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Comparison Between Agile and Traditional Software Development Methodologies

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The early software development methodologies were limited to “code and fix” with little long-term planning, that worked fine for a small set of systems, but as the systems grew they became susceptible to bugs and were harder to run efficiently. Newer methodologies brought planning and discipline in the software development process, with the aim of making software development more efficient and flexible. The advancement of technology and greater market competition added different sets of approaches to software development methodologies. Some companies over the years have introduced their own set of customized methodology for developing their software, but the majority of the worldwide companies follow two kinds of methodologies: heavyweights and lightweight.

The traditional “heavyweight” methodologies are more structured – are process and tool oriented, and follow a predictable path, requiring comprehensive and detailed documentation. Some of the popular traditional methodologies are Waterfall, Unified Process and Spiral. These methodologies are based on a sequential series of steps in which work begins with the elicitation and detailed documentation of an overall requirements, followed by architectural and high level design development and with checkpoints & deliverables at each phase. Due to a long set of processes and relatively inflexible approach, this methodology got the name as heavyweight.

The newer “lightweight” methodology also known as “agile” modeling is a set of values or philosophy. Agile exposes organizational dysfunction. Unlike traditional methods, agile methodologies embrace iterations rather than phases. Agile employ short iterative cycles, small/short releases, simple design, refactoring continuous integration and rely on tacit knowledge within a team as opposed to documentation. Some of the popular agile methods are Extreme Programming, Scrum, Lean, Kanban, Dynamic System Development Method, Feature Driven Development and Adaptive Software Development.

The key difference between heavyweight and agile methodologies is the adaptability factor. In an agile methodology if any major change is required, the team doesn’t freeze its work process; rather it determines how to better handle changes that occur throughout the project. The verification process in agile method occurs much earlier in the development process. On the other hand heavyweight methods freeze product requirements and disallow change. It implements a predictive process and relies on defining and documenting a stable set of requirements at the beginning of a project.

Agile model delivers a working version of the product and direct user involvement in the development process is very early compared to traditional methodologies. The testing cycle for Agile is continuous and comparatively short to traditional methods, because testing is done parallel with development. Most traditional models are very rigid and doesn’t entertain changes and are relatively less flexible than the Agile model. Because of all these advantages, Agile has a comprehensive response to the most of the challenges organizations’ face in a rapidly changing, competitive global market.

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Source by Vishwajyoti Bhattacharjee

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Choosing Right Transformer For Mining Industry

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Introduction

The US has one of the largest mining industries in the world – an industry closely linked with the economy. In the past, the discovery of resources such as gold and oil resulted in a major population shift and rapid growth for formerly remote regions of the country, such as California, Texas, and Alaska. Extraction of these resources, and finding new deposits, continues to provide the foundation for local economies in some regions.

Some of the minerals mined in the US are coal, uranium, copper, gold, silver, iron, lead, zinc and others. Most of the mines in the US are highly automated and thus energy intensive. To provide an example, even in the last decade of the 20th century, iron ore mining alone consumed 62.3 trillion Btu of energy across a calendar year. Because mining is such a large industry and makes a sizable contribution to the national income, mines must have a dependable source of power – a crucial resource for mining processes.

The mining and mineral extraction sector both in the US and worldwide relies heavily on energy to harness natural resources such as aggregates, precious metals, iron ore, oil, gas, and coal. This energy is used to power shovels and drills for excavating these products, loading them into enormous mining trucks or onto conveyer belts, sorting, sifting and crushing ores, heating, and a hundred other functions. Both surface and underground mining operations rely on powered equipment to extract materials and load trucks. Overall, the mining sector could not flourish without the use of vast amounts of energy.

The Role of Transformers

Mine ‘Power Centers’ or ‘Load Centers’ are an essential system for underground and surface mining. Their primary function is to convert distribution voltage into utilization voltage for equipment operation, thus placing power transformers at the heart of the load center. Proper selection of transformers is imperative, and must fulfill safety, reliability, and efficiency requirements. Determining capacity rating is among the first steps for selection of a power transformer for a mining load center. A rule of thumb here is to allow 1 kVA for every horsepower of connected load. Most mining processes, however, do not produce constant loads – all machinery is not connected all the time – and therefore the 1 kVA per horsepower thumb rule will typically result in transformer oversizing. According to the SME Mining Engineering Handbook by Howard L. Hartmann, “Past experience and demand factors established by manufacturers and operators, along with the horsepower of the connected load, are essential for determining transformer capacity. For typical underground mining sections, the kVA rating may lie within the range of 50 to 80% of the connected horsepower.”

Transformer Losses

Standard transformers while under full load operate at 90 to 95% efficiency, with this figure dropping as the load lightens. This is due to inefficiencies in the transformer’s core, a main component of the transformer. The losses in the core remain the same throughout the transformer’s operating range. At 100% load, the amount of comparative loss is negligible. However, at reduced loads, the same amount of energy loss represents a higher percentage of energy being wasted. Unfortunately, average transformer loads run between 34 and 50% of the transformer’s total capacity. With the majority of the electricity used

in the US being run through transformers at these lower loads, massive amounts of energy are being wasted. This issue is of special relevance to the mining industry, simply because of its high energy usage. Mining operations also involve hostile environments full of dust, dirt, chemicals, moisture and airborne contaminants. Load center transformers need to function reliably and efficiently in these environments over a long term.

Without electric power at mining facilities, the natural materials extracted from the earth in the mining process would be much more costly than they are today. Thus, power transformers provide a lot of muscle, capacity, and stability to an essential industry. From drilling trenches to busting up rock, carting out huge loads of materials and pulling up heavy amounts of minerals, power transformers provide the strength and capability needed.

Liquid Filled and Dry Transformers: Performance Characteristics

1.Liquid-Filled Transformers

While there is still debate on the relative advantages of the available types of transformers, there are some performance characteristics that have been accepted: • Liquid-filled transformers are more efficient, have greater overload capability and longer life expectancy. • Liquid-filled units are better at reducing hot-spot coil temperatures, but have higher risk of flammability than dry types. • Liquid-filled transformers sometimes require containment troughs to guard against fluid leaks. • Liquid filled transformers are smaller in size than dry-type units for the same power rating capacity and have lower losses because of their better thermal dissipation characteristics.

2.Dry Type Transformers

Dry type Transformers are usually used for lower ratings (the changeover point being 500kVA to 2.5MVA). They are usually placed indoors, serving an office building/apartment. Dry type units typically come in enclosures with louvers, or sealed.

Dry type transformers use almost no flammable materials and therefore do not constitute a fire hazard when used underground in both coal and other mines.

Dry type transformers in the mining industry are housed in a steel tank and the core and windings are cooled by air circulating within the tank, transferring heat to the steel tank which is in turn cooled by the external air. In some compact designs for mounting on mining machines water cooling is added to further improve the performance of the transformers.

Correct choice of insulating materials and an understanding of the cooling system is imperative if the transformer is to be correctly designed. For example, a temperature rise test conducted on a transformer manufactured and sold as continuously rated, can reveal that the transformer only had a continuous rating of 65% of the nameplate rating.

The Need for Energy-Efficient Mining

With the current focus on climate change and reduction of environmental impact, government agencies around the world are making increasingly stringent demands on industries to reduce energy consumption and manage waste more effectively, among others. It is surprising how many mining operations still use twenty-year-old technology.

Regulatory pressures are already beginning to affect the mining industry – according to an article on ‘US Environmental Regulations and the Mining Industry’ on the International Development Research Center (IDRC) website, “Environmental regulations have had an effect on the US mining industry’s profitability. Companies have been forced to retrofit or renovate installations or leave the market. Increasing operational costs have affected their international competitiveness, and to some extent, this may be changing the world allocation of mining investment. Employment levels have fallen substantially, and local economies have borne part of this cost.”

Mining companies in the US are thus feeling the pressing need to be energy-efficient, simply to stay competitive. Reducing energy consumption by adopting customized, cost-effective solutions like NEMA-approved transformers and harnessing solar or wind energy to meet their future energy needs can be good ideas in the long run, especially since the alternate energy option will help mining companies keep away from fluctuating international fuel prices. Alternate sources of energy are still a very small blip on the graph, in terms of actual power provided for industries like mining, and thus the sector as a whole needs to come up with more immediate ways to conserve energy.

Various types of transformers for the mining industry:

Transformers can be used in various open pit and hard rock (subterranean) applications that range from auxiliary lighting loads to power for cranes, drag lines, conveyor belts and other miscellaneous dedicated variable speed drive applications.

Benefits of energy-efficient mining

• Reduced cost of production

• Opening up of new reserves for Conclusion

On one hand the mining industry is all set to grow to keep up with increasing demand; on the other it has to stay competitive as fuel prices zoom upwards. For an energy intensive industry, keeping a check on fuel consumption and cost is critical. Thus the mining industry as a whole is looking for energy efficient technology, including power transformers.

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Source by Mike Dickinson

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Salt Cavern Storage in Northern Ireland

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Recently in the news, Northern Ireland has plans to build a wind energy project off the Antrim coast. Salt caverns beneath the sea will store the energy generated by the wind farms for times of peak energy demand. With any wind power project, it can’t be relied upon for powering whole cities or a grid, for the wind doesn’t always blow obviously. But with the use of air-tight salt caverns, the energy produced from the wind farms is stored underground and released only as needed. In addition, the salt caverns continue to compress and store the wind power even at night.

The $3 million dollar project is setting a great precedent for the region to seek, or at least be open to, new means of clean-tech energy production. With the dependence and environmental effects of fossil fuel energy, it is a smart move, for this is the way of the future. It’s also refreshing to know that the project might help offset any recession in the area by creating jobs and pumping a little more income into the economy there. The stored energy will balance the cost of electricity in the region as well, for energy cost wont jump up when everyone turns on their heater at the same time, instead the energy company can just release a little of the stored wind power energy to meet the demands.

Salt caverns have many other uses as well. Some of them are: carbon capture, oilfield waste, natural gas storage, and many many more!

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Source by Jason Fradley

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Naming Ceremonies in the Church of England

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In this ceremony, parents and Godparents promise to raise the child in the Christian faith. Even if the child’s parents are not regular churchgoers, a child can still be Christened and the local vicar will be able to provide guidance on this. Sometimes a vicar will require parents to undergo a period of instruction before the Christening, but again, this will depend upon circumstances and the vicar him/herself.

Usually, Christenings form part of the regular Sunday service to welcome the child into the community. Often, several Christenings take place in the same service, but in some parishes a private ceremony can be arranged following the Sunday service.

Parents and Godparents will be asked to make declarations that they believe in God and will raise the child to follow Jesus. The vicar will make the sign of the cross and then pour water on the child’s head to wash away sin. Sometimes a candle will be lit in the church or given to the parents to symbolise the light that has now come into their child’s life.

Some vicars will allow parents or guests to choose hymns and readings for the service.

The Church of England suggests that at least three Godparents are chosen, two the same sex as the child being Christened. Usually Godparents are relatives or close friends of the parents – people the child will have regular contact with. Godparents should themselves have been Christened and some vicars also require that they are confirmed. Godparents should be comfortable making the religious promises that are required of them.

In 1999 the Church of England introduced a Thanksgiving or Blessing Service. This is designed for those wanting a religious service to thank God for the child, but are not ready to make the commitment to baptism into the faith. A Christening can always follow at a later date. In these ceremonies Godparents are not chosen, but adults who will have a similar role in the child’s life can take part.

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Source by Tony Luck

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The Dimensions of an Average Kitchen

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All About the Kitchen

The kitchen is basically that part of the house where that favorite thing of almost everybody in the planet is prepared – food! In the kitchen, dishes are prepared, cooked, plated, and then served to the dining room or area.

For a kitchen to really be able to fulfill its intended purpose, it must have the right dimensions. When we say dimensions, we basically mean the size, that is, the width, the length, and the diameter, and the composition or components of the kitchen. The kitchen also need to have just the right space for people to be able to move around more quickly and easier.

On the Average Kitchen Dimensions

The average kitchen in a residential home usually measures around 300 square feet, or a room or space that has a dimension of 30 feet by 10 feet. It is also possible that this space will have equal measurements on all sides, so that will give us a kitchen that has a length of 15 feet and a width of the same measurement as well. These measurements would be enough to keep things moving swiftly and smoothly in a kitchen.

Meanwhile, if a room would not be secured to be made use of as a kitchen, one could opt for more innovative and space saving solutions, such as kitchen designs. Kitchen designs are basically what one opts to do when the kitchen area, meaning, the place where one prepares and cooks the food, will be placed right on the dining area also. Thus said, we could say here that the kitchen and the dining area would be sharing the same space.

There are five types of kitchen designs which a homeowner could make use of. These are the single file, the double file, the block or island, the L shaped, and the U shaped kitchen designs. The single file kitchen, otherwise known as the one way galley kitchen, is basically a kitchen area that is lined up against a wall. The double file kitchen, on the other hand, is also called as the two way galley kitchen in which the elements of the kitchen are divided into two rows. Usually, this is the design that is employed if the dining table would be placed right on the center of the room. The block or the island type of kitchen, on the other hand, is a variation of the single file kitchen, in which all the kitchen elements are in one line, but they are positioned not against the wall but in the center of the area. This is usually employed when there is not too much space in the residential area and it is only a small apartment or condo unit.

The L shaped and the U shaped kitchens, on the other hand, are said to be the most innovative and space efficient solution, since the work flow tends to be smooth here.

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Source by Jens Peter Jensen

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Adipose Tissue Location In The Body

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Adipose tissue is a specialized connective tissue in the body which is the major storehouse of energy in the form of triglycerides deposition. Adipose is usually found in mammals as two different forms such as white and brown adipose tissues. Depending upon the species of mammals the amount and location of the tissue varies. Most of the fat tissues fall under the white category which is located in various organs and various parts in the body.

In human beings, this tissue is found at multiple locations; it is located beneath the skin as subcutaneous fat, surrounding internal organs as visceral fat, inside bones as bone marrow or yellow bone marrow and also in breast. Specific locations of such layers are referred to as adipocytes depots. These depots are a reservoir of adipose tissue that contains several cell types; the highest percentage of cells is adipocytes that contain fat droplets. Some other cells including fibroblasts, macrophages and endothelial cells are also a part of this tissue along with a number of tiny blood vessels. As the integument system includes the skin that accumulates in the deepest level of the subcutaneous layer, adipose tissue is formed beneath the skin and provides insulation to the body from heat and cold.

It acts as a protective padding around all vital organs in the body. Though its major function is to reserve lipids, it also acts as the main source of energy by synthesizing lipids to fulfill the needs of the individual. Obese persons are seen with more amount of adipose in their body. Excessive tissues are seen hanging downward from the abdomen and also known as a panniculus. Sometimes to remove such fats, surgeries are needed. The abdomen has a layer of adipocytes known as visceral and intra abdominal fat. The internal fat protects stomach, liver, intestines and kidneys by forming protective layers inside the body. Breast fat is also a type of white adipose tissue that helps in formation of milk during pregnancy with help of oxytocin hormone and helps the mother to nourish the infants. In human, excess fats are accumulated in the abdominal, hip and also in the thoracic regions.

In different mammals, adipocytes are also found; in mice they are found inside the abdominal layers and cavity forming several depots inside the body. Even around the uterus and ovaries, it forms a layer of fat filled mass providing protection. Brown adipose tissues are densely packed mitochondria and also found in various locations in mammals. As such tissues are good in vasuclarization, in hibernating animals they help in regulating body temperature through non-shivering thermogenesis.

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Source by Derek Farley

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How to Swap an H22 Into a CRX Chassis Using a Hasport Mount Kit

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This can be a rather difficult swap if attempting it without any instructions or guidance. However, these step-by-step directions can make it a breeze. An H22 engine in an 88-91 civic or CRX chassis exaggerates the old power to weight ratio theory for unbelievable acceleration.

Let’s begin with assuming you have already removed the stock engine. We will start this engine swap by prepping the engine bay. The first step is to remove the passenger side transmission mount bracket that is welded to the frame. It will require the use of a drill with a large drill bit or spot weld drill bit to drill through the factory welds and remove this bracket from the framerail. After removal, use a grinder or similar tool to smooth the framerail of any debris or sharp spots left from the drill.

Next, bolt the passenger side transmission bracket that is included in the Hasport mount kit to the passenger side framerail using the 12mm battery tray bolts and factory threaded holes. You will need to use a sharpie or other marker to trace the outline of this bracket on the framerail. Remove the bracket and grind or sand the paint from the area you traced to prep it for welding.

Bolt the bracket back into place and stitch weld the bracket onto the frame rail. Be careful to fully penetrate the weld, but not burn through the factory frame rail. After the area has cooled, spray primer over the exposed welds and apply your color choice paint over the primed area to prevent corrosion.

Next comes the tricky part. The factory F/H series transmissions are very large and will require some modification to the lower portion of the rail below your newly installed bracket. It is easiest if you lift the engine partially into place to see what area needs to be cut. After cutting enough clearance, you will need to fabricate a brace out of sheet metal or similar material to properly reinforce the frame rail. This can be skipped, but be advised!

Now, some fun stuff. You will have by this time already gotten over the fright of cutting into your car, so this will be a breeze. Use a medium sized sledge hammer and put a large dent in the upper portion of the firewall to make room for the huge H22 intake manifold. It may help to partially lift the engine into place to get an idea where to “put” this dent.

Bolt the rear Hasport Mount onto the lower crossmember using the supplied hardware included with the Hasport Mount Kit. On the timing belt side of your new H22 engine, remove the timing belt covers and unbolt the factory engine mount bracket. Bolt the new Hasport motor mount bracket into place and reinstall the factory timing covers. The covers may need slight trimming to clear the billet hasport mount bracket.

Remove the H22 transmission vehicle speed sensor and replace with your factory 88-91 civic / crx cable driven speed sensor. This should be a direct fit into place. Bolt the Hasport cable to hydro conversion lever assembly onto your H22 transmission. Due to the large size of the H22 engine, you will need to either shave the outer power steering pulley, or install an under-drive style crankshaft pulley that does not have a power steering groove.

Bolt the included Hasport alternator bracket onto your h22 engine using the hardware supplied with the Hasport H22 mount kit. Then bolt your factory D series alternator bracket to the Hasport alternator bracket. You may need to slightly bend your dipstick tube for clearance. Using the remaining factory hardware, bolt your stock D series alternator “upside down” onto your H22 engine. For easier installation into the engine bay, you can wait until the engine is installed to bolt on the alternator.

Now comes the fun part. The easiest way to install an H22 engine using a Hasport Mount Kit is from the bottom. You will need to lift the car up on a hoist and “lower” it down onto the engine. When the engine is nearly in place, bolt the rear engine “L” bracket into place using just the two upper bolts. Leave the two lower bolts for the rear bracket out until the other mounts are bolted in. You can now bolt the timing belt side mount into place, followed by the transmission mount. Only hand tighten these for now. Go back to the rear bracket that bolts the engine to the rear mount and install the two lower bolts. Now tighten all of the engine mount bolts to factory specs.

For wiring, you will need to modify your stock engine harness to fit the Prelude engine. For simplicity, a new custom wiring harness can be also purchased. The axles you will need to use are custom made by Hasport and are to be installed using the H22 intermediate shaft.

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Source by Matthew Roman

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Savaria Concord Eclipse Elevator

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With the increasing number of aged and disabled persons in the United States, the need for accessibility products including residential elevators are on the rise. Having a mobility product installed on your premises is not a difficult proposition anymore, as all major accessibility equipment manufacturers are now offering their residential mobility products at highly affordable rates. Savaria Concord is a pioneer in the accessibility products manufacturing industry, having a wide range of products for both residential and commercial requirements. For clients who are looking for an affordable and efficient residential elevator, Savaria Concord Eclipse Elevator is the ideal choice.

This accessibility equipment from them is easy to install and maintain as no costly modifications are required to be made at your home or premises. As the unit does not require separate room for machine installations, the space requirements are also less. All Savaria Concord Eclipse elevators are built with highly durable components which are the same used in commercial accessibility equipments. So these are capable of ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride for years. Savaria Concord’s Eclipse elevators come with lots of standard features and specifications and some of these include:

o Automatic 2HP-geared roller chain variable frequency drive

o Optional load carrying capacity of 750 lbs, 950 lbs and 1000 lbs

o Rated speed of 40 feet per minute

o Energy efficient variable speed motor drive

o Door interlocks

o Green drive energy return system

o Emergency cab lights

All Savaria Concord Eclipse elevators possess the latest safety features for ensuring a trouble-free ride. The safety features provided include battery powered emergency landing and manual lowering hand crank to tackle situations when the regular power supply has failed. The slack chain brake system also adds to the high level of safety in the Eclipse elevator.

This mobility product has a wide range of customization options to suit varying interior decors of traditional and modern homes. Customers have the choice of selecting their favorite cab styles and required sizes from various collections available.

All Savaria Concord Eclipse elevators are given a 36 months limited warranty for repairs and replacements of defective parts. With authorized accessibility equipment service centers and company trained technicians operating throughout the US, all servicing and maintenance jobs for the Savaria Concord Eclipse elevator are being provided in a professional and time-bound manner.

Considering the various value-added features, we can see that the Savaria Concord is the best suited model for residential use. Apart from providing total freedom of movement to the disabled and the aged, having these mobility products installed in your home can also add to the resale value of your home.

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Source by Anthony Robbins R

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What Is ICC Authority?

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All transportation companies need an operating authority issued by the former Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) which is now maintained by the Department of Transportation (DOT). You as a trucker also need this operating authority. For commercial trucking and commercial truckers it is an unavoidable permit or authority. When you carry commodities over different state lines, you need this ICC authority along with truck Insurance and Cargo Insurance. While getting the ICC authority check with your home state rules and regulations. Your home state may have some regulation regarding loading and unloading of the items. For truckers an ICC authority means you have a permit to carry different items and goods within state and interstate.

Now instead of the ICC, ICC authority applications are handled by two agencies under the USDOT. To get ICC authority, you do not need any experience; you just need to apply for it. ICC authority decides which companies are permitted as truckers/carriers. It also decides the service that these companies will offer and the charges that they can take from the customers.

ICC authority means Operating authority. ICC refers to Interstate Commerce Commission. ICC authority now means federal operating authority that looks after the rules governing transport companies for hire across the different state lines.

ICC authority is a term used to mean a legal permission or a business license. This is granted by a federal or state transportation governing agency. This permit or license is needed by the for hire transportation agency or the truckers.

According to the law, if you are a trucker, you should have a ICC operating authority. If you are operating without it, then you are really taking a big risk.

It is better not to operate till you get the authority. When you, as a trucker, operate within a specific commercial zone then you can operate without such authority but if you plan on going beyond this zone then make sure that you have the authority to.

Truck Insurance Group, a truck insurance agency has a certified ICC authority specialist that will answer your question and assist you with all your ICC authority and commercial truck insurance needs.

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Source by Joe T

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Neuromuscular Physical Therapy – Megan’s Case Study

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In studying Megan’s case history and symptoms, key moments and events stand out in her time line of pain and dysfunction. Nine years ago, after the birth of her second child, was the first time that Megan noticed that her left foot was slightly wider and longer than her right foot. The timing of this is relevant as during the course of her pregnancy a hormone called relaxin would have been released into her system to loosen the ligaments of her pelvis in anticipation of childbirth. However, relaxin can also loosen ligaments elsewhere in the body and a longer and wider left foot would indicate the collapse of the main arches of the foot due to ligament laxity. This is one of the turning points in Megan’s history that has had a detrimental effect on her health ever since. The relaxed ligaments may never have fully recovered their full stabilizing strength and when she developed a tired aching sensation in her left medial arch a few years later it was probably as a result of this. A fallen arch will lead to over pronation and this will in turn put the tibialis anterior and possibly tibialis posterior muscles under undue stress as they try to stabilize and counteract over pronation. Stressed or overwhelmed muscles will form trigger points (TPs) within them and for tibialis anterior this can refer pain anteromedially as it passes the retinaculum. TPs in the tibialis posterior will refer pain into the sole/arch of the foot. Over pronation will lead to shortened peroneus longus which will further inhibit the tibialis muscles which will further exacerbate the problem in a continuous vicious circle.

The whiplash injury experienced last year would also add to Megan’s problems and since then she has experienced occasional headaches and neck stiffness. The whiplash injury almost certainly would have affected her sub occipital muscles, sternocleidomastoids (SCM), scalene and other stabilizers of the neck and spine. This whiplash would lead to improper neck movement which in turn would lead to TPs in the SCM and possibly the longus colli on one side (left) possibly due to the leg length discrepancy. TPs here would leave these muscles in a shortened state resulting in rotation of the head to the right hand side. If the longus colli is involved it result in kinetic chain problems and affect the peroneals on the lateral aspect of the lower limb further exacerbating the fallen arch. With the peroneus longus muscles in such an unhealthy state it is possible that it could have an effect on the sacrotuberous ligament of the pelvis and its ability to hold the sacrum in position. Megan states that one day last year she felt a twinge in her right sacroiliac joint while assisting an obese client up from a supine position. She experienced locking/jamming and diffuse soft tissue pain in QLs, multifidis and shooting pain into her hip. The fact that she was locked into torso flexion to the right suggests that the QLs went into spasm on the right side after insult and as we find out later her sacral base is an inch high on the right and there is posterior rotation of the right ilium with resultant postural imbalance whereby 2/3rd of Megan’s weight is pressing down on her right side. This extra load and postural imbalance has led to shooting pain in the trochanteric region and referred pain on the lateral aspect of the thigh due to TPs in the weakened gluteus medius and iliotibial band issues due to the over worked tensor fasciae latae.

With all this pain getting to unbearable levels, Megan turned to prescription drugs, codeine based painkillers, antidepressants, Zoloft, anti inflammatory tablets all of which would have exacerbated her problems through time by building up toxins in her system. She was also whilst under the influence of painkillers probably injuring tissue by doing activities that she would not have done if she had her natural alarm system of pain stopping her. The elastic support belt and the taping would have made the situation worse by encouraging atrophy of supporting muscle tissue.

Megan’s right shoulder is lower than the left possibly due to shortened latissimus dorsi pulling on the humerus and inhibiting upper trapezius and hypertrophy of the pectoralis minor muscle pulling the scapula forward and down.

As we consider Megan’s problems, symptoms, and case history, we can appreciate that she is suffering abject pain and dysfunction up and down her functional kinetic chain. From the pain in the plantar fasciae, spastic peroneus longus, inhibited tibialis, medially rotated tibia, medial knee pain, lateral thigh pain, trochanteric pain, lumbo – sacral pelvic pain and dysfunction, posteriorally rotated right ilium, lower left anterior superior iliac spine, 2/3rd weight imbalance to right hand side, lower back pain with QLs and multifidis in a shortened state, latissimus dorsi, neck extensors and flexors all giving problems we have to ask the question as to which functional kinetic chain we are dealing with. In my opinion, considering all areas involved, it would be the spiral oblique chain.

Megan would have to be informed that her treatment will be extensive and prolonged because some issues have been there for a while and would involve neural retraining for the dysfunction and imbalances present.

  • Medical screening.
  • Case history.
  • Postural assessment.
  • ROM testing / neural testing.
  • All shortened and restricted muscles would have to be relaxed / lengthened with TP therapy, METs, positional release / strain- counterstrain.
  • Inhibited muscles would have to be fired and strengthened with tapotement, METs and strengthening exercises.
  • Any areas of bind would need STR, cross fiber friction etc.
  • A consideration would be referral for PCIs to address the pronating left foot initially with a plan to strengthen that area long term.
  • Megan’s nutrition was not mentioned but I would be referring her to a specialist in that field to ensure that she has no nutritional deficiencies that would hinder the healing process.

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Source by Charlie J Molloy