Here you’ll find answers to the basic questions about high performance computing to help you get your head around the concepts and start to build up your own knowledge base.
HPC is not just for giant companies and rocket scientists anymore. Find out what the basic concepts are, what makes a computer high performance in the first place, and some of the terms you’ll need to know as you start your journey.
Once you’ve gotten your head around what HPC is you might find yourself wondering whether it applies to you. After all, if you’re not building rocket engines or working on a design for a new airplane or car, you might think that HPC doesn’t have much to offer you. The first step in deciding whether HPC can help you grow your business is to answer this question: “How could my business grow if I had access to 100x more computing power?”
HPC isn’t necessarily complicated, but there are a lot of concepts to master all at once, and getting all of the moving pieces coordinated into a healthy, functioning system that adds value to your business can be difficult. Fortunately, there are resources out there for just about every comfort level.
It could, but it doesn’t have to. The key is buying as much machine as you need, and no more. You can purchase and install a very capable small high performance computer for $10,000, or even less in some cases. In this article we talk about what price range you are looking at, and how you can figure out how much computer you really need.
As you get ready to leave for boot camp, you may be confused about what to bring with you and what to leave behind. In fact, recruits email me asking this question more than any other. Therefore, I have assembled a list of the top five items you won't want to be without when you leave for basic training.
Top 5 Secret Items to Bring with You to Basic Training:
SGT Michael Volkin is the author of "The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks and Tactics for Surviving Boot Camp."
- Foot powder Your feet will spend a lot of time in combat boots. During that time, they will be very susceptible to fungus, blisters and other uncomfortable foot problems. Using foot powder will reduce your chances of getting these symptoms. However, no matter how much foot powder you use, if you make it through basic training without getting a blister, I would be very surprised.
- Cheap watch I have heard that some recruits aren't allowed to wear watches and some are. I suppose the choice is up to your drill sergeant. In either case, be sure to bring an inexpensive plain black digital watch. A digital watch is always nice to have when you are running, and they also make great personal alarm clocks. I find that waking up at 4 a.m. on your own is a bit difficult. Of course you should also bring a watch that tells military time.
- Combo locks In boot camp, you are going to get a wall or foot locker. You need to make sure that locker is always secure, because you are responsible for each item inside. Get a combo lock because having a lock with a key is just another thing to have to keep track of. Remember if you're not getting an item out of your locker, it always should be locked.
- Phone cards Of course, bringing phone cards to basic training is a necessity, but here is a little tip: test out the phone cards before you leave. The card where the operator talks the least is the one you need to buy (regardless of the cost). You will get a limited amount of time to talk on the phone; you don't want to waste that time with an operator giving you instructions on how to dial a phone number.
- Black marker If you could bring only one item to boot camp, this would be it. No, you don't need a marker to draw mustaches on your fellow recruits when they sleep. You need a marker to initial and label everything you own. Having a marker with you will ensure that nothing you own accidentally turns up missing. You also will make a few friends because recruits who did not bring a marker with them will want to borrow yours. As I mention in my book several times, you never can have too many friends at basic training.
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Basic Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training is required for all degree and certificate seeking graduate students. Students complete this training in our online Canvas training, Orientation to Graduate Studies and Research.
Students admitted into coursework programs who have registered for classes will be enrolled in Orientation to Graduate Studies and Research approximately four weeks prior to the term of their admission. Students admitted into research programs will be enrolled in Orientation to Graduate Studies and Research with their cohort at the start of their admission term. All students will be emailed when they are enrolled with instructions on how to access the training. Students must complete the training prior to week seven of their admission term, or a registration hold will be placed on their account. Contact the Graduate School if you have any questions.
When the training is complete, the Graduate School will record completion within five business days. Students can check the status of their training at any time on MyMichiganTech.
Contact the Graduate School with any questions.
Weight-training basics
by Armand Tecco, M.Ed.
Muscular fitness exercise is often referred to by a variety of names. Some people call it "weight lifting" or "strength training." But neither term encompasses the full definition of weight training. Others call it "body building," but that is more of a competitive sport than an exercise activity.
The most apt descriptive terms for muscular fitness exercise are "weight training" or "resistance exercise." It is when you work your muscles against an externally-applied resistance, such as free weights, weight machines, water, rubber tubing or your body weight.
Advantages
Many people weight train in order to Boost their appearance. Bodies adapt structurally to progressive-resistance exercise - the muscles get firmer and more dense, helping to define and tone the body. Women who are worried about developing large, bulky muscles have nothing to fear. Under normal circumstances, women cannot develop muscles like men, no matter how hard they train.
By improving muscle tone and strength, you can also lower your risk for incurring joint and muscle problems, prevent injuries, Boost posture and slow the age-related loss of muscle function. Connective tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, get stronger along with your muscles and make everyday tasks such as carrying groceries much easier.
Muscular fitness exercise may also prevent the loss of bone mineral that occurs as we age (osteoporosis). What's more, it helps you lose body fat by increasing your metabolism.
Disadvantages
Muscular fitness exercise requires a certain level of skill. Proper technique is essential in order for the exercises to be safe and effective. Some people find weight training to be intimidating, while others consider it boring. Not everyone has easy access to weight training equipment -- or can afford to purchase his or her own. For some people, there is a chance of injury due to overtraining or using too heavy of a resistance.
Where to Participate
A wide variety of weight-training equipment can be found at most health clubs. At a health club, you also have access to exercise specialists who can demonstrate proper form and technique.
Or, you can purchase equipment for the home from a retail outlet that sells fitness equipment. Home equipment can be as sophisticated as a 10-station, multi-purpose weight machine or as simple as a set of dumbbells in varying weights. In fact, many resistance exercises can be performed with just your body (pushups and tricep dips) or by using such household items as soup cans and milk jugs.
Recommended equipment and attire
Multi-purpose weight machine -- For home use. it works all of the large muscle groups. It is easy to use and doesn't take up much space.
Dumbbells -- These free weights serve the needs of most people and are best bought in the following increments: 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15 and 20 pounds.
Barbell -- A weighted bar (usually 20-25 pounds) onto which plates can be attached. Ideal for performing many basic weight training movements.
Rubber tubing -- Tubing with handles. Comes in various resistances and is great for quick workouts, travelers and a limited budget.
Ankle weights -- Weights encased in a small sack and designed to be secured around ankles. Great for leg and gluteal (buttocks) exercises.
Gloves -- Weight-training gloves minimize skin irritation on the hands.
Weight training belt -- A belt is especially recommended when performing certain free-weight movements because it provides lower back stability.
Bench -- A sturdy weight bench, preferably one that can be adjusted for different angles.
Clothing -- Comfortable clothing that allows for full range of motion.
Exercise guidelines
- Variety is important for continued progress, as well as continued motivation. A combination of resistance exercises -- free weights, machines and exercises where you are using your body weight for resistance -- is recommended. Your muscles will respond more readily if you provide them different challenges.
- Find a qualified fitness professional to help you design an effective workout routine. Essentially, your training program should stress targeted muscle groups through the use of specific resistance exercises. Also have the fitness professional show you how to use the apparatus. Weight machines are generally easier to master than free weights.
- Make sure your body is warmed up before weight training by performing an aerobic exercise for five or more minutes. This improves blood flow, nerve conduction and flexibility. It also helps reduce the chance of injury.
- Exercise all of the major muscle groups: legs, arms, chest, back, abdominals (stomach) and shoulders.
- Exercise the larger muscle groups before the smaller ones. For instance, work the back, chest and legs prior to the arms and abdominals.
- If you are a beginner, perform one set of 12 to 15 repetitions per exercise.
- The amount of resistance (weight) should be enough that it is an effort to get to 15 repetitions.
- Progressively increase the resistance as your body adapts to the exercise. So, if you are able to perform 15 repetitions of an exercise, move to the next heavier weight increment.
- After six to eight weeks of consistent training, you can progress to two sets per exercise and reduce the repetitions to 8-12.
- Allow adequate time for your muscles to recover between individual exercises, usually 30 to 60 seconds.
- Be sure to exercise opposing muscles for a balanced workout. For instance, if you work the biceps, work the triceps; if you work the chest, work the back. Also, be sure to condition both sides of your body equally.
- Perform exercises in a controlled manner, without jerking or fast movements. For best results, focus on raising the weight in one or two seconds and lowering it in three to four seconds.
- Perform each exercise through the full range of motion of the targeted muscles and the involved joints.
- Be sure to isolate the muscle you are working. Don't throw your entire body into the lifting motion, which not only decreases the exercise's effectiveness but also increases the risk of injury.
- Breathe naturally, making sure not to hold your breath.
- Relax the muscles not involved with the exercise. Do not tense your face or clench your fists. Focus your energy on the targeted muscle.
- For the best strength gains, you should be able to perform between 8 and 12 repetitions (no more) of each exercise.
- Give your muscles 48 hours to rest between workouts.
- Perform stretching exercises at the end of your weight-training session to reduce the risk of injury and to minimize muscle soreness.
Glossary of terms
Isotonic exercises -- The most widely-used form of weight training exercises, isotonic exercises provide resistance through a full range of motion and provide some stimulus to the muscles while they contract and lengthen. Dumbbells, barbells and weight machines are all forms of isotonic exercises.
Negative resistance -- The lowering (eccentric) phase of muscular-fitness exercises.
Positive resistance -- The lifting (concentric) phase of muscular-fitness exercises.
Progressive resistance -- A gradual, systematic increasing of resistance over a period of time.
Range of motion -- A muscle's range of motion is the entire arc through which it can move.
Repetition (rep) -- One complete sequence of a single exercise. For example, to perform a biceps curl for 10 repetitions means that you lift a dumbbell or barbell from your waist to your shoulders 10 times.
Repetition maximum -- The amount of weight with which an individual can perform a specified number of repetitions. For example, 100 pounds is John Doe's 10-rep max.
Set -- A set is a fixed number of repetitions. One set of biceps curls might be 10 repetitions. A second set would be another 10 repetitions performed a minute or so after the first set.
Variable resistance -- Resistance that varies in direct proportion to the force exerted. An example is a weight machine that uses cams and pulleys to vary the resistance.
Disclaimer:
The information, including opinions and recommendations, contained in this website is for educational purposes only. Such information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. No one should act upon any information provided in this website without first seeking medical advice from a qualified medical physician.
The U.S. Air Force is doing away with its "BEAST Week" training exercise in favor of a shorter version of the simulated deployment that will last only a day and a half.
"If we get it right, it will be the highlight of their BMT experience, despite only being 36 hours in length," 737th Training Group Commander Col. Jeff Pixley said in a press release Wednesday. "Early feedback suggests we are absolutely on the right track."
BEAST Week, which stands for Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training, was an important part of the Air Force's initial entry training for 16 years. The training was a four-day-long deployed war exercise, with Air Force trainees deployed into a field environment where they slept in cots, were given weapons training, taught the basics of base security and fought in simulated engagements with enemy forces.
A U.S. Air Force trainee participates in BEAST Week, which is being replaced by a shorter exercise.
However, Pixley, who took command of Air Force Basic Military Training in 2021, argued that the training was outdated for the needs of the modern Air Force.
The 36-hour training set to take its place will be called "PACER FORGE," which stands for Primary Agile Combat Employment Range, Forward Operations Readiness Generation Exercise. Trainees will still deploy to the site of the former BEAST site at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, where the press release says they will "be put to the test with scenarios that are built to provide flexibility, promote information seeking, teamwork, decision making and are results focused."
SERVICE MEMBERS SOUND ALARM AGAINST 'EXTREMELY WOKE' MILITARY
"The move toward PACER FORGE is not just a renaming or re-branding of BEAST," Pixley said. "This was a year-long effort to reimagine BEAST."
U.S. Air Force trainees participate in BEAST Week, a deployment simulation that has been part of training for 16 years.
HOUSE REPUBLICAN DEMANDS WEST POINT CEASE CRITICAL RACE THEORY TRAININGS TO MILITARY CADETS
Details of the new training are still sparse, though the release said PACER FORGE will be tailored with smaller teams that will be "tailored for mission generation, command and control, and base operating support functions to help meet the vision of the 2030 Enlisted Force Airman."
Space Force trainees, who also attend basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, will go through PACER FORGE as well.
U.S. Air Force trainees take the Air Force oath as they graduate Basic Military training.
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"We want it to be something trainees consider so important and formative that they don’t spoil it for those that follow," Pixley said. "This is not the end of an era but rather a symbolic change to develop capable and ready Airmen and Guardians … anytime, anywhere."
The Basic Professional Training Course on Nuclear Safety (BPTC) is intended to provide a broad overview of all the safety concepts and their application to nuclear power plants and research reactors design and operation.
Its nature and scope are primarily oriented to junior professionals recently involved in nuclear safety-related activities. It is also appropriate for highly specialized professionals who lack a broader view of nuclear safety. The Course is made up of 22 modules and is designed to run six to nine weeks. This textbook is the instruction source for course lecturers and provides background material for participants.
The MinBanc program reimburses training costs for minority- and women-owned banks, including training with ABA. Learn more about the program and find out if you qualify.
Learn More About MinBancA well-built frame is critical to the quality and longevity of a structure. While the responsibility for building design rests with the architect and the engineer of record, the framer has a large responsibility too: to make sure that what is built matches the plans.
Here are some guidelines to follow to frame large buildings correctly and avoid common pitfalls.
Does the frame match the prints?
Using the right materials and fastening schedules is critical. Watch for small errors in materials. Use the same grade and performance category of panels that is called out in the plans. Generally, OSB and plywood are interchangeable for structural applications, but in some cases plywood is necessary. Notice, too, if special grades like Structural I are specified; STRUC I has a greater shear capacity that can be necessary in shear wall applications of large wood buildings.
Framing details and fastening schedules often change from floor to floor, so double-check that the installed materials match the plans as the levels go up.
Check Load Paths
A continuous load path is essential to structural integrity. Missing connections and misaligned framing are a recipe for problems. The frame of a structure does its job—carrying the load of gravity, resisting wind or seismic forces—only when framing materials are correctly aligned and securely connected.
Anchor bolts and hold-downs are not interchangeable. Hold-downs prevent overturning of the entire wall assembly, while anchor bolts prevent sliding between the bottom plate of the wall and the concrete foundation. Framers should always follow the engineer’s recommendations for hold-downs. For anchor bolts, add large plate washers below the nut. A nut without a washer has little capacity, and large plate washers help reinforce the anchor bolt connection to prevent the sill plate from splitting and/or failing.
Again, check the prints. Loads increase from the top down, and the framing, sheathing and fastening may change to resist the load.
Follow Fastening Guidelines
Fasteners have a large impact on the capacity of the system as a whole. Again, this can change from floor to floor or for situations such as shear wall detailing, so pay attention to the plans. In general, the minimum recommended schedule is to use 8d common nails at 6 inches on center at panel edges and at 12 inches on center in the field. However, sometimes a tighter spacing is specified. In these cases, stagger the nailing to prevent splitting.
Check for overdriving during construction and make corrective adjustments to the pneumatic nailer right away if overdriving is accidentally occurring. In some cases, consistent overdriving can reduce performance enough to require corrective action. For more information, obtain APA – The Engineered Wood Association’s free publication Effect of Overdriven Fasteners on Shear Capacity.
Understand the Materials
For floor and roof sheathing, orient panels correctly. Plywood and OSB panels have a strength axis that typically runs parallel to the long end, but not always, so check the directional arrow on the panel to be sure. When building floors and roofs, it is important to install the panel with the strength axis perpendicular to supports, and continuously across three or more supports.
Engineered wood products are very strong when treated and installed correctly. But sometimes inexperienced builders compromise the structural integrity of these products with excessive or badly placed cutting, notching or hole-punching. To avoid this, only alter I-joists, LVL and glulam according to manufacturer’s guidelines, and never drill, cut or notch the flange of an I-joist. Find details and best practices for field alterations of these products in the following APA publications:
Space Panels Properly
Plywood and OSB sheathing usually arrive on the jobsite in a very dry condition, and then the panels expand as the wood fiber takes up ambient moisture. When possible, acclimate panels before installation, allowing panels to respond to jobsite moisture conditions. To account for expansion, always space plywood and OSB sheathing panels 1/8 of an inch, including at the ends of framing (typically the short dimension of the panels), when fastening.
When buildings have continuous plywood or OSB floor or roof decks exceeding 80 feet in length or width, it is often necessary to include expansion joints, especially if excessive moisture conditions arise. Find more details in APA’s Temporary Expansion Joints for Large Buildings publication.
Control Moisture
Excessive moisture can impact wood products if care isn’t taken to keep materials reasonably dry. Do not let moisture accumulate and do not allow puddles to stand on wood panels for long periods of time. Make sure that wood products are not in direct contact with concrete; concrete is porous, like a sponge, and capillary action will pull water into wood that’s in contact with it. Controlling moisture, including adequate ventilation of enclosed spaces, can also prevent issues related to fungal growth.
Builder Tips for Training
Inexperienced framers often need help understanding the basics of building with engineered wood. APA's collection of builder tips illustrate several basics of framing, such as spacing wood structural panels 1/8 of an inch, with visuals and clear, brief explanations. These can be useful during site visits, and some tips are also available in Spanish. See APA's mobile-friendly Builder Tips collection.
Want to Learn More?
Interested in more on framing big buildings? On-site training may be available in your area. Contact APA’s Field Services for more information.
Watch APA’s updated Frame It Right! Back to Basics for Big Buildings webinar. Available in English and Spanish, this on-demand webinar examines the consequences of critical framing mistakes from the ground up and provides practical solutions for avoiding typical issues. AIA and ICC credit available to participants.
The Air Force is changing the way it conducts Basic Military Training, replacing a four-day-long field training exercise with a new scenario that lasts 36 hours.
In an announcement Wednesday, the service said that BEAST week, or Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training week will be replaced with the Primary Agile Combat Employment Range, Forward Operations Readiness Generation Exercise, known as PACER FORGE.
“If we get it right, it will be the highlight of their [Basic Military Training] experience, despite only being 36-hours in length,” said Col. Jeff Pixley, commander of the 737th Training Group at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, in a press release announcing the change. “Early feedback suggests we are absolutely on the right track.”
PACER FORGE is described as a 36-hour-long exercise in which trainees “will deploy to the former BEAST site where they will be organized into smaller dispersed teams. Here, they will be put to the test with scenarios that are built to provide flexibility, promote information seeking, teamwork, decision making and are results focused.”
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That will include combat casualty care, weapons handling and base support operations, with the training cadre working in a mentorship role rather than giving direction and instruction.
While it’s only a day and half long, the new exercise is better aligned with the Air Force’s current needs, according to Pixley, and is “designed to enhance force packaging with teams tailored for mission generation, command and control, and base operating support functions to help meet the vision of the 2030 Enlisted Force Airman.”
“The move toward PACER FORGE is not just a renaming or re-branding of BEAST,” said Pixley. “This was a year-long effort to reimagine BEAST.”
Air Force basic military training has included mock deployments and combat scenarios since 1999, when the field training was known as “Warrior Week.” It was expanded and dubbed BEAST in 2006.
The Air Force did not provide too many details on the specifics of the scenarios future airmen and Space Force guardians will go through at PACER FORGE in the press release.
“We want it to be something trainees consider so important and formative that they don’t spoil it for those that follow,” said Pixley. “This is not the end of an era but rather a symbolic change to develop capable and ready Airmen and Guardians … anytime, anywhere.”
Other services have also been changing how they train new recruits.
In 2018 the Army announced that it was overhauling basic training to produce more physically fit, disciplined and motivated soldiers. It also eliminated the so-called “Shark Attack,” where drill sergeants would greet new soldiers with aggressive and incoherent screaming. Earlier this year the Army also announced the creation of the Future Soldier Prep Course, a sort of basic training for basic training to help recruits with weight requirements or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test scores.
The Navy also revamped its basic training at the beginning of this year, adding an additional two weeks focused on personal and professional development for sailors.
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