Wednesday 16 October 2013

How The World Uses Gold

The global gold supply reached 4,477 tonnes in 2012, with the gross value added (GVA) of the entire market estimated to be in excess of $210 billion, according to a new report from PwC.
But who actually holds the shiny yellow metal?
Take a look at this chart from the report showing global gold demand in 2012. Central bank purchases accounted for 12% of demand, while individuals' coin and bar purchases accounted for 29%. Jewellery had the largest share, at 43% last year.
The United States of America holds more gold than any other country in the world.
Gold holdings: 8,133.5 tonnes
Percentage of total foreign reserves: 75.1%

10 Tragic Movie Set Disasters

http://in.screen.yahoo.com/10-tragic-movie-set-disasters-180006012.html



In movies with explosions, chases and gun battles it isn't surprising that accidents have happened, watch on for 10 Tragic Movie Set Disasters. Music = Backward Reality by Igor Dvorkin and Ellie Kidd

Tuesday 8 October 2013

Hidden Health Secrets of Lemons

Did you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief?
There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.
These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.
- See more at: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx#sthash.oYwMSgnr.dpufDid you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief?Did you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief?Did you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief?Did you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief?Did you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief?Lemon contains citric acid, which can be effective in treating acne. The vitamin C found in citrus fruits is vital for that healthy glowing skin while its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne. In addition to drinking lemon juice with water first thing in the morning, here are some suggestions on how to prepare a homemade acne treatment using lemon:
·Did you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief?
There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.
These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.
Lemon contains citric acid, which can be effective in treating acne. The vitamin C found in citrus fruits is vital for that healthy glowing skin while its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne. In addition to drinking lemon juice with water first thing in the morning, here are some suggestions on how to prepare a homemade acne treatment using lemon:
 With your finger or a cotton ball, apply fresh lemon juice on acne and leave it overnight. Wash with water the following morning. There may be an uncomfortable sensation of burning at first, but it will soon disappear.
· Mix one part of freshly squeezed lemon juice with an equal part of rose or honey water. Put the mixture on affected areas for at least half an hour. Wash it afterwards with water. This application should be repeated twice daily, ideally in the morning and the evening.
Note: these remedies are safe and natural, but if acne is severe or there are open wounds, consult your doctor first.
Research has shown that lemon balm has a calming effect and therefore may be able to help remove fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. It is also believed that inhaling lemon oil helps in increasing concentration and alertness. It can therefore be used as a room freshener in offices to increase the efficiency of the employees. If you’re feeling tense sprinkle a few drops of lemon balm essential oil

The proven antibacterial and antiviral properties of lemons can accelerate the healing process in the case of cankers. Mix the juice of freshly squeezed lemon into a glass of lukewarm water and rinse your mouth with this solution; do this three times a day. There may be a burning sensation when the lemon juice comes into contact with the canker, however, the more frequently you use it, the less burning there will be.

Chills and fevers may be due to a variety of causes, but the lemon is always a helpful remedy. Here is a method that can ease symptoms: add the juice of 1 lemon to a cup of hot water with honey and drink at once, then every 2 hours until the fever or chill subsides
When you have a cold, the healing power of lemons works both internally, by supplying urgently required vitamin C to your defense cells, and externally, through the application of its antiviral properties to the virus on the mucous membranes in the nose and throat.
At the first indication of a cold – a runny nose or sore throat –try to give your body as much immune-boosting vitamin C as you can so that the virus is eliminated before it gets a chance to take hold. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water every 2 hours.

If you have a sore throat, add the juice of 1 lemon and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of sea salt to 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm water. Gargle three times a day for 1 minute to diminish the burning sensation. If it’s a case of tonsillitis, gargle every 2 hours for at least 30 seconds with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon. Tilt the head back to allow the antibacterial and antiviral properties of the juice to flow into the back of the throat. You can swallow the juice when you have finished gargling thereby benefiting from an immune-boosting vitamin C shot
Lemon poultices applied overnight are a good home remedy for corns and calluses. Place a slice of lemon approx 5 mm thick on to the corn, bandage and fasten. Dabbing the affected area with lemon essential oil also helps accelerate the healing process. Take care to only use the undiluted oil on the callused area using a cotton ball or Q- tip, as it is too strong for un-callused skin
If you suffer from skin infection such as eczema, a lemon wrap may offer relief. Add 8 drops of lemon essential oil to 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of liquid honey. Honey also has anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the healing power of lemon.

Soak a linen cloth in the liquid, squeeze out the excess, and gently place the cloth on the affected area for 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. Not only will this ease the infection, it will counter the overwhelming urge to scratch
Long distance walkers, world travelers, and explorers look upon the lemon as a Godsend. When fatigue sets in, they might suck lemon juice by piercing the top of the fruit with a straw, giving themselves a quick-acting medicine and a lovely refreshment.
Explorers also use lemon for protection against many infections of the tropics. A small amount of lemon juice will quench thirst more effectively than many times the amount of water. Experienced travelers declare that when they add lemon juice to ordinary drinking water, in various localities, it acts as an antiseptic and prevents illness due to allergy to different water supplies.

Lemon oil also seems to be able to stimulate brain activity so whenever you feel tired for no reason or are finding it hard to focus or concentrate, add 4 drops of lemon oil to a water-filled aromatherapy lamp. Alternatively, drink a glass of lemon water every few hours.

Lemons can help freshen breath that has gone sour after consuming certain spices, alcohol, cigarettes, or that is caused by insufficient salivation. To keep breath fresh, thoroughly rinse your mouth several times a day with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. Chewing on a lemon slice after every meal will also hel



There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.
These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.
- See more at: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx#sthash.oYwMSgnr.dpuf
There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.
These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.
- See more at: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx#sthash.oYwMSgnr.dpufDid you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief?
There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.
These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.
- See more at: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx#sthash.oYwMSgnr.dpufDid you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief?
There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.
These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.
- See more at: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx#sthash.oYwMSgnr.dpuf
There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.
These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.
- See more at: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx#sthash.oYwMSgnr.dpuf
There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.
These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.
- See more at: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx#sthash.oYwMSgnr.dpuf
There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.
These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.
- See more at: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx#sthash.oYwMSgnr.dpuf

Saturday 5 October 2013

Intelligent Transportation Systems Benefits, Costs, Deployment, and Lessons Learned:

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) provide a proven set of strategies for addressing
the challenges of assuring safety and reducing congestion, while accommodating the
growth in transit ridership and freight movement. ITS improve transportation safety and
mobility, and enhance productivity through the use of advanced communications, sensors,
and information processing technologies encompassing a broad range of wireless and
wireline communications-based information and electronics. When integrated into the
transportation system’s infrastructure, and into vehicles themselves, these technologies
relieve congestion, improve safety, and enhance American productivity.
This report presents information on the performance of deployed ITS, as well as information
on the costs, deployment levels, and lessons learned regarding ITS deployment and
operations. The report, and the collection of four Web-based resources upon which it is
based, have been developed by the U.S. DOT’s ITS Joint Program Office (JPO) to support
informed decision making regarding ITS deployment.
To support the deployment of ITS and to address the challenges facing the U.S. transportation
system, the JPO has developed a suite of knowledge resources. This collection
of Web-based resources provides ready access to information supporting informed
decision making regarding deployment and operation of ITS to improve transportation
system performance. Information presented in these online knowledge resources is
the basis for this document. The four knowledge resources are the ITS Benefits Database
(www.itsbenefits.its.dot.gov), ITS Costs Database (www.itscosts.its.dot.gov), ITS Deployment
Statistics Database (www.itsdeployment.its.dot.gov), and the ITS Lessons Learned Knowledge
Resource (www.itslessons.its.dot.gov).
This report discusses 17 different areas of ITS application. These chapters are divided into
two sections discussing technologies deployed on the transportation infrastructure and
those deployed within vehicles. The 14 different infrastructure applications discussed can
be grouped into ITS strategies applied to roadways, transit, management and operations
of transportation systems, and freight movement. Lessons learned during ITS planning,
implementation, and deployment, highlighted throughout the report, are discussed in a
chapter following the review of ITS applications and summarized at the conclusion of this
executive summary.

Intelligent Infrastructure
Roadways
Roadway applications of ITS include strategies applied to arterial roadways, freeways,
crash prevention and safety, road weather management, and roadway operations and
maintenance.
Arterial Management
Studies demonstrate the ability of traffic control ITS applications to enhance mobility,
increase efficiency of the transportation systems, and reduce the impact of automobile
travel on energy consumption and air quality. The ability of both adaptive signal control
and coordinated signal timing to smooth traffic can lead to corresponding safety improvements
through reduced rear-end crashes. Optimizing signal timing is considered a lowcost
approach to reducing congestion. Based on data from six separate studies, the costs
range from $2,500 to $3,100 per signal per update.1 Based on a series of surveys of arterial
management agencies in 78 of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas, half of traffic signals in
these metropolitan areas were under centralized control through closed-loop or computer
control in 2006.
Freeway Management
There are numerous ITS strategies to improve freeway operations. Metropolitan areas that
deploy ITS infrastructure including dynamic message signs (DMS) to manage freeway and
arterial traffic, and integrate traveler information with incident management systems can
increase peak period freeway speeds by 8 to 13 percent,2 improve travel time, and according
to simulation studies, reduce crash rates and improve trip time reliability with delay
reductions ranging from 1 to 22 percent.3 In Minneapolis-St. Paul, the benefit-to-cost ratio
for a ramp metering system was estimated at 15:1.4
The Florida DOT (FDOT) deployed 31 DMS in Broward County including associated structures,
foundations, controllers, cabinets, and installation, plus approximately 37 miles of
in-ground fiber optic communications at a cost of $11 million. Annual operating costs were
estimated at $22,320 and annual maintenance costs were estimated at $620,000. FDOT
coordinates with other agencies to verify incident and congestion locations and then posts
traveler information on the DMS along effected routes.5
Ramp meters now manage access to 13 percent of freeway miles in the country’s 78 largest
metropolitan areas, up from 9 percent in 2000. As of 2006, surveillance—consisting of
loop detectors, radar detectors and acoustic detectors—is used to collect data on traffic
conditions on 45 percent of freeway miles in the country’s 78 largest metropolitan areas,
up from 22 percent in 2000.
Crash Prevention and Safety
Road geometry warning systems can improve safety on highway ramps or curves that experience
a high incidence of truck rollovers. Downhill speed warning systems have decreased
truck crashes by up to 13 percent at problem sites in Oregon and Colorado.6 As part of an
evaluation of automated truck rollover warning systems, the Pennsylvania DOT researched
systems in other states. The cost of these systems varied significantly, ranging from $50,000
to $500,000, as did their configurations: invasive and non-invasive detection, weight-based
versus simplified speed class algorithms, and system calibrations for warnings.7 The three
most widely adopted systems are curve and ramp speed, rail crossing warning systems,and pedestrian safety systems. Next in popularity, and adopted by about half as many
states, are downhill warning systems, intersection collision avoidance systems, and animal
warning systems
     Road Weather Management
High-quality road weather information can benefit travelers, commercial vehicle operators,
emergency responders, and agencies who construct, operate, and maintain roadways.
Evaluation data show that 80 to 94 percent of motorists who use traveler information Web
sites think road weather information enhances their safety and prepares them for adverse
road weather.8 Studies have found that anti-icing programs can lower snow and ice control
costs by 10 to 50 percent and reduce crash rates by 7 to 83 percent.9 Nine respondents to a
fixed automated spray technology (FAST) survey indicated that cost of installations varied
greatly, $22,000 to $4 million, depending on coverage area, site location, accessibility of
existing utilities, system functionality and features, and market factors. Operations and
maintenance (O&M) costs of FAST systems are relatively low compared to the installation
costs.10 State DOTs disseminate weather warnings to public traveler information agencies
in 26 states, traffic management agencies in 22 states, and incident management agencies
in 21 states.
Roadway Operations and Maintenance
ITS technologies deployed for roadway operations and maintenance activities can have
system-wide impacts. Network simulation models estimate that smart work zones can
reduce total delay by 41 to 75 percent.11 In addition to improving mobility, work zone ITS can
improve safety. Evaluation data show that areas equipped with speed monitoring displays
can decrease vehicle speeds by 4 to 6 mi/h,12 and reduce the number of speeding vehicles
by 25 to 78 percent.13 Work zone ITS deployment costs ranged from $100,000 to $2.5 million
with the majority of systems ranging from $150,000 to $500,000.14
Transit
Several applications of ITS for transit management have been deployed.
Transit Management
Fleet management applications, including automatic vehicle location (AVL) and computeraided
dispatch (CAD) systems, can improve both the experience of transit riders and
the efficiency of transit operations by enabling more efficient planning, scheduling, and
management of transit assets and resources. Transit agencies have reported reductions
in fleet requirements ranging from two to five percent as a result of improved fleet utilization.
15 Data from transit systems in Portland, Oregon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Baltimore,
Maryland show that AVL/CAD systems have improved schedule adherence by 9 to
23 percent.16
Mobile data terminals (MDTs) are an important component of transit fleet management
systems. MDTs are multifunctional on-board devices that support two-way communication
between the vehicle and the control center. Capital costs for MDTs typically range
between $1,000 and $4,000 per unit with installation costs frequently between $500 and
$1,000.17
The use of AVL on fixed-route buses has expanded rapidly during this period, growing from
32 percent in 2000 to almost 60 percent in 2006............................................................................

In Finland, a road weather information system with variable speed limit signs

In Finland, a road weather information system with variable speed limit signs was projected to yield a benefit-to-cost ratio ranging from 0.6:1 to 1.6:1 depending on the influence of the system on vehicle speeds and crash rate.


The Finnish E18 Weather Test Area is an experimental road section along the southern coast of Finland between the towns of Kotka and Hamina. The 8.7 mile (14 km) test area is equipped with a road weather information system (RWIS) consisting of 36 variable speed limit signs, five variable message signs (VMS) displaying graphical and textual information, and two environmental sensor stations (ESS). Each ESS measures wind speed and direction, air temperature, pavement and sub-surface temperature, humidity, precipitation rate and accumulation, and pavement condition. The western ESS nearest the sea also measures precipitation type and visibility. Kotka Maintenance Station personnel have primary control responsibility for the system. The Road Monitoring Center at Kouvola monitors the roadway as well. Variable signs are automatically controlled by the RWIS or manually controlled by operations personnel. Manual control is used if the variable signs automatically display information that does not correspond to actual conditions. Variable speed limit signs are divided into 12 separately controlled groups, with signs in a single group displaying the same speed limit. A 15-minute time lag is utilized so that speed limits do not change over short time intervals. The western and eastern parts of the roadway are also controlled separately. 


  • The divided roadway section typically has speed limits of 75 mi/h (120 km/h) in the summer. In the winter, recommended speed limits vary between 50 mi/h (80 km/h) and 62 mi/h (100 km/h) based on road and weather condition data collected from the ESS. Recommended speed limits are based on pavement condition, precipitation, visibility and wind. Heavy precipitation and wet pavement conditions reduce the speed limit from 62 mi/h (100 km/h) to 50 mi/h (80 km/h). Visibility below 920 feet (280 meters) reduces the speed limit to 62 mi/h (100 km/h). Visibility below 590 feet (180 meters) further reduces the speed limit to 50 mi/h (80 km/h). When wind velocities exceed 27 mi/h (12 m/s) and 38 mi/h (17 m/s), the speed limit is dropped to 62 mi/h (100 km/h) and 50 mi/h (80 km/h), respectively. When speed limits are reduced, VMS display the reason for the reduced speeds. Three symbols indicating “slippery road surface,” “hazardous conditions ahead,” or “road construction ahead” may also be displayed on VMS. If speed limits are not reduced, VMS display only air and pavement temperatures.
  • The Finnish National Road Administration (FinnRA) evaluated the profitability and effectiveness of the road weather information system based on estimates of socio-economic impacts and 300 driver surveys. The socio-economic factors are costs due to accident, time, vehicle, emissions (i.e., exhaust fumes), noise, and pavement surface. The costs were estimated before and after installation of the RWIS to determine the differences, which represent the socio-economic impacts of the system. Accident rate and average speed were estimated in both summer and winter, and at three speed limits: 75 mi/h (120 km/h), 62 mi/h (100 km/h), and 50 mi/h (80 km/h). The unit value of time was estimated for both light and heavy vehicles. Unit values of fixed and variable vehicle costs were specified for basic conditions. Basic vehicle costs were then estimated based on average speed and comparative fuel consumption. The unit value of emission costs due to nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particles was calculated. The effect of noise costs was determined based on the change in average speed. Annual asphalt pavement surfacing costs were calculated based on percent change in wearing speed.


Vehicle Speed Governor

Vehicle Speed Governor (General Overview)

Vehicle Speed Governor is a feature designed to regulate the maximum vehicle speed as controlled by the
accelerator pedal.Programmable parameters within the engine control module (ECM) provide vehicle speed governor relatedoptions that can be adjusted to suit the customer’s needs. A parameter is used to set the maximum accelerator controlled vehicle speed.
Additional programming flexibility is included to allow a trade off to be made between performance and fuel
economy.

Operation
This feature limits the maximum vehicle speed. If your engine reaches a certain speed and feels like it
should have more power to travel faster, you are probably traveling at the governed maximum speed limit.
Verify the “Accelerator Vehicle Speed Limit” (7902) parameter setting.
The driver controls for this feature work through the accelerator pedal only. There are no other operator
interactions involved, such as switches or indicators.

The following interlocks must be satisfied for vehicle speed governor to be active:
 As long as the “Vehicle Speed Governor Enable” (7900) parameter is “enabled” and there are no
active vehicle speed sensor (VSS) faults, then the feature will be active.
NOTE: If the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is faulted, the engine speed will be limited to the
programmable “Engine Speed Limit with VSS Fault” (7901) parameter setting  Cruise Control and Accelerator Pedals – Fuel economy improvements can be realized by
encouraging the driver to use cruise by setting the “Maximum Cruise Control Speed” (7604)
parameter higher than the “Accelerator Vehicle Speed Limit” (7902) setting used by the “Vehicle
Speed Governor” feature. High fuel economy drivers can be rewarded by setting (7902) higher
than (7604) to allow passing opportunities when the accelerator pedal is required.

Engine Speed Limit with VSSFault (7901)

This parameter sets the maximum engine speed allowed when an active vehicle speed sensor (VSS) fault
exits and PTO engine speed control is not active. This parameter might be useful in preventing the
operator from exceeding the “Accelerator Vehicle Speed Limit” (7902) parameter setting by tampering
with the vehicle speed sensor.

1200 to 2100 rpm






Wednesday 2 October 2013

SHEET METAL GAUGE



SHEET METAL          DECIMAL (APPROX.)            SHEET METAL          DECIMAL (APPROX.)
 GAUGE                                   Thickness                   GAUGE                                   Thickness  


3                                                 .2391                                                        
                                                                                                         17                     . 0538
4                                                  .2242                                              18                        .0478
5                                                  .2092                                                  19                   .0418
6                                                   .1943                                                  20               .0359
7                                                  .1793                                                   21                  .0329
8                                                   .1644                                                 22                        .0299
9                                                      .1495                                              23                   .0269
10                                                   .1345                                                24                       .0239
11                                                      .1196                                                 25                    .0209
12                                                   .1046                                                    26                   .0179
13                                                     .0897                                                27                     .0164
14                                                     .0747                                                 28                   .0149
15                                                     .0673                                                   29                  .0135
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Tuesday 1 October 2013

Historic Japanese erotica reveals Tokyo’s sex secrets

he British Museum is displaying 150 pieces of erotic art from Japan in one of its boldest ever exhibitions.
Known as Shunga, the pictures provide a perspective on sex quite different from European art of the same period.
The exhibition allows viewers to see the most intimate moments of Japan from a time when it was largely closed off from the rest of the world.
Most of the pictures are wood block prints, produced in Tokyo in the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries and show a range of sex acts, often in explicit detail.
The term "Shunga" literally means "spring pictures"; a euphemism for the erotic art which flourished at a time when the city's population was growing rapidly and contact with the West was not allowed. They are also known as "pillow pictures" or "laughing pictures" and tend to show their subjects enjoying sex.
Most depict partnerships of men and women but there are some gay and lesbian scenes, as well as depictions of groups of people taking part in orgies.
The pictures were sometimes sold in albums of 12 images, showing a range of different sexual situations. By purchasing a collection, buyers would not necessarily have to reveal which pictures they preferred to see.
Because of its explicit nature, the British Museum's exhibition can only be seen by people over the age of 16.
Other galleries have, in the past, regarded some Shunga as obscene and refused to show them. But, in recent years it has come to be accepted as a sophisticated art form, which provides an insight into the sexuality and gender politics of early modern Japan.
Sometimes albums of Shunga images were presented to young women before marriage to give them an idea of what to expect on their wedding night.
But art historian Dr Majella Munro says that, although Shunga had a role in sex education, this was not its main purpose.

'Fine clothes'
To modern eyes, Shunga pictures sometimes resemble caricatures or contemporary manga cartoons from Japan, which can also be highly sexualised.
However, they rarely show completely nude bodies.
Professor Timon Screech from the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) says they need to be seen in context.
"The longstanding idea that the shape of the human body somehow encompasses perfection is drawn from a Greek ideal that was completely absent in all East Asian countries," says Professor Screech.
"It is much more likely that people thought beautiful, fine clothes were more sexually arousing than skin. Skin is what workers exposed in the street or what you saw at the bath house," he says.
"Whereas if you could run your fingers through some amazing piece of cloth - that was exciting. That is why the bodies are often covered in amazing fabrics."
The first Shunga pictures to arrive in Britain were included in the cargo of a ship named the Clove, owned by the East India Company, which returned from a pioneering voyage to Japan in 1614.
It also brought back suits of armour and silk screens decorated with gold - presents from the Japanese Shogun (military commanders).
Some of the goods were sold at auction but the company confiscated the Shunga from the Clove's commander John Saris, considering it scandalous. It was later destroyed.
Professor Screech, who has written a book about Shunga, says the pictures rarely show compulsion or rape.
"The ultimate fetish seems to be that the person who I am doing it with actually wants to do it with me," he says.
In reality, prostitution was widespread in early modern Tokyo, when the city was known as Edo. Young women from poor backgrounds were often sold into the sex trade by their families. Venereal disease and unwanted pregnancies were common.
Art of the time - both erotic images and more mainstream depictions of women working as courtesans - presents a different picture, according to Professor Screech.
"Everyone is beautiful or gets beauty. There are a few stories of some vain person forcing their attentions on a person who rejects them but, for the most part, Shunga is celebratory of what can be termed, somewhat anachronistically, as a kind of free love - which we know was almost certainly not the case at the time," he says.
After the Shunga exhibition finishes at the British Museum it will take to the road and appear in other countries, including Japan