Daily Archives: November 8, 2023

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Resolving the puzzle of same-sex sexual interactions - Nature.com

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Black Friday is widely considered to be the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Occurring this year on November 24, Black Friday has become an inextricable part of the long, post-Thanksgiving weekend, thanks to the sales and discounts that seemingly every store offers.

For shoppers who love the thrill of the hunt and want to get a head start on shopping for their holiday gifts, Black Friday sales offer an opportunity to complete their present purchasing while saving money at the same time. Others may look for discounts on big-ticket household appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines.

But, why is it called Black Friday? Here, we're diving into the history of Black Friday, exploring how it has evolved into the massive shopping event it is today, and even offering some strategies for finding the best deals during this time.

The name Black Friday sounds curiously gloomy, and it does have a decidedly dark origin. It originally referred to the days of two financial crashes. The first Black Friday, in 1869, saw the price of gold collapse. In 1929, Black Monday marked the steep decline of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which was the start of the Great Depression.

The meaning began to change in the '50s and '60s: According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, traffic police in Philadelphia began referring to the day after Thanksgiving as Black Friday, due to the holiday-related traffic jams and crowded sidewalks filled with shoppers.

In the late 80s, retailers started making Black Friday a dedicated shopping event by opening their stores earlier, closing later, and offering special one-day sales. Since then, the shopping window for certain stores has widened to encompass the entire week leading up to and following Black Friday.

The widely accepted definition of Black Friday now is the day when retailers balance sheets supposedly go from being in the red for most of the year to in the black, meaning theyre operating at a profit.

In recent years, Black Friday has spawned other shopping holidays, including Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, GivingTuesday, and Green Monday, which is the last day shoppers can place an online order in time for Christmas. (Typically, it's the second Monday in December). These offshoots extend the holiday shopping spree beyond the one-day sale, and, in some cases, help promote independent retailers and charitable causes over big-box stores.

To score the best Black Friday deals, youll want to plan ahead. Many retailers start their sales early, so rather than waiting until Friday morning to start scouring websites, start checking them late on Wednesday evening. Even if the sales havent started, most sites will mention when they will begin.

Spend some time making a list of gifts (for yourself and others) that youd like to buy, so you dont get caught up in the excitement and end up with a lot of things you dont need. If you're concerned about the traffic congestion and crowds at brick-and-mortar stores, you can plan to shop online.

Many stores, like Best Buy, have price-matching policies, so if you buy an item on Thanksgiving and the price drops further on Black Friday, you can request a price adjustment. (Just note that some exclusions do apply).

Before you smash that add to cart button, take a moment to Google the item youre considering. Youll be able to see what its selling for elsewhere and decide if youre getting the best deal.

Theres nothing worse than finding something you think youll love online, discovering that its all wrong, and being unable to return it. If theres a chance that you might need to exchange or return an item, be sure to read the retailers return policy so you don't wind up disappointed.

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The History and Evolution of Black Friday And How It Got Its Name - Yahoo Life

EPISODE SUMMARY

This weeks Pathfinder pod features Relativity Space CEO Tim Ellis. Tim walks us through what went wrong during Terran 1s flight and why it wont happen with Terran R. Listen to Pathfinder #0071 for more on Relativitys future on Mars, whether theres a rocket larger than Terran R in Relativitys future, the long-term strategy for 3D printing, and much more.

Last March, Terran 1 became the first 3D printed rocket to reach suborbital space, but failed to reach orbit.

The Shift to Terran R

Earlier this year, Relativity announced that it was scrapping Terran 1 development to focus solely on its larger Terran R vehicle.

Marketing Strategy

Its no secret that Relativity has one of the most innovative marketing strategies of the major launch companies. Ellis shed light on the companys unique marketing approach, which is as strategic as it is creative.

In addition, Mo and Tim also discuss:

This episode is brought to you by SpiderOak, a US-based software company that builds space cybersecurity products and solutions for civilian, military, and commercial space operations. Learn more at https://spideroak.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro & SpiderOak Ad

01:09 The night of the Terran 1 launch

05:11 What went wrong?

10:11 Why not launch Terran 1 again?

15:18 Are investors okay pushing out an orbital proof point?

20:38 Terran R tech specs

29:05 SpiderOak Ad break

29:52 Milestones for Terran R

34:31 Terran Rs manufacturing cadence at scale

37:46 Terran R R&D costs (vs Falcon 9)

46:13 3D printing the Terran R

51:34 The future of 3D printing

58:32 Relativitys marketing strategy

01:09:53 Heavier than Terran R

01:14:48 Relativity & Mars

01:15:22 Tims favorite musical artists

Link:

Evolution of Terran R, with Tim Ellis (Relativity Space) - Payload

CLEMSON Clemson mens basketball opened their season with a 78-56 victory over Winthrop, and the Tigers got a lot of results out of a veteran thats proving this could be a breakout year.

Junior forward Ian Schieffelin had 29 starts under his belt coming into the 2023-24 season, but hes showing an exponential evolution headed into his third season. Head coach Brad Brownell talked about Schieffelins development, and how hes taken this next step after the win.

Hes good, man. I just think hes a good player. Made two out of three threes. Hes really worked hard, weve worked hard with him for a year and a half. Really maybe not his freshman year. Just started a little bit his freshman year, were working on it, Brownell said.

Schieffelin was crucial in the win over the Eagles, finishing with 16 points and seven rebounds on 5-of-8 shooting. He was displaying a tremendous amount of effort on the floor, and ripped down three offensive rebounds in the first half.

Shooting is something that Brownell and the staff have slowly worked into Schieffelins evolution. During practice, the players will take 100 threes and its something that certain players take very seriously. Schieffelin is in that group and its a testament to the work hes putting in day in and day out.

Ian made 80 one day., First time and he was celebrating like crazy because 80 out of 100 threes is pretty daggum good now, Brownell said. Like, I guess its in gym in practice but the standards are what they are and you can kind of measure yourself and as you watch your guys get better and reach these standards and fight for these standards, then you know how much they are into it and care. Hes a guy thats been really fighting for this.

As this season could be a special one for the Tigers, Schieffelin is the hard-nosed worker Clemson needs. Now, hes more than just that and with his development, Schieffelin is a catalyst for success in 2023-24.

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Brownell Raves About Breakout Junior's Evolution - The Clemson Insider

KM is a dynamically changing area of business, where, despite these constant changes, many are reluctant to give up traditional knowledge practices. This is further compounded with the rapid acceleration of new technological trends hitting the market; will knowledge practitioners rise to the challenge, or fail to accommodate the modern needs of KM?

Suzan Pickels, knowledge manager at CRB, led KMWorld 2023s session, Evolution or Transformation? Rethinking KM in the Chaos of Disruption, to exemplify the ways in which CRB is leveraging new tech to prioritize knowledge efforts, address clients needs, and invest in AI analysis and application.

It almost seems that technology and KM are at constant odds, where changes in one area necessitate remarkable shifts in the other. However, CRB is managing to marry traditional and proven KM techniques with the evolving technological landscape.

Pickels explained that transformation and evolution are, fundamentally, the sameone is just quicker than the other, and neither is necessarily bad.

The quicker of the two, transformation, is often produced by rapid growthwhich inevitably incurs some organizational chaos.

CRB experienced this sort of growth as a result of the Covid pandemic, and with this growth came knowledge losses and gains because of workforce shuffles. As a result, CRB launched a knowledge services program, or improvement facilitators who optimize process information and collaboration for better workflow and work product.

At the heart of this was understanding the hearts and minds of their enterprise culture, according to Pickels. Due to market changes and other economic factors, this knowledge initiative was served with a side dish of chaos.

Pickels offered these tips to help pivot faster in the event of inevitable change:

We targeted those pieces of the organization where our workflows work together. It made it easier for our executive managers that dont care about knowledge management, Pickels explained. We were translating this for them so they knew why they needed it and how it would help us make money.

Disruption will inevitably mean that an enterprise will change, its goals will change, and its strategies will change. This change means that some methods and ideals will be lost to make way for better solutions.

One of the things CRB retained in the chaos, however, was the concept of client value. Ensuring that the organization was aligned with what their clients needed was critical for CRBs success at a time of disruption. Additionally, CRB employed communities of practice (CoPs), though limited them in its number and its coverage. Small, focused CoPs helped bring in collaboration.

The better they [the workforce] work together, the more collaborative they are, the better we could deliver client value, said Pickels.

Furthermore, CRB held onto lessons learned, data governance, and data analytics as means to navigate an increasingly digital and data-centric world.

Pickels also pointed to the trend of throwing AI at everything, where, in reality, throwing intelligent tech at unintelligent content will never yield positive results. Tech, especially in the world of AI, is constantly changing. It isnt new, its just faster, she explained, and its application should be meaningful.

Taxonomies will be critical in leveraging AI, where categorization will drive understanding of the trends that AI may surface.

You need to put meaning in the click behind the report, Pickels noted. [With taxonomies,] when I point AI at this [content], it will have more meaning.

Ultimately, Pickels explained that for a company that once did everything, they had to narrow down their focus, and admittedly, it was heartbreaking, said Pickels. But we had to keep the central heartbeat going.

KMWorld returned to the J.W. Marriott in Washington D.C. on November 6-9, with pre-conference workshops held on November 6.

KMWorld 2023 is a part of a unique program of five co-located conferences, which also includes Enterprise Search & Discovery, Enterprise AI World, Taxonomy Boot Camp, and Text Analytics Forum.

Excerpt from:

Evolution or transformation? Rethinking KM in the chaos of ... - KMWorld Magazine

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An evolutionary continuum from nucleated dwarf galaxies to star ... - Nature.com

Evolving from the labor-intensive manual equipment of centuries past, deck equipment has been transformed through technology and innovation. Todays clean and powerful equipment packages improve safety and efficiency while integrating directly with the vessels on which they are installed.

The evolution of deck equipment in the maritime industry parallels significant milestones across the sector with advancements in materials, automation, safety and efficiency. Today, the industrys most complex challenges are related to designing eco-friendly, energy-efficient and technologically advanced equipment. Deck equipment is no exception.

Stricter regulations and a growing emphasis on sustainability add complexity to an already convoluted market. Current trends toward increased automation, digitalization and integration require leading manufacturers like Cimolai Technology, Markey Machine, Timberland Equipment and Schoellhorn-Albrecht Machine to invest in research and development, focusing on innovative product offerings and exploring unique applications for both existing and emerging markets.

Deck machinery encompasses a diverse array of equipment from towering cranes to incredibly powerful tuggers and winches, monster boat lifts, and more equipment as varied as the maritime activities to which it can be applied. Compared to many other technical innovations in the marine industry, this type of equipment is often overlooked.

Early Versions

To appreciate the evolution of this gear through history, some context is essential.

The earliest versions of deck equipment were comprised of the rudimentary winches, capstans and cranes used on early sailing vessels. Far from the precision and power offered by today's equipment, these manual devices were rarely more than simple lever-and-pulley systems most often operated by sheer human muscle.

The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes across trades as steam power became the motive force for industry. Alongside the switch from sails to steam for propulsion, steam winches and capstans revolutionized cargo handling and made vessels safer and more efficient.

These early mechanisms were still relatively crude compared to subsequent innovations as hydraulic systems became the backbone of deck equipment on board commercial vessels. These systems provided high levels of power while improving precision and control. Companies have excelled in designing and manufacturing hydraulic winches and cranes tailored to meet the specific needs of various industries including offshore oil and gas, shipping and naval operations.

Electric-Drive Systems

Today, however, even this evolution in power is starting to give way to a new motivating power as electric drive systems gain in popularity. Due to their efficiency and reduced environmental impact, electric drives are replacing hydraulic power across the array of deck equipment.

Timberland Equipment, a custom deck equipment manufacturer, is leading the way in this transition by employing a specialized group within its organization. The companys various divisions have put considerable focus on converting existing gas or diesel equipment into all-electric drives. This has led the company to develop electric equipment with greatly improved safety, efficiency and control through the use of modern PLCs (programmablelogic controllers) and variable frequency drives.

Timberland is likewise involved in new products and services across industries. Aaron VanMaanen, General Sales Manager, credits the companys broad client base for expanding its offerings, particularly in the environmental space: Weve been involved in supporting many various industries and initiatives, allowing us to become heavily involved in green energy solutions.

Other manufacturers like Markey Machine, a leading producer of specialized deck equipment are leading the charge with advances in new designs. A significant increase in demand for electric deck machinery has resulted in unique product offerings. Markeys Electric Escort/Ship-Assist winches offer not only advanced electric-drive systems but also include added benefits like regenerative braking and redundant drives for increased reliability. Several substantial orders in 2023 from leading tugboat operators across the U.S. reflect the growing demand for these new products.

The overall cost of innovation in the maritime sector can be high with increased costs for some new equipment pushing 400 percent. however, the risks of not evolving with demands from the industry can be far greater. The regulatory and reputational costs associated with a broken hose leaking oil into the harbor are just too significant not to evolve, says Blaine Dempke, Markeys CEO.

The demand for electric equipment is not just on board but also shoreside. Cimolai Technology out of Italy is well known for its mobile boat hoists. With a market focusing more heavily on electric versions of traditional shipyard offerings, Cimolai has responded with new innovations of its own including fully electric models of its mobile boat hoist (MBH), ranging in lifting capability from 30 tons to a 1,500-ton beast due for delivery to Hyak Maritime in Oregon in late 2024.

Eco-Friendly Solutions

The maritime industry as a whole is increasingly focused on sustainability, efficiency and a reduced environmental impact. Deck equipment manufacturers are contributing to a greener maritime sector in their own space, exploring eco-friendly solutions with innovative designs and materials. Lessons from the past underscore the critical need to prioritize safety, sustainability and efficiency in the design and use of deck equipment.

With a holistic approach to reducing energy consumption and emissions across the entire vessel, industry leaders like Schoellhorn-Albrecht Machine Co. are leveraging centuries of expertise toward improved environmental protection alongside increased reliability, efficiency and, of course, personnel safety. Being able to custom-build not just the equipment itself but also the power packs and control installations, Schoellhorn-Albrecht can ensure that all equipment is working as designed for each unique application, regardless of the client.

That includes government agencies. The company recently completed a contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to design and manufacture the replacement dredge head hoist for the dredge Jadwin. The winch is designed for continuous use during the dredging season, providing a maximum output torque of 27,000 foot-pounds via a 367-horsepower DC motor and utilizing a pneumatically actuated drag brake system.

Automation has transformed the way deck equipment is operated. Wireless technology has made its way into deck equipment controls, improving flexibility and safety. Modern systems often include remote control capabilities, allowing operators to perform tasks from a safe distance and even remotely.

Wireless remote controls have become standard features in many winches, tuggers and capstans. These systems enhance operator mobility and reduce the risk of accidents during deck operations.

New Markets

As the marine industry explores new markets like offshore wind and other sectors, one of the major impacts that affect deck equipment is the request for winches with greater speed and line pull capabilities. The advent of electric motors allows for more flexibility with regards to footprint and weight as well as the capability of smart winches with automatic controls and variable programming.

As vessels are required to do more and more, the equipment needed also often needs to grow in size and complexity, says Timberlands VanMaanen.

The continued construction of LNG terminals likewise creates a demand for specialized escort tugs equipped with appropriate escort winches. As wind, LNG and other new markets become a part of the industrys new reality, analysts have noted a languishing supply of conventional tugs equipped with wire-rope towing winches.

Manufacturers have seen a subsequent uptick in demand for equipment to serve this need. Markey has introduced advanced control systems that enhance precision and safety during these specialized towing and mooring operations including a full line of winches with motion-compensation.

Markeys Dempke is proud of his companys progress and innovation. Like VanMaanen, Dempke gives much of the credit to his customers: Our philosophy is simply to follow our customers and let them take us where we need to go and where the industrys needs lie. Being open to these ideas and requests is key to continued growth.

Leading the Way

The wide variety of deck equipment has, by necessity and opportunity, evolved considerably from the manual, labor-intensive, block-and-tackle systems of the past. Modern technology and innovative engineering have transformed these essential components into powerful, efficient and environmentally sound tools.

Innovators in the manufacturing realm continue to drive progress in the maritime industry, ensuring that vessels and shipyards are equipped with the best tools for safe and efficient operations. In many instances, pioneering deck equipment manufacturers introduce advances in the industry ahead of other sectors.

As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect even more advances that will further enhance the capabilities of this equipment, contributing to the continued growth and success of the maritime sector. Markey, Cimolai, Timberland, Schoellhorn-Albrecht and other industry leaders are steering the course of innovation in this industry, prioritizing safety, sustainability and technological advancements.

As technology progresses, these companies will play a pivotal role in charting its future course, leveraging their history and expertise to navigate change. By contributing to a more sustainable and technologically advanced maritime future, theyll help ensure safe, efficient and environmentally responsible operations both at sea and on shore.

Chad Fuhrmann is a maritime consultant and owner of Revolution Consulting X Engineering.

The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Maritime Executive.

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Safe Load: The Evolution of Modern Deck Equipment - The Maritime Executive

For decades, law enforcement officers, medical examiners and emergency medical professionals have used the terms excited delirium and excited delirium syndrome to describe subjects experiencing extreme agitation, excitability, paranoia and aggression, often associated with stimulant use and certain psychiatric disorders. While officers continue to encounter subjects displaying such symptoms, the term excited delirium has come under significant scrutiny and is now disavowed by major medical and psychological organizations, including:

Lexipol removed the term excited delirium from our policy guidance in 2022. Regardless of your agencys policy on the use of this term, its helpful for law enforcement officers to understand why the medical community has evolved away from using it.

For well over a century, medical experts have used various terms to describe a condition in which subjects experience:

This condition has variously been labeled Bells mania, acute exhaustive mania, lethal catatonia and agitated delirium. In 1985, at the height of the U.S. crack cocaine epidemic, researchers Charles Wetli and David Fishbaindubbed the conditionexcited delirium, noting it often co-occurred with cocaine use (though typically at drug concentrations lower than seen in cases of cocaine overdose). The term was often shortened to EXD (for excited delirium) or ExDs (for excited delirium syndrome).

Areport on the topicin theWestern Journal of Emergency Medicinenoted that excited delirium and agitated delirium described a subject exhibiting agitation, aggression, acute distress and sudden death, often in the pre-hospital care setting. The report pointed out that about two thirds of EXD victims die at the scene or during transport by paramedics or police. Citing Wetli, the report noted those who died without contact with the police were often discovered in a bathroom after apparent attempts to cool their body temperature using wet towels and ice trays.

An article inForce Sciencestated the symptoms labeled as excited delirium can be caused by a number of very different medical conditions:

During the 2000s and 2010s, officers may have been taught to recognize and respond to excited delirium as part of academy and post-academy training. Over the years, guidance has changed. Early tactics often varied dramatically from agency to agency. As understanding of the risks of certain restraint positions became more widespread, guidance evolved to favor avoiding a prolonged struggle whenever possible. When a calm and deliberate approach proves ineffective, then the use of other restraints and control techniques (as opposed to pain compliance measures) is preferred.

Perhaps the most important guidance over the past decade or so has been the need for officers to recognize these subjects as experiencing a medical emergency, and call EMS as quickly as possible.

According to a2022 reportprepared by Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), multiple studies have suggested that diagnoses of excited delirium may have been used to justify excessive use of force by law enforcement. A look intoin-custody deaths in Texasfrom 2005 through 2017 showed that excited delirium was blamed for 17% of the 289 cases. Asimilar study in Floridademonstrated the same pattern: 85 deaths blamed on the condition over a period of 10 years.

After an extensive review of the literature and consultation with experts, the PHR report also concluded that the term excited delirium cannot be disentangled from its racist and unscientific origins. For example, a2021 articlein theVirginia Law Reviewrevealed that, of 166 in-custody deaths across the country, Black subjects made up over 43% of those with excited delirium listed as a possible cause of death. That percentage rose to 56% when Black and Hispanic subjects were combined.

It was after the 2020 death of George Floyd when many Americans may have first heard the term excited delirium. In the viral video that shocked the world, one of the responding officers mentioned the condition while another officer had Floyd in a prone position on the ground. That officer was later convicted of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The officer who had mentioned the condition of excited delirium later pled guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

In the wake of Floyds death and the subsequent demonstrations and unrest, many organizations including the American Psychiatric Association (APA) revisited their positioning on the use of excited delirium in police reports, coroners reports and news stories. In December 2020, the APA made the followingofficial statementon the use of the term:

It is the position of the American Psychiatric Association that acute medical conditions, including Delirium, always require an appropriate medical response. Therefore, it is the position of the APA that:

1. The term excited delirium (ExDs) is too non-specific to meaningfully describe and convey information about a person. Excited delirium should not be used until a clear set of diagnostic criteria are validated.

2. An investigation should be undertaken of cases labelled with excited delirium to identify how the term is being used, whether consistent criteria are being applied, and whether it has any validity as a medical syndrome. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services should conduct a comprehensive, nationwide investigation of instances in which individuals have been identified as being in a state of excited delirium, including in interactions with law enforcement personnel and other out-of-hospital contexts. The study should include examination of all relevant data, including the precipitating events, health outcomes for the individuals and law enforcement personnel, and whether there is a disproportionate application of the term excited delirium to persons with mental illness, Black people, or other racial and ethnic groups.

3. All jurisdictions should develop, implement, and routinely update evidence-based protocols for the administration of ketamine and other sedating medications in emergency medical contexts outside the hospital. These protocols should allow use of these medications only for treatment purposes in medically appropriate situations and should explicitly bar their use to achieve incapacitation solely for law enforcement purposes.

The APA pointed out that theDSM-5, the most current update to theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, does not list excited delirium as an actual psychological condition. It also points out that EMTs routinely treated subjects suspected of having EXD withketamine, which has the potential to cause respiratory arrest. Because of this, the APA says, it is questionable whether the person identified as having an excited delirium actually had any medical condition warranting its use.

Half a year later, in June 2021, the American Medical Association (AMA) put out its ownpress releasestating the organizations position regarding the term:

A policy adopted by physicians, residents, and medical students at the American Medical Associations (AMA) Special Meeting of its House of Delegates (HOD) opposes excited delirium as a medical diagnosis and warns against the use of certain pharmacological interventions solely for a law enforcement purpose without a legitimate medical reason.

The new policy addresses reports that show a pattern of using the term excited delirium and pharmacological interventions such as ketamine as justification for excessive police force, disproportionately cited in cases where Black men die in law enforcement custody. Specifically, the policy:

As part of its statement, the AMA recommended that all law enforcement and EMS responders be trained in de-escalation techniques and the appropriate use of pharmacological intervention for agitated individuals in the out-of-hospital setting. In the AMAs view, subjects who are clearly experiencing mental health emergencies should be attended to by medical and behavioral health professionals, not law enforcement.

In March 2023, the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) made its position clear on the topic. In astatementon its website, the organization said that [a]lthough the terms Excited Delirium or Excited Delirium Syndrome have been used by forensic pathologists as a cause of death in the past, these terms are not endorsed by NAME or recognized in renewed classifications of the WHO, ICD-10, and DSM-V.

The next month, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)reversed its positionon the term excited delirium to bring it in line with the APA and the AMA, disavowing the use of the term in clinical settings. ACEP continues to use the terms hyperactive delirium and hyperactive delirium syndrome with severe agitation.

The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT)made a statementin May 2023 recommending that its members abandon the term excited delirium as a diagnosis and a cause of death. Notably, the ACMT recognized the continuing need for a term to describe patients with altered mental status who are aggressive or have vital signs suggestive of excessive adrenergic activity. The organization advocated for the term hyperactive delirium with agitation, pointing out that de-escalation techniques (sometimes involving sedatives) would still be necessary for some subjects. Physical restraints, which were so often associated with deaths in excited delirium patients, should be minimized and discontinued as early as possible.

In October 2023, ACEP withdrew approval of its 2009 white paper, Report on Excited Delirium Syndrome, recommending that the term should not be used among the wider medical and public health community, law enforcement organizations, and ACEP members acting as expert witnesses testifying in relevant civil or criminal litigation. This is especially notable because ACEPs 2009 paper was one of the most-cited sources to justify cases involving the condition. According to anAP reportpublished by theJournal of Emergency Medical Services, the white paper shaped police training and still figures in police custody death cases, many involving Black men who died after being restrained by police.

The same month, the state of Californiapassed a lawbanning the use of excited delirium by coroners, medical examiners and law enforcement in any reports. The law, known asAB 360, specifies that excited delirium is not recognized as a valid medical condition or cause of death in the state and evidence that a person experienced excited delirium is inadmissible in any civil action. The law also made a point of banning alternative terms such as hyperactive delirium, agitated delirium and exhaustive mania.

In the wake of the George Floyd case, many states and the District of Columbia enactedreforms to police proceduresand oversight. Quite a few banned the use of chokeholds and neck restraints by law enforcement. Moving away from the use of the term excited delirium is an extension of thesereform efforts. As noted, Lexipol removed the term from our policy guidance in 2022.

There is no consensus on an alternative term to use for the now-discontinued terms. Part of this is due to the dubious nature of the syndrome itself. Excited delirium was never recognized in the medical literature as an actual mental disorder, and anyway, first responders arent trained or qualified to diagnose and treat mental disorders.

Law enforcement and EMS personnel will continue to be called upon to assist with people exhibiting extremely violent, confused behavior. Because of this, its recommended that first responders avoid any medical-sounding jargon and focus on actual observed behavior. In radio traffic,in reportsand in public statements, its best to describe the behavior exhibited by the subject. A few examples:

Focusing on observed behavior rather than quasi psychological terms will help protect both the individuals needing assistance and the law enforcement officers responding to the situation, while also improving public safety reporting and practices.

For more information about this topic, including recommendations on techniques to help protect the safety of both subjects and law enforcement officers, please see Lexipols article, Understanding Excited Delirium: 4 Takeaways for Law Enforcement Officers.

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In the latest installment of TVBEuropes trends of 2023 series, Bob Boster, president, Clear-Com, discusses how the migration of some elements of broadcast operations into the cloud will continue to gain momentum over the next 12 months.

An interesting trend we are seeing is more people are getting creative about incremental upgrades or system evolution as we have started to call it. Technical aspirations are proceeding unchecked for expanded intercom functionality but due to budget considerations, its not possible to launch complete system replacements. Luckily, we are well-positioned to help people expand their functionality incrementally by tightly integrating with their existing intercom resources. We see this most often in areas of remote production capability and wireless, both of which are areas where we can offer a variety of options.

Im not sure how this trend translates to the viewers experience. Ideally, if we do our job right it isnt noticeable. A robust and flexible comms infrastructure means the programming doesnt stop.

I expect that both these trends, as well as the general increase in attention on comms flexibility stemming from our collective Covid experience, will mean that people continue to think a bit more about what they want their systems to be able to do. A clear vision of whats needed allows a chance to really shine.

Certainly, we expect the attention on migrating some elements of broadcast operations into the cloud to continue to gain momentum. As the originators of the first virtual production intercoms (Clear-Coms Concert) and the first decentralised production intercom (Trilogys Commander and Gemini), we are well-prepared to help people solve these puzzles, whether they are looking for completely virtual, hybrid, or on-prem solutions.

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During the recent 2023 Israel-Palestine conflict, Abu Obaida, the spokesperson for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas military wing, delivered a message that marked a significant departure from their traditional Sunni ideology in favor of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeinis Shiite doctrine. On October 9th and 16th, and in multiple speeches, Abu Obaida used the terms martyr () and mujahid () (referring to individuals engaged in jihad) in connection with the Prophet Muhammad. These shifts in terminology may go unnoticed to those not well-versed in Islamic jurisprudence, but they carry deeper significance.

These words indicate a notable shift in Hamass narrative concerning war strategies, aligning with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeinis vision as articulated on February 11, 1980: Our objective is to spread our revolution to various corners of the world, as it is inherently an Islamic revolution.

This transformation in narrative used by Abu Obaida raises important questions about how it might reshape Hamass war strategy and tactics within Israel and by Iranian-backed militias in the Middle East, within the intricate context of the current conflict. This article explores the implications of this ideological shift for Hamas and its potential impact on the types of attacks and operations employed by Hamas, with Israeli and Iranian-backed militias, against U.S. military bases and interests in the region. To fully grasp the significance of this shift, it is essential to examine the complex network of affiliations and relationships that transcend political interests. This includes both historical and current ties between Hamas and Iran, as well as the involvement of Iran-backed militias in Iraq, such as Alwiyat al-Waad al-Haq (AHW), Asaib Ahl al-Haq, and the Islamic Resistance of Iraq, as well as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. This exploration offers insights into the behaviors, motivations, and threats these armed groups pose to U.S. interests and military bases in the Middle East.

To begin, it is necessary to explain that in Sunni doctrine, it is generally believed that the Prophet Muhammad passed away peacefully in his bed, with his death attributed to fever and a headache. According to the Sunni narrative, Prophet Muhammads death was not associated with martyrdom. Although it is mentioned in some sources, the story of his martyrdom remains a minor matter and lacks a basis in the actions or behaviors of the Sunni sect. As it is a fundamental principle for all Muslims to follow his steps, actions, and behaviors with others.

Yet, the Marty and mujahid are prevalent in the majority of Shia fiqh, and it appears that the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades have been influenced by or have adopted the vision of Iranian theologians like Sayyid Mojtaba Mir-Lohi, commonly known as Navvab Safavi, a pioneer of Islamic jihadist movements, and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Hence, the use of martyr and mujahid to describe the Prophet Muhammad by Abu Obaida not only represented a significant departure from Sunni jihadist conventions but also indicated a complex evolution within Hamass ideology, revealing an added layer of extremism, which I call extremism within jihadist extremism.

These words signify a readiness to sacrifice everything and engage in a war of annihilation without concern for the consequences, whether for us or them, in a battle between our truth and their falsehood.

Within the Shia Fiqh narrative and the collective Shia consciousness and memory, Prophet Muhammad is regarded as a martyr and mujahid, particularly among Iranian Shia jihadist militias. In this perspective, the Prophet is believed to have been assassinated through poisoning, making him a martyr at the hands of his wives, Aisha and Hafsa, and the daughters of Abu Bakr and Omar bin Al-Khattab, the first and second Khalifs, respectively. Hence, based on Shia doctrine, the killing of the Prophet and the subsequent oppression and mistreatment of the family of Prophet Muhammad are fundamental beliefs that underpin the narratives of grievance and oppression. These beliefs are closely linked to the concept of the return of Imam Mahdi, a fundamental tenet of Shia ideology. Imam Mahdi, also known as the Mahdi, is the messianic figure awaited in Shia Islam, believed to bring justice, righteousness, and ultimate harmony to the world.

The belief in the Mahdis emergence finds its origins in prophetic traditions. The concept of the Mahdis emergence finds its origins in prophetic traditions. Sheikh al-Tusi records a noteworthy tradition on the authority of Abu Said al-Khudri, who quoted the Messenger of God. This tradition highlights the belief in the imminent appearance of a Mahdi from the Prophets family at the culmination of time. According to this belief, the heavens will bestow their blessings, and the earth will yield its fruits for him. His mission will be to establish justice and equity throughout the world, in stark contrast to the prevailing oppression and injustice.

Its important to highlight that the term Mujahid in the context of Abu Obaidas speech aligns with the description of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who is regarded as the leader of Muslims (Al-Imam) and a mujahid. His followers consider him both a martyr and a mujahid, as well as Navvab Safavi. In accordance with the beliefs held by Khomeinis followers, as outlined in the theories of Wilayat al-Faqih and Mahdism, the Mahdis army. These individuals not only have strong beliefs in the Mahdi but also eagerly anticipate his arrival.

Their steadfast commitment involves thorough preparations, including the acquisition of essential equipment, a crucial requirement for facilitating the Mahdis emergence and efficiently organizing his army, and fighting their enemies, represented by Israel and Western countries, which are described as Satan. The same grievance narrative has surfaced among Iranian leaders and their backed militias, particularly in Iraq since the beginning of the Israeli and Hamas conflict.

For instance, on October 25, 2023, Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei tweeted, America is an inevitable partner in the Zionist entitys crime against Gaza, and hands are stained with the blood of oppressed Palestinian children. She actually manages this crime committed at Gaza. In fact, the association between the fall of Israel and the anticipated return of Imam Mahdi, in conjunction with the prevailing sense of grievance, is presently a prominent topic in the media among Shia militias in recent times.

Also, on October 13, and on his Arabic Twitter, Abu Ala al-Wala, the leader of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS) or (The Masters of the Martyrs Brigade) stated, From the moment ones feet touch the ground of the battlefield, images of all the martyrs who have trodden this path come to mind, foremost among them the martyr Suleimani, the martyr Mughniyah, and the engineer martyr. This reinforces the belief in the sanctity of this path and its significance in the hearts of the free, and the inevitability of victory on it, both in the near and distant future. This pattern illustrates how Iran utilizes the grievance and oppression narrative to promote its vision of expanding Shia doctrine within Israel.

Hamas: Shifting Alliances Toward Ruhollah Khomeinis Shiite Ideology:

Despite fluctuations in the relationship between the Brotherhood organization, to which Hamas is affiliated, and Iran has evolved over time, transitioning from political interests to strong religious and ideological connections. This transition is influenced by shared old religious beliefs, especially the belief in the concept of a Global Islamic State ( ) and a common interest in countering the existence of the Israeli State. While political interests have historically played a role, the alignment of religious and ideological goals has become the predominant factor in this current conflict.

While political Islam in Iran was influenced by figures such as Hassan al-Banna and Sayyid Qutb, to understand the grievance narrative and how Iran and Hamas use it to shape their terrorist operations, it is essential to delve into the connection between Navvab Safavi, an Iranian Shia cleric and founder of the Fadaiyan-e Islam group, and the broader ideological framework of the Muslim Brotherhood, and Hamas.

In 1954, Navvab Safavi Cairo, where he was warmly received by the members of the Brotherhood. The relationship became strong to the extent that Safavi declared that Whoever wants to be a true Jaafari [Shia Islamic jurisprudence] should join the ranks of the Muslim Brotherhood. Safavi was one of the first to mobilize the Iranian masses around 5000 of Fedayeen of Islam against Israel in the early 1950s. He was explicit about his animosity and desire to incite war against Israel.

Notably, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini wrote a phrase on his photo after his execution in 1956: Peace be upon the pioneer of our time in jihad and martyrdom

Also, Iranian scholars like Ayatollah Kashani also stayed in Cairo during this time. Cooperation was fostered through organizations like the Foundation for Rapprochement between Islamic Schools of Thought. This era marked the introduction of Iranian scholars to the ideas of figures like Sayyid Qutb and other prominent leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood. In his book entitled The Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Dr. Yousif indicates that,

It seems that there is a wide common ground between the two, [Hassan al-Banna and Khomeini ]suitable for forming a broad foundation for considering Iran as the starting point of the global Islamic state, which operates within the framework of the Muslim Ummah (the state of the Ummah), a concept that Imam Hassan al-Banna (may God have mercy on him) had long dreamed of, those who come after him to lead the Muslim Brotherhood.

Notably, the same words, speeches, and ideas that were discussed in the past, particularly the global Islamic nation, are being circulated in the media by Brotherhood affiliates, Iranians, and their militia leaders. For example, on October 7, Abu Ala al-Wala, the leader of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), made a statement on his Arabic Twitter account

Allahu Akbar (God is great) indeed, and much praise be to Allah. To our brothers in faith, blood, and the partners of jihad and determination among the valiant sons of the Palestinian resistance, we say: Labbayka, Labbayka (we respond to your call). We have received your call and realized your call for help. By Allah, it is the hour of aspiration and the moment of fulfilling our covenant. We have prepared our resources, strengthened our determination, and raised our spirits. Let the storm of Al-Aqsa be the end of their falsehood and the fulfillment of Allahs promise of their demise and the salvation of the land from their corruption. Today, Allah fulfills His promise through your hands.

Additionally, there is a recurring pattern of dehumanizing narratives and calls for the destruction of Israel in both Iranian rhetoric and Hamass narrative. Notably, Abu Obaidas use the same offensive narratives resembles the current rhetoric used by militias backed by Iran in social media, indicating the influence of Shiism on Hamas.

For example, in Abu Obaidas speech on October 19, 2023, he referred to Israelis as enemies of humanity, likening them to Nazis, and used other degrading descriptions, calling for their eradication. Notably, Ruhollah Khomeini also labeled the Israeli state as a cancerous gland that needs to be eradicated. Ruhollah Khomeinis speeches against Israel were extensively published on Twitter. The recurrent narrative pattern, emphasizing grievances, dehumanizing Israeli citizens, and advocating for their annihilation, is widely disseminated in Arabic by Iranian supporters and sympathizers.

Importantly, these statements align with Irans broader narratives and objectives. These narratives have already stirred extreme hatred against U.S. and Israeli citizens and could potentially lead to tangible and risky consequences in the near future.

In conclusion, this ideological evolution carries significant implications for regional dynamics, security, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Understanding these ideological shifts is crucial for assessing the motivations, strategies, and threats posed by jihadist groups like Hamas, especially in the context of their affiliations and relationships that transcend religious boundaries.

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