Romantic comedy in which a man whose girlfriend has recently left him finds new love with the help of an injured duck. Doug (Rhys Darby) is devastated when his girlfriend, Susan (Faye Smith), announces that she has had enough of him and is dumping him. When he stumbles upon an injured duck, his black mood is such that he only just decides to help it. However, caring for the duck brings out another side of Doug - one even he may not have been aware of - and he gradually begins to develop a new perspective on life. Even better, through the duck Doug meets Holly (Sally Hawkins), a vet, and the pair hit it off. But, with the return of Susan to the scene, will their fledgling relationship take off?

Compiled by architects for architcts, this is an indispensable resource for professionals seeking to understand how colourful buildings can animate their environs and engage their users. Nineteen projects by the worlds most exciting practices are shown in exacting detail through specially drawn plans, sections and elevations, showing the way in which colour has been conceived, designed and constructed alongside high-quality photographs. Projects from leading architects include Alsop Architects' The Public in West Bromwich, Jean Nouvel's Agbar Tower in Barcelona, and Richard Rogers' Terminal T4 in Madrid. Vital reading for architects and architecture students, this is a key resource for understanding how the world's most innovative buildings are designed and how to make the most of budgets, surroundings, and experience.

Encouragement and inspiration to TRANSFORM YOUR HEALTH FOR GOOD! If you're looking for the right combination of inspiration and encouragement to achieve the healthy lifestyle you've longed for-you found it. A companion to the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Daniel Plan, this 365-day devotional provides the heartfelt insight you need to take your health to the next level. Feast on something bigger than a fad. Motivational tips, Scripture passages, Food for Thought, and a special note from Rick Warren lead the way to transformation for the long haul. The Daniel Plan Daily Devotional builds on the top essential-Faith-that has made The Daniel Plan doable and successful for thousands of people worldwide. A dream team of spiritual, fitness, and health professionals, including Rick Warren, Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Mark Hyman, and the Daniel Plan Wellness Faculty will help you continue your journey toward whole health and wellness. Ultimately, The Daniel Plan Daily Devotional will change your life in the areas of faith, food, fitness, focus, and friends-the five essentials to transform your body, mind, and spirit from the inside out!

In the architecture world, sustainability has evolved from an optional feature into an urgent necessity. Now in paperback, this publication presents 25 building projects from around the world that range from a nursery to an office skyscraper, from a medical centre to an artist's residence, public buildings and private homes. Sustainability no longer refers just to the economy, resources, recyclable materials, renewable energy and eco-friendliness; its definition now extends to informed design at every turn, leveraging the characteristics of the location, local history and local traditions, fostering short supply chains and assessing the long-term impact that new constructions will have. In doing so, this book illustrates environmentally-friendly construction projects and the current social and economic impact of this industry, considering not only the health of our planet but also the impact of architecture on people and the way we live. Featuring large-scale high-quality photographs and images of construction details plus drawings, sections, sketches and exploded isometrics, this volume includes a meticulous selection of contemporary buildings by innovative international architecture firms. Included projects: Brazil: STUDIO MK27, Private House Casa Na Mata - In Harmony With Nature (Guaruja, Brazil). Chile: CAZU ZEGERS ARQUITECTURA, Tierra Patagonia Hotel (Torres Del Paine, Chile). China: AMATEUR ARCHITECTURE, Guesthouse Wa Shan (Hangzhou, China); TAO (Trace Architecture Office), Rockview Teahouse (Weihai, China) and Split Courtyard House (Beijing, China). France: LIPSKY + ROLLET ARCHITECTES, Student Residence Maison De L'inde (Paris, France). Germany: MBA/S, Villa H36 - Private House (Stuttgart, Germany). India: VIR.MUELLER ARCHITECTS, Ahmedabad University's Institute Of Engineering And Technology (Ahmedabad, India). Italy: ENZO EUSEBI+PARTNERS. Opificio Salpi (Preci, Italy); MCA - MARIO CUCINELLA ARCHITECTS, Municipal Nursery School (Reggio Emilia, Italy). Mexico: TALLER DE ARQUITECTURA X, Office Skyscraper Torre 41 - A Blend Of Nature and Structure (Mexico City, Mexico). Netherlands /USA MECANOO ARCHITECTEN | SASAKI ASSOCIATES, Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building - Facility Complex (Boston, USA); Portugal: MENOS E MAIS ARQUITECTOS ASSOCIADOS | JOAO MENDES RIBEIRO ARQUITECTO, Arquipelago Center for The Contemporary Arts (Sao Miguel, Portugal). USA: MASS DESIGN GROUP, Cholera Treatment Centre (Port-Au-Prince, Haiti) and Ludwig Pavilion Tuberculosis Hospital (Port-Au-Prince, Haiti); MICHAEL MALTZAN ARCHITECTURE, Star Apartments - Social Housing Complex (Los Angeles, USA); OLSON KUNDIG ARCHITECTS, Pieso Poagen House - Rooted in the Wilderness (Spokane, USA); TOSHIKO MORI ARCHITECT, Thread - Artist Residency and Cultural Center (Sinthian, Senegal); WEISS- MANFREDI, Visitor Reception Building (East Hanover, USA) and Kent State Center for Architecture & Environmental Design (Kent, USA); WHY, Pomona College (Claremont, USA).

The detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is becoming very complex, with new GMOs, approved and unapproved, constantly entering world markets. Traceability and labelling of GMOs is defined in regulations worldwide, demanding accurate and reliable testing to support the requirements of legislation.

ThisBrief provides the current state-of-the-art on all key topics involved in GMO testing and is a source of detailed practical information for laboratories. Special focus is given to qualitative and quantitative real-time PCR analysis relevant to all areas where detection and identification rely on nucleic acid-based methods. The following topics, important for testing laboratories, are also discussed: organization of the laboratory, focusing on aspects of the quality system and methods for testing, validation and verification of methods, and measurement uncertainty. The Brief also discusses the new challenges of GMOs and novel modified organisms, using new technologies, and the possible solutions for GMO detection, including bioinformatics tools. Finally, legislation on GMOs and sources of information on GMOs are provided, which are relevant not only to testing laboratories, but to anyone interested in GMOs.

The authors of this Brief have many years of experience in GMO testing, development of real-time PCR methods, implementation of quality system requirements, validations and verification of methods, and measurement uncertainty. The National Institute of Biology is a highly qualified research laboratory and a National Reference Laboratory, which also performs routine analyses of food, feed and seed. The Institute for Health and Consumer Protection of the European Union Joint Research Centre has extensive knowledge and experience of GMO detection. It hosts the European Union Reference Laboratory for GM Food and Feed in addition to chairing the European Network of GMO Laboratories.

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Brian D. Clark PADC Environmental Impact Assessment and Planning Unit Project Director Events throughout the world substantiate the view that planning and decision-making systems need a better integration of environ mental, economic and social considerations. Many organizations are showing considerable interest in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and its role in project planning and policy evaluation and as an aid to decision-making. Consequently, it was decided to hold a NATO Advanced Study Institute on EIA for the following reasons. First there is evidence of uncertainty, particularly amongst many scientists and decision-makers, as to the nature, scope and object ives of EIA. Secondly, there is much confusion over the objectives and utility of certain EIA methods. Third, there appears to be a gulf developing between decision-makers and what they require from EIA, and the ability of the scientist to provide information which is scientifically rigorous. Finally, there appears to be little concern as to the relationship between "impact prediction" and the actual consequences ofa development activity, suggesting that if EIA is not to become both politically and scientifically disreput able greater emphasis should be placed on prediction, monitoring and post-audit studies. As will be seen from the contents of this volume the ASI attempted to address all of the above topics and indeed many more. It was perhaps inevitable that the ASI raised more questions than were answered but this is indicative of the vigorous debate that is now taking place about the role and utility of EIA."

Brian D. Clark PADC Environmental Impact Assessment and Planning Unit Project Director Events throughout the world substantiate the view that planning and decision-making systems need a better integration of environ mental, economic and social considerations. Many organizations are showing considerable interest in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and its role in project planning and policy evaluation and as an aid to decision-making. Consequently, it was decided to hold a NATO Advanced Study Institute on EIA for the following reasons. First there is evidence of uncertainty, particularly amongst many scientists and decision-makers, as to the nature, scope and object ives of EIA. Secondly, there is much confusion over the objectives and utility of certain EIA methods. Third, there appears to be a gulf developing between decision-makers and what they require from EIA, and the ability of the scientist to provide information which is scientifically rigorous. Finally, there appears to be little concern as to the relationship between "impact prediction" and the actual consequences ofa development activity, suggesting that if EIA is not to become both politically and scientifically disreput able greater emphasis should be placed on prediction, monitoring and post-audit studies. As will be seen from the contents of this volume the ASI attempted to address all of the above topics and indeed many more. It was perhaps inevitable that the ASI raised more questions than were answered but this is indicative of the vigorous debate that is now taking place about the role and utility of EIA."

Architecture in Context analyzes the work of contemporary international architects through the presentation of projects that exemplify their architectural vision and their connection with the spaces with which they work. It explains how the interaction between architecture and landscape is a pivotal aspect, and it describes the design strategies that architects use to insert buildings into the landscape with minimal environmental impact. At the center of designers' work, we find an attention to the identity of the place and the environment, consideration of cultural and social values, and observation of the intrinsic characteristics of the local site and materials. Presenting projects of different scales and sizes, from airports to museums, schools, private houses, public buildings, hotels, and industrial sites, this volume offers up a wide array of the most significant architectural projects by the most respected contemporary architects around the world. Projects: Azerbaijan: Autoban, Heydar Aliyev International Airport (Baku). China: Li Xiaodong Atelier, Liyuan Library (Beijing). Chile: Cazu Zegers Arquitectura, Tierra Patagonia Hotel (Torres del Paine); Rodrigo Duque Motta, Elqui Domos Astronomical Hotel (Pisco Elqui, Paihuano). Colombia: El Equipo Mazzanti, Parque Biblioteca Espana (Medellin). Denmark: 3XN, Frederiksberg Courthouse (Copenhagen). France: 5+1AA Alfonso Femia Gianluca Peluffo, Renovation of Les Docks (Marseille). Italy: Diverserighestudio, Opificio Golinelli (Bologna); Pietro Carlo Pellegrini Architetto, Secondary School (Riccione); MCA Mario Cucinella Architects, Municipal Nursery School (Guastalla); Enzo Eusebi + Partners, Salpi Plant (Preci). Portugal: ANDRE, Casa do Vigario (Paredes). Senegal: Toshiko Mori Architect, Thread Artist Residency and Cultural Center (Sinthian). South Africa: Peter Rich Architects, Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre (Limpopo). The Netherlands: Neutelings Riedijk Architects, Rozet Cultural Center (Arnhem). UK: Steven Holl Architects, Reid Building, Glasgow School of Art (Glasgow). USA: Diller Scofidio + Renfro, The Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center (New York); Michael Maltzan Architecture, Star Apartments (Los Angeles); Thomas Phifer and Partners, Corning Museum of Glass Extension (Corning).

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has long been one of the federal government's key agencies in planning the uses of the nation's waterways and water resources. Though responsible for a range of water-related programs, the Corps's two traditional programs have been flood damage reduction and navigation enhancement. The water resource needs of the nation, however, have for decades been shifting away from engineered control of watersheds toward restoration of ecosystem services and natural hydrologic variability. In response to these shifting needs, legislation was enacted in 1990 which initiated the Corps's involvement in ecological restoration, which is now on par with the Corps's traditional flood damage reduction and navigation roles. This book provides an analysis of the Corps's efforts in ecological restoration, and provides broader recommendations on how the corps might streamline their planning process. It also assesses the impacts of federal legislation on the Corps planning and projects, and provides recommendations on how relevant federal policies might be altered in order to improve Corps planning. Another important shift affecting the Corps has been federal cost-sharing arrangements (enacted in 1986), mandating greater financial participation in Corps water projects by local co-sponsors. The book describes how this has affected the Corps-sponsor relationship, and comments upon how each group must adjust to new planning and political realities.

Hurricane- and coastal-storm-related losses have increased substantially during the past century, largely due to increases in population and development in the most susceptible coastal areas. Climate change poses additional threats to coastal communities from sea level rise and possible increases in strength of the largest hurricanes. Several large cities in the United States have extensive assets at risk to coastal storms, along with countless smaller cities and developed areas. The devastation from Superstorm Sandy has heightened the nation's awareness of these vulnerabilities. What can we do to better prepare for and respond to the increasing risks of loss? Reducing Coastal Risk on the East and Gulf Coasts reviews the coastal risk-reduction strategies and levels of protection that have been used along the United States East and Gulf Coasts to reduce the impacts of coastal flooding associated with storm surges. This report evaluates their effectiveness in terms of economic return, protection of life safety, and minimization of environmental effects. According to this report, the vast majority of the funding for coastal risk-related issues is provided only after a disaster occurs. This report calls for the development of a national vision for coastal risk management that includes a long-term view, regional solutions, and recognition of the full array of economic, social, environmental, and life-safety benefits that come from risk reduction efforts. To support this vision, Reducing Coastal Risk states that a national coastal risk assessment is needed to identify those areas with the greatest risks that are high priorities for risk reduction efforts. The report discusses the implications of expanding the extent and levels of coastal storm surge protection in terms of operation and maintenance costs and the availability of resources. Reducing Coastal Risk recommends that benefit-cost analysis, constrained by acceptable risk criteria and other important environmental and social factors, be used as a framework for evaluating national investments in coastal risk reduction. The recommendations of this report will assist engineers, planners and policy makers at national, regional, state, and local levels to move from a nation that is primarily reactive to coastal disasters to one that invests wisely in coastal risk reduction and builds resilience among coastal communities. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Institutional Landscape for Coastal Risk Management 3 Performance of Coastal Risk Reduction Strategies 4 Principles for Guiding the Nation's Future Investments in Coastal Risk Reduction 5 A Vision for Coastal Risk Reduction References Appendix A: Major U.S. Coastal Storms Since 1900 Appendix B: USACE Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Projects Appendix C: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members

On November 29-30, 2018, in Washington, D.C., the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine held the Workshop on the Continuous Improvement of NASA's Innovation Ecosystem. The workshop was requested by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of the Chief Technologist with the goal of identifying actionable and implementable initiatives that could build on NASA's current innovation culture to reach a future state that will ensure the agency's continued success in the evolving aerospace environment. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Introduction 2 Setting the Stage 3 What Should NASA's Future Look Like? 4 The Challenges 5 Strategies and Tactics for Creating the Desired Future 6 The Path Forward Appendixes Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Meeting Agendas Appendix C: Workshop Participant List Appendix D: Planning Committee, Rapporteur, and Staff Bios Appendix E: Acronyms

The Air Force Studies Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine hosted a three-part workshop series to examine the risks associated with the technical, programmatic, organizational, and governance challenges facing the Department of the Air Force (DAF) in its pursuit of enterprise-wide digital transformation strategies. Senior representatives from government, military, industry, and academia considered the DAF's strategic-level decision-making process as well as how it could achieve unity of effort across all of its digital agencies. Workshop participants discussed organizational and management gaps and weaknesses, as well as technical shortfalls associated with the DAF's digital transformation strategies - for example, the issue of cybersecurity within the context of the DAF's proposed digital strategies. Organizational and management practices from both the public and private sectors were also discussed in light of their potential for adaptation and adoption within the DAF. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, the three 2-day workshops of the series were held virtually on September 1-2, 2021, September 8-9, 2021, and September 23-24. Panelists at the first workshop explained and discussed the DAF's digital transformation strategy - in particular, the proposed digital architectures and the systems, programs, organizations, and missions to be supported. The second workshop featured panels of information systems experts and managers from industry and other government agencies who discussed their experiences with digital transformations and shared their views of best practices. The third workshop focused on the potential applicability of these lessons learned to the DAF's digital transformation strategy and architecture. This proceedings is a factual summary of what occurred during the workshop series. Table of Contents Front Matter Introduction 1 Workshop One, Part One 2 Workshop One, Part Two 3 Workshop Two, Part One 4 Workshop Two, Part Two 5 Workshop Three, Part One 6 Workshop Three, Part Two Appendixes Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Workshop Agendas Appendix C: Biographical Information for Planning Committee Members Appendix D: Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group Project and Study Ideas Appendix E: Workshop Series Recap Meeting

Since 2004, the U.S. government has supported the global response to HIV/AIDS through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The Republic of Rwanda, a PEPFAR partner country since the initiative began, has made gains in its HIV response, including increased access to and coverage of antiretroviral therapy and decreased HIV prevalence. However, a persistent shortage in human resources for health (HRH) affects the health of people living with HIV and the entire Rwandan population. Recognizing HRH capabilities as a foundational challenge for the health system and the response to HIV, the Government of Rwanda worked with PEPFAR and other partners to develop a program to strengthen institutional capacity in health professional education and thereby increase the production of high-quality health workers. The Program was fully managed by the Government of Rwanda and was designed to run from 2011 through 2019. PEPFAR initiated funding in 2012. In 2015, PEPFAR adopted a new strategy focused on high-burden geographic areas and key populations, resulting in a reconfiguration of its HIV portfolio in Rwanda and a decision to cease funding the Program, which was determined no longer core to its programming strategy. The last disbursement for the Program from PEPFAR was in 2017. Evaluation of PEPFAR's Contribution (2012-2017) to Rwanda's Human Resources for Health Program describes PEPFAR-supported HRH activities in Rwanda in relation to programmatic priorities, outputs, and outcomes and examines, to the extent feasible, the impact on HRH and HIV-related outcomes. The HRH Program more than tripled the country's physician specialist workforce and produced major increases in the numbers and qualifications of nurses and midwives. Partnerships between U.S. institutions and the University of Rwanda introduced new programs, upgraded curricula, and improved the quality of teaching and training for health professionals. Growing the number, skills, and competencies of health workers contributed to direct and indirect improvements in the quality of HIV care. Based on the successes and challenges of the HRH program, the report recommends that future investments in health professional education be designed within a more comprehensive approach to human resources for health and institutional capacity building, which would strengthen the health system to meet both HIV-specific and more general health needs. The recommendations offer an aspirational framework to reimagine how partnerships are formed, how investments are made, and how the effects of those investments are documented. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction: Evaluation Scope and Approach 2 Evaluation Design, Methods, and Limitations 3 Human Resources for Health Program Context, Vision, and Design 4 Faculty Twinning 5 Institutional Capacity for Health Professional Education 6 Health Worker Production 7 Effects on Human Resources for Health and Quality of Care 8 Recommendations Appendix A: Committee Member, Consultant, and Staff Biographies Appendix B: Public Session Agendas

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is responsible for construction, operations, and maintenance of much of the nation's water resources infrastructure. This infrastructure includes flood control levees, multi-purpose dams, locks, navigation channels, port and harbor facilities, and beach protection infrastructure. The Corps of Engineers also regulates the dredging and filling of wetlands subject to federal jurisdictions. Along with its programs for flood damage reduction and support of commercial navigation, ecosystem restoration was added as a primary Corps mission area in 1996. The National Research Council (NRC) Committee on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Water Resources Science, Engineering, and Planning was convened by the NRC at the request of the Corps of Engineers to provide independent advice to the Corps on an array of strategic and planning issues. National Water Resources Challenges Facing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers surveys the key water resources challenges facing the Corps, the limits of what might be expected today from the Corps, and future prospects for the agency. This report presents several findings, but no recommendations, to the Corps of Engineers based on initial investigations and discussions with Corps leadership. National Water Resources Challenges Facing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can serve as a foundational resource for the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and Corps project co-sponsors, among others. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary National Water Resources Challenges Facing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers References Appendix A: Guest Speakers at Committee Meetings Appendix B: Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program Statistics Appendix C: Biographical Information: Committee on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Science, Engineering, and Planning