Among the common definitions of the word "related" we find "connected or associated as by origin or kind", Webster's New World Dictionary, (2d ed. 1980), and "connected by reason of an established or discoverable relation", Webster's Third New International Dictionary (1976). In turn, scholars define "directly" as a "close relational proximity" or the absence of an intervening agency, instrumentality or determining influence. Webster's Third New International Dictionary (1976). So, when put together, the plain meaning of the words "directly related to" connotes an uninterrupted, close relationship or link between the things being considered.