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DCC

The (DCC) are the professional cheerleading squad affiliated with the of the , formed in the from an initial group of high school students and evolving into a polished ensemble by the through the addition of professional dancers and choreographers. Renowned for their high-energy routines emphasizing athleticism, precise dance technique, and charismatic presentation, the DCC perform at every home game for over 90,000 fans at , as well as at Super Bowls starting in 1976 and on global USO tours supporting U.S. military personnel. Their signature blue-and-white uniforms, featuring white boots, hot pants, and star motifs, have become cultural symbols of American glamour and are enshrined in the Smithsonian Institution's . The DCC have garnered significant achievements in media and public outreach, including starring in two CBS made-for-TV movies in 1979 and 1980 that drew massive audiences, a 16-season CMT reality series documenting their rigorous auditions and training, and the 2024 Netflix docuseries , which became the platform's top premiere of the year. Affectionately dubbed "America's Sweethearts," the squad has raised millions for charity through community appearances and maintained a legacy of nearly 900 alumni since 1961, serving as NFL ambassadors to promote internationally. Despite their prominence, the DCC have encountered controversies centered on labor conditions, with historical reports of minimal game-day pay—often cited as $200–$400 per appearance despite extensive rehearsals and travel—and requirements for cheerleaders to cover costs like uniform maintenance and hair styling. Additional scrutiny has involved allegations of inadequate handling of sexual harassment claims, body-shaming during fittings, and rigid enforcement of appearance standards, as highlighted in media exposés and the Netflix series, prompting unionization efforts that secured pay raises by 2024. These issues underscore broader tensions in professional cheerleading between performative demands and worker protections, though the organization maintains its commitments to excellence and tradition remain unaltered.

Technology and Electronics

Digital Command Control

Digital Command Control (DCC) is a digital for operating model railway locomotives, enabling independent of multiple trains on the same electrical section of track without physical isolation. Unlike traditional (DC) systems, which apply voltage variations across the entire track to control speed and direction collectively, DCC superimposes packets onto a constant track voltage waveform, allowing addressed commands to specific locomotives via onboard decoders. This system, standardized by the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), ensures among products from different manufacturers, with decoders decoding at least 95% of properly addressed baseline packets even in noisy conditions. The development of DCC traces back to earlier analog command control efforts, such as the 1964 Astrac system by , which used high-frequency carriers for multi-train operation, but these lacked standardization and digital precision. In the late 1980s, an NMRA working group evaluated various systems and selected a invented by Lenz Elektronik —initially implemented by Märklin for their digital operations—as the basis for a universal standard due to its robust digital packet structure and compatibility potential. The NMRA adopted DCC as its official standard in 1994, following prototypes and manufacturer demonstrations in the early , marking a shift from proprietary analog methods to a unified digital framework that supported features like sound, lighting, and . By the mid-, adoption accelerated with commercial systems from companies like Digitrax and Lenz, evolving beyond baseline standards to include wireless throttles and advanced accessory control. Technically, a DCC command generates serialized packets—typically 14 bytes long, including , error correction, and —encoded as a square wave (alternating between +12-18V and -12-18V) on the rails, providing both power and signal without interrupting operation. Each 's , installed in the or , filters packets by its unique (short for 1-127 or long for up to 10,239), then interprets commands for motor control via , direction reversal, and accessory functions like horns or smoke units. Boosters amplify the signal for larger layouts, dividing power districts to prevent overloads, while throttles interface with the command via protocols like XpressNet or LocoNet for real-time input. This packet-based addressing prevents interference, as unaddressed s ignore commands and maintain constant power for steady lighting and functions. NMRA Standards S-9.1 through S-9.2.1 define DCC's electrical, packet format, and conformance parameters, mandating baseline speed steps (14, 28, or 128), decoder support, and fault like short-circuit detection. Recommended Practices extend to advanced features, such as consisting (grouping locomotives) and service mode programming on dedicated tracks. Compliance testing by NMRA ensures products meet these specs, fostering a market with decoders from , ESU, and Digitrax that operate seamlessly across systems. As of 2020, enhancements include integration and sound libraries with prototypical effects, though core operation remains rooted in the 1994 baseline for reliability.

Digital Compact Cassette

The (DCC) was a magnetic tape-based recording format developed by in collaboration with Matsushita Electric (now ) and introduced to consumers in late as a proposed successor to the analog Compact Cassette. It maintained the physical dimensions and tape speed of standard audio cassettes—3.8 mm tape width and 4.76 cm/s linear speed—to ensure , allowing DCC players to reproduce analog recordings using a stationary head while employing helical-scan rotary heads for digital tracks. DCC employed Precision Adaptive Subband Coding (PASC), a lossy perceptual based on principles similar to early MPEG Layer I, to reduce the data rate of 44.1 kHz, 16-bit stereo PCM audio from approximately 1.411 Mbps to a fixed 384 kbps, achieving a of about 3.7:1 while aiming to preserve CD-quality sound within the constraints of cassette tape's limited bitrate capacity. The format supported sampling rates of 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, or 48 kHz, with recorded across 8 s and auxiliary data (such as timing and subcode) on a ninth track, enabling up to 120 minutes of playback on premium DCC cassettes formulated with high-coercivity materials like cobalt-doped ferric oxide or chromium dioxide for improved and durability. Error correction via Reed-Solomon coding and interleaving mitigated tape imperfections, though the low tape speed inherently limited raw bitrate compared to faster formats like (). DCC decks, such as the DCC-900 introduced in 1993, incorporated automatic format detection to seamlessly switch between and analog modes, with outputs via and features like auto-reverse and programmable recording. Initial units were priced around $1,000, reflecting complex mechanics with dual head assemblies, which contributed to reliability issues like head alignment wear over time. The format included Serial Copy Management System (SCMS)-like to restrict dubbing to one generation, addressing industry concerns over home similar to those that hampered DAT's consumer adoption. Despite positive audio reviews claiming PASC's transparency approached uncompressed PCM for most listeners, DCC achieved negligible , with global sales estimated in the low thousands of decks and limited prerecorded tape releases, primarily in and . discontinued DCC production in October 1996, citing failure to displace compact discs (), whose lower cost, , and durability had already dominated the market by the early ; competing formats like Sony's offered optical media advantages without tape's mechanical vulnerabilities. , while innovative, failed to compel analog users to upgrade amid CD proliferation, and the absence of widespread support for prerecorded digital cassettes sealed its obsolescence.

Direct Cable Connection

Direct Cable Connection (DCC) is a networking utility in Windows operating systems, primarily and later versions up to , that facilitates a point-to-point link between two computers via their serial or parallel ports, enabling file and printer sharing without requiring modems, network interface cards, or external infrastructure. This feature emulates a basic network connection over direct cabling, treating one computer as a host and the other as a guest, allowing access to shared resources like drives and printers through Network Neighborhood or similar interfaces. Introduced in , DCC addressed limitations in early personal computing environments where Ethernet adapters were uncommon or absent, particularly on budget hardware. The technology relies on standard input/output (I/O) ports: using cables, which cross pins 2 and 3 (transmit and receive data lines) to simulate modem handshaking between devices typically configured as (DTE), and employing specialized cables such as DirectParallel or Laplink-compatible variants for higher throughput. connections, recommended for , transmit data over multiple lines simultaneously, achieving speeds up to approximately 2 Mbps under optimal conditions, compared to serial rates limited to 115.2 kbps; however, actual varied due to port configurations, cable quality, and overhead. licensed enhancements like DirectParallel technology to support these high-speed parallel links, distinguishing them from standard printer cables. To implement DCC, users installed the component via the Control Panel's Add/Remove Programs applet under > Communications, followed by enabling file and printer sharing in Network settings and configuring port bindings for protocols like TCP/IP or NetBEUI. The host computer initiated a listening mode on the selected port (e.g., COM1 for or LPT1 for ), while the guest dialed or connected directly; BIOS settings ensured ports were enabled and IRQ conflicts avoided. Infrared ports were also supported in for wireless equivalents, though cable-based links predominated for reliability. Despite its utility for tasks like on isolated systems or , DCC proved unreliable in practice, prone to disconnections during high-load operations such as debugging or large file transfers, contributing to its niche status even in the mid-1990s. DCC's relevance waned with the proliferation of affordable Ethernet, USB bridges, and wireless technologies by the early 2000s, rendering it obsolete in modern Windows versions where legacy port support diminished; remnants appeared in for serial setups but required manual workarounds. It exemplified transitional networking solutions bridging standalone toward interconnected environments, but its cable dependencies and speed constraints limited scalability beyond two-device links.

Digital Cross-Connect

A digital cross-connect system (DCS), also known as a digital cross-connect (DXC), is circuit-switched telecommunications equipment that interconnects lower-speed time-division multiplexed (TDM) bit streams, such as DS0 channels, with higher-speed TDM streams like DS1 or DS3, allowing non-blocking reconfiguration of circuits via software control rather than physical rewiring. These systems operate at major network nodes, multiplexing low-speed voice and data signals onto high-capacity trunk lines for efficient traffic grooming and restoration. Development of DCS originated in the mid-1970s, with initial concepts emerging in 1976 to leverage digital multiplexing for automated cross-connections in response to growing demands post-AT&T divestiture. The first commercial DCS deployment occurred in 1981, followed by accelerated adoption as carriers integrated them into transmission facilities for centralized management. By 1992, DCS had become a core element in U.S. , enabling software-driven provisioning and fault isolation at DS1/DS3 levels with capacities supporting thousands of circuits per system. DCS types are categorized primarily by the TDM level at which cross-connections occur, including systems handling granular DS0 (64 kbps) to DS1 (1.544 Mbps) grooming, for intermediate DS1C/DS2 aggregates, and for higher-rate DS3 (44.736 Mbps) or interconnections. DCS variants focus on customer-side terminations, while trunk-side systems emphasize inter-office ; features like add/drop and automatic protection switching differentiate models, with capacities ranging from hundreds to over 10,000 DS0 equivalents in modular architectures. In operation, DCS facilitate network optimization by rearranging traffic for load balancing, error monitoring via parity checks, and rapid reconfiguration—often in seconds—reducing compared to manual patch panels; they integrate with operations support systems for and remain integral to TDM/IP backbones despite packet-switching prevalence. Standards such as those from Telecommunication Engineering Centre specify VC-12/VC-34 switching for compatibility, ensuring in global hierarchies.

Computing and Data

Data Compression Conference

The Data Compression Conference (DCC) is an annual international forum for presenting and discussing current research on data compression algorithms, techniques, and applications, including lossless and lossy methods, , and processing. Established in 1991, it serves as a primary venue for researchers to share empirical advancements grounded in and practical implementations, with proceedings documenting peer-reviewed contributions since its inception. DCC events feature technical paper sessions, poster presentations, and invited keynotes addressing emerging challenges such as open problems in source coding and visual information processing. Submissions undergo a double-blind peer-review process, prioritizing novelty, rigor, and , with accepted full papers limited to 10 pages in the proceedings, which are published by IEEE and accessible via . Held annually in , , typically in , the conference attracts global participation from and , fostering discussions on causal factors in like reduction and predictive modeling. For instance, the 2025 edition occurred March 19-21, following a paper submission deadline of October 11, 2025. Past iterations have included keynotes by experts such as Henrique Malvar in on visual processing advances.

Biology

Deleted in Colorectal Carcinoma

The DCC gene, located on human chromosome 18q21.3, encodes a transmembrane glycoprotein that serves as the primary receptor for netrin-1, a secreted guidance cue essential for axon pathfinding during neural development. The protein, consisting of four immunoglobulin-like domains, six fibronectin type III repeats, a single transmembrane domain, and a ~320-amino-acid intracellular cytoplasmic tail, exhibits structural homology to neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAMs), enabling both adhesive and signaling functions. Identified in 1990 through analysis of chromosomal deletions in colorectal tumors, DCC was initially proposed as a candidate tumor suppressor gene due to frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 18q in approximately 70% of colorectal carcinomas, suggesting its inactivation contributes to tumorigenesis. In neural development, DCC mediates chemoattractive signaling in response to netrin-1 gradients, directing commissural and other axons toward the ventral midline in the embryonic and . Binding of netrin-1 to DCC activates downstream pathways, including Cγ1 (PLCγ1) and Rac1 , which promote cytoskeletal reorganization and advance via localized calcium influx and polymerization of filaments. In mice with Dcc , homozygous mutants exhibit profound defects in midline crossing, such as failure of commissural axons to reach the floor plate, underscoring DCC's non-redundant role in attractive guidance; heterozygous mice show subtler phenotypes, including altered circuitry maturation linked to behaviors like enhanced psychostimulant sensitivity. DCC can also form heterodimers with UNC5 family receptors to transduce repulsive signals from netrin-1 at higher ligand concentrations, balancing attraction and repulsion in a concentration-dependent manner. Regarding its tumor suppressor candidacy, DCC expression is absent or reduced in 40-80% of colorectal cancers, correlating with advanced disease stages and poorer prognosis, as evidenced by immunohistochemical studies showing loss in primary tumors and metastases compared to adjacent normal mucosa. However, while LOH is prevalent, somatic point mutations in DCC are rare (occurring in <10% of cases), and functional restoration experiments in cell lines have yielded inconsistent suppression of tumorigenicity, raising questions about its direct causal role versus secondary effects from broader 18q deletions. DCC operates as a "dependence receptor," promoting apoptosis in the absence of netrin-1 via caspase-3 cleavage of its intracellular domain, which exposes a pro-apoptotic motif; netrin-1 binding inhibits this, potentially enabling survival of tumor cells in low-netrin environments during metastasis. This dual function links DCC loss to both adhesion defects and evasion of programmed cell death, though debates persist on whether it qualifies as a classical tumor suppressor given the paucity of inactivating mutations. Experimental evidence from colorectal cancer models indicates that DCC downregulation enhances invasion and correlates with lymph node involvement, independent of netrin levels.

Chemistry

Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide

Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), systematically named 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, is an organic compound with the molecular formula C13H22N2 and number 538-75-0. It appears as a white crystalline solid with a of 206.33 g/mol, a of 34–35 °C, and a density of 1.247 g/mL at 25 °C. The compound features a (-N=C=N-) flanked by two cyclohexyl substituents, enabling its role as a dehydrating and in . DCC was introduced in by John C. Sheehan and G. P. Hess as a for forming bonds, marking a significant advancement in synthetic by facilitating of carboxylic acids and amines without requiring prior activation to mixed anhydrides or esters. Its preparation typically involves the reaction of with or related to form the , though industrial methods prioritize safety due to the of intermediates. In , DCC activates carboxylic acids by forming an O-acylisourea intermediate, which serves as a reactive for nucleophilic attack by an , yielding the amide bond and (DCU) as a water-insoluble byproduct that can be easily filtered. This mechanism minimizes when additives like 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) are employed, though DCC alone can lead to side reactions such as N-acylurea formation. Beyond peptides, DCC couples carboxylic acids to alcohols for formation or to phosphates for anhydrides, finding applications in and synthesis. DCC exhibits low in but good in solvents like and , with a of approximately 122 °C at 10 mmHg. It is highly reactive toward nucleophiles and protons, necessitating inert atmospheres during handling to prevent . Safety concerns include via (LC50 values indicate severe respiratory irritation), sensitization leading to , and eye damage; it is classified as a severe irritant and potential , with limits recommended below 0.1 mg/m³. Proper , gloves, and avoidance of are essential, as may exacerbate allergic responses.

Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry

Dynamic combinatorial chemistry (DCC) involves the generation of dynamic combinatorial (DCLs) through reversible chemical reactions operating under thermodynamic control, enabling the continuous interconversion of molecular components. In a DCL, building blocks exchange subunits via reversible linkages, establishing an distribution where the prevalence of each library member corresponds to its relative thermodynamic stability. The introduction of an external template, such as a , perturbs this by stabilizing specific binders through non-covalent interactions, thereby amplifying their concentration at the expense of non-binders and facilitating their identification. The foundational principles of DCC draw from biological precedents like immune system diversity and nucleic acid replication, emphasizing error correction and selection via reversible covalent bonds. Unlike static combinatorial synthesis, which produces irreversible mixtures requiring exhaustive screening, DCC leverages thermodynamic equilibration for self-optimization, reducing synthetic burden and enhancing efficiency in exploring vast chemical spaces. Reversible reactions central to DCC include imine and hydrazone formations, disulfide exchanges, transesterifications, and boronic ester condensations, selected for their rapid kinetics, compatibility with aqueous or organic media, and responsiveness to mild conditions that maintain equilibrium without kinetic trapping. These reactions ensure dynamic exchange, with library diversity scaling combinatorially from the number of building blocks— for instance, n bifunctional blocks can yield up to (n choose 2) cyclic species in disulfide systems. DCC emerged in the mid-1990s, building on earlier concepts of templated synthesis from the 19th and 20th centuries, such as Emil Fischer's lock-and-key model and Donald Busch's dynamic coordination systems. Pioneering implementations include 1995 reports by Anthony D. Hamilton and Michael M. Harding demonstrating template-directed amplification in macrocyclic libraries, followed by formalization in the laboratories of Jeremy K. M. Sanders and Jean-Marie Lehn, who integrated reversible covalent chemistry with supramolecular recognition. By the early , comprehensive reviews highlighted its potential, with applications expanding from molecular receptors to adaptive materials. In protein-directed DCC, a subset focused on biological targets, libraries of small molecules bearing reactive groups (e.g., thiols for exchange or hydrazines for acylhydrazone formation) equilibrate in the presence of a target protein, which templates the emergence of inhibitors or ligands with affinities in the nanomolar range. This approach has yielded potent inhibitors, such as those for prolyl hydroxylase domain 2 (PHD2) via boronate esters (IC50 = 0.013 μM) and endothiapepsin via acylhydrazones. Advantages over traditional include adaptation to the target's binding pocket and reduced false positives from non-binding artifacts. Beyond pharmaceuticals, DCC enables sensor design, where analytes amplify signaling motifs, and materials , such as self-assembling polymers responsive to environmental cues. Challenges persist in library complexity and ensuring reaction , but ongoing advances in fueled non-equilibrium systems promise further biomimetic applications.

Business and Finance

DCC plc

is an multinational corporation specializing in , , and support services, primarily in the sector following a strategic refocus. Headquartered in , the company was established in 1976 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange as a FTSE 100 constituent. It employs approximately 13,500 people and serves over 10.1 million customers across commercial, industrial, domestic, and transport markets in more than 20 countries, with operations concentrated in (46% of adjusted operating profit), the (26%), (17%), and (11%). Historically, DCC operated through three divisions: DCC , which distributes , oil products, and solutions; DCC Healthcare, focused on medical devices and pharmaceuticals; and DCC Technology, handling IT hardware, software, and distribution. On 12 2024, DCC announced a strategy update to simplify operations by divesting the Healthcare and Technology divisions, retaining only the business to capitalize on trends in secure, affordable, and lower-carbon , with divestments expected to complete within 24 months. This shift aligns with operational improvements aimed at delivering profit growth and high returns while reducing customer carbon emissions. In April 2025, Investindustrial agreed to acquire DCC Healthcare as part of this disposal process. For the financial year ended 31 March 2024, DCC generated group revenues of £19.9 billion and adjusted operating profit of £682.8 million, with contributing the majority. In the first half of the financial year to 30 September 2024, adjusted operating profit rose 4.7% year-over-year, driven by performance, despite a 4.5% decline in full-year group revenue to £18.0 billion amid lower energy volumes. distributed £173 million in dividends to shareholders and maintains a focus on generation, with historical returns to investors exceeding 6,400% since its 1994 listing.

Dynamic Currency Conversion

Dynamic currency conversion (DCC), also known as cardholder preferred currency, enables merchants, ATMs, or online platforms to convert a from the local into the cardholder's home at the point of interaction, applying an exchange rate and fees determined by the DCC provider rather than the card issuer. This real-time process typically involves the cardholder selecting between local and home options, with the provider using interbank rates plus a markup—often 3% to 7%—to cover costs and generate profit, distinct from the issuer's later conversion which relies on wholesale rates plus lower fees. Proponents argue DCC offers by providing immediate visibility of the final cost in the cardholder's , reducing uncertainty from fluctuating rates or delays, particularly for travelers avoiding mental arithmetic or post-transaction surprises. For merchants, it facilitates through provider fees, potentially increasing acceptance of international cards in tourism-heavy sectors. However, empirical analyses reveal frequent detriment, as DCC markups exceed conversions; for instance, a 2023 study documented examples with 5% to 8% added costs, leading to overpayments compared to local- billing where apply rates closer to market wholesale levels (typically 1% to 3% fees). High-pressure tactics at ATMs or terminals, where screens default to home or obscure comparisons, exacerbate this, with groups reporting systemic overcharges equivalent to a "" due to opaque disclosures. Regulatory responses prioritize transparency over prohibition. In the , the second (PSD2, effective 2018) mandates clear pre-transaction disclosure of exchange rates, markups, and total costs, with Regulation (EU) 2021/1230 requiring providers to present non-DCC options prominently and justify rates against reference data like ECB fixes. The rejected outright bans in 2018, citing potential loss of choice, but enforced compliance via national authorities, resulting in fines for non-disclosure. In the United States, oversight falls under rules against deceptive practices and card network guidelines from and , which require opt-in consent and rate comparisons, though enforcement relies on issuer disputes rather than preemptive caps. Common examples include European ATMs prompting U.S. visitors to withdraw in dollars at inflated rates or Asian hotels charging in euros for EU guests, often yielding provider profits while cardholders forgo better issuer protections like zero foreign transaction fees on premium cards.

Organizations and Culture

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

The (DCC) serve as the official cheerleading squad for the , a (NFL) franchise based in . Established in 1963 under director Dee Brock, the group initially consisted of high school students performing traditional cheers to engage crowds at home games. By 1965, instructor Frances Roberson incorporated dance routines, marking an early shift toward more dynamic performances. In the early 1970s, Cowboys general manager sought to professionalize the squad into a polished unit, enlisting choreographer Texie Waterman to develop sophisticated routines and the signature star-spangled uniforms designed by Paula Van Wagoner in 1972. These hot pants, crop tops, and white —later customized by Lucchese Boots starting in 2011—became globally iconic, symbolizing the team's branding during its rise to prominence. The DCC achieved widespread recognition following their halftime performance at in 1976, earning the moniker "" amid the Cowboys' "" era. Squad selection occurs annually through a rigorous multi-stage audition process open to women at least 18 years old, requiring a or GED, demonstrated flexibility (including splits by season start), and no visible tattoos in uniform or rehearsal attire. Applicants submit videos and photos before advancing to preliminary, semi-final, interview, written test, and final talent rounds, with invitees attending ; the process emphasizes poise, ability, and crowd engagement over strict height or weight metrics. The active roster typically comprises 36 members, including veterans and rookies announced each summer, such as the 2025-2026 squad with 30 returnees and six newcomers led by eight group captains. Performers commit to a full-year schedule of rehearsals, games at (attended by over 90,000 fans per home matchup), travel, and public appearances. The DCC have undertaken over 85 USO tours across more than 40 countries since 1979, visiting troops in locations including , , and , which contributed to awards such as the USO Spirit of Hope Award, Hall of Fame induction, and the American 's Distinguished Service Medal in 2013. An original 1970s uniform was donated to the in 2018, recognizing its cultural significance. The squad has featured in media including 1979 and 1980 television films, guest spots on shows like and , and reality series such as CMT's Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team (2006-2021) and Netflix's documentary. Leadership transitioned from Brock to Suzanne Mitchell for the second decade, then to as director since 1991, with as head choreographer. Community efforts include annual Thanksgiving halftime shows, youth camps, and hospital visits. Historically low game-day compensation—reportedly around $400 per appearance in earlier years—prompted unionization efforts culminating in a pay increase secured through in 2025, addressing long-standing critiques of relative to the franchise's valuation. Despite occasional scandals involving allegations of misconduct or internal pressures, the DCC maintain a focus on discipline, athleticism, and fan entertainment.

Digital Curation Centre

The Digital Curation Centre (DCC) is a centre of expertise hosted by the University of Edinburgh, dedicated to advancing digital curation practices for research data. Established in 2004 as a response to growing challenges in preserving and managing digital research outputs, the DCC emerged from UK e-Science initiatives funded by the Joint Information Systems Committee (Jisc), which had previously supported projects in digital preservation since around 2002. Its formal launch occurred on November 5, 2004, at the National e-Science Centre in Edinburgh. The DCC's primary mission is to build capacity and skills in management by providing expert advice, tools, guidance, training, and consultancy services to researchers, institutions, and organizations on storing, protecting, sharing, and planning for . It emphasizes ongoing improvement in curation quality to ensure long-term and of digital assets, addressing risks such as due to technological or format degradation. Collaborating with and international organizations, agencies, and professional bodies, the DCC promotes best practices through resources like how-to guides, briefing papers, and disciplinary standards. Key contributions include the DCC Curation Lifecycle Model, a graphical framework outlining sequential and iterative actions for successful digital curation, from conceptualization and appraisal to preservation planning, ingest, , and access. First published in 2008, the model serves as a generic tool for defining workflows, roles, and responsibilities in research , integrable with standards like the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) reference model. It has been updated periodically to reflect evolving practices, with a 2020 revision incorporating increased data volumes and complexity in curation demands. The DCC also maintains DMPonline, a web-based tool for developing plans required by funders, supporting compliance with policies from bodies like the UK Research Councils. The centre organizes the annual International Digital Curation Conference (IDCC), a leading forum for discussing advancements; for instance, IDCC26 registration opened in 2025, following IDCC25 in June of that year. It publishes the newsletter, with issues distributed monthly as of September 2025, covering topics like and management planning. Initially funded by grants, DCC support ended in July 2016, after which operations transitioned to hosting and partnerships, sustaining activities without core public funding. As of 2025, the DCC remains operational, continuing to offer resources and events amid broader efforts to close gaps in global capabilities.

Government and Administration

Dublin City Council

Dublin City Council (Irish: Comhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath) serves as the local government body for , the capital city of , overseeing municipal services and urban development within its administrative boundaries of approximately 115 square kilometers. It manages key functions including allocation, permissions, road maintenance, waste management, cultural amenities, and environmental protection, with a workforce exceeding 6,000 employees making it the largest local authority in the country. The council operates under the Local Government Act 2001, deriving its statutory powers from national legislation that mandates responsibilities such as adopting development plans, setting local rates, and enforcing building regulations. The council's origins trace to medieval civic governance, with archival records documenting administrative continuity from 1171 through entities like the , which underwent significant restructuring in the 19th and 20th centuries before adopting its current form via the 1991 Local Government Act and subsequent 2001 reforms that devolved greater executive functions to a chief executive while retaining elected oversight. Elections occur every five years to fill 63 seats across 11 local electoral areas, such as Artane-Whitehall and , ensuring representation proportional to population distribution. The , elected annually from among the councillors, holds a primarily ceremonial role, chairing full council meetings and representing the city in civic events, while the chief executive handles day-to-day operations and policy implementation. Following the local elections held on 7 June 2024, secured the largest bloc with 11 seats, followed by and each with 8, the with 8, and the Social Democrats doubling their representation amid broader gains for smaller parties and independents. Voter turnout stood at approximately 39.93% across the constituencies. The council's budget for 2024 exceeded €1 billion, primarily funded through central government grants, local property taxes, and development levies, directing expenditures toward delivery—where it owns over 35,000 units—and projects like public realm enhancements. In recent years, the council has faced scrutiny over targets, with the national government directing an urgent review of policies in September 2023 to accelerate supply amid Ireland's acute , a move the council defended as aligned with sustainable constraints like infrastructure capacity. Retrofitting efforts for in council-owned flat complexes have lagged, with only 17% of units upgraded by mid-2025, drawing criticism for insufficient progress on climate adaptation despite available funding streams. challenges include ongoing investigations into individual councillors for breaches, such as a 2024 probe into statements perceived as inflammatory, highlighting tensions between local representation and national codes of conduct. These issues underscore broader debates on local autonomy versus central mandates in addressing urban pressures like population growth and fiscal dependencies.

Deputy Chief Constable

The Deputy Chief Constable (DCC) is the second-highest rank in territorial police forces across , , , and , positioned immediately below the and above Assistant Chief Constables. This rank is not used in the Service or , which employ equivalent positions such as and Assistant Commissioner, respectively. The DCC functions as the Chief Constable's principal deputy, providing operational leadership and ensuring continuity in force management. Primary responsibilities encompass supporting the Chief Constable in strategic direction, including the development of , promotion of core values, and oversight of performance and conduct across the force. The DCC is accountable for the day-to-day running of operations, such as implementing the force's delivery plan, , and coordination of enabling services like professionalism standards and support functions. In the Chief Constable's absence, the DCC exercises full delegated authority to discharge all powers and duties, acting as a visible for and public . Appointments to the DCC rank are governed by statutory regulations under the Police Act 1996 and Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, requiring selection by the , , , or equivalent such as the Scottish Police Authority. Candidates must demonstrate substantial senior experience, typically including prior service as an or equivalent, and undergo a competitive involving assessments of competency, strategic vision, and alignment with national policing standards as outlined by the . The emphasizes merit-based selection, with eligibility criteria ensuring candidates meet minimum service thresholds and integrity checks.

Education

Community Colleges and Institutions

Dutchess Community College is a public in , established in 1957 and admitting its first class in 1958 as part of the system. It primarily serves residents of and Putnam counties, offering more than 60 and certificate programs in fields such as liberal arts, , health sciences, and engineering technology. The institution enrolls over 7,000 students annually on an unduplicated basis across its main campus and extension sites. Danville Community College operates as a public two-year institution in , founded in 1966 under the Virginia Community College System with roots tracing to earlier technical education programs. It delivers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training in areas including health professions, , and , serving a regional area encompassing Danville and surrounding counties. Enrollment stands at approximately 2,500 students, with about 36% attending full-time. Delgado Community College, Louisiana's oldest community college, was founded in 1921 in through a bequest from philanthropist Isaac Delgado. As the state's largest such institution, it enrolls over 18,000 students across multiple campuses and provides associate degrees and technical diplomas in more than 100 programs, emphasizing allied health, business, and . The college serves a 10-parish region including and parishes. Dawson Community College is a small public college in , originating in 1940 as an extension of local high school before integrating into the . It offers associate degrees and certificates focused on vocational fields like , , and , alongside general for transfer, with total enrollment around 400 students. The institution maintains policies to support rural communities.