So I’ve been noticeably absent from the blogging world. A lot has happened over the past couple months, I’ve been a busy girl! During my absence, I had always planned to “go back” to blogging. I figured that I would just put it on the back burner while I settled everything else in my life. Well, days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and you catch my drift. I finally made the decision to step back and fully focus all of my energy on my makeup artistry career.

While I’m sad to let this go, it almost feels like a weight has been lifted off me. While blogging is fun, it required hours of work. HOURS. A lot goes into a single post (probably anywhere from 2-5 hours). However, I am so thankful for all of the opportunities this little blog has brought to me! Just think- this blog started out as an idea. That’s it. I sat on the idea for a few months before taking the plunge. Now, I CRINGE when I read my earlier posts. Oh my gosh, it’s almost embarrassing. However, I leave them published as a reminder of how far I’ve come.

When I started this blog, I was working full time as an office manager for a doctor, only dreaming of calling myself a “makeup artist.” I started this blog before I started esthetics school. I started this blog before I obtained my esthetician license. I started this blog before I became a makeup artist.

This blog has truly been a labor of love, and it’s been with me since the beginning of my transformation. Thank you to everyone who has read and supported Peace Love and Glitter. It truly means a lot to me.

A lot of people assume that priming this skin consists of using a makeup primer underneath their makeup. It’s true that a good primer will help create a smoother surface and prolong your makeup wear time. However, the process of properly priming the skin starts BEFORE applying the actual makeup primer.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Good skincare and good makeup go together hand-in-hand. If your skin is properly prepped for makeup you will find that your makeup will look and perform so much better! The first step is to cleanse the face with a gentle cleanser. After that, applying moisturizer is crucial (that’s right, crucial). It helps replenish moisture in the skin, moisturized skin looks and feels much healthier than dehydrated skin. It also helps create a smooth surface for you makeup application.

When choosing a moisturizer, you want something that is suited for your skin type. The Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex is a great choice for any skin type. It’s anti-aging and also includes light reflecting properties that help brighten and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. It’s also lightweight, which is good news for those oily skin types! And the best part? This is a moisturizer AND a primer!

Olay says: Create a beautiful canvas for makeup with this cashmere-soft, skin-perfecting primer. The micro-filler formula with light-diffusing particles helps to reduce the look of pores and fine lines to instantly smooth the skin’s texture. Wear under foundation or alone for a velvety-smooth finish. This advanced skin-perfecting primer instantly smoothes skin texture while hydrating the skin to provide anti-aging benefits over time.

You also want to make sure that your eye area is prepped and primed for makeup application. You need a product specifically formulated for the under eye area because the skin around the eye is 16x thinner than the skin on the face. Moisturizers for the face aren’t meant to be used in that area. That’s where eye cream come in to save the day.

The Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream is super gentle and hydrating. It also comes with a Lash Serum that instantly thickens the lashes, which also helps create a youthful appearance. What’s unique about this eye cream is that it’s formulated to treat all around the eye (360) AND the eyelid.

Olay says: Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum Duo combines a hydrating Eye Cream with a nourishing Lash Serum to provide smoother-looking lids, firmer skin and instantly thicker-looking lashes. You’ll see younger-looking eyes that are brighter and firmer in just one week. The first eye cream and lash serum product from Olay, this innovative duo is designed to treat lids, lines and lashes for a total eye transformation.

Both of these multitasking products are great for properly prepping the skin for makeup application!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone! I’ve been all about stepping out of my comfort zone this past week. For some reason, I was never into “Halloween” makeup up until this year. I was only into “pretty” makeup. Well, I had no idea what I was missing out on! Halloween makeup is FUN! I’ve had fun trying new techniques and working with new mediums. Luckily, since I work at a makeup store I get to wear my crazy looks to my workplace. Check out some of my creations!

The zipperface. After I finished the look I started making a jillion notes on what I would’ve done differently. But it still turned out pretty cool/gross. I used lash glue (Duo) to glue the 7in zipper to my face. I used a real zipper from the fabric store, I thought it looked better than the big silver costume zippers. Then I used liquid latex to smooth out the edges and applied concealer and foundation over it. I then used a combination of gel and liquid blood. I also used the red and black from my MUFE flash palette to create some dimension.

My glitter fairy/drag queen look. I really went all our for this, the blonde wig just pushed it to over the top. I used some unknown glitter from my kit, a bright pink, light lavender, and iridescent. I used different shades of pink and purple on my eyes and black to create the outer V. Giant lashes from the Halloween store. I used lash glue (Duo) to get the glitter to stick to my brows (drew over them with a white base (NYX Jumbo pencil in Milk), then filled in with pink and purple eyeshadow, then applied glue with an angle brush, then glitter with an angle brush). Used Too Faced Glitter Glue to get the glitter to stick to my lids and temples.

Another look for work, a “stitched doll.” I used a light foundation and contoured my face with a gray eyeshadow. Dramatic smokey eyes using black and grays. I used my giant Halloween lashes on the top and Red Cherry 747S on the lower lash line. I covered my lips in concealer and simply drew on the lines with black pencil liner.

Smashbox says: A CC cream that fades imperfections, evens complexion, and prevents future discoloration. Makeup with the benefits of skincare? Yes, please! This color-correcting cream is a game-changer with its proven ability to visibly lessen the appearance of dark spots, sun spots, and post-acne marks instantly and over time. The advanced, lightweight formula neutralizes and brightens skin for a more even complexion, while it primes, perfects, protects with SPF 30, moisturizes, and controls oil. CC the difference!

You know those days when you want to look put together, but you don’t necessarily want to put on a “full-face?” Maybe you just need to run to Target, or you’re just sitting around the house and you want a little something to help perk yourself up… whatever your reasons (I don’t judge). The Smashbox CC Cream has become my newest go-to for an easy, polished complexion.

It’s medium coverage, you could build a little with it but if you want more coverage I would suggest adding concealer and using a powder over it. I tried several different application techniques, but my preferred technique is using my Sephora #56 brush. I find that the dense brush helps give me more coverage while buffing it into my skin for a flawless finish. It has a satin finish, which I thought I wouldn’t like because of my oily skin. Surprisingly, it looks natural without being too shiny.

Since this is a CC cream, it claims to have ingredients that help get rid of dark spots (aka: sun/age spots, hyperpigmentation). While I certainly have issues with my skin, dark spots isn’t one of them. Therefore, I can’t say whether if helps correct it not. However, I did some research on some of the ingredients:

The most important ingredient in regards to preventing dark spots is the SPF. And whether you have dark spots or not, you should be wearing SPF everyday! SPF is your friend!

Overall
It lightweight and gives a good medium coverage. The satin finish doesn’t make my oily skin look shiny. I use it with a touch of concealer and find that it’s enough coverage for my every day look.

GLAMGLOW says: A reverse action undereye and orbital eye treatment. Non-Dry Tapwipe™ Bioactive Mud consists of powerful actives that help minimize puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines while brightening and hydrating the eyes. Natural high bioactivity materials and bentonites absorb toxins delivering high nutrients and minerals essential for ultrabright, amazing eyes. Simply tap-on to deliver the range of advanced active ingredients into the skin then wipe-off, leaving a micro layer of actives for extended results.

I remember when GLAMGLOW first came out last year. My initial thoughts: ERMAHGERD THAT’S EXPENSIVE. $70 for a mask is a little… shocking to say the least. The mask has been very popular (and I have to admit, I rather like the clearing treatment) so it was only natural that the brand come up with some followup products. That’s where the BRIGHTMUD Eye Treatment comes in.

This product provoked the same reaction from me… ahem, $69 for 12 treatments. They suggest doing it 2-3x/week. That’s about 1.5-2 months worth of treatments. But hey, if something works we’re willing to pay for it, right?

I opened one side of the package and noticed that there was quite a bit of product in there. I lightly tapped it on my lower orbital bone until it was completely covered. I still had quite a bit product left in the package (even without opening the second half). After about 10 seconds the activity level underneath my eye jumped to about a 9 (out of 10). It started to go down after about a minute. The muscle in my inner tear duct started to twitch, which I found strange. After the 3 minutes, my activity level was at a 2. I wiped away with a dry tissue.

I immediately noticed that my under-eye felt softer, so there definitely was some exfoliation. I really didn’t see a difference with my dark circles. As far as puffiness, I really don’t suffer from puffy eyes so I can’t speak about those claims. I’ve used this product 4 times now and I still don’t see any major differences. I like how I can feel some activity, but ultimately I haven’t noticed any changes.

Overall
If you’re someone with minimal eye “issues,” I’d say you can skip it. It’s kind of fun to try something new instead of the ‘ol eye creams, but I really just didn’t see any major results with it.

Josie says: An innovative 99%-natural creamy oil with an infinite number of uses such as hydrating skin, conditioning lips, and illuminating complexion. One creamy oil, infinite possibilities. This makeup-artist must-have delivers all the moisturizing benefits of argan oil in a portable, nongreasy, creamy oil form. The innovative formula starts as a cream and melts into an oil, making your complexion more luminous while tightening facial contours and preventing inflammation. Use it to hydrate and gently soothe undereyes, smooth flyaways, keep eyebrows in place, and condition lips. Mix it with powder blush or eye shadow to instantly transform it into a cream.

Happy Wednesday everyone! Can you believe we are halfway through October? Holy moly, I haven’t even decided what I’m going to be for Halloween yet! Usually I have it figured out by August. I guess I’ve been too consumed with work… does that mean I’m officially a grown up?

Well even though I’ve been busy I still find time to test out beauty products! It is, after all, part of my job too. This balm has all of the great properties of the original argan oil, but it’s in a cream form. I love love love the vitamin E and essential fatty acids in argan oil, but it can be a bit messy (I’ve even spilled the bottle on my counter before. Tragedy). So having this miracle oil in a balm form was definitely appealing to me.

Here are the “infinity” uses listed on Sephora.com: Deeply moisturize dry areas of the face. Soothe irritated skin caused by rosacea, wind, or sunburn. Soften elbows, heels, and other rough patches. Keep stray eyebrows in place. Smooth flyaways. Moisturize at night. Prevent razor burn and irritation. Prevent skin dehydration during airline travel. Apply as a lip conditioner before lipstick. Apply over lip stain for a silky finish. Lightly dab on eyelids before applying eye shadow. Apply before or after using cheek stain to improve blendability. Transform powder eye shadow or pigment into a cream by mixing with Infinity Cream. Mix with a powder luminizer to create a light, shimmery lip balm. Use as a subtle face highlighter to illuminate cheekbones, lips, and brow bones. Mix with a powder blush to create a silky cream blush or colored lip balm. Hydrate and plump dry, swollen undereyes. Apply to fingertips and toes to hydrate and soften cuticles. Quench skin post-sunburn.

That’s quite a list. I’ll admit, I haven’t tried EVERY single one of these, but I used it in all the ways that I usually use argan oil and I found myself very satisfied. The consistency is very unique, it starts out very creamy, like a typical lotion. But after you start to rub in and it warms up, the product turns into an oil. It’s feels similar to petroleum (NOTE that it’s petroleum free) but a bit creamier. It also has a slight citrus scent due to the tangerine peel oil.

My favorite use is for my hands, but it does leave a slightly greasy residue (especially if you use too much). I use a pearl sized amount and apply to just the backs of my hands. I also like to apply a TINY bit to my under eye area before concealer, it makes for a smooth application. This has been amazing for my lips, which have been peeling like crazy lately.

My least favorite uses: Hair. Even to smooth out flyaways, it’s just too greasy for me. I’ve tried mixing it with cosmetics (luminizers, blushes) and it’s too shiny. I can get away with it if it’s under my makeup (and I’ve only tried it under my eyes), but when it’s on top it looks greasy. As for using it with eyeshadow… well I don’t suggest it unless you want your eyeshadow to crease.

I’ve gotten some feedback from various clients who LOVE this product. Some say that it helps a lot with eczema. I’ve had a few people tell me that they use it like a shaving cream and it’s the only thing that works for them.

Overall
I love this all natural multipurpose balm because it has all the same great properties of argan oil PLUS some other amazing ingredients. It has a unique consistency, starting off like a lotion but turning into an oil after it warms up. It’s too greasy to use on my face and I don’t like the way it feels on my straight hair. Other than that, I use this anywhere that needs to be moisturized!

Smashbox says: Ditch your sharpener, but stay sharp! Inspired by Smashbox pros who sharpen before every use on set, this first-of-its-kind pencil has a sharpener inside the cap for a perfect tip–so you’ll always get a precise line.

When I first learned about this eyeliner, I heard all the usual stuff that I normally hear. “It’s amazing!” “Great color payoff!” “Lasts all day!” “It sharpens itself!” … wait, back up. That last part definitely made my ear perk up… it does what?!

It’s a retractable pencil that self sharpens. How cool is that? This is achieved by the magic that lives within kohl in the eyeliner. Ok not really, it’s because the cap twists off (instead of just pulling it off) and in turn, sharpens the tip. A simple but ingenious concept.

The liner comes in 7 colors, including a nice nude that looks lovely in the waterline. I have the matte brown (there’s also a copper brown). These guys are legit, a new liner favorite in my book. The kohl is very soft so it doesn’t take much pressure to get opaque color payoff. After applying, you do have a little time to smudge if you desire (about a minute until it sets). These don’t smudge out as much as some of my UD 24/7 liners, but you can still achieve some smoky-ness. Or you can use the tip to get a precise line. The color is a neutral brown, it doesn’t lean warm or cool on me. I get 8-9 hours wear time, 4-5 hours in the waterline.

I’ve been using the for about 2 weeks and I will admit I’m wondering when the product will run out. I mean, if it’s sharpening EVERY time I open it… it’s essentially shaving off a little bit of product… you get where I’m going with this. I don’t use it every day so I can’t really say how long it’s going to last me, but it’s just something to keep in mind.

Overall
The self sharpening tip makes them stand out from other retractable pencils. They are long wearing, waterproof, and pigmented. Since it essentially shaves off a bit of product each time I open it, I am concerned with the longevity of the pencil. I’m wondering if the having a precise tip every time means quickly running out of product.

September was a busy month. Two words: wedding season. Unfortunately my blog has suffered because of it, I only managed to post 10 times last month (sad face). But my other business has been going well, so yay for that!

I feel like I spend half of my life cleaning my kit. Okay, maybe not that much but it’s definitely time-consuming. I’ve been thinking about getting come Clean, I’ve heard it’s the HG of all brush shampoos. I also accidentally shattered some blushes, but I used my handy repressing skills to bring them back to life.

Formula X says: With our groundbreaking NO COMPROMISE technology, now you can finally have everything you want from a nail polish. A dazzling spectrum of over 200 shades and never-before-seen effects gives you the freedom to supercharge your creativity.

I’m excited to show you something NEW today! It’s the newest member to the nail polish world: Formula X. It features brand new nail technology that is exclusive to Sephora for the next 6 months. I’ve been hearing about this for months now so I was excited to FINALLY check it out!

So there is a system that you’re supposed to use with it. Unlike gel polish, you don’t HAVE to use it and there isn’t any curing light involved. However, they say that using the system is supposed to give you optimal results.

1) You start off with the cleanser. I believe that it’s mostly alcohol, but it also has witch hazel, vitamin E, and cucumber extract in it. You simply brush it on your nails and it dries within a minute.

2) You then apply the base coat, which provides a sticky surface to prime the nails. It is “infused with Okoumé AE extract, a rare ingredient found deep in African rainforests.” Whatever that means…

3) Now it’s time to apply your polish. Each color has been infused with “luminescent ingredient that enhances color and overall shine, it also features a fast-drying agent that gives you a smooth, flawless finish in no time.” It’s also a 3 free formula. Fahrenheit is a cool red, it photographed a bit brighter than it actually is. I found that I had pretty full coverage after one coat which makes me one impressed girl. Usually one coaters are thick and hard to apply, but this one goes on with ease. I did end up applying two coats to even out some of the slight streaky-ness (and the directions say to apply 1-2 coats).

Time for the fun part: the Xplosives top coat! These claim to be “a next generation graffiti art nail lacquer that fuses matte glitter particles in assorted shapes and sizes for a paint-splatter effect.” I imagine some indie brands have stuff like this, but I really haven’t seen any top coats like this for the mass market. You use a patting motion to apply these. The base isn’t thick at all so it’s easy to build it up if you wanted to. I find “paint splatter” to be the perfect description. Chaotic has black and white confetti glitter, but it’s not metallic at all. The particles are mostly round and vary in size, but there’s some hex and bar glitter in there too. I patted on one coat and I LOVE the way it turned out!

4) Lastly, you add the top coat. It has “patented formulation delivers invisible anti-chip technology and resistance to water and detergents.” It’s has a very glossy finish.

Dry time was about 10 minutes. Actually, it may have even been less, but that’s how long I sat still before I decided to go eat dinner. Lets backtrack: 5 coats of polish. 10 minutes to dry. That’s crazy talk.

Overall
The color Fahrenheit could easily be a one coater, it packs a lot of pigment without being too thick. Chaotic literally looks like a paint splatter on my nails, I love the effect. I can’t speak in terms of longevity yet, but so far I liked the easy application. The quick dry time is also a huge plus. I will be interested to see if using the entire “system” really makes a huge difference.


The ink from Governor Mike Pence’s signature may still be wet on the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” but a small-town pizza shop in Indiana has become the first to publicly and officially announce its refusal to serve LGBT individuals under the new law.

One business gladly embraced the RFRA, which gave it a long-awaited chance to claim the right to discriminate based on the proprietor’s warped and limited world view.

“If a gay couple came in and wanted us to provide pizzas for their wedding, we would have to say no,” Crystal O’Connor of Memories Pizza in Walkerton explained to ABC57. O’Connor’s family, alleged Christians, have owned and operated Memories for nine years.

“We are a Christian establishment,” O’Connor said in defense of her bigotry, though she refuses to admit that by not serving LGBT individuals she is discriminating:

“We’re not discriminating against anyone, that’s just our belief and anyone has the right to believe in anything.”

She explained that the RFRA, legislation her family stands behind implicitly, simply allows people with religious beliefs like hers — that LGBT individuals do not deserve to be married — the freedom to deny service based on those beliefs. But it’s not discrimination:

“I do not think it’s targeting gays. I don’t think it’s discrimination. It’s supposed to help people that have a religious belief.”

Kevin O’Connor, Crystal’s father, feels persecuted by the backlash he and others like him face for their support of a bill whose author admits intent to discriminate against the LGBT community.

“That lifestyle is something they choose. I choose to be heterosexual. They choose to be homosexual. Why should I be beat over the head to go along with something they choose?” the elder O’Conner complained.

The O’Conners say that they would never stop a gay couple or a couple of another religion from eating at their establishment — but as for catering weddings, the answer is a clear “no.”

Indiana’s legalized discrimination is proving a very costly for the state as numerous businesses, cities, and states have elected to enact a very real (and very free-market) opposition to the bigoted legislation. Indiana has lost $40 million after Angie’s List canceled its expansion into the state. Annual gaming convention Gen Con is considering holding its event elsewhere — at a cost of around $50 million to local businesses.

Hate is expensive — a lesson that one pizza shop may learn very quickly.

Author: Valerie BeaumontValerie is a lifelong progressive activist, a mother, and a strong supporter of civil rights. She currently lives in Bloomington, Indiana with her son, her cats, and three well-fed goldfish. You may reach Valerie at [email protected]


In CXTPTabClientWnd::OnMDIDestroy, the method always calls either ActivateNextItem or ActivateNextTopmostItem. So what happens if I have, for example, three documents opened and I hit the "x" on the tab of a window that is not the active MDI window?

CodeJock deactivates the active window and activates another window depending on the tab order. This seems wrong since clicking the "x" on an inactive window does not MDI activate that window (which happens to be one of the big benefits in our system to using MDI tabs).

To see this open three documents. We are using "new tabs on the left flag". Activate the doc that goes with the right-most tab. Now hit the "x" on the middle tab. The document associated with the left-most tab activates and the active document deactivates. Since the document being closed was not active, why pick another document to activate?

I "fixed" this by getting the active window and seeing if it is the one being closed. Only if it is do I activate another document.


An Interactive Guide To Police Killings And The System That Excuses Them

Upon hearing the news that NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo, caught on film using an illegal chokehold and ignoring Eric Garner’s now-famous cry of “I can’t breathe,” would not be indicted, hundreds of thousands of Americans took to the streets in protest. Major New York thoroughfares were clogged for days with protesters chanting “black lives matter,” “shut it down,” and “the whole damn system is guilty as hell.”

Since then, more people have realized that it’s extremely rare for officers to face any kind of consequences for misconduct, let alone criminal charges. Actual convictions are even harder to come by. Some believe that’s starting to change, now that national attention has elevated certain cases and put pressure on local politicians. But once the protests subside and TV cameras depart, does the commitment to accountability last?

ThinkProgress compiled 22 high-profile police killings of the past year to monitor the fates of the police officers involved. Many cases are still under investigation — some more recent incidents are still fresh in the community’s memory, while others, like the deaths of Tamir Rice and Tanisha Anderson, have hung in limbo for nearly a year. Some cases involve clear aggression from police toward unarmed victims, others are more complicated encounters with mentally ill people acting erratically.

We’ve organized the cases by status below. Learn more by clicking on the faces of the victims:

Shocking video footage was often the reason these deaths were vaulted into the national media’s awareness. When an encounter was caught on video, it sometimes helped result in charges against the officer. For instance, body camera footage of the shooting of Samuel DuBose directly contradicted Officer Ray Tensing’s claim of self-defense, leading the prosecutor to declare the incident “without question, a murder.” A witness’ video also made a difference in the case of Walter Scott, whom police initially claimed tried to grab a Taser even though video showed Officer Michael Slager shoot him from several feet away as he fled.

But video doesn’t always lead to charges. Grand juries declined to indict Pantaleo for Garner’s death, or the officer caught on Walmart surveillance video shooting John Crawford III for holding a packaged toy gun. Sometimes only part of the encounter was filmed, leaving more questions than it answered — as in the case of Tony Robinson of Madison, Wisconsin. Still, without any video evidence, the public has mainly had to piece together what happened from the official police accounts, which almost always claim the officer acted in self-defense, and witness statements, which can be unreliable.


A quarter of the young Kiwi women who took part in a nutritional survey
are lacking in a vitamin essential for brain health.

Of the respondents in the Adult Nutrition Survey, 23% of females aged 19
to 30 did not get enough vitamin B12, essential for healthy blood and brain
development.

The survey, funded by the Ministry of Health, was conducted by Otago
University and looked into the eating habits of 4721 Kiwis.

Animal products like fish, meat, milk and eggs were the usual sources of
B12, so vegans had a particularly raw deal, nutritional experts said.
Although red meat was the best source, B12 was also added to products like
Marmite and energy drinks.

"It is important for blood functions, so it matters most if you're a
young woman and pregnant," survey director and lecturer Dr Winsome Parnell
said.

"If it's not corrected in young women and they get pregnant, there's an
increased risk of congenital birth defects."


Lake Geneva& Mont Blanc Express

Lake Geneva& Mont Blanc Express

Article excerpt

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Price includes Return Eurostar from London to Paris Connecting rail journeys Six nights' half board accommodation in Leysin, Switzerland Visits to Montreux & Chamonix Mont Blanc Journey on the Mont Blanc Express Journey on the rack railway to Rochers de Naye Journey on the GoldenPass line Journey on the Lotschberger Express Services of our Tour Manager Rail travel from your local area for PS49 Spring Gardens of Keukenhof & Floralia 15 April 2016 4 days from PS449 Visit two of Europe's most spectacular floral displays! For eight weeks of the year, Keukenhof Gardens opens its gates to visitors from around the world, who come to admire a picture perfect landscape filled with more than seven million flowers. …


John and I are, on-purpose, living together in West Springfield. We’re in a third floor tenement with only a space heater for heat which worries his mother. But it has a claw foot tub which I love. Still no shower. The kitchen is huge with a sloping ceiling which make much of the space unusable. That’s okay. We only have a card table and two chairs to fill it.

The living room ceilings have the same attic slope. It’s cozy with his grandmother’s rattan porch furniture and a cabinet TV from his parents’ loft above the garage. Our brass bed is also out of the bat-poop loft along with a dusty dresser for John. My parents gave me the four drawer pine bureau from my childhood and a wicker rocker for which my mom made new turquoise paisley cushions.

Our first garbage day, we stroll the neighborhood and find a round mirror for above John’s dresser and a spider plant in a hanging basket for the living room window.

Since we don’t have a car, John takes the bus at the end of Elmdale Street to Springfield Community College where he is studying machine and tool design. I take the same bus to downtown Springfield where I work in the used book department of Johnson’s Bookstore. It doesn’t feel fair that he’s paying his rent with money he saved from his summer job driving a fork lift at the Breck Shampoo factory, and my wage, even as a new college grad, is so low, I have to work all year to pay my share.

But I like my job upstairs at Johnson’s. My favorite part is buying used books from customers. That means I don’t have to work the register which I hate because I’m always nervous that at closing time the cash drawer won’t reconcile with the tape because of a mistake I made making change. I’d much rather be in the back perusing the books customers want to sell. Little old ladies turn in brown paper bags full of romance novels for which we pay five cents a copy. Then they buy another grocery bag full of new romance for twenty-five cents apiece. There’s a mystery crowd, and a western crowd who do the same for their genre.

Then there are the treasures I wait for, antique children’s books with illustrations of 1920’s flapper fairies, snapdragons, and sleeping beauties. I buy almost everything I find in my genre at the employee discount before the books ever hit the floor.

Socially things aren’t the same as in college. I spend my day with two ex-librarians. Mrs. Olson, the manager, wears the proverbial steel bun and bifocals. Mrs. Gunn, her assistant, has short dark hair and a temperament that makes me wonder why her nickname is Honey. They sit side by side on high stools at their double desk doing I don’t know what while the part-timers and I wait on customers.

When it’s slow, we underlings chat while filing new books. On Mondays and Tuesdays white-haired Mrs. Stevens likes to give me recipes. Wednesdays and Fridays Reba tries to recruit me to her Order of the Eastern Star. My favorite day is Thursday because of Ernestine who has a quick laugh and a yellow Ticonderoga pencil tucked in her French twist. All are at least twice my age.

That’s why I am drawn to a young woman who rides my bus home every day. I overhear her talking to other passengers. I gather she works at Steigers Department Store. Her stop is before mine, and the rest of the way home, I always wish I had said something to her.

My landlord lives downstairs. When I hand his wife the rent check, she’s always friendly, but there’s no time to get to know her before one of her pre-schoolers yells, “Mommy.”

The woman on the first floor looks my age. I say hi one day when I’m parking an A&P shopping cart on the front porch that I use to bring home groceries and take laundry to the laundromat. I join Sandra, I think that’s her name, on the steps as she watches her boys ride Big Wheels on the side walk. But it’s hard to carry on a conversation over plastic tires grinding on concrete.

I miss Gretchen, my college roommate so much.

One night, John and I go out to a neighborhood bar to play pool. The downstairs is dimly lit and almost empty except for a few disheveled gents on bar stools. John and I step up a level to a small table under a florescent light. I am no match for John, and there’s nobody else to play against. I can’t wait to walk the few blocks home. The place reeks of cigarettes, stale beer, and loneliness.

Next morning Mrs. Gunn calls me to the desk. “One of the Johnsons would like you to help me buy posters since you have younger taste.” I stand next to her. She opens a large catalogue. “So which ones do you like?”

I point to a picture of a kitten dangling from a branch with the caption, Hang in there baby.She arches her left brow. “We already carry that.”

I point to a sailboat steering towards a blue horizon, its red striped spinnaker billowed with wind. Caption, The sky’s the limit!

Mrs. Gunn sips her cold coffee. “Okay, we’ll order one to try it out.”

I’m back at the register when Mrs. Gunn gives the nod for my afternoon break. I head downstairs to the basement for a quick cup of tea and the peanut butter sandwich I didn’t finish since I tried to squeeze a walk into my half hour lunch.

Oddly, Mrs. Olson is at the head of the stairs when I return to the second floor. A regular from the elderly romance crowd is waiting to check out, so I step around Mrs. Olson to help the customer.

Before I’ve finished ringing her up, Mrs. Olson is whisper shouting in my ear. I panic that I’m making a monetary mistake until my brain focuses on her words. “I won’t tolerate your impertinence.”

I step back and squint.

Mrs. Olson looks over her shoulder. “Honey, will you take care of this sale?”

As Honey strolls to the rescue, Mrs. Olson leads me to the desk. “What do you mean going for break out of turn?”

I stand stiffly beside her throne feeling the lash of each accusation: Who do you think you are? Inconsiderate! Can’t do whatever you want! Disrespect for authority!

Before I can explain, my eyes well with hurt, and frustration. I hate that I’m such an easy cry. Right now I hate dour Mrs. Olson and her sneaky sidekick, Mrs. Gunn. And I hate this dead end job.Mrs. Olson hands me a Kleenex aware of the customers who’ve emerged from the stacks. “No need for theatrics dear. Go to the break room until you’ve composed yourself.”

Does she see the irony in sending me back on break without a time limit?

I’m tempted to stay in the gray windowless room all afternoon. I’m tempted to quit, except I need the money, except that the youngest Mr. Johnson sees me through the window in the door and comes in. “So how do you like being a poster buyer?” He’s all smiles.

“Thank you very much.” All I can think to say.

“Well then, how would you like to dress our windows for Christmas?”

“You mean the front windows?

“Yeah, it’ll be lots of fun. The sky’s the limit.”

I can’t believe he uses that phrase. My shoulders relax.

“I’ll ask Mrs. Gunn to show you where we store the display materials.” My shoulders tense.

I manage to twist up a grin as I trudge back upstairs.

It’s New Year’s Eve by the time John and I are invited to our first party since I graduated. Actually the invitation was for him. To a kind of neighborhood reunion where he grew up. We take the Peter Pan bus to Hamp and walk past Smith College. It’s pitch black, no moon. A thin layer of snow on the sidewalk crunches under our boots. Our breath clouds as our words meet the cold.

I follow John up icy steps. “Whose apartment is this again?”

He rings the bell. “Davey Ketchum.” We hear music from the porch. “He’s in a band.”  The door opens. “Johnny, long time no see.” A guy with shoulder length brown curls puts his acoustic guitar aside and grabs John in a bear hug. “So glad you could make it, man.” He reaches to pump my hand. “I’m Dave. Welcome.” Then back to John. “Osgood is here, Chalmers, Morgan, Margaret Richardson, Evie Winetraub, the whole crowd. Mingle, mingle. There’s food and booze in the kitchen.”

The house is crowded, and smells like pot. Every surface is sat on. We wind through the kitchen, and I grab my first Molson’s ale.

“Great to see you!” John is acknowledged by all as we make our way through the dining room to the living room.

Everyone offers a quick update. Rhonda: tall, brunette, black polyester pantsuit, graduated Brown, currently at Harvard Medical School. John whispers additional comments as we pass: showed me her underpants in pre-school. Rob: stocky, chinos and a blue button-down shirt, graduated University of Penn, currently psychology PHD program, Ohio Wesleyan. Additional comments: Not allowed to ride his bike to Vernon Street school or sled down Clarke’s hill. Tom Griswold: law school at Western New England. Additional comments: heaved a chunk of ice at me from the top of the playground snow bank and broke my nose. His dad, also a lawyer, sent lots of presents.

When it’s my turn to offer an update, I hesitate. What are the euphemisms for I’m shacking up with my boyfriend in a tenement? I’m paid minimum wage and friendless. What would John’s additional comments be? Picked her up in a college bar?

After midnight, and more Molsons, I’m sitting on a love seat in the foyer next to a girl with long blonde hair and tortoise shell glasses. She offers no update. Instead she listens, nods, and finally puts her arm around me. “You must be lonesome.”

I cry. I can’t help it. At last, someone who understands what it is to be out of college with no clue, no plan, no peers.

John finds me slobbering. His warm hand takes mine, and we return to the freezing darkness. At the time, I was so ashamed to have bared my plight to a stranger, to have spilled my tears without restraint. Why did someone else have to tell me I was lonely? Did I carry the same stench as those disheveled gents on the bar stools? Were they as desperate as I was for someone, anyone, to listen, to care?

One more thing, John’s comment about that girl on the love seat: she’s a pastor’s daughter.

Looking back, of course. God incarnate walked the frigid night of the soul and incarnates his people with his love for the lost.


Possible counter effect in newborns of 1936A>G (I646V) polymorphism in the AKAP10 gene encoding A-kinase-anchoring protein 10.
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A (PKA) is important in embryonic development. The human AKAP10 gene is polymorphic: 1936A>G results in changes to a PKA-binding domain and increased targeting to mitochondria. Previous studies found G1936 as 'deleterious' in adults, and this study investigates whether this holds true in preterm birth. Study group consisted of 80 preterm newborns (PTNs) born before the 38th gestation week. Control group consisted of 123 full-term healthy newborns born after the 37th gestation week with uncomplicated pregnancies. Genomic DNA was extracted from umbilical blood and AKAP10 genotypes were identified by PCR/restriction enzyme. Significant differences in frequencies of 1936A>G genotypes/alleles between both groups were found. PTNs had increased frequency (55%) of AA homozygotes (odds ratio, AA versus AG+GG: 2.63 (95% confidence interval: 1.33 to 5.20), P=0.006) after adjustments: mothers with previous PTNs, smoking, first pregnancy, first delivery and Cesarean section. Results suggest G1936 is preventative factor against preterm birth, in contrast with previously asserted negative effects in adults.


Lagina Brothers are worthy of all praise and acclamation. The show is on the run with The Curse Of Oak Island Season 7 Episode 4 incoming. The upcoming fourth episode of Season 7 is titled ‘The Lucky Thirteen’. From the start, the show is set to find the hidden treasure at Oak Island in the midst of the ocean. And they are doing everything to make that dream come true.

Its been years since Rick and Marty Lagina, along with their team, are searching for the long-lost treasure. However, as things seem in this season, they are close to find all the wealth. Let’s have a look at all the updates.

As the search is going on, everyone is convinced that they are on the right path. And to get to the treasures, the exploration team is using much better equipment and applying advanced technology so they can reach the Money Pit in The Curse of Oak Island Season 7.

The Curse Of Oak Island Season 7 Episode 4: What will happen?

The previous episode of Oak Island ended with a promise that the team is quite close to find the flood tunnels. These tunnels would lead them to the much anticipated Money Pit. The fans are desperately waiting for the next episode to arrive as it would be the one for which everyone is waiting for.

Moreover, metal detector expert Gary Drayton also found a mysterious artifact. According to him, it may have a specific connection with the Founding Fathers.

New Theory In The Oak Island Season 7

As the show is moving ahead, the basic concept on which the exploration was going on, is changing. Recently, a new theory about the treasure hunt show came up. According to that, rather than a vessel, the team could be looking at a tunnel. The argument came up when soil samples were taken at 57 feet down came out as dry clay.

The team also found some swages that could be from the 14th century. This also shifted the experts’ basic thoughts that a ship lies beneath the swamp. However, with the strange structure, they could be looking at a tunnel.

The Curse Of Oak Island Season 7 Episode 4: Release Date

The next episode of The Curse Of Oak Island is scheduled to be out on November 26, 2019. The audience might get their answers about the hidden treasure buried under the island in this season. If not, they’ll get the idea of whether the treasure is actually there or not. For more updates on The Curse Of Oak Island Season 7, stay tuned.


                           State of New York
                    Supreme Court, Appellate Division
                        Third Judicial Department
Decided and Entered: February 23, 2017                    521725
________________________________

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF
   NEW YORK,
                    Respondent,
      v                                      MEMORANDUM AND ORDER

AARON M. CURRENT,
                    Appellant.
________________________________

Calendar Date:   January 17, 2017

Before:   Peters, P.J., McCarthy, Egan Jr., Rose and Mulvey, JJ.

                              __________

     Paul J. Connolly, Delmar, for appellant.

      Karen Heggen, District Attorney, Ballston Spa (Gordon W.
Eddy of counsel), for respondent.

                              __________

Peters, P.J.

      Appeal from an order of the County Court of Saratoga County
(Sypniewski, J.), entered August 11, 2015, which classified
defendant as a risk level three sex offender pursuant to the Sex
Offender Registration Act.

      In April 2014, defendant pleaded guilty to rape in the
third degree, admitting that he had engaged in sexual intercourse
with a 15-year-old girl when he was 21 years old (see Penal Law
§ 130.25 [2]). In exchange, he was promised a 10-year period of
probation and a temporary no-contact order of protection was
issued in favor of the victim. While out on bail awaiting
sentencing, defendant was arrested and charged with criminal
contempt in the second degree for violating that order by having
social media contact with the victim, and he was released on an
                               -2-                521725

appearance ticket. Approximately one week later, defendant
absconded with the victim and they were later located at a hotel
in Georgia, where defendant was arrested on a warrant and
returned to New York. While in jail, defendant was arrested on
criminal contempt charges for violating an order of protection by
using another inmate to mail a letter to the victim while he was
incarcerated. Defendant later pleaded guilty to one count of
criminal contempt in the second degree in satisfaction of all
charges related to his violations of the orders of protection.
Upon his convictions, County Court sentenced defendant to two
consecutive one-year jail terms. In anticipation of his release,
the Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders prepared a risk
assessment instrument (hereinafter RAI) pursuant to the Sex
Offender Registration Act (see Correction Law art 6-C
[hereinafter SORA]) designating defendant as a presumptive risk
level three sex offender, which the People adopted. Following a
hearing, County Court classified defendant as a risk level three
sex offender, and he now appeals.

      Initially, we agree with defendant that 10 points were
improperly assessed for risk factor 8, his "[a]ge at first sex
crime." The People submitted evidence that the victim had
recounted to police that her first sexual contact with defendant
had occurred in June 2011, when defendant was 19 years old and
she was 13 years old; defendant admitted that this incident had
occurred but claimed that the victim had been the aggressor. As
defendant pointed out at the SORA hearing, however, he was never
charged with or convicted of a crime consisting of that conduct.
Under the criminal history section of the RAI, 10 points may be
assessed under risk factor 8 where "[t]he offender committed a
sex offense, that subsequently resulted in an adjudication or
conviction for a sex crime, at age 20 or less" (Sex Offender
Registration Act: Risk Assessment Guidelines and Commentary,
Guidelines, factor 8 [2006] [emphasis added]). The commentary
similarly instructs, with regard to risk factor 8, that "criminal
convictions [and] youthful offender adjudications1 . . . are to

     1
        While the commentary to the guidelines includes juvenile
delinquency findings (see Sex Offender Registration Act: Risk
Assessment Guidelines and Commentary, at 6, 13 [2006]), this
                              -3-                521725

be considered in scoring this category, as well as [risk factors]
9 [number and nature of prior crimes] and 10 [recency of prior
felony or sex crime]" (Sex Offender Registration Act: Risk
Assessment Guidelines and Commentary, at 13 [2006] [emphases
added]). To that end, the commentary specifically indicates
that, for purposes of the criminal history section of the RAI,
"the term 'crime' includes criminal convictions [and] youthful
offender adjudications" and that "[c]onvictions for Penal Law
offenses and unclassified misdemeanors should be considered" (Sex
Offender Registration Act: Risk Assessment Guidelines and
Commentary, at 6 [2006]). The commentary further clarifies that,
"[w]here an offender has admitted committing an act of sexual
misconduct for which there has been no such judicial
determination, it should not be used in scoring his [or her]
criminal history" (Sex Offender Registration Act: Risk Assessment
Guidelines and Commentary, at 7 [2006]).

      The People argue that defendant's age of 19 when he
committed his first sex offense is relevant to his risk of
recidivism because "those who offend at a young age are more
prone to reoffend" (Sex Offender Registration Act: Risk
Assessment Guidelines and Commentary, at 13 [2006]), regardless
of whether that offending misconduct resulted in a conviction.
The guidelines and commentary clearly provide, however, that the
assessment of points under risk factor 8 requires a criminal
conviction or adjudication (see Sex Offender Registration Act:
Risk Assessment Guidelines and Commentary, at 6-7, 13 [2006];
People v Robertson, 101 AD3d 1671, 1672 [2012]). This
interpretation of the word "crime" in the phrase "first sex
crime" under risk factor 8, as requiring a conviction or
adjudication, is consistent with the interpretation of the word
crime in the phrases "prior crimes" and "prior felony or sex
crime" under risk factors 9 and 10 (see People v Barney, 126 AD3d
1245, 1246 [2015], lv denied 25 NY3d 912 [2015]; People v Arroyo,
54 AD3d 1141, 1141 [2008], lv denied 11 NY3d 711 [2008]; see also

Court has recognized that points may not be assessed for criminal
history consisting of a juvenile delinquency adjudication (see
People v Updyke, 133 AD3d 1063, 1063-1064 [2015]; People v
Shaffer, 129 AD3d 54, 55 [2015]).
                              -4-                521725

Sex Offender Registration Act: Risk Assessment Guidelines and
Commentary, at 13-14 [2006]; compare People v Neuer, 86 AD3d 926,
926-927 [2011], lv denied 17 NY3d 716 [2011]). While proof of
the commission of a prior sex crime committed by an offender at
age 20 or under that did not result in a conviction or
adjudication may be relied upon to argue in favor of an upward
departure (see People v McCollum, 41 AD3d 1187, 1188 [2007], lv
denied 9 NY3d 807 [2007]; People v Heichel, 20 AD3d 934, 935
[2005]), the People did not request this alternative relief from
County Court at any point. Accordingly, 10 points should be
deducted from the RAI under risk factor 8.2

      However, we are not persuaded that defendant was improperly
assessed 10 points for failure to accept responsibility under
risk factor 12. Following defendant's guilty plea to statutory
rape, which may constitute evidence of his acceptance of
responsibility, he repeatedly violated the orders of protection

    2
        We recognize that the commentary provides that, in
completing the RAI, the Board and the SORA court will often
utilize the defendant's case file and may rely on "any other
reliable source" including "the sex offender's admissions" and
the victim's statements"; they are "not limited to the crime[s]
of conviction but may consider [reliable sources] in determining
an offender's risk level" (Sex Offender Registration Act: Risk
Assessment Guidelines and Commentary, at 5 [2006]; see People v
Mingo, 12 NY3d 563, 572 [2009]). However, this Court has limited
its application of the latter principle to the assessment of
points in the RAI under "current offenses" and has not applied it
to the offender's "criminal history" (see People v Smith, 128
AD3d 1189, 1189-1190 [2015]; People v Tubbs, 124 AD3d 1094, 1094-
1095 [2015]; People v Snay, 122 AD3d 1012, 1013 [2014], lv denied
24 NY3d 916 [2015]; People v Clavette, 96 AD3d 1178, 1179-1180
[2012], lv denied 20 NY3d 851 [2012]; but see People v Slotman,
112 AD3d 1332, 1333 [2013]). This practice is consistent with
the rules governing statutory construction, that specific
provisions – such as those applicable to the criminal history
factors in the RAI requiring criminal convictions or
adjudications – govern over more general pronouncements (see
McKinneys Cons Laws of NY, Book 1, Statutes § 239 [b]).
                              -5-                521725

in place to protect the victim by making contact with her,
providing her with cell phones and absconding, taking her out of
state. In assessing defendant's failure to accept
responsibility, County Court reasonably relied upon this repeated
and flagrant postplea conduct, which it characterized as an "open
disregard" and "almost . . . an intentional defiance of court
orders regarding contact with the victim." These actions are
reflective of defendant's poor prospects for rehabilitation and
lack of remorse, as well as his "unwillingness to alter his
behavior" (Sex Offender Registration Act: Risk Assessment
Guidelines and Commentary, at 16 [2006]), which are relevant to
the genuineness of his acceptance of responsibility (see People v
Ford, 25 NY3d 939, 941 [2015]). Under these circumstances,
notwithstanding defendant's earlier guilty plea, the record
supports the court's "finding that defendant failed to genuinely
accept responsibility for his actions" (People v Lerch, 66 AD3d
1088, 1088 [2009], lv denied 13 NY3d 715 [2010]; accord People v
Benson, 132 AD3d 1030, 1031-1032 [2015], lv denied 26 NY3d 913
[2015]).

      County Court also properly relied upon defendant's conduct
in sending correspondence to the victim in violation of the order
of protection in assessing points under risk factor 13 for
"conduct while confined." To the extent that the court, in its
oral ruling, may have also relied upon that jailhouse conduct in
assessing points for failure to accept responsibility under risk
factor 12, we find no error or prejudice given the numerous
independent grounds for the assessment of 10 points under risk
factor 12.

      Accordingly, defendant's total score on the RAI is reduced
to 100, resulting in a presumptive classification as a risk level
two sex offender. While the People request that we remit the
matter to permit them an opportunity to advocate in favor of an
upward departure, they did not make this alternative request in
County Court in response to defendant's stated opposition to the
presumptive classification. Accordingly, the People failed to
preserve this claim and are not entitled to a second opportunity
to propound such argument (see People v Gillotti, 23 NY3d 841,
861 n 5 [2014]).
                              -6-                  521725

     McCarthy, Egan Jr., Rose and Mulvey, JJ., concur.

      ORDERED that the order is reversed, on the law, without
costs, and defendant is classified as a risk level two sex
offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act.

                             ENTER:

                             Robert D. Mayberger
                             Clerk of the Court


IoT Chain x Blockchain Hunter Interview

Security is the Foundation of Value Transfer

The Internet of Things is already a billion-dollar industry that continues to grow rapidly. It has vast implications across many aspects of our lives including transportation, housing, energy, finance, medical care, and more. As we become more integrated with IoT devices, we need to be cognizant of the security risks of a connected world. IoT Chain mitigates these risks with their hybrid blockchain approach and is positioned to be a leader in secure IoT connectivity.

IoT Chain co-founder Peter (Lyu) Xinhao was recently interviewed by Blockchain Hunter on the merits of their innovative project. Xinhao is a blockchain technical expert who translated the first Chinese book on blockchain called “Mastering Bitcoin”. He also established the blockchain team at Xiaomi where he worked to solve data isolation problems in digital marketing. Xinhao believes the prosperity of the Internet is due to a steady stream of data from its users. He further believes the value attached to this data should be returned to the users and security is fundamental in properly realizing this value.

Interview by Blockchain Hunter

We talked with Xinhao about the development of IoT Chain including core concepts and fundamentals, device technology, and their competitive advantage. We hope you find the interview inspiring!

Core Concepts and Fundamentals

Blockchain Hunter: What does ITC do?

Xinhao: ITC is simply a “light operating system” for the Internet of Things, powered by blockchain technology and focused on security. There are two parts to our network. The first part is the on-chain, value-based layer. The second is the OS layer which facilitates device-chain interaction for the Internet of Things.

Blockchain Hunter: Do you think that ITC is more of a blockchain company or an IoT company?

Xinhao: We are more of a blockchain company at the moment, but that will shift after the launch of the main network. Many blockchain companies only focus on the development of their chain and then wait for others to join them. We actively plan and develop our chain for use cases that exist today such as smart travel, sharing economies, and more. We also directly invest in IoT companies ourselves.

Blockchain Hunter: The Internet of Things has shown its ability to integrate new technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence. How do you view the relationship between blockchain and the Internet of Things?

Xinhao: The blockchain is not a panacea, and the blockchain for IoT, both itself and its vision, will be limited by the development of IoT. From a technology standpoint, the current communication solutions have been adequate. We are focused on identity, data linking, and security.

Blockchain Hunter: Why start with security?

Xinhao: Security was what drove our use of blockchain technology for IoT. There two sets of rights for each IoT device. One is the right to control the device and the other is the right to the data generated. When transferring on-chain value on the network, we must guarantee user data sovereignty. However, we must first provide a safe environment to do so. By securing control of the equipment on the blockchain, data sovereignty can be realized. Users will increase their focus on data and privacy and find their devices useful rather than infringe on their rights. This fundamental shift will help support the purchase and use of more and more IoT devices.

Blockchain Hunter: So controlling rights are the rights to operate the device?

Xinhao: Yes. IoT devices are becoming like a sixth sense, reflecting on our identity. If hackers gained controlling rights or data access, we would have no security or secrets anymore. Our CEO Xie Zhuopeng has been in the IoT industry for more than three years. He found that most of the security issues plaguing IoT are caused by a centralized structure with control rights to a vast array of devices. Hackers could attack these centralized networks easily, and at low cost, which poses great threat to the system integrity, and in some cases, personal safety. If we use blockchain technology to return control rights to the user, there will be no centralized system to hack. In order to manipulate the network, hackers would need to control of a vast majority of nodes at a great expense.

Blockchain Hunter: How do you achieve user data sovereignty on your network?

Xinhao: There are two aspects of data sovereignty. First, data needs to be authorized for use by its creator. Second, if data produces value, the user should benefit from it. Users can choose which data they authorize for use. There could be third parties hosting the data between the user and its consumer, but the user only needs to care about which data is being used and not its specific usage scenario.

Depending on the data generated, each user will be given a corresponding token for each device. The user can confirm their identity through a private key and manage the corresponding revenue generated by their different devices through the wallet app. These device tokens will have other applications on the public chain as well.

Blockchain Hunter: You mentioned third parties hosting data. If there are central data brokers, won’t they become attack targets?

Xinhao: The data is not stored directly by the broker. Data analysis and resale is conducted in a secure environment. It will ensure that data is input and output in cipher-text without leaking the original data. We are currently working on enhancing the performance of this data processing.

Device Technology

Blockchain Hunter: You mentioned earlier that ITC is a “light operating system” for the Internet of Things. Why do you describe the operating system as “light”?

Xinhao: “Light” means that hardware performance requirements are low and it is easy to integrate with existing smart devices. Instead of restructuring the hardware completely, we are building a module for the chipset to make it compatible with the ITC network.

Blockchain Hunter: If smart devices want to join the network, do manufacturers need to integrate this hardware module?

Xinhao: There are two scenarios. First, we can cooperate with the manufacturer directly to add modules to their original hardware design to enable the communication. Alternatively, because ITC is an open platform, developers can create their own modules according to our APIs and SDK to access the network.

Blockchain Hunter: What is the cost of your chip-based solution?

Xinhao: The current cost is about 20 Yuan for a single device which will come down in time. This is inexpensive for applications like car sharing but is quite a lot for smart lighting products. We are continuing to investigate a variety of usage scenarios.

Blockchain Hunter: As more devices join the network, the amount of traffic on the blockchain will continue to increase. How do you plan on scaling the network?

Xinhao: We are using DAG technology to solve performance and scaling issues. While blockchains such as Ethereum are working on other solutions, DAG can improve performance on the main chain itself. Our goal is to create a truly decentralized DAG main network with excellent performance and security. We do not view competing DAG implementations as safe at this time.

Blockchain Hunter: In what ways do you think current DAG implementations are not safe?

Xinhao: Well known DAG projects such as Byteball and IOTA are not decentralized enough. IOTA is not truly open source, and from their whitepaper, we find it difficult to visualize a decentralized design. In order to improve processing speed, Byteball appointed fixed servers as consensus nodes. Witnesses cannot drift and are vulnerable to DDoS attacks. At a minimum, a node must be added with a drift mechanism and be able to meet the BFT (Byzantine Fault Tolerance) protocol so that it can remain safe when it is attacked.

Blockchain Hunter: So your main chain uses PBFT?

Xinhao: Yes, we are working on making the main chain decentralized using PBFT consensus. Some people think that the current PBFT protocol is similar to the licensing chain. This is due to bandwidth; to ensure efficiency, fewer nodes can participate in voting. However, there are already solutions to this, including the solution we are working on which is to increase the nodes while guaranteeing an efficient consensus. If we implement PBFT, we can guarantee that when there is an attack and only some nodes are working, the main chain can still recover. This is a safer structure.

Blockchain Hunter: How do you prove that your main chain is safe and efficient?

Xinhao: Security testing mainly depends on whether it is decentralized and can withstand DDoS and SYBIL attacks. This is obvious, but there is no unified standard for performance testing. Projects often say that there are millions or even tens of millions of data points on their public chain, but testing performance of a distributed network is not reliable in local, isolated environments and it lacks a unified standard. Take testing of a banking system for example. Although there may be millions of data points, there is no way to truly verify performance of the entire network. We are working to build a standard, using new technical methods to simulate the number of nodes, to baseline the performance of our network. Assuming each node has the same hashing power, we will be able to determine the upper transaction limit our network can eventually handle.

Competitive Advantage

Blockchain Hunter: You haven’t updated your Github for a long time. Where are you in development?

Xinhao: The DAG local network has been created. The next steps are to improve the DAG structure, do performance optimization, and work on the decentralized consensus of the main chain. It is expected that the main chain will be completed by the end of 2018 or early 2019. We decided to suspend updating Github for a while after the DAG test code was completed. The team is mainly focused on designing a safer consensus model. Less time was spent on main chain code development at this stage. More time was spent on research and comparison of concepts and mathematical proofs.

Blockchain Hunter: What is the difference between developing blockchain for yourself versus Xiaomi?

Xinhao: I started mining cryptocurrency at the end of 2013 and got to know Bitcoin and the blockchain. At the end of 2016, I worked on the blockchain team for Xiaomi to help solve data collaboration problems. Millions of Xiaomi users produce data that can be used for targeted advertising, risk management, finance, and more. Through the blockchain, the valve of data is extracted on the premise of protecting data privacy. Contrary to what you may think, I believe this actually protects the data valve of the enterprise. It is the data generated by the users that continuously makes the Internet more prosperous and artificial intelligence smarter. Sooner or later, organizations will be forced to return a portion of the value generated to the users.

Blockchain Hunter: Xiaomi’s innovations in the Internet of Things have done well. Why did you decide to leave?

Xinhao: I worked in big data which was separate from their IoT department. I left because I feel Xiaomi did not have development breakthroughs in 2017 and likely will not this year either. A big company like Xiaomi is conventional and they do not start a new project until they are sure that it will work. Xiaomi faces competition from JD.com, Huawei, and Tmall, and it may not be able to compete with them using this traditional approach. It became apparent that it would be difficult for them to develop in a way that returns data sovereignty to the users and this was a primary reason that I left.

Blockchain Hunter: We have also seen companies like IBM and Microsoft developing blockchain services. How can the ITC compete with them?

Xinhao: Big companies are launching their own blockchains in succession, but at present they are all promoting their own cloud services and simply adding blockchain modules into them. At this time, there is not much importance placed on their solutions. A more inclusive and open blockchain initiative is yet to be seen.

If the big companies do put energy and resources on the blockchain, it will be a good thing. They can promote the industry and let all the participants enjoy the more reasonable valve distribution and benefits brought on by the blockchain. We think that big companies have their own mission. Although blockchains are popular, they may have plans in other fields. It is difficult for them to use all their strength for a certain direction. This is also my original intention that drove me to leave Xiaomi and work on this.

Blockchain Hunter: How do you see the market competition in 2018?

Xinhao: 2018 will be a year of products launching. Only at this stage can we really all start to compete. At present, the market is still a vast ocean and not at the point where companies are gaining their major share. Every company in the IoT space can transfer their business model on to the blockchain. There will be competition and amalgamation, though we can look forward to better technical solutions and collaboration on common goals as well.


Background {#Sec1}
==========

The surgical site infection (SSI) case was identified using the definition provided by the Center of Disease Control (CDC) United States of America (USA) which states that infection is regarded as SSI if it occurs within 30 days of the procedure and has at least one of the following sign and symptoms: purulent drainage from the wound, pain or tenderness, localized swelling, redness, malodor and fever \[[@CR1]\].

Among the obstetrical and gynecological surgeries, cesarean section is the most common which attributes to short time consequences like SSI that in turn increases maternal morbidity, prolongs hospital stay and increase medical costs \[[@CR2]\].

Approximately 18.5 million cesarean sections are performed yearly worldwide. About 40% of the countries have C/S rates \< 10%, about 10% have C/S rates between 10 and 15%, and approximately 50% have C/S rates of \> 15%. Majority of the countries that did 18.5 million C/S were from Africa (68.5%) and remaining (29.6%) were from Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Due to the worldwide continuous rise in the incidence of cesarean deliveries, the number of women with surgical site infection is expected to increase. The SSI after cesarean section causes physical, psychological and economic burden to the woman, her family and in the community \[[@CR3]\]. The rate of C/S in published series in different areas of Ethiopia ranges 14.23--27.6% \[[@CR4], [@CR5]\].

The maternal infection following delivery increases by eight-fold when delivered by cesarean section than vaginal delivery. Based on studies related to SSI following caesarean section, the proportion of the SSI ranges from 3 to 15% \[[@CR6]\].

Based on the surgical wound classification, cesarean section is a clean contaminated type of surgery where procedure- related chances of infection are less likely to occur, but infection after cesarean section is still a major problem in our setup. The majority of the problem arises from preventable causes, which, if addressed would significantly reduce rates of wound infection.

Identifying risk factors for post-cesarean surgical-site infections (SSIs) could contribute to a decrease in maternal morbidity.

Only one study has been done in Ethiopia to give a picture of a post-cesarean section SSI. Based on the findings of a study on the Surgical Site Infection done in Jimma University, Ethiopia 2010, the SSI among cesarean section cases was 66 (8.55%) \[[@CR7]\]. As infection continues to be a common postoperative complication in the study area, and no previous study has been done, there is a need to assess the magnitude and factors contributing to surgical site infection. Thus, this study aims to assess the magnitude and determinants of SSI following cesarean section.

Methods {#Sec2}
=======

Retrospective medical record review study was conducted among mothers underwent C/S from 2014 to 2016 at ACSH, Mekelle city to determine the magnitude and determinants of SSI following C/S delivery.

Mekelle is the capital city of Tigray region and the largest city in northern Ethiopia, at a distance of 783 km from Addis Ababa. It has a population of more than 323,000 among these populations, there are 110,788 females, 104,758 males, 26,536 under five, 60,998 women in reproductive age (15--49 years) and 78,770 \< 15 years age \[[@CR8]\]. Mekelle has one public referral hospital (ACSH) and three general hospitals namely (Mekelle Hospital, Quiha Hospital and Northern Command Hospital) which are public government hospitals.

ACSH commenced rendering its referral and non-referral services since 2008 to 8 million people in its catchment areas of the Tigray, Afar and Southeastern parts of Amhara Regional States and currently it provides antenatal, delivery and post natal services. It provides a broad range of medical services to both in and out patients of all age groups. As such, the Hospital can be designated as the most advanced medical facility, by all accounts, in the Northern part of the country and that it stands as the second largest hospital in the nation. It has a total capacity of about 500 inpatient beds in four major departments and other specialty units and 84 beds in obstetrics & gynecology department. The obstetrics & gynecology department has 51 staff (5 gynecologist, 7 residents, 18 midwifery and 21 nurses) and is also used as a teaching hospital for the College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University. Annually, ACSH has 2500 deliveries per year; of this, 660 are C/S deliveries \[[@CR9]\]. In ACSH, the medical doctors range from resident one up to senior gynecologist specialists. Routinely used antibiotics are Ceftriaxone (as prophylaxis & treatment), Ampicillin and Metronidazole.

The sample size was calculated using the single population proportion formula based on the following assumptions, 95% confidence interval with a 4% margin of error, the expected proportion of post C/S infection taken from a study done in Jimma university hospital which was (P) 8.5% \[[@CR7]\]$$\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
                \usepackage{amsmath}
                \usepackage{wasysym}
                \usepackage{amsfonts}
                \usepackage{amssymb}
                \usepackage{amsbsy}
                \usepackage{mathrsfs}
                \usepackage{upgreek}
                \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
                \begin{document}$$ {\displaystyle \begin{array}{c}\mathrm{N}=\frac{{\left(\mathrm{Za}{/}_2\right)}^2\mathrm{P}\ \left(1\hbox{-} \mathrm{P}\right)=\mathrm{Za}{/}_2=1.96\kern0.5em \mathrm{at}\kern0.5em \mathrm{CI}\ \mathrm{of}\ 95\%}{{\mathrm{d}}^2}\\ {}\mathrm{N}=\frac{6(1.96)2\kern0.5em 0.85(0.915)\mathrm{N}=187}{(0.04)2}\end{array}} $$\end{document}$$

By adding 10% contingency for charts with incomplete information the final sample size was 206.

Sampling procedure {#Sec3}
------------------

Within the time of September 2014--January 2016, about 923 charts with C/S were found. Systematic sampling technique was used to select 206 charts with cesarean section from records since September 2014--January 2016 in ACSH. By dividing the source population to sample size the k^th^ has been calculated, which was 4. A random number was selected from 1 up to 4 with the lottery method; which was 2 as the first sample chart. The next sample was taken every k^th^ interval provided that for an incomplete chart, we consider the next to be included.

Charts of mothers who underwent cesarean section elsewhere, then referred to ACSH were excluded.

Data collection procedure and tool {#Sec4}
----------------------------------

The data were collected from medical records of the 206 selected charts by trained 2 BSc Nurses using structured check list. The checklist was adapted by reviewing different literature of similar studies done on the magnitude and determinant factors of SSI. In this study, socio-demographic characteristic as well as obstetric history, pre-operative and intra-operative, duration of hospital stay, maternal preexisting medical condition variables were considered. The pre-operative events include (Indication for c/s, Prophylaxis taken, Length of days stay in hospital) and intraoperative events included (type of C/S, duration of operation, estimated blood loss and type of incision).The data collection process was supervised by 1BSc nurse who has previous experience in data collection.

Data quality control {#Sec5}
--------------------

Data collectors and supervisor were carefully trained about the objective of the study, the meaning of each, alternative answers and blank spaces and when to skip as necessary. The checklist was also carefully designed and prepared in English language and was used for data collection. Before the actual data collection, the checklist was pre tested with 10% similar population at Mekelle hospital. Based on the pre-test, the checklist was assessed for its clarity, completion, and the time necessary. During the actual data collection, a supervisor was in place to oversee all activities, and the collected data were reviewed and checked for completeness and consistency by the principal investigator on a daily basis.

Data management and analysis {#Sec6}
----------------------------

Data were coded, entered, checked and cleaned using Epi info version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 statistical software package for analysis. Descriptive statistics were computed to determine the proportion of post cesarean section wound infection. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was also computed to assess statistical association between the outcome variable and independent variables. Factors that were ≤ 0.2 significant level in the bivariate logistic regression analysis were considered in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and *p* value (\< 0.05) were computed to assess the presence and degree of statistical association between dependent and independent variables.

Ethical considerations {#Sec7}
----------------------

Ethical clearance was obtained from Mekelle University College of Health Sciences, Research Review Committee, and written permission was obtained from the Medical Director of ACSH to support the research. All the information obtained from the medical record was held with confidentiality and used only for the intended purpose.

Results {#Sec8}
=======

Two-hundred six medical records were reviewed in this study. The finding of this thesis includes demographic data, patient's obstetric character**,** operation related factors, and the results of post cesarean section infection and factors that contributing to surgical site infection.

Socio demographic data {#Sec9}
----------------------

The mean age of study participants was 27 years [+]{.ul}standard deviation (SD) =5 and 175 (85%) of the study participant within the age group ranged 20--34. The minimum and maximum age of mothers was (15 & 45 years) respectively. Of the total study participants 139 (67.3%) of women who underwent C/S were from urban areas (Table [1](#Tab1){ref-type="table"}).Table 1Socio-demographic characteristics of the Women who underwent c/s in Ayder referral hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2016 (*N*=206)VariablesCategoryPost c/s SSITotal (%)YesNoN%N%Age≤1900%7100.0%7(3.4%)20--341810.3%15789.7%175(85%)≥35625%1875.0%24(11.6%)ResidenceRural1420%5379.1%67(32.5%)Urban107.2%12992.8%139 (67.5%)EthnicityTigray2211.1%17688.9%198(96.1%)Amhara00%3100.0%3(1.5%)Afar240%360.0%5(2.4%)

Obstetric characteristic of respondents {#Sec10}
---------------------------------------

More than half 109 (52%) of study participant were multiparous and 8 (7.3%) of them was developed SSI. Almost all the study participants 196 (95.1%) had antenatal care (ANC) follow up & from those 20 (10.2%) were developed SSI. About 172 (83.5%) of study participants had no history of abortion. 44 (21%) of the participants had a history of previous C/S and 5 (11%) of them developed SSI (Table [2](#Tab2){ref-type="table"}).Table 2Distribution of indication for cesarean section among women who underwent c/sin Ayder referral hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2016 (*N*=206)VariablesCategorySSITotal (%)YESNON%N%ParityPrimipara10(12.8%)68(87.2%)78(37.9)multi para8(7.3%)101(92.7%)109(52.9)Grand multi para6(31.6%)13(68.4%)19(9.2)ANC follow upYes20(10.2%)176(89.8%)196(95.1)No4(40.0%)6(60.0%)10(4.9)Gestational age at c/sPreterm2(11.1%)16(88.9%)18(8.8)Term21(12.4%)148(87.6%)169(82)Post term1(5.3%)18(94.7%)19(9.2)PROMYes12(37.5%)2062.5%32(16.0)No12(6.9%)16293.1%174(84.0)Prolonged laborYes17(25.8%)4974.2%66(32)No7(5.0%)133(95.0%)140(68)ChorioaminitiesYes8(66.7%)4(33.3%)12(5.8)No16(8.2%)178(91.8%)194(94.2)Previous c/sYes5(11.4%)39(88.6%)44(21.4)No19(11.7%)143(88.3%)162(78.6)History of abortionYes4(11.8%)30(88.2%)34(16.5)No20(11.6%)152(88.4%)172(83.5)

Indication for cesarean section {#Sec11}
-------------------------------

For 79 (38.2%) of the study participants, the indication for cesarean section was non-reassurance fetal heart beat (NRFHB). For 9 (4.3%), indication was post term (Fig. [1](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}).Fig. 1Distribution of indication for cesarean section among women who underwent surgery in Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2016 (*N* = 206)

Operation related characteristics {#Sec12}
---------------------------------

Only 13 (6.3%) of the procedure was elective, and none of these participants developed SSI. About 192 (93.2%) of the study participant had less than 1000 ml intra operative blood loss and only 3% of the skin incision was longitudinal (Table [3](#Tab3){ref-type="table"}).Table 3Distribution of operation related characteristics among women who underwent C/S in Ayder referral hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2016 (*N*= 206)VariablesCategorySSITotal (%)YESNON %N%Type of c/sElective0(0.0%)13(100.0%)13(6.3%)Non elective24(12.4%)169(87.6%)193(93.7%)Type of incisionLongitudinal0(0.0%)3(100.0%)3(1.5%)Transverse24(11.65%)179(86.89%)203(98.5%)Time taken for operation\<300(0.0%)2(100.0%)2(1%)30--6019(9.8%)174(90.2%)93(93.7%)\>605(45.5%)6(54.5%)11(5.3%)Amount of blood loss\<100020(10.4%)172(89.6%)192(93.2%)≥10004(28.6%)10(71.4%)14(6.8%)Length of stay≤718(9.4%)173(90.6%)191(92.7%)\>76(40.0%)9(60.0%)15(7.3%)

Qualification of persons performed cesarean section {#Sec13}
---------------------------------------------------

For 87 (42%) of women who underwent cesarean section, the procedure was performed by Resident two (R~2~) (second year resident in 4 year obstetrics and gynecology training program). Four cesarean sections (1.9%) were performed by senior specialists (obstetrics and gynecology specialist) (Fig. [2](#Fig2){ref-type="fig"}).Fig. 2Qualification distribution of person who perform the procedure on women who underwent c/s in Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2016(*N* = 206)

Magnitude SSI {#Sec14}
-------------

From the total of 206 study participants who underwent cesarean section in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, 24 (11.7%) of them had post C/S infection (Fig. [3](#Fig3){ref-type="fig"}).Fig. 3Magnitude of post c/s infection among women who underwent c/s infection in Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2016, (*N* = 206). Legend: With SSI ![](12884_2018_2075_Figa_HTML.gif){#d29e1522} and ![](12884_2018_2075_Figb_HTML.gif){#d29e1525} with no SSI

Preexisting medical condition {#Sec15}
-----------------------------

The minimum and maximum preoperative hemoglobin label was 8.2 mg/dl-16 mg/dl, respectively, with their mean 13 mg/dl &SD 1.4. About 183 (88.8%) of the study participant were non-reactive for HIV. More than 95% (203) of study participant had no history of diabetes mellitus (DM) (Table [4](#Tab4){ref-type="table"}).Table 4Frequency distribution of pre-existing medical condition of women who underwent c/s in Ayder referral hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2016 (*N*=206)VariablesCategorySSIFrequencyPercent (%)YesNoN(%)N(%)AnemiaYes4(25%)12(75%)167.8%No20(10.5%)170(89.5%)19092.2%HypertensionYes3(16.7%)15(83.3%)188.7%No21(11%)167(89%)18891.3%DMYes2(66.7%)1(33.3%)31.5%No22(10.8%)181(89.2%)20398.5%HIVReactive5(41.7%)7(58.3%)125.8%Non-reactive22317(9.3%)166(90.7%)18388.8%Unknown status2(18%)9(82%)115.3%Immunosuppressive drugYes0(0%)2(100%)21%No24(11.8%)180(88.2%)20499%Pre op Hgb label\<11 mg/dl3(13%)20(87%)2311.2%11mg/dl21(11.5%)162(88.5%)18388.8%

Determinants of post caesarean section infection {#Sec16}
------------------------------------------------

### Bivariate logistic regression {#Sec17}

During bivariate logistic regression analysis, those variables which had ≤0.2 significance level were considered in multivariable logistic regression. Out of twenty-five independent variables, thirteen variables, namely age, residence, anemia, and ANC follow up. Parity, chorioaminities, PROM, prolonged labor, blood loss, length of hospital stay, DM, HIV and duration of operation had shown an association in bivariate analysis with *p*-value less than 0.2, and those variables were entered into multivariable analysis.

### Multivariable logistic regression {#Sec18}

After entering the 13 variables in the multivariable logistic regression analysis simultaneously, Rural setting, PROM, prolonged labor chorioaminities, HIV and blood loss had shown a significant association with *p* value\< 0.05.

Accordingly, women who were from rural area were 5.6 times more likely to develop post C/S infection than those from an urban area \[AOR = 5.666, 95%CI: (1.568--20.483, *p* = 008)\].

The odds of developing post c/s infection among women who had a history of PROM were 8.8 times higher than those who had not \[(AOR = 8.818, 95%CI: (21.71--35.816, *p* = 0.002)\].

Furthermore, women who had chorioaminities were sixteen times \[(AOR = 16.17, 95%CI: (28.50--91.819, *p* = 0.002)\] more likely to have post C/S infection.

Women who had prolonged labor were six times \[(AOR = 6.064, 95%CI: (1.676--21.949, *p* = 0.006)\] more likely to develop post C/S infection. Similarly, HIV positive women are seven times \[(AOR = 6.982, 95%CI: (1.382--35.269, *p* = 0.019)\] more likely to have post c/s infection than HIV negative women.

Finally, those women who had blood loss less than 1000 ml were almost 90% \[(AOR = 0.097,95% CI: (0.017--0.569, *p* = 0.01)\] less likely to have post C/S infection than those women who had blood loss greater than 1000 ml (Table [5](#Tab5){ref-type="table"}).Table 5Bivariate and Multivariable logistic regression analysis of post c/s infection among women underwent C/S in Ayder referral hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2016 (*N*=206)VariableCategorySSICOR (95%CI)AOR (95% CI)YESNOResidenceRural14533.408( 1.424-8.152)\*5.666(1.568-20.483)\*\*Urban1012911ANC follow upYes201760.199(0.044-0.656)\*0.220(0.2-2.4)NO4611ParityPrimi10681.857(0.697-4.943)1.967(0.535-7.230)Multi810111Grand multi6135.827(1.745-19.459)\*9.554(1.519-60.075)\*\*PROMYes12208.1(3.211-20.432)\*8.818(2.171-35.816)\*\*No1216211Prolonged laborYes17496.592(2.577-16.861)\*6.064(1.676-21.949)\*\*No713311ChorioaminitiesYes8422.25(6.035-82.026)\*16.17(2.850-91.819)\*\*No1617811HIVReactive576.975(1.995-24.38)\*6.982(1.382-35.269)\*\*Non reactive1716611Unknown292.17(0.433-10.871)6.979(0.58-83.908)Blood loss\<1000221690.26(0.081-0.832)0.097(0.017-0.569)\*\*\>=100051011\**p*-value \<0.05 in bivariate analysis \*\**p*-value \<0.05 in multivariable analysis

Discussion {#Sec19}
==========

Medical records were reviewed to find out the magnitude and associated factors of post-cesarean section infection (S.S.I) on women who underwent C/S ACSH. A total of 206 (193 non-elective and 13 elective) were eligible for analysis.

This study indicated that 24 (11.7%) of the study participant had SSI. This figure is higher than the result reported from different studies which revealed that the rate of SSI in US hospitals was 4.1%, in New Zealand 5%, in Brazil 1.44%, China 0.7%, Pakistan 5.8%, Estonian university 6.2%, Saudi Arabia 4--2.4%, and in Nizwa, Oman 2.66%. This discrepancy could be due to the difference in socioeconomic status and health care delivery system \[[@CR10]--[@CR13], [@CR14]--[@CR17]\].

Similarly, in this study the magnitude of SSI has also shown higher from the studies conducted in England, Nigeria and Jimma which, the rate of post C/S infection was 9.6, 9.3 and 8.55% respectively \[[@CR7], [@CR18], [@CR19]\]. This variation might be due to the difference in study area and study participants. However, the results are approximately similar to those from studies conducted in Dhulikhel Hospital, Nepal and Tanzania in which the rates of post c/s infection were 12.6 and 10.9% respectively \[[@CR20], [@CR21]\].

This study found a number of factors associated with SSI following C/S. Women who had premature rupture of membrane are six times more likely to develop post C/S infection than those who had not. \[AOR = 6.064, CI: (1.676--21.949)\]. This finding is in line with the study conducted in US hospitals \[OR = 3.0; 95% CI, (3.24--3.5)\] and Nigeria (OR = 4.45) \[[@CR10], [@CR19]\]. This association could be due to the fetal membrane acting as a barrier to infection. However, when the fetal membrane is ruptured early, it loses its protective effect and microorganisms found in the vagina may easily migrate. This may expose the mother for SSI. This finding was also supported by other studies conducted in Brazil, China, Nepal and Sub-Saharan Africa \[[@CR9], [@CR13], [@CR20], [@CR22]\].

The other factor that showed significant association were women who had chorioaminities was sixteen times more likely to have SSI following c/s than those who had not. \[AOR = 16.17, 95%CI: (28.50--91.8190\] This is also consistent with a study conducted in an Estonian university hospital revealing that women who had chorioaminities were 8.8 times more likely to have post C/S infection (OR, 8.8; 95%CI, 1.1--69.6) \[[@CR15]\]. This variation might be related to socioeconomic difference between the countries. Another study conducted in Jimma as also shown significant association \[[@CR7]\].

In this study, a rural setting has shown significant association. Women from rural areas were five times more likely to have post C/S infection than those women from urban areas. \[(AOR = 5.666, 95% CI: 1.568--20.483)\]. This could be due limited access to hygienic materials and poorer hygiene for women living in rural areas when compared to those in urban areas. However, a study conducted in a US urban setting showed significant association with post C/S infection \[[@CR10]\].

This study also found that prolonged labor prior to surgery had shown a significant association with SSI following C/S. Women who had prolonged labor were six times more likely to have SSI than those who had not. Similar finding were also reported from a study conducted in New Zealand \[[@CR11]\]. This relationship between duration of labor and SSI may be due to increased exposure time where infection can be acquired and to the fact that as duration of labor increase, number of vaginal examinations also increased. Studies conducted in Brazil, China and Tanzania \[[@CR12], [@CR13], [@CR21]\] shown that post C/S infection had significant association with frequent vaginal examination.

The other factor that showed significant association was blood loss. Women with intra-operative blood loss of less than 1000 ml were 90% less likely to have SSI than those who had blood loss of more than 1000 ml \[(AOR = 0.097,95% CI: 0.017--0.569)\]. This finding is consistent with a study conducted in US revealing that women with excessive blood loss were 2.4 times \[(OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 2.34--2.49)\] more likely to develop post C/S infection \[[@CR10]\]. This finding is also supported by a study conducted in Jimma \[[@CR7]\]. This association could be due to excessive blood loss associated with poor control and tissue damage due to prolonged retraction, leading to use of extra sutures which may reduce local resistance mechanism.

Finally, the HIV status of women had shown a significant association. HIV positive women had about seven times more likely to have post C/S infection than those HIV negative women \[(AOR = 6.982, CI: 1.382--35.269)\]. However, other studies did not show its association.

In this study, the age of the mother, ANC follow up, parity, emergency C/S, skin incision, duration of operation, and skill of the person who performs the procedure had no significant association with post c/s infection. However, it is difficult to conclude that those variables are not totally important.

Conclusions {#Sec20}
===========

The magnitude of post C/S infection in this study is high. PROM, chorioaminities, prolonged labor, HIV status, residence and blood loss had shown significant association with post C/S infection.

In this study age of the mother, ANC follow up, parity, emergency c/s, skin incision, duration of operation, and skill of the person who perform the procedure had no significant association with post C/S infection. However, it is difficult to conclude that those variables are not totally important. A small sample was there to show statistical significance.

Based on the finding, the following recommendations are forwarded:❖ Increased awareness, development, and strict implementation of protocol should be done by all the health care professionals in order to minimize and prevent the infection rate after cesarean section❖ Post-operative antibiotics should be given to patients who underwent cesarean section, especially those who are at risk of post cesarean section infection i.e. sero positive, PROM, chorioaminities❖ Evaluate and improve pre, intra and post-operative care through further training and supervision involving more qualified person to decrease post caesarean section infection.❖ Infection prevention procedure in order to reduce the risk of wound infection should be followed appropriately❖ Further prospective study with a large sample size should be conducted.

ACSH

:   Ayder comprehensive, specialized hospital

AOR

:   Adjusted odds ratio

C/S

:   Cesarean section

CI

:   Confidence interval

DM

:   Diabetes mellitus

OR

:   Odds ratio

PROM

:   Premature Rapture of Membrane

SSI

:   Surgical site infection

I would like to say thank you to my friends and coworker for their support by providing constructive comments and sharing their experience during the process of doing this thesis.

My appreciation also goes to the supervisor and data collectors for their kind participation in this study.

Funding {#FPar1}
=======

This study benefited from neither source of funding nor sponsorship, either from the public, private or not-for-profit sectors. Availability of data and materials supporting the conclusions of this article are not included within the manuscript because of confidentiality.

Availability of data and materials {#FPar2}
==================================

We prefer not to share the data because of confidentiality.

TA Conceived and designed the study. TA, GB, KB, WT and BG analyzed and interpreted the data, and drafted the manuscript. TA Critically reviewed and revised the manuscript. All authors approved the final manuscript.

Ethics approval and consent to participate {#FPar3}
==========================================

Ethical clearance was obtained from the Mekelle University, College of health sciences, research and community service office, ethical review committee, and written permission was obtained from the Medical Director of ACSH to support the research. To obtain the participants' chart for review, permission was also obtained from the local administration of the study site. Participants chart identifiers was not recorded on the questioner and code was used by the data collector to separate one participants' data from the other. Participants' chart was handled in such a way that only data collectors were accessed and was not exposed to third person and report was made collectively. All the information obtained from the medical record was held with confidentiality and used only for the intended purpose. Authorizations were obtained from the institutional medical director and different authorities of the study sites like medical record room head and the staff members. The notification code number given to the Tittle was ERC 06187/2016.

Consent for publication {#FPar4}
=======================

Not applicable

Competing interests {#FPar5}
===================

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Publisher's Note {#FPar6}
================

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.


Q:

Hodge Theory, intuition?

We have the following theorem of Hodge, as follows:
$$\dim \ker \Delta^p = \dim H^p(M) = b_p(M).$$My question is, what is the intuition behind this statement?

A:

Hodge theory is a vast subject, especially since Deligne and Griffiths revolutionized it and algebraized it around 1970 with the introduction of variations of Hodge structures and mixed Hodge structures,  axiomatic approaches which found amazing applications in algebraic geometry.
At the most elementary level I would say that Hodge theory is a refinement of De Rham cohomology:
De Rham proved that classical singular cohomology $H^*_{sing}(M,\mathbb R)$ of a smooth compact manifold $M$ is the same as the cohomology $H^*_{deRham}(M)$ of the complex of smooth differential forms $\Omega^*(M)$.
This means that a cohomology class can be represented by a closed differential form.
 But which one should one choose? Unfortunately there is no canonical choice.
Hodge theory furnishes a nice solution to this query: introduce a Riemannian structure on $M$ and then every cohomology class $c\in H^k_{deRham}(M)$ will contain one and ond only one closed harmonic form $\omega \in \Omega^k_{Harm}(M)$ representing it : $c=[\omega]$.
Harmonic here  means annihilated by the Laplace-Beltrami operator $\Delta^k:\Omega^k(M)\to \Omega^k(M)$, an analogue for $k$-forms of the standard Laplace operator $\Delta=\Delta^0:C^\infty(M) \to C^\infty(M)$ for functions.
Hodge theory immediately allows you to prove the finite-dimensionality of $H^k_{deRham}(M)$ and also gets you Poincaré duality for free: $H^{n-p}_{deRham}(M)\simeq (H^{p}_{deRham}(M))^*$
The price to pay for Hodge theory is, however, some investment in the theory of elliptic operators, which some geometers ignorant of partial differential equations (like me) find hard going.

A:

I would say that the basic intuition is that a Riemannian metric defines an inner product on the space of differential forms, which can be used to define an adjoint operator to the exterior derivative. Nowconsider the adjoint $(d_{k-1})^*:\Omega^k\to\Omega^{k-1}$ of $d_{k-1}:\Omega^{k-1}\to\Omega^k$. If the spaces $\Omega^\ell$ were all finite dimensional, then $ker((d_{k-1})^*)$ would be the orthocomplement of $im(d_{k-1})$. Hence $ker((d_{k-1})^*)\cap ker(d_k)$ would be a complement to $im(d_{k-1})$ in $ker(d_k)$ and thus project isomorphically onto the cohomology space $H^k$. Hence you see that $ker((d_{k-1})^*)\cap ker(d_k)$ would have the same dimension as $H^k$.
Using adjointness again, it is easy to verify that (if things were finite dimensional) defining $\Delta_k=d_{k-1}\circ (d_{k-1})^*+(d_k)^*\circ d_k$ you get $ker(\Delta_k)+ker((d_{k-1})^*)\cap ker(d_k)$. (This is like $\Delta(\phi)=0$ implies $0=d\Delta(\phi)=dd^*d\phi=0$ (since $dd=0$) and using adjointness twice, one gets $d\phi=0$, and likewise for $d^*$.)
Using functional analysis/PDE theory as mentioned in the answer of @GeorgesElencwajg , one proves that this continues to hold on a compact manifold in spite of the fact that one deals with infinite dimensional spaces.