]. 11 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID interviews and helped in literature review and manuscript preparation. RT performed psychiatric assessment and helped in data analysis and manuscript preparation. SB helped in data analysis and manuscript preparation. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version. ETHICS STATEMENT The studies involving human participants were reviewed and approved by Ethical Review Board at the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The patients/participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study. FUNDING AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS Grant number 2016/22/E/HS6/00306 was obtained for the study “Interpretative phenomenological analysis of depersonalization and derealization in clinical and non-clinical groups.” IP collected qualitative data, performed the analysis, and prepared the manuscript. AB-N transcribed and analyzed the REFERENCES Leonard, D., Brann, S., and Tiller, J. (2005). Dissociative disorders: pathways to diagnosis, clinician attitudes and their impact. Aust. N. Z, J. Psychiatry 39, 940–946. doi: 10.1080/j.1440-1614.2005.01700.x Longden, E., Moskowitz, A., Dorahy, M. J., and Perona-Garcelán, S. (2019). Auditory Verbal Hallucinations: Prevalence, Phenomenology, and the Dissociation Hypothesis Psychosis, Trauma and Dissociation: Evolving Perspectives on Severe Psychopathology. (Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.), 207–222. Nijenhuis, E., van der Hart, O., and Kruger, K. (2002). The psychometric characteristics of the traumatic experiences checklist (TEC): first findings among psychiatric outpatients. Clin. Psychol. Psychother. 9, 200–210. doi: 10. 1002/cpp.332 Pietkiewicz, I. J., Hełka, A., and Tomalski, R. (2018). Validity and reliability of the Polish online and pen-and-paper versions of the somatoform dissociation questionnaires (SDQ-20 and PSDQ-5). Eur. J. Trauma Dissociation 3, 23–31. doi: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2018.05.002 Pietkiewicz, I. J., and Smith, J. A. (2014). A practical guide to using interpretative phenomenological analysis in qualitative research psychology. Psychol. J. 20, 7–14. doi: 10.14691/CPPJ.20.1.7 Putnam, F. W., Guroff, J. J., Silberman, E. K., Barban, L., and Post, R. M. (1986). The clinical phenomenology of multiple personality disorder: review of 100 recent cases. J. Clin. Psychiatry 47, 285–293. Ross, C. A., Norton, G. R., and Wozney, K. (1989). Multiple personality disorder: an analysis of 236 cases. Can. J. Psychiatry 34, 413–418. doi: 10.1177/ 070674378903400509 Sar, V. (2011). Epidemiology of dissociative disorders: an overview. Epidemiol. Res. Int. 2011, 404538. doi: 10.1155/2011/404538 Simeon, D., and Abugel, J. (2006). Feeling Unreal. Depersonalization Disorder and the Loss of the Self. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Smith, J. A., and Osborn, M. (2008). “Interpretative phenomenological analysis,” in Qualitative Psychology: A Practical Guide to Research Methods, ed. J. Smith (London: Sage), 53–80. Steele, K., Boon, S., and Van der Hart, O. (2016). Treating Trauma-Related Dissociation. A Practical, Integrative Approach. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company. Steele, K., Van Der Hart, O., and Nijenhuis, E. R. (2005). Phase-oriented treatment of structural dissociation in complex traumatization: overcoming traumarelated phobias. J. Trauma Dissociation 6, 11–53. Thomas, A. (2001). Factitious and malingered dissociative identity disorder: clinical features observed in 18 cases. J. Trauma Dissociation 2, 59–77. doi: 10.1300/J229v02n04_04 Van der Hart, O., Nijenhuis, E., and Steele, K. (2006). The Haunted Self: Structural Dissociation and the Treatment of Chronic Traumatization. London: W.W. Norton & Co. Van der Hart, O., Nijenhuis, E. R., and Solomon, R. (2010). Dissociation of the personality in complex trauma-related disorders and EMDR: theoretical considerations. J. EMDR Pract. Res. 4, 76–92. doi: 10.1891/1933-3196. 4.2.76 Allen, J. G., Console, D. A., and Lewis, L. (1999). Dissociative detachment and memory impairment: reversible amnesia or encoding failure? Compre. Psychiatry 40, 160–171. doi: 10.1016/S0010-440X(99)90121-9 American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edn. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. Boon, S., and Draijer, N. (1993). The differentiation of patients with MPD or DDNOS from patients with a cluster B personality disorder. Dissociation 6, 126–135. Boon, S., and Matthess, H. (2017). Trauma and Dissociation Symptoms Interview (TADS-I), version 1.9. Boon, S. A., and Draijer, P. J. (1995). Screening en Diagnostiek van Dissociatieve Stoornissen. Lisse: Swets & Zeitlinger. Boysen, G. A., and VanBergen, A. (2014). Simulation of multiple personalities: a review of research comparing diagnosed and simulated dissociative identity disorder. Clin. Psychol. Rev. 34, 14–28. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2013.10.008 Brand, B. L., Webermann, A. R., and Frankel, A. S. (2016). Assessment of complex dissociative disorder patients and simulated dissociation in forensic contexts. Int. J. Law Psychiatry 49, 197–204. doi: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2016.10.006 Coons, P. M., and Milstein, V. (1994). Factitious or malingered multiple personality disorder: eleven cases. Dissociation 7, 81–85. Dell, P. F. (2006). A new model of dissociative identity disorder. Psychiatr. Clin. 29, 1–26. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2005.10.013 Dorahy, M. J., Brand, B. L., Şar, V., Krüger, C., Stavropoulos, P., Martínez-Taboas, A., et al. (2014). Dissociative identity disorder: an empirical overview. Aust. N. Z. J. Psychiatry 48, 402–417. doi: 10.1177/0004867414527523 Dorahy, M. J., Shannon, C., Seagar, L., Corr, M., Stewart, K., Hanna, D., et al. (2009). Auditory hallucinations in dissociative identity disorder and schizophrenia with and without a childhood trauma history: similarities and differences. J. Nerv. Ment. Dis. 197, 892–898. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0b013e3181c299ea Draijer, N., and Boon, S. (1999). The imitation of dissociative identity disorder: patients at risk, therapists at risk. J. Psychiatry Law 27, 423–458. doi: 10.1177/ 009318539902700304 Friedl, M., Draijer, N., and De Jonge, P. (2000). Prevalence of dissociative disorders in psychiatric in−patients: the impact of study characteristics. Acta Psychiatr. Scand. 102, 423–428. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2000.102006423.x Holmes, E. A., Brown, R. J., Mansell, W., Fearon, R. P., Hunter, E. C., Frasquilho, F., et al. (2005). Are there two qualitatively distinct forms of dissociation? a review and some clinical implications. Clin. Psychol. Rev. 25, 1–23. Howell, E. F. (2011). Understanding and Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Relational Approach. New York, NY: Routledge. International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (2011). Guidelines for treating dissociative identity disorder in adults, third revision. J. Trauma Dissociation 12, 115–187. doi: 10.1080/15299732.2011.537247 Laddis, A., Dell, P. F., and Korzekwa, M. (2017). Comparing the symptoms and mechanisms of “dissociation” in dissociative identity disorder and borderline personality disorder. J. Trauma Dissociation 18, 139–173. Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 12 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929 Pietkiewicz et al. Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated DID World Health Organization (1993). The ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders: Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Guidelines. Geneva: World Health Organization. Copyright © 2021 Pietkiewicz, Bańbura-Nowak, Tomalski and Boon. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 13 May 2021 | Volume 12 | Article 637929
USER:
What are the key points of this paper?
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| false | 24 | 8 | 11,435 | null | 605 |
<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
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What is the effects of the Triple E virus on humans? Should we be worried? How is the Triple E virus spreading in the U.S. and what measures can be taken to combat?
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A 41-year-old man in New Hampshire died last week after contracting a rare mosquito-borne illness called eastern equine encephalitis virus, also known as EEE or “triple E.” It was New Hampshire’s first human case of the disease in a decade. Four other human EEE infections have been reported this year in Wisconsin, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Though this outbreak is small and triple E does not pose a risk to most people living in the United States, public health officials and researchers alike are concerned about the threat the deadly virus poses to the public, both this year and in future summers. There is no known cure for the disease, which can cause severe flu-like symptoms and seizures in humans 4 to 10 days after exposure and kills between 30 and 40 percent of the people it infects. Half of the people who survive a triple E infection are left with permanent neurological damage. Because of EEE’s high mortality rate, state officials have begun spraying insecticide in Massachusetts, where 10 communities have been designated “critical” or “high risk” for triple E. Towns in the state shuttered their parks from dusk to dawn and warned people to stay inside after 6 p.m., when mosquitoes are most active. Like West Nile virus, another mosquito-borne illness that poses a risk to people in the U.S. every summer, triple E is constrained by environmental factors that are changing rapidly as the planet warms. That’s because mosquitoes thrive in the hotter, wetter conditions that climate change is producing. “We have seen a resurgence of activity with eastern equine encephalitis virus over the course of the past 10 or so years,” said Theodore G. Andreadis, a researcher who studied mosquito-borne diseases at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, a state government research and public outreach outfit, for 35 years. “And we’ve seen an advancement into more northern regions where it had previously not been detected.” Researchers don’t know what causes the virus to surge and abate, but Andreadis said it’s clear that climate change is one of the factors spurring its spread, particularly into new regions. The first triple E outbreak on record occurred in Massachusetts in the 1830s in horses — the reason one of the three Es stands for “equine.” It wasn’t until a full century later, in 1934, that mosquitoes were incriminated as potential vectors for the disease. The first recorded human cases of the disease also occurred in Massachusetts four years later, in 1938. There were 38 human cases in the state that year; 25 of them were fatal. Since then, human cases have mostly been registered in Gulf Coast states and, increasingly, the Northeast. From 1964 to 2002, in the Northeast, there was less than one case of the disease per year. From 2003 to 2019, the average in the region increased to between four and five cases per year. The disease is spread by two types of mosquito. The first is a species called Culiseta melanura, or the black-tailed mosquito. This mosquito tends to live in hardwood bogs and feeds on birds like robins, herons, and wrens, spreading the virus among them. But the melanura mosquito doesn’t often bite mammals. A different mosquito species, Coquillettidia perturbans, is primarily responsible for most of the human cases of the disease reported in the U.S. The perturbans mosquito picks up the EEE virus when it feeds on birds and then infects the humans and horses that it bites. Toward the end of the summer, when mosquitoes have reached their peak numbers and start jostling for any available blood meal, human cases start cropping up. Andreadis, who published a historical retrospective on the progression of triple E in the northeastern U.S. in 2021, said climate change has emerged as a major driver of the disease. “We’ve got milder winters, we’ve got warmer summers, and we’ve got extremes in both precipitation and drought,” he said. “The impact that this has on mosquito populations is probably quite profound.” Warmer global average temperatures generally produce more mosquitoes, no matter the species. Studies have shown that warmer air temperatures up to a certain threshold, around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, shorten the amount of time it takes for C. melanura eggs to hatch. Higher temperatures in the spring and fall extend the number of days mosquitoes have to breed and feed. And they’ll feed more times in a summer season if it’s warmer — mosquitoes are ectothermic, meaning their metabolism speeds up in higher temperatures. Rainfall, too, plays a role in mosquito breeding and activity, since mosquito eggs need water to hatch. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which means that even small rainfall events dump more water today than they would have last century. The more standing water there is in roadside ditches, abandoned car tires, ponds, bogs, and potholes, the more opportunities mosquitoes have to breed. And warmer water decreases the incubation period for C. melanura eggs, leading one study to conclude that warmer-than-average water temperatures “increase the probability for amplification of EEE.” Climate change isn’t the only factor encouraging the spread of disease vectors like mosquitoes. The slow reforestation of areas that were clear-cut for industry and agriculture many decades ago is creating new habitat for insects. At the same time, developers are building new homes in wooded or half-wooded zones in ever larger numbers, putting humans in closer proximity to the natural world and the bugs that live in it. On an individual level, the best way to stay safe from EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent bites: Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most prone to biting, and regularly apply an effective mosquito spray. But there are also steps that local health departments can take to safeguard public health, like testing pools of water for mosquito larvae and conducting public awareness and insecticide spraying campaigns when triple E is detected. Massachusetts is an example of a state that has been proactive about testing mosquitoes for triple E in recent summers. The most effective way to protect people from this disease would be to develop a vaccine against it. A vaccine already exists for horses, but there is little incentive for vaccine manufacturers to develop a preventative for triple E in humans because the illness is so rare. “Although EEE is not yet a global health emergency, the recent uptick in cases has highlighted our lack of preparedness for unexpected infectious disease outbreaks,” a group of biologists wrote last year in the open-access scientific journal Frontiers. “It would be wise to follow proactive active control measures and increase vigilance in the face of these threats.”
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> What is the effects of the Triple E virus on humans? Should we be worried? How is the Triple E virus spreading in the U.S. and what measures can be taken to combat? <TEXT> A 41-year-old man in New Hampshire died last week after contracting a rare mosquito-borne illness called eastern equine encephalitis virus, also known as EEE or “triple E.” It was New Hampshire’s first human case of the disease in a decade. Four other human EEE infections have been reported this year in Wisconsin, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Though this outbreak is small and triple E does not pose a risk to most people living in the United States, public health officials and researchers alike are concerned about the threat the deadly virus poses to the public, both this year and in future summers. There is no known cure for the disease, which can cause severe flu-like symptoms and seizures in humans 4 to 10 days after exposure and kills between 30 and 40 percent of the people it infects. Half of the people who survive a triple E infection are left with permanent neurological damage. Because of EEE’s high mortality rate, state officials have begun spraying insecticide in Massachusetts, where 10 communities have been designated “critical” or “high risk” for triple E. Towns in the state shuttered their parks from dusk to dawn and warned people to stay inside after 6 p.m., when mosquitoes are most active. Like West Nile virus, another mosquito-borne illness that poses a risk to people in the U.S. every summer, triple E is constrained by environmental factors that are changing rapidly as the planet warms. That’s because mosquitoes thrive in the hotter, wetter conditions that climate change is producing. “We have seen a resurgence of activity with eastern equine encephalitis virus over the course of the past 10 or so years,” said Theodore G. Andreadis, a researcher who studied mosquito-borne diseases at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, a state government research and public outreach outfit, for 35 years. “And we’ve seen an advancement into more northern regions where it had previously not been detected.” Researchers don’t know what causes the virus to surge and abate, but Andreadis said it’s clear that climate change is one of the factors spurring its spread, particularly into new regions. The first triple E outbreak on record occurred in Massachusetts in the 1830s in horses — the reason one of the three Es stands for “equine.” It wasn’t until a full century later, in 1934, that mosquitoes were incriminated as potential vectors for the disease. The first recorded human cases of the disease also occurred in Massachusetts four years later, in 1938. There were 38 human cases in the state that year; 25 of them were fatal. Since then, human cases have mostly been registered in Gulf Coast states and, increasingly, the Northeast. From 1964 to 2002, in the Northeast, there was less than one case of the disease per year. From 2003 to 2019, the average in the region increased to between four and five cases per year. The disease is spread by two types of mosquito. The first is a species called Culiseta melanura, or the black-tailed mosquito. This mosquito tends to live in hardwood bogs and feeds on birds like robins, herons, and wrens, spreading the virus among them. But the melanura mosquito doesn’t often bite mammals. A different mosquito species, Coquillettidia perturbans, is primarily responsible for most of the human cases of the disease reported in the U.S. The perturbans mosquito picks up the EEE virus when it feeds on birds and then infects the humans and horses that it bites. Toward the end of the summer, when mosquitoes have reached their peak numbers and start jostling for any available blood meal, human cases start cropping up. Andreadis, who published a historical retrospective on the progression of triple E in the northeastern U.S. in 2021, said climate change has emerged as a major driver of the disease. “We’ve got milder winters, we’ve got warmer summers, and we’ve got extremes in both precipitation and drought,” he said. “The impact that this has on mosquito populations is probably quite profound.” Warmer global average temperatures generally produce more mosquitoes, no matter the species. Studies have shown that warmer air temperatures up to a certain threshold, around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, shorten the amount of time it takes for C. melanura eggs to hatch. Higher temperatures in the spring and fall extend the number of days mosquitoes have to breed and feed. And they’ll feed more times in a summer season if it’s warmer — mosquitoes are ectothermic, meaning their metabolism speeds up in higher temperatures. Rainfall, too, plays a role in mosquito breeding and activity, since mosquito eggs need water to hatch. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which means that even small rainfall events dump more water today than they would have last century. The more standing water there is in roadside ditches, abandoned car tires, ponds, bogs, and potholes, the more opportunities mosquitoes have to breed. And warmer water decreases the incubation period for C. melanura eggs, leading one study to conclude that warmer-than-average water temperatures “increase the probability for amplification of EEE.” Climate change isn’t the only factor encouraging the spread of disease vectors like mosquitoes. The slow reforestation of areas that were clear-cut for industry and agriculture many decades ago is creating new habitat for insects. At the same time, developers are building new homes in wooded or half-wooded zones in ever larger numbers, putting humans in closer proximity to the natural world and the bugs that live in it. On an individual level, the best way to stay safe from EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent bites: Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most prone to biting, and regularly apply an effective mosquito spray. But there are also steps that local health departments can take to safeguard public health, like testing pools of water for mosquito larvae and conducting public awareness and insecticide spraying campaigns when triple E is detected. Massachusetts is an example of a state that has been proactive about testing mosquitoes for triple E in recent summers. The most effective way to protect people from this disease would be to develop a vaccine against it. A vaccine already exists for horses, but there is little incentive for vaccine manufacturers to develop a preventative for triple E in humans because the illness is so rare. “Although EEE is not yet a global health emergency, the recent uptick in cases has highlighted our lack of preparedness for unexpected infectious disease outbreaks,” a group of biologists wrote last year in the open-access scientific journal Frontiers. “It would be wise to follow proactive active control measures and increase vigilance in the face of these threats.” https://grist.org/health/eee-triple-e-climate-change-eastern-equine-encephalitis-mosquito-borne-illness/
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
EVIDENCE:
A 41-year-old man in New Hampshire died last week after contracting a rare mosquito-borne illness called eastern equine encephalitis virus, also known as EEE or “triple E.” It was New Hampshire’s first human case of the disease in a decade. Four other human EEE infections have been reported this year in Wisconsin, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Though this outbreak is small and triple E does not pose a risk to most people living in the United States, public health officials and researchers alike are concerned about the threat the deadly virus poses to the public, both this year and in future summers. There is no known cure for the disease, which can cause severe flu-like symptoms and seizures in humans 4 to 10 days after exposure and kills between 30 and 40 percent of the people it infects. Half of the people who survive a triple E infection are left with permanent neurological damage. Because of EEE’s high mortality rate, state officials have begun spraying insecticide in Massachusetts, where 10 communities have been designated “critical” or “high risk” for triple E. Towns in the state shuttered their parks from dusk to dawn and warned people to stay inside after 6 p.m., when mosquitoes are most active. Like West Nile virus, another mosquito-borne illness that poses a risk to people in the U.S. every summer, triple E is constrained by environmental factors that are changing rapidly as the planet warms. That’s because mosquitoes thrive in the hotter, wetter conditions that climate change is producing. “We have seen a resurgence of activity with eastern equine encephalitis virus over the course of the past 10 or so years,” said Theodore G. Andreadis, a researcher who studied mosquito-borne diseases at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, a state government research and public outreach outfit, for 35 years. “And we’ve seen an advancement into more northern regions where it had previously not been detected.” Researchers don’t know what causes the virus to surge and abate, but Andreadis said it’s clear that climate change is one of the factors spurring its spread, particularly into new regions. The first triple E outbreak on record occurred in Massachusetts in the 1830s in horses — the reason one of the three Es stands for “equine.” It wasn’t until a full century later, in 1934, that mosquitoes were incriminated as potential vectors for the disease. The first recorded human cases of the disease also occurred in Massachusetts four years later, in 1938. There were 38 human cases in the state that year; 25 of them were fatal. Since then, human cases have mostly been registered in Gulf Coast states and, increasingly, the Northeast. From 1964 to 2002, in the Northeast, there was less than one case of the disease per year. From 2003 to 2019, the average in the region increased to between four and five cases per year. The disease is spread by two types of mosquito. The first is a species called Culiseta melanura, or the black-tailed mosquito. This mosquito tends to live in hardwood bogs and feeds on birds like robins, herons, and wrens, spreading the virus among them. But the melanura mosquito doesn’t often bite mammals. A different mosquito species, Coquillettidia perturbans, is primarily responsible for most of the human cases of the disease reported in the U.S. The perturbans mosquito picks up the EEE virus when it feeds on birds and then infects the humans and horses that it bites. Toward the end of the summer, when mosquitoes have reached their peak numbers and start jostling for any available blood meal, human cases start cropping up. Andreadis, who published a historical retrospective on the progression of triple E in the northeastern U.S. in 2021, said climate change has emerged as a major driver of the disease. “We’ve got milder winters, we’ve got warmer summers, and we’ve got extremes in both precipitation and drought,” he said. “The impact that this has on mosquito populations is probably quite profound.” Warmer global average temperatures generally produce more mosquitoes, no matter the species. Studies have shown that warmer air temperatures up to a certain threshold, around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, shorten the amount of time it takes for C. melanura eggs to hatch. Higher temperatures in the spring and fall extend the number of days mosquitoes have to breed and feed. And they’ll feed more times in a summer season if it’s warmer — mosquitoes are ectothermic, meaning their metabolism speeds up in higher temperatures. Rainfall, too, plays a role in mosquito breeding and activity, since mosquito eggs need water to hatch. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which means that even small rainfall events dump more water today than they would have last century. The more standing water there is in roadside ditches, abandoned car tires, ponds, bogs, and potholes, the more opportunities mosquitoes have to breed. And warmer water decreases the incubation period for C. melanura eggs, leading one study to conclude that warmer-than-average water temperatures “increase the probability for amplification of EEE.” Climate change isn’t the only factor encouraging the spread of disease vectors like mosquitoes. The slow reforestation of areas that were clear-cut for industry and agriculture many decades ago is creating new habitat for insects. At the same time, developers are building new homes in wooded or half-wooded zones in ever larger numbers, putting humans in closer proximity to the natural world and the bugs that live in it. On an individual level, the best way to stay safe from EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent bites: Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most prone to biting, and regularly apply an effective mosquito spray. But there are also steps that local health departments can take to safeguard public health, like testing pools of water for mosquito larvae and conducting public awareness and insecticide spraying campaigns when triple E is detected. Massachusetts is an example of a state that has been proactive about testing mosquitoes for triple E in recent summers. The most effective way to protect people from this disease would be to develop a vaccine against it. A vaccine already exists for horses, but there is little incentive for vaccine manufacturers to develop a preventative for triple E in humans because the illness is so rare. “Although EEE is not yet a global health emergency, the recent uptick in cases has highlighted our lack of preparedness for unexpected infectious disease outbreaks,” a group of biologists wrote last year in the open-access scientific journal Frontiers. “It would be wise to follow proactive active control measures and increase vigilance in the face of these threats.”
USER:
What is the effects of the Triple E virus on humans? Should we be worried? How is the Triple E virus spreading in the U.S. and what measures can be taken to combat?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 20 | 33 | 1,107 | null | 144 |
This task requires you to answer questions based solely on the information provided in the prompt. You are not allowed to use any external resources or prior knowledge. The response should be no more than 500 words and exactly 3 paragraphs.
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Paraphrase the text.
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Status Offenses Status offenses comprise one category that may pose a particular issue with respect to the act requirement. As one legal scholar has explained, status offenses are crimes such as vagrancy, which are “often defined in such a way as to punish status (e.g., being a vagrant) rather than to punish specific action or omission to act.”205 On a number of occasions, examples of which follow, the Supreme Court has invalidated laws establishing status offenses. In its 1957 opinion in Lambert v. California, 206 the Court reversed a conviction under an ordinance that made it “unlawful for ‘any convicted person’ to be or remain in Los Angeles for a period of more than five days without registering” and required “any person having a place of abode outside the city to register if he comes into the city on five occasions or more during a 30- day period.”207 The Court explained that the law criminalized “conduct that is wholly passive— mere failure to register,” which it viewed as “unlike the commission of acts, or the failure to act under circumstances that should alert the doer to the consequences of his deed.”208 As a result, the Court held that the ordinance violated the defendant’s due process right to notice.209 Following Lambert, however, a number of mandatory registration laws have survived constitutional challenges.210 For instance, in examining an indictment for a violation of the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), the Ninth Circuit agreed with the government that “Lambert is inapplicable because convicted sex offenders are generally subject to registration requirements in all fifty states, and [the defendant] was aware that he was obligated to register as a sex offender.” 211 In a 1962 opinion in Robinson v. California, 212 the Court reversed a conviction under a state law that criminalized addiction to narcotics without requiring any additional act by the defendant. According to the Court, the statute was distinguishable from “one which punishes a person for the use of narcotics, for their purchase, sale or possession, or for antisocial or disorderly behavior resulting from their administration,” since it instead made “the ‘status’ of narcotic addiction a criminal offense, for which the offender may be prosecuted ‘at any time before he reforms.’” 213 The Court held that the law, “which imprisons a person . . . afflicted [by narcotics addiction] as a criminal, even though he has never touched any narcotic drug within the State or been guilty of any irregular behavior there, inflicts a cruel and unusual punishment” in violation of the Eighth Amendment, as incorporated against the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.214 Status offenses can often be “reformulated and redrafted to conform to basic principles of criminal justice.”215 For instance, if a “statute that penalizes being an alcoholic or drug addict is impermissible,” a “statute that penalizes appearing in public in an intoxicated state” may be permissible. 216 The Supreme Court’s 1968 opinion in Powell v. Texas217 illustrates this distinction. Powell stemmed from the conviction of a defendant under a state law making it a crime to “get drunk or be found in a state of intoxication in any public place, or at any private house except [a person’s] own.”218 The defendant argued that he had a compulsion to drink and that the law amounted to cruel and unusual punishment pursuant to Robinson. 219 A four-Justice plurality of the Court disagreed and explained that the defendant was convicted “not for being a chronic alcoholic, but for being in public while drunk on a particular occasion.”220 In other words, the plurality concluded that the law did not seek “to punish a mere status” as the law at issue in Robinson did, but instead punished a voluntary act, being in public while intoxicated.221 In a concurring opinion, Justice White said that the result would have been different if the public intoxication were an unavoidable result of chronic alcoholism.222 For example, according to Justice White, the Eighth Amendment would prohibit criminalizing public intoxication for chronic alcoholics who are homeless because “they have no place else to go and no place else to be when they are drinking.” 223 Four dissenting Justices would have agreed with that conclusion.224 The primary point of departure between Justice White and the dissenting Justices was over the record in Powell—Justice White agreed with the ultimate result in Powell because “nothing in the record indicates that [the defendant] could not have done his drinking in private or that he was so inebriated at the time that he had lost control of his movements and wandered into the public street.”225 The dissenting Justices concluded, however, that the “appellant is a ‘chronic alcoholic’ who, according to the trier of fact, cannot resist the ‘constant excessive consumption of alcohol’ and does not appear in public by his own volition but under a compulsion’ which is part of his condition.” 226Another example of the distinction between an impermissible status offense and a seemingly permissible conduct-based offense may be found in 8 U.S.C. § 1326, which in relevant part provides that “any alien who (1) has been arrested and deported or excluded and deported, and thereafter (2) enters, attempts to enter, or is at any time found in, the United States . . . [without the consent of the Attorney General] shall be fined . . . or imprisoned . . . or both.”227 Some federal appellate courts have rejected the argument that “the ‘found in’ provision of § 1326 impermissibly punishes aliens for their ‘status’ of being found in the United States.”228 In United States v. Ayala, the Ninth Circuit distinguished § 1326 from the law at issue in Robinson, explaining that “[a] conviction under § 1326 for being ‘found in’ the United States necessarily requires that a defendant commit an act: he must re-enter the United States without permission within five years after being deported.”229 Federal appellate courts had split on the issue of whether the Robinson and Powell distinction between impermissible status offenses and permissible conduct-based offenses allowed “criminalizing conduct that is an unavoidable consequence of one’s status.”230 In the 2024 opinion City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, the Supreme Court examined this issue in the context of a municipal ordinance criminalizing sleeping or camping in public.231 In a divided opinion, the Ninth Circuit concluded that the ordinance constituted cruel and unusual punishment, citing to Powell’s concurrence and dissent for the proposition that “a person cannot be prosecuted for involuntary conduct if it is an unavoidable consequence of one’s status.” 232 The Ninth Circuit observed that this would be the inevitable outcome for some of the involuntary homeless population in Grants Pass, which exceeded the available shelter space in the jurisdiction.233 The Supreme Court disagreed, concluding that the camping ordinance was not a status offense of the type barred in Robinson (which lacked a mental state or act requirement), because the ordinance in Grants Pass required “actions like ‘occupy[ing] a campsite’ on public property ‘for the purpose of maintaining a temporary place to live.’” 234 The Court likened the facts of Grants Pass to those of Powell and relied on the Powell plurality’s distinction between laws criminalizing status and those criminalizing acts, even if on some level those acts may be an involuntary result of the underlying status.235 Although the Court did not reconsider Robinson, it reiterated that the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause of the Eighth Amendment focuses on the method or kind of punishment a government may impose, rather than on the question of what a government may criminalize. 236 Additional analysis of Grants Pass and its broader implications for status offenses and homelessness laws may be found in other CRS products.23
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This task requires you to answer questions based solely on the information provided in the prompt. You are not allowed to use any external resources or prior knowledge. The response should be no more than 500 words and exactly 3 paragraphs. Status Offenses Status offenses comprise one category that may pose a particular issue with respect to the act requirement. As one legal scholar has explained, status offenses are crimes such as vagrancy, which are “often defined in such a way as to punish status (e.g., being a vagrant) rather than to punish specific action or omission to act.”205 On a number of occasions, examples of which follow, the Supreme Court has invalidated laws establishing status offenses. In its 1957 opinion in Lambert v. California, 206 the Court reversed a conviction under an ordinance that made it “unlawful for ‘any convicted person’ to be or remain in Los Angeles for a period of more than five days without registering” and required “any person having a place of abode outside the city to register if he comes into the city on five occasions or more during a 30- day period.”207 The Court explained that the law criminalized “conduct that is wholly passive— mere failure to register,” which it viewed as “unlike the commission of acts, or the failure to act under circumstances that should alert the doer to the consequences of his deed.”208 As a result, the Court held that the ordinance violated the defendant’s due process right to notice.209 Following Lambert, however, a number of mandatory registration laws have survived constitutional challenges.210 For instance, in examining an indictment for a violation of the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), the Ninth Circuit agreed with the government that “Lambert is inapplicable because convicted sex offenders are generally subject to registration requirements in all fifty states, and [the defendant] was aware that he was obligated to register as a sex offender.” 211 In a 1962 opinion in Robinson v. California, 212 the Court reversed a conviction under a state law that criminalized addiction to narcotics without requiring any additional act by the defendant. According to the Court, the statute was distinguishable from “one which punishes a person for the use of narcotics, for their purchase, sale or possession, or for antisocial or disorderly behavior resulting from their administration,” since it instead made “the ‘status’ of narcotic addiction a criminal offense, for which the offender may be prosecuted ‘at any time before he reforms.’” 213 The Court held that the law, “which imprisons a person . . . afflicted [by narcotics addiction] as a criminal, even though he has never touched any narcotic drug within the State or been guilty of any irregular behavior there, inflicts a cruel and unusual punishment” in violation of the Eighth Amendment, as incorporated against the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.214 Status offenses can often be “reformulated and redrafted to conform to basic principles of criminal justice.”215 For instance, if a “statute that penalizes being an alcoholic or drug addict is impermissible,” a “statute that penalizes appearing in public in an intoxicated state” may be permissible. 216 The Supreme Court’s 1968 opinion in Powell v. Texas217 illustrates this distinction. Powell stemmed from the conviction of a defendant under a state law making it a crime to “get drunk or be found in a state of intoxication in any public place, or at any private house except [a person’s] own.”218 The defendant argued that he had a compulsion to drink and that the law amounted to cruel and unusual punishment pursuant to Robinson. 219 A four-Justice plurality of the Court disagreed and explained that the defendant was convicted “not for being a chronic alcoholic, but for being in public while drunk on a particular occasion.”220 In other words, the plurality concluded that the law did not seek “to punish a mere status” as the law at issue in Robinson did, but instead punished a voluntary act, being in public while intoxicated.221 In a concurring opinion, Justice White said that the result would have been different if the public intoxication were an unavoidable result of chronic alcoholism.222 For example, according to Justice White, the Eighth Amendment would prohibit criminalizing public intoxication for chronic alcoholics who are homeless because “they have no place else to go and no place else to be when they are drinking.” 223 Four dissenting Justices would have agreed with that conclusion.224 The primary point of departure between Justice White and the dissenting Justices was over the record in Powell—Justice White agreed with the ultimate result in Powell because “nothing in the record indicates that [the defendant] could not have done his drinking in private or that he was so inebriated at the time that he had lost control of his movements and wandered into the public street.”225 The dissenting Justices concluded, however, that the “appellant is a ‘chronic alcoholic’ who, according to the trier of fact, cannot resist the ‘constant excessive consumption of alcohol’ and does not appear in public by his own volition but under a compulsion’ which is part of his condition.” 226Another example of the distinction between an impermissible status offense and a seemingly permissible conduct-based offense may be found in 8 U.S.C. § 1326, which in relevant part provides that “any alien who (1) has been arrested and deported or excluded and deported, and thereafter (2) enters, attempts to enter, or is at any time found in, the United States . . . [without the consent of the Attorney General] shall be fined . . . or imprisoned . . . or both.”227 Some federal appellate courts have rejected the argument that “the ‘found in’ provision of § 1326 impermissibly punishes aliens for their ‘status’ of being found in the United States.”228 In United States v. Ayala, the Ninth Circuit distinguished § 1326 from the law at issue in Robinson, explaining that “[a] conviction under § 1326 for being ‘found in’ the United States necessarily requires that a defendant commit an act: he must re-enter the United States without permission within five years after being deported.”229 Federal appellate courts had split on the issue of whether the Robinson and Powell distinction between impermissible status offenses and permissible conduct-based offenses allowed “criminalizing conduct that is an unavoidable consequence of one’s status.”230 In the 2024 opinion City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, the Supreme Court examined this issue in the context of a municipal ordinance criminalizing sleeping or camping in public.231 In a divided opinion, the Ninth Circuit concluded that the ordinance constituted cruel and unusual punishment, citing to Powell’s concurrence and dissent for the proposition that “a person cannot be prosecuted for involuntary conduct if it is an unavoidable consequence of one’s status.” 232 The Ninth Circuit observed that this would be the inevitable outcome for some of the involuntary homeless population in Grants Pass, which exceeded the available shelter space in the jurisdiction.233 The Supreme Court disagreed, concluding that the camping ordinance was not a status offense of the type barred in Robinson (which lacked a mental state or act requirement), because the ordinance in Grants Pass required “actions like ‘occupy[ing] a campsite’ on public property ‘for the purpose of maintaining a temporary place to live.’” 234 The Court likened the facts of Grants Pass to those of Powell and relied on the Powell plurality’s distinction between laws criminalizing status and those criminalizing acts, even if on some level those acts may be an involuntary result of the underlying status.235 Although the Court did not reconsider Robinson, it reiterated that the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause of the Eighth Amendment focuses on the method or kind of punishment a government may impose, rather than on the question of what a government may criminalize. 236 Additional analysis of Grants Pass and its broader implications for status offenses and homelessness laws may be found in other CRS products.23 Paraphrase the text..
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This task requires you to answer questions based solely on the information provided in the prompt. You are not allowed to use any external resources or prior knowledge. The response should be no more than 500 words and exactly 3 paragraphs.
EVIDENCE:
Status Offenses Status offenses comprise one category that may pose a particular issue with respect to the act requirement. As one legal scholar has explained, status offenses are crimes such as vagrancy, which are “often defined in such a way as to punish status (e.g., being a vagrant) rather than to punish specific action or omission to act.”205 On a number of occasions, examples of which follow, the Supreme Court has invalidated laws establishing status offenses. In its 1957 opinion in Lambert v. California, 206 the Court reversed a conviction under an ordinance that made it “unlawful for ‘any convicted person’ to be or remain in Los Angeles for a period of more than five days without registering” and required “any person having a place of abode outside the city to register if he comes into the city on five occasions or more during a 30- day period.”207 The Court explained that the law criminalized “conduct that is wholly passive— mere failure to register,” which it viewed as “unlike the commission of acts, or the failure to act under circumstances that should alert the doer to the consequences of his deed.”208 As a result, the Court held that the ordinance violated the defendant’s due process right to notice.209 Following Lambert, however, a number of mandatory registration laws have survived constitutional challenges.210 For instance, in examining an indictment for a violation of the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), the Ninth Circuit agreed with the government that “Lambert is inapplicable because convicted sex offenders are generally subject to registration requirements in all fifty states, and [the defendant] was aware that he was obligated to register as a sex offender.” 211 In a 1962 opinion in Robinson v. California, 212 the Court reversed a conviction under a state law that criminalized addiction to narcotics without requiring any additional act by the defendant. According to the Court, the statute was distinguishable from “one which punishes a person for the use of narcotics, for their purchase, sale or possession, or for antisocial or disorderly behavior resulting from their administration,” since it instead made “the ‘status’ of narcotic addiction a criminal offense, for which the offender may be prosecuted ‘at any time before he reforms.’” 213 The Court held that the law, “which imprisons a person . . . afflicted [by narcotics addiction] as a criminal, even though he has never touched any narcotic drug within the State or been guilty of any irregular behavior there, inflicts a cruel and unusual punishment” in violation of the Eighth Amendment, as incorporated against the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.214 Status offenses can often be “reformulated and redrafted to conform to basic principles of criminal justice.”215 For instance, if a “statute that penalizes being an alcoholic or drug addict is impermissible,” a “statute that penalizes appearing in public in an intoxicated state” may be permissible. 216 The Supreme Court’s 1968 opinion in Powell v. Texas217 illustrates this distinction. Powell stemmed from the conviction of a defendant under a state law making it a crime to “get drunk or be found in a state of intoxication in any public place, or at any private house except [a person’s] own.”218 The defendant argued that he had a compulsion to drink and that the law amounted to cruel and unusual punishment pursuant to Robinson. 219 A four-Justice plurality of the Court disagreed and explained that the defendant was convicted “not for being a chronic alcoholic, but for being in public while drunk on a particular occasion.”220 In other words, the plurality concluded that the law did not seek “to punish a mere status” as the law at issue in Robinson did, but instead punished a voluntary act, being in public while intoxicated.221 In a concurring opinion, Justice White said that the result would have been different if the public intoxication were an unavoidable result of chronic alcoholism.222 For example, according to Justice White, the Eighth Amendment would prohibit criminalizing public intoxication for chronic alcoholics who are homeless because “they have no place else to go and no place else to be when they are drinking.” 223 Four dissenting Justices would have agreed with that conclusion.224 The primary point of departure between Justice White and the dissenting Justices was over the record in Powell—Justice White agreed with the ultimate result in Powell because “nothing in the record indicates that [the defendant] could not have done his drinking in private or that he was so inebriated at the time that he had lost control of his movements and wandered into the public street.”225 The dissenting Justices concluded, however, that the “appellant is a ‘chronic alcoholic’ who, according to the trier of fact, cannot resist the ‘constant excessive consumption of alcohol’ and does not appear in public by his own volition but under a compulsion’ which is part of his condition.” 226Another example of the distinction between an impermissible status offense and a seemingly permissible conduct-based offense may be found in 8 U.S.C. § 1326, which in relevant part provides that “any alien who (1) has been arrested and deported or excluded and deported, and thereafter (2) enters, attempts to enter, or is at any time found in, the United States . . . [without the consent of the Attorney General] shall be fined . . . or imprisoned . . . or both.”227 Some federal appellate courts have rejected the argument that “the ‘found in’ provision of § 1326 impermissibly punishes aliens for their ‘status’ of being found in the United States.”228 In United States v. Ayala, the Ninth Circuit distinguished § 1326 from the law at issue in Robinson, explaining that “[a] conviction under § 1326 for being ‘found in’ the United States necessarily requires that a defendant commit an act: he must re-enter the United States without permission within five years after being deported.”229 Federal appellate courts had split on the issue of whether the Robinson and Powell distinction between impermissible status offenses and permissible conduct-based offenses allowed “criminalizing conduct that is an unavoidable consequence of one’s status.”230 In the 2024 opinion City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, the Supreme Court examined this issue in the context of a municipal ordinance criminalizing sleeping or camping in public.231 In a divided opinion, the Ninth Circuit concluded that the ordinance constituted cruel and unusual punishment, citing to Powell’s concurrence and dissent for the proposition that “a person cannot be prosecuted for involuntary conduct if it is an unavoidable consequence of one’s status.” 232 The Ninth Circuit observed that this would be the inevitable outcome for some of the involuntary homeless population in Grants Pass, which exceeded the available shelter space in the jurisdiction.233 The Supreme Court disagreed, concluding that the camping ordinance was not a status offense of the type barred in Robinson (which lacked a mental state or act requirement), because the ordinance in Grants Pass required “actions like ‘occupy[ing] a campsite’ on public property ‘for the purpose of maintaining a temporary place to live.’” 234 The Court likened the facts of Grants Pass to those of Powell and relied on the Powell plurality’s distinction between laws criminalizing status and those criminalizing acts, even if on some level those acts may be an involuntary result of the underlying status.235 Although the Court did not reconsider Robinson, it reiterated that the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause of the Eighth Amendment focuses on the method or kind of punishment a government may impose, rather than on the question of what a government may criminalize. 236 Additional analysis of Grants Pass and its broader implications for status offenses and homelessness laws may be found in other CRS products.23
USER:
Paraphrase the text.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 41 | 3 | 1,275 | null | 744 |
Respond using only the information contained within this prompt.
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According to this report, can someone vote in the Annual Meeting if they bought shares in Tripadvisor for the first time 3 months before the meeting date?
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The 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Tripadvisor, Inc., a Delaware corporation, will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Annual Meeting will be held via the Internet and will be a completely virtual meeting. You may attend the Annual Meeting, submit questions, and vote your shares electronically during the meeting via the Internet by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/TRIP2024. To enter the Annual Meeting, you will need the 16-digit control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on your proxy card. We recommend logging in at least fifteen minutes before the meeting to ensure that you are correctly logged in when the Annual Meeting begins. The online check-in will start shortly before the Annual Meeting on June 11, 2024. At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to consider and vote on the following proposals: 1. To elect the ten directors named in this Proxy Statement, each to serve for a one-year term from the date of his or her election and until such director’s successor is elected or until such director’s earlier resignation or removal; 2. To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024; 3. To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers; 4. To vote, on a non-binding advisory basis, on the frequency of future advisory resolutions to approve the compensation of our named executive officers; 5. To vote on the stockholder proposal requesting a report on implementation of the Global Human Rights Policy concerning operations in CAHRAs; and 6. To consider and act upon any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. Only holders of record of outstanding shares of Tripadvisor capital stock at the close of business on April 15, 2024 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. We will furnish the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 over the Internet. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we encourage you to access and read the accompanying Proxy Statement. We will send to our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials on or about April 26, 2024, and provide access to our proxy materials over the Internet to our holders of record and beneficial owners of our capital stock as of the close of business on the record date. You may request paper copies by following the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.
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System instruction: Respond using only the information contained within this prompt. context: The 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Tripadvisor, Inc., a Delaware corporation, will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Annual Meeting will be held via the Internet and will be a completely virtual meeting. You may attend the Annual Meeting, submit questions, and vote your shares electronically during the meeting via the Internet by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/TRIP2024. To enter the Annual Meeting, you will need the 16-digit control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on your proxy card. We recommend logging in at least fifteen minutes before the meeting to ensure that you are correctly logged in when the Annual Meeting begins. The online check-in will start shortly before the Annual Meeting on June 11, 2024. At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to consider and vote on the following proposals: 1. To elect the ten directors named in this Proxy Statement, each to serve for a one-year term from the date of his or her election and until such director’s successor is elected or until such director’s earlier resignation or removal; 2. To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024; 3. To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers; 4. To vote, on a non-binding advisory basis, on the frequency of future advisory resolutions to approve the compensation of our named executive officers; 5. To vote on the stockholder proposal requesting a report on implementation of the Global Human Rights Policy concerning operations in CAHRAs; and 6. To consider and act upon any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. Only holders of record of outstanding shares of Tripadvisor capital stock at the close of business on April 15, 2024 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. We will furnish the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 over the Internet. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we encourage you to access and read the accompanying Proxy Statement. We will send to our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials on or about April 26, 2024, and provide access to our proxy materials over the Internet to our holders of record and beneficial owners of our capital stock as of the close of business on the record date. You may request paper copies by following the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. question: According to this report, can someone vote in the Annual Meeting if they bought shares in Tripadvisor for the first time 3 months before the meeting date?
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Respond using only the information contained within this prompt.
EVIDENCE:
The 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Tripadvisor, Inc., a Delaware corporation, will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Annual Meeting will be held via the Internet and will be a completely virtual meeting. You may attend the Annual Meeting, submit questions, and vote your shares electronically during the meeting via the Internet by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/TRIP2024. To enter the Annual Meeting, you will need the 16-digit control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on your proxy card. We recommend logging in at least fifteen minutes before the meeting to ensure that you are correctly logged in when the Annual Meeting begins. The online check-in will start shortly before the Annual Meeting on June 11, 2024. At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to consider and vote on the following proposals: 1. To elect the ten directors named in this Proxy Statement, each to serve for a one-year term from the date of his or her election and until such director’s successor is elected or until such director’s earlier resignation or removal; 2. To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024; 3. To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers; 4. To vote, on a non-binding advisory basis, on the frequency of future advisory resolutions to approve the compensation of our named executive officers; 5. To vote on the stockholder proposal requesting a report on implementation of the Global Human Rights Policy concerning operations in CAHRAs; and 6. To consider and act upon any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. Only holders of record of outstanding shares of Tripadvisor capital stock at the close of business on April 15, 2024 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. We will furnish the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 over the Internet. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we encourage you to access and read the accompanying Proxy Statement. We will send to our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials on or about April 26, 2024, and provide access to our proxy materials over the Internet to our holders of record and beneficial owners of our capital stock as of the close of business on the record date. You may request paper copies by following the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.
USER:
According to this report, can someone vote in the Annual Meeting if they bought shares in Tripadvisor for the first time 3 months before the meeting date?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 9 | 27 | 451 | null | 759 |
system instructions: Do not use any prior knowledge. Do not use any outside sources. Only use the above text to answer the question. Answer using a numbered list with 3-4 points. Limit each point to one sentence. Put the most important aspect of each point in bold.
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question: What actions are suggested to increase understanding of the USDA program?
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context block: Notification Requirements.—The Committee reminds the Department that the Committee uses the definitions for transfer, reprogramming, and program, project, and activity as defined by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). As noted in the fiscal year 2023 Joint Explanatory Statement, a program, project, or activity (PPA) is an element within a budget account. PPAs are identified by reference to include the most specific level of budget items identified in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Act, 2023, accompanying Committee reports, explanatory statements, and budget justifications. The Committee notes that the most specific level of budget items in USDA budget justifications is not limited to tables titled ‘‘Project Statement’’. PFAS.—The Committee notes that there are previously provided funds related to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which remain available. The Committee remains concerned that there are significant knowledge gaps related to PFAS and its impact on agriculture. Therefore, the Committee awaits a plan from USDA and will continue to monitor PFAS. Resilient Building Materials.—With increases in weather-related and other natural disasters, there is a clear need to increase resilience of the nation’s buildings and infrastructure. Mass timber and other innovative wood products, when appropriately used in the construction of buildings and other infrastructure, have been shown to withstand wind, seismic, and other natural forces with robust results. The Committee acknowledges the need to include these products in any categorization of products considered to be resilient by USDA and other Federal agencies. The Committee, therefore, encourages USDA to support programs that include the use of wood products to improve the nation’s ability to withstand and recover from weather-related and other natural events. Rural Healthcare.—The Committee is encouraged by the opportunities to address nutrition security and rural healthcare across the Department and urges the Department to integrate strategic outcomes from recent summits across Rural Development, Food and Nutrition Services, Agricultural Marketing Service to provide technical assistance and guidance with respect to these outcomes to the Department’s outreach, extension, and county offices, particularly in communities that lack application experience or healthcare facilities. Simplified USDA Applications.—USDA customers are overburdened with complex program applications, contracts, and reporting. The Committee requests a report from USDA describing the barriers to simplifying program applications, contracts, and reporting. The report should also include any plans USDA has to simplify these documents and procedures. Spending Plans.—The bill continues a provision in Title VII that requires USDA to submit spending plans to the Committee within 30 days of enactment. Previous versions of these plans have not included adequate details that would be useful for Committee overVerDate Sep 11 2014 22:55 Jun 28, 2023 Jkt 052642 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR124.XXX HR124 dmwilson on DSKJM0X7X2PROD with REPORTS 8 sight. The Committee requests that USDA spending plans include for each program, project, or activity: (1) a comparison between the budget justification funding levels, the most recent Congressional directives or approved funding levels, and the funding levels proposed by the department or agency; and (2) a clear, concise, and informative description/justification. The Committee reminds USDA of notification requirements, also included in Title VII, for all applicable changes. Status of House and Senate Report Language.—The Department is directed to include in its fiscal year 2025 Congressional Justification, as a single exhibit, a table listing all deliverables, with a column for due dates if applicable. OBPA is directed to provide updates on the status of House and Senate reports upon request from the Committees. Underserved Producers Program.—The Committee is concerned about the Department’s reckless implementation of Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act through nongovernmental entities who undergo no formal application process to aid farmers, ranchers, and foresters who have experienced discrimination in FSA lending programs. The Committee notes that the precursor to this provision, Section 1005 of the American Rescue Plan Act, which provided loan forgiveness for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, was struck down in court on equal protection grounds. The Committee reminds the Department that U.S. courts have held that significant participation by the Federal government in nongovernmental entities’ unconstitutional actions may be a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment. As the Department provides nongovernmental entities with entirely Federal funds, the Committee will closely monitor the Department’s use and involvement in the administration of the Section 22007 funds. USDA Domestic and International Commodity Procurement Review.—The COVID–19 pandemic and resulting supply chain disruptions revealed fragilities in America’s food supply, to the detriment of farmers, producers, and consumers across America. The Committee directs AMS and ERS to review USDA’s application and enrollment procedures, required commodity quality, best and most available commodities for purchase regionally, and outreach practices to small and local farmers for all available domestic and international USDA procurement programs. This will help increase understanding of programs and purchasing to elevate fair participation of America’s small and local farmers. Within 180 days of enactment of this Act, AMS and ERS shall report back on their findings and efforts on improving small and local farmer procurement for relevant USDA programs. USDA Farm Delivery Systems Modernization.—The Committee includes language that requires the Secretary to submit a plan to accelerate the implementation and use of the Farmers.gov application and the Enterprise Data Analytics Platform and Toolset (EDAPT). The Committee is aware that despite continued direction and funding provided by Congress, the Farm Service Agency, the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center, and the Office of the Chief Information Officer continue to maintain numerous legacy mission support systems that should be decommissioned and transitioned to applications that are interoperable, facts-based, data driven, and provide excellent customer service.
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context block: Notification Requirements.—The Committee reminds the Department that the Committee uses the definitions for transfer, reprogramming, and program, project, and activity as defined by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). As noted in the fiscal year 2023 Joint Explanatory Statement, a program, project, or activity (PPA) is an element within a budget account. PPAs are identified by reference to include the most specific level of budget items identified in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Act, 2023, accompanying Committee reports, explanatory statements, and budget justifications. The Committee notes that the most specific level of budget items in USDA budget justifications is not limited to tables titled ‘‘Project Statement’’. PFAS.—The Committee notes that there are previously provided funds related to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which remain available. The Committee remains concerned that there are significant knowledge gaps related to PFAS and its impact on agriculture. Therefore, the Committee awaits a plan from USDA and will continue to monitor PFAS. Resilient Building Materials.—With increases in weather-related and other natural disasters, there is a clear need to increase resilience of the nation’s buildings and infrastructure. Mass timber and other innovative wood products, when appropriately used in the construction of buildings and other infrastructure, have been shown to withstand wind, seismic, and other natural forces with robust results. The Committee acknowledges the need to include these products in any categorization of products considered to be resilient by USDA and other Federal agencies. The Committee, therefore, encourages USDA to support programs that include the use of wood products to improve the nation’s ability to withstand and recover from weather-related and other natural events. Rural Healthcare.—The Committee is encouraged by the opportunities to address nutrition security and rural healthcare across the Department and urges the Department to integrate strategic outcomes from recent summits across Rural Development, Food and Nutrition Services, Agricultural Marketing Service to provide technical assistance and guidance with respect to these outcomes to the Department’s outreach, extension, and county offices, particularly in communities that lack application experience or healthcare facilities. Simplified USDA Applications.—USDA customers are overburdened with complex program applications, contracts, and reporting. The Committee requests a report from USDA describing the barriers to simplifying program applications, contracts, and reporting. The report should also include any plans USDA has to simplify these documents and procedures. Spending Plans.—The bill continues a provision in Title VII that requires USDA to submit spending plans to the Committee within 30 days of enactment. Previous versions of these plans have not included adequate details that would be useful for Committee overVerDate Sep 11 2014 22:55 Jun 28, 2023 Jkt 052642 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR124.XXX HR124 dmwilson on DSKJM0X7X2PROD with REPORTS 8 sight. The Committee requests that USDA spending plans include for each program, project, or activity: (1) a comparison between the budget justification funding levels, the most recent Congressional directives or approved funding levels, and the funding levels proposed by the department or agency; and (2) a clear, concise, and informative description/justification. The Committee reminds USDA of notification requirements, also included in Title VII, for all applicable changes. Status of House and Senate Report Language.—The Department is directed to include in its fiscal year 2025 Congressional Justification, as a single exhibit, a table listing all deliverables, with a column for due dates if applicable. OBPA is directed to provide updates on the status of House and Senate reports upon request from the Committees. Underserved Producers Program.—The Committee is concerned about the Department’s reckless implementation of Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act through nongovernmental entities who undergo no formal application process to aid farmers, ranchers, and foresters who have experienced discrimination in FSA lending programs. The Committee notes that the precursor to this provision, Section 1005 of the American Rescue Plan Act, which provided loan forgiveness for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, was struck down in court on equal protection grounds. The Committee reminds the Department that U.S. courts have held that significant participation by the Federal government in nongovernmental entities’ unconstitutional actions may be a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment. As the Department provides nongovernmental entities with entirely Federal funds, the Committee will closely monitor the Department’s use and involvement in the administration of the Section 22007 funds. USDA Domestic and International Commodity Procurement Review.—The COVID–19 pandemic and resulting supply chain disruptions revealed fragilities in America’s food supply, to the detriment of farmers, producers, and consumers across America. The Committee directs AMS and ERS to review USDA’s application and enrollment procedures, required commodity quality, best and most available commodities for purchase regionally, and outreach practices to small and local farmers for all available domestic and international USDA procurement programs. This will help increase understanding of programs and purchasing to elevate fair participation of America’s small and local farmers. Within 180 days of enactment of this Act, AMS and ERS shall report back on their findings and efforts on improving small and local farmer procurement for relevant USDA programs. USDA Farm Delivery Systems Modernization.—The Committee includes language that requires the Secretary to submit a plan to accelerate the implementation and use of the Farmers.gov application and the Enterprise Data Analytics Platform and Toolset (EDAPT). The Committee is aware that despite continued direction and funding provided by Congress, the Farm Service Agency, the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center, and the Office of the Chief Information Officer continue to maintain numerous legacy mission support systems that should be decommissioned and transitioned to applications that are interoperable, facts-based, data driven, and provide excellent customer service. system instructions: Do not use any prior knowledge. Do not use any outside sources. Only use the above text to answer the question. Answer using a numbered list with 3-4 points. Limit each point to one sentence. Put the most important aspect of each point in bold. question: What actions are suggested to increase understanding of the USDA program?
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system instructions: Do not use any prior knowledge. Do not use any outside sources. Only use the above text to answer the question. Answer using a numbered list with 3-4 points. Limit each point to one sentence. Put the most important aspect of each point in bold.
EVIDENCE:
context block: Notification Requirements.—The Committee reminds the Department that the Committee uses the definitions for transfer, reprogramming, and program, project, and activity as defined by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). As noted in the fiscal year 2023 Joint Explanatory Statement, a program, project, or activity (PPA) is an element within a budget account. PPAs are identified by reference to include the most specific level of budget items identified in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Act, 2023, accompanying Committee reports, explanatory statements, and budget justifications. The Committee notes that the most specific level of budget items in USDA budget justifications is not limited to tables titled ‘‘Project Statement’’. PFAS.—The Committee notes that there are previously provided funds related to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which remain available. The Committee remains concerned that there are significant knowledge gaps related to PFAS and its impact on agriculture. Therefore, the Committee awaits a plan from USDA and will continue to monitor PFAS. Resilient Building Materials.—With increases in weather-related and other natural disasters, there is a clear need to increase resilience of the nation’s buildings and infrastructure. Mass timber and other innovative wood products, when appropriately used in the construction of buildings and other infrastructure, have been shown to withstand wind, seismic, and other natural forces with robust results. The Committee acknowledges the need to include these products in any categorization of products considered to be resilient by USDA and other Federal agencies. The Committee, therefore, encourages USDA to support programs that include the use of wood products to improve the nation’s ability to withstand and recover from weather-related and other natural events. Rural Healthcare.—The Committee is encouraged by the opportunities to address nutrition security and rural healthcare across the Department and urges the Department to integrate strategic outcomes from recent summits across Rural Development, Food and Nutrition Services, Agricultural Marketing Service to provide technical assistance and guidance with respect to these outcomes to the Department’s outreach, extension, and county offices, particularly in communities that lack application experience or healthcare facilities. Simplified USDA Applications.—USDA customers are overburdened with complex program applications, contracts, and reporting. The Committee requests a report from USDA describing the barriers to simplifying program applications, contracts, and reporting. The report should also include any plans USDA has to simplify these documents and procedures. Spending Plans.—The bill continues a provision in Title VII that requires USDA to submit spending plans to the Committee within 30 days of enactment. Previous versions of these plans have not included adequate details that would be useful for Committee overVerDate Sep 11 2014 22:55 Jun 28, 2023 Jkt 052642 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR124.XXX HR124 dmwilson on DSKJM0X7X2PROD with REPORTS 8 sight. The Committee requests that USDA spending plans include for each program, project, or activity: (1) a comparison between the budget justification funding levels, the most recent Congressional directives or approved funding levels, and the funding levels proposed by the department or agency; and (2) a clear, concise, and informative description/justification. The Committee reminds USDA of notification requirements, also included in Title VII, for all applicable changes. Status of House and Senate Report Language.—The Department is directed to include in its fiscal year 2025 Congressional Justification, as a single exhibit, a table listing all deliverables, with a column for due dates if applicable. OBPA is directed to provide updates on the status of House and Senate reports upon request from the Committees. Underserved Producers Program.—The Committee is concerned about the Department’s reckless implementation of Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act through nongovernmental entities who undergo no formal application process to aid farmers, ranchers, and foresters who have experienced discrimination in FSA lending programs. The Committee notes that the precursor to this provision, Section 1005 of the American Rescue Plan Act, which provided loan forgiveness for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, was struck down in court on equal protection grounds. The Committee reminds the Department that U.S. courts have held that significant participation by the Federal government in nongovernmental entities’ unconstitutional actions may be a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment. As the Department provides nongovernmental entities with entirely Federal funds, the Committee will closely monitor the Department’s use and involvement in the administration of the Section 22007 funds. USDA Domestic and International Commodity Procurement Review.—The COVID–19 pandemic and resulting supply chain disruptions revealed fragilities in America’s food supply, to the detriment of farmers, producers, and consumers across America. The Committee directs AMS and ERS to review USDA’s application and enrollment procedures, required commodity quality, best and most available commodities for purchase regionally, and outreach practices to small and local farmers for all available domestic and international USDA procurement programs. This will help increase understanding of programs and purchasing to elevate fair participation of America’s small and local farmers. Within 180 days of enactment of this Act, AMS and ERS shall report back on their findings and efforts on improving small and local farmer procurement for relevant USDA programs. USDA Farm Delivery Systems Modernization.—The Committee includes language that requires the Secretary to submit a plan to accelerate the implementation and use of the Farmers.gov application and the Enterprise Data Analytics Platform and Toolset (EDAPT). The Committee is aware that despite continued direction and funding provided by Congress, the Farm Service Agency, the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center, and the Office of the Chief Information Officer continue to maintain numerous legacy mission support systems that should be decommissioned and transitioned to applications that are interoperable, facts-based, data driven, and provide excellent customer service.
USER:
question: What actions are suggested to increase understanding of the USDA program?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 47 | 12 | 923 | null | 85 |
In your answer, refer only to the context document. Do not employ any outside knowledge
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According to the article, what percentage of your savings is best to put into venture capital?
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**How I'd Invest $250,000 Cash Today** Usually, I have between $50,000 – $100,000 in my main bank account. But at one point, I accumulated over $250,000 mainly due to a $122,000 private real estate investment windfall. In addition to accumulating cash, I also dollar-cost averaged in the S&P 500 on the way down in 2022 and way up in 2023. I also dollar-cost averaged in Sunbelt real estate, which struggled in 2023 due to high mortgage rates. These purchases were usually in $1,000 – $5,000 increments. After building a larger-than-normal cash balance, here's how I'd deploy it in today's market. I'm constantly updating this post as conditions change, so book mark it if interested. If you have less than $250,000, that’s fine too. I share the percentages of where I will allocate my money. Background Info To Understand Our Investment Process I'm 46 and my wife is 42. Our kids our 6 and 4. We consider ourselves moderately conservative investors since we haven't had regular day job income since 2012 for me and 2015 for my wife. We fear having to go back to work full-time, not because of work itself but because we fear losing our freedom to spend time with our young children. As a result, we are unwilling to take too much investment risk until both attend school full-time in fall 2024. Although we don't have day jobs, we do generate passive investment income to cover most of our living expenses. This is our definition of financial independence. We also generate online income, which we usually reinvest to generate more passive income. Therefore, our cash pile will continue to build if we don't spend or invest all the money. Our children's educational expenses are on track after we superfunded two 529 plans when they were born. We also have life insurance and estate planning set up. The only foreseeable big ticket item coming up is a car in 2029. Here's how we'd invest $250,000 cash in today's market. This is what we did and are doing with our own cash. This is not investment advice for you as everybody's financial goals, risk tolerance, and situation are different. Please always do your own due diligence before making any investment. Your investment decisions are yours alone. 1) Treasury Bonds (50% Of Cash Holding) Only about 3% of our net worth is in bonds, mostly individual muni bonds we plan to hold until maturity. Our target annual net worth growth rate is between 5% to 10% a year, depending on economic conditions. As a result, being able to earn 5% on a Treasury bond is enticing. The 10-year yield is currently at ~4.2% and Fed Chair Jerome Powell has hinted at Fed rate cuts starting in mid-2024. Investors can get up to around 5% for a one-year Treasury bond. Although locking in a 4% – 5% return won't make us rich, it will provide us peace of mind. We also already feel rich, so making more money won't make us feel richer. Our focus is on optimizing our freedom and time. Below is a recent bond yield table for all the various types of bonds you can buy, by duration. Risk-free Treasury bills and CDs look attractive. If you're in the highest marginal income tax bracket, municipal bonds look good too. Notice how the Treasury bond yield curve is still inverted. Now that we've deployed 50% of our cash in Treasury bonds, the remaining 49.9% of our cash will be invested in risk assets. 2) Stocks (15% Of Cash Holdings) Roughly 15% of our net worth is in stocks after paying cash for a new house in 4Q2023. The range has fluctuated between 20% – 35% since I left work in 2012. Since I started working in equities in 1999, I've done my best to diversify away from stocks and into hard assets. My career and pay were already leveraged to the stock market. And I saw so many great fortunes made and lost during my time in the industry. When I left work, I continued my preference of investing mostly in real estate. We almost always front-loaded our stock purchases for the year through our kids' Roth IRAs, custodial accounts, SEP IRAs, and 529 plans. For over 23 years, we've always front-loaded our tax-advantaged accounts at the beginning of the year to get them out of the way. Most of the time it works out, some of the time it doesn't, like in 2022. That's market timing for you. But we got to front-load our tax-advantaged investments again in 2023, which has worked out great. Keep on investing consistently! In addition to maxing out all our tax-advantaged accounts, we've been regular contributors to our taxable online brokerage accounts. After all, in order to retire early, you need a much larger taxable investment portfolio to live off its income. When it comes to stocks, it's important to invest for specific purposes. If you do, you will be much more motivated to save and invest since stocks provide no utility or joy. Stocks Seem Fully Valued Now Here are the 2024 Wall Street S&P 500 forecasts with an average year-end price target of about 4,850. In other words, there’s now downside at these levels for 2024 if the average prediction comes true. Although, some strategists are forecasting 5,100-5,500 for the year. Given the situation, I'm just buying in $1,000 – $5,000 tranches after every 1% decline. The huge year-end rally in stocks has pulled forward the expected performance in 2024. Here is a post that provides a framework for your stock allocation by bond yield. The higher risk-free bond yields go, the lower your stock allocation is recommended to be and vice versa. If I was in my 20s and 30s, I would allocate 50% of my cash to buying stocks instead. The remaining 20% would go to online real estate as the sector rebounds, 20% to venture capital, and only 10% would go to Treasuries and education. Remember, every investment is based off an individual's personal financial situation and goals. 3) Venture Capital (15% Of Cash Holding) I enjoy investing in private funds because they are long-term investments with no day-to-day price updates. As a result, these investments cause little stress and are easy to forget about. Private investing forces you to invest for the long run. I've already made capital commitments to a couple venture capital funds from Kleiner Perkins, Burst Capital, and Structural Capital (venture debt). As a result, I will just keep contributing to these funds whenever there are capital calls. Venture capital is likely going to roar back in 2024 given private company valuations took a hit since 2022. Capital often rotates toward the biggest underperforming asset classes. Investing In Artificial Intelligence I'm most excited about investing in artificial intelligence, one of the biggest investment opportunities over the next decade. My Kleiner Perkins funds are actively making AI investments. But these funds are invite only with $100,000+ minimums. The Fundrise Innovation Fund, on the other hand, is open to all with a $10 minimum investment. The fund invests in AI companies such as Databricks and Canva. Both are incredible companies and I look forward to the fund getting into more promising AI deals. 20 years from now, I don't want my kids asking me why I didn't invest in AI or work in AI given I had a chance to near the beginning. By investing in funds that invest in AI, at least I'll be able to benefit if I can't get a job in AI. Here's an hour-long discussion I have with Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise, about AI and investing in growth companies. Roughly 35% of the Innovation Fund is invested in AI companies. 4) Real Estate (20% Of Cash Holding) I’m bullish on real estate in 2024 as the sector plays catch-up to stocks. With mortgage rates coming down, demand is going to rebound. As a result, I’m actively buying real estate funds today. Real estate is my favorite asset class to build wealth. It provides shelter, generates income, and is less volatile. Unlike with some stocks, real estate values just don't decline by massive amounts overnight due to some small earnings miss. Real estate accounts for about 50% of our net worth. No matter what happens to the value of our current forever home we bought in 2020, I'm thankful it has been able to keep my family safe and loved during the pandemic. When it comes to buying a primary residence, it's lifestyle first, investment returns a distant second.
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[query] ======= According to the article, what percentage of your savings is best to put into venture capital? ---------- [instruction] ======= In your answer, refer only to the context document. Do not employ any outside knowledge ---------- [article] ======= **How I'd Invest $250,000 Cash Today** Usually, I have between $50,000 – $100,000 in my main bank account. But at one point, I accumulated over $250,000 mainly due to a $122,000 private real estate investment windfall. In addition to accumulating cash, I also dollar-cost averaged in the S&P 500 on the way down in 2022 and way up in 2023. I also dollar-cost averaged in Sunbelt real estate, which struggled in 2023 due to high mortgage rates. These purchases were usually in $1,000 – $5,000 increments. After building a larger-than-normal cash balance, here's how I'd deploy it in today's market. I'm constantly updating this post as conditions change, so book mark it if interested. If you have less than $250,000, that’s fine too. I share the percentages of where I will allocate my money. Background Info To Understand Our Investment Process I'm 46 and my wife is 42. Our kids our 6 and 4. We consider ourselves moderately conservative investors since we haven't had regular day job income since 2012 for me and 2015 for my wife. We fear having to go back to work full-time, not because of work itself but because we fear losing our freedom to spend time with our young children. As a result, we are unwilling to take too much investment risk until both attend school full-time in fall 2024. Although we don't have day jobs, we do generate passive investment income to cover most of our living expenses. This is our definition of financial independence. We also generate online income, which we usually reinvest to generate more passive income. Therefore, our cash pile will continue to build if we don't spend or invest all the money. Our children's educational expenses are on track after we superfunded two 529 plans when they were born. We also have life insurance and estate planning set up. The only foreseeable big ticket item coming up is a car in 2029. Here's how we'd invest $250,000 cash in today's market. This is what we did and are doing with our own cash. This is not investment advice for you as everybody's financial goals, risk tolerance, and situation are different. Please always do your own due diligence before making any investment. Your investment decisions are yours alone. 1) Treasury Bonds (50% Of Cash Holding) Only about 3% of our net worth is in bonds, mostly individual muni bonds we plan to hold until maturity. Our target annual net worth growth rate is between 5% to 10% a year, depending on economic conditions. As a result, being able to earn 5% on a Treasury bond is enticing. The 10-year yield is currently at ~4.2% and Fed Chair Jerome Powell has hinted at Fed rate cuts starting in mid-2024. Investors can get up to around 5% for a one-year Treasury bond. Although locking in a 4% – 5% return won't make us rich, it will provide us peace of mind. We also already feel rich, so making more money won't make us feel richer. Our focus is on optimizing our freedom and time. Below is a recent bond yield table for all the various types of bonds you can buy, by duration. Risk-free Treasury bills and CDs look attractive. If you're in the highest marginal income tax bracket, municipal bonds look good too. Notice how the Treasury bond yield curve is still inverted. Now that we've deployed 50% of our cash in Treasury bonds, the remaining 49.9% of our cash will be invested in risk assets. 2) Stocks (15% Of Cash Holdings) Roughly 15% of our net worth is in stocks after paying cash for a new house in 4Q2023. The range has fluctuated between 20% – 35% since I left work in 2012. Since I started working in equities in 1999, I've done my best to diversify away from stocks and into hard assets. My career and pay were already leveraged to the stock market. And I saw so many great fortunes made and lost during my time in the industry. When I left work, I continued my preference of investing mostly in real estate. We almost always front-loaded our stock purchases for the year through our kids' Roth IRAs, custodial accounts, SEP IRAs, and 529 plans. For over 23 years, we've always front-loaded our tax-advantaged accounts at the beginning of the year to get them out of the way. Most of the time it works out, some of the time it doesn't, like in 2022. That's market timing for you. But we got to front-load our tax-advantaged investments again in 2023, which has worked out great. Keep on investing consistently! In addition to maxing out all our tax-advantaged accounts, we've been regular contributors to our taxable online brokerage accounts. After all, in order to retire early, you need a much larger taxable investment portfolio to live off its income. When it comes to stocks, it's important to invest for specific purposes. If you do, you will be much more motivated to save and invest since stocks provide no utility or joy. Stocks Seem Fully Valued Now Here are the 2024 Wall Street S&P 500 forecasts with an average year-end price target of about 4,850. In other words, there’s now downside at these levels for 2024 if the average prediction comes true. Although, some strategists are forecasting 5,100-5,500 for the year. Given the situation, I'm just buying in $1,000 – $5,000 tranches after every 1% decline. The huge year-end rally in stocks has pulled forward the expected performance in 2024. Here is a post that provides a framework for your stock allocation by bond yield. The higher risk-free bond yields go, the lower your stock allocation is recommended to be and vice versa. If I was in my 20s and 30s, I would allocate 50% of my cash to buying stocks instead. The remaining 20% would go to online real estate as the sector rebounds, 20% to venture capital, and only 10% would go to Treasuries and education. Remember, every investment is based off an individual's personal financial situation and goals. 3) Venture Capital (15% Of Cash Holding) I enjoy investing in private funds because they are long-term investments with no day-to-day price updates. As a result, these investments cause little stress and are easy to forget about. Private investing forces you to invest for the long run. I've already made capital commitments to a couple venture capital funds from Kleiner Perkins, Burst Capital, and Structural Capital (venture debt). As a result, I will just keep contributing to these funds whenever there are capital calls. Venture capital is likely going to roar back in 2024 given private company valuations took a hit since 2022. Capital often rotates toward the biggest underperforming asset classes. Investing In Artificial Intelligence I'm most excited about investing in artificial intelligence, one of the biggest investment opportunities over the next decade. My Kleiner Perkins funds are actively making AI investments. But these funds are invite only with $100,000+ minimums. The Fundrise Innovation Fund, on the other hand, is open to all with a $10 minimum investment. The fund invests in AI companies such as Databricks and Canva. Both are incredible companies and I look forward to the fund getting into more promising AI deals. 20 years from now, I don't want my kids asking me why I didn't invest in AI or work in AI given I had a chance to near the beginning. By investing in funds that invest in AI, at least I'll be able to benefit if I can't get a job in AI. Here's an hour-long discussion I have with Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise, about AI and investing in growth companies. Roughly 35% of the Innovation Fund is invested in AI companies. 4) Real Estate (20% Of Cash Holding) I’m bullish on real estate in 2024 as the sector plays catch-up to stocks. With mortgage rates coming down, demand is going to rebound. As a result, I’m actively buying real estate funds today. Real estate is my favorite asset class to build wealth. It provides shelter, generates income, and is less volatile. Unlike with some stocks, real estate values just don't decline by massive amounts overnight due to some small earnings miss. Real estate accounts for about 50% of our net worth. No matter what happens to the value of our current forever home we bought in 2020, I'm thankful it has been able to keep my family safe and loved during the pandemic. When it comes to buying a primary residence, it's lifestyle first, investment returns a distant second.
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In your answer, refer only to the context document. Do not employ any outside knowledge
EVIDENCE:
**How I'd Invest $250,000 Cash Today** Usually, I have between $50,000 – $100,000 in my main bank account. But at one point, I accumulated over $250,000 mainly due to a $122,000 private real estate investment windfall. In addition to accumulating cash, I also dollar-cost averaged in the S&P 500 on the way down in 2022 and way up in 2023. I also dollar-cost averaged in Sunbelt real estate, which struggled in 2023 due to high mortgage rates. These purchases were usually in $1,000 – $5,000 increments. After building a larger-than-normal cash balance, here's how I'd deploy it in today's market. I'm constantly updating this post as conditions change, so book mark it if interested. If you have less than $250,000, that’s fine too. I share the percentages of where I will allocate my money. Background Info To Understand Our Investment Process I'm 46 and my wife is 42. Our kids our 6 and 4. We consider ourselves moderately conservative investors since we haven't had regular day job income since 2012 for me and 2015 for my wife. We fear having to go back to work full-time, not because of work itself but because we fear losing our freedom to spend time with our young children. As a result, we are unwilling to take too much investment risk until both attend school full-time in fall 2024. Although we don't have day jobs, we do generate passive investment income to cover most of our living expenses. This is our definition of financial independence. We also generate online income, which we usually reinvest to generate more passive income. Therefore, our cash pile will continue to build if we don't spend or invest all the money. Our children's educational expenses are on track after we superfunded two 529 plans when they were born. We also have life insurance and estate planning set up. The only foreseeable big ticket item coming up is a car in 2029. Here's how we'd invest $250,000 cash in today's market. This is what we did and are doing with our own cash. This is not investment advice for you as everybody's financial goals, risk tolerance, and situation are different. Please always do your own due diligence before making any investment. Your investment decisions are yours alone. 1) Treasury Bonds (50% Of Cash Holding) Only about 3% of our net worth is in bonds, mostly individual muni bonds we plan to hold until maturity. Our target annual net worth growth rate is between 5% to 10% a year, depending on economic conditions. As a result, being able to earn 5% on a Treasury bond is enticing. The 10-year yield is currently at ~4.2% and Fed Chair Jerome Powell has hinted at Fed rate cuts starting in mid-2024. Investors can get up to around 5% for a one-year Treasury bond. Although locking in a 4% – 5% return won't make us rich, it will provide us peace of mind. We also already feel rich, so making more money won't make us feel richer. Our focus is on optimizing our freedom and time. Below is a recent bond yield table for all the various types of bonds you can buy, by duration. Risk-free Treasury bills and CDs look attractive. If you're in the highest marginal income tax bracket, municipal bonds look good too. Notice how the Treasury bond yield curve is still inverted. Now that we've deployed 50% of our cash in Treasury bonds, the remaining 49.9% of our cash will be invested in risk assets. 2) Stocks (15% Of Cash Holdings) Roughly 15% of our net worth is in stocks after paying cash for a new house in 4Q2023. The range has fluctuated between 20% – 35% since I left work in 2012. Since I started working in equities in 1999, I've done my best to diversify away from stocks and into hard assets. My career and pay were already leveraged to the stock market. And I saw so many great fortunes made and lost during my time in the industry. When I left work, I continued my preference of investing mostly in real estate. We almost always front-loaded our stock purchases for the year through our kids' Roth IRAs, custodial accounts, SEP IRAs, and 529 plans. For over 23 years, we've always front-loaded our tax-advantaged accounts at the beginning of the year to get them out of the way. Most of the time it works out, some of the time it doesn't, like in 2022. That's market timing for you. But we got to front-load our tax-advantaged investments again in 2023, which has worked out great. Keep on investing consistently! In addition to maxing out all our tax-advantaged accounts, we've been regular contributors to our taxable online brokerage accounts. After all, in order to retire early, you need a much larger taxable investment portfolio to live off its income. When it comes to stocks, it's important to invest for specific purposes. If you do, you will be much more motivated to save and invest since stocks provide no utility or joy. Stocks Seem Fully Valued Now Here are the 2024 Wall Street S&P 500 forecasts with an average year-end price target of about 4,850. In other words, there’s now downside at these levels for 2024 if the average prediction comes true. Although, some strategists are forecasting 5,100-5,500 for the year. Given the situation, I'm just buying in $1,000 – $5,000 tranches after every 1% decline. The huge year-end rally in stocks has pulled forward the expected performance in 2024. Here is a post that provides a framework for your stock allocation by bond yield. The higher risk-free bond yields go, the lower your stock allocation is recommended to be and vice versa. If I was in my 20s and 30s, I would allocate 50% of my cash to buying stocks instead. The remaining 20% would go to online real estate as the sector rebounds, 20% to venture capital, and only 10% would go to Treasuries and education. Remember, every investment is based off an individual's personal financial situation and goals. 3) Venture Capital (15% Of Cash Holding) I enjoy investing in private funds because they are long-term investments with no day-to-day price updates. As a result, these investments cause little stress and are easy to forget about. Private investing forces you to invest for the long run. I've already made capital commitments to a couple venture capital funds from Kleiner Perkins, Burst Capital, and Structural Capital (venture debt). As a result, I will just keep contributing to these funds whenever there are capital calls. Venture capital is likely going to roar back in 2024 given private company valuations took a hit since 2022. Capital often rotates toward the biggest underperforming asset classes. Investing In Artificial Intelligence I'm most excited about investing in artificial intelligence, one of the biggest investment opportunities over the next decade. My Kleiner Perkins funds are actively making AI investments. But these funds are invite only with $100,000+ minimums. The Fundrise Innovation Fund, on the other hand, is open to all with a $10 minimum investment. The fund invests in AI companies such as Databricks and Canva. Both are incredible companies and I look forward to the fund getting into more promising AI deals. 20 years from now, I don't want my kids asking me why I didn't invest in AI or work in AI given I had a chance to near the beginning. By investing in funds that invest in AI, at least I'll be able to benefit if I can't get a job in AI. Here's an hour-long discussion I have with Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise, about AI and investing in growth companies. Roughly 35% of the Innovation Fund is invested in AI companies. 4) Real Estate (20% Of Cash Holding) I’m bullish on real estate in 2024 as the sector plays catch-up to stocks. With mortgage rates coming down, demand is going to rebound. As a result, I’m actively buying real estate funds today. Real estate is my favorite asset class to build wealth. It provides shelter, generates income, and is less volatile. Unlike with some stocks, real estate values just don't decline by massive amounts overnight due to some small earnings miss. Real estate accounts for about 50% of our net worth. No matter what happens to the value of our current forever home we bought in 2020, I'm thankful it has been able to keep my family safe and loved during the pandemic. When it comes to buying a primary residence, it's lifestyle first, investment returns a distant second.
USER:
According to the article, what percentage of your savings is best to put into venture capital?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 15 | 16 | 1,428 | null | 610 |
Only use the information provided to you in the prompt, NEVER use external resources or prior knowledge. Responses should be exactly two paragraphs in length. If you don't know something because it's not provided in the document, say "Don't know - information not found." Bullet points or sentence fragments should never be used unless specifically requested. Focus on common-sense, obvious conclusions with specific factual support from the prompt.
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My patient, patient X, has a 3,000 kilocalorie per day diet. I deem the kilocalorie intake to be healthy, due to his profession of blacksmith, however I am concerned that he may not be following the most up-to-date guidelines issued by the federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Here is his current weekly diet: 1 kilogram bacon 2 dozen eggs 500 g butter 500 g lard 4 kilograms cheese, assorted 7 carrots 1/2 kilogram spinach 2 kilograms roast beef 1 baguette (large) 1/2 kilogram mushrooms 3 extra-sweet vidalia onions 4 liters organic sulfite-free red wine 1 free-range chicken assorted sauces, gravies, and condiments Detailed analysis shows that patient X consumes 300 calories, which is 10% of his daily total, of added sugars per day from all sources. To what extent is Patient X's diet aligned with the DGAC policy recommendations referenced in the included document?
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Which Key Issues Were Raised by Stakeholders with the 2015 DGAC’s Report? The DGAC’s report addressed many issues of concern to public health, nutrition, and agricultural stakeholders. HHS and USDA received over 29,000 written comments during the 75-day comment period, as well as 73 oral comments at a March 2015 public meeting.25 Stakeholders flagged several issues with the 2015 DGAC’s report, particularly with the scope of the DGAC’s recommendations, the process by which the DGAC made its conclusions and recommendations, and concerns over several specific recommendations.26 Scope One concern noted by stakeholders with the DGAC’s report was its scope, with some maintaining that the committee exceeded the scope of its charter by making certain policy recommendations. For example, although the 2015 DGAC’s report noted that no food groups need to be entirely eliminated to improve food sustainability outcomes, the DGAC concluded that individuals should eat less red and processed meat in favor of a plant-based diet, as “a diet higher in plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and lower in calories and animal-based foods is more health promoting and is associated with less environmental impact than is the current U.S. diet.” The DGAC added that due to high consumption of animal-based foods (e.g., meat, eggs, and dairy products) and low intake of plant-based foods, the average U.S. diet may have a large impact on the environment in terms of increased Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, land use, water use, and energy use. In addition, the DGAC made several policy recommendations that raised concern among some stakeholders, including FDA revision of the Nutrition Facts label to include a mandatory declaration for added sugars, in both grams and teaspoons per serving, as well as a % daily value (DV);27 alignment of federal nutrition assistance programs (e.g., SNAP and WIC) with the DGA; and use of economic and tax policies to encourage the production and consumption of healthy foods and to reduce consumption of unhealthy foods (e.g., by taxing sugar-sweetened beverages, snack foods, and desserts, and by restricting marketing of certain foods to children and teens).28 Some Members of Congress have said that the DGAC “had neither the expertise, evidence, nor charter” to make recommendations about matters of sustainability and tax policy,29 and this 24 Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, February 19, 2015, see http://www.health.gov/ dietaryguidelines/. 25 Testimony of Secretary of USDA Tom Vilsack, October 7, 2015, Committee on Agriculture Hearing, U.S. House of Representatives. 26 Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all the concerns surrounding the DGAC report. 27 Per FDA’s proposed supplemental rule, this %DV would be based on the recommendation that the daily intake of calories from added sugars not exceed 10% of total calories. For a 2,000 calorie diet, 10% would equate to approximately 50 grams of added sugar per day (10% of 2,000 equals 200 calories from added sugar; there are 4 calories per gram of sugar, so 200 calories divided by 4 equals 50 grams of added sugar per day). 28 Scientific Report of the 2015 DGAC, Part D: Chapter 6: Cross-Cutting Topics of Public Health Importance; see http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015-scientific-report/pdfs/scientific-report-of-the-2015-dietary-guidelinesadvisory-committee.pdf. 29 Letter from various Members of Congress to Secretaries Vilsack and Burwell, March 31, 2015; see concern has been reiterated by some meat industry groups.30 Meanwhile, others have supported the discussion surrounding sustainability, saying that it is important to have an understanding of how food production affects the environment.31 In response to these concerns, the HHS and USDA Secretaries determined that issues of sustainability and tax policy would not be part of the final policy document and that the DGA would “remain within the scope of our mandate in the 1990 National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act (P.L. 101-445, NNMRRA), which is to provide ‘nutritional and dietary information and guidelines’ ... ‘based on the preponderance of the scientific and medical knowledge.’” 32 Process Another stakeholder concern with the 2015 DGAC’s report was the process used to evaluate the evidence. After the 2005 edition of the DGA, HHS and USDA committed to using an evidencebased, systematic review methodology (i.e., the NEL) to support the development of the 2010 DGAC report, and the same process was expected to be used in the development of the 2015 DGAC report. The 2015 DGAC used the NEL to answer approximately 27% of its questions, relying on existing sources of evidence (e.g., existing reports and systematic reviews) to answer another 45%, and data analyses and food pattern modeling analyses to answer an additional 30%. 33 This approach is in contrast to the 2010 DGAC, which used the NEL to answer the majority of its research questions.34 According to the 2015 DGAC, the majority of the scientific community now regularly uses systematic reviews, so unlike the 2010 DGAC, the 2015 DGAC was able to rely more heavily on existing sources of evidence (e.g., existing systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and reports) and to avoid duplicative efforts.35 Some criticized this use of existing reviews, questioning the scientific rigor and objectivity of the advisory report. For example, some argued that the 2015 DGAC bypassed the NEL process for certain issues (e.g., added sugars) and “almost solely used pre-existing and hand-picked http://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/ag_dietaryguidelineslettertosecsvilsackburwell.pdf. 30 National Cattleman’s Beef Association, NCBA Urges Secretaries to Reject Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Flawed Recommendations May 8, 2015; see http://www.beefusa.org/newsreleases1.aspx?newsid= 4912#sthash.gecc7dMk.dpuf. 31 A Aubrey, “New Dietary Guidelines Will not Include Sustainability Goal,” NPR, October 13, 2015; see http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/10/06/446369955/new-dietary-guidelines-will-not-include-sustainability-goal. 32 Secretaries Vilsack and Burwell, “2015 Dietary Guidelines: Giving You the Tools You Need to Make Healthy Choices,” USDA blog, October 6, 2015; see http://blogs.usda.gov/2015/10/06/2015-dietary-guidelines-giving-you-thetools-you-need-to-make-healthy-choices/. 33 These numbers were taken directly from the Scientific Report of the 2015 DGAC, Part C: Methodology. They do not add up to 100% for reasons unknown to CRS, but one explanation may be that multiple sources were used to answer certain questions. 34 Report of the 2010 DGAC on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, Part A: Executive Summary, page 1. 35 Scientific Report of the 2015 DGAC, Part C: Methodology; see http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015-scientificreport/pdfs/scientific-report-of-the-2015-dietary-guidelines-advisory-committee.pdf.
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System Instruction: Only use the information provided to you in the prompt, NEVER use external resources or prior knowledge. Responses should be exactly two paragraphs in length. If you don't know something because it's not provided in the document, say "Don't know - information not found." Bullet points or sentence fragments should never be used unless specifically requested. Focus on common-sense, obvious conclusions with specific factual support from the prompt. Question: My patient, patient X, has a 3,000 kilocalorie per day diet. I deem the kilocalorie intake to be healthy, due to his profession of blacksmith, however I am concerned that he may not be following the most up-to-date guidelines issued by the federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Here is his current weekly diet: 1 kilogram bacon 2 dozen eggs 500 g butter 500 g lard 4 kilograms cheese, assorted 7 carrots 1/2 kilogram spinach 2 kilograms roast beef 1 baguette (large) 1/2 kilogram mushrooms 3 extra-sweet vidalia onions 4 liters organic sulfite-free red wine 1 free-range chicken assorted sauces, gravies, and condiments Detailed analysis shows that patient X consumes 300 calories, which is 10% of his daily total, of added sugars per day from all sources. To what extent is Patient X's diet aligned with the DGAC policy recommendations referenced in the included document? Context: Which Key Issues Were Raised by Stakeholders with the 2015 DGAC’s Report? The DGAC’s report addressed many issues of concern to public health, nutrition, and agricultural stakeholders. HHS and USDA received over 29,000 written comments during the 75-day comment period, as well as 73 oral comments at a March 2015 public meeting.25 Stakeholders flagged several issues with the 2015 DGAC’s report, particularly with the scope of the DGAC’s recommendations, the process by which the DGAC made its conclusions and recommendations, and concerns over several specific recommendations.26 Scope One concern noted by stakeholders with the DGAC’s report was its scope, with some maintaining that the committee exceeded the scope of its charter by making certain policy recommendations. For example, although the 2015 DGAC’s report noted that no food groups need to be entirely eliminated to improve food sustainability outcomes, the DGAC concluded that individuals should eat less red and processed meat in favor of a plant-based diet, as “a diet higher in plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and lower in calories and animal-based foods is more health promoting and is associated with less environmental impact than is the current U.S. diet.” The DGAC added that due to high consumption of animal-based foods (e.g., meat, eggs, and dairy products) and low intake of plant-based foods, the average U.S. diet may have a large impact on the environment in terms of increased Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, land use, water use, and energy use. In addition, the DGAC made several policy recommendations that raised concern among some stakeholders, including FDA revision of the Nutrition Facts label to include a mandatory declaration for added sugars, in both grams and teaspoons per serving, as well as a % daily value (DV);27 alignment of federal nutrition assistance programs (e.g., SNAP and WIC) with the DGA; and use of economic and tax policies to encourage the production and consumption of healthy foods and to reduce consumption of unhealthy foods (e.g., by taxing sugar-sweetened beverages, snack foods, and desserts, and by restricting marketing of certain foods to children and teens).28 Some Members of Congress have said that the DGAC “had neither the expertise, evidence, nor charter” to make recommendations about matters of sustainability and tax policy,29 and this 24 Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, February 19, 2015, see http://www.health.gov/ dietaryguidelines/. 25 Testimony of Secretary of USDA Tom Vilsack, October 7, 2015, Committee on Agriculture Hearing, U.S. House of Representatives. 26 Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all the concerns surrounding the DGAC report. 27 Per FDA’s proposed supplemental rule, this %DV would be based on the recommendation that the daily intake of calories from added sugars not exceed 10% of total calories. For a 2,000 calorie diet, 10% would equate to approximately 50 grams of added sugar per day (10% of 2,000 equals 200 calories from added sugar; there are 4 calories per gram of sugar, so 200 calories divided by 4 equals 50 grams of added sugar per day). 28 Scientific Report of the 2015 DGAC, Part D: Chapter 6: Cross-Cutting Topics of Public Health Importance; see http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015-scientific-report/pdfs/scientific-report-of-the-2015-dietary-guidelinesadvisory-committee.pdf. 29 Letter from various Members of Congress to Secretaries Vilsack and Burwell, March 31, 2015; see concern has been reiterated by some meat industry groups.30 Meanwhile, others have supported the discussion surrounding sustainability, saying that it is important to have an understanding of how food production affects the environment.31 In response to these concerns, the HHS and USDA Secretaries determined that issues of sustainability and tax policy would not be part of the final policy document and that the DGA would “remain within the scope of our mandate in the 1990 National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act (P.L. 101-445, NNMRRA), which is to provide ‘nutritional and dietary information and guidelines’ ... ‘based on the preponderance of the scientific and medical knowledge.’” 32 Process Another stakeholder concern with the 2015 DGAC’s report was the process used to evaluate the evidence. After the 2005 edition of the DGA, HHS and USDA committed to using an evidencebased, systematic review methodology (i.e., the NEL) to support the development of the 2010 DGAC report, and the same process was expected to be used in the development of the 2015 DGAC report. The 2015 DGAC used the NEL to answer approximately 27% of its questions, relying on existing sources of evidence (e.g., existing reports and systematic reviews) to answer another 45%, and data analyses and food pattern modeling analyses to answer an additional 30%. 33 This approach is in contrast to the 2010 DGAC, which used the NEL to answer the majority of its research questions.34 According to the 2015 DGAC, the majority of the scientific community now regularly uses systematic reviews, so unlike the 2010 DGAC, the 2015 DGAC was able to rely more heavily on existing sources of evidence (e.g., existing systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and reports) and to avoid duplicative efforts.35 Some criticized this use of existing reviews, questioning the scientific rigor and objectivity of the advisory report. For example, some argued that the 2015 DGAC bypassed the NEL process for certain issues (e.g., added sugars) and “almost solely used pre-existing and hand-picked http://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/ag_dietaryguidelineslettertosecsvilsackburwell.pdf. 30 National Cattleman’s Beef Association, NCBA Urges Secretaries to Reject Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Flawed Recommendations May 8, 2015; see http://www.beefusa.org/newsreleases1.aspx?newsid= 4912#sthash.gecc7dMk.dpuf. 31 A Aubrey, “New Dietary Guidelines Will not Include Sustainability Goal,” NPR, October 13, 2015; see http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/10/06/446369955/new-dietary-guidelines-will-not-include-sustainability-goal. 32 Secretaries Vilsack and Burwell, “2015 Dietary Guidelines: Giving You the Tools You Need to Make Healthy Choices,” USDA blog, October 6, 2015; see http://blogs.usda.gov/2015/10/06/2015-dietary-guidelines-giving-you-thetools-you-need-to-make-healthy-choices/. 33 These numbers were taken directly from the Scientific Report of the 2015 DGAC, Part C: Methodology. They do not add up to 100% for reasons unknown to CRS, but one explanation may be that multiple sources were used to answer certain questions. 34 Report of the 2010 DGAC on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, Part A: Executive Summary, page 1. 35 Scientific Report of the 2015 DGAC, Part C: Methodology; see http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015-scientificreport/pdfs/scientific-report-of-the-2015-dietary-guidelines-advisory-committee.pdf.
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Only use the information provided to you in the prompt, NEVER use external resources or prior knowledge. Responses should be exactly two paragraphs in length. If you don't know something because it's not provided in the document, say "Don't know - information not found." Bullet points or sentence fragments should never be used unless specifically requested. Focus on common-sense, obvious conclusions with specific factual support from the prompt.
EVIDENCE:
Which Key Issues Were Raised by Stakeholders with the 2015 DGAC’s Report? The DGAC’s report addressed many issues of concern to public health, nutrition, and agricultural stakeholders. HHS and USDA received over 29,000 written comments during the 75-day comment period, as well as 73 oral comments at a March 2015 public meeting.25 Stakeholders flagged several issues with the 2015 DGAC’s report, particularly with the scope of the DGAC’s recommendations, the process by which the DGAC made its conclusions and recommendations, and concerns over several specific recommendations.26 Scope One concern noted by stakeholders with the DGAC’s report was its scope, with some maintaining that the committee exceeded the scope of its charter by making certain policy recommendations. For example, although the 2015 DGAC’s report noted that no food groups need to be entirely eliminated to improve food sustainability outcomes, the DGAC concluded that individuals should eat less red and processed meat in favor of a plant-based diet, as “a diet higher in plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and lower in calories and animal-based foods is more health promoting and is associated with less environmental impact than is the current U.S. diet.” The DGAC added that due to high consumption of animal-based foods (e.g., meat, eggs, and dairy products) and low intake of plant-based foods, the average U.S. diet may have a large impact on the environment in terms of increased Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, land use, water use, and energy use. In addition, the DGAC made several policy recommendations that raised concern among some stakeholders, including FDA revision of the Nutrition Facts label to include a mandatory declaration for added sugars, in both grams and teaspoons per serving, as well as a % daily value (DV);27 alignment of federal nutrition assistance programs (e.g., SNAP and WIC) with the DGA; and use of economic and tax policies to encourage the production and consumption of healthy foods and to reduce consumption of unhealthy foods (e.g., by taxing sugar-sweetened beverages, snack foods, and desserts, and by restricting marketing of certain foods to children and teens).28 Some Members of Congress have said that the DGAC “had neither the expertise, evidence, nor charter” to make recommendations about matters of sustainability and tax policy,29 and this 24 Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, February 19, 2015, see http://www.health.gov/ dietaryguidelines/. 25 Testimony of Secretary of USDA Tom Vilsack, October 7, 2015, Committee on Agriculture Hearing, U.S. House of Representatives. 26 Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all the concerns surrounding the DGAC report. 27 Per FDA’s proposed supplemental rule, this %DV would be based on the recommendation that the daily intake of calories from added sugars not exceed 10% of total calories. For a 2,000 calorie diet, 10% would equate to approximately 50 grams of added sugar per day (10% of 2,000 equals 200 calories from added sugar; there are 4 calories per gram of sugar, so 200 calories divided by 4 equals 50 grams of added sugar per day). 28 Scientific Report of the 2015 DGAC, Part D: Chapter 6: Cross-Cutting Topics of Public Health Importance; see http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015-scientific-report/pdfs/scientific-report-of-the-2015-dietary-guidelinesadvisory-committee.pdf. 29 Letter from various Members of Congress to Secretaries Vilsack and Burwell, March 31, 2015; see concern has been reiterated by some meat industry groups.30 Meanwhile, others have supported the discussion surrounding sustainability, saying that it is important to have an understanding of how food production affects the environment.31 In response to these concerns, the HHS and USDA Secretaries determined that issues of sustainability and tax policy would not be part of the final policy document and that the DGA would “remain within the scope of our mandate in the 1990 National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act (P.L. 101-445, NNMRRA), which is to provide ‘nutritional and dietary information and guidelines’ ... ‘based on the preponderance of the scientific and medical knowledge.’” 32 Process Another stakeholder concern with the 2015 DGAC’s report was the process used to evaluate the evidence. After the 2005 edition of the DGA, HHS and USDA committed to using an evidencebased, systematic review methodology (i.e., the NEL) to support the development of the 2010 DGAC report, and the same process was expected to be used in the development of the 2015 DGAC report. The 2015 DGAC used the NEL to answer approximately 27% of its questions, relying on existing sources of evidence (e.g., existing reports and systematic reviews) to answer another 45%, and data analyses and food pattern modeling analyses to answer an additional 30%. 33 This approach is in contrast to the 2010 DGAC, which used the NEL to answer the majority of its research questions.34 According to the 2015 DGAC, the majority of the scientific community now regularly uses systematic reviews, so unlike the 2010 DGAC, the 2015 DGAC was able to rely more heavily on existing sources of evidence (e.g., existing systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and reports) and to avoid duplicative efforts.35 Some criticized this use of existing reviews, questioning the scientific rigor and objectivity of the advisory report. For example, some argued that the 2015 DGAC bypassed the NEL process for certain issues (e.g., added sugars) and “almost solely used pre-existing and hand-picked http://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/ag_dietaryguidelineslettertosecsvilsackburwell.pdf. 30 National Cattleman’s Beef Association, NCBA Urges Secretaries to Reject Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Flawed Recommendations May 8, 2015; see http://www.beefusa.org/newsreleases1.aspx?newsid= 4912#sthash.gecc7dMk.dpuf. 31 A Aubrey, “New Dietary Guidelines Will not Include Sustainability Goal,” NPR, October 13, 2015; see http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/10/06/446369955/new-dietary-guidelines-will-not-include-sustainability-goal. 32 Secretaries Vilsack and Burwell, “2015 Dietary Guidelines: Giving You the Tools You Need to Make Healthy Choices,” USDA blog, October 6, 2015; see http://blogs.usda.gov/2015/10/06/2015-dietary-guidelines-giving-you-thetools-you-need-to-make-healthy-choices/. 33 These numbers were taken directly from the Scientific Report of the 2015 DGAC, Part C: Methodology. They do not add up to 100% for reasons unknown to CRS, but one explanation may be that multiple sources were used to answer certain questions. 34 Report of the 2010 DGAC on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, Part A: Executive Summary, page 1. 35 Scientific Report of the 2015 DGAC, Part C: Methodology; see http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015-scientificreport/pdfs/scientific-report-of-the-2015-dietary-guidelines-advisory-committee.pdf.
USER:
My patient, patient X, has a 3,000 kilocalorie per day diet. I deem the kilocalorie intake to be healthy, due to his profession of blacksmith, however I am concerned that he may not be following the most up-to-date guidelines issued by the federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Here is his current weekly diet: 1 kilogram bacon 2 dozen eggs 500 g butter 500 g lard 4 kilograms cheese, assorted 7 carrots 1/2 kilogram spinach 2 kilograms roast beef 1 baguette (large) 1/2 kilogram mushrooms 3 extra-sweet vidalia onions 4 liters organic sulfite-free red wine 1 free-range chicken assorted sauces, gravies, and condiments Detailed analysis shows that patient X consumes 300 calories, which is 10% of his daily total, of added sugars per day from all sources. To what extent is Patient X's diet aligned with the DGAC policy recommendations referenced in the included document?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| true | 68 | 144 | 1,004 | null | 596 |
Only use the text provided to answer. Do not use outside information.
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Please give a summary of how Covid19 has affected behavior health.
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Behavioral Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic Data from multiple sources suggest that mental health symptoms and substance use have increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. These symptoms include emotional distress and anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions. Substance use refers to the number of individuals using substances such as alcohol or illicit drugs, and the frequency and quantities of use. Typically, comprehensive national morbidity and mortality data on mental health conditions, substance use, associated hospitalizations, and substance-related overdose deaths take months to compile and report. Comprehensive national data for 2020 are not yet available. Several organizations, including multiple federal agencies, have used short surveys and rapid data reporting to monitor mental health symptoms and substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the methodological differences between these surveys and perennial surveys make comparisons between years imperfect, most of the 2020 data suggest an increase in behavioral health morbidity in the United States over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental Health Data collected from multiple surveys during the COVID-19 pandemic suggest that Americans experienced increased stress and symptoms of mental health conditions. In a survey conducted in April 2020, the State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC)—a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation—found that over 90% of U.S. adults reported experiencing additional levels of stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, stress refers to psychological stress, which occurs when individuals believe that the consequences of a situation outweigh their ability to adequately cope with it. Reactions to stressors may include fear and concern about the future, tension and irritability, sadness or depression, or feeling powerless or overwhelmed, among others. Without adequate coping strategies, stress can have detrimental effects on mental health. Coping strategies include any behavioral, social, or cognitive techniques used to mitigate the effects of stress. Coping strategies can be adaptive, meaning they promote better overall functioning (e.g., social connections, physical activities, hobbies, good sleep hygiene), or they can be maladaptive, meaning they are more likely to result in worse overall functioning (e.g., substance use, excessive screen time, risky behaviors). Although maladaptive coping strategies may reduce stress in the moment, they may exacerbate problems in the long term. Many individuals experiencing stress may have adequate coping strategies, meaning that stress is present but does not impair their daily functioning. For others, stress—and in particular stress caused by the pandemic—may have detrimental effects on their mental health. A nationally representative survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) throughout the pandemic found that an increasing number of Americans reported that pandemic-related stress was affecting their mental health. In March 2020, 32% of respondents felt that worry or stress related to coronavirus had a negative impact on their mental health. In April 2020 that number rose to 45%, and in July 2020, 53% reported that pandemic-related stress was affecting their mental health. Mental Health Disorders In some cases, extreme or prolonged stress can lead to mental health disorders. According to data collected by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the percentage of Americans experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder appears to have increased during the COVID19 pandemic. NCHS—a research agency under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau on the Household Pulse Survey to monitor the social and economic effects of the pandemic on American households. The nationally representative survey collected data on employment status, food security, housing, physical and mental health, access to health care (including mental health care), and education disruption during the coronavirus pandemic. NCHS survey questions were designed to obtain information on the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms. Other indicators of psychological distress appear elevated during the first phases of the pandemic. For example, CDC analysis of national emergency department (ED) visits showed that socioeconomic and psychosocial-related visits increased during April 2020 (compared with April 2019), while total ED visits decreased over 40%. Socioeconomic or psychosocial factors were one of a few categories of ED visits that increased; most of the 200 common diagnostic causes of ED visits decreased during that same time. Other research suggests that ED visits for mental health conditions may have decreased during the first few months of the pandemic, to a lesser extent than overall ED visits. Suicide Some evidence suggests that suicidal thoughts may have increased during the pandemic. One CDC analysis found that during the pandemic approximately twice as many U.S. adults reported serious consideration of suicide in the previous 30 days compared with 2018 (10.7% versus4.3%). Although the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline did not report increases in call volume, the Disaster Distress Helpline (part of the Suicide Lifeline) experienced a 335% increase in calls during the first five months of the pandemic. The effects of the pandemic on suicide attempts and suicide deaths is unclear, though it appears that suicide mortality has decreased compared with previous years. An increase in suicidal thoughts does not necessarily equate to an increase in suicide attempts or suicide deaths. Research from CDC shows a decrease in emergency department (ED) visits for suicide attempts between March and October 2020 compared with the same period in 2019, but to a lesser extent than overall ED visits. Preliminary national suicide mortality data in the United States for 2020 show that suicide deaths in the United States may have decreased in 2020 compared with the three previous years. In addition, regional differences may account for changes in suicide mortality. For example, some individual states and municipalities have reported stable rates in suicide deaths during the pandemic, whereas others have reported decreased rates. There may be demographic differences in suicide rates during the pandemic also. For example, CDC reported that in May 2020 ED visits for suspected suicide attempts began to increase among adolescents, especially girls. Researchers in Maryland found that suicide mortality rates increased for Black residents from March 2020 to May 2020, while decreasing for White residents over that same time. Substance Use-Related Overdoses Comprehensive national data on drug-related overdoses and overdose deaths during the pandemic are not yet available. Preliminary data from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) suggest increases in drug-related overdoses during the first few months of the pandemic. The Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP), an ONDCP surveillance system that tracks suspected overdose data nationally in near real-time, reported an increase of 11% in fatal overdoses and a 19% increase in nonfatal overdoses from March through May 2020 compared with the same months in 2019. Nearly 62% of participating counties reported increases from March to May 2020. Other areas have reported stable rates of overdose deaths. Notably, ODMAP overdose submissions appeared to be trending upward prior to the onset of the pandemic, making it difficult to determine the effects of the pandemic and mitigation measures using these data. CDC also noted an increase in drug-related overdose deaths in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to the ODMAP data, the CDC data showed that overdose deaths were already increasing in the months preceding the pandemic. However, CDC data showed the rate of overdose deaths accelerating after the pandemic began. In an analysis of provisional CDC mortality data, the National Institute for Health Care Management found that the rise is particularly notable for deaths involving synthetic opioids. In addition, the institute reported increases in deaths involving commonly prescribed opioids and heroin—both of which had been declining in recent years. When examining emergency department (ED) visits, CDC found a higher number of drug overdoses—including opioid overdoses—between March and October 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. Put together, the ODMAP and CDC data suggest that drug-related overdoses and overdose deaths have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals with substance use disorders may be at higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 due to unstable housing situations, high incarceration rates, or the inability to physically distance themselves. In addition, those with substance use disorders may be at higher risk for complications of COVID-19 because substance use can often suppress the immune system or inhibit respiratory functioning.
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System instructions: Only use the text provided to answer. Do not use outside information. Context: Behavioral Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic Data from multiple sources suggest that mental health symptoms and substance use have increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. These symptoms include emotional distress and anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions. Substance use refers to the number of individuals using substances such as alcohol or illicit drugs, and the frequency and quantities of use. Typically, comprehensive national morbidity and mortality data on mental health conditions, substance use, associated hospitalizations, and substance-related overdose deaths take months to compile and report. Comprehensive national data for 2020 are not yet available. Several organizations, including multiple federal agencies, have used short surveys and rapid data reporting to monitor mental health symptoms and substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the methodological differences between these surveys and perennial surveys make comparisons between years imperfect, most of the 2020 data suggest an increase in behavioral health morbidity in the United States over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental Health Data collected from multiple surveys during the COVID-19 pandemic suggest that Americans experienced increased stress and symptoms of mental health conditions. In a survey conducted in April 2020, the State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC)—a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation—found that over 90% of U.S. adults reported experiencing additional levels of stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, stress refers to psychological stress, which occurs when individuals believe that the consequences of a situation outweigh their ability to adequately cope with it. Reactions to stressors may include fear and concern about the future, tension and irritability, sadness or depression, or feeling powerless or overwhelmed, among others. Without adequate coping strategies, stress can have detrimental effects on mental health. Coping strategies include any behavioral, social, or cognitive techniques used to mitigate the effects of stress. Coping strategies can be adaptive, meaning they promote better overall functioning (e.g., social connections, physical activities, hobbies, good sleep hygiene), or they can be maladaptive, meaning they are more likely to result in worse overall functioning (e.g., substance use, excessive screen time, risky behaviors). Although maladaptive coping strategies may reduce stress in the moment, they may exacerbate problems in the long term. Many individuals experiencing stress may have adequate coping strategies, meaning that stress is present but does not impair their daily functioning. For others, stress—and in particular stress caused by the pandemic—may have detrimental effects on their mental health. A nationally representative survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) throughout the pandemic found that an increasing number of Americans reported that pandemic-related stress was affecting their mental health. In March 2020, 32% of respondents felt that worry or stress related to coronavirus had a negative impact on their mental health. In April 2020 that number rose to 45%, and in July 2020, 53% reported that pandemic-related stress was affecting their mental health. Mental Health Disorders In some cases, extreme or prolonged stress can lead to mental health disorders. According to data collected by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the percentage of Americans experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder appears to have increased during the COVID19 pandemic. NCHS—a research agency under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau on the Household Pulse Survey to monitor the social and economic effects of the pandemic on American households. The nationally representative survey collected data on employment status, food security, housing, physical and mental health, access to health care (including mental health care), and education disruption during the coronavirus pandemic. NCHS survey questions were designed to obtain information on the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms. Other indicators of psychological distress appear elevated during the first phases of the pandemic. For example, CDC analysis of national emergency department (ED) visits showed that socioeconomic and psychosocial-related visits increased during April 2020 (compared with April 2019), while total ED visits decreased over 40%. Socioeconomic or psychosocial factors were one of a few categories of ED visits that increased; most of the 200 common diagnostic causes of ED visits decreased during that same time. Other research suggests that ED visits for mental health conditions may have decreased during the first few months of the pandemic, to a lesser extent than overall ED visits. Suicide Some evidence suggests that suicidal thoughts may have increased during the pandemic. One CDC analysis found that during the pandemic approximately twice as many U.S. adults reported serious consideration of suicide in the previous 30 days compared with 2018 (10.7% versus4.3%). Although the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline did not report increases in call volume, the Disaster Distress Helpline (part of the Suicide Lifeline) experienced a 335% increase in calls during the first five months of the pandemic. The effects of the pandemic on suicide attempts and suicide deaths is unclear, though it appears that suicide mortality has decreased compared with previous years. An increase in suicidal thoughts does not necessarily equate to an increase in suicide attempts or suicide deaths. Research from CDC shows a decrease in emergency department (ED) visits for suicide attempts between March and October 2020 compared with the same period in 2019, but to a lesser extent than overall ED visits. Preliminary national suicide mortality data in the United States for 2020 show that suicide deaths in the United States may have decreased in 2020 compared with the three previous years. In addition, regional differences may account for changes in suicide mortality. For example, some individual states and municipalities have reported stable rates in suicide deaths during the pandemic, whereas others have reported decreased rates. There may be demographic differences in suicide rates during the pandemic also. For example, CDC reported that in May 2020 ED visits for suspected suicide attempts began to increase among adolescents, especially girls. Researchers in Maryland found that suicide mortality rates increased for Black residents from March 2020 to May 2020, while decreasing for White residents over that same time. Substance Use-Related Overdoses Comprehensive national data on drug-related overdoses and overdose deaths during the pandemic are not yet available. Preliminary data from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) suggest increases in drug-related overdoses during the first few months of the pandemic. The Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP), an ONDCP surveillance system that tracks suspected overdose data nationally in near real-time, reported an increase of 11% in fatal overdoses and a 19% increase in nonfatal overdoses from March through May 2020 compared with the same months in 2019. Nearly 62% of participating counties reported increases from March to May 2020. Other areas have reported stable rates of overdose deaths. Notably, ODMAP overdose submissions appeared to be trending upward prior to the onset of the pandemic, making it difficult to determine the effects of the pandemic and mitigation measures using these data. CDC also noted an increase in drug-related overdose deaths in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to the ODMAP data, the CDC data showed that overdose deaths were already increasing in the months preceding the pandemic. However, CDC data showed the rate of overdose deaths accelerating after the pandemic began. In an analysis of provisional CDC mortality data, the National Institute for Health Care Management found that the rise is particularly notable for deaths involving synthetic opioids. In addition, the institute reported increases in deaths involving commonly prescribed opioids and heroin—both of which had been declining in recent years. When examining emergency department (ED) visits, CDC found a higher number of drug overdoses—including opioid overdoses—between March and October 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. Put together, the ODMAP and CDC data suggest that drug-related overdoses and overdose deaths have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals with substance use disorders may be at higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 due to unstable housing situations, high incarceration rates, or the inability to physically distance themselves. In addition, those with substance use disorders may be at higher risk for complications of COVID-19 because substance use can often suppress the immune system or inhibit respiratory functioning. Please give a summary of how Covid19 has affected behavior health.
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Only use the text provided to answer. Do not use outside information.
EVIDENCE:
Behavioral Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic Data from multiple sources suggest that mental health symptoms and substance use have increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. These symptoms include emotional distress and anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions. Substance use refers to the number of individuals using substances such as alcohol or illicit drugs, and the frequency and quantities of use. Typically, comprehensive national morbidity and mortality data on mental health conditions, substance use, associated hospitalizations, and substance-related overdose deaths take months to compile and report. Comprehensive national data for 2020 are not yet available. Several organizations, including multiple federal agencies, have used short surveys and rapid data reporting to monitor mental health symptoms and substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the methodological differences between these surveys and perennial surveys make comparisons between years imperfect, most of the 2020 data suggest an increase in behavioral health morbidity in the United States over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental Health Data collected from multiple surveys during the COVID-19 pandemic suggest that Americans experienced increased stress and symptoms of mental health conditions. In a survey conducted in April 2020, the State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC)—a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation—found that over 90% of U.S. adults reported experiencing additional levels of stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, stress refers to psychological stress, which occurs when individuals believe that the consequences of a situation outweigh their ability to adequately cope with it. Reactions to stressors may include fear and concern about the future, tension and irritability, sadness or depression, or feeling powerless or overwhelmed, among others. Without adequate coping strategies, stress can have detrimental effects on mental health. Coping strategies include any behavioral, social, or cognitive techniques used to mitigate the effects of stress. Coping strategies can be adaptive, meaning they promote better overall functioning (e.g., social connections, physical activities, hobbies, good sleep hygiene), or they can be maladaptive, meaning they are more likely to result in worse overall functioning (e.g., substance use, excessive screen time, risky behaviors). Although maladaptive coping strategies may reduce stress in the moment, they may exacerbate problems in the long term. Many individuals experiencing stress may have adequate coping strategies, meaning that stress is present but does not impair their daily functioning. For others, stress—and in particular stress caused by the pandemic—may have detrimental effects on their mental health. A nationally representative survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) throughout the pandemic found that an increasing number of Americans reported that pandemic-related stress was affecting their mental health. In March 2020, 32% of respondents felt that worry or stress related to coronavirus had a negative impact on their mental health. In April 2020 that number rose to 45%, and in July 2020, 53% reported that pandemic-related stress was affecting their mental health. Mental Health Disorders In some cases, extreme or prolonged stress can lead to mental health disorders. According to data collected by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the percentage of Americans experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder appears to have increased during the COVID19 pandemic. NCHS—a research agency under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau on the Household Pulse Survey to monitor the social and economic effects of the pandemic on American households. The nationally representative survey collected data on employment status, food security, housing, physical and mental health, access to health care (including mental health care), and education disruption during the coronavirus pandemic. NCHS survey questions were designed to obtain information on the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms. Other indicators of psychological distress appear elevated during the first phases of the pandemic. For example, CDC analysis of national emergency department (ED) visits showed that socioeconomic and psychosocial-related visits increased during April 2020 (compared with April 2019), while total ED visits decreased over 40%. Socioeconomic or psychosocial factors were one of a few categories of ED visits that increased; most of the 200 common diagnostic causes of ED visits decreased during that same time. Other research suggests that ED visits for mental health conditions may have decreased during the first few months of the pandemic, to a lesser extent than overall ED visits. Suicide Some evidence suggests that suicidal thoughts may have increased during the pandemic. One CDC analysis found that during the pandemic approximately twice as many U.S. adults reported serious consideration of suicide in the previous 30 days compared with 2018 (10.7% versus4.3%). Although the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline did not report increases in call volume, the Disaster Distress Helpline (part of the Suicide Lifeline) experienced a 335% increase in calls during the first five months of the pandemic. The effects of the pandemic on suicide attempts and suicide deaths is unclear, though it appears that suicide mortality has decreased compared with previous years. An increase in suicidal thoughts does not necessarily equate to an increase in suicide attempts or suicide deaths. Research from CDC shows a decrease in emergency department (ED) visits for suicide attempts between March and October 2020 compared with the same period in 2019, but to a lesser extent than overall ED visits. Preliminary national suicide mortality data in the United States for 2020 show that suicide deaths in the United States may have decreased in 2020 compared with the three previous years. In addition, regional differences may account for changes in suicide mortality. For example, some individual states and municipalities have reported stable rates in suicide deaths during the pandemic, whereas others have reported decreased rates. There may be demographic differences in suicide rates during the pandemic also. For example, CDC reported that in May 2020 ED visits for suspected suicide attempts began to increase among adolescents, especially girls. Researchers in Maryland found that suicide mortality rates increased for Black residents from March 2020 to May 2020, while decreasing for White residents over that same time. Substance Use-Related Overdoses Comprehensive national data on drug-related overdoses and overdose deaths during the pandemic are not yet available. Preliminary data from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) suggest increases in drug-related overdoses during the first few months of the pandemic. The Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP), an ONDCP surveillance system that tracks suspected overdose data nationally in near real-time, reported an increase of 11% in fatal overdoses and a 19% increase in nonfatal overdoses from March through May 2020 compared with the same months in 2019. Nearly 62% of participating counties reported increases from March to May 2020. Other areas have reported stable rates of overdose deaths. Notably, ODMAP overdose submissions appeared to be trending upward prior to the onset of the pandemic, making it difficult to determine the effects of the pandemic and mitigation measures using these data. CDC also noted an increase in drug-related overdose deaths in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to the ODMAP data, the CDC data showed that overdose deaths were already increasing in the months preceding the pandemic. However, CDC data showed the rate of overdose deaths accelerating after the pandemic began. In an analysis of provisional CDC mortality data, the National Institute for Health Care Management found that the rise is particularly notable for deaths involving synthetic opioids. In addition, the institute reported increases in deaths involving commonly prescribed opioids and heroin—both of which had been declining in recent years. When examining emergency department (ED) visits, CDC found a higher number of drug overdoses—including opioid overdoses—between March and October 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. Put together, the ODMAP and CDC data suggest that drug-related overdoses and overdose deaths have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals with substance use disorders may be at higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 due to unstable housing situations, high incarceration rates, or the inability to physically distance themselves. In addition, those with substance use disorders may be at higher risk for complications of COVID-19 because substance use can often suppress the immune system or inhibit respiratory functioning.
USER:
Please give a summary of how Covid19 has affected behavior health.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 12 | 11 | 1,334 | null | 455 |
<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
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I plan to do an Azure certification to enhance my skillset in cloud development. Can you list down all the Azure services along with their working?
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Today, cloud computing applications and platforms are rapidly growing across all industries, serving as the IT infrastructure that drives new digital businesses. These platforms and applications have revolutionized the ways in which businesses function, and have made processes easier. In fact, more than 77 percent of businesses today have at least some portion of their computing infrastructure in the cloud. While there are many cloud computing platforms available, two platforms dominate the cloud computing industry. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are the two giants in the world of cloud computing. While AWS is the largest cloud computing platform, Microsoft Azure is the fastest-growing and second-largest. This article focuses on Microsoft Azure and what is Azure—its services and uses. Before diving into what is Azure, you should first know what cloud computing is. Want a Job at AWS? Find Out What It Takes Cloud Architect Master's ProgramExplore ProgramWant a Job at AWS? Find Out What It Takes What is Cloud Computing? Cloud computing is a technology that provides access to various computing resources over the internet. All you need to do is use your computer or mobile device to connect to your cloud service provider through the internet. Once connected, you get access to computing resources, which may include serverless computing, virtual machines, storage, and various other things. Basically, cloud service providers have massive data centers that contain hundreds of servers, storage systems and components that are crucial for many kinds of organizations. These data centers are in secure locations and store a large amount of data. The users connect to these data centers to collect data or use it when required. Users can take advantage of various services; for example, if you want a notification every time someone sends you a text or an email, cloud services can help you. The best part about cloud platforms is that you pay only for the services you use, and there are no charges upfront. Cloud computing can be used for various purposes: machine learning, data analysis, storage and backup, streaming media content and so much more. Here’s an interesting fact about the cloud: all the shows and movies that you see on Netflix are actually stored in the cloud. Also, the cloud can be beneficial for creating and testing applications, automating software delivery, and hosting blogs. Why is Cloud Computing Important? Let’s assume that you have an idea for a revolutionary application that can provide great user experience and can become highly profitable. For the application to become successful, you will need to release it on the internet for people to find it, use it, and spread the word about its advantages. However, releasing an application on the internet is not as easy as it seems. To do so, you will need various components, like servers, storage devices, developers, dedicated networks, and application security to ensure that your solution works the way it is intended to. These are a lot of components, which can be problematic. Buying each of these components individually is very expensive and risky. You would need a huge amount of capital to ensure that your application works properly. And if the application doesn’t become popular, you would lose your investment. On the flip side, if the application becomes immensely popular, you will have to buy more servers and storage to cater to more users, which can again increase your costs. This is where cloud computing can come to the rescue. It has many benefits, including offering safe storage and scalability all at once. Get Certified and Future-Proof Your Career Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator AssociateENROLL NOWGet Certified and Future-Proof Your Career What is Microsoft Azure? Azure is a cloud computing platform and an online portal that allows you to access and manage cloud services and resources provided by Microsoft. These services and resources include storing your data and transforming it, depending on your requirements. To get access to these resources and services, all you need to have is an active internet connection and the ability to connect to the Azure portal. Things that you should know about Azure: It was launched on February 1, 2010, significantly later than its main competitor, AWS. It’s free to start and follows a pay-per-use model, which means you pay only for the services you opt for. Interestingly, 80 percent of the Fortune 500 companies use Azure services for their cloud computing needs. Azure supports multiple programming languages, including Java, Node Js, and C#. Another benefit of Azure is the number of data centers it has around the world. There are 42 Azure data centers spread around the globe, which is the highest number of data centers for any cloud platform. Also, Azure is planning to get 12 more data centers, which will increase the number of data centers to 54, shortly. Azure provides more than 200 services, are divided into 18 categories. These categories include computing, networking, storage, IoT, migration, mobile, analytics, containers, artificial intelligence, and other machine learning, integration, management tools, developer tools, security, databases, DevOps, media identity, and web services. Let’s take a look at some of the major Azure services by category: Compute Services Virtual Machine This service enables you to create a virtual machine in Windows, Linux or any other configuration in seconds. Cloud Service This service lets you create scalable applications within the cloud. Once the application is deployed, everything, including provisioning, load balancing, and health monitoring, is taken care of by Azure. Service Fabric With service fabric, the process of developing a microservice is immensely simplified. Microservice is an application that contains other bundled smaller applications. Functions With functions, you can create applications in any programming language. The best part about this service is that you need not worry about hardware requirements while developing applications because Azure takes care of that. All you need to do is provide the code. Build and Deploy Azure Applications Like a Pro! Azure Cloud ArchitectExplore ProgramBuild and Deploy Azure Applications Like a Pro! Networking Azure CDN Azure CDN (Content Delivery Network) is for delivering content to users. It uses a high bandwidth, and content can be transferred to any person around the globe. The CDN service uses a network of servers placed strategically around the globe so that the users can access the data as soon as possible. Express Route This service lets you connect your on-premise network to the Microsoft cloud or any other services that you want, through a private connection. So, the only communications that will happen here will be between the enterprise network and the service that you want. Virtual network The virtual network allows you to have any of the Azure services communicate with one another privately and securely. Azure DNS This service allows you to host your DNS domains or system domains on Azure. Storage Disk Storage This service allows you to choose from either HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) as your storage option along with your virtual machine. Blob Storage This service is optimized to store a massive amount of unstructured data, including text and even binary data. File Storage This is a managed file storage service that can be accessed via industry SMB (server message block) protocol. Queue Storage With queue storage, you can provide stable message queuing for a large workload. This service can be accessed from anywhere in this world. Next in this what is Azure article, let’s look at what are the uses of Azure.
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> I plan to do an Azure certification to enhance my skillset in cloud development. Can you list down all the Azure services along with their working? <TEXT> Today, cloud computing applications and platforms are rapidly growing across all industries, serving as the IT infrastructure that drives new digital businesses. These platforms and applications have revolutionized the ways in which businesses function, and have made processes easier. In fact, more than 77 percent of businesses today have at least some portion of their computing infrastructure in the cloud. While there are many cloud computing platforms available, two platforms dominate the cloud computing industry. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are the two giants in the world of cloud computing. While AWS is the largest cloud computing platform, Microsoft Azure is the fastest-growing and second-largest. This article focuses on Microsoft Azure and what is Azure—its services and uses. Before diving into what is Azure, you should first know what cloud computing is. Want a Job at AWS? Find Out What It Takes Cloud Architect Master's ProgramExplore ProgramWant a Job at AWS? Find Out What It Takes What is Cloud Computing? Cloud computing is a technology that provides access to various computing resources over the internet. All you need to do is use your computer or mobile device to connect to your cloud service provider through the internet. Once connected, you get access to computing resources, which may include serverless computing, virtual machines, storage, and various other things. Basically, cloud service providers have massive data centers that contain hundreds of servers, storage systems and components that are crucial for many kinds of organizations. These data centers are in secure locations and store a large amount of data. The users connect to these data centers to collect data or use it when required. Users can take advantage of various services; for example, if you want a notification every time someone sends you a text or an email, cloud services can help you. The best part about cloud platforms is that you pay only for the services you use, and there are no charges upfront. Cloud computing can be used for various purposes: machine learning, data analysis, storage and backup, streaming media content and so much more. Here’s an interesting fact about the cloud: all the shows and movies that you see on Netflix are actually stored in the cloud. Also, the cloud can be beneficial for creating and testing applications, automating software delivery, and hosting blogs. Why is Cloud Computing Important? Let’s assume that you have an idea for a revolutionary application that can provide great user experience and can become highly profitable. For the application to become successful, you will need to release it on the internet for people to find it, use it, and spread the word about its advantages. However, releasing an application on the internet is not as easy as it seems. To do so, you will need various components, like servers, storage devices, developers, dedicated networks, and application security to ensure that your solution works the way it is intended to. These are a lot of components, which can be problematic. Buying each of these components individually is very expensive and risky. You would need a huge amount of capital to ensure that your application works properly. And if the application doesn’t become popular, you would lose your investment. On the flip side, if the application becomes immensely popular, you will have to buy more servers and storage to cater to more users, which can again increase your costs. This is where cloud computing can come to the rescue. It has many benefits, including offering safe storage and scalability all at once. Get Certified and Future-Proof Your Career Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator AssociateENROLL NOWGet Certified and Future-Proof Your Career What is Microsoft Azure? Azure is a cloud computing platform and an online portal that allows you to access and manage cloud services and resources provided by Microsoft. These services and resources include storing your data and transforming it, depending on your requirements. To get access to these resources and services, all you need to have is an active internet connection and the ability to connect to the Azure portal. Things that you should know about Azure: It was launched on February 1, 2010, significantly later than its main competitor, AWS. It’s free to start and follows a pay-per-use model, which means you pay only for the services you opt for. Interestingly, 80 percent of the Fortune 500 companies use Azure services for their cloud computing needs. Azure supports multiple programming languages, including Java, Node Js, and C#. Another benefit of Azure is the number of data centers it has around the world. There are 42 Azure data centers spread around the globe, which is the highest number of data centers for any cloud platform. Also, Azure is planning to get 12 more data centers, which will increase the number of data centers to 54, shortly. Azure provides more than 200 services, are divided into 18 categories. These categories include computing, networking, storage, IoT, migration, mobile, analytics, containers, artificial intelligence, and other machine learning, integration, management tools, developer tools, security, databases, DevOps, media identity, and web services. Let’s take a look at some of the major Azure services by category: Compute Services Virtual Machine This service enables you to create a virtual machine in Windows, Linux or any other configuration in seconds. Cloud Service This service lets you create scalable applications within the cloud. Once the application is deployed, everything, including provisioning, load balancing, and health monitoring, is taken care of by Azure. Service Fabric With service fabric, the process of developing a microservice is immensely simplified. Microservice is an application that contains other bundled smaller applications. Functions With functions, you can create applications in any programming language. The best part about this service is that you need not worry about hardware requirements while developing applications because Azure takes care of that. All you need to do is provide the code. Build and Deploy Azure Applications Like a Pro! Azure Cloud ArchitectExplore ProgramBuild and Deploy Azure Applications Like a Pro! Networking Azure CDN Azure CDN (Content Delivery Network) is for delivering content to users. It uses a high bandwidth, and content can be transferred to any person around the globe. The CDN service uses a network of servers placed strategically around the globe so that the users can access the data as soon as possible. Express Route This service lets you connect your on-premise network to the Microsoft cloud or any other services that you want, through a private connection. So, the only communications that will happen here will be between the enterprise network and the service that you want. Virtual network The virtual network allows you to have any of the Azure services communicate with one another privately and securely. Azure DNS This service allows you to host your DNS domains or system domains on Azure. Storage Disk Storage This service allows you to choose from either HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) as your storage option along with your virtual machine. Blob Storage This service is optimized to store a massive amount of unstructured data, including text and even binary data. File Storage This is a managed file storage service that can be accessed via industry SMB (server message block) protocol. Queue Storage With queue storage, you can provide stable message queuing for a large workload. This service can be accessed from anywhere in this world. Next in this what is Azure article, let’s look at what are the uses of Azure. https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/azure-tutorial/what-is-azure
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
EVIDENCE:
Today, cloud computing applications and platforms are rapidly growing across all industries, serving as the IT infrastructure that drives new digital businesses. These platforms and applications have revolutionized the ways in which businesses function, and have made processes easier. In fact, more than 77 percent of businesses today have at least some portion of their computing infrastructure in the cloud. While there are many cloud computing platforms available, two platforms dominate the cloud computing industry. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are the two giants in the world of cloud computing. While AWS is the largest cloud computing platform, Microsoft Azure is the fastest-growing and second-largest. This article focuses on Microsoft Azure and what is Azure—its services and uses. Before diving into what is Azure, you should first know what cloud computing is. Want a Job at AWS? Find Out What It Takes Cloud Architect Master's ProgramExplore ProgramWant a Job at AWS? Find Out What It Takes What is Cloud Computing? Cloud computing is a technology that provides access to various computing resources over the internet. All you need to do is use your computer or mobile device to connect to your cloud service provider through the internet. Once connected, you get access to computing resources, which may include serverless computing, virtual machines, storage, and various other things. Basically, cloud service providers have massive data centers that contain hundreds of servers, storage systems and components that are crucial for many kinds of organizations. These data centers are in secure locations and store a large amount of data. The users connect to these data centers to collect data or use it when required. Users can take advantage of various services; for example, if you want a notification every time someone sends you a text or an email, cloud services can help you. The best part about cloud platforms is that you pay only for the services you use, and there are no charges upfront. Cloud computing can be used for various purposes: machine learning, data analysis, storage and backup, streaming media content and so much more. Here’s an interesting fact about the cloud: all the shows and movies that you see on Netflix are actually stored in the cloud. Also, the cloud can be beneficial for creating and testing applications, automating software delivery, and hosting blogs. Why is Cloud Computing Important? Let’s assume that you have an idea for a revolutionary application that can provide great user experience and can become highly profitable. For the application to become successful, you will need to release it on the internet for people to find it, use it, and spread the word about its advantages. However, releasing an application on the internet is not as easy as it seems. To do so, you will need various components, like servers, storage devices, developers, dedicated networks, and application security to ensure that your solution works the way it is intended to. These are a lot of components, which can be problematic. Buying each of these components individually is very expensive and risky. You would need a huge amount of capital to ensure that your application works properly. And if the application doesn’t become popular, you would lose your investment. On the flip side, if the application becomes immensely popular, you will have to buy more servers and storage to cater to more users, which can again increase your costs. This is where cloud computing can come to the rescue. It has many benefits, including offering safe storage and scalability all at once. Get Certified and Future-Proof Your Career Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator AssociateENROLL NOWGet Certified and Future-Proof Your Career What is Microsoft Azure? Azure is a cloud computing platform and an online portal that allows you to access and manage cloud services and resources provided by Microsoft. These services and resources include storing your data and transforming it, depending on your requirements. To get access to these resources and services, all you need to have is an active internet connection and the ability to connect to the Azure portal. Things that you should know about Azure: It was launched on February 1, 2010, significantly later than its main competitor, AWS. It’s free to start and follows a pay-per-use model, which means you pay only for the services you opt for. Interestingly, 80 percent of the Fortune 500 companies use Azure services for their cloud computing needs. Azure supports multiple programming languages, including Java, Node Js, and C#. Another benefit of Azure is the number of data centers it has around the world. There are 42 Azure data centers spread around the globe, which is the highest number of data centers for any cloud platform. Also, Azure is planning to get 12 more data centers, which will increase the number of data centers to 54, shortly. Azure provides more than 200 services, are divided into 18 categories. These categories include computing, networking, storage, IoT, migration, mobile, analytics, containers, artificial intelligence, and other machine learning, integration, management tools, developer tools, security, databases, DevOps, media identity, and web services. Let’s take a look at some of the major Azure services by category: Compute Services Virtual Machine This service enables you to create a virtual machine in Windows, Linux or any other configuration in seconds. Cloud Service This service lets you create scalable applications within the cloud. Once the application is deployed, everything, including provisioning, load balancing, and health monitoring, is taken care of by Azure. Service Fabric With service fabric, the process of developing a microservice is immensely simplified. Microservice is an application that contains other bundled smaller applications. Functions With functions, you can create applications in any programming language. The best part about this service is that you need not worry about hardware requirements while developing applications because Azure takes care of that. All you need to do is provide the code. Build and Deploy Azure Applications Like a Pro! Azure Cloud ArchitectExplore ProgramBuild and Deploy Azure Applications Like a Pro! Networking Azure CDN Azure CDN (Content Delivery Network) is for delivering content to users. It uses a high bandwidth, and content can be transferred to any person around the globe. The CDN service uses a network of servers placed strategically around the globe so that the users can access the data as soon as possible. Express Route This service lets you connect your on-premise network to the Microsoft cloud or any other services that you want, through a private connection. So, the only communications that will happen here will be between the enterprise network and the service that you want. Virtual network The virtual network allows you to have any of the Azure services communicate with one another privately and securely. Azure DNS This service allows you to host your DNS domains or system domains on Azure. Storage Disk Storage This service allows you to choose from either HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) as your storage option along with your virtual machine. Blob Storage This service is optimized to store a massive amount of unstructured data, including text and even binary data. File Storage This is a managed file storage service that can be accessed via industry SMB (server message block) protocol. Queue Storage With queue storage, you can provide stable message queuing for a large workload. This service can be accessed from anywhere in this world. Next in this what is Azure article, let’s look at what are the uses of Azure.
USER:
I plan to do an Azure certification to enhance my skillset in cloud development. Can you list down all the Azure services along with their working?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 20 | 26 | 1,241 | null | 731 |
[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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I read this article about genetic cancer. Can you explain how family cancer syndrome works? I'm thinking of starting a family in a few years, but need to know the pros and cons of cancer genetic testing. What should affect my decision to get testing at all? I also need to know how to prevent various cancer genetic changes from occurring so that the whole family can be safe.
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Cancer-related genetic changes can occur because: random mistakes in our DNA happen as our cells multiply our DNA is altered by carcinogens in our environment, such as chemicals in tobacco smoke, UV rays from the sun, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) they were inherited from one of our parents DNA changes, whether caused by a random mistake or by a carcinogen, can happen throughout our lives and even in the womb. While most genetic changes aren’t harmful on their own, an accumulation of genetic changes over many years can turn healthy cells into cancerous cells. The vast majority of cancers occur by chance as a result of this process over time. Cancer itself can’t be passed down from parents to children. And genetic changes in tumor cells can’t be passed down. But a genetic change that increases the risk of cancer can be passed down (inherited) if it is present in a parent's egg or sperm cells. For example, if a parent passes a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene to their child, the child will have a much higher risk of developing breast and several other cancers. That’s why cancer sometimes appears to run in families. Up to 10% of all cancers may be caused by inherited genetic changes. Inheriting a cancer-related genetic change doesn’t mean you will definitely get cancer. It means that your risk of getting cancer is increased. A family cancer syndrome, also called a hereditary cancer syndrome, is a rare disorder in which family members have a higher-than-average risk of developing a certain type or types of cancer. Family cancer syndromes are caused by inherited genetic variants in certain cancer-related genes. With some family cancer syndromes, people tend to develop cancer at an early age or have other noncancer health conditions. For example, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a family cancer syndrome caused by certain inherited changes in the APC gene. People with FAP have a very high chance of developing colorectal cancer at an early age and are also at risk of developing other kinds of cancer. But not all cancers that appear to “run in families” are caused by family cancer syndromes. A shared environment or habits, such as exposure to air pollution or tobacco use, may cause the same kind of cancer to develop among family members. Also, multiple family members may develop common cancers, such as prostate cancer, just by chance. Cancer can also run in a family if family members have a combination of many genetic variants that each have a very small cancer risk. Certain genetic tests can show if you’ve inherited a genetic change that increases your risk of cancer. This testing is usually done with a small sample of blood, but it can sometimes be done with saliva, cells from inside the cheek, or skin cells. Not everyone needs to get genetic testing for cancer risk. Your doctor or health care provider can help you decide if you should get tested for genetic changes that increase cancer risk. They will likely ask if you have certain patterns in your personal or family medical history, such as cancer at an unusually young age or several relatives with the same kind of cancer. If your doctor recommends genetic testing, talking with a genetic counselor can help you consider the potential risks, benefits, and drawbacks of genetic testing in your situation. After testing, a genetic counselor, doctor, or other health care professional trained in genetics can help you understand what the test results mean for you and for your family members. Although it’s possible to order an at-home genetic test on your own, these tests have many drawbacks and are not generally recommended as a way to see whether you have inherited a genetic change that increases cancer risk. If you have cancer, a different type of genetic test called a biomarker test can identify genetic changes that may be driving the growth of your cancer. This information can help your doctors decide which therapy might work best for you or if you may be able to enroll in a particular clinical trial. For more information, see Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment. Biomarker testing may also be called tumor profiling or molecular profiling. Biomarker testing is different from the genetic testing that is used to find out if you have an inherited genetic change that makes you more likely to get cancer. Biomarker testing is done using a sample of your cancer cells—either a small piece of a tumor or a sample of your blood. In some cases, the results of a biomarker test might suggest that you have an inherited mutation that increases cancer risk. If that happens, you may need to get another genetic test to confirm whether you truly have an inherited mutation that increases cancer risk. Genetic changes can lead to cancer if they alter the way your cells grow and spread. Most cancer-causing DNA changes occur in genes, which are sections of DNA that carry the instructions to make proteins or specialized RNA such as microRNA. For example, some DNA changes raise the levels of proteins that tell cells to keep growing. Other DNA changes lower the levels of proteins that tell cells when to stop growing. And some DNA changes stop proteins that tell cells to self-destruct when they are damaged. For a healthy cell to turn cancerous, scientists think that more than one DNA change has to occur. People who have inherited a cancer-related genetic change need fewer additional changes to develop cancer. However, they may never develop these changes or get cancer. As cancer cells divide, they acquire more DNA changes over time. Two cancer cells in the same tumor can have different DNA changes. In addition, every person with cancer has a unique combination of DNA changes in their cancer. Multiple kinds of genetic changes can lead to cancer. One genetic change, called a DNA mutation or genetic variant, is a change in the DNA code, like a typo in the sequence of DNA letters. Some variants affect just one DNA letter, called a nucleotide. A nucleotide may be missing, or it may be replaced by another nucleotide. These are called point mutations. For example, around 5% of people with cancer have a point mutation in the KRAS gene that replaces the DNA letter G with AExit Disclaimer. This single letter change creates an abnormal KRAS protein that constantly tells cells to grow. Cancer-causing genetic changes can also occur when segments of DNA—sometimes very large ones—are rearranged, deleted, or copied. These are called chromosomal rearrangements. For example, most chronic myelogenous leukemias (a type of blood cancer) are caused by a chromosomal rearrangement that places part of the BCR gene next to the ABL gene. This rearrangement creates an abnormal protein, called BCR-ABL, that makes leukemia cells grow out of control. Some cancer-causing DNA changes occur outside genes, in sections of DNA that act like “on” or “off” switches for nearby genes. For example, some brain cancer cells have multiple copies of “on” switches next to genes that drive cell growth. Other DNA changes, known as epigenetic changes, can also cause cancer. Unlike genetic variants, epigenetic changes (sometimes called epimutations) may be reversible and they don’t affect the DNA code. Instead, epigenetic changes affect how DNA is packed into the nucleus. By changing how DNA is packaged, epigenetic changes can alter how much protein a gene makes. Some substances and chemicals in the environment that cause genetic changes can also cause epigenetic changes, such as tobacco smoke, heavy metals like cadmium, and viruses like Epstein-Barr virus.
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[question] I read this article about genetic cancer. Can you explain how family cancer syndrome works? I'm thinking of starting a family in a few years, but need to know the pros and cons of cancer genetic testing. What should affect my decision to get testing at all? I also need to know how to prevent various cancer genetic changes from occurring so that the whole family can be safe. ===================== [text] Cancer-related genetic changes can occur because: random mistakes in our DNA happen as our cells multiply our DNA is altered by carcinogens in our environment, such as chemicals in tobacco smoke, UV rays from the sun, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) they were inherited from one of our parents DNA changes, whether caused by a random mistake or by a carcinogen, can happen throughout our lives and even in the womb. While most genetic changes aren’t harmful on their own, an accumulation of genetic changes over many years can turn healthy cells into cancerous cells. The vast majority of cancers occur by chance as a result of this process over time. Cancer itself can’t be passed down from parents to children. And genetic changes in tumor cells can’t be passed down. But a genetic change that increases the risk of cancer can be passed down (inherited) if it is present in a parent's egg or sperm cells. For example, if a parent passes a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene to their child, the child will have a much higher risk of developing breast and several other cancers. That’s why cancer sometimes appears to run in families. Up to 10% of all cancers may be caused by inherited genetic changes. Inheriting a cancer-related genetic change doesn’t mean you will definitely get cancer. It means that your risk of getting cancer is increased. A family cancer syndrome, also called a hereditary cancer syndrome, is a rare disorder in which family members have a higher-than-average risk of developing a certain type or types of cancer. Family cancer syndromes are caused by inherited genetic variants in certain cancer-related genes. With some family cancer syndromes, people tend to develop cancer at an early age or have other noncancer health conditions. For example, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a family cancer syndrome caused by certain inherited changes in the APC gene. People with FAP have a very high chance of developing colorectal cancer at an early age and are also at risk of developing other kinds of cancer. But not all cancers that appear to “run in families” are caused by family cancer syndromes. A shared environment or habits, such as exposure to air pollution or tobacco use, may cause the same kind of cancer to develop among family members. Also, multiple family members may develop common cancers, such as prostate cancer, just by chance. Cancer can also run in a family if family members have a combination of many genetic variants that each have a very small cancer risk. Certain genetic tests can show if you’ve inherited a genetic change that increases your risk of cancer. This testing is usually done with a small sample of blood, but it can sometimes be done with saliva, cells from inside the cheek, or skin cells. Not everyone needs to get genetic testing for cancer risk. Your doctor or health care provider can help you decide if you should get tested for genetic changes that increase cancer risk. They will likely ask if you have certain patterns in your personal or family medical history, such as cancer at an unusually young age or several relatives with the same kind of cancer. If your doctor recommends genetic testing, talking with a genetic counselor can help you consider the potential risks, benefits, and drawbacks of genetic testing in your situation. After testing, a genetic counselor, doctor, or other health care professional trained in genetics can help you understand what the test results mean for you and for your family members. Although it’s possible to order an at-home genetic test on your own, these tests have many drawbacks and are not generally recommended as a way to see whether you have inherited a genetic change that increases cancer risk. If you have cancer, a different type of genetic test called a biomarker test can identify genetic changes that may be driving the growth of your cancer. This information can help your doctors decide which therapy might work best for you or if you may be able to enroll in a particular clinical trial. For more information, see Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment. Biomarker testing may also be called tumor profiling or molecular profiling. Biomarker testing is different from the genetic testing that is used to find out if you have an inherited genetic change that makes you more likely to get cancer. Biomarker testing is done using a sample of your cancer cells—either a small piece of a tumor or a sample of your blood. In some cases, the results of a biomarker test might suggest that you have an inherited mutation that increases cancer risk. If that happens, you may need to get another genetic test to confirm whether you truly have an inherited mutation that increases cancer risk. Genetic changes can lead to cancer if they alter the way your cells grow and spread. Most cancer-causing DNA changes occur in genes, which are sections of DNA that carry the instructions to make proteins or specialized RNA such as microRNA. For example, some DNA changes raise the levels of proteins that tell cells to keep growing. Other DNA changes lower the levels of proteins that tell cells when to stop growing. And some DNA changes stop proteins that tell cells to self-destruct when they are damaged. For a healthy cell to turn cancerous, scientists think that more than one DNA change has to occur. People who have inherited a cancer-related genetic change need fewer additional changes to develop cancer. However, they may never develop these changes or get cancer. As cancer cells divide, they acquire more DNA changes over time. Two cancer cells in the same tumor can have different DNA changes. In addition, every person with cancer has a unique combination of DNA changes in their cancer. Multiple kinds of genetic changes can lead to cancer. One genetic change, called a DNA mutation or genetic variant, is a change in the DNA code, like a typo in the sequence of DNA letters. Some variants affect just one DNA letter, called a nucleotide. A nucleotide may be missing, or it may be replaced by another nucleotide. These are called point mutations. For example, around 5% of people with cancer have a point mutation in the KRAS gene that replaces the DNA letter G with AExit Disclaimer. This single letter change creates an abnormal KRAS protein that constantly tells cells to grow. Cancer-causing genetic changes can also occur when segments of DNA—sometimes very large ones—are rearranged, deleted, or copied. These are called chromosomal rearrangements. For example, most chronic myelogenous leukemias (a type of blood cancer) are caused by a chromosomal rearrangement that places part of the BCR gene next to the ABL gene. This rearrangement creates an abnormal protein, called BCR-ABL, that makes leukemia cells grow out of control. Some cancer-causing DNA changes occur outside genes, in sections of DNA that act like “on” or “off” switches for nearby genes. For example, some brain cancer cells have multiple copies of “on” switches next to genes that drive cell growth. Other DNA changes, known as epigenetic changes, can also cause cancer. Unlike genetic variants, epigenetic changes (sometimes called epimutations) may be reversible and they don’t affect the DNA code. Instead, epigenetic changes affect how DNA is packed into the nucleus. By changing how DNA is packaged, epigenetic changes can alter how much protein a gene makes. Some substances and chemicals in the environment that cause genetic changes can also cause epigenetic changes, such as tobacco smoke, heavy metals like cadmium, and viruses like Epstein-Barr virus. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
EVIDENCE:
Cancer-related genetic changes can occur because: random mistakes in our DNA happen as our cells multiply our DNA is altered by carcinogens in our environment, such as chemicals in tobacco smoke, UV rays from the sun, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) they were inherited from one of our parents DNA changes, whether caused by a random mistake or by a carcinogen, can happen throughout our lives and even in the womb. While most genetic changes aren’t harmful on their own, an accumulation of genetic changes over many years can turn healthy cells into cancerous cells. The vast majority of cancers occur by chance as a result of this process over time. Cancer itself can’t be passed down from parents to children. And genetic changes in tumor cells can’t be passed down. But a genetic change that increases the risk of cancer can be passed down (inherited) if it is present in a parent's egg or sperm cells. For example, if a parent passes a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene to their child, the child will have a much higher risk of developing breast and several other cancers. That’s why cancer sometimes appears to run in families. Up to 10% of all cancers may be caused by inherited genetic changes. Inheriting a cancer-related genetic change doesn’t mean you will definitely get cancer. It means that your risk of getting cancer is increased. A family cancer syndrome, also called a hereditary cancer syndrome, is a rare disorder in which family members have a higher-than-average risk of developing a certain type or types of cancer. Family cancer syndromes are caused by inherited genetic variants in certain cancer-related genes. With some family cancer syndromes, people tend to develop cancer at an early age or have other noncancer health conditions. For example, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a family cancer syndrome caused by certain inherited changes in the APC gene. People with FAP have a very high chance of developing colorectal cancer at an early age and are also at risk of developing other kinds of cancer. But not all cancers that appear to “run in families” are caused by family cancer syndromes. A shared environment or habits, such as exposure to air pollution or tobacco use, may cause the same kind of cancer to develop among family members. Also, multiple family members may develop common cancers, such as prostate cancer, just by chance. Cancer can also run in a family if family members have a combination of many genetic variants that each have a very small cancer risk. Certain genetic tests can show if you’ve inherited a genetic change that increases your risk of cancer. This testing is usually done with a small sample of blood, but it can sometimes be done with saliva, cells from inside the cheek, or skin cells. Not everyone needs to get genetic testing for cancer risk. Your doctor or health care provider can help you decide if you should get tested for genetic changes that increase cancer risk. They will likely ask if you have certain patterns in your personal or family medical history, such as cancer at an unusually young age or several relatives with the same kind of cancer. If your doctor recommends genetic testing, talking with a genetic counselor can help you consider the potential risks, benefits, and drawbacks of genetic testing in your situation. After testing, a genetic counselor, doctor, or other health care professional trained in genetics can help you understand what the test results mean for you and for your family members. Although it’s possible to order an at-home genetic test on your own, these tests have many drawbacks and are not generally recommended as a way to see whether you have inherited a genetic change that increases cancer risk. If you have cancer, a different type of genetic test called a biomarker test can identify genetic changes that may be driving the growth of your cancer. This information can help your doctors decide which therapy might work best for you or if you may be able to enroll in a particular clinical trial. For more information, see Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment. Biomarker testing may also be called tumor profiling or molecular profiling. Biomarker testing is different from the genetic testing that is used to find out if you have an inherited genetic change that makes you more likely to get cancer. Biomarker testing is done using a sample of your cancer cells—either a small piece of a tumor or a sample of your blood. In some cases, the results of a biomarker test might suggest that you have an inherited mutation that increases cancer risk. If that happens, you may need to get another genetic test to confirm whether you truly have an inherited mutation that increases cancer risk. Genetic changes can lead to cancer if they alter the way your cells grow and spread. Most cancer-causing DNA changes occur in genes, which are sections of DNA that carry the instructions to make proteins or specialized RNA such as microRNA. For example, some DNA changes raise the levels of proteins that tell cells to keep growing. Other DNA changes lower the levels of proteins that tell cells when to stop growing. And some DNA changes stop proteins that tell cells to self-destruct when they are damaged. For a healthy cell to turn cancerous, scientists think that more than one DNA change has to occur. People who have inherited a cancer-related genetic change need fewer additional changes to develop cancer. However, they may never develop these changes or get cancer. As cancer cells divide, they acquire more DNA changes over time. Two cancer cells in the same tumor can have different DNA changes. In addition, every person with cancer has a unique combination of DNA changes in their cancer. Multiple kinds of genetic changes can lead to cancer. One genetic change, called a DNA mutation or genetic variant, is a change in the DNA code, like a typo in the sequence of DNA letters. Some variants affect just one DNA letter, called a nucleotide. A nucleotide may be missing, or it may be replaced by another nucleotide. These are called point mutations. For example, around 5% of people with cancer have a point mutation in the KRAS gene that replaces the DNA letter G with AExit Disclaimer. This single letter change creates an abnormal KRAS protein that constantly tells cells to grow. Cancer-causing genetic changes can also occur when segments of DNA—sometimes very large ones—are rearranged, deleted, or copied. These are called chromosomal rearrangements. For example, most chronic myelogenous leukemias (a type of blood cancer) are caused by a chromosomal rearrangement that places part of the BCR gene next to the ABL gene. This rearrangement creates an abnormal protein, called BCR-ABL, that makes leukemia cells grow out of control. Some cancer-causing DNA changes occur outside genes, in sections of DNA that act like “on” or “off” switches for nearby genes. For example, some brain cancer cells have multiple copies of “on” switches next to genes that drive cell growth. Other DNA changes, known as epigenetic changes, can also cause cancer. Unlike genetic variants, epigenetic changes (sometimes called epimutations) may be reversible and they don’t affect the DNA code. Instead, epigenetic changes affect how DNA is packed into the nucleus. By changing how DNA is packaged, epigenetic changes can alter how much protein a gene makes. Some substances and chemicals in the environment that cause genetic changes can also cause epigenetic changes, such as tobacco smoke, heavy metals like cadmium, and viruses like Epstein-Barr virus.
USER:
I read this article about genetic cancer. Can you explain how family cancer syndrome works? I'm thinking of starting a family in a few years, but need to know the pros and cons of cancer genetic testing. What should affect my decision to get testing at all? I also need to know how to prevent various cancer genetic changes from occurring so that the whole family can be safe.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 28 | 69 | 1,263 | null | 226 |
Use only the information provided in the prompt and context block to address user queries. Do not use any kind of citations in your response, i.e., "(Smith et al.)" or "(7)", etc.
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Which doctors are cited as being the fathers of forensic pathology?
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The origin of forensic medicine remains lost in a distant past, whenever the principles of medical sciences met those of law and justice (1,2). Perhaps it began with the Code of Hammurabi (1792–1750 BCE), which imposed sanctions for errors in medical and surgical practices. The same type of punishment also existed in Persia. Later on, the Visigoths promulgated laws that punished poisoning, infanticide, and homicide. Described as a medical trunk that serves the administration of justice, forensic medicine has different branches. Forensic pathology is probably the most emblematic one. Known in many Latin countries as tanathology (from the Greek word thanatos, meaning “death’s god”), definitions of forensic pathology are often so broad that they would fit better into forensic medicine as a whole than in this single branch. For Di Maio (3), it is “a branch of medicine that applies the principles and knowledge of the medical sciences in the field of law.” An even larger conception of forensic pathology (4) considers it the study of diseases and injuries of the community, because it involves the knowledge of diagnosis and treatment in every medical specialty, but also requires information in many nonmedical areas, such as chemistry, physics, criminalistics and police sciences, motor vehicle and highway conception, politics, sociology, and even the way of life of a society. Closer to its objectives and limits, Williams et al. (5) define forensic pathology as a specialized branch of pathology (pathology being the study by scientific methods of disease and tissue injury) that relates within a legal framework to the effects of trauma, poisoning, occupational hazards, and natural disease. Introduction to Forensic Medicine 15 Forensic dissections of bodies began in the 13th century at the University of Bologna in Italy by a surgeon and teacher of anatomy, Saliceto (6). Surprisingly, these forensic dissections appeared before the hospital autopsies that started by the end of the 19th century with Rokitansky, Virchow, and the advent of the pathogenesis of diseases and cellular pathology (6). However, some authors (7) consider the French surgeon Ambrosio Paré, who in 1575 began a real scientific period in France, the father of legal medicine. This paternity is divided with Zacchia, the Pope’s physician, who taught in Italy and wrote in 1601 what can be considered the first medicolegal textbook (7). This was of decisive influence on the development of forensic sciences, as were the European codes of the 16th century (6): the Bamberg Code in 1507 and especially the Caroline Code in 1532, which obliged the courts to call specialized doctors to clarify forensic questions. Nevertheless, the 19th century was indeed a reference for modern legal medicine, born formally in many countries, almost at the same time: 1855 in Austria (6), 1872 in Hungary (8), 1886 in Brazil (7), 1887 in Great Britain (9,10), and 1889 in Portugal (when legal medicine was first referred to as being legally organized [11]). This century was really a golden age for forensic medicine (1,11), which knew a quick but supported growth, especially in France, Italy, and Germany (11). Besides, in German countries, forensic matters were always carefully treated, as can be proved by the early beginning of teaching forensic medicine in some universities in 1720 (11). The posterior development of forensic pathology was processed in accordance with the legal systems and sociopolitical conditions of each country. At the end of the 19th century, complementary sciences, such as toxicology and histology, were aggregate to forensic pathology, and from that union resulted the constitution of legal medicine institutes similar to the medicolegal units known today, where every type of expertise related to justice may be executed. Later, in the second half of the 20th century, a new medicolegal problem arose in Europe and wherever roads and cars existed. The traffic accidents and the necessity of civil litigations of the injuries of the victims led to a new medicolegal subspecialty concerning living people: clinical forensic medicine. It started in Belgium and France with Derobert, Roche, Muller, and Rousseau (12). Supported by the Deliberation 75 (7) of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, an “expertise-type” was created (12,13) to achieve a global evaluation of consequences resulting from injuries caused by accidents to the body of an individual (as a whole being). This process was crucial for the financial indemnity of the injuries by insurance companies. These ideas, adopted in Portugal by Oliveira Sá, a great enthusiast of this new 16 Pinheiro discipline, were developed and “exported” to Spain through the excellent relationship he had with the forensic physicians in the neighbor country, where a huge development took place; however, it was more as a private medical activity than centralized in medicolegal institutions. The popularity of this new forensic area increased quickly because of the growing number of traffic accidents in the world. Once the Iberian Peninsula was “conquered,” the area extended to South and Latin America. The English-speaking countries were the last to develop this new specialty; it has been only within the last several years that the popularity of clinical forensic medicine has exploded in the United States and the United Kingdom.
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CONTEXT BLOCK The origin of forensic medicine remains lost in a distant past, whenever the principles of medical sciences met those of law and justice (1,2). Perhaps it began with the Code of Hammurabi (1792–1750 BCE), which imposed sanctions for errors in medical and surgical practices. The same type of punishment also existed in Persia. Later on, the Visigoths promulgated laws that punished poisoning, infanticide, and homicide. Described as a medical trunk that serves the administration of justice, forensic medicine has different branches. Forensic pathology is probably the most emblematic one. Known in many Latin countries as tanathology (from the Greek word thanatos, meaning “death’s god”), definitions of forensic pathology are often so broad that they would fit better into forensic medicine as a whole than in this single branch. For Di Maio (3), it is “a branch of medicine that applies the principles and knowledge of the medical sciences in the field of law.” An even larger conception of forensic pathology (4) considers it the study of diseases and injuries of the community, because it involves the knowledge of diagnosis and treatment in every medical specialty, but also requires information in many nonmedical areas, such as chemistry, physics, criminalistics and police sciences, motor vehicle and highway conception, politics, sociology, and even the way of life of a society. Closer to its objectives and limits, Williams et al. (5) define forensic pathology as a specialized branch of pathology (pathology being the study by scientific methods of disease and tissue injury) that relates within a legal framework to the effects of trauma, poisoning, occupational hazards, and natural disease. Introduction to Forensic Medicine 15 Forensic dissections of bodies began in the 13th century at the University of Bologna in Italy by a surgeon and teacher of anatomy, Saliceto (6). Surprisingly, these forensic dissections appeared before the hospital autopsies that started by the end of the 19th century with Rokitansky, Virchow, and the advent of the pathogenesis of diseases and cellular pathology (6). However, some authors (7) consider the French surgeon Ambrosio Paré, who in 1575 began a real scientific period in France, the father of legal medicine. This paternity is divided with Zacchia, the Pope’s physician, who taught in Italy and wrote in 1601 what can be considered the first medicolegal textbook (7). This was of decisive influence on the development of forensic sciences, as were the European codes of the 16th century (6): the Bamberg Code in 1507 and especially the Caroline Code in 1532, which obliged the courts to call specialized doctors to clarify forensic questions. Nevertheless, the 19th century was indeed a reference for modern legal medicine, born formally in many countries, almost at the same time: 1855 in Austria (6), 1872 in Hungary (8), 1886 in Brazil (7), 1887 in Great Britain (9,10), and 1889 in Portugal (when legal medicine was first referred to as being legally organized [11]). This century was really a golden age for forensic medicine (1,11), which knew a quick but supported growth, especially in France, Italy, and Germany (11). Besides, in German countries, forensic matters were always carefully treated, as can be proved by the early beginning of teaching forensic medicine in some universities in 1720 (11). The posterior development of forensic pathology was processed in accordance with the legal systems and sociopolitical conditions of each country. At the end of the 19th century, complementary sciences, such as toxicology and histology, were aggregate to forensic pathology, and from that union resulted the constitution of legal medicine institutes similar to the medicolegal units known today, where every type of expertise related to justice may be executed. Later, in the second half of the 20th century, a new medicolegal problem arose in Europe and wherever roads and cars existed. The traffic accidents and the necessity of civil litigations of the injuries of the victims led to a new medicolegal subspecialty concerning living people: clinical forensic medicine. It started in Belgium and France with Derobert, Roche, Muller, and Rousseau (12). Supported by the Deliberation 75 (7) of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, an “expertise-type” was created (12,13) to achieve a global evaluation of consequences resulting from injuries caused by accidents to the body of an individual (as a whole being). This process was crucial for the financial indemnity of the injuries by insurance companies. These ideas, adopted in Portugal by Oliveira Sá, a great enthusiast of this new 16 Pinheiro discipline, were developed and “exported” to Spain through the excellent relationship he had with the forensic physicians in the neighbor country, where a huge development took place; however, it was more as a private medical activity than centralized in medicolegal institutions. The popularity of this new forensic area increased quickly because of the growing number of traffic accidents in the world. Once the Iberian Peninsula was “conquered,” the area extended to South and Latin America. The English-speaking countries were the last to develop this new specialty; it has been only within the last several years that the popularity of clinical forensic medicine has exploded in the United States and the United Kingdom. SYSTEM INSTRUCTION Use only the information provided in the prompt and context block to address user queries. Do not use any kind of citations in your response, i.e., "(Smith et al.)" or "(7)", etc. QUESTION Which doctors are cited as being the fathers of forensic pathology?
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Use only the information provided in the prompt and context block to address user queries. Do not use any kind of citations in your response, i.e., "(Smith et al.)" or "(7)", etc.
EVIDENCE:
The origin of forensic medicine remains lost in a distant past, whenever the principles of medical sciences met those of law and justice (1,2). Perhaps it began with the Code of Hammurabi (1792–1750 BCE), which imposed sanctions for errors in medical and surgical practices. The same type of punishment also existed in Persia. Later on, the Visigoths promulgated laws that punished poisoning, infanticide, and homicide. Described as a medical trunk that serves the administration of justice, forensic medicine has different branches. Forensic pathology is probably the most emblematic one. Known in many Latin countries as tanathology (from the Greek word thanatos, meaning “death’s god”), definitions of forensic pathology are often so broad that they would fit better into forensic medicine as a whole than in this single branch. For Di Maio (3), it is “a branch of medicine that applies the principles and knowledge of the medical sciences in the field of law.” An even larger conception of forensic pathology (4) considers it the study of diseases and injuries of the community, because it involves the knowledge of diagnosis and treatment in every medical specialty, but also requires information in many nonmedical areas, such as chemistry, physics, criminalistics and police sciences, motor vehicle and highway conception, politics, sociology, and even the way of life of a society. Closer to its objectives and limits, Williams et al. (5) define forensic pathology as a specialized branch of pathology (pathology being the study by scientific methods of disease and tissue injury) that relates within a legal framework to the effects of trauma, poisoning, occupational hazards, and natural disease. Introduction to Forensic Medicine 15 Forensic dissections of bodies began in the 13th century at the University of Bologna in Italy by a surgeon and teacher of anatomy, Saliceto (6). Surprisingly, these forensic dissections appeared before the hospital autopsies that started by the end of the 19th century with Rokitansky, Virchow, and the advent of the pathogenesis of diseases and cellular pathology (6). However, some authors (7) consider the French surgeon Ambrosio Paré, who in 1575 began a real scientific period in France, the father of legal medicine. This paternity is divided with Zacchia, the Pope’s physician, who taught in Italy and wrote in 1601 what can be considered the first medicolegal textbook (7). This was of decisive influence on the development of forensic sciences, as were the European codes of the 16th century (6): the Bamberg Code in 1507 and especially the Caroline Code in 1532, which obliged the courts to call specialized doctors to clarify forensic questions. Nevertheless, the 19th century was indeed a reference for modern legal medicine, born formally in many countries, almost at the same time: 1855 in Austria (6), 1872 in Hungary (8), 1886 in Brazil (7), 1887 in Great Britain (9,10), and 1889 in Portugal (when legal medicine was first referred to as being legally organized [11]). This century was really a golden age for forensic medicine (1,11), which knew a quick but supported growth, especially in France, Italy, and Germany (11). Besides, in German countries, forensic matters were always carefully treated, as can be proved by the early beginning of teaching forensic medicine in some universities in 1720 (11). The posterior development of forensic pathology was processed in accordance with the legal systems and sociopolitical conditions of each country. At the end of the 19th century, complementary sciences, such as toxicology and histology, were aggregate to forensic pathology, and from that union resulted the constitution of legal medicine institutes similar to the medicolegal units known today, where every type of expertise related to justice may be executed. Later, in the second half of the 20th century, a new medicolegal problem arose in Europe and wherever roads and cars existed. The traffic accidents and the necessity of civil litigations of the injuries of the victims led to a new medicolegal subspecialty concerning living people: clinical forensic medicine. It started in Belgium and France with Derobert, Roche, Muller, and Rousseau (12). Supported by the Deliberation 75 (7) of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, an “expertise-type” was created (12,13) to achieve a global evaluation of consequences resulting from injuries caused by accidents to the body of an individual (as a whole being). This process was crucial for the financial indemnity of the injuries by insurance companies. These ideas, adopted in Portugal by Oliveira Sá, a great enthusiast of this new 16 Pinheiro discipline, were developed and “exported” to Spain through the excellent relationship he had with the forensic physicians in the neighbor country, where a huge development took place; however, it was more as a private medical activity than centralized in medicolegal institutions. The popularity of this new forensic area increased quickly because of the growing number of traffic accidents in the world. Once the Iberian Peninsula was “conquered,” the area extended to South and Latin America. The English-speaking countries were the last to develop this new specialty; it has been only within the last several years that the popularity of clinical forensic medicine has exploded in the United States and the United Kingdom.
USER:
Which doctors are cited as being the fathers of forensic pathology?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 32 | 11 | 848 | null | 110 |
Only use the text provided in the context block to answer the question.
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Why would "hard" science-fiction writers struggle to conceptualize the future?
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Abstract Within thirty years, we will have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence. Shortly after, the human era will be ended. Is such progress avoidable? If not to be avoided, can events be guided so that we may survive? These questions are investigated. Some possible answers (and some further dangers) are presented. _What is The Singularity?_ The acceleration of technological progress has been the central feature of this century. I argue in this paper that we are on the edge of change comparable to the rise of human life on Earth. The precise cause of this change is the imminent creation by technology of entities with greater than human intelligence. There are several means by which science may achieve this breakthrough (and this is another reason for having confidence that the event will occur): o The development of computers that are "awake" and superhumanly intelligent. (To date, most controversy in the area of AI relates to whether we can create human equivalence in a machine. But if the answer is "yes, we can", then there is little doubt that beings more intelligent can be constructed shortly thereafter. o Large computer networks (and their associated users) may "wake up" as a superhumanly intelligent entity. o Computer/human interfaces may become so intimate that users may reasonably be considered superhumanly intelligent. o Biological science may find ways to improve upon the natural human intellect. The first three possibilities depend in large part on improvements in computer hardware. Progress in computer hardware has followed an amazingly steady curve in the last few decades [16]. Based largely on this trend, I believe that the creation of greater than human intelligence will occur during the next thirty years. (Charles Platt [19] has pointed out the AI enthusiasts have been making claims like this for the last thirty years. Just so I'm not guilty of a relative-time ambiguity, let me more specific: I'll be surprised if this event occurs before 2005 or after 2030.) What are the consequences of this event? When greater-than-human intelligence drives progress, that progress will be much more rapid. In fact, there seems no reason why progress itself would not involve the creation of still more intelligent entities -- on a still-shorter time scale. The best analogy that I see is with the evolutionary past: Animals can adapt to problems and make inventions, but often no faster than natural selection can do its work -- the world acts as its own simulator in the case of natural selection. We humans have the ability to internalize the world and conduct "what if's" in our heads; we can solve many problems thousands of times faster than natural selection. Now, by creating the means to execute those simulations at much higher speeds, we are entering a regime as radically different from our human past as we humans are from the lower animals. From the human point of view this change will be a throwing away of all the previous rules, perhaps in the blink of an eye, an exponential runaway beyond any hope of control. Developments that before were thought might only happen in "a million years" (if ever) will likely happen in the next century. (In [4], Greg Bear paints a picture of the major changes happening in a matter of hours.) I think it's fair to call this event a singularity ("the Singularity" for the purposes of this paper). It is a point where our models must be discarded and a new reality rules. As we move closer and closer to this point, it will loom vaster and vaster over human affairs till the notion becomes a commonplace. Yet when it finally happens it may still be a great surprise and a greater unknown. In the 1950s there were very few who saw it: Stan Ulam [27] paraphrased John von Neumann as saying: One conversation centered on the ever accelerating progress of technology and changes in the mode of human life, which gives the appearance of approaching some essential singularity in the history of the race beyond which human affairs, as we know them, could not continue. Von Neumann even uses the term singularity, though it appears he is still thinking of normal progress, not the creation of superhuman intellect. (For me, the superhumanity is the essence of the Singularity. Without that we would get a glut of technical riches, never properly absorbed (see [24]).) In the 1960s there was recognition of some of the implications of superhuman intelligence. I. J. Good wrote [10]: Let an ultraintelligent machine be defined as a machine that can far surpass all the intellectual activities of any any man however clever. Since the design of machines is one of these intellectual activities, an ultraintelligent machine could design even better machines; there would then unquestionably be an "intelligence explosion," and the intelligence of man would be left far behind. Thus the first ultraintelligent machine is the _last_ invention that man need ever make, provided that the machine is docile enough to tell us how to keep it under control. ... It is more probable than not that, within the twentieth century, an ultraintelligent machine will be built and that it will be the last invention that man need make. Good has captured the essence of the runaway, but does not pursue its most disturbing consequences. Any intelligent machine of the sort he describes would not be humankind's "tool" -- any more than humans are the tools of rabbits or robins or chimpanzees. Through the '60s and '70s and '80s, recognition of the cataclysm spread [28] [1] [30] [4]. Perhaps it was the science-fiction writers who felt the first concrete impact. After all, the "hard" science-fiction writers are the ones who try to write specific stories about all that technology may do for us. More and more, these writers felt an opaque wall across the future. Once, they could put such fantasies millions of years in the future [23]. Now they saw that their most diligent extrapolations resulted in the unknowable ... soon. Once, galactic empires might have seemed a Post-Human domain. Now, sadly, even interplanetary ones are. What about the '90s and the '00s and the '10s, as we slide toward the edge? How will the approach of the Singularity spread across the human world view? For a while yet, the general critics of machine sapience will have good press. After all, till we have hardware as powerful as a human brain it is probably foolish to think we'll be able to create human equivalent (or greater) intelligence. (There is the far-fetched possibility that we could make a human equivalent out of less powerful hardware, if were willing to give up speed, if we were willing to settle for an artificial being who was literally slow [29]. But it's much more likely that devising the software will be a tricky process, involving lots of false starts and experimentation. If so, then the arrival of self-aware machines will not happen till after the development of hardware that is substantially more powerful than humans' natural equipment.) But as time passes, we should see more symptoms. The dilemma felt by science fiction writers will be perceived in other creative endeavors. (I have heard thoughtful comic book writers worry about how to have spectacular effects when everything visible can be produced by the technically commonplace.) We will see automation replacing higher and higher level jobs. We have tools right now (symbolic math programs, cad/cam) that release us from most low-level drudgery. Or put another way: The work that is truly productive is the domain of a steadily smaller and more elite fraction of humanity. In the coming of the Singularity, we are seeing the predictions of _true_ technological unemployment finally come true. Another symptom of progress toward the Singularity: ideas themselves should spread ever faster, and even the most radical will quickly become commonplace. When I began writing, it seemed very easy to come up with ideas that took decades to percolate into the cultural consciousness; now the lead time seems more like eighteen months. (Of course, this could just be me losing my imagination as I get old, but I see the effect in others too.) Like the shock in a compressible flow, the Singularity moves closer as we accelerate through the critical speed.
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Only use the text provided in the context block to answer the question. Why would "hard" science-fiction writers struggle to conceptualize the future? Abstract Within thirty years, we will have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence. Shortly after, the human era will be ended. Is such progress avoidable? If not to be avoided, can events be guided so that we may survive? These questions are investigated. Some possible answers (and some further dangers) are presented. _What is The Singularity?_ The acceleration of technological progress has been the central feature of this century. I argue in this paper that we are on the edge of change comparable to the rise of human life on Earth. The precise cause of this change is the imminent creation by technology of entities with greater than human intelligence. There are several means by which science may achieve this breakthrough (and this is another reason for having confidence that the event will occur): o The development of computers that are "awake" and superhumanly intelligent. (To date, most controversy in the area of AI relates to whether we can create human equivalence in a machine. But if the answer is "yes, we can", then there is little doubt that beings more intelligent can be constructed shortly thereafter. o Large computer networks (and their associated users) may "wake up" as a superhumanly intelligent entity. o Computer/human interfaces may become so intimate that users may reasonably be considered superhumanly intelligent. o Biological science may find ways to improve upon the natural human intellect. The first three possibilities depend in large part on improvements in computer hardware. Progress in computer hardware has followed an amazingly steady curve in the last few decades [16]. Based largely on this trend, I believe that the creation of greater than human intelligence will occur during the next thirty years. (Charles Platt [19] has pointed out the AI enthusiasts have been making claims like this for the last thirty years. Just so I'm not guilty of a relative-time ambiguity, let me more specific: I'll be surprised if this event occurs before 2005 or after 2030.) What are the consequences of this event? When greater-than-human intelligence drives progress, that progress will be much more rapid. In fact, there seems no reason why progress itself would not involve the creation of still more intelligent entities -- on a still-shorter time scale. The best analogy that I see is with the evolutionary past: Animals can adapt to problems and make inventions, but often no faster than natural selection can do its work -- the world acts as its own simulator in the case of natural selection. We humans have the ability to internalize the world and conduct "what if's" in our heads; we can solve many problems thousands of times faster than natural selection. Now, by creating the means to execute those simulations at much higher speeds, we are entering a regime as radically different from our human past as we humans are from the lower animals. From the human point of view this change will be a throwing away of all the previous rules, perhaps in the blink of an eye, an exponential runaway beyond any hope of control. Developments that before were thought might only happen in "a million years" (if ever) will likely happen in the next century. (In [4], Greg Bear paints a picture of the major changes happening in a matter of hours.) I think it's fair to call this event a singularity ("the Singularity" for the purposes of this paper). It is a point where our models must be discarded and a new reality rules. As we move closer and closer to this point, it will loom vaster and vaster over human affairs till the notion becomes a commonplace. Yet when it finally happens it may still be a great surprise and a greater unknown. In the 1950s there were very few who saw it: Stan Ulam [27] paraphrased John von Neumann as saying: One conversation centered on the ever accelerating progress of technology and changes in the mode of human life, which gives the appearance of approaching some essential singularity in the history of the race beyond which human affairs, as we know them, could not continue. Von Neumann even uses the term singularity, though it appears he is still thinking of normal progress, not the creation of superhuman intellect. (For me, the superhumanity is the essence of the Singularity. Without that we would get a glut of technical riches, never properly absorbed (see [24]).) In the 1960s there was recognition of some of the implications of superhuman intelligence. I. J. Good wrote [10]: Let an ultraintelligent machine be defined as a machine that can far surpass all the intellectual activities of any any man however clever. Since the design of machines is one of these intellectual activities, an ultraintelligent machine could design even better machines; there would then unquestionably be an "intelligence explosion," and the intelligence of man would be left far behind. Thus the first ultraintelligent machine is the _last_ invention that man need ever make, provided that the machine is docile enough to tell us how to keep it under control. ... It is more probable than not that, within the twentieth century, an ultraintelligent machine will be built and that it will be the last invention that man need make. Good has captured the essence of the runaway, but does not pursue its most disturbing consequences. Any intelligent machine of the sort he describes would not be humankind's "tool" -- any more than humans are the tools of rabbits or robins or chimpanzees. Through the '60s and '70s and '80s, recognition of the cataclysm spread [28] [1] [30] [4]. Perhaps it was the science-fiction writers who felt the first concrete impact. After all, the "hard" science-fiction writers are the ones who try to write specific stories about all that technology may do for us. More and more, these writers felt an opaque wall across the future. Once, they could put such fantasies millions of years in the future [23]. Now they saw that their most diligent extrapolations resulted in the unknowable ... soon. Once, galactic empires might have seemed a Post-Human domain. Now, sadly, even interplanetary ones are. What about the '90s and the '00s and the '10s, as we slide toward the edge? How will the approach of the Singularity spread across the human world view? For a while yet, the general critics of machine sapience will have good press. After all, till we have hardware as powerful as a human brain it is probably foolish to think we'll be able to create human equivalent (or greater) intelligence. (There is the far-fetched possibility that we could make a human equivalent out of less powerful hardware, if were willing to give up speed, if we were willing to settle for an artificial being who was literally slow [29]. But it's much more likely that devising the software will be a tricky process, involving lots of false starts and experimentation. If so, then the arrival of self-aware machines will not happen till after the development of hardware that is substantially more powerful than humans' natural equipment.) But as time passes, we should see more symptoms. The dilemma felt by science fiction writers will be perceived in other creative endeavors. (I have heard thoughtful comic book writers worry about how to have spectacular effects when everything visible can be produced by the technically commonplace.) We will see automation replacing higher and higher level jobs. We have tools right now (symbolic math programs, cad/cam) that release us from most low-level drudgery. Or put another way: The work that is truly productive is the domain of a steadily smaller and more elite fraction of humanity. In the coming of the Singularity, we are seeing the predictions of _true_ technological unemployment finally come true. Another symptom of progress toward the Singularity: ideas themselves should spread ever faster, and even the most radical will quickly become commonplace. When I began writing, it seemed very easy to come up with ideas that took decades to percolate into the cultural consciousness; now the lead time seems more like eighteen months. (Of course, this could just be me losing my imagination as I get old, but I see the effect in others too.) Like the shock in a compressible flow, the Singularity moves closer as we accelerate through the critical speed.
|
Only use the text provided in the context block to answer the question.
EVIDENCE:
Abstract Within thirty years, we will have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence. Shortly after, the human era will be ended. Is such progress avoidable? If not to be avoided, can events be guided so that we may survive? These questions are investigated. Some possible answers (and some further dangers) are presented. _What is The Singularity?_ The acceleration of technological progress has been the central feature of this century. I argue in this paper that we are on the edge of change comparable to the rise of human life on Earth. The precise cause of this change is the imminent creation by technology of entities with greater than human intelligence. There are several means by which science may achieve this breakthrough (and this is another reason for having confidence that the event will occur): o The development of computers that are "awake" and superhumanly intelligent. (To date, most controversy in the area of AI relates to whether we can create human equivalence in a machine. But if the answer is "yes, we can", then there is little doubt that beings more intelligent can be constructed shortly thereafter. o Large computer networks (and their associated users) may "wake up" as a superhumanly intelligent entity. o Computer/human interfaces may become so intimate that users may reasonably be considered superhumanly intelligent. o Biological science may find ways to improve upon the natural human intellect. The first three possibilities depend in large part on improvements in computer hardware. Progress in computer hardware has followed an amazingly steady curve in the last few decades [16]. Based largely on this trend, I believe that the creation of greater than human intelligence will occur during the next thirty years. (Charles Platt [19] has pointed out the AI enthusiasts have been making claims like this for the last thirty years. Just so I'm not guilty of a relative-time ambiguity, let me more specific: I'll be surprised if this event occurs before 2005 or after 2030.) What are the consequences of this event? When greater-than-human intelligence drives progress, that progress will be much more rapid. In fact, there seems no reason why progress itself would not involve the creation of still more intelligent entities -- on a still-shorter time scale. The best analogy that I see is with the evolutionary past: Animals can adapt to problems and make inventions, but often no faster than natural selection can do its work -- the world acts as its own simulator in the case of natural selection. We humans have the ability to internalize the world and conduct "what if's" in our heads; we can solve many problems thousands of times faster than natural selection. Now, by creating the means to execute those simulations at much higher speeds, we are entering a regime as radically different from our human past as we humans are from the lower animals. From the human point of view this change will be a throwing away of all the previous rules, perhaps in the blink of an eye, an exponential runaway beyond any hope of control. Developments that before were thought might only happen in "a million years" (if ever) will likely happen in the next century. (In [4], Greg Bear paints a picture of the major changes happening in a matter of hours.) I think it's fair to call this event a singularity ("the Singularity" for the purposes of this paper). It is a point where our models must be discarded and a new reality rules. As we move closer and closer to this point, it will loom vaster and vaster over human affairs till the notion becomes a commonplace. Yet when it finally happens it may still be a great surprise and a greater unknown. In the 1950s there were very few who saw it: Stan Ulam [27] paraphrased John von Neumann as saying: One conversation centered on the ever accelerating progress of technology and changes in the mode of human life, which gives the appearance of approaching some essential singularity in the history of the race beyond which human affairs, as we know them, could not continue. Von Neumann even uses the term singularity, though it appears he is still thinking of normal progress, not the creation of superhuman intellect. (For me, the superhumanity is the essence of the Singularity. Without that we would get a glut of technical riches, never properly absorbed (see [24]).) In the 1960s there was recognition of some of the implications of superhuman intelligence. I. J. Good wrote [10]: Let an ultraintelligent machine be defined as a machine that can far surpass all the intellectual activities of any any man however clever. Since the design of machines is one of these intellectual activities, an ultraintelligent machine could design even better machines; there would then unquestionably be an "intelligence explosion," and the intelligence of man would be left far behind. Thus the first ultraintelligent machine is the _last_ invention that man need ever make, provided that the machine is docile enough to tell us how to keep it under control. ... It is more probable than not that, within the twentieth century, an ultraintelligent machine will be built and that it will be the last invention that man need make. Good has captured the essence of the runaway, but does not pursue its most disturbing consequences. Any intelligent machine of the sort he describes would not be humankind's "tool" -- any more than humans are the tools of rabbits or robins or chimpanzees. Through the '60s and '70s and '80s, recognition of the cataclysm spread [28] [1] [30] [4]. Perhaps it was the science-fiction writers who felt the first concrete impact. After all, the "hard" science-fiction writers are the ones who try to write specific stories about all that technology may do for us. More and more, these writers felt an opaque wall across the future. Once, they could put such fantasies millions of years in the future [23]. Now they saw that their most diligent extrapolations resulted in the unknowable ... soon. Once, galactic empires might have seemed a Post-Human domain. Now, sadly, even interplanetary ones are. What about the '90s and the '00s and the '10s, as we slide toward the edge? How will the approach of the Singularity spread across the human world view? For a while yet, the general critics of machine sapience will have good press. After all, till we have hardware as powerful as a human brain it is probably foolish to think we'll be able to create human equivalent (or greater) intelligence. (There is the far-fetched possibility that we could make a human equivalent out of less powerful hardware, if were willing to give up speed, if we were willing to settle for an artificial being who was literally slow [29]. But it's much more likely that devising the software will be a tricky process, involving lots of false starts and experimentation. If so, then the arrival of self-aware machines will not happen till after the development of hardware that is substantially more powerful than humans' natural equipment.) But as time passes, we should see more symptoms. The dilemma felt by science fiction writers will be perceived in other creative endeavors. (I have heard thoughtful comic book writers worry about how to have spectacular effects when everything visible can be produced by the technically commonplace.) We will see automation replacing higher and higher level jobs. We have tools right now (symbolic math programs, cad/cam) that release us from most low-level drudgery. Or put another way: The work that is truly productive is the domain of a steadily smaller and more elite fraction of humanity. In the coming of the Singularity, we are seeing the predictions of _true_ technological unemployment finally come true. Another symptom of progress toward the Singularity: ideas themselves should spread ever faster, and even the most radical will quickly become commonplace. When I began writing, it seemed very easy to come up with ideas that took decades to percolate into the cultural consciousness; now the lead time seems more like eighteen months. (Of course, this could just be me losing my imagination as I get old, but I see the effect in others too.) Like the shock in a compressible flow, the Singularity moves closer as we accelerate through the critical speed.
USER:
Why would "hard" science-fiction writers struggle to conceptualize the future?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 13 | 10 | 1,383 | null | 781 |
Use only the information provided to you to generate an answer. Never rely on external sources or internal knowledge to answer questions. Provide your answer in a bulleted list, and use sub-bullets for organization of additional information if necessary.
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Who has the authority to change the schedule class of marijuana?
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Either Congress or the executive branch has the authority to change the status of marijuana under the CSA. Congress can change the status of a controlled substance through legislation, while the CSA empowers DEA to make scheduling decisions through the notice-and-comment rulemaking process. When considering whether to schedule or reschedule a controlled substance, DEA is bound by HHS’s recommendations on scientific and medical matters. However, DEA has stated that it has “final authority to schedule, reschedule, or deschedule a drug under the Controlled Substances Act.” A proposal from the 118th Congress would provide for congressional review of DEA rescheduling decisions related to marijuana. If Congress wishes to change the legal status of marijuana, it has broad authority to do so before or after DEA makes any final scheduling decision. Several proposals from the 118th Congress would remove marijuana from control under the CSA or move the substance to a less restrictive schedule. If Congress moved marijuana to Schedule III by legislation, it could simultaneously consider whether to change some of the legal consequences of Schedule III status described above. Congress could also legislate to move marijuana to another CSA schedule, which would subject it to controls more or less stringent than those that apply to Schedule III controlled substances.
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Use only the information provided to you to generate an answer. Never rely on external sources or internal knowledge to answer questions. Provide your answer in a bulleted list, and use sub-bullets for organization of additional information if necessary. Question: Who has the authority to change the schedule class of marijuana? Context: Either Congress or the executive branch has the authority to change the status of marijuana under the CSA. Congress can change the status of a controlled substance through legislation, while the CSA empowers DEA to make scheduling decisions through the notice-and-comment rulemaking process. When considering whether to schedule or reschedule a controlled substance, DEA is bound by HHS’s recommendations on scientific and medical matters. However, DEA has stated that it has “final authority to schedule, reschedule, or deschedule a drug under the Controlled Substances Act.” A proposal from the 118th Congress would provide for congressional review of DEA rescheduling decisions related to marijuana. If Congress wishes to change the legal status of marijuana, it has broad authority to do so before or after DEA makes any final scheduling decision. Several proposals from the 118th Congress would remove marijuana from control under the CSA or move the substance to a less restrictive schedule. If Congress moved marijuana to Schedule III by legislation, it could simultaneously consider whether to change some of the legal consequences of Schedule III status described above. Congress could also legislate to move marijuana to another CSA schedule, which would subject it to controls more or less stringent than those that apply to Schedule III controlled substances.
|
Use only the information provided to you to generate an answer. Never rely on external sources or internal knowledge to answer questions. Provide your answer in a bulleted list, and use sub-bullets for organization of additional information if necessary.
EVIDENCE:
Either Congress or the executive branch has the authority to change the status of marijuana under the CSA. Congress can change the status of a controlled substance through legislation, while the CSA empowers DEA to make scheduling decisions through the notice-and-comment rulemaking process. When considering whether to schedule or reschedule a controlled substance, DEA is bound by HHS’s recommendations on scientific and medical matters. However, DEA has stated that it has “final authority to schedule, reschedule, or deschedule a drug under the Controlled Substances Act.” A proposal from the 118th Congress would provide for congressional review of DEA rescheduling decisions related to marijuana. If Congress wishes to change the legal status of marijuana, it has broad authority to do so before or after DEA makes any final scheduling decision. Several proposals from the 118th Congress would remove marijuana from control under the CSA or move the substance to a less restrictive schedule. If Congress moved marijuana to Schedule III by legislation, it could simultaneously consider whether to change some of the legal consequences of Schedule III status described above. Congress could also legislate to move marijuana to another CSA schedule, which would subject it to controls more or less stringent than those that apply to Schedule III controlled substances.
USER:
Who has the authority to change the schedule class of marijuana?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 39 | 11 | 209 | null | 574 |
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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What is the medication Metformin used for and what are some potential side effects involved in its usage? Make your response no less than 150 words.
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Why is this medication prescribed? Metformin is used alone or with other medications, including insulin, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Metformin is in a class of drugs called biguanides. Metformin helps to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It decreases the amount of glucose you absorb from your food and the amount of glucose made by your liver. Metformin also increases your body's response to insulin, a natural substance that controls the amount of glucose in the blood. Metformin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes. How should this medicine be used? Metformin comes as a tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. The solution is usually taken with meals one or two times a day. The regular tablet is usually taken with meals two or three times a day. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once daily with the evening meal. To help you remember to take metformin, take it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metformin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow metformin extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of metformin and gradually increase your dose not more often than once every 1–2 weeks. You will need to monitor your blood sugar carefully so your doctor will be able to tell how well metformin is working. Metformin controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take metformin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking metformin without talking to your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient. Other uses for this medicine This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking metformin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metformin, any of the ingredients of metformin liquid or tablets, or any other medications. Ask your pharmacist or check the manufacturer's patient information for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had low levels of vitamin B12 in your body or any other medical conditions, especially those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking metformin, call your doctor. tell your doctor if you eat less or exercise more than usual. This can affect your blood sugar. Your doctor will give you instructions if this happens. What special dietary instructions should I follow? Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthful diet. What should I do if I forget a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. What side effects can this medication cause? This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms. Metformin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe, do not go away, go away and come back, or do not begin for some time after you begin taking metformin: diarrhea nausea stomach discomfort gas indigestion constipation lack of energy or weakness change in sense of taste headache Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency treatment: chest pain Metformin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= Why is this medication prescribed? Metformin is used alone or with other medications, including insulin, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Metformin is in a class of drugs called biguanides. Metformin helps to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It decreases the amount of glucose you absorb from your food and the amount of glucose made by your liver. Metformin also increases your body's response to insulin, a natural substance that controls the amount of glucose in the blood. Metformin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes. How should this medicine be used? Metformin comes as a tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. The solution is usually taken with meals one or two times a day. The regular tablet is usually taken with meals two or three times a day. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once daily with the evening meal. To help you remember to take metformin, take it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metformin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow metformin extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of metformin and gradually increase your dose not more often than once every 1–2 weeks. You will need to monitor your blood sugar carefully so your doctor will be able to tell how well metformin is working. Metformin controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take metformin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking metformin without talking to your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient. Other uses for this medicine This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking metformin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metformin, any of the ingredients of metformin liquid or tablets, or any other medications. Ask your pharmacist or check the manufacturer's patient information for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had low levels of vitamin B12 in your body or any other medical conditions, especially those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking metformin, call your doctor. tell your doctor if you eat less or exercise more than usual. This can affect your blood sugar. Your doctor will give you instructions if this happens. What special dietary instructions should I follow? Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthful diet. What should I do if I forget a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. What side effects can this medication cause? This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms. Metformin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe, do not go away, go away and come back, or do not begin for some time after you begin taking metformin: diarrhea nausea stomach discomfort gas indigestion constipation lack of energy or weakness change in sense of taste headache Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency treatment: chest pain Metformin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696005.html ================ <QUESTION> ======= What is the medication Metformin used for and what are some potential side effects involved in its usage? Make your response no less than 150 words. ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
EVIDENCE:
Why is this medication prescribed? Metformin is used alone or with other medications, including insulin, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Metformin is in a class of drugs called biguanides. Metformin helps to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It decreases the amount of glucose you absorb from your food and the amount of glucose made by your liver. Metformin also increases your body's response to insulin, a natural substance that controls the amount of glucose in the blood. Metformin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes. How should this medicine be used? Metformin comes as a tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. The solution is usually taken with meals one or two times a day. The regular tablet is usually taken with meals two or three times a day. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once daily with the evening meal. To help you remember to take metformin, take it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metformin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow metformin extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of metformin and gradually increase your dose not more often than once every 1–2 weeks. You will need to monitor your blood sugar carefully so your doctor will be able to tell how well metformin is working. Metformin controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take metformin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking metformin without talking to your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient. Other uses for this medicine This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking metformin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metformin, any of the ingredients of metformin liquid or tablets, or any other medications. Ask your pharmacist or check the manufacturer's patient information for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had low levels of vitamin B12 in your body or any other medical conditions, especially those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking metformin, call your doctor. tell your doctor if you eat less or exercise more than usual. This can affect your blood sugar. Your doctor will give you instructions if this happens. What special dietary instructions should I follow? Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthful diet. What should I do if I forget a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. What side effects can this medication cause? This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms. Metformin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe, do not go away, go away and come back, or do not begin for some time after you begin taking metformin: diarrhea nausea stomach discomfort gas indigestion constipation lack of energy or weakness change in sense of taste headache Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency treatment: chest pain Metformin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
USER:
What is the medication Metformin used for and what are some potential side effects involved in its usage? Make your response no less than 150 words.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| true | 49 | 26 | 914 | null | 514 |
Only use the information shared in the context to answer the questions. Do not rely on external sources or your inherent knowledge to answer the question. If a meaningful answer cannot be generated from the context, do not hallucinate.
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Explain the text in simple terms without leaving out any information
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Section 161. Expansion of Family Caregiver Program of the VA Eligibility This section amends 38 U.S.C. §1720G(a)(2) to expand eligibility for the Comprehensive Caregiver Program to pre-9/11 veterans, beginning on the date when the Secretary submits to Congress the certification that the VA has fully implemented the IT system (described in Section 162), herein referred to as the certification date. Beginning on the certification date, the Comprehensive Caregiver Program is extended over a two-year period to pre-9/11 veterans who have a serious injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service on or before May 7, 1975. Two years after the certification date, the Comprehensive Care Program is extended to all pre-9/11 veterans, covering veterans of all eras. It requires the Secretary, no later than 30 days after the date the Secretary submits to Congress the above certification, to publish the certification date in the Federal Register. It also amends 38 U.S.C. §1720G(a)(2) to expand the eligibility criteria for the Comprehensive Caregiver Program to include those veterans in need of personal care services because of a need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision, without which the ability of the veteran to function in daily life would be seriously impaired, among other existing criteria. Caregiver Assistance This section amends 38 U.S.C. §1720G(a)(3) to expand the types of assistance available to family caregivers under the Comprehensive Care Program to include financial planning services and legal services relating to the needs of injured veterans and their caregivers. It further amends this subsection regarding the monthly stipend determination to specify that in determining the amount and degree of personal care services provided to an eligible veteran whose need is based on a need for supervision or protection, as specified, or regular instruction or supervision, as specified, the determination must take into account (1) the assessment by the family caregiver; (2) the extent to which the veteran can function safely and independently without supervision, protection, or instruction; and (3) the amount of time required for the family caregiver to provide supervision, protection, or instruction. It also adds new language under 38 U.S.C. §1720G(a)(3) that in providing instruction, preparation, and training to each approved family caregiver, the Secretary is required to VA MISSION Act of 2018 (P.L.115-182) Congressional Research Service R45390 · VERSION 2 · UPDATED 30 periodically evaluate the needs of the eligible veteran and the skills of the family caregiver to determine if additional support is necessary. It amends 38 U.S.C. §1720(a)(5) to require the Secretary to evaluate each application submitted jointly by an eligible veteran in collaboration with the primary care team for the eligible veteran to the maximum extent practicable. It further adds a new paragraph under 38 U.S.C. §1720(a) that in providing assistance to family caregivers of eligible veterans, the Secretary may enter into contracts or agreements with specified entities to provide family caregivers such assistance. The Secretary is required to provide such assistance only if it is reasonably accessible to the family caregiver and is substantially equivalent or better in quality to similar services provided by the VA. It authorizes the Secretary to provide fair compensation to federal agencies, states, and other entities that provide such assistance. It amends the definition of personal care services under 38 U.S.C. §1720(d)(4) to include services that provide the veteran with (1) supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury, and (2) regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which the ability of the veteran to function in daily life would be seriously impaired. Section 162. Implementation of Information Technology System of the VA to Assess and Improve the Family Caregiver Program This section requires the Secretary to implement an IT system, no later than October 1, 2018, with certain specified elements that fully supports the Comprehensive Caregiver Program and allows for data assessment and program monitoring. No later than 180 days after implementing the IT system, the Secretary is required, through the Under Secretary for Health, to conduct an assessment of how key aspects of the Comprehensive Caregiver Program are structured and carried out using data from the IT system and any other relevant data. The Secretary is required to use the IT system to monitor and assess program workload, and to implement certain modifications necessary to ensure program functioning and timeliness of services. It also requires the Secretary, no later than 90 days after enactment, to submit an initial report to the SVAC, HVAC, and GAO on the status of the planning, development, and deployment of the IT system. The initial report must include an assessment of the needs of family caregivers of veterans eligible for the Comprehensive Program solely due to a serious injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service before September 11, 2001; the resource needs for including such family caregivers; and any changes necessary to ensure successful program expansion. The GAO is required to review the initial report and notify SVAC and HVAC with respect to the progress of the Secretary in fully implementing the required IT system, as well implementation of a process to monitor, assess, and modify the program as necessary. No later than October 1, 2019, the Secretary is required to submit a final report to SVAC, HVAC, and the GAO on system implementation, including program monitoring, assessment, and modification, as specified.
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SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS: Only use the information shared in the context to answer the questions. Do not rely on external sources or your inherent knowledge to answer the question. If a meaningful answer cannot be generated from the context, do not hallucinate. CONTEXT: Section 161. Expansion of Family Caregiver Program of the VA Eligibility This section amends 38 U.S.C. §1720G(a)(2) to expand eligibility for the Comprehensive Caregiver Program to pre-9/11 veterans, beginning on the date when the Secretary submits to Congress the certification that the VA has fully implemented the IT system (described in Section 162), herein referred to as the certification date. Beginning on the certification date, the Comprehensive Caregiver Program is extended over a two-year period to pre-9/11 veterans who have a serious injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service on or before May 7, 1975. Two years after the certification date, the Comprehensive Care Program is extended to all pre-9/11 veterans, covering veterans of all eras. It requires the Secretary, no later than 30 days after the date the Secretary submits to Congress the above certification, to publish the certification date in the Federal Register. It also amends 38 U.S.C. §1720G(a)(2) to expand the eligibility criteria for the Comprehensive Caregiver Program to include those veterans in need of personal care services because of a need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision, without which the ability of the veteran to function in daily life would be seriously impaired, among other existing criteria. Caregiver Assistance This section amends 38 U.S.C. §1720G(a)(3) to expand the types of assistance available to family caregivers under the Comprehensive Care Program to include financial planning services and legal services relating to the needs of injured veterans and their caregivers. It further amends this subsection regarding the monthly stipend determination to specify that in determining the amount and degree of personal care services provided to an eligible veteran whose need is based on a need for supervision or protection, as specified, or regular instruction or supervision, as specified, the determination must take into account (1) the assessment by the family caregiver; (2) the extent to which the veteran can function safely and independently without supervision, protection, or instruction; and (3) the amount of time required for the family caregiver to provide supervision, protection, or instruction. It also adds new language under 38 U.S.C. §1720G(a)(3) that in providing instruction, preparation, and training to each approved family caregiver, the Secretary is required to VA MISSION Act of 2018 (P.L.115-182) Congressional Research Service R45390 · VERSION 2 · UPDATED 30 periodically evaluate the needs of the eligible veteran and the skills of the family caregiver to determine if additional support is necessary. It amends 38 U.S.C. §1720(a)(5) to require the Secretary to evaluate each application submitted jointly by an eligible veteran in collaboration with the primary care team for the eligible veteran to the maximum extent practicable. It further adds a new paragraph under 38 U.S.C. §1720(a) that in providing assistance to family caregivers of eligible veterans, the Secretary may enter into contracts or agreements with specified entities to provide family caregivers such assistance. The Secretary is required to provide such assistance only if it is reasonably accessible to the family caregiver and is substantially equivalent or better in quality to similar services provided by the VA. It authorizes the Secretary to provide fair compensation to federal agencies, states, and other entities that provide such assistance. It amends the definition of personal care services under 38 U.S.C. §1720(d)(4) to include services that provide the veteran with (1) supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury, and (2) regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which the ability of the veteran to function in daily life would be seriously impaired. Section 162. Implementation of Information Technology System of the VA to Assess and Improve the Family Caregiver Program This section requires the Secretary to implement an IT system, no later than October 1, 2018, with certain specified elements that fully supports the Comprehensive Caregiver Program and allows for data assessment and program monitoring. No later than 180 days after implementing the IT system, the Secretary is required, through the Under Secretary for Health, to conduct an assessment of how key aspects of the Comprehensive Caregiver Program are structured and carried out using data from the IT system and any other relevant data. The Secretary is required to use the IT system to monitor and assess program workload, and to implement certain modifications necessary to ensure program functioning and timeliness of services. It also requires the Secretary, no later than 90 days after enactment, to submit an initial report to the SVAC, HVAC, and GAO on the status of the planning, development, and deployment of the IT system. The initial report must include an assessment of the needs of family caregivers of veterans eligible for the Comprehensive Program solely due to a serious injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service before September 11, 2001; the resource needs for including such family caregivers; and any changes necessary to ensure successful program expansion. The GAO is required to review the initial report and notify SVAC and HVAC with respect to the progress of the Secretary in fully implementing the required IT system, as well implementation of a process to monitor, assess, and modify the program as necessary. No later than October 1, 2019, the Secretary is required to submit a final report to SVAC, HVAC, and the GAO on system implementation, including program monitoring, assessment, and modification, as specified. QUESTION: Explain the text in simple terms without leaving out any information.
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Only use the information shared in the context to answer the questions. Do not rely on external sources or your inherent knowledge to answer the question. If a meaningful answer cannot be generated from the context, do not hallucinate.
EVIDENCE:
Section 161. Expansion of Family Caregiver Program of the VA Eligibility This section amends 38 U.S.C. §1720G(a)(2) to expand eligibility for the Comprehensive Caregiver Program to pre-9/11 veterans, beginning on the date when the Secretary submits to Congress the certification that the VA has fully implemented the IT system (described in Section 162), herein referred to as the certification date. Beginning on the certification date, the Comprehensive Caregiver Program is extended over a two-year period to pre-9/11 veterans who have a serious injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service on or before May 7, 1975. Two years after the certification date, the Comprehensive Care Program is extended to all pre-9/11 veterans, covering veterans of all eras. It requires the Secretary, no later than 30 days after the date the Secretary submits to Congress the above certification, to publish the certification date in the Federal Register. It also amends 38 U.S.C. §1720G(a)(2) to expand the eligibility criteria for the Comprehensive Caregiver Program to include those veterans in need of personal care services because of a need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision, without which the ability of the veteran to function in daily life would be seriously impaired, among other existing criteria. Caregiver Assistance This section amends 38 U.S.C. §1720G(a)(3) to expand the types of assistance available to family caregivers under the Comprehensive Care Program to include financial planning services and legal services relating to the needs of injured veterans and their caregivers. It further amends this subsection regarding the monthly stipend determination to specify that in determining the amount and degree of personal care services provided to an eligible veteran whose need is based on a need for supervision or protection, as specified, or regular instruction or supervision, as specified, the determination must take into account (1) the assessment by the family caregiver; (2) the extent to which the veteran can function safely and independently without supervision, protection, or instruction; and (3) the amount of time required for the family caregiver to provide supervision, protection, or instruction. It also adds new language under 38 U.S.C. §1720G(a)(3) that in providing instruction, preparation, and training to each approved family caregiver, the Secretary is required to VA MISSION Act of 2018 (P.L.115-182) Congressional Research Service R45390 · VERSION 2 · UPDATED 30 periodically evaluate the needs of the eligible veteran and the skills of the family caregiver to determine if additional support is necessary. It amends 38 U.S.C. §1720(a)(5) to require the Secretary to evaluate each application submitted jointly by an eligible veteran in collaboration with the primary care team for the eligible veteran to the maximum extent practicable. It further adds a new paragraph under 38 U.S.C. §1720(a) that in providing assistance to family caregivers of eligible veterans, the Secretary may enter into contracts or agreements with specified entities to provide family caregivers such assistance. The Secretary is required to provide such assistance only if it is reasonably accessible to the family caregiver and is substantially equivalent or better in quality to similar services provided by the VA. It authorizes the Secretary to provide fair compensation to federal agencies, states, and other entities that provide such assistance. It amends the definition of personal care services under 38 U.S.C. §1720(d)(4) to include services that provide the veteran with (1) supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury, and (2) regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which the ability of the veteran to function in daily life would be seriously impaired. Section 162. Implementation of Information Technology System of the VA to Assess and Improve the Family Caregiver Program This section requires the Secretary to implement an IT system, no later than October 1, 2018, with certain specified elements that fully supports the Comprehensive Caregiver Program and allows for data assessment and program monitoring. No later than 180 days after implementing the IT system, the Secretary is required, through the Under Secretary for Health, to conduct an assessment of how key aspects of the Comprehensive Caregiver Program are structured and carried out using data from the IT system and any other relevant data. The Secretary is required to use the IT system to monitor and assess program workload, and to implement certain modifications necessary to ensure program functioning and timeliness of services. It also requires the Secretary, no later than 90 days after enactment, to submit an initial report to the SVAC, HVAC, and GAO on the status of the planning, development, and deployment of the IT system. The initial report must include an assessment of the needs of family caregivers of veterans eligible for the Comprehensive Program solely due to a serious injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service before September 11, 2001; the resource needs for including such family caregivers; and any changes necessary to ensure successful program expansion. The GAO is required to review the initial report and notify SVAC and HVAC with respect to the progress of the Secretary in fully implementing the required IT system, as well implementation of a process to monitor, assess, and modify the program as necessary. No later than October 1, 2019, the Secretary is required to submit a final report to SVAC, HVAC, and the GAO on system implementation, including program monitoring, assessment, and modification, as specified.
USER:
Explain the text in simple terms without leaving out any information
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 39 | 11 | 902 | null | 619 |
You must use information only from the provided text in your response.
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Find and summarize each sentence using the phrase "Organized Retail Crime."
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Criminal Justice Data: Organized Retail Crime Retailers and retail industry advocacy groups have expressed concern about what they see as a general increase in retail crime, and more specifically an increase in organized retail crime (ORC). Reports of incidents where individuals, occasionally acting in flash mobs, storm stores to steal large amounts of items, and at times assault employees, have underscored these concerns. Some law enforcement agencies have increased resources and information sharing to counter these crimes. Additionally, some retail organizations have urged policymakers and law enforcement to take steps to educate the public and crack down on this apparent increase in retail crime, and more specifically ORC. A primary barrier to measuring ORC accurately is a lack of a consistent, widely accepted definition that can be used in a systematic and comprehensive effort to collect and report these data. Nonetheless, there is general consensus that ORC involves coordinated theft with the intent to resell for financial gain. ORC typically refers to large-scale retail theft and fraud by organized groups of professional shoplifters (or boosters). Organized crime rings resell illegally acquired merchandise via a variety of fencing operations such as flea markets, swap meets, pawn shops, and online marketplaces. ORC differs from shoplifting in that traditional shoplifters tend to steal merchandise for personal use. A number of factors contribute to the lack of comprehensive criminal justice data on ORC. At the federal level, there is currently no law prohibiting organized retail crime that could be used to help document the number of ORC incidents known to federal law enforcement, specifically. Combating retail theft has primarily been handled by state and local law enforcement under state criminal laws. While state laws prohibiting theft are the statutes that state and local law enforcement and prosecutors have often relied on to investigate and prosecute ORC, over 30 states have enacted ORC-specific laws. However, these laws differ by state and there is no centralized reporting system for ORC-related crimes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting program, National Incident-Based Reporting System, collects data on thefts reported to state and local law enforcement, including shoplifting; however, it does not capture ORC specifically. In the absence of comprehensive data on ORC, snapshots of data from various sources may offer insight into its extent and nature. For instance, 78.1% of respondents to the National Retail Federation’s 2023 National Retail Security Survey indicated that the threat of ORC was more of a priority than it had been in the prior year. While some observers believe that ORC is a national problem, others disagree, citing anecdotal and high-profile flash mob thefts and smash-and-grabs as driving this concern. Nonetheless, there is debate over the federal government’s role in deterring ORC and sanctioning various actors that may be involved in committing or aiding these crimes. A principal underlying issue is the lack of data on the scope of ORC to inform this debate. Without these data, Congress may not be able to accurately assess the proper role of the federal government. As such, policymakers may debate various options regarding data on ORC, including how new or existing mechanisms for collecting national crime data could be used to capture these data and help inform policymakers on the prevalence and nature of this type of crime.
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You must use information only from the provided text in your response. Criminal Justice Data: Organized Retail Crime Retailers and retail industry advocacy groups have expressed concern about what they see as a general increase in retail crime, and more specifically an increase in organized retail crime (ORC). Reports of incidents where individuals, occasionally acting in flash mobs, storm stores to steal large amounts of items, and at times assault employees, have underscored these concerns. Some law enforcement agencies have increased resources and information sharing to counter these crimes. Additionally, some retail organizations have urged policymakers and law enforcement to take steps to educate the public and crack down on this apparent increase in retail crime, and more specifically ORC. A primary barrier to measuring ORC accurately is a lack of a consistent, widely accepted definition that can be used in a systematic and comprehensive effort to collect and report these data. Nonetheless, there is general consensus that ORC involves coordinated theft with the intent to resell for financial gain. ORC typically refers to large-scale retail theft and fraud by organized groups of professional shoplifters (or boosters). Organized crime rings resell illegally acquired merchandise via a variety of fencing operations such as flea markets, swap meets, pawn shops, and online marketplaces. ORC differs from shoplifting in that traditional shoplifters tend to steal merchandise for personal use. A number of factors contribute to the lack of comprehensive criminal justice data on ORC. At the federal level, there is currently no law prohibiting organized retail crime that could be used to help document the number of ORC incidents known to federal law enforcement, specifically. Combating retail theft has primarily been handled by state and local law enforcement under state criminal laws. While state laws prohibiting theft are the statutes that state and local law enforcement and prosecutors have often relied on to investigate and prosecute ORC, over 30 states have enacted ORC-specific laws. However, these laws differ by state and there is no centralized reporting system for ORC-related crimes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting program, National Incident-Based Reporting System, collects data on thefts reported to state and local law enforcement, including shoplifting; however, it does not capture ORC specifically. In the absence of comprehensive data on ORC, snapshots of data from various sources may offer insight into its extent and nature. For instance, 78.1% of respondents to the National Retail Federation’s 2023 National Retail Security Survey indicated that the threat of ORC was more of a priority than it had been in the prior year. While some observers believe that ORC is a national problem, others disagree, citing anecdotal and high-profile flash mob thefts and smash-and-grabs as driving this concern. Nonetheless, there is debate over the federal government’s role in deterring ORC and sanctioning various actors that may be involved in committing or aiding these crimes. A principal underlying issue is the lack of data on the scope of ORC to inform this debate. Without these data, Congress may not be able to accurately assess the proper role of the federal government. As such, policymakers may debate various options regarding data on ORC, including how new or existing mechanisms for collecting national crime data could be used to capture these data and help inform policymakers on the prevalence and nature of this type of crime. Find and summarize each sentence using the phrase "Organized Retail Crime."
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You must use information only from the provided text in your response.
EVIDENCE:
Criminal Justice Data: Organized Retail Crime Retailers and retail industry advocacy groups have expressed concern about what they see as a general increase in retail crime, and more specifically an increase in organized retail crime (ORC). Reports of incidents where individuals, occasionally acting in flash mobs, storm stores to steal large amounts of items, and at times assault employees, have underscored these concerns. Some law enforcement agencies have increased resources and information sharing to counter these crimes. Additionally, some retail organizations have urged policymakers and law enforcement to take steps to educate the public and crack down on this apparent increase in retail crime, and more specifically ORC. A primary barrier to measuring ORC accurately is a lack of a consistent, widely accepted definition that can be used in a systematic and comprehensive effort to collect and report these data. Nonetheless, there is general consensus that ORC involves coordinated theft with the intent to resell for financial gain. ORC typically refers to large-scale retail theft and fraud by organized groups of professional shoplifters (or boosters). Organized crime rings resell illegally acquired merchandise via a variety of fencing operations such as flea markets, swap meets, pawn shops, and online marketplaces. ORC differs from shoplifting in that traditional shoplifters tend to steal merchandise for personal use. A number of factors contribute to the lack of comprehensive criminal justice data on ORC. At the federal level, there is currently no law prohibiting organized retail crime that could be used to help document the number of ORC incidents known to federal law enforcement, specifically. Combating retail theft has primarily been handled by state and local law enforcement under state criminal laws. While state laws prohibiting theft are the statutes that state and local law enforcement and prosecutors have often relied on to investigate and prosecute ORC, over 30 states have enacted ORC-specific laws. However, these laws differ by state and there is no centralized reporting system for ORC-related crimes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting program, National Incident-Based Reporting System, collects data on thefts reported to state and local law enforcement, including shoplifting; however, it does not capture ORC specifically. In the absence of comprehensive data on ORC, snapshots of data from various sources may offer insight into its extent and nature. For instance, 78.1% of respondents to the National Retail Federation’s 2023 National Retail Security Survey indicated that the threat of ORC was more of a priority than it had been in the prior year. While some observers believe that ORC is a national problem, others disagree, citing anecdotal and high-profile flash mob thefts and smash-and-grabs as driving this concern. Nonetheless, there is debate over the federal government’s role in deterring ORC and sanctioning various actors that may be involved in committing or aiding these crimes. A principal underlying issue is the lack of data on the scope of ORC to inform this debate. Without these data, Congress may not be able to accurately assess the proper role of the federal government. As such, policymakers may debate various options regarding data on ORC, including how new or existing mechanisms for collecting national crime data could be used to capture these data and help inform policymakers on the prevalence and nature of this type of crime.
USER:
Find and summarize each sentence using the phrase "Organized Retail Crime."
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 12 | 11 | 544 | null | 818 |
Use only the supplied context document in your answer and do not use outside information.
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Based on the article, what stock prices have fallen the most?
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**Dow Jones Futures: Market Rally, Nvidia Resilient As Tesla Skids** Dow Jones futures rose slightly after hours, along with S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures. Software makers UiPath (PATH) and SentinelOne (S) reported Wednesday night, along with homebuilder Lennar (LEN). The stock market rally had a constructive Wednesday. The Nasdaq fell but finished off lows and held the bulk of Tuesday's gains, much like AI rally leader Nvidia (NVDA). Many other big techs had quiet sessions after Tuesday's strong moves. Laggard Tesla (TSLA), however, broke lower, extending its long run of underperformance amid negative headlines. Market breadth was solid. While AI stocks have clearly led the market rally, a number of stocks in the commodity, travel and medical product spaces are in buy areas now. Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), PBF Energy (PBF) and Royal Caribbean (RCL) cleared a buy point. Shockwave Medical (SWAV) and Dexcom (DXCM) remain in buy areas. However, bullish sentiment has reached excessive levels, suggesting a pullback is likely in the coming days. The market rally has refused to take extended breaks, staging "cat nap" pullbacks for a day or two before quickly revving higher again and looking extended again. Nvidia and Dexcom stock are on IBD Leaderboard. Nvidia, SentinelOne and Royal Caribbean stock are on the IBD 50. Nvidia stock is on the IBD Big Cap 20. Dexcom was Wednesday's IBD Stock Of The Day. Dow Jones Futures Today Dow Jones futures were 0.1% above fair value. S&P 500 futures climbed 0.1% and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.2%. Remember that overnight action in Dow futures and elsewhere doesn't necessarily translate into actual trading in the next regular stock market session. Join IBD experts as they analyze leading stocks and the market on IBD Live Earnings Lennar earnings topped while revenue fell short. LEN stock fell slightly overnight. Shares dipped 0.3% in Wednesday's regular session to 165.50 after hitting a record high intraday. Lennar stock slightly extended from a flat base with a 156.01 buy point, according to MarketSmith analysis. UiPath earnings topped with the automation software maker guiding lower on Q1 revenue but up for fiscal 2025. PATH stock rose slightly late after initially surging in volatile action. Shares dipped 0.85% to 24.43 on Wednesday, but held onto the recent move above the 50-day following a failed recent breakout. A move above Wednesday's high of 25.33 would offer an early entry. SentinelOne narrowly beat fiscal Q4 views, but guided slightly lower on fiscal 2025 revenue. Shares tumbled overnight. SentinelOne stock fell 1 cent to 27.94 on Wednesday, briefly testing a downward-sloping trendline. That offered an early entry in an emerging base, but the imminent earnings report made that risky. Stock Market Rally The stock market rally had a mixed session, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling modestly, ceding only a portion of Tuesday's gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.1% in Wednesday's stock market trading. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 index dipped 0.2%. The Nasdaq composite declined 0.5%, but it was an inside day to Tuesday's 1.5% pop. Nvidia fell 1.1% but was off lows in an inside day to Tuesday's 7.2% jump. The small-cap Russell 2000 edged up 0.3%. Breadth was modestly positive, though decliners narrowly led on the Nasdaq. While Nvidia and many AI hardware plays are clearly extended, there are some software, commodity, medical product, financial, energy and travel names that are actionable or setting up. U.S. crude oil prices popped 2.8% to $79.72 a barrel. Gasoline futures gained 2.9% — 5.3% this week — to their highest close in nearly six months. Copper futures jumped 3.25% to $4.0525 a pound, the highest close since April 2023. It was the biggest percentage gain since late 2022. The 10-year Treasury yield rose 3.5 basis points to 4.19%. Bullish Sentiment Excessive The Investors Intelligence bulls-bears sentiment gauge is reaching euphoric levels. Some 60.9% of investment advisors are bullish, above the 60% level seen as excessive. That suggests a pullback, perhaps a more serious one, is coming. But it doesn't have to happen right away. That's the highest point since mid-2021. Just 14.5% are bearish, also the lowest since 2021. A modest pause or pullback over several days or even weeks would likely cool sentiment, let more bases form and give the market room for a longer run. But that hasn't been the market's pattern. ETFs Among growth ETFs, the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) fell 0.7%. The VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) slumped 2%. Nvidia stock is the No. 1 holding in SMH. Reflecting more-speculative story stocks, ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) edged up 0.2% and ARK Genomics ETF (ARKG) rose 0.3%. Tesla stock is a major holding across Ark Invest's ETFs. UiPath also is a big Cathie Wood stock. SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) edged higher, with FCX stock in the ETF. U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS) ascended 0.7%. SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) stepped up 1.5%, with Lennar stock a key holding. The Energy Select SPDR ETF (XLE) rallied 1.6% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) fell 0.4%. The Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) gained 0.3%. And the Financial Select SPDR ETF (XLF) climbed 0.7%. Time The Market With IBD's ETF Market Strategy Stocks In Buy Areas Freeport-McMoRan stock gapped up 7.6% to 43.41, Wednesday's top S&P 500 performer. The copper and gold miner broke above a double-bottom base buy point of 40.99, closing out of range. However, on a weekly chart, FCX stock just topped a 43.42 cup-with-handle buy point. Southern Copper (SCCO) and more-diversified Teck Resources (TECK) also cleared bases Wednesday. PBF Energy stock leapt 9% to 54.96, clearing a 54.52 cup-with-handle buy point. PBF stock is 16% above its 50-day line. Refining peer Phillips 66 (PSX) decisively cleared a short consolidation Wednesday, while several oil and gas machinery and services firms have been actionable. Shockwave Medical stock climbed 1.8% to 269.37, testing the top of a short consolidation following an earnings gap from the 200-day line. SWAV stock already was actionable from breaking a downtrend in this recent action, which could be viewed as a handle to a huge base. Dexcom stock fell 2.7% to 131.68, falling just below a 132.03 buy point from a flat base within a much larger consolidation. Royal Caribbean stock climbed 1.8% to 132.11, clearing a 130.97 buy point from a messy flat base. Meanwhile, rival cruise line operator Carnival (CCL) cleared an aggressive entry while hotel giant Marriott Worldwide (MAR) is trying to clear a tight pattern. Tesla Stock Tesla stock skidded 4.5% to 169.50, hitting the lowest levels since last May. Shares have tumbled nearly 32% in 2024, the worst performer on the S&P 500 index. The relative strength line is at a 14-month low, reflecting Tesla's severe underperformance vs. the S&P 500 index in recent months. The RS line is the blue line in the charts provided. Before Wednesday's open, Wells Fargo downgraded Tesla to underweight and cut its price target to 125 from 200. The analyst joined a recent rush to slash first-quarter delivery targets. He now sees 2024 earnings per share nearly a third below consensus. And he expects deliveries to fall short. Wells Fargo also said a yet-unveiled cheap EV may be not be a boon for Tesla, citing "likely tough" economics. Late Wednesday, UBS cut its Tesla price target to 165 from 225, also slashing its first-quarter delivery targets. TSLA stock fell a fraction overnight. Fisker (FSR) plunged more than 40% late Wednesday, on a report that the U.S. EV startup and would-be Tesla rival is preparing for a possible bankruptcy filing.
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Question: Based on the article, what stock prices have fallen the most? System Instruction: Use only the supplied context document in your answer and do not use outside information. Context: **Dow Jones Futures: Market Rally, Nvidia Resilient As Tesla Skids** Dow Jones futures rose slightly after hours, along with S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures. Software makers UiPath (PATH) and SentinelOne (S) reported Wednesday night, along with homebuilder Lennar (LEN). The stock market rally had a constructive Wednesday. The Nasdaq fell but finished off lows and held the bulk of Tuesday's gains, much like AI rally leader Nvidia (NVDA). Many other big techs had quiet sessions after Tuesday's strong moves. Laggard Tesla (TSLA), however, broke lower, extending its long run of underperformance amid negative headlines. Market breadth was solid. While AI stocks have clearly led the market rally, a number of stocks in the commodity, travel and medical product spaces are in buy areas now. Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), PBF Energy (PBF) and Royal Caribbean (RCL) cleared a buy point. Shockwave Medical (SWAV) and Dexcom (DXCM) remain in buy areas. However, bullish sentiment has reached excessive levels, suggesting a pullback is likely in the coming days. The market rally has refused to take extended breaks, staging "cat nap" pullbacks for a day or two before quickly revving higher again and looking extended again. Nvidia and Dexcom stock are on IBD Leaderboard. Nvidia, SentinelOne and Royal Caribbean stock are on the IBD 50. Nvidia stock is on the IBD Big Cap 20. Dexcom was Wednesday's IBD Stock Of The Day. Dow Jones Futures Today Dow Jones futures were 0.1% above fair value. S&P 500 futures climbed 0.1% and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.2%. Remember that overnight action in Dow futures and elsewhere doesn't necessarily translate into actual trading in the next regular stock market session. Join IBD experts as they analyze leading stocks and the market on IBD Live Earnings Lennar earnings topped while revenue fell short. LEN stock fell slightly overnight. Shares dipped 0.3% in Wednesday's regular session to 165.50 after hitting a record high intraday. Lennar stock slightly extended from a flat base with a 156.01 buy point, according to MarketSmith analysis. UiPath earnings topped with the automation software maker guiding lower on Q1 revenue but up for fiscal 2025. PATH stock rose slightly late after initially surging in volatile action. Shares dipped 0.85% to 24.43 on Wednesday, but held onto the recent move above the 50-day following a failed recent breakout. A move above Wednesday's high of 25.33 would offer an early entry. SentinelOne narrowly beat fiscal Q4 views, but guided slightly lower on fiscal 2025 revenue. Shares tumbled overnight. SentinelOne stock fell 1 cent to 27.94 on Wednesday, briefly testing a downward-sloping trendline. That offered an early entry in an emerging base, but the imminent earnings report made that risky. Stock Market Rally The stock market rally had a mixed session, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling modestly, ceding only a portion of Tuesday's gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.1% in Wednesday's stock market trading. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 index dipped 0.2%. The Nasdaq composite declined 0.5%, but it was an inside day to Tuesday's 1.5% pop. Nvidia fell 1.1% but was off lows in an inside day to Tuesday's 7.2% jump. The small-cap Russell 2000 edged up 0.3%. Breadth was modestly positive, though decliners narrowly led on the Nasdaq. While Nvidia and many AI hardware plays are clearly extended, there are some software, commodity, medical product, financial, energy and travel names that are actionable or setting up. U.S. crude oil prices popped 2.8% to $79.72 a barrel. Gasoline futures gained 2.9% — 5.3% this week — to their highest close in nearly six months. Copper futures jumped 3.25% to $4.0525 a pound, the highest close since April 2023. It was the biggest percentage gain since late 2022. The 10-year Treasury yield rose 3.5 basis points to 4.19%. Bullish Sentiment Excessive The Investors Intelligence bulls-bears sentiment gauge is reaching euphoric levels. Some 60.9% of investment advisors are bullish, above the 60% level seen as excessive. That suggests a pullback, perhaps a more serious one, is coming. But it doesn't have to happen right away. That's the highest point since mid-2021. Just 14.5% are bearish, also the lowest since 2021. A modest pause or pullback over several days or even weeks would likely cool sentiment, let more bases form and give the market room for a longer run. But that hasn't been the market's pattern. ETFs Among growth ETFs, the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) fell 0.7%. The VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) slumped 2%. Nvidia stock is the No. 1 holding in SMH. Reflecting more-speculative story stocks, ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) edged up 0.2% and ARK Genomics ETF (ARKG) rose 0.3%. Tesla stock is a major holding across Ark Invest's ETFs. UiPath also is a big Cathie Wood stock. SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) edged higher, with FCX stock in the ETF. U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS) ascended 0.7%. SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) stepped up 1.5%, with Lennar stock a key holding. The Energy Select SPDR ETF (XLE) rallied 1.6% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) fell 0.4%. The Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) gained 0.3%. And the Financial Select SPDR ETF (XLF) climbed 0.7%. Time The Market With IBD's ETF Market Strategy Stocks In Buy Areas Freeport-McMoRan stock gapped up 7.6% to 43.41, Wednesday's top S&P 500 performer. The copper and gold miner broke above a double-bottom base buy point of 40.99, closing out of range. However, on a weekly chart, FCX stock just topped a 43.42 cup-with-handle buy point. Southern Copper (SCCO) and more-diversified Teck Resources (TECK) also cleared bases Wednesday. PBF Energy stock leapt 9% to 54.96, clearing a 54.52 cup-with-handle buy point. PBF stock is 16% above its 50-day line. Refining peer Phillips 66 (PSX) decisively cleared a short consolidation Wednesday, while several oil and gas machinery and services firms have been actionable. Shockwave Medical stock climbed 1.8% to 269.37, testing the top of a short consolidation following an earnings gap from the 200-day line. SWAV stock already was actionable from breaking a downtrend in this recent action, which could be viewed as a handle to a huge base. Dexcom stock fell 2.7% to 131.68, falling just below a 132.03 buy point from a flat base within a much larger consolidation. Royal Caribbean stock climbed 1.8% to 132.11, clearing a 130.97 buy point from a messy flat base. Meanwhile, rival cruise line operator Carnival (CCL) cleared an aggressive entry while hotel giant Marriott Worldwide (MAR) is trying to clear a tight pattern. Tesla Stock Tesla stock skidded 4.5% to 169.50, hitting the lowest levels since last May. Shares have tumbled nearly 32% in 2024, the worst performer on the S&P 500 index. The relative strength line is at a 14-month low, reflecting Tesla's severe underperformance vs. the S&P 500 index in recent months. The RS line is the blue line in the charts provided. Before Wednesday's open, Wells Fargo downgraded Tesla to underweight and cut its price target to 125 from 200. The analyst joined a recent rush to slash first-quarter delivery targets. He now sees 2024 earnings per share nearly a third below consensus. And he expects deliveries to fall short. Wells Fargo also said a yet-unveiled cheap EV may be not be a boon for Tesla, citing "likely tough" economics. Late Wednesday, UBS cut its Tesla price target to 165 from 225, also slashing its first-quarter delivery targets. TSLA stock fell a fraction overnight. Fisker (FSR) plunged more than 40% late Wednesday, on a report that the U.S. EV startup and would-be Tesla rival is preparing for a possible bankruptcy filing.
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Use only the supplied context document in your answer and do not use outside information.
EVIDENCE:
**Dow Jones Futures: Market Rally, Nvidia Resilient As Tesla Skids** Dow Jones futures rose slightly after hours, along with S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures. Software makers UiPath (PATH) and SentinelOne (S) reported Wednesday night, along with homebuilder Lennar (LEN). The stock market rally had a constructive Wednesday. The Nasdaq fell but finished off lows and held the bulk of Tuesday's gains, much like AI rally leader Nvidia (NVDA). Many other big techs had quiet sessions after Tuesday's strong moves. Laggard Tesla (TSLA), however, broke lower, extending its long run of underperformance amid negative headlines. Market breadth was solid. While AI stocks have clearly led the market rally, a number of stocks in the commodity, travel and medical product spaces are in buy areas now. Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), PBF Energy (PBF) and Royal Caribbean (RCL) cleared a buy point. Shockwave Medical (SWAV) and Dexcom (DXCM) remain in buy areas. However, bullish sentiment has reached excessive levels, suggesting a pullback is likely in the coming days. The market rally has refused to take extended breaks, staging "cat nap" pullbacks for a day or two before quickly revving higher again and looking extended again. Nvidia and Dexcom stock are on IBD Leaderboard. Nvidia, SentinelOne and Royal Caribbean stock are on the IBD 50. Nvidia stock is on the IBD Big Cap 20. Dexcom was Wednesday's IBD Stock Of The Day. Dow Jones Futures Today Dow Jones futures were 0.1% above fair value. S&P 500 futures climbed 0.1% and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.2%. Remember that overnight action in Dow futures and elsewhere doesn't necessarily translate into actual trading in the next regular stock market session. Join IBD experts as they analyze leading stocks and the market on IBD Live Earnings Lennar earnings topped while revenue fell short. LEN stock fell slightly overnight. Shares dipped 0.3% in Wednesday's regular session to 165.50 after hitting a record high intraday. Lennar stock slightly extended from a flat base with a 156.01 buy point, according to MarketSmith analysis. UiPath earnings topped with the automation software maker guiding lower on Q1 revenue but up for fiscal 2025. PATH stock rose slightly late after initially surging in volatile action. Shares dipped 0.85% to 24.43 on Wednesday, but held onto the recent move above the 50-day following a failed recent breakout. A move above Wednesday's high of 25.33 would offer an early entry. SentinelOne narrowly beat fiscal Q4 views, but guided slightly lower on fiscal 2025 revenue. Shares tumbled overnight. SentinelOne stock fell 1 cent to 27.94 on Wednesday, briefly testing a downward-sloping trendline. That offered an early entry in an emerging base, but the imminent earnings report made that risky. Stock Market Rally The stock market rally had a mixed session, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling modestly, ceding only a portion of Tuesday's gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.1% in Wednesday's stock market trading. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 index dipped 0.2%. The Nasdaq composite declined 0.5%, but it was an inside day to Tuesday's 1.5% pop. Nvidia fell 1.1% but was off lows in an inside day to Tuesday's 7.2% jump. The small-cap Russell 2000 edged up 0.3%. Breadth was modestly positive, though decliners narrowly led on the Nasdaq. While Nvidia and many AI hardware plays are clearly extended, there are some software, commodity, medical product, financial, energy and travel names that are actionable or setting up. U.S. crude oil prices popped 2.8% to $79.72 a barrel. Gasoline futures gained 2.9% — 5.3% this week — to their highest close in nearly six months. Copper futures jumped 3.25% to $4.0525 a pound, the highest close since April 2023. It was the biggest percentage gain since late 2022. The 10-year Treasury yield rose 3.5 basis points to 4.19%. Bullish Sentiment Excessive The Investors Intelligence bulls-bears sentiment gauge is reaching euphoric levels. Some 60.9% of investment advisors are bullish, above the 60% level seen as excessive. That suggests a pullback, perhaps a more serious one, is coming. But it doesn't have to happen right away. That's the highest point since mid-2021. Just 14.5% are bearish, also the lowest since 2021. A modest pause or pullback over several days or even weeks would likely cool sentiment, let more bases form and give the market room for a longer run. But that hasn't been the market's pattern. ETFs Among growth ETFs, the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) fell 0.7%. The VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) slumped 2%. Nvidia stock is the No. 1 holding in SMH. Reflecting more-speculative story stocks, ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) edged up 0.2% and ARK Genomics ETF (ARKG) rose 0.3%. Tesla stock is a major holding across Ark Invest's ETFs. UiPath also is a big Cathie Wood stock. SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) edged higher, with FCX stock in the ETF. U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS) ascended 0.7%. SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) stepped up 1.5%, with Lennar stock a key holding. The Energy Select SPDR ETF (XLE) rallied 1.6% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) fell 0.4%. The Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) gained 0.3%. And the Financial Select SPDR ETF (XLF) climbed 0.7%. Time The Market With IBD's ETF Market Strategy Stocks In Buy Areas Freeport-McMoRan stock gapped up 7.6% to 43.41, Wednesday's top S&P 500 performer. The copper and gold miner broke above a double-bottom base buy point of 40.99, closing out of range. However, on a weekly chart, FCX stock just topped a 43.42 cup-with-handle buy point. Southern Copper (SCCO) and more-diversified Teck Resources (TECK) also cleared bases Wednesday. PBF Energy stock leapt 9% to 54.96, clearing a 54.52 cup-with-handle buy point. PBF stock is 16% above its 50-day line. Refining peer Phillips 66 (PSX) decisively cleared a short consolidation Wednesday, while several oil and gas machinery and services firms have been actionable. Shockwave Medical stock climbed 1.8% to 269.37, testing the top of a short consolidation following an earnings gap from the 200-day line. SWAV stock already was actionable from breaking a downtrend in this recent action, which could be viewed as a handle to a huge base. Dexcom stock fell 2.7% to 131.68, falling just below a 132.03 buy point from a flat base within a much larger consolidation. Royal Caribbean stock climbed 1.8% to 132.11, clearing a 130.97 buy point from a messy flat base. Meanwhile, rival cruise line operator Carnival (CCL) cleared an aggressive entry while hotel giant Marriott Worldwide (MAR) is trying to clear a tight pattern. Tesla Stock Tesla stock skidded 4.5% to 169.50, hitting the lowest levels since last May. Shares have tumbled nearly 32% in 2024, the worst performer on the S&P 500 index. The relative strength line is at a 14-month low, reflecting Tesla's severe underperformance vs. the S&P 500 index in recent months. The RS line is the blue line in the charts provided. Before Wednesday's open, Wells Fargo downgraded Tesla to underweight and cut its price target to 125 from 200. The analyst joined a recent rush to slash first-quarter delivery targets. He now sees 2024 earnings per share nearly a third below consensus. And he expects deliveries to fall short. Wells Fargo also said a yet-unveiled cheap EV may be not be a boon for Tesla, citing "likely tough" economics. Late Wednesday, UBS cut its Tesla price target to 165 from 225, also slashing its first-quarter delivery targets. TSLA stock fell a fraction overnight. Fisker (FSR) plunged more than 40% late Wednesday, on a report that the U.S. EV startup and would-be Tesla rival is preparing for a possible bankruptcy filing.
USER:
Based on the article, what stock prices have fallen the most?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 15 | 11 | 1,259 | null | 174 |
You can only respond using information in the context block. List 5 bullet points.
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What are the main points of this passage?
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States and local governments traditionally lead U.S. economic development efforts, with the federal government selectively intervening to address significant need. However, the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused pervasive social and economic dislocation and extreme subnational fiscal stress, straining existing federal economic development structures. This Insight examines current federal economic development policy and outlines various options for addressing a potentially lengthy pandemic recovery, or future such long-term challenges. Federal Economic Development and COVID-19 The nationwide scope and protracted time horizon of the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the existing economic development infrastructure at all levels of government. This system is not designed or arguably equipped to address scenarios in which otherwise unusual distress is endemic, and state and local governments are acutely constrained by both the scale of the crisis as well as fiscal limitations. The Federal Approach: Distress-Based Interventions In the United States’ federal system, economic development activities are primarily the responsibility of state and local governments, which fund various programs that may include business relocation and retention incentives, workforce development, and other policies that stimulate growth and job creation. State and local governments are also the primary agents (sometimes with the support of federal funding) in other economic development-related activities—such as improvements to general infrastructure, housing, community facilities, land use, education, and public safety. Those unmet needs not fully addressed at the state and local levels, particularly in economically distressed or disadvantaged communities, are targeted through federal economic development interventions. Most funding programs provided by the principal federal economic development agencies—the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the federal regional commissions and authorities— prioritize economic development resources for communities exhibiting acute socioeconomic distress. For Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov IN11587 Congressional Research Service 2 example, HUD’s flagship Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is targeted at low- and moderate-income individuals in predominantly urban places. The EDA utilizes distress criteria, and has historically focused on rural and other non-urban places alongside USDA’s rural development programs. The federal regional commissions and authorities employ taxonomies of distress in delineated geographic service areas to prioritize their economic development activities. In addition, federal tax incentives for economic development—such as the New Markets Tax Credit and Opportunity Zones—prioritize areas shown to demonstrate high levels of economic distress. Economic Development in a Time of COVID The efficacy of the federal distress-based approach to economic development is broadly conditioned on state and local governments’ ability to conduct more general economic development. In situations of acute short-term disruption, such as a localized natural disaster or emergency, the federal government can utilize its economic development and emergency management toolkit to support state and local governments, organizations and businesses, and individuals with recovery. However, the pandemic’s scale and longevity has challenged the existing federal economic development and emergency management apparatus. In response, Congress has provided emergency supplemental appropriations to increase the capacity of existing federal economic development infrastructure and support temporary capabilities—such as the Federal Reserve’s direct lending programs, supplemental unemployment insurance, stimulus cash payments, and the extended deployment of various short-term emergency management authorities and countermeasures. Despite congressional action, the pandemic has contributed to surges in poverty, food and housing insecurity, waves of business closures, and a sharp annual decline in growth, indicating the limits of federal economic development approaches. Policy Options for Congress Congress may consider policy options for adapting federal economic development tools to address highimpact events with extended or indefinite time horizons (e.g., pandemics, climate/weather-related disasters, or manmade emergencies), such as: Increasing funding for HUD’s CDBG program, and providing additional grantee discretion for addressing distress not necessarily captured in CDBG’s current national objectives—such as fiscal and public health; Permanently authorizing broad-based relief tools like CDBG authorities for disaster recovery (CDBG-DR), or a CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund-type analogue, that could draw from a “no-year” strategic account similar to the Disaster Relief Fund; Developing a standing fiscal support function for states as well as localities, potentially based on an expanded Community Disaster Loan-type program; Building on the federal regional commissions model, providing a framework for establishing and resourcing intergovernmental federal-state regional commissions throughout the United States as the principal loci of regional economic development, like once provided under Title V of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (“Title V” commissions); Developing authorities for targeted basic income and “job corps” workforce programs, which could be rapidly activated and expanded during emergencies to provide cash relief to affected individuals and fill urgent labor needs (such as contact tracers and medical auxiliaries during the pandemic); and Congressional Research Service 3 IN11587 · VERSION 3 · NEW Establishing a permanent interagency infrastructure to plan and coordinate industrial mobilization and support, using the Defense Production Act (DPA) and other emergency authorities, to respond to future social and economic dislocations. Congress may also consider policies to strengthen and revise the national approach to economic development generally, including: An integrated, intergovernmental economic development framework where federal, state, and local governments coordinate on planning, priorities, and funding; A greater emphasis on cultivating business development and job growth regionally (“economic gardening”), and shifting from incentive-driven regional competition to regional clusters of comparative advantage in a global economy; and Developing industrial policies that promote the development of strategic industries and supply chains—beyond the defense industrial base—and drive investments in domestic (and certain allied) supply chains anticipating various possible contingency scenarios. Congress may also take steps to broaden the impacts of these reforms, such as by utilizing reinsurance markets for a permanent CDBG-DR-type program; authorizing federal regional commissions to issue bonds for strategic projects; broader adoption of federal loan and loan guarantee mechanisms in lieu of some grants; and taking equity positions as part of direct investments, including potentially in DPA Title III projects.
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What are the main points of this passage? You can only respond using information in the passage. List your answers in 5 bullet points with short explanations after. These explanations cannot be longer than 30 words. States and local governments traditionally lead U.S. economic development efforts, with the federal government selectively intervening to address significant need. However, the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused pervasive social and economic dislocation and extreme subnational fiscal stress, straining existing federal economic development structures. This Insight examines current federal economic development policy and outlines various options for addressing a potentially lengthy pandemic recovery, or future such long-term challenges. Federal Economic Development and COVID-19 The nationwide scope and protracted time horizon of the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the existing economic development infrastructure at all levels of government. This system is not designed or arguably equipped to address scenarios in which otherwise unusual distress is endemic, and state and local governments are acutely constrained by both the scale of the crisis as well as fiscal limitations. The Federal Approach: Distress-Based Interventions In the United States’ federal system, economic development activities are primarily the responsibility of state and local governments, which fund various programs that may include business relocation and retention incentives, workforce development, and other policies that stimulate growth and job creation. State and local governments are also the primary agents (sometimes with the support of federal funding) in other economic development-related activities—such as improvements to general infrastructure, housing, community facilities, land use, education, and public safety. Those unmet needs not fully addressed at the state and local levels, particularly in economically distressed or disadvantaged communities, are targeted through federal economic development interventions. Most funding programs provided by the principal federal economic development agencies—the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the federal regional commissions and authorities— prioritize economic development resources for communities exhibiting acute socioeconomic distress. For Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov IN11587 Congressional Research Service 2 example, HUD’s flagship Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is targeted at low- and moderate-income individuals in predominantly urban places. The EDA utilizes distress criteria, and has historically focused on rural and other non-urban places alongside USDA’s rural development programs. The federal regional commissions and authorities employ taxonomies of distress in delineated geographic service areas to prioritize their economic development activities. In addition, federal tax incentives for economic development—such as the New Markets Tax Credit and Opportunity Zones—prioritize areas shown to demonstrate high levels of economic distress. Economic Development in a Time of COVID The efficacy of the federal distress-based approach to economic development is broadly conditioned on state and local governments’ ability to conduct more general economic development. In situations of acute short-term disruption, such as a localized natural disaster or emergency, the federal government can utilize its economic development and emergency management toolkit to support state and local governments, organizations and businesses, and individuals with recovery. However, the pandemic’s scale and longevity has challenged the existing federal economic development and emergency management apparatus. In response, Congress has provided emergency supplemental appropriations to increase the capacity of existing federal economic development infrastructure and support temporary capabilities—such as the Federal Reserve’s direct lending programs, supplemental unemployment insurance, stimulus cash payments, and the extended deployment of various short-term emergency management authorities and countermeasures. Despite congressional action, the pandemic has contributed to surges in poverty, food and housing insecurity, waves of business closures, and a sharp annual decline in growth, indicating the limits of federal economic development approaches. Policy Options for Congress Congress may consider policy options for adapting federal economic development tools to address highimpact events with extended or indefinite time horizons (e.g., pandemics, climate/weather-related disasters, or manmade emergencies), such as: Increasing funding for HUD’s CDBG program, and providing additional grantee discretion for addressing distress not necessarily captured in CDBG’s current national objectives—such as fiscal and public health; Permanently authorizing broad-based relief tools like CDBG authorities for disaster recovery (CDBG-DR), or a CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund-type analogue, that could draw from a “no-year” strategic account similar to the Disaster Relief Fund; Developing a standing fiscal support function for states as well as localities, potentially based on an expanded Community Disaster Loan-type program; Building on the federal regional commissions model, providing a framework for establishing and resourcing intergovernmental federal-state regional commissions throughout the United States as the principal loci of regional economic development, like once provided under Title V of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (“Title V” commissions); Developing authorities for targeted basic income and “job corps” workforce programs, which could be rapidly activated and expanded during emergencies to provide cash relief to affected individuals and fill urgent labor needs (such as contact tracers and medical auxiliaries during the pandemic); and Congressional Research Service 3 IN11587 · VERSION 3 · NEW Establishing a permanent interagency infrastructure to plan and coordinate industrial mobilization and support, using the Defense Production Act (DPA) and other emergency authorities, to respond to future social and economic dislocations. Congress may also consider policies to strengthen and revise the national approach to economic development generally, including: An integrated, intergovernmental economic development framework where federal, state, and local governments coordinate on planning, priorities, and funding; A greater emphasis on cultivating business development and job growth regionally (“economic gardening”), and shifting from incentive-driven regional competition to regional clusters of comparative advantage in a global economy; and Developing industrial policies that promote the development of strategic industries and supply chains—beyond the defense industrial base—and drive investments in domestic (and certain allied) supply chains anticipating various possible contingency scenarios. Congress may also take steps to broaden the impacts of these reforms, such as by utilizing reinsurance markets for a permanent CDBG-DR-type program; authorizing federal regional commissions to issue bonds for strategic projects; broader adoption of federal loan and loan guarantee mechanisms in lieu of some grants; and taking equity positions as part of direct investments, including potentially in DPA Title III projects.
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You can only respond using information in the context block. List 5 bullet points.
EVIDENCE:
States and local governments traditionally lead U.S. economic development efforts, with the federal government selectively intervening to address significant need. However, the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused pervasive social and economic dislocation and extreme subnational fiscal stress, straining existing federal economic development structures. This Insight examines current federal economic development policy and outlines various options for addressing a potentially lengthy pandemic recovery, or future such long-term challenges. Federal Economic Development and COVID-19 The nationwide scope and protracted time horizon of the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the existing economic development infrastructure at all levels of government. This system is not designed or arguably equipped to address scenarios in which otherwise unusual distress is endemic, and state and local governments are acutely constrained by both the scale of the crisis as well as fiscal limitations. The Federal Approach: Distress-Based Interventions In the United States’ federal system, economic development activities are primarily the responsibility of state and local governments, which fund various programs that may include business relocation and retention incentives, workforce development, and other policies that stimulate growth and job creation. State and local governments are also the primary agents (sometimes with the support of federal funding) in other economic development-related activities—such as improvements to general infrastructure, housing, community facilities, land use, education, and public safety. Those unmet needs not fully addressed at the state and local levels, particularly in economically distressed or disadvantaged communities, are targeted through federal economic development interventions. Most funding programs provided by the principal federal economic development agencies—the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the federal regional commissions and authorities— prioritize economic development resources for communities exhibiting acute socioeconomic distress. For Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov IN11587 Congressional Research Service 2 example, HUD’s flagship Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is targeted at low- and moderate-income individuals in predominantly urban places. The EDA utilizes distress criteria, and has historically focused on rural and other non-urban places alongside USDA’s rural development programs. The federal regional commissions and authorities employ taxonomies of distress in delineated geographic service areas to prioritize their economic development activities. In addition, federal tax incentives for economic development—such as the New Markets Tax Credit and Opportunity Zones—prioritize areas shown to demonstrate high levels of economic distress. Economic Development in a Time of COVID The efficacy of the federal distress-based approach to economic development is broadly conditioned on state and local governments’ ability to conduct more general economic development. In situations of acute short-term disruption, such as a localized natural disaster or emergency, the federal government can utilize its economic development and emergency management toolkit to support state and local governments, organizations and businesses, and individuals with recovery. However, the pandemic’s scale and longevity has challenged the existing federal economic development and emergency management apparatus. In response, Congress has provided emergency supplemental appropriations to increase the capacity of existing federal economic development infrastructure and support temporary capabilities—such as the Federal Reserve’s direct lending programs, supplemental unemployment insurance, stimulus cash payments, and the extended deployment of various short-term emergency management authorities and countermeasures. Despite congressional action, the pandemic has contributed to surges in poverty, food and housing insecurity, waves of business closures, and a sharp annual decline in growth, indicating the limits of federal economic development approaches. Policy Options for Congress Congress may consider policy options for adapting federal economic development tools to address highimpact events with extended or indefinite time horizons (e.g., pandemics, climate/weather-related disasters, or manmade emergencies), such as: Increasing funding for HUD’s CDBG program, and providing additional grantee discretion for addressing distress not necessarily captured in CDBG’s current national objectives—such as fiscal and public health; Permanently authorizing broad-based relief tools like CDBG authorities for disaster recovery (CDBG-DR), or a CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund-type analogue, that could draw from a “no-year” strategic account similar to the Disaster Relief Fund; Developing a standing fiscal support function for states as well as localities, potentially based on an expanded Community Disaster Loan-type program; Building on the federal regional commissions model, providing a framework for establishing and resourcing intergovernmental federal-state regional commissions throughout the United States as the principal loci of regional economic development, like once provided under Title V of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (“Title V” commissions); Developing authorities for targeted basic income and “job corps” workforce programs, which could be rapidly activated and expanded during emergencies to provide cash relief to affected individuals and fill urgent labor needs (such as contact tracers and medical auxiliaries during the pandemic); and Congressional Research Service 3 IN11587 · VERSION 3 · NEW Establishing a permanent interagency infrastructure to plan and coordinate industrial mobilization and support, using the Defense Production Act (DPA) and other emergency authorities, to respond to future social and economic dislocations. Congress may also consider policies to strengthen and revise the national approach to economic development generally, including: An integrated, intergovernmental economic development framework where federal, state, and local governments coordinate on planning, priorities, and funding; A greater emphasis on cultivating business development and job growth regionally (“economic gardening”), and shifting from incentive-driven regional competition to regional clusters of comparative advantage in a global economy; and Developing industrial policies that promote the development of strategic industries and supply chains—beyond the defense industrial base—and drive investments in domestic (and certain allied) supply chains anticipating various possible contingency scenarios. Congress may also take steps to broaden the impacts of these reforms, such as by utilizing reinsurance markets for a permanent CDBG-DR-type program; authorizing federal regional commissions to issue bonds for strategic projects; broader adoption of federal loan and loan guarantee mechanisms in lieu of some grants; and taking equity positions as part of direct investments, including potentially in DPA Title III projects.
USER:
What are the main points of this passage?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| true | 14 | 8 | 971 | null | 695 |
Your answer must solely be derived from the information in the prompt itself. No outside sources or prior knowledge can be used.
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Could you give me a summary of the history of sports betting from 1992 through 2011?
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Financing Uncertainty As is the case with commercial casinos, some tribal operations that expanded in recent years have had difficulty meeting or restructuring debt obligations. The Mashantucket Pequot Nation, which operates the Foxwoods casino, defaulted in 2009 and completed the restructuring of its debt of $2 billion on July 1, 2013.81 According to recent news reports, Foxwoods remains in a precarious financial position, with outstanding loans of around $1.7 billion.82 The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which refinanced $1.64 billion of long term debt in March 2012, announced layoffs involving hundreds of employees at the Mohegan Sun in several years since then.83 Because tribes are sovereign nations, there are emerging complications for lenders. For example, the Mohegan tribe’s constitution gives its Gaming Disputes Court, made up of a trial court and an appeals court, exclusive jurisdiction over disputes involving gambling. The Mohegan Sun 2015 Annual Report spelled out some of the potential legal issues: We, the Tribe and our wholly-owned subsidiaries may not be subject to, or permitted to seek protection under, the federal bankruptcy laws since an Indian tribe and we, as an instrumentality of the Tribe, may not be a “person” eligible to be a debtor under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Therefore, our creditors may not be able to seek liquidation of our assets or other action under federal bankruptcy laws. Also, the Gaming Disputes Court may lack powers typically associated with a federal bankruptcy court, such as the power to non-consensually alter liabilities, direct the priority of creditors’ payments and liquidate certain assets. The Gaming Disputes Court is a court of limited jurisdiction and may not have jurisdiction over all creditors of ours or our subsidiaries or over all of the territory in which we and our subsidiaries carry on business.84 An ongoing dispute between Wells Fargo Bank and Saybrook Investors LLC, and Wisconsin’s Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians could affect gaming financing. Wells Fargo has sued the tribe over its failure to make monthly payments on a $50 million tribal bond to consolidate debt and invest in a riverboat casino operation in Mississippi. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in 2010 found that the bond deal was invalid because it had not been reviewed by the National Indian Gaming Commission, as the court said was required under IGRA.85 The complicated and long running dispute has continued after a remand in September 2011 by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.86 It may take more years and possibly afew more appeals for a ruling on the validity of the bond documents other than the bond indenture.87 Pari Mutuel Betting Legal in 43 states,88 pari mutuel betting is defined as “player banked betting with all the bets pooled and prizes awarded from the pool.”89 The most common examples in the United States are dog and horse racing and jai alai (a game played on a court with a ball and wicker racket), and other sporting events in which participants finish in ranked order. In recent years, the industry has developed an extensive system of Internet and off track wagering. In 2000, Congress approved legislation to amend the definition of “interstate off track wager” in the Interstate Horseracing Act (15 U.S.C. §§3001 3007). Proponents claim the amendment permits tracks to accept bets online from individuals located in states where pari mutuel betting is legal (although not necessarily where either off track or online betting is legal); the Department of Justice disagrees.90 A bill introduced in the 114th Congress, H.R. 707, would have clarified that the Wire Act and other laws do not apply to the Interstate Horseracing Act. Despite the legal uncertainty, interstate pari mutuel betting with remote devices is growing through the use of advance deposit wagering (ADW). Players first set up accounts with companies such as Twinspires (owned by the Churchill Downs racetrack), Xpressbet, or TV Games Network. They then use the accounts to place bets on races over the phone, on a computer, with mobile devices, or with set top remote control devices linked to television channels that broadcast horse racing. The Oregon Racing Commission, which licenses and audits many of the largest firms taking advance deposit wagers, reports that online wagering via its licensed companies rose to $2.9 billion in 2015, from $962 million in 2005.91 Sports Betting Congress in 1992 passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA; P.L. 102 559) with strong support from the National Basketball Association, the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, among others. The law generally barred state governments from licensing, sponsoring, operating, advertising, promoting, or engaging in sports gambling.92 It contained exceptions for Nevada, Oregon, Delaware, and Montana, each of which allowed certain types ofsports betting at the time of passage.93 New Jersey failed to pass legislation in time to qualify for the PASPA exemption. Currently, Nevada is the only state to permit wagers on a full complement of sporting events and leagues.94 According to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Center for Gaming Research, casino goers in Nevada wagered about $4.2 billion on sporting events in 2015, a rise from $3.4 billion in 2012.95 Delaware, which allowed only limited multigame or parlay betting96 on NFL contests at the time the 1992 law was passed, enacted a law in 2009 to create a state sports lottery. The NFL and other sports leagues challenged the law, and the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the state was limited to offering narrow betting, similar to what existed in 1992. The U.S. Supreme Court in May 2010 declined to hear an appeal, effectively ending Delaware’s effort to expand sports betting.97 After its voters authorized sports betting at casinos and racetracks in 2011, New Jersey mounted other court challenges to the constitutionality of PASPA.98 In February 2016, the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that New Jersey’s sports wagering law conflicts with PASPA and could not be implemented.99 The Supreme Court may consider whether to hear New Jersey’s appeal of the lower court ruling.100 According to an estimate by AGA, Americans spent around $150 billion on illegal sports betting in 2015.101 Two bills have been introduced in the 114th Congress related to sports gambling. The New Jersey Betting and Equal Treatment Act of 2015 (H.R. 457) would expressly exempt New Jersey from PASPA. The Sports Gaming Opportunity Act (H.R. 416) would create an exemption from the PASPA prohibitions for any state that establishes sports gambling through laws enacted on or after January 1, 2015, and that go into effect no later than January 1, 2019. Regulation of Internet Gambling Federal Internet gambling legislation could benefit some sectors of the gambling industry more than others, depending on how it is crafted. State lottery officials, for example, have expressed concern that proposals that would give existing gambling establishments preference for online poker licenses could give those businesses an advantage in the market.102 By the same token, commercial casinos are worried that under the existing legal framework, online state lottery promotions, such as keno type games, could encroach on their turf. If the United States passes federal online gambling legislation and all states opt in during the next 12 months, H2 Gambling Capital predicts a U.S. online gambling market of $15 billion to $16 billion by 2021.103 Interest groups and gambling companies are at odds over remote gambling. One of the strongest proponents of legalized online poker is the Poker Players Alliance.104 Caesars Entertainment and MGM are among the large casino operators that have urged Congress to adopt federal legislation to regulate Internet gambling to avoid a patchwork of state regulations and different tax rates. These interests formed the Coalition for Consumer and Online Protection in 2014.105 Aligned against them are others, including most prominently the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling.106 The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL)107 and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)108 want individual states to have the right to legalize, license, and tax Internet gambling.109 In 2015, the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) adopted a list of 10 policy standards for Internet gambling legislation addressing topics such as player protections, taxation, licensing, enforcement, payment processing, and geolocation standards.110 The National Governors Association largely echoes this view, and it has called on lawmakers to include state input before acting on any online gambling legislation.111 Many Indian tribes have declared their opposition to any federal gambling regime, although some of the larger tribes are now beginning to reverse their previous positions, viewing online gambling as a possible business opportunity.
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System instruction: [Your answer must solely be derived from the information in the prompt itself. No outside sources or prior knowledge can be used.] question: [Could you give me a summary of the history of sports betting from 1992 through 2011?] context: [Financing Uncertainty As is the case with commercial casinos, some tribal operations that expanded in recent years have had difficulty meeting or restructuring debt obligations. The Mashantucket Pequot Nation, which operates the Foxwoods casino, defaulted in 2009 and completed the restructuring of its debt of $2 billion on July 1, 2013.81 According to recent news reports, Foxwoods remains in a precarious financial position, with outstanding loans of around $1.7 billion.82 The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which refinanced $1.64 billion of long term debt in March 2012, announced layoffs involving hundreds of employees at the Mohegan Sun in several years since then.83 Because tribes are sovereign nations, there are emerging complications for lenders. For example, the Mohegan tribe’s constitution gives its Gaming Disputes Court, made up of a trial court and an appeals court, exclusive jurisdiction over disputes involving gambling. The Mohegan Sun 2015 Annual Report spelled out some of the potential legal issues: We, the Tribe and our wholly-owned subsidiaries may not be subject to, or permitted to seek protection under, the federal bankruptcy laws since an Indian tribe and we, as an instrumentality of the Tribe, may not be a “person” eligible to be a debtor under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Therefore, our creditors may not be able to seek liquidation of our assets or other action under federal bankruptcy laws. Also, the Gaming Disputes Court may lack powers typically associated with a federal bankruptcy court, such as the power to non-consensually alter liabilities, direct the priority of creditors’ payments and liquidate certain assets. The Gaming Disputes Court is a court of limited jurisdiction and may not have jurisdiction over all creditors of ours or our subsidiaries or over all of the territory in which we and our subsidiaries carry on business.84 An ongoing dispute between Wells Fargo Bank and Saybrook Investors LLC, and Wisconsin’s Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians could affect gaming financing. Wells Fargo has sued the tribe over its failure to make monthly payments on a $50 million tribal bond to consolidate debt and invest in a riverboat casino operation in Mississippi. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in 2010 found that the bond deal was invalid because it had not been reviewed by the National Indian Gaming Commission, as the court said was required under IGRA.85 The complicated and long running dispute has continued after a remand in September 2011 by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.86 It may take more years and possibly afew more appeals for a ruling on the validity of the bond documents other than the bond indenture.87 Pari Mutuel Betting Legal in 43 states,88 pari mutuel betting is defined as “player banked betting with all the bets pooled and prizes awarded from the pool.”89 The most common examples in the United States are dog and horse racing and jai alai (a game played on a court with a ball and wicker racket), and other sporting events in which participants finish in ranked order. In recent years, the industry has developed an extensive system of Internet and off track wagering. In 2000, Congress approved legislation to amend the definition of “interstate off track wager” in the Interstate Horseracing Act (15 U.S.C. §§3001 3007). Proponents claim the amendment permits tracks to accept bets online from individuals located in states where pari mutuel betting is legal (although not necessarily where either off track or online betting is legal); the Department of Justice disagrees.90 A bill introduced in the 114th Congress, H.R. 707, would have clarified that the Wire Act and other laws do not apply to the Interstate Horseracing Act. Despite the legal uncertainty, interstate pari mutuel betting with remote devices is growing through the use of advance deposit wagering (ADW). Players first set up accounts with companies such as Twinspires (owned by the Churchill Downs racetrack), Xpressbet, or TV Games Network. They then use the accounts to place bets on races over the phone, on a computer, with mobile devices, or with set top remote control devices linked to television channels that broadcast horse racing. The Oregon Racing Commission, which licenses and audits many of the largest firms taking advance deposit wagers, reports that online wagering via its licensed companies rose to $2.9 billion in 2015, from $962 million in 2005.91 Sports Betting Congress in 1992 passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA; P.L. 102 559) with strong support from the National Basketball Association, the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, among others. The law generally barred state governments from licensing, sponsoring, operating, advertising, promoting, or engaging in sports gambling.92 It contained exceptions for Nevada, Oregon, Delaware, and Montana, each of which allowed certain types ofsports betting at the time of passage.93 New Jersey failed to pass legislation in time to qualify for the PASPA exemption. Currently, Nevada is the only state to permit wagers on a full complement of sporting events and leagues.94 According to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Center for Gaming Research, casino goers in Nevada wagered about $4.2 billion on sporting events in 2015, a rise from $3.4 billion in 2012.95 Delaware, which allowed only limited multigame or parlay betting96 on NFL contests at the time the 1992 law was passed, enacted a law in 2009 to create a state sports lottery. The NFL and other sports leagues challenged the law, and the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the state was limited to offering narrow betting, similar to what existed in 1992. The U.S. Supreme Court in May 2010 declined to hear an appeal, effectively ending Delaware’s effort to expand sports betting.97 After its voters authorized sports betting at casinos and racetracks in 2011, New Jersey mounted other court challenges to the constitutionality of PASPA.98 In February 2016, the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that New Jersey’s sports wagering law conflicts with PASPA and could not be implemented.99 The Supreme Court may consider whether to hear New Jersey’s appeal of the lower court ruling.100 According to an estimate by AGA, Americans spent around $150 billion on illegal sports betting in 2015.101 Two bills have been introduced in the 114th Congress related to sports gambling. The New Jersey Betting and Equal Treatment Act of 2015 (H.R. 457) would expressly exempt New Jersey from PASPA. The Sports Gaming Opportunity Act (H.R. 416) would create an exemption from the PASPA prohibitions for any state that establishes sports gambling through laws enacted on or after January 1, 2015, and that go into effect no later than January 1, 2019. Regulation of Internet Gambling Federal Internet gambling legislation could benefit some sectors of the gambling industry more than others, depending on how it is crafted. State lottery officials, for example, have expressed concern that proposals that would give existing gambling establishments preference for online poker licenses could give those businesses an advantage in the market.102 By the same token, commercial casinos are worried that under the existing legal framework, online state lottery promotions, such as keno type games, could encroach on their turf. If the United States passes federal online gambling legislation and all states opt in during the next 12 months, H2 Gambling Capital predicts a U.S. online gambling market of $15 billion to $16 billion by 2021.103 Interest groups and gambling companies are at odds over remote gambling. One of the strongest proponents of legalized online poker is the Poker Players Alliance.104 Caesars Entertainment and MGM are among the large casino operators that have urged Congress to adopt federal legislation to regulate Internet gambling to avoid a patchwork of state regulations and different tax rates. These interests formed the Coalition for Consumer and Online Protection in 2014.105 Aligned against them are others, including most prominently the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling.106 The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL)107 and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)108 want individual states to have the right to legalize, license, and tax Internet gambling.109 In 2015, the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) adopted a list of 10 policy standards for Internet gambling legislation addressing topics such as player protections, taxation, licensing, enforcement, payment processing, and geolocation standards.110 The National Governors Association largely echoes this view, and it has called on lawmakers to include state input before acting on any online gambling legislation.111 Many Indian tribes have declared their opposition to any federal gambling regime, although some of the larger tribes are now beginning to reverse their previous positions, viewing online gambling as a possible business opportunity.]
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Your answer must solely be derived from the information in the prompt itself. No outside sources or prior knowledge can be used.
EVIDENCE:
Financing Uncertainty As is the case with commercial casinos, some tribal operations that expanded in recent years have had difficulty meeting or restructuring debt obligations. The Mashantucket Pequot Nation, which operates the Foxwoods casino, defaulted in 2009 and completed the restructuring of its debt of $2 billion on July 1, 2013.81 According to recent news reports, Foxwoods remains in a precarious financial position, with outstanding loans of around $1.7 billion.82 The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which refinanced $1.64 billion of long term debt in March 2012, announced layoffs involving hundreds of employees at the Mohegan Sun in several years since then.83 Because tribes are sovereign nations, there are emerging complications for lenders. For example, the Mohegan tribe’s constitution gives its Gaming Disputes Court, made up of a trial court and an appeals court, exclusive jurisdiction over disputes involving gambling. The Mohegan Sun 2015 Annual Report spelled out some of the potential legal issues: We, the Tribe and our wholly-owned subsidiaries may not be subject to, or permitted to seek protection under, the federal bankruptcy laws since an Indian tribe and we, as an instrumentality of the Tribe, may not be a “person” eligible to be a debtor under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Therefore, our creditors may not be able to seek liquidation of our assets or other action under federal bankruptcy laws. Also, the Gaming Disputes Court may lack powers typically associated with a federal bankruptcy court, such as the power to non-consensually alter liabilities, direct the priority of creditors’ payments and liquidate certain assets. The Gaming Disputes Court is a court of limited jurisdiction and may not have jurisdiction over all creditors of ours or our subsidiaries or over all of the territory in which we and our subsidiaries carry on business.84 An ongoing dispute between Wells Fargo Bank and Saybrook Investors LLC, and Wisconsin’s Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians could affect gaming financing. Wells Fargo has sued the tribe over its failure to make monthly payments on a $50 million tribal bond to consolidate debt and invest in a riverboat casino operation in Mississippi. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in 2010 found that the bond deal was invalid because it had not been reviewed by the National Indian Gaming Commission, as the court said was required under IGRA.85 The complicated and long running dispute has continued after a remand in September 2011 by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.86 It may take more years and possibly afew more appeals for a ruling on the validity of the bond documents other than the bond indenture.87 Pari Mutuel Betting Legal in 43 states,88 pari mutuel betting is defined as “player banked betting with all the bets pooled and prizes awarded from the pool.”89 The most common examples in the United States are dog and horse racing and jai alai (a game played on a court with a ball and wicker racket), and other sporting events in which participants finish in ranked order. In recent years, the industry has developed an extensive system of Internet and off track wagering. In 2000, Congress approved legislation to amend the definition of “interstate off track wager” in the Interstate Horseracing Act (15 U.S.C. §§3001 3007). Proponents claim the amendment permits tracks to accept bets online from individuals located in states where pari mutuel betting is legal (although not necessarily where either off track or online betting is legal); the Department of Justice disagrees.90 A bill introduced in the 114th Congress, H.R. 707, would have clarified that the Wire Act and other laws do not apply to the Interstate Horseracing Act. Despite the legal uncertainty, interstate pari mutuel betting with remote devices is growing through the use of advance deposit wagering (ADW). Players first set up accounts with companies such as Twinspires (owned by the Churchill Downs racetrack), Xpressbet, or TV Games Network. They then use the accounts to place bets on races over the phone, on a computer, with mobile devices, or with set top remote control devices linked to television channels that broadcast horse racing. The Oregon Racing Commission, which licenses and audits many of the largest firms taking advance deposit wagers, reports that online wagering via its licensed companies rose to $2.9 billion in 2015, from $962 million in 2005.91 Sports Betting Congress in 1992 passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA; P.L. 102 559) with strong support from the National Basketball Association, the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, among others. The law generally barred state governments from licensing, sponsoring, operating, advertising, promoting, or engaging in sports gambling.92 It contained exceptions for Nevada, Oregon, Delaware, and Montana, each of which allowed certain types ofsports betting at the time of passage.93 New Jersey failed to pass legislation in time to qualify for the PASPA exemption. Currently, Nevada is the only state to permit wagers on a full complement of sporting events and leagues.94 According to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Center for Gaming Research, casino goers in Nevada wagered about $4.2 billion on sporting events in 2015, a rise from $3.4 billion in 2012.95 Delaware, which allowed only limited multigame or parlay betting96 on NFL contests at the time the 1992 law was passed, enacted a law in 2009 to create a state sports lottery. The NFL and other sports leagues challenged the law, and the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the state was limited to offering narrow betting, similar to what existed in 1992. The U.S. Supreme Court in May 2010 declined to hear an appeal, effectively ending Delaware’s effort to expand sports betting.97 After its voters authorized sports betting at casinos and racetracks in 2011, New Jersey mounted other court challenges to the constitutionality of PASPA.98 In February 2016, the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that New Jersey’s sports wagering law conflicts with PASPA and could not be implemented.99 The Supreme Court may consider whether to hear New Jersey’s appeal of the lower court ruling.100 According to an estimate by AGA, Americans spent around $150 billion on illegal sports betting in 2015.101 Two bills have been introduced in the 114th Congress related to sports gambling. The New Jersey Betting and Equal Treatment Act of 2015 (H.R. 457) would expressly exempt New Jersey from PASPA. The Sports Gaming Opportunity Act (H.R. 416) would create an exemption from the PASPA prohibitions for any state that establishes sports gambling through laws enacted on or after January 1, 2015, and that go into effect no later than January 1, 2019. Regulation of Internet Gambling Federal Internet gambling legislation could benefit some sectors of the gambling industry more than others, depending on how it is crafted. State lottery officials, for example, have expressed concern that proposals that would give existing gambling establishments preference for online poker licenses could give those businesses an advantage in the market.102 By the same token, commercial casinos are worried that under the existing legal framework, online state lottery promotions, such as keno type games, could encroach on their turf. If the United States passes federal online gambling legislation and all states opt in during the next 12 months, H2 Gambling Capital predicts a U.S. online gambling market of $15 billion to $16 billion by 2021.103 Interest groups and gambling companies are at odds over remote gambling. One of the strongest proponents of legalized online poker is the Poker Players Alliance.104 Caesars Entertainment and MGM are among the large casino operators that have urged Congress to adopt federal legislation to regulate Internet gambling to avoid a patchwork of state regulations and different tax rates. These interests formed the Coalition for Consumer and Online Protection in 2014.105 Aligned against them are others, including most prominently the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling.106 The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL)107 and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)108 want individual states to have the right to legalize, license, and tax Internet gambling.109 In 2015, the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) adopted a list of 10 policy standards for Internet gambling legislation addressing topics such as player protections, taxation, licensing, enforcement, payment processing, and geolocation standards.110 The National Governors Association largely echoes this view, and it has called on lawmakers to include state input before acting on any online gambling legislation.111 Many Indian tribes have declared their opposition to any federal gambling regime, although some of the larger tribes are now beginning to reverse their previous positions, viewing online gambling as a possible business opportunity.
USER:
Could you give me a summary of the history of sports betting from 1992 through 2011?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 22 | 16 | 1,434 | null | 658 |
Use information present in the text to support your response. Do not use outside information.
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What does the attached document have to say about the prognosis of someone diagnosed with malignant MS?
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**What is multiple sclerosis?** Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease of young adults with symptom onset generally occurring between the ages of 20 to 40 years. In MS, the immune system cells that normally protect us from viruses, bacteria, and unhealthy cells mistakenly attack myelin in the central nervous system (brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). Myelin is a substance that makes up the protective sheath (myelin sheath) that coats nerve fibers (axons). MS is a chronic disease that affects people differently. A small number of people with MS will have a mild course with little to no disability, whereas others will have a steadily worsening disease that leads to increased disability over time. Most people with MS, however, will have short periods of symptoms followed by long stretches of relative quiescence (inactivity or dormancy), with partial or full recovery. The disease is rarely fatal and most people with MS have a normal life expectancy. Myelin and the immune system MS attacks axons in the central nervous system protected by myelin, which are commonly called white matter. MS also damages the nerve cell bodies, which are found in the brain's gray matter, as well as the axons themselves in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves that transmit visual information from the eye to the brain. As the disease progresses, the outermost layer of the brain, called the cerebral cortex, shrinks in a process known as cortical atrophy. The term multiple sclerosis refers to the distinctive areas of scar tissue (sclerosis—also called plaques or lesions) that result from the attack on myelin by the immune system. These plaques are visible using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Plaques can be as small as a pinhead or as large as a golf ball. The symptoms of MS depend on the severity of the inflammatory reaction as well as the location and extent of the plaques, which primarily appear in the brain stem, cerebellum (involved with balance and coordination of movement, among other functions), spinal cord, optic nerves, and the white matter around the brain ventricles (fluid-filled cavaties). Signs and symptoms of MS The natural course of MS is different for each person, which makes it difficult to predict. The onset and duration of MS symptoms usually depend on the specific type but may begin over a few days and go away quickly or develop more slowly and gradually over many years. There are four main types of MS, named according to the progression of symptoms over time: Relapsing-remitting MS—Symptoms in this type come in the form of attacks. In between attacks, people recover or return to their usual level of disability. When symptoms occur in this form of MS, it is called an attack, a relapse, or exacerbation. The periods of disease inactivity between MS attacks are referred to as remission. Weeks, months, or even years may pass before another attack occurs, followed again by a period of inactivity. Most people with MS are initially diagnosed with this form of the disease. Secondary-progressive MS—People with this form of MS usually have had a previous history of MS attacks but then start to develop gradual and steady symptoms and deterioration in their function over time. Most individuals with severe relapsing-remitting MS may go on to develop secondary progressive MS if they are untreated. Primary-progressive MS—This type of MS is less common and is characterized by progressively worsening symptoms from the beginning with no noticeable relapses or exacerbations of the disease, although there may be temporary or minor relief from symptoms. Progressive-relapsing MS—The rarest form of MS is characterized by a steady worsening of symptoms from the beginning with acute relapses that can occur over time during the disease course. There are some rare and unusual variants of MS, such as: Marburg variant MS (also known as malignant MS) causes swift and relentless symptoms and decline in function, and may result in significant disability or even death shortly after disease onset. Balo's concentric sclerosis causes concentric rings of myelin destruction that can be seen on an MRI and is another variant type of MS that can progress rapidly. Early MS symptoms often include: Vision problems such as blurred or double vision, or optic neuritis, which causes pain with eye movement and rapid vision loss Muscle weakness, often in the hands and legs, and muscle stiffness accompanied by painful muscle spasms Tingling, numbness, or pain in the arms, legs, trunk, or face Clumsiness, especially difficulty staying balanced when walking Bladder control problems Intermittent or constant dizziness MS may also cause later symptoms, such as: Mental or physical fatigue which accompanies the early symptoms during an attack Mood changes such as depression or difficulty with emotional expression or control Cognitive dysfunction—problems concentrating, multitasking, thinking, learning, or difficulties with memory or judgment Muscle weakness, stiffness, and spasms may be severe enough to affect walking or standing. In some cases, MS leads to partial or complete paralysis and the use of a wheelchair is not uncommon, particularly in individuals who are untreated or have advanced disease. Many people with MS find that weakness and fatigue are worse when they have a fever or when they are exposed to heat. MS exacerbations may occur following common infections. Pain is rarely the first sign of MS but pain often occurs with optic neuritis and trigeminal neuralgia, a disorder that affects one of the nerves that provides sensation to different parts of the face. Painful limb spasms and sharp pain shooting down the legs or around the abdomen can also be symptoms of MS. Genetic susceptibility MS itself is not inherited, but susceptibility to MS may be inherited. Studies show that some individuals with MS have one or more family member or relative who also have MS. Current research suggests that dozens of genes and possibly hundreds of variations in the genetic code (gene variants) combine to create vulnerability to MS. Some of these genes have been identified, and most are associated with functions of the immune system. Many of the known genes are similar to those that have been identified in people with other autoimmune diseases as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. Infectious factors and viruses Several viruses have been found in people with MS, but the virus most consistently linked to the development of MS is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which causes infectious mononucleosis. Only about five percent of the population has not been infected by EBV. These individuals are at a lower risk for developing MS than those who have been infected. People who were infected with EBV in adolescence or adulthood, and who therefore develop an exaggerated immune response to EBV, are at a significantly higher risk for developing MS than those who were infected in early childhood. This suggests that it may be the type of immune response to EBV that may lead to MS, rather than EBV infection itself. However, there is still no proof that EBV causes MS and the mechanisms that underlie this process are poorly understood. Environmental factors Several studies indicate that people who spend more time in the sun and those with relatively higher levels of vitamin D are less likely to develop MS or have a less severe course of disease and fewer relapses. Bright sunlight helps human skin produce vitamin D. Researchers believe that vitamin D may help regulate the immune system in ways that reduce the risk of MS or autoimmunity in general. People from regions near the equator, where there is a great deal of bright sunlight, generally have a much lower risk of MS than people from temperate areas such as the U.S. and Canada. Studies have found that people who smoke are more likely to develop MS and have a more aggressive disease course. Indeed, people who smoke tend to have more brain lesions and brain shrinkage than non-smokers. How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed and treated? Diagnosing MS There is no single test used to diagnose MS. The disease is confirmed when symptoms and signs develop and are related to different parts of the nervous system at more than one interval and after other alternative diagnoses have been excluded. Doctors use different tests to rule out or confirm the diagnosis. In addition to a complete medical history, physical examination, and a detailed neurological examination, a doctor may recommend: MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord to look for the characteristic lesions of MS. A special dye or contrast agent may be injected into a vein to enhance brain images of the active MS lesions. Lumbar puncture (sometimes called a spinal tap) to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid and examine it for proteins and inflammatory cells associated with the disease. Spinal tap analysis also can rule out diseases that may look like MS. Evoked potential tests, which use electrodes placed on the skin and painless electric signals to measure how quickly and accurately the nervous system responds to stimulation. Treating MS There is no cure for MS, but there are treatments that can reduce the number and severity of relapses and delay the long-term disability progression of the disease. Corticosteroids, such as intravenous (infused into a vein) methylprednisolone, are prescribed over the course of three to five days. Intravenous steroids quickly and potently suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. They may be followed by a tapered dose of oral corticosteroids. Clinical trials have shown that these drugs hasten recovery from MS attacks, but do not alter the long-term outcome of the disease. Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) can treat severe flare-ups in people with relapsing forms of MS who do not have a good response to methylprednisolone. Plasma exchange involves taking blood out of the body and removing components in the blood's plasma that are thought to be harmful. The rest of the blood, plus replacement plasma, is then transfused back into the body. This treatment has not been shown to be effective for secondary progressive or chronic progressive MS. Disease-modifying treatments Current therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for MS are designed to modulate or suppress the inflammatory reactions of the disease. They are most effective for relapsing-remitting MS at early stages of the disease.
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[Article] ========== **What is multiple sclerosis?** Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease of young adults with symptom onset generally occurring between the ages of 20 to 40 years. In MS, the immune system cells that normally protect us from viruses, bacteria, and unhealthy cells mistakenly attack myelin in the central nervous system (brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). Myelin is a substance that makes up the protective sheath (myelin sheath) that coats nerve fibers (axons). MS is a chronic disease that affects people differently. A small number of people with MS will have a mild course with little to no disability, whereas others will have a steadily worsening disease that leads to increased disability over time. Most people with MS, however, will have short periods of symptoms followed by long stretches of relative quiescence (inactivity or dormancy), with partial or full recovery. The disease is rarely fatal and most people with MS have a normal life expectancy. Myelin and the immune system MS attacks axons in the central nervous system protected by myelin, which are commonly called white matter. MS also damages the nerve cell bodies, which are found in the brain's gray matter, as well as the axons themselves in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves that transmit visual information from the eye to the brain. As the disease progresses, the outermost layer of the brain, called the cerebral cortex, shrinks in a process known as cortical atrophy. The term multiple sclerosis refers to the distinctive areas of scar tissue (sclerosis—also called plaques or lesions) that result from the attack on myelin by the immune system. These plaques are visible using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Plaques can be as small as a pinhead or as large as a golf ball. The symptoms of MS depend on the severity of the inflammatory reaction as well as the location and extent of the plaques, which primarily appear in the brain stem, cerebellum (involved with balance and coordination of movement, among other functions), spinal cord, optic nerves, and the white matter around the brain ventricles (fluid-filled cavaties). Signs and symptoms of MS The natural course of MS is different for each person, which makes it difficult to predict. The onset and duration of MS symptoms usually depend on the specific type but may begin over a few days and go away quickly or develop more slowly and gradually over many years. There are four main types of MS, named according to the progression of symptoms over time: Relapsing-remitting MS—Symptoms in this type come in the form of attacks. In between attacks, people recover or return to their usual level of disability. When symptoms occur in this form of MS, it is called an attack, a relapse, or exacerbation. The periods of disease inactivity between MS attacks are referred to as remission. Weeks, months, or even years may pass before another attack occurs, followed again by a period of inactivity. Most people with MS are initially diagnosed with this form of the disease. Secondary-progressive MS—People with this form of MS usually have had a previous history of MS attacks but then start to develop gradual and steady symptoms and deterioration in their function over time. Most individuals with severe relapsing-remitting MS may go on to develop secondary progressive MS if they are untreated. Primary-progressive MS—This type of MS is less common and is characterized by progressively worsening symptoms from the beginning with no noticeable relapses or exacerbations of the disease, although there may be temporary or minor relief from symptoms. Progressive-relapsing MS—The rarest form of MS is characterized by a steady worsening of symptoms from the beginning with acute relapses that can occur over time during the disease course. There are some rare and unusual variants of MS, such as: Marburg variant MS (also known as malignant MS) causes swift and relentless symptoms and decline in function, and may result in significant disability or even death shortly after disease onset. Balo's concentric sclerosis causes concentric rings of myelin destruction that can be seen on an MRI and is another variant type of MS that can progress rapidly. Early MS symptoms often include: Vision problems such as blurred or double vision, or optic neuritis, which causes pain with eye movement and rapid vision loss Muscle weakness, often in the hands and legs, and muscle stiffness accompanied by painful muscle spasms Tingling, numbness, or pain in the arms, legs, trunk, or face Clumsiness, especially difficulty staying balanced when walking Bladder control problems Intermittent or constant dizziness MS may also cause later symptoms, such as: Mental or physical fatigue which accompanies the early symptoms during an attack Mood changes such as depression or difficulty with emotional expression or control Cognitive dysfunction—problems concentrating, multitasking, thinking, learning, or difficulties with memory or judgment Muscle weakness, stiffness, and spasms may be severe enough to affect walking or standing. In some cases, MS leads to partial or complete paralysis and the use of a wheelchair is not uncommon, particularly in individuals who are untreated or have advanced disease. Many people with MS find that weakness and fatigue are worse when they have a fever or when they are exposed to heat. MS exacerbations may occur following common infections. Pain is rarely the first sign of MS but pain often occurs with optic neuritis and trigeminal neuralgia, a disorder that affects one of the nerves that provides sensation to different parts of the face. Painful limb spasms and sharp pain shooting down the legs or around the abdomen can also be symptoms of MS. Genetic susceptibility MS itself is not inherited, but susceptibility to MS may be inherited. Studies show that some individuals with MS have one or more family member or relative who also have MS. Current research suggests that dozens of genes and possibly hundreds of variations in the genetic code (gene variants) combine to create vulnerability to MS. Some of these genes have been identified, and most are associated with functions of the immune system. Many of the known genes are similar to those that have been identified in people with other autoimmune diseases as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. Infectious factors and viruses Several viruses have been found in people with MS, but the virus most consistently linked to the development of MS is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which causes infectious mononucleosis. Only about five percent of the population has not been infected by EBV. These individuals are at a lower risk for developing MS than those who have been infected. People who were infected with EBV in adolescence or adulthood, and who therefore develop an exaggerated immune response to EBV, are at a significantly higher risk for developing MS than those who were infected in early childhood. This suggests that it may be the type of immune response to EBV that may lead to MS, rather than EBV infection itself. However, there is still no proof that EBV causes MS and the mechanisms that underlie this process are poorly understood. Environmental factors Several studies indicate that people who spend more time in the sun and those with relatively higher levels of vitamin D are less likely to develop MS or have a less severe course of disease and fewer relapses. Bright sunlight helps human skin produce vitamin D. Researchers believe that vitamin D may help regulate the immune system in ways that reduce the risk of MS or autoimmunity in general. People from regions near the equator, where there is a great deal of bright sunlight, generally have a much lower risk of MS than people from temperate areas such as the U.S. and Canada. Studies have found that people who smoke are more likely to develop MS and have a more aggressive disease course. Indeed, people who smoke tend to have more brain lesions and brain shrinkage than non-smokers. How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed and treated? Diagnosing MS There is no single test used to diagnose MS. The disease is confirmed when symptoms and signs develop and are related to different parts of the nervous system at more than one interval and after other alternative diagnoses have been excluded. Doctors use different tests to rule out or confirm the diagnosis. In addition to a complete medical history, physical examination, and a detailed neurological examination, a doctor may recommend: MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord to look for the characteristic lesions of MS. A special dye or contrast agent may be injected into a vein to enhance brain images of the active MS lesions. Lumbar puncture (sometimes called a spinal tap) to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid and examine it for proteins and inflammatory cells associated with the disease. Spinal tap analysis also can rule out diseases that may look like MS. Evoked potential tests, which use electrodes placed on the skin and painless electric signals to measure how quickly and accurately the nervous system responds to stimulation. Treating MS There is no cure for MS, but there are treatments that can reduce the number and severity of relapses and delay the long-term disability progression of the disease. Corticosteroids, such as intravenous (infused into a vein) methylprednisolone, are prescribed over the course of three to five days. Intravenous steroids quickly and potently suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. They may be followed by a tapered dose of oral corticosteroids. Clinical trials have shown that these drugs hasten recovery from MS attacks, but do not alter the long-term outcome of the disease. Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) can treat severe flare-ups in people with relapsing forms of MS who do not have a good response to methylprednisolone. Plasma exchange involves taking blood out of the body and removing components in the blood's plasma that are thought to be harmful. The rest of the blood, plus replacement plasma, is then transfused back into the body. This treatment has not been shown to be effective for secondary progressive or chronic progressive MS. Disease-modifying treatments Current therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for MS are designed to modulate or suppress the inflammatory reactions of the disease. They are most effective for relapsing-remitting MS at early stages of the disease. ---------------- [Query] ========== What does the attached document have to say about the prognosis of someone diagnosed with malignant MS? ---------------- [Task Instructions] ========== Use information present in the text to support your response. Do not use outside information.
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Use information present in the text to support your response. Do not use outside information.
EVIDENCE:
**What is multiple sclerosis?** Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease of young adults with symptom onset generally occurring between the ages of 20 to 40 years. In MS, the immune system cells that normally protect us from viruses, bacteria, and unhealthy cells mistakenly attack myelin in the central nervous system (brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). Myelin is a substance that makes up the protective sheath (myelin sheath) that coats nerve fibers (axons). MS is a chronic disease that affects people differently. A small number of people with MS will have a mild course with little to no disability, whereas others will have a steadily worsening disease that leads to increased disability over time. Most people with MS, however, will have short periods of symptoms followed by long stretches of relative quiescence (inactivity or dormancy), with partial or full recovery. The disease is rarely fatal and most people with MS have a normal life expectancy. Myelin and the immune system MS attacks axons in the central nervous system protected by myelin, which are commonly called white matter. MS also damages the nerve cell bodies, which are found in the brain's gray matter, as well as the axons themselves in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves that transmit visual information from the eye to the brain. As the disease progresses, the outermost layer of the brain, called the cerebral cortex, shrinks in a process known as cortical atrophy. The term multiple sclerosis refers to the distinctive areas of scar tissue (sclerosis—also called plaques or lesions) that result from the attack on myelin by the immune system. These plaques are visible using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Plaques can be as small as a pinhead or as large as a golf ball. The symptoms of MS depend on the severity of the inflammatory reaction as well as the location and extent of the plaques, which primarily appear in the brain stem, cerebellum (involved with balance and coordination of movement, among other functions), spinal cord, optic nerves, and the white matter around the brain ventricles (fluid-filled cavaties). Signs and symptoms of MS The natural course of MS is different for each person, which makes it difficult to predict. The onset and duration of MS symptoms usually depend on the specific type but may begin over a few days and go away quickly or develop more slowly and gradually over many years. There are four main types of MS, named according to the progression of symptoms over time: Relapsing-remitting MS—Symptoms in this type come in the form of attacks. In between attacks, people recover or return to their usual level of disability. When symptoms occur in this form of MS, it is called an attack, a relapse, or exacerbation. The periods of disease inactivity between MS attacks are referred to as remission. Weeks, months, or even years may pass before another attack occurs, followed again by a period of inactivity. Most people with MS are initially diagnosed with this form of the disease. Secondary-progressive MS—People with this form of MS usually have had a previous history of MS attacks but then start to develop gradual and steady symptoms and deterioration in their function over time. Most individuals with severe relapsing-remitting MS may go on to develop secondary progressive MS if they are untreated. Primary-progressive MS—This type of MS is less common and is characterized by progressively worsening symptoms from the beginning with no noticeable relapses or exacerbations of the disease, although there may be temporary or minor relief from symptoms. Progressive-relapsing MS—The rarest form of MS is characterized by a steady worsening of symptoms from the beginning with acute relapses that can occur over time during the disease course. There are some rare and unusual variants of MS, such as: Marburg variant MS (also known as malignant MS) causes swift and relentless symptoms and decline in function, and may result in significant disability or even death shortly after disease onset. Balo's concentric sclerosis causes concentric rings of myelin destruction that can be seen on an MRI and is another variant type of MS that can progress rapidly. Early MS symptoms often include: Vision problems such as blurred or double vision, or optic neuritis, which causes pain with eye movement and rapid vision loss Muscle weakness, often in the hands and legs, and muscle stiffness accompanied by painful muscle spasms Tingling, numbness, or pain in the arms, legs, trunk, or face Clumsiness, especially difficulty staying balanced when walking Bladder control problems Intermittent or constant dizziness MS may also cause later symptoms, such as: Mental or physical fatigue which accompanies the early symptoms during an attack Mood changes such as depression or difficulty with emotional expression or control Cognitive dysfunction—problems concentrating, multitasking, thinking, learning, or difficulties with memory or judgment Muscle weakness, stiffness, and spasms may be severe enough to affect walking or standing. In some cases, MS leads to partial or complete paralysis and the use of a wheelchair is not uncommon, particularly in individuals who are untreated or have advanced disease. Many people with MS find that weakness and fatigue are worse when they have a fever or when they are exposed to heat. MS exacerbations may occur following common infections. Pain is rarely the first sign of MS but pain often occurs with optic neuritis and trigeminal neuralgia, a disorder that affects one of the nerves that provides sensation to different parts of the face. Painful limb spasms and sharp pain shooting down the legs or around the abdomen can also be symptoms of MS. Genetic susceptibility MS itself is not inherited, but susceptibility to MS may be inherited. Studies show that some individuals with MS have one or more family member or relative who also have MS. Current research suggests that dozens of genes and possibly hundreds of variations in the genetic code (gene variants) combine to create vulnerability to MS. Some of these genes have been identified, and most are associated with functions of the immune system. Many of the known genes are similar to those that have been identified in people with other autoimmune diseases as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. Infectious factors and viruses Several viruses have been found in people with MS, but the virus most consistently linked to the development of MS is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which causes infectious mononucleosis. Only about five percent of the population has not been infected by EBV. These individuals are at a lower risk for developing MS than those who have been infected. People who were infected with EBV in adolescence or adulthood, and who therefore develop an exaggerated immune response to EBV, are at a significantly higher risk for developing MS than those who were infected in early childhood. This suggests that it may be the type of immune response to EBV that may lead to MS, rather than EBV infection itself. However, there is still no proof that EBV causes MS and the mechanisms that underlie this process are poorly understood. Environmental factors Several studies indicate that people who spend more time in the sun and those with relatively higher levels of vitamin D are less likely to develop MS or have a less severe course of disease and fewer relapses. Bright sunlight helps human skin produce vitamin D. Researchers believe that vitamin D may help regulate the immune system in ways that reduce the risk of MS or autoimmunity in general. People from regions near the equator, where there is a great deal of bright sunlight, generally have a much lower risk of MS than people from temperate areas such as the U.S. and Canada. Studies have found that people who smoke are more likely to develop MS and have a more aggressive disease course. Indeed, people who smoke tend to have more brain lesions and brain shrinkage than non-smokers. How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed and treated? Diagnosing MS There is no single test used to diagnose MS. The disease is confirmed when symptoms and signs develop and are related to different parts of the nervous system at more than one interval and after other alternative diagnoses have been excluded. Doctors use different tests to rule out or confirm the diagnosis. In addition to a complete medical history, physical examination, and a detailed neurological examination, a doctor may recommend: MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord to look for the characteristic lesions of MS. A special dye or contrast agent may be injected into a vein to enhance brain images of the active MS lesions. Lumbar puncture (sometimes called a spinal tap) to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid and examine it for proteins and inflammatory cells associated with the disease. Spinal tap analysis also can rule out diseases that may look like MS. Evoked potential tests, which use electrodes placed on the skin and painless electric signals to measure how quickly and accurately the nervous system responds to stimulation. Treating MS There is no cure for MS, but there are treatments that can reduce the number and severity of relapses and delay the long-term disability progression of the disease. Corticosteroids, such as intravenous (infused into a vein) methylprednisolone, are prescribed over the course of three to five days. Intravenous steroids quickly and potently suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. They may be followed by a tapered dose of oral corticosteroids. Clinical trials have shown that these drugs hasten recovery from MS attacks, but do not alter the long-term outcome of the disease. Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) can treat severe flare-ups in people with relapsing forms of MS who do not have a good response to methylprednisolone. Plasma exchange involves taking blood out of the body and removing components in the blood's plasma that are thought to be harmful. The rest of the blood, plus replacement plasma, is then transfused back into the body. This treatment has not been shown to be effective for secondary progressive or chronic progressive MS. Disease-modifying treatments Current therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for MS are designed to modulate or suppress the inflammatory reactions of the disease. They are most effective for relapsing-remitting MS at early stages of the disease.
USER:
What does the attached document have to say about the prognosis of someone diagnosed with malignant MS?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 15 | 17 | 1,700 | null | 624 |
[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
|
Explain the potential effects of the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate cuts on personal finance, particularly focusing on credit card debt, mortgages, and auto loans. How should individuals prepare for these changes?
|
Reference Text: Inflation has slowed and the labor market has softened enough to satisfy the Federal Reserve. That means the central bank is about to cut interest rates. On Aug. 23, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said, “The time has come for policy to adjust. The direction of travel is clear, and the timing and pace of rate cuts will depend on incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks.” In other words, Americans should prepare to finally catch a break when it comes to borrowing to pay for a home, buy a car or open a new credit card. There are also other implications for the health of the broader economy. Back in March 2022, the Federal Open Markets Committee (FOMC) began to increase the federal funds rate in response to growing inflation. It hiked rates 11 times before finally pausing. The rates, set at 5.25% to 5.50%, haven’t budged since July 2023. The first cut will almost certainly happen at the Fed’s upcoming meeting scheduled for Sept. 17-18. The futures market’s CME FedWatch Tool now predicts a 87% likelihood that the FOMC will cut the current target rate by 25 basis points; it predicts a 13% likelihood of a larger cut of 50 basis points. But even if the Fed trims rates next week as expected, the target will still be a long way from the near-zero rate of early 2020 and immediate effects will be muted. Mortgage rates have already been easing in anticipation of a cut, for example, and most consumer credit and lending products are more dependent on your credit score than on the Fed rate. Still, this is viewed as a significant event and could build expectations for more cuts down the road. So what happens next? NerdWallet writers teamed up to explain how upcoming Fed rate cuts could impact your personal finances and what you can do to prepare. Credit card interest rates are variable, meaning they adjust up or down shortly after the Fed changes the federal funds rate. So if the Fed lowers interest rates, credit card debt will cost slightly less. The operative word here is “slightly.” Credit card debt is expensive no matter what the federal funds rate happens to be. Let’s say you have an average balance of $5,000 on a card charging 25% APR. You’ll spend around $1,250 in interest over the course of a year. If your interest rate was 24% instead, that’s just $50 less in interest for the year. Point being, a rate reduction doesn’t translate to a massive savings in interest when it comes to credit cards. Still, you can use the upcoming Fed news as a reminder to check in on your debt and make a plan to pay it down as aggressively as you can. If you qualify, a balance transfer credit card could give you a year or more without interest. Lower interest rates might make a personal loan a compelling debt consolidation option. Mortgage interest rates have already headed lower ahead of any action by the Fed. In April, the average interest rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate loan was 7.04%. August's average was nearly three-quarters of a percentage point lower, at 6.31%. That 73-basis-point drop is larger than any anticipated rate cut, but rates may push even lower once the central bankers start chopping. Homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) should see savings right away as their interest rates ratchet downward. But lower mortgage interest rates might also be a boon to homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages. Those who bought when rates were higher could finally see a significant benefit from refinancing, while owners who feel tethered by their current low mortgage rates may feel more confident about making a move. Reducing that rate "lock in" effect could put more homes on the market, particularly at the starter-home level. Prospective home buyers likely feel heartened by the prospect of rate cuts, but a quarter or even half of a percentage point cut from the Federal Reserve shouldn't cause a sudden drop in mortgage rates, especially with a downward trend already in progress. So, don't wait on the Fed: Buy when you're ready, not when interest rates are. While you're preparing to buy — and during your home search — work on your finances. Continue to pay down high-interest debt, try to build your credit score, don't take out new loans and keep making on-time payments. That way, when you're applying for a mortgage, you'll be in a strong position to get a lender's best possible interest rate regardless of where prevailing rates are. Auto loan interest rates typically follow the path of the Fed rate, but it can take time to see. When car loan rates do begin to fall, will it be a good time to buy or refinance? Here are some considerations to help you decide. Your APR on a car loan is determined by many factors, such as your credit history, credit score, loan term and vehicle age. Taking time to improve your credit, or to find a slightly used car rather than a new one, is likely to affect your loan rate more than a slight drop in the Fed rate. From the car-buying perspective, your interest rate is just one part of your monthly payment, which also includes the amount you borrow to pay for the car. In July, the average transaction price for new cars was $48,401, with an average monthly payment of $753. The average listing price for used cars was $25,415. Car prices have improved compared to a year ago, but they still remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. Even when interest rates drop, you will want to focus on a vehicle’s out-the-door price and whether the resulting monthly payment fits your budget. If you financed a car at a high interest rate, refinancing could be a way to lower the rate and your monthly payment. In general, lenders recommend reducing your rate by 1% or more, without extending the loan term, to get the most out of refinancing. And you’ll want to make sure your savings outweigh any lender or title transfer fees. Since the Fed’s rate decrease is expected to be 50 basis points or less, waiting to refinance after additional rate cuts could be more beneficial.
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[question] Explain the potential effects of the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate cuts on personal finance, particularly focusing on credit card debt, mortgages, and auto loans. How should individuals prepare for these changes? ===================== [text] Reference Text: Inflation has slowed and the labor market has softened enough to satisfy the Federal Reserve. That means the central bank is about to cut interest rates. On Aug. 23, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said, “The time has come for policy to adjust. The direction of travel is clear, and the timing and pace of rate cuts will depend on incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks.” In other words, Americans should prepare to finally catch a break when it comes to borrowing to pay for a home, buy a car or open a new credit card. There are also other implications for the health of the broader economy. Back in March 2022, the Federal Open Markets Committee (FOMC) began to increase the federal funds rate in response to growing inflation. It hiked rates 11 times before finally pausing. The rates, set at 5.25% to 5.50%, haven’t budged since July 2023. The first cut will almost certainly happen at the Fed’s upcoming meeting scheduled for Sept. 17-18. The futures market’s CME FedWatch Tool now predicts a 87% likelihood that the FOMC will cut the current target rate by 25 basis points; it predicts a 13% likelihood of a larger cut of 50 basis points. But even if the Fed trims rates next week as expected, the target will still be a long way from the near-zero rate of early 2020 and immediate effects will be muted. Mortgage rates have already been easing in anticipation of a cut, for example, and most consumer credit and lending products are more dependent on your credit score than on the Fed rate. Still, this is viewed as a significant event and could build expectations for more cuts down the road. So what happens next? NerdWallet writers teamed up to explain how upcoming Fed rate cuts could impact your personal finances and what you can do to prepare. Credit card interest rates are variable, meaning they adjust up or down shortly after the Fed changes the federal funds rate. So if the Fed lowers interest rates, credit card debt will cost slightly less. The operative word here is “slightly.” Credit card debt is expensive no matter what the federal funds rate happens to be. Let’s say you have an average balance of $5,000 on a card charging 25% APR. You’ll spend around $1,250 in interest over the course of a year. If your interest rate was 24% instead, that’s just $50 less in interest for the year. Point being, a rate reduction doesn’t translate to a massive savings in interest when it comes to credit cards. Still, you can use the upcoming Fed news as a reminder to check in on your debt and make a plan to pay it down as aggressively as you can. If you qualify, a balance transfer credit card could give you a year or more without interest. Lower interest rates might make a personal loan a compelling debt consolidation option. Mortgage interest rates have already headed lower ahead of any action by the Fed. In April, the average interest rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate loan was 7.04%. August's average was nearly three-quarters of a percentage point lower, at 6.31%. That 73-basis-point drop is larger than any anticipated rate cut, but rates may push even lower once the central bankers start chopping. Homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) should see savings right away as their interest rates ratchet downward. But lower mortgage interest rates might also be a boon to homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages. Those who bought when rates were higher could finally see a significant benefit from refinancing, while owners who feel tethered by their current low mortgage rates may feel more confident about making a move. Reducing that rate "lock in" effect could put more homes on the market, particularly at the starter-home level. Prospective home buyers likely feel heartened by the prospect of rate cuts, but a quarter or even half of a percentage point cut from the Federal Reserve shouldn't cause a sudden drop in mortgage rates, especially with a downward trend already in progress. So, don't wait on the Fed: Buy when you're ready, not when interest rates are. While you're preparing to buy — and during your home search — work on your finances. Continue to pay down high-interest debt, try to build your credit score, don't take out new loans and keep making on-time payments. That way, when you're applying for a mortgage, you'll be in a strong position to get a lender's best possible interest rate regardless of where prevailing rates are. Auto loan interest rates typically follow the path of the Fed rate, but it can take time to see. When car loan rates do begin to fall, will it be a good time to buy or refinance? Here are some considerations to help you decide. Your APR on a car loan is determined by many factors, such as your credit history, credit score, loan term and vehicle age. Taking time to improve your credit, or to find a slightly used car rather than a new one, is likely to affect your loan rate more than a slight drop in the Fed rate. From the car-buying perspective, your interest rate is just one part of your monthly payment, which also includes the amount you borrow to pay for the car. In July, the average transaction price for new cars was $48,401, with an average monthly payment of $753. The average listing price for used cars was $25,415. Car prices have improved compared to a year ago, but they still remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. Even when interest rates drop, you will want to focus on a vehicle’s out-the-door price and whether the resulting monthly payment fits your budget. If you financed a car at a high interest rate, refinancing could be a way to lower the rate and your monthly payment. In general, lenders recommend reducing your rate by 1% or more, without extending the loan term, to get the most out of refinancing. And you’ll want to make sure your savings outweigh any lender or title transfer fees. Since the Fed’s rate decrease is expected to be 50 basis points or less, waiting to refinance after additional rate cuts could be more beneficial. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/what-happens-when-fed-finally-cuts-rates ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
EVIDENCE:
Reference Text: Inflation has slowed and the labor market has softened enough to satisfy the Federal Reserve. That means the central bank is about to cut interest rates. On Aug. 23, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said, “The time has come for policy to adjust. The direction of travel is clear, and the timing and pace of rate cuts will depend on incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks.” In other words, Americans should prepare to finally catch a break when it comes to borrowing to pay for a home, buy a car or open a new credit card. There are also other implications for the health of the broader economy. Back in March 2022, the Federal Open Markets Committee (FOMC) began to increase the federal funds rate in response to growing inflation. It hiked rates 11 times before finally pausing. The rates, set at 5.25% to 5.50%, haven’t budged since July 2023. The first cut will almost certainly happen at the Fed’s upcoming meeting scheduled for Sept. 17-18. The futures market’s CME FedWatch Tool now predicts a 87% likelihood that the FOMC will cut the current target rate by 25 basis points; it predicts a 13% likelihood of a larger cut of 50 basis points. But even if the Fed trims rates next week as expected, the target will still be a long way from the near-zero rate of early 2020 and immediate effects will be muted. Mortgage rates have already been easing in anticipation of a cut, for example, and most consumer credit and lending products are more dependent on your credit score than on the Fed rate. Still, this is viewed as a significant event and could build expectations for more cuts down the road. So what happens next? NerdWallet writers teamed up to explain how upcoming Fed rate cuts could impact your personal finances and what you can do to prepare. Credit card interest rates are variable, meaning they adjust up or down shortly after the Fed changes the federal funds rate. So if the Fed lowers interest rates, credit card debt will cost slightly less. The operative word here is “slightly.” Credit card debt is expensive no matter what the federal funds rate happens to be. Let’s say you have an average balance of $5,000 on a card charging 25% APR. You’ll spend around $1,250 in interest over the course of a year. If your interest rate was 24% instead, that’s just $50 less in interest for the year. Point being, a rate reduction doesn’t translate to a massive savings in interest when it comes to credit cards. Still, you can use the upcoming Fed news as a reminder to check in on your debt and make a plan to pay it down as aggressively as you can. If you qualify, a balance transfer credit card could give you a year or more without interest. Lower interest rates might make a personal loan a compelling debt consolidation option. Mortgage interest rates have already headed lower ahead of any action by the Fed. In April, the average interest rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate loan was 7.04%. August's average was nearly three-quarters of a percentage point lower, at 6.31%. That 73-basis-point drop is larger than any anticipated rate cut, but rates may push even lower once the central bankers start chopping. Homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) should see savings right away as their interest rates ratchet downward. But lower mortgage interest rates might also be a boon to homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages. Those who bought when rates were higher could finally see a significant benefit from refinancing, while owners who feel tethered by their current low mortgage rates may feel more confident about making a move. Reducing that rate "lock in" effect could put more homes on the market, particularly at the starter-home level. Prospective home buyers likely feel heartened by the prospect of rate cuts, but a quarter or even half of a percentage point cut from the Federal Reserve shouldn't cause a sudden drop in mortgage rates, especially with a downward trend already in progress. So, don't wait on the Fed: Buy when you're ready, not when interest rates are. While you're preparing to buy — and during your home search — work on your finances. Continue to pay down high-interest debt, try to build your credit score, don't take out new loans and keep making on-time payments. That way, when you're applying for a mortgage, you'll be in a strong position to get a lender's best possible interest rate regardless of where prevailing rates are. Auto loan interest rates typically follow the path of the Fed rate, but it can take time to see. When car loan rates do begin to fall, will it be a good time to buy or refinance? Here are some considerations to help you decide. Your APR on a car loan is determined by many factors, such as your credit history, credit score, loan term and vehicle age. Taking time to improve your credit, or to find a slightly used car rather than a new one, is likely to affect your loan rate more than a slight drop in the Fed rate. From the car-buying perspective, your interest rate is just one part of your monthly payment, which also includes the amount you borrow to pay for the car. In July, the average transaction price for new cars was $48,401, with an average monthly payment of $753. The average listing price for used cars was $25,415. Car prices have improved compared to a year ago, but they still remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. Even when interest rates drop, you will want to focus on a vehicle’s out-the-door price and whether the resulting monthly payment fits your budget. If you financed a car at a high interest rate, refinancing could be a way to lower the rate and your monthly payment. In general, lenders recommend reducing your rate by 1% or more, without extending the loan term, to get the most out of refinancing. And you’ll want to make sure your savings outweigh any lender or title transfer fees. Since the Fed’s rate decrease is expected to be 50 basis points or less, waiting to refinance after additional rate cuts could be more beneficial.
USER:
Explain the potential effects of the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate cuts on personal finance, particularly focusing on credit card debt, mortgages, and auto loans. How should individuals prepare for these changes?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 28 | 32 | 1,052 | null | 351 |
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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How does the Celcomen model ensure the robustness and identifiability of the gene-gene interactions through both simulation and biological experiments? What are the specific methodologies used in validating these interactions?
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Simulations testing Celcomen’s identifiability guarantees Simulations were done in Python and completed by first generating a ground truth genegene interaction matrix. This was achieved by creating a n-genes by n-genes matrix of random values; for these experiments four genes were used. We then utilized Celcomen’s generative module, Simcomen, to learn a spatially-resolved counts matrix reflective of the ground truth gene-gene interaction matrix. Comparisons to the randomly initialized count matrix are termed “Raw input” and those to the learned count matrix are termed “SCC output”. To interrogate for self-consistency, we initialized Celcomen’s inference module with a random gene-gene interaction matrix and asked it to utilize the learned count matrix from Simcomen to decipher the ground truth gene-gene interaction matrix. Comparisons to the Celcomen outputted gene-gene interaction matrix are termed “CCC output”. Spearman correlation was used to compare the ground-truth gene-gene interaction values and the simulated-then-inferred gene-gene interaction values to test for model robustness and identifiability. For all exact parameter values utilized during the experiments, see the “analysis.simulations.ipynb” notebook in the reproducibility GitHub. Biological testing of Celcomen’s identifiability guarantees Biological confirmation of Celcomen’s identifiability guarantee was done by training two Celcomen inference module instances at the same time and comparing their derived gene-gene interaction results. The first model instance, which we call sample-specific, was trained only on one sample. The second model instance, which we call rest, was trained on the remaining samples. Thus, these two model instances are never trained on the same samples. Each model is trained to completion utilizing the same model hyperparameters, and their gene-gene interaction matrices are retrieved after the final epoch. We correlate a flattened version of their gene-gene interaction matrices using Spearman’s correlation due to the possible non-linear nature of the matrices’ values. We repeat this experiment for each of the samples in the fetal spleen dataset. The results across each sample’s experiments are aggregated together and compared in a bar plot. We derived a “random” control to compare to by shuffling the order of the flattened genegene interaction matrices and computing a correlation of the shuffled values. MannWhitney U test is used to derive p-values and all p-values are labeled on plot. For the full code utilized, see the “analysis.biological.ipynb” notebook in the reproducibility GitHub. Interferon knockout experiment on Xenium of human glioblastoma Processed Xenium data was subjected to the inference module of Celcomen, CCE, and then these gene-gene interaction values were annotated as containing cytoplasmic, surface membrane (plasma membrane GO ID via GO cellular component), or secreted (extracellular space GO ID also via GO cellular component) genes according to their GO IDs from QuickGO36. IFITM3 was knocked out in a randomly selected previously IFITM3 positive cell. First neighbors were defined as less than 15 µm away and second neighbors were defined as less than 30 µm away. Changes in each gene’s expression in each cell were calculated and these changes in expression pre- and post- perturbation were compared between different specified cellular subsets. These are the differential genes later used for differential expression analysis and pathway enrichment. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) in R (v4.1.2) was utilized to perform pathway enrichment analysis on differentially post-perturbation affected genes. The interferon signature was derived directly from tissue by computing the differentially expressed genes between interferon high and low cells and taking the top 25, excluding the perturbed IFITM3 as that would bias analyses. For the full model parameters and code utilized, see the “analysis.perturbation.ipynb” notebook in the reproducibility GitHub. Counterfactual prediction validation via in vivo perturbed lung tumors Spatial perturbation data was acquired from previously published Perturb-map technology, GSE19346027. Their processed spaceranger output and annotations were read in and wild-type (WT) lesions, as previously annotated, were identified and any spots that were within two degrees of a perturbation specific cluster were trimmed away; this was done via a <100 filter in spatial distance with the value of 100 visually acquired from a histogram of spot-spot spatial distances (i.e. distance of 100 was the second non-zero peak). Lesions were then fed into the Celcomen model to identify gene-gene relationships and the trained gene-gene interaction matrix was used by Simcomen for counterfactual predictions. In detail, each lesion was examined for Tgfbr2+ spots and had a random positive spot knocked out (KO) in terms of Tgfbr2 expression. Simcomen then utilized the learned gene-gene interaction matrix to predict the whole transcriptome of every spot post perturbation. We then compared the change in expression in the KO spot compared to WT spots. Spearman correlation was used to compare model Tgfbr2 KO versus WT gene rankings with those directly derived from experimental Tgfbr2 KO spots and WT, i.e. the published data includes an in vivo bona fide Tgfbr2 KO lesion and this was used as ground truth. We derived “random” controls for each lesion by computing correlations on shuffled gene rankings of the observed and predicted differentials between Tgfbr2 KO and WT. Mann-Whitney U test is used to derive p-value when comparing observed lesion derived gene rankings with those from random shufflings. For the full code utilized, see the “analysis.biological.ipynb” notebook in the reproducibility GitHub.
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= Simulations testing Celcomen’s identifiability guarantees Simulations were done in Python and completed by first generating a ground truth genegene interaction matrix. This was achieved by creating a n-genes by n-genes matrix of random values; for these experiments four genes were used. We then utilized Celcomen’s generative module, Simcomen, to learn a spatially-resolved counts matrix reflective of the ground truth gene-gene interaction matrix. Comparisons to the randomly initialized count matrix are termed “Raw input” and those to the learned count matrix are termed “SCC output”. To interrogate for self-consistency, we initialized Celcomen’s inference module with a random gene-gene interaction matrix and asked it to utilize the learned count matrix from Simcomen to decipher the ground truth gene-gene interaction matrix. Comparisons to the Celcomen outputted gene-gene interaction matrix are termed “CCC output”. Spearman correlation was used to compare the ground-truth gene-gene interaction values and the simulated-then-inferred gene-gene interaction values to test for model robustness and identifiability. For all exact parameter values utilized during the experiments, see the “analysis.simulations.ipynb” notebook in the reproducibility GitHub. Biological testing of Celcomen’s identifiability guarantees Biological confirmation of Celcomen’s identifiability guarantee was done by training two Celcomen inference module instances at the same time and comparing their derived gene-gene interaction results. The first model instance, which we call sample-specific, was trained only on one sample. The second model instance, which we call rest, was trained on the remaining samples. Thus, these two model instances are never trained on the same samples. Each model is trained to completion utilizing the same model hyperparameters, and their gene-gene interaction matrices are retrieved after the final epoch. We correlate a flattened version of their gene-gene interaction matrices using Spearman’s correlation due to the possible non-linear nature of the matrices’ values. We repeat this experiment for each of the samples in the fetal spleen dataset. The results across each sample’s experiments are aggregated together and compared in a bar plot. We derived a “random” control to compare to by shuffling the order of the flattened genegene interaction matrices and computing a correlation of the shuffled values. MannWhitney U test is used to derive p-values and all p-values are labeled on plot. For the full code utilized, see the “analysis.biological.ipynb” notebook in the reproducibility GitHub. Interferon knockout experiment on Xenium of human glioblastoma Processed Xenium data was subjected to the inference module of Celcomen, CCE, and then these gene-gene interaction values were annotated as containing cytoplasmic, surface membrane (plasma membrane GO ID via GO cellular component), or secreted (extracellular space GO ID also via GO cellular component) genes according to their GO IDs from QuickGO36. IFITM3 was knocked out in a randomly selected previously IFITM3 positive cell. First neighbors were defined as less than 15 µm away and second neighbors were defined as less than 30 µm away. Changes in each gene’s expression in each cell were calculated and these changes in expression pre- and post- perturbation were compared between different specified cellular subsets. These are the differential genes later used for differential expression analysis and pathway enrichment. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) in R (v4.1.2) was utilized to perform pathway enrichment analysis on differentially post-perturbation affected genes. The interferon signature was derived directly from tissue by computing the differentially expressed genes between interferon high and low cells and taking the top 25, excluding the perturbed IFITM3 as that would bias analyses. For the full model parameters and code utilized, see the “analysis.perturbation.ipynb” notebook in the reproducibility GitHub. Counterfactual prediction validation via in vivo perturbed lung tumors Spatial perturbation data was acquired from previously published Perturb-map technology, GSE19346027. Their processed spaceranger output and annotations were read in and wild-type (WT) lesions, as previously annotated, were identified and any spots that were within two degrees of a perturbation specific cluster were trimmed away; this was done via a <100 filter in spatial distance with the value of 100 visually acquired from a histogram of spot-spot spatial distances (i.e. distance of 100 was the second non-zero peak). Lesions were then fed into the Celcomen model to identify gene-gene relationships and the trained gene-gene interaction matrix was used by Simcomen for counterfactual predictions. In detail, each lesion was examined for Tgfbr2+ spots and had a random positive spot knocked out (KO) in terms of Tgfbr2 expression. Simcomen then utilized the learned gene-gene interaction matrix to predict the whole transcriptome of every spot post perturbation. We then compared the change in expression in the KO spot compared to WT spots. Spearman correlation was used to compare model Tgfbr2 KO versus WT gene rankings with those directly derived from experimental Tgfbr2 KO spots and WT, i.e. the published data includes an in vivo bona fide Tgfbr2 KO lesion and this was used as ground truth. We derived “random” controls for each lesion by computing correlations on shuffled gene rankings of the observed and predicted differentials between Tgfbr2 KO and WT. Mann-Whitney U test is used to derive p-value when comparing observed lesion derived gene rankings with those from random shufflings. For the full code utilized, see the “analysis.biological.ipynb” notebook in the reproducibility GitHub. https://arxiv.org/pdf/2409.05804 ================ <QUESTION> ======= How does the Celcomen model ensure the robustness and identifiability of the gene-gene interactions through both simulation and biological experiments? What are the specific methodologies used in validating these interactions? ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
|
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
EVIDENCE:
Simulations testing Celcomen’s identifiability guarantees Simulations were done in Python and completed by first generating a ground truth genegene interaction matrix. This was achieved by creating a n-genes by n-genes matrix of random values; for these experiments four genes were used. We then utilized Celcomen’s generative module, Simcomen, to learn a spatially-resolved counts matrix reflective of the ground truth gene-gene interaction matrix. Comparisons to the randomly initialized count matrix are termed “Raw input” and those to the learned count matrix are termed “SCC output”. To interrogate for self-consistency, we initialized Celcomen’s inference module with a random gene-gene interaction matrix and asked it to utilize the learned count matrix from Simcomen to decipher the ground truth gene-gene interaction matrix. Comparisons to the Celcomen outputted gene-gene interaction matrix are termed “CCC output”. Spearman correlation was used to compare the ground-truth gene-gene interaction values and the simulated-then-inferred gene-gene interaction values to test for model robustness and identifiability. For all exact parameter values utilized during the experiments, see the “analysis.simulations.ipynb” notebook in the reproducibility GitHub. Biological testing of Celcomen’s identifiability guarantees Biological confirmation of Celcomen’s identifiability guarantee was done by training two Celcomen inference module instances at the same time and comparing their derived gene-gene interaction results. The first model instance, which we call sample-specific, was trained only on one sample. The second model instance, which we call rest, was trained on the remaining samples. Thus, these two model instances are never trained on the same samples. Each model is trained to completion utilizing the same model hyperparameters, and their gene-gene interaction matrices are retrieved after the final epoch. We correlate a flattened version of their gene-gene interaction matrices using Spearman’s correlation due to the possible non-linear nature of the matrices’ values. We repeat this experiment for each of the samples in the fetal spleen dataset. The results across each sample’s experiments are aggregated together and compared in a bar plot. We derived a “random” control to compare to by shuffling the order of the flattened genegene interaction matrices and computing a correlation of the shuffled values. MannWhitney U test is used to derive p-values and all p-values are labeled on plot. For the full code utilized, see the “analysis.biological.ipynb” notebook in the reproducibility GitHub. Interferon knockout experiment on Xenium of human glioblastoma Processed Xenium data was subjected to the inference module of Celcomen, CCE, and then these gene-gene interaction values were annotated as containing cytoplasmic, surface membrane (plasma membrane GO ID via GO cellular component), or secreted (extracellular space GO ID also via GO cellular component) genes according to their GO IDs from QuickGO36. IFITM3 was knocked out in a randomly selected previously IFITM3 positive cell. First neighbors were defined as less than 15 µm away and second neighbors were defined as less than 30 µm away. Changes in each gene’s expression in each cell were calculated and these changes in expression pre- and post- perturbation were compared between different specified cellular subsets. These are the differential genes later used for differential expression analysis and pathway enrichment. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) in R (v4.1.2) was utilized to perform pathway enrichment analysis on differentially post-perturbation affected genes. The interferon signature was derived directly from tissue by computing the differentially expressed genes between interferon high and low cells and taking the top 25, excluding the perturbed IFITM3 as that would bias analyses. For the full model parameters and code utilized, see the “analysis.perturbation.ipynb” notebook in the reproducibility GitHub. Counterfactual prediction validation via in vivo perturbed lung tumors Spatial perturbation data was acquired from previously published Perturb-map technology, GSE19346027. Their processed spaceranger output and annotations were read in and wild-type (WT) lesions, as previously annotated, were identified and any spots that were within two degrees of a perturbation specific cluster were trimmed away; this was done via a <100 filter in spatial distance with the value of 100 visually acquired from a histogram of spot-spot spatial distances (i.e. distance of 100 was the second non-zero peak). Lesions were then fed into the Celcomen model to identify gene-gene relationships and the trained gene-gene interaction matrix was used by Simcomen for counterfactual predictions. In detail, each lesion was examined for Tgfbr2+ spots and had a random positive spot knocked out (KO) in terms of Tgfbr2 expression. Simcomen then utilized the learned gene-gene interaction matrix to predict the whole transcriptome of every spot post perturbation. We then compared the change in expression in the KO spot compared to WT spots. Spearman correlation was used to compare model Tgfbr2 KO versus WT gene rankings with those directly derived from experimental Tgfbr2 KO spots and WT, i.e. the published data includes an in vivo bona fide Tgfbr2 KO lesion and this was used as ground truth. We derived “random” controls for each lesion by computing correlations on shuffled gene rankings of the observed and predicted differentials between Tgfbr2 KO and WT. Mann-Whitney U test is used to derive p-value when comparing observed lesion derived gene rankings with those from random shufflings. For the full code utilized, see the “analysis.biological.ipynb” notebook in the reproducibility GitHub.
USER:
How does the Celcomen model ensure the robustness and identifiability of the gene-gene interactions through both simulation and biological experiments? What are the specific methodologies used in validating these interactions?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 49 | 30 | 844 | null | 478 |
You can only respond using information from the prompt. Do not rely on any internal information. Give your answer in the form of a bullet point list. List at least 3 bullet points.
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Summarize the contents of each US code described in the text.
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The Supreme Court has held that “officers of the State ... performing official duties,” including public safety officials, act “under color of ... law” for purposes of Section 242. As DOJ has explained, law enforcement officers may violate Section 242 through “excessive force, sexual assault, intentional false arrests, theft, or the intentional fabrication of evidence resulting in a loss of liberty to another.” DOJ enforces Sections 241 and 242 by bringing criminal charges against officers accused of violating those statutes. People who believe their rights have been infringed may report such violations to DOJ, but Sections 241 and 242 do not authorize suits by individuals. If DOJ elects to pursue criminal charges under Section 241 or 242, it faces a high standard of proof. Under the cases Screws v. United States and United States v. Guest, the prosecution must prove the defendant had “a specific intent to deprive a person of a federal right made definite by decision or other rule of law.” Specific intent means that the defendant must not intend only to, for example, assault a victim but must also intend to violate a federal right by doing so. This results in what some view as a significant hurdle to bringing Section 241 and 242 claims. DOJ brought charges under Section 242 against the officers involved in the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The officers involved in Mr. Floyd’s killing pled guilty or were convicted by a jury. As of February 2023, charges against the officers involved in Ms. Taylor’s death remain pending. DOJ Civil Enforcement Another section of the U.S. Code, 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (Section 12601, formerly codified at 42 U.S.C. § 14141) renders it “unlawful for any governmental authority, or any agent thereof, ... to engage in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers or by officials ... that deprives persons of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.” Another CRS Legal Sidebar discusses this statute in more detail. According to DOJ, potential violations of the provision include “excessive force, discriminatory harassment, false arrests, coercive sexual conduct, and unlawful stops, searches or arrests.” DOJ enforces the provision by filing civil complaints against allegedly offending law enforcement agencies. The statute does not create a private right for individuals harmed by violations to sue. Moreover, because the law applies only to a “pattern or practice of conduct,” it cannot remedy isolated instances of misconduct. Finally, the statute does not provide for monetary penalties. If DOJ successfully sues under the provision, it may “obtain appropriate equitable and declaratory relief to eliminate the pattern or practice.” Private Civil Rights Litigation Federal law also allows individuals to seek civil redress for violations of their legal rights. The applicable statute, 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (Section 1983), provides in relevant part: Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State . . . subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured[.] Unlike the other statutory provisions discussed above, Section 1983 creates a private right of action, meaning that anyone suffering a covered deprivation of rights may sue the persons responsible. Moreover, unlike Sections 241 and 242, courts have interpreted Section 1983 not to contain a specific intent requirement, making it easier for plaintiffs to prove violations of the statute.
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The Supreme Court has held that “officers of the State ... performing official duties,” including public safety officials, act “under color of ... law” for purposes of Section 242. As DOJ has explained, law enforcement officers may violate Section 242 through “excessive force, sexual assault, intentional false arrests, theft, or the intentional fabrication of evidence resulting in a loss of liberty to another.” DOJ enforces Sections 241 and 242 by bringing criminal charges against officers accused of violating those statutes. People who believe their rights have been infringed may report such violations to DOJ, but Sections 241 and 242 do not authorize suits by individuals. If DOJ elects to pursue criminal charges under Section 241 or 242, it faces a high standard of proof. Under the cases Screws v. United States and United States v. Guest, the prosecution must prove the defendant had “a specific intent to deprive a person of a federal right made definite by decision or other rule of law.” Specific intent means that the defendant must not intend only to, for example, assault a victim but must also intend to violate a federal right by doing so. This results in what some view as a significant hurdle to bringing Section 241 and 242 claims. DOJ brought charges under Section 242 against the officers involved in the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The officers involved in Mr. Floyd’s killing pled guilty or were convicted by a jury. As of February 2023, charges against the officers involved in Ms. Taylor’s death remain pending. DOJ Civil Enforcement Another section of the U.S. Code, 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (Section 12601, formerly codified at 42 U.S.C. § 14141) renders it “unlawful for any governmental authority, or any agent thereof, ... to engage in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers or by officials ... that deprives persons of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.” Another CRS Legal Sidebar discusses this statute in more detail. According to DOJ, potential violations of the provision include “excessive force, discriminatory harassment, false arrests, coercive sexual conduct, and unlawful stops, searches or arrests.” DOJ enforces the provision by filing civil complaints against allegedly offending law enforcement agencies. The statute does not create a private right for individuals harmed by violations to sue. Moreover, because the law applies only to a “pattern or practice of conduct,” it cannot remedy isolated instances of misconduct. Finally, the statute does not provide for monetary penalties. If DOJ successfully sues under the provision, it may “obtain appropriate equitable and declaratory relief to eliminate the pattern or practice.” Private Civil Rights Litigation Federal law also allows individuals to seek civil redress for violations of their legal rights. The applicable statute, 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (Section 1983), provides in relevant part: Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State . . . subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured[.] Unlike the other statutory provisions discussed above, Section 1983 creates a private right of action, meaning that anyone suffering a covered deprivation of rights may sue the persons responsible. Moreover, unlike Sections 241 and 242, courts have interpreted Section 1983 not to contain a specific intent requirement, making it easier for plaintiffs to prove violations of the statute. Summarize the contents of each US code described in the text. You can only respond using information from the prompt. Do not rely on any internal information. Give your answer in the form of a bullet point list. List at least 3 bullet points.
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You can only respond using information from the prompt. Do not rely on any internal information. Give your answer in the form of a bullet point list. List at least 3 bullet points.
EVIDENCE:
The Supreme Court has held that “officers of the State ... performing official duties,” including public safety officials, act “under color of ... law” for purposes of Section 242. As DOJ has explained, law enforcement officers may violate Section 242 through “excessive force, sexual assault, intentional false arrests, theft, or the intentional fabrication of evidence resulting in a loss of liberty to another.” DOJ enforces Sections 241 and 242 by bringing criminal charges against officers accused of violating those statutes. People who believe their rights have been infringed may report such violations to DOJ, but Sections 241 and 242 do not authorize suits by individuals. If DOJ elects to pursue criminal charges under Section 241 or 242, it faces a high standard of proof. Under the cases Screws v. United States and United States v. Guest, the prosecution must prove the defendant had “a specific intent to deprive a person of a federal right made definite by decision or other rule of law.” Specific intent means that the defendant must not intend only to, for example, assault a victim but must also intend to violate a federal right by doing so. This results in what some view as a significant hurdle to bringing Section 241 and 242 claims. DOJ brought charges under Section 242 against the officers involved in the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The officers involved in Mr. Floyd’s killing pled guilty or were convicted by a jury. As of February 2023, charges against the officers involved in Ms. Taylor’s death remain pending. DOJ Civil Enforcement Another section of the U.S. Code, 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (Section 12601, formerly codified at 42 U.S.C. § 14141) renders it “unlawful for any governmental authority, or any agent thereof, ... to engage in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers or by officials ... that deprives persons of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.” Another CRS Legal Sidebar discusses this statute in more detail. According to DOJ, potential violations of the provision include “excessive force, discriminatory harassment, false arrests, coercive sexual conduct, and unlawful stops, searches or arrests.” DOJ enforces the provision by filing civil complaints against allegedly offending law enforcement agencies. The statute does not create a private right for individuals harmed by violations to sue. Moreover, because the law applies only to a “pattern or practice of conduct,” it cannot remedy isolated instances of misconduct. Finally, the statute does not provide for monetary penalties. If DOJ successfully sues under the provision, it may “obtain appropriate equitable and declaratory relief to eliminate the pattern or practice.” Private Civil Rights Litigation Federal law also allows individuals to seek civil redress for violations of their legal rights. The applicable statute, 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (Section 1983), provides in relevant part: Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State . . . subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured[.] Unlike the other statutory provisions discussed above, Section 1983 creates a private right of action, meaning that anyone suffering a covered deprivation of rights may sue the persons responsible. Moreover, unlike Sections 241 and 242, courts have interpreted Section 1983 not to contain a specific intent requirement, making it easier for plaintiffs to prove violations of the statute.
USER:
Summarize the contents of each US code described in the text.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 33 | 11 | 591 | null | 646 |
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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A streamer I like was recently diagnosed with bronchitis, and now I'm curious about what it is. Summarize this article on bronchitis for me and format your response in bullet form.
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Cough is the most common illness-related reason for ambulatory care visits in the United States. Acute bronchitis is a clinical diagnosis characterized by cough due to acute inflammation of the trachea and large airways without evidence of pneumonia. Pneumonia should be suspected in patients with tachypnea, tachycardia, dyspnea, or lung findings suggestive of pneumonia, and radiography is warranted. Pertussis should be suspected in patients with cough persisting for more than two weeks that is accompanied by symptoms such as paroxysmal cough, whooping cough, and post-tussive emesis, or recent pertussis exposure. The cough associated with acute bronchitis typically lasts about two to three weeks, and this should be emphasized with patients. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, and antibiotics are not indicated in patients without chronic lung disease. Antibiotics have been shown to provide only minimal benefit, reducing the cough or illness by about half a day, and have adverse effects, including allergic reactions, nausea and vomiting, and Clostridium difficile infection. Evaluation and treatment of bronchitis include ruling out secondary causes for cough, such as pneumonia; educating patients about the natural course of the disease; and recommending symptomatic treatment and avoidance of unnecessary antibiotic use. Strategies to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use include delayed prescriptions, patient education, and calling the infection a chest cold. Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection.3,4 The most commonly identified viruses are rhinovirus, enterovirus, influenza A and B, parainfluenza, coronavirus, human metapneumovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.3 Bacteria are detected in 1% to 10% of cases of acute bronchitis.3–5 Atypical bacteria, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis, are rare causes of acute bronchitis. In a study of sputum samples of adults with acute cough for more than five days, M. pneumoniae was isolated in less than 1% of cases and C. pneumoniae was not identified.6 Approximately 10% of patients presenting with a cough lasting at least two weeks have evidence of B. pertussis infection.7,8 During outbreaks, pertussis detection is more likely in children and those with prolonged coughs.6,9 Antibiotics can eradicate B. pertussis from the nasopharynx. They do not seem to shorten the course of illness unless given in the first one to two weeks.10 Isolated outbreaks of pertussis occur throughout the United States, and increased testing of adults and children should be considered during these periods. Cough is the predominant and defining symptom of acute bronchitis. The primary diagnostic consideration in patients with suspected acute bronchitis is ruling out more serious causes of cough, such as asthma, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, or pneumonia. The diagnoses that have the most overlap with acute bronchitis are upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Whereas acute bronchitis and the common cold are self-limited illnesses that do not require antibiotic treatment, the standard therapy for pneumonia is antibiotics. Besides cough, other signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis include sputum production, dyspnea, nasal congestion, headache, and fever.4,11,12 The first few days of an acute bronchitis infection may be indistinguishable from the common cold. Patients may have substernal or chest wall pain when coughing. Fever is not a typical finding after the first few days, and presence of a fever greater than 100°F (37.8°C) should prompt consideration of influenza or pneumonia. Production of sputum, even purulent, is common and does not correlate with bacterial infection.13,14 Because the cough associated with bronchitis is so bothersome and slow to resolve, patients often seek treatment. Patients and clinicians may underestimate the time required to fully recover from acute bronchitis.15 The duration of acute bronchitis–related cough is typically two to three weeks, with a pooled estimate of 18 days in one systematic review.15 This corresponds to results of a prospective trial, which found that patients who had a cough for at least five days had a median of 18 days of coughing.16 On physical examination, patients with acute bronchitis may be mildly ill-appearing, and fever is present in about one-third of patients.4,11 Lung auscultation may reveal wheezes, as well as rhonchi that typically improve with coughing. It is important to rule out pneumonia. High fever; moderate to severe ill-appearance; hypoxia; and signs of lung consolidation, such as decreased breath sounds, bronchial breath sounds, crackles, egophony, and increased tactile fremitus, are concerning for pneumonia. Pneumonia is unlikely in nonfrail older adults who have normal vital signs and normal lung examination findings.17–20
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= Cough is the most common illness-related reason for ambulatory care visits in the United States. Acute bronchitis is a clinical diagnosis characterized by cough due to acute inflammation of the trachea and large airways without evidence of pneumonia. Pneumonia should be suspected in patients with tachypnea, tachycardia, dyspnea, or lung findings suggestive of pneumonia, and radiography is warranted. Pertussis should be suspected in patients with cough persisting for more than two weeks that is accompanied by symptoms such as paroxysmal cough, whooping cough, and post-tussive emesis, or recent pertussis exposure. The cough associated with acute bronchitis typically lasts about two to three weeks, and this should be emphasized with patients. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, and antibiotics are not indicated in patients without chronic lung disease. Antibiotics have been shown to provide only minimal benefit, reducing the cough or illness by about half a day, and have adverse effects, including allergic reactions, nausea and vomiting, and Clostridium difficile infection. Evaluation and treatment of bronchitis include ruling out secondary causes for cough, such as pneumonia; educating patients about the natural course of the disease; and recommending symptomatic treatment and avoidance of unnecessary antibiotic use. Strategies to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use include delayed prescriptions, patient education, and calling the infection a chest cold. Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection.3,4 The most commonly identified viruses are rhinovirus, enterovirus, influenza A and B, parainfluenza, coronavirus, human metapneumovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.3 Bacteria are detected in 1% to 10% of cases of acute bronchitis.3–5 Atypical bacteria, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis, are rare causes of acute bronchitis. In a study of sputum samples of adults with acute cough for more than five days, M. pneumoniae was isolated in less than 1% of cases and C. pneumoniae was not identified.6 Approximately 10% of patients presenting with a cough lasting at least two weeks have evidence of B. pertussis infection.7,8 During outbreaks, pertussis detection is more likely in children and those with prolonged coughs.6,9 Antibiotics can eradicate B. pertussis from the nasopharynx. They do not seem to shorten the course of illness unless given in the first one to two weeks.10 Isolated outbreaks of pertussis occur throughout the United States, and increased testing of adults and children should be considered during these periods. Cough is the predominant and defining symptom of acute bronchitis. The primary diagnostic consideration in patients with suspected acute bronchitis is ruling out more serious causes of cough, such as asthma, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, or pneumonia. The diagnoses that have the most overlap with acute bronchitis are upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Whereas acute bronchitis and the common cold are self-limited illnesses that do not require antibiotic treatment, the standard therapy for pneumonia is antibiotics. Besides cough, other signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis include sputum production, dyspnea, nasal congestion, headache, and fever.4,11,12 The first few days of an acute bronchitis infection may be indistinguishable from the common cold. Patients may have substernal or chest wall pain when coughing. Fever is not a typical finding after the first few days, and presence of a fever greater than 100°F (37.8°C) should prompt consideration of influenza or pneumonia. Production of sputum, even purulent, is common and does not correlate with bacterial infection.13,14 Because the cough associated with bronchitis is so bothersome and slow to resolve, patients often seek treatment. Patients and clinicians may underestimate the time required to fully recover from acute bronchitis.15 The duration of acute bronchitis–related cough is typically two to three weeks, with a pooled estimate of 18 days in one systematic review.15 This corresponds to results of a prospective trial, which found that patients who had a cough for at least five days had a median of 18 days of coughing.16 On physical examination, patients with acute bronchitis may be mildly ill-appearing, and fever is present in about one-third of patients.4,11 Lung auscultation may reveal wheezes, as well as rhonchi that typically improve with coughing. It is important to rule out pneumonia. High fever; moderate to severe ill-appearance; hypoxia; and signs of lung consolidation, such as decreased breath sounds, bronchial breath sounds, crackles, egophony, and increased tactile fremitus, are concerning for pneumonia. Pneumonia is unlikely in nonfrail older adults who have normal vital signs and normal lung examination findings.17–20 https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/1001/p560.html ================ <QUESTION> ======= A streamer I like was recently diagnosed with bronchitis, and now I'm curious about what it is. Summarize this article on bronchitis for me and format your response in bullet form. ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
EVIDENCE:
Cough is the most common illness-related reason for ambulatory care visits in the United States. Acute bronchitis is a clinical diagnosis characterized by cough due to acute inflammation of the trachea and large airways without evidence of pneumonia. Pneumonia should be suspected in patients with tachypnea, tachycardia, dyspnea, or lung findings suggestive of pneumonia, and radiography is warranted. Pertussis should be suspected in patients with cough persisting for more than two weeks that is accompanied by symptoms such as paroxysmal cough, whooping cough, and post-tussive emesis, or recent pertussis exposure. The cough associated with acute bronchitis typically lasts about two to three weeks, and this should be emphasized with patients. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, and antibiotics are not indicated in patients without chronic lung disease. Antibiotics have been shown to provide only minimal benefit, reducing the cough or illness by about half a day, and have adverse effects, including allergic reactions, nausea and vomiting, and Clostridium difficile infection. Evaluation and treatment of bronchitis include ruling out secondary causes for cough, such as pneumonia; educating patients about the natural course of the disease; and recommending symptomatic treatment and avoidance of unnecessary antibiotic use. Strategies to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use include delayed prescriptions, patient education, and calling the infection a chest cold. Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection.3,4 The most commonly identified viruses are rhinovirus, enterovirus, influenza A and B, parainfluenza, coronavirus, human metapneumovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.3 Bacteria are detected in 1% to 10% of cases of acute bronchitis.3–5 Atypical bacteria, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis, are rare causes of acute bronchitis. In a study of sputum samples of adults with acute cough for more than five days, M. pneumoniae was isolated in less than 1% of cases and C. pneumoniae was not identified.6 Approximately 10% of patients presenting with a cough lasting at least two weeks have evidence of B. pertussis infection.7,8 During outbreaks, pertussis detection is more likely in children and those with prolonged coughs.6,9 Antibiotics can eradicate B. pertussis from the nasopharynx. They do not seem to shorten the course of illness unless given in the first one to two weeks.10 Isolated outbreaks of pertussis occur throughout the United States, and increased testing of adults and children should be considered during these periods. Cough is the predominant and defining symptom of acute bronchitis. The primary diagnostic consideration in patients with suspected acute bronchitis is ruling out more serious causes of cough, such as asthma, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, or pneumonia. The diagnoses that have the most overlap with acute bronchitis are upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Whereas acute bronchitis and the common cold are self-limited illnesses that do not require antibiotic treatment, the standard therapy for pneumonia is antibiotics. Besides cough, other signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis include sputum production, dyspnea, nasal congestion, headache, and fever.4,11,12 The first few days of an acute bronchitis infection may be indistinguishable from the common cold. Patients may have substernal or chest wall pain when coughing. Fever is not a typical finding after the first few days, and presence of a fever greater than 100°F (37.8°C) should prompt consideration of influenza or pneumonia. Production of sputum, even purulent, is common and does not correlate with bacterial infection.13,14 Because the cough associated with bronchitis is so bothersome and slow to resolve, patients often seek treatment. Patients and clinicians may underestimate the time required to fully recover from acute bronchitis.15 The duration of acute bronchitis–related cough is typically two to three weeks, with a pooled estimate of 18 days in one systematic review.15 This corresponds to results of a prospective trial, which found that patients who had a cough for at least five days had a median of 18 days of coughing.16 On physical examination, patients with acute bronchitis may be mildly ill-appearing, and fever is present in about one-third of patients.4,11 Lung auscultation may reveal wheezes, as well as rhonchi that typically improve with coughing. It is important to rule out pneumonia. High fever; moderate to severe ill-appearance; hypoxia; and signs of lung consolidation, such as decreased breath sounds, bronchial breath sounds, crackles, egophony, and increased tactile fremitus, are concerning for pneumonia. Pneumonia is unlikely in nonfrail older adults who have normal vital signs and normal lung examination findings.17–20
USER:
A streamer I like was recently diagnosed with bronchitis, and now I'm curious about what it is. Summarize this article on bronchitis for me and format your response in bullet form.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 49 | 31 | 723 | null | 493 |
<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
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I'm scratching my head at the idea of megapixels lately, I don't sense any improvements in my upgraded phone's images, even though it has higher megapixels. Please explain this to me in less than 200 words.
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Do Camera Megapixels Matter in 2024? (For Photography) Having more megapixels on your digital camera or smartphone can be useful. However, do megapixels matter when it comes to overall image quality? Photographers love to discuss the merits of more camera megapixels in digital photography. In this guide, I’ll explain why having more megapixels isn’t always necessary… nor a good thing. You’ll also discover which digital cameras and smartphones have the highest pixel count in 2024. What Do MegaPixels Mean on a Camera? The megapixels on a camera refer to the pixel count present in the sensor. For example, if you have a 24 MP camera, it means that the final image will have 24 million pixels. The total pixel count is what’s known as the camera resolution. You can calculate the resolution by multiplying the number of pixels on the horizontal side of the sensor by the ones on the vertical side. If the camera sensor has a 2:3 aspect ratio – this means that the 24 megapixels are distributed as 6000 on one side and 4000 in the other. How many megapixels can the human eye see? Well, the human eye doesn’t actually have pixels. So, comparing the human eye to a camera’s sensor is not like comparing the resolution of two cameras. What we know is an estimate calculated by photographer and scientist Dr. Roger N. Clark. Using very complex math, he determined that the human eye ‘resolution’ is 576 megapixels. You can learn more about how he reached this result on his website – Clarkvision. However, according to an article published by Lasik – 576 MP is the resolution reached when moving. Instead, on a single glance, the human eye has a 5 to 15 MP ‘resolution’. Are There Any Drawbacks to Having Too Many Megapixels? The first drawback of having more megapixels is that you’ll have bigger files. This means that you’ll fill the memory card faster and you’ll need more storage space either on your hard drive or a cloud service to back them up. This is a fair compromise when you actually need high-resolution images. However, if you have large files because they have more megapixels than you need, then it’s not worth it. Another potential drawback is the slower processing time. This may affect you when shooting, transferring, and editing the files. Large files in-camera take longer to be saved in the memory card. If you shoot in burst mode – for example, it could diminish the fps. It could also mean slowing the processing to transfer, cull, and edit your photos – this also depends on how powerful is your computer. Also, when the camera sensors aren’t big enough for the amount of pixels, you’ll have a bigger image resolution but not higher image quality. You’ll probably have issues like noise and reduced dynamic range. When Are More Megapixels An Advantage? A printer with a woman's face on it. Large format printing process with Mimaki machine. Credit: Helene.3160, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons More megapixels are better when you’re talking about print size. The more megapixels you have, the bigger you can print your image. Another situation in which more megapixels are beneficial is when you need to crop your image. This is because even if you lose megapixels by cutting out part of your photo – the file still has enough resolution to print or zoom on your screen. How to Choose Photo Resolution & Size for Printing Or Online Use How Many Megapixels Do Photographers Actually Need? If you’re wondering how many megapixels you need to print high-resolution images, you need to multiply the print size by 300 – which is the standard dpi for photographic printing. So, if you need to print an 8″ x 10″ photo, it needs to have 2,400 x 3,000 pixels. To print a 16″ x 24″ you need a file with 4,800 x 7,200 pixels and so on. How many megapixels do professional photographers use? Unfortunately, there isn’t a straight answer to this. The megapixels required by a professional photographer depend on the type of photos they do and how the images are going to be used. To give an approximate number, most professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras have a resolution between 24 and 36 MP. However, some professionals use medium-format digital cameras that range from 50 to 100 MP. How many megapixels do you need for wedding photography? Most professional wedding photographers can make do with a resolution ranging from 20 to 24 MP. However, depending on the prints and wedding albums you plan to deliver (and also how much you usually crop your photos), having higher-resolution cameras can be an advantage. Does the megapixel count change if you shoot in RAW or JPG? The number of megapixels on the RAW and JPG files may be different depending on the camera settings. Most cameras allow you to choose the size of the RAW and JPG files they save. For example, I can set a Canon 90D to shoot in C-RAW and save a raw file of 32MP (6960 x 4640) and a small file JPG file of 3.8MP (2400 x 1600). Each camera will have different sizes available for each file type – you’ll need to check yours on the user’s manual or by doing a quick Google search. What About Megapixels and Smartphone Photography? You’ve probably seen smartphones that advertise enough megapixels to beat any DSLR or mirrorless cameras on the market. This may lead you to wonder why isn’t professional photographers don’t use smartphones to take photos for their jobs. Well, camera lenses, the ability to sync with flashes, and many other features make this impossible. However, it’s not just that, it’s also because of how smartphones get to that pixel count and what that means in resolution and quality. Due to their size, it’s impossible for them to actually fit such a larger sensor inside the device. So, smartphone manufacturers incorporate advanced technologies like pixel binning or computational photography to improve image quality without increasing the number of individual pixels.
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> I'm scratching my head at the idea of megapixels lately, I don't sense any improvements in my upgraded phone's images, even though it has higher megapixels. Please explain this to me in less than 200 words. <TEXT> Do Camera Megapixels Matter in 2024? (For Photography) Having more megapixels on your digital camera or smartphone can be useful. However, do megapixels matter when it comes to overall image quality? Photographers love to discuss the merits of more camera megapixels in digital photography. In this guide, I’ll explain why having more megapixels isn’t always necessary… nor a good thing. You’ll also discover which digital cameras and smartphones have the highest pixel count in 2024. What Do MegaPixels Mean on a Camera? The megapixels on a camera refer to the pixel count present in the sensor. For example, if you have a 24 MP camera, it means that the final image will have 24 million pixels. The total pixel count is what’s known as the camera resolution. You can calculate the resolution by multiplying the number of pixels on the horizontal side of the sensor by the ones on the vertical side. If the camera sensor has a 2:3 aspect ratio – this means that the 24 megapixels are distributed as 6000 on one side and 4000 in the other. How many megapixels can the human eye see? Well, the human eye doesn’t actually have pixels. So, comparing the human eye to a camera’s sensor is not like comparing the resolution of two cameras. What we know is an estimate calculated by photographer and scientist Dr. Roger N. Clark. Using very complex math, he determined that the human eye ‘resolution’ is 576 megapixels. You can learn more about how he reached this result on his website – Clarkvision. However, according to an article published by Lasik – 576 MP is the resolution reached when moving. Instead, on a single glance, the human eye has a 5 to 15 MP ‘resolution’. Are There Any Drawbacks to Having Too Many Megapixels? The first drawback of having more megapixels is that you’ll have bigger files. This means that you’ll fill the memory card faster and you’ll need more storage space either on your hard drive or a cloud service to back them up. This is a fair compromise when you actually need high-resolution images. However, if you have large files because they have more megapixels than you need, then it’s not worth it. Another potential drawback is the slower processing time. This may affect you when shooting, transferring, and editing the files. Large files in-camera take longer to be saved in the memory card. If you shoot in burst mode – for example, it could diminish the fps. It could also mean slowing the processing to transfer, cull, and edit your photos – this also depends on how powerful is your computer. Also, when the camera sensors aren’t big enough for the amount of pixels, you’ll have a bigger image resolution but not higher image quality. You’ll probably have issues like noise and reduced dynamic range. When Are More Megapixels An Advantage? A printer with a woman's face on it. Large format printing process with Mimaki machine. Credit: Helene.3160, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons More megapixels are better when you’re talking about print size. The more megapixels you have, the bigger you can print your image. Another situation in which more megapixels are beneficial is when you need to crop your image. This is because even if you lose megapixels by cutting out part of your photo – the file still has enough resolution to print or zoom on your screen. How to Choose Photo Resolution & Size for Printing Or Online Use How Many Megapixels Do Photographers Actually Need? If you’re wondering how many megapixels you need to print high-resolution images, you need to multiply the print size by 300 – which is the standard dpi for photographic printing. So, if you need to print an 8″ x 10″ photo, it needs to have 2,400 x 3,000 pixels. To print a 16″ x 24″ you need a file with 4,800 x 7,200 pixels and so on. How many megapixels do professional photographers use? Unfortunately, there isn’t a straight answer to this. The megapixels required by a professional photographer depend on the type of photos they do and how the images are going to be used. To give an approximate number, most professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras have a resolution between 24 and 36 MP. However, some professionals use medium-format digital cameras that range from 50 to 100 MP. How many megapixels do you need for wedding photography? Most professional wedding photographers can make do with a resolution ranging from 20 to 24 MP. However, depending on the prints and wedding albums you plan to deliver (and also how much you usually crop your photos), having higher-resolution cameras can be an advantage. Does the megapixel count change if you shoot in RAW or JPG? The number of megapixels on the RAW and JPG files may be different depending on the camera settings. Most cameras allow you to choose the size of the RAW and JPG files they save. For example, I can set a Canon 90D to shoot in C-RAW and save a raw file of 32MP (6960 x 4640) and a small file JPG file of 3.8MP (2400 x 1600). Each camera will have different sizes available for each file type – you’ll need to check yours on the user’s manual or by doing a quick Google search. What About Megapixels and Smartphone Photography? You’ve probably seen smartphones that advertise enough megapixels to beat any DSLR or mirrorless cameras on the market. This may lead you to wonder why isn’t professional photographers don’t use smartphones to take photos for their jobs. Well, camera lenses, the ability to sync with flashes, and many other features make this impossible. However, it’s not just that, it’s also because of how smartphones get to that pixel count and what that means in resolution and quality. Due to their size, it’s impossible for them to actually fit such a larger sensor inside the device. So, smartphone manufacturers incorporate advanced technologies like pixel binning or computational photography to improve image quality without increasing the number of individual pixels. https://shotkit.com/megapixels-photography/
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
EVIDENCE:
Do Camera Megapixels Matter in 2024? (For Photography) Having more megapixels on your digital camera or smartphone can be useful. However, do megapixels matter when it comes to overall image quality? Photographers love to discuss the merits of more camera megapixels in digital photography. In this guide, I’ll explain why having more megapixels isn’t always necessary… nor a good thing. You’ll also discover which digital cameras and smartphones have the highest pixel count in 2024. What Do MegaPixels Mean on a Camera? The megapixels on a camera refer to the pixel count present in the sensor. For example, if you have a 24 MP camera, it means that the final image will have 24 million pixels. The total pixel count is what’s known as the camera resolution. You can calculate the resolution by multiplying the number of pixels on the horizontal side of the sensor by the ones on the vertical side. If the camera sensor has a 2:3 aspect ratio – this means that the 24 megapixels are distributed as 6000 on one side and 4000 in the other. How many megapixels can the human eye see? Well, the human eye doesn’t actually have pixels. So, comparing the human eye to a camera’s sensor is not like comparing the resolution of two cameras. What we know is an estimate calculated by photographer and scientist Dr. Roger N. Clark. Using very complex math, he determined that the human eye ‘resolution’ is 576 megapixels. You can learn more about how he reached this result on his website – Clarkvision. However, according to an article published by Lasik – 576 MP is the resolution reached when moving. Instead, on a single glance, the human eye has a 5 to 15 MP ‘resolution’. Are There Any Drawbacks to Having Too Many Megapixels? The first drawback of having more megapixels is that you’ll have bigger files. This means that you’ll fill the memory card faster and you’ll need more storage space either on your hard drive or a cloud service to back them up. This is a fair compromise when you actually need high-resolution images. However, if you have large files because they have more megapixels than you need, then it’s not worth it. Another potential drawback is the slower processing time. This may affect you when shooting, transferring, and editing the files. Large files in-camera take longer to be saved in the memory card. If you shoot in burst mode – for example, it could diminish the fps. It could also mean slowing the processing to transfer, cull, and edit your photos – this also depends on how powerful is your computer. Also, when the camera sensors aren’t big enough for the amount of pixels, you’ll have a bigger image resolution but not higher image quality. You’ll probably have issues like noise and reduced dynamic range. When Are More Megapixels An Advantage? A printer with a woman's face on it. Large format printing process with Mimaki machine. Credit: Helene.3160, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons More megapixels are better when you’re talking about print size. The more megapixels you have, the bigger you can print your image. Another situation in which more megapixels are beneficial is when you need to crop your image. This is because even if you lose megapixels by cutting out part of your photo – the file still has enough resolution to print or zoom on your screen. How to Choose Photo Resolution & Size for Printing Or Online Use How Many Megapixels Do Photographers Actually Need? If you’re wondering how many megapixels you need to print high-resolution images, you need to multiply the print size by 300 – which is the standard dpi for photographic printing. So, if you need to print an 8″ x 10″ photo, it needs to have 2,400 x 3,000 pixels. To print a 16″ x 24″ you need a file with 4,800 x 7,200 pixels and so on. How many megapixels do professional photographers use? Unfortunately, there isn’t a straight answer to this. The megapixels required by a professional photographer depend on the type of photos they do and how the images are going to be used. To give an approximate number, most professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras have a resolution between 24 and 36 MP. However, some professionals use medium-format digital cameras that range from 50 to 100 MP. How many megapixels do you need for wedding photography? Most professional wedding photographers can make do with a resolution ranging from 20 to 24 MP. However, depending on the prints and wedding albums you plan to deliver (and also how much you usually crop your photos), having higher-resolution cameras can be an advantage. Does the megapixel count change if you shoot in RAW or JPG? The number of megapixels on the RAW and JPG files may be different depending on the camera settings. Most cameras allow you to choose the size of the RAW and JPG files they save. For example, I can set a Canon 90D to shoot in C-RAW and save a raw file of 32MP (6960 x 4640) and a small file JPG file of 3.8MP (2400 x 1600). Each camera will have different sizes available for each file type – you’ll need to check yours on the user’s manual or by doing a quick Google search. What About Megapixels and Smartphone Photography? You’ve probably seen smartphones that advertise enough megapixels to beat any DSLR or mirrorless cameras on the market. This may lead you to wonder why isn’t professional photographers don’t use smartphones to take photos for their jobs. Well, camera lenses, the ability to sync with flashes, and many other features make this impossible. However, it’s not just that, it’s also because of how smartphones get to that pixel count and what that means in resolution and quality. Due to their size, it’s impossible for them to actually fit such a larger sensor inside the device. So, smartphone manufacturers incorporate advanced technologies like pixel binning or computational photography to improve image quality without increasing the number of individual pixels.
USER:
I'm scratching my head at the idea of megapixels lately, I don't sense any improvements in my upgraded phone's images, even though it has higher megapixels. Please explain this to me in less than 200 words.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 20 | 36 | 1,011 | null | 97 |
Draw your answer only from the provided text. If you cannot answer using the provided text alone, respond with "I cannot determine an answer due to insufficient context.". Make sure to provide your answer solely in a bulleted list, and be concise.
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How does a theoretical world without crisis differ from the real word in terms of intra and intertemporal trade?
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In theory, countries exchange assets with different risk profiles to smooth consumption fluctuations across future random states of nature. This intratemporal trade, an exchange of consumption across different states of nature that occur on the same date, may be contrasted with intertemporal trade, in which consumption on one date is traded for an asset entitling the buyer to consumption on a future date. Cross-border purchases of assets with other assets are intratemporal trades, purchases of goods or services with assets are intertemporal trades. A country’s intertemporal budget constraint limits the present value of its (state-contingent) expenditure (on consumption and investment) to the present value of its (state-contingent) output plus the market value of its net financial claims on the outside world (the net international investment position, or NIIP). Thus, a country’s ultimate consumption possibilities depend not only on the NIIP, but on the prices a country faces in world markets and its (stochastic) output and investment levels. Ideally, if a country has maximally hedged its idiosyncratic risk in world asset markets, its NIIP will respond to shocks (including shocks to current and future world prices) in ways that cushion domestic consumption possibilities. Furthermore, if markets are complete in the sense of Arrow and Debreu, asset trades between individuals will indeed represent Pareto improvements in resource allocation, so that it makes sense to speak of countries as if they consisted of representative individuals. But this type of world – a world without crises – is not the world we inhabit. In the real world, financial trades that one agent makes, viewing them as personally advantageous, canwork to the detriment of others. The implication is that the sheer volume of financial trade can be positively correlated with financial instability risks. It is in the realm of intratemporal asset trade that international trading volume has expanded most in recent years. Fig. 1 illustrates the process. The upper horizontal arrows represent (intratemporal) trade of presently available goods for other present goods between a home and a foreign country, with arrow lengths proportional to the value of the items exchanged. In the figure, Home ships a higher value of goods to Foreign than Foreign ships to Home, so the net difference (Home’s current account surplus)must be paid for by assets that Foreign pays to Home in settlement of the Foreign current account deficit. The implied intertemporal trade – of present consumption for claims on future consumption– is shown in the figure by the diagonal arrows, with lengths equal to the current account imbalance between Home and Foreign. The lower horizontal arrows in Fig. 1 represent intratemporal trade of assets for other assets by the two countries. Home buys more assets from Foreign than it sells – financing the difference through its current export surplus – but while the difference in the two arrows’ lengths is fixed by the size of the current account imbalance, the arrow lengths themselves can be arbitrarily big. At any point in time, the size of the current account imbalance is limited by output sizes and the sizes of predetermined international assets and liabilities – but there is no limit to the number of times funds can be recycled in different forms between Home and Foreign. In that process, the gross external assets and liabilities of the two countries can expand explosively.
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System Instructions: Draw your answer only from the provided text. If you cannot answer using the provided text alone, respond with "I cannot determine an answer due to insufficient context.". Make sure to provide your answer solely in a bulleted list, and be concise. Question: How does a theoretical world without crisis differ from the real word in terms of intra and intertemporal trade? Context Block: In theory, countries exchange assets with different risk profiles to smooth consumption fluctuations across future random states of nature. This intratemporal trade, an exchange of consumption across different states of nature that occur on the same date, may be contrasted with intertemporal trade, in which consumption on one date is traded for an asset entitling the buyer to consumption on a future date. Cross-border purchases of assets with other assets are intratemporal trades, purchases of goods or services with assets are intertemporal trades. A country’s intertemporal budget constraint limits the present value of its (state-contingent) expenditure (on consumption and investment) to the present value of its (state-contingent) output plus the market value of its net financial claims on the outside world (the net international investment position, or NIIP). Thus, a country’s ultimate consumption possibilities depend not only on the NIIP, but on the prices a country faces in world markets and its (stochastic) output and investment levels. Ideally, if a country has maximally hedged its idiosyncratic risk in world asset markets, its NIIP will respond to shocks (including shocks to current and future world prices) in ways that cushion domestic consumption possibilities. Furthermore, if markets are complete in the sense of Arrow and Debreu, asset trades between individuals will indeed represent Pareto improvements in resource allocation, so that it makes sense to speak of countries as if they consisted of representative individuals. But this type of world – a world without crises – is not the world we inhabit. In the real world, financial trades that one agent makes, viewing them as personally advantageous, canwork to the detriment of others. The implication is that the sheer volume of financial trade can be positively correlated with financial instability risks. It is in the realm of intratemporal asset trade that international trading volume has expanded most in recent years. Fig. 1 illustrates the process. The upper horizontal arrows represent (intratemporal) trade of presently available goods for other present goods between a home and a foreign country, with arrow lengths proportional to the value of the items exchanged. In the figure, Home ships a higher value of goods to Foreign than Foreign ships to Home, so the net difference (Home’s current account surplus)must be paid for by assets that Foreign pays to Home in settlement of the Foreign current account deficit. The implied intertemporal trade – of present consumption for claims on future consumption– is shown in the figure by the diagonal arrows, with lengths equal to the current account imbalance between Home and Foreign. The lower horizontal arrows in Fig. 1 represent intratemporal trade of assets for other assets by the two countries. Home buys more assets from Foreign than it sells – financing the difference through its current export surplus – but while the difference in the two arrows’ lengths is fixed by the size of the current account imbalance, the arrow lengths themselves can be arbitrarily big. At any point in time, the size of the current account imbalance is limited by output sizes and the sizes of predetermined international assets and liabilities – but there is no limit to the number of times funds can be recycled in different forms between Home and Foreign. In that process, the gross external assets and liabilities of the two countries can expand explosively.
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Draw your answer only from the provided text. If you cannot answer using the provided text alone, respond with "I cannot determine an answer due to insufficient context.". Make sure to provide your answer solely in a bulleted list, and be concise.
EVIDENCE:
In theory, countries exchange assets with different risk profiles to smooth consumption fluctuations across future random states of nature. This intratemporal trade, an exchange of consumption across different states of nature that occur on the same date, may be contrasted with intertemporal trade, in which consumption on one date is traded for an asset entitling the buyer to consumption on a future date. Cross-border purchases of assets with other assets are intratemporal trades, purchases of goods or services with assets are intertemporal trades. A country’s intertemporal budget constraint limits the present value of its (state-contingent) expenditure (on consumption and investment) to the present value of its (state-contingent) output plus the market value of its net financial claims on the outside world (the net international investment position, or NIIP). Thus, a country’s ultimate consumption possibilities depend not only on the NIIP, but on the prices a country faces in world markets and its (stochastic) output and investment levels. Ideally, if a country has maximally hedged its idiosyncratic risk in world asset markets, its NIIP will respond to shocks (including shocks to current and future world prices) in ways that cushion domestic consumption possibilities. Furthermore, if markets are complete in the sense of Arrow and Debreu, asset trades between individuals will indeed represent Pareto improvements in resource allocation, so that it makes sense to speak of countries as if they consisted of representative individuals. But this type of world – a world without crises – is not the world we inhabit. In the real world, financial trades that one agent makes, viewing them as personally advantageous, canwork to the detriment of others. The implication is that the sheer volume of financial trade can be positively correlated with financial instability risks. It is in the realm of intratemporal asset trade that international trading volume has expanded most in recent years. Fig. 1 illustrates the process. The upper horizontal arrows represent (intratemporal) trade of presently available goods for other present goods between a home and a foreign country, with arrow lengths proportional to the value of the items exchanged. In the figure, Home ships a higher value of goods to Foreign than Foreign ships to Home, so the net difference (Home’s current account surplus)must be paid for by assets that Foreign pays to Home in settlement of the Foreign current account deficit. The implied intertemporal trade – of present consumption for claims on future consumption– is shown in the figure by the diagonal arrows, with lengths equal to the current account imbalance between Home and Foreign. The lower horizontal arrows in Fig. 1 represent intratemporal trade of assets for other assets by the two countries. Home buys more assets from Foreign than it sells – financing the difference through its current export surplus – but while the difference in the two arrows’ lengths is fixed by the size of the current account imbalance, the arrow lengths themselves can be arbitrarily big. At any point in time, the size of the current account imbalance is limited by output sizes and the sizes of predetermined international assets and liabilities – but there is no limit to the number of times funds can be recycled in different forms between Home and Foreign. In that process, the gross external assets and liabilities of the two countries can expand explosively.
USER:
How does a theoretical world without crisis differ from the real word in terms of intra and intertemporal trade?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 42 | 19 | 551 | null | 743 |
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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Hello, I am looking to organize this article so that I can write a report on it later. To start, I would like you to list out in point form all the activities that Charlie was involved in.
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Story image # Advanced Persistent Threat Protection # Cybersecurity # EDR Sophos unveils Chinese cyber espionage tactics in new report Sophos has unveiled the latest developments in a Chinese cyber espionage campaign in Southeast Asia, as detailed in its report titled “Crimson Palace: New Tools, Tactics, Targets.” The research conducted by Sophos X-Ops reveals three clusters of nation-state activity - named Cluster Alpha, Cluster Bravo, and Cluster Charlie - inside a high-profile government organisation. These clusters have continued their activities over the nearly two-year-long campaign. The report notes a renewed presence of both Cluster Bravo and Cluster Charlie, not only within the initial targeted organisation but also across multiple other entities in the region. An important discovery made during this process is a novel keylogger dubbed “Tattletale.” According to the report, this keylogger impersonates users, collecting information related to password policies, security settings, cached passwords, browser information, and storage data. Paul Jaramillo, director of threat hunting and threat intelligence at Sophos, commented on the adaptive capabilities of these threat actors. “We’ve been in an ongoing chess match with these adversaries. During the initial phases of the operation, Cluster Charlie was deploying various bespoke tools and malware,” he explained. “However, we were able to ‘burn’ much of their previous infrastructure, blocking their Command and Control (C2) tools and forcing them to pivot. This is good; however, their switch to open-source tools demonstrates just how quickly these attacker groups can adapt and remain persistent.” During its initial activity phase from March to August 2023, Cluster Charlie operated within a high-level government organisation. After a brief hiatus, the cluster re-emerged in September 2023 and continued its operations until at least May 2024. In this second phase, the group aimed to evade endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools while gathering more intelligence. The report suggests that the overarching organisation directing these clusters has shifted tactics, increasingly using open-source tools instead of custom-developed malware. Sophos X-Ops has tracked ongoing Cluster Charlie activities across multiple organisations in Southeast Asia. Cluster Bravo, originally active for three weeks in March 2023, reappeared in January 2024 and targeted at least 11 other organisations in the region. Both Cluster Bravo and Cluster Charlie share tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) with known Chinese threat groups Earth Longzhi and Unfading Sea Haze, respectively, indicating coordination among these clusters. Jaramillo noted the increasing coordination and expansion of operations among the clusters. “Not only are we seeing all three of the ‘Crimson Palace’ clusters refine and coordinate their tactics, but they’re also expanding their operations, attempting to infiltrate other targets in Southeast Asia. Given how frequently Chinese nation-state groups share infrastructure and tools, and the fact that Cluster Bravo and Cluster Charlie are moving beyond the original target, we will likely continue to see this campaign evolve - and potentially new locations. We will be monitoring it closely,” he said. Operation Crimson Palace highlights the ongoing threat posed by sophisticated cyber espionage activities targeting critical sectors. Sophos' continuous monitoring and research efforts serve to identify and mitigate these threats, providing early detection and bolstering the security infrastructure of its partners and clients.
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= Story image # Advanced Persistent Threat Protection # Cybersecurity # EDR Sophos unveils Chinese cyber espionage tactics in new report Sophos has unveiled the latest developments in a Chinese cyber espionage campaign in Southeast Asia, as detailed in its report titled “Crimson Palace: New Tools, Tactics, Targets.” The research conducted by Sophos X-Ops reveals three clusters of nation-state activity - named Cluster Alpha, Cluster Bravo, and Cluster Charlie - inside a high-profile government organisation. These clusters have continued their activities over the nearly two-year-long campaign. The report notes a renewed presence of both Cluster Bravo and Cluster Charlie, not only within the initial targeted organisation but also across multiple other entities in the region. An important discovery made during this process is a novel keylogger dubbed “Tattletale.” According to the report, this keylogger impersonates users, collecting information related to password policies, security settings, cached passwords, browser information, and storage data. Paul Jaramillo, director of threat hunting and threat intelligence at Sophos, commented on the adaptive capabilities of these threat actors. “We’ve been in an ongoing chess match with these adversaries. During the initial phases of the operation, Cluster Charlie was deploying various bespoke tools and malware,” he explained. “However, we were able to ‘burn’ much of their previous infrastructure, blocking their Command and Control (C2) tools and forcing them to pivot. This is good; however, their switch to open-source tools demonstrates just how quickly these attacker groups can adapt and remain persistent.” During its initial activity phase from March to August 2023, Cluster Charlie operated within a high-level government organisation. After a brief hiatus, the cluster re-emerged in September 2023 and continued its operations until at least May 2024. In this second phase, the group aimed to evade endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools while gathering more intelligence. The report suggests that the overarching organisation directing these clusters has shifted tactics, increasingly using open-source tools instead of custom-developed malware. Sophos X-Ops has tracked ongoing Cluster Charlie activities across multiple organisations in Southeast Asia. Cluster Bravo, originally active for three weeks in March 2023, reappeared in January 2024 and targeted at least 11 other organisations in the region. Both Cluster Bravo and Cluster Charlie share tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) with known Chinese threat groups Earth Longzhi and Unfading Sea Haze, respectively, indicating coordination among these clusters. Jaramillo noted the increasing coordination and expansion of operations among the clusters. “Not only are we seeing all three of the ‘Crimson Palace’ clusters refine and coordinate their tactics, but they’re also expanding their operations, attempting to infiltrate other targets in Southeast Asia. Given how frequently Chinese nation-state groups share infrastructure and tools, and the fact that Cluster Bravo and Cluster Charlie are moving beyond the original target, we will likely continue to see this campaign evolve - and potentially new locations. We will be monitoring it closely,” he said. Operation Crimson Palace highlights the ongoing threat posed by sophisticated cyber espionage activities targeting critical sectors. Sophos' continuous monitoring and research efforts serve to identify and mitigate these threats, providing early detection and bolstering the security infrastructure of its partners and clients. https://securitybrief.asia/story/sophos-unveils-chinese-cyber-espionage-tactics-in-new-report ================ <QUESTION> ======= Hello, I am looking to organize this article so that I can write a report on it later. To start, I would like you to list out in point form all the activities that Charlie was involved in. ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
EVIDENCE:
Story image # Advanced Persistent Threat Protection # Cybersecurity # EDR Sophos unveils Chinese cyber espionage tactics in new report Sophos has unveiled the latest developments in a Chinese cyber espionage campaign in Southeast Asia, as detailed in its report titled “Crimson Palace: New Tools, Tactics, Targets.” The research conducted by Sophos X-Ops reveals three clusters of nation-state activity - named Cluster Alpha, Cluster Bravo, and Cluster Charlie - inside a high-profile government organisation. These clusters have continued their activities over the nearly two-year-long campaign. The report notes a renewed presence of both Cluster Bravo and Cluster Charlie, not only within the initial targeted organisation but also across multiple other entities in the region. An important discovery made during this process is a novel keylogger dubbed “Tattletale.” According to the report, this keylogger impersonates users, collecting information related to password policies, security settings, cached passwords, browser information, and storage data. Paul Jaramillo, director of threat hunting and threat intelligence at Sophos, commented on the adaptive capabilities of these threat actors. “We’ve been in an ongoing chess match with these adversaries. During the initial phases of the operation, Cluster Charlie was deploying various bespoke tools and malware,” he explained. “However, we were able to ‘burn’ much of their previous infrastructure, blocking their Command and Control (C2) tools and forcing them to pivot. This is good; however, their switch to open-source tools demonstrates just how quickly these attacker groups can adapt and remain persistent.” During its initial activity phase from March to August 2023, Cluster Charlie operated within a high-level government organisation. After a brief hiatus, the cluster re-emerged in September 2023 and continued its operations until at least May 2024. In this second phase, the group aimed to evade endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools while gathering more intelligence. The report suggests that the overarching organisation directing these clusters has shifted tactics, increasingly using open-source tools instead of custom-developed malware. Sophos X-Ops has tracked ongoing Cluster Charlie activities across multiple organisations in Southeast Asia. Cluster Bravo, originally active for three weeks in March 2023, reappeared in January 2024 and targeted at least 11 other organisations in the region. Both Cluster Bravo and Cluster Charlie share tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) with known Chinese threat groups Earth Longzhi and Unfading Sea Haze, respectively, indicating coordination among these clusters. Jaramillo noted the increasing coordination and expansion of operations among the clusters. “Not only are we seeing all three of the ‘Crimson Palace’ clusters refine and coordinate their tactics, but they’re also expanding their operations, attempting to infiltrate other targets in Southeast Asia. Given how frequently Chinese nation-state groups share infrastructure and tools, and the fact that Cluster Bravo and Cluster Charlie are moving beyond the original target, we will likely continue to see this campaign evolve - and potentially new locations. We will be monitoring it closely,” he said. Operation Crimson Palace highlights the ongoing threat posed by sophisticated cyber espionage activities targeting critical sectors. Sophos' continuous monitoring and research efforts serve to identify and mitigate these threats, providing early detection and bolstering the security infrastructure of its partners and clients.
USER:
Hello, I am looking to organize this article so that I can write a report on it later. To start, I would like you to list out in point form all the activities that Charlie was involved in.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 49 | 38 | 518 | null | 662 |
<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
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I have a mid-year presentation coming up in 2 weeks about specific treatments for type 2 diabetes. I need you to compare Insulin Efsitora versus Degludec in Type 2 diabetes without previous insulin treatment.
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Insulin Efsitora versus Degludec in Type 2 Diabetes without Previous Insulin Treatment Authors: Carol Wysham, M.D., Harpreet S. Bajaj, M.D., M.P.H., Stefano Del Prato, M.D. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5388-0270, Denise Reis Franco, M.D., Arihiro Kiyosue, M.D., Ph.D., Dominik Dahl, M.D., Chunmei Zhou, M.S., Molly C. Carr, M.D., Michael Case, M.S., and Livia Firmino Gonçalves, M.D., for the QWINT-2 Investigators*Author Info & Affiliations Published September 10, 2024 Background Insulin efsitora alfa (efsitora) is a new basal insulin designed for once-weekly administration. Data on safety and efficacy have been limited to small, phase 1 or phase 2 trials. Methods We conducted a 52-week, phase 3, parallel-design, open-label, treat-to-target trial involving adults with type 2 diabetes who had not previously received insulin. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive efsitora or degludec. The primary end point was the change in the glycated hemoglobin level from baseline to week 52; we hypothesized that efsitora would be noninferior to degludec (noninferiority margin, 0.4 percentage points). Secondary and safety end points included the change in the glycated hemoglobin level in subgroups of participants using and not using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, the percentage of time that the glucose level was in the target range of 70 to 180 mg per deciliter in weeks 48 through 52, and hypoglycemic episodes. Results A total of 928 participants underwent randomization (466 to the efsitora group and 462 to the degludec group). The mean glycated hemoglobin level decreased from 8.21% at baseline to 6.97% at week 52 with efsitora (least-squares mean change, -1.26 percentage points) and from 8.24% to 7.05% with degludec (least-squares mean change, -1.17 percentage points) (estimated treatment difference, -0.09 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.22 to 0.04), findings that showed noninferiority. Efsitora was noninferior to degludec with respect to the change in the glycated hemoglobin level in participants using and not using GLP-1 receptor agonists. The percentage of time that the glucose level was within the target range was 64.3% with efsitora and 61.2% with degludec (estimated treatment difference, 3.1 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.1 to 6.1). The rate of combined clinically significant or severe hypoglycemia was 0.58 events per participant-year of exposure with efsitora and 0.45 events per participant-year of exposure with degludec (estimated rate ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.78). No severe hypoglycemia was reported with efsitora; six episodes were reported with degludec. The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups. Conclusions In adults with type 2 diabetes who had not previously received insulin, once-weekly efsitora was noninferior to once-daily degludec in reducing glycated hemoglobin levels. (Funded by Eli Lilly; QWINT-2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05362058.) This article was published on September 10, 2024, at NEJM.org. A data sharing statement provided by the authors is available with the full text of this article at NEJM.org. Supported by Eli Lilly. Disclosure forms provided by the authors are available with the full text of this article at NEJM.org. We thank all the trial participants, Juliana Bue-Valleskey (Eli Lilly) for clinical trial design and technical consultation, and Alastair Knights (Eli Lilly) for medical writing assistance with an earlier version of the manuscript. Supplementary Material Protocol (nejmoa2403953_protocol.pdf) 4.65 MB Supplementary Appendix (nejmoa2403953_appendix.pdf) 1.32 MB Disclosure Forms (nejmoa2403953_disclosures.pdf) Download 1.15 MB Data Sharing Statement (nejmoa2403953_data-sharing.pdf) Download 72.16 KB
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> I have a mid-year presentation coming up in 2 weeks about specific treatments for type 2 diabetes. I need you to compare Insulin Efsitora versus Degludec in Type 2 diabetes without previous insulin treatment. <TEXT> Insulin Efsitora versus Degludec in Type 2 Diabetes without Previous Insulin Treatment Authors: Carol Wysham, M.D., Harpreet S. Bajaj, M.D., M.P.H., Stefano Del Prato, M.D. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5388-0270, Denise Reis Franco, M.D., Arihiro Kiyosue, M.D., Ph.D., Dominik Dahl, M.D., Chunmei Zhou, M.S., Molly C. Carr, M.D., Michael Case, M.S., and Livia Firmino Gonçalves, M.D., for the QWINT-2 Investigators*Author Info & Affiliations Published September 10, 2024 Background Insulin efsitora alfa (efsitora) is a new basal insulin designed for once-weekly administration. Data on safety and efficacy have been limited to small, phase 1 or phase 2 trials. Methods We conducted a 52-week, phase 3, parallel-design, open-label, treat-to-target trial involving adults with type 2 diabetes who had not previously received insulin. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive efsitora or degludec. The primary end point was the change in the glycated hemoglobin level from baseline to week 52; we hypothesized that efsitora would be noninferior to degludec (noninferiority margin, 0.4 percentage points). Secondary and safety end points included the change in the glycated hemoglobin level in subgroups of participants using and not using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, the percentage of time that the glucose level was in the target range of 70 to 180 mg per deciliter in weeks 48 through 52, and hypoglycemic episodes. Results A total of 928 participants underwent randomization (466 to the efsitora group and 462 to the degludec group). The mean glycated hemoglobin level decreased from 8.21% at baseline to 6.97% at week 52 with efsitora (least-squares mean change, -1.26 percentage points) and from 8.24% to 7.05% with degludec (least-squares mean change, -1.17 percentage points) (estimated treatment difference, -0.09 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.22 to 0.04), findings that showed noninferiority. Efsitora was noninferior to degludec with respect to the change in the glycated hemoglobin level in participants using and not using GLP-1 receptor agonists. The percentage of time that the glucose level was within the target range was 64.3% with efsitora and 61.2% with degludec (estimated treatment difference, 3.1 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.1 to 6.1). The rate of combined clinically significant or severe hypoglycemia was 0.58 events per participant-year of exposure with efsitora and 0.45 events per participant-year of exposure with degludec (estimated rate ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.78). No severe hypoglycemia was reported with efsitora; six episodes were reported with degludec. The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups. Conclusions In adults with type 2 diabetes who had not previously received insulin, once-weekly efsitora was noninferior to once-daily degludec in reducing glycated hemoglobin levels. (Funded by Eli Lilly; QWINT-2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05362058.) This article was published on September 10, 2024, at NEJM.org. A data sharing statement provided by the authors is available with the full text of this article at NEJM.org. Supported by Eli Lilly. Disclosure forms provided by the authors are available with the full text of this article at NEJM.org. We thank all the trial participants, Juliana Bue-Valleskey (Eli Lilly) for clinical trial design and technical consultation, and Alastair Knights (Eli Lilly) for medical writing assistance with an earlier version of the manuscript. Supplementary Material Protocol (nejmoa2403953_protocol.pdf) 4.65 MB Supplementary Appendix (nejmoa2403953_appendix.pdf) 1.32 MB Disclosure Forms (nejmoa2403953_disclosures.pdf) Download 1.15 MB Data Sharing Statement (nejmoa2403953_data-sharing.pdf) Download 72.16 KB https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2403953
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
EVIDENCE:
Insulin Efsitora versus Degludec in Type 2 Diabetes without Previous Insulin Treatment Authors: Carol Wysham, M.D., Harpreet S. Bajaj, M.D., M.P.H., Stefano Del Prato, M.D. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5388-0270, Denise Reis Franco, M.D., Arihiro Kiyosue, M.D., Ph.D., Dominik Dahl, M.D., Chunmei Zhou, M.S., Molly C. Carr, M.D., Michael Case, M.S., and Livia Firmino Gonçalves, M.D., for the QWINT-2 Investigators*Author Info & Affiliations Published September 10, 2024 Background Insulin efsitora alfa (efsitora) is a new basal insulin designed for once-weekly administration. Data on safety and efficacy have been limited to small, phase 1 or phase 2 trials. Methods We conducted a 52-week, phase 3, parallel-design, open-label, treat-to-target trial involving adults with type 2 diabetes who had not previously received insulin. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive efsitora or degludec. The primary end point was the change in the glycated hemoglobin level from baseline to week 52; we hypothesized that efsitora would be noninferior to degludec (noninferiority margin, 0.4 percentage points). Secondary and safety end points included the change in the glycated hemoglobin level in subgroups of participants using and not using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, the percentage of time that the glucose level was in the target range of 70 to 180 mg per deciliter in weeks 48 through 52, and hypoglycemic episodes. Results A total of 928 participants underwent randomization (466 to the efsitora group and 462 to the degludec group). The mean glycated hemoglobin level decreased from 8.21% at baseline to 6.97% at week 52 with efsitora (least-squares mean change, -1.26 percentage points) and from 8.24% to 7.05% with degludec (least-squares mean change, -1.17 percentage points) (estimated treatment difference, -0.09 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.22 to 0.04), findings that showed noninferiority. Efsitora was noninferior to degludec with respect to the change in the glycated hemoglobin level in participants using and not using GLP-1 receptor agonists. The percentage of time that the glucose level was within the target range was 64.3% with efsitora and 61.2% with degludec (estimated treatment difference, 3.1 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.1 to 6.1). The rate of combined clinically significant or severe hypoglycemia was 0.58 events per participant-year of exposure with efsitora and 0.45 events per participant-year of exposure with degludec (estimated rate ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.78). No severe hypoglycemia was reported with efsitora; six episodes were reported with degludec. The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups. Conclusions In adults with type 2 diabetes who had not previously received insulin, once-weekly efsitora was noninferior to once-daily degludec in reducing glycated hemoglobin levels. (Funded by Eli Lilly; QWINT-2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05362058.) This article was published on September 10, 2024, at NEJM.org. A data sharing statement provided by the authors is available with the full text of this article at NEJM.org. Supported by Eli Lilly. Disclosure forms provided by the authors are available with the full text of this article at NEJM.org. We thank all the trial participants, Juliana Bue-Valleskey (Eli Lilly) for clinical trial design and technical consultation, and Alastair Knights (Eli Lilly) for medical writing assistance with an earlier version of the manuscript. Supplementary Material Protocol (nejmoa2403953_protocol.pdf) 4.65 MB Supplementary Appendix (nejmoa2403953_appendix.pdf) 1.32 MB Disclosure Forms (nejmoa2403953_disclosures.pdf) Download 1.15 MB Data Sharing Statement (nejmoa2403953_data-sharing.pdf) Download 72.16 KB
USER:
I have a mid-year presentation coming up in 2 weeks about specific treatments for type 2 diabetes. I need you to compare Insulin Efsitora versus Degludec in Type 2 diabetes without previous insulin treatment.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| true | 20 | 34 | 542 | null | 211 |
Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. [user request] [context document]
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Explain in layman's terms the events related to the settlement of the case. Specifically, I want to know why it took so long from the order to mediate in July to a settlement agreement being proposed.
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RECITALS A. On January 31, 2012, a federal multidistrict litigation was established in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, In re: National Football League Players’ Concussion Injury Litigation, MDL No. 2323. Plaintiffs in MDL No. 2323 filed a Master Administrative Long-Form Complaint and a Master Administrative Class Action Complaint for Medical Monitoring on June 7, 2012. Plaintiffs filed an Amended Master Administrative Long-Form Complaint on July 17, 2012. Additional similar lawsuits are pending in various state and federal courts. B. The lawsuits arise from the alleged effects of mild traumatic brain injury allegedly caused by the concussive and sub-concussive impacts experienced by former NFL Football players. Plaintiffs seek to hold the NFL Parties responsible for their alleged injuries under various theories of liability, including that the NFL Parties allegedly breached a duty to NFL Football players to warn and protect them from the long-term health problems associated with concussions and that the NFL Parties allegedly concealed and misrepresented the connection between concussions and long term chronic brain injury. C. On August 30, 2012, the NFL Parties filed motions to dismiss the Master Administrative Class Action Complaint for Medical Monitoring and the Amended Master Administrative Long-Form Complaint on preemption grounds. Plaintiffs filed their oppositions to the motions on October 31, 2012, the NFL Parties filed reply memoranda of law on December 17, 2012, and plaintiffs filed sur reply memoranda of law on January 28, 2013. Oral argument on the NFL Parties’ motions to dismiss on preemption grounds was held on April 9, 2013. D. On July 8, 2013, prior to ruling on the motions to dismiss, the Court ordered the plaintiffs and NFL Parties to engage in mediation to determine if consensual resolution was possible and appointed retired United States District Court Judge Layn Phillips of Irell & Manella LLP as mediator. E. Over the course of the following two months, the Parties, by and through their respective counsel, engaged in settlement negotiations under the direction of Judge Phillips. On August 29, 2013, the Parties signed a settlement term sheet setting forth the material terms of a settlement agreement. On the same day, the Court issued an order deferring a ruling on the NFL Parties’ motions to dismiss and ordering the Parties to submit, as soon as possible, the full documentation relating to the settlement, along with a motion seeking preliminary approval of the settlement and notice plan. On December 16, 2013, the Court appointed a special master, Perry Golkin (“Special Master Golkin”), to assist the Court in evaluating the financial aspects of the proposed settlement. F. On January 6, 2014, Class Counsel moved the Court for an order, among other things, granting preliminary approval of the proposed settlement and conditionally certifying a settlement class and subclasses. On January 14, 2014, the Court denied that motion without prejudice. G. In conjunction with the January 2014 filing of the proposed settlement agreement, and this Settlement Agreement, the Class and Subclass Representatives filed Plaintiffs’ Class Action Complaint (“Class Action Complaint”) on January 6, 2014. In the Class Action Complaint, the Class and Subclass Representatives allege claims for equitable, injunctive and declaratory relief pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 23(a)(1-4) & (b)(2), or, alternatively, for compensatory damages pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(b)(3), for negligence, negligent hiring, negligent retention, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, fraudulent concealment, medical monitoring, wrongful death and survival, and loss of consortium, all under state law. H. The NFL Parties deny the Class and Subclass Representatives’ allegations, and the allegations in Related Lawsuits, and deny any liability to the Class and Subclass Representatives, the Settlement Class, or any Settlement Class Member for any claims, causes of action, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, or damages of any kind, and would assert a number of substantial legal and factual defenses against plaintiffs’ claims if they were litigated to conclusion. I. The Class and Subclass Representatives, through their counsel, have engaged in substantial fact gathering to evaluate the merits of their claims and the NFL Parties’ defenses. In addition, the Class and Subclass Representatives have analyzed the legal issues raised by their claims and the NFL Parties’ defenses, including, without limitation, the NFL Parties’ motions to dismiss the Amended Master Administrative Long-Form Complaint and Master Administrative Class Action Complaint on preemption grounds. J. After careful consideration, the Class and Subclass Representatives, and their respective Counsel, have concluded that it is in the best interests of the Class and Subclass Representatives and the Settlement Class and Subclasses to compromise and settle all Released Claims against the Released Parties for consideration reflected in the terms and benefits of this Settlement Agreement. After arm’s length negotiations with Counsel for the NFL Parties, including through the efforts of the court-appointed mediator and Special Master Golkin, the Class and Subclass Representatives have considered, among other things: (1) the complexity, expense, and likely duration of the litigation; (2) the stage of the litigation and amount of fact gathering completed; (3) the potential for the NFL Parties to prevail on threshold issues and on the merits; and (4) the range of possible recovery, and have determined that this Settlement Agreement is fair, reasonable, adequate, and in the best interests of the Class and Subclass Representatives and the Settlement Class and Subclasses. K. The NFL Parties have concluded, in light of the costs, risks, and burden of litigation, that this Settlement Agreement in this complex putative class action litigation is appropriate. The NFL Parties and Counsel for the NFL Parties agree with the Class and Subclass Representatives and their respective counsel that this Settlement Agreement is a fair, reasonable, and adequate resolution of the Released Claims. The NFL Parties reached this conclusion after considering the factual and legal issues relating to the litigation, the substantial benefits of this Settlement Agreement, the expense that would be necessary to defend claims by Settlement Class Members through trial and any appeals that might be taken, the benefits of disposing of protracted and complex litigation, and the desire of the NFL Parties to conduct their business unhampered by the costs, distraction and risks of continued litigation over Released Claims. L. The Parties desire to settle, compromise, and resolve fully all Released Claims. M. The Parties desire and intend to seek Court review and approval of the Settlement Agreement, and, upon preliminary approval by the Court, the Parties intend to seek a Final Order and Judgment from the Court dismissing with prejudice the Class Action Complaint and ordering the dismissal with prejudice of Related Lawsuits. N. This Settlement Agreement will not be construed as evidence of, or as an admission by, the NFL Parties of any liability or wrongdoing whatsoever or as an admission by the Class or Subclass Representatives, or Settlement Class Members, of any lack of merit in their claims.
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Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. Explain in layman's terms the events related to the settlement of the case. Specifically, I want to know why it took so long from the order to mediate in July to a settlement agreement being proposed. RECITALS A. On January 31, 2012, a federal multidistrict litigation was established in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, In re: National Football League Players’ Concussion Injury Litigation, MDL No. 2323. Plaintiffs in MDL No. 2323 filed a Master Administrative Long-Form Complaint and a Master Administrative Class Action Complaint for Medical Monitoring on June 7, 2012. Plaintiffs filed an Amended Master Administrative Long-Form Complaint on July 17, 2012. Additional similar lawsuits are pending in various state and federal courts. B. The lawsuits arise from the alleged effects of mild traumatic brain injury allegedly caused by the concussive and sub-concussive impacts experienced by former NFL Football players. Plaintiffs seek to hold the NFL Parties responsible for their alleged injuries under various theories of liability, including that the NFL Parties allegedly breached a duty to NFL Football players to warn and protect them from the long-term health problems associated with concussions and that the NFL Parties allegedly concealed and misrepresented the connection between concussions and long term chronic brain injury. C. On August 30, 2012, the NFL Parties filed motions to dismiss the Master Administrative Class Action Complaint for Medical Monitoring and the Amended Master Administrative Long-Form Complaint on preemption grounds. Plaintiffs filed their oppositions to the motions on October 31, 2012, the NFL Parties filed reply memoranda of law on December 17, 2012, and plaintiffs filed sur reply memoranda of law on January 28, 2013. Oral argument on the NFL Parties’ motions to dismiss on preemption grounds was held on April 9, 2013. D. On July 8, 2013, prior to ruling on the motions to dismiss, the Court ordered the plaintiffs and NFL Parties to engage in mediation to determine if consensual resolution was possible and appointed retired United States District Court Judge Layn Phillips of Irell & Manella LLP as mediator. E. Over the course of the following two months, the Parties, by and through their respective counsel, engaged in settlement negotiations under the direction of Judge Phillips. On August 29, 2013, the Parties signed a settlement term sheet setting forth the material terms of a settlement agreement. On the same day, the Court issued an order deferring a ruling on the NFL Parties’ motions to dismiss and ordering the Parties to submit, as soon as possible, the full documentation relating to the settlement, along with a motion seeking preliminary approval of the settlement and notice plan. On December 16, 2013, the Court appointed a special master, Perry Golkin (“Special Master Golkin”), to assist the Court in evaluating the financial aspects of the proposed settlement. F. On January 6, 2014, Class Counsel moved the Court for an order, among other things, granting preliminary approval of the proposed settlement and conditionally certifying a settlement class and subclasses. On January 14, 2014, the Court denied that motion without prejudice. G. In conjunction with the January 2014 filing of the proposed settlement agreement, and this Settlement Agreement, the Class and Subclass Representatives filed Plaintiffs’ Class Action Complaint (“Class Action Complaint”) on January 6, 2014. In the Class Action Complaint, the Class and Subclass Representatives allege claims for equitable, injunctive and declaratory relief pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 23(a)(1-4) & (b)(2), or, alternatively, for compensatory damages pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(b)(3), for negligence, negligent hiring, negligent retention, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, fraudulent concealment, medical monitoring, wrongful death and survival, and loss of consortium, all under state law. H. The NFL Parties deny the Class and Subclass Representatives’ allegations, and the allegations in Related Lawsuits, and deny any liability to the Class and Subclass Representatives, the Settlement Class, or any Settlement Class Member for any claims, causes of action, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, or damages of any kind, and would assert a number of substantial legal and factual defenses against plaintiffs’ claims if they were litigated to conclusion. I. The Class and Subclass Representatives, through their counsel, have engaged in substantial fact gathering to evaluate the merits of their claims and the NFL Parties’ defenses. In addition, the Class and Subclass Representatives have analyzed the legal issues raised by their claims and the NFL Parties’ defenses, including, without limitation, the NFL Parties’ motions to dismiss the Amended Master Administrative Long-Form Complaint and Master Administrative Class Action Complaint on preemption grounds. J. After careful consideration, the Class and Subclass Representatives, and their respective Counsel, have concluded that it is in the best interests of the Class and Subclass Representatives and the Settlement Class and Subclasses to compromise and settle all Released Claims against the Released Parties for consideration reflected in the terms and benefits of this Settlement Agreement. After arm’s length negotiations with Counsel for the NFL Parties, including through the efforts of the court-appointed mediator and Special Master Golkin, the Class and Subclass Representatives have considered, among other things: (1) the complexity, expense, and likely duration of the litigation; (2) the stage of the litigation and amount of fact gathering completed; (3) the potential for the NFL Parties to prevail on threshold issues and on the merits; and (4) the range of possible recovery, and have determined that this Settlement Agreement is fair, reasonable, adequate, and in the best interests of the Class and Subclass Representatives and the Settlement Class and Subclasses. K. The NFL Parties have concluded, in light of the costs, risks, and burden of litigation, that this Settlement Agreement in this complex putative class action litigation is appropriate. The NFL Parties and Counsel for the NFL Parties agree with the Class and Subclass Representatives and their respective counsel that this Settlement Agreement is a fair, reasonable, and adequate resolution of the Released Claims. The NFL Parties reached this conclusion after considering the factual and legal issues relating to the litigation, the substantial benefits of this Settlement Agreement, the expense that would be necessary to defend claims by Settlement Class Members through trial and any appeals that might be taken, the benefits of disposing of protracted and complex litigation, and the desire of the NFL Parties to conduct their business unhampered by the costs, distraction and risks of continued litigation over Released Claims. L. The Parties desire to settle, compromise, and resolve fully all Released Claims. M. The Parties desire and intend to seek Court review and approval of the Settlement Agreement, and, upon preliminary approval by the Court, the Parties intend to seek a Final Order and Judgment from the Court dismissing with prejudice the Class Action Complaint and ordering the dismissal with prejudice of Related Lawsuits. N. This Settlement Agreement will not be construed as evidence of, or as an admission by, the NFL Parties of any liability or wrongdoing whatsoever or as an admission by the Class or Subclass Representatives, or Settlement Class Members, of any lack of merit in their claims. https://www.nflconcussionsettlement.com/Documents/Class_Action_Settlement_Agreement_with_Exhibits.pdf
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Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. [user request] [context document]
EVIDENCE:
RECITALS A. On January 31, 2012, a federal multidistrict litigation was established in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, In re: National Football League Players’ Concussion Injury Litigation, MDL No. 2323. Plaintiffs in MDL No. 2323 filed a Master Administrative Long-Form Complaint and a Master Administrative Class Action Complaint for Medical Monitoring on June 7, 2012. Plaintiffs filed an Amended Master Administrative Long-Form Complaint on July 17, 2012. Additional similar lawsuits are pending in various state and federal courts. B. The lawsuits arise from the alleged effects of mild traumatic brain injury allegedly caused by the concussive and sub-concussive impacts experienced by former NFL Football players. Plaintiffs seek to hold the NFL Parties responsible for their alleged injuries under various theories of liability, including that the NFL Parties allegedly breached a duty to NFL Football players to warn and protect them from the long-term health problems associated with concussions and that the NFL Parties allegedly concealed and misrepresented the connection between concussions and long term chronic brain injury. C. On August 30, 2012, the NFL Parties filed motions to dismiss the Master Administrative Class Action Complaint for Medical Monitoring and the Amended Master Administrative Long-Form Complaint on preemption grounds. Plaintiffs filed their oppositions to the motions on October 31, 2012, the NFL Parties filed reply memoranda of law on December 17, 2012, and plaintiffs filed sur reply memoranda of law on January 28, 2013. Oral argument on the NFL Parties’ motions to dismiss on preemption grounds was held on April 9, 2013. D. On July 8, 2013, prior to ruling on the motions to dismiss, the Court ordered the plaintiffs and NFL Parties to engage in mediation to determine if consensual resolution was possible and appointed retired United States District Court Judge Layn Phillips of Irell & Manella LLP as mediator. E. Over the course of the following two months, the Parties, by and through their respective counsel, engaged in settlement negotiations under the direction of Judge Phillips. On August 29, 2013, the Parties signed a settlement term sheet setting forth the material terms of a settlement agreement. On the same day, the Court issued an order deferring a ruling on the NFL Parties’ motions to dismiss and ordering the Parties to submit, as soon as possible, the full documentation relating to the settlement, along with a motion seeking preliminary approval of the settlement and notice plan. On December 16, 2013, the Court appointed a special master, Perry Golkin (“Special Master Golkin”), to assist the Court in evaluating the financial aspects of the proposed settlement. F. On January 6, 2014, Class Counsel moved the Court for an order, among other things, granting preliminary approval of the proposed settlement and conditionally certifying a settlement class and subclasses. On January 14, 2014, the Court denied that motion without prejudice. G. In conjunction with the January 2014 filing of the proposed settlement agreement, and this Settlement Agreement, the Class and Subclass Representatives filed Plaintiffs’ Class Action Complaint (“Class Action Complaint”) on January 6, 2014. In the Class Action Complaint, the Class and Subclass Representatives allege claims for equitable, injunctive and declaratory relief pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 23(a)(1-4) & (b)(2), or, alternatively, for compensatory damages pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(b)(3), for negligence, negligent hiring, negligent retention, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, fraudulent concealment, medical monitoring, wrongful death and survival, and loss of consortium, all under state law. H. The NFL Parties deny the Class and Subclass Representatives’ allegations, and the allegations in Related Lawsuits, and deny any liability to the Class and Subclass Representatives, the Settlement Class, or any Settlement Class Member for any claims, causes of action, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, or damages of any kind, and would assert a number of substantial legal and factual defenses against plaintiffs’ claims if they were litigated to conclusion. I. The Class and Subclass Representatives, through their counsel, have engaged in substantial fact gathering to evaluate the merits of their claims and the NFL Parties’ defenses. In addition, the Class and Subclass Representatives have analyzed the legal issues raised by their claims and the NFL Parties’ defenses, including, without limitation, the NFL Parties’ motions to dismiss the Amended Master Administrative Long-Form Complaint and Master Administrative Class Action Complaint on preemption grounds. J. After careful consideration, the Class and Subclass Representatives, and their respective Counsel, have concluded that it is in the best interests of the Class and Subclass Representatives and the Settlement Class and Subclasses to compromise and settle all Released Claims against the Released Parties for consideration reflected in the terms and benefits of this Settlement Agreement. After arm’s length negotiations with Counsel for the NFL Parties, including through the efforts of the court-appointed mediator and Special Master Golkin, the Class and Subclass Representatives have considered, among other things: (1) the complexity, expense, and likely duration of the litigation; (2) the stage of the litigation and amount of fact gathering completed; (3) the potential for the NFL Parties to prevail on threshold issues and on the merits; and (4) the range of possible recovery, and have determined that this Settlement Agreement is fair, reasonable, adequate, and in the best interests of the Class and Subclass Representatives and the Settlement Class and Subclasses. K. The NFL Parties have concluded, in light of the costs, risks, and burden of litigation, that this Settlement Agreement in this complex putative class action litigation is appropriate. The NFL Parties and Counsel for the NFL Parties agree with the Class and Subclass Representatives and their respective counsel that this Settlement Agreement is a fair, reasonable, and adequate resolution of the Released Claims. The NFL Parties reached this conclusion after considering the factual and legal issues relating to the litigation, the substantial benefits of this Settlement Agreement, the expense that would be necessary to defend claims by Settlement Class Members through trial and any appeals that might be taken, the benefits of disposing of protracted and complex litigation, and the desire of the NFL Parties to conduct their business unhampered by the costs, distraction and risks of continued litigation over Released Claims. L. The Parties desire to settle, compromise, and resolve fully all Released Claims. M. The Parties desire and intend to seek Court review and approval of the Settlement Agreement, and, upon preliminary approval by the Court, the Parties intend to seek a Final Order and Judgment from the Court dismissing with prejudice the Class Action Complaint and ordering the dismissal with prejudice of Related Lawsuits. N. This Settlement Agreement will not be construed as evidence of, or as an admission by, the NFL Parties of any liability or wrongdoing whatsoever or as an admission by the Class or Subclass Representatives, or Settlement Class Members, of any lack of merit in their claims.
USER:
Explain in layman's terms the events related to the settlement of the case. Specifically, I want to know why it took so long from the order to mediate in July to a settlement agreement being proposed.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 24 | 36 | 1,131 | null | 309 |
System Instructions: * Use only information provided to you: do not rely on external sources or prior knowledge. * Respond with a bulleted list. * Do not include any filler or explanations. * If you are unable to find the information requested within the context provided, say so instead of trying to answer.
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Question: Find and summarize the most common symptoms of narcolepsy, using two or three sentences each.
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Context: Narcolepsy Symptoms Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Excessive daytime sleepiness, or EDS, is the inability to stay awake and alert during the day, resulting in unintended lapses into drowsiness or sleep. • Every patient with narcolepsy has EDS, and it is often the first symptom. • When describing this symptom, patients may say that they: – Have a hard time staying awake while doing everyday things – Are tired or fatigued – Have trouble concentrating or staying focused – Are forgetful or have poor memory – Have mood changes or get upset easily • EDS may be disabling because of the high risk of falling asleep—or having a “sleep attack”—while you are doing everyday things, such as: – Sitting and reading – Riding in a car – Stopped in traffic while driving a car – Talking to someone • You may take daytime naps, but these naps likely only help you feel refreshed for a short period of time. Cataplexy Cataplexy is a sudden, brief loss of muscle strength or control triggered by strong emotions. • Cataplexy may cause a sudden feeling of weakness. • Cataplectic attacks are not the same in everyone. – Usually, attacks affect only certain muscle groups, such as the arms, neck, or face. You may not even recognize these subtle attacks, but your friends or family may notice them. – Less commonly, you can have weakness in your whole body and fall to the ground. – The type of cataplexy attack experienced by one person is usually the same (eg, head dropping). • Attacks are often triggered by: – Sudden, strong emotions such as happiness, laughter, surprise, or anger – Hearing or telling a joke • These attacks usually last for only a short time—from a few seconds to several minutes. • All people with cataplexy do not have the same number of attacks. For some people, they are rare. Other people have many attacks each day. Sleep Paralysis Sleep paralysis is the brief inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up. This can be a distressing or terrifying experience. During sleep paralysis, you can experience: • Eye fluttering • Moaning • Limb numbness or tingling • Rapid or strong heartbeat • Sweating • Sensation of struggling to move • Chest pressure • Difficulty breathing Episodes usually last seconds to minutes and can end by themselves or from being touched, shaken, or spoken to, or after trying hard to move. Sleep paralysis sometimes accompanies hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucinations, other symptoms of narcolepsy. Disrupted Nighttime Sleep It’s normal to wake up during the night once in a while. But when you have disrupted sleep associated with narcolepsy, it means you often fall asleep quickly but wake up frequently throughout the night. • With disrupted nighttime sleep, you may: – Fall asleep easily but have trouble staying asleep for long periods of time – Report poor-quality sleep Hypnagogic/Hypnopompic Hallucinations Hypnagogic hallucinations are vivid dreamlike experiences that occur while you are falling asleep. When they occur while waking up, they are called hypnopompic hallucinations. • These hallucinations may be mistaken for nightmares. • These hallucinations may also occur with “sleep paralysis.” • You may have experiences such as: – Hearing sounds or words when drifting off to sleep – Having a strong feeling that someone or something is in the room – Seeing people or creatures near you or even lying in your bed • These events are usually frightening or disturbing. • Anyone can have one of these hallucinations at some time in his or her life. However, if you have them regularly, it could be a sign of narcolepsy.
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System Instructions: * Use only information provided to you: do not rely on external sources or prior knowledge. * Respond with a bulleted list. * Do not include any filler or explanations. * If you are unable to find the information requested within the context provided, say so instead of trying to answer. Context: Narcolepsy Symptoms Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Excessive daytime sleepiness, or EDS, is the inability to stay awake and alert during the day, resulting in unintended lapses into drowsiness or sleep. • Every patient with narcolepsy has EDS, and it is often the first symptom. • When describing this symptom, patients may say that they: – Have a hard time staying awake while doing everyday things – Are tired or fatigued – Have trouble concentrating or staying focused – Are forgetful or have poor memory – Have mood changes or get upset easily • EDS may be disabling because of the high risk of falling asleep—or having a “sleep attack”—while you are doing everyday things, such as: – Sitting and reading – Riding in a car – Stopped in traffic while driving a car – Talking to someone • You may take daytime naps, but these naps likely only help you feel refreshed for a short period of time. Cataplexy Cataplexy is a sudden, brief loss of muscle strength or control triggered by strong emotions. • Cataplexy may cause a sudden feeling of weakness. • Cataplectic attacks are not the same in everyone. – Usually, attacks affect only certain muscle groups, such as the arms, neck, or face. You may not even recognize these subtle attacks, but your friends or family may notice them. – Less commonly, you can have weakness in your whole body and fall to the ground. – The type of cataplexy attack experienced by one person is usually the same (eg, head dropping). • Attacks are often triggered by: – Sudden, strong emotions such as happiness, laughter, surprise, or anger – Hearing or telling a joke • These attacks usually last for only a short time—from a few seconds to several minutes. • All people with cataplexy do not have the same number of attacks. For some people, they are rare. Other people have many attacks each day. Sleep Paralysis Sleep paralysis is the brief inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up. This can be a distressing or terrifying experience. During sleep paralysis, you can experience: • Eye fluttering • Moaning • Limb numbness or tingling • Rapid or strong heartbeat • Sweating • Sensation of struggling to move • Chest pressure • Difficulty breathing Episodes usually last seconds to minutes and can end by themselves or from being touched, shaken, or spoken to, or after trying hard to move. Sleep paralysis sometimes accompanies hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucinations, other symptoms of narcolepsy. Disrupted Nighttime Sleep It’s normal to wake up during the night once in a while. But when you have disrupted sleep associated with narcolepsy, it means you often fall asleep quickly but wake up frequently throughout the night. • With disrupted nighttime sleep, you may: – Fall asleep easily but have trouble staying asleep for long periods of time – Report poor-quality sleep Hypnagogic/Hypnopompic Hallucinations Hypnagogic hallucinations are vivid dreamlike experiences that occur while you are falling asleep. When they occur while waking up, they are called hypnopompic hallucinations. • These hallucinations may be mistaken for nightmares. • These hallucinations may also occur with “sleep paralysis.” • You may have experiences such as: – Hearing sounds or words when drifting off to sleep – Having a strong feeling that someone or something is in the room – Seeing people or creatures near you or even lying in your bed • These events are usually frightening or disturbing. • Anyone can have one of these hallucinations at some time in his or her life. However, if you have them regularly, it could be a sign of narcolepsy. Question: Find and summarize the most common symptoms of narcolepsy, using two or three sentences each.
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System Instructions: * Use only information provided to you: do not rely on external sources or prior knowledge. * Respond with a bulleted list. * Do not include any filler or explanations. * If you are unable to find the information requested within the context provided, say so instead of trying to answer.
EVIDENCE:
Context: Narcolepsy Symptoms Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Excessive daytime sleepiness, or EDS, is the inability to stay awake and alert during the day, resulting in unintended lapses into drowsiness or sleep. • Every patient with narcolepsy has EDS, and it is often the first symptom. • When describing this symptom, patients may say that they: – Have a hard time staying awake while doing everyday things – Are tired or fatigued – Have trouble concentrating or staying focused – Are forgetful or have poor memory – Have mood changes or get upset easily • EDS may be disabling because of the high risk of falling asleep—or having a “sleep attack”—while you are doing everyday things, such as: – Sitting and reading – Riding in a car – Stopped in traffic while driving a car – Talking to someone • You may take daytime naps, but these naps likely only help you feel refreshed for a short period of time. Cataplexy Cataplexy is a sudden, brief loss of muscle strength or control triggered by strong emotions. • Cataplexy may cause a sudden feeling of weakness. • Cataplectic attacks are not the same in everyone. – Usually, attacks affect only certain muscle groups, such as the arms, neck, or face. You may not even recognize these subtle attacks, but your friends or family may notice them. – Less commonly, you can have weakness in your whole body and fall to the ground. – The type of cataplexy attack experienced by one person is usually the same (eg, head dropping). • Attacks are often triggered by: – Sudden, strong emotions such as happiness, laughter, surprise, or anger – Hearing or telling a joke • These attacks usually last for only a short time—from a few seconds to several minutes. • All people with cataplexy do not have the same number of attacks. For some people, they are rare. Other people have many attacks each day. Sleep Paralysis Sleep paralysis is the brief inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up. This can be a distressing or terrifying experience. During sleep paralysis, you can experience: • Eye fluttering • Moaning • Limb numbness or tingling • Rapid or strong heartbeat • Sweating • Sensation of struggling to move • Chest pressure • Difficulty breathing Episodes usually last seconds to minutes and can end by themselves or from being touched, shaken, or spoken to, or after trying hard to move. Sleep paralysis sometimes accompanies hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucinations, other symptoms of narcolepsy. Disrupted Nighttime Sleep It’s normal to wake up during the night once in a while. But when you have disrupted sleep associated with narcolepsy, it means you often fall asleep quickly but wake up frequently throughout the night. • With disrupted nighttime sleep, you may: – Fall asleep easily but have trouble staying asleep for long periods of time – Report poor-quality sleep Hypnagogic/Hypnopompic Hallucinations Hypnagogic hallucinations are vivid dreamlike experiences that occur while you are falling asleep. When they occur while waking up, they are called hypnopompic hallucinations. • These hallucinations may be mistaken for nightmares. • These hallucinations may also occur with “sleep paralysis.” • You may have experiences such as: – Hearing sounds or words when drifting off to sleep – Having a strong feeling that someone or something is in the room – Seeing people or creatures near you or even lying in your bed • These events are usually frightening or disturbing. • Anyone can have one of these hallucinations at some time in his or her life. However, if you have them regularly, it could be a sign of narcolepsy.
USER:
Question: Find and summarize the most common symptoms of narcolepsy, using two or three sentences each.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 53 | 16 | 605 | null | 408 |
You must only use the context to answer the question. You must respond in a bullet point list. The list can be divided into sections.
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What are all the contexts when it is right for testing for leptospirosis in dogs specifically?
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Description of the disease: Leptospirosis is a transmissible disease of animals and humans caused by infection with any of the pathogenic members of the genus Leptospira. Acute leptospirosis should be suspected in the following cases: sudden onset of agalactia (in adult milking cattle and sheep); icterus and haemoglobinuria, especially in young animals; meningitis; and acute renal failure or jaundice in dogs. Chronic leptospirosis should be considered in the following cases: abortion, stillbirth, birth of weak offspring (may be premature); infertility; chronic renal failure or chronic active hepatitis in dogs; and cases of periodic ophthalmia in horses.
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System instruction: You must only use the context to answer the question. You must respond in a bullet point list. The list can be divided into sections. Question: What are all the contexts when it is right for testing for leptospirosis in dogs specifically? Context: Description of the disease: Leptospirosis is a transmissible disease of animals and humans caused by infection with any of the pathogenic members of the genus Leptospira. Acute leptospirosis should be suspected in the following cases: sudden onset of agalactia (in adult milking cattle and sheep); icterus and haemoglobinuria, especially in young animals; meningitis; and acute renal failure or jaundice in dogs. Chronic leptospirosis should be considered in the following cases: abortion, stillbirth, birth of weak offspring (may be premature); infertility; chronic renal failure or chronic active hepatitis in dogs; and cases of periodic ophthalmia in horses.
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You must only use the context to answer the question. You must respond in a bullet point list. The list can be divided into sections.
EVIDENCE:
Description of the disease: Leptospirosis is a transmissible disease of animals and humans caused by infection with any of the pathogenic members of the genus Leptospira. Acute leptospirosis should be suspected in the following cases: sudden onset of agalactia (in adult milking cattle and sheep); icterus and haemoglobinuria, especially in young animals; meningitis; and acute renal failure or jaundice in dogs. Chronic leptospirosis should be considered in the following cases: abortion, stillbirth, birth of weak offspring (may be premature); infertility; chronic renal failure or chronic active hepatitis in dogs; and cases of periodic ophthalmia in horses.
USER:
What are all the contexts when it is right for testing for leptospirosis in dogs specifically?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 25 | 16 | 96 | null | 3 |
[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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I recently acquired a collection of about 50 glass plate photographs, and I want to digitize them. Please list and give detailed descriptions of the steps needed to do this. Also include a list of equipment I'll need.
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Digitizing Glass Plate Photography Digitization refers to the process of creating digital images of physical items, yet this process requires many steps. And while the equipment needed for digitizing glass photographs exists in a variety of price points, the basic tenets remain the same: imaging, editing, describing (with metadata), archiving, and sharing. Imaging To image glass photographs, it is necessary to have a camera and a light source, as glass photographs must be backlit to render the images visible. Best practices recommend a flat lightboard for consistent illumination, a camera copy stand, and a camera with focus peaking and aperture priority to achieve the highest quality images. For the lightboard, also known as a light table, it is recommended to use one with a coloring rendering index of 90+ and 5000-5500k light temperature. Cameras should be mounted to the copy stand with overhead mounts to ensure consistent imaging; best practice is to use a level to ensure the camera and light table are parallel to each other. Editing While editing images for commercial or marketing practices is acceptable, editing photographs of physical items for archival purposes is typically not recommended. To edit the images for archival purposes, it is best practice to make only minimal adjustments, such as converting negatives to positives. For copies of the digitized images to be used for marketing purposes, etc., it is acceptable to edit the contrast, exposure, brightness, etc. or to touchup breaks in the glass or emulsion. It is also acceptable at this phase to add watermarks or logos to copies of the digitized images, however this should again only be done with non-archival copies of the images. Description—Metadata The metadata for glass photographs may come in the form of supplemental materials; institutional, personal, or expert knowledge; or may even be on the plates themselves, written onto the paper edgings or directly on the glass. Metadata from this information can be created for the entire collection, specific boxes or containers, individual images, or a combination thereof. This information not only helps users in the search and discovery phases of seeking digitized images, but it also helps organize and adds context and provenance to digital images. Workflows for adding metadata vary. Some prefer to work with the metadata after the glass photographs are imaged, while others prefer to have the metadata completely organized before imaging. The timing of metadata inclusion must be made by considering the conditions of the glass photographs and their storage facilities, the level of metadata available, and the availability of staff dedicated to the process. The best way to add metadata to digitized images is to use a program that embeds metadata within the image. This guarantees that the metadata is always connected to the image and can be extracted from the EXIF data. Adobe Lightroom and similar programs can perform this function. In addition, it is also helpful to keep local files, software, or databases that detail the metadata associated with the images in the glass photographs. Storage—Digital Archives To archive the digitized images, it is important to follow the 3-2-1 digital preservation standard by saving three copies of every digital image, in two different file formats, with one copy saved in a different location. RAW or TIFF file types are best for long-term storage because they are less prone to bit-rot and therefore less likely to degrade over time. Uncompressed TIFF files are typically quite large, which allows for printing at considerable scale without pixelating, however they also take up much more storage space. These file formats are typically best saved in rarely used storage locations, as their size slows down most computing processes, and the full-size uncompressed images are not frequently needed for everyday use. In practice, the authors have found it best to take the initial images of the glass plates in RAW format, and then save additional copies in compressed file formats. Commonly used compressed file formats include JPEG and PNG. These files are smaller and load faster on websites and computers, which allows for easier shared use. Sharing Finally, it is important to share digitized images of glass photographs, both to educate others on the unique existence of these items while also limiting contact and handling. For the authors, sharing digitized images and the standards for doing so are the key additions to the updated literature on best practices for glass photographs. Much of the previous literature was written at least a decade ago, and much has changed in the information and communication technology landscape in that time. For glass photograph imaging projects, it is necessary to create multiple points of access to the visual and historical information obtained from these glass plates. Publishing collection information in multimedia form creates a rich resource for researchers and specialists. Images accompanying textual records enhance the collections for audiences of different ages and interests across the world and create a basic resource for interpretative applications to be built on. Work in digital humanities, digital archives, and museum informatics can attest to the audience for and varied applications of these materials. Through the digitization of cultural collections, these resources can be used for multiple purposes, including educational and interpretive research. Digitized collections allow viewers to zoom in and examine details of glass photographs which would not otherwise be seen in a display case or by the naked eye. For cultural institutions, digitization offers the ability to display an entire collection, as large parts of it would not typically be on public display, and to reach those who cannot visit in person. Other benefits include the ability to adjust interpretative applications for users with disabilities or special needs. While social media sites are a natural place to promote such images, they should be used as a secondary location. Best practices recommend a primary location for all images to be shared with the public, such as a website, digital asset management system (DAMS), database with a strong graphical user interface (GUI), or dedicated photo storage site such as Flickr. With new technologies and protocols for database searching, the importance of cultural institutions offering digital access to their collections allows for the possibility of cross-collection and cross-institutional searching.
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[question] I recently acquired a collection of about 50 glass plate photographs, and I want to digitize them. Please list and give detailed descriptions of the steps needed to do this. Also include a list of equipment I'll need. ===================== [text] Digitizing Glass Plate Photography Digitization refers to the process of creating digital images of physical items, yet this process requires many steps. And while the equipment needed for digitizing glass photographs exists in a variety of price points, the basic tenets remain the same: imaging, editing, describing (with metadata), archiving, and sharing. Imaging To image glass photographs, it is necessary to have a camera and a light source, as glass photographs must be backlit to render the images visible. Best practices recommend a flat lightboard for consistent illumination, a camera copy stand, and a camera with focus peaking and aperture priority to achieve the highest quality images. For the lightboard, also known as a light table, it is recommended to use one with a coloring rendering index of 90+ and 5000-5500k light temperature. Cameras should be mounted to the copy stand with overhead mounts to ensure consistent imaging; best practice is to use a level to ensure the camera and light table are parallel to each other. Editing While editing images for commercial or marketing practices is acceptable, editing photographs of physical items for archival purposes is typically not recommended. To edit the images for archival purposes, it is best practice to make only minimal adjustments, such as converting negatives to positives. For copies of the digitized images to be used for marketing purposes, etc., it is acceptable to edit the contrast, exposure, brightness, etc. or to touchup breaks in the glass or emulsion. It is also acceptable at this phase to add watermarks or logos to copies of the digitized images, however this should again only be done with non-archival copies of the images. Description—Metadata The metadata for glass photographs may come in the form of supplemental materials; institutional, personal, or expert knowledge; or may even be on the plates themselves, written onto the paper edgings or directly on the glass. Metadata from this information can be created for the entire collection, specific boxes or containers, individual images, or a combination thereof. This information not only helps users in the search and discovery phases of seeking digitized images, but it also helps organize and adds context and provenance to digital images. Workflows for adding metadata vary. Some prefer to work with the metadata after the glass photographs are imaged, while others prefer to have the metadata completely organized before imaging. The timing of metadata inclusion must be made by considering the conditions of the glass photographs and their storage facilities, the level of metadata available, and the availability of staff dedicated to the process. The best way to add metadata to digitized images is to use a program that embeds metadata within the image. This guarantees that the metadata is always connected to the image and can be extracted from the EXIF data. Adobe Lightroom and similar programs can perform this function. In addition, it is also helpful to keep local files, software, or databases that detail the metadata associated with the images in the glass photographs. Storage—Digital Archives To archive the digitized images, it is important to follow the 3-2-1 digital preservation standard by saving three copies of every digital image, in two different file formats, with one copy saved in a different location. RAW or TIFF file types are best for long-term storage because they are less prone to bit-rot and therefore less likely to degrade over time. Uncompressed TIFF files are typically quite large, which allows for printing at considerable scale without pixelating, however they also take up much more storage space. These file formats are typically best saved in rarely used storage locations, as their size slows down most computing processes, and the full-size uncompressed images are not frequently needed for everyday use. In practice, the authors have found it best to take the initial images of the glass plates in RAW format, and then save additional copies in compressed file formats. Commonly used compressed file formats include JPEG and PNG. These files are smaller and load faster on websites and computers, which allows for easier shared use. Sharing Finally, it is important to share digitized images of glass photographs, both to educate others on the unique existence of these items while also limiting contact and handling. For the authors, sharing digitized images and the standards for doing so are the key additions to the updated literature on best practices for glass photographs. Much of the previous literature was written at least a decade ago, and much has changed in the information and communication technology landscape in that time. For glass photograph imaging projects, it is necessary to create multiple points of access to the visual and historical information obtained from these glass plates. Publishing collection information in multimedia form creates a rich resource for researchers and specialists. Images accompanying textual records enhance the collections for audiences of different ages and interests across the world and create a basic resource for interpretative applications to be built on. Work in digital humanities, digital archives, and museum informatics can attest to the audience for and varied applications of these materials. Through the digitization of cultural collections, these resources can be used for multiple purposes, including educational and interpretive research. Digitized collections allow viewers to zoom in and examine details of glass photographs which would not otherwise be seen in a display case or by the naked eye. For cultural institutions, digitization offers the ability to display an entire collection, as large parts of it would not typically be on public display, and to reach those who cannot visit in person. Other benefits include the ability to adjust interpretative applications for users with disabilities or special needs. While social media sites are a natural place to promote such images, they should be used as a secondary location. Best practices recommend a primary location for all images to be shared with the public, such as a website, digital asset management system (DAMS), database with a strong graphical user interface (GUI), or dedicated photo storage site such as Flickr. With new technologies and protocols for database searching, the importance of cultural institutions offering digital access to their collections allows for the possibility of cross-collection and cross-institutional searching. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1173&context=westernarchives ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
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[question] [user request] ===================== [text] [context document] ===================== [instruction] Answer the question using only the information provided in the context. Do not rely on external knowledge or sources.
EVIDENCE:
Digitizing Glass Plate Photography Digitization refers to the process of creating digital images of physical items, yet this process requires many steps. And while the equipment needed for digitizing glass photographs exists in a variety of price points, the basic tenets remain the same: imaging, editing, describing (with metadata), archiving, and sharing. Imaging To image glass photographs, it is necessary to have a camera and a light source, as glass photographs must be backlit to render the images visible. Best practices recommend a flat lightboard for consistent illumination, a camera copy stand, and a camera with focus peaking and aperture priority to achieve the highest quality images. For the lightboard, also known as a light table, it is recommended to use one with a coloring rendering index of 90+ and 5000-5500k light temperature. Cameras should be mounted to the copy stand with overhead mounts to ensure consistent imaging; best practice is to use a level to ensure the camera and light table are parallel to each other. Editing While editing images for commercial or marketing practices is acceptable, editing photographs of physical items for archival purposes is typically not recommended. To edit the images for archival purposes, it is best practice to make only minimal adjustments, such as converting negatives to positives. For copies of the digitized images to be used for marketing purposes, etc., it is acceptable to edit the contrast, exposure, brightness, etc. or to touchup breaks in the glass or emulsion. It is also acceptable at this phase to add watermarks or logos to copies of the digitized images, however this should again only be done with non-archival copies of the images. Description—Metadata The metadata for glass photographs may come in the form of supplemental materials; institutional, personal, or expert knowledge; or may even be on the plates themselves, written onto the paper edgings or directly on the glass. Metadata from this information can be created for the entire collection, specific boxes or containers, individual images, or a combination thereof. This information not only helps users in the search and discovery phases of seeking digitized images, but it also helps organize and adds context and provenance to digital images. Workflows for adding metadata vary. Some prefer to work with the metadata after the glass photographs are imaged, while others prefer to have the metadata completely organized before imaging. The timing of metadata inclusion must be made by considering the conditions of the glass photographs and their storage facilities, the level of metadata available, and the availability of staff dedicated to the process. The best way to add metadata to digitized images is to use a program that embeds metadata within the image. This guarantees that the metadata is always connected to the image and can be extracted from the EXIF data. Adobe Lightroom and similar programs can perform this function. In addition, it is also helpful to keep local files, software, or databases that detail the metadata associated with the images in the glass photographs. Storage—Digital Archives To archive the digitized images, it is important to follow the 3-2-1 digital preservation standard by saving three copies of every digital image, in two different file formats, with one copy saved in a different location. RAW or TIFF file types are best for long-term storage because they are less prone to bit-rot and therefore less likely to degrade over time. Uncompressed TIFF files are typically quite large, which allows for printing at considerable scale without pixelating, however they also take up much more storage space. These file formats are typically best saved in rarely used storage locations, as their size slows down most computing processes, and the full-size uncompressed images are not frequently needed for everyday use. In practice, the authors have found it best to take the initial images of the glass plates in RAW format, and then save additional copies in compressed file formats. Commonly used compressed file formats include JPEG and PNG. These files are smaller and load faster on websites and computers, which allows for easier shared use. Sharing Finally, it is important to share digitized images of glass photographs, both to educate others on the unique existence of these items while also limiting contact and handling. For the authors, sharing digitized images and the standards for doing so are the key additions to the updated literature on best practices for glass photographs. Much of the previous literature was written at least a decade ago, and much has changed in the information and communication technology landscape in that time. For glass photograph imaging projects, it is necessary to create multiple points of access to the visual and historical information obtained from these glass plates. Publishing collection information in multimedia form creates a rich resource for researchers and specialists. Images accompanying textual records enhance the collections for audiences of different ages and interests across the world and create a basic resource for interpretative applications to be built on. Work in digital humanities, digital archives, and museum informatics can attest to the audience for and varied applications of these materials. Through the digitization of cultural collections, these resources can be used for multiple purposes, including educational and interpretive research. Digitized collections allow viewers to zoom in and examine details of glass photographs which would not otherwise be seen in a display case or by the naked eye. For cultural institutions, digitization offers the ability to display an entire collection, as large parts of it would not typically be on public display, and to reach those who cannot visit in person. Other benefits include the ability to adjust interpretative applications for users with disabilities or special needs. While social media sites are a natural place to promote such images, they should be used as a secondary location. Best practices recommend a primary location for all images to be shared with the public, such as a website, digital asset management system (DAMS), database with a strong graphical user interface (GUI), or dedicated photo storage site such as Flickr. With new technologies and protocols for database searching, the importance of cultural institutions offering digital access to their collections allows for the possibility of cross-collection and cross-institutional searching.
USER:
I recently acquired a collection of about 50 glass plate photographs, and I want to digitize them. Please list and give detailed descriptions of the steps needed to do this. Also include a list of equipment I'll need.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 28 | 38 | 1,027 | null | 511 |
Answer the question using only the information provided below. If the question has multiple items in the answer then provide the answer in a numbered list. Otherwise, provide the answer in no more than three paragraphs.
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What risks or concerns have been identified regarding the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies?
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Law enforcement agencies’ use of facial recognition technology (FRT), while not a new practice, has received increased attention from policymakers and the public. In the course of carrying out their duties, federal law enforcement agencies may use FRT for a variety of purposes. For instance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) uses the technology to aid its investigations, and the bureau provides facial recognition assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners. State, local, and tribal law enforcement have also adopted facial recognition software systems to assist in various phases of investigations. In addition, border officials use facial recognition for identity verification purposes. The use of FRT by law enforcement agencies has spurred questions on a range of topics. Some primary concerns revolve around the accuracy of the technology, including potential race-, gender-, and age-related biases; the collection, retention, and security of images contained in various facial recognition databases; public notification regarding the use of facial recognition and other image capturing technology; and policies or standards governing law enforcement agencies’ use of the technology. Some of these concerns have manifested in actions such as federal, state, and city efforts to prohibit or bound law enforcement agencies’ use of FRT. In addition, some companies producing facial recognition software, such as Microsoft, IBM, and Amazon, have enacted new barriers to law enforcement using their technologies. This report provides an overview of federal law enforcement agencies’ use of FRT, including the current status of scientific standards for its use. The report includes a discussion of how FRT may be used by law enforcement agencies with traditional policing missions as well as by those charged with securing the U.S. borders. It also discusses considerations for policymakers debating whether or how to influence federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies’ use of FRT. The term facial recognition technology can have different meanings for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the public, and the process of using facial recognition in a law enforcement context can involve various technologies and actors. Broadly, as technology experts have noted, “[t]here is no one standard system design for facial recognition systems. Not only do organizations build their systems differently, and for different environments, but they also use different terms to describe how their systems work.” 3 The following key terms are provided to help in understanding facial recognition technologies and processes in this report. 4 Face detection technology determines whether a digital image contains a face. Facial classification algorithms analyze a face image to produce an estimate of age, sex, or some other property, but do not identify the individual. An example application of this would be retail stores using facial classification to gather data on the gender and age ranges of people visiting a store, without identifying each shopper individually. Facial comparison and facial identification are often used in the same context. They involve a human manually examining the differences and similarities between facial images, or between a live subject and facial images, for the purpose of determining if they represent the same person. Facial comparison has three broad categories: assessment, review, and examination. Facial assessment is a quick image-to-image or image-to-person comparison, typically carried out in screening or access control situations, and is the least rigorous form of facial comparison. Facial review (often used in investigative, operational, or intelligence gathering applications) and facial examination (often used in a forensic applications) are increasingly rigorous levels of image comparison and should involve verification by an additional reviewer or examiner. They may involve a formal, systematic examination of facial images. Facial recognition broadly involves the automated searching of a facial image (a probe) against a known collection or database of photos. Facial recognition algorithms compare identity information from facial features in two face image samples and produce a measure of similarity (sometimes called a match score) between them; this information can be used to determine whether the same person is in both images. Images that have a similarity score above a defined threshold are presented to the user. There are two ways in which facial recognition algorithms work to compare images: • One-to-one verification algorithms compare a photo of someone claiming a specific identity with a stored image(s) of that known identity to determine if it is the same person. Uses of these algorithms can include unlocking a smartphone and verifying identities at a security checkpoint. • One-to-many identification search algorithms compare features of a probe photo with all those in a gallery of images. The algorithms can provide either a fixed number of the most similar candidates, or all candidates with a similarity score above a preset threshold, for human review. These algorithms may be used for purposes such as identifying potential suspect leads from a mugshot database. Probe refers to the facial image or template searched against a gallery or database of photos in a facial recognition system. Real-time facial recognition involves facial recognition algorithms that can be used while a video recording is taking place in order to determine in real time whether an individual in a video matches with a list of candidates in a database of photos. Threshold refers to any real number against which similarity scores are compared to produce a verification decision or gallery of images. Law enforcement agencies’ use of FRT has received attention from policymakers and the public over the past several years. There have been heightened concerns following several revelations, including that Clearview AI, a company that developed image-search technology used by law enforcement agencies around the country, had amassed a database of over 3 billion images against which probe photos could be compared. FRT is one of several biometric technologies employed by law enforcement agencies, which also include fingerprint, palm print, DNA and iris scans. FRT can be used by law enforcement for a variety of purposes such as generating investigative leads, identifying victims of crimes, facilitating the examination of forensic evidence, and helping verify the identity of individuals being released from prison. Press releases and statements from the Department of Justice highlight how the technology has been used in the criminal justice system. FRT has been used to help generate suspect leads. In one case, FBI agents used the technology, via the Mississippi Fusion Center, to identify a potential suspect in an interstate stalking case who had allegedly been harassing high school girls through their Twitter accounts.The suspect was later sentenced to 46 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release for this stalking.FRT may also be used to help identify victims. For example, officials have noted FRT was used to help identify “an accident victim lying unconscious on the side of the road.”FRT, along with other pieces of evidence, has been used to support probable cause in affidavits in support of criminal complaints. In one case, an FBI agent cited the use of FRT in a criminal complaint against a bank robbery suspect. The agent noted that images from the bank’s surveillance footage were run against facial recognition software, and a photo of the suspect was returned as a possible match. Investigators then interviewed associates of the suspect, who identified him as the man in the bank surveillance footage. Notably, the frequency and extent to which FRT is used at various phases of the criminal justice system (from generating leads and helping establish probable cause for an arrest or indictment, to serving as evidence in courtrooms) is unknown. It is most often discussed as being employed during investigations by law enforcement officials. Of note, FRT is generally used by law enforcement in one-to-many searches to produce a gallery of potential suspects ranked by similarity and not to provide a single affirmative match. As such, the technology currently might not be relied upon in the same way that other biometric evidence might. Rather, it is the results of an investigator’s facial review between a probe face and the gallery of images produced from running a probe face through facial recognition software that might be used as evidence contributing to an arrest and prosecution.
|
What risks or concerns have been identified regarding the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies? Answer the question using only the information provided below. If the question has multiple items in the answer then provide the answer in a numbered list. Otherwise, provide the answer in no more than three paragraphs. Law enforcement agencies’ use of facial recognition technology (FRT), while not a new practice, has received increased attention from policymakers and the public. In the course of carrying out their duties, federal law enforcement agencies may use FRT for a variety of purposes. For instance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) uses the technology to aid its investigations, and the bureau provides facial recognition assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners. State, local, and tribal law enforcement have also adopted facial recognition software systems to assist in various phases of investigations. In addition, border officials use facial recognition for identity verification purposes. The use of FRT by law enforcement agencies has spurred questions on a range of topics. Some primary concerns revolve around the accuracy of the technology, including potential race-, gender-, and age-related biases; the collection, retention, and security of images contained in various facial recognition databases; public notification regarding the use of facial recognition and other image capturing technology; and policies or standards governing law enforcement agencies’ use of the technology. Some of these concerns have manifested in actions such as federal, state, and city efforts to prohibit or bound law enforcement agencies’ use of FRT. In addition, some companies producing facial recognition software, such as Microsoft, IBM, and Amazon, have enacted new barriers to law enforcement using their technologies. This report provides an overview of federal law enforcement agencies’ use of FRT, including the current status of scientific standards for its use. The report includes a discussion of how FRT may be used by law enforcement agencies with traditional policing missions as well as by those charged with securing the U.S. borders. It also discusses considerations for policymakers debating whether or how to influence federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies’ use of FRT. The term facial recognition technology can have different meanings for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the public, and the process of using facial recognition in a law enforcement context can involve various technologies and actors. Broadly, as technology experts have noted, “[t]here is no one standard system design for facial recognition systems. Not only do organizations build their systems differently, and for different environments, but they also use different terms to describe how their systems work.” 3 The following key terms are provided to help in understanding facial recognition technologies and processes in this report. 4 Face detection technology determines whether a digital image contains a face. Facial classification algorithms analyze a face image to produce an estimate of age, sex, or some other property, but do not identify the individual. An example application of this would be retail stores using facial classification to gather data on the gender and age ranges of people visiting a store, without identifying each shopper individually. Facial comparison and facial identification are often used in the same context. They involve a human manually examining the differences and similarities between facial images, or between a live subject and facial images, for the purpose of determining if they represent the same person. Facial comparison has three broad categories: assessment, review, and examination. Facial assessment is a quick image-to-image or image-to-person comparison, typically carried out in screening or access control situations, and is the least rigorous form of facial comparison. Facial review (often used in investigative, operational, or intelligence gathering applications) and facial examination (often used in a forensic applications) are increasingly rigorous levels of image comparison and should involve verification by an additional reviewer or examiner. They may involve a formal, systematic examination of facial images. Facial recognition broadly involves the automated searching of a facial image (a probe) against a known collection or database of photos. Facial recognition algorithms compare identity information from facial features in two face image samples and produce a measure of similarity (sometimes called a match score) between them; this information can be used to determine whether the same person is in both images. Images that have a similarity score above a defined threshold are presented to the user. There are two ways in which facial recognition algorithms work to compare images: • One-to-one verification algorithms compare a photo of someone claiming a specific identity with a stored image(s) of that known identity to determine if it is the same person. Uses of these algorithms can include unlocking a smartphone and verifying identities at a security checkpoint. • One-to-many identification search algorithms compare features of a probe photo with all those in a gallery of images. The algorithms can provide either a fixed number of the most similar candidates, or all candidates with a similarity score above a preset threshold, for human review. These algorithms may be used for purposes such as identifying potential suspect leads from a mugshot database. Probe refers to the facial image or template searched against a gallery or database of photos in a facial recognition system. Real-time facial recognition involves facial recognition algorithms that can be used while a video recording is taking place in order to determine in real time whether an individual in a video matches with a list of candidates in a database of photos. Threshold refers to any real number against which similarity scores are compared to produce a verification decision or gallery of images. Law enforcement agencies’ use of FRT has received attention from policymakers and the public over the past several years. There have been heightened concerns following several revelations, including that Clearview AI, a company that developed image-search technology used by law enforcement agencies around the country, had amassed a database of over 3 billion images against which probe photos could be compared. FRT is one of several biometric technologies employed by law enforcement agencies, which also include fingerprint, palm print, DNA and iris scans. FRT can be used by law enforcement for a variety of purposes such as generating investigative leads, identifying victims of crimes, facilitating the examination of forensic evidence, and helping verify the identity of individuals being released from prison. Press releases and statements from the Department of Justice highlight how the technology has been used in the criminal justice system. FRT has been used to help generate suspect leads. In one case, FBI agents used the technology, via the Mississippi Fusion Center, to identify a potential suspect in an interstate stalking case who had allegedly been harassing high school girls through their Twitter accounts.The suspect was later sentenced to 46 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release for this stalking.FRT may also be used to help identify victims. For example, officials have noted FRT was used to help identify “an accident victim lying unconscious on the side of the road.”FRT, along with other pieces of evidence, has been used to support probable cause in affidavits in support of criminal complaints. In one case, an FBI agent cited the use of FRT in a criminal complaint against a bank robbery suspect. The agent noted that images from the bank’s surveillance footage were run against facial recognition software, and a photo of the suspect was returned as a possible match. Investigators then interviewed associates of the suspect, who identified him as the man in the bank surveillance footage. Notably, the frequency and extent to which FRT is used at various phases of the criminal justice system (from generating leads and helping establish probable cause for an arrest or indictment, to serving as evidence in courtrooms) is unknown. It is most often discussed as being employed during investigations by law enforcement officials. Of note, FRT is generally used by law enforcement in one-to-many searches to produce a gallery of potential suspects ranked by similarity and not to provide a single affirmative match. As such, the technology currently might not be relied upon in the same way that other biometric evidence might. Rather, it is the results of an investigator’s facial review between a probe face and the gallery of images produced from running a probe face through facial recognition software that might be used as evidence contributing to an arrest and prosecution.
|
Answer the question using only the information provided below. If the question has multiple items in the answer then provide the answer in a numbered list. Otherwise, provide the answer in no more than three paragraphs.
EVIDENCE:
Law enforcement agencies’ use of facial recognition technology (FRT), while not a new practice, has received increased attention from policymakers and the public. In the course of carrying out their duties, federal law enforcement agencies may use FRT for a variety of purposes. For instance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) uses the technology to aid its investigations, and the bureau provides facial recognition assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners. State, local, and tribal law enforcement have also adopted facial recognition software systems to assist in various phases of investigations. In addition, border officials use facial recognition for identity verification purposes. The use of FRT by law enforcement agencies has spurred questions on a range of topics. Some primary concerns revolve around the accuracy of the technology, including potential race-, gender-, and age-related biases; the collection, retention, and security of images contained in various facial recognition databases; public notification regarding the use of facial recognition and other image capturing technology; and policies or standards governing law enforcement agencies’ use of the technology. Some of these concerns have manifested in actions such as federal, state, and city efforts to prohibit or bound law enforcement agencies’ use of FRT. In addition, some companies producing facial recognition software, such as Microsoft, IBM, and Amazon, have enacted new barriers to law enforcement using their technologies. This report provides an overview of federal law enforcement agencies’ use of FRT, including the current status of scientific standards for its use. The report includes a discussion of how FRT may be used by law enforcement agencies with traditional policing missions as well as by those charged with securing the U.S. borders. It also discusses considerations for policymakers debating whether or how to influence federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies’ use of FRT. The term facial recognition technology can have different meanings for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the public, and the process of using facial recognition in a law enforcement context can involve various technologies and actors. Broadly, as technology experts have noted, “[t]here is no one standard system design for facial recognition systems. Not only do organizations build their systems differently, and for different environments, but they also use different terms to describe how their systems work.” 3 The following key terms are provided to help in understanding facial recognition technologies and processes in this report. 4 Face detection technology determines whether a digital image contains a face. Facial classification algorithms analyze a face image to produce an estimate of age, sex, or some other property, but do not identify the individual. An example application of this would be retail stores using facial classification to gather data on the gender and age ranges of people visiting a store, without identifying each shopper individually. Facial comparison and facial identification are often used in the same context. They involve a human manually examining the differences and similarities between facial images, or between a live subject and facial images, for the purpose of determining if they represent the same person. Facial comparison has three broad categories: assessment, review, and examination. Facial assessment is a quick image-to-image or image-to-person comparison, typically carried out in screening or access control situations, and is the least rigorous form of facial comparison. Facial review (often used in investigative, operational, or intelligence gathering applications) and facial examination (often used in a forensic applications) are increasingly rigorous levels of image comparison and should involve verification by an additional reviewer or examiner. They may involve a formal, systematic examination of facial images. Facial recognition broadly involves the automated searching of a facial image (a probe) against a known collection or database of photos. Facial recognition algorithms compare identity information from facial features in two face image samples and produce a measure of similarity (sometimes called a match score) between them; this information can be used to determine whether the same person is in both images. Images that have a similarity score above a defined threshold are presented to the user. There are two ways in which facial recognition algorithms work to compare images: • One-to-one verification algorithms compare a photo of someone claiming a specific identity with a stored image(s) of that known identity to determine if it is the same person. Uses of these algorithms can include unlocking a smartphone and verifying identities at a security checkpoint. • One-to-many identification search algorithms compare features of a probe photo with all those in a gallery of images. The algorithms can provide either a fixed number of the most similar candidates, or all candidates with a similarity score above a preset threshold, for human review. These algorithms may be used for purposes such as identifying potential suspect leads from a mugshot database. Probe refers to the facial image or template searched against a gallery or database of photos in a facial recognition system. Real-time facial recognition involves facial recognition algorithms that can be used while a video recording is taking place in order to determine in real time whether an individual in a video matches with a list of candidates in a database of photos. Threshold refers to any real number against which similarity scores are compared to produce a verification decision or gallery of images. Law enforcement agencies’ use of FRT has received attention from policymakers and the public over the past several years. There have been heightened concerns following several revelations, including that Clearview AI, a company that developed image-search technology used by law enforcement agencies around the country, had amassed a database of over 3 billion images against which probe photos could be compared. FRT is one of several biometric technologies employed by law enforcement agencies, which also include fingerprint, palm print, DNA and iris scans. FRT can be used by law enforcement for a variety of purposes such as generating investigative leads, identifying victims of crimes, facilitating the examination of forensic evidence, and helping verify the identity of individuals being released from prison. Press releases and statements from the Department of Justice highlight how the technology has been used in the criminal justice system. FRT has been used to help generate suspect leads. In one case, FBI agents used the technology, via the Mississippi Fusion Center, to identify a potential suspect in an interstate stalking case who had allegedly been harassing high school girls through their Twitter accounts.The suspect was later sentenced to 46 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release for this stalking.FRT may also be used to help identify victims. For example, officials have noted FRT was used to help identify “an accident victim lying unconscious on the side of the road.”FRT, along with other pieces of evidence, has been used to support probable cause in affidavits in support of criminal complaints. In one case, an FBI agent cited the use of FRT in a criminal complaint against a bank robbery suspect. The agent noted that images from the bank’s surveillance footage were run against facial recognition software, and a photo of the suspect was returned as a possible match. Investigators then interviewed associates of the suspect, who identified him as the man in the bank surveillance footage. Notably, the frequency and extent to which FRT is used at various phases of the criminal justice system (from generating leads and helping establish probable cause for an arrest or indictment, to serving as evidence in courtrooms) is unknown. It is most often discussed as being employed during investigations by law enforcement officials. Of note, FRT is generally used by law enforcement in one-to-many searches to produce a gallery of potential suspects ranked by similarity and not to provide a single affirmative match. As such, the technology currently might not be relied upon in the same way that other biometric evidence might. Rather, it is the results of an investigator’s facial review between a probe face and the gallery of images produced from running a probe face through facial recognition software that might be used as evidence contributing to an arrest and prosecution.
USER:
What risks or concerns have been identified regarding the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 36 | 18 | 1,335 | null | 581 |
You are given a reference document. You must only use information found in the reference document to answer the question asked.
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According to this document is the combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen effective?
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NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDs): Making safer treatment choices Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are successfully used to treat a wide range of painful conditions. However, NSAIDs should be prescribed with caution as courses of just a few days, even at doses within prescribing recommendations, can be associated with serious adverse effects in susceptible patients. In primary care, paracetamol is recommended in preference to NSAIDs, where appropriate. If a patient is likely to benefit from NSAID treatment naproxen or ibuprofen are recommended first-line, at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible time. Patients taking NSAIDs who are at increased risk of complications require regular monitoring. How NSAIDs work determines their risk and How NSAIDs work, the patient’s age and the condition being guides their use treated also need to be taken into account when these issues are discussed with patients. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequently prescribed medicines for analgesia in primary care, after paracetamol.1 However, NSAID use can be NSAIDs and cyclo-oxygenase (COX) selectivity associated with a range of serious adverse effects including: The cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 enzymes produce cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal complications, renal prostaglandins following the metabolism of omega-6 failure and hypersensitivity reactions. Even if the risk of an polyunsaturated fatty acid (arachidonic acid).3 Prostaglandins individual patient experiencing an NSAID-related adverse are chemical messengers that mediate inflammation, fever and event is relatively low, the frequent use of NSAIDs within the sensation of pain.3 The analgesic and anti-inflammatory the community means that the potential for NSAID-related effects of NSAIDs are produced through the prevention of adverse events to occur is a concern. NSAID use therefore prostaglandin production by inhibition of COX activity. The requires careful consideration of individual patient risk factors. clinical effects and the risk profiles of the different NSAIDs are To maximise patient safety it is recommended that clinicians largely determined by their differential ability to inhibit the consider the following points before prescribing an NSAID:2 COX-1 and/or COX-2 enzymes and their half-lives. Prescribe all NSAIDs with caution, in all patient groups, COX-1 is widely distributed in the body but is concentrated even over short periods of time in cells of the stomach, kidney, endothelium and in platelets.4 Prescribe the lowest effective NSAID dose, for the Prostaglandins catalysed by COX-1 activity control renal shortest possible time, and review the need for perfusion, promote platelet aggregation and provide continued use at each consultation gastroprotection by regulating mucous secretion.4 Inhibition Older patients, patients with increased cardiovascular of COX-1 can cause adverse gastrointestinal effects.4 risk, patients with type 2 diabetes, and patients with reduced renal function or a history of renal problems COX-2 is induced by inflammation and it is present in are at increased risk of NSAID-related complications and macrophages, leukocytes, fibroblasts and synovial cells. 4 should be advised about adverse effects and regularly Prostaglandins formed via COX-2 activity mediate pain, monitored when taking NSAIDs inflammation, fever and inhibit platelet aggregation.3 Naproxen (up to 1000 mg per day) or ibuprofen (up NSAIDs that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes are termed to 1200 mg per day) are the recommended first-line non-selective NSAIDs, while NSAIDs which predominately choices for adults based on our current knowledge of inhibit COX-2 enzymes are termed COX-2 inhibitors. NSAIDs and cardiovascular risk; ibuprofen is the most appropriate NSAID for children NSAIDs and COX inhibition Avoid prescribing long-acting formulations of NSAIDs, Ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac are non-selective NSAIDs. where possible, as these are associated with an increased However, diclofenac inhibits COX-2 relatively more than risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects COX-1.5 Many of the NSAIDs available in New Zealand have similar indications, e.g. musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, COX-1 is weakly inhibited and COX-2 is strongly inhibited then therefore these three medicines account for 97% of all the risk of thrombosis will be increased. NSAID prescribing.1 Other non-selective NSAIDs indicated for specific conditions include: tenoxicam (inflammatory Naproxen use (up to 1000 mg per day) does not appear to arthropathy, dysmenorrhoea, post-operative pain and acute be associated with increased vascular risk, based on current gout), tiaprofenic acid (inflammatory arthropathy), ketoprofen evidence.8 This may be because COX-1 inhibition by naproxen (inflammatory arthropathy), mefenamic acid (dysmenorrhoea is sufficiently prolonged and intense to effectively block and menorrhagia) and sulindac (inflammatory arthropathy).6 platelet activation and counterbalance the prothrombotic effect of COX-2 inhibition.8 Meloxicam is currently the only subsidised (Special Authority) COX-2 inhibitor in New Zealand. At low doses meloxicam mainly NSAID half-life also influences treatment choice inhibits COX-2. As the dose of meloxicam increases COX-1 is NSAIDs can be divided into short-acting NSAIDs with half-lives increasingly inhibited. For example, there is an increased rate less than six hours and long-acting NSAIDs. NSAIDs with a of serious gastrointestinal adverse events at a dose of 15 mg short half-life, e.g. ibuprofen, have a relatively quick onset of per day, compared to 7.5 mg per day.7 action and are better suited for the treatment of acute pain. NSAIDs with longer half-lives, e.g. naproxen, or in long-acting Celecoxib and etoricoxib COX-2 inhibitors are also available in formulations are more suited for the treatment of chronic New Zealand, but are not subsidised. conditions, as they require only once or twice daily dosing. However, persistent exposure to NSAIDs is an independent Check the New Zealand Formulary or Pharmaceutical determinant of gastrointestinal effects therefore NSAIDs with Schedule for the subsidy details of NSAIDs a long-half life, or NSAIDs in a slow-release formulation, are associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse events (see: “NSAIDs and gastrointestinal complications”, Page COX selectivity and cardiovascular risk 13).9 COX-2 inhibitors were initially developed on the rationale that selective inhibition of COX-2 might replicate the anti- inflammatory and analgesic effects of non-selective NSAIDs Choosing an analgesic regimen while reducing gastrointestinal adverse effects. However, The WHO analgesic ladder recommends paracetamol and/or it was later discovered that COX-2 activity inhibits platelet an NSAID first-line for pain management. The relative efficacy aggregation, therefore NSAIDs that block COX-2 promote of paracetamol and NSAIDs depends on the underlying thrombosis and events such as myocardial infarction become condition causing the pain. Specifically, NSAIDs are more more likely (see: “Cardiovascular risk in people taking NSAIDs”, effective than paracetamol in the treatment of inflammatory Page 12).3 It is now thought that the relative degree to which conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis, and in different NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, and the effect the treatment of dental and menstrual pain.3, 10 For tension that this has on platelet aggregation, determines the likelihood headache or following orthopaedic surgery paracetamol is of each NSAID causing cardiovascular events.8 For example, if reported to provide equivalent analgesia to NSAIDs.10 Paracetamol and codeine may have variable efficacy The effectiveness of paracetamol and codeine may vary toxicity, even at low doses. This can result in respiratory depending on a person’s level of expression of the CYP2D6 depression. It is estimated that among Europeans up to enzyme. People deficient in this enzyme are unable to 10% of people will be either ultra-fast or slow metabolisers convert codeine to morphine and may not receive pain of codeine.14 The prevalence of fast and slow metabolisers relief from its use. Conversely, people who are ultra-fast of codeine among Māori and Pacific peoples is not metabolisers of codeine are at increased risk of opioid known. Paracetamol is safer than NSAIDs for most conditions Paracetamol is considered to be a safer treatment choice than NSAIDs in people at increased risk of NSAID-related Combination paracetamol and ibuprofen adverse effects, e.g. children or older patients, patients with There are an increasing number of products being cardiovascular or renal co-morbidities or diabetes, or patients marketed to the public that contain both paracetamol with a previous history of gastrointestinal symptoms or NSAID and ibuprofen. It is uncertain whether the concomitant hypersensitivity (see: “Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs”, Page use of paracetamol and ibuprofen significantly improves 16). Paracetamol is also recommended by United Kingdom analgesia compared to the use of NSAIDs alone. Studies guidelines for the long-term treatment of back pain and have produced mixed results and outcomes may be degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis, due to its influenced by the cause of the pain being studied. It is superior tolerability.3 also not clear whether the combined use of paracetamol and ibuprofen increases the risk of adverse effects. Compared to NSAIDs, paracetamol has:3 Minimal gastrointestinal toxicity A Cochrane review of the analgesic efficacy of paracetamol Little effect on blood pressure and ibuprofen in the treatment of post-operative pain, concluded that combinations of paracetamol plus No association with myocardial infarction ibuprofen provided better analgesia than either medicine No interaction with the antiplatelet effect of aspirin alone.12 It was also concluded that the combination treatment reduced the need for additional analgesia to Paracetamol can be given for mild to moderate pain in adults be administered and reduced the risk of adverse events at the recommended dose of 0.5 – 1 g, every four to six hours, occurring.12 A study of approximately 900 patients using to a maximum of 4 g per day.6 The major adverse effect paracetamol or ibuprofen, or a combination of the two, associated with paracetamol is liver damage due to overdose for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee found and it should not be prescribed to patients with liver disease.6 significantly more patients achieved pain control at ten days and at 13 weeks with the combination treatment Consider adding codeine to paracetamol in select patients compared to paracetamol alone, but there was not a If the risk of NSAID-related adverse events is high, it may be statistically significant difference compared to using appropriate to consider adding codeine to paracetamol, in ibuprofen alone.15 In contrast, a small study of 90 patients preference to NSAID treatment.11 For example, an older patient randomised to one of three treatment groups in an with osteoarthritis, diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) emergency department setting found that combination may be particularly susceptible to the nephrotoxic effects of treatment with paracetamol and ibuprofen did not provide NSAIDs (see “NSAIDs and renal function”, Page 14). more effective pain relief following musculoskeletal injury compared to either medicine alone.16 An appropriate starting dose of codeine in combination with paracetamol for mild to moderate pain in adults is 15 A large British study funded by a pharmaceutical company mg, every four hours, as required.6 Codeine can be given in reported that compared to the use of the paracetamol and doses up to 60 mg, if required, but the total dose should not ibuprofen alone, the combined use of the two medicines exceed 240 mg per day.6 The main adverse effects of codeine did not increase the number of adverse effects.17 However, are gastrointestinal disturbance and potential respiratory in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee a trend depression.6 The effectiveness of codeine may vary between towards increased dyspepsia, diarrhoea and blood loss individuals due to genetic differences in metabolism, and it may was reported in patients using a combination product.15 not be an appropriate choice for all patients (see: “Paracetamol with codeine may have variable efficacy”, previous page). The lack of a demonstrated strong synergistic analgesic effect between paracetamol and ibuprofen, suggests that Combining paracetamol with NSAIDs may be appropriate the two medicines may have similar modes of actions The combination of paracetamol with NSAIDs may provide and their effects may not be additive.18 The lack of clear more effective analgesia for some patients, e.g. for post- evidence of improved analgesia has led some experts to surgical pain, than either medicine alone.12 This combination question the value of combination products containing treatment may allow the dose of NSAID required to achieve paracetamol and ibuprofen.18 analgesia to be reduced (compared to NSAID treatment alone) therefore reducing the amount NSAID-related risk the patient is exposed to.12 However, this approach does not appear to Diclofenac (75 – 150 mg, daily, in two or three divided doses) be effective for all conditions (see: “Combination paracetamol is indicated for acute pain and inflammation, in inflammatory and ibuprofen”, Page 11). If a combination of paracetamol arthropathy and other musculoskeletal disorders.6 However, and NSAIDs is used to treat pain, consider titrating the NSAID diclofenac at doses of ≥ 150 mg per day is associated with an dose downwards as pain becomes more manageable, while increased risk of cardiovascular events (see below). Diclofenac continuing treatment with paracetamol at the same dose. use is contraindicated in patients who have had a myocardial The NSAID can then be withdrawn, before paracetamol, and infarction in the previous 12 months.6 treatment with paracetamol continued, as required. When prescribing NSAIDs following muscle injury, short courses, i.e. three to seven days, are preferable to longer term Review and intensify lifestyle modifications to manage use.19 pain Long-term pain, as with any chronic condition, requires continual review and ongoing lifestyle modifications to prevent Cardiovascular risk in people taking NSAIDs a decline in the quality of the patient’s life. For example, a Prescribe long-term NASIDs with caution to people with an person with osteoarthritis is likely to benefit from intensifying elevated cardiovascular risk, particularly if they have had a exercise and weight loss programmes.13 previous cardiovascular event. All non-selective NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors are associated with increased cardiovascular risk - except naproxen up to 1000 mg per day or ibuprofen up Reducing the risk of NSAID use to 1200 mg per day.2, 20 This increased risk begins within the If it is decided that NSAID treatment is appropriate, having first week of treatment and translates to an additional three weighed the risks versus benefits of treatment, ensure the major vascular events per 1000 patients, per year.8, 21 patient’s history is known before an NSAID is prescribed. In particular:3 NSAID use has also been found to approximately double the Ensure the patient is aware which over-the-counter (OTC) risk of hospital admission due to heart failure and increase products contain NSAIDs and that they know that they systolic blood pressure by an average of 2 – 3 mmHg.3, 8 The should not take any other NSAID-containing products effect NSAIDs have on blood pressure may be more dramatic while they are being treated with an NSAID in people with pre-existing hypertension and in people Determine if the patient has any co-morbidities that may taking antihypertensives (see: “NSAIDs and renal function”, increase the risk of NSAID treatment, e.g. cardiovascular Page 14).3 Blood pressure should be monitored in patients disease, CKD, diabetes, hypertension or duodenal ulcer with hypertension and older patients within the first month of initiating long-term NSAID treatment, and then routinely Query if the patient is taking any medicines that may monitored as part of ongoing management.3 interact with NSAIDs, e.g. angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs), NSAIDs increase cardiovascular risk across all patient diuretics, clopidogrel, warfarin, dabigatran or aspirin groups Discuss any history of NSAID-related adverse effects A large study found that there was a relative increase in with the patient. Their preference may affect the dosing cardiovascular risk, mainly attributed to coronary events, of regimen. Some patients may prefer to tolerate adverse approximately 33% in patients using high-dose diclofenac effects if a higher dose is likely to result in improved (> 150 mg), COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib, rofecoxib, etoricoxib symptom control, while other patients may take the and lumiracoxib) and high-dose ibuprofen.8 Importantly, the opposite view. trial found that there was no statistical difference in this risk between patient groups with low or high predicted five-year Naproxen (up to 1000 mg per day) or ibuprofen (up to 1200 cardiovascular risk.8 The significance of this study to primary mg per day) are recommended first-line choices if NSAIDs care in New Zealand is that an increased cardiovascular risk are required, due to the lower risk of cardiovascular events has been an under-recognised concern in many patients occurring when these medicines are taken at these doses, taking non-selective NSAIDs. compared to other NSAIDs.2 N.B. The recommended maximum dose of ibuprofen is 2400 mg/day;6 this higher dose may be Short-term and long-term use of NSAIDs is associated with necessary, and appropriate, for some patients, but is associated increased cardiovascular risk. Advise patients who have had with increased cardiovascular risk. a previous cardiovascular event that even one or two doses of ibuprofen or diclofenac may increase their risk of a recurrent event. A study of over 83 000 patients with prior myocardial infarction found that NSAID use increased the risk of recurrent Aspirin and cardiovascular risk myocardial infarction or death by 1.45 times during the first It is unknown if aspirin use, which irreversibly inhibits seven days of treatment and this risk persisted throughout COX-1, influences the apparently neutral cardiovascular the course of treatment.21 The greatest risk was associated effects of naproxen. A large study has found evidence that with diclofenac which increased the risk of myocardial aspirin may confer a cardioprotective effect in patients infarction and/or death by 3.26 times at day one to seven of taking COX-2 inhibitors, but not in patients taking treatment.21 Naproxen was not associated with an increased ibuprofen.23 Further studies are required to characterise risk of myocardial infarction or death during the 14 week the cardiovascular effects of aspirin in people taking study duration.21 naproxen. A practical approach to the issue of a possible NSAIDs and gastrointestinal complications interaction between NSAIDs and aspirin prescribed for Gastrointestinal adverse events are increased two to four-fold cardioprotection is to minimise the combined use of by the use of all NSAIDs and this increase is dose dependent. these medicines in patients with elevated cardiovascular Gastrointestinal complications associated with NSAID use risk. The use of aspirin for the primary prevention of include: dyspepsia, gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcers cardiovascular disease is controversial. Current evidence and perforations of the upper gastrointestinal tract.3, 9 This only justifies the use of low-dose aspirin for primary is because inhibition of the COX-1 enzyme reduces the prevention in patients with a five-year cardiovascular risk production of protective gastric mucous. In general NSAIDs of greater than 15%.24 Furthermore, patients with a high that have a long half-life or are taken in a long-acting cardiovascular risk should not be routinely prescribed formulation have a greater risk of gastrointestinal adverse long-term NSAIDs, if possible. Finally, patients with effects.9 Gastrointestinal symptoms are less common in increased cardiovascular risk are likely to be older and people taking COX-2 inhibitors, however, the risk is increased may have other co-morbidities that increase the risk of in patients who are concurrently taking aspirin.8 NSAID-related adverse effects. Therefore the number of patients whose cardiovascular risk is clinically affected by Risk factors for gastrointestinal adverse effects associated with any interaction between aspirin and NSAIDs in primary NSAID use include:3 care is likely to be small when NSAID use is carefully Age over 65 years managed. Previous adverse reaction to NSAIDs For further information see: “The use of antithrombotic The use of other medicines that may exacerbate any medicines in general practice: A consensus statement”, gastrointestinal adverse effects, e.g. anticoagulants, BPJ 39 (Oct, 2011). selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and corticosteroids Liver disease Chronic kidney disease (CKD) Smoking Excessive alcohol consumption Use of non-selective NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors in people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease may cause an exacerbation of symptoms.3 Paracetamol is generally better tolerated than NSAIDs in people at increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects. Diclofenac and COX-2 inhibitors appear to be the least likely NSAIDs to cause upper gastrointestinal perforation, obstruction or bleeds, while the risk is likely to be increased for patients taking ibuprofen and naproxen.8 Reducing the risk of gastrointestinal complications Advise patients to take NSAIDs with milk or food so the Reducing NSAID-related risk in Māori stomach is not empty and irritation is reduced.3 Consider NSAIDs are often used in the management of gout. Gout co-prescribing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prophylactically is more prevalent among Māori males (11.7%) compared in people aged over 45 years if NSAIDs are being used long- to European males (3.7%).22 Māori are also more severely term in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or affected by gout and are therefore more likely to be lower back pain.2 PPIs should be taken daily, rather than “as using NSAIDs to manage acute flares than non-Māori.22 needed” because PPIs require approximately three days to As Māori are approximately twice as likely as non-Māori achieve steady state inhibition of acid secretion and ulceration to die of cardiovascular disease, the use of NSAIDs in this or bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract can often occur in the population requires added caution. Prescribers should absence of dyspepsia.3, 25 be aware of the elevated cardiovascular risk amongst Māori when prescribing NSAIDs for gout and monitor for A Cochrane review found that both PPIs and histamine-2 adverse effects accordingly. In addition, management receptor antagonists, e.g. ranitidine, were effective at of gout among Māori patients should be intensified to preventing chronic NSAID-related gastric and duodenal reduce the likelihood of flares occurring and reduce the ulcers.26 Omeprazole for the prevention of NSAID-related need for NSAID treatment. Corticosteroids (oral or intra- ulcers can be initiated in adults at 20 mg, once daily, for four articular) or colchicine may be considered as treatment weeks and continued for another four weeks if gastrointestinal alternatives to naproxen for acute gout flare. symptoms have not completely resolved.6 Ranitidine can be initiated in adults, for protection against NSAID-related ulcers, For further information see: “An update on the at 150 mg, twice daily, or 300 mg at night, for up to eight management of gout”, BPJ 51 (Mar, 2013). weeks.6 Misoprostol is no longer routinely used in primary care for the prevention of NSAID-related ulcers as it is associated with diarrhoea and occasionally more severe adverse effects, even at low doses.6, 26 If a patient develops gastrointestinal symptoms during NSAID treatment another type of NSAID can be trialled, an alternative class of analgesic trialled, or a PPI prescribed. In patients with a high risk of developing gastrointestinal complications who require long-term NSAID treatment:3 Prescribe a PPI and advise the patient to discontinue the NSAID and contact a health professional if they notice any gastrointestinal symptoms, e.g. black stools Monitor haemoglobin levels for the first month of treatment. Long-term haemoglobin monitoring is recommended if bleeding is an ongoing clinical concern. If gastrointestinal adverse effects do develop, consider switching to another NSAID NSAIDs and renal function All medicines which block COX-2 are potentially nephrotoxic because they can reduce blood flow to the kidney by preventing prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation. This is particularly true in patients who are dehydrated. NSAIDs can also cause immune mediated acute kidney injury (AKI), e.g. acute interstitial nephritis. In New Zealand over 40% of all renal adverse reactions reported to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) were associated with diclofenac.27 The Topical analgesics risk of AKI in patients taking NSAIDs and other potentially Topical NSAIDs are not subsidised in New Zealand, nephrotoxic medicines is greatest at the start of treatment, however, they are readily available over-the-counter therefore even short courses of NSAIDs should be avoided, if (OTC) and are frequently purchased for the treatment of possible, in patients at increased risk.28 soft tissue injuries, e.g. sports injuries. Topical NSAIDs, in combination with paracetamol, are recommended before All people with CKD should avoid NSAIDs where possible. oral NSAIDs or codeine in United Kingdom guidelines for CKD is a risk factor for AKI and one-quarter to one-third of the treatment of osteoarthritis.13 Topical NSAIDs are also all people aged over 64 years have CKD.29 Acute illness and/ preferred to oral NSAIDs by some clinicians for patients or hypovolaemia, even if mild, further increases the risk of aged over 75 years.3 AKI occurring in people with CKD who are taking NSAIDs. Patients with CKD who are taking NSAIDs should be advised Topical NSAIDs are considered to be as safe as placebo to discontinue use if they develop an acute illness, especially in the treatment of acute pain and therefore can be if they become dehydrated. Patients who have had a previous safely used by patients who are at risk of developing acute decline in renal function should have their notes flagged complications associated with oral NSAIDs. 35 Blood and be identified as at risk of NSAID-related AKI. concentrations of NSAIDs after applying topical products are typically less than 5% of those reached by using oral People with type 2 diabetes should avoid NSAIDs where NSAIDs.35 Approximately six or seven patients out of possible. Reduced renal function and albuminuria are both ten will experience successful pain control with topical risk factors for micro and macrovascular complications NSAIDs.35 However, a large proportion of this effect is that have increased prevalence in people with diabetes.30 because sprain-type injuries tend to improve without Preservation of renal function to prevent the development of treatment.35 CKD and to reduce cardiovascular risk is an essential part of the management of patients with type 2 diabetes. Topical capsaicin is also often used as an adjunctive treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee or hand.13 Topical NSAID nephrotoxicity can be exacerbated by ACE inhibitors capsaicin is currently subsidised for patients who have or ARBs as these medicines impair the regulation of blood osteoarthritis that is not responsive to paracetamol and flow leaving the kidney. Renal function can be compromised where oral NSAIDs are contraindicated. Topical capsaicin is even further if a patient is also taking a diuretic. The combined an irritant and should not be applied to the eyes, mucous potential effect of these three medicines has been referred membranes or broken skin.6 Hands should be washed to as the “triple whammy”. This can result in hyponatremia immediately after applying this medicine.6 or hyperkalemia, AKI and cardiac failure.3, 31 The risk of this occurring is greatest in the first 30 days of use.28 This combination of medicines should be prescribed with caution, particularly in people with CKD or diabetes. If patients develop an acute illness it may be appropriate to discontinue or reduce the dose of these medicines. In patients with reduced renal function who are taking NSAIDs, or in patients at increased risk of renal toxicity, serum creatinine and potassium should be measured after one to two weeks of treatment and then monitored regularly.3 For further information see: “Acute-on-chronic kidney disease: Prevention, diagnosis, management and referral in primary care”, BPJ 46 (Sep, 2012). Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs Use of NSAIDs in children NSAID/aspirin hypersensitivity is characterised by symptoms Ibuprofen is generally the preferred NSAID for use in children. ranging in speed of onset from anaphylaxis and bronchospasm Naproxen is not indicated for the short-term treatment of pain to delayed skin and systemic reactions occurring over weeks.32 and fever in children, but may be prescribed for rheumatoid The reaction is due to COX-1 inhibition and is not mediated by arthritis in children aged over five years.6 Diclofenac is the only IgE, therefore it is not a true allergy.32 NSAID hypersensitivity other NSAID available in New Zealand for the treatment of is reported to affect 0.5 – 1.9% of the general population.32 pain and inflammation in children aged under 12 years, but it However, reports of prevalence among adults with asthma is rarely prescribed for this purpose in primary care. are as high as 21% if aspirin provocation testing is used.32 In children the prevalence of NSAID hypersensitivity is lower and reported to be 0.3% – 5% as assessed by provocation.32 Fever and NSAID use in children Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions are relatively infrequent Febrile illness accounts for a large proportion of childhood and affect 0.3% of the population.32 presentations to primary care. Between 20 – 40% of parents report an occurrence every year.36 Paracetamol (children aged NSAIDs can be routinely prescribed to patients with asthma over one month, 15 mg/kg per dose, every four hours, up to who have no previous history of NSAID-associated symptoms. four times daily, maximum 1 g per dose and 4 g per day) or However, the possibility of NSAID use increasing asthma ibuprofen (children aged under 12 years, 20 mg/kg in divided severity should be discussed with the patient first. Patients doses, to a maximum of 500 mg per day in children under 30 with asthma and nasal polyps or recurrent sinusitis are more kg) are both indicated for the treatment of pain and fever in likely to experience hypersensitivity to NSAIDs.33 People who children.6, 36 However, before prescribing ibuprofen for the have had a hypersensitivity reaction to a NSAID should avoid treatment of febrile illness consider emerging evidence that all non-selective NSAIDs as the reaction is likely to be a class suggests the use of NSAIDs in children may be associated with effect.32 an increased risk of AKI, especially in children who are obese (see below). NSAID use in women who are pregnant is not A paracetamol dosage calculator for children is available recommended from: Paracetamol is preferred to NSAIDs in women who are www.bpac.org.nz/resources/other/bmi_calc/bmiCalc.html pregnant because NSAID use in the first trimester doubles the risk of spontaneous abortion.3 Later in pregnancy NSAID use Management of fever in children should aim to improve is associated with premature closure of the ductus arteriosus comfort rather than reduce body temperature.37 Points to blood vessel, which can result in structural birth defects, consider when prescribing medicines specifically for fever in preterm delivery or low birth weight.34 NSAIDs may also delay children include:36 the onset of labour and increase blood loss during childbirth.3 Mild fevers (<38°C) do not need to be treated Paracetamol or ibuprofen should not be given for the Breast feeding while taking paracetamol or NSAIDs is considered sole purpose of reducing body temperature (see: “The safe due to the low concentrations of these medicines in benefits of inflammation and fever”) breast milk.34 However, aspirin use during lactation has been Medicines for fever should only be prescribed for as associated with significant adverse events in infants.34 Repeat long as the child is in discomfort. If discomfort is not doses of codeine should be avoided wherever possible in alleviated before the next dose is due, then switching, women who are breast feeding, as severe toxicity has been e.g. changing from paracetamol to ibuprofen, may be reported in infants whose mothers are ultra-fast metabolisers considered. Also consider medical review. (see: “Paracetamol and codeine may have variable efficacy”, Do not give paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time Page 10).6 Paracetamol and ibuprofen do not prevent febrile convulsions and should not be prescribed specifically for this reason Ask if the child has taken any medicine for their current illness when assessing their condition. A failure to respond to prior treatment may indicate a more serious illness. Advise parents be a contributing factor to additional cases of multi-factorial of the need for children with fever to receive regular fluids.36 AKI.39 The majority of presentations occurred within the first Small quantities of water offered frequently are best, or breast seven days of treatment and doses were generally within milk if the child is being breast fed. Parents should not give recommended prescribing guidelines.39 Vomiting (74%) was NSAIDs to children who may be dehydrated, e.g. vomiting, the most frequent symptom followed by abdominal pain sunken eyes, tears or urine absent or if skin turgor is diminished. (67%) and decreased urine output (56%). 39 Children aged Tepid sponging is not recommended for the treatment of fever, under five years were most likely to require intensive treatment and children with fever should neither be over-wrapped nor and stay in hospital for longer.39 Obesity may be an important under dressed.36 Discussing the benefits of fever with parents risk factor for NSAID-induced AKI in children as almost half of may help to reduce parental distress. the patients admitted were at or above the 95th percentile for body mass index (BMI) or weight:length ratio.39 NSAIDs and acute kidney injury in children NSAIDs should be prescribed with caution in children with acute illness and/or volume depletion.38 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Thank you to Dr Chris Cameron, Children aged under five years and children who are obese General Physician and Clinical Pharmacologist, Chair, may be at greatest risk of NSAID-induced AKI. One study of Medicines Committee, Capital & Coast DHB, Wellington children admitted to hospital with AKI found that at least 2.7% Hospital for expert review of this article. of all instances were due to NSAID use, with NSAID use likely to The benefits of inflammation and fever The inflammatory response is triggered by damaged or infected cells releasing pro-inflammatory proteins. These signals cause local capillaries to increase in size and capillary membranes to become permeable, resulting in swelling as fluid accumulates locally. Attracted by the chemical signals, white blood cells pass through the capillary membranes and invade the area, attacking pathogens and consuming dead and infected cells. The increased body temperature acts to suppress bacterial growth, viral replication and therefore reduces the duration of infections. References 1. Ministry of Health. Pharmaceutical Collection. 2013. 21. Schjerning Olsen A-M, Fosbøl EL, Lindhardsen J, et al. Duration of 2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Non-steroidal treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and impact anti-inflammatory drugs. Manchester: NICE; 2013. Available from: on risk of death and recurrent myocardial infarction in patients with www.nice.org.uk (Accessed Sep, 2013). prior myocardial infarction: a nationwide cohort study. Circulation. 3. Day RO, Graham GG. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 2011;123(20):2226–35. BMJ. 2013;346:f3195. 22. Winnard D, Wright C, Taylor W, et al. National prevalence of gout 4. Longo D, Fauci A, Kasper D, et al. Chapter 293: Peptic ulcer disease and derived from administrative health data in Aotearoa New Zealand. related disorders. Harrison’s principles of internal medicine. 18th ed. Rheumatology. 2012;51:901–9. New York: McGraw Hill Medical; 2012. p. 2438-60. 23. Strand V. Are COX-2 inhibitors preferable to non-selective non-steroidal 5. Fosbøl EL, Gislason GH, Jacobsen S, et al. Risk of myocardial infarction anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with risk of cardiovascular events and death associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory taking low-dose aspirin? Lancet. 2007;370(9605):2138–51. drugs (NSAIDs) among healthy individuals: a nationwide cohort study. 24. New Zealand Guidelines Group. New Zealand primary care handbook Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2009;85(2):190–7. 2012. 3rd ed. Wellington: New Zealand Guidelines Group; 2012. 6. New Zealand Formulary (NZF). NZF v15. NZF; 2013. Available from: 25. Shin JM, Kim N. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the proton www.nzf.org.nz (Accessed Sep, 2013). pump inhibitors. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2013;19(1):25–35. 7. Singh G, Lanes S, Triadafilopoulos G. Risk of serious upper 26. Rostom A, Dube C, Wells G, et al. Prevention of NSAID- gastrointestinal and cardiovascular thromboembolic complications induced gastroduodenal ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. with meloxicam. Am J Med. 2004;117(2):100–6. 2002;4:CD002296. 8. Coxib and traditional NSAID Trialists’ (CNT) Collaboration. Vascular 27. Medsafe. Prescriber Update: NSAIDs and Acute Kidney Injury. 2013. and upper gastrointestinal effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Available from: www.medsafe.govt.nz (Accessed Sep, 2013). drugs: meta-analyses of individual participant data from randomised 28. Lapi F, Azoulay L, Yin H, et al. Concurrent use of diuretics, angiotensin trials. Lancet. 2013;382(9894):769–79. converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers with 9. Massó González EL, Patrignani P, Tacconelli S, García Rodríguez LA. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of acute kidney injury: Variability among nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in risk of upper nested case-control study. BMJ. 2013;346:e8525. gastrointestinal bleeding. Arthritis Rheum. 2010;62(6):1592–601. 29. Zhang Q-L, Rothenbacher D. Prevalence of chronic kidney disease 10. Sachs CJ. Oral analgesics for acute nonspecific pain. Am Fam Physician. in population-based studies: systematic review. BMC Public Health. 2005;71(5):913–8. 2008;8:117. 11. National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE). Clinical 30. Doggen K, Nobels F, Scheen AJ, et al. Cardiovascular risk factors and Knowledge Summaries: NSAIDs - prescribing issues. NICE, 2013. complications associated with albuminuria and impaired renal function Available from: cks.nice.org.uk (Accessed Sep, 2013). in insulin-treated diabetes. J Diabetes Complicat. 2013;27(4):370–5. 12. Derry CJ, Derry S, Moore RA. Single dose oral ibuprofen plus 31. Fournier J-P, Lapeyre-Mestre M, Sommet A, et al. Laboratory monitoring paracetamol (acetaminophen) for acute postoperative pain. Cochrane of patients treated with antihypertensive drugs and newly exposed Database Syst Rev. 2013;6:CD010210. to non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a cohort study. PLoS ONE. 13. National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE). Osteoarthritis: the 2012;7(3):e34187. care and management of osteoarthritis in adults. NICE: London; 2008. 32. Kowalski ML, Makowska JS, Blanca M, et al. Hypersensitivity to Available from: www.nice.org.uk (Accessed Sep, 2013). nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - classification, 14. de Leon J, Armstrong SC, Cozza KL. Clinical guidelines for psychiatrists diagnosis and management: review of the EAACI/ENDA and GA2LEN/ for the use of pharmacogenetic testing for CYP450 2D6 and CYP450 HANNA. Allergy. 2011;66(7):818–29. 2C19. Psychosomatics. 2006;47(1):75–85. 33. Risser A, Donovan D, Heintzman J, Page T. NSAID prescribing 15. Doherty M, Hawkey C, Goulder M, et al. A randomised controlled precautions. Am Fam Physician. 2009;80(12):1371–8. trial of ibuprofen, paracetamol or a combination tablet of ibuprofen/ 34. Kennedy D. Analgesics and pain relief in pregnancy and breastfeeding. paracetamol in community-derived people with knee pain. Ann Austr Prescr. 2011;34:8–10. Rheum Dis. 2011;70(9):1534–41. 35. Massey T, Derry S, Moore RA, McQuay HJ. Topical NSAIDs for acute pain 16. Bondarsky EE, Domingo AT, Matuza NM, et al. Ibuprofen vs in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(6):CD007402. acetaminophen vs their combination in the relief of musculoskeletal 36. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Feverish illness pain in the ED: a randomized, controlled trial. Am J Emerg Med. in children: Assessment and initial management in children younger 2013;9:1357–60. than five years. NICE: Manchester; 2013. Available from: www.nice.org. 17. de Vries F, Setakis E, van Staa T-P. Concomitant use of ibuprofen and uk (Accessed Sep, 2013). paracetamol and the risk of major clinical safety outcomes. Br J Clin 37. Sullivan JE, Farrar HC. Fever and antipyretic use in children. Pediatrics. Pharmacol. 2010;70(3):429–38. 2011;127(3):580–7. 18. Brune K, Hinz B. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, or a combination of both drugs 38. Brophy PD. Changing the paradigm in pediatric acute kidney injury. J against knee pain: an excellent new randomised clinical trial answers Pediatr. 2013;162(6):1094–6. old questions and suggests new therapeutic recommendations. Ann 39. Misurac JM, Knoderer CA, Leiser JD, et al. Nonsteroidal anti- Rheum Dis. 2011;70(9):1521–2. Inflammatory drugs are an important cause of acute kidney injury in 19. Feucht CL, Patel DR. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications in children. J Pediatr. 2013;162:1153–9. sports: use and abuse. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2010;57(3):751–74. 20. Trelle S, Reichenbach S, Wandel S, et al. Cardiovascular safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: network meta-analysis. BMJ. 2011;342:c7086. COMING SOON The New Zealand Formulary for Children www.nzformulary.org
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You are given a reference document. You must only use information found in the reference document to answer the question asked. According to this document is the combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen effective? NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDs): Making safer treatment choices Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are successfully used to treat a wide range of painful conditions. However, NSAIDs should be prescribed with caution as courses of just a few days, even at doses within prescribing recommendations, can be associated with serious adverse effects in susceptible patients. In primary care, paracetamol is recommended in preference to NSAIDs, where appropriate. If a patient is likely to benefit from NSAID treatment naproxen or ibuprofen are recommended first-line, at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible time. Patients taking NSAIDs who are at increased risk of complications require regular monitoring. How NSAIDs work determines their risk and How NSAIDs work, the patient’s age and the condition being guides their use treated also need to be taken into account when these issues are discussed with patients. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequently prescribed medicines for analgesia in primary care, after paracetamol.1 However, NSAID use can be NSAIDs and cyclo-oxygenase (COX) selectivity associated with a range of serious adverse effects including: The cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 enzymes produce cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal complications, renal prostaglandins following the metabolism of omega-6 failure and hypersensitivity reactions. Even if the risk of an polyunsaturated fatty acid (arachidonic acid).3 Prostaglandins individual patient experiencing an NSAID-related adverse are chemical messengers that mediate inflammation, fever and event is relatively low, the frequent use of NSAIDs within the sensation of pain.3 The analgesic and anti-inflammatory the community means that the potential for NSAID-related effects of NSAIDs are produced through the prevention of adverse events to occur is a concern. NSAID use therefore prostaglandin production by inhibition of COX activity. The requires careful consideration of individual patient risk factors. clinical effects and the risk profiles of the different NSAIDs are To maximise patient safety it is recommended that clinicians largely determined by their differential ability to inhibit the consider the following points before prescribing an NSAID:2 COX-1 and/or COX-2 enzymes and their half-lives. Prescribe all NSAIDs with caution, in all patient groups, COX-1 is widely distributed in the body but is concentrated even over short periods of time in cells of the stomach, kidney, endothelium and in platelets.4 Prescribe the lowest effective NSAID dose, for the Prostaglandins catalysed by COX-1 activity control renal shortest possible time, and review the need for perfusion, promote platelet aggregation and provide continued use at each consultation gastroprotection by regulating mucous secretion.4 Inhibition Older patients, patients with increased cardiovascular of COX-1 can cause adverse gastrointestinal effects.4 risk, patients with type 2 diabetes, and patients with reduced renal function or a history of renal problems COX-2 is induced by inflammation and it is present in are at increased risk of NSAID-related complications and macrophages, leukocytes, fibroblasts and synovial cells. 4 should be advised about adverse effects and regularly Prostaglandins formed via COX-2 activity mediate pain, monitored when taking NSAIDs inflammation, fever and inhibit platelet aggregation.3 Naproxen (up to 1000 mg per day) or ibuprofen (up NSAIDs that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes are termed to 1200 mg per day) are the recommended first-line non-selective NSAIDs, while NSAIDs which predominately choices for adults based on our current knowledge of inhibit COX-2 enzymes are termed COX-2 inhibitors. NSAIDs and cardiovascular risk; ibuprofen is the most appropriate NSAID for children NSAIDs and COX inhibition Avoid prescribing long-acting formulations of NSAIDs, Ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac are non-selective NSAIDs. where possible, as these are associated with an increased However, diclofenac inhibits COX-2 relatively more than risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects COX-1.5 Many of the NSAIDs available in New Zealand have similar indications, e.g. musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, COX-1 is weakly inhibited and COX-2 is strongly inhibited then therefore these three medicines account for 97% of all the risk of thrombosis will be increased. NSAID prescribing.1 Other non-selective NSAIDs indicated for specific conditions include: tenoxicam (inflammatory Naproxen use (up to 1000 mg per day) does not appear to arthropathy, dysmenorrhoea, post-operative pain and acute be associated with increased vascular risk, based on current gout), tiaprofenic acid (inflammatory arthropathy), ketoprofen evidence.8 This may be because COX-1 inhibition by naproxen (inflammatory arthropathy), mefenamic acid (dysmenorrhoea is sufficiently prolonged and intense to effectively block and menorrhagia) and sulindac (inflammatory arthropathy).6 platelet activation and counterbalance the prothrombotic effect of COX-2 inhibition.8 Meloxicam is currently the only subsidised (Special Authority) COX-2 inhibitor in New Zealand. At low doses meloxicam mainly NSAID half-life also influences treatment choice inhibits COX-2. As the dose of meloxicam increases COX-1 is NSAIDs can be divided into short-acting NSAIDs with half-lives increasingly inhibited. For example, there is an increased rate less than six hours and long-acting NSAIDs. NSAIDs with a of serious gastrointestinal adverse events at a dose of 15 mg short half-life, e.g. ibuprofen, have a relatively quick onset of per day, compared to 7.5 mg per day.7 action and are better suited for the treatment of acute pain. NSAIDs with longer half-lives, e.g. naproxen, or in long-acting Celecoxib and etoricoxib COX-2 inhibitors are also available in formulations are more suited for the treatment of chronic New Zealand, but are not subsidised. conditions, as they require only once or twice daily dosing. However, persistent exposure to NSAIDs is an independent Check the New Zealand Formulary or Pharmaceutical determinant of gastrointestinal effects therefore NSAIDs with Schedule for the subsidy details of NSAIDs a long-half life, or NSAIDs in a slow-release formulation, are associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse events (see: “NSAIDs and gastrointestinal complications”, Page COX selectivity and cardiovascular risk 13).9 COX-2 inhibitors were initially developed on the rationale that selective inhibition of COX-2 might replicate the anti- inflammatory and analgesic effects of non-selective NSAIDs Choosing an analgesic regimen while reducing gastrointestinal adverse effects. However, The WHO analgesic ladder recommends paracetamol and/or it was later discovered that COX-2 activity inhibits platelet an NSAID first-line for pain management. The relative efficacy aggregation, therefore NSAIDs that block COX-2 promote of paracetamol and NSAIDs depends on the underlying thrombosis and events such as myocardial infarction become condition causing the pain. Specifically, NSAIDs are more more likely (see: “Cardiovascular risk in people taking NSAIDs”, effective than paracetamol in the treatment of inflammatory Page 12).3 It is now thought that the relative degree to which conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis, and in different NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, and the effect the treatment of dental and menstrual pain.3, 10 For tension that this has on platelet aggregation, determines the likelihood headache or following orthopaedic surgery paracetamol is of each NSAID causing cardiovascular events.8 For example, if reported to provide equivalent analgesia to NSAIDs.10 Paracetamol and codeine may have variable efficacy The effectiveness of paracetamol and codeine may vary toxicity, even at low doses. This can result in respiratory depending on a person’s level of expression of the CYP2D6 depression. It is estimated that among Europeans up to enzyme. People deficient in this enzyme are unable to 10% of people will be either ultra-fast or slow metabolisers convert codeine to morphine and may not receive pain of codeine.14 The prevalence of fast and slow metabolisers relief from its use. Conversely, people who are ultra-fast of codeine among Māori and Pacific peoples is not metabolisers of codeine are at increased risk of opioid known. Paracetamol is safer than NSAIDs for most conditions Paracetamol is considered to be a safer treatment choice than NSAIDs in people at increased risk of NSAID-related Combination paracetamol and ibuprofen adverse effects, e.g. children or older patients, patients with There are an increasing number of products being cardiovascular or renal co-morbidities or diabetes, or patients marketed to the public that contain both paracetamol with a previous history of gastrointestinal symptoms or NSAID and ibuprofen. It is uncertain whether the concomitant hypersensitivity (see: “Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs”, Page use of paracetamol and ibuprofen significantly improves 16). Paracetamol is also recommended by United Kingdom analgesia compared to the use of NSAIDs alone. Studies guidelines for the long-term treatment of back pain and have produced mixed results and outcomes may be degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis, due to its influenced by the cause of the pain being studied. It is superior tolerability.3 also not clear whether the combined use of paracetamol and ibuprofen increases the risk of adverse effects. Compared to NSAIDs, paracetamol has:3 Minimal gastrointestinal toxicity A Cochrane review of the analgesic efficacy of paracetamol Little effect on blood pressure and ibuprofen in the treatment of post-operative pain, concluded that combinations of paracetamol plus No association with myocardial infarction ibuprofen provided better analgesia than either medicine No interaction with the antiplatelet effect of aspirin alone.12 It was also concluded that the combination treatment reduced the need for additional analgesia to Paracetamol can be given for mild to moderate pain in adults be administered and reduced the risk of adverse events at the recommended dose of 0.5 – 1 g, every four to six hours, occurring.12 A study of approximately 900 patients using to a maximum of 4 g per day.6 The major adverse effect paracetamol or ibuprofen, or a combination of the two, associated with paracetamol is liver damage due to overdose for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee found and it should not be prescribed to patients with liver disease.6 significantly more patients achieved pain control at ten days and at 13 weeks with the combination treatment Consider adding codeine to paracetamol in select patients compared to paracetamol alone, but there was not a If the risk of NSAID-related adverse events is high, it may be statistically significant difference compared to using appropriate to consider adding codeine to paracetamol, in ibuprofen alone.15 In contrast, a small study of 90 patients preference to NSAID treatment.11 For example, an older patient randomised to one of three treatment groups in an with osteoarthritis, diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) emergency department setting found that combination may be particularly susceptible to the nephrotoxic effects of treatment with paracetamol and ibuprofen did not provide NSAIDs (see “NSAIDs and renal function”, Page 14). more effective pain relief following musculoskeletal injury compared to either medicine alone.16 An appropriate starting dose of codeine in combination with paracetamol for mild to moderate pain in adults is 15 A large British study funded by a pharmaceutical company mg, every four hours, as required.6 Codeine can be given in reported that compared to the use of the paracetamol and doses up to 60 mg, if required, but the total dose should not ibuprofen alone, the combined use of the two medicines exceed 240 mg per day.6 The main adverse effects of codeine did not increase the number of adverse effects.17 However, are gastrointestinal disturbance and potential respiratory in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee a trend depression.6 The effectiveness of codeine may vary between towards increased dyspepsia, diarrhoea and blood loss individuals due to genetic differences in metabolism, and it may was reported in patients using a combination product.15 not be an appropriate choice for all patients (see: “Paracetamol with codeine may have variable efficacy”, previous page). The lack of a demonstrated strong synergistic analgesic effect between paracetamol and ibuprofen, suggests that Combining paracetamol with NSAIDs may be appropriate the two medicines may have similar modes of actions The combination of paracetamol with NSAIDs may provide and their effects may not be additive.18 The lack of clear more effective analgesia for some patients, e.g. for post- evidence of improved analgesia has led some experts to surgical pain, than either medicine alone.12 This combination question the value of combination products containing treatment may allow the dose of NSAID required to achieve paracetamol and ibuprofen.18 analgesia to be reduced (compared to NSAID treatment alone) therefore reducing the amount NSAID-related risk the patient is exposed to.12 However, this approach does not appear to Diclofenac (75 – 150 mg, daily, in two or three divided doses) be effective for all conditions (see: “Combination paracetamol is indicated for acute pain and inflammation, in inflammatory and ibuprofen”, Page 11). If a combination of paracetamol arthropathy and other musculoskeletal disorders.6 However, and NSAIDs is used to treat pain, consider titrating the NSAID diclofenac at doses of ≥ 150 mg per day is associated with an dose downwards as pain becomes more manageable, while increased risk of cardiovascular events (see below). Diclofenac continuing treatment with paracetamol at the same dose. use is contraindicated in patients who have had a myocardial The NSAID can then be withdrawn, before paracetamol, and infarction in the previous 12 months.6 treatment with paracetamol continued, as required. When prescribing NSAIDs following muscle injury, short courses, i.e. three to seven days, are preferable to longer term Review and intensify lifestyle modifications to manage use.19 pain Long-term pain, as with any chronic condition, requires continual review and ongoing lifestyle modifications to prevent Cardiovascular risk in people taking NSAIDs a decline in the quality of the patient’s life. For example, a Prescribe long-term NASIDs with caution to people with an person with osteoarthritis is likely to benefit from intensifying elevated cardiovascular risk, particularly if they have had a exercise and weight loss programmes.13 previous cardiovascular event. All non-selective NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors are associated with increased cardiovascular risk - except naproxen up to 1000 mg per day or ibuprofen up Reducing the risk of NSAID use to 1200 mg per day.2, 20 This increased risk begins within the If it is decided that NSAID treatment is appropriate, having first week of treatment and translates to an additional three weighed the risks versus benefits of treatment, ensure the major vascular events per 1000 patients, per year.8, 21 patient’s history is known before an NSAID is prescribed. In particular:3 NSAID use has also been found to approximately double the Ensure the patient is aware which over-the-counter (OTC) risk of hospital admission due to heart failure and increase products contain NSAIDs and that they know that they systolic blood pressure by an average of 2 – 3 mmHg.3, 8 The should not take any other NSAID-containing products effect NSAIDs have on blood pressure may be more dramatic while they are being treated with an NSAID in people with pre-existing hypertension and in people Determine if the patient has any co-morbidities that may taking antihypertensives (see: “NSAIDs and renal function”, increase the risk of NSAID treatment, e.g. cardiovascular Page 14).3 Blood pressure should be monitored in patients disease, CKD, diabetes, hypertension or duodenal ulcer with hypertension and older patients within the first month of initiating long-term NSAID treatment, and then routinely Query if the patient is taking any medicines that may monitored as part of ongoing management.3 interact with NSAIDs, e.g. angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs), NSAIDs increase cardiovascular risk across all patient diuretics, clopidogrel, warfarin, dabigatran or aspirin groups Discuss any history of NSAID-related adverse effects A large study found that there was a relative increase in with the patient. Their preference may affect the dosing cardiovascular risk, mainly attributed to coronary events, of regimen. Some patients may prefer to tolerate adverse approximately 33% in patients using high-dose diclofenac effects if a higher dose is likely to result in improved (> 150 mg), COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib, rofecoxib, etoricoxib symptom control, while other patients may take the and lumiracoxib) and high-dose ibuprofen.8 Importantly, the opposite view. trial found that there was no statistical difference in this risk between patient groups with low or high predicted five-year Naproxen (up to 1000 mg per day) or ibuprofen (up to 1200 cardiovascular risk.8 The significance of this study to primary mg per day) are recommended first-line choices if NSAIDs care in New Zealand is that an increased cardiovascular risk are required, due to the lower risk of cardiovascular events has been an under-recognised concern in many patients occurring when these medicines are taken at these doses, taking non-selective NSAIDs. compared to other NSAIDs.2 N.B. The recommended maximum dose of ibuprofen is 2400 mg/day;6 this higher dose may be Short-term and long-term use of NSAIDs is associated with necessary, and appropriate, for some patients, but is associated increased cardiovascular risk. Advise patients who have had with increased cardiovascular risk. a previous cardiovascular event that even one or two doses of ibuprofen or diclofenac may increase their risk of a recurrent event. A study of over 83 000 patients with prior myocardial infarction found that NSAID use increased the risk of recurrent Aspirin and cardiovascular risk myocardial infarction or death by 1.45 times during the first It is unknown if aspirin use, which irreversibly inhibits seven days of treatment and this risk persisted throughout COX-1, influences the apparently neutral cardiovascular the course of treatment.21 The greatest risk was associated effects of naproxen. A large study has found evidence that with diclofenac which increased the risk of myocardial aspirin may confer a cardioprotective effect in patients infarction and/or death by 3.26 times at day one to seven of taking COX-2 inhibitors, but not in patients taking treatment.21 Naproxen was not associated with an increased ibuprofen.23 Further studies are required to characterise risk of myocardial infarction or death during the 14 week the cardiovascular effects of aspirin in people taking study duration.21 naproxen. A practical approach to the issue of a possible NSAIDs and gastrointestinal complications interaction between NSAIDs and aspirin prescribed for Gastrointestinal adverse events are increased two to four-fold cardioprotection is to minimise the combined use of by the use of all NSAIDs and this increase is dose dependent. these medicines in patients with elevated cardiovascular Gastrointestinal complications associated with NSAID use risk. The use of aspirin for the primary prevention of include: dyspepsia, gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcers cardiovascular disease is controversial. Current evidence and perforations of the upper gastrointestinal tract.3, 9 This only justifies the use of low-dose aspirin for primary is because inhibition of the COX-1 enzyme reduces the prevention in patients with a five-year cardiovascular risk production of protective gastric mucous. In general NSAIDs of greater than 15%.24 Furthermore, patients with a high that have a long half-life or are taken in a long-acting cardiovascular risk should not be routinely prescribed formulation have a greater risk of gastrointestinal adverse long-term NSAIDs, if possible. Finally, patients with effects.9 Gastrointestinal symptoms are less common in increased cardiovascular risk are likely to be older and people taking COX-2 inhibitors, however, the risk is increased may have other co-morbidities that increase the risk of in patients who are concurrently taking aspirin.8 NSAID-related adverse effects. Therefore the number of patients whose cardiovascular risk is clinically affected by Risk factors for gastrointestinal adverse effects associated with any interaction between aspirin and NSAIDs in primary NSAID use include:3 care is likely to be small when NSAID use is carefully Age over 65 years managed. Previous adverse reaction to NSAIDs For further information see: “The use of antithrombotic The use of other medicines that may exacerbate any medicines in general practice: A consensus statement”, gastrointestinal adverse effects, e.g. anticoagulants, BPJ 39 (Oct, 2011). selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and corticosteroids Liver disease Chronic kidney disease (CKD) Smoking Excessive alcohol consumption Use of non-selective NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors in people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease may cause an exacerbation of symptoms.3 Paracetamol is generally better tolerated than NSAIDs in people at increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects. Diclofenac and COX-2 inhibitors appear to be the least likely NSAIDs to cause upper gastrointestinal perforation, obstruction or bleeds, while the risk is likely to be increased for patients taking ibuprofen and naproxen.8 Reducing the risk of gastrointestinal complications Advise patients to take NSAIDs with milk or food so the Reducing NSAID-related risk in Māori stomach is not empty and irritation is reduced.3 Consider NSAIDs are often used in the management of gout. Gout co-prescribing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prophylactically is more prevalent among Māori males (11.7%) compared in people aged over 45 years if NSAIDs are being used long- to European males (3.7%).22 Māori are also more severely term in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or affected by gout and are therefore more likely to be lower back pain.2 PPIs should be taken daily, rather than “as using NSAIDs to manage acute flares than non-Māori.22 needed” because PPIs require approximately three days to As Māori are approximately twice as likely as non-Māori achieve steady state inhibition of acid secretion and ulceration to die of cardiovascular disease, the use of NSAIDs in this or bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract can often occur in the population requires added caution. Prescribers should absence of dyspepsia.3, 25 be aware of the elevated cardiovascular risk amongst Māori when prescribing NSAIDs for gout and monitor for A Cochrane review found that both PPIs and histamine-2 adverse effects accordingly. In addition, management receptor antagonists, e.g. ranitidine, were effective at of gout among Māori patients should be intensified to preventing chronic NSAID-related gastric and duodenal reduce the likelihood of flares occurring and reduce the ulcers.26 Omeprazole for the prevention of NSAID-related need for NSAID treatment. Corticosteroids (oral or intra- ulcers can be initiated in adults at 20 mg, once daily, for four articular) or colchicine may be considered as treatment weeks and continued for another four weeks if gastrointestinal alternatives to naproxen for acute gout flare. symptoms have not completely resolved.6 Ranitidine can be initiated in adults, for protection against NSAID-related ulcers, For further information see: “An update on the at 150 mg, twice daily, or 300 mg at night, for up to eight management of gout”, BPJ 51 (Mar, 2013). weeks.6 Misoprostol is no longer routinely used in primary care for the prevention of NSAID-related ulcers as it is associated with diarrhoea and occasionally more severe adverse effects, even at low doses.6, 26 If a patient develops gastrointestinal symptoms during NSAID treatment another type of NSAID can be trialled, an alternative class of analgesic trialled, or a PPI prescribed. In patients with a high risk of developing gastrointestinal complications who require long-term NSAID treatment:3 Prescribe a PPI and advise the patient to discontinue the NSAID and contact a health professional if they notice any gastrointestinal symptoms, e.g. black stools Monitor haemoglobin levels for the first month of treatment. Long-term haemoglobin monitoring is recommended if bleeding is an ongoing clinical concern. If gastrointestinal adverse effects do develop, consider switching to another NSAID NSAIDs and renal function All medicines which block COX-2 are potentially nephrotoxic because they can reduce blood flow to the kidney by preventing prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation. This is particularly true in patients who are dehydrated. NSAIDs can also cause immune mediated acute kidney injury (AKI), e.g. acute interstitial nephritis. In New Zealand over 40% of all renal adverse reactions reported to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) were associated with diclofenac.27 The Topical analgesics risk of AKI in patients taking NSAIDs and other potentially Topical NSAIDs are not subsidised in New Zealand, nephrotoxic medicines is greatest at the start of treatment, however, they are readily available over-the-counter therefore even short courses of NSAIDs should be avoided, if (OTC) and are frequently purchased for the treatment of possible, in patients at increased risk.28 soft tissue injuries, e.g. sports injuries. Topical NSAIDs, in combination with paracetamol, are recommended before All people with CKD should avoid NSAIDs where possible. oral NSAIDs or codeine in United Kingdom guidelines for CKD is a risk factor for AKI and one-quarter to one-third of the treatment of osteoarthritis.13 Topical NSAIDs are also all people aged over 64 years have CKD.29 Acute illness and/ preferred to oral NSAIDs by some clinicians for patients or hypovolaemia, even if mild, further increases the risk of aged over 75 years.3 AKI occurring in people with CKD who are taking NSAIDs. Patients with CKD who are taking NSAIDs should be advised Topical NSAIDs are considered to be as safe as placebo to discontinue use if they develop an acute illness, especially in the treatment of acute pain and therefore can be if they become dehydrated. Patients who have had a previous safely used by patients who are at risk of developing acute decline in renal function should have their notes flagged complications associated with oral NSAIDs. 35 Blood and be identified as at risk of NSAID-related AKI. concentrations of NSAIDs after applying topical products are typically less than 5% of those reached by using oral People with type 2 diabetes should avoid NSAIDs where NSAIDs.35 Approximately six or seven patients out of possible. Reduced renal function and albuminuria are both ten will experience successful pain control with topical risk factors for micro and macrovascular complications NSAIDs.35 However, a large proportion of this effect is that have increased prevalence in people with diabetes.30 because sprain-type injuries tend to improve without Preservation of renal function to prevent the development of treatment.35 CKD and to reduce cardiovascular risk is an essential part of the management of patients with type 2 diabetes. Topical capsaicin is also often used as an adjunctive treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee or hand.13 Topical NSAID nephrotoxicity can be exacerbated by ACE inhibitors capsaicin is currently subsidised for patients who have or ARBs as these medicines impair the regulation of blood osteoarthritis that is not responsive to paracetamol and flow leaving the kidney. Renal function can be compromised where oral NSAIDs are contraindicated. Topical capsaicin is even further if a patient is also taking a diuretic. The combined an irritant and should not be applied to the eyes, mucous potential effect of these three medicines has been referred membranes or broken skin.6 Hands should be washed to as the “triple whammy”. This can result in hyponatremia immediately after applying this medicine.6 or hyperkalemia, AKI and cardiac failure.3, 31 The risk of this occurring is greatest in the first 30 days of use.28 This combination of medicines should be prescribed with caution, particularly in people with CKD or diabetes. If patients develop an acute illness it may be appropriate to discontinue or reduce the dose of these medicines. In patients with reduced renal function who are taking NSAIDs, or in patients at increased risk of renal toxicity, serum creatinine and potassium should be measured after one to two weeks of treatment and then monitored regularly.3 For further information see: “Acute-on-chronic kidney disease: Prevention, diagnosis, management and referral in primary care”, BPJ 46 (Sep, 2012). Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs Use of NSAIDs in children NSAID/aspirin hypersensitivity is characterised by symptoms Ibuprofen is generally the preferred NSAID for use in children. ranging in speed of onset from anaphylaxis and bronchospasm Naproxen is not indicated for the short-term treatment of pain to delayed skin and systemic reactions occurring over weeks.32 and fever in children, but may be prescribed for rheumatoid The reaction is due to COX-1 inhibition and is not mediated by arthritis in children aged over five years.6 Diclofenac is the only IgE, therefore it is not a true allergy.32 NSAID hypersensitivity other NSAID available in New Zealand for the treatment of is reported to affect 0.5 – 1.9% of the general population.32 pain and inflammation in children aged under 12 years, but it However, reports of prevalence among adults with asthma is rarely prescribed for this purpose in primary care. are as high as 21% if aspirin provocation testing is used.32 In children the prevalence of NSAID hypersensitivity is lower and reported to be 0.3% – 5% as assessed by provocation.32 Fever and NSAID use in children Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions are relatively infrequent Febrile illness accounts for a large proportion of childhood and affect 0.3% of the population.32 presentations to primary care. Between 20 – 40% of parents report an occurrence every year.36 Paracetamol (children aged NSAIDs can be routinely prescribed to patients with asthma over one month, 15 mg/kg per dose, every four hours, up to who have no previous history of NSAID-associated symptoms. four times daily, maximum 1 g per dose and 4 g per day) or However, the possibility of NSAID use increasing asthma ibuprofen (children aged under 12 years, 20 mg/kg in divided severity should be discussed with the patient first. Patients doses, to a maximum of 500 mg per day in children under 30 with asthma and nasal polyps or recurrent sinusitis are more kg) are both indicated for the treatment of pain and fever in likely to experience hypersensitivity to NSAIDs.33 People who children.6, 36 However, before prescribing ibuprofen for the have had a hypersensitivity reaction to a NSAID should avoid treatment of febrile illness consider emerging evidence that all non-selective NSAIDs as the reaction is likely to be a class suggests the use of NSAIDs in children may be associated with effect.32 an increased risk of AKI, especially in children who are obese (see below). NSAID use in women who are pregnant is not A paracetamol dosage calculator for children is available recommended from: Paracetamol is preferred to NSAIDs in women who are www.bpac.org.nz/resources/other/bmi_calc/bmiCalc.html pregnant because NSAID use in the first trimester doubles the risk of spontaneous abortion.3 Later in pregnancy NSAID use Management of fever in children should aim to improve is associated with premature closure of the ductus arteriosus comfort rather than reduce body temperature.37 Points to blood vessel, which can result in structural birth defects, consider when prescribing medicines specifically for fever in preterm delivery or low birth weight.34 NSAIDs may also delay children include:36 the onset of labour and increase blood loss during childbirth.3 Mild fevers (<38°C) do not need to be treated Paracetamol or ibuprofen should not be given for the Breast feeding while taking paracetamol or NSAIDs is considered sole purpose of reducing body temperature (see: “The safe due to the low concentrations of these medicines in benefits of inflammation and fever”) breast milk.34 However, aspirin use during lactation has been Medicines for fever should only be prescribed for as associated with significant adverse events in infants.34 Repeat long as the child is in discomfort. If discomfort is not doses of codeine should be avoided wherever possible in alleviated before the next dose is due, then switching, women who are breast feeding, as severe toxicity has been e.g. changing from paracetamol to ibuprofen, may be reported in infants whose mothers are ultra-fast metabolisers considered. Also consider medical review. (see: “Paracetamol and codeine may have variable efficacy”, Do not give paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time Page 10).6 Paracetamol and ibuprofen do not prevent febrile convulsions and should not be prescribed specifically for this reason Ask if the child has taken any medicine for their current illness when assessing their condition. A failure to respond to prior treatment may indicate a more serious illness. Advise parents be a contributing factor to additional cases of multi-factorial of the need for children with fever to receive regular fluids.36 AKI.39 The majority of presentations occurred within the first Small quantities of water offered frequently are best, or breast seven days of treatment and doses were generally within milk if the child is being breast fed. Parents should not give recommended prescribing guidelines.39 Vomiting (74%) was NSAIDs to children who may be dehydrated, e.g. vomiting, the most frequent symptom followed by abdominal pain sunken eyes, tears or urine absent or if skin turgor is diminished. (67%) and decreased urine output (56%). 39 Children aged Tepid sponging is not recommended for the treatment of fever, under five years were most likely to require intensive treatment and children with fever should neither be over-wrapped nor and stay in hospital for longer.39 Obesity may be an important under dressed.36 Discussing the benefits of fever with parents risk factor for NSAID-induced AKI in children as almost half of may help to reduce parental distress. the patients admitted were at or above the 95th percentile for body mass index (BMI) or weight:length ratio.39 NSAIDs and acute kidney injury in children NSAIDs should be prescribed with caution in children with acute illness and/or volume depletion.38 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Thank you to Dr Chris Cameron, Children aged under five years and children who are obese General Physician and Clinical Pharmacologist, Chair, may be at greatest risk of NSAID-induced AKI. One study of Medicines Committee, Capital & Coast DHB, Wellington children admitted to hospital with AKI found that at least 2.7% Hospital for expert review of this article. of all instances were due to NSAID use, with NSAID use likely to The benefits of inflammation and fever The inflammatory response is triggered by damaged or infected cells releasing pro-inflammatory proteins. These signals cause local capillaries to increase in size and capillary membranes to become permeable, resulting in swelling as fluid accumulates locally. Attracted by the chemical signals, white blood cells pass through the capillary membranes and invade the area, attacking pathogens and consuming dead and infected cells. The increased body temperature acts to suppress bacterial growth, viral replication and therefore reduces the duration of infections. References 1. Ministry of Health. Pharmaceutical Collection. 2013. 21. Schjerning Olsen A-M, Fosbøl EL, Lindhardsen J, et al. Duration of 2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Non-steroidal treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and impact anti-inflammatory drugs. Manchester: NICE; 2013. Available from: on risk of death and recurrent myocardial infarction in patients with www.nice.org.uk (Accessed Sep, 2013). prior myocardial infarction: a nationwide cohort study. Circulation. 3. Day RO, Graham GG. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 2011;123(20):2226–35. BMJ. 2013;346:f3195. 22. Winnard D, Wright C, Taylor W, et al. National prevalence of gout 4. Longo D, Fauci A, Kasper D, et al. Chapter 293: Peptic ulcer disease and derived from administrative health data in Aotearoa New Zealand. related disorders. Harrison’s principles of internal medicine. 18th ed. Rheumatology. 2012;51:901–9. New York: McGraw Hill Medical; 2012. p. 2438-60. 23. Strand V. Are COX-2 inhibitors preferable to non-selective non-steroidal 5. Fosbøl EL, Gislason GH, Jacobsen S, et al. Risk of myocardial infarction anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with risk of cardiovascular events and death associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory taking low-dose aspirin? Lancet. 2007;370(9605):2138–51. drugs (NSAIDs) among healthy individuals: a nationwide cohort study. 24. New Zealand Guidelines Group. New Zealand primary care handbook Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2009;85(2):190–7. 2012. 3rd ed. Wellington: New Zealand Guidelines Group; 2012. 6. New Zealand Formulary (NZF). NZF v15. NZF; 2013. Available from: 25. Shin JM, Kim N. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the proton www.nzf.org.nz (Accessed Sep, 2013). pump inhibitors. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2013;19(1):25–35. 7. Singh G, Lanes S, Triadafilopoulos G. Risk of serious upper 26. Rostom A, Dube C, Wells G, et al. Prevention of NSAID- gastrointestinal and cardiovascular thromboembolic complications induced gastroduodenal ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. with meloxicam. Am J Med. 2004;117(2):100–6. 2002;4:CD002296. 8. Coxib and traditional NSAID Trialists’ (CNT) Collaboration. Vascular 27. Medsafe. Prescriber Update: NSAIDs and Acute Kidney Injury. 2013. and upper gastrointestinal effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Available from: www.medsafe.govt.nz (Accessed Sep, 2013). drugs: meta-analyses of individual participant data from randomised 28. Lapi F, Azoulay L, Yin H, et al. Concurrent use of diuretics, angiotensin trials. Lancet. 2013;382(9894):769–79. converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers with 9. Massó González EL, Patrignani P, Tacconelli S, García Rodríguez LA. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of acute kidney injury: Variability among nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in risk of upper nested case-control study. BMJ. 2013;346:e8525. gastrointestinal bleeding. Arthritis Rheum. 2010;62(6):1592–601. 29. Zhang Q-L, Rothenbacher D. Prevalence of chronic kidney disease 10. Sachs CJ. Oral analgesics for acute nonspecific pain. Am Fam Physician. in population-based studies: systematic review. BMC Public Health. 2005;71(5):913–8. 2008;8:117. 11. National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE). Clinical 30. Doggen K, Nobels F, Scheen AJ, et al. Cardiovascular risk factors and Knowledge Summaries: NSAIDs - prescribing issues. NICE, 2013. complications associated with albuminuria and impaired renal function Available from: cks.nice.org.uk (Accessed Sep, 2013). in insulin-treated diabetes. J Diabetes Complicat. 2013;27(4):370–5. 12. Derry CJ, Derry S, Moore RA. Single dose oral ibuprofen plus 31. Fournier J-P, Lapeyre-Mestre M, Sommet A, et al. Laboratory monitoring paracetamol (acetaminophen) for acute postoperative pain. Cochrane of patients treated with antihypertensive drugs and newly exposed Database Syst Rev. 2013;6:CD010210. to non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a cohort study. PLoS ONE. 13. National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE). Osteoarthritis: the 2012;7(3):e34187. care and management of osteoarthritis in adults. NICE: London; 2008. 32. Kowalski ML, Makowska JS, Blanca M, et al. Hypersensitivity to Available from: www.nice.org.uk (Accessed Sep, 2013). nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - classification, 14. de Leon J, Armstrong SC, Cozza KL. Clinical guidelines for psychiatrists diagnosis and management: review of the EAACI/ENDA and GA2LEN/ for the use of pharmacogenetic testing for CYP450 2D6 and CYP450 HANNA. Allergy. 2011;66(7):818–29. 2C19. Psychosomatics. 2006;47(1):75–85. 33. Risser A, Donovan D, Heintzman J, Page T. NSAID prescribing 15. Doherty M, Hawkey C, Goulder M, et al. A randomised controlled precautions. Am Fam Physician. 2009;80(12):1371–8. trial of ibuprofen, paracetamol or a combination tablet of ibuprofen/ 34. Kennedy D. Analgesics and pain relief in pregnancy and breastfeeding. paracetamol in community-derived people with knee pain. Ann Austr Prescr. 2011;34:8–10. Rheum Dis. 2011;70(9):1534–41. 35. Massey T, Derry S, Moore RA, McQuay HJ. Topical NSAIDs for acute pain 16. Bondarsky EE, Domingo AT, Matuza NM, et al. Ibuprofen vs in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(6):CD007402. acetaminophen vs their combination in the relief of musculoskeletal 36. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Feverish illness pain in the ED: a randomized, controlled trial. Am J Emerg Med. in children: Assessment and initial management in children younger 2013;9:1357–60. than five years. NICE: Manchester; 2013. Available from: www.nice.org. 17. de Vries F, Setakis E, van Staa T-P. Concomitant use of ibuprofen and uk (Accessed Sep, 2013). paracetamol and the risk of major clinical safety outcomes. Br J Clin 37. Sullivan JE, Farrar HC. Fever and antipyretic use in children. Pediatrics. Pharmacol. 2010;70(3):429–38. 2011;127(3):580–7. 18. Brune K, Hinz B. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, or a combination of both drugs 38. Brophy PD. Changing the paradigm in pediatric acute kidney injury. J against knee pain: an excellent new randomised clinical trial answers Pediatr. 2013;162(6):1094–6. old questions and suggests new therapeutic recommendations. Ann 39. Misurac JM, Knoderer CA, Leiser JD, et al. Nonsteroidal anti- Rheum Dis. 2011;70(9):1521–2. Inflammatory drugs are an important cause of acute kidney injury in 19. Feucht CL, Patel DR. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications in children. J Pediatr. 2013;162:1153–9. sports: use and abuse. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2010;57(3):751–74. 20. Trelle S, Reichenbach S, Wandel S, et al. Cardiovascular safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: network meta-analysis. BMJ. 2011;342:c7086. COMING SOON The New Zealand Formulary for Children www.nzformulary.org
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You are given a reference document. You must only use information found in the reference document to answer the question asked.
EVIDENCE:
NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDs): Making safer treatment choices Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are successfully used to treat a wide range of painful conditions. However, NSAIDs should be prescribed with caution as courses of just a few days, even at doses within prescribing recommendations, can be associated with serious adverse effects in susceptible patients. In primary care, paracetamol is recommended in preference to NSAIDs, where appropriate. If a patient is likely to benefit from NSAID treatment naproxen or ibuprofen are recommended first-line, at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible time. Patients taking NSAIDs who are at increased risk of complications require regular monitoring. How NSAIDs work determines their risk and How NSAIDs work, the patient’s age and the condition being guides their use treated also need to be taken into account when these issues are discussed with patients. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequently prescribed medicines for analgesia in primary care, after paracetamol.1 However, NSAID use can be NSAIDs and cyclo-oxygenase (COX) selectivity associated with a range of serious adverse effects including: The cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 enzymes produce cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal complications, renal prostaglandins following the metabolism of omega-6 failure and hypersensitivity reactions. Even if the risk of an polyunsaturated fatty acid (arachidonic acid).3 Prostaglandins individual patient experiencing an NSAID-related adverse are chemical messengers that mediate inflammation, fever and event is relatively low, the frequent use of NSAIDs within the sensation of pain.3 The analgesic and anti-inflammatory the community means that the potential for NSAID-related effects of NSAIDs are produced through the prevention of adverse events to occur is a concern. NSAID use therefore prostaglandin production by inhibition of COX activity. The requires careful consideration of individual patient risk factors. clinical effects and the risk profiles of the different NSAIDs are To maximise patient safety it is recommended that clinicians largely determined by their differential ability to inhibit the consider the following points before prescribing an NSAID:2 COX-1 and/or COX-2 enzymes and their half-lives. Prescribe all NSAIDs with caution, in all patient groups, COX-1 is widely distributed in the body but is concentrated even over short periods of time in cells of the stomach, kidney, endothelium and in platelets.4 Prescribe the lowest effective NSAID dose, for the Prostaglandins catalysed by COX-1 activity control renal shortest possible time, and review the need for perfusion, promote platelet aggregation and provide continued use at each consultation gastroprotection by regulating mucous secretion.4 Inhibition Older patients, patients with increased cardiovascular of COX-1 can cause adverse gastrointestinal effects.4 risk, patients with type 2 diabetes, and patients with reduced renal function or a history of renal problems COX-2 is induced by inflammation and it is present in are at increased risk of NSAID-related complications and macrophages, leukocytes, fibroblasts and synovial cells. 4 should be advised about adverse effects and regularly Prostaglandins formed via COX-2 activity mediate pain, monitored when taking NSAIDs inflammation, fever and inhibit platelet aggregation.3 Naproxen (up to 1000 mg per day) or ibuprofen (up NSAIDs that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes are termed to 1200 mg per day) are the recommended first-line non-selective NSAIDs, while NSAIDs which predominately choices for adults based on our current knowledge of inhibit COX-2 enzymes are termed COX-2 inhibitors. NSAIDs and cardiovascular risk; ibuprofen is the most appropriate NSAID for children NSAIDs and COX inhibition Avoid prescribing long-acting formulations of NSAIDs, Ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac are non-selective NSAIDs. where possible, as these are associated with an increased However, diclofenac inhibits COX-2 relatively more than risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects COX-1.5 Many of the NSAIDs available in New Zealand have similar indications, e.g. musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, COX-1 is weakly inhibited and COX-2 is strongly inhibited then therefore these three medicines account for 97% of all the risk of thrombosis will be increased. NSAID prescribing.1 Other non-selective NSAIDs indicated for specific conditions include: tenoxicam (inflammatory Naproxen use (up to 1000 mg per day) does not appear to arthropathy, dysmenorrhoea, post-operative pain and acute be associated with increased vascular risk, based on current gout), tiaprofenic acid (inflammatory arthropathy), ketoprofen evidence.8 This may be because COX-1 inhibition by naproxen (inflammatory arthropathy), mefenamic acid (dysmenorrhoea is sufficiently prolonged and intense to effectively block and menorrhagia) and sulindac (inflammatory arthropathy).6 platelet activation and counterbalance the prothrombotic effect of COX-2 inhibition.8 Meloxicam is currently the only subsidised (Special Authority) COX-2 inhibitor in New Zealand. At low doses meloxicam mainly NSAID half-life also influences treatment choice inhibits COX-2. As the dose of meloxicam increases COX-1 is NSAIDs can be divided into short-acting NSAIDs with half-lives increasingly inhibited. For example, there is an increased rate less than six hours and long-acting NSAIDs. NSAIDs with a of serious gastrointestinal adverse events at a dose of 15 mg short half-life, e.g. ibuprofen, have a relatively quick onset of per day, compared to 7.5 mg per day.7 action and are better suited for the treatment of acute pain. NSAIDs with longer half-lives, e.g. naproxen, or in long-acting Celecoxib and etoricoxib COX-2 inhibitors are also available in formulations are more suited for the treatment of chronic New Zealand, but are not subsidised. conditions, as they require only once or twice daily dosing. However, persistent exposure to NSAIDs is an independent Check the New Zealand Formulary or Pharmaceutical determinant of gastrointestinal effects therefore NSAIDs with Schedule for the subsidy details of NSAIDs a long-half life, or NSAIDs in a slow-release formulation, are associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse events (see: “NSAIDs and gastrointestinal complications”, Page COX selectivity and cardiovascular risk 13).9 COX-2 inhibitors were initially developed on the rationale that selective inhibition of COX-2 might replicate the anti- inflammatory and analgesic effects of non-selective NSAIDs Choosing an analgesic regimen while reducing gastrointestinal adverse effects. However, The WHO analgesic ladder recommends paracetamol and/or it was later discovered that COX-2 activity inhibits platelet an NSAID first-line for pain management. The relative efficacy aggregation, therefore NSAIDs that block COX-2 promote of paracetamol and NSAIDs depends on the underlying thrombosis and events such as myocardial infarction become condition causing the pain. Specifically, NSAIDs are more more likely (see: “Cardiovascular risk in people taking NSAIDs”, effective than paracetamol in the treatment of inflammatory Page 12).3 It is now thought that the relative degree to which conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis, and in different NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, and the effect the treatment of dental and menstrual pain.3, 10 For tension that this has on platelet aggregation, determines the likelihood headache or following orthopaedic surgery paracetamol is of each NSAID causing cardiovascular events.8 For example, if reported to provide equivalent analgesia to NSAIDs.10 Paracetamol and codeine may have variable efficacy The effectiveness of paracetamol and codeine may vary toxicity, even at low doses. This can result in respiratory depending on a person’s level of expression of the CYP2D6 depression. It is estimated that among Europeans up to enzyme. People deficient in this enzyme are unable to 10% of people will be either ultra-fast or slow metabolisers convert codeine to morphine and may not receive pain of codeine.14 The prevalence of fast and slow metabolisers relief from its use. Conversely, people who are ultra-fast of codeine among Māori and Pacific peoples is not metabolisers of codeine are at increased risk of opioid known. Paracetamol is safer than NSAIDs for most conditions Paracetamol is considered to be a safer treatment choice than NSAIDs in people at increased risk of NSAID-related Combination paracetamol and ibuprofen adverse effects, e.g. children or older patients, patients with There are an increasing number of products being cardiovascular or renal co-morbidities or diabetes, or patients marketed to the public that contain both paracetamol with a previous history of gastrointestinal symptoms or NSAID and ibuprofen. It is uncertain whether the concomitant hypersensitivity (see: “Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs”, Page use of paracetamol and ibuprofen significantly improves 16). Paracetamol is also recommended by United Kingdom analgesia compared to the use of NSAIDs alone. Studies guidelines for the long-term treatment of back pain and have produced mixed results and outcomes may be degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis, due to its influenced by the cause of the pain being studied. It is superior tolerability.3 also not clear whether the combined use of paracetamol and ibuprofen increases the risk of adverse effects. Compared to NSAIDs, paracetamol has:3 Minimal gastrointestinal toxicity A Cochrane review of the analgesic efficacy of paracetamol Little effect on blood pressure and ibuprofen in the treatment of post-operative pain, concluded that combinations of paracetamol plus No association with myocardial infarction ibuprofen provided better analgesia than either medicine No interaction with the antiplatelet effect of aspirin alone.12 It was also concluded that the combination treatment reduced the need for additional analgesia to Paracetamol can be given for mild to moderate pain in adults be administered and reduced the risk of adverse events at the recommended dose of 0.5 – 1 g, every four to six hours, occurring.12 A study of approximately 900 patients using to a maximum of 4 g per day.6 The major adverse effect paracetamol or ibuprofen, or a combination of the two, associated with paracetamol is liver damage due to overdose for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee found and it should not be prescribed to patients with liver disease.6 significantly more patients achieved pain control at ten days and at 13 weeks with the combination treatment Consider adding codeine to paracetamol in select patients compared to paracetamol alone, but there was not a If the risk of NSAID-related adverse events is high, it may be statistically significant difference compared to using appropriate to consider adding codeine to paracetamol, in ibuprofen alone.15 In contrast, a small study of 90 patients preference to NSAID treatment.11 For example, an older patient randomised to one of three treatment groups in an with osteoarthritis, diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) emergency department setting found that combination may be particularly susceptible to the nephrotoxic effects of treatment with paracetamol and ibuprofen did not provide NSAIDs (see “NSAIDs and renal function”, Page 14). more effective pain relief following musculoskeletal injury compared to either medicine alone.16 An appropriate starting dose of codeine in combination with paracetamol for mild to moderate pain in adults is 15 A large British study funded by a pharmaceutical company mg, every four hours, as required.6 Codeine can be given in reported that compared to the use of the paracetamol and doses up to 60 mg, if required, but the total dose should not ibuprofen alone, the combined use of the two medicines exceed 240 mg per day.6 The main adverse effects of codeine did not increase the number of adverse effects.17 However, are gastrointestinal disturbance and potential respiratory in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee a trend depression.6 The effectiveness of codeine may vary between towards increased dyspepsia, diarrhoea and blood loss individuals due to genetic differences in metabolism, and it may was reported in patients using a combination product.15 not be an appropriate choice for all patients (see: “Paracetamol with codeine may have variable efficacy”, previous page). The lack of a demonstrated strong synergistic analgesic effect between paracetamol and ibuprofen, suggests that Combining paracetamol with NSAIDs may be appropriate the two medicines may have similar modes of actions The combination of paracetamol with NSAIDs may provide and their effects may not be additive.18 The lack of clear more effective analgesia for some patients, e.g. for post- evidence of improved analgesia has led some experts to surgical pain, than either medicine alone.12 This combination question the value of combination products containing treatment may allow the dose of NSAID required to achieve paracetamol and ibuprofen.18 analgesia to be reduced (compared to NSAID treatment alone) therefore reducing the amount NSAID-related risk the patient is exposed to.12 However, this approach does not appear to Diclofenac (75 – 150 mg, daily, in two or three divided doses) be effective for all conditions (see: “Combination paracetamol is indicated for acute pain and inflammation, in inflammatory and ibuprofen”, Page 11). If a combination of paracetamol arthropathy and other musculoskeletal disorders.6 However, and NSAIDs is used to treat pain, consider titrating the NSAID diclofenac at doses of ≥ 150 mg per day is associated with an dose downwards as pain becomes more manageable, while increased risk of cardiovascular events (see below). Diclofenac continuing treatment with paracetamol at the same dose. use is contraindicated in patients who have had a myocardial The NSAID can then be withdrawn, before paracetamol, and infarction in the previous 12 months.6 treatment with paracetamol continued, as required. When prescribing NSAIDs following muscle injury, short courses, i.e. three to seven days, are preferable to longer term Review and intensify lifestyle modifications to manage use.19 pain Long-term pain, as with any chronic condition, requires continual review and ongoing lifestyle modifications to prevent Cardiovascular risk in people taking NSAIDs a decline in the quality of the patient’s life. For example, a Prescribe long-term NASIDs with caution to people with an person with osteoarthritis is likely to benefit from intensifying elevated cardiovascular risk, particularly if they have had a exercise and weight loss programmes.13 previous cardiovascular event. All non-selective NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors are associated with increased cardiovascular risk - except naproxen up to 1000 mg per day or ibuprofen up Reducing the risk of NSAID use to 1200 mg per day.2, 20 This increased risk begins within the If it is decided that NSAID treatment is appropriate, having first week of treatment and translates to an additional three weighed the risks versus benefits of treatment, ensure the major vascular events per 1000 patients, per year.8, 21 patient’s history is known before an NSAID is prescribed. In particular:3 NSAID use has also been found to approximately double the Ensure the patient is aware which over-the-counter (OTC) risk of hospital admission due to heart failure and increase products contain NSAIDs and that they know that they systolic blood pressure by an average of 2 – 3 mmHg.3, 8 The should not take any other NSAID-containing products effect NSAIDs have on blood pressure may be more dramatic while they are being treated with an NSAID in people with pre-existing hypertension and in people Determine if the patient has any co-morbidities that may taking antihypertensives (see: “NSAIDs and renal function”, increase the risk of NSAID treatment, e.g. cardiovascular Page 14).3 Blood pressure should be monitored in patients disease, CKD, diabetes, hypertension or duodenal ulcer with hypertension and older patients within the first month of initiating long-term NSAID treatment, and then routinely Query if the patient is taking any medicines that may monitored as part of ongoing management.3 interact with NSAIDs, e.g. angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs), NSAIDs increase cardiovascular risk across all patient diuretics, clopidogrel, warfarin, dabigatran or aspirin groups Discuss any history of NSAID-related adverse effects A large study found that there was a relative increase in with the patient. Their preference may affect the dosing cardiovascular risk, mainly attributed to coronary events, of regimen. Some patients may prefer to tolerate adverse approximately 33% in patients using high-dose diclofenac effects if a higher dose is likely to result in improved (> 150 mg), COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib, rofecoxib, etoricoxib symptom control, while other patients may take the and lumiracoxib) and high-dose ibuprofen.8 Importantly, the opposite view. trial found that there was no statistical difference in this risk between patient groups with low or high predicted five-year Naproxen (up to 1000 mg per day) or ibuprofen (up to 1200 cardiovascular risk.8 The significance of this study to primary mg per day) are recommended first-line choices if NSAIDs care in New Zealand is that an increased cardiovascular risk are required, due to the lower risk of cardiovascular events has been an under-recognised concern in many patients occurring when these medicines are taken at these doses, taking non-selective NSAIDs. compared to other NSAIDs.2 N.B. The recommended maximum dose of ibuprofen is 2400 mg/day;6 this higher dose may be Short-term and long-term use of NSAIDs is associated with necessary, and appropriate, for some patients, but is associated increased cardiovascular risk. Advise patients who have had with increased cardiovascular risk. a previous cardiovascular event that even one or two doses of ibuprofen or diclofenac may increase their risk of a recurrent event. A study of over 83 000 patients with prior myocardial infarction found that NSAID use increased the risk of recurrent Aspirin and cardiovascular risk myocardial infarction or death by 1.45 times during the first It is unknown if aspirin use, which irreversibly inhibits seven days of treatment and this risk persisted throughout COX-1, influences the apparently neutral cardiovascular the course of treatment.21 The greatest risk was associated effects of naproxen. A large study has found evidence that with diclofenac which increased the risk of myocardial aspirin may confer a cardioprotective effect in patients infarction and/or death by 3.26 times at day one to seven of taking COX-2 inhibitors, but not in patients taking treatment.21 Naproxen was not associated with an increased ibuprofen.23 Further studies are required to characterise risk of myocardial infarction or death during the 14 week the cardiovascular effects of aspirin in people taking study duration.21 naproxen. A practical approach to the issue of a possible NSAIDs and gastrointestinal complications interaction between NSAIDs and aspirin prescribed for Gastrointestinal adverse events are increased two to four-fold cardioprotection is to minimise the combined use of by the use of all NSAIDs and this increase is dose dependent. these medicines in patients with elevated cardiovascular Gastrointestinal complications associated with NSAID use risk. The use of aspirin for the primary prevention of include: dyspepsia, gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcers cardiovascular disease is controversial. Current evidence and perforations of the upper gastrointestinal tract.3, 9 This only justifies the use of low-dose aspirin for primary is because inhibition of the COX-1 enzyme reduces the prevention in patients with a five-year cardiovascular risk production of protective gastric mucous. In general NSAIDs of greater than 15%.24 Furthermore, patients with a high that have a long half-life or are taken in a long-acting cardiovascular risk should not be routinely prescribed formulation have a greater risk of gastrointestinal adverse long-term NSAIDs, if possible. Finally, patients with effects.9 Gastrointestinal symptoms are less common in increased cardiovascular risk are likely to be older and people taking COX-2 inhibitors, however, the risk is increased may have other co-morbidities that increase the risk of in patients who are concurrently taking aspirin.8 NSAID-related adverse effects. Therefore the number of patients whose cardiovascular risk is clinically affected by Risk factors for gastrointestinal adverse effects associated with any interaction between aspirin and NSAIDs in primary NSAID use include:3 care is likely to be small when NSAID use is carefully Age over 65 years managed. Previous adverse reaction to NSAIDs For further information see: “The use of antithrombotic The use of other medicines that may exacerbate any medicines in general practice: A consensus statement”, gastrointestinal adverse effects, e.g. anticoagulants, BPJ 39 (Oct, 2011). selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and corticosteroids Liver disease Chronic kidney disease (CKD) Smoking Excessive alcohol consumption Use of non-selective NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors in people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease may cause an exacerbation of symptoms.3 Paracetamol is generally better tolerated than NSAIDs in people at increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects. Diclofenac and COX-2 inhibitors appear to be the least likely NSAIDs to cause upper gastrointestinal perforation, obstruction or bleeds, while the risk is likely to be increased for patients taking ibuprofen and naproxen.8 Reducing the risk of gastrointestinal complications Advise patients to take NSAIDs with milk or food so the Reducing NSAID-related risk in Māori stomach is not empty and irritation is reduced.3 Consider NSAIDs are often used in the management of gout. Gout co-prescribing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prophylactically is more prevalent among Māori males (11.7%) compared in people aged over 45 years if NSAIDs are being used long- to European males (3.7%).22 Māori are also more severely term in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or affected by gout and are therefore more likely to be lower back pain.2 PPIs should be taken daily, rather than “as using NSAIDs to manage acute flares than non-Māori.22 needed” because PPIs require approximately three days to As Māori are approximately twice as likely as non-Māori achieve steady state inhibition of acid secretion and ulceration to die of cardiovascular disease, the use of NSAIDs in this or bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract can often occur in the population requires added caution. Prescribers should absence of dyspepsia.3, 25 be aware of the elevated cardiovascular risk amongst Māori when prescribing NSAIDs for gout and monitor for A Cochrane review found that both PPIs and histamine-2 adverse effects accordingly. In addition, management receptor antagonists, e.g. ranitidine, were effective at of gout among Māori patients should be intensified to preventing chronic NSAID-related gastric and duodenal reduce the likelihood of flares occurring and reduce the ulcers.26 Omeprazole for the prevention of NSAID-related need for NSAID treatment. Corticosteroids (oral or intra- ulcers can be initiated in adults at 20 mg, once daily, for four articular) or colchicine may be considered as treatment weeks and continued for another four weeks if gastrointestinal alternatives to naproxen for acute gout flare. symptoms have not completely resolved.6 Ranitidine can be initiated in adults, for protection against NSAID-related ulcers, For further information see: “An update on the at 150 mg, twice daily, or 300 mg at night, for up to eight management of gout”, BPJ 51 (Mar, 2013). weeks.6 Misoprostol is no longer routinely used in primary care for the prevention of NSAID-related ulcers as it is associated with diarrhoea and occasionally more severe adverse effects, even at low doses.6, 26 If a patient develops gastrointestinal symptoms during NSAID treatment another type of NSAID can be trialled, an alternative class of analgesic trialled, or a PPI prescribed. In patients with a high risk of developing gastrointestinal complications who require long-term NSAID treatment:3 Prescribe a PPI and advise the patient to discontinue the NSAID and contact a health professional if they notice any gastrointestinal symptoms, e.g. black stools Monitor haemoglobin levels for the first month of treatment. Long-term haemoglobin monitoring is recommended if bleeding is an ongoing clinical concern. If gastrointestinal adverse effects do develop, consider switching to another NSAID NSAIDs and renal function All medicines which block COX-2 are potentially nephrotoxic because they can reduce blood flow to the kidney by preventing prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation. This is particularly true in patients who are dehydrated. NSAIDs can also cause immune mediated acute kidney injury (AKI), e.g. acute interstitial nephritis. In New Zealand over 40% of all renal adverse reactions reported to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) were associated with diclofenac.27 The Topical analgesics risk of AKI in patients taking NSAIDs and other potentially Topical NSAIDs are not subsidised in New Zealand, nephrotoxic medicines is greatest at the start of treatment, however, they are readily available over-the-counter therefore even short courses of NSAIDs should be avoided, if (OTC) and are frequently purchased for the treatment of possible, in patients at increased risk.28 soft tissue injuries, e.g. sports injuries. Topical NSAIDs, in combination with paracetamol, are recommended before All people with CKD should avoid NSAIDs where possible. oral NSAIDs or codeine in United Kingdom guidelines for CKD is a risk factor for AKI and one-quarter to one-third of the treatment of osteoarthritis.13 Topical NSAIDs are also all people aged over 64 years have CKD.29 Acute illness and/ preferred to oral NSAIDs by some clinicians for patients or hypovolaemia, even if mild, further increases the risk of aged over 75 years.3 AKI occurring in people with CKD who are taking NSAIDs. Patients with CKD who are taking NSAIDs should be advised Topical NSAIDs are considered to be as safe as placebo to discontinue use if they develop an acute illness, especially in the treatment of acute pain and therefore can be if they become dehydrated. Patients who have had a previous safely used by patients who are at risk of developing acute decline in renal function should have their notes flagged complications associated with oral NSAIDs. 35 Blood and be identified as at risk of NSAID-related AKI. concentrations of NSAIDs after applying topical products are typically less than 5% of those reached by using oral People with type 2 diabetes should avoid NSAIDs where NSAIDs.35 Approximately six or seven patients out of possible. Reduced renal function and albuminuria are both ten will experience successful pain control with topical risk factors for micro and macrovascular complications NSAIDs.35 However, a large proportion of this effect is that have increased prevalence in people with diabetes.30 because sprain-type injuries tend to improve without Preservation of renal function to prevent the development of treatment.35 CKD and to reduce cardiovascular risk is an essential part of the management of patients with type 2 diabetes. Topical capsaicin is also often used as an adjunctive treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee or hand.13 Topical NSAID nephrotoxicity can be exacerbated by ACE inhibitors capsaicin is currently subsidised for patients who have or ARBs as these medicines impair the regulation of blood osteoarthritis that is not responsive to paracetamol and flow leaving the kidney. Renal function can be compromised where oral NSAIDs are contraindicated. Topical capsaicin is even further if a patient is also taking a diuretic. The combined an irritant and should not be applied to the eyes, mucous potential effect of these three medicines has been referred membranes or broken skin.6 Hands should be washed to as the “triple whammy”. This can result in hyponatremia immediately after applying this medicine.6 or hyperkalemia, AKI and cardiac failure.3, 31 The risk of this occurring is greatest in the first 30 days of use.28 This combination of medicines should be prescribed with caution, particularly in people with CKD or diabetes. If patients develop an acute illness it may be appropriate to discontinue or reduce the dose of these medicines. In patients with reduced renal function who are taking NSAIDs, or in patients at increased risk of renal toxicity, serum creatinine and potassium should be measured after one to two weeks of treatment and then monitored regularly.3 For further information see: “Acute-on-chronic kidney disease: Prevention, diagnosis, management and referral in primary care”, BPJ 46 (Sep, 2012). Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs Use of NSAIDs in children NSAID/aspirin hypersensitivity is characterised by symptoms Ibuprofen is generally the preferred NSAID for use in children. ranging in speed of onset from anaphylaxis and bronchospasm Naproxen is not indicated for the short-term treatment of pain to delayed skin and systemic reactions occurring over weeks.32 and fever in children, but may be prescribed for rheumatoid The reaction is due to COX-1 inhibition and is not mediated by arthritis in children aged over five years.6 Diclofenac is the only IgE, therefore it is not a true allergy.32 NSAID hypersensitivity other NSAID available in New Zealand for the treatment of is reported to affect 0.5 – 1.9% of the general population.32 pain and inflammation in children aged under 12 years, but it However, reports of prevalence among adults with asthma is rarely prescribed for this purpose in primary care. are as high as 21% if aspirin provocation testing is used.32 In children the prevalence of NSAID hypersensitivity is lower and reported to be 0.3% – 5% as assessed by provocation.32 Fever and NSAID use in children Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions are relatively infrequent Febrile illness accounts for a large proportion of childhood and affect 0.3% of the population.32 presentations to primary care. Between 20 – 40% of parents report an occurrence every year.36 Paracetamol (children aged NSAIDs can be routinely prescribed to patients with asthma over one month, 15 mg/kg per dose, every four hours, up to who have no previous history of NSAID-associated symptoms. four times daily, maximum 1 g per dose and 4 g per day) or However, the possibility of NSAID use increasing asthma ibuprofen (children aged under 12 years, 20 mg/kg in divided severity should be discussed with the patient first. Patients doses, to a maximum of 500 mg per day in children under 30 with asthma and nasal polyps or recurrent sinusitis are more kg) are both indicated for the treatment of pain and fever in likely to experience hypersensitivity to NSAIDs.33 People who children.6, 36 However, before prescribing ibuprofen for the have had a hypersensitivity reaction to a NSAID should avoid treatment of febrile illness consider emerging evidence that all non-selective NSAIDs as the reaction is likely to be a class suggests the use of NSAIDs in children may be associated with effect.32 an increased risk of AKI, especially in children who are obese (see below). NSAID use in women who are pregnant is not A paracetamol dosage calculator for children is available recommended from: Paracetamol is preferred to NSAIDs in women who are www.bpac.org.nz/resources/other/bmi_calc/bmiCalc.html pregnant because NSAID use in the first trimester doubles the risk of spontaneous abortion.3 Later in pregnancy NSAID use Management of fever in children should aim to improve is associated with premature closure of the ductus arteriosus comfort rather than reduce body temperature.37 Points to blood vessel, which can result in structural birth defects, consider when prescribing medicines specifically for fever in preterm delivery or low birth weight.34 NSAIDs may also delay children include:36 the onset of labour and increase blood loss during childbirth.3 Mild fevers (<38°C) do not need to be treated Paracetamol or ibuprofen should not be given for the Breast feeding while taking paracetamol or NSAIDs is considered sole purpose of reducing body temperature (see: “The safe due to the low concentrations of these medicines in benefits of inflammation and fever”) breast milk.34 However, aspirin use during lactation has been Medicines for fever should only be prescribed for as associated with significant adverse events in infants.34 Repeat long as the child is in discomfort. If discomfort is not doses of codeine should be avoided wherever possible in alleviated before the next dose is due, then switching, women who are breast feeding, as severe toxicity has been e.g. changing from paracetamol to ibuprofen, may be reported in infants whose mothers are ultra-fast metabolisers considered. Also consider medical review. (see: “Paracetamol and codeine may have variable efficacy”, Do not give paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time Page 10).6 Paracetamol and ibuprofen do not prevent febrile convulsions and should not be prescribed specifically for this reason Ask if the child has taken any medicine for their current illness when assessing their condition. A failure to respond to prior treatment may indicate a more serious illness. Advise parents be a contributing factor to additional cases of multi-factorial of the need for children with fever to receive regular fluids.36 AKI.39 The majority of presentations occurred within the first Small quantities of water offered frequently are best, or breast seven days of treatment and doses were generally within milk if the child is being breast fed. Parents should not give recommended prescribing guidelines.39 Vomiting (74%) was NSAIDs to children who may be dehydrated, e.g. vomiting, the most frequent symptom followed by abdominal pain sunken eyes, tears or urine absent or if skin turgor is diminished. (67%) and decreased urine output (56%). 39 Children aged Tepid sponging is not recommended for the treatment of fever, under five years were most likely to require intensive treatment and children with fever should neither be over-wrapped nor and stay in hospital for longer.39 Obesity may be an important under dressed.36 Discussing the benefits of fever with parents risk factor for NSAID-induced AKI in children as almost half of may help to reduce parental distress. the patients admitted were at or above the 95th percentile for body mass index (BMI) or weight:length ratio.39 NSAIDs and acute kidney injury in children NSAIDs should be prescribed with caution in children with acute illness and/or volume depletion.38 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Thank you to Dr Chris Cameron, Children aged under five years and children who are obese General Physician and Clinical Pharmacologist, Chair, may be at greatest risk of NSAID-induced AKI. One study of Medicines Committee, Capital & Coast DHB, Wellington children admitted to hospital with AKI found that at least 2.7% Hospital for expert review of this article. of all instances were due to NSAID use, with NSAID use likely to The benefits of inflammation and fever The inflammatory response is triggered by damaged or infected cells releasing pro-inflammatory proteins. These signals cause local capillaries to increase in size and capillary membranes to become permeable, resulting in swelling as fluid accumulates locally. Attracted by the chemical signals, white blood cells pass through the capillary membranes and invade the area, attacking pathogens and consuming dead and infected cells. The increased body temperature acts to suppress bacterial growth, viral replication and therefore reduces the duration of infections. References 1. Ministry of Health. Pharmaceutical Collection. 2013. 21. Schjerning Olsen A-M, Fosbøl EL, Lindhardsen J, et al. Duration of 2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Non-steroidal treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and impact anti-inflammatory drugs. Manchester: NICE; 2013. Available from: on risk of death and recurrent myocardial infarction in patients with www.nice.org.uk (Accessed Sep, 2013). prior myocardial infarction: a nationwide cohort study. Circulation. 3. Day RO, Graham GG. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 2011;123(20):2226–35. BMJ. 2013;346:f3195. 22. Winnard D, Wright C, Taylor W, et al. National prevalence of gout 4. Longo D, Fauci A, Kasper D, et al. Chapter 293: Peptic ulcer disease and derived from administrative health data in Aotearoa New Zealand. related disorders. Harrison’s principles of internal medicine. 18th ed. Rheumatology. 2012;51:901–9. New York: McGraw Hill Medical; 2012. p. 2438-60. 23. Strand V. Are COX-2 inhibitors preferable to non-selective non-steroidal 5. Fosbøl EL, Gislason GH, Jacobsen S, et al. Risk of myocardial infarction anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with risk of cardiovascular events and death associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory taking low-dose aspirin? Lancet. 2007;370(9605):2138–51. drugs (NSAIDs) among healthy individuals: a nationwide cohort study. 24. New Zealand Guidelines Group. New Zealand primary care handbook Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2009;85(2):190–7. 2012. 3rd ed. Wellington: New Zealand Guidelines Group; 2012. 6. New Zealand Formulary (NZF). NZF v15. NZF; 2013. Available from: 25. Shin JM, Kim N. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the proton www.nzf.org.nz (Accessed Sep, 2013). pump inhibitors. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2013;19(1):25–35. 7. Singh G, Lanes S, Triadafilopoulos G. Risk of serious upper 26. Rostom A, Dube C, Wells G, et al. Prevention of NSAID- gastrointestinal and cardiovascular thromboembolic complications induced gastroduodenal ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. with meloxicam. Am J Med. 2004;117(2):100–6. 2002;4:CD002296. 8. Coxib and traditional NSAID Trialists’ (CNT) Collaboration. Vascular 27. Medsafe. Prescriber Update: NSAIDs and Acute Kidney Injury. 2013. and upper gastrointestinal effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Available from: www.medsafe.govt.nz (Accessed Sep, 2013). drugs: meta-analyses of individual participant data from randomised 28. Lapi F, Azoulay L, Yin H, et al. Concurrent use of diuretics, angiotensin trials. Lancet. 2013;382(9894):769–79. converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers with 9. Massó González EL, Patrignani P, Tacconelli S, García Rodríguez LA. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of acute kidney injury: Variability among nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in risk of upper nested case-control study. BMJ. 2013;346:e8525. gastrointestinal bleeding. Arthritis Rheum. 2010;62(6):1592–601. 29. Zhang Q-L, Rothenbacher D. Prevalence of chronic kidney disease 10. Sachs CJ. Oral analgesics for acute nonspecific pain. Am Fam Physician. in population-based studies: systematic review. BMC Public Health. 2005;71(5):913–8. 2008;8:117. 11. National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE). Clinical 30. Doggen K, Nobels F, Scheen AJ, et al. Cardiovascular risk factors and Knowledge Summaries: NSAIDs - prescribing issues. NICE, 2013. complications associated with albuminuria and impaired renal function Available from: cks.nice.org.uk (Accessed Sep, 2013). in insulin-treated diabetes. J Diabetes Complicat. 2013;27(4):370–5. 12. Derry CJ, Derry S, Moore RA. Single dose oral ibuprofen plus 31. Fournier J-P, Lapeyre-Mestre M, Sommet A, et al. Laboratory monitoring paracetamol (acetaminophen) for acute postoperative pain. Cochrane of patients treated with antihypertensive drugs and newly exposed Database Syst Rev. 2013;6:CD010210. to non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a cohort study. PLoS ONE. 13. National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE). Osteoarthritis: the 2012;7(3):e34187. care and management of osteoarthritis in adults. NICE: London; 2008. 32. Kowalski ML, Makowska JS, Blanca M, et al. Hypersensitivity to Available from: www.nice.org.uk (Accessed Sep, 2013). nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - classification, 14. de Leon J, Armstrong SC, Cozza KL. Clinical guidelines for psychiatrists diagnosis and management: review of the EAACI/ENDA and GA2LEN/ for the use of pharmacogenetic testing for CYP450 2D6 and CYP450 HANNA. Allergy. 2011;66(7):818–29. 2C19. Psychosomatics. 2006;47(1):75–85. 33. Risser A, Donovan D, Heintzman J, Page T. NSAID prescribing 15. Doherty M, Hawkey C, Goulder M, et al. A randomised controlled precautions. Am Fam Physician. 2009;80(12):1371–8. trial of ibuprofen, paracetamol or a combination tablet of ibuprofen/ 34. Kennedy D. Analgesics and pain relief in pregnancy and breastfeeding. paracetamol in community-derived people with knee pain. Ann Austr Prescr. 2011;34:8–10. Rheum Dis. 2011;70(9):1534–41. 35. Massey T, Derry S, Moore RA, McQuay HJ. Topical NSAIDs for acute pain 16. Bondarsky EE, Domingo AT, Matuza NM, et al. Ibuprofen vs in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(6):CD007402. acetaminophen vs their combination in the relief of musculoskeletal 36. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Feverish illness pain in the ED: a randomized, controlled trial. Am J Emerg Med. in children: Assessment and initial management in children younger 2013;9:1357–60. than five years. NICE: Manchester; 2013. Available from: www.nice.org. 17. de Vries F, Setakis E, van Staa T-P. Concomitant use of ibuprofen and uk (Accessed Sep, 2013). paracetamol and the risk of major clinical safety outcomes. Br J Clin 37. Sullivan JE, Farrar HC. Fever and antipyretic use in children. Pediatrics. Pharmacol. 2010;70(3):429–38. 2011;127(3):580–7. 18. Brune K, Hinz B. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, or a combination of both drugs 38. Brophy PD. Changing the paradigm in pediatric acute kidney injury. J against knee pain: an excellent new randomised clinical trial answers Pediatr. 2013;162(6):1094–6. old questions and suggests new therapeutic recommendations. Ann 39. Misurac JM, Knoderer CA, Leiser JD, et al. Nonsteroidal anti- Rheum Dis. 2011;70(9):1521–2. Inflammatory drugs are an important cause of acute kidney injury in 19. Feucht CL, Patel DR. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications in children. J Pediatr. 2013;162:1153–9. sports: use and abuse. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2010;57(3):751–74. 20. Trelle S, Reichenbach S, Wandel S, et al. Cardiovascular safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: network meta-analysis. BMJ. 2011;342:c7086. COMING SOON The New Zealand Formulary for Children www.nzformulary.org
USER:
According to this document is the combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen effective?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 21 | 12 | 6,353 | null | 192 |
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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With the advancement of technology and no signs of it slowing down, I am worried about career as a filmmaker and content creator. What fields are booming in tech and how will AI affect its productivity when in relation to the human job market? I do not need to know a lot, just the fields to research. I'm specifically interested in what AI tools can do in the content production realm. can you list the fields and give me a rundown on what AI is taking over in the production field?
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Four evolving technology trends modernizing the consumer products and retail industry 1. Artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) and microcomputing to optimize and enhance experience and supply chain Why it’s important: In the CP&R industry, personalized experiences and efficient supply chains are paramount for winning in the market. Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) and microcomputing technologies are crucial for achieving these objectives by enabling real-time data ingestion and action across customer interactions. This, in turn, empowers businesses to understand consumer preferences at a granular and even hyper-local level, driving increased sales and profitability, brand engagement and loyalty, and streamlined supply chain efforts. Now and in the future, brands and retailers will implement AI/ML across a host of use cases, such as: 2. Generative AI for content creation and innovation Generative AI holds immense significance in CP&R for its ability to foster innovation in content creation and product development. By harnessing the power of GenAI, businesses can produce fresh and engaging content, get to market with speed and build rapid customer engagement models. GenAI is still in its early stages and so are its applications in CP&R, but it’s already clear that the possibilities are endless. Content generation and customization for marketing Product and promotional development and design Virtual shopping assistants Supplier communication and negotiation Quality control and defect detection CP&R companies should consider integrating GenAI into operations more broadly across the value chain. Organizations that find the most appropriate use cases and implement them at scale will drive the operational agility that industry stakeholders have been expecting for years. It will be critical to rethink how talent and capital allocation can be repositioned to better drive value when content and innovation can be available at the drop of a hat. 3. Digital twin and predictive analytics to drive process controls and decision-making Digital twin technology and predictive analytics play a pivotal role in revolutionizing CP&R operations. They facilitate agility and offer a comprehensive view of product lifecycles, supply chains and manufacturing processes. Digital twin and predictive analytics are not new in CP&R, but applications for their use are becoming more robust Design and development optimization for consumer goods Manufacturing process optimization Inventory management and demand forecasting in retail As the CP&R industry becomes increasingly more digitally connected and complex, driven by software proliferation and the Internet of Things (IoT), companies should expand their use of digital twins to a wider range of interconnected value chain nodes. This approach will enable a more proactive response to disruption and market shifts by transforming these tools into a means for a truly dynamic enterprise, from the front office through to the back office. 4. Cloud and ERP upgrades for efficiency and scalability With enterprise resource planning (ERP) upgrades imminent by 2025, modernization is foundational to integrating evolving technology capabilities. Cloud computing provides on-demand data storage and computing power, which is essential for supporting and scaling these new technologies. CP&R executives should be considering these applications to derive the most value from Cloud and ERP upgrades. Connecting systems from front to back office Real-time analytics and computing power Enhanced data security and compliance Companies must look at their legacy transaction systems and rationalize how to modernize them to create efficiencies, whether by integrating evolving tech that makes their systems more usable or by upgrading legacy transaction systems to keep pace with their front-end infrastructure. Considerations for consumer products and retail leaders to help transform evolving tech trends into ‘force multipliers’ It's imperative to recognize that the true power and value behind an evolving digital landscape lie not just in the technologies themselves but in how companies strategically integrate and orchestrate them into their operations and strategic initiatives. The following considerations serve as a guide to help CP&R leaders start a journey down this transformative path. Data strategy: Establish robust data quality and governance frameworks, as inaccurate or poor-quality data can undermine the success of tech implementations. Zero-party data: Capitalize on data provided directly by consumers to personalize experiences and tailor product offerings to meet individual preferences. How EY can help Read more Evaluating the tech ecosystem: Continuously assess your technology ecosystem by building strategic alliances and leveraging partnerships to gain access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise, further driving innovation, agility and competitive advantage. Collaboration and co-opetition: Encourage data- and tech-enabled collaboration both within your organization and externally, as partnerships with suppliers, distributors and even competitors can foster innovation and create a more agile system. Governance: Establish clear governance policies and ethical guidelines for responsible technology use, particularly in areas like AI and data analytics. Talent agenda: Invest in employee training and upskilling to enable your workforce to effectively utilize technology and adapt to new tools and workflows.
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= Four evolving technology trends modernizing the consumer products and retail industry 1. Artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) and microcomputing to optimize and enhance experience and supply chain Why it’s important: In the CP&R industry, personalized experiences and efficient supply chains are paramount for winning in the market. Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) and microcomputing technologies are crucial for achieving these objectives by enabling real-time data ingestion and action across customer interactions. This, in turn, empowers businesses to understand consumer preferences at a granular and even hyper-local level, driving increased sales and profitability, brand engagement and loyalty, and streamlined supply chain efforts. Now and in the future, brands and retailers will implement AI/ML across a host of use cases, such as: 2. Generative AI for content creation and innovation Generative AI holds immense significance in CP&R for its ability to foster innovation in content creation and product development. By harnessing the power of GenAI, businesses can produce fresh and engaging content, get to market with speed and build rapid customer engagement models. GenAI is still in its early stages and so are its applications in CP&R, but it’s already clear that the possibilities are endless. Content generation and customization for marketing Product and promotional development and design Virtual shopping assistants Supplier communication and negotiation Quality control and defect detection CP&R companies should consider integrating GenAI into operations more broadly across the value chain. Organizations that find the most appropriate use cases and implement them at scale will drive the operational agility that industry stakeholders have been expecting for years. It will be critical to rethink how talent and capital allocation can be repositioned to better drive value when content and innovation can be available at the drop of a hat. 3. Digital twin and predictive analytics to drive process controls and decision-making Digital twin technology and predictive analytics play a pivotal role in revolutionizing CP&R operations. They facilitate agility and offer a comprehensive view of product lifecycles, supply chains and manufacturing processes. Digital twin and predictive analytics are not new in CP&R, but applications for their use are becoming more robust Design and development optimization for consumer goods Manufacturing process optimization Inventory management and demand forecasting in retail As the CP&R industry becomes increasingly more digitally connected and complex, driven by software proliferation and the Internet of Things (IoT), companies should expand their use of digital twins to a wider range of interconnected value chain nodes. This approach will enable a more proactive response to disruption and market shifts by transforming these tools into a means for a truly dynamic enterprise, from the front office through to the back office. 4. Cloud and ERP upgrades for efficiency and scalability With enterprise resource planning (ERP) upgrades imminent by 2025, modernization is foundational to integrating evolving technology capabilities. Cloud computing provides on-demand data storage and computing power, which is essential for supporting and scaling these new technologies. CP&R executives should be considering these applications to derive the most value from Cloud and ERP upgrades. Connecting systems from front to back office Real-time analytics and computing power Enhanced data security and compliance Companies must look at their legacy transaction systems and rationalize how to modernize them to create efficiencies, whether by integrating evolving tech that makes their systems more usable or by upgrading legacy transaction systems to keep pace with their front-end infrastructure. Considerations for consumer products and retail leaders to help transform evolving tech trends into ‘force multipliers’ It's imperative to recognize that the true power and value behind an evolving digital landscape lie not just in the technologies themselves but in how companies strategically integrate and orchestrate them into their operations and strategic initiatives. The following considerations serve as a guide to help CP&R leaders start a journey down this transformative path. Data strategy: Establish robust data quality and governance frameworks, as inaccurate or poor-quality data can undermine the success of tech implementations. Zero-party data: Capitalize on data provided directly by consumers to personalize experiences and tailor product offerings to meet individual preferences. How EY can help Read more Evaluating the tech ecosystem: Continuously assess your technology ecosystem by building strategic alliances and leveraging partnerships to gain access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise, further driving innovation, agility and competitive advantage. Collaboration and co-opetition: Encourage data- and tech-enabled collaboration both within your organization and externally, as partnerships with suppliers, distributors and even competitors can foster innovation and create a more agile system. Governance: Establish clear governance policies and ethical guidelines for responsible technology use, particularly in areas like AI and data analytics. Talent agenda: Invest in employee training and upskilling to enable your workforce to effectively utilize technology and adapt to new tools and workflows. https://www.ey.com/en_us/insights/consumer-products/how-embracing-technology-trends-can-drive-leadership-in-the-next ================ <QUESTION> ======= With the advancement of technology and no signs of it slowing down, I am worried about career as a filmmaker and content creator. What fields are booming in tech and how will AI affect its productivity when in relation to the human job market? I do not need to know a lot, just the fields to research. I'm specifically interested in what AI tools can do in the content production realm. can you list the fields and give me a rundown on what AI is taking over in the production field? ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
EVIDENCE:
Four evolving technology trends modernizing the consumer products and retail industry 1. Artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) and microcomputing to optimize and enhance experience and supply chain Why it’s important: In the CP&R industry, personalized experiences and efficient supply chains are paramount for winning in the market. Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) and microcomputing technologies are crucial for achieving these objectives by enabling real-time data ingestion and action across customer interactions. This, in turn, empowers businesses to understand consumer preferences at a granular and even hyper-local level, driving increased sales and profitability, brand engagement and loyalty, and streamlined supply chain efforts. Now and in the future, brands and retailers will implement AI/ML across a host of use cases, such as: 2. Generative AI for content creation and innovation Generative AI holds immense significance in CP&R for its ability to foster innovation in content creation and product development. By harnessing the power of GenAI, businesses can produce fresh and engaging content, get to market with speed and build rapid customer engagement models. GenAI is still in its early stages and so are its applications in CP&R, but it’s already clear that the possibilities are endless. Content generation and customization for marketing Product and promotional development and design Virtual shopping assistants Supplier communication and negotiation Quality control and defect detection CP&R companies should consider integrating GenAI into operations more broadly across the value chain. Organizations that find the most appropriate use cases and implement them at scale will drive the operational agility that industry stakeholders have been expecting for years. It will be critical to rethink how talent and capital allocation can be repositioned to better drive value when content and innovation can be available at the drop of a hat. 3. Digital twin and predictive analytics to drive process controls and decision-making Digital twin technology and predictive analytics play a pivotal role in revolutionizing CP&R operations. They facilitate agility and offer a comprehensive view of product lifecycles, supply chains and manufacturing processes. Digital twin and predictive analytics are not new in CP&R, but applications for their use are becoming more robust Design and development optimization for consumer goods Manufacturing process optimization Inventory management and demand forecasting in retail As the CP&R industry becomes increasingly more digitally connected and complex, driven by software proliferation and the Internet of Things (IoT), companies should expand their use of digital twins to a wider range of interconnected value chain nodes. This approach will enable a more proactive response to disruption and market shifts by transforming these tools into a means for a truly dynamic enterprise, from the front office through to the back office. 4. Cloud and ERP upgrades for efficiency and scalability With enterprise resource planning (ERP) upgrades imminent by 2025, modernization is foundational to integrating evolving technology capabilities. Cloud computing provides on-demand data storage and computing power, which is essential for supporting and scaling these new technologies. CP&R executives should be considering these applications to derive the most value from Cloud and ERP upgrades. Connecting systems from front to back office Real-time analytics and computing power Enhanced data security and compliance Companies must look at their legacy transaction systems and rationalize how to modernize them to create efficiencies, whether by integrating evolving tech that makes their systems more usable or by upgrading legacy transaction systems to keep pace with their front-end infrastructure. Considerations for consumer products and retail leaders to help transform evolving tech trends into ‘force multipliers’ It's imperative to recognize that the true power and value behind an evolving digital landscape lie not just in the technologies themselves but in how companies strategically integrate and orchestrate them into their operations and strategic initiatives. The following considerations serve as a guide to help CP&R leaders start a journey down this transformative path. Data strategy: Establish robust data quality and governance frameworks, as inaccurate or poor-quality data can undermine the success of tech implementations. Zero-party data: Capitalize on data provided directly by consumers to personalize experiences and tailor product offerings to meet individual preferences. How EY can help Read more Evaluating the tech ecosystem: Continuously assess your technology ecosystem by building strategic alliances and leveraging partnerships to gain access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise, further driving innovation, agility and competitive advantage. Collaboration and co-opetition: Encourage data- and tech-enabled collaboration both within your organization and externally, as partnerships with suppliers, distributors and even competitors can foster innovation and create a more agile system. Governance: Establish clear governance policies and ethical guidelines for responsible technology use, particularly in areas like AI and data analytics. Talent agenda: Invest in employee training and upskilling to enable your workforce to effectively utilize technology and adapt to new tools and workflows.
USER:
With the advancement of technology and no signs of it slowing down, I am worried about career as a filmmaker and content creator. What fields are booming in tech and how will AI affect its productivity when in relation to the human job market? I do not need to know a lot, just the fields to research. I'm specifically interested in what AI tools can do in the content production realm. can you list the fields and give me a rundown on what AI is taking over in the production field?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 49 | 91 | 782 | null | 626 |
Using only the information in the provided text, answer the question that follows in 200 words or less.
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Summarize the reasoning on both sides of this argument about the TikTok ban in Montana.
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Issues Presented to the Ninth Circuit on Appeal Attorneys for Montana unsuccessfully argued to the district court that the law represents a valid exercise of Montana’s police power, that it does not violate any of the claimed constitutional provisions, that federal law does not preempt the ban, and that the ban would have only an indirect, and thus permissible, effect on interstate commerce. Montana then appealed the district court’s order granting the preliminary injunction to the Ninth Circuit. In its opening brief, Montana asserts that SB 419 has a “common sense consumer protection purpose” and that the district court erred in concluding that TikTok and its users would win their constitutional arguments. Montana also argues that the district court erred in its application of the remaining preliminary injunction factors. A selection of Montana’s various arguments, ordered as they appear in the brief, follows: • Police Powers. Montana asserts that protecting consumers is an exercise of police power, under which states have significant discretion. • Data Access. Montana asserts that, based on news reports, the U.S. user data that TikTok collects likely is available to the PRC at will, underscoring that the Montana legislature enacted SB 419 to protect Montana consumers’ data privacy, not to impact the editorial control of the platform. • Burden Shifting. Montana asserts that the district court, in concluding that TikTok and its users would prevail on their constitutional claims, erroneously shifted the evidentiary burden for proving those claims to Montana. The Ninth Circuit’s review of the district court’s order granting the preliminary injunction is limited. Montana asks the court of appeals to hold that the district court abused its discretion by relying on “an erroneous legal standard” or “clearly erroneous factual findings” (internal quotation marks omitted). Montana emphasizes that a preliminary injunction is a “drastic remedy” that should not issue where a plaintiff’s claim is “merely plausible” (internal quotation marks omitted). Virginia, together with 18 other states, filed an amicus brief in support of Montana. TikTok and its users each filed a response brief in late April 2024. They maintain that the district court acted properly and emphasize various arguments, including those that follow (ordered as they appear in the briefs): • First Amendment. TikTok and its users argue that the preliminary injunction is justified because SB 419 violates the First Amendment and the law does not withstand any level of scrutiny that might be applied. • Supremacy Clause (Preemption). TikTok and its users argue that SB 419 impermissibly conflicts with the Defense Production Act and constitutes an improper incursion into foreign affairs. • Commerce Clause. TikTok and its users argue that SB 419 likely violates the Commerce Clause by impeding the flow of interstate commerce. These arguments largely reflect those made before the district court. Between Montana’s filing and the response briefs, Congress passed PAFACAA. The response briefs include mention of this new law to underscore arguments in favor of federal preemption. TikTok has also brought a pre-enforcement challenge of the federal law in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. In the present matter, the Ninth Circuit must weigh the various arguments to determine whether the district court properly considered and applied the legal standards governing whether to grant a preliminary injunction before a final determination on the merits of the claims could be made.
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Using only the information in the provided text, answer the question that follows in 200 words or less. Issues Presented to the Ninth Circuit on Appeal Attorneys for Montana unsuccessfully argued to the district court that the law represents a valid exercise of Montana’s police power, that it does not violate any of the claimed constitutional provisions, that federal law does not preempt the ban, and that the ban would have only an indirect, and thus permissible, effect on interstate commerce. Montana then appealed the district court’s order granting the preliminary injunction to the Ninth Circuit. In its opening brief, Montana asserts that SB 419 has a “common sense consumer protection purpose” and that the district court erred in concluding that TikTok and its users would win their constitutional arguments. Montana also argues that the district court erred in its application of the remaining preliminary injunction factors. A selection of Montana’s various arguments, ordered as they appear in the brief, follows: • Police Powers. Montana asserts that protecting consumers is an exercise of police power, under which states have significant discretion. • Data Access. Montana asserts that, based on news reports, the U.S. user data that TikTok collects likely is available to the PRC at will, underscoring that the Montana legislature enacted SB 419 to protect Montana consumers’ data privacy, not to impact the editorial control of the platform. • Burden Shifting. Montana asserts that the district court, in concluding that TikTok and its users would prevail on their constitutional claims, erroneously shifted the evidentiary burden for proving those claims to Montana. The Ninth Circuit’s review of the district court’s order granting the preliminary injunction is limited. Montana asks the court of appeals to hold that the district court abused its discretion by relying on “an erroneous legal standard” or “clearly erroneous factual findings” (internal quotation marks omitted). Montana emphasizes that a preliminary injunction is a “drastic remedy” that should not issue where a plaintiff’s claim is “merely plausible” (internal quotation marks omitted). Virginia, together with 18 other states, filed an amicus brief in support of Montana. TikTok and its users each filed a response brief in late April 2024. They maintain that the district court acted properly and emphasize various arguments, including those that follow (ordered as they appear in the briefs): • First Amendment. TikTok and its users argue that the preliminary injunction is justified because SB 419 violates the First Amendment and the law does not withstand any level of scrutiny that might be applied. • Supremacy Clause (Preemption). TikTok and its users argue that SB 419 impermissibly conflicts with the Defense Production Act and constitutes an improper incursion into foreign affairs. • Commerce Clause. TikTok and its users argue that SB 419 likely violates the Commerce Clause by impeding the flow of interstate commerce. These arguments largely reflect those made before the district court. Between Montana’s filing and the response briefs, Congress passed PAFACAA. The response briefs include mention of this new law to underscore arguments in favor of federal preemption. TikTok has also brought a pre-enforcement challenge of the federal law in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. In the present matter, the Ninth Circuit must weigh the various arguments to determine whether the district court properly considered and applied the legal standards governing whether to grant a preliminary injunction before a final determination on the merits of the claims could be made. Summarize the reasoning on both sides of this argument about the TikTok ban in Montana.
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Using only the information in the provided text, answer the question that follows in 200 words or less.
EVIDENCE:
Issues Presented to the Ninth Circuit on Appeal Attorneys for Montana unsuccessfully argued to the district court that the law represents a valid exercise of Montana’s police power, that it does not violate any of the claimed constitutional provisions, that federal law does not preempt the ban, and that the ban would have only an indirect, and thus permissible, effect on interstate commerce. Montana then appealed the district court’s order granting the preliminary injunction to the Ninth Circuit. In its opening brief, Montana asserts that SB 419 has a “common sense consumer protection purpose” and that the district court erred in concluding that TikTok and its users would win their constitutional arguments. Montana also argues that the district court erred in its application of the remaining preliminary injunction factors. A selection of Montana’s various arguments, ordered as they appear in the brief, follows: • Police Powers. Montana asserts that protecting consumers is an exercise of police power, under which states have significant discretion. • Data Access. Montana asserts that, based on news reports, the U.S. user data that TikTok collects likely is available to the PRC at will, underscoring that the Montana legislature enacted SB 419 to protect Montana consumers’ data privacy, not to impact the editorial control of the platform. • Burden Shifting. Montana asserts that the district court, in concluding that TikTok and its users would prevail on their constitutional claims, erroneously shifted the evidentiary burden for proving those claims to Montana. The Ninth Circuit’s review of the district court’s order granting the preliminary injunction is limited. Montana asks the court of appeals to hold that the district court abused its discretion by relying on “an erroneous legal standard” or “clearly erroneous factual findings” (internal quotation marks omitted). Montana emphasizes that a preliminary injunction is a “drastic remedy” that should not issue where a plaintiff’s claim is “merely plausible” (internal quotation marks omitted). Virginia, together with 18 other states, filed an amicus brief in support of Montana. TikTok and its users each filed a response brief in late April 2024. They maintain that the district court acted properly and emphasize various arguments, including those that follow (ordered as they appear in the briefs): • First Amendment. TikTok and its users argue that the preliminary injunction is justified because SB 419 violates the First Amendment and the law does not withstand any level of scrutiny that might be applied. • Supremacy Clause (Preemption). TikTok and its users argue that SB 419 impermissibly conflicts with the Defense Production Act and constitutes an improper incursion into foreign affairs. • Commerce Clause. TikTok and its users argue that SB 419 likely violates the Commerce Clause by impeding the flow of interstate commerce. These arguments largely reflect those made before the district court. Between Montana’s filing and the response briefs, Congress passed PAFACAA. The response briefs include mention of this new law to underscore arguments in favor of federal preemption. TikTok has also brought a pre-enforcement challenge of the federal law in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. In the present matter, the Ninth Circuit must weigh the various arguments to determine whether the district court properly considered and applied the legal standards governing whether to grant a preliminary injunction before a final determination on the merits of the claims could be made.
USER:
Summarize the reasoning on both sides of this argument about the TikTok ban in Montana.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 18 | 15 | 553 | null | 80 |
Respond using only information from the provided content. Adhere to a 300-word limit. Avoid responding in table format or JSON
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According to the above text, what are the benefits of working a job in the tech industry?
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**Getting a Job in the Tech Industry** Because of the tech industry's rapid evolution, employees often possess both technical and nontechnical skills. Companies typically seek unique individuals who can strengthen their business as the industry grows, and some may not even require industry experience as a qualifier for candidates. If you're interested in advancing your career path and increasing your earning potential, consider researching tech job openings. In this article, we explain what the tech industry is, what to expect as an employee, some benefits of working in tech and steps and tips to help you get a job in the tech industry. What is the tech industry? The tech industry encompasses several business sectors, like e-commerce, internet software and services, financial technology, consumer electronics and telecommunications. It's constantly evolving through innovation and new creative processes, which regularly create new jobs. Because there are so many job options, you can allow your interests to guide you towards a career you can enjoy, such as software development, programming or digital communications. When you accept a job in the tech industry, there are a few things you can expect. For instance, many entry-level positions are technical support roles, so you may be responsible for answering inbound calls and performing troubleshooting to assist users remotely. Depending on the job requirements, you can perform these tasks either in an office or from home. This may involve collaborating with other IT specialists on projects or for user issue resolution. Tech industry jobs also allow you to make real-world impacts by identifying and evaluating problems and innovating solutions. The tech industry mainly favors meritocracy, which encourages employees to focus on their abilities as opposed to their experience level. This concept can promote a positive and collaborative workplace and show a company's commitment to employee satisfaction. Many tech companies value this kind of work culture, and it often resonates in their brand message and company statements. Benefits of working in tech The tech industry offers a variety of unique benefits to its employees. Some of the most significant perks include: Flexibility: Many tech companies offer their employees flexible hours and working conditions, which can appeal to a variety of individuals. Mobile and remote tasks give employees the ability to work anywhere, and this can be an exciting and refreshing contrast to consistent office work. These unique assignments and nontraditional workspaces can empower you to innovate new solutions and contribute to an overall increase in productivity by exercising your time management and technical skills. Work-life balance: Another advantage of working in the tech industry is the ability to achieve and maintain an effective balance between work and other life activities. Because many technical jobs require remote or mobile tasks, you may be able to manage your time more efficiently by building a schedule that accommodates your personal and professional responsibilities. This can give you the ideal work-life balance, and it could encourage you to lead a successful and productive life. Positive work environment: Many tech companies offer substantial perks in their work environments, like complimentary food, a casual dress code and compatible residence areas. Your company might also provide paid time off, volunteer days and insurance. These perks contribute to an optimistic work environment, which can promote creativity, encourage innovation and support your career development in the tech industry. Career growth and development: Working in tech also offers several opportunities for career growth and skill development. You can refine your skills and improve your workflow with every task by applying your knowledge to practical experiences. The skills you learn and apply are transferrable, and they can increase your marketability and advance your career by appealing to potential employers. You can also consider applying them independently to create your own startup business. How to get a job in the tech industry Getting a job in the tech industry can be a rewarding opportunity and provide you with substantial earning potential. If you're interested in securing a tech job, consider reviewing these steps to help you succeed in your career goals: 1. Develop your technical skills The first step to securing a job in the tech industry is to develop the technical skills necessary to excel in your career. This might include programming, data science, analytics, software engineering and development, digital marketing and project management. You can establish and improve these skills by researching, talking to industry professionals or reading respected tech publications like journals, newsletters or websites. Learning from those who work in the tech industry can help you understand which skills are essential and how they use them in their daily tasks. 2. Seek a mentor Having a mentor can give you a distinct advantage in your career development because they impart their professional skills, provide industry knowledge and give you tips to aid in your success. Many mentors offer support, advice and encouragement to guide you towards a rewarding career in tech, and you can learn valuable techniques from those with years of firsthand experience. When seeking a mentor, consider searching for someone who's open-minded and willing to take suggestions. These qualities create a collaborative learning environment for you and your mentor, which strengthens both your skills and relationship. 3. Build your professional network When you connect with others that share similar interests in the tech industry, you're building your professional network. Attending local conferences, contributing to online tech forums and talking to local professionals are all effective methods to expand your tech industry connections. These introductions can play a vital role in securing a career in technology because they give you opportunities to collaborate with others and gather helpful industry information, such as job listings, resume advice and tips from experienced individuals. 4. Pursue a technical certification While there are several tech jobs available that don't require a bachelor's degree in qualified candidates, earning one in a related field may help you appeal to potential tech industry employers. Many colleges also offer vocational programs that offer certifications for various skills, like data security, engineering and project management. Consider researching different colleges and websites to learn about the certifications, degrees and intensive training courses that best support your career development. 5. Create a strong, customized resume. When you apply for tech industry jobs, review the descriptions of the open positions that interest you. This helps you understand the requirements and important aspects of the role. It also gives you the opportunity to customize your resume to appeal to hiring managers. Each company, job and hiring process is unique, and adjusting your resume for each role can help differentiate you from other candidates. Consider including specific skills, tools and programs on your resume that you're familiar with. If a company uses a resume scanning program, keywords can increase the likelihood of the program selecting your resume for further review. Here are some tips that can help you secure a job in the tech industry: Research active job listings: Consider researching active job listings to discover the positions that are currently available. This can help you find which areas of the tech industry interest you, and it may give you a better understanding of the roles that exist. You can also talk to industry professionals to learn their daily activities and necessary skills to determine if these aspects inspire you to seek a specific position. Take advantage of online courses: There are programs online that can help you learn valuable skills that can help you excel in the tech industry, like programming, coding or software development. These self-paced programs allow you to learn at your own pace and develop skills without committing to a single program or course, and many provide certifications that can help differentiate you from other candidates in the application process. Even if you don't possess industry experience, online courses can provide a valuable advantage by developing the essential skills that many tech jobs require. Identify your outsider advantage: Because the tech industry is constantly changing, many tech companies advertise nontechnical positions from human resources, product marketing or sales development to gain employees with different viewpoints. Candidates without technical experience can provide unique perspectives on how they communicate with technology. Hiring managers often seek candidates with adept communication skills and the ability to relate strongly to others to promote a collaborative work environment and increase project efficiency, so consider including these skills on your resume while applying for jobs. Research tech startup companies: Startup companies often forego traditional job requirements to focus more on training and candidate potential, and they usually seek qualified individuals with marketable skills and excellent communication abilities. With these skills and some technical experience, you can be an ideal candidate for many tech startup companies. Consider accepting an internship or finding a mentor so you can apply your technical skills, gain industry experience and become an appealing candidate to startup hiring managers. Focus on your unique qualities: When you apply for a job in the tech industry, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates by identifying which skills make you unique. Explaining nontechnical qualities like drive, determination and perseverance can enhance your resume and help you appeal to potential employers. You can also include general soft skills like problem solving, adaptability and quick learning to show hiring managers you're skillful in several areas that can benefit their company.
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{Question} ======= According to the above text, what are the benefits of working a job in the tech industry? {Instruction} ======= Respond using only information from the provided content. Adhere to a 300-word limit. Avoid responding in table format or JSON {Context} ======= **Getting a Job in the Tech Industry** Because of the tech industry's rapid evolution, employees often possess both technical and nontechnical skills. Companies typically seek unique individuals who can strengthen their business as the industry grows, and some may not even require industry experience as a qualifier for candidates. If you're interested in advancing your career path and increasing your earning potential, consider researching tech job openings. In this article, we explain what the tech industry is, what to expect as an employee, some benefits of working in tech and steps and tips to help you get a job in the tech industry. What is the tech industry? The tech industry encompasses several business sectors, like e-commerce, internet software and services, financial technology, consumer electronics and telecommunications. It's constantly evolving through innovation and new creative processes, which regularly create new jobs. Because there are so many job options, you can allow your interests to guide you towards a career you can enjoy, such as software development, programming or digital communications. When you accept a job in the tech industry, there are a few things you can expect. For instance, many entry-level positions are technical support roles, so you may be responsible for answering inbound calls and performing troubleshooting to assist users remotely. Depending on the job requirements, you can perform these tasks either in an office or from home. This may involve collaborating with other IT specialists on projects or for user issue resolution. Tech industry jobs also allow you to make real-world impacts by identifying and evaluating problems and innovating solutions. The tech industry mainly favors meritocracy, which encourages employees to focus on their abilities as opposed to their experience level. This concept can promote a positive and collaborative workplace and show a company's commitment to employee satisfaction. Many tech companies value this kind of work culture, and it often resonates in their brand message and company statements. Benefits of working in tech The tech industry offers a variety of unique benefits to its employees. Some of the most significant perks include: Flexibility: Many tech companies offer their employees flexible hours and working conditions, which can appeal to a variety of individuals. Mobile and remote tasks give employees the ability to work anywhere, and this can be an exciting and refreshing contrast to consistent office work. These unique assignments and nontraditional workspaces can empower you to innovate new solutions and contribute to an overall increase in productivity by exercising your time management and technical skills. Work-life balance: Another advantage of working in the tech industry is the ability to achieve and maintain an effective balance between work and other life activities. Because many technical jobs require remote or mobile tasks, you may be able to manage your time more efficiently by building a schedule that accommodates your personal and professional responsibilities. This can give you the ideal work-life balance, and it could encourage you to lead a successful and productive life. Positive work environment: Many tech companies offer substantial perks in their work environments, like complimentary food, a casual dress code and compatible residence areas. Your company might also provide paid time off, volunteer days and insurance. These perks contribute to an optimistic work environment, which can promote creativity, encourage innovation and support your career development in the tech industry. Career growth and development: Working in tech also offers several opportunities for career growth and skill development. You can refine your skills and improve your workflow with every task by applying your knowledge to practical experiences. The skills you learn and apply are transferrable, and they can increase your marketability and advance your career by appealing to potential employers. You can also consider applying them independently to create your own startup business. How to get a job in the tech industry Getting a job in the tech industry can be a rewarding opportunity and provide you with substantial earning potential. If you're interested in securing a tech job, consider reviewing these steps to help you succeed in your career goals: 1. Develop your technical skills The first step to securing a job in the tech industry is to develop the technical skills necessary to excel in your career. This might include programming, data science, analytics, software engineering and development, digital marketing and project management. You can establish and improve these skills by researching, talking to industry professionals or reading respected tech publications like journals, newsletters or websites. Learning from those who work in the tech industry can help you understand which skills are essential and how they use them in their daily tasks. 2. Seek a mentor Having a mentor can give you a distinct advantage in your career development because they impart their professional skills, provide industry knowledge and give you tips to aid in your success. Many mentors offer support, advice and encouragement to guide you towards a rewarding career in tech, and you can learn valuable techniques from those with years of firsthand experience. When seeking a mentor, consider searching for someone who's open-minded and willing to take suggestions. These qualities create a collaborative learning environment for you and your mentor, which strengthens both your skills and relationship. 3. Build your professional network When you connect with others that share similar interests in the tech industry, you're building your professional network. Attending local conferences, contributing to online tech forums and talking to local professionals are all effective methods to expand your tech industry connections. These introductions can play a vital role in securing a career in technology because they give you opportunities to collaborate with others and gather helpful industry information, such as job listings, resume advice and tips from experienced individuals. 4. Pursue a technical certification While there are several tech jobs available that don't require a bachelor's degree in qualified candidates, earning one in a related field may help you appeal to potential tech industry employers. Many colleges also offer vocational programs that offer certifications for various skills, like data security, engineering and project management. Consider researching different colleges and websites to learn about the certifications, degrees and intensive training courses that best support your career development. 5. Create a strong, customized resume. When you apply for tech industry jobs, review the descriptions of the open positions that interest you. This helps you understand the requirements and important aspects of the role. It also gives you the opportunity to customize your resume to appeal to hiring managers. Each company, job and hiring process is unique, and adjusting your resume for each role can help differentiate you from other candidates. Consider including specific skills, tools and programs on your resume that you're familiar with. If a company uses a resume scanning program, keywords can increase the likelihood of the program selecting your resume for further review. Here are some tips that can help you secure a job in the tech industry: Research active job listings: Consider researching active job listings to discover the positions that are currently available. This can help you find which areas of the tech industry interest you, and it may give you a better understanding of the roles that exist. You can also talk to industry professionals to learn their daily activities and necessary skills to determine if these aspects inspire you to seek a specific position. Take advantage of online courses: There are programs online that can help you learn valuable skills that can help you excel in the tech industry, like programming, coding or software development. These self-paced programs allow you to learn at your own pace and develop skills without committing to a single program or course, and many provide certifications that can help differentiate you from other candidates in the application process. Even if you don't possess industry experience, online courses can provide a valuable advantage by developing the essential skills that many tech jobs require. Identify your outsider advantage: Because the tech industry is constantly changing, many tech companies advertise nontechnical positions from human resources, product marketing or sales development to gain employees with different viewpoints. Candidates without technical experience can provide unique perspectives on how they communicate with technology. Hiring managers often seek candidates with adept communication skills and the ability to relate strongly to others to promote a collaborative work environment and increase project efficiency, so consider including these skills on your resume while applying for jobs. Research tech startup companies: Startup companies often forego traditional job requirements to focus more on training and candidate potential, and they usually seek qualified individuals with marketable skills and excellent communication abilities. With these skills and some technical experience, you can be an ideal candidate for many tech startup companies. Consider accepting an internship or finding a mentor so you can apply your technical skills, gain industry experience and become an appealing candidate to startup hiring managers. Focus on your unique qualities: When you apply for a job in the tech industry, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates by identifying which skills make you unique. Explaining nontechnical qualities like drive, determination and perseverance can enhance your resume and help you appeal to potential employers. You can also include general soft skills like problem solving, adaptability and quick learning to show hiring managers you're skillful in several areas that can benefit their company.
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Respond using only information from the provided content. Adhere to a 300-word limit. Avoid responding in table format or JSON
EVIDENCE:
**Getting a Job in the Tech Industry** Because of the tech industry's rapid evolution, employees often possess both technical and nontechnical skills. Companies typically seek unique individuals who can strengthen their business as the industry grows, and some may not even require industry experience as a qualifier for candidates. If you're interested in advancing your career path and increasing your earning potential, consider researching tech job openings. In this article, we explain what the tech industry is, what to expect as an employee, some benefits of working in tech and steps and tips to help you get a job in the tech industry. What is the tech industry? The tech industry encompasses several business sectors, like e-commerce, internet software and services, financial technology, consumer electronics and telecommunications. It's constantly evolving through innovation and new creative processes, which regularly create new jobs. Because there are so many job options, you can allow your interests to guide you towards a career you can enjoy, such as software development, programming or digital communications. When you accept a job in the tech industry, there are a few things you can expect. For instance, many entry-level positions are technical support roles, so you may be responsible for answering inbound calls and performing troubleshooting to assist users remotely. Depending on the job requirements, you can perform these tasks either in an office or from home. This may involve collaborating with other IT specialists on projects or for user issue resolution. Tech industry jobs also allow you to make real-world impacts by identifying and evaluating problems and innovating solutions. The tech industry mainly favors meritocracy, which encourages employees to focus on their abilities as opposed to their experience level. This concept can promote a positive and collaborative workplace and show a company's commitment to employee satisfaction. Many tech companies value this kind of work culture, and it often resonates in their brand message and company statements. Benefits of working in tech The tech industry offers a variety of unique benefits to its employees. Some of the most significant perks include: Flexibility: Many tech companies offer their employees flexible hours and working conditions, which can appeal to a variety of individuals. Mobile and remote tasks give employees the ability to work anywhere, and this can be an exciting and refreshing contrast to consistent office work. These unique assignments and nontraditional workspaces can empower you to innovate new solutions and contribute to an overall increase in productivity by exercising your time management and technical skills. Work-life balance: Another advantage of working in the tech industry is the ability to achieve and maintain an effective balance between work and other life activities. Because many technical jobs require remote or mobile tasks, you may be able to manage your time more efficiently by building a schedule that accommodates your personal and professional responsibilities. This can give you the ideal work-life balance, and it could encourage you to lead a successful and productive life. Positive work environment: Many tech companies offer substantial perks in their work environments, like complimentary food, a casual dress code and compatible residence areas. Your company might also provide paid time off, volunteer days and insurance. These perks contribute to an optimistic work environment, which can promote creativity, encourage innovation and support your career development in the tech industry. Career growth and development: Working in tech also offers several opportunities for career growth and skill development. You can refine your skills and improve your workflow with every task by applying your knowledge to practical experiences. The skills you learn and apply are transferrable, and they can increase your marketability and advance your career by appealing to potential employers. You can also consider applying them independently to create your own startup business. How to get a job in the tech industry Getting a job in the tech industry can be a rewarding opportunity and provide you with substantial earning potential. If you're interested in securing a tech job, consider reviewing these steps to help you succeed in your career goals: 1. Develop your technical skills The first step to securing a job in the tech industry is to develop the technical skills necessary to excel in your career. This might include programming, data science, analytics, software engineering and development, digital marketing and project management. You can establish and improve these skills by researching, talking to industry professionals or reading respected tech publications like journals, newsletters or websites. Learning from those who work in the tech industry can help you understand which skills are essential and how they use them in their daily tasks. 2. Seek a mentor Having a mentor can give you a distinct advantage in your career development because they impart their professional skills, provide industry knowledge and give you tips to aid in your success. Many mentors offer support, advice and encouragement to guide you towards a rewarding career in tech, and you can learn valuable techniques from those with years of firsthand experience. When seeking a mentor, consider searching for someone who's open-minded and willing to take suggestions. These qualities create a collaborative learning environment for you and your mentor, which strengthens both your skills and relationship. 3. Build your professional network When you connect with others that share similar interests in the tech industry, you're building your professional network. Attending local conferences, contributing to online tech forums and talking to local professionals are all effective methods to expand your tech industry connections. These introductions can play a vital role in securing a career in technology because they give you opportunities to collaborate with others and gather helpful industry information, such as job listings, resume advice and tips from experienced individuals. 4. Pursue a technical certification While there are several tech jobs available that don't require a bachelor's degree in qualified candidates, earning one in a related field may help you appeal to potential tech industry employers. Many colleges also offer vocational programs that offer certifications for various skills, like data security, engineering and project management. Consider researching different colleges and websites to learn about the certifications, degrees and intensive training courses that best support your career development. 5. Create a strong, customized resume. When you apply for tech industry jobs, review the descriptions of the open positions that interest you. This helps you understand the requirements and important aspects of the role. It also gives you the opportunity to customize your resume to appeal to hiring managers. Each company, job and hiring process is unique, and adjusting your resume for each role can help differentiate you from other candidates. Consider including specific skills, tools and programs on your resume that you're familiar with. If a company uses a resume scanning program, keywords can increase the likelihood of the program selecting your resume for further review. Here are some tips that can help you secure a job in the tech industry: Research active job listings: Consider researching active job listings to discover the positions that are currently available. This can help you find which areas of the tech industry interest you, and it may give you a better understanding of the roles that exist. You can also talk to industry professionals to learn their daily activities and necessary skills to determine if these aspects inspire you to seek a specific position. Take advantage of online courses: There are programs online that can help you learn valuable skills that can help you excel in the tech industry, like programming, coding or software development. These self-paced programs allow you to learn at your own pace and develop skills without committing to a single program or course, and many provide certifications that can help differentiate you from other candidates in the application process. Even if you don't possess industry experience, online courses can provide a valuable advantage by developing the essential skills that many tech jobs require. Identify your outsider advantage: Because the tech industry is constantly changing, many tech companies advertise nontechnical positions from human resources, product marketing or sales development to gain employees with different viewpoints. Candidates without technical experience can provide unique perspectives on how they communicate with technology. Hiring managers often seek candidates with adept communication skills and the ability to relate strongly to others to promote a collaborative work environment and increase project efficiency, so consider including these skills on your resume while applying for jobs. Research tech startup companies: Startup companies often forego traditional job requirements to focus more on training and candidate potential, and they usually seek qualified individuals with marketable skills and excellent communication abilities. With these skills and some technical experience, you can be an ideal candidate for many tech startup companies. Consider accepting an internship or finding a mentor so you can apply your technical skills, gain industry experience and become an appealing candidate to startup hiring managers. Focus on your unique qualities: When you apply for a job in the tech industry, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates by identifying which skills make you unique. Explaining nontechnical qualities like drive, determination and perseverance can enhance your resume and help you appeal to potential employers. You can also include general soft skills like problem solving, adaptability and quick learning to show hiring managers you're skillful in several areas that can benefit their company.
USER:
According to the above text, what are the benefits of working a job in the tech industry?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 20 | 17 | 1,546 | null | 630 |
"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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Are there any benefits to using AI? Are there any dangers in using AI? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, create a list of answers for each question.
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Potential threats posed by AI can entail malicious objectives, unintended circumstances, and circumvention of safety measures. There are currently AI tools where the objectives are not clear, making them usable in a vast array of contexts, but also susceptible to manipulation or use in detrimental ways. For example, while Large Language Models (LLMs) are optimized for the narrow task of text prediction, they do not have a single objective in their main end-to-end applications; thus, they can be utilized in content generation for marketing purposes, in translation, and to produce misinformation at scale. In other cases, the objective is known and the AI system is optimized for that objective but the outcome can result in unintended harm. For instance, while some AI systems might aim for higher clicks, they might inadvertently contribute to societal polarization. This is an example of unintended consequence of an AI tool optimized on a known objective. As AI has evolved, especially with the development of Foundation models, numerous strategies have been proposed to integrate safety precautions and protective guardrails during deployment. However, there is substantial evidence indicating that malicious entities can bypass these barriers, leading the Foundation models to breach the safety protocols that were put in place. As such, there is a continued need for research into these safety challenges. Malicious objectives: It is important to protect against the misuse of AI. This is true for both proprietary and open-source AI. Ensuring public access to technology through open-source supports efforts to democratize AI development. However, these open-source models can be utilized by bad actors for malicious objectives such as phishing and scamming. Similarly, close-source models also can pose similar risks if they are misused by bad actors. Circumvention of safety measures: As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, there is a heightened risk that they may devise means to bypass the very protocols put in place to oversee or limit their actions. This is particularly worrisome because, while humans design these safety measures with specific intentions, an AI might interpret them differently or identify loopholes. As the wave of AI and automation continues its transformative journey across industries, it will have a disruptive impact on employment opportunities. This impact could make jobs better and more accessible to a broader proportion of the population, but also has the potential to increase inequality. On one hand, sectors reliant on routine tasks are confronted with potential impacts on jobs, while on the other hand, the rise of AI-driven enterprises might inadvertently magnify the chasm of economic inequality. However, it should be noted that these studies discuss exposure to AI. Exposure does not necessarily translate to loss of jobs as the market could expand. It is apparent that some jobs will be lost and others will be created, and in some instances lower-performing workers will be boosted by AI, supplementing their capabilities. The concern is that without proactively developing the ability to detect and address changes and disruptions, and without awareness of labor market trends, available educational upskilling programs, and policies such as wage insurance for workers preparing for new roles (especially in the rapidly changing environment), it is possible to witness stark increases in inequality even as productivity rises. But the challenges are not solely economic. Ethical and societal dilemmas are emerging at the forefront, with growing concerns about individual privacy, copyright infringement, and the increasing human dependence on these technologies. Content authenticity verification presents a significant challenge, heightening worries about deepfakes and misinformation, which could undermine democratic processes. As AI systems grow more powerful and potentially gain more sophisticated capabilities, concerns have been raised about the possibility that these technologies will cause significant disruptions. These can manifest in the form of threats to democracy, like meddling in the electoral process, national security threats such as bioweapons or cyberattacks, and societal disruptions via polarizing AI systems used in platforms like social media. It should be noted that there are differing opinions on the feasibility of superhuman capabilities of AI and whether the risks can be categorized as large-scale disruption and catastrophic. In addition, many of these risks are instances of AI used for malicious objectives, unintended consequences of AI systems, or economic and societal risks as mentioned in previous parts taken to their extreme. These risks include: Uncontrolled growth: As AI acquires more sophisticated capabilities, some have raised concerns that it could act unpredictably, making decisions or taking actions not fully understood by its developers. Destabilization of democracy: The improper and malevolent use of AI has the potential to critically destabilize democratic systems. For example, if AI is harnessed to meddle with electoral processes, this could undermine confidence in democratic processes. One of the most prominent concerns is the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Moreover, AI tools can also be employed for more direct manipulation of voter behavior. National security threats: Malicious inputs have the capacity to trick AI systems, leading to operational failures. Furthermore, when AI is integrated into realms like warfare, cyber-attacks, and bioweapons, it can both intensify conflicts and usher in unpredictable combat tactics. Manipulation and polarization: AI, such as those used in social media platforms, can manipulate information to increase user engagement, inadvertently leading to societal polarization and misinformation. As AI's potential grows, so do the complexities and concerns surrounding its assimilation into diverse societal sectors. Nonetheless, every hurdle also presents a chance to evolve and refine. This is especially true in the AI domain. Delving into potential resolutions and protective measures isn't merely scholarly; it's imperative to ensure AI is utilized ethically, responsibly, and safely for everyone's advantage in the future. It's essential to enforce transparency, ensuring users recognize when they are engaging with an AI rather than a human, especially in scenarios where trust and authenticity are paramount. Below are some of the mitigation strategies suggested by the experts. Adaptive regulation: There has been emphasis on the importance of regulating AI in a manner that's both agile and adaptive. Given that AI can evolve faster than legislative systems, regulations need to be flexible enough to address current and future risks. Regulations should also be designed based on input from multiple stakeholders: corporations, advocacy groups, academic leaders. It has been further suggested that risk should be associated with AI's uses, not the technology itself. Lastly, in light of the recent declaration about voluntary commitments, it has been suggested to make some of these commitments obligatory. Other possible suggestions include and possibly encompass third-party verification, registration, and licensing of certain AI systems. Research investment: It is paramount to invest in AI research. It has been suggested that the research should be segmented into public and classified. The public research involves conventional academic research that openly publishes findings on AI risk safety solutions. This research can further delve into the appropriate governance and regulation necessary to ensure public safety, providing valuable insights for policymakers aiming to regulate AI effectively. The classified research pertains to concentrating on counteractions against malevolent users of AI or inadvertent AI control losses with national security consequences. Furthermore, experts advocate for international research by fostering global collaborations among institutes. Research with humanity at its core: There's a dual need for both open academic research focusing on safety solutions and classified research that addresses potential threats from bad actors using AI or unintentional loss of control over AI. Multi-stakeholder approach: Experts highlight the significance of including various stakeholders like AI builders, users, and civil society in the process. Companies, in particular, should invest in AI governance and adopt internal ethics frameworks. International coordination: It's imperative to develop joint international collaboration, ensuring that potent AI tools are not misused. Collaborative efforts with various nations, including those beyond the traditional U.S. allies, will help ensure a cohesive global approach to AI usage and its associated risks.
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= Potential threats posed by AI can entail malicious objectives, unintended circumstances, and circumvention of safety measures. There are currently AI tools where the objectives are not clear, making them usable in a vast array of contexts, but also susceptible to manipulation or use in detrimental ways. For example, while Large Language Models (LLMs) are optimized for the narrow task of text prediction, they do not have a single objective in their main end-to-end applications; thus, they can be utilized in content generation for marketing purposes, in translation, and to produce misinformation at scale. In other cases, the objective is known and the AI system is optimized for that objective but the outcome can result in unintended harm. For instance, while some AI systems might aim for higher clicks, they might inadvertently contribute to societal polarization. This is an example of unintended consequence of an AI tool optimized on a known objective. As AI has evolved, especially with the development of Foundation models, numerous strategies have been proposed to integrate safety precautions and protective guardrails during deployment. However, there is substantial evidence indicating that malicious entities can bypass these barriers, leading the Foundation models to breach the safety protocols that were put in place. As such, there is a continued need for research into these safety challenges. Malicious objectives: It is important to protect against the misuse of AI. This is true for both proprietary and open-source AI. Ensuring public access to technology through open-source supports efforts to democratize AI development. However, these open-source models can be utilized by bad actors for malicious objectives such as phishing and scamming. Similarly, close-source models also can pose similar risks if they are misused by bad actors. Circumvention of safety measures: As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, there is a heightened risk that they may devise means to bypass the very protocols put in place to oversee or limit their actions. This is particularly worrisome because, while humans design these safety measures with specific intentions, an AI might interpret them differently or identify loopholes. As the wave of AI and automation continues its transformative journey across industries, it will have a disruptive impact on employment opportunities. This impact could make jobs better and more accessible to a broader proportion of the population, but also has the potential to increase inequality. On one hand, sectors reliant on routine tasks are confronted with potential impacts on jobs, while on the other hand, the rise of AI-driven enterprises might inadvertently magnify the chasm of economic inequality. However, it should be noted that these studies discuss exposure to AI. Exposure does not necessarily translate to loss of jobs as the market could expand. It is apparent that some jobs will be lost and others will be created, and in some instances lower-performing workers will be boosted by AI, supplementing their capabilities. The concern is that without proactively developing the ability to detect and address changes and disruptions, and without awareness of labor market trends, available educational upskilling programs, and policies such as wage insurance for workers preparing for new roles (especially in the rapidly changing environment), it is possible to witness stark increases in inequality even as productivity rises. But the challenges are not solely economic. Ethical and societal dilemmas are emerging at the forefront, with growing concerns about individual privacy, copyright infringement, and the increasing human dependence on these technologies. Content authenticity verification presents a significant challenge, heightening worries about deepfakes and misinformation, which could undermine democratic processes. As AI systems grow more powerful and potentially gain more sophisticated capabilities, concerns have been raised about the possibility that these technologies will cause significant disruptions. These can manifest in the form of threats to democracy, like meddling in the electoral process, national security threats such as bioweapons or cyberattacks, and societal disruptions via polarizing AI systems used in platforms like social media. It should be noted that there are differing opinions on the feasibility of superhuman capabilities of AI and whether the risks can be categorized as large-scale disruption and catastrophic. In addition, many of these risks are instances of AI used for malicious objectives, unintended consequences of AI systems, or economic and societal risks as mentioned in previous parts taken to their extreme. These risks include: Uncontrolled growth: As AI acquires more sophisticated capabilities, some have raised concerns that it could act unpredictably, making decisions or taking actions not fully understood by its developers. Destabilization of democracy: The improper and malevolent use of AI has the potential to critically destabilize democratic systems. For example, if AI is harnessed to meddle with electoral processes, this could undermine confidence in democratic processes. One of the most prominent concerns is the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Moreover, AI tools can also be employed for more direct manipulation of voter behavior. National security threats: Malicious inputs have the capacity to trick AI systems, leading to operational failures. Furthermore, when AI is integrated into realms like warfare, cyber-attacks, and bioweapons, it can both intensify conflicts and usher in unpredictable combat tactics. Manipulation and polarization: AI, such as those used in social media platforms, can manipulate information to increase user engagement, inadvertently leading to societal polarization and misinformation. As AI's potential grows, so do the complexities and concerns surrounding its assimilation into diverse societal sectors. Nonetheless, every hurdle also presents a chance to evolve and refine. This is especially true in the AI domain. Delving into potential resolutions and protective measures isn't merely scholarly; it's imperative to ensure AI is utilized ethically, responsibly, and safely for everyone's advantage in the future. It's essential to enforce transparency, ensuring users recognize when they are engaging with an AI rather than a human, especially in scenarios where trust and authenticity are paramount. Below are some of the mitigation strategies suggested by the experts. Adaptive regulation: There has been emphasis on the importance of regulating AI in a manner that's both agile and adaptive. Given that AI can evolve faster than legislative systems, regulations need to be flexible enough to address current and future risks. Regulations should also be designed based on input from multiple stakeholders: corporations, advocacy groups, academic leaders. It has been further suggested that risk should be associated with AI's uses, not the technology itself. Lastly, in light of the recent declaration about voluntary commitments, it has been suggested to make some of these commitments obligatory. Other possible suggestions include and possibly encompass third-party verification, registration, and licensing of certain AI systems. Research investment: It is paramount to invest in AI research. It has been suggested that the research should be segmented into public and classified. The public research involves conventional academic research that openly publishes findings on AI risk safety solutions. This research can further delve into the appropriate governance and regulation necessary to ensure public safety, providing valuable insights for policymakers aiming to regulate AI effectively. The classified research pertains to concentrating on counteractions against malevolent users of AI or inadvertent AI control losses with national security consequences. Furthermore, experts advocate for international research by fostering global collaborations among institutes. Research with humanity at its core: There's a dual need for both open academic research focusing on safety solutions and classified research that addresses potential threats from bad actors using AI or unintentional loss of control over AI. Multi-stakeholder approach: Experts highlight the significance of including various stakeholders like AI builders, users, and civil society in the process. Companies, in particular, should invest in AI governance and adopt internal ethics frameworks. International coordination: It's imperative to develop joint international collaboration, ensuring that potent AI tools are not misused. Collaborative efforts with various nations, including those beyond the traditional U.S. allies, will help ensure a cohesive global approach to AI usage and its associated risks. https://ai.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Findings_The-Potential-Future-Risks-of-AI.pdf ================ <QUESTION> ======= Are there any benefits to using AI? Are there any dangers in using AI? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, create a list of answers for each question. ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
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"================ <TEXT PASSAGE> ======= [context document] ================ <QUESTION> ======= [user request] ================ <TASK> ======= You are an expert in question answering. Your task is to reply to a query or question, based only on the information provided by the user. It should only use information in the article provided."
EVIDENCE:
Potential threats posed by AI can entail malicious objectives, unintended circumstances, and circumvention of safety measures. There are currently AI tools where the objectives are not clear, making them usable in a vast array of contexts, but also susceptible to manipulation or use in detrimental ways. For example, while Large Language Models (LLMs) are optimized for the narrow task of text prediction, they do not have a single objective in their main end-to-end applications; thus, they can be utilized in content generation for marketing purposes, in translation, and to produce misinformation at scale. In other cases, the objective is known and the AI system is optimized for that objective but the outcome can result in unintended harm. For instance, while some AI systems might aim for higher clicks, they might inadvertently contribute to societal polarization. This is an example of unintended consequence of an AI tool optimized on a known objective. As AI has evolved, especially with the development of Foundation models, numerous strategies have been proposed to integrate safety precautions and protective guardrails during deployment. However, there is substantial evidence indicating that malicious entities can bypass these barriers, leading the Foundation models to breach the safety protocols that were put in place. As such, there is a continued need for research into these safety challenges. Malicious objectives: It is important to protect against the misuse of AI. This is true for both proprietary and open-source AI. Ensuring public access to technology through open-source supports efforts to democratize AI development. However, these open-source models can be utilized by bad actors for malicious objectives such as phishing and scamming. Similarly, close-source models also can pose similar risks if they are misused by bad actors. Circumvention of safety measures: As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, there is a heightened risk that they may devise means to bypass the very protocols put in place to oversee or limit their actions. This is particularly worrisome because, while humans design these safety measures with specific intentions, an AI might interpret them differently or identify loopholes. As the wave of AI and automation continues its transformative journey across industries, it will have a disruptive impact on employment opportunities. This impact could make jobs better and more accessible to a broader proportion of the population, but also has the potential to increase inequality. On one hand, sectors reliant on routine tasks are confronted with potential impacts on jobs, while on the other hand, the rise of AI-driven enterprises might inadvertently magnify the chasm of economic inequality. However, it should be noted that these studies discuss exposure to AI. Exposure does not necessarily translate to loss of jobs as the market could expand. It is apparent that some jobs will be lost and others will be created, and in some instances lower-performing workers will be boosted by AI, supplementing their capabilities. The concern is that without proactively developing the ability to detect and address changes and disruptions, and without awareness of labor market trends, available educational upskilling programs, and policies such as wage insurance for workers preparing for new roles (especially in the rapidly changing environment), it is possible to witness stark increases in inequality even as productivity rises. But the challenges are not solely economic. Ethical and societal dilemmas are emerging at the forefront, with growing concerns about individual privacy, copyright infringement, and the increasing human dependence on these technologies. Content authenticity verification presents a significant challenge, heightening worries about deepfakes and misinformation, which could undermine democratic processes. As AI systems grow more powerful and potentially gain more sophisticated capabilities, concerns have been raised about the possibility that these technologies will cause significant disruptions. These can manifest in the form of threats to democracy, like meddling in the electoral process, national security threats such as bioweapons or cyberattacks, and societal disruptions via polarizing AI systems used in platforms like social media. It should be noted that there are differing opinions on the feasibility of superhuman capabilities of AI and whether the risks can be categorized as large-scale disruption and catastrophic. In addition, many of these risks are instances of AI used for malicious objectives, unintended consequences of AI systems, or economic and societal risks as mentioned in previous parts taken to their extreme. These risks include: Uncontrolled growth: As AI acquires more sophisticated capabilities, some have raised concerns that it could act unpredictably, making decisions or taking actions not fully understood by its developers. Destabilization of democracy: The improper and malevolent use of AI has the potential to critically destabilize democratic systems. For example, if AI is harnessed to meddle with electoral processes, this could undermine confidence in democratic processes. One of the most prominent concerns is the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Moreover, AI tools can also be employed for more direct manipulation of voter behavior. National security threats: Malicious inputs have the capacity to trick AI systems, leading to operational failures. Furthermore, when AI is integrated into realms like warfare, cyber-attacks, and bioweapons, it can both intensify conflicts and usher in unpredictable combat tactics. Manipulation and polarization: AI, such as those used in social media platforms, can manipulate information to increase user engagement, inadvertently leading to societal polarization and misinformation. As AI's potential grows, so do the complexities and concerns surrounding its assimilation into diverse societal sectors. Nonetheless, every hurdle also presents a chance to evolve and refine. This is especially true in the AI domain. Delving into potential resolutions and protective measures isn't merely scholarly; it's imperative to ensure AI is utilized ethically, responsibly, and safely for everyone's advantage in the future. It's essential to enforce transparency, ensuring users recognize when they are engaging with an AI rather than a human, especially in scenarios where trust and authenticity are paramount. Below are some of the mitigation strategies suggested by the experts. Adaptive regulation: There has been emphasis on the importance of regulating AI in a manner that's both agile and adaptive. Given that AI can evolve faster than legislative systems, regulations need to be flexible enough to address current and future risks. Regulations should also be designed based on input from multiple stakeholders: corporations, advocacy groups, academic leaders. It has been further suggested that risk should be associated with AI's uses, not the technology itself. Lastly, in light of the recent declaration about voluntary commitments, it has been suggested to make some of these commitments obligatory. Other possible suggestions include and possibly encompass third-party verification, registration, and licensing of certain AI systems. Research investment: It is paramount to invest in AI research. It has been suggested that the research should be segmented into public and classified. The public research involves conventional academic research that openly publishes findings on AI risk safety solutions. This research can further delve into the appropriate governance and regulation necessary to ensure public safety, providing valuable insights for policymakers aiming to regulate AI effectively. The classified research pertains to concentrating on counteractions against malevolent users of AI or inadvertent AI control losses with national security consequences. Furthermore, experts advocate for international research by fostering global collaborations among institutes. Research with humanity at its core: There's a dual need for both open academic research focusing on safety solutions and classified research that addresses potential threats from bad actors using AI or unintentional loss of control over AI. Multi-stakeholder approach: Experts highlight the significance of including various stakeholders like AI builders, users, and civil society in the process. Companies, in particular, should invest in AI governance and adopt internal ethics frameworks. International coordination: It's imperative to develop joint international collaboration, ensuring that potent AI tools are not misused. Collaborative efforts with various nations, including those beyond the traditional U.S. allies, will help ensure a cohesive global approach to AI usage and its associated risks.
USER:
Are there any benefits to using AI? Are there any dangers in using AI? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, create a list of answers for each question.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 49 | 32 | 1,292 | null | 431 |
You can only respond using information from the context provided. Arrange the answers in numbered list with headers.
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What are the differences between the types of cells described and some life forms they make up.
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CELL STRUCTURE Cells are the building blocks of life. A cell is chemical system that is able to maintain its structure and reproduce. Cells are the fundamental unit of life. All living things are cells or composed of cells. Although different living things may be as unlike as a violet and an octopus, they are all built in essentially the same way. The most basic similarity is that all living things are composed of one or more cells. This is known as the Cell Theory. Our knowledge of cells is built on work done with microscopes. English scientist Robert Hooke in 1665 first described cells from his observations of cork slices. Hooke first used the word "cell". Dutch amateur scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek discovered microscopic animals in water. German scientists Schleiden and Schwann in 1830's were first to say that all organisms are made of one or more cells. German biologist Virchow in 1858 stated that all cells come from the division of pre-existing cells. The Cell Theory can be summarized as: Cells are the fundamental unit of life - nothing less than a cell is alive. All organisms are constructed of and by cells. All cells arise from preexisting cells. Cells contain the information necessary for their own reproduction. No new cells are originating spontaneously on earth today. Cells are the functional units of life. All biochemical processes are carried out by cells. • Groups of cells can be organized and function as multicellular organisms Cells of multicellular organisms can become specialized in form and function to carry out subprocesses of the multicellular organism. Cells are common to all living beings, and provide information about all forms of life. Because all cells come from existing cells, scientists can study cells to learn about growth, reproduction, and all other functions that living things perform. By learning about cells and how they function, we can learn about all types of living things. Classification of cells: All living organisms (bacteria, blue green algae, plants and animals) have cellular organization and may contain one or many cells. The organisms with only one cell in their body are called unicellular organisms (bacteria, blue green algae, some algae, Protozoa, etc.). The organisms having many cells in their body are called multicellular organisms (fungi, most plants and animals). Any living organism may contain only one type of cell either A. Prokaryotic cells; B. Eukaryotic cells. The terms prokaryotic and eukaryotic were suggested by Hans Ris in the 1960’s. This classification is based on their complexity. Further based on the kingdom into which they may fall i.e the plant or the animal kingdom, plant and animal cells bear many differences. These will be studied in detail in the upcoming sections PROKARYOTIC CELLS Prokaryote comes from the Greek words for pre-nucleus. Prokaryotes: i. One circular chromosome, not contained in a membrane. ii. No histones or introns are present in Bacteria; both are found in Eukaryotes and Archaea. iii. No membrane-bound organelles. (Only contain non membrane-bound organelles). iv. Bacteria contain peptidoglycan in cell walls; Eukaryotes and Archaea do not. v. Binary fission. 2 Size, Shape, and Arrangement of Bacterial Cells. i. Average size of prokaryotic cells: 0.2 -2.0 μm in diameter 1-10 μm (0.001 – 0.01 mm) [book says 2 – 8 μm] in length. 1. Typical eukaryote 10-500 μm in length (0.01 – 0.5 mm). 2. Typical virus 20-1000 nm in length (0.00000002 – 0.000001 m). 3. Thiomargarita is the largest bacterium known. It is about the size of a typed period (0.75 mm). 4. Nanoarchaeum is the smallest cell known. It is at the lower theoretical limit for cell size (0.4 μm). ii. Basic bacterial shapes: 1. Coccus (sphere/round). 2. Bacillus (staff/rod-shaped). 3. Spirilla (rigid with a spiral/corkscrew shape). a. Flagella propel these bacteria. 4. Vibrio (curved rod). 5. Spirochetes (flexible with a spiral shape). Axial filaments (endoflagella) propel these bacteria. iii. Descriptive prefixes: 1. Diplo (two cells). 2. Tetra (four cells). 3. Sarcinae (cube of 8 cells). 4. Staphylo (clusters of cells). 5. Strepto (chains of cells). iv. Unusual bacterial shapes: 1. Star-shaped Stella. 2. Square/rectangular Haloarcula. v. Arrangements: 1. Pairs: diplococci, diplobacilli 2. Clusters: staphylococci 3. Chains: streptococci, streptobacilli. vi. Most bacteria are monomorphic. They do not change shape unless environmental conditions change. vii. A few are pleomorphic. These species have individuals that can come in a variety of shapes Structures External to the Prokaryotic Cell Wall. a. Glycocalyx (sugar coat). i. Usually very sticky. ii. Found external to cell wall. iii. Composed of polysaccharide and/or polypeptide. iv. It can be broken down and used as an energy source when resources are scarce. v. It can protect against dehydration. vi. It helps keep nutrients from moving out of the cell. 1. A capsule is a glycocalyx that is neatly organized and is firmly attached to the cell wall. a. Capsules prevent phagocytosis by the host’s immune system. 2. A slime layer is a glycocalyx that is unorganized and is loosely attached to the cell wall. b. Extracellular polysaccharide (extracellular polymeric substance) is a glycocalyx made of sugars and allows bacterial cells to attach to various surfaces.Prokaryotic Flagella. i. Long, semi-rigid, helical, cellular appendage used for locomotion. ii. Made of chains of the protein flagellin. 1. Attached to a protein hook. iii. Anchored to the cell wall and cell membrane by the basal body. iv. Motile Cells. 1. Rotate flagella to run and tumble. 2. Move toward or away from stimuli (taxis). a. Chemotaxis. b. Phototaxis. c. Axial Filaments (Endoflagella). i. In spirochetes: 1. Anchored at one end of a cell. 2. Covered by an outer sheath. 3. Rotation causes cell to move like a corkscrew through a cork. d. Fimbriae. i. Shorter, straighter, thinner than flagella. ii. Not used for locomotion. iii. Allow for the attachment of bacteria to surfaces. iv. Can be found at the poles of the cell, or covering the cell’s entire surface. v. There may be few or many fimbriae on a single bacterium. e. Pili (sex pili). i. Longer than fimbriae. ii. Only one or two per cell. iii. Are used to transfer DNA from one bacterial cell to another, and in twitching & gliding motility. IV. The Prokaryotic Cell Wall. a. Chemically and structurally complex, semi-rigid, gives structure to and protects the cell. b. Surrounds the underlying plasma membrane. 4 c. Prevents osmotic lysis. d. Contributes to the ability to cause disease in some species, and is the site of action for some antibiotics. e. Made of peptidoglycan (in bacteria). i. Polymer of a disaccharide. 1. N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) & N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM). ii. Disaccharides linked by polypeptides to form lattice surrounding the cell. Fig. iii. Penicillin inhibits this lattice formation, and leads to cellular lysis. f. Gram-positive cell walls. Fig. i. Many layers of peptidoglycan, resulting in a thick, rigid structure. ii. Teichoic acids. 1. May regulate movement of cations (+). 2. May be involved in cell growth, preventing extensive wall breakdown and lysis. 3. Contribute to antigenic specificity for each Gram-positive bacterial species. 4. Lipoteichoic acid links to plasma membrane. 5. Wall teichoic acid links to peptidoglycan. g. Gram-negative cell walls. i. Contains only one or a few layers of peptidoglycan. 1. Peptidoglycan is found in the periplasm, a fluid-filled space between the outer membrane and plasma membrane. a. Periplasm contains many digestive enzymes and transport proteins. ii. No teichoic acids are found in Gram-negative cell walls. iii. More susceptible to rupture than Gram-positive cells. iv. Outer membrane: 1. Composed of lipopolysaccharides, lipoproteins, and phospholipids. 2. Protects the cell from phagocytes, complement, antibiotics, lysozyme, detergents, heavy metals, bile salts, and certain dyes. 3. Contains transport proteins called porins. 4. Lipopolysaccharide is composed of: a. O polysaccharide (antigen) that can be used to ID certain Gram- negative bacterial species. b. Lipid A (endotoxin) can cause shock, fever, and even death if enough is released into the host’s blood. h. Gram Stain Mechanism. i. Crystal Violet-Iodine (CV-I) crystals form within the cell. ii. Gram-positive: 1. Alcohol dehydrates peptidoglycan. 2. CV-I crystals cannot leave. iii. Gram-negative: 1. Alcohol dissolves outer membrane and leaves holes in peptidoglycan. 2. CV-I washes out. 3. Safranin stains the cell pink. iv. Table 1, pg. 94, compares Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. i. Damage to Prokaryotic Cell Walls. i. Because prokaryotic cell walls contain substances not normally found in animal 5 cells, drugs or chemicals that disrupt prokaryotic cell wall structures are often used in medicine, or by the host to combat the bacteria. 1. Lysozyme digests the disaccharides in peptidoglycan. 2. Penicillin inhibits the formation of peptide bridges in peptidoglycan. ii. A protoplast is a Gram-positive cell whose cell wall has been destroyed, but that is still alive and functional. (Lost its peptidoglycan). iii. A spheroplast is a wall-less Gram-negative cell. (Lost its outer membrane and peptidoglycan). iv. L forms are wall-less cells that swell into irregular shapes. They can live, divide, and may return to a walled state. v. Protoplasts and spheroplasts are susceptible to osmotic lysis. vi. Gram-negative bacteria are not as susceptible to penicillin due to the outer membrane and the small amount of peptidoglycan in their walls. vii. Gram-negative bacteria are susceptible to antibiotics that can penetrate the outer membrane (Streptomycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline). V. Structures Internal to the Cell Wall. a. Plasma Membrane (Inner Membrane). a. Phospholipid bilayer lying inside the cell wall. 1. The phospholipid bilayer is the basic framework of the plasma membrane. 2. The bilayer arrangement occurs because the phospholipids are amphipathic molecules. They have both polar (charged) and nonpolar (uncharged) parts with the polar “head” of the phospholipid pointing out and the nonpolar “tails” pointing toward the center of the membrane, forming a nonpolar, hydrophobic region in the membrane’s interior. b. Much of the metabolic machinery is located on the plasma membrane. Photosynthesis, aerobic cellular respiration, and anaerobic cellular respiration reactions occur here. This means that there is a surface area to volume ratio at which bacteria reach a critical size threshold, beyond which bacteria can’t survive. i. Thiomargarita (0.75 mm) is the largest known bacterium and is larger than most eukaryotic cells. It has many invaginations of the plasma membrane, which increases it surface area relative to its volume. c. Peripheral proteins. i. Enzymes. ii. Structural proteins. iii. Some assist the cell in changing membrane shape. d. Integral proteins and transmembrane proteins. i. Provide channels for movement of materials into and out of the cell. e. Fluid Mosaic Model. i. Membrane is as viscous as olive oil. ii. Proteins move to function. iii. Phospholipids rotate and move laterally. f. Selective permeability allows the passage of some molecules but not others across the plasma membrane. i. Large molecules cannot pass through. ii. Ions pass through very slowly or not at all. iii. Lipid soluble molecules pass through easily. iv.Smaller molecules (water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, some simple sugars) 6 usually pass through easily. g. The plasma membrane contains enzymes for ATP production. h. Photosynthetic pigments are found on in-foldings of the plasma membrane called chromatophores or thylakoids. Fig. 15. i. Damage to the plasma membrane by alcohols, quaternary ammonium compounds (a class of disinfectants) and polymyxin antibiotics causes leakage of cell contents. j. Movement of Materials Across Membranes. 1. Passive Processes: a. Simple diffusion: Movement of a solute from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration (down its concentration gradient) until equilibrium is reached. b. Facilitated diffusion: Solute combines with a transport protein in the membrane, to pass from one side of the membrane to the other. The molecule is still moving down its concentration gradient. The transport proteins are specific. c. Osmosis. i. Movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration. ii. Osmotic pressure. The pressure needed to stop the movement of water across the membrane. iii. Isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions. 2. Active Processes: a. Active transport of substances requires a transporter protein and ATP. The solute molecule is pumped against its concentration gradient. Transport proteins are specific. i. In group translocation (a special form of active transport found only in prokaryotes) movement of a substance requires a specific transport protein. 1. The substance is chemically altered during transport, preventing it from escaping the cell after it is transported inside. 2. This process requires high-energy phosphate compounds like phosphoenolpyruvic acid (PEP) to phosphorylate the transported molecule, preventing its movement out of the cell. b. Cytoplasm. i. Cytoplasm is the substance inside the plasma membrane. ii. It is about 80% water. iii. Contains proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, inorganic ions, various compounds, a nuclear area, ribosomes, and inclusions. c. Nuclear Area (Nucleoid). i. Contains a single circular chromosome made of DNA. 1. No histones or introns in bacteria. 2. The chromosome is attached to the plasma membrane at a point along its length, where proteins synthesize and partition new DNA for division during binary fission. ii. Is not surrounded by a nuclear envelope the way eukaryotic chromosomes are. iii. Also contains small circular DNA molecules called plasmids. 1. Plasmids can be gained or lost without harming the cell. 2. Usually contain less than 100 genes. 3. Can be beneficial if they contain genes for antibiotic resistance, tolerance to toxic metals, production of toxins, or synthesis of enzymes. 4. They can be transferred from one bacterium to another. 7 5. Plasmids are used in genetic engineering. d. Ribosomes. i. Site of protein synthesis. ii. Composed of a large and small subunit, both made of protein and rRNA. iii. Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S ribosomes. 1. Made of a small 30S subunit and a larger 50S subunit. iv. Eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S ribosomes. 1. Made of a small 40S subunit and a larger 60S subunit. v. Certain antibiotics target only prokaryotic ribosomal subunits without targeting eukaryotic ribosomal subunits. e. Inclusions. i. Reserve deposits of nutrients that can be used in times of low resource availability. ii. Include: 1. Metachromatic granules (volutin). Reserve of inorganic phosphate for ATP. 2. Polysaccharide granules. Glycogen and starch. 3. Lipid inclusions. 4. Sulfur granules. Energy reserve for “sulfur bacteria” that derive energy by oxidizing sulfur and sulfur compounds. 5. Carboxysomes. Contain an enzyme necessary for bacteria that use carbon dioxide as their only source of carbon for carbon dioxide fixation. 6. Gas vacuoles. Help bacteria maintain buoyancy. 7. Magnetosomes. Made of iron oxide, they serve as ballast to help some bacteria sink until reaching an appropriate attachment site. They also decompose hydrogen peroxide. f. Endospores. i. Resting Gram-positive bacterial cells that form when essential nutrients can no longer be obtained. ii. Resistant to desiccation, heat, chemicals, radiation. iii. Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), Clostridium spp. (gangrene, tetanus, botulism, food poisoning). iv. Sporulation (sporogenesis): the process of endospore formation within the vegetative (functional) cell. This takes several hours. 1. Spore septum (invagination of plasma membrane) begins to isolate the newly replicated DNA and a small portion of cytoplasm. This results in the formation of two separate membrane bound structures. 2. The plasma membrane starts to surround the DNA, cytoplasm, and the new membrane encircling the material isolated in step 1, forming a double-layered membrane-bound structure called a forespore. 3. Thick peptidoglycan layers are laid down between the two membranes of the forespore. 4. Then a thick spore coat of protein forms around the outer membrane of the forespore, which is responsible for the durability of the endospore. 5. When the endospore matures, the vegetative cell wall ruptures, killing the cell, and freeing the endospore. a. The endospore is metabolically inert, and contains the chromosome, 8 some RNA, ribosomes, enzymes, other molecules, and very little water. b. Endospores can remain dormant for millions of years. v. Germination: the return to the vegetative state. 1. Triggered by damage to the endospore coat. The enzymes activate, breaking down the protective layers. Water then can enter, and metabolism resumes. vi. Endospores can survive conditions that vegetative cells cannot: boiling, freezing, desiccation, chemical exposure, radiation, etc. EUKARYOTES: a. Make up algae, protozoa, fungi, higher plants, and animals. Flagella and Cilia. Rotate Cilia are numerous, short, hair-like projections extending from the surface of a cell. They function to move materials across the surface of the cell, or move the cell around in its environment. i. Flagella are similar to cilia but are much longer, usually moving an entire cell. The only example of a flagellum in the human body is the sperm cell tail. 1. Eukaryotic flagella move in a whip-like manner, while prokaryotic flagella 9 b. Cell Wall. i. Simple compared to prokaryotes. 1. No peptidoglycan in eukaryotes. a. Antibiotics that target peptidoglycan (penicillins and cephalosporins) do not harm us. ii. Cell walls are found in plants, algae, and fungi. iii. Made of carbohydrates. 1. Cellulose in algae, plants, and some fungi. 2. Chitin in most fungi. 3. Glucan and mannan in yeasts (unicellular fungi). c. Glycocalyx. i. Sticky carbohydrates extending from an animal cell’s plasma membrane. ii. Glycoproteins and glycolipids form a sugary coat around the cell—the glycocalyx— which helps cells recognize one another, adhere to one another in some tissues, and protects the cell from digestion by enzymes in the extracellular fluid. 1. The glycocalyx also attracts a film of fluid to the surface of many cells, such as RBC’s, making them slippery so they can pass through narrow vessels. d. Plasma Membrane. i. The plasma membrane is a flexible, sturdy barrier that surrounds and contains the cytoplasm of the cell. 1. The fluid mosaic model describes its structure. 2. The membrane consists of proteins in a sea of phospholipids. a. Some proteins float freely while others are anchored at specific locations. b. The membrane lipids allow passage of several types of lipid-soluble molecules but act as a barrier to the passage of charged or polar substances. c. Channel and transport proteins allow movement of polar molecules and ions across the membrane. ii. Phospholipid bilayer. 1. Has the same basic arrangement as the prokaryotic plasma membrane. iii. Arrangement of Membrane Proteins. 1. The membrane proteins are divided into integral and peripheral proteins. a. Integral proteins extend into or across the entire lipid bilayer among the fatty acid tails of the phospholipid molecules, and are firmly anchored in place. i. Most are transmembrane proteins, which span the entire lipid bilayer and protrude into both the cytosol and extracellular fluid. b. Peripheral proteins associate loosely with the polar heads of membrane lipids, and are found at the inner or outer surface of the membrane. 10 2. Many membrane proteins are glycoproteins (proteins with carbohydrate groups attached to the ends that protrude into the extracellular fluid). iv. Functions of Membrane Proteins. 1. Membrane proteins vary in different cells and function as: a. Ion channels (pores): Allow ions such as sodium or potassium to cross the cell membrane; (they can't diffuse through the bilayer). Most are selective—they allow only a single type of ion to pass. Some ion channels open and close. b. Transporters: selectively move a polar substance from one side of the membrane to the other. c. Receptors: recognize and bind a specific molecule. The chemical binding to the receptor is called a ligand. d. Enzymes: catalyze specific chemical reactions at the inside or outside surface of the cell. e. Cell-identity markers (often glycoproteins and glycolipids), such as human leukocyte antigens. f. Linkers: anchor proteins in the plasma membrane of neighboring cells to each other or to protein filaments inside and outside the cell. 2. The different proteins help to determine many of the functions of the plasma membrane. v. Selective permeability of the plasma membrane allows passage of some molecules. 1. Transport mechanisms: a. Simple diffusion. b. Facilitated diffusion. c. Osmosis. d. Active transport. (No group translocation in Eukaryotes). e. Vesicular Transport. i. A vesicle is a small membranous sac formed by budding off from an existing membrane. ii. Two types of vesicular transport are endocytosis and exocytosis. 1. Endocytosis. a. In endocytosis, materials move into a cell in a vesicle formed from the plasma membrane. b. Viruses can take advantage of this mechanism to enter cells. c. Phagocytosis is the ingestion of solid particles, such as worn out cells, bacteria, or viruses. Pseudopods extend and engulf particles. d. Pinocytosis is the ingestion of extracellular fluid. The membrane folds inward bringing in fluid and dissolved substances. 2. In exocytosis, membrane-enclosed structures called secretory vesicles that form inside the cell fuse with the plasma membrane and release their contents into the extracellular fluid. f. Cytoplasm. i. Substance inside the plasma membrane and outside nucleus. ii. Cytosol is the fluid portion of cytoplasm. iii. Cytoskeleton. 1. The cytoskeleton is a network of several kinds of protein filaments that extend throughout the cytoplasm, and provides a structural framework for the cell. 2. It consists of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. 11 a. Most microfilaments (the smallest cytoskeletal elements) are composed of actin and function in movement (muscle contraction and cell division) and mechanical support for the cell itself and for microvilli. b. Intermediate filaments are composed of several different proteins and function in support and to help anchor organelles such as the nucleus. c. Microtubules (the largest cytoskeletal elements) are composed of a protein called tubulin and help determine cell shape; they function in the intracellular transport of organelles and the migration of chromosome during cell division. They also function in the movement of cilia and flagella. iv. Cytoplasmic streaming. 1. Movement of cytoplasm and nutrients throughout cells. 2. Moves the cell over surfaces. g. Organelles. i. Organelles are specialized structures that have characteristic shapes and perform specific functions in eukaryotic cellular growth, maintenance, reproduction. 2.1.RIBOSOMES. Nucleus. The nucleus is usually the most prominent feature of a eukaryotic cell. b. Most have a single nucleus; some cells (human red blood cells) have none, whereas others (human skeletal muscle fibers) have several in each cell. c. The parts of the nucleus include the: i. Nuclear envelope (a double membrane), which is perforated by channels called nuclear pores, that control the movement of substances between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. 1. Small molecules and ions diffuse passively, while movement of most large molecules out of the nucleus involves active transport. ii. Nucleoli function in producing ribosomes. d. Genetic material (DNA). Within the nucleus are the cell’s hereditary units, called genes, which are arranged in single file along chromosomes. Each chromosome is a long molecule of DNA that is coiled together with several proteins (including histones). a. Sites of protein synthesis. b. 80S in eukaryotes. i. Membrane-bound ribosomes found on rough ER. ii. Free ribosomes found in cytoplasm. c. 70S in prokaryotes. i. Also found in chloroplasts and mitochondria. 3. Endoplasmic Reticulum. a. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes extending from the nuclear membrane that form flattened sacs or tubules. b. Rough ER is continuous with the nuclear membrane and has its outer surface studded with ribosomes, which synthesize proteins. The proteins then enter the space inside the ER for processing (into glycoproteins or for attachment to phospholipids) and sorting, 12 and are then either incorporated into organelle membranes, inserted into the plasma membrane, or secreted via exocytosis. c. Smooth ER extends from the rough ER to form a network of membrane tubules, but it does not contain ribosomes on its membrane surface. In humans, it synthesizes fatty acids and steroids, detoxifies drugs, removes phosphate from glucose 6-phosphate (allowing free glucose to enter the blood), and stores and releases calcium ions involved in muscle contraction. 4. Golgi Complex. The Golgi complex consists of four to six stacked, flattened membranous sacs (cisterns). The cis (entry) face faces the rough ER, and trans (exit) face faces the cell’s plasma membrane. Between the cis and trans faces are the medial cisternae. b. The cis, medial, and trans cisternae each contain different enzymes that permit each to modify, sort, and package proteins received from the rough ER for transport to different destinations (such as the plasma membrane, to other organelles, or for export out of the cell). 5. Lysosomes. a. Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed vesicles that form from the Golgi complex and contain powerful digestive enzymes. b. Lysosomes function in digestion of substances that enter the cell by endocytosis, and transport the final products of digestion into the cytosol. c. They digest worn-out organelles (autophagy). d. They digest their own cellular contents (autolysis). e. They carry out extracellular digestion (as happens when sperm release lysosomal enzymes to aid in penetrating an oocyte). 6. Vacuoles. a. Space in the cytoplasm enclosed by a membrane called a tonoplast. b. Derived from the Golgi complex. c. They serve in the following ways: i. Temporary storage for biological molecules and ions. ii. Bring food into cells. iii. Provide structural support. iv. Store metabolic wastes. 7. Peroxisomes. a. Peroxisomes are similar in structure to lysosomes, but are smaller. b. They contain enzymes (oxidases) that use molecular oxygen to oxidize (remove hydrogen atoms from) various organic substances. 13 c. They take part in normal metabolic reactions such as the oxidation of amino and fatty acids. d. New peroxisomes form by budding off from preexisting ones. e. They produce and then destroy H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) in the process of their metabolic activities. 8. Centrosomes. a. Centrosomes are dense areas of cytoplasm containing the centrioles, which are paired cylinders arranged at right angles to one another, and serve as centers for organizing microtubules and the mitotic spindle during mitosis. 9. Mitochondria. a. Found in nearly all eukaryotic cells. b. A mitochondrion is bound by a double membrane, with a fluid-filled space between called the intermembranous space. The outer membrane is smooth, while the inner membrane is arranged in folds called cristae. The mitochondrial matrix is found inside the inner mitochondrial membrane. c. The folds of the cristae provide a large surface area for the chemical reactions that are part of the aerobic phase of cellular respiration. These reactions produce most of a eukaryotic cell’s ATP, and the enzymes that catalyze them are located on the cristae and in the matrix. d. Mitochondria self-replicate using their own DNA and contain 70S ribosomes. They grow and reproduce on their own in a way that is similar to binary fission. Mitochondrial DNA (genes) is inherited only from the mother, since sperm normally lack most organelles such as mitochondria, ribosomes, ER, and the Golgi complex. Any sperm mitochondria that do enter the oocyte are soon destroyed. 10. Chloroplasts. a. Found only in algae and green plants. b. Contain the pigment chlorophyll and enzymes necessary for photosynthesis. c. Chloroplasts self-replicate using their own DNA and contain 70S ribosomes. They grow and reproduce on their own in a way that is similar to binary fission. VII. Endosymbiotic Theory. a. Large bacterial cells lost their cell walls and engulfed smaller bacteria. b. A symbiotic (mutualistic) relationship developed. i. The host cell supplied the nutrients. ii. The engulfed cell produced excess energy that the host could use. iii. The relationship evolved. c. Evidence: 14 i. Mitochondria and chloroplasts resemble bacteria in size and shape. 1. They divide on their own—independently of the host, and contain their own DNA (single circular chromosome). This process is nearly identical to binary fission seen in bacteria. 2. They contain 70S ribosomes. 3. Their method of protein synthesis is more like that of prokaryotes (no RNA processing). 4. Antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis on ribosomes in bacteria also inhibit protein Difference among eukaryotic cells There are many different types of eukaryotic cells, though animals and plants are the most familiar eukaryotes, and thus provide an excellent starting point for understanding eukaryotic structure. Fungi and many protists have some substantial differences, however. Animal cell An animal cell is a form of eukaryotic cell that makes up many tissues in animals. Animal cells are distinct from other eukaryotes, most notably plant cells, as they lack cell walls and chloroplasts. They also have smaller vacuoles. Due to the lack of a cell wall, animal cells can adopt a variety of shapes. A phagocytic cell can even engulf other structures. There are many different types of cell. For instance, there are approximately 210 distinct cell types in the adult human body. Plant cell Plant cells are quite different from the cells of the other eukaryotic organisms. Their distinctive features are: A large central vacuole (enclosed by a membrane, the tonoplast), which maintains the cell's turgor and controls movement ofmolecules between the cytosol and sap A primary cell wall containing cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin, deposited by the protoplast on the outside of the cell membrane; this contrasts with the cell walls of fungi, which contain chitin, and the cell envelopes of prokaryotes, in which peptidoglycans are the main structural molecules The plasmodesmata, linking pores in the cell wall that allow each plant cell to communicate with other adjacent cells; this is different from the functionally analogous system of gap junctions between animal cells. 15 Plastids, especially chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color and allows them to perform photosynthesis Bryophytes and seedless vascular plants lack flagellae and centrioles except in the sperm cells.[16] Sperm of cycads and Ginkgoare large, complex cells that swim with hundreds to thousands of flagellae. Conifers (Pinophyta) and flowering plants (Angiospermae) lack the flagellae and centrioles that are present in animal cells.
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You can only respond using information from the context provided. Arrange the answers in numbered list with headers. What are the differences between the types of cells described and some life forms they make up. CELL STRUCTURE Cells are the building blocks of life. A cell is chemical system that is able to maintain its structure and reproduce. Cells are the fundamental unit of life. All living things are cells or composed of cells. Although different living things may be as unlike as a violet and an octopus, they are all built in essentially the same way. The most basic similarity is that all living things are composed of one or more cells. This is known as the Cell Theory. Our knowledge of cells is built on work done with microscopes. English scientist Robert Hooke in 1665 first described cells from his observations of cork slices. Hooke first used the word "cell". Dutch amateur scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek discovered microscopic animals in water. German scientists Schleiden and Schwann in 1830's were first to say that all organisms are made of one or more cells. German biologist Virchow in 1858 stated that all cells come from the division of pre-existing cells. The Cell Theory can be summarized as: Cells are the fundamental unit of life - nothing less than a cell is alive. All organisms are constructed of and by cells. All cells arise from preexisting cells. Cells contain the information necessary for their own reproduction. No new cells are originating spontaneously on earth today. Cells are the functional units of life. All biochemical processes are carried out by cells. • Groups of cells can be organized and function as multicellular organisms Cells of multicellular organisms can become specialized in form and function to carry out subprocesses of the multicellular organism. Cells are common to all living beings, and provide information about all forms of life. Because all cells come from existing cells, scientists can study cells to learn about growth, reproduction, and all other functions that living things perform. By learning about cells and how they function, we can learn about all types of living things. Classification of cells: All living organisms (bacteria, blue green algae, plants and animals) have cellular organization and may contain one or many cells. The organisms with only one cell in their body are called unicellular organisms (bacteria, blue green algae, some algae, Protozoa, etc.). The organisms having many cells in their body are called multicellular organisms (fungi, most plants and animals). Any living organism may contain only one type of cell either A. Prokaryotic cells; B. Eukaryotic cells. The terms prokaryotic and eukaryotic were suggested by Hans Ris in the 1960’s. This classification is based on their complexity. Further based on the kingdom into which they may fall i.e the plant or the animal kingdom, plant and animal cells bear many differences. These will be studied in detail in the upcoming sections PROKARYOTIC CELLS Prokaryote comes from the Greek words for pre-nucleus. Prokaryotes: i. One circular chromosome, not contained in a membrane. ii. No histones or introns are present in Bacteria; both are found in Eukaryotes and Archaea. iii. No membrane-bound organelles. (Only contain non membrane-bound organelles). iv. Bacteria contain peptidoglycan in cell walls; Eukaryotes and Archaea do not. v. Binary fission. 2 Size, Shape, and Arrangement of Bacterial Cells. i. Average size of prokaryotic cells: 0.2 -2.0 μm in diameter 1-10 μm (0.001 – 0.01 mm) [book says 2 – 8 μm] in length. 1. Typical eukaryote 10-500 μm in length (0.01 – 0.5 mm). 2. Typical virus 20-1000 nm in length (0.00000002 – 0.000001 m). 3. Thiomargarita is the largest bacterium known. It is about the size of a typed period (0.75 mm). 4. Nanoarchaeum is the smallest cell known. It is at the lower theoretical limit for cell size (0.4 μm). ii. Basic bacterial shapes: 1. Coccus (sphere/round). 2. Bacillus (staff/rod-shaped). 3. Spirilla (rigid with a spiral/corkscrew shape). a. Flagella propel these bacteria. 4. Vibrio (curved rod). 5. Spirochetes (flexible with a spiral shape). Axial filaments (endoflagella) propel these bacteria. iii. Descriptive prefixes: 1. Diplo (two cells). 2. Tetra (four cells). 3. Sarcinae (cube of 8 cells). 4. Staphylo (clusters of cells). 5. Strepto (chains of cells). iv. Unusual bacterial shapes: 1. Star-shaped Stella. 2. Square/rectangular Haloarcula. v. Arrangements: 1. Pairs: diplococci, diplobacilli 2. Clusters: staphylococci 3. Chains: streptococci, streptobacilli. vi. Most bacteria are monomorphic. They do not change shape unless environmental conditions change. vii. A few are pleomorphic. These species have individuals that can come in a variety of shapes Structures External to the Prokaryotic Cell Wall. a. Glycocalyx (sugar coat). i. Usually very sticky. ii. Found external to cell wall. iii. Composed of polysaccharide and/or polypeptide. iv. It can be broken down and used as an energy source when resources are scarce. v. It can protect against dehydration. vi. It helps keep nutrients from moving out of the cell. 1. A capsule is a glycocalyx that is neatly organized and is firmly attached to the cell wall. a. Capsules prevent phagocytosis by the host’s immune system. 2. A slime layer is a glycocalyx that is unorganized and is loosely attached to the cell wall. b. Extracellular polysaccharide (extracellular polymeric substance) is a glycocalyx made of sugars and allows bacterial cells to attach to various surfaces.Prokaryotic Flagella. i. Long, semi-rigid, helical, cellular appendage used for locomotion. ii. Made of chains of the protein flagellin. 1. Attached to a protein hook. iii. Anchored to the cell wall and cell membrane by the basal body. iv. Motile Cells. 1. Rotate flagella to run and tumble. 2. Move toward or away from stimuli (taxis). a. Chemotaxis. b. Phototaxis. c. Axial Filaments (Endoflagella). i. In spirochetes: 1. Anchored at one end of a cell. 2. Covered by an outer sheath. 3. Rotation causes cell to move like a corkscrew through a cork. d. Fimbriae. i. Shorter, straighter, thinner than flagella. ii. Not used for locomotion. iii. Allow for the attachment of bacteria to surfaces. iv. Can be found at the poles of the cell, or covering the cell’s entire surface. v. There may be few or many fimbriae on a single bacterium. e. Pili (sex pili). i. Longer than fimbriae. ii. Only one or two per cell. iii. Are used to transfer DNA from one bacterial cell to another, and in twitching & gliding motility. IV. The Prokaryotic Cell Wall. a. Chemically and structurally complex, semi-rigid, gives structure to and protects the cell. b. Surrounds the underlying plasma membrane. 4 c. Prevents osmotic lysis. d. Contributes to the ability to cause disease in some species, and is the site of action for some antibiotics. e. Made of peptidoglycan (in bacteria). i. Polymer of a disaccharide. 1. N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) & N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM). ii. Disaccharides linked by polypeptides to form lattice surrounding the cell. Fig. iii. Penicillin inhibits this lattice formation, and leads to cellular lysis. f. Gram-positive cell walls. Fig. i. Many layers of peptidoglycan, resulting in a thick, rigid structure. ii. Teichoic acids. 1. May regulate movement of cations (+). 2. May be involved in cell growth, preventing extensive wall breakdown and lysis. 3. Contribute to antigenic specificity for each Gram-positive bacterial species. 4. Lipoteichoic acid links to plasma membrane. 5. Wall teichoic acid links to peptidoglycan. g. Gram-negative cell walls. i. Contains only one or a few layers of peptidoglycan. 1. Peptidoglycan is found in the periplasm, a fluid-filled space between the outer membrane and plasma membrane. a. Periplasm contains many digestive enzymes and transport proteins. ii. No teichoic acids are found in Gram-negative cell walls. iii. More susceptible to rupture than Gram-positive cells. iv. Outer membrane: 1. Composed of lipopolysaccharides, lipoproteins, and phospholipids. 2. Protects the cell from phagocytes, complement, antibiotics, lysozyme, detergents, heavy metals, bile salts, and certain dyes. 3. Contains transport proteins called porins. 4. Lipopolysaccharide is composed of: a. O polysaccharide (antigen) that can be used to ID certain Gram- negative bacterial species. b. Lipid A (endotoxin) can cause shock, fever, and even death if enough is released into the host’s blood. h. Gram Stain Mechanism. i. Crystal Violet-Iodine (CV-I) crystals form within the cell. ii. Gram-positive: 1. Alcohol dehydrates peptidoglycan. 2. CV-I crystals cannot leave. iii. Gram-negative: 1. Alcohol dissolves outer membrane and leaves holes in peptidoglycan. 2. CV-I washes out. 3. Safranin stains the cell pink. iv. Table 1, pg. 94, compares Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. i. Damage to Prokaryotic Cell Walls. i. Because prokaryotic cell walls contain substances not normally found in animal 5 cells, drugs or chemicals that disrupt prokaryotic cell wall structures are often used in medicine, or by the host to combat the bacteria. 1. Lysozyme digests the disaccharides in peptidoglycan. 2. Penicillin inhibits the formation of peptide bridges in peptidoglycan. ii. A protoplast is a Gram-positive cell whose cell wall has been destroyed, but that is still alive and functional. (Lost its peptidoglycan). iii. A spheroplast is a wall-less Gram-negative cell. (Lost its outer membrane and peptidoglycan). iv. L forms are wall-less cells that swell into irregular shapes. They can live, divide, and may return to a walled state. v. Protoplasts and spheroplasts are susceptible to osmotic lysis. vi. Gram-negative bacteria are not as susceptible to penicillin due to the outer membrane and the small amount of peptidoglycan in their walls. vii. Gram-negative bacteria are susceptible to antibiotics that can penetrate the outer membrane (Streptomycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline). V. Structures Internal to the Cell Wall. a. Plasma Membrane (Inner Membrane). a. Phospholipid bilayer lying inside the cell wall. 1. The phospholipid bilayer is the basic framework of the plasma membrane. 2. The bilayer arrangement occurs because the phospholipids are amphipathic molecules. They have both polar (charged) and nonpolar (uncharged) parts with the polar “head” of the phospholipid pointing out and the nonpolar “tails” pointing toward the center of the membrane, forming a nonpolar, hydrophobic region in the membrane’s interior. b. Much of the metabolic machinery is located on the plasma membrane. Photosynthesis, aerobic cellular respiration, and anaerobic cellular respiration reactions occur here. This means that there is a surface area to volume ratio at which bacteria reach a critical size threshold, beyond which bacteria can’t survive. i. Thiomargarita (0.75 mm) is the largest known bacterium and is larger than most eukaryotic cells. It has many invaginations of the plasma membrane, which increases it surface area relative to its volume. c. Peripheral proteins. i. Enzymes. ii. Structural proteins. iii. Some assist the cell in changing membrane shape. d. Integral proteins and transmembrane proteins. i. Provide channels for movement of materials into and out of the cell. e. Fluid Mosaic Model. i. Membrane is as viscous as olive oil. ii. Proteins move to function. iii. Phospholipids rotate and move laterally. f. Selective permeability allows the passage of some molecules but not others across the plasma membrane. i. Large molecules cannot pass through. ii. Ions pass through very slowly or not at all. iii. Lipid soluble molecules pass through easily. iv.Smaller molecules (water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, some simple sugars) 6 usually pass through easily. g. The plasma membrane contains enzymes for ATP production. h. Photosynthetic pigments are found on in-foldings of the plasma membrane called chromatophores or thylakoids. Fig. 15. i. Damage to the plasma membrane by alcohols, quaternary ammonium compounds (a class of disinfectants) and polymyxin antibiotics causes leakage of cell contents. j. Movement of Materials Across Membranes. 1. Passive Processes: a. Simple diffusion: Movement of a solute from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration (down its concentration gradient) until equilibrium is reached. b. Facilitated diffusion: Solute combines with a transport protein in the membrane, to pass from one side of the membrane to the other. The molecule is still moving down its concentration gradient. The transport proteins are specific. c. Osmosis. i. Movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration. ii. Osmotic pressure. The pressure needed to stop the movement of water across the membrane. iii. Isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions. 2. Active Processes: a. Active transport of substances requires a transporter protein and ATP. The solute molecule is pumped against its concentration gradient. Transport proteins are specific. i. In group translocation (a special form of active transport found only in prokaryotes) movement of a substance requires a specific transport protein. 1. The substance is chemically altered during transport, preventing it from escaping the cell after it is transported inside. 2. This process requires high-energy phosphate compounds like phosphoenolpyruvic acid (PEP) to phosphorylate the transported molecule, preventing its movement out of the cell. b. Cytoplasm. i. Cytoplasm is the substance inside the plasma membrane. ii. It is about 80% water. iii. Contains proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, inorganic ions, various compounds, a nuclear area, ribosomes, and inclusions. c. Nuclear Area (Nucleoid). i. Contains a single circular chromosome made of DNA. 1. No histones or introns in bacteria. 2. The chromosome is attached to the plasma membrane at a point along its length, where proteins synthesize and partition new DNA for division during binary fission. ii. Is not surrounded by a nuclear envelope the way eukaryotic chromosomes are. iii. Also contains small circular DNA molecules called plasmids. 1. Plasmids can be gained or lost without harming the cell. 2. Usually contain less than 100 genes. 3. Can be beneficial if they contain genes for antibiotic resistance, tolerance to toxic metals, production of toxins, or synthesis of enzymes. 4. They can be transferred from one bacterium to another. 7 5. Plasmids are used in genetic engineering. d. Ribosomes. i. Site of protein synthesis. ii. Composed of a large and small subunit, both made of protein and rRNA. iii. Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S ribosomes. 1. Made of a small 30S subunit and a larger 50S subunit. iv. Eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S ribosomes. 1. Made of a small 40S subunit and a larger 60S subunit. v. Certain antibiotics target only prokaryotic ribosomal subunits without targeting eukaryotic ribosomal subunits. e. Inclusions. i. Reserve deposits of nutrients that can be used in times of low resource availability. ii. Include: 1. Metachromatic granules (volutin). Reserve of inorganic phosphate for ATP. 2. Polysaccharide granules. Glycogen and starch. 3. Lipid inclusions. 4. Sulfur granules. Energy reserve for “sulfur bacteria” that derive energy by oxidizing sulfur and sulfur compounds. 5. Carboxysomes. Contain an enzyme necessary for bacteria that use carbon dioxide as their only source of carbon for carbon dioxide fixation. 6. Gas vacuoles. Help bacteria maintain buoyancy. 7. Magnetosomes. Made of iron oxide, they serve as ballast to help some bacteria sink until reaching an appropriate attachment site. They also decompose hydrogen peroxide. f. Endospores. i. Resting Gram-positive bacterial cells that form when essential nutrients can no longer be obtained. ii. Resistant to desiccation, heat, chemicals, radiation. iii. Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), Clostridium spp. (gangrene, tetanus, botulism, food poisoning). iv. Sporulation (sporogenesis): the process of endospore formation within the vegetative (functional) cell. This takes several hours. 1. Spore septum (invagination of plasma membrane) begins to isolate the newly replicated DNA and a small portion of cytoplasm. This results in the formation of two separate membrane bound structures. 2. The plasma membrane starts to surround the DNA, cytoplasm, and the new membrane encircling the material isolated in step 1, forming a double-layered membrane-bound structure called a forespore. 3. Thick peptidoglycan layers are laid down between the two membranes of the forespore. 4. Then a thick spore coat of protein forms around the outer membrane of the forespore, which is responsible for the durability of the endospore. 5. When the endospore matures, the vegetative cell wall ruptures, killing the cell, and freeing the endospore. a. The endospore is metabolically inert, and contains the chromosome, 8 some RNA, ribosomes, enzymes, other molecules, and very little water. b. Endospores can remain dormant for millions of years. v. Germination: the return to the vegetative state. 1. Triggered by damage to the endospore coat. The enzymes activate, breaking down the protective layers. Water then can enter, and metabolism resumes. vi. Endospores can survive conditions that vegetative cells cannot: boiling, freezing, desiccation, chemical exposure, radiation, etc. EUKARYOTES: a. Make up algae, protozoa, fungi, higher plants, and animals. Flagella and Cilia. Rotate Cilia are numerous, short, hair-like projections extending from the surface of a cell. They function to move materials across the surface of the cell, or move the cell around in its environment. i. Flagella are similar to cilia but are much longer, usually moving an entire cell. The only example of a flagellum in the human body is the sperm cell tail. 1. Eukaryotic flagella move in a whip-like manner, while prokaryotic flagella 9 b. Cell Wall. i. Simple compared to prokaryotes. 1. No peptidoglycan in eukaryotes. a. Antibiotics that target peptidoglycan (penicillins and cephalosporins) do not harm us. ii. Cell walls are found in plants, algae, and fungi. iii. Made of carbohydrates. 1. Cellulose in algae, plants, and some fungi. 2. Chitin in most fungi. 3. Glucan and mannan in yeasts (unicellular fungi). c. Glycocalyx. i. Sticky carbohydrates extending from an animal cell’s plasma membrane. ii. Glycoproteins and glycolipids form a sugary coat around the cell—the glycocalyx— which helps cells recognize one another, adhere to one another in some tissues, and protects the cell from digestion by enzymes in the extracellular fluid. 1. The glycocalyx also attracts a film of fluid to the surface of many cells, such as RBC’s, making them slippery so they can pass through narrow vessels. d. Plasma Membrane. i. The plasma membrane is a flexible, sturdy barrier that surrounds and contains the cytoplasm of the cell. 1. The fluid mosaic model describes its structure. 2. The membrane consists of proteins in a sea of phospholipids. a. Some proteins float freely while others are anchored at specific locations. b. The membrane lipids allow passage of several types of lipid-soluble molecules but act as a barrier to the passage of charged or polar substances. c. Channel and transport proteins allow movement of polar molecules and ions across the membrane. ii. Phospholipid bilayer. 1. Has the same basic arrangement as the prokaryotic plasma membrane. iii. Arrangement of Membrane Proteins. 1. The membrane proteins are divided into integral and peripheral proteins. a. Integral proteins extend into or across the entire lipid bilayer among the fatty acid tails of the phospholipid molecules, and are firmly anchored in place. i. Most are transmembrane proteins, which span the entire lipid bilayer and protrude into both the cytosol and extracellular fluid. b. Peripheral proteins associate loosely with the polar heads of membrane lipids, and are found at the inner or outer surface of the membrane. 10 2. Many membrane proteins are glycoproteins (proteins with carbohydrate groups attached to the ends that protrude into the extracellular fluid). iv. Functions of Membrane Proteins. 1. Membrane proteins vary in different cells and function as: a. Ion channels (pores): Allow ions such as sodium or potassium to cross the cell membrane; (they can't diffuse through the bilayer). Most are selective—they allow only a single type of ion to pass. Some ion channels open and close. b. Transporters: selectively move a polar substance from one side of the membrane to the other. c. Receptors: recognize and bind a specific molecule. The chemical binding to the receptor is called a ligand. d. Enzymes: catalyze specific chemical reactions at the inside or outside surface of the cell. e. Cell-identity markers (often glycoproteins and glycolipids), such as human leukocyte antigens. f. Linkers: anchor proteins in the plasma membrane of neighboring cells to each other or to protein filaments inside and outside the cell. 2. The different proteins help to determine many of the functions of the plasma membrane. v. Selective permeability of the plasma membrane allows passage of some molecules. 1. Transport mechanisms: a. Simple diffusion. b. Facilitated diffusion. c. Osmosis. d. Active transport. (No group translocation in Eukaryotes). e. Vesicular Transport. i. A vesicle is a small membranous sac formed by budding off from an existing membrane. ii. Two types of vesicular transport are endocytosis and exocytosis. 1. Endocytosis. a. In endocytosis, materials move into a cell in a vesicle formed from the plasma membrane. b. Viruses can take advantage of this mechanism to enter cells. c. Phagocytosis is the ingestion of solid particles, such as worn out cells, bacteria, or viruses. Pseudopods extend and engulf particles. d. Pinocytosis is the ingestion of extracellular fluid. The membrane folds inward bringing in fluid and dissolved substances. 2. In exocytosis, membrane-enclosed structures called secretory vesicles that form inside the cell fuse with the plasma membrane and release their contents into the extracellular fluid. f. Cytoplasm. i. Substance inside the plasma membrane and outside nucleus. ii. Cytosol is the fluid portion of cytoplasm. iii. Cytoskeleton. 1. The cytoskeleton is a network of several kinds of protein filaments that extend throughout the cytoplasm, and provides a structural framework for the cell. 2. It consists of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. 11 a. Most microfilaments (the smallest cytoskeletal elements) are composed of actin and function in movement (muscle contraction and cell division) and mechanical support for the cell itself and for microvilli. b. Intermediate filaments are composed of several different proteins and function in support and to help anchor organelles such as the nucleus. c. Microtubules (the largest cytoskeletal elements) are composed of a protein called tubulin and help determine cell shape; they function in the intracellular transport of organelles and the migration of chromosome during cell division. They also function in the movement of cilia and flagella. iv. Cytoplasmic streaming. 1. Movement of cytoplasm and nutrients throughout cells. 2. Moves the cell over surfaces. g. Organelles. i. Organelles are specialized structures that have characteristic shapes and perform specific functions in eukaryotic cellular growth, maintenance, reproduction. 2.1.RIBOSOMES. Nucleus. The nucleus is usually the most prominent feature of a eukaryotic cell. b. Most have a single nucleus; some cells (human red blood cells) have none, whereas others (human skeletal muscle fibers) have several in each cell. c. The parts of the nucleus include the: i. Nuclear envelope (a double membrane), which is perforated by channels called nuclear pores, that control the movement of substances between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. 1. Small molecules and ions diffuse passively, while movement of most large molecules out of the nucleus involves active transport. ii. Nucleoli function in producing ribosomes. d. Genetic material (DNA). Within the nucleus are the cell’s hereditary units, called genes, which are arranged in single file along chromosomes. Each chromosome is a long molecule of DNA that is coiled together with several proteins (including histones). a. Sites of protein synthesis. b. 80S in eukaryotes. i. Membrane-bound ribosomes found on rough ER. ii. Free ribosomes found in cytoplasm. c. 70S in prokaryotes. i. Also found in chloroplasts and mitochondria. 3. Endoplasmic Reticulum. a. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes extending from the nuclear membrane that form flattened sacs or tubules. b. Rough ER is continuous with the nuclear membrane and has its outer surface studded with ribosomes, which synthesize proteins. The proteins then enter the space inside the ER for processing (into glycoproteins or for attachment to phospholipids) and sorting, 12 and are then either incorporated into organelle membranes, inserted into the plasma membrane, or secreted via exocytosis. c. Smooth ER extends from the rough ER to form a network of membrane tubules, but it does not contain ribosomes on its membrane surface. In humans, it synthesizes fatty acids and steroids, detoxifies drugs, removes phosphate from glucose 6-phosphate (allowing free glucose to enter the blood), and stores and releases calcium ions involved in muscle contraction. 4. Golgi Complex. The Golgi complex consists of four to six stacked, flattened membranous sacs (cisterns). The cis (entry) face faces the rough ER, and trans (exit) face faces the cell’s plasma membrane. Between the cis and trans faces are the medial cisternae. b. The cis, medial, and trans cisternae each contain different enzymes that permit each to modify, sort, and package proteins received from the rough ER for transport to different destinations (such as the plasma membrane, to other organelles, or for export out of the cell). 5. Lysosomes. a. Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed vesicles that form from the Golgi complex and contain powerful digestive enzymes. b. Lysosomes function in digestion of substances that enter the cell by endocytosis, and transport the final products of digestion into the cytosol. c. They digest worn-out organelles (autophagy). d. They digest their own cellular contents (autolysis). e. They carry out extracellular digestion (as happens when sperm release lysosomal enzymes to aid in penetrating an oocyte). 6. Vacuoles. a. Space in the cytoplasm enclosed by a membrane called a tonoplast. b. Derived from the Golgi complex. c. They serve in the following ways: i. Temporary storage for biological molecules and ions. ii. Bring food into cells. iii. Provide structural support. iv. Store metabolic wastes. 7. Peroxisomes. a. Peroxisomes are similar in structure to lysosomes, but are smaller. b. They contain enzymes (oxidases) that use molecular oxygen to oxidize (remove hydrogen atoms from) various organic substances. 13 c. They take part in normal metabolic reactions such as the oxidation of amino and fatty acids. d. New peroxisomes form by budding off from preexisting ones. e. They produce and then destroy H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) in the process of their metabolic activities. 8. Centrosomes. a. Centrosomes are dense areas of cytoplasm containing the centrioles, which are paired cylinders arranged at right angles to one another, and serve as centers for organizing microtubules and the mitotic spindle during mitosis. 9. Mitochondria. a. Found in nearly all eukaryotic cells. b. A mitochondrion is bound by a double membrane, with a fluid-filled space between called the intermembranous space. The outer membrane is smooth, while the inner membrane is arranged in folds called cristae. The mitochondrial matrix is found inside the inner mitochondrial membrane. c. The folds of the cristae provide a large surface area for the chemical reactions that are part of the aerobic phase of cellular respiration. These reactions produce most of a eukaryotic cell’s ATP, and the enzymes that catalyze them are located on the cristae and in the matrix. d. Mitochondria self-replicate using their own DNA and contain 70S ribosomes. They grow and reproduce on their own in a way that is similar to binary fission. Mitochondrial DNA (genes) is inherited only from the mother, since sperm normally lack most organelles such as mitochondria, ribosomes, ER, and the Golgi complex. Any sperm mitochondria that do enter the oocyte are soon destroyed. 10. Chloroplasts. a. Found only in algae and green plants. b. Contain the pigment chlorophyll and enzymes necessary for photosynthesis. c. Chloroplasts self-replicate using their own DNA and contain 70S ribosomes. They grow and reproduce on their own in a way that is similar to binary fission. VII. Endosymbiotic Theory. a. Large bacterial cells lost their cell walls and engulfed smaller bacteria. b. A symbiotic (mutualistic) relationship developed. i. The host cell supplied the nutrients. ii. The engulfed cell produced excess energy that the host could use. iii. The relationship evolved. c. Evidence: 14 i. Mitochondria and chloroplasts resemble bacteria in size and shape. 1. They divide on their own—independently of the host, and contain their own DNA (single circular chromosome). This process is nearly identical to binary fission seen in bacteria. 2. They contain 70S ribosomes. 3. Their method of protein synthesis is more like that of prokaryotes (no RNA processing). 4. Antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis on ribosomes in bacteria also inhibit protein Difference among eukaryotic cells There are many different types of eukaryotic cells, though animals and plants are the most familiar eukaryotes, and thus provide an excellent starting point for understanding eukaryotic structure. Fungi and many protists have some substantial differences, however. Animal cell An animal cell is a form of eukaryotic cell that makes up many tissues in animals. Animal cells are distinct from other eukaryotes, most notably plant cells, as they lack cell walls and chloroplasts. They also have smaller vacuoles. Due to the lack of a cell wall, animal cells can adopt a variety of shapes. A phagocytic cell can even engulf other structures. There are many different types of cell. For instance, there are approximately 210 distinct cell types in the adult human body. Plant cell Plant cells are quite different from the cells of the other eukaryotic organisms. Their distinctive features are: A large central vacuole (enclosed by a membrane, the tonoplast), which maintains the cell's turgor and controls movement ofmolecules between the cytosol and sap A primary cell wall containing cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin, deposited by the protoplast on the outside of the cell membrane; this contrasts with the cell walls of fungi, which contain chitin, and the cell envelopes of prokaryotes, in which peptidoglycans are the main structural molecules The plasmodesmata, linking pores in the cell wall that allow each plant cell to communicate with other adjacent cells; this is different from the functionally analogous system of gap junctions between animal cells. 15 Plastids, especially chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color and allows them to perform photosynthesis Bryophytes and seedless vascular plants lack flagellae and centrioles except in the sperm cells.[16] Sperm of cycads and Ginkgoare large, complex cells that swim with hundreds to thousands of flagellae. Conifers (Pinophyta) and flowering plants (Angiospermae) lack the flagellae and centrioles that are present in animal cells.
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EVIDENCE:
CELL STRUCTURE Cells are the building blocks of life. A cell is chemical system that is able to maintain its structure and reproduce. Cells are the fundamental unit of life. All living things are cells or composed of cells. Although different living things may be as unlike as a violet and an octopus, they are all built in essentially the same way. The most basic similarity is that all living things are composed of one or more cells. This is known as the Cell Theory. Our knowledge of cells is built on work done with microscopes. English scientist Robert Hooke in 1665 first described cells from his observations of cork slices. Hooke first used the word "cell". Dutch amateur scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek discovered microscopic animals in water. German scientists Schleiden and Schwann in 1830's were first to say that all organisms are made of one or more cells. German biologist Virchow in 1858 stated that all cells come from the division of pre-existing cells. The Cell Theory can be summarized as: Cells are the fundamental unit of life - nothing less than a cell is alive. All organisms are constructed of and by cells. All cells arise from preexisting cells. Cells contain the information necessary for their own reproduction. No new cells are originating spontaneously on earth today. Cells are the functional units of life. All biochemical processes are carried out by cells. • Groups of cells can be organized and function as multicellular organisms Cells of multicellular organisms can become specialized in form and function to carry out subprocesses of the multicellular organism. Cells are common to all living beings, and provide information about all forms of life. Because all cells come from existing cells, scientists can study cells to learn about growth, reproduction, and all other functions that living things perform. By learning about cells and how they function, we can learn about all types of living things. Classification of cells: All living organisms (bacteria, blue green algae, plants and animals) have cellular organization and may contain one or many cells. The organisms with only one cell in their body are called unicellular organisms (bacteria, blue green algae, some algae, Protozoa, etc.). The organisms having many cells in their body are called multicellular organisms (fungi, most plants and animals). Any living organism may contain only one type of cell either A. Prokaryotic cells; B. Eukaryotic cells. The terms prokaryotic and eukaryotic were suggested by Hans Ris in the 1960’s. This classification is based on their complexity. Further based on the kingdom into which they may fall i.e the plant or the animal kingdom, plant and animal cells bear many differences. These will be studied in detail in the upcoming sections PROKARYOTIC CELLS Prokaryote comes from the Greek words for pre-nucleus. Prokaryotes: i. One circular chromosome, not contained in a membrane. ii. No histones or introns are present in Bacteria; both are found in Eukaryotes and Archaea. iii. No membrane-bound organelles. (Only contain non membrane-bound organelles). iv. Bacteria contain peptidoglycan in cell walls; Eukaryotes and Archaea do not. v. Binary fission. 2 Size, Shape, and Arrangement of Bacterial Cells. i. Average size of prokaryotic cells: 0.2 -2.0 μm in diameter 1-10 μm (0.001 – 0.01 mm) [book says 2 – 8 μm] in length. 1. Typical eukaryote 10-500 μm in length (0.01 – 0.5 mm). 2. Typical virus 20-1000 nm in length (0.00000002 – 0.000001 m). 3. Thiomargarita is the largest bacterium known. It is about the size of a typed period (0.75 mm). 4. Nanoarchaeum is the smallest cell known. It is at the lower theoretical limit for cell size (0.4 μm). ii. Basic bacterial shapes: 1. Coccus (sphere/round). 2. Bacillus (staff/rod-shaped). 3. Spirilla (rigid with a spiral/corkscrew shape). a. Flagella propel these bacteria. 4. Vibrio (curved rod). 5. Spirochetes (flexible with a spiral shape). Axial filaments (endoflagella) propel these bacteria. iii. Descriptive prefixes: 1. Diplo (two cells). 2. Tetra (four cells). 3. Sarcinae (cube of 8 cells). 4. Staphylo (clusters of cells). 5. Strepto (chains of cells). iv. Unusual bacterial shapes: 1. Star-shaped Stella. 2. Square/rectangular Haloarcula. v. Arrangements: 1. Pairs: diplococci, diplobacilli 2. Clusters: staphylococci 3. Chains: streptococci, streptobacilli. vi. Most bacteria are monomorphic. They do not change shape unless environmental conditions change. vii. A few are pleomorphic. These species have individuals that can come in a variety of shapes Structures External to the Prokaryotic Cell Wall. a. Glycocalyx (sugar coat). i. Usually very sticky. ii. Found external to cell wall. iii. Composed of polysaccharide and/or polypeptide. iv. It can be broken down and used as an energy source when resources are scarce. v. It can protect against dehydration. vi. It helps keep nutrients from moving out of the cell. 1. A capsule is a glycocalyx that is neatly organized and is firmly attached to the cell wall. a. Capsules prevent phagocytosis by the host’s immune system. 2. A slime layer is a glycocalyx that is unorganized and is loosely attached to the cell wall. b. Extracellular polysaccharide (extracellular polymeric substance) is a glycocalyx made of sugars and allows bacterial cells to attach to various surfaces.Prokaryotic Flagella. i. Long, semi-rigid, helical, cellular appendage used for locomotion. ii. Made of chains of the protein flagellin. 1. Attached to a protein hook. iii. Anchored to the cell wall and cell membrane by the basal body. iv. Motile Cells. 1. Rotate flagella to run and tumble. 2. Move toward or away from stimuli (taxis). a. Chemotaxis. b. Phototaxis. c. Axial Filaments (Endoflagella). i. In spirochetes: 1. Anchored at one end of a cell. 2. Covered by an outer sheath. 3. Rotation causes cell to move like a corkscrew through a cork. d. Fimbriae. i. Shorter, straighter, thinner than flagella. ii. Not used for locomotion. iii. Allow for the attachment of bacteria to surfaces. iv. Can be found at the poles of the cell, or covering the cell’s entire surface. v. There may be few or many fimbriae on a single bacterium. e. Pili (sex pili). i. Longer than fimbriae. ii. Only one or two per cell. iii. Are used to transfer DNA from one bacterial cell to another, and in twitching & gliding motility. IV. The Prokaryotic Cell Wall. a. Chemically and structurally complex, semi-rigid, gives structure to and protects the cell. b. Surrounds the underlying plasma membrane. 4 c. Prevents osmotic lysis. d. Contributes to the ability to cause disease in some species, and is the site of action for some antibiotics. e. Made of peptidoglycan (in bacteria). i. Polymer of a disaccharide. 1. N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) & N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM). ii. Disaccharides linked by polypeptides to form lattice surrounding the cell. Fig. iii. Penicillin inhibits this lattice formation, and leads to cellular lysis. f. Gram-positive cell walls. Fig. i. Many layers of peptidoglycan, resulting in a thick, rigid structure. ii. Teichoic acids. 1. May regulate movement of cations (+). 2. May be involved in cell growth, preventing extensive wall breakdown and lysis. 3. Contribute to antigenic specificity for each Gram-positive bacterial species. 4. Lipoteichoic acid links to plasma membrane. 5. Wall teichoic acid links to peptidoglycan. g. Gram-negative cell walls. i. Contains only one or a few layers of peptidoglycan. 1. Peptidoglycan is found in the periplasm, a fluid-filled space between the outer membrane and plasma membrane. a. Periplasm contains many digestive enzymes and transport proteins. ii. No teichoic acids are found in Gram-negative cell walls. iii. More susceptible to rupture than Gram-positive cells. iv. Outer membrane: 1. Composed of lipopolysaccharides, lipoproteins, and phospholipids. 2. Protects the cell from phagocytes, complement, antibiotics, lysozyme, detergents, heavy metals, bile salts, and certain dyes. 3. Contains transport proteins called porins. 4. Lipopolysaccharide is composed of: a. O polysaccharide (antigen) that can be used to ID certain Gram- negative bacterial species. b. Lipid A (endotoxin) can cause shock, fever, and even death if enough is released into the host’s blood. h. Gram Stain Mechanism. i. Crystal Violet-Iodine (CV-I) crystals form within the cell. ii. Gram-positive: 1. Alcohol dehydrates peptidoglycan. 2. CV-I crystals cannot leave. iii. Gram-negative: 1. Alcohol dissolves outer membrane and leaves holes in peptidoglycan. 2. CV-I washes out. 3. Safranin stains the cell pink. iv. Table 1, pg. 94, compares Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. i. Damage to Prokaryotic Cell Walls. i. Because prokaryotic cell walls contain substances not normally found in animal 5 cells, drugs or chemicals that disrupt prokaryotic cell wall structures are often used in medicine, or by the host to combat the bacteria. 1. Lysozyme digests the disaccharides in peptidoglycan. 2. Penicillin inhibits the formation of peptide bridges in peptidoglycan. ii. A protoplast is a Gram-positive cell whose cell wall has been destroyed, but that is still alive and functional. (Lost its peptidoglycan). iii. A spheroplast is a wall-less Gram-negative cell. (Lost its outer membrane and peptidoglycan). iv. L forms are wall-less cells that swell into irregular shapes. They can live, divide, and may return to a walled state. v. Protoplasts and spheroplasts are susceptible to osmotic lysis. vi. Gram-negative bacteria are not as susceptible to penicillin due to the outer membrane and the small amount of peptidoglycan in their walls. vii. Gram-negative bacteria are susceptible to antibiotics that can penetrate the outer membrane (Streptomycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline). V. Structures Internal to the Cell Wall. a. Plasma Membrane (Inner Membrane). a. Phospholipid bilayer lying inside the cell wall. 1. The phospholipid bilayer is the basic framework of the plasma membrane. 2. The bilayer arrangement occurs because the phospholipids are amphipathic molecules. They have both polar (charged) and nonpolar (uncharged) parts with the polar “head” of the phospholipid pointing out and the nonpolar “tails” pointing toward the center of the membrane, forming a nonpolar, hydrophobic region in the membrane’s interior. b. Much of the metabolic machinery is located on the plasma membrane. Photosynthesis, aerobic cellular respiration, and anaerobic cellular respiration reactions occur here. This means that there is a surface area to volume ratio at which bacteria reach a critical size threshold, beyond which bacteria can’t survive. i. Thiomargarita (0.75 mm) is the largest known bacterium and is larger than most eukaryotic cells. It has many invaginations of the plasma membrane, which increases it surface area relative to its volume. c. Peripheral proteins. i. Enzymes. ii. Structural proteins. iii. Some assist the cell in changing membrane shape. d. Integral proteins and transmembrane proteins. i. Provide channels for movement of materials into and out of the cell. e. Fluid Mosaic Model. i. Membrane is as viscous as olive oil. ii. Proteins move to function. iii. Phospholipids rotate and move laterally. f. Selective permeability allows the passage of some molecules but not others across the plasma membrane. i. Large molecules cannot pass through. ii. Ions pass through very slowly or not at all. iii. Lipid soluble molecules pass through easily. iv.Smaller molecules (water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, some simple sugars) 6 usually pass through easily. g. The plasma membrane contains enzymes for ATP production. h. Photosynthetic pigments are found on in-foldings of the plasma membrane called chromatophores or thylakoids. Fig. 15. i. Damage to the plasma membrane by alcohols, quaternary ammonium compounds (a class of disinfectants) and polymyxin antibiotics causes leakage of cell contents. j. Movement of Materials Across Membranes. 1. Passive Processes: a. Simple diffusion: Movement of a solute from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration (down its concentration gradient) until equilibrium is reached. b. Facilitated diffusion: Solute combines with a transport protein in the membrane, to pass from one side of the membrane to the other. The molecule is still moving down its concentration gradient. The transport proteins are specific. c. Osmosis. i. Movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration. ii. Osmotic pressure. The pressure needed to stop the movement of water across the membrane. iii. Isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions. 2. Active Processes: a. Active transport of substances requires a transporter protein and ATP. The solute molecule is pumped against its concentration gradient. Transport proteins are specific. i. In group translocation (a special form of active transport found only in prokaryotes) movement of a substance requires a specific transport protein. 1. The substance is chemically altered during transport, preventing it from escaping the cell after it is transported inside. 2. This process requires high-energy phosphate compounds like phosphoenolpyruvic acid (PEP) to phosphorylate the transported molecule, preventing its movement out of the cell. b. Cytoplasm. i. Cytoplasm is the substance inside the plasma membrane. ii. It is about 80% water. iii. Contains proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, inorganic ions, various compounds, a nuclear area, ribosomes, and inclusions. c. Nuclear Area (Nucleoid). i. Contains a single circular chromosome made of DNA. 1. No histones or introns in bacteria. 2. The chromosome is attached to the plasma membrane at a point along its length, where proteins synthesize and partition new DNA for division during binary fission. ii. Is not surrounded by a nuclear envelope the way eukaryotic chromosomes are. iii. Also contains small circular DNA molecules called plasmids. 1. Plasmids can be gained or lost without harming the cell. 2. Usually contain less than 100 genes. 3. Can be beneficial if they contain genes for antibiotic resistance, tolerance to toxic metals, production of toxins, or synthesis of enzymes. 4. They can be transferred from one bacterium to another. 7 5. Plasmids are used in genetic engineering. d. Ribosomes. i. Site of protein synthesis. ii. Composed of a large and small subunit, both made of protein and rRNA. iii. Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S ribosomes. 1. Made of a small 30S subunit and a larger 50S subunit. iv. Eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S ribosomes. 1. Made of a small 40S subunit and a larger 60S subunit. v. Certain antibiotics target only prokaryotic ribosomal subunits without targeting eukaryotic ribosomal subunits. e. Inclusions. i. Reserve deposits of nutrients that can be used in times of low resource availability. ii. Include: 1. Metachromatic granules (volutin). Reserve of inorganic phosphate for ATP. 2. Polysaccharide granules. Glycogen and starch. 3. Lipid inclusions. 4. Sulfur granules. Energy reserve for “sulfur bacteria” that derive energy by oxidizing sulfur and sulfur compounds. 5. Carboxysomes. Contain an enzyme necessary for bacteria that use carbon dioxide as their only source of carbon for carbon dioxide fixation. 6. Gas vacuoles. Help bacteria maintain buoyancy. 7. Magnetosomes. Made of iron oxide, they serve as ballast to help some bacteria sink until reaching an appropriate attachment site. They also decompose hydrogen peroxide. f. Endospores. i. Resting Gram-positive bacterial cells that form when essential nutrients can no longer be obtained. ii. Resistant to desiccation, heat, chemicals, radiation. iii. Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), Clostridium spp. (gangrene, tetanus, botulism, food poisoning). iv. Sporulation (sporogenesis): the process of endospore formation within the vegetative (functional) cell. This takes several hours. 1. Spore septum (invagination of plasma membrane) begins to isolate the newly replicated DNA and a small portion of cytoplasm. This results in the formation of two separate membrane bound structures. 2. The plasma membrane starts to surround the DNA, cytoplasm, and the new membrane encircling the material isolated in step 1, forming a double-layered membrane-bound structure called a forespore. 3. Thick peptidoglycan layers are laid down between the two membranes of the forespore. 4. Then a thick spore coat of protein forms around the outer membrane of the forespore, which is responsible for the durability of the endospore. 5. When the endospore matures, the vegetative cell wall ruptures, killing the cell, and freeing the endospore. a. The endospore is metabolically inert, and contains the chromosome, 8 some RNA, ribosomes, enzymes, other molecules, and very little water. b. Endospores can remain dormant for millions of years. v. Germination: the return to the vegetative state. 1. Triggered by damage to the endospore coat. The enzymes activate, breaking down the protective layers. Water then can enter, and metabolism resumes. vi. Endospores can survive conditions that vegetative cells cannot: boiling, freezing, desiccation, chemical exposure, radiation, etc. EUKARYOTES: a. Make up algae, protozoa, fungi, higher plants, and animals. Flagella and Cilia. Rotate Cilia are numerous, short, hair-like projections extending from the surface of a cell. They function to move materials across the surface of the cell, or move the cell around in its environment. i. Flagella are similar to cilia but are much longer, usually moving an entire cell. The only example of a flagellum in the human body is the sperm cell tail. 1. Eukaryotic flagella move in a whip-like manner, while prokaryotic flagella 9 b. Cell Wall. i. Simple compared to prokaryotes. 1. No peptidoglycan in eukaryotes. a. Antibiotics that target peptidoglycan (penicillins and cephalosporins) do not harm us. ii. Cell walls are found in plants, algae, and fungi. iii. Made of carbohydrates. 1. Cellulose in algae, plants, and some fungi. 2. Chitin in most fungi. 3. Glucan and mannan in yeasts (unicellular fungi). c. Glycocalyx. i. Sticky carbohydrates extending from an animal cell’s plasma membrane. ii. Glycoproteins and glycolipids form a sugary coat around the cell—the glycocalyx— which helps cells recognize one another, adhere to one another in some tissues, and protects the cell from digestion by enzymes in the extracellular fluid. 1. The glycocalyx also attracts a film of fluid to the surface of many cells, such as RBC’s, making them slippery so they can pass through narrow vessels. d. Plasma Membrane. i. The plasma membrane is a flexible, sturdy barrier that surrounds and contains the cytoplasm of the cell. 1. The fluid mosaic model describes its structure. 2. The membrane consists of proteins in a sea of phospholipids. a. Some proteins float freely while others are anchored at specific locations. b. The membrane lipids allow passage of several types of lipid-soluble molecules but act as a barrier to the passage of charged or polar substances. c. Channel and transport proteins allow movement of polar molecules and ions across the membrane. ii. Phospholipid bilayer. 1. Has the same basic arrangement as the prokaryotic plasma membrane. iii. Arrangement of Membrane Proteins. 1. The membrane proteins are divided into integral and peripheral proteins. a. Integral proteins extend into or across the entire lipid bilayer among the fatty acid tails of the phospholipid molecules, and are firmly anchored in place. i. Most are transmembrane proteins, which span the entire lipid bilayer and protrude into both the cytosol and extracellular fluid. b. Peripheral proteins associate loosely with the polar heads of membrane lipids, and are found at the inner or outer surface of the membrane. 10 2. Many membrane proteins are glycoproteins (proteins with carbohydrate groups attached to the ends that protrude into the extracellular fluid). iv. Functions of Membrane Proteins. 1. Membrane proteins vary in different cells and function as: a. Ion channels (pores): Allow ions such as sodium or potassium to cross the cell membrane; (they can't diffuse through the bilayer). Most are selective—they allow only a single type of ion to pass. Some ion channels open and close. b. Transporters: selectively move a polar substance from one side of the membrane to the other. c. Receptors: recognize and bind a specific molecule. The chemical binding to the receptor is called a ligand. d. Enzymes: catalyze specific chemical reactions at the inside or outside surface of the cell. e. Cell-identity markers (often glycoproteins and glycolipids), such as human leukocyte antigens. f. Linkers: anchor proteins in the plasma membrane of neighboring cells to each other or to protein filaments inside and outside the cell. 2. The different proteins help to determine many of the functions of the plasma membrane. v. Selective permeability of the plasma membrane allows passage of some molecules. 1. Transport mechanisms: a. Simple diffusion. b. Facilitated diffusion. c. Osmosis. d. Active transport. (No group translocation in Eukaryotes). e. Vesicular Transport. i. A vesicle is a small membranous sac formed by budding off from an existing membrane. ii. Two types of vesicular transport are endocytosis and exocytosis. 1. Endocytosis. a. In endocytosis, materials move into a cell in a vesicle formed from the plasma membrane. b. Viruses can take advantage of this mechanism to enter cells. c. Phagocytosis is the ingestion of solid particles, such as worn out cells, bacteria, or viruses. Pseudopods extend and engulf particles. d. Pinocytosis is the ingestion of extracellular fluid. The membrane folds inward bringing in fluid and dissolved substances. 2. In exocytosis, membrane-enclosed structures called secretory vesicles that form inside the cell fuse with the plasma membrane and release their contents into the extracellular fluid. f. Cytoplasm. i. Substance inside the plasma membrane and outside nucleus. ii. Cytosol is the fluid portion of cytoplasm. iii. Cytoskeleton. 1. The cytoskeleton is a network of several kinds of protein filaments that extend throughout the cytoplasm, and provides a structural framework for the cell. 2. It consists of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. 11 a. Most microfilaments (the smallest cytoskeletal elements) are composed of actin and function in movement (muscle contraction and cell division) and mechanical support for the cell itself and for microvilli. b. Intermediate filaments are composed of several different proteins and function in support and to help anchor organelles such as the nucleus. c. Microtubules (the largest cytoskeletal elements) are composed of a protein called tubulin and help determine cell shape; they function in the intracellular transport of organelles and the migration of chromosome during cell division. They also function in the movement of cilia and flagella. iv. Cytoplasmic streaming. 1. Movement of cytoplasm and nutrients throughout cells. 2. Moves the cell over surfaces. g. Organelles. i. Organelles are specialized structures that have characteristic shapes and perform specific functions in eukaryotic cellular growth, maintenance, reproduction. 2.1.RIBOSOMES. Nucleus. The nucleus is usually the most prominent feature of a eukaryotic cell. b. Most have a single nucleus; some cells (human red blood cells) have none, whereas others (human skeletal muscle fibers) have several in each cell. c. The parts of the nucleus include the: i. Nuclear envelope (a double membrane), which is perforated by channels called nuclear pores, that control the movement of substances between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. 1. Small molecules and ions diffuse passively, while movement of most large molecules out of the nucleus involves active transport. ii. Nucleoli function in producing ribosomes. d. Genetic material (DNA). Within the nucleus are the cell’s hereditary units, called genes, which are arranged in single file along chromosomes. Each chromosome is a long molecule of DNA that is coiled together with several proteins (including histones). a. Sites of protein synthesis. b. 80S in eukaryotes. i. Membrane-bound ribosomes found on rough ER. ii. Free ribosomes found in cytoplasm. c. 70S in prokaryotes. i. Also found in chloroplasts and mitochondria. 3. Endoplasmic Reticulum. a. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes extending from the nuclear membrane that form flattened sacs or tubules. b. Rough ER is continuous with the nuclear membrane and has its outer surface studded with ribosomes, which synthesize proteins. The proteins then enter the space inside the ER for processing (into glycoproteins or for attachment to phospholipids) and sorting, 12 and are then either incorporated into organelle membranes, inserted into the plasma membrane, or secreted via exocytosis. c. Smooth ER extends from the rough ER to form a network of membrane tubules, but it does not contain ribosomes on its membrane surface. In humans, it synthesizes fatty acids and steroids, detoxifies drugs, removes phosphate from glucose 6-phosphate (allowing free glucose to enter the blood), and stores and releases calcium ions involved in muscle contraction. 4. Golgi Complex. The Golgi complex consists of four to six stacked, flattened membranous sacs (cisterns). The cis (entry) face faces the rough ER, and trans (exit) face faces the cell’s plasma membrane. Between the cis and trans faces are the medial cisternae. b. The cis, medial, and trans cisternae each contain different enzymes that permit each to modify, sort, and package proteins received from the rough ER for transport to different destinations (such as the plasma membrane, to other organelles, or for export out of the cell). 5. Lysosomes. a. Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed vesicles that form from the Golgi complex and contain powerful digestive enzymes. b. Lysosomes function in digestion of substances that enter the cell by endocytosis, and transport the final products of digestion into the cytosol. c. They digest worn-out organelles (autophagy). d. They digest their own cellular contents (autolysis). e. They carry out extracellular digestion (as happens when sperm release lysosomal enzymes to aid in penetrating an oocyte). 6. Vacuoles. a. Space in the cytoplasm enclosed by a membrane called a tonoplast. b. Derived from the Golgi complex. c. They serve in the following ways: i. Temporary storage for biological molecules and ions. ii. Bring food into cells. iii. Provide structural support. iv. Store metabolic wastes. 7. Peroxisomes. a. Peroxisomes are similar in structure to lysosomes, but are smaller. b. They contain enzymes (oxidases) that use molecular oxygen to oxidize (remove hydrogen atoms from) various organic substances. 13 c. They take part in normal metabolic reactions such as the oxidation of amino and fatty acids. d. New peroxisomes form by budding off from preexisting ones. e. They produce and then destroy H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) in the process of their metabolic activities. 8. Centrosomes. a. Centrosomes are dense areas of cytoplasm containing the centrioles, which are paired cylinders arranged at right angles to one another, and serve as centers for organizing microtubules and the mitotic spindle during mitosis. 9. Mitochondria. a. Found in nearly all eukaryotic cells. b. A mitochondrion is bound by a double membrane, with a fluid-filled space between called the intermembranous space. The outer membrane is smooth, while the inner membrane is arranged in folds called cristae. The mitochondrial matrix is found inside the inner mitochondrial membrane. c. The folds of the cristae provide a large surface area for the chemical reactions that are part of the aerobic phase of cellular respiration. These reactions produce most of a eukaryotic cell’s ATP, and the enzymes that catalyze them are located on the cristae and in the matrix. d. Mitochondria self-replicate using their own DNA and contain 70S ribosomes. They grow and reproduce on their own in a way that is similar to binary fission. Mitochondrial DNA (genes) is inherited only from the mother, since sperm normally lack most organelles such as mitochondria, ribosomes, ER, and the Golgi complex. Any sperm mitochondria that do enter the oocyte are soon destroyed. 10. Chloroplasts. a. Found only in algae and green plants. b. Contain the pigment chlorophyll and enzymes necessary for photosynthesis. c. Chloroplasts self-replicate using their own DNA and contain 70S ribosomes. They grow and reproduce on their own in a way that is similar to binary fission. VII. Endosymbiotic Theory. a. Large bacterial cells lost their cell walls and engulfed smaller bacteria. b. A symbiotic (mutualistic) relationship developed. i. The host cell supplied the nutrients. ii. The engulfed cell produced excess energy that the host could use. iii. The relationship evolved. c. Evidence: 14 i. Mitochondria and chloroplasts resemble bacteria in size and shape. 1. They divide on their own—independently of the host, and contain their own DNA (single circular chromosome). This process is nearly identical to binary fission seen in bacteria. 2. They contain 70S ribosomes. 3. Their method of protein synthesis is more like that of prokaryotes (no RNA processing). 4. Antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis on ribosomes in bacteria also inhibit protein Difference among eukaryotic cells There are many different types of eukaryotic cells, though animals and plants are the most familiar eukaryotes, and thus provide an excellent starting point for understanding eukaryotic structure. Fungi and many protists have some substantial differences, however. Animal cell An animal cell is a form of eukaryotic cell that makes up many tissues in animals. Animal cells are distinct from other eukaryotes, most notably plant cells, as they lack cell walls and chloroplasts. They also have smaller vacuoles. Due to the lack of a cell wall, animal cells can adopt a variety of shapes. A phagocytic cell can even engulf other structures. There are many different types of cell. For instance, there are approximately 210 distinct cell types in the adult human body. Plant cell Plant cells are quite different from the cells of the other eukaryotic organisms. Their distinctive features are: A large central vacuole (enclosed by a membrane, the tonoplast), which maintains the cell's turgor and controls movement ofmolecules between the cytosol and sap A primary cell wall containing cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin, deposited by the protoplast on the outside of the cell membrane; this contrasts with the cell walls of fungi, which contain chitin, and the cell envelopes of prokaryotes, in which peptidoglycans are the main structural molecules The plasmodesmata, linking pores in the cell wall that allow each plant cell to communicate with other adjacent cells; this is different from the functionally analogous system of gap junctions between animal cells. 15 Plastids, especially chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color and allows them to perform photosynthesis Bryophytes and seedless vascular plants lack flagellae and centrioles except in the sperm cells.[16] Sperm of cycads and Ginkgoare large, complex cells that swim with hundreds to thousands of flagellae. Conifers (Pinophyta) and flowering plants (Angiospermae) lack the flagellae and centrioles that are present in animal cells.
USER:
What are the differences between the types of cells described and some life forms they make up.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
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Formulate your answer using only the provided text; do not draw from any outside sources.
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What is HR 4319?
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Background on the 2024 Farmworker Protection Rule DOL indicates that the purpose of the Farmworker Protection Rule is to strengthen “protections for agricultural workers,” enhance the agency’s “capabilities to monitor H-2A program compliance and take necessary enforcement actions against program violators,” and ensure that “hiring H-2A workers does not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed workers” in the United States. The rule amends existing regulations and includes provisions that encompass six areas: (1) “protections for worker voice and empowerment,” (2) “clarification of termination for cause,” (3) “immediate effective date for updated adverse effect wage rate,” (4) “enhanced transparency for job opportunity and foreign labor recruitment,” (5) “enhanced transparency and protections for agricultural workers,” and (6) “enhanced integrity and enforcement capabilities.” In the pending litigation, the first set of provisions, i.e., “protections for worker voice and empowerment” is most relevant. This set revises 20 C.F.R. § 655.135(h) and adds two new subsections, (m) and (n). DOL has stated that these provisions aim to protect H-2A workers by “explicitly protecting certain activities all workers must be able to engage in without fear of intimidation, threats, and other forms of retaliation”; safeguarding “collective action and concerted activity for mutual aid and protection”; allowing workers to decline to listen to “employer speech regarding protected activities without fear of retaliation”; permitting workers to “designate a representative of their choosing in certain interviews”; and authorizing workers to “invite or accept guests to worker housing.” The rule states that it “does not require employers to recognize labor organizations or to engage in any collective bargaining activities such as those that may be required by the [National Labor Relations Act].” The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is a law that gives collective bargaining rights to workers who qualify as “employees” under the definition in the statute. The NLRA explicitly excludes agricultural workers from the definition of “employee.” Kansas v. U.S. Department of Labor On June 10, 2024, Kansas and 16 other states, a trade association of growers, and a private farm filed a complaint against DOL in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, arguing, among other things, that the Farmworker Protection Rule violates the NLRA because it gives H-2A agricultural workers collective bargaining rights when the NLRA explicitly excludes agricultural workers from having those rights. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a motion for a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order seeking a stay of the effective date of the Farmworker Protection Rule or, in the alternative, a temporary restraining order until the court grants an injunction. The court held a hearing on the motion on August 2, 2024, and on August 26, 2024, the federal district court judge granted the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction. Plaintiffs’ Arguments The arguments below were raised in the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction. This Sidebar does not cover every argument the plaintiffs advanced. The Rule Violates the NLRA The plaintiffs argued that the rule is not in accordance with existing law and that DOL is providing collective bargaining protection to H-2A workers. According to the plaintiffs, parts of the rule are almost a direct copy of certain provisions in the NLRA, such as those regarding unfair labor practices and representatives and elections. The plaintiffs acknowledged that the rule does not expressly declare that H2A workers have a right to unionize and collectively bargain, but they claim that the protections conferred by the rule effectively confer such rights in contravention of the NLRA. The Rule Exceeds DOL’s Authority Under the INA The plaintiffs also argued that DOL has very limited authority to issue regulations under 8 U.S.C. § 1188. Specifically, the plaintiffs state that Section 1188(a), which is the part of the statute DOL relied on to promulgate the rule, is being misinterpreted by the agency. According to the plaintiffs, DOL is supposed to neutralize any adverse effects from an influx of H-2A workers and not necessarily take affirmative steps to improve the working conditions for H-2A workers. In addition, according to the plaintiffs, Section 1188(a) does not explicitly give DOL rulemaking authority. The plaintiffs filed this lawsuit before the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which overturned the Chevron doctrine. The Chevron doctrine directed courts to defer to an agency’s reasonable interpretation of ambiguous statutes the agency administers. The plaintiffs argued that because Congress’s intent was clear in 8 U.S.C. § 1188, DOL was not entitled to Chevron deference. Relatedly, the plaintiffs pointed out that DOL relies on caselaw that existed before the Supreme Court overruled the Chevron doctrine rather than on the statute itself. DOL’s Arguments The arguments below were raised in DOL’s response to the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction. This Sidebar does not cover every argument DOL advanced. The Rule Does Not Violate the NLRA In summary, DOL argued that the rule does not require employers to recognize unions or engage in collective bargaining and is therefore not in violation of the NLRA. According to DOL, the rule expands on existing H-2A anti-discrimination provisions, and individuals who fall outside the NLRA’s definition of “employee” can still be protected by other statutes and regulations. DOL states that the rule does just that by granting protections to those not covered by the NLRA. Finally, DOL argues that the rule and the NLRA do not conflict with one another. The Rule Is a Proper Exercise of DOL’s Statutory Obligation DOL responded to the plaintiffs’ argument that the rule exceeded its authority by stating that the INA grants it rulemaking authority. DOL pointed out that provisions in 8 U.S.C. § 1188 expressly reference DOL regulations and that Congress authorized it to implement the mission of the statute through regulation. Further, DOL argued that H-2A workers will become more attractive to U.S. employers if they receive fewer protections than U.S. workers and that this in turn will “adversely affect” U.S. workers. The goal of the rule, according to DOL, is to place H-2A workers on similar footing as U.S. workers to prevent an adverse effect in the long run. Lastly, DOL maintained that it has historically understood the “adverse effect” requirement “as requiring parity between the terms and conditions of employment provided to H-2A workers ... and as establishing a baseline ‘acceptable’ standard for working conditions below which [U.S. workers] would be adversely affected.” DOL filed its response after the Supreme Court announced the overruling of Chevron in Loper Bright Enterprises. Citing Loper Bright Enterprises in a footnote, DOL argued that the best reading of Section 1188 was that Congress had delegated to DOL broad, discretionary authority to take action to prevent adverse effects to workers in the United States. The agency claimed that the rule is an appropriate exercise of this discretionary authority, including because the rule “ensures that agricultural employers cannot use the H-2A workforce to undermine workers in the United States who seek better wages and working conditions.”
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Formulate your answer using only the provided text; do not draw from any outside sources. Provided text: The Court’s Order on the Motion for Preliminary Injunction On August 26, 2024, a federal district court judge granted the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction. The judge found that the plaintiffs met their burden to show that they were entitled to preliminary relief. First, the judge held that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on the merits of their case. The judge initially determined that the rule falls within DOL’s rulemaking authority under 8 U.S.C. § 1188 but found that the rule conflicts with the NLRA. Specifically, the judge stated that DOL had “not shown a consequential difference between the rights protected by the [rule] and those given to nonagricultural workers by the NLRA,” that the rule “creates a right not previously bestowed by Congress,” and that DOL failed to show that Congress intended to give agricultural workers a right to participate in collective bargaining. The judge further found that just because DOL has rulemaking authority does not mean it can “create law or protect newly-created rights of agricultural workers.” Therefore, the court held that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on the merits of their claim. The judge further held that the plaintiffs met their burden with regard to the other factors needed to support a preliminary injunction. The judge also found that, although the plaintiffs were entitled to preliminary relief, that relief should be narrowly tailored and party-specific. According to the court, nationwide relief is generally disfavored, as “national uniformity is not a proper consideration,” and a nationwide injunction in this case is unwarranted. The judge determined that the court is able to provide a tailored preliminary injunction that addresses the plaintiffs’ harms and can offer relief “without issuing a nationwide injunction.” DOL filed a motion for reconsideration of the scope of the judge’s order, but the motion was denied. Considerations for Congress Members of Congress have taken differing views on the Farmworker Protection Rule. Before the rule was finalized, several Members of Congress wrote a letter in November 2023 to Acting DOL Secretary Su and DHS Secretary Mayorkas in support of the rule, stating that the rule represents an opportunity to improve working conditions for H-2A workers and “improve enforcement capabilities of agencies against abusive employers.” Following the rule’s publication in April 2024, Representative Scott Franklin introduced a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to rescind the rule, H.J. Res. 135. This resolution would prohibit DOL from any future similar rulemaking. He and the co-sponsors maintain that the rule will increase costs for agricultural producers and allow H-2A workers to unionize. There are other options if Congress chooses to respond to DOL’s Farmworker Protection Rule. First, Congress may consider amending the NLRA’s definition of “employee” to include agricultural workers, thereby allowing H-2A agricultural workers to receive collective bargaining rights. Alternatively, Congress could amend the NLRA and other laws to authorize or prohibit different labor requirements contained in the Farmworker Protection Rule that are not expressly addressed under existing statutes. Congress could also consider making changes to the H-2A visa program itself. For example, the Affordable and Secure Food Act (S. 4069) in the 118th Congress would, among other things, reform the H-2A visa program by adding worker protections and by providing visas for year-round jobs. A similar bill, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2023 (H.R. 4319), has been introduced in the House during this Congress. Earlier versions of this bill introduced in the 116th and 117th Congresses passed the House. What is HR 4319?
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Formulate your answer using only the provided text; do not draw from any outside sources.
EVIDENCE:
Background on the 2024 Farmworker Protection Rule DOL indicates that the purpose of the Farmworker Protection Rule is to strengthen “protections for agricultural workers,” enhance the agency’s “capabilities to monitor H-2A program compliance and take necessary enforcement actions against program violators,” and ensure that “hiring H-2A workers does not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed workers” in the United States. The rule amends existing regulations and includes provisions that encompass six areas: (1) “protections for worker voice and empowerment,” (2) “clarification of termination for cause,” (3) “immediate effective date for updated adverse effect wage rate,” (4) “enhanced transparency for job opportunity and foreign labor recruitment,” (5) “enhanced transparency and protections for agricultural workers,” and (6) “enhanced integrity and enforcement capabilities.” In the pending litigation, the first set of provisions, i.e., “protections for worker voice and empowerment” is most relevant. This set revises 20 C.F.R. § 655.135(h) and adds two new subsections, (m) and (n). DOL has stated that these provisions aim to protect H-2A workers by “explicitly protecting certain activities all workers must be able to engage in without fear of intimidation, threats, and other forms of retaliation”; safeguarding “collective action and concerted activity for mutual aid and protection”; allowing workers to decline to listen to “employer speech regarding protected activities without fear of retaliation”; permitting workers to “designate a representative of their choosing in certain interviews”; and authorizing workers to “invite or accept guests to worker housing.” The rule states that it “does not require employers to recognize labor organizations or to engage in any collective bargaining activities such as those that may be required by the [National Labor Relations Act].” The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is a law that gives collective bargaining rights to workers who qualify as “employees” under the definition in the statute. The NLRA explicitly excludes agricultural workers from the definition of “employee.” Kansas v. U.S. Department of Labor On June 10, 2024, Kansas and 16 other states, a trade association of growers, and a private farm filed a complaint against DOL in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, arguing, among other things, that the Farmworker Protection Rule violates the NLRA because it gives H-2A agricultural workers collective bargaining rights when the NLRA explicitly excludes agricultural workers from having those rights. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a motion for a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order seeking a stay of the effective date of the Farmworker Protection Rule or, in the alternative, a temporary restraining order until the court grants an injunction. The court held a hearing on the motion on August 2, 2024, and on August 26, 2024, the federal district court judge granted the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction. Plaintiffs’ Arguments The arguments below were raised in the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction. This Sidebar does not cover every argument the plaintiffs advanced. The Rule Violates the NLRA The plaintiffs argued that the rule is not in accordance with existing law and that DOL is providing collective bargaining protection to H-2A workers. According to the plaintiffs, parts of the rule are almost a direct copy of certain provisions in the NLRA, such as those regarding unfair labor practices and representatives and elections. The plaintiffs acknowledged that the rule does not expressly declare that H2A workers have a right to unionize and collectively bargain, but they claim that the protections conferred by the rule effectively confer such rights in contravention of the NLRA. The Rule Exceeds DOL’s Authority Under the INA The plaintiffs also argued that DOL has very limited authority to issue regulations under 8 U.S.C. § 1188. Specifically, the plaintiffs state that Section 1188(a), which is the part of the statute DOL relied on to promulgate the rule, is being misinterpreted by the agency. According to the plaintiffs, DOL is supposed to neutralize any adverse effects from an influx of H-2A workers and not necessarily take affirmative steps to improve the working conditions for H-2A workers. In addition, according to the plaintiffs, Section 1188(a) does not explicitly give DOL rulemaking authority. The plaintiffs filed this lawsuit before the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which overturned the Chevron doctrine. The Chevron doctrine directed courts to defer to an agency’s reasonable interpretation of ambiguous statutes the agency administers. The plaintiffs argued that because Congress’s intent was clear in 8 U.S.C. § 1188, DOL was not entitled to Chevron deference. Relatedly, the plaintiffs pointed out that DOL relies on caselaw that existed before the Supreme Court overruled the Chevron doctrine rather than on the statute itself. DOL’s Arguments The arguments below were raised in DOL’s response to the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction. This Sidebar does not cover every argument DOL advanced. The Rule Does Not Violate the NLRA In summary, DOL argued that the rule does not require employers to recognize unions or engage in collective bargaining and is therefore not in violation of the NLRA. According to DOL, the rule expands on existing H-2A anti-discrimination provisions, and individuals who fall outside the NLRA’s definition of “employee” can still be protected by other statutes and regulations. DOL states that the rule does just that by granting protections to those not covered by the NLRA. Finally, DOL argues that the rule and the NLRA do not conflict with one another. The Rule Is a Proper Exercise of DOL’s Statutory Obligation DOL responded to the plaintiffs’ argument that the rule exceeded its authority by stating that the INA grants it rulemaking authority. DOL pointed out that provisions in 8 U.S.C. § 1188 expressly reference DOL regulations and that Congress authorized it to implement the mission of the statute through regulation. Further, DOL argued that H-2A workers will become more attractive to U.S. employers if they receive fewer protections than U.S. workers and that this in turn will “adversely affect” U.S. workers. The goal of the rule, according to DOL, is to place H-2A workers on similar footing as U.S. workers to prevent an adverse effect in the long run. Lastly, DOL maintained that it has historically understood the “adverse effect” requirement “as requiring parity between the terms and conditions of employment provided to H-2A workers ... and as establishing a baseline ‘acceptable’ standard for working conditions below which [U.S. workers] would be adversely affected.” DOL filed its response after the Supreme Court announced the overruling of Chevron in Loper Bright Enterprises. Citing Loper Bright Enterprises in a footnote, DOL argued that the best reading of Section 1188 was that Congress had delegated to DOL broad, discretionary authority to take action to prevent adverse effects to workers in the United States. The agency claimed that the rule is an appropriate exercise of this discretionary authority, including because the rule “ensures that agricultural employers cannot use the H-2A workforce to undermine workers in the United States who seek better wages and working conditions.”
USER:
What is HR 4319?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 15 | 4 | 1,148 | null | 798 |
<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
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Explain the negative effects of salary arbitration in baseball from the point of view of the players. Why might a baseball player be opposed to salary arbitration?
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IV. PROBLEMS WITH SALARY ARBITRATION The requirements laid out by the collective bargaining agreement still leave much room for problems between the players and the teams. The first problem stems from the final offer or high/low format of arbitration procedure. In requiring the arbitrator to chose one amount or the other makes the final offer format unique. The arbitrator cannot reach a compromise between the two parties' offers. Since the arbitrator can only choose one side, many owners feel that this may be the root cause of the increasing salaries in baseball. The owners feel that abolition of salary arbitration is proper because it becomes a "win-win" situation for the players. After salary arbitration, "the players will always come out better than they were before." [EN 24] The issue for the owners is that if they present an amount that is significantly low, the arbitrator will tend to favor the player and choose the higher amount. [EN 25] In order to prevent this from happening, many teams tend to keep their amount submitted higher than they would like to prevent the arbitrator from choosing the higher amount given by players. However, the counter argument is that the final offer format forces both sides to give a reasonable offer. During the arbitration process, the parties will be more concerned with how much the other side will offer. The parties will also concentrate on making their own offer fairer, so that the arbitrator will select it. The second issue with salary arbitration is whether the evidence introduced between the two sides can affect the ongoing relationship between the team and the player after the arbitration hearings. According to the CBA criteria for salary arbitration, a team can essentially introduce evidence that may degrade a player and his accomplishments in the arbitration hearings. However, since the player will likely be returning to the same team the following year, the team may tend to hold back sensitive information which may offend the player. An arbitrator from a prominent New York law firm that handles some of the arbitration proceedings for the New York Yankees stated in a phone conversation on March 4, 2002, that most teams tend to hold back degrading and malicious information about some of their players because they are afraid of the repercussions in the following year. For example, many teams will not disclose information in an arbitration hearing about how the team manager, teammates, or members of the organization feel about a certain player. If this information is negative, it will not be a comfortable situation for that player if he remains with the team during the following season. Some teams are afraid of introducing the degrading and detrimental evidence of a player and his conduct to prevent the player from being offended and taking those feelings of betrayal with him to the field the following season. The arbitrator gave an example of a player being affected by an arbitration hearing in the National Hockey League ("NHL"). The case involved the owner of the New York Islanders who went into a salary arbitration hearing with their then goalie. The owner introduced humiliating evidence into the arbitration hearing about that goalie. The goalie felt so betrayed by his team and the whole process, he refused to return to the Islanders the following season. Thus, the goalie was traded because of his refusal to play directly due to the arbitration hearings. To avoid an outcome such as this, most professional teams avoid introducing humiliating and degrading evidence of the players that are in salary arbitration in order to keep a positive ongoing relationship the following season. The other major problem of salary arbitration in baseball is what happens when either party wins. If the owner wins, the player may feel betrayed. A player may feel that he played well for the past few seasons to deserve a higher salary. By losing the arbitration hearing, the player may avoid playing up to his full potential in the following season due to resentment towards the team. There is also the possibility the player may play even better the following season with the intention of not returning to his present team. A player may play beyond his potential to impress other teams and will not even consider re-signing with his present team as a free agent. A negative ongoing relationship is severely detrimental to baseball. The game becomes one of politics and business and not one of enjoyment or love for the game. There is also a direct affect on the fans and the economic prosperity of the game. On the flip side, there may be problems with how the player may be treated if he wins the salary arbitration. The owners may feel that the player's salary is too high for his ability. They may chose to reduce his playing time or change where he bats in the line-up, thus affecting his offensive output. In the case of a pitcher, the team may choose to put him in a more mediocre role. This may affect the player's ability to negotiate for a higher salary in the future during free agency. The integrity of the game is affected by the ongoing relationship between the player and the team after arbitration.
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> Explain the negative effects of salary arbitration in baseball from the point of view of the players. Why might a baseball player be opposed to salary arbitration? <TEXT> IV. PROBLEMS WITH SALARY ARBITRATION The requirements laid out by the collective bargaining agreement still leave much room for problems between the players and the teams. The first problem stems from the final offer or high/low format of arbitration procedure. In requiring the arbitrator to chose one amount or the other makes the final offer format unique. The arbitrator cannot reach a compromise between the two parties' offers. Since the arbitrator can only choose one side, many owners feel that this may be the root cause of the increasing salaries in baseball. The owners feel that abolition of salary arbitration is proper because it becomes a "win-win" situation for the players. After salary arbitration, "the players will always come out better than they were before." [EN 24] The issue for the owners is that if they present an amount that is significantly low, the arbitrator will tend to favor the player and choose the higher amount. [EN 25] In order to prevent this from happening, many teams tend to keep their amount submitted higher than they would like to prevent the arbitrator from choosing the higher amount given by players. However, the counter argument is that the final offer format forces both sides to give a reasonable offer. During the arbitration process, the parties will be more concerned with how much the other side will offer. The parties will also concentrate on making their own offer fairer, so that the arbitrator will select it. The second issue with salary arbitration is whether the evidence introduced between the two sides can affect the ongoing relationship between the team and the player after the arbitration hearings. According to the CBA criteria for salary arbitration, a team can essentially introduce evidence that may degrade a player and his accomplishments in the arbitration hearings. However, since the player will likely be returning to the same team the following year, the team may tend to hold back sensitive information which may offend the player. An arbitrator from a prominent New York law firm that handles some of the arbitration proceedings for the New York Yankees stated in a phone conversation on March 4, 2002, that most teams tend to hold back degrading and malicious information about some of their players because they are afraid of the repercussions in the following year. For example, many teams will not disclose information in an arbitration hearing about how the team manager, teammates, or members of the organization feel about a certain player. If this information is negative, it will not be a comfortable situation for that player if he remains with the team during the following season. Some teams are afraid of introducing the degrading and detrimental evidence of a player and his conduct to prevent the player from being offended and taking those feelings of betrayal with him to the field the following season. The arbitrator gave an example of a player being affected by an arbitration hearing in the National Hockey League ("NHL"). The case involved the owner of the New York Islanders who went into a salary arbitration hearing with their then goalie. The owner introduced humiliating evidence into the arbitration hearing about that goalie. The goalie felt so betrayed by his team and the whole process, he refused to return to the Islanders the following season. Thus, the goalie was traded because of his refusal to play directly due to the arbitration hearings. To avoid an outcome such as this, most professional teams avoid introducing humiliating and degrading evidence of the players that are in salary arbitration in order to keep a positive ongoing relationship the following season. The other major problem of salary arbitration in baseball is what happens when either party wins. If the owner wins, the player may feel betrayed. A player may feel that he played well for the past few seasons to deserve a higher salary. By losing the arbitration hearing, the player may avoid playing up to his full potential in the following season due to resentment towards the team. There is also the possibility the player may play even better the following season with the intention of not returning to his present team. A player may play beyond his potential to impress other teams and will not even consider re-signing with his present team as a free agent. A negative ongoing relationship is severely detrimental to baseball. The game becomes one of politics and business and not one of enjoyment or love for the game. There is also a direct affect on the fans and the economic prosperity of the game. On the flip side, there may be problems with how the player may be treated if he wins the salary arbitration. The owners may feel that the player's salary is too high for his ability. They may chose to reduce his playing time or change where he bats in the line-up, thus affecting his offensive output. In the case of a pitcher, the team may choose to put him in a more mediocre role. This may affect the player's ability to negotiate for a higher salary in the future during free agency. The integrity of the game is affected by the ongoing relationship between the player and the team after arbitration. https://via.library.depaul.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1094&context=jslcp&httpsredir=1&referer=
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<TASK DESCRIPTION> Only use the provided text to answer the question, no outside sources. <QUESTION> [user request] <TEXT> [context document]
EVIDENCE:
IV. PROBLEMS WITH SALARY ARBITRATION The requirements laid out by the collective bargaining agreement still leave much room for problems between the players and the teams. The first problem stems from the final offer or high/low format of arbitration procedure. In requiring the arbitrator to chose one amount or the other makes the final offer format unique. The arbitrator cannot reach a compromise between the two parties' offers. Since the arbitrator can only choose one side, many owners feel that this may be the root cause of the increasing salaries in baseball. The owners feel that abolition of salary arbitration is proper because it becomes a "win-win" situation for the players. After salary arbitration, "the players will always come out better than they were before." [EN 24] The issue for the owners is that if they present an amount that is significantly low, the arbitrator will tend to favor the player and choose the higher amount. [EN 25] In order to prevent this from happening, many teams tend to keep their amount submitted higher than they would like to prevent the arbitrator from choosing the higher amount given by players. However, the counter argument is that the final offer format forces both sides to give a reasonable offer. During the arbitration process, the parties will be more concerned with how much the other side will offer. The parties will also concentrate on making their own offer fairer, so that the arbitrator will select it. The second issue with salary arbitration is whether the evidence introduced between the two sides can affect the ongoing relationship between the team and the player after the arbitration hearings. According to the CBA criteria for salary arbitration, a team can essentially introduce evidence that may degrade a player and his accomplishments in the arbitration hearings. However, since the player will likely be returning to the same team the following year, the team may tend to hold back sensitive information which may offend the player. An arbitrator from a prominent New York law firm that handles some of the arbitration proceedings for the New York Yankees stated in a phone conversation on March 4, 2002, that most teams tend to hold back degrading and malicious information about some of their players because they are afraid of the repercussions in the following year. For example, many teams will not disclose information in an arbitration hearing about how the team manager, teammates, or members of the organization feel about a certain player. If this information is negative, it will not be a comfortable situation for that player if he remains with the team during the following season. Some teams are afraid of introducing the degrading and detrimental evidence of a player and his conduct to prevent the player from being offended and taking those feelings of betrayal with him to the field the following season. The arbitrator gave an example of a player being affected by an arbitration hearing in the National Hockey League ("NHL"). The case involved the owner of the New York Islanders who went into a salary arbitration hearing with their then goalie. The owner introduced humiliating evidence into the arbitration hearing about that goalie. The goalie felt so betrayed by his team and the whole process, he refused to return to the Islanders the following season. Thus, the goalie was traded because of his refusal to play directly due to the arbitration hearings. To avoid an outcome such as this, most professional teams avoid introducing humiliating and degrading evidence of the players that are in salary arbitration in order to keep a positive ongoing relationship the following season. The other major problem of salary arbitration in baseball is what happens when either party wins. If the owner wins, the player may feel betrayed. A player may feel that he played well for the past few seasons to deserve a higher salary. By losing the arbitration hearing, the player may avoid playing up to his full potential in the following season due to resentment towards the team. There is also the possibility the player may play even better the following season with the intention of not returning to his present team. A player may play beyond his potential to impress other teams and will not even consider re-signing with his present team as a free agent. A negative ongoing relationship is severely detrimental to baseball. The game becomes one of politics and business and not one of enjoyment or love for the game. There is also a direct affect on the fans and the economic prosperity of the game. On the flip side, there may be problems with how the player may be treated if he wins the salary arbitration. The owners may feel that the player's salary is too high for his ability. They may chose to reduce his playing time or change where he bats in the line-up, thus affecting his offensive output. In the case of a pitcher, the team may choose to put him in a more mediocre role. This may affect the player's ability to negotiate for a higher salary in the future during free agency. The integrity of the game is affected by the ongoing relationship between the player and the team after arbitration.
USER:
Explain the negative effects of salary arbitration in baseball from the point of view of the players. Why might a baseball player be opposed to salary arbitration?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 20 | 27 | 875 | null | 676 |
For this task, you may only consult the information given in the prompt. No outside sources or prior knowledge may be used. The response should be given as a list with bullet points. Each list item should comprise a single sentence of no more than 20 words.
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What types of attacks does the text identify that the 6G network may face?
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Minimum Baseline Security Standard (MBSS) and Autonomous Security Assurance The structural heterogeneity and distribution of the 6G network, coupled with the diverse ecosystem in computing nodes and devices, results in a coarse degree of data access management. This may lead to a malicious actor being able to penetrate the security of the edge device and so compromise this aspect of the system. Untrusted computing nodes joining the network may hack user data at the edge of the network and interrupt the operation. Additionally, because of the performance limitations of edge nodes, these devices cannot resist network attacks, such as man-in-the-middle and denial-of-service, which lead to the breakdown of the edge network and instability18 . In the case of 6G, building a secure supply chain is vital, vendor compliance is a must and security assurance [GSMA NESAS-2.0, ISO], OWASP vulnerability19, the integrity of any third-party elements - together with trust and privacy - is also extremely important. Attacks and issues that compromise privacy and security often occur in three main areas of the network: the infrastructure layer security, the network layer security, and the application-level security (which consists of User plane traffic, Control plane traffic and Management plane traffic20). Establishing a reliable level of security policies, procedures, and Minimum Baseline Security Standard (MBSS) for all network functions is extremely important to minimize risks21. There is a need for centralized identity governance for resource management and user access – the lack of which may cause network exploitation of applications and systems, leading to unauthorized access of user data, log files and manipulation of AI/ML models. A prominent example is poisoning and backdoor attacks for manipulating the data used for training an AI model, with countermeasures for prevention and detection including use of data from trusted sources, protecting the supply chain and sanitizing data. Another attack type are adversarial attacks that target the model in operation by using specially crafted inputs to mislead the model. Such attacks can be mitigated by expanding the training process (adversarial training), introducing additional modules for detecting unusual ingests and sanitizing input data. Attacks that compromise the confidentiality and privacy of the training data or the model’s parameters can be addressed with techniques like differential privacy and homomorphic encryption. Additionally, restricting the number and type of queries to the model and tailoring query outputs can help mitigate these risks22 . Other attacks jeopardize the confidentiality and privacy of the data used to train the model or the model’s parameters. They can be dealt with by approaches such as: differential privacy and homomorphic encryption, introducing restrictions on the number and type of queries to the model and tailoring the output to queries. Therefore, a Unified Framework (UF) is necessary to prevent attacks on the AI/ML model, with a centralized assurance procedure used for evaluation and assessment, before moving it to production. Then, on a regular basis, the model should be evaluated to ensure it provides the desired functionality and is sufficiently robust to changes in input data both natural and (potentially) adversarial.
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System instruction: For this task, you may only consult the information given in the prompt. No outside sources or prior knowledge may be used. The response should be given as a list with bullet points. Each list item should comprise a single sentence of no more than 20 words. Question: What types of attacks does the text identify that the 6G network may face? Context: Minimum Baseline Security Standard (MBSS) and Autonomous Security Assurance The structural heterogeneity and distribution of the 6G network, coupled with the diverse ecosystem in computing nodes and devices, results in a coarse degree of data access management. This may lead to a malicious actor being able to penetrate the security of the edge device and so compromise this aspect of the system. Untrusted computing nodes joining the network may hack user data at the edge of the network and interrupt the operation. Additionally, because of the performance limitations of edge nodes, these devices cannot resist network attacks, such as man-in-the-middle and denial-of-service, which lead to the breakdown of the edge network and instability18 . In the case of 6G, building a secure supply chain is vital, vendor compliance is a must and security assurance [GSMA NESAS-2.0, ISO], OWASP vulnerability19, the integrity of any third-party elements - together with trust and privacy - is also extremely important. Attacks and issues that compromise privacy and security often occur in three main areas of the network: the infrastructure layer security, the network layer security, and the application-level security (which consists of User plane traffic, Control plane traffic and Management plane traffic20). Establishing a reliable level of security policies, procedures, and Minimum Baseline Security Standard (MBSS) for all network functions is extremely important to minimize risks21. There is a need for centralized identity governance for resource management and user access – the lack of which may cause network exploitation of applications and systems, leading to unauthorized access of user data, log files and manipulation of AI/ML models. A prominent example is poisoning and backdoor attacks for manipulating the data used for training an AI model, with countermeasures for prevention and detection including use of data from trusted sources, protecting the supply chain and sanitizing data. Another attack type are adversarial attacks that target the model in operation by using specially crafted inputs to mislead the model. Such attacks can be mitigated by expanding the training process (adversarial training), introducing additional modules for detecting unusual ingests and sanitizing input data. Attacks that compromise the confidentiality and privacy of the training data or the model’s parameters can be addressed with techniques like differential privacy and homomorphic encryption. Additionally, restricting the number and type of queries to the model and tailoring query outputs can help mitigate these risks22 . Other attacks jeopardize the confidentiality and privacy of the data used to train the model or the model’s parameters. They can be dealt with by approaches such as: differential privacy and homomorphic encryption, introducing restrictions on the number and type of queries to the model and tailoring the output to queries. Therefore, a Unified Framework (UF) is necessary to prevent attacks on the AI/ML model, with a centralized assurance procedure used for evaluation and assessment, before moving it to production. Then, on a regular basis, the model should be evaluated to ensure it provides the desired functionality and is sufficiently robust to changes in input data both natural and (potentially) adversarial.
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For this task, you may only consult the information given in the prompt. No outside sources or prior knowledge may be used. The response should be given as a list with bullet points. Each list item should comprise a single sentence of no more than 20 words.
EVIDENCE:
Minimum Baseline Security Standard (MBSS) and Autonomous Security Assurance The structural heterogeneity and distribution of the 6G network, coupled with the diverse ecosystem in computing nodes and devices, results in a coarse degree of data access management. This may lead to a malicious actor being able to penetrate the security of the edge device and so compromise this aspect of the system. Untrusted computing nodes joining the network may hack user data at the edge of the network and interrupt the operation. Additionally, because of the performance limitations of edge nodes, these devices cannot resist network attacks, such as man-in-the-middle and denial-of-service, which lead to the breakdown of the edge network and instability18 . In the case of 6G, building a secure supply chain is vital, vendor compliance is a must and security assurance [GSMA NESAS-2.0, ISO], OWASP vulnerability19, the integrity of any third-party elements - together with trust and privacy - is also extremely important. Attacks and issues that compromise privacy and security often occur in three main areas of the network: the infrastructure layer security, the network layer security, and the application-level security (which consists of User plane traffic, Control plane traffic and Management plane traffic20). Establishing a reliable level of security policies, procedures, and Minimum Baseline Security Standard (MBSS) for all network functions is extremely important to minimize risks21. There is a need for centralized identity governance for resource management and user access – the lack of which may cause network exploitation of applications and systems, leading to unauthorized access of user data, log files and manipulation of AI/ML models. A prominent example is poisoning and backdoor attacks for manipulating the data used for training an AI model, with countermeasures for prevention and detection including use of data from trusted sources, protecting the supply chain and sanitizing data. Another attack type are adversarial attacks that target the model in operation by using specially crafted inputs to mislead the model. Such attacks can be mitigated by expanding the training process (adversarial training), introducing additional modules for detecting unusual ingests and sanitizing input data. Attacks that compromise the confidentiality and privacy of the training data or the model’s parameters can be addressed with techniques like differential privacy and homomorphic encryption. Additionally, restricting the number and type of queries to the model and tailoring query outputs can help mitigate these risks22 . Other attacks jeopardize the confidentiality and privacy of the data used to train the model or the model’s parameters. They can be dealt with by approaches such as: differential privacy and homomorphic encryption, introducing restrictions on the number and type of queries to the model and tailoring the output to queries. Therefore, a Unified Framework (UF) is necessary to prevent attacks on the AI/ML model, with a centralized assurance procedure used for evaluation and assessment, before moving it to production. Then, on a regular basis, the model should be evaluated to ensure it provides the desired functionality and is sufficiently robust to changes in input data both natural and (potentially) adversarial.
USER:
What types of attacks does the text identify that the 6G network may face?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 47 | 14 | 503 | null | 208 |
You only have access to the provided information to answer questions.
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What could happen if someone has an emergency related to HT? Explain in bullet points then summarize in 1 paragraph.
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Key issues for the Providers: 1. Most people with hypertension in India are unaware of their condition. To improve rates of detection of hypertension, all adults over the age of 18 should undergo opportunistic screening for hypertension during visits to non-physician health staff as well as health facilities. In addition, community based health workers should also do targeted screening of high risk groups under their care – elderly > 60 years, diabetic, obese, those with any cardiovascular disease, family history of premature cardiovascular disease. 2. Screening for hypertension should involve measurement of blood pressure using a validated device ( mercury or digital) with an appropriate sized cuff, following a standardised procedure on a relaxed patient, seated with arm supported at the heart level with the legs uncrossed. Diagnosis of hypertension should be based on a minimum of 2 sets of readings on 2 different occasions, which are at least 1-4 weeks apart, except in the case of hypertensive emergencies and urgencies. Hypertension in persons <80 years of age is diagnosed on documentation of persistent elevation of systolic BP of > 140 mm and/or 90 mm diastolic. 3. Patients should be educated about the nature of the disease and its therapy, about lifestyle modifications that can reduce BP and cardiovascular risk. Patients should undergo assessment for cardiovascular risk factors, target organ damage related to hypertension, associated clinical conditions like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease ( e.g. coronary artery disease, stroke). Most of these assessments which involve history, clinical examination, and examination for proteinuria, diabetes, serum creatinine, lipids and ECG will be possible to complete at the PHC and CHC levels with the advent of the free diagnostics initiative. 4. Hypertension is a primary care issue and best managed at the primary care level with a team approach involving physicians, and allied staff. .Hypertension should be managed using a combination of lifestyle modifications and use of drug therapy with ACE inhibitors, Calcium channel blockers and thiazide diuretics, either alone or in combination. The benefit of treatment is related to reduction of BP rather than the use of a particular drug. All drug classes have equivalent effects but some are preferred in the presence of compelling indiccation. Both Calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors are effective, have few side effects, and have no adverse metabolic consequences or high requirements for monitoring. 5. The target BP should be less than < 140 mm systolic in persons < 80 year old and < 150 mm systolic in those over 80 years old, while the target diastolic BP is < 90 mm Hg. To achieve the target BP especially in those with Grade 2 and Grade 3 Hypertension may require the use of 2 or even drugs. Grade 1 HT which is uncomplicated, may be given a trial of lifestyle modifications alone for 3 months, 6. Efforts should be made to promote follow up and adherence to long term therapy to antihypertensive. In selected patients especially those with associated cardiovascular disease, both statin and aspirin may be given along with antihypertensive to reduce risk of CV event. In patients with diabetes, statins may be indicated. Key issues for the programme: 8Screening, Diagnosis, Assessment, and Management of Primary Hypertension- Full Document The screening of hypertension should be done by a physician or trained non physician staff, using an automated BP instrument or any other validated device, and following a standardised BP measurement procedure. 1.4.Blood pressure should be measured a few (5) minutes after the patient is in a relaxed state, is seated with the arm at the level of the heart, with legs uncrossed. The cuff should have a bladder whose length is about 80% and whose breadth is about 40% of the arm circumference. If the auscultation based method is being used, the then the cuff should initially be inflated to at least 30 mm Hg beyond the point of disappearance of the radial pulse. It should then be deflated at a rate of 2- 3 mm per second. The first and the last audible Korotkoff sounds should be taken at the systolic BP and diastolic BP respectively. The column should be read to the nearest 2 mm Hg. 1.5.At least 2 readings should be taken at each visit with an interval of at least 1 minute between the measurements. If the two readings are substantially different a third reading should be taken. The lower of the two readings should be taken as the representative SBP and DBP. Hypertensive emergencies are potentially life-threatening situations where hypertension (usually severe and > 180 mm systolic and >120 mm diastolic associated with the presence of recent onset and progressive target organ damage resulting in cardiovascular, neurologic, renal and visual dysfunction. These situations may include severe hypertension associated with acute coronary syndrome (chest pain), acute left ventricular dysfunction (shortness of breath), and hypertensive encephalopathy (altered sensorium), stroke (focal weakness), and renal failure. It is most often associated with severe hypertension, except in children and pregnant women where hypertensive emergencies can occur with lower elevations of BP. The induction and orientation session was held on 21st July 2015 in which the facilitator (Chair) welcomed all the members of the subgroup, and set up the rules of operation based on the STG development manual, on the consistent use of terminology and definitions, using the structured power-point presentation provided by NHSRC/NICE. None of the members report any conflict of interest in the development of this guideline and have all signed their declarations 2. Search and selection of evidence based guidelines: In view of the paucity of time available to develop this guideline, a decision was taken by the Task Force for the Development of STGs for the National Health Mission that these STGs would be adopted and/or adapted from existing evidence based guidelines to make them relevant to our context, resource settings and priorities. A search was conducted for evidence based guidelines on primary hypertension, which had been published within the past 5 years and which had been framed using evidence based methodology and using international guideline development criteria. The National Guidelines Clearinghouse (NGC) website was used since the guidelines have already gone through a rigorous ‘quality’ sifts based on international standards (http://www.guideline.gov/). The criteria for Inclusion of Clinical Practice Guidelines in NGC are based on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Clinical Guidelines Standards 2011 and IOM systematic review standards 2014. The guidelines available on the database have been developed, reviewed, or revised within the past five years. The NGC entry criteria are similar to the AGREE II Instrument criteria5
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You only have access to the provided information to answer questions. What could happen if someone has an emergency related to HT? Explain in bullet points then summarize in 1 paragraph. Key issues for the Providers: 1. Most people with hypertension in India are unaware of their condition. To improve rates of detection of hypertension, all adults over the age of 18 should undergo opportunistic screening for hypertension during visits to non-physician health staff as well as health facilities. In addition, community based health workers should also do targeted screening of high risk groups under their care – elderly > 60 years, diabetic, obese, those with any cardiovascular disease, family history of premature cardiovascular disease. 2. Screening for hypertension should involve measurement of blood pressure using a validated device ( mercury or digital) with an appropriate sized cuff, following a standardised procedure on a relaxed patient, seated with arm supported at the heart level with the legs uncrossed. Diagnosis of hypertension should be based on a minimum of 2 sets of readings on 2 different occasions, which are at least 1-4 weeks apart, except in the case of hypertensive emergencies and urgencies. Hypertension in persons <80 years of age is diagnosed on documentation of persistent elevation of systolic BP of > 140 mm and/or 90 mm diastolic. 3. Patients should be educated about the nature of the disease and its therapy, about lifestyle modifications that can reduce BP and cardiovascular risk. Patients should undergo assessment for cardiovascular risk factors, target organ damage related to hypertension, associated clinical conditions like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease ( e.g. coronary artery disease, stroke). Most of these assessments which involve history, clinical examination, and examination for proteinuria, diabetes, serum creatinine, lipids and ECG will be possible to complete at the PHC and CHC levels with the advent of the free diagnostics initiative. 4. Hypertension is a primary care issue and best managed at the primary care level with a team approach involving physicians, and allied staff. .Hypertension should be managed using a combination of lifestyle modifications and use of drug therapy with ACE inhibitors, Calcium channel blockers and thiazide diuretics, either alone or in combination. The benefit of treatment is related to reduction of BP rather than the use of a particular drug. All drug classes have equivalent effects but some are preferred in the presence of compelling indiccation. Both Calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors are effective, have few side effects, and have no adverse metabolic consequences or high requirements for monitoring. 5. The target BP should be less than < 140 mm systolic in persons < 80 year old and < 150 mm systolic in those over 80 years old, while the target diastolic BP is < 90 mm Hg. To achieve the target BP especially in those with Grade 2 and Grade 3 Hypertension may require the use of 2 or even drugs. Grade 1 HT which is uncomplicated, may be given a trial of lifestyle modifications alone for 3 months, 6. Efforts should be made to promote follow up and adherence to long term therapy to antihypertensive. In selected patients especially those with associated cardiovascular disease, both statin and aspirin may be given along with antihypertensive to reduce risk of CV event. In patients with diabetes, statins may be indicated. Key issues for the programme: 8Screening, Diagnosis, Assessment, and Management of Primary Hypertension- Full Document The screening of hypertension should be done by a physician or trained non physician staff, using an automated BP instrument or any other validated device, and following a standardised BP measurement procedure. 1.4.Blood pressure should be measured a few (5) minutes after the patient is in a relaxed state, is seated with the arm at the level of the heart, with legs uncrossed. The cuff should have a bladder whose length is about 80% and whose breadth is about 40% of the arm circumference. If the auscultation based method is being used, the then the cuff should initially be inflated to at least 30 mm Hg beyond the point of disappearance of the radial pulse. It should then be deflated at a rate of 2- 3 mm per second. The first and the last audible Korotkoff sounds should be taken at the systolic BP and diastolic BP respectively. The column should be read to the nearest 2 mm Hg. 1.5.At least 2 readings should be taken at each visit with an interval of at least 1 minute between the measurements. If the two readings are substantially different a third reading should be taken. The lower of the two readings should be taken as the representative SBP and DBP. Hypertensive emergencies are potentially life-threatening situations where hypertension (usually severe and > 180 mm systolic and >120 mm diastolic associated with the presence of recent onset and progressive target organ damage resulting in cardiovascular, neurologic, renal and visual dysfunction. These situations may include severe hypertension associated with acute coronary syndrome (chest pain), acute left ventricular dysfunction (shortness of breath), and hypertensive encephalopathy (altered sensorium), stroke (focal weakness), and renal failure. It is most often associated with severe hypertension, except in children and pregnant women where hypertensive emergencies can occur with lower elevations of BP. The induction and orientation session was held on 21st July 2015 in which the facilitator (Chair) welcomed all the members of the subgroup, and set up the rules of operation based on the STG development manual, on the consistent use of terminology and definitions, using the structured power-point presentation provided by NHSRC/NICE. None of the members report any conflict of interest in the development of this guideline and have all signed their declarations 2. Search and selection of evidence based guidelines: In view of the paucity of time available to develop this guideline, a decision was taken by the Task Force for the Development of STGs for the National Health Mission that these STGs would be adopted and/or adapted from existing evidence based guidelines to make them relevant to our context, resource settings and priorities. A search was conducted for evidence based guidelines on primary hypertension, which had been published within the past 5 years and which had been framed using evidence based methodology and using international guideline development criteria. The National Guidelines Clearinghouse (NGC) website was used since the guidelines have already gone through a rigorous ‘quality’ sifts based on international standards (http://www.guideline.gov/). The criteria for Inclusion of Clinical Practice Guidelines in NGC are based on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Clinical Guidelines Standards 2011 and IOM systematic review standards 2014. The guidelines available on the database have been developed, reviewed, or revised within the past five years. The NGC entry criteria are similar to the AGREE II Instrument criteria5
|
You only have access to the provided information to answer questions.
EVIDENCE:
Key issues for the Providers: 1. Most people with hypertension in India are unaware of their condition. To improve rates of detection of hypertension, all adults over the age of 18 should undergo opportunistic screening for hypertension during visits to non-physician health staff as well as health facilities. In addition, community based health workers should also do targeted screening of high risk groups under their care – elderly > 60 years, diabetic, obese, those with any cardiovascular disease, family history of premature cardiovascular disease. 2. Screening for hypertension should involve measurement of blood pressure using a validated device ( mercury or digital) with an appropriate sized cuff, following a standardised procedure on a relaxed patient, seated with arm supported at the heart level with the legs uncrossed. Diagnosis of hypertension should be based on a minimum of 2 sets of readings on 2 different occasions, which are at least 1-4 weeks apart, except in the case of hypertensive emergencies and urgencies. Hypertension in persons <80 years of age is diagnosed on documentation of persistent elevation of systolic BP of > 140 mm and/or 90 mm diastolic. 3. Patients should be educated about the nature of the disease and its therapy, about lifestyle modifications that can reduce BP and cardiovascular risk. Patients should undergo assessment for cardiovascular risk factors, target organ damage related to hypertension, associated clinical conditions like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease ( e.g. coronary artery disease, stroke). Most of these assessments which involve history, clinical examination, and examination for proteinuria, diabetes, serum creatinine, lipids and ECG will be possible to complete at the PHC and CHC levels with the advent of the free diagnostics initiative. 4. Hypertension is a primary care issue and best managed at the primary care level with a team approach involving physicians, and allied staff. .Hypertension should be managed using a combination of lifestyle modifications and use of drug therapy with ACE inhibitors, Calcium channel blockers and thiazide diuretics, either alone or in combination. The benefit of treatment is related to reduction of BP rather than the use of a particular drug. All drug classes have equivalent effects but some are preferred in the presence of compelling indiccation. Both Calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors are effective, have few side effects, and have no adverse metabolic consequences or high requirements for monitoring. 5. The target BP should be less than < 140 mm systolic in persons < 80 year old and < 150 mm systolic in those over 80 years old, while the target diastolic BP is < 90 mm Hg. To achieve the target BP especially in those with Grade 2 and Grade 3 Hypertension may require the use of 2 or even drugs. Grade 1 HT which is uncomplicated, may be given a trial of lifestyle modifications alone for 3 months, 6. Efforts should be made to promote follow up and adherence to long term therapy to antihypertensive. In selected patients especially those with associated cardiovascular disease, both statin and aspirin may be given along with antihypertensive to reduce risk of CV event. In patients with diabetes, statins may be indicated. Key issues for the programme: 8Screening, Diagnosis, Assessment, and Management of Primary Hypertension- Full Document The screening of hypertension should be done by a physician or trained non physician staff, using an automated BP instrument or any other validated device, and following a standardised BP measurement procedure. 1.4.Blood pressure should be measured a few (5) minutes after the patient is in a relaxed state, is seated with the arm at the level of the heart, with legs uncrossed. The cuff should have a bladder whose length is about 80% and whose breadth is about 40% of the arm circumference. If the auscultation based method is being used, the then the cuff should initially be inflated to at least 30 mm Hg beyond the point of disappearance of the radial pulse. It should then be deflated at a rate of 2- 3 mm per second. The first and the last audible Korotkoff sounds should be taken at the systolic BP and diastolic BP respectively. The column should be read to the nearest 2 mm Hg. 1.5.At least 2 readings should be taken at each visit with an interval of at least 1 minute between the measurements. If the two readings are substantially different a third reading should be taken. The lower of the two readings should be taken as the representative SBP and DBP. Hypertensive emergencies are potentially life-threatening situations where hypertension (usually severe and > 180 mm systolic and >120 mm diastolic associated with the presence of recent onset and progressive target organ damage resulting in cardiovascular, neurologic, renal and visual dysfunction. These situations may include severe hypertension associated with acute coronary syndrome (chest pain), acute left ventricular dysfunction (shortness of breath), and hypertensive encephalopathy (altered sensorium), stroke (focal weakness), and renal failure. It is most often associated with severe hypertension, except in children and pregnant women where hypertensive emergencies can occur with lower elevations of BP. The induction and orientation session was held on 21st July 2015 in which the facilitator (Chair) welcomed all the members of the subgroup, and set up the rules of operation based on the STG development manual, on the consistent use of terminology and definitions, using the structured power-point presentation provided by NHSRC/NICE. None of the members report any conflict of interest in the development of this guideline and have all signed their declarations 2. Search and selection of evidence based guidelines: In view of the paucity of time available to develop this guideline, a decision was taken by the Task Force for the Development of STGs for the National Health Mission that these STGs would be adopted and/or adapted from existing evidence based guidelines to make them relevant to our context, resource settings and priorities. A search was conducted for evidence based guidelines on primary hypertension, which had been published within the past 5 years and which had been framed using evidence based methodology and using international guideline development criteria. The National Guidelines Clearinghouse (NGC) website was used since the guidelines have already gone through a rigorous ‘quality’ sifts based on international standards (http://www.guideline.gov/). The criteria for Inclusion of Clinical Practice Guidelines in NGC are based on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Clinical Guidelines Standards 2011 and IOM systematic review standards 2014. The guidelines available on the database have been developed, reviewed, or revised within the past five years. The NGC entry criteria are similar to the AGREE II Instrument criteria5
USER:
What could happen if someone has an emergency related to HT? Explain in bullet points then summarize in 1 paragraph.
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
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Answer in 3-5 paragraphs and use ONLY the text provided.
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What are the hidden costs of fast fashion?
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Fast fashion has revolutionized the fashion industry at a cost to the environment and human rights. The fast fashion business model relies on the exploitation of resources and human labor to deliver garments following the latest trends to its consumers at an unprecedented rate. This quick output of garments demands a sizeable volume of raw materials fed into the fast fashion industry, creating a significant amount of waste, pollution and degradation to air, water and wildlife habitat. The pollution introduced by the fast fashion industry results in devastating impacts to both terrestrial and aquatic environments, with harmful effects linked to habitat degradation, proliferation of chemicals and microplastics in waterways, and the increasing impact of climate change from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the increased demand and consumption of fast fashion garments and people’s apparent growing interest in fashion, they are buying more while wearing fewer of the items they own. The poor quality of fast fashion clothing contributes to the limited lifespans of garments, which often end up decomposing slowly in landfills or being incinerated. In addition to degrading in landfills or being incinerated, fast fashion clothing has also become a notorious source of microplastics in marine environments as the cheap, plastic-based materials shed fibers that make their way to the oceans. On top of the environmental exploitation that allows for fast fashion’s cheap prices, the other contributing factor is worker exploitation in low-income countries where factories are based. Workers — primarily young women — are subjected to hazardous working conditions while earning unlivable wages, despite the companies pulling in massive profits. Although both the fashion industry and consumers have indicated that sustainability is a priority, fast fashion is an increasingly unsustainable market that continues to grow, relatively unchecked. And the scale of this industry is enormous: For a company such as Shein, an estimated 1,000 new styles are uploaded daily — though there has been speculation that this figure may be a gross underestimate (Zhou, 2022). With the average number of each garment manufactured ranging from 50-100, according to the Shein website, this results in a minimum of 50,000 new garments created every day. Changing these practices requires drawing attention to the harms of fast fashion and shifting the narrative from the glamour that has been assigned to overconsumption toward fashion that embraces sustainability and justice. AT WHAT COST? 4 Behind the glamour of the fashion industry hides a steep environmental price. The fashion industry as a whole is responsible for consuming 79 trillion liters of water per year, producing over 92 million tons of solid waste per year, and contributing up to an estimated 20% of global wastewater and 10% of CO2 emissions (Niinimaki et al., 2020; UN Climate Change, 2018). This output of CO2 exceeds that of the international aviation and shipping industries combined (UN Climate Change, 2018). Concern continues to rise as, over a span of roughly 20 years, the number of new garments made per year has nearly doubled and global consumption of fashion has increased by 400% (World Bank, 2019; Collective Fashion Justice). If this trend continues, industry greenhouse gas emissions could also increase significantly, possibly by over 50% by the year 2030 (World Bank, 2019). One of the most notorious sectors driving these harms has also become one of the fastest growing: the fast fashion industry. Fast fashion is an exploitative, growing industry based on the replication and mass production of garments following current trends — a business model that has revolutionized the industry, simplifying consumers’ purchasing process and expediting the turnover of both garments and trends. This transformation, however, comes at a price. Every day fast fashion companies are capable of producing a shocking 10,000 new garment styles (Williams, 2022). These items are produced quickly and with an excess of waste: As much as 15% of the fabric used during manufacturing is discarded during the garment production process (Shukla, 2022). Unethical generation of waste has become a pivotal element of transforming the fashion industry into the polluting behemoth it is today. In addition to the waste produced during quick manufacturing, businesses are generating yet more pollution to protect their business models (Lieber, 2018). Brands at all levels, from Shein to Nike to Burberry, have been found to destroy new, undamaged products (Mayo, 2021). This has often been carried out by burning, which introduces additional CO2 and toxic gases on top of the industry’s already large contribution. For companies like Shein, production costs are so low that returned items are often destined for landfills because it costs less to simply dispose of items than put them back into circulation (Williams, 2022). The low costs set by the fast fashion industry have been praised by some for making new clothing more accessible to people with lower incomes, yet the largest consumers of fast fashion include customers of relatively substantial income, while low-income communities bear the brunt of the industry’s waste and pollution. This further demonstrates that the goal of this industry is not inclusivity but enormous AT WHAT COST? 5 INTRODUCTION profit based on environmental and worker exploitation (Williams, 2022). Fast fashion has changed society’s perception of what clothing is worth. The enticing low costs in fast fashion push poorly made garments on people, promoting excess purchasing of cheap items destined for the landfill rather than the purchasing of higher-quality garments that will ultimately last longer Clothing production adversely affects the environment at every stage. Land is cleared or degraded to produce fossil fuels for fibers, raise animals, or grow commodity crops. Toxic chemicals are used in processing. Greenhouse gas emissions are produced in manufacturing and transportation, and waste is generated by factories. Polyester, a synthetic material obtained from oil, is one of the most widely used fabrics in the fast fashion industry. It is also one of the most environmentally harmful fabrics. This material alone was reported to consume 70 million barrels of oil in 2015; the production of all synthetic fibers uses approximately 342 million barrels of oil each year (Conca, 2015; Ellen Macarthur Foundation and Circular Fibres Initiative, 2017). Petrochemicals, in fact, were estimated to be responsible for 62% of global textile fibers (Textile Exchange, 2021). The extraction of fossil fuels requires destroying wildlands to develop facilities and drilling sites, affecting the habitability of land and causing habitat fragmentation, which disrupts essential animal behaviors (The Wilderness Society, 2021). Producing synthetics also contributes greenhouse gases to the atmosphere due to their origin in petrochemicals. Fossil-fuel-based fabrics, however, are not the only materials of concern in the fast fashion industry. Producing animal-based textiles such as wool involves the breeding of farmed animals, which often results in widespread habitat loss from deforestation and grassland conversion to create the necessary room for grazing or to produce feed (McKinsey & Company 2020). Animal-based fibers used in fast fashion are also responsible for a large portion of the industry’s massive water consumption. Sheep bred for wool require significant amounts of water for hydration and feed crops that frequently rely on additional, chemical-intensive processes (Center for Biological Diversity, 2021). The wool industry degrades wildlife habitat, with sheep displacing native wildlife and eating the vegetation they need. It also produces large amounts of wastewater, with fecal waste polluting waterways and slaughterhouses expelling additional AT WHAT COST? 6 wastewater. This water often contains contaminants including pathogens, proteins, fibers, and contamination from antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals (Center for Biological Diversity, 2021). Since 35% to 60% of the weight of shorn wool is contaminated with grease, dirt, feces, vegetable matter and other impurities, wool must go through a scouring process using hot water and chemicals before it can be turned into a usable fiber. A typical wool scour creates an effluent load similar to the sewage from a town of 30,000 people (Center for Biological Diversity, 2021). A more detailed accounting of the full scope of environmental harms of animal-based textiles such as wool can be found in Shear Destruction: Wool, Fashion and the Biodiversity Crisis (Center for Biological Diversity). Cotton is one of the most widely used materials worldwide due to its versatility and easy care. But despite only occupying 2.4% of the world’s cropland, cotton uses tremendous amounts of pesticides; it is responsible for roughly one-fifth of global insecticide use (McKinsey & Company 2020). This results in serious harm to nontarget insects such as endangered rusty patched bumble bees and monarch butterflies. On top of its enormous pesticide use, conventional cotton, which accounts for most cotton grown, requires a significant amount of water during the growing process. The cotton used in a single pair of denim jeans requires roughly 10,000 liters of water, an amount equal to what the average person would drink over the course of ten years (UN Climate Change, 2018). And the water that runs off cotton fields carries a heavy pesticide load. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is not produced with synthetic pesticides. It’s also estimated that organic cotton production uses 91% less water than conventional cotton, in large part because genetically engineered crops generally require more water (Chan, 2019). Organic cotton, however, is seldom used over conventional cotton in fast fashion due to the heightened costs associated with production. Even fibers associated with fewer environmental harms than those reliant on oil production and animal agriculture can cause severe damage when produced irresponsibly and at scale to meet the demands of fast fashion. More than 150 million trees are cut down annually to produce man-made cellulose fibers (Canopy, 2020). Of the man-made cellulose fibers produced, up to an estimated 30% originate from primary or endangered forests (McCullough, 2014). Additional habitat loss can result from the soil degradation or pollution of waterways from chemicals used in processing or at plantations (McKinsey & Company 2020). Fast fashion also requires a significant amount of water at the factory level, which results in roughly 93 billion cubic meters of wastewater just from textile dyeing (Lai, 2021). In low-income countries that produce a large portion of the world’s fast fashion, such as Bangladesh, the toxic wastewater from textile factories has historically been dumped directly into rivers or streams to reduce production costs (Regan, 2020). This action has resulted in bodies of water changing colors from the AT WHAT COST? 7 dye used or turning black and thick with sludge (Regan, 2020). This polluted water introduces harms to both marine environments and humans. At least 72 of the chemicals used in the dyeing process have been identified as toxic (World Bank, 2014). Once these chemicals accumulate in waterways, they begin to produce a film on the surface, blocking the entrance of light and preventing organisms’ abilities to photosynthesize (World Bank, 2014). Reduced ability to photosynthesize results in lower oxygen levels, or hypoxia, in the water, impacting the ecosystem’s survivability for aquatic plants and animals. In addition to increased prevalence of hypoxia in aquatic environments, the presence of certain chemicals used in the dyeing process can also increase the buildup of heavy metals (World Bank, 2014). Polluted water is often used to irrigate crops and studies have found textile dyes present in fruits and vegetables grown around Savar in Bangladesh (Sakamoto et al., 2019). Areas closer to industrial hubs are disproportionately impacted by the harms of fast fashion, with costs to livelihoods due to impacted agriculture or fishing, increased incidence of disease including jaundice or diarrhea, and decreased accessibility to safe drinking water during the dry season, as contaminated surface water may be unable to be effectively treated (World Bank, 2014; Ullah et al., 2006). Pesticides used in the growing of cotton and other crops have also been found to have harmful effects on biodiversity. The textile industry is estimated to account for between 10-20% of global pesticide use (McKinsey & Company, 2021). Organisms can be exposed to chemicals either directly through application or indirectly through runoff, contamination, or secondary poisoning (Beyond Pesticides). Exposure to pesticides is linked to a wide array of health concerns in various species including birds, small mammals, insects, fish and humans. These health concerns consist of reproductive effects, neurotoxicity, endocrine effects and liver and kidney damage (Beyond Pesticides). Such harmful effects can occur after minimal exposure, as reproductive abnormalities have been observed in multiple species following “safe” levels of exposure as classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (Beyond Pesticides). The environmental impacts of fast fashion are not limited to the direct impacts from the manufacturing process. Fast fashion churns out poorly made clothes with limited lifespans because of the low quality of materials used and the industry thriving off the constant business from a quick turnover of garments. The quick turnover coupled with poor quality resulted in 60% of the items manufactured in 2012 being discarded only a few years after purchase (Shukla, 2022). One survey in Britain found that 1 in 3 young women believed clothes to be “old” following as few as one or two wears (McKinsey & Company, 2018). On average consumers are keeping purchased items about half as long as they did at the turn of the 21st century and purchasing 60% more clothing per year (Remy et al., 2016). Based on this trend and the low prevalence of clothing recycling, over 50% AT WHAT COST? 8 AT WHAT COST? 9 of these garments end up in landfills (Shukla, 2022). In 2018, 11.3 million tons of textiles entered landfills as municipal solid waste in the United States, averaging out to roughly 70 pounds of discarded garments per person (EPA). Even for the clothing that continues to be worn and washed, an environmental toll is paid. Synthetic fabrics release microfibers at alarming rates of roughly 700,000 fibers per load of laundry, which often end up in the ocean and other environments (Ocean Clean Wash, 2019). This adds up to approximately 500,000 tons of microfibers per year entering the ocean (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017). An IUCN report estimated that between 15%-31% of plastic pollution in the ocean could come from household or industrial products expelling these microplastics, with 35% of that microplastic coming from the washing of synthetic fabrics (Boucher and Friot, 2017). Fibers such as polyester are slow to degrade in the ocean, taking potentially up to 200 years to decompose, then producing toxic substances when they do that pose dangers for marine ecosystems (Brewer, 2019; Shukla, 2022). Microplastics pose the additional danger of being consumed by marine organisms, then entering the food chain and being consumed eventually by humans. For marine organisms that consume microplastics, impacts may include delayed growth, abnormal behavior, or reduced intake of food (Li et al., 2021). For humans, microplastics that have made their way up the food chain pose risks of allergic reactions or cell death (Parker, 2022). Despite the majority of fiber production being attributed to synthetic fabrics, a 2020 study found that most microfibers were actually from cellulosic and plant-based fibers, followed by animal fibers (Suaria et al., 2020). While such natural fibers are often assumed to be biodegradable, modifications made during textile production often include alterations with chemicals, dyes, or coatings that in turn impact the biodegradability of the material (Henry et al., 2019). Additional modifications that occur during manufacturing are seen with wool, where natural fibers are often blended with synthetics for fast fashion, impacting the biodegradability of the fabric (Center for Biological Diversity, 2021). As much of the research on the biodegradability and risks of microfibers is new or still developing, the problem of microfiber introduction from the fast fashion industry cannot yet be limited to the impacts from synthetics, as the full scope of risks of all microfibers is still being realized. This brings the issue of fast fashion back to the immense scale of production, as there is not one specific fiber to blame for the environmental degradation but the business model as a whole. Photo Source: Canva AT WHAT COST? 10 The introduction of chemicals to the environment is not the only harm associated with the fast fashion industry. The harsh chemicals used in manufacturing create potential health hazards for workers and consumers. These risks can be felt in a wide range of communities, as fast fashion garments are usually produced in low-income countries but purchased in high-income countries. At the beginning of the production process, pesticides can cause harm to workers as they have been linked to acute and chronic health issues including reproductive disorders, neurological disorders, respiratory conditions, certain cancers and death (Farmworker Justice, 2013). In garment factories, workers are exposed to occupational hazards including respiratory harms from chemicals and musculoskeletal harms from repeated motions (Islam, 2022). The harmful effects can even be experienced by the consumer of fast fashion. Garments contain a variety of harmful chemicals including PFAS, azo dyes, phthalates, and formaldehyde (Fashinnovation, 2022). These chemicals come with risks of irritation; respiratory, developmental, and reproductive problems; and certain cancers. On top of that, the spillover of cheaply made fast fashion can also affect the economies of low-income countries, even if they are not involved directly in the production of garments. Every year the United States exports roughly 500,000 tons of secondhand clothing to low- and middle-income countries that do not always possess the infrastructure to handle it (Brooks, 2019). Reports from various African communities note how these imports can decimate local textile businesses, as they are unable to compete with the competitive costs of these used garments (Brooks, 2019). While this opens a new market for secondhand clothing, it increases reliance on foreign countries and suppresses local industries, resulting in a loss of culture and traditional styles (Porter, 2019). The continuing desire around the world for these garments at low costs also contributes to the ongoing injustice related to low wages and working conditions in the low-income countries where most factories are based. In April 2013 the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed, resulting in more than 1,100 textile-worker fatalities and bringing to light the subpar conditions in which fast fashion industries operate. Between 2006 and 2012, more than 500 workers in Bangladesh garment factories died in factory fires, usually due to faulty wiring (Thomas, 2018). Following these tragic events, the Accord on Fire and Building Safety was signed by various fast fashion companies, including American Eagle, H&M, and Inditex. This agreement resulted in 97,000 hazards being repaired in 1,600 factories, and 900 factories being shut down for not meeting compliance standards (Thomas, 2018). HARMS TO HUMANS Following the expiration of the Accord in 2018, the 2018 Transition Accord was signed to extend similar protections until 2021 (Clean Clothes Campaign). Most recently, the International Accord took effect in September 2021 (International Accord, 2021). This legally binding agreement promises to ensure factory structural safety for 26 months by the brands that have signed, which can be found here. Though a small step toward remedying the worker injustices in the fast fashion industry, these pacts have yet to address low wages or health hazards associated with this type of factory work. Beyond historical structure-related tragedies, textile workers are exposed to various occupational hazards, including respiratory and musculoskeletal harms (Islam, 2022). Reported health conditions that have been documented include endocrine damage and reproductive harms, along with accidental injuries and death (Sant’Ana and Kovalechen, 2012). These effects are spread disproportionately across genders, as most workers in these factories are young women (Thomas, 2018). An estimated 80% of global workers in the garment industry are women, and despite this workplace majority, discrimination, gender pay gaps, and sexual harassment continue to be reported (Baptist World Aid Australia, 2019). While many companies have — or are working to establish — systems to remedy this, inequalities continue to exist in many of these garment manufacturing environments (Baptist World Aid Australia, 2019). A reported 9 out of 10 garment workers in Bangladesh are paid so unfairly for their labor that they cannot afford food for themselves or their families (Oxfam). Yet to provide workers with a livable wage would cost some companies as little as an estimated 1% of the retail price of garments (Oxfam). The gross injustices occurring within the fast fashion industry stand against the narrative that fast fashion benefits low-income people. Rather, it exploits workers and consumers alike. AT WHAT COST? 11 Photo Source: Rio Lecatompessy - Unsplash Despite the various claims made by companies showcasing their sustainable efforts through partial recycling or “conscious” collections, overall efforts are still relatively low. Even the actions of companies that are following through on their pledges to be more sustainable are not necessarily having a significant positive impact. One of the most common recycled materials to substitute the creation of new synthetics are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. In a survey of roughly 50 fashion brands, 85% claimed that they were working toward using recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles (Circular). Using recycled polyester has the potential impact of reducing carbon emissions by 32% (Federal Office for the Environment, 2017). But while recycling sounds green in theory, there are several logistical drawbacks. Recycling synthetic materials does not fix the emerging problem of microplastics, as recycled materials will expel just as many fibers as new materials (Bryce, 2021). Additionally, removing plastic bottles from their established, closed-loop system may actually harm their overall recyclable potential. These bottles can be recycled at least 10 times in the current system. Feeding them into the fashion industry decreases their likelihood and potential to be recycled as most garments end up in landfills (Bryce, 2021). Despite the potential that exists with recycling plastic bottles, the actual rate at which PET bottles are recycled remains relatively low, with only 29.1% being recycled in 2018 (EPA). Textile recycling involves a similar shortcoming, as it’s estimated that less than 1% of textile waste is recycled into new fibers due to logistical issues including the collecting, sorting, and processing of garments (McKinsey & Company, 2022). Many claims made by fast fashion companies hint at sustainability but fall short, and a lack of transparency contributes to the problem of greenwashing. Greenwashing is infamous in the fast fashion industry, and multiple companies having had attention drawn to their misleading claims in the past. Companies like Boohoo, SHEIN, H&M, ASOS, and Zara have all released claims on their efforts to improve their sustainability, but there’s little evidence they are realizing those claims (Rauturier, 2022; Igini, 2022). The popular brand H&M released environmental scorecards informing consumers about how environmentally friendly their garments were. In an investigation by Quartz, more than half of the scorecards claimed pieces to be more environmentally friendly than they actually were, and in some instances the statements were described as being “the exact opposite of reality” (Quartz, 2022). The garments included in the controversial claims were those labeled as “Conscious Choice.” This specific label was described by H&M to mean “pieces AT WHAT COST? 12 GREENWASHING While many companies have environmentally harmful business models, there are others that are taking a more meaningful approach to sustainability. These companies are actively encouraging people to extend the life of their clothing, providing customers with the resources to do so, and using data to back up their sustainability claims. These claims have been published by the companies and their accuracies have not been evaluated by this report. Levi’s, for example, urges customers to wash their jeans less: after about 10 wears. This not only lengthens the lifespan of jeans but saves water from washing machines and reduces the expelling of microfibers in the wash. Data published on Levi’s website states that taking care of your jeans and wearing them for 10 months or longer will reduce their carbon footprint by 18% and water footprint by 23%. Levi’s also offers solutions for old or damaged clothing, like opening Levi’s Tailor Shops where clothes can be altered or repaired, offering tutorials on how to perform various DIY projects on jeans, and suggesting that you donate unwanted clothing to secondhand shops or pass items along as hand-me-downs. Other ways that brands are trying to lessen the waste in fashion is through product guarantees and resale initiatives. Patagonia includes a guarantee that if clothing develops damage due to wear, the company will repair it at a “reasonable charge.” Like Levi’s, Patagonia offers DIY repair guides to extend the life of products. It also hosts Worn Wear, a site where you can trade in used clothing so it can be washed and resold, lengthening the garment’s lifespan. As an incentive, trading in a garment will get you credit that can be used to purchase new or used from the brand. Worn Wear also has the additional bonus that the used articles are sold at a reduced cost compared to new items. This increases accessibility of quality, long-lasting products to individuals who might not be able to afford them otherwise and resort to fast fashion for financial reasons. A PUSH TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY AT WHAT COST? 13 created with a little extra consideration for the planet,” with products containing at least 50% of “more sustainable materials” (H&M). These vaguely defined “eco-friendly” labels are another popular industry greenwashing technique. But simultaneously producing and promoting the purchase of billions of garments per year, many of which get discarded and replaced quickly, reduces the potential positive impacts of so-called “conscious collections” and falsely reassures consumers. A different approach can be seen with MUD Jeans, which in 2013 introduced a program called Lease a Jeans, where customers can pay a monthly fee to lease jeans for a year, after which the payments stop and the customer can either keep the jeans or return them to be recycled. In 2021, 11,512 pairs of jeans were recycled, with a donation to plant one tree with the nonprofit Justdiggit with every pair. By promoting a circular economy through jeans recycling, MUD Jeans states, it’s producing no additional end-of-life waste for those articles and using 92% less water than the average jeans. In addition to creative solutions to extend the lifespans of garments and reduce waste, efforts are being made by some companies to use more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. For plant-based fibers like cotton, organic and recycled materials tend to be more sustainable than conventional and virgin materials, respectively. To grow cotton — one of the most commonly used fabrics in the world — a substantial amount of pesticides are conventionally used. Certified organic cotton, especially grown in countries like the United States that have strict organic standards, does not contain the dangerous pesticide load of conventional cotton. And recycled cotton does not take any additional pesticides to produce, reduces water consumption, and prevents garments from being sent to landfills. Flax (linen) and hemp are two additional, versatile crops that can be used for textiles. Both are relatively environmentally friendly alternatives as they require minimal water and are often grown with little to no pesticides. Hemp grows so densely that it can reduce competition, and it also naturally deters pests (Hymann, 2020). Linen uses less water and fewer pesticides than conventional cotton and has the benefit that the plant it’s derived from is typically used in its entirety, reducing overall waste during production (Newman, 2020). Linen’s natural hues come in a variety of colors including ivory, tan, and grays, reducing the amount of dyes necessary (Newman, 2020). When untreated, linen is entirely biodegradable. In a push for more sustainable options, new materials are being derived from various types of plants. Bananatex is a relatively new fabric made from Abacá banana plants that is fully biodegradable and circular. This plant has many environmental advantages, including that it does not require the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or additional water (Bananatex). These characteristics have helped to contribute to reforestation in certain areas, strengthening biodiversity (Bananatex). On top of using more sustainable fabrics, environmentally conscientious companies are taking additional steps to reduce waste in their supply chains. Efforts include using recycled, plastic-free, or compostable packaging, using less harmful chemicals, and getting energy from cleaner sources such as solar power. While there is room for additional reform in the fashion industry, a few examples of brands working towards more sustainable practices can be seen here. Necessary reform of the fast fashion industry must involve voices from all levels. This AT WHAT COST? 14 includes individuals pushing for change, governments enacting policies that can oversee change, and companies committing to make the change. Fast fashion companies need to be held accountable for their destructive practices, including the waste they produce and the worker injustice that their business models are built around. Companies’ flimsy claims of future reform are no longer enough. Policy efforts to improve the fashion industry have involved the health and safety of garment workers, unfair wages, and transparency of environmental impacts. U.S. policies of note include The Fashioning Accountability and Building Real Institutional Change (FABRIC) Act, The Fashion and Sustainability and Social Accountability Act, and the SWEAT Bill. The FABRIC Act is a federal bill that was introduced in May 2022. This legislature would protect nearly 100,000 American garment workers, improving working conditions and wages, revitalizing the U.S. garment industry and investing in domestic apparel production (The FABRIC Act). The Fashion and Sustainability and Social Accountability Act was referred to the Consumer Protection Committee in early 2022 and requires fashion manufacturers and retail sellers to disclose environmental policies along with social due diligence policies. This state bill would also establish a community benefit fund that would help implement projects that directly benefit environmental justice communities (New York Senate). The SWEAT Bill passed assembly in March 2022. This state bill involves ensuring the payment of wages for work that was already performed. It also “creates a lien remedy for all employees; provides grounds for attachment; relates to procedures where employees may hold shareholders of non-publicly traded corporations personally liable for wage theft; relates to rights for victims of wage theft to hold the ten members with the largest ownership interests in a company personally liable for wage theft” (New York Senate). If companies are required or incentivized to pursue more sustainable practices, the scale of destruction caused by the fashion industry could be significantly lessened. Additional work that could help to reform the fashion industry includes making sustainable fashion more affordable, so people of limited means are not forced to buy fast fashion, along with making fast fashion companies internalize the environmental costs of their production and waste.
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Answer in 3-5 paragraphs and use ONLY the text provided. What are the hidden costs of fast fashion? Fast fashion has revolutionized the fashion industry at a cost to the environment and human rights. The fast fashion business model relies on the exploitation of resources and human labor to deliver garments following the latest trends to its consumers at an unprecedented rate. This quick output of garments demands a sizeable volume of raw materials fed into the fast fashion industry, creating a significant amount of waste, pollution and degradation to air, water and wildlife habitat. The pollution introduced by the fast fashion industry results in devastating impacts to both terrestrial and aquatic environments, with harmful effects linked to habitat degradation, proliferation of chemicals and microplastics in waterways, and the increasing impact of climate change from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the increased demand and consumption of fast fashion garments and people’s apparent growing interest in fashion, they are buying more while wearing fewer of the items they own. The poor quality of fast fashion clothing contributes to the limited lifespans of garments, which often end up decomposing slowly in landfills or being incinerated. In addition to degrading in landfills or being incinerated, fast fashion clothing has also become a notorious source of microplastics in marine environments as the cheap, plastic-based materials shed fibers that make their way to the oceans. On top of the environmental exploitation that allows for fast fashion’s cheap prices, the other contributing factor is worker exploitation in low-income countries where factories are based. Workers — primarily young women — are subjected to hazardous working conditions while earning unlivable wages, despite the companies pulling in massive profits. Although both the fashion industry and consumers have indicated that sustainability is a priority, fast fashion is an increasingly unsustainable market that continues to grow, relatively unchecked. And the scale of this industry is enormous: For a company such as Shein, an estimated 1,000 new styles are uploaded daily — though there has been speculation that this figure may be a gross underestimate (Zhou, 2022). With the average number of each garment manufactured ranging from 50-100, according to the Shein website, this results in a minimum of 50,000 new garments created every day. Changing these practices requires drawing attention to the harms of fast fashion and shifting the narrative from the glamour that has been assigned to overconsumption toward fashion that embraces sustainability and justice. AT WHAT COST? 4 Behind the glamour of the fashion industry hides a steep environmental price. The fashion industry as a whole is responsible for consuming 79 trillion liters of water per year, producing over 92 million tons of solid waste per year, and contributing up to an estimated 20% of global wastewater and 10% of CO2 emissions (Niinimaki et al., 2020; UN Climate Change, 2018). This output of CO2 exceeds that of the international aviation and shipping industries combined (UN Climate Change, 2018). Concern continues to rise as, over a span of roughly 20 years, the number of new garments made per year has nearly doubled and global consumption of fashion has increased by 400% (World Bank, 2019; Collective Fashion Justice). If this trend continues, industry greenhouse gas emissions could also increase significantly, possibly by over 50% by the year 2030 (World Bank, 2019). One of the most notorious sectors driving these harms has also become one of the fastest growing: the fast fashion industry. Fast fashion is an exploitative, growing industry based on the replication and mass production of garments following current trends — a business model that has revolutionized the industry, simplifying consumers’ purchasing process and expediting the turnover of both garments and trends. This transformation, however, comes at a price. Every day fast fashion companies are capable of producing a shocking 10,000 new garment styles (Williams, 2022). These items are produced quickly and with an excess of waste: As much as 15% of the fabric used during manufacturing is discarded during the garment production process (Shukla, 2022). Unethical generation of waste has become a pivotal element of transforming the fashion industry into the polluting behemoth it is today. In addition to the waste produced during quick manufacturing, businesses are generating yet more pollution to protect their business models (Lieber, 2018). Brands at all levels, from Shein to Nike to Burberry, have been found to destroy new, undamaged products (Mayo, 2021). This has often been carried out by burning, which introduces additional CO2 and toxic gases on top of the industry’s already large contribution. For companies like Shein, production costs are so low that returned items are often destined for landfills because it costs less to simply dispose of items than put them back into circulation (Williams, 2022). The low costs set by the fast fashion industry have been praised by some for making new clothing more accessible to people with lower incomes, yet the largest consumers of fast fashion include customers of relatively substantial income, while low-income communities bear the brunt of the industry’s waste and pollution. This further demonstrates that the goal of this industry is not inclusivity but enormous AT WHAT COST? 5 INTRODUCTION profit based on environmental and worker exploitation (Williams, 2022). Fast fashion has changed society’s perception of what clothing is worth. The enticing low costs in fast fashion push poorly made garments on people, promoting excess purchasing of cheap items destined for the landfill rather than the purchasing of higher-quality garments that will ultimately last longer Clothing production adversely affects the environment at every stage. Land is cleared or degraded to produce fossil fuels for fibers, raise animals, or grow commodity crops. Toxic chemicals are used in processing. Greenhouse gas emissions are produced in manufacturing and transportation, and waste is generated by factories. Polyester, a synthetic material obtained from oil, is one of the most widely used fabrics in the fast fashion industry. It is also one of the most environmentally harmful fabrics. This material alone was reported to consume 70 million barrels of oil in 2015; the production of all synthetic fibers uses approximately 342 million barrels of oil each year (Conca, 2015; Ellen Macarthur Foundation and Circular Fibres Initiative, 2017). Petrochemicals, in fact, were estimated to be responsible for 62% of global textile fibers (Textile Exchange, 2021). The extraction of fossil fuels requires destroying wildlands to develop facilities and drilling sites, affecting the habitability of land and causing habitat fragmentation, which disrupts essential animal behaviors (The Wilderness Society, 2021). Producing synthetics also contributes greenhouse gases to the atmosphere due to their origin in petrochemicals. Fossil-fuel-based fabrics, however, are not the only materials of concern in the fast fashion industry. Producing animal-based textiles such as wool involves the breeding of farmed animals, which often results in widespread habitat loss from deforestation and grassland conversion to create the necessary room for grazing or to produce feed (McKinsey & Company 2020). Animal-based fibers used in fast fashion are also responsible for a large portion of the industry’s massive water consumption. Sheep bred for wool require significant amounts of water for hydration and feed crops that frequently rely on additional, chemical-intensive processes (Center for Biological Diversity, 2021). The wool industry degrades wildlife habitat, with sheep displacing native wildlife and eating the vegetation they need. It also produces large amounts of wastewater, with fecal waste polluting waterways and slaughterhouses expelling additional AT WHAT COST? 6 wastewater. This water often contains contaminants including pathogens, proteins, fibers, and contamination from antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals (Center for Biological Diversity, 2021). Since 35% to 60% of the weight of shorn wool is contaminated with grease, dirt, feces, vegetable matter and other impurities, wool must go through a scouring process using hot water and chemicals before it can be turned into a usable fiber. A typical wool scour creates an effluent load similar to the sewage from a town of 30,000 people (Center for Biological Diversity, 2021). A more detailed accounting of the full scope of environmental harms of animal-based textiles such as wool can be found in Shear Destruction: Wool, Fashion and the Biodiversity Crisis (Center for Biological Diversity). Cotton is one of the most widely used materials worldwide due to its versatility and easy care. But despite only occupying 2.4% of the world’s cropland, cotton uses tremendous amounts of pesticides; it is responsible for roughly one-fifth of global insecticide use (McKinsey & Company 2020). This results in serious harm to nontarget insects such as endangered rusty patched bumble bees and monarch butterflies. On top of its enormous pesticide use, conventional cotton, which accounts for most cotton grown, requires a significant amount of water during the growing process. The cotton used in a single pair of denim jeans requires roughly 10,000 liters of water, an amount equal to what the average person would drink over the course of ten years (UN Climate Change, 2018). And the water that runs off cotton fields carries a heavy pesticide load. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is not produced with synthetic pesticides. It’s also estimated that organic cotton production uses 91% less water than conventional cotton, in large part because genetically engineered crops generally require more water (Chan, 2019). Organic cotton, however, is seldom used over conventional cotton in fast fashion due to the heightened costs associated with production. Even fibers associated with fewer environmental harms than those reliant on oil production and animal agriculture can cause severe damage when produced irresponsibly and at scale to meet the demands of fast fashion. More than 150 million trees are cut down annually to produce man-made cellulose fibers (Canopy, 2020). Of the man-made cellulose fibers produced, up to an estimated 30% originate from primary or endangered forests (McCullough, 2014). Additional habitat loss can result from the soil degradation or pollution of waterways from chemicals used in processing or at plantations (McKinsey & Company 2020). Fast fashion also requires a significant amount of water at the factory level, which results in roughly 93 billion cubic meters of wastewater just from textile dyeing (Lai, 2021). In low-income countries that produce a large portion of the world’s fast fashion, such as Bangladesh, the toxic wastewater from textile factories has historically been dumped directly into rivers or streams to reduce production costs (Regan, 2020). This action has resulted in bodies of water changing colors from the AT WHAT COST? 7 dye used or turning black and thick with sludge (Regan, 2020). This polluted water introduces harms to both marine environments and humans. At least 72 of the chemicals used in the dyeing process have been identified as toxic (World Bank, 2014). Once these chemicals accumulate in waterways, they begin to produce a film on the surface, blocking the entrance of light and preventing organisms’ abilities to photosynthesize (World Bank, 2014). Reduced ability to photosynthesize results in lower oxygen levels, or hypoxia, in the water, impacting the ecosystem’s survivability for aquatic plants and animals. In addition to increased prevalence of hypoxia in aquatic environments, the presence of certain chemicals used in the dyeing process can also increase the buildup of heavy metals (World Bank, 2014). Polluted water is often used to irrigate crops and studies have found textile dyes present in fruits and vegetables grown around Savar in Bangladesh (Sakamoto et al., 2019). Areas closer to industrial hubs are disproportionately impacted by the harms of fast fashion, with costs to livelihoods due to impacted agriculture or fishing, increased incidence of disease including jaundice or diarrhea, and decreased accessibility to safe drinking water during the dry season, as contaminated surface water may be unable to be effectively treated (World Bank, 2014; Ullah et al., 2006). Pesticides used in the growing of cotton and other crops have also been found to have harmful effects on biodiversity. The textile industry is estimated to account for between 10-20% of global pesticide use (McKinsey & Company, 2021). Organisms can be exposed to chemicals either directly through application or indirectly through runoff, contamination, or secondary poisoning (Beyond Pesticides). Exposure to pesticides is linked to a wide array of health concerns in various species including birds, small mammals, insects, fish and humans. These health concerns consist of reproductive effects, neurotoxicity, endocrine effects and liver and kidney damage (Beyond Pesticides). Such harmful effects can occur after minimal exposure, as reproductive abnormalities have been observed in multiple species following “safe” levels of exposure as classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (Beyond Pesticides). The environmental impacts of fast fashion are not limited to the direct impacts from the manufacturing process. Fast fashion churns out poorly made clothes with limited lifespans because of the low quality of materials used and the industry thriving off the constant business from a quick turnover of garments. The quick turnover coupled with poor quality resulted in 60% of the items manufactured in 2012 being discarded only a few years after purchase (Shukla, 2022). One survey in Britain found that 1 in 3 young women believed clothes to be “old” following as few as one or two wears (McKinsey & Company, 2018). On average consumers are keeping purchased items about half as long as they did at the turn of the 21st century and purchasing 60% more clothing per year (Remy et al., 2016). Based on this trend and the low prevalence of clothing recycling, over 50% AT WHAT COST? 8 AT WHAT COST? 9 of these garments end up in landfills (Shukla, 2022). In 2018, 11.3 million tons of textiles entered landfills as municipal solid waste in the United States, averaging out to roughly 70 pounds of discarded garments per person (EPA). Even for the clothing that continues to be worn and washed, an environmental toll is paid. Synthetic fabrics release microfibers at alarming rates of roughly 700,000 fibers per load of laundry, which often end up in the ocean and other environments (Ocean Clean Wash, 2019). This adds up to approximately 500,000 tons of microfibers per year entering the ocean (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017). An IUCN report estimated that between 15%-31% of plastic pollution in the ocean could come from household or industrial products expelling these microplastics, with 35% of that microplastic coming from the washing of synthetic fabrics (Boucher and Friot, 2017). Fibers such as polyester are slow to degrade in the ocean, taking potentially up to 200 years to decompose, then producing toxic substances when they do that pose dangers for marine ecosystems (Brewer, 2019; Shukla, 2022). Microplastics pose the additional danger of being consumed by marine organisms, then entering the food chain and being consumed eventually by humans. For marine organisms that consume microplastics, impacts may include delayed growth, abnormal behavior, or reduced intake of food (Li et al., 2021). For humans, microplastics that have made their way up the food chain pose risks of allergic reactions or cell death (Parker, 2022). Despite the majority of fiber production being attributed to synthetic fabrics, a 2020 study found that most microfibers were actually from cellulosic and plant-based fibers, followed by animal fibers (Suaria et al., 2020). While such natural fibers are often assumed to be biodegradable, modifications made during textile production often include alterations with chemicals, dyes, or coatings that in turn impact the biodegradability of the material (Henry et al., 2019). Additional modifications that occur during manufacturing are seen with wool, where natural fibers are often blended with synthetics for fast fashion, impacting the biodegradability of the fabric (Center for Biological Diversity, 2021). As much of the research on the biodegradability and risks of microfibers is new or still developing, the problem of microfiber introduction from the fast fashion industry cannot yet be limited to the impacts from synthetics, as the full scope of risks of all microfibers is still being realized. This brings the issue of fast fashion back to the immense scale of production, as there is not one specific fiber to blame for the environmental degradation but the business model as a whole. Photo Source: Canva AT WHAT COST? 10 The introduction of chemicals to the environment is not the only harm associated with the fast fashion industry. The harsh chemicals used in manufacturing create potential health hazards for workers and consumers. These risks can be felt in a wide range of communities, as fast fashion garments are usually produced in low-income countries but purchased in high-income countries. At the beginning of the production process, pesticides can cause harm to workers as they have been linked to acute and chronic health issues including reproductive disorders, neurological disorders, respiratory conditions, certain cancers and death (Farmworker Justice, 2013). In garment factories, workers are exposed to occupational hazards including respiratory harms from chemicals and musculoskeletal harms from repeated motions (Islam, 2022). The harmful effects can even be experienced by the consumer of fast fashion. Garments contain a variety of harmful chemicals including PFAS, azo dyes, phthalates, and formaldehyde (Fashinnovation, 2022). These chemicals come with risks of irritation; respiratory, developmental, and reproductive problems; and certain cancers. On top of that, the spillover of cheaply made fast fashion can also affect the economies of low-income countries, even if they are not involved directly in the production of garments. Every year the United States exports roughly 500,000 tons of secondhand clothing to low- and middle-income countries that do not always possess the infrastructure to handle it (Brooks, 2019). Reports from various African communities note how these imports can decimate local textile businesses, as they are unable to compete with the competitive costs of these used garments (Brooks, 2019). While this opens a new market for secondhand clothing, it increases reliance on foreign countries and suppresses local industries, resulting in a loss of culture and traditional styles (Porter, 2019). The continuing desire around the world for these garments at low costs also contributes to the ongoing injustice related to low wages and working conditions in the low-income countries where most factories are based. In April 2013 the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed, resulting in more than 1,100 textile-worker fatalities and bringing to light the subpar conditions in which fast fashion industries operate. Between 2006 and 2012, more than 500 workers in Bangladesh garment factories died in factory fires, usually due to faulty wiring (Thomas, 2018). Following these tragic events, the Accord on Fire and Building Safety was signed by various fast fashion companies, including American Eagle, H&M, and Inditex. This agreement resulted in 97,000 hazards being repaired in 1,600 factories, and 900 factories being shut down for not meeting compliance standards (Thomas, 2018). HARMS TO HUMANS Following the expiration of the Accord in 2018, the 2018 Transition Accord was signed to extend similar protections until 2021 (Clean Clothes Campaign). Most recently, the International Accord took effect in September 2021 (International Accord, 2021). This legally binding agreement promises to ensure factory structural safety for 26 months by the brands that have signed, which can be found here. Though a small step toward remedying the worker injustices in the fast fashion industry, these pacts have yet to address low wages or health hazards associated with this type of factory work. Beyond historical structure-related tragedies, textile workers are exposed to various occupational hazards, including respiratory and musculoskeletal harms (Islam, 2022). Reported health conditions that have been documented include endocrine damage and reproductive harms, along with accidental injuries and death (Sant’Ana and Kovalechen, 2012). These effects are spread disproportionately across genders, as most workers in these factories are young women (Thomas, 2018). An estimated 80% of global workers in the garment industry are women, and despite this workplace majority, discrimination, gender pay gaps, and sexual harassment continue to be reported (Baptist World Aid Australia, 2019). While many companies have — or are working to establish — systems to remedy this, inequalities continue to exist in many of these garment manufacturing environments (Baptist World Aid Australia, 2019). A reported 9 out of 10 garment workers in Bangladesh are paid so unfairly for their labor that they cannot afford food for themselves or their families (Oxfam). Yet to provide workers with a livable wage would cost some companies as little as an estimated 1% of the retail price of garments (Oxfam). The gross injustices occurring within the fast fashion industry stand against the narrative that fast fashion benefits low-income people. Rather, it exploits workers and consumers alike. AT WHAT COST? 11 Photo Source: Rio Lecatompessy - Unsplash Despite the various claims made by companies showcasing their sustainable efforts through partial recycling or “conscious” collections, overall efforts are still relatively low. Even the actions of companies that are following through on their pledges to be more sustainable are not necessarily having a significant positive impact. One of the most common recycled materials to substitute the creation of new synthetics are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. In a survey of roughly 50 fashion brands, 85% claimed that they were working toward using recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles (Circular). Using recycled polyester has the potential impact of reducing carbon emissions by 32% (Federal Office for the Environment, 2017). But while recycling sounds green in theory, there are several logistical drawbacks. Recycling synthetic materials does not fix the emerging problem of microplastics, as recycled materials will expel just as many fibers as new materials (Bryce, 2021). Additionally, removing plastic bottles from their established, closed-loop system may actually harm their overall recyclable potential. These bottles can be recycled at least 10 times in the current system. Feeding them into the fashion industry decreases their likelihood and potential to be recycled as most garments end up in landfills (Bryce, 2021). Despite the potential that exists with recycling plastic bottles, the actual rate at which PET bottles are recycled remains relatively low, with only 29.1% being recycled in 2018 (EPA). Textile recycling involves a similar shortcoming, as it’s estimated that less than 1% of textile waste is recycled into new fibers due to logistical issues including the collecting, sorting, and processing of garments (McKinsey & Company, 2022). Many claims made by fast fashion companies hint at sustainability but fall short, and a lack of transparency contributes to the problem of greenwashing. Greenwashing is infamous in the fast fashion industry, and multiple companies having had attention drawn to their misleading claims in the past. Companies like Boohoo, SHEIN, H&M, ASOS, and Zara have all released claims on their efforts to improve their sustainability, but there’s little evidence they are realizing those claims (Rauturier, 2022; Igini, 2022). The popular brand H&M released environmental scorecards informing consumers about how environmentally friendly their garments were. In an investigation by Quartz, more than half of the scorecards claimed pieces to be more environmentally friendly than they actually were, and in some instances the statements were described as being “the exact opposite of reality” (Quartz, 2022). The garments included in the controversial claims were those labeled as “Conscious Choice.” This specific label was described by H&M to mean “pieces AT WHAT COST? 12 GREENWASHING While many companies have environmentally harmful business models, there are others that are taking a more meaningful approach to sustainability. These companies are actively encouraging people to extend the life of their clothing, providing customers with the resources to do so, and using data to back up their sustainability claims. These claims have been published by the companies and their accuracies have not been evaluated by this report. Levi’s, for example, urges customers to wash their jeans less: after about 10 wears. This not only lengthens the lifespan of jeans but saves water from washing machines and reduces the expelling of microfibers in the wash. Data published on Levi’s website states that taking care of your jeans and wearing them for 10 months or longer will reduce their carbon footprint by 18% and water footprint by 23%. Levi’s also offers solutions for old or damaged clothing, like opening Levi’s Tailor Shops where clothes can be altered or repaired, offering tutorials on how to perform various DIY projects on jeans, and suggesting that you donate unwanted clothing to secondhand shops or pass items along as hand-me-downs. Other ways that brands are trying to lessen the waste in fashion is through product guarantees and resale initiatives. Patagonia includes a guarantee that if clothing develops damage due to wear, the company will repair it at a “reasonable charge.” Like Levi’s, Patagonia offers DIY repair guides to extend the life of products. It also hosts Worn Wear, a site where you can trade in used clothing so it can be washed and resold, lengthening the garment’s lifespan. As an incentive, trading in a garment will get you credit that can be used to purchase new or used from the brand. Worn Wear also has the additional bonus that the used articles are sold at a reduced cost compared to new items. This increases accessibility of quality, long-lasting products to individuals who might not be able to afford them otherwise and resort to fast fashion for financial reasons. A PUSH TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY AT WHAT COST? 13 created with a little extra consideration for the planet,” with products containing at least 50% of “more sustainable materials” (H&M). These vaguely defined “eco-friendly” labels are another popular industry greenwashing technique. But simultaneously producing and promoting the purchase of billions of garments per year, many of which get discarded and replaced quickly, reduces the potential positive impacts of so-called “conscious collections” and falsely reassures consumers. A different approach can be seen with MUD Jeans, which in 2013 introduced a program called Lease a Jeans, where customers can pay a monthly fee to lease jeans for a year, after which the payments stop and the customer can either keep the jeans or return them to be recycled. In 2021, 11,512 pairs of jeans were recycled, with a donation to plant one tree with the nonprofit Justdiggit with every pair. By promoting a circular economy through jeans recycling, MUD Jeans states, it’s producing no additional end-of-life waste for those articles and using 92% less water than the average jeans. In addition to creative solutions to extend the lifespans of garments and reduce waste, efforts are being made by some companies to use more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. For plant-based fibers like cotton, organic and recycled materials tend to be more sustainable than conventional and virgin materials, respectively. To grow cotton — one of the most commonly used fabrics in the world — a substantial amount of pesticides are conventionally used. Certified organic cotton, especially grown in countries like the United States that have strict organic standards, does not contain the dangerous pesticide load of conventional cotton. And recycled cotton does not take any additional pesticides to produce, reduces water consumption, and prevents garments from being sent to landfills. Flax (linen) and hemp are two additional, versatile crops that can be used for textiles. Both are relatively environmentally friendly alternatives as they require minimal water and are often grown with little to no pesticides. Hemp grows so densely that it can reduce competition, and it also naturally deters pests (Hymann, 2020). Linen uses less water and fewer pesticides than conventional cotton and has the benefit that the plant it’s derived from is typically used in its entirety, reducing overall waste during production (Newman, 2020). Linen’s natural hues come in a variety of colors including ivory, tan, and grays, reducing the amount of dyes necessary (Newman, 2020). When untreated, linen is entirely biodegradable. In a push for more sustainable options, new materials are being derived from various types of plants. Bananatex is a relatively new fabric made from Abacá banana plants that is fully biodegradable and circular. This plant has many environmental advantages, including that it does not require the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or additional water (Bananatex). These characteristics have helped to contribute to reforestation in certain areas, strengthening biodiversity (Bananatex). On top of using more sustainable fabrics, environmentally conscientious companies are taking additional steps to reduce waste in their supply chains. Efforts include using recycled, plastic-free, or compostable packaging, using less harmful chemicals, and getting energy from cleaner sources such as solar power. While there is room for additional reform in the fashion industry, a few examples of brands working towards more sustainable practices can be seen here. Necessary reform of the fast fashion industry must involve voices from all levels. This AT WHAT COST? 14 includes individuals pushing for change, governments enacting policies that can oversee change, and companies committing to make the change. Fast fashion companies need to be held accountable for their destructive practices, including the waste they produce and the worker injustice that their business models are built around. Companies’ flimsy claims of future reform are no longer enough. Policy efforts to improve the fashion industry have involved the health and safety of garment workers, unfair wages, and transparency of environmental impacts. U.S. policies of note include The Fashioning Accountability and Building Real Institutional Change (FABRIC) Act, The Fashion and Sustainability and Social Accountability Act, and the SWEAT Bill. The FABRIC Act is a federal bill that was introduced in May 2022. This legislature would protect nearly 100,000 American garment workers, improving working conditions and wages, revitalizing the U.S. garment industry and investing in domestic apparel production (The FABRIC Act). The Fashion and Sustainability and Social Accountability Act was referred to the Consumer Protection Committee in early 2022 and requires fashion manufacturers and retail sellers to disclose environmental policies along with social due diligence policies. This state bill would also establish a community benefit fund that would help implement projects that directly benefit environmental justice communities (New York Senate). The SWEAT Bill passed assembly in March 2022. This state bill involves ensuring the payment of wages for work that was already performed. It also “creates a lien remedy for all employees; provides grounds for attachment; relates to procedures where employees may hold shareholders of non-publicly traded corporations personally liable for wage theft; relates to rights for victims of wage theft to hold the ten members with the largest ownership interests in a company personally liable for wage theft” (New York Senate). If companies are required or incentivized to pursue more sustainable practices, the scale of destruction caused by the fashion industry could be significantly lessened. Additional work that could help to reform the fashion industry includes making sustainable fashion more affordable, so people of limited means are not forced to buy fast fashion, along with making fast fashion companies internalize the environmental costs of their production and waste.
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Answer in 3-5 paragraphs and use ONLY the text provided.
EVIDENCE:
Fast fashion has revolutionized the fashion industry at a cost to the environment and human rights. The fast fashion business model relies on the exploitation of resources and human labor to deliver garments following the latest trends to its consumers at an unprecedented rate. This quick output of garments demands a sizeable volume of raw materials fed into the fast fashion industry, creating a significant amount of waste, pollution and degradation to air, water and wildlife habitat. The pollution introduced by the fast fashion industry results in devastating impacts to both terrestrial and aquatic environments, with harmful effects linked to habitat degradation, proliferation of chemicals and microplastics in waterways, and the increasing impact of climate change from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the increased demand and consumption of fast fashion garments and people’s apparent growing interest in fashion, they are buying more while wearing fewer of the items they own. The poor quality of fast fashion clothing contributes to the limited lifespans of garments, which often end up decomposing slowly in landfills or being incinerated. In addition to degrading in landfills or being incinerated, fast fashion clothing has also become a notorious source of microplastics in marine environments as the cheap, plastic-based materials shed fibers that make their way to the oceans. On top of the environmental exploitation that allows for fast fashion’s cheap prices, the other contributing factor is worker exploitation in low-income countries where factories are based. Workers — primarily young women — are subjected to hazardous working conditions while earning unlivable wages, despite the companies pulling in massive profits. Although both the fashion industry and consumers have indicated that sustainability is a priority, fast fashion is an increasingly unsustainable market that continues to grow, relatively unchecked. And the scale of this industry is enormous: For a company such as Shein, an estimated 1,000 new styles are uploaded daily — though there has been speculation that this figure may be a gross underestimate (Zhou, 2022). With the average number of each garment manufactured ranging from 50-100, according to the Shein website, this results in a minimum of 50,000 new garments created every day. Changing these practices requires drawing attention to the harms of fast fashion and shifting the narrative from the glamour that has been assigned to overconsumption toward fashion that embraces sustainability and justice. AT WHAT COST? 4 Behind the glamour of the fashion industry hides a steep environmental price. The fashion industry as a whole is responsible for consuming 79 trillion liters of water per year, producing over 92 million tons of solid waste per year, and contributing up to an estimated 20% of global wastewater and 10% of CO2 emissions (Niinimaki et al., 2020; UN Climate Change, 2018). This output of CO2 exceeds that of the international aviation and shipping industries combined (UN Climate Change, 2018). Concern continues to rise as, over a span of roughly 20 years, the number of new garments made per year has nearly doubled and global consumption of fashion has increased by 400% (World Bank, 2019; Collective Fashion Justice). If this trend continues, industry greenhouse gas emissions could also increase significantly, possibly by over 50% by the year 2030 (World Bank, 2019). One of the most notorious sectors driving these harms has also become one of the fastest growing: the fast fashion industry. Fast fashion is an exploitative, growing industry based on the replication and mass production of garments following current trends — a business model that has revolutionized the industry, simplifying consumers’ purchasing process and expediting the turnover of both garments and trends. This transformation, however, comes at a price. Every day fast fashion companies are capable of producing a shocking 10,000 new garment styles (Williams, 2022). These items are produced quickly and with an excess of waste: As much as 15% of the fabric used during manufacturing is discarded during the garment production process (Shukla, 2022). Unethical generation of waste has become a pivotal element of transforming the fashion industry into the polluting behemoth it is today. In addition to the waste produced during quick manufacturing, businesses are generating yet more pollution to protect their business models (Lieber, 2018). Brands at all levels, from Shein to Nike to Burberry, have been found to destroy new, undamaged products (Mayo, 2021). This has often been carried out by burning, which introduces additional CO2 and toxic gases on top of the industry’s already large contribution. For companies like Shein, production costs are so low that returned items are often destined for landfills because it costs less to simply dispose of items than put them back into circulation (Williams, 2022). The low costs set by the fast fashion industry have been praised by some for making new clothing more accessible to people with lower incomes, yet the largest consumers of fast fashion include customers of relatively substantial income, while low-income communities bear the brunt of the industry’s waste and pollution. This further demonstrates that the goal of this industry is not inclusivity but enormous AT WHAT COST? 5 INTRODUCTION profit based on environmental and worker exploitation (Williams, 2022). Fast fashion has changed society’s perception of what clothing is worth. The enticing low costs in fast fashion push poorly made garments on people, promoting excess purchasing of cheap items destined for the landfill rather than the purchasing of higher-quality garments that will ultimately last longer Clothing production adversely affects the environment at every stage. Land is cleared or degraded to produce fossil fuels for fibers, raise animals, or grow commodity crops. Toxic chemicals are used in processing. Greenhouse gas emissions are produced in manufacturing and transportation, and waste is generated by factories. Polyester, a synthetic material obtained from oil, is one of the most widely used fabrics in the fast fashion industry. It is also one of the most environmentally harmful fabrics. This material alone was reported to consume 70 million barrels of oil in 2015; the production of all synthetic fibers uses approximately 342 million barrels of oil each year (Conca, 2015; Ellen Macarthur Foundation and Circular Fibres Initiative, 2017). Petrochemicals, in fact, were estimated to be responsible for 62% of global textile fibers (Textile Exchange, 2021). The extraction of fossil fuels requires destroying wildlands to develop facilities and drilling sites, affecting the habitability of land and causing habitat fragmentation, which disrupts essential animal behaviors (The Wilderness Society, 2021). Producing synthetics also contributes greenhouse gases to the atmosphere due to their origin in petrochemicals. Fossil-fuel-based fabrics, however, are not the only materials of concern in the fast fashion industry. Producing animal-based textiles such as wool involves the breeding of farmed animals, which often results in widespread habitat loss from deforestation and grassland conversion to create the necessary room for grazing or to produce feed (McKinsey & Company 2020). Animal-based fibers used in fast fashion are also responsible for a large portion of the industry’s massive water consumption. Sheep bred for wool require significant amounts of water for hydration and feed crops that frequently rely on additional, chemical-intensive processes (Center for Biological Diversity, 2021). The wool industry degrades wildlife habitat, with sheep displacing native wildlife and eating the vegetation they need. It also produces large amounts of wastewater, with fecal waste polluting waterways and slaughterhouses expelling additional AT WHAT COST? 6 wastewater. This water often contains contaminants including pathogens, proteins, fibers, and contamination from antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals (Center for Biological Diversity, 2021). Since 35% to 60% of the weight of shorn wool is contaminated with grease, dirt, feces, vegetable matter and other impurities, wool must go through a scouring process using hot water and chemicals before it can be turned into a usable fiber. A typical wool scour creates an effluent load similar to the sewage from a town of 30,000 people (Center for Biological Diversity, 2021). A more detailed accounting of the full scope of environmental harms of animal-based textiles such as wool can be found in Shear Destruction: Wool, Fashion and the Biodiversity Crisis (Center for Biological Diversity). Cotton is one of the most widely used materials worldwide due to its versatility and easy care. But despite only occupying 2.4% of the world’s cropland, cotton uses tremendous amounts of pesticides; it is responsible for roughly one-fifth of global insecticide use (McKinsey & Company 2020). This results in serious harm to nontarget insects such as endangered rusty patched bumble bees and monarch butterflies. On top of its enormous pesticide use, conventional cotton, which accounts for most cotton grown, requires a significant amount of water during the growing process. The cotton used in a single pair of denim jeans requires roughly 10,000 liters of water, an amount equal to what the average person would drink over the course of ten years (UN Climate Change, 2018). And the water that runs off cotton fields carries a heavy pesticide load. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is not produced with synthetic pesticides. It’s also estimated that organic cotton production uses 91% less water than conventional cotton, in large part because genetically engineered crops generally require more water (Chan, 2019). Organic cotton, however, is seldom used over conventional cotton in fast fashion due to the heightened costs associated with production. Even fibers associated with fewer environmental harms than those reliant on oil production and animal agriculture can cause severe damage when produced irresponsibly and at scale to meet the demands of fast fashion. More than 150 million trees are cut down annually to produce man-made cellulose fibers (Canopy, 2020). Of the man-made cellulose fibers produced, up to an estimated 30% originate from primary or endangered forests (McCullough, 2014). Additional habitat loss can result from the soil degradation or pollution of waterways from chemicals used in processing or at plantations (McKinsey & Company 2020). Fast fashion also requires a significant amount of water at the factory level, which results in roughly 93 billion cubic meters of wastewater just from textile dyeing (Lai, 2021). In low-income countries that produce a large portion of the world’s fast fashion, such as Bangladesh, the toxic wastewater from textile factories has historically been dumped directly into rivers or streams to reduce production costs (Regan, 2020). This action has resulted in bodies of water changing colors from the AT WHAT COST? 7 dye used or turning black and thick with sludge (Regan, 2020). This polluted water introduces harms to both marine environments and humans. At least 72 of the chemicals used in the dyeing process have been identified as toxic (World Bank, 2014). Once these chemicals accumulate in waterways, they begin to produce a film on the surface, blocking the entrance of light and preventing organisms’ abilities to photosynthesize (World Bank, 2014). Reduced ability to photosynthesize results in lower oxygen levels, or hypoxia, in the water, impacting the ecosystem’s survivability for aquatic plants and animals. In addition to increased prevalence of hypoxia in aquatic environments, the presence of certain chemicals used in the dyeing process can also increase the buildup of heavy metals (World Bank, 2014). Polluted water is often used to irrigate crops and studies have found textile dyes present in fruits and vegetables grown around Savar in Bangladesh (Sakamoto et al., 2019). Areas closer to industrial hubs are disproportionately impacted by the harms of fast fashion, with costs to livelihoods due to impacted agriculture or fishing, increased incidence of disease including jaundice or diarrhea, and decreased accessibility to safe drinking water during the dry season, as contaminated surface water may be unable to be effectively treated (World Bank, 2014; Ullah et al., 2006). Pesticides used in the growing of cotton and other crops have also been found to have harmful effects on biodiversity. The textile industry is estimated to account for between 10-20% of global pesticide use (McKinsey & Company, 2021). Organisms can be exposed to chemicals either directly through application or indirectly through runoff, contamination, or secondary poisoning (Beyond Pesticides). Exposure to pesticides is linked to a wide array of health concerns in various species including birds, small mammals, insects, fish and humans. These health concerns consist of reproductive effects, neurotoxicity, endocrine effects and liver and kidney damage (Beyond Pesticides). Such harmful effects can occur after minimal exposure, as reproductive abnormalities have been observed in multiple species following “safe” levels of exposure as classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (Beyond Pesticides). The environmental impacts of fast fashion are not limited to the direct impacts from the manufacturing process. Fast fashion churns out poorly made clothes with limited lifespans because of the low quality of materials used and the industry thriving off the constant business from a quick turnover of garments. The quick turnover coupled with poor quality resulted in 60% of the items manufactured in 2012 being discarded only a few years after purchase (Shukla, 2022). One survey in Britain found that 1 in 3 young women believed clothes to be “old” following as few as one or two wears (McKinsey & Company, 2018). On average consumers are keeping purchased items about half as long as they did at the turn of the 21st century and purchasing 60% more clothing per year (Remy et al., 2016). Based on this trend and the low prevalence of clothing recycling, over 50% AT WHAT COST? 8 AT WHAT COST? 9 of these garments end up in landfills (Shukla, 2022). In 2018, 11.3 million tons of textiles entered landfills as municipal solid waste in the United States, averaging out to roughly 70 pounds of discarded garments per person (EPA). Even for the clothing that continues to be worn and washed, an environmental toll is paid. Synthetic fabrics release microfibers at alarming rates of roughly 700,000 fibers per load of laundry, which often end up in the ocean and other environments (Ocean Clean Wash, 2019). This adds up to approximately 500,000 tons of microfibers per year entering the ocean (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017). An IUCN report estimated that between 15%-31% of plastic pollution in the ocean could come from household or industrial products expelling these microplastics, with 35% of that microplastic coming from the washing of synthetic fabrics (Boucher and Friot, 2017). Fibers such as polyester are slow to degrade in the ocean, taking potentially up to 200 years to decompose, then producing toxic substances when they do that pose dangers for marine ecosystems (Brewer, 2019; Shukla, 2022). Microplastics pose the additional danger of being consumed by marine organisms, then entering the food chain and being consumed eventually by humans. For marine organisms that consume microplastics, impacts may include delayed growth, abnormal behavior, or reduced intake of food (Li et al., 2021). For humans, microplastics that have made their way up the food chain pose risks of allergic reactions or cell death (Parker, 2022). Despite the majority of fiber production being attributed to synthetic fabrics, a 2020 study found that most microfibers were actually from cellulosic and plant-based fibers, followed by animal fibers (Suaria et al., 2020). While such natural fibers are often assumed to be biodegradable, modifications made during textile production often include alterations with chemicals, dyes, or coatings that in turn impact the biodegradability of the material (Henry et al., 2019). Additional modifications that occur during manufacturing are seen with wool, where natural fibers are often blended with synthetics for fast fashion, impacting the biodegradability of the fabric (Center for Biological Diversity, 2021). As much of the research on the biodegradability and risks of microfibers is new or still developing, the problem of microfiber introduction from the fast fashion industry cannot yet be limited to the impacts from synthetics, as the full scope of risks of all microfibers is still being realized. This brings the issue of fast fashion back to the immense scale of production, as there is not one specific fiber to blame for the environmental degradation but the business model as a whole. Photo Source: Canva AT WHAT COST? 10 The introduction of chemicals to the environment is not the only harm associated with the fast fashion industry. The harsh chemicals used in manufacturing create potential health hazards for workers and consumers. These risks can be felt in a wide range of communities, as fast fashion garments are usually produced in low-income countries but purchased in high-income countries. At the beginning of the production process, pesticides can cause harm to workers as they have been linked to acute and chronic health issues including reproductive disorders, neurological disorders, respiratory conditions, certain cancers and death (Farmworker Justice, 2013). In garment factories, workers are exposed to occupational hazards including respiratory harms from chemicals and musculoskeletal harms from repeated motions (Islam, 2022). The harmful effects can even be experienced by the consumer of fast fashion. Garments contain a variety of harmful chemicals including PFAS, azo dyes, phthalates, and formaldehyde (Fashinnovation, 2022). These chemicals come with risks of irritation; respiratory, developmental, and reproductive problems; and certain cancers. On top of that, the spillover of cheaply made fast fashion can also affect the economies of low-income countries, even if they are not involved directly in the production of garments. Every year the United States exports roughly 500,000 tons of secondhand clothing to low- and middle-income countries that do not always possess the infrastructure to handle it (Brooks, 2019). Reports from various African communities note how these imports can decimate local textile businesses, as they are unable to compete with the competitive costs of these used garments (Brooks, 2019). While this opens a new market for secondhand clothing, it increases reliance on foreign countries and suppresses local industries, resulting in a loss of culture and traditional styles (Porter, 2019). The continuing desire around the world for these garments at low costs also contributes to the ongoing injustice related to low wages and working conditions in the low-income countries where most factories are based. In April 2013 the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed, resulting in more than 1,100 textile-worker fatalities and bringing to light the subpar conditions in which fast fashion industries operate. Between 2006 and 2012, more than 500 workers in Bangladesh garment factories died in factory fires, usually due to faulty wiring (Thomas, 2018). Following these tragic events, the Accord on Fire and Building Safety was signed by various fast fashion companies, including American Eagle, H&M, and Inditex. This agreement resulted in 97,000 hazards being repaired in 1,600 factories, and 900 factories being shut down for not meeting compliance standards (Thomas, 2018). HARMS TO HUMANS Following the expiration of the Accord in 2018, the 2018 Transition Accord was signed to extend similar protections until 2021 (Clean Clothes Campaign). Most recently, the International Accord took effect in September 2021 (International Accord, 2021). This legally binding agreement promises to ensure factory structural safety for 26 months by the brands that have signed, which can be found here. Though a small step toward remedying the worker injustices in the fast fashion industry, these pacts have yet to address low wages or health hazards associated with this type of factory work. Beyond historical structure-related tragedies, textile workers are exposed to various occupational hazards, including respiratory and musculoskeletal harms (Islam, 2022). Reported health conditions that have been documented include endocrine damage and reproductive harms, along with accidental injuries and death (Sant’Ana and Kovalechen, 2012). These effects are spread disproportionately across genders, as most workers in these factories are young women (Thomas, 2018). An estimated 80% of global workers in the garment industry are women, and despite this workplace majority, discrimination, gender pay gaps, and sexual harassment continue to be reported (Baptist World Aid Australia, 2019). While many companies have — or are working to establish — systems to remedy this, inequalities continue to exist in many of these garment manufacturing environments (Baptist World Aid Australia, 2019). A reported 9 out of 10 garment workers in Bangladesh are paid so unfairly for their labor that they cannot afford food for themselves or their families (Oxfam). Yet to provide workers with a livable wage would cost some companies as little as an estimated 1% of the retail price of garments (Oxfam). The gross injustices occurring within the fast fashion industry stand against the narrative that fast fashion benefits low-income people. Rather, it exploits workers and consumers alike. AT WHAT COST? 11 Photo Source: Rio Lecatompessy - Unsplash Despite the various claims made by companies showcasing their sustainable efforts through partial recycling or “conscious” collections, overall efforts are still relatively low. Even the actions of companies that are following through on their pledges to be more sustainable are not necessarily having a significant positive impact. One of the most common recycled materials to substitute the creation of new synthetics are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. In a survey of roughly 50 fashion brands, 85% claimed that they were working toward using recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles (Circular). Using recycled polyester has the potential impact of reducing carbon emissions by 32% (Federal Office for the Environment, 2017). But while recycling sounds green in theory, there are several logistical drawbacks. Recycling synthetic materials does not fix the emerging problem of microplastics, as recycled materials will expel just as many fibers as new materials (Bryce, 2021). Additionally, removing plastic bottles from their established, closed-loop system may actually harm their overall recyclable potential. These bottles can be recycled at least 10 times in the current system. Feeding them into the fashion industry decreases their likelihood and potential to be recycled as most garments end up in landfills (Bryce, 2021). Despite the potential that exists with recycling plastic bottles, the actual rate at which PET bottles are recycled remains relatively low, with only 29.1% being recycled in 2018 (EPA). Textile recycling involves a similar shortcoming, as it’s estimated that less than 1% of textile waste is recycled into new fibers due to logistical issues including the collecting, sorting, and processing of garments (McKinsey & Company, 2022). Many claims made by fast fashion companies hint at sustainability but fall short, and a lack of transparency contributes to the problem of greenwashing. Greenwashing is infamous in the fast fashion industry, and multiple companies having had attention drawn to their misleading claims in the past. Companies like Boohoo, SHEIN, H&M, ASOS, and Zara have all released claims on their efforts to improve their sustainability, but there’s little evidence they are realizing those claims (Rauturier, 2022; Igini, 2022). The popular brand H&M released environmental scorecards informing consumers about how environmentally friendly their garments were. In an investigation by Quartz, more than half of the scorecards claimed pieces to be more environmentally friendly than they actually were, and in some instances the statements were described as being “the exact opposite of reality” (Quartz, 2022). The garments included in the controversial claims were those labeled as “Conscious Choice.” This specific label was described by H&M to mean “pieces AT WHAT COST? 12 GREENWASHING While many companies have environmentally harmful business models, there are others that are taking a more meaningful approach to sustainability. These companies are actively encouraging people to extend the life of their clothing, providing customers with the resources to do so, and using data to back up their sustainability claims. These claims have been published by the companies and their accuracies have not been evaluated by this report. Levi’s, for example, urges customers to wash their jeans less: after about 10 wears. This not only lengthens the lifespan of jeans but saves water from washing machines and reduces the expelling of microfibers in the wash. Data published on Levi’s website states that taking care of your jeans and wearing them for 10 months or longer will reduce their carbon footprint by 18% and water footprint by 23%. Levi’s also offers solutions for old or damaged clothing, like opening Levi’s Tailor Shops where clothes can be altered or repaired, offering tutorials on how to perform various DIY projects on jeans, and suggesting that you donate unwanted clothing to secondhand shops or pass items along as hand-me-downs. Other ways that brands are trying to lessen the waste in fashion is through product guarantees and resale initiatives. Patagonia includes a guarantee that if clothing develops damage due to wear, the company will repair it at a “reasonable charge.” Like Levi’s, Patagonia offers DIY repair guides to extend the life of products. It also hosts Worn Wear, a site where you can trade in used clothing so it can be washed and resold, lengthening the garment’s lifespan. As an incentive, trading in a garment will get you credit that can be used to purchase new or used from the brand. Worn Wear also has the additional bonus that the used articles are sold at a reduced cost compared to new items. This increases accessibility of quality, long-lasting products to individuals who might not be able to afford them otherwise and resort to fast fashion for financial reasons. A PUSH TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY AT WHAT COST? 13 created with a little extra consideration for the planet,” with products containing at least 50% of “more sustainable materials” (H&M). These vaguely defined “eco-friendly” labels are another popular industry greenwashing technique. But simultaneously producing and promoting the purchase of billions of garments per year, many of which get discarded and replaced quickly, reduces the potential positive impacts of so-called “conscious collections” and falsely reassures consumers. A different approach can be seen with MUD Jeans, which in 2013 introduced a program called Lease a Jeans, where customers can pay a monthly fee to lease jeans for a year, after which the payments stop and the customer can either keep the jeans or return them to be recycled. In 2021, 11,512 pairs of jeans were recycled, with a donation to plant one tree with the nonprofit Justdiggit with every pair. By promoting a circular economy through jeans recycling, MUD Jeans states, it’s producing no additional end-of-life waste for those articles and using 92% less water than the average jeans. In addition to creative solutions to extend the lifespans of garments and reduce waste, efforts are being made by some companies to use more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. For plant-based fibers like cotton, organic and recycled materials tend to be more sustainable than conventional and virgin materials, respectively. To grow cotton — one of the most commonly used fabrics in the world — a substantial amount of pesticides are conventionally used. Certified organic cotton, especially grown in countries like the United States that have strict organic standards, does not contain the dangerous pesticide load of conventional cotton. And recycled cotton does not take any additional pesticides to produce, reduces water consumption, and prevents garments from being sent to landfills. Flax (linen) and hemp are two additional, versatile crops that can be used for textiles. Both are relatively environmentally friendly alternatives as they require minimal water and are often grown with little to no pesticides. Hemp grows so densely that it can reduce competition, and it also naturally deters pests (Hymann, 2020). Linen uses less water and fewer pesticides than conventional cotton and has the benefit that the plant it’s derived from is typically used in its entirety, reducing overall waste during production (Newman, 2020). Linen’s natural hues come in a variety of colors including ivory, tan, and grays, reducing the amount of dyes necessary (Newman, 2020). When untreated, linen is entirely biodegradable. In a push for more sustainable options, new materials are being derived from various types of plants. Bananatex is a relatively new fabric made from Abacá banana plants that is fully biodegradable and circular. This plant has many environmental advantages, including that it does not require the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or additional water (Bananatex). These characteristics have helped to contribute to reforestation in certain areas, strengthening biodiversity (Bananatex). On top of using more sustainable fabrics, environmentally conscientious companies are taking additional steps to reduce waste in their supply chains. Efforts include using recycled, plastic-free, or compostable packaging, using less harmful chemicals, and getting energy from cleaner sources such as solar power. While there is room for additional reform in the fashion industry, a few examples of brands working towards more sustainable practices can be seen here. Necessary reform of the fast fashion industry must involve voices from all levels. This AT WHAT COST? 14 includes individuals pushing for change, governments enacting policies that can oversee change, and companies committing to make the change. Fast fashion companies need to be held accountable for their destructive practices, including the waste they produce and the worker injustice that their business models are built around. Companies’ flimsy claims of future reform are no longer enough. Policy efforts to improve the fashion industry have involved the health and safety of garment workers, unfair wages, and transparency of environmental impacts. U.S. policies of note include The Fashioning Accountability and Building Real Institutional Change (FABRIC) Act, The Fashion and Sustainability and Social Accountability Act, and the SWEAT Bill. The FABRIC Act is a federal bill that was introduced in May 2022. This legislature would protect nearly 100,000 American garment workers, improving working conditions and wages, revitalizing the U.S. garment industry and investing in domestic apparel production (The FABRIC Act). The Fashion and Sustainability and Social Accountability Act was referred to the Consumer Protection Committee in early 2022 and requires fashion manufacturers and retail sellers to disclose environmental policies along with social due diligence policies. This state bill would also establish a community benefit fund that would help implement projects that directly benefit environmental justice communities (New York Senate). The SWEAT Bill passed assembly in March 2022. This state bill involves ensuring the payment of wages for work that was already performed. It also “creates a lien remedy for all employees; provides grounds for attachment; relates to procedures where employees may hold shareholders of non-publicly traded corporations personally liable for wage theft; relates to rights for victims of wage theft to hold the ten members with the largest ownership interests in a company personally liable for wage theft” (New York Senate). If companies are required or incentivized to pursue more sustainable practices, the scale of destruction caused by the fashion industry could be significantly lessened. Additional work that could help to reform the fashion industry includes making sustainable fashion more affordable, so people of limited means are not forced to buy fast fashion, along with making fast fashion companies internalize the environmental costs of their production and waste.
USER:
What are the hidden costs of fast fashion?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
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Provide your answer in full sentences, referencing the document using quotations.
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According to the text, why is the T-Mobile/Sprint merger considered a disaster?
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The Real Dish on the T-Mobile/Sprint Merger: A Disastrous Deal From the Start When the Trump-era DOJ allowed T-Mobile and Sprint to merge in July 2019, it promised the best of both worlds: consumers would benefit from T-Mobile’s accelerated 5G deployment and retain a fourth wireless provider. To effect the latter, then-AAG Makan Delrahim devised a divestiture that would reposition satellite-TV provider DISH as Sprint’s replacement. Here was his plan: Sprint would sell its prepaid-wireless assets to DISH. These assets included Sprint’s 9.3 million prepaid subscribers, its Boost brand, its 800 MHz spectrum licenses, and the Sprint stores and cell towers that the new T-Mobile did not want. DISH would then use these cell sites and its pre-existing spectrum, augmented from the divestiture, to build its own wireless network using never-before-deployed technology. While DISH worked on its complex nationwide build, it could serve its customers by paying for them to roam on the new T-Mobile’s infrastructure for seven years. Not even two years later, Delrahim’s plan is already falling apart. The prepaid customers DISH inherited from Sprint disproportionately buy cheap wireless service, which runs on the old CDMA standard used in 3G networks. In the latest turn of events, T-Mobile announced last month that it would discontinue its CDMA service in January 2022, nearly two years ahead of schedule. With T-Mobile’s shutdown, DISH’s customers will have to “get new devices, new SIMs, or upgrade via software.” DISH now has to take on an unexpected upgrade that will cost hundreds of millions of dollars. T-Mobile’s announcement led DISH CEO Charlie Ergen to denounce the unexpected shutdown as “anticompetitive.” DISH has already warned investors that with the shutdown, its trend of bleeding hundreds of thousands of subscribers may soon turn into a hemorrhage. For T-Mobile, this is great news, since many of the subscribers ditching DISH are bound to turn to T-Mobile’s own cheap wireless plan. But for price-sensitive consumers, the forecast is grim: while they could choose between T-Mobile and Sprint before the merger, these dissatisfied customers now effectively face a monopoly provider. It should come as no surprise that DISH is struggling in the wireless market, and price-conscious consumers are bearing the brunt of harm from the merger’s fallout. We knew back in 2011 that T-Mobile and Sprint competed particularly closely in low-cost wireless services. We also knew from DOJ’s longstanding Merger Remedies Policy that remedies should not require an entrant like DISH to depend on an incumbent who is a direct rival; it makes perfect sense that T-Mobile would rebel against helping DISH grow into a firm that can compete against T-Mobile itself. Not only was the DISH divestiture ill-devised, but the T-Mobile/Sprint merger never did pass muster under basic logic. If it was really critical to keep four players in the wireless market—so important that DISH needed to enter—why even let T-Mobile buy Sprint in the first place? Why not just keep the existing fourth player, instead of designing a Rube Goldberg settlement in the hopes that a new player will grow to have the competitive force of Sprint in seven years’ time? These frustrations have fueled heated criticism of the merger. Such critiques are well-placed, as the merger has already produced harm and threatens to wreak more damage. Besides hobbling DISH, T-Mobile will degrade the quality of its service this April by automatically enrolling its subscribers into an aggressive, personalized ad-targeting program. T-Mobile has also signaled to investors that it has become more like its rivals Verizon and AT&T. On an investor call in February, CEO Mike Sievert said, “We’ve competed mostly on price in the past, if we’re honest. Now, we have a premium product.” Translation: the era of aggressive price competition in wireless is over. Looking forward, we can expect T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon to nestle into a cozy triopoly that returns immense profits to their shareholders. T-Mobile is already prepared to deliver on this prospect. On March 11, it predicted to investors that its free cash flow will be flush enough to support a $60 billion stock buyback within five years. Stock buybacks benefit the investor class, whose members are disproportionately the wealthiest people in America; recent surveys show that the top 10 percent of households own approximately 80 percent of all stocks. In contrast, nearly all households across the income distribution buy wireless services, and low-income households particularly favor prepaid plans, a segment where T-Mobile and Sprint had competed vigorously pre-merger. With its latest proclamations to investors, T-Mobile celebrates the fact that its merger will transfer billions of wealth from average Americans to the rich, further widening the chasm between the haves and have-nots. For this reason and many others, the T-Mobile/Sprint deal will go down as one of the worst merger-enforcement decisions in decades. “THE T-MOBILE/SPRINT DEAL WILL GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE WORST MERGER-ENFORCEMENT DECISIONS IN DECADES.” In this postmortem, we examine how the deal came to close, and what we might learn from the mistakes made along the way. The Prosecutor: Dealmaker Delrahim Helming DOJ DOJ should never have approved the deal in the first place. The T-Mobile/Sprint merger presented a harmful 4-to-3 combination in the critical and well-defined market of mobile wireless services. Four-to-three mergers deservedly raise eyebrows, and evidence from other countries showed that 4-3 mergers in the wireless market would increase prices. Further, the post-merger market shares blasted through the HHI thresholds in the Horizontal Merger Guidelines, making the transaction presumptively anticompetitive. As such, a settlement should never have been on the table. But after many years of trying to merge, the parties finally found a receptive agency head in Delrahim, the “veteran lobbyist” tapped to be head of the Trump Administration’s Antitrust Division. When presented with the deal, Delrahim was eager to refashion the telecom market and less eager to deliver on his charge of protecting consumer welfare. Delrahim took a series of unorthodox steps. He became a mediator between the parties, helping hold the deal together when tensions between the CEOs ran high. He exchanged text messages with Ergen and advised him on how to secure regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission, which also needed to approve the deal. And when the parties closed their transaction in July 2020, Delrahim issued a press release to “congratulate” T-Mobile and Sprint for merging. Not only did his conduct conflict with his role as the nation’s head antitrust enforcer, but the behavioral remedy Delrahim reached in T-Mobile/Sprint contradicted his 2017 statements. Then, with an eye toward signaling his unwillingness to settle in AT&T/Time Warner, he inveighed against behavioral remedies. “[A]t times antitrust enforcers have experimented with allowing illegal mergers to proceed subject to certain behavioral commitments. That approach is fundamentally regulatory, imposing ongoing government oversight on what should preferably be a free market.” He added, “[I]f a merger is illegal, we should only accept a clean and complete solution.” Perhaps Delrahim was conscious of his hypocrisy when he later announced the settlement he had reached in the T-Mobile/Sprint merger, as he was careful to cast it as “structural” and not “behavioral.” But because the crux of the settlement is to have DISH roam on T-Mobile’s network for seven years, the settlement is behavioral at its core. Studying the divestiture against the Trump-era DOJ’s handling of other antitrust cases sheds additional light. Compare Delrahim’s adamant refusal to accept behavioral conditions when the parties proposed them in AT&T/Time Warner—which presented a weaker merits case—with his enthusiasm to strike behavioral conditions in the T-Mobile/Sprint divestiture to DISH—even though this 4-3 merger was presumptively illegal and raised nearly every red flag in the Horizontal Merger Guidelines. Taken together, these two decisions cannot be reconciled on principle. The Court: Judge Marrero Fails as “Fortuneteller” Because the Delrahim-led DOJ was derelict in policing the T-Mobile/Sprint deal, a group of states challenged the merger in federal court. In presenting their case, they pointed out flaws in the DISH settlement—chiefly that the divestiture relied on T-Mobile to help DISH grow to scale in wireless, but T-Mobile would have the ability and incentive to cripple DISH. At trial in the Southern District of New York, Ergen testified that he was confident DISH would receive adequate service from T-Mobile through the roaming agreement, even though new T-Mobile and DISH would compete for wireless subscribers. He offered that DISH had never had a problem with buying services from AT&T, despite AT&T’s DirecTV competing head-to-head with DISH’s satellite-television offering. Ergen, however, conveniently omitted the fact that AT&T, after merging with Time Warner, had blacked out HBO and Cinemax for DISH’s satellite and Sling TV subscribers. The loss of AT&T’s content contributed to DISH’s loss of more than 330,000 subscribers that quarter. Despite this recent experience, Ergen maintained in court that there would be no problem with DISH relying on a direct competitor for a critical input in the mobile-wireless industry it was preparing to enter. Judge Victor Marrero did pick up on this danger during his questioning at trial, but he ultimately believed the DOJ-appointed monitor and wholesale-price formula would be enough to rein in T-Mobile’s incentives. We have now seen that those checks were inadequate. This is no surprise, as economic theory predicts that companies’ profit incentives are strong enough to overcome inevitably incomplete contractual restraints. More generally, Judge Marrero underestimated the strength of the parties’ incentives in his assessment of the merger. Instead of accounting for how the merger would facilitate collusion by creating three symmetrical players, for instance, he decided it would be easier to assess witness credibility. Judge Marrero purported to study the executives’ behavior and glean “telltale” patterns of truthfulness, concluding that the new T-Mobile would continue to compete vigorously against AT&T and Verizon. In so doing, he placed his faith in the self-serving testimony of executives rather than in decades of enforcement experience, economic evidence, and jurisprudence.
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{Query} ======= According to the text, why is the T-Mobile/Sprint merger considered a disaster? {Task} ======= Provide your answer in full sentences, referencing the document using quotations. {Document} ======= The Real Dish on the T-Mobile/Sprint Merger: A Disastrous Deal From the Start When the Trump-era DOJ allowed T-Mobile and Sprint to merge in July 2019, it promised the best of both worlds: consumers would benefit from T-Mobile’s accelerated 5G deployment and retain a fourth wireless provider. To effect the latter, then-AAG Makan Delrahim devised a divestiture that would reposition satellite-TV provider DISH as Sprint’s replacement. Here was his plan: Sprint would sell its prepaid-wireless assets to DISH. These assets included Sprint’s 9.3 million prepaid subscribers, its Boost brand, its 800 MHz spectrum licenses, and the Sprint stores and cell towers that the new T-Mobile did not want. DISH would then use these cell sites and its pre-existing spectrum, augmented from the divestiture, to build its own wireless network using never-before-deployed technology. While DISH worked on its complex nationwide build, it could serve its customers by paying for them to roam on the new T-Mobile’s infrastructure for seven years. Not even two years later, Delrahim’s plan is already falling apart. The prepaid customers DISH inherited from Sprint disproportionately buy cheap wireless service, which runs on the old CDMA standard used in 3G networks. In the latest turn of events, T-Mobile announced last month that it would discontinue its CDMA service in January 2022, nearly two years ahead of schedule. With T-Mobile’s shutdown, DISH’s customers will have to “get new devices, new SIMs, or upgrade via software.” DISH now has to take on an unexpected upgrade that will cost hundreds of millions of dollars. T-Mobile’s announcement led DISH CEO Charlie Ergen to denounce the unexpected shutdown as “anticompetitive.” DISH has already warned investors that with the shutdown, its trend of bleeding hundreds of thousands of subscribers may soon turn into a hemorrhage. For T-Mobile, this is great news, since many of the subscribers ditching DISH are bound to turn to T-Mobile’s own cheap wireless plan. But for price-sensitive consumers, the forecast is grim: while they could choose between T-Mobile and Sprint before the merger, these dissatisfied customers now effectively face a monopoly provider. It should come as no surprise that DISH is struggling in the wireless market, and price-conscious consumers are bearing the brunt of harm from the merger’s fallout. We knew back in 2011 that T-Mobile and Sprint competed particularly closely in low-cost wireless services. We also knew from DOJ’s longstanding Merger Remedies Policy that remedies should not require an entrant like DISH to depend on an incumbent who is a direct rival; it makes perfect sense that T-Mobile would rebel against helping DISH grow into a firm that can compete against T-Mobile itself. Not only was the DISH divestiture ill-devised, but the T-Mobile/Sprint merger never did pass muster under basic logic. If it was really critical to keep four players in the wireless market—so important that DISH needed to enter—why even let T-Mobile buy Sprint in the first place? Why not just keep the existing fourth player, instead of designing a Rube Goldberg settlement in the hopes that a new player will grow to have the competitive force of Sprint in seven years’ time? These frustrations have fueled heated criticism of the merger. Such critiques are well-placed, as the merger has already produced harm and threatens to wreak more damage. Besides hobbling DISH, T-Mobile will degrade the quality of its service this April by automatically enrolling its subscribers into an aggressive, personalized ad-targeting program. T-Mobile has also signaled to investors that it has become more like its rivals Verizon and AT&T. On an investor call in February, CEO Mike Sievert said, “We’ve competed mostly on price in the past, if we’re honest. Now, we have a premium product.” Translation: the era of aggressive price competition in wireless is over. Looking forward, we can expect T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon to nestle into a cozy triopoly that returns immense profits to their shareholders. T-Mobile is already prepared to deliver on this prospect. On March 11, it predicted to investors that its free cash flow will be flush enough to support a $60 billion stock buyback within five years. Stock buybacks benefit the investor class, whose members are disproportionately the wealthiest people in America; recent surveys show that the top 10 percent of households own approximately 80 percent of all stocks. In contrast, nearly all households across the income distribution buy wireless services, and low-income households particularly favor prepaid plans, a segment where T-Mobile and Sprint had competed vigorously pre-merger. With its latest proclamations to investors, T-Mobile celebrates the fact that its merger will transfer billions of wealth from average Americans to the rich, further widening the chasm between the haves and have-nots. For this reason and many others, the T-Mobile/Sprint deal will go down as one of the worst merger-enforcement decisions in decades. “THE T-MOBILE/SPRINT DEAL WILL GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE WORST MERGER-ENFORCEMENT DECISIONS IN DECADES.” In this postmortem, we examine how the deal came to close, and what we might learn from the mistakes made along the way. The Prosecutor: Dealmaker Delrahim Helming DOJ DOJ should never have approved the deal in the first place. The T-Mobile/Sprint merger presented a harmful 4-to-3 combination in the critical and well-defined market of mobile wireless services. Four-to-three mergers deservedly raise eyebrows, and evidence from other countries showed that 4-3 mergers in the wireless market would increase prices. Further, the post-merger market shares blasted through the HHI thresholds in the Horizontal Merger Guidelines, making the transaction presumptively anticompetitive. As such, a settlement should never have been on the table. But after many years of trying to merge, the parties finally found a receptive agency head in Delrahim, the “veteran lobbyist” tapped to be head of the Trump Administration’s Antitrust Division. When presented with the deal, Delrahim was eager to refashion the telecom market and less eager to deliver on his charge of protecting consumer welfare. Delrahim took a series of unorthodox steps. He became a mediator between the parties, helping hold the deal together when tensions between the CEOs ran high. He exchanged text messages with Ergen and advised him on how to secure regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission, which also needed to approve the deal. And when the parties closed their transaction in July 2020, Delrahim issued a press release to “congratulate” T-Mobile and Sprint for merging. Not only did his conduct conflict with his role as the nation’s head antitrust enforcer, but the behavioral remedy Delrahim reached in T-Mobile/Sprint contradicted his 2017 statements. Then, with an eye toward signaling his unwillingness to settle in AT&T/Time Warner, he inveighed against behavioral remedies. “[A]t times antitrust enforcers have experimented with allowing illegal mergers to proceed subject to certain behavioral commitments. That approach is fundamentally regulatory, imposing ongoing government oversight on what should preferably be a free market.” He added, “[I]f a merger is illegal, we should only accept a clean and complete solution.” Perhaps Delrahim was conscious of his hypocrisy when he later announced the settlement he had reached in the T-Mobile/Sprint merger, as he was careful to cast it as “structural” and not “behavioral.” But because the crux of the settlement is to have DISH roam on T-Mobile’s network for seven years, the settlement is behavioral at its core. Studying the divestiture against the Trump-era DOJ’s handling of other antitrust cases sheds additional light. Compare Delrahim’s adamant refusal to accept behavioral conditions when the parties proposed them in AT&T/Time Warner—which presented a weaker merits case—with his enthusiasm to strike behavioral conditions in the T-Mobile/Sprint divestiture to DISH—even though this 4-3 merger was presumptively illegal and raised nearly every red flag in the Horizontal Merger Guidelines. Taken together, these two decisions cannot be reconciled on principle. The Court: Judge Marrero Fails as “Fortuneteller” Because the Delrahim-led DOJ was derelict in policing the T-Mobile/Sprint deal, a group of states challenged the merger in federal court. In presenting their case, they pointed out flaws in the DISH settlement—chiefly that the divestiture relied on T-Mobile to help DISH grow to scale in wireless, but T-Mobile would have the ability and incentive to cripple DISH. At trial in the Southern District of New York, Ergen testified that he was confident DISH would receive adequate service from T-Mobile through the roaming agreement, even though new T-Mobile and DISH would compete for wireless subscribers. He offered that DISH had never had a problem with buying services from AT&T, despite AT&T’s DirecTV competing head-to-head with DISH’s satellite-television offering. Ergen, however, conveniently omitted the fact that AT&T, after merging with Time Warner, had blacked out HBO and Cinemax for DISH’s satellite and Sling TV subscribers. The loss of AT&T’s content contributed to DISH’s loss of more than 330,000 subscribers that quarter. Despite this recent experience, Ergen maintained in court that there would be no problem with DISH relying on a direct competitor for a critical input in the mobile-wireless industry it was preparing to enter. Judge Victor Marrero did pick up on this danger during his questioning at trial, but he ultimately believed the DOJ-appointed monitor and wholesale-price formula would be enough to rein in T-Mobile’s incentives. We have now seen that those checks were inadequate. This is no surprise, as economic theory predicts that companies’ profit incentives are strong enough to overcome inevitably incomplete contractual restraints. More generally, Judge Marrero underestimated the strength of the parties’ incentives in his assessment of the merger. Instead of accounting for how the merger would facilitate collusion by creating three symmetrical players, for instance, he decided it would be easier to assess witness credibility. Judge Marrero purported to study the executives’ behavior and glean “telltale” patterns of truthfulness, concluding that the new T-Mobile would continue to compete vigorously against AT&T and Verizon. In so doing, he placed his faith in the self-serving testimony of executives rather than in decades of enforcement experience, economic evidence, and jurisprudence.
|
Provide your answer in full sentences, referencing the document using quotations.
EVIDENCE:
The Real Dish on the T-Mobile/Sprint Merger: A Disastrous Deal From the Start When the Trump-era DOJ allowed T-Mobile and Sprint to merge in July 2019, it promised the best of both worlds: consumers would benefit from T-Mobile’s accelerated 5G deployment and retain a fourth wireless provider. To effect the latter, then-AAG Makan Delrahim devised a divestiture that would reposition satellite-TV provider DISH as Sprint’s replacement. Here was his plan: Sprint would sell its prepaid-wireless assets to DISH. These assets included Sprint’s 9.3 million prepaid subscribers, its Boost brand, its 800 MHz spectrum licenses, and the Sprint stores and cell towers that the new T-Mobile did not want. DISH would then use these cell sites and its pre-existing spectrum, augmented from the divestiture, to build its own wireless network using never-before-deployed technology. While DISH worked on its complex nationwide build, it could serve its customers by paying for them to roam on the new T-Mobile’s infrastructure for seven years. Not even two years later, Delrahim’s plan is already falling apart. The prepaid customers DISH inherited from Sprint disproportionately buy cheap wireless service, which runs on the old CDMA standard used in 3G networks. In the latest turn of events, T-Mobile announced last month that it would discontinue its CDMA service in January 2022, nearly two years ahead of schedule. With T-Mobile’s shutdown, DISH’s customers will have to “get new devices, new SIMs, or upgrade via software.” DISH now has to take on an unexpected upgrade that will cost hundreds of millions of dollars. T-Mobile’s announcement led DISH CEO Charlie Ergen to denounce the unexpected shutdown as “anticompetitive.” DISH has already warned investors that with the shutdown, its trend of bleeding hundreds of thousands of subscribers may soon turn into a hemorrhage. For T-Mobile, this is great news, since many of the subscribers ditching DISH are bound to turn to T-Mobile’s own cheap wireless plan. But for price-sensitive consumers, the forecast is grim: while they could choose between T-Mobile and Sprint before the merger, these dissatisfied customers now effectively face a monopoly provider. It should come as no surprise that DISH is struggling in the wireless market, and price-conscious consumers are bearing the brunt of harm from the merger’s fallout. We knew back in 2011 that T-Mobile and Sprint competed particularly closely in low-cost wireless services. We also knew from DOJ’s longstanding Merger Remedies Policy that remedies should not require an entrant like DISH to depend on an incumbent who is a direct rival; it makes perfect sense that T-Mobile would rebel against helping DISH grow into a firm that can compete against T-Mobile itself. Not only was the DISH divestiture ill-devised, but the T-Mobile/Sprint merger never did pass muster under basic logic. If it was really critical to keep four players in the wireless market—so important that DISH needed to enter—why even let T-Mobile buy Sprint in the first place? Why not just keep the existing fourth player, instead of designing a Rube Goldberg settlement in the hopes that a new player will grow to have the competitive force of Sprint in seven years’ time? These frustrations have fueled heated criticism of the merger. Such critiques are well-placed, as the merger has already produced harm and threatens to wreak more damage. Besides hobbling DISH, T-Mobile will degrade the quality of its service this April by automatically enrolling its subscribers into an aggressive, personalized ad-targeting program. T-Mobile has also signaled to investors that it has become more like its rivals Verizon and AT&T. On an investor call in February, CEO Mike Sievert said, “We’ve competed mostly on price in the past, if we’re honest. Now, we have a premium product.” Translation: the era of aggressive price competition in wireless is over. Looking forward, we can expect T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon to nestle into a cozy triopoly that returns immense profits to their shareholders. T-Mobile is already prepared to deliver on this prospect. On March 11, it predicted to investors that its free cash flow will be flush enough to support a $60 billion stock buyback within five years. Stock buybacks benefit the investor class, whose members are disproportionately the wealthiest people in America; recent surveys show that the top 10 percent of households own approximately 80 percent of all stocks. In contrast, nearly all households across the income distribution buy wireless services, and low-income households particularly favor prepaid plans, a segment where T-Mobile and Sprint had competed vigorously pre-merger. With its latest proclamations to investors, T-Mobile celebrates the fact that its merger will transfer billions of wealth from average Americans to the rich, further widening the chasm between the haves and have-nots. For this reason and many others, the T-Mobile/Sprint deal will go down as one of the worst merger-enforcement decisions in decades. “THE T-MOBILE/SPRINT DEAL WILL GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE WORST MERGER-ENFORCEMENT DECISIONS IN DECADES.” In this postmortem, we examine how the deal came to close, and what we might learn from the mistakes made along the way. The Prosecutor: Dealmaker Delrahim Helming DOJ DOJ should never have approved the deal in the first place. The T-Mobile/Sprint merger presented a harmful 4-to-3 combination in the critical and well-defined market of mobile wireless services. Four-to-three mergers deservedly raise eyebrows, and evidence from other countries showed that 4-3 mergers in the wireless market would increase prices. Further, the post-merger market shares blasted through the HHI thresholds in the Horizontal Merger Guidelines, making the transaction presumptively anticompetitive. As such, a settlement should never have been on the table. But after many years of trying to merge, the parties finally found a receptive agency head in Delrahim, the “veteran lobbyist” tapped to be head of the Trump Administration’s Antitrust Division. When presented with the deal, Delrahim was eager to refashion the telecom market and less eager to deliver on his charge of protecting consumer welfare. Delrahim took a series of unorthodox steps. He became a mediator between the parties, helping hold the deal together when tensions between the CEOs ran high. He exchanged text messages with Ergen and advised him on how to secure regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission, which also needed to approve the deal. And when the parties closed their transaction in July 2020, Delrahim issued a press release to “congratulate” T-Mobile and Sprint for merging. Not only did his conduct conflict with his role as the nation’s head antitrust enforcer, but the behavioral remedy Delrahim reached in T-Mobile/Sprint contradicted his 2017 statements. Then, with an eye toward signaling his unwillingness to settle in AT&T/Time Warner, he inveighed against behavioral remedies. “[A]t times antitrust enforcers have experimented with allowing illegal mergers to proceed subject to certain behavioral commitments. That approach is fundamentally regulatory, imposing ongoing government oversight on what should preferably be a free market.” He added, “[I]f a merger is illegal, we should only accept a clean and complete solution.” Perhaps Delrahim was conscious of his hypocrisy when he later announced the settlement he had reached in the T-Mobile/Sprint merger, as he was careful to cast it as “structural” and not “behavioral.” But because the crux of the settlement is to have DISH roam on T-Mobile’s network for seven years, the settlement is behavioral at its core. Studying the divestiture against the Trump-era DOJ’s handling of other antitrust cases sheds additional light. Compare Delrahim’s adamant refusal to accept behavioral conditions when the parties proposed them in AT&T/Time Warner—which presented a weaker merits case—with his enthusiasm to strike behavioral conditions in the T-Mobile/Sprint divestiture to DISH—even though this 4-3 merger was presumptively illegal and raised nearly every red flag in the Horizontal Merger Guidelines. Taken together, these two decisions cannot be reconciled on principle. The Court: Judge Marrero Fails as “Fortuneteller” Because the Delrahim-led DOJ was derelict in policing the T-Mobile/Sprint deal, a group of states challenged the merger in federal court. In presenting their case, they pointed out flaws in the DISH settlement—chiefly that the divestiture relied on T-Mobile to help DISH grow to scale in wireless, but T-Mobile would have the ability and incentive to cripple DISH. At trial in the Southern District of New York, Ergen testified that he was confident DISH would receive adequate service from T-Mobile through the roaming agreement, even though new T-Mobile and DISH would compete for wireless subscribers. He offered that DISH had never had a problem with buying services from AT&T, despite AT&T’s DirecTV competing head-to-head with DISH’s satellite-television offering. Ergen, however, conveniently omitted the fact that AT&T, after merging with Time Warner, had blacked out HBO and Cinemax for DISH’s satellite and Sling TV subscribers. The loss of AT&T’s content contributed to DISH’s loss of more than 330,000 subscribers that quarter. Despite this recent experience, Ergen maintained in court that there would be no problem with DISH relying on a direct competitor for a critical input in the mobile-wireless industry it was preparing to enter. Judge Victor Marrero did pick up on this danger during his questioning at trial, but he ultimately believed the DOJ-appointed monitor and wholesale-price formula would be enough to rein in T-Mobile’s incentives. We have now seen that those checks were inadequate. This is no surprise, as economic theory predicts that companies’ profit incentives are strong enough to overcome inevitably incomplete contractual restraints. More generally, Judge Marrero underestimated the strength of the parties’ incentives in his assessment of the merger. Instead of accounting for how the merger would facilitate collusion by creating three symmetrical players, for instance, he decided it would be easier to assess witness credibility. Judge Marrero purported to study the executives’ behavior and glean “telltale” patterns of truthfulness, concluding that the new T-Mobile would continue to compete vigorously against AT&T and Verizon. In so doing, he placed his faith in the self-serving testimony of executives rather than in decades of enforcement experience, economic evidence, and jurisprudence.
USER:
According to the text, why is the T-Mobile/Sprint merger considered a disaster?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 11 | 12 | 1,635 | null | 133 |
Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. [user request] [context document]
|
I am trying to find one statistic but I don't know which one I'm looking for. Can you make a list of all the statistics included in this text?
|
With a large portion of face-to-face visits off the table during the pandemic, healthcare providers have had to look for new ways to interact with non-emergency patients. Doctors have been able to consult patients remotely, diagnose conditions, and even review X-rays and CT scans in high definition – often collaboratively with other experts in remote locations. In turn, people have become more accepting of remote healthcare services and telemedicine, with Ernest Young reporting that 54% of patients with chronic diseases now accept remote healthcare. That’s a welcome trend: research shows that 30% of hospital visits from patients with common chronic conditions are in fact unnecessary, tie-up resources, and cost the industry upwards of $8.3 billion per year. For patients, the online approach means better and safer access, less wasted time, and lower costs. The ability to see a doctor regardless of location has helped democratize healthcare access for many people in underserved areas. Solutions for emergency response Much like connectivity sits at the core of remote healthcare, it can drive up the efficacy of emergency response during the “golden hour”, the time when effective medical intervention can mean the difference between life and death. Historically, it’s been impossible to share data between ambulances, A&E departments, and experts in a way that enables a real-time response. A 5G-powered remote emergency channel that links to a command centre gives doctors equipped with VR glasses the same view as if they were actually inside the ambulance. Doctors receive data on a patient’s vital signs in real-time on a large screen in the command centre, including the patient's ECG, ultrasound image, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature. The patient's medical history can be quickly established, doctors can guide paramedics in the ambulance, and patients can be admitted to hospital immediately after arrival with their details and condition known. This isn’t something for the future – many hospitals in China are already using this solution. Discover How is the World Economic Forum bringing data-driven healthcare to life? Speed and precision with AI Alongside remote technologies and 5G, AI is emerging as a key technology in the tech-powered healthcare armory. It’s been instrumental, for example, along with the rapid rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, the large-scale virtual screening for potential drugs and shortening the simulation time from one month to less than one day. Equally, AI can offset a shortage of specialists, such as ultrasound experts who can interpret echocardiograms to diagnose heart disease. A single expert can diagnose just 40 cases per day, which for patients translates into a waiting time of nearly one week. By training algorithms in small-sample data for 10 heart conditions, we’ve developed the B Ultrasound solution that can speed up the diagnosis process by between five to 10 times. Proactive healthcare with wearables In addition to B Ultrasound, since 2018 we’ve been working with more than 80 hospitals in China on the world's largest heart-health research project. With the consent of the research subjects, we’ve collected anonymized data from nearly 3.1 million people. Our smart wearable devices can collect signals from users in real-time, identify abnormal heart rhythms with AI, and upload the results to Huawei Research. Cloud AI then pushes information about high-risk people to the remote medical management platform of the hospitals we’re working with, so that healthcare workers can take appropriate measures.
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Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. I am trying to find one statistic but I don't know which one I'm looking for. Can you make a list of all the statistics included in this text? With a large portion of face-to-face visits off the table during the pandemic, healthcare providers have had to look for new ways to interact with non-emergency patients. Doctors have been able to consult patients remotely, diagnose conditions, and even review X-rays and CT scans in high definition – often collaboratively with other experts in remote locations. In turn, people have become more accepting of remote healthcare services and telemedicine, with Ernest Young reporting that 54% of patients with chronic diseases now accept remote healthcare. That’s a welcome trend: research shows that 30% of hospital visits from patients with common chronic conditions are in fact unnecessary, tie-up resources, and cost the industry upwards of $8.3 billion per year. For patients, the online approach means better and safer access, less wasted time, and lower costs. The ability to see a doctor regardless of location has helped democratize healthcare access for many people in underserved areas. Solutions for emergency response Much like connectivity sits at the core of remote healthcare, it can drive up the efficacy of emergency response during the “golden hour”, the time when effective medical intervention can mean the difference between life and death. Historically, it’s been impossible to share data between ambulances, A&E departments, and experts in a way that enables a real-time response. A 5G-powered remote emergency channel that links to a command centre gives doctors equipped with VR glasses the same view as if they were actually inside the ambulance. Doctors receive data on a patient’s vital signs in real-time on a large screen in the command centre, including the patient's ECG, ultrasound image, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature. The patient's medical history can be quickly established, doctors can guide paramedics in the ambulance, and patients can be admitted to hospital immediately after arrival with their details and condition known. This isn’t something for the future – many hospitals in China are already using this solution. Discover How is the World Economic Forum bringing data-driven healthcare to life? Speed and precision with AI Alongside remote technologies and 5G, AI is emerging as a key technology in the tech-powered healthcare armory. It’s been instrumental, for example, along with the rapid rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, the large-scale virtual screening for potential drugs and shortening the simulation time from one month to less than one day. Equally, AI can offset a shortage of specialists, such as ultrasound experts who can interpret echocardiograms to diagnose heart disease. A single expert can diagnose just 40 cases per day, which for patients translates into a waiting time of nearly one week. By training algorithms in small-sample data for 10 heart conditions, we’ve developed the B Ultrasound solution that can speed up the diagnosis process by between five to 10 times. Proactive healthcare with wearables In addition to B Ultrasound, since 2018 we’ve been working with more than 80 hospitals in China on the world's largest heart-health research project. With the consent of the research subjects, we’ve collected anonymized data from nearly 3.1 million people. Our smart wearable devices can collect signals from users in real-time, identify abnormal heart rhythms with AI, and upload the results to Huawei Research. Cloud AI then pushes information about high-risk people to the remote medical management platform of the hospitals we’re working with, so that healthcare workers can take appropriate measures. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/10/smart-technologies-transforming-healthcare/
|
Answer the question based solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not use any external knowledge or resources. [user request] [context document]
EVIDENCE:
With a large portion of face-to-face visits off the table during the pandemic, healthcare providers have had to look for new ways to interact with non-emergency patients. Doctors have been able to consult patients remotely, diagnose conditions, and even review X-rays and CT scans in high definition – often collaboratively with other experts in remote locations. In turn, people have become more accepting of remote healthcare services and telemedicine, with Ernest Young reporting that 54% of patients with chronic diseases now accept remote healthcare. That’s a welcome trend: research shows that 30% of hospital visits from patients with common chronic conditions are in fact unnecessary, tie-up resources, and cost the industry upwards of $8.3 billion per year. For patients, the online approach means better and safer access, less wasted time, and lower costs. The ability to see a doctor regardless of location has helped democratize healthcare access for many people in underserved areas. Solutions for emergency response Much like connectivity sits at the core of remote healthcare, it can drive up the efficacy of emergency response during the “golden hour”, the time when effective medical intervention can mean the difference between life and death. Historically, it’s been impossible to share data between ambulances, A&E departments, and experts in a way that enables a real-time response. A 5G-powered remote emergency channel that links to a command centre gives doctors equipped with VR glasses the same view as if they were actually inside the ambulance. Doctors receive data on a patient’s vital signs in real-time on a large screen in the command centre, including the patient's ECG, ultrasound image, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature. The patient's medical history can be quickly established, doctors can guide paramedics in the ambulance, and patients can be admitted to hospital immediately after arrival with their details and condition known. This isn’t something for the future – many hospitals in China are already using this solution. Discover How is the World Economic Forum bringing data-driven healthcare to life? Speed and precision with AI Alongside remote technologies and 5G, AI is emerging as a key technology in the tech-powered healthcare armory. It’s been instrumental, for example, along with the rapid rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, the large-scale virtual screening for potential drugs and shortening the simulation time from one month to less than one day. Equally, AI can offset a shortage of specialists, such as ultrasound experts who can interpret echocardiograms to diagnose heart disease. A single expert can diagnose just 40 cases per day, which for patients translates into a waiting time of nearly one week. By training algorithms in small-sample data for 10 heart conditions, we’ve developed the B Ultrasound solution that can speed up the diagnosis process by between five to 10 times. Proactive healthcare with wearables In addition to B Ultrasound, since 2018 we’ve been working with more than 80 hospitals in China on the world's largest heart-health research project. With the consent of the research subjects, we’ve collected anonymized data from nearly 3.1 million people. Our smart wearable devices can collect signals from users in real-time, identify abnormal heart rhythms with AI, and upload the results to Huawei Research. Cloud AI then pushes information about high-risk people to the remote medical management platform of the hospitals we’re working with, so that healthcare workers can take appropriate measures.
USER:
I am trying to find one statistic but I don't know which one I'm looking for. Can you make a list of all the statistics included in this text?
Assistant: Answer *only* using the evidence. If unknown, say you cannot answer. Cite sources.
| false | 24 | 29 | 556 | null | 846 |
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