366 Network courses in Liverpool

Software development training course description This three-day MTA Training course helps you prepare for Microsoft Technology Associate Exam 98-361, and build an understanding of these topics: Core programming, Object-Oriented programming, general software development, web applications, desktop applications, and databases. This course leverages the same content as found in the Microsoft Official Academic Course (MOAC) for this exam. What will you learn Describe core programming. Explain Object Oriented programming. Describe general software development. Describe Web applications. Describe desktop applications. Explain how databases work. Software development training course details Who will benefit: Anyone looking to learn the fundamentals of software. Prerequisites: None. Duration 3 days Software development training course contents Core programming Computer storage and data types How a computer stores programs and the instructions in computer memory, memory stacks and heaps, memory size requirements for the various data storage types, numeric data and textual data. Computer decision structures Various decision structures used in all computer programming languages; If decision structures; multiple decision structures, such as If…Else and switch/Select Case; reading flowcharts; decision tables; evaluating expressions. Handling repetition For loops, While loops, Do...While loops and recursion. Understand error handling Structured exception handling. Object-oriented programming Classes Properties, methods, events and constructors; how to create a class; how to use classes in code. Inheritance Inheriting the functionality of a base class into a derived class. Polymorphism Extending the functionality in a class after inheriting from a base class, overriding methods in the derived class. Encapsulation Creating classes that hide their implementation details while still allowing access to the required functionality through the interface, access modifiers. General software development Application life cycle management Phases of application life cycle management, software testing. Interpret application specifications Application specifications, translating them into prototypes, code, select appropriate application type and components. Algorithms and data structures Arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists and sorting algorithms; performance implications of various data structures; choosing the right data structure. Web applications Web page development HTML, CSS, JavaScript. ASP.NET web application development Page life cycle, event model, state management, client-side versus server-side programming. Web hosting Creating virtual directories and websites, deploying web applications, understanding the role of Internet Information Services. Web services Web services that will be consumed by client applications, accessing web services from a client application, SOAP, WSDL. Desktop applications Windows apps UI design guideline categories, characteristics and capabilities of Store Apps, identify gestures. Console-based applications Characteristics and capabilities of console- based applications. Windows Services Characteristics and capabilities of Windows Services. Databases Relational database management systems Characteristics and capabilities of database products, database design, ERDs, normalisation concepts. Database query methods SQL, creating and accessing stored procedures, updating and selecting data. Database connection methods Connecting to various types of data stores, such as flat file; XML file; in-memory object; resource optimisation.

Supporting Microsoft SQL server course description A concise hands on course enabling delegates to manage and administer a Microsoft SQL server database. What will you learn Install SQL server. Backup SQL server databases. Recover SQL server databases. Secure SQL server databases. Perform routine maintenance. Automate tasks. Supporting Microsoft SQL server course details Who will benefit: Anyone working with Microsoft SQL server Prerequisites: Supporting Windows server. Duration 3 days Supporting Microsoft SQL server course contents SQL server introduction Platform, Tools, services. Installation. Creating databases. Backups Back up types, transaction logging, restoring from a backup: Full database, individual files. Security Users, server roles, database roles. Permissions. Monitoring Routine database maintenance. Performance data. Jobs and alerts The SQL server agent, database mail, alerts, jobs.

Database design training course description Although this course mentions Microsoft Access the same course can be run with a variety of different databases. The duration of the course is dependent on the experience of the delegates. What will you learn Name and give 3 types of database structure. Explain the difference between standard SQL and different flavours. Use SQL statements to query databases. Use SQL statements to query and define databases. Describe the principles of relational database design and 3 types of relational joins. Normalise a given flat file table into relational tables. Database design training course details Who will benefit: Anyone who needs to be able to design an efficient, watertight database following the best practice of the principles of Relational Database design. Prerequisites: None. Duration 3 days Database design training course contents Database structure and terminology. Principles of Relational Database Design. Types of relationship. Normal Forms. Practical examples of relational database design. Hands-on creation of a database. On paper design a relational database applicable to the delegates work.

Database fundamentals training course description This three-day training course helps you prepare for Microsoft Technology Associate Exam 98-364, and build an understanding of these topics: Core Database Concepts, Creating Database Objects, Manipulating Data, Data Storage, and Administering a Database. What will you learn Describe core database concepts. Create database objects. Manipulate data. Describe data storage. Administer a database. Create a relational database consisting of 3 related tables. Database fundamentals training course details Who will benefit: Those working with databases. Prerequisites: None. Duration 3 days Database fundamentals training course contents Understanding core database concepts Flat-type databases, hierarchical databases, relational databases, database fundamentals, relational database concepts, using the SQL Server Management Studio Interface. Data Manipulation Language (DML), Data Definition Language (DDL), using DDL statements. Creating database objects Defining data types, using built-in data types, using exact numeric data types, using approximate numeric data types. Creating and using tables. Creating views. Creating stored procedures, SQL injections. Manipulating data Using Queries to select data, combining conditions, using the BETWEEN clause, using the NOT clause, using the UNION clause, using the EXCEPT and INTERSECT clauses, using the JOIN clause. Using Queries to insert data, Inserting data. Updating data and databases, Using the UPDATE statement. Deleting data, Using the DELETE statement, truncating a table with TRUNCATE TABLE, deleting a table with DROP TABLE, using referential integrity. Understanding data storage Normalising a database, normalization, first normal form, second normal form, third normal form, fourth normal form, fifth normal form. Primary, foreign and composite keys, clustered and non-clustered indexes, creating a non-clustered table. Administering a Database Securing Databases, server-level security, database-level security, Windows security, SQL authentication, database server roles, granting access to a database, fixed database roles, object permissions, managing roles, ownership chains, reviewing a sample security model. Backing up and restoring databases, recovery models, backup devices.

This programme concentrates on the core planning skills needed to develop sound practical project plans in a team environment. This enables the plan to be modified should requirements change or difficulties arise. The programme also gives participants the confidence to practise those skills and apply them in the work environment and deliver their projects more successfully in the future. Participants learn fundamental project management concepts and terminology, demystifying the project management process, and, in particular, how to: Break a project down into manageable sections and ensure nothing is left out Understand and apply estimating techniques to develop realistic estimates Sequence work effectively and carry out critical path analysis to determine project duration and which tasks to pay closest attention to Manage project risk effectively to protect project value Monitor, control and re-plan the project to best keep it on track Close out the project and ensure the project comes to an orderly end 1 Introduction Self-introductions and personal objectives Course objectives Sharing of project issues 2 Project management concepts Characteristics of a project and what should be kept as operational responsibilities Understanding the triple and quadruple constraints - and their limitations Prioritising requirements through the MOSCOW technique Product v project life cycle Key project roles and responsibilities - the importance of sponsorship and clarity of roles 3 Starting a project, and the importance of the terms of reference / project brief Avoiding the pressure to 'just do it'! The importance and benefits of planning The best time to learn! Initial project documentation - the BOSCARDI approach 4 Breaking the work down Understanding alternative breakdown structures such as the product breakdown structure and work breakdown structure Guidelines for creating a work breakdown structure to ensure the full work scope is identified 5 Estimating Alternative estimating techniques and associated confidence levels Further considerations - loss and resource factors 6 Organising the work Use of network diagrams to develop a clear sequence of work Critical path analysis and calculating the project duration and task float - and usage 7 The management of project risk Understanding the nature of project risk The risk analysis and risk management processes How to best manage threats and opportunities Running a risk workshop Using the risk register 8 Scheduling the work The importance of the Gantt chart and understanding its limitations The Gantt chart layout and using alternative views such as the tracking Gantt Using alternative dependencies 9 Resource issues Assigning resources and resolving resource overloads Crashing and fast-tracking your project and potential issues to look out for 10 Controlling the project The control cycle and alternative feedback mechanisms Alternative progress reporting Assessing the impact The importance of re-planning The benefits of control Change control - the importance of impact analysis The steps of change control and the use of the issue register 11 Closing the project The project closure checklist Reviewing the project - things to avoid Developing meaningful lessons and ensuring they are applied effectively The post-project review - its importance to the organisation

About this Training Course This interactive training course and workshop session is developed to provide a catalyst for transformation of the legacy systems and adapting to the upcoming trends in the near future in the LPG supply chain. The course curriculum is based on overcoming the challenges of cost and quality enhancement. Both challenges encompass critical review of each aspect from production to transportation with safety of operations and zero loss of energy, thereby enhancing revenue. Training Objectives This course is developed to meet the needs LPG producers, Gas Tankers and Terminals operators, and fraternity of stakeholders, with the following underlying objectives: Conduct assessment of current standards and management systems in context of market forces and economics of demand and supply; Explore impact of emerging markets and user segments of LPG transiting from oil or electricity use; Identify avenues in need of production process review for enhancing the quality in terms of energy content of LPG; Evaluate current and future trends in LPG transportation and the influence of regulatory regimes and incentive schemes, for investment in Storage Terminals and distribution networks; Identify the operations and protocols to be adaptable for compliance with new regulations and trends; Establish transportation and distribution cost control mechanism at optimum level; and Develop guidelines and SOPs for contamination free transfer, loading and discharging of LPG Tankers. Target Audience This is a 'must attend' course if you are a: LPG Gas Producer Process Specialist Buyer Trader LPG Tanker Owner Charterer, and Management personnel holding responsible positions such as Director, General Manager, Commercial Manager, Business Development Manager, Legal Counsel, Post-Fixtures Manager, Fleet Manager, Marine & Technical Superintendent, Senior Engineer or Middle Level Manager as part of succession planning. Training Methods The course will be delivered in 3 full-day sessions comprising 8 hours per day. Course Duration: 3 full-day sessions, 8 hours per session (24 hours in total). Trainer Principal Management Consultant FAIADR, FACICA, FHKIoD, M.S.I.D, Member, AIPN LL.M. (IP Laws), M. Sc. (Maritime Studies) M, Tech (Knowledge Engineering), MBA First Class CoC (DOT, UK), B. E. (Elect)   Your expert course leader, during the last 45 year period, has worked and consulted in the industry verticals encompassing: Marine, Shipping & Transport, Technology, Oil & Gas Exploration & Production, Petrochemical Process Plants and Power Plant Construction Projects, Logistics & Warehousing, Offshore, Oil & Gas Pipelines, Infrastructure Development Projects (Construction, Ports, Offshore Supply Bases, Oil & Gas Terminals and Airports etcetera), EPCIC Contracts, and Shipyards, in South East Asia, Africa, Middle East, Americas and Europe. He is a Principal Management Consultant in a consulting company in Hong Kong and Singapore, specializing in the fields of corporate management consultancy, international contracts reviews and alternative dispute resolutions services. He has been frequently engaged for assignments like due diligence, acquisitions, and mergers. The assignments often involved resolving various operational issues, contracts reviews, cost controls, project management matters and enhancement of international procurement and Supply Chain Management systems. He continues to be actively engaged in advisory services for Remuneration, Audit and Risk Management Committees of public companies as well as MNCs. He has developed a special initiative for conducting audits of ERM Systems (Enterprise Risk Management) and valuation of intangible properties involving proprietary processes (IP), licensed production and intellectual property rights. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, MBA in General Management, Master of Technology in Knowledge Engineering, Master of Science in Maritime Studies and LL.M. (IP Law). He also holds professional qualifications in arbitration, contracts laws, and marine engineering, including the Chief Engineer's First-Class Certificate of Competency (DOT, UK). He has been Associate, SIM University (SUSS) Singapore and taught on subjects including Business Continuity Planning and Risk Management. He has served as Director and member of Board of Management, Governance Councils and Risk Management Committees of international organizations. He is admitted to various professional institutions as: 'Fellow', Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (FACICA); Asian Institute of ADR (FAIADR), Malaysia; Hong Kong Institute of Directors (FHKIoD), Member, Singapore Institute of Directors (M.S.I.D.), and Member, Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN) USA. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information about post training coaching support and fees applicable for this. Accreditions And Affliations

LAN training course description A concise overview course covering Local Area Networks with particular emphasis on the use of Ethernet and Wireless LANS. As well as explaining buzzwords we cover how the technology works at a simple level. After defining LANs the course moves onto Ethernet and switching also covering VLANs. WiFi is then covered, with coverage of 802.11 standards and frequencies along with integrating WiFi with Ethernet. The course then covers routers and their role in connecting networks and the course finishes with a comparison of Ethernet vs WiFi and when to use them. What will you learn Describe how Ethernet works (in simple terms) and when to use Ethernet. Explain the difference between a switch and a router. Describe how WiFi works (in simple terms). Describe the role of Access points. Evaluate wireless technologies and when to use them. List the speeds of various LAN technologies. LAN training course details Who will benefit: Sales staff, managers and other non technical staff. Prerequisites: None. Duration 1 day LAN training course contents LANS What is a LAN? LAN standards, LAN choices, choosing the media, copper, UTP, cat5e, fibre, RF, bandwidth speeds, link aggregation, Full/half duplex. Ethernet What is Ethernet? 802.3, parts of Ethernet, Ethernet evolution, MAC addresses, frames, broadcasts. Ethernet switches What are switches, switches versus hubs, how switches work, ways to configure switches, Loops, STP. VLANs What are VLANs? Why have VLANs, impact of VLANs, Tagging (aka trunking), 802.1Q Wireless LANS Type of wireless LAN, RF frequencies, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, others, interference, standards, 802.11 and variants, CSMA/CA. Wireless LANS NICs, Access points, integration with Ethernet, multiple access points, mesh networks, WiFi security. Interconnecting LANs Routers, connecting networks, interconnecting VLANs, IP addressing, Layer 3 switches. Summary WiFi vs Ethernet.

About this Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) This 2 half-day Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) course will guide participants on the technoeconomic aspects of capture, utilization and geological storage of carbon dioxide. The VILT course will address the methods and techniques used in the technoeconomic assessment of Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS) projects. It will explore in detail the factors that affect the cost-effectiveness of current and emerging technologies for CO2 capture, transport and geological storage, including monitoring and verification. Given that the successful deployment of CCUS may require economic incentives, technical and economic drivers such as technological innovation, optimization, source sink matching and emerging opportunities will also be discussed. In addition, using several worked examples and case studies, this VILT course will explain the principles behind the analysis of the costs and opportunities of a CCS / CCUS project from source to sink and examines the possibilities of using carbon dioxide from an economic perspective. Training Objectives Upon completion of this VILT course, participants will be able to: Describe the economic considerations for CCS / CCUS projects Measure and calculate the cost-effectiveness of CCS / CCUS Identify the economic drivers for CCS / CCUS Understand the value of source to sink matching Outline the economic and environmental opportunities as well as challenges with using carbon dioxide injection in a range of applications Recognize niche opportunities for CO2 storage (coal seams, basalts, salt and others)   Target Audience This VILT course is ideally suited for a technical audience such as geoscientists, petroleum and chemical engineers as well as professionals such as economists, regulators, legal staff and managers wishing to learn more about the details of economic aspects and the basis for techno-economic analysis of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage projects. The VILT course is presented in an interactive workshop format, allowing for discussions. Participants should have: Basic background knowledge of CCUS technologies Experience with oil and gas, coal or other energy projects Basic understanding of the energy industry Course Level Basic or Foundation Training Methods The VILT course will be delivered online in 2 half-day sessions comprising 4 hours per day, with 2 breaks of 15 minutes per day. The VILT course is presented in an interactive workshop format that allows discussion. Course Duration: 2 half-day sessions, 4 hours per session (8 hours in total). Trainer Your expert course leader received his B.Eng. in Chemical and Environmental Systems in 2002 from Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico, and his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in 2008 from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), in Sydney, Australia, at the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology. His doctoral used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to analyse the flows within membrane modules used for water treatment and desalination. He also worked on a desalination linkage project between the UNSW and the European Union, as part of Framework Programme 6. From 2009 to 2014, he worked for the Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC), where he led the research into CO2 Transport Networks, co-led the development of a techno-economic model for the analysis of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects, and collaborated on several consultancy and feasibility studies conducted by CO2CRC for both Government and Industry. From 2014 to 2019, he held a CONACYT Research Fellowship at the Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON) in Mexico, where he led collaborative research projects dealing with RO membrane biofouling (IHE-Delft), membrane modifications, solar energy use for desalination (CSIR-CSMCRI India) and CFD modelling of the hydrodynamics in membrane modules (UMP Malaysia). Since July 2019, he is a Research Fellow in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Sydney, where his research focuses on finding ways to reduce the cost, energy use and environmental impact of technologies for providing clean energy and water. From 2015 to 2020, he was a Member of the Board of Directors of the Mexican Society of Membrane Science and Technology. He guest edited a special edition on CCS for the Journal 'Technologies' and is currently an Editorial Board member for the journal, 'Energies', a peer-reviewed open-access scientific journal. His research interests include improving the efficiency of osmotic membrane separation processes, modelling complex processes involving heat and mass transfer, and exploring the economic drivers of low emission technologies such as the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) chain. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information about post training coaching support and fees applicable for this. Accreditions And Affliations

IPv6 demystified training course description IPv6 is the next generation Internet Protocol. This course looks at the benefits and features of the new protocol along with an assessment of the likely impact of the protocol and migration strategies. What will you learn Explain the benefits and disadvantages of IPv6 Recognise the impact of IPv6 on existing networks. Plan migration strategies for IPv6 Integrate IPv6 and IPv4 networks IPv6 demystified training course details Who will benefit: Sales staff, managers and other non technical staff. Prerequisites: None. Duration 1 day IPv6 demystified training course contents What's wrong with IPv4 IPv4 works, NAT, carrier grade NAT, addresses running out. Current state of IPv4 addressing. Why IPv6 Reasons for IPv6, what is IPv6? the origins of IPv6. IPv6 addressing IPv6 address allocation, address format, prefixes, address categories, scope zones, global unicast, link local. Plug and play. Migration techniques A migration plan, Dual stack, DNS, tunnelling, tunnel establishment, tunnel brokers, Tunnel types. IPv6 steps How IPv6 can affect the following: Firewalls, routers, switches!, DNS, Web services, Email. Current state of IPv6 IPv6 release 1996, 3G, World IPv6 day 2011, World IPv6 launch 2012.

About this Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) Hydrogen will play an increasingly critical role in the future of energy system as it moves forward to supplement and potentially replace fossil fuels in the long run. Offshore wind offers a clean and sustainable renewable resource for green hydrogen production. However, it can also be volatile and presents inherent risks that need to be managed. Even though offshore production of hydrogen has yet to achieve a high state of maturity, many current projects are already dealing with the conditions and effects of offshore production of hydrogen and are grappling with the technological requirements and necessary gas transportation with grid integration. This 2 half-day Virtual Instructor Lead Training (VILT) course will examine the technological options for on-site production of hydrogen by electrolysis (onshore or offshore directly at the platform) as well as the transport of hydrogen (pipeline or ship). This VILT course will also explore the economic considerations and the outlook on future market opportunities. There will be exercises for the participants to work on over the two half-days. This course is delivered in partnership with Fraunhofer IEE. Training Objectives By the end of this VILT course, participants will be able to: Understand the technological attributes and options for green hydrogen production based on electricity from offshore wind. Explore the associated economic analysis for offshore wind hydrogen production, including CAPEX, OPEX, LCOE and LCOH Identify the critical infrastructure and technical configuration required for offshore green hydrogen including transportation networks and grid connectivity Learn from recent findings from current Research & Development projects concerning the differences between onshore and offshore hydrogen production. Target Audience This VILT course is intended: Renewable energy developers and operators Offshore oil & gas operators Energy transport and marine operators Energy policy makers and regulators IPPs and power utilities Training Methods The VILT course will be delivered online in 2 half-day sessions comprising 4 hours per day, including time for lectures, discussion, quizzes and short classroom exercises. Course Duration: 2 half-day sessions, 4 hours per session (8 hours in total). Trainer Trainer 1: Your expert course leader is Director of Energy Process Technology Division at the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology, IEE. The research activities of the division link the areas of energy conversion processes and control engineering. The application fields covered are renewable energy technologies, energy storage systems and power to gas with a strong focus on green hydrogen. From 2006 - 2007, he worked as a research analyst of the German Advisory Council on Global Change, WBGU, Berlin. He has extensive training experience from Bachelor and Master courses at different universities as well as in the context of international training activities - recently on hydrogen and PtX for partners in the MENA region and South America. He holds a University degree (Diploma) in Physics, University of Karlsruhe (KIT). Trainer 2: Your expert course leader is Deputy Head of Energy Storage Department at Fraunhofer IEE. Prior to this, he was the director of the Grid Integration Department at SMA Solar Technology AG, one of the world's largest manufacturers of PV power converters. Before joining SMA, he was manager of the Front Office System Planning at Amprion GmbH (formerly RWE TSO), one of the four German transmission system operators. He holds a Degree of Electrical Engineering from the University of Kassel, Germany. In 2003, he finished his Ph.D. (Dr.-Ing.) on the topic of wind power forecasting at the Institute of Solar Energy Supply Technology (now known as Fraunhofer IEE) in Kassel. In 2004, he started his career at RWE TSO with a main focus on wind power integration and congestion management. He is Chairman of the IEC SC 8A 'Grid Integration of Large-capacity Renewable Energy (RE) Generation' and has published several papers about grid integration of renewable energy source and forecasting systems on books, magazines, international conferences and workshops. Trainer 3: Your expert course leader is Deputy Director of the Energy Process Technology division and Head of the Renewable Gases and Bio Energy Department at Fraunhofer IEE. His work is mainly focused on the integration of renewable gases and bioenergy systems into the energy supply structures. He has been working in this field since more than 20 years. He is a university lecturer in national and international master courses. He is member of the scientific advisory council of the European Biogas Association, member of the steering committee of the Association for Technology and Structures in Agriculture, member of the International Advisory Committee (ISAC) of the European Biomass Conference and member of the scientific committees of national bioenergy conferences. He studied mechanical engineering at the University of Darmstadt, Germany. He received his Doctoral degree on the topic of aerothermodynamics of gas turbine combustion chambers. He started his career in renewable energies in 2001, with the topic of biogas fired micro gas turbines. Trainer 4: Your expert course leader has an M. Sc. and she joined Fraunhofer IEE in 2018. In the Division of Energy Process Technology, she is currently working as a Research Associate on various projects related to techno-economic analysis of international PtX projects and advises KfW Development Bank on PtX projects in North Africa. Her focus is on the calculation of electricity, hydrogen and derivative production costs (LCOE, LCOH, LCOA, etc) based on various methods of dynamic investment costing. She also supervises the development of models that simulate different PtX plant configurations to analyze the influence of different parameters on the cost of the final product, and to find the configuration that gives the lowest production cost. She received her Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering at the HAWK in Göttingen and her Master's degree in renewable energy and energy efficiency at the University of Kassel. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information about post training coaching support and fees applicable for this. Accreditions And Affliations