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Skip to Content Twin cress (formerly Coronopus didymus) is an annual weed which can germinate at any time of the year, though typically it establishes mainly in spring and autumn. As a seedling, it is a rosette rather than a scrambling plant. Although a fairly small and inconspicuous weed, it can cause major problems on dairy farms if it is eaten by lactating cows, as the milk from these cows will then develop a distinctive taint, which is not wanted by processing companies buying the milk. If companies detect the taint, they will often refuse to accept any more milk from the farmer concerned until a strategy has been devised to prevent further milk tainting from occurring. This weed is also known incorrectly by some farmers as land cress. Although it can cause problems on dairy farms, it is more typically found in crops and gardens, wherever there is bare soil to allow seedling establishment. As mentioned above, twin cress begins life as a prostrate rosette, with its growing point remaining at ground level and leaves radiating out from this point. Each leaf is composed of a number of leaflets, and each leaflet has a number of lobes. A distinctive characteristic of twin cress is that there tend to be more lobes on one side of a leaflet than the other, ie the leaflets are not symmetrical, unlike most other weeds. As twin cress becomes more mature, it sends out prostrate stems, which can form quite extensive mats on the ground if left long enough, looking similar to wireweed from a distance. Twin cress has very small, insignificant flowers, then produces characteristic double pods (hence the name twin cress) which are small but are very useful for confirming whether a weed is twin cress. The foliage also has a distinctive aroma when crushed. A similar species is the closely related wart cress (Lepidium squamatum, formerly Coronopus squamatus), but the pods on this species look like warts rather than twin pods. In young pastures, where twin cress is most often found on dairy farms, MCPB can be used to control it selectively, but only while the weed is young. Once it gets a bit larger, MCPA will be needed, and this will retard the growth of clovers for several months. Once it is more advanced, even MCPA does not give reliable control, so it is best to treat it while it is young. Another option for controlling twin cress if sprayed before the 4-leaf stage is flumetsulam (eg Preside). Twin cress cannot establish in pastures that are dense, which is why it is seldom found in older pastures. Watch for signs of twin cress developing in new pastures, open parts of paddocks, such as around water troughs, gateways or wherever else bare soil might have been exposed. It is tolerant of mowing in young lawns, but can be controlled by a number of selective turf herbicides, though not bentazone. In crops and flower gardens, it is susceptible to cultivation and most herbicides, though not trifluralin, simazine and several other commonly used chemicals. Page authorised by Web Content Manager Last updated on Tuesday 16 August 2016
Origins of Measurements In ancient times, the body ruled when it came to measuring. The length of a foot, the width of a finger, and the distance of a step were all accepted measurements. Inch: At first an inch was the width of a man's thumb. In the 14th century, King Edward II of England ruled that 1 inch equalled 3 grains of barley placed end to end lengthwise. Hand: A hand was approximately 5 inches or 5 digits (fingers) across. Today, a hand is 4 inches and is used to measure horses (from the ground to the horse's withers, or shoulder). Span: A span was the length of the hand stretched out, about 9 inches. Foot: In ancient times, the foot was 111/42 inches. Today it is 12 inches, the length of the average man's foot. Yard: A yard was originally the length of a man's belt or girdle, as it was called. In the 12th century, King Henry I of England fixed the yard as the distance from his nose to the thumb of his out-stretched arm. Today it is 36 inches. Cubit: In ancient Egypt, a cubit was the distance from the elbow to the fingertips. Today a cubit is about 18 inches. Lick: A Lick was used by the Greeks to measure the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger. Pace: The ancient Roman soldiers marched in paces, which were the length of a double step, about 5 feet; 1,000 paces was a mile. Today, a pace is the length of one step, 21/2 to 3 feet. - Inch = 0.083 feet - Foot = 12 inches - Yard = 3 feet or 36 inches - Mile = 5,280 feet or 1,760 yards Near and Far - Around the earth (at the equator): 24,901 miles - Across the continental U.S.: 3,000 miles - From the earth to the moon: 238,854 miles - From the earth to the sun: 93,000,000 miles
I once heard a colleague remark that even the best scientific ideas would be useless unless they are communicated. Where would we be today, he mused, if Galileo, Newton, Darwin, or Einstein had kept their discoveries to themselves? Part of what makes science so successful is a mode of communication based on a culture of openness and the free exchange of ideas. In scientific circles, the principal vehicles of dissemination are peer-reviewed publications and presentations at professional meetings. Through these venues, scientists communicate with other scientists. But should researchers also engage with the general public in an effort to popularize science? On this question, academic culture, for all its emphasis on openness and the value of knowledge, is mired in a curious kind of doublespeak. On the one hand, academic institutions, professional societies, and funding agencies make it clear that engaging the general public is an important part of their mission, and they explicitly encourage researchers to do so. As neuroscientist Susana Martinez-Conde points out, in the United States, the National Science Foundation evaluates grant proposals not only on the basis of intellectual merit, but also on their potential to make a broader impact on society. One such impact is the dissemination of research findings to the public. In the United Kingdom, the Royal Society encourages researchers to engage more fully with the public. In France, the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) explains that one of its top priorities is to strengthen the relations between science and society.
Physicists get a taste of 'tetra-neutrons' May 14, 2002 The first evidence for "tetra-neutrons" -- nuclear clusters containing four neutrons and no protons -- has been found at the GANIL accelerator in France. An international team of researchers detected six candidates for the four-neutron clusters among fragments of neutron-rich beryllium nuclei that were produced in a collision experiment. The team hopes to confirm its discovery in future experiments, an achievement that would have a major impact on our understanding of nuclear forces (F Marques et al 2002 Phys. Rev. C 65 044006). Studies of the interactions between nucleons -- neutrons and protons -- in small nuclei are crucial for theories of nuclear binding in larger nuclei. Physicists know that pairs of neutrons can exist in an ‘almost bound’ state – that is, if they interacted any more strongly, they would form a "di-neutron". This has led to speculation that larger numbers of neutrons could form clusters, which might be found in nuclei that contain many more neutrons than protons. Over the last 40 years, several collision experiments have been conducted to search for neutron clusters. But these experiments have been unable to tell the clusters apart from single neutrons that are also ejected in the collisions, because neither have an electric charge. Now a new technique has provided the first hints of them. In the GANIL experiment, led by the CNRS Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire in Caen, neutron-rich nuclei were broken up, and the fragments were then collided with protons. The make-up of these fragments was then deduced from the energy of the recoiling protons and the time the fragments took to reach the protons. The researchers carried out the experiment on beams of neutron-rich lithium-11, boron-15 and beryllium-14 using the UK CHARISSA and the Franco-Belgian DEMON detector arrays. An analysis of the data led by Francisco-Miguel Marqués identified six protons with energies that could be explained most easily by collisions with newly formed tetra-neutrons. The researchers admit that other effects in their experiment could have mimicked the presence of tetra-neutrons, but believe that these account for no more than 10% of the signal. They plan to conduct similar experiments next year with better fragment detectors, a more intense beam of beryllium-14, and a beam of helium-8 nuclei, which is also expected to form tetra-neutrons. About the author Katie Pennicott is Editor of PhysicsWeb
A TRAVELLER’S GUIDE TO AMAZING SRILANKA OFFICIAL NAME: Democratic Sociaflist Republic of Srilanka AREA: 65,525 SQ KM LOCATION: The island of srilanka lies in the Indian ocean, to the south west of the Bay of Bengal .it is separated from the indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait POPULATION: 21,128,773 (estimated) ETHNIC GROUPS: Sinhalese 74.5%, srilankan Tamils 11.9%, Indian Tamils 4.6%, Moor 7.2%, other 1.8 % TIME ZONE: GMT +5 ½, Day light saving times not observed. CLIMATE: Srilanka has no marked seasons, there are two monsoons. the north east monsoon occurs from December to March and the south west Monsoon from june to October. A tropical climate exists throughout the island. the hill country is cooler and more temperate. LANGUAGES: Sinhala, Tamil and English widely spoken throughout the island COASTLINE: 1340 KM CAPITAL:Sril Jayawardenapura Kotte COMMERCIAL CAPITAL: Colombo ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS: Nine provinces: Central, North Central,North,North,North Western,Sabaragamuwa,Southern,Uva,Western and Eastern Province. RELIGION: Predominately Buddhism,Hinduism,Christianity and Islam INDEPENDENCE DAY: 4TH OF February Saturdays and Sundays are usually non-working days. The days of the full moon, poya day is a religious holiday in the Buddhist calendar .it is a public, bank & mercantile holiday and most independent places are also closed. The selling of alcohol, including tourist hotels is banned on poya day. MAJOR EXPORTS: Tea,Textiles,Gems,Rubber & Coconut products. HIGEST PEAK: Piduruthalagala (mount pedro) at 2,524m NATIONAL BIRD: Jungle Fowl NATIONAL TREE:Ironwood:the na tree (Mesua nagassarium) NATIONAL FLOWER: Blue Water Lilly (Nymphaea stellata) VOLTAGE REQUIREMENTS: 230/240 volts AC,50 HZ (Round three pin plugs are common, with bayonet lamp fittings) INTERNATIONAL DIALLING: +94 followed by the area code without the 0, and the number Rice, sugarcane,grains,pulses,oilseed,spices,tea,rubber and coconut processing of rubber,tea,coconut,tobacco and other agricultural commodities ,tourism ,telecommunications,insurance,banking,garment manufacturing,textiles,cement,petroleum refining CURRENCY: Srilankan Rupee(RS) KEEP IN MIND TRAVELLERS CHEQUES: widely accepted at banks and money exchanges, a 1% stamp duty plus a small commission is charged . CREDIT CARDS: Accepted in major establishments Islandwide ATM:Available throughout the country where are banks and commercial areas. MONEY: The exchange of foreign currency should only be done at reputable outlets such as banks or licensed money changers. a receipt should be obtained so re-exchange of rupees to foreign currency can be done at airport banks on departure. MEDICAL FACILITIES: The medical standards are excellent. qualified doctors and surgeons are available in government and private hospitals for emergencies. TIPPING: A service charge of 10% is included in restaurant and hotel bills. a tip above this (say half of the service charge in cash to the server) is appreciated .there will also be an additional percentage (up to 17%) added to restaurant and hotel bills for government and provincial taxes. It is not compulsory to tip to drivers but customary. SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS: Shops and Restaurants are open daily STAY UP TO DATE: For Tourist Information Call 1912 Sri lanka is well connected with network of flight services from around the world . we have put down some useful information here as a guide line.so please take some time to browse around and book a your flight in advance . you always find better deals online and you can use your chosen flight search services to look for the flights . Depending on your location you can book either a direct flight or a connecting flight (which may include two airlines) to Srilanka. Sri lankan Airline is the National Carrier of the island you can use flight Search Services to browse for your flight and connections . the most popular on the market as of 2015 are Kayak,Sky Scanner,Seat Guru,Hipmunk,Momondo,Google Flights . please do enough research before you book your flight ,because the cancelations and change of your flight and alterations may cost you an additional money. DO YOU NEED A VISA TO VISIT SRI LANKA - Bona-Fide Tourist who arrives in srilanka without prior ETA reference number still can obtain visas upon on arrival at the Airport after the payment of relevant processing fee - ETA is not a pre-condition to Board a flight/vessel to srilanka - if there is a difficulty in log in to the ETA system ,visitors can still apply through srilankan high commission from your country or by post - you need a valid passport minimum of up to six months - you need to satisfy the authorities by providing that you have sufficient funds to cover the stay in srilanka.being minimum is $15 per day . TRAVEL VACCINATIONS FOR SRILANKA we recommended that you consult with your family doctor , General Practitioner or Practice Nurse 6-8 weeks in advance of travel. They will assess your particular health risks before recommending vaccines and /or antimalarial tablets. discuss important travel health issues including safe food and water ,accident and insect bites. Many of the problems experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccinations and other preventive measures need to be taken. strongly recommend you visit the CDC website for more information. CDC is your online source for credible health information for travellers and is the official website of the centres for disease control and prevention. you can also find some information on the website of srilanka high commission regarding travel to srilanka ARRIVING AT SRILANKAN AIRPORT by visiting Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) ltd website ,you can gain lot of pre Arrival and Departure information in Srilanka. or alternatively visit SRILANKAN DUTY FREE visitors to the island are exempt from custom duties on personal belongings ,this includes your clothing ,cosmetics and any other nature of your personal belongings . and any Gifts should not exceed to the value of $250 you can bring 1 and half litre of liquor and two bottles of wine SMOKING AND DRINKING IN SRILANKA smoking is prohibited on public transports ,indoor places and work places and please refrain from smoking in religious places in and around . You can be fined if you ignore instructions not to smoke or drink in certain public areas please visit the website for more information on this subject and Law. you will find useful discussions on the subject on trip advisor as a tourists PLEASE RESPECT LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS There are severe penalties for all drug offences and crimes related to the abuse of children. In some circumstances you can be held without charge indefinitely. Convicted offenders may face a lengthy jail sentence. Same-sex relations are illegal . we as a operator promote equality in general for all visitors arriving to the island ,please visit our LGBT guide page where you will find useful information how you can best enjoy your holiday in srilanka. Nude or topless sunbathing is generally not allowed. please see the following discussion on trip advisor on the subject Although Sri Lankan attitudes to informal styles of dress are generally relaxed, women travelling alone may feel uncomfortable if not dressed modestly. Cover your legs and shoulders, and take off shoes and hats if you are entering a Buddhist temple. The mistreatment of Buddhist images and artefacts is a serious offence and tourists have been convicted for this. foreigners have been refused entry to Sri Lanka or faced deportation for having visible tattoos of Buddha. Don’t pose for photographs standing in front of a statue of Buddha. Don’t take photographs of military bases, government buildings or vehicles used by VIPs (this includes numerous sites in central Colombo). RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND POYDAYS Alcohol and meat are not usually available on religious holidays. PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN SRILANKA public transport is cheap and the infrastructure is in good condition the island is connected with bus and train services mainly all the main cities while villages and some areas are poorly served with these services .but they can be extremely crowded,uncomfortable with no room for luggage and slow .you may experience hours of waiting and with regular stops for particular transportation services . the pros of this service is it can be cheap and ideal for travel between some cities. the trains tickets are cheap and there are beautiful (recommended) routes if you take a train ride ,we have included some of these train journey in our tour packages . the cons of these mode of transportation is, its not frequent ,slow and crowded with limited destinations. some journeys can be uncomfortable as well.
What Does Society Look Like in the Future of the Anthropocene? A Q&A With Andy Hoffman We have entered a new geologic epoch, called the Anthropocene, that recognizes people’s effect on the Earth’s ecosystems—harming them in ways that are likely irreversible. So what will Anthropocene society look like in the future? Erb faculty member Andrew Hoffman and P. Devereaux Jennings, of the University of Alberta, recently published “Institutional-Political Scenarios for Anthropocene Society” in Business & Society, which delves into that question and how sustainability will be redefined in the Anthropocene. It argues for a new way of thinking—and a new approach for environmental and social sustainability research. Hoffman and Jennings have talked about their research in Business and Management Ink and published a book, Re-engaging With Sustainability in the Anthropocene Era, that discusses how organizational theory and an appreciation for culture change can help us navigate a new course. Here, Hoffman talks with the Erb Institute about rethinking the system we operate in and how to change it. In your article about institutional-political scenarios, what are you arguing, in a nutshell? Scientists say that the Anthropocene began in the mid-1800s, with the invention of the steam engine. Then in 1950, with the Great Acceleration, our impact on the environment increased dramatically. But the way I see it, the conversation about the Anthropocene has been dominated by the physical sciences. What Dev and I are trying to do is add the social science component to the conversation. What does Anthropocene society look like? What are the norms and rules that will prevail? Will they bring us to a Re-enlightenment, or will we not adapt at all? If we don’t come to terms with this new reality, we’re really in deep trouble. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in their last report this past fall, said if we don’t come to terms with climate change in the next 12 years, damage to the global climate will be irreversible. And climate change is just one marker of the Anthropocene; there are eight other “planetary boundaries” that scientists have identified. These are boundaries beyond which we should not go if we want to maintain a safe environment for the Earth. And we’ve crossed three of them already: climate change, species extinction and nitrogen pollution. Another five are being monitored. Only one is in decline: ozone depletion. Technology, like alternative drive trains and renewable energy, will help us get part of the way in solving these issues, but they must be accompanied by cultural and institutional change both to get us to change our behavior and demand these and other technologies be developed. What are the three scenarios you envision? They are “Collapsing Systems,” which is dystopian, the worst scenario; “Cultural Re-enlightenment,” which is the utopian one; and in the middle is “Market Rules,” where the market rules dominate. Market Rules will make some progress, but it won’t get us all the way, because at the end of the day, a Tesla’s a nice car, but it’s still another car. This requires a different way of thinking. If you take the Anthropocene seriously, we now have a collective challenge as a global species to manage the global environment. So how does that manifest itself in values? I think the Pope’s encyclical starts to do that. There’s a new set of values here: We can’t just worship technology. We can’t just pursue unlimited economic growth. Perhaps we need to have some values of sufficiency—of “enough is enough,” of “material goods don’t define our value.” This is important for recognizing and changing our deepest values. If people connect environmental protection with what they espouse at the church, synagogue, mosque or temple, then society will shift in dramatic and meaningful ways. How might business leaders start to think differently about some of these things? Business is a major part of our society. If you look at the major cultural shift of Enlightenment of the 18th century, our conceptions of ourselves and the environment, and the relationship between the two, were fundamentally different before and after. So if we’re going through a Re-enlightenment now, one big difference is that this time, we have a market and corporations. They are a major force in this social shift, so I think this paper and the idea of the Anthropocene could be useful to corporations as they start to think about long-term planning.
The island of Halmahera is a spider-shaped island located in Indonesia’s Maluku Islands. It was these islands, the so-called “spice islands”, that several European nations sought in the 15th and 16th centuries as the source of cloves, nutmeg, and mace. Along the east coast of Halmahera, the closely related Austronesian languages Patani and Sawai (among others) are spoken. Patani has 10,600 speakers and Sawai has 12,000. I did a few days of fieldwork on Patani (in 2015) and Sawai (in 2018) and uncovered some interesting things. An interesting feature of Patani and Sawai is that when expressing possession — expressing who owns or is associated with something, as in English “my house” or “their friends” — it is necessary to distinguish between edible and inedible items. (Many Oceanic languages, which are related to Patani and Sawai, do this as well.) But what exactly does it mean for something to be edible? The answer isn’t as obvious as it might seem. First, to make the concept of edible possession more concrete, consider the Patani possessive pronouns anik ‘my (inedible thing)’ and anak ‘my (edible thing)’. To indicate possession of the nouns um ‘house’ and tɛlɛ ‘banana’, one would say anik um ‘my house’ and anak tɛlɛ ‘my banana’. Edibility must be specified by using the correct pronoun; categorizing either noun differently would be grammatically incorrect. Which nouns count as edible? The grammar of edible possession in Patani and Sawai is not much more complicated than this, but the semantics — which nouns count as edible and which as inedible — is quite intricate. Some additional examples of edible nouns in Patani are pinye ‘rice’, yawlu ‘vegetable’, niwigɛ ‘coconut water’, and sus ‘milk’. (Given the inclusion of drinkable liquids, “consumable” would be more accurate than “edible”, but edible is the standard term.) These nouns are obligatorily edible, but other nouns can be edible or inedible depending on context: for example, fni ‘fruit bat’ is edible if the bat is hunted and prepared for a meal, but inedible if still in the wild. Patani also categorizes as edible some nouns that do not refer directly to food but are closely associated with it, for example bɛt ‘garden’. On the other hand, siob ‘bamboo’ is inedible, even though food can be cooked in bamboo tubes. A fun example of extended edibility is the third person singular pronoun i ‘he/she’, which can be edible in a special situation: if you say say anak i, literally ‘my he/she’, and simultaneously point to indicate the person referred to, it means ‘my boyfriend/girlfriend’. Edible possession in Sawai is similar to Patani, but it seems to go beyond Patani in the items associated with food that are considered edible. For example, the following are all edible: gow ‘plate’, mnom gow ‘kitchen’, bɛtbotɛl ‘sago oven’, and lɛlogɛ ‘rice winnowing basket’. However, some items one could argue are associated with food and cooking are inedible: lutɛn ‘fire’, yowɛ ‘fishing rod’, and bɛngɛn ‘fishing line’. Like Patani, some Sawai nouns can be edible or inedible depending on context. For example, meja ‘table’ is edible if it refers to a dining table, but inedible if it refers to a school table; in ‘fish’ is edible if it has been caught, but inedible if it is alive and swimming. I could not have learned about these fascinating topics without the help of Patani and Sawai speakers. For Patani, I worked with Jumahir Jamulia, a budding linguist who sadly passed away in 2018. For Sawai, I worked with Yulius Burnama, who has worked for many years with linguists Ronald and Jacqui Whisler. At PanLex, we cherish the contribution that each culture and language makes to our shared humanity. That is why we so strongly believe that speakers of all languages deserve equal access to human rights, information, and opportunities. The PanLex Database is a necessary component in bringing translation technology to all languages, all the way down to the smallest ones like Patani and Sawai. Every person deserves the respect of being able to use their mother tongue in the wider world.
Landscape design combines plant science with art to create functional, attractive landscapes that meet the needs of owners and complement homes and the structures around them. Aesthetically, artistic elements such as line, form, color and texture interact with the design principles of unity, balance, simplicity and focus. More and more, however, the science side is going beyond basic botany to include environmental responsibility. Landscapes should be created and maintained with practices that minimize adverse effects on the environment or, when possible, actually benefit the Earth. This concept of sustainable landscaping, among the topics I'll be discussing today at the City Park Spring Garden Show, has several basic principles. Start with the plants When selecting landscape plants, choose those that are native to the Southeastern or Gulf Coastal areas of the country. You don't have to use native plants exclusively, but add to them varieties that are well-adapted for the area and require minimal water, fertilizers and pesticides in the right growing conditions. This reduces chemical input into the environment. While even native plants have problems with insects and diseases -- after all, the pests are original to the area as well -- natives can generally tolerate the attacks and recover without the use of pesticides. Focus your plant selection on species that are relatively free from insect and disease problems, such as dwarf yaupon holly (native), Indian hawthorn (introduced) and ornamental grasses (introduced and native). Choosing resilient plants will reduce your use of pesticides and fertilizers and help minimize nonpoint-source pollution, the runoff from urban and suburban yards that ends up in the Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain, the Gulf of Mexico and other bodies of water. In addition, It's more sustainable to reduce the use of commercial fertilizers and pesticides. In a sustainable landscape, it is also important to reduce water and energy use. Plants that don't require much watering after they're established minimize irrigation requirements. Beds of flowering annuals, on the other hand, are a relatively high water-use part of the landscape and should be minimized when the goal is to cut back on water use. Color can be provided instead with flowering trees, shrubs and ground covers that also reduce the need for maintenance -- such as weeding, deadheading, grooming, bed preparation and planting -- and fertilizer. With careful selection, trees and shrubs can provide spots of color in the landscape throughout the year. Many gardeners are adding features that preserve and reuse rainwater, such as cisterns and retention ponds. For information on these techniques, see www.lsuagcenter.com/en/lawn_garden/ and click on sustainable landscapes. The Louisiana House project also includes techniques for recycling rainwater and gray water, such as that used in the laundry, for the landscape. Energy consumption can be reduced by minimizing the use of power equipment, such as mowers, string trimmers and hedge trimmers. One way to do that is to shrink your lawn area by adding beds of low-maintenance shrubs and ground covers. The need for frequent pruning can be minimized by choosing shrubs that stay the desired size. Most pruning is done to control the size of shrubs too big for their locations. Mainstream stores also are carrying lines of garden equipment that run on electricity, rather than carbon-emitting gasoline. Some plants, especially natives, help the environment by providing food for native wildlife. As increasing development destroys the plants that wildlife depends on, urban and suburban landscapes planted with native wildlife food plants, such as fruits, nuts and nectar, can help replace what is lost. Providing water with bird baths and water gardens is also good. If you're involved in developing land, try to conserve the native vegetation whenever practical. If you make additions, avoid invasive species, such as tallow tree, water hyacinth and others, that can squeeze out the natives. It is better to save clusters of trees and plants growing beneath them rather than preserving individual trees; clusters are more resistant to high winds and are usually more attractive. Consult licensed arborist, and avoid damaging trees during construction. It's also better to work with existing conditions, rather than trying to change them. For instance, choose plants (particularly trees) that are adapted to the type of soil pH and texture (sandy or clay) that you have; for damp, soggy areas, select plants that like poorly drained conditions. To reduce the use of insecticides and fungicides, try to tolerate a higher level of damage in the landscape, and focus on preventive techniques that reduce pest problems (plant selection, planting in the right location, proper care). If the pest is not life-threatening or will not cause serious damage, pesticide use is optional. Even with good plant choices, however, pests may occasionally require control efforts. Use pesticides only when necessary, follow the label directions carefully and chose the least toxic product that will do the job. Ask if there are effective controls that don't involve pesticides. When spraying, spray only the plants that need it, not the whole yard. When it comes to weed control, attend to weeds regularly and frequently to avoid major problems. The best defense for weeds in beds is mulch, which is also a great way to recycle leaves and grass clippings (more sustainable than buying mulch). If you must buy mulch, look for pine or other types that are renewable resources. Keep beds mulched about 2 inches thick. For lawns, weeds are more of a problem. Keep your lawn healthy and thick by mowing properly, not fertilizing excessively, and watering only when needed (over fertilization and watering are leading causes of lawn diseases, which weaken grass and allow weeds to invade). Tolerate some weeds, particularly cool-season annuals that won't be around during summer when we expect our lawns to look their best. Environmentally friendly landscaping should function well and provide for your family's outdoor activities and needs, but you should also consider what you can do to help maintain a healthy environment for native wildlife -- and for people. To that end, our landscapes can provide food, habitat and water for wildlife; should minimize additions of fertilizer, water and pesticides; should reduce the use of power equipment; and should reduce water runoff. These and other principles of environmentally responsible landscaping are beautifully presented in the LSU AgCenter's "Louisiana Yards and Neighborhoods" booklet. It is available online, and hard copies can be purchased from the LSU AgCenter Web site at www.lsuagcenter.com. DAN GILL'S MAILBOX I know the benefits of using horse manure in our gardens, but should I work the manure in with the soil, or is it just as beneficial to use it as a top layer? It really depends on whether you are doing bed preparation or are applying manure to a bed of existing plants. In a new bed, the manure should be incorporated into the soil before planting, because it will do the most good where the roots will be growing. If azaleas or other plants already are in the bed, though, you would damage the roots by digging near the shrubs. In that situation, simply spread the manure on the soil surface around the plants. Make sure your manure is well aged and has had a chance to compost some before you use it. This is the first year I planted daffodils and they did beautifully. What do I do now that they have finished blooming? Should I cut back now, let them brown and then cut back, or dig up the bulbs? My irises also are blooming for the first time. Should I cut off the flower stalks as the flowers die, or leave them on? Don't cut back the foliage on the daffodils until the leaves start to turn yellow. Then cut the plant back to the ground. You can leave the bulbs in place to bloom again; just make sure you remember where they are. As for the irises, cut the old flower stalks back to the foliage once all buds have bloomed out. I have leaf gall on one of my sasanquas and wonder what I can do to eradicate it. Is there a product I can spray on the sasanqua? I know it is in a location that contributes to leaf gall, and I am planning on transplanting the bush. But in the meantime, what can I do? All you need to do is prune off any infected leaves and throw them away. Never let them fall to the ground and stay under the plants, because the plants will be reinfected the next season. It's generally not worth using preventive sprays every year since pruning and disposal usually are enough to manage the situation. I am growing okra and bell peppers among other vegetables in my garden. Something is eating the leaves and killing the okra (they grow about 4 inches); the bell peppers' leaves have huge holes in them. On both plants, I have observed tiny, fly-like insects that appear to be fluorescent orange. I have sprayed the plants several times with Sevin, but it works for only a few days, and the directions say to use it only five times during the entire season. Any help would be appreciated. Without knowing what is doing the damage, it's hard to give a precise answer. My best guess is caterpillars. Sevin generally works well against them, so I'm puzzled why you are not seeing more benefit from the treatments. The environmentally friendly Bt (bacillus thuringiensis) insecticides also claim to control caterpillars, and can be used throughout the season. Permethrin can also be used for caterpillar control, as well as for many other insects. Caterpillars tend to be active at night, and if they are your problem, that might be why you haven't seen them. You might apply Bt or other insecticides when the sun goes down so they will be fresh when the caterpillars feed. Beetles, snails and slugs also chew on leaves, and could be possibilities. The tiny flies are not involved.
Working Group #3: Digital Learning The world we live in, and thus our learning, is shaped more and more by digitalization. This development challenges traditional forms of education and calls for new learning content and methods. Adaptive courseware, audiovisual media, and serious games are only some examples of the variety of digital learning. It allows new ways of creative, individual, and collaborative learning. In this working group, we will discuss the potential and the core issues of digital learning related to STEM education. Furthermore, we will focus on practical experiences with different digital learning methods. What digital learning formats do you use and how? [alternative: learning courses, learning opportunities] What potential do you see in digital learning opportunities?
Yesterday, we were contacted by The Buck Institute for Education, a group of great education thought-leaders, and asked how Remind can be used for project-based learning. Remind is a very helpful tool for organizing long-term student projects because it helps keep students on track, even when they’re outside of the classroom. It’s important for all members of the group to learn self-management skills and be able to set benchmarks towards an overarching goal. Easy communication and check-ins with all group members help to cultivate just that. Thinking about getting started with project-based learning or already have a project-based learning classroom? As you’re planning your class project and scheduling out the unit, try using Remind to set your students up for success: Text Small Groups Remind allows you to one-way text your entire class, as well as smaller groups within your class. This is perfect for group projects as well as whole-class projects. Text specific notifications tailored to each group of students of three or more to make sure they’re up-to-date on deadlines. There are no more excuses for forgetting… especially since reminders are sent to the devices in their pockets! Attach Rubrics, Resources, and a Contract Before your students embark on their projects, have each small group establish their roles and write out a group contract. Since students write their own rules, they’ll be much more likely to follow them and hold other group members accountable. Once you’ve approved each group’s guidelines, you can use Remind Attach to send each group a copy of their contract. You can also use Attach send individual groups images of rubrics or Remind to text links to outside resources. Send Reminders and Deadlines As you reach each section of the project, keep students updated with weekly reminders using Remind. This is especially helpful with long-term projects, in which students might need some extra support to meet spread out deadlines. A successful in-depth project is completed over a longer period of time, not the night before! Students can always go back in their message history when putting due dates on their calendars. Share Group Updates Sometimes students will encounter obstacles during long-term projects and forget to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Keep your class excited by sending them updates of other groups using Remind Attach. Every benchmark is an accomplishment towards the end goal and should be shared, celebrated, and given feedback. Photos of science experiments, for example, are always fun to share with classmates. Even the bloopers! Encouragement and Tips Remind is a great way to keep students positive by sending them affirmations and encouraging words throughout the course of the project. Since projects also foster collaboration skills, it’s a great opportunity to send students pointers on working productively with one another. Here are some topics that you can approach: - Understand your role and responsibilities. - Stick to deadlines and work with your group. - Problem-solve and ask for help when you need it. - Communicate your ideas clearly to your group. - Be curious. Pursue your interests in the project and learn more about them. - Be creative and find new ways to show what you’ve learned. - Have fun! Looking for more project-based learning resources and best practices? Take a look at some of these helpful resources:
Make Bible Memory a Blast! Memorizing Bible verses shouldn't be a chore! Help your students not only memorize Bible verses, but have fun while doing it with these games and activities. 12 Bible Memory Games These 12 Active Games will make Bible memory a blast for all your students. A Verse in My Pocket This craft can be used with any verse. All you need is paper, scissors, & tape. Bible Verse Maze Ready for a challenge? Have your students design a verse marble maze. 14 Ways to Memorize Here are 14 ways to make memorizing the Bible not only easier, but fun! As a teacher, you want to give your students a strong Biblical foundation for their lives. You want to encourage your students to read the Bible and get to know Jesus Christ for themselves. Now there's an easy way for you to introduce your students to the good news of the gospel. Join over 30,000 parents and teachers and get three FREE printable memory verse puzzles, PLUS the weekly newsletter.
Today we have more good news from Antigua Guatemala. Today we celebrate the founding of the City of Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala, now La Antigua Guatemala. To celebrate, the people of Antigua Guatemala are throwing the house out the windows with parades, processions, concerts, pala encebado [greased pole], mass service and much more. Below, I share with you a slide show of some of the images I captured this morning. Enjoy! As every July 25, Antigua Guatemala celebrates its patron’s day or Día de Santiago; otherwise known as the fair day of Saint James. Why is Saint James the patron saint of La Antigua Guatemala? La Antigua Guatemala used to be the capital city of Guatemala (Central America to be precise) and at the time its name was La Muy Noble y Muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala, or The Very Noble and Very Loyal City of Saint James of the Knights of Guatemala. Santiago was a very popular name for the conquistadors to use as they rechristen the new lands of the American continent. If you check the entry for Santiago in Wikipedia, you will there are over 60 cities and towns throught the world that carry that name and that is a very short list since you could probably find about 60 towns with the Santiago name, just in Guatemala. But why was Santiago such a popular name for the Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors? The remains of Saint James the Greater are said to be buried in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia (Spain). Saint James is the patron saint of Spain and is related to the reconquista in the role of moor-slayer. His burial town, Santiago de Compostela, is considered the third most holy town of Catholicism (after Jerusalem and Rome). The pilgrimage to the grave of the Saint has become the most popular pilgrimage for Western European Catholics from the early middle ages onwards; making him one of the patron saints of pilgrimage. (source Wikipedia) The Saint James Trivia Aside: The name “James” in English comes from “Iacobus” (Jacob) in Latin. In eastern Spain, Jacobus became “Jacome” or “Jaime”; in Catalunya, it became Jaume, in western Iberia it became “Sant’Iago”, which developed into Tiago in Portugal and Galicia; Tiago developed into Diego, which is also the Spanish name of Saint Didacus of Alcalá. James’s emblem was the scallop shell (or “cockle shell”), and pilgrims to his shrine often wore that symbol on their hats or clothes. The French for a scallop is coquille St. Jacques, which means “cockle (or mollusk) of St James”. The German word for a scallop is Jakobsmuschel, which means “mussel (or clam) of St James”; the Dutch word is Jacobsschelp, meaning “shell of St James”. (source Wikipedia) © 2014 – 2020, Rudy Giron. All rights reserved.
Max Gomez was a bright-eyed 5-year-old happy to have just started kindergarten when he developed sniffles and a fever. His mother figured it was only a cold. Three days later, the Antioch, Tennessee, boy was dead, apparently from swine flu. At least 76 American children have died from the new virus, and doctors are urging parents to watch for warning signs that the flu has become life-threatening. Ruth Gomez said Max developed dangerous symptoms — bluish fingers and extreme fatigue after seeming to get better — just one day before he died. She took him to the doctor, but it was too late. "We were in shock," Gomez said softly, still trying to wrap her mind around her little boy's Aug. 31 death. "There are so many unanswered questions. What happened?" It's a question on other parents' minds, too: How can they protect their kids from swine flu until the vaccine is widely available? Swine flu has probably infected hundreds of thousands of youngsters nationwide, but deaths among children are rare. Health officials are keeping track of children's flu deaths, but they say it's impossible to count all flu cases. So they don't know what percentage of children's infections are fatal. Many experts say the H1N1 virus does not appear to be more dangerous than other flu strains, but kids have been catching it more easily than seasonal flu. Last week alone, there were 19 new reports of children who died, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the 76 swine flu fatalities since April compare with 68 pediatric deaths from seasonal flu since September 2008. Because kids seem so vulnerable to it, "every medical epidemiologist in the country" is tracking how it affects them, said Dr. Susan Gerber, an associate medical officer for the public health department in Cook County, Illinois. Most children will recover, but "it's still very concerning and needs to be watched very closely" Gerber said. Dr. Kenneth Alexander, the University of Chicago's pediatric infectious disease chief, said there are common signs to indicate when both kinds of flu turn dangerous. Flu viruses can damage cilia, the hair-like fibers lining the respiratory tract that move bacteria and mucous "where we can cough them out" of the lungs, he explained. That can make people susceptible to pneumonia and other bacterial infections — a scenario blamed for many flu deaths in otherwise healthy children and adults, he said. In these cases, flu patients often appear to get better, but then fever and a cough return. Authorities urge parents to seek immediate help if emergency warning signs develop. In children, these are: - Fast or troubled breathing. - Bluish skin color. - Lack of thirst. - Failure to wake up easily or interact. - Irritability so that the child does not want to be held. - Improvement of symptoms, then a return to fever and worse cough. - Fever with a rash. Parents should also seek medical help if flu symptoms develop in children most vulnerable to flu complications: those younger than 5 or with high-risk conditions, including asthma and other lung problems; cerebral palsy, epilepsy and other neurological diseases; heart, kidney or liver problems; and diabetes. A recent report from the CDC found that one-third of pediatric deaths from the new H1N1 virus were in children like Max, with no known underlying condition that would put them at risk. In the past couple of weeks, news reports have tallied the deaths of children with no known health problems, including three in New Mexico, a second-grader in Dalton, Georgia, and a Baltimore eighth-grader. "People are pretty concerned, and I think they should be," said Harvin Bullock, coroner in Sumter County, South Carolina, where 11-year-old Ashlie Pipkin died three weeks ago, two days after developing symptoms. Authorities are walking a fine line between making sure parents are vigilant without raising undue alarm. Commenting on the recent deaths in his state, New Mexico's health chief, Dr. Alfredo Vigil, told residents not to panic, but to take swine flu seriously. That means kids should get vaccinations for both ordinary flu and swine flu when the vaccine is available, and stay home from school if they are sick. Parents should stress hand-washing and covering coughs. Mild cases should be treated at home with rest and plenty of fluids, but parents should call their doctor if more serious symptoms develop. "We definitely don't want to suggest to someone who has a very sick child that that child should be at home. But at the same time, we don't want lots of children with mild illness showing up" in emergency rooms or doctors' offices, keeping doctors from treating sicker patients, said Dr. Michael Landen, New Mexico's deputy state epidemiologist. He said it's a tough message for health officials to explain, and is "very challenging for parents to get this right." Alexander, the Chicago doctor, said he always tells parents, "Trust your instincts." Then, if it goes beyond the typical flu experience, seek help, he said. In rare cases, swine flu symptoms turn from bad to worse so quickly that by the time of medical attention, it was too late. That can occur with seasonal flu, too, Landen said. Ruth Gomez says that's what happened with her son. Test results are still pending, and swine flu has not been ruled the official cause of death, but Gomez, who once worked as a medical assistant, says doctors found nothing else. She plans to get swine flu shots for Max's two younger sisters, and she said other parents need to be aware of the risks. "Our lives have been turned around," she said. "Every day we miss him." AP medical writer Lindsey Tanner wrote this story.
2018 Global Natural Gas Outlook As we ring in a new year, it is the inevitable time to review the expected future changes in energy supply and demand. Natural gas is considered the most environmentally friendly fossil fuel and is widely regarded as a bridging fuel to a low-carbon future. This article reviews data published by different organizations on the short- and long-term outlook for the industry, with a particular emphasis on natural gas. Natural Gas Supply Chain A simplified block diagram of the natural gas supply chain from the well to the market is shown in Fig. 1. The extent of field treatment and plant processing of natural gas and the type of transport for moving natural gas liquids depend on many factors such as the composition of the produced hydrocarbon stream, proximity to end users, market conditions, and available infrastructure. Natural gas is a versatile fuel and supplies 22% of the energy used worldwide. It makes up nearly a quarter of electricity generation and plays a crucial role as a feedstock for industry. The Cleanest Fossil Fuel Burning natural gas for energy results in fewer emissions of nearly all types of air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) than burning coal or petroleum products to produce an equal amount of energy. The table compares the amounts of carbon dioxide produced per million British thermal units (MMBtu) of various fossil fuels. \|MMBtu\|\|Pounds of CO2\| \|Distillate Fuel Oil\|\|160\| Source: US Energy Information Administration. The clean-burning properties of natural gas have contributed to increased natural gas use for electricity generation and as a transportation fuel for fleet vehicles in the United States. IEA 2018 World Energy Outlook Last October, the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) published the latest edition of the World Energy Outlook, its flagship publication. IEA reports that even though global energy needs will rise more slowly than in the past, the energy needs are still expected to expand by 30% between today and 2040. This is equivalent to adding another China and India to today’s global demand. IEA points out that in meeting the world future energy demands, the lead is taken by Rapid rise of renewables Improvement in energy efficiency Gas will grow faster than oil and coal over the next 5 years, helped by low prices, ample supply, and its role in reducing air pollution and other emissions. In the 5-year forecast to 2022, gas demand will grow at 1.6% per year. EIA Short-Term Forecast The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) publishes short-term energy outlooks on a monthly basis. In its short-term energy outlook released in December 2017, EIA forecast Brent spot prices to average $57/bbl in 2018, up from an average of $54/bbl in 2017. WTI crude oil prices are forecast to average $4/bbl lower than Brent prices in 2018. Spot pricing of natural gas in the US is reported at regional hubs. These hubs are in general located at the intersection of major pipeline systems. Natural gas is often benchmark priced at the Henry Hub in Louisiana. The expected growth in natural gas exports and domestic natural gas consumption in 2018 contribute to an increase in EIA's forecast of the Henry Hub natural gas spot price from an annual average of $3.01/MMBtu in 2017 to $3.12/MMBtu in 2018. The Growing Role of LNG The global natural gas market is growing, driven by the availability of shale gas and the increase in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade. LNG provides a viable route to monetize large gas reserves in remote locations such as Sub-Saharan Africa which have no significant markets nearby and only limited connectivity to existing demand centers (2017 DNV). Shell notes that LNG is rapidly playing a bigger role in the energy mix and the market for it is expected to grow at around 5% annually. Global demand could increase from its current level of about 240 million tons per annum (mtpa) to around 430 mtpa in 2025. LNG trade is changing to meet the evolving needs of buyers, including shorter-term and lower-volume contracts. In North America, the shale gas revolution established the US as the world’s leading natural gas producer. By the mid-2020s, the US is forecast to overtake Qatar and become the world’s largest LNG exporter. Shift Toward Gas-Based Economy Some countries, such as Canada, France, and the UK have plans to phase out coal-fired generation. Others have given priority to move toward a gas-based economy. International oil companies, such as BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, and Total have all signaled intent to increase the share of gas in their reserves. A case in point is the Shell acquisition of BG Group. Companies are investigating cost-effective solutions to create value from flared gas (Lo Brutto and Layfield 2017) and examining various technologies to transport gas from remote offshore fields (Saavedra 2017). This increased growth in natural gas use will result in more investment in both the short and long term across the supply chain of natural gas. Security of Natural Gas Supply While the gas markets are currently well-supplied, the transformation of natural gas markets from the regional to the global level with interdependencies of suppliers and consumers in different regions of the world is not without challenges. The IEA’s Global Gas Security Review provides an extensive analysis of recent gas balancing issues and risks with related policy developments linked to security of supply. Events over the past year have also shown that natural gas security of supply cannot be taken for granted and remains a live issue, in spite of a loose overall supply environment. In January, a cold snap and delays in LNG shipments led to gas supply emergencies in southern Europe. In April, the government of Australia announced the introduction of a Domestic Gas Security Mechanism in relation to certain exporters of LNG. In June, several neighboring countries broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar, currently the world’s largest exporter of LNG. In August, Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, causing major risk of oil and gas production capacity shut-ins and associated threats to LNG exports. In summary, natural gas is the only fossil fuel that will maintain its share in the energy mix of the coming decades, mainly supported by policies to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. For Further Reading OTC 27939. 2017. Application of Gas Industrial Technologies Offshore by C.G. Saavedra. OMC-2017-776. 2017. Exploring Technologies and Concepts for Creating Value From Flared and Vented Gas by F.M. Lo Brutto and M. Layfield. IEA. 2017. Global Gas Security Review. IEA. 2017. World Energy Outlook. Oil Price Spike Could Send Service Company Margins Higher The recent jump in oil price could create additional momentum for margins in the service sector. With shale euphoria wearing off, service company margins are still showing some resiliance. If the price hike persists into 4Q 2019, increased activity could improve pricing further. Subsea Markets Face High Stakes if Oil Prices Slide In a $60 to $70 oil environment, the subsea market is poised to grow around 7% annually up to 2025. But a significant portion of this activity is at risk if the price of Brent crude falls to $50 per barrel. Australia Set To Become King of LNG Exports Exports capacity has been rising for a decade and is on track to become the world leader within a year. Don't miss out on the latest technology delivered to your email every two weeks. Sign up for the OGF newsletter. 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By Alexandra Sifferlin, TIME As concerns over the safety of energy drinks continue to grow, a study outlines the recent evidence regarding the content, benefits, and risks of the beverages that are popular with adolescents. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, reports that more teens are downing energy drinks; in 2003 16 percent regularly consumed the drinks, while in 2008 that percentage jumped to 35 percent. One study of college student consumption found 50 percent of students drank at least one to four a month. This year, research documented a jump in energy drink-related emergency room visits, and politicians and consumers called upon the Food and Drug Administration to look into deaths associated with the drinks. What do the beverages contain that could pose a health hazard? Currently, the amount of caffeine added to energy drinks is not regulated by the FDA, so often the amounts listed (if they’re listed) are inaccurate. Studies also don’t support all of the claims made by the manufacturers on some of the other ingredients’ ability to maintain energy. The study authors broke down the most common ingredients found in energy drinks: caffeine, guarana, taurine, ginseng, sugars, and B vitamins and why they might be problematic. This is the primary ingredient in energy drinks, and its levels can vary widely. Energy drinks do not fall under the same regulatory category as sodas and often have higher levels of the stimulant than indicated. For comparison, a 6.5-ounce cup of coffee contains 80 to 120 milligrams of caffeine, tea has about 50 milligrams, and a 12-ounce cola cannot have more 65 milligrams. Energy drinks have significantly higher amounts, with the most well-known brands containing anywhere from 154 milligrams in a 16-ounce Red Bull to 505 milligrams in a 24-ounce Wired X505. There is no official recommended limit for the amount of caffeine a person can consume, but excessive caffeine has been linked to a variety of adverse effects such as high blood pressure, premature birth, and possibly sudden death. Also known as Brazilian cocoa, guarana is a plant from South America that contains a caffeine compound called guaranine. One gram of guarana is equal to 40 milligrams of caffeine. But even if it’s in energy drinks, it’s typically not included in the total caffeine tally. “In reality, when a drink is said to contain caffeine plus guarana, it contains caffeine plus more caffeine,” the authors write. The FDA has not assessed guarana, so it’s risks and benefits remain unknown. The sugar content in energy drinks ranges from 21 to 34 grams per 8 ounces and can come in the form of sucrose, glucose, or high-fructose corn syrup. “Users who consume two or three energy drinks could be taking in 120 mg to 180 mg of sugar, which is 4 to 6 times the maximum recommended daily intake,” the authors write, noting that adolescents who consume energy drinks could be at risk for obesity and dental problems. As one of the most common amino acids in the body, taurine can support brain development and regulate the body’s mineral and water levels, and could even improve athletic performance. It’s found naturally in meat, seafood, and milk. The study authors say the amount of taurine consumed from energy drinks is higher than that in a normal diet. As of yet, there is no evidence this is unhealthy, but there is also no evidence that consuming large amounts is beneficial for the human body. “Some energy drinks [contain] super-physiologic amounts of these ingredients, embracing the mantra ‘more is better.’ I’m not sure this mantra should necessarily apply,” says study author Dr. Kwabena Blankson, an Air Force pediatrician specializing in teen medicine at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center. “Many energy drink ingredients that are ‘healthy’ are vitamins or minerals you probably get even if you don’t eat the most balanced diet. American foods are heavily fortified. For the average consumer, energy drinks don’t even tell you how much of these special ingredients you are getting, couching the quantities behind the term ‘proprietary blend’ or ‘energy blend.’” There are claims that ginseng boosts athletic performance, strengthens the immune system, and improves mood. But the authors say there is little proof of this, and there isn’t enough ginseng in energy drinks to offer any benefit. The root has also been linked to increased risk of insomnia, headache, and hypertension. “Ginseng should be used cautiously, as it can cause undesirable side effects in high doses and may even be dangerous when taken with certain medicines or if the patient is undergoing surgery,” according to the American Cancer Society. B Vitamins And Other Additives Studies suggest that B vitamins can improve mood and even fight heart disease and cancer, but the amount contained in each energy drink isn’t enough to have any meaningful effect. There are also a number of other additives that the authors say need further study. “I was surprised by the profound lack of science supporting the benefit of ingesting some these ingredients such as carnitine, Yohimbe, and bitter orange,” Blankson says. “Adolescent consumers have no idea what these ingredients do. They assume that because they can easily buy it off the shelf that it must be safe for them.” The fact is, however, that there isn’t much scientific evidence on the risks or benefits of these additives — and very little is known about the effects of daily energy drink consumption over the long term. The study also highlights the fact that many teens mix their energy drinks with alcohol, which can mask the effects of alcohol and give drinkers the impression they’ve consumed less than they have. Given the lack of knowledge about how energy drinks and alcohol interact, as well as how the beverages mix with medications and antidepressants, the researchers also urge physicians to be aware of energy drink consumption, particularly among teens, and suggest educating patients and parents on the potential consequences of making energy drinks a regular habit.
I am an employee of Celgene. Hypothesis is a logical proposition that is based on Thesis hypotheses knowledge that serves as the starting point of an investigation. A thesis is a statement that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. The main difference between thesis and hypothesis is that thesis is found in all research studies whereas a hypothesis is mainly found in experimental quantitative research studies. This article explains, 1. What is a Thesis? What is a Hypothesis? What is the difference between Thesis and Hypothesis? What is a Thesis The word thesis has two meanings in a research study. Thesis can either refer to a dissertation or a thesis statement. Thesis or dissertation is the long essay or document that consists of the research study. Thesis can also refer to a theory or statement that is used as a premise to be maintained or proved. The thesis statement in a research article is a sentence found at the beginning of the paper that presents the main argument of the paper. The rest of the document will gather, organize and present evidence to support this argument. The thesis statement will basically present the topic of the paper and indicate what position the researcher is going to take in relation to this topic. A thesis statement can generally be found at the end of the first paragraph introductory paragraph of the paper. What is a Hypothesis A hypothesis is a logical assumption based on available evidence. In simple words, it is an educated guess that is not proven with concrete scientific evidence. Once it is scientifically tested and proven, it becomes a theory. However, it is important to note that a hypothesis can be accurate or inaccurate. Hypotheses are mostly used in experiments and research studies. However, hypotheses are not used in every research study. Hypotheses are often used to test a specific model or theory. They can be used only when the researcher has sufficient knowledge about the subject since hypothesis are always based on the existing knowledge. Once the hypothesis is built, the researcher can find and analyze data and use them to prove or disprove the hypothesis. Thesis statement can be found in all research papers. Hypotheses are usually found in experimental quantitative research studies. Thesis statement may explain the hypothesis and how the researcher intends to support it. Hypothesis is an educated guess based on the existing knowledge. She is currently reading for a Masters degree in English. Her areas of interests include literature, language, linguistics and also food.In logic, we often refer to the two broad methods of reasoning as the deductive and inductive approaches.. Deductive reasoning works from the more general to the more specific. Sometimes this is informally called a "top-down" approach. Dec 02, · A hypothesis is a statement about what you believe is true. To make an informed statement, you thus first need to do some research. Focus on the literature that you use for your introduction and problem statement/5(52). Archaeologists usually do not address linguistic issues. This is probably why, although firm conclusions about absence of invasions and cultural continuity already began to appear in the archaeological literature of the Seventies, historical linguists have continued to assume the traditional theory as an undisputed truth. Postmaterialism: Postmaterialism, value orientation that emphasizes self-expression and quality of life over economic and physical security. The term postmaterialism was first coined by American social scientist Ronald Inglehart in The Silent Revolution: Changing . Event Marketing in IMC 45 Research Design Qualitative vs. quantitative research “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted”. Thesis or Dissertation. S. Joseph Levine, Ph.D. Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan USA ([email protected])) Become a Fan. Introduction. This guide has been created to assist my graduate students in thinking through the many aspects of crafting, implementing and defending a thesis or dissertation.
Basics of an ultrasound machine Ultrasound machines are made up of the same basic components: - Base ultrasound machine/console (the electronics of the machine) - Probe/transducer (part used to scan the animal) - Monitor/viewing device (where you see the image) - Power source for the unit (batteries or mains electricity) Ultrasound machines will differ based on the features that they offer. Some features may include freezing an image, storing an image, standby mode to save battery power, ergonomic design, water and dust resistance, multiple operating modes, among many other features. They will also come in a variety of weights and sizes. There are many different types of probes. Two of the most common are linear and sector. - Crystals aligned along the scanning surface (‘footprint’) of a rectangular probe head - Produces a rectangular image - Creates more distinction (better resolution) between tissues closer to the probe - Most function at multiple frequencies to enable the quality of your ultrasound image to be optimized when scanning tissues at varying depths - Used internally (transrectally) and externally (on the body wall/skin surface) - Crystals are situated along the length of the curved scanning surface (‘footprint’) and are stimulated sequentially in groups - Creates a pie or wedge shaped image - Provides an ultrasound image with a wider field of view compared to the image obtained using a linear probe - Primarily used externally, however some sector probes may also be used transrectally There are a variety of options for viewing the ultrasound image; stand-alone monitors, wrist monitors and goggles. We have used our Easi-Scan bovine ultrasound machine as an example below.
Plaque Decorated with Vine Scroll, Birds, and a Rabbit Made in Egypt or Syria 5 7/8 x 2 3/4 in. (15 x 7 cm) Benaki Museum, Athens (10411) Not on view Carvings on ivory or bone were often used in the eastern Mediterranean as attachments for furniture and other objects. These plaques, which vary in style, reflect the continuation of Byzantine vine patterns into the early Islamic era. Most are carved on a vertical axis and are at times inhabited by animals. On this plaque, drill holes decorate the flowers, grape clusters, and birds, encouraging the play of light and shadow over the surface.
Hartford Water Quality: Yesterday The first European settlers of Hartford were impressed with the fertile Connecticut River Valley and the abundance of fresh water. Like many older cities, Hartford residents would divert water for drinking, but then also use the same waterways for human waste and industrial waste, making it dangerously unsanitary. By 1867, Hartford residents were forced to stop using the Connecticut River for drinking water. To provide clean water for its growing population, Hartford city engineers built a multi-reservoir system, including the Nepaug Reservoir, which used gravity to bring water from the northwest hills of Connecticut. In 1929, a public non-profit municipal corporation, The Metropolitan District, was formed to provide a modern drinking water and sewer system to the people and businesses of Hartford. The Metropolitan District quickly assumed responsibility for the 9.5 billion gallon Nepaug reservoir and began construction on the Barkhamsted Reservoir, which would become the largest single water supply reservoir in the state! As Hartford grew, city planners continued to construct reservoirs and dams to bolster its water supply, and at the same time initiated aggressive clean up program of its rivers and watersheds.
Duncan, S. M., Farrell, R. L., Jordan, N., Jurgens, J. A. & Blanchette, R. A. (2010). Monitoring and identification of airborne fungi at historic locations on Ross Island, Antarctica. Polar Science, 4(2), 275-283 Permanent Research Commons link: https://hdl.handle.net/10289/3776 Air sampling in the ‘Heroic Era’ historic huts on Ross Island, Antarctica confirmed fungal presence, viability and winter survival. Cultivation and consensus sequence-based identification of Cladosporium cladosporioides, Pseudeurotium desertorum, Geomyces sp. and Antarctomyces psychrotrophicus demonstrated that they dominated the air environment within the huts. Cadophora sp. and Thebolus sp. were also isolated from the air and identified by morphological characteristics. Viable fungal colony forming units generally dropped in winter 2007 samplings from levels recorded in summer 2006 but were still substantial and greater than observed in summer 2008 and summer 2009 sampling at some locations. Comparing interior to exterior sampling, at the Hut Point and Cape Evans sites, there were more fungi recovered from the air in the interiors but at Cape Royds location, more fungi were recovered from the outside environment, possibly due to the impact of large amounts of organic material from the nearby Adélie penguin rookery. This research reveals airborne fungal biodiversity in summer and winter and demonstrates spores are widespread particularly in the interiors of the huts. Completed conservation efforts appear to have reduced fungal blooms and spores, which should reduce future adverse impacts to wood, textiles, paper and other artefacts so that this important polar heritage can be preserved.
The intensive four-day program introduces high school students throughout the region to the engineering profession, and is sponsored by USU engineering alumni, school district foundations, engineering firms, and businesses. Students participate in a variety of Challenge Sessions taught during the week. Among the 19 hands-on, competitive Challenge Session exercises, students wrote a computer game, designed computer algorithms, learned about code-breaking, engineered algae to produce bioproducts and biofuels, and isolated spider silk-making genes to produce huge quantities of spider silk and learn about synthetic spider silk research. They also learned how to manipulate DNA to change the smells of fruits, put together a small steel bridge and tested its structural soundness, built personal speakers, designed a computer out of only a ping pong ball and a telephone, designed their own aircraft out of balsa wood, and scaled 90-foot walls, according to the news release. Engineering professors at USU donate their time to introduce students to their profession and challenge them in exercises which use math and science to solve physical problems. For more information about the Engineering State program, contact Kathy Phippen, program coordinator, at 435-797-2843.
Learning a new language can be a daunting task and for many of us, it’s hard to know where to start. Learning Portuguese is no exception, the speed of speech and muffled pronunciation can be intimidating. If you’re thinking about learning Portuguese, you’ve probably got all kinds of questions like: These are just some of the questions that were whirling through my mind as I contemplated learning Portuguese. That’s why I decided to answer these questions for you and provide you with the resources that’ll have you speaking fluently in no time. Research led by the US Foreign Institute determined that it takes 480 hours to reach basic fluency in group 1 languages and 720 hours for language groups 2-4. A group 1 language? What does that mean? Well, the FSI breaks down languages into 4 groups for English speakers: Portuguese falls under category 1 along with other Romance languages such as French, Italian, and Spanish. Now that we understand it takes approximately 480 hours to learn Portuguese, it’s time to interpret this into a measurement that’s easier for us to understand. Use the following table to determine how many months it’ll take you to reach basic fluency in Portuguese according to how much time you dedicate to learning: Portuguese is the official language of 10 countries worldwide and is among the 10 most spoken languages globally. It’s also the official language of both Brazil and Portugal—but are there any differences and which one should you learn? Fun Fact: There are approximately 258 million Portuguese speakers worldwide—only 5 percent of which live in Portugal! It’s useful to note that—besides nuances including pronunciation and grammar—Brazilian and Portuguese people don’t have any trouble understanding one another. The most noticeable difference between the two dialects is how sounds are created. Brazilians pronounce their vowels longer and wider, whereas European Portuguese speakers tend to chew certain vowels. Therefore, most people find Brazillian Portuguese easier to understand. However, as there’s a lot of crossover between them, it doesn’t matter with which dialect you choose to begin. Learning a new language is incredibly rewarding but it can also be expensive. Perhaps you’ve browsed various online courses or contacted local language teachers and was surprised by how much they cost. Fortunately, there are many ways to learn Portuguese without breaking the banco. Podcasts are a fantastic way of learning Portuguese because you can listen to them whilst doing something else entirely—I remember listening to a great Portuguese podcast called The Portuguese Lab while redecorating my house and I learned a lot! There are thousands of Podcasts available online for free, so spend some time finding one that’s right for you. You can access podcasts on various streaming service providers such as Spotify, Soundcloud, and iTunes. It’s no secret that you can learn almost anything on Youtube from crochet to tapdance, and learning Portuguese is no different. There are a few ways you can use Youtube to learn Portuguese. Firstly, you could scour the site in search of online lessons like those provided by Practice Portuguese—a popular channel with over 26K subscribers. Alternatively, you could try listening to videos on Youtube that feature Portuguese speakers. This could be a Portuguese vlog or a children’s TV show. Exposing yourself to as much of the language as possible is a great way of improving your language skills. In fact, “listen a lot” is one of the “7 Actions for Rapid Language Acquisition.” We’ll talk more about this later in the article. Watching TV shows and movies is a great way of learning a new language. Many Europeans have accelerated their English skills thanks to the growing number of videos available online. You can do the same with Portuguese. There are many Portuguese shows available on Netflix (mostly in Brazillian Portuguese). Girls From Ipanema (known as Coisa Mais Linda in Portuguese) is a well-rated Portuguese show available on Netflix. For an enhanced learning experience, download the Language Learning with Netflix plugin for Google Chrome. This handy tool enables you to view Netlfix subtitles in two languages simultaneously. One of the more well-known language-learning mobile apps, Duolingo provides an immersive learning experience that combines colourful visuals, audio input, interactive games, and more. Unfortunately, Duolingo only provides lessons in Brazillian Portuguese, nevertheless, it’s a great place to get started. You can access all of Duolingo’s language learning content by subscribing to their free plan, although—should you wish to download lessons for offline use, remove ads, and track your progress—a paid-for plan (known as Duolingo Plus) is available for €7.33/month. There are many ways of learning a new language for free but it can be challenging and sometimes frustrating. When learning a language for free, you’re forced to develop your own learning path. Before long, you’ll find yourself trying to stitch information together like a patchwork quilt. While this technique works for some, most of us require the structure of a paid-for course as well as the motivation provided to us by our teachers. Furthermore, making a financial commitment is proven to increase your chances of successfully learning a new skill. Price: Anywhere from €5-€100 per hour, depending on the teacher’s experience, specialities, and language levels. A quick search for “private Portuguese lessons” in Google provides you with a bunch of options. Faced with over 50 million search results, how are you supposed to know which tutor is best for you? If you’re looking for face-to-face private lessons, Tutoroo is a great place to start. This platform enables you to search for qualified language teachers in your area. You can filter and organise the results by gender, rating, popularity, and more. Again, there are many tutors available on these platforms so finding the right one for you might take some time. Fortunately, most tutors offer a free trial session so feel free to try before you buy. Price: Approximately €10-€30 per hour for a group lesson with a private tutor. Language schools offer all kinds of courses at various prices depending on the course duration, the number of students, and language level. Many private tutors offer both private and group lessons and both options have their pros and cons. Group lessons are often cheaper than private lessons as your time will be divided between a larger group. While you are sacrificing one-to-one tuition, many students find it useful to learn a language within a group. Learning a language as a group is useful as you’ll encounter more opportunities to practice real-life conversations with your fellow classmates. If you can’t find a private tutor offering group lessons, you can always try contacting a language school. Language schools offer many courses of varying duration and usually include all the resources you need plus an official language certification upon completion. You’ll find language schools located all over the world, simply enter a search for “Portuguese language schools,” followed by your location. Price: Subscription-model apps usually offer a range of payments plans. Memrise, for example, offers monthly (€8.99/month), yearly (€5.83/month), and lifetime (€139.99) payment options. We previously mentioned Duolingo as a great free option for learning Portuguese. The problem with many subscription-based apps is that they often only offer courses in Brazilian Portuguese. If you’re looking for a quality app that offers a course in European Portuguese then Memrise is a good option. Similarly to Duolingo, Memrise provides an engaging learning experience that teaches you to understand, speak, and write European Portuguese. One feature that I love about this app is that you’ll be shown videos of real locals speaking sentences in Portuguese which adds a lot to the overall learning experience. In 2013, Chris Lonsdale hosted a Tedx talk at Lingnan University. Chris is the managing director of Chris Lonsdale & Associates, a company established to catalyse breakthrough performance for individuals and senior teams. During his talk How To Learn A New Language In Six Months, Chris talked about the “7 Actions for Rapid Language Acquisition.” In other words: Seven things you can do to learn a language quickly. The 7 Actions for Rapid Language Acquisition:
Between red-light cameras and automatic radar detectors, traffic enforcement has been going increasingly high-tech. And now cops can add another tool to their arsenal: Researchers have developed a roadside laser that can remotely detect alcohol vapors in a car. The laser, created by researchers from the Military University of Technology in Warsaw, Poland, can theoretically spot a driver with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.1 percent simply by shining a beam through the vehicle’s windows. How It Works The device works by shining a beam from the roadside into a mirror placed on the opposite side of the street, and back to a detector near the laser source. As a car passes through the beam, the detector — accounting for window distortions — measures minute changes in the beam caused by alcohol vapor. The laser device prototype is a bit clunky, but it was shown to work in the lab. Researchers heated a water-alcohol solution to 25°C which released a plume of vapors inside a stationary test vehicle. The laser was positioned several feet from the windows of the vehicle, with the height of the device adjusted so a beam could travel through the windows to the reflector. The device successfully identified a plume of vapor equivalent to the breath of a human with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.1 percent — just above the 0.08 percent legal limit in many states. The findings appear in the Journal of Applied Remote Sensing. Tricking the Technology Researchers acknowledge that their device could easily be fooled. Drivers could simply roll down their windows, blast their air conditioners or conceal their activities with window tint. Furthermore, it could be the passenger emitting the boozy breath. However, researchers say their device can detect these attempts at trickery, and will still alert police that a vehicle should be checked. Moving forward, the teams wants to scale down their product and make it easier for cops to use. They envision linking the device to a camera that would snap photos of potential drunken drivers to tip off police further up the road. Photo credit: ambrozinio/Shutterstock
E KOMO MAI! A PLACE IN THE MIDDLE is the true story of a young girl in Hawaiʻi who dreams of leading the boys-only hula group at her school, and a teacher who empowers her through traditional culture. This kid-friendly educational film is a great way to get students thinking and talking about the values of diversity and inclusion, the power of knowing your heritage, and how to prevent bullying by creating a school climate of aloha – from their own point of view! The film and guides are free, but PLEASE REGISTER so we know who the project is reaching and how to improve it. Mahalo! GET THE FREE GUIDE HERE Hawaiʻi educators - please visit the HAWAIʻI PAGE for the Hawaiʻi Classroom Discussion Guide including Hawaiʻi DOE curriculum standards. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Troubles due to Static Electricity and Research on Power Generation Utilizing Static Electricity Static electricity is a source of trouble in winter when the air is dry in some countries and regions. Static electricity refers to electricity that is literally static; that is, it is electricity whereby the electric charges1 do not move and the state of electrification2 is maintained. High voltages of several kV may be generated between a person charged with electricity by the friction of clothing or another reason and an object not charged with electricity. At that time, if that person touches or approaches that object, a discharge occurs in which the electrified charges instantly flow to the object. This static electricity phenomenon is called electrostatic discharge (ESD)3. In addition, the polarities (positive/negative) of the electric charges of objects charged with electricity repel each other if they are the same and attract each other if they are different. In the latter case, that may also cause unnecessary dust, dirt, and other elements to adhere to the product. Below are typical troubles due to this static electricity and also examples relating to the effective utilization of static electricity. 1 Electric charges: Electricity is one of the properties inherent to matter. The source of that electricity is called the electric charge. Electric charges have two types of polarity: positive and negative. Various electrical phenomena are induced by the behavior and conduct of these electric charges. 2 Electrification: For example, when insulators, substances for which it is difficult for electric charges to move and difficult for the current to flow, are brought into close contact with each other and rubbed together, it may lead to a state in which there are many positive or negative electric charges in one of those insulators. This state in which electric charges have accumulated in this way (the state of carrying electricity) is called electrification. 3 Electric charges move in all instances of discharge including ESD; that is, the current flows. Therefore, it seems that ESD is not a static electricity phenomenon. However, given that ESD is instantaneous and the current is also very small, we will consider ESD to be within the range of static electricity phenomena here. Static Electricity Trouble 1: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and ESD Damage If ESD occurs in ICs and other electronic devices, it may cause electronic equipment to fail or malfunction. When a momentary discharge under a high voltage occurs in an electronic device and causes it to stop functioning, it is called “ESD damage.” This may cause failures and defects not only in the process of manufacturing electronic products but also when they are used by those who purchase them. Moreover, clothing and other similar items are especially susceptible to electrification and ESD from friction. For example, a worker charged with electricity at a manufacturing site may sustain stress such as irritation and pain to his or her skin by touching products. Furthermore, products may become defective due to ESD damage from workers charged with electricity (Photo 1). Static Electricity Trouble 2: Adhesion of Dust, Dirt, and Other Foreign Substances due to Electrification When dust, dirt, metal powder, or other foreign substances in the air and workpieces4 and products become charged with electricity positively and negatively or negatively and positively, respectively, an attractive force acts between the two as mentioned above. The foreign substance then adheres to the latter. For instance, if a foreign substance adheres to the housing, car body, or other part of metal (conductor) equipment, it may lead to a deterioration in the paint quality. Moreover, products such as resin (insulator) films or sheets and containers may become defective due to foreign substances adhering to them. Products may also become dirty while being stored due to the adhesion of small foreign substances. That may lead to a deterioration in quality and complaints. Furthermore, if the base material gets twisted or if the corners get turned up in the process of manufacturing and processing a thin film product, it may cause a defect during the process of applying the chemicals and liquid materials that form the paint coating and during the winding of the rolls (Photo 2). 4 Workpiece: This is the object to be processed in a manufacturing process. For example, the press material is called the workpiece in a process to press-mold metal housing, whereas the housing itself is called the workpiece in the process to paint that housing. Unexpected Utilization of Static Electricity: Research Utilizing Static Electricity During Snowfall to Generate Power As mentioned earlier, static electricity causes troubles in various industrial products and people’s lives in winter when the air is dry. Besides that, the buildup of snow on solar panels in cold regions significantly reduces the efficiency of solar power generation. That can become a big problem when coupled with an increase in demand for electric power resulting from the use of heating. It was believed that static electricity only caused such issues and problems. However, research is also being conducted on energy harvesting5 using static electricity generated by snowfall. 5 Energy harvesting: This refers to power generation technology that harvests energy from the daily environment (heat, sunlight, artificial lighting, and vibrations arising from human movement or machine operation, etc.) and converts it into electrical energy. For instance, a research team in the U.S. is researching and developing a device that obtains electric power from the static electricity generated by contact or friction with snow. It is known that snow is charged with electricity positively in a certain temperature range. Voltage is generated when snow charged with electricity positively and an object charged with electricity negatively come into close contact or sliding due to touching and friction. Based on this principle, the research team has successfully realized energy harvesting using snow and obtained electric power from this device. It is expected that this device will be used in a wide range of applications because it is thin, light, and has excellent flexibility. Functional outfits designed to protect from the cold have been given as an example of the application of this technology. Power can be generated by attaching the device to the surface of clothing or the soles of shoes. It is then possible to heat your body with a heater or to sense your movements and physical condition in outdoor activities in snowfall such as winter sports. This can be done without using secondary batteries or other parts that have been charged in advance (Photo 4). Moreover, it is thought it will become easier to install and operate meteorological observation equipment in places where it is difficult to supply power by adopting this mechanism that enables sensing by the device itself. Based on such new ideas, research and development on energy harvesting is diversifying and advancing, thereby increasing expectations for a future in which the number of new options to acquire energy will increase. Essential Both at Manufacturing Sites and in the Design Stage: Measures Against Static Electricity and ESD In addition to being utilized in energy harvesting and other applications as above, static electricity is being used in printers, copy machines, dust collectors, a variety of manufacturing and processing equipment, and other products. Nevertheless, we can say that there is a stronger impression of static electricity causing troubles such as in terms of ESD damage and foreign substance adhesion as mentioned at the beginning of this article than of it having beneficial uses like this. We have to thoroughly take various measures going forward to avoid such troubles. We introduce here some specific examples of measures against those problems. Measures against Static Electricity to Prevent Defects in Manufacturing Processes It is well-known that electrification arising from friction (frictional electrification) due to an object being moved or people moving is the cause of electrified electricity; that is, static electricity. This electrification also frequently occurs in the process of manufacturing products. The use of static eliminators is given as a typical measure against static electricity troubles caused by those. These static eliminators neutralize electrified charges such as by blowing ions with air onto the target object. There are various forms of static eliminators. One is a bar type that neutralizes and eliminates static electricity in workpieces charged with electricity on conveyance lines and other systems. Another is a blower type equipped with a fan that neutralizes the static electricity generated during assembly processes involving manual work and other similar processes. Yet another is the gun type that removes foreign substances adhering to an object due to static electricity by eliminating the static electricity while intensively blowing air on a targeted spot. In addition, wearing a wristband to release static electricity to the ground (GND) to prevent ESD occurring from workers’ hands is a basic measure to prevent defective products due to ESD damage from humans (Photo 5). Measures against ESD Are Also Important When using Electronic Equipment: Measures Against Static Electricity with ESD Protection Devices ESD and other static electricity issues in pieces of electronic equipment can occur not only in the process of manufacturing them but also when they are used by those who purchase them. For example, if ESD occurs in an IC or other electronic device in electronic equipment when operating a switch or at another time, it may lead to it malfunctioning or failing due to ESD damage. Therefore, measures against static electricity and measures against ESD are required in the design stage. ESD is especially liable to occur at points that are operated by people by hand in electronic equipment when it is being used. Those points include various external interfaces in which buttons, USBs, and other plugs are inserted into and removed from connectors. In other words, the risk of electronic equipment failing or malfunctioning increases when ESD occurs because a high voltage is momentarily applied to an IC while it is being operated (Fig. 1). Accordingly, it is no exaggeration to say that the points that require measures against ESD in electronic equipment are those that the user touches or approaches. It is necessary to release electrified charges to the ground (GND) to prevent the ESD issues which occur in this way. A device that achieves this is called an “ESD protection device.” We can say that this is a device essential for the stable operation of electronic equipment by preventing sudden failures and other troubles. TVS Diode ESD Protection Device and Its Functions TVS diodes are one of the leading ESD protection devices used in electronic equipment. Fig. 2 shows an example of a TVS diode being connected and its functions. In Fig. 2, the TVS diode is installed between the signal line connecting the external interface (I/O) and the IC and the ground (GND). The TVS diode switch is set to OFF during this normal operation. This isolates the signal line from the GND. On the other hand, when the I/O is charged with electricity for some reason and there is a high voltage between the I/O and GND, ESD is liable to occur. If ESD is generated and intrudes here, the TVS diode will turn ON. The ESD will then flow to the GND via the TVS diode from the signal line. The TVS diode protects the IC from the ESD by functioning like that. Information equipment in recent years in particular has become smaller. At the same time, for instance, power supply input/output functions (USB Power Delivery (USB PD)) that support higher voltages and larger currents compatible with the USB4 high-speed data transmission I/O have started to spread. As a result, it is possible to say that measures against ESD in information equipment have become even more important (Photo 6). Murata Manufacturing provides a range of various products including small TVS diodes as ESD protection devices that respond to needs such as for downsizing of electronic equipment and higher density device mounting. You can view details on TVS diodes from the link below. - Basic knowledge concerning ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) countermeasures and TVS Diodes (ESD Protection Devices)
Once again, the headlines declare, “No link between autism and MMR vaccine“. The story, however, is a different matter: The study, published on Tuesday in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, found no evidence of any abnormal biological response from the shot that could point to a link between the vaccine and autism. Hmm… an absence of evidence of a link does not mean evidence of the absence of a link. “This study really supports the view these are safe vaccines,” said David Brown, a researcher at Britain’s Health Protection Agency who worked on the study. “The evidence is now so solid there really isn’t a need for further studies here.” Same old guff that’s been said at the conclusion of a number of other studies, all of whom appear almost deliberately to have been set up to provide statistics that imply the absence of a link. Perhaps the most famous is the “Danish study”. The study demonstrated that there was actually a higher risk of autism among those who did not receive the MMR. What was not noted in that study is that it occurred at a time when the suggestion of an MMR / autism connection was big news, so those children already at risk of autism were more likely to turn up in the group of children whose parents refused to give their children MMR. A self-selecting study is no study at all. As Jackie Fletcher of JABS puts it: It is making a leap from having the actual data on the antibodies and saying MMR does not cause autism. Persistent measles infection is only one of the theories on why there appears to be a connection between the MMR vaccination and autism – my favourite explanation by far is that there are children at risk from autism, and that every time their bodies are put under significant stress (such as the high fevers associated with vaccination), there is a chance that a regression will be triggered. That’s a very loose theory, granted, but there are others – one very interesting suggestion is that the study quoted in today’s news articles focuses on children aged 10 – 12, and if those children had persistent measles infection from vaccination at or around 2 years old, it would not be evident from antibodies in the bloodstream, but in the spinal column. I don’t know how true that claim is, though. Now, you might say that the studies that have suggested a link between MMR and autism are also biased in their construction, and designed to give the results that would imply such a link. An appropriate study, in my opinion, would be to select candidates who are “at risk” from autism – where a member of the family has autism, or where a member of the family is an engineer, or where there is higher-than-average incidence of college education – and follow their babies from birth through age five or so. Some of the group would be given the MMR in one visit, as is the current method of operation, others would be given separate Measles, Mumps and Rubella shots in three visits, several weeks apart. A little tricky to do this as a double-blind study, but not impossible – the MMR patients would simply receive a saline shot instead for two of their three visits. Such a study would get over the issue that, with an incidence rate of 1 in 150, and only a fraction of that being suggested as related to MMR vaccination, autism causes disappear into statistical noise; such a study also allows for possible weighting factors to be recognised and balanced (by assigning study members such that particular combinations of weighting factors appear more or less equally in each cohort), in a way that has not been possible, or not been tried, with other studies. While there are many irrational views on both sides of this debate, sadly it seems as though these are the views that make the loudest noise. A scientific approach to this discussion has not yet been considered, in my opinion. Most parents of autistic and at-risk children I have spoken to (and granted, that’s not in the hundreds that would be required for a good sample) are not looking to make the choice between MMR or not vaccinating their children – they are artificially limited by the government to making that choice. The lack of availability of individual vaccines for Measles, Mumps and Rubella makes the choice one of “MMR and possible-to-likely autistic regression” versus “possible measles, mumps or rubella infection – maybe in someone else’s kid”. I think that particularly when it comes to illnesses like Rubella, where the risk is to the in-utero fetus of an infected mother-to-be, perhaps we ought to consider whether it is safer to vaccinate girls as they approach their fertile years, rather than vaccinating everyone a year or two after birth, in an attempt to provide “herd immunity”. Another thing I’m not looking for is to blame all (or even most!) cases of autism on the MMR vaccine, or thimerosal, or any of a number of other causes. There are so many stories of autistic onset, from the kid who “everyone could see he was different from the moment he was born”, to the kid who develops normally into a babbling toddler and then suddenly shuts up and retreats into his mental cocoon over the course of a few days. Clearly, there’s a genetic component that at least creates a susceptibility, but for something to happen so suddenly, and so coincidentally “on time”, it seems like there has to be an environmental component that acts like a trigger. With the government continually feeding us crap science, and no physical method to reliably screen for a majority of autism cases, it’s no wonder many parents feel like emulating their children at their worst autistic moments, repeatedly banging our heads against the wall, because it’s better than not knowing why our heads hurt. I’m excited by the news that the American Academy of Pediatricians is recommending that all children be screened at their regular 18 month and 24 month checkups for autism. As regular readers will know, my son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, at age five, having been in a special education programme (but without a specific diagnosis) since the age of three. Thanks to the various efforts of therapists with specialities in speech, occupational and physical therapy, social development and other skills, for the most part, you wouldn’t think he’s any different from any other child. The last kid in his neighbourhood to ride a bicycle without training wheels at age 7, he now rides a unicycle. There are many other examples where he has proven not only to be capable of those things that he needed help to learn, but also that he can excel. All this because of interventions applied as early as we could get them, sometimes requiring us to fund expensive therapy ourselves, because our health insurance company states without a hint of irony that the brain does not develop past the age of seven. My thought is that this policy was drafted by someone who dropped out of school at that age, and it’s certainly out of line with current neurological science, particularly the theory of brain plasticity. “Early intervention” is a strong rallying cry among supporters of autistic children – but it is equally important to recognise that there is no age beyond which an autistic person cannot be helped – and no age beyond which autism is “grown out of” I should note that I’m not an official source of information, and I’m only going off what I have noticed when interacting with autistic spectrum (AS) and neurotypical (NT) children. Here are some of the signs I think you should watch for in your own children: Make sure to compare your child with other children his own age, and watch for the milestones that you’ll find listed everywhere in the parenting books. I’ve met autistic children with only a handful of the above signs, and some NT children who had several – but as a rough and ready guideline, I hope you’ll find this set useful. Above all, listen to your gut. Your pediatrician is an expert on kids on average and in general – you are an expert in your child, and you know far more on that subject than any pediatrician. If your child’s behaviour shows a significant departure from those of other kids his age, push for an explanation. If you still have concerns and your pediatrician appears simply to be calming your fears, insist that your child be tested; visit another pediatrician if you must, get a second opinion, and keep trying to explain and accept, but work with, your child’s differences.
Usually, at a forum on swine flu, all the experts stand up, present a bunch of general background material, a few new findings, and leave. The learning curve on H1N1 is so steep that by the time you fill in the background, you are out of time, and there’s no point in hearing the next presenter speak to a general audience But this week’s Institute of Medicine meeting was different. Epidemiologists – the people who specialize in how disease spreads – were talking to molecular geneticists. Keiji Fukuda of the World Health Organization filled in the bench scientists on how negotiating to get vaccines and drugs for poor countries was taking up everyone’s valuable time. Veterans of the 1976 swine flu vaccine mess told their stories. Every scientist sat there raptly listening to the other’s presentations. Much of the material had not yet gone through the time consuming peer-review process needed for publication in a medical journal, so it was a little raw, but that much more useful and timely to an educated audience. You can prevent swine flu by washing your hands and keeping away from sick people, but how do you make money off of it? Some smaller companies such as Vical and Novavax hope the pandemic might make a short cut for them. In general vaccines are not lucrative money-makers but this could change. And then there are always the big antiviral makers. CDC’s new guidelines do not offer hope for much more market for them, however. They recommend preserving these drugs for people who really need them. WHO has given up on trying to keep any kind of precise count on swine flu, which is just about everywhere now. It’s fairly mild but hardly anyone has any immunity, so it will infect far more people than seasonal flu does in an average year. That may mean more serious cases and more deaths than usual, just by virtue of sheer numbers.
Health reporter Gautam Naik writes: Becoming a parent used to involve a simple roll of the genetic dice: If your baby was born with a difficult condition, you simply dealt with it. That’s less true nowadays. Couples that want a healthy baby increasingly have to navigate a thicket of medical, personal and ethical choices. For example, as I wrote in a page-one Journal piece in October, a lot more genetic disorders can now be diagnosed in the womb. As a result, more couples are facing the wrenching decision about whether to continue a pregnancy. In today’s Journal, I look at a related quest to treat genetic disorders in the womb itself, either through powerful drugs, new types of surgery or even stem cells. “Our diagnostic tools are getting finer and you can now diagnose genetic defects very early in the pregnancy,” says Michael Harrison, a pediatric surgeon at the Fetal Treatment Center at the UCSF Children’s Hospital. Consequently, he says, doctors will “increasingly come up with medical treatments” specifically for a prenatal setting. Yet again, there are tough choices to be made. How should doctors balance treatment of the fetus with risks faced by the mother? Should potentially risky interventions in the womb only be done for extremely serious ailments, or for less-severe anatomical conditions as well? This kind of dilemma can arise, for example, with a disease called congenital adrenal hyperplaxia, or CAH. If both the mother and father carry the particular CAH gene, they’re forced into a tough call: Either expose their weeks’-old baby to a powerful steroid in order to avert the possibility of male-like genitalia if the fetus is a girl. Or skip the steroid and risk the possibility of future reconstructive surgery for a daughter born with affected genitalia. One couple, the Morrisons, walked down both paths. For one pregnancy, the mother skipped the steroid, and her daughter was born with affected genitalia. For the next pregnancy, mother took the steroid – only to find that her daughter didn’t have CAH and had been unnecessarily exposed to the drug. New genetic knowledge is transforming medicine, and largely for the better. But as the Morrisons discovered, it’s also throwing up new quandaries that never existed before. In such cases, each couple must make their own decision – and live with it. “There is no right or wrong answer,” says Mrs. Morrison. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment might help parents plan and juggle, because they have more time to make decisions and secure care. But such knowledge and treatment could also lead to unnecessary panic, risk and exposure. Readers, given the new landscape of prenatal genetic testing and treatment, have you, or would you, want to undergo such procedures before the baby is born? Or would you rather just let nature take its course?
A debate rages in the medical community on the prevalence of bipolar disorders and ADHD. According to some, the disorders are over-diagnosed and over-treated while others believe the conditions are understudied with the wrong type of medication(s) often prescribed potentially causing harm. An essay in The Lancet, by an Italian researcher, Franco Benazzi (Hecker Psychiatry Research Center, Forli, Italy) reviews the concepts, definitions, and classifications of bipolar and related disorders, with a focus on bipolar II disorder and mixed depression. Benazzi believes that despite a prevalence of about 5 percent in the community and 50 percent in depressed outpatients, the treatment of bipolar II disorder and related disorders warrant further investigation as current clinical care may be dangerous. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by one or more major depressive episodes accompanied by at least one hypomanic episode. The major difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II is that Bipolar II has hypomanic but not manic episodes. Patients with bipolar I may have psychotic episodes, but hallucinations and delusions do not occur with bipolar II. Bipolar disorder II is usually considered a less severe form of the disease. Because mood swings are less obvious than with bipolar I, diagnosing bipolar disorder II remains a challenge. Patients often suffer from depression as well. Benazzi believes this causes a problem as only the depression is treated, not the bipolar disorder. Under-diagnosis of Bipolar II disorders can lead to pharmacological treatment with antidepressants alone, which can make the problem worse. “These patients need to be on mood-stabilizing drugs, and if depression persists an antidepressant can be added,” Benazzi says. “Treating these patients with antidepressants alone can actually increase the manic episodes and worsen the disorder.” He notes that the apparent increase in prevalence of bipolar spectrum might be related to several changes in diagnostic criteria, including improved probing for history of hypomania, lower minimum duration of hypomania, and inclusion of unipolar depressions with bipolar signs such as family history of bipolar disorder and mixed depression. He recommends caution in the treatment of mixed depression, for which some symptoms can be worsened by antidepressants and might be better controlled by initial treatment with mood stabilizers, although further evidence is needed. Benazzi believes controlled pharmacological studies are greatly needed, with investigation over the broad spectrum of the disorders taking into account the frequently mixed profile of bipolar disorders. Source: The Lancet
When we first learn about cells in biology, we are taught that bacterial cells are simple, and animal and plant cells are more complex. Mammalian cells, the cells that make up dogs, humans and all mammals, are “eukaryotes.” Eukaryotes have multiple membranes — one surrounding their innermost section, the nucleus, which protects their DNA and another outer membrane enclosing the entire cell. Bacterial cells, also called “prokaryotes,” have only an outer membrane. However, reality is never so black and white! As it turns out, there are some species of bacteria that have a more complex membrane system resembling the animal-like cells (eukaryotes). One example of these more complex bacteria is Gemmata obscuriglobans. These bacteria are aquatic and can be found in fresh or brackish bodies of water, such as lakes and ponds. Although there has been some debate on this subject, a recent paper in PLOS One has cleared up the controversy about this membrane system with a rigorous study. Using three different techniques, scientists at the University of Queensland broke apart, or lysed, some G. obscuriglobans cells — freezing the cells with liquid nitrogen (at a frigid -321 deg F) and grinding them up, making thin slices of the cells. These small slices are then stained and highlights the details of the structure of the cell. After lysing the cells, the different slices were viewed under a powerful electron microscope. An electron microscope captures far more detail at much higher magnitude than a traditional light microscope you may see in schools. After analysing the cell slices to examine the structure, the researchers found three distinct membrane types. They confirmed that these different types of membrane enclose separate sections of the cell. Before this study, it was previously thought of this particular bacteria that the membranes may appear separate, but were really just a continuous membrane with an unusual shape, make it appear as three separate ones. This created a mystery, because certain processes, such as the process that reads and duplicates DNA, only occur outside the innermost membrane. Therefore, the process only occurring in certain parts of the cell indicated that there were true separate compartments. Also, one of the three membrane types contained structures called nuclear pores. Nuclear pores are channels in the membrane that allow large molecules, like nutrients or proteins, to pass through. This result is exciting because many eukaryotic cells have nuclear pore structures, but bacteria usually don’t. Researchers were even able to determine the size and structural characteristics of the nuclear pore. The size and layout of the nuclear pores closely resemble yeast cells, plant cells, and human liver cells. One might wonder if that means that these unique bacteria might be distantly related to the eukaryotic cell line. Relationships like this can be traced by comparing the genetic code of each organism to see how similar they are. However, it turns out that instead of evolving from a eukaryotic cell, this might actually be an example of convergent evolution. Convergent evolution is the event where two completely separate ancestries of different living things end up with the same characteristics despite starting off differently. This is a profound conclusion from an evolutionary perspective. For multiple cell membranes to occur in two separate lines of evolution (bacteria and mammals) means that this type of membrane system is a very effective way for the cell to accomplish nutrient transport.
Monday, June 7, 2010 Kalagenesis.Exodus The African American Zion Quest Exodus is a chapter in the Bible when the Children of Israel were given signs and wonders by Moses to leave Egypt the land of their oppressors into the valley of the shadow of death to get to the promise land.When Moses commanded Pharaoh to "Let my People Go"he did not listen.This caused plagues to infect Egypt.To the end when his own son was killed.Now there were many who disagreed with Moses and wanted to stay.When the going got tough they turned on Moses and God sent his wrath down upon them who disbelieved.The moral of the story is when it is time to leave it is time to leave and there is no turning back.Those who do face their own peril. The Kansas Exodus of 1879 When people look at St Louis they notice large numbers of African Americans in the middle of no where it seems like.The story behind the Blacks in St Louis is they are refugees in a failed trek towards Kansas.Although a large number made it many did not.This was the famous Trek of 1879.After the Union withdrew its troops from the South the KKK was now free to terrorize freed Blacks into submission.Many felt betrayed by the US and decided to leave the South in large number.African Americans have been on a Zionquest since the end of the Civil War.Zion is the Biblical place for the home of the Jews.African Americans drew parallels between themselves and the Jews of old.Some 20,000 people made the Trek much to the dismay of leaders like Fredrick Douglass who said the South not the West or Liberia was the African American home.How could anyone believe second class citizenship and degradation be home?This was because many well meaning leaders spoke from the position of what is best for America or in this case the so called New South.Imagine they were running that game about a New South back then. The IAAC is the last Zion movement The International African American Caucus is the last of many Zion movement the African American people will see.This is a real movement to settle a African American nation in Africa.We understand the plight of the people in this wilderness of North America.An African American state on the coast of Africa is the best option for a sojourning people.This is where our people will have peace.We will finally be free.
4. Sulfur-rich Foods Glutathione is a primary antioxidant that’s found in the human body which purges the body of harmful toxins, along with heavy metals. It attaches itself to these heavy metals and then forces them out through the liver and the kidneys. What foods rich in sulfur does is boosts glutathione activity in the body. These types of produce includes cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, collard, spinach, watercress, and cabbage. Others include Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, garlic, onions, and shallots. 3. Increase Polyphenol Intake Polyphenols are micronutrients which are found abundantly in our diet. They combat cardiovascular, immune, and heart disease. The richest sources of polyphenols include cloves, star anise, peppermint, oregano, flaxseeds, cocoa, dark chocolate, green tea, strawberries, blueberries, and plums. It also enhances the production of metallothionein, which is a major antioxidant enzyme which detoxifies heavy metals. 2. Eat Fermented Food The role that gastrointestinal bacteria, or probiotics plays, is that they eliminate heavy metal buildup in the body, this by flushing them out of the intestines. Fermented foods are extremely rich in probiotics. Fermented foods which contains this good bacteria includes probiotic yogurt, cottage cheese, whey, kefir, fermented tofu, and kim-chi, along with pickled cucumbers, beets, radishes, and garlic. 1. Drink Clean Crisp Water Since the body consists primarily of water, its deficiency can have a huge consequence on how it ultimately functions. There’s no diet or exercise that will help, if the body happens to be constantly dehydrated. A lack of water in the body is the major cause of oxidative stress, which delays the body’s ability to fight free radicals. Once heavy metals enter the body, it’s drinking plenty of water which reduces this oxidative stress, which in turn chases out the heavy toxic metal accumulation in the body.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful psychotherapy approach that has helped an estimated two million people of all ages relieve many types of psychological distress. WHAT IS EMDR? In 1987, psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro made the chance observation that eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, under certain conditions. Dr. Shapiro studied this effect scientifically, and in a 1989 issue of the Journal of Traumatic Stress, she reported success using EMDR to treat victims of trauma. Since then, EMDR has developed and evolved through the contributions of therapists and researchers all over the world. Today, EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporated elements from many different treatment approaches. HOW DOES EMDR WORK? No one knows how any form of psychotherapy works neurobiologically or in the brain. However, we do know that when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes “frozen in time,” and remembering trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people. EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed, so following a successful EMDR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapy have similar goals. However, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way. WHAT IS THE ACTUAL EMDR SESSION LIKE? During EMDR, the therapist works with the client to identify a specific problem as the focus of the treatment session. The client calls to mind the disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard, thought, etc., and what thoughts and beliefs are currently held about that event. The therapist facilitates the directional movement of the eyes or other dual attention stimulation of the brain, while the client focuses on the disturbing material, and the client just notices whatever comes to mind without making any effort to control direction or content. Each person will process information uniquely, based on personal experiences and values. Sets of eye movements are continued until the memory becomes less disturbing and is associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about one’s self; for example, “I did the best I could.” During EMDR, the client may experience intense emotions, but by the end of the session, most people report a great reduction in the level of disturbance. HOW LONG DOES EMDR TAKE? One or more sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. The therapist will also discuss EMDR more fully and provide an opportunity to answer questions about the method. Once therapist and client have agreed that EMDR is appropriate for a specific problem, the actual EMDR therapy may begin. A typical EMDR session lasts from 60-90 minutes. The type of problem, life circumstances, and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. EMDR may be used within a standard “talking” therapy, as an adjunctive therapy with a separate therapist, or as a treatment all by itself. BUT DOES EMDR REALLY WORK? Approximately 20 controlled studies have investigated the effects of EMDR. These studies have consistently found that EMDR effectively decreases/eliminates the symptoms of post traumatic stress for the majority of clients. Clients often report improvement in other associated symptoms such as anxiety. The current treatment guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies designate EMDR as an effective treatment for post traumatic stress. EMDR was also found effective by the U.S. Department of Defense, the United Kingdom Department of Health, the Israeli National Council for Mental Health, and many other international health and governmental agencies. The national registry (NREPP) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), cites EMDR as evidence based practice for the treatment of PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms. Research has also shown that EMDR can be an efficient and rapid treatment. For further references, a bibliography of research may be found through EMDR International Association’s website, www.emdria.org. WHAT KIND OF PROBLEMS CAN EMDR TREAT? Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post traumatic stress. However, clinicians also have reported success using EMDR in treatment of the following conditions:
In light of a recent survey conducted by Maritime New Zealand which focused on pilot boarding arrangements, a large number of findings indicated that pilot ladders were incorrectly secured to the ship. Recently, New Zealand's High Court issued specific requirements for pilot licences according to which those wanting to train as Pilots in New Zealand must hold a Master certificate or the equivalent. # Shortening pilot ladders # A number of these reports are about the use of pilot ladders which are longer in comparison to the draught of the vessel, as shown in the photo below. Consequently, the excessively long ladders require shortening up before being deployed for pilots to use when boarding. Pilot ladders that are too long for the ship's freeboard are commonly shortened by the use of D-shackles to choke the side ropes at the required height along the ladder’s length. To shorten the ladder, the D-shackle is securely placed to a hard point on the deck, as the pad eye. Then, the rope of the ladder is threaded through the shackle. However, this method of shortening a ladder causes the weight of the ladder to be taken up by the D-shackle. As a result, this heavily impacts the mechanical securing clamps which secure the ladder treads in place. To avoid any accidents, Maritime New Zealand recommends that pilot ladders should be secured using the thimble at the rope ends. # Challenges # Ladders are designed based on the standards established by SOLAS V/23 and Res A 1045(27); If constructed accordingly, they will ensure the treads are secured in position using mechanical clamping devices (referred to as widgets). The widgets are held in place by seizing twine immediately above and below each tread. In addition, using D-shackles to secure the ladder side ropes damages these widgets and the seizing twine. If both the equipment is damaged, this may conclude to adjacent treads becoming loose. Moreover, the weight of the ladder on the widgets could also cause damage; The steps would no longer be held firmly in the horizontal position, meaning that the steps can become free to rotate underfoot as the pilots climb the ladder. # Safety recommendations # To prevent the conditions above and ensure safety, Maritime New Zealand recommends: - Masters and senior officers should physically check the current method of securing the ship’s pilot ladder to ensure that crew are securing the ladder correctly. - Refer to the ship’s construction drawings to ensure that the actual securing method is the same as the method given in the ship’s drawings, or approved safety management system. - To avoid ships being delayed in port, where existing pilot ladders are too long for the expected range of freeboards, Masters must find an appropriate safe method for securing the ladder at the rope-end thimbles. If the existing arrangement cannot be shortened correctly, the Master should consider contacting their local port agent to obtain a shorter ladder for use on the New Zealand coast. If you are unsure, talk to a Maritime Officer at your local port for guidance ... Maritime NZ concludes.
Learn Full Stack Development with Free Ebooks and Resources Download full ebooks free The Full Stack If you are interested in web development, you might have heard of the term "full stack". But what does it mean exactly? And how can you learn it? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will explain what is full stack development, why it is important to learn it, and how you can download full ebooks free The Full Stack that will teach you everything you need to know. Download full ebooks free The Full Stack What is full stack development? Full stack development is the process of building both the front end and the back end of a website or an application. The front end is the part that the users see and interact with on their browsers. It consists of elements like buttons, menus, fonts, colors, and layouts. The back end is the part that runs behind the scenes on the server. It consists of elements like logic, data processing, security, and communication. The database is the part that stores and retrieves data for the website or the application. It consists of elements like tables, queries, schemas, and indexes. A full stack developer is someone who can work on both the front end and the back end of a website or an application. They have to master various technologies and tools that are used for each part. Some of the most common technologies and tools for full stack development are: PHP, Python, Node.js, and more SQL, MongoDB, Firebase, and more SQL (Structured Query Language) is the language for managing relational databases. It can create, read, update, and delete data using commands and statements. MongoDB is a document-oriented database that stores data in JSON-like format. It is flexible, scalable, and easy to use. Firebase is a cloud-based platform that provides various services for web and mobile development. It includes a real-time database, authentication, storage, hosting, and more. Why learn full stack development? Learning full stack development can be beneficial for both personal and professional reasons. Here are some of the benefits and challenges of being a full stack developer: Benefits of full stack development Versatility, creativity, and employability One of the main advantages of being a full stack developer is that you can work on any part of a website or an application. You have more skills and knowledge than a front-end or a back-end developer. You can switch between different tasks and roles depending on the project requirements. You can also create your own websites and applications from scratch without relying on others. This gives you more freedom and creativity in your work. Another benefit of being a full stack developer is that you have more opportunities and demand in the job market. Full stack developers are highly sought-after by employers because they can handle multiple aspects of a project. They can reduce the cost and time of hiring and managing separate developers for each part. They can also communicate better with other developers and stakeholders because they understand the whole picture of the project. Challenges of full stack development Complexity, competition, and learning curve One of the main disadvantages of being a full stack developer is that you have to deal with more complexity and problems than a front-end or a back-end developer. You have to learn and use many different technologies and tools for each part of the project. You have to keep track of the interactions and dependencies between them. You have to debug and fix issues that may arise from any part of the project. Another disadvantage of being a full stack developer is that you have to face more competition and pressure in the job market. Full stack developers are expected to be proficient in both front-end and back-end development. They have to demonstrate their skills and experience in various projects and portfolios. They have to keep up with the latest trends and updates in the web development field. How to learn full stack development? If you are interested in learning full stack development, you might be wondering where to start and how to proceed. There are many resources and tips available online that can help you learn full stack development effectively. Here are some of the best ones: Resources for learning full stack development Books, courses, websites, and blogs One of the best ways to learn full stack development is to read books that cover the topic comprehensively. Books can provide you with theoretical knowledge, practical examples, exercises, and quizzes that can enhance your learning experience. Some of the best books for learning full stack development are: The Complete Software Developer's Career Guide: How to Learn Programming Languages Quickly, Ace Your Programming Interview, and Land Your Software Developer Dream Job by John Sonmez: This book covers all the aspects of building a successful career as a software developer. It includes topics like choosing the right programming language, learning how to code 71b2f0854b
Investing doesn’t have to be entirely about personal gain; you can now invest according to your values, with the goal of elevating causes that promote good in the world. Impact investing directs financial assets towards enterprises that engender social and environmental returns alongside financial ones. It’s a more focused part of Socially Responsible Investing — a criteria by which shareholders have long assessed their investments to ensure they were ethical and sustainable. With impact investing, they go a step beyond just being ethical, and try to truly move the needle on companies with a cause. Some of the changes being brought forth by impact investing include training software developers in Africa, helping child welfare agencies better manage data, and identifying microbes that can help crops resist disease. According to a 2018 Global Impact Investing survey of investors — which included fund managers, banks, foundations, family offices, and more — an estimated $228 billion is currently being funneled into impact investments globally. Thomson Reuters reported that Toniic, an impact investing network, has seen contributions in socially and environmentally focused companies balloon from $1.65 billion to $2.8 billion from 2016 to 2018. And despite a myth that the returns from impact investing are lower than those from conventional forms of investing, the study also found that 82% of shareholders surveyed had a portfolio that either met or exceeded return expectations. A recent study by McKinsey & Co. that looked at the impact investments finalized between 2010 and 2015 found that they had a median Internal Rate of Return of 10%, which means returns are noticeable. While impact investments are being made by the biggest firms, funds, and companies in the world, there are ways that individuals can also participate. To start, seek to learn as much as you can about the impacts you think are worth investing in. A good place to start is the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, a 2019 report that identifies some of the most pressing social issues facing our world. Some of these causes include eliminating global poverty and hunger, as well as increasing access to health care and creating a cleaner, more sustainable Earth. You can also turn to a financial adviser for more information on impact investing, and how to align new and current investments with the ideals that mean most to you. Exchange-traded funds that focus on environmental, social, and governance issues are also available for people with an interest in investing according to their values. Beyond that, you can invest creatively — give something, get something in return — in small ways to create impacts that add up and show your support. Seek to invest your time and energy into companies that are tackling social and environmental issues, whether that’s where you apply for a new job or which brands you purchase from. Each decision made by the everyday person matters.
New York's Grand Central Terminal, as it currently stands today, was built between 1903 and 1913. But it is the third Grand Central. Two earlier buildings — one called Grand Central Depot, and the other known as Grand Central Station (which remains the colloquial name for the Terminal) — existed on pretty much the exact same spot. But neither lasted nearly as long. The Depot opened in 1871, and was drastically reconstructed in 1899. The new building, the Station, only stood for three years before it began to come down in sections, eventually replaced by the current building. That's a lot of structural shuffling, and at the Anthropology in Practice blog, Krystal D'Costa explains some of the history behind it. Turns out, the rapid reconfiguration of Grand Central had a lot to do with crowd control — figuring out how to use architecture to make the unruly masses a little more ruly. One early account that D'Costa quotes describes regular mad scrambles to board the train — intimidating altercations that could leave less-aggressive passengers stranded on the platform as their train left them behind. Read the rest The problem it seemed was that the interior of the depot did nothing to manage the Crowd—which could resume the same patterns of movement as they did on the street—and believe me, it was just as unruly out there. In the depot, where passengers were confronted with the unbridled power of locomotives, it was necessary to impose some sort of structure to the meeting: the Crowd had to be domesticated.
China Declares death toll from bird flu soars to 79 in January but what is the real figure? China reported as many as 79 fatalities from H7N9 bird flu in January, the government said, far surpassing the number of deaths in recent years and stoking fears about the spread of the deadly virus among the population this winter. The news released by the National Health and Family Planning Commission late on Tuesday brings the number killed since October to 100. January’s total far surpasses numbers for January over the past three years, which ranged between 20 and 31. Some 192 people were infected last month, the commission said, bringing the total since October to 306. The latest data will reinforce concerns about the spread of the virus among humans as neighbouring South Korea and Japan also battle major outbreaks among their poultry flocks. Chinese disease control experts have warned the public to stay alert for H7N9 avian flu. The virus usually strikes in winter and spring, and farmers have in recent years ramped up measures such as cleaning regimes to prevent the disease. Many major cities in the world’s third-largest producer of broiler chickens and the second-biggest consumer of poultry have also closed some live poultry markets after people and chickens were infected by avian flu strains. China has confirmed five bird flu outbreaks among poultry this winter, which has led to the culling of more than 175,000 birds. Widespread infection can lead to severe health risks and big financial losses. The last major outbreak in China was in 2013, causing more than US$6 billion in losses for the agricultural sector. SCMP
The School of Athens, or Scuola di Atene in Italian, is one of the most famous frescoes by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael. It was painted between 1509 and 1510 as a part of Raphael’s commission to decorate with frescoes the rooms now known as the Stanze di Raffaello, in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. The Stanza della Segnatura was the first of the rooms to be decorated, and The School of Athens, representing Philosophy, was probably the second painting to be finished there, after La Disputa (Theology) on the opposite wall, and the Parnassus (Literature). The picture has long been seen as “Raphael’s masterpiece and the perfect embodiment of the classical spirit of the High Renaissance.” The School of Athens is one of a group of four main frescoes on the walls of the Stanza (those on either side centrally interrupted by windows) that depict distinct branches of knowledge. Each theme is identified above by a separate tondo containing a majestic female figure seated in the clouds, with putti bearing the phrases: “Seek Knowledge of Causes,” “Divine Inspiration,” “Knowledge of Things Divine” (Disputa), “To Each What Is Due.” Accordingly, the figures on the walls below exemplify Philosophy, Poetry (including Music), Theology, and Law. The traditional title is not Raphael’s. The subject of the “School” is actually “Philosophy,” or at least ancient Greek philosophy, and its overhead tondo-label, “Causarum Cognitio,” tells us what kind, as it appears to echo Aristotle’s emphasis on wisdom as knowing why, hence knowing the causes, in Metaphysics Book I and Physics Book II. Indeed, Plato and Aristotle appear to be the central figures in the scene. However, all the philosophers depicted sought knowledge of first causes. Many lived before Plato and Aristotle, and hardly a third were Athenians. The architecture contains Roman elements, but the general semi-circular setting having Plato and Aristotle at its centre might be alluding to Pythagoras’ circumpunct. Source Wikipedia.
“I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there, I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there, I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations. I have built my own factory on my own ground.” Madam C. J. Walker was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist. Walker was one of the first American women to become a self-made millionaire. Walker used her wealth from her business success in creating specialized hair products for African-Americans, to fund scholarships for women at the Tuskegee Institute and financially support the NAACP, the Black YMCA and dozens of other charities. Walker was born Sarah Breedlove on December 23, 1867, near Delta, Louisiana, to Owen and Minerva (Anderson) Breedlove. She was one of six children; and the first child in her family born into freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Her mother died in 1874 and her father passed away the following year, both due to unknown causes. Orphaned at the age of seven, she was sent to live with her sister, Louvinia, and her brother-in-law. The three moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1877. In 1882, at the age of fourteen, to escape her abusive brother-in-law’s household, Walker married at 14, and together she and Moses McWilliams had one daughter, Lelia (later “A’Lelia Walker”), born on June 6, 1885. A year after Moses died in 1887, Walker and her daughter moved to Saint Louis, Missouri, where three of her brothers lived. Walker found work as a laundress, earning $1.50 a day—enough to send her daughter to the city’s public schools. She also attended public night school whenever she could. Walker remarried in 1894, but left her second husband, John Davis, around 1903. During the 1890s, Walker developed a scalp disorder that caused her to lose much of her hair, and she began to experiment with both home remedies and store-bought hair care treatments in an attempt to improve her condition. She also learned about hair care from her brothers, who were barbers in Saint Louis. Around the time of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (World’s Fair at St. Louis in 1904), she became a commission agent selling products for Annie Turnbo Malone, an African American hair-care entrepreneur and owner of the Poro Company. While working for Malone, who would later become Walker’s largest rival in the hair-care industry, Walker began to adapt her knowledge of hair and hair products to develop her own product line. In July 1905, when she was thirty-seven years old, Walker and her daughter moved to Denver, Colorado. Soon thereafter, she broke ties with Malone and develop her own hair-care business. The method of beauty culture she developed revolutionized Black hair care. The combination of scalp preparation, application of lotions, and use of iron combs became known as the “Walker system.” Contrary to legend, Madam Walker didn’t invent the hot comb. According to A’Lelia Bundles’ biography of Walker in Black Women in America, a Frenchman, Marcel Grateau, popularized it in Europe in the 1870s, and even Sears and Bloomingdale’s advertised the hair-straightening styling tool in their catalogs in the 1880s. But Walker did improve the hot comb with wider teeth, and as a result of its popularity, sales sizzled. Walker distinguished her products from the hair straighteners advocated by European cosmetic firms, arguing that her treatment was geared to the special health needs of Blacks. She sold her homemade products directly to Black women, using a personal approach that won her customers and eventually a fleet of loyal saleswomen. Following her marriage to Charles Walker in 1906, she became known as Madam C. J. Walker. Her husband, who was also her business partner, provided advice on advertising and promotion. To promote her products, the new “Madam C.J. Walker” traveled for a year and a half on a dizzying crusade throughout the heavily Black South and Southeast, selling her products door to door, demonstrating her scalp treatments in churches and lodges, and devising sales and marketing strategies. In 1908, she temporarily moved her base to Pittsburgh where she opened Lelia College to train Walker “hair culturists.” Within two years she was earning the equivalent of $150,000 a year in today’s dollars. In 1910 Walker moved her operations to Indianapolis, working tirelessly to grow her company and reaching out to new markets. That same year, she incorporated the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company of Indiana, and owned all $10,000 worth of stock. In Indianapolis, the company not only manufactured cosmetics, but trained sales beauticians. These “Walker Agents” became well known throughout the African American communities of the United States. In turn, they promoted Walker’s philosophy of “cleanliness and loveliness” as a means of advancing the status of African-Americans. Her business employed over three thousand workers, mainly door-to-door saleswomen. It was around this time that Walker began her lifelong philanthropy, pledging $1,000 to a local YMCA. The Indianapolis Freeman proclaimed her the “first colored woman in United States history to give $1,000 to a colored YMCA building.” By 1913, Walker’s business was earning $3,000 a month (over $50,000 in today’s dollars). She put some of that money toward scholarships at Washington’s Tuskegee Institute, where she had recently visited and been impressed by the students’ work. A major part of Walker’s business plan was her assisting others. At a 1914 NNBL convention, Madam Walker stated, “I am not merely satisfied in making money for myself, for I am endeavoring to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.” While here, Walker — ever the self-promoter — convinced the attendant delegates to officially proclaim her “the foremost business woman of our race.” In 1913, Walker also traveled throughout Latin America and the Caribbean promoting her business and recruiting others to teach her hair care methods; since more markets meant greater profits for her enterprises. While she traveled, her daughter, A’Lelia, helped facilitate the purchase of property in Harlem, New York. In 1916, upon returning from her travels, Walker moved to her new townhouse in Harlem. From there, she would continue to operate her business, while immersing herself in Harlem’s social and political culture, taking a special interest in the NAACP’s anti-lynching movement to which she contributed $5,000. Walker used her wealth to oppose racism and support institutions to assist African-Americans. She said that she wanted to be a millionaire not for herself, but for the good she could do with it. Besides lecturing on these issues at various conventions, Walker also: - Made the largest contribution to save the house of Frederick Douglass. - Donated money to the NAACP, the YMCA, and to African American schools, organizations, individuals, orphanages, and retirement homes. - Spent $10,000 every year for the education of young African American men and women - Encouraged political activism in her employees. - Joined the leaders of NAACP in their efforts to support legislation to make lynching a federal crime, even going herself to the White House to petition in favor of anti-lynching legislation. Unfortunately, by 1917, Walker’s breakneck pace was beginning to take its toll on her health, and she began suffering from overexertion, hypertension, and the beginnings of kidney disease. Walker died on May 25, 1919, from kidney failure and complications of hypertension at the age of fifty-one. Her last words reportedly were, “I want to live to help my race.” At the time of her death Walker was considered to be the wealthiest African American woman in America. She was eulogized as the first female self-made millionaire in America, but Walker’s estate was only worth an estimated $600,000 (approximately $8 million in present-day dollars) upon her death. Her daughter, A’Lelia Walker, became the president of the Madame C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. Today there are two National Historic Landmarks associated with Madam Walker: her New York estate called Villa Lewaro, and the Madam Walker Theatre Center, built in Indianapolis in 1928, which is now a cultural arts center. She also appears on a commemorative United States Postal Service stamp as part of its Black Heritage Series. For more information visit Madam C.J. Walker official website
Home » General » How To Make A Statement With Your Shoes How To Make A Statement With Your Shoes People put on shoes for different reasons. One of the most basic reasons why people put on shoes is to protect their feet. However, shoes are also a fashion statement. There are many types of footwear including cowboy boots and ballerina slippers among others. They all serve specific functions. Historians believe the first shoes were probably made from animal fur and were void of style and shape. The first shoes were probably no more than pieces of fur wrapped around the feet to provide protection during cold weather. Ancient Egyptians were among the first people to start wearing shoes from as early as 3700 B.C. Historians believe that ancient men wore sandals fashioned from animal skins or plant fibres. Early Chinese wore shoes made of wooden soles. However, one factor remains constant, ancient people wore shoes as a fashion statement as well as to protect their feet. Early shoe designs were not specific for right or left feet but they were worn on either foot. Today, there are various categories of shoes including corrective shoes, sports shoes, work shoes, casual shoes and dress shoes. Corrective shoes are designed to remedy certain feet deformities. Like the name suggest, sports shoes are designed to enhance performance in athletic activities such as running or basketball. Work shoes are meant for the workplace. They help people perform better in their jobs and protect the feet from harmful substances. Work shoes include heavy construction boots and walking shoes for nurses. Casual and dress shoes make up the majority of the shoes people put on when dressed formally or on a regular basis. Shoes cover the feet and protect them from harmful substances as well as the elements. The sole is the part that covers the bottom of the shoe. The insole is found in the shoe’s bottom interior. The shoe is supported on the inside by the heel, which is located on the sole’s backside. Some shoes have fasteners while others do not. Fasteners include buttons, Velcro, shoestrings and snaps. Initially shoes were designed mainly to protect the feet against harmful substances. Today, the concept of protection has been overshadowed by that of fashion. This started as early as during the 1300s in Europe when men wore long-toed shoes known as crackowes. Men who wore these shoes attached a chain from the sole of the shoes to their knees to prevent tripping. After the crackowe, women wore shoes that they could not walk in without support. Today, many women still prefer fashion to comfort. Women’s preferences includes high-heeled shoes, which may not be very comfortable to walk in over long distances. In the early days, shoes were designed and made by cobblers or shoemakers. With the advent of the industrial revolution, shoe manufacturing moved from individuals to the factory leading to mass production. Today, the shoe manufacturing industry is one of the biggest in the world. Today’s shoe designs range from inexpensive shoes to high-fashion footwear and sports shoes. The Ugly Side of Wearing Shoes – The Odour Sweat is composed of various fluids including urea, salts and fatty acids. Sweat promotes the reproduction of microorganisms naturally present on the skin. The microorganisms continue growing provided the right conditions are maintained. Shoe odour is inevitable if shoe wearers do not keep the growth of these bacteria in check. To prevent shoe odour, avoid shoes made from vinyl or other synthetic products because they do not allow adequate airflow. In addition, do not put on shoes without wearing socks. The main reason why people put on socks is because they absorb sweat and keeps the insole and lining from getting dump. Charlene Anderson works for Pizazz Online. When she’s not thinking about shoes she’s usually in the gym making sure she can still fit into all of her clothes.
Sciatica is a common lower back and leg problem which affects large sections of all populations. It is typified by pain which can originate in the lower and extend through the buttock, back of the leg and potentially as far as the foot in some cases. This guide to sciatica will look to inform you about anatomy, symptoms, causes and ways to manage symptoms with supplements and exercises. To begin to understand what sciatica is and how it affects us, we first need to look at the anatomy involved. This is the name for the lower part of the back and it consists of 5 vertebrae and spinal discs, at each level (L1-5) nerve roots exit facet joints between the vertebrae and run off to form nerves. L4-5 and the sacral nerves 1, 2, 3 all have branches that come together to form the sciatic nerve Spinal discs sit between vertebrae and provide shock absorption but also the ability for the spine to move freely in multiple directions. These are the beginning of nerves and they form at the spine and sit inside a small facet joint which is formed where one vertebra sits on top of another. There is a small hole formed by the facet joints which allows the nerve to poke out. The main nerve that feeds from the lumbar spine, through the buttock and down towards the knee before it splits into its different branches. The sciatic nerve runs underneath the piriformis muscle in the buttock. A small strap-like muscle in the lower glute which runs over the top of the sciatic nerve helps to move the hip and forms part of the glute complex. The lower back has a multitude of muscles and importantly they are a combination of large and small muscles which help to move and protect the back. The lower back, buttock, back of the leg and even as far down as the calf and foot can experience pain from sciatica. This is due to the sciatic nerve starting at the lower back and the nerves it attaches to finishing at the foot. The lower back can be painful as the cause of the problem can be muscular or disc-related at the lumbar spine. Shooting or pulling pain can extend down the leg and this can be extremely uncomfortable in the early stages. This affects the leg, calf, and foot when at its worst. Nerve pain when at its best will reduce and track back towards its origin at the spine. Sensations reported include sharpness, shooting, dull ache, trickling and burning. In the foot and calf it can be more tingling and in the worst cases, numbness of the skin. Numbness of the skin can represent that the nerve is compressed by a structure at the spine such as a disc. In more serious and minimal cases – cauda equina symptoms can develop – this is when the nerves that operate the urinary and bowel movements can be compressed and affected. Symptoms to look out for are incontinence, saddle numbness and loss of sexual function. If you do notice any of these symptoms or any other changes to any of these functions – you must report to A&E immediately – do not wait – changes such as this can be irreversible if not managed quickly. The lower back commonly will be limited depending on the cause but usually forward bending is difficult to do and simple tasks such as washing, dressing and walking are affected. Leg movements such as simply straightening the knee are reported as common problems as the nerve is inflamed, painful and this creates a neural tension in the back of the leg. Bulges, herniation and prolapse of discs in the lower back are the main cause of sciatica. If a disc is placed under too much pressure or injured for example with poor heavy lifting technique – will cause the centre of the disc to bulge outside of its normal wall and press upon a nerve root causing compression – this is then what generates the pain locally and extending down the leg. This is a condition where one vertebra slips backwards and causes pressure to structures in the back such as the spinal nerves and cord – this can produce symptoms of back and leg pain. It commonly requires surgery if symptoms do not resolve and continue to cause a lot of pain. Tightness of facet joints/muscles – if a section of your back is tight on one side due to poor sitting habits/positions this will cause a build-up o pressure on one side and compression of a nerve root. If you repeatedly sit or lie in the same position, muscles start to pattern, shorten and tighten around bone and nerve structures – when this becomes too tight it will cause sciatica when the nerve is aggravated. This mimics sciatica but it may be without the back pain and you will typically experience pain from the buttock region and potentially extending into the upper thigh – the piriformis muscle can tighten with excess exercise, poor sitting position and poor exercise technique. This can be easier to manage than true sciatica as it is mainly a muscular cause. Due to the high levels of inflammation created with sciatica in areas of the back and more so with the sciatic nerve root and body – it is important to control inflammation as this is one of the main causes of pain in the body. Natural supplements can help to reduce your inflammation levels and it has been shown that turmeric in high doses can have very positive effects. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric that has been found in many studies to have positive anti-inflammatory effects on the body and also to promote circulation to vital structures which are key when you have sciatica. Supplementation of Magnesium has been stated to be helpful due to its role in muscle and nerve function and can have a role and it may also have some anti-inflammatory properties. Because sciatica involves the nervous system, B Vitamins are essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system. Vegetarians and older people tend to have a deficiency in some B vitamins which are important for your nerves. Essential Fish Oils containing omega 3 fatty acids are thought to be essential for helping to reduce inflammation due to them thought to affect the body’s production of prostaglandins in a similar way to what turmeric does. Exercises for sciatica are essential for the recovery process – to help regulate pain levels and restore function to the body. While you have pain and dysfunction present in the body you will acquire weakness and restriction of muscles and joints. Restoration of these factors is vital for returning to the same level you were at before developing your sciatica. A lot of people will complain that they have sciatica for life or that they haven’t been the same since they acquired it. In these type of scenarios, it is usually a case of getting the correct diagnosis and working diligently on rehabilitation in order to return to normal – however, this can take time so it is important to be patient. As previously mentioned there are 2 areas/components of the sciatica which cause the problem, the root cause being the lower back and the secondary component the sciatic nerve. At the lower back, it may be a disc bulge or tightness of a joint and muscle causing the compression of the sciatic nerve root – in order to start reducing symptoms and promoting recovery you must address the back mobility to make your movement freer and reduce compression on the nerve. If you have a long term disc bulge that can take extended periods of time to heal and for your sciatica to resolve it is even more important to allow the disc to heal and your spine regains its optimum mobility. Without lumbar mobility exercises, you may find simple movements such as washing and dressing more difficult. Disc tissue heals at a slow rate but with consistency and gentle exercises you should be able to improve the efficiency of your lower back movement. Here are 3 simple exercises that you can try and see if they are suitable for your symptoms. Remember to start with small amounts and perform them slowly. There may be a small amount of tightness and discomfort in the back – this will be normal and should reduce over 4-6 weeks of becoming familiar with them. Lie on your back and gentle hug either one or both of your knees towards your chest – go as far as your symptoms allow – the goal will be to gain full range of movement. This exercise helps you to maintain the lower backs range of movement in flexion, better known as your forward bend. Knee Rolls / Lumbar Twists Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the bed or floor. Keeping your knees together, gently move your knees to each side and take them as far as they will go. This applies a rotation to the lower back, mobilising the facet joints of the back and also loosening tightness in the lower back muscles. Pelvic Tilting in Supine Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor or bed. Keeping your buttocks and upper body on the floor, try and pick the arch of your lower back up off the floor and then flatten it into the floor – then repeat this through. This movement helps to gain an extension of your lower back. If you get any sharp pain then do not push through this, just go towards the edge of the discomfort until you feel it can be progressed more comfortably. For the symptoms you experience in the back of the thigh there are some exercises and treatments that can be performed to help improve the level of pain that can often be quite intense and unforgiving. Seated Sciatic Nerve Glider In a chair, sit up with good posture so the curve in the lower back is present. With the affected leg, pull your toes towards you and gently straighten the leg and then bend it again. This must be performed slowly and should look like you are performing a slow kick with your toes pointed up. Do not kick fast as this can aggravate the nerve and make things worse. Aim to perform this exercise until the leg becomes a bit achy then rest. Perform this exercise whenever you feel the leg pain is at its worst. Stretching the piriformis can help to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve which can contribute to leg pain. Lie on your back and pull your knee into your chest on the side that is affected and point it diagonally over your opposite shoulder and hold for 20-30 seconds. This will target the small glute muscle which can commonly be compressing the sciatic nerve. Repeat as many times as you need to. Mobility Ball / Foam Roller Again – targeting the affected area of the lower back, glutes and back of the thigh, use any one of the selected tools to help lower your symptoms. The pressure provided to the sore tissues by these tools helps to reduce how you perceive your pain and can often improve your movement in the leg, glutes and lower back. It should feel uncomfortable as you perform this however most people describe this as a nice discomfort and afterwards the relief is worth it! Now you know all about sciatica; its anatomy, symptoms, what causes it, the best supplements and how to manage the symptoms with exercise. If you have found this article helpful then share it with your friends, family or anyone who may have sciatica.
Collect the most cheese and race to victory in this learn-to-code board game! This is a fun, family game to teach strategy, mapping skills and programming concepts – all fundamentals of coding. Your mission is to navigate your mouse about the board to capture the most cheese pieces. Roll the dice, draw the corresponding number of coding cards and then use them to string a sequence of commands together that lands your mouse in the best position to arrive at their favourite snack! You’ll need to “compute” your way around maze walls that block your path and plot to land on warp tunnels that transport you to a different position on the board. The player who gets the most cheese is the winner! For younger children the game can initially be played without using the walls and warp zones. These then can be gradually introduced to increase the difficulty of the game. Based on the same screen free concepts of the Code & Go Robot Mouse, kids will be having too much fun to realise they’re improving their planning and STEM skills!
Colorectal Cancer Screening (PDQ®): Screening - Patient Information [NCI] This information is produced and provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The information in this topic may have changed since it was written. For the most current information, contact the National Cancer Institute via the Internet web site at http://cancer.gov or call 1-800-4-CANCER. Colorectal Cancer Screening What is screening? Screening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread. Scientists are trying to better understand which people are more likely to get certain types of cancer. They also study the things we do and the things around us to see if they cause cancer. This information helps doctors recommend who should be screened for cancer, which screening tests should be used, and how often the tests should be done. It is important to remember that your doctor does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test. Screening tests are given when you have no cancer symptoms. Screening tests may be repeated on a regular basis. If a screening test result is abnormal, you may need to have more tests done to find out if you have cancer. These are called diagnostic tests. General Information About Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the colon or the rectum. The colon and rectum are parts of the body's digestive system. The digestive system removes and processes nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water) from foods and helps pass waste material out of the body. The digestive system is made up of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The first 6 feet of the large intestine are called the large bowel or colon. The last 6 inches are the rectum and the anal canal. The anal canal ends at the anus (the opening of the large intestine to the outside of the body). Anatomy of the lower digestive system, showing the colon and other organs. Cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer, and cancer that begins in the rectum is called rectal cancer. Cancer that begins in either of these organs may also be called colorectal cancer. See the following PDQ summaries for more information about colorectal cancer: - Colorectal Cancer Prevention - Colon Cancer Treatment - Rectal Cancer Treatment - Genetics of Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. The number of new colorectal cancer cases and the number of deaths from colorectal cancer are decreasing a little bit each year. But in adults younger than 50 years, there has been a small increase in the number of new cases each year since 1998. Colorectal cancer is found more often in men than in women. Age and health history can affect the risk of developing colon cancer. Anything that increases a person's chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include the following: - Being older than 50 years of age. - Having a personal history of any of the following: - Colorectal cancer. - Polyps in the colon or rectum. Polyps in the colon. Some polyps have a stalk and others do not. Inset shows a photo of a polyp with a stalk. - Cancer of the ovary, endometrium, or breast. - Ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease. - Having a parent, brother, sister, or child with colorectal cancer. - Having certain hereditary conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC; Lynch Syndrome). Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests are used to screen for different types of cancer. Some screening tests are used because they have been shown to be helpful both in finding cancers early and decreasing the chance of dying from these cancers. Other tests are used because they have been shown to find cancer in some people; however, it has not been proven in clinical trials that use of these tests will decrease the risk of dying from cancer. Scientists study screening tests to find those with the fewest risks and most benefits. Cancer screening trials also are meant to show whether early detection (finding cancer before it causes symptoms) decreases a person's chance of dying from the disease. For some types of cancer, finding and treating the disease at an early stage may result in a better chance of recovery. Clinical trials that study cancer screening methods are taking place in many parts of the country. Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI Web site. Studies show that screening for colorectal cancer helps decrease the number of deaths from the disease. Four tests are used to screen for colorectal cancer: Fecal occult blood test A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a test to check stool (solid waste) for blood that can only be seen with a microscope. Small samples of stool are placed on special cards and returned to the doctor or laboratory for testing. Blood in the stool may be a sign of polyps or cancer. Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kit to check for blood in stool. A new colorectal cancer screening test called immunochemical FOBT (iFOBT) is being studied to see if it is better at finding advanced polyps or cancer than the FOBT. Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure to look inside the rectum and sigmoid (lower) colon for polyps, abnormal areas, or cancer. A sigmoidoscope is inserted through the rectum into the sigmoid colon. A sigmoidoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove polyps or tissue samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer. Sigmoidoscopy. A thin, lighted tube is inserted through the anus and rectum and into the lower part of the colon to look for abnormal areas. A barium enema is a series of x-rays of the lower gastrointestinal tract. A liquid that contains barium (a silver-white metallic compound) is put into the rectum. The barium coats the lower gastrointestinal tract and x-rays are taken. This procedure is also called a lower GI series. Barium enema procedure. The patient lies on an x-ray table. Barium liquid is put into the rectum and flows through the colon. X-rays are taken to look for abnormal areas. Colonoscopy is a procedure to look inside the rectum and colon for polyps, abnormal areas, or cancer. A colonoscope is inserted through the rectum into the colon. A colonoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove polyps or tissue samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer. Colonoscopy. A thin, lighted tube is inserted through the anus and rectum and into the colon to look for abnormal areas. Studies have not shown that screening for colorectal cancer using digital rectal exam helps decrease the number of deaths from the disease. A digital rectal exam (DRE) may be done as part of a routine physical exam. A digital rectal exam is an exam of the rectum. A doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of the rectum to feel for lumps or anything else that seems unusual. Study results have shown that there is no evidence to support DRE as a screening method for colorectal cancer. New screening tests are being studied in clinical trials. Virtual colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a series of x-rays called computed tomography to make a series of pictures of the colon. A computer puts the pictures together to create detailed images that may show polyps and anything else that seems unusual on the inside surface of the colon. This test is also called colonography or CT colonography. Clinical trials are comparing virtual colonoscopy with commonly used colorectal cancer screening tests. Other clinical trials are testing whether drinking a contrast material that coats the stool, instead of using laxatives to clear the colon, shows polyps clearly. DNA stool test This test checks DNA in stool cells for genetic changes that may be a sign of colorectal cancer. Screening clinical trials are taking place in many parts of the country. Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI Web site. Risks of Colorectal Cancer Screening Screening tests have risks. Decisions about screening tests can be difficult. Not all screening tests are helpful and most have risks. Before having any screening test, you may want to discuss the test with your doctor. It is important to know the risks of the test and whether it has been proven to reduce the risk of dying from cancer. False-negative test results can occur. Screening test results may appear to be normal even though colorectal cancer is present. A person who receives a false-negative test result (one that shows there is no cancer when there really is) may delay seeking medical care even if there are symptoms. False-positive test results can occur. Screening test results may appear to be abnormal even though no cancer is present. A false-positive test result (one that shows there is cancer when there really isn't) can cause anxiety and is usually followed by more tests (such as biopsy), which also have risks. The following colorectal cancer screening tests have risks: Fecal occult blood testing The results of fecal occult blood testing may appear to be abnormal even though no cancer is present. A false-positive test result can cause anxiety and lead to more testing, including colonoscopy or barium enema with sigmoidoscopy. There can be discomfort or pain during sigmoidoscopy. Women may have more pain during the procedure, which may lead them to avoid future screening. Tears in the lining of the colon and bleeding also may occur. Serious complications from colonoscopy are rare, but can include tears in the lining of the colon, bleeding, and problems with the heart or blood vessels. These complications may occur more often in older patients. Virtual colonoscopy often finds problems with organs other than the colon, including the kidneys, chest, liver, ovaries, spleen, and pancreas. Some of these findings lead to more testing. The risks and benefits of this follow-up testing are being studied. Your doctor can advise you about your risk for colorectal cancer and your need for screening tests. Changes to This Summary (07 / 19 / 2012) The PDQ cancer information summaries are reviewed regularly and updated as new information becomes available. This section describes the latest changes made to this summary as of the date above. Editorial changes were made to this summary. Questions or Comments About This Summary If you have questions or comments about this summary, please send them to Cancer.gov through the Web site's Contact Form. We can respond only to email messages written in English. 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The PDQ cancer information summaries are developed by cancer experts and reviewed regularly. Editorial Boards made up of experts in oncology and related specialties are responsible for writing and maintaining the cancer information summaries. The summaries are reviewed regularly and changes are made as new information becomes available. The date on each summary ("Date Last Modified") indicates the time of the most recent change. PDQ also contains information on clinical trials. A clinical trial is a study to answer a scientific question, such as whether a method of finding cancer earlier can help people to live longer. Trials are based on past studies and what has been learned in the laboratory. Each trial answers certain scientific questions in order to find new and better ways to help cancer patients and those who are at risk for cancer. During screening clinical trials, information is collected about the effects of a new screening method and how well it works. 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Come together with other parents for coffee and friendly conversation. This month's topic is how to use basic Montessori principles at home to resolve and even avoid conflicts with your children by fostering their independence. Heather Harvey is the presenter. Please REGISTER HERE or in the office. You are your child’s first and most influential teacher.You set the tone for your child's love of learning from the very start and it is you who bridges the gap between school and home. But how do you begin to create a “Montessori” environment in your home? We can help! Join us for "Bringing Montessori Home: A Parent Development Course on Practical Life" on Wednesday, January 27th from 6:00-8:00 pm. Our teachers will demonstrate activities you can use to prepare your home environment to nurture your child’s independence. From getting dressed in the morning, to preparing lunch or snack, to cleaning up and putting away toys - you will get hands-on presentations to help you help your child to “do it myself.” Everyone who attends will also receive: Soon your child will be pouring his own juice, chopping his own vegetables, and cleaning up his spills while you marvel at the confident and independent individual he has become! This event is open to the public but registration is required and limited to the first 40 families to sign up. There is a $20 supply fee per family for the take-home materials.There will be NO CHILDCARE offered for this adults-only event. Please register today online. Deadline to register is January 20th. REGISTER HERE or in the office. It is important to say that you are your child's most important and influential teacher. You set the tone for your child's love of learning from the very start and it is you who bridges the gap between school and home. Sometimes this can feel overwhelming. So please join us for "Bringing Montessori Home," a Parent Development Opportunity on Wednesday, October 9th from 6:30-8:00 pm. Kelly Sallee will be presenting ideas you can use and materials you can make to prepare a home environment that will nurture your child's independence. We hope you might also share how you use the Montessori philosophy to help your child be successful in your home. Register in the office or call or email email@example.com today! Date: Wednesday, Oct. 9th Time: 6:30-8:00 pm Classroom: To Be Decided Childcare available - call, sign up in office or email Lena at firstname.lastname@example.org. We hope to see you there!
At Douglas Middle School in Alabama, a language arts class connects “The Walking Dead” to schoolwork, thanks in part to a visit from “Walking Dead” cast member and Huntsville native, Danny Vinson. “Teaching and learning is more beneficial if students can vest interest in what is being taught,” Higdon said. “Every Monday morning, I try to ask students about their weekend and their weekend activities. This year at Douglas Middle School, I noticed that we had many ‘Walking Dead’ Fans.” Higdon began having her students analyze literature through the perspective of characters from the series. Her classroom became a scene from the show, eventually spreading to the entire school. “In language arts, students independently wrote narratives, created comics, animated students and teachers, compared and contrasted various texts, discussed character viewpoints and designed a webpage,” Higdon said. “In math, students worked problems incorporating character names and covered various math standards such as probability. “A virus epidemic caused the apocalypse epidemic in ‘The Walking Dead’, so science classes incorporated what causes viruses and what vaccines or immunizations treat them. It was a great opportunity for the history teacher to discuss territorial battles and dictatorships.”
In 19th century western art, the archetypal image of the oriental woman is that of the passive odalisque of the harem, whereas the man was embodied in the haughty warrior, courageous but cruel. In this respect, these Arab Chiefs might be considered the "masculine" side of another of Chassériau's paintings at the Musée d'Orsay: Tepidarium. Both refer to a stereotypical view of the Orient, but a view that was reworked by the painter after his visit to Algeria in the summer of 1846. The combat plunges us into a world without pity, where the hatred and violence of the challenge can be read in the way these two warriors weigh each other up. In the foreground, two horsemen confront each other in a duel to the death, whilst a body lies on the ground with a bloody dagger still embedded in its torso. In the background, fighting continues, and bodies pile up. There is equally a contrast between the warm and cold colours of the tunics worn by the chiefs. Situating one warrior on land and the other in water further reinforces the confrontation. Exhibited at the 1852 Salon, Arab Chiefs provoked a heated debate. To his detractors, Chassériau was an "imitator". One is reminded particularly of the The Combat of Giaour and Hassan by Delacroix (1826, The Art Institute of Chicago). Just three years later, when the painting was exhibited again in the 1855 Universal Exhibition, the critics took a very different view. Théophile Gautier who in 1852 had considered the work to be "more of a preparatory sketch than a finished painting", this time thought that the painting "while capturing the very essence of Arab customs, combines a most beautiful style with very accurate local colour".
A growing body of evidence suggests physical fitness may play a key role in brain health and academic performance. In a new study scheduled for publication in the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers studied the independent and combined influence of components of physical fitness on academic performance. Cardiorespiratory capacity, muscular strength, and motor ability are components of physical fitness that have documented potential to improve health. Each fitness component is believed to affect the brain differently and thus contribute academic performance. According to Irene Esteban-Cornejo, MSc, Autonomous University of Madrid, “Because these physical fitness components are highly associated with each other, it is important to differentiate which physical fitness components are important in relation to academic performance.” The study sample included 2,038 Spanish children and adolescents (six to 18 years of age) with complete data on physical fitness, body composition, and academic performance. Esteban-Cornejo and the UP & DOWN Study Group members found that cardiorespiratory capacity and motor ability, both independently and combined, were related to academic performance. However, the association of academic performance and physical fitness was stronger for motor ability than cardiorespiratory capacity, meaning that motor ability may be more important for academic performance. In contrast, children and adolescents who had both lower levels of cardiorespiratory capacity and motor ability had lower grades. Muscular strength was not independently associated with academic performance. Although the combined components of physical fitness can influence academic performance, this study suggests that cardiorespiratory capacity and, to a greater extent, motor ability, may be greater influences. Said Esteban-Cornejo, “Having high levels of cardiorespiratory and motor fitness may, to some extent, reduce the risk of school failure.” “Efforts should be made to promote physical activities for children and adolescents that involve aerobic exercises and motor tasks to enhance cardiorespiratory capacity and motor ability,” researchers said, “thereby improving academic development.”
Europe's search for gravitational waves Gravitation is the weakest of all the forces of Nature, but we are all dependent upon gravity. Without it, we would not have any weight – rather like astronauts orbiting Earth. Anything that is not rooted or tied down would fly off into space. Despite centuries of study by scientific luminaries, such as Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, and Albert Einstein, many questions remain about the origin and nature of gravity. One of the predictions of Einstein's general theory of relativity was that periodic disturbances of spacetime – gravitational waves – are created by a massive object that is accelerated, oscillating, or violently disturbed. \|Merging black holes. Credit: SXS\| Potential sources include rapidly spinning bodies that are distorted from a perfect sphere, close binary systems that include massive neutron stars or black holes, and exploding stars known as supernovas. It might also be possible to detect faint ripples created during mergers of entire galaxies or generated shortly after the Big Bang, nearly 14 billion years ago. These waves radiate outward, travelling across space at the speed of light. Whilst doing so, they modify the shape of any solid bodies that they encounter, stretching and squeezing them. They also produce infinitesimal variations in the distance between independent masses that are on their path. As an example, the variation of the distance between Earth and the Moon caused by a passing gravitational wave would be less than the diameter of an atom. Gravitational waves are extremely difficult to detect, since they hardly interact with matter, and their presence, intensity and source can only be derived from the effects that they have on bodies around them. \|The sound of two black holes colliding. \| The first detection of the elusive gravitational waves was achieved on 4 September 2015 by the twin Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) facilities in the United States. The LIGO scientists believe that the tiny ripples in spacetime were generated 1.3 billion light years away, when two massive black holes spiralled into each other and coalesced into a single, even more massive, spinning black hole. Since then, gravitational waves have been detected by LIGO on two more occasions, and by the LIGO-VIRGO three-laser interferometer combination on another occassion. It is clear that gravitational-wave astronomy has become a reality. With sensitive ground-based observatories such as LIGO, why do we need to develop a space observatory? Just as it is essential to observe a planet, star or galaxy in many different wavelengths of light – for example, visible, infrared, ultraviolet – to fully understand its nature, so it is necessary to search for and study gravitational waves at many different wavelengths. Systems with very large masses, such as black hole binary systems at the centres of merging galaxies, produce gravitational waves at low frequencies. While ground observatories are very sensitive to high frequencies, they are inherently limited by natural and human-generated seismic noise. Only an advanced space observatory is capable of detecting gravitational waves with very low frequencies – too low to be observed above the random seismic noise, the vibrations, of the Earth. The answer is to go into space, away from such disturbances. The birth of LISA Around the turn of this century, scientists from Europe and the USA began to consider development of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), envisaged as a joint ESA–NASA mission to observe astrophysical and cosmological sources of low frequency gravitational waves. LISA would consist of three identical spacecraft flying 5 million kilometres apart in an equilateral triangle formation. This huge separation, much longer than is possible between any pair of detectors on Earth, would make LISA sensitive to lower frequency gravitational waves in the range 0.1 mHz to 1Hz. As gravitational waves from distant sources reached LISA, they would warp spacetime, altering the distances between the three spacecraft. By using lasers to precisely monitor the separation between the spacecraft, it would be possible to detect and measure these variations. By studying the shape and timing of the waves, scientists would learn about their nature and origin. A scaled-down design, known as the New Gravitational-Wave Observatory, was proposed as one of three candidate L-class missions for ESA's Cosmic Vision science programme, but despite being unanimously ranked first in terms of scientific interest and strategic value for science, ESA decided in 2012 to opt for the JUICE mission to Jupiter as its next large space science mission. One consideration that the selection committee had to take into account was the readiness of the advanced technologies that would be required for LISA. Each spacecraft was to carry free-floating test masses within the spacecraft in order to be protected from various disturbances in space. The spacecraft were to be connected by laser beams that would measure the separation distances of these test masses with extremely high accuracy. Each spacecraft would send a beam of laser light to the other two spacecraft, and in turn receive a beam from them. The precision of the laser separation measurement required was 1,000 times more demanding than had ever been achieved in space before. The intention was to measure changes in separation caused by passing gravity waves with a precision of about 10 picometres (one hundred thousandth of a millionth of a metre) over a distance of five million kilometres! The spacecraft would also carry a new type of electric propulsion to ensure ultra-accurate station-keeping for the three spacecraft. In order to prepare for LISA, ESA and NASA decided to flight-test most of the critical technologies on the LISA Pathfinder technology demonstration mission. \|LISA Pathfinder operating in space. \| Credit: ESA/C. Carreau Development of LISA Pathfinder began in 2004 and the spacecraft was completed over the next decade by European and US specialists. In order to test in orbit the concept of low-frequency gravitational wave measurement, the single spacecraft carried two test packages. The LISA Technology Package represented one 'arm' of the LISA interferometer, in which the separation of two test masses was reduced from 5 million km to 35 cm. The identical test masses comprised 46 mm gold-platinum cubes, each floating in its own vacuum container. The test masses fulfilled a double role, acting both as mirrors for the laser interferometer and as inertial references for the drag-free control system. The second package was the Disturbance Reduction System, a NASA-supplied system that included two clusters of micro-propulsion thrusters and an electronic unit containing a computer with associated drag-free control software. The mission began with a launch on 3 December 2015. Over the next seven weeks, the spacecraft made its way to the L1 Lagrange Point, about 1.5 million km from Earth in the direction of the Sun. Scientific operations began in March 2016 and by June LISA Pathfinder had successfully demonstrated some of the advanced technologies required for a gravitational wave observatory in space. The results far exceeded expectations. \|LISA Pathfinder performance (click here to access the video and more details). \| Credit: spacecraft: ESA/ATG medialab; data: ESA/LISA Pathfinder Collaboration In November 2013, ESA's Science Programme Committee decided that the L3 mission will address the theme 'The Gravitational Universe'. The key concepts to be addressed by the L3 mission include: the nature of gravity, the nature of black holes and black holes as sources of energy, dynamics of galactic nuclei, formation and evolution of stellar binary systems, the very young Universe, and cosmological issues such as the cosmic distance scale. In late 2014, ESA's Director of Science and Robotic Exploration appointed an external committee, the Gravitational Observatory Advisory Team (GOAT), to advise on the scientific and technical implementation of L3. The committee's task was to determine whether such an observatory is technically feasible, whether laser interferometry is still the best approach to the measurement of gravitational waves from space, and how the technical development of L3 can be organised to minimise cost and schedule overruns. The GOAT report stated categorically that a space-borne gravitational wave observatory is possible and that laser interferometry between free-falling test masses is the detection method of choice. The successes of LIGO and LISA Pathfinder show that such systems are in an advanced state of technical readiness. On 25 October 2016, ESA issued a formal call for proposals from the scientific community. The proposal for 'LISA-2' was evaluated, and on 20 June the LISA concept was selected as ESA's next large mission, L3. Formal adoption of the mission by ESA's Science Programme Committee is expected no later than 2025, with a launch nominally scheduled for 2034. The success of LISA Pathfinder will be crucial to developing this mission, but much additional technology will be needed to extend the single-satellite design to multiple satellites. For example, lasers much more powerful than those used on LISA Pathfinder, as well as highly stable telescopes, will be necessary to link the freely falling masses over millions of kilometres. ESA's L-class missions are selected under the agency's long-term Cosmic Vision 2015–2025 space science programme. Two L-class missions have so far been selected. They are: - JUICE (JUpiter ICy moon Explorer) – a Jupiter orbiter that will make detailed observations of the largest planet in our Solar System and three of its planet-sized moons, Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa.Universe'. - ATHENA (Advanced Telescope for High-ENergy Astrophysics) – an X-ray telescope designed to address the Cosmic Vision science theme 'The Hot and Energetic.
What name is given to the process seen in this animation? (Activity: How Plants Obtain Minerals from Soil) The release of CO2 into the soil results in the formation of _____. hydrogen ions and carbonate ions What process is the source of the CO2 that root hairs release into the soil? The binding of H- ions to soil particles _____ displaces mineral cations Which of these ions is most likely to be leached from the soil? Acid precipitation _____. decreases soil fertility How do cations enter root hairs? Assimilation is indicated by the letter(s) _____. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria is(are) indicated by the letter(s) _____. D and E Nitrification is indicated by the letter(s) _____. Denitrifying bacteria convert _____ to _____. nitrates ... nitrogen gas Nitrifying bacteria convert _____ to _____. ammonium ... nitrites _____ removes nitrogen from the atmosphere. Which one of these is a nitrate? Which one of these is a nitrite? Please allow access to your computer’s microphone to use Voice Recording. We can’t access your microphone! Click the icon above to update your browser permissions above and try again Reload the page to try again! Press Cmd-0 to reset your zoom Press Ctrl-0 to reset your zoom It looks like your browser might be zoomed in or out. Your browser needs to be zoomed to a normal size to record audio. Your microphone is muted For help fixing this issue, see this FAQ.
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Newly published research out of the University of California, San Diego has identified a key role for a specific microRNA in the growth of fruit in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The work uncovers a novel "regulatory hub" dependent on the small, non-coding RNAs for controlling plant development. Fruit morphogenesis in Arabidopsis, as well as many other plant species, is generally divided into early and later, post-fertilization events. The former include differentiation and patterning, while the latter include cell growth and expansion, ripening, and senescence — a stage that includes seed dispersal. The fruiting process, UCSD's Martin Yanofsky told GenomeWeb, represents a key evolutionary development, providing angiosperms the ability to protect and nourish seeds in a way that ancient plants could not. In recent years, a number of groups have identified various genetic factors underlying fruit growth. In 1998, for instance, Yanofsky and collaborators at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory published a paper on the discovery of a gene called FRUITFULL (FUL) that encodes a MADS-domain transcription factor required for normal fruit cell growth and differentiation. When that gene was mutated in Arabidopsis, the researchers found, normal fruit development was disrupted. "Like pretty much all flowering plants, fertilization of the ovules leads to growth of the fruit," Yanofsky explained this week. "The fruit normally grow to accommodate the growth of the seeds inside. In the FRUITFULL mutant we identified and characterized, even though fertilization of the ovules occurs and you get seeds, the fruit don't grow." Others, meanwhile, have shown that the plant hormone auxin helps coordinate fruit growth and maturation, with auxin signaling directed by transcription factors called auxin response factors, or ARFs. "However, in spite of the wealth of accumulated information, we are only beginning to understand how the coordination of fruit growth … is achieved mechanistically," Yanofsky and his team wrote in their latest paper, which appeared in Nature Plants. With miRNAs emerging as key players in a variety of biological roles in both animals and plants, "we became interested in the possible role of microRNAs in the control of fruit development," he said. In 2011, Yanofsky's lab reported on the discovery that the Arabidopsis gene APETALA2 (AP2), which was known to play a key role in floral organ identity, is also involved in fruiting. Arabidopsis fruit is composed of the valves, which make up the majority of the fruit and are derived from the ovary walls; the replum, which separates the valves; and the valve margin, which comprises a narrow stripe of cells at the valve-replum boundaries. In the 2011 paper, AP2 was specifically found to prevent overgrowth of both the replum and the valve margin. Further, although the AP2 promoter was active in the valve, its protein was not and the loss of AP2 did not affect valve development — all of which suggested some level of post-transcriptional regulation of the gene in that tissue. Because AP2 had been previously shown to be regulated by the miR-172 miRNA family, once the gene's role in fruit development was established, Yanofsky's lab started investigating whether the miRNA had a part to play, as well. To test this, the investigators expressed a wild-type version of the AP2 complementary DNA and a version of the gene that is immune to miR-172 in Arabidopsis fruit valves. While fruit valves expressing the wild-type AP2 cDNA appeared normal, fruit expressing the miR172-immune version of AP2 failed to undergo the typical valve elongation that occurs after fertilization, which corresponded to the failure of valve cell differentiation and expansion, they wrote in Nature Plants. To further demonstrate miR-172's involvement in the control of fruit growth, the team wanted to test loss-of-function mutations in the miRNA. However, there are five miR-172 loci in Arabidopsis and mutants are not available for most of them. To overcome this issue, they used target mimics to lower the abundance of active mature miR-172, and found that, as expected, the overall size of fruit in the plants was reduced. Yanofsky's group also looked upstream of miR-172 to better understand its regulation and discovered a relationship between the miRNA and FUL. They found that the FUL MADS-domain protein acts with ARF proteins to directly activate a valve-specific miR172-encoding gene in order to promote valve growth. Additionally, they showed that MADS and ARF proteins, including FUL and ARF8, interact in plants and that this interaction might contribute to the miRNA-encoding gene's expression. Taken together, the data point to an miRNA-dependent regulatory module that integrates developmental and hormone signaling pathways in the control of plant growth, the scientists concluded in their paper. Since this study was completed, Yanofsky and his team have identified other miRNAs that appear to be influencing fruit growth and development in Arabidopsis, he said. Work is underway to better understand the upstream regulation of miR-172 and these other miRNAs. Ultimately, Yanofsky sees these findings as having many applications in agriculture, noting that "we're certainly intrigued about the possibility of controlling fruit growth." However, he cautioned that translating the discoveries around miR-172 and other miRNAs to the real world will likely require years of work. Nevertheless, a number of players in the ag-bio field have been actively working to commercialize products involving miRNAs. For instance, both DuPont and Bayer CropScience have been working to identify miRNAs associated with crop characteristics such as drought tolerance, while Syngenta recently struck a collaboration with Nexgen to develop virus-resistant crop plants through microRNA targeting. And in 2013, Monsanto bought Rosetta Green, the agricultural spin off of miRNA diagnostics firm Rosetta Genomics.
COMMON NAMES: Adilearicham, Bavangi, Black ipecac, Black oil plant, Black oil tree, Celastrus dependens, Climbing staff plant, Climbing staff tree, Dhimarbel, Intellect tree, Jothismadhu seed oil, Jyotismati, Kaluganne, Kanagiliballi, Kangodi, Karigonne, Maiya-kodi, Mal kangni, Malaria teega, Malkamni, Maner Tiga, Palleru, Peng, Pigavi, Polulavam, Oriental bittersweet, Sphutabandhani, Svarnalota, Teegapalleru, Valuluvai, Velo. Celastrus paniculatus is a deciduous climbing shrub that can grow to a very large size. The base stem of this shrub will grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter and produce many woody branches that will cling to surrounding flora for support. The inner bark is light and cork like, with yellow sapwood. The leaves are oval shape and grow on singular stems, they range from light to dark green, the flowers are tiny, whitish green to yellow green and grow on the top of the main stalk. Celastrus is prized by native peoples throughout India for its seeds; the seeds grow in round pods that gradually change from a light yellow to a deep red color as they mature. The seeds are small, oval shaped and grow six per seedpod, they are also known to cause yellow-orange stains on anything their oils come into contact with. Celastrus paniculatus is a hardy shrub that grows in a wide variety of climates and environments. It is native to the Indian continent, but is known to grow wildly in Australia, China, Taiwan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam as well as many of the Pacific islands. The Celastrus family of shrubs has also been transplanted and grows on every continent except Antarctica. This hardy bush has been seen growing above an elevation of 5900 feet (1800 meters), along the Himalayan mountainside and in other high altitude environments. Ayurveda healers have used Celastrus seeds and the oil contained within them for centuries. Modern research has shown that the seeds yield as much as 52% oil by weight. It is in the nutrient rich oil that the active compounds are found, compounds such as celastrine, paniculatin among other active alkaloids. These active compounds are used as an antimalarial agent, and are currently used in modern medicines like Pristimerin. TRADITIONAL USE: For thousands of years, Ayurveda medicine men have used the Celastrus seeds for their potent medicinal properties. It was used for many different ailments, but most notably it was administered as a powerful brain tonic, appetite stimulant, and emetic. According to Greco-Arabic Yunani medicine, the oil of the Celastrus seed was used to treat physical weakness, mental confusion, alleviate asthma symptoms, reduce headaches, cure joint pain and arthritis; and they also created a potent balm that the men believed worked as a sexual stimulant, much like modern phosphodiesterase inhibitors (i.e. sindenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), ect.). The medicine men made a tonic of the seed oil, they used this tonic to mitigate mental fatigue, memory loss, as well as to boost memory recall, retention, and other thought processes. Traditional healers from the Chhattisgarh, Bastar region of India are known to prescribe Celastrus seeds to their patients, they recommend that anyone suffering from forgetfulness begin adding one seed to their diet daily, and then gradually increase their dosage up to 100 seeds per day. It is this ability to improve mental function, memory recall and retention that has made this one of the choice herbal supplements for those working to improve dream recall, and to achieve lucid dreams. TRADITIONAL PREPARATION: Although there are many different preparations, the most prevalent and common methods all use the seeds to extract their essential oils. An older and more traditional extraction method involves taking the seeds and placing them in a pot of boiling water or goat's milk, over a period of several hours the essential oils would rise to the surface, the seeds were strained out and the remaining mixture was allowed to settle, finally, the oil was then carefully siphoned out and into another container. A more modern method of extraction involves placing a large quantity of seeds into a screw press, and under the force of the press, the seed's oil squeezed out and collected. Modern research into the effects ofCelastrus paniculatus has shown that the seeds can be just as effective with little to no prior preparation. Rebecca comments: Tinctures/liquid extracts are beginning to be prepared for commercial use. Wondrous Roots, Inc. is one of a just a handful of companies at present (October, 2010 at this writing) producing and selling a liquid extract (tincture) delivery of Celastrus paniculata. From celastrusshop.com: "In our personal experience, and by far, we have found that the liquid extracts are the most potent, partially because liquids have fast absorption rates, and absorb directly into the bloodstream. Next, we like the whole seeds, and the last on the list is capsules or memory pills which, like any other pill, have to make their way through your stomach before they are absorbed into the human body." MEDICINAL USES: Recent medical research has proven the efficacy of the oil obtained from the seeds; in small mammal studies, the oil produced lower blood pressure, increased alertness, and improved problem solving skills, possibly due to its powerful antioxidant action in the blood. The oil from the Celastrus seed has long been valued in India for its beneficial effects on memory and intellect. They have effectively used the oil to treat beri-beri as well as malaria. To this day, many Indian college students regularly consume half a teaspoon or less of the oil as part of their daily diet; at this dosage, the oil acts as a brain stimulant to improve their memory, recall and to give them a slight edge during important exams. There are currently several herbal supplements on the market that utilize Celastrus oil in their formula. Dietary supplements like these usually combine Celastrus seed with other effective herbal supplements like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) and Gingko biloba. There is ongoing research into the possibility that anticancer drugs like pristimerin, which is derived from the seeds of the Celastrus plant, may be an effect means of treating certain types of cancers, or to inhibit the growth of specific types of cancer cells. Research conducted by H. Yang et.al. has shown pristimerin to be quite active against nine cancer cell lines. Although much more research still needs to be done, the potential health benefits of Celastrus seed oil looks very promising. TRADITIONAL EFFECTS: Traditional Ayurveda healers have used Celastrus paniculatus oil for centuries, healers extracted the oil and prescribed it to their patients suffering from mental fatigue, stress, and minor joint pains. Celastrus seeds and the oil they produce have been clinically proven to increase mental acuity, improve memory, retention and recall. Subjects using the oil were able to learn new information more quickly and were able to accurately recall that information over longer periods of time. People have long used Celastrus seeds as a supplement to improve dream recall and to help induce lucid dreams, consuming small quantities of the oil as part of a healthy diet. PURCHASE CELASTRUS SEED EXTRACT HERE Hanumanthachar, J; Milind, P. (2006). Brahmi rasayana Improves Learning and Memory in Mice. Alternative Medicine. 79-85. Nalini, K; Karanth, K.S; Rao, A; Aroor, A.R. (1995). Effects of Celastrus paniculatus on passive avoidance performance and biogenic amine turnover in albino rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 101-8. Russo, A; Izzo, A.A; Cardile, V; Borrelli, F; Vanella, A. (2001). Indian medicinal plants as antiradicals and DNA cleavage protectors. Phytomedicine. 125-32. This information from www.entheology.org For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The Center for Comparative Constitutionalism studies the definition and implementation of constitutional rights, focusing both on legal and judicial interpretation and on the wide range of ways in which societies attempt to secure constitutional rights to In this time of rapid globalization, the structures through which states define and implement rights are shifting, under pressure from both the global economy and other new connections across national boundaries. Because these rights operate in the context of the modern regulatory state and economy, it is necessary to consider not only legislatures and courts, but also administrative agencies and corporations. Social forces of many kinds affect the definition and implementation of constitutional rights, and the correlative duties and responsibilities of citizens. Religion, nongovernmental organizations, social movements, and education (including legal education) are major factors in determining whether rights that exist on paper become real in practice. The Center studies these varied social forces and their interactions. The Center will focus primarily on the concerns of groups and individuals who have traditionally been marginalized or subordinated in society: women, the poor, and ethnic, racial, and religious minorities. Its focus will be on the extent to which different regimes of constitutional law (and constitutional rights more broadly construed) can contribute globally to the dignity, equality, responsibilities, and integration of such people and groups. One area of study will be the recognition of group rights, and whether such rights are an effective and appropriate mechanism by which constitutional law can attempt to rectify longstanding inequalities. Many nations give religious groups special roles, creating systems of religious "personal law" that govern family and property law. Other nations try to rectify inequalities by extending special rights to ethnocultural, genderbased, or caste-based groups. Another area of study will be the role of the legal profession and its academic discourse. In some nations, the legal profession has been a serious force for social change. In others, it is seen as a civil service career, and people have little confidence in its ability to implement rights.
Seventy years ago to this day, the United Nations voted on Resolution 181, the partitioning of the British Mandate into Jewish and Arab states as recommended by the UN’s special investigative commission (UNSCOP). The story behind the scenes is told in this short movie, which combines historical footage with recent interviews of people who lived the event. The woman in the thumbnail is Suzy Eban, wife of Abba Eban. A two-thirds majority was needed. In the end, thirty-three countries voted in favor: • Latin American and Caribbean Group: Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela • Western Europe and Others: Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden • Eastern Europe: Byelorussian SSR (Belarus), Ukrainian SSR (Ukraine), USSR, Czechoslovakia, Poland • African: Liberia and South Africa • Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Philippines • North America: USA and Canada Ten countries abstained: • Latin American and Caribbean Group: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico • Four other countries: UK (the outgoing mandate holder), China, Ethiopia, and Yugoslavia Thailand was absent from the vote. Thirteen countries voted against, ten of them Muslim: • Arab or Islamic countries: Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen, Turkey, and Egypt • Others: India, Cuba, and Greece. It should be noted that Greece then had a large diaspora in countries like Egypt, and was thus vulnerable to threats. Voting happened by voice vote, alphabetically. The vote that put the resolution over the top was cast by the Philippines. The day of the vote is remembered in Israel to this day as kaf-tet be-November (from the Hebrew notation of the number 29, כ׳׳ט). The British Mandate was to end at midnight between May 14-15, 1948. On the afternoon of May 14, around 4pm, a hastily convened assembly gathered at a museum building in Tel-Aviv, and with a minimum of pomp and circumstance, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the independent State of Israel. Our hope is not yet lost The hope of two thousand years To be a free people in our land The land of Zion, Jerusalem
Despite popular belief (according to Wikipedia and the public school system) that Adolf Hitler was a far-right conservative, he was actually a far-left socialist who used his unfettered power to suppress freedom, murder millions, and instigate the most destructive war in human history. Hitler was the leader of the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (NSDAP), commonly known as the Nazi Party—the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, in English. Hitler was unquestionably the leader (Führer) of a socialist regime. Obviously, it is not the intention of this author to equate Hitler with all socialists, or vice versa. However, almost 75 years after his death, socialism is gaining traction in the United States, making it especially pertinent to properly understand and contextualize Hitler’s demented political philosophy. Indeed, the Nazi Party was built upon a solid socialist foundation. In 1920 (14 years before he became Führer), Hitler unveiled the National Socialist Program (NSP), a 25-point plan outlining the party’s political platform. The plan, like most Nazi propaganda, is filled with racism and other cruel rhetoric. Yet one cannot ignore that several of the 25 points articulating Nazi socialist ideology are eerily similar to policies being currently conveyed by so-called democratic socialists and other far-left progressives. For instance, in point seven, the Nazis “demand that the state be charged first with providing the opportunity for a livelihood and way of life for the citizens.” This core tenet of socialism, though completely antithetical to American values, is being advocated for by many on the far left. In fact, the “Green New Deal” includes a guaranteed government jobs program and a basic income, even for those unwilling to work. In points 11 through 17, the NSP calls for the “abolition of unearned incomes,” the “total confiscation of all war profits,” the “nationalization of all associated industries,” the “division of profits of all heavy industries,” the “expansion on a large scale of old age welfare,” the “immediate communalization of the great warehouses,” and “a land reform suitable to our needs.” No doubt, these six NSP points cover a wide scope of socialist dogmas. And one of these, old age welfare, is already in place in the United States. However, the rest of the above policies are completely counter to America’s founding principles. Shockingly, many of these destructive policies are disturbingly similar to proposals from far-left progressives. Case in point: The Loan Shark Prevention Act, recently touted by Rep. Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), would end usury—also known as “unearned incomes.” Or consider “Medicare for All,” a stalwart of the Sanders Ocasio-Cortez coalition. This sure sounds like “nationalization” of an associated industry! Finally, we must not forget the endless “land reform” policies advocated by far-left zealots. Although these policies have been reframed under the social justice (and environmental) banner, they still remain government land grabs that trample upon private property rights. In point 18, the Nazis seek to give the government complete authority over the criminal justice system by demanding “struggle without consideration against those whose activity is injurious to the general interest,” saying that everyone from criminals to “profiteers” should be punished with death. Point 18 is particularly sinister because it upends the foundation of law and order. Under this criminal justice system, the presumption of innocence and other bedrock legal principles are secondary to the “general interest”—whatever that means. In other words, if, for example, a Supreme Court nominee, a certain presidential candidate, or anyone else is deemed “injurious to the general interest,” the State will take care of it. In point 20, the Nazi Party sought to bring the next generation under their control by making the State “responsible for a fundamental reconstruction of our whole national education program. …The comprehension of the concept of the state must be striven for by the school as early as the beginning of understanding.” In case you have been living under a rock for the past 50 years, you might have missed the fact that American education has become part and parcel to the federal apparatus. Just consider the creation of the U.S. Department of Education in 1979. Or how about the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act? Better yet: Common Core in 2010. The point here is that the federal government exerts extreme (central) control over education. And trust me, as a former public high school teacher, I can vouch that “comprehension of the concept of the state” in the most glowing of terms is more than satisfactorily covered in the public school curriculum. Points 23 through 25 are perhaps the most disturbing. - Point 23: “We demand legal opposition to known lies and their promulgation through the press.” - Point 24: “We demand freedom of religion … within the state so long as they do not endanger its existence or oppose the moral senses of the Germanic race. The Party … is convinced that a lasting recovery of our nation can only succeed from within on the framework: ‘The good of the community before the good of the individual.’” - Point 25: “For the execution of all of this we demand the formation of a strong central power in the Reich. Unlimited authority of the central parliament over the whole Reich and its organizations in general.” The last three points of the NSP are surely the most diabolical. In one fell swoop the Nazi Party eviscerated freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and any and all limits on the central government’s power. You might believe this could never happen in the United States. However, you may want to think again. Without a doubt, the American press is in a state of shambles. Whether it’s “fake news” or social media platforms banning certain types of “conservative” speech, left-wing fanatics are pushing the American press into dangerous waters. Freedom of religion is also under attack from the mainstream Left under the guise of “the common good” and other social justice mantras. Whether forcing a bakery owner (or photographer) to violate their deeply held religious principles, banning Chick-fil-A in San Antonio’s airport, or forbidding Christmas nativity scenes in public—the Left’s war on religion continues unabated. Of all the points laid out in the NSP, Point 25 is perhaps the most dangerous. How so? It allows the central government unlimited power to carry out the prerogatives of the State. We must not forget that Hitler made his mark on history by gaining total control of the German government. Then, and only then, was he capable of carrying out his dark and violent plans, under the guise of community (or national) benefit, of course. Hitler gained total control by promising to implement socialistic policies, which most of the German people favored in the early days of the Nazi regime. However, this also paved the way for Hitler to become a totalitarian dictator. There is no way to predict how history would have been different had Germans refused national socialism in favor of personal liberty, a limited government, and free-market capitalism. Would Hitler have had nearly as large an impact on world history? It seems extremely unlikely. Socialism was not the cause of Hitler’s monomaniacal reign of terror, but without his embrace of socialism, there’s a good chance he never would have been able to wreak as much death, destruction, and havoc as he ultimately did. Chris Talgo (firstname.lastname@example.org) is an editor at The Heartland Institute and a contributing editor for StoppingSocialism.com. Chris Talgo (CTalgo@heartland.org) is an editor at The Heartland Institute and a researcher and editor at StoppingSocialism.com.
Each of the four mountains are viewed as the abode or place of practice of one of the four great bodhisattvas. Wutai is the home of the Bodhisattva of wisdom, Manjusri or Wenshu in Chinese. It takes its name from its unusual topography, consisting of five rounded peaks , of which the North peak, called Beitai Ding or Yedou Feng, is the highest, and indeed the highest point in northern China. Wutai was the first of the four mountains to be identified and is often referred to as "first among the four great mountains." It was identified on the basis of a passage in the Avatamsaka Sutra , which describes the abodes of many bodhisattvas. In this chapter, Manjusri is said to reside on a "clear cold mountain" in the northeast. This served as charter for the mountains identity and its alternate name "Clear Cool Mountain" . The bodhisattva is believed to frequently manifest himself on the mountain, taking the form of ordinary pilgrims, monks, or most often unusual five-colored clouds. Mount Wutai is home to some of the that have survived since the era of the Tang Dynasty . This includes the main hall of Nanchan Monastery and the East Hall of Fuguang Monastery, built in 782 and 857, respectively. They were discovered in 1937 and 1938 by a team of architectural historians including the prominent early 20th century historian Liang Sicheng. The architectural designs of these buildings have since been studied by leading and experts in traditional Chinese architecture, such as Nancy Steinhardt. Steinhardt classified these buildings according to the hall types featured in the ''Yingzao Fashi'' Chinese building manual written in the 12th century. In 2008 Chinese authorities hope that the shrine at Mount Wutai will be considered for designation as a Unesco world heritage site. Local residents, however, claim they have been forced from their homes and relocated away from their livelihoods in preparation for the bid . Nanshan Temple is a large temple in Mount Wutai, first built in Yuan Dynasty. The whole temple comprises seven terraces, divided into three parts. The lower three terraces are named Jile Temple; the middle terrace is called Shande Hall ; the upper three terraces are named Youguo Temple. Inside Wutai: Shouning Temple, Bishan Temple, Puhua Temple, Dailuo Ding, Qixian Temple, Shifang Tang, Shuxiang Temple, Guangzong Temple, Yuanzhao Temple, Guanyin Dong, Longquan Temple, Luomuhou Temple, Jinge Temple, Zhenhai Temple, Wanfo Ge, Guanhai Temple, Zhulin Temple, Jifu Temple, Gufo Temple, etc. Outside Wutai: Yanqing Temple, Nanchan Temple, Mimi Temple, Foguang Temple, Yanshan Temple, Zunsheng Temple, Guangji Temple, etc.
by Christian, Age 12 , Grade 7, South East Junior HIgh, Iowa City, IOWA USA Teacher: Mr.Keller Wilson [Introduction]Do you ever think that stereotypes don't matter in the world.In the book The Outsiders by S.E HInton there are many stereotypes like greasers they are poor dumb stupid people but Ponyboy the main character isn't any he isn't dumb and hes nice unlike any other greasers he's the nicest one. [Body Paragraph 1]Ponyboy has explained through the story can get emotionally sad,nice,and become generous and he shows this time and time again. Near the end after johnny’s death Pony comes rushing home to tell the bad news ponyboy says.”Johnny..he’s dead.”(152).By ponyboy's best friend dying he must be emotional because he started the fire with a cigarette.Ponyboy sees Dally get shot and his brother tried to comfort him and soda says.“Easy buddy Easy... there's nothing we can do now”(154).By ponyboy seeing Dally death he must even be more depressed seeing both of his friends die and he feels responsible. Ponyboy wakes up and sees randy come to his house to talk to him and Ponyboy thinks.“Johnny's not dead . . . Johnnys not dead.”(154). This means that ponyboy is going to the five stages of grief and he is going through denial and believing he's not dead.This proves that in the falling action of the book that Ponyboy is scared and sad. [Body Paragraph 2]Through the story The Outsiders Ponyboy shows that he is nice and he wouldnt hurt anything.In the begggining after meeting Cherry Socs pull up at the car and two bit gives him a cracked bottle.“I can't use this … I can't cut anyone.”(45)This means that Ponyboy isnt like other greasers he isnt willing to hurt someone.Ponyboy and Johnny sleep in the lot and ponyboy convinces Johnny not to ill himself after he said he wanted to kill himself.”Don't … you can't kill yourself Johnny.”(47)Ponyboy here is being nice and caring for Johnny because he doesn’t want him to die. In the beginning Socs jump POny and The Socs frighten him with a knife the Socs say“How’d you like that haircut to begin below the chin.”(5) Ponyboy here is scared and he can't fight back because of his personality because he’s too nice to fight another person. With all this evidence you can't deny that Pony boy is a nice kid he can't hurt because of his personalty/who he is. [Body Paragraph 3]In The story The Outsiders Ponyboy is a nice and generous kid who loves his friends but his brothers that's different because they are family but he doesn’t like his brother Darry and here's why.When Ponyboy meets Cherry she urges him to tell him about Darry and he only says mean things about him.“He’s not like Sodapop and he ain't like me. He's hard as a rockabout as human.And his eyes are frozen like ice.”(42)This says that Ponyboy doesn’t see much in darry but only someone that want’s him to get something done and as someone that doesn't care about him. But The reason Ponyboy say’s that is because Darry acts tough around him and pushes him to do things and keeps on criticizing him like when he comes back from sleeping at the lot.“Where the heck have you been do you know what time it is.”(48)This explains the reason why Ponyboy talks about Darry like that and thinks about him that way because of the way he treats him.But even when everything is all right there is still the future to worry about so they still fight like when they talk about school work and jobs.“What's the sweat about school work i'll have to get a job as soon as i get out look at soda he's doing okay and he dropped and lay off.”(173)This proves the relationship between the two is very difficult to maintain with all their arguments going around and the fighting which means that ponyboy has a lot of unresolved issues.With all this evidence this means that we can take a look in to Darry traits which means that he cares a lot of ponyboy he wants him to be successful better than he ever was. [Conclusion]With all of this evidence we can tell that through Ponyboy’s being scared and him being generous and a good friend and through even looking at his family that Ponyboy is very complex and fits out of the stereotypes that people talk about Greaser.This example means that everyone's different even though what people say about them aren't true and that you should look at people from what people say about them but from what they are.
Ozone therapy is a unique form of therapy that both heals and detoxifies at the same time. It is used to treat a variety of chronic disease including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Lyme disease, chronic hepatitis, herpes, chronic fatigue states, chemical sensitivity, macular degeneration, chronic bladder conditions, colitis, auto-immune diseases, chronic pain syndromes, Crohn’s disease and many other conditions. What is ozone? The oxygen you breathe is present in the air as a pair of oxygen atoms. This is the most stable form of oxygen and it’s colorless. Ozone is a blue form of oxygen (it’s what makes the sky blue), and unlike regular oxygen, it is composed of three oxygen atoms instead of two. It is the addition of the third oxygen atom that makes ozone “supercharged” oxygen and gives it all of its remarkable medical properties. The use of ozone to treat various medical conditions was first developed in Germany in the early 1950’s. Today, medical ozone therapy is common throughout Europe and its use has gradually been spreading in the United States over the last 25 years. What’s the history of Ozone Therapy? Despite its dubious status in the USA as an “alternative” treatment, for the past 150 years Ozone Therapy has been thoroughly studied and widely utilized throughout Europe and Asia. For patients in the United States who encounter it for the first time, it may seem like an interesting and curious treatment--it seems so simple, natural and effective, that one wonders why so few doctors in the United States use it. As a matter of fact, even though it is statistically one of the safest medical treatments known, until relatively recently, Ozone Therapy was illegal in many states and patients had to travel to Mexico to find American doctors who practiced Integrative Medicine and whose specialization included Ozone Therapy. The reasons for this negativity and resistance to ozone in the US are entirely political and commercial, as many disruptive innovations encounter, and have nothing to do with what is good for patient care. Ozone is toxic, isn’t it? Anything, including water and oxygen, is toxic if given in amounts that exceed the body’s capacity to utilize it. Ozone is found naturally in the body. The white blood cells make it as part of the immune response. Pure medical grade ozone, when it is used according to the established medical guidelines, has a safety record that is unparalleled. What does ozone do that makes it helpful medically? Ozone has five properties that account for why it works so well not only for macular degeneration, but also for most other chronic age-related conditions as well: - Ozone is a potent regulator of the immune system. This means that when the immune system is overactive (as in auto-immune disease), ozone will calm it down. Conversely, when the immune system is underactive as in cancer, AIDS and chronic infections, ozone will stimulate it. This unique ability of ozone stems from its action on the membranes of white blood cells that causes them to produce immune related messenger molecules called cytokines. Examples of cytokines are gamma interferon, interleukin-2, colony stimulating factor and TNF-alpha, just to name a few. - Ozone stimulates increased uptake of oxygen by stimulating the enzyme diphosphoglycerate (DPG). DPG enables the release of oxygen from the hemoglobin molecule so that it can be taken up into the cell. In the absence of an adequate amount of DPG, our cells become starved for oxygen. This is a common problem in diabetics. Ozone stimulates oxygen metabolism by empowering your red blood cells with greater cellular energy derived from glycolysis. This also increases the ability of your red blood cells to deliver greater quantity of oxygen to your tissues. This not only increases your body’s ability to regenerate new tissues, it directly attacks bacteria, who are anaerobic and are negatively affected in an oxygen-rich environment. - Ozone improves circulation. It does this by enhancing the flow characteristics of blood as a liquid. This effect enables more of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin to reach the capillaries where ultimately the cells will receive more of the oxygen they require. Many patients with chronic inflammatory conditions have impaired circulation. - Ozone increases antioxidant protection more than any other therapy including vitamin C. Most people with chronic disease have deficient antioxidant defenses. - Ozone is a powerful mitochondrial stimulant. The fundamental underlying cause behind all degenerative disease from diabetes to heart disease to cancer is decreased mitochondrial energy production. Ozone can often correct this problem. Every cell in your body is dependent on ATP from which it derives the energy it needs to perform its functions. ATP is generated in mitochondria. Therefore, if your cells have more ATP, they function better. From cells that make collagen, to cells that make your hormones, or make natural antioxidants, or detox your blood--everything is dependent on the health of your mitochondria. Ozone is better at supporting the health of your mitochondria than any other known substance. What are the general medical applications of Ozone Therapy? Ozone injection into the knee By stimulating mitochondria, ozone supports and accelerates the body’s natural ability to heal damaged tissue and regenerate healthy tissue. Examples include ozone injections to heal damaged joints. It accomplishes this by stimulating the mitochondria of cells that are actively involved in regeneration such as stem cells, the cells that generate new collagen in a damaged joint or those that form new bones in the case of bone damage. Ozone attacks infections by bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses by attacking the cellular membranes (walls) of these microbes. All bacteria fungi, yeast and viruses are susceptible. Ozone also strongly stimulates the body’s natural immune defenses, increasing your generation of interferon, tumor necrosis factor, Interleukin-2 and other cytokines. All of these are essential in a healthy immune response to microbial infection attacks. This form of physiological therapy is called Oxidative Therapy. Ozone attacks malignant cells and protects healthy cells. It can therefore be a powerful adjunctive therapy to chemotherapy. This is also a form of Oxidative Therapy. As a Detox and Antioxidant Agent Ozone stimulates the body’s natural ability to generate its own antioxidants. This is particularly important for the health of the two organs that generate more oxidative activity than all other organs, namely, your liver and brain. This powerful antioxidative response by our bodies and has proven effective in subduing the overproduction of inflammatory cells such as those associated with asthma and diabetes, as well as other painful inflammatory diseases like arthritis, fibromyalgia and others. As An Anti-Aging Agent Aging and the diseases of aging are caused primarily by decreased oxygen utilization. This decrease leads to the excessive free radical production that produces the pathology that results in organ breakdown and degenerative disease. Decreased oxygen utilization is caused by mitochondrial and other factors, and exerts its effect by causing a decrease in NAD+ as well as the NAD+/NADH ratio. The decreasing NAD/NADH ratio spirals downward in a vicious cycle. We call this process “aging”. Ozone therapy is effective for so many disease including the infirmities of aging because it normalizes this ratio. How is ozone given administered medically? Ozone therapy should only be used by professionals who have been fully trained in its use. Bright red ozonated blood is returned to the body. Major Autohemotherapy (MAH) is the most common form of administration, and in most cases the most effective way ozone is administered. The patient sits in a chair and has from 6-12 ounces of blood removed into a sterilized bottle. Then ozone is injected into the bottle, and the bottle is gently shaken, allowing the red and white blood cells to take up the ozone. The ozonated blood is then returned to the body. The entire procedure takes about 30-40 minutes. Most clinics combine ozone IV therapy with vitamin IV therapy for a synergistically wonderful impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Ozone can be injected directly into joints and soft tissues. Though ozone is powerfully effective when administered via an IV, It has a similar effect when applied internally or topically in the form of ozonated oils such as olive oil. (Nikola Tesla was the first to develop these medicinal oils for physicians). Water can also be ozonated for drinking and bathing. Limb bagging for diabetic ulcer Ozone gas, at precise concentrations, can be infused into a bag that is encapsulating a limb (“limb bagging”), or used in ozone saunas. Ozone can be infused directly into body cavities (rectal/colon, vaginal, ears, sinuses, bladder), which is called “insufflation”. In each of these methods, the ozone treats localized infections, and supports an accelerated healing of the inflamed tissue. The bottom line is that ozone therapy is safe, natural and works physiologically to eradicate all sorts of infections and boost your overall health and wellbeing. Is Ozone Therapy For Me? This is a decision for you to make with a doctor who is trained and experienced in the medical use of ozone. Some conditions simply will not clear up unless ozone is used, and of course many conditions will clear up without ozone. Because of its many therapeutic properties, ozone can be used as part of a therapeutic plan for almost every disease. It is invaluable in the treatment of heart disease and circulatory disorders. Chronic infections such as hepatitis C, herpes, Lyme disease and its co-infections and AIDS respond very favorably to ozone. It is also very helpful in chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, cancer, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, heart disease and autoimmune diseases. Additional health benefits include: - Boost of the immune system - Increased energy production in your cells - Reduces the oxidation of your body - Reduces the level of acidity of your body - Kills bacteria and viruses in acute and chronic infections - Stimulates white blood cell production It is important to realize that ozone therapy is not a panacea or some kind of magic bullet. Although it is often an indispensable modality, it is seldom effective by itself. In the great majority of cases, it must be combined with an individualized program of other alternative and natural therapies, such as nutrition and detoxification. How much does Ozone Therapy Cost? Please schedule a consultation with Glendale Whole Health in order to create a treatment plan and package that’s right for you. Who does this treatment at Glendale Whole Health? Dr. Speller combines her extensive training in both allopathic and complementary and alternative medicine to offer whole-body care to her patients using a functional medicine approach—identifying and treating the root causes of illness or disease, while focusing on enhanced lifestyle choices to improve health. She recognizes the immense importance of balanced hormones and healthy sexual function for one’s health and fulfillment, and has therefore undergone extensive training in Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) with BioTe Medical as well as with the American Acadamy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). Dr. Speller is a Certified Provider of the Institute For Functional Medicine (IFM), and was personally trained in Ozone Therapy techniques by Dr. Frank Shallenberger, the leading expert in the medical use of ozone in the United States. She is happy to offer an ever-increasing range of treatment modalities to improve health within a functional medicine framework. Ready to experience the benefits of Ozone Therapy? Click here to book your appointment now or call (818) 551-0464!
Special Senses A&P Chapter 15 Loss of smell sensation. Ringing sound in the ears. Posterior segment of eye. Transmits taste sensations from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue. Transmits taste sensations from posterior 1/3 of the tongue. Transmits taste sensations from epiglottis & pharynx. Transmits sensations of smell to the frontal lobes. Secretes tears onto surface of the eye. Drains tears into the nasal cavity from the lacrimal sac. Drains tears from the lacrimal canaliculi. Dilute saline solution containing lysozymes that destroy bacteria. Superior rectus muscle Moves eyeball upward. Medial rectus muscle Adducts or moves the eyeball toward the nose. Inferior rectus muscle Moves the eyeball downward. Inferior oblique muscle Elevates the eyeball & rotates it laterally. Lateral rectus muscle Abducts; moves the eyeball toward the lateral edge of the orbit. Lateral rectus muscle. Sense of vision. Controls superior, inferior, & medial rectus muscles & inferior oblique muscles. Superior oblique muscle. Clear expansion of fibrous tunic. Blood vessel laden component of the vascular tunic. Contains the pigemented & sensory layers. Blind spot/optic disc Region where the optic nerve leaves the retina. Region of greastest visual acuity. Dim light & peripheral vision receptors. High acuity & color vision receptors. Opening in lens that permits light into inner chambers of the eye. Colored portion of vascular tunic. Biconcave structure that changes shape to bring objects into focus. Thick, jelly-like substance in the posterior compartment of the eye. Clear, plasma-like substance that baths the lens & cornea. Utilize the pigment rhodopsin. Occurs when you go from a dimly lit area to a brightly lit area. Occurs when you move from a brightly lit area to a dimly lit area. Transmits vibrations into the inner ear. Opening from the inner ear into the middle ear. Connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. Evaluates rotational motion. Responds to gravity & movement of the head. Spiral organ of Corti. Fluid found within the organ of Corti. Fluid found in the scal vesitbule & scala tympani. Frequency of a sound. Sound that is a mixture of several frequencies. The height of intensity of a sound wave. Logarithmic measure of the loudness of a sound. When sound conduction to the fluid of the inner ear is impeded. Can be caused by damage to the receptors in the cochlea or brain damage in the auditory regions. Disorder that affects the semicircular canals & cochlea that lads to attacks of vertigo & nausea often accompanied by tinnitus. Receptors for taste & smell Caused by deficiency of zinc. Conjunctival mucous membrane covers Both inner surface of eyelids & visible portion of the sclera. Function is horizontal rotation of eyeball toward the nose. Ampulla of semicircular canals Houses the receptors that monitor angular movements of the head. Tunics of wall of eyeball sequence from inside out Retina, choroid, sclera. Sequence of correct passage of light entering the cornea Cornea, anterior segment, pupil, lens, posterior segment. Where is the organ of Corti found? Type of stimulation that result in increase in diameter of pupils Near point of vision is shortest Tiny skeletal muscles associated with the ossicles of the middle ear function to Protect the hearing receptors from loud sounds. Where are receptors for sound reception & equilibrium located? Inner ear cavity within the bony labyrinth. Where the optic nerve leaves the eye the blind spot on the retina. Allows equilibrium of air pressure between the middle ear & outside air. When focusing on a distant object the lens is 70% of sensory receptors in the body are involved Congential weakness of the extrinsic muscles of the eye. Our eyes are best adapted for 99% of refractive problems in the eye are related to Length of the eyeball. Disease of the rods that occur when the pigment epithelial cells are unable to recycle the tips of the rods as they are sloughed off. One of the few types that can regenerate themselves in adult life. Bleaching of pigment Refers to the process of breaking down the retinal-opsin combinations that form rhodopsin found in rods & cones. When one moves from a well lit room to a dark room The retina becomes more sensitive. What is the only special sense not fully functional at birth? Neurotransmitter involved in hearing in the inner ear. Eyeballs rotate downward The muscle is inserted to the inferior surface of the eyeball and it rotated the eye up & laterally. Circular & radial muscles of the iris Reflexively contract & control the diameter of the pupil. Adapted for dim light and peripheral vision. High cone density & is focus of acute vision. What is the malleus attached to? The tympanic membrane & to the incus. Stimulate receptors closer to the oval window. Stimulte the receptors in the organ of Corti further away from the oval window. Connects to the nasopharynx & allows for pressure equalization. Respond to rotational movements of the head. Dilate the pupils of th eyes. Dim light & peripheral vision receptors Correct order of light transmission from air to the retina. Air, cornea, aquenous humor, lens, vitreous humor, retina. Adjustments to low light conditions Primarily facilitated by changes in rhodopsin concentration. Located in the roof of the nasal cavity. Events that occur during sound transmission. Tympanic membranes vibrates; internal ear fluids are set in motion; hearing receptors are stimulated; ossicles of the ear vibrate; auditory cortes is stimulated. One of the first signs of cochlear nerve damage.
In Australia’s early colonial days, the settlers enjoyed their parrot pie and almost anything that flew was considered fair game. Now, all wild native birds are protected. Except one. The short-tailed shearwater, commonly known as the muttonbird, is still killed and eaten. While the birds are protected on mainland Australia, a muttonbird industry still exists on the Bass Strait islands north of Tasmania. Licensed commercial harvesting began in 1903. The term “muttonbird” seems to have originated as a name for the Norfolk Island petrel in the very early colonial years. It is now commonly applied to short-tailed shearwaters, migratory birds that pass the northern summers in the Bering Sea near Alaska, returning to south-eastern Australia each November to breed. Because of their numbers, they are not considered threatened. Indigenous Australians have eaten muttonbirds for thousands of years, but they became particularly important in the early 19th century when seafarers began exploiting the seal colonies on the Bass Strait islands. Many of the sealers took Aboriginal “wives” and their settlements on the islands found the birds a rich source of food. The Aboriginal descendants of these liaisons now see the annual harvest as a cultural ritual as well as a source of income. By the 1830s muttonbirds from Flinders Island, preserved in brine, were being sold in Launceston for three shillings a dozen. The birds proved a boon to eleven shipwrecked seamen, who survived on an isolated rocky island in the Hunter group for more than a year by eating them. “Their food consisted solely of the mutton-bird, whose blood they drank as a substitute for water of which the island is destitute,” the Sydney Gazette reported. Muttonbirds begin to breed at about five years old. They return to their birthplace every November, laying their eggs in burrows. The chicks mature over summer and in early autumn the adults depart, leaving the chicks alone for a week or two before they are fully fledged. It’s during this period that the chicks are harvested for their meat and for the rich oil stored in their crops. The muttonbird season is strictly limited, opening on March 17 and closing on 30 April. So, how are they cooked and what do they taste like? Many say it’s an acquired taste, gamey and somewhere between fish and chicken. At the annual dinner of the Ornithologist’s Union in Melbourne in 1902, eating muttonbird was considered a ceremony of initiation. On the night, the birds were presented “braized, grilled and devilled” and declared “Not at all bad”. In 1933, muttonbirds were canned for the first time under the more consumer-friendly name of “Game Squab in Jelly”. The British Australian Canning Company received orders from the mainland as well as Singapore and Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The company folded in 1936. In 1995, the Los Angeles Times reported on a venture by the First Nations people of the Furneaux Island to introduce the muttonbird, or “yolla”, to a wider market. Among their products were meat in a range of cuts, yolla pate, smoked yolla and yolla oil linament. The industry continues, with modern technology and food-handling methods replacing the traditional salting barrels. Products have been on sale at Hobart’s Dark Mofo festival and Yolla Products has a website selling directly, albeit in wholesale quantities. They also have recipes. Baked seasoned yolla, anyone?
BALTIMORE- The Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin set the historic “Francis Scott Key” buoy near the Key Bridge during a ceremony today. The buoy marks the spot where the ship carrying Francis Scott Key, the author of the Star Spangled Banner, was anchored during the bombardment of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812. Each year the buoy is set in the spring marking the location of the event and then removed in the fall. A small ceremony was held on the Rankin where the history of the Star Spangled banner was told, the anthem was played and the Fort McHenry Guard issued a gun salute. “With our friends from the park service, we go through a memorial service to honor Francis Scott Key,” said Lt. Wayne Wallace, commanding officer of the James Rankin. In attendance was members from the National Park Service from Ft. McHenry, Navy League of the United States, Dundalk Patapsco Neck National Historical Society, Flaghouse Museum in Baltimore, Todd’s Inheritance Historic Site, Coast Guard Academy Parents Assoc., French Embassy, Helen Bentley, former Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the great-great-great-great-grandson of Francis Scott Key, F. Key Kidder. The first buoy was put in the harbor in 1914 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the writing of our nation’s anthem. However, the buoy did not become seasonal until 1972 when the Coast Guard Cutter White Pine placed it where it now goes every year. The buoy painted as the American flag is the only one of its kind. It is taken out of the water after boating season to protect it from ice damage and to be refurbished for the next year. “If your out on your boat this summer and you happen to come by the Francis Scott Key Bridge, take a look at the buoy because its the only one,” said Wallace.
Featuring introductory courses, certificate programs focus on prosthetic construction and proper equipment use. The associate program gives students a deeper understanding and an advantage when they are looking for employment. In addition to taking general education subjects, students at the associate level might learn business management skills. Program specialization options often include studies on crowns and bridges, ceramics, partial and complete dentures. Common prerequisites can include a high school diploma or GED. Some programs may require students to provide their own dental tools. Certificate of Achievement in Dental Laboratory Technology In this program, students learn the fundamental skills required to become a dental laboratory technician. Students learn how to construct pieces for prosthetic teeth, including crowns, bridges, inlays, and other essential prosthetic pieces. They also learn how to use and take care of the equipment required to build these parts. In addition to the dental side of the program, students learn the business skills needed to manage a small dental technology laboratory. The basic introductory courses in the certificate program familiarize students with the procedures, anatomy, and material they will work with on the job. These courses give students a basic understanding of a typical day as a dental technician. These are some of the common courses include: - Introduction to dental anatomy and morphology - Ceramics used in dentistry - History and ethics of dentistry Associate in Science Degree in Dental Laboratory Technology The associate program is typically similar to the certificate program, but it builds on the basics and teaches more in-depth procedures and techniques. These degree programs may also include additional general education coursework. The courses in this program are designed to introduce students to the materials, equipment, and procedures used in this industry. Along the way, students will pick up techniques for managing a small business as well. Some of the later courses in this program teach students more in-depth procedures and techniques than the certificate program. These are some of the common courses offered: - Introduction to dental materials and anatomy - Dental reconstruction techniques - Designing and constructing dental ceramics - History and ethics of dentistry The above programs set students up for entry- to mid-level positions as dental technicians. The general procedure for a dental technician to fill a prescription starts with the technician receiving a mold from the dentist. Through a series of molding techniques, the technician creates a replica of the patient's mouth. The technician then creates the required prosthetic to conform to the mold. Some potential employers for dental technicians include: - Dentist's office - Established dental technology laboratory - Personally owned dental technology lab From 2018-2028, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects an 11% growth in employment in the dental technician's field (www.bls.gov). In 2018, there were 36,500 dental lab technician jobs, and these technicians earned a median annual wage of $40,144 as of May 2018, according to the BLS. The certificate prepares students to become certified dental technicians (CDT), a designation awarded by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. In order to become a CDT, the Board requires students to graduate from a dental laboratory technology program and pass several tests (www.nbccert.org). There are five specializations students can take to become CDTs, including crowns and bridges, partial and complete dentures, ceramics, and orthodontics. CDTs can work in all five areas if they prefer. Once a student becomes a CDT, they must complete 12 hours of continuing education yearly to keep this designation. Dental technology degree programs are available at both certificate and associate's levels. Courses in dental anatomy and morphology and dental reconstruction techniques prepare graduates for a career within the field.
Press release January 2021 Inclusion! Also in adult education! New EU project: Realising inclusion - together with people with disabilities People with disabilities should participate at all levels of society as a matter of course. This applies all the more to education, and not only to schools, but to all areas of lifelong learning. A new EU project is tackling the question for the first time: How can inclusion actually be implemented in adult education? Inclusion is a very complex task. It is not enough to ensure accessibility or to offer a few cooking courses for people with disabilities. The project entitled "All inclusive - Adult education and inclusion: new cooperative approaches (All in)" takes a different, comprehensive approach: inclusive adult education is to be realised together with people with disabilities and experts at five model locations in Europe. First, a suitable network is established, the possibilities and potentials are analysed and finally, inclusion is realised step by step on site. It is crucial that the feasibility also plays an important role for the respective educational institution. The goal is that normal course offerings, e.g. computer courses, are also used by people with disabilities. For this, not only technical prerequisites have to be created, but also, for example, the trainers have to be trained, the marketing and the organisation have to be adapted, examinations have to be changed or financing models have to be sought. These processes and experiences will be processed in various learning materials and guidelines, which will be made freely available and disseminated. Central will be political demands that will be formulated and disseminated at the end: Because all too often, poor funding conditions or other political framework conditions hinder inclusion. The concept and idea comes from the Akademie Klausenhof (Germany), which is also coordinating the three-year project funded by the EU's Erasmus+ programme. As an experienced advisor in matters of inclusion and adult education, biv - the Academy for Inclusive Education from Vienna is involved. In addition to Akademie Klausenhof, the adult education institutions Geoss (Slovenia), Active Citizens Partnership (Greece), Agora (Spain) and KatHaz (Hungary) serve as model sites for inclusion. The European umbrella organisation for adult education EAEA, the German Association of Catholic Adult Education KEB and the Irish organisation Future In Perspective take care of the political part and the dissemination of the concern and the results. Articles by All In partners (DE, by Michael Sommer / Akademie Klausenhof) More articles about inclusion on EPALE
What is a Megapixel? This term refers to the size of an image, usually in reference to a photo from a digital camera. A megapixel means one million pixels. The resolution of digital cameras and camera phones is often measured in megapixels. For example, a 12-megapixel camera can produce images with 12 million total pixels.
Ever stick your tongue on a battery to see if it’s still got juice? Yeah, we all do. So you probably know that the tiny electric current it generates sort of tastes salty. Well, the Electric Flavouring Fork pictured above uses that principle to simulate the effects of salt, for those who are on low sodium diets. It’s being developed by Hiromi Nakamura at Rekimoto Lab, Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, at the University of Tokyo. The handle of the fork incorporates a rechargeable battery and electric circuit. When the user inserts the head of the fork into the mouth with food while pressing a button on the handle, a certain level of electric current is applied to the tongue. The degree of saltiness differs depending on eating habits, age, etc. This time, three current levels were available. The prototype costed ¥2,000 (approx US$17.7) in addition to the cost of a fork. So clearly this is not a product you can buy just yet, but it’s interesting to see it’s something being worked on. You’ll have to forgive us for not getting too excited though; we won’t rest until someone invents a fork that makes broccoli taste like fries.
Improve your knowledge for competitive exams by going through the daily current affairs from our website. Reading day to day current affairs helps to improve your memory power for competitive exams cracking. Here we are providing daily current affairs latest & updated. International Current Affairs Here we are providing very important current affairs of international category for 21st March 2017. - The fifth ‘International Day of Forests‘ is being observed today. - This day was initiated by the United Nations to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and trees. - As per the UN, around 1.6 billion people, including over 2,000 indigenous cultures, depend on forests for their livelihood. - Theme for 2017 : Forests & Energy - Today (21st March) is World Puppet Day. - World Poetry Day is being observed today. - This day was declared by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1999. - The purpose of the day is to promote the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry throughout the world. - World Down Syndrome Day is being observed today. - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination observed across the world today. - On this day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid pass laws. - India has been ranked 122nd in the world’s happiest countries category. - Furthermore, it is ranked behind its neighbouring countries Pakistan, which is ranked 80th, and China. - The rankings are based on gross domestic product per person, healthy life expectancy with four factors from global surveys. - India’s previous rank was 118th. - Beijing has shut its last large coal-fired power plant to become China’s first city to be powered by only natural gas. - The plant was the fourth to be closed and replaced by gas power in a five-year plan to “make the skies blue again“. - Note : The move comes as the Chinese capital averages 10 times pollution levels than recommended WHO standards. - UK PM Theresa May will trigger the two-year process of leaving the European Union on 29th March 2017, UK ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow formally notified the EU President Donald Tusk today. - Note : Britain will exit EU on 29th March 2019. National Current Affairs Most important National Current Affairs of 21st March 2017 are provided below: - Plagued with complaints, Indian Railways has announced that it is going to provide fresh food cooked at base kitchens in trains after every two hours to the passengers. - Railways, which provide about 11 lakh meals to passengers every day, has separated cooking and distribution of food under the recently launched new catering policy. - Minister of State for Water Resources Vijay Goel today apprised the Parliament that water in Ganga is unfit for bathing in parts of Haridwar. - Haridwar is the holiest Hindu site where pilgrims go to wash away their sins in Ganga and scatter the ashes of their loved ones. - PM Modi has allotted ₹20,000 crore for Namami Gange Programme. - Important Points to Note : - The Uttarakhand High Court today recognised river Ganga as the first living entity of India. - Following the order, India’s longest river will now enjoy all rights provided by the Constitution of India as a living person. - Note : This makes Ganga the world’s second river after New Zealand’s Whanganui River to be given such a status. The New Appointments list as on this day are as follows: - International Cricket Council has appointed Air Asia’s former Chief Financial Officer Ankur Khanna as its new CFO. - Khanna will join the ICC in Dubai at the end of March leaving Air Asia India where he has held the post for the last one year. - Snapdeal investor SoftBank has appointed e-commerce veteran Kabir Misra to the board of Snapdeal. - He has been closely involved in managing SoftBank’s investment in Alibaba in China. - His appointment comes amid reports of Snapdeal looking to raise funds from SoftBank at a lower valuation. Awards & Honors - UN Under-Secretary-General Rima Khalaf was awarded the highest Palestinian honour over her report accusing Israel of imposing an apartheid on Palestinians. - Maggie MacDonnell, a Canadian who teaches Inuit students at a school in Salluit, Quebec, has won a $1 million (over ₹6.5 crore) Global Teacher Prize at a ceremony in Dubai. - MacDonnell, who has been teaching for the past six years in the village with high suicide rates, was praised for changing the lives of her students and transforming her community. Business & Economic Affairs - State Bank of India (SBI), which is going to merge with its five associate banks, has decided to shut down 47% of these banks’ offices, including the head offices of three of them. - This process will start from April 24. Notably, the five associate banks will cease to exist as legal entities and become a part of SBI from April 1. - According to Forbes 2017 World’s Billionaires List, Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates is the world’s richest person with a fortune of $86 billion. - Top 10 in the List : - Bill Gates (Microsoft co-founder): $86bn - Warren Buffett (US investor): $75.6bn - Jeff Bezos (Amazon founder): $72.8bn - Amancio Ortega (Inditex founder): $71.3bn - Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook founder): $56bn - Carlos Slim (Mexican magnate): $54.5bn - Larry Ellison (Oracle co-founder): $52.2bn - Charles Koch (US businessman): $48.3bn - David Koch (US businessman): $48.3bn - Michael Bloomberg (Bloomberg founder): $47.5bns - 94-year-old L’Oréal heiress Liliane Bettencourt has been named the world’s richest woman for the second year with a net worth of $39.5 billion. - 20-year-old Alexandra Andresen from Norway is the world’s youngest billionaire with a net worth of $1.2 billion. - Top 10 in the List : - India has been ranked 4th in terms of nations with most number of billionaires at 101. - This marks the first time that India has had more than 100 billionaires. - The US continues to have most number of billionaires than any other nation, with a record 565, followed by China with 319. - Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani has retained the spot of India’s richest person, with a net worth of $23.2 billion,. - The world’s oldest billionaire, David Rockefeller Sr (101), died today. - Rockefeller, who controlled Chase Manhattan bank (now JPMorgan Chase) for more than a decade, had an estimated net worth of $3.3 billion. - Note : He was the grandson of Standard Oil Co-founder John D Rockefeller, America’s first billionaire. Sports Current Affairs All Sports updates as on 21st March 2017 are as follows: - Tamil Nadu has won the Vijay Hazare Trophy after beating Bengal by 37 runs in the final of the 2017 edition today. - With the win, Tamil Nadu has become the only team to win the tournament five times (one of them was shared with Uttar Pradesh in 2004-05). - Dinesh Karthik was adjudged Man of the Match for his century. - Shooter Abhinav Bindra and wrestler Sushil Kumar are among the 14 Olympians appointed by Sports Minister Vijay Goel to oversee 2020 Olympics preparations in their respective disciplines. - Five-time world boxing champion and 2012 London Games bronze medalist MC Mary Kom will oversee boxing along with Akhil Kumar, while PT Usha and Anju Bobby George will observe track and field.
Your browser is not able to view Flash content. Since the resource listed below uses Flash, you will likely have a less than optimal experience if you choose to view that site on this computer or mobile device. Grades2 to 12 1 Favorites 0 Comments Create a graph simply and easily. Choose a graph type from a variety of choices such as Pie, Bar, Line, or Area. Also choose 2D or 3D as a dimension ...more Create a graph simply and easily. Choose a graph type from a variety of choices such as Pie, Bar, Line, or Area. Also choose 2D or 3D as a dimension and add labels, legends, or gridlines. Enter text for the titles as well as the X and Y axes. Create your graph and view the image. Copy the URL for the graph and paste into a blog, wiki, or website to share. Right click on the graph image to save to your computer (use control click in a Mac.) tag(s): data (156) In the ClassroomCreate data in your classroom and quickly create a graph to represent it. Share through links or adding images to blogs, wikis, or websites. Graphs can also be shared on an interactive whiteboard or projector for better analysis of data by the class. Graph results of a test, answers from students, favorite foods, fictitious budgets, class schedules, and whatever else is applicable in your classroom. Have cooperative learning groups create their own graphs to share with the class. Use this tool to create quick pie chart or bar graph on your interactive whiteboard whenever you count class votes or encounter other data so students "see" data on a regular basis and visual students have another way to absorb the information. Keep the link handy on your web page to access it quickly in or out of class. This resource requires Adobe Flash.
Couple of weeks back, some of my colleagues had approached me to get some basic understanding on HIPAA. As part of our regular knowledge sharing session at Gorisco, I had given a presentation on this recently. I realized that probably it would be a good idea and helpful to others if I can write a short blog on this based on my 17 years of experience in Healthcare RCM. So, here it is… HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act If you are involved with the US – Healthcare industry it is pertinent to clearly understand the basics of HIPAA. What is HIPAA compliance? The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (1996) is an evolving law which governs how PII in PHI is processed. Any organization which has contact with PHI would need to implement processes which protect the privacy, security and integrity of the PHI. OK! What is PHI? Some of the acronyms frequently used under HIPAA are: PHI : Protected Health Information PII : Personally Identifiable Information OCR : Office of Civil Rights OIG : Office of Inspector General HHS : Department of Health and Human Services BAA : Business Associate Agreement HIPAA was enacted to establish the “meaningful use” and disclosure of PHI. HHS regulates the compliance while OIG and OCR enforce the compliance. PHI contains both PII and the respective health information. Why is HIPAA important? The bottom line is that HIPAA is a LAW and therefore has to be followed. What does HIPAA aim to achieve? Ensure privacy and confidentiality Ensures that patients have access to their accurate healthcare data Ensures Data security HIPAA provides organizations handling PHI a framework that safeguards who has access to PHI and why is the access required and to whom the access is provided to. Any organization dealing with PHI should have sufficient measures to ensure Physical, Network, Environmental, People and Process security in place to be compliant. HIPAA is there to protect individuals and to ensure everyone has full access to a copy of their personal medical records. It is ultimately a civil rights issue. It mandates data protection for anyone who creates, stores, transmits or uses individually identifiable health information. Staff must be trained and frequently assessed. Failsafe on systems to be put in place. Common HIPAA violations Discussing PHI outside designated area. Sending PHI to incorrect party Business Associate breach Hack attack and or Virus attack Lost, stolen or compromised media devices Social media updates How to comply? Processes that businesses should be following the 5 rules: Unique identifiers rule These 5 rules can be enforced by implementing the following: Information Risk assessments Policies, procedures and Employee trainings Supply chain/ Business Associate management Business continuity management Trust me – with my experience, I can tell you that HIPAA implementation is NOT a one-time implementation exercise. The processes would need to be constantly reviewed. HIPAA is stringent. Having said that, it is also very flexible that it can be implemented accordingly based on the size and nature of the entity. (Yeah! Context of the Organization). It is important to note that HIPAA cloud implementation will be different from a hospital implementation. HIPAA’s recommendations can seem pretty thorough; however, in today’s threat landscape it has the firepower to enable us to protect sensitive data. Cost of non-compliance is pretty steep! Trust me, it is very cost effective to be compliant on HIPAA and does total justice to the ROI.
From a UNL News Blog Post: Mark Twain once said that all ideas are second hand, consciously and unconsciously drawn from a million outside sources. Oscar Wilde put it more bluntly when he said that talents imitate, but geniuses steal. Matthew Jockers has assembled a way to quantify the spirit of those sayings, particularly when it comes to certain authors and the impressions they left on other writers. And in doing so, he’s opened a new door for literary theorists to study classic literature. Jockers, an assistant professor of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, combines programming with text-mining to compare 18th– and 19th century authors’ works with one another based on their stylistic and thematic connections. The process, which he calls macroanalysis, crunches massive amounts of text to discern systematically how books are connected to one another – from each work’s word frequency and word choice to its overarching subject matter. Using macroanalysis, Jockers processed digital versions of nearly 3,500 books from the late 1700s through 1900 – everything from giants like Jane Austen and Herman Melville to lesser-known writers such as Scottish novelist Margaret Oliphant. The process affixed each book with its own unique “signal,” allowing it to be plotted graphically near other books that it was closely related to, but farther away from books exhibiting more dissimilar styles and themes. The result was a stunning graphical distribution [see the complete blog post] that displays connections, insights and trends both obvious and perhaps not so obvious about the period’s literary world. The systematic method found that, unsurprisingly, the books of Austen and Sir Walter Scott were highly original and influential; and that Melville’s “Moby Dick” was an outlier from much of the literary network of the period while still being related to several works by James Fenimore Cooper. “The canonical greats are not necessarily outliers, often they’re similar to the many orphans of literary history that have long been forgotten in a continuum of stylistic and thematic change,” he said. “Macroanalysis provides one method for studying the orphans and the classics side by side – a way of sifting through the haystack of literary history, of isolating and then studying the canonical greats within the larger population of less familiar titles.”
Investing can be difficult, especially for new investors. This is due to the sheer number of terms and investment styles out there. It also has a lot to do with not understanding the process that occurs behind the scenes when investing strategies are analyzed. The three keys to investing are risk, reward, and diversification. Knowing these three things will help you make sounder investment decisions in order to maximize your long-term wealth holdings. The concept of risk is linked to the term investment risk. There are many aspects associated with the word risk. Some people are more comfortable with taking risks than others. The biggest factor in determining how comfortable an investor is with risks is their own personal internal degree of comfort. An investor may have a high degree of risk tolerance and still be uncomfortable taking on certain investment risks. Investors need to be comfortable with the risks they are taking. If you are not comfortable with an investment, it is better to wait than to make the investment and then be later regretful of it. If you lose money, that is a risk factor as well. Risk is not just associated with losing money. It is also associated with losing time and effort that accompanies every investment decision made. Also, risk can occur if an investment is not diversified and exposes you to too much market risk. The concept of reward refers to how much money can profit from an investment. When there is a loss in stock, it can affect the investor’s money for a long time. A majority of investors will be affected by losing money from their cash and investments for a long time. If this investment has been made, it is best to think positively about it, even if it is not making money. If you can maintain your positive attitude, you will still have something to show for your efforts in the future. In addition, if you commit to better investment habits and learn something from experience, it can help improve your skills as an investor. This experience can help you in the future when you take on different riskier types of investments. The concept of diversification is linked to the terms investment risk, compensation, and investment return. Diversification is one of the most valuable aspects of investing. Some investors will make an investment in a single company. They do this even when they have already invested in one or two others. This is not always a good idea because it can lead to overexposure in the market and cause further financial losses in the future. Diversification is a key factor in avoiding losses. For example, there is no guarantee that your investments will go up consistently over time. If you make all of your investments in one sector, you are taking more risk than someone who diversifies their assets and does not rely on just one investment opportunity. As an investor, it is important to fully understand the risks and rewards associated with each investment so you can make all of your decisions with the right information. The more knowledge an investor has, the more safe and confident they will feel when making decisions. If you want to be a successful investor, you need to understand risk, rewards, and diversification. These three concepts can help you make sounder investment decisions in order to maximize your long-term wealth holdings. It is important to understand that you may need to take a loss at some point if you are going to be successful in the future. The more risk you take, the higher your reward potential will be.
Light spiraling at the edge of a supermassive black hole could help matter escape consumption by this cosmic giant. the Giant black hole The mass of M87 – also known as M87* – is equivalent to about 6.5 billion suns. It particularly came to public attention in 2019 when an image of M87* was captured by a camera Event horizon telescope (EHT), it was our first glimpse of the surroundings of Black hole humanity has ever acquired. Now, the EHT group, which was behind this historic image, has modeled the way the electric fields of light orbit the supermassive black hole, which lies about 54 million away. Light year away from Land. This polarized light, whose waves vibrate on one plane, carries information about the magnetic field and particles that are accelerating to speeds close to the speed of light around the black hole. Scientists now suggest that these magnetic fields may deprive the giant black hole M87 of its meal, and instead release this material into… space Like parallel (or parallel) jets that explode at approximately a high level The speed of light. Light constantly orbiting around M87* is also known as circular polarization. Related: A study has found that the first black hole ever photographed by humanity is rotating “Circular polarization is the last signal we looked for in the first EHT observations of the M87 black hole, and (the polarization) was the most difficult to analyze,” says Andrew Chell, co-author of the study and project coordinator at Princeton University. He said in a statement. “These new results give us confidence that our picture of a strong magnetic field permeating the hot gas surrounding the black hole is correct,” added Chail, a research associate at the Princeton Gravity Initiative – which brings together the university’s research. AstrophysicsDepartments of Mathematics and Physics for research on nature gravity. “These unprecedented EHT observations allow us to answer long-standing questions about how black holes consume matter and launch jets outside their host galaxies,” he added. Two years after publishing the image of the supermassive black hole in M87, in 2021, the EHT Collaboration released Amazing second look. The latest image showed, for the first time, polarized light around a black hole. (Polarized light has a different direction and brightness than unpolarized light.) The 2021 data also revealed the direction of the oscillating (vibrating) electric fields, providing the first hint that the magnetic fields around M87* are strong and ordered. Next, the researchers took a closer look using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) located in northern Chile, which provided calibration by acting as a reference antenna for the EHT. ALMA is an array of 66 antennas located in the Chilean desert that can penetrate dusty cosmic environments, such as black holes, to search for longer wavelengths of light. ALMA is part of EHT’s network of radio telescopes around the world, which come together to create a virtual Earth-sized instrument. (This technique is also known as very long baseline interferometry, or VLBI.) New analysis of ALMA data, collected in 2017, shows how electric fields twist light in a linear direction, once again providing evidence of the strong magnetic fields that could be seen in 2021. Using computer simulations, EHT scientists suggest these strong magnetic fields. Magnetic fields push back material falling toward M87. Magnetic fields also shoot jets of matter away from M87 at speeds close to the speed of light before the matter passes through the black hole. Event horizon– the point at which nothing, not even light, can escape from a black hole – and adds to black holes’ already enormous mass. (This means that the EHT cannot image the black holes themselves, because they do not emit any light, but the surroundings of each black hole glow in detectable radiation.) “The researchers continue to analyze the data in search of stronger evidence of linear polarization, which they say their work could still leave room for improvement,” said Hugo Messias, a co-author of the study who leads the VLBI team at ALMA, in the same statement. “This circularly polarized light that has now been detected is very faint, but in recent years, the EHT has been observing with more stations and improved sensitivity – meaning continued analysis is likely to provide us with new tips about the secrets surrounding M87*.” The EHT Collaboration is collectively credited as first author on the EHT’s new findings, which are detailed in a paper published on Wednesday (November 8) in Astrophysical Journal.
Today in history: Nov. 26 Updated 5:14 pm, Friday, November 23, 2012 1789: Nov. 26 was a day of thanksgiving set aside by President George Washington to observe the adoption of the Constitution of the United States. 1842: The founders of the University of Notre Dame arrived at the school's present-day site near South Bend, Ind. 1933: A judge in New York decided the James Joyce book "Ulysses" was not obscene and could be published in the U.S. 1941: A Japanese naval task force consisting of six aircraft carriers left the Kuril Islands, headed toward Hawaii. 1942: President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered nationwide gas rationing, beginning Dec. 1. 1965: France launched its first satellite, sending a 92-pound capsule into orbit. 1992: The British government announced that Queen Elizabeth II had volunteered to start paying taxes on her personal income, and would take her children off the public payroll.
GET HELP WITH YOUR ESSAY If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional Essay Writing Service is here to help! DISCOUNT CODE FIRST25 Poetry Essay Exam Prompt Choose ONE of the options below and discuss how it is explored in all 3 poems, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes, “Because I Could not Stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson, and from “Song of Myself,” sections 1 and 6 by Walt Whitman. Be sure to put Option A , B or C at the top of your essay, so your professor will know which prompt you have chosen to write about. Choose ONE of the following themes to write your essay on: A) the relationship between the past and the present in all 3 poems B) the relationship between humans and nature in all 3 poems C) the journey taken by the speakers of all 3 poems. In your essay, make sure to: 1. Refer to at least two poetic elements from the list below and discuss how Hughes, Dickinson and Whitman use them in their respective poems. What point(s) do the elements you chose to discuss make? 2. Discuss and analyze each poem in terms of content and form 3. Show how the option you chose below sheds light on the meaning of all 3 poems. 4. When quoting from a poem, put one forward slash to indicate where the line ends in the poem /, and two forward slashes to indicate when a stanza ends // in the poem. Put a space on both sides of the single slash. 5. Citation! Cite the author’s last name in parenthesis every time you quote from a poem! Remember you are being asked to discuss the poems in terms of ONE of the above options! Write your essay directly in the Write Submission box, do not attach it as a Word document. This essay is a 75 minute essay, the length of one class, but I am providing 90 minutes here –the extra 15 minutes to digest the instructions and collect your thoughts and review when finished. Some Common Elements of Poetry metaphors, direct and implied similes, direct and implied line or stanza structure (verse or free verse) Assonance (the repetition of the sound of a vowel to produce an effect) Alliteration (the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of a line) DISCOUNT CODE FIRST25
An upper respiratory infection affects the upper respiratory system, including the sinuses and throat. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include a runny nose, sore throat, and cough. Upper respiratory infections are frequently treated with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Infections typically resolve on their own. The respiratory tract starts from the nose, and goes through the windpipe to end in the air sacs of the lungs. This provides a route for the delivering oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide from the blood. The whole tract is lined with mucus-producing cells and hair in the nose, to protect from the inhaled organisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi) that may cause diseases. Any infections of the nose, throat and voice box in the windpipe are called upper respiratory tract infections (URTI); these infections mostly include the common viral infections and allergies, such as cold, flu, rhinitis, and hay fever. Infections below the voice box or larynx are referred to as lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) and include bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. These can be bacterial and are more serious than URTIs. Infections are usually caught when we inhale the bacteria or virus, spread by an infected person’s sneeze or cough. Additionally, touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face or mouth with the same hand can also cause illnesses. A runny or dry nose, cough, bodyaches, and fever usually accompany milder infections. Moderate to severe infections and LRTI tend to have cough with colored sputum, chest pains, fever, body aches, shortness of breath, whistling sounds from the chest, and bluish coloration of skin and lips. Doctors diagnose infections based on symptoms and clinical examinations. They may require investigations like x-rays, sputum samples, and blood tests to assess the severity of the infection and the progress of the disease. A bacterial infection in any part of the tract requires antibiotics for treatment, while a fungal infection, yet rare, needs antifungal medicine for management. Viral infections are usually fought off by the body’s immune system unless the patient has a weak or compromised immune system, where antivirals are used (see below). Some remedies benefit the body in fighting against the infections, alongside the medical treatment: - Acetaminophen or ibuprofen help reduce fever and body aches - Decongestants and expectorants soften the mucus in the chest, making it easier to cough up - Lots of fluids and water, such as honey, lemon, and ginger teas help prevent dehydration and break down mucus plugs - Saltwater gargles, warm water, and liquids like coffee, soups, and broths, soothe the throat and provide comfort to the body - Rest is important; it allows the body to heal and fight better - Humidifiers, steam inhalations, and warm baths also help loosen mucus and relax the body - Stop smoking - Avoid cough suppressants - Warm compresses to the forehead help relieve sinus symptoms - Deep breathing and straw blowing exercises help in the recovery phase - Some natural healers and immunity boosters include garlic, raw honey, cayenne pepper, tea tree oil, turmeric, and ginger. People with compromised immunity can have severe infections; such as cancer or transplant patients, smokers, those with respiratory or chronic illnesses, old age, pregnant females, and children, especially less than 2 years of age. Severe infections require hospital admission, intravenous medications, and respiratory therapy. Signs of the severity of the disease include difficulty in breathing, blood-containing sputum, confusion, neck stiffness, chest pain, seizures, and unstopping vomiting. Is an upper respiratory infection contagious? Most upper respiratory infections are caused by self-limited viral infections. Occasionally, bacterial infections can cause upper respiratory infections. Upper respiratory infection is most commonly contagious and can spread from person to person by inhaling respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Transmission of respiratory infections can also occur by touching the nose or mouth by hand or by other objects exposed to the virus. Prevention of Respiratory infections: Maintain good hygiene, especially hand hygiene, and cover face when sneezing and coughing. Other beneficial efforts include a well-balanced diet, regular sleep, and no smoking. To lower the risk of serious infections, vaccines are available for people at risk of severe infections. Pulmonary infection may be mild as a cold or flu or possibly severe as pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Mostly, the immune system tackles the infection effectively, yet sometimes, added medications are required. And it is recommended to seek medical care to avoid worsening of the condition.
Hey Teacher Friends! If you’re like me, you can get lost for hours and days (send help!) scrolling for great ideas to teach science. Of course, I am always searching for ideas that are standards-based, on-trend, cross-curricular, engaging hands-on. But, I really want those things to be meaningful. Meaningful to my kids, meaningful to the standards, meaningful enough to spark a life long love for learning and science. Lofty goals, I know. BUT, I have managed to put together and create a full year of engaging and meaningful science for both 5th and 4th grade science. I am in the middle of completing a year for 2nd grade science, and 3rd is next! Here is where your help is coming! I will be working to add posts here to my website to cover each standard for each grade level. Yes, that is a monster task. But, I am going to do my best to get this up and going for you. This is something I have been hoping to do for a while, and I am making it my big goal for 2020. Each post will contain: - The standard(s) for both NGSS and TEKS for the grade level - Guiding questions and I can statements - Lesson Plan - Descriptions and pictures of meaningful and engaging activities for each part of the lesson. - Teacher info or guide to talk about common misconceptions, big picture science concepts, and extra tips or ideas for the standard. My goal is to help you gain the free time – me time – family time – weekend relax time – that you sooooooo deserve. To get you started, let’s look at my lesson plan format. I wanted to design a guide that fit classroom needs a little better (in my opinion) than the common 5E plan. It works for planning out your lesson as a whole, then we will look at my weekly and bi-weekly plan for laying out the activities. Here is a look at a 2nd grade lesson on energy with a sample layout for a week. You can grab my lesson planning format here for FREE. Now that you have your planning tools ready to go, watch for the content posts – Coming Soon! You can follow my blog (on the right side of the screen) to get email updates each time a post is published. That is the only types of emails that sign-up sends out, so you won’t be bombarded with anything else.
The Sardona Unesco World Heritage information board sheds light on this geological phenomenon: 250 million-year-old verrucano rock muscled its way through 35 to 50 million year-old Flysch to form the Alps. From Chur by bus to Flims, chairlift to Foppa and on to Alp Naraus, then on foot via hiking trails to the Cassons. View: Over the Ringelspitz, Piz Segnas and Tschingelhörner including the Martinsloch (from the highland path), Surselva and Lumnezia, into Domleschg and as far as Bernina on a clear day Attractions: Cassons – Tschingelhörner – Alp Nagens highland trail, Romansh trail from Foppa (chairlift) to Scheia and Fidaz Overnight stays: No Winter: Winter sports region LAAX (Destination Flims Laax Falera) Special comments: Historic Pinut via ferrata to the Cassonsgrat (1907 and 2007 entirely renewed)
- 1 How many instruments were in a classical orchestra? - 2 What instruments does an orchestra consist of? - 3 What is a true classical orchestra? - 4 Why is there no piano in an orchestra? - 5 What is the most important instrument in an orchestra? - 6 What’s the difference between a symphony and an orchestra? - 7 Which was the most important section in the classical orchestra? - 8 What does the Classical orchestra look like? - 9 What is the most important instrument in classical period? - 10 What is the role of the piano in an orchestra? - 11 What does piano mean in orchestra? - 12 Where does the piano go in an orchestra? How many instruments were in a classical orchestra? A modern full-scale symphony orchestra consists of approximately one hundred permanent musicians, most often distributed as follows: 16–18 1st violins, 16 2nd violins, 12 violas, 12 cellos, 8 double basses, 4 flutes (one with piccolo as a specialty), 4 oboes (one with English horn as a specialty), 4 clarinets (one with What instruments does an orchestra consist of? A Symphony Orchestra is defined as a large ensemble composed of wind, string, brass and percussion instruments and organized to perform classical music. Wind instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoons. String instruments include harp, violin, viola, cello, and double bass. What is a true classical orchestra? An orchestra (/ˈɔːrkɪstrə/; Italian: [orˈkɛstra]) is a large instrumental ensemble typical of classical music, which combines instruments from different families, including. bowed string instruments such as the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. woodwinds such as the flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon. Why is there no piano in an orchestra? The truth is that the piano, in its role of a domestic instrument so enticingly capable of chordal and contrapuntal and melodic effects, is not a suitable companion for the orchestra at all. What is the most important instrument in an orchestra? Violins are well-suited to playing melody, making them one of the most important instruments in the orchestra. Firstly, they are the highest string instrument, so their bright tone rises above the rest of the string section. Secondly, they are played with a bow, unlike woodwind or brass instrument which rely on air. What’s the difference between a symphony and an orchestra? A symphony is a large-scale musical composition, usually with three or four movements. An orchestra is a group of musicians with a variety of instruments, which usually includes the violin family. Which was the most important section in the classical orchestra? Sections of an Orchestra The string section is the most important part of a symphony orchestra. It has more than half of the musicians and consists of violins, violas, cellos and string basses. What does the Classical orchestra look like? The orchestra became standardized. The Classical orchestra came to consist of strings (first and second violins, violas, violoncellos, and double basses), two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two or four horns, two trumpets, and two timpani. What is the most important instrument in classical period? The most popular solo instrument of the Classical Period was the piano, and the violin was also common. Solo recitals were rare in concert halls, but solo or chamber music performances were often held in the home or among friends. What is the role of the piano in an orchestra? Within the orchestra the piano usually supports the harmony, but it has another role as a solo instrument (an instrument that plays by itself), playing both melody and harmony. What does piano mean in orchestra? The Italian musical terms piano and forte indicate ” soft” and “loud” respectively, in this context referring to the variations in volume (i.e., loudness) produced in response to a pianist’s touch or pressure on the keys: the greater the velocity of a key press, the greater the force of the hammer hitting the strings, Where does the piano go in an orchestra? So, the piano also falls into the realm of percussion instruments. As a result, today the piano is generally considered to be both a stringed and a percussion instrument.
Wes Jackson has the next agricultural revolution all planned out. He’s even drawn up the budget and the 50-year Farm Bill needed to do it. In his vision, future farms will mimic the way nature grows food and let the ecosystem – rather than fossil fuels – do most of the work. They will follow the economics of a prairie as opposed to industrial agriculture. The visions starts with replacing the current system of annual plowing, fertilizing, and grain planting with a more permanent set of crops that will regenerate on their own, rebuild the soil and even sequester carbon from the atmosphere. I first discovered Jackson in a book called “Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature.” His Kansas-based nonprofit, The Land Institute, is building a harvestable, perennial prairie as a model of how to grow food without plowing, without adding nitrogen fertilizer to the soil, and without water-polluting erosion. Jackson was in Corvallis on Thursday delivering a Food for Thought lecture at Oregon State University. I decided I couldn’t pass it up. Somewhere in the transition from our hunter-gatherer lifestyle and our agricultural societies, he explained in his lecture, human beings shifted their food source from diverse perennial plants that live year-round to annual monoculture crops that have to be replanted year after year. Annual plowing leaves topsoil vulnerable to erosion and allows critical nitrogen and carbon nutrients to leak out. The Land Institute has cross bred annual wheat with perennial plants to produce a crop that will regenerate and continually produce grain without plowing. With some more research, Jackson said, the whole world could see a similar merging of ecology, evolutionary biology and agriculture that would allow farmers to grow wheat, rice, corn and sorghum in a new and sustainable way. “We have a chance, for the first time in history, to have a conceptual revolution in agriculture,” he said. Agriculture has seen dramatic gains in productivity over the past century, he said. But there’s a dirty secret no one wants to recognize, and that makes the system unsustainable. “The scaffolding standing behind all these efficiencies is unacknowledged fossil fuel dependency,” said Jackson. One example, of many he noted, is how much natural gas is required to turn atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia for fertilizer that will return lost nitrogen to the soil. The average farmer has to borrow money to buy all the inputs needed to keep farming year after year. And yet, the soil will continue to lose nutrients if farming continues as it is today. “It’s a Sisyphean effort,” Jackson said. Jackson said 99 percent of all the oil that has ever been burned has been burned over the course of his 75-year lifetime. “The farm I was born on had horses,” he said. “I remember when we got the tractor.” The Land Institute’s 160 acres utilizes solar photovoltaics, biodiesel and draft animals – in addition to the diverse plant mix that work together to reduce pests and disease, add nutrients to the soil and produce crops. Perennial food farming, also known as permaculture, could not only reduce fossil fuel inputs in agriculture, but could actually sequester 20 years worth of carbon in the atmosphere by his calculations. He estimates launching his envisioned farming revolution would cost $1.64 billion over the course of 30 years – actually just a fraction of the $6 billion the U.S. is spending on subsidies for corn-based ethanol this year. His sketch of a 50-year Farm Bill (a stark contrast from the usual five-year bills) would entail ratcheting up subsidies for perennial crop plantings gradually over 50 years to shift the agricultural mix from what is now around 20 percent perennial plants to 80 percent.
The term ‘leader’ is believed to have originated from the old English word ‘læden’, which means to guide. Leadership and leading are ongoing processes. Becoming a leader doesn’t mean one won’t be evaluated, checked or held accountable anymore. If anything, leaders come under a microscopic lens and to some extent have to prove themselves worthy of the position they have been promoted to. Leaders must hold themselves to a higher standard and organisations/companies should also create ways through which leadership capabilities are measured. Measuring leadership capabilities matters in every area of our life, be it in school when students are given specific positions of responsibility. For example- prefects, house captains, sports captains, debate team captains etcetera. They have to prove themselves worthy and then are granted the leadership role. They’re evaluated by teachers, students, and team members throughout their tenure and if they aren’t up to the mark, they’re replaced. In the corporate world, however, it is slightly difficult for organisations/companies to simply replace or remove a leader. It not only shows an increase in staff turnover, but it also reduces morale and weighs heavily on a particular business. Therefore, companies no matter how big or small cannot afford to lose out on leaders. Instead, it must keep certain measures in place. To succeed and grow in the competitive business world, there is a clear-cut need for the assessment of leaders and leadership qualities. What is Leadership Measurement? It is a comprehensive procedure to identify and evaluate a leader’s abilities as they are involved in influencing, leading, directing and motivating their teammates. It is required as leadership skills ‘oil the wheels of a company’s growth and success. The better a company knows its leaders, strengths and weaknesses, the more time and money can be invested in helping it perform better and thus helping everyone perform well. It matters as it helps in Identifying and Creating Effective Leaders To find leaders companies must already have a list of what they’re looking for a leader. Making a list of basic skills like- the ability to work under pressure, conflict resolution skills, unbiased attitude/behaviour and other specialisations can help companies find and create an effective leader. The program will also help in working on the weaknesses of potential leaders and once leaders have been equipped with the important tools, they can take up specific projects and see them through. Planning for the Future We continue to live in uncertain times and we make plans for the future in every area of our lives. Companies must do the same. Under fortunate circumstances, a leadership position opens up when they reach the age of retirement. In such cases, companies have time to prepare for the future, invest in a junior employee, and equip them to succeed someone else. But with all that is happening around us, companies must not wait for a leader’s retirement age to come close. It not only wastes time but also shows the company’s casual and laid-back attitude. Keeping a leadership measure in place matters here as it will ensure smooth easy transitioning and smooth sailing of the company. Setting a Standard Ensuring that a leader’s or all leaders’ capabilities are regularly measured sends a message. Everyone loves positive feedback, we love to hear praises for the work that we do. It primarily makes us feel good and encourages us to do better. Keeping certain measures in place leads to the creation of a cycle, employees know that they are being assessed and measured which urges them to do better and when they perform well they are rewarded in different ways. It could be in the form of positive feedback, a trophy, a raise or a promotion. Therefore, leadership measurement helps ensure that all employees perform well. Implementing a Positive Work Environment I would like to start this point with an example. Companies like Great Manager Institute ® and Great Place to Work ® give importance to their work environment. Having a healthy, positive work culture is at the core of their being. They keep up this environment by assessing their leader’s capabilities to follow the company’s principles. A leader’s ability to implement positivity is a part of their Leadership Measurement Program. It allows them to check whether or not their leaders are adhering to the same. Anticipating and Eliminating Risks It makes an organisation’s priorities crystal clear. If you’re trying to create a culture of accountability, adding it to the company roster is a great way to start. Showcasing it as something that your organisation values are the best way to show employees that you’re serious about it. If you consider accountability a core value, it’s easier to hold your employees to it. Your expectations from them will be clear from their first day and vice versa. For example, when it comes time to conduct a performance review with a direct report, you can discuss if they’re living out the company’s core values. If they’re not acting accountable, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to encourage change. Leading By Example If you’re trying to create a culture of accountability, adding it to the company roster is a great way to start. Showcasing it as something that your organisation values is the best way to show employees that you’re serious about it. If you consider accountability a core value, it’s easier to hold your employees to it. Your expectations from them will be clear from their first day and vice versa. For example, when it comes time to conduct a performance review with a direct report, you can discuss if they’re living out the company’s core values. If they’re not acting accountable, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to encourage change. Let Accountability Trickle Down Everyone isn’t equipped to be a project manager or leader. However, every employee should have a sense of accountability and responsibility towards their roles. To be responsible and accountable, employees need to have their own individual goals and performance metrics. For example, you and your team have begun a new project and one of the team members isn’t ready to lead a whole campaign, but they can be responsible for certain tasks related to the bigger project. You can help them by setting goals like, “write four emails with a 20% open rate.” This goal contributes to the overall campaign, but they can have total ownership over the results. They can write the emails, build them in the email software, and hit send. If the emails don’t perform, the marketing coordinator can then take full responsibility for the problem or error and try again. Encourage and Celebrate Employees. The measurement of leadership capabilities matters in this area the most. Finding potential leaders is not and should not be the sole concern of a company. Assessing and eliminating risks if need be should also be a priority. Ineffective leaders, or leaders who don’t suit your brand can cause major damage. Not identifying them or not measuring leaders can lead to poor decision-making, poor performances, losses, negativity and decreased productivity to name a few consequences. The above-mentioned points are a few reasons why measuring leaders and their performance matters and are important. There are various other reasons for capabilities to be measured. It is important for all of us as we cannot stay in one place, in one stage in one step of our lives. Individually, we all must assess and measure our capabilities. We must not be disappointed by our negative results (if any) but must see them as an opportunity to work on ourselves and move forward. Companies must encourage assessments and measurement of the capabilities and performances of all employees as it is the only way to move forward and succeed.
Friday, May 17, 2013 In the journey of the soul itself the way out is the way in. It is a movement beyond the known boundaries of faith and convention, the search for what matters, the path of destiny, the route of individuality, the road of original experience, a paradigm for the forging of consciousness itself: in short the hero's journey. Joseph Campbell The Hero's Journey Over one hundred years ago, on March 26th in 1904, Joseph John Campbell was born in White Plains, NY. Joe, as he came to be known, was the first child of a middle-class, Roman Catholic couple, Charles and Josephine Campbell. Joe's earliest years were largely unremarkable; but then, when he was seven years old, his father took him and his younger brother, Charlie, to see Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. The evening was a high-point in Joe's life; for, although the cowboys were clearly the show's stars, as Joe would later write, he "became fascinated, seized, obsessed, by the figure of a naked American Indian with his ear to the ground, a bow and arrow in his hand, and a look of special knowledge in his eyes.” It was Arthur Schopenhauer, the philosopher whose writings would later greatly influence Campbell, who observed that …the experiences and illuminations of childhood and early youth become in later life the types, standards and patterns of all subsequent knowledge and experience, or as it were, the categories according to which all later things are classified—not always consciously, however. And so it is that in our childhood years the foundation is laid of our later view of the world, and there with as well of its superficiality or depth: it will be in later years unfolded and fulfilled, not essentially changed. And so it was with young Joseph Campbell. Even as he actively practiced (until well into his twenties) the faith of his forbears, he became consumed with Native American culture; and his worldview was arguably shaped by the dynamic tension between these two mythological perspectives. On the one hand, he was immersed in the rituals, symbols, and rich traditions of his Irish Catholic heritage; on the other, he was obsessed with primitive (or, as he later preferred, "primal") people's direct experience of what he came to describe as "the continuously created dynamic display of an absolutely transcendent, yet universally immanent, mysterium tremendum et fascinans, which is the ground at once of the whole spectacle and of oneself." (Historical Atlas , I.1, p. 8) By the age of ten, Joe had read every book on American Indians in the children's section of his local library and was admitted to the adult stacks, where he eventually read the entire multi-volume Reports of the Bureau of American Ethnology. He worked on wampum belts, started his own "tribe" (named the "Lenni-Lenape" after the Delaware tribe who had originally inhabited the New York metropolitan area), and frequented the American Museum of Natural History, where he became fascinated with totem poles and masks, thus beginning a lifelong exploration of that museum's vast collection. After spending much of his thirteenth year recuperating from a respiratory illness, Joe briefly attended Iona, a private school in Westchester NY, before his mother enrolled him at Canterbury, a Catholic residential school in New Milford CT. His high school years were rich and rewarding, though marked by a major tragedy: in 1919, the Campbell home was consumed by a fire that killed his grandmother and destroyed all of the family's possessions. Joe graduated from Canterbury in 1921, and the following September, entered Dartmouth College; but he was soon disillusioned with the social scene and disappointed by a lack of academic rigor, so he transferred to Columbia University, where he excelled: while specializing in medieval literature, he played in a jazz band, and became a star runner. In 1924, while on a steamship journey to Europe with his family, Joe met and befriended Jiddu Krishnamurti, the young messiah-elect of the Theosophical Society, thus beginning a friendship that would be renewed intermittently over the next five years. After earning a B.A. from Columbia (1925), and receiving an M.A. (1927) for his work in Arthurian Studies, Joe was awarded a Proudfit Traveling Fellowship to continue his studies at the University of Paris (1927-28). Then, after he had received and rejected an offer to teach at his high school alma mater, his Fellowship was renewed, and he traveled to Germany to resume his studies at the University of Munich (1928-29). It was during this period in Europe that Joe was first exposed to those modernist masters—notably, the sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee, James Joyce and Thomas Mann, Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung—whose art and insights would greatly influence his own work. These encounters would eventually lead him to theorize that all myths are the creative products of the human psyche, that artists are a culture's mythmakers, and that mythologies are creative manifestations of humankind's universal need to explain psychological, social, cosmological, and spiritual realities. When Joe returned from Europe late in August of 1929, he was at a crossroad, unable to decide what to do with his life. With the onset of the Great Depression, he found himself with no hope of obtaining a teaching job; and so he spent most of the next two years reconnecting with his family, reading, renewing old acquaintances, and writing copious entries in his journal. Then, late in 1931, after exploring and rejecting the possibility of a doctoral program or teaching job at Columbia, he decided, like countless young men before and since, to "hit the road," to undertake a cross-country journey in which he hoped to experience "the soul of America" and, in the process, perhaps discover the purpose of his life. In January of 1932, when he was leaving Los Angeles, where he had been studying Russian in order to read War and Peace in the vernacular, he pondered his future in this journal entry: I begin to think that I have a genius for working like an ox over totally irrelevant subjects. … I am filled with an excruciating sense of never having gotten anywhere—but when I sit down and try to discover where it is I want to get, I'm at a loss. … The thought of growing into a professor gives me the creeps. A lifetime to be spent trying to kid myself and my pupils into believing that the thing that we are looking for is in books! I don't know where it is—but I feel just now pretty sure that it isn't in books. — It isn't in travel. — It isn't in California. — It isn't in New York. … Where is it? And what is it, after all? Thus one real result of my Los Angeles stay was the elimination of Anthropology from the running. I suddenly realized that all of my primitive and American Indian excitement might easily be incorporated in a literary career. — I am convinced now that no field but that of English literature would have permitted me the almost unlimited roaming about from this to that which I have been enjoying. A science would buckle me down—and would probably yield no more important fruit than literature may yield me! — If I want to justify my existence, and continue to be obsessed with the notion that I've got to do something for humanity — well, teaching ought to quell that obsession — and if I can ever get around to an intelligent view of matters, intelligent criticism of contemporary values ought to be useful to the world. This gets back again to Krishna's dictum: The best way to help mankind is through the perfection of yourself. His travels next carried him north to San Francisco, then back south to Pacific Grove, where he spent the better part of a year in the company of Carol and John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts. During this time, he wrestled with his writing, discovered the poems of Robinson Jeffers, first read Oswald Spengler's Decline of the West, and wrote to some seventy colleges and universities in an unsuccessful attempt to secure employment. Finally, he was offered a teaching position at the Canterbury School. He returned to the East Coast, where he endured an unhappy year as a Canterbury housemaster, the one bright moment being when he sold his first short story ("Strictly Platonic") to Liberty magazine. Then, in 1933, he moved to a cottage without running water on Maverick Road in Woodstock NY, where he spent a year reading and writing. In 1934, he was offered and accepted a position in the literature department at Sarah Lawrence College, a post he would retain for thirty-eight years. In 1938 he married one of his students, Jean Erdman, who would become a major presence in the emerging field of modern dance, first, as a star dancer in Martha Graham's fledgling troupe, and later, as dancer/choreographer of her own company. Even as he continued his teaching career, Joe's life continued to unfold serendipitously. In 1940, he was introduced to Swami Nikhilananda, who enlisted his help in producing a new translation of The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (published, 1942). Subsequently, Nikhilananda introduced Joe to the Indologist Heinrich Zimmer, who introduced him to a member of the editorial board at the Bollingen Foundation. Bollingen, which had been founded by Paul and Mary Mellon to "develop scholarship and research in the liberal arts and sciences and other fields of cultural endeavor generally," was embarking upon an ambitious publishing project, the Bollingen Series. Joe was invited to contribute an "Introduction and Commentary" to the first Bollingen publication, Where the Two Came to their Father: A Navaho War Ceremonial, text and paintings recorded by Maud Oakes, given by Jeff King (Bollingen Series, I: 1943). When Zimmer died unexpectedly in 1943 at the age of fifty-two, his widow, Christiana, and Mary Mellon asked Joe to oversee the publication of his unfinished works. Joe would eventually edit and complete four volumes from Zimmer's posthumous papers: Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization (Bollingen Series VI: 1946), The King and the Corpse (Bollingen Series XI: 1948), Philosophies of India (Bollingen Series XXVI: 1951), and a two-volume opus, The Art of Indian Asia (Bollingen Series XXXIX: 1955). Joe, meanwhile, followed his initial Bollingen contribution with a "Folkloristic Commentary" to Grimm's Fairy Tales (1944); he also co-authored (with Henry Morton Robinson) A Skeleton Key to Finnegans Wake (1944), the first major study of James Joyce's notoriously complex novel. His first, full-length, solo authorial endeavor, The Hero with a Thousand Faces (Bollingen Series XVII: 1949), was published to acclaim and brought him the first of numerous awards and honors—the National Institute of Arts and Letters Award for Contributions to Creative Literature. In this study of the myth of the hero, Campbell posits the existence of a Monomyth (a word he borrowed from James Joyce), a universal pattern that is the essence of, and common to, heroic tales in every culture. While outlining the basic stages of this mythic cycle, he also explores common variations in the hero's journey, which, he argues, is an operative metaphor, not only for an individual, but for a culture as well. The Hero would prove to have a major influence on generations of creative artists—from the Abstract Expressionists in the 1950s to contemporary film-makers today—and would, in time, come to be acclaimed as a classic. Joe would eventually author dozens of articles and numerous other books, including The Masks of God: Primitive Mythology (Vol. 1: 1959), Oriental Mythology (Vol. 2: 1962), Occidental Mythology (Vol. 3: 1964), and Creative Mythology (Vol. 4: 1968); The Flight of the Wild Gander: Explorations in the Mythological Dimension (1969); Myths to Live By (1972); The Mythic Image (1974); The Inner Reaches of Outer Space: Metaphor as Myth and as Religion (1986); and five books in his four-volume, multi-part, unfinished Historical Atlas of World Mythology (1983-87). He was also a prolific editor. Over the years, he edited The Portable Arabian Nights (1952) and was general editor of the series Man and Myth (1953-1954), which included major works by Maya Deren (Divine Horsemen: the Living Gods of Haiti, 1953), Carl Kerenyi (The Gods of the Greeks, 1954), and Alan Watts (Myth and Ritual in Christianity, 1954). He also edited The Portable Jung (1972), as well as six volumes of Papers from the Eranos Yearbooks (Bollingen Series XXX): Spirit and Nature (1954), The Mysteries (1955), Man and Time (1957), Spiritual Disciplines (1960), Man and Transformation (1964), and The Mystic Vision (1969). But his many publications notwithstanding, it was arguably as a public speaker that Joe had his greatest popular impact. From the time of his first public lecture in 1940—a talk at the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center entitled "Sri Ramakrishna's Message to the West"—it was apparent that he was an erudite but accessible lecturer, a gifted storyteller, and a witty raconteur. In the ensuing years, he was asked more and more often to speak at different venues on various topics. In 1956, he was invited to speak at the State Department's Foreign Service Institute; working without notes, he delivered two straight days of lectures. His talks were so well-received, he was invited back annually for the next seventeen years. In the mid-1950s, he also undertook a series of public lectures at the Cooper Union in New York City; these talks drew an ever-larger, increasingly diverse audience, and soon became a regular event. Joe first lectured at Esalen Institute in 1965. Each year thereafter, he returned to Big Sur to share his latest thoughts, insights, and stories. And as the years passed, he came to look forward more and more to his annual sojourns to the place he called "paradise on the Pacific Coast." Although he retired from teaching at Sarah Lawrence in 1972 to devote himself to his writing, he continued to undertake two month-long lecture tours each year. In 1985, Joe was awarded the National Arts Club Gold Medal of Honor in Literature. At the award ceremony, James Hillman remarked, "No one in our century—not Freud, not Thomas Mann, not Levi-Strauss—has so brought the mythical sense of the world and its eternal figures back into our everyday consciousness." Joseph Campbell died unexpectedly in 1987 after a brief struggle with cancer. In 1988, millions were introduced to his ideas by the broadcast on PBS of Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers, six hours of an electrifying conversation that the two men had videotaped over the course of several years. When he died, Newsweek magazine noted that "Campbell has become one of the rarest of intellectuals in American life: a serious thinker who has been embraced by the popular culture." In his later years, Joe was fond of recalling on how Schopenhauer, in his essay On the Apparent Intention in the Fate of the Individual, wrote of the curious feeling one can have, of there being an author somewhere writing the novel of our lives, in such a way that through events that seem to us to be chance happenings there is actually a plot unfolding of which we have no knowledge. Looking back over Joe's life, one cannot help but feel that it proves the truth Schopenhauer's observation. Lisa Ekanger Your Hometown Realtor! Posted by Lisa Ekanger at 7:54 AM
I'm interested if the brain works better when the temperature is higher than usual and the amount of oxygen in the air is a bit lower than in fresh mountain air. This has been my personal experience. - Anybody can ask a question - Anybody can answer - The best answers are voted up and rise to the top migrated from biology.stackexchange.com Jul 20 '12 at 12:17 This question came from our site for biology researchers, academics, and students. Warmer temperature are shown to raise aggression level (Anderson, et al, 1995). Citing this study, DeWall, 2009 found a similar correlation between words associated with high temperatures and hostile behavior. This could be perceived as a threat to clear thinking. Moss, 1996 shows oxygen administration increases memory. However, intermittent hypoxia on developing children led to adverse effects (both mental and physical), according to Bass, 2004. Though, I must say, you can't really determine the oxygen content indoor vs. outdoors without sensors, even if you raise in elevation and who's to say what competing particulates there are between the two environments? It's known that kinetic motion itself increases neurogenesis, mostly in studies with exercise, like this one. There's been a lot of papers and laymen articles on the subject of exercise and neurogenesis lately. The act of walking or climbing the mountain might contribute a lot to the subjective experience of thinking.
Coping strategies made a difference to young people’s mental well-being during pandemic Written by Gavin on 8th June 2021 A new report, published today (08.06.21) by Public Health Wales, identifies a range of activities and behaviours that helped young people deal with the difficult changes to their lives during the pandemic. Spending time outside, keeping physically active, engaging in creative activities and hobbies, establishing routines, maintaining contact with friends online and being aware of the nature of Coronavirus and how to prevent its spread all helped reduce the negative mental health impacts of the pandemic. Key findings of the publication included: - The pandemic resulted in some positive impacts for some young people (for example, feeling relief from social pressure and bullying, spending more time with families, taking up new hobbies, and having the time to adopt healthier behaviours) - However, evidence overwhelmingly points to a negative impact on all aspects of mental well-being among children and young people, including: o Parents struggling to cope, and feelings of loneliness and isolation because of social distancing were associated with worse outcomes for young people. o Educational disruption, school closures, and lack of access to support at school were responsible for many of the worries and anxieties children and young people have been experiencing Age was found to be one of the clearest determinants of mental well-being. Adolescents and young adults exhibit depression, anxiety, and other adverse outcomes more so than older adults or younger peers - Evidence suggests young women and girls were more severely affected by the pandemic than their male counterparts - Increased calls to helplines indicate a possible rise in children who experienced abuse and violence at home during lockdown, which adversely impacted mental health - Families on lower incomes and young people not in education or employment experienced the adverse impact of the pandemic much more severely Factors that served to mitigate some of the negative implications of the pandemic included spending time outside, establishing routines, and being aware of the nature of the virus and its spread - The improvement in wellbeing measures for all age groups at the end of summer 2020 (when restrictions were eased and schools fully reopened), may suggest that some negative impacts of the pandemic could be short lived. However, further analysis of data from the most recent lockdown period is needed to fully understand the impacts. Nerys Edmonds, Principal Health Impact Assessment Practitioner at Public Health Wales, said: “Although Coronavirus has undoubtedly had far reaching negative impacts on our younger population, it is important for us to learn where these impacts have been the most profound and what has helped so far to mitigate these impacts. “Our young people have shown remarkable resilience and we will be examining what can now be put in place to support their recovery, help them build a happy future, as well as ensuring that mental health and well-being are fully considered in future plans for public health emergencies.” Public Health Wales commissioned Alma Economics to review the research evidence on the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and the associated government measures on the mental well-being of babies, children, and young people. ‘The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental wellbeing of children and young people in Wales: literature review’ was conducted using a series of existing survey data and published research studies, to identify mental health challenges that young people experienced and some of the protective factors that helped to safeguard their mental health and well-being throughout the pandemic This report, along with evidence from talking to young people and teachers in Wales, will help inform a detailed Mental Well-being Impact Assessment (MWIA) Report, that will provide recommendations and is due to be published later this year.
My 10 year old asked me a question the other day, I have never been asked and I did not have the answer. As a 15 year vet in Real Estate and 19 year vet on fire departments, and Dad of 12 years you would think I would know the answer to this question, and I did not! The stumping question was “Why do they call roads in the country Fire Routes?” Here is what my research found. Fire Routes are private roads in municipalities that serve as access to properties. These roads also provide fire and other emergency services access to private property incase of emergency. Under Section 7.1 of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act Chapter 4 authorizes the Council to pass bylaws on these private roads. The designation of the fire route gives fire officials the right to issue orders to the property owners. Orders would typically be no parking of vehicles permitted, shall be maintained free of obstructions like brush clean up for equipment access and to designate all expenses are to the property owner. So in a summary, Fire Routes are private roads that municipalities have some control over through the Fire Protection and Prevention ACT. Fire routes are also laid out by the municipality to be in order and making properties easy to find! Check out the video!
Environmentally friendly blocks and relative method The invention concerns new eco-sustainable materials that enhance the circular economy by recovering waste from the cereal supply chain. The material and the relative production method, both patented, exploit a matrix made up of straw, as waste from the cereal chain, and from bioplastics, that is biodegradable plastic, for the realization of a new eco-sustainable material. The final result consists of a material suitable for use in construction, both with a structural function and with an insulating (thermo-acoustic) function and various types of packaging (tertiary packaging). Unlike other materials with equivalent characteristics, the invention is characterized by a high environmental sustainability, for the recovery of waste from the cereal production chain and for its compostability at the end of its life. - Use in construction with structural function; - Building insulation; - Use in packaging and industrial packaging; - Frames and elements for trade fair installations (furniture, stands, mannequins, etc.) so-called “use and compost”. - Structural resistance; - Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation; - Compostability in accordance with UNI EN 13432; - Recovery of cereal wastes; - Implementation of short supply chains for km0 packaging.
The body image narrative has been changing in recent years: with the rise of social media, more and more people are recognizing that everyone is unique and embracing individual differences. We no longer have to be bombarded with unrealistic images from the media portraying what a “perfect” physique should look like. Instead, online platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter encourage users to focus on caring for their bodies for health rather than striving for unattainable perfectionism. This movement promotes self-esteem by forming healthier beliefs and attitudes about our bodies. In this blog post, we’ll explore how body positivity impacts mental health by discussing why it was necessary in the first place before delving deeper into how online platforms are aiding its spread, as well as highlighting some notable influencers that emphasize acceptance over restriction. Definition of Body Positivity Body positivity has become a buzzword recently, but what does it mean? Put, body positivity is the idea of loving and accepting your body, no matter what its size, shape, or appearance may be. It’s important because it promotes a healthy and inclusive mindset, encouraging individuals to prioritize their mental health and well-being. By embracing body positivity, people can learn to let go of negative self-talk and unnecessary societal pressures, improving confidence and self-esteem. This, in turn, can have a significant impact on mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. By celebrating all bodies in their natural form, body positivity has the potential to create a more accepting and tolerant world for all. The Role of Social Media Platforms in Promoting a More Inclusive View of Bodies In recent years, social media platforms have become powerful tools for promoting body positivity and inclusivity. By providing a space for diverse individuals to share their stories and experiences, social media has paved the way for a more inclusive view of bodies. From influencers posting unretouched photos to body-positive hashtags, users challenge traditional beauty standards and celebrate diverse body types. This shift has increased representation and instilled a sense of community and empowerment for those who have felt marginalized in the past. While progress is still being made, social media’s role in promoting body inclusivity is a step in the right direction. Strategies to Build Self-Acceptance and How Body Positive Content Creators are Helping Feeling confident in your own skin doesn’t come naturally to everyone. But there are strategies to help build self-acceptance. For some, it might involve spending more time doing activities that make you feel good about yourself, and learning to appreciate your own unique features. For others, it might mean surrounding yourself with people who uplift and support you. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to find ways to love and accept yourself for who you are. Fortunately, body-positive content creators are making it easier to do just that. By sharing their own journeys and promoting self-love, they’re helping to create a more inclusive society where everyone can feel comfortable in their own skin. Overcoming Challenges in Representation & Encouraging Supportive Conversations Representation is key in fostering a harmonious and equitable society, but it is no easy feat. Amidst the varying voices, ensuring that underrepresented groups are given a well-deserved platform can be a challenge. However, despite this hurdle, the importance of representation continues to fuel the efforts of individuals everywhere. To encourage supportive conversations and ensure that every voice is heard, it’s crucial to listen and learn from each other. This can be achieved by embracing our differences and striving to understand each other’s experiences. With patience, empathy, and respect, individuals can come together to create a more just and inclusive world. Exercising the Benefits of Body Positivity In today’s society, it’s common to feel like we don’t always measure up to certain standards of beauty or fitness. That’s why it’s essential to prioritize self-care and love ourselves more. One important aspect of self-care is practicing body positivity and focusing on the benefits of exercising. By recognizing and celebrating what our bodies are capable of, we can build a healthy relationship with ourselves and combat negative self-talk. Whether it’s through yoga, dance, weightlifting, or any other form of movement, exercise can be a powerful tool to boost our physical and mental well-being. So let’s ditch the idea that there’s only one “perfect” body type and instead embrace and love ourselves and our bodies just the way they are! Celebrating Progress in Achieving a Healthier Relationship with Your Body Achieving a healthier relationship with our bodies is something to be celebrated. It’s a journey that is unique to each of us and full of ups and downs. But it’s important to acknowledge and honor it when we make progress, no matter how small. Whether learning to speak kindly to ourselves or making nourishing and supportive choices, every step forward is a step towards a more positive self-image. Celebrating our progress feels good and helps us stay motivated to continue on our path toward true body acceptance and love. So let’s take a moment to recognize and appreciate the strides we’ve made towards a healthier and happier relationship with ourselves, no matter how big or small. The Positive Impact of Creative Outlets like OnlyFans on Mental Health Creative outlets such as OnlyFans can play a significant role in improving mental health. The platform allows creators to express themselves in a way that feels authentic and empowering, helping to cultivate a positive self-image and boost self-esteem. For many, this form of self-expression can act as a therapeutic outlet, a way to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Furthermore, OnlyFans allows creators to connect with supportive communities who appreciate their work, reinforcing feelings of self-worth and belongingness. Engaging in creative pursuits and sharing them on platforms like OnlyFans can therefore contribute significantly to a healthier mindset and improved mental well-being. The Role of Social Media and Agencies in Promoting Body Positivity In the digital age, social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools in the fight for body positivity and inclusivity. They have given a voice to diverse individuals to share their experiences and challenge traditional beauty norms. Aiding in this effort are agencies that support newcomers in their journey towards self-celebration. These agencies provide essential guidance and resources to those taking their first steps into the world of body positivity, helping them navigate social media platforms effectively. Strategies for Building Self-Acceptance and the Role of Body Positive Content Creators Achieving body positivity isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Some may find it helpful to surround themselves with supportive individuals, engage in activities they enjoy, and learn to appreciate their own unique features. Body positive content creators are playing a crucial role in facilitating this process. Sharing their own journeys towards acceptance, they provide inspiration and set an example for their audiences, creating a virtual community where everyone feels valued. Overcoming Representation Challenges and Encouraging Supportive Dialogues While the increased visibility of diverse body types is a positive step forward, representation is still a complex issue. Agencies that work with newcomers can play a pivotal role here, helping underrepresented groups gain visibility and fostering more inclusive conversations. We can create a more equitable and inclusive society by listening to each other and learning from diverse experiences. The Mental Health Benefits of Creative Outlets and Platforms like OnlyFans Platforms like OnlyFans can empower creative outlets, contributing to better mental health. They offer creators a space to express themselves authentically, which can boost self-esteem and act as a stress reliever. Additionally, agencies can guide newcomers on these platforms, helping them build supportive communities around their work. This combination of creative self-expression and community support can significantly contribute to improved mental well-being. Ultimately, embracing body positivity is an incredibly beneficial in terms of your mental health and day-to-day practices. Social media platforms have recognized the importance of curating inclusive content to foster a safe, affirming environment for all users. There are many ways to develop self-acceptance and feel empowered by our bodies — whether that’s through research and educational material, connecting with positively motivated agents or content creators online, or reaching out for support from friends and family for validation. Yet more importantly, it’s important to focus on simple everyday acts of self-care and love. This kind allows us to appreciate our own progress, celebrate ourselves for each small achievement, and recognize how far we’ve come along this journey. The power of body positivity lies in its ability to normalize conversations and experiences regarding body image issues. Together, let us act on it—unitedly taking one step forward towards achieving a more supportive relationship with our bodies!
Cabinet 8: Timetables Great Indian Peninsula Railway, Timetables of Main and Branch Lines, February 1946. In England in 1838, George Bradshaw produced booklets that contained timetables (derived from tide tables) for all the passenger train services up and down the country. His Guide was an immediate success, and timetables became synonymous with his name. As rail systems developed, time differences became a huge problem. Greenwich meantime was adopted by Great Western and London and South Western in 1838-41, and in 1847, Manchester Council ordered all clocks in the town to be set to it. Railway time became Greenwich or London time. Punctuality had arrived. This 1946 timetable of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway not only contains schedules, but also telegraphic addresses, what refreshments are available on the train, and much organisational information.
Next Generation Extremely Large Solar Array System for NASA Exploration Missions The proposed technology is a revolutionary solar array advancement that relies on a structurally optimized platform to provide unparalleled specific-performance and affordability for extremely large area solar arrays. The proposed technology is comprised of a central beam tensioned membrane architecture that leverages key heritage technology elements to provide low-risk and high end-user acceptance. The proposed technology will enable emerging Solar Electric Propulsion Space Science and Exploration missions through ultra-affordability, ultra-lightweight, ultra-compact stowage volume, design simplicity, robustness and high damage tolerance, broad scalability, high strength/stiffness, high voltage and high/low temperature operation capability within many environments. Once completely optimized through the proposed SBIR program the proposed technology promises to provide NASA/industry a near-term and low-risk solar array system that provides revolutionary performance in terms of high specific power (>300 up to 500 W/kg BOL at the wing level, PV-blanket dependent), affordability (up to 40% cost savings at the array level, PV-blanket dependent), ultra-lightweight, high deployed stiffness (10X better than current arrays), high deployed strength (10X better than current arrays), compact stowage volume (>70-80 kW/m3 BOL, 10X times better than current arrays), high reliability, high radiation tolerance, high voltage operation capability (>200 VDC), scalability (500W to 100's of kW), and LILT/HIHT operation. Small Business Information at Submission: Deployable Space Systems, Inc. 75 Robin Hill, Building B2 Goleta, CA 93117-3108 Number of Employees:
Mike has written a novel, but he has to send in his computer for repair and is worried that even if he deletes it, it'll be recoverable. How can he be sure? Leo says to first make sure he's made at least three copies of it so it's backed up. Then he can erase the computer by using Apple's built-in "secure erase" feature. He'll have to reboot the Mac and hold down Command and R keys, and then launch Disc Utility. There's a secure erase feature in there that will write over the drive several times and remove all the data. Nobody will be able to recover that. If Mike doesn't want to erase the whole drive, he can also securely erase just that file. To do that, he can drag it into the trash, and then in the Finder menu, he can select "secure empty trash." That will do the same thing. For Windows, DBAN (Derik's Boot and Nuke) will securely erase the drive. Always back up the computer before bringing it in for repair because they will either replace the computer or they may wipe the drive during the repair to get it back to it's original configuration.
Mechanical towing for automatic vehicle convoys The patent allows a mechanical coupling between vehicles in order to guarantee the safety and operation of a convoy of even 10 vehicles capable of circulating as if it were a single vehicle. This technology therefore allows a single driver in the head vehicle to automatically control the convoy of vehicles connected, revolutionizing the local transport systems with transport services that would otherwise not be feasible. The patented mobile mechanical connection couples two vehicles and transforms them into a convoy that moves like a single unit. By means of an automatic guidance system, the coupled vehicles are able to synchronize automatically with the movements of the head vehicle, ensuring compliance with the trajectory of the head vehicle. The mechanical connection also acts as a safeguard in case of malfunctions and motion “harmonizer”. This system allows single vehicles to form convoys driven by the driver only on the leading vehicle: free-flow car-sharing vehicles can be relocated from areas where they would be stationed for a long time to areas where there is demand, forming a convoy also of 10 vehicles and moving them with one driver; buses can be extended for the central sections of the transport lines with the highest demand without increasing the drivers; transport systems can be created in which small buses gather people on call in the suburbs and form a single convoy that crosses the center with a single driver. The patented coupling mechanism allows passenger transport companies to re-organize their services by means of convoys of vehicles which combine the maintenance of the optimum passenger capacity and the social requirements imposed by pandemic of COVID-19 and the containment measures taken. - Car-sharing services; - Logistics and goods distribution companies; - Public and private transport with variable capacity. - Certified transport system; - Responsible automation; - Flexible and client-oriented transport system; - Efficiency of transport and sharing systems; - Management cost reduction, creating capillary and high capacity services.
Stress is defined as: a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc.; something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety. Stress can come in many disguises, such as a particularly difficult task at work, running late for an appointment, traffic, losing an item, the person you are calling is not answering, worry, kids that will not listen, husband that will not listen, bills, car issues, dirty house, clutter, and many others. Some of these things are not controllable. We cannot blink traffic away, we cannot make someone answer the phone, and we cannot stop worrying or make bills go away. But we can do something about clutter. Clutter can play a noteworthy role in how we feel. It can affect any aspect of home life or work life. It can make us feel out of sync and unbalanced. It floods our minds with extreme stimuli causing our minds to work overtime trying to make sense. It not only makes it harder to relax, it causes guilt and anxiety by distracting us from what we are supposed to be doing. Being cluttered constantly signals our brain that we are not finished with the tasks at hand. All of these things are directly linked to stress. Fortunately, clutter is one of the things we can most easily manage. Fortunately, clutter is one of the things we can most easily manage. Sherrie Bourg Carter, Psy.D.of Psychology Today gives us the following ideas: Tackle de-cluttering as a family. If clutter has invaded your entire house, don’t tackle the job alone. Get the whole family involved by starting with a room everyone uses and making each person responsible for a section. If you’re on your own, start with one area at a time and finish de-cluttering that area before moving on to another. This will give you a sense of accomplishment as you see your successes little by little. Create designated spaces for frequently used items and supplies so that you can quickly and easily find what you’re looking for when you need it. However, try to make these designated spaces “closed” spaces, such as drawers and cabinets. “Storing” things on open shelves or on top of your desk does not remove those visual stimuli that create stress and lessen the amount of open space that your mind “sees.” If you don’t use it, don’t want it, or don’t need it, get rid of it. You can toss it, recycle it, or donate it (one person’s trash is another person’s treasure), but don’t keep it. If you use it, but only rarely, store it in a box in the garage (or if it’s your office, in a high or low place) to leave easy-access space for things you use more often. Also, put a date on the box. With rare exceptions, if you haven’t opened the box in a year, whatever is inside is probably not something you need. When you take something out of its designated space to use it, put it back immediately after you’re finished with it. Sounds simple, but it actually takes practice and commitment. Create a pending folder. A pending folder helps you clear off your work space while at the same time provides you with a readily accessible folder to centralize and easily locate pending projects. Don’t let papers pile up. Random papers strewn everywhere can be Public Enemy #1 when it comes to stressful clutter. We’re inundated with mail, flyers, menus, memos, newspapers, and the like. The key is to be conscious of what you bring and what others bring into your spaces. Go through these papers as soon as you can, tossing what you don’t need and storing what is necessary in its proper place. De-clutter your primary work space before you leave it. It’s normal to pull things out while you’re working in a space, but make a habit of cleaning off your work space before you go. Not only will this give you a sense of closure when you leave, it will also make you feel good when you return to a nice, clean space. Make it fun! As you’re going about and cleaning things out, put on some of your favorite tunes. The more up-beat, the better! Not only will you enjoy the tunes, the time will pass faster and you’ll probably work faster than you would without the music. We must also understand that clutter not only applies to our tangible surroundings, but can also be mental. We should remember to focus on one task at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed and drowning. Put away electronic distracters such as the phone or the TV for a sense of mental stability and focus. Clearing your physical environment of clutter and distraction will go a long way in the battle over stress.
Created innovative Computer Devices Born in Jefferson City, Tennessee on March 2, 1957, Mark Dean found that success ran in his bloodlines. His grandfather was a high school principal and his father worked as a supervisor for the Tennessee Valley Authority Dam. A bright and energetic child, he often endured questions from grade school classmates, asking if he was really Black because Black people were not supposed to be that smart. Mark was an outstanding high school athlete as well as a straight A student. His success continued in college as he graduated at the top of his class with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee in 1979. In 1980, Dean was invited to join IBM as an engineer. Despite his new position, he continued his education and received a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Florida Atlantic University in 1982. In his capacity as an engineer for IBM, he didn’t take long to make a big impact, serving as the chief engineer for the team that developed the IBM PC/AT, the original home/office computer. Along with his colleague Dennis Moeller, he developed the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) systems bus, a component that allowed multiple peripheral devices such as a modems and printers to be connected to a PC, thus making the PC a practical and affordable component of the home or small business office. Dean would own three of the original nine patents that all PCs are based upon. Dean followed up with PS/2 Models 70 or 80, and the Color Graphics Adapter (which allowed for color display on the PC). Despite his enormous success, Dean realized that there was more to learn and more than he could achieve, so he entered Stanford University and in 1992 received a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. Five years later he was named as the director of the Austin Research Laboratory and director of Advanced Technology Development for the IBM Enterprise Server Group. Under his leadership, in 1999 his team made several significant breakthroughs including the testing of the first gigahertz CMOS microprocessor. With this great success he was named the vice president for Systems Research at IBM’s Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, New York, then as a vice president in IBM’s Storage Technology Group, focused on the company’s storage systems strategy and technology roadmap. He was later named vice president for hardware and systems architecture in IBM’s Systems and Technology Group (STG) in Tucson, Arizona and finally the vice president of the IBM Almaden Research Center in San Jose, California. In addition to the prestigious titles with their inherent responsibilities, Dr. Dean was named an IBM fellow, the highest technical honor awarded by the company (only 50 of IBM’s 310,000 employees are IBM Fellows and he was the first Black person so honored). In 1997, along with his friend Dennis Moeller, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame (with Hall membership at around 150) and in 2001 was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineers. With more than 40 patents or patents pending, Dr. Dean is poised to continue his far reaching impact on the world of science and the home and workplace. A pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants, including a synthetic form of cortisone A pioneer in the field of blood transfusions who developed improved techniques for blood storage. Invented lubrication systems for steam engines. His devices were referred to as “The Real McCoy.” Videos About Mark Dean From Dreams Comes Success Walker remembered that the formula for her hair grower came to her in a dream: “God answered my prayer, for one night I had a dream, and in that dream a big Black man appeared to me and told me what to mix up for my hair. Some of the remedy was grown in Africa, but I sent for it, mixed it, put it on my scalp, and in a few weeks my hair was coming in faster than it had ever fallen out. I tried it on my friends; it helped them. I made up my mind I would begin to sell it.”
Europe launches into astrobiology 23 May 2001Is our planet an oasis of life in an otherwise dead universe? Twenty years ago, the scientific consensus was "yes, probably". Now it has shifted to "probably not" and the field of astro- (or exo-) biology is burgeoning. This growth of interest is evident this week at ESRIN, ESA's European Space Research Institute in Frascati, Italy, which is hosting the first European workshop on exo/astrobiology. About 200 scientists from fields as diverse as astrophysics, geology, environmental sciences, biology and chemistry are attending. Yesterday, they took the opportunity to set up the European Exo/astrobiology Network to coordinate their growing efforts. For ESA, the aim of the meeting is to learn about the needs of this new scientific community and to inform it of the agency's future plans. "We decided to host this workshop to forge closer links between the growing exo/astrobiology community and ESA, and to clarify the relationship between us," said Paul Clancy from ESA's Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity Directorate and one of the co-organisers of the meeting. Astrobiology is not only bringing disparate scientific disciplines together, it is also forging closer links between several directorates within ESA. The workshop was a joint effort between the Science and Manned Spaceflight directorates. Manned Spaceflight has taken an interest in the field since the early 1990s when the first of three platforms for research into the effects of space on living organisms went into orbit. The third and latest facility is EXPOSE which is due to go on the International Space Station in 2004. The Science programme's interest is kicking off in earnest with Mars Express, which will deliver the exobiology lander Beagle 2 to the red planet in 2003. However, the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) which operated from 1995-98, has contributed much to the field by detecting water and many organic molecules in space. Rosetta, a mission which should help determine whether comets provide the building blocks of life, will also be launched in 2003, although it will not reach its destination, Comet Wirtanen, until 2011. "It's good to see the European astrobiology community taking shape. We need them to support our future missions," says Malcolm Fridlund, ESA's study scientist for Darwin who also helped to organise the meeting. Darwin, a mission to look for the signatures of life on Earth-like planets around other stars, is one of the cornerstones in ESA's future space science programme. With an estimated launch date of 2014, it will be the climax of the programme's current plans to look for life elsewhere in the universe. A complex mission, it will be preceded by two technology development missions, SMARTs 2 and 3, and possibly by Eddington, a mission to determine the proportion of stars orbited by Earth-like planets. Herschel, formerly known as FIRST, is an infrared telescope due for launch in 2007, that will succeed ISO in the search for ever more complex molecules in space. Such molecules could have kick-started life on Earth and elsewhere. In parallel with the efforts in the Science and Manned Spaceflight directorates, ESA is also proposing Aurora, a new programme of planetary exploration. "Ultimately, we'll be looking to further the search for life by sending human missions to Mars. We have to prepare now with studies and robotic missions because the programme will be very ambitious," says Paul Clancy. The Manned Spaceflight directorate has already drawn up plans for an exobiology package to be incorporated on future landers. The package builds on the scientific goals of the Beagle 2 lander for Mars Express and extends the sophistication of the scientific analysis in the search for life. The package will carry a drill capable of penetrating up to 1.5 m below the Martian surface, for example. Opportunities to fly this package are being sought. Earlier in the week, the meeting heard about the research effort in astrobiology in different European countries and the United States. France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom are particularly active, having established either national astrobiology research programmes or formal networks of researchers. The tasks of the new European Exo/astrobiology Network have been agreed. It will hold regular meetings between astrobiology researchers, establish a database of expertise in the different aspects of exo/astrobiology, attract young scientists to the field, stimulate research funding from national and international bodies, promote the field to the public and forge links with its counterpart in the United States. The network has twelve country members. All participants at the meeting voted for the council members and other officers. "We need to join our efforts in this multidisciplinary field. The newly created network will be a very powerful tool for increasing research productivity in astrobiology in Europe," commented Andre Brack, the new president, who is from the Centre de Biophysique Moleculaire, Orleans, France, and who also chairs the Beagle 2 adjunct scientists group. For more information please contact: ESA Science Programme Communication Service Tel: +31 71 5653183
\|South Carolina Department of Archives and History\| \|National Register Properties in South Carolina Woodburn, Anderson County (Woodburn Rd., Pendleton vicinity) \|Facade\|\|Right Oblique\|\|Right Elevation\|\|Rear Porch Detail\| (Frank Place) Woodburn is significant historically, architecturally and culturally. It is an excellent example of an early nineteenth century plantation house. The house was believed to be built circa 1830 by Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, son of Andrew Pinckney, an early SC Governor, statesman, and agriculturalist. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney graduated from Harvard University, studied law, but became a large planter, cultivating over 2,000 acres of rice on several plantations. He became SC Lieutenant Governor in 1833. The house reflects both the architecture of “Charleston type” houses constructed in the upcountry and Early Classical or Greek Revival stylistic influences. Many planters built summer homes in Pendleton to take advantage of open space and summer breezes. Woodburn, with its large rooms, extremely high ceilings, and central hallways, is typical of the Charleston influence that is part of Pendleton’s character. The house is four stories with two huge front porches, one directly above the other. Two double French doors open from both front drawing rooms. There are wide window and door moldings outside, deeply fluted with Greek key designs; the interior contains similar moldings containing the Federal star. There are nine fireplaces. On the second level a large porch extends across the back of the house, with a stair leading to a herringbone brick terrace below. Woodburn is situated on a promontory with a view of the countryside and mountains. The property also contains several outbuildings. The Reverend Dr. John B. Adger, a son of wealthy Charleston parents, enlarged Woodburn in the 1850s. Augustine Smyth, another early owner, created a model livestock farm, specializing in race horses and purebred cattle. Listed in the National Register May 6, 1971. View the complete text of the nomination form for this National Register Property. Most National Register properties are privately owned and are not open to the public. The privacy of owners should be respected. Not all properties retain the same integrity as when originally documented and listed in the National Register due to changes and modifications over time. Images and texts on these pages are intended for research or educational use. Please read our statement on use and reproduction for further information on how to obtain a photocopy or how to cite an item. Images provided by theSouth Carolina Department of Archives and History.
\|South Carolina Department of Archives and History\| \|National Register Properties in South Carolina James Sparrow House, Charleston County (65 Cannon St., Charleston) \|Facade\|\|Right Oblique\|\| Right Rear \|Piazza Detail\|\|Pediment Detail\| The James Sparrow House is significant as an excellent intact example of the late Federal architectural style as applied to the Charleston single house type and as an example of residential architecture in Cannonsborough, an early nineteenth-century Charleston suburb. James Sparrow, a butcher, bought the site in 1797, but didn’t build the house until much later. The house (ca. 1818) is a two and one-half story stuccoed brick house, raised on a basement of the same material. The masonry is embellished by a dog-tooth cornice, with full return, repeated in the rake of the gable end. Quoins of stuccoed brick articulate the corners and a stringcourse of the same material delineates the floor levels. The main portion of the house is two bays wide and five bays deep. The door, centered in the west elevation, is transomed. A window is centered in the gable end. There are two gabled dormers on the west slope of the roof and a pediment with a fanlight, centered over the west elevation, has been restored. Two interior chimneys, with Gothic arched hoods, on the east side of the house were reconstructed after the earthquake of 1886. Listed in the National Register January 30, 1998. View the complete text of the nomination form for this National Register property. Most National Register properties are privately owned and are not open to the public. The privacy of owners should be respected. Not all properties retain the same integrity as when originally documented and listed in the National Register due to changes and modifications over time. Images and texts on these pages are intended for research or educational use. Please read our statement on use and reproduction for further information on how to obtain a photocopy or how to cite an item. Images provided by theSouth Carolina Department of Archives and History.
The National Institutes of Health spent $314,613 over two years on a study that determined that family violence increases about three times as much on the Fourth of July as it does after the local NFL team suffers an “upset” loss.The study is titled Family Violence and Football: The Effect of Unexpected Emotional Cues on Violence Behavior and is authored by two economists -- Professors David Card (UC Berkeley) and Gordon Dahl (UC San Diego). “Taken together our findings suggest that emotional cues based on the outcomes of professional football games exert a relatively strong effect on the occurrence of family violence,” the authors of the study concluded. “The estimated impact of an upset loss, for example, is about one-third as large as the jump in violence on a major holiday like the Fourth of July.” The researchers also determined that an “upset” loss by the local NFL home team was not linked to nearly as great an increase in family violence as were Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, Memorial Day, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. Wednesday, August 25, 2010 Watching your favorite NFL Team Lose and Resulting Family Violence
The devastating earthquake that ravaged Japan in 2011 may have also wreaked havoc on vital fisheries, researchers say. The magnitude 9.0 Tohoku-Oki temblor in 2011 was the most powerful earthquake to hit Japan in recorded history, and set off a tsunami that lay waste to the country's northeastern coast, claiming the lives of nearly 19,000 people. Past studies have analyzed the effects of tsunamis on marine ecosystems, for example investigating the effects the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami had on coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests. A recent study also showed how the tsunami affected the seafloor by leaving behind huge, underwater dunes. However, until now, scientists had not looked into the effects of a major tsunami on fisheries, one of Japan's most important industries. Since 2008, researchers had regularly surveyed fishery resources at the port of Tomarihama, the coastal area closest to the epicenter of the quake. To see what effects the tsunami had, scientists took a fisherman's boat to analyze this site via scuba diving three months after the catastrophe. Trees and structures up to 50 feet (15 meters) high on the area's coast were almost entirely destroyed by the disaster, suggesting the tsunami reached at least that height there. [ In Pictures: Japan Earthquake & Tsunami ] "More than 90 percent of the boats around the survey point were swept away or destroyed by the tsunami, so it was difficult to rent a boat after the disaster," said researcher Hideki Takami, a marine biologist at the Tohoku National Fisheries Research Institute in Japan. The scientists focused their survey on two types of marine life, abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) and sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus nudus). Both are valuable fisheries resources in Japan, and since they are common and abundant grazers there, both may exert strong influences on the marine ecosystems where they live. The researchers found that levels of adult abalone dropped by more than half after the tsunami. In addition, "juvenile abalone and sea urchins largely decreased, to 14 and 5 percent of the densities just before the disaster, respectively," Takami told OurAmazingPlanet. Underwater visibility at the site was much lower than it was before the earthquake due to sediment in the ocean, even three months after the tsunami. The researchers suggest the great turbulence the tsunami caused washed away many of the animals in the ecosystem. The researchers do note these findings are based on surveys conducted at just one site, "so the overall picture of effects of the earthquake and tsunami event on rocky shore ecosystems remains largely unknown," Takami said. Still, given the drop in juvenile abalone levels, "since the age at first capture of abalone is at four to five years old, "the future commercial catch may considerably decrease for at least four to five years after the event," he said. Future research should continuously monitor the ocean ecosystems "to avoid collapse of these ecologically and economically important resources," Takami said. Takami and his colleagues Nam-il Won and Tomohiko Kawamura will detail their findings in a future issue of the journal Fisheries Oceanography. - 7 Craziest Ways Japan's Earthquake Affected Earth - Waves of Destruction: History's Biggest Tsunamis - 7 Ways the Earth Changes in the Blink of an Eye © 2012 OurAmazingPlanet. All rights reserved. More from OurAmazingPlanet.
Angélique Marguerite Le Boursier du Coudray (1714-1794) was the midwife of the court of French King Louis XV. She was famous for her skills in that trade and highly sought after as a teacher. Madame du Coudray traveled all over France, training as many as 10,000 women to bring babies and mothers through the childbirth process safely. This was one of her training aids--a dummy that simulates childbirth. (Photo: Ministry of Culture, France)
Which of These Crazy Space-Time Theories Do You Believe? Scientists are always modifying their theories of the universe. Some of them question whether space and time are actually as closely connected as Einstein believed. Others have developed theories that depend on the inseparable connection between space and time. Here are some awesome (and awesomely crazy) speculations about the space-time continuum. 1. Somewhere, in some parallel universe, you are even more awesome than you are here and now Ever wish you could relive something? If space and time are linked in a continuum, the resulting dimensions could indicate that an infinite number of universes exist simultaneously. In another dimension, there might be a universe where you are an inventor or a secret agent or a Jedi knight. 2. You are not the same person you were when you read the previous paragraph Some scientists think time is just a useful way to measure change. For example, the person you were when reading the last sentence is not the same person you are when reading this sentence. You’re now completely different! Your memory of reading the first sentence is just your brain sorting thought slivers remaining from an earlier you. 3. We remember the fourth dimension You definitely perceive time in some way, but not with your three-dimensional senses. Time extends beyond the universe in a fourth dimension. Humans only comprehend fourth-dimensional time as a series of memories, which causes them to think of time as proceeding in a straight line. Despite our perceptions, time really exists as a dimension that objects can cross like they could a field (time travel, anyone?). Humans can only move in one direction forward through time because they live in the third dimension (for now). 4. There is a space-time vortex around the earth A NASA probe recently returned from a seven-year orbit confirming one of Einstein’s theories: a space-time vortex exists around the Earth. Space and time are knitted together into something like a four-dimensional scarf. Earth pulls on this scarf, causing an indentation, like a person sitting on a trampoline. Gravity thus provides a path for objects to follow the curve of the indentation. Einstein theorized that Earth’s rotation then twists the indentation into a four dimensional tornado. Theoretically, it would swirl around indefinitely, but the space probe confirmed Einstein’s predictions that the “tornado” would shift! Our planet is caught in a vortex hurtling through space. Which of these theories do you think are science, and which do you think are science fiction?
Interactive Face Identification Accurate eyewitness identification (ID) is a cornerstone of police inquiries and national security investigations. Yet, the technology used to display lineups has not fundamentally changed over the past century. Worldwide, police present witnesses with 2D photographic lineups. But eyewitnesses often err on ID tests—analyses of real- world police identification parades reveal that witnesses quite often identify known-innocent suspects as culprits. Recently, a number of new procedures have been developed, including interactive lineups. See the figure below. Theoretically, interactive 3D lineups overcome several problems inherent in static 2D lineups and thereby increase discriminability, which is the ability to detect guilty from innocent suspects. First, they solve the problem of viewpoint dependence. Recognition accuracy depends on the extent to which the test faces match the viewpoint in which a face was studied. At a 30-degree study-test difference, face recognition performance declines, and at 45 degrees, it is impaired significantly (Bruce, 1982). Second, seeing a face from multiple angles facilitates the building of a 3D view-independent mental representation of the face (O’Toole et al., 2002). Third, the interactive system allows the user to actively explore the faces. Active exploration and interaction, as opposed to passive, static stimulation, has been found to improve performance in different cognitive domains, such as visual attention. The video below demonstrates the different types of interactive lineup systems my colleagues and I have developed. You can also read summaries of the research in the abstracts and videos that follow. Contact me to learn more. Can pose reinstatement improve ID accuracy? Police around the world ask witnesses to identify criminal suspects from lineups composed of static photographs showing each lineup member facing the camera, head-on, in frontal pose. Yet, for witnesses who encoded the perpetrator in other poses (e.g., ¾ or profile view), encoding specificity predicts identification accuracy will be higher if they could reinstate perpetrator pose, and view the lineup faces in the same angle as they had encoded the perpetrator. We are testing the effects of pose reinstatement on identification accuracy, and whether witnesses would actively seek to reinstate perpetrator pose at test, if given the opportunity. The results from one of our studies is given below in the slideshow, and the pre-print paper. Colloff, M. F., Seale-Carlisle, T. M., Karoğlu, N., Rockey, J., Smith, H. M. J., Smith, L., Maltby, J., Flowe, H. D. (2020, April 17). Enabling witnesses to reinstate perpetrator pose during a lineup test increases accuracy. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/2rwgh Research with children Contrary to what is believed by legal practitioners, but similar to what has been found in the basic literature, identifications made by children can be reliable when appropriate metacognitive measures are used to estimate accuracy. Winsor A. A., Flowe H. D,, Seale-Carlisle T. M., Killeen, I. M., Hett, D,, Jores T., Ingham, M,, Lee, B. P., Stevens, L. M., Colloff, M. F. Child witness expressions of certainty are informative. J Experimental Psychology General, 150(11):2387-2407. doi: 10.1037/xge0001049. Can face matching performance be enhanced through interactivity? Photo-ID is necessary for identity verification in a range of settings, from crossing borders to buying age-restricted goods and accessing services. However, despite the wide use of photo-ID, face-matching is alarmingly error-prone. We are investigating whether an interactive face matching procedure can improve the performance of both ‘normal’ face recognisers and ‘superior’ face recognisers. Results from this programme of research are presented in the slideshow, and in the pre-print below. Smith, H. M. J., Andrews, S., Baguley, T. S., Colloff, M. F., Davis, J. P., White, D. & Flowe, H. D. (In press). Performance of typical and superior face recognisers on a novel interactive face matching procedure. British Journal of Psychology. Pre-print doi: 10.31234/osf.io/kbm2g Can interactive Lineups Reduce Own Race Bias? People are less able to accurately perceive and remember faces that are of a race different to their own, a phenomenon known as own race bias (ORB). The causal mechanisms behind ORB have been attributed to both cognitive and social processes at encoding. To date, ORB has been predominately tested using static photographs of people shown head on, in frontal pose. Hence, it is unknown whether the ability to actively explore a face to view it in other poses would enhance memory retrieval. We are using an eyewitness memory paradigm to test whether an interactive lineup procedure that allows participant witnesses to rotate and view the lineup faces in any pose (e.g., profile, ¾ view) increases discrimination accuracy, especially for cross-race witnesses. The results are presented in the slideshow and pre-print paper below. Colloff, M. F., Flowe, H. D., Smith, H. J., *Seale-Carlisle, T. M., Meissner, C. A., Rockey, J. C., Pande, B., Kujur, P., Parveen, N., Chandel, P., Singh, M. M., Pradhan, & S., Parganiha, A. (In press). Active exploration of faces in police lineups increases discrimination accuracy for own- and other- race faces. American Psychologist. This work was funded by the Arnold Foundation.
Nebraska has had three state capitols! When Nebraska became a state, a bitter dispute arose over the location of the new capital. Would it remain north of the Platte River in Omaha? Or would it be moved south of the river to a new town? A majority of legislators finally decided that the capital would be moved to newly founded Lincoln. Very few people lived in the area, and many people complained about the new location. A capitol building needed to be built before the first regular session of the state legislature. If the first state capitol had not been completed by January 1, 1869, the plan to make Lincoln the new capital might have failed. The view from the first state capitol shows how few people lived in Lincoln in the early 1870s. The large house across the street was the home of Thomas P. Kennard, Nebraska's first secretary of state. To inspire confidence in the new capital of Lincoln and to encourage others to move there, Kennard built this showplace. Over 100 years later the Kennard House still stands, a reminder of Lincoln's "childhood." Today it is a museum of the Nebraska State Historical Society, and you may visit it. Because the first capitol building was built so hurriedly and with poor materials, it soon fell into disrepair. A replacement was needed. A second state capitol was begun in 1879 and completed in stages over the next ten years. With the growth in the government and in the entire state, this larger building was too small almost as soon as it was finished. In 1919 the people of Nebraska had decided to build a third capitol. Workers began clearing ground around the second capitol in 1922, when this photograph was taken.