A monitoring system is operative for receiving sensor signals and analyzing the sensor signals to identify events or conditions of interest, such as colic, with respect to a monitored animal. Wireless communications are also transmitted from the base station to the at least two radioterminals over a forward link using a forward link alphabet that has more symbols than the return link alphabet. In an embodiment, a three-pulse weighting scheme is applied to a PI sequence. An extendible side member is provided for at least one of said opposed edges. The curvature solves the problem of inward flexure of the blade in strong wind conditions, without requiring modification of the manner in which the rotor as a whole is mounted in order to avoid having the blade strike the windmill tower under such strong wind conditions. A glue layer is arranged between contiguous veneers; adhesive in the glue layer is aqueous macromolecule isocyanate adhesive.