Livingston Reporting - page 115

Selling Your Home During the Holiday Season

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The holidays are upon us!  Some of us are seeing snow flurries, the cold temps have settled in, and you need to sell your house!  While most of us are busy preparing for family gatherings, feasting on festive meals, and wrapping last minute presents some of us are preparing to relocate.  Yep, you probably guessed it, the holiday season is not ideal to be selling or buying a home for most of us.  Our plates are already too full and the last thing we want to be doing is having people trekking through our homes in wet boots.  It is also not an ideal time due to the already abundant financial and emotional stresses that find most of us during the holidays.

This is how the experts at Century 21 Lady of the Lakes can help!

Asking Price – Price Your Home to Sell

If you are trying to sell your home during the madness of the holiday season it is not time to over price your home.  Listen to your realtor, they know what they are doing when it comes to pricing your home to sell.  Buyers often have the luxury of waiting until the warmer weather approaches if they think your asking price is too high.  Buyers have the option to keep looking, do you have that same luxury?  All sellers want to sell their homes for the highest price possible, however it is important, especially given the time of year that you listen to your realtor.  They know what you can expect based on the current market, the sale price of other homes in your area, and the amenities your home has to offer.

Incentives

Create an environment that is open and inviting.  Offer buyers incentives to buy your home and deal with moving in the winter.  Consider updating the appliances in the kitchen or covering the buyers closing costs.  Sellers concessions and improvements to the home are just some of the many ways that you can make your home more appealing to buyers.

Decorate – Festive Displays

Buyers want to be able to picture themselves living in your home, so create an environment that does this for them.  Create the holiday spirit by staging your home with all of your very best décor.  Create curb appeal with outdoor decorations, fill the house with festive smells, and create a space that buyers cannot resist.  A space where they can totally immerse themselves in as their own.

Use the Weather to your Advantage

As miserable as it is to have people trampling through your house, think about the buyers who are trekking in and out of homes day after day.  Of course, this would put even the jolliest home buyers in a bad mood, so it is your job to make sure that doesn’t translate into how they feel about your home.

You can help create a more positive vibe by creating a warm, welcoming space.  Light candles, start a fire in the fireplace, provide warm beverages, and homemade treats.  The longer they linger in your space, the more likely for it to feel like their space.

C21 Lady of the Lakes is a full-service realtor serving Livingston County and the surrounding areas with all their real estate needs.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com/.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Radiation Therapy: Everything There Is to Know About Radiation Therapy and More

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are several treatment options that are available to patients after a cancer diagnosis has been received.   Radiation therapy is an option for treating cancer, thyroid disease, non-cancerous growths, and blood disorders.  The benefit of radiation therapy is that it can be confined to specific areas where the tumor is.  It is targeted treatment that has a devastating effect on its target.

Whether your treatment is curative or palliative, radiation is an effective option.  It is important to understand that although radiation therapy is used in treating cancer it is also used for treatment to certain inflammatory conditions and benign tumors.  In this installment we will focus more on the application of radiation therapy as treatment for cancer.

Quick Facts on Radiation Therapy

  • In order to stop cancer cells from growing and dividing, radiation therapy delivers intense energy waves to the targeted area. Not only does radiation therapy stop cancerous cells from growing, it works to kill cancerous cells, slow cancerous cells growth, and shrink cancerous tumors in order to allow surgical oncologists to remove left over tumor.
  • There are side effects to any cancer treatment including radiation therapy. One of the biggest side effects of radiation is the effect it has to the healthy tissues surrounding the areas around the tumor.  Treatment to healthy tissues is minimized as much as possible however this does not mean that it will be left unaffected.  Most of the side effects to the healthy tissue or local to the area and are short term however other side effects like fatigue can occur throughout your body.
  • In order to make sure that radiation is placed in the correct location, radiation therapy goes through a simulation process before it is actually administered to an actual patient.

Radiation Therapy Is…

A linear accelerator is the most common piece of equipment used to administer external beam radiation therapy.  Linear accelerators deliver waves of energy in the treatment of cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.  The form of radiation delivered using LINAC systems is known as ionizing radiation, a high-energy type of radiation.  The radiation breaks up the DNA of the cells in a manner that disturbs their ability to cultivate, even causing complete destruction, death.

Radiation therapy can be used on its own or in combination with other forms of treating cancer such as chemotherapy.  Only your cancer specialist can determine what option of treatment will be best for your specific type of cancer.  Radiation therapy is used as a form of treatment in over 60% of patients that are being treated for cancer within the United States.

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale.  More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.

Acceletronics

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Recovering from Cataract Surgery

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Recovering from cataract surgery should be relatively short and unexciting especially when your health is good and there aren’t any other major issues with your eyes.  Based on statistics, once a cataract has been removed your chances of an excellent outcome and sharper vision.

Cataract surgeries without complications most often takes under ten minutes from start to finish.  Right after surgery patients will rest in a recovery room until the affects of sedation and anesthesia wear off.  Recovery usually lasts anywhere between a half hour to an hour. You will not be able to see clearly right away so it is important to have someone available to drive you home after cataract surgery.  Patients are given a pair of sunglasses for the ride home to protect their eyes from the sunshine and light glare.

Once patients are at home they are advised to take it easy for the rest of the day.  Your surgeon will tell when you can take off the protective shield that has been placed over your eye.  This is usually possible after several hours however, it is important to follow the instructions that you are given for your unique situation.  Remember that you will need to use the protective shield when you are sleeping for protection while your eye is recovering from surgery.  This will need to be done for several days.

Recovery Time

Your vision will appear cloudy and distorted for awhile once you have removed the shield from your eye.  Your vision can take some time to adjust after the removal of a cataract.  Once your eye adapts to the intraocular lens that has replaced your natural lens the cloudiness in your eye will disappear. However, during this process some patients mention that their vision is a bit wavy and distorted.  If you experience this, it is important to note that it should last only about an hour.

After cataract surgery you may notice that your eyes are redder and bloodshot.  This is temporary because of damage to the blood vessels on the surface of the white part of your eye that can occur during surgery.  As your eye heals from cataract surgery this redness will disappear.

Many cataract patients report that their vision is clear within hours after surgery.  This however, varies from patient to patient.  Each person heals at a different speed.  It is crucial that you do not rush your recovery.  Even though some patients see clearly within hours of surgery some take as long as a week or two before they see sharp images.

Cataract patients will most often see their surgeon the day after their surgery to look for signs of complications.  After this period, it will be up to each patient individually to contact their surgeon if they have concerns or don’t feel the improvement in their vision is occurring how they thought it would.

Some people report dry, scratchy eyes right after cataract surgery however, as your eye begins to heal this will slowly fade.  About a month after cataract surgery patients are considered recovered and their eyes should be completely healed.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com

Michigan Lasik

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Do I need to Install a RO System If I Have a Water Softener?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

More often than not, a water softener will increase the quality of your homes water however, is it enough?  The truth is that although a water softener will improve the quality of your water, impurities may remain in your drinking water.  A reverse osmosis water treatment system can remove the impurities from your already softened water, to give you quality drinking water.  RO systems are the perfect accessory to use with a water softener because it removes 98% of the sodium from the softened water.  These aren’t the only reasons to use a RO in combination with a water softener.

Although a reverse osmosis system removes a lot of impurities in your drinking water they have a hard time removing and reducing calcium and magnesium, both which are known to be in hard water.  This is one of the reasons that a water softener works perfectly when used in conjunction with a reverse osmosis water treatment system.   When used together a water softener and RO system will create high quality drinking water by reducing the water hardness and removing impurities.

Many homeowners elect to install an under the sink reverse osmosis system as a point of use water treatment option.  A water softener is used as a whole house water treatment system.  It is important that hard water is softened throughout the home however, it doesn’t really matter if the water used in your appliances has run through a RO system.  An under the sink RO can also be tapped into the lines leading into the refrigerator.  This assures your drinking water is of the highest of qualities.  When used together a water softener and RO are a perfect combination to give you soft water throughout your home, while allowing you the purest of water from your tap.

Another benefit that comes along with using a combination of a water softener and reverse osmosis system is the amount of money you will save in energy costs, increased lifespan of your appliances, and lower soap usage throughout.  Let’s not forget the money you will save in bottled water as well.  So not only will you have the best quality water, you will be saving money as well.

It is important that when you are working with a water treatment company to install a RO water system after a water softener has already been installed that they do not interfere with one another.  Before making a purchase be sure to have evaluated the warranties between companies.  It is important to know what is covered and for how long.  Another evaluation should be maintenance and noise level.

The addition of a reverse osmosis system when installed in addition to your water softener will bring you the purest drinking water possible.  A RO system removes the impurities found in tap water ensuring the highest quality water for your family, direct from the source.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more.  More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.

Reynolds Water

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2019 Changes in Medicare

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

2019 is bringing on some big changes in the world of Medicare.  If you are a Medicare enrollee it is important to take note of the changes.  This will help make sure you are getting the coverage that you need.  Medicare has been around for over 53 years but that doesn’t mean that it stays the same from year to year.  Each year it is important to review your Medicare coverage.

Open Enrollment Changes

Medicare Advantage Plans will have an open enrollment period between January 1 – March 31.  At this time participants will be able:

  • Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
  • Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Advantage Plan
  • Enroll in or drop Medicare Part D, standalone prescription drug coverage

Closing the Gap in Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage requires seniors with high prescription drug costs to pay more for medication once they have reached a certain dollar amount spent each year.  There is a gap that occurs between when enrollees hit the initial spending cap and catastrophic coverage begins.  This will no longer exist in 2019 for brand name prescriptions.  In 2020 the gap will close for generics as well.

Telehealth Care

More consultations will take place between patients and caregivers will happen over the phone or via the internet.   Participants in Medicare with end-stage renal disease and being treated or strokes will have access to this same telehealth care services.

Enhanced Handbook

Each and every year Medicare sends each enrollee a handbook that give the details of their coverage for the current year.  In 2019 the handbook will also include:

  • In order to choose the right program checklists and flowcharts will be added
  • The online Medicare Plan Finder tool will be easier for seniors to access and use
  • The online coverage wizard will help enrollees to compare Medicare and Medigap costs and coverage
Removal of the Therapy Cap

Up until 2019 there have been limited coverage available for Medicare participants needing speech, occupational, and physical therapy.  Congress has removed this cap in 2019.

The experts at eMedigap Plans, powered by Omega, have all the answers you are looking for when it comes to your Medigap Supplemental Insurance needs.  More information can be found at http://emedigap-plans.com.

Medigap Insurance Plans

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Key Considerations Now That Medicare Open Enrollment Has Begun

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15, 2018 to December 7, 2018.  Open enrollment is the period in which current Medicare enrollees can adjust their current coverage.  Participants can move from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or vice versa, change Medigap plan coverage, and more.

Many people believe the best thing about turning 65 is that they become eligible for Medicare.  Obtaining health insurance without worrying about pre-existing conditions, your age, your overall health, and more is something that we all covet.  It is important, when enrolling in Medicare, to be cautious of what you need to do and when to avoid some expensive pitfalls that can add to the cost of your premiums as well as medical expenses.

These pitfalls can be avoided by making smart decisions when it comes to your Medicare coverage.  Right now, during open enrollment, participants are in the ideal position to ask questions, gather information, and make the vest decisions on their health care coverage.

Pitfalls to Avoid

#1 Pitfall – Not Covering the Gaps in Coverage

Medicare is medical insurance however it is not like the health insurance that is provided by your employer.  With employer sponsored health care plan participants most often pay one premium for their comprehensive insurance plan.  Once this is paid, the participant is then required, in most cases, to cover their yearly deductible and regular co-payments and that is as tricky as it gets.  That is not the case with Medicare.

Medicare insurance is offered in a number of different combinations.  Traditional Medicare, Plan A and B, cover hospital and outpatient services.  Each has its own premium, own deductible, and own copayments.

Many enrollees assume this is all the health insurance coverage that they will need.  This is however, not the case.  Medicare Part A and Part B are not comprehensive medical insurance plans.  There are gaps that need to be filled in such as prescription drug coverage, overseas medical coverage, and other out-of-pocket expenses.  To fill in the gaps that are left by traditional Medicare Part A and Part B participants have the opportunity to enroll in additional insurance plans, Medigap.

Another major difference to note between employer sponsored health care and Medicare is the out of-pocket limits.  With most employer-sponsored plans there is a limit to the amount of money, out-of-pocket, that participants will have to pay, a cap.  This is not the case with Medicare.  With Medicare coverage there isn’t a cap to the amount of money that participants are expected to cover.

Again, this is a pitfall that is easily taken care of with the purchase of additional Medigap coverage.  Medigap, or Medicare Supplemental Insurance as it is also known, are plans that reduce the out-of-pocket costs participants are required to pay.

During open enrollment you are allowed to change plans if a different Medigap plan will better suit your situation or choose a Medigap plan to enroll in if you have not previously done so.

The experts at eMedicare Supplemental Insurance, powered by Omega, have all the answers you are looking for when it comes to your Medicare Supplemental Insurance needs.  More information can be found at http://emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

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Is Your Home Under-Insulated?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Does your home have enough insulation?  More often than not, Michigan homeowners find their homes do not have the optimal amount of insulation.  9 out of 10 homeowners will have to add additional insulation to their homes if they want to be considered to be “well insulated”.  This occurs because the minimum amount of installation required by code for a home to be inhabitable is less than what is considered to be proper.

Why though would a builder add more insulation if they are not required to?  The more insulation the less profit.  However, as a homeowner we know that not having enough insulation produces higher energy bills.  In order to increase comfort and decrease energy bills it is crucial that professional insulation experts evaluate your home and add insulation in areas that it is needed.

Signs Your House Is Under-Insulated

Different Temperatures Throughout the House

If your home is one even temperature throughout you more than likely have enough insulation in your home.  If different temperatures are felt however, you most likely do not have enough insulation.  An example of this can be felt in a kitchen that is always freezing cold with bedrooms that are steaming.  If this is the case in your home, it is best to have a professional insulation contractor out to evaluate the situation.

Increased Energy Bills

Compare your energy bills over the last couple of years.  If you start to see a gradual increase in energy usage there is a chance that the blown-in insulation within your walls and attic have settled and have become less effective.  When this occurs, there is a chance that your home is not as well insulated as you had hoped for.   Homeowners may not notice a shift in the temperatures throughout their home however an increase in energy bills overtime sure is noticeable.  If heat is escaping through your homes roof and walls, it is time to either replace or add in additional insulation.

Cold Walls, Floors, and Ceilings

Your home should feel warm and dry to the touch.  Check your ceiling, interior walls, and floor, do they feel damp and cold or warm and dry?  If it is cold and wet, then you most likely do not have enough insulation throughout your home.  Exterior walls however, should feel cold as the insulation is keeping your home comfortable by keeping warm air inside.

Chilly Drafts

Homeowners have come to expect that during the winter months they have a few drafts here and there this however, doesn’t have to be the case.  Cold air coming from window frames and doorways can easily be avoided with the addition of extra insulation and the addition of spray foam insulation where needed.  Getting rid of small drafts can help prevent drafts and save on energy bills.

Insulation Contractors at Kearns Brothers incorporated are experts in blown-in cellulose.  We only recommend additional insulation in homes that need it to aid in the comfort level, energy efficiency, and to decrease energy bills.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.

 

Kearns Brothers

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Adding Privacy to Your Homes Backyard

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There is a something to be said for coming home and relaxing in your backyard.  The last thing you want when you are trying to wind down is to have to interact with your neighbors or view their unsightly idea of backyard landscaping.   Your backyard space should be a sanctuary, a place where you can go to let go and unwind without anxiety.  You should never feel like you are sharing your space.  Your backyard is yours and yours alone.  It is up to you as the homeowner to make the space your own little sanctuary.  Bring privacy to your space can easily be done while improving the aesthetics and security of the space.  Here are a few ways to “enclose” your backyard space for additional privacy.

Walls:

Enclosing your backyard space with solid walls is without a doubt the most effective way to increase privacy.  Solid walls are quite expensive and can be a bit constricting if your space is on the smaller side.  One way to avoid the constriction of solid walls is to add plants that cascade over the wall, aesthetic arbors, and gates can help create an airier sense to the enclosed space.  If you are looking for a serious approach to security and privacy a solid wall is a great option.

Landscaping:

There are many types of landscaping materials that can help increase the privacy of your backyard.  Consider the addition of large evergreens, hedges, arborvitaes, and vertical garden materials.  These natural elements will increase the privacy of your landscape and create a living fence.  The space will be inviting and natural.  If you aren’t necessarily looking to increase the security of your yard and are just searching for a way to increase privacy vertical landscaping materials are a great natural border.

Fencing:

Aluminum fencing is one of the most practical ways in which to increase the privacy of your backyard space.  It is durable and practically maintenance free. Aluminum fence panels come in a number of sizes, styles, and colors.  There are a number of decorative options to choose as well.  Aluminum fencing is affordable, easy to install, compliments any space, and adds security.

Any of these three options can provide homeowners a sense of privacy when relaxing in their backyard.  The purpose of a backyard is to have a space that is all yours to relax in and enjoy, a space where the rest of the world and its noise is kept from infiltrating.

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial installation.  As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered.  More information can be found online at https://ifenceusa.com/.

iFenceUSA

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Is Your Website Ready for the Mobile Revolution?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The way we live is forever changed with each new advancement in technology, especially mobile technology.  Mobile technology is changing at a rapid pace and our responsibility is to keep pace with these changes.   As customers change how they use the internet and how they engage with business it is up to us to evolve as well.

If you don’t believe in the theory of a mobile technology revolution it is time to take the blinders off and look around.  If you step outside and look around, you will see people everywhere using their smart phones in one form or another.  It is interesting to see the shift in internet use as we move from desktops to laptops and now into a world of mobile devices.  Each advancement in technology and how our access to it has changed end user interactions.

Consider the following:

82% of us browse the internet on their phone

61% of us search with their smartphones each and everyday

94% of smartphone users look for local information and 84% take actions because of it

47% of us visit business or service websites

77% of us use our smartphones to research products and services

(Our Mobile Planet: United States of America. Understanding the Mobile Consumer. May 2013. http://think.withgoogle.com/mobileplanet/en.)

From the statistics above you can see that almost 50% of the visitors to your website are from smartphone users.  Problems arise when visitors seek out sites that are coded improperly and are not mobile responsive and therefore basically unusable when viewed on a smart device.  Websites that are not mobile friendly are still viewable on smartphones however are practically unable to be interacted with.  A non-mobile responsive site will show up as a micro version of itself.

Users will only be able to garner information from zooming in and scrolling left to right on the text.  Website menus will be super tiny and frustrating to work with.  If your site is not programmed to be viewed correctly on mobile devices you could be losing upwards of 50% of your customers to the competitors who have already upgraded to a mobile responsive website design.  No user wants to scroll in and out on a website to gather information.  As advancements in technology shows us, end users are all about ease of use and convenience.  Mobile friendly, responsive website design is critical for the growth of your storefront and online business.

To find out more on mobile responsive website design call the experts at Creative Programs and Systems, 810.224.5252.  We are an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a wide range of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

Creative Programs and Systems

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Different Options in Treating Cancer

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are many methods used in the treatment of cancer.  Oncology physicians will work with one another to determine the best treatment combination to treat your unique cancer situation.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs are a type of poison that is given via injection directly into the blood stream.  Some chemotherapy treatments can be taken by mouth, all to treat and reduce the size of cancerous tumors.  Chemo is the treatment options that is most common when dealing with metastatic cancers such as, Carcinoma of Unknown Primary, C.U.P., that have spread throughout the body.  When your treatment includes surgery as well the term Adjuvant Chemotherapy will be commonly used.  This refers to medicine that is given after surgery to prevent reoccurrence.  Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy refers to medicine that is given prior to surgery to shrink tumors.

There are a number of chemotherapy options that can be used in treating cancer.  To be effective it must be tailored to the primary site of cancer.  Every patient and every cancer will require a different, specialized treatment plan.  Often times a combination of treatments needs to be used in order to fully treat cancer.  Chemotherapy is often used as one piece in combination to treat cancerous cells.

Radiation Therapy

Radiotherapy uses beams of radiation to destroy cancer cells.  Beams of radiation are aimed at precise areas where cancerous cells are located in order to shrink or eliminate the tumor.  Radiation is delivered using linear accelerators.  Linear accelerators can deliver high powered radiation beams directly to the tumors while missing the surrounding healthy cells.

Radiation therapy is used as both a curative and palliative treatment.  Curative treatment seeks a long-lasting cure and reduction of cancer cells returning.  Palliative treatment seeks to reduce and slow down the symptoms being experienced with the cancer when there is no chance of curing the patient.  When determining your radiation treatment, doctors will look at the size, type, location, shape, and stage of the tumor, as well as the health of the patient and overall purpose of treatment.  A plan will be developed and executed according to a strict plan.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy uses sex hormones to treat hormone sensitive/dependent cancers like breast, prostate, and womb cancers where the cancerous tumors and cells grow because of estrogen and testosterone. Hormone therapy is often used in combination with other treatments.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy works in an effort to replicate the persons actual immune system to reject and destroy cancerous cells.  This can be done through “immunization” in which a patient own immune system is trained to see cancerous cells and destroy them.  It can also be administered in a way that recruits the patients own immune system to kill the cancerous cells.

Surgery

When it is possible, surgery is the best option at offering a cure for most cancers however is not appropriate for CUP patients.  Surgery is most often used in treatment when the primary site of cancer is identified.

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale.  More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.

Acceletronics

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